Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 1965

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

982 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER, 1965 and (c) intermediate wards, other than tuberculosis wards, in Queensland Public Hospitals? Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair (2) What is the Commonwealth contri­ bution to tuberculosis wards and senile at 11 a.m. annexes? QUESTIONS ( 3) Are any accounts for treatment QUALITY OF SOUTIIERN FRUIT SOLD IN issued to patients in public wards? ToWNSVILLE.-Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Primary ( 4) What is the daily average number of Industries,- occupied beds in public wards, sub-inter­ ( 1) Have any complaints been received mediate wards and intermediate wards in by his Department concerning the poor (a) North Brisbane Hospital, (b) Princess quality of southern fruit being sent to Alexandra Hospital and (c) all Queensland Townsville for sale to the public and, if so, hospitals in the years ended June 30, 1952, has any action been taken to investigate 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1965? and resolve such complaints? (5) How many public beds are there in hospitals of up to 150 beds capacity and (2) Are any deciduous fruits from what are the figures for each hospital? Stanthorpe or any other Queensland area being sent to Townsville and, if not, from ( 6) What Commonwealth payment is what interstate areas are these fruits being made for pensioners in public wards? drawn and for what reason? (7) Is any deduction made from the Answers:- pensions of pensioners in public wards? ( 1) "My Department has not received If so, what is the amount? any complaints from wholesalers, retailers or housewives in the Townsville area concerning the quality of fruit and Answers:- vegetables being offered for sale during ( 1) "The Commonwealth Hospital recent months. In March last a Depart­ Benefits payable are as follows:-(a) mental Inspector at Townsville had Public Wards-Uninsured patients, 8s. occasion to take action regarding a con­ per day. Insured patients, 20s. per day. signment of apples received from the Except for pensioners enrolled in the Granite Belt because the cartons were not Pensioner Medical Service for whom the correctly marked and size and grade were benefit is 36s. per day, (b) Sub­ variable. Apart from incorrect grades Intermediate Wards (now non-existent), however, quality was within the standards and (c) Private and Intermediate Wards­ prescribed. The attention of the grower Uninsured patients, 8s. per day; Insured was brought to the matter which was also patients, 20s. per day." referred to Departmental staff at Stan­ thorpe for appropriate action. No further (2) "The Commonwealth Government complaint has been recorded against this reimburses to the State the full mainten­ grower's produce. A recent instance of ance costs of tuberculosis annexes in excess oranges loosely packed and incorrectly of the cost in the base year 1947-1948. marked from the Gayndah district on sale Senile annexes are registered as Nursing in a supermarket in Townsville is being Homes under the National Health Act investigated, but the question of quality 1953-1964 which prescribes the amount of the fruit is not involved." of Nursing Home Benefit payable as 20s. per day." (2) "Yes. Deciduous fruits from Stan­ thorpe are being sent at present to Towns­ ( 3) "There is no charge for Queensland ville." residents in public wards with the exception of seamen who are accom­ COMMONWEALTII PAYMENTS FOR PUBLIC modated in a hospital other than their HosPITAL PATIENTs.-Mr. Melloy, pursuant home port and where the shipping com­ to notice, asked The Minister for Health,­ pany is responsible for the costs of their ( I) What is the Commonwealth pay­ hospitalisation. Fees are payable by ment per occupied bed per day in (a) non-pensioners ordinarily resident outside public wards, (b) sub-intermediate wards Queensland." Questions [21 OcTOBER] Questions 983

(4) "The daily averages are as follows:-

Sub­ Private and Hospital Public Wards Intermediate Intermediate Wards Wards

1951-1952- (a) North Brisbane-­ Brisbane General 1,243·7 Nil 46·7 Brisbane Women's 100·9 Nil 190·8 Brisbane Children's 248·4 Nil Nil Wilson Hostel 10·7 Nil Nil (b) Princess Alexandra Non existent in 1951-1952

(c) All Queensland Hospitals under the control of Hospitals 4,987·6 Nil 862·1 Boards 1961-1962- (a) North Brisbane­ Brisbane General 803·7 2·86 48·2 Brisbane Women's 146·9 Nil 119·6 Brisbane Children's 174·7 Nil Nil (b) Princess Alexandra 738·0 11·50 140·8 (c) All Queensland Hospitals under the control of Hospitals 5,301·3 17·35 960·3 Boards 1962-1963- (a) North Brisbane­ Brisbane General 817·1 0·69 46·9 Brisbane Women's 138·6 Nil 109·4 Brisbane Children's 160·1 Nil Nil (b) Princess Alexandra 822·6 4·58 143·2

(c) All Queensland Hospitals under the control of Hospitals 5,626·0 6·35 977·0 Boards 1963-1964- (a) North Brisbane­ Brisbane General 835·0 0·06 46·77 Brisbane Women's 145·5 Nil 99·40 Brisbane Children's 152·16 Nil Nil (b) Princess Alexandra 941·28 Nil 142·61 (c) All Queensland Hospitals under the control of Hospitals 5,928·9 0·13 998·31 Boards 1964-1965 (a) North Brisbane­ Brisbane General 807·6 Nil 45·72 Brisbane Women's 139·0 Nil 85·34 Brisbane Children's 154·2 Nil 1·84 (b) Princess Alexandra 938·4 Nil 141·84 (c) All Queensland Hospitals under the control of Hospitals 5,877·6 Nil 1,001·40 Boards

The figures do not include patients in Senile annexes and Chronic wards." (5) "According to information fur­ (6) "36s. per occupied bed day for nished by the respective Hospitals Boards pensioners enrolled in the Pensioner the numbers of public beds in these Medical Service. Otherwise the payments are Ss. for uninsured pensioners and hospitals are as set out below and do not 20s. for insured pensioners per occupied include beds in senile annexes and chronic bed day." wards. (7) "No. For the information of the Honourable Member I would point out:­ Hospital Number of That certain hospital benefit organisations Public Beds reduce their benefit paid to members who are accommodated in free public beds. Brisbane General 1,027 This is completely outside the province of Brisbane Women's 192 Brisbane Children's 227 the hospitals themselves and no part of Princess Alexandra 1,000 the benefit retained by the organisation is Chermside 725 paid to the hospital. There are now no Ipswich .. 248 Toowoomba .. 244 sub-intermediate beds in our hospitals." Maryborough 248 Bundaberg 183 CONVICTION OF MRS. J. T. RUNGE.-Mr. Gympie .. 120 Rockhampton 278 Duggan, pursuant to notice, asked The Mackay 217 Minister for Justice,- Townsville 391 Cairns 240 With regard to Mrs. Jessie Thelliel Innisfail 135" Runge, who was convicted on ex parte evidence on September 21 for breaching 984 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

the tuberculosis regulations and who ( 4) What is planned for the mission claimed that her refusal to submit to com­ and its people? pulsory X-ray arose out of her personal unhealthy reaction to X-rays, are the facts Answers:- surrounding this matter such as to (a) (1) "(a) 272 adults; (b) 79 school justify the matter being re-opened or (b) children (figures of children under 16 not establish in some manner whether her available)." claim regarding reaction is correct? (2) "(a) 102 adults; (b) 59 children Answer:- under 16 years." "(a) The matter of whether a case (3) "No." decided by the Magistrates Court should be reopened is one for that Court. Mrs. ( 4) "Lockhart River Mission is con­ Runge applied personally to the Court to ducted by the Anglican Church and is have her case reopened and the Court under the control of the Bishop of Car­ refused her application. (b) Mrs. Runge pentaria. The Government vests virtually had ample opportunity to establish a case autonomous powers in the Church in its before the Court and she did not avail administration of the various Missions. herself of that opportunity. She did not Following agreement between the Church, defend the complaint against her and con­ the State and the community residents, sequently did not adduce any evidence in invitation has been extended from time to support of her claim." time, as housing and other opportunities present, for people to migrate. However, no compulsion whatsoever has been WELFARE OFFICERS TO ASSIST IN ASSIMILA­ exercised in this regard. In the absence TION OF ABORIGINES.-Mr. Aikens, pursuant of further approaches by the Diocese of to notice, asked The Minister for Educa­ Carpentaria, the Director of Native Affairs tion,- is continuing the previously agreed policy Have representations been made to him to transfer those who wish as opportunity by the Anglican Diocese of North Queens­ presents." land, conveying a resolution passed at its 1965 Synod concerning the appointment of SURVEY PEGS IN FORTY MILE SCRUB welfare officers in suitable places to assist AREA, KENNEDY HIGHWAY.-Mr. Wallis­ aborigines who leave Government settle­ Smith, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister ments and church mission stations to for Mines,- become assimilated into the white com­ As no other method is known of estab­ munity, and, if so, was any action taken lishing survey marks and as the present along the lines suggested by the Synod? pegs are a traffic hazard and the cause of extensive tyre damage, will he take steps Answer:- to have them removed, especially on the "Yes, representations have been made to Kennedy Highway in the Forty Mile Scrub me by the Anglican Diocese of North area? Queensland. Numbers of full time officers are already employed throughout Queens­ Answer:­ land to assist in the care, training and "No." assimilation of our Aboriginal people and although not actually designated welfare officers, these persons in fact, performed RESUMPTION OF EULOLO PASTORAL HOLD­ such functions. Additional to these ING.-Mr. Lonergan, pursuant to notice, asked officers, with the implementation of amend­ The Minister for Lands,- ing legislation recently introduced, my ( 1 ) Does the Government propose to Government has foreshadowed that further resume Eulolo Pastoral Holding for the staff will be required in this field and purpose of closer settlement? If so, how some of the envisaged appointments have many blocks, and of what area, will be already been advertised." available for selection? (2) On what basis will the areas be LOCKHART RIVER MISSION.-Mr. Wallis­ made available and to whom? Smith, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister ( 3) Are any portions of the original for Education,- holding to be offered to the present (1) What was the (a) adult population lessees and, if so, what is the area of such and (b) child population (under sixteen portion or portions? years) at Lockhart River Mission as at Answers:- June 30, 1960? ( 1) "The lease of Eulolo Pastoral Hold­ (2) What is the present (a) adult and ing was surrendered to be effective as at (b) child population? December 31, 1964, for the purpose of making an area of 356,840 acres available ( 3) Have any Lockhart River Mission for new settlement. The surrendered area children been shifted to Bamaga during is being surveyed into nine (9) portions 1965? If so, how many and when were with areas ranging from 33,100 acres to they moved? 52,480 acres." Question; [21 OCTOBER] Questions 985

(2) "The surveyed portions will be (2) Has this practice been introduced opened for selection as Grazing Home­ because of faulty handcuffs which can be steads. Persons who are landless or hold opened with a wooden match? land not exceeding 50 per cent. of a living area, who can meet the financial qualifica­ ( 3) What action has been taken against tion as will be decided later and who are the manufacturer of these faulty hand­ not otherwise disqualified under the Land cuffs? Acts, will be eligible to be included in the ballot for the portions. It is expected ( 4) Has any action been taken to the portions will be notified open for obtain a supply of effective handcuffs? selection within six months." (5) Will he issue instructions to ensure ( 3) "In terms of the arrangement with that persons awaiting trial are treated in Collins White & Company Pty. Limited, a civilized fashion and not in the present lessee of Eulolo Pastoral Holding, for barbaric manner? surrender of the lease, the Company is being granted a thirty year lease as a (6) Under what section of the Criminal Pastoral Holding over an area of about Code or other criminal law are persons on 70,400 acres of the former holding." trial placed in a confined pen, referred to as a dock, thus seriously prejudicing the minds of the jury called to try them? ALLEGED ILLEGAL IsSUE OF MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVING LICENSES.-Mr. Davies for Answers:- Mr. Bennett, pursuant to notice, asked The ( 1 and 5) "I am advised that prisoners Minister for Education,- brought from the gaol to appear in the ( 1) How many driving licenses have Magistrates Courts are taken from the been issued in the last two six-monthly prison van in the compound attached to periods to people not entitled to them in the City Watchhouse and lodged in a cell (a) Brisbane Metropolitan area and (b) within the watchhouse. When required, other parts of Queensland? they are escorted to the Court in handcuffs by prison officers. The only manner in ( 2) Are there any police stations in which the practice of escorting prisoners particular where this illegal practice has in handcuffs to the District Courts within been followed? If so, what are the the view of members of the public could stations? be eliminated, would be the installation of ( 3) Is there any suggestion that bribery cells under or within such Courts and the has been indulged in in order to obtain provision of an enclosed loading bay where these licenses and what action has been prisoners could be placed in and taken taken to prevent the practice? from the van." ( 4) Are any driving schools involved in (2 to 4) "I am assured by the prison the corrupting of police officers to obtain authorities that the handcuffs in use are licenses for their clients? If so, who are the best available." they and in what way were they involved? (5) Have enquiries been made to ascer­ (6) "This matter is not one which tain what accidents, fatal and otherwise, comes within my jurisdiction." have been caused by incompetent drivers who paid to get their driving licenses at other stations after being rejected at the LEASE OF RECLAIMED LAND ON CAIRNS authorized testing places? FoRESHORE.-Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked The Treasurer,- Answer:- ( 1) Is the Cairns Harbour Board (1 to 5) "As commissioned officers of reclaimed foreshore land, which is situated police are presently conducting an investi­ in the vicinity of the approach to Platypus gation into the matter of the issue of Jetty, to be leased to Alltrans Pty. Ltd. for drivers' licenses in this State, I do not motel purposes? propose to Answer in detail the Question asked." (2) If so, will other companies receive similar preference to negotiate for the lease of public lands for like purposes? TREATMENT OF ACCUSED PERSONS AWAIT­ (3) If not, why were public tenders not ING TRIAL.-Mr. Davies for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for called in relation to the Cairns site? Health,- ( 1) Is he aware that persons awaiting Answer:- trial, whom the law presumes to be inno­ (1 to 3) "I have no information cent, are marched around the Supreme additional to that conveyed in my reply Court and District Court grounds chained to the Honourable Member's Question on together in handcuffs in full view of the October 13, 1965. However, I would public and the panel of jurors called to point out that certain long term leases by try them? Harbour Boards require my approval. I 986 Papers [ASSEMBLY] Supply

have thus had to consider many such leases STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION for a great variety of purposes. These ACTS AND ANOTHER ACT AMEND­ are commonly negotiated by the Harbour MENT BILL Board with interested applicants and the calling of public tenders is a rarity. Bulk THIRD READING sugar terminals, oil depots, fertiliser tanks, refineries, cold stores-there is a ·Bill, on motion of Mr. Hiley, read a wide class of use which provides abundant third time. precedent and which was present long before 1957." SUPPLY CoMMITTEE-FINANCIAL STATEMENT­ RESUMPTION OF DEBATE DRAINAGE OF GARBUTT STATE SCHOOL GROUNDS.-Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, (•Mr. Campbell, Aspley, in the chair) asked The Minister for Education,- Debate resumed from 19 October (see What is the present position regarding p. 965) on Mr. Hiley's motion- the proposed drainage of the grounds of "That there be granted to Her Majesty, the Garbutt State School, Townsville? for the service of the year 1965-66, a sum not exceeding £1,809 to defray the salary Answer:- of Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the " A preliminary design has been pre­ Governor." pared for improved drainage to the Mr. BYRNE CMourilyan) (11.18 a.m.): I grounds of the Garbutt State School. should like to make a contribution to the However, funds are not available, at debate on the Financial Statement. In doing present, to permit this work to be under­ so, I rea.Iise that the Treasurer is to retire taken." from this office at the end of the current session of Parliament and that, if reports are true, he will be followed by the Minister ADDITIONS TO TOWNSVILLE RAILWAY for Transport, who no doubt will bring to STATION.-Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, the office the extensive experience he has asked The Minister for Transport,- gained during the time he has been in ( I) What was the cost of the additions Parliament. We hope that when he does to the Townsville Railway Station? assume the office of Treasurer he will meet with every success. (2) Has any decision yet been made regarding the renovation of its parcels The Treasurer has been an exceLlent office? occupant of this portfolio, which is a very difficult one. A Treasurer must be com­ petent and have an extensive knowledge Answers:- of accountancy, and during the time the ( 1) "Details relative to the building present occupant fiLled this important office will be given by me at the Official Opening he has displayed all the necessary quali­ in Townsville tomorrow." fications. I have aLways found him (2) "I would refer the Honourable courteous and obliging, and I wish him well Member to my Answer to the Question in his retirement. He has still many years asked of me by the Honourable Member ahead of him, but with the vicissitudes of for Townsville South on September 1, primary production and all the difficulties 1965." we are facing at the moment perhaps he is wise in retiring from his high office. The sugar induMry is presently causing a great PAPERS deal of concern, as are also the meat The following paper was laid on the table, industry, the wool industry and the tobacco and ordered to be printed:- industry. Report of the Queensland Health Education This debate affords us an opportunity to Council for the year 1964-65. deal with various matters which we think should be brought to the attention of the The following papers were laid on the Parliament and the public of Queensland. table:- This morning I intend to devote a little time to the sugar industry. Although I have been Orders in Council under- associated with that industry for many years The Companies Acts, 1961 to 1964. I do not hold myself up as an expert or The Health Acts, 1937 to 1964. suggest that I have any superior knowledge of it. Regulation under the Liquor Acts, 1912 to First, I draw attention to the fact that 1965. the Bank of New South Wales has put in Rule under the Coal Mining Acts, 1925 to a receiver at the Gin Gin sugar mill. The 1964. directors of the company have been sacked. I understand that the company owes some­ Report of the State Stores Board for the thing like £700,000. Who will take care of year 1964-65. the growers who supply the mill? Who will Supply (21 OCTOBER] Supply 987

look after their interests if the Bank of New can only hope that circumstances may arise South Wales decides to seek its entitlements whereby relief is provided in some form. under its mortgage, or whatever it is? I ask From what I have read, and from my the Treasurer to look after the Gin Gin knowledge of the industry, I am afraid that growers and ensure that their interests are it will be a long time before matters right protected to the greatest possible extent. themselves. In the Mackay district, the North Eton The recent Geneva Conference was con­ mill has plenty of financial worry. From vened in an effort to secure a new inter­ information I have received I understand national agreement, but it was a dismal that the State Government Insurance Office failure. Agreement is as far away as ever, has advanced the company £250,000. The and I forecast that we may have to stock­ Treasurer has put in a Mr. Fields to act as pile sugar. I hope we do not have to, but director and watch the intere'Sts of the there is a distinct possibility of it. It seems Treasury. I am by no means criticising the that we will have to console ourselves with Treasurer for doing that. He realises that the view expressed by the Right Honourable a sugar mill that is in difficulties is entitled J. McEwen, Federal Minister for Trade and to evel'Y possible consideration and protec­ Industry, who led the delegation to the tion. My main argument is that the International Sugar Conference, and by the growers in the industry are entitled to Honourable G. F. R. Nicklin, who was Mr. protection. I ask that at the highest level, McEwen's deputy at the conference, that the both State and Federal, the growers in importing countries recognise the need for a the sugar industry be protected from any­ substantial increase in the price of free­ one who, under a mortgage or anything market sugar. The point is that we cannot else, might seek to take over the equity of console ourselves with the thought that the growers in the mm. somebody else realises that there should be I understand that the Cattle Creek mill an increase in the price of sugar. Few people is a month behind in its payments to the have any confidence that the importers will growers. I bring these matters forward agree voluntarily to a price increase. At to indicate that what was once one of the very best, I believe it would be a rotten our greatest industries has now fallen by reed on which to rely. Importers are not the wayside. It is up to us to see that we likely to increase the price to their con­ protect it to the best of our ability. sumers merely to relieve the sellers of their Marian mill faces substantial payments financial burden and thus transfer the obli­ for expansion before the end of the year, gation to someone else. but it has no liquidity to meet the cost of A further conference is likely to be held, that expansion. These are matters of possibly 12 months hence. However, I vital importance to Queensland, par­ cannot see-and I do not know anyone who ticularly to those concerned with the can see-that there is any possibility of industry. Haughton mill lacks liquidity, arriving at a successful agreement. and very likely there are others, too. One of the main factors we must remember Mr. Walsh: How is Tully mill situated? is that we went into the expansion pro­ Mr. BYRNE: Tully mi!l owes a con­ gramme. It was a tremendous expansion siderable amount of money, but with its programme, costing millions of pounds. In volume of production I feel that it will be doing that, the people concerned had in mind able to weather the storm. I think the that they would be successful in negotiating Tully mill will crush about 500,000 tons. an international agreement. If they did not I do not know the actual figure for this have that belief, I cannot understand why year but I am confident that the Tully such a great expansion programme was mill will weather the storm without great undertaken. difficulty. I suggest that the difficulties that the If we could accurately compute the industry has faced, and is now facing, were financial loss to the State of Queensland, well known in 1961. I propose to quote and to those engaged in the sugar industry, from an article in "The Bulletin" of 14 we would find that it is of great magnitude; October, 1961, the following statement by it is of alarming proportions. I refer to this the Hon. John McEwen, Deputy Prime Min­ matter so frequently because over the years ister and Minister for Trade- I have foreseen the possibility of the trouble "Thus Mr. John McEwen, Deputy Prime that has occurred, and is occurring today. Minister and Minister for Trade, declared The tremendous loss is caused by the depre­ in a lengthy statement to 'Le Monde' that ciated price for sugar on the free market. Britain's admission to the Common Market We are obliged to accept that price; we can would be 'a tragedy' that would 'hasten do nothing about it. Those in the industry the complete collapse of the whole edifice whom I know believe that there is very little of economic and commercial relations of hope of any improvement in the immediate the free world.' He classed Australia with future. If that is so, there can be small the poor developing countries who, he comfort for the growers. They will have alleged, have been the 'victims' of the to meet the inevitable losses as best they 'import policies followed by the indus­ can. Not one person in the industry sug­ trialised nations'-as though the deteriora­ gests that losses will not be suffered. One tion in the terms of trade against primary 988 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

produce was due entirely to ill will and Mr. Murray: Is not the Premier's attend­ had nothing to do with technological ance at this conference satisfactory to you'? economies in raw material used or the snbstitution of synthetics. Repeating the Mr. Duggan: Unfortunately, the mission large threat about 'the breakdown of the f<:iled-that is the trouble. whole economic ·structure of the free world,' Mr. BYRNE: The hon. member has the Minister concluded on a sinister note heard me say on many occasions in this by inviting Europeans to meditate 'the Chamber that I wish to se·e this State's lesson of Cuba.'" representation at the highest possible level. I quote that to show that those in high positions responsible for the welfare of the Honourable l\'lembers interjected. sugar industry knew in 1961 the difficult The TEMPORARY CHMRMAN (Mr. position that was likely to arise. In view Campbell): Order! of those circumstances, it was, in my opinion, a dereliction of duty to allow a programme Mr. BYRNE: Apart from price, the of expansion running into £50,000,000 to obstacles to agreement between the export­ £60,000,000. Many growers have suffered ing countries have not been made very greatly as a result of this unreasonable expan­ clear. However, one can visualise that sion, and they may well finish in the Bank­ primarily there has been disagreement on ruptcy Court. the quotas to be applied. Quotas were laid down in 1961 of course, but all Mr. Duggan: What do you think was meant reports that I have ;ead are so pessimistic by the reference to the sinister implications about the outcome of this conference as of Cuba? to be downright frightening. The plight Mr. BYRNE: I dealt with that point when of the sugar-growers appears to be serious. I spoke previously on this matter. I wanted I am concerned about the growers, par­ to know whether he thought that this was ticularly the new growers, but misplaced a country with leanings towards Communism sympathy will not achieve anything.. I say and would be prepared to break agreements seriously to the Treasurer that action 1s and do all sorts of things that are not needed at both the Federal and State level regarded as commercially proper. I do to ensure that growers will be aJ.lowed at not know what was meant by it, nor do least a reasonable time within which to I know any people who do. The fact is rehabilitate themselve·s, and that they will be that it is regarded as containing the threat protected against legal action by mortgagees that if nothing was done for the Queens­ and creditors so that their equities in their land sugar industry a situation very similar properties will not be interfered with. to that in Cuba could result. The new growers who came into the I am very disappointed that the Premier sugar industry accepted the invitation. of did not avail himself earlier of the oppor­ the Government to apply for a cane assign­ tnnity to attend overseas sugar conferences. ment. They had to have certain knowledge In doing so he would have had the goodwill and experience of the industry, as well as of hon. members on this side of the Chamber. financial backing. In the main, the success­ He could possibly have carried on the good ful applicants left lucrative jobs to enter work of his predecessors Ned Hanlon and the sugar industry. I know men who had Forgan-Smith. There are in the Chamber good jobs in banks or as accountants or today men who remember Ned Hanlon's other positions in which they received good great fight for a Commonwealth Agreement weekly incomes; now, in order to earn some back in 1950-51. The difference today is money to support their wives and families, this: whereas Ned Hanlon had in his pocket they have to leave their farms and seek the contract to go ahead with a huge expan­ work elsewhere. The sugar-growers know sion programme, today the Commonwealth only too well that the banks have let them Government and the industry generally have down very bad1y and that there is the played for big stakes and lost. They gambled the equity of the growers in doing so. I possibility of foreclosure on their properties. think that is a disgraceful state of affairs. Mr. Murray: I presume that you wish to In my opinion, when matters involving apply this principle to all industries? millions of pounds are under discussion, Mr. BYRNE: I would apply the principle, poJ.itical representation is a1ways better yes. So far as primary production is con­ than representation by delegated authority. cerned, all kinds-- I have said time and time again that, even though the advice of experts is avail~ble, Mr. Murray: All industries? parliamentary representation at the highest level is desirable. When agreements for Mr. BYRNE: Yes, primary industries. industries such as sugar, meat and wool are Mr. Murray: But not secondary industries being negotiated, the State should be repre­ as well as primary industries. sented by the appropriate Minister, who knows the industry well. If opportunities Mr. BYRNE: The point I am making is to advance Queensland'·s interests present that the proposition is a fair and reasonable themselves and are not taken, the Govern­ one to put up to the Treasurer. I informed me·nt must accept the blame for its neglect. hon. members on this side of the Chamber [21 OcTOBER] Supvly 989

of the proposition I intended to put forward. acumen, may not go amiss. We should have It does not make any difference if more a look at these experts and see who they are than one hon. member submits suggestions. and whether they can be misled. If so, we However, I regard the proposition I am now must correct the situation for the sake of putting forward as a good one, and I hope the industry. I say again, give us another the Treasurer will regard it as such. Forgan Smith or another Ned Hanlon, men who understood the industry and were pre­ There is a conflict of opinion on what pared to work and sacrifice themselves, as brought about the disaster; apparently what Ned Hanlon did, in order that it should has happened was not thought of at the prosper. relevant time. At a recent canegrowers' con­ ference some 13 or 14 different reasons were Around 1950 or 1951 I think the peak put forward for the position the industry quota for Queensland was 737,000 tons of is in today. My suggestion is that all factors sugar. It was increased to 1,200,000 tons were known to those who made recommen­ between about 1950 and 1952. In that dations to the committee of inquiry. It period there was stability in the industry. may be suggested that my remarks constitute The growers then had to expand as they are a criticism of the committee, but they are doing now, but not so fast. The industry not. The committee was appointed; it expanded and the properties became weighed the evidence submitted to it profitable. and came to certain conclusions. Nobody Mr. Camm: Five years after the previous could complain about that. My point expansion they were ploughing in cane. is that the persons responsible for gathering information for submission to the com­ JVir. BYRNE: That was because they mittee were not fully qualified when they had 700,000-odd tons left in the paddocks. advanced the information. We now see how Mr. Camm: That is right. wrong this tremendous expansion has been. I believe in expansion, but I do not believe Mr. BYRNE: The reason it was left there in the tremendous expansion that has taken was that they produced over their peaks place when so many growers throughout although they were told not to produce Queensland are suffering so much. And what excessively. is more, they will suffer further. The problem with the Australian industry The industry is not yet producing the ton­ now is that more than 800,000 tons of sugar nages it is capable of producing. Only has to be sold at a depressed world market recently we were informed that another price, with and without preference. This will 800,000 tons of sugar will have to be catered be from a total production this year for. What will the position be then? The approaching 2,000,000 tons. I have here a southern parts of Queensland have been in newspaper article which says- the grip of drought and when the extra "Next year a continuation of low world quantity of sugar from the North comes in prices must worsen economic difficulties we will be in for a lot of trouble. My only for the Australian industry because, under hope is that we can overcome the trouble. the expansion drive, and in the event of a I am drawing the attention of the Com­ more favourable season in South Queens­ miteee to this matter, not for any purpose land, Australian production will be sub­ of political propaganda but because I want stantially more than 2,000,000 tons. This to see the right thing done by the growers. will leave a much greater proportion of I do not want to see the mistakes of the an increased exportable surplus at the past repeated. mercy of unstable world prices." I do not get any pleasure in bringing out these Mr. Murray: That is most contradictory, points. I am concerned about the growers because a year ago most members on your generally and the prosperity of Queensland, side of the Committee were urging for more as well as the general economic situation. It growers in the industry. worries me, therefore, when I see statements Honourable Members interjected. such as the one in this morning's "Courier­ Mail" in which there is reported an alleged Mr. BYRNE: My complaint is that the statement by Mr. 0. Wolfensberger, Chair­ committee of inquiry had before it infor­ man of the Sugar Board. Under the heading mation that was given by experts. Possibly "Hope held on price of sugar", it reads- these experts became so cocksure of them­ "Queensland's Sugar Board Chairman selves that in their opinion all that was (Mr. 0. Wolfensberger) is still optimistic necessary was to expand as quickly as pos­ that an international agreement satisfactory sible, as the International Sugar Agreement to Australia will be reached eventually." was coming up for renewal and it would be It may not be in my lifetime. I should say a good arguing point to have this expansion. that statements such as that would be better It was a big gamble that did not come off. left unsaid. As a result, the growers in the industry are suffering and it will be a long time before The article continues- they can recover. In the meantime, I submit "Mr. Wolfensberger returned yesterday. that a re-examination of the qualifications He was one of the Australian sugar of our overseas experts to interpret the inter­ industry's representatives at the Geneva national situation, and of their business International Sugar Conference . . . 33 990 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

