Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 10 OCTOBER 1961

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Questions [10 OCTOBER) Questions 577

SENTENCE OF JOHN REID CLARK FOR TUESDAY, 10 OCTOBER, 1961 DANGEROUS DRIVING Mr. AIKENS (Townsvi!le South) asked Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, the Minister for Justice- M urrumba) took the chair at 11 a.m. "(1} Did a man named John Reid Clark run down and kill a pedestrian on a zebra CIRCULATION AND COST OF crossing and later in the Brisbane Supreme "HANSARD" Court this week before Mr. Justice Mr. SPEAKER laid on the table the report Matthews did the jury find Clark guilty of the Chief Reporter, State Reporting of dangerous driving?" Bureau, on the circulation and cost of "(2} (a) What is the maximum penalty "Hansard" for the session of 1960-1961. for this crime, as determined by Parliament recently by amendment to 'The Criminal QUESTIONS Code' and (b) what sentence was imposed by Mr. Justice Matthews on Clark?" REVALUATION OF LAND, PARISH OF ENOGGERA "(3) Did Mr. Justice Matthews also say Mr. LLOYD (Kedron} asked the Minister in passing judgment that as driving a car for Public Works and Local Government- might be important to Clark his driving "(!} To what extent was the revaluation license would be suspended for only six of land in the Parish of Enoggera, months, only half as long as he (Mr. announced September 27 based on inflated Justice Matthews) would have otherwise land speculation and sales by private com­ done?' panies and land developers in the suburbs "(4) If the answer to Question 3 is in of Gaythorne, Mitchelton, Everton Park the affirmative, can the people take it to and Keperra?" mean that the period of suspension of a "(2) If such land sales, which are based criminal's driving license is determined not on the cost of bitumen road construction, by the circumstances of the crime com­ concrete water channelling, interest mitted or the verdict of the jury, but by charges, high profit margin and, in some the inconvenience that such suspension cases, sewerage, have been used as a basis might cause the criminal?" for revaluation and in view of the fact "(5) It it a fact that during the that other land owned in these suburbs has Parliamentary debate on the amendment to become part of Brisbane's dust bowl with a 'The Criminal Code,' which doubled the lack of all reasonable services, due to previous penalties for 'dangerous driving', neglect by previous Council administra­ he and all Members participating in the tions, will he advise whether it is possible debate and on a measure at present before to have a review made by the Valuer­ the House stressed the need for adequate General of the savage increase of 202 per penalties as a strong factor in reducing the centum in the rateable value of this land?" awful carnage on our roads? If so, were "(3) If not, when will official notices be these opinions made known to the forwarded to land owners in this parish judiciary?" to enable them to prepare appeals against the increases?" "(6} Did Mr. Justice Wanstall earlier this year, when sentencing a criminal to Hon. H. RICHTER (Somerset) replied- a three months' jail term for a similar "(!) Valuations for the revaluation of crime, before Parliament doubled the the City of Brisbane are being based on a maximum penalty, say, inter alia, 'a jail fair appreciation of the market. Valuations sentence in these cases should be the rule for the Enoggera Division were applied rather than the exception?' " after a thorough investigation of the sales "(7) In view of all these things, does he over the whole of Enoggera and adjoining consider that the sentence imposed by Mr. Divisions and are in no way related to that Justice Matthews on this killer to be section of the market which could be adequate and, if not, what action does he termed inflationary or speculative. propose to take to see that Parliament is Enoggera Division includes parts of the re-established as the only law-making suburbs of Bardon, Ashgrove, The Gap, authority in the State?" St. Johns Wood, Dorrington, Newmarket, Alderley, Enoggera, Gaythorne, Mitchel­ Hon. A. W. MUNRO (Toowong} replied- ton, Oxford Park, Gravely, Keperra and "(!) John Reid Clark was tried before Ferny Grove. It also has a rural area Mr. Justice Matthews and a jury in the extending to Upper Kedron and adjoining Supreme Court, Brisbane, on a charge that the Shire of Pine Rivers. Everton Park is he unlawfully killed one Lily Edgar Porter. in the Kedron Division, the valuation for On September 27, 1961, he was which has not yet been issued." acquitted of manslaughter and was found "(2} See answer to Question (1)." guilty of the offence of dangerous driving." "(3) Official Notices of Valuation were "(2) (a) Where the conviction is upon posted to owners on Wednesday, Septem­ indictment the maximum penalty for this ber 27, and should have been in the misdemeanour of dangerous driving is a hands of individual owners on the follow­ fine of £500 or imprisonment with hard ing day." labour for two years, or both such fine and 19 578 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Papers

