Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 14 OCTOBER 1969

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

874 Chiropodists Bill [ASSEMBLY] Questions

TUESDAY, 14 OCTOBER, 1969

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m.

QUESTIONS

NUMBER OF OVERSEAS TOURISTS AND AMOUNT SPENT BY THEM IN QUEENSLAND IN 1968 Mr. R. .Tones, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Labour and Tourism,- In respect of the $93 million attributed to foreign exchange earnings spent by overseas tourists visiting Australia in 1968, what amount was spent in Queensland and in what proportionate numbers did overseas tourists visit Queensland in that year?

Answer:- "While it is practicable to determine the amount of money attracted to Australia because of the arrivals of overseas tourists, it is not feasible currently to assess the amounts of that total spent in particular States or the proportion of the total number of overseas arrivals who would visit particular States. The Queensland Government Tourist Bureau is currently engaged with the University of Queensland and the Bureau of Census and Statistics in a tourist research project which, it is hoped, will produce considerable statis­ tical information which will be of assis­ tance to the tourist industry." Questions [14 OCTOBER] Questions 875

MARGARINE PROPAGANDA FROM of years. The special concessional freight EDUCATION DEPARTMENT rates were quoted in competition with other l\1r. Ahem, pursuant to notice, asked The forms of transport as were the contract Minister for Education,- freight rates introduced during the terms of the A.L.P. Government. These con­ ( I ) Has his attention been drawn to tract freight rates were not available to the "Letters to the Editor" column in The western areas during the terms of the Courier-Mail of October 10 headed "No A.L.P. Government. I suggest that the Clean Fight" wherein a Mr. W. Colston Honourable Member redirect that part of of Maleny alleges that margarine propa­ his Question to the Honourable Member ganda is being taken up by the Education for Maryborough, the former Member for Department and instilled in the minds Port Curtis and the former Member for of children? Mackay who were members of the Gov­ ernment Party at that time." (2) Is it necessary for his Department to express any opinion on this matter? . (3) If the alleg~tion is correct, will he lNNISFAIL REPORT OF PREVALENCE OF withdraw any brased propaganda and "CROWN OF THORNS" STARFISH, GREAT replace it with a factual and balanced assessment of the situation? BARRIER REEF Mr. F. P. Moore, pursuant to notice, asked Answers:- The Premier,- (I) "Yes." ( 1) Is he aware of a report in the Innisfail Evening Advocate of October 8 (2) "No. My Department does not that the inner reef off the coast of Innisfail spread propaganda which is favourable to margarine." could be 99 per cent. dead and that Mr. R. Pearson, a biologist, and his assistant Mr. ( 3) "I am having the matter investigated J. Bloomfield, of the Fisheries Department but I will be very surprised if any teacher are reported as having investigated this has been using terms which could fairly area in 1968-which is contrary to the be interpreted as biased propaganda." Answer to my recent Question to the Minister for Primary Industries-and having found little regeneration in the reef destroyed by predators in the period DIFFERENCES IN RAIL FREIGHT RATES between investigations? Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- (2) Will he heed these discoveries and co-ordinate some of our top biologists to Why are there extraordinary divergencies form a study group to examine the full in general freight rates over similar dis­ extent of the problems and natural history tances to different parts of the State of the Great Barrier Reef so that it will particularly in relation to (a) Roma Street be preserved for and fully understood by to Roma, 317 miles, $20.45 per ton com­ coming generations? pared with Roma Street to Gladstone 329 miles, $53.60 per ton, (b) Roma Str~et to Cunnamulla, 604 miles, $32.25 per ton Answers:- compared with Roma Street to Mackay ( 1) "The article in the lnnisfail Evening 599 miles, $77.85 per ton and (c) Rom~ Advocate contains no information which Street to Warwick, 159 miles, $8.00 per conflicts with the Answer of the Honour­ ton compared with Roma Street to Mary­ able the Minister for Primary Industries borough, 168 miles, $32.00 per ton? on August 28, 1969. A limited study of reefs likely to be affected by the 'Crown Answer:- of Thorns' starfish was carried out in 1966-67. This study included the inner "The freight rates quoted by the Honour­ reef off the coast at Innisfail. If the able Member from Roma Street to Roma Honourable Member refers to his Question Roma Street to Cunnamulla, Roma Street of August 28 he will see that he asks to Warwick, are special concessional freight for information relating to a study of the rates. The freight rates quoted to Glad­ Great Barrier Reef. No complete study stone, Mackay and Maryborough are the has been made and the Honourable the second cl ass ordinary freight rates, but Minister for Primary Industries replied to this does not preclude the Commissioner this effect." for Railways from entering into contracts for the conveyance of goods at special (2) "A Fisheries Biologist under the contract rates and these contract rates direction of a Research Biologist has been have been availed of by a large number allocated full-time to biological research of consignees over a very lengthy period into the 'Crown of Thorns' starfish." 876 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

PUBLIC RISK INSURANCE to be tagged. They do not apply to Queensland cattle crossing into New South Mr. McKechnie, pursuant to notice, asked Wales until after the stock have been in The Minister for Labour and Tourism,- New South Wales for more than seven With the obvious and urgent need for days. If, after that period, the stock are all property owners to have a public risk then consigned to saleyards or for policy- slaughter, they must be tagged. Tags are ( 1) What are relative rates for various not required for Queensland stock sold types of property such as (a) householder, directly between properties or moving to (b) fruit and vegetable grower, (c) agistment." grazier, (d) graingrower and (e) small (2) "Queensland stockowners who con­ businessman for covers of $25,000 sider it likely that they may be required to $50,000 and $1 00,000? tag stock in New South Wales should apply (2) What rights has an indiviuual for registration on Form 20 (owners of illegally on private property to sue the stock who are not landholders). A owner as the result of an accident incurred registered number will be allotted and tags under such circumstances? are obtainable through the Pasture Pro­ tection Board at $4.50 per hundred. (3) How do rates in Queensland com­ Queensland owners domiciled near the pare with similar public risk rates else­ border should preferably apply to the where? adjacent Pasture Protection Board. Owners domiciled at a distance should select a Answers:- convenient border Protection Board." ( 1) "This information is not readily (3) "It is considered that the regulations available from the Insurance Commis­ do not infringe section 92 of the Common­ sioner. Not all insurers charge the same wealth Constitution nor will they affect my premium rates and more detailed infor­ Department or stockowners selling direct mation as to the nature of the risk and to New South Wales properties or con­ the extent of the cover is required. It is signing stock to saleyards or for slaughter suggested that the Honourable Member in New South Wales where delivery is might s•eek quotations direct from insurance companies." effected within seven days of crossing the border. They could however, cause some (2) "It is not the function of the Insur­ expense and inconvenience to Queensland ance Commissioner to give legal opinions owners dealing in New South Wales." concerning the rights of individuals." (3) This information is not available." TELEVISION ADVERTISING OF PET FOODS AS FIT FOR HUMANS

NEW SOUTH WALES TAIL-TAGGING OF Mr. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked CATTLE The Minister for Health,- Mr. McKechnie, pursuant to notice, asked ( 1) Is he aware that in recent TV pro­ The Minister for Primary Industries,- grammes certain brands of tinned pet foods have been promoted by a gimmick As tail-tagging of cattle for sale or that they are fit for human consumption slaughter becomes operative in New South by persons consuming them in front of Wales from November 1- TV cameras? ( 1) Will the regulations apply to Queensland owners selling Queensland (2) Has any investigation been carried cattle in New South Wales? out by health officers as to how many of these pet foods would be fit for human (2) As pasture protection boards under­ consumption? take the responsibility of processing appli­ cations for tag numbers, tags and licences, ( 3) In view of the possibility that pro­ and recording allotted numbers for their motion of pet foods in this manner could ratepayers, how will Queenslanders fare for lead to public consumption of the article, such services should they be required to some of which is processed under condi­ comply? tions and contains substances which would render it unfit and a possible health ( 3) If applicable to Queensland cattle, risk, what action does he intend to take will these New South Wales regulations to prevent the risk to public health? infringe section 92 of the Commonwealth Constitution and will they cause extra work Answers:- and costs to Queensland stockowners and his Department? ( I) "Yes." (2) "Canned pet food, while aes­ Answers:- thetically unacceptable as human food, (1) "The New South Wales tail-tagging must be rendered sterile during production regulations require cattle in New South in order that it may keep. Five different Wales moving to S-<

by the Laboratory of Microbiology and ing and the continued drought are having Pathology and found to contain no patho­ on each of the species of the kangaroo genic organisms." population? If not, will he institute an (3) "The subject of pet food was dis­ immediate enquiry into these matters? cussed at the Health Ministers' Conference (2) Is there any evidence that these in 1967 when it was decided to refer the factors have caused a serious decline in matter to the National Health and Medical the reproductive rate? Research Council. That Council is cur­ rently examining this problem and Queens­ (3) What are the details for each land will closely study any proposals made specie of the kangaroo harvest from by that Council." January 1 to date?

GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO Answers:- vVARANA FESTIVAL ( 1) "In Queensland, research on the Mr. SheiTington, pursuant to notice, asked cumulative effects of annual harvesting and The Minister for Labour and Tourism,- drought on kangaroo populations has been What were the amounts of Government continuous for many years." financial assistance to the committee respon­ (2) 'There is no evidence that these sible for the conduct of the Warana factors have caused a serious decline in Festival in each of the years since its the reproductive rate." inception? (3) "The Honourable Member is Answer:- referred to Clause 1 of my Answer to his "Government financial assistanoo has Question No. 18 on Business Sheet for been provided towards the conducting of Wednesday, August 27, 1969, in which I the annual Warana Festival as follows: stated-The data requested are compiled 1962, $2,000; 1963, $3,000; 1964, $4,000; only on a five-year basis in order to estab­ 1965, $8,000; and for each of the years lish trends for conservation purposes. The 1966 to 1969 inclusive the sum has been previous compilation was for the period increased to $16,000. Available Warana 1961-1965 and this information was pub­ Festival records reveal that since 1966, the lished as were earlier similar data. When year in which the Government Grant was the figures for the next period 1966-1970 doubled from $8,000 a year to $16,000 a are collated these also will be published.' " year, the Brisbane City Council grant has been $8,000 per year. However, the Bris­ bane City Council has claimed from and received back from the Warana Festival DELAY OF BRISBANE-TOOWOOMBA Committee each year costs incurred by it RAIL MOTOR in regard to electric lighting, and the Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The installation of banners and barricades Minister for Transport,- which reduces the Brisbane City Council ( 1) Why was the rail motor known as grant as follows:- "626 up," Roma Street to Helidon, forty-six minutes late in arriving at Helidon on Council Council Actual October 9? Nominal Expenditure Value of Contribu~ Recouped Grant (2) Why was this rail motor delayed at tion Therefrom Walloon, Rosewood, Grandchester and $ $ $ Grantham on October 9, thus causing 1966 8,000 4,000 4,000 1967 8,000 4,059.37 3,940.63 serious delay and inconvenience to passen­ 1968 8,000 3,968.65 4,031.35 gers who had arranged engagements in 1969 8,000 Claim not Toowoomba to coincide with the scheduled yet received time of arrival of the rail motor at Helidon and the co-ordinated bus at Toowoomba? The only expenditure charged this Com­ mittee by the Government during the same (3) Was this rail motor put in the time­ period has been in regard to the erection table to suit business people who travel of flag poles for the unfurling of flags, between Brisbane and Toowoomba? namely $117.33, $154.23 and $209.12. Other expenses are also carried by the ( 4) Is it frequently late in arriving at Government, for example the illumination He idon due to goods train "656 up" of Government buildings." being despatched from Grandchester in advance? EFFECT OF HARVESTING AND DROUGHT ( 5) Is it departmental practice to ON KANGAROOS despatch slow-running and heavily-laden Mr. Shenington, pursuant to notice, asked goods trains in advance of passenger trains The Minister for Primary Industries,- and rail motors? ( 1) Has any research or investigation ( 6) Will he arrange a suitable time-table been carried out in recent months as to to prevent further delays to this important the cumulative effects that annual harvest- rail motor? If not, why not? 878 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Answers:- (2 and _3) "A number of wagons requir­ ( 1 and 2) "The delay was due princi­ ing repair were transferred from the pally to:-Walloon-due to waiting for Northern Division to the Southern Division M.22 Rosewood motor to clear the section; for repair attention, but not until they were Rosewood-due to Train 632 having stalled made fit to travel. This action was taken on the range; Grandchester-for the pur­ because of the serious shortage of wagons pose of crossing 37 A; Grantham-due to to transport fodder in Queensland and to waiting Train 632 to clear the section ensure the earliest possible return of the ahead." wagons to traffic. Everything possible is done to expedite the outturn of wagons and (3) "No." preference is given to those wagons requir­ (4) "Yes." ing light repairs in order to obtain the (5) "No." maximum availability of wagon space. The number of wagons under and awaiting ( 6) "The time-table is already under repair at the present time is the lowest it examination with a view to alteration to has been for a considerable time." avoid delays to this rail motor."

EXPENDITURE ON RURAL TRAINING MATERNAL AND CHILD WELFARE SISTERS SCHOOL, EMERALD VISITS TO AURUKUN, DOOMADGEE, MORNINGTON ISLAND AND HOPEVALE Mr. Lonergan, pursuant to notice, asked Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- The Minister for Health,- ( 1) What amount has been expended ( 1) In the last year for which figures on the proposed rural training school at are available, how many visits were made Emerald for land, clearing, planting and by Maternal and Child Welfare Sisters to the purchase of livestock and equipment? Aurukun, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, (2) Will he give an estimate of the and Hopevale, respectively? total cost of this project on completion or (2) What was the average length of occupancy? time spent at each place on each visit? Answers:- Answer:- ( 1 ) "Expenditure has been incurred as ( 1 and 2) "Since the commencement of follows:- visits by the Maternal and Child Welfare $ Sisters to Aurukun on February 12, 1969, Acquisition of property 45,275.40 and Doomadgee and Mornington Island Clearing 10,929.56 in October, 1968, monthly visits have been made to these centres. The time spent in Fencing 2,815.25 examining babies and pre-school children Purchase of stock 12,110.00 in consultation with sisters stationed at Planning and building these centres ranges from 3! to 4 hours. construction 24,571.25 Hopevale which has reasonable access to Cooktown Hospital is not visited by a Total $95,701.46" Maternal and Child Welfare Sister." (2) "The total estimated cost for estab­ lishment of the rural training school is REPAIR OF RAILWAY WAGONS, NORTHERN $900,000. This is financed by the sale of DIVISION debentures by the School Board. No State Mr. Lonergan, pursuant to notice, asked Loan Funds are involved." The Minister for Transport,- ( 1) What is the number of rail wagons awaiting repairs in the Northern Division FESTIVE ILLUMINATION, MACKAY COURT G.N.R.? HousE (2) Are wagons needing repairs being Mr. Han!on for Mr. Casey, pursuant to transferred from the Northern Division to notice, asked The Premier,- the Southern Division and, if so, why? Further to his Answer to my Question ( 3) In view of the serious shortage of on October 9 on illumination of Govern­ wagons to transport fodder in Queensland, ment buildings in provincial cities, what are what steps are being taken to expedite the the technical and associated problems which repair of these wagons and their return to prevent the festive flood-lighting of the traffic? Mackay Court House?

Answers:- Answer:- (1) "The number of wagons under and "As I mentioned in my Answer to the awaiting repair on the Great Northern Honourable Member's Question on Octo­ Railway as at October 10, 1969, was 348." ber 9, the Government has always been Questions [14 OCTOBER) Questions 879

prepared to consider requests and that REFUSAL OF RACE MEETING FOR assurance applies in the case of Govern­ BUNDABERG ON MELBOURNE CUP ment buildings in Mackay. I am not going DAY to take up the time of the House in detail­ Mr. Hanlon for Mr. Jensen, pursuant to ing the particular technical problems of notice, asked The Treasurer,- the electrical installations in these build­ ( 1) Did he recently refuse permission to ings." a Bundaberg racing club to race on Mel­ bourne Cup day? (2) If so, what was the reason for the STEAM LOCOMOTIVE MEMORIAL, NEW refusal and under what section of the Act ROCKHAMPTON RAILWAY STATION was this action taken? Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The (3) As the meeting was widely adver­ Minister for Transport,- tised and tremendous support was forth­ ( 1) Will he consider locating a steam coming from many surrounding areas, has locomotive in the vicinity of the new Rock­ he received any request to reconsider his hampton railway station as a memorial to decision? the important role played by "steam" in the pioneering and development of Central Answer:- Queensland? ( 1 to 3) "The holding of such a meeting is prohibited by section 36 of the Racing (2) If this is impossible, will he con­ and Betting Acts. I am astounded that the sider the provision of a miniature replica of Honourable Member would seem to be a steam locomotive to be placed in a advocating that I, as Minister for Racing, prominent position at the entrance to the should approve a course of action which new station? would involve breaking the law."

Answer:- PUNISHMENT FOR BREACHES OF (1 and 2) "The Railway Department has PRISON DISCIPLINE developed an area at Redbank as a museum Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked for the preservation of steam locomotives The Minister for Justice,- of various classes. It appears that it would ( 1) How many prisoners have been not be a suitable location at the new charged with breaches of prison discipline Station at Rockhampton. The Railway in each of Queensland's main prisons Department would be pleased to make in 1967-68 and 1968 to October 1, 1969? available, under the usual conditions, a discarded steam locomotive to any respon­ (2) What were the main breaches com­ sible authority or society in Rockhampton." mitted and what further punishments were inflicted on the offenders?

Answers:- EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE (1) OFFICERS FOR ETNA CREEK PRISON, "The total numbers of prisoners charged at Brisbane, Wacol, and Townsville RocKHAMPTON during these periods are- Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Justice,- 1st July, 1st July, Is it intended to appoint an educational 1967 to 1968 to officer and a social welfare officer to the 30th June, 1st October, Etna Creek Prison, Rockhampton? If so, 1968 1969 when will these appointments be made? Brisbane 251 335 Answer:- Wacol 115 126 Townsville 58 88" "The present accommodation at Rock­ hampton Prison provides for a maximum of 72 prisoners. This does not warrant the (2 "The main breaches of discipline were appointment of a full-time educational for minor offences such as disobedience of officer and social welfare officer. Con­ orders, loitering at work, possession of sideration will be given to these appoint­ unauthorized articles, and damage to property. Punishments were imposed under ments when the necessity arises. Education and in accordance with the provisions of courses, both primary and secondary, are section 32 of "The Prisons Acts, 1958 to available free of cost to those prisoners 1964." The more serious breaches were­ who desire to pursue study courses. Social (a) Assault by one prisoner on another bodies are very active at the new prison at ( 11); (b) Assault on a prison officer ( 4); Rockhampton and provide much help to and (c) Attempted escape and escape (29). prisoners." Punishment by way of additional terms of 880 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

imprisonment was imposed by magistrates CLAIMS OF FAITH-HEALING BY PASTOR sitiing in the exercise of their jurisdiction PLOTNEK, GooMBUNGEE under and in accordance with the provisions Mr. .Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked of section 33 of "The Prisons Acts, 1958 to The Minister for Justice,- 1964." ( 1) Has his attention been brought to an article in Sunday Truth of September 28 headed " 'Miracle' Cures by Faith Healer," DRIVER'S LICENCE TESTS AND in which it is reported that a Pastor Joseph DRIVING SCHOOLS Phtnek claimed tbat he had been given Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked hle gift of laying-on of hands for the good The Minister for Works,- of mankind about twelve years ago and that there had been so many healings at Goom­ (1) Wbat is tbe failure rate for (a) bungee that they could not keep count males, (b) females and (c) the average of them? for all applicants for driving licences at each of the testing centres? (2) If so, have any complaints been received that (a) persons had been (2) What is (a) the waiting time for requested to contribute money to aid applicants at and (b) the number of Pastor Plotnek's mission and that several licences issued from each centre for each of hundred dollars had changed hands as a the last twelve months? result and (b) sick people who had been coerced into donating money for so-called (3) How many driving schools are cures were still in ill-health? operating and are they required to be registered as a firm with any Government (3) What action is taken against department? If so, which department? religious crackpots who prey on the gulli·· bility of people who are ill and genuinely. if misguidedly, seeking cures by this Answers:- method? (1) "No separate record is kept of the Answers:­ failure rate of males and females. The average failure rate for the last twelve (!) "Yes." months at Rosalie was 3 6 · 86 per cent. and (2) "No complaints of this nature have at Coorparoo 4 7 · 85 per cent. been received at the Department of Justice." (2) "(a) The average waiting time for applicants until recently was approximately ( 3) "If the Honourable Member sup­ three weeks but, following upon some pub­ plies me with factual information, I will licity regarding provisional licences, there have investigations made." has been an increase in the number of applicants and the waiting time is now INSIGNIA ON UNIFORMS OF POLICE about four weeks at Coorparoo and about SERGEANTS FIRST CLASS five weeks at Rosalie. Mr. Harris, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- I Coorparoo Rosalie Will he consider having the metal crowns on the uniform sleeves of police sergeants first class replaced with an embroidered October, 1968 847 1,240 type of insignia as worn by Australian November, 1968 815 1,223 army personnel? December, 1968 759 1,337 January, 1969 796 1,319 Answer:- February, 1969 679 1,229 "The whole question of police uniforms March, 1969 896 815 is presently under consideration, and the April, 1969 753 929 suggestion made by the Honourable Mem­ May, 1969 823 1,032 ber regarding an embroidered type of June, 1969 728 1,019 insignia will be taken into account in July, 1969 1,069 1,202 reaching a decision on a new type or August, 1969 1,034 936 style of uniform." September, 1969 1,095 1,145"

COAL MINING LEASE APPLICATION (3) "The estimated number of driving No. 633, IPSWICH schools operating in Brisbane is slightly JV1r. Marginson, pursuant to notice, asked in excess of fifty. There is no require­ The Minister for Mines,- ment for registration of the driving schools With regard to Coal Mining Lease by reason of the fact that they are driving Application No. 633, Ipswich, by the schools, but persons carrying on business Aberdare Collieries Pty. Ltd.- under name other than their own name or names are required to register such ( I) What is the present position of his business name with the Registrar of Busi­ Department's investigations of the area of ness Names under the Business Names North Booval and west of Bundamba Acts." Creek? Questions [14 OCTOBER] Questions 881

(2) Has any exploratory drilling been \VITHDRAWALS FROM TRUST ACCOUNTS undertaken in the area by his Department? OF GERIATRIC PATIENTS, TOWNSVILLE If not, when is it likely that this will be GENERAL HosPITAL done? !VIr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Health,- ( 3) What will be the extent of the exploratory drilling? ( 1) Further to my Questions of October 18, 1968, August 26 and September 9, ( 4) What will be the outcome of this 1969, in regard to amounts withdrawn application if insurance, as recommended from the trust accounts of people occupying by the warden, is not or cannot be beds in the geriatric ward at the Townsville obtained? General Hospital, has his attention been drawn to the fact that, on the figures he has supplied, for the ten months prior to Answers:- my Question of October 18, 1968 a collec­ ( 1) "My Department is not investigating tive amount of at least $3,000 was with­ the area of North Booval and west of drawn ostensibly for the personal use of Bundamba Creek." the patients and that for the ten months following my first Question a collective (2) "Exploratory drilling has been amount of $600 was withdrawn? undertaken east of Bundamba Creek." (2) As this represents a 500 per centum (3) "Three bores were put down prior reduction in withdrawals while the number to the application for lease and one since­ of inmates remained fairly static, did he total footage, 2,744 feet 7 inches. Further have an enquiry made to ascertain the departmental drilling is not envisaged." reason for this vast discrepancy and, if so. who carried out the enquiry and with what ( 4) "This condition recommended by the result? warden will be considered along with other (3) Were withdrawals of the first-men­ factors when the lease application is being tioned magnitude made for some five years finally dealt with." prior to October 18, 1968, and have inmates or their relatives been defrauded of at least $15,000 and, if not, what is the amount or the explanation? DRINK-DRIVERS SEEKING REFUGE IN HOSPITAL FROM POLICE TESTS ( 4) Does the trust account of Miss Ethel Clay from April 3, 1967 to Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked The November 1, 1968 show a total withdrawal Minister for Works,- of $462, while from November 1, 1968 to April 4, 1969 the total amount was $15.62 ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to the and, if not, what are the figures? statement of a Brisbane surgeon after a medical seminar in Melbourne, as reported (5) Is Miss Clay considered capable of in the Telegraph of October 4, that drinking handling her own affairs? drivers involved in accidents were dodging police and breathalyser tests by taking Answers:- refuge in hospital? ( 1 to 3) "Telephonic enqumes directed to the office of the Townsville Hospitals (2) What is the number of such cases Board have elicited the following informa­ known to the police in the past twelve tion. In respect of the a,mount of $5,658.64 months? withdrawn for the period from January 1. (3) Will he consider the implementation 1968 to November 1, 1968, a sum of $1,646 was paid to the Public Curator of the resolution passed by the seminar on behalf of deceased patients, $1,000 was that breathalyser tests and blood counts paid to the private bank account of one should be made in hospitals for medical, patient, $285 was refunded to one patient legal and diagnostic purposes? If not, why on discharge and $100 was paid to a not? local authority on behalf of another patient. The balance of $2,627.64 consisted of Answers:­ two hundred and sixteen withdrawals on behalf of fourteen patients. Follow­ (!) "Yes." ing on certain allegations made by (2) "I am not aware of any such cases." a staff member, the Townsville Hospitals Board in December, 1968, requested the (3) "There is ample provision in the Townsville Police to investigate these alleg­ Law provided under the Traffic Acts and ations. The report of investigating Regulations for the taking of specimens officers is at present under consideration." of breath or blood from persons who are ( 4) "The secretary, Townsville Hos­ in hospitals for treatment and police have pita1s Board, has advised that an amount specific instructions as to procedures to of $466 was withdrawn from the trust be followed in such cases." account of Miss Ethel Clay for the period 882 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