"Mr. Wolfensberger said the failure of are administering and they do not take the the conference to negotiate an agreement opportunity to advance the State's interests at its first session was not unexpected when it presents itself, the responsibility because the views of the 67 exporting and for their failure falls on the Government. importing countries diverged widely." 'In this morning's Press, Mr. Adermann, This is a member of the delegation that went Federal Minister for Primary Industry, said overseas, and he says the outcome was not he hoped no more assignments would be unexpected. Why did he not give this infor­ handed out by the Central Sugar Cane mation to the sugar industry previously? Prices Board. Cane assignments were Why did he not say, "I do not think we are finished long ago. going to get any success at an international Mr. Camm: No, they are not. conference and therefore we must view the situation with the greatest possible caution." Mr. BYRNE: Of course they are. No! He comes back after the horse has bolted and tells us that he quite expected When speaking at the Queensland Cane that agreement would not be reached at the Growers' Association Conference Mr. Geneva conference. Adermann said he would be very pleased to give all possible assistance to the industry We were told recently that America was whe·n it was needed. I should say that the going to be a good customer of ours, but time has come when the industry needs this headline appeared in yesterday's Press­ assistance and I am sure he wil:l be obliged "U.S. sugar cut is setback to export to carry out his undertaking. hopes." I could proceed at length to deal with this A reduced annual import quota of Australian industry, but I think I have said enough to sugar has been recommended. America is prove that I am deeply interested in the reducing her custom rather than increasing plight of the sugar growers of Queensland, it. and that I take advantage of every oppor­ Here are some more headlines­ tunity to press for their betterment. I "Sugar Men Face Ruin over Pact"; believe that they deserve better treatment. "Sugar Prospects are still clouded"; The only way we can assist them at present, "Dim Hopes from Geneva Talks". seeing that the international agreement is as far away as ever, is to protect what they Millions of pounds have been invested in have from those who wish to take it from the sugar industry. How much has been them. According to this morning's Press the lost on the Stock Exchange as a result of cost of living has risen substantially. The the present stagnation? Many people who difficulties of the growers are being added to have invested in the sugar industry are constantly. I am very concerned with their bitterly regretting their decision to invest plight. They live mainly in the northern which was based on our getting an Inter~ part of the State, and their plight is serious. national Sugar Agreement. It is suggested Let us protect the industry and the work that there should be another conference. the growers have put into it. Mr. Wolfensberger says we want more information. The article in today's "Courier­ I thank the Treasurer, and hon. members Mail" reads- generally, for the intere·st they have displayed in what I have said. "It was obvious that many problems would have to be overcome before an Mr. NEWBERY (Mirani) (11.57 a.m.): I agreement could be reached, but there will try to approach this debate on the were reasonably hopeful signs that a work­ Financial Statement, and the Budget itself, able pact could be achieved." from the point of view of the ordinary They neglected to do the job that was citizen as he is the person most concerned necessary before the conference. I place the and, more particularly, the country dweller. blame directly on the Gibbs Committee. As It makes very little difference in the country a whole, that committee must accept the whether a man is an emp.Joyee or an responsibility. The blame for the whole of •employer as his livelihood is controlled, to the unfortunate sugar position, in my opinion, a great eli'tent by elements and circum­ must be placed on the Gibbs Committee for stances we too' frequently neglect, either by so much blundering and for being so easily lack of thought, or lack of finance. misled by its advisers, particularly in view Of course, I realise that the cities depend of the existence of so much evidence that upon the country, and, to a great extent, the an international agreement could not be country depends on the cities, but the accomplished at the moment. elements and circumstances I refer to are As far as I know, we were not consulted. brought home more forcibly to the country As a result of the Government's acceptance people, as life in the city is more static. of the report of the Gibbs Committee, the For instance, in the city one hears about Central Sugar Cane Prices Board naturally drought, our most dreaded element, and no assigned the land in accordance with the doubt we have the sympathy of the city Government's policy. Therefore the Gov­ dweller when he says, "They must be having ernment has to take its share of the respon­ a dreadful time out there." But I wonder sibility. If there are men in a department how many city people rea:Hy appreciate how who are well versed in the matters they dreadful it can be in the country in times Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 991 of drought? In the city, lawns and gardens has not been a short one and there will most can at least be kept alive, and there is no surely be another one, and still another. fear that there will not be enough water for What is ne·eded is an increase not of £42,000 drinking and household purposes. There is but of 100 times that amount. I know that fear of that in some drought-stricken areas, that sum of money cannot be plucked from and lawns and gardens, and some things the mulberry bush. It is beyond a State far more important, namely stock and crops, matter. Although we have problems in simply die, and nothing is done about it­ disposing of primary products, they are or perhaps I should say that not enough is disposed of and generally at economic prices. done about it. There are price setbacks, but in much of the When the employer-that is, the farmer, State's primary production irrigation c:an the grazier, or the "Boss" as he is common1y produce a higher yield per acre or other and quite often affectionately known---'loses unit, as the case may be, and we can there­ his means of livelihood, with it goes his fore suffer price reductions without great capacity to employ. harm. The difference between the "boss" and the Greater production per acre or unit employee is very often a fence, and nothing provides not only an aid to correcting fall­ more. Their children go to school together ing prices and overseas balances, and not and play sport together, and they are only a home commodity price within the friends. The employee is just as concerned means of the vast majority, if not all of our as the "boss" when drought strikes, and their people. It goes much further and provides wives have to face up to the same problems. employment for many hundreds of thousands As I said before, there is very little difference of people where they are most needed, which between employer and employee in the is in our vast sparsely-settled and unoccu­ country. pied areas. Just imagine the influence on I know of one small centre in my elec­ the State's economy if an additional 500,000 torate that is now in its eighth year of head of fat cattle could be placed on the drought, and if one of its bores fails the market between now and Christmas! possibility of having to evacuate the whole Instead, any saleable stock, male· or female, town will become very real. are being marketed before they die as a result of the drought. It will take many Of course, I am well aware that the years to recover from this setback. Treasurer cannot peDform miracles any more than can surgeons or physicians. They In my own electorate there is a vast prescribe for our needs, and have the potential not only in the pastoral indusotry guidance and advice of experts and those but in sugar-cane growing, dairying, grain versed in science. The surgeon and the and cotton growing, and other primary physician have the advantage of scientific industries if a major irrigation project could achievements, experience, and, in the main, be developed, and in a 60-inoh rainfaU belt an abundance of drugs to provide for a far with suitable terrain and streams in abun­ greater number of medical and surgical needs dance. I will not accept that it canno-t be than was the case even a year ago. The done. A little Snowy Mountains scheme is Treasurer unfortunately is not so well staring us in the face, and all that is needed endowed with an abundance of his greatest is the initiative, the drive, and the power need, namely, money, and therefore the ills to have the need for it recognised. that he could cure if he had sufficient of it In considering the Budget and the funds still remain a major factor in the develop­ available to the Government, the appropria­ ment of the State's gDeatest need-irrigation tion to the Department of Irrigation and and water supply. This is not a job for the Water Supply is now, and possibly, of individual. He must pla:y his part and necessity, will be in the future, totally inade­ frequently does, but it is in effect quite quate. So much so, Mr. Hodges, that I naturally in his own interest. believe the time has come when a special I am alarmed that, particularly at a time effort should be made under section 91 when drought has cost the State untold of the Commonwealth Constitution, and millions in recent years, the Vote for irriga­ through assistance from the World Bank, to tion and water supply work is little more harness effectively and use fully the natural than £42,000 in excess of the sum allotted and super-abundant water resources of North last year. This excludes the provision of Queensland. Of course, I know that I will water for electric-power purposes. Whilst I be accused of talking through my hat in readily admit that the Government has making that statement, but let me assure performed something verging on miracles in you that it has virtue. My attention has industrial and mineral development, which is been drawn to this possibility, and to others most desirable to bring about a balanced to which I will refer, by a gentleman in economy, I claim that considerably added Mackay who has devoted considerable time attention must be paid to our one and trusted and thought to a "Little Snowy" scheme for friend-primary industry. the mid-North of Queensland. Confirmation of the figures that I quote i·s readily available. Of course, we will come out of the drought somehow or other, but there will be Hon. members know that the whole world many c'asualties. Many people will be is short of water, and the problem is growing; ruined beyond recovery because the drought yet the rivers and streams of Australia, which 992 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply is known as a "dry" continent, discharge be coastal towns from Rockhampton to Ayr an average of 280,000,000 acre-feet of and their hinterlands-some of the best water each year. Domestic and industrial agricultural and grazing lands on the east consumption of water is 18,000,000 acre­ coast of Australia. Every major primary feet a year and 5,300,000 acre-feet of this product could be grown north of the Tropic is lost in evaporation. We do suffer from of Capricorn and, given water at the appro­ drought in North Au-stralia, Mr. Hodges, priate time, returns per acre there would be but we suffer still more from water wastage. outstanding. It would be within the bounds of possibility to obtain electricity by dropping I have mentioned previously in this water through a hydro-station onto the coastal Chamber that 60 per cent. of the rain that belt, where it could be reticulated through falls on Australia falls north of the Tropic of channels for irrigation-a scheme similar in Capricorn, and it is in that area that a principle to the Snowy Mountain project. very large water conservation or harvesting scheme would be of national importance. It Until a large water scheme becomes effec­ would materially assist development of North tive, the Government will find that calls on Australia, boost the export of food, provide the appropriation of £478,000, plus repay­ industry with hydro-electric power and water, ments, for farm water supplie-s assistance will mitigate erosion and flooding, and help fill fall short of requirements, notwithstanding the the vulnerable North with people. Jag in the department's approvals because of under-staffing. I suggest that much of The Federal Government's difficulties in the paper work associated with applications financing a young nation's many develop­ by farmers could be done by experienced mental needs is appreciated; but no nation clerks, thus relieving the department's experts can afford to permit wastage of a vital com­ and qualified staff to speed up "spot" inves­ modity, and I do not think the World Bank tigations, designs, and approval'S. would ignore an appeal for assistance to prevent such wastage. Water, Mr. Hodges, is a life and death If the Commonwealth Constitution had matter and cannot be rigidly harnessed to made provision for the earmarking by States a budget. Ex.pedie·nce, not expense, is mnre of their earnings, particularly their overseas important in this department than in any income, for their specific use, outside financial other, and I believe that every hon. member assistance for this State would not have been in this Chamber will agree with that state­ necessary. Queensland's external trade shows ment. a visible excess of exports over imports of As a first move, I urge that a statutory about £186,000,000 over the last 10 years, authority be set up to eo-relate the various after importing £900,000,000 worth of goods schemes being investigated and expounded more from other States than we exported by the Mackay Canegrowers' Executive, the to them. I am not in favour of separation, Mackay Development Bureau, the Hinter­ but I cannot help feeling that someone in land Development League, and others. the South is "eating our cake". Another important factor is finance, lack Queensland had an area of 3,600,000 acres of which is impeding development, particu­ under cultivation at 31 March, 1964, of which larly in the sugar industry. In my electorate little more than 251,000 acres, or 7 per cent., of Mirani, at any rate, there has been a was irrigated from surface and underground sudden clamp-down by the trading banks on supplies, whereas New South Wales had advances, or adequate advances that would about five times and Victoria about seven permit of an approved plan of development times that area under irrigation. At present in the industry. there is under construction on the Broken River at Eungella a 104,000-acre-feet dam It would not be so surprising if the private to serve a large electric power generation banks had suddenly decided to clamp down plant at Collinsville, and it is hoped that on a development plan which could be termed provision will be made subsequently to irrig­ suspect, but the current sugar industry devel­ ate from this dam agricultural lands on the opment scheme went through the closest Broken, Bowen, and Burdekin Rivers. This possible screening by a specially appointed could be the starting point of a much larger committee, well versed in every aspect of scheme merging from the Denham, Connors the industry, both here and overseas. This and Clark Ranges near their junction, committee made a very thorough investiga­ namely, the northern and southern head­ tion and its findings were in keeping with the waters of the Fitzroy and Burdekin Rivers high standard demanded by the industry. respectively. Although there were some misgivings regard­ ing the allocation and placement of addi­ Late in 1962, the then Senior Planning tional new assignments, these were purely Engineer of the Irrigation and Water Supply domestic problems and cast no reflection Commission, Mr. G. B. Symonds, reported whatever on the findings of the committee. favourably on a storage scheme in the vicinity of Nebo (incidentally, the area has By no stretch of the imagination could it had eight years of drought) submitted by be suggested that the plan of development the Mackay and District Hinterland Develop­ was suspect, and both miller and grower who ment League, and di"Bclosed the possibility of are now participating in the process of irrigating 5,000 acres. Initially, the service developing the proposals had every reason area envisaged in this overall scheme would to believe that the trading banks would not Supply [21 OcTOBER] Supply 993

revoke a system which enabled their growth to trading banks to be treated according to to their present high power-that of long­ their individual merits. Something must be term support for our national resources. done, and done urgently, to permit the planned and approved development of the However, the fact is that reports which sugar industry to proceed without further are being investigated indicate that a number impedence. of new growers have already walked off their farms owing to credit restrictions, and Parents, re·latives and friends have come other farmers and the milling sections of to the assistance of many of our young the industry are being hard pressed to obtain farmers, and in many cases this assistance, finance in a period of expansion. It was which should have come from the trading announced recently that trading bank lending banks, is causing great hardship to those ;who in September, 1965, was £1,000,000 lower have pioneered and paid dearly for the than in August, 1965, and £1,500,000 lower establishment of our great sugar industry. than in September, 1964. It should not have been necessary to ask these pioneers to do that. The problem was lack of liquidity. The term "liquidity" has become common­ There is one other item I should like to place only in recent years. It sounds impor­ mention. There is a bottle-neck, or perhaps tant. It now has commonplace fellows in several of them, ·at the Titles Offioo in Towns­ the terms "image" and "escalation", which ville to which I must refeT, because long are old-established words, but of recent delays in the registration of dealings are origin in our everyday vocabulary. They damaging, particularly when sugar lands and have no other similarity, but they fit into finance are involved. this picture of finance by trading banks for The registration of dealings in the Titles development of our natural resources. Office at Townsville when t'here has been a The image of the trading bank rose to land subdivision, large or small, depends great stature when an attempt was made to upon the examination of the plan prepared nationalise banks, and the image remained by the authorised surveyor. I am informed freshly painted and decorated during the that the authorised establishment for the years of plenty in the sugar industry. Now, Titles Office at Townsville includes two men, with depressed sugar prices on the world classified respectively as "computer" and market and with the current drought of a "examiner", whose function it is to do all the proportion seldom reached in our history, detaile-d work in the checking of plans. the image has been destroyed and is a Some 10 years ago, the officers concerned passenger in the downward movement of were Mr. Tucker (now hon. member for escalation. Of course, the problem is Townsville North) and Mr. Pearse. They liquidity. How strange it is that there is were fully occupied in this work whe-n the no problem of liquidity in the financial number of plans lodged was probably not accommodation for hire purchase, in which more than about half the present rate of the trading banks are so very interested. intake. Mr. Pearse left the Titles Office, The hire purchase I refer to is in non­ Townsville, at about the same time as Mr. essential consumer goods, mainly imported Tucker did. Mr. Pearse was a qualified in part or in full. surveyor and I am informed tha~t he went The availability of liquidity is short­ into practice on his own account. Since sighted and misplaced and it reduces our then, it appears that the staff has never been overseas balances, whereas the provision of up to strength. financial accommodation for primary pro­ There is clearly a good case for an duction places the horse before the cart, increase in the establishment, which the where it should be, and not after it. Budget may not presently provide for, but it would obviously be no use increasing the To steal a phrase from the Vernon Report, establishment if men cannot be found to fill "Natural growth should have priority over the :present esta,blishment. efforts to raise present-day consumer spending", and I add that this is very Since· these gentlemen left the Titles Office e-ssential when the s<[Jending is on non­ in Townsville, owing to the bottle-ne-ck in the essentials, aided by trading banks seeking pian-examining and computing sections the higher profits through .their hire-,purchase !POsition has been consistently bad. The associations. It has been submitted to me great surge of subdivisional work, partly that the financial accommodation restriction attributable to the expansion in the sugar on development in the sugar industry has industry and partly to a great deal of been .placed on the trading banks by the reside·rrtial subdivision in Townsville and Reserve Bank and this is what is seriously elsewhere, has meant that the existing staff, retarding the expansion of the sugar industry. already below strength, simply cannot cope with the amount of work involved. I agree that this is a far more generous and realistic approach to the problem and It is absolutely beyond question that no one that will find more ready acceptance. blame in the matter can be attached to the Therefore, I urge that the Government insti­ Deputy Registrar of Titles or his predecessor, tute a move, or join in any move, to have as the Deputy Registrar is presently working the Federal Government relax credit restric­ a good deal of unpaid overtime in checking tions, to enable all persons presenting cases plans. He is .also sending plans to the 994 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply engineering department of the University of The Deputy Registrar of Titles at Towns­ QueensLand for the checking of figures and ville has a salary classification of £109-£111 calculations on the electronic computer, fortnightly (£2,745-£2,815 per annum). This without effe•cting any significant reduction in is after approximately 35 years of service. the delay, as plans continue to pour into The salaries that semi-governmental institu­ the office. tions are able to pay may be illustrated by The position is so desperate with regard to the case of the Townsville Regional Elec­ availability of competent men for the work tricity Board, which advertised on 18 that it is reported that although the Regis­ September, 1965, for a district engineer at .tr.ar of Title·s is said to be willing to deplete Hughenden. Applicants are required to his own staff to relieve the situation at ,possess professiona11 (engineering quali•fica• Townsville, the officers in Brisbane will not tions and administrative 3!bility. The salary accept transfer to Townsville. There is no offered is £3,000-£3,500, plus cost of living point in sending untrained men to Towns­ adjustment of £99 per annum and district ville, as the staff in Townsville cannot afford allowance of £90 per annum. With the offer the time to train them. of a modern home, rent free-say £420 per annum-i>t makes a total of £3,600 per At the present time, apart from the annum on commencement. Deputy Registrar, there is nobody in Townsville woDking on plans. He has the Now, Mr. Hodges, le•t me deal with what qualifications for the work. He filled the I believe to be the key to Queensland's position of examiner and computer in future prosperity-agricultural science. For Townsville in 1940. There was a computer many years ahead the prosperity of Quee·ns­ until a couple of months ago but he was land, and in fact Australia, must continue there for only about four months. He is to depend on agricultural production. This reported to have said that he was sent to is because exports of agricultural produce Townsville for three weeks, was kept there such as wool, meat, wheat and sugar enab.Je for three months, and could not face the us to buy imports which we do not manufac­ volume of work any longer, so one day he ture ourselves but which are necessary to simply walked out and did n(J([ return. The maintain living standards. In 1963-64, 82 Registrar appears willing to send someone to per cent. of all Australian exports were of TownsviHe if he can find anyone who is will­ agricultural origin, emphasising our heavy ing to go, but nobody wants to go. reliance on this sector of the economy. iin Queensland this dependence is even greater. Only a very limited amount of relief can In 1962-63, 89 per cent. of our ex,ports were be O:btained by sending work out of the of agricultural and pastoral origin. Townsville office, whether to the Titles Office i~ Brisbane, the Survey Office or rthe There is an additional reason for Queens­ unive·rsity, because the checker frequently land's being more vitaUy concerned in needs to refer to previous plans in the ensuring an expanding and prosper.ous Townsville office, and until examination of agricultural sector. This is because in the new plan is commenced it is impossible Queensland a~rricultural production makes up to judge just what prior plans are relevant. a much larger proportion of total produc­ tion than it does in other States. Thus, in After the plans have been examined and Queensland in 1962-63 the value of agricul­ the new title deeds compiled, there is a tural production was 54 per cent. of the further botHe-neck which could be over­ value of all production (p.rimary, secondary come without the difficulties to which I have and tertiary) compared with a figure of less referred. The delay at present in producing than 30 ,per cent. in both New South W,ales a new title deed for an allotment or other and Victoria. Queen&land also accounts for piece of land is six to seven weeks. One of virtually all Australian sugar exports and the reasons is that a reduced sketch plan approximately 55 per cent. of beef exports. has to be endorsed on the title deed. This requires a scaling down from the registered Under these circumstances, it is obvious survey plan, which demands some skill and that agricultural scientists have an extremely attention to detaiL It is my belief that this important role to play in the community, delay could be substantially reduced by train­ particularly as exports must be increased at ing more junior staff. It is work for which a faster rate in the future to cope with female staff are particularly suitable. I urge increases in population. But the plain facts consideration of this suggestion on the are that the profession of agricultural science Minister so that the present cumulative delay has been given inadequate recognition and for examination of plan and issue of title priority by governments in the past. deed may be more than cut in half at least This apathy is reflected in two ways­ in respect of the last part of the process. (1) low relative salaries; and Staff numbers in the Titles Office at (2) a likely shortage of agricultural Townsvi1le have not kept pace with the surge scientists in the next few years. of work in recent years, as figures for deal­ ings in comparative years will show. The In 1964, the University of Melbourne salaries paid for senior men in this work carried out a survey of 31,000 professional may not be attractive enough to bring men and women who were subsequently competent men into the Titles Office and to grouped into 16 professions. In terms of hold them against better offers from outside. average salary, agricultural scientists rated Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 995

12th. Medical men rated highest with an 3. Consideration should be given to the average salary of £4,400, followed by dentists establishment of a small number of under­ with £4,080, and then by lawyers with £3,500. graduate scholarships awarded on the basis The average agricultural ,scientist earned of academic excellence, but without condi­ £2,440. Responsibility for such a situation tions relating to employment after gradua­ must rest largely with Federal and State tion. Governments, who employ approximately These scholarships could bear the name two-thirds of all agricultural scientists. of some distinguished Queensland citizen. Low salaries in the past can be partly Such scholarships would publicise the need blamed for the approaching crises that Aus­ and importance of agricultural science. tralia and Queensland face in the future 4. Training facilities at the University supply of agricultural scientists. A recent of Queensland must be constantly expanded survey by the Australian Institute of Agri­ in order to provide adequate tuition in cultural Science-the professional body of the increasingly complex fields associated agricultural scientists in Australia-indicates with agricultural science. that over the next five years about 1,700 agricultural scientists will be required to The fact that the University's Department of meet the needs of Government and private Agriculture is understaffed and inadequately employers. However, over the same period housed in the basement of another depart­ only 1,100 are expected to graduate from ment's building indicates the woeful lack universities, leaving a shortage of about 600. of perspective given to the importance of Over the same period Queensland's needs are agriculture in the prosperity of Queensland. estimated at around 200. However, if current A special high-priority grant should be given trends continue the number of graduates to ameliorate this situation. available will be considerably less than this I am very pleased to see that provision has figure after allowing for overseas students been made in the Budget for the construc­ (15 per cent. of the 1965 graduating class tion of a new primary school at Mirani. at the University of Queensland) and others Although no doubt provision has been made who find jobs interstate or study overseas. for additions and improvements to other schools in my electorate, I wish that I could In view of the importance of agriculture be assured that Eungella was included in to Queensland, strenuous efforts must be made the 27 country centres to receive new to increase the number of agricultural secondary school accommodation. scientists and to ensure that adequate facilities are available for their training. There are I appreciate what has been done by the a number of ways in which this can be done, Government in providing education facili­ and these are my suggestions- ties, particularly for secondary education, in country centres. I cannot emphasise too 1. The State Government, the largest strongly the need to develop to the maximum single employer, must make salaries, work­ this aspect of education, particularly in an ing conditions, and opportunities for area such as Eungella. It is mainly a dairy­ advancement, more attractive. ing district. It is isolated, and does not A start has been made with salaries, but come within the ordinary range of com­ at present an agricultural science graduate munications. Dairy farmers cannot put their of two years' standing earns a salary of children on a tram or rail-motor and send just over £1,800, compared with in excess them daily to a nearby high school. From of £2,800 for graduates of two years' standing the expense angle, they might as well send in medicine and dentistry. An engineer in them to Mackay, Brisbane, or one of the the Public Service can proceed automatically provincial cities, and how many dairy farmers to about £2,800, but an agricultural scientist can do that today? The children are thus faces a bar at about £2,350. More important, being deprived of advanced education unless when he passes this bar the opportunities their parents sell out and move to a city for further advancement, after a second area where the men go on the labour bar at around £2,800, are very restricted market. A farmer has no alternative to and are mostly the result of occasional doing this, and it is hardly a "fair go" to vacancies higher up. A major complaint people who are playing such a major part in of graduates in the State Public Service is meeting the essential needs of city dwellers. the lack of opportunity for research and, If we stick hard and fast to set rules, the if this is given, inadequate research facilities, country just will not function as we expect particularly in country districts. it to. If Eungella is not to have high-school top facilities because the sub-Junior grade is 2. Agricultural scientists should be regis­ a few students short of the number required tered; for example, along lines similar to to meet a regulation, then Eungel!a is not the registration of veterinary surgeons, or going to develop as it should and as it is the current proposals for the registration capable of doing. of valuers. It has been proved time and time again This would ensure that farmers and graziers that the first year of the establishment of were protected against people who are not high-school top facilities is dismal and worry­ professionally qualified to give scientific ing not only for the Department of Educa­ advice. tion but also for parents. Parents are the 996 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply most concerned because they realise that the Government do the right thing and when enrolment drops below a certain level provide a new station for the police there, they lose their school. The department who have an important job to do? knows that this has never happened at a high-school top in my electorate. About I could emphasise the need to make pro­ eight years ago the people of Sarina strug­ vision for the sealing of many roads in the gled to maintain their secondary depart­ widely spread electorate of Mirani; but, for ment in its first year. The enrolment fell the time being, I urge the Minister to give alarmingly. Sarina's secondary department close attention to the Eton-Nebo road, now opened with the then minimum of 21 known as the Peak Downs Highway. Sealing of the road extends only about 20 miles west students, and by the end of the first year from Mackay, to just beyond Eton. With this number had fallen to 14. That was the exception of very short stretches near rock bottom, yet today there is a new and bridges, no more than 2 miles of sealing has separate high school proper with an enrol­ been done between this point and Nebo over ment in excess of 200. Almost the same very many years. It is a very important road story can be told of the school at Mirani. because it carries the western traffic, including Here again success has resulted, there now cattle to the Mackay abattoir. I realise that being 183 students enrolled. it has been upgraded to a highway only in recent years, but it is time that there was With the new Eungella Dam within a few at least some evidence that sealing will be miles of where the high-school top would carried out. be establ:shed, and with farmers thus assured that they would be able to give their From Nebo the road goes on, still as a children advanced education in their own highway, to Clermont, and it will take much area, there is no risk at all that the establish­ longer that the lifetime of hon. members to ment of a secondary department at Eungella seal the Eton-Nebo section if the present would not be successful. The Eungella rate of progress is maintained. Little or people are very genuine and hard working, nothing has been done to some sections of and for the life of me I cannot see why they the road for years, and it isn't fun and should not have a high-school top. Eungella games to make a trip to Nebo even in the has a great future in tourism, agriculture, best of weather, particularly over the Eton and pastoral and timber pursuits, and to Range, where I know that a lot of money what real extent would the rest of the State has been spent recently on widening but not be affected if the Department of Education on sealing. From the top of the range "stepped over the line" or stretched a regula­ to the Range Hotel is not a pleasant Sunday tion to meet a very real and urgent require­ afternoon's drive, either. ment? I am not admitting that the depart­ I urge the Minister to make a substantial ment will find it necessary to do this. I am allocation to this road very soon. I assure sure that plenty of staff would be found him that it is urgently needed, because I willing to go to this delightful and healthy have travelled the road within the last few mountain resort. weeks and it is in a shocking condition for a road that carries large numbers of stock. I invite hon. members to visit Eungella Bruising must be very common. when they come north. They can join the ·crowds who go there each week-end to see Another road of considerable importance is in their natural beauty rain forests equal to the one from Gargett to Finch Hatton. It is any in the State. If they go there soon, I carrying increased traffic because sugar-cane hope they will see a high-school top. peaks in the area have been increased by 40 to 50 per cent. and all supplies for the new Let me deal now with police stations. I Eungella Dam have to be carried over it. The commend the Government's action in pro­ road is very narrow, with bad shoulders, and viding for a new police station at Walkerston, widening is essential. I ask the Minister a centre that is growing rapidly and will soon to give the matter his earliest possible be a suburb of Mackay. Noted as the home consideration. town of Sir Arthur Fadden, it is generally In conclusion, Mr. Hooper, I claim that known as "Scrubby". I do not know why, any requests I have made in this speech are because today it is far removed from completely wi~hin reason. It . mu_st be resemblance to anything "scrubby". It has realised that the electorate of M1ram con­ beautiful churches and convent buildings and, tributes greatly to the national income and generally, is a well-kept town. the national economy. It is difficult to get accurate figures, but it would be safe to say Although it is surrounded by sugar-cane that it contribtutes at least £28,000,000 and has a very picturesque sugar mill nearby, annually. In spite of this, people in the Walkerston is becoming an industrial town. electorate have to move about the country It is only a few minutes from Mackay by over far too many undeveloped roads, with bitumen road and is at the junction of the potholes, dust, and very rough surfaces, on Peak Downs Highway and the main Mackay­ the one hand, and boggy roads, on the other. Eungella road, which goes to the Eungella Dam and eventually, no doubt, to Collins­ You know, Mr. Hooper, that a traffic ville and the West. One passes through scheme for the City of Brisbane is pro­ Walkerston on a trip to the Pioneer Valley­ jected. It is to cost £187,000,000-probably a trip well worth taking. So why should not much more. Would you call that fair equity? Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 997

Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North) (12.49 on the present members of the Titles Office p.m.): It is obvious today that there is very in Town:wille. After I had made my state­ little interest on the part of Government ment, the MinisteT for Justice said that I was members in the Treasurer's pre-election mischievous, that my statement was com­ Budget. It is a Budget which outlines not pletely untrue and that everything I sub­ only the £2,300,000 deficit which occurred mitted in this Chamber was wrong. Now last year, but also foreshadows a deficit of we have the spectacle of the Country Party almost £2,000,000 for this year. The hon. membe·r for Mirani backing up every state­ member for Baroona had every good reason ment that I made. I wonder what the last week for criticising Government Minister for Justice will say to that? The members for refusing to speak in this Budget hon. member will probably :find that there debate. The Treasurer himse1f was so upset wHl be a three-{;{)rnered contest in Mirani with the Government debacle last week that, next year. on Tuesday, 19 October, as Acting Premier of this State, he· sent a circular to all Govern­ Mr. Hougbton: What about unity tickets? ment party members castigating them on Mr. TUCKER: I think the hon. member their lack of attendance in this Chamber and who has just interjected has enough on his their failure to participate in the debate. plate. He should not be worrying about I challenge any hon. member to get to his anybody else because, from rumours we feet later and say that that is not true. I have heard, he will not be a member of the say that the Treasurer, as Acting Premier next Parliament. at the time, sent a circular on Tuesday, Mr. Houghton: I will be here. 19 October, to every Government member in this Chamber castigating them firstly for Mr. TUCKER: I think be is whistling in their non-attendance, and secondly, their the dark, and that could be the reason why failure to participate in this debate. he is interjecting. We will not be helping him, either. We will let him go "down the Mr. HILEY: I rise to a point of order. drain." The statement by the hon. member in the second leg of his presentation is completely I wish to raise again a matter that I have fa1se and untrue. H is offensive to me and been hammering at in this Chamber for the I ask that it be withdrawn. past year, namely, the serious housing short­ age in Townsville. There is an urgent need The CHAIRMAN: Order! The Treasurer for houses and flats in that city; there is an has referred to the second part of the hon. urgent need for rental homes--! stress member's statement and asks that it be with­ "rental"-and rental flats, and there is an drawn as it is offensive to him. urgent need for additional allocations of finance from banks and other societies in Mr. TUCKER: Might I ask, Mr. Hooper, order that those who desire to build their what is the second leg? own homes in Townsville might have no Mr. Hiley: In explanation, the second leg difficulty in getting the necessary finance. of the statement-if the hon. member's Today there is a tremendous shortage of memory is so deficient I will remind him­ finance in Townsville. It is exercising the was that I castigated Government members minds of many Townsville citizens. That is for not taking part in the Budget debate. why I wish to mention it here today. It has That is untrue and it is offensive to me. I been estimated by reliable authorities that ask that it be withdrawn. there are in Townsville approximately 1,000 houses and flats available for rental purposes. The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. mem­ The figure may be a little higher than that, ·ber is now aware of the part of his state­ or possibly a little lower, but in round figures ment that is objected to, and I ask him to it is somewhere near the mark at the present withdraw it. time. The rental for the majority of them Mr. TUCKER: In view of what the is arranged by real estate agents, from whom Treasurer has said I shall be glad to with­ we got our figures. In the other cases the draw that part of my statement. But there rental is arranged by the landlords themselves is no doubt that the Treasurer, as Acting and therefore we cannot say with absolute Premier, did in fact circularise all members certainty that the number is around the 1,000 on Tuesday with regard to their non-attend­ mark. ance in the Chamber. The average rental for a three-bedroom furnished house in Townsville is from £8 to Honourable Members interjected. £10 a week. For an unfurnished house the The CHAIRMAN: Order! rental is from £7 to £9 a week, and I think I am being fairly conservative in that state­ Mr. TUCKER: The second point I wish ment. Some people find that they have to to make is that I was amazed today to hear go well over that figure to obtain :::ccommo­ the hon. member for Mirani make a state­ dation. A furnished single room in Towns­ ment with regard to the Titles Office in ville can cost as much as £4 !Os. a week, Townsville. His submission is undoubtedly so there appears to be a certain amount of correct. When I made a similar submission inflation in the cost of rental accommodation. ia August of this year-hon. members can This is understandable because there are other refer to my speech-no reflection was cast services in Townsville at the moment for 998 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

whom accommodation has to be obtained. The Government has shown complete The present demand for rental accommoda­ apathy towards the provision of rental tion in Townsville far outstrips the supply. accommodation in Townsville. It is indif­ Boarding houses are filled with young people ferent to our problems. To me, that who are trying to rent a home or a flat but indifference even smacks of inhuman neglect. One of the first necessities for all without any success. people is that they should be properly The high occupancy rate of the multi-flat housed. When it suits them Government units owned by the Queensland Housing members point cheefully to development in Commission in Bundock Street proves the Townsville. When we of the North say we point I am making. There are 96 flats in are not getting our full share they say, "What those units and one could go for many weeks, about Townsville? It is developing up and sometimes many months, and find all there." When there is some kudos to be of them occupied. One can go to the gained, for example the Commonwealth Queensland Housing Commission's office in Government's decision to establish a battle Townsville and find that not one of those group in Townsville, they bask in the flats is available for rental. As I say, the reflected glory and say, "There is northern high occupancy rate of these units demon­ development for you." But when we ask strates the great need for rental accommoda­ for Government assistance to grapple with tion in Townsville. the problems that must arise, and are arising now, in Townsville as a result of the Army's The Minister points to the Queensland decision to establish a battle group there, Housing Commission office in Townsville and we are met with a pregnant silence from the claims that the figures available from it do Government and assistance is conspicuous not bear out the claims I am making today by its absence. with reference to the paucity of rental accom­ modation. I think the last figures he quoted Surely it is the duty of governments, both were given on 26 August, the last occasion State and Federal, to strive to the utmost on which I asked a question on this matter. to ensure that homes are built and that ade­ Those figures were as follows:- quate funds are available for this essential work. I know of no work more essential Applications than the construction of homes. 100 points priority 2 80 points priority 1 The Government pushes the word "decen­ 5 tralisation" on every possible occasion. If 60 points priority decentralisation is a desirable factor in the 40 points priority 29 Australian economy, the provision of nil priority 282 adequate housing for people desirous of Those figures are completely unrealistic, as obtaining homes in Townsville is a vital most Townsville people realise. For quite factor in decentralisation. I call on the some time it has been futile to seek rental Minister to act now. I ask him to order accommodation from the Housing Commis­ an immediate start on another multi-flat unit sion in that city. I make no reflection on in Townsville. Although quite frankly I Mr. Dawson and the staff of the Queensland do not think flat life is very desirable for Housing Commission in Townsville. Mr. families, I believe that multi-unit flats will Dawson can work only with what he has attract certain people, and we may then get got. V!hen there are no more houses or families into the houses. There is an urgent flats to allot there is nothing he can do for need for a second multi-unit flat building the needy people who find their way to his in Townsville. office in search of accommodation. He I ask the Treasurer to provide more rental works hard and co-operates with those of us homes for families who would prefer a who are concerned about this matter. He home to a multi-unit flat. If homes are not does his best. People have found that it is provided speedily Townsville will become in futile to go to the Housing Commission fact, and in reputation, a barracks city. We office. Many of them have waited in vain do not want that to happen; no responsible for a long time. They speak to others and person in Townsville wants that to happen. say, "It is no use going to the Queensland We believe that Townsville's development Housing Commission because unless you will be seriously retarded if workers refuse have a high priority you are not in the to come there because of a lack of housing. race." Therefore the figures I have just We should not forget that word spreads quoted do not reflect the present demand from worker to worker and, once the for rental accommodation in Townsville. message is spread throughout the State, people who previously were thinking of Two or three weeks ago two families in coming would be deterred. They would not the Garbutt area were burnt out of their wish to come to a city with their families flats. I personally saw Mr. Dawson on and find that accommodation was unpro­ their behalf, but I was informed that as curable. People who are inadequately housed much as he would like to help these people will soon return to the South in search of he had no accommodation to offer them. decent houses, as they will be unhappy. A That again reflects the tremendous demand proper standard of living must be maintained for Housing Commission accommodation in in Townsville, even with a substantial Townsville. increase in population. Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 999

None of us wish to see the day arrive Mr. TUCKER: That shows how ridiculous when, because of the large influx of people, the position is, and how much out of touch exo11bitant rentals are charged for sub­ the hon. member for Condamine is. I am standard accommodation. If that should here to tell the story as it is happening in happen, the city will be on the down grade. Townsville. If the hon. member listens and We do not want the garage type of accom­ has enough brain to absorb what i am modation to raise its ugly head. It has saying, which I doubt, he will learn some­ not happened yet, but if action is not taken thing. Near the end of my speech I shall speedily, because of the influx of people to read headline after headline-they will not the town, it could. We want to nip it in the be my words-from "The Townsville Daily bud before it does. None of us wishes to Bulletin" quoting builders and other people see average workers in the city unjustly pre­ in Townsville who know what they are judiced because importees who are earning talking about. So the hon. member can big money on Army installations-! under­ call them "knockers" if he likes. stand tenders have been called for a:bout £10,000,000 worth of army installations­ The replacement of these skilled workmen can afford exorbitant rentals, to the detri­ will be a slow and painful process. Other ment of the local workers in Townsville. interests are entering the field in Townsville Such a happening would blacken us in the where there is to be a £10,000,000 Arm; eyes of those who wish to make Townsville battle group programme. The tenderers, their home. The workers who wish to come whoever they may be, will require skilled to Townsville and make it their home are labour which should be drawn from our the important people so far as we in the builders in Townsville. If these skilled trades­ North are concerned. If it should happen men are lost at this vital stage, it will be it would be disastrous; it would be the difficult to replace them. worst thing that could happen. And it will happen, but only because of the lethargy There is in Townsville no overall lessening and apathy of those who should know better. of the desire of married couples to build their This is too alarming to toy with or be made the subject of some funny pun. In own homes. That statement is confirmed my opinion the problem shourd be grappled by a glance at the number of applications with before it becomes too serious; it should for building permits lodged with the Towns­ be nipped in the bud. ville City Council. In spite of that desire I have referred to the Government's role by people to build homes, the number of in providing rental accommodation, whioh applications has decreased. As a matter of is extremely important, but there is a role fact, in May, June, and July of this year to be played by private enterprise in Towns­ 96 applications were lodged, compared with ville. Private enterprise is ready and willing 156 in the corresponding period last year. to cope with its side of the provision of How ridiculous the position is, and it is homes but it is hamstrung and frustrated by highlighted by the interjection I received the lack of finance. Hundreds of young a moment ago. Whilst there is a growing couples in Townsville, and private organisa­ demand for new homes, the building rate tions, are ready and willing to erect homes, has decreased alarmingly. Nobody can argue but they are hamstrung by a lack of finance. aga_inst the figures that I gave a moment ago, [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] wh1ch showed a decrease of 60 in the number of applications for permits to build lodged Mr. TUCKER: Before lunch I was speaking this year compared with the corresponding about the need for more rental accommoda­ period of last year. tion in Townsville. Private enterprise in Townsville is ready and willing to build It was recently announced that finance has private homes, but it is hamstrung and been made available through housing societies frustrated by lack of finance. Hundreds of in Townsville and the State Government young couples and other people in Towns­ Insurance Office for the construction of about ville want to erect their own homes, provided 13 new homes, and tenders have been they can raise the necessary finance on a called for the erection of another eight reasonable deposit and on reasonable terms. timber homes at Currajong. The Minister On nearly every occasion, great difficulty for Works and Housing made that informa­ has been encountered by these people in tion available to me a few days ago. I am raising finance. Then we have a Job's grateful for what is being done, but it comforter in the person of Mr. Bury, M.P., is merely a drop in the ocean. who, when speaking on the Federal Budget­ the Committee will remember that he was It has been conservatively estimated that dismissed by Mr. Menzies at one time, and in the next five years Townsville will gain then reinstated-forecast that in the next an additional 30,000 citizens. That is greater three months finance for housing would than the population of Mackay. The submis­ become tighter. If it does, heaven help sions I am making today are highlighted when the builders in Townsville and their one -stops to think of a city the size of employees. Already the builders are retrench­ Mackay being added to Townsville in the ing skilled tradesmen because of lack of next five years. Not hundreds, but over a finance, and the loss of such staff is tragic. thousand and up to probably 1,500 new Mr. Sullivan: They are short everywhere homes, will be needed within the next five else. years to cope with the population explosion. 1000 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I said at the beginning of my speech that "The following comparative table illus­ the Government claims that Townsville is trates how far behind southern States going ahead. The Government takes all the Queensland is at present ..." honour and glory for that development, but and these figures are then given. The when the people of Townsville ask for some maximum loan that a person can obtain in tangible help in providing for the increasing Queensland is £3,500 or 80 per cent. of population, the help given represents no more the valuation, or £3,000 or 90 per cent. of than a drop in the ocean. Townsville cannot the valuation. In New South Wales the be considered merely in the overall building maximum loan is £4,250-nearly £1,000 scheme. With other rapidly expanding more than can be obtained in Queensland­ centres, such as Gladstone, it has to be given plus the value of share capital, or 95 per special consideration. There are throughout cent. of the valuation of the house. In Vic­ the State some areas that are going ahead toria one can obtain £3,750, plus the value rapidly, and I do not think they should of share capital, or £4,450 if one has a be considered in the general overall scheme large family, or, again, 95 per cent. of the of development. Assistance has to be valuation of the house. received on a percentage basis, which means that Townsville would receive much more Those figures show that, in the provision than Gladstone. I think that Gladstone of housing Queensland has fallen far behind has received a lot of help, too. and offers' much less than can be obtained If the State Government cannot give the in other States. The State Government has assistance required, I think an application been unrealistic in its approach to the should be made immediately to the Federal problem over the whole of the State; it has Government for a special allocation of funds been particularly unrealistic in its approach for the buildina of homes in Townsville. to Townsville's housing needs. This is a vital "'period for Townsville, and, Let me give further figures to show that before the Army battle group arrives and the Government has been shamefully out­ draws off tradesmen for the construction of manoeuvred in the field of loan funds for military installations, we have to get busy housing. on home-building work. After the Army Mr. Windsor: It is your fault. arrives, it will be found that there is a shortage of tradesmen. Mr. TUCKER: The hon. member can In 1963 the average cost of an ordinary answer my argument later. three-bedroom house in Townsville was I shall quote first the populations of £3 127· now three years later, it is £3,682. Queensland, South Australia, Western In' rou~d figt{res, the cost of building a house Australia and Tasmania as at 31 December, has risen by £500. 1964. The figures were- Mr. Horugbton: Is that a fibro house? Queensland 1,595,057 South Australia 1,044,662 Mr. TUCKER: An ordinary wooden Western Australia 799,626 house in Townsville. Tasmania 375,268 Mr. O'Dmmell: And that would exclude Mr. Windsor: You would not even guar­ the cost of the land. antee the loans when you were in power. Mr. TUCKER: That is correct-£3,682 What are you talking about? for the house. Opposition Members interjected. Even if the demand was static, the fact that £500 has been added to the price of a The CHAIRMAN: Order! house shows that more money should be provided for housing. Pe.ople wh

Over the three-year period that I have because local authorities cannot obtain appro­ quoted Queensland received in all priate subsidies, all charges must be heaped £10,900,000, whilst over the same period onto the new subdivider, who, of course, South Australia received £29,150,000, which passes them on to the purchaser. is almost three times as much as Queensland Mr. Ewan interjected. received under the agreement. Mr. TUCKER: If they do not get appro­ I notice hon. members on the Government priate subsidies, what else is there to do? side are quiet now. Queensland received that Today the purchaser is forced to pay cash allocation desoite the fact that we have 50 in advance for essential services, which I per cent. more population than South Aus­ think weighs very heavily on young people tralia. We have a population of 1,500,000 because the price of land, of necessity, goes and South Australia has 1,000,000. up around the £1,000 mark, and possibly Those figures bear out my assertion that higher. Because the essential services have this Government has been shamelessly out­ to be paid for in cash, young people have to manoeuvred by the other States when it foot the bill even before they move into comes to a question of putting up an argu­ their new homes. That is a result of this ment for finance. Tasmania, with a quarter weak Government's inability to put a case of our population, received only £1,500,000 to the Federal Government when surely less than Queensland over that period. Is there is a case to be put. it any wonder that South Australia makes us I have quoted figures showing what we look like poor relations in the field of got from the Federal Government over the housing? past three years, and they prompt me to ask Answering Mr. Whitlam in the Federal what the Premier and the Treasurer have House, Mr. Bury, amongst other things, gave been doing in the matter of obtaining finance these enlightening facts concerning the agree­ in the home-building field. Why is it that ment to which I have referred when he said- South Australia can obtain such a tremendous amount of money? Why have they been able "The numbers of dwellings built in the to get three times as much money as we period 1st July, 1961 to 30th June, 1965, have under the Commonwealth and States were-" Housing Agreement? and he dealt with these figures under the It is irrefutable that the Government's lack headings "Completions by State Housing of initiative in the home-building field has Authorities", "Home Builders' Account", and set this State back to the tune of something "Completions and Purchases". I will make like £20,000,000. Even in 1961 the Premier the same comparison as I did before- and the Treasurer missed their cue. They went to Canberra roaring like lions about Home what they were going to do to the Prime Civilian Service State Housing Hottsing Total Builders~ Minister, and they demanded from him Account £5,000,000 to get Queensland out of its unemployment mess. The Prime Minister Queensland .. 2,770 510 3,280 1,934 laughed up his sleeve and said, "Sit easy, South Australia 6,534 60 6,594 7,133 boys, I was going to give you £10,000,000." --- They had only asked for half that amount. Mr. Ewan: Who told you that story? There again, in the latter instance South Australia had about four times as much Mr. TUCKER: It is true. housebuilding as Queensland. Private insti­ How the Prime Minister must have tutions, as I said before, are hamstrung laughed at this pathetic appeal by the because of the lack of finance and there is Premier and the Treasurer on behalf of no way at the moment they can get more. Queensland. What sort of strong men must there have been on the other side for South Mr. Ewan interjected. Australia to get the amount of finance that it did? If what I am saying is not true, Mr. TUCKER: I have the figures here. let Government members put up an argu­ If the hon. member wants to dispute them, ment as to why it is not. We in the North he can look at them. Hon. members oppo­ can say that this lack of finance is holding site do not like to be shown up. They are everybody back and causing us worry. always boasting that this State is going ahead Instead of asking for £5,000,000 in 1961 under their Government and they do not like they should have asked for £20,000,000. We figures like these, over which there can be have been trying to catch up ever since no argument. then. Besides building adequate numbers of I ask the Government to take notice of houses, for a long time the South Australian Townsville's housing problems. In answer Government has-I think it still continues­ to previous interjections, let me read some helped local authorities very considerably by of the headlines from "The Courier-Mail" subsidising the subdivision of land. Conse­ and "The Townsvi!Ie Daily Bulletin". An quently, in that State young people are not article headed "Townsville good for invest­ faced with the astronomical cost of land ment" in today's "The Courier-Mail" con­ that they are in this State. In Queensland, tains a statement from the outgoing president 1002 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply of the TOlWnsville Chamber of Commerce, The Leader also says that something should Mr. A. L. Homewood, who is reported as be done speedily and quickly to improve follows- housing in Townsville. " He said the only discordant note in Mr. Windsor interjected. his report was the housing situation in Townsville, particularly the provision of Mr. TUCKER: That must be the longest rented houses and flats to house most of speech the hon. member for Windsor has ever the expected 30,000 population increase made in this Chamber. He makes his best in the next five years. speeches when he is sitting down. I have "He said: 'New homes are being built at never seen him rise to his feet and speak something less than 500 a year. To on behalf of his constituents. adequately house the expected increase more like 1,500 homes or flats will be Mr. WINDSOR: I rise to a point of order. required per annum.' " I am the hon. member for Ithaca, not the Let us look at "The Townsville Daily hon. member for Windsor. Bulletin" of 26 August and see what the president of the Real Estate Institute in Mr. TUCKER: The hon. member's con­ Townsville had to say. The article reads- stituents in Ithaca are probably heaving a "The housing position in Townsv~lle great sigh of relief that he is at last handing could become critical within the next 12 in his resignation. If he stood at the next months if special allocations for home election he would be knocked flat on his building in the city were not made avail­ back. able expeditiously. The next article to which I wish to refer "The president of the Townsville branch appeared in "The Townsville Daily Bulletin" of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, of Monday, 27 September. It is the report Mr. Joe Griffin, said this on Wednesday." of a statement made by Mr. Homewood His statement is too long to read in full, in Bowen at a meeting of the North Queens­ but it points out what will happen if Towns­ land Federation of the Chambers of Com­ ville does not get adequate finance for merce, as follows- housing. "There is a very urgent need for houses "The Townsville Daily Bulletin" of 28 and flats for rental in the city of Towns­ August points out that the Townsville Home ville . . . Builders' Association is very disturbed with "The big demand would be for rental the existing housing situation in Townsville, homes. according to its president, Mr. T. J. Doyle. There are details of a resolution which Mr. "Already the Townsville Chamber of Doyle said had been sent to the Federal Commerce had approached a dozen firms Minister for Housing. It gives the reasons which were interested in home unit build­ why something should be done. This article ing, pointing out the advantage of flat is available if anybody does not think I am erection in Townsville.'' stating it accurately. Mr. Homewood said they showed interest I turn now to "The Townsville Daily but were unable to get the necessary finance. Bulletin" of Friday, 27 August. After all, Again, I have no hope of reading this it could not be claimed that these people are article in full to have it recorded in supporters of ours. This is what the editor "Hansard", and I have no intention of doing had to say- so. However, it is available for perusal "The tragic shortage of houses in the by any hon. member opposite who may be city of Townsville, with the threat loom­ interested. There is no doubt that everyone ing that this ~ituation will worsen, has in Townsville is concerned about the short­ been well explained by the president of age of housing. the Townsville branch of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (Mr. J. M. Finally, I have received a letter, again Griffin)." from the Townsville Home Builders' Associa­ tion, and dated 11 October, 1965, reading- The editor devotes the whole of the leading article to the pressing need for housing in "The Townsville Home Builders' Associa­ Townsville. tion views with grave concern the serious housing shortage in Townsville brought Mr. Ewan: Did Tom Aikens write that for about principally by the apparent total you? lack of finance for housing projects. Mr. TUCKER: That is the kind of "This association sent a resolution to facetious remark I would expect from the the Federal Minister for Housing and the hon. member for Roma on a very real Reserve Bank of Queensland. The reply problem. I think his electorate is suffering from the Minister was most unsatisfactory from inadequate representation. and to date there has been no reply from Let us look at the leading article in "The the Reserve Bank. Townsville Daily Bulletin" of Saturday, 4 "The Minister states that private housing September, 1965. It says- finance is a State matter and does not "Finance for housing most needed to come under his jurisdiction. However, ensure citizenry is contented.'' we do believe that as Townsville will Supp~v [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1003

become virtually a garrison town it is a in boarding houses and other places, Federal matter but the Minister does not provided they have the necessary deposit. agree. Then there would be no retrenchment of "However, if it is a State matter we skilled men, and Townsville would move would like to know just what the State ahead. If nothing is done the builders will intends to do about it. Conservative lay off their skilled men, and when the Army estimates claim that 1,500 homes will battle group plan is put into effect an be required by civilian·s by 1967." impossible situation will exist in Townsville. Anybody who comes south from the North That supports my statement. and says not to go there is doing a disservice The letter continues- to Townsville. We do not want this to 'The demand for homes already in happen. The Minister for Works and Townsville is huge but the builders are Housing should do something on beha1f of getting to the stage of retrenching men Townsville. because there is virtually no finance avail­ able. Mr. AIKENS (TownsviHe South) (2.53 p.m.): It is indeed a matter for sincere regret "There is also a great deal of emphasis that this is the last Budget to be presented placed on the expected full employment to this Legislative Assembly by the Hon. T. and prosperity with the establishment of A. Hiley, because, as Treasurer, he has given the Army group; however nothing has magnificent service to this State, and, if I been said or done about the growing list may use an old saying, "If you would see of home seekers in Townsville now. his monument, lDok around you." Some of his "The Townsville Home Builders' Associa­ monuments are contained in the Statute Book tion is most concerned with this problem of this State. His Workers' Compensation and we feel that this matter should be Act must arouse a green tinge of envy in given urgent attention. This back lag quite a number of previous Treasurers, who of home seekers must be brought up to claimed to be representatives of the working date before the establishment of the Army class and the use-ful people. His proposed group because if it isn't, these people legislation concerning succession and probate will have no chance of obtaining a home duties is another monument to him. and we can foresee that they will be Like aH great men, of course, he has an forced to pay even higher rents than Achilles heel, and like a number of good they are at present. There is every possi­ men who rise to the heights, he can also bility that the local persons requiring homes sink to the depths, and on occasions­ could be forced to leave Townsville because fortunately very few occasions-he does sink of the impo·ssible situation looming in to the depths; he does that only because, by the near future. nature, he is a social snob. It can be said "We do sincerely believe that conditions to his infinite credit that he has fought all in Townsville could become chaotic and his life to build a veneer or a facade over impossible if some financial relief is not and in front of that inherent social "snobbery. forthcoming. I know he has done that very successfully, "If you would care to meet representa­ and it is, I repeat, to his infinite credit, tives from the Townsville Home Builders' because no man could be more courteous Association to discuss these urgent and none can go out of his way to meet the problems, we would be most happy to humble working man as genuinely as the oblige. We do feel that pressure must be Treasurer. It is indeed unfortunate that the hrought to bear on the appropriate fac;ade or veneer breaks down and the social authorities by as many organisations as snobbery comes through and obtrudes when possible and as quickly as possible." he feels it devolves upon him to rise in this Chamber and defend those whom he That is tangible evidence· of how these people considers to be his social equals. feel about this problem, which the Govern­ I have heard the hon. member for Cook ment must act quickly to solve. Conditions vehemently attack the administrator of the in Townsville could become chaotic if some Cook Shire. I have heard the hon. member financial relief is not forthcoming. People for South Brisbane repeatedly and vehemently •who have come north have told me that attack the Commissioner of Police. Because they are living in cars and have no hope of the Treasurer does not think that the adminis­ obtaining homes. They say that they shift trator of the Cook Shire and the from place to place because the health Commissioner of Police are his social equals, regulations stop them from staying in one he has sat there tranquil and benign and said place. nothing about it. I have heard the Treasurer The Housing Commission, and Mr. -and so have other members who were in Dawson in particular, are sympathetic. But the House at the time-when he was a Mr. Dawson cannot give what he has not member of the Opposition make some of the got. We make representations, and we go most scintillating speeches ever delivered in Dn the list; but nothing can be granted unless this Chamber. Let hon. members go to it is available. There is an urgent need to "Hansard" and read the speech he made erect multi-unit fiats and other rental referring to the late Bernie Maguire which accommodation, and to provide finance for was responsible for bringing that man before houses for young people who are at present the Bar of the Criminal Court and, later, I 1004 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

believe was responsible for his untimely than any one else in the Chamber or in the death. I had no objection to the Treasurer's State. Whether that is true or false, I do making that speech because I thought it was not know; but I suggest to that hon. mem­ a speech that should have been made. ber that, if he wants to know how postal I have heard him, when he was a member votes can be racketeered, he should go to of the Opposition, condemn and scarify the Townsville during a council election. He State Stores Board. I have heard him make will learn that he is only in the ba:by class speeches more virulent and venomous than in the racketeering of those votes. ever my brain could conceive or my tongue I do not want the remarks I have just deliver, and never at any time did anyone made a'bout the Treasurer to dim what I charge him with being actuated by despicable have said to his credit, because he is a man, and contemptible motives. Yet recently, as I said in his presence the other day at a when I launched a very temperate and con­ big reception in Townsvil!e, born in the sidered criticism of the aldermen of the purple, reared in the lap of luxury, the Townsville City Co_uncil, because the petted and pampered darling of predatory Treasurer considers those men to be his plutocracy. When he became Treasurer of social equals his fa'ble gentleman, and if any­ to the Townsvil!e City Council, so that I have one was entitled to a knighthood I suggest no need to be envious of them and no need it was the hon. member for Toowong. 'But to generate enmity towards them. The only the Government should make sure, when it ones who prevented my election were recommends the Treasurer for a knighthood, members of the A.L.P. Every time we ran that it does not associate him with the a team in 1952, 1955, and 1958, the A.L.P. Beatles, as it did the hon. member for also ran a team deliberately to split the Toowong. working-class vote and allow the T.C.A. Let me produce factual evidence of what aldermen to be re-elected. It was common I say about the Townsville City Council. I knowledge, in 1952 and 1955 at least, that am sorry that the Treasurer is not in the the T.C.A. organisation, to which the present Chamber, and I am very sorry that the aldermen belong, paid the A.L.P. to run a Minister for Local Government and Con­ team in order to split the vote and allow servation is not in the Chamber. I intend its members to be re-elected. If I had any to deal with only one street in Townsville enmity at all towards anybody because of because I have not time to deal with all of my failure to be re-elected to the Townsville them; but what applies to one street applies City Council, it would be towards the A.L.P. to all the others. This street is Charters No-one knows better than the Treasurer Towers Road, which in effect is a continua­ that in 1952 I polled 52 per cent. of all tion of Flinders Street, and is a main high­ valid votes cast and still did not get in way to the South and the West. Of course, the first ten. No-one knows better than the it has developed as a shopping and com­ Treasurer that in 1955 when all the votes mercial centre. were counted out of the ballot boxes I was When the North Queensland Labour Party running seventh, and that when the postal controlled the Townsville City Council we votes were counted I dropped from seventh realised that Charters Towers Road would to eleventh. become a second Flinders Street, so we A member of the Opposition in this gazetted both sides of it as a secondary busi­ Chamber-! shaH not name him-is ness area or, to use the common term, a com­ credited, rightly or wrongly, with knowing mercial area. Consequently, many people who more about the racketeering of postal votes bought allotments along that road and built Stt~ply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1005 their houses there did so not only for the their town planner, "You draw up a town purpose of establishing a home for them­ plan on the basis of our actions under the selves but also as an investment for the interim building by-laws." future, because when Charters Towers Road Many hon. members have been to Towns­ did develop as the second business centre ville. I know a number of them went to of Townsville they would be able to move Townsville recently for the Labour in their homes to one of the outer suburbs and Politics Convention but, for the purpose of sell the allotments for commercial purposes. decency, let us throw a merciful veil over That was the position when we went out of that for the moment. Some hon. members no office in 1949. doubt have stayed at the motels in Bowen Then the association now controlling the Road, which is really a continuation of council decided to bring down a town plan. Charters Towers Road. I ask hon. members But, before the town plan was brought to visualise Charters Towers Road. As I down, the council applied to the Govern­ said, it was a road with a commercial centre, ment for permission, which the Government and quite a commercial expansion, on both granted, to bring down what is known as sides. This is what happened. Let me check an interim building by-law. This simply one block. I will go from block to block, means that the council can grant or with­ up one side and down the other for a cer­ hold permission for any 'building anywhere. tain distance. The blue colouring on the It was a fairly wide power that was granted plan that I have here represents what the to the council. Another provision o£ the council has now decided will be residential by-law was that any person who felt areas, and the red represents what it has aggrieved by a decision of the council in interpreted under its Town Plan as commer­ this respect could appeal to the Minister for cial areas. Here is the first block-from Local Government within 30 days. Crowle Street to Surrey Street-and it shows The case of the Carter resumption in residential, commercial, residential, all in the Brisbane is only chicken feed compared with one block. The next block is all commer­ what the council did in Townsville. All the cial; the next has a little bit of resi­ people along Charters Towers Road, Ingham dential on the end, and all commercial for Road, Boundary Street, and a number of the rest. The next block-! intend to deal other streets---! repeat that I am only taking with this specifically later on and in fairness Charters Towers Road as a case in point­ I will say that there is in this block a small applied to have commercial buildings area with a church and one house on it­ erected on their allotments because they shows commercial, commercial, and a little bit were in a commercial building area. Many of residential in the middle. This is all of those applications were granted. The drawn to scale. The riext block is on the council then began to pick and choose-to other side of the street and is half residential separate the sheep from the goats. It was and half commercial. Here is a shocking only when one or two unfortunate land­ example-the next is commercial, commercial, holders in the street received notice that and one residential allotment in the middle. their application to erect a commercial The next is all residential. The next is all building on the land was not approved that residential one end, and all commercial the the whole foul plan was exposed. other end. The next is all commercial one end and all residential the other end. Whenever the council rejected an appli­ cation to build a commercial building on There is neither rhyme nor reason in any that road, or for a commercial building on of that. The council has deliberately selected it, it did not tell the unfortunate landholder the landholders who will be allowed to put that he had the right of appeal to the Minister commercial buildings on their land. It has for Local Government within 30 days. It deliberately and maliciously victimised deliberately withheld that information from those landholders who will not be allowed the landholder so that the landholder, to put commercial buildings on their quite naturally, would get in touch land and so far there is no appeal, with the Council again or he would go to unless the Minister for Local Govern­ his solicitor. But the council refused to ment-and I do hope he does-refuses to answer any representations or letters sent to accept the Town Plan, which has been drawn them on the matter until the 30 days had up on the basis of corrupt use of the interim expired. Then it would tell the unfortunate building by-law by the aldermen of the landholder that he was statute barred. Townsville City Council. Let me now give the Committee an Fortunately, one or two of the landholders example of what is happening. I have here a came to me and I was able to tell them of photograph of the block represented by this the provision in the by-laws which gave particular sketch. This is zoned commercial at them the right of appeal to the Minister for one end, commercial at the other end, and Local Government, and one or two of them the part coloured blue in the middle is a were successful in their appeal to him. residential block. I have 68 photographs Having lined the pockets of their business of instances such as that, but time will and personal friends-! am using those not permit me to bring them all forward. words temperately and advisedly-the alder­ A landholder built the lovely bungalow men deliberately and maliciously ruined a home shown in this photograph on the block lot of people. The aldermen then said to in the middle. When he bought it it was an 1006 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

