30 Jul 1998 Motion of Condolence 1351

THURSDAY, 30 JULY 1998 villages and entire populations were washed away by 10 metre walls of water of a strength and destructiveness that we can barely imagine. It is unlikely that there will ever be an Mr SPEAKER (Hon. R. K. Hollis, Redcliffe) accurate record of the number of lives lost as read prayers and took the chair at 10 a.m. a result of that devastation. When we first heard of the disaster, its scale was almost incomprehensible. Our COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER OATH hearts and our prayers went out to all those Mr SPEAKER: Order! Honourable who had suffered, particularly those who had members, I have to report that His Excellency survived and were left to deal with their injuries the Governor has been pleased to issue a and the loss of families and entire Commission under the public seal of the State communities. It is a measure of our own authorising me to administer the oath or sympathy for their plight that thousands of affirmation of allegiance to such members as Queenslanders—individuals, organisations might hereafter present themselves to be and businesses alike—opened up their hearts sworn. I now ask the Clerk to read the and gave generously to the various appeals. Commission to the House. On behalf of all Queenslanders, I offer to The Clerk read the Commission. the people of the villages affected by the disaster our profound sympathy for their loss, and our hope that the outpouring of support GOVERNOR'S OPENING SPEECH from all over the world will help them in some Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, I small way to return to a semblance of have to report that His Excellency the normality. To the Government and the people Governor, on Wednesday, 29 July 1998, of Papua New Guinea, I extend our delivered a speech to Parliament, of which, for condolences, and I assure our close greater accuracy, I have obtained a copy. I neighbours, with whom we have strong presume honourable members will take the historical links, that in their hour of need the Speech as read? people of Queensland extend the hand of Honourable members: Hear, hear! friendship and assistance. Next Tuesday I will be meeting with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Mr Bill MOTION OF CONDOLENCE Skate, and I intend to pass on the Tsunami Disaster, Papua New Guinea condolences of not only this Parliament but Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— also the people of Queensland personally to ALP) (Premier) (10.02 a.m.), by leave, without him. As I indicated, Papua New Guinea is our notice: I move— closest neighbour, and we have strong historical links. In fact, many people who live in "That on behalf of all Queenslanders Queensland today have spent considerable this House places on record its deep time living and working in Papua New Guinea. sadness at the tragic and appalling loss of Indeed, I have two brothers who spent a long life suffered by the people of West Sepik time in Goroka and other places in Papua New Province in Papua New Guinea as a result Guinea, one in fact for 13 years. As a young of the recent tsunami disaster. boy, I visited Papua New Guinea on a number That Mr Speaker be requested to of occasions. I found the people to be very convey to the Speaker of the Papua New warm and friendly. They are wonderful people Guinea House of Assembly and to the who have a special regard for this country, and Governor of West Sepik Province the in particular they have a special regard for this above resolution, together with an State. expression of the sympathy of the That is why when this disaster happened members of the Parliament and the the Queensland Government moved quickly people of Queensland, for the loss and established an appeal. Today I thank all sustained by the survivors and families of those who have contributed to that appeal. I those lost in the disaster." thank also the Commonwealth Bank and During the night of Friday, 17 July, a Suncorp-Metway, which assisted in that natural disaster devastated the coast of appeal through their outlets for no fee. The Papua New Guinea's West Sepik Province. A Queensland Government contributed sequence of three devastating tidal waves $100,000. Today I am happy to say to the struck the coast with such ferocity that whole Parliament that in addition to that 1352 Motion of Condolence 30 Jul 1998

Queenslanders have contributed a total of life in the face of nature's cruellest tricks. The $322,414.13, which brings the total Government responded quickly to the tragedy contribution to date from Queensland in by announcing an appeal and putting into it money terms to $422,404.13. In addition, $100,000. The House will want to note this there have been donations from speedy and thoughtful response and applaud Queenslanders in kind—various household it. The Opposition most certainly does. Money goods, such as towels, sheets, blankets and is never a cure-all, but it can always—with so on—which have also been passed on to generosity—be much more than a token the people of Papua New Guinea. response to emergency and calamity. It is in this case—and we can all feel proud of the It is important that in a very bipartisan way fact—that Queenslanders are generous with we express our condolences to the people of their time, efforts and money when their mates Papua New Guinea. I am delighted that the are in distress. Leader of the Opposition has agreed to second this motion. The people of Sandaun Province and their compatriots throughout Papua New Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers Guinea face a terrible and difficult time in Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) rebuilding the shattered lives and ruined (10.07 a.m.): In seconding this motion, I join infrastructure that lie broken in the wake of the with the Premier in sorrow on this occasion as tidal waves. Australians will be a significant we in this House reflect upon the terrible part of that rebuilding effort—physically, in the human cost of the tidal waves that struck the instance of Defence Force personnel, civil aid northern coast of Papua New Guinea two workers, and the many volunteers; and at one weeks ago. That horrible tragedy has held all remove, through taxation revenues directed Australians transfixed, and none more so than towards PNG, charitable contributions, and Queenslanders. It has affected us more through the prayers and thoughts many closely than many other Australians for a people will direct towards our friends to the variety of reasons: because of the proximity of north. Queensland to Papua New Guinea, at its closest not much more than a tidal mudflat at The practical things are in hand. The the northern extremity of the Torres Strait; response of the Australian Defence Force has because of the long historical links that we in been magnificent and deserves to be noted Queensland have had with Australia's nearest here, as do the individual contributions of neighbour; and because of today's closer than Australian service personnel deployed to ever links with a country that shares much of Papua New Guinea on this mission of mercy. our flora and fauna and is home sometimes The medical and surgical needs of those temporarily—often for longer periods—to many afflicted by the disaster are being taken care people whose other home, original home, is of by Australians, by our friends and cousins Queensland. the New Zealanders, by our friends the Americans and the Japanese and by many What happened on the evening of Friday, other nations. The social and community 24 July, in Sandaun Province—the West needs that are only now becoming apparent in Sepik—beggars belief. The total fatality list the aftermath of the disaster will require an may never be known. It is shocking to the effort over a much longer period. senses that the sea can rise up and send 10 Adversity brings out the best in people. and 15 metre waves of death and destruction The courage and the fortitude of Papua New through a string of peaceful, traditional Guineans long ago passed into Australian seashore communities. We have responded folklore, written in a blood debt we owe to here as best we can. Whatever we each other. The ties that were forged during did—whatever we do—will be inadequate; the the great emergency of World War II built on enormity of the tragedy sees to that. What can those developed during the early colonial we say about a community's generation of period in what was then the Australian Territory children being all but wiped out? How can we of Papua and the mandated, formerly effectively respond to the total destruction of a German, Territory of New Guinea. Those ties traditional community's living place and are ties of blood. In many instances, they are livelihood? We cannot. It is that that makes the ties of shared family history. Today's the hurt even harder to bear. Australians, today's Queenslanders, honour All of us in this House who have friends, diversity as they have always done and loved ones, families or children—and that honour the true grit that human beings means all of us in this place—have been everywhere demonstrate when the going gets dreadfully reminded of the fragility of human tough. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Condolence 1353

The State Government no doubt will be that noise. It was difficult to escape that killer monitoring the situation in Papua New Guinea sea wave. We now know the damage: over the forthcoming months and will be upwards of 1,500 dead, 2,500 missing, some standing by to help with whatever extra 4,000 survivors requiring help and some 500 assistance is required. The Opposition stands survivors still in hospitals such as the in support of whatever additional emergency Australian and New Zealand field hospital. aid might be required from Queensland's finite The cause was the earthquake which resources. To our friends in PNG I say, "We're dropped the earth's floor several metres, so sorry about your trouble. We're your friends. sending out violent tremors which ended up in If you need help, Queensland, as always, will giant waves smashing everything when they be there quickly." hit the shore. There are no benefactors from Mr FELDMAN (Caboolture—ONP) (Leader such a disaster, except maybe those who stop of the One Nation Party) (10.13 a.m.): I join to think and learn from the past, such as some with the Premier and the Leader of the of the Japanese communities which set about Opposition in extending my personal building barriers against future killer waves, but condolences and those of One Nation even these appear insignificant when mankind members of this House to the relatives, is faced with a really big sea. Full families and victims of the tragic national commendation must be extended to the disaster which recently claimed so many lives Australian Defence Forces, missionary in Papua New Guinea. Members of this societies, and various churches and aid House, especially those who go down to the agencies as well as those mentioned by the sea in ships, are familiar with the prayers for Premier for the quick response to the needs of those lost at sea. Today we pray for those who the PNG victims and families. live on the land, but whom the cruel sea Many brave acts have been recorded, reached out and claimed nevertheless. and the ability of humanity to recover from The sea has always been a formidable such a terrible tragedy is truly remarkable. I and heartless foe, but in this unfortunate case was sad to hear that this disaster has left the cruel sea came a'calling as a cruel visitor. many orphans, but because of the concept of It came to people on the land and claimed the extended family in Papua New Guinea thousands of victims in our nearest neighbour these unfortunate people will not remain to the north—the nearest neighbour to orphans for long but will be adopted and Queensland. Except for an accident of raised by families who will care for them. That geography, this tragic event could very well is something from which we in Australia might have overwhelmed the Gold Coast or a take some heart. Our prayers go out to those number of other coastal settlements in who have survived and who must rebuild their Queensland. Besides passing this motion of lives while they mourn for their loved ones lost condolence, members of this House might well in that cruel sea. consider long and carefully how we might Many of the injuries have been horrific. soften the blow if such a disaster rolls ashore Medical teams are still there, still working with in Queensland. those victims. Most of the injured have since Frequently we hear the siren on television left hospital and, with continuing care, will be when a cyclone threatens and everybody is able to return home and rebuild their lives. aware that we spend big money maintaining Again, while our sympathy goes out to the an emergency rescue network, but how many survivors of the PNG tragedy, we must also Queenslanders living near the sea really know remember that, on average, Queensland is hit what to do and how to do it when a tsunami, a on shore and off shore by a major earthquake seismic event—a wave—like that which measuring 6 or higher on the Richter scale swamped PNG, heads for our shoreline, or once every 33 years and is hit 25 times every worse, hits our shores? That is something to year by an earthquake measuring less than 6. think really long and hard about. It is my sincere hope that the Leader of Evidently, the victims in PNG had little or the Opposition, the Independent members of no prior warning, so they had no time to this House and the Premier will also join with escape that 15-metre wave which smashed One Nation members in our concern to ensure the shoreline of that paradise for some 120 that all necessary defences are ready and square kilometres around the community of available to combat the disaster when a similar Aitape. The papers reported that all that the wave hits one of our shores. I am pleased to people heard was the roar—the sound of a jet support the motion on behalf of the members engine. We know what a jet engine sounds of One Nation working for one nation in this like, but they had no escape when they heard House. 1354 Motion of Condolence 30 Jul 1998

Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—ALP) and is a measure not only of the concern we (Deputy Premier and Minister for State all have for the victims of the tidal wave, but of Development and Minister for Trade) the genuine friendship and bonds between (10.20 a.m.): I rise to support the Premier's Queensland and Papua New Guinea. The motion concerning the tragic events two weeks enormity of this tragedy is difficult to ago in the West Sepik Province of Papua New comprehend—2,000 men, women and Guinea. Papua New Guinea has always had a children confirmed dead, up to 2,000 more special relationship with Queensland, and unaccounted for and some 10,000 who are north Queensland in particular. Many people being looked after in care centres, all of whom from Papua New Guinea have been educated will have to be resettled away from the disaster in Queensland and there are close trade links area. Long after the immediate relief efforts between Queensland and Papua New are completed, the 10,000 surviving victims of Guinea. I personally visited Papua New the tidal wave are going to need assistance. Guinea as a Minister and count many of the Many of these victims are children who are people within the PNG business community, either orphaned or who have lost one of their and particularly a number of PNG politicians, parents, as well as sisters or brothers. as very close friends. I mentioned that we have strong The tragedy that occurred last Friday education links with Papua New Guinea. This week reminded us that nature is always the year, over 1,000 Papua New Guineans are most potent force on earth. Possibly the most attending Government and non-Government chilling aspect of this whole episode is that we schools in Queensland, many under the will not know exactly how many people died as Australian Government funded scholarship a result of that event. Individual families in the scheme which has operated since 1989. West Sepik Province would know that they no Unfortunately, this scheme is being phased longer have a brother, sister, mother, father, out and no more scholarships are to be husband, wife, son or daughter. awarded by the Australian Government. I I must say that Queenslanders have suggest to the Premier and the Government responded magnificently to the tragedy, that Queensland could provide tangible, especially many of the people who have ongoing assistance to the victims of this business links with Papua New Guinea. Many tragedy by using some of the proceeds of the more Queenslanders have made contributions fund raising campaign sponsored by the simply because they feel the real human Government to provide school scholarships to tragedy of what happened on our doorstep. If some of the victims of the tidal wave— there is a silver lining on this cloud of tragedy it scholarships which would enable them to is the display of true generosity of human attend high schools here in Queensland. I am spirit. I support the motion. sure such a scheme would enjoy the support of the Government of Papua New Guinea and Dr WATSON (Moggill—LP) (Leader of the would be genuinely appreciated by young Liberal Party) (10.22 a.m.): The parliamentary victims who today must be wondering what the Liberal Party joins with the Premier and the future holds for them. In this way, we can help Leader of the Opposition in expressing our make that future a little brighter and a little sympathy to the victims of the tragic tidal wave more certain. which struck with devastation in Papua New The Australian contribution to the relief Guinea on 17 July. Perhaps more than any effort in the West Sepik deserves the highest other natural disaster in our recent history, the praise. We can all be proud of the compassion tidal wave which hit the villages of the West and commitment shown by the Defence Force Sepik Province has had a profound impact on medical team and the efforts of church and the people of Australia, and Queensland in community groups and businesses in helping particular. the victims of this tragedy so promptly and Papua New Guinea is not only our closest generously. Our sympathy goes to the victims, neighbour; it has historic links with Queensland as do our best wishes, as they confront a very as well as a people-to-people association in difficult future. We can help make that future areas such as education, sport and business brighter and secure even in the face of the and investment. Over the last decade, tragedy they have endured at nature's hands. successive Governments have recognised the The Liberal Party joins me in supporting the importance of that association and potential motion moved by the Premier. benefits it offers both Queensland and Papua Hon. S. D. BREDHAUER (Cook—ALP) New Guinea. (Minister for Transport and Minister for Main The Government's response to this great Roads) (10.26 a.m.): I rise briefly to support tragedy has the full support of the Opposition, the condolence motion before the House. I do 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Condolence 1355 so for two reasons. Firstly, my electorate of only now just recovering from a drought which Cook shares a border with Papua New Guinea devastated their sweet potato crops. and many of my constituents in the Torres Earthquakes are not uncommon in PNG: the Strait are of Papua New Guinea descent. locals call them Guira and they are quite These people are Australian residents. There alarming when they occur, but usually they are are traditional links between Torres Strait harmless. Not so the earthquake in the ocean Islanders and the people of Papua New off the northern coast of Sandaun Province on Guinea. Whilst those links are not connected 17 July. with the area in which the tsunami occurred, there is no doubt that the people of the Torres The events that followed have been well Strait—and particularly those who are of covered in the media, but we should pause to Papua New Guinea descent—feel remorse for reflect on the absolute shock and disbelief that and express their sympathy to the people would have overwhelmed those villagers as affected by this tragedy. the usually bountiful sea swept their homes and lives away on that fateful night. The I also rise as the far-north Queensland response to the tragedy, both locally and from representative in the Beattie Cabinet because overseas, was rapid. The doctors and nurses of the strong links that exist between north who took the initial brunt of the catastrophe in Queensland—particularly the Cairns Vanimo and other centres are to be region—and New Guinea. As others have commended. mentioned, those links are in areas such as education, business, mining and trade. I have received a briefing from the Office However, there are very strong personal links. of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister A significant number of residents of Papua for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Kathy New Guinea send their children to school in Sullivan. I understand that the confirmed Cairns. The Cairns region has very strong death toll stands at 1,638 and that a further social and personal ties with Papua New 700 are in hospital. The emphasis has now Guinea. On behalf of the people of north swung towards disease prevention and Queensland—and particularly those in the rehabilitation. There has been considerable Cairns region—I express my condolences to assistance from Australia by way of medical the people of Papua New Guinea who have care and grief counselling services. Generous been affected by this tragedy. We have talked assistance has also arrived from New Zealand, about the number of people who have been the United States, Japan, France and other affected and we have talked about the relief countries. All levels of government in Australia efforts that have been undertaken. I add my have rallied, as well as business, community thanks to those who have contributed. organisations and individuals. Because of the very special relationship that exists between the people of far-north I also received a briefing from the Minister Queensland and the people of Papua New for Public Works and Housing and am pleased Guinea it is appropriate for me to rise in the to see that the department is standing by to Parliament and add my condolences to those provide further assistance if requested by expressed by others. Emergency Management Australia. In Mr LAMING (Mooloolah—LP) supporting this condolence motion I (10.27 a.m.): As a former patrol officer in acknowledge the support that all members are Papua New Guinea in the 1970s, I would like giving in their respective communities to those to take the opportunity of joining the Premier, who are coordinating the many assistance the Leader of the Opposition and other programs. Most of us can only imagine the members in this condolence motion for those depth of sadness being experienced by those families who have lost loved ones in the recent who have lost so much so quickly. I can best tidal wave disaster. Although it is now 20 years express our sympathy in their own language: since I worked with PNG villagers, I remember Mipela i tok sori tumas long planti birua long ol clearly their carefree approach to life. This was manmeri bilong Aitape. particularly the case in the coastal villages Mr SPEAKER: Order! I add my personal where they depended, and still do I am sure, on the bounty of the sea. Not only did much of condolences to my many friends in Papua their food source come from the sea but it also New Guinea, and I ask members to rise and provided a valuable transport facility for their stand in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of those lost in this terrible tragedy. outrigger canoes and modern vessels. This idyllic lifestyle is not, of course, Motion agreed to, honourable members without its interruptions. The highlands are standing in silence. 1356 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

PANEL OF TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN It has been only 35 days since the Mr SPEAKER: Order! Honourable Independent member for Nicklin announced members, in accordance with the that, on confidence motions, he would support requirements of Standing Order 13, I a Government led by me. He said that he nominate the following members to form the would continue to do so unless there is panel of Temporary Chairmen for this day's evidence of gross fraud, misappropriation or sitting— similar illegal activities and that he would support my Appropriation Bill and not abstain Dr Lesley Ann Clark, member for Barron from voting. I table a copy of that letter from River; the member as well as a copy of a letter that I Mr Reginald John Mickel, member for wrote to him. Logan; The very next day, on 26 June, my Ms Lindel Helena Nelson-Carr, member deputy, Jim Elder, and I were sworn in at for Mundingburra; and Government House. On Sunday, 28 June, I Mr Philip Gerard Reeves, member for released a revamped Cabinet structure with Mansfield. portfolios designed to drive Queensland into the next century. The next day, on 29 June, my Ministers were sworn in. Only four days MOTION OF CONFIDENCE IN GOVERNMENT after the member for Nicklin had told me that Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— he would support my Government, I had ALP) (Premier) (10.30 a.m.), by leave, without revamped the structure of my Cabinet, notice: I move— discussed with my caucus colleagues the composition of the Cabinet that I wanted and "That this House expresses its told those members selected what I expected confidence in the Beattie Labor of them. They had been sworn in, and they Government; and, further, the Parliament had moved into their ministerial offices to start advises the Governor that no writ should work. "Start as you mean to carry on" is my be issued for a general election to be held motto, and that was demonstrated very before 5 May 2001 without express clearly. resolution of the Parliament." The Opposition argued that we would be In supporting this motion, the Parliament a caretaker Government only until Parliament today has a very simple choice. It is a choice sat this week. For legal reasons we could not between the stability and certainty that my sit earlier. That would have led to four more Government offers and the chaos and weeks of Queensland drifting aimlessly with no uncertainty that would result from any attempt leadership; four more weeks without a single by other parties to form a Government. This meaningful decision being made; four more Parliament and the people of Queensland can weeks of uncertainty; and four more weeks of have absolute confidence in my Government, damage to our economy. In my view, that was because we will continue for the next three a weak, politically motivated assertion. years in the same determined, efficient way and with the certainty that we have displayed I sought legal advice, and the Attorney- over the past month. My Government has General confirmed that the Governor had already delivered certainty when, after the 13 commissioned me to form a Government. June election, many commentators and the There were no constraints. And only in the business community feared three years of sense that I was determined to take care of chaos. Queensland right from the start was my Government a caretaker. We were in business I believe that a long list of achievements from day one to get results and to get from our first month in Government has Queensland moving again, and that is exactly already demonstrated to the people of what we did. We hit the ground running and Queensland that they can have confidence in started to deliver. So instead of Queensland my Government. Now I stand here today to being allowed to drift rudderless, we started explain why Parliament should also have the motor, went through the gears and confidence in my Government. I have to do far accelerated away. more than make promises and commitments. Anybody can make promises, but actions That first day, after Ministers were sworn speak louder than words. And I say to in, the Deputy Premier, Jim Elder, and I held a members today that the actions of my working lunch with the leaders of Government have shouted that we are making Queensland's peak industry and business things happen. Already we are making organisations to tell them that they could have Queensland the can-do State. certainty about the future. I assured them that 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1357 there would be no freeze on capital works and beating off competition from Tasmania, no freeze on decision making; we were Victoria and South Australia and creating up to determined to get on with it. I also sent 400 new jobs. We created a $5.4m package another signal: the days of the long lunch are to boost building and construction jobs, with over. We got down to business over up to 3,000 apprenticeships being created in sandwiches and orange juice. On 2 July, only the first three years. a week after the member for Nicklin had told With one urban renewal scheme at me that he would enable me to form Riverview slashing calls to police by 60%—so, Government, we held our first Cabinet in effect, reducing crime—we committed an meeting. Other Governments have used such extra $7.5m to 13 crime-cutting urban renewal occasions to reverse decisions made by their projects around the State this financial year. predecessors. Not us; we would have none of So what is happening here? We are starting to that. get tough on the causes of crime. We will As everyone knows, tourism is tackle crime in a way that will be effective, and Queensland's second-biggest industry, it will work; it will not be mere empty rhetoric. generating $7.7 billion a year and employing We immediately installed a rescue 122,000 people. Because of the Asian package for the compulsory third-party economic crisis, there was an urgent need to scheme, which the last Government counteract the effects of the Asian financial deliberately left in disarray, and we contributed meltdown and the impact of foreign media a $200,000 windfall from Government vehicle reports about One Nation and its policies. I fleet registrations to child victims of road accept that those reports were wildly accidents. We organised and held a highly inaccurate. Nevertheless, they were successful major trade and tourism summit to destructive of this State's image overseas. identify exactly what problems we have to Queensland's jobs were at stake. So the first overcome in trade and tourism with our Asian major decision of the Labor Government was neighbours, and we sent out a positive to provide an additional $5m to promote message to Asia and the rest of the world that Queensland as a tourist destination both in Queensland was back to business. That Australia and overseas. That submission was summit also identified strategies that can be brought by the Minister for Tourism, Bob used in boosting trade and tourism. As I said, Gibbs, and that was the first major decision of we sent a positive message to our trading my Government. We were getting on to partners that we are and will continue to be protect our second-biggest industry. open for business. The tourism industry says that this funding With the Health Minister, Wendy Edmond, will generate 1,400 new jobs and increase I announced the construction of the largest direct visitor spending in Queensland by cancer research centre in the southern $56m. It is worth pointing out that every time hemisphere at the Queensland Institute of 17 international visitors come to Queensland, Medical Research at the Royal Brisbane it creates one job for a Queenslander. And Hospital at a cost of $68m. We delivered a every time a jumbo lands, that creates 25 jobs major law and order commitment to provide for Queenslanders in the tourism industry. $1m worth of basic equipment for prison That is why that industry needed support from officers. We have provided an extra $8.7m to Government, and it got it. enable all primary and secondary schools to Let me give examples to the Parliament become leading schools. We have made all of some of our other achievements. Between schools leading schools. That means that a 29 June, when my full Cabinet was sworn in, total of 1,300 schools have benefited. The and yesterday, 29 July, we captured the money has already been given to schools with biggest sporting event of the year 2001, that more than 400 students. The smaller schools is, the world Goodwill Games, for Brisbane will receive their funding from the first semester against strong competition from other next year. countries. This will mean 1,700 jobs for In order to look after the victims of crime, Queensland and a boost of about $167m to the Attorney-General—as has the the State economy. Despite negative, harping Government—has shifted the focus of the criticism from the Opposition, the Minister for justice system back to victims, where it Tourism went to New York and signed the belongs. He has released discussion papers agreement. We got on with it. on reforms to the stalking laws and on ways to Secondly, we persuaded international strengthen the rights of crime victims. This company Stellar Communications to locate its Government will look after the interests of the Asian call centre operations in Queensland, victims of crime. 1358 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

We have boosted funding for For the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition Queensland's disability services by $30m and I say: yes, I do agree with him. On the established the Disability Services Agency, possibility of a Labor Government, Mr Bubb which will have a compassionate and caring said— role in relation to people with disabilities. We committed an extra $5m per year to palliative "This option clearly has greater care in the community sector. Importantly, I potential for stability than the alternative." have set a three-month timetable to resolve I repeat: anyone speaking against this the Wik impasse, with the first stage of the motion will have no credibility unless he or she legislation being introduced in this House after can propose a better arrangement that offers this debate in accordance with the strict greater certainty. The plain facts are these: timetable that I have set. In fact, the Labor has 44 seats and the member for Government has been making things happen Nicklin has given sufficient guarantees for on a daily basis. Labor to form a Government for the next three If this argument fails to win support, years. The member for Nicklin has maintained members must answer this question: what are his independence. I acknowledge that on the the alternatives if Labor does not form a record today. However, with Parliament Government? Anyone speaking against this comprising four parties and two Independent motion must do more than just criticise, members, the results of divisions are far from whinge and make allegations. I emphasise predictable. The member for Nicklin has that members opposing this motion must put asserted his independence on votes not forward an alternative Government—a affecting confidence motions and the Government that can deliver more certainty Appropriation Bill. He has said that he intends than this one; a Government that has similar to vote in the best interests of Nicklin and of guarantees of a three-year tenure; a Queensland. I assure the member for Nicklin Government that offers better leadership than that we believe that the policies that won us this one; a Government that will provide better more seats than all the other parties put services than this one; a Government that can together are the best policies for Queensland. supply more apprenticeships, traineeships and It is up to us to demonstrate that they are also job placements, more full time jobs and better in the best interests of Nicklin. We intend to do job security measures than this one; a that over the next three years. Government that can win the confidence of Having said that, there will undoubtedly business and industry. Let us consider what be issues on which we will lose votes in this industry is saying. The chief executive of the Parliament. Let us face up to that reality right Queensland Chamber of Commerce and at the beginning. Of course it will be tough for Industry, Clive Bubb, has announced that the the Government. I have said it in the past and interests of the State would be best served if I repeat it: we will not win every vote in this Labor were able to form a Government. Mr Parliament. But that will not be the end of the Bubb said— world for us. That will not bring down the "The political reality for the Coalition Government. I intend to ensure that it does is that it cannot govern without the not affect the confidence that Queenslanders consistent support of One Nation can have in my Government. I will ensure that members—and that party has made it it does not affect the certainty that business plain that its members are new to the and industry need to have in Government to political process and will not be called invest and grow and produce jobs. I am not upon to act as a cohesive force." here to just form a Government and play it Mr Borbidge: You agree with him now? safe. My Government will continue to make decisions and govern as if we have a majority Mr BEATTIE: Yes, I do. As the Leader of of 10. That is exactly what we have been the Opposition knows, from time to time Mr doing over the past month. My Government is Bubb has been a critic of me, the Opposition here to make a difference. I am here to lead. and this Government. Therefore, one could My Government is here to improve the not have a more impartial person to endorse lifestyles of Queenslanders, and we will. Not my Government. He is another person who only has this Government been making things has seen the light. happen for the past month but also we will be Mr Bubb emphasised— introducing all those commitments and policies "This reality makes it virtually that attracted 53% of the vote on a two-party impossible for the Coalition to form a preferred basis. That figure is of crucial stable Government." importance. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1359

On 20 February 1996, the member for People with disabilities have not received Surfers Paradise stood in this precise spot. He the attention or the resources which they had proposed a motion of confidence in a deserve and need, so I have appointed a Government formed by 44 members of the Minister for Disability Services. I have also coalition plus one Independent. He said the demonstrated that we will continue to listen to fact that the coalition had achieved 53% of the Queenslanders from all over the State. We two-party preferred vote gave his Government received more than 110 formal deputations to legitimacy. If the member for Surfers Paradise our first Community Cabinet meeting in believed that then, he must surely believe the Edmonton in far-north Queensland. We will be same of Labor today. Those votes were won holding 15 of those meetings throughout by policies that focus on job creation and on Queensland every year, and the next one will increasing job security—by breaking the be in Ipswich. unemployment cycle suffered by thousands of young Queenslanders who cannot get a start I have demonstrated comprehensively in the workforce and by those who feel they that, having been sworn in only a month ago are on the scrap heap because they are over yesterday, my Government can already stand the age of 40; by generating nearly 25,000 on its record. That record, rather than a long apprenticeships, traineeships and job list of promises, is proof that my Government placements in the next three years; by merits the confidence of Parliament. The creating a network of State development choice is simple: on the one hand a jumble of centres to drive job creation strategies One Nation, National and Liberal Party specially tailored for each of the regions; and members creating chaos and uncertainty as by accelerating the job-creating infrastructure they jostle for supremacy—and the National and Capital Works Program which will light a Party forecasting that such an arrangement fire under the economy. would be doomed to failure—and on the other a can-do Government that is able to provide On 6 July, in order to create new jobs, I certainty, a massive job creation package, ordered my Government to award as many imaginative policies and better services for capital works contracts as possible before the Queenslanders; a Government that will not end of December. Other policies focus on only lift the standard of debate in this providing a better health service, a better Parliament so it is respected by the whole education service and on not only being tough community but also a Government that is on law and order but on being tough about going to get Queensland moving again. the causes of crime. A comprehensive policy deals with crime prevention that works. It is far Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—ALP) better to prevent crime in the first place than to (Deputy Premier and Minister for State try to deal with the damage suffered by people Development and Minister for Trade) after a crime has been committed. We are (10.50 a.m.): It is with a great sense of honour proud of the policies we developed as a result that I second the motion moved by the of two and a half years of listening to the Premier. In the time immediately following the needs of Queenslanders. They told us that election on 13 June, we saw a very bitter and unemployment and job insecurity were by far divisive period in Queensland's history. It was their biggest worries, so this Government has a time when instability reigned, not just with a Minister for Employment who is members of this House and not just with concentrating on bringing down members of the broader community; all unemployment and increasing job security. members of the community were worried We have created a Department of State about the election outcome. It was a time Development to drive regional development when people looked backwards rather than strategies throughout the State in our quest to forward. It was a time when many people create new jobs and increase job security. This throughout the State questioned just how is being driven by the Deputy Premier. For the much security and certainty they had in their first time, responsibility for Information lives and how much security and how much Technology and Telecommunications, with its certainty there was in this State. In short, the massive potential for new, clean jobs, has level of confidence felt by Queenslanders in been amalgamated into a single division. their State, the way it was then and the way it Again, a senior Minister, Terry Mackenroth, is could be in the future, was at an all-time low. driving that initiative. I have already The catalyst for the return of stability to announced the formation of a special Cabinet the State was the indication by the task force to investigate the creation of a new Independent member for Nicklin of his future backbone fibre-optic communications network voting patterns. At this point, I might say that to deliver Government services to regional even people who did not vote for the Queensland and create new jobs. Government and who even campaigned 1360 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 actively for our electoral opponents welcomed business and broader community, 200 letters the stability offered by the member for Nicklin were sent internationally to reinforce the point once he made his decision to support the that Queensland is now a stable and safe Labor Government. Even people such as the destination. We looked at the difficulties facing former Liberal member for Barron River said that industry sector and we will offer support that the Labor Government, backed by an for it. As I said, the same goes for overseas Independent, was the best choice for the students who are looking to study in State. Queensland. That will lift confidence in Since then, the actions of the Queensland. That will generate export income Government, in which I am privileged to be the that otherwise would have been lost. In turn, Deputy Premier, have led to a return not just that will lift our standard of living. Again, to stability but also to confidence in this State. confidence in Queensland has been lifted. It is a confidence not just in the political Within Queensland itself there are several institutions of this State but also throughout projects that were—I might loosely use the the wider community. In particular, the phrase—left over from the previous business community has responded positively. Government. Some work had been done but For example, as the Premier outlined earlier the projects were not finalised. I am very keen this week, Stellar Communications announced to see those projects through to completion. that it would be establishing a call centre with One such project is the gas pipeline from 400 employees in south-east Queensland to Papua New Guinea to Gladstone. Members service the Asia-Pacific region. This is a joint opposite who were members of the previous venture involving Telstra and Excell Systems, Government would or should realise the value a US company with international connections of that project to Queensland. However, I have that sees Queensland as its base for to say that they took their eyes right off the expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. Stellar ball and this project was left in limbo. When I Communications is just one company that has came to office I took action to get all of the shown that it has confidence in Queensland. proponents of those projects together so that This Government has also taken steps to we could advance them further. restore confidence in the image of I was disappointed to see the gas pipeline Queensland overseas, which in recent months project being opposed, in particular by the has taken a battering and has the potential to Federal member for Wide Bay, the Minister for affect dramatically our export income from Customs and Excise, Warren Truss. When the trade. What is particularly at risk is our image previous Government was in office he was as a tolerant, friendly society where diversity is silent, but now when there is a Labor encouraged and people from overseas and, Government not just in office but actively and for that matter interstate, are welcome either openly progressing this particular project, he as migrants or as tourists. In particular, I took finds problems with it. In reality, nothing has steps to make public the fact that in changed in the concept of that project, just its Queensland there was now a stable likelihood. Opposing this project because of a Government—one which did welcome desire to score cheap points is old politics. It is interaction with the rest of the world. the kind of politics that the broader community finds difficult to understand. Actions like that Queensland's Trade Commissioner in will not engender confidence in the Hong Kong, Simon Lee, who is known to community. many people on both sides of this House, reported back to me that in June some Hong As well as progressing several projects Kong students had shown a reluctance to already in place, in the past few weeks this consider Queensland as a place in which to Government has also been approached by study because they did not feel safe in coming proponents of several other potentially major here. We have taken action to ensure that projects for this State. Not all of those people overseas students and tourists in particular are local business people; some of them are feel safe in Queensland. So Queensland is from interstate and overseas. They, too, have now back on the map as a destination for confidence in Queensland and they all see overseas tourists. The Minister for Tourism has Queensland as once again a good place in also taken action in that regard. We have also which to invest, to do business, and to create taken steps to make sure that overseas jobs. As Deputy Premier and Minister for State students—— Development and Trade, my focus is unashamedly on creating jobs in this State. As Mr Gibbs interjected. a Labor Government, we see the creation of Mr ELDER: As the Minister says, following jobs as a priority because that is the best way on from similar action that I took within the in which people can improve their own quality 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1361 of life. The major reason behind Queensland's Government made great strides in helping growth over the past 15 years has been that Queensland industry value add—add value to people have come here, generally from our raw materials so that we got maximum southern States but sometimes from value out of them. I intend to drive the same overseas, in search of a better life. Some of broad agenda, only more so, this time around. those people are at retirement age and want Unlike other States, Queensland has to wind down their lives in sunshine, but the never had a strong manufacturing base. In the vast majority want to come here to work and past we had to be content to grow raw food, create a better life for themselves and for their such as wheat, and sell it as raw material. We families. Most of them come with a dream for have simply dug up our minerals and sold a better life and they are quite prepared to them overseas in an unprocessed state. We work and work hard. At the weekend, they like have never got best value out of what we to work on their gardens, they like to watch have, that is, plentiful raw materials. football, they like to go fishing; they like Manufacturing has a bad name in some Queensland's beautiful weather. It is what a lot circles, where it is associated with polluting of people see as a good life and, I might say, smokestacks, but modern manufacturing so do I. That is what we are about as a Labor practices are far more environmentally friendly Government. It is about allowing people to and far more conducive to employment. This achieve a better life. In terms of achieving Government will encourage manufacturing those goals, what people want more than industries of this kind. anything else is a job. The record of the previous Labor This Government sees room for Government in this area is a solid one which improvement, I might say after being in bears comparison with the stewardship of Government only a short time, in all three those opposite. I cite figures from the Federal industry sectors—primary, secondary and Department of Trade and the Australian tertiary—to help create those jobs. Bureau of Statistics. When Labor gained Traditionally, Queensland has been a primary Government at the start of this decade, industry State depending, I guess in the first 150,000 people were employed in the half of this century particularly, on agriculture manufacturing sector in this State. When and in the second half of this century on Labor left office, 182,000 people were mining. Those industries will always be employed in that sector. That represents an important pillars of the Queensland economy. increase of over 20%. Under the tenure of the I am confident that my colleagues the Minister coalition Government, the number of people— for Primary Industries and the Minister for Mines and Energy will continue to improve Mr Slack: What was the unemployment those sectors. As Minister for State rate? Development, I intend to work closely with Mr ELDER: I will come to the record of the them to do just that. I also intend to work Minister who had responsibility in this area. closely with my colleague the member for Under the tenure of the coalition Government, Chatsworth, whose ministerial responsibilities the number of people working in jobs in the include communication and information. He manufacturing sector—that is, in the value add will be concentrating on developing tertiary sector, in the sector that provides long-term, industries, in particular the all-important skilled employment—slipped to 172,000 in information industry, which has been 1996-97 and was 175,000 in 1997-98. Given responsible for the creation of so many of the the platform left to the coalition, that was a well-paid jobs that we now see in the United poor effort indeed. States and is one of the reasons why that This Labor Government comes into office country's unemployment rate is at 4.5%. Just with fewer people employed in manufacturing as importantly, I see the development of than when Labor was last in office. That tertiary industries as having the potential to situation came about at a time when make our primary and secondary industries Queensland's population was growing. This more efficient and competitive on the world record of employment in value adding stage and thus more likely to supply real, long- industries is a sorry one which this term, skilled and well-paid jobs. Building on Government is committed to reversing. information infrastructure is a priority of this Government. Possibly one of the worst spin-offs of this state of affairs was that not only were fewer One area in which I will be particularly people employed in manufacturing jobs but concerned as Minister for State Development also Queensland gained less export income. and Minister for Trade is the development of When Labor came to Government at the start our secondary industries. The previous Labor of the decade, the value of manufactured 1362 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 exports was $5 billion. When it left office, communities, because they have ownership of manufactured exports were at $6.7 billion, a that development and of driving those rise of 34% over six years—all job generators. opportunities in their own regions. We have In 1996-97 the value of manufactured exports seen in the past few weeks the return of in Queensland dropped to $6.2 billion—a drop confidence in all sectors in this State and a of $500m in less than one year after six years willingness on the part of those sectors to get of healthy growth. on with the job. I want to be quite clear about the The journey ahead will not be easy. All intention of this Government. Generally, members in this House would be familiar with incoming Governments aim to do better than the situation that many of our trading partners their predecessor. In this case it is hardly a find themselves in. We would be naive if we difficult act to follow. We aim for nothing less expected that none of that would rub off on us than the revitalisation of Queensland's industry in terms of an impact on our economies. In and the extension of that industry so that short, the world in which we now live is a lot more people are in jobs in Queensland. That different and more competitive than it was a means that we will be employing every effort few years ago and we cannot pretend that we as a Government to get more people are isolated from the rest of the world. It is employed. important to recognise that, while there will One of our major initiatives is the always be differences amongst us, what unites establishment of State development centres. us is far greater than what divides us. Right throughout the State, from the far north As a Parliament and as a community we right through to the coast, we will implement need to face the future with confidence. That regional development plans that we have is why I am delighted today to be able to devised for each particular region. These plans second the motion of confidence in this Labor will not result in the sort of centralised Government which was moved by the Premier. bureaucratic rigidity characterised by public Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers administration in the State over the past Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) couple of years, where the industry portfolio (11.07 a.m.): The Opposition opposes the was essentially there to drive job opportunities motion, but I will move an amendment which I and drive those employment opportunities for would reasonably expect that the Government Queenslanders. A report from KPMG on the and the member for Nicklin will accept. I move portfolio's own activity found it to be moribund that the following words be added— and lacking leadership. This reinforces the point I made about the direction of industry ", and recognises the commitments policy in this State over the past two years. given by the Premier to the member for Nicklin and requires the resignation of the Public administration over the past two Premier and his Government if these years was centralised, bureaucratic and rigid in commitments are not honoured in full." the way it dealt with Queensland's regions. We will do it differently. We will do it in conjunction Nothing could be more fair. The member for with local communities so that they have Brisbane Central professes— ownership of the plans we outline and Government members interjected. ownership of the development of their regions. Mr BORBIDGE: Those opposite do not Each region in Queensland has different like it? The Premier does not like making his strengths. For example, the strength of the agreement with the member for Nicklin the Cairns region in north Queensland is in tourism property of the Parliament? He does not like it. and in other service industries, while the strength of Townsville lies in its industrial Mr Beattie: I said nothing. development and, notably, the large mineral Mr BORBIDGE: It is interesting; his deposits in the north west that it can drive off. colleagues do not like it. The member for While each of these regions has other assets, Brisbane Central professes the highest these strengths can be maximised so that standards of behaviour, integrity and more jobs are created. The creation of those accountability as demanded by the member State development centres is a central for Nicklin. The standards of the member for component of our plans to increase Nicklin are implicit in his demands. employment opportunities through the Compliance by the member for Brisbane regions. Central in relation to the issues raised by the The involvement of local communities in member for Nicklin will, it seems, deliver him the development of these plans is another Government. Non-compliance should action which encourages confidence in local therefore cost him Government. If the 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1363 straitjacket fits, then the honourable member 1995? It was nowhere near that level. Was it for Brisbane Central should be happy, willing 50% plus one—a bare majority? No, it was and able to wear it. It merely makes the not. It was not even 40%. It was the third commitments given by the member for lowest vote recorded by the Labor Party in the Brisbane Central the property of the political history of Queensland and only Parliament of Queensland. marginally better than its 1974 result, when it Before commending the amendment to was reduced to 11 members in this the House I will address the central question Parliament. before the Parliament today, and I ask it in The party whose leader now seeks the similar terms to the way in which it was asked confidence of this House for his would-be last time in a similar debate but on that minority Government in fact achieved one of occasion by the honourable member for the lowest votes ever recorded on behalf of Brisbane Central when he said— the Australian Labor Party in the history of this "Why should we have any State—less than 40% or, depending on to confidence in an illegitimate minority whom one listens, somewhere between 38% Government which has not won a general and 39%. Six out of 10 Queenslanders voted election and which therefore does not for other candidates. Six out of 10 candidates have the necessary mandate to govern?" voted for the composition of the Parliament that is reflected on the non-Government These were the words of the member for benches in this Parliament today. More than Brisbane Central. As I said, it is not a novel six out of 10! Over 60% of Queenslanders question. The coalition confronted a very voted for parties other than the party led by similar question in 1996, when a facsimile of the member for Brisbane Central, who now this motion was moved in relation to my seeks the confidence of this House to form a Government. But there are key differences— Government. very crucial differences—this time around. Government members interjected. I take issue with some of the arithmetic used by the member for Brisbane Central. At Mr BORBIDGE: We are seeing the the 1995 general election the coalition that I Premier's new standards of parliamentary led received almost 54% of the vote—a very debate in action! We heard him in confidence. clear majority of votes that ought by any You said it is a matter of leadership. Show us reasonable standard have delivered a strong some leadership in regard to your troops, Mr majority in the House, as a similar vote did for Premier. the Labor Government in 1992. Subsequently, Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the at the by-election in the seat of Mundingburra Opposition will address his remarks through the voters in that electorate, in the full the Chair. knowledge of the potential that their vote Mr BORBIDGE: So what we have at the could ultimately change the Government in end of the process of the 1998 general line with the clear majority intention at the election are the following groupings and the general election, increased the substantial members elected to this Parliament by the swing to the coalition that had occurred at the people of Queensland and who comprise the general election. That was obviously a House today: 44 Labor members, with 43 on deliberate act. With the support of the the floor given your election, Mr Speaker; 32 Independent member for Gladstone, I was coalition members; 11 One Nation members; then able to form a minority Government and two Independents. The 45 members who which genuinely reflected the wishes of the comprise the non-Labor majority of the House people as expressed some eight months share between us the support of in excess of before and endorsed again by voters in north 60% of Queenslanders. That is the key Queensland. Those were the circumstances in difference—the crucial difference—between 1996. the circumstances that we confront today and What are the circumstances this time the circumstances of yesterday. around? At the general election on 13 June, There is no clear-cut guide via a majority what was the vote recorded by the party of votes for the established parties to guide whose leader today calls for a vote of the Independents in their actions and to take confidence in his minority Government? Was it some of the stress out of the issue for them. really 54%, as he claimed today? Was it a There is no clear-cut will of the people. In fact, clear show of support for his party by a simple on this occasion the decision as to which side majority of the voters of Queensland? Was the of the House to support is made particularly Labor vote really 54%, as it was for the difficult by the composition of this place. That coalition under the same circumstances in deserves some comment, because clearly the 1364 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 composition of this House represents a I provided to the member for Nicklin watershed in the history of this place and of Treasury's costings of the coalition's promises our democracy in this great State. and the independent review of those costings I wish to say this about the current state by Ernst and Young. The same was done for of play: the composition of this House the Labor costings. The results of that represents the will of the people. Those exercise, engaging hundreds of pages of people who sought to disrupt the proceedings material, were simply not matched by the two- of the House and demonstrate outside on page review of Labor's costings by that party's Tuesday should take note of that. The long-time company of choice in such matters. composition of this Parliament represents the There were variations—incredible variations. will of the people. This Parliament has been My offer to the member for Nicklin, which I am duly elected. Candidates presented sure he will recall, was that I should and would themselves to the electorate in one of the make available to him officers of the Treasury most robust and genuine democratic societies so that he could ask whatever questions on this planet. There were no riots and fires in necessary in order to reach a comfortable the streets during the election campaign. position on the topic. There were no overturned buses, no gunfire There is clear bipartisan support for the and no knocks on doors in the middle of the great expertise of the Queensland Treasury. It night. This is the Parliament that a peaceful is obviously the finest Treasury in the country. democracy has delivered. Leader writers can The results show that. The member for Nicklin gnash their teeth about that. The politically needed only to have asked the member for correct can throw up their hands in horror. Brisbane Central whether talking to the Commentators can swoon, faint and generally Treasury would have been worth while— fall about all over the place. But if they want generating results that he could trust— to, they can take their bats and balls and go because the member for Brisbane Central home in disgust, and so be it. However, we do has, on a number of occasions, been very not have that option. It is not open to us. We warm in his praise of the Treasury. Indeed, in are the servants of the people who have the flip side of this debate in 1996 the elected us. It is from this democratically honourable member said— elected Parliament that we must form a "Does anyone actually believe that Government. That is our job. the Treasury would indulge in trickery? Of The member for Nicklin has signalled that course not! The Treasury is a proud the Government that will emerge from this institution in this State." Parliament will be a minority Labor So it is to the extent that, when the member Government. I am sure that all honourable for Brisbane Central, again in this same members look forward to the contribution of debate in 1996, sought the ultimate tick for the member for Nicklin. I say to the member Labor's election costings for the 1995 for Nicklin today, as the member for Brisbane campaign, he turned to Treasury. He said— Central said to the member for Gladstone in similar circumstances in 1996, that there will "... there was every reason to have be no vindictiveness from this side of the confidence in the election commitments House towards him. The difference is that I given by the Labor Party. Every one of mean it, whereas the member for Brisbane them was costed by Treasury." Central—the new champion of parliamentary So I was genuinely and, I must say, I think standards—showed time and time again that justifiably disappointed when the member for he did not mean it. If the honourable member Nicklin passed up that opportunity. It remains for Nicklin doubts my comments, I suggest my deep conviction that one of the key that he consult the member for Gladstone. reasons why Labor cannot be entrusted with However, I must say that I do have one the sound public financial resources of this expression of disappointment in relation to State is that it eats away at them at every part of the decision-making process that the opportunity it gets. I know that there were honourable member for Nicklin attended to. It many apologists for the Labor Party last time concerns the costings of election promises around. Labor was said in particular quarters provided to the member by both the Labor to have managed the economy reasonably Party and the coalition. This issue goes to the well. That is nonsense on a wide variety of heart of why the Labor Party does not deserve fronts. the confidence of this House. I refer, of Let us take unemployment. The member course, to that party's $1.5 billion in unfunded for Brisbane Central claims that one of the election promises, and the grave dangers main reasons why his Government will be inherent in that burden on the taxpayer. good for Queensland is that it will concentrate 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1365 on jobs, jobs, jobs. The very same words were mediocrity? Now, it seems, we are to have a used by the former member for Logan from Premier—the first in this State for many 1989 to 1996 when the member for Brisbane years—who will throw out all arms of the so- Central was initially on the outer and then well called trilogy. Labor established clearly last and truly an insider. What was the result? time around that the full funding of all public Unemployment under Labor went from 6.9% liability schemes was just a smokescreen. The when it took office to over 11% before settling member for Brisbane Central has indicated his in the 9s and 10s right up to when it left office. preparedness now to borrow and to borrow The coalition brought it down to the 8% range beyond the previous constraint that borrowing for six solid months this year. That is the would only be undertaken for projects that record: under Labor, unemployment went up; could fund the debt, and his Treasurer recently under the coalition, unemployment went would not rule out increases in taxes and down. Now the party that took 6 and gave us charges in the coming remake of the Budget 11 is going to give us 5! On the performance despite his dishonest attempt to allege black last time, it is more likely to be 10, 11, 12 or holes in our Budget and his failure to read the 13. It is a number that will haunt the member Budget papers. for Brisbane Central. Mr HAMILL: I rise to a point of order. The In relation to public funds, what was the Premier has accused me of dishonesty. I find record? A $400m black hole in the workers that personally offensive and I ask that it be compensation scheme! Now the Labor Party is withdrawn. repeating the mistakes. It is getting ready to Mr BORBIDGE: I will withdraw that undo the reforms that have returned that fund comment and say clearly that the new to balance and to credit. That was more than Treasurer is unable to read the Budget matched over time by raids on every hollow documents of the previous Government. log in the State, from the Auctioneers and There is no black hole; if he says anything to Agents Fidelity Guarantee Fund in one early the contrary, he is telling an untruth. instance to almost every accessible trust fund on the books to the extent that hundreds of That brings me to the moving of the millions of dollars went out of the State's coalition's amendment to this motion. It aims coffers in those raids. to ensure honesty and accountability from both the member for Brisbane Central, in I well remember in 1996 the incoming particular, and the member for Nicklin. I refer, coalition Government inherited from Labor the of course, to the very significant undertakings worst surgery waiting times in Australia. Forty- given in writing to the member for Nicklin by six per cent of Category 1 patients were the member for Brisbane Central, which the waiting for their surgery after 30 days; when Premier tabled today. we left office, it was down to 2%. We turned I commend the amendment to the the longest waiting times in Australia into the House. In the short time left to me, I reject the shortest. When the coalition took office, mechanism that the Labor Government is education spending in Queensland, under seeking to create to generate increased Labor, was wallowing amongst the also-rans revenue for itself by way of increased State nationwide. Today, for the first time in our taxes and charges in the forthcoming Budget. history, education spending in this State is In relation to the allegation by the Treasurer, above the national average. for example, of a $120m black hole in the At the conclusion of Labor's last term in Budget papers in respect of the Pacific office, Queensland rated just ahead of Motorway, I say that the funds are in there. Tasmania in terms of economic growth. Today They are in the Budget papers prepared by it leads the country and is well positioned to Treasury. I just make the point—— stay in front. Police numbers grew under us Mr HAMILL: I rise to a point of order. The after actually declining in the final stages of former Premier seems to be trying to continue the Goss Government. Labor dithered over a his allegation against me. The Leader of the new Criminal Code for six years; we delivered Opposition is deliberately misleading the a new Criminal Code in 18 months. These are House. The Forward Estimates do not contain just some of the stark contrasts between the $120m for the Pacific Motorway, as the Queensland under Labor and Queensland former Premier knows. I ask for that comment under the coalition. to be withdrawn. Is it any wonder that members on this Mr BORBIDGE: I cannot withdraw side of the House find it difficult to something that was in our Budget. It was contemplate confidence in a party which clearly there. Is it not typical that they will not sentenced this great State of ours to stand debate? The first time that we have a 1366 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 debate in this place, they are trying to sit us Labor left Western Australia a billion dollars down. worse off; and Labor left Australia a $10 billion Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable deficit in its last Federal Budget. True to form, member will address his remarks through the Labor was well on the way to leaving Chair. Queensland deep, deep in debt. Mr BORBIDGE: Certainly. This Labor Government—the one that those opposite would like to have confirmed Mr HAMILL: I rise to a point of order. I today—is very lucky because it has found draw your attention to the clock, Mr Speaker. Queensland in a lot better condition than it Mr BORBIDGE: Mr Speaker, can I just was when Labor left office two and a quarter express regret that the Government has not years ago. When we came to Government in extended the Leader of the Opposition the early 1996 we called for an independent same courtesy that we extended to the assessment of the State's finances. The member for Brisbane Central. Queensland Audit Commission report said Mr HAMILL: I rise to a point of order. The that, if unchecked, the operating deficit in this Leader of the Opposition is persistent in his State would blow out to $2.7 billion by the year tactics to try to mislead the House. Now he 2006. Let me quote from that report. It said has talked until he is out of time, so he will not this— withdraw. I took a point of order. I asked the "There is an inbuilt trend on existing Leader of the Opposition to withdraw remarks policies, practices and planning that he had made. assumptions to further progressive Opposition members: What remarks? deterioration in the operating position year to year. Without corrective action the Mr HAMILL: His remarks added further to State's operating result would deteriorate his earlier remarks when he accused me of by around $200m a year to reach dishonesty. I find those remarks offensive. I $2.7 billion by 2005-06." ask that they be withdrawn. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member finds The coalition was the corrective action for the Opposition Leader's remarks offensive. which Queensland was crying out. I believe that when the dust has settled on the Mr BORBIDGE: Mr Speaker, out of crash—and by that I refer to the One Nation respect for the Chair, I will withdraw. Can I just express train which hit the Queensland say that our Budget documents and our coalition Government on its way to Canberra— independent costings speak for themselves. historians will record that the National/Liberal The member has been caught out. coalition Government from February 1996 to Dr WATSON (Moggill—LP) (Leader of the June 1998 was a very good Government for Liberal Party) (11.28 a.m.): I rise to speak Queensland. It was a Government which put against the motion and to support the the brakes on Queensland becoming another amendment to the motion moved by the Labor basket case. It was a Government Leader of the Opposition. It is simply not which laid down the policies to make possible to have any confidence in this so- Queensland prosper in the 21st century. It was called new Labor Government, because a Government which left this State better than across the Chamber are the same faces and it found it. In 28 months we doubled economic the same failures with, of course, the same growth, we created 91,000 jobs and we favours owed to their union mates. The other increased capital works spending by 50%. In day I was asked by a constituent of mine, short, we left this State a lot better than we "What keeps you going in politics?" I found it. answered, "The same thing that has always In speaking against this confidence kept me going: a desire to leave the place motion I intend to cover three important areas: better than I found it." I think that sentiment or firstly, how Labor failed in its last term in something close to it is what motivates most of government; secondly, how the coalition us involved in political life. succeeded in its last term; and, thirdly, why The trouble with Labor Governments is Labor is doomed to failure in its new term in that, although each individual Labor member Government. Let us open Labor's scrapbook may be doing his or her best to leave the from 1989 to 1996. Perhaps it is as well to place better than they found it, Labor as a start with the Public Service Management whole has a sorry history of leaving States and Commission. The PSMC spread fear and countries a lot worse off than when they found loathing throughout the Public Service and them. Labor left Victoria an economic basket totally politicised the whole process. No senior case; Labor left South Australia bankrupt; public servant could be promoted without 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1367

Kevin Rudd's say-so. If one had never called of Attorney-General at some stage. However, someone else "comrade" one had little when it comes to crime fighting, the two chance of climbing the Public Service ladder. honourable members were not Batman and Let us turn some more pages of Labor's Robin, the dynamic duo. In fact, they were the scrapbook. We come to education. In some dud duo! Their contribution to Labor's years under Labor, while thousands of scrapbook was to make jail the last resort for southerners were pouring into Queensland violent criminals and to so soften the Criminal and our population was booming, teacher Code as to make criminals the victims. numbers actually went backwards. In talking of We come to the honourable member for things going backwards under Labor, we must Ipswich. Labor would need a separate note that police numbers did not keep pace scrapbook for his koala tunnel fiasco. When with community requirements. Under Labor, Mr Hamill was at the helm, the Department of the last thing a person wanted to do in Transport was going to spend $73m of Queensland was to become ill. The taxpayers' money to save an endangered honourable member for Capalaba was in species. That endangered species, of course, charge of our health system and people had was the four Labor members affected by the to wait a long time to get better. It was a long proposed eastern tollway. As if planning to put wait. the road through a State forest was not bad enough, Labor then compounded the problem If I may digress for a moment while on the by deciding to build the road under the forest subject of the honourable member for to save the koalas. The extra cost amounted Capalaba: it is interesting to note that two and to $73m. The plan was to reforest the area a half years ago in this very same debate the above the tunnel. The only problem was that honourable member told this House that the Mr Hamill's brilliant plan allowed for only 900 coalition "came into Government through the centimetres of topsoil to support the mature bathroom window protected by a silver spoon." gum trees. I hope his plans for Treasury have Labor has come into Government in a pair of more depth. With a scrapbook like that, it is Wellington boots! One cannot run very fast in impossible—and, I might add, immoral—to a pair of Wellington boots. While Mr Beattie support a vote of confidence in this was Health Minister and spent 100 days Government. consulting, the consulting rooms of the surgeons just became more crowded. When I come to my second point. My the coalition came to Government it found that colleagues will discuss the achievements of 49 out of every 100 patients waited longer the coalition in various portfolios in more detail than the recommended time for Category 1 as this debate unfolds. However, for the elective surgery. Today, after a little more than benefit of the many new members in this two years under the National/Liberal coalition House I want to recap some of the less than two patients in a hundred wait longer achievements of the coalition in its short term than the recommended time. in Government. Queensland provided more than one in every two jobs created in Australia As I look across the Chamber, I am in the 12 months leading up to the election. reminded of some other scrapbook moments Just before the election, unemployment hit its from Labor's last time in Government. I lowest level in seven years. We promised to remember the infamous HOME scheme create 50,000 jobs in 12 months. We did it in initiated by Tom Burns and later presided over just nine months. We kept Queensland as the by the honourable member for Chatsworth. low tax capital of Australia. Our last HOME was supposed to mean home Budget—for which I commend the member for ownership made easy. It turned out to be Caloundra, Mrs Sheldon—contained no new misery for thousands of Queenslanders. While taxes. In fact the Budget cut existing taxes. I the honourable member for Chatsworth was notice that the new Treasurer is already Minister for Housing the Queensland Audit scrapping that Budget. Office identified no fewer than 6,900 serious accounting problems with the department's The coalition boosted spending in key housing section. Compare this with our record. areas of need. As the Leader of the Under the good management of the coalition, Opposition indicated, all these programs were that same department received a clean bill of fully costed. We provided almost 2,000 more health. It received an unqualified audit report. teachers, 412 more police and 374 civilians for the Police Service and an extra 1,000 staff for I notice the honourable member for Queensland Health. We successfully merged Yeronga and the honourable member for Suncorp with the QIDC and Metway to give Murrumba on Labor's front bench. Both this State a big player in the financial game. honourable members have held the portfolio We introduced wide-ranging industrial relations 1368 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 reforms. We introduced the toughest crime Dr WATSON: Come off it! Is the Deputy laws in Australia. Despite not having a Premier saying that the individuals involved majority, we implemented 90% of the policies from the business community here were that we took to the people of Queensland in political? That is simply not true. That was July 1995. In short, we left this State in a lot shown quite clearly. If the member had gone better condition than that in which we found it. to some of the business functions around I turn now to my third and final point. Why town he would know that not only was it shown do I believe that Labor is doomed to fail in this in that document in that first year but in new term? Put simply, Labor has been given subsequent years it was demonstrated that Government based solely on stability, not the coalition reversed that trend in its first ability. The Leader of the Opposition has Budget and did so over the next two already referred to the letter written by Mr successive Budgets. We are going to be Peter Beattie on Thursday, 25 June to the looking to see what this Government does. At honourable member for Nicklin, Mr Peter any rate, let me return to what I was saying Wellington. I believe that we should call this before the Deputy Premier interjected. letter the "Peter principles". For those After just two and a half years in members who are not conversant with Opposition, and under these new Peter management texts, I point out that the original principles, Labor is suddenly going to turn meaning of "Peter principle" is that a person around and reduce debt each year. Put gets promoted to his or her level of simply, I do not buy it. In fact, I cannot buy it. I incompetence. simply cannot believe that the Socialist Left Mr Hamill interjected. members, such as the honourable member for South Brisbane, the honourable member for Dr WATSON: I am glad that the Treasurer Mount Gravatt or the honourable member for picked that up. In some cases the person may Cook, are suddenly going to adopt a get promoted even further than his or her level financially responsible outlook. of incompetence. Mr Elder interjected. I return to the other "Peter principles". In his letter to Peter Wellington, Peter Beattie Dr WATSON: The member for Capalaba penned this little gem— does not have the numbers in caucus. The Socialist Left always had one solution for any "Labor will maintain a surplus Budget problem: throw other people's money at it. framework and in each year will further They are not going to change, and Labor is reduce net debt." not going to change. We can have no I have already informed the House where we confidence in a Government which has no were headed under the last Labor concept of long-term fiscal responsibility, and Government, and it was not to reduce net we certainly cannot have confidence in a debt any further. In fact, it was to get deeper Government which undervalued its election into debt. We were headed for a Budget promises by $1.5 billion. If the way Labor deficit by the year 2006 of $2.7 billion. costed the tilt train is any guide, we will end up with Thomas the Tank Engine. Mr Fouras interjected. The Commission of Audit showed clearly Dr WATSON: What the Commission of that, under Labor, Queensland was sailing into Audit report showed quite clearly and rough waters. By the year 2006, every baby unequivocally was that the percentage of born in Queensland would have entered this recurrent expenditure as a percentage of total world with $800 of public debt hanging over its expenditure was increasing at such an head. Fortunately, the coalition came in and alarming rate that we were going to have a righted the ship. We were unfortunate that a deficit year after year, and that is why it was shock wave called One Nation washed us building up to 2005-2006. There was overboard, and a new captain and crew—by absolutely no question about that. default, not by design, as has already been Mr Elder: It was a political document and said by the Leader of the Opposition—has devalued as such. taken over. We have no confidence in the new Dr WATSON: It was a political document. captain. We have no confidence in his crew. The commission was chaired by Vince That is why members on this side of the FitzGerald—the very individual who was head House are going to vote against the motion of the Federal Department of Finance under moved by the Premier and seconded by the Labor. Deputy Premier, and that is why I have seconded the amendment moved by the Mr Elder: Found to be flawed. Leader of the Opposition. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1369

Mr HORAN (Toowoomba South—NPA) some real pride in the type and style of (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) education that they provided. Look at the (11.44 a.m.): I do not think that members will electricity reforms that the coalition ever see another Government that achieved Government introduced and the way in which as much in just two short years as did the we were able to reduce by 5% the cost of previous coalition Government. On every electricity to small business. That represented single point we got in there and cleaned up a real and solid improvement for small the mess that was left behind. That took a few business. Look at what we did with the DPI. months. The important thing was that what we We brought staff back there. The heart and delivered to Queensland was, first of all, jobs. soul of the DPI had been ripped out during six We delivered about 91,000 jobs in just two disastrous years of Labor. years. Those 91,000 new jobs represented Mr Cooper: Do you know how many they 40% of the new jobs created in Australia, even cut out in that time? though Queensland had only 18% of the Australian population. Mr HORAN: No. I well remember last November picking up Mr Cooper: Six hundred and ninety! a Sydney Morning Herald and seeing on its Mr HORAN: It is hard to believe that it front page a very striking graph that showed could be that many. It is no wonder that how far in front Queensland was in the people could not find a stock inspector. It is no creation of new jobs throughout Australia. It wonder that they could not dip their cattle for made one feel proud that we had a ticks. It is no wonder that they could not get Government of such calibre at the time—a any advice. It is no wonder that they felt lost Government that, according to the Sydney and left alone. That is what the previous Labor Morning Herald, created something like 60% Government did. of new jobs in Australia. Queensland led economic growth in Australia. We had about Members need only go for a drive down 4.5% economic growth for the past 12 the Gold Coast Highway and have a look at months, compared with about 2.2% growth in the capital construction on that highway to see the rest of Australia. We increased by 50% the how the former coalition Government was an public Capital Works Program in Queensland. achieving Government. Look at some of the That provided real jobs for people—jobs for things that we did in relation to the Criminal contractors and subcontractors and the Code, the Juvenile Justice Act and the apprentices who worked for them. That was Penalties and Sentences Act, the reflected in the huge increase in the number improvements that we brought about and the of new jobs created here in Queensland. But new confidence that came to Queensland with the important thing about that was that, of that an achieving Government. huge increase in capital works, we made sure I believe that one of the greatest records that more than 50% of it was spent outside of the previous coalition Government is going the south-east corner of Queensland—outside to be the new jobs that it created. We have the capital city—because that is where more heard much from the Premier, Mr Beattie, than 50% of Queensland's population resides. about his new unemployment target of 5%. It Some of the achievements of the is interesting to note that, when he first coalition Government were enormous in their mentioned it, the figure was 5%. But later he magnitude. I ask members to look at the water said, "That will be in a little bit of time." By the infrastructure that was commenced. Over $2 end of the week it was a one-year target. By billion of water infrastructure would have the end of the next week it was a three-year provided real jobs in rural and regional target, and now it is a five-year target. So if Queensland. Look at what we achieved in people want a job in Queensland and they Health. Some $2.4 billion of capital works were want to get into that little bracket above the commenced and under way under the former 5% unemployment, they will have to wait until Government. At the end of our term, some three years after the Olympic Games before 125 projects were either under way or they can get a job. Five years! How can completed. someone who is 18 or 19 afford to wait five Look at what was achieved in relation to years? What we want to see is some action putting extra police on the beat and the now. We do not want more consultation, additional jails that were going to be built meetings, seminars, talkfests and the whole around the State, creating jobs. Look at the lift lot of it. What we want are jobs, and what we in education under Leading Schools, whereby want is action. communities, towns and districts could be a We were an achieving Government. We part of their schools and could have input and are used to doing things and making things 1370 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 happen. That is what we would like to see in a The article goes on to say— Government in Queensland. In creating those "However, Mr Hamill said yesterday 91,000 new jobs, we increased capital that a 21.5% jump in exports suggested spending by 50%. That was one of the the Queensland economy was well placed catalysts to making things happen in this State to absorb any negative impact from Asia. and creating new jobs. We also created the best possible business environment for the 'The March quarter Queensland creation of new jobs through responsible State Accounts showed only a slight economic management and practical support moderation in the rate of economic for the business sector. Under the coalition, growth in the wake of the Asian economic Queensland gained a worldwide reputation as crisis,' Mr Hamill said." a pro-business State and as an investment The fireproofing and protection of the destination in which global companies could economy by the previous Government, the have enormous confidence. Companies that exports and the trade that we put in place are demonstrated that confidence by moving or of such dimension that they can protect this expanding were Voxson, Mack Trucks, State from that problem. Boeing, Comalco, Shell Coal, DHL, Dascom, John Deere, Qantas, Filtronic Comtek and The Queensland coalition promoted a Silicon Graphics, to name just a few. They are significant presence in Asia through the Government trade and investment offices in real companies and real jobs. Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jakarta In Government, the coalition successfully and Semarang. Queensland exporters are protected Queensland from the upheaval in now supported also in China through the Asia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics for coalition Government's opening in 1996 of a April this year revealed a 20.6% jump in trade. trade and investment office in Shanghai. The Those latest figures confirm the exporting extension of the Government's international strength that Queensland developed under network has complemented our Brisbane- the coalition. Every month of the 1997-98 year based secretariats specialising in Japan, to April showed an increase in trade over the Korea, China, South-East Asia and Papua corresponding month in 1996-97. There was a New Guinea. The coalition's trade total 18.5% increase over the first 10 months diversification strategy has been a major of 1996-97. The coalition worked hard to driving force behind Queensland's strong fireproof and to protect the Queensland export performance. A key plank in that economy from the upheaval in Asia through strategy has been the expansion of trade and our demonstrated commitment to Asia and investment resources in Europe and North our innovative trade diversification strategy. America. Queensland's trade and investment However, through the actions of the Premier office in London was given a broader focus to and the Deputy Premier, we are already target markets in Europe through the seeing the Labor Government trying to put up appointment of associate business advisers in a smokescreen about the Asian crisis, France, Scandinavia, the Netherlands and because they are not confident that they will Germany. Industry sectors targeted in Europe achieve their jobs targets or match the included IT & T, light metals, food, education, performance of the previous coalition commodities and agribusiness. In the USA, Government in creating many thousands of Queensland opened a trade and investment jobs. office in Los Angeles, which is working to The Treasurer, Mr David Hamill, has put boost tourism numbers and film and television the record straight. On 23 July an article in a production investment. newspaper stated— A further key element in the coalition's "However, Treasurer Mr David Hamill trade diversification strategy was the targeting said the news was not all bad, with a of non-traditional markets such as central 1.8% growth in Queensland's economy in Europe, India, South America, South Africa the March quarter. and the Middle East. I note that one of the This compared with a 0.3% growth Deputy Premier's first announcements was rate for the rest of Australia." that he was going to target non-traditional markets. Obviously, he was reading from I thank him for his compliment and imprimatur information about the various projects and of the performance of the previous coalition programs that were put in place by the Government. The article continues— previous coalition Government. Coalition "According to the report, in the year efforts to diversify our trade markets have to March, the economy grew by 4.7% been rewarded. The latest ABS figures show compared to 3.3% nationally." that exports to the United States are up 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1371