imprisonment. Where the offender is con­ "(7) The question of whether there victed summarily the maximum penalty is should be an appeal against the sentence a fine of £100 or imprisonment with hard imposed in Clark's case is under consider­ labour for six months, or both such fine ation. The circumstances of this case and and imprisonment. (b) Mr. Justice the sentence are being examined and com­ Matthews ordered that Clark be fined £20 pared with the circumstances of other and if the fine was not paid within one cases of dangerous driving since 1958 and month that he be imprisoned with hard the sentences imposed therein by the labour for three months. He further various Judges. These cases number thirty­ ordered that Clark be disqualified from six in twelve of which the offender was holding or obtaining a license for a period ordered to serve a sentence of imprison­ of six months." ment." "(3) Mr. Justice Matthews said m pass­ ing judgment, 'I realise that in your pos­ STATEMENT BY MR. SPEAKER ition driving a motor car may be essential LETTER FROM MR. JUSTICE MATTHEWS so far as your work is concerned and in view of that I am reducing the period of Mr. SPEAKER: Following on notice of disqualification which I would otherwise his question last Thursday week, the hon. impose by half, but I think that that period member for Townsville South made a cer­ would be as severe on you as a longer tain statement. Since the House adjourned period would be on other people." for the Budget recess, I have received the following letter from Mr. Justice Matthews:- "(4) See answer to Question (3). The Judges' Chambers, answer to Question (4) is 'No'." Brisbane, October 9, 1961. "(5) The debates as recorded in :flansard are readily accessible to the Honourable "Dear Mr. Speaker, Member. Apart from the publication and I refer to 1961 Parliamentary Debates, circulation of Hansard, no special action is No. 6, page 553, second column under taken to bring the opinions of members to the heading 'Withdrawal of Disorderly the notice of the Judges who, in any event, Member'. cannot take judicial notice of such As this matter mentions my name I opinions." would be deeply grateful if you . would "(6) When sentencing a person named allow me, through 'Hansard', or m any Mclntosh, who was convicted of dangerous manner you deem advisable to record my strongest objection to being abused driving on September 1, 1960. His in this way by a member of your Par­ Honour Mr. Justice Wanstall, after saying liament, and whilst dismissing the other to the prisoner that he had been acquitted matters as unworthy of notice, to deny of the crime of manslaughter, and it would that I have ever over-indulged in intoxi­ be wrong for him to sentence the prisoner cating liquor. as if he had been convicted of man­ Yours sincerely, slaughter, did make the following remarks: B. H. Matthews." 'I have had put before me circumstances in a number of cases which have been tried In fairness to the hon. member for Towns­ in this court over the past two years, in ville South I should also mention that he approached me in regard to making a per­ which the accused person has been found sonal explanation in the House. The guilty of one or other of the offences under explanation was on the lines that he was Section 328A of The Criminal Code and not referring to Mr. Justice Matthews; that in which the courts have imposed sentences he made the remark in a heated and per­ of imprisonment ranging from three sonal brush with another hon. member. months to six months. Some of these cases are not at all comparable with yours, and In view of the Judge's letter and what they do not influence me. On the other I have said, any further statement by the hand, it is my view that the offence of hon. member for Townsville South would dangerous driving is a serious one, having be redundant. regard to traffic conditions today. It is also PAPERS my view that where a person is found guilty of the offence of dangerous driving The following papers were laid on the it should be the rule rather than the table, and ordered to be printed:- exception, having regard to the dangers of Report of the Public Service Superannua­ the road, to impose a sentence of imprison­ tion Board for the year 1960-1961. ment, although not necessarily a long one. Report of the Commissioner of Police for I do not think it is an offence which calls the year 1960-1961. for the imposition of a heavy sentence.' Report of the Commissioner of Land Tax In Mclntosh's case the dangerous driving for the year 1960-1961. was the driving of the motor car around a bend on the incorrect side of the road from Report on the operations of the Agricul­ Southport to Brisbane, which resulted in tural Bank for the year 1960-1961. the collision with the other car. In Clark's Report of the Insurance Commissioner for case, the dangerous driving consisted of the year 1960-1961. momentary inattentiveness. The two cases Report of the Department of Public Works are not comparable.'' for the year 1960-1961. Death of Mr. J. H. C. Roberts [10 OcTOBER] Death of Mr. J. H. C. Roberts 579