April 3, 1967 to November 1, 1968, and the Treasurer because, in spite of the diffi­ for the period November 1, 1968 to April culties, hazards and problems associated with 4, 1969, an amount of $9.80 was with­ the conduct of the financial affairs of this drawn." great State, he was able to present an (5) "The medical superintendent has excellent Budget. In the minds of many informed the secretary of Townsville Hos­ people there is considerable, but under­ pitals Board that, in his opinion, Miss Clay standable, confusion as to where the responsi­ is incapable of handling her own affairs." bility lies between the Commonwealth and the States in the matter of raising, spending and repaying Loan Funds. This applies particularly to the interest charged on loans, ACCOMMODATION, "EVENTIDE," which must be paid by the States, and which ROCKHAMPTON is one of the major costs in their finances. Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The From the States' point of view the cost of Minister for Health,- borrowed money is almost as serious a prob­ ( 1) What is the present accommodation lem as the gradual loss of their taxing rights. capacity of the Rockhampton Eventide In recent times, much has been written and Home? spoken about the way in which the Common­ wealth has used its financial powers, includ­ (2) What was the accommodation ing its monopoly of income tax, to bedevil capacity at January 1, 1964? the States with tax reimbursements. The facts are now reasonably well known. It is Answers:- generally accepted that the financial relation­ ( 1) "Two hundred and sixty." ship between the Commonwealth and the States is completely unreal. But what is not (2) "Two hundred and fifty-four." so well known or understood is the extent to which the Commonwealth has gradually turned itself into a money-lending machine PAPERS as a result of its unlimited financial domina­ The following papers were laid on the tion. Slowly but surely the States are going table:- into pawn to the Commonwealth, which is Proclamation under the Clean Air Act of making tremendous profits from its money­ 1963. lending operations. The States are being crippled fast by the present system of Orders in Council under- borrowing and repaying Loan Funds. The Explosives Acts, 1952 to 1963. At the June meeting of the Loan Council, Medical Act 1939-1969. approval was given for a $710,000,000 works Report under the Legal Assistance Act of and housing programme for all the States 1965 by the Secretary, Queensland for 1968-69. That sum included $126,000,000 Law Society Incorporated. that the Commonwealth lent to the States under the housing agreement. The remainder, FORM OF QUESTION namely, $584,000,000 was for works pro­ grammes and had to be borrowed by the Mr. DEAN (Sandgate) having given notice States. A study of the Federal Treasurer's of questions- Budget speech shows that the whole of the $710,000,000 Loan Council allocation to be Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The use of the spent by the States during 1968-69 was, in phrase "if not, why not" in questions is fact, included in the Commonwealth expendi­ becoming rather tedious. I ask hon. mem­ ture for the same year. It was counted as bers not to include it in future. Commonwealth expenditure in the Treasurer's estimated Commonwealth deficit for 1968-69. SUPPLY In fact, however, all of the $710,000,000 was for State expenditure and not $1 of it CoMMITTEE-FINANCIAL STATEMENT­ could be spent without the approval of the RESUMPTION OF DEBATE Parliaments of the respective States. Apart (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Hooper, from a minor contribution by the Common­ Greenslopes, in the chair) wealth under the 1927 financial agreement, Debate resumed from 9 October (see p. the States had to meet the annual interest 847) on Mr. Chalk's motion- payments on this money. They also had to find the revenue to pay back the money. ''That there be granted to Her Majesty, Obviously it is quite dishonest for the Com­ for the service of the year 1969-70, a sum monwealth to include State loan expenditure not exceeding $4,542 to defray the salary in its own spending. It is a State expenditure of Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the and it is added not to the national debt of Governor." the Commonwealth but to the debt of the Mr. HOUGHTON (Redcliffe) (11.36 a.m.): States. Before the conclusion of the debate in this It is interesting to look at who pays the Chamber on Thursday last week I rose to interest on the national debt. During the say a few words about the Budget so ably present financial year the Commonwealth introduced by the Treasurer. I congratulated will pay about $85,000,000 in interest on Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 883 its debt but it will receive back, in interest, In 1941, when uniform taxation was intro­ $60,000,000 from its investments in its own duced, Queensland was undoubtedly one of securities, which means, in fact, that its the most highly taxed States in the Common­ interest bill is only $25,000,000. On the wealth. Since then we have had difficulties, other hand, this year's interest Bill for ail and we still have them, that stem from 40 the States will be about $450,000,000. No years of socialist-dominated Governments. wonder the problem of interest payments We have been, for a long time, trying to does not worry Canberra! overcome those problems, which are reflected The building of a school gives a very good in our financial position today, and the fact example of the difference between the final that businesses are loath to spread into this cost of Commonwealth and State projects. H State and develop. The stagnation which was the Commonwealth builds a new school at a evident during those 40 years is still evident cost of $2,000,000 it pays for it out of taxa­ when it comes to the spread of development tion, and that is the end of the matter. On the from southern States. other hand, if a State builds the same type Mr. I-.l.anson interjected. of school, it must first borrow the $2,000,000 and then repay the loan and interest on the Mr. HOUGHTON: The hon. member for loan. By the time the final payment, includ­ Port Curtis is completely out of step. It is ing interest, is made, the school will cost the rather strange to hear him interject in that State approximately $5,000,000. fashion. He was completely out of step with The Commonwealth Budget does not dis­ his Leader on the large alumina complex at close this year that the States will pay to Gladstone. Although the Leader of the the Commonwealth about $95,000,000 in Opposition was opposed to the introduction of interest on the loans that the Commonwealth overseas capital to this country, the hon. Government has made to the States out of member for Port Curtis, who is an astute the taxation it receives at no cost to itself. businessman, was completely in favour In addition, of course, the States must repay of it. I give him full marks for that, the loans. For every dollar of surplus because he realises the benefit to be revenue that the Commonwealth invests in obtained from the introduction of overseas loans to the States-it has already invested capital. Indeed, he would be a proper "dill" $2,200 million-it receives $2.50, including if he did not support it. interest. This is a shocking situation. On an initial investment of $2,200 million, the Overseas capital, together with the assis­ Commonwealth will receive $5,500 million tance and generosity of the Government, has proved of great value to this State. To see from the States, a profit of $3,300 million, that, one has only to look at the develop­ or 150 per cent. It is a smart deal for the ment that has taken place at Mt. Isa. The Commonwealth Government, but a rough one Government of the day, under Sir Francis for the States. That is one of the problems Nicklin as Premier and Sir Thomas Hiley that confront every State Treasurer at as Treasurer, and with the assistance of the present. present Treasurer, scoured the world in an Recently, there has been a tremendous attempt to obtain loan funds. Finally they reduction in the Commonwealth debt. At "went it alone", and today the thriving city the same time, the debt of the States has of Mt. lsa is the centre of perhaps the continued to spiral upwards. In 1968, the greatest mining venture, and one of the Commonwealth debt was $3,600 million and greatest revenue earners, in the Common­ the debt of the States was $8,316 million. In wealth. point of fact, the Commonwealth debt included $1 ,505 million advanced to the The present Premier and Treasurer are to States under the housing agreement. That be congratulated on their attitude to the money has to be repaid, because it is really proposed power-station in Central Queens­ a States debt. It should therefore be deducted land. I am of the opinion that it has passed from the Commonwealth indebtedness and the feasibility stage and is now a necessity. added to that of the States. So that the real Although I cannot commend the degree of support given by the Commonwealth Gov­ debt figures should be: Commonwealth, ernment to this project, I am in favour of $2,095 million; States, $9,821 million. taking the assistance offered. I fail to see The Commonwealth picture is even any generosity in a loan of $80,000,000 at brighter than it appears to be, because the 6.4 per cent. interest; I feel that Queensland Commonwealth has a huge sum invested in should have received the same sympathetic securities purchased out of its revenue sur­ treatment as that given by the Common­ pluses. Last year, its securities were worth wealth to other States. Time will prove $1,700 million. When that amount is taken a power-station in Central Queensland to into account, the Commonwealth debt drops be a valuable asset for Queensland in pro­ to only $395,000,000. When that debt is ducing revenue and increased job oppor­ compared with the States debt of $9,821 tunities. It irked me to read in the Press million, is it any wonder that the finances that the Commonwealth Government is to of the States are so beset with intolerable have a nuclear power-station constructed in difficulties. The States are given the rough New South Wales. If it is good enough end of the pineapple in the reimbursement to construct a power-station there, it is good of income-tax. That is one of the very serious enough to give greater assistance to the problems confronting every State Treasurer. Central Queensland project. 884 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Personally, I do not think that Queens­ I have said before-I reiterate it-that the land's value as a dollar-earner is fully sooner the State gets its own banking institu­ realised in Canberra. I am a little bewil­ tion, the better it will be for everyone. dered by the Commonwealth Government's Ever since a Labour Government sold meagre hand-out. The State Government, the State's banking rights to the Com­ however, has the courage to "go it alone" monwealth Bank of Australia, Queensland and show in no uncertain manner that it has has been on the run. If it is good enough the utmost confidence in the people, the for the Government of the day to utilise the funds available from the resources of the workers, and this great State. I might say banking institutions, the State Government that I commend the Premier, the Treasurer should be charged with the responsibility and the public servants who prepared the of creating its own banking institution. I submission on the feasibility of the project. know that problems would arise because a I take no notice of the ballyhoo that the number of trading banks have come into the officers concerned were not sufficiently com­ field, but the State should not continue to petent to make a satisfactory submission. condone a situation that was created 40 In my book, that is utter tripe. Queensland years ago when the banking rights of the should be happy that it has men of the State were sold to the Commonwealth Bank calibre of Hon. Gordon Chalk and the of Australia. I remind hon. members that Premier to fight for its rights and public Queensland is one of the few States that does servants who are as competent and capable not have its own banking institution. as any employed by the Federal Government Some time ago a good deal of controversy in Canberra. Those men put a case to the arose about the proposal to finance the Federal Government showing the feasibility installation of sewerage at Sandgate on what of the power-house project. I do not accept was virtually a hire-purchase basis. I do as correct the decisions that were made and not object to the installation of sewerage the outbursts from some quarters that such at Sandgate; I do object to the method of a power-house was not a business proposition financing the project. As I have said in this Chamber before, I think it is completely for the Federal Government. I am sure contrary to the financial requirements of the that every Queenslander agrees with me on Loan Council for such schemes. that point. Time has proved me to be correct. I am I am not happy about the interest rate on firmly of the {)pinion that in order to get the the loan because I do not think that the funds necessary to build a super power-house State is getting a large enough slice of the in Central Queensland we will have to find financial cake. The attitude of the Common­ means of raising our own loan requirements. wealth Government is reflected not only in I have no doubt that the peQple of Queens­ State finances but also in local authority land would fully support this Government in finances, and almost every local authority any endeavours it made in this regard. in Queensland is on the verge of bankruptcy. Because the State Government does not When the Treasurer and the Premier go to receive a large enough slice of the cake, it the South, I hope that they will be able to cannot pass on adequate finance to local prove to the Commonwealth Government that authorities, and I think that that situation Queensland is not getting a fair share of should be considered carefully in the near available funds. The amount of money spent future. Admittedly, local authorities have in Canberra would not greatly worry me if received generous handouts from time to equivalent sums were spent in other parts of time by the State. However, in spite of the Commonwealth, but it is annoying to see these, they have not been able to find the the vast sums spent in that city when Queens­ large sums of money needed to provide land cannot obtain sufficient assistance for services and amenities for their ratepayers, drought relief and developmental projects and they have had to increase considerably such as the proposed Central Queensland the rates that they levy. The situation of power-house. local authorities should be kept clearly in Local authorities are constantly appealing mind when the Premier and the Treasurer to the Treasurer for financial assistance, but go to plead Queensland's case at the next unfortunately he is not the taxing authority meeting of the Loan Council and the and has not the funds available. The State Premiers' Conference. will not emerge from the predicament caused Why does the Commonwealth Govern­ by shortage of money until the Government ment make such a fuss about money? I am which holds the purse strings-the Common­ an ex-serviceman, and there are many other wealth Government-comes to the party or hon. members in this Chamber who are ex­ the State establishes its own banking facilities. servicemen. If a war drags on for, say, I should like now to touch briefly on the a further two years, the Government finds the fishing and prawning industries. The hon. necessary finance, and if it is prepared to member for Landsborough dealt with this gamble in time of war, it should be prepared matter a few days ago. I have read what he to gamble for the betterment of the people had to say and I do not intend to recapitulate in time of peace. In times of severe drought, his submissions. However, I support every­ for example, money should be made avail­ thing he said and commiserate with the able to assist those who are affected to Hon. Nevil!e Hewitt who has been allotted overcome their difficulties. the portfolio governing this industry. It is a Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 885 very important portfolio and will occupy a Mr. HOUGHTON: I would say that the great deal of his time if he is going to deal industry would get a raw prawn if any with it in a manner beneficial to both the notice was taken of what the hon. member State and the industry. for Cairns said. Mr. .Baldwin: Come on, Jim, I want to Unfortunately the fishing industry has been hear about the fishing industry. neglected by both the Commonwealth and State Governments for a considerable period Mr. HOUGHTON: As the hon. member of time. It is only in recent years that the for Logan has come into this dogfight- Commonwealth has clasisfied it as a primary Mr• .Baldwin: I was trying to cheer you industry and has started to give it some con­ on. sideration. Assistance from the State has not been available simply because the State Mr. HOUGHTON: I will quote from a Government has not had the funds with document entitled "Foco Newsletter", which which to assist. is published by some of the "bright boys" with whom he associates. It is headed, When one realises the potential of this "Ted Baldwin's Speech", and it says- industry one must agree that we have not, as yet, even scratched the surface in develop­ "Ted Baldwin needs little introduction. ing it. The potential wealth that might be He is the radical leader of the Queensland harvested from the sea can be gauged when Teachers' Union. He believes that the one realises that the area of the oceans of Queensland Education system leav·es a lot the world is five times that of the land. If to be desired; in fact that it stinks! You food and wealth can be harvested from the can hear him explain his case on Sunday sea in the same ratio as they are from the night at 9.45 and discuss the Education land its tremendous potential for the produc­ scene with him." tion of food and income can be gauged. Mr. .Baldwin: I didn't see you there, Jim. The extent to which Australia lags in Mr. HOUGHTON: I would not be seen fostering this industry can be gleaned from there. I do not mix with members of the the fact that it is in forty-ninth place in Opposition. I would not want to be seen world production from this source. As the in the gutter with them. He who lies in shores of Australia are washed by three the gutter with dogs gets fleas. oceans, that is not good enough. Queensland, I am amused by the way in which mem­ I repeat, has not taken full advantage of the bers of the Opposition say they have no potential of its waters, mainly because of affinity with the boys from the Trades Hall the paucity of available finance. The fishing who are professed communists-call them industry should be developed by private what you like. Members of the Opposition enterprise, the State Government, and the in this Chamber say they have no connection Federal Government as well. with them. The Foco Club is financed Mr. R. Jon~s: If you get any duller you and controlled and operated by the Aus­ will chase all of us out. tralian Labour Party, yet it was claimed that nobody at the Trades Hall knew anything Mr. HOUGHTON: The hon. member for about it, and the club was closed ev·entually Cairns could not get any duller. because drugs were being peddled at it, and other things were going on. It became a Mr. R. Jones: You have almost cleared hot potato for the Labour Party. The hon. the Chamber. There are only three members member for Logan was the first person to over on your side. race to the side of somebody who wanted to disrupt a school in my electorate. It will Mr. HOUGHTON: I cannot be worried be interesting to see what happens on Thurs­ if a Trades Hall meeting is being held to day when he saddles up with the pressure decide who will look after the rabble-rousers group that is going to wait on the Premier at the university or somewhere else. at the Executive Building. Mr. R. Jones: We have more members Mr. Baldwin: You have been misinformed, present on this side of the Chamber than Jim. you have over there. Mr. HOUGHTON: He raced immediately to their aid. I make it specifically clear Mr. HOUGHTON: Some of the dull boys that those bearded and long-haired "weirdos", must have been awakened; they have come who want to take away something, had better to life all of a sudden. not come into my electorate. That goes for To revert to the fishing industry, I was the hon. member for Logan, too; he will find talking about prawns-not the greasy-back himself in more trouble than at present. variety we have on the Opposition side, Mr. .Baldwin: You have not read my but tiger and king prawns. Members of question, Jim. Up at the Trades Hall they the Opposition would not know the first went on just like you. thing about prawns. Mr. R. Jones: We know what a raw Mr. HOUGHTON: That is amazing. prawn is-and that is what Queensland is Mr. .Baldwin: The similarity is not getting. amazing. 886 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. HOUGHTON: It is a pity that they years ago the prawning industry in Moreton did not knock the hon. member down and Bay was at its lowest ebb, but one of the carry him out. best seasons for many years followed that Mr. Brudwin: That is what your boys, rain. the special police, would like to do. Undoubtedly the Commonwealth has a major role to play in supplying patrol vessels Mr. HOUGHTON: I am amused by mem­ for the North. Fishing boats from many bers of the Opposition who come into this countries come to our northern waters, and Chamber and are so vociferous about what those who know the industry will readily they are going to do. They leave me confirm my statement that foreign buoys bewildered. and tuna lines, with other gear and equip­ Mr. .Baldwin: I did not come here, Jim; ment, can be seen on beaches after a heavy I was put here. blow. People who travel along the coast as I do from time to time see this fishing The CHAIRMAN: Order! I remind the gear. On Fraser Island I have frequently hon. member for Logan that interjections picked up marking buoys and other gear are in order, but he must address an hon. from foreign vessels operating along our member by his correct designation. seaboard. Mr. Mclloy: Which party are you in, Mr. The protection of our seaboard is confined Hough ton? to the three-mile limit, although in the Gulf Mr. HOUGHTON: I am not with the of Carpentaria a 12-mile limit has been set. Comma. friends of the Opposition up at But the protection problem has not been the Trades Hall; I am still a Tory. The solved as no real decision has been made on ''hygiene sergeant" from Nudgee need not our territorial waters. In the Gulf of Mexico worry about that. He knows where I stand. waters are closed for a certain period, and I am still an old rabid Tory and I always for distances far greater than a three-mile want to be one. I do not want to have any limit. Our international problem, therefore, affiliation or association with Opposition should not be as grave or worrying as it members who are not prepared to live under appears to be. I hope that the Common­ the Flag. They may masquerade and say " ealth Government will intercede and ensure that they want to, but when the opportunity that the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria arises they dump their mates. That has are protected. There has been a shortage happened in this Chamber. We have only of prawns. However, I am sure that the to remember what happened to the members flush seasons will return. for Fort Curtis and Kedron and to Jack The Commonwealth Government, instead Dufficy, the good trade-union men who have of building patrol vessels, should seriously been completely annihilated by the left-wing consider building vessels up to 50 ft. long movement. I do not wish to be drawn any which can be converted into trawlers. Those further into that argument. trawlers could be manned by people who are People who are fully operative in the capable and competent as watchers; they prawning industry face grave difficulties in could be the eyes of the "patrol" vessel. the harvesting and marketing of prawns Instead of having one vessel costing $500,000. which-I am sure all hon. members agree­ it would be better to have 10 vessels each should be tackled at State and Federal level. costing $50,000, rigged up for prawning or Until 20 years ago the prawning industry tuna fishing, and operating along certain was completely undeveloped. It started at sections of the seaboard. They would be of Ballina. Moreton Bay has been one of the great benefit to the industry and to our most prolific prawning grounds. A little security. research has been undertaken in the industry, Most people in the prawning industry are and the C.S.I.R.O. has established a depot good types. They have learnt their lessons at Deception Bay. The C.S.I.R.O. has not well. They are highly skilled and realise the yet reported on the prawning industry, and value of the industry. They speak now with I await its first report with a deal of one voice, with some authority, which was enthusiasm because I know that the depart­ not formerly the case. I suggest that the ment has been working well and that some State Government should co-operate with the big discoveries have been made relative to Commonwealth Government in the provision prawning potential and the necessary pro­ not of a patrol vessel but of trawlers. Money tection. I have no doubt that the department's is difficult to obtain against the security of a report will provide valuable assistance to boat or to get a boat built. It is difficult to those in the industry and make interesting get an advance from the Commonwealth reading. Development Bank to establish oneself in this Many problems in the prawning industry industry. If every vessel up to 50 ft. long was that require close attention have not been used for both prawning and security purposes, solved. Base units have been established the operators could assist not only the indus­ at places on our seaboard, but prawns dis­ try but also the Commonwealth Government. appeared from the Gulf of Carpentaria. Those The average Queenslander does not realise who know anything about the prawning the vastness of Queensland's coastal waters let industry will readily agree that this is only alone Australian coastal waters. I believe that a temporary disappearance. I well remem­ great advantage would result to the industry ber that prior to the excessive rains three if this scheme was put into operation. Supply (14 OCTOBER] Supply 887

The hon. member for Landsborough dealt methods are employed to ensure that -with marketing. I shall not reiterate his money so withdrawn is wholly spent on 1·emarks. However, I believe that the Minister the patient?" is adopting the correct approach to this prob­ The answer I received was- lem by soliciting the assistance of all people "(1) In the cases mentioned by the vitally interested in the prawning and fishing Honourable Member it is the usual prac­ industries. I hope that a satisfactory conclu­ tice to deposit the pension payments to the -sion is reached at those deliberations and credit of the Patients Trust Account admin­ that some firm decision can be made on istered by the Hospitals Board. development proportional to the potential of "(2) Withdrawals from such account can this industry. be made as and when desired by the I shall reserve until a later date my com­ patient and are usually done at periodical ments on other items on which I desire to intervals to meet his day-to-day require­ speak. ments. Such payments are made either in cash or by cheque for which a receipt, Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North) (12.14 witnessed usually by a member of the p.m.): Unfortunately, I was not able to nursing staff, is obtained. Where a patient participate in the Address-in-Reply debate is incapable of obtaining his own require­ because I was suffering from influenza. How­ ments this is usually undertaken by senior ever, I intend during this debate to mention responsible members of the nursing staff -some of the matters I would have raised in on his behalf. The procedure at each that debate. individual hospital in the State is not known in my Department; however the I thank the electors of Townsville North for Trust Accounts are subject to an annual electing me for my fourth term. I record audit by inspectors of the Auditor-Gen­ my thanks to members of my party in eral's Department to ensure that all sums Townsville who worked assiduously for my are correctly disbursed." return not only during the election campaign but also during the past three years. I would When I asked that question, I asked it on be remiss if I did not mention my very behalf of one of the members of my branch dedicated campaign director, Mr. Arthur of the Australian Labour Party in Towns­ Trower. There are many outstanding ville whose suspicions had been aroused by branches in Townsville North. They have withdrawals of amounts that he felt were consistently supported me, and I am grateful completely outrageous for the provisions of to them. toilet requisites for his relative. This is where the administration blundered the first I also express, on behalf of my constitu­ time. After I asked my question, which was ents, Joyalty to the Crown. In this the a general one, the administration immedi­ people of Townsville North are seco~d to ately began making accusations against all none. and sundry at the Townsville General Hos­ pital of passing information to me. Some This morning the Minister for Health of them were accused completely unjustly, answered a question, of which I gave notice and people who otherwise might have been last Friday, concerning amounts withdrawn completely disinterested were put offside. As from .the trust ~cc<;mnts of people occupying I said, the administration blundered. beds m the genatnc ward at the Townsville General Hospital. Because my question and Because that action was taken, it appeared >he answer to it will be reported, I intend that the board must have a guilty conscience. to elaborate to some extent on the question I wondered why the board did not say, "If of moneys that have disappeared from the such a thing is going on, thank you very trust accounts of various aged pensioners who much for letting us know. We will do some­ occupy beds in the geriatric ward at the thing about it." Instead of that, the witch­ To:-vnsville General. Hospital. To some degree hunt went on week after week and people I mtend to recapitulate earlier references who had absolutely nothing to do with the in order to bring the matter into focus, and matter were affected adversely. to tell the complete story of what I have I did not pursue the question any further; found has been happening over a period of I let the matter rest there on 18 October, not one year but possibly five years. 1968. I decided to wait because I could not On 18 October, 1968, I asked an ordinary make a point or prove anything at that stage. straightforward question about trust account~ There is one way, of course, of proving .of persons in geriatric wards. I made no whether or not somebody is, if I may use the accusations at that time. My question was- vernacular, "touching" you, Mr. Hooper, and that is to sack the person believed to be "(~) Wha! happens to the fortnightly concerned and then watch what happens to penswns paid to persons in geriatric wards the till in the course of the next few weeks of State hospitals who are incapable of or months. One does not have to be told administering their own affairs and have no interested relatives? anything if the amount in the till increases by $10 a week. Likewise, if someone is "(2) If the money is paid into a trust consistently taking large amounts out of an fund, is money ever withdrawn to pur­ account and he is suddenly taken away and chase the day-to-day wants of such people the balance in the account increases dramati­ and, if so, how is it done and what cally, one does not have to be told what is 888 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

happening, either. As I said, in this instance because, at that stage, the records were avail­ I decided to wait for some time to see what able. In reply to my question this rnorninQ happened to the records. the Minister has revealed that the record·~ I next asked questions on 26 August, 1969, apparently have quickly turned up again. In and 9 September, 1969, and the facts were his answer he showed that there was an then very plain to see. I am sorry if I bore amount of $1,646 paid to the Public Curator. some hon. members by doing so, but I intend to have recorded in "Hansard" the questions Mr. Murray: Are you charging the Minister that I asked and the answers that were given with misleading the House? to them. Mr. TUCKER: I am giving the facts. The On 26 August, 1969, I asked the Minister hon. member can put his own interpretation for Health- on it. "(1) Further to my Question of October 18, 1968, what was the collective amount lVIr. Murray: You are, in effect, saying withdrawn from the trust accounts of that the Minister is misleading the House? people who occupied beds in the geriatric ward at the Townsville General Hospital at Mr. TUCKER: The hon. member need any time during the period November 1, not try to trap me on this. He can put 1968, to August 15, 1969? his own interpretation on it. I am giving "(2) What was the collective amount the facts and he can work it out for him­ withdrawn for the period January 1, 1968, self. If he follows my speech he will be to November 1, 1968? able to work it out. "(3) What number of people was An amount of $1,646 was paid to the involved in each period?" Public Curator. No mention was made of The answers were­ further amounts, but I happen to know that $1,000 was also paid out to one patient's "(1) $4,974.03. relatives and no mention was made at that "(2) $5,658.64. time of the fact that something like $385 "(3) In respect of the period November was refunded to a relative and a local 1, 1968, to August 15, 1969, twelve persons authority. Had I said at that time that were involved and for the period January 1, $4,000 was involved I would have been 1968, to November 1, 1968, fourteen." accused of having my facts completely On 9 September, 1969, I asked the same wrong. I asked the question and that was Minister- all I was told at that stage. I did know that $1,000 or more was paid to one . "(1) Further to his Answer to my Ques­ deceased's relative whose name, I think, was tiOn on August 26 that $4,974.03 was Larry Dwyer. withdrawn from the trust accounts of people who occupied beds in the geriatric Although the Minister said previously that ward at the Townsville General Hospital, the records were not available, he said today what part of this amount was actually that $285 was refunded to some relatives, or drawn for the patients' own personal use to one person, and $100 to a local authority. or for use on their behalf? "(2) Of the amount of $5,658.64, what Being conservative in my approach to this part was withdrawn for the same reasons?" matter I said at that stage that I thought some $3,000 had been withdrawn for use The Minister's answers were- on patients' behalf. This morning I discover, "The Secretary of the Townsville from the Minister's answer, that $2,627 was Hospitals Board has advised as follows:- withdrawn on behalf of patients in the hos­ "(1) '$362 was withdrawn in cash for pital. An amount of $2,627 was withdrawn patients' own personal use. $234.42 was in the 10 months prior to 18 October, 1968, withdrawn for use on patients' behalf. when I asked my first question, and then. $4,377.61 was remitted to the Public in more than 10 months following 18 Octo­ Curator on the death of various patients.' ber, 1968, only $600 was withdrawn. In the 10 months before I asked my question, "(2) 'Records are not available to allow $2,627 was used on patients' behalf whereas a similar dissection in respect of this in a similar period after my question only amount. An amount of $1 646 was how­ $600 was used in the geriatric ward for ever remitted to the Public Curator on the this purpose. That is a colossal difference. death of various patients'." What a tremendous reversal-$2,627 was Adverting to the question I asked on 9 used in 10 months, and then suddenly, the September, 1969, the reply showed that from figure is divided by four and an amount of 1 August, 1968, to 15 August, 1969, $600 only $600 was used in the next 10 months. or thereabouts, was withdrawn. This included one amount of $362 for one person. In the On those figures, "blind Freddy" himself second part, relative to the period from could see that there has been daylight robbery 1 January, 1968, to 1 November, 1968- of these amounts held in trust on behalf of about up to the time I asked my first pensioners. I suppose it is reasonable to question-the Minister claimed that the ask what sort of peculiar, twisted, avaricious records were not available. Of course, I person would prey on the pensions of helpless know that that was a complete cover-up old people in a geriatric ward? Supply (14 OCTOBER] Supply 889

I have cited the case of Miss Ethel Clay, Mr. TUCKER: I asked a question in who is completely unable to look after her October 1968. These people are not silly own affairs. This morning, in reply to my or blind; they have access to these records. question, the Minister confirmed what I say. Why was not an inquiry instituted immed­ During the 19 months from 3 April, 1967, iately? A year later I have got nowhere. to 18 October, 1968, when I asked a question Is any more evidence needed than I have on the matter, her fortnightly withdrawals given today? for soap, powder and other toilet requisites Mr. R. E. M(){}re: Of course, they could -and those withdrawals were made on her change their minds, and stop buying some­ behalf because she is incapable of looking thing . .after her own affairs-averaged $12. After I asked the question on 18 October, 1968, Mr. TUCKER: I have presented the the average dropped suddenly to less than evidence concerning a person who is regarded $1 a fortnight. as a vegetable. Could she change her mind? I wish to cite another account that I have The doctor says that she is incapable of seen, and I can produce receipt numbers to handling her own affairs. Who changed her prove what I am about to say. In that mind for her? account, on 29 May, 1967, by voucher No. Mr. R. E. Moore: You said that she was a 41329 an amount of $6 was withdrawn; vegetable. on 27 June, 1967, by voucher No. 41346 an amount of $10 was withdrawn; on 29 Mr. TUCKER: The hon. member should September, 1967, by voucher No. 57806 an go and have a look if he wants to; he should amount of $6 was withdrawn (and I point keep quiet if he does not know anything out that additional similar withdrawals were about it. made between the ones I am citing); and on Mr. R. E. IVIoore: You are making the 6 December, 1967, by voucher No. 57830 charges, and you don't know anything about an amount of $8 was withdrawn. them. Mr. Murray: Who is touching the till? Mr. TUCKER: That is not so. I am Mr. TUCKER: The hon. member should substantiating them. be very disturbed about this. These people have been robbed of about $15.000 in five years. In truth, l believe Mr. Murray: I am disturbed. Who has that the total would be nearer to $30,000 been touching the till and getting at the during the five years. I ask how did the patients? person or persons get away with these Mr. TUCKER: On 14 February, 1968, by nefarious practices? Why was not the voucher No. 57866 an amount of $8 was administration alert to the fraud that was withdrawn; on 14 August, 1968, by voucher being perpetrated over that period? .Why did No. 57958 an amount of $10 was with­ not someone say, "Goodness gracwus me; drawn- how the devil could anybody spend $20 on toilet requisites in a fortnight?" Was not Mr. Murray: In the public interest, you someone examining these accounts? If there should tell us. was not, why not? Has there been a com­ Mr. TUCKER: On 25 September, 1968, plete breakdown in ad:ninistration in. the by voucher No. 57980 an amount of $8 Townsville General Hospital for a long time? was withdrawn. Then, on 18 October, 1968, In the light of what has happened it appears l asked my question-and what happened to me that there has been. What steps did in this account immediately after I asked it? the Board take when it became obvious that On 1 November, 1968, by voucher No. something was very wrong? It should not 57996 an amount of only $1.40 was with­ have taken the Board long to take action drawn. A fortnight later, on 12 November, because its members could quickly see the another very low amount of $1.61 was with­ figures that I have presented today. Even if drawn. Then, on 27 November by voucher it took the Board a month to carry out an No. 72613 $1.03 was withdrawn. examination, it would certainly have wakened up. But, a year later, nothing has Mr. Mm:ray: Who signed the vouchers? been done about it. The Minister said that inquiries are still being made-one year Mr. TUCKER: I do not know. They will be in the records of the T ownsville General later. Hospital or possibly the Health Department. Many people at the Townsvi!le General Hospital are under a cloud. I have asked Mr. Murray: If you have the voucher what steps the board has taken to clear numbers surely you could find out who signed the aood name of the workers at the hospital the vouchers so that a charge can be laid. and "'the hospital officials who have been in no way involved in this. Why did not the Mr. TUCKER: The information has been Board come out openly and say, "Something given to me. I have not sighted the vouchers. is wrong here," and clear the names of Somebody must have been perpetrating a those who could be smeared by innuendo? tremendous fraud and robbing this account. Why was not the blame sheeted home to I am quoting these figures to back up my the culprit or culprits? Surely the board statement. should be able to sheet it home. Why has it Mr. Murra1: You are skirting the issue. taken a year to do so? 890 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

These people, and their relatives, have been to examine intending employees and that robbed by a servant, or servants of the therefore it had to go to Dr. Scott-Young Townsville Hospital Board. The Govern­ at the Townsville General Hospital. ment should accept responsibility to reim­ burse all those who have lost money in Mr. Murray: Why do you reject that? this way. Mr. TUCKER: I do not believe that it Mr. Chalk: I will accept the responsibility has any basis in fact. Every person intend­ now of sending an officer of the Auditor­ ing to join the Railway Department or any General's Department to investigate. Are other department is required to undergo a you prepared to make your records available medical examination, which is conducted to an auditor from the Auditor-General's easily by doctors in Townsville. Fancy Mount Department? Isa Mines Limited, the supposed great bastion of private enterprise, using the facilities at Mr. TUCKER: These are the only records a State hospital! Did it do this to have I have; these are the facts that were given those examinations done cheaply? I do to me. Is the Board prepared to make its not know. However, I certainly reject the records available to the Treasurer? statement that that company could not find Mr. Chalk: I am not concerned about the a doctor in private practice to conduct those Board. I am concerned about whether you examinations, and I am asldng why it was will make your records available. done. Mr. TUCKER: I have included every I believe that there can be no degree of law record I have in my speech. The Treasurer breaking. A person either breaks the law or may hand this information to anyone he he does not. He cannot break it a little chooses. I have no other records. I have and get away with it. The law is the law. put everything I have been told into my If a person breaks it he must suffer the speech. Each time I have asked the Minister consequences. A person either does or does a question he has not said that I have been not break the law. wrong in any way. The Minister admitted that Dr. Scatt­ Mr. Chalk: I will get an officer of the y oung did not have the right of private prac­ Auditor-General's Department to look into tice. For the purposes of the record, I shall' this. read the question I asked on 2 September. and part of the Minister's answer. They Mr. TUCKER: I believe that not only are as follows:- should refunds be made by the Government, "(1) Can a medical officer employed full­ but that Dr. Scott-Young should be requested time by a hospital board accept witness to refund to the Board the $7,000 to $10,000 expenses and fees for attendance at court -whatever sum is involved-that he has in regard to a case involving the hospital received from Mount Isa Mines for medical in any way? If not, to whom or to where examination of its prospective employees, is such money paid? carried out at the Townsville General Hospital. "(2) Does this also apply to all other staff members employed full-time at gen­ Mr. Chinchen: Was that in his own time? eral hospitals? Mr. TUCKER: Yes. He said that it was "(3) In regard to accident cases where at night-time or at week-ends. a report is required to substantiate a I believe that this money should be used claim is a fee charged for such medical to compensate those who lost something. report? I shall make my point clear in a moment. "(4) If so, (a) what charge or charges Jldr. Murray: You are getting a bit com­ are made, (b) does the doctor preparing plicated. the report receive the fee or (c) is it. by direction, paid to the hospital board? Mr. TUCKER: I shall follow on. "(5) Has any medical officer employed I believe that these poor old people who by the Townsville General Hospital Board have been robbed outrageously should be now or at any previous time had the right compensated, and that all of that money of private practice?" should go into the Board's coffers. In exam­ ining these people, irrespective of whether Answers:- it was in his own time, at night-time or at any other time, he broke the law as a servant of the hospital. "(5) Yes, part-time visiting staff employed by the Townsville Hospitals Has a hospital board the right to alter Board, have the right of private practice." or bend the law, or should it administer On 27 August I asked the Minister for the law? I say that a board is there to administer the law, and anyone can read the Health- hospital Acts that apply. I reject completely " (I) In view of the stated staff shortage the Minister's answer to my question, namely, at the Townsville General Hospital, what that Mount Isa Mines Limited could not find doctor or doctors employed full-time at the any doctors in private practice in Townsville hospital carry out medical examinations to Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 891