27.1%. Exports to the United Kingdom are up Queensland had unfunded liabilities worth 20.6%. Exports to France are up 20.9%. $320m in Queensland's formerly great Exports to Italy are up 72%. The coalition was Workers Compensation Fund. When the the first Queensland Government to establish coalition took office, Queensland had a Health a Ministry of Economic Development and budget with a $120m problem consisting of Trade. The coalition concentrated on market unpaid accounts, $54m worth of budget development and many productive overruns, unfunded enterprise bargain relationships have been established with payments, unfunded workers compensation Governments and business leaders around payments and the $24m worth of debt left the world. The coalition Government behind by the previous Health Minister, Mr demonstrated an ability to open up new Elder. That was paid off at a rate of $8m per markets, find trade, make things happen and year. The final $8m payment is being made in generate confidence in Queensland. the Budget this year. The latest trade figures—plus the Queensland also had declining police $16 billion in major projects committed, numbers, hospital waiting lists that were planned and proposed for Queensland—offer blowing out and criminals being sent to jail as great hope for Queensland's future. a last resort. That was the legacy that we were Queensland is at a crucial stage in its left. We fixed the problems in just two short economic development. The achievements of years. The coalition moved quickly to promote the coalition Government should return even jobs growth through the introduction of greater dividends over the next three to five industrial relations reforms that encouraged years. Unfortunately and tragically, more flexible workplace arrangements to Queensland has a Labor Government, which, benefit both workers and employers and to on its past record, will ruin much of that great help create jobs. The coalition amended unfair work that has been done. The last thing that dismissal laws to ensure that everyone got a the people of Queensland need is a Labor fair go. Unfair dismissal laws are now fairer and Government that has a track record of simpler for employees and employers. That is completely mismanaging the economy and a of great assistance to small business in Premier who is responsible for multimillion- particular. By winding back industrial relations dollar debts in the Health Department and a laws in this State, the Labor Party wants to rob $1.2 billion blow-out in the Hospital Rebuilding Queensland's small businesses of the Program. As I have said before, the Premier, opportunity to grow and prosper. Mr Beattie, the member for Brisbane Central, Labor's draconian industrial relations should never be let near a chequebook. One policy will stifle small business and slash needs only to look at his previous record with hundreds of jobs that can be created by small the Health Department to see that, after only business. When the coalition came to office, seven months, he left that department with a the Workers Compensation Fund was budget overrun of $54m. Worse, he financially crippled, with spiralling common law endeavoured to cover up that $54m recurrent costs and an unfunded liability of $320m. budget overrun by transferring $43m of one- Clearly, a decisive overhaul was needed to off capital funds from the Hospital Rebuilding protect the rights of workers and employers. Program. The coalition introduced the reforms that gave Mr Johnson: All their capital works us one of the fairest and best-funded programs for hospitals—we put them on schemes anywhere in Australia. Once again, Budget after Budget for six years. Labor wants to wind back the clock and Mr HORAN: What happened? Under reverse all the good work done by the Labor they never happened. We put them on coalition. It would once again cripple that fund and did them. and drive up the cost of premiums with the result that people will lose their jobs and the As I was saying, the member for Brisbane opportunity to have employment. Central tried to take $43m of capital funds to cover up a deficit in recurrent funds. One of The Premier, Mr Beattie, has $1.7 billion the worst accountancy mistakes that you can in unfunded election promises. How is he make is to use capital funds to cover recurrent going to pay for them? He can do it only by expenses. If you do that, where will you find putting Queensland in debt, raising taxes and those recurrent funds in the next year? charges, cancelling important recurrent programs or cancelling important capital works Let us not forget that, under Labor, programs. That is the scenario that we are economic growth was 2% and unemployment going to see as Labor struggles to find this rose to 11.2% The record speaks for itself. $1.7 billion for its unfunded promises that just Under Labor, for the first time in a generation, simply is not there. Already, we have seen a 1372 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Labor Government that will destroy jobs by Government already back to its old ways of scrapping major projects in rural and regional ripping jobs and services out of the bush and Queensland. The $2.1 billion worth of dam not supporting regional and rural building projects, some of the most important development. projects for this State, including the proposed Of course, we also saw the scrapping of $120m Nathan dam project on the Dawson the $210m Briztram project just to appease River, are now all under threat by another the member for South Brisbane. How Labor review. The State Development convenient that would have been for all of Minister, Jim Elder, has indicated that the new those students who wanted to use the Labor Government does not support the footbridge or the tram bridge to get across to expansion of the Callide power station or the the University of Queensland. What a Tarong power project. What about the jobs of difference it would have meant to the people those people in Biloela, Nanango, Kingaroy, or of West End. I wonder how they feel. In the around Wandoan or Miles where there are process, $65m has been lost. other associated projects? What about the jobs of all of those people? Are they not real In the time left to me, I turn to what the people? Do their jobs not count? The minute coalition Government achieved in Health and, Mr Beattie came to Government, he sold them once again, put that on the record. In out. summary, the coalition took a Health Department that was devastated by six years Mr ELDER: I rise to a point of order. I find of Labor neglect and incompetence and the remarks unparliamentary and I ask for dreadful morale, turned it around and made it them to be withdrawn. They are not true. I a professional outfit that was confident in what have not said that. I ask them to be it could do. It was a Health Department that withdrawn. could work within its budget, treat thousands Mr SPEAKER: The member will withdraw more people, turn around the waiting times for those remarks. urgent and semi-urgent elective surgery from the worst in Australia to the best, and set Mr HORAN: Whatever the Minister finds difficult targets—something that the Labor offensive, I withdraw. Basically, he is debating Party will not do—and achieve those targets. the point, but I will withdraw whatever it is that We reached targets in immunisation and he wants withdrawn. targets in breast screening. What was The point I am making is that the Minister achieved in Health was typical of what was has indicated already that he is going to turn achieved in all the other departments of the his back on Tarong and Callide. The jobs of Queensland coalition Government. those people in Biloela, Nanango, Yarraman, We were an achieving Government which Blackbutt and Kingaroy are all at risk. Those in two years delivered some of the greatest people have had their first taste of a Labor benefits that this State has ever seen and Government that is prepared to put at risk the certainly will not see under a Labor jobs of people in rural and regional Government. We are entering a period of Queensland—their families and their lives— great uncertainty as Labor comes in and tears where employment is at its worst. Labor has down things which were achieved under a already signalled its plan to axe the coalition's great coalition Government which made this a policy of building three 200-bed prisons in great State. locations in regional Queensland in favour of one 600-bed prison. Again, that decision could Hon. D. J. HAMILL (Ipswich—ALP) cost up to $54m in lost economic benefits to (Treasurer) (12.04 p.m.): Labor in Queensland regional Queensland cities and hundreds of has an enviable record of sound financial jobs. Are they not the people about whom we management. This Government is committed are talking who desperately need jobs? Have to maintaining the high standards of financial a look at the figures! The unemployment management that were achieved by the Goss figure for the State might be around the mid Labor Government, which delivered State 8% level, but the people in some of those Budgets in surplus on six consecutive regional areas where there is high occasions. I might add that it was also the unemployment desperately need some form Goss Labor Government that delivered of anchor or foundation to provide them with Queensland's zero net debt position. additional employment. That is what these Labor will uphold its reputation as three prisons would have done for those areas Queensland's most responsible economic of high unemployment. Once again, Labor manager. Notwithstanding a somewhat has turned its back on the people of regional uncertain economic climate in which the rest of and rural Queensland. So we see the Labor the world is also looking at the implications for 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1373 the world economy arising from issues in the sorts of transactions to which the Treasury Japan and other east Asian economies and was referring? They were the $850m which notwithstanding the structural problems that was taken out of the electricity industry we inherited from the coalition's flawed 1998- through the debt for equity swap last year and, 99 Budget framework, this Labor Government of course, the sell-down of Suncorp-Metway to will deliver on its commitments. pump up expenditure commitments in the In May, the coalition presented a proposal Budget. Treasury warned that that was for a Budget. It was cynically drafted to unsustainable in an ongoing fashion. It mislead Queensland taxpayers and avoid warned further that, therefore, there will be a parliamentary scrutiny of a variety of unfunded deteriorating Budget position in the out years coalition promises. Indeed, the very timing of when those one-off transactions ran out. the Budget was clearly designed to circumvent This is the same coalition that in the last any scrutiny of this cobbled-together couple of weeks has tried to make political document, particularly as the election was held mileage out of the $34m blow-out in the Fire so quickly afterwards. In its Budget framework, and Rescue Authority budget—the same the coalition left $725m in capital infrastructure coalition whose leader and his colleagues commitments unfunded, including the Roma were advised over a year ago about the blow- Street parklands, the Pacific Motorway and the out but did nothing about it. Not only did they cultural heritage centre, not to mention its take no action; they also attempted to conceal failure to provide adequate dollars for service the advice from the Queensland public. In delivery. March this year when the then Opposition It was very interesting to listen to the Leader, the honourable member for Brisbane honourable member for Toowoomba South Central, attempted to inquire about the who spoke in the debate just a few moments difficulties facing the Fire and Rescue Authority ago. As Minister for Health, the honourable and seek information as to whether new taxes member for Toowoomba South tried to outdo and charges were being required to fill the Jim Hacker of Yes, Minister fame. It was in gap, the then Treasurer, the honourable Yes, Minister that Jim Hacker had the perfect member for Caloundra, said— hospital. That was one without patients: no "There is no such tax, levy or any patients, no complaints. However, the former other thing that one might want to call it Minister for Health who sits opposite tried to go even being contemplated." one better. In relation to the hospitals for The members opposite are silent. Why should Robina and Noosa, he decided that it would they not be silent, because their track record be much better to have hospitals without staff on the Fire and Rescue Authority is surely an and patients. That way he did not have any embarrassment to each and every one of industrial relations issues either. In other them. words, he came up with the perfect hospitals. According to Mr Horan, the perfect hospitals Labor in Government and in Opposition were hospitals without operating budgets. took a very responsible approach to economic management. We undertook through KPMG a That is the same coalition that now seeks rigorous costing process to ensure that our to besmirch this Labor Government's election policies remained fully costed and fully economic responsibility. On 19 March 1996 in funded within the existing budgetary Brisbane, the then newly appointed Treasurer, framework. That costings document, which Mrs Sheldon, addressed the Conservative was approved by KPMG and provided to the Club outlining the then coalition Government's member for Nicklin and to other interested approach to financial management. She used parties, explicitly stated a number of the occasion to attack the former Labor assumptions. There are two important Government's Budget for relying on one-off assumptions in that document which need to sources of funding totalling $137m. There will be recognised. One of the assumptions was— always be one-off sources of funding in a "The projections are prepared on a Budget. However, the same coalition no policy change basis with the exception Treasurer brought down Budgets in which, to of the specific initiatives that Labor has quote Queensland Treasury—the same identified." organisation that this morning was so praised by the Leader of the Opposition—the coalition The other key assumption was—honourable Government's financial position was held members should listen to this, because it is together through one-off transactions. More very important—that the existing programs of importantly, in its advice the Treasury said that the coalition Government, both capital and that strategy was unsustainable. What were recurrent, were fully funded. 1374 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

We were very much aware that we had to disadvantaged. All States and Territories have treat the coalition Budget with caution, suffered under the arrangements. This is because for two years we had witnessed the largely associated with changes in the timing former Government attempting to sweep of taxpayers' liabilities and the transition from unfunded promises and black holes under the the business franchise fee regime to the rug while evading the appropriate scrutiny of safety net arrangements. Parliament. I say here and now to each and In addition to all of those losses, the then every member of the Parliament that this Borbidge Government allowed Queensland to Government will not play political games over incur losses of some $69.3m as a result of fuel economic management, as the coalition did, subsidy payments far exceeding Queensland's and we will not shirk the responsible decisions fuel safety net receipts. That $69.3m in fuel that good Governments are required to make. losses in 1997-98 was managed in a Within weeks of our taking office our budgetary sense by a drawdown on commitment to prudent economic departmental carryover funds. management was demonstrated by our Mr Johnson: That is not right. decision to return the compulsory third-party insurance scheme to full actuarial funding. Mr HAMILL: It is right, and the Despite receiving advice in February this year honourable member knows it. As these funds from the Motor Accident Insurance will be required by departments this year, that Commissioner, the previous Government did drawdown represented only a temporary nothing to address the unfunded position of solution to the problem. Beyond this, there is the compulsory third-party insurance scheme. an ongoing loss for Queensland of around In fact, had the then Government acted on $60m per annum. That represents a the advice it received, there would have been contribution by Queensland taxpayers of $5m a $13 increase in CTP premiums on 1 July. a month to fund the "dumb deal" that was Nothing happened, and the increase had to done between Messrs Borbidge, Costello, be made $16 just to get the fund back on Howard and, of course, Mrs Sheldon, the balance. We do not resile from that because former Treasurer. That is just an intolerable we have a firm commitment to ensure that the situation. unfunded and contingent liabilities of What is more, the Commonwealth Government are fully funded under a Labor promised that there would be a review of Government. these arrangements within six months to fix up On the subject of the position of any problems that may have occurred. At the Queensland motorists, I am sure all March Premiers Conference, the former honourable members and Queensland Government and the other State taxpayers would be interested in the done Governments just charged out, so that deal—or should I say the "dumb deal"—that particular issue was not addressed. It has was done between the coalition Government come to my attention that the Commonwealth in Brisbane and the coalition Government in may now be intending to welsh on its Canberra over fuel excise. undertakings to the former coalition On 5 August last year, the High Court Government of Queensland. That is why I handed down a decision that effectively have written to the Federal Treasurer, the invalidated State franchise fees on tobacco Honourable Peter Costello, seeking his urgent and liquor and, in the other States, fuel. At the advice and his reaffirmation of the request of the States and Territories, the Commonwealth's commitments. Commonwealth implemented safety net The important point is that the $60m cost measures by increasing excise duties on to Queensland taxpayers in revenue forgone tobacco and petroleum and wholesale sales is actually revenue that was included in the tax on liquor, with additional revenue revenue Forward Estimates of the coalition generated to be returned to the States and Budget—and that is a fact. We need a Territories, and by introducing into Queensland reaffirmation from Treasurer Costello that a 100% windfall gain tax on refunds paid prior Queensland will be fully compensated under to 5 August 1997. the agreement as he and the former coalition In the press release dated 13 October Government in Queensland promised. 1997 announcing this arrangement between I note that the member for Caloundra is Mr Borbidge, Mrs Sheldon and Mr Howard, it leaving the Chamber. Before she goes, she was stated by the Prime Minister that the might like to reflect upon something else she safety net arrangement was such that no told the Conservative Club lunch in 1996. She State or Territory was financially advantaged or criticised the former Goss Government over 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1375 the level of budgetary carryovers. Mrs Sheldon $562.5m, or 4.2% of total Consolidated Fund said— outlays. "The Coalition will make sure the On the capital side of the Consolidated entire capital works budget each year is in Fund budget, the coalition's lack of fact spent ..." performance last year was second only to its Again, the record tells a very different story capital works freeze, which it delivered to the indeed. I table for the information of all Queensland economy upon taking office in honourable members details of Consolidated 1996. Of the Consolidated Fund allocations for Fund outlays and carryovers. I seek leave to capital works, more than 10% were not have the table incorporated in Hansard for the delivered by the coalition Government in its information of all members. last year in office. That is a shameful performance because jobs, services and Leave granted. facilities have not been delivered to the people Queensland Consolidated Fund Outlays and of Queensland. Carryovers The lacklustre performance of the Year Recurrent Recurrent Recurrent coalition was simply not good enough and the Outlays Carryover Carryover Beattie Government will put its money where ($M) ($M) as % of its mouth is. We will outperform the coalition in Outlays the area of capital works. We are determined 1991-92 7,972.4 101.7 1.3% to do so. Certainly there will be no capital 1992-93 8,163 157.1 1.9% works freeze under Labor. There has not been 1993-94 8,618.4 182.7 2.1% and there will not be. 1994-95 9,212.1 261.9 2.8% I make another point arising out of those 1995-96 10,153.7 261.9 2.6% figures. Under the coalition we saw the 1996-97 11,532.6 402.5 3.5% continued ramping up of the capital works 1997-98 11,970.8 504.9 4.2% budget but in a deceitful way. Even though Year Capital Capital Capital coalition members came into this House and Outlays Carryover Carryover talked about capital programs of $4.5 billion ($M) ($M) as % of and $4.8 billion, the then Government was Outlays never able to get capital expenditure up to $4 billion. What is the good of coalition members 1991-92 1,023.8 62.4 6.1% running around the State saying, "We are 1992-93 1,422.0 59.5 4.2% spending $4.5 billion in capital works", or $5 1993-94 1,397.4 128.4 9.2% billion in capital works—we could even say $7 1994-95 1,563.5 154.8 9.9% billion or $8 billion in capital works—when they 1995-96 1,493.3 178.5 12.0% know and we know that the then Government 1996-97 1,955.0 160.0 8.2% was not able to spend even $4 billion in capital 1997-98 2,275.6 231.5 10.2% works? I think it is time for the deceit to end. I Year Total Total Total think it is time we went back to a basis of Outlays Carryover Carryover honesty and integrity. As a Government, we ($M) ($M) as % of pledged ourselves to delivering on capital Outlays works. We will increase the effort on capital 1991-92 8,996.2 164.1 1.8% works, but we are not going to do as the 1992-93 9,585.0 216.6 2.3% coalition did and try to con people into 1993-94 10,015.8 311.1 3.1% believing that works are happening when in 1994-95 10,775.6 416.7 3.9% fact works are not happening. 1995-96 11,647.0 440.4 3.8% Last week I spent considerable time 1996-97 13,487.6 562.5 4.2% speaking with representatives of the financial 1997-98 14,246.4 736.4 5.2% markets in Sydney and Melbourne to explain Mr HAMILL: The table shows a very sorry Labor's fiscal framework and economic state of affairs indeed. It shows that, for the policies. In the light of the election it is fair to 1997-98 year—these are figures that have just say that the financial markets have viewed been produced by Treasury—5% of all Queensland with some concern. In particular, Consolidated Fund expenditure could not be some of the economic policies being peddled delivered last financial year by the coalition by some of the parties before the election Government. That 5.2% of non-delivery of raised real questions in the minds of those in outlays is a new record. The total carryover the financial markets. That perception of was actually $736.4m. The carryover in the uncertainty resulted in the value of previous year of the coalition Government was Queensland Treasury Corporation bills falling 1376 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 by five basis points, which directly affects the what sort of support parties had in the cost of Queensland Government borrowings. Parliament. I remind the Leader of the That decline in the value of our bills effectively Opposition that he speaks for about one in eliminated our advantage over New South seven Queenslanders. At the recent election Wales. Had the markets continued to view the National Party vote plummeted to around Queensland in that way, it would have cost the 15%. The Liberal vote was not much better. I State an additional $8m to $9m per year to remind the official Opposition in this place that undertake the responsible borrowings needed collectively they represent fewer than one in to fund our economic growth. three Queenslanders. How shameful it was to I am pleased to advise that, following our have the Leader of the Opposition trying to message of economic certainty and fiscal suggest that this Government does not have a responsibility being delivered, the markets mandate to deliver on its commitments, to have responded very favourably indeed. By deliver on jobs and on sound financial the end of last week, QTC bills had recovered management. to a two to three point advantage over the bills The undertaking that the Premier gave of other States. We will increase that the honourable member for Nicklin in his letter advantage further as we get our message into of 25 June was an undertaking that we would the international arena. The Beattie provide sound fiscal management for Government will continue to press home this Queensland. The principles that I read message to the benefit of Queensland and out—the principles that I extolled to the Queenslanders. financial markets—embody that commitment. The following are the principles within And we will go further. I will be proposing a which we will frame our September Budget. charter of fiscal and social responsibility that Firstly, we will deliver and we will maintain will encapsulate those principles, along with a Queensland's competitive tax environment. strict regime of financial accountability and We have a low-tax status, and we will ensure reporting, to further protect the State's position that our taxes, charges and so on remain and to ensure that Queensland, under Labor, below the average of the other States. maintains its reputation as Australia's best run Secondly, we will fully fund employee regional economy—the powerhouse of growth entitlements and the other contingent liabilities in Australia. of Government. That is what we did with Mr SPEAKER: Order! Before calling the compulsory third-party insurance, and the next member, I remind members that this is markets recognised that. However, we will also the member's first speech in this place. I ask deliver in relation to workers compensation that honourable members afford him the and public service superannuation. courtesy of the House. I call the honourable Thirdly, in relation to borrowings the member for Caboolture. Government will ensure that borrowings—and, Mr FELDMAN (Caboolture—ONP) (Leader I might say, the financial arrangements of the One Nation Party) (12.24 p.m.): We are equivalent to borrowings—are restricted to here today to talk about confidence. In those bodies, projects and activities that can October 1996, a distinguished QC and an service those obligations from their revenue equally distinguished barrister-at-law released streams. Fourthly, we will maintain an overall a detailed 219 page report into allegations of State Government surplus not only in the high-level corruption in Queensland which Consolidated Fund but also in GFS terms. happened in the post-Fitzgerald era. In their Fifthly, and very importantly as we move to conclusion, the eminent gentlemen called for accrual output budgeting, we will at least a public inquiry in the national interest to maintain, and seek to increase, total State net investigate the serious allegations raised by a worth. Mr Kevin Lindeberg. The Beattie Labor Government has The report was the professional work of committed itself to fiscal policy principles that Mr Anthony Morris, QC, and Mr Edward will ensure that Queensland's financial position Howard, barrister-at-law. This is also the report remains among the best of any provincial that has been pigeonholed by previous Government in the world. Those principles are Governments and, until the Premier comes bona fide proof of the Government's respect clean on his intentions, it may very well be for the importance of sound fiscal pigeonholed by this Government as well. And management as the cornerstone on which at whom is this report directed? It is directed at good government can be built. former Ministers of the Crown, five of whom This morning we heard a lot from the presently sit on the Government benches. Leader of the Opposition about mandates and Shame, shame and shame! 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1377

It is the belief of many eminent people This is a matter of great importance, that those five members should not be sitting because today we are speaking to a motion of in this House because they have disqualified confidence in the Beattie Government, and his themselves by being directly—I repeat attitude to Shreddergate is one major issue "directly"—involved in what has become upon which we can judge whether confidence known as Shreddergate. Shreddergate is that or non-confidence is warranted. This is also a notorious decision by Ministers of the Crown in matter of accountability. One Nation wants to the Goss Labor Government to shred see whether the Premier is truly accountable evidence required for trial and, in doing so, to to the Queensland people for actions, rightly deprive people before the courts of natural or wrongly, committed by members now sitting justice, to indirectly—I repeat "indirectly"— on the Government benches and, in today's cover up child abuse in Government case, including five of those members who institutions and to pervert the course of justice were Ministers in the 1990 Goss Cabinet. in Queensland. The whole affair stinks to high Shreddergate has contaminated every heaven and cries out for resolution, restitution arm of Government and set tongues wagging and for justice to be done. in every corner of the Public Service, and since The Premier, who has recently taken a exposed by the Courier-Mail set most high moral position in relation to this Queenslanders' tongues wagging in anger Parliament and its operation, now holds a and disbelief. Shreddergate is a cancer of position from which he can clean up this systemic corruption that dates back to 5 March stinking mess and show that he is a man of 1990. It was then that the Government principle and high moral fibre, as well as one embarked upon one of the most extraordinary of word and wind. We come here with no initiatives in Australian political history: to allegiance to either side of the House. We knowingly shred public records to stop their come here as One Nation to assist the use in known court proceedings and to cover member for Nicklin to decide on this motion of up suspected child abuse at the John Oxley confidence. I move the following amendment Youth Detention Centre. There is hardly a to the motion by adding after the Opposition's more serious breach of public trust in the amendment— recent history of public administration. "Furthermore to remove the cloud of This House would like to hear from the uncertainty and the taint of possible five members involved in that notorious illegality hanging over the heads of Cabinet action. They all sat around the current Government Ministers, being the Cabinet table and decided to shred evidence. Honourable Terence Mackenroth, the The other 13 members have seen the light Honourable David Hamill, the Honourable and have since departed from this House. Robert Gibbs, the Honourable Paul One Nation is resolved that this House will not Braddy and the Honourable Dean Wells, tolerate such action so incompatible with the arising from the findings of the report to high standards that the Premier seeks for this the Honourable the Premier of Parliament. Queensland and the Queensland Cabinet Shreddergate involved a fundamental of an investigation into allegations by Mr question of whether Executive Government is Kevin Lindeberg, under the terms of beyond the law—the same law to which we reference granted on 7 May 1996 by are all accountable. If Executive Government State Cabinet to Mr Morris, QC, and Mr is beyond the law, then our notion of equality Howard of counsel by— before the law is now history and absurd—and The Premier in his capacity as down the drain with such rights under the leader of the party in power when the great Bill of Rights as the right to own and Goss Cabinet of the same party met carry firearms. on 5 March 1990, and authorised the Shreddergate also involves the proper shredding of the Heiner documents, and impartial protection of records. One must immediately— question the part played in this affair by our authorising the release of all super watchdog, the Criminal Justice relevant Cabinet papers and Commission. We are told that not once since documents pertaining to such 1990 has the CJC spoken to the key witness destruction (the privilege at the State Archives. The Australian Society documents); and of Archivists has gone public to reject totally tabling those documents the CJC's position, and with good cause. The immediately with the Speaker of Australian Society of Archivists has no axe to Parliament." grind; it seeks only to uphold the professional 1378 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 reputation of its members. I ask: can we in this known. Only the tabling of the 5 March 1990 Chamber do differently? That is a serious Cabinet papers and associated documents will question. Can we in this Chamber do assist in cleaning up the mess and return differently? good Government to Queensland. One Nation One Nation seldom agrees with the does not like and will not support the carrying Australian Democrats, but apparently we are in of bad baggage for the sake of the guilty accord where Shreddergate is concerned. ones. Senator Woodley told the Commonwealth The Constitution Act of 1867 deals with Senate in May 1997 that Shreddergate the powers and privileges of Parliament. threatened our Government's accountability Section 41, in particular, says— and democracy and the administration of "The Legislative Assembly of the said justice. This is what he said, and I commend it State and any committee of such House to the House— duly authorised by the House to send for "The issue at stake is essentially a persons and papers may order any simple one, but one of great importance. person to attend before the House or If the Crown or the State, through its before such committee as the case may statutory keeper of public records, cannot be and also to produce to such House or be relied on to impartially and committee any paper, book, record or independently protect public records from other document in the possession or destruction when those records are known power of such person." to be required or foreshadowed in court The do nothing attitude will simply mean proceedings or when it is known that they business as usual. It might also suggest that are the subject of a legally enforceable the Premier does not acknowledge the gravity access statute, the due administration of justice is gravely imperilled." of Shreddergate and its implications. Let me advance a few examples to illustrate its According to the evidence, the State Archivist gravity. could have broken the chain of systemic corruption as early as May 1990. By remaining Let us consider the Crown law office. It silent, the Archivist became party to the cover- gives Government advice on countless up and the shredding of child abuse evidence. matters of vital importance. The evidence We have fresh evidence that the Archivist also would indicate that Crown law assisted in the allowed child abuse evidence to be shredded. obstruction of justice in Shreddergate. It Senator Woodley has underlined this ongoing appears to have bowed deeply to the unlawful situation. One Nation cannot and will not wishes of Cabinet in the destruction of tolerate such a situation. We would urge other documents, knowing that they were evidence members not to tolerate such an on-going for imminent court proceedings. situation, either. A dark cloud hangs over Crown law The Government cannot hide behind the because it just cannot offer Government CJC. It cannot claim that the CJC has advice on this matter because it has a vested investigated Shreddergate thoroughly or interest in the outcome. Every member of this impartially. A smokescreen will no longer fool House must know that, if Crown law advice is anybody. It certainly will not fool any One correct, that advice will be followed. Crown law Nation member of this Parliament. Indeed, the must acknowledge the rights of citizens and CJC's handling of the Lindeberg allegations not just the wants of Executive Government. A must also be scrutinised. Why? Because its dark cloud hangs over Crown law that can be approach to this affair has been scandalous! cleared only by the presentation of the The performance of senior CJC officers has relevant Cabinet documents. been a travesty of justice. The CJC must We call on the Premier to remove the account for its performance. It must also be stench about Crown law because of accountable. It must account for its Shreddergate by acting quickly to clear up the performance in an open forum. mess. The scandal also touches the police, One Nation's attitude towards the CJC is the Audit Office, the Office of the Information this: we cannot and will not accept its Commissioner, the Director of Public continuing existence if it cannot guarantee Prosecutions and others. We call for the that it will act with honesty, integrity and Cabinet documents because the system impartiality in all cases, no matter what the cannot be trusted any more. The situation is political consequences might be. incredible, totally incredible! Shreddergate clearly puts the CJC in the dock. The Office of Public Prosecutions looked The jury will stay out until all the facts are at the Morris/Howard report and concluded 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1379 that it was not in the public interest to pursue speech in this place and I ask that he be the matter. We might well ask, "Whose public afforded the courtesies of the House. interest?" It certainly was not in the interest of Mr NELSON (Tablelands—ONP) the public that we know—the 438,000 or so (12.40 p.m.): Isn't it good to see that this electors who voted for us. At the same time, House is upholding that tradition already! I am the same office pursued a railway worker for ashamed to be here because of the actions of allegedly taking home shampoo samples and those on my left. soaps, and it did so in the public interest. Shame, shame and shame! That case went Mr Speaker, I second the amendment to back 20 years and was thrown out of court the motion of confidence put forward by the because the worker had come by the articles member for Caboolture and I commend him legally. There is a huge credibility gap in the for his tireless work on behalf of the people of administration of justice in Queensland. Caboolture and all Queenslanders. The Police Service's loss is our gain. A motion of Premier Beattie was one of those who confidence is something that cannot be taken protested against our soldiers being in lightly or for granted. One Nation is very Vietnam and gave encouragement to serious about its charter of accountability. communist aggression in that once free country. He probably berated President Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable Lyndon B. Johnson and chanted a pro- member needs to second the amendment. communist dirge such as, "LBJ, how many Mr NELSON: I did. kids did you kill today?" In view of Shreddergate, Queenslanders today would be Let me assure this Chamber, the quite in style to berate Premier Peter D. business community, the media and all Beattie by chanting a similar slogan such as, Queenslanders that One Nation has "PDB, how many abuses did you devise considered this matter of confidence very, very today?" carefully, taking into account all relevant factors. One Nation cannot and will not tolerate such corruption. We must send the right One Nation will move an amendment to message to voters. We must assure the voters the motion of confidence for many reasons. that evidence held by Government for The people of Queensland demand a great important court trials will not be shredded or many things from their members of destroyed. We must send a message that Parliament. Honesty, integrity and the ability to evidence in child abuse cases will be protected admit to error and make amends are just a and saved. We must send a message that few. Our confidence in the Government would individuals and businesses seeking legal depend, of course, on its ability to provide us redress from the State can be assured that with the information that justice demands. I important evidence will be preserved. We must ask honourable members: why hide if there is send a message that taxpayers' money will nothing to hide from? Should the elected never be used to bribe or to buy silence. We Government of this great State shrink from must send a message that law enforcement questions that have been asked for the last agencies operate on one standard alone—the nine years, or should it provide these best standard. We must send a message that documents as, in the name of fairness, all this Parliament cares about truth and justice. Queenslanders would demand? Should we finally clear the air? How many people from We call on every member of this House to different walks of life are affected by this think hard and seriously about the implications shameful state of affairs—public servants, of Shreddergate. Let us put behind us all the prison officers, unionists, the members of our attempts to avoid, bury, dodge and justify own Police service? Shreddergate reaches corruption. We have had too much of that in into every facet of Queensland public life. It is the past. Let us look ahead to a brighter and often said, "Evil can only exist when good cleaner future where corruption such as people do nothing." Shreddergate will just be a memory. We urge this House to support the amendment to the I say: let all the good members of this motion in order to root out the villains in public Assembly do something to address this office and wipe away the tears of those festering sore that continues to besmirch the afflicted and victimised by a system gone good name of this great State. We cannot mad. engage in the luxury of cooling off or take the tranquillising drugs of gradualism. A Government members interjected. Government must be transparent. The people Mr SPEAKER: Order! I inform members of Queensland have just cause to believe that that this is the member for Tablelands' first successive Governments have been far from 1380 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 transparent. The Heiner documents we ask for members taking up their offices for the first are an obvious example of Government non- time. The complaint about the shredding has compliance. The Premier has stated in part— been with the CJC since late 1990. The CJC is "The principle of Cabinet the so-called impartial super watchdog confidentiality is a cornerstone of good organisation and, according to the records, it government in the Westminster tradition. has never—not once—spoken to the State No good cause has been made for Archivist. I ask: why not when she is a key compromising that principle." witness? The CJC, the Government's champion of justice in this great State, has so I ask all honourable members: is it not good misrepresented and twisted the role of the enough that members of the public demand State Archivist for its own purposes to reach a the right to information? Is it not traditional in finding of no official misconduct in the Westminster to afford the public rights to shredding that the impartial and respected information whenever possible? It is not also Australian Society of Archivists has been traditional in Westminster for a Minister to forced to come out publicly and totally reject stand down from his post when that Minister is the CJC's position. The CJC's under suspicion? I ask again: if there is misrepresentation of the Archivist's role has nothing to hide from, then why hide? enraged the world community of archivists If One Nation stands for anything, it and, may I add, with good cause. It is stands for equality before the law and respect madness to suggest that a State Archivist for the laws of this State and everything that anywhere, let alone in the great State of flows from those principles. One Nation does Queensland, can lawfully approve the not have confidence in the Beattie destruction of public records, especially when Government to govern this State by our she knows that they are required for court, that standards and by the standards set by the they are the subject of an access statute, or Premier himself. The Premier has presented to that they contain evidence of suspected child this House a Government that carries within its abuse. It puts her above the courts and it ranks a terminal cancer of systemic corruption. makes her a danger to the due administration It dates back to 5 March 1990 when the Goss of justice. Government embarked on one of the most This great State is now a pariah State in extraordinary and unprecedented acts in how it manages its public records. That is Australian political history when it decided to totally unacceptable. On hard evidence, we knowingly shred public documents. It did this have a rogue Archivist on our hands and no- to prevent their use in known impending court one in authority, until now, seems to give a proceedings. It also did this to prevent the damn. We do! This is something that One exposure of suspected child abuse that Nation cannot and will not tolerate. The existed at the John Oxley Youth Detention Australian Society of Archivists does not have Centre at the time. a political axe to grind. It is not anyone's tool in I personally find this abhorrent. I cannot this affair. I must say that it is no-one's fool, reconcile this stance with any decent or well- either. It seeks no political advantage, it is meaning Government directive. Surely it is entirely independent and it speaks with hard to imagine a more serious breach of absolute authority in its field. It seeks merely to public trust. In Shreddergate can be found all uphold its profession's important role in a the ingredients upon which a democratic democratic society. We in this Chamber can society is based. One Nation has, over the last do no less. few months, been a bastion of democracy, According to the evidence, had the standing up against continuous attack by a Archivist done her job properly and impartially, hateful and violent fanatical Left intent on the she could have broken this chain of systemic destruction of our collective freedom. Here corruption as early as May 1990. But she did again One Nation must defend the democratic not. She remained silent and became party to rights that we all hold to be fundamental to the cover-up. She is still allowing her statutory good government: equality before the law, role to be critically misrepresented by the CJC respect for the law, and the question of without one murmur of public protest, whilst on whether Executive Government is beyond the the Internet she allows her State Archives work reach of the law. All these principles are colleagues to condemn the CJC's position on brought into question by Shreddergate. their archivists' mail service line. If it were not Another principle corroded in so serious we would consider it a sick joke. Shreddergate is the proper and impartial One Nation cannot and will not tolerate an protection of public records—something ongoing situation such as that set out by experienced first-hand by One Nation Senator Woodley. The fresh evidence that the 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1381

Archivist also allowed evidence of suspected administration the stench of this festering sore child abuse to be shredded only heightens our that is Shreddergate. concerns. How the office of the Director of Public The Beattie Government cannot hide Prosecutions could have suggested, after behind any claim that the CJC has reading the Morris/Howard report, that it was investigated the shredding thoroughly and not in the public interest to pursue this matter impartially. To do so would amount to an is beyond me. I am in shock. If the Premier attack on the intelligence of the honourable does nothing and continues to avoid facing up members of this Assembly. The Heiner inquiry to this systemic corruption inherited from the was no spat between public servants. The Goss regime while allowing the fatal five to CJC's handling of this affair is quite stay at his Cabinet table, we will be entitled to scandalous. It now admits that it has never ask what further abuses he is planning in the accessed all the available evidence. However, secrecy of the Cabinet room to save his old it still has the audacity and the gall to pretend Labor mates, in particular the fatal five, from that its findings have substance. The facing up to the legal and political performance of senior CJC officers has been a consequences of their decision and the knock- travesty of justice. The CJC's independence on effects associated with the unlawful and impartiality are in the balance. One Nation shredding, and the Premier will have failed his wants the CJC to account for its performance first real test of leadership. I can assure him in an open forum. And if abuse of office has that history will not forget. occurred, then let the full rigour and rage of One Nation will pursue this issue. We will the law fall upon the perpetrators where it is pursue it down every burrow and at every needed. opportunity in this Parliament, the Federal I ask again: if there is nothing to hide Parliament and in forums throughout the State from, then why hide? One Nation cannot and and the rest of Australia. We will not tolerate will not accept the continuing existence of the this type of systemic corruption leeching on CJC if it cannot be guaranteed that it will act the body politic of this State just to save Labor with honesty and impartiality in all cases no Party hacks and to perpetuate the infectious matter what the political consequences may poison of corruption which lingers over the be. As far as One Nation is concerned, head of this great State. One Nation implores Shreddergate plainly puts the CJC's future in the honourable members of this House to the dock. support the further amendment to the motion of confidence. We cannot and will not ignore Let me also deal very quickly with the the seriousness of Shreddergate and its office of Crown law so that this Parliament continuing impact on the stable and clean understands the gravity of the shredding and government of this great State. Unless it is its implications. From the evidence it is quite addressed, this Parliament will be sending a clear that the office of Crown law assisted in message to the electorate, the business the obstruction of justice in Shreddergate. It community and the nation at large that was prepared to sit back and allow records to Governments in Queensland, whenever they be deliberately destroyed, knowing that it was come into possession of embarrassing or hot evidence for imminent court proceedings and public records that they know are required for knowing that it was the subject of an access impending court proceedings, will secretly statute; it was prepared to bow to the unlawful shred them. desires of the Cabinet to destroy the material. The citizens of this great State are entitled to We will be sending a message that public know that advice from Crown law is correct and records containing evidence of suspected that Cabinet will follow that advice once it abuse against children in lawful custody will knows what the law requires. Its advice must also be secretly shredded. We will be sending always recognise the rights of all citizens, not a message that even when our Governments only the desires of Executive Government and know that certain public records are the its agencies. subject of a claim of access by law, they will be secretly shredded. We will be sending a Other One Nation members will highlight message that any citizen or business the other serious questions associated with contemplating legal action against the State of this scandal, touching the police, the Queensland may have his or her course of Queensland Audit Office, the office of the justice obstructed by the Crown with impunity. Information Commissioner and others. I call on We will be sending a message that our the Premier, as a fellow Tablelander—if he is Governments are prepared to use taxpayers' serious about being a man of integrity—to money to buy the silence of public servants to finally clear from this Parliament and our public cover up corrupt practices. We will be sending 1382 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 a message that law enforcement agencies in the Labor Government, I stress that it is limited Queensland operate by double standards— to confidence motions, the Appropriation Bills one for Executive Government, allowing it to and a commitment that I will not abstain from get off the hook, and another for the rest of voting. However, I will not support the us. Government if there is evidence of gross We will be sending a message that trust fraud, misappropriation or like illegal activities. I in public office means absolutely nothing in render this pledge because I believe in my this great State. Even in post-Fitzgerald heart that it is in the best interests of the Queensland, justice cannot be seen to be people of Queensland. served. We will be sending a message that My decision to support the Labor public records can be shredded on the basis Government is not so much an endorsement of deliberately false and misleading of the Labor Party or of its policies, but more a information. And even when the deception is chance to secure for Queensland stable later discovered, our State Archivist is only too government and to give certainty to happy to cover up the deception perpetrated Queenslanders. The alternative to Labor was against herself and to cover up the offence. a National/Liberal coalition with, maybe, the We will be sending a message that this support of One Nation and my colleague Parliament does not care about integrity in Independent Liz Cunningham. My pro-Labor public office, that this Parliament does not decision was made after discussions with all of care about truth and justice. We will be the parties concerned and after much soul- sending a message that the Cabinet room in searching. I will leave it to history to judge Queensland has turned into a place where whether my decision was right or wrong. plans to obstruct justice can be hatched and Today I am overwhelmed with feelings of ordered at the expense of individuals' rights. pride, humility and gratitude and am greatly We will be sending a message that the office honoured to be here. It is the realisation of a of Crown law, pivotal in maintaining public faith dream that began approximately 20 years ago in the system of justice, can and will generate when I was studying law next door at the complaint advice for Executive Government to Queensland University of Technology. I used suit unlawful political objectives. to sit upstairs in the gallery, look down into this I ask the member for Nicklin to think long Chamber and wonder whether one day I and hard about what I have said in this would take my place in the Chamber. For Assembly today. I ask him to think about every helping to make that dream come true and aspect of Shreddergate. As a former bestowing on me this great honour, I thank policeman, councillor and solicitor, this most sincerely the people of Nicklin. I also should—no, this must—concern him. The facts thank my wife, Jenny, who was my campaign are here to back up my claims. The member director and chief supporter and without whom for Nicklin is now as much on notice of this I would not be standing here today. I want to unresolved case of systemic corruption as is assure my constituents and the people of anyone else. And should he attempt to avoid Queensland that I will do my very best to be it, bury it, dodge it or justify it, he may rest worthy of the honour that they have bestowed assured that it will inevitably engulf him, just as upon me and make them all proud of me as it has engulfed the Beattie Government. I call the member for Nicklin. While I am delighted on the member for Nicklin to defend the youth to have won my seat in Parliament, I am of this State from abuse, to defend the good conscious of the heavy burden of responsibility people of Nicklin and, ultimately, to defend the that comes with it. I give this unfailing citizens of this great State of Queensland. undertaking to the people of Queensland: I will Sitting suspended from 12.57 p.m. to consider every piece of legislation carefully 2.30 p.m. and take appropriate advice before I make any decision that will impact on their lives and Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the future prosperity. honourable member for Nicklin. I remind members that this is the member's first speech In the lead-up to today, I have been in this place. I ask honourable members to overwhelmed with messages and telephone extend him the courtesies of the House. calls of support from within this State of Queensland and throughout Australia. I had a Mr WELLINGTON (Nicklin—IND) very touching letter of thanks from Brisbane's (2.30 p.m.): Mr Speaker and honourable Chinese community and even a letter from a members, I most humbly seek your patience student in Japan. From the bottom of my and tolerance as I rise for the first time to heart, I sincerely thank all of those people for pledge my support for Premier Peter Beattie their best wishes. However, my decision and his Government. In pledging support for certainly did not please everyone. I will be 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1383 working very hard to convince those people Something must be done, and done that I did what I believed was in the best quickly, and I caution those honourable interests of Queensland. members who may be inclined to declare war To date, I am impressed with the manner on the Government to focus on the real in which Mr Beattie has gone about the task of enemy: unemployment. It is unemployment running the State. He has been out there that is destroying Queensland. The message working from day one—leading. I applaud his to us from the recent election is: stop attacking regional Cabinet meetings where he is getting each other and start finding ways to improve out there and listening to the people of the lot of the people we represent. There are Queensland. He appears to have a genuine tough times ahead. We will suffer a backlash desire to deliver those promised jobs and from the Asian crisis, but, if we are prepared improved services. I will be watching him with for it, we will survive it. We will not survive if we great interest. I wish him well in the days are so busy fighting each other that we lose ahead. There is no doubt that Mr Beattie took track of the real issue, that is, unemployment. on board matters that I raised with him at our We need to focus on delivering to first meeting. At that meeting I said that the Queenslanders the dignity that they so rightly bells were ringing for change and, if politicians deserve. We must learn from the past. We did not listen, they would signal the end of the must encourage and help small business and party political system in Queensland. We are clean industries. We must promote our at the crossroads. Throughout the State wonderful tourism destinations and give our Queenslanders are watching us as never farming sectors a fair go. Forget the "develop before. Television has turned the political at any cost then jet off to Spain to spend the scene into prime-time viewing and political loot" scenario and the white shoe brigade and scandal sells newspapers better than anything their brown paper bags—this State needs else. People are fed up with doing it tough. strong and steady growth that will drive its They believe that no-one gives a damn, economy and deliver those real jobs. particularly politicians. There are real problems Queensland has some of the best brains in out there, real poverty and real despair. There the country. We must harness their talents is a sense of alienation among many and put them to work for us so that they can Queenslanders who have delivered a serious provide us with the solutions that we need. No rebuke to both the major political parties at the more jobs for the boys—let us give the jobs to ballot box. When I was doorknocking in the those who can deliver the goods for Nicklin electorate, I discovered people who Queenslanders. were not just angry—they were very angry. The ballot box has proved what we all They said that they had been treated with should have known: there was a massive contempt by politicians at all levels. Many protest vote out there. It told us that politicians people I spoke to in the lead-up to that were out of touch and that they needed to get campaign had said that they had never even back to basics, get out in their electorates and spoken to a politician. I believe that never find out what it is like in the real world. The before in the history of government have voters of Queensland told us to lift our politicians been as despised as they are game—to play fair, play clean and do the right currently. thing. Only by behaving decently towards each The reasons are there for all to see. Many other and by concentrating on the game of our young people are growing up without instead of trying to score political points any prospects of a job, families are breaking against each other will we win back the respect up and many of our middle aged are being of Queenslanders. The slanging matches retrenched from jobs that they have held all of must stop. Honesty and integrity must replace their lives. Crime is escalating and many of our greed and arrogance. elderly live in fear behind locked doors. We are fortunate to live in the finest State Everywhere there is uncertainty and distrust. of Australia and in one of the last remaining The National Competition Policy has true democracies. And, because we are a contributed to the demise of our small towns democracy, I as an Independent could aspire and communities. A centralisation of services to political office. The reason that I ran as an has dealt them a death blow. Service Independent was that I was disillusioned with industries are vanishing. The station masters, the party system. I had been a member of the police officers, bank managers and National Party and the Liberal Party, but I postmasters are disappearing and with them decided that loyalty to my constituents—to my thousands of jobs. Most of the time, there is electorate—would come before loyalty to a nothing to replace them except social security political party. The punters said that I had no and despair. hope, yet I rolled the Speaker of Parliament 1384 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 who I think at the time had about a 13% plus their differences and worked for the common majority. I won Nicklin against the odds good. Let us unite and go to battle together to because I had a strong support base in make this great State of ours a better place for Nambour, Nicklin's heartland. As the local all. I thank members for their patience. councillor for more than four years, I had Honourable members: Hear, hear! provided a grassroots style of representation that involved massive community involvement, Mr COOPER (Crows Nest—NPA) including hand delivering my own newsletter to (2.43 p.m.): I acknowledge the previous my electorate on a regular basis. It was roads, speaker, the member for Nicklin, in his new rates and rubbish stuff. I knew very well what role. It is certainly going to be a difficult role for my electorate wanted and I did my jolly best to that member of Parliament. I do not think that provide it. My hard work paid off and I was members would disagree with a lot of the deeply grateful to the people of Nambour for things he said. However, everything depends giving me such a huge vote of confidence at on what happens in the next few weeks and the ballot box. Although I doorknocked the months. Most people who come into this place major settlements of Nicklin, the people at the for the first time come in with high ideals. I southern end did not know Wellington very believe that every parliamentarian—on this well, but they will. I make them this promise: I side of the Chamber or that side of the will become as familiar to those people in the Chamber—comes into this place with the right southern end of Nicklin as I am to the people ideals. If that were not the case, I doubt very of Nambour, the northern end of Nicklin. much that the people would have elected them in the first place and they would not be I believe strongly that people power is here. presently stifled by the party political system. For example, a politician tied to a party must So I pay a tribute to all parliamentary toe the party line no matter what the people in representatives. I certainly believe that on his or her electorate think. The only way that many occasions they have been persecuted. the people can show their disapproval is at the Quite often it is very difficult for members to ballot box. But there is a way that the party send out the decent, good message. So I system would be more acceptable to me and wish the member for Nicklin well. I have no that is if Parliament embraced citizen's initiated doubt that, today, he will send out his decent referendums. I am informed that this piece of message. I sincerely hope that that continues legislation was first introduced to this into the future. I wish the same for every other Parliament at the beginning of the century. It parliamentarian in this place. However, in the is perhaps appropriate that towards the end of same breath, I also say to members, "Do not the century this same legislation will be kid yourselves", because I know only too well presented to Parliament and, hopefully, will that there are people out there who are only become law. Citizen's initiated referendums too willing and ready to denigrate us and put have the capacity to deliver true democracy to us down. It is very hard for members to the people and, by supporting it, I believe that constantly pick themselves up when they are this Parliament will redeem itself with the constantly put down. I see members on this voters of Queensland. I will not speak further side of the Chamber and the other side of the on citizen's initiated referendums but Chamber nodding, because that is fact; that is foreshadow that they will be the subject of my reality. As I said, I wish the member for Nicklin first private member's Bill. well. I wish everyone in this Chamber well. This The recent election has been a serious is the 49th Parliament. Maybe it can do well. lesson for us all and one which we must learn Who knows? I believe that in this State there from in order to go forward. It is my sincere has been a sea change in politics and that we hope that in the coming term I will see hospital will see a sea change in Federal politics. I waiting lists slashed, police back on the believe that that has come from people in the streets, our economy stimulated and rural and regional areas of Queensland and thousands more real jobs created. In this way other parts of Australia. Who can blame them? Over the years, as the member for our weak and sick will be cared for properly, Nicklin said, to a certain extent people have our elderly will be able to feel safe in their been ignored. I believe that there are reasons homes, our young can look forward to a future for that, which we need to look at. and our battlers will be given some real hope. But we cannot achieve any of this unless we This is nothing new. It is not as though for are prepared to put our differences aside and the past 20-odd years people have been work together for the common good of feeling tops and good about everything. I Queensland. With this in mind, I make this could go back to the Whitlam era when appeal: during times of war, politicians buried changes were made in relation to moral 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1385 standards, family breakdown, discipline in the because then we could have done something home and discipline in schools. I believe that it about it. Back then, it was taken out of State started then. That is when I became a little politicians' hands because everyone signed off annoyed and a little frustrated. I also know on the NCP. Wayne Goss signed off on the that following Whitlam a fellow called Malcolm NCP with Paul Keating. Then along came our Fraser was elected to put it right. He had two lot and they ticked it off, too, and said, "What massive mandates to put it right and did a great idea." All of that came from Canberra. nothing. So I think that he can be If members opposite want to do something condemned, too. He brought discredit on a lot about Canberra, I will be with them—as long of representatives throughout the nation. I for as it is a few waves of B52s going over the one felt—— top. I think that the best thing that we can do Mr Borbidge: He knows how to fix is get rid of the place. Members would know everything now. that I was asked to run for Federal politics. I said, "Never do I want to go down there. I Mr COOPER: He knows how to fix it all never want to become like you lot." now. It is easy when one leaves politics; one becomes an instant expert. It is while one is in Mr Gibbs interjected. politics that one experiences difficulty and Mr COOPER: I think that the members wrestles with problems and issues. We have opposite should be mighty glad that I am been doing that and I believe that we will here. What has emanated from Canberra has continue to do that. I hope that we all do it taken control out of State politicians' hands, with the best of intentions. It has always been and that is a tragedy. As representatives, we the way that people would like things to like to represent people. That is what we are happen, but they should stick around for a here for. It does not matter whether it is the little while and see how the place operates. deregulation of the dairy industry or the pork Then we will see whether Parliament can work. industry, NCP comes into it. It does not matter Let us start off the new Parliament in the right who the Federal politician is, he or she says, way, as we always do, and let us see if we can "We cannot do that. That has been signed off make it happen. However, I say that the by Hilmer and, therefore, we cannot do change goes back to those days when anything." I am sick and tired of that. I believe Malcolm Fraser was going to put everything that every single person in this place would be right. He was going to restore moral and family sick and tired of that sort of thing. values; he was going to bring back discipline into the schools and in the home. Yet he did I would like to get back some control so nothing. I will never forget it as long as I live. I that we can make some decisions for the wanted to walk away from politics then. people. Often we see people, such as the pork producers, go down the tube and shoot Mr Purcell: Wasted years. their pigs. They are told, "This will be good for Mr COOPER: They were wasted years. you." We might help them in five years' time The member should not forget I have given but, meanwhile, they go out of business. Isn't Gough a bit of a clout, too. I believe that he it terrific! That is true. That is exactly what has started it. I believe that is when the rot started. happened to so many of our industries. I go I am going to be fair and ecumenical about back as far as the car industry. Once upon a this. Let us keep it on track: I believe that was time we could actually build a car. Weren't we the start of the breakdown, of the terrific! Now we cannot build anything; disillusionment, of a lot of Australians—a lot of everything has to be imported from Queenslanders—certainly in rural and regional everywhere. Isn't that great! I bet that this Australia and Queensland. I was one of those once great country that back in 1948 built the people. I felt very let down. first Holden could not even build one today. Then along came Bob Hawke and Paul The industry has gone somewhere else. All I Keating. Guess what? That is when economic am saying is that these are the sorts of things rationalism and political correctness started. As that cause the frustrations, and it goes to right the previous speaker said, the National back to then. Competition Policy, political correctness and I want to talk a little bit about political economic rationalism have caused a massive correctness. A few members on the other side amount of disillusionment in people, of the Chamber would love political unemployment, and a loss of their sense of correctness. Quite frankly, I cannot stand it. I ownership and control. A lot of people feel that am a keen cricketer. I love cricket. I always control has been passed out of their hands. called the players "batsmen" and "fieldsmen". Into whose hands? It certainly has not come I still do and I always will. Do honourable into the State politicians' hands. I wish it had members know what they are called now on 1386 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 good old Aunty, the ABC? They are called release and publish policies. We would try it "batters" and "fielders". I thought, "Heavens every day. I have a whole stack of them here. above! Who made the changes?" I do not We used to call press conferences and know. I would love to get a hold of them. I everything. One example is Project would love to wring their necks, because they Renaissance for the Queensland Police made changes and made me say something I Service, for the rejuvenation and uplifting of do not want to say. So I say, "Hang on. Who the Queensland Police Service. I have a whole is in control? Are they in control, this grey, resume of things about that initiative. I also amorphous mass somewhere out there?" have information about initiatives in relation to They say, "You must say 'Madam Chair' or domestic violence and a domestic violence 'Chairperson' or 'Chair'." I say "Chairman", and task force—a brilliant initiative. Other examples I am going to keep on saying "Chairman" until are the PC cops program and a prisoners levy the day I die. Nobody is going to stop me. to help victims of crime. The list goes on and Can honourable members guess what on. people say now? There used to be Guess what? The media did not publish a "fishermen". Tommy Burns used to love a bit thing. They were not interested. They were of fishing. He was a fisherman. Now he has to only interested in their own agenda and to hell be called a fisher, for heaven's sake, because with policies. But that is what people wanted to political correctness said that he had to say so. hear. People wanted to know what Labor I bet that he does not, and I hope that he stood for and what we stood for, but the does not, because as far as I am concerned media was not interested. I therefore table this he is a fisherman and that is the way it is package of information. I also table a letter going to be. from my press secretary at the time, who was Believe it or not, this is the frustration we shocked and stunned that we could go see when we talk to people. I, as well as I through a campaign with media saying, "There think most people in this Chamber, do talk to are no policies; no-one is interested", and then people. We have not ignored them. Control going off with their own agenda. That is has been taken away from us in many exactly what happened, and everyone in this respects and we do want that control back so Chamber knows it. that we can help people. I have been into New members should not point the finger electorate offices in electorates of every at all politicians as being the ones at fault. We different member of Parliament, regardless of have tried our damnedest to get our message what side of politics they are on. They do across. They should just see how it is. One much the same thing: they represent people. day the same will happen to them, but right In 99% of the cases I believe that they do help now they have the limelight. I wish the and do their darnedest. It is when control is member for Nicklin well. I wish him all the luck taken away that worries set in. in the world, because he will not have the I do not blame people for getting angry limelight for too much longer. That is the way it one little bit. The storm that came towards me operates, but he has started out well. We all was nearly a tidal wave. I feel no bitterness start out well. If he can give us a bit of heart to whatsoever, because I feel that those people get right into it again, to do the things that we were so angry because they had lost control. want to do—that is, represent people—then They were going broke, and all of the things good on him for that. I welcome all new that they stood for and lived for had been members into the Chamber. taken away and they said, "We don't care who Mr Gibbs: I thought you said you were you are or what you are. Cop this." And they not bitter. meant it. All I say is: good luck to them from Mr COOPER: I am not. I am in a good here on in. mood. I have had an interesting run in politics, Some candidates certainly got some I believe. I am one of those—I know that the pretty good publicity out of it. As we know, the honourable member has been the same, Courier-Mail gave them hundreds of believe it or not—who would have liked some thousands of dollars worth of publicity. I guess good camaraderie across political boundaries. that I can say good luck to them again. It will We should know where we come from. We not happen every day, I can assure them, also know that we all represent people. We all because on other sides of politics people have have our jobs to do. to pay for everything they get and pay through Again, new members will find that it can the nose for advertisements. get a bit nasty in here. That is when they will The campaign just run was very frustrating find the good and the bad that comes out of for a lot of people who wanted to actually different people. I leave it to the honourable 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1387 member for Nicklin, as well as the other the closure of railway lines. I look at the gutting members of Parliament, to be the judges. of DPI, which had 690 people taken clean out. I mean it when I say that this is a tough I look at the tearing down of the social job. Every single new member will find that. I structure of rural Queensland. That is when wondered what on earth I was doing when I that particular episode started, and it has came here in 1983 as a stick picker from taken an enormous amount of effort to try to Wallumbilla, having loved every bit of it. After get it back. about three months of wondering what bells The member for Nicklin mentioned that were for, bumping into people, getting vertigo police were leaving. In two and a quarter years and wishing I was not here, I thought, "This is we put hundreds of police back into all police the strangest game." I also found that there districts. All 27 police districts received extra were members of the media then who whistled police. That program is off and running now me over and said, "What went on in the party and we want to keep it going. We will be room today?" I said, "You know I can't tell you watching to see what happens under this that." And they said, "Listen, mate, we can Government. The coalition Government got make you or we can break you. Please massive increases in police budgets, as well yourself." Labor members know; the media as in corrective services budgets. This year has done it to them. Not all the bad guys and alone it has increased by 45% and capital girls are down in this place. I do think a little bit infrastructure has increased by 113%. We will of honesty like that does not hurt. be watching every bit of that. I have read with interest the letter Peter The coalition was going to construct three Beattie wrote to the member for Nicklin. I have 200-cell prisons in three different rural areas read with interest the response from the from Inglewood, Yarraman, Roma and member for Nicklin. I do believe that everyone Maryborough. That was a deliberate attempt in this Chamber can commit to the sentiments to get something going back into rural and of the letter and should commit to them in this regional Queensland. I ask those in House, not just in the newspaper. That is Government to recommit to that initiative and where the letter has been—it was show just what they can do. It is amazing what published—and readers of the Courier-Mail people can do if they have the will. From this read it and took it at face value. So I say to year's $16 billion Budget, 58% was going to those in this Chamber: every single person rural and regional Queensland. That was here should be able to commit to everything putting our money where our mouth is, too. that was stated in this letter, and that should We put so many things back. Services were be done in this Chamber. Otherwise, it falls to going back to rural and regional Queensland. the ground. If we cannot commit to it, all the talk about accountability, responsibility, I know that the Minister for Primary credibility and integrity falls to the ground. Let Industries has a different attitude from that of us commit to that here today and then we will previous Primary Industries Ministers of former all be fair dinkum and we can all move Labor Governments. I know that Trevor Perrett forward. If anyone does not commit to that and Marc Rowell from this side of the letter, then they are not serious. If honourable Chamber really started to put things back. members support our amendment, everything That is the productive sector we have to look will be under control. after so much. It is a great employer. It has been said by those on the other We also need to look at forestry areas so side of the Chamber how great things were that we can put forestry workers back in where during the previous Labor administration, from those opposite previously took them out. That 1989 to 1995. I have to say that, from the is not a good record at all. I want this Labor perspective of this side of the House, they Government to commit to that. If Labor can were not. I remember things. I was Premier in commit to those sorts of things—and I will 1989 when we were defeated. That defeat keep them to it all the way through—then came after about 32 years of National/Liberal things will improve out in the bush. I am happy Government. Of course, there was a lot of to help the Minister achieve those things. I euphoria on the Government side of the have been there, done that and am glad to be Chamber—and good luck to them. It was a back in a position to be able to do something long time to have been out of Government. like that. When coming into Government, people judge Mr Palaszczuk: We can work together. their predecessor's record. I look back over Labor's six years in Government at primary Mr COOPER: Yes, we will give it a go. industries and at services to rural Queensland. This is a new era, and we will make sure that I look at the closure of courthouses. I look at we do give it a go. 1388 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Recently we have heard some comments outbreaks that occurred, supported by mentioned on the radio and in other media. I firepower from outside the prison. Prison am referring to the classic claim that we hear officers were in danger. They deserve nothing from any incoming Government. I point out to other than the best. To protect them and the the member for Nicklin that that is one thing rest of the community, we gave them the best, that we should wipe out. For example, when a and we make no apology for it. new Government comes in it immediately The Government should make sure—and says, "There is a big black hole. There is a we will be watching—that it sticks to all of its $720m black hole in the Budget." That budgets, from primary industries to law and represents a condemnation of and a slur on all order. If it does not do so, we will tell the world. of our Treasury officials—people who are As I said, we often have great difficulty telling apolitical and who do all of the work down the the world about these things. However, we will line in preparing budgets. The Government is do our best. I sincerely hope that the member saying that all of those people must be crooks. for Nicklin and all of the new One Nation That is not true. members have a reasonable amount of Mr Pearce: He never said that. success in getting their message through. Mr COOPER: I have heard that claimed They have probably already found politics and it is in print. Government members, rather disconcerting; one day they support us, including Mr Hamill, have said that there is a but the next day they cut the ground from $720m black hole. under us. Members should be ready for that, because that makes our life in this Chamber I will return to the letter that I have been extraordinarily difficult. Let us not lose faith. speaking about. All Government members are doing is setting up Queenslanders for Time expired. increases in taxes and charges. We know that Mr JOHNSON (Gregory—NPA) only too well. I notice that paragraph five of (3.03 p.m.): In rising to oppose the motion the letter states that Labor can deliver its moved by the Premier—— capital and recurrent program without Mr Palaszczuk interjected. imposing any new taxes or increasing existing taxes and charges above current levels. That Mr JOHNSON: I will get to that directly, letter is signed by Peter Beattie. We will be Henry. The Honourable the Minister for holding members opposite to that. Primary Industries—— The Budget, as we presented it, is Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER (Dr Clark): perfectly okay. It is heading in the right Order! I remind members that Christian names direction and is very well tailored. The are not an appropriate form of address. Government should not fool around with it. I Mr JOHNSON: Madam Deputy Speaker, I know that the Government has to introduce its did correct myself. own programs and priorities, but the Budget At the outset, I congratulate the new should not be altered too much. Speaker of the 49th Parliament of I wish to address the Minister for Police's Queensland, the Honourable Ray Hollis, on his claim regarding new prison officers. He elevation to the very honourable position of promised 50 officers and said, "That's going to Speaker of the Parliament. At the same time, I help you." However, we promised 642 officers wish to congratulate each and every new over the next three years and put in place 650 member of this House who has been duly officers over the past two years. What is 50 elected to the 49th Parliament. As my officers compared with that number? The colleague the honourable member for Crows Minister's claim just sounds good; the Nest mentioned, the people have elected us. sympathisers in the media get behind it and It is our role to represent the people make it sound terrific. accordingly, and I respect the points of view of Let us have a look at the $1m for other honourable members. However, I also security—flak jackets, handcuffs and so on. have a point of view, and I will certainly be The Government said that it would provide putting it across, as many honourable $1m, but we budgeted $22m. That was in our members would know, including the member Budget and was funded. We provided $14m for Sunnybank and the Honourable Minister in the previous Budget. The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Racing. I can see a grin complained about the new Hummers, which on his face; he would like to say something, are being used to provide security on the but I can see that he is refraining. prison perimeters to protect our officers. They Mr Gibbs: You'll find it very hard over were put in place because of the massive there. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1389