attractive locality fairly well out in the couple who now live in that home and who suburbs but, as Charters Towers Road have been deliberately robbed-! use the developed, he decided to shift his home to words advisedly-and condemned to live in an outer suburb and sell his allotment for a house that bhey cannot possibly rent, that commercial purposes to give him a moderate they cannot poss~bly sell and that they profit, to which he was entitled. But then cannot shift to the suburbs in order that a he discovered that the council had zoned shop may be built on the land, because it his allotment as residential and that he must has been zoned as residential land. If the remain there. He cannot move the house; Treasurer is in hearing distance of me-I he cannot sell it because only an incredible feel sure he will be in the Cabinet room fool would buy it to live in those conditions. skulking and listening to me over the loud speaker-! ask him how he would like On the corner of the block there to be in the position of this unfortunate is a big concrete parking yard belong­ couple. I should like to ask him what he ing to Woolworths-B.C.C. chain store. would say, and what he would do, if the They will see here six shops and then, Brisbane City Council did that to his home. finally, the waH of the sixth shop up against We know, of course, his antipathy to, and this home. I have drawn a line down the enmity for, the Brisbane City Council. What concrete wall because that line approximates would he say if the Brisbane City Council the front alignment of the house. Hon. did to his home what the Townsville City members will see that the wall has half of Council has done to the home owned by his house in darkness, even though this Mr. and Mrs. L. Hearn? Next to that there photograph was taken in the middle of the are another two houses and a vacant allot­ day. ment whose owners have been similarly So that man, with a fine bungalow home deHberately and viciously victimised. which has been reduced to a gloomy sweat­ Where is the hon. member for Bundaberg, box, has been ruined by a del.lberate, who is always here to jump up after I finish malicious determination of the coundl that a speech and claim that I have been exag­ he cannot shift his home and have com­ gerating? Where is he know? Is he up at mercial premises built on his land. the court with the hon. member for South At the end of the block in this sketch there Brisbane? is a parking area and a big Woolworths­ A few yards up the street from this deplor­ B.C.C. chain store and there are six shops. ably shocking thing an alterman named C. W. On the blue residential portion there are Page had a house on an allotment on the three houses and a vacant allotment. Then same side of the street. Would hon. members there is a service station and another six like to see a photograph of his old house shops at the other end of the block. now? Whether they want to or not, I am The unfortunate people in those three houses going to show it to them. Here is a photo­ and the one who owns the vacant allotment graph of Alderman Page's three modern have been ruined because they cannot sell shops, which are worth £21,000. That is how them; no-one would buy uhem to live there; he has been treated by his colleagues in certainly no-one will buy the vacant allot­ the Townsville City Council. I ask hon. ment to put a house on because he would members to compare the photograph of the never let it and he would not live in it home that the worker owns, still in its original himself with trucks going backwards and position and ruined as far as value goes, forwards to the back portions of these com­ and the photograph of the three modern mercial premises. shops, a few yards up on the same side of That is the sort of thing that is being the street, owned by Page. done in Townsville. It may be hard to believe, but if it is not true in every par­ Where is the Treasurer? Where is the ticular I will resign from this Parliament. hon. member for Bundaberg? Where are That is fair enough for anybody. The all the champions of the Townsville City unfortunate couple concerned, who are old­ Council? I have another case here which age pensioners, have to pay £2 a week in I am going to refer to. This is in the man's rates to the council for living in a home own handwriting. It is the case of a man the value of which has been completely named Turner who lives in Abbott Street, destroyed. Oonoonba, one of our very outlying suburbs. He has objected to the Town Plan. All of I should like to point out, too, that whilst this was done under the interim building there have been staggering increases in rates by-laws. He says- in nearly all the suburban areas of Towns­ ville, there has been a substantial reduction "Dear Sir, in the rates on Flinders Street properties "I object to my land described above owned by aldermen. I am sorry the being classed as residential, the reason Treasurer is not present to hear that. It is being that when I purchased this ground true, and once again the veneer o.f good­ about five years ago for the purpose of fellowship might be shattered and the social manufacturing concrete tubs or other work snob come to the surface. He might stand as I saw fit, or as the necessity arose, I up and vehemently abuse me, but I am made inquiries at the council office and going to ask him as I ask every other was told that it was industrial ground and member of this Assembly, how he would that all ground within five chains of the like to be in the position of this unfortunate railway line was industrial. The price I Sl'fp!y [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1007

had to pay for the ground was paid because Page. I repeat that what was done in that of the fact that it was industrial ground. instance was repeated many times in other I also was able to get a permit from instances. As a matter of fact, two very the council to erect a work shed, which reputable residents of Hermit Park went to should also prove that the council was see Alderman Roberts not long ago and said, agreed that the ground was industrial. I "Why is it that our land has been gazetted object very strongly to any change in as residential land? We are going to put whether my ground is to be classed as shops on it." Roberts said, "No, you aren't." industrial or residential. I bought industrial They said, "Why weren't we told about it?" ground and I want it to stay that way." In reply, Roberts made this very significant The hon. member for Bundaberg has just statement: "You could have found out what walked in. He has been in cahoots with the the council was going to do if you had gone Treasurer. I would not mind betting that the right way about it." I will place the the Treasurer has primed him up with some­ most charitable interpretation possible on thing to say. that statement by Roberts, but I will leave it to hon. members to place their own As I say, this man Turner lives in Abbott interpretations on it after they have seen Street, Oonoonba. Five years ago, because these plans and photographs. the Townsville City Council told him that it was industrial land, he paid a high price for I understand that Government members, his allotment. He built his home and then particularly Liberal Party members in the applied to the council for permission to erect metropolitan area, are activating themselves a work shed. They gave him the permission with reference to the Brisbane Town Plan and he built his work shed. He is in business and the ancillary ordinances. What I in Abbott Street, but now the council tells want is a Government committee established, him that the land is classed as residential or a parliamentary committee established­ land and that all his money has gone down ! am sure the Leader of the Opposition will the drain. be happy to serve on it after seeing these photographs and plans-in order to deter­ The Leader of the Opposition knows this mine what should be done about a town area very well because he was Minister for plan for Townsvi!le. The Minister for Transport for many years. The land that Local Government assures me that he has now has been zoned as residential land is power to reject suggestions with regard to on one side of Abbott Street but on the other the Town Plan if he believes that they have side are the railway sidings where cattle been dishonestly based or conceived. I wagons are cleaned. When Mr. Turner looks believe I have proved that they have been from his front veranda he sees great heaps dishonestly conceived in the case of of festering manure, heaps of ashes, and tubs Mr. Hearn and Alderman Page. I can of washing fluids used in cleaning the cattle produce another five dozen photographs of wagons. I am not being derogatory to five dozen cases that are just as bad. If anyone engaged in these jobs-all these things a:1yone can show me any rhyme or reason are necessary. On one side of the street in what is happening, other than the deliberate railway cattle wagons are cleaned, so that victimisation of these unfortunate people, the odour of cowdung taints the air, and on I will be very happy. the other side lives this man to whom the council now says, "Leave all your industrial Mr. Walsb: If you move for the appoint­ enterprise; we have decided that this is going ment of a committee I will make a sacrifice to be residential land." I will make these and support it. plans and photographs available to the hon. Mr. AIKENS: If the hon. member will member for Bundaberg later on. I feel sure tell me how to do it I will be happy to he will do me the honour of reading my do so. If I put a motion on the Business speech. Paper of this Assembly can I be assured of Mr. Walsh: How do I come into it? the five supporters needed under the "Aikens' Standing Order"-the standing order inserted Mr. AIKENS: Because every time I make to prevent my moving these motions? a speech the hon. member jumps to his feet-1 would not mind betting he will do If I can, I will most assuredly move it it now-and says, "We all know that the because, if something is not done-if the hon. member for Townsville South exag­ Government or the Minister for Local gerates; we know that he never tells the Government does not act-it will be the truth; we know that he does this and we most putrid public scandal in this State's know that he does something else." history. They are the statements I made and in I am glad that the hon. member for South respect of which I was viciously and per­ Brisbane is present as I propose to deal with sonally abused and attacked by the Treasurer. something that affects him. I intend to I feel sure that I have now proved to the deal with a case that occurred in Townsville satisfaction of everyone in this Chamber that last year. I will not tell hon. members any every statement I made on that occasion was details that they have not read in the Press true. I have proved by these plans, which are as I have considerable regard for the feelings drawn to scale-and not by me, either-and of the unfortunate girl concerned and her by the production of these photographs what relatives. However, I will not do any harm the Townsville City Council did to poor by telling hon. members things they already Mr. and Mrs. Hearn, and Alderman C. W. know. 1008 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

An unfortunate girl of 17 years of age In looking up section 350 my attention was taken to the Town Common by a was directed to section 216, which deals with supposed friend, dumped there, and raped "Indecent Treatment of Girls under Seven­ by a gang of louts. Eight of them were teen." It reads- found guilty and sentenced to terms of "Any person who unlawfully and imprisonment ranging from 5t years to nine indecently deals with a girl under the age years. After the gang raped her, two other of seventeen years is guilty of a mis­ louts put her in the back seat of a car and demeanour, and is liable to imprisonment took her out to Aitkenvale where tchey with hard labour for two years. performed upon her shocking acts of sexual "If the girl is under the age of twelve perversion beside which rape would be years he is liable to imprisonment with merely commonplace. That is a very hard labour for five years, with or with­ serious statement. I shall not tell the out whipping. Committee what those acts were because "It is a defence to a cha·rge of the offence there are women in the public gallery. If defined in this section to prove that the any hon. member wants to know what those accused person believed, on reasonable two louts did to that unfortunate girl on grounds, that the girl was of or a·bove rhe the back seat of a car in Townsville, let age of seventeen years." them read the depositions of the case which was heard before Judge Cormack in the I cannot blame the hon. member for South District Court. Brisbane for the shocking provisions, or shocking inadequacies, of the Criminal Mr. Bennett: That would be a transcript, Code, because it was drawn up and not depositions. codified by the late Sir Samuel Griffith at a time which reeked of the cant, Mr. AIKENS: I ask the hon. member to humbug, and hypocrisy of the Victorian be quiet. 'I shall deal with him in a and Edwardian eras. In those days moment. people know the·se things went on they knew these monstrous and incredibly filthy Naturally ever}"body in Townsville, and acts of sexual perversion were committed on everybody in Queensland, who knew of the unfortunate women and children. But no case thought that these two incredibly power on earth would let them publicly animalistic mongrels would be brought recognise the fact. Consequently, because before the court and punished adequately. of the cant, humbug, and hypocrisy of those When they were brought before the court eras, the maximum punishment that could be the only section of !the Criminal Code under inflicted upon these human monsters, these which they could be charged was section human animals, is a paltry two years' gaol 350, which I shall read to the Committee. rf the child is over 12 years of age, and five It is headed "Indecent Assaults on Females". years' gaol, with or without a whipping, if the child is under 12 years of age. Mr. Bennett: It could not have been rape; My attitude on this matter is perfectly otherwise they could have been charged with clear. I believe that any pe.rson who rhat offence. commits a sexual offence on a child should be sent to gaol for a very long period; if Mr. AIKENS: It was not rape·. Will the necessary, for the rest of his natural life. hon. member for South Brisbane stop talk­ He should receive the lash when be goes ing and listen. I said that they performed into gaol and, if the Government decides to upon this girl incredible acts of sexual let him out, it should be mandatory that he perversion beside which rape would be be operated on by a surgeon before he is commonplace. That is what I said. Surely turned loose on society. I have put that to goodness that is simple language which suggestion forward before, and the then even the hon. member for South Brisbane, Minister for Health, the late Dr. Noble, with his limited intelligence, is able to under­ used to say that his friends in the medical stand. profession claimed that the emasculation of a man will not prevent him from carrying All that those human animals could be out acts of foul sexual perversion on charged with was the offence under section children. 350 of the Criminal Code. For the benefit I believe in studying these matters, and I of the hon. member for South Brisbane I have done a lot of research over the years shall read it. It says- into this one. I have found that in Middle "Any person who unlawfully and East countries, such as Turkey, Asia Minor, indecently assaults a woman or girl is Egypt, and Abyssinia, where for centuries guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable there have been castrated men and where to imprisonment with hard labour for two eunuchs sometimes attain high positions in (paltry) years." the land of their birth or adoption, there has never been a recorded case of a eunuch The "paltry" is my word. That is all they making a sexual attack on a woman or child. could get for an offence which, in my All this talk of defeating emasculation of opinion, was worse than rape. And that is these monsters by having subcutaneous syn­ what they did get from Judge Cormack­ thetic testicles inserted in their arms or two years-which is all he could give them. thighs and other places is pure bunkum. Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1009

It is time the community faced up to this Mr. Bennett: The Crown Prosecutor problem, and it is here that I want to refer obviously did not have the evidence to to the hon. member for South Brisbane. proceed under section 208, which means Every time I suggest that sentences imposed that your facts are dishonest. by judges for certain offences, particularly sex offences, under the Criminal Code are Mr. AIKENS: The hon. member can tell inadequate and that these criminals should that to the Crown Prosecutor. He says, "I receive longer terms of imprisonment, the will always oppose any law that provides for lash, and the use of the surgeon's knife, I the mutilation of a criminal's body." Even am almost immediately followed by the hon. though the criminal may be the most debased member for South Brisbane who stands up and abandoned sexual pervert in the land, and pleads for clemency, mercy, and com­ a man who has raped, murdered and passion for these unfortunate people. He is mutilated a little child, the hon. member one of those who believe-- would object to a lash, a knife or any other instrument being used to inflict injury on Mr. Bennett: I believe you should under­ that "unfortunate" criminal, as he would stand the full facts of the case and not call him. He believes, as many of the distort them. jelly-bellied psychiatrists and psychologists believe, that a sex criminal is not a criminal. Mr. AIKENS: The hon. member has all The hon. member believes that the break­ the clemency, mercy, and compassion that and-enter artist, the bash artist and the he can possibly generate for the criminal; thief are criminals who should go to gaol­ he has no mercy, pity, or compassion for not for long, according to him-but the the unfortunate little victim or her relatives. sex pervert who inflicts shocking physical The other day he said in this Chamber that and mental injuries on his little victim is only no criminal should be kept in gaol for a sick person, according to him, who should longer than 10 years, because longer periods go to hospital and be treated with kindness. cause mental deterioration in prisoners. He has no thought for the mental deterioration Mr. Bennett: I think that about you, too; that may have been caused to the unfortunate I am trying to protect you. little girl in the Townsville case. He has Mr. AIKENS: I was going to say no thought for the mental deterioration that something in reply that would have may be caused to innocent little child victims annihilated the hon. member, but I of sex monsters. He has not even a will not say it because I want to kindly thought in his heart or mind for keep this debate, if possible, on a the little victims or their relatives. high p1ane. All I want the hon. member for There have been cases of rape or sexual South BriSibane to do-surely this is not too perversion involving children in which the much to ask-is to regard the children of criminal has inflicted monstrous physical and other people •with as much pity, compassion mental injuries on his victim, and in some and concern as he regards his own children. cases the children have been mutilated. Yet Is that too much to ask? every time I suggest that a law should be Mr. Walsh: And he is a good family man. passed to provide for the mutilation of criminals who mutilate the bodies of children, Mr. AllffiNS: He is a good £amily man the hon. member for South Brisbane rises and a good father; I admit that. I want in righteous indignation and object'S. him to be a good family man and a good father where the children of other people Mr. Bennett: And I always will. are concerned. Is that too much to ask? I want him to apply the same law, the same Mr. AIKENS: Good; I have been "pitch­ feelings and the same thoughts to other ing" for that interjection for the last five people and their children as he applies to minutes. The hon. member objects to the his own family. mutilation of criminals. I am glad he has said that now, because we all know Not long ago the hon. member for South that he has said it in the past. Brisbane and his wife and family-! pay him a high tribute as far as his family affairs Mr. Walsh: You had better be here when are concerned---'Were occupying fiats in he replies. South Brisbane owned by an old Greek. I have heard the old Greek's story and the Mr. AIKENS: I will be here when he story of the hon. member for South Brisbane. replies. I say in all honesty that both stories are plausible and could be true. The story of Mr. Bennett: Why don't you read section the hon. member for South Brisbane is that 208 and tell the Chamber the truth instead the old Greek used to dress and undress of picking out a section to suit your dishonest himself in such a manner and in such a argument? An accused person can be dealt place that the hon. member's children could with under that section. have seen him. The old Greek's story is that he "chatted" the hon. member for South Mr. AIKENS: It was under section 350 Brisbane about the noise that his children of the Criminal Code that the Crown Pro­ were making. As I said, both stories are secutor charged these men. plausible; both stories could be true. 1010 Supp~v [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. BENNETI': I rise to a point of orde-r, Mr. AIKENS: He was 69 years of age: Mr. Hooper. The remarks of the hon. and the hon. member bashed and kicked member &re untruthful and are offensive to him into insensibility. He was sitting in me. They relate •to .an episode that took a wheel chair when the hon. member place in 1949 or 1950, when this so-calleJ knocked him out. "old Greek" exposed himself in the presence Mr. Bennett: You are a filthy liar. of my wife and daughters and I flattened him-and I make no apologies for it. Mr. AIKENS: This is the man who does. not believe in the mutilation of criminals. The CHAffiMAN: Order! I ask the hon. member for Townsville South to accept the The CHAIRMAN: Order! I ask the hon. explanation of the hon. member for South member for South Brisbane to withdraw his. Brisbane. remark. Mr. AIKENS: I am very happy to accept Mr. BENNETI': Because the term is it, because it will prove my argument to the unparliamentary I withdraw it, but he is a hilt. I will accept the story put forwa·rd filthy purveyor of untruths. now, at this stage, by the hon. member for Mr. AIKENS: I could not be any more· South Brisbane that he thought, rightly or filthy than the hon. member. We are square wrongly, that the old man had merely on that point. He does not believe in the exposed himself, which is foul enough-- mutilation of criminals. He does not believe Mr. Bennett: In my presence, too. in laying a hand on a filthy sexual criminal who mutilates and rapes little children of Mr. AIKENS: --in the presence of the other parents. He does not believe in touch­ hon. member's wife and children and that ing them. If you did touch them he would the hon. membe·r punched and kicked him shrink in horror and raise his voice against it. into insensibility. I would have been with Recently the hon. member was walking him if I had been there. If the hon. mem­ up the street and he met Mr. Kehoe and ber could not have handled him himself, I Mr. Gair. Some remark was passed, and would have helped him to handle him. he smashed his fist into Mr. Kehoe's face. Had it not been for the intervention of Mr. Bennett: I handled him, all right. Mr. Gair, now Senator Gair, the hon .. Mr. AIKENS: The ·hon. member handled member would have knocked Mr. Kehoe down and kicked him into insensibility. So, him, all right; he attacked and mutilated where he is concerned, he believes in the him. In fact, the hiding he gave the Greek, mutilation of anybody. He went down to according to the Greek, injured him perman­ the Inns of Court. He found that another ently. The hon. member could have injured barrister had parked his car in what was. him permanently-he could have killed him supposed to be his place and he let down -because he had offended his wife and the tyres on the other barrister's car. children and the hon. member, quite naturally, rushed in to defend his wife and Mr. Bennett: That is untrue. children. I commend him for doing so. But if the old Greek had done that to my Mr. AIKENS: I am merely repeating wife and children-if he had done more what the hon. member's barrister friends: than exposed himself; if he had sexually say is true. assaulted one of my little grandchildren Mr. BENNETT: I rise to a point of order. -the hon. member would have said, "Oh, I do not mind personal attacks being con­ Tom, don't mutilate the criminal. Don't ducted on me if they are true. That remark raise your hand to him. Go to law. Abide is just an untruthful as the other filthy by the due processes of the law." The hon. untruths that the hon. member has conveyed member would have represented him in court to this Chamber, and I ask that it be and gone before the judge and said, "Your withdrawn. Honour, I plead for pity, mercy and com­ passion for this man because of what he Mr. AIKENS: I will withdraw it. I did to Tom Aikens's grandchild." have only a few minutes to go so I will withdraw it. Mr. Bennett: There is no such thing as mutilation today. Let us get down to facts. The hon. member cannot deny that when he felt Mr. AIKENS: All I want the hon. member that his good wife, his children and himself to do is to be honest, if possible, and give had be;;:n ;Jtf:onted-although this man did to others the same right to feel for their not lay a ffnger on them; I want hon. mem­ children as he feels for his children. Is bers to remember that--ihe did not hesitate that too much to ask? When another to take into his own hands the law person's child is violated, assaulted, mutilated of the jungle and the law of the tooth or raped, I want the hon. member to adopt and claw. I do not blame him for the same attitude to the criminal who does it, but if it was my child or the that as he did to ,the old man who exposed child of any other hon. member of this himself in fr.ont of his own wife and child. Committee and we laid a hand upon a foui attacker of that child, he would be the first Mr. Bennett: He wasn't old. to jump up in defence of the foul attacker. Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply lOll

He cannot deny it. He cannot call this a is just as untrue. If he wants to go into filthy lie because he paid Kehoe £150 to old stories, not to forget the one about "square off". the redhead who used to be in "Killarney" brothel on the south side-it is probably Mr. BENNETT: I rise to a point of order. untrue but I have heard it about him-if The hon. member used the words "filthy we are to have an exchange of scurrilous lie" and said that I cannot deny it. I say stories about each other, let us have an open it is a filthy lie. It is completely untrue. go. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I did not hear Recently we have seen examples of sexual the remark, but I ask the hon. member for attacks on women and of sexual perversion, Townsville South to withdraw it. and unless we really face up to the fact that we have to get away from Victorian and Mr. AIKENS: Withdraw what? Edwardian prudery and hypocrisy in dealing with sexual attacks and provide adequate The CHAIRMAN: The words "filthy lie". penalties in the Criminal Code, including whipping and castration-the use of the Mr. AIKENS: I do not tell lies of any surgeon's knife-we will never get rid of sort, let alone filthy lies. How could I? these attacks on those who are least able What statement am I to withdraw? to defend themselves. Let us remember that The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. mem­ the sexual attacker always attacks a woman ber for South BriSJbane has drawn my or a child, two people who are least able attention to the fact that the hon. member to defend themselves. Those are the people for Townsville South used the expression about whom I am concerned. I am not "filthy lie". concerned at all about the criminals. If they want to do these things, then let them Mr. AIKENS: I did not use the words take the consequences of their actions. "filthy lie" in a personal manner. The hon. member for South Brisbane Mr. Bennett: The hon. member said that quoted some other section of the Criminal I could not deny it. It is a filthy lie. Code. I am not concerned about any other section; I am concerned only with section The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. 350, under which these two foul monsters to member for Townsville South. whom I referred were charged. We cannot Mr. AIKENS: The hon. member cannot get away from the fact that if an offence is deny that, in the main street of Brisbane, committed against a little girl under 12 he viciously, and in a cowardly manner, hit years of age the maximum penalty is a paltry Mr. Kehoe. In other words, he is knO'Wn five years. So let us now face up to our as "King-hit Colin". This is the point I responsibilities as representatives of the make: where he feels that his wife and people, and as representatives of all decent children have been affronted he does not women and all decent children-and that hesitate to take the law into his own hands; includes the family of the hon. member for he does not hesitate to mutilate the person South Brisbane, my own family and that of concerned; he does not hesitate to resort every other member of this Assembly. It to the law of the jungle. All I ask him to includes 99 · 99 per cent of the people of Queensland. Let us face up to the fact do is to have the same kindly consideration that we have to look after them, rather than for my wife and children as he has for his the filthy criminal who violates them, assaults own. them and mutilates them. Mr. Marsden: Have you got any con­ sideration? Let us have an end of this mercy and compassion, a phrase we hear so sickeningly Mr. AIKENS: My word I have. I am often from the hon. member for South always sober enough to think of them, and Brisbane, for these criminals. Let us show if you are going to poke your dirty bib our mercy and compassion for the victims into it-- and the relatives of the victims. Never mind sympathy for the criminal. Mr. Bennett: Why don't you tell us about the time when you were always lying down I recently gave the Minister for Justice here drunk all the time for the first five a book that I got from the Library. It is years? In those days you were drunk most titled "Murder for Sex". It is one of the of the time. best textbooks ever issued on the subject. It was written by one of the foremost Mr. AIKENS: Mr. Hooper, I was elected criminal court reporters in London. He to this Parliament in 1944; that is almost deals specifically with five recent notorious 22 years ago. Not only was I never a rotten cases in England. He excludes from his drunk down here but I have never had a book anything that might be construed as drink in Brisbane since I was elected as pornographic or salacious to prevent any­ a member of Parliament. body reading it for that purpose alone. He Mr. Bennett interjected. wrote it for thinking and sensible men who are interested in women and children and Mr. AIKENS: That is as old a story as he deplores the fact that there is one the one about the half-caste woman and the rule and one code for the sexual criminal hon. member at Bald Hills, and I suppose it and another for the ordinary criminal, such 1012 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply as the man who breaks and enters and steals "We will absorb this deficit by means of the· or holds you up with a gun and robs you or greater revenue that wiii flow to us from the does something else. future development of the State." I am Let us place the sexual pervert where he disturbed because I do not think that there belongs. Let us treat him as the most loath­ should be any restriction such as we experi­ some and detestable criminal in society. enced a short time ago. No business-­ Let us call him such, treat him as such State, Federal or in any other field-can and punish him as such, and forget all this survive with this "hot, cold, warm" tempera­ psychological nonsense about these perverts ture that exists in the economy of the country being sick people who are entitled to special today. treatment in hospitals, with radiograms Mr. Wa!sh: You mean the "stop and go?" and special food, and all that "flapjack". Mr. Walsh: Send them to the university. Mr. HOUGHTON: Yes, call it what you like. Even people with experience cannot Mr. AIKENS: For all I know, there may properly organise or run a business under be university students who are sexual perverts. today's conditions. Some members of Parliament may be; I do Yesterday, in Federal Parliament, the Hon. not know anything about them. But if they P. M. C. Hasluck, the Minister for External commit a foul crime let us call them criminals, treat them as criminals and punish Affairs, said that we should assist our nearest them as criminals. Let us forget this sicken­ friends-the people of Indonesia-monetarily, ing, jelly-bellied attitude thought up by and in other ways. I have no objection to· psychologists some years ago and sold to assisting impoverished countries; I agree with many people who should have clear and that entirely. However, it is useless to say one thing, and mean another. We must all concise thoughts on it. agree that charity begins at home. In today's I commend this thought to the hon. "Telegraph" is reported a statement by member for South Brisbane. Let us remem­ President Sukarno of Indonesia. ber that it is our job to protect society from the criminal; it is not our job to protect the Mr. DAVIES: Mr. Hodges, I rise to a criminal from society. point of order. I draw your attention to the state of the Committee. Mr. HOUGHTON (Redcliffe) (3.50 p.m.): We have just listened to a series of personal (Quorum formed.) attacks. I should like to change the tenor Mr. HOUGHTON: The Press report quotes of the debate and get back to the Budget. President Sukarno as saying- I am not going to attack the Treasurer "Give me a banana coupled with a but rather offer him my heartiest congratula­ little sympathy from a loving heart, and tions on behalf of the people of Redcliffe, I'll kiss you forever. whom I have the honour to represent, and "But give me a thousand million dollars, on behalf of the people of the State generally. and at the same time slap my hand in The loss of his services to the State by his public, then, though it may mean my life's retirement will be regretted by us all. I offer blood, I say to you: Go to hell." him my personal thanks for his guidance, assistance and efforts at all times while I I say to the Federal Government, or to was a member of a local authority. anyone else, "Give him his bananas." There are plenty of them to be given away if all We all know that Treasurers, whether they he wants is bananas and, surely to heaven, be State Treasurers, Federal Treasurers, or if the Federal Government is to render treasurers of outside organisations, are held assistance, let it give us the money that to be responsible for any deficits that may we so urgently need in Queensland for future occur from time to time; but how can any development. I am sure hon. members will Treasurer balance his budget in times when agree with me that, if President Sukarno he has no control over circumstances or wants bananas, we should let him have them conditions? and, if there is to be any allocation of funds, I think we all realise that we are experi­ let us have the funds he does not want. encing one of the worst droughts in Queens­ land's history. This has placed a great strain Finance is the most important item for on the State's financial resources. In addition the future development of Australia and we had the unfortunate industrial dispute at this great State of Queensland. Only by Mt. Isa. These factors had a great effect on a greater allocation of funds can any last year's Budget-so much so that we Treasurer, irrespective of his briiiiance, pre­ finished the year with a deficit of £2,037,874. sent a balanced Budget without a reduced We can all appreciate the problems that works programme. beset the Government in making up the The old cry of "No money" goes back leeway. But if we are bold enough we to the time when the Government of the should be able to absorb this deficit by day resolved that we should abolish our further developing the State. What has been State bank. Whether that policy has proved done to try to overcome the problem? The wise, or otherwise, I believe Queensland various Government departments have been should have its own bank. I know that restricted in their expenditure. That disturbs another agreement has been entered into me. We should grasp the nettle and say, with reference to this matter but, if we can Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1013