determine the fitness or otherwise of intend­ l\1r. Murray: He is a splendid man, and ing employees or employees of Mount Isa calling him a "tall poppy" is insulting in the Mines Limited? extreme. You know that perfectly well. "(2) Are those examinations carried out in hospital hours and what fee is charged? Mr. TUCKER: What did the Board do in the case of the orderly who accepted a small "(3) How many persons have been so amount-something like $10-from some of examined to date and what has been the net the inmates? On 26 September, 1968, the return to the hospital? Hospitals Board wrote to Orderly C. Munt of '"(4) If the examinations are made out· the Townsville Hospital in these terms- side hospital hours, are such made with "Further to my memorandum of 2nd the approval of the Board and his Depart­ September, I have to advise that the Board ment and what amount to date has been has considered a report that money was paid by Mount Isa Mines Limited for this taken from Robert James Sagar in the service?'' course of your official duty and views such The answer given was- action with serious concern. In view, how­ "(1) Board Officers have advised that ever, of the circumstances obtaining in this the Medical Superintendent, Dr. N. R. case it has been decided that no disciplinary Scott-Young, has carried out medical action will be taken." examinations of intending employees of Apparently the Board considered the offence Mount Isa Mines Lld. was not a very serious one. The letter "(2 and 3) The Medical Superintendent continues- advised the Board that these examinations "However, the Board considers that have been carried out in the evenings or on money taken should be paid by you into week-ends. No fee is charged by the Board the Trust Account for purchase of patients for such examinations. The Board does, amenities. however, raise charges for any X-ray "You are now required to make payment examinations which form part of such to me of the full amount of money taken medical examination and an amount of from the patient abovementioned and $4.784.65 has been received from Mount receive an official receipt for the money Isa Mines Ltd. in respect of one thousand paid." and thirteen persons. The letter was signed by Mr. Barnes, the "(4) Following consideration of a report secretary. from the Medical Superintendent, dated Mr. Chlnchen: \Vas that work done in his March 7, 1967, detailing the arrangements working hours? for the conduct of these examinations, the Hospitals Board resolved 'That the matter Mr. TUCKER: In many cases, outside be closed'." them. I do not agree that he had the 1t is not closed as far as I am concerned. right to take any money. I do not want It is my contention that Section 18 (4) of the hon. member to have any doubt in Division 2, Part HI, of the Hospitals Act his mind about that. It is bad to have 1936 to 1964 was deliberately flouted on that a practice such as that beginning. But occasion. I do not care whether a senior surely there cannot be two interpretations of magistrate in charge of the Board at Towns­ the law, one for an orderly and one for the ville says it was not; I say it was. Such medical superintendent. examinations were not initially carried out Mr. Mm·ray: Leave the "tall poppy" out with the permission of the Board, as is of it. Keep to the medical superintendent. evident from paragraph (4) of the Minister's answer to my question. Had permission been Mr. TUCKER: If it makes the hon. mem­ given, why call for a report, and why resolve ber feel better, I will. that the matter be closed? That action was Mr. Murray: It certainly does. taken because the board suddenly found out what had been going on. It appears to me Mr. TUCKER: Is there one interpretation that this Board has allowed one of the tall of the law for the powerful and another poppies to break the law. for the weak? In my mind and in the minds of other members of the A.L.P., there What did the Board do in the case of an should not be. There should be one inter­ orderly who accepted money as a gift from pretation for rich or poor, powerful or weak. some of the inmates? I understand that in If it is good enough to ask the orderly to his own time he shaved them or sponged return $10, it is good enough to ask Dr. them, or performed some similar services. Scott-Young to return the $10,000, or what­ I might mention that I am not on his side, ever it was, that he received. If my infor­ because he does not have the right to accept mation is correct, he saw 1,030 people, and money from patients for his services. he should have received at least $6 a head Mr. Murray: Do you know Dr. Scott­ for seeing them. If $10,000 is not the Young? correct amount, someone should state the correct amount, because I have never been Mr. TUCKER: I do. told what it was. 892 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I remind Dr. Scott-Young that he was abusing people under him, or by going to the one who took the risk. He is intelligent, somebody and saying, "Here, ask this.", so he knew the Jaw, and he was a member of that that person might be discredited in the the Board that was prepared to send letters community. All loyal men would look at out to other people. If he believes that him and say, "What sort of a man is this?" he has any argument against me because I He would undermine himself immediately. have raised the matter, I point out to him that he took the risk and that he brought Articles have been written about the bril­ it on himself. liance in surgery of the Superintendent of the Townsville General Hospital. "Sunday Mr. Murray: But he is not a tall poppy, Truth" mentioned his skill in fixing fingers is he? and scalps, and performing bone grafts and so on. I have never questioned his brilliance Mr. TUCKER: I withdraw the term "tall as a surgeon. He is possibly a very brilliant poppy", if it will make the hon. member for surgeon, and he is benevolent and has a Clayfield happy. humanitarian approach. On those matters he Mr. Murray: You know him well. You is not under attack by me. I believe he has know that he is not a tall poppy. those qualities. I freely acknowledge he has them, but let me add that many doctors Mr. TUCKER: Paradoxically, the super­ and surgeons today have equal prowess and intendent said that the young -doctors who their story is never told. Strangely enough resigned from the Townsville General Hos­ this doctor's story is. I do not know why pital resented discipline. He said, "I tightened and I am not going to canvass that, but many the discipline and they could not take it." doctors, specialists and surgeons are equally Yet, by taking matters into his own hands brilliant and we never hear of them. I and flouting the law as he did relative to acknowledge that he is brilliant, benevolent Mount Isa Mines Limited, I believe that and humanitarian but it is his ability as an he has shown evidence of lack of self­ administrator that I am attacking today. As discipline. He cannot have it both ways. a surgeon, there is a tremendous demand In my opinion, one cannot be a leader and on his time and, in this regard, I again look say to people, "Do this", and oneself do at a report in "Sunday Truth" of 12 June. something else. One will never get anywhere 1969, which, amongst other things, states- by doing that. "Dr. Scott-Young's operating day each A great deal of dust and many side issues Thursday begins at 8 a.m. and frequently have been raised in the case of the Towns­ does not finish till midnight." ville General Hospital and the doctors, and I have here many statements about the long they have been raised to obscure the main hours he works in the theatre. If he is issue. That has been done over quite a in the theatre for thes·e long hours, who does long period, and it was done again on, I the administration? It must decline because think, the second page of "Sunday Truth" of his surgical activities, and I do not care last Sunday. Although many facts have been whether or not he disputes that. revealed on many occasions, the real cause of the trouble has never been disclosed. I have demonstrated today that this decline Doctors have resigned supposedly over beer, has occurred and that some of the things women, meat, and black eyes; dargs sup­ that have already happened-and which I posedly have been imposed. All these matters have evidenced-would not have happened have been mentioned in the last few months, had we a competent administrator who was and they have been designed, as I said, to divorced from the surgical and many other obscure the real issue. activities in which doctors have to engage and devoted the whole of his thought to Incidentally, speaking personally, if I were the administration of the Townsville General put in the position of being a leader, I Hospital. All these troubles have flowed would regard it as a reflection on my ability from the fact that there is no administrator as a leader if I could not resolve the prob­ there. That is the cause; the other matters lems of those serving under me. I would are the effects. The main cause is that we think it was a reflection on my ability if have no competent administrator at the hos­ I had to tell them to resign or had to fire pital; we have no man with the time to listen them, or something like that. If I could to the troubles of the staff, whether they not get them together and say, "Come over be real or imaginary. I think it is necessary here, men, talk this out and get it out of to have a man who will sit down and talk our insides", I do not know who could. over peoples' problems or troubles, and who In Army days that is exactly what we did will lend a sympathetic ear to them. If and we eventually came down to a just this could be done the troubles would dis­ solution. solve before our eyes. At present, we do Mr. Murray: You could always put them not have such a person at the Townsville on a charge. It is a bit difficult here. General Hospital. Mr. TUCKER: The hon. member who [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] interjected understood man management and leadership and he was fairly effective in it, Mr. TUCKER: I had put forward my too. I am talking about man management reasons for believing that the appointment of and leadership and no man ever got it by an administrator at the Townsville General Supply [14 OcTOBER] Supply 893

Hospital was needed urgently. The appoint­ from the out-patients' section and the wards. ment of an administrator would release Dr. it is quite possible that doctors cannot be Scott-Young completely from administrative released to visit the thoracic annexe. duties to play the role for which he is best suited, and that is surgery. I do not think On 8 October, the Minister, in reply to that anybody could argue against that state­ a question I asked, said that no doctor had ment. When a man is at the head of a been through the annexe for a fortnight. complex like the Townsville General Hos­ It follows that the patients had not seen pital, occasions must arise when he does not any doctor for 14 days. Surely that would want to let any of his administrative powers create anxiety amongst these people who fall into the hands of another person­ should not be upset in any way. That state but there comes a time when he must. At of affairs is the direct result of the short­ the present time, with the Townsville Gen­ age of doctors at the Townsville General eral Hospital growing as it is, he must relin­ Hospital. If we can gain the confidence quish a number of his powers to a competent of doctors in Queensland, particularly young administrator. I am not here to canvass doctors, we will do something worth while whether the surgeon or the administrator for Townsville in particular and North should be the senior man-that is for the Queensland in general. I believe that there Department to decide-but there is no doubt have been no requests to go to the Towns­ that at present the chief surgeon's duties ville General Hospital from students who are so onerous that he does not find time will graduate as doctors in a month or so. to carry out effectively the administration that That must be a worry for the administra­ falls to him. tion. I know that some of them will be allocated to the Townsville hospital because I wish to place on record that this is the State has the right to do that, but it not a plot-a political plot, if one likes to will be a very poor staff if doctors have call it that-to get rid of Dr. Scott-Young to be sent there. from the Townsville General Hospital. I For at least the last six months a great speak out for what I believe is best for the deal has been said in this Chamber about Townsville General Hospital. For quite some the young doctors of Townsville. On 19 time I have believed that it is necessary in March, 1969, a group of young doctors at the interests of efficiency at that hospital the Townsville General Hospital wrote to to have an administrator appointed. This is the superintendent pointing out the inade­ not the first time that I have advanced quate accommodation provided for junior the matter in this Chamber. It is only a residents. I know that what they said was year or so ago that I put the same argument true because I asked a number of questions forward, and I know that on that occasion about the matter. In their letter they virtu­ it caused a good deal of resentment. I am ally recapitulated everything said by the not here to worry about that, but to see, superintendent in 1968 about accommoda­ first and foremost, that the people of North tion. Their letter was ignored. Immediately Queensland, and in particular the people of they bristled and, on 1 April, 1969, they Townsville, get a fair go medically. wrote to the superintendent again, asking for a reply to their letter. However, all At present the Townsville General Hos­ they got was foolish, aggressive reaction to pital cannot afford to be without its full their reasonable request. quota of doctors, but it is many doctors short If time permits I will put on record the of that quota. When the quota is down, full text of this letter they wrote to the the work-load must be shouldered by fewer superintendent on 26 June- doctors, and, spread as it is sometimes over more than eight hours a day, it gradually "Dear Sir, crushes those who are forced to bear it. If We the undersigned would like to bring that situation is allowed to continue, a greater to your urgent notice various inadequacies number of doctors will resign from the in the training of R.M.O's at the Towns­ Townsville General Hospital for the simple ville General Hospital. reason that shouldering a greater work-load makes them tired. The stage has been reached 1. There is a lack of adequate super­ where we in Townsville are almost crippled vision and guidance for junior resident medically, and something positive needs to medical staff, particularly for first year be done very quickly to convince those who R.M.O's in their pre-registration year. would go to Townsville that they would be 2. There is little opportunity for most able to go to the appointee, put their prob­ residents, particularly first year R.M.O's lems to him, and receive a sympathetic to have any continuity of association hearing. Because of the present work-load with, or supervision of, patients care. of doctors, efficiency at the Townsville Gen­ Such continuity of supervision we feel eral Hospital is suffering. is fundamental to building up satis­ factory doctor-patient relationships and On 8 October I asked a question about essential to enable junior medical staff what was happening at the thoracic annexe to learn from their experience. at the Townsville General Hospital. Rela­ tives of patients had told me that, on many At present our actual involvement occasions, patients had not seen a doctor with patients is at best a haphazard and for a week or more. In view of the demand disjointed process. 894 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

3. Both of the above deficiencies have There is more to 'the letter. However, that been greatly exacerbated by an acute is the letter they wrote pointing out what was staff shortage. worrying them. That is one of the causes Earlier in the year, the hospital staff that have been lost in this controversy. At consisted of ten first year R.M.O's, two the risk of repeating myself, Jet me say that second year R.M.O.'s, one third year if these doctors had been able to sit down R.M.O., four Registrars and a Medical quietly and discuss the matter with the S~perintendent. So far this year, the administrator, many of these problems would third year R.M.O., and tv.o first year have been ironed out. But this administrator R.M .O.'s h~1ve resigned. Subsequently, is tied up in surgery and has not always the further postmgs of R.M.O.'s to Innisfail time to discuss problems. It could be that he Hospital has aggravated the shortage. is annoyed at having to attend to these At present our first year R.M.O. Dr. matters in the little time available to him. Herring is in Innisfail, a second year That is human, and I understand it. This R.M.O. is acting as Medical Re<>istrar responsibility should be taken from him and (as the Medical Registrar is on "'study given to an administrator, so that there Leave) and the other second year would be a person who could talk to these R.M.O., the senior R.M.O. in 0 & G and people and reply to letters submitted by them Pediatrics, as well as his normal duties in a moderate and decent manner. By this is doing work normally done by two first means there could be an understanding of year R.M.O.'s. The number of Residents what they want and what is needed in the in effect has been reduced from 13 to 8. hospital, and the confidence of these young Even with a full complement of 13 men could be gained in their pre-registration Residents however, there was little term. opportunity for residents to follow pat­ (Time expired.) ien~s in continuity. For example, all patients are admitted in the casualty or Mr. LICKISS (Mt. Coot-tha) (2.29 p.m.): Out-patients and not by the Ward resi­ I congratulate the Treasurer on the presenta­ dents. This means that the Ward resi­ tion of his Budget. The problems con­ dents are denied the opportunity to par­ fronting the State are clearly stated. How­ ever, from my examination of the situation ticipate in the management and treat­ there are two vital issues confronting Queens­ ment of patients during the acute phase of their illness. Again, even with the land towards which I direct attention. The first is the crippling effects of the continuing full complement of residents, the Resi­ dent doing surgical term was rostered drought which pervades widespread areas of to the Surgical Wards only when the the State. The second, as we have been reminded, is that the year 1969-70 will be Surgical Superintendent did his ward a critical year in the field of Commonwealth­ rounds on M on day and Friday mornings. State financial arrangements in that the five­ Since the Staff Shortage has been acute year currency of the present Financial Assist­ there is no longer any time at all o~ ance Grants scheme expires on 30 June next. the roster for him to see patients pre- or post-operatively. This we consider is These two factors, to my mind, provide us with adequate justification to pause and con­ hardly satisfactory training in Surgery. sider the future pattern of economic growth As far as other accredited terms are of this State. concerned, the part-time consultant staff In a previous speech during the Address­ are helpful and eager to instruct the in-Reply debate some two years ago, I junior residents, but they have little directed attention to the terms often used opportunity to do so, as the resident about Queensland-the words "potential" and Staff are so frequently summoned to "development". In yet another speech in perform other duties not in any way 1967 referring to development, I said- related to the particular terms they are doing. For example, the first year "The more I looked at this vital issue, R.M.O. who last did 0 & G Vias not the more I was convinced that Queens­ permitted to be in the Wards' when the land's 'development' must be equated with Consultant did his rounds. more people living in this State perman­ In fact at present, the term a Resident ently with a high and rising standard of is meant to be doing, according to the living." timetable, bears little relation to what he To me the "development" of Queensland and actually does. For example, the resident the "potential" of Queensland must be doing Orthopaedics spends four morn­ strongly linked, and we must constantly ings per week seeing general outpatients advocate the vital necessity to develop and three afternoons per week doino Queensland's potential. Queensland is the routine admissions for all wards. Th~ State with potential ripe for development. Resident doing a combined term of This concept is vital to Queensland, and Psychiatry, Skin and Eye, is on call for just as vital to the nation. Anaesthetics five afternoons per week It is therefore ludicrous that in a State in addition to being responsible fo;. with the potential of Queensland our Treas­ routine admissions to all wards on two of urer should have to be concerned with making these afternoons and attends to general ends meet, and with programming expendi­ outpatients each week morning." ture in the public sector to stabilise the Supply (14 OCTOBER} Supply 895 deflationary effects on the State's economy of occasions previously in this place. This stemming from adverse seasonal conditions. should not only be the objective of Queens­ However, not only have we become contin­ landers; it is essential that it be a national ually acquainted with a "drought" in climatic aspiration. If the past contribution that this conditions; we are also becoming equally State has made to the nation's progress is not familiar with a "drought" of capital resources recognised, a great injustice will have been to satiate the requirements of this expanding committed. economy. There is an urgent need for economic stability in Queensland as a pre­ It is common knowledge now amongst all requisite to getting on with the vital task thinking Australians that the extremely high of developing to the full our tremendous and level of export earnings from Queensland's undoubted potential, and we must be assured great rural industries and, more recently, its that the supply of funds for this purpose internationally acclaimed mineral industries will continue. has provided the foreign exchange necessary to offset the heavy demands made on the I would liken the present situation to that balance of payments by industry in New which faced us at the beginning of the decade. South Wales and Victoria. In other words, On that occasion, it will be remembered, Queensland's earnings have helped finance Queensland was already below the full the development of the southern States. employment level because of climatic set­ backs and an absence of diversification and This is borne out clearly by record export strength of the non-farm sector. Yet national earnings of $670,000,000, resulting in a stabilisation policies suited to conditions per­ record overseas trade surplus of about taining in southern States were irrevocably $400,000,000 for Queensland in 1968-69 com­ imposed on this State, with no due allowance pared with an Australian deficit of about for our already weakened economic structure. $100,000,000. Moreover, Queensland spends Similarly, our present predicament bears about $800,000,000 per annum on goods resemblances to snother spasm of adverse from interstate, which is far in excess of what seasonal conditions in the middle of the it sells in other States. Consequently, this decade around 1964-65. However, despite State's contribution is twofold in that it the harsh conditions which were experienced, purchases in quantity from southern manu­ our anxiety was alleviated as we observed facturers whom it has helped to finance into the pronounced trend towards industriali­ operations. sation which had become apparent. The transformation from a rural economy to a I would be the first to concede that large­ more balanced rural-industrial economy, with scale market-oriented industries will continue the emphasis on the industrial component of to be attracted to the larger centres of the economy, promised security and an population. Queensland can expect such upsurge in job opportunities, accompanied industries here only as its growth rate brings by an increase in standards of living. it up to such a level that economies of scale eventuate. But it is resource-based develop­ This promise was fulfilled. At that stage ment that is required in Queensland, and in we had no oil refineries, no alumina plants, this field the State has the resources with no natural gas pipelines, and nothing like the more than enough potential to suggest inter­ present scale of operations in automobile nationally competitive industries. assembly and fertiliser production. These large-scale capital investment programmes It would be a scandal for national authori­ undoubtedly quickened the tempo of activity. ties to ignore the world-wide trend towards More importantly, each of these projects liberalisation of trade, bringing into vogue came to fruition as a result of the attraction once again the law of competitive advantage. of the resources which this State possessed. It is in the field of exploitation of resources This is important to note. But contrast such as those existing in this State that the this with the present situation. There is a nation's comparative advantages lie and upon vacuum, as it were, in the private capital which its performance in the international investment sector. Even the anticipated economy depends. This serves only to boom in Central Queensland following the emphasise further the point that any new construction of the power-house is some Commonwealth-State agreement must ensure distance away, and, when it eventuates, the that scope is provided for marshalling public linkage of proposed industries will follow funds into those avenues that offer the a staggered pattern rather than a continuous greatest economic return to the nation, flow of expenditure. Indeed, until the next namely, in this case, the opportunities for bout of development projects in this State, resource-based development ,in this State. bridging finance is needed on a basis of full recognition of the potential Queensland There is no reason to expect State financial possesses and which is ripe for development. needs to be related entirely to population growth, to Commonwealth taxation collec­ The acceleration of capital expenditure can tions, or even to a State equivalent of gross be maintained provided we are equipped with national product, if such a figure were avail­ the wherewithal to provide the necessary able to us. Expenditure on education and infrastructure for industry and industrial health services depends on the demographic expansion. Hon. members will recall, of and geographic structure of the population. course, that I have used the term "infrastruc­ Expenditure on housing and utiiities depends, ture" and explained its meaning on a number to a large degree, on formation of households. 896 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Expenditure on transport and urban develop­ however, the potency of the States );Jas been ment generally must be related to the growing eroded, and the likelihood of <'Jntinued problem of congestion and pollution in cities. erosion is apparent. Most importantly, expenditure on providing One other aspect of the present system the environment for industrial growth should which stands out as anomalous is that of be related to the potential of a region for specific-purpose payments whereby Common­ economic development. Any future Common­ wealth funds are tied to particular projects wealth-State financial agreement must incor­ which, in the opinion of the Commonwealth porate a weighting towards States such as authorities, are the soundest. With the Queensland and Western Australia in this fundamental knowledge of this State's eco­ regard. nomic resources, Queenslanders are in a far However, I would like to take this matter superior position to determine the most a step further. As a federalist, I have beneficial projects from the point of view become increasingly concerned at the usurping of long-term development. A more satis­ of the power of sovereign States to raise factory arrangement in the future would revenue of their own accord. There can be be to increase substantially the general no doubt that the present situation pertain­ revenue grants to the States and to reduce ing to grants under section 96 of the Com­ specific-purpose payments. monwealth Constitution has been responsible I can see some benefit in the scheme for the State's becoming a mere agency of mentioned to date in several quarters for the Commonwealth Government, a conveni­ an independent fiscal commission which could ent form of administration over the funds to review submissions from States and allocate be expended. funds, after an appraisal of Commonwealth At the outset of federation there was an and State revenue raisings and planned expen­ imbalance of revenue sources and expendi­ diture. I could also see where some check ture obligations in favour of the Common­ on Commonwealth expenditure might be wealth, and a system of revenue transfers advantageous. I believe that if such a which took some account of derivation and scheme were implemented Queensland would source of fiscal needs. Over time, the have little to fear as the most sophisticated Commonwealth has expanded its fiscal opera­ of benefit-cost analysis would show up our tions, relative to those of the States, particu­ very many resource-based projects in a very larly on the revenue side. The revenue­ favourable light. expenditure gap between Governments in However, it is not in the field of fiscal Australia seems to be substantial compared policy alone that national thinking fails to with most federations and the degree of take account of our particular needs. redistribution among units relatively high. Monetary policy also has always been a Latest figures show that in recent years vital, though more subtle, means of regula­ the Commonwealth's revenue has been more tion of economic activity. What is of than enough to meet its expenditure (revenue concern here is, once again, the tendency being 144 per cent. of expenditure exclud­ towards the formulation of policy at the ing payments to States over the last three national level, and recent developments have years), while State and local revenue has proved that such concern is warranted. fallen far short of expenditure (revenue As I have mentioned previously, the current excluding Commonwealth payments being 46 drought conditions are exacting their toll. per cent. of expenditure). The States, con­ Estimates for the current financial year have sequently, have been heavily reliant on the placed the fall in farm income at more Commonwealth payments and on borrowing. than $100,000,000, which is, in other words, Whilst I recognise that there are some at least a 15 per cent. drop from previous advantages of co-ordinated national policy levels. in public fund collection, nevertheless it is The deflationary effects of these adverse imperative that this trend must be accom­ seasonal conditions are evident in a sluggish­ panied by public spending in which the most ness in retail sales and a fall in the demand efficient allocation of funds is the basis of for motor vehicles. In addition, there is distribution. If this cannot be guaranteed, evidence of a significant idle capacity in then it is incumbent on us to press for a our engineering industries. We ought to greater degree of autonomy in keeping our keep a weather eye also on the prosperity own house. of the building industry, particularly house State Governments, with little scope to construction, in the months that lie ahead. increase their own revenue collections, are For the first time since 1961-62 there are vigorous and persistent seekers after enlarged more applicants for jobs as skilled metal grants. The very deficiency of taxing power and electrical tradesmen than there are job has induced a more pernicious use of political vacancies. Hon. members will realise the pressures. The States command citizen seriousness of the situation when they remem· loyalties; the Press is State orientated; the ber that a previous chronic shortage of this services provided in peace time are pre­ form of labour had influenced State migration dominately rendered by State and local gov­ officials towards heavy recruitment of such ernments. The result is that these govern­ tradesmen overseas. In addition to the fall ments should have a natural dominance in in new recruits for this requirement of indus· determination of spending policies, in spite try, there appears to be an increase in idle of their loss of taxing power. Over all, capacity, with employers reluctant to dispose Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 897 of staff. These indicators can mean only past practices whereby prospective investors, that there is an urgent need for an injection including the Federal Government, have been of capital expenditure, preferably from the confronted and have to do battle with a public sector. For the rural predicament, variegated array of State departments. Such relief to drought-stricken areas is not a piecemeal, unco-ordinated approach to State sufficient, because the rural entrepreneurs development should be a thing of the past. in drought-free areas of the State are the ones who have need of a flexible bank· Mr. Porter: You are advocating a statutory lending policy to ensure that operations authority as the eventual aim. are maintained at existing levels at least. Mr. LICKISS: That is the eventual aim. For the non-farm sector, and particularly the engineering component, there is a need In speaking on the topic of regional for selective credit policy based on industry, planning and development, I note with pleas­ type of activity and location, before stabilisa­ ure that provision has been made in the tion can be effected, leading ultimately to a Budget for a special allocation of $25,000 pattern of growth and development. This to cover the cost of rail freight subsidies on should have been obvious from past goods to and from exporting industrial con­ experiences. cerns situated beyond a 25-mile radius from With this background in mind, one cannot the nearest port. This subsidy will initially fail to be shocked when national monetary lower the cost of every item of raw material policies are formulated to handle an excess­ which is needed by these decentralised indus­ demand situation that may prevail in southern tries and will also place them in a far more States but certainly is non-existent in Queens· competitive position to exploit export mar· land. Once again I say that we cannot be kets. It is to be hoped that the provision the victims of inflexible, nationally flavoured will apply to interstate exports as well, since thinking that is designed some 750 miles all exports from a region assist in the from our border. strengthening of that region's economic base. This provision, however, should be but a In short, it is imperative that both monetary first step in formulating policy for regional and fiscal measures should incorporate development. We must replace what appears sufficient flexibility to guarantee that Queens­ to be a piecemeal approach with an increas­ land's potential for development should not ing measure of co-ordination. It is only be handicapped by Commonwealth thinking. natural that the Railways and Electricity This is not to say that there is nothing Commissioners, for example, should proceed for us to do in this matter of optimum cautiously in the granting of concessional economic growth and development. In a rates for industries in provincial centres. previous speech I stressed the need for greater Naturally, each authority has a desire to concentration on regional development. It minimise losses and cannot afford to be remains true that, of necessity, regional too generous with such incentives. Moreover, development planning must produce priorities an analysis of the current mixed systems for State and national development expendi· in existence for concessional charges, to ture. Analysis of regional resources is determine the total amount of Government a vital ingredient in constructing the con· assistance afforded such industries in these ceptual framework that is essential for those specific fields, would present a tremendous charged with the responsibility of making task. intelligent policy decisions on integrated and What I now propose in answer to these co-ordinated programmes for the develop­ problems is a regional development fund ment of the primary, secondary and tertiar.y which would be used to reimburse a por­ industries within this State. tion of the rail freight charges, electricity In this respect, it was very pleasing to charges, and so on, and provide short-term hear many of the factors that I have and long-term borrowing, for land, building advocated adopted by the Premier in his and plant requirements. Such a fund would announcement about forming a State plan­ serve these major functions: ning authority to cater for regional planning. 1. It would continue the State's policy The effective functioning of such a bod_y of encouragement of decentralisation of would do much to further the ability of industrial activity, allowing the entre­ the Government to direct capital expansion preneur contemplating establishment to dis­ in the public sector-and encourage it in cuss all aspects of operations with the one the private sector-into selected regions that body. are capable of reaching a take-off point. However, it must be remembered and 2. The pressure on individual Govern· emphasised that, to achieve this objective, ment authorities for concessions and special such a body must be soundly and broadly treatment would be relieved allowing them based. to pursue normal consistent operations. It must contain experts drawn from busi­ 3. The total cost of regional develop­ ness, economic, planning, engineering, scien­ ment could be measured by the summa­ tific and sociological fields if it is to be tion of all public expenditure from the a competent body capable of formulating fund. Resultant benefits cou1d be related strategies for development. Moreover, we periodically to such costs to determine are in urgent need of one bureaucratic the effectiveness of the regionalisation spokesman on developmental matters, to avoid programme. 30 898 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

The administration of such a fund would (b) National recognition must be given most logically be best performed by the new both to the contribution Queensland has State planning authority, subject to the made to the development of industry in Treasury, enabling policy review and imple­ the more densely populated States, and to mentation to be closely integrated, which the vast potential which exists here for would be most desirable for administrative resource-based development, provided and economic efficiency. sufficient public expenditure i~ forthcoming All of the foregoing suggestions are put to provide the necessary infra~tructure. forward as possible remedies, to provide a (c) Future Commonwealth-State financial structure suitable to accommodate the boom agreements must incorporate "Potential for in industrialisation that could eventuate from development" as a criterion of bnd allo­ the appropriate attention at the national and cation. subnational level. However, I am also concerned with the fabric which will com­ (d) State Government policies for reg­ pose such a structure, that is, the personnel ional development must be co-ordinated who will take part in Queensland's future and based soundly and broadly. Th~ pro­ industrial growth. posed regional development fund would materially assist the fulfilment of thi< The Australian record in industrial relations objective. is not altogether a happy one. We have a system which boasts of being one of con­ (e) The resultant pattern of growth ciliation and arbitration. Industrial disputes which would ensue from the foregoing can be just as serious a disruptive factor to must proceed in harmonious relationships progress as a shortage of capital or labour as regards public and private capital, and resources. Largely, progress in development as between employer and employee. I is basically the relationship of applied capital recommend the establishment of a Depart­ and labour. ment of Industrial Relations. In my opinion, there must be a greater I conclude with a quotation, with due apolo­ emphasis on conciliation; on settling differ­ gies to Sir Thomas Playford- ences of opinion in a harmonious way, free "I cannot believe that the Common­ from the threat of pressure. To many, that wealth could find an authority that would may appear to be almost impossible of be able to give it better advice on the achievement; I believe not. needs of Queensland than the Queensland Consequently, I suggest once more, as I authorities could.'' have before, the early formation of a Department of Industrial Relations. Such Mr. WRIGHT (Rockhampton South) a department could remove the need for (2.59 p.m.): Members of the Government, in hard-line, time-consuming evaluation and a natural yet somewhat blind allegiance to the examination of what are, often, irrelevant Deputy Premier and ~re_asu~er, . h~ve matters and procedures. There must be a described the Budget as realistic, Imagmative weater emphasis on conciliation in settling and progressive. I agree. t~at the Budget is differences of opinion in a harmonious way indeed worthy of descnptiOn, but unfortu­ free from the threats of pressure. Naturally, nately the fitting terminology would be some­ in all such matters, there are many aspects what unparliamentary and unbecoming of a to be discussed, and the public interest member of the Legislative Assembly. cannot be ignored any more than the interests The statement that the Budget is realistic of the parties concerned. It could provide and does so much to meet the real and the environment for an equitable peaceful pressing financial needs of this State is indeed treatment of claims, and infuse a proaressive questionable, as it lacks !oresight of the .f~ture attitude into _employers and employee;, com­ requirements of the mynad o_f fiscal rec1p1ents mensurate with the progress in the standard functioning in our commumty. The Budget of living which will be attained as the could hardly be described as imaginati~e. industrialisation and economic development Because it fails to fulfil the present commit­ of this State proceed apace. ments of many departments and organisations In conclusion, may I commend the Treas­ dependent on the Stat~, let alone set a p_attern urer on the presentation of this deficit Budget for increased expansion and growth, 111 all designed to neutralise the adverse seasonal honesty it could not be described as pro­ and economic conditions currently prevailing gressive. It is, however, the type of Budget in this State, in the midst of national policies that one would expect from a Treasurer who which, in my opinion, appear to fall short in has to contend with the wrangling factions accounting for our unique situation. within the coalition Government, the domineering claws of big industry and foreign My feelings and recommendations con­ investors, and a Country-Liberal Government cerning the future of this State could be whose lack of interest in, and apathy towards, summarised as follows:- the State of Queensland is well known. One (a) There is an urgent need for Com­ has only to refer to the recent Commonwealth monwealth fiscal and monetary policies to loan of $80,000,000 for the Central Queens­ be applied on a more flexible basis, taking land power-house, at the buccaneer interest into account conditions peculiar to this rate of 6.4 per cent., to validate that state­ State. ment. Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 899