Mr JOHNSON: I do not find anything too Queensland. It covers some 343,000 square hard when it comes to the honourable kilometres of country and consists of just on member. 16,000 electors, plus the children who live I wish to recognise one member in this there. It stretches from the Territory border House today, and that is the new member for through to just east of Emerald. It is a very Callide, Jeff Seeney, who is the one new diversified electorate, but at the same time, member on the National Party side. I extend a although it is a rural electorate, Emerald is a very special welcome to him. That man will dormitory town for the coalmining area in the certainly make a valuable contribution to this electorate of my friend the member for Fitzroy, place. He is a hard worker and, over time, the where most of the big mines are located. The people of Callide will recognise that they made agricultural industries in my electorate are a very good selection. doing it hard. For example, the price of wool dropped another 20% recently. Cattle prices The amendment to the Premier's motion are also down. They should be 100% up on from the Leader of the Opposition states that, what they are now. Primary producers are in recognising the commitments given by the receiving $500 for a big bullock and around Premier to the member for Nicklin, the Premier $600 for a bale of wool. Unfortunately, the and his Government should resign if those Minister for Primary Industries is not in the commitments are not honoured in full. That is Chamber at present. That is not even a break- a very worthwhile amendment to this motion. even price. As the elected representatives in this Parliament, our duty is to the people of Sadly, one of the most significant exports Queensland. This is all about the quality of the from rural Queensland today is our kids. The Government. The 48th Parliament saw a member for Nicklin referred to employment Government presided over by Rob Borbidge issues in his speech today. I hope he keeps and Joan Sheldon, with the support of Mrs working hard with the Government to achieve Cunningham, the honourable member for the Government's election commitment to Gladstone. That was a Government of integrity reduce unemployment to 5%. I will do and commitment and it represented all everything in my power to assist the Queenslanders. Government to get it down to 5%. But I do not know how the Government will do that. I know I hope and trust that the Beattie Labor what we did in terms of major capital works Government, with the support of the member infrastructure in two years and four months. for Nicklin, will in the future be able to say the My former portfolio area of Transport and Main same. We in Opposition will be keeping the Roads had a budget for works of $2.14 billion, Government on its toes to make certain that it which represented 43.8% of the capital works represents the whole of Queensland, because it is all about people, not individuals, not one infrastructure program for the State. party or another and not personalities. It is Mr Bredhauer: What about the $120m about the whole State. We are here for the for the Pacific Highway? betterment of the State, as the members for Mr JOHNSON: I say to my fine feathered Nicklin and Crows Nest said. It is about time friend on the other side of the House that I will that we started to realise that. On 13 June the come to the $120m. If he, too, reads the people said exactly that. It is now up to us to Budget papers, he will find that that is in the listen to what the people said on 13 June so Forward Estimates for 1999-2000. It has been that we can put in place policies and values taken to Cabinet. It is all square and that will be to the betterment of the people of aboveboard. The member opposite can shake Queensland. I thank the people of my his head and walk away, but his old mate here electorate of Gregory for once again placing will keep reminding him that he got it wrong their trust—— again. Mr Fouras: They show good judgment. We drew the Treasury spokesman to his Mr JOHNSON: My word they do. I thank feet this morning. My colleague the member the honourable member for that comment. for Moggill, Liberal Leader and shadow The honourable member was right in saying Treasurer, Dr Watson, said, "What about the that it is all about trust. If people cannot be $73m that the Labor Party spent on building trusted, they are certainly wasting their time in the eastern tollway and the koala tunnel?" here. The people of Gregory will certainly get That was $73m just gone to the wind. my trust and commitment during the life of this However, that is Labor policy; $73m means Parliament. nothing to some of the people on that side of The electorate of Gregory covers the the House, but it means a hell of a lot to those largest landmass of any electorate in of us on this side of the House. I just hope 1390 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 that the new Minister for Transport and Main While I am speaking about the Roads will take on board what I am saying Department of Transport and Main Roads, I here today. He can hold up every bit of paper want to pay special tribute to the departmental that he likes. I cannot read it from here, heads of that great department: Dick Wharton, although I know what he has. Director-General of Main Roads; Bruce Wilson, While the honourable Minister does Director-General of Transport; and Vince represent a large remote electorate, as I do, I O'Rourke, Chief Executive of Queensland Rail. think he understands the needs of people in Those three gentlemen gave my Government decentralised Queensland, remote total and professional advice. The Queensland and rural and regional Government has made one grave mistake in Queensland. I just hope that he will continue dismissing Dick Wharton as Director-General of to progress some of the great projects that I Main Roads. That man is one of the most set in train. I think he will. I have already honourable and most distinguished road spoken to him about a couple of issues and builders in not only Queensland and Australia he has given me fairly favourable comment on but also Australasia. At every ministerial them. I hope that, for the sake of the council conference to which I went, he was productivity of the State, we can continue to called on to make comment more times than work in that vein. any other public figure whom I know. The man is apolitical; he is a man of integrity. However, it disheartened and saddened me somewhat when two days ago we saw the Mr Bredhauer: Apolitical? Briztram concept pulled. That is an absolute Mr JOHNSON: He is apolitical. The disgrace. The Lord Mayor of the City of member opposite shakes his head now, but Brisbane, the honourable Jim Soorley, he should look me in the eye and cop it. He supported it and embraced it. His own concept knows as well as I do that that department has appeared in the Courier-Mail. I have great workers who are Labor supporters, National respect and admiration for the job done by supporters, Liberal supporters and workers Maureen Hayes. She supported and who support nobody at all. I did not go in there embraced it, too. She said, "Vaughan, it is a with a vendetta as he did to destroy the great job and we support it all the way." But, livelihood or the career of a professional no, not the Lord Mayor; he wanted to play his person. He will rue that till the day he dies, and own game. He wanted to get out in the front I will give him the mail whilst he is the and say, "This is my grand plan." The administrator of that department. Government came in with the responsible and I will just speak momentarily about Dick costed project as well as $65m of Federation Wharton. As far as road building goes, there is Funding that the Leader of the Opposition not a road, bridge, local authority or any other made mention of this morning, but "no, we are part of Queensland that that man does not going to pull that". know about. I want to put on the record here Do honourable members know what that today my total support and my thanks for the means? Thirteen private enterprise companies support and advice he gave me and the in this State had shown interest in being a joint Government and for the way that he venture partner with the State Government redirected the Department of Main Roads. Full and the Brisbane City Council in putting marks to him! All I can say to Dick Wharton Briztram in place—that $215m project. That and his good wife, Julie, is: I wish them well in project was going to be an innovative and their endeavours. I know that comes from the state-of-the-art concept leading into the 21st record of the previous Borbidge/Sheldon century. This morning I read in the Courier-Mail Government and the current Borbidge that the Minister was talking about 19th Opposition. He is one fine, hell of a century technology. I say to that clown that the Queenslander; he is a bloke who knows the trams were not going to be drawn by horses. job well. However, that is the Labor Party in 1998. I will always recall that, when I became During the two years and four months that it Minister and Dick Wharton was the director- spent in Opposition, it did not learn a damned general, he said to me, "Vaughan, the FBI is thing. I will give honourable members opposite in charge." I said, "What is the FBI, Dick?" He the mail. We are going to be monitoring what said, "The forgotten bastards of the inland." they are doing very closely. We will be Madam Deputy Speaker, I know that we do watching those programs. I will give the not normally use that type of language in the member opposite the mail once more: we will Parliament, but it meant that the people from show him up every time he makes a slip. I will rural and regional areas of Queensland would wipe the grin off his face. at last have their needs for road building and 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1391 the provision of road infrastructure recognised. that speaks volumes for itself. I would like to We put those programs in place. Even in the salute everybody for that. I would also like to electorate of the honourable member for pay tribute to Paul Blake for the hard yards he Cook, we provided for the sealing of the road has put in in his area of land transport and to Cooktown. That was a $60m program, and I road safety in helping us bring about the know that he supported it. Those are the types introduction of speed cameras and putting of programs that Dick Wharton oversaw during them through the infancy stage. I also pay that period. That was the sort of great work tribute to the Queensland police for that that he did as an engineer and as Director- initiative. General of the Department of Main Roads. At I want to refer to the great work that the same time, we recognise the need for all Inspector Michael Hannigan and his team Queenslanders to enjoy good rail and road carried out. This whole operation has been a infrastructure. I salute those three people and team effort. I hope that the Honourable that department. Minister for Transport and the Honourable Another issue I would like to touch on is Minister for Police receive the same support as the transport projects that we put in place: the Mr Cooper and I received. I hope that those South East Transit Project, a $520m program; two Ministers will continue to pursue the road and the Gold Coast motorway, a $750m safety issue in the same way as we pursued it program to upgrade the Pacific Highway to six when we were in Government. It is not a and eight lanes. Those members who have political issue; it is a social issue and it is one travelled to the Gold Coast will appreciate the that affects each and every one of us, magnitude of that operation and the works although I hope that it does not directly affect that are under way there. I am proud that my any of us. Government put that program in place. Within I want to refer to Queensland Rail and six weeks of coming to power we had acted on mention the capital works program. We that. The policy started to be implemented recognised the importance of maintaining the and the engineers started drawing up the Townsville workshops. We spent $8m to design of the project. refurbish the south yard. This action saved the At this point I also salute two men. The jobs of railway workers in Townsville. We had first is Bob Higgins, who is the manager of the the $170m upgrade of the northern railway Gold Coast motorway project. I think he has line to Mount Isa. No-one knows how much done a very able job down there. Again, it is mineral wealth lies under the ground in the the commitment and the professionalism of north-west mineral province in the Mount these sorts of people that make these things Isa/Cloncurry region. When the mineral is happen. The second person I would like to extracted from the ground in that area it will be salute is Don Steele, who has made the South taken by Queensland Rail to the port of East Transit Project work, too. I salute the Townsville. I do not believe any of us can efforts of both those gentlemen. appreciate what is happening in the port of One issue that I want to touch on is Townsville. The figures are going up every day something that comes close to the hearts of and will continue to go up. everybody in this Parliament, and that is road While in Government I was proud that the safety. In Government, we embarked on one Premier, the Treasurer, the Minister for Mines, of the toughest road safety programs that I Tom Gilmore, and I made absolutely certain think any Government has ever embarked on that we were able to get the minerals industry in this State. In conjunction with my colleague working in the north-west of the State. We the honourable Russell Cooper, who was made sure that the industry interfaced with Police Minister at the time, we introduced Queensland Rail and the port of Townsville. speed cameras into the State. It was not an This action created jobs and wealth for that easy decision, but it was a decision that we part of Queensland . This whole subject is believe was a social decision, not a political about wealth generation, about a future for decision. It was one for the betterment of road our kids and about a future for coming safety in this State so that honourable generations in this State. Townsville is certainly members, our families, friends and everybody going to become the industrial capital of concerned could travel on roads in this State Queensland and Australia. We have to plan without being run over by a hoon, killed by a accordingly with the Townsville City Council. hoon or crashed into by an irresponsible driver. We have to ensure that it is to the benefit of It gives me great pride to say that as of companies to invest in that area. today the road toll in this State is 60 fewer In Government we undertook a $350m than for the same period last year. I think that upgrade of Queensland Rail rolling stock for 1392 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 the Brisbane network. That upgrade should to the member for Nicklin. Our judges will be have been undertaken by the former Labor the member for Nicklin and the people of Government but was pushed onto the Queensland. backburner because it said the money was not I want to refer to a couple of issues that available. We had to find that money. Those were raised earlier today in this debate. It cars are now being built by Walkers in gives me a great deal of pleasure to make a Maryborough. This project is creating jobs in contribution to the debate on this motion of the City of Maryborough. Walkers are confidence in the first Beattie Government. It performing a very important function in that is with great pride that I stand here today as area. Some of our friends in this House the Minister for Transport and Minister for Main represent Maryborough and Hervey Bay and I Roads. I am the first Minister with portfolio am sure they recognise the importance of the representing the electorate of Cook. The Walker workshops continuing to operate. It is member for Gregory pointed out the nature of important that we continue to get contracts in his electorate. In many respects his electorate this area. I am running out of time, but I want and mine are similar in size and in the to touch on a matter that was mentioned by industries that they contain. the member for Crows Nest, Russell Cooper— Time expired. I thank the people of the electorate of Cook for the confidence that they have shown Hon. S. D. BREDHAUER (Cook—ALP) in me in the 1998 State election. Indeed, I (Minister for Transport and Minister for Main was honoured to receive an increased majority Roads) (3.23 p.m.): I rise to move an in my seat and to have seen the strength of amendment to the amendment moved by the the support that emerged from across the Leader of the Opposition, the member for electorate. It is curious that in the 1998 Surfers Paradise. I move— election, when many sitting members in rural "That all words after the word 'Nicklin' or regional parts of Queensland suffered be deleted." swings away from them, in the Cook electorate The amendment of the member for Surfers there was a swing to me in virtually every one Paradise was— of my 50-odd booths. I can assure the people of the Cook electorate that their confidence will "... and recognises the commitments continue to be justified by the hard work that I given by the Premier to the member for put in on their behalf. Nicklin and requires the resignation of the Premier and his Government if these The member for Gregory referred to the commitments are not honoured in full." issue of Briztram. I want to comment on this matter because I did describe Briztram as old I think we have to ask ourselves who in technology. I did not say it was 19th century this debate is fair dinkum, because there is no technology. If it has been reported that I said doubt that the only reason why the member that, I inform the House that that is incorrect. for Surfers Paradise has moved that What I said was that it was 1950s technology. amendment is so that he can come in here The Briztram proposal was predicated on week after week, playing politics, scoring 1950s technology and it was designed to use cheap political points, following his the old-style trams. It even anticipated assessment or his assertion that the refurbishing some of the old trams as part of commitments made to the member for Nicklin the Briztram project. It also anticipated using may or may not have been delivered on by standard gauge line. It would have brought this Government. The people who are to judge back to the City of Brisbane and the south- whether the commitments given to the east corner of Queensland all of the old traffic member for Nicklin are delivered or not will be congestion problems that were part of the the member for Nicklin and the people of reason for us doing away with our tram Queensland, not the member for Surfers services all those years ago. Paradise with his jaundiced view. We must remember that the member for Surfers The Labor Government has committed Paradise is the member who, prior to the 1995 itself to a modern light rail service using the election, signed a contract with the people of latest technology. We will not go back to the Queensland and said, "If we don't honour our old-style technology. We will not be seeking to contract, throw us out." The people of turn the clock back. The Briztram project was Queensland spoke and threw out the coalition not a project that emanated from the Government and that is why those opposite Transport Department. It emanated from the find themselves on the other side of the 15th floor of the Executive Building when the House. This Government will allow itself to be member for Surfers Paradise was Premier. It judged on its performance and its commitment was submitted over and above some other 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1393 projects which would have been given a higher actually have busways and light rail sharing priority by the Transport Department or the corridors. That would have been a sensible Main Roads Department for Federation planning approach for the member to have Funding. It was an election stunt. It was a pre- adopted to this project. If the former Minister election gimmick—no more and no less. It was had not used Briztram as an election stunt, he done without consultation with the Brisbane would have got these things ticked off before City Council. he announced the project; he would have There has been criticism in this House sorted out the problems in South Brisbane today of Lord Mayor Jim Soorley. The only and Boundary Street at West End, but he did reason why Jim Soorley criticised the project not. He rushed at it like a bull at a gate. It is was because the Premier of the day did not not an integrated process. have the decency to talk to him about it before We will get it right. We will take out the he announced it publicly. We support a role for bugs that the former Minister left in it. We will light rail but it has to be integrated with all our make sure that the planning process enables other public transport modes. The Integrated us to fully integrate public transport systems. Regional Transport Plan—and the member for We will make sure that the busways help to Gregory knows this—anticipated that a light rail relieve traffic congestion in the city. The city service would be introduced in the south-east council is talking about the city/valley bypass, corner to service the needs of the City of which will help to reduce traffic congestion in Brisbane in the year 2003 or 2004. By using it the process. Then we can use light rail as an as an election—— effective people mover for the inner-city area. Mr Johnson: Are you saying it's not It will be a system that takes us forward into integrated public transport? You are using the next century and not backwards into the planners within the department. You know full 1950s, which is what Briztram is all about. well that they would have done that properly I make a plea to the Prime Minister. There and professionally. is a story in today's Courier-Mail—and it is not Mr BREDHAUER: Just to give the actually sourced to the Prime Minister— honourable member an example of the suggesting that the Prime Minister will not problems with his proposal and how it would allocate the $65m to our light rail project or not be integrated, I point out that Briztram was other integrated public transport projects in based on standard gauge rail. As a former Brisbane. I make a very strong appeal to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Prime Minister to reconsider that if that is in member should know that the heavy rail track fact his view. It might be a cheap political point in Queensland is narrow gauge. Therefore, we to score against a new Labor Government in cannot have light rail vehicles sharing the Brisbane, but the people who will suffer as a same corridors as heavy rail. result of that are not us. The people who will suffer will be the people of Brisbane and the Mr Johnson: Never had that intention. south-east corner who do not get the fully Mr BREDHAUER: But the member should integrated public transport services to which have. That is the whole point. If the they are entitled. If the Federal Government honourable member had thought the process wants to be churlish about it, it can take the through, he would have organised it so that it $65m and run, I suppose. But I make this could be integrated. Under a fully integrated honest and earnest plea to the Prime Minister light rail service, we could have a situation in not to do that but to consider the implications which people could get on a light rail service that it would have on the south-east corner of on the Gold Coast and, without having to the State if he were to withdraw the $65m in change trains, be brought into the centre of funding. A light rail service should be part of a the city or taken out to New Farm or Teneriffe. fully integrated public transport system for the It could use the same corridor as heavy rail, south-east corner, providing services, getting and there is no reason why it should not. If it cars off the street, improving our quality of life, was properly planned and implemented, it improving our environment and air quality and would be able to coordinate with the heavy rail encouraging people to use public transport as network. much as possible. The busway network, about which the I want to talk about the $120m hole in the honourable member spoke in such a budget for the motorway. I heard the complimentary fashion, was never designed to comments of the member for Gregory, the accommodate Briztram. Since I have been the former Minister for Transport and Main Roads. relevant Minister, we have modified the design I also heard the comments this morning of the of the busways so that they can member for Surfers Paradise. I have read accommodate light rail. In that way we can articles like the one in the Gold Coast Bulletin 1394 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 on Friday, 17 July, in which the Leader of the Main Roads on 9 April. The money is not in Liberal Party, the member for Moggill, the budget. $113m of the $120m which was described the alleged shortfall as follows— meant to have been allocated in the Forward "The alleged shortfall is just a figment Estimates is not in the budget figures, and the of Mr Hamill's fevered imagination." former Minister for Transport and Main Roads knows it. I will table this just in case the member has not read it. Mr JOHNSON: I rise to a point of order. The Honourable the Minister is misleading the I draw the attention of honourable House. The situation is that that figure of members to a couple of letters that I have $120m is in the Forward Estimates for 1999- unearthed on the files as I have been going 2000, and he knows it. If he gets a full and through my briefing notes. One letter dated 9 proper briefing from his department he will April is from a fellow by the name of Dick know precisely where I am coming from. Wharton, about whom the former Minister has just spoken fulsomely, to the Under Treasurer, Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER (Dr Clark): Doug McTaggart, about Pacific Motorway There is no point of order. funding. I am going to table these letters, but I Mr BREDHAUER: I shall now read will read them briefly. The letter states— another letter from the files. The letter is dated "Following the decision of Cabinet to 6 May 1998, which was less than a week approve the increased project scope and before the State Budget was brought down by resulting overall budget for the Pacific the former Government. Members opposite Motorway Upgrade, senior officers from who know the Budget process would be aware our respective agencies have been that the document would have been locked working together to resolve a joint funding up, all the Ministerial Program Statements submission for consideration by CBC"— would have been printed, the Budget would have been finalised, and the Treasurer would Cabinet Budget Committee— have been beavering away on her speech. "Ministers and the Minister for Transport This letter, dated less than one week before and Main Roads prior to the 1998-99 the Budget came down, states— State Budget. "In the presentation of this year's While there are a range of issues budget, it is important that we do not involved, it seems to me that there are inadvertently give the Opposition an two primary objectives of Government to opportunity to criticise the Government be met: over the increased project scope and the 1998-99 Budget documents budget recently approved by Cabinet for should reflect the $120 million extra the Pacific Motorway." funding required in the subsequent It was approved in March, three months prior two years, and the split between to this. The letter continues— years needs to be consistent with the "There is work underway between our published expenditure forecasts for respective Departments to resolve this the Pacific Motorway; and issue consistent with the Cabinet the Budget documents should Decision. demonstrate that, in the 1999-2000 The attached submission developed and 2000-01 years, there will not be by the Director-General, Department of any adverse impacts on the balance Main Roads and Under Treasurer of the State-funded Roads Program. represents the respective views of our (This can only be achieved if Departments. Our respective officers are additional funds are provided to Main working towards an agreed position, and Roads for the Pacific Motorway we would seek agreement consistent with project.) the following two points: Following a number of iterations, the the 1998-99 Budget documents attached draft reflects Main Roads' should reflect the $120 million extra position for your consideration. funding required in the subsequent As discussed, I look forward to two years, and the split between resolving this issue with you as soon as years needs to be consistent with the possible." published expenditure forecasts for Guess what? There was no reply from the the Pacific Motorway; and Under Treasurer to the concerns raised by the the Budget documents should former Director-General of the Department of demonstrate that, in the 1999-2000 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1395

and 2000-01 years, there will not be Council, the former Minister received a briefing any adverse impacts on the balance about the Quaid road. That briefing set out of the State-funded Roads Program. how much the opening of that road would (This can only be achieved if cost. It would cost $29m to bring the Quaid additional funds are provided to Main road to a reasonable standard that would be Roads for the Pacific Motorway trafficable by all vehicles. It would cost another project.) $75m to upgrade the Cook Highway between I would like your support in confirming Wangetti Beach and Buchan Point. That that the key requirements are met." figure does not take into account native title and environmental issues. Over $100m would The letter, signed by Vaughan Johnson, be required before the Quaid road could be Minister for Transport and Main Roads, was opened to service a private development. I addressed to the then Treasurer, Joan asked the people in the Mareeba and Cook Sheldon. Guess what? There was no answer. Shires whether they wanted the Government It was never in the budget. There was never a to spend another $29m on another corridor reply from the Treasurer to the request for the between the tablelands and the coast just to $120m to be put in the Forward Estimates of service a private development when all the the department. The former Minister has left planning had gone into the Kennedy Highway me with the need to find $113m in next year's and we have the urgent need for Road Implementation Program and $7m in upgrading—— the following year. The figure does not appear in the budget. I was left with a $113m hole to Mr JOHNSON: I rise to a point of order. patch next year, and another $7m hole to The Honourable Minister is misleading the patch the year after that. House. I never signed off on the Quaid road. He knows that. He should withdraw that Not even after writing to his own Treasurer statement. one week before the Budget was brought down could the member for Gregory obtain Mr BREDHAUER: I never said he did. I confirmation that that arrangement would be am saying that he did not release the included the Budget. He did not receive a information that would have provided the reply. It was not included in the Budget. Next background material for the shires and for the year, unless I can do the right thing, we will people of far-north Queensland and the rest of have to find $113m in the roads budget. I will Queensland to make an objective assessment protect the interests of the Roads about the need for the Quaid road. Implementation Program, because it is Time expired. important to all the people who live throughout Mr BRISKEY (Cleveland—ALP) the length and breadth of Queensland— (3.43 p.m.): I rise to second the amendment particularly in the regional and rural areas—to moved by the honourable member for Cook. I have the road services to which they are will speak briefly about this most significant entitled. For the information of the House, I will day in the history of Queensland. This is the table the letters to which I have referred. day when the Parliament of Queensland will The former Minister failed to deliver and pass a motion of confidence in the Beattie his Treasurer left a $120m hole in the budget Labor Government. Today is significant not of the Pacific Motorway. If the former Minister only because Queensland will have another comes down to my office at Capital Hill, I will Labor Government—and not before time—but give him the full brief from the department. He also because it provides stability in will see for himself what I have demonstrated, Government in Queensland. That is what that is, the $120m hole in the budget. Senior Queenslanders want. That is what officers in the Department of Main Roads are Queenslanders voted for at the last election. I quaking as we pull together our budget congratulate the member for Nicklin on submissions, because the former Minister providing the extra vote that was required to failed in his attempt to have the former provide stability for Queensland. This debate is Treasurer, Mrs Sheldon, the member for about one issue and one issue only: stability. Caloundra, include the $120m in the Forward As the member for Nicklin mentioned in Estimates of the Budget. his maiden speech in this House, While I am discussing failure to release unemployment is the biggest problem in the information in briefings to the Minister, I will State that needs to be tackled by this discuss briefly the Quaid road. In March when Government. During the election campaign, he was under pressure from the Mareeba Peter Beattie, now the Premier of Shire Council, the Cook Shire Council and Queensland, made a commitment to fight some of the members of the Douglas Shire unemployment. I congratulate him on that. 1396 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

That is what this Government will do. That is Labor Government made a commitment to why this day is so significant in the history of construct a new police station and a new this State. This debate provides for stability courthouse in Cleveland. When it was elected, and for those jobs to be provided for all the new conservative Government put those Queenslanders. projects on the waiting list as a result of its All of us as elected members represent capital works freeze. No jobs were created and our constituents. My electorate of Cleveland no new police station or courthouse was built has 26,000 constituents. I thank them in the coalition Government's first 12 months. sincerely for the confidence that they have In the past 12 months, we have seen those shown in me by once again electing me to be much-needed jobs and construction projects their representative in the Queensland go ahead. Soon the people of the Cleveland Parliament. electorate will see those buildings opened. I am proud that they will be opened by Labor Mr Lucas: They made an excellent Ministers. selection, too. Mr BRISKEY: I thank the honourable It is good to see that the motion moved member. by the Premier this morning contained a commitment that no general election would be When travelling around the electorate and held before 5 May 2001 without an express talking to electors—as we all do in our resolution of the Parliament. That commitment electorates—we hear first-hand the problems is required for stability in this State. This Labor being faced by our constituents. Their children Government will turn around job creation cannot get jobs. People who were in the work projects in this State. We will be accelerating force for some time and then lost their spending and implementing a Capital Works employment are now on the scrap heap. Program that has the potential to create Many people over the age of 50 in my 65,000 jobs for Queensland. During our first electorate and in other electorates in term in office, we will hit the ground running Queensland cannot get jobs. Dealing with with our Community Jobs Plan, a $276m those issues is what Government should be program to get people back to work. As part of about. As the member for Nicklin said, we that plan, we will create 24,480 new have to work together. The Opposition, the Government and other members in this place apprenticeships, traineeships and job placements. We will offer a $2,000 cash must work together to ensure that there is bonus to private sector employers for each stability and that jobs are created. We have to look to the future. That vision has been lacking additional apprentice employed in areas of during the little more than two years that the skills shortage. This will be achieved despite coalition was in Government. The coalition was structural problems in the Budget created by all about running the State for the few instead the previous coalition Government. As the of running the State for the many. Treasurer outlined this morning, there are a number of issues that are placing increasing I will spend a little time discussing some of pressure on ongoing Government finances the initiatives of this Labor Government in its both for the 1998-99 financial year and more first of many terms. The low tax rate that critically in subsequent years. However, we will Queensland has had for many years will be not use that as an excuse to back out of our maintained by this Queensland Government. election commitments. That will continue to provide the incentive for businesses to come to this State. As I turn now to the National Competition businesses in other States see what is being Policy. The Beattie Labor Government will done by the Queensland Government, they seek to improve the efficiency and will be motivated to move to Queensland. The effectiveness of Queensland industry but not heart of Labor's policies is jobs and more jobs. at the expense of secure employment for The 15 September Budget will reflect that. Our Queensland workers. That has to be a priority first target will be the Capital Works Program. and will be a priority of this Labor Government. Last financial year, the coalition underspent its Labor will apply a thorough public benefit test Consolidated Fund Capital Works Program by to ensure that job security and economic and $250m. As a result, 2,750 potential jobs were social stability are not needlessly squandered not created last year and the community did in the name of competition. The public not receive the service delivery that it benefits test will take into account all the deserved, particularly from the portfolios of effects of proposed changes including job Health and Corrective Services. security, social cohesiveness and service One need go no further than my quality. The test will also consider regional electorate of Cleveland where the previous employment, particularly with local 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1397 government, so that economic theory is not to provide a high-quality education system. permitted to decimate local work forces. Education is the single biggest department in Additionally, Labor will seek to further Government. It has a budget of approximately strengthen the public benefit test in the form $3.4 billion, over 43,000 staff and some 1,300 of the Competition Principles Agreement, schools across Queensland working for the which is to be reviewed in the year 2000. benefit of over 460,000 students. So really, Importantly, it must be remembered that the the Education Department touches the life of previous Borbidge/Sheldon Government failed every student from preschool or kindergarten to apply this public benefit test to its right through to university in both State and restructuring of the electricity industry even non-State schools. though there were real concerns about job During the election campaign, we had losses and the price impacts of these from the ALP a large number of proposed changes. The Beattie Government commitments—or alleged commitments—in considers that the onus of proof should be on relation to education. As usual, its those advocating competitive reforms to performance in Government has made a demonstrate the benefits of change. That mockery of its rhetoric in Opposition. We can approach to National Competition Policy now see that the words have no substance at reforms will help to reduce the uncertainty and all. Under the coalition, Education's seniority in insecurity that many employees and industries the ministerial pecking order was highlighted. have endured in the past. By the end of the term of the coalition Government, Education was No. 4 in seniority. As I said at the outset, this Government Under Labor, Education has sunk to No. 12—it will be about looking to the future of has zoomed to the backblocks out to No. 12. Queensland—where jobs are created, where Three years ago, the Minister who has been unemployment is reduced substantially. It is appointed was not up to scratch. He was important to go into any commitment that is dropped from the Ministry because of his poor given with some view to the future—with aims performance. Yet, under this Government, he and objectives. We have an objective to has been brought back and given the reduce unemployment. It is not going to be Education portfolio. Such is the Government's easy: we never said that it was going to be regard for the Education portfolio in giving it to easy, but one does not go into anything this Minister who is No. 12 in the pecking without having good aims. That is what Labor order. Obviously, in the past he failed and I Governments are all about. It is about looking have no doubt that history will repeat itself in after the people of Queensland and it is about the future. Again we will see another failure by providing jobs for their children and providing this Minister in the not-too-distant future. jobs for those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Nothing can illustrate that more than his actions in his first couple of weeks in office. He As the member for Nicklin said, we have has demonstrated that he has been at the to work together. I wish to take this opportunity beck and call of the Queensland Teachers to once again thank him for his courageous Union. Within the first couple of weeks of his decision—and it was a courageous appointment, the Minister is supposed to go decision—to provide Labor with the ability to out and meet all the stakeholders, consult with form a Government. As he said, he will leave it the various interested parties and find out to history to judge him on his decision. I can what they want in terms of education tell members now that I believe that history will policy—where they see the problems and what write up his actions well. He has given ought to be done by a new Government in Queensland stability and given Queenslanders correcting some of the mistakes that have an opportunity to see a Queensland Labor been made by the previous Government. As I Government once again elected to this State understand it, within the first couple of weeks to provide jobs for this State. of his appointment, on about five occasions Mr QUINN (Merrimac—LP) (Deputy this Minister met with the QTU. I wonder on Leader of the Liberal Party) (3.53 p.m.) It does how many occasions he met with the other not matter the political colour of a key stakeholders in education. I think that he Government, one of its overarching aims is to might have been too busy with the QTU to provide the economic and social advancement even manage to put an appointment in his of the people of Queensland. Underpinning book for any of the other stakeholders. that goal would be the provision of a high- So we are not really talking about quality education system. Unfortunately, consultation by the Minister with the key during Labor's previous six years in office, it stakeholders, simply a Minister who is did not really come to grips with what it means kowtowing to one particular interest group 1398 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 within the educational fraternity. We have a the Education directive says no, that it is a Government that puts political pragmatism one-off grant. before excellence in education, industrial There is a confusion out there that needs favours before good management, union to be resolved. More importantly, the issue of interests before student interests and QTU funding needs to be resolved. The Leading officials before parents and principals. It is the Schools program provided for an additional grand old traditional Left Wing politics: all $56m on an ongoing basis, on a recurrent stakeholders are equal, except some are more basis, to go into the schools. To date, the equal than others. Minister has said that the ALP will be providing I believe that it is also of concern that, an additional $20m. That is far short of the within the first couple of weeks of this Labor amount of funds we were going to provide to Government, one of the greatest the schools within the three-year time frame. I advancements in public education in think a lot of schools are concerned about the Queensland was substantially derailed. The move from the Leading Schools program. Leading Schools program has been There is policy confusion and funding recognised widely as breathing fresh life back confusion out there at the present time. That into our State school system. There would not is another reason why we ought not have any be an electorate in Queensland that has not confidence in the ability of the ALP benefited by the move to the Leading Schools Government to manage and administer the program. It was a program based on education system in the foreseeable future. incentives—asking schools to come in and The issue of teacher numbers is also of perform additional duties but at the same time critical importance to our schools because it giving them more authority, more flexibility and has to do with class sizes, providing additional more resources with which to carry out those human resources to manage students with additional responsibilities. We had in place a disabilities and providing additional resources program to provide additional funds of $56m for literacy and numeracy programs to pick up on an ongoing basis after three years to all of those kids who need additional help. those schools that came into the Leading Over the past couple of years we have Schools program. seen a substantial increase in the number of It was not an elitist program. I will repeat teachers in our schools. In fact, 1,900 that: it was not. The former Government had teachers have been added over a two-year opened up the program to all schools in period. That stands in stark contrast with the Queensland. Even if only the larger schools, Labor Government's record of the previous six the Bands 8 to 11, came into the program, years. It provided a net addition of only 867 about 90% of our students would have been teachers. That is a 3.3% increase. It did not in a Leading School within three years. So to even keep pace with enrolments, which label the Leading Schools program as elitist is increased during that period by some 4.3%. wrong on two counts. The vast majority of Six years of Labor Government saw a lot students would have been in the program of rhetoric about commitment, but when it within three years and it was open to all came to funding and to the number of schools. No school was barred. So the tag of teachers in classrooms, very few of those elitism is simply wrong. More importantly, the commitments were kept. It was not until the previous Government had allocated an coalition came into Government that the focus additional $56m per annum on an ongoing was really put on schools and the additional basis to these Leading Schools at the end of resources our schools needed were provided. I the three-year period. am pleased to say that, over the time we were We have had from the Minister a rather in Government, schools certainly saw an confusing mishmash of statements by him increase in teacher numbers, over and above and then directives put out by the department. the enrolment increases, to take account of a The Minister said—and it was repeated here whole range of additional programs that were by the Premier—that all schools would be put in place. Leading Schools. Yesterday, the Governor in In fact, during six years of Labor teacher his address said that the Leading Schools numbers actually fell, despite enrolment program was abolished. Is there any wonder increases across-the-board every year. There that there is confusion in the educational were two years in which numbers fell—by 569 community? They do not know whether they in 1992-93 and by 85 in 1994-95. That is the are a Leading School and they do not know level of commitment we have seen from Labor whether they are going to get ongoing or in the past. Is it any wonder that we on this recurrent grants. The Minister says yes, but side of the House have no confidence in 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1399

Labor's ability to provide those additional will find that the schools want to keep them. teacher numbers to our schools in the They want to keep them because of the foreseeable future? tremendous work the school-based constables I think our lack of confidence can be are doing in terms of working with students, easily demonstrated by a statement from the reducing truancy and talking about drugs, now Treasurer when he was Education behaviour management and minor Minister some years ago. When he was misdemeanours and so on. That is another justifying the expenditure of money, he said— significant program that I hope does not suffer any sort of damage now that the Labor Party "We doubled education spending has assumed office. from $1.8 billion ... to $2.7 billion ..." Anybody could tell that that is not a doubling; We now have in place a national it is a 50% increase. That statement was agreement for testing students' numeracy and made by the person who is currently serving literacy skills at Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. That has as Treasurer. He is in charge of the Budget. been arrived at on a national level after a lot of discussion among Ministers from all States of During the six years of Labor Government the Commonwealth, with representatives from very little was done in terms of behaviour across the political spectrum. All States are management and improving standards of now committed to it. From some of the discipline in schools. The cane was abolished comments I have heard from the Minister and nothing else was put in its place. Our recently, it seems that that is at some risk. I schools, our principals and our teachers were suggest that we should not look to go crying out for help for a number of years, yet backwards. We have arrived at this point after not one dollar was spent on providing a lot of discussion nationally and after a lot of additional resources to help them manage conjecture among the Ministers. those problems at the school level. For the first time, we have a system in It was not until the coalition came to place whereby we can collect hard data about Government that the legislation was changed. literacy and numeracy levels at Years 3, 5, 7 We gave principals more authority and more and 9. That hard data is necessary because it flexibility, and then we provided a special can in fact drive policy and resource allocation program for funding behaviour management within the schools. If we move away from that, specialists and a range of other specialist we will go back to the touchy-feely program we teachers in our schools to assist teachers to had before. We did not have any empirical come to grips with some of the problems such evidence on which to base our decisions. I as theft, bullying, serious behavioural think a move away from this system would be problems and so on. In our first two Budgets a retrograde step. We really need to keep that we provided an additional 200 behaviour program in place. management specialists and we provided for more in our last Budget. Those resources were I am heartened by the fact that the aimed at allowing our schools to come to grips Queensland Schools Curriculum Council has with these issues and to put in place the sorts taken this system on board. That council is of programs which improve discipline within where all the key stakeholders are and if we schools so that the vast majority of students allow that sort of body to work through the can get on with their work and get a decent issues we are more likely to come up with a education and not risk being disrupted by a system that is acceptable to all the key very small number of students. stakeholders rather than have a ministerial One of the other great things we did when directive that "this will be done". I think that we were in Government was to introduce issue needs to be clarified and supported. school-based constables. This initiative was The recent announcements about opposed by the ALP at the time. If anyone technology in our schools have led to many of goes to the schools in which those constables the schools really being opened up to a wider are now working they will see an outstanding horizon of resources and teaching styles that success. Those police constables were not were not available before. The Connect-Ed allocated on the basis of political priority; they program deserved its gold medal award at the were allocated on the basis of need. I believe Government Technology Awards in Canberra. there are about 22 school-based constables This has given many of our students, operating around Queensland now. Most of particularly those in rural and remote them are in Labor electorates. Queensland, something that was not available If anyone asks the schools whether they before. It has brought things into focus in an want to give their police constables back, they equitable way, because the cost of Internet 1400 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 access has been substantially reduced by $201m. So even our worst budget was $50m means of the Connect-Ed program. better than the Labor Party's best budget after I wish to comment on the capital works six years in office. Our schools look so good at program. I think the coalition's actions in the present because of the additional capital last two years really did address many of the works money that we pumped into the budget. issues that it was left with when the previous After six years in office, Labor left us a Labor Government vacated office. I instance maintenance backlog of some $100m. Its the Building Better Schools Program. I think record in respect of schools is a maintenance we ought to focus on it because there has backlog of $100m, yet Government members been much debate this afternoon about the claimed proudly that they had a commitment capital works program. to education. What a furphy! It was not until Let me tell the House what the capital we came in and ramped up the capital works works program in the Department of Education budget that we really saw some progress in was like at the change of Government. We our schools, with upgrades and maintenance had a budget of about $150m, a large getting up to scratch. Over the past couple of proportion of which was allocated to what was years, more money has been spent on then called the Building Better Schools maintenance in our schools than was spent in Program—a $44m program. I will tell the past six budgets put together. That is why honourable members how much the former over the past couple of years we have seen Labor Government spent of its budget in eight some progress with respect to painting, months. For new schools it had allocated $8m, restorations and a whole range of projects in but it had spent only 3% of the budget in eight our schools. months. For classroom upgrades $12m was A range of other issues also need to be allocated, but it had spent only 1% after eight addressed. We are not confident that this months. For school security $5m was Government can deliver the additional allocated, but it had spent only a quarter of it. resources it said it would provide for students For accelerated maintenance $7m was with disabilities—one of its keynote election allocated, but it had spent only about half of it. promises. That is because its record in For a program to create shade $3m had been Government is absolutely pathetic. It moved to allocated, but only 0.3% of that budget had close special schools and to integrate students been spent after eight months. For vocational into mainstream classrooms, but it failed to education $6m was allocated, but nothing had provide the resources. Again, when we came been spent after eight months. For students into Government we trebled the amount of with disabilities $2m was allocated, but only money going to students with a disability. All of 1% was spent after eight months. For asset those issues are at risk again as we go back to relocation $1m was allocated, but only 12% the old Labor Government, which tries to had been spent after eight months. manage interest groups through the QTU The ALP's claim that it will manage the network. That has never worked in the past. capital works program much better than we did We cannot lock out all of the major is a claim that falls on stony ground, because stakeholders and take one source of advice, its record gives us no confidence at all that it as this Minister has done. will do so. Its record was shameful. Our school As I said before, going back to the past in system was crying out for more schools, education simply will not work. We have now enhanced classroom upgrades, new shaded put in place a Leading Schools program that areas and so on. The former Labor in many respects was the envy of a lot of Government's pathetic record was that, after schools around Queensland and in some eight months of its budget, it had spent only a other parts of Australia. It was a move in the fraction of the money it had allocated. It was right direction. To attempt to scuttle the not until we came back into Government and program and create a lot of fear and confusion got the program on track that in all areas is to hold back a tide that cannot be held 100% of the budget was being spent. back. Schools want authority and flexibility. I hope that we will see the program supported In relation to the capital works program, as it was in the past and that we will not see it the best the Labor Party could achieve after scuttled. six years in Government was a capital works program of $150m. Our first capital works Time expired. budget was in the order of $271m. Our Hon. D. M. WELLS (Murrumba—ALP) second budget was $279m. We had a (Minister for Education) (4.14 p.m.): Madam cutback in the third year because of the mix of Deputy Speaker, may I take the opportunity to funding and that brought the budget back to congratulate you on your elevation to the high 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1401 office that you have now assumed. May I also Leading Schools was all about take the opportunity to pay a tribute to the hierarchies. There were 104 phase 1 Leading honourable member who has just spoken. Schools. Then there was to be another phase From time to time, and indeed perhaps during 2 Leading Schools set consisting of 300 the course of this speech, I will offer some schools. Where were the others going to criticisms of the performance of the come? Much further down the track! Where honourable member while he was the Minister were the Leading Schools concentrated? One for Education. However, I wish to begin by hundred per cent of the band 8 to 11 schools saying that during the whole of the time that in the honourable member's electorate he was the Minister for Education he always happen to have been Leading Schools. One behaved like the former teacher that he is, like hundred per cent of the schools in the a man who had a vocation for teaching and electorate of the honourable member for who was desirous of delivering a better Surfers Paradise happen to have been education system. Indeed, his desire to deliver Leading Schools. In the electorate of Cook, for a better education system was exceeded only example, almost none were Leading Schools. by his incapacity to do so. The situation in In the electorate of the honourable member which he found himself today is illustrative of for Brisbane Central less than a third were the reasons why. Leading Schools, as was the case in my The honourable member's whole electorate. It was an elitist program and it was philosophy is found in his first put-down. His concentrated in particular electorates which first put-down in his speech was along the happened to suit the demographics to which lines that education has been demoted the honourable member opposite found because now it is being handled by somebody himself drawn and in which he found himself who is No. 12 in the pecking order, whereas comfortable. under the previous Government he was No. 4 Mr Gibbs: The silvertail electorates. in the pecking order. Does that not sum up the Mr WELLS: The silvertail electorates were whole philosophy of Leading Schools—it does those which benefited most obviously. not matter how competent they are as long as they are leading, as long as they have the The honourable member also went on to label or the tag? According to the former say that I was the ideological captive of the Education Minister, who has just spoken, the QTU, because I happened to consult with it. I consulted more with the QTU in the first correct way to compare people is to see week—indeed in the first two days—of my whether they are No. 4 or No. 12, and not Ministry than he consulted with it in the whole whether they have better policies. We take a of his two years as Minister, that is, in the first somewhat deeper view of these matters on two days I consulted with it once. The fact is this side of the House. I wish to acquaint the that the honourable member opposite went House with some of the considerations that we around to his Liberal Party branch meetings take into account. and said, "What I am all about is destroying One of the considerations is equity. the QTU." What a foolish objective! Fancy Another one is justice and another is fairness. making the school kids of Queensland the That was what was singularly lacking from the ping-pong balls in an industrial game that he Leading Schools concept. The Leading was playing against the teachers. That is not Schools concept was a concept concerning an appropriate way to run things. glitz and glamour. It was a concept about I was determined not to have gratuitous managerial claptrap. It was a concept about industrial fights with the teachers or the training the mums and dads to be cleaners either, as the former Minister did. I management consultants after dark instead of was determined to maximise the possibilities educating our children. It was a concept which for a good education for the kids. I am not was, despite the shadow Minister's denials, an going to be spending $1.2m on conferences elitist concept. Leading Schools was all about about Leading Schools, which he budgeted pitting schools against each other and making for. I am not going to be spending $800,000 schools competitive with one another. to send the mums and dads away to learn However, education is not about competition, how to become nocturnal management it is about human development. If we turn it consultants. I am going to spend that money into a tawdry capitalistic contest between State on education; it is going to go to the schools. schools, we cut out the vitals of an education system that would otherwise be capable of The former Minister had tagged $10.92m enabling young people in this State to to go out to the schools in his so-called Leading Schools grant. That was going to go maximise their human potential. out the Monday after the Labor Party came to 1402 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Government. One would think that $10.92m is how that recurrent $20m is divided up. Let me a lot of money. I sent out $20m. The Labor be perfectly clear about this. There are Government bestowed $20m on the school inequities in the school system. At the system at the same time. That $20m will be moment the school system is not one which is recurrent. It was paid one semester at a time, based on perfect justice. The funding base of but it is always paid one semester at a time. the school system has been skewed by the To say, "How do you know that there will not Leading Schools program. Some schools be any money next semester?" is a bit like have been left out completely and others have saying, "How do you know that you are not been given privileged status. Those equity going to walk out of here and step under a considerations will have to be taken on board. bus?" Of course, it could happen. One of us Over the next few months we will have a could step under a bus. But we are talking process of consultation with the school about that degree of improbability. The money communities throughout Queensland. We will is recurrent. It goes out one semester at a run this through the 36 districts in Queensland, time. It is always going to go out one semester which were set up by my predecessor. In the at a time because that is how the school course of that consultation, we will ask school system is run. communities a number of interesting The former Government was putting questions. We are not going to lay down the $10.92m into its Leading Schools program law to them. We are not going to go and get and that was going to the favoured schools. some management consultant from Wisconsin Those schools were not chosen according to to prescribe how we should make human any rational criteria. There were schools—and beings fit into the straitjacket of some the former Minister knows this—which jumped managerialist ideology. We are going to ask through all the hoops, which set up their the school communities what level of school- school council, but still did not get funded based management they want. We will ask because they were not part of the club. them instead of telling them. We will consult However, all band 8 to 11 schools are going to with them instead of bossing them and be funded and have been funded in the last ordering them around. round. Mr Springborg: 100 days of consultation. As for the honourable member's $56m—we heard much about that from Mr WELLS: No, we will have a swift period honourable members sitting opposite. Let me of consultation. We are not going to keep tell honourable members about that $56m. It people talking just for the sake of talking. We is unfunded. It has never been to Treasury. It will give them the opportunity to give us an is not in the departmental forward plans. It was indication of what they want, so that the not in the Ministerial Program Statements. It school communities can address the equity was not in the Budget papers. It does not issue as well as the issue of what aspects of exist, except perhaps on the back of an school-based management they want to envelope. The way the member worked it out undertake. It is absolutely ridiculous for a is by multiplying $30,000 by 1,300, which is Minister to sit up on the 22nd floor of roughly the number of schools. If one adds it Education House, as the former Minister did, all together and multiplies it all and puts in the and hand out decrees about how schools $11 per student, one can get to $56m. The should run their business. The people who trouble is that the figure of $56m is merely a know how schools should be run and what fantasy. It does not exist in any departmental degree of school-based management schools records. It does not exist in Treasury. The should appropriately adopt are the people who money is not there. The member has not got are in that school environment themselves. the cash in the bank and he is saying, "I was We are going to let them speak. going to do this." I applaud his good Mr Speaker—I did not see you resume intentions. I suppose it would be churlish if I the chair. With your usual unassuming said, "He was saying $56m. Why not $156m?" humility, you resumed the chair in complete If he is just pulling rabbits out of a hat or just silence. I would like to interrupt my remarks, Mr pulling figures out of the air, why not Speaker, to congratulate you on your $1,056m? It would be just as real whichever elevation to the honourable position that you one he said. now hold. Your election to the position of The truth of the matter is that all he put Speaker honours not only your own up was $10.92m and we put up $20m. As I constituents in Redcliffe but also mine who said, that $20m is going to be recurrent. It will, regard you also as a representative of the city however, have to be subject to a process of in which they live. On behalf of all of them, I consultation with school communities as to say congratulations and best wishes. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1403

To conclude, I would just like to say that denigration which goes with that kind of the former Minister really had $10.92m; $56m hierarchy. The people to whom this was being is pure imagination. It never existed. We are done were the young and the innocent. talking about his $10.92m and the Labor I visited a special school and at that Government's approximate $20m that we put particular special school—which was a Leading into the school system. That $20m is School—there was a child who was recurrent. For the former Minister or for any intellectually handicapped and was confined to other person to go around spreading fear that a wheelchair. He had a touch-screen that sum of money is not going to be recurrent computer. He would touch the screen of the is irresponsible, mischievous and damaging to computer and he could turn a teddy bear into the school system. The school communities a golliwog or into a frog and so on, and his themselves have got to have some say in how little face lit up with a smile when he was able this much larger cake is divided up. We will to do that. Not many miles down the road also take into account the views of school there was another special school and it communities as to how the new ingredients in happened to have some children with the the growing cake will be divided up. same disadvantages. There was a child at that Prior to the last election, we entered into school who was also intellectually commitments for new behaviour management handicapped and was also confined to a programs for cooler schools, for enhanced wheelchair but he did not have a touch screen capital works programs and for literacy and computer. He did not smile, whereas the child numeracy programs, and it is important that at the Leading School did smile. these should be targeted in order to have the That is what the Leading School's maximum effect on a needs-based criterion. concept eventually came to. That is the hard Education funding is now going to be about a edge of the Leading School concept: that one needs-based criterion. It is no longer the little intellectually handicapped and wheelchair- criterion of leading and of hierarchy; Leading bound child had a touch-screen computer and Schools is finished and in its place is going to another child did not. That is not fostering an be just schools—schools funded according to education system. That is not equity. That is distributive justice under the principles of not justice. That is not fairness. That is not the distributive justice. Australian way. The abolition of the Leading It is pretty obvious what members on the Schools concept—the abolition of the notion other side of the House stood for in and its substitution with a funding policy based Government and in the school system and on needs is a substitution which follows the what we stand for. We stand for equity; they correct path in education. It is the path which stand for inequality. They stand for some will lead to the maximisation of human Leading Schools and some presumably potential amongst the next generation. receding schools, following schools or at least Mr SANTORO (Clayfield—LP) (4.32 p.m.): second-rate schools in comparison. We stand I rise to oppose the motion moved by the for, as far as is humanly possible, giving each Honourable the Premier and to support the child in Queensland a good opportunity and amendment moved by the Leader of the an equal opportunity for a valuable and Opposition and seconded by the Leader of improving education. the Liberal Party. Before doing so, may I add I have been to schools which were not my congratulations, Mr Speaker, to those among the Leading Schools. When I said to which have been extended to you by other them, "You are not a Leading School but you members. Together with all members in this are now up there with them because the place, I am sure that I look forward to wisdom, Leading Schools program is abolished and balance and fairness being inherent features here is the funding which makes you a of your judgments and utterances. May I also Leading School along with the rest", those congratulate the new members who have schools enjoyed the money. They could use made their maiden speeches here today. that money for all sorts of useful purposes. But They remind me of the time when I made my mostly that was not what they wanted. What maiden speech. I believed in what I was they valued most was the self-esteem. They saying. I believed that I spoke with sincerity. I were no longer being subjected to the put- also committed myself to working very hard for down of the Leading Schools concept. They my electorate. If we are able to maintain that were no longer being subjected to the commitment and that sincerity, irrespective of humiliation of being told that somebody else whether others agree with our views, at least was leading and they were following. They we will be faithful to our principles and that is were no longer being subjected to the kind of something of which we should all be proud. 1404 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

May I also say thankyou to the electorate Minister for Racing, Mr Cooper delivered on of Clayfield. The voters have been good something else that had been promised by enough to elect me for the fifth time in a row many other Ministers for Racing—Labor, and I am very grateful to them for the honour Liberal and National—and that was a safe that they have bestowed upon me. The horse walkway for the racing industry which coalition Government was very good to the has a very sizeable presence in my electorate. electorate of Clayfield and I want to remind the I am grateful to Mr Cooper for that. House of just how good it was. After 35 years I wish to turn to the substance of the of dithering by many Governments, we debate, and that is the motion of confidence. I funded, to the tune of $35m, the solving of want to reflect on why we are here today. The the problem of the Nundah bottleneck. Premier is very strong on promises. He is Although many politicians tried to take the strong on making commitments. He is strong credit for solving that particular long-standing on leadership. In fact, he keeps on telling us issue, it was the coalition Government which that he is obsessive about jobs—or so he funded the solution. We also kept our claims. It is on the strength of these claims commitment to the people living in Wooloowin that he obtained the nod of the member for and Kalinga who feared a major freeway going Nicklin and thus the commission of the through their homes and their neighbourhoods. We sold off what was called Governor as Premier. the Leckie Road transportation corridor. That We on this side of the House share with removed an enormous amount of anxiety from Queenslanders everywhere the desire that the the minds and the consciousness of the Premier and his Government, if confirmed in people living in that part of the electorate. their offices by the confidence of this House, Honourable members and the people of act well and act openly and act transparently Queensland will appreciate that the previous in the public interest. If he does, and if the Government closed down many railway lines Labor Party in Government does, we shall see and stations throughout Queensland. The new ground being broken in Labor-ruled Government closed down what used to be Queensland. It would be fertile ground for the referred to as the Eagle Junction-Doomben growth of true public benefit and a very branch line. Prior to coming to Government I welcome augmentation of Queensland's committed myself to reopening that line. I had robust democracy. But we on this side of the the support of the then shadow Minister for House will not be holding our breath for this Main Roads and Transport and we delivered grand new dawn. on that promise and reopened that line. Labor's record is one of machine politics, Before mentioning two other factional deal-doing, fanciful or alternatively achievements in my electorate by the previous anodyne presentation where the facts are Government, may I place on record my very concerned, a predilection for government by sincere appreciation to the member for chloroform rag, and a cowed, mandarin-ridden Gregory and former Minister for Transport and administration. Nothing we have seen since Main Roads. I think more than almost any the member for Brisbane Central was other Minister he took more interest in my independently anointed by the member for electorate and delivered for the people of Nicklin provides any evidence to suggest that Clayfield in a most honourable way. He we should be persuaded that this particular St delivered on the promises that he made prior Paul has been converted, or even that he is to coming to Government. I am very proud of on the road to Damascus. him and of the achievements of which we are The Premier announced that he would able to boast today. govern as if he had a majority of 10. How Former Police Minister Cooper also much better if he had announced that he helped tremendously. He delivered a new would govern wisely and with due regard, police station to my electorate without it even proper democratic regard, to the electoral facts being promised. I did not promise it and I did that underpin the 49th Parliament. But those not ask for it. I lobbied strongly for a greater facts apparently are an embarrassment to the police presence and, suddenly, the possibility Labor Party and to the Premier as they head materialised in Mr Cooper's mind—and back as quickly as they can to their true subsequently in mine—and he delivered on a political home—the familiar territory of new divisional police headquarters in the sectional preference, blunderbuss electorate of Clayfield. This will be a 24-hour bureaucracy, and budgetary misdemeanour. facility and will do much to relieve anxiety in One of these facts is that the member for terms of fear that results from bad people in Brisbane Central does not have a majority of our community doing bad things to others. As 10 and cannot pretend that he has. He does 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1405 not even have a majority, far less one that he signed off less than three weeks after he might give him double-digit protection. But was commissioned to form a Government. perhaps he does have a majority after all—a Members also heard the Premier take credit majority of one—delivered through what, on for the Cancer Research Unit, which I today's evidence, is the craven position of the remember going through Cabinet in the dying member for Nicklin. days of the previous Government, and which For that would be the effect of the we approved and partly funded—as we should member for Nicklin's rejection of the have, and as any Government should have. Opposition amendment to the Government's We now hear the Premier beginning to confidence motion, or of a proposition that the back down from that famous commitment of a amendment should be castrated by removal 5% unemployment rate. That figure will of its requirement that if the Beattie continue to haunt him, as it already obviously Government does not keep the commitments is, for the rest of the days of his Government. I it solemnly made to him, the Premier and thus wonder whether the commitment to behaving the Government must resign. The member for credibly and honestly in this place is a real Nicklin obtained from the Premier a letter of commitment by members opposite when we some considerable detail, binding the hear them talking about employment and incoming Labor administration to a set of unemployment in the context of that 5% unshakeable achievements in office in return commitment, and when they are so graceless for his support on confidence and Supply. In as to not give credit where credit is due, not the context of Queensland's new political just in relation to the Cabinet decisions and reality, that is, the reality of a four-party House commitments to which I have referred but, with two Independents and a minority indeed, to the achievements of the previous Government, that was a principled position Government in relation to unemployment and and one that fairly dealt with the employment creation. One wonders whether, circumstances of the day. in fact, they have really learnt anything from That was Premier Beattie's contract with the recent election. the member for Nicklin. It sought to satisfy him The coalition's commitments in relation to on many points of substance and several that employment were many. Although we did are absolutely fundamental to Queensland's suffer considerably at the hands of the future. But contracts must be capable of being electorate, I am not sure that they really enforced. In a democratic system where the understood precisely what those commitments contract is one pertaining to the political were. Perhaps it was one of the failures of the administration of the State, the only weapon previous Government that we failed to of enforcement lies in the power ultimately to communicate just how much good we did, require the resignation of the Government. It particularly in relation to employment. I believe would appear that the member for Nicklin is that, in a place like this, particularly when the one who is contemplating resignation as a members come in here mealy mouthed, viable option by signalling that he will reject the espousing such high ideals, we should at least only measure—the threat of dismissal—that acknowledge with good grace the can enforce the daily practice of honesty on achievements of Governments, including this minority Government. If he fails to vote for those that have preceded us. the amendment moved by the Opposition, he More than 97,700 new jobs were created will give away any power that he might have to by the former coalition Government. Actually, I keep the Government honest. The electors of should qualify that statement, because I know Nicklin, only 20% of whom cast primary votes that, in the future, this Government will take for Labor, will be wondering where this leaves credit for creating jobs. Every media release them. It leaves them, I submit to the House, that I issued in relation to jobs when I was the as the agency by which the Labor Party and Minister nominally responsible for coordinating its Premier, "Mr Unpreferred", came to power the employment efforts of the previous not by leave, which is a proper democratic Government, which were substantial, never outcome, but by supine acquiescence. referred to my Government creating jobs or What members are debating here today the Government creating jobs. No is the issue of credibility, because it seems Government creates jobs. The real jobs in this that the numbers have already been place—unless they are Public Service jobs predetermined. Members have come into this created by direct decree by members of place with high ideals about saying and doing Government—are created by small business things which are credible. But members sat and the private sector. More than 97,700 new here this morning and listened to the Premier jobs were created when the coalition taking credit for the Goodwill Games, on which Government was in power. More than 25,500 1406 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 new traineeships were approved in the last 12 Government claims that small business is months alone. Total employment achieved an going to increase its propensity, ability and all-time record of 1,616,100. The lowest willingness to employ more people. The unemployment rate in eight years—8.3% in Government will amend the unfair dismissal March 1998—was achieved under the laws, or at least it will seek to amend the unfair coalition Government. Forty per cent of all the dismissal laws that have worked so well—the new jobs that were created in Australia were coalition's unfair dismissal laws. What is that created right here in Queensland. For the year going to do to the incentive of small ended May 1998, employment growth stood businesses when the Government tries to do at 4.3%, compared with a national growth rate that? Will that make small businesses more of 2.1%. inclined to employ more people? Within the Budget, which will not be the This Government will seek to reintroduce Budget of this State in a few weeks' time, union preference into the industrial relations many other plans for the future were in place system—a pervasive, dogmatic and to create or to help to create even more jobs. I unprincipled union preference situation. Will ask members to contrast that with the record that increase the willingness of small business of the previous Goss Labor Government. to employ more people? It will move more Unemployment was 6.7% in December 1989, towards a centralised wage-fixing system by when it took over the governance of the State, removing flexibilities that the coalition and that figure increased to a record 11.1% in Government introduced. Will that increase the July 1992. That Government presided over a ability of employers, and particularly small loss of 58,000 real jobs, and the level of businesspeople—the backbone of this State unemployment increased by 65%. Therefore, and nation—to increase employment? one can see why this place should not have The Government is also committed to confidence in this Government's ability to abolishing QWAs—union-free workplace achieve that 5% unemployment target. arrangements. Before I go on, let me say that, People such as myself and, indeed, all in the two and a half years when the coalition members on this side of the Chamber will was governing, never once did the Labor pursue the Premier and the Honourable the Party—either in the media or in this place—put Minister for Employment, Training and forward one example of abuse of an Industrial Relations on this target. I wish the employee within a workplace as a result of the Minister well because, in taking on that changes to the legislation and the laws that particular role, I believe that he has taken on we made in this place. Sure, abuse occurred, the most onerous task in this place: the but abuse occurred under every system of achievement of a 5% unemployment rate, industrial relations in this State and nation over which was so cynically committed by the then the 100 years or so in which we have had a Leader of the Opposition and his entire team centralised wage-fixing system. But never for the sake of winning votes and winning once, either in the media or in this place, was Government. He won votes and he won any issue raised that, because of the Government, and we are going to keep this coalition's legislation, this abuse had occurred. Government totally and utterly accountable to And it did not occur because we had that figure. We will be fair about what we say protections built into the system for those in and do, but we will keep the Government the workplace who were weak, and we did not accountable. extend privilege and strength to those who did not deserve to have that privilege and that Job security, about which members strength. The Government will seek to change opposite had a lot to say during the election the workers compensation system. That campaign, is guaranteed by one thing and means only one thing: increasing premiums, one thing alone, that is, job creation. When it increasing uncertainty and increasing comes to job creation, the coalition bureaucracy for employers. That certainly will Government stood head and shoulders above not encourage small businesses to employ every other Government in this nation, more people. including the Federal Government, particularly when this State boasted the second-highest The Environmental Protection Authority participation rate in the nation behind Western will place even more bureaucratic burdens Australia. upon small businesses and business generally. That certainly will not increase their Let me deal with how the Labor Party in ability and willingness to employ more people. Government says that it is going to increase When one considers the baby of them the incentive of business, and particularly all—which undermines any willingness on my small business, to increase jobs. This part to support the motion of confidence—that 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1407 is, Labor's $1.9 billion worth of unfunded times in this Parliament when debate will be policies, one knows where we are headed. robust and you will face some extremely Queensland is headed up two or three paths: challenging times in the chair. an increase in taxes and charges, new taxes Firstly, I will make some general and charges, and, of course, the raiding of comments on the election result. In common hollow logs. Two and a half years ago when with many other members, I take the the coalition came to Government, there were opportunity provided by this motion to thank not many hollow logs to be raided. One of the my constituents very much for again having last remaining hollow logs was the Portable faith in me and re-electing me to this Long Service Leave Fund—a fund that was Parliament, albeit with a somewhat reduced set up by the previous Government to look margin. However, I am still considered to have after the retirement benefits of itinerant a seat that is a bit above marginal. As I have workers in the construction industry. indicated previously, none of us should ever The first announcement of the new take our seats for granted. Certainly, many Minister for Employment, Training and safe seats are the first seats to go. That is Industrial Relations was that he would seek to something rather quirky that has been bring onto the floor of this House legislation to happening generally in politics in Australia and raid that hollow log so that he could fund particularly in Queensland over the last couple apprenticeships and traineeships within the of elections. building industry. He did not say that he was In response to the concerns and ideals going to come in here and deliver on the raised by the member for Nicklin, I point out promise of introducing a training levy. He is that we are all idealistic. It is great to have raiding the hollow log of the Portable Long those ideals while we continue in our capacity Service Leave Fund in order to fund the as members of this Parliament. He mentioned training that he promised via a training levy. that when he was campaigning for election, One does not have to be Einstein to people indicated that they had never seen a understand why he backed down on the politician. That is one of the great difficulties election promise of a training levy. The that we face as members of Parliament. I Housing Industry Association objected to it; point out to the member for Nicklin that no most other independent builders in matter how long he is in this place—whether it Queensland objected to it; and, of course, it be one term or six—some constituents of his might have offended the member for Nicklin will say the same thing about him. It is a quirk had the Government introduced a new tax. So of nature that, no matter how many times one what did he do? He broke a promise and he visits a place, one cannot see everyone. I will be trying to raid the Portable Long Service remember going to one community in my Leave Fund—a fund that was established to electorate and somebody said to me, "Well, I protect the retirement benefits of the workers haven't seen you here for about 18 months or whom the members opposite pretend to two years." I said, "I've been here 12 times in represent. the last year. I haven't seen you here, either. This new Government does not deserve You must not come to town very much." That the confidence of this Parliament for the is the reality: we can visit a place, but because reasons that I have stated and the reasons we are not there when a particular person is in stated by members who have preceded me in town and they do not see us they believe that this debate. I certainly will not be supporting we are not representing their interests. the motion of confidence. We will be looking It is fair to say that members on both forward to the honourable member for Nicklin sides of this House and those elected to this acting in a principled manner that will uphold House only recently will endeavour to serve and entrench the integrity of the commitment their electorates extremely well. I know that that he gave to the new Premier, Mr Beattie. they are entering Parliament with all of the Mr SPRINGBORG (Warwick—NPA) right ideals. Today, members of Parliament (4.51 p.m.): Mr Speaker, let me congratulate are more accessible than they were 50 or 100 you on your elevation to the Speakership of years ago—or even 20 or 30 years ago. As this Parliament. I have confidence in your members travel around their electorates on ability. Our relationship is one of mutual the weekend or during the week, they will find respect and dignity and has been since we that they will go to a number of functions and came into this place in 1989. I look forward to attend a number of community meetings in your controlling this House in a very dignified one day. Fifty years ago, there would have and even-handed way. I think it is fair to been no hope of doing that using early means endorse the comments of the Leader of the of transportation. I will share a story that was Opposition who indicated that there will be related to me some time ago by a person 1408 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 whose father held the old seat of Carnarvon facilities downgraded and stock inspectors go. up till 1930 or thereabouts. His salary was That certainly did not do very much at all to about 35 quid a year. In order to attend uphold the morale of those communities. I functions he had to catch the steam train or believe that that led to much negativity and his wife would drive him. On one occasion, many people moving away. when he had to attend an official function at Four local government areas were Stanthorpe, the vehicle was unable to ascend amalgamated into one, without a great degree the steep hill south of Warwick, whereupon he of community consultation. What consultation was forced to turn around and catch the there was was mock consultation. That steam train from Warwick to Stanthorpe. certainly undermined the faith of people in the Members of Parliament should not be too process of government and created a great critical of this institution, because self-criticism degree of ongoing community division and only feeds the negative perception of this resentment. In a bizarre twist, that was place in the community. We have to be very, manifested in a backlash against me at the very careful. Generally, members of last State election. If members think that the Parliament are able to be contacted more effects of negative actions by members of easily today than they were in those times. We another party when in Government expire with all have a couple of telephones. We all have that Government, they need to think again, email and fax. In some ways, familiarity breeds because those actions can feed the contempt. We stand in this place day after resentment that some people feel towards day. As was indicated earlier by other that Government and its successor. members, only the things we say that are likely Railway staff were also taken away and to be controversial are reported on television. stations were closed. In some towns such as People do not necessarily report what is said Wallangarra, which is a small community that in this place during the hard grind of debate. has a very, very low socioeconomic base, that In fact, members agree on 70% of the did a great deal to undermine the morale of legislation that is passed in this Parliament. the community and took away business from We must be very mindful of that. some small businesses. However, places such Anybody who believes that what as Inglewood, which lost its Department of happened in Queensland at the last election is Primary Industries building, its agronomist and confined to our State really needs to consider stock inspector in 1990, had its position of what is happening worldwide and the agronomist restored by the former coalition insecurity worldwide as a consequence of Government shortly before its term of office globalisation. As a result of change, people finished. That has been greatly appreciated by are very concerned. We have been singularly the people of that area as they endeavour to unable to manage the consequences of get into new, alternative agricultural industries change and soften the impact on people of such as olive growing. People are always some inevitable change and include them in looking at new and innovative ways of the changes to the system. That is our great underwriting and increasing the viability their challenge. If we fail to do that, if we continue enterprises. For example, my area has a to go down the road of economic rationalism growing peanut industry. I say to the without considering the negative honourable member for Barambah that I hope consequences, we will be confined to the at some stage we are going to very much scrap heap of political history. That is the great challenge the peanut industry in her part of lesson that we must learn from the election the world. I think that we might be able to do result. As I say, we are faced with a that. tremendous challenge. Today, my challenge to the new I turn now to the reasons why my Government is to make sure that that proper electorate and I cannot have confidence in process of reconstruction of the Department of this Government. When the Labor Primary Industries—which was entered into by Government occupied the benches opposite Trevor Perrett and continued on by Marc from 1989 to 1996, much happened in my Rowell, the member for Hinchinbrook—which electorate which I believe led to people losing replaced half of those departmental people faith in both the political process and the who were taken away from rural areas Government of the day. Many Government continues. I hope that the agronomist in services were stripped away during that time. Inglewood is kept on to make sure that the Courthouses were closed in places such as department is able to provide a service to the Inglewood and Texas. The Department of people in that community. As well, the former Primary Industries was gutted. We saw coalition Government reopened the Inglewood agronomists being taken away, research Court House as a place for holding court. That 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1409 is something that has been greatly Mr Palaszczuk: Where is your wig? appreciated by the local community, which did Mr SPRINGBORG: I say to the new not have access to that fundamental justice Minister for Primary Industries that at the service. People had to travel either to moment out my way it is pretty sad for the Goondiwindi, which is an hour's drive away, or wheat. It is turning yellow and standing under to Warwick, which is an hour's drive in the water. The situation is quite the opposite of opposite direction, to have matters, such as that of a drought. simply having a debt claim, dealt with. People may say, "Those people can drive", but we are Mr Palaszczuk: I did not say "wheat"; I dealing with small-business people. When said, "Where is your wig?" somebody has to appear before a court, Mr SPRINGBORG: I thought the member sometimes he or she does not have access to was talking about wheat. My wig comes a bit transport to be able to get there. So it is very, further down the track. I pay tribute to the now very important for the morale of those Leader of Opposition Business and the communities, for the continuing fabric of those shadow Minister for Family Services, Denver communities, that we maintain those facilities. Beanland. I believe that he should be So my challenge today to the Honourable remembered as an extremely proactive Minister for Justice and Attorney-General is Attorney-General who achieved a great deal that that courthouse stays open. It has been for Queensland. Unfortunately, over the past greatly appreciated since it has been year or so there has been a lot of debate that reopened. What has also been appreciated is did not necessarily give him the great credit the extension of the operating hours of the that he deserved. He worked extremely hard. Queensland Government agency, which In a short period, the former Attorney-General operates out of the same building. put in place a new Criminal Code that met the During the term of the coalition aspirations of the people of Queensland in Government, throughout my electorate a ensuring that people who committed offences range of facilities, such as roads and schools, had sentences imposed on them that properly were upgraded. It would be remiss of me if I met community expectations and properly met did not commend the former Minister for contemporary expectations. In some cases, Police and Corrective Services for his great penalties in the previous Criminal Code were vision in putting forward a plan to decentralise doubled or trebled. our correctional facilities throughout the southern part of Queensland. That would The previous Attorney-General brought in provide an economic opportunity for people in the new juvenile justice legislation, for which, that area. As well, it provides good, forward owing to the splitting of the previous planning. If we had a number of small prisons Government's portfolios, he is still responsible they would have the capacity to expand as the as the spokesman for Family Services. That prison population grows. In effect, that Act gave the courts a greater ability to impose planning killed two birds with one stone. My just and fair sentences on juvenile challenge to the new Minister is to make sure offenders—something that had been that he considers Inglewood when he goes concerning members of the community for a through the process of deciding whether the long period. The previous Attorney-General Government is going to construct a new beefed up the Penalties and Sentences Act to correctional facility in the southern part of ensure that the protection of the community Queensland. That consultation process, which was the first responsibility of the courts, not was mentioned yesterday in the Governor's that a term of imprisonment was considered to Speech, was already under way and largely be an absolute last resort. Under the coalition completed. So I ask the Government to not Government's Penalties and Sentences Act, throw away that consultation work. I know that people who should have gone to jail actually the honourable member for Inala is thinking went to jail. The previous Government also that this has not been funded. The issue is implemented people's right to choose whether forward planning. I am talking about or not to accept medical intervention. something that the coalition Government The establishment of uniform court rules would have brought on board in a couple of was an absolutely wonderful achievement of years' time. It would have popped up in the the former Attorney-General. We had the coalition Government's next Budget or maybe situation in which we had something like 700 in the one after that. It was good, proper rules and forms for our courts. The former forward planning. Attorney-General was able to break down the I turn to the issues relating to the portfolio process so that there are now only about 100 of Attorney-General and Justice, for which I rules and forms, which are coordinated and am the Opposition spokesman. uniform throughout the Magistrates, the 1410 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

District and the Supreme Courts. I believe that The fines legislation was introduced by that process has made it a lot simpler for the the former Attorney-General, Denver lawyers and solicitors who participate and Beanland, and he deserves much credit for it. interact with the judicial system and, hopefully, It is legislation that will help keep fine that will reduce the cost on people who are defaulters who should not be in jail out of jail. required to use the judicial system. A lot of such people are in our jails and should On that point, I believe that we have to not be there. There is no doubt that those make the judicial process more inclusive. As I people who do not pay their fines are at a move around the State, a lot of people say to lower level of offending. I think that most me that we have a legal system that is not people agree with that. really a justice system. People feel I would like to differentiate between disconnected from the justice system in the people who go to jail but should not be there same way as they feel disconnected from the and others. There are alternative ways of parliamentary system. They feel that it is overly dealing with the former, such as by the complicated and does not necessarily revocation of their driver's licences. That might represent them. People go through the judicial be an incentive to pay a fine, for example. mill, spend hundreds of thousands of dollars Once these people, whose behaviour may and, at the end the day, do not necessarily have been minor or petty, get into jail, they feel as though they have received fairness have a chance of going on to become and justice. I am not saying that that is easy to hardened criminals. At the other end of the fix without undermining the fundamental and scale, I have also flagged my intention—I very important tenets of our legal system, believe this is in line with community which has developed and evolved over a long expectation—to make sure that the worst period. However, a lot of people are extremely types of serious violent offenders serve their concerned about it. full sentences. I will be bringing before this The former coalition Government Parliament a private member's Bill along those increased the number of Supreme Court lines. judges, District Court judges and magistrates. Another innovation of the former Attorney- It put into process the development of the General is video linking across Queensland. discussion paper on stalking laws, which The size of Queensland is such that if it were recently was released by the Attorney-General. turned upside down the tip of Cape York I indicate to him that, although I commend would extend 500 kilometres south of him for doing that, that was a discussion paper Tasmania. When dealing with a State such as that was developed by the former Attorney- Queensland it is extremely important to make General and was very necessary. sure we can continue to deliver justice to its I reiterate my call for a review of the Bail rural and regional areas. I think that is very Act to make sure that the Attorney-General sensible in this modern information age. has clearly defined powers and ability to be I refer to the discussion paper on the able to act in terms of an appeal or a issues of consent and rape. Those sorts of revocation of bail. I believe that there are issues were looked at by the former some grey areas in the Act and it may be in Government and measures were actually put the best interests of the Attorney-General and in place. Much was achieved in the time the the people that we look at the Bail Act. Whilst I coalition was in Government. am on that matter, I would like to say that, although I have confidence in magistrates I will be watching the actions of the new getting things right 99.9% of the time, I believe Attorney-General. I will be working with him in that they are like members of Parliament, or a constructive way. I congratulate him on his like anybody else: there is always a concern elevation to the position, but I indicate that we that they may get it wrong. Recently, a will be watching to make sure that those very decision was made about an incident that great and necessary reforms are properly occurred in Noosa. A decision was made by a funded and that the things the coalition magistrate that was subsequently adjudicated Government put in place continue to be taken by a higher court to have been the wrong forward. Also, I will be taking the initiative from decision. It would help if we had a circuit- time to time by introducing legislation into this breaker that was more clearly defined in the Parliament as a private member, something Act. What occurred in that situation helped to which I believe is extremely necessary and undermine the community's faith in our legal overdue. I will be doing that as people come system. I understand that matters relating to to me with other concerns as well. bail are very finely balanced. However, we When I was Minister for Natural have to move in that area. Resources I oversaw the water infrastructure 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1411 program—a $1 billion, 10-year program of forward to my electorate being dealt with in a Government funding. I challenge this non-prejudicial manner. Government to put that in place. That program For the months prior to the recent election is necessary and essential to ensure that we many asked about the possibility of a have right levels of economic development in Queensland Parliament being once again the rural and regional areas of this State. I hung as a result of the June election. My would hate to see the Government throw out response at the time was that the possibility of that program. It has been properly developed. that occurring was remote, to say the least. It is the best planned program this State has Time has proven that expectation to be wrong. ever seen. It would be unfortunate to see it go Today we again debate a motion of by the wayside now. confidence in a minority Government. This Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM (Gladstone—IND) same debate held approximately two and a (5.12 p.m.): I rise to speak to this motion of half years ago remains clear in my mind. Its confidence. Other members have taken the contents are significant indeed in my opportunity of this debate to refer to their considerations. electorates and to the election. I would prefer One very keen Labor supporter in my to leave that to the debate on the Address in electorate recently attempted to interrogate a Reply, except to say that I do value the public declaration regarding my likely support support of my electorate. on this confidence issue. In his argument he The 25 new members of this Parliament applied the same factors to this election result have an opportunity for a very rewarding three as were applied in my decision relating to the years. Electorates generally want a member previous Parliament of Queensland. One of who will work for them and who will represent these was the actual percentage of votes their concerns. While not necessarily always received. In 1995 the coalition received 53% getting the outcome that is requested, of the much vaunted two-party preferred vote. provided those community members feel they My opposition to the party system is well have been fairly represented they will be more documented; however, I recognise the regular than happy that their member has acted for use of the two-party preferred assessment. them. This same formula cannot be directly applied In common with many of the other to this election result, given the significant shift speakers, I pass on my congratulations to the in voting patterns in Queensland. new Speaker. I believe the previous Speaker, Previously, a second issue was the Mr Neil Turner, encapsulated the role as to significant change in seats held by each party. fairness and equity, and I look forward to The previous Labor Government lost 18 seats enjoying that same characteristic in the new in the 1995 election. In 1998, both Labor and Speaker. It will be challenging, because the the conservatives lost seats to One Nation. make-up of the new Parliament is dynamic, to Labor lost six and the coalition lost five. say the least, and I am sure that as the three- Additionally, the coalition lost the seat of year period unfolds our new Speaker will have Nicklin to the Independent. Overall, however, many opportunities to exercise his right of the ALP retained the same total number of control. seats in this House—44. I also pass on my appreciation to the A third indicator previously used was the previous Government. The previous work or lack thereof in my own electorate. I Government faced some very difficult used a number of issues—hospital situations, yet I always found that, irrespective maintenance, police numbers and the like—as of my voting pattern, I was dealt with fairly and indicators only. This single factor has been with evenness of hand. Those in Government most misused and abused over the past two were always approachable and they were not and a half years. The tiny leak in the hospital vindictive. I can only hope that the roof, a reality which existed under both Independent member for Nicklin, who has coalition and the Labor leadership, cost assumed a similar role in the current hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair Parliament to the one I had in the last, will properly. On behalf of all who work at the enjoy the same openness and availability of hospital and those who are and will be Ministers that I had with the previous Ministry. patients, I thank the former Minister for Health I also look forward to the situation for the necessary work that was done. If work espoused by the new Premier that the new in electorates were a major factor in my Ministry will deal fairly and equitably with all of decision, I would have to say that the coalition us in non-Government seats. I particularly look enabled a great number of concerns to be 1412 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 addressed. Residents in the Gladstone proven criminality on the part of Government electorate can be justifiably encouraged. members. I could not, however, apply on an identical I note that the Premier's motion includes basis the criteria used after the last election to an undertaking not to go to an election before this election result. There is, however, one very 5 May 2001 without the express resolution of important component not new to this election the House. Had the Premier not included that but nonetheless a vital consideration, given in his motion, it was my intention to move such the Statewide results of the 1998 poll: the an amendment, and I commend him for giving issue of stability. In spite of repeated that undertaking. allegations from the Opposition in 1996 that a In this election, the ALP succeeded in minority Government should not be tolerated, obtaining only approximately 39% of the amid suggestions of the need for new primary vote. As mentioned before, there is no elections, the coalition showed it could provide appropriate way to apportion this result into stable Government in a minority position for a the mythical two-party preferred stream. That full two and a half years. Given the call now for is a bonus, because in addition to two this Parliament to support a Labor minority Independents, there are 11 representatives of Government, I can only accept that the a new political entity, One Nation. This opinions previously expressed have changed. fundamental shift in representative An example used earlier in this debate composition is a plus for the people of was that the president of the Queensland Queensland. It means that there are 25 new Chamber of Commerce and Industry had representatives in the Parliament adding a called for a Labor minority Government as the fresh perspective to debate. Whether sitting only possible stable option. Ironically, I believe on the Government benches or on the non- it may have been that same person who in Government benches, this new and significant 1996 said that the only chance of stability, block can and will influence the form and given the option of a hung Parliament, was to ethos that this 49th Parliament will take. That call for fresh elections. His opinion must also position of influence was also a factor that I have changed. considered. Those who would criticise the On Wednesday, 24 June, the member for election result must, however, acknowledge Nicklin and I met separately with the that a very large proportion of the voting Honourable Rob Borbidge, the then Premier, community chose neither established party. At the Honourable Peter Beattie and Dr David least for this Parliament, the complexion of the Watson. I met also with the representative of decision-making process has changed. One Nation, Mr Peter James, their State We have before us a motion of director. I am unsure whether the member for confidence and three subsequent Nicklin's meeting list was identical. amendments. The first two amendments At these meetings discussions on a broad represent two very separate issues. However, range of issues were held. Although the facts they incorporate the same basic were very important to me, I was also seeking components—honesty and integrity. The first to understand each party's attitude to stability amendment recognises the undertakings in this State. What level of priority would be given to the member for Nicklin. All matters given to stability of Government as separate have received publicity and have been a basis from predictable voting patterns, given the of the Premier's presentation of his new effect of instability on the economy, job Government to the State of Queensland. I creation, general employment and the like? support the intent of the first amendment. The Would the importance of stable Government member for Cook proposed an amendment to be used to enforce a particular issue or significantly water down that motion, which I political agenda in the State? Would the will be opposing. The second amendment various new party groups place less covers a very different matter. However, it importance on the State's best via stability as goes again to the heart of the Premier's opposed to advancing any separate commitment to the State, to honesty and agendas? integrity. Therefore, I will support the second At the conclusion of these discussions I amendment also. could not feel confident that the overall The current Government has all the importance of a Government serving its full support it needs to retain power. The term—the message of stability—would be paid undertakings given by the member for Nicklin the necessary regard as opposed to the ensure this. However, each one of us is potential for an unnecessary early election, required to consider this confidence motion excluding, of course, gross misconduct or and to consider our position. When the 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1413 election outcome was evident, I spoke with a I come to this role with the right cross-section of people in my electorate. Most background to understand the people I wanted a stable term ahead, not an Executive represent. My first job when I left school was Government whereby this House is merely a as a labourer with the Monto Shire Council. I rubber stamp. People now accept that close have worked as a stockman and as a numbers in this unicameral Parliament ensure contractor, and I have built up my own better scrutiny of proposed legislation. agricultural and marketing business from scratch. I know all about the challenges of I fully continue in the view that a balancing big mortgages, the needs of a Parliament of 89 Independents could work growing family, and an active involvement in successfully, but that is not the scenario that community life. Immediately before coming to we are considering in today's confidence this role, I was the Deputy Mayor of the Monto motion. On the basis of all of the matters Shire Council for five years. available to be considered, particularly the issue of stability, given the fact that the new Monto Shire is one of eight shires that Government has been formed and made make up the Callide electorate, and I quite marked changes to the various recognise tonight the role that local departments and has offered to the State government plays in our communities. I pay stable albeit minority Government, I will tribute to all of those people who serve in support the motion of confidence, including those local government roles, most of the time the amendments of the Leader of the for very little financial reward. Many other Opposition and the Leader of One Nation. people also work for the future of our communities in a voluntary capacity, for Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): I call example, on economic development councils, the member for Callide. As this is the progress associations, committees and local honourable member's first speech, I ask that organisations of a hundred different sorts. I honourable members afford him the courtesy recognise and congratulate all of those people of the House. who contribute to the communities of Callide in Mr SEENEY (Callide—NPA) (5.23 p.m.): this voluntary way. Our communities are better As the only newly elected coalition member, I places in which to live because so many am deeply honoured to be able to deliver my people are prepared to give their time and first speech in this Parliament as part of this effort for the common community good. debate on the motion of confidence in the The 14 communities that make up the new Labor Government. electorate of Callide are not just physical My electorate of Callide covers 14 infrastructure, nor are they corporate entities; towns—14 communities—from Biggenden and they are about people. They have a spirit and Wandoan in the south to Monto, Biloela and a soul. Our communities have a culture and Baralaba in the north, extending west to traditions of their own. These communities are Rolleston. It covers the area known as the all similar in some ways and yet they are all central and north Burnett on the eastern side unique in others. Our communities are very and the Callide and Dawson Valleys to the different places in which to live compared with west. The electorate of Callide's greatest asset the large urban centres. They are very much is its people, and I am here on their behalf. I better places to live in some ways and very am very proud to represent the people of much more deprived in others. Callide, and it is about them that I wish to It is no exaggeration to say that today the speak tonight. I wish to use some of their spirit of so many of our rural communities is words to convey to this House what is somewhat jaded and they are sick in their essentially their message. heart. It is also true to say that the overwhelming emotion in many of our I am the fifth generation of my family to communities at the moment is frustration and have lived, worked and raised their children in uncertainty—even anger and cynicism. It is an the Burnett Valley—five generations over a emotion that I can well understand and one period of 150 years since the area was first that I share. It has been too tough for too long settled. Like so many other people, some of in rural Queensland. It has been too tough for my family have taken up small land-holdings, too long for many reasons. Some of those especially when the area was opened up to reasons are the direct result of Government closer settlement in the 1920s. Today Callide policies. Some of those reasons are beyond has many such small land-holdings—a legacy anybody's control. But all of them have a of the closer settlement schemes—and Callide cumulative effect that is wearing down the has many small businesses, a characteristic of legendary resilience of the people who have the many relatively small communities. lived in rural Queensland for generations. 1414 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