·delegate powers and authorities to other Furthermore, it is not the responsibility institutions, ·surely we must have the auth­ of a local authority to find ways and means ·ority to clothe ourselves with the same of supplying water to contiguous shires. The power for creating credit. Queensland present situation is really serious. The .suffered a great injustice when our State demand for water has been greatly increased Bank was abolished. by the establishment of two oil refineries, and it should not be the responsibility of the I firmly believe that until increased funds Brisbane City Council or any other local are found for future development we will authority to supply the water needs of always have a problem. The Government adjoining shires. I believe that that is a must be given full marks for the develop­ Government responsibility and that the ment that is occurring throughout the State. Government should set about establishing Excellent developmental work is taking place a water and sewerage board. I know that at Gladstone, which, in future years, will the position at present is complicated and be a large revenue producer. Because of that the eggs are so well scrambled that it the development in Gladstone, other local will be difficult to unscramble them. But authorities are short of money necessary surely these problems could be overcome to for normal development in such fields as permit the provision of an adequate water water supply and housing. Gladstone is supply. I think that all agree that transport, justly entitled to the development that is water, and electricity are three fundamental taking place there, but something is wrong essentials for development anywhere. Those with the system when the Gold Coast and are the problems confronting local authorities Redcliffe have to curtail their development today. because of it. Finance must be found for other development than at Gladstone and Mr. Walsh: Is reticulation rather than Weipa. the supply of water the main problem? Wars are never s~opped by lack of finance. Mr. HOUGHTON: That is quite a good The defeated in the last war are the victors point. I believe that Somerset Dam has today. Something is wrong with the financial an adequate supply of water. I thought it structure throughout the Commonwealth. was quite wrong to allow the establishment Money comes from production. But those of two oil refineries at the mouth of the defeated in the last war have been relieved of their war debts and extra redemption Brisbane River. They draw 3,000,000 charges and are "leaving us for dead" in gallons a day from Brisbane's water supply. production. No doubt that disturbs all of us. For defence reasons and for the general development of the State, the second refinery We have experienced one of the worst would have been better estalblished some­ droughts in the history of Redcliffe. We where else, and I suggested Toorbul Point, rely on the Brisbane City Council and the because an a!bundant supply of raw water Pine Shire Council for our water supply. The could have been piped there from Somerset Government must investigate the situation. Dam at little cost. At present the refineries The electors of Redcliffe were without domestic water supply on some occasions are using treated water, and the system is while, because of political favour, Brisbane breaking down because the treatment works was using sprinklers. Everybody will agree at Mt. Crosby cannot supply the required that that situation cannot be tolerated. amount of treated water. The people of Redcliffe, who have to rely on the water The Government has laid down that there supply from Brisbane and are at the end must be implemented a six-year sewerage pro­ of the line, are in a precarious position gramme for which it will guarantee a certain and face the future with uncertainty. amount of money. This year our allocation, Redcliffe is developing, and so is Brisbane, like that of other local authorities, has been and these matters warrant investigation and cut drastically, and works must be curtailed. The Government should consider establishing the immediate establishment of a water a water and sewerage board for the whole and sewerage board. It could go on the of the south-east zone of Queensland. The loan market for finance. The Southern Brisbane City Council's water supply is not Electric Authority has no trouble in raising collected in its own domain. The Govern­ loans, and I feel that such a board without ment has laid down that the Brisbane City any political taint could go on the loan Council is to be responsible for the con­ market and raise the funds necessary for struction of the North Pine dam. Like the development of very essential water and many other local authorities, the Brisbane sewerage services. Those are some of the City Council has gone onto the loan market. grievances that I have. Its last loan was undersubscribed by £1,000,000. The Brisbane City Council In the matter of the estrublishment of should not be faced with the responsibility of two oil refineries at the mouth of the providing Redcliffe's water supply. The Brisbane River, I know that the Govern­ demand will continue to increase. Surely ment says, "It is not our money that is there should be a water and sewerage board being spent." If we have a town plan, to allow continuity of work and the develop­ surely we should be in a position to say to ment of such schemes within the south-east any company, "You will establish your zone. refinery at Toorbul Point, where plenty of 1014 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply water is available, where there is ample Let me quote a few figures relative to beach land for development, and where the cost cleaning. Expenditure by local authorities on of dredging would not be nearly as much the North Coast in the last financial year as you would have to pay for the develop­ was:- ment at the mouth of the river." In addition, £ Brisbane's transport problems would not be Caboolture 2,084 aggravated. I think all agree that the Lands borough 1,620 development of Queensland lies north, not Maroochy 13,358 south, of Brisbane. In every instance the Noosa 3,738 thought seems to be to establish industry Burrum 3,660 south of Brisbane, whioh is increasing a Redcliffe 10,044 transport problem that is very evident now and that must become worse. Admittedly, fhe amount expended 10 years ago in each there is no rail connection between the local authority area was- northern side of the city and the interstate £ railway, and I believe that, with the develop­ Caboolture 991 ment of petro-chemical industries at the Lands borough 1,014 mouth of the river, a bridge or a tunnel Maroochy 5,771 must be built on the lower reaches of the Noosa 1,100 river. I think all hon. members will agree, Burrum 885 because transport is of paramount import­ Redcliffe 7,520 ance. The capital outlay in the respective areas Every shire clerk, every chairman of a on latrines, bathing pavilions, and other facili­ shire, every mayor of a city in Queensland, ties for people who use the beaches, was as is worried about future loan raisings and follows:- the provision of adequate funds to enable Local Authority Government I Total development to proceed normally, and I Area Loan Subsidy Expenditure believe that the Government should consider £ £ £ the situation very carefully. Immediate c aboolture 10,360 3,454 13,814 relief should be given by the establishment L andsborough .. 14,104 6,852 20,956 Maroochy .. 137,001 47,768 184,769 of a water and sewerage board, which could N oosa .. .. 11,800 4,200 16,000 go onto the loan market in the same way as B urrum .. .. 13,392 4,196 17,588 the S.E.A. does and thus relieve local authori­ R edcliffe .. 162,079 58,374 220,453 ties of the responsibility for raising money Total .. £348,736 £124,844 £473,580 for water supply and sewerage schemes. In I the south-east of Queensland the only water That will give hon. members some idea of storage of any magnitude is in Somerset the demands that are made particularly on Dam. New sources of supply could be the seaside areas for the public use of beach obtained on the Logan River and at Amity facilities. The people are justly entitled to Point on Stradbroke Island, and these could use the beaches; however, the demand made on the local ratepayers to meet these require­ be co-ordinated for the benefit of Brisbane ments warrants closer consideration by the and contiguous areas. Government. Local authorities that are responsible for No doubt country members will come beach protection and the prevention of back with, "Right. We are entitled to some­ erosion are faced with great difficulties in thing, too, because we have a national park, maintaining normal development in other other parks and so on, to attend to." All will agree that we are not getting enough fields. Nobody denies that people have a of the cake that is cut up at Canberra. right to use the beaches, but I will give the Though it is admitted that Queensland local Committee some examples of the costs authorities have never had so much money incurred by local authorities for beach allocated to them as in the last few years cleaning, particularly on the North Coast. by this Government, it is still not enough to meet the needs for the development of the Mr. Walsh: Does it include the cost of State. removing hyacinth? Local Government is dependent on the rating system as its main source of funds. Of Mr. HOUGHTON: Yes, it includes that. the total revenue for local government's That is another case in which no-one wants ordinary services in Australia, 61·6 per cent. to grasp the nettle. The Department of is derived from rates. In the United States Harbours and Marine says, "Hyacinth is not of America, 42 · 9 per cent. is derived from grown in tidal waters. This is the responsi­ rates, and in Canada 54· 1 per cent. That bility of the Department of Irrigation and will give hon. members some idea of the Water Supply." The Department of Irriga­ contribution made by the Government here tion and Water Supply says, "No, it is a in comparison with other countries. I do noxious weed. It comes under the control not know the system operating in other of another department." As I said, no-one countries, but all will readily agree that people is prepared to grasp the nettle, and similar living on the coastal strip from the Gold problems arise with matters such as water Coast to beyond Noosa have become the and sewerage. victims of exorbitant valuation. How the SupplF [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1015

·problem can be overcome I do not know, would be necessary. From Virginia Bridge but I sincerely hope that the investigation to Downfall Creek and from Downfall -committee to be appointed will arrive at a Creek to Cabbage Tree Creek there is ample solution. room, without any resumptions, to construct If we are to encourage decentralisation, the a four-lane highway. _people who elect to live away from the capital Mr. MeUoy: They would have all the land centre should receive the necessary considera­ they wanted. tion. After all, as I have often said, a person living at Scarborough has to pay Mr. HOUGHTON: I agree. I hope the '28s. a week to come to work in the city and hon. member for Nudgee will assist me. he has to put up with the inconvenience of The difficulty lies in the fact that it is a main travelling. I suppose the hon. member for road and that the Brisbane City Council has Belmont and others representing similar to rely on the Main Roads Department for .electorates have to spend nearly as much its contribution. Therefore, I charge the time travelling to and from the city because Commissioner for Main Roads and the of the shocking transport problems we have Minister to see that the construction of a at the present time. What are we doing four-lane highway is begun immediately. If to overcome them? Nobody could point the problem is allowed to grow and the to any worse transport position than that density of traffic to increase, we might as between Sandgate and Brisbane at present. well live at Monto. I travel that road every day. These are things that rightly disturb us. Much of the congestion on the road is caused by the Sandgate buses and the I say here and now that I am not prepared co-ordinated service, but the bus drivers to support any Government allocation to cannot be blamed as there is no space for the Brisbane City Council under the Wilbur them to pull over to the edge of the road. Smith Report until such time as the Govern­ The congestion thus caused during the morn­ ment gives consideration to the abolition -of the Hornibrook Highway toll and to ing and afternoon peaks is shocking, and on services to the Redcliffe peninsula equal with Sundays it is even worse. One has only to those for others who rely on road trans­ realise that the Hornibrook Highway carried port to come to the city. We in that area over 2,000,000 vehicles last year to under­ are restricted to road transport only. Earlier stand how bad the position is. It will be a this year, the Deputy Commissioner for shocking indictment of the Government and Main Roads, Mr. Lowe, made a statement to the Brisbane City Coun-eil if they allow this the effect that the Sandgate road carried an state· of affairs to continue. I sincerely hope average of 20,000 vehicles a day and that something will be done about it quickly. any road carrying higher than an average The Lord Mayor said some time ago that of 7,000 to 8,000 vehicles a day should be he was prepared to do something about it :a four-lane highway. but subsequently, when the matter was The highway be-tween Mt. Gravatt and brought up again, he was short of funds. It Coombabah, in the peak period, carries up is not for me to say how the Brisbane City to 17,000 vehicles a day, but the average is Council should allocate its loan funds but I 8.000 a day. The Mt. Gravatt shopping think it is up to the Government to see that -eentre carries traffic of about 14,000 vehicles relief is given immediately in whatever way a day. I appreciate everything that has possible, just as relief will have to be given been done by the Main Roads Department at Shaftston Avenue and at the Normanby in that area, but that is a national highway. before traffic comes to a complete standstill However, until such time as the Government there. is prepared to grasp this nettle and Another matter that disturbs me is item implement the construction of a four-lane No. 7 on the list in the Wilbur Smith highway between Sandgate and Brisbane, I Report, where the construction of this four­ will not be prepared to support it in lane freeway is suggested for about implementing the Wi1bur Smith Report in five years' time. In five years' time it will Brisbane. I think the time has arrived for not be any good my trying to drive to the the Government to look at the situation city; unless something is done it will be seriously. If there is to be a handout to the quicker to walk. In time to come there will Bris-bane City Council-which, I will admit, be a mono-rail system or some similar has a traffic problem-! will support it service operating between Sandgate and Red­ only on the condition that Redcliffe receives cliffe. Unless we act quickly, there will be like with like. I think everyone will agree no room for anything but public transport that we should share on an equal basis with in the Brisbane city proper. Brisbane in the alleviation of traffic problems. Mr. Walsh: Do you see any future in a helicopter service down the•re? I hope the hon. members for Sand­ gate, Nundah and Nudgee will support Mr. HOUGHTON: From a tourist point my suggestion that an immediate start of view, I do. I should like to see a heli­ should be made on the construction of copter service operating to Tangalooma and a four-lane highway between Sandgate the adjacent islands. I believe that the and Brisbane to relieve the existing Government should give the lead by estab­ traffic situation. It could be done at not lishing a hydrofoil service. It has one too great a cost because no resumptions operating on the Brisbane River now. I 1016 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

hope the day will come when it will be bond to ensure that election signs will be located at Redcliffe. However we con­ removed and, if they are not removed within tinually have people who do not want develop­ 30 days after the election, the money should ment-people like Mr. Bulcock and his be used to take them down. If the present cohorts, who want to "knock" everything. practice is allowed to continue, they will He wants to live in the bread-and-dripping want to put signs on the Town Hall and else­ days. Whenever anybody suggests anything where. I again urge the Government to give of a constructive nature, he is the Charlie serious consideration to implementing legis­ McCarthy of the outfit. He is always to the lation to ensure that the present practices for~ in condemning a scheme simply because will cease. Depending upon the political can­ what is suggested did not happen in his didate, and the party to which he belongs, day. Recently he tried to play the role of signs are placed on telegraph posts, electric Perry Mason wh~n he appeared in court light posts and elsewhere. It seems to be for a Mr. Black. It was an insult to tied up with how well he is regarded by Her Majesty and the court that he appeared the organisation in which he is interested. in a blue shirt, without any coat. Mr. Black was fined £25 and he will undoubtedly lose I offer my heartiest congratulations to the his billiard room licence. Government for allocating £37,000,000 this Mr. Bulcock claims to represent the year to provide educational facilities in the workers on the Peninsula. Hon. members State, and I believe that I am expressing the opposite do not want him campaigning for views of everyone on the Redcliffe Peninsula them. As a matter of fact, he is the best in doing so. I am sure that all hon. members campaign director I have ever had. Keep agree that educational facilities have improved him over there; he'll do me! Nobody need considerably in the last few years, but they have any fears about any unity tickets­ are still not up to the desired standard. In not from the Trades Hall, anyway. order to provide £37,000,000 for education, other departments have had their allocations I should like to mention another matter reduced. That, in turn, has created other that has exercised my mind for a considerable problems. However, we cannot have our period of time. Already signs in connection cake and eat it, too. with the forthcoming State election are appearing in the city of Redcliffe. They Last night I attended the second annual are appearing on telegraph poles, on the speech night of the Clontarf High School. memorial trees on the Anzac Highway, and Only a few years ago we could not get one all around the city. This is a matter that high school, but today we have two in our the Government should do something about. area. In addition to the State educational No person should be allowed to erect an facilities, there are denominational colleges on election sign anywhere until the writs are the peninsula, which are a very valuable asset issued. Signs from the last election are still to the area. Anyone who lives in Redcliffe defacing the city; there are still signs hanging readily appreciates that educational facilities on the trees. No-one accepts the respon­ are available right from the kindergarten sibility of taking them down, although they stage through to Senior. That is excellent are a disfigurement. for the people. I sincerely hope that the Minister and his departmental officers will Mr. Bmmley: I saw one of yours at investigate the possibility of providing techni­ Scarborough the other day. cal education on the peninsula. I hope that Mr. HOUGHTON: That may be so. It the time will not be too far distant when is all to the good if the hon. member keeps serious consideration will be given to the shouting, "Vote for Houghton." They will establishment of a technical college in the be put up when the writs are issued. Redcliffe area. The Whinstanes college is of considerable benefit to those who can use Mr. Bromley interjected. its services. But a person Jiving at Scar­ borough, with no direct rail facilities, has to Mr. HOUGHTON: I will not be trying to trave(by bus to Sandgate, then by train to register with the A.L.P., so the hon. member Clayfield, and then by another train to need not worry about that. Whinstanes; he has three changes of trans­ I have seen some electoral signs erected port in 20 miles. That gives some indication by political parties which have disfigured of the need for the co-ordination of transport public property. In my area signs such as, facilities in the Brisbane area. I commend "Get rid of Bob", "Get rid of the Comms", those thoughts to the Government for further and "Vote for the A.L.P.", or somebody else, consideration. can be seen three or four years after the Some of the best prawns marketed in election. However, election signs are not Queensland come from Moreton Bay. The responsible for all the disfigurement. When­ prawning industry needs the utmost care ever a circus comes to town, signs are pasted and guidance. Those in the industry realise up saying, "Come to Bullen Brothers Circus". the need for regulation and control if the They are placed on public buildings, which industry is to survive. The unlicensed cost thousands of pounds to construct. The prawner is unfair to those in the industry Government should implement legislation because he encroaches on the breeding immediately where!by election signs may grounds. That is why the greasy"back or Bay not be erected until the writs are issued. prawns are diminishing in numbers. A large Candidates should be prepared to lodge a number of vessels operate in the Moreton Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1017

Bay area and action must be taken to make sure that funds are available for the preserve the grounds for breeding purposes. purchase of those homes and to allow the The Government was wise in closing the building industry to continue. Bay waters over the week-end; it has had Mr. Walsh: Are they old homes? a beneficial result, because the larger vessels have gone out into the deeper waters of Mr. HOUGHTON: No, brand new homes. the ocean for their catches. I think that all hon. members will agree The research and survey carried out in that finance should be readily available for the Gulf of Carpentaria has not been a the purchase of homes. I firmly believe that waste of money. The sea contains an home ownership is more beneficial to the abundant food supply provided it is taken welfare of the family unit than is anything at the right time. Sea foods are used to else that I know of. It gives encouragement great advantage in many other countries. to the family and a desire to work for some­ Unfortunately, in this country sea foods are thing. It is the aim of the Government to not as popular; but they are a splendid relief provide homes for all, and a look at the diet. The Government should consider record shows that the Government has done seriously using that survey team in the ihis to the best of its ability. Moreton Bay area, particularly at Scar­ borough. What better opportunity is there Mr. Walsh: Did I understand you to say for collecting data than questioning those that there are 40 new homes at Redcliffe operating in the area all the time? The that you cannot get finance for? Government should estrublish a research Mr. HOUGHTON: Yes. There would be station there. The future welfare of the over 40. The worst part about it is that there industry depends on preserving the breeding are more than 40 purchasers but no funds grounds and harvesting the prawns at the available to them. The allocation this year right time. It is a large industry, and one to the two building societies in the Redcliffe that I think meets the requirements of the area was £40,000, or the equivalent of arbout Government. 12 homes. I do not know whether investigations could be made at the same time into the Mr. Sherrington: Each, or between the tuna-fishing industy. I think that that work two? could be done by the research station there. Mr. HOUGHTON: No. One has not Tuna and prawns abound in the bay, but got any. This situation applies not only in the prawn numbers will not be maintained Redc!iffe but in the Greater Brisbane area if encroachment is allowed on breeding and elsewhere. grounds while the prawns are breeding. It is rather strange that little is known of the Mr. Newton: Did they go to finance habits of prawns and fish in the waters off institutions such as banks? the Queensland coast, and the best infor­ Mr. HOUGHTON: They have tried every­ mation is to be had from those engaged in where. I should be very happy if any hon. the industry. I am quite sure that much member could tell me where any funds are benefit would be obtained from soliciting available; I will be the first one to go their advice and services. looking for them. The building industry I should now like to speak for a few plays a big part in the development of the minutes on the subject of home-building. I Redcliffe Peninsula and the Government asked a question, as some hon members oppo­ should give immediate and serious con­ site have done, voicing disapproval of the sideration to the problems to which I have amount of finance available for purchasing referred. and building homes today. I agree entirely with the submissions made on this matter Mr. DEAN (Sandgate) (4.46 p.m.): I think by some hon. members today. I feel that you will agree, Mr. Hodges, that the the fault lies not with this Government but Financial Statement has been dealt with with the Federal Government; the Govern­ fairly fully by hon. members who have ment has used the finance available to it as taken part in the debate, and I could well be best it could. Actually it was a Labour charged with tedious repetition if I attempted Government that adopted the formula that again to deal with ce-rtain sections of it. As I continued for a period and denied to the State have not laid myself open to that charge many millions of pounds. The Government since I entered this Assembly, I shall con­ of that day, unlike the Governments of other tent myself with bringing to the attention of States, would not enter into an agreement, hon. members some problems that have and that has proved detrimental to arisen in the Sandgate electorate. Queensland. As the representative of that electorate We have a problem in this State because in this Chamber, I am sorry to say that of the limited funds available for the pur­ many of the requests and suggestions I have chase of homes. In Redcliffe, for instance, made have not been acceded to by the there are 40-odd homes awaiting purchase. Government. For the record, and to keep Funds seem to have disappeared. I asked them before the notice of the Government, the Premier whether he would look into the I think I should mention them from time to matter and he told me that he would. I time in the hope that it will be possible to think that the time has come for the Govern­ provide money for these important amenities ment to approach the Federal Government to when future allocations of funds are made. 1018 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

However, before dealing with these something that is greatly needed, not only matters, I wi&h to support the remarks of for the people using the bay for pleasur'?· other hon. members relative to the In the event of disaster or emergency 1t Treasurer's retirement. I wish him many would provide a quick get-out to Moreton years of happiness, and I hope that he will Bay from Cabbage Tree Creek and quick be able to do many of the things that he rescue work could save lives. In the recent has not been able to do while he ihas been dredge disaster, great assistance came from in Cabinet and occupying the important the Sandgate area very quickly, but unfortu­ position of Treasurer of the State. I hope, nately not quickly enough to save the lives too, that his successor as Treasurer will have that were lost. Nevertheless, there was the at least one thing in common with him­ considerable time saved travelling down the an intense love of Moreton Bay and of tihe Brisbane River. fishing resorts in the Bay and along the coast I feel that this debate presents an oppor­ of Queensland. tunity to pay a compliment to the members One must always try to be fair, and, of the Public Service. I do so as one who be-cause of my close association with, and worked in the Public Service and who knowledge of, activities in Moreton Bay over knows the good work performed by the many years, I think I am qualified to speak average public servant in rthe State, con­ on certain things that have taken place there trary to what a lot of people outside think. during the past few years. Beacons in the This thinking has been conditioned by the Bay have been improved and leads into wrong type of propaganda and certain channels have been well maintained, and it references in the Press to the effect that the is to the Treasurer's credit that these things average public servant does not do any work have been done. He must be as dismayed and is looked upon as a loafer, and that if and disgusted as I am at times by the van­ you work in the Public Service you are not dalism that persons with warped minds a worker, because you do not get dirt on commit on amenities that have been provided your face or grease on your hands. in the Bay and in creeks and rivers. One As one who came from the Public Service sees beacons shot down, for example, and of Queensland and also the Commonwealth then hears people outside this Chamber say departments years ago, I think it is only right that it is only a boyish prank. Mothers that we should pay a compliment to the say, "You know what boys will do", and public servants when we have the oppor­ they try to defend their sons by saying that tunity, such as we have in a debate of this they are only boys and will know better nature. when they grow up. It is not only teen­ agers; very often it is adults, who should ·We have not been vocal enough in express­ know better. We should try to catch the ing our appreciation of the work that is real culprit, the person who is responsible performed in public hospitals. I visit both for this wilful de·struction of beacons in general hospitals frequently and have seen the bay, especially when guns are used to the important wmk that is performed very destroy the beacons. Their destruction could efficiently by the medical staff, doctors, easily cause loss of life. It may have caused .nurses, attendants, and wardsmen. It is loss of life already; who knows? The not something rthat goes on for only one beacons are put there for a special purpose, hour; it goes on day in, day out, week in, as hon. members know. Many of the week out. Speaking personally-as one who improvements that have been put down there has had a great deal of experience in are not only for commercial purposes but hospitalisation-! say 'without hesitation that in the interests of the pleasure-seeking public I have found the hospital staff, especially who srend a lot of time in the bay. On the medical staff, and those associated with their behalf I have made this simple the administration of hospitals, ve·ry efficient expression of appreciation for the valuable and qualified indeed in their work, and I improvements that have taken place in the pay them a justified compliment. Bav and I hope that the Treasurer's successor Speaking about hospitals brings to mind in office will carry on with what he has not another amenity greatly desired by the people be-en able to complete. of Sandgate. If I devoted the whole of my One thing that the Treasurer has been time to the shortcomings of the area in unable to complete-and, I think, with a regard to public amenities I should be here certain amount of disappointment-is the all night and half of tomorrow but, of boat harbour at Sandgate. Sandgate is a course, as is the case with many other natural place .for a small-boat harbour and areas, progress is taking place rapidly and many attempts have been made in the past Sandgate is cin a similar position to many to have one there. As a matter of fact, ot the outer suburbs of the city of at the present moment a dredge is returning Brisbane-- to the area to recommence dredging the Mr. Davies: And well represented. channel into Cabbage Tree Creek. I know that the Treasurer has shown a great deal Mr. DEAN: I thank the hon. member; of interest in this. I .feel sure that, -if but, even with good representation, the another few months could have been added public's need for amenities is becoming to his tenure of office, the project could greater every day. As I say if I were to have been completed. I commend its elaborate on the many things wanted in completion to his successor because it is Sandgate I would be, as I say, here for Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1019

far longer than one hour. So I shall deal I think the moon must have something to do with one of the earnest wishes of the people with their thinking. Sometimes I think the of Sandgate. For a long time we desired sun must have affected their mentality. They a new courthouse. I am thankful to say must have nothing else to do so they fill that we now have it, one of the most modern in their time by attacking Eventide. in Australia. But we also desire a modern Personally I have never found anything hospital to further the needs and fulfil the seriously wrong there. I feel that all must requirements of local people in the way realise that in an institution with over that the new Redcliffe hospital is doing 1,000 inmates meals cannot be provided by in Redcliffe. That hospital on the peninsula home-cooking methods. Although the food is performing very valuable work and a is mass produced, it is wholesome and there similar hospital at Sandgate would be a is plenty of it. However, I always make an wonderful asset to Sandgate and the adjacent investigation when a complaint is made to suburbs. me. Turning now to schools, one of our These woolly-headed people who attack greatest needs is an additional high school Eventide should be more responsvble in their in the Sandgate electorate. Many hon. conduct. Many of them hold very respon­ members may make a similar request, but sible positions in the community. They that is their responsibility just as it is mine to include members of Parliament who think make it on behalf of the people of Sandgate. they can make cheap political capital by At present 1,400 students are enrolled attacking the conditions of the inmates. at the Sandgate High School. It is well When their complaints appear in the Press and truly overcrowded. It is a very modern from time to time, it causes great concern school in many respects but it is becoming to the relatives of the inmates. False infor­ a very unwieldy institution to handle. It mation appears in the Press to the effect that has one of the best principals in the State patients are being starved to death, and that in Mr. Vise, but I feel he is reaching the they are being left in the sun to die like limit of his endurance in coping with 1,400 dogs. Naturally this worries the relatives. students. I think hon. members will agree Who would not be worried if he had a that a high school student is rather different parent or close relative down there? from students attending primary schools. That is when my telephone starts to ring. People want to know H what they read Mr. Davies: Have they made provision about the "goings on" at Eventide are true. for another site? That is the expression they use. Of course, Mr. DEAN: Yes, the Government has it is my duty to check on these things. I acquired land in the Nashville area and check on every individual complaint, if I is aware of the need for a new school. can get back to the person who made it; Unfortunately, up to this stage approval but many of these people write under a nom­ has not been given to begin construction de-plume so that it is very difficult to learn at Nashville. On behalf of the parents and their identity or find the source of some of the students attending the Sandgate High the rumours. It ill becomes those in respon­ School, in order to overcome the over­ sible positions to make cheap political crowding I ask that the Nashville High propaganda out of Eventide or to try to School be proceeded with as soon as possible. gain political capital in that way. I can assure them that they do not, because most The other department on which I wish people are intelligent enough to reason things to touch this afternoon is the Health Depart­ out for themselves. They realise that these ment and I wish to deal only with a small cheap tactics are engaged in merely to try section of it. By that I mean a small to gain political kudos so that they can section compared with the magnitude of advance their own positions in the com­ the work handled by this very important munity. If they attended to the jobs they department. I refer to Eventide Home and were elected for, it would be better for its staff, both of which play a very important everyone. part in the welfare of the State and, in particular in the welfare of the aged and Another officer at Eventide who has done infirm people who occupy the home. a very good job over many years is Mr. J ackson. He worked very efficiently for I should first of all like to pay a tribute the home when it was situated at Dunwich to the manager of Eventide, Mr. Kelleher. on Stradbroke Island. Since his transfer I see Mr. Kelleher frequently. I go to the to Eventide, Mr. J ackson has carried on Eventide institution very frequently, not with the good work he performed down the always to call on the manager in particular, Bay. but many members of his staff also, who are The manager's report, including the always willing to help me ,solve any problem engineer's report, indicates what is being I may have concerning the home. This done for the people of Eventide. This year afternoon I want to iJay a compliment to the report is presented in an excellent form. Mr. Kelleher and his administration staff, I compliment the manager on its compilation. and to Matron Burns, Deputy Matron He refers to the fact that 106 years ago Gordon and their nursing staff. The services the first Home for the Aged in Queensland they render are beyond all question. was estaJblished at Dunwich on picturesque It disturbs me that at certain times of the Stradbroke Island in Moreton Bay. I think year certain people descend on Eventide. that is a good beginning for any report. It 1020 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

is an apt preface to the very comprehensive Mr. DEAN: I hope that the Government's detailed history of the home. On reading policy will change and that new homes will through the report, I see that it is accurate be built. in virtually every detail. However, one part Mr. Sherrington: We will just change the of it might be glossed over by those who Government. are not fully conversant with the conditions. I quote from the report. It reads- Mr. DEAN: That would be the quickest "Apart from accommodation provided way to do it; but at this stage I ask the by religious and charitable organisations, Government to consider building a new there has been an enormous increase in Eventide home. the establishment of Convalescent Homes I have already complimented the Treasurer by private interests for the accommodation for providing certain facilities in Moreton of aged people, such establishments having Bay. However, I must state that all the been encouraged by the payment of legislation for which the hon. gentle­ Nursing Home benefits by the Common­ man has been responsible during his term has wealth to approved Convalescent Homes. not pleased me. One instance is the legis­ "The effect of these establishments has lation that established the Totalisator been to moderate the demands for accom­ Administration Board, whose activities have modation in State Homes for the Aged, taken such a strong hold in this State. Its but it has also had the effect of increasing establishment displeased many other people the proportion of infirm and heavy nursing also, and has created many unhappy homes. cases admitted to State Homes. We cannot expect to please all the people all "During the year, 406 residents were the time, and I suppose we should count our­ admitted to Eventide. It is interesting to selves fortunate if we manage to please the note that 255 of these were admitted majority; but in this case the Treasurer, I from various Hospitals and Convalescent feel, did not please the majority of the people Homes." of Queensland. Many of the chronic cases that come to Mr. Davies: He opened the hotels on Eventide are not accepted by the private Sundays, too. homes. That is grossly unfair. I have not received any complaint from Mr. Kelleher, Mr. DEAN: I could speak until the end or from any of the staff of Eventide, for of the year without expressing all my feelings they are paid by the Government and the on the liberalisation of the liquor laws in people of Queensland to do their job. I this State, but let me return to the subject am the one who is making the complaint, if and say that the latest move by certain hon. members care to look at it in that way. greedy, grabbing business men on the South Virtually all private homes in Brisbane are Coast-- run not on a charitable basis but purely on strict business lines and in many cases they The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. provide a good financial return. That is quite Gaven): Order! We are listening to a most proper from a business point of view. How­ interesting speech. I draw the attention ever, the time will come when consideration of hon. members to the Standing Rules and will have to be given to having private Orders, which prohibit the reading of news­ homes take a share of the chronic cases papers in the Chamber. that at present have to go to Eventide. Accommodation at Eventide is becoming Mr. DEAN: Thank you, Mr. Gaven. so taxed that people eventually may The advent of the T.A.B. brought have to be turned away. So far, this more revenue to the Government, but has never occurred. Right thoughout the at what a shocking cost! The huge history of our hospital system, the policy profits of the T.A.B. have not been diverted has been not to turn away from a hospital to channels that would increase the pro­ or a home anyone who is in need of treat­ ductivity of our State; they have been ment or accommodation. I sincerely hope channelled back to the various racing organ­ that something will be done before this isations to encourage them to expand their happens. As hon. members can imagine, activities so that they can make more m0ney infirm people need special care and nursing. and ·so deprive the working man and his The need for special facilities and extra wife and children of many of the necessities treatment for them is mainly why private of life. It is difficult to calculate the damage convalescent homes and institutions will not that the T.A.B. is doing in many of the take some of them. The extra costs for staff households of our State. I have spoken to and equipment would mean that they could many shopkeepers who have told me that no longer receive a high return for service most of the money now being invested with given. u·nless something is done to alleviate the T.A.B. used to be spent in their shops on overcrowding at Eventide, eventually the extra food items. They often hear the Government will have to consider building remark-! have heard it myself in some a new block on the site. There is ample of these stores-that their customers cannot room to construct a new, modern Eventide spend more money on food because on their Home to house everyone who wishes to be way home they must have a bet at the admitted. T.A.B. This happens regularly every week, Mr. Davies: The Government's policy does and the losers are not only the storekeepers not favour building new homes like that. but also the wives and children. Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1021