Hon. members of the Opposition who have Q cars, breathalysers, demerit scales, and the spoken in this debate have each in turn recent and most infamous Mafia-style radar exposed the deficiencies, oversights, and traps. Numerous articles have been written anomalies in the proposed State expenditure in the Press emphasising road hazards and for 1969-70. Let me cite one example. The highlighting the death toll, and, in all, hon. member for Toowoomba West has been forthright-and, I believe, completely justi­ endeavouring to make the community more fied-in his criticism of the meagre financial safety conscious. Thousands of dollars have hand·out to the Queensland Sub-Normal been spent in producing shock films and Children's Welfare Association. I personally attitude-conditioning advertisements, yet day commend him for his initiative, and I am in by day the number of fatalities continues to complete agreement with the views expressed increase. in his speech. The experts-! have no doubt there are The Government's attitude to subnormal many of them on the other side of the children is indicative of its over-all ignorance Chamber-have blamed the roads, the rules, of the real requirements of the Queensland the cars and the drivers, all, however, with community, and it is typical of its unwritten varying emphasis. I agree-and I hope policy of determining the importance of a Government members agree also-that far community need by its capacity to win votes. greater expenditure is necessary for the An increase in subsidy from $100,000 to continued improvement of our road system, $200,000 may seem reasonable to the uninformed, yet in comparison with the but, as I have already pointed out, this association's real needs it is a drop in an expenditure should be made at a much faster empty bucket. rate. Further evidence that the Government There is a need also to develop a new adheres to this degree-of-political-importance attitude to town planning and road con­ policy when distributing its financial wares is struction. Countries such as Britain and seen in the allocation to the Queensland Road America, in tackling these problems, are Safety Council. In this case, the increase is endeavouring to do away with the grid system a miserable $12,995. One can see from this of town planning, which has been ret>ponsible that the Government takes the problem of in the past for the hazardous intersection. road safety very lightly and it is not prepared They are implementing a T-line system and to accept its responsibility in this field. I point eradicating through roads in residential areas. out to the Committee that the annual death In Japan the need for constant concentration toll on the world's roads is counted in hun­ when driving is realised, and a place of dreds of thousands, and Australia holds the prime importance has been given to this need unenviable title of being the most dangerous by implementing the continually curving country in the world for the motorist. highway, which is fast reducing the old straight and never-ending road. In Queensland since 1938, when statistics were first compiled, over 9,000 people have Mr. Lickiss: Don't you think that is taking been killed on the roads, and approximately place in Australia? You are about 10 years 200,000 have been seriously injured. In other out of date. words, in just over 30 years virtually a town the size of Kingaroy, Dalby or Bowen has Mr. WRIGHT: I ask the hon. member to been wiped out on the roads of this State. listen. Australia, however, has a lot to learn about road construction. Although I admit l'VIr. Hinze: What constructive proposals do that attempts at improvement have been you intend to put forward to improve road made in various parts of the country, it safety? seems that the statement made at the Third Pacific Regional Meeting of the International Mr. WRIGHT: I intend to make some very Road Federation last year-1 ask the hon. constructive proposals, and I hope the hon. member if he would like to comment on member will be good enough to listen to this-that Australia's road system is techno­ them. logically obsolescent and demonstrably Over the years attempts have been made to unsafe has fallen on deaf ears. It went on combat the ever-rising road toll, but with to say' that the blame for road accidents ml!st very little success. lie mainly at the feet of those who advise the Federal Government to allocate an exces­ Mr. Miller: What do you think of the sive portion of the nation's wealth to vehicles Australian Labour Party's Christmas message and an inadequate portion to building safe printed on all the main arterial roads? roads for their use. Mr. WRIGHT: Would the hon. member Mr. Chinchen: What about the people who like to know what I think of the Premier's drive the cars? Haven't they any responsi­ idea of five different policies on radar traps? bility? As I was saying, new road rules have been Mr. WRIGHT: That statement has applica­ introduced. Almost every year special com­ tion to the State Government, for there are mittees are set up to study the problem. Harsh many examples throughout the State of old penalties have been inflicted, and we have ideas of road construction and town planning seen the introduction of such weapons as still in practice. 900 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Central Queensland offers a golden oppor­ Tasmania it varies between 30 and 40 miles tunity to implement all the new ideas, for it an hour; rin Victoria it is 40, and in the it witnessing the birth of new towns. Unfor­ A.C.T. 35. tunately, it 'is difficult to teach old dogs new Mr. Armstrong: There is no speed limit tricks, because at Blackwater the old grid in Victoria. system is being used, regardless of its dis­ advantages. Very shortly a new town will Mr. WRIGHT: I suggest that the hon. be built on the Goonyella field, and I ask member check his facts. These figures cer­ the Government to take steps to see that that tainly show that Queensland is out practice is not duplicated. of step with the rest of Australia and that revision is urgently needed. Closely associated with road construction are highway signs, markings and lighting. The problem of roadworthiness of vehicles, Again I frankly admit that changes are taking especially with the sale of second-hand place, but there are still numerous examples vehicles, has been given the blind-eye treat­ of badly sited and inappropriate signs and of ment by the Government in Queensland. misleading markings. Far too often, it seems, I believe it is the responsibility of the Govern­ a motorist is startled by a sudden change in ment to protect the public from the dishonest the road, a sharp bend, or a badly lit crossing, dealer. This will be done only if all and I would say at a guess that over the second-hand vehicles are checked and years thousands of drivers have gone through certified by departmental officers before they stop signs simply because they did not see are allowed to be driven on the roads. them. At this point, I commend the New South Wales has a system which R.A.C.Q. for its splendid work in the field, I think should be introduced here. It is but I believe that it should be the complete compulsory in New South Wales to have responsibility of the Government. one's vehicle examined periodically by a No doubt Government members would Government-authorised agency. This would suggest that a lack of money is the reason reduce accidents attributable to mechanical for the Government's failure to solve these defects and indirectly it would work against the sale of "bombs". problems. That seems to be their answer to most of the problems that are apparent Mr. Chinchen interjected. today. Mr. WRIGHT: I have some figures here. Mr. Chalk: I will bet it is your problem, too. Mr. Chinchen: I would be very interested to know. Mr. WRIGHT: Yes. Will the Treasurer Mr. WRIGHT: The solution to the problem lend me a dollar? of the sale of "bombs" is as much in the I doubt whether that excuse of lack of hands of the motorist who sells the "bomb" money is valid, because no hon. member to the dealer as it is with the dealer who could honestly put a price on a human life. resells it. Discussion on the subject usually I ask: it is because of a lack of money, or centres on the car dealers; but I think it is is it because of an inappropriate allocation time to realise that the Government has a of the funds available? responsibility to the dealers. They deserve protection just as much as buyers of second­ There is a need also for uniformity of hand vehicles. signs, rules and regulations throughout Aus­ tralia. This need becomes evident when one The present system of snap checks on car yards leaves much to be desired as it has compares, for example, the speed limits for all the characteristics of a game of chance. goods and passenger-carrying vehicles in Coupled with this is an ever-increasing need Queensland with those in other States. for built-in safety features in all new cars. In Queensland, it seems that everything Steps are being taken by some car manu­ is cut and dried. The limit is 35 facturers to meet this need but, unfortunately, miles an hour in built-up areas and 60 miles the official safety features are regarded as an hour elsewhere. Let me take two sales gimmicks instead of basic safety essen­ examples: first, vehicles with loads exceeding tials. One suggestion I read in one seven tons in built-up areas. The rule in of the articles I looked at-and this has Queensland Jays down 35 miles an hour, in been overlooked by the Government-is that New South Wales 30 miles an hour, in South the braking system should be connected to Australia 25 miles an hour, in the A.C.T. 25 the accelerator. I believe this is worthy miles an hour, in Victoria 30 miles an hour, of thought, yet it has been completely o':er­ in Tasmania 35 miles an hour, and in Western looked by all the committees and orgamsa­ Australia 30 miles an hour. tions set up. The second example that I take is vehicles However, it is apparent that, even with with loads exceeding seven tons in areas not better roads, uniform rules and safer cars, classified as built-up. The rule in Queensland, the problem of safety on our roads would as I said earlier, lays down 60 miles an still not be solved. This may sound some­ hour, in New South Wales 35 miles an hour, what pessimistic but I say it because I in South Australia 35 miles an hour, and in believe that the real and underlying cause Western Australia 40 miles an hour. In of the mounting road toll is not a physical Supply (14 OCTOBER] Supply 901 one but a human one. Road safety involves Mr. WRIGHT: It is so. The Govern­ individuals. Therefore, it is influenced by ment has continued to set up committees the actions of individuals and by the person­ to investigate the causes of road accidents ality make-up of those individuals. I shall without regard to this aspect. If the hon. refer to those who are informed-no doubt member would look at any of the statements there are very few on the other side of in the latest news reports of selected com­ the Chamber--on the personality theory of mittees-like the one that the Minister for road-death causes, which is based on the Transport spoke about at a seminar held proposition that a man drives as he lives, in 1968-he will find that this matter has Some research has been done on this in not been touched on; in fact, it has been Australia but far more has been carried out completely overlooked. The Government has overseas. In Canada a psychiatric study inquired into matters such as bad roads and was made of taxi-drivers who repeatedly bad drivers. had accidents and the findings were com­ The reason for this non-acceptance of the pared with those of another group who were personality theory is possibly again a finan­ classified as accident-free. The study revealed cial one, although I contend that it is due in the history of the accident-prone group partly to the underlying apathy and sheer personal and social maladjustments which ignorance of the Government on the sub­ included criminal records, disturbed family ject of road safety. relationships and anti-social incidents. Dr. Jamieson divided drivers into three Sixty-six per cent. of those listed as accident groups: the reckless, the negligent and the repeaters were known to have dealings with seemingly non-contributing. The results of the police, to have attended V.D. clinics the studies of the backgrounds of the various or to have had contact over a long period groups are interesting indeed, and for that with social-service agencies. reason I shall put them before hon. members today. In 1965 a British criminologist, Dr. T. C. Dr. J amieson found that the reckless Willett, who studied the personality aspect driver was male to a much higher degree of the accident-prone driver, published a than the average driver in the community; book called "Criminal on the Road," incor­ he was also much younger than the average porating the results of his investigations into driver in the community; that he came the social background of people involved in usually from a broken home caused by serious road offences. Dr. Willett found that either divorce or separation of his parents; of 653 offenders studied, 32.2 per cent. were that his educational performance was poor; known to the police for offences other than that, although his intelligence was average those associated with motoring. In other for the community as determined by tests words, almost one-third of the dangerous on the usual Army scale, he had reached drivers who were investigated had criminal lower grades at school; that at work he had records. Similar research has been conducted a lower occupational status than the com­ by Dr. A. R. Lauer, Professor of Psychology munity average; that his employment and Director of the Driving Research Lab­ record was often unsatisfactory and he had oratory at the Iowa State University, and changed jobs frequently; that his history of by Dr. Stephen Black. accidents, both at home and in industry, Mr. Miller: This research has been done was higher than average; that, if married, in Queensland, too. there was a pattern of instability. In addi­ tion-and this is very important-he had a Mr. WRIGHT: I realise that, and shortly high criminal record. Finally, there was I will show that Dr. Jamieson, a well-known evidence of heavy-drinking traits. These are neuro-surgeon, has conducted research into the characteristics of many of the drivers who are repeatedly involved in serious road the matter. ~rr.irlPnt~ Fr{)m th5lt nnP ('~n Anl" saY that Dr. Black is a British medical researcher they. ·;~e a~ti=wci-;T .. in~;;;-be;;- ~:f--'our' com- and author of the book "Man and Motor munity and should be treated as such. Cars". Similar research has been carried out by Dr. Wilbert E. Fordyce, who conducted Mr. Miller: I quite agree with you. Now a specialised study on the personality traits what would you do to overcome the problem? of a selected group of road casualties. Mr. WRIGHT: I will tell the hon. mem­ As the hon. member for Ithaca has just ber. I will outline a programme for him pointed out, in Queensland support for the if he will listen. personality aspects of road accidents has been As these people are the products of our investigated by men such as Dr. J. I. Tonge, community, our homes and our education who is a Government pathologist and Director system, we are responsible for them. of the Health Laboratory, and Dr. K. G. J amieson, senior neuro-surgeon at the Royal Before dealing with the solution to the Brisbane Hospital, but the Government had problem, I shall refer to the other two groups not taken any notice of that research. The mentioned by Dr. Jamieson. His second importance of the personality characteristics group was the negligent driver. Dr. of the Queensland driver has not been J amieson found that they also tended to be accepted by the powers that be. young, although females were found to be just as prominent as males; they also had Mr. Miller: That is not right, Mr. Wright. unsatisfactory family backgrounds, caused 902 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply usually by the early death of a parent; they, To do this we must educate the public too, had poor school records and less and, by that, I do not mean only the present stability in their marriages and lower drivers. I should like those hon. members occupational status. opposite who have not had an accident or broken a traffic rule to put up their hands. The third group, known as the non­ contributing, is worth looking at also. It Road safety is the responsibility of the consists of drivers who have been involved individual whether he be 7 or 70, and it in accidents apparently by chance, as their is our job to ensure that citizens of the driving could not be faulted. However, State are conditioned-! say that emphatic­ when deeper investigations were made, it ally-to accept their responsibility. At pre­ was revealed that they had characteristics sent, in the primary school situation, one day similar to those possessed by the members a year-imagine that-is spent in teaching of the reckless and negligent groups, although, road safety. In many cases even less time it must be admitted, to a far lesser degree. is spent on it. It is a very common occur­ These drivers were, in the main, young. rence for young people to reach the age of 17 without so much as learning which They also had a lower occupational status, is the right side of the road to walk on had problems in their family background if there is no footpath. and had a history of accidents in other fields. H?w.ever, I point out that they did not have Mr. Chinchen: Don't you think that parents cnmmal records and did not reveal evidence have some responsibilty? of an abnormal drinking pattern. Mr. WRIGHT: Parents certainly have, In summation, it is apparent from this and I do not believe they are meeting their study t~at the ~sychologi.cal and personality responsibility. factor IS a maJor contnbutor to accidents and to the mounting road toll. Therefore if Mr. Lickiss: When you were 17 did you we are to combat this we must act on this know which side of the road to walk on, factor. We must accept the raw truth or were you above average? that there are some people who because of personality traits, should not b~ allowed Mr. WRIGHT: I thank the hon. member to dnve on the roads and we, as the Gov­ for the compliment. ernment, should take positive action to see that they do not. The CHAIRMAN: Order! Mr. Miller: When should we take action? Mr. WRIGHT: We must all agree that this is a subject which cannot be learnt Mr. WRIGHT: I will tell the hon. member by trial and error, as thousands of injured about that also. road users have found out each year. If we are to develop a positive attitude to Let us realise that driving is not a right. road safety in the community we must It is a privilege and should be treated start at the very beginning. For that reason as such. No doubt all hon. members would I advocate the introduction of a special :egard as idiotic the suggestion that anyone road safety course in schools. I believe IS capable of using or working on some of this is one way to combat the problem and the intricate instruments in use today. Yet, mould future citizens to accept a proper accepting that, we blindly allow anyone to attitude to this subject. drive a car. Mr. Chinchen: How do you fit that into Mr. Miller: After they pass the test. the present curriculum? Mr. WRIGHT: It is some test! Mr. WRIGHT: There is no need to do that. The hon. member will learn as I It is com~on practice in this day and age for applicants for special positions to proceed. ~nde~go rigorous psychological, physical and Mr. Chinchen: Will there be extra school mtelhgence tests. I believe that if the hours? ~arn~ge on our roads ,is to be stopped, 1t Will be stopped not by punishment after Mr. WRIGHT: That is not necessary. the crime has been committed but by pre­ vention, beforehand. Although there may For the most part the education system be mu~h opposition, I ?dvocate the imple­ today is based on the idea of turning out mentatiOn of psychological testing for all beings who will, through their learning, be drivers on our roads. If we do not do that able to earn a living. It [s time that we or, if we do not accept a programme of gave some emphasis to teaching them how personality moulding, we will have to put to live and how to stay alive. In the educa­ up continually with the criminal on the road. tion system there are two basic, motivating forces, namely, reward and punishment. A Government Member: There will be no Unfortunately, the latter often predominates licence for you. to the detriment of the system itself. The teaching of road safety, however, lends itself Mr. WRIGHT: I can see the smile on the ideally to reward and incentive, and I base hon. member's face. my programme on that. Supply [14 OcTOBER] Supply 903

A child accepts English and mathematics pupil who had obtained all the various seals as important because of the time spent in would be presented with an award which learning those subjects at school and the for want of a better name, could be called emphasis placed on them by the teachers. a Junior Road Scout award. Can we therefore blame a child for giving I believe that every primary school would little thought to road safety when such little desire such a course because it would create time is given to the subject in school and competition in the schools, and between parents and elders in the community shun its schools, to see how many pupils at each importance by the example they set? How can school qualified as junior road scouts. A we honestly expect children and young people similar course could be continued into the to develop a proper attitude to road safety secondary school, with a gradual increase in when Dad does 75 or 80 miles an hour on emphasis on practical road use, especially the way to the beach, when Mum fails to give from the point of view of driving. right of way, and when they constantly see It is a fact that many motor companies adults breaking the road rules? It seems in have offered cars for use in State schools and, this case, as in so many other cases today, often, they have not been accepted. We must that it is an instance of, "Don't do as I do· teach young people not only the rules of the do as I tell you". ' road but also how to use the road. We must It is apparent, therefore, that unless our teach them how to drive, and the correct future drivers are indoctrinated in the correct methods of driving. This will not be done by use of the road, the problem will be never a slap-happy method of putting them on the ending. In primary schools, without worrying road for five or six years and hoping that, about the time, it \1 ould be possible at little by the age of 21 years, they will be successful cost, to establish a reward system ot' learning drivers. in this subject. The system would be such Mr. Kaus: Do you suggest that they should that, by the use of a special course incor­ not be licensed until they are 21? porating incentives and rewards such as certificates and awards, we could produce Mr. WRIGHT: No, I am not saying that. citizens who would not only understand the I am saying that many 21-year-olds do not rul~s _of the road but would also appreciate know how to drive. thelf 1mportance. Many young people grow up in the city, So I advocate the implementation of a and then suddenly, perhaps on changing their uniform course of study throughout the State jobs, find themselves driving on country commencing as low as grade 3. This cours~ roads, which is a completely different situation could be based on a 10-week programme, and one for which they have not been starting at the beginning of the year. At the trained. The opposite situation is also true. end of the course an examination could be Young people who have been accustomed to set. In this course I advocate that such driving on country roads suddenly find, on subjects as the practical use of the road; in coming to the city to attend the university, the lower grades, the use of the push-bike; that they are confronted with the traffic the correct ways to walk on the road· what problems of Brisbane. Only this morning the signs mean; and all the other aspec'ts that on the trip to the city of Brisbane I gasped are not taught today. At the end of this many times, not as a result of the actions course a test could be given. The children of the driver with whom I was travelling but because of the actions of other drivers co~ld be re_quired to undergo a special exami­ who took their right-of-way and did not obey na~JOn, wh1ch would be oral, practical, and wntten. For those who have any knowledge road signs and regulations. of educati?n, the latest types of question It must be agreed that the great majority could be I?Corporated, namely, the missing of people do not strictly adhere to the rules word exerc1se, the complete the sentence test of the road. Most are human enough to "Yes" and "No" answers, finding the correct admit that they will drive at 40 miles an endmg, and the research type of question. hour in a 35 miles an hour zone if they can get away with it, and will not get It would also be possible to develop and overheated if they find themselves travelling maintain a high standard in this subject if a at 65 miles an hour in a 60 miles an hour pass mark of 75 per cent. was set. I believe zone. That is human nature. I believe, and that it would set road safety in the minds of it will be changed only if the product itself children at school as an important subject. can be moulded. This will be done slowly However, to ensure that children have an but surely in the education system. opportunity to pass this examination, it would be necessary to tie together 3rd and 4th grades Mr. Baldwin: What education system? and 5th and 6th grades, with a final examina­ Mr. WRIGHT: I advocate a new education tion in the 7th grade. The idea of the proposal is to give children incentives and system when it comes to road safety. rewards for the study they do. As a child At the end of the course in secondary passes an examination, he would receive from schools the students would be awarded a the head teacher, on a special day, a seal badge and certificate designating them, for denoting that he had passed this examina­ the sake of name, as Senior Road Scouts. tion. These seals would be given year after In the time available to me now it is not year until, in the 7th grade, the child or possible to explain my proposal fully, because 904 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

the original is five foolscap pages in length. "Finland and Norway for example have However, I believe that such a course, if cut their road accident toll drastically implemented, has justification in that it will by giving what amounts to random or spot give students an incentive to study road breathalyser checks and hard labour prison safety, and will give road safety its true sentences ranging from three weeks to importance in the community. three years for those caught. I believe that this scheme could be "The Danes and Swedes have gone a developed as a prerequisite to obtaining a step further by charging the innkeeper if driver's licence. Just as today children are one of his customers causes a serious acci· teaching their parents the new maths, they dent from drunkenness after leaving the would slowly and surely teach their parents inn." the new road safety, thus doing much to force I believe that the part played by drink-drivers the present road users to practise what they preach. Eventually I believe it would be has been summed up clearly in many of the possible through this education system, this articles that have appeared in local news· moulding of the individual, and this con· papers. On 13 July, 1969, "The Sunday ditioning of attitudes, to produce a com· Mail" published an article headed "Drunken munity which would not only be unwilling Driver is Top Road Killer". It said- to accept criminals on the road but would "Traffic authorities last week named not condone the public enemy No. 1, namely, drunken driving, speeding, and failure to the drink-driver. This has been proved in give right-of-way as Queensland's worst America at a city of 22,000 people named road killers. Drunken driving headed the Medicine Hat in which for seven years list." there has not been one road fatality. This It also gave statistics-hon. members may was brought about not because the roads check them, if they wish-showing that a were safer than those elsewhere, or because total of 292 accidents involved drink. In it had better lighting or better street marking, thos,e accidents, 23 persons were killed and but because the people had been conditioned 123 seriously injured. An article in "Road over a period of time to observe road regu­ Safety" magazine states that most drunken lations, to accept the importance of road road casualties are middle aged, and I think safety, and also to be against, and not con· that point is worth remembering after all done, the criminal on the road. that has been said about young road users. I should now like to speak on these crimi­ A great many articles have been published, nals, of whom I believe the main one is and it must have been impressed on the the drink-driver. In this matter, I fully community by this time that the drink-driver support Mr. Paul Wilson, criminologist and is one of the main causes of accidents today lecturer at the Queensland University, in his and that he is one of the main problems view that we should get tough with the road that the community faces in combating the criminal. No doubt Government members toll of the road. Despite that, one finds that will not be very pleased when I read some the Government will not take serious steps of Mr. Wilson's comments, because he has to overcome the problem. taken apart the Government's policy on road safety. On breathalysers, he said- It introduced breathalysers. They are all very well, but how many offenders are "Despite the fact that an average of 10 caught in that way? One does not see Queenslanders a day face drink-driving breathalysers hidden down near the golf charges, the drink-driver remains perhaps the biggest traffic killer of them all. The courses where the "better" people-! suppose statistics to prove this are so conclusive they might be referred to in that way-in the and so widely publicised that there is little community go. Instead one finds them on point in repeating them all. All Queens­ various parts of the roads. Statements land motorists, though, should reflect on appearing in the Press prove that breathalysers one figure. More than half the drivers have not overcome the problem of road killed in fatal road accidents in Brisbane fatalities. had a breathalyser reading in excess of I believe that it is time the Government 0.1." made the police clamp down on drink­ He goes on to give statements of fact about drivers. One has only to go round the hotels other countries such as Sweden and Norway, at 7 o'clock, when men are heading home for and again I should like to read them to hon. tea, or at 10 o'clock, when the hotels close, members. He says- to see the causes of many accidents. Men "Sweden and Norway, after years of wander out of the bars, having had one for the road, jump into .their car, and drive research, have found that the only sensible away. I believe it is our responsibility, as thing to do in picking a blood alcohol members of Parliament, to do something level is to pick the lowest common about that. There is no doubt that it is a denominator at which most people are generally affected by alcohol. political question-the Government would be standing on the toes of many voters­ "They have fixed the level at .05. but something has to be done. Each hon. "The Scandinavian countries have pro­ member should realise that it could be his ceded on the theory that severe punish­ child who is killed by a car that comes ments are the best answers to the 'irres­ roaring down from a crest, and that he ponsible drunken traffic criminal. could be the next victim. Supply [14 OcTOBER] Supply 905

Mr. Hodges: When a person is caught, the fact that his Government had done should representations be made on his behalf nothing and, as the hon. member for Rock­ by members of Parliament? hampton North has said, had given Port Alma a pretty raw deal. Mr. WRIGHT: I believe that that is the responsibility of all members of Parliament, It is obvious from a statement in "The irrespective of any charge. Influence of those Morning Bulletin" that the fight will grow. representations on the court is another The Livingstone Shire Council is now entering question. the fight, this time for its own reasons. Hon. members must all realise that the Mr. Chalk: Whose side is it on? drinking problem has grown in this State. Some of them know that I have been called Mr. WRIGHT: It is on the side of Sabina a wowser. I believe that that is my own Point. It is rather strange when the members business. I attack this problem not from a of this council are also members of the personal point of view but from the point Rockhampton Harbour Board and I hope of view that I believe is important to ,the they have to answer for their stand at the community. next board meeting. The chairman of this council, Mr. Hinz, forgetting the interests A recent survey in Brisbane showed that of Rockhampton and Central Queensland, two out of every five Senior students at our schools were drinkers. Is that some­ is determined to undermine the efforts of thing of which we can be proud-that 40 organisations in the area to prevent Sabina per cent. of our senior students at high Point from becoming a port. schools are drinkers? The problem is with Mr. Tucker: Is this the same man who us. It will not be overcome by the breath­ is standing against Rex Patterson? alyser. It will, however, be overcome by conditioning the attitudes of people to the Mr. WRIGHT: Yes. Without looking to criminal driver. the future and forgetting what the prosperity of Port Alma means to the area, he is If a rapist or murderer were known to determined to undermine all efforts to push be on the loose, the public would be clam­ Port Alma. ouring on the police station doorstep to have him caught and put away, yet they Mr. Knox: Does Marty Hanson support seem to condone the act of the man who, Port Alma? accidentally, it is said, happens to kill some poor innocent child, or the driver who Mr. WRIGHT: I should like to point out through recklessness and intoxication-again, that the Gladstone Harbour Board is cer­ accidentally-happens to kill the five young tainly against Sabina Point and has said so people with him on Saturday night. publicly, as have the Chamber of Com­ merce, the railway unions, and the Rock­ Mr. Chalk interjected. hampton Harbour Board. Despite all this opposition, we still have the letter that the Mr. WRIGHT: This is the job of the hon. member for Rockhampton North recently Government and I do not think the respon­ read from the Chief General Manager of sibility is being accepted. Does the Treasurer Clutha Development Co. Ltd., Mr. G. 0. condone this? J ennings, in which ):le told the Government Mr. Chalk: I do not condone it. of Queensland that it can forget what it wants, that Clutha has decided not to use Mr. WRIGHT: Judging from the Port Alma. Foreign investors are coming Treasurer's comments one is left in doubt. into Australia and telling the democratically elected representatives of the people what Finally, I wish to speak of an issue that is very important to the growth and progress to do. of Central Queensland. It is becoming a We have heard that in the next couple rather controversial one in Central Queens­ of days the Premier will meet a deputation land. I speak of th~ port at Sabina Point of people from Central Queensland. Not in Shoalwater Bay. I was very interested only should the Premier meet that deputa­ on Saturday to hear the Premier open the tion but so also should the Minister for new facilities at Port Alma, but I was more Transport, the Minister for Conservation, interested to hear a comment of the Chair­ Marine and Aboriginal Affairs and the Minis­ man of the Harbour Board that, during a ter for Mines and Main Roads. The develop­ luncheon that day, the defeated member for ment of Port Alma concerns not only the Rockhampton South, Mr. Pilbeam, had said Premier but those other Ministers as well. to the people there that, if they wanted Mr. Chalk: You are behind the times. the Premier to make a short speech at the opening, they should ask him to tell the Those four Ministers plus one other are public what he and his Government had already attending. done for Port Alma. That was certainly Mr. WRIGHT: The Treasurer is not sup­ a serious statement by a former parliamentary porting what the Premier said. I have member of the Liberal Party against his own quoted what the Premier said when the Government, yet, no

Mr. WRIGHT: I think that there should not know about it. Before anybody knows be greater liaison among the Ministers. The what is going on, a railway line will be Premier did not say that. constructed to Sabina Point, and Central Mr. Chalk: He does not have to say it. Queensland will be in trouble. I urge the Government not to let the people of Rock­ Mr. WRIGHT: Port Alma is a necessity hampton down, as it has done in the past. to Central Queensland. In an article in "The Do a little bit for Port Alma financially. Australian", to which I believe the Treasurer Mr. Chalk: I have done more for Port contributed, it was stated that Central Queens­ Alma financially, as far as the Government land will progress only if it can bring about is concerned, than for any other port. export-oriented industries. Would the Treas­ urer object to that statement? Mr. WRIGHT: What! By shelling out Mr. Chalk: No, I would not. something for dredging? Mr. Chalk: Don't mention that. How Mr. WRIGHT: Would the Treasurer agree much have we written off for Port Alma? that that statement published in 'The Aus­ tralian" was his? Mr. Hanlon: Have they made the road to Port Alma a main road yet? Mr. Chalk: Of course it was. Mr. WRIGHT: Thanks to the representa­ Mr. WRIGHT: If Central Queensland is tions of the hon. member for Baroona, it to have export-oriented industries it must have a port also. was made a main road. It is clear that Port Alma needs a better Mr. Chalk: Of course it must. deal, and so do Central Queensland and Mr. WRIGHT: And that port has to be Rockhampton. I ask the Government to give Port Alma. Central Queensland and Port Alma a better deal by preventing the development of Sabina Mr. Chalk: No. That is where we differ. Point and the construction of the proposed What about the claims of Maryborough and railway line. It will be detrimental to Mackay? Central Queensland. Mr. WRIGHT: We are not arguing with Mr. Chalk: You oppose the railway line? Mackay; it has a port. We say that Port Alma needs a better deal, because if Sabina Mr. WRIGHT: Yes, I do oppose the rail­ Point is developed as a port, Port Alma will way line. suffer, and so will Central Queensland. Entire Mr. TOMKINS (Roma) (3.50 p.m.): I rise maintenance crews would have to be shifted to support the Treasurer in his presentation from Rockhampton to either Blackwater or Marlborough, and eventually the Central of an excellent Budget. Queensland railway line could fall into disuse. An Opposition Member: You are another In addition, the Rockhampton ratepayers one? would be forced to continue to back Port Alma, as they have done for many years. Mr. TOMKINS: Yes, I am. The Minister said in reply to a recent ques­ It is remarkable that the Treasurer could tion that he did not intend to step in and introduce such a good Budget against a help them out. Regardless of the willing­ background of drought and drought-relief ness of the Rockhampton ratepayers to back measures. It reflects great credit on him Port Alma, I ask the Government to give it and on the Government as well. Queens· a better go. Do away with any idea of land's economy is very soundly based. The developing Sabina Point, and refute publkly mineral diversification, which Opposition the statement made by J ennings. members do not seem to like, and the bring. Mr. Chalk: I refuted it here the other ing of some overseas interests to Queens· day. I said that we had no agreement at land to develop our natural resources have present with Clutha. helped greatly. Mr. WRIGHT: What would give J ennings Mr. Sherrington interjected. the right to make a public statement like Mr. TOMKINS: This will have excellent that? results as time goes by. Mr. Chalk: Write to him and ask him; don't ask me. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Dean): Order! There is too much cross­ Mr. WRIGHT: There is no liaison; that firing in the Chamber. I am finding it very is the whole problem. The Ministers do not ditlicult indeed to hear the hon. member. know what their right hands are doing. Mr. TOMKINS: Thank you, Mr. Dean. Mr. Chalk What! I take this opportunity to put construc­ Mr. WRIGHT: That is so. They are told tively to the Treasurer a financial matter­ second hand. The chairman of the Rock­ something he handles well. In its recent hampton Harbour Board received the letter session the Federal Parliament introduced a from Clutha Development Company, and drought-bonds scheme, which had been pro­ then the Treasurer was told about it; he did mised for a considerable time. It is now a Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 907 fact, and the bonds are available for sale primary producers who ar~ in trouble could as from 3 November-but applying to the be buying back or redeemmg drought J;>onds previous year. I have looked into this to carry on. This would be a very desirable scheme, as no doubt the Treasurer has, and state. I believe some aspects of it call for investi­ One of the main reasons I rose to join in gation. As the Treasurer knows Queens­ the debate was to reply to some of the unfair land's conditions so well, I like to think remarks made by the hon. member for that he will look into some of the anomalies Warrego the other day. I regret very much I raise with a view to making representations that he is not here but that is not my fault. to the Federal Treasurer to have them The hon. member for Warrego, like many corrected. other hon. members, including me, is a man One outstanding flaw in the scheme is the from the West, and I intend to challenge provision that 90 per cent. of the gross some of his statements. income of a primary producer must be But first I should like to read from "Facts derived from the breeding of sheep and/ or on the Drought in Queensland" issued by the beef cattle before he can qualify under it. United Graziers' Association of Queensland, At first glance that might look all right, because it shows how serious the position is, but I suggest to the Treasurer that a pro­ and then I shaH deal with relief measures that ducer in a mixed-farming area has only to have been extended by the Government and grow a little wheat for it to yield 10 per the remarks of the hon. member for Warrego. cent. of his gross income and so debar him from the scheme. To my mind, that is The U.G.A. publication reads- plainly unfair. I know that the Minister for "Some three-quarters of the Pastoral Lands will agree that, in our areas, many areas were declared drought stricken by people who were originally wool-growers the State at 4th September, 1969. have diversified and are now producing "From January to July 1969 there has wheat and cattle. This scheme could be been a huge exodus of our livestock into very useful to them but this provision New South Wales (2,415,948 sheep and excludes them. It certainly merits 419,451 cattle). investigation. "Queensland's sheep numbers at Septem­ Another matter that appears to warrant ber, 1969, will be down near 18 million correction is the provision that the maximum from 24 million in 1965, amount that can be paid is $50,000, or 20 "The unduly high level of slaughterings per cent. of gross income. That represents during 1968-69 for cattle, sheep and lambs a gross income of $250,000 in order to get will mean smaller slaughterings for some $50,000. I suggest that if a limit must be years ahead. imposed, it should be nearer to 50 per cent. to permit a person in a small way, who will "The volume of wool sold at an estimated not make much use of the scheme, to 660,000 bales for 1969-70 will be down qualify. 166,294 bales on the 1964-65 figure. "It is difficult to estimate the value of Another anomaly is that the scheme the drought losses involved but some idea applies only to persons. I find that a part­ of the magnitude can be gained from the nership cannot participate although mem­ estimate by the Commonwealth Director of bers of a partnership can. There appears to Meteorology that the 1964-66 drought be no way that a member of a private which extended through Queensland, New company can qualify. South Wales, and Central Australia, cost Mr. Casey: There does not seem to be $3,000 miiiion. much good about it at all. "The losses for Queensland producers will have been many millions of dollars Mr. TOMKINS: There is a lot of good but losses will also be extending to other in it. It is a very good scheme. sectors of the economy including local Surely to goodness a family company storekeepers, pastoral supply houses, trans­ should be able to make use of this scheme; port operators and Government revenue. but it is restricted to persons. "The U.G.A. realises what these huge The scheme was evolved to save breeding drought losses mean to producers and the stock. Whether we like it or not we must economy generally, and accordingly the face the fact that a large proportion of the Association has been endeavouring to breeding stock in Queensland, and in Australia obtain relief measures from both Common­ for that matter, is owned by companies, many wealth and State Governments to minimise of them public companies. I believe that they these losses and facilitate rehabilitation should be entitled to this benefit. It should when the drought finaily breaks." be more than a measure to benefit purely and That is the position as seen by the U.G.A. simply the few who can take advantage of it. and it is how I see it, too. As I said in my It is a very good scheme, although it is a Address-in-Reply speech, the position is little too restrictive. I believe that it does not becoming chaotic. Until rain falls in some altogether suit Queensland conditions. Had of our drought-stricken areas, the adverse it been put into operation with the alterations situation will continue. The whole centre of I have suggested, our economy would not be Queensland is completely drought-stricken and so awkwardly placed this year, and many hon. members can realise what that means. 908 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