In common with other rural areas across much of rural and regional Queensland. We the State, our most valuable export in Callide are people who are traditionally loyal and slow is our children—strong, healthy, intelligent, to anger, but our anger when aroused can be capable children—who invariably leave when a profound and all consuming thing, and so it they reach their late teens for regional or was on 13 June. capital cities in search of elusive work and job Over the past two years Queensland has opportunities. With them goes our future and had a major injection of resources into rural our very reason for being. Our communities and regional areas. We have had a major are fighting back. All too often it seems we injection of resources into the electorate of must fight those who should be helping us. Callide—a major attempt to turn the tide, to How can the people of Callide have any correct the mess left by years of Labor confidence in this Labor Government when Governments. That injection of resources was they have not yet recovered from the tragic effects of the last Labor Government in this only just starting to have an effect. Because of State? Many members of that Government the lead times involved, many of the projects are still here today. planned and developed in the past two years in the Callide electorate are still in advanced In the six years from 1990 to 1996, the planning and early construction stages. Labor Government in Queensland combined with the Labor Government in Canberra to tear In March 1998 the Borbidge coalition the heart and soul out of rural Queensland. Government announced a $3 billion Surat They gutted so many of our rural communities Basin development project located in the as they rationalised and regionalised or simply Callide electorate to generate jobs and growth closed every Government service they could. for the whole central Queensland region. This The threat to close the railway network project includes the $120m Nathan dam on became the symbol of the withdrawal of rural the Dawson River, rail construction, power services, and I was involved in the fight to stations at Wandoan and Callide C, new save the Burnett railway line in July 1994. I coalmines to access some 4 billion tonnes of experienced at close range the anger and thermal coal in the Surat Basin and the frustration of normally quiet, ordinarily placid opening up of 20,000 hectares of new, people as they mobilised to force the Goss irrigable agricultural land. Government to back down. In 1994, those The water infrastructure task force set up people, many of whom had never by the then Minister for Natural Resources, demonstrated about anything before, hanged Howard Hobbs, identified infrastructure in effigy the then Transport Minister in Monto's projects across Queensland. The coalition main street. Today, that member is still here Government committed $1 billion to water and is in this Government. I hope he reflects infrastructure construction to be supplemented on that experience when he considers how his by another $1 billion of private sector funds decisions as Treasurer will impact on rural and over a 15-year period. Millions of those dollars regional Queensland. have already been spent in Callide to progress At the same time as the State the essential impact studies and the Government was stripping rural Queensland of necessary planning processes for the best of essential services, the Federal Labor the projects identified on the Dawson and Government drove a policy agenda which Burnett River systems. destroyed the viability of many of our farming In many of the communities that make up businesses and our agricultural industries. the Callide electorate the local authority is the These were industries that have provided a major source of local jobs, and these local sound economic base for our families and our authorities depend heavily on Main Roads communities for generations. Good solid construction work. During those two years, people have fought helplessly as their ability to funding for roads all over the State was provide for themselves has been lost and their increased by the then Minister for Transport, much prized independence and self-reliance Vaughan Johnson. Commitments were made has been eroded. for major road construction projects on the So many of us who live in Callide have felt Dawson and Burnett Highways as well as our security being eroded. We have felt increases in essential maintenance funding. ourselves losing our ability to control our own Almost all of those extra roadworks in Callide destiny and we have felt our ability to provide were allocated to local authorities. This created for our own future slipping away. It is entirely jobs locally and provided security of understandable that anger and frustration employment for local government work forces should increase in such circumstances. We in as local governments were exempted from the Callide share the anger and frustration of more extreme National Competition Policy 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1415 requirements, some of which would have Infrastructure Task Force and made that decimated their work forces. billion-dollar commitment to investment in this Nearly $5m to improve substandard town type of infrastructure. Nearly 50 submissions water supplies was shared between Gayndah, were received for projects from within the Mundubbera, Eidsvold, Thangool, Goovigen Callide electorate and that clearly indicates the and Wandoan. Funding was also provided for need that exists for water, which is the catalyst a new million-dollar bridge at Theodore, a for all other development—development that swimming pool at Eidsvold, a new hospital and can provide real, sustainable jobs and real a new library at Mundubbera, a million-dollar income from export-focused industries. upgrade for the Biloela Hospital, QCAP offices The largest and most ambitious of those throughout the region to give back to people infrastructure projects is, of course, the Nathan access to Government departments, school Gorge dam, but there are equally important and kindergarten upgrades throughout the projects on the Burnett and Auburn Rivers electorate, sport and recreation club funding, where the citrus and horticultural industries and so the list goes on. already exist. There already exists in the None of this would have happened, none Burnett Valley a huge resource of human skill of this would have been delivered if the and ability and a large amount of private coalition had not won Government in 1996. capital investment in industry infrastructure This record of infrastructure and service that is currently being restricted because of the delivery stands in stark contrast to what lack of the development of those water happened in the six years of Labor resources. These infrastructure projects must Government—six years when services and proceed to fruition and not be held up by infrastructure in the Callide electorate, as in green minority groups staging media events or the rest of rural and regional Queensland, a Labor Government reluctant to invest in rural were either withdrawn or allowed to run down. Queensland. We must be prepared to learn from the past and develop the potential of Any attempt to repeat the gutting of rural these resources in a sustainable way. We Queensland, any attempt to delay or whittle cannot let past mistakes be an excuse for not away the projects planned for the electorate of doing anything in the future. Callide will provoke a savage reaction from the people I represent. They were angry in 1994 We must also recognise and change the when their communities were gutted by the economic policies that have proven to be a Goss Labor Government, and they are a terrible mistake—policies that have stripped whole lot angrier and ready to fight now. We away the viability of so many of our rural want to reverse the decline in our industries. We must abandon forever the law communities. We want to build a better future of the jungle type economic policies. We must in those communities for ourselves, our abandon the discredited level playing field children and our children's children. We can do concept. These concepts have and will that with projects such as the Surat Basin inevitably destroy family farming operations development. We can do that with projects and family businesses and the jobs they such as the Nathan Gorge and Paradise provide across this State and this country. dams. My electorate of Callide is almost all about We have an abundance of natural family farms and small family businesses and resources which can be sustainably developed the people they employ. We who own those to provide opportunities for our future. The key family farms and small businesses increasingly to that future is water—water for agriculture face the threat of being destroyed by the and water for industry. Agriculture has always predatory corporate giants who hold all the been and will always be the economic base of market power or being destroyed by the unfair the Callide electorate. Other industries such as competition from overseas. As I stand here mining—especially coalmining—power tonight, many pork producers in my generation and tourism also make major electorate—many of my friends and contributions to that economic base. Together contemporaries—are trying to determine how with agriculture in all its forms, they provide the they will survive another month of disastrously Callide electorate with a huge potential for the low prices, which are well below the cost of future. For that potential to be realised, the production, in the face of the importation of priority must be the provision of the over 1,000 tonnes per month of foreign infrastructure needed to ensure those product. adequate and reliable water supplies. Many dairy farmers in my electorate, To its credit, the previous Government many of whom are my friends and recognised this and put in place the Water contemporaries, will spend tonight 1416 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 contemplating their inevitable financial ruin if It is a place where one can be interrupted by a the National Competition Policy inspired lot of people when one is trying to speak. The deregulation scheduled for 1 January 1999 new members have all joined an elite club. My produces the same reduction in farm gate remarks apply equally to the member for prices as it has already done in New South Nicklin. People outside say, "Oh, you are a Wales. That was a reduction in milk prices to pollie and you are in here." The quickest way the farmer which did not end up as a benefit to shut them up is to say, "You run against me to the consumer, but rather went to boost the at the next election." This is an exclusive club. profits of the big retailers. I think the member for Crows Nest, Mr Cooper, In Callide, as in the rest of rural and explained it very well indeed this afternoon. regional Queensland, we believe that in a I was not very happy with Gough Whitlam. world of economic rationalism people matter, I was less happy with Malcolm Fraser. We too. We do not believe and we will not accept State members are not always happy with the that our families and our communities are parties at the Federal level. I am certainly not expendable in the big picture politics of happy with the confidence motion that those globalisation. We will not accept that our future opposite have moved. I think the honourable should be forfeited to powerful corporate member for Callide has explained it very well. giants and the law of the jungle economic The new members cannot interject on me, but policies. We will not accept that our future the older dudes over here, such as the should be sacrificed on the mythical level member for Murrumba and the member for playing fields. We do not believe that it is fair Kedron, can interject if they really want to. I do and just for our efforts to build a better future not have any confidence in this Government for our communities to be continually because we saw Labor rip the heart out of us frustrated by single-issue minority groups. We over six or seven years. I remember being a do not believe that it is fair and just for our shadow Minister at that time and thinking, "Will future in rural Queensland to be denied by yet we ever get these blokes out?" We got them another Labor Government with an urban and out, but now they are back in again. I do not coastal focus. know if that is a big wrap for Mr Wellington, but it was his decision and I am not picking on him I do not believe that the answer to the because in this place— problems that we face in rural and regional Queensland lies in some sort of regression to Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves) the past. I have no doubt at all that the Order! The honourable member will refer to oversimplistic solutions and the shallow wish the member by his correct title. list type policy position of the Far Right would Mr VEIVERS: Yes, the member for see us much worse off within a very short Nicklin. Mr Deputy Speaker, I was just about to space of time. But we in Callide, as in many congratulate you, even though you have not other areas in rural and regional Queensland, previously occupied the chair. As I am feeling want the chance to build a better future for warm-hearted this afternoon and I have waited ourselves in today's world. As we approach the a while to speak, I will congratulate you. You year 2000 we want the chance to be able to told me you would not pick on me, so I will not build a better future for our families and a pick on you! I congratulate the new Speaker better future for our communities within the on his elevation to a very honourable position realities of the 21st century. We want the next in this place. He has a very hard act to follow generation to have the chance of some in the former member for Nicklin, my very good security on our family farms and in our small friend Neil Turner. I am one of those blokes businesses, and we want our children to have who will stand up in this House and say that if a decent chance of getting a secure job in he is not the best Speaker we have had since rural and regional Queensland. I have to say Federation I will jump off a bridge. However, I that we in Callide have absolutely no do not want to do those sorts of things. confidence that the task we face will be made During this debate I want to put on record any easier by the election of this Labor my thanks to the thousands of emergency Government, but we are ready to fight every service workers and volunteers right across inch of the way for a fair go. Queensland for their help and support during Mr VEIVERS (Southport—NPA) my period as Emergency Services Minister. I (5.41 p.m.): I rise to support the amendment cannot speak highly enough of them. They moved by the Leader of the Opposition earlier train and work for the benefit of their fellow today. However, I must firstly congratulate the Queenslanders. As those opposite would member for Callide on his maiden speech. I know, the SES workers would send the also welcome all new members to this House. Treasury into heart attack mode if we had to 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1417 pay them. We do not pay them. They do their Mr VEIVERS: Yes, a big silver bullet. He job for the benefit of the community. was a good man who was thrown out very I remind the House of the helicopter unfairly by this new regime. How many did this rescue people who received the Golden Hour Government get rid of? These people were Award last year. That is a major worldwide just wiped out. The Government said it would award for rescue. Those people have brought not do that. great honour to our emergency services. The I must congratulate the member for former shadow Minister, who is now the Brisbane Central on becoming Premier. The Minister for Education, loved that. I gained Premier said that his Government would not that impression from the way he spoke this throw out public servants. However, these afternoon. He looks as though he is loving it, people were just shot out the door within two even though sometimes words fail him. days. I suppose the Premier thought that if he Mr Wells: I particularly liked what you said did it quickly the pain would be gone and about the SES. everyone would forget about it. I have not forgotten about it. I am sure Mr Hocken has Mr VEIVERS: I thank the member very not forgotten about it. I know that the One much. The member for Murrumba is a Nation members have not forgotten about it. It member of the SES. I must say that on is just not on. occasions I was hoping that when he was at training on certain nights and the wind was The Premier said that he would not send blowing the rope would slip and he would fall people to the gulag. He simply fired them and off! That was just a thought that crossed my sent them straight out the door. He gave them mind. I did not really mean it. $50,000 or $60,000 and said, "DCM—don't come Monday." That was not good. I think a Mr Wells: Every time you thought that, promise was made that some of these people you had another jelly bean. would get a job, but they did not get a job. Mr VEIVERS: Speaking of jelly beans, I They were all good men, and Hocken was one want to talk about the Ambulance Service of them. As the member for Crows Nest said whose officers are undoubtedly the best in this afternoon, they may have been affiliated Australia. They set benchmarks and at times with political parties, but they were apolitical in they were maligned by the member for their work because they were professional Murrumba. public servants. For God's sake, I even hired Michael Kinnane. He is a member of the Mr WELLS: The honourable member's Labor Party and a person who stood as a suggestion that I ever maligned an ambulance candidate for the Labor Party. I knew that, officer is untrue and offensive and I ask that it Russell Cooper knew it, and Vaughan be withdrawn. Johnson knew it. Mr VEIVERS: I withdraw. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I ask the An Opposition member: Ask him if he honourable member to refer to members by knows what an ambulance is. their correct titles. Mr VEIVERS: I know more about it than Mr VEIVERS: Mr Deputy Speaker, for a you, sonny. bloke who was not going to pick on me, you are doing a good job. The rural fire brigades are always on hand to do the job for no reward. They are simply These people are professional. I may joke doing it to look after the members of their about a lot of things, but I am deadly serious community. I am going to refer to the about this issue. One cannot malign public members of the Queensland Fire and Rescue servants. This is not the United States of Authority. Before I do that I want to thank America. We cannot change them every time some individuals. I wish to thank my former there is a change of Government. director-general, Mr John Hocken, who worked Governments in America are in power for five very hard for the services. He did a great job. years, whereas here we have three-year He came through the ranks. He worked for a terms. Those public servants have hardly former Minister, Don Neal, in the Department warmed their seats, but this Government is of Harbours and Marine. He was quite expert pegging them out again. We should retain in that field. He also worked for the current them, because that is all they know. Treasurer, Mr David Hamill. I thought, "If he Mr Cooper: You want to have a look and can work for him, he can work for anyone." So see how it affects their wives and families. I asked him to work for me. Mr VEIVERS: That is true, but members Mr Cooper interjected. opposite would not be interested in that. That 1418 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 is why we cannot support this confidence over the past 12 years. Another thing that I motion in this Government. We should not do could talk about is how families of all politicians that to public servants, but members of this cop denigration when they go out into the Government have done it. That is completely workplace. That is unbelievable. It does not despicable, and it will come back to bite them. matter whether one is a member of the Labor I am not necessarily referring to the new Party, the National Party, the Liberal Party or members, because they do not know about the One Nation Party; over the years one's this, but the longer-serving members across kids cop a hell of a hiding. That is not fair. the Chamber know all about it. They have Some people should say something about it. seen it done before. They were professional at Maybe the members of the press will say sticking those people in the Gulag. We did not something about it. Family members do not put people in Gulags, but members opposite get paid. They answer the phone at night if I did. am not there. As those members who have I now want to give an accolade to a been Ministers would be aware, Ministers are particular man. It will be hard to do, but I must out all the time, so their wives have to answer give credit where credit is due. I refer to the the phone. Or if their children are home, they secretary of the United Firefighters Union, Mr have to take the abuse—take whatever is Henry Lawrence. There is no doubt that, coming—write notes and hand them on. because of his input to the board which I put Those family members also have their lives to in place—and I will get to that shortly—and live. My children are both professional with his help, we really made great advances youngsters. Well, they are aged 30 and 33. I on behalf of firefighters. He did not agree with call that young these days. Anyway, they are everything I said, and I definitely did not agree great children and they support me, too. But with everything he said. We used to have they should not have to put up with all the some blues. However, we did say that we muck. would talk about things and that we would I want to thank the members of the never hit the streets or the newspapers, and Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority board, we did not. We talked things through and who have done a magnificent job, as have the came to decisions. I do not care what members of the Queensland Ambulance members opposite say; I know that it was for Service board. I put in place two statutory the benefit of the Fire and Rescue Authority, authorities to take the politics out of all this, because morale there increased dramatically. I and I believe that I succeeded. I was taken thank Henry and all those firefighters and aback at Kemp Place. I was invited there to officers throughout Queensland. They were have some tea and talk about a hypothetical tremendous. problem that they had there. I walked in and I want to also thank the voters of they presented me with a trophy for being a Southport, because without them I would not very good Minister. I must admit that I was be here. I thank them for their confidence in taken aback. I was lost for words—which is me. something! Mr Johnson: They know quality when I also take this opportunity to clear the air they see it. regarding certain uninformed statements made recently by the new Minister for Mr VEIVERS: I must say that it involved a Emergency Services, the Honourable Merri bit of quantity as well as quality. The swing Rose. The debt from the former Queensland against me was only 0.3%. This is my fifth Fire Service is historical. It resulted from Labor term as a politician, although I am not a career getting rid of the old boards. The Staib report, politician. Isn't that amazing? I have lasted for which I commissioned, indicated that there five terms, but I am not a career politician, and was a need for $30m extra funding per year. I will tell members why. I am in a 54% Labor There was also the Masters report, which was electorate, but I work hard. I am there all the commissioned by the board of the Fire time. If anyone wants to try to beat me at an Service. That report indicated a trust fund election, they can try that at any balance of $6m in the red in 1997-98 and an time—although I do not want One Nation to $8.5m deficit in 1998-99. The honourable stand against me next time. Things might member for Murrumba can take down these change a bit over the next four months. If a figures and give them to the Honourable member works hard and does the job properly, Minister for Emergency Services, who is not in people will respect that member and vote him the Chamber at present. or her back in. I thank the voters of Southport. I want to emphasise that this year's I also thank my wife and family, because budget came in at $18m in the black. The they have had to put up with a hell of a lot Minister has been saying that the budget is 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1419 going to be in deficit. It is not. It is in the black, station, the drop in sick leave has been over and it is up to her to keep it in the black. She 40%. That is a massive decrease in sick leave. has put lots of promises into that budget. It is money in taxpayers' pockets. The high Mr Johnson: Fabricating it, too. level of sick leave was the result of six years of Labor's mismanagement and financial Mr VEIVERS: It is a fabrication, because incompetence and the fact that it did nothing the figures do not lie. I cannot condone the to rectify the problems. Why did the Goss telling of mistruths. That is what has been Labor Government not act on the done. recommendations of the Leivesley report, The member for Crows Nest said that which referred to a $40m shortfall in funding? when a new Government comes to power it This Minister fails to mention these very always finds black holes everywhere. The significant facts. Why did the then Labor members of this Government are jumping Government not act on the Public Sector around and saying, "We cannot do this and Management Commission review that it we cannot do that", because they have to commissioned? We have never been told fund the billion-dollar promises of the Premier. why. Members should not delude themselves. That As the former Minister, I was very aware is what this Government is about. of the financial mess that the former Goss As I said, this year's budget came in at Labor Government left behind for me. In $18m in the black. There was an $11m conjunction with the board of the Queensland carryover and $7m in savings through my Fire and Rescue Authority and Henry good management. The Queensland Fire and Lawrence, I was proactively working to address Rescue Authority changeover from the former Labor's financial incompetence and Queensland Fire Service involved a debt of mismanagement. I challenge this Minister to $21m. That debt is now only $13.5m. My tell the people of Queensland how she intends Government reduced that debt by $7.5m over to address any anomalies in the current fire 29 months. The 1997-98 budget indicated levy system. I will be watching her very closely. that the trust fund would be in overdraft for I have always believed that there should eight months. The actual time was only two be some reimbursement for road accident months. This was achieved despite not rescue work. The options range from a charge drawing down on the loan funds available for of $10 per registration or fuel or tyre charges the Kedron Park complex. Kedron Park was through to charging for any call-out. In some paid for from cash flow. They call the complex areas, most of the work is related to road at Kedron "Camp Veivers". rescue. At present nothing is received for that During 1997-98, under my guidance, we crucial emergency service. Savings can be also focused on bedding down a range of made by hard decisions on some of the industrial relations and human relations issues. stations that have a low call-out rate and A new award and certified agreement were making them into day stations only. Decisions finalised. I also bedded down an enterprise could be made to close stations in Brisbane partnership as well as funding the costs of the and build new ones that are more strategically change to a 38-hour week. In the last 18 placed and which would cover greater areas. months there has been enormous change in Some excellent work has been completed and management through workplace reform. The would clearly justify the positioning of stations entire management structure was changed. to achieve those objectives. That would also When the structure was put in place two years have the effect of providing better manning ago under my management, the morale of levels and providing greater safety for the firemen was at an all-time low as a result of firemen. That process was started with the Labor's absolute mismanagement. Do construction of the new Chermside station. members remember Tom Burns talking to Once again, it was my Government that took firemen at the front of this building and calling that very progressive step forward. Financially, them wankers? That has all changed, and the that is a positive as there are enormous Fire and Rescue Authority has developed real savings as a result of adopting that process. pride in itself. Management has been Big decisions have to be made regarding devolved to all levels, and the Queensland the urban interface in the rural fire brigade Fire and Rescue Authority men on the red areas. There is a need to make big changes in trucks have a sense of ownership as never that area and it will have an impact on income before. and costs. Residents in the Currumbin Valley, Let me highlight another significant fact, that is, in the Honourable Minister's own that is, the massive drop in sick leave these electorate, would be most interested to hear days. I can honestly tell members that, at one the Minister's plans in this regard. Enterprises 1420 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 such as the Mount Isa Mines project and the I remind this Parliament that it was the provision of training have the potential to Labor Party that brought in economic provide income. It is to be hoped that Labor rationalism about 15 years ago. Before that, does not walk away from that aspect of the Australia had the settlement model. That was Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority. The all about entitlement and position. That model Minister has brought pure politics into the goes back almost to the settlement. According debate. That is most unfortunate. Her to that model, everyone in society in Australia moaning of late has been the first major was entitled to a certain remuneration destabilising influence on the QFRA in the according to where one was in the system. past 18 months. One received a basic wage plus increments Time expired. above that depending on one's skill or position in society. That is opposed to the economic Sitting suspended from 6.01 p.m. to rationalism model, which is all about 7.30 p.m. competition and productivity. Mr CONNOR (Nerang—LP) (7.30 p.m.): I coined the term "political rationalism". Mr Speaker, I congratulate you on your How should we define political rationalism? It is elevation to that high office. I am sure you will similar to economic rationalism. It is in the style do a very good job. In debating this motion of of laissez-faire economics. It is all about confidence in the Government, we must ask: competition and productivity plus, perhaps, a does the Labor Party deserve our confidence? bit of survival of the fittest. The results of the Before answering that question, we need to Queensland election suggest that the examine whether the ALP reflects what the message being sent to us by the Queensland electorate wants. What was the message the electorate was this: "If you continue to give us electorate was sending to the Parliament? Let economic rationalism as you have for the last us consider the actual numerical election 15 years, we will give you political rationalism." results. Labor won back all the seats that the From the perspective of economic rationalism Liberal Party won from them in 1995. One and political rationalism, let us consider what Nation won 11 seats: five from the National some of the commentators and others have Party and six from the ALP. One new had to say about the election. The day before Independent won a seat from the National the election, the Courier-Mail published an Party. From the ALP's perspective, it is the article written by Mr David Oldfield—from the status quo. Of course, the real gain was made One Nation Party, of course. The article by the One Nation members and the headed "Doing it Pauline's way" states— Independent, who took six seats from both sides of politics. "Why should you vote for One Nation? During the election, the regular, recurring theme behind much of the message that was The alternative question should also being sent to us was economic rationalism. be put—why would you vote for National, However, I will discuss "political rationalism". Liberal or Labor again?" Economic rationalism is similar to economic That is the issue that we are currently liberalism. I am not talking about laissez-faire debating: why should we vote for Labor economics. Economic liberalism goes back to again? He went on to say— the turn of the century. It was about competition and productivity. It was not a "let "The front page of one of Australia's them eat cake" philosophy. It was not survival biggest metropolitan newspapers on of the fittest. It was about competition and October 20, 1997, showed Australian productivity. If one wanted to have a job or to business and Governments retrenched be in the marketplace, one had to be 3.3 million full-time workers in the past competitive. If one was not competitive, one 12 years in a massive downsizing of the was not in the marketplace. If one was not nation's workplace and that more than productive, one was not in the marketplace. one in two full-time jobs have disappeared According to that model, one was paid in just over a decade." according to one's productivity. I repeat: one in two full-time jobs has Mr Fouras: That's why the Liberal Party disappeared in just over a decade. He went on has got nine seats—you don't know what is to say— happening out there. "Australia is being transformed—from Mr CONNOR: Yes, I do: competition and a nation of prosperous full-timers into productivity. impoverished part-timers. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1421

Twenty years and more of laissez- It's the sort of elitist buffoonery that faire economics has done savage and might look good on the drawing board up perhaps irreparable damage to Australia." in the ivory tower, but it translates into If that is right—and I am not saying that it joblessness, hopelessness, tears and is—and if the electorate expects the same to torment at street level." apply to the political system, the electorate That is what Mr Kavanagh had to say on would be saying, "We'll sack about half of you election day before we knew the result. I might and put you on the economic scrap heap. If add that these were ALP policies put in place we do not scrap you, you will be put there on 15 years ago. In case members think that conditions." Of the 89 members in this Lawrie Kavanagh is on his own when he Chamber, 25 are new. If that one-in-two makes these sorts of comments, they might approach is coming, there are a still a few of like to listen to another Courier-Mail article that us who might be in trouble. Perhaps what the summed up the situation after the election. electorate is saying is this: "We want those This article was not written by Lawrie members who are left to have a savage cut in Kavanagh; it was written by Terry O'Connor their pay and conditions." and Gordon Collie. On 27 June, two weeks after the election, under the heading "The Perhaps the electorate is quite simply disenchanted" they had this to say— sending us the message that they do not like the policies that both sides of politics are "What used to be seen as a slow, giving them. On election day, in an article in sad but inevitable decline in rural the Courier-Mail headed "The jolts the elites economies has turned into a gallop, needed", Lawrie Kavanagh made the courtesy of economic rationalism, following quite interesting comments— globalisation, privatisation, the march of technology and, perhaps worst of all, "The important thing on this day of a indifference and ignorance. most historic election is that the rise of Hansonism has already achieved benefits Governments centralise regional for the average voter ... it has frightened services so that a few country towns the living daylights out of the academics, benefit and the rest suffer; banks decide bureaucracy's Sir Humphreys and those that decades of service to, and profit major-party politicians who picture from, a small town count for nothing and themselves just as much born-to-rule and close the local branch; primary producers stuff-the-workers as did the overlords of find themselves battling 'dirt cheap' last century." imports from countries intent on dumping their surpluses." He went on— That is what two journalists from the "Do today's alarmed academics, Courier-Mail had to say a couple of weeks bureaucrats and politicians know the after the election. However, I would not limit cause of what they see as dangerous their comments to rural communities; this levels of support for Hanson's party? feeling existed throughout Queensland. Why Probably not; it may be too close to home is it that One Nation can get around 30% of since it is mostly of their making. For their the primary vote and, I might add, win seats in benefit, it's like this: A lot of Hanson places such as Ipswich, Logan and support comes from disillusioned average Waterford? This issue is not a rural or a Australians who have witnessed the regional issue; it is a Queensland-wide issue. dismantling of this nation's traditional What is the message? I believe that the family values to a point where enlightened people of Queensland are saying to us, "If you crackpots set community standards which continue to give us economic rationalism, we would be unacceptable in a pig sty." will give you political rationalism." I believe that Mr Kavanagh went on— what they mean by "political rationalism" is this: "We will give you politicians 15 years of "Come down and have a look, you unrelenting instability. We do not care what mugs." side you are on. We have no party allegiance. He was referring to us. He went on— We will throw you out on the economic scrap heap with no notice, the same as you have "You might try explaining about done to us. We want productivity, we want economic rationalism, globalism, the big payment and conditions for politicians based picture and all the other pathetic on work, not entitlements, like the old academic waffle we've come to expect settlement model. You have no security and from major-party politicians. you have no tenure. We will have no loyalty to 1422 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 your brand"—meaning political party—"and we the record. When facts go into Hansard, they will consume cheap imports like you have have some longevity. forced on our society." They are saying, "We When there is a change of Government, will give you political rationalism." Then again, there has always been a tendency for the new maybe they are saying something else. But team to blame the old one for everything one thing that they are not saying is that they under the sun. However, I want to go beyond wanted Labor back. that. I want to place on record something that Mr GRICE (Broadwater—NPA) I believe at the start of a new Parliament (7.43 p.m.): Mr Speaker, firstly, I would like to should be on the public record and recognised add to my personal congratulations on your as widely as possible in the public domain. I nomination by doing so publicly in the House. particularly ask the newcomers to this Congratulations. I am sure that you will do a Parliament to take careful note of what I am very good job in the chair. I rise to oppose the going to say, because if we are about good motion moved by the Premier. I rise further to government and workable Parliament, we support the amendment moved by the Leader have to start from a foundation. I firmly believe of the Opposition and to support the that, in the field of law and order, the coalition amendment moved by the Leader of One Government laid that foundation. It is a Nation. message that I wish every Queenslander I am on the record many times in this could and would understand. House in speaking about the Heiner In the case of the previous documents and that whole episode. It is a National/Liberal Party coalition Government, it matter that the public in Queensland is very can stand proudly on its record in police and aware of and, for that reason, it should be corrective services. Police generally, from the resolved. Similarly, I have been quoted in the lowly ranked to the commissioner and his paper as saying that the matter with regard to senior officers, can stand proud on their record Mark Le Grand and the CJC and the inquiry and their achievements. No brand of politics should be resolved, because they are matters can take that away from them. Of course, in of public record. For all the parties and all the the past couple of years they were helped well players—and I singled out Mr Le Grand in that along by a very sympathetic Government, particular article, particularly in respect of his which saw morale boosting as one of its future and his personal life—it should be highest priorities. God knows the police resolved. Similarly, the Heiner affair— needed it! Police morale was certainly higher Shreddergate and all the other names— than it was during any term of the previous should be resolved because it is entrenched in Labor administration. Police officers could walk the public perception in Queensland. It should down the street with more pride in their steps. not go on to fester forever. It is very easy to Kids started to look up to them again and say that it is all too old and it should be left to confidence was certainly building in the blow away with the wind. It is too well known community. Across-the-board, there were publicly. It should be resolved. I support the more police than ever before. The budgets amendment moved by the Leader of One were bigger, the equipment supply was Nation as I am sure the member for Nicklin expedited and police were getting on with their would also because of his public comments job. The public also was paying more respect about the Heiner affair. to the men in the force. I would like to point out to the House I will not say that every one of them was some of the record in the 27 months of completely happy, particularly with the Criminal coalition Government with regard to police and Justice Commission looking over everybody's corrective services. Once Labor gets into shoulder and inhibiting rather than helping in power again, it produces a very well-financed, lots of cases, but generally there was a good smooth machine that puts on the mud with mood within the force and within the very large trowels. It tries to bury the previous community about the job that they were doing. Government in all sorts of black holes and Labor cannot deny that and much of the credit misconduct. It will probably even refer to brown for all of that will go to the Police Service itself, paper bags, which is something that certainly its commissioner and the former Police precedes most of the members of this House. Minister, Russell Cooper. I even heard it today with somebody's flippant comment. Those days are gone. They are part Let us look at some straight facts. When of history. We will probably see them dragged the coalition came to power in 1996, it out with the trowels of the well-oiled machine immediately embarked on a campaign to and its complaint press. However, before that boost police numbers across-the-board. By the happens I would like to place some facts on end of this year, we would have put 640 extra 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1423 police into the community where people Metro South has an extra 86. In Labor's time wanted to see them. Today, I would like to say the number was reduced by 24. to the Minister that if he continues on with I was particularly pleased with the big those numbers—and I extrapolated some increase in strength in my own area, the Gold numbers he used today; I think 1,061, which is Coast. I think everybody will agree that we exactly our figure—if he can make that 1,061, need a strong police presence to satisfy our I promise him that I will be the first one to huge tourist industry. People do not like stand in this place and support it and praise coming to unsafe places, and the work of the him. Queensland police force certainly paid off on Mr Barton: We're going to put even more the Gold Coast in many ways. Despite some in. isolated problems, our visitors always felt safe. The same principle applies in the other Mr GRICE: If the Minister does that, I important tourist areas of the State—the would support him further, but I will be looking. Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay Over the past two years, there have been and the Barrier Reef islands. some remarkable advances in policing and corrections in this State. Nobody can deny No matter how much anybody wants to that—politicians, the political righteous or the argue those figures, they represent the real armchair or media critics, who sometimes have situation. As I often say, if Labor catches up great trouble giving credit where credit is with our projections I will be the first to due—and let us not forget the plaudits that compliment them—if it happens. Nobody can came to the Police Service for its handling of deny our record; it is in fact on police files. the difficult maritime dispute. Nobody can deny that all regions will again benefit when 182 first-year constables In the coalition Government's final graduate in August from the Oxley and Budget, this year's policing budget was Townsville campuses of the Queensland increased by 8.4%. That was $698m this Police Academy. Nobody—not the Premier nor financial year. Our three-year $76m staffing the Minister—can deny that we established plan to boost strength by 800 police and 400 the police academy in Townsville. civilians by August 1999 was well on track, The facts are also there to show that the while our 10-year staffing plan was to provide Queensland Police Service has transformed a total of 2,780 extra police by the year 2005, into the most efficient, most effective and 1,316 above Labor's previous promise. This most accountable in Australia. Let us not would have ensured Queensland's best police forget that the former Police Minister, Mr to population ratio in 25 years. Cooper, acted quickly on the 197 Labor's plan for 2005 would have resulted recommendations of the Bingham police in an appalling ratio of one to 529, compared review, the majority of which were with our plan for a ratio of one to 453. In the implemented. The Government not only 27 months we were in office we delivered an boosted the numbers but also provided better average of 30 extra police a month—more equipment and better facilities through a than Labor managed in its entire last term. massive capital works program. Let us also not Our plan for the coalition's second term would forget the level playing field we provided for have seen Queensland with 7,876 sworn the Queensland Police Service with the Police officers. Powers and Responsibilities Act, which gives police a better chance to deal with the Mr Barton interjected. increasingly sophisticated criminal enemy. Mr GRICE: These are all official statistics. That is not rhetoric; that is fact. The honourable member should read the Our Government also established the papers. This figure is 732 more than under the Queensland Crime Commission, headed by Labor staffing plan, which has since changed. respected barrister Tim Carmody. This, if I have said that I will support it as it comes up, allowed to function, would allow a more if it comes up. focused, dedicated onslaught against Labor cannot deny that the previous organised and major crime and criminal coalition Government was responsible for big paedophilia. But let us just look at the service increases in strength in all eight regions itself. between February 1996 and April last year. In The police became better off in terms of the Far North region there are 54 extra police. pay, strength and working conditions, and In the North Coast region there are 77 extra morale was improved dramatically. Project police. Labor managed a reduction of seven in Renaissance was another major milestone of that region. Metro North has 70 extra police. our Government. This was a commitment to 1424 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 the education, training and development Mr GRICE: Certainly, Mr Speaker. Under capacity of the Police Service. Key the Labor Government, not only were there components included the redevelopment of zebra crossings across the road to protect the the Oxley campus, the establishment of the prisoners but also there was a rostered bus Institute Centre of Excellence in Policing service to take them into town. In six years Practice and the permanent establishment of Labor provided only 226 extra prison beds, the north Queensland campus of the institute. whereas the coalition provided 993 beds, with One of the biggest success stories of the 800 to come on stream by the end of this coalition's term in Government is the crime year. In the next three years, the coalition prevention partnerships piloted in eight centres would have provided an additional 2,072 cells across the State. Under CPPs, communities to fix Labor's legacy of neglect. were encouraged to identify problems at a Under Labor, prison security was a joke, grassroots level and, with police and State infrastructure was run down, prison officers Government, formulate strategies to counter received poor training and morale was at an them. Our Government intended extending all-time low. The people of Queensland were that program from eight to 25 centres. Then put at risk, with 116 escapes from secure there was the school-based constables custody in six years. Under the coalition there program. This year's Budget allowed for the were 18 escapes since the start of 1996. extension of the program from 12 police in 22 Prison security was our No. 1 priority. schools to 40 police in up to 80 schools. The other day the Minister criticised the Let us look at some of the other concrete purchase of the Hummers. They were results of these successful policies. We need purchased because of the external firepower only turn to the area of corrective services. The used in two break-outs, something that was truth is that the Queensland Corrective previously unheard of. They were purchased Services Commission's budget was never for the protection of officers and to prevent higher than it was under our Government—a such a recurrence. The Minister should be record $466m, or a 45% increase. That glad he has these vehicles. What would he included $195m in the capital works have expected the custodial officers to do? Be infrastructure program, an increase of 113%. targets for pot-shotting by criminals with high- That is not rhetoric; that is fact. powered weapons and drive around in FJ Holdens! Recently I heard the Minister promise 50 extra staff. We promised 642 extra staff over I repeat what I said earlier: Labor boasted three years—all funded. The Minister promised that it would spend $1m on extra security $1m for security upgrades and equipment equipment. The coalition had already spent or committed $22m for security upgrades and for such as flak jackets, handcuffs, batons, etc. buying equipment for staff, including protective We included $22m in our budget for security gear and 13 armoured Hummers—seven for upgrades. jail perimeter work and six for the transport and Under Labor, criminals flaunted the law escort of prisoners. and prison was a last resort. In its last four Labor's strategy for controlling drugs in years in Government, Labor locked up 18,045 prison was to keep the prisoners high and criminals. In its short term, the coalition happy. No action was taken to tackle the Government doubled Labor's rate of spiralling use of drugs in prisons, but we imprisonment, keeping serious offenders off implemented the Mengler inquiry into drugs in the streets and behind bars, where the public prisons program to reduce drugs usage wants them. The prisons population has more through proactive intelligence networks. than doubled since 1993, and the coalition makes no apology for taking criminals off the Last week the Minister was lauding the streets. When Labor came to office in public exhibition of drug searches in jails. That 1989—— show would have been top of the hit parade for crims—an educational tape to show them Mr Purcell: Give us the numbers that you how to beat the system. That exercise was locked up. You can't. They were getting out absolutely ridiculous. Can anyone imagine the the other end, as you very well know. police force revealing its investigative secrets? Mr GRICE: Under the previous Whom are we concerned for here? The crims Government, not only did you have zebra or the public? Then again, this Labor crossings out the front so that—— Government, and particularly its Premier, does love the cameras. Maybe the Minister had an Mr SPEAKER: Order! Would the member upcoming series of Blue Heelers in mind, with for Broadwater please address the Chair? him in front of the cameras showing the 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1425 criminals of Queensland how the searches called social justice arm of the Labor Party and take place. its supporters. Only this morning I read in the Whilst under our Government there was a Courier-Mail an article by former Supreme refocus on security, that was not at the Court Judge Bill Carter. In his veiled attack on expense of programs and industries for the coalition's plans to introduce truth in inmates. There were plans to expand sentencing for serious violent offenders, Carter programs and activities to better prepare claimed Governments always spoke about inmates for re-entry into the community. getting tough on crime yet never looked at the Nobody can deny that much was achieved in issue of crime prevention. What arrant the area of law and order in just over two years nonsense! How appallingly out of touch Mr in Government. Honourable members should Carter must have been with the progress and remember that that was a time when we did achievements of the coalition Government. In not even have a real majority in the seven areas across this State we trialled Government. That is quite a change from the community policing partnerships and we luxury of the majority that Labor enjoyed when introduced the volunteers in policing program. it was last in Government. We see that it Mr Schwarten: You are not denigrating a squandered that majority, particularly when we Supreme Court judge? study its record on law and order. Mr GRICE: He has retired. Under Labor, victims of crime were given little consideration. Labor talked about helping Mr Schwarten: It does not matter. What the victims of crime but never got around to it. a disgraceful thing to do. We did. We continually and relentlessly fought Mr GRICE: Anybody can get it wrong, for the rights of victims of crime through vastly including the honourable member. improved information about offenders, extended compensation payments and It is a well-known fact that the former increased funding for victims of crime support Labor Government enjoyed trialling all sorts of groups and counselling services. social engineering programs and embarking on novel so-called prisoner reform agendas. It However, in spite of all of that, let us just is also well known that government at all levels ask one simple question, and therein surely and of all political colours must put in place lies the real answer. For whom would the strategies to identify and tackle the causes of police and Corrective Services officers rather crime. But irrespective of the cause of the be working—the former coalition Government crime, a criminal must still pay for his or her or the present Labor administration? The wrongdoing. answer is self-evident. In relation to law and order further, who would the people of The cornerstone of the coalition's law and Queensland rather have working for them? order policy was to introduce community The answer is the same to both questions—a policing partnerships. These partnerships were resounding vote of confidence in the coalition trialled in seven areas across Queensland. team and the things that it did. Their purpose was to identify and target social problems that feed criminal behaviour. The The coalition acted when it was pilot schemes had already begun to show necessary. It acted when the real and positive results, and an eighth trial was legitimate expectations of the community were organised for Woorabinda, the first Aboriginal not being met and it acted when community community to be part of the program. In one safety was not being observed as the highest area, domestic violence was identified as a priority. While those opposite bleated, it was predominant cause of crime, because it forced the coalition Government that took the tough children out of the home and onto the streets. action on 26 May last year and dismissed the Community Corrections Board. It let a serious Time expired. offender loose. A convicted rapist was let out Mr DAVIDSON (Noosa—LP) (8.03 p.m.): on unescorted leave and allegedly raped two Tonight, in rising to speak in this debate, I other women, and Labor complained when congratulate you, Mr Speaker, on your the corrections board responsible for that elevation to the office of Speaker. I also decision was dismissed. Not only was the welcome all the new members in this Chamber board dismissed; tougher guidelines for the who have been elected to represent their new corrections board were introduced. respective electorates. I wish them all well in Foremost in our minds should always be their endeavours. I recognise also all of my the basic underlying principle that the safety of constituents in the electorate of Noosa on the our community comes first. Our community is Sunshine Coast who supported me at the sick and tired of the bleatings from the so- recent State election. 1426 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Tonight, I find it very hard to support this said before, the director of marketing was motion, because over the past six months the paying a consultant to tell her how to market current Premier has been all over Queensland Queensland—had lost their way. The QTTC promoting Today's Labor as if it was all new, had no partnerships with the industry and the yet when we look at the members on the industry had no confidence in it. benches opposite we see that they are No matter where I travelled across this yesterday's Labor—the same people who State during the eight months that I was the were here in the six years of the Goss shadow Minister, people lined up to complain Government and who brought this State to its to me about their frustration in dealing with the knees. They are the same people in respect of QTTC and about its hopeless marketing of whom hordes of people came to my electorate Queensland. We immediately set about office complaining about the process of appointing a new board to the QTTC. We Government. Nothing has changed. maintained the services of Frank Burnett as Over the past 12 months we have also the chairman to provide continuity. However, I heard the Premier promising new blood in the identified people across this State from the ranks of the CEOs, or directors-general, of the industry who had the skills, ability and know- departments. He made statements such as, how to market and promote Queensland, to "If we pay peanuts, we'll get monkeys. We restructure the QTTC and to give the have to offer five-year contracts to attract the corporation the skills and people it needed to people with the best ability to administer our ensure that Queensland retained its position departments in this State." When I look at the as the No. 1 tourist destination in the country. directors-general and CEOs who have been The appointment of Stephen Gregg was appointed to those departments, I see that a coup. Mr Gregg was overlooked by the they are the same tired old Labor Party people previous administration and had gone to the who were there under the previous Labor Northern Territory. I do not know whether there Party Government and who administered was any political interference, but the those departments to the point at which they appointment of the CEO at the time was not no longer served the people of this State. appropriate for what was needed. Bringing Mr SCHWARTEN: Mr Speaker, I rise to a Stephen Gregg back totally rejuvenated the point of order. My point of order is that the QTTC. It gave the tourism industry right across directors-general acting in both of my this State the confidence that it had so departments were appointed into those desperately been looking for. Under Mr positions under the previous Government. Gregg's stewardship in the short time that he Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of was there—18 or 19 months—the QTTC was order. totally refocused. He employed the appropriate people with the skills, knowledge Mr DAVIDSON: Thank you, Mr Speaker. and industry confidence and support to ensure In this morning's newspaper, I read that the that we could once again market and promote Premier is now proposing to increase the pay Queensland not just to Australia but to the levels of CEOs—the same old Labor Party world. hack CEOs who, as I said, brought this State Some of the appointments made to the to its knees and created so much frustration in QTTC are ones of which I am very proud. I the hearts and minds of Queenslanders in the congratulate Mr Gregg. I totally enjoyed the period from 1989 to 1996. The Premier said time that I worked with him. He is one of the that if we pay peanuts we will get monkeys. most professional people with whom I have The same old monkeys are back. worked in my life. I hope he has the Let me talk about my portfolio of Tourism, opportunity to continue the good work that has Small Business and Industry. I wish to start been done there. Before my appointment, the with tourism. As I have said so many times in previous Government had been formulating a this House before, when I was appointed as tourism strategy. The document was three the Minister for Tourism in Queensland, the inches thick, had been worked on for two QTTC was gone; there was absolutely no years and was going nowhere. It was full of focus at the QTTC and it was a corporation rhetoric and Public Service bureaucratic speak that had lost its way. It had been politicised that no-one could relate to. We ditched it. We and left to struggle to find its own direction. threw it out the window after hundreds of There had been no involvement by the former thousands of dollars had been spent on it. In Minister in its day-to-day operation. There were a very short time, we got industry involvement no people on the board of the QTTC who had and, together with senior officers at the QTTC, a new-age view or a vision for tourism in this we released Queensland Tourism—A State. The senior staff at the QTTC—as I have Framework for the Future. That statement was 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1427 released about 18 months ago. In it we gave When I was first appointed Minister, the some very clear directions to the industry in Queensland Events Corporation was rather Queensland on where the QTTC was heading. directionless. It had lost its way. It did not have As a result of A Framework for the Future, a budget it could work with. When I was first earlier this year I released the strategy appointed, the Asia/Pacific Forum, which is a statements on tourism in Queensland. Anyone racing forum, was a dream of the previous who wants to know about the work that has Minister's and the chairman. It was designed been done over the past 18 months by me, as an international event to add depth to the the QTTC and the previous coalition Queensland Winter Racing Carnival. The Government should obtain a copy of A event arose out of discussions between the Framework for the Future and a copy of the Queensland Events Corporation, the Office of progress report on A Framework for the Racing and the Queensland Principal Club Future. Once again, we have positioned the during July to September 1995. It was to QTTC in the marketplace as the premier consist of a conference and a trade show. The tourism organisation in this country, if not the event was cancelled in May 1996 by the then world. board of the QEC when only 67 delegates and six trade exhibitors had registered. At the time I noticed that the Minister asked for the the cost to the Queensland Events resignation of the chairman, Sallyanne Corporation and to the Racing Development Atkinson. I did not say a word or complain. It is Fund was $459,000. The QEC lost $50,000 the Minister's prerogative. He is the Minister of and had to provide a further $9,862 to pay the the day; he has the right to appoint to that final accounts. That is one failure. chair or to that board whomever he so desires. Another failure was the Great Barrier Reef I was not critical of that removal, but I would Dive Festival in 1995 in Cairns. Once again, be very interested to see whom he appoints the QEC invested $200,000 in that event and as chairman in the future. only a minimum number of people attended, I have heard the Minister make and there was obviously no international statements that he might reduce the board recognition. Only 72 passes to the event were from 10 members to six and the chair. That sold and, as I said, media coverage to the has been discussed in the past. The event was limited to Queensland, and much of bureaucrats would like that; they believe it is that was in the Cairns region. more workable. However, one of the I turn now to the International Women's challenges I faced was ensuring that we gave Triathlon in 1995. The Queensland Events all major regions in Queensland a voice on the Corporation entered into a five-year board of the QTTC. I know that 10 is a large agreement with Triathlon Australia to stage an number. It often creates some minor problems international women's triathlon on the Gold for the bureaucrats, but I believe it gives all Coast. The agreement called for the regions of this State total involvement with the Queensland Events Corporation to pay QTTC. It is always difficult if one appoints a $180,000 over five years, with $50,000 to be person from one region, because then every paid in the first year. The agreement was other region will kick up a fuss because they terminated after the first event when the do not have a representative on the board. It triathlon attracted only 201 competitors of is a very tough task. So I suggest that the which only 15 came from interstate and two Minister consider maintaining the present from overseas. The Queensland Events number of board members of the QTTC. Corporation originally believed that the event When I was appointed Minister, the would attract at least 150 interstate and 40 budget of the Queensland Tourist and Travel international competitors and over 2,000 Corporation was about $29.5m. We increased Queensland entrants. Even though the event that to $42m in the last budget. Last year, in failed to achieve the required number of 1997-98, the QTTC had expenditure of $46m participants, the Queensland Events and a one-off $5m special allocation, but the Corporation was forced to pay the full $50,000 base budget of the QTTC is just over $42m. I for the 1995 event in return for the organisers appreciate that in the last few weeks the agreeing to terminate the agreement with the Minister has provided another $5m to assist it QEC. That was the record of the Queensland in further marketing. I believe that we put the Events Corporation: three events into which it runs on the board by increasing that budget invested major funds, and all went belly up. from $29.5m to just over $42m, with many Such was the record of the Queensland other special one-off allocations for it to market Events Corporation. in both domestic and international While I am on the subject of the marketplaces. Queensland Events Corporation, I would like 1428 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 to talk about the achievements of its and say that the reason that the Minister for chairman, John Jamieson. I would like to put Tourism, Sport and Racing had to go to on the record of this House that he was one of America was that the arrangements had been the most professional people with whom I ever messed up. I think that was a disgraceful worked. As Chairman of the Queensland statement of the efforts that John Jamieson Events Corporation, he was the hardest had put in as Chairman of the Queensland working person in a Government position with Events Corporation. The deal had been done. whom I have had the pleasure of working. He I congratulate the Minister for going to New was totally committed to securing every major York to sign the agreement. I think it was great event he possibly could for the State of and I say to him: well done. I suppose it is one Queensland. Once again, it is the Minister's of those little things in politics that, if the right to appoint whom he chooses to the election had been a month later, maybe I position of chair. I was not critical at the time would have done it. However, he is the when Mr Jamieson was removed—or his letter Minister of the day so I say: congratulations. of resignation was accepted. I think that that is But I just cannot believe that he did not allow the Minister's right. John Jamieson to be involved in that signing However, I was absolutely disgusted that in New York. the Minister chose not to involve Mr Jamieson I would like to put on record on behalf of in the announcement of the Goodwill Games the coalition the enormous benefits that the for Queensland. I have spoken to many Goodwill Games will provide to Queensland. I people in Brisbane and across the State who know that the Minister for Tourism, Sport and have known Mr Jamieson and know that he Racing and the Premier have announced the was totally committed to the Queensland games and they have released a lot of Events Corporation. They know his statements on them. The Goodwill Games are achievements and they are really disgusted one of the world's most prestigious that the Minister did not hold on to him for international multi-sport events featuring the another 10 days, take him to America and top athletes in individual events and the top involve him in that announcement. six teams in team events in a 12 sports Let me put on the record that Mr program. When it is held in 2001 in Brisbane, Jamieson refused to take the $20,000 it will be the first time that the event has been chairman's fee from the Queensland Events held outside the US and Russia. The Goodwill Corporation. On the day he agreed to be Games far exceed the Commonwealth Games chair, he said to me that he was happy to put in terms of standard of sports competition and something back into Queensland. He is a its global television reach. The 2001 Goodwill businessman and he has done very well. He is Games will see 230 hours of television very successful, so he was very happy to put coverage broadcast to over 700 million people something back into this State. He refused to across 130 countries throughout Europe, Asia take the $20,000 fee. He went to America five and the United States. The 2001 games will times. He gave up his own time five times to cost approximately $175m to stage. There are go to America to secure the Goodwill Games enormous promotional benefits. for Queensland. I believe it was a disgraceful The Goodwill Games will contribute some act by the Minister to not allow Mr Jamieson to $A140m in both hard dollar spend—cash— be involved in the announcement of the and soft dollar promotions including $A60m in Goodwill Games. soft dollar promotion of the games in In my discussions with Mr Jamieson about Queensland through Time Warner division, the Goodwill Games, I directed him a year ago including CNN, CNNI, TBS, TNT, Sports to get this event for Queensland, to do Illustrated, Time, People, Entertainment everything he had to do to get this event for Weekly and Sports Illustrated Kids; $A7.14m Queensland. It is the most important single hard dollar spend through placement of sporting event in the year 2001 in the world. It television commercials, promotions and print is post-Olympics. It will give us an enormous media to drive worldwide visibility and focus in 2001 post-Olympics in this State. exposure for Brisbane and Queensland as the Cabinet approved the funding for the Goodwill games destination; $A4.3m in hard dollar Games on 12 March. We were very close to spend to assist in acquiring Time Warner making an announcement. We could have entertainment talent, personalities and other forced the announcement as the deal had entertainment platforms attractive to sponsors, been done. media and spectators; and $A47.4m in hard I was absolutely disgusted to see Mr dollar spend on administrative, operational Beattie, the Premier, come out in the press and logistical areas of the games. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1429