Mr. §herrington: What about the casinos paid huge sums to tell us what we already on the Gold Coast? know. Much the same thing was happening when I was an alderman of the Brisbane Mr. DEAN: I was referring to that matter City Council. Experts were brought in when you gave your ruling, Mr. Gaven, I and paid thousands of pounds to tell us of was about to remark that I was pleased to problems that we already knew existed, and see that-at this stage, anyway-it has been the so-called solutions that they used to put stopped. The Government, in its wisdom forward could never be implemented, not or otherwise, has decided not to approve of only because of lack of finance but because it. in many cases they were not practicable. Mr. Houston: That might only be Quite often measures adopted in other parts propaganda. of the world, and in no way applicable to our system of transport, were suggested. I Mr. DEAN: It could, be, too. However, think it is about time some positive action we must be thankful for small mercies, and was taken, and the responsibility for taking I am thankful that the Government has held it lies on the Government. back on this suggestion. After the election, next year, who knows what will happen? Cost is always raised as an excuse for not taking action. In "The Courier-Mail" Perhaps the position would be a little of 12 July, 1965 an article written by different if the profits from T.A.B. opera­ Mr. H. W. Herbert, a consulting economist, tions were used for some worth-while purpose, was published. It was very plainly and as those from the Golden Casket are. In its concisely written and was very illuminating. own way, the Casket has some effect on the I waited for some reaction to Mr. Herbert's community and seems to be accepted in suggestions but none was forthcoming. I many households as part of daily living. may be wrong, but I do not think his Most of the profit obtained from it goes to advice has been heeded. In my opinion, public hospitals, so at least something can it should be recorded in "Hansard". Refer­ be seen for its operations. Why should not ring to the cost of implementing the trans­ T.A.B. profits be used in a similar worth­ port study findings for Brisbane, which was while manner? One hon. member-I think reported to be £200,000,000, he said- it was the hon. member for Nudgee-asked a question recently concerning the allocation "Although £200,000,000 is a lot of of funds to the Queensland Ambulance money, it is less than half of the cost Transport Brigade from T.A.B. profits. It of the Snowy Scheme. is very distressing to see ambulance officers "And it is only one-eighth of the value selling raffle tickets in the street and virtually of all the buildings that will exist in begging for money to pay their salaries. Bri~bane in 15 years' time. That should not happen. T11e Q.A.T.B. should be financed as other public utilities "We should not throw up our hands are. It should be completely supported by in dismay and adopt some short-sighted the Government and entirely relieved of its programme without careful thought. financial obligations and worries. Some of Brisbane's population is growing fast, and the money obtained from T.A.B. operations standards of living are rising with the could be given to the Q.A.T.B. to ease its increasing production of modern industry financial burdens. Instead, these funds are and commerce. returned so that they can be used to increase "In 15 years' time there will be 300,000 further the opportunity to gamble. Where more people in Brisbane, and production this is ever going to stop, I do not know. per head (and hence standards of living) The damage being done by the T.A.B. at will be about 35 per cent. higher than present is very great indeed. now. This clearly gives scope for financing I turn now to a very serious problem that a long-term programme that may look is exercising the minds of responsible people nearly impossible at present. and that has been referred to in this Chamber "We can by simple arithmetic (given on many occasions. The Budget debate is a below) work out how much money would very valuable one as, during it, latitude is be available from rising population and extended to hon. members to deal with mat­ rising incomes over the next 15 years, and ters in which they have a particular interest. how this compares with the £200,000,000 I refer now to the heavy toll of the road, cost of replanning Brisbane." and I do not think that it can be mentioned too often. Day after day, by questions or I shall not read the tables at the bottom of other means, hon. members find ways of the article-they are too long------

"Brisbane's total income, business and testing should be compulsory. In some personal, will rise from £400,000,000 a cases it might be necessary as offenders year now to £780,000,000 a year in 1980 escape penalty through loopholes or tech­ (because both population and incomes are nicalities in our laws. Sometimes they find up.) these weaknesses and they are very cleverly "In 1980, to give the future 956,000 manoeuvred out of the situation. It is Brisbaners the present standard of living thought that far more severe penalties should will require £579,000,000, and actual be inflicted or, most important of all, the incomes will total £201,000,000 more than offender should be prohibited from driving this." a motor vehicle on the highways while He has said in very clear and concise terms he is drinking to excess, as some do. In that we will not get anywhere unless a start some cases drivers should not have the is made on implementing a plan of this right to refuse to submit to the strictest type. He said- tests to ascertain whether they are carry­ ing more than the accepted amount of "The accumulated surplus income above alcohol, which we feel has caused most present living standards for the whole of the trouble. 15 years will amount to £1,367,000,000." From speaking to people, I have been Surely the Government and its advisers could advised that the breath-analyser test and take some notice of these statements made blood test are compulsory in some parts by a gentleman whose ability and qualifica­ of America. The American way of life is tions should command some respect. He very diverse and wide in its application to further stated- the individual. In the State of Connecticut "The re-planning of Brisbane costing in the United States of America a law exists £200 million, far from cutting into our whereby a drinking driver is compelled present standards of living, will only take to submit to these tests. The person from about one-seventh of the rise in standards whom I got this information said that the expected over the next 15 years, leaving law goes much further and that in addition six-sevenths for other improvements.", to the fine that is imposed on the driver, and in the next paragraph he said- his licence can be suspended forthwith for "If anyone still feels that these figures one year. A drinking driver brought up are optimistic, let him think back 15 on a second charge in Connecticut loses years to 1950 when Brisbane had only his licence for life. I am quite sure no-one 440,000 people, and incomes in Brisbane will deny that drinking drivers are menaces totalled about £220 million (revalued at on the highway. Some people make all kinds present prices). of excuses for the excessive drinkers, but to me there is no valid excuse. A man "The figures in this article are all at might be trying to forget his troubles and 1965 prices." to move away from reality by partaking Hon. members can see that he is not basing of alcohol. I cannot see any sense in it. his ideas on antiquated figures or that But this friend of mine was telling me that he went back over many years. His figures many of the laws in Connecticut are far in this article are right up to date. more stringent than those we have here There is little need for me to stress that for dealing with this type of motorist. Queensland in particular, or Australia for Next to alcohol as a cause of fatal that matter, cannot afford the great loss accidents, of course, is speed. Speed often of human life that is sustained on our goes hand in hand with alcohol because highways. This grave problem could be drivers are often so drunk that they do not tackled in several ways. Firstly, of course, know how fast they are travelling. Quite there is the niggardly allocation from the often they do not realise they have been in Commonwealth Government, which is insuf­ a motor-car at all until they wake up in ficient to meet the Government demands to hospital. However, many motorists, even overcome this problem. If my memory when not drinking, travel too fast on the serves me rightly, the contribution from the road system that exists in this city today. Commonwealth Government last year was During my term as a local government £150,000, or slightly more than 3d. per representative, I often strongly asserted that head of the present population. our road system was quite inadquate to I know that improved roads and highways handle the numbers of vehicles coming on to are not the complete answer to this serious it year after year. Every year the motor-car problem because the individual motorist becomes more modern, much faster, and much himself plays an important part in road more flexible in many ways. If handled safety. It has been stated by some authori­ correctly, it is a wonderful machine but, ties that heavy penalties should be enforced. if handled carelessly or without common I do not altogether subscribe to this, sense, it becomes a lethal weapon. If we had although I think there should be a suitable a better road system, I feel that the lives of penalty. In many cases there would be merit many careless drivers would be saved as well in the proposal; perhaps heavier penalties as those of many of the victims they are in some cases would be justified. Some of responsible for killing or injuring. the drinking drivers who commit serious Excessive speed and failure to yield right traffic offences refuse to have their blood or of way cause nearly two-thirds of the breath tested and some people believe that accidents on our highways. That is borne Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1023

out by statistics, and I consider that 85 per Not sufficient is being done to educate cent. of all accidents in some way involve motorists. The only successful way to improper driving. No matter what occurs in educate motorists is a course of training an accident, whether caused by speed or of the young. It is quite true that you can­ recklessness, it is the improper handling of not teach an old dog new tricks. Although the vehicle by the driver that causes the some older people can study, learn and trouble. So, if the blame is to be sheeted form new habits, they are rare exceptions. home to the right quarter, it must be laid at Driver training should start in the schools. the door of the driver of the vehicle. It must get back to the individual driver, and Last year the hon. member for Salisbury that leads me to the next facet of my gave a great deal of detail about a driver­ contribution to this problem, namely, the training scheme for high-school students. In youthful driver. many respects his ideas were very broad, per­ haps too broad for the moment, although I Statistics have proved that by far the think the time will come when a lot of what greatest number of accidents are caused by he said and planned for in respect of the youthful drivers. This morning's "Courier­ training of young drivers will be accepted. Mail" again brings this fact to our notice, with If I remember correctly, in addition to deal­ the following article- ing with making students aware of their "Young drivers top fatal road victims responsibility when in charge of a motor "Young drivers were the major victims vehicle, he covered the mechanical side to of fatal road accidents during the first some extent. I do not think that is neces­ three months of this year. sary at this stage. A driver's responsibilities "An analysis by the Commonwealth should be impressed upon him, but I do not Statistics Bureau of road accidents during think we need worry so much about the the quarter showed 293 motor vehicle mechanical operation of the vehicle's various drivers were killed and 116 of them were components, such as the engine, gear-box 17 to 29. and differential. I believe that a superficial "Another 55 were aged 30 to 39. Of description of the parts and their action, the 23 5 passengers killed 7 5 were aged and what they mean in the overall manoeu­ 7 to 20." verability of the car is necessary, but I do So it is the young drivers we are losing in not think it is necessary to go into the this State and throughout Australia as this mechanics of the engine or the other corn· report proves once again, and the loss of these ponent parts. That is my opinion, and I young lives is something we must all be may be wrong. concerned about. We must be concerned I believe that more stress should be laid about the loss of any lives, but the loss of on tr·aining young drivers on the road, to young lives is even more tragic. their attitude to their fellow motorists, and The same article points out that most to the respeot they should give them. I have fatal accidents were on straight roads. witnessed shocking displays of bad manners There were 304 deaths from acci­ and disrespect, as no doubt other hon. mem­ dents on straight and open roads. That be·rs have. Disrespect and bad manners are shows again that the young driver to be seen everywhere. When some young, gets led into a false feeling of security and older, people step into a car they seem to so that he puts his foot down on the accelera­ be transformed in that they lose the sense of tor. On bends or curves with an open view, good behaviour taught to them at school and 144 people were killed. We see that sort of at home. They act as if they have just walked thing every day. As I drive up to Brisbane out of a cave. I should not like to quote from my electorate I see the foolishness the names, or the language I have heard of many drivers who try to overtake on used, but one has only to listen to the bends. They are not always teenagers, remarks of motorists trying :to pass to hear, either. They take grave risks. Sometimes "How did you get a licence?", or "Are you they are trying to beat other cars to a rail­ having a sleep?" A driver may be doing 35 way crossing before the boom comes down. miles an hour but the overtaking traffic will They try to beat everything to the crossing, try to push him out of vhe way in order to even pushing other cars off the road in pass. This type of education for young the effort. I am sure all drivers would have drivers is essential. At an early age they seen that. should be taught to respect other drivers The last section of this report from and their vehicles. If we adopt the recom­ Canberra directs our thoughts to the week­ mendation of the hon. member for Salisbury, end traffic and the length of time motorists I think we will be able to cope with this spend in hotels. It points out that the days problem to a great extent. on which most fatal accidents occurred were Some of the notes I have prepared to Saturdays, with 183 deaths, and Sundays, refresh my memory make reference to a with 130 deaths. The times at which most four-year period test. fatal accidents occurred were 6 p.m.-8 p.m. with 118 deaths, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. with 76 I consider it is only fair to state that all deaths, and 10 p.m.-midnight with 104 accidents are not attributable to young deaths. It needs very little imagination to drivers only. They are not responsible for work out the reason for the high figures all accidents, although the figures for them during those periods. are high. A newspaper article I read said 1024 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

that, at present, the fatality figures for transformation in their lives as that which teenage drivers are the highest, but is now taking place in the West. For 40 another group-those with five years' years we had to suffer what the Labour driving expenence-was studied by the Government would not recognise. We existed experts and it was shown that the <>roup under shameful and shocking conditions, was responsible for 48 per cent. of all ~oad­ which are an everlasting blot on the name accident fatalities and 53 per cent. of all of the Australian Labour Party in the wad-accident injuries. Although those in western part of Queensland. th~ . group had five years' experience in Opposition Members interjected. dnvmg, they had these very high percent­ ages, which, I consider, again proves that !VIr. RAE: Opposition members may scream the foundation of teaching in vehicle and shout now. The people in my electorate handling was incorrectly based. -in fact, all the people in Western Queens­ It is said by some people that between laud-are grateful for the job this Cabinet 30 and 40 years of age is the dangerous has done for their welfare. They will forever period. I am guide·d only by what I have return this Government to power because it been told, but it seems that this applies to has done a very good job. The western motorists, because the statistics for that a<>e knowledge possessed by Opposition members group show that they were responsible f~r -there are one or two exceptions-is very 390 deaths on Victodan roads in the four­ limited. It is amazing that they can come year test pe·riod and those undeT 21 were here and condemn this Government, although responsible for 366 deaths. The accident I admit that that is their right. It is the figure declines progressively as the age rises, right of hon. members opposite to criticise and express their points of view, but surely perhaps because people· become too old to they should be big enough to give a little drive. It seems that we have .to contend recognition to a job well done. The worth with the middle-aged and with the young of the Government's work is acknowledged people. Par·t of the high-school curriculum by the mass of people in this State. should be devoted to teaching young people how to handle a motor-car and how to Let us look at some of the things that respect other ddvers. indicate that a good job has been done. I have covered most of what I set out to In the field of education, I will admit that say. We should take more notice of the Longreach was perhaps more fortunate than successful methods and systems adopted in most other centres in that a high-school top the United States of America to overcome was built there some years ago when Hon. this particular problem of youth. America G. H. Devries was Minister for Education. has. a .greater population, but on a percentage Today great advances in the provision of basis It concentrates more on the training of education facilities have been made in this youth, and on the training of teachers and area, yet strangely enough, through sheer instructors to impart knowledge to youth. petty personal jealousy, they are being An article in an American journal claimed "knocked" by the hon. member for Barcoo. that the greatest problem there was the A man who was a teacher for years should training of instructors. All school teachers be able to grasp the significance of the fact it said, were far from suitable, and were not that there is in office today a Minister capable of imparting this particular driving for Education who is determined to do knowledge to students. something to enable children of the West to be properly educated. I was rather surprised (Time expired.) to learn that his thinking was confined to either Emerald or some other town. Mr. RAE (Gregory) (5.46 p.m.): It is Longreach is the obvious place for the very important that I rise at this hour establishment of a rural college, and that because we have heard so much drivel and is where it is to be. One can go to ~onsens~ from Opposition members. Only Stonehenge, Boulia, Windorah-and almost m rare mstances has one tittle of knowledge anywhere in the West-and find wonderful been expressed in their utterances. Their improvements in education facilities. Very memories, if they have any, must be very short. One cannot imagine that many of these much has been done. "pups" in Parliament would have memories. For many years roads in the West were They com.e in here screaming their heads off, shocking, and nothing was done about them. not knowmg what happened in the State for I am quite certain that the more honest 40 years during which the State was handi­ members of the Opposition will agree with capped and hindered in every possible way. that. Today there are miles and miles of The people are proud and happy to have bitumen roads which are helping to develop the present leadership of Mr. Nicklin and his that part of Queensland. As well as making Cabinet, together with Government members e~sier . the movement of stock, restocking, directing the political thinking of Queensland: disposmg of fat stock, and bringing in No-one can deny that men such as Mr. Hiley fodder, good roads are of great importance have been responsible for much of this added in the lives of the people who reside in blessing, especially in the West. these areas. Many have lived there all of The hon. member for Barcoo and the their lives without receiving any form of hon. member for Vlarrego if he 'was here recognition. The development of these roads must admit that they have never seen such ~ is a tangible way of showing our concern Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1025

for them and that we are out to do all we Mr. RAE: I do not think that is so. can to put them on an equal footing with people in the cities. Mr. Pizzey: It was neglected for so long. I now wish to deal with police stations. Mr. RAE: It was dreadful. I have told Under the Government of hon. members the story several times in this Chamber; it opposite police officers were asked to work is sickening to have to repeat it. For 40 under conditions that could be described years the people of the West tolerated only as the most shameful and shocking of Labour Governments and suffered as a result. all time. What is more, if a police officer If hon. members opposite had been really in the city earned any official displeasure concerned about the vote in the West-it and it was considered that he deserved was a very strong vote in those days-and some measure of punishment, he was had acted accordingly, development would banished to an outback station. Hon. have taken place many years before Labour members opposite know that what I am was thrown out of office. saying is quite correct. Opposition Members interjected. Police officers were asked to carry out their duties under the most shameful con­ Mr. RAE: Labour would never have been ditions. They were dreadful. Surely the thrown out of office if it had done a good memories of hon. members opposite are job. My western friends are very grateful, not so short that they cannot remember Mr. Hooper, that Cabinet is aware of the when police stations in towns such as need to develop western areas and for what Blackall, Longreach, Isisford, Boulia, Stone­ has been done already. henge, Jundah and Muttaburra were mere hovels. My friend Sergeant Murphy, who is Mr. Pizzey: Even the Leader of the on duty in the House now, could tell Opposition could not win in the West. them about Muttaburra; he was there in my time. The Government accepted the Mr. RAE: He wiii not be out there again, chalJenge and did something about police I am sure of that. stations, and members of the Police Force Mr. Houston: Tell us why the Uberal now live in very good houses and work in Party wants to be the senior partner. wonderful offices. The Minister said an attempt would be made to bring every police Mr. RAE: The Uberal Party does not station in every town in Queensland up want to oppose members of the Country to the same high standard, and that is Party. Hon. members opposite are attempt­ being done. It pleases me greatly to be ing to make much of a small issue. The associated with a Government that is taking matter has not reached anything like the positive action in this direction. Former proportions they are trying to make out. Labour Governments denied that there was I say to my coiieagues who favour three­ anything wrong and refused to take any cornered contests that if they wish to put action. up a candidate in my electorate, they can do The hon. member for Townsville North so. They can please themselves; I do not spoke about housing. Lord bless my soul! suggest for one moment that they should do If any party has a record in housing that this or do that. If that is their platform, can only be described as shameful and fair enough. But when we go to the people, shocking, it is the Labour Party. we will go to them with one policy and the Opposition Members interjected. people will support it. The CHAIRMAN: Order! [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] Mr. RAE: Labour Governments built nine Mr. RAE: Amoogst the many major homes in Lorrgreach in 30 years. Over moves undertaken by the Government, and 100 have been built since this Government possibly one of the· greatest~! have spoken came to office, and still more are being on this subject before-was the introduction built. It is just too ridiculous! I cannot of the Flying Surgeon service to Western understand how hon. members opposite can Queensland. One could speak for a long be so vociferous on the subject of housing time and not adequately cover the full when they know, if they cast their minds significance or true story of the blessings that back, that they did absolutely nothing for have come to the people of the West through the people of the West. the introduction of this service. Nobody Mr. Newton: Contractors would not go could deny the fact that it is one of the out there. most outstanding contributions made to their health, their way of life, and their Mr. RAE: Rubbish! They are working happiness. Dr. Cummings, who was the there now. The people of the West put first in the service, did a good job. The up with it for 40 years, which is a very service is now in the capable hands of Dr. long time, and I can tell hon. members Learning. I record not only my appreciation opposite that they will never again consider but that of western people generally for the returning members of the A.L.P. as their introduction of this medical service. We are representatives in this Assembly. very grateful to the Government for this Mr. R. Jones: You are getting more than magnificent step in the interests of the people your share on a per-capita basis. in the West. 1026 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I have not much time at my disposal but Mr. Lloyd: Can you explain why the there is one aspect of my Government's Government did not use the £500,000 it had thinking at the moment which deserves a for this purpose? strong measure of commendation. That is the fact that owing to the disastrous drought Mr. RAE: The Deputy Leader of the that this State is suffering from at the Opposition is such a capable speaker that moment, certain steps have been undertaken I am sure he could give a delightful disser­ by the Government. One of the mos·t tation on that subject. I have not the time heart-warming and encouraging is the Minis­ to do so. ter's assurance that he will consider very I should like now to mention another fully the possible extension of time for the matter which indicates the progressive think­ payment of rents on properties and tha·t ing of this Government. At a general meet­ there will be no interest charges. This is an ing in my area, which covers approximately encouraging and outstanding move, one on one quarter of Queensland, the Bush Nursing which a person could speak at length. I Association indicated that it was rather inter­ cannot recall a similar undertaking by a ested in establishing a Bush Nursing Service former Government during such a calamity at the two rather isolated centres of as the State is now going through. It is one Windorah and Bedourie. of the worst, .perhaps, that we have ever experienced. Mr. Walsh: What is the population of Bedourie? Mr. Beardmore: It is not over yet. Mr. RAE: About 14 or 15 people, but it Mr. RAE: Far from it: The hon. member is an important centre for the grazing indus­ for Balonne knows just how severe it is. try. When one hears hon. members opposite laughing as they are now, it once again In relation to wool, tihe market is down 20 indicates their complete lack of knowledge per cent. and •the .wool that is coming onto and interest. They proved for years that the market is nowhere near the normal they could not care less. standard or quality. This is one of the most important aspects of the ravages of the This Government realises that it is time present drought. It is really ruthless, and to do something for these areas. It is very is occasioPing many people no end of worry. pleasing to realise that the Bush Nursing In my area alone I could name many men Association should wish to establish centres who a few years ago were financially stable at both Bedourie and Windorah, and when and in a relatively sound position but who the proposal is put to the Minister for Health today would be ho.pele·ssly broke. But we I trust that he will give it his full measure do not whinge any more than the man who of interest, because it is a very good scheme. grows cane or the farmer in the Lockyer It covers a very wide and rich area with a district. Jit is all part of 1he challenge of very large cattle population. The people liv­ living in the West and of accepting a life ing in the area are doing a wonderful job on the land. and if we can help them through some of what I might describe as their minor ail­ Mr. LLOYD: 1t is a tragedy that familie·s ments by helping the Bush Nursing Associa­ with three generations on a property have tion to establish itself in these centres, I am to walk off their properties. sure it will meet with wide approval. I trust that it will have the blessing of the Mr. RAE: My word it is. I am pleased department on this occasion. This is a to hear the Deputy Leader of the Opposition very commendable move, one which I should supporting me in this respect. like to see accepted by my Government. It has strongly supported the Bush Nursing This State will not know until next year Association financially. I hope that it will how severe the impact on our economy has give it the green light to the proposal cover­ been as a result of this drought. I should ing these two towns. say that whoever is Treasurer next year will have a tremendous job. The position is grim Mr. Houston: Has the Minister agreed yet enough now, but it will be even worse next to give you air conditioning in the nurses' year. quarters in Longreach? It is encouraging to think that the Minister Mr. RAE: No. The hon. member cannot for Lands, Mr. Muir, and the Department sidetrack. I learn as I go along, as I trust he of Lands generally, as a responsible Minister does. I realise that it would cost the Govern­ and a responsible department of this Govern­ ment millions of pounds to do everything we ment, have seen fit to give full consideration require for our electorates. to the possibilities, and to date I have not On the subject of grids, a great deal had one refusal to a request for an exten­ of thinking should go into an idea I sion of time for the payment of rent. That am about to put forward. If a main is highly commendable and once again indi­ road goes through a lessee's property the cates that this Government makes every landholder is responsible for the construction endeavour to recognise the plight of these of any grids that may be required, or the people and to play a positive part in helping replacement of any existing grids. It is people on the land, who are suffering so not right to impose this charge upon him. severely today. After all, we want to get the full benefits Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1027

from closer settlement. With increasing I believe that grids should not be the salaries and increasing costs generally, it is responsibility of the tenant but of the Crown. costing more and more to install a grid. It is the motorist who derives the benefit, not the property owner. I should like the Mr. Sullivan: About £1,000. Treasurer to give serious consideration to my Mr. RAE: In some instances, but £500 submissions. I think there is great merit or £600 in most cases. However, before in them. dealing with the barrier fence and that part Recently a little matter came to my of my argument, let me emphasise that people attention as a result of reading a very already established in these areas are being important paper called "The Barcoo called upon to meet heavy costs in the instal­ Independent". The shire chairman, Mr. Rex lation of grids. Greenhalgh, indicated his worry and dis­ turbance of mind over a Federal matter Mr. Hewitt: Are you talking about boun­ which concerns everyone. I would not intro­ dary grids? duce the matter tonight if I were not so seriously concerned. The people of BlackaU Mr. RAE: All grids on main roads. The realise that when the referendum in the landholder does not get any great benefit from wool industry is held, the sheep-owners with the grids. Tourists and others travelling along a small number of sheep, who produce one­ the roads get the benefit. Responsibility for sixth of Australia's wool, will be a:ble to out­ these costs should re-st with the road users. vote those who produce five-sixths. I feel Therefore, it becomes somewhat the respon­ it is wrong that approximately 16 per cent. sibility of the man who owns a motor car. of the producers should have so much say Let us meet these costs from the petrol tax when it comes to the vote. or some other source of revenue. It is quite wrong that the landholder should be held Mr. Greenhalgh went on to say that Mr. responsible for the cost of this blessing to Adermann was soft-soaping the Country the passing motorist. The man on the land Party supporters. Frankly, I feel that it does already has to carry a heavy enough load. require a good deal of thought. It is serious when we consider that he has figures to Mr. Walsb: Does the land-owner save in prove that those growers who produce one­ fencing by the construction of the grid? sixth of the wool-they own 300 sheep or produce 10 bales of wool, and the whole of Mr. RAE: Not at all. He must provide them are on the eastern seaboard-will be either a gate or a grid. I could cite an the deciding factor. Only those producing instance in the Windorah-Jundah area where 40 bales should be eligible to vote. one sheep man who is alongside a big cattle area in which the dogs are breeding has to Mr. Murray: They have not made, and meet the expense of at least two grids on never will make, a contribution to the wool his property and, as he pointed out, they industry. will not do one iota of good. I know how Mr. RAE: The Government should take useless grids are in checking dogs; they serve this matter up with Mr. Adermann. Those no useful purpose. A grid will not keep a dog or a dingo on one side of the fence. who produce one-sixth of the wool will have the say against those responsible for produc­ I now have some comments to make ing five-sixths. about our late good friend Mr. Brebner, Mr. Walsh: Don't you believe in one with whose policy I have quarrelled in this man one vote? Chamber. It is unfortunate that he is no longer with us. Mr. RAE: I do, provided he is a legiti­ Mr. Sherrington: Is that the effect you mate wool-grower out to do something about had on him? raising the standard of his flock, who has the industry at heart, who lives by it, and Mr. RAE: That is a vicious and uncalled whose thinking is along the proper lines. for remark. The hon. member should be But when those who own only 300 sheep ashamed of himself. or produce only 10 bales of wool can control the voting, it is a serious state The late Mr. Brebner did an excellent of affairs. It is wrong that those people job, as do many public servants who receive should have such a big say when they are little or no recognition. He did wonderful not responsible growers. To them it is only work for this State through his efforts to a week-end hobby, an adjunct to their way establish the barrier fence, but its benefits of life. It does not do the industry much will be lost in many ways if we do not fully good. Sir William Gunn has said that in recognise the fact that a high, properly his opinion it is quite wrong and that the designed gate is the only way to keep figure should have been upgraded to 30 dingoes out. No grid will keep a dog out if he wants to get in. I could show hon. to 50 bales, and I agree with him. members my sheep dog running over grids­ I have not much time left in this debate. not to mention what a dingo can do. We That may please some members of the have this wonderful fence to protect the Opposition, because they do not like to sheep people inside, so let us realise that hear the truth. They have a sad record a grid serves no useful purpose as a dog and have not much to commend their 40 barrier. years of direction in this State. I convey 1028 Supply [A~SEMBLY] Supply to the Treasurer my appreciation, and the I am prepared to admit that there has appreciation of all people in the West. A been some improvement in the economy of quarter of the State is in my electorate, the State during the last seven years, but that and I speak for almost every Westerner. hc,s been in spite of the Government and I am pleased that we have a man of the not because of it. The same development Treasurer's ability and stewardship and with and improved economy can be found in his love of country, whether it be here, the every State, and, indeed, in the affairs of the various harbours, or Boulia. He has shown Commonwealth Government itself. The a kindly hand and has taken a personal claim of hon. members opposite that these interest in the fact that so much had to things have happened only because they have be done, and I can assure the Committee been in office is eye-wash. Since they came that much has been done. to power in 1957, the Government has had increasing income and increasing deficits. Mr. Hewitt: That was a good "Dorothy That in itself does not always indicate an Dix". expanding economy. The Government has Mr. RAE: If a person does a good job, had at its disposal ample funds in the past I believe in telling him that he has done seven years, particularly since 1961, when it. I will go back to the people and say the Federal Government had, because of the what I am saying tonight about what has political repercussions of the 1961 election, been done. The people do not forget it. a change of heart. The Government has had We were saddled, and for 40 years we available to it very much more money than suffered complete abandonment at the hands any Government had prior to 1957. of the Labour Government. We owe the We admit .that the Government has spent Treasurer a great deal and hope that in his lavishly. Indeed, it has spent so lavishly retirement he will be granted many years that it has succeeded in increasing the Public of happy and contented life. Debt by £170,000,000 in seven years. Mr. GRAHAM (Mackay) (7 .40 p.m.): The I ask you to take these figures into con­ opening remark of the Treasurer in the 1965 sideration, Mr. Gaven. Last year the Public Financial Statement is- Debt increased by £20,000,000, with a con­ sequential inc·rease in sinking fund payments "The year 1964-65 will go down in of almost £4,000,000. It is evident that the history as a year of mixed fortune." Treasurer is rather worried about the trend If the Treasurer has applied that remark to of events, because at page 10 of the the useful people of the community instead Financial Stateme·nt he said- of to the State's finances, I might have been "In the face of a world wide trend somewhat in agreement with him because towards higher interest rates, Queensland, then it would have been a fact. As it is, it whose burgeoning development makes it a is a little hard to understand. capital hungry State, faces a double I am prepared to admit that there might problem. The sheer volume of demand have been fluctuations in the State's economy for capiltal works and the burden of high caused by a fall in the price of wool and interest charges, both urge a concentration sugar, the loss of revenue arising from on those forms of capital expenditure drought conditions experienced in parts of which generate a clear return to the State the State, and the Mt. Isa. industrial dispute. ·reve:nue. Clearly, there can never be The Treasurer relied mainly upon those as room to adopt such a policy absolutely; reasons for a deficit of well over £2,000,000 bUJt interest burdens together with rising in the Budget. debt sinking fund contributions bid fair to Whilst he undoubtedly has some capacity press with growing weight and will and qualifications for his office, the most undoubtedly influence future policy." striking thing about his administration is that I agree with the Treasurer that it will he has brought down a succession of deficit influe·nce future policy. The increasing Budgets. As many people have said, finance Public Debt and its influence upon the is the test of government, and, during the financial policy is something ,to which .this Treasurer's period in charge of the finances Government and future G