The hon. member for Warrego said, in open arms to discuss their problems, and effect, that the Government had done nothing invariably they get some results. How any­ to offset the effects of the drought. He one can say that they do not receive any claimed that $3,250,000 had been allocated help, I do not know. by the Treasurer. I do not know where he Another matter referred to by the hon. got that figure. On page 16 of the Estimates, member for Warrego was the relief of unem­ the Treasurer lists the following contin­ ployment in drought-stricken areas in which gencies:- grants have been made to local authorities. "Expended Required 1968-1969 for rn 1968-69 $1,391,000 was spent in this 1969-1970 way, and the estimate for this year is $ $ Rebate allowed by Department of $1,700,000. The tenor of the hon. member's Railways in freight on Fodder remarks was that this money should be and Starving Stock . . . . 853,296 2,400,000 made available not to local authorities but Rebate allowed by Department of Transport of fees on transport direct to graziers generally. I contest that of Fodder and Starving Stock 196,784 420,000 assertion. I have been associated with a Subsidy on Road Transport of local authority, and I have seen the effect of Fodder from Railhead to Property ...... 5,218 30,000 grants of this nature. I know that they Amount to be credited to Drought are very well received. They help contain Relief Fund ...... 1,506,133 5,250,000 Grants for Relief of Unemploy- rates somewhat, which aids primary pro­ ment in Drought Stricken ducers, and there is no doubt that they do tend Areas ...... 1,391,000 1,700,000 to retain labour in western areas. I com­ Drought Relief Grants for- Purchase of Fertilizer 30,488 550,000 mend the Government for this scheme; Purchase of Fodder . . 833,486 550,000 despite what the hon. member for Warrego Miscellaneous Drought Relief Expenditure .. 150,000" has said, I think it is a very good one. I do agree that, apart from kerbing and chan­ The sums expended in 1968-69 total nelling, the money can be used on bridge $4,816,405; that is the figure contained in the building, road works, or any other type of Treasurer's tables, and I have no doubt that work that has a fairly high labour content. it is correct. The total of the sums required I do not think I am breaching any con­ for 1969-70 is $11,050,000. fidences in saying in front of the Treasurer that some of the drought-relief money made Mr. Chalk: That is perfectly correct. The available to my local authority has been Budget allows for $11,000,000, not used to build concrete crossings over creeks. $3,400,000. Mr. Chalk: As long as you use local Mr. TOMKINS: Thank you. labour, there is nothing wrong with that. Mr. Chalk: The hon. member for Warrego That is where the hon. member for Warrego said $3,400,000. made a grave accusation; he charged councils with not carrying out the conditions of the Mr. TOMKINS: That was simply a fabri­ loans. cation. Mr. TOMKINS: I believe this to be a very Mr. Sullivan: Do you think he has been good scheme. I commend the Government working in the dark too long? for it, and I hope that it continues as long as the drought lasts. I hope that the plan Mr. TOMKINS: I do not know, but he is kept in operation for some considerable should come here only with correct figures. time, because the Treasurer knows only too I believe that these figures are good, and, well the situation in which shire councils in thanks to the generous drought-assistance the West find themselves at the moment. scheme introduced the other day by which Rates have been struck under drought-stricken the Commonwealth Government is "coming conditions and ability to pay is being strained to the party" further, I imagine that by the to the utmost. Any assistance that can be end of the year the figures will be even given in this direction eases the burden on the better. ratepayers. The hon. member for Warrego said that There is no doubt in my mind that the the Government does nothing, and that biggest problem facing the Government is Government members do not understand the drawing up of a plan to rehabilitate the conditions in the West. In fact, the hon. grazing industry when the drought finally member had the temerity to say that the breaks. The scheme that is in operation Premier and Ministers generally have little covers the position quite well. It is virtually knowledge of the West or respect for it. a carry-on type of scheme to enable people I most certainly challenge that. The Premier to remain where they are, and it is no use is a man who is always looking west, and the financing the purchase of cattle and sheep Minister for Lands is always looking west, under drought conditions. However, when too. The newest Minister, the hon. member the drought breaks it will be necessary to for Gregory, comes from the West. How a implement a big rehabilitation programme, person could say that Government members and that can be undertaken only in colla­ do not worry about the West, I do not know. boration with the Federal Government. That is quite an unfair statement. I have I heard the hon. member for Redcliffe say been on trips with Ministers in the West, in this Chamber earlier today that he believes and local authorities welcome them with a mistake was made years ago when the Supply [14 OCTOBER) Supply 909

State Government vacated the field of bank­ miles is not taken into consideration. There­ ing. I strongly support that view. I have fore, the mileage is reduced to 440. At 80c always admired the way in which the Rural a mile the cost is $352. Seventy-five per cent. Bank of New South Wales operates. It is rebate on that comes to $264, so the actual controlled by the Government of that State cost of the fodder under the new scheme is and makes advances to all types of industry, $120 as against $384 under the old scheme. and I believe that it has done a first-class The saving is $264 on a 10-ton load. Any­ job in New South Wales. The Queensland one who says that that is not generous is Agricultural Bank does a good job, but its hard to please. I think we have to be fair functions are strictly limited. It is little in these things. To my mind this will more than a lending authority, in my opinion, encourage the person at Barcaldine, for and is totally incapable of handling the instance, to get some fodder whereas pre­ rehabilitation that will be required when the viously the cost might have prevented his drought breaks. I should like to hear a doing so. comment from the Treasurer on the prac­ ticability of re-establishing a State bank in Mr. Sullivan: The hon. member for Queensland because I believe that action Warrego says the Government is doing along those lines is absolutely necessary. nothing. He is irresponsible. The hon. member for Warrego said that Mr. TOMKINS: He makes so many state. the Government had no drought plans. I ments that are proved wrong. shall not bore the Committee by reading them, but I have here copies of the drought Mr. Sullivan: He is serving his electorate plans issued in March and August 1969 and better by being absent from the Chamber. a copy of the latest statement on assistance Mr. TOMKINS~ The hon. member also to primary producers suffering from the said that it is about time the Government effects of drought. bitumen sealed the Charleville-Cunnamulla Mr. Sherrington: Who made the statement? road. Of course, these things are very desir­ able but, on the other hand, it is usual for Mr. TOMKINS: It is dated 8 October, and a member to work in collaboration with his it was issued by Hon. J. A. Row, Minister elected local-authority representatives. A for Primary Industries. local authority would make representations Mr. Sullivan: The position is constantly to the Minister for Main Roads or somebody under review by the Government. like that. Mr. Sullivan interjected. Mr. TOMKINS: That is correct. I shall give a simple example to answer hon. mem­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! bers who say that the Government does I find it very disconcerting to hear not assist primary producers. I received a the minister talking across the Chamber letter recently from one of my constituents. at members of the Opposition. In it he said that he thought it would be desirable for the Government to give assis­ Mr. TOMKINS: A local authomty would tance along the lines of the assistance given make representations to the Minister for to the farmers in the St. George irrigation Main Roads for a particular job to be done. area. I showed it to the Minister for It so happens that the people of the Paroo Primary Industries and-I do not know Shire are far more interested in the road whether or not it was coincidental-my con­ from Cunnamulla to St. George. They have litituent got exactly what he asked for. a good road there, much of it not bitumen Mr. Sherrington: It was stage managed. surfaced, and they would be far more interested in an east-west road than in a Mr. TOMKINS: I do not do that sort of north-south one. So in my book it would be thing. This is all above board. quite wrong to ask this Government to over· Mr. Armstrong: It annoys me to have to rule the elected local-authority representa· listen to the way hon. members opposite go tives and put in a north-south road when .the on. They are not concerned about the members of the local authority want an east­ West. west one. I believe the Government should not overlook the views of freely elected Mr. TOMKINS: I am trying to give them local-authority representatives. They are some facts, but they do not want to listen. elected by the people and they do a jolly good job. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Dean): Order! The hon. member will address This north-south road is something I am the Chair. He may ignore the interjections. very interested in because in the area south of my electorate there is an outstanding gap Mr. TOMKINS: The example that I am between Surat and St. George. Fortunately, giving relates to fodder transported from St. both the Warmo Shire and the Balonne Shire George to Barcaldine, and not from the have given this road top priority. I am irrigation area, dther. Under the old hopeful that within a year or two the gap scheme, it was transported 480 miles in a will be closed, giving bitumen access from 10-ton semi-trailer. The ruling price was areas north of lnjune through to New South 80c a ton and the cost of the fodder was Wales. I believe that this is most desirable $384. Under the new scheme, the first 40 in order to get stock out in times of drought. 910 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

The other highway that I think is deserving He has had a "go" at everybody; he of the highest priority is the Leichhardt High­ attacked even the fodder merchants. Many way, which runs from Taroom to Wandoan of them carry on their business in my to Miles to Condamine to The Gums to electorate. If I have any problems about Moonie to Goondiwindi. There is a big gap freight rebates I go to the Treasurer or there. I know that the hon. member for the Minister for Primary Industries and have Carnarvon would agree with this. I know them solved. Fodder merchants do a jolly from personal experience that the road from good job, and are an integral part of the The Gums is anything but an all-weather western life of the State. I would be the road. It is a north-south road to which I last one to criticise them. would give a very high priority. I think it is In the hon. member's tirade he attacked very important. stock and station agents, too. He has attacked Mr. Wright: Is the Government failing in everybody in the primary industries. If its responsibility on that road? everybody is so bad, I do not know how the industry exists. Mr. TOMKINS: No, it is not failing at all. Mr. Wright: Some of the buyers are crooks. Mr. Wright: Then why criticise it? Mr. TOMKINS: Which buyers? Mr. TOMKINS: It is a question of priority. Rome was not built in a day. These roads Mr. Wright: These meat buyers and cattle make a tremendous difference to the State. buyers. It is only a question of time before they Mr. TOMKINS: The meat buyers are will be completed. However, I am simply crooks? making the point that these roads are vital to save our stock. Opposition Members interjected. Mr. McKechnic: That particular road did The TEMPORARY CHAffiMAN (Mr. not exist in Labour's day. Dean): Order! There is too much cross-firing in the Chamber. Mr. TOMKINS: No, it did not. The hon. member for Warrego amazed Mr. TOMKINS: The hon. member for me by attacking cattle dealers and sheep Rockhampton South said that a lot of cattle dealers. I have engaged in a certain amount buyers are crooks. I cannot let that remark of cattle and sheep dealing, and I know go unchallenged. that many other hon. members have done Mr. Wright: I did not say that; I said so, too. some are. Mr. Sherrington: It is profitable, isn't it? Mr. TOMKINS: In my book, the only Mr. TOMKINS: Probably it is, but cattle person who is a crool;: is the one who dealers and sheep dealers serve a useful cannot pay. At an auction sale payment purpose in our pastoral life. Often they is guaranteed by the s!ock and station agents. attend sales and create markets that other­ Even if they are crooks, the producers still wise would not exist. Over the years their get paid, and that appeals to me. balances have far exceeded the credit debit Mr. Wright: If it were not so, you would balances, so it ill behoves anybody to run not get an average of two or three men them down. I can cite the case of a man a year put off by the meatworks for illegal who has come up to my district every year practices. since 1930 and taken away 2,000 weaners or more. I suppose that he could be classed Mr. TOMKINS: You mean meatworks' as a dealer when he takes them back to men? Victoria. In my book he does a first-class job for the grazing industry. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. member will address the Chair. The hon. member for Warrego attacked transporters also. I do not know whom he Mr. Wright: Buyers, yes. means by transporters. Surely he was not Mr. TOMKINS: I will not have that at attacking the truck drivers. In the present all. Even if there are a few crooks in the drought the truck drivers have done possibly game, basically they do the job. the best job of the lot. They have worked long hours day and night and have travelled Mr. Bennett: They are in the Liberal vast distances. They deserve commendation, Party. not brickbats. A tremendous number of road transports are engaged in moving Mr. TOMKINS: The hon. member for drought-stricken stock from Queensland into South Brisbane is here. I suppose he would southern States. defend them. Mr. Sherrington: You do not support fining Another group of people who were crit­ them for axle overloading? icised are the stoc]< and station agents. Throughout Australia a number of big firms Mr. TOMKINS: I am not talking about operate. Frankly, they are a very valuable axle overloading. The hon. member for adjunct to the grazing industry in conducting Warrego attacked the transporters, and I wool sales, cattle sales and sheep sales. They think it ill behoves him to do so. do a good job although some people may Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 911 say that they make fortunes at the expense The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. of the grazing industry. I have grave doubts Dean): Order! about that. They have millions of dollars ~mtlayed in the grazing industry and were Mr. TOMKINS; Perhaps the most aston­ 1t n?t for the pastoral firms quite a few ishing statement made by the hon. member graz1ers today would be unable to carry on. was that the West had too few representa­ tives. Under his party's policy of one vote Mr. Sullivan: They make a great contribu­ one value, there would certainly be fewer tion to the grazing industry. country members. I have always believed that inland electorates with vast areas are Mr. TOMKINS: They make a tremendous difficult to represent and should receive contribution. I pay tribute to the work done special concessions. by the big ·stock and station agents and some of the smaller firms. Mr. Bcnnett: Don't you think Wally Rae Mr. Thackeray interjected. should be Minister for Lands? Mr. Sullivan: He's doing a good job as Mr. TOMKINS: Let me assure the hon. Minister for Local Government. memb.er for Rockhampton North that the beef mdustry can stand on its own feet. I Mr. TOMKINS: That reference to the am _not very worried about synthetic meat. Minister for Local Government reminds me I thmk the industry will meet that competi­ that the hon. member for Warrego tion when it comes. criticised-- The hon. member for Warrego made the Mr. Bennett: You are lucky that he made astonishing suggestion that the Department a speech. You would be nonplussed without of ~ands should purchase substandard pro­ it. perties and make them available as acl.ditional area~. I feel sure that even if the Opj:k)Sition Mr. TOMKINS: If he makes the state­ got mto power it would not do that. Gov­ ments he has to be able to stand up to ernments should not become involved in them. buying and selling. I do not mind the Department of Lands buying property for The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! a closer-settlement scheme, but the hon. I would like to hear what the hon. member member suggested that we should make is saying. substandard properties available as additional Mr. TOMKINS: The hon. member for areas. Under the scheme introduced last Warrego referred to the meeting of wool year by the Minister for Lands who under­ growers held at Longreach early in Sep­ stands this problem, addition~! areas can tember and he wanted to know why the be sold quite freely. If anyone wants to repr-esentatives went to Canberra instead sell out he can do exactly what the hon. of meeting in Brisbane. I do not know member advocates, but the Government need whether he read the report of the meeting, not come into it at alL If the Government has t? come into it, it should do so purely but the Minister for Local Government and s1.mply on the basis of assisting a person attended it because it was held in his area. financially through the Agricultural Bank He heard the whole case and it was decided or something like that. I do not think th~ that the representatives should go to Can­ Government should come into this field and berra purely and simply because it was a under our freeholding policy if a perso~ Federal Government matter. No act of in trouble wishes to freehold ' and wants to the State Government could solve the prob­ do virtually what the hon: member for lems of the wool industry at Longreach Warrego said, all he has to do is to sub­ under the present set-up. I believe that the decision to go to Canberra was the right divide .his property and sell part of it. one. Mr. Bell and his deputation met Mr. There 1s a great deal of resilience in the present scheme. McEwen. Mr: Sullivan: Our responsibility is to make Mr. Sullivan: You would expect him to machmery avadable for this to be done and commend the industry for doing that. the machinery is already there. ' Mr. TOMKINS: I would expect him to 1\'Ir. TOMKINS: I compliment the Minister say that the United Graziers' Association on making the provision available, because had done a good job in the West. It got the position has been made much easier. the graziers together, and it got all the top 1\'Ir. Sherrington: When you are short of people there. It put its case. Its represen­ something to say in a speech all you have tati\es went to Canberra. I think it did a to do is compliment the lviinister. terrific job. However, the hon. member for Warrego sees something sinister in what it Mr. TOMKINS: I could not miss that did and claims that it bypassed the State opportunity because I agree with the Government. legislation. The position as I see it is that this Govern­ ;\fr. Sherrington: You know what has been ment, with the resources available to it, said about the Minister for Mines, namely, has done all that it can to assist with drought­ that he would grant a mining lease on his relief measures. We have a big rehabilita­ grandson's sandcastle if there were five cents tion problem ahead of us when the drought to be made. breaks. I know very well that, when that 912 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply time comes, we will have the people to money, whereas in previous years Mother develop a plan to assist the industry. We could stay at home and Dad could earn a have serious difficulties to overcome. fair living for his family. I conclude by congratulating the Treasurer Mr. Bennett: That was under a Labour on his Financial Statement. It reflects great Government. credit on him that he did not increase any forms of taxation, and I hope that he will Mr. F. P. MOORE: Undoubtedly. The not in the future. first point that I should like recorded is that for those of us who are parents the Mr. F. P. MOORE (Mourilyan) (4.27 important thing to do is to restrict the p.m.): In my teaching career I have had a freedom of our children to the point that fairly long association with high school when they gain the right to go out, they education and a somewhat shorter associa­ have earned it. The second point is that tion with primary school education, and I we as parents should show an interest in should like to spend a few minutes speaking what our children are doing in both the on discipline. academic and sporting fields. As I said Mr. Ramsden: On what? before, I am afraid that there are today too many working mothers, and this is Mr. F. P. MOORE: Discipline; something where the involvement to which I referred the hon. member needs. does not exist. Showing an interest in what their children are doing means, of course, Unfortunately, too many citizens think of that parents have to sacrifice some of their "discipline" as having an element of time. severity, something that curtails initiative or something that restricts individual freed~m. In the third place, I ask parents in general They think of discipline in any form as an to remember that all children have to be unreasonable demand by arbitrary authority. disciplined at some time in their lives. When These people who seek to avoid discipline this is necessary, parents should regard it fail to recognise that everyone is and must as a step for the betterment of their children. be subject to some form of control and If there had been more of it, I am sure that some system of rules and regulations. They there would not now be so many "rat-bag" fail to realise that while the freedom to radical groups in our society today. It is think and feel is absolute, the freedom to no exaggeration to say that the real way act must be restricted by the needs of our to bring discipline to any organisation, society. Most importantly, those who view whether it be a business enterprise or an discipline as an irksome imposition do not entire nation, is by example. People have to realise that our democratic system is based be convinced by the example of those whom on discipline; they do not understand that they respect before they will follow and a free Government depends absolutely on act for themselves. The majority seem to disciplined individuals who adhere freely to face up to their responsibilities, but there will a set of rules which prescribe the relation­ always be the minority who will not, and ship within our own society. As a teacher, they are the ones to whom an example I have always emphasised that it is good to has to be given. see young people with initiative. Initiative goes beyond the mere following of impulse; What can be done about discipline? As a person can become a slave to impulse· one who has been an educator in our schools, initiative must be based on reason. ' I can say that many suggestions have been made for maintaining discipline. I feel that Mr. Chalk interjected. there is no excuse for teachers allowing their pupils to abuse their discipline. If a teacher Mr. F. P. MOORE: He is somewhat does not face up to the situation, there is impulsive at times. something lacking in his makeup as a teacher. It is reason that makes us free. In a I must elaborate on that statement to the society such as this modem society in extent that some teachers have not the ability which we live, the onus, to a large extent, to go into a classroom and maintain dis­ must r~s~. on the parents. They have a cipline. There are various types of people responsJbJ!Jty to exercise reason in the disci­ in this world, and the responsibility of a plining of their children. Teachers also have teacher unable to maintain discipline is to a responsibility, but it is secondary to that seek assistance. of the parents. The children of today have far greater opportunities than the children I do not agree that principals are, in of yesterday and a number of them are not general, responsible for all the problems in utilising their faculties to the best of their schools today. Principals are bl!rdened with ability. As I said before the blame lies problems of administration, and they have with the paren:ts and the 'parents must, in duties apart from maintaining discipline. these present times, be strict to the extent Co-operation between teachers and principals that they must insist on knowing where collld lessen the burden of keeping discipline. their children are. I believe that the parents of today have not the same involvement When corporal punishment was abolished with their children that the parents of yes­ in Queensland schools, discipline started to terday had. Today's economic conditions deteriorate. virtually force mothers to go out to earn Mr. Chalk: Are you in favour of it? Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 913

Mr. F. P. MOORE: Most members here in the salaries of teachers. The last award were educated in the days when corporal set out to remove what was known as a punishment was allowed. Although at times salary bar, but it contained even more bars it may have been used indiscriminately, most when finally it was issued. children who were disciplined accepted it When one is trying to look into the without any "bucking". Parents complain quality of education and teachers one about punishments, but hon. members must should look at the embryo stage of set an example for the people of this State. education, which is teacher training. Now The children of Queensland have tremendous that two and three-year courses have been potential, and it is the duty of all hon. established in our teacher-training colleges members to ensure the future greatness of I should say that the time is ripe for an the State by seeing that its young people inquiry into the training of our teachers. are capable of leading it in the future. If anything can assist in that direction, a Let us look at the set-up in Queensland revitalised teacher-training scheme can. just prior to the introduction of the last Having considered the expenditure on edu­ award. I am not blaming the Government for cation set out in the Financial Statement, I this situation. I believe there should have must comment that it is not comparable with been an inquiry held long before this. similar expenditure in other States. The I take as examples a boy leaving secondary Treasurer claims that in 1969-70 $98,540,000 school and attending a teacher-training will be spent on education out of a total college and a student who leaves the same expenditure of $423,080,000, and that in school at the same time and attends the 1968-69 $87,180,000 was spent out of a total university. The former spends two years at expenditure of $387,900,000. I will concede the college and need not necesarily complete to him that there has been an increase on any of the wonderful university units about the expenditure in 1968, but he cannot deny which we hear so much. Great importance that expenditure on education represents only is attached to these units but I will deal with 0.23 per cent. of the State's total revenue. that later. The graduate, after completing his It also was 0.23 in 1968-69, and that is course at the university, is well in front of the rather amazing when one remembers that an other person who does two years at the increase of $11,360,000 was played up college. in the Press as a feather in the Treasurer's cap. I have taught mathematics. If at any At this stage I must explain that the time the Treasurer would like a lesson, I graduate could go to the university and obtain shall try to assist him. Having gone through a number of units for the degree he requires, the figures, I am satisfied that the percentage but many of these units can be padding in has not increased, yet $11,360,000 was the degree. By "padding" I mean that such thrown to the public of Queensland as being units are of no use in the particular field he a major increase in expenditure on education. may be following. As I said, it is 0.23 per cent. of the total A person who has teaching in mind sets revenue received by the State. himself a goal. If he wants to teach English I believe that more money should be or the languages he possibly takes an Arts spent by the Government on teacher training. degree and majors in the languages, but the It has been stated in this Chamber that some other subjects he takes are quite irrelevant in children in Queensland are hee-hawing their that field. teachers and apparently getting away with it. The person who trains for two years at a I taught for 13 years; I worked in all classes teachers' college specialises only in a particu­ of primary and secondary schools. If I had lar field and for the two years he spends at allowed the children I taught to do as they the training college he gains no qualifications liked, they would have ended up on top. As whatever. He more or less wastes two years. I said before, teachers must accept their That is the point I want to stress. The responsibilities, and I believe that the princi­ graduate would come out at the end of the pals must also accept their responsibilities. time he spends at the university-perhaps Too many of us today are molly-coddled. three years, and one year at the college One sees examples of that in this Chamber completing his Dip.Ed.-as a teacher on when Government members are speaking and probation. The primary school teacher will Ministers and other members prompt them also come out as a teacher on probation but and assist them by interjections. the discrepancy is apparent when one com­ There also is a great deal of talk about pares their classifications the next year. The the salaries of teachers. I say quite emphatic­ two-year trained teacher then has a 2(8) ally that teachers are grossly underpaid, and classification whilst the graduate teacher I shall give reasons later for making that would be classified 2(2). He has gained statement. What other profession has a virtually four years on the two-year trained responsibility equal to that of the teaching teacher. I think that is fair enough, but the profession? I remind hon. members that I graduate teacher has certain degree conces­ referred to this subject in the Address-in­ sions. He has the degree allowance embodied Reply debate. No other profession produces in the new award. He had this previously, a product of such great value to the nation, but many young men and women who are and if we do not look after it, God help now teachers-they may be sons and the State. There are far too many anomalies daughters of members of this Chamber-are 914 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply not classified in their true category. They teachers. They are good enough over there have virtually wasted two years in training but it is considered here by the powers that colleges. be, that their qualifications are not up to I suggest that specialist training be intro­ date. I believe that the teachers' college duced into the teacher-training colleges. A education should be recognised as the tertiary training course of three years for secondary equivalent of a university education. I teachers and two years for primary teachers repeat that if Canada is accepting the would provide a sound basis for such a credentials of our college-trained teachers, scheme, but I will not put that down as a our teachers should graduate with degrees two-year course for primary teachers. They or diplomas-call them what we like-from play an important role in education and are our training colleges. It is high time that as important as secondary teachers are to we recognised the training in the teachers' the State. Only this morning an hon. member asked a question as to why certain colleges and introduced courses to produce facilities were provided to high schools and teachers who are fully qualified at the not to primary schools as well. During the outset. It is the Government's responsibility last nine years of my teaching career I was to make the initial move. a secondary teacher and I worked hard to The most important facet in teacher train­ obtain facilities for the particular school at ing is practical experience. Without that which I taught. But it was apparent to our cause for better teachers is lost. Practical me that the primary schools were not teaching training exists in Queensland, but receiving the same treatment as that meted eventually the amount of practical training out to secondary schools. I know that just must be stepped up. Experienced teachers prior to the recent State election, certain giving demonstrations of good teaching, and facilities were provided to both primary and at the same time illustrating class control secondary schools. Possibly those facilities in various classes, would be beneficial. Dis­ brought all the schools up to date, as they cipline, which has been referred to quite should have been many years ago. often, stems from teacher training. Too During the Address-in-Reply debate I many teachers come to our schools without spoke on education generally and referred being equipped to face a group of students. to the uninformed approach to the intra· Who will control them if they have not the duction of new syllabuses into schools. They physical make-up to combat the insolent types were not prepared for the introduction of found in our schools, although they are in new syllabuses, but the Government went the minority? We must lead by example to ahead with it. Textbooks were not even a better system of education. available in this country until six months I now raise a matter involving monetary after new courses were introduced, and that relief for necessitous cane-growers. I referred situation created great difficulties for pupils to this previously, and I am fully aware in the first Senior year who were required of the drought-ravaged areas of assigned to study the new courses. The amounts cane lands and, indeed, other properties in expended on primary and secondary education the southern districts of Queensland. The should be levelled out, but, of course, I first question I pose at this juncture is: realise that a greater percentage of expendi­ does the Government firmly believe that these ture would be required on secondary needy people, particularly cane-growers, can education. borrow themselves out of debt? The second To revert to courses at training colleges, question is: apart from drought relief, what I suggest that both primary and secondary measures does the Government regard as teachers should be trained for three years. sufficient to relieve the necessitous grower At the end of those courses the teachers who, owing to circumstances beyond his would be fully qualified. If they were then control, has been forced in the last five years transferred to country schools they would not to restrict even the living habits of himself be required to study strenuously in order to and his family to the bare minimum and gain better qualifications. If they were able to incur the least possible expenditure, mainly to attain the highest positions in their depart­ because of credit restrictions, for fertilisers ments after they had left the training colleges, and other items essential to the efficient with certain years devoted to in-service working of his assignment? training to keep them up to date, the burden I pose those questions not as a political of trying to gain better qualifications would gimmick, but merely to get information so be lessened considerably and they would be that I will be able to inform certain people able to provide a better education for stu­ in my electorate of the Government's inten­ dents. For as long as I can remember, a tions, and I have in mind, of course, the teacher has not been allowed to teach in response to the request from the Queensland the manner in which he should, but has had Cane Growers' Council some two years ago to bear the onus of improving his own for a scheme of long-term loans to necessitous r:ualifications. growers. After the growers stated their In-service training to keep teachers up to requirements in the form of a questionnaire, date is very important. In Canada, every they were informed, after a prolonged delay, teacher graduates fully qualified, but Canada that their reouest could not be met. I believe has its problems. The fallacy is that that decision· was made in the firm belief that Canada is accepting our college-trained the new International Sugar Agreement would Supply [14 OCTOBER) Supply 915 boost the income of cane-growers. But Mr. F. P. MOORE: The hon. member for did it? The Minister is aware of the varia­ Windsor has made many interjections, but I tions in the price of sugar sold on the am afraid I cannot understand the language world market. The Government has been in which he speaks. I hope he will get some conspicuously silent on this matter. vocal training so that his interjections can .at least be understood. It appears that the only time we hear the bell ring or see the flag wave is when the Reference was made to the fact that there Government foresees something that occurs are only two intellectuals in the parliamentary for which it rightly or wrongly takes credit. Labour Party. I must say that I was proud As the Premier said recently when awarding to be a candidate in the Australian Labour conduct and long-service medals to police Party team under the leadership of Mr. officers in the Far North, "A good and Houston and Mr. Tucker. I wonder if the efficient Police Force reflects a good and Treasurer and the Minister for Justice are efficient government," or something to that proud to serve in a team led by Joh. Bjelke­ effect. Petersen. Mr. Chalk: Of course we are. We have But back to the necessitous cane-growers. never been more brotherly in our lives. In my electorate, drastic measures were taken early in the season to harvest the 1969 crop. Mr. F. P. MOORE: Another subject of Continuous rain forced the farmer to adopt extreme importance to my area is the Great a measure never adopted before, that is, to Barrier Reef. I asked by way of a question pay overtime to have this work done, which whether a survey had been undertaken placed an added burden on his already previously. I made no reference to a full-time limited finances. study. I merely referred to a survey, and the answer I received was, "No." As I stated the What measure of assistance can be afforded other day, a survey was carried out in 1967 these people? I know that at this stage a and 1968, and is continuing at present. committee has been formed and that the Chairman of the Queensland Cane Growers' I should now like to read an extract which Association, Mr. McAvoy, is a member of it. has reference to the whole of the reef. This However, I do not know if anything has been passage appeared in the Innisfail "Evening done. Must these people be left to battle on, Advocate" of 8 October- as previously, or will the Government get off "Those who claim to have been close its seat and do something? Perhaps the observers of the State investigation as it hon. member for Mulgrave can get some­ proceeded say that its results will emphasise thing done. Assuredly, his area is as needy the declaration made by Mr. Bill Raymond, as mine. Action, not promises, is required. the nationally known television commen­ tator and documentary producer, in the I now revert to my opening question: can exclusive interview which he gave to the the cane-growers borrow themselves out of 'Evening Advocate' in its issue of Septem­ debt? The Treasurer sits there with a smirk ber 29 last following his return to the on his face, but I think not, and it is up mainland after accompanying the Endean to this Government to take the action expedition. necessary to ensure that the Common­ "Mr. Raymond made this statement when wealth Government does something positive, he came ashore at Innisfail: preferably in the form not of a loan, as 'I have returned from viewing one of has been offered for the Central Queensland the most extraordinary sights I have ever power-house, but of a grant. seen and I was absolutely stunned and I shall now refer to two statements made horrified at the destruction which has by the Minister for Justice in this Chamber occurred on the Great Barrier Reef. on a Thursday when I was flying back to 'Many areas of colourful coral have> my electorate. I gave the Minister credit disappeared, to be succeeded by areas for more common sense than he displayed. which can best be described as 'grave­ The continuous claim that members of the yards', stated Mr. Raymond'." Australian Labour Party, including its The report goes on- Parliamentary Leader, Mr. Houston, and "It is beyond my comprehension that the Deputy Leader, Mr. Tucker, have indulged Premier of Queensland, Mr. J. Bjelke­ in character assassination of Government Petersen, can 'brush off' the ill fortune members is absolute nonsense. I point to which has come to the Great Barrier Reef the scurrilous attack on the hon. member in the 'no account' manner which he does, for Toowoomba West in an article in "The Mr. Raymond further said." Toowoomba Chronicle" as an example of The problem does in fact exist. I am sure character assassination. that Mr. Pearson and Mr. Bloomfield, whom The Minister also claimed that it is a long I mentioned in the question, will, upon their time since we have seen people like the late return, give the Minister for Primary Indus­ Hon. W. Forgan Smith, the late Hon. E. M. tries information that will enable him to Hanlon, and so on. As I look around this inform the Premier of what is necessary in Chamber-- an attempt to prevent the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is of extreme Mr. R. E. Moore: You said it. importance to the Innisfail area. 916 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