The following papers were laid on the with an expression of the sympathy and table:- sorrow of the members of the Parliament Order in Council under the Traffic Acts, of Queensland, in the loss they have sus­ 1949 to 1960. tained." Orders in Council under the Elections The late Mr. Cecil Roberts, who was well Acts, 1915 to 1959. known, particularly in rural circles of this Orders in Council under the Maintenance State, was elected to the Legislative Assembly Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Acts, in 1920 as member for the electoral district 1921 to 1959. of Pittsworth and served in this Parliament for only the one term. But, in coming to the Report of the Queensland Trustees Limited House, he brought with him, as a founder for the year 1960-1961. of primary producer organisation in Queens­ Orders in Council under the Co-operative land, a great wealth of experience in rural Housing Societies Acts, 1958 to 1961. industry and, consequently, made many Orders in Council under the Stamp Acts, valuable contributions to debates when laws 1894 to 1961. relating to the land and its production were Regulation under the Harbours Acts, 1955 being framed in this House. to 1959. I doubt whether from the early days of Audit Inspector's Report on Books and this century there was a more authoritative Accounts of the Queensland Coal Board spokesman for the producer than the late for the period from August 13, 1960, Cecil Roberts. In 1912 he was the inspira­ to August 15, 1961. tional force behind the formation of the Queensland Farmers' Union, which was the Order in Council under the Mines Regula­ first real attempt to organise the producers of tion Acts, 1910 to 1958. the State, and at that time he toured the Orders in Council under the Primary Pro­ State extensively, enlisting support for the ducers' Organisation and Marketing Acts, organisation, which eventually merged into 1926 to 1957. the Queensland Producers Association, thus forming the basis of the excellent producer Regulations under the Primary Producers' organisations that we have in Queensland at Organisation and Marketing Acts, 1926 present. to 1957. The late Mr. Roberts had a practical back­ Reports on the operations of the Bunda­ ground for the organisation of the producers berg, Ipswich, Mackay, Rockhampton, into the co-operative movement that he Toowoomba and Townsville District sponsored so well. On his own property at Abattoir Boards for the year 1960-1961. Croxley, near Pittsworth, he established in Report of the Air Pollution Committee 1897 a stud of milking Shorthorns, the fore­ on Survey of Air Pollution carried out runner of the Australian Illawarra Shorthorn in the Greater Brisbane and Ipswich strain which has made its mark in the dairy­ areas-March 1, 1959, to February 29, ing industry, not only in Queensland, but in 1960. other parts of Australia. In later years he forsook the shorthorns and changed to Jerseys. He had an excellent FEES PAID BY CROWN TO BARRISTERS Jersey stud. He also was a horse breeder. AND SOLICITORS He made quite a contribution by introducing RETURN TO ORDER new breeds of sheep, particularly the long­ haired variety from Tasmania and New Zea­ The following paper was laid on the land. table:- On the practical side of primary produc­ Return to an Order made by the House tion he made his contribution to Queensland. on 6 September last, on the motion of On the political side he was one of the Mr. Mann, showing fees paid to barristers founders of the Queensland Country Party, and solicitors for the year 1960-1961. and he served that organisation with dis­ tinction at all times. As one would expect DEATH OF MR. J. H. C. ROBERTS of a man of his energy and ability he played a great part in various sporting activities on MOTION OF CONDOLENCE the Darling Downs. He held high official Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Lands­ rank in tennis, Rugby Union and cricket borough-Premier) (11.23 a.m.), by leave associations. He was the president of the without notice: I move- ' Oakey Show Society for a number of years, and a member of the Royal Agricultural "1. That this House desires to place on Society Committee at Toowoomba. In a record its appreciation of the services long and active life extending to his eighty­ rendered to this State by the late James fourth year the late Mr. Roberts devoted a Henry Cecil Roberts, Esquire, a former great deal of time to the service of others, member of the Parliament of Queensland. and the State is definitely the poorer for his "2. That Mr. Speaker be requested to passing. He is survived by one son. He lost convey to the relatives of the deceased another son in World War II. I am sure gentleman the above resolution, together all hon. members will join with me in 580 Death of Mr. J. H. C. Roberts [ASSEMBLY] Supply extending to his relatives, condolences and was certainly a dynamic personality and sympathy on the passing of a man who made played a most important role in the affairs such a great contribution to the development of primary producers. In those days it of the State. was not an easy matter to organise primary producers. There was much opposition to Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ organisation and the deceased gentleman Leader of the Opposition) (11.28 a.m.): I played a very important role in that did not know Mr. Roberts in his Parliamen­ direction. tary capacity but, on behalf of the Opposition, Whilst I did not subscribe to his political I am very happy to join with the Premier in viewpoint I could always appreciate the