Government that left office in 1957, a policy an expanding State. We have to meet the to which he took great exception. At page demands for the necessary works for our 736 of Volume 214 of "Hansard", discuss­ development. ing the Financial Statement of the then However, if Mr. Hiley could say in 1957 T·reasurer, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Hiley said- that the national debt was then piling up and "Let me take a look at the Queensland was alarming, am I not justified in saying Government's record, because the rate at it today? Although the Treasurer has said, which the national debt is piling up per "Look at what we have done", he has capita is alarming. Just listen to the problems ahead of him. If the present figures. In 1945-1946 the expenditure Government is returned in 1966-and there from Consolidated Revenue was is a grave doubt about that-the new £22 16s. 9d. The neXJt year it .was Treasurer will have to meet uroblems left £22 16s., and then up it goes, £24, £28, behind by the present one. ·we have to £31, £36, £44, £49 10s., £53 6s. 7d., take all these things into consideration. £55 10s. 8d., £57 4s. 3d." The Treasurer admits in his statement that Now let us look at what has happened since the changing circumstances will influence Mr. Hiley became Treasurer and see whethe'r future policy. In the expenditure of money his statement on that occasion was correct on public works, the Queensland Govern­ or whether his statement in the Financial ment has, to a great degree, followed the Sta;tement now under discussion is corre-ct. pattern of other Governments. The demand The last figure that he quoted was has been there because of development fol­ £57 4s. 3d., which was in 1955-56. S1nce lowing the post-war years, and greater expen­ then uhe figure has risen to £61, £62, £65, diture was required to provide educational £69, £72, £76, £79, £81, and then to £84. facilities and so on. It is obvious that the The figure •today is virtually double what it present Government has shown a complete was in the days when Mr. Hiley was not disregard for the general welfare of the Treasurer of this State. As I said, we must people. With the continuing rise in the cost take heed of the Public Debt. Ho:w does of living, one wonders what type of people the Treasure·r justify this tremendous constitute the present Government, as it increase? Posterity will have to pay for it, has shown a callous disregard for the needs I know, but we have had some experience of the useful people of the community. recently of what has happened because of a Despite the fact that it tries to show a brave shortage of funds. face on this question, it is trying to run The hon. member for Barcoo, who is just away from it; but the time will surely arrive leaving the Chamber, will verify what I am when it will have to take some action to curb about to say, and so will the hon. members the increase in the cost of living, whether for Mirani and Toowoomba. Their local it likes it or not. It cries, and cries loudly, authorities are all having the same trouble­ because there has been a fall in the price of the shortage of main roads funds. The main wool; it cries bitterly because there has been roads funds come from where? They come a fall in the overseas price of sugar. How­ from Consolidated Revenue. ever, I do not see Government members shed­ ding tears about the ever-increasing price of Mr. Camm: No. meat that the consumer has to pay. I hear nothing from them about the increasing cost Mr. GRAHAM: No? of living. What has caused the continuing Mr. Camm: None. demand for increases in the basic wage? Nothing more or less than the increase in Mr. GRAHAM: None at all? Why are the cost of living, which has again jumped they so short of funds? It would appear 6s. 6d. in the last quarter. This Government that the shire clerks are telling untruths, has closed its eyes to it but the uncontrolled because men are being put off in Sarina and spiral of costs is affecting the economy, and Toowoomba, and other local authorities will will continue to affect it, and I say that the have to displace people unless they get more weight of public opinion will eventually force money. I was under the impression the Government to do something about it, that the expenditure of money on main roads whether it likes it or not. came out of Consolidated Revenue. This Tory Government has no regard for Anyhow, the Government has to find the the workers of this State. It has no regard money and, at the same time, meet the high for the wages man but every regard for the sinking fund payments, which come to grazier, the woolgrower, the big landholder approximately £3,700,000 for this year. The and the monopolistic institution that has national debt will keep on increasing. The capital in its pocket. But, as I say, it has Queensland national debt when this Govern­ no regard for working class people, and never ment took office in 1957 was £269,000,000- will have, because a Government of this type odd and in 1965 it is £439,000,000-odd, an cannot serve two masters. Such a Govern­ increase of £170,000,000-odd in seven years. ment never has, and never will, serve the It is no wonder the Government has been working-class people. able to do the work it has done, and imple­ If this upward trend in the cost of living ment the capital works it has done with the continues, there will be a public outcry for tremendous amount of money it has had. I some Government action. I know that it is am not entirely against it as Queensland is a private-enterprise Government and that it 1030 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply is quite in agreement with the exploitation industry has had to run to the Govern­ of the consuming public; it is not in the least ments for assistance. The hon. member concerned with the present uplift in the for Mourilyan has made some statements prices of consumer goods. Mr. Duggan, my about that. leader, said that the public are getting a raw deal. No-one is getting a rawer deal than What is the attitude of the private banks the people buying meat in a butcher shop. to the position in the sugar industry today? If the cost of living continues to rise as Mr. MacDonald, Chairman of the Mackay it has in the last quarter, it will eventually District Canegrowers' Executive said that bring this Government to its knees. It the banks had not only failed to play their cannot for ever ignore public opinion, pre­ part in sugar industry expansion-they had tending that everything in the garden is lovely. retarded it. There are signs today that are nothing short of ominous. North Eton mill, Marian mill and Gin Gin mill are all facing a financial crisis. Cattle My colleague, the hon. member for Creek mill could not meet last month's Mourilyan, earlier today dealt with the sugar sugar payments. When they have gone to industry which, owing to the actions of this the private banks, they have been brushed Government, is passing through a crisis of aside. Mr. J. Fordyce said that mills and the greatest magnitude. The failure of the growers were having difficulty in obtaining overseas delegation led by the Premier is finance for expansion and that some banks a matter of great concern. The high had "shut up shop" because of the low expansion programme that the industry price of sugar. Should that sort of thing recently undertook has placed a severe strain be allowed? Has this Government or the not only on the miller but on the grower, Federal Government no control over the and more especially on the new grower. I banks' attitude to the industry? They are know the Government's approach was, "Tell quite prepared to back the industry in us what you want," but one would have thought that those in the industry upon times of prosperity, but, as soon as there whose advice the Government depended are signs of the price of sugar falling, would have shown a better insight into what they want to get out. The matter has to be approached by the Government with was likely to happen. some degree of caution and sympathy. It Let me quote what Mr. George Shaw, is not the cane-growers' fault that this M.P., had to say. Mr. Shaw was the manager position has developed but the fault of of Farleigh Mill and spent a lifetime in the those who control the industry and the sugar industry. He is presently the Federal Government of the day which tried to member for Dawson. He said- capitalise on the expansion programme "The future of the great Australian because of the revenue it would receive. sugar industry was absolutely assured." This Government has made great claims J[ wonder if he is of the same frame of mind today. Let me further quote what about Queensland's industrial development. I Mr. Anthony said when touring the Mackay am alive to what is going on so I am quite district with Mr. Laurie, now Senator prepared to admit that there has been some Laurie- degree of industrial development in the State. Unfortunately, most of this development has "One has tremendous faith in the cane been in Brisbane, although some development industry when one is able to spend a few is taking place in Gladstone and a certain days looking over it and seeing the high amount in Townsville. Apart from those standard of efficiency . . . " three centres, little or no development is I agree that there is a high standard of taking place. This is to some degree-not efficiency in the sugar industry and great wholly-due to the Government's inactivity credit must be given to those in the industry in failing to meet the demands of the for it. other areas. Mr. Camm: Haven't you faith in the sugar I do not think this Government can claim industry? all the credit for the industrial development Mr. GRAHAM: My word I have, but it in Gladstone, where the alumina plant has is on statements such as that that I been established, because Labour Govern­ believe-- ments in the past laid the foundation for that industry. They foresaw this development The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. following the development of the bauxite Gaven): Order! I ask the hon. member deposits at Weipa. to address his remarks to the Chair. The Government has spent a great deal Mr. GRAHAM: Perhaps the hon. member of money in assisting industries to become for Whitsunday, who has been a very active established. It is to the good of Queensland cane-grower, was one of those who gave that they are being established, but we evidence before the Gibbs committee, upon are not receiving the full benefit. The whose decision the expansion of the industry Government should be receiving more in was undertaken. As new growers were taken royalties so that there would be a much into the industry, it meant a great lift in greater return for what the Government production, but what has happened since has spent in assisting the establishment of the fall in the overseas price? The sugar the industries. Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1031

Last Thursday in ,this debate, Sir A1an Mr. GRAHAM: The hon. member says Munro spoke about fore·ign capital. I have that there is unemployment in ilihe coal some comments to make about it. I am induSrtry. I predict thaJt 'there will be more. not opposed to its influx but, like some hon. It is only a matter of time before there will members of the Country Party, such as the' be large-scale unemployment in that industry Hon. J. McEwen, and Mr. Wentworth, a because of the use of natural gas produced Liberal Party member of New South Wales, by our oil refineries. The Mackay Gas I believe that this Government and other Company is not burning one ounce of coal. Governments have a right to demand more Mr. Camm: The production of coal is control over foreign investment. I have here increasing, just the same. a staJtement in which Mr. Wentworth said that the Government was entitled to some Mr. GRAHAM: Yes, but it is for export. control over foreign investment. That is very important, for foreign capital is coming Honourable Members interjected. to ,the iStaJte and taking control of our industries. For instance, foreign capital now The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. has complete control of General Motors­ Gaven): Order! I ask hon. members to Holden's Pty. Ltd. Not one Queenslander, contain themselves. I am listening to a very or Australian, receives a penny from invest­ interesting speech. ments in that company, although, admi1ttedly, Mr. GRAHAM: I know what is taking the Commonwealnh Government benefits place at Callide. I can see the smile on from sales tax and other taxes. Foreign the Treasurer's face and on the faces of capital will take over industries in Queens­ other Government mernbers who are happy land in which it is interested unless the to see this foreign company gouging the Government takes action. It is only a "guts" out of Callide and sending millions matter of time before foreign capital will of tons of coal to Japan to develop Japanese wholly and solely control the coal-exporting interests. There are some members opposite interests. I know that Thiess Brothers have who would sell their souls for two bob. I a minor interest in the Thiess-Peabody­ have been in this Chamber long enough Mitsui organisation, but it is only a matter to have some knowledge of the political line of time before 1he American capital will of thinking of those in the Country Party take over. The same applies to Comalco and in the Liberal Party. I know it is a and to any other industry in which foreign case of self first, self second, and the devil capital is invested. take the hindmost. Government members The amount of foreign capital being are prepared to sell Queensland as far down invested in Queensland is governed by the the line as they can, as long as there is overseas position. Foreign investors realise a bob in it for them. that Australia has wonderful opportunities I was talking about the industrial develop­ for investment and they a:re therefore ment that has taken place in Brisbane, prepared to invest money in Australia, Gladstone, and Townsville. But what about knowing that 'they will .get a better return. the other cities? The Government has spent As a Queenslander I believe tliat we have quite large sums of money on advertising a right to expect protection from the the potential of Queensland. I have here Government for our great naJtural resources. a publication, "Industrial Opportunity in: 'In many ways it is wrong to alnow our raw Queensland". It was issued under the rnate·rials to be exploited by foreign capital. authority of the Minister for Industrial It is wrong for the Government to give so Development. On the back page it has many concessions to foreign companies to "The Director, Department of Industrial exploit our raw maJterial w1th little or no Development, or the Agent-General for return. We get a return of only 6d. a ton Queensland-The Strand, London." I am on coal eJCports. That represents virtually not against this sort of thing. It is good nothing compared with whaJt 'the New South to publicise this State and tell the rest of Wales Government receives from coal the world the opportunities offering in eJCports. Hon. members know what we are Queensland. But I have every reason to genting from oil royalties. The hon. mem­ complain that nothing is done in my elec­ ber for Kedron dealt with the matte'r fully torate, with an area of hundreds of square so I will not go into it. The Treasurer must miles and a population of 50,000. The agree .thaJt there is room for vast improve­ Mackay Industrial Development Bureau and ment in the return to 1he State from our the regional committee have worked for natural resources. years to try to attract industry to Mackay. We have some potential for secondary If we' must use foreign capital-and industry. I know there are difficulties maybe we have tD--"we should not hand our associated with it, and that we would have resources over to foreign investors on a to depend on private finance to establish it. silver plate and say, "Take what you want But at least when the Government puts out and We will have what is left." a publication like this my area should receive some recognition. What did Mackay Mr. Hewitt: But for this Government, get in this publication? I shall show the there would be more unemployment in the Committee. It got a little red dot, against c·oal-mining industry today. I know a bit which is written "Mackay". There is not about it. another word about Mackay. I do not think 1032 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Cairns or Bunda'berg got anything either. unless something is done in Mackay to allow But Brisbane, Gladstone and Townsville got land at present under sugar cane to be used plenty. There is not one word about some for residential purposes, there will be diffi­ areas where industrial development could culty in obtaining any industrial development. take place. People will not come to the area unless they can be housed. The local authority has Mr. Hiley: The troU!ble is that the people approached the Government and the Cane who published that read your speeches and Prices Board to see if some solution can be think that nothing is happening in Mackay. found under which land under sugar cane Mr. GRAHAM: Then they have a very within the municipality could be used for limited outlook. The fact that nothing residential purposes. is happening in Mackay is not for want of In a question directed to the Minister for effort. For many years the bureau and the Primary Industries, I asked whether the Cane committee have done good work, and credit Prices Board could change its policy. He must be given to people such as the town gave me a rather cynical answer to the clerk and the secretary of the committee effect, "You know what the board's policy is, who give their time in an endeavour to and you know that they do not agree to collect statistics and collate information substitution of land." I knew that before I which is made available to attract industry asked the question. I wanted to see if I to Mackay. could interest the Government in doing some­ Mr. Murray: The type of capital you are thing that will have to be done eventually. seeking for development goes where it is I understand that the same problem exists in welcome and stays where it feels secure. Proserpine. I would not be so much con­ cerned if it were possible to go outside the Mr. GRAHAJV[: It will be welcome in boundaries of the Mackay municipality and Mackay. I know where it wiil go; it will go find areas suitable for residential purposes. where the greatest return is to be had. I Beyond the boundaries of Mackay, however, am not opposed to that, because I know that the position is much the same as within nobody invests money without wanting some them. Almost every square inch of land return. Because of its harbour facilities, within 50 miles of Mackay is assigned cane adequate water, and so on, Mackay has land, and, until the Cane Prices Board perhaps a greater potential for investment is prepared to allow substitution of areas, than other areas. For the Government to there will remain in Mackay nearly 700 acres issue a publication in which no recognition of land in the very small area of 4;J- square is given of this area is unfair to those in miles on which cane is grown and on which Mackay who have been striving for years to farmers gain their livelihood, and they are encourage industrial development. It was not prepared to subdivide because they would Mr. Morris who set up the committee, and lose their assignments. its members have done particularly good work and deserve great credit for the way Why is it wrong for the Cane Prices they carried on. Board to allow substitution of areas under these circumstances? It may be bad policy Something has happened in Mackay that to allow fanners to move here, there and will cause one of the committees to disband. everywhere, and the board has not allowed After the committee set up by Mr. Morris them to do that. It has repeatedly allowed had been operating for a couple of years, the substitutions from areas round Carmila Australian Institute of Management sought and Flaggy Rock to areas closer to Plane some publicity and set up the development Creek mill to enable farmers to save on bureau. I attended the initial meeting and rail freights; but when farmers in the Mackay opposed its formation because I could see municipality ask the board for permission to that the creation of a second body would substitute their areas, the board holds up mean that one of them would have to crack, its hands in horror and says, "The farmers and that is what has happened. I am not cannot have it both ways; they cannot get going to say that those people are not going the benefit of subdividing their land and to do some good. They have already done also get substitution." so, and are continuing in their efforts to How is this problem to be solved? attract industry to the city. Farmers could quite legitimately continue There are, however, factors militating growing cane in the Mackay municipal area against success. I refer particularly to the for the next 50 years. People are crying shortage in Mackay of land for residential out for land in Mackay and prices have purposes. I do not think that there is any reached astronomical heights as a result. shortage of land for industrial development One needs at least £1,500 to buy a block because the Mackay Harbour Board is of land on which to build a house, and a spending thousands and thousands of pounds residential block on the Nebo Road brought on the provision of suitable areas for industry. £2,250. Where can the ordinary worker There is, however, a problem in the supply get as much money as that? Land in the of residential land which nobody seems to reclamation area is to be sold for up to £1,000 a block. If this vast area of cane­ be able to overcome. growing land in Mackay could be made I know that the Central Sugar Cane available for building, more people would Prices Board has, under this and previous come and live in the area. The problem Governments, followed a policy; nevertheless, is a very real one and a number of people Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1033 have come, looked, and gone. Not only isolated the way it is? If the North Mackay these people but local authorities have com­ area were brought within the municipality plained of the shortage of land that is of Mackay, Mackay could expand not only retarding progress in Mackay. to the north but to the south. Mackay as I appeal to the Government to investigate a municipality could take in a much greater the position and see whether anything can area of land and this would allow it to enter be done to make areas of land available for upon some expansion programme. the building of houses in the Mackay muni­ Because of the trivial objections that have cipality. The shortage of land is causing been raised by the Pioneer Shire, and because land values to rise and a housing shortage, the Government of the day has said, "Oh, which, in turn, is causing house rentals to well, if the Pioneer Shire is agreeable, we rise and preventing development. "The are agreeable", there has not been any pro­ Daily Mercury" said that, despite the con­ gress. Why does not the Government exer­ struction of about 40 fiats, the housing short­ cise its authority, as it did on the South age in Mackay is going to get worse. Of Coast, with the amalgamation of shires, as course it will get worse. There will not the hon. member for South Coast knows? be any improvement until the Government takes steps to make both more money and Why cannot it be done elsewhere? If we more land available for housing. are to be progressive in our developmental ideas, then let us approach it in that way. While I am dealing with housing, let me These things concern not only me but other pose this question to the Minister for people. The district's development has been Works and Housing: why is it that not one retarded by this non-progressive approach. penny has been spent by the Housing Com­ mission in Mackay? Some houses have been When I was speaking a while ago of the built in North Mackay, which is in the sugar industry, I intended to make reference adjoining electorate represented by Mr. to the Government's decision not to change Camm, but not as many as have been built the constitution of the Cane Growers' in many other areas. Not one Housing Council, a matter that has affected the Commission house has been built in the Mackay cane-growers. Repeated requests Mackay area for many years. The Minister have been made to the Government to have said that North Mackay is part of Mackay. the constitution of the Cane Growers Council I disagree with him entirely on that point. altered to give the Mackay cane-growers If North Mackay is part of Mackay, why greater recognition. These cane-growers are is it not taken as part of Mackay when suffering a disability through the lack of population is being assessed? Various pub­ representation on the council. The Minister lications that have been issued show the for Main Roads, a cane-grower himself, population of Mackay as 17,000. North knows what I am talking about. An approach Mackay, which is referred to as Pioneer, was made to the Government and a com­ not North Mackay, is shown as having a mittee was appointed by it. However, despite population of about 5,000. The city of very strong requests, the Government has not Mackay has a population of 22,000. seen fit to agree, and the constitution of North Bundaberg is part of Bundaberg; the Cane Growers Council remains as it is. North Rockhampton is part of Rockhamp­ I think that that is wrong, and there will be ton; North Toowoomba is part of strong objection from the cane-growers in Toowoomba; North Ipswich is part of Mackay on that matter. Ipswich; yet North Mackay is not part of I have virtually said all I wanted tto say. J\:rackay simply because the Government I wish I had a greater gift of speech to and the Pioneer Shire Council will not agree attack the Budget. The Government must to an amalgamation. How is Mackay to realise that it has a responsibility to all progress if these areas are to be retarded by sections of the community, and not merely the parochial outlook of the Government? one. It must take heed of the problems It has to recognise and take heed of the affecting the useful people of the community necessity for the amalgamation. The Mackay and realise thrut the working-class people, the City Council made an approach some years men on the basic wage, have problems that ago to take over a portion of the Pioneer worry them. ]jt is all very well for the Shire for industrial development. However, Government to say, "We are very happy the Pioneer Shire, through the agency of about the progreess in industrial develop­ the late Honourable E. Evans, would have ment." The consuming public is not very nothing of it. There were reasons for it, I happy about 1lhe Government's neglect of know. There would be the loss in ratings, •their requirements and, unless some action and they did not want that. If you are to is •taken to curb the spiralling costs of living, maintain development, these problems, unless some action ·is taken to curb the whether they affect the Honourable R. E. scandalous position in the meat industry, Camm, the member for Whitsunday, or the many commodities, including meat, will in chairman of the shire, have to be approached time be priced right off the tables of in a businesslike manner. The time is long working-class people. As the hon. membe·r overdue for the amalgamation of North for Salisbury said the other night, more mea.t Mackay and Mackay. Mackay at the present is killed than ever before but the Govern­ time supplies North Mackay with water, gas, ment is not concerned about the soaring and electricity from the M.R.E.B. Why prices. Its members are drawing fat salaries. should one area of the city of Mackay be When it comes 1o the basic wage earner and 1034 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

the man -on 'the fixed salary, they are no~ farmers. As the hon. member for Burnett a bit interested. I know t!heir lack of con­ said during this debate, Dne did no.t have to cern for working-class people is quite in be a pauper •to get a handout from the keeping with their private-enterpr·ise policy Drought Relief Fund. Of course one did but, as I say, the time will come in the not not, but the worker, who is nearly a pauper, too far di1>tant future when the voting public has no way in the world of .getting a hand­ of this State will rise up in protest, and out. next year the Government will feel the On the subject of drought relief it would results of i't. be a very good idea to ask the Premier the The Minister for Industr.ial Development following questions: Who got it? How did should not sneer too openly because he may they get it? Were they entitled to it? haVe the smile on .the other side Df his face after he feels the impact of the reaction of Of course, the Premier has said that he the public of Queensland. is quite satisfied that the committee dealing with the distribution of drought relief will Mr. Hiley: If we get beaten, we can always do the right thing. I am not saying that Treasurer of Queensland I said that get a 15 per cent. dividend from an invest­ history would record him as one of the ment. Where can the worker get a 15 per finest Treasurers, if not the finest, this cent. div·idend for his investment, which is State had known. What I said has been his fortnightly wage? borne out in the past few years. I con­ In the seven years the Government has gratulate the Treasurer and wish him and been in office, there have been seven Mrs. Hiley everything of the best in the increases in the basic wage. Another one is future. It has been my pleasure to be justified today but, I suppose because the very closely associated with the Hiley Industrial Court wants to meet the wishes family. Mrs. Hiley is indeed a lady in the of the Government, it has fixed the basic true sense of the word. She has been a wage for another 12 months and the worker great partner to Mr. Hiley in the work must wait until June next year before he he has been doing as Treasurer of this can get some measure of corre·c!Jion in State. relation to these pr·ices. I wish to speak of something which I The Government is happy •to sit by and believe is close to the hearts of all Queens­ see it happen. It is not concerned whether landers. In opening Health Week earlier the price of meM goes to 9s. or more a lb. this week the Minister for Health said that A few days ago I paid 9s. a lb. for rump Queenslanders are more health-conscious steak. What worker can afford to pay that? than ever before. I hope that the Minister's Yet, the Government does nothing. It says, words are true, because tonight I want to ''Of course, it is the drought." That is all speak of an organisation known as the right, but it very quickly granted £50,000 Asthma Foundation, a very worthy and for drought relief and got "The Courier­ much-needed organisation which launched Mail" to mise another £30,000 by way of its appeal at Parliament House on the 11th public a;ppeal for the drought-stricken of this month. The Government gave the Supply (21 OCTOBER] Supply 1035

Foundation a gift of £10,000. The Govern­ While we like to believe that, as a Govern­ ment indeed reflects its sympathy with the ment, and as a people, we are providing the community's growing interest in preventive best possible health care and education for medicine. This gift of £10,000 by the the people of this State, and particularly for Government to the Asthma Foundation is the children, it is disheartening and dis­ a lead to many Queenslanders to subscribe appointing to realise how many children are to this very worthy organisation. being robbed by asthma of these hard-fought­ Laymen have believed for a long time for advantages. that asthma is becoming more and more As well as suffering considemble pain and prevalent. Reports by the Queensland misery, the child who suffers from asthma Institute of Medical Research and the faces a handicap that slows down his creation of the Asthma Foundation show education and, unless he is very bright, it that their concern is shared by the medical must make it difficult for him to work profession. later on. Some of the children are bright, One of the most important functions of but in that case the handicapping of their the Asthma Foundation will be to undertake education is probably an even greater loss effective and widespread research into just to the community as a whole, particularly how prevalent asthma is in Queensland. In when we are facing up to a technological the coastal area from Gladstone to Grafton, age_ when, more thaJ?- ever before, the pros­ medical authorities believe that one child in penty of everyone will depend on our highly every 12 aged from five to six years is an trained workers. The whole picture of child­ asthma sufferer. That is a very high hood asthma is one of misery and a possible incidence. There are similar high figures lowering of the standard of living for the for many other parts of Queensland, includ­ individual, with loss, and possible expense, ing some of the most beautiful and richest for the community. parts of our State. The success of organisations such as the Mr. O'Donncll: Would it not be easy to Asthma Foundation of Queensland shows that collate that information? the community is prepared to take an active part in handling the problem. Preventive Mr. HOOPER: In answer to the inter­ medicine is something more than a high­ jection, that is one of the activities of the sounding idea; it is something that can be Foundation. done and something that the people of this We are all aware that asthma is becoming State intend to see is done. It is, of an increasing problem for older people. Any course, expensive. It costs a good deal one of us may develop it at any time in of money for the kind of extensive research his life but for some unknown reason we by highly trained people that will be seem very prone to develop it in the age necessary to establish the incidence of asthma group from 45 to 50, when a hard-working in this State. The fine work already done man reaches the peak of his career-the in this respect by the Queensland Institute peak of his usefulness to the community. of Medical Research graphically outlines the We must know how serious this problem is giant size of the problem. It costs a good and we must find a means of combating it deal of money for intensive professional on the community scale. education, sending medical men overseas to study the latest methods of treatment, and From 1944 to 1947 a study of the sickness bringing from overseas authorities to lecture rate in the adult population of England our doctors and hospital staffs, and it takes and Wales showed that asthma ranked yet more money to correlate all the work seventh in the list of 100 defined diseases that dedicated men and women are already as a cause of incapacity-that is, absence doing in research into the basic causes of from work, and sometimes total inability to asthma. work. In a study of the days of incapacity of 10,000 persons per month it was shown Mr. O'Donnell: Don't you think that cen­ that asthma caused 206 days compared with tralisation in the big cities is a contributing 262 days for gastric and duodenal ulcers, 62 factor to asthma, and how do you overcome days for high blood pressure, 61 for it? rheumatoid arthritis and four for di