The Premier and his Cabinet Ministers West the week before last I found that the should see that a survey is at least begun. Murweh Shire Council had not charged its It is claimed that these people are making consumers anything to instal its rural exten­ a survey, but that is not enough. As was sion scheme. They have claimed guarantees. said earlier, an adequate survey would take In North Queensland people not only have quite a long time. If investigations prove to pay guarantees but also have to subscribe that parts of the reef are being destroyed $2,000 to a loan fund for 15 years. Is this now, an attempt should be made to pre­ justice? The Government opened up Crown vent that destruction. Apparently 99 per land blocks in my area, gave them to these cent. of the reef off Innisfail is dead, and people at a price, and now the purchasers that is referred to in the "Evening Advocate" have not sufficient money to instal elec­ as being the inner reef. tricity, and the banks will not lend money for this purpose. Mr. Murray: Are you sure that the reef was put there by a Labour Government? Turning now to main roads in my area, I must admit that the Minister has moved Mr. F. P. MOORE: Some hon. members to the stage where the main roads I have opposite attempt to be humorous when they mentioned in questions are being improved. make interjections. In fact, one finds that I give the Minister credit for moving promptly their interjections are uninformed and unintel­ in the matter. ligent. They cannot get them past the pathetic moustaches to which the psychiatrist The TEMPORARY CHAffiMAN (Mr. referred recently. Houghton): Order! There is too much audible conversation in the Chamber. The last survey of the natural history of the Great Barrier Reef was undertaken in Mr. F. P. MOORE: However, these roads 1928-29. Why cannot the scientists and must be maintained. They are important biologists of this State be used to a greater to the area. At the present time, sugar­ extent now? Why cannot they be sent to hoppers are daily travelling on them from carry out a survey of the reef and prepare the electorate of Mulgrave through to the reports. The research being carried out at electorate of Mourilyan. The roads in both present is not a survey; it involves only the electorates are deteriorating quickly. Admit­ "Crown of Thorns" starfish. The whole tedly, the elements constitute one cause of history of the Great Barrier Reef should be deterioration, but whatever the cause, main­ investigated. tenance must be carried out continuously. Recently I asked a question in this Maintenance gangs are working on them Chamber about electricity. What commodity but they are insufficient in number to cope other than water is as essential as electricity? with requirements. Every person in North Queensland, par­ ticularly those living in my electorate, should In his Address-in-Reply speech the hon. have electricity. member for Mulgrave asked that a rural training school be etstablished at Gordonvale. Mr. Chinchen: Why pick only your I suggest that the tropical rain-forest in the electorate? Innisfail-Tully area is by far the most appro­ priate place to establish such a school. Mr. F. P. MOORE: I represent the people Artificial pastures are being cultivated in this living in it. The important point is that area and the people involved in the running electricity is not being made available to of such a school in the area would find people who live only 100 yards from the the experiments of great benefit. power supply. I congratulate the Treasurer for granting .!VIr. Chalk: What voltage running wire? $3,000 to the North Queensland Conser­ vatorium of Music. This body has shown Mr. F. P. MOORE: It is the normal over the years that it is capable of producing voltage. musicians of high quality. At the present time the conservatorium is proceeding towards Mr. Chalk: What is the normal voltage? what promises to be a successful Christmas Mr. F. P. MOORE: With a transformer, summer camp. They have long-range plans for one can convert it into 240 volts at any an expensive building and I ask the Treasurer time. They are not single-wire earth returns. to seriously consider providing in his future Electricity supplies go past the doors of Budgets larger amounts by way of subsidy many people, but they have not the money to this body. needed to obtain an electricity supply. Mr. CORY (Warwick) (5.15 p.m.): I am Gatton and other towns in south-eastern very pleased to be able to participate in Queensland have electricity supplies and this debate. Once more I thank the Treas­ consumers are paying two-and-a-half times urer for presenting his Budget in a manner less for electricity than people in the North that gives a clear analysis of the State's are paying. The Treasurer can check those finances and economy. Perhaps that is figures. He has been playing with figures contrary to a number of the comments that most of his life. have been made earlier in the debate, but I exhort the Government again to give I repeat what I said during the Budget a subsidy to regional electricity boards. This debate last year, that, since the Treasurer has to be done. When I went into the was promoted to that office, his efforts to Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 917 simplify the Budget have been greatly appre­ with the drought problems, providing ciated. It is presented in a form that is increased services and certain concessions, readily understood and it paints a clear and budgeting for a deficit of just over picture of the State's financial position and $2,000,000, the Treasurer has made a the means by which it can obtain finance commendable effort. in future. A key issue raised often in this Chamber The Budget reveals the importance of relates to the Commnnwealth-States financial industrialisation to Queensland's economy. arrangement. It is argued that the formula From industrialisation many areas of the arrived at years ago should be changed. State benefit directly and all benefit indirectly. Times have changed and the financial needs If a sound economy can be maintained, of various Government departments have then obviously the services that are provided changed. I do not think it unreasonable to to all parts of the State can be maintained, request that a new-look formula be devised in and, in many instances, even improved. It the near future to try to rectify many of the is obvious that drought has prevailed for anomalies that the Treasurer has referred many years over vast areas of the State to so often. The most important anomaly and that only through industrialisation has referred to by the Treasurer concerns the Queensland been able to maintain a stable risk of centralised control. With centralised economy. For that reason it is important government control, we have centralised that as many areas as practicable should financial control, and it goes without saying be industrialised so that better job oppor­ that the government controlling the purse­ tunities can be provided to the State's grow­ strings largely controls the policy. We must ing work-force, whether the workers are strive to bring about a change, and support born in Queensland or migrate to it. With the Treasurer in every move he makes to the provision of those better opportunities, get the best financial deal for Queensland. the home market for the State's primary By getting a better basic financial deal, with products could be extended. an improved formula, we will maintain our Tourism also has boosted the economy sovereign rights and help bring about of Queensland by creating job opportunities essential development in Queensland. for many people and by establishing better I will now mention briefly some of the home markets for very many primary pro­ concessions that have been made and that are ducts. The rural industries play a very so much appreciated. The first relates to important part in maintaining the State's succession and probate duty. It follows con­ export income and make a worth-while con­ cessions in last year's Budget and, I think, tribution to the stabilisation of the economy. the previous Budget. In the past four Budgets That, in turn, should enable the State to at least three such concessions have been stabilise fodder storage and supplies to extended to people who, through no fault drought-affected areas. of their own, are left in particularly neces­ In recent years the State has learned a sitous circumstances. This Budget extends great deal. Years ago bulk-handling of grain a concession in the form of an exemption did not exist, and its introduction should make to widows and widowers with children under possible the stabilisation of the supply of 21 years of age. It is pleasing that the stock feed to drought-affected areas, indirectly Treasurer has found it possible to assist in contributing to the State's economy. No this way. matter how we look at it, without assistance The Budget provides that, because of the from the Government it would be impossibie hardships of the drought, estates made up to operate a completely stabilised scheme. primarily of rural holdings are allowed time, I commend the Treasurer on the Budget interest free. in which to pay duties. I he has been able to bring down in adverse know of instances in which it would be circumstances. In doing so, I commend impossible to meet the duties payable, and Queensland, Queenslanders, and our work­ the properties could not be sold for this force for making it possible. purpose because they would realise only Our economy is still sound and it is four-sevenths of their present valuations. They interesting to note that Queensland's popula­ are properties that are suitable mainly for tion growth in the last 12 months was dry sheep wool-growing. We must keep second only to Western Australia's. That these problems under consideration. In many speaks volumes for the activity the Govern­ cases the estate is made up of a book value ment has created. Obviously it is creating which could not be realised or substantiated. more job opportunities, and therefore our What has happened in the past cannot be population is growing at a faster rate than remedied. However, the Treasurer has seen the problem arising and has been prepared that of most of the other States. I stress to do something about it. once more that not all areas are sharing directly in this growth. Certain places in The gift-duty exemption has been increased. Queensland are expanding very rapidly We must remember that some increase in while others are battling. However, they gain exemption must be granted to offset the considerably from the indirect benefits of inflationary trend. The dollar is worth a expansion. They gain firstly by more markets little less each year. The increase in being created for the products of many areas, exemption from $2,000 to $4,000 goes further and secondly from improved services such than simply offsetting the inflationary trend, as roads, education and hospitals. In coping and really does something for the person 918 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply who is trying to care for his family. In more money be made available for extension addition, it brings the amount of State services and research into production, market­ exemption up to the amount of Common­ ing and stock diseases. wealth exemption, and this is of great signi­ Debates on exotic diseases have taken ficance because it helps in the administration place in the Chamber in the last few weeks of these matters. and what has been said has made it obvious The Treasurer said that the land tax laws why much more money should be spent on will be amended to increase the general research. Diseases must be combated if statutory exemption from $7,000 to $10,000 primary industries are to continue to operate and the exemption applying to land used as they have done in the past. purely for primary production from $21,000 Mr. Davies: Do you think it is right for to $30,000. This again goes further than the Commonwealth Government to give simply offsetting the inflationary trend. It $500,000 to General Motors-Holden's for honours a promise that the Government made research work? on many occasions to consider the pro­ gressive phasing out of land tax payable by Mr. CORY: I did not induce it to do primary producers. Since this Government that. I had nothing to do with it. came to power, the number of people paying land tax has more than halved. This year The marketing of primary products is very approximately 380 primary producers who important, and primary producers now find previously paid land tax will come within difficulty in understanding completely the international and internal marketing systems. the exemption provisions. Competition is becoming more intense and, Land tax must be kept under close watch consequently, more commercial experts are because it is without doubt a tax on owner­ needed to advise primary producers. Any ship, and such taxes must never be imposed assistance that the Government gives in this to the extent that they dampen a person's direction is money well spent. initiative and his willingness to get on with I turn now to the subject of rural land the job and do something for himself and valuation and add to my remarks about land the State. The progressive easing of the tax in earlier debates. Queensland has a system land-tax burden is certainly an incentive to of continuous revaluation of lands, which primary producers to make a success of their means that different parts of the State are venture. A little later I shall make further revalued at different times. As a result, reference to land valuations, which are the problems arise. If the whole State could be basis of land tax. revalued at once and all valuations brought I now wish to refer to the Stock Fund and into effect at the one time, many of the the grant that the Treasurer has again seen difficulties would be overcome. However, fit to make to it. I imagine that the amount it is impossible for the staff of the depart­ of contribution by stockowners to the fund ment to cover the whole State at once, and would be over the $900,000-mark, and the they have to work through the various Government contribution, which is by law areas of the State progressively. 80 cents for each dollar, was $710,888 in One of the main problems that arise 1968-69 and will be $736,344 in 1969-70. under the present system relates to exemption In past years there has been much pressure rates. If the whole State could be valued from primary-producer organisations for an at once, one exemption rate could be fixed increased Government contribution to the and no great harm would be done. But fund, and it was hoped that a basis of £1 for areas that have been revalued recently are £1, as the currency then was, would be ahead of a movement in the exemption rate, accepted by the Government. However, an and this causes a problem that I think should examination of the special grants made to receive very careful consideration. Perhaps this fund over recent years shows that the the soundest way of looking at it is to Government contribution has been much consider what benefits flow from large better than $1 for $1. Since 1965, increases in valuations. If a set of uniform $2.99 million has been paid into the Stock valuations can be arrived at and they are Fund by way of special grants from the acceptable for taxation purposes, what is Treasury. In 1968-69 $585,000 was paid into to be gained from large increases in valua­ it, and for the year 1969-70 $678,000 will be tions when only one formula is used? received by way of special grants. If that I have said before that I believe that the amount of $678,000 is added to the $736,344 present formula for rural land valuations to be received as Government endowment, it is wrong. It contains too many anomalies. will be found that the Treasury is paying at In many instances, one can sit down with a the rate of $1.40 for each dollar subscribed pencil and paper and work out the valua­ by stockowners. tion of a person's property without going I am pleased to report that none of this very close to the land. I feel that anomalies has gone unnoticed by stockowners, who are exist over the term "comparable sales". certainly very appreciative of what is being It may be argued that use should be made of done for them. It is vital that this money be comparable sales. We speak of sales to used to expand the various services provided what might be termed "a prudent pur­ to stockowners by the Department of Primary chaser" as being the only ones considered, Industries. It is extremely important that but when many sales are made in a particular Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 919 area, anomalies can arise, and I feel that hope to recover his expenditure. If his therefore it is not a fair and proper basis improvement methods prove to be successful on which to arrive at values. he will be able to wait 10 years to obtain his Mr. Lickiss: What other basis or yardstick return on capital. He has done a lot of is there? remarkable things with pastures, but until his scheme has been tried for a number of Mr. CORY: Wait a minute. An individual years and regeneration takes place-if it might want to buy a particular piece of land does-it will be 'impossible for anyone to for various reasons. If it adjoins his own forecast that his project will be successful. property it would obviously be worth more The point I make is that the adjoining proper­ to him than to an outsider who had to pro­ ties are valued on the basis that they could vide capital for plant and stocking and so on be similarly improved. A person who earns to make the property a payable concern. an annual income obviously has a limited amount of money at his disposal for develop­ Another principle that should not be in­ mental projects, and he should not be cluded in a formula for valuation is the pur­ penalised by any formula of valuation. chase by an outsider who does not make his living out of the land purchased but uses it Mr. Lickiss: There is no formula. as an income-tax deduction and, for this rea­ son outbids everybody else and pays a high Mr. CORY: The hon. member for Mt. figure for it. He might be a successful Coot-tha says that there is no formula. All businessman or professional man and it valuers seems to operate in the same way; cannot be suggested that he is not a they sit on a landholder's veranda and draw prudent purchaser. While this principle lines and quote figures to show how valuable remains in the formula for valuation it is his property is. hard to argue against it, but such sales are Mr. Lickiss: There are principles and not a fair and reasonable indication of the true value of the land. practices. When we get away from the earning Mr. CORY: Call it a principle instead of capacity of land in making valuations, I a formula, but let us decide the issue first think we make troubles for ourselves. Further and talk about principles later. The problems arise when valuations are based on principles that have to be adopted by valuers the owner's capital expenditure on improve­ are wrong. ments. A person who is prepared to spend I now refer to an unimproved valuation large sums of money on improving his that rose from $8,000 to $17,000 in one property, as he is entitled to do finds himself increase. The land that was valued has had valued out of it. nothing added to it that its owner did not Mr. Lickiss: That is not quite right. put there himself either by hard work or by his own money. The property has a river Mr. CORY: I agree that there must be frontage but the river is not a permanent one some increase in value in the light of although it has followed the same course since increased services in a particular area. I am time immemorial. Thirty years ago a bitumen not dealing with urban valuations because road was constructed to the property, and the other problems arise there. Obviously if a soil on the property has not changed in any rural area is served by an all-weather road way. All the features on the property remain or electriC'ity, certain movements in valua­ unchanged, yet its valuation was more than tion can be justified, but not on improve­ doubled. How can that increased valuation ments made by the owner's own capital. I be justified when all the improvements to object to the valuing of rural land on the property were effected out of the owner's improvements that have been put there by capital? Obviously he must wonder what the personal capital expenditure of the owner was the use of going to that effort, if he is because, when this happens on one property to be penalised for it. in an area, all the properties around it are I have not seen land with potential that automatically valued on the same basis. did not, firstly, cost a great deal of money I will give two instances. One is a case to bring into use and, secondly, take many in which valuations rose, between two valua­ years for the development to become fruit­ tion periods, from $2.50 an acre to $6 an ful. In many cases costs of production eat acre v. hi le the yielding capacity of the land, up the extra profits that could be expected in terms of wool or meat production, would from added production. Intensive farming be very much the same. These valuations of an area costing a great deal of money covered a comparatively confined area and it does not always mean that much more money can be seen how the figures were arrived at. is made, after taking into account operating In that area one landholder had a great deal costs of the scheme and the cost of interest of long-term capital at his disposal and he and redemption. carried out extensive improvements to his A problem arises with agricultural lands property. He would be the first person to when production quotas are fixed, as in admit that he did not need to make a living wheat production. I am not criticising the from the earnings of his property over his method of valuation on this point, but it immediate investment period and that it should be watched. A valuer should have would be at least 10 years before he could firmly established principles when deciding 920 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply how to value an area of land. If produc­ As comparable sales create anomalies, I tion in an industry in which the Govern­ should prefer that they were not used for ment has decided that quota restrictions valuation. We are told that the highest and should apply has to be increased because of lowest sales are not used, but to an extent the valuation of an area, that matter should they are. On many occasions, in an effort to be looked into very closely. get a valuer to justify how he arrived at his A great deal of thought should be given to figure for a piece of country I have asked, formulating a fair policy of land valuation "How did you do it? It will carry only one to provide for the person making a living beast to 10 acres. How could you put that and to encourage development. Our present valuation on it?" I have been told, "'Joe method of valuation is supposedly uniform Blow' up the road paid so much for his land, throughout the State but that is virtually and his bit of dirt is like this one." This impossible because the valuing process is method does not arrive at a true valuation continuing at all times and changes are tak­ of the land. ing place in different parts of the State at We should forget this broad term "poten­ different times. Under those conditions it tial" as such, because it includes capital and is very difficult to arrive at complete unifor­ manpower required to bring the land up to mity. However, uniformity is impor,tant production. At the same time, this would only in land tax assessment. It does not level out the effect of one man's having the really matter in the levying of shire rates capital available; his results would not be as long as each shire is uniform. However, allowed to jeopardise the enterprise and work I feel that, recently, lack of uniformity of his neighbour without the capital. Not seems to be the rule rather than the excep­ many people are in the happy position of tion in many shire valuations. having long-term capital at their disposal, Two main features in valuation should and the time is long overdue for us to do be considered in an attempt to improve the something to overcome this problem. We system. The first relates to the position should try to ensure that a man who immedi· of the land and the distance entailed for ately improves his property is not automatic· services and supplies. It will be generally ally taxed off it. That would give him the agreed that an accessible property attracts incentive to continue to improve his property a higher valuation than a very inaccessible in the knowledge that its basic valuation one. That is quite reasonable. would not be affected. He pays tax on every The other real principle to be con­ item he buys. If he makes a success of his sidered is the earning capacity of the land, enterprise, he pays tax on his profit. It could not including the capital used to bring it into be claimed that this is a Commonwealth production. Many arguments may be matter, and so it is, but it relates to our advanced about what can be earned from a Commonwealth-State relationships. certain area of land, but as a basis of valua­ Mr. Murray: He will pay a lot more if tion we should look objectively at the earn­ Labour gets in. ing capacity of the land, less the capital used to bring it into production. We know Mr. CORY: That is true; but it will be that the amount of capital required to such a long time before that happens that improve land can be many times its purchase none of us will be here to witness it. price. Therefore we must be realistic in the \Ve must not overvalue our land. We must valuation of that land. Also, with a formula encourage an owner to develop his land and that recognised this, the improvements made be a success not only for himself but also by the one person would not affect the valua­ for the country. The present system is hold­ tions of other land in the area with much the ing back development. same kind of soil and the same degree of productivity, On the contrary, such a [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] formula would lead to uniform valuations Mr. CORY: I shall now leave the subject and be a fairer basis. of land valuation and make some comments Mr. Lickiss interjected. on the fight between the dairying industry and the margarine manufacturers. Admittedly Mr. CORY: No. It is based on the value much of this conflict has been created by of the land, not on the efficiency of the the sectional publicity given to it, and many of owner. The land should have a certain value the statements that have been made have come for productivity; it is not necessarily what any from deep sectional interests and are not particular individual can make off it. "Blind in accordance with the facts. No-one would Freddy" knows roughly what can be made off deny that the producers of any commodity a certain type of dirt. All country, whether should be expected to meet fair competition; it is granite, open granite, timber granite, or indeed, it is on this premise that much of any other type, falls into a certain category our commercial activity has been established. and has a certain earning capacity. This could However, I feel that much of the present be based purely on how many sheep or beasts controversy has not been conducted on a it can carry per acre. Therefore the earning fair basis. capacity of the land can be established. That Mr. Hinze: The margarine manufacturers particular earning capacity can be worked are trying to put a milk label on a bottle back to the capital that was put into the of water. They are trying to deceive the improvement of the country to that standard. housewife. Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 921

Mr. CORY: It will not keep like water As was mentioned when legislation was before will; I know that. I am endeavouring to this Parliament some time ago, it was only look at the production of both these com­ fair that quotas should be imposed while modities from the point of view of the large quantities of vegetable oil used in economy of Queensland and Australia. In the manufacture of margarine in Australia the first place, I wish to mention what I were imported. However, the position would consider to be. the difference between the change immediately if all vegetable oil needed marketing of table margarine and cooking for that product was produced in Australia. margarine. No-one suggests that both should Butter is wholly prQduced in Australia and not be available to the public at whatever the dairying industry employs Queenslanders is considered by the manufacturers to be a and Australians, and it is only reasonable fair price, and, as the manufacturers of table that certain quotas should be imposed margarine have to comply with a quota while vegetable oils are being imported. which was imposed upon them after con­ sideration of all aspects of the dairying, Mr. Hinze: The dairying industry has done margarine and vegetable oil industries in more than any other industry for the decen­ Australia, it is only reasonable that they tralisation of Queensland. should expect some sort of protection against Mr. CORY: That is correct, and it did attempts to present cooking margarine as a it before other industries were ever thought product which in fact it is not. of. Mr. Melloy: Do you want to put a quota Cooking margarine has been dressed up on cooking margarine now? to deceive the public into believing that Mr. CORY: No, but it is only fair that it is the equivalent of table margarine or members of the public should know what butter. Cooking margarine should be avail­ they are buying. able. All I am asking is that the buying public should know exact.ly what it is buying Mr. Melloy: Put it on the label; that's all and not be deceived. you have to do. Mr. Houghton: Isn't cooking margarine 90 Mr. CORY: Without doubt, the manu­ per cent. dripping? facturers of cooking margarine use artificial colouring and flavouring to get around Mr. CORY: It is a form of dripping. table margarine quotas. I think that mem­ The basic ingredient is animal fat. The bers of the public deserve to have good ingredients are mixed, and one of the major table margarine available when they want to manufacturers of cooking margarine described buy it, but, if the present situation is it as a white unattractive, unsalable product, allowed to continue, artificially coloured and or something to that effect. Neither butter flavoured cooking margarine, which has none nor table margarine can be described as a of the ingredients of table margarine, will "white, unattractive substance". swamp sales of table margarine. Good table I wish to draw an analogy at this point. margarine will become harder and harder What a scream there would be if power to obtain, and dearer, because no manu­ kerosene and petrol were the same colour. facturer will be able to produce it at a If people could buy power kerosene thinking profit if his output is considerably reduced. it was petrol, more summonses w~mld be I believe that the Government has certain issued than one could poke a shck at. responsibilities to the consuming public and that, basically, whatever a consumer buys Mr. Chinchen: What about the flavouring should be what its brand says it is. No of them? attempt should be made to make use of the Mr. CORY: If power kerosene was used, reputation of another commodity of totally it would do a great deal of harm to many different value. motor-cars. Mr. Houghton: Tasmania and Victoria took If an article is presented in a deceitful similar action, did they not? way, the margarine industry will not benefit, Mr. CORY: They did, and I am pleased because the public will lose confidence in it. to say that the legislation introduced in All I ask is that people should be made those States has been very successful and all aware of exactly what they are purchasing. the industries are living together in harmony. Mr. Melloy: Do you artificially colour Unfair competition-! stress "unfair"­ your oranges? should be restricted. If a person purposely Mr. CORY: No, I would not consider makes his product look like a premium pro­ it. When one considers the profit margin duct that is naturally coloured and flavoured, in the manufacture of cooking margarine­ although it does not contain any of the the retail price is in the vicinity of 30 to same ingredients, that is unfair competition. 35 cents-one cannot but feel that the public Table margarine offers very sound competition should know what it is buying. If the product to the dairy industry, and both table mar­ was not artificially coloured it could possibly garine and butter are available in all shops. be retailed at a lower price. When one thinks of the part that the oil seed industry is playing in Australia, it is Mr. Melloy: Have you ever seen artificial only right that margarine should be available. colouring in meat in butcher shops? 922 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. CORY: I have never artificially col­ Mrs. JORDAN (Ipswich West) (7.30 p.m.): oured my meat. If a beast is fattened When I listened to the Treasurer present his correctly and the skin taken off easily, the Budget I could not fail to contrast his meat does not need artificial colouring. approach and attitude with those that he adopted in earlier years. When he presented I congratulate Mr. Bell for his comments last year's Budget, the pre-election Budget, he on the current dispute. Although there is called it Queensland's "March to Progress" some small value in the animal fats used Budget. Indeed, every Budget that he has to manufacture cooking margarine, the loss brought down over the last four years has of which could affect the grazing industry been given a name. In 1966 and !967 he if sales were greatly reduced, Mr. Bell has cal:ed his Budgets "Push Ahead" Budgets, adopted a commendable attitude for an and he spoke of rough times and said that industrial leader in not taking sides in a conditions were not good. Then came the dispute which involves competition between "March to Progress" Budget, which was Australian producers-on the one hand, those designed to do away with our fears and who use beef fat to manufacture cooking worries. In the 1968 Budget he did not margarine and, on the other, those who use even criticise the Federal Government as he vegetable oils to manufacture table margarine. had done in previous years for its loan allocations to Queensland. Nor did he I feel that the legislation suggested-! do criticise the formula laid down for the not know what will be in it-will, in the Commonwealth-States financial relationship. circumstances, afford the protection that This year he did criticise it, and the Premiers buyers could reasonably expect. of the other States are criticising it volubly as Finally, I want to bring to the attention a reconsideration of that formula draws near. of the Committee an anomaly I have encoun­ Apparently this year the Treasurer has run tered in the Education Department. Adminis­ out of names, for he has stated broadly that tratively, the Education Department does not his Budget was the fourth that he has provide for the installation in schools of presented. Once again he reverted to his adequate fire-warning devices. However, I character as shown in pre-election years and understand that the department insists upon said that it was not an easy Budget. adequate fire drill in all schools, mainly the I am sure that, like me, many hon. practice of rapid evacuation of the buildings. members were waiting to hear what nom de That is very desirable and I know that fire plume this Budget would have and were brigade officers in the various districts disappointed when the Treasurer's enthusiasm co-operate to the full in supervising the had seemingly evaporated. The Budget was practice. In many cases the time taken to a nameless, rather disappointing and mun­ evacuate a school has been reduced from dane one, except for its increased pictorial two and a half minutes to one minute as content. In fact, when I exhibited it at a result of experience gained and the educa­ several meetings a number of people asked tion of children in this drill. I think the me what magazine I was showing. They failure of the department to provide adequate thought it was a new one that had come fire-warning devices in schools is rather short­ onto the market. sighted because it is not much use drilling children to evacuate a building if they do I listened hopefully to the Budget and not know a fire has occurred. In addition, searched through it in vain for evidence the department is not prepared to grant of work that was to be done in my electorate a subsidy of 50 per cent. to parents and and in the City of Ipswich. I thought that citizens' associations that feel it is necessary perhaps at last Ipswich might be in line for the safety of children to instal adequate for a new railway station, which is so badly warning devices. needed and has been talked about for so long. Various types of devices can be used Mr. Hinze: What about my railway station? depending on the size of the school, the Mrs. JORDAN: Put in a Labour Govern­ terrain, the acoustics of the area and so on. ment, and the hon. member will get one. These things would have to be considered in The need to replace the Ipswich Railway determining the type of device, but there Station has been talked about for over 45 are several suitable ones on the market. years. I do not know which is the best. The Pelton wheel is a very simple one which Government Members interjected. operates quickly and automatically on pres­ sure. However, I think the Education Depart­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. ment should look at this matter. It already Ramsden): Order! I am sorry to interrupt admits the possibility of a problem when it the hon. member for Ipswich West, but, as insists on this fire evacuation drill and I have said before, interjections, if answered, instruction. If it considers it worth while to are quite in order but cross-firing in the use the fire officers' and teachers' time in Chamber is completely out of order. this training, it should also consider it Mrs. JORDAN: As I had ~aid, the need to necessary to have efficient devices so that replace the Ipswich Railway Station has been warning of a fire can be given at the talked about for 45 years, and on some earliest possible time. occasions, owing to certain happenings, the (Time expired.) hopes of the people of Ipswich ran high. Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 923

Approximately 29 years ago the construc­ again in Ipswich because of the published tion of a new railway station was commenced, comments of the Queensland Railway Com­ and some platforms were built. However, missioner, Mr. Lee, on his return from a work was stopped, and there the unfinished nine-weeks overseas railway study tour. It station remains, except for the portions that was indeed interesting to read what Mr. Lee were torn out and used to repair the Helidon had to say. For the record, I refer to the Railway Station, which is in the Treasurer's following report in "The Courier-Mail" of electorate. As I said in my maiden speech 26 September, 1969- in this Chamber, the Ipswich Railway Station "Brisbane must abandon its present is over a century old. It is so dark and system of diesel-electric trains and go all­ sooty and so covered with grime from steam electric, the Railways Commissioner (Mr. locomotives that no paint will cover it or A. G. Lee) said when he returned yester­ even stick to it. It is so damp that it day from a nine-weeks overseas railway will not even burn down. study tour." Mr. Sullivan: Have you had a go? Mr. Bennett: In effect, he said what Jack Mrs. JORDAN: If I could get someone Duggan did was right. to burn it down, I would. The Charleville Mrs. JORDAN: I am sure that Mr. Duggan Railway Station was burnt down successfully. must be very happy about Mr. Lee's state­ If I thought that the Ipswich one could be ment. burnt down I would have a go. It certainly does not present a very good aspect to Mr. Lee also said that Brisbane must have the travelling public and is most inconvenient a rapid-transit electric rail system connecting for passengers. The working facilities and Brisbane with outer centres like Beenleigh, lay-out are most inadequate, and are respon­ Inala, Ipswich, Ferny Grove and Petrie. sible for many delays in the traffic. It is certainly high time-indeed it is many years Mr. Hinze: And an electrified rail service overdue-that Ipswich had a new railway to the Gold Coast. station. Mrs. JORDAN: I agree with the hon. There is only one bright spot about it, member for South Coast that an electrified thanks I? the efforts of Mr. Adrian Baartz, system would greatly assist the Gold Coast. an Ipsw1ch platform porter, who has estab­ From visiting some of the northern New lished a terraced, beautifully laid-out garden South Wales cities which get many of their on the high bank opposite to the station. consumer goods from Brisbane, I know that It is now in full bloom and is a delight to they would be interested in a railway line see. Mr. Baartz can be very proud that, in connecting Brisbane with Northern New four years, he has turned a wilderness­ South Wales. I support wholeheartedly the indeed, a rubbish dump-into such a delight­ hon. member for South Coast in his appeal ful garden, which has every chance of being for a railway line to be built to the South adjudged the best garden in the south-eastern Coast. railway division. The results of this com­ Mr. Lee also recommended an inner-city petition should be made known very shortly. underground loop railway. From time to time in Ipswich various The article continues- historical celebrations relating to the railways are held. It seems to me that this celebration "Mr. Lee, after examining transport sys­ of age is to be our role. In fact, Ipswich fems in some of the world's Ieading cities has one such historical celebration coming up said: in November, when the original "Puffing 'We can't just keep on building roads. Billy" is to be officially housed at Ipswich, the Overseas, they're discovering that as fast first railway centre in the State. The as they build freeways, they become re-enactment of the turning of the first sod filled with traffic. This way, Brisbane for the first railway line from Ipswich to will become a tangle of freeways.' " Grandchester is to take place. I would much I think all hon. members who have driven rather be celebrating the turning of the first in Brisbane, particularly in peak periods, sod for a new railway station and the will agree that Brisbane is not becoming a reorganisation of the lay-out of the railway jungle of freeways; it is a traffic jungle yards. right now. Ipswich is still a solid railway city in spite The article continues- of the fact that only repair work is done " 'We should be starting now to elec­ there now. It has an annual railway payroll trify the Brisbane lines. We are in of about $6,500,000 for about 3,000 em­ an excellent position; we can learn from ployees. Changed policies implemented by what has gone on Tn other cities. But this Government affected railway employment we mustn't wait until it is too late.' in Ipswich and redundancy became the order of the day as a result of the changeover to "Essential dieselisation and the building of rolling stock "Mr. Lee said electricification of Bris­ by private enterprise instead of the Govern­ bane's present diesel-electric lines could be ment railway workshops, which had been the the first step towards a new rapid transit practice for so many years under Labour system. Construction of new lines should Governments. Hopes are running high once follow. 924 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

" 'The present diesel-electrics give a good The appointment of janitor-groundsmen to service,' he said. 'But if you're going to Class I and Class II schools will also be a reduce traveUing time, and increase welcome relief for parents and citizens' asso­ capacity on the lines, an all-electric sys­ ciations which have had a heavy task in tem is essential. endeavouring to maintain school grounds, with little help from the department. The "~e said. the importance of developing schools in my area which will have janitor­ rapid transit systems was acknowledged in groundsmen at the commencement of the some big cities he had visited. 1970 school year are extremely happy about this new facility. "Municipal authorities were sharing con­ struction and operating costs of the However, I would like to make a plea on systems. behalf of the smaller schools for greater help in maintaining their grounds. The "One city even planned taxing private smaller schools have less chance of raising transport to subsidise the public rapid the money to pay for work on ground rail system." improvement. At present they get the ser­ He also recommended an underground loop vices of a groundsman for one day in seven system in Brisbane. weeks. That is as good as nothing, par­ I am sure that Mr. Jack Duggan must ticularly in the summer months. The parents have been particularly interested in reading and citizens' association of the Central Boys' that report, because electrification of the School at Ipswich has spent $464 on grass Brisbane rail system was commenced by cutting alone in the last three years. The a Labour Government when he was Minister parents and citizens' association of the Tivoli for Transport. It was stopped by this Gov­ State School, which is another small school ernment when it came to power in I 957. in my electorate, has, in addition, done much Labour sp.ent !llillions of dollars preparing levelling work, at their own expense, on the for electnficatwn by altering overbridges, department's property. platforms, and so on. Labour claimed and As a matter of general departmental still claims, that an electrified syste~ is policy, two or three smaller schools, not only cheaper, faster, more convenient and less those in my area, could share a groundsman noisy. between them, on a rotating basis. I pro­ In my opinion, 12 years has been lost if pose to quote from a letter that I received this is the thinking of the experts. And recently from the parents and citizens' asso­ they should know. Ipswich and the whole ciation of such a school, as I feel that the of Brisbane-indeed south-east Queensland opinion it expresses is very relevant to all -awaits w,ith increased interest the Govern­ such schools. It reads- ment's reaction to and action on this report "The Department of Education should by. Mr. Lee, particularly as more people are accept the responsibility of maintaining usmg the .s~burban railways, making essential school grounds and appoint a grounds­ the proviSion of a fast, clean, commuter man who could perhaps look after two or service. three schools in one area where the It was pleasing to see in the Budget an grounds were not large enough to justify increase in education expenditure. While one groundsman employed full-time. At there is room for improvement of our educa­ the moment we have the option of the tion standards and in our education facilities, services of a groundsman one day in seven and while we will still be behind many weeks, and this is found to be quite other States and overseas countries in the inadequate. This association has spent $464 percentage of income spent on education in 1966, 1967 and 1968 for grass cut­ it is a step in the right direction. Indeed: ting alone. This could rise considerably education was given the biggest lift in the should we have a wet season. This Budget. The same pattern exists in New amount does not include a further $189 South Wales, according to the policy speech for care of the tennis courts, and much delivered by the Premier-Treasurer, Mr. work is done on a voluntary basis. We Askin, and in Victoria. The policies of all feel this money could be spent in pro­ Commonwealth Government parties envisage viding educational aids for our children, an increase in education expenditure in the but we cannot ignore the grounds as these Federal sphere. This is good to see because set the standard by which the public sees so much is needed in this field. the school." I was pleased to see an increase budgeted I agree that the grounds set the standard for in the number of teachers and in the by which the public judges a school. number of teachers in training because the Whilst the task is difficult enough in quality and training of our teachers are most schools with fairly level ground, it is even important for the future of our young more expensive in those with uneven ground children. The provision of clerical staff in where filling work, as well as grass cutting Class II schools as well as in Class I schools and general tidying, has to be done. The is to be welcomed. It will remove from cost of filling work is met by parents and the teachers the burden of this tedious and citizens' associations, and a tremendous job time-consuming clerical work and will give of this type has been done by the parents them more time for actual teaching. That and citizens' association of the Tivoli State is what they are paid to do. School. Supply [14 OcTOBER] Supply 925

I appeal to the Government to give favour­ young, not only the lucky few who manage able consideration to extending the services to get a place in the small number of kinder­ of janitor-groundsmen to smaller schools. gartens now established. This area of educa­ Parents and citizens' associations do a won­ tion has already been neglected for far too derful job, and they are to be commended long. for their efforts. What they collectively raise and spend throughout the State must I wish to deal now with the question of amount to a very large sum annually; it equal pay for women and discrimination would be very interesting to know the actual against women in employment. This has figure. been a matter of concern and a cause of agitation over many years, and some gains Recently the hon. member for have been, and are being, made. Indeed, the Toowoomba West made a plea in the judgment brought down in the Arbitration interests of the education of subnormal Court last May in the equal-pay test case children. I wholeheartedly support him. submitted by the A.M.I.E.U. and the Public Subnormal children are still children and Service Association established the principle they have as much right to be provided for of equal pay. Although the unions' plea was under the State education system as normal not granted fully, the court did give a children have. judgment on equal pay for equal work. The most neglected area of education is Taking into consideration the equal pay to at the pre-school level-the kindergarten teachers over five years and to some other level. Even though an increased allocation trades, the elimination of the marriage bar has been provided in this field, very few for public servants advertised in the Gazette children of kindergarten age are able to of 15 February, and also the removal of the attend a kindergarten. They just are not there marriage bar for nurses, as shown in the for them to attend. Gazette of 12 July this year, it would seem It is a fact that many of the attitudes and that it is only a matter of time before basic characteristics of a child develop most prejudice and tradition in this sphere give and the future pattern is laid in the early way to the actual evidence of what is daily years of childhood. Indeed, articles that I becoming accepted in our society and is have read recently indicate that this moulding becoming part of our daily experience. of character and attitude develop very much Make no mistake; it is experience which earlier than was at first thought. It is said teaches in this as in other things. The door that a child can feel emotionally whether or is opening wide for women to work if they not it is loved and has developed certain so desire, and to be paid at an equal rate, attitudes by the time it is only one year old. as they are and have been for many years Therefore, when one sees children who are in a number of countries. This will become very advanced at three years of age, some a reality in Australia, I believe, before very of them getting into a bit of mischief because long. Recognition of women as people has they are advanced, one knows just how good been slow in Australia and slower still in it would be-in fact, how necessary it is­ Queensland. For too long women have been for them to attend a kindergarten. a source of cheap labour, undermining wage A young child assimilates very much more rates in some parts of the male world, a and socially, mentally and physically develops point not understood by men for many much more quickly than was once realised. years. It is because of the realisation that each of There is still some way to go in eliminating these areas of development in a child's earlier discrimination and in changing the attitude years has a strong influence on his potential of society towards the woman worker, and as an adult that more and more emphasis is particularly the rapidly increasing number of being placed on the need for good pre-school married women entering the work-force. education and experience for children. The Whether we like it or not, the working wife average home may offer many satisfying and mother is very much an established experiences, but few families have two chil­ thing now, and she will become even more dren of the same age or adequate safe or familiar in our community. Women com­ suitable play space or equipment; nor does prise the only section of the work-force that it have a parent with sufficient time to devote is increasing at a rate comparable with the to increasing play opportunities. In the expansion of the economy as a whole. The kindergartens, children make their first adjust­ main reason for this is that industry needs ments away from home. Through play, women and that, with the high cost of living, children learn much; they learn particularly many married women find that they must seek to adjust and react to one another. They employment. gain confidence and learn initiative as they With its development and the setting up of develop under qualified teachers in a planned vast new industries that can employ women, programme in a planned setting. Australia has now found that, in actual fact, The Creche and Kindergarten Association it must employ women to obtain the required does a splendid job with limited resources and work-force. With higher educational too-little Government assistance. I believe standards, more labour-saving devices in the that such kindergarten training and schooling home, drip-dry materials that save much should be part of the State school system and time, and other conveniences, women are should be available readily for the very better able to re-enter employment, and the 926 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

range of employment for them is now much There are good and bad managers among wider. In this, Australia is merely catching women who do not work, so I do not believe up with the rest of the world. that whether or not a woman works is a yardstick to measure her ability as a wife Although it is a bit late, nevertheless the or mother. It is the character of the indi­ pattern is emerging. vidual mother that is responsible for either In a survey by the planning and research a well-run or badly run home. So it is with sections of the Federal Department of men; there are good and bad managers and Labour and National Service it was found good and bad providers. There are good that between 1947 and 1966 the male work­ managers of time, of money and of the force decreased as a proportion of the total family, and good managers of mental att!­ population while the female work-force tudes to the family and children. Ever It showed the opposite trend. If the figures was, whether a mother works or not, and relating to female workers are analysed, there ever it will be; it is the individual person, is no doubt that the main increase has been and his or her attitude, that counts. occasioned by married women entering the The pattern that is developing is that work-force. These figures have greatly girls leave school and then work until they increased and more statistics are available are about 24 years of age. From 25 to 35 than \\hen I spoke on this matter in a years is the main family-raising period, during previous debate on first entering this Parlia­ which they tend to leave work. Later, at ment. Some data is now available from the about 35 years of age, after they have raised last census although final analysis of some their children, they re-enter the work-force. aspects of that census has not yet been Only a few mothers work while their children completed. The census revealed that women are in their tender years, and most of these comprise 29.5 per cent. of the total work­ have a very good reason for doing so. As yet force of males and females. Between the no fi aures are available on this for Queens­ 1961 and the 1966 census, the number of land "or Australia and very little research female wage and salary earners increased by has been done into this very important sub­ 29 per cent. compared with an increase of ject. But the pattern is now established, .and only 16 per cent. in male workers. In 1933, the implications and needs cannot conti~ue married women made up only 10 per cent. to be ignored by this country. Better services of the work force. In 1947 that figure rose must be made available for these women and to 15 per cent., in 1954 to 31 per cent., in their children. 1961 to 38 per cent., and in 1966, according to the latest figures available, to 45 per cent. Mr. Hanlon: As time goes on they will Since 1947 the rise has been a dramatic one, pay an increasingly significant amount in and it is expected to continue. The figures taxation. are beginning to be comparable with those Mrs. JORDAN: That is so. These women of Britain, Canada, the United States of will be playing a very significant part . in America and most European countries; yet taxation. One of the iniquities is the high the Federal and State Governments ignore taxation that must be paid when both husband the facts of life about the increased number and wife work and they are taxed separately. of married women who work. They make a great contribution to our The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: (Mr. economy. Ramsden): Order! There is too much audible We need these women in our work-force. conversation in the Chamber. Indeed, the pattern developed during the last World War and it has continued to develop Mrs. JORDAN: The Commonwealth and ever since. In the main, they do not work State Governments have done practically because they particularly want to. As there nothing to care for the children of working is a need for women to work, more and more mothers. of them are working. The pattern is estab­ I shall read the percentage of working lished, and old habits are broken. Perhaps married women in the work-force of each Rome would prefer to have time on their State- hands to be with their families and to be State Percentage of around the home. But for many of them to work-force keep up with standards in this day and age working becomes an economic necessity. Victoria 21.15 Much more research should be carried out New South Wales 19.26 into this matter and more action taken over South Australia 17.18 the whole field. Whether we like it or not, Tasmania 15.69 it is a concrete fact that today more and more women are working, and that more and more Western Australia 14.18 married women are working. Queensland 13.33 While still dealing with women, I point out Some question the social implications of that I am concerned about the increasing allowing wives and mothers to work, but a number of deserted wives and the fast­ good deal of what has been alleged about increasing number of young unmarried delinquency is pure guess-work. No study mothers. Recently I heard figures given on has been able to equate the claims with fact. this in a radio broadcast and I looked for Supply [14 OcTOBER] Supply 927 them in vain in the Press. From memory where to apply, until someone tells them I think there were 6,000 such cases in where to make inquiries. Then they come Queensland in the last 12 months. I will not along and simply say, "Someone told me be a moralist, because we should always learn that you might be able to help me". Usually the facts before passing judgment and after they are eligible for aid. It is shocking all, our society is becoming more and' more that they wait for weeks before they become permissive. Apart from that, it seems to me desperate enough to come to find out what ~hat more help should be given more quickly is available. m cases of d1re need and distress. Some public servants-mostly very young Last year's agreement between the Com­ and new staff in the Commonwealth Social monwealth and the States (whereby the Com­ Services Department-seem to delight in monwealth meets half of the cost of relief to rejecting applications on a trivial point, per­ deserted wives and prisoners' wives in the haps failure through ignorance or misunder­ first six months of desertion, and half the standing to give all details. One would costs for deserted de facto wives and think these young lads were giving away unmarried mothers) was a wonderful boon to their own money. Only last week I saw those who had to wait six months before a young lad on a counter being extremely they could get assistance. Under the old rude to a lady with seven children who legislation, a mother with three children inquired about a pension. He told her received only $9.85 a week, but under the she was not eligible. When she came to new agreement made last year that rose to me, I found that she was eligible. Sometimes $25.50. it is only after persistence and advice, and perhaps representations by a member, that Another increase in pensions was granted such people are given the assistance for which last week in the Federal Budget, but I have they have been eligible all along. Whilst not worked out what it means. it is a Federal matter, I am sure that most Nevertheless, there is still much hardship State members have these people coming while cases are being documented to the to them, and do all that they can to help them. standard ~nd in the detail necessary to comply With Commonwealth requirements. I believe that those in the lower-income Because the State has to satisfy the Common­ group feel hardship much sooner than others wealth on this matter, much more detail when adversity strikes, as many find that is required and facts must be gathered in they cannot provide for their families and a n:ore _ce:tain. manner before aid is given. put aside savings for a rainy day. Often it is \Yh!le _this IS quite understandable, the waiting the hire-purchase payments to which they are time Is much longer than when the State committed that contribute largely to their alone was responsible. Indeed, I have heard hardships and get them into financial trouble of people who have waited six to eight weeks very quickly. Intermittent or prolonged before being given financial aid. Admittedly, illness of the bread-winner quickly puts a they are given emergency assistance in the family without savings into financial form of grocery orders at local offices of the difficulties. Department of 'f:abou~. But this is not enough I had an instance last week of a family to keep a family gomg over a period. in this situation. The husband has been sick off and on for some time. He used I continue to be surprised and concerned at the number of people in urgent need who up all his sick leave, then developed hepatitis come to me from time to time. The number and is now in hospital. The wife, with five seems to be increasing rapidly, even thouuh children, had only 40c in her possession. I more help is available to them and they do was able to get the husband a month's long not have to wait the six months now. Some service leave, and I got the Railway Depart­ of them have no idea of the help available ment to expedite payment of the cheque. to them. They try to struggle along on However, she had to get through four days their own, and then, at long last, they come with only 40c, which naturally did not last to tell their story, usually after someone very long. Fortunately she had good neigh­ has advised them to see their State member bours, and we were able to rally them of Parliament. Some cases are pitiful and to help with food. In addition, she received the people concerned could have been some assistance from the St. Vincent de receiving aid, at least through the Depart­ Paul Society and the Baptist Church, of which ment of Children's Services, but they she is a member. She was therefore able simply have not known about it. to carry on when she had no money what­ ever. I repeat that there should be more publicity This woman had hire-purchase commit­ as to what is available. Is the Government ments, and she was paying off a home. afraid that it will receive too many applica­ Because of her husband's illness, she had tions if it is known more widely? As I have previously failed to make some payments, and said before, I feel that an officer should be was now making payments at a higher rate stationed in each provincial city to deal to make up for those missed. She was then with such help and with the publicity that unable to meet any payments, even the rent. should be allied with it. In the main, people are not interested in help until they need When people strike hardship and receive it themselves. They are not aware of what the first letter from a hire-purchase company is available, how to go about getting it, or following missed instalments, they ignore it; 928 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply they are frightened to face up to the "never never". Hire-purchase is oHen situation. Finally, a threat to repossess is referred to as getting things on the "never made, and it is then that they seek advice. never", but it is not as iniquitous as the system under which people are given a credit Frequently I find that when a case is put rating and collectors go round from house to the reputable hire-purchase firms, par­ to house in a suburb collecting payments, ticularly those who are members of the exhorting people to buy something or other Australian Finance Conference, they will and keep up to their credit rating, and sell­ delay payments for a while, and re-negotiate ing to them the idea that they are being the loan over a longer period with lower foolish not to buy up to their credit rating. payments. They do not want to repossess, The firm concerned has as many as three as they would have the goods left on their collectors in some suburbs. In fact, three hands. However, other creditors take a of them operate in Inala, in the one field. different attitude and show little mercy. As hon. members know, Inala is a Housing Commission area and, in the main, the Some people never seem to realise that they houses are tenanted by people on lower are over-committing themselves with hire­ incomes. Somehow or other those people purchase, and these should be protected are convinced that they are on a good thing. against themselves. Many people think that They do not realise that they are being used they are getting a good deal if they buy to make big profits for those firms. The an article without paying a deposit or that people are constantly committed for the full they are getting something for nothing when amount of their stated credit rating, which they fall for the advertisements of firms is good for the firm; but I seriously ques­ that offer a free washing machine or a tion the trading ethics and firmly believe television set. that the practice should be governed by Mr. W. D. Hewitt: Often they are not suitable legislation. It should be brought even told the purchase price of the first within the ambit of hire-purchase agree­ article that they are buying. ments and not be permitted under what are termed "bills of sale". Such legislation could Mrs. JORDAN: That is correct, and they limit the amount of commitment to a per­ do not even know what they have to pay. centage of the income earned and provide Often they do not know what their pay­ that all such commitments should be com­ ments will be until they receive the notice pulsorily declared when a new article is to begin paying. purchased by the person concerned. Then again, there are the firms that allow I have seen much hardship as a result big trade-ins for rubbish. All the articles of some of these prevalent practices. I have are marked up to cover advertising gim­ seen families even restricting purchases of micks such as these. No firm is so generous food to cope with their hire-purchase com­ as to give any of the articles away, and the mitments. This can and does affect our price of the article covers all the advertising economy. gimmicks. A number of reputable electrical Indeed, a recent Gallup poll the results traders have told me that the manufac­ of which appeared in "The Courier-Mail" of turers will not supply them with the goods 4 October last, showed that the minimum if they do not trade in this way. They are cost of keeping a family of four had risen caught in a vicious circle. If they want to do business, they have to have the goods by 9 per cent. in the previous 12 months in their shops. If they do not do business and 9 per cent. in the 12 months before in the way the manufacturers say that it that, making a total of 18 per cent. in must be done and show the prices that the two years. The survey, which bears out my manufacturers tell them to display for the argument, showed that family spending on articles, they do not get the goods in their food had risen by only 3 per cent. a year. stores. I believe that is downright dis­ Therefore, the other 6 per cent. rise in honest, and I think it is time the Govern­ the cost of keeping a family reflects spending ment took some action to prevent it. Dis­ on consumer goods and articles other than reputable, dishonest traders have had an food. open go for far too long. In this survey, a comparison of the figures Again, a well-known firm operates in this over the last five years showed that the city and in a number of other cities in percentage expenditure on food has gradually Queensland mainly on time-payment, with decreased and expenditure on other items collectors operating in the field collecting increased. Five years ago expenditure on weekly repayments, telling people that they other items was slightly less than that on are good for a certain amount of credit, food but today other items are costing and from time to time telling them that they 50 per cent. more. This is something we have so much credit due to them again­ should all be concerned about. Even though that is, after the people have paid so much it indicates that many people are enjoying of the commitment that they previously a higher standard of living in our more entered into. The procedure is to say, affi uent society, there are still far too many "Such-and-such a person is worth so much pockets of poverty and too much hardship. credit", and then the collectors endeavour to I urge the Government to take more concrete keep the people concerned up to that amount steps to seek out pockets of poverty and to of credit all the time. That is indeed the set about their elimination. I urge the Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 929

Government to institute research in this field to which this policy has been successful to ascertain where the worst pockets of can be identified best by referring to statis­ poverty are and what can be done towards tics. First of all, I shall deal with population. eliminating some of the very bad practices prevalent in hire-purchase and sales under At the census of 30 June, 1954, the State's bills of sale. In its quickening development, rural population was 20.4 per cent. of the Queensland can afford this. It can afford total population. At the census on 30 to give greater assistance to those people June, 1966, the figure had fallen to 14.7 who are suffering poverty and hardship. Not per cent. Over the same period the manu­ only can Queens:and afford it, but I believe facturing and tertiary population had risen it must afford it. from 77.8 per cent. to 83.6 per cent. Of total production, as at 30 June, 1958, the Mr. W. D. HEWITT (Chatsworth) (8.29 rural production represented 57.1 per cent. p.m.): To assess how well the finances of and at 30 June, 1968, the figure had fallen this State have been marshalled it is neces­ to 48.7 per cent., whereas over the same sary to consider the circumstances that pre­ period secondary-industry production had vailed when the Financial Statement was risen from 42.9 per cent. to 51.3 per cent. drafted, and we find a sombre backdrop It is significant that the mining segment indeed. The worst drought for 70 years was of the rural production had risen from 5.6 being experienced by the State; two-thirds per cent. in 1958 to 8.6 per cent. in 1968. of the State in fact, was totally in the grip It could be argued that those comparisons of drought and 79 of the 131 shires were are easy to make because some decline had recipients of drought relief. The primary occurred in rural production; but such was economy was depressed; there was massive not the case. The gross value of the State's movement of livestock; and intensive drought rural production rose from $430,000,000 in assistance was necessary from both Federal 1957-58 to $677,000,000 in 1967-68, so the and State Governments. Furthermore, written comparison is made not with static or declin­ into this Budget is provision for an extra ing rural industries but with rural industries $18,000,000 expenditure for wage increases which have appreciated. which represent no appreciation of effort or production. Nevertheless, the Treasurer has In 1967-68 factory production reached a been able to produce a Budget that provides record level of $658,000,000, as against the for a 16.19 per cent. rise in education, which comparatively low figure of $288,000,000 follows hard upon a rise of 32 per cent. for 1957-58. It is significant that in the m the same field over the previous two years. last five years Queensland's industrial growth He has been able to provide for expanded was faster than the national average. social-service charges, including an increase If we take into account the great degree from $100,000 to $200,000 for the Queens­ of decentralisation that this State enjoys and land Sub-Normal Children's Welfare Associa­ the consequent attendant problems that are tion. In addition, he has made provision entailed in providing diversified services, it for service increment payments to certain is significant to note that the husbanding railway employees. In this debate the degree of the State's resources has been little short to which the Opposition has been sin<>nlarly of the miraculous. It stands to the eternal ungracious in refusing to refer to th;t pro­ credit of this Government that it has vision for increment payments has been very attracted industry, diversified the economy, noticeable. The Opposition has agitated on developed natural resources, and stabilised that issue for some time, and one would the seasonal unemployment fluctuations. think that it would have been gracious enough to refer to it. That last point deserves a little more Mr. Hanlon: We welcome that. comment. One of the great problems that the State suffered from at the time of the . Mr. W. D. HEWITT: I am pleased to hear change in Government was the peaks and Jt. troughs in the employment picture. We had . The Treasurer made provision also for a pattern of seasonal workers coming to mcreased developmental expenditure. At the Queensland at the height of the cane-cutting same time he wrote no increases in taxes into season, when there was full employment. the Budget, and provided for a very nominal When the seasonal production finished the deficit of $2,370,000. seasonal workers became unemployed and registered for unemployment relief, and we Under the harsh circumstances that have saw the peak in unemployment occur immed­ prevailed, the Treasurer is to be commended iately. That was a chronic problem in for the way in which funds have been Queensland. marshalled, and it is necessary to look for reasons for the State's ability to produce Notwithstanding the fact that there has such a good financial situation under the been a massive mechanisation ,jn many of prevailing conditions. We must look at the the primary industries, with itinerant workers continuing policies of the Government since consequently having to find continuing it came to office in 1957. Quite deliber­ employment, or maybe stop coming to ately, and as a matter of policy, the Govern­ Queensland, the unemployment situation has ment set out to diversify the economy and levelled out so that there is a constant figure to shift the emphasis from pr.imary produc­ of approximately 1.8 per cent. throughout tion to secondary production. The degree the year. The Government's record in this 31 930 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply field will long endure and succeeding Govern­ Before I was typically intermpted by the ments, whatever their complexion, will be hon. member, I was attempting to say that provided with a better base to build on than a State Budget, unlike a Federal Budget, is the base that this Government inherited. not a weapon of economic policy. It is not necessary in a State Budget to inject moneys Mr. Bennett: The Gorton Government has in depressed circumstances or, conversely, gone, anyway. You know that. to withdraw funds when there is a degree of Mr. W. D. HEWIIT: I was about to men­ buoyancy. Such national policies certainly tion prophets in the Labour Party. The hon. may be dictated to a State, and it is then member for South Brisbane has made a encumbent upon a State to cut its cloth prophesy. We will see him proved wrong according to disbursements made by the in two weeks' time just as two members on Commonwealth. Nevertheless, a State Bud­ the Opposition benches were proved wrong get is a simple matter. It is not related to and had their reputations as prophets shot great, national economic policies and, to pieces as a result of this Budget, as I am accordingly, it is an easier document to about to point out. analyse and discuss. This is evidenced by the fact that of the $423,000,000 anticipated I refer firstly to a comment that the hon. income for the current year, only 55 per member for Baroona made which appears at cent. will be raised by internal taxing powers; page 755 of "Hansard" of 10 October, 1967, the remainder will come from the Common­ when he said, "There will be another big wealth by way of disbursement. So that even kick in the pants in 1969, after the election." our own taxing powers are not oversignificant The hon. member for Belmont, by way of and cannot attract too much comment. interjection, at page 644 of "Hansard" of 15 October, 1968 said, This presents a problem to members of "You will increase taxation again after the Opposition. They cannot argue on the election next year, 1he same as you economic grounds, and they find it difficult did in 1966." to criticise the financial document. Most of them scoop the world; the world is their If the hon. member for South Brisbane wishes oyster and as long as they do not talk too to join his colleagues as a failure in the much about money, except to say that more field of prophecy, he is entitled to join the should be spent here, there and everywhere, club. they do not take much notice of it. Mr. Murray: Has he ever made a useful comment in his life? The example was set by the Leader of the Opposition who solved the quandary of how Mr. W. D. HEWITT: I doubt it. I ven­ to attack the Budget by simply ignoring it. ture to say that just as his colleagues failed He presented a long, rambling speech which in the field of prophecy on the matter of could be described as an Address-in-Reply rises in taxes in this Budget, so will the speech, a dissertation on Australian Labour hon. member for South Brisbane be proved Party policies, or a way of telling us how to wrong. I am a little amazed that he has the while away the hours on a simmery, summery temerity to speak up tonight because not day. But it was not a Budget criticism. once, but twice last week he was shot down in flames by Ministers who had the complete Mr. Bennett: What about the Central answer to every point he raised. Queensland power-house? Mr. Bennett: Did you read "The Sunday Mr. W. D. HEWITT: All good things come Truth"? to those who wait, and I suggest that the hon. member for South Brisbane sit quietly. Mr. W. D. HEWITT: I read it very care­ He never knows what he might learn. fully indeed. The absence of specific criticism is indeed Mr. Bennett: Did you read what Bauer the best vindication a Treasurer can get that said? his Budget is a commendable document. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Historians in years to come will be Ramsden): Order! indebted to the Leader of the Opposition for Mr. W. D. HEWITT: I am happy to his studious collation of the power-house answer that interjection. negotiations. Up till this point of time, the story of these negotiations has not been put The hon. member for South Brisbane inside one cover. Therefore, those research­ made some sweeping allegations that the ing this matter in years to come will refer Commissioner of Police had breached the to the speech of the hon. member and will provisions of two Acts; that somehow or find the story set out neatly in chronological other his mere appearance at a meeting had order. I suppose, for that reason alone, somehow enticed police officers to vote in a someone will be indebted to him for his certain way. I have been here for only three speech. years, which is a comparatively short space of time, but I think that was the greatest In spite of all the criticism the Leader of piece of nonsense I have heard since being the Opposition took so long to deliver, the here. The hon. member certainly lost out ,in simple and significant fact is that. as a conse­ advancing such a ridiculous contention. quence of this Government's negotiations, a Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 931 power-house will be built, industry will be within the State. I associate myself with attracted to Central Queensland, and a new anyone who says that this State should era in Central Queensland will be ushered in. receive more money of an unspecified nature All credit for this must go to this Govern­ which we, as a sovereign Government, ment. It will be a continuing monument to exercising our own right, should be able to this Government's negotiating ability and it spend as we decide. will be a particular tribute to my distinguished Parliamentary Leader. Nevertheless, recognising all that, it is useful to look at the all-purpose payments per Mr. HanlmJ.: You would agree that Mr. head that have been made by the Common­ Whitlam's power-house proposal would be wealth. In 1965-66, the Australian per­ better for the State. capita avera"e was $48.63. The Queensland average wa~ $48.41, which means that Mr. W. D. HEWITI: Up till last Sunday Queensland was then 22c below the average. night, when Mr. Whitlam said he would make For the current year 1969-70, it is estimated a loan available, Opposition members made that the Australian per-capita all-purpose pay­ great play on the fact that a Labour Govern­ ment will be $135.87 and the Queensland ment would make a grant. There must have average will be $149.32, which represents been a great number of red faces in the $13.45 above the average. In that time, New Australian Labour Party ranks after last South Wales and Victoria have fallen well Sunday night when Mr. Whitlam said, "No, below the Australian average, and only not a grant; merely a loan". I think there Tasmania shows a better percentage increase must be a substantial climb-down following than Queensland does on the figures for the that. base year of 1955-56. On those figures the As I have said, owing to the narrow fact seems to be establishe~ that this State confines of a State Budget, it is difficult for has not done too badly m the fi::ld of negotiation, and it is highly q~~stwnable an Opposition to criticise it. Nevertheless, whether the Leader of the Opposition could the Leader of the Opposition should have have done any better. We wond~r what made a better attempt, and I suggest to him expertise he would have used to 1mprove five specific bases on which he could have put forward a more acceptable argument. this situation. The way I see them, they are- We refer to his speeches during the election 1. That Queensland has done badly on campaign, when he said that he would fight Commonwealth disbursements; for more money from the Commc;nwealth. That certainly sounds like a prom1se from 2. That the order of priorities is wrong; a rising heavyweight boxer rather than frc;m 3. That more taxes should be raised; an aspiring participant in tough . finan~ml 4. That funds should have come from negotiation. That is one field m wh1ch another source; and he did not dabble. 5. That taxes could have been lower. The second suggestion I made was the question of the order of priorities, and he The last is a specious basis, but one that he could have made some suggestion that the could have put forward. order of priorities laid down . ~as wrong. In the absence of any comment from the He could have presented a leg1t1mate arg_u­ Leader of the Opposition on those points I ment that there should have been a s):nft choose to discuss them with the Committee of emphasis in some directions, and poss1bly tonight. Let us look at how well the State the temporary abandonment of some scheme has done in the field of Commonwealth in favour of another in which more money disbursements. There would not be an hon. could be spent. But the absence ?f any member in this Chamber who would not say criticism in this regard gives us a nght to that we could have done better, that we assume that the Opposition approves the should have done better and, indeed, that we could have used more money if it had been priorities that we have laid down. fo:thcoming. We have peculiar problems in The next field that he could have exploited th1s State. We have problems of decentralisa­ is the question of taxes, and he could have tion that no other State, Western Australia made the bold suggestion that some taxes included, experiences in the same degree and should be raised. In fact, he could have ~ sh~uld like to see these problems better supported the contention made by two of Jden!Jfied by Federal authorities. his members in previous years. Here was Certainly I associate myself with the criti­ a rare opportunity for the Leader of the cism that the Leader of the Opposition made Opposition to display great qualities of states­ of specific grants. Perhaps I should correct manship-the "tighten the belt another notch" that. I do not associate myself with his appeal, the "backs against the wall" plea, comments; he associated himself with my a stirring, earth-moving, "blood and sweat comments. I believe the form that the and tears" appeal of Churchillian type. ~ut Commonwealth ~mploys of making specific no, he was silent. He sought not to rem­ grants on the bas1s that the State must match force the opinions of his colleagues, but them with equal expenditure means that the instead chose to remain silent on the broad Commonwealth regiments the expenditure of field of taxation rates. Again therefore, in moneys that have been raised internally the absence of specific criticism from the 932 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Leader of the Opposition, we can assume degree to which this State is enjoying a that he is happy with the current rates of buoyant situation in the field of mining. State taxation. The statement said- Mr. Bennett: Do you agree with the hon. "According to figures released today by the Minister for Mines, Mr. Camm, 1969 member for Toowong that the States should will be yet another record year for the be given back their taxing powers? Queensland mining industry. Mr. W. D. HEWITT: The hon. member "Mr. Camm said that in the six months for Toowong is entitled to his opinion, and to June 30 this year the value of all I respect it. I will not agree or disagree industrial and other minerals produced in with something that I have not had the the State was just on $95.5 million, $19 opportunity to research at great length. million more than the total for the same period in 1968. Unlike the hon. member for South Brisbane, I do not come racing in here with off-the­ "Mr. Camm said these figures did not cuff statements, and I like to think that any include the values for the energy minerals point of view that I put forward in this -coal and petroleum-or gold and precious stones. Mr. Camm said that at this Chamber is something to which I have given stage he could confidently predict that the much thought. 1968 total value of production for all the An additional field that he could have State's minerals produced of $220 million exploited is the suggestion that funds could would be exceeded. be raised from other sources. At least "Compared with the first six months this is a subject on which he feels at home, of 1968 the only significant drop in value and he will speak about it at the drop of of any mineral produced in Queensland a hat, or the mention of half a tomato. had been recorded for silver." The fact is that the contribution that the Of course, in the mind of the Leader of the mining industry makes to the economy of Opposition royalties are the key to all things. this State cannot be computed only in simple I believe that he and many of his colleagues terms of royalty. One must look far deeper have a fixation about that one aspect. Because than that. of that, they totally ignored or refused to debate some of the provisions of the Goon­ Mr. Chlnchen: Under Labour, not one ton yella agreement when that matter was under of coal left Queensland's shores. debate. I think that new members of the Opposition should be reminded of the fact Mr. W. D. HEWITT: The hon. member that when the Goonye!la agreement was being for Mt. Gravatt has stated a very significant debated in this Chamber, a member of the fact. Government (who shall remain nameless) Another criticism that the Leader of the called "Divide" and, to a man, the Opposition Opposition could have exploited was the crossed over to the Government benches to suggestion that there has been unnecessary support the Goonyella agreement in toto. spending-surely one field that any Opposi­ So they have to make up their minds. Either tion Leader should look at. Surely he could they were right in this Chamber the night have advanced some theories about Parkin­ they supported the measure, or they were son's law; surely he could have made some right out on the hustings when they criticised assessment of staff appreciation or depart­ it to the full extent of their vocal power. mental costs, or the spiralling over-all They could not be right on both occasions. administrative costs to this State. It was a remarkable omission by the hon. gentleman. I pose a few simple questions to the Leader of the Opposition relative to the Mr. Murray: Did he call for a public Goonyella agreement. Does he argue with accounts committee, for instance? I did not the amortisation of the line over 12 years hear him do so. and its vesting in the State after that period? Mr. R. Jones: That is your hobby-horse. Does he argue with the generous provision for stockpiling of coals other than those to Mr. W. D. HEWITT: It is a good hobby­ be used by the contracting parties? Does he horse. argue with the water rights that other land­ holders will enjoy? Does he argue with the Again, Mr. Ramsden, one can only assume establishment of a new township, the that the absence of that specific criticism harbour development, and the great employ­ from the Leader of the Opposition is an ment opportunity that will be provided? indication that the Treasurer is running a Does he argue with the great decentralisa­ tight ship. The people of Queensland will tion that will take place as a consequence be singularly consoled to know that the of that development? Leader of the Opposition has nothing to say on that significant matter. Before I move away from the theme of The last point that I suggest he should mining, I think it is useful to refer to a have looked at was the argument that taxes Press statement issued in the last few weeks should be lowered. Hon. members on this by the Minister for Mines and Main Roads. side of the Chamber do not really believe The figures contained in it establish the that there is any validity in such a suggestion Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 933 when there are so many things to be done So they complain that it is quite improper with finance. In the absence of any attack for the Queensland Government to look to in any of the other fields I have nominated, the South Australian Police Commissioner he could have possibly come along and said, for constructive advice on police training, "If certain economies are effected, you can but somehow or other there is nothing wrong reduce taxation here or do something else with the Labour Party's importing brains there." But again he was silent. from South Australia to try to solve their domestic problems. If there is any line of I have established that over the five speci­ sweet consistency there, I fail to see it. fic bases of legitimate criticism that the Leader of the Opposition could have touched If this is a criticism of the Minister in upon, he was as silent as a tomb. There­ charge of Police, I hasten to his defence. fore, we can only assume that the Budget The new Police Minister has attracted my is beyond reproach, beyond rebuke and great admiration and warm support. I was impossible to improve on; or the Leader of delighted a few weeks ago when he made the Opposition is incap~ble of launching a the statement in the Press that it was his vehement attack upon it. We can only wait aim to make the Queensland Police Force to hear from the shadow Treasurer to learn the best in Australia. 1 believe that he is· whether the Opposition has some specific lending every effort and every energy towards criticism to make of the document under achieving this objective. He is intro­ consideration. ducing a breath of fresh air to police administration; his refreshing approaoh has In trying to pad his hour and a half, the pleased us all, and it carries the warm com­ Leader of the Opposition hung his hat upon mendation of every responsible member of an argument about the South Australian this Assembly. Police Commissioner coming to this State to advise us on the training procedures of Over the last few months reference has our Police Force. Horror of horrors! We been made to the incidence of crime, the: must not invite advice from any other State! number of unsolved crimes, and, in con­ We must return to the cloister, the closed sequence, crime prevention, in Queensland. shop; anyone outside the State is presumed I do not think that sufficient has been to know little. We are to perpetuate the "Old Curiosity Shop" status that was inflicted said about the efforts of this Government, on us for so long. What nonsense! in the field of crime prevention. What crass stupidity! What insularity! We Hon. members should know that at Police look to the Opposition in vain for some line Headquarters in Makerston Street a special of sweet consistency. They say the South department has been set up to instruct busi­ Australian Police Commissioner should not nessmen on the best method of making have been invited here to advise us, that we their premises secure against intruders. The should have talent in the State to get over service provided is a very useful one, and any problems we might have. Let us now I hope that it will be extended. The look around for a comparable situaDion. Minister announced that he would make the display a mobile one by fitting out a railway Mr. Bennett intel]ected. carriage and sending it to the provi~~ial cities. I hope that he has made provtston Mr. W. D. HEWITT: If I ' :n playing to for sufficient money to carry out that scheme the spectators in the gallery it must be that without delay. I can speak from personal I am acquiring the worst habits of the hon. experience about the service that it will pro­ member for South Brisbane. vide, because I have taken organisations and other groups of people in my electorate to the A few mo:· ths ago, the Australian Labour department to see for themselves how it Party, believing that they were being harshly functions. Again I say that if anyone attacks done by on t>lectoral redistribution, decided the Minister in charge of police while he to have a clos.; look at the matter, to organise has his present refreshing approach I will a meeting and bring together all the great back the Minister all the way. thinkers. As they deplore importation, let us see what they did. Did they invite the It is not mv intention to use the full great intellectual giants of home fame, Mr. hour at my disposal, mainly because no Tom Bums, Mr. Jack Stanaway and Mr. arguments have been advanced that call for Jack Egerton? No! Did they look to their rebuttal. Instead, I shall content myself parliamentary wing, possibly believing that with making a few broad obversations on the Leader of the Opposition would have matters that attract my own particular interest. something to tell? No! Did they go out to St. Lucia for some local talent, someone I associate myself with my colleagues who who had looked at the question long and have spoken about regional planning. That hard and had the great virtue of having provides the key to many of the problems been born within the boundaries of Queens­ that face the State, ,illld I hope that it will land? Again, no! To wrestle with this be set up on an adventuresome basis and problem, what did they do? They invited galvanised into urgent action. Every facility Mr. Don Dunstan to speak to them. Where must be placed at the disposal of those does he come from? South Australia! who are working on regional development. 934 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I was delighted to hear the Prime Minister with the very precise diction that is traditional in his election-winning policy speech men­ to his party. However, I remind him that tion the setting up of a fund to retrain 12 months elapsed after the last State workers displaced by automation. His pro­ elections before taxes were increased in mise dovetails with some comments I made Queensland. Because of current discussions in the Chamber a few weeks ago on the on State taxing powers and the considera­ broad basis of automation. Impatient soul tion that it would not be in the best interests that I am, I do not believe that any State of John Grey Gorton, or "Black Jack" Government is moving fast enough on this McEwen and his running mate Mr. Billy vital matter. I have said, and I repeat, McMahon, to increase right now taxation, that the effects of automation are I venture the opinion that it has merely being substantially cushioned by over-full been deferred. employment, but there can be little doubt The Treasurer's presentation of the that displacements are occurring and that Financial Statement on 25 September, certain problems need to be looked at sym­ departed from the traditional line and from pathetically. The problems posed by auto­ a desire to lead. It displayed a lack of mation are in their infancy and now is imagination, particularly in relation to Far the time to try to solve them. North Queensland. Accompanying the late Lastly, I wish to refer to the Government's arrival of the wet season, the Budget will intention to set up an environmental pollution only allow Far North Queenslanders to look control committee. I should imagine that forward to another financial drought under such a committee wou1d deal with the broad the Country-Liberal Government. Following question of the despoiling of the countryside. the Federal Budget, which clearly under­ Of n~cessity it must look primarily at indus­ lined the inequality and unfairness of trial wastes and the smog problem and attack Commonwealth-State financial relations, the the g~neral incidence of the problem at Treasurer, wittingly or unwittingly, is per­ the highest level. Continuing calls have petrating with vigour a similar programme been made in this State for anti-litter laws against the far northern areas of the State. and I associate myself with them. There i~ In the course of his statement dealing with little doubt in my mind that Brisbane is one Commonwealth-State financial arrangements, of the dirtiest capitals in Australia, simply the Treasurer said- becalfse ?ot enough emphasis is placed on "One of the great dangers which faces keepmg Its streets clean and the penalties Australia today lies in the centralisation for offences are inadequate. The cleaning of the real powers of Government." up of the city is long overdue. I agree with him. At a later stage he said I want to be fair to the Minister who that the Federal Government is ". . . too is presently in the Chamber. H~ has remote and impersonal to be accepted by associated himself actively with overcoming thinking citizens". He said that the Common­ the problem posed by irresponsible people wealth, State and local governments should who pay no regard to keeping the city have adequate finances to undertake their clean. .He has consented to attend a meeting respective functions. that Will be ·he1d tomorrow night by the I also agree that the Federal Govern­ ~eep Queensland Tidy Committee. In addi­ ment should heed the words of the tion, he has indicated broad Government U.S. President, Mr. Nixon, who pledged action that will be taken in March next himself to reverse 30 years of cen­ year. To me, the need to overcome the tralised power in Washington, D.C. The problem is an urgent one, and the Govern­ Treasurer's words about Commonwealth­ ment should move into this field as quickly as possible. State relations to which I have just referred could well be applied to the State's attitude Mr. Chinchen: Can't the local authorities to Far North Queensland. At each level take steps to overcome it? of government relationship, Federal Govern­ ment to State Government, State Govern­ Mr. W. D. HEWITT: That is a difficult ment to local government, and perhaps local question. They should certainly be clothed government to regional government-we are with additional powers but there are grounds producing a cumbersome, ineffective mon­ to suggest that the State itself should enact certain laws. strosity, bureaucratic in its intention. I have indicated that it is not my intention We were told that our approaches to the to speak at length, because of the paucity of Federal Government for development capital argument advanced by the Opposition and were met with the rejoinder that the money the lack of specific criticism levelled against is not available or that such expenditure the Bud¥et. I am happy to say that I support would upset the delicate balance of the my J?arlwmentary Leader in the presentation economy. That proved to be complete hum­ of his fourth Budget. I compliment him on bug. his singularly competent handling of funds During the past few months with the and I look forward to sitting with him in Federal election campaign we have seen Government for many more years. hundreds of millions of dollars poured into the economy without any thought of inflation, · Mr. R. JONES (Cairns) (9.6 p.m.): I do and, although the Federal Treasurer did issue not wish to detract from the lucid discourse a warning in the Federal sphere, the State of the hon. member for Chatsworth de~ivered Treasurer is shadow-sparring. His "born to Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 935

lead" campaign collapsed around his ears Mr. JR. JONES: If he had been listening during the recent State election campaign and he would have heard me say that on a Federal he is being forced into a neutral corner. basis there are more jobs available than unemployed workers. This does not apply in I claim-and I want the Government to Far North Queensland. I do not want to be take note of it-that the Government cannot accused of engaging in tedious repetition. hope to guide Queensland unless it under­ However, that was the statement I made and stands the present-day wishes, worries, and I was taken to task by the Minister. I feel ambitions of the people of North Queensland that l have replied to him through you, Mr. and, indeed, Far North Queensland. For a Ramsden. I feel that he took exception to period we have suffered at the hands of the my remark that this was all under the guid­ centralised Country-Liberal Government. We ance of a Country-Party-dominated Govern­ are paying heavily for our right to live in ment. Never have North Queensland primary Far North Queensland. Our freight charges industries been at so low an ebb. Such is the are high; our prices are soaring; and decen­ stewardship of the present Government. I tralisation in that area and adjacent areas said earlier, and I say again, that if this is a myth. Government is to guide Queensland success­ fully for the next three years, it must take We read in the Press today that on a into consideration the problems confronting Federal basis there are more jobs available Far North Queensland. I understand from than unemployed workers, yet youth my colleagues who have been in the West unemployment, seasonal unemployment, recently-and I am sure that the Minister for and the drift to the South are on Local Government will endorse this-that the the increase in the Far North. As same situation applies, probably to a greater the two Ministers in the Chamber-the extent, in Western and North Western Minister for Lands and the Minister for Local Queensland. It has been worsened by the Government-will no doubt agree, Queens­ drought in those areas. But it applies even land is predominantly a primary-producino­ in Far North Queensland, where drought has State, and surely they will not disagree that not been experienced. We have had our wet each individual primary industry in Queens­ season, although it has been a bit late. land today is experiencing difficulties. And Mr. Chincben: We cannot be responsible this under the guidance of a Country-Party­ dominated Government! for overseas prices, you know. Mr. Murray: The weather is a Common­ Mr. R. JONES: Are overseas prices to wealth responsibility, so do not blame the be blamed for the problems in Far North State for it. Queensland? I was ordered to retire from the Chamber about 12 months ago for criti­ Mr. R. .JONES: I did not mention the cising the negotiating powers of the Gov­ drought. ernment. If the Government could not negotiate better prices, is that not tantamount Mr. Sullivan: Are you blaming the State to criticism of the administrators? Is the Government for the seasonal conditions? Government suffering so much from internal power politics that that is its problem? Mr. R. JONES: I am not blaming the Government for the season conditions. Mr. Sullivan: Why can't you be more What I said was that it has de e nothing to specific? What is your problem? What par­ overcome certain problems in t ;; Far North. ticular primary industry are you referring We had a late wet season. There is no drouo-ht to? in Far Nort:; Queensland. But we still h:ve Mr. JR. JONES: I have told the Minister seasonal ur: :1ployment, youth unemploy­ what the problem is. All the primary indus­ ment, a driL to the South and high freight rates. tries of Far North Queensland-sugar, tobacco, timber, beef-cattle, and the rest­ Mr. Sulliv: You just said that there were are undergoing a recession. more jobs available than unemployed Mr. Sumvan: You are talking a lot of workers. nonsense. Mr. R. JONES: I was drawing an analogy Mr. JR. JONES: I am not. between the Press headlines today and the positior: !n North _Queensland. With respect, Mr. Sullivaru Talk of something you know Mr. M mister, I said "on a Federal basis." something about. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Mr. JR. JONES: The Minister knows quite well that what I am saying is correct. Does Ramsden): Order! I ask the hon. member to he deny that the sugar industry is suffering address the Chair and not the Minister. from a recession and is in dire straits? Mr. R. JONES: Mr. Ramsden, the Minister Does he deny that the beef mdustry is provoked me and I had to reply to him. suffering from a recession? The Minister blames negotiated prices. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: You do What was wrong with the Government that not have to take notice of any provocation it did not negotiate a correct sugar price from the Minister. with Japan? The wily Japanese operators 936 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply were allowed to negotiate a world-market Mr. Sullivan: Can you indicate any part price for export sugar when the Government of Queensland that has an advantage over ·knew that the beet-sugar crop in Europe Far North Queensland in freight rates? had failed in that year. At that time, The Premier has indicated that he is having when prices were high, the Government a complete review made of all freight rates. negotiated a price at world-market prices, 'knowing very well that the crop would Mr. R. .TONES: I direct the hon. gentle­ recover in two years. In 1965 the industry man's attention to an industry peculiar to immediately ran into trouble. The Gov­ the Cairns area to which reference was made ernment's negotiators did not take cognis­ in earlier debates, particularly the Address­ ance of the situation that was to develop. in-Reply debate. As a matter of fact, I I also say that Far North Queensland think that some time ago headlines were is suffering from a constant drain of popula­ made when one Thomas Kelly, a Cairns tion, and it will continue to be under­ identity who began work as office boy in the developed and underpopulated unless some office of North Australian Breweries Ltd., incentives are provided to encourage indus­ was later appointed Queensland manager of trial development. Far North Queensland is being drained of its youth by a lack that company. A brewery operates in Cairns, of employment opportunities. It is a and there are freight rates on beer. terrible indictment of the Government to Mr. Knox: What is wrong with the freight see the youth of country centres moving rates on beer? to the cities. We are forfeiting our heritage when we allow young people to move from Mr. R. JONES: That is one industry country areas to the big cities. that the Government is not assisting in any way. If the hon. gentleman wants other Mr. Rae: What do you suggest would examples, I could mention North Queens­ be the means of keeping them there? land Engineers and Agents Pty. Ltd. and Mr. R. JONES: But you are the Govern­ Maxmor Engineering Pty. Ltd. and the ment. Does the Minister want me, a humble problems they have in tendering for work back-bencher, to tell him what his problems in Far -North Queensland. are? Do hon. members opposite know that the Mr. Sullivan: Surely you could suggest Chambers of Commerce in Far North something. Queensland have contributed about $40,000 to have an analysis made of freight structures Mr. R. JONES: Yes, I will give some so that they can put an independent sub­ answers if the Minister wants them. I am mission to the inquiry that the Premier has pleased that he is consulting me, an Opposi­ ordered into freight rates. I do not think tion back-bencher, which shows that, in its that they trust the Government. So many responsibilities to the State, this is an inept submissions that they have made on other Government. occasions have been received with a deaf One of the first things needed by Far ear that they have contributed $40,000 so North Queensland is a reduction of freight that they may engage their own consultants rates. Let the Minister show me in the and obtain information to put before Cabinet. Budget where any provision has been made Mr. Rae: What is the name of the firm for this. We are told that despite a budgeted increase of $6.371 million in that is going to do it? revenue from the carriage of coal and Mr. R. JONES: I do not think anyone minerals over the actual receipts of last has been appointed up to date, but it has been year, the net increase in rail freights gener­ stated in the newspapers that that is their ally over the last year's collection is expected intention. to be only $3.215 million. That shows a lack of competition with other forms of Mr. Rae: Whose intention? transport. The Government states in the Budget also that it is determined to try Mr. R. JONES: The intention of the to overcome some of the higher charges, Federated Chambers of Commerce of Far and is having a searching independent and North Queensland. I think that is the correct expert examination made of the whole name; I am speaking only from memory. railway-freight structure. Mr. Wallis-Smith: When the Government Mr. Sullivan: That is right. raised the freight on wool, the Minister for Local Government and Electricity went back Mr. R. JONES: Yes. The Premier and told the people of the West to transport promised that in his policy speech and the their wool by road. Do you remember that? Treasurer had to accept the situation. The Government has to try to overcome the Mr. R. JONES: Yes, I remember that. problem. But I cannot see any provision in the Budget for the action that it proposes Mr. Rae: Quite correct; I did. I am not to take, and that obviously means that the afraid to say so. people of North Queensland are going to The CHAIRMAN: Order! suffer freight disparities for another 12 months. Mr. Rae: The figures were different. Supply [14 OCTOBER] Supply 937

The CHAIRMAN: Order! 22 October, 1968, midway through the Mr. Rae: I am sorry, Mr. Hooper. session, I repeated it and on 4 December, 1968, I again repeated it. Then, in the first Mr. R. JONES: While I am speaking of week of this session, on 19 August, 1969, I disparities in Far North Queensland, I again asked the question which I shall read should advert also to the problems of the because it is self -explanatory- work-force in that area. On page 2 of "( I) Further to my Questions to the the Financial Statement, the Treasurer said, Minister for Transport on December 6, "The building industry continued to operate 1967, March 20 and August 22, 1968, at a high level of activity", and then quoted and to the Premier on October 22, 1968, some figures. That statement does not apply concerning overloading on rail wagons to Far North Queensland. The position there under contract rates to Cairns and North has no relation to the general situation. Queensland, and in view of subsequent Recently the secretary of the carpenters' union reports appearing in the 'Cairns !Post', came to see me. He told me that half a 'Sunday Truth', 'The Courier-Mail' and dozen carpenters in the Cairns city area 'The Sunday Mail', alleging a rail freight could not get work and at least 20 members swindle to an amount exceeding $40,000 of the union were unemployed in the Cairns as freight claimed on 'ghost' loadings, has district. Work on the hospital has slowed the report on the investigation been pro­ down because steel cannot be obtained, and cessed from the Fraud Squad and for­ the construction of the building for Austral­ warded to the Solicitor-General? Pacific Fertilizers Ltd. cannot be begun until steel is obtained. "(2) If so, has the matter reached finalisation and what action ds expected? We know that the intake of apprentices in "(3) If not, in view of the interim of Far North Queensland is limited and that approximately two years, (a) to what stage children have to leave the area .to get jobs. has the investigation and/or prosecution Some leave for other reasons-to get ter­ proceeded and (b) is he now prepared to tiary education, and technical college educa­ disclose the name of the firm and/ or tion, to attend teachers' training colleges, persons involved?" and so on-but in general terms, when they leave, their parents go with them. Mr. Rae: I will have a good look at that question. The Works Department is not putting any­ body on. I gave notice this morning of a Mr. R. JONES: There was no reference question for tomorrow about the Cairns State to "If not, why not" but the answers were- High School. It was reported in yesterday's "(1) 'Yes.' Press that it is short of at least 13 rooms. A similar accommodation problem exists at "(2) 'Certain legal advice has been Trinity Bay, but, the Works Department ,js received and I do not propose at this not putting anybody on. I suppose there stage to disclose the possible action to be are reasons for this policy. I do not know taken in this matter.' what the reasons are but I know that a "(3) 'See Answers to (1) and (2).' " similar situation applies throughout the whole That has been subject to wide publicity in of the Far North. the newspapers. Further on in the Financial Statement the Treasurer says- Mr. Knox: Do you believe in prejudging people before evidence is collected? "For many years Queensland had the highest level of State taxation and this Mr. R. JONES: The Minister has come very fact is long remembered by potential right into my little pool, and if he likes developers. It has been a serious impedi­ to waddle around in the cesspool he. will ment to the rapid industrial development find what I have dragged from the bottom of the State." of it because very shortly I will show him what is on the bottom of that pool. I am If the Government has not been able to sure that he has an idea, but he does not remedy this situation in 12 years, surely know what these people are doing in Far there is something wrong with its ability. North Queensland. That is not the only thing that is seriously Mr. Melloy: He called the dogs off just impeding the development of the State. Let before the State election. me put forward the case of a company called Penpack Ocean Products Pty. Ltd. Mr. R. JONES: Yes. I am not going to that is operating in Far North Queensland. tell hon. members why I feel this has been On 6 December, 1967, I asked a question delayed, but contract rates to Far Nort!t concerning overloading of railway wagons Queensland are a sore point because, as JS under contract rates to Far North Queensland. well known, they are $20 per ton for all That was towards the end of that session. loading, irrespective of class or grade. The On the first day of the second portion of the distributing agents' contract rates operate session, 20 March, 1%8, I asked another from Clapham Junction or Roma Street to question on the same matter. At the begin­ northern ports, and the fresh contracts were ning of the next session, on 22 August, 1968, operative on and from 1 January 1965 and I asked a further question on k On expired on 31 December 1967. 938 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

In view of the question that I asked on Pty. Ltd. was a registered company, and, if 6 December, 1967, I want to know why so, what was the address and type of business the contract was renewed on 1 January, 1968, conducted, he replied- and whether the contracts were entered into "Penpak Ocean Products Pty. Limited with T.N.T. (Queensland) Pty. Ltd. In is registered as a company in Townsville. addition, I want to know whether the goods The company was first registered under were carried at owner's risk, whether loading the name 'Penpak Distributors Pty. Ltd.' and unloading were the responsibility of the on March 25, 1968. The name was customers, and, if so, whether the goods that changed to the present name, 'Penpack were carried were subject to the conditions of Ocean Products Pty. Limited', on July 3, the railway goods traffic by-laws, and what 1968. The registered office of the com­ the minimum per ton consignment W

should step into him instead of going into operating in Cairns, apart from the drive-in .a neutral corner and hoping that the whole theatre, and young children who picked up thing will blow over. the paper on Friday afternoon to see what Mr. Wallis-Smith: This began when the was on at the "Flicks" on Saturday would Government gave them the contract for the have been confronted with an advertisement Gulf and Thursday Island. reading as follows:- "This Sunday-For 4 Sexational Nights Mr. R. JONES: That is correct. The "The most explosive double ever to set ·history of this goes back to the early the giant screen afire! Provocative! Frank! days when the contract was taken from John Daring! Defies convention! Burke Ltd., a local company that pioneered "You'll see the 11-minute scene banned and served the Gulf run and whose integrity by the English censor. was beyond question. It was a company that :was well thought of in Far North Queens­ "First run! jand, yet the contract was handed on a silver "Alone, either would shock you. platter to Thomas Nationwide Transport and "Together they become the ultimate." Keith Hollands Shipping Company. A situa­ Then, in very small print, "Adults only" . .tion evolved whereby the same directors The names of the pictures are "All about came to Cairns, set up a business, and took the Love Game" and "The Fountain of the people for every cent. That will not do Love". the town much good, and it will have repercussions throughout Far North Queens­ It continues- land for some time to come. The effect "Special note: 'You have to be broad­ probably will be as bad as the Government's minded to take this lot, a saucy romp with closure of railway lines and workshops in no punches pulled' " Far North Queensland. That certainly had And in smaller print- a very severe effect on the City of Cairns "No children admitted unless accom­ and the surrounding district, and only now panied by parents! You will never see 'are they beginning to recover. it on Television! Eye-popping! Intimate! The Premier is on the front bench, and Free! Definitely the sexiest programm.­ 'I ask him to institute an inquiry of some you've ever seen! This programme coming, ·sort into the Penpack operation to ensure shortly to the Roxy Theatre, Atherton; .that local people are not subjected to any­ Rodeo Drive-in Mareeba; and the Rex thing similar .in the future. When so-called Theatre, Mossman." .reputable businessmen come into an area If these people are allowed to get away with ·and take down local people, I think that this they will go much further. Criticism ,a prompt inquiry is necessary. The company was levelled at the local Press and the is registered in Queensland and the directors motion picture distributors, and some restraint are known. Early action should be taken was then shown in the advertising as can lo obtain some redress for the people who be seen by the next advertisement. Instead thought they were investing their money in of a four or five-column advertisement it Far North Queensland. If hon. members was down on the final day to a double opposite are interested, the company's oolumn, and they were apologetic. In big bankers are the Commercial Banking Com­ letters they say- -pany of Sydney-its head office is in Sydney -and the Bank of New South Wales, Bowen. "Strictly for adults only" The person operating as liquidator is nomin­ Down further the advertisement repeats­ ated in part (2) of the answer, and I have "Strictly for adults only-No children even got his telephone number if the admitted unless accompanied by parents." Minister wants it later. Thomas Nation­ "NOTE: This programme comes through wide Transport Ltd. should be putled into normal industry channels after having line and made to underwrite the outstanding been passed by the censor classified debts of local businessmen in Cairns and 'ADULTS ONLY'. A number of organisa­ ';Far North Queensland. tions and people have registered protests . ,Although it is not my intention to take and some members of the public have .up the time of the Committee unnecessarily, b:oen advised not to attend-The responsi­ I n.ow feel compelled to refer to a cel'tain dis­ bility for heeding or rejecting the advice .turbing trend in the State. Those concerned must be accepted by the public." .are knowingly engaging in malpractice and In another advertisement they admitted that a kind of subterfuge and displaying, I they had had a good deal of comment from believe, brinkmanship of the first order. If organisations and individuals in the area. certain people are allowed to get away with Criticism levelled locally apparent'y led to