recording our appreciation of the service excellent work he put into the organisation he rendered the State. As a young man I of primary producers. It is true that he did know of Mr. Roberts because he lived lived a long and useful life as a citizen in Toowoomba for many years. As the of this great State and it is very evident, Premier said in his excellent chronological now that that useful life has drawn to a outline of the deceased member, he was very close, that we should pay him the tribute active in agricultural activities on the Darling that he deserves. Downs. As he pointed out, the late Mr. Roberts was responsible for the forma­ I have much pleasure in associating myself tion of the Farmers' Union. As one who with the motion of condolence to his family. became increasingly interested in public Motion (Mr. Nicklin) agreed to, hon. affairs I have a ready remembrance of the members standing in silence. great number of letters Mr. Roberts sent to the Press on matters affecting the welfare of those engaged in the rural industries of SUPPLY the State. He was indeed a man well COMMITTEE-FINANCIAL STATEMENT­ equipped to discharge that responsibility. He RESUMPTION OF DEBATE had first-hand practical experience in land matters; he was an avid reader; he was able (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Taylor, to apply himself very effectively to the prob­ Clayfield, in the chair.) lems confronting the man on the land. As the Premier has pointed out, he was a well Debate resumed from 28 September (see known figure on the Darling Downs for the p. 576) on Mr. Hiley's motion- interest he took in recreational activities­ "That there be granted to Her Majesty, in football and various other sporting organi­ for the service of the year 1961-1962, a sations that the Premier has outlined. He sum not exceeding £1,594 to defray the left a great reputation behind him for being salary of Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency a fearless and well-liked man, one who liked the Governor." to engage in controversies but one who always conducted himself with dignity and with Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West-Leader purpose. The State is the poorer for the of the Opposition) (11.33 a.m.): The passing of a man of his calibre. Of course, week's recess has afforded us the opportunity the name of Roberts is well known on the of examining the Financial Statement that Darling Downs and has been closely associ­ the Treasurer presented to the Committee ated with the Darling Downs for very many a little more than a week ago. I have years. yYherever you go on the Downs the taken the opportunity of going back over the debates of recent years and I have read names of Cecil Roberts and other members with particular interest the statements made of the family are well known for the by successive Treasurers. I have in particu­ prominent part the family have played in the lar read the contributions, both whilst in various activities in the areas in which they Government and in Opposition, of the lived. Treasurer and the Premier, and I have As I say, I did not have the pleasure of found that whilst there have been occasions knowing him very intimately. I knew of him when the Treasurer has altered his point only as a public figure but the Opposition of view, he has generally chosen, both in join with me in expressing our very sincere Opposition and in Government, to seize the condolences to the relatives of the late opportunity, when the Financial Statement Mr. Roberts in the loss they have suffered was being discussed, of painting and in the passing of a man who has left his generally canvassing the economic picture as mark not only in the agricultural field but he saw it, either in the State or in Australia also in this Assembly. as a whole. He has occasionally chided hon. members on this side with not making Hon. P. J. R. HILTON (Carnarvon) a very detailed examination of the financial (11.30 a.m.): I wish to associate my party tables that are embodied in the various with the motion of condolence before the Estimates and that he incorporated in his House. I endorse very fully indeed the Financial Statement. tribute the Premier has paid to the deceased gentleman. So far as I could see, there was only one occasion on which he dissected with I recall that in my young days on the great care the movement of funds by the Darling Downs I heard him address public then Labour Government and he chided meetings on more than one occasion. He the then Treasurer, the present hon. member Supply [10 OCTOBER} Supply 581 for Bundaberg, with concealing information. Treasurer. At the outset I point out that I However, in the main his attacks were on do not propose to do as he did so frequently the accountancy practices rather than charging when in Opposition, and leading the debate the Government with concealing information. in financial matters. In 1957-1958 he thanked He felt that there should be a more simple the Premier for giving him the opportunity accounting method. That was his general of leading the debate. In case he accuses me theme, although, as I say, he did on of not tackling the problem by giving a occasions develop criticisms of actions of detailed dissection of the accounts of the Treasury officers and even the Treasurer State, I point out that I shall leave much himself. On almost every occasion, except of the detailed criticism of some of these the one I have referred to when he spent things to two or three other hon. members almost the whole of the speech on a dis­ on this side of the Chamber who will follow section of the public accounts of the State, the pattern adopted by the Treasurer when he took the opportunity of giving his views he was in Opposition. on railway finances, on the parlous conditions I intend to canvass generally those things confronting the agricultural and rural that I think should be said by the Opposition industries o~ the State, and, generally on at this very important time in the political the economic effects of the Little Budget history of the State. I make ~o apology f<;Jr the movement of interest rates and matter~ quoting matters much more bnef!y than I did of that type. on a previous occasion. These are the words The Treasurer's statement on these sub­ used by the Treasurer when criticising the jects ma~e . interesting reading at all times Budget introduced by the Treasurer of the beca~se It IS acknowledged, and I say this former Government, the hon. member for to him at the outset, that he has the capacity Bundaberg, "Let us eat, drink and be merry to. state a case and is generally regarded as for tomorrow we shall die." He made a bemg perhaps the most effective member great play on those words and said that we of the Government to deal with financial were spending with the abandonment _of a matters. drunken sailor. When asked why he picked Havin¥ said th_at, I want to say also that out a sailor, he said, "Because they spend my readmg of his previous speeches reveals more prolifically than most other sections of that many of the things he criticised so the community." trenchantly when in Opposition he has not After examining the 1961-1962 Budget been able to correct now that he has the introduced by the Treasurer, it seems to me ful_l opportunity and the responsibility for that his is a case of Satan reproving sin, domg so. Because of his financial experi­ because he seems to be doing the things for ence_ as an !lccountant prior to his entering which he criticised Labour administrations. Parliament It was perhaps logical that he Let us take some of his speeches in previous should b~ chosen as Treasurer. Despite the years and see how he faced up to these prob­ n:any thmgs he criticised when in Opposi­ lems. Amongst other things he said- tiOn we now find that he has had with reluct­ ance, or with a full measure of approval "Anyone who studies the Australian been obliged to follow the same pattern: economy must agree never was there a He has introduced measures that he roundly need for sound financial policy and never condemned when in Opposition. was there less evidence of it in any State Budget in my recollection." When the Treasurer delivered his financial statement last week, I referred to it as a He went on to say- "booze and betting Budget". The Treasurer "Unless the practice of increased no doubt will have an opportunity, or will Government spending is stopped, we will seek it, of _tryi~g to repudiate the accuracy torpedo the backbone of the Australian of that designatiOn. He may say it is cus­ economy. We cannot solve it by pre­ tomary when budgets are introduced for senting budget after budget each year, Opposition members to try to use some spending more money." colourful phrase as its designation, and the He continued- mere fact that I chose to label it "a booze "The rate of spending from loan funds and betting budget" will no doubt provide is lamentable. The State debt per head of him with the opportunity of answering my population in 1945-1946 was £122 6s. 9d. statement in that fashion. But the fact whereas in 1955-1956 it had grown to remains, and it is a rather remarkable and £186 17s. 8d. Not only are we spending ironical situation, that the hon. gentleman more of the income from the Consolidated who so trenchantly attacked the previous Revenue Account but we are also following Labour administration because of what he a course where we are constantly piling up considered to be their predisposition either the level of the nation's debt per capita." to tax the people too severely or to serve the What do we find from the hon. gentleman's liquor interests of the State-and he spoke summary of his Financial Statement? On of the very crying social evils that would every occasion he mentioned it there were follow the application of extended betting loud cries of "Hear, hear" from the hon. facilities in the State-now proposes to gentlemen behind him. He said first that there introduce such a measure. would be record spending from the Con­ I crave the indulgence of the Committee solidated Revenue, Trust, Special and Loan to allow me to go through some of the mat­ Funds. He put it forward, as a matter ters revealed in the previous speeches of the of credit, that the Government are spending 582 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply record sums from these various accounts, to the repeated need for a measure of and yet, when in Opposition he decried this devaluation-both things to be avoided at tendency for the Government to keep on all costs