The 2001 games will offer US$6m in prize in the Whitsundays, we have assisted with money, making it the largest purse in multi- Easter in the Outback, the Whitsunday sport event history. The involvement of the Masters Games, the Fourex Rodeo at Mount world's leading athletes and entertainers Isa and the Discovery Eco Challenge in Cairns. combined with unparalleled media coverage The portfolio of the Queensland Events presents Queensland with the opportunity to Corporation is second to none in this country. not only host one of the world's great sporting When I was appointed Minister, the events, but to leave a lasting legacy for Premier of Victoria, the Victorian Government Queensland and Australian youth in the year and the Victorian Events Corporation were of the centenary of Federation. With beating us hands down for every major event Australia's centenary of Federation in 2001, that came to this country. In the two and a bit the games will also provide a unique years of my Ministry, and the 18 months of Mr opportunity for this State to have the world's Jamieson's chairmanship, we beat the elite athletes here in Queensland as part of Victorians on every bid. We never lost a bid. I our celebrations and to take those proudly say that the Queensland Treasury and celebrations to a global audience. The games the Queensland Cabinet never refused to are expected to attract in the vicinity of 1,000 provide funding for any of those events. We national and international print and electronic had a magnificent team of people at the QEC. media journalists, making the event one of the The Minister is taking over a team of largest media events in the world. professionals and a corporation that is totally The games are expected to directly focused and which I believe has the best skills generate approximately 514,360 additional in this country to bid for, and win, major events visitor bed nights during and subsequent to for this State. the games. This would result in an economic In closing, I would like to say this: impact of some $120m to the State. A further "Jammo, I know that you were instrumental in $47.1m in revenue in Queensland is expected winning the Goodwill Games for Queensland. to be generated in flow-on effects resulting When we return to Government I am sure that from global promotion of the State through you will be the first bloke I will ring to offer you extensive international television coverage of back the job of chairman of the Queensland the games. In total, the 2001 games are Events Corporation in recognition of the expected to generate a total expenditure sacrifices you made in your personal business within the State of $167m, resulting in the life, for the time you gave, for not taking the creation and maintenance of some 1,789 jobs chairman's fee, for the enormous success you throughout Queensland. Again I put on the achieved as chairman, and for the fantastic record for the people of Queensland my economic benefits you provided for the State thanks and appreciation to John Jamieson for of Queensland." his efforts in securing the Goodwill Games for this State. I know that in the year 2001, the Mr SPEAKER: Order! Before calling the year after the Olympics, it is going to be the member for Ipswich West, I inform members biggest sporting event in the world and it is that this is the member's first speech in this going to mean enormous economic benefit for place and I ask that he be afforded the this State. courtesies of the House. The Queensland Events Corporation has Mr PAFF (Ipswich West—ONP) also released a strategic business plan. Over (8.23 p.m.): I rise to support the amendment the past few years the corporation has to the motion moved by the member for negotiated for, and won, some major events. Caboolture. I would like to commence by For commercial reasons, I will not mention any thanking the people of the electorate of of those for which we are negotiating at the Ipswich West for putting me here. moment, but in the time of Mr Jamieson's Other members have spoken in this chairmanship, we hosted the inaugural Telstra Chamber today about different aspects of Super League Grand Final in Brisbane in Shreddergate. I want to cover a couple of 1997, we won the 1999 men's and women's those aspects so that the media and Championship Hockey Trophy, we won the members on both sides of this Chamber know 1999 Golden Oldies Hockey Festival, we have why the case is so important. The remarkable won the 2000 World Figure Skating thing about this debate is its unreality. It is Championships, we have won the 2000 World unreal that any Government—that is the Veterans Athletic Championships and in Crown—or law enforcement agency such as October this year we have won the Asia-Pacific the CJC should argue that it is legal to shred Masters Games for the Gold Coast. We have public records to prevent their use in imminent also won the World Hobie Cat Championships court proceedings in which it is known that 1430 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 they are centrally relevant, while at the same a public official in the performance of his or her time it is okay to destroy public records which public duty may be defamatory, it does not are known to contain evidence of suspected follow that the records should be destroyed. If abuse of kids in lawful custody to prevent it it was evidence of suspected official becoming public, and then not pursue those misconduct or criminal conduct, there was who actually shredded the information. It is every good reason to retain the material and unreal. What makes it even more unreal is not shred it. No matter which way we look at it, that those who ordered the shredding and the records should never have been engaged in a cover-up for years and years shredded. now want to govern our State. This is unreal. Let me make a short comment about the It was always a curious thing to me why additional payment of $27,190 to Mr Coyne. the members of the Labor Party opposite The plain fact is that Mr Coyne was not could ever argue that it was right to shred entitled to the money. There is absolutely no public records in order to stop people suing doubt about that. I believe that it is sheer each other for defamation. My understanding nonsense to suggest that those in authority of the law is that if a person knew that records were unaware of their spending limits. in his possession were critically relevant to Politicians such as Mr Brian Austin, Mr Don court proceedings and the person destroyed Lane, Mr Geoff Muntz and Mrs Leisha Harvey them to prevent their being used in court, that went to jail when they overspent. The amounts person broke the law. This is the same involved in those cases were much less than principle that saw Matthew Heery face charges $27,190. It is beyond belief to suggest that arising out of the Carruthers inquiry into the Minister Warner was not aware of her legal memorandum of understanding. Interestingly, spending limits at the time. It does not after the jury dismissed the charges, the wash.The payment was a bribe—pure and Chairman of the CJC, Mr Clair, said that it was simple. It was worked out by the department correct that Mr Heery faced charges because and the union colluding together behind destroying evidence struck at the very heart of closed doors. They thought that they had it all our legal system. stitched up when Crown law was prepared to It is remarkable that Mr Clair can draw up a settlement deed that required Mr adjudicate that it is right and proper for Mr Coyne to never speak publicly on this matter. Heery to face charges on, in effect, efforts to It was a fraud. It was a concoction to defraud destroy evidence, but when it comes to the Queensland taxpayers and a massive betrayal shredding of the Heiner inquiry documents, it of public trust. Why could Mr Coyne never is a horse of a different colour. The CJC never speak about what went on at the centre? asked any of the Heiner inquiry witnesses Let me deal with another area of massive whether they wanted their evidence destroyed. betrayal of public trust. It is the area of the The CJC and the Goss Government presumed State Archivist and the CJC's understanding of that they knew best. They did not, because her role. Firstly, let me deal specifically with the there is certainly one youth worker who gave State Archivist, Ms Lee McGregor. She gave evidence at the inquiry into the John Oxley her approval to destroy the Heiner inquiry Youth Detention Centre who did not want his documents on 23 February 1990. She gave it evidence shredded. What did these people in less than one working day, despite having have to fear? Unquestionably, they enjoyed over 100 hours of material which she had to qualified privilege, and if any writ were to have check for its legal, historical, informational, been issued, the Crown would have administrative and data value. She worked indemnified them if they told the truth. With with a colleague, but by any measure it was a those assurances, why shred the records? rushed job. Perhaps the fact that the Cabinet There is another dimension to the need to sought her urgent approval may have shred that appears to have been lost in the something to do with the lightning pace of her dust of the CJC and members opposite trying work on that day. to defend it. This so-called defamatory On that very same day, Mr Lindeberg, evidence was about the performance and who was seeking access to those documents management of a public official at a for his union member Mr Coyne, was told by Government facility that was supposed to look Family Services Director-General, Ms Ruth after children in lawful custody. This brings into Matchett, at a meeting that the Heiner play two elements: duty of care and suspected documents were secure with Crown law. She misconduct. Let me say this: it was deceived him. One of Ms McGregor's staff, defamatory to say of the former Police Senior Archivist Ms Kate McGuckin, actually Commissioner, Terry Lewis, that he was destroyed the Heiner inquiry documents corrupt. Just because comments made about together with Ms Matchett's executive officer, 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1431 a Mr Trevor Walsh, on 23 March 1990 in she preserves public records with those secret. It is worth noting that if one senior values, our entire system of government and public servant knew that the Heiner material our legal system will be crippled. was required for court and the subject of an Left as it is, the CJC has given our State access statutory demand, it was Mr Walsh Archivist greater powers than a court of law to who, instead of protecting the material, helped decide the ultimate fact of public records. The shred it. Cabinet did not tell the State Archivist office of Crown law in Queensland is also on 22 March 1990 that the reason it was encouraging this dangerous course. Messrs ordering the shredding was to prevent it from Morris, QC, and Howard said this at page 97 being used in court proceedings that it knew of their report— were imminent. The deception and abuse of office in this affair appear endless. "... the fact that a document is the But the point I want to make is that on 17 Government's 'own property' certainly May 1990, Ms McGregor was officially told by affords no defence to a charge under Mr Coyne what the true status of the Heiner s.132 or s.140 (or, for that matter, s.129) inquiry documents was. And instead of acting of the Criminal Code; the gravamen of the impartially and in accordance with her duty offence does not consist in a wrongful under the Libraries and Archives Act 1988, interference with another person's she misled Mr Coyne and followed the orders property rights ... but in the fact that the of Mr Walsh, a conspirator in the shredding, to destruction of property ... may interfere tell Mr Coyne nothing. This Archivist, who still with the due administration of justice. oversights the protection of our State's Nor is the fact that the destruction records, must be examined in public about her occurred 'in accordance with a statutory extraordinary role in Shreddergate. regime which permitted ... destruction' of As for the CJC, its position on the role of any relevance. The State archivist's the State Archivist is not only sheer archival authorization for the disposal of a public nonsense but also contradictory in crucial record under s.55 of the Libraries and areas. The CJC actually knows what the Archives Act 1988 does not over-ride proper role of the State Archivist is, and it was ss.129, 132 or 140 of the Criminal Code; put forward to EARC in 1991 in its issue paper it merely over-rides the general prohibition on Archives legislation. The CJC said that, which s.55 contains against disposing of under the Act, the Archivist had to engage in a public records without such authorization. wide audit when appraising any public record Section 55 does not confer on the State for retention or destruction. In other words, the archivist the power to confer a plenary CJC has deliberately twisted the Archivist's role indulgence, authorizing the destruction of to suit its own biased findings in respect of the any document even if its destruction is shredding. It knows that if the Archivist was prohibited by s.129 of the Criminal Code fully informed, she could never have approved or would have the effect of obstructing, the shredding of those documents. It knows preventing, perverting or defeating the that there is a duty on public officials, including course of justice within the meaning of the Cabinet, to give the Archivist all the known ss.132 or 140 of the Criminal Code; it facts associated with records undergoing an merely empowers the State archivist to appraisal to decide their fate, otherwise the exempt a document from the general Archivist cannot perform her task honestly, requirement of s.55 that 'a person shall impartially and in the public interest. The Goss not dispose of public records other than Cabinet may have followed the process, but it by depositing them with the Queensland abused the process by actively deceiving the State archives'." Archivist and withholding relevant facts from The State Archivist operates under an her in order to get the urgent decision it international code of ethics devised by the wanted. In this case the Cabinet wanted to International Council on Archives. The relevant destroy the evidence. Mr Coyne and others section, section 8, states that Archivists should never, ever wanted it shredded. use the special trust given to them in the The Archivist had to take into account all general interest and avoid using their position these administrative and legal factors. She to unfairly benefit themselves or others. was required to err on the side of caution. It Archivists must refrain from activities which was not for her to decide whether access to might prejudice their professional integrity, them should or should not be granted. It was objectivity and impartiality. They should not her job to preserve them for that decision to benefit financially or otherwise personally to be made by a court or between the warring the detriment of institutions, users and parties. She was not a court of law, but unless colleagues. In this case, the Archivist bowed to 1432 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 the wishes of Executive Government, and Commissioner will have the capacity to when she was later officially informed about investigate fully all aspects of the Criminal the true status of the Heiner documents, she Justice Commission. From time to time, the let that deception stand. She did nothing but committee received complaints. We would consult and take the advice of one of the start to investigate those complaints and then conspirators. She betrayed her public trust. the CJC could say that it was not in the public If everything is aboveboard, then he or interest to disclose some important information she will find accordingly. But left as it is, we to us. Quite honestly, that was not satisfactory. have a CJC out of control, making nonsense We believe that we have overcome that. findings to suit its political purposes. I ask: if I am very happy to say that within our there is nothing to hide, then why hide? We term we completed the three-year review. We have an Archivist who appears willing to shred have left the committee all ready for the next everything in sight. We have a police force committee to take over. I wish the new incapable of attacking allegations of criminality chairman, who I understand will be Mr Lucas, at the highest levels of government, and we all the very best in that important role. At this potentially have five senior Ministers who are point, it seems that I will still be a member of sitting in Cabinet deciding the fate of this great that committee and I will be supporting him. I State and who should be facing the full rigour pay tribute to the members of the former of the law. committee: Gordon Nuttall, the deputy Hon. V. P. LESTER (Keppel—NPA) chairman; Stephen Robertson; Mr Carroll; Mr (8.40 p.m.): Mr Speaker, I congratulate you Baumann; and, of course, Mr Speaker, whom very sincerely on attaining your very high post. I mentioned earlier. I appreciate deeply all of I had the pleasure of working with you when I their work. The reason we achieved as much was Chairman of the Parliamentary Criminal as we did is that we pulled together very well. Justice Committee. At all times you offered Just about everything was done by very wise counsel. In fact, you set an example consensus. That was really good. I am very that was excellent at all times. I was proud to proud of that achievement. be associated with you. I wish you well. We had very good support staff. In the early stages, the gentleman who is looking From the floor of this House, to the most astute at the table, Mr Laurie, gave us a people of Keppel and those who assisted me lot of very wise counsel. He was backed up by in the last election I say very simply and Kerryn Newton. Then we had—and still have— sincerely: thank you very, very much. The the assistance of Mr David Groth, who has put recent campaign for members of the National Party was harder than usual. Party members a lot of effort into the role. He has always in my electorate rallied when I told them very advised us in a most professional manner. early in the piece that they would need to rally. The support staff, Veronica, Penny and At all times, we had polling booths filled to the Maree, also played a very important role. brim with lots of helpers. In the end, we had Another role that I have currently is that of quite a good result considering the Opposition spokesman on Environment and circumstances. I thank the party members who Heritage and Natural Resources. helped and the constituents who supported Mr Schwarten: What did you do to me. As to those who did not support me— deserve that at your stage of the game? hopefully they will next time. Mr LESTER: I am getting better as I get Before I discuss any other matter, I will older, and the member for Rockhampton make one or two comments in relation to my knows that. role as Chairman of the Parliamentary Criminal If I may, I will make one criticism. I am a Justice Committee. We were a committee that little bewildered as to why the Government did achieve an enormous amount. We should place the Environment and the Natural brought into the House recommendations for Resources departments together. change. Most of those recommendations were taken up and legislated upon. One of the Mr Schwarten: They're not together. achievements was the appointment of a They're two departments—two DGs. Parliamentary Commissioner whose role it is to Mr LESTER: They are two departments, investigate certain matters. I certainly hope two DGs and under the control of one Minister. that the CJC does not continue to try to step in That Minister will find himself writing letters in the way of the role of the Parliamentary one direction and then answering them back Commissioner. That person has a job to do. in the other direction. In a nutshell, that is what That person should be left to do that job as will happen. Of course, the honourable that person sees fit. The Parliamentary member for Rockhampton knows very well that 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1433 that is true, because at one time he did have Mr Schwarten interjected. a little bit to do with that particular department. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): I am concerned that the environmental Order! The Minister for Public Works and groups might try to assert their strength. If they Housing! The member is on his feet. do, that could be to the detriment of development within our State. We have to Mr LESTER: Yesterday at the opening of have a very balanced approach to Parliament I was very surprised to learn from environmental matters and development. If we the Governor's Opening Speech that there do not, we could well find that, if the does not appear to be any provision for any environmental factions get control of this new dams in the State. That is really a department, we could have a lot of very good tragedy. Under the previous Government, employment-generating projects grinding to a throughout the State provision was made for halt or put on hold yet again. Obviously, that dams in a way that took into account would result in fewer jobs. That would be quite conservation concerns. Water area tragic for our State. We need to use modern management schemes would have been put technology to ensure that we can deal with the in place. That would have had the effect of environmental concerns that will arise from generating jobs twice the capacity of the time to time. Some of the things that went on Snowy River scheme. So we should not pre- in this country in the early days cannot be empt things and cut out development. The forgiven. However, we have the advantages of careful provision of dams is a great way of modern technology. allaying environmental concerns, providing future employment and, indeed, a future for Even in relation to the Nathan dam, which us all. is an issue of contention with various groups—and I seem to get into a bit of trouble Another issue that I wish to address is the in relation to that whichever way I go—modern fact that our Great Barrier Reef appears to be technology is playing a role. We have learned dying. In recent times my comments on that a lot from the mistakes of the past. That have attracted quite a bit of interest by the comment is not pertaining to one particular press. In fact, representatives of the Government. That has been the case over a Greenpeace organisation came along and long, long time. Each irrigation farm now has had a yarn with me about the situation as well. to have an environmental licence. It has to They are certainly of the view that nobody ensure that it complies with regulations and seems to be taking the dying of the reef very that water that may be affected by sprays seriously. They claimed that I was the first does not wash into streams and rivers. That politician who really made any fair dinkum water has to be used on the farm. If those public comment about it. Basically, what has initiatives are implemented and policed, they been said by Federal and State Governments can do a very good job. is that they are monitoring the situation. They So some people want the Nathan dam, are monitoring the reef's dying! Although there some people do not. However, some of those are authorities to look after the Great Barrier people who do not want the dam miss the Reef, such as the marine park authority, the point a little bit. It is a fact that most of the reef continues to die. water that comes into the Fitzroy River actually This evening from the floor of this House I comes out of the Mackenzie and, indeed, the again say that the relevant State and Federal Isaac Rivers. I am quite sure that, with careful Ministers should meet to set up a very quick- consideration and careful monitoring, that dam fire task force to see what can be done. It can well go ahead. It can produce hundreds of would seem that global warming has jobs and, in fact, can be—— contributed to the reef's dying, because it is Mr Schwarten: You said hundreds of not only our reef that is dying; it is happening thousands of jobs the other day. to other reefs throughout the world. However, if we consider what is happening to the reef Mr LESTER: I was quoting what Mr Goss and the effect that will have on tourism and said. the financial effect of losing hundreds of Mr Schwarten: I know. I know you were. thousands of tourists, and if we do not try to Mr LESTER: If Mr Goss made those do something about the reef, it is going to be comments, I am surprised that Mr Schwarten to our peril. This, of course, is added to what is would try to make a political ploy out of it. Mr yet to be a significant Asian crisis. We need Goss was the Premier and he is now not here our heads read if we do not try to do to defend himself. Shame on the member! I something about it. So yet again I make that am sure that he does not intend to criticise the very strong plea to try to see if something can former Premier. be done. 1434 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Recently, the Minister said that people that there would have been anything wrong who own land could predetermine what should with doing that in Brisbane; I really do not. happen environmentally with that land in the So we have blown $65m fair out the back future. I hasten to add a little word of caution. door to help pollute Brisbane a little bit more. Frankly, I believe that we are not too sure what In addition, we are also going to blow 2,000 might happen 10 years down the track. It jobs. We are also going to blow a considerable could be very detrimental to have built into title amount of TAFE training. Mr Beattie talks of certain land certain environmental things about a massive jobs program and more that have to be done. It may not be in the employment. This is an opportunity to employ national interest. I believe that a small more people, but he has thrown away 2,000 parliamentary committee should be set up to jobs and $65m. Mr Beattie has thrown away a consider that matter. Such a proposal might number of other opportunities to create sound good, it might please some people, but employment. Sometimes one has to bite the we always have to think 10 years or a bit bullet and do the job in order to create the further down the track as to what it will mean. I jobs. know that it sounds good to say it, but I hasten to add a word of caution. In relation to heritage, I compliment all of those people who are connected with the work Currently, we have had quite a bit of talk being undertaken at St John's Cathedral. They about Briztram. I am quite astounded to think are doing an extraordinary job with the Gothic- that the State Government has hit it on the type restructure of that cathedral. It is my head. The Government will give us all of the advice to all members of the Parliament to reasons why it has hit the Briztram proposal on have a look at it. Those people will willingly the head, but as far as I can see it is a take them around the cathedral. The work is decision that will mean a major loss to our quite extraordinary. I think that they have environment and to our heritage. I believe that raised about $5m or $6m. However, the total the Briztram route to the university, the cost of the work is $26m, so let me tell hospital, the Valley and St Lucia and then the members that those people have a job in front tram cum walk bridge across the Brisbane of them. I do not think that they intend to River to West End would have been finish the cathedral until about the year 2005. magnificent. It would have provided students with the opportunity to live at West End and One does not realise how big the job is. other southern points. I think that all we are However, it is going to be just great for our City doing is making a proviso for more buses, of Brisbane. We certainly should encourage more ugly car parks, more traffic in the city, this as best we can in every way and do all more pollution and less heritage. That does that we can to support it. The Goss not seem to make a lot of sense to me. Government did not give them any money. I think we have given them about $2m and the I know that it is argued that traffic needs City of Brisbane, through Mr Soorley, has to get into the city. Frankly, I think the least given them $1m. I urge the present traffic in the middle of the city the better. Government to continue that commitment to Under the Briztram proposal, we would have this very important area. had a tram to take people about. Trams are all the rage in Europe and, in many cities, they Land valuations continue to be a are being reintroduced. In Christchurch in New problem. A gentleman in my electorate has a Zealand, an effort has been made to problem in this area. He paid a rent of $265 reintroduce trams. That involves only a small and built a $2,000 fence to house koalas, to track that runs around a few blocks. However, feed them and then let them out into the it is extraordinarily popular with tourists. In fact, community. The Natural Resources most people who visit Christchurch do not get Department, in its wisdom, has now presented on the tram once, they get on it a few times him with a bill for $1,900. That does not seem and visit the heritage buildings, the university to make a lot of sense. Here we have library—all sorts of places. One of the trams someone doing some good for the that is used is an old tram from Philadelphia. community. I call on the Minister to treat this That is fine. It is heritage. There is nothing as a special case and investigate the matter to wrong with that. I think that another tram is a see what can be done. former Melbourne tram—it may not be, but I Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore—NPA) think that it is. It is interesting to see children's (9 p.m.): As the youngest woman ever to have parties being held on those trams. One of the won a seat in the Queensland Parliament, I trams is backed up with a McDonald's tram am honoured by the opportunity to serve as and one sees all these kids having a the Opposition's spokesperson on health and McDonald's party on the tram. I do not think women's policy. I am also proud to reiterate 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1435 the record of the coalition in its two short years targets for waiting times in our public hospital of Government, in which we turned system. It has not done so because, quite Queensland's hospital waiting times around simply, it has no targets and it has no vision from being the worst in Australia to the best. for the hospital system. It is looking for Already the Labor apologists and spin excuses at a time when it has been handed a doctors are trying to talk down the coalition's $103m windfall. With the smoke signals that achievements in the quest to create the Labor the new Minister is sending out, she is trying to myth of a responsible socialist Government. raise doubt about the in-principle agreement There is no such thing as a responsible that was signed. She will have problems, socialist Government, as we saw when Labor because millions of dollars from that was last in Government. Today the Parliament agreement have already been spent. I wonder is being asked to put its trust in another Labor whether the Minister is prepared to hand back those additional dollars. Government, one which has suffered one of its worst results in history. Labor has shown by Queensland really scooped the pool when its rhetoric and its past history that it is a it came to getting the best deal from the Government more about doing deals with Medicare Agreement. Not only did the people than about delivering credible and coalition improve Queensland's position careful management of Queensland's core compared with the Goss Labor Government, services. Queensland's most precious free under which we suffered a loss of something hospital system is one of those core services like, from memory, $140m or $180m; it also and it is a service that Queenslanders treasure scored something like $103m out of $120m and defend with a passion. nationally in additional incentive funds. It seems that the new Minister is looking for I will address some of the whoppers that excuses to weasel out of keeping those the new Labor Government is telling people in important targets in Surgery on Time which order to justify its upcoming Budget changes. Queenslanders have come to expect. First, I thank the new Health Minister, Wendy Edmond, for releasing the data today which Mrs Edmond: Tell us about the funding confirms that more people received their for Noosa and Robina. surgery on time under the coalition Miss SIMPSON: I will come to that, Government than under the previous Labor because it is very important. When Labor Government. For the last couple of years the comes to Government it tries to create this present Minister in her capacity as shadow myth of responsible Government by telling a Minister bagged my colleague the Honourable few whoppers. Certainly a lot of Labor Mike Horan and ran down the Surgery on whoppers have been told with regard to the Time program. Yet a document that she Noosa and Robina projects, which are still released today proves what we were saying under way. We know that, as these hospitals about the increased number of people are still being built, the operating funds are not receiving surgery and about the dramatic put into this Budget, because otherwise there reduction in waiting times. would be funding for doctors and nurses at a time when the foundations are still being Mrs Edmond interjected. poured. The coalition has a good track record Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): of providing initiative and growth funding for Order! I remind members that if they are going new projects. Hervey Bay is just one example. to interject they must do so from their correct Mrs Edmond interjected. seats. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The Miss SIMPSON: I imagine that the Minister for Health! Minister is eating more than a bit of humble pie today having released the 1 July 1998 Miss SIMPSON: Thank you, Mr Deputy waiting times which show that, compared with Speaker. I am getting used to these new Labor's last results, thousands more standards of interaction in the Chamber by the Queenslanders have had and are having their Labor Government. Those opposite do not like surgery on time under the coalition's the truth. When the coalition came to improvements. I am astounded that the Government there were something like 130 Minister is sending out little smoke signals, beds in the Hervey Bay Hospital. We had to that she cannot keep up the pace and that fund the improvements out of initiative and she is now looking for excuses as to why these growth funding, and we did it. We increased key targets will fail under Labor. the health funding in three Budgets by about 30%—something like $900m. That is our track Targets are important. If Labor really had record of delivering on initiative and growth a vision for Queensland it would publish its funding. 1436 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Queenslanders have a lot more funded have for Category 2 surgery. Under the health infrastructure today than was delivered coalition system, as at 1 July that figure had under Labor. If we look at the Labor Party's come down to 3.1%. That was well within the record we find that there was a significant target. The figure for the Royal Brisbane unfunded component to its Capital Works Hospital was 26%. As at 1 July 1998, it had Program. In fact, it was something like $1.2 come down to 4.6%. We have to give credit billion. I will come back to that a little later. where it is due. We know that the coalition put We have these smoke signals from the in a lot of extra money. new Health Minister, who is trying to weasel I have talked to some of the staff who out of delivering the very important key targets have been delivering those services. They are for Surgery on Time in Queensland. I will read proud of what they have achieved. They know out some figures to give the House an idea of how tough it is, and they have done an where things were at under the former Labor outstanding job. We should not try to take Government. I will focus on Category 2, away from them what they have achieved. We because these are some of the most can go on. The figure for the Townsville significant figures that have been released General Hospital was 62.25%, which was an recently. Category 2 is semi-urgent surgery; absolutely disgraceful waiting time. More than Category 1 is urgent surgery. Category 2 is 62% of Category 2 patients were waiting surgery which is clinically recommended to be longer than they should have been waiting for delivered within 90 days. their surgery. Under the coalition's system, that As at 1 July 1996, Cairns Base Hospital, figure has fallen to 6.1%. one of the 10 hospitals in the Surgery on Time The coalition had a plan and it went about program, had something like 45% of people implementing it. Labor now comes to waiting longer than clinically recommended for Government and is awash with Medicare Category 2 surgery. Under the coalition funding, but it is now trying to make excuses Government, as a result of the progress made as to why it cannot meet that target. This just with the extra funding, as at 1 July this year shows us that this is the same old Labor Party the percentage of those waiting longer than Government. I do not think they feel 90 days was 0.8. comfortable about having money that they At the Gold Coast Hospital, as at 1 July can spend on the health system. I think they 1996 more than 34% of people were waiting feel comfortable only when they do something longer than they should have for Category 2 similar to what they did with the WorkCover surgery. Under the coalition, as at 1 July system, in respect of which this Government's 18.9% were waiting longer than they should new Health Minister presided over a $400m have. The percentage of those waiting at blow-out. Obviously, they feel comfortable only Ipswich Hospital has reduced from nearly 45 when they are dealing with debt. We have as at 1 July 1996 to 9.3. The percentage of handed them quite a deal of money with those waiting at Nambour Hospital has which to successfully manage the health reduced from about 25 to 0.8. system, but they cannot handle it. I know that there are hospital staff who An Opposition member: They'll blow it. are very upset about being accused of fudging these figures. We know that these are Miss SIMPSON: Of course they will blow professional people. It is not bureaucrats and it. All socialist Governments blow it. it is not politicians who recategorise people Let us turn to Mrs Edmond's and determine whether people should be in predecessors as Health Minister. Not only did Categories 1, 2 or 3. That is something which Beattie and Elder blow it; we are still paying off is purely in the hands of the clinicians. They the debt that Beattie and Elder left for are the ones who determine whether people Queensland Health. rest within Categories 1, 2 or 3. I am Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The particularly proud to see the great job that member will refer to other members by their Nambour Hospital has done. I do know that correct title. there are staff who are quite offended by stories in the newspaper suggesting that they Miss SIMPSON: The last instalment of have fudged the figures. that $24m debt was due to be paid off in this We saw another phenomenal Budget, and I am assuming that the new improvement with respect to the Rockhampton Government will continue to pay off the debt Base Hospital. As at 1 July 1996, under the that the new Minister's predecessors left system that Labor had set up more than 51% Queensland. of people were waiting longer than they should Government members interjected. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1437

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Members project was birthed under the coalition. It was who wish to interject will do so from their certainly announced during the coalition's correct seats. time—in June—by then Premier Borbidge and Miss SIMPSON: I return to the Noosa then Health Minister Horan. The Opposition and Robina hospitals. Clearly, the operational fully supports this project, because it funding of those hospitals was to be funded in represents a significant advancement for future Budgets out of growth and initiative cancer research and education in this State. money. We have proved that we could do it. As I said, when there is a change of We built Hervey Bay, with 130 beds, out of Government it seems that members opposite growth funds. That is very significant. Labor like to grab the things that other people have has a history of wanting to downgrade the spent a lot of time and work on. Something Maryborough Base Hospital, as our friends in like $10m worth of State funds are involved in Maryborough know. that project and there are also quite significant private industry funds. Government members interjected. I wish to speak about aged care, an issue Miss SIMPSON: They are trying to in respect of which we will be watching the new downgrade it. They have done it before and Government with a great deal of interest. they are trying to do it again. The reality is that Previously, it signed the aged care agreement we put in extra funds to maintain and increase that stripped aged care beds out of this State. the number of services at the Maryborough Under the previous Borbidge coalition Base Hospital and also to bring on line the Government, we were the only State that did Hervey Bay Hospital. We did that; we brought not charge up-front fees for nursing homes. I it on line out of growth funds. am very proud of that, because that was the In looking at the track record of the former right decision. In addition, we have also spent coalition Government, it is very important to increased funds on bringing those aged care look at some of the other projects that we also facilities up to standard, because they are a brought about through growth and initiative very important community asset. funds. I turn to the QE II Hospital. It was an We are the only State that also continued absolute disgrace that the previous Labor to fund the abolished Federal Government Government allowed the QE II Hospital—that national dental program. We funded that wonderful hospital—to at one stage be program to the tune of $20m a year. We also reduced to about nine beds. When the distributed a $24m increase to the $125m in coalition came to Government, we were able HACC funding over two years, ensuring that to increase that number to about 160 beds 94,000 elderly Queenslanders received home through growth and initiative funding. That is a and aged care services, which is up from the greatly appreciated improvement in that local 74,000 who received HACC services in 1995 community. Once again, we delivered. under Labor. Let us look at some of the other projects Mrs Edmond interjected. that we were able to fund out of growth and initiative funding. We have only to look at the Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Royal Brisbane Hospital Psychiatric Unit, the Miss SIMPSON: Thank you very much, Rockhampton Psychiatric Unit and the Mr Deputy Speaker. Nambour Psychiatric Unit, which were also funded—— Furthermore, we allocated $38m in capital works to upgrade State-owned nursing homes Mr Schwarten: We built a psychiatric unit and hospital aged care facilities. Under our in Rockhampton. 1998-99 coalition Budget, we also proposed a Miss SIMPSON: Is the honourable $4m increase to Statewide funding for key member who interjected wanting to be medical specialties affecting the elderly, committed? The reality is that there has been including orthopaedics, ophthalmology and a significant increase in funding, and we urology, as part of the coalition's Surgery on delivered on these things. Our track record is Time program. We also proposed $1.4m in there for all to see. funding for the establishment of a school of I wish to touch on another coalition nursing to specialise in aged care nursing in initiative. We could say it is flattering, but I partnership with the Princess Alexandra think it is a little ungracious for Peter Beattie to Hospital and the Queensland University of take the credit for himself. I refer to the Cancer Technology's School of Nursing. Research Centre. I noticed that within about In putting on my hat as the women's five minutes of coming to Government he was policy spokesperson, we can look at the very claiming that he put that deal together. This significant targets and funding that went into 1438 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 the following areas. Public breast screening is an old saying that a guide to the future is a was expanded by about 25%. Child past. So let us have a little glimpse, a little immunisation rose by some 81%, which is now walk back through the annals of history—a the highest rate in Australia. Those are very very short history. important targets. As I examine the record of the Labor This Labor Government has no targets by Government of two and a half years ago, I which we can measure its performance. All it remember—and I am sure all Queenslanders has done is come into Government and remember—the caning that the Labor criticise the previous one. It has not come up Government gave the bush. with a plan for how it will make the health Mr Schwarten: You got a hell of a system better. We will be watching members caning. opposite and calling for accountability with respect to this minority ALP Government. I Mr HOBBS: We have got a better margin remember well the time when we sat in this than the member had. Chamber and heard the foaming and spewing Opposition members interjected. from the Labor Party when it was tossed into Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): Opposition. We were a Government that came Order! I remind members that, if they are to power with no majority but certainly with the going to interject, they should be in their vast support of the voting public of correct seats. Queensland. The last Parliament was not an easy one. I acknowledge the hard work and Mr HOBBS: I remember the closing down dedication of the member for Gladstone. So of the railways and the loss of jobs. Each time much was achieved in that very short time. the Labor Minister for Transport came into my electorate and assured the community that no It is history now that we sit on the more jobs would go, one could guarantee Opposition benches once again. However, we that, within a week or two, three or four rail will not forget what Labor did to the State of employees would be told that their jobs were Queensland. We will not forget the fact that it gone. I remember that 5,000 rail jobs were ran down the Police Service. Under Labor, we made redundant. lost a significant number of police on the Sunshine Coast. The people of the Sunshine Mr Johnson: Eight thousand over six Coast will also not forget the fact that Labor years. promised to take away the tolls on the Mr HOBBS: Eight thousand over six Sunshine Motorway but, upon its coming to years, as the member for Gregory says. I Government, gave us an extra two tolls. We remember that 21 stock railway sidings closed will not forget that it was the coalition that in Warrego. I remember the attempted closing delivered on its promise to remove those tolls. down of the Cunnamulla, Quilpie, Glenmorgan We will also not forget the terrible mess and Dirranbandi rail lines. I remember Labor's that happened in the health system. community service obligation slogan, "Use it or Queensland's free public hospital system is lose it." The coalition fully reinstated those the jewel in the crown of the core services of lines and commenced the upgrade. So far the the Queensland Government. That is score is: coalition 1; Labor 0. something that we must fight to protect when I remember the closing down of the Labor Governments come to power. I certainly hospitals boards, the taking away of real will not be supporting a vote of confidence in community input into managing health in the new Labor Government, but I certainly will Queensland. I remember the Labor waiting be working with my colleagues to bring about lists for elective surgery—the longest in greater scrutiny of this minority Labor Australia. I remember the Beattie debt after Government. We will not be deterred by the capital works funding was used for recurrent Labor Party apologists who would try to have funding—and the Labor Party could not fund us forget the Labor Party's history in the capital works program. The coalition Queensland. reduced the waiting lists, funded health Mr HOBBS (Warrego—NPA) (9.19 p.m.): adequately and improved local input with The Beattie Government is looking for a vote district health councils. Score: coalition 2; of confidence. Before any such decision is Labor 0. made, all honourable members need to I remember the destruction of the DPI. examine the track record of the Labor Never before in Queensland's history has rural Government and decide whether the pitfalls of industry suffered more than it did at the hands the past will be revisited, or can we see a of the Labor Government. In 1992, 460 DPI modern, forward-thinking Government? There personnel alone were taken out of the 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1439 field—most were sacked—and 30 to 40 DPI legal aid service to the community of Mitchell, offices closed down throughout Queensland. which is one community in which the Remember what Labor did for water Government closed the courthouse down and development in Queensland? Absolutely the coalition reopened it. I have here a letter nothing! Australia is the driest continent on from the Booringa Shire Council, which I will earth. In six years one would think that the table. I also have letters from concerned Labor Government would have had the vision citizens of the Mitchell area in which they state to come up with a plan. All that it did was build quite clearly that the duty solicitor will now not the Teemburra Dam. Funds had already been be available for Magistrates Court sittings. I provided by the previous National Party seek leave to table that document. Government to build the Finch Hatton dam; Leave granted. Labor simply moved the site. Mr HOBBS: The score: coalition 5; Within one and a half years of the Labor 0. Remember when Labor increased coalition attaining Government, I put in place a land rentals by 3,000%? The coalition did an plan for sustainable water development to an independent review and reduced them to an extent never before seen in this State. The appropriate level. Score: coalition 6; Labor 0. plan was to spend $2 billion and was Remember the national park acquisition of up equivalent in volume to two Snowy Mountain to 4% of Queensland? Pat Comben was the schemes, and that would have generated one running around doing that. Families who 10,000 rural jobs here in Queensland. That survived the drought and financial crisis were would have been the largest boost to rural then forced off the land by compulsory jobs since the wool boom of the 1950s. I note acquisition. There was no proportional that the new Labor Minister has stated that increase in staff to manage those parks. the water program is on hold until the Minister Welford said last week that the Government can decide what to do. national park acquisition would go to 5%. Therefore, we can expect nothing to happen. Score: coalition 7; Labor 0. This Government has not shown that it has learnt from the mistakes of the past. Score: Mr Hayward: What happened to 6? coalition 3; Labor 0. Mr HOBBS: The honourable member In relation to financial management, missed it. Remember Labor's green tax? remember the $400m black hole in the Within the Warrego electorate Labor's green Workers Compensation Fund? Remember the tax would have had the following impact: raiding of the Nominal Defendants Fund? Waggamba, $120,000; Balonne, $98,000; Remember the raiding of the local ambulance Waroo, $62,000; Tambo, my own shire, fund—the hard-earned money raised from $28,000; Tara, $64,000; Paroo, $38,000; and chook raffles? I will give honourable members Booringa, $51,000. Thank heavens the an example: $189,000 was taken from coalition came along and put the green tax Charleville's local community; Dirranbandi, beast down! $4,000; Goondiwindi, $77,000; and Mitchell, I was dismayed to hear that the new $11,000. That money has gone. They never Labor Government was introducing the saw it again. It was taken away. They never Environmental Protection Agency. It is actually got it back. Remember the raiding of the an enforcement group. People out in the Auctioneers and Agents Fund? Most of all, I general community might not realise that at remember the killer interest rates that were this stage, but it is an enforcement group. This imposed by this Government's Federal agency's emphasis will be on compliance—the counterparts. More damage was done to rural green police. I understand that a large Australia than ever before, resulting in huge bureaucracy with a director-general will also be debts, people walking off the family farm and involved. Score: coalition 8; Labor 0. rural poverty. Score: coalition 4; Labor 0. I remember the unemployment figures I remember the closures of courthouses that went up 65% under the previous State across Queensland. I see the honourable Labor Government. The Premier talked of a former Attorney-General smiling. He should, target of 5% in one to five years. Of course, because he certainly did put a lot of programs the Deputy Leader of the National Party, Mr in place to improve that disastrous situation. Horan, pointed out that Mr Beattie had said The coalition reinstated many of the that after one year it would be 5% and then courthouses and placed Government agents realised that that was a bit difficult so he into other towns to provide assistance to those extended it to five years. I suspect that that communities. The members opposite have not figure is what one could call political speak learnt the lessons of the past. Within one which will once again damage the image of month of being in Government, it has cut the politicians. We have heard it before. An 1440 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 example would be Prime Minister Hawke when After all, it was a Labor Government which he said, "No child will live in poverty by the brought in restrictive timber control on freehold year 1990", I think it was. Mr Keating also said and leasehold land. We heard about riparian in the middle of a recession, "What a lovely corridors. Mention that word to people on the set of figures." We knew he was fibbing. north coast and a shiver goes up their spines. The Premier is touring the State, acting It is still there. Maybe it is going to come back. like the pope with his open palms saying, I do not have confidence that land-holders are "Believe me." That might work on some of the going to be dealt a fair hand. How will this new members and some members of the Government deal with the projects for public, but those of us who have been here a development under the new EPA? How long bit longer can shake our heads and smile, and will it take to get projects up and running? How look again at another reborn politician. If he long will it take to get those projects finished? really wants to create some jobs, he could What other issues are likely to come out of the crank up the water program, which is one that woodwork when the projects are almost I was particularly involved with. There are completed? 10,000 rural jobs there. Let us see how I look at the amendments that have been dedicated and keen the Premier is to get moved in the House today. I strongly support unemployment down in Queensland. That is the amendment moved by the Leader of the one way of doing it. Score: coalition 9; Labor, Opposition. It talks about recognising the 0. I remember the attitude of Labor to rural commitments given by the Premier to the communities. member for Nicklin. Anyone worth his salt would realise that these commitments are very A Government member interjected. important, not just for the Labor Government Mr HOBBS: The member will be but also for the people of Queensland. For the impressed with this. This is his old boss, Tom integrity of that agreement to be put in place Burns. He was dubbed "Labor Minister for the and kept in place, we believe that we need bush". He said to the people of Mitchell, "Pack nothing less than an assurance from this up and leave because the town will not be Government, through this amendment, that it there in 10 years," Nothing has been said that is fair dinkum. If the Government is not fair convinces us that Labor is going to change its dinkum we should be told. Has a deal been attitude to rural industry. Nothing has shown done of which we are not aware? Is there us that Labor is genuine about trying to fix up something different? Why can the the problem. Score: coalition 10; Labor 0. Government not support what it has said Looking at my unbiased scoring, it is quite previously? Is there not some way in which the clear that I am not confident that the Beattie Government can explain to the community, Government will be good for Queensland. "Yes, that is the deal. We have no problem Mr Hayward: There are only two rounds with that"? to go. It is really a matter of looking at the facts. Mr HOBBS: We will see. In the recent The letter was published in the Courier-Mail, so election campaign the coalition was prepared it has had fair coverage. Is something going to to support local government to the tune of be recorded in Hansard for posterity to support $200m on the waste management strategy. the view that Labor is going to honour that The cost to local government is something like contract and thus ensure that it is able to $600m. I have not heard anything from the govern in this State? Labor Government to indicate that it is going It has been my pleasure tonight to cover to assist local authorities with this program. a lot of issues. I have genuine difficulty in Enormous cost is involved, and mayors and coming to a decision to support the Labor councillors from the various local authorities will Government. Obviously, from our side of the know the importance of a good waste House it would be difficult. There has not been management program. We had a program. any great signal to any of us in the rural areas What is Labor's program? So far we have particularly, which I represent, that there is heard nothing. We are listening; we are all going to be any great change. It is the same ears. What will this Government do with the team, the same actions, the same motions, new Integrated Planning Act? Will the and the same types of signals. I do not subsequent amendments proposed by the believe that this Government deserves the previous Minister, and supported by the Local confidence of the House. Government Association, be progressed? Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): What will happen with vegetation controls Order! Before I call the member for Lockyer, I under the Integrated Planning Act? remind honourable members that this is the 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1441 member's first speech. I ask that the member blanket down a grate rather than keep himself be accorded the courtesy of the House. warm because he was frightened by his carers Dr PRENZLER (Lockyer—ONP) into believing that poisonous snakes came out (9.36 p.m.): Mr Deputy Speaker, please pass of the grate at night time. This child was not on my congratulations to the Speaker on his guilty of any serious crime; he was election to the most important position in the hyperactive. The State was given the care of House. I am proud to represent the electorate this child, not permission to abuse this child of Lockyer and I thank the electors for their through intimidation and fear. support. I hope that my relationship with the I want to congratulate the Courier-Mail on voters in my electorate will be strong, its coverage of this matter. I noted that its responsive, responsible, accountable and long editorial on 4 June last called on whoever won term. office to hold an inquiry into it. One Nation will But my speech today cannot be the take up the challenge to investigate the normal maiden speech. The gravity of the allegations and to ensure that the dark clouds matter facing this Parliament does not allow of mistrust hanging over this Government can me that luxury after thoroughly examining the be removed by seeking access to these available evidence on the affair now named Cabinet documents. This must be done, and it Shreddergate. I can only support the vote of must be done before we can even consider confidence in the Beattie Government with an any vote of confidence in this new minority amendment that makes available all relevant Government. We, like all Queenslanders, must Cabinet documents. The alleged corruption feel that our trust and faith in this Parliament associated with the shredding of the Heiner are returned only through the delivery of these inquiry documents contaminates Mr Beattie's Cabinet documents for scrutiny. This action will Government, Queensland's public cost the people of Queensland nothing, but it administration and the criminal justice system. will show to the public the new integrity that More importantly, the victims of these hideous this Government has promised. crimes have not been heard. I want, we want I believe that the reason why Mr Beattie and expect, their cries to be heard and justice does not want to release these documents is to be done. that five—and I repeat: five—of his senior The Heiner issue is really about public Ministers are deeply involved. They were trust and the betrayal of that public trust. involved in the decision to shred Cabinet Innocent victims have been caught up in a evidence that was required for imminent legal web of deceit. This deceit appears to involve proceedings. They ordered it so that what was public officials, both elected and appointed, contained in this evidence would never see who have been given—and some still hold— the light of day. It was a deliberate act, and positions of trust. they are in it up to their necks. In speaking on this matter, I am very One does not shred public records. Public aware that the honourable member for Nicklin, records are the very lifeblood of democratic who has the casting vote in this Parliament, Governments. They keep Governments was a police officer, along with being a solicitor accountable. One does not shred them just and a local government councillor. Every because Executive Government wants to save critical ingredient of Shreddergate should be of public or elected officials from embarrassment particular interest and concern to the or scrutiny. One does not do it. And it is an honourable member for Nicklin. absurdity for any Government to argue in Together with most members of this support of destroying public records to prevent Chamber I read with horror and alarm the accountability. The shredding plainly aided Courier-Mail report by journalist Michael Ware and abetted this misconduct. The Government in which he told of the experiences of children, of Queensland, with the fatal five sitting some as young as 10, being handcuffed to around the table, assisted in the obstruction of grates overnight and children being justice. handcuffed to bars in painful positions for The Premier ought to be ashamed if the extended periods of time. We read of children reported comments in the Courier-Mail from being administered sedatives to quieten them his adviser are proven to be correct. The down. Often these sedatives were parents of the 10-year-old boy who was administered by non-medical personnel. handcuffed to the stormwater drain—the very I read with great sadness about a young boy who undoubtedly cringed in fear all night child of 10 who was handcuffed to the about the possibility of poisonous snakes stormwater grate for 11 hours—I repeat: attacking him from the drain; the boy who 11 hours—overnight. This child stuffed his could have died from an asthma attack—were 1442 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 allegedly told to "get f'd" by the Premier's deliberately and secretly deciding to destroy adviser when they tried to talk to him about evidence to prevent its use in impending court the shredding of the evidence. What an proceedings and to prevent exposure of outrageous, insensitive action to adopt when suspected child abuse in a State detention worried parents are suddenly informed that facility. It is a total affront to the rule of law and their child suffered such treatment while in the the due process of law. These Ministers now care of the Crown! ask us to give them a vote of confidence to The Premier is a solicitor, and he must govern this fine State. If these Ministers are know the principle of Cabinet confidentiality. prepared to practise honest and accountable Our Westminster system provides for Cabinet government, let them release these confidentiality, allowing the deliberations to documents for scrutiny. If the Government remain secret until 30 years later. Crown does not take this action, then the integrity as privilege is predicated on the principle that referred to by the new Premier will be Cabinet operates lawfully and does not questionable. It happened once; it can conspire to deliberately obstruct justice or to happen again. destroy public records for treacherous reasons, I have taken the time to read the material unless one accepts the premise that there is associated with Shreddergate. I am at a loss one law for ordinary Queenslanders and to understand why the former Government another for members of Parliament, especially never acted to expose the truth after the Cabinet members. If the Premier is a man of Morris/Howard report. The Australian Society integrity and he truly wants honest and of Archivists strongly asserts that Archivists accountable Government returned to this should not be treated as rubber stamps by Parliament, he must support our call for the Governments wishing to rid themselves of release of the necessary Cabinet documents. potentially embarrassing records. Record This action will cost the public nothing, but it creators must make available to the Archivists will assist greatly in returning trust to all pertinent information relating to ongoing Parliament and its members. legal and administrative significance of records One Nation cannot have confidence in subject to disposal determinations. The the Beattie Government, because it has Australian Society of Archivists calls upon the shown no inclination to date to seek out the Queensland Government to enact legislation truth of this affair. It is a disgrace to our public that guarantees the future independence of administration. It will not go away until the the State Archivists, including protection from doubt is removed. There are many aspects of political interference, in order to ensure the Shreddergate where Queensland's public integrity of the public record in this State. administration has failed and failed dismally, This alleged corruption has remained and none more so than the role of the State unaddressed for far too long. I call upon this Archivist at the time of Shreddergate. What House to act and to act quickly and makes this matter so serious is that the former purposefully. I say to members: please Attorney-General, the current Minister for remember the plight of the innocent abused Education, Mr Wells, the current Attorney- child victims and act in accordance with your General, the Honourable Mr Foley, the current conscience when you vote. Minister for Employment, Training and Industrial Relations, the Honourable Mr Mr HEALY (Toowoomba North—NPA) Braddy, and the former Premier, Mr Goss, all (9.49 p.m.): In rising to oppose the confidence have legal training and are qualified in the law. motion before the Parliament today, I firstly They really have no excuse. wish to thank the people of the electorate of Toowoomba North for their confidence in me One does not destroy material when one as their elected member for a third time. As I knows that it could contain necessary have done twice before in this place at the evidence for impending court proceedings. If beginning of the Parliament, I pledge my total the possibility of this is there, one safeguards commitment to represent them. this evidence. One does not deliberately destroy it for the express reason of preventing I place on record my thanks and tribute to it from being used in those proceedings. The several of my former parliamentary colleagues ordinary person in the street knows that. I dare who were not returned after the 13 June say that even a child at school would know election. In particular, I pay tribute to a that. One certainly does not have to go to gentleman who became a very good friend of university to know that. But in this case we mine, of many members in this place on both have Ministers—some qualified in the law and sides of the Chamber and of officers of the sworn in as solicitors and officers of the Parliament. I refer to the former member for courts—sitting around the Cabinet table Lockyer, Mr Tony FitzGerald. I think it was the 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1443 member for South Brisbane who, on the night his wise counsel. I pay tribute to him for the of the election in the tally room, said that it way in which he conducted himself as Speaker would be a little strange not having Tony of this Parliament. He leaves enormous shoes FitzGerald around the Parliament any more. to fill and will be fondly remembered in the Given the fact that it was the member for precincts of this place for many years to come. South Brisbane who said that, that was a I congratulate Mr Speaker on his election. fitting tribute to the bipartisan support that I am sure that he realises the enormous Tony received as a member in this place. responsibility of the position. I was quite Of course, she was absolutely right. Tony pleased to hear some of the comments that absolutely loved the Parliament. He loved he made in his opening address as Speaker good-spirited debate. He loved being involved of this Parliament. in the tactics, strategies, mysteries and In just two and a quarter years, the intrigues of this place. When we were in Borbidge/Sheldon Government took this State Opposition, he was perfect in the role of to a state of renewed economic vigour and Leader of Opposition Business and later, confidence with sound policies and respected when we were Government, in the role of economic management. I am afraid that that Leader of the House. I am sure that there is is something for which Labor will never be many a former Minister from the coalition who remembered. I congratulate the three former will privately agree that Tony was a great help Ministers whose portfolios I now have the to them as he sat beside them during the responsibility of shadowing in this place, carriage of fairly difficult and intricate legislation namely, the member for Noosa in Tourism, the in this place. Tony loved that sort of thing and member for Southport in Sport, and the revelled in it. He served this Parliament very, member for Crows Nest in Racing. After they very well. A former Minister, a former were appointed in early 1996, all three of Government Whip and a fervent supporter of those men played a major role in the success the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association of the previous coalition Government and and the Australasian Study of Parliament provided this State with some wonderful Group, he served on various committees in initiatives that helped to create jobs and this place as well as in many other roles that continue prosperity in Queensland. he played to ensure that this Parliament worked as well as it possibly could. Despite all the rhetoric of the Labor party, Mr Quinn interjected. the tourism industry in Queensland is in a state of uncertainty, not just because of the Mr HEALY: The member for Merrimac hit Asian economic downturn and the collapse of it on the head when he said that the former the economies in places such as Japan and member for Lockyer was an outstanding elsewhere but also because it is in fear of a parliamentarian. return to the bad old days of a Labor I wish both him and his lovely wife, administration when political interference Bernadette, all the very best for the future. caused bodies such as the Queensland Who knows, perhaps somewhere down the Tourist and Travel Corporation to be restricted track we may see that little carrot top back in in what they could do to enhance tourism in here some time. I certainly hope so. I wish him this State. One of the first things that the well. Labor Government did only weeks after it In common with many others in this place assumed power was to force the resignation of since the commencement of the 49th successful Queensland Tourist and Travel Parliament, I express my appreciation to the Corporation Chair, Mrs Sallyanne Atkinson. I former Speaker of this place, Speaker Turner. suppose that to some extent that move was When a young member comes in here for the not totally unexpected given the political first time after being elected, normally on this climate at the time. The point that I want to side of politics—and I am sure it happens on make is that Mrs Atkinson was doing a very, the other side as well—an older member from very good job in the role of chairman of the the political party is usually assigned to keep QTTC. an eye on him or her, not let him or her go Not long after that, just as the Minister astray and perhaps offer a little friendly, was jumping aboard the plane to take him to fatherly advice from time to time. I believe that New York to sign up the Goodwill Games, I Neil Turner had been assigned to look after understand that another little gem of a story me, or so it seemed at the time. Before too appeared in quite a few regional newspapers long, I knew the famous horse poem off by around the State. The story stated that the heart. That must have meant that he did his Minister had plans to gut the QTTC and to job. I thank him publicly for his friendship and reduce its membership. Naturally, that sent a 1444 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 shiver down the spines of particularly those Corporation had increased. The Gold Coast current board representatives who represent Events Company funding for Indy had been important tourism areas in regional maintained. No Government, especially Labor, Queensland. It was interesting that one had ever delivered the level of financial newspaper journalist rang me to say that he support to tourism that the Borbidge/Sheldon had rung the Minister's office for a further Government was able to deliver over the two comment and was told by a ministerial staffer and a bit years that it was in office. that the Minister had denied saying that he Commitments had been given to marketing was going to do that to the QTTC. I thought and promotion and major events, regional that that was quite strange. Here we are tourism, inbound tour operations, growth several weeks later and still no announcement initiatives, taxation, industrial relations, has been made of an appointment in relation infrastructure, transport, education and to the chairman of the QTTC and no further training, the year 2000 Olympics, special announcement in relation to the make-up of interest markets and ecotourism. The coalition the board. We have heard all sorts of rumours recognised that tourism was essentially driven about who will become the QTTC chairman. by private sector enterprise and that one of There are all sorts of rumours about certain the key roles of Government was to provide an sporting personalities and about the environment that stimulated and value added appointment of former Federal or State to the efforts of the industry. Ministers. That issue is creating uncertainty During the term of the coalition within the industry. Who is going to miss out in Government there were thousands more terms of the make-up of the board for the hospitality jobs created in Queensland than regions? Which regions will not have a there ever were under Labor. In fact, ABS representative on Queensland's peak tourism figures showed that at the end of the March body? quarter 1996, there were 73,300 jobs in the I urge the Minister to bring an end to all hospitality sector in Queensland. At the end of the uncertainty and announce exactly what he the March quarter this year, the total was is going to do and whom he is going to 85,600. Queensland was the first State in appoint. Only that will end all the speculation Australia to respond to the Asian economic and innuendo that have prevailed over the crisis with urgent industry summits in Brisbane past few weeks in an industry that does not earlier this year and a special $5m marketing need uncertainty at this time. We in the grant to the QTTC. Of course, that has been Opposition will be watching very, very closely matched already by Labor but, as I indeed to see who is appointed to that understand it, is short of the pre-election important position on that board. It would be commitment that was touted by Labor prior to very foolish were the Minister to go down the the election. same path as his colleague the Minister for Let me say that, from talking to tourism Employment and Training, who bowed to the industry leaders as I did at the Queensland pressure of his union and party mates when Tourism Awards on the Gold Coast last Friday he made changes to the WorkCover board. night, the tourism summit that the Because of all the factors that are affecting Government conducted last week left a lot to the industry currently, the position of the QTTC be desired compared to the initiative-driven chairman and the make-up of that board is exercises that were conducted by the coalition important to Queensland in this time of Government earlier this year. At this point, I uncertainty within the industry. We need congratulate all of those award winners in the people on that board who will represent their Queensland Tourism Awards last Friday night. regions. We need a person who will take the I think that it bears special mention. It was a helm of the QTTC with vigour and somebody wonderful occasion at which some of who will be respected within the industry. Queensland's most prolific tourist destinations The coalition Government had secured were awarded the accolades that they the tourism industry as a top priority with certainly deserved. It was a great message policies that would ensure major employment that was sent out to the tourism industry growth and foreign exchange earnings. Under around Australia and across South East Asia a coalition Government, the tourism industry as to what sort of quality and calibre of tourist received record support. As my colleague the destinations we have in Queensland. member for Noosa mentioned earlier, the The last time Labor held Government in coalition increased the budget for the QTTC Queensland, it allowed the tourism marketing from only $29m under Labor to what was budget to fall way behind that of most other going to be a record $42m in our Budget. States, even South Australia. Labor's old ways Funding for the Queensland Events of promoting and handling tourism will simply 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1445 not cut the mustard in these difficult times. successful major events body in Australia over Although the Government may promise the past two years, winning every single bid it budget increases and fast-tracking of special had entered for new events for this State. That funding for marketing and promotion, its paltry is a terrific record. In just over two years, more record in the past simply suggests a return to than 27 events had been added to the bad old days. In the past under Labor, Queensland Events' portfolio, delivering an Queensland's hard-won position as the estimated $400m in direct economic benefit to dominant tourism State was sacrificed the State and another $200,000 in because the industry did not fit the Labor promotional value. mould. Of course, who could forget the The coalition Government was able to infamous Yo! Way to go! campaign, which secure the Magic Millions yearling sales and was a national embarrassment and which left Magic Millions two-year-old classic for the Gold morale in the industry at an all-time low. Coast for five years as well as provide for the The previous Minister, the member for establishment and promotion of a $500,000 Noosa, would often tell me that when he took three-year-old Magic Millions race during the over the portfolio he was appalled at the poor summer racing carnival. relationship between the industry and the One thing that was forgotten under the Government. There was no trust, there was no previous Labor Government was the team spirit and there was no cohesion. It was importance of domestic tourism. That is why, in absolute disarray. The coalition Government as I mentioned before, in April this year the fostered strong relationships with the industry, coalition Government announced both at a domestic and international level, to Queensland's biggest ever domestic tourism maximise the profitability of Queensland. It push, worth $8.2m and aimed specifically at completed marketing strategies for all 14 interstate markets. The domestic tourism tourism regions in association with industry market represents around 80% of all visitors. It and regional tourist associations. Those is of even greater significance to Queensland strategies are vital for the continued economic this year, as competition for the Australian prosperity of those regions. holiday dollar is more fierce than ever before. The Borbidge/Sheldon Government had In addition, the year to September 1997 put in place the initiatives that reflected a clear results from the Queensland visitors survey understanding of the strength and future showed that interstate visitor numbers jumped potential of the tourism industry. Those to 2.6 million, a 17% increase on the previous initiatives paid off in a big way. With the year, and awareness of the State's holiday coalition's continued support for the meetings, destinations was at 47%, the highest rate in incentives, conventions and exhibitions sector Australia and two and a half times that of our throughout the State, only last week we saw closest rival, New South Wales. The coalition Cairns making the top 100 best convention Government had armed the tourism industry venues in the world list. That is a great with the funding and support necessary to achievement for Cairns because it had never face the challenges of the immediate future as made that list before. it continued to appreciate the vital contribution that tourism makes to the State's economy. Of course, that leads me to the issue of The coalition believes that that should the Cairns Convention Centre and the continue. commitment by the coalition to allocate in its Budget $21m in 1998-99 and 1999-2000 for In the time remaining to me during this the expansion of the Cairns Convention debate, I want to make a few comments Centre to host the National Basketball League about the racing industry. I think that it is franchise team. I ask: is Labor going to welsh important to highlight not only some of the on that deal when it brings down its Budget on initiatives that the previous coalition 15 September? I urge the Labor Government Government instigated for the industry but not to welsh on that deal. It is vitally important also, if time permits, to comment on the for Cairns, it is vitally important now that the proposed TAB privatisation that the coalition Cairns national basketball franchise team has Government had begun to initiate. In just over two years, the previous Minister, the member been included in the national competition but, for Crows Nest, achieved marvellous reforms in more importantly, the commitment should be the industry. The industry will remember some given now so that the people of Cairns know of those reforms that he was able to instigate. what the commitment is. We saw the provision for the very first time of It was the coalition Government that $2m for a training track subsidy scheme to funded Queensland Events, the State's major assist in maintaining vital infrastructure to event organisation, to enable it to be the most eligible clubs throughout the State. It was the 1446 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 first time in 10 years that consolidated revenue endorse those remarks. There are many money had been used as an injection of funds members from both sides of the House who for the racing industry. We saw the Kennedy genuinely made a contribution to the welfare review of the Queensland Racing Industry of Queensland and who worked very hard as Incentive Scheme implemented—a total members of the Parliament. In many commitment of $3.5m, including an additional instances they did not deserve not to be here. $500,000 for an unplaced starter subsidy. We That is not taking anything away from the saw $750,000 given to the Greyhound Racing congratulations I gave to the 25 new Authority for administration and capital works members, but the fact remains that this was and $2.5m to the Queensland harness racing one of the most unpredictable elections that industry. We saw a record intake of overseas we have faced, with outcomes across-the- students at the Queensland Racing Industry board that were not predicted. Training Centre, with a $5m flow-on effect for Mr Deputy Speaker, I take this opportunity the State economy. I will have more to say to ask you to pass on to the Speaker my about the Queensland Racing Industry congratulations on his election to the office he Training Centre in the next couple of days, now holds. Obviously it will be a challenging because that is also another interesting position for him, with the Parliament being scenario that has taken place since this made up the way it is. Government came to power in Queensland. One of the things that struck me during I say that the Minister for Racing is one of the last election—and the member for Nicklin only very few members opposite who fully referred to it earlier—was the crystallisation of understands why the TAB must go through the lack of appreciation of members of the process that the coalition Government Parliament. I deliberately say "members of instigated. I feel for him because he has to try Parliament" and not "politicians". It is to convince some of his colleagues opposite disturbing. I felt that, of any election I have why there is the need for Queensland's TAB to been through, that was the lowest esteem in compete. If we do not, we will fall so far behind which we had been held. Out of that there is a the other States such as New South Wales responsibility on all of us to attempt to reverse and Victoria that it does not matter. that perception that the public in general has Queensland's mighty racing industry must of us. It is sad, because we are the law- compete. I am prepared to sit with the Minister making body of the State and it is imperative and talk about this in a bipartisan way that we are held in better public esteem than because he understands the industry and he we are. understands the problems that Queensland's TAB has faced in relation to low growth and I want to refer to the speech made this the competition that is coming from other morning by the mover of this motion, the States. I think that we need to drive this as a Premier. He and the Deputy Premier spoke of Parliament, as a Government. I say one thing: the confidence in them and the confidence in it was the industry that started the drive for this Government. The reality is, of course, that TAB privatisation and the coalition the outcome of the election was not clear. Government responded to that and There were two options—either a Government implemented the first process. formed by members from this side of the Time expired. House or a Government formed by Labor members. The member for Nicklin made his Mr SLACK (Burnett—NPA) (10.09 p.m.): decision, and we respect that decision, but it is Earlier, the member for Southport mentioned not in order for the Premier or the Deputy that the recent election had been his fifth. I Premier to claim that business necessarily inform the House that, obviously, it was also supports the policies of the Labor Party or the my fifth election. I take this opportunity to performance of the previous Labor congratulate those who have been returned Government. I did not read that into the after being elected for the first time. support that Labor received. This, my fifth election, was one of the What the electorate in general, and most unusual elections I have been involved business in particular, was looking for out of in. Of course, it was also one of the most this election was a clear decision, which did interesting because the outcome was not not eventuate. Despite the fact that a clear predicted. That outcome is the reason we are decision was not arrived at, the Premier and here tonight debating this motion. Deputy Premier claimed that the fact that the The previous speaker mentioned the Labor Party had attained the greater number contributions made by many of the members of members, although they were short of the who are no longer here. I wish to support and one member necessary to form a 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1447

Government, meant that this was the best way outcomes from just two and a quarter years of of getting stability. I assure members of the coalition administration. Government that they will have to earn the I remind the Minister that it was the confidence and respect of business, and that coalition Government that recognised the is not going to happen overnight. importance of and placed the emphasis on It is a retrograde step to come in here investment in trade when it established the claiming credit for many of the things that stand-alone department and the regional have occurred in the past month, which were offices. It was the coalition Government that really the result of policies that had been established the regional international trade implemented or work that had been done by support branch of the Department of the coalition when in Government. As Economic Development and Trade. Many of honourable members can appreciate, there is the things the Minister is talking about are a lead time involved when business makes a what the coalition has done, what we put in decision to locate in Queensland or overseas place, and he is not prepared to recognise powers make a decision to hold a games them. here. Quite often, decisions are made well I remind the Minister that when Labor before the announcements are made. So went out of office Queensland's trade much of what has been done and much of performance was declining. Under the what the Labor Government will benefit from coalition, our exports as a percentage of has been at the instigation of and is a result of overall Australian exports was improving. the hard work and commitment of the coalition When Labor left Government two and a when in Government. quarter years ago, Queensland's percentage I believe that I, the Leader of the of Australian exports was actually declining. It Opposition and the members of the previous had fallen from just over 20% to around Cabinet have every reason to be proud of 19%—approximately 2%. In other words, we what was achieved when the coalition was in were declining in terms of overall exports. That Government, in that short two and a quarter continued for a period but then in the past 10 years. I felt, as many people do, that our term months, due to our policies that were coming to fruition, that trend was reversed and the in Government was cut short. Many of those overall trade from this State was increasing as policies and much of that work we had done a percentage of Australian trade figures. It is did not come to fruition and we were not given on record that the figure for every month of the recognition that we deserved. that past 10 months exceeds that for the It concerns me that the new Minister for corresponding month of the previous year. State Development has been quick to criticise The figures for March were up 20.6% and the the contribution made by us when we were in overall figures for the 10 months were up by Government, particularly in relation to trade 18.6%. and investment. There is no doubt that the I also remind the Deputy Premier that future for jobs and prosperity in this State is when Labor went out of office our economic very much linked to trade and investment—the growth was 2.2%—honourable members trade out of this State and the investment should remember that figure—and there was from not only the people of Australia and the no Asian crisis being talked about. In just two people of Queensland in their own State but and a quarter years of coalition administration also from overseas investors. We were able to our economic growth had improved to 4.5% in achieve much in that particular area during our round figures—double what Labor achieved. It term of office. is with a little bit of scepticism that I listen to It disturbs me that this Government is now the Deputy Premier when he talks about seeking to review and shake up the trade and Labor's plans, because it is rhetoric. The facts investment strategies that were introduced by are not there to support his argument. this Government and which have shown I should remind the Deputy Premier that a results that have been to the benefit of all quarter of all major projects in Australia—some Queenslanders and have resulted in jobs for $15 billion worth in the Department of Queenslanders. I refer to a Courier-Mail article Economic Development and Trade—are in of 28 July 1998. The headline reads "Labor Queensland, and that last year 40% of plans major shakeup for trade and business Australia's job growth occurred in Queensland. strategies". I also refer to the comments made Talk about jobs! Unemployment was declining by the Deputy Premier this morning. I find under the coalition administration. It is now them amazing when I compare the outcomes much lower than when Labor was in from Labor's previous term in office with the Government. I should also remind the Deputy 1448 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Premier of the number of major companies It was a coalition Government that that have decided to re-establish their revamped the Trade Assistance Scheme and Australian headquarters in Queensland. Of established a close working relationship with course, there has been a lead time. I Austrade. It was the coalition Government's mentioned Boeing, and there are many proactive approach that led to Mack Trucks others. Those decisions to establish here are establishing its right-hand drive international not made overnight. Often, as I said, they are manufacturing headquarters here. I have made well in advance of the announcement. previously mentioned Boeing and the many That the coalition Government achieved other companies that have shifted to all of this in just two and a quarter years Queensland. illustrates that it was a proactive Government, It was the coalition Government's not a reactive one. It was the coalition proactive approach that led to the proposed Government that introduced a diversified trade Surat/Dawson Basin development being at the and investment strategy. It was the coalition stage it is at today. I am very concerned about Government that reopened the offices in Los the Minister's statements of late in relation to Angeles, Shanghai, Jakarta and Semarang. the future of that extremely important Whilst on the subject of overseas development for Queensland. We are talking relationships, I suggest that the Premier, the about a $3 billion development that has the Deputy Premier or both visit Indonesia as potential to create thousands of flow-on jobs quickly as they possibly can. Indonesia has and lead to major exports of 20 million tonnes been a close friend of ours and we should of coal a year. That coal would be appreciate that it would be feeling a little lost environmentally friendly, which is what the and lonely at this time. As we have a very market wants at this time and which is so close link with Central Java in a Sister State important to the environmentalists—something relationship, it is imperative that a high priority for which we are not given credit. I point out to be placed on a senior representative from this the Minister that it is a very finely tuned State undertaking a visit. exercise that will potentially bring many It was the coalition Government that benefits, as the member for Callide mentioned established the Bilateral Trade Assistance so eloquently in his maiden speech, not only Scheme, formed the Education Advisory for his area but also for the whole of the State Council and coordinated the marketing of of Queensland and Australia. education overseas. Education brings over We have heard for years about the 4.1 $500m into Queensland a year. It was the billion tonnes of steaming thermal coal. It was coalition Government that brought together this Government that, in only two and a departments to coordinate our international quarter years, got it off the ground and got it marketing for education, not a Labor to the stage it is at today. Twenty major Government. That occurred over the past two consortia were involved in the selection and a quarter years. We did that for the process. At the end of the day, after the benefit of Queenslanders. This Government successful consortium was selected, none of speaks about the potential for exporting the other companies involved found fault with education. However, it was in Government for the selection process for the preferred over six years. It had the opportunity to do developer. something, but it did nothing. There is no doubt that if it gets off the We formed the Education Advisory ground it will help to reverse the drift away Council. We encouraged and supported from country areas. In the Courier-Mail the business missions overseas, many of which Deputy Premier questioned the seriousness of were led by me. I took a limited number of the companies involved and the viability of the bureaucrats and staff and published my full whole exercise. Is the Deputy Premier setting itinerary. I must mention that I did not travel himself above the senior people in those first class, and on occasions I travelled companies who are prepared to spend millions economy class. The results are there for all to of dollars to enter into the process? Would see. Under Labor's previous six-year SUDAW Developments, which got the nod at administration, visits were conducted the end of the day, be prepared to spend overseas, but on most occasions business $10m on investigations if it did not think that people were not taken and the benefits of that the coal would be marketable by about 2001, overseas travel were not realised. In addition, when there would be some orders? it did not publish any of its itineraries. My SUDAW is made up of the Raytheon itineraries were available for all to see—every Group, which has overseas contacts for the day, every meal, the whole lot. sale of the coal. There is no question about its 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1449 viability. However, at the end of the day it is up In conclusion, I wish to refer to the to SUDAW to make that judgment. Everybody overhaul of the bureaucracy. The Department knows that. I am saying to this House quite of Economic Development and Trade was openly that there is no way that it would be absolutely apolitical. I did not care what the spending $10m on its assessment process politics of any individual in that department unless it thought, with all of its international were, as long as everyone did their job. The connections, that it would be a goer. So it is people appointed there were appointed on not for the Minister to say that he does not merit by a selection panel. They had my full think the coal market will be there. Surely the support. It is a disrespect to them to suggest company would know what it was talking about in any way that they have not been doing their if it is prepared to enter into this project. job properly; that they are political. In relation to any changes in personnel or The Deputy Premier has also mentioned reappointments of DGs, I suggest that that Chevron and Comalco. We have been dealing would be political. with Comalco and Chevron for some time. There is no doubt that they are very tough and Time expired. skilled negotiators. This Government has Mr LITTLEPROUD (Western Downs— signed off with Comalco. In relation to the NPA) (10.29 p.m.): I stand once again in this Chevron deal, it knew the rules. It knew that House representing the people of Western Tarong was out there and that it could be Downs. I am aware of the make-up of this expanded. It knew that the Surat/Dawson House. I welcome all those people who are Basin project was under way. It knew that we new to it and I remind all members that, in had an open electricity market and that we fact, democracy has had its chance. It put us wanted the cheapest power for industry in this into the Parliament in the circumstances in State. To have industry and jobs in this State which we find ourselves. We all now have the we have to have cheap power. That is the No. responsibility to try to give some stability to 1 requirement. For example, if we were to talk Queensland. Hence, today we are debating to industry at Pinkenba, Ipswich or Townsville this motion of confidence which was moved by about their future and jobs, they would the Premier, to which three amendments have mention cheap power. been moved. I oppose the motion of confidence and I will speak on matters If Chevron is so worried about the Tarong relevant to Western Downs. power, it and this Government have to bear in mind that there is a load loss between Tarong First of all, I think it is important that we and Wandoan, if it comes on stream—and recap the strategy of the Borbidge that is back to open policy. They have to bear Government. We worked out the things that in mind that there is load loss and an were needed for Queensland. We needed to economic cost in getting the power from there reduce the impact of Government on business to Townsville. Chevron knew that under our right across Queensland. We needed to return administration. It knew that and it was all the services such as the DPI, the prepared to go ahead with it. In those courthouses and whatever else had been run circumstances, it put out to tender the down, especially in rural Queensland. If we construction of the pipeline. were going to make the State grow, there was a desperate need to develop infrastructure: The Deputy Premier has obviously been water, ports and coal. We needed to attract lobbied by those companies. Of course they large business, and the previous speaker, the will lobby, as they all will. At the end of the member for Burnett, touched on all the things day, we have to look after the taxpayer's we did to achieve that. As he pointed out, the dollar. Surely the Government is not proposing results were quite tremendous. We were at the to rush in and accept what some company will threshold of good things. Big things were put forward to it as being viable? Companies happening in Queensland. Added to that, of will put forward projects and will look for a course, was the tight financial management of financial benefit. If members opposite are soft the coalition; we had rescued the various and silly enough—because these companies State accounts from some pretty perilous play Governments against Governments and situations. industry against industry—to say, "Yes, we'll So I was interested today to listen to the go along with what you are doing", they are Premier during the debate on this motion of doing the taxpayers of Queensland a major confidence—and I took note—when he said disservice. I suggest that the Deputy Premier that he had met with business leaders soon reassess where he is coming from in respect after coming to Government, I think within two of those issues. days. He said, "There will be no freeze on 1450 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 public works." I thought immediately of the Governments a very prosperous State with low inquiries I have made since the election into unemployment. By the time Labor members matters relating to Western Downs. I made had finished with it in six years, the growth was inquiries into the building of the Institute of 2.2% and unemployment had jumped by TAFE on the Darling Downs. An annex to the 60%—from something like 8% up to about Chinchilla State High School associated with 12%, I believe. the Toowoomba TAFE was to be opened in Mr Slack: Yes. January 1999. The last word I had about 10 days ago was that nothing can happen until Mr LITTLEPROUD: The member for the State Budget is brought down. I do not Burnett pointed out that, in just two short years think it is possible now to go ahead with that we had cranked up State growth to in excess project and have it operational by January of 4%—we almost doubled the rate of growth 1999. The people of Chinchilla had this in Queensland. I ask honourable members: proposal put to them in 1989 when we were in with those sorts of projects at risk, bearing in Government; it was in the planning stages. mind the sort of performances we saw under We have been waiting for 10 years, and now I the Goss Government only two years ago and find that it is at risk. also bearing in mind how it stifled growth, how can I as the member for Western Downs Similarly, in 1989 we were promised a express confidence on behalf of the people in TAFE college in Dalby, which was to open in Western Downs? I cannot possibly support a 1991. It was not proceeded with. Only in the motion of confidence in the Beattie last two years, under the Borbidge Government. Government, was a specially designed TAFE building granted to become operational later in I turn now to the Deputy Premier, who has 1999. The same inquiries I have made show been talking up all the things he is going to do that the capital works program associated with in terms of State development. I looked at the it is at risk. Two weirs in the electorate of Courier-Mail on Tuesday this week. I noticed Western Downs put together by the previous that he was speaking about the Chevron gas Minister for Natural Resources, the member for pipeline. He has commented that it is going to Warrego—the Nangram weir and the be the highest priority in terms of State Condamine weir—are going to bring surety to development for this Government. He said— those people who could use the water and "It's not just a gas pipeline"— bring new inputs in terms of horticulture and this is Chevron— agriculture into the area as well as added cash flow through the communities of Chinchilla and "It is probably the lifeblood for all those Miles. The replies to inquiries that I have made communities that have been struggling at the department's Toowoomba office with very high unemployment rates recently are to the effect that nothing is between the far north and Gladstone." assured until such time as the new Beattie That is pretty honourable sort of stuff, I Government considers these matters in its suppose, but I am thinking in terms of Budget. I certainly hope that it sees the worth Western Downs. I am thinking in terms of what of these projects. we are going to do for our people. The Premier also made promises today Further on in the article he went on to say about employment—jobs. It is interesting that he was reluctant to give total support to because, on the very first day of the State the scheme—that is the Surat Basin in my campaign, he said, "We will get electorate—until the companies involved unemployment down to 5%." I immediately complete their feasibility studies. That is fair thought of Bob Hawke when he said, "No child enough. So we will wait until the feasibility will live in poverty by the year 2000", or studies are over, but it is quite clear that in his whenever it was. It rated about the same. So own mind, as the member for Burnett said a this morning I once again took note of the minute ago, the No. 1 thing for this Governor's Speech. There was not one Government is Chevron without regard for mention of 5% unemployment; that has been those people who have put in all the money, dropped. I listened to the Premier today. He without regard for all the studies that have was talking about getting unemployment down been done and without regard for the needs and about jobs; he has dropped any mention of my people. He talks about it being of the 5%. It has all gone out the door. "probably the lifeblood of those communities A moment ago my colleague the member that have been struggling". By hell, they are for Burnett was talking about what we inherited struggling out my way. when we came to Government. The ALP I remind honourable members of the inherited from the Ahern and Cooper contribution made by the new member for 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1451

Callide, which was an excellent speech. He Queensland, but it is not. Other things have to pointed out exactly the needs of people in be taken into consideration. rural Queensland. My constituents face exactly I can understand that the Minister is the same problems. For generations we have worried about his own departmental budget had hundreds of millions of tonnes of coal and how he is going to do it all and get the lying idle. Only something like 4% or 5% of the best value he can for the department, but the water capacity of the Condamine Basin within decision is bigger than that. We have a rural my electorate is used. The rest of it is going to area that is suffering a population drift. We waste. All at once in a couple of years we get need new cash flow to get away from the all those things bundled together—all those dependence on agricultural products that the things can happen—yetI find comments such Deputy Premier spoke about earlier today. The as these coming from the Deputy Premier. Beattie Government should have put a stop to How can I be expected to support a motion of it and said, "These people had foresight; they confidence in the Government when it comes had wisdom. They realised what needed to be up with this sort of performance and it talks done. Bring some new industry out there. down the sorts of things for which we have Bring some new Government services out been crying out for years? there. Inject some new money into the place." Mr Lucas: You were elected on our But the Minister for Police and Correctives preferences. Services said he is going to review all those Mr LITTLEPROUD: About 6%. That is plans. I certainly hope that he listens to the about a 4,000 vote margin. That is all right. comments that have been made in the Mr Lucas: You wouldn't be here without Chamber today because we believe that there our preferences. is a desperate need to take some of this Government money out into those areas that Mr LITTLEPROUD: But I am still here. are starving. If we do not put that sort of Mr Lucas interjected. money into those areas, we are going to be spending money on the relocation of people Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Mickel): from those parts of Queensland back into the Order! The member for Lytton! cities where infrastructure is so much harder Mr LITTLEPROUD: I turn now to another and more expensive to put in place. So how Minister, the Minister for Police and Corrective can I, as the member for Western Downs, Services. Mention was made before by the which under the Borbidge Government had member for Crows Nest about the initiative of the possibility of getting a prison facility at the previous Government with regard to the Roma, ever support a motion of confidence in new correctional facilities that are going to be this Government? How can I be expected to needed in Queensland. As a Cabinet, we go back to the people of Western Downs and accepted a proposal put forward by the say that I stood up and backed the Beattie member for Crows Nest. We thought that it Government because it looked like it was was best for regional Queensland—an area of going give us some sort of stability—the Queensland, especially south-east stability of going backwards. Queensland desperately in need of some sort of new cash flow—to consider injecting some The next Minister whom I want to talk State Government money not in one place, about is the new Minister for Environment and Heritage and Minister for Natural Resources. I but possibly three places in south-east have had a fair bit of experience of fixing up Queensland to try to overcome some of that messes over the past couple of years. About population drift. two or three days after I became the Minister I was listening quite intently when the for the Environment, the new licensing and Minister for Police and Corrective Services was compliance provisions of the Environmental interviewed on the radio. He had been talking Protection Act were going to be proclaimed. to the councillors of the Roma Town Council. They would have meant licences for 15,000 Other people were ringing in on talkback radio individual businesses across Queensland. and they were asking him, "What are you Local government was in uproar and business going to do?" He said, "I can assure the was in uproar. In two years I have been able people of Queensland that I will be giving the to wind that back so that something like 2,500 taxpayers the best value for their dollars." businesses will not be paying an annual Honourable members can read into that, of licence fee. I was congratulated by the Metal course, that he is going to go for one 600-bed Trades Industry Association of Australia and prison rather than three 200-bed prisons. He various other industry groups who said, "At can go out and defend his assertion that that least there is some sense, some sanity, is the best value for the dollar for the people of coming into it. You are being responsible and 1452 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 you are being sane." Now that we have the increase from 4% to 5%. The former Minister, correct policy we find that the Labor Pat Comben, made a big name for himself. Government is going to set up an He is a hero across Queensland because he Environmental Protection Agency. We have to took the area of national parks from 2% to 4%. substitute the word "agency" for "authority". I He stands up there like a one-liner. He looks want to ask this question—a question which pretty good. I will tell honourable members will be asked when the Budget is brought what I inherited. The Labor Government spent down: how are we going to get the funds for millions of dollars acquiring land but it did not this Environmental Protection Agency? What match it with management funds. There was part of the Budget that goes to the no budget for management. We had feral Department of Environment is going to be animals and noxious weeds all over the place. transferred to fund a new bureaucracy? Is it There were places that could not be managed going to be at the expense of the clean air and places where there were no plans. I had strategy for south-east Queensland? Is it just started to overcome what happened when going to be at the expense of the endangered not too much money was spent on the species unit? All new administration costs management of national parks. Most of the money. money went on acquisition. We found that One of the things I have noticed in my 15 80% of the budget was going on wages and years in this House, which covers one six-year only 20% on equipment. We had fellows term of a Labor Government, is that Labor is walking around pushing wheelbarrows and great on plans and ideologies, but when it driving around in Land Cruisers, but they had comes to administration and making things no fencing material and no money to conduct work we find that Labor does not work. It is a surveys. These people were employed to do bit like the Whitlam days. There were all sorts nothing. of big ideas but they did not work. I will bet I cranked it back to something like 55% of that the people in industry are going to find the total budget was spent on labour and the that, whereas we were reducing the impact of rest on equipment. Now I find that the Government on business, they will now be up Government is going to increase the area of for new licence fees. If money is not taken national park in Queensland from 4% to 5%. from the budget for the Department of That represents a 25% increase in acquisitions Environment we will find that Labor will for national parks in Queensland. I do not increase the licence fees. During the election think that is very wise at all. Firstly, it is going to campaign the new Minister also announced cost a hell of a lot of money for the that there is going to be a Commissioner for acquisitions. Secondly, do we know that we Sustainability. It sounds good. Everyone has really need these areas or should we be more been using the word "sustainability" for the selective and pick out only those pieces of past couple of years. We know what it is all biodiversity that are not currently represented about. If a Government is worth its salt it does in our national parks system? I do not think not need a commissioner to go around and those opposite have thought about it. It is just tap people on the shoulder and come back a good line. If Pat Comben can go from 2% to with the ticks and the crosses on a check list. If 4%, why cannot the new Minister go from 4% a Government is good enough it will have to 5%? been out communicating with the public and taking advice from professionals in its own I will tell honourable members who has departments. A responsible Government influenced this Government. The Government would know what is sustainable. has been influenced by the Queensland Conservation Council and the conservation Oh no, it is not good enough for the lobby. It has been reliably reported to me that, Beattie Government. This Government is in the days of the Goss Government, the going to have a new commissioner. How can I, Queensland Conservation Council and a lady the person who represents the struggling small called Dr Aila Keto lived in the back of the businessmen on the Western Downs, support Minister's office. Those people wrote all the a motion of confidence in a Government that policies and convinced the previous Minister, is going to restore the very things I spent two Molly Robson, that if she put certain things in years getting rid of? I was trying to get some the people would love her. The Labor relief for small business. How can I be Government was not too popular and that expected to support such a vote of Minister did not survive. We have been trying confidence? to crank it back ever since. Miss Imogen The next thing coming forth from the Zethoven of the Queensland Conservation same portfolio is a promise that the area of Council was good enough to say that I was Queensland held under national parks will easy to talk to but that I did not seem to take 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1453 too much notice of her. She was dead right. I also like to say that the previous incumbent, listened to her and dismissed what she said the former Minister for Family Services, Naomi because it was a lot of ratbaggery. Now she is Wilson, worked very hard for Mulgrave. back in the door again and she has convinced However, Mulgrave electors were sick of the the new Minister that the area of national park childish behaviour of the leaders of both major has to be cranked up from 4% to 5%. parties. The contempt that the electorate of The people of Western Downs would Mulgrave felt towards professional and reckon I am mad if I give a vote of confidence recycled politicians is surely obvious. That is to the Beattie Government only to see this why I am here with my One Nation colleagues happen. If it is going to need more money to to clean up the mess. acquire this extra area, where is the money The electors have sent a strong message going to come from in the national parks to all members of this House to wake up and budget? What will the Government do? Will it listen. As I travel throughout the electorate I let the noxious weeds get out of control? The find that State issues, such as the completion member for Warrego, the former Minister for of the Cairns Base Hospital, hospital waiting Natural Resources, was supplying money to times, health issues, cane fungus, white fly, get rid of things such as mother of millions and public housing, education and especially wild pigs. Those programs will be all gone. unemployment are important. But one thing Judging from the performance of the that the voters of Mulgrave are really angry Goss Government of two years ago, and about is the loss of their State rights. They are bearing in mind the strategies that also angry about Federal issues. Queensland needs and what we put in place This Parliament now carries a heavy over the past couple of years, it is a great burden of bad government, irresponsible tragedy that the people of Queensland made government, insensitive government and the choice they did and that we find ourselves distant government—a Government which, by in this predicament. I totally support the a single and sinister act of misjudgment, has amendment moved by the Leader of the turned law-abiding, honest and patriotic Opposition, an amendment to the motion put Queenslanders into criminals. They have been forward by the Premier. I am so concerned turned into criminals without achieving one about some of the announcements which blow against crime, criminals and corruption. have already been made with regard to water They have been turned into criminals because infrastructure and the coal potential that we some distant and devious person in another have in the Surat Basin that I believe I can go House and another place decided in his back with confidence and say to the people of arrogance to reach into this place and deprive Western Downs that we are being sold a pup. honest Queenslanders of their rights, their We had the dawning of a new age where we State's rights and their long-held liberties and could realise our potential, but it has all gone freedoms under the great charters of liberty down the tube. What a pity! The One Nation wisely and proudly inherited from Westminster. people sitting at the back of the Chamber did They created one horrible mess. not take that into consideration. They did not One Nation, believing in one nation, think about what is going to happen to united one Australia. Queensland. They came in with a small agenda that completely overlooked the reality One Nation is here today to clean up that of where we are going. Now we are faced with mess—to throw the vilification of the vilifiers a situation where we are expected to give a back into the faces of the vilifiers and to clean vote of confidence in the Beattie Government, up the horrible mess that they have created. and I oppose that. What is more incredible is that those then in this House allowed this man to dictate his Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): unresearched, knee-jerk hysteria, and under Order! Before I call the member for Mulgrave, I sundry threats forced them to surrender and remind the House that this is the member's give him his every want. first speech to the House. I therefore ask that everyone affords him the courtesies of the From the published records, the previous House. Parliament was united behind the party men and, as such, that entire Parliament stands Mr RAPPOLT (Mulgrave—ONP) condemned as vilifiers and engineers of (10.46 p.m.): Firstly, may I congratulate Mr discord and hatred against Queenslanders. Speaker on his elevation to the office he now This Parliament was not our Parliament but holds. I would like to thank the electors of their Parliament—not the Parliament of the Mulgrave for giving me the opportunity to people. We are here today to make their voice their concerns in this Parliament. I would Parliament our Parliament—the people's 1454 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Parliament—and most certainly they will not decriminalise Queenslanders who have been like it at all. made into criminals for the sin of wanting the Yes, that person in another place turned right to own a firearm. A great number of upwards of one third of all Queenslanders into Queenslanders have thumbed their noses at criminals. And if this is so, how did he in his the last Parliament, and they voted the way fondest dreams ever expect to win anything by their thumbs were directed. Anybody who going to the people on such an issue? It was denies that really does live with Mr Howard, a Federal issue. The recent Queensland State and that is on another planet. Many have election was fought on Federal issues. And refused to be licensed or registered. Many now that person in another House washes his have buried their firearms for better times. guilty hands of the entire sordid affair and Some, believe it or not, especially in the claims that the recent election was fought on indigenous community, do not even know that State issues. If they were State issues, then they have to register or be licensed. They are they were State issues that he himself made. high profile to become the innocent victims of a corrupt and contemptible legislative weapon. The State Government kowtowed to We, as responsible legislators, cannot political blackmail—veiled or not-so-veiled continue to risk the contempt and hatred of threats to remove subsidies. That was Queenslanders by allowing them to remain as scandalous. One Nation, dedicated to the legislated criminals just because some principle of one nation, comes into this House headstrong party leader in Canberra had a where we find our cherished States' rights lying rush of blood to his head and just wants to in the gutter. That is where we found them. push people around. So what do we do? One Nation will pick up the once-proud banner and fly it again proudly to wash away former One of the reasons I came into politics humiliation, to recover our lost honour, to was to make way for the decriminalisation of recover our freedom under a torn and battered Queenslanders wrongly criminalised by Constitution and to put life back into that uncaring and unreasonable laws. I am here to Constitution by loyalty to Queenslanders— change the law. I am here to reform. I am always to Queenslanders—our voters. One here because my electors of Mulgrave want Nation is here to clean up the mess. Either we change, and they want it quickly. Only One do that now, working together as Nation has a reasonable policy on firearms Queenslanders, or One Nation will do it alone which could be hailed as really Australian—a in the not-too-distant future. This is not a policy which is in accord with our historic threat, it is a solemn promise. freedoms. The policies adopted by Canberra and forced upon the States are right out of the Throughout Queensland today people are Godless archives of Nazi Germany and criminals—fathers and mothers, sons and communist Russia. That is what upsets daughters, veterans and their sons and Queenslanders. That is why so many daughters, sportsmen and their sons, sons Queenslanders have deliberately ignored the and daughters of soldiers who died for this unreasonable laws of the previous Parliament. State—simply because they want to own Yet members of this House passed this firearms. Talk about shades of the monster incredible piece of injustice so that bureaucrats Karl Marx. They all feel betrayed. They feel could profit and the ideologists could pat betrayed by their leaders and vilified unjustly themselves on their collective back at by these same leaders and by a sometimes someone else's expense. insensitive and arrogant element within the media, many of whom are simply pushing their It must be the duty of this Parliament to own sinister and corrupt agendas. Voters long get the firearms out of the ground and back expected that members here would be their onto the walls, to remove the incredible servants. That is not so. They have become penalties for being in possession of antique their masters. Surely, never in the history of firearms and to reform with justice so that Australia have so many Queenslanders and Queenslanders can again hold up their heads other Australians been punished and insulted in public and shout, "I'm proud to be a by the Government of the day because of the militiaman or reservist in the patriotic sense. I cowardly act of one depraved man in am proud to carry a firearm in defence of my Tasmania. Australia. As was done by soldiers through two world wars, I'm proud of my rights as a free In short, One Nation is here today in this citizen." I believe that it is time that we got House to clean up the mess left by the last back to the essence of being Australian—to Parliament. Our wish is that the integrity and give back the fair go and to put aside the goodwill of Queenslanders will be given back garbage that has been forced upon us by to them. We have a solemn duty to distant politicians. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1455

Members of the previous Parliament, Queensland mining. I made a man's wages controlled by the parties that have not only panning for gold when I was eight years old. failed the people but have been seen to have My experience has been at the workface, in failed the people, have received the shock of the grassroots of mining, and I am proud to their lives. They have suffered the worst fear of say that I have located profitable mines in my all time. They are confronted by One Nation— life. I have been closely associated with many Queenslanders who are not afraid to call a mines in Australia and have conducted mining spade a spade. We are here today because ventures in Indonesia, Malaya, the Philippines those before us have failed Queensland. We and New Zealand, where I have successfully are here to clean up the mess. located mines. We are also here to clean up the mining I have come to this Parliament to clean mess left by the previous Parliament. up the mess. I know that, to 1981, the time Government policy over the years has been between discovery and mining had been dramatic. It has gone from the extended from three months to six months. encouragement of mining to the Today, one needs to be a surveyor, engineer, discouragement of mining, and all the old accountant, solicitor, environmental auditor parties are equally responsible. Constituents and a millionaire to boot just to prospect for who live in the Mulgrave electorate and who minerals. The Parliament has dedicated itself used to work in the mining industry but are to creating obstacles—native title, restrictive now unemployed have been betrayed by the mining regulations, property restrictions, stacks past Government's attitude towards mining. of red tape, charges upon charges and Everybody has suffered. Today one has to be significant delays, sometimes amounting to super wealthy to even think of getting wealth years—for approvals to mine. There is a total out of the ground. police attitude towards mining, and politicians What an impact mining has had on our of the past are directly to blame. society. I ask members to look about them. What has been the result? The good The majority of material in buildings ultimately prospectors are no longer in Queensland; they come back to mining. The same applies to have fled overseas. Politicians have worked household assets, clothing, metals and coal. overtime to export the very people who matter The ground gives up untold wealth, but people in finding minerals and creating jobs for in Government today are striving mightily to Queenslanders. The mineral finders have fled destroy this wealth. I am old enough and to Indonesia, Spain, Nevada, South America, sufficiently involved in mining to identify the the Pacific Rim, South Africa and, yes, even to forces that are trying to destroy mining in Lapland. Shame Queensland, shame! This is Queensland. That is a topic for another day the real story that the papers will not print: the and another time. We must be aware of the flight of brains, wealth makers, industries and trends or we cannot adopt solutions to reverse jobs all because a gaggle of politicians, both those disastrous trends. Liberal and Labor, are captive to an economic The prosperity of mining has flowed into absurdity that benefits only international all walks of life—into employment, transport monopolists and super-rich bond holders in and industry, and even to the local corner faraway New York. Again I say: shame. store. I ask members to consider what has This Parliament must encourage mining, happened. In the 1930s, the Government not destroy it. That tells only some of the story. paid people to dig holes to prospect for The cosy club that Labor now leads has lost minerals. All a miner had to do was go to a the war of ideals, issues and policy. They are mining warden's office and draw a map, using left with only one policy: the policy of vilification a scarfed tree as a datum peg. It was simple, to prevent issues such as corruption, easy and efficient. The delay was just one day excessive immigration, multiculturalism, failure between discovery and the start of mining. in Aboriginal funding and land grabs based on Mining became more difficult in the fifties, and race being discussed. Of course, this has all approvals had to be obtained for certain been said in the Sydney Morning Herald when things. But the Government supplied journalist Paul Sheehan dumped a bucket on equipment at no cost to assist mining—little Labor and exposed its organised vilification things, such as drills, compressors and network, its strategy of dirty tricks, its strategy tractors. to cover up corruption and its organised Queensland was born from the mining squandering of taxpayers' money. Shame, industry in the latter part of the 1800s and shame, shame! early this century. I recall all of this because I I thank the people of Mulgrave for have had some 50 years' experience in electing me to this Parliament as their 1456 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 representative. I pledge to represent them Mr MITCHELL (Charters Towers—NPA) faithfully and fearlessly. I support the (11.04 p.m.): I rise before this House to speak amendment moved by the member for against the motion of confidence in this Labor Caboolture. Members of this House and Government. I support the amendment residents of Queensland—I come to this proposed by the Leader of the Opposition, the House with the realisation that most of us member for Surfers Paradise. Before outlining have a very important task to perform. The my reasons for opposing the motion, I take electors of Mulgrave want to see honesty back this opportunity to congratulate the Speaker in Government. There has been a stench in on his election to the high and responsible the air of Queensland of cover-ups and office of Speaker and wish him every success corruption going back at least nine years. The for his time in the chair. I do not envy his task stench has permeated all the way to this over the coming term of Government. I am House and the Executive arm of Government. sure that Mr Hollis, the honourable member for After the Fitzgerald inquiry in 1989, we Redcliffe, will do the job to the best of his had high expectations of our Governments, ability. especially the Executive, yet it took only a few I make special mention of the previous months for serious criminality to occur in the Speaker, Mr Neil Turner. Neil Turner was not Executive arm of Government of this great only a great mate to all members of the House State. The matter to which I refer is, of course, who spent time with him but also known for his the premature closure of the Heiner inquiry very fair controlling of parliamentary sessions. and the illegal shredding of the inquiry records. Former Premiers commended him, saying that Those unthinkable acts were the decision of he was the fairest Speaker that the House had the February and March 1990 Goss ALP had in their period, which covered about 10 or Cabinet. This matter has gone on unresolved 12 years. I express my thanks to him for his for too long. It must be fully investigated and support. As mentioned by previous members, all appropriate charges laid irrespective of the Neil Turner seemed to take some of the new fact that the illegal acts may have been members under his wing and teach them a committed by Ministers of the Executive little bit about the parliamentary procedures in Government of the day. Considering that part order to make them more comfortable and of the records related to the severe abuse of feel at home. That was Neil Turner's way and children under the direct control of the he was great at it. All of us who had met him Executive Government, the destruction of the could never really forget his vice-like grip. Heiner documents was an unthinkable act of Mr Palaszczuk: Don't remind us. criminality. The members involved must be held accountable for their deliberate criminal Mr MITCHELL: If one did not get a good grip on his hand when one met him, one could act and they should hang their heads in not write for a week, so one would not be shame. doing too many speeches. How can the Premier, Mr Beattie, rely on He will also be remembered for the five remaining members of the Goss 1990 overseeing the refurbishment of the facilities in Cabinet for support as part of this Government the complex. They were not brought up to the when he, a lawyer, is aware of the implications five-star standards that some certain media of the decision to destroy potential court outlets have been advocating over the past 12 evidence and Government records? My months or so, but I believe this is a more constituents want answers as they have lost pleasurable place. As some of the new confidence in the integrity of Governments members will discover, one does spend a lot that avoid their responsibility to them. The of time down here. When I first became a cover-up was possible only through the use of member, it was rather drab. Over the past two compliant Government officials and legal and a half years, many improvements have officers to assist in the deceit that was been made. I put that down to Neil Turner who Shreddergate. Those people must also be got things moving. This is now a much more held accountable and meet the full force of pleasurable place in which to be. That has all the laws of Queensland. This issue is not been Neil Turner's work. going to go away. Let our justice system prevail and not hinder or restrict access to vital Mr Lucas: He did a good job. documents to resolve finally this issue. Mr MITCHELL: Yes, he did. In speaking Otherwise Queenslanders will react and react against the motion, I do not do so flippantly they will in a manner that will only embarrass but out of genuine concern for the State of the Westminster system of government that Queensland, the people of Queensland and we cherish. We are here to clean up the mess. particularly my electorate of Charters Towers. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1457

Mr McGrady: Get on to your speech. department had inadequate base funding and Mr MITCHELL: The honourable member each year had to beg for special funding to will hear it all in a moment. I am concerned underwrite its essential core activities. I know because I know what damage Labor did to the the neglect that people in distant and remote State during its last term in office. I fear the areas, such as my own electorate of Charters damage it will do during this term in office. I Towers, suffered under Labor. I know that know the disregard it held for the sound and nothing will change under this Labor responsible financial management of the Government. Queensland finances. I know also the scant It is clear also that Queenslanders know regard in which it held the provision of services Labor's record and know that nothing will for rural and regional Queenslanders. It has change this time because, as has been said been mentioned many times tonight—and previously in this House by many speakers, at that is necessary, because it happened during the 13 June poll fewer than 40% of Labor's six years of governance—that Queenslanders actually voted for Labor. It is courthouses, police stations, railways and also clear that over 60% of Queenslanders schools were shut down in rural and regional voted for members who sit on this side of the towns all over Queensland. That occurred not House—a clear rejection of Labor and its failed only in the remote north and the west in policies. However, where Labor failed, the electorates such as Gregory, Charters Towers, Borbidge/Sheldon coalition Government Mount Isa and Warrego but also in electorates succeeded. The Borbidge/Sheldon such as Cunningham, Warwick, Mirani, Callide, Government restored Queensland's financial Fitzroy, Burdekin, Tablelands and others that position with sound and responsible escaped Labor's city-focused attention. I management. Queensland regained its agree totally with the constituents who said reputation as Australia's low-tax State and the continually that all the money was spent in the State for business. Numerous major projects south-east corner. That carried on until such and major businesses were secured and times as we changed that around and started facilitated, providing thousands of jobs and looking after all Queenslanders. flow-on opportunities for Queensland—Century Despite the Premier's rhetoric on jobs, Zinc, the Stuart oil shale project and the jobs, jobs, Labor actually stood for fewer jobs, Western Mining fertiliser project, to name just fewer jobs, fewer jobs. It presided over a few. continuing unemployment levels of over 10%. Between 1989 and 1996 under Labor, In fact, Labor contributed actively to the the unemployment rate shot up to 11%. In the unemployment level by sacking some 6,000 short period of two years, the coalition slashed railway workers in the six years. 3% from that rate and, in the last 12 months Mr Johnson: Eight thousand. of its term in Government, led the way Mr MITCHELL: I thank the member for nationally, creating more than one in every two Gregory. The figure is 8,000, which is worse jobs created in Australia. Services were than I originally thought. returned throughout Queensland, including the courthouses, schools and police stations Stock inspectors were not seen in our that were closed down by the previous Labor areas. They sacked court officials in areas they Government. The Borbidge/Sheldon coalition did not care about. I know Labor's disregard Government set about providing major for providing infrastructure such as roads, rail infrastructure throughout Queensland, and water to Queenslanders who live outside including much-needed major road projects the south-east corner. I know the arrogant throughout the State, refurbishing hospitals style of Labor in Government. Its disregard for and building new hospitals. My electorate of real consultation was shown during the Charters Towers benefited greatly from those handling of Eastlink and the introduction of the infrastructure projects, which were well and tree-clearing guidelines. I know the disregard it truly needed. The coalition Government held for our primary industries, one of our introduced real community and industry major wealth-generating industries, in its slash consultation at all levels and in all portfolios. It and burn management of the Department of restored the Department of Primary Industries Primary Industries. Nearly 700 jobs went from by appointing 600 staff on the ground where that department in Labor's six years. they were needed throughout Queensland. In I know of the maladministration of my electorate alone, a clearing dip was Government departments under Labor, as established in Charters Towers to service the evidenced by the Department of Mines and live cattle export trade instead of farmers Energy, which the coalition Government having to take their cattle miles away into inherited from Minister McGrady. Clearly, the Townsville to get them cleared. Also, funding 1458 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 was allocated for the new Primary Industries The Borbidge/Sheldon Government office and research building at Charters developed a blueprint for the future of the Towers. I certainly hope that that allocation is Queensland electricity industry. It guaranteed forthcoming when the Labor Government no increases in costs in real terms for domestic delivers its Budget, because it is well and truly consumers; delivered significant savings for needed. For about the past 10 years, those industry through the retention of the State's officers have worked out of dongas. seven existing distributing boards; split the The Borbidge/Sheldon Government State's major generator, AUSTA Electric, into recognised the needs of all Queenslanders, at least three independent and competing including those living in remote areas. I would Government owned generators; created three like to list some of the initiatives that came to new trading corporations to buy and sell fruition under the coalition Government: electricity; and reaffirmed the interconnection maintaining and strengthening social, cultural with New South Wales. The coalition fully and economic infrastructure in regional and implemented all the recommendations arising rural communities by redirecting services and from the official inquiry into the Moura mine resources; providing relevant and accurate disaster. It also increased the number of data to support decision making about mines inspectors from 33 to 44 across the regional and rural development; providing State. The coalition Government finalised better access to markets, particularly in the details that will result in legislative changes to Asian and Pacific regions, and upgrading the the Petroleum and Mineral Resources Acts to progression of alternative sustainable resolve coal seam methane rights and economic options such as tourism, extraction issues. The Borbidge/Sheldon communications and transport infrastructure; Government facilitated new mining encouraging the use of modern technology to developments at Ernest Henry, Cannington improve communication across the State; and Osborne and the expansion of existing providing cost-effective energy sources and activities elsewhere in Queensland. infrastructure to make water supplies available; The agreement to pipe gas to the north encouraging decentralisation to some west is an economic milestone for the State. It industries to provide closer links between will help to facilitate investment of up to about primary industries and other sectors of the $4 billion and export income of up to $2 billion State's economy, including the processing of a year. Supply of natural gas to Mount Isa will rural commodities and natural resources; enable the conversion of Mount Isa Mine's supporting rural and regional Queenslanders Mica Creek power station from coal to gas- to identify opportunities and constraints to fired operation and for the expansion of that develop community-based solutions to rural facility to supply the existing proposed projects and regional problems; and, one of the main at Ernest Henry, Century, Osborne and ones, focusing on education as a key element Cannington mines up in the North West Shelf. in empowering rural and regional communities Construction of the $52m north-west to bring about sustainable development by Queensland water pipeline project from Lake providing options for the young to stay and Julius to the Ernest Henry mine will cater for succeed in their own communities, increased water demand from potential strengthening TAFE centres to expand mineral developments in the Mount Isa and education options and opening local schools Cloncurry regions. for use by the community for educational The coalition Government also joined with purposes. Ernest Henry Mining and ATSIC to ensure that I turn now to my shadow portfolio of Aborigines in the north west can participate in Mines and Energy. I look forward to that the region's major new mining developments. challenge and also to my involvement in these Also, there was the completion of the Epic gas two industries, because I believe that they are pipeline linking Ballera with an existing pipeline two of the most important industries in to Wallumbilla, giving security of supply to Queensland, maybe in Australia. In this south-east Queensland. Additionally, respect, the Borbidge/Sheldon coalition connection of the gas reserves in south-west Government also succeeded in delivering for Queensland to the east coast markets has all Queenslanders. It cancelled the ill-placed, stimulated growth in those markets, with new irrationally justified Eastlink and replaced it with gas franchises being granted for the Sunshine a properly researched and justified Coast and Gympie. Franchises were also interconnector to be built in a suitable corridor. awarded to the Gas Corporation of It also concluded a formal agreement for Queensland for Maryborough, Hervey Bay and Queensland to become a member of the Bundaberg, with gas being supplied by the national electricity market. pipeline to be constructed from Gladstone 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1459

South. The Chalumbin-Woree power developers. We also have conducted a health transmission line near Cairns was constructed. study in the mining industries. The coalition Government also completed the All of these things were implemented in sale of the State gas pipeline from Wallumbilla just two and a half years whereas in the to Gladstone to a private operator. preceding six years very little was The Borbidge/Sheldon Government fully accomplished by the previous Labor supported the $1 billion Century Zinc project Government. There was a lot of rhetoric and a and approved the $30m infrastructure lot of talk, but there were no bricks and mortar package for gulf communities for the Century and these things did not get up and running. It mine negotiations. It ordered the Department was not until we came to power that things of Mines and Energy to ensure an enhanced started moving. I certainly hope that, now that focus on its core functions and responsibilities. we have given this Government a start, it As a Government, the coalition made might consider— substantial progress towards the national Mr Johnson: $6m for a new transmission deregulation of the gas industry and the line between Barcaldine and Longreach. development of a gas code. The completion Mr MITCHELL: That is another one I did of the $1.65 billion power station at Stanwell not mention. I thank the member for Gregory. provides more power to Queenslanders. I believe, as do a lot of people in the north An amount of $3m has been committed west, that water and tourism are the future of over three years to identify and cap the old rural Queensland, especially in my area. I urge abandoned mine shafts in the historic this Government to take on board—the goldmining centre of Charters Towers. Minister is not in the House—the Water Mr McGrady: Who started the scheme? Infrastructure Task Force that was set up under our Government about two and a half Mr MITCHELL: The coalition Government years ago. I urge the Government to note the also commenced the $250m Stage 1 of the categories that it outlined for water projects to Stuart oil shale project. The coalition develop north and north-west Queensland. Government further enhanced the mine I hear Mr Beattie talking about jobs, jobs, capping project. The previous Labor jobs. The feasibility study for Hells Gate dam is Government may have started the program, actually being carried out now. The site for that but the money was not forthcoming for the next year. The coalition Government put up project is about 200 kilometres north of the $3m that actually got the project running. I Charters Towers. We believe that the certainly hope the funding is there for next employment base that can be generated from year because the Minister would know the this water storage in the areas of horticulture, value in capping all of these mines. agriculture or other industry could be anywhere between 3,000 and 10,000 over a period of Mr McGrady: We are going to start on time. That is just one of the projects. Charters Towers, too. The feasibility study has already been Mr MITCHELL: That is what I was saying, done on the Richmond dam project, which is a but towards the last year of the previous Labor $128m project. For an area just the size of Government, the money drifted away. The Richmond we are looking at the potential coalition Government had to prop up the employment of somewhere between 1,000 program with $3m to actually see it come to and 3,000 people. When and if the money is fruition. made available, these projects could be put in In principle approval has been given for place. I urge this Government not to let these the extension of mains power to freehold projects go, because I think they offer a future properties north of the Daintree River with an for Queensland for many reasons. The environmental impact study to be carried out. produce that would be grown as a result of In conjunction with the Department of these projects would benefit Queensland's Environment, a discussion paper was issued export industry. They would also be useful for and a steering and consultative committee drought proofing on a local level. These are was formed to develop an environmental the sorts of projects that we would put in protection policy for the mining and petroleum place. industries. The coalition Government also Many checks have been made by all oversaw the significant development of coal departments of the area, and many things can seam gas in the Bowen Basin. The Borbidge be grown, even sugar. Whether that would be coalition Government made major gains in one I do not know, but it is also suitable for resolution of the land management issues cotton, peanuts and potatoes. You name it; between property owners and the coal seam everything can be grown. It is ideal. I think 1460 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 these sorts of projects have to be kept rolling very important one. I do not know about their along, because if they are dropped as a result maiden speeches, but mine has been of any Government strategy or Government revisited a million times. It was so good that it mismanagement along the way, they lose has been quoted by various members of the track and it could take another six or seven Labor Party. I am pleased to see that they years even to get to the stage we are at now. I read it word for word. urge the Government, the Premier and the Minister to take some of these initiatives on I have now faced four elections. I have board. This Government has to govern for all been re-elected three times. It is still a great of Queensland, and my area really needs this honour and privilege to represent my sort of boost. people—for them to think sufficiently of me to elect me in the beginning and then to re-elect Tourism in remote areas is definitely me. I think our fundamental responsibility, growing. The Minister for Mines and Energy, regardless of the position that we hold in our Mr McGrady, will mention a lot of the State, is to represent our constituents and see developments that have taken place over the that their needs are met and fulfilled. I have past, say, six years in Mount Isa. Tourists are certainly endeavoured to do that. now starting to leave the coastal areas and travel along our northern highway and our I have been listening to a lot of the central highways. speeches tonight, and it seems that what we are really debating is confidence or lack of Mr McGrady: Good camel races in confidence in this Government. Certainly, if Boulia. confidence is based on budgetary Mr MITCHELL: The honourable member performance and on costings, then one would did not get a place, but I heard that the have to vote no. I will not go into great detail, member for Gregory got third. I congratulate but I think it is very important that election both members on having a go. I have been to promises that were made and funded should a camel race, but I was not game to get on be fulfilled and those commitments met, even one. though a new Government is in place. I would I know that a lot of money has been like to think that very much-needed capital spent on promoting tourism in country areas. works reforms that were put in place in my As I said before, this is the future for a lot of electorate, and which had certainly been the areas in the north, north west and central absolutely ignored by the Labor Government west. The roads have improved a great deal when it was in power for six years, will be and more traffic is actually travelling on those fulfilled, because they were needs of the highways these days. We just need a hand to people and they were being equitably promote what we have to offer tourists, and delivered to that electorate. I am talking about there is certainly a lot to offer them. There are equity in the form of an upgraded hospital, the fossil fields and the cattle stations where which I had been after for a long time, fully the tourists can stay. There is so much out budgeted for $14.8m; equity in the form of a there to see that I believe it would be of police station that was being built; and equity interest to the people of Brisbane, too. in the form of a fire station. The funds are However, we tend to target people from places there, regardless of what the current Minister such as Melbourne who may come up to may say, and I intend forwarding her a letter to Queensland in the winter months. We have to show just that. get our tourism message across to those I refer to funding and costing for people. recreation. The $3.3m for the Currimundi Mrs SHELDON (Caloundra—LP) Recreation Centre was actually in the previous (11.24 p.m.): Firstly, I congratulate all new Budget as well as being mentioned in this members of this House. It is eight years ago Budget, so it is totally and fully funded. I also on Tuesday since I came into the House. A lot refer to planning money for the upgrade of the seems to have happened in that period of highway further from Pierce Avenue out to the time. I remember my feeling of excitement Bruce Highway. These are all things that the and awe when I came in here having been people justifiably needed but which had not elected to represent the people of my been delivered, and I would not like to think electorate of Caloundra, which was then the that because there has been a change of electorate of Landsborough. It is a great Government my electorate would be victimised privilege and a great opportunity. I am sure and these things would not be delivered. that all the new members realise this. Needless to say, I will be following it very I also congratulate the new members on clearly and in detail, if necessary in the media. their maiden speeches. The first speech is a I hope that the incoming Government has 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1461 enough sense to deliver on things that are appropriate advice to an incoming very important for our people. Government. This exercise has been I would like to concentrate on a few issues based primarily on publicly available or that came up in relation to costing, and the announced sources of information, and it facts speak for themselves. The Government has not always been possible to test the is now relying on Treasury. I would like to take assumptions underlying some this opportunity to congratulate the officers in commitments." Treasury. It is an excellent department. It was As I said, those costings came in at very well run under Dr Doug McTaggart. I $1.7 billion. We have independent reports to thank him for the work he did. I cannot substantiate those costings. Ernst and Young imagine the foolishness of this incoming is a very reputable and well-known Government to get rid of his services. He could international firm. Its report also highlighted have and would have helped the Government the deceit that Labor was perpetuating when it in every possible manner. He is now CEO of came to its election promises, because more the QIC and will do a very good job there for than 80 promises uncosted by Labor were not the people of Queensland. I congratulate him even put into the melting pot for KPMG. on achieving that position against competition. Hence they were unable to be costed by the I say to the Treasury officers that without their Queensland Treasury or Ernst and Young. very good advice it would be impossible to That is something that Ernst and Young carry out the very important role of Treasurer picked up on. So there are another 80 of our great State of Queensland. promises floating around that even Labor did Treasury costed Labor's election promises not cost, and those were in addition to the at $1.7 billion. This is the Treasury that this $1.7 billion in promises that were costed. Government is now relying on for its In addition—and it will be interesting to information. So if it is going to say that see what is in its Budget—Mr Hamill is on Treasury was wrong in that, is it going to say record as saying that the Government will not that they are wrong in the information they are go ahead with our proposed land tax giving it? concession. The Government obviously It is Queensland Treasury, not KPMG, realises that it will need all of that money and it that is in charge of providing the funding for has decided that it will not give land tax the Labor promises made during the election concessions to the people of Queensland. campaign and which, I would imagine, Labor There is no way that Labor can fund its will endeavour to try to fulfil. It will not be able massive list of election promises without new to fulfil them, as it knows, because the money taxes, without increasing debt or without is not there. So it is now looking to carve an raiding the superannuation funds. It will be imaginary black hole in our Budget to say, interesting to see which, if not all, of those "That money wasn't there, so we cannot tactics it employs. The Government is being deliver." Of course, the next step is putting up very unfair in not delivering on the land tax taxes and charges. I say to the people of concessions. Land tax is not a tax on the Queensland, "Be afraid. Be very afraid", wealthy, although many members opposite because I think that is exactly what is on the claim that it is. Land tax affects many people agenda. who own a piece of land other than that associated with their home. That will impact on I wish also to quote from a letter from the small businesses. Even though land tax Queensland Treasury to the then Premier, cannot be put in a lease—— which states— Mr Davidson: Small businesses pay the "Dear Premier, land tax. For the purposes of ongoing budget Mrs SHELDON: Exactly. Small management"— businesses pay land tax, as Mr Davidson, the and Treasury must do this— former Minister, knows. That is in the oncosts that are included in the leasing charges. It is "Treasury has been undertaking its own an absolute nonsense to say that it does not internal costings of Government and affect small business; of course it does. That Opposition election commitments"— cost then flows on as an oncost to the we were then in election mode— consumer of whatever consumables are "over and above those included in the produced by a business. 1998-99 Budget tabled in the Parliament It should be noted that the property on May 14 1998. These costings have industry collapsed under the previous Labor been undertaken with a view to providing Government. Labor is targeting it again. One 1462 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 might think that it had learnt its lesson, but Much mention was made of the GFS evidently it has not. There has been a lot of surplus. An Ernst and Young review talk about jobs and the 5% unemployment highlighted the dangers of Labor's plan to target that Mr Beattie seemed to pull out of utilise the Government finance statistic surplus the sky. If the property industry collapses, as a of $476m to fund its election promises. That is spin-off a lot of Queenslanders will lose their one of the things that it put into the pot. The jobs. It is certainly the thin end of the wedge. It Ernst and Young review states that the GFS will be interesting to see how long it takes for surplus, together with one-off funds from Mr Beattie to introduce his promised tax on equity transactions, is committed to the fuel. payment of Government debt obligations and I now wish to read into Hansard the Ernst the funding of Government superannuation and Young letter supporting what it said about liabilities. It states that any further use of these funds would therefore increase State debt or Labor's costings. It states— create an unfunded superannuation liability. "We have completed our review of That would affect the security of every public Queensland Treasury's report on its servant in this State. That cannot and must costings of Australian Labor Party election not be done. Labor did that in the southern commitments. Our report is attached. States and Federally. We must not allow it to raid that fund here. Our findings can be summarised as follows: These are also job-killing alternatives, and yet we still hear the Premier talking about job The methodology applied by creation. He cannot have his cake and eat it Queensland Treasury in the costings too. He cannot create jobs but slash the of ALP election commitments initiatives that are creating jobs in the appears reasonable. community. I reiterate that the table tells us The Queensland Treasury costings that the additional funding sources that the total $1.73 billion over the next three Treasury found amounted to $190m and that year parliamentary term based on our total spending for our election initiatives the assumed implementation dates. was $182.6m, which was much more realistic than the $1.7 billion in commitments by Labor. The ALP will have access, as the Coalition parties will, to the additional Much has been said about the KPMG funding sources of $190 million." report on Labor's costings. I certainly hope that the member for Nicklin has read that Those were the additional funding sources report, because he would not have a briefing with which we funded our election from Treasury on our costings, even though commitments and which totalled about one of the major reasons he cited for his $182m. The letter continues— confidence in this Labor Government was that "There is an amount of $1.54 billion it could deliver on its commitments. He did not in respect of Australian Labor Party really want to find out whether it could deliver commitments costed by Queensland fully. He needed to have both sides of the Treasury which will not be met by question in order to come to that conclusion. identified additional fundings." Unfortunately, he had only one side. Subsequent to that letter, we found that there Interestingly, today there was much was an extra amount of money, which brought ranting from the Labor side about a black hole it up to $1.7 billion. I am very happy to table left in our Budget. However, KPMG that letter—and I do so—so that members can documentation states— see the reality. "We also note that their projections are prepared on a no change policy basis The fact is that we had an honest Budget. and that the programs of the current It had a cash surplus of only $3m. Government are fully funded." Undoubtedly, the election spree that we saw from Labor puts that Budget at risk. It will be Our Budget—a fully funded Budget—got a tick very interesting to see what is cut. I from the people who verified the Labor Party's understand that capital works will be cut. I sources. have also heard that capital money will be I now wish to draw attention to what has used for recurrent expenditure. We know who been said today by Mr Bredhauer about the did that before. That was done by the Premier, Pacific Highway project and the so-called Mr Beattie, in respect of the Health budget. shortfall of $120m. There is no shortfall, as he That has all been done before. We will have to knows. This is again part of the build-up in see what happens this time around. relation to the black hole that we are hearing 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1463 about from the other side. There was much of Federal moneys. Private enterprise was very talk about a $120m shortfall on the Pacific interested. I just wonder what it now thinks Highway project on the basis of a so-called about doing anything with this incoming Labor Treasury briefing note, which I note is Government, which has totally undermined unsigned, undated and, to quote Peter Morley private sector confidence in putting in bids for from the Courier-Mail, "quite bewildering and public sector infrastructure. contradictory". Mr Palaszczuk interjected. If there is a budget shortfall, the Transport Mrs SHELDON: Why would they bother? Minister, Steve Bredhauer, and his When we came in last time, they said to us, department obviously do not know about it. He "There is no point in dealing with Government has contradicted himself today—and I have because we come here with the ideas and the his media release here—in quoting a $750m funding, and nothing happens." Under us it Pacific Motorway project. That $750m includes did happen, and this was a classic example of the $120m. If we turn to the capital outlays in that. The air/train/city link was another. I the area of transport, which he obviously has wonder what the Government is going to do not done at this stage, and if we look at what with that. That project is totally privately the program statement originally said, we see funded; there is no risk to the Government. mention of the impact management plans for the $630m Pacific Motorway upgrade. If we Here again we have a project which would then look in the capital outlays we see the benefit a great number of people with most of Brisbane-Logan Motorway listed as costing its funding being either Federal money or $300,000, and the Moreton-Logan Motorway private money. It is $35m in the extreme, and construction—six to eight lanes—as costing $32m is actually in the Budget. So that is $450,000. The details are there. That comes another $32m that the Government has to to $750,000. The $120m is there. In fact, it is play around with and that it is not going to give listed as $119.875m. The $120m is there, so I to the people of this State and the people of suggest that members opposite try to find Brisbane. I do not know how the Labor another black hole because that one will not members in Brisbane are going to face up to stack up. Although Steve Bredhauer is not in this fact. I suggest that they seriously look at it. the Chamber at the moment, I suggest that For this small investment of $35m, this Government members pass on that gleeful project could have revitalised Brisbane. It information to him. would have created 3,000 jobs during the I am absolutely astounded that the Labor construction phase alone and many more Government is going to scrap Briztram on the after that. Despite the fact that over 3,000 jobs trumped-up assumption that we were going to are at stake and to appease the member for use old trams. It knows that that is a South Brisbane, which is why this has been fundamental untruth, and I am amazed that done, who was worried about a bridge linking the Premier would go on the ABC radio this South Brisbane with the university, and to morning and actually articulate that. But may I appease the Brisbane City Council— add that Mr Beattie supported this project Government members are now all matey with when he was in Opposition. This was a $220m Jim, I see; I do not know how long that will project which we, the coalition Government, last—this Government destroyed the proposal. had developed specifically to obtain the $65m It threw away 3,000 jobs and forfeited $65m in in Federal funding from the Centenary of Federal funding. That is quite the most stupid Federation Fund. The Prime Minister had said thing that I have ever heard for a long time. that so much money would be allocated to As for the city council, it is clear that the Queensland. One of the projects needed to spotlight of public scrutiny will have to shine be a central project that would benefit the very brightly on Lord Mayor Soorley and his majority of the population and the other must colleagues. The extent to which he was be for regional Queensland. So Briztram determined to destroy Briztram has, I suspect, qualified for the first and the Heritage Trail very much to do with his short-sighted desire funding qualified for the second. to prevent any competition with the existing It was a well though out plan; it was not Brisbane bus service. There is a clear conflict rushed together. It had to compete with many of interest which should be further explored in other initiatives that were put forward by other the coming months. The Premier in this House Governments, other Federal members and in November and as late as May this year members of Parliament. It was a project which announced his support for Briztram, so what would have required only $35m of State total hypocrisy! When we were in Government funding, yet would have brought in over we called him "Backflip Beattie", and here it is $100m of private enterprise funding and $65m in reality. 1464 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Mr MALONE (Mirani—NPA) (11.44 p.m.): sugar industry. Those members who deal with Before speaking to the motion of confidence, I the sugar industry would understand that its would like to congratulate all the new members have differing views according to members who have graced this House on its where they come from. Quite often the views sitting and congratulate them on gaining a of the northern canegrowers are quite different seat in this Parliament. I would just like to from those of the southern canegrowers. reassure them that the privilege they have of When one is trying to deal with that as a State joining this Parliament is great. It is something issue, it becomes very difficult. that they need to take into consideration when Mr Littleproud interjected. they work around their electorate and understand that the position of a Mr MALONE: As I say, growers are parliamentarian is not all that it seems different and the sugar industry is one of those sometimes. industries that also has a manufacturing component, which makes it even more As Russell Cooper has said, quite often it difficult. I have to say that Neil held that takes a very heavy toll on our families, our position with great esteem and he was well children and our loved ones. Often the role of regarded. Even though he had some a parliamentarian is not as clear cut as we difficulties in handling it, he was held in high would all like to see. Sometimes the decisions regard by the industry. I had travelled in recent we have to make as we move into this role are times with Neil. He is always a very gracious not those we would like to make. I can assure and great man to travel with. He is a great the new politicians in this House that I am bloke. The work that he has done in this aware that they will have to make those Parliament over the past couple of years decisions, and I hope that they are able to do surely would invoke in honourable members a that with the good grace of being a politician. I great respect for him. This Parliament should can recollect the time that I made my maiden certainly be very appreciative of the work that speech, and I can assure honourable Neil Turner has put into this House. members that it was a difficult time, and I was very proud to do that. I am sure that most of It gives me no joy to speak to this the new members here tonight who have confidence motion tonight that is before the made their maiden speeches and those who House. I served as a proud member of the will make them later are also very proud to be coalition Government for two and a quarter able to do that. years. I believe we achieved so much for the It was towards the end of May in 1994 State of Queensland in that period of time and I believe we are ready to do it again or to that I joined the esteemed members in the continue doing it. In just two and a quarter House. In actual fact, I faced three elections in years, the State of Queensland moved four years, so I would assume I am well forward productively and innovatively in a equipped to handle an election. I have to say mode in which enormous inroads were made that this last election was one of the most into many areas that I would like to detail. difficult elections that I have seen simply because almost all of the issues that were I believe that many of the achievements raised around the electorate were not of the that we gained in Government were of great State's doing. Indeed, just about every issue benefit to my electorate and the central that came before me in my electorate was to Queensland region which I represent. We had do with a Federal issue. It was a very difficult tremendous infrastructure development— election to actually get a grip on because we roads, bridges, highways and, in particular, the were not really equipped to handle the start of the small boat harbour in Mackay, questions relating to the Federal Government. which had probably been on the books for 30 Madam Deputy Speaker, I would ask that years or more. We had water conservation you pass on my best regards to Speaker projects such as dams, weirs and innovative Hollis. He is certainly going to have a different work in regard to grey water use and such and difficult role in this new Parliament. I would things. These were coming on line. We had like respectfully to offer my best wishes to Neil hospital and health related services that were Turner for the great role that he played in this coming on stream. We had transport House over a long period of time. In my infrastructure development. younger days I can recollect Neil Turner as the In the area of law and order we Primary Industries Minister who travelled introduced tougher legislation. In the short extensively throughout Queensland, trying to time during which we were in Government we get some answers in regard to the sugar dealt with the four large Acts which handle law industry. I remember Neil pulling his hair out and order, and I refer to the Criminal Code, quite frequently in trying to understand the the Juvenile Justice Act, the Police Powers 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1465 and Responsibilities Act and the Penalties and economic backbone of this State. Billions of Sentences Act. These were the four dollars of income are attributable to primary cornerstones of the Coalition Government's industries right throughout Queensland. In just law and order platform. over two years, the Borbidge coalition was Russell Cooper was exclusively able to redress the situation in the Department responsible for supplying increased police of Primary Industries by employing almost 600 numbers. Police numbers were massively full-time staff, with more to come. This increased right throughout Queensland. The occurred because we recognised the establishment of the Police Academy at importance of primary producers and the need Townsville had a great bearing on this to look after their livelihood and their families. increase. It was a great step in the right The Government was able to create jobs in direction. We needed to get those police areas where quite often there were no jobs. officers out on the street as quickly as Three successive Budgets increased the possible. DPI budget. That action has increased morale In the area of education, the coalition no end. A rural industries export development Government supplied additional teachers, new unit was established to help existing and new schools and increased resources. This all primary industries maximise our enormous augured well for the young in our community. export potential. Just some of those included We had funding to rural communities for water the development of aquaculture and small supplies and sewerage works. In my crops. We set up industry-based institutes for electorate, we had halls and sporting forestry, food and technology, horticulture, infrastructure to communities with fewer than farming systems, beef, sheep and wool, pigs, 10,000 people. In Emergency Services we dairying and poultry. saw a massive increase in the number of units One of the major achievements of the and the amount of equipment supplied to rural coalition was handing back the bulk sugar fire brigades. This was due to the hard work of terminals to the sugar industry. This was my colleague former Minister Veivers. This was something that Labor was not able to do in six combined with additional equipment and years, even though Labor made the manpower in both the Queensland Fire and commitment in 1990 under the changes to the Rescue Authority and the Queensland Sugar Industry Act. Ed Casey, as Minister for Ambulance Service. The list goes on, but I will Primary Industries, was never able to do that. not continue because it has been outlined by It was very fortunate that the coalition was previous speakers. able to pull all that together and make it Before a Government can have the happen. It is one of the cornerstones of the confidence of this Parliament it must show sugar industry that the industry now has full integrity. It must have the ability to listen and access to the wharves. deliver to all Queenslanders. The key word is With an eye to being world leaders in "all". For six long years—from 1990 to climate research, the coalition set up the 1996—regional communities, such as those in Centre for Climate Applications, which will the Mirani electorate, played second fiddle to study the most advanced forecasting methods the major metropolitan areas. As has been with a view to assisting primary producers. The mentioned, we suffered loss of services with implementation of export parity pricing for the the closure of railway stations, courthouses sugar industry was also a great step. The and rail services and the loss of railway jobs. guarantee of single desk selling for In 1995 Queenslanders lost faith in the Queensland sugar was something that went Goss Government and they showed that loss against the competition policy with which we of faith overwhelmingly. Again in 1998 the are now faced, but the sugar industry has voters showed that they had no faith in the done it. This is a cornerstone in ensuring that Labor side of politics with less than 39% voting the sugar industry will continue to play a major for Labor. In the 1995 election the coalition part in Queensland's economy. held Government with 54% of the vote. The coalition introduced new planning Some of the significant achievements of legislation which ensured the existing rights of the coalition Government occurred in the area farmers against potential urban encroachment of primary industries. Under the Labor were preserved. The Integrated Planning Act Government the Department of Primary put in place sensible development plans which Industries was gutted. Research and are critical for the future of our rural and urban extension staff were slashed by almost 700 development. full-time positions in six years. What an The coalition understood the absolute abhorrent disregard for an industry that is the need for water if our primary producers are to 1466 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 succeed and grow. During the worst drought Australia. Now we have the best. The coalition ever in Queensland, the Goss Labor delivered more than 1,400 extra doctors, Government spent a record low on developing nurses, allied health professionals and other future water infrastructure to minimise the health worker positions throughout effect of drought. The coalition responded Queensland. quickly and implemented a $1 billion 12-year In Education, our Leading Schools water infrastructure program. This was program is about performance, not mythical matched by a further $1 billion in private elitism, as the new Minister suggests. It is investment. about encouraging schools to strive for In the Mirani electorate these benefits achievement. Leading Schools was about had already started to flow through with the community input and about local school raising of the Dumbleton Weir near Mackay. communities having a say. The Walkerston The storage of the weir was increased by State School was one of the first Leading 4,000 megalitres. We had in place the Schools in my electorate. It gained many development of feasibility studies for the Finch benefits through that program. Hatton dam. Sadly, this has been axed by Mr Fenlon: Tell us about the schools that Labor already, even before the studies were missed out. completed. We also had further studies into the St Helens dam site and the raising of the Mr MALONE: All schools are now going to Kinchant Dam. I hope the Labor Government get this program, and they will all be mediocre is able to progress those through to schools. Instead of trying to strive, they will all completion. be the same. That is great! The coalition approved 28 new schools The coalition helped farmers with the right across the State, including Marian and establishment of the water development Beaconsfield in my Mirani electorate. We have incentive program, which provided a 22% two new schools that will be ready to subsidy for on-farm irrigation storage costing commence in the 1999 school year. They will $200,000 or more. We had an election be state-of-the-art schools with all the latest commitment to reduce this threshold to technology. The coalition increased the $75,000 to make access for cane farmers and Education budget by 15%, representing smaller operators much easier. This was well $440m and an extra 1,022 teachers. It received right throughout Queensland and it would have been a great achievement. It introduced postgraduate teacher scholarships would have enabled smaller sized farms to to encourage the very best people to become develop their own irrigation supplies. Most specialist teachers in many needy areas. It farmers throughout Queensland were excited assisted up to 900 teachers across the State about this initiative. I hope that the new by extending the Remote Area Incentive Scheme to teachers. That scheme was aimed Government will follow it through. at attracting and keeping quality teachers in If ever there was a case of inheriting a non-metropolitan areas. rotting carcass, it was when the coalition took As to Emergency Services—I am pleased over the Health portfolio in 1996. The Health to be the Opposition shadow spokesman for budget was increased from $2.7 billion in Emergency Services. I recognise the work of Labor's last term to $3.6 billion in the the previous Minister for Emergency Services. coalition's 1998-99 Budget. This included an He certainly made an outstanding effort—in $85m boost to mental health funding. In contrast to Labor's bad management of that 1996, the State Government embarked on a portfolio. One of Labor's first election promises massive $2.4 billion capital works program to was free ambulance services to pensioners. All redevelop the State's 125 public hospitals and the election hype has suddenly come home to community health centres. Within the Mirani haunt the Premier and his new Minister. The electorate alone this included a $26m first action in this portfolio has been to delay redevelopment of the Mackay Base Hospital that promise and put it back to 1 January and a $600,000 upgrade at the Sarina 1999. It is quite disappointing from my Hospital. The upgrade at the Sarina Hospital perspective that the elderly in our community included a rehabilitation unit which was one of have been deceived in this manner. It is a real the very few places in Queensland where pity. Many elderly people in my community accident and stroke victims could get back on voted Labor simply because they knew that their feet and return to a decent style of living. they were going to get free ambulance This project is almost complete and, hopefully, services. it will continue. In 1995, Queensland had the worst Category 1 waiting times of anywhere in Mr Briskey: And they'll get it. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1467

Mr MALONE: That is fine. But this they read the speech of the new member for Government has broken its promise. That is Callide. I thought that it was the outstanding the most important part. contribution here tonight. What I liked about it It is a pity that Labor has chosen to target was that it came from the heart. The member this portfolio as a pretext for why it will not be delivered it with conviction. He believed what able to fund its election promises. Barely is the he was saying. I believe that, when they read seat warm and the Minister and the Premier his speech or hear about it, the electors within are claiming that there would be a $6m hole in the electorate of Callide will realise that he is this budget. The new Minister has brought keen to get out there and represent them. pure politics into the debate. It is a tragic pity I have looked with interest through some that the previous Minister put the Queensland old records and press cuttings, and I read an Fire and Rescue Authority board in place to article about a lot of farmers who actually stop this political bias. This is a very blocked a train. I thought that was rather an convenient excuse to try to brush off an interesting operation. election debt—a debt which the Treasury itself Mr Littleproud: You would have had predicted Labor's promises would create. recognised their names. Already the games are being played by Mr ELLIOTT: I recognised a few of their the Premier and this Minister through distorting names; that is right. It was a little bit like what and questioning the integrity of management, the French farmers did. Quite frankly, I think which has resulted in a declining morale within that we are all too tame. the department. This is a tragedy, as the coalition Government worked hard to restore Mr Purcell: You want to go on strike, the waning morale and the shattered public brother, and get a bit of guts. image of emergency services that existed Mr ELLIOTT: I believe that we could learn under the Goss Government for many years. from old "Cement Boots" over there. We need Instead of making insinuations, instead of to liven up the whole show, because it is a bit whingeing and whining, the coalition got on tame. They all play us off a break and say, with the job. We were a Government that "We will do this for you and we will do that for exceeded expectations. We exceeded our you". However, at the end of the day, they do own promises, and we delivered. not do much for us at all. If we were a hell of a lot more militant and we stood up for ourselves Time expired. and were prepared to fight a little bit harder, Mr ELLIOTT (Cunningham—NPA) then perhaps we might get somewhere. (12.04 a.m.): Firstly, Mr Speaker, I I know what the question is that members congratulate you on your elevation to that are discussing here tonight. It is whether or not position. I have worked with you on the Public we agree with this vote of confidence in this, Accounts Committee, and I believe that you the latest ALP Government to come along. Of will be able to do the job pretty well. We all course, this one is propped up slightly. Over a look forward to seeing how that goes. long period I have watched a large number of I agree with some of the comments made Labor Governments come and go—both by the Leader of the Opposition. I accept with Federal and State. I will give members a rough some grace—although it might be a bit difficult scenario of what one Federal Labor at times—the numbers that we have been Government achieved, particularly for its own dealt in this House. I believe that we all have supporters. I hope that this Government will be to learn something from it. I have taken on better than that. board the message, and I believe that anyone The first thing that Government did was to who does not take that message on board is a say, "We will float the dollar." We all thought fool. Quite frankly, the public have had that that would be all right; we would have a enough, particularly in regard to political free dollar, and we would have some real correctness and the level playing field, which private enterprise. That is what we were all does not exist. No-one would like to operate about. But that Government did not float the on a level playing field in respect of farming dollar. Instead, it nurtured it, played around more than I would, if there were such a thing. with it, poked it and prodded it and, in the end, It would be a great thing worldwide if it were to interest rates rose to around 24%. I was exist. But it does not exist. We all have to paying penalties of 24.5%. So effectively I had accept that that is the reality. to just about buy my property again every four If anyone has any doubts that the years. That was particularly helpful! It pushed National Party is alive and well and is keen to my overdraft up like members would not represent rural electorates, then I suggest that believe. I was not a great proponent of that 1468 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Government's fiscal abilities. I thought it was It will be interesting to see what goes on. I pretty ordinary. will touch also on some of the other Goss The people who thought that Government Labor Government initiatives in relation to the was more ordinary still were the battlers in my railways. We had a very good example in my electorate, particularly in places such as area of their wonderful economic ideas. They Kingsthorpe and Gowrie Junction, where there decided to close the railway line. It was were many young married couples living in obviously uneconomic to spend $1m to fix the their own houses. Interest rates went up so railway line between Toowoomba and Cecil high that, in the end, they were all tipped out Plains. A lot of grain is grown there and a hell of those houses. They took their keys back of a lot of grain used to be freighted by rail to and put them on the table of the real estate the port. They decided to close that railway agent, the bank or whoever they borrowed the line. That seemed like a smart idea; it was money from and said, "You can have the obviously inefficient! What did they then do? house because we cannot afford to make the They loaded up thousands of trucks onto the payments." What was the next scenario after road. that? Because the start-ups for housing and For 10 years Peter Taylor, the Shire units were so slow and there were so few of Chairman of the Jondaryan Shire Council, them, we immediately had a housing crisis. members in adjoining electorates and I had There was not enough housing for people to battled to obtain the money to fix the Cecil rent. Therefore, because there was not Plains Road from Toowoomba. It was two enough rental housing—surprise, surprise— lanes. That is not two lanes as other members the rents increased, and the people who had would think of two lanes. When I talk about been tipped out of their houses finished up in two lanes, I mean a dual carriageway, not like caravan parks. Members opposite are the the three and four lanes down to the Gold supporters of the battlers. They are supposed Coast. We were very pleased with the good to look after the battlers. They work for the road to Cecil Plains. Labor whacked all those battlers. trucks on that road. As a result, three things Mr Littleproud: What about Tom Burns happened. The trucks wrecked the road. The and the Home Ownership Made Easy trucks that used to cart to Cecil Plains, Norwin Scheme? and the silos in between decided that it would be easier to go over to Brookstead. The roads Mr ELLIOTT: I will come to him. I have his there had been improved also. Whereas it name in my notes. Do not worry about him. used to take about a quarter of an hour to get Over the years, I have found that, a truck through at Brookstead, as a result of unfortunately, Labor is a Trojan Horse in the increased truck traffic it then took about relation to looking after the people whom they five hours to get a truck through. At Malu, are supposed to support. I have to say that where I mostly used to deliver my grain, it took the Federal guys have been worse—even the about four times as long to deliver one's grain. new blokes. This is an amazing issue. All of those trucks were going on roads Let us consider the State Goss Labor that were unsuited to the size of the loads and Government, the last Queensland Labor the trucks that were travelling on them. Labor's Government. We had a fair degree of ability to supposed economic decision to close the watch and take in what it was doing. What did railway line, in effect, wrecked the roads. it do for us? It absolutely gutted the Those are the sorts of decisions that members bush—rural and regional Queensland. It took opposite are so good at making. I ask: why the courthouses away. It took 690-odd DPI should I support Labor tonight? Is it different staff away. Just about every service in the from the Goss Labor Government? Will we electorate of Cunningham disappeared off the see a whole new ball game? Will we perhaps face of the earth. It took the former member see some courage from the members for Barambah, followed by the member for opposite? Hinchinbrook, to gradually restore the DPI The member for Inala mentioned John staff. Anderson. I was with John Anderson on Monday. I did not make myself tremendously Mr Palaszczuk: And what's John popular with John Anderson because I asked Anderson done to you? him a question in relation to Coles, Mr ELLIOTT: I will come to him. Do not Woolworths and Franklins and the pig industry. worry about him. I will suggest what the I am sure some of the gentlemen behind me Minister can do to fix a few of his problems. I on the backbenches know about the pig do not think he is much more popular than industry. What is going on in the pig industry members opposite were. today is an abject disaster. I will not stand up 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1469 and support my Federal counterparts in that than we can buy your pork now; we will buy regard. The beef industry says that the some more of that pork." That is what they Government should not help the pork industry, did. None has come in since November. because if it fiddles with the tariffs or reduces However, all they have to do is hold that sword the quota of pork from Canada, Canada will over the heads of the pork producers and say, reduce the beef quota. The beef quota has "If you do not accept our price, we will buy that not been filled in an age anyway. One cannot other pork." That is totally un-Australian. Never compare apples with eggs. The pork mind what party we are in, collectively we producers cannot turn the pigs out into the should all be fighting together to stop those back paddock to see whether they will survive people doing that sort of thing. It is until the end of the drought as some people in unreasonable. It is not a fair go for anyone. It the far west do with their sheep and cattle. It is up to the members opposite to show some does not work like that. Perhaps the blokes intestinal fortitude and do something about it. who grow their own grain have some chance. Labor has not shown a lot of intestinal Their costs may be as low as $1.60 a kilogram fortitude in the past. It will be interesting to see to $1.74 a kilogram. Those who do not what we are going to be up against. produce their own grain and have to buy in Perhaps I did not read the Governor's feed would probably be paying $2 a kilogram Speech correctly. I took notes throughout the or more. If they are paid $1.50 a kilogram for speech and I have read it again. It appears to their pork, how long will it take them to go me that Labor intends to knock off some of broke? One does not need to be a wizard in our water programs. Hell's bells! How long did the economic stakes—one does not even it take us to get them up and running? The have to be as good as Paul Keating—to work Minister is indicating that he does not think out that that is not going to be a very good that is the case. I hope he is right. I would not exercise. like to think that we have traded all those Will members opposite show some potential jobs that would get this State up and courage and stand up and do something rolling for an integrity commissioner. That is about the National Competition Policy? We the sort of stuff that members opposite are have had it fed down our necks for five years. really good at. They will run off the back of We have had it held as a gun to our heads. It good old Fitzgerald again. has been said, "If you do not do this, you will We will have another lot of committees lose your $800m." Quite frankly, I think we and people to tell us how to suck eggs and should tell them to put the $800m where the how we should or should not do things. By this traditional monkey did. time the members opposite should have Mr Palaszczuk: What did you do in worked out how to run a Cabinet with some Government? integrity. They have either got it or they have Mr ELLIOTT: Labor members have the not got it. Members opposite cannot legislate opportunity to do something and demonstrate for morality and they cannot legislate for that they will show some courage. They have ethics. They have either got it or they have not never showed any courage before. I hope that got it. Believe me, an integrity commissioner this time they will show some courage. It will will make no difference whatsoever to how the be very interesting to see whether they do. If members opposite behave. They will either they do not, there will be no pig industry. behave well or they will not. So we will watch There will be three, four or five big players in with great interest to see just how the the whole show. If one considers the industry members opposite run things. now, one will see that 84% of the pork that is At this stage, I am afraid that I am of the going onto the shop floor is going through opinion that the members opposite have not Coles, Woolworths and Franklins. That would changed a lot. They appear to be much the not be allowed in America in a fit. The antitrust same as the previous Labor Government. I laws would block that straightaway. They hope that I am going to be proven wrong and would not allow one operator to have more that they are going to stand up and be than 30-odd per cent. counted. In particular, I hope that they are On Monday, I told John Anderson that going to do something for rural and regional those people are colluding. They may not be Queensland. If ever there was a need for actually getting in a room and saying, "This is some assistance and for some real courage to what we will pay." However, they say to the pig be demonstrated by members of a Labor producers, "If you don't take this price, the Government, it is right now. They have the bottom line is that we will buy in the Canadian opportunity to stand up and be counted and pork. Never mind that it is more expensive do something about the problems in rural 1470 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 areas. If they do not, then we will not have a importantly, our communities were being handful of farmers left. savaged by insurmountable problems. Things The indebtedness of rural Queensland were changing for the worse. Morally, and other parts of rural Australia has to be conditions were in a dive. There were fractious seen to be believed. Members should look at laws—petty laws. Laws to control people and what has happened below the border and now limit freedom were emerging everywhere— along the border with the floods. I can take restricting fishing, frustrating shooting, making members to meet people who have just lost life miserable for everyone except for the $1m worth of wheat. They have overdrafts that mushrooming bureaucrats. they cannot jump over. One does not have to I do not recall being asked at any time if I be terribly smart to know what the outcome of wanted all of these restrictions. Nobody else all of that is going to be. We are going to see was asked either. Politicians just imposed another disaster. There is flood after flood. restrictions on freedom. They knew what was Down around that Walgett/Come By Chance best. Increasingly, people have found that if area, three lots of floodwater have come one they did anything, they were breaking the law. after the other. Those crops have been totally For me, the firearm laws were the last straw. under water for weeks. As members know, no crop can withstand that. So I urge members I took a keen interest in Sir Joh Bjelke- opposite to give some support to the rural and Petersen. Joh listened to the people while regional areas of this State and to stand up to others, especially those who followed him, only the Federal people and be counted. regulated the people. Some people begrudged Sir Joh's success. They were lesser Mr Purcell: Stand up to Howard. men, greedy men and ambitious men who Mr ELLIOTT: Too right! Stand up to were frustrated that Sir Joh really represented Howard on this National Competition Policy truth. When the Queensland Nationals sacked because it is a load of rubbish. Sir Joh, they destroyed an entire generation's Mr SPEAKER: Order! Before I call the trust in that party. Let us be blunt about Sir member for Burdekin, I advise that this is the Joh: Labor never defeated Sir Joh; it could not member's first speech. I ask that members and never did. It was the Nationals themselves afford him the courtesies of the House. who defeated Sir Joh. They plunged the knife into Caesar and as a direct consequence they Mr KNUTH (Burdekin—ONP) (12.23 a.m.): began the long slide into the hole that they The politics of trouble got me into politics in now find themselves in. They have a long way Queensland, but I never really expected to be to go before they hit the dark, deep bottom of here so soon. It would be remiss of me not to the pit they dug for themselves. thank the politicians of the last Parliament for making such a mess of things that the people My constituents were really upset about of my electorate gave them a big kick in the the firearms hysteria and the ridiculous laws pants and put me in Parliament instead. I that followed. Arguments for such laws verged thank my electors for their endorsement. I also on the crazy, ridiculous and absurd. Many thank them for their perception and wisdom in voters began to question the motives of the giving me the opportunity to represent them in parties in power. The parties seemed more this House. I pledge to put them first in all interested in the opinions of foreigners or things: to listen to their wants and to represent members of other parties than they were in them faithfully in this Parliament. If John the wants of their own members—of Howard threatens me—threatens me with Australians. They fawned on foreign policy, hardship and penalties to get his own way, globalisation, multinationals, Asia and the threatens to put my electors last, I will tell him United Nations. They were more concerned to take a long walk off a short pier. I will tell with the world outside Australia than the him that I put my electors first, that I put Australia that we knew. Queensland first. They gave open slather to the Queensland is under siege. It is beset multinationals and provided extended trading with conflict and disharmony. It was this rising opportunities to the international big boys such tide of trouble that attracted me into politics in as K mart, Woolworths and Target. They did the Burdekin. As a teen, I was like most not want to know small business, especially teenagers. I could not care less about politics, Australian-owned small business. largely because the politicians I knew were Queensland's economic demise is a direct politicians who I could trust to do the right result of the collapse of small business. Small thing by me. But by the time I turned 20, business has stayed loyal to Australia and things had changed dramatically. The country pays its share of tax. Most of the foreign- was in turmoil, as was the State and, most owned multinationals, which the big parties 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1471 have crawled into bed with, take their money have been victimised to swell Howard's ego out of Australia and pay little or no tax at all. and to make jobs for police bureaucrats. The Now, to make up for their failures, the parties question to be answered is: why? Could there want Australians to pay a GST. They must be a more sinister reason? think that Australians are asleep at the wheel! I seem to remember that Winston Really, how can the modern political parties Churchill was called everything from a vicious look Australians in the eye and claim to warmonger to a dangerous extremist because represent them when their every action he wanted Great Britain to rearm to defend underlines the truth that they do not want to the homeland. They used the same vicious represent their own voters. techniques, swear words, against Churchill as Another real source of trouble is the are now being used to intimidate and smear Federal Government's extension of its powers One Nation. After much blood, toil, tears and into the realm of State power. Each year the sweat, the time came to put national interest Federal Government, assisted by its mates in first and Churchill equipped Great Britain for the States, worms away to weaken the States the Nazi onslaught, which killed millions. Many and our Constitution. The Borbidge of our boys died because the firearm grabbers Government became a doormat for Canberra. held sway for so many years before the war. It is time that this Parliament stood up to Our own boys had to train with broomsticks. Canberra and said, "This far and no further." How many more Australians will die some Everybody knows that this country is in time in the future because of the stupidity of trouble. Rents are up; taxes, too. Registrations John Howard in destroying a major defence are up. Even rates are rising. And politicians in capacity for Australia? Could it be that those Canberra claim that we have no inflation. who want Australia disarmed are just repeating What they have done is fiddle the books to the events of those dangerous pre-war years? fool themselves into believing we have no They really do not want Australia sufficiently inflation. Nobody else is fooled, but how would armed to defend itself because their loyalties they know? They never ask us. The Premier is lie elsewhere, outside Australia. Right now more interested in communist Vietnam. The those questions are being answered in Prime Minister is more interested in building countless homes across Australia, and the palaces in Africa. answers being given will spell doom for the firearm grabbers and disarmament freaks. A The great doublecross of them all was famous man once said, "If you want peace, Prime Minister Howard's knee-jerk reaction on you must prepare for war." the firearm laws, allegedly because of Port Arthur. We now know that Port Arthur had The ALP's Kaiser says that he has nothing to do with it. That was only the excuse declared war on One Nation. He should take to slug Australians with extremist laws long note that the expert on war, Clauswitz, defined hidden away in the files, laws hidden away in war as politics conducted by other means. the dark bogholes of Canberra, awaiting the What means do Kaiser and his mates intend day when Australian law makers could be to use? The answer is obvious. We already scared into passing laws hatched in a far away know. They will use vilification, smear, guilt by foreign capital to better fit Australians into their association, perversion by their mates in some glorified international mould. Howard and his media, false witness, cursing and swearing, mates condemned hundreds of thousands of character assassination, innuendo and a call Australians as potential murderers. That would to violence. We know this and the world knows be laughable in itself if it were not so serious. It this because we read all about it in the Sydney was an Australian version of Stalin's Morning Herald. Labor's dirty little genie is out condemnation of land-owning farmers as of the bottle. enemies of the state and, as such, potential A few weeks ago News Weekly carried a murderers who had to be rooted up and detailed exposure of the tactics mounted by destroyed. Labor to protect its policies to attack and hurt Taken in perspective, alcohol and Australia and Australians. Why, even the cigarettes kill more Australians every year and Courier-Mail has carried a few rather tame cause more social problems than firearms articles about Labor's scam to fool Australians cause in half a century, yet Howard into not talking about issues that Labor wants squandered millions of dollars on his petty little to promote but cannot defend because such whim. Domestic violence and drugs cause policies are anti-Australian. more harm than firearms ever did, but Howard The Labor Party, or sections of it, have is spending peanuts on the essentials and big mounted a major smear campaign against bucks on peanut issues. Millions of Australians Australia and everything Australian while 1472 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 pretending to be Australian. One Nation has for Australia and Queensland, are kicked for a taken a stand for Australia. Labor has six at the next election. That is when. One mounted a smear campaign against One Nation has started this process rolling. Only Nation because we dare to put Australia first, then can we stop the bungles and blunders. but as every day passes more Australians are Only then can we wipe away the tears of a awakening to the Labor scam, awakening to long-suffering people. Only then will we have the unusual situation that often times when the courage to bring this State and nation you scratch a Laborite a Liberal bleeds. back to the levels of prosperity we experienced My electorate, like so many other under that great statesman Sir Robert electorates, is facing crippling unemployment. Menzies and that equally great Queenslander While Howard and Beattie suck up to their Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen. Only then can we put mates in the corporate cartels, go on junkets behind us the man-made troubles of today. around Asia and shadow box amongst We can only put our troubles behind us themselves, for the first time in my 26 years in by putting behind us the failed politics of the the Burdekin I am seeing business premises failed men of the failed political parties closed, shops vacant, independent opposite. Only then will we end our troubles businessmen frustrated and feeling betrayed, and march ahead as one Australia, a united careers destroyed and young people without Australia—as one nation united for the good hope for the future. This augurs big trouble for of all. The hope of Queensland is bound up in those who have caused this economic just two momentous words—fresh words, devastation. There is big trouble in the clean words, words that spell salvation for all. Burdekin, and it is no different from anywhere Those words are "One Nation". I support the else in Australia. The situation is the direct amendment moved by the member for result of economic rationalism, globalisation, Caboolture. the non-existent level playing field, the politics of "get big or get out" and the Federal and Mrs GAMIN (Burleigh—NPA) State Governments' sell-out of Australian and (12.39 a.m.): Mr Speaker, may I add my Queensland interests to the cartels, robber congratulations to those of other members to barons, monopolies and absentee landlords. you on your elevation to your position. I wish These cartels now hope to force upon you good fortune in your appointment. Australia the notorious and sovereignty I cannot support this motion of destroying Multilateral Agreement on confidence, because I am not confident that a Investment, which our Federal Government Labor minority Government is best for this supports sight unseen. Shame, Howard, State. I am not confident that structures put in shame! They have been selling out Australia place by the former coalition Government will ever since the Liberal axis agreed to the Lima not be dismantled. I am not confident that Accord—just another insider's dream to export many of the fine achievements of the former Australian jobs and internationalise our coalition Government will not be destroyed. I financial institutions. am not confident that a Labor minority Today gives me the opportunity to ask Government is capable of managing the present and past Governments to come clean State's finances as well as the former coalition on their new-age fantasies. If their new-age Government did. Labor Governments have a policies are supposed to work, then why do we reputation for being big spenders but poor have so many unemployed, why is our managers. I am not confident that we will not collective living standard falling and why, too, see big spending on social welfare programs do they have to fiddle the figures to disguise to the detriment of major infrastructure for our the real level of unemployment? Why are State that would provide more jobs for businesses going broke? Why can employers Queenslanders. no longer put on apprentices? Why is this Let me just run through a few of the happening in a country that we are continually achievements of the coalition in just two short told is the land of opportunity? years before the events of 13 June 1998. The A private business would quickly go broke former coalition Government undertook a if it were run the way the politicians have run $59m redevelopment of the Gold Coast both Australia and Queensland during the Hospital; pressed ahead with building the past two decades. Unlike productive business, $48m Robina Hospital, which was opposed by the Government has been ripping money off Labor's medical lobby group; in two State private people to cover up its own Budgets provided almost 2,000 new teachers, incompetence. When will it stop? The answer 640 more police and an extra 1,000 is an easy one: when the guilty men, the failed Queensland Health doctors, nurses and allied men, the men and women who no longer care health staff; almost completed construction of 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1473 the $4.8m Palm Beach Community Health emergency earlier this year. The only addition Centre; established a Crime Commission to to Queensland's generating capacity during battle major and organised crime; built the Labor's two terms of office was a small Palm Beach Police Station, despite Labor's privately owned station at Barcaldine. When Opposition to the station; and created 91,000 returned to office two years ago, the coalition new jobs—40% of all new jobs in Australia— moved quickly to remedy Labor's neglect by despite Queensland having only 18% of the refurbishing and recommissioning, at a cost of national population. $200m, the Collinsville and Callide A stations, The former coalition Government also which had been dormant for a decade. Callide boosted expenditure on State schooling C was to be built alongside the A and B above the national average for the first time in stations to be fully operational by the year history; financed record spending on health, 2001. Two stations at Townsville and another law and order, education and the at Oakey on the Darling Downs were in our environment; boosted spending on the needs pipeline to be operating next year and the of the disabled from $242m in Labor's year after respectively. We had plans for a 1995Ð96 Budget to $558m in 1998-99; $1.7 billion power station and coalmine at reduced Category 1 surgery waiting lists at the Wandoan in the Surat Basin in a joint venture with Mount Isa Mines and to include Gold Coast Hospital to an all-time low and expansion of the Tarong station in the South made significant cuts in other waiting lists; reduced payroll tax, land tax, betting taxes Burnett. and stamp duties; established Queensland as The coalition would have assured Australia's lowest tax State and restored Queenslanders of cheaper power for many business confidence in Queensland's future as years to come and to selling power to the growth State; attracted major companies interstate customers on the national electricity to relocate in Queensland, including Boeing, grid, with further reductions in industrial and Comalco, Shell's global coal interests, et domestic charges. If corporatisation was to cetera; and facilitated projects worth $25 billion blame for the industry's woes earlier this year, under way or on the starting block in the north- then Labor has only itself to blame. The power west minerals province alone. industry was corporatised in 1995 by the then Goss Labor Government. I am not confident That is not meant to be a comprehensive that a Labor minority Government has the or exhaustive list. There are hundreds and capability to complete the coalition's excellent hundreds of other fine achievements over the program for the power industry. whole range of ministerial portfolios and Government departments. That is why The coalition has done a great job in Queensland would have benefited much more terms of roadworks, especially in southern from a coalition Government and that is why I Queensland. The Pacific Motorway project is am not confident that a Labor minority forging ahead. On the Gold Coast, major Government can come anywhere near works will bring major improvements to the matching the coalition's achievements. Pacific Highway at Nerang. The Pacific Highway has been duplicated between Reedy The two terms of Labor in the early 1990s Creek and Tugun. Bermuda Street has been saw years of neglect of power stations in this extended to the Pacific Highway. The further State. Queensland needs to increase its upgrade of Bermuda Street has already electricity supply every year to keep pace with commenced and is on track for completion by the demand created by the State's December this year. The total cost of the unprecedented population and industrial project will be $16m. It will provide a vital growth. In six years of Government, Labor infrastructure development for the Gold Coast. imperilled Queensland's power supply by The project will involve the construction of an cancelling the coalition's Tully/Millstream additional two lanes parallel to the existing hydro-electric project and then by failing to lanes from Rudd Street to Christine Avenue. build any new stations, despite warnings as This means that the current lanes will be used early as 1990 that its neglect could lead to during construction and disruptions will be problems by 1997. Labor's only attempt to minimised. As well as this, noise minimisation increase supply was to negotiate to buy measures will be implemented to dramatically electricity from New South Wales, but at reduce tyre noise. double the price at which Queensland produces its own electricity. Major works on Reedy Creek Road have been of enormous benefit, as well as bus Despite Labor's claims, this extra power lanes and set-down areas outside Marymount via the Eastlink connection would not have College, which was a jointly funded effort been available during the load shedding between the Department of Main Roads and 1474 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 the Gold Coast City Council. Reedy Creek Palm Beach Community Health Centre will Road was a huge undertaking, as massive also have semi-basement parking for 34 stormwater drainage had to be included. That vehicles, most of which, of course, will be road used to be a nightmare. It is now a Queensland Health vehicles. pleasure to use. Work has started on the With mental health services moving from duplication of West Burleigh Road—another Miami to Palm Beach, a very good support very big job also involving stormwater group called Living Skills looked as if it was drainage. going to be homeless. At Miami, Living Skills I mentioned the construction of the new offers clients a large day care room in which to police station at Palm Beach, which was purely meet and chat and make themselves a cup of a coalition project. During its previous term, tea or coffee. The organisation has provided a Labor actively opposed a police station at tutor in computer skills for more than two Palm Beach, and I am proud to have years. This program has been a great success achieved this ambition once the coalition in helping clients, especially those who are came to power, together with a 100% increase keen to return to the work force. There is also in police numbers for the southern Gold Coast. an art group which not only encourages clients The station is a 24-hour operational station to express themselves but also favours those and has two cars on patrol targeting crime who wish to escape from the isolation so often black spots in Burleigh Heads and Palm experienced by mental patients. I am pleased Beach. In addition to these cars, lap-over cars that the district health council has listened to are rostered to roam the district to assist other my representations on behalf of Living Skills. cars. Previously, there was only one car on Space will be found for them at the old leased patrol in the Palm Beach/Burleigh area. premises adjacent to the new centre. Uniformed police from the Palm Beach The extension of the Brisbane-Beenleigh Police Station are also rostered to perform rail link from Beenleigh to Robina was an beat patrols within the Burleigh Heads CBD, initiative of the Ahern National Party Burleigh Town Marketplace, Treetops Government. I remember it well because I Shopping Centre, the Pines Shopping Centre announced it myself in August 1988 during and the Palm Beach CBD. From time to time, the 1988 by-election for the seat of South plain-clothes officers based at the Burleigh Coast. Coomera was opened first, then Heads Police Station also patrol these areas. Helensvale, then Nerang, and the final link of Both of these types of patrols have proved to the Gold Coast railway extension to Robina be very successful. was opened on 1 June and is already proving The Palm Beach Community Health popular with local residents. Centre is nearing completion. After Labor completely messed up this project, the The proposed extension of the railway to coalition stepped in and the $4.8m project will Coolangatta and the Tugun bypass road have now provide an extended range of health already been announced and welcomed by services. The centre will contain a community southern Gold Coast residents. After months and child health service with a day-stay centre of worry about possible residential disruption, the route chosen is a much more satisfactory to educate and support parents experiencing solution than some of the options that were difficulties, a baby clinic, a hearing and put forward. The rail link will follow the eastern development screening program for older side of the Pacific Highway from Robina to just children and a day therapy centre offering north of the West Burleigh Tavern where it will rehabilitation and transitional care for the cross to the western side of the highway. It will chronic disabled and frail aged. The health continue on the western side to Tugun Heights services also include adolescent and youth where a tunnel is proposed, then west of health, health promotion, home care and Coolangatta Airport together with the Tugun visiting specialists, community nursing and bypass road. I hope that the minority Labor allied health services, social workers, Government does not mess around with these community psychologists, physiotherapists priorities. Too much work has gone into and occupational therapists. The three storey identifying the most satisfactory route—the building in Fifth Avenue will house the Mental Health Service to be relocated from rented route which will cause the least disruption to premises at Miami, and there will be no residential areas. methadone program or needle exchange. The During recent months and under a dental clinic will have four chairs and will coalition Government, additional capital works provide standard public dental health services. have been provided for schools in the Burleigh When fully operational, the dental service will electorate: Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads and see approximately 250 patients a week. The Caningeraba State Schools and Miami State 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1475

High School. All schools wanted both big and hospices, and provision of three-year service small painting jobs to be carried out as well as agreements for existing community hospices. other minor works. I am pleased with the I cannot stress strongly enough to the success of my representations on their behalf. new Government the importance of palliative We have not yet seen Labor's Budget. care services—the care of those patients with We are asked to support this motion of illnesses that cannot be cured and where confidence and take the Labor Budget on survival is limited and death is inevitable. Not trust. The coalition brought down a great only do the sufferers need the skill of those Budget in May of this year and, if the coalition doctors, nurses and health professionals who had been allowed to govern, this Budget are dedicated to palliative care, so do their added to our campaign commitments would families and loved ones, who need to come to have been of great benefit to Queenslanders. terms with the inevitability of death, Time will not permit me to go through the bereavement and grief. coalition Budget item by item, so I will just Continued funding to mental health touch on a few points. services on the Gold Coast and continued We had planned to boost funds for funding to drug and alcohol rehabilitation women's services by more than $14.5m over services are also of great concern to me. I the next four years. The extra money was to hope that the new Minister for Health will take be used to upgrade cancer screening, the time to visit the Gold Coast Drug Council's domestic violence and family support services, excellent facility at Mirikai in my electorate to sexual assault services, counselling, training, examine the work of this remarkable non- employment and the care of children outside Government agency and to look at its success school hours. These were identified as rate in achieving a turnaround in the lives of priorities during a six-month survey of 5,000 persons with ruinous drug dependencies. women. We would have extended I have spent some time browsing through concessions for Seniors Card holders, many matters of interest to my electorate or of including car and boat registration charges. I concern to me as we face this motion of hope that the new Government will honour confidence. Before I close, I want to mention these commitments. two issues that are causing anxiety which I did not have time to get finalised before that A couple of weeks ago, I launched fateful day, 13 June. The first is the matter of Palliative Care Week on the Gold Coast. noise abatement fencing along the Pacific Funding for palliative care is a matter in which I Highway at Palm Beach. Constituents of mine am keenly interested and of which I am whose properties back onto the Pacific supportive. The coalition's recent State Budget Highway suffer considerable nuisance from Ministerial Program Statements showed that noise and vibration caused by traffic on the $5.4m of palliative care funding was provided Pacific Highway, especially from heavy trucks. to non-Government organisations and district Noise barrier fencing was at first welcomed. health services for community-based activities However, there is no doubt that the existing in 1997-98. Further funding had been planned fencing is quite useless and might as well not to enhance aged care facilities by a huge be there. Despite public consultation, the type refurbishment and rehabilitation of of material used is far from satisfactory, and Government owned nursing homes as well as placing fencing about one metre from property other programs for aged care and the care of boundaries is also far from satisfactory. the terminally ill, including palliative care. The former Minister for Transport and Key elements in our election campaign Main Roads had given me a commitment that platform were a $13m program over two years this matter would be seriously addressed if the to improve Queensland's palliative care coalition Government was returned. More services with concentration on a range of public consultation was promised and the patient choice settings, including hospitals, department would carefully examine proposals residential organisations in the community and for high earth mounding between the Pacific hospices. We announced provision of Highway and property boundaries, plus heavy palliative care services in all Queensland vegetation with better fencing on top of the hospitals, refurbishment of existing public mounding. I noted that the Labor candidate hospitals in rural and remote areas to provide who opposed me tried to turn this into an for in-patient and/or respite facilities, election issue. He made the extraordinary encouragement of community involvement in statement to local residents that, if he was planning and development of new palliative elected to represent the seat of Burleigh, Mr care facilities or services, for example, Peter Beattie had promised him $1m for road 1476 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 resurfacing to reduce tyre noise from trucks the House. It is an honour to be a using the Pacific Highway. I need to know representative in this House. I am sure they whether Mr Beattie will keep this commitment. will be welcomed and will enjoy their time here, I need to know whether the people of Palm even though it may be as a oncer. Beach will still be assisted in the matter of In addition, I would also like to reducing noise and vibration from the Pacific acknowledge the electors of Redlands who Highway. Better noise alleviation at Palm have placed their confidence in me and have Beach is a problem that I will have to take up allowed me to represent them for another with the new Government. term. Their interests will be of paramount The second ongoing matter in my importance to me during this session. electorate is the closure of the popular Ocean In joining in the debate tonight, I oppose View track at the Burleigh Heads National the motion of confidence moved by the Park. This has been closed for a year now as Premier. I would also challenge the assertion a result of substantial boulder falls. Large made by the Premier this morning that anyone boulders ranging in weight from hundreds of who speaks against this motion would lose kilograms to several tonnes have fallen onto credibility. I contend that testing if the House the track, causing serious damage and has confidence in the Government of the day threatening the safety of park visitors and is a fundamental responsibility of any staff. Obviously, rock falls in the park have Opposition, particularly when the Government been occurring for centuries, but the whole is only in power conditional on certain hillside is now very unstable. Investigations commitments it made to enjoy that privilege. have so far not thrown any light on how Quite a lot has been said following the State stability can be re-established and how the election by different interest groups as to who track can be reopened without danger to the should form government. "Stability" was the many thousands of people who enjoy using it. catch-cry, but no consideration was given to The National Parks and Wildlife Service, a the people of Queensland, of whom less than division of the Department of Environment, 40% voted for a Labor Government. One has has constructed a link path to join up with the to ask why then did the majority of upper track, but the steps are rather steep and Queenslanders not want a Labor Government cause problems for elderly visitors and they and, therefore, why should this House have cannot be used by disabled visitors at all. The confidence in it. coalition allocated $35,000 in our recent State Unlike when Labor came to office in 1989 Budget for further professional and and had no recent track record, the present engineering advice on how to solve this really Labor Government is open to scrutiny, having serious problem, and I urge the new Minister last been in office just over two years ago and for Environment to continue with the efforts to therefore offering a clear comparison with the stabilise the boulder falls and to get the track coalition which followed it, and a clear picture opened as soon as possible. of what is likely to come based on Labor's past I cannot deny that the Burleigh electorate performance. has done very well out of the coalition Labor Governments throughout Australia Government. Many of our big ticket items have never had a good record in economic have either been completed or are too far management and the situation was not much advanced to stop. I do not apologise for being different here in Queensland. Over the period a very parochial member. My first and major between 1989 and 1996 we saw numerous interest is the welfare of my constituents and instances of that. We witnessed Budget the welfare of my electorate. I do not support overruns, large amounts of money expended this motion of confidence because I do not for little or no public benefit and public funds in believe that the Burleigh electorate will benefit crisis through mismanagement. Labor's from the new Government and, on the wider answer to many of these problems was to scene, I do not believe that Queensland will transfer funds from one area to prop up benefit from a minority Labor Government. another. This was not for one-off capital works Mr HEGARTY (Redlands—NPA) ( 1 a.m.): projects but in many instances for overruns in Mr Speaker, in rising tonight I would firstly like recurrent funding. Already we see the potential to take this opportunity to congratulate you on for this pattern to recur with the commitments your appointment to the high office of made by the Premier in the lead-up to the Speaker. I am confident that you will carry out State election. I refer to unfunded your duties with impartiality and distinction. I commitments such as extending the tilt train to would also like to take this opportunity to Townsville and the provision of free welcome the new members on both sides to ambulance services to pensioners, to mention 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1477 just two. Such projects have to be funded Bay stations will receive some of those either by transferring funds from other areas of officers. recurrent or capital works commitments or In deciding whether to support a alternatively raising more money by increasing confidence motion in this Government, we taxes and charges. have to concern ourselves with whether this I note that the Premier said this morning trend will continue. That is the big question that he would not be reversing decisions made mark. Will it continue, or will it go back to police by his predecessors. This suggests strongly intakes being cancelled, as happened in that increased taxes and charges are on the 1995? agenda for the Budget coming up in Another matter of concern is the abolition September. The Premier has made job of the Leading Schools program. That was creation the major focus for his Government. one of the first things that Labor did when it Yet his party's past record is one of losing job came to office a few weeks ago. This is opportunities, compared with the coalition's another example of irresponsibility and record in just over two years of creating nearly mismanagement and has left the education 100,000 jobs. Labor, on coming to office in sector in Queensland up in the air. After two 1989, inherited an employment rate of 6.9%. years of planning and establishing the When it left office in 1996 it had presided over framework to give most of Queensland's State an 11% unemployment rate. In addition, schools some autonomy and self-direction, Labor would need to vastly improve its this new Labor Government has replaced it economic growth record from when it last tried with uncertainty. Despite the funding largesse to stimulate the economy. Labor's benchmark outlined by the Minister, those schools that is measured against the Tasmanian were going into the second round of the economy—a low population State whose Leading Schools program this year are now Budget is smaller than that of the Brisbane having to rethink the financial commitments City Council. Yet the Goss Government just made in the belief that more funds were to managed to out-perform Tasmania in State follow given the commitment that Education growth. By comparison, under the coalition Queensland made to those schools going into State Government, growth was 4.7% when we the respective rounds of Leading Schools. left office, outstripping the national figure of They believed they were to receive a certain 3.3% per annum. In fact, we outstripped first amount of funding over a certain period. world economies such as the USA and the Once more Labor in Government UK. oversees economic disaster and causes more Job creation can be as simple as stress to thousands of teachers and, in providing the public services that particular, the principals who now have to Queenslanders need. We need extra police, explain to their parents and citizen bodies that teachers, doctors and nurses, emergency they do not know what will happen in the service personnel, public servants, etc. Yet future. Little wonder that Labor does not again in these areas Labor failed to deliver in inspire confidence in the future with this spite of outlaying huge budgets. What was the opening decision coupled with its past record. effect on Queenslanders of this economic Low capital works budgets and small mismanagement? Police numbers declined, increases in teacher numbers provide a stark leading to higher numbers of unsolved crimes. contrast to the coalition's impressive record of Officers were overworked and experienced low employing 2,000 extra teachers, plus large morale through frustration in not being able to capital works budgets, along with funding for do their job properly. many specific programs, bringing In my electorate, the responsible police Queensland's Education budget up to the division had the lowest police to people ratio in national average for the first time ever. the State under Labor. In just two years, The coalition made an impressive start in however, that has changed through the just two years in redressing the shortfall in hundreds of extra police who have been sworn numerous capital works projects, some of in, together with the extra civilians who have which were on the drawing board when Labor been employed, and we are now on track to came to office in 1989 and were no further meet the targets set when we offered advanced after six years. Some of the projects ourselves to Queenslanders as an alternative were basic requirements to service Government in 1995. A further 86 officers will Queenslanders, to provide the police, be sworn in in August, and some of those are magistrates, doctors, teachers and others with being allocated to the Wynnum police district. I suitable premises in which to work. A new am hopeful that the Cleveland and Redland police station and courthouse is nearing 1478 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 completion next to my electorate. This is a None of us knows how long we are going to very good example of what I am speaking be here, and when we are here it is time to do about concerning the dearth of capital works those things that we set out to do. It is that were undertaken when Labor was in interesting to listen to the maiden speeches of office. This new police station and courthouse the new members. I suggest to those have a combined value of around $7m. It was members that they revisit their maiden talked about for six years under Labor. During speeches if they are re-elected to see whether that time police officers were working in they were able to achieve some of the things cramped and unsuitable conditions. With that they set out to do in their maiden examples like that, how can anyone have speeches. It is very important to do that, confidence in another Labor Government? We because it does remind us about what we are must bear in mind that to fund the promises here for. made in the recent election campaign without I also congratulate those members who increasing taxes and charges would mean a have been returned to the Parliament. They cutback in capital works. Labor's credibility is were obviously regarded by their electors as the big question mark. In just about every doing a good job both here in the Parliament portfolio area in the previous Labor and in their electorates. Of course, there are Government there was economic members from both sides of the House who mismanagement or underperformance. It were not returned to the Parliament. Those would be difficult to concede, given that about members, too, should be acknowledged for a third of the current Ministers were Ministers the work that they did in their electorates and in the previous Labor Government, that in the Chamber. Some members lose their anything will change. seats through no fault of their own; the tide I commend to the member for Nicklin that was going one way or the other. Nevertheless, he consider Labor's past record in those members contributed greatly to the Government before supporting the Premier's process in their electorates and in this motion and that he err on the side of caution Chamber. by supporting the Opposition motion if he is Of course, I am rising to oppose the serious about delivering better outcomes for motion of confidence in the Beattie the people of Queensland. We talk about Government. By way of comparison with this responsibility and the need for Government to Government, one has only to look at some of listen to the people. We have to bear in mind the things that the former coalition the past record of this Government that is now Government had to address when it came to seeking the confidence of the House. The power after the Mundingburra by-election in member for Nicklin has to think very seriously 1996. I shall mention just a few of those about supporting this motion, because we are things. One of them was the abolition of the talking about a return to stability and economic tolls on the Sunshine Motorway. That had management in this State, which is something been a very unjust burden on the people of that we did not see from the Labor Party the Sunshine Coast for a long time. I am one between 1989 and 1996. of the members who are very proud to say Mr LAMING (Mooloolah—LP) (1.10 a.m.): that that was one of the things that should Firstly, Mr Speaker, I join other members in have been done a long time ago. congratulating you on being elected as Mr Davidson: Hear, hear! Speaker. It is a very important position, and I am sure that you will conduct yourself very Mr LAMING: I note the support of the well. Together with other members, I member for Noosa. commend the former member for Nicklin, who I also commend the former Minister for did a very good job in the Speaker's chair. I Transport, the member for Gregory, for the worked closely with him and found him very great job that he did right throughout the good to work with. I also congratulate the Transport and Main Roads portfolio. He was member for Woodridge who, I understand, will an excellent Minister, and he is just one soon be appointed as the Chairman of example of the sort of Minister we had in our Committees. I am sure that he will support you coalition Government. I believe that this ably in that position. I also commend the work incoming Government is going to find great of the Clerk of the Parliament and his clerks difficulty in emulating the work of that former assisting, who do a very professional job Minister. regardless of which side members sit on in this I turn now to the work that was done by Chamber. They are to be commended. the former Attorney-General, the member for I congratulate all new members of all Indooroopilly. It is good to see him in the political parties. Ours is a very important job. Chamber. Law and order is a very big issue. It 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1479 has been a big issue for a long time, and it actually provides police numbers around has to be addressed on a number of fronts, Queensland. It needs to be examined to not only on the legal side but also on the make sure that those particular fast-growing police side, which I will mention directly. The regions are adequately handled. former Attorney-General did an excellent job I also wish to comment on ambulance despite a lot of criticism, particularly from the staff numbers. Once again, the Sunshine then Opposition. The Criminal Code had to be Coast received a good boost of numbers. I am reworked completely. The Penalties and sure that it was not the only district that Sentences Act and the Juvenile Justice Act received extra ambulance staff. Stations in my contained some major flaws and weaknesses, electorate of Mooloolah, namely those at which were addressed by the member for Buderim and Kawana, received a big boost in Indooroopilly. A number of very fundamental staff numbers. I also commend the former things had to be done. I hope that this Minister for Emergency Services, the member incoming Government does not set about for Southport, for the great job that he did in rolling back some of the good things that were his roles as Emergency Services Minister and done by the coalition Government in that Minister for Sport. particular regard. While mentioning sport, I should also I have mentioned police numbers. We had the ridiculous situation in which police mention the funds that went to the Sunshine numbers decreased under the previous Labor Coast University for the building—and it Government. That is one of the major reasons commenced only a couple of weeks ago—of a why I would have difficulty in supporting a synthetic international-standard track at the motion of confidence in a Labor Government. university, which will be a drawcard for people Heaven forbid that it should even consider coming from overseas to train prior to the going back to that sort of record whereby Olympics. The former Minister for Sport in the police numbers in this State decreased. The coalition Government did an excellent job. The incoming Government will have great difficulty numbers are already very low on a national emulating the efforts of that particular Minister, scale. For example, police numbers in the too. North Coast Region went from 726 in 1996 to 932 in 1998. The Sunshine Coast—or the I remind honourable members on both North Coast Region, to give it its correct sides of the House of the cessation of the title—is one particular region that has never Seniors Card discount for motor vehicle been well served with police numbers. This registrations, which was suspended by the problem was starting to be addressed. I Goss Government in 1994, I believe. We had commend the good work done by the former the ridiculous situation in which we had two Police Minister, the member for Crows Nest. classes of citizens: those who received their He did an excellent job as a Police Minister in senior citizens cards after June 1994 and who this State in many fields, not the least of which did not get a discount on their registration for was getting those police numbers up and the their motor vehicles, and those who got it opening of the new police academy in beforehand. We addressed that issue. I Townsville. I am anticipating another 40 new commend the Treasurer, the member for officers for the North Coast Region in August. Caloundra, who will be remembered as one of That was the plan. I certainly hope that they the great Treasurers in Queensland. She did a are still forthcoming and that they continue to big job to keep this State financially in the be forthcoming. black and operating very well. Hers was one of We do need more police in Queensland. the portfolios that were badly handled by the We particularly need police in a couple of previous Labor Government. It is going to be regions, namely, the Gold Coast and the very interesting to see whether some of those Sunshine Coast. There is a police staffing things remain in place, such as the registration allocation model. I do not mind telling this discounts for seniors and the cutting of Parliament—I said it when I sat on the other registration costs for vessels—boats—which side of the Chamber and I will say it on this were to be reduced by 50%. We will see side of the Chamber—that the police staffing whether they come to pass. allocation model that was brought in during I noticed that it was stated in the the Goss years is flawed. It is better than Governor's Speech that there would be no having no model to work on, but it is flawed. It new taxes and charges. I do not believe that does not cater adequately for the fast-growing in that speech there was any suggestion that regions of the Sunshine Coast and the Gold some taxes would not be increased. We will Coast. It should be examined—not on the see whether that comes to pass in the new inputs but on the outputs and on how it Budget to be brought down in September. 1480 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Those are just a few examples that affect my employed couple with four children receiving electorate and the good work done by the social security payments or a single public coalition Government. servant on an AO6 salary level; they were Labor has proven time and again that it is equally eligible for public housing. During unable to provide sound and responsible Labor's last stint in Government, we witnessed Government for Queensland as evidenced by long waiting lists for public housing and an its numerous policy failures, some of which I increase in the number of rental accounts in have already mentioned. I will outline a few of arrears. I suppose that I should not be overly those failures in the Housing portfolio, which I critical of Labor's management of those issues have been given the opportunity to shadow. I when it was clear to any rational person that commend the former Minister, the member for there was a total absence of it. Moggill, who did an excellent job in that Thankfully for Queensland, the coalition portfolio. I will start with the HOME Scheme, a returned to Government just in time to turn financially flawed home-lending package that those problems around and get the State has seen hundreds of hardworking people back on track. We did that by addressing the who had a dream of buying their own home policy failings of the then Opposition by with a little help from the Government end up implementing sound and reasonable policies. with not a dream but a nightmare. However, it That is a fundamental characteristic of is not just a simple matter of the $17.3m of coalition Governments here in Queensland. taxpayers' money that has been written off We addressed the problems associated with under the HOME Scheme; that figure also public housing by introducing tougher new represents the despair, anguish and tenancy management practices that stated heartache of the 1,100 battling clearly to tenants that, if they did not pay, they Queenslanders who have seen their did not stay; if they unreasonably disturbed aspirations, hopes and dreams repossessed their neighbours, they could find new along with their homes. HOME was marketed neighbours without the Government's as Home Ownership Made Easy, but as every assistance; and if they were irresponsible, the member on this side of the House knows, it Government would no longer have a stands for home ownership mismanaged responsibility to provide them with housing. entirely. Through tighter eligibility criteria and the If the HOME Scheme was not damaging introduction of the priority housing system, the enough to the community, what about the coalition also targeted assistance at those number of subcontractors who were left out of Queenslanders in most need. Along with pocket by the poor contractual management addressing those issues, the coalition also practices of Labor? For example, let us looked ahead to the ever-growing issue of an consider the financial years between 1991 and ageing society. Unlike Labor's approach of just 1996 under Labor in the former Departments building more three-bedroom detached of Administrative Services and Housing, Local houses, the coalition addressed the needs of Government and Planning, where there were older Queenslanders by realigning the portfolio no fewer than 39 contractor failures or no through strategic asset sales of surplus fewer than 146 contracts worth a total of detached housing under a construction $59.25m. That was $59.25m ripped out of the program geared to include more seniors units pockets and mouths of hardworking and and one and two-bedroom apartments. Under deserving subcontractors. the coalition, Queenslanders witnessed a One does not have to go far to find other reduction in the public housing wait list down examples of Labor's poor management. One from 29,580 applicants in March 1996 to has only to look at the public housing system. 24,070 in December 1997. The coalition Labor oversaw a tenancy management Government also addressed the social issues system that tolerated and even harboured associated with high densities of public tenants who not only damaged the dwellings housing through urban renewal programs, the that they occupied but also destroyed the most significant of those being in the suburb communities of which they were supposed to of Inala. The $100m project titled "Inala—A be members. That went on unabated. I think New Beginning" is the largest urban renewal this is also an appropriate moment to examine project ever undertaken in Queensland. some of the other anomalies in their system. Through the involvement of the private sector For example, what about the financial eligibility and the local community, that project will see criteria? Irrespective of the size or the the revitalising of the entire suburb. composition of the family unit, the income However, the public housing system was threshold was $55,000. It did not matter not the only issue neglected by the previous whether prospective tenants were an Labor Government. Another issue was the 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1481 security of payment for subcontractors and lost years: politicians whose policies were stuck suppliers involved in the building industry. squarely in the past, politicians who refused to Labor had six years to address that issue but address the problems and the storm clouds of failed in its duty to do so. The coalition the future. I am not about to suggest that the Government, however, held a commission of survivors from the past Parliament are inquiry, consulted extensively with the major boneless wonders, but as assuredly as the stakeholders and developed a whole-of- sun will rise tomorrow they are guilty of the industry strategy to address the issue, which, I same sin: a stubborn refusal to address the should remind members opposite, has the full problems and threatening storm clouds of the support of the key industry stakeholders. Prior future. to the last election, the coalition also One Nation members in this House, introduced an amendment Bill before this elected to support one nation, one House detailing significant amendments to the Queensland, are gravely concerned for the Subcontractors' Charges Act—which is one of future of Queensland. We are like Churchill of the two Acts covering the security of payment old—astonished that the members in the last issue—in the process of drafting amendments Parliament had stubbornly refused to address to the Building Services Authority legislation. the problems of the future. During our 27 months in Government, the The electors of Whitsunday have coalition had a number of other significant bestowed on me their confidence. I am achievements, such as the introduction of the humbled by the honour and most certainly I Home Safe Program, a $3m Statewide challenge all members in this House to initiative that provides additional security for confront the problems of the future—confront seniors in public housing dwellings located in unemployment, which will cause huge social high crime areas. What about the increased problems in the future; confront the policies of funding and full Statewide expansion of the globalism, which will destroy our sovereignty Home Assist and Home Secure programs, and is now in the process of doing just that; which provide for basic household services for confront family turmoil, which is creating seniors living in private accommodation? One problems ranging from crime to poverty; and should not forget our commitment to people confront Government level playing fields and requiring disability housing, a commitment that "get big or get out" fantasies, which are saw more than twice the number of people destroying jobs and sending Australian with a disability housed in 1996-97 than those companies and jobs offshore. housed in the previous financial year. That commitment was recognised by a prestigious My electorate of Whitsunday has been award. hard hit by all of these Government policies of destruction—these stupid policies, these Because of the capacity of Mr Borbidge policies that hurt Australians. That is why my and the coalition Government, Queensland Whitsunday electors sent me into this House: was powering ahead and was on course to be to confront and deliver on the problems of the a major economic player within the Asia-Pacific future. I thank the electors of Whitsunday for region. However, with the member for their confidence and I thank the hardworking Brisbane Central at the helm, I believe that band of loyal and dedicated men and women Queensland has become the SS Minnow, who worked long hours for One Nation and reversed course and is heading directly for contributed greatly to my election. I would also Gilligan's Island. In conclusion, I have like to thank my wife, Veronica, and our three absolutely no confidence in the Labor grown-up children, David, Dianne and Sandra. Government led by the member for Brisbane The people of Whitsunday will always be Central. first in my representations in this House, first in Mr BLACK (Whitsunday—ONP) my desire to address the problems of the (1.28 a.m.): I congratulate the Speaker on his future, which are now causing so much election to his office. Winston Churchill once suffering in the Whitsundays. Whitsunday is a told Parliament about his experience with the diverse community—canefarmers who are now boneless wonder at the carnival. His mother threatened by the sugarcane fungus, graziers refused to allow him to see that carnival exhibit who are troubled by markets and closure of because it was so disgusting and abhorrent. abattoirs, small crop farmers who are disturbed Upon entering Parliament, he was astonished by foreign imports, miners who are frustrated to see all about him politicians whom he could by Government and divisive laws, retail and describe only as "boneless wonders". Why small business long forgotten by big boneless wonders? He described them in that Government, professionals and tradesmen way because they were the politicians of the who find opportunities declining and the skilled 1482 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 and unskilled who fear unemployment and to Cape York could be devastated by this insecurity. Everybody fears for their future. fungus. Billions of dollars of investment and People work hard but Government has sales are at risk. The jobs of thousands could betrayed their expectations. Government has vanish—all because the Federal Government failed to solve the impact of technology. Its has sat on its hands on so many issues destructive globalism policy has destroyed affecting Australia. For far too long the decades of investment and hard work. People Government has underfunded research for the expect democratic, responsible and honest industry and has gone slow on the Government but are getting distant, development of value-added products for the unaccountable and devious Government. We industry. Drastic action is now required to stem are getting disastrous and inept Government the threat of this destructive fungus and to that administers policies in a witless and save jobs, farms and industry. Quarantine chaotic fashion. The confusion in must be tightened, poaching must be wiped Queensland's northern meat processing out, illegal immigration confronted and all industry is a case in point. Six out of nine steps taken to prevent a spread of this fungus abattoirs that once serviced the huge cattle- from Western Australia to Queensland. raising region north of Mackay have closed. In What is more worrying is that media such an environment, there was a certain reports are suggesting that this fungus is here inevitability about the decision to close the already. If that is so, then every effort must be Borthwicks abattoirs in Bowen last year—a made to fund the sugar industry in its battle to plant which had served this major community remove this scourge. This is not a time for the for more than a century. faint hearted, for a slow response by Government or for a mumbo jumbo attitude The Labor and Liberals in Canberra that pledges action but does very little. This dismissed this as a necessary result of must be a priority challenge for Government change. But they live in an unreal world. The for immediate action. Anything less than total result in human terms is 400 lost jobs—400 support and action will be viewed as just futures destroyed and 400 families disgusted another failure by Government—a at both the failed national and State Government that is distant, non-accountable leadership. Labor is in big trouble in the and confused as to where its true loyalties lie. Whitsundays. It has been usurped by the wagging tongues of the lawyers. They have no Another industry vital to Whitsunday is clue how to relate to the electors—the tourism. It is also in trouble, not because of grassroots, the workers. Labor has shown a Pauline Hanson and One Nation but because callous contempt for the basic rights of of the weakness and failings of Government, Queenslanders. They are a party of backroom because of the Asian crisis and blinkered boys, of discordant factions. By their elements within the industry itself. Both Labor remoteness and daily deceit, they follow a and Liberals in Canberra have been path of destruction for democracy. Labor has badmouthing Australia for years. Now they are lost sight of its traditional support base—the taking to touring Asia to badmouth Pauline workers who have since flocked to One Nation. Hanson for their own failures and betrayals of Australia and Australians. This is not only the Queensland has lost its momentum height of bad manners but also stupidity gone because of the greediness and hypocrisy of all mad. They are trying to kill tourism and blame the old political parties. They pretend to fight it on Pauline Hanson. They are deliberately each other but they are more like a club of stirring up hatred and racism and, as such, bedfellows leeching off the taxpayer. As the they are the greatest racists of all time who are new member for Whitsunday, I am prepared badmouthing their own country and people. to work with anybody who is prepared to work for Australia—for one Australia, for all Many of the hierarchy of the publicly Australia—working for Australians. I follow in funded statutory bodies set up by the Labor the wake of a host of great Queenslanders Party during its decade in Government have who have represented Whitsunday—men swung into vilification mode to badmouth such as Ron Camm, who spent long years in Australia, Australians and One Nation. They this House. are doing exactly what they were set up to do—conduct hate tours of Queensland to Such men would have been horrified at badmouth Queensland and Queenslanders, the reports this week that the feared sugar especially country people. They serve no cane fungus has got past quarantine and useful purpose except to push a Labor Party gained a foothold in Australia. The entire agenda and squander huge sums of tax sugar industry in Queensland and in every money. They must be abolished, the community from the New South Wales border squandered tax money recovered and, where 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1483 crimes of a serious nature are found, work of the previous Speaker, Neil Turner. He prosecutions launched to fit the crimes. was a good friend and an excellent member Tourism will survive despite the and he did a lot for this precinct. The period I professional name callers and vilifiers. Tourism served with him in Government was a is big in Whitsunday because it has beautiful particularly interesting period. natural resources and unlimited attractions for I also acknowledge former member tourists. Tourism is a major employer and we Naomi Wilson, who represented an electorate must keep it as a major employer. But how do to the north of mine. She did an enormous we do this when taxes and other influences amount of work. She took on a ministerial continually force up costs and globalisation responsibility at a fairly late stage and worked policies cripple the Asian economies and as a Parliamentary Secretary prior to that. The prevent spending and travel? work she did within the Parliament in relation People who visit Whitsunday always go to family services was very commendable. away with friendly memories of a great holiday I also acknowledge the speech made by in an exotic environment. This is hard to beat the new member for Callide, Jeff Seeney. I anywhere in the world. Whitsunday is, by think he hit the nail on the head on numerous Brisbane standards, an electorate of occasions. He is a person of the land and he moderately small communities, but is well aware of the difficulties. During the communities with the vigour and period I was Primary Industries Minister, I went resourcefulness of the bigger towns and cities through Callide a couple of times and met with in Queensland. They may be smaller, but they him. He has a good, firm grasp on the need the same facilities and services as the problems associated with Callide and certainly big city. Unfortunately, they have suffered at with rural industries. the hands of globalisation and the withdrawal of services. This must stop. It will stop when Let us look through the scale of industries One Nation forms Government in Queensland throughout Queensland. First there is mining. and in Canberra. If the old parties and the elite There is an absolute need for infrastructure. little club in Canberra do not come up with Major developments are going on at some quick answers to the problems facing Cannington, Ernest Henry, Mount Isa and at Australia, that time will not be long coming. numerous other mines in the western areas. Planning is a vital part of the future prospects The Liberals, Nationals and Labor are tied of these mines, whether in relation to harbours together like Siamese twins on policies that or roads. We will see ports extended in are destroying Australia. They cannot even Townsville and certainly Karumba. oppose each other when it comes to the election of a Speaker because of their deals Agriculture is another very important area, behind the scenes. This is one reason I am with fisheries and aquaculture and a whole here today representing Whitsunday. The range of other industries involved. They all electors of Whitsunday are sick and tired of come under the Department of Primary deals between faceless men. They want Industries. I believe some significant gains change—change for the better for Australia were made in those areas in the time the and Queensland, not a continuation of the coalition was in Government. same old fumbling and stumbling that has We could look at the grazing industry characterised policy makers for the past two principally in north Queensland or we could decades in this country and not a continuation look at cattle. The loss of the Indonesian live of the tight old style of Government that cattle market was of great concern to a lot of refused to act on outlandish corruption such people because being able to sell cattle into a as the Heiner affair, with the destruction of market very close by was a great alternative. I documents. It is endemic corruption. The commend the work of the live cattle export electors of Whitsunday want change and One advisory committee and Don Heatley, who Nation is here to get change or to learn the developed a live cattle trade with China. There reason why. were a few hiccups with blue tongue, but a Mr ROWELL (Hinchinbrook—NPA) suitable area was identified. After some (1.42 a.m.): Certainly right throughout north involvement with AQIS and its equivalent in Queensland there are major concerns about a China, we made some good progress and I changeover to this Labor Government. Firstly, believe that we will be sending cattle over to Madam Deputy Speaker, through you I China in the very near future. We will also be congratulate the new Speaker of the House. It assisting the Chinese in developing their is a very important role within the feedlots. Our technology is far superior to what parliamentary process. I also acknowledge the they have at present. I believe we can be of 1484 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 great assistance and develop very good trade One of the best prospects we have for with them. combating this disease is breeding resistant We are seeing a contraction of the cattle varieties. As time progresses, I believe we will industry on the coastal belt as sugar takes need Government support to do that. We over there. Currently the industry is worth have to emphasise the need to crank up a $2 billion and I believe somewhere in the breeding program over time. We need the future it will be worth very close to $3 billion, of support of a nationwide program to combat which about 90% will come from exports. outbreaks of exotic diseases wherever they Certainly it is presently 85%. Sugar really is the occur. Unfortunately, from time to time, major primary industry in the State at this despite our best endeavours they will be present time. introduced. I witnessed that with the outbreak of black sigatoka in the banana industry. A During the period I was Primary Industries grower in the Daintree area had to totally Minister we had to deal with the issue of the destroy 87 acres of his crop, without receiving single desk seller. Of course, it was a Federal very much support. Some support did come issue as much as a State one and some from the Federal and State Governments, but amendments had to be made to the Trade there really has been no mechanism to Practices Act. That was secured with the address this situation. I believe there is a role Federal Government and I believe that the that Queensland can play, and we were on position of the single desk seller is now secure. track and doing something about it prior to our It is the important section of the selling leaving Government. process of the industry where we are not competing against ourselves but where we Horticulture is developing rapidly have a product that we can sell quite throughout the north. The coalition has adequately to the rest of the world. We have mounted a number of successful campaigns very stringent quality controls and, of course, to assist horticulture development. For with those quality controls and the ability of the example, we brought about the eradication of people to be agents for selling it, we have the papaya fruit fly in about half the time that done particularly well in the past. the most optimistic people predicted. I believe that by 23 August this year we will have The other very important aspect of the achieved total eradication. We will have to do sugar industry that I was involved in was the some monitoring for about another eight security of tenure of terminals. That is quite months. If all goes well, the whole of north important. Unfortunately, prior to the Sugar Queensland will be cleared of the papaya fruit Industry Act there was no ability for the fly. We have had problems with the spiraling industry to have ownership of these facilities. white fly, which has been on Australian shores We were able to go through a process of for some time. Unfortunately, it got into the deciding how we could give security of tenure. Cairns area. The department acted very We have given the industry a long-term lease. swiftly. We put a perimeter around the It will now be up to the industry to divest the affected area. Live plant material could not be interests of those terminals. I believe that over moved out of that area. As a consequence, a period of time the ownership will revert we have been able to contain it. We also used absolutely to each industry person in a fairly some biological control with a wasp called the equitable situation. World prices for the crop Encarsia. It has been particularly effective in are in the doldrums—they are going reducing the spread of the spiraling white fly in down—which will have a major impact on the the Cairns region at Edge Hill. There was also sale of our sugar and on our ability to sell that an unusual outbreak of the papaya fruit fly in sugar to a lot of countries throughout the the Torres Strait. The department acted very world. swiftly and took a thousand blocks with methyl Mention was made of the threat of the eugenol as the attractant and Malathion as exotic disease, smut, from the Ord. That will the chemical that kills it. I believe that it is require leadership from the State Government going well at present. in Queensland. This dreaded disease has the We have a number of major industries on ability to devastate considerable areas of the tablelands. We are looking at export country. It can very often go unnoticed for potential with mangoes, longans, lychees and some period of time. We believe that that is avocadoes. On the coast, the banana industry what may have happened in the Ord River. dominates. It is probably worth about $160m The disease can be carried by wind. It can be per year. Paw paws are worth $10m per carried by contact through insects or annum. Aquaculture is also extremely equipment, or even by humans. important. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1485

I wish to mention that the Ingham TAFE I acknowledge many of the professional College will be a reality. It will be of major officers who work in the department. In the benefit to my electorate. That was something four months that I was the Minister I travelled that Labor axed back in 1990. That is just one throughout much of Queensland. There was of the reasons that I cannot support the good spirit, a lot of achievement and a range motion moved by the Premier. I have of expertise second to none. To mention witnessed what Labor will do when it gets into anybody would probably put the kiss of death Government. It usually acts very swiftly to on them, because this department—— knock off programs in non-Labor electorates. Mr Palaszczuk: What did you do in four Tourism is a major industry in Cairns and, months? in the north, Mission Beach. I wish to make Mr ROWELL: I am just about to get to special mention of Port Hinchinbrook. I am that. I do not think I will have enough time. pleased that the Premier is in the Chamber. I wish now to mention some of the About a year ago, the Premier attended a little achievements of the department. I am soiree—a Night to Remember Forever. I pleased that the member for Inala, the understand that he acted as a waiter, along Primary Industries Minister, has raised this with the Minister for Environment and Natural matter. The softwood and hardwood Resources. The Governor's Speech plantations are a great initiative of the mentioned the Government's commitment to department. About 30 years ago, the coalition tourism. However, it tried to put Port planted a lot of these pine forests that we are Hinchinbrook under. It cannot be consistent. now harvesting. If we had not done that, they That is another reason why I cannot support would not have been there to harvest. If the the Premier's motion. Why did the Minister for Primary Industries visits the mill at Government—then in Opposition—stick its Tuan some time, he will see one of the best nose into something that did not have a great operations anywhere in the country, if not the deal to do with it? world. Mr Foley interjected. Mr Palaszczuk: It is good news. Mr ROWELL: The member is very friendly Mr ROWELL: I am pleased that the tonight. What does he have to say? Minister agrees with me. The whole thing about this great plantation industry is that it Mr Foley: I thought we almost had you employs about 17,000 people. This there for a while. Government is very keen on employment; we Mr ROWELL: You nearly did, but not should be planting more forests. We had a quite. You were getting close, but you could $20m program to plant another 10,000 not quite get over the line. Each person paid hectares of forest. I am sure the Minister will $85 to go to that soiree to fight against Port be supporting that. At present, the industry is Hinchinbrook. That was absolutely amazing. worth about $1.7 billion. I wish also to mention a client survey I turn to aquaculture, an area where we carried out by AC Nielsen McNair which did some really interesting work in demonstrated clearly that the Department of Government. I am sure this Government will Primary Industry in Queensland was providing support it, too. We put $750,000 into Cairns an excellent advisory service and has been for the breeding of barramundi cod and coral received extremely well. In the survey, "4" was trout. That was an excellent project. In fact, I considered to be the top figure for the rating. believe in the future this industry will be worth Some 954 producers acknowledged a score of probably $1 billion to Queensland. Some 3.73, and 50 producers acknowledged a score $500,000 went into freshwater fisheries at of 3.76. That was extremely commendable for Walkamin, where there is another excellent the department. But what happened? The project. Some 42 ponds were put in there, and Government sacked the director-general, Roly eels, sleepy cod and crustaceans are being Nieper. He had a major involvement in the bred. Does the Minister support that? That is outcome of that survey. Labor had no regard great. Did his party close down the Bribie for a person who made a major contribution to Island aquaculture station or let it run dead? the success of this department. It is a great Does the Minister remember that one? shame when a person of the calibre of Roly Mr Veivers: No, Henry does not know Nieper is axed because of the vindictiveness where that is. of this Government. That is another very good Mr ROWELL: He probably does not, but reason why I could not support its motion of that is okay. At that station we are breeding confidence. Moreton Bay bugs and a whole range of other 1486 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 crustaceans. It is breeding whiting fingerlings Mr ROWELL: We were going to build that are being released into the Maroochy more dams. We were going to build $1 billion River. We put $3m into the commercial fishing worth of dams. Of course, I was really licence buyback. That was a great initiative concerned about the 600 people whom the allowing commercial fishers to get out of the Government knocked out of the DPI. It was an industry with some dignity. absolute disgrace. We have them back there Mr Palaszczuk: What about the by-catch working with people. The client survey clearly regulations? demonstrated that there was a lot of support for what our former Government was doing. Mr ROWELL: Hang on. We are moving This Government has to match that, and we on to the by-catch reduction devices. This will will be watching it to make sure that it does save a lot of fish kills. There has been a lot of everything possible as far as the people on support in the fishing industry for this. Of the land are concerned. course, then we have the turtle exclusion devices which are doing an excellent job, too. Mr Palaszczuk interjected. To make sure that we had the best technology Mr ROWELL: Anyway, I cannot stop. possible, we gave $10,000 to John Olsen to Time expired. expand his expertise overseas. I think that will prove to be money extremely well spent. Mr BAUMANN (Albert—NPA) (2.02 a.m.): Firstly, I would like to join with the many other Mr Palaszczuk: We announced it. members of the House who have offered their Mr ROWELL: I am sure the member congratulations tonight to Mr Hollis on his opposite will be supporting it. The member is election to the esteemed office of Speaker. I too late; he has gone. We gave it to him am sure that, if he could have enjoyed the about two months ago. The other thing we same majority in the electorate of Redcliffe in have got going is the vessel monitoring the recent election, he would have been more devices. than happy. I would like also to pay tribute to Mr Littleproud: A double opening. those tireless workers and supporters from the electorate of Albert who made very sure that I Mr ROWELL: Yes, the member opposite was not retired by popular vote the last time will open things three times—even a tin of around. I am here for another term. baked beans. He is that sort of a guy; he cannot keep his little fingers out of it. As far as Mr Palaszczuk: I'm surprised. the fishing industry is concerned, these vessel Mr BAUMANN: I knew Henry would be monitoring devices are excellent. There is a lot surprised. It is another one of his oncers, I of support from the whole commercial fishing think. He just cannot pick them. industry for the vessel monitoring devices. I turn now to the serious business at They had to be implemented in July to enable hand, and that is the motion before the House scallop fisheries to make sure that they kept tonight. One of the key reasons this House out of the areas that they should not be in. cannot have confidence in this minority Labor We can even expand that further now and put Government is its total unreliability and it into a lot of other areas so that they do not confusion on the issue of the resolution of go into seagrass areas, and so on. I am sure native title issues and the Labor Government's that the new Minister for Primary Industries will displayed inability to develop a sustainable be supporting all of those good initiatives that and just economic framework. we came up with. It is excellent that he will be supporting them At some stage later today the Premier will introduce legislation to put in place two points In his Speech, the Governor referred to a of the 10 point plan developed by the Prime centre for excellence for irrigation. We Minister, the States and stakeholders. These proposed $12.5m for that. I think that is a two points are validation and confirmation of good initiative. Does the member opposite extinguishment. Of course, we on this side of agree with that? No, he has gone quiet. That the House welcome the comprehensive was an initiative that we were really interested jettisoning of Labor native title policy by in getting up and going because I believe that Queensland's Labor Premiers on these two we can save water and make better use of it if crucial points of the plan. Obviously, it is the we have a centre for excellence for irrigation. commonsense thing to do. Of course, if we do that, the money that is spent to build dams and so on can be Validation of dealings in land by extended. Governments between the enactment of the Native Title Act in January of 1994 and the Mr Palaszczuk: You don't want to build Wik decision of December 1996 even though dams. a procedural matter at one level is 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1487 nonetheless a very major issue. It is, indeed, by the States only after they had been because of the potential invalidity of a large gazetted in a manner that aimed at attracting number of grants made during this period by native title interests. If native title interest was both the Goss and Borbidge Governments attracted, then claimants could have an over land which the Native Title Act said was opportunity to go to the Federal Court. If they not native title land but which the Wik decision went to the Federal Court and a grant made then said could be native title land. So we had during this period was determined to be the position in which Governments acting in invalid, as Labor believes most are, then the line with Paul Keating's disastrous and right to negotiate would apply. ineffective Native Title Act could have been I strongly suspect that that particular making invalid grants because they did not position was sparked quite specifically by a take into account common law native title. Of Queensland project none other than Ernest course, they could not and did not take it into Henry. The Labor Left wanted to try to account because they did not and could not generate a situation in which Ernest Henry know at that time that it existed. So would have to face a retrospective right to commonsense certainly demanded that it be negotiate. If it could achieve this, it might well fixed. catch a range of others, possibly scores of Notwithstanding that, with a great deal of them around the country. In Queensland support from the Democrats and the Greens in alone, for example, some 800-plus mining the Senate where the Labor Left had and still tenures were dealt with during that interim has full sway, the ALP baulked on the issue. period. That was incredibly hypocritical of Labor, but That is absolute stupidity and absolute very revealing perhaps of the ALP's motivation bloody-mindedness. That is just one of the on this issue generally. In what were very many moves by Labor aimed at stalling the similar circumstances in relation to invalidity in resolution of the native title issue, one of the 1993, the Labor Party was perfectly ready to many efforts by Labor to make native title validate without qualification. I refer, of course, even more litigious than Paul Keating to the situation at that time when many grants managed to do—a fair effort—one of the in land made between the enactment of the many efforts by Labor to extend the reach of Racial Discrimination Act in 1975 and the compensation and one of the many efforts by Native Title Act could have been invalid Labor to make mining very unfairly carry a because they might have been racially large element of the native title burden so that discriminatory. At that time Labor was perfectly Labor's cappuccino drinkers in the inner capable of accepting that Governments could suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne can sit not have known such actions were potentially back and enjoy that warm inner glow, racially discriminatory because the native title confident that they had done the politically was not recognised by the law. In other words, correct thing without, of course, risking a the situation was essentially exactly the same. cracker of their own. Governments dealt in land in accordance Mr Bredhauer: What's the matter with with the law of the day but found cappuccinos, anyway? retrospectively that they may have been in breach of a law, in that case, the one we just Mr BAUMANN: Not a thing, probably. It spoke of—the RDA. Why there was a change will give the honourable member opposite that of heart in relation to the very similar problems warm inner glow as well. subsequently presented by Wik can only be Mr Bredhauer interjected. answered by those Left Wingers who drove Mr BAUMANN: I am sure the member the debate this time around. It certainly is the would. It would take one of those Labor Left case this time around that Labor wanted to gentlemen to identify that warm inner glow, place very significant qualifications on the wouldn't it? One could hear them say, "Leave validation regime. the bulk of the challenges and the costs to the What Labor wanted—and it is very clearly miners and the pastoralists. Just leave us expressed in the amendments moved to the alone with our warm inner glow." Lovely stuff! Native Title Amendment Bill in the Senate and We are very grateful on this side of the House by exchanges during the Committee stage of to at least have the understanding at this point that debate—was a regime which would have that Labor in Queensland has again thumbed left many mining tenures in particular wide its nose at the Left. That, of course, is a very open to native title issues. Labor wanted brave act by the Premier—if he is validation of dealings like mining lease grants listening—because all of us know that when and mining lease renewals during this so- the former member for Logan led the Labor called interim period to be able to be validated Party in this State he also treated the Left with 1488 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 contempt. That led, in time, to a break-out, So what the native title amendment and even strident criticism, to be quite legislation of the Commonwealth does is generous, which in turn generated a vow from simply affirm this view of the common law that faction that it would never silently tolerate accepted, as I say, by most sensible or accept such treatment again. At the commentators and by the parliamentary moment the silence is deafening, so perhaps Leader of the Federal Labor Party in particular. the Left has rolled over, too. To achieve that, there is simply a schedule Anyhow, it is pleasing to see that the attached to the legislation which lists those member for Brisbane Central, so early in his tenures which are grants of exclusive tenure, is prepared to treat the Left with the possession in this country, State by State. In same degree of disdain as the former Labor relation to Queensland, that list naturally leader. It is particularly refreshing to see the includes grazing homestead perpetual leases. member for Brisbane Central chancing his arm The Premier, however, seems to be of the in this regard so very early in his tenure when view that what he proposes to do is actually he lacks anywhere near the degree of support extinguish native title, and he has referred in the caucus, or certainly in the electorate, particularly to the fact that that is his intent in that the member for Logan achieved—if relation to grazing homestead perpetual somewhat briefly under all the circumstances. leases. Of course, that is nonsense. There can One could say that he epitomises the old be no such deliberate extinguishment. More adage—if one is not living on the edge one is pointedly, one cannot extinguish what is taking up too much space. already extinguished. We will, however, be watchful of the I know that the leaders of the Labor Party legislation as it is introduced to ensure that it in Queensland gave instructions for the State does deliver what the Premier has been so to argue in the Wik case, and in the Waanyi keen in recent days to suggest it does, which case, that native title over all pastoral land in is an unqualified validation regime, despite the this State was extinguished. It argued that position of the Federal Labor Party. We need very forcefully. But those days are behind us. that, and we need it quickly. Another area in The fact is that native title is only extinguished which we are particularly pleased to see the totally on grants of exclusive possession. new Government dump Labor policy is in Grazing homestead perpetual leases are relation to the confirmation of extinguishment grants of exclusive possession which have provision, which is point two of the 10 point totally extinguished native title. So this plan. The Premier says he is doing it, but I do Government cannot somehow extinguish it not think he quite knows what he is doing, again—even if it would if it could. judging by some of his quite extraordinary The Premier then compounded his error comments in recent days concerning in relation to the question of compensation. extinguishment. He has suggested that compensation for his The confirmation of extinguishment alleged statutory extinguishment of native title provisions means just that: they are not on grazing homestead perpetual leases will, provisions which extinguish, as the Premier so possibly, be in the form of infrastructure. Again clearly suggests. They are provisions which the Premier is out on a very strange limb merely confirm that extinguishment has taken indeed. Compensation will not be a factor for place, at some time in the past, in line with the native title that he has not extinguished but clear interpretations of the High Court. The fact which was extinguished quite some time ago. that this regime is a simple confirmatory But if it was payable hypothetically, it certainly regime is well recognised and accepted by at will not be decided statutorily by the Premier, it least the Right Wing of the Labor Party in will be determined by independent processes Canberra in general, and by the Federal by the courts. Opposition Leader in particular. This is the There may well be the potential for some maxim: that native title is extinguished by negotiation, but it is a very brave statement inconsistent grant. Where the grant is a grant indeed from the Premier that any such of exclusive possession, native title is totally compensation, by way of infrastructure, will be extinguished. Where the grant is a non- deducted from any orders in relation to exclusive grant, the extinguishment is to the compensation. He may get a real extent of the inconsistency in relation to what shock—even a rude shock—because that is native title may remain on non-exclusive not his call. I suspect that some of the tenures. It can co-exist with the rights granted confusion the Premier is displaying on this to, say, a pastoral leaseholder. But even so, issue is related directly to the balancing act he where there is a conflict the rights of the is seeking to engage in and which is so clearly pastoralist will prevail. going to bedevil him every step of the way. 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1489

What Labor wanted in the Senate in relation maintenance of a full right to negotiate in to confirmation was to strike out the entire relation to mining on pastoral land; to a full Schedule. This is because the Left Wing of right to negotiate over infrastructure projects the Labor Party in Canberra, which basically built by third parties; to a full right to negotiate pulled management of the matter right out for the intertidal zone; to a full right to from under Kim Beazley and went its own way, negotiate over compulsory acquisitions for does not believe that even exclusive tenures third parties in towns and cities; and to a full extinguish native title. Labor, in the Senate, in right to negotiate in relation to any mining the debate run by Nick Bolkus, had to be lease renewals—even those dealt with during dragged screaming to agree to the proposition the so-called intermediate period. They include that private freehold land extinguished native constraints on pastoral activity. They include title. We are scaremongers! I would say it is opposition to virtually every aspect of the 10 enough to terrify all Australians. point plan, and to many subsidiary but But it is Nick Bolkus and the Labor Left important aspects of the Native Title which clings hardest to the view that freehold Amendment Bill as well. The situation is like does not extinguish. Senator Bolkus, and this: the Premier has been assiduously others from the Labor Party, argued that even ducking any substantive statement on where that had not been conclusively decided and he stands on native title since this debate they wanted to leave the matter to the courts. began years ago. He either does not know Of course, in relation to lesser tenures—even what to think or he does not dare express those which are almost universally accepted what he does think. A key case in point is the as grants of exclusive possession—the Labor right to negotiate. That is the crucial point of Left wanted the issue as to whether there was native title policy. any extinguishment of native title left Nick Bolkus has delivered Labor's view comprehensively to the courts—tenure by time and again. Native title without the right to tenure test cases. This would result in literally negotiate is nothing, he says. Yet the right to years, possibly decades, of litigation. So much negotiate will smother the mining industry in for certainty! That is part of the Premier's this State. If the Premier goes along with the current, clearly almost wholesale confusion on right to negotiate, he will be committing this this topic. He is trying to serve a number of State to double-digit unemployment and the masters and the job is getting the better of jobs, jobs, jobs he talks about will be lost, lost, him. lost. He will strangle billions of dollars in He realises that it is the commonsense, development, and he knows it. So why does just and equitable thing to do to confirm he not answer the central question? It is extinguishment as set out in the Native Title simple enough: does he back Labor policy or Amendment Bill and thus endorse point two of does he back commonsense? The fact that the 10 point plan. But he is aware of what the Premier will not tell us is a key reason why Federal Labor wants—or at least he is aware this House cannot express confidence in his of what the Left of the Queensland Labor Government, particularly in relation to the Party wants—and he is trying to have two bob native title issue. each way. None of this augurs well for the If Federal Labor wins the next general handling of this issue by this Government in election, will the Premier fold to the Left? More the months and the years ahead. than likely, we say. Will we see all of Labor's Senator Bolkus has repeatedly said that native title policies come into play? It is hard to Federally Labor remains committed—that was think that we will not, given the passionate his very word—to the amendments to the 10 zeal with which Labor in the Senate pursued point plan which the ALP first moved in the its goals. Can we trust him in the meantime? Senate late last year. These include limited Having given the Left two major swipes—by validation. That would put projects like Ernest ostensibly going along with validation, and Henry at risk. These include no schedule of confirmation, however confusedly—what is confirmation of extinguishment. We would going to happen when he gets to the most have years, and possibly decades, of substantive issues? Will he need to deliver expensive test cases and uncertainty deep some quid pro quos to the Left? Will he need into the next century. to develop legislation in a fashion that will These include the wholesale application enable him to slot in Labor policy if and when of the theory of revival of native title: that there Labor wins federally? The Premier says that is no extinguishment, just suppression, so that he is on about stability and certainty. In native title can revive, and return, and be relation to native title, he is on about hiding claimed and litigated for ever. These include around corners. Neither he nor his 1490 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

Government deserves the confidence of this commitments are not honoured in full. I would House on this topic. have thought that, by putting those Mr BEANLAND (Indooroopilly—LP) commitments in this letter and by raising these (2.21 a.m.): At the outset, Mr Speaker, I issues in this letter—— congratulate you on your election to that high Mr Borbidge: Setting a standard. office. In debating this confidence motion, this Mr BEANLAND: Yes, he was setting a Chamber is dealing with the future and the standard. These issues were significant to him. direction of this great State of ours. In They are not matters to be lightly jettisoned or particular, in debating this confidence motion, abandoned and thrown overboard. If the we are debating a motion about this minority member for Nicklin is not prepared to accept Labor Government—a motion of confidence the amendment moved by the Leader of the which it believes it will gain with the support of Opposition, I believe that the people of the member for Nicklin, based on a letter from Queensland—and certainly I—will believe the member for Nicklin to Mr Beattie, the otherwise. And when the member talks about Leader of the Labor Party, and, prior to that, a integrity and principle, I will not be able to letter from Mr Beattie to the member for Nicklin believe that he is genuine in his concern about dated 25 June this year, when Mr Beattie was those matters. What we are talking about is Leader of the Opposition. I mention these two that genuine concern—nothing more and letters because they are most important nothing less. I know that the member for factors in this debate. I believe that it is Nicklin is under great pressure from members legitimate to make them part of this debate. of the Labor Party. I have noticed them The letters should be part of the debate and moving across the Chamber to talk to the part of the motion. It was for that reason that member for Nicklin to shore up their position the Leader of the Opposition included these on this matter—as well they might. That occurs particular matters in his amendment to the all the time. motion of confidence. This is a very serious and important This matter is of major concern to the matter. The letter of 25 June from the then member for Nicklin, and I can understand that. Leader of the Opposition, Mr Beattie, contains He is no doubt coming under a great deal of no trickery or nonsense that would be of pressure from members of the Labor Party, concern to the honourable member. I believe because they are concerned about the that it would be worth while going through amendments to the motion which have been some aspects of this letter. I am not sure moved by the Leader of the Opposition. What whether members have done this, but they are the Opposition's amendments? They should. The first subject raised in the letter is clearly and simply spell out the basis on which "Liaison with Independent Members". The this minority Government will govern. I would second paragraph of that section states— have thought that the member for Nicklin would have been able to accept this particular "A senior member of the Premier's amendment without any qualms, because it personal staff will have responsibility for does not go outside the letters that have been assisting the two Independents to ensure mentioned in this Chamber. It simply access to Ministers, key public servants emphasises their importance and significance. including heads of Departments, and the Premier." Mr Schwarten interjected. Surely that is not a matter about which the Mr SPEAKER: Order! If the Minister is member for Nicklin or the Premier would be going to continue interjecting he should do so concerned. from his correct seat. The next section headed "Parliament" Mr BEANLAND: The member for Nicklin states— talked about integrity and principle. In fact, I felt that he was lecturing all members in this "I note and share your strongly held Chamber. On a couple of occasions I have desire to lift the standard of behaviour in heard the member talking in the media about the Parliament." integrity and principle. How can he talk about Mr Speaker, I reflect upon your election to that integrity and principle if he is not prepared to position on Tuesday of this week. At that time insert into the motion of confidence the the Premier indicated that he is determined amendment moved by the Leader of the that his Government will play its part in setting Opposition? Firstly, it recognises the high standards of honesty and accountability. commitments given by the Premier to his good If we are talking about honesty and self. Secondly, it requires the resignation of accountability, then why should the the Premier and the Government if those Government not be called upon to resign if it is 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1491 not fulfilling these significant issues that were That is not something that members opposite raised in that letter by the then Leader of the did at all times in the previous Parliament. I Opposition—now the Premier of this State? He refer members to the Hansard debate in considered them to be serious enough to February 1996 in relation to this particular include them in a letter to the member for debate. The letter continues— Nicklin. The letter goes on to state— "I confirm my verbal advice that I "... ensure Standing Orders allow would seek your support and the support adequate opportunities for all Members of Mrs Cunningham for Parliamentary to: motions of confidence/no confidence and 1. Ask Questions both without notice supply. I also seek agreement to detailed and on notice." consultation on any new legislation arising from the electoral platform that I took to I believe that that has been the case and will the electorate for the June 13 election, continue to be the case. The letter noting however your right as an continues— Independent to vote on bills and clauses "Move private members bills and as you see appropriate." have them debated." Again, that is fair enough. The "Community That is a matter which I understand the Consultation" section mentions citizen-initiated Premier has accepted and, in due course, referenda. I will not go into that, because members will be debating the Sessional private members' Bills will be allowed. Orders. The letter continues— The next heading in the letter is "Participate in the 6pm debate"— "Queensland Finances", which I thought was a fairly straightforward issue. I point out to the which I understand has been taken care of— member for Nicklin that that section sets out "Participate in legislative debates"— what I understand to be the Labor Party's all members of this House have always had position on this matter. What could be more that ability— clear than the section under the heading "Queensland Finances"? The letter states— "Assume an appropriate role on at "In our meeting you expressed very least one of the Parliamentary clearly your commitment to maintaining committees"— sound financial management of the I understand that matter has been taken care State." of— The letter then sets out a number of points "Involve Independents in the budget that I think are worth reiterating— process, in particular through Estimate "1. Labor's new initiatives are Committees." accommodated within the framework That certainly happened in the past with the of the existing budget and forward Independent member for Gladstone, and I am estimates with only modest sure that it will happen in the future. adjustments to outlays. The letter then mentions the "Term of the 2. Labor will maintain a surplus budget Government". The Premier has picked this up framework and in each year, will in his motion. I would have thought that the further reduce net debt. most significant part of that section would be 3. Labor will deliver a budget surplus in that— both cash and GFS terms. "There would be no election held 4. The adjustments to the surplus before May 2001." figures reported in the recently The Premier's motion picked that up and goes delivered State Budget can be on to say "without express resolution of the funded without drawing upon Parliament". That is fair enough. The matter reserves for future superannuation has been covered. So why should we not liabilities or the contributions paid by have reference to this letter in the motion members of public sector moved by the Leader of the Opposition? superannuation schemes. The next section headed "Assurances 5. Labor can deliver its capital and from Independent Members" states— current program without imposing any new taxes or increasing existing "Independent Members deserve to taxes and charges above current real be treated with courtesy and respect." levels." 1492 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

They will not be increased above the CPI level. I certainly did not have a ministerial credit card The list continues— in the former Government. I was not aware 6. "Labor's policies are fully costed and that Ministers did have them. fully funded." Mr Borbidge: We cancelled them. They I ask: what can be the concerns in relation to were only issued for overseas travel. those provisions? Perhaps the Treasurer of Mr BEANLAND: The former Premier this State is planning on some increases in informs me that they were issued only for taxes and charges above the CPI. However, overseas travel. I certainly did not have one. I the letter states clearly that Labor's election do not believe that other Ministers in the commitments are fully costed and can be former Government had them. I make the contained within the budgetary framework and point to the member for Nicklin that Ministers that there will be no real increases in its taxes did not have those. and charges, that is, above the level of the No. 5 deals with the Ministerial Services CPI. I ask the member for Nicklin: what can be Branch being free from political influence. I of concern? According to the Labor Party, it is have always believed that that was the case. I quite clear that those commitments can be do not believe that there is anything new in met. Why would there be pressure upon the that provision. There are a couple of other member for Nicklin and why would he be points in that section that raise some more concerned that this Government should resign entertaining matters. Generally, they have if it does not honour those commitments in been along lines similar to the policies of the full? former Government. This Government may Next is the section headed "Ministerial have made some minor changes, but there is Financial Responsibility". That section goes nothing drastically, extraordinarily new. into some detail. I will not take up the time of The next section deals with parliamentary the Chamber, because I want to deal with entitlements. I understand that the current some other matters. That section contains a Government has indicated that it will honour number of points. No. 1 states— that. I understand that that has been "Six-monthly reports to Parliament on foreshadowed. We might be given more Ministerial expenses provided in a format information about that either later today or in that is readily understandable by the the very near future. That commitment will be community." honoured; there is no problem. Annual reports have been presented to the Under the heading "Concluding Parliament. Whether they were provided six Remarks", the letter states— monthly, annually or quarterly—so be it—they "In our discussions you have were still reports to this Parliament. No. 2 emphasised parliamentary accountability states— and a government committed to "All overseas travel by Ministers will addressing the sense of alienation among require personal approval by the Premier, many Queenslanders. I believe the based on a detailed submission outlining initiatives outlined here—and broader the benefits for Queensland and the policy program advanced by Labor during proposed cost. There will be a full report the 1998 election campaign—can make a to Parliament ..." real difference. Under the former Government, that was Our job now as parliamentarians is to certainly the case. I believe that that was the ensure honest, stable and accountable case also under the Goss Labor Government. government for Queensland. I believe For as long as I can remember, there have Labor can work effectively with the been reports to this Parliament. Just as the Independent Members in the interests of first point contains nothing new, the second our State, and I look forward to discussing point contains nothing new. No. 3 states— these issues further. "Ministers will only be given approval Kind regards to be accompanied on overseas travel by Peter Beattie their spouse or partner when expressly approved by the Premier ..." Leader of the Opposition" Again, there is nothing new in that provision. That letter was dated 25 June 1998. No. 4 states— Following the receipt of that letter of 25 "Ministers will not be entitled to June, the member for Nicklin wrote to the Ministerial credit cards." Leader of the Opposition, Mr Beattie, saying— 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1493

"Thank you for your letter dated June Mr Cooper interjected. 25, 1998 outlining our recent discussions. Mr BEANLAND: As the member for Crows In light of the above, I confirm that I Nest says, the member wrote that letter when will support your Government on he was Leader of the Opposition. He believed Confidence motions unless, there is that he could keep those commitments. I ask evidence of gross fraud, misappropriation the Premier: what has happened to cause him or like illegal activities, and, that I will to try to walk away, to turn his back and to do support your Appropriation Bill and not yet another of the backflips for which he is well abstain from voting." known? They did not call him "Backflip" for That is fair enough. What is the problem with nothing. The public of Queensland will supporting the amendments put forward by experience distrust and uncertainty in relation the coalition? Why is the Labor Party so afraid to this minority Labor Government if this of this amendment? What does it have to particular amendment by the Leader of the hide? Opposition is not accepted. Of course, the actual letter itself will not be worth the piece of Mr Borbidge interjected. paper it is written on. It will be nothing more Mr BEANLAND: As the Leader of the than a set of words. It will not be worth a Opposition says, what is the value of this cracker. If one is not prepared to stand up for agreement if it cannot be enforced? What is it, it certainly will not be worth the paper on the value of the whole arrangement? which it is written. It is a straightforward Members opposite discuss integrity, honesty commitment by the former Leader of the and accountability. Where is the accountability Opposition to the member for Nicklin for the in this agreement? This is not just some benefit of the public of Queensland. As the private agreement; this is a public agreement. member was telling us before, he is interested It is an agreement that involves this in genuineness, sincerity, accountability and Parliament. It involves the Chamber; it involves integrity. That is what I thought this motion of the people of Queensland. Therefore, in confidence was all about. So Labor has relation to this matter, I say to the member for moved an amendment in an attempt to Nicklin that if he is genuine—and I believe that wriggle its way out of the basis of this to this point he has been genuine—the test is Government. No doubt the people of about to arrive. If he is genuine, he must Queensland have something in store for them support the amendment moved by the Leader down the track. So much for the dignity of of the Opposition. Parliament and lifting the standards of A number of other points need to be Parliament! raised in relation to this matter. It is clear that Earlier today, the Premier endeavoured to the Labor Party has a great deal of concern portray his Government as receiving 53% of about some matter. If there were no concern, the two-party preferred vote. I think that was the member for Cook would not be moving an the figure he used. amendment to the Leader of the Opposition's Mr Beattie interjected. amendment. Clearly, the member for Brisbane Central is concerned about some commitment Mr BEANLAND: I am pleased that the in this letter, which was given by him when he Premier agrees with me. Of course, that is was the Leader of the Opposition. That is a another furphy, another attempt by the Labor commitment that he now wants to sneak away Party to rewrite history. Under the situation that from—otherwise he would be supporting the existed at the last election, there was no two- Opposition's amendment. So much for his party preferred vote. The electoral office has comments about integrity and honesty. So not distributed it and, as I understand it, that is much for his genuineness in relation to this not something that is going to be done. It Parliament. Of course, this letter is supposed might be a lot of wishful thinking, but I say to to be the foundation of the new-found Beattie the Premier of this State that it is not true. It Labor Government. What a foundation it is! does not stand up to scrutiny. It is just one of If Labor is not prepared to stand by these those throwaway lines that might make him arrangements, they are fundamentally flawed look good. from the outset. They are straightforward We on this side of the Chamber are arrangements. There is nothing clever about concerned—and, no doubt, the Government is them. I have been through most of them in also concerned—firstly about the detail. I do not think anybody will find anything Government's commitment to 5% in those arrangements that one could not unemployment. The time in which to achieve genuinely expect this minority Government to that figure has gone from three years to five keep in this place. It is straightforward. years. Secondly, the Opposition is concerned 1494 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998 that each day the Government has to find way in which they have behaved. I will come $1.5m—and it has been in office some 34 back to that. days—in order to honour its election In relation to the amendment proposed commitments. Over its three-year term, the by the honourable member for Surfers Government has to find $1.5m each day in Paradise, I indicate to him that the order to fund its $1.5 billion worth of election Government is opposed to a significant part of commitments. No doubt, the Government is his amendment. I accept the amendment concerned about that also. moved by the Transport Minister, which Time expired. acknowledges that the House recognises the commitments given by the Premier to the Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— member for Nicklin. Obviously, I have ALP) (Premier) (2.41 a.m.), in reply: I offer my discussed this matter with the member for sincere thanks to all members for their Nicklin. It is quite clear and appropriate that contributions to the debate on this motion. that acknowledgment be on the record. There Although I did not agree with a number of the is no doubt about that at all. That letter that I speeches nor with the tone of others, it is wrote to the member for Nicklin is on the public important that I acknowledge, I respect and I record. I tabled it in the Parliament. However, defend the right of members to express their the Leader of the Opposition and his team views, and I thank them for their contributions. know that what he tried to do with the I will deal with a number of specific matters amendment is just simply gamesmanship. It is later. just politics and it is nothing more. It is designed to try to give the Opposition the Firstly, in relation to the amendments opportunity to try to bring down the proposed to the original motion, we on this Government on any whim at any time. That is side of the House will oppose the amendment what it is about. It is about trying to get out of proposed by the member for Caboolture. I will the commitment that I gave to the member for come back to the reason for that very shortly. I Nicklin that we would not have an election might say that the views of the member for before 5 May 2001. Caboolture and supported by the member for Tablelands and others—and I say this with the Mr Borbidge: They're your commitments. greatest respect—were based on rumour, Mr BEATTIE: Let us forget about the innuendo and shallow media reports. In my nonsense. The Leader of the Opposition view, One Nation is being manipulated by ignores that if the member for Nicklin believes disaffected people pursuing a 10-year-old that at any time I or my Government has not vendetta between outside individuals. I think lived up to the commitments I gave in that that it is unfortunate that, in its first contribution letter, he has options. He can come into this to the debate in this House, we saw One House and vote with the Opposition, and that Nation getting into the gutter in attacking a is the end of the Government. The Leader of number of Ministers in a way that I believe was the Opposition knows that. That option and simply unhelpful to the sound running of a powers rest with the member for Nicklin. So let decent Parliament. I say—and I do this in the us expose the nonsense. It is done. That is kindest possible way—that it is absolutely why accepting the part amendment that was essential that, if we are going to run a decent moved by the Minister for Transport is the Parliament, when members raise issues they sensible thing. should at least have the decency to test them Mr Borbidge: That's the reason you and, I believe, should not make wild should accept the amendment. allegations that simply are totally Mr BEATTIE: What I just said exposed unsubstantiated. I will come to the detail of the nonsense of the Leader of the Opposition that very shortly. once and for all. It is finished. I make the further point that I believe one I move to the other issue that is of the reasons why One Nation has 11 important, and that is the Heiner matter. I am members in this Parliament is that there is going to deal with this Heiner matter in some significant disenchantment with the major detail because the One Nation members have parties in how they behave—something with been duped. I say this with some degree of which the members of One Nation would respect because I understand, as they are the agree. Today, they behaved in exactly the way new players on the block, that some of the old the major parties have behaved for the past hands who have been around are going to try 25 years, which is why they are here. I think to take advantage of them. I say to the that a lot of people who voted for the One member for Caboolture that, in good faith, I Nation members would be disappointed in the am going to go through this matter stage by 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1495 stage, step by step, and explain exactly what wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars of the position is. public money. This matter has been the In 1989, the then National Party subject of inquiries—and members should Government established the Heiner inquiry listen to this—by two Senate select into management issues raised by the union committees. At least twice a Senate privileges representing staff of the John Oxley Youth committee has considered the matter; the Centre. Because the previous National Party Criminal Justice Commission has; the Government had not properly constituted the Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee has; inquiry, there was no legal protection for Mr EARC has; the Auditor-General has looked at Heiner or the witnesses who were giving it twice; the Connolly/Ryan inquiry has; and, evidence. In other words, the inquiry was more recently, this matter was the subject of a improperly established by a previous report by Tony Morris and Mr Edward Howard. Government. The National Party Government The matters they raised were referred to the got it wrong. That is a fact. There is no Director of Public Prosecutions. argument about it. None of the people briefing On the advice of the Director of Public the One Nation members will argue about Prosecutions, the coalition Government that. That is fact one. decided to take no further action. So nothing On that basis, the Crown Solicitor advised could have been more thoroughly that the investigation should not continue and investigated. How much longer are we going that the documentation should be referred to to waste thousands of dollars on this the State Archivist for destruction, because the business? The Parliamentary Criminal Justice inquiry was wrongly established and because Commissioner now has custody of the there was no legal protection for witnesses Connolly/Ryan records— who gave evidence before the inquiry. An Opposition member interjected. Following careful consideration of these issues Mr BEATTIE: Wait a minute. It is not over three Cabinet meetings and on the basis finished. The Parliamentary Criminal Justice of advice from the Crown Solicitor, the Goss Commissioner now has custody of the Government authorised the destruction of Connolly/Ryan records to see whether further material collected by Mr Heiner. investigation is required. The process is In February 1995, the then Attorney- ongoing, notwithstanding all these General, Dean Wells, made a statement to investigations. Yet again, I am prepared to the Queensland Parliament at which time he table the same documents for the information tabled copies of advice from the Crown of the Parliament so that those unfounded Solicitor. Nothing was hidden. The legal advice and mischievous allegations can be dismissed is on the record of this Parliament. once and for all. Let us go back. On 5 March 1990, I have discussed this matter with the Cabinet was informed that representations Independent member for Nicklin. I promised had been received from a solicitor him accountability. I promised him that I would representing certain staff at the centre. At that have an open Government. As a result of that time, no formal legal proceedings had been discussion with Peter Wellington, I have instituted, nor was any legal action promised him that tonight I will table the subsequently instituted. Never! There was no Cabinet documents in the Parliament. I will legal action at any time. Never! At all times table them because of the commitment I gave Cabinet acted in complete good faith to to the Independent member for Nicklin. Those protect the whistleblowers involved in this Cabinet documents confirm exactly what I case. This was about protecting the have told Peter Wellington privately, and they whistleblowers. These whistleblowers were will now confirm to all the world exactly what given no legal protection whatsoever by the the case is. previous National Party Government in the I go one step further and I table all these way in which the inquiry was established. All relevant Cabinet documents, because when relevant legal advices from the Crown Solicitor they are examined the people of Queensland to the Goss Government were tabled in this can see the precise advice on which Cabinet Parliament in February 1995 and provided to acted. The chair of the recent Senate the Senate inquiry into unresolved committee of inquiry concluded this— whistleblower cases. Subsequently, considerable further information was given to "In respect to the shredding of the the Senate inquiry. Heiner documents I do not believe there is any evidence of a political conspiracy There was no cover-up and there has on behalf of the government. A newly never been a cover-up. This matter has elected government was confronted with 1496 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

a problem created during the term of the entitled to start with a clean bill of health. I previous administration. The government stress that again. sought advice through the correct Today, One Nation members, despite channels and, irrespective of whether the claiming that they were going to raise the advice was correct or not, it acted upon standards of the Queensland Parliament, the advice that was given." made scurrilous and unfounded attacks on the That is clearly not a party political person from integrity of five of my Ministers. The very our side of the fence. It is clear that an suggestion that any of these Ministers would independent Senate chairman reached that have deliberately and corruptly suppressed conclusion. What I am doing today in tabling evidence of child abuse is offensive in the these documents is unprecedented, but I want extreme—absolutely offensive. If One Nation to make clear that I do this to fulfil a members want to behave in that way, they will commitment I gave to Peter Wellington and I be judged badly by the community. One do it because, as far as I am concerned, my Nation's first action in this Parliament was to Government is entitled to start on a clean use parliamentary privilege to attack the sheet. personal integrity of five of my Ministers. The tabling of these documents not only exposes I will not regard this as a precedent. I the fraudulent dishonesty of One Nation's have previously refused to release these behaviour, but also ends once and for all this documents because I am totally committed to ongoing waste of taxpayers' money and the the principle of Cabinet confidentiality, and I abuse of parliamentary privilege. am not going to do this again. I am doing this for the two reasons I gave. First, this motion Let us look at the documents I will table. being debated tonight is the most important First of all, as one of the Cabinet documents motion that my Government will ever have to indicates, the destruction was under the terms debate. This is the motion establishing my of section 55 of the Libraries and Archives Act Government's credentials. Therefore, I am not of 1988. It was done under an Act of prepared to allow that establishment of Parliament. It was not done without some confidence to be in any way impaired. The authority; it was done on Crown law advice under an Act of Parliament. second commitment is what I said to Peter Wellington when I met him and when I Let us look at what I am tabling. I am corresponded with him. I promised tabling Cabinet submissions Nos 100, 117 and accountability and I will fulfil that promise by 160. I table them for the information of the tabling these documents. I want to make it House. They relate to the three Cabinet clear: this is not a precedent and I will stick to meetings at which these matters were the principle in which I believe very strongly discussed. On 21 February 1995 in a and passionately, that is, Cabinet ministerial statement on the Senate Select confidentiality. Committee on Unresolved Whistleblower Cases, the then Attorney-General, Dean I believe that the member for Nicklin was Wells, outlined a lot more of the details. right in his speech today, which was an Because I have limited time tonight, I table excellent speech, when he said that the real that statement as well and I urge members to enemy is unemployment. That is what we read it. It is an excellent statement that ought to be talking about. We ought to be explains more detail than I have. talking about the things that can improve and change people's lives. That is what we ought In addition to that, I also table the to be doing, not playing senseless games and following documents: a copy of a letter to the wasting taxpayers' money. Of course I feel Acting Director-General of the Department of angry that we waste our time on these Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander matters. Affairs from the Crown Solicitor dated 18 January 1990; a copy of a letter to the Acting Let us as a Parliament debate what is Director-General, Department of Family important, and that is improving the lives of all Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs the people we represent. The Heiner from the Crown Solicitor dated 19 January documents do not do that. We have a 1990; a copy of a letter to the Acting Director- personality conflict, a bitter one admittedly, General, Department of Family Services and that had nothing to do with the Labor Party, Aboriginal and Islander Affairs from the Crown that goes back a long time, and we have been Solicitor dated 23 January 1990; a copy of a caught up in it. I have tabled these Cabinet letter to the Acting Secretary to Cabinet from documents tonight, having declined to do so the Crown Solicitor dated 16 February 1990; in the past, because my Government is and a letter from the then Acting Cabinet 30 Jul 1998 Motion of Confidence in Government 1497

Secretary to the State Archivist seeking to provide certainty or direction to this State." permission to destroy all documents obtained From that point of view, I believe that those by Heiner during the inquiry. Mr Speaker, you members in this House who are genuinely have got the lot. Now there is no excuse for interested in the future of this State will this nonsense to continue. support the motion of confidence in my I will refer to a couple of aspects of these Government. documents so that they are on the record of I believe that members opposite have this Parliament. Let us look at the Crown law failed the simple test of putting forward any advice provided on 18 January 1990, signed plan for an alternative Government. However, by K. M. O'Shea, the Crown Solicitor. What did what was put forward, particularly by members he say to this? This is the Crown law advice. of the coalition, was a grab bag of negatives. He said— The coalition front bench, just four weeks after "I note your instructions that Mr many of its members left their ministerial Heiner was not appointed by the offices, was bereft of one positive idea. I did Governor in Council to conduct this inquiry not hear any positive ideas from members which, of course, means that the opposite about what this State should do over Commissions of Inquiry Act 1954-1989 the next three years. I did not hear one has no application to the inquiry." alternative to the structure that we offer to give certainty. In other words, people were not protected. He went on— Over the past 12 or 14 hours we have heard about 40,000 words from the Nationals, "The effect of this is that Mr Heiner the Liberals and One Nation. I did not hear a cannot subpoena witnesses or examine paragraph which put forward a better recipe for them on oath nor can he subpoena Government for the next three years than the documents in the possession of any one offered by Labor. I could not find a person." sentence that offered more certainty for So in other words, no-one had any protection. Queensland than is offered by the Labor The whole inquiry was flawed. That is Crown Government. I did not notice a single phrase law advice, not my opinion. Let us move on to which contained even a hint about a better what else was said. A letter from Crown law on solution than Labor's. I did not even recall five 23 January 1990, again signed by K. M. words out of those 40,000 words that were O'Shea, states— constructive. "I do not see any difficulty in What has the public gained from today, destruction of the material supplied to Mr apart from a passing headache? The Heiner, naturally any material removed Nationals and Liberals have told us that they from official files should be returned to ran a wonderful Government. If we believe those files but the tape recordings of that, clearly the people got it wrong when they interviews had with people or any notes or voted recently. I do not believe that we can drafts made by Mr Heiner should I treat the electorate with contempt. Let us look suggest be destroyed." at the voting figures. A number of members That is Crown law's advice. They are not my made reference to the voting figures. Some words; they are from Crown law. I table these disputed my figure of 53% for the two-party documents. The record speaks for itself. preferred vote. I accept that because of the Honourable members can read all these other nature of this election it is difficult to determine documents. As far as I am concerned, this a two-party preferred vote. But as someone Government is not going to waste one more who has spent years calculating votes, I know cent on this personal vendetta that exists that it can be done. A 53% two-party preferred between private individuals. Enough is vote for us is a modest assessment of what enough. It is over. we would have got on two-party preferred Let me move on to the other matters terms, had it been distributed. raised in the debate. A number of matters However, let us take the primary vote. I were raised in relation to issues, particularly in am happy to pursue the argument. The first relation to the history of this State and how preference votes in the 13 June State election people were perceived either in Government were as follows: Labor, 38.9%; One Nation, or in Opposition. One of the things that 20.7%; Liberal Party, 18.1%; and last—in disappointed me during this debate was that every meaning of the word—was the National no-one came up with an alternative to the Party, with 15.2%. So what we have is a Labor Government. No-one came up with a Leader of the Opposition who has the strategy that says, "Here is a better alternative audacity to come into this House and say that 1498 Motion of Confidence in Government 30 Jul 1998

I should not form a Government when the black; it is now moving in the direction it ought party that he leads received 15.2% of the vote to be. It is a credit to us that we had the of the people of Queensland. I ask all courage to take that stand. Queenslanders: do they believe that the I make no apology for saying that we will Premier should come from a party that can drive the issue of apprenticeships and receive only 15% of the vote? traineeships. In respect of industrial relations, Mr Hamill: One in seven. we will drive an arrangement that not only Mr BEATTIE: Yes, one in seven. Let us gives average Queenslanders a fair go in the have no more nonsensical arguments about workplace; our scheme will also create statistics. If members opposite want to cite the employment opportunities. That is why one of primary vote figures, that is fine with me. the first proposals that the Minister for Employment—and we have a Minister for Mr Littleproud interjected. Employment—brought to Cabinet was to Mr BEATTIE: I can understand the establish a fund that would create 3,000 member's disappointment. The primary vote apprenticeships over the next three years. Do figures are very, very clear. Whether we argue honourable members know why that is this on a two-party preferred basis or on a necessary? It is because for too long primary vote basis, there is absolutely no Governments in this State have failed to skill doubt that my Government has the credentials up the work force. They have failed to give our and the support of the people of Queensland young people an opportunity. That is why that to form a Government. fund is important. I will not move away from I turn to a number of the other issues apprenticeships and giving our young people raised. Questions were raised about a chance. That is why we have to skill up our unemployment and whether we would reach work force. That is why that is an important our target. I understand—and I have never initiative—an initiative that the former Minister pretended otherwise—that my 5% toyed with but backed off on, because he did unemployment in five years target is tough. It not have the courage to go ahead with it. is difficult. Of course it is tough and of course it Industry has applauded us for our is difficult. However, the difference between us courage in introducing the fund that will create and the Opposition is that we are prepared to those 3,000 apprenticeships, because it have a go. I am determined that we will do knows we need them. All members of this everything we can to reach that target. But House should be appalled by the fact that last what did the former Treasurer's Budget papers year a major firm in north Queensland had to say? They said that unemployment would go import boilermakers from South Korea. Does from 8.5% to 8.75% in the next year. In other the honourable member know why? That was words, in the draft Budget she brought down because we had not done enough in relation she was saying to Queensland that there to apprenticeships and traineeships to provide would be 9,300 more Queenslanders apprenticeships here for boilermakers. I will tell unemployed this financial year than last year, the House this: we will be creating and yet she has the hide to come in here and opportunities for boilermakers and all of the attack me on the basis of unemployment. At other trades so that we skill up our work force. least I am prepared to have a go, and so is If we do not have skills we cannot create long- my Government. term jobs. A number of references were made to the Let me turn to financial matters. I turn to issue of WorkCover. A number of comments the comments by members opposite in were made about our trying to attack the relation to the costing of Labor's election WorkCover scheme and about how workers promises, and in particular the alleged black compensation was going to run into difficulties. hole that was supposedly found by Treasury in What the Opposition has not told the truth Labor's costings, according to the Leader of about is this: in the last Parliament, the the Opposition. Treasury is like a reliable, well- Government tried to make a number of oiled machine. If we put data in the machine, changes to WorkCover. The Opposition joined it will accurately process it. If the Leader of the with the Independent member for Gladstone Opposition wants certain questions answered, to protect that scheme. I pay tribute to the he will get the answers to his questions. Independent member for Gladstone for the role that she played in that. That scheme was Mr Borbidge: That is what you did with basically a continuation of the Goss KPMG. Government scheme introduced at the end of Mr BEATTIE: No. But the Leader of the 1995. We now see the success of what was Opposition will not get the truth. The truth is achieved. The scheme is now moving into the what we got from KPMG. We did not get 30 Jul 1998 Papers 1499 involved in trickery. There were no half-smart that we have seen for the past 12 hours. We questions. We went to an international firm of have seen nothing constructive. accountants that has a world-class reputation. Queenslanders want a positive, constructive We put all of our books on the table. There Government, and that is exactly what they are was no trickery, which is what we saw from going to get. members opposite. Here we had a world- Question—That the words proposed to renowned firm of accountants whose be omitted contained in Mr Bredhauer's reputation was on the line. It gave us the amendment stand part of the amendment of clean bill of health that we needed. But what Mr Borbidge—put; and the House divided— did we find when we got there? AYES, 44—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, Mr Hamill: It wasn't pretty. Cooper, E. A. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Mr BEATTIE: It was not pretty. We found Elliott, Feldman, Gamin, Goss, Grice, Healy, Hobbs, that so many of the former Government's Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, Lester, election promises had not been funded. A Lingard, Littleproud, Malone, Mitchell, Nelson, Paff, Pratt, Prenzler, Quinn, Rappolt, Rowell, Santoro, good illustration was the development on the Seeney, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, Springborg, Cairns seafront. Stephan, Turner, Veivers, Watson. Tellers: Baumann, Mr Hamill: At the Esplanade. Hegarty Mr BEATTIE: Yes, it was on the NOES, 44—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, Esplanade. The former Government simply Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, J. I. Cunningham, went to Cairns and promised $4m. When we D'Arcy, Edmond, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Gibbs, Hamill, Hayward, Lavarch, Lucas, McGrady, went to have a look, where was the money? It Mackenroth, Mickel, Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson- was not funded. $120m—and you denied Carr, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Reeves, Reynolds, this—— Roberts, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Spence, Mr Hamill: The Pacific Motorway. Struthers, Welford, Wellington, Wells, Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell Mr BEATTIE: Yes, the Pacific Motorway. I have a letter from the former Transport The numbers being equal, Mr Speaker cast his vote with the Noes. Minister that said that we were $120m short. Yet the member opposite said that it was not Resolved in the negative. true. Here we have its own Minister who wrote Mr SPEAKER: Order! All further divisions to Treasury explaining it. The former will be of two minutes' duration. Government ran the books of this State like Amendment (Mr Borbidge) agreed to. Christopher Skase would. That is what it did. It should not try to pretend that it did not. Amendment (Mr Feldman) negatived. I will return this State to frugal Question—That the motion, as amended, management. That is what this Government be agreed to—put; and the House divided— will do. I will stick to every one of the AYES, 45—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, commitments that I gave to the Independent Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, E. A. member for Nicklin. The previous Government Cunningham, J. I.` Cunningham, D'Arcy, Edmond, ran this State like Christopher Skase would, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Gibbs, Hamill, Hayward, but I am not prepared to do that. I repeat very Lavarch, Lucas, McGrady, Mackenroth, Mickel, Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, clearly: in relation to the commitments that we Palaszczuk, Pearce, Reeves, Reynolds, Roberts, gave, Labor can deliver its capital and current Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, program without imposing any new taxes or Welford, Wellington, Wells, Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, increasing existing taxes and charges above Purcell current real levels. We have already seen what NOES, 43—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, the Treasurer pointed out today: a $750m Cooper, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Gamin, carryover of capital works. The former Goss, Grice, Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Government did not even deliver on that. Kingston, Knuth, Laming, Lester, Lingard, Mr Hamill: Total carryover. Littleproud, Malone, Mitchell, Nelson, Paff, Pratt, Prenzler, Quinn, Rappolt, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Mr BEATTIE: Sorry, total carryover. It did Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, Springborg, Stephan, not even deliver on it. No wonder they were Turner, Veivers, Watson. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty saying that unemployment would go up by Resolved in the affirmative. 9,300. Let me conclude by saying that Queensland needs a Government that can PAPERS drive this State forward. That is what we offer. I The Clerk informed the House of the am sick of the political games, and that is all tabling of the following documents— 1500 Papers 30 Jul 1998

PAPER TABLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH District Court Act 1967— STANDING ORDER 202 District Court Amendment Regulation The Clerk informed the House that the (No. 1) 1998, No. 153 following paper was tabled on 10 June 1998 in Environmental Protection Act 1994— accordance with Standing Order 202— Environmental Protection Amendment Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 179 Report No. 45—A report of a review of the activities of the Criminal Justice Environmental Protection (Interim Waste) Commission pursuant to s.118(1)(f) of the Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, Criminal Justice Act 1989. No. 162 STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS Environmental Protection (Noise) Amendment Policy (No. 1) 1998, No. 168 The following statutory instruments were tabled by The Clerk— Fire and Rescue Authority Act 1990— Ambulance Service Act 1991— Fire Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 183 Ambulance Service Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 188 Fisheries Act 1994— Auctioneers and Agents Act 1971— Fisheries Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 1998, No. 213 Auctioneers and Agents Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 151 Gaming Machine Act 1991— Banana Industry Protection Act 1989— Gaming Machine Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 1998, No. 211 Banana Industry Protection Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 164 Gas Act 1965— Building Act 1975— Gas Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 1998, No. 204 Fire Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 183 Government Owned Corporations Act 1993— Standard Building Amendment Regulation Government Owned Corporations (No. 1) 1998, No. 169 Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 202 Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980— Government Owned Corporations and Other Building Units and Group Titles Regulation Legislation Amendment Act 1998— 1998, No. 189 Proclamation—part 4 of the Act Central Queensland University Act 1998— commences 22 May 1998, No. 144 Central Queensland University Statute Proclamation—the provisions of the Act No. 1 (Membership of Convocation) 1998 that are not in force commence 20 July Central Queensland University Statute 1998, No. 200 No. 2 (Conduct of Council Elections) 1998 Health Act 1937— Civil Justice Reform Act 1998— Health (Drugs and Poisons) Amendment Proclamation—section 4(2) of the Act (to Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 149 the extent it inserts the definition "client") Health (Drugs and Poisons) Amendment commences 2 July 1998, 196 Regulation (No. 2) 1998, No. 203 Collections Act 1966— Invasion of Privacy Act 1971— Collections Regulation 1998, No. 152 Invasion of Privacy Regulation 1998, Community Services (Aborigines) Act 1984— No. 154 Community Services (Aborigines) Justices Act 1886— Regulation 1998, No. 192 Justices Amendment Regulation (No. 2) Community Services (Torres Strait) Act 1984— 1998, No. 155 Community Services (Torres Strait) Motor Vehicles Safety Amendment Regulation 1998, No. 193 Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 182 Competition Policy Reform (Queensland) Act Travel Agents Regulation 1998, No. 156 1996— Land Act 1994— Competition Policy Reform (Queensland— Land Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, Chicken Meat Industry Exemptions) No. 173 Regulation 1998, No. 209 Legal Practitioners Act 1995— Competition Policy Reform (Queensland— Dairy Industry Exemptions) Regulation Trust Accounts Amendment Regulation 1998, No. 201 (No. 1) 1998, No. 157 Competition Policy Reform (Queensland— Lotteries Act 1997— Sugar Industry Exemptions) Regulation Lotteries Amendment Rule (No. 2) 1998, 1998, No. 215 No. 217 30 Jul 1998 Papers 1501

Magistrates Courts Act 1921— Primary Producers' Organisation and Marketing Act 1926— Magistrates Courts Amendment Rule (No. 2) 1998, No. 150 Primary Producers' (Levy on Cane Marine Parks Act 1982— Growers) Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 1998, No. 171 Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Amendment Queensland Competition Authority Act 1997— Zoning Plan (No. 1) 1998, No. 159 Queensland Competition Authority Meat Industry Act 1993— Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 1998, Meat Industry Amendment Regulation No. 145 (No. 1) 1998, No. 165 Queensland Law Society Act 1952— Meat Industry (Hygienic Production of Queensland Law Society (Solicitors Game Meat for Human Consumption) Complaints Tribunal) Amendment Rule Standard 1998, No. 174 (No. 1) 1998, No. 197 Meat Industry (Hygienic Production of River Improvement Trust Act 1940— Poultry Meat for Human Consumption) Standard 1998, No. 175 River Improvement Trust Regulation 1998, No. 190 Meat Industry (Hygienic Production of Rabbit Meat for Human Consumption) Soil Conservation Act 1986— Standard 1998, No. 176 Soil Conservation Regulation 1998, No. 191 Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994— South Bank Corporation Amendment Act Motor Accident Insurance Amendment 1998— Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 216 Proclamation—the provisions of the Act Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Act that are not in force commence 29 May 1998— 1998, No. 167 Proclamation—part 3 of the Act Speech Pathologists Act 1979— commences 25 May 1998, No. 172 Speech Pathologists Amendment By-law Nature Conservation Act 1992— (No. 1) 1998, No. 148 Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Sugar Industry Act 1991— Amendment Regulation (No. 5) 1998, Sugar Industry Amendment Regulation No. 178 (No. 1) 1998, No. 184 Occupational Therapists Act 1979— Superannuation (State Public Sector) Act Occupational Therapists Amendment By- 1990— law (No. 1) 1998, No. 146 Superannuation (State Public Sector) Officials in Parliament Act 1896— Amendment of Deed Regulation (No. 2) Proclamation—that certain officers of the 1998, No. 186 Crown are liable to retire from office on Supreme Court Act 1995— political grounds and are capable of being Supreme Court Regulation 1998, No. 158 elected members of the Legislative Assembly and sitting and voting in the Surveyors Act 1977— Legislative Assembly at the same time, Surveyors Amendment Regulation (No. 1) No. 194 1998, No. 208 Petroleum Act 1923— Townsville City Council (Douglas Land Development) Act 1993— Petroleum Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 205 Townsville City Council (Douglas Land Development) Amendment Regulation Petroleum (Entry Permission—Epic Energy (No. 1) 1998, No. 180 Pty Ltd) Amendment Notice (No. 1) 1998, No. 214 Transport Infrastructure Act 1994— Plant Protection Act 1989— Transport Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 170 Plant Protection Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 166 Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994— Plant Protection (Banana Black Sigatoka—Wattle Hills) Quarantine Notice Transport Operations (Marine Safety) 1998, No. 210 Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 1998, No. 163 Podiatrists Act 1969— Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Podiatrists Amendment By-law (No. 1) Amendment Regulation (No. 3) 1998, 1998, No. 147 No. 181 1502 Ministerial Statement 30 Jul 1998

Transport Operations (Marine Safety) of the Public Accounts Committee entitled Amendment Regulation (No. 4) 1998, Aboriginal Councils and Torres Strait No. 187 Island Councils: Review of Financial Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Reporting Requirements Act 1995— 17 June 1998— Motor Vehicles Safety Amendment response from the Attorney-General and Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 182 Minister for Justice (Mr Beanland) to a Transport Legislation Amendment report of the Public Works Committee Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 170 entitled The construction of a replacement watchhouse and arrest courts in Brisbane Travel Agents Act 1988— 9 July 1998— Travel Agents Regulation 1998, No. 156 interim response from the Attorney- University of Queensland Act 1998— General and Minister for Justice and Proclamation—certain provisions of the Minister for The Arts (Mr Foley) to a Act commence 2 July 1998 and 1 January report of the Legal, Constitutional and 1999, No. 198 Administrative Review Committee entitled Valuation of Land Act 1944— Privacy in Queensland Valuation of Land Amendment Regulation 24 July 1998— (No. 1) 1998, No. 212 further response from the Minister for Water Resources Act 1989— Families, Youth and Community Care and Minister for Disability Services (Ms Bligh) Proclamation—section 9 of the Act to a report of the Public Accounts commences 17 July 1998, No. 207 Committee entitled State Government Water Resources (Rates and Charges) Funding Supplied to 99 FM Community Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, Radio Association Inc. No. 185 Water Resources (Tinaroo Falls Dam CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES Catchment Area) Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 206 Appointment of Mr W. T. D'Arcy Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— Management Act 1993— ALP) (Premier) (3.31 a.m.), by leave, without Proclamation—sections 56 and 57 of the notice: I move— Act commence 1 September 1998, "That Mr William Theodore D'Arcy be No. 160 appointed Chairman of Committees of the Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998, Whole House." No. 161 and Explanatory Note for No. 161 Motion agreed to. Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995— Workplace Health and Safety (Advisory Standards) Notice 1998, No. 177 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Workplace Relations Act 1997— Changes in Ministry; Appointment of Industrial Court Amendment Rule (No. 1) Parliamentary Secretaries 1998, No. 199 Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— REPORT OF THE TRAVELSAFE COMMITTEE ALP) (Premier) (3.31 a.m.), by leave: I desire OF THE 48TH PARLIAMENT to inform the House that on 26 June 1998, His The Clerk tabled the following report of the Excellency the Governor— Travelsafe Committee of the 48th Parliament, (a) Accepted the resignations of— received after the dissolution of the 48th Parliament— Robert Edward Borbidge as Premier; Travelsafe Committee Report No. 25—Shared Joan Mary Sheldon as Deputy Bikeways Premier, Treasurer and Minister for MINISTERIAL RESPONSES TO The Arts; PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE REPORTS Michael James Horan as Minister for The Clerk tabled the following responses to Health; parliamentary committee reports, received after the dissolution of the 48th Parliament on the Denver Edward Beanland as dates indicated— Attorney-General and Minister for Justice; 22 May 1998— whole of Government response from the Theo Russell Cooper as Minister for Minister for Families, Youth and Police and Corrective Services and Community Care (Mrs Wilson) to a report Minister for Racing; 30 Jul 1998 Ministerial Statement 1503

Robert Joseph Quinn as Minister for Marcus Hosking Rowell, Education; Lawrence James Springborg, Douglas John Slack as Minister for and Economic Development and Trade and Minister Assisting the Premier; Naomi Kate Wilson as members of the Executive Council of Bruce William Davidson as Minister Queensland. for Tourism, Small Business and Industry; (c) Appointed— Brian George Littleproud as Minister Peter Douglas Beattie to be Premier for Environment; and to be a member of the Executive Council of Queensland. Thomas John George Gilmore as Minister for Mines and Energy; (d) Appointed— Diane Elizabeth McCauley as Peter Douglas Beattie as Minister for Minister for Local Government and Health; Planning; Attorney-General and Minister for Justice; Santo Santoro as Minister for Training and Industrial Relations; Minister for Education; Vaughan Gregory Johnson as Minister for Environment; Minister for Transport and Main Minister for Training and Industrial Roads; Relations; Michael Desmond Veivers as Minister Minister for Public Works and for Emergency Services and Minister Housing; for Sport; Minister for Primary Industries, David John Hopetoun Watson as Fisheries and Forestry; and Minister for Public Works and Minister for Families, Youth and Housing; Community Care Marcus Hosking Rowell as Minister and for Primary Industries, Fisheries and James Peter Elder as Deputy Forestry; Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Lawrence James Springborg as The Arts; Minister for Natural Resources; and Minister for Police and Corrective Naomi Kate Wilson as Minister for Services and Minister for Racing; Families, Youth and Community Minister for Economic Development Care. and Trade and Minister Assisting the (b) Accepted the resignations of— Premier; Robert Edward Borbidge, Minister for Tourism, Small Business and Industry; Joan Mary Sheldon, Minister for Mines and Energy; Michael James Horan Minister for Local Government and Denver Edward Beanland, Planning; Theo Russell Cooper, Minister for Transport and Main Robert Joseph Quinn Roads; Douglas John Slack, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister for Sport; and Bruce William Davidson, Minister for Natural Resources. Brian George Littleproud, (e) Appointed— Thomas John George Gilmore, James Peter Elder as a member of Diane Elizabeth McCauley, the Executive Council of Santo Santoro, Queensland. Vaughan Gregory Johnson, I lay upon the table of the House a copy Michael Desmond Veivers, of the Queensland Government Gazette Extraordinary of 26 June 1998 containing the David John Hopetoun Watson, relevant notifications. 1504 Ministerial Statement 30 Jul 1998

I also inform the House that on 29 June Paul Joseph Braddy, to be Minister 1998, His Excellency the Governor— for Employment, Training and (a) Accepted the resignations of— Industrial Relations; Peter Douglas Beattie as Minister for Matthew Joseph Foley, to be Health; Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for The Arts; Attorney-General and Minister for Justice; Wendy Marjorie Edmond, to be Minister for Health; Minister for Education; Thomas Alfred Barton, to be Minister Minister for Environment; for Police and Corrective Services; Minister for Training and Industrial Anthony McGrady, to be Minister for Relations; Mines and Energy and Minister Minister for Public Works and Assisting the Deputy Premier on Housing; Regional Development; Minister for Primary Industries, Stephen Dominic Bredhauer, to be Fisheries and Forestry; and Minister for Transport and Minister for Minister for Families, Community Main Roads; Care Dean MacMillan Wells, to be Minister and for Education; James Peter Elder as Deputy Robert Evan Schwarten, to be Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Minister for Public Works and Minister The Arts; for Housing; Minister for Police and Corrective Anna Maria Bligh, to be Minister for Services and Minister for Racing; Families, Youth and Community Care and Minister for Disability Services; Minister for Economic Development and Trade and Minister Assisting the Judith Caroline Spence, to be Premier; Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy and Minister for Minister for Tourism, Small Business Women's Policy and Minister for Fair and Industry; Trading; Minister for Mines and Energy; Rodney Jon Welford, to be Minister Minister for Local Government and for Environment and Heritage and Planning; Minister for Natural Resources; Minister for Transport and Main Henry Palaszczuk, to be Minister for Roads; Primary Industries; and Minister for Emergency Services and Merri Rose, to be Minister for Minister for Sport; and Emergency Services. Minister for Natural Resources. (d) Appointed— (b) Appointed— James Peter Elder; Peter Douglas Beattie to be Premier Terence Michael Mackenroth; and to be a member of the Executive Robert James Gibbs; Council of Queensland. David John Hamill; (c) Appointed— Paul Joseph Braddy; James Peter Elder, to be Deputy Premier and Minister for State Matthew Joseph Foley; Development and Minister for Trade; Wendy Marjorie Edmond; Terence Michael Mackenroth, to be Thomas Alfred Barton; Minister for Communication and Anthony Mcgrady; Information and Minister for Local Government, Planning, Regional and Stephen Dominic Bredhauer; Rural Communities; Dean MacMillan Wells; Robert James Gibbs, to be Minister Robert Evan Schwarten; for Tourism, Sport and Racing; Anna Maria Bligh; David John Hamill, to be Treasurer; Judith Caroline Spence; 30 Jul 1998 Opposition Appointments 1505

Rodney Jon Welford; (3.38 a.m.): I wish to advise the House that on Henry Palaszczuk; Monday, 29 June 1998, I was elected Leader of the parliamentary National Party and and thereby Leader of the Opposition. The Merri Rose member for Toowoomba South was elected to be members of the Executive Council Deputy Leader of the Opposition. The of Queensland. member for Albert has been elected I also inform the House that in Opposition Whip and the member for accordance with the Constitution Act 1867, His Redlands Deputy Opposition Whip. The Excellency the Governor, acting by and with member for Indooroopilly is Leader of the advice of the Executive Council, Opposition Business in the House. appointed— To save the time of the House, I will table Mr Gordon Richard Nuttall, MLA, as a list of members of the shadow Cabinet and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier; seek leave to have the list incorporated in Hansard. Mr Michael Francis Reynolds, MLA, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier in Leave granted. North Queensland; NAME and PORTFOLIO Mr Stephen Robertson, MLA, as Mr Rob Borbidge MLA— Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition— Premier; and Leader of the Coalition Mr Darryl James Briskey, MLA, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer. Leader of the National Party I lay upon the table of the House a copy Member for Surfers Paradise of the Queensland Government Gazette Dr David Watson MLA Extraordinary of 29 June 1998 containing the Leader of the Liberal Party relevant notifications. The Queensland Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister Government Gazette Extraordinary also for Communications and Information contains a copy of His Excellency the Governor's Proclamation made under the Member for Moggill Officials in Parliament Act 1896 on 29 June Mr Mike Horan MLA 1998. Deputy Leader of the Opposition Shadow Minister for State Development, LEADER OF THE HOUSE Trade and Rural Communities Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— Member for Toowoomba South ALP) (Premier) (3.37 a.m.): I have to inform Mr Bob Quinn MLA the House that arrangements have been Shadow Minister for Education made and the Honourable the Speaker informed accordingly for the Honourable Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party Terence Michael Mackenroth, Minister for Member for Merrimac Communication and Information and Minister Mr Russell Cooper MLA for Local Government, Planning, Regional and Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Rural Communities to be Leader of the House. Member for Crows Nest Mr Denver Beanland MLA Shadow Minister for Families, Youth and GOVERNMENT WHIP AND GOVERNMENT Community Care, Disability Services and DEPUTY WHIP the Arts Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— Member for Indooroopilly ALP) (Premier) (3.38 a.m.): I have to inform Mr Vaughan Johnson MLA the House that Mr Terence Boland Sullivan has been appointed Government Whip, and Shadow Minister for Transport and Main Mr Patrick Douglas Purcell has been Roads appointed Deputy Government Whip. Member for Gregory Mr Santo Santoro MLA OPPOSITION APPOINTMENTS Shadow Minister for Employment, Training Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers and Industrial Relations Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) Member for Clayfield 1506 Sitting Days and Hours 30 Jul 1998

Mr Lawrence Springborg MLA Nation Party. The Deputy Leader is Dorothy Shadow Attorney-General, Shadow Pratt, the member for Barambah. The Whip is Minister for Justice Geoff Knuth, the member for Burdekin. I will Member for Warwick table those positions. Mr Bruce Davidson MLA Mr SPEAKER: Order! Does the Shadow Minister for Fair Trading and honourable member seek leave to have those Consumer Affairs tabled? Member for Noosa Mr FELDMAN: Yes. Mr Howard Hobbs MLA Leave granted. Shadow Minister for Local Government and Planning Member for Warrego Hon Vince Lester MLA SITTING DAYS AND HOURS; ORDER OF BUSINESS; SESSIONAL ORDERS; Shadow Minister for Environment and COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND Heritage and Natural Resources MEMBERSHIP Member for Keppel Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— Miss Fiona Simpson MLA ALP) (Leader of the House) (3.40 a.m.), by Shadow Minister for Health and Women's leave, without notice: I move— Affairs "(1) SESSIONAL ORDERS—DAYS AND Member for Maroochydore HOURS OF SITTING, ORDER OF Mr Allan Grice MLA BUSINESS Shadow Minister for Police and Corrective Services That except for this day of sitting, for this Session unless otherwise ordered and Member for Broadwater notwithstanding anything contained in the Mr Graham Healy MLA Standing Orders— Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and (a) The House shall sit on Tuesday, Racing Wednesday and Thursday from 9.30am Member for Toowoomba North until 1pm and 2.30pm until 7.30pm Mr Rob Mitchell MLA unless by its own resolution the House Shadow Minister for Mines & Energy adjourns earlier than 7.30pm. Member for Charters Towers (b) The Order of Business for each Sitting Mr Bruce Laming MLA Day shall be as follows— Shadow Minister for Public Works and 9.30am-10.30am— Housing Prayers Member for Mooloolah Messages from the Governor Mr Ted Malone MLA Matters of Privilege Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Speakers Statements Member for Mirani Mr John Hegarty MLA Motions of Condolence Secretary to Shadow Cabinet Petitions Notification and tabling of papers by LIBERAL PARTY APPOINTMENTS the Clerk Ministerial Papers Dr WATSON (Moggill—LP) (Leader of the Liberal Party) (3.39 a.m.): I wish to advise the Ministerial Notices of Motion House that on 23 June 1998 I was elected Government Business Notices of Leader of the Liberal Party, the member for Motion Merrimac was elected Deputy Leader of the Ministerial Statements Liberal Party and the member for Caloundra was elected as the Liberal Party Secretary. Any other Government Business Personal Explanations ONE NATION PARTY APPOINTMENTS Reports Mr FELDMAN (Caboolture—ONP) (Leader Notices of Motion for debate from of the One Nation Party) (3.39 a.m.): On 29 6pm to 7pm on Tuesday, June 1998 I was elected Leader of the One Wednesday and Thursday 30 Jul 1998 Sitting Days and Hours 1507

Private Members' Bills Sessional Orders shall mutatis mutandis Debating of Committee Reports on continue to apply. each Thursday (3) SESSIONAL ORDERS—QUESTIONS Private Members' Statements, during AND PETITIONS which Members may speak on any That for this session— subject for 2 minutes Omit Standing Orders 67A to 70 and insert 10.30am-11.30am— new Standing Orders. Question Time 67AQuestions to Ministers 11.30am-1pm (Wednesday and Questions may be asked orally without notice Thursday)— or on notice for written reply. Government Business At 10.30am on Tuesday, Wednesday and 11.30am-12.30pm (Tuesday)— Thursday, questions may be put to a Minister without notice relating to public affairs with Matters of Public Interest which he or she is officially connected, to 12.30pm-1pm (Tuesday)— proceedings pending in the Legislative Government Business Assembly, but discussion must not be anticipated, or to any matter of administration 2.30pm-6pm (Tuesday, Wednesday and for which he or she is responsible. Thursday)— The total period allowed each day for the Government Business asking of questions without notice shall not 6pm-7pm (Tuesday, Wednesday and exceed one hour. Every Member is entitled to Thursday)— ask one question on notice each sitting day, Private Members' Motions. Time which should be lodged with the Clerks at the limits—mover 10 minutes, other Table within two hours from the Members 5 minutes commencement of the day's sitting. 7pm-7 .30pm (Tuesday and 67BQuestions to Members Wednesday)— A Member may put a question of which notice Adjournment Debate has been given, in lieu of a question to a Minister— 7pm-7.30pm (Thursday)— (a) to any other Member of the House Grievances Debate, during which a relating to any bill or motion, connected Member may speak for a time not with the business of the House on the exceeding 2 minutes. Business Paper of which the Member has The motion "That this House do now charge; and adjourn" may be proposed at the (b) to the chairman of a committee relating to conclusion of the day's sitting by the the activities of that committee, however Member occupying the position of Leader such question shall not attempt to or Acting Leader of Government Business interfere with the committee's work or in the House. anticipate its report or refer to any (2) SESSIONAL ORDER—ADDRESS-IN- evidence taken or documents presented REPLY DEBATE to such committee. That for this session— 67CNo debate on asking questions (a) on days allotted for the Address-in-Reply In asking a question, no argument or opinion Debate, a day shall comprise that period shall be offered, or any fact stated, except so from 12.30pm until 6pm on Tuesdays, far as is necessary to explain the question. and from 11.30am until 5pm on 67D Number of questions allowed each sitting Wednesdays and Thursdays; day (b) the debate may continue from 5pm to The number of questions which may be asked 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays with by any Member without notice shall not that hour constituting one quarter of an exceed one on any sitting day, except for the allotted day; Leader of the Opposition who may ask two (c) the provisions of Standing Order No. 305 questions without notice. be suspended in relation to Committees If an answer to a question without notice of Supply and Ways and Means; and requires too much detail, the Minister may (d) all other provisions of the Standing and request the Member to place the question on 1508 Sitting Days and Hours 30 Jul 1998 notice to be answered on the next day of 219A Form of petition sitting. A petition shall be in the following form— 67ENotice of questions "PETITION A question on notice from a Member is to be TO: The Honourable the Speaker and delivered to the Clerks at the Table. Members of the Legislative Assembly A question on notice shall be typed or fairly of Queensland. written, signed by the Member, and answered The Petition of (a) citizens of Queensland and supplied to the Table Office within 30 or calendar days. (b) residents of the State 68 Rules for questions of Queensland The following general rules shall apply to or questions— (c) electors of the Division (a) Questions shall be brief and relate to one of .... issue. draws to the attention of the House (b) Questions shall not contain— (State Grievance) (i) arguments; Your petitioners therefore request the House to (ii) inferences; (State action required) (iii) imputations; or (Here follows the Signatures) (iv) hypothetical matters. 238A Copy of petition to responsible Minister (c) Questions shall not ask— A copy of every petition received by the House (i) for an expression of opinion or is to be referred by the Clerk to the appropriate responsible Minister who may forward a (ii) for a legal opinion. response to the Clerk for presentation to the (d) Questions shall not be asked which reflect House. A copy of this response shall be on, or are critical of, the character or printed in Hansard and be supplied to the conduct of those persons whose conduct Member who presented the petition. may only be challenged on a substantive 238B Name of principal petitioner motion. Every petition must indicate the name and (e) Questions shall not contain statements of address of the principal petitioner on the front fact or names of persons unless they are page. strictly necessary to render the question (4) SESSIONAL ORDER—DEBATING OF intelligible. COMMITTEE REPORTS (f) The Speaker may direct that the That for this session— language of a question be changed if, in the opinion of the Speaker, it is (a) on presentation of a committee report, unbecoming or does not conform with the the Member presenting the report may Standing Orders. make a statement to the House for a period not exceeding 5 minutes and a (g) Questions shall not be unduly lengthy. notice of motion may then be given that 69 General rules for answers the House take note of the report on Thursday next; The following general rules shall apply to answers— (b) on each Thursday, following Private Members' Bills and prior to Private (a) In answering a question, a Minister or Members' Statements, notices of motion Member shall not debate the subject to for the noting of reports may be moved which it refers. and debated without amendment; and (b) An answer shall be relevant to the (c) Members may speak on any such motion question. for 3 minutes. (c) The answer to each question shall not (5) SESSIONAL ORDER—NOTICES OF exceed 3 minutes. MOTION 70 Questions not put to Speaker That, notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders, all General Questions may not be put to the Speaker. Business—Notices of Motion appearing on the 30 Jul 1998 Sitting Days and Hours 1509

Business Paper shall be deleted from the Omit Standing Order 37A and insert new Business Paper after the expiration of thirty Standing Order. days from the day on which notice is given. Disallowance of Proclamations, Orders in (6) SESSIONAL ORDER—PUTTING OF Council, Regulations, Rules or Guidelines AMENDMENTS pursuant to section 118A of the Criminal That for this session— Justice Act 1989 Omit Standing Orders 90 to 92 and insert new 37A. When notice of a motion to disallow Standing Order. any Proclamation, Order in Council, Regulation, Rule or Guideline Putting of amendments pursuant to section 118A of the 90. In respect of every amendment the Criminal Justice Act 1989 to which Speaker shall put a question—"That the objection may be taken within a time amendment be agreed to", which shall be specified has been given, such resolved by the House in the affirmative or motion shall be set down to be negative. considered on the next sitting day (7) S E S S IO N A L OR D E R —B I L LS upon which General Business has PRESENTED BY A MEMBER, READ A precedence of Government FIRST TIME AND PRINTED Business: That for this session— Provided that if there is within seven Omit Standing Order 241 and insert new sitting days after notice has been so given Standing Order. no day upon which General Business has precedence of Government Business Bills Presented by a Member, read a First such motion shall be set down to be Time and Printed considered within seven sitting days after 241.(a) A Bill shall be presented by the notice has been so given. Member who has obtained leave to On the day appointed for consideration, bring in the same, and immediately such motion— after the presentation of the Bill the Question shall be put, "That the Bill (i) Shall have priority on such day in the be now read a First time," and "That order in which notice was given; the Bill be printed," both without (ii) Shall take precedence over all other amendment or debate. business on such day; (b) Immediately after the Bill is printed, a (iii) If not moved on that day, shall lapse. Question shall be proposed "That the Bill be now read a second time" and Mr Speaker shall put the question when the Member who has presented the debate on any such motion shall have Bill shall forthwith proceed to give an occupied two hours, allocated as follows— explanation of the Bill. Mover of the motion, fifteen minutes; seconder of the motion and any other (c) During or after such explanatory Member, ten minutes; Minister in reply, speech, additional information to twenty minutes. assist in the understanding of the Bill may be Tabled for incorporation in (9) SESSI ONAL ORDER— SELECT "Hansard". COMMITTEE ON TRAVELSAFE— APPOINTMENT AND MEMBERSHIP (d) Further Debate on the Question "That the Bill be now read a second (1) That a select committee, to be known as time" shall be adjourned for a period the Select Committee on Travelsafe, be of at least thirteen whole calendar appointed to inquire into and report on all days. aspects of road safety and public transport in Queensland. In particular the (e) When a Message is required, Committee shall monitor, investigate and recommending that an appropriation report on— of money be made for the Bill, such Message shall be presented to Mr (a) issues affecting road safety including Speaker and read to the House the causes of road crashes and immediately after leave is granted to measures aimed at reducing deaths, present the Bill. injuries and economic costs to the community; (8) SESSIONAL ORDER—DISALLOWANCE MOTIONS (b) the safety of passenger transport services, and measures aimed at That for this session— 1510 Ministerial Statement 30 Jul 1998

reducing the incidence of related Public Works Committee deaths and injuries; and Mr Roberts (Chairman), Mr Knuth, Mr Laming, (c) measures for the enhancement of Mr Musgrove, Mr Purcell, Mr Rowell public transport in Queensland and Scrutiny of Legislation Committee reducing dependence on private motor vehicles as the predominant Mrs Lavarch (Chairman), Mrs E Cunningham, mode of transport. Mr Elliott, Hon. D Fouras, Dr Kingston, Mr Wellington (2) That the committee consist of 6 members of the Legislative Assembly of whom 3 Standing Orders Committee shall be nominated by the Leader of the Mr Speaker (ex officio) (Chairman), Mr Opposition. Borbidge, Mr D'Arcy, Mr Feldman, Hon. T (3) That the committee consist of Ms J Mackenroth, Dr Watson." Cunningham (Chairman), Mr Healy, Mr Motion agreed to. Hobbs, Ms Nelson-Carr, Mr Stephan, Mr Sullivan SELECT COMMITTEE ON PARLIAMENTARY (4) That the committee have power to call for ENTITLEMENTS persons, documents and other things notwithstanding any prorogation of the Appointment Parliament. Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— (5) That the committee may examine ALP) (Leader of the House) (3.43 a.m.), by witnesses on oath or affirmation. leave, without notice: I move— (6) The Chairperson of the committee or the "(1) That a select committee, to be known as Deputy Chairperson when acting as the Select Committee on Parliamentary Chairperson, shall have a deliberative Entitlements, be appointed to inquire into vote and in the event of an equality of and report on all entitlements of Members votes shall also have a casting vote. of the Legislative Assembly. (7) That as soon as practicable after the end (2) That the committee consist of 8 members of each year ending 30 June the of the Legislative Assembly. committee shall prepare a report on the (3) That the committee consist of the Hon. T operations of the committee during that Mackenroth (Chairman), Hon. P Beattie, year. Mr Borbidge, Mrs E Cunningham, Hon. J (8) That the foregoing provisions of this Elder, Mr Feldman, Dr Watson and resolution, so far as they may be Mr Wellington. inconsistent with the standing orders, (4) That the committee have power to call for have effect notwithstanding anything persons, documents and other things. contained in the standing orders. (5) That the committee may examine PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES— witnesses on oath or affirmation. APPOINTMENT AND MEMBERSHIP (6) The Chairman of the committee or the That notwithstanding anything contained in Deputy Chairman when acting as the Standing Orders, Members be appointed Chairman, shall have a deliberative vote to parliamentary committees as follows— and in the event of an equality of votes Legal, Constitutional and Administrative shall also have a casting vote. Review Committee (7) That the committee report to the House Mr Fenlon (Chairman), Mr Beanland, Ms by 1 November 1998. Boyle, Mrs Gamin, Mr Rappolt, Mr Wilson (8) That the foregoing provisions of this Members' Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges resolution, so far as they may be Committee inconsistent with the Standing Orders, Mr Mickel (Chairman), Ms Attwood, Mr Nelson, have effect notwithstanding anything Mr Reeves, Mrs Sheldon, Mr Springborg contained in the Standing Orders." Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee Motion agreed to. Mr Lucas (Chairman), Dr Clark, Mr Hegarty, Hon. V Lester, Mr Paff, Ms Struthers MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Public Accounts Committee Address of Welcome by Mr N. Bonner, AO Hon. K Hayward (Chairman), Mr Connor, Mr Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— Grice, Mr Mulherin, Mr Pearce, Mr Slack ALP) (Premier) (3.45 a.m.), by leave: The 30 Jul 1998 Native Title (Queensland) State Provisions Bill 1511 official opening of the 49th Queensland magnitude of the increase required would Parliament included an historic address by one necessarily be greater in order to make up the of this country's most respected elders. I refer shortfall caused by the delay. to the address by Mr Neville Bonner, who I regret to inform the House that this welcomed the Governor and all honourable warning was ignored and consequently Class members to this Parliament on behalf of the 1 premiums have increased by $16 rather traditional landowners of the site on which this than the $13 increase that was originally House stands. Mr Bonner is, as honourable recommended. That increase was required members are aware, also the first indigenous only because the previous Government took person to be elected to the Senate and is, no action within the two and a half months therefore, also rightly regarded as an elder of available to it to make the necessary the Australian nation. regulations. As he is not a member of this House, the The Beattie Labor Government was able contribution he made before all honourable to minimise the increase for Queensland members is not automatically included in motorists by acting swiftly to ensure that the Hansard. To do so will require a formal new premiums took effect from September resolution of this Parliament. It is therefore with 1998. The Government also recovered a pride that I move— $192,000 financial benefit that would "That the speech by Mr Bonner be otherwise have been realised by the incorporated into the Hansard record of Government's vehicle fleet due to the fact that yesterday's official opening of the 49th the majority of vehicles are registered in July. Queensland Parliament." These recovered moneys will be used to fund Motion agreed to. rehabilitation services for children who are victims of motor vehicle accidents. Through these measures, the Beattie Labor MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Government has ensured that the impact of Compulsory Third-Party Insurance the previous Government's inaction has been Premiums minimised. Queensland motorists have the security of a fully funded compulsory third- Hon. D. J. HAMILL (Ipswich—ALP) party insurance scheme and the Government (Treasurer) (3.46 a.m.), by leave: In vehicle fleet will pay its fair share. I table these accordance with the Motor Vehicle Insurance documents for the information of honourable Act 1994, I table the recommendations of the members. Motor Accident Insurance Commissioner on the premiums, levies and administration fees to be paid for compulsory third-party— NATIVE TITLE (QUEENSLAND) STATE CTP—insurance policies for the 1998-99 PROVISIONS BILL financial year. That appears at Annexure A. Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— Honourable members will note that the ALP) (Premier) (3.49 a.m.), by leave, without recommendations made by the Motor notice: I move— Accident Insurance Commissioner in February "That leave be granted to bring in a 1998 are at variance with the premiums fixed Bill for an Act to amend the Native Title by regulations tabled in the House this week. (Queensland) Act 1993 and for related As a result, I am required to now inform the purposes." House of the reasons why the Motor Accident Insurance Commissioner's recommendations Motion agreed to. have not been accepted. On 11 February 1998, the Motor Accident First Reading Insurance Commissioner advised the then Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and Treasurer of the necessary increases to Bill, on motion of Mr Beattie, read a first time. compulsory third-party insurance premiums required in the forthcoming financial year in order to maintain a fully funded scheme. Class Second Reading 1 premiums, for example, needed to increase Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— by $13. The commissioner explicitly advised ALP) (Premier) (3.50 a.m.): I move— the former Treasurer that regulations must be made before 30 April 1998 in order that the "That the Bill be now read a second increased premiums should take effect from 1 time." July 1998. The Government was warned that if For the last few years, the issue of native CTP premiums did not increase on 1 July, the title has consumed this State and this nation, 1512 Native Title (Queensland) State Provisions Bill 30 Jul 1998 leaving our community confused, uncertain indigenous, mining and primary producer and divided. I am pleased to be introducing as communities. What I ask from all members of my first piece of legislation as Premier a native this Parliament is that they give this strategy title Bill, because it allows me to state from the and this working party a fair go at developing a very outset that the time for cheap politics on solution. Over the next couple of months we native title is over. The time for division, will be working together to put in place a set of suspicion and hatred is ended. The people of procedures to manage native title issues and, Queensland want certainty. They want the importantly, to keep them out of the courts. issue sorted out once and for all—not more It requires a can-do Government to sort politics. this issue out so that Queensland can get Queenslanders understand that the only back to business and get employment growing way this issue is not going to become a again throughout this State. For the first time permanent site for a lawyers picnic is for all the ever, all these groups have been invited to join players to work together towards an agreeable Government in developing a process that solution. My Government approaches this everyone can live with. Everyone has been issue from the fundamental position that every made aware that there will be some pain. The citizen deserves to have their rights under indigenous communities will bear some of that common law protected to the maximum extent pain upon the passage of this Bill. I possible. This Bill, the Native Title acknowledge that on the record tonight. In a (Queensland) State Provisions Bill 1998, determination of a resolution of this matter, confirms that rights arising from past Acts of the pastoralists will have some pain, the Government are secure and absolute. miners will bear some pain and the Government will bear pain, too. As a result of this Bill pastoralists, fishermen, miners and others will know that I am confident, however, that everyone the leases and permits they currently hold are understands and appreciates that without valid, and the rights they thought they some flexibility and innovation there could be possessed under leases and permits are enormous administrative and cost burdens to confirmed absolutely. This provides certainty. manage a process that should really be quite simple and open. The strategy I have released We have moved quickly to introduce this is designed to achieve these objectives— legislation so that people are given a clear understanding of their current position at the achieve optimum understanding by all earliest possible time. We have honoured our parties about relevant issues, options and commitment to maintain Queensland as a their consequences primarily through the State with low sovereign risk, which stands by, mechanism of a working party which I and does not seek to revisit, the grants it has chair; made in good faith in the past. That is apply the new provisions of the Stage 1. Commonwealth Native Title Act to Stage 2 in this process is the Queensland; establishment of simple, straightforward, educate all parties, specifically State workable mechanisms to deal with future officers of all departments and their activities which might affect native title. We clients, on the application of native title have been waiting for more than 18 months procedures to State business, balancing for the Commonwealth to tidy up future act efficiency and equity; processes. Their failure to develop an establish a fair and equitable process that acceptable regime forced them to dump the encourages mutual agreement and problem onto the States. We accept this balances the consideration of legitimate challenge, and are committed to thrashing out indigenous interests, including adequate a workable system with the goodwill and consultation to establish a framework in assistance of the people directly involved in relation to proposals for mining and these issues. private development; The Commonwealth's hesitancy in mediate claims and undertake broader defining a process has provided Queensland negotiations in order to halt ambit claims, with the opportunity to pursue an approach remove overlapping claims and that reflects the genuine aspirations of consolidate related claims; indigenous Australians and allows the Queensland community to move forward as undertake strategic negotiations to one. I have released a native title strategy for resolve or avoid litigation arising out of dealing quickly with these issues. An important misunderstandings or lack of consultation; part of this strategy is the establishment of a shift policy focus away from reliance on working party with senior representatives of the Commonwealth legislation and winning 30 Jul 1998 Native Title (Queensland) State Provisions Bill 1513

test cases towards an agreement-based accommodate both native title and industry solution to individual native title issues; interests. and 21 July 1998: establish working party to obtain the most beneficial financial represent sectors. That was done. assistance from the Commonwealth for native title compensation. July/August 1998: development of Queensland's response. Establish a Native The key dates and objectives are as follows. Title Mediation Unit. This will be an important Preliminary meetings, which was the first unit that members will hear a great deal more stage— of. 16-17 July 1998: meetings with indigenous, 24 July 1998: meeting with Commonwealth pastoral, fishing and mining interests regarding officials to discuss technical aspects of the proposed native title strategy. alternative State provisions. Validating Legislation, which is what is before 8 August 1998: senior officials meeting in the House tonight— Melbourne regarding native title. 30 July 1998: introduction of Queensland End August 1998: finalisation of State legislation validating "intermediate period acts" response to mining and native title and and confirming extinguishment of native title provision of Queensland's proposed legislation on exclusive tenures. Proclamation of this arrangements to the Commonwealth for legislation is dependent on the approval. Develop State legislative framework. commencement of the Commonwealth Native The Commonwealth Minister's approval is Title Amendment Act. I might just digress. I did required before Queensland's proposed promise that it would be 30 July. I am sure scheme can become law. that members will forgive me; it is the morning of 31 July. Let us move on to the revision. Let us move on to indigenous land use agreements— Mr Mackenroth: It is still the same parliamentary day, though. August/September 1998: consultation regarding the future use of indigenous land Mr BEATTIE: That is right. I note that it is use agreements. still the same parliamentary day. October 1998: development of policy Let us move on to the revision of native response regarding the future use of title work procedures. Currently, revision of indigenous land use (and other) agreements existing Queensland Government native title to assist in the resolution of land use matters work procedures for future dealings and native and the avoidance of litigation. This response title to accommodate the effect of the will include consideration of any additional Commonwealth Act— resources and legislative amendment 24 July 1998: consultation with the necessary to provide a workable framework. Commonwealth officials about revised native Mediation of native title claims— title work procedures. July 1998: ongoing mediation of native title 28-29 July 1998: workshop on the use of claims by the Native Title Mediation Unit to revised work procedures with key Government accommodate changes resulting from the departments. Necessary adjustments made. Commonwealth Bill (such as the amendment August 1998: revised native title work of native title claims to accommodate the procedures will be released to Government higher threshold test for acceptance and departments and made available to clients by registration). Particular focus to be placed on electronic means. Revised procedures will the resolution of claims that are already at an ensure a smooth transition in the operational advanced stage in the mediation process. response across the whole-of-Government to Commonwealth financial assistance— the changes within the Commonwealth Act and the new State arrangements. July 1998: this matter is, and will continue to Let us move on to alternative State be, subject to continuing discussion with the provisions, which is the second stage in this Commonwealth to ensure expeditious process— resolution with the most beneficial financial assistance from the Commonwealth secured. July 1998: consultation with indigenous and mining interests regarding Queensland's Intergovernmental Issues— response to mining and native title to ensure a August 1998: arrange meetings with other fair and equitable State scheme to State Premiers and Prime Minister. 1514 Native Title (Queensland) State Provisions Bill 30 Jul 1998

In summary the strategy is— exclusive and non-exclusive possession acts to resolve the immediate validation issue respectively. The term "exclusive possession within a month of the Commonwealth act" is defined by reference to the schedule of legislation being enacted, which is the exclusive tenures attached to the purpose of this Bill. Commonwealth Bill. Again, the Bill provides for payment of compensation to native title I might digress and say that when I met with holders where native title has been the Prime Minister, Mr Howard, recently, he extinguished, or partially extinguished, as the signalled to me at the time that he thought result of an act attributable to the State. that proclamation of the Commonwealth Bill would take place within a month, although he The Bill before the House also omits from was not absolutely certain of that time frame. the Native Title (Queensland) Act redundant or Subsequent advice from the Commonwealth superfluous provisions. Some of these has indicated that the proclamation may, in provisions are inconsistent with the fact, take three months. The bottom line is Commonwealth Bill and naturally cannot form that we have to fit in—dovetail in—with the part of the law of Queensland. Others have proclamation. We will do it when the never been used. Others may be replaced by Commonwealth moves. I hope that there is no any alternative State provisions developed delay from the Commonwealth. through the multiparty discussions I have The second part of the strategy is to facilitated. These changes will commence develop a comprehensive package of State- once the changes to the Commonwealth Act based arrangements within three months. The have been proclaimed and, indeed, cannot Government will identify those grants issued sensibly commence before then. by the Queensland Government during the Honourable members should note that period 1994 to 1996 and will, within six the Bill does not address what alternative months, inform Aboriginal and Islander procedures Queensland may adopt in relation organisations of all mining grants or interest in to mining. The current procedures are land and resources. The Government will also generally known as the right to negotiate. The be prepared to examine ways of resolving consultative process will assist my Government compensation claims outside the courts and to explore the full range of alternatives through the processes of regional available. Any new State-based regime will be agreements. The Government will negotiate presented to this Parliament in the form of the process for resolving these matters with further amending legislation. indigenous, mining, pastoral and fishing I should point out that the Commonwealth representatives. Bill requires all State-based regimes to be The major purpose of this Bill is to take approved by the Commonwealth Minister. advantage of the validation provisions within That ministerial decision is also a disallowable the Commonwealth Bill by providing for the instrument subject to the scrutiny of the validation of "intermediate period acts" which Commonwealth Parliament. may have been invalid because of native title. Intermediate period acts are those acts which I wish to re-emphasise to this House my took place after the date of the earnest desire to incorporate native title into commencement of the Commonwealth Native our system of land management in a Title Act on 1 January 1994 but before the seamless way, which minimises cost and High Court's decision in Wik on 23 December maximises certainty. 1996, on the understanding that native title There are two final points I wish to make. had been extinguished by the grant of a First, the timetable I have set is tough and it is pastoral lease. The Bill makes it clear that tight. I am determined to try and stick to it, but native title holders are entitled to I advise the House that it is tough and it is compensation because of the validation of tight. Secondly, I advise the House that for the those intermediate acts attributable to the second part of this strategy we will require the State. wisdom of Solomon because not only does it Negotiations are continuing between have to get through this Parliament but it also Queensland and the Commonwealth about needs to pass the Senate test, the whole financial assistance from the Commonwealth Commonwealth Parliament test and the High to Queensland for future compensation Court test. payments around the 75:25 model outlined by I believe that members on both sides are the Commonwealth. desirous of a genuine outcome in relation to The Bill also confirms the total or partial Wik. It will require tolerance. It will require extinguishing effect on native title of previous understanding. It will require us to be sensible 30 Jul 1998 Native Title (Queensland) State Provisions Bill 1515 and to put the interests of the State first and to not play politics. I commend the Bill to the House. Debate, on motion of Mr Borbidge, adjourned. The House adjourned at 4.04 a.m. (Friday).

R. G. GILES, ACTING GOVERNMENT PRINTER, QUEENSLAND—1998