At this stage I should like to pay a tribute he did to assist Mr. Jones personally, as he to the television stations, which have been was completely out of business and Mr. so actively behind us and will help us on 19 McCann was desirous of helping him to and 20 November, when we conduct our regain his business position in a new building. State-wide telethon for this worthy organisa­ tion. Every television and radio station Mr. Jones asked if it was possible to in the State will be helping us in some attempt to re-occupy temporarily some way. Our thanks are also extended to portion of the fire-damaged building. Mr. the Press, public bodies, the medical pro­ McCann assured him that the Brisbane City fession-we have some dedicated medical Council would summons him if he attempted men on our committee-and to every­ to occupy any part of the building. I quite one who has seen fit to support this very worthy organisation with which I am agree with him. He went on to say that the proud to be associated. building had to be demolished. It is my intention now, as the member for On returning to Annerley Junction, Mr. Greenslopes, to speak on a matter of vital Jones and Mr. Paradise met Mr. D. Graham, interest to the people of the Annerley dis­ a Brisbane City Council engineer (this time trict, and in particular to two prominent from the Stephens depot) who was measuring businessmen of Annerley, one of whom is, the property and preparing a report on it. coincidentally, a very bad asthmatic who Apparently this was in connection with their fought this dreaded complaint to establish previous site application to erect three shops himself successfully in business. I refer in Dudley Street. This application was made, to Mr. S. R. Jones, a newsagent at Annerley of course, prior to the fire, and was quite Junction, and his partner, Mr. E. E. Paradise, apart from their particular problem at the a jeweller also at Annerley Junction. Both time. Whilst Mr. Graham was taking the of these men have been prominent in business necessary measurements, a clerk from the affairs. Mr. J ones is chairman of the Stephens depot arrived and told him that site Annerley Junction Traders' Association, approval for the three shops in Dudley which is virtually the local progress associa­ Street had been cancelled and the file had tion. He has been its president since its to be returned forthwith to the City Hall. inception, long before my entry into this The site approval referred to the three shops Assembly. Mr. Paradise is the secretary of in Dudley Street. They were in no way the organisation, which has been responsible connected with the existing building and were for many amenities and improvements in this a proposal they had had in hand prior to very busy shopping centre. the fire on 15 August. On the night of Sunday, 15 August last, at approximately 7.56 p.m. the premises Some weeks went by and nothing further owned by Messrs. Jones and Paradise, known was heard from the Brisbane City Council till as D. J. Freeholds Pty. Ltd., situated at the day after Sir Leon Trout attacked the 492 Ipswich Road, Annerley Junction, on Brisbane City Council in "The Courier-Mail". the corner of Dudley Street, caught fire. On the following day, Tuesday, 7 September, Subsequently the fire was extinguished by at 10.30 a.m., Mr. Jones and Mr. Paradise the fire brigade. It was a two-storey wooden were summoned to the City Hall to discuss building containing three shops and an matters regarding their site approval. They upstairs dwelling. took with them Mr. Petrie, the designer­ On Tuesday, 17 August, these gentlemen draughtsman of the buildings, and their plans. were approached by a council building They were interviewed by Mr. Lowther, who inspector, a Mr. McCann, or McGann, who is, I understand, the secretary of the Greater came to their shop. He is a building Brisbane Town Planning Committee. Mr. inspector stationed at Woolloongabba. Why Lowther told them that their site application he was chosen for this assignment is very had received the committee's attention the hard to understand, because there are at night previously and that it would be least two building inspectors stationed at the approved subject to their agreeing to certain Stephens depot within a few hundred yards conditions as required by the council. The of where the fire took place. On Wednesday, conditions are set out in a letter received by 18 August, Mr. Jones, Mr. Paradise, and a Messrs. Jones and Paradise, which reads- Mr. Petrie, the designer-draughtsman of their "The Manager, proposed new structure, visited the Brisbane City Council inspector's office at Woolloon­ D. & J. Freeholds Pty. Ltd., gabba and found Mr. McCann most 492 Ipswich Road, Annerley. co-operative, and he assisted them greatly with their application for site approval to Dear Sir, rebuild the building and three additional "I take pleasure in advising that as an shops to be erected on the vacant portion of outcome of your application dated land in Dudley Street. 18th August, 1965, the Council Registra­ Whilst they were there he contacted his tion Board has granted the necessary per­ superiors at the City Hall who promised to mission to erect a two-storey building on expedite the application, and he assured them land situated at the corner of Ipswich that after site application had been granted Road and Dudley Street, Annerley, and the building plans and specifications would described as subdivision 18 of portion 106, be approved within four days. This, I believe, Parish of Yeerongpilly, for the purpose of Supply [21 OcTOBER] Supply 1037 shops on the ground floor with offices on City Hall, as required by Chapter 23 of the first floor subject to the following the Council's Ordinances and obtain his conditions:- approval thereof. (a) The corner of Ipswich Road and "This consent shall lapse and cease to Dudley Street to be truncated 30 links have effect upon the expiration of a period by 3 equal chords, the land required for of twelve (12) calendar months from the road purposes to be dedicated free of date hereof, if the erection or use of the cost to the Council and all expenses building has not been substantially com­ incidental thereto, including the cost of menced prior to the expiration of such survey and the removal of all obstacles period." from the road area obtained by the In answer to this, both Mr. Jones and Mr. truncation to be met by the applicants; Paradise pointed out to Mr. Lowther that the survey plan for this truncation to be they could not agree, on an open-cheque lodged in the office of the Registrar of basis, to the cost of road works and altera­ Titles before any building approval in tions to other public facilities and suggested connection with the proposal is issued. that they consult Mr. Graham, the local (b) The removal of all existing engineer at Stephens depot, and arrange for improvements from the site before the him to give them an estimate of what these proposed new building is occupied. works would involve and cost. Mr. Lowther (c) The proposed building is to be agreed to their suggestion, provided that the constructed of approved fire-resisting necessary letter of undertaking reached him materials to the satisfaction of the the following morning. Their letter, council's building surveyor. addressed to the Town Clerk and dated 7 September, reads- (d) In the event of an awning being contemplated, such awning to be of the "Ref: Site Application re fire damaged cantilever type. premises at above address, and our interview with your Mr. T. Lowther (e) Facilities to be provided within this day. the curtilage of the site for the loading and unloading of service vehicles and "These premises will be demoliSihed in for the parking of not less than 12 accordance with your instructions, and we vehicles, such area to be provided with hereby undertake to provide truncation on a flexible or other pavement surfaced corner of Ipswich Road and Dudley Street with bituminous sealed coat, asphaltic as specified. or other concrete properly constructed "Regarding cost of road w:orks, concrete and maintained to good engineering footpaths, etc., ·We have unofficially con­ standards; such construction to be com­ ferred with the Engineer of Stephens pleted before the proposed new build­ Depot, Mr. D. Graham, as promised and ing is occupied. his approximation of costs involved is £775. (f) The applicants to meet the cost of relocating the kerb along the truncated "We, the unden;igned, have made area and on the Dudley Street frontage arrangements with our Bankers, name·ly, of this site to a design to be prepared the Bank of New South Wales, Annerley by the Council's Communications Branch, to provide you with a Bond when Officer, and of consequent road and estimated costs are completed. footpath works to the satisfaction of the "We suggest you contact our Bank Chief Engineer and Manager, Depart­ Manager, Mr. R. Bell, at Telephone No. ment of Works. 482426 for confirmation of the above (g) The applicants to meet the cost S~tatement. of all alterations to public utility mains "Assuring you of our continued and services involved in the work co-operation at all times, we remain, required under (f) above. Y oUtrs faithfully" (h) The applicants to meet the cost of So much for tha·t. .M!r. J ones, as I said, such drainage works as the Acting pointed out to Mr. Lowther that it was Chief Engineer and Manager, Depart­ essential for them to have ·the demolit·ion ment of Works, considers necessary at order in writing. He had informed them this location in connection with this verbally on no fewer than two occasions that development. the place had to be demolished. It was (i) The applicants to pay to the necessary to have the order in W1riting from Council the cost of all the works set the city council so tha:t they could give it to out in (a), (f), (g) and (h) above before the insurance company, which is quite a any building approval in connection with normal practice. Mr. Lowther explained this proposal is issued. that it would be handed to ·them by Mr. Phillips. He· suggested that Mr. Petrie, the (j) Compliance with all relevant draughtsman, should see Mr. Phillips. Mr. Council Ordinances Petrie did so immediately and was advised "Before comm.encing building operations, by Mr. Phillips that the necess<~Jry demolition you must submit plans and specifications order would be received by D. & J. Free­ of the proposed structure to the Manager, holds Pty. Ltd. ·Dhe following Friday. On Department of Planning and Building, the following Friday morning, 10 September, 1038 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

D. & J. Freeholds Pty. Ltd. had not received On completion of the examination, Mr. any information, so Mr. Petrie contacted McCann said that he had answered all ,the City Hall but had nothing to repmt. questions honestly and truthfully and he This demolition order has never, to this day, again intended to put in his personal recom­ reached the hands of D. & J. Freeholds Pty. mendation to the City Hall that in his Ltd. or their representatives, and !ihey have opinion-it was the second time McCann had not been able to get any satisfaction on the done this-the building should be demolished. ma:tter from the city council. My concern, in discussing these matters Site approval, which had been applied for, with interested people, is that there has was withdrawn from these three shops, been a lot of talk about repairs being which were in no way contiguous to the carried out in timber. Any repairs, as hon. building that was exte·nsively damaged by members know, will have to be in brick to fire. Site approval was withdrawn on the day the first floor, and I agree with that. I that they interviewed Inspector McCann and believe the most important thing is that it Mr. Graham when they were at their building. would be an almost impossible job for a These three shops came 'into 'the picture only builder to carry out this repair work in because it was the intention of Messrs. Jones timber. I should say from my personal and Paradise to attempt to pmceed with the experience as a builder that the buildings building of them in order 'to provide are a write-off. There may be a few premises for themselves when the fire­ lengths of timber that would be salvageable, damaged building was demolished.. Hon. as from any fire, but I believe there is members ·know for themselves 'that anyone nothing of a really salvageable nature in this who wishes to demolish a building does not building. have ,to get an order. If it was not clear In my opinion, to rebuild and repair this ·in Mr. Lowther's mind that the building had charred mess would be impossible, particu­ to be demolished, why would he suggest that larly as the council insists-rightly so-­ Mr. Phillips would issue the demolition order? that any building or repairing of this nature There is no desire to implicate any council must be in brick to the first floor. officer, because the rank-and-file have been There has been some talk about rebuilding most helpful. by repairing and costs have been taken out I would like to be in a position to estab­ to do it in timber only without demolition. lish some sort of connection between Mr. At a conservative estimate, I believe the Jones, Mr. Paradise and the demolition order cost to be £12,000. In brick, of course, from Mr. Phillips that has never arrived. it would be much more if in fact the top The issue of the demoHtion order is portion, or the second storey, of the building important because I, togeliher w.ith the could be tommed up and braced. I doubt people of Annerley, am interested in finding very much whether it could be because of out why it was never issued after Mr. Jones the extreme danger that exists with the had received a telephone call from Mr. present condition of the structure. Petrie advis,jng him that verbal site &pproval As member for the district, I sincerely had been given for the new venture, that is, ask the council to issue this necessary to complete 'the building of ·the three shops demolition order for these premises in the in Dudley Street. interests of safety and of all who visit This telephone conversation took place the Annerley Junction shopping centre. My at approximately 9 a.m. on 17 September. concern is primarily for small children, Mr. Jones had hardly replaced the receiver because the building is propped up and the when he was again contacted by Building interior is completely gutted. The frame­ Inspector McCann from Woolloongabba, work is in a very dangerous condition. who told him that the file had been sent The local police are very concerned from back to him from the City Hall for further the safety angle, and all citizens of the area consideration relating to repair or demolition are pressing me to have the city council and that he had some questions to answer do something about issuing this very and asked whether it would be convenient necessary demolition order. I make this plea to see Mr. Jones later that day. to the city council. This is a blot on an Mr. Jones saw Mr. McCann at approx­ up-to-date shopping centre. imately 11.30 a.m. that day. He was alone The interests of Mr. Jones and Mr. because Mr. Paradise was confined to bed Paradise are also my concern because both with pneumonia, naturally following the these gentlement have suffered considerable upset he had had, and Mr. Jones spent loss of profits and are carrying on business some hours that morning with Mr. McCann in temporary premises. Mr. Jones is paying going over the whole building proposal. an exorbitant rental for the premises he Mr. McCann said he was amazed that the occupies temporarily and he has no indica­ matter had again been thrown into the tion of when something will be done by melting pot and suggested that they must the council about issuing the necessary have had a disagreement with their insurance demolition order, which was its original company. Mr. Jones asked him whether, intention. in his opinion, the building could be I challenge the Brisbane City Council repaired. and he replied, "Of course. You to prove to me, or to any other competent can repair anything, but how satisfactory is builder, that this building is fit for other it when it is finished?" than urgent demolition. In the interests of Supply [21 OcTOBER] Supply 1039 all I invite any or all hon. members, par­ referred to in the House by the Minister ticularly the hon. member for Belmont, a for Industrial Development, but as no pro­ competent builder himself, to accompany gress has been made to this stage I feel me on an inspection of these premises. I that I should remind the Brisbane City am sure any who saw it would share my Council and this Committee of the position belief, the belief of other competent builders, with respect to the development for indus­ and the belief of Mr. McCann, that this trial use of land situated at Acacia Ridge place must be demolished. and described as County of Stanley, Parish of Yeerongpilly, subdivision 6 of portion 389, I want to know on behalf of the people resubdivisions 7 and 8 of subdivision 1 of of Anner!ey why the council, having made portion 389, resubdivisions 3, 5, and 6 of statements that the building should be subdivision 2 of portion 389, resubdivisions demolished, then withdrew them. Why has 3 and 5 of subdivisions 1 and 3 to 5 of it held up further statements about the portion 389, resubdivisions 1 and 2 of sub­ demolition of this burnt-out mess? It is division 1 of resubdivision 9 of subdivisions nothing but a mess and a blot on the most I and 3 of portion 389. valuable business site in the shopping centre. Is there any insurance problem? I appeal The subject land adjoins the area upon to the council to issue the necessary which the General Motors project is being demolition order. Let us clean up the developed at Acacia Ridge. It also adjoins mess, and let us have these people occupied the proposed new interstate railway mar­ in rebuilding something that is very necessary shalling yards, and accordingly has access to and is urgently required in this district. both interstate and intrastate rail systems. The present owners of the land formerly Mr. Houston: Couldn't they demolish owned the land upon which the General without the order? Motors project is being developed. They had intended to subdivide the General Motors Mr. HOOPER: It is not necessary to have land for an industrial centre but their plan an order to pull something down, that is for subdivision, when submitted to the city true, but a demolition order has to be issued council, was rejected. After General Motors­ if it is dangerous to the public. Holden's obtained consent to proceed with their project, the vendors of the land to Mr. Houston: No. If the owner thinks them purchased the adjoining land with the it is dangerous he can pull it down without idea of putting into effect their plan of an a demolition order. industrial centre. Mr. HOOPER: Not until he gets a clear­ It will be noted that on the proposed Town ance from the Brisbane City Council, Plan none of the land contiguous to the because of insurance problems. The hon. new railway marshalling yards is zoned as member knows that insurance problems are industrial. The land on one side is zoned as tied up with any fire. As the Brisbane City residential and, on the other side, as non­ Council has not yet given a demolition order urban, including the land that General in writing these men would be fools to pull Motors-Holden's are now on. This seems anything down if, in fact, there is an insur- to be an error or an omission, which should ance problem. I cannot answer that. be remedied without delay, on the part of those who prepared the Town Plan. Mr. Houston: You know as well as I do that the insurance company is holding out In August, 1964, the Town Clerk himself until they get a demolition order. showed interest in the availability of industrial land in the Acacia Ridge area in reply to Mr. HOOPER: I cannot answer that. a letter referred to the Director of the Department of Industrial Development. This Mr. Houston: That is the crux of the is what the Town Clerk said in a letter story. addressed to the Director of Industrial Mr. Houghton: Why can't they get a Development, dated 17 August, 1964-- demolition order? "Dear Sir, "Since the announcement by General Mr. HOOPER: Why has McCann's order Motors-Holden's Pty. Ltd. of its intention -the order of the senior building inspector to establish a vehicle manufacturing plant ---

concerning the type of industries that might provided. Additionally, the existing hous­ reasonably be expected to be accommo­ ing estates in the locality provide a ready dated in the vicinity of the General Motors­ work force for industries establishing Holden's site. nearby. "I should be grateful for any assistance "A substantial area of the Crown lands that your Department might be able to is being retained by the Lands Department give. for industrial purposes. This, however, Yours faithfully, would not seem to be sufficient in the fore­ J. C. Slaughter, seeable future and time is now opportune Town Clerk." to zone additional land in the area for industrial purposes. Perhaps in this con­ Mr. Houston: To whom was that letter nection the Council would consider the sent? desirability of zoning for industry the area Mr. HOOPER: To the Director of marked blue. This would make available Industrial Development. approximately 325 acres in addition to the area set aside by the Crown. Mr. Houston: How did you get it? "As the area is attracting industries which Mr. HOOPER: It is a court document; will in the main supply components to it is a public document. I will come to G.M.H. it is suggested that a certain area that. be set a:o.ide for general industry and This is the reply that Mr. Slaughter another area for light industry. received from the Director of the Depart­ "However if you consider it would be ment of Industrial Development, dated helpful to have a discussion on the matter 24 August- I will be glad to make myself available "Dear Mr. Slaughter, for such purpose." "I refer to your letter of 17th August, The letter is signed by the Director, Depart­ 1964 (ref. P. 20038/64) regarding the ment of Industrial Development. question of industrial development in the Non Urban Zone at Acacia Ridge nearby In September, 1964, the owners of this land the site being developed by General took up with the Railway Department the Motors-Holden's Pty. Ltd., and in reply question of its development as an industrial wish to express my willingness to centre. The Railway Department accepted co-operate with the Greater Brisbane Town the project with enthusiasm and not only Planning Committee on this matter. offered but did in fact give full co-operation "The establishment of large industries in questions of design. Development of this in any particular locality leads to the area would obviously be in the interests of development of ancillary and other the Railway Department. A plan of sub­ industries in adjacent areas and therefore division was then prepared for lodging with there is considerable merit in taking action the Brisbane City Council. Shortly before to ensure that lands are available for this this plan was lodged with the city council, purpose. representatives of developers attended on the "This type of development is now Town Clerk and they received from him a taking place at Acacia Ridge as evidenced very hostile reception. They were informed by the applications the Council has received that they had no chance whatever of having for permission to establish various their project approved by the Brisbane City industries on nearby land in the Non Council. They were also informed that the Urban Zone. area they proposed to develop was not "I would add that this Department has included in the land the Government had also received enquiries from industrialists recommended for rezoning for industrial desirous of setting up production near purposes. This last statement, of course, General Motors-Holden's Pty. Ltd. One was a definite untruth as it has been recom­ particular enquiry is from a manufacturer mended by the Department of Industrial of underfelt and seat padding who states Development for rezonmg. he will be supplying General Motors­ Holden's Pty. Ltd. and it is reasonable to In a subsequent interview with the Town assume that others, producing motor Clerk the representatives of the developers vehicle components, will also desire to were told that although he, Mr. Slaughter, establish in reasonable proximity. personally saw merit in the proposal, nothing could be done to get permission for industrial "I have attached hereto, for your infor­ development as long as the land was zoned mation, a plan of the Acacia Ridge Area, non-urban on the proposed Town Plan. All uoon which is indicated the land owned the adjoining land, including G.M.H., is by G.M.H. (edged in orange), land set zoned as non-urban. Still, the plan of sub­ aside for a proposed railway goods yards division, when submitted to the city council, (edged in brown), Crown land (edged in was rejected. red) and certain freehold lands (edged in blue). I shall now read from Mr. Serisier's judg­ "Acacia Ridge is a very useful area for ment on this appeal by the developers. As industrial purposes and will become a time will not permit my reading it fully, I great attraction when the rail facilities are shall endeavour to read the pertinent parts. Supply. (21 OCTOBER] Sz!pply 1041

Mr. Houston: Why didn't the Government, "I have inspected the area and the when it had the City of Brisbane Town locality generally and I have taken into Planning Bill before it, alter the Town Plan, account the following:- as it had the power to do? (1) Railway marshalling yards are to be constructed adjacent to the subject Mr. Houghton: The Government could not site. alter the Town Plan. (2) General Motors Holden are con­ structing a seven (7) million pounds Mr. HOOPER: As I have not been given Assembly Plant immediately to the south an opportunity to answer the interjection, I of land zoned as Non Urban. shall continue with the judgment, which reads- (3) There is a demand for land which has access to both the Queensland and "This case involves the subdivision of New South Wales railway lines. about 17 6 acres into 43 allotments for industrial purposes from Portion 389, parish (4) The Queensland Government is of Yeerongpilly. It is zoned as non-urban interested in establishing industrial land on revised zoning of the Proposed Town in the immediate vicinity. Plan and is situated at Acacia Ridge about (5) The development of heavy industry 8 miles from the City. would materially benefit the State of Queensland. "The Appeal was lodged against the City Council's letter of 19 March, 1965. The "I consider that the subdivision of this last paragraph of this letter reads- land for industrial purposes as requested by the Appellants would be in the public 'I regret to advise that the Committee interest and is in no way detrimental decided that the land may not be per­ either to the proposed Town Plan or mitted to be subdivided in accordance future planning." with the application. The land is in a non urban zone in the Proposed Town Mr. Mann: Whose opinion is that-yours? Plan and industries are prohibited in such M:r. JHOOPER: I am quoting the judg- a zone by the provisions of the Table of ment of Mr. Serisier. Zones.' Mr. Houston: Why do you bring it up "Mr. Heath, acting under instructions now? from the Brisbane City Council did not call evidence. He said the land was zoned Mr. HOOPER: Because the A.L.P. council as non urban and he felt it could be used have stiil not given permission to build on for agricultural or other purposes, but not the land. The judgment concludes- industrially. "Having due regard to the Ordinances "He referred to a decision given in a of the Brisbane City Council, the facts and circumstances of the case and the public New South Wales Court. He also referred interest the appeal is allowed accordingly." to section 10 of the 1964 City of Brisbane Town Plan Act. It is all very well for members of the A.L.P. to defend the Brisbane City Council, which "Mr. Byth for the appellant produced is in effect defeating industrial development. evidence that the Director of Industrial Development had written to the Town Mr. Houston: Don't talk rubbish! Clerk on 21st August, 1964, saying inter alia that Crown lands held in the area for Mr. HOOPER: Of course it is. Every­ industrial purposes did not seem sufficient body knows that. The birds are singing it. in the foreseeable future and the time is Mr. Newton: Is that why you are bringing now opportune to zone additional land in it up here? the area for industrial purposes. The areas of land as suggested in his letter included Mr. HOOPER: Of course. The hon. the parts of portion 389 referred to in this member for Belmont knows all about it, appeal. and 1 am sure that he agrees with my argu­ ment that industrial development in this "Mr. R. S. Jones for the appellant told area is in accordance with the judgment the Court that the railway lines shown given by Mr. Serisier. on the proposed plan had been designed to meet the requirements of the Railway Developers of this land have had many Department and that all the new roads inquiries and some firm offers. All the offers, were in accordance with Brisbane City of course, are subject to the granting of per­ Council requirements. mission to use the land for industrial pur­ poses. A contingent contract for sale of part "It was also stated that the Brisbane City of this land to John Lysaght (Aust.) Ltd. Council did not object to the proposed was entered into with that firm, but appli­ design but to the fact that it was on land cation for site approval for industrial which was zoned Non Urban. development was refused. The hon. mem­ "The New South Wales case is not ber for Belmont wants to know why. So relevant and the City of Brisbane Town do we. It is in complete opposition to the Plan Act has not been proclaimed to date. judgment given in the court. In its refusal, 1042 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply the city council alleged that it really had no Ridge, as Mr. Serisier has indicated in his power to give site approval because the judgment, is to be used for industrial land was zoned "non-urban". That is the development. I suggest to the city council situation, despite the fact that 15 months ago that it pull up its socks and not turn industry the Brisbane City Council and the Depart­ away from Queensland. It is about time it ment of Industrial Development agreed that did, because 15 months ago it said it more land in the area should be made avail­ genuinely desired to see industrial develop­ able for industrial development and subse­ ment in the Acacia Ridge a;rea and it still quently the department recommended that has not done anything about it-not a the subject land be zoned "industrial." thing! Although all this has happened, no I appeal to the Brisbane City Council to progress can be made towards establishing issue forthwith a demolition mder relative industries in the area., On whom can the to the Jones and Paradise building at blame· be laid? The city council. The Annerley. I invite the hon. member for jud~ment of Mr. Serisier has made this clear. Belmont-I am sorry that he was not in the The actions of the Brisbane City Council Chamber earlier-to come with me and, as in respect of this land seem arbitrary and a competent builder, inspect •the building to capricious, particularly when regard is had see whether or not it should be demolished. to the fact that industrial development has Secondly, I appeal to the council to allow been allowed on non-urban land in the area the development of the Acacia Ridge area as follows:- fmthwith. (a) The land upon which the General Mr. LONERGAN (Flinders) (9.34 p.m.): Motors~Holden project is being developed. I should say that the outstanding feature Mr. Houston: Are you against that? of this session to date has been the lack of fire and real opposition from hon. members Mr. HOOPER: Of course I am not. Hon. opposite. I am beginning to wonder members opposite are the "knockers"; we whether time is making them a little more are the ones who want to develop Queens­ mellow or whether they realise that at last land. To continue- Queensland has a progressive and, what is (b) Land at the corner of Pacific High­ more important, an honest Government. way and Kessels Road, Mt. Gravatt, Those who have taken an interest in politics approved for a drive-in shopping centre. over the years and who can cast their minds (c) Land at 1135 Beaudesert Road, back to the days of Theodore, then over the Coopers Plains, a,pproved for office, work­ years up to the time of the lands scandal a shop and ya·rds for heavy ear,th-moving few years ago, know just what the history of equipment. the A.L.P. is. That would be the pattern (d) Land at 794 Boundary Road, if .that party got back into power again and Coopers Plains, for whic:h site approval may the good Lord and the good sense of has been given for industrial purposes. the electors to keep them out of office. Industrial development has also been We on this side of the Chamber were chided approved by the Brisbane City Council for by the hon. member for Baroona the other land zoned as "Residential" on the proposed night for not gdting speakers in this debate. town plan. We are in accord with the Budget and we have nothing to defend. The responsibility Mr. Houston: What is wrong with that? lies with the members of the Opposition. If they have anything in uhe Budget to Mr. HOOPER: Nothing. criticise·, it is their duty to do so. Mr. Houston: Wha,t are you crying about? lVlr. R. Jones: We have done so. Mr. HOOPER: Only about this one which I have mentioned, which is obvious. The Mr. LONERGAN: I am quite happy to instances are- hear the voice from Cairns. I was in Cairns (1) Taylor Engineering Pty. Ltd. have the other day and it was said that the hon. approval to develop industrially land at member's name was "One-session Jones" Musgrave Road, Coopers Plains. because he will not be back again. The hon. member for Tablelands is referred to as (2) I.P.E.C. has site ap11roval for "Last-look Wallis-Smith". The hon. member develo,pment for industrial purposes of for Cairns will leave here richer in know­ land at the corner of Beaudese•rt Road ledge but poorer financially. and Marshall Road. (3) Approval has been given to William I was in· Hughenden recently and a mem­ Adams & Co. Pty. Ltd.• to develop land ber of the Australian Labour Party came at Beaudesert Road near the corner of along to me-he is a friend of mine despite Boundary Road, Coopers Plains, for his political affiliations-and he said, "Do industrial purposes. you know that 'A.L.P.' no longer stands for the Australian Labour Party?" I said, "No. All these .things add up to one, and only What does it stand for now?" He said, one, conclusion-that the Brisbane City ''The people in Hughenden are saying it Council is doing its utmost to stifle industria] stands for "Another Lonergan pushover.' " development in the area that I have men­ tioned and in many other are·as. Acacia Mr. Bromley interjected. Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1043

Mr. LONERGAN: The hon. member has It is futile in the West to put your name not made a sens1ble interjection yet. How­ down for a rental house because you have ever, I do not like discouraging him. I no possible chance of getting one. That agree with my illustrious friend, the hon. is one principle on which I disagree with member for Gregory, when he said that the Housing Commission. Today, if one Central Queensland and towns like Hughen­ wants a rental house, the rental must be den and Winton, have gone ahead under guaranteed by a local authority or some­ this Government. That is true. Who would one of some standing in the community, be a better judge of that than the hon. whether a business man, the Govern­ member and I? We have lived there all our ment, or someone else. I feel that this is lives and we know what it was like when quite wrong, because there are men out it was neglected by the A.L.P.; it is different there who are not in a position to get a today. In Hughenden, Richmond, Winton guarantor for their rent. In Richmond and and Julia Creek, buildings were falling Julia Creek today there is a great need down. The people had no hope; nothing for houses for these people. They are being was being done for them until we became forced away from these towns, with the result the Government in 1957. Naturally, we that we are unable to get workers for inherited many problems and many are still the pastoral industry or the railways because with us because in a few short years we have they cannot obtain houses. There are other not been able to overcome them. I propose features as well, but that is the main one. to make only passing reference to that I suggest to the Government that they grant because I have not a great deal of time in a subsidy of £1,000 or waive railage on which to speak. However, time does not building materials. mean a thing; it is what you say and what you mean. That would be about the only Government department about which I have any com­ Mr. R. Jones interjected. plaint to make. In the field of education, Mr. LONERGAN: The hon. member for the Minister, Mr. Pizzey, has done very Cairns is interjecting again. He has not well. There is no need for me to go over made a speech since he came into the all that he has done in Western Queensland. Chamber. His electors will be disappointed Within the last few weeks finance has been in him as it was said he was going to made available for the building of a rural set fire to the place; but what has he done? school in Longreach at a cost of over He has never made a speech since he came £100,000. I commend the Government for here. He has been here long enough to that. I commend the hon. member for get up and make a speech. Gregory for being able to put up a case for it. I feel sure that had there been Although there has been great improve­ anyone else there, Longreach would not have ment, we in the West, still have housing prob­ got that school. lems. With building costs as they are, it is beyond the reach and the financial capacity There is one matter about which I am of the average worker to build his own home not happy. The Government will spend out there, whether or not he would like to over £100,000 there, but I approached the do so. Minister on several occasions for a new Mr. Bennett interjected. building and a new transmitter for the School of the Air in Charters Towers. It Mr. LONERGAN: You are only a visitor would cost possibly £20,000. It is unfor­ here, so please be quiet. tunate that, up to the present time, I have not been given any idea of when the Minister The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. will take notice of my request. Campbell): Order! I ask the hon. member to direct his remarks to the Chair. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Mr. LONERGAN: I could not address a Campbell): Order! There is far too much more intelligent or sincere person than you, audible conversation in the Chamber. Mr. Campbell. However, I suggest in all sincerity that although it is an easy matter Mr. LONERGAN: The School of the Air to give someone else's money away and to has served a very useful purpose. It is make a good fellow of oneself, the Govern­ complementary to our correspondence system ment should make some concession to the of schooling and it is a great boon to the people in the Outback who wish to build people of the Outback, especially to women their own homes. I suggest that this be on remote stations whose kiddies can go done by way of subsidy or by waiving on the air and receive tuition. I ask the rail freights on building materials. In the Minister again to give consideration to the first few years the cost may be fairly high, matter. but after that it would taper off. However, Another matter causing me concern is the important point is that it would induce the lack of development of Western Queens­ people to live in the area. Today there is land. If something worth while is not done no inducement from the housing point of out there, the towns will remain stationary. view and they have to go to the more closely settled areas where it is much easier In the Address-in-Reply debate I mentioned to obtain rental accommodation than it is that Porcupine Creek lent itself to a water in Western Queensland. conservation scheme. Since then I have 1044 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply received many letters commending my sug­ Mr. LONERGAN: I will tell the hon. gestion. I have also received a lengthy member something; until 1960 we had three­ letter from the Minister for Local Govern­ cornered contests among the A.L.P., the ment and Conservation, which was consistent "Corns", and our Government parties. But with a letter I received from the Minister for how different is the position today because Lands. The latter hon. gentleman, accom­ of the very close affiliation between the panied by the Commissioner of Irrigation and "Coms" and the A.L.P.! They no longer Water Supply, made a one-day trip up the oppose one another. If any proof of that Burdekin River. After a few hours' inspec­ statement is needed I refer hon. mernbers tion, he came back and said that there was to what happened in Townsviiie North. In no site on the Burdekin that lent itself 1960 the hon. member for Townsville North to damming. How silly can anyone be! was not on side with the "Coms" and he I would put the Minister for Local Govern­ was referred to by them as "Sir Percy", ment and Conservation in the same category. but things were different in 1963. In 1960 As a result of my comments, I have received he was opposed by a candidate named a very lengthy letter from him, although I Bishop for the Communist Party. He was did not ask for one. I am not going to given a clear run in 1963 but he just read the whole of the letter but I will refer scrambled home by 800 votes, after the to certain paragraphs. Amongst other things, distdbution of preferences. he said- "As you have said, there may be I should say that the three-cornered con­ 100,000 acres of land suitable for irriga­ tests we may have nnw are far healthier for tion below the dam. The area that could Queensland than the alliance between the actually be irrigated from this source A.L.P. and the Communist Party. I wiii be would not exceed a few thousand acres." quite fair and say that not all hon. members opposite are tied to the "Coms". I have Fancy a responsible Minister making such a a very high regard for four or five of them; statement without any investigation being there are some whom I respect as good carried out! The only investigation was by LaJbour men, but only a few. They are the Townsville Regional Electricity Board a dying race. I am quite sure that they because they thought the area lent itself to a will not survive and that the Labour Party hydro-electric scheme. wiii go from bad to worse. They would Mr. Bromley interjected. have us believe that there is unity in the Labour movement, but this circular will The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. disprove that. Campbell): Order! If there are any further interruptions by the hon. member for An Opposition Member: Is that the one Norman, I will deal with him. Tom Hiley distributed? Mr. LONERGAN: I have a very high Mr. LONERGAN: No, it is the one regard for Mr. Richter personally, but it irks referred to in the last edition of "Sunday me to receive such a letter. You expect Truth". I do not mind telling hon. members something better than that when you put opposite that "Sunday Truth" did not get up a scheme not only for the good of it from me. There are two pages of it; Western Queensland but for the good of it is good reading, and I am sure that all Queensland and Australia as a whole. He hon. members opposite have seen it. As went on to say- time is getting on I think I can safely leave "Dams at present under construction the subject of the A.L.P. at that. have been selected partly to bring fodder production to pastoral areas where drought I should be ungrateful if, before resuming conditions are a major hazard." my seat, I did not take advantage of this opportunity to thank the Treasurer for the Our average rainfall is 13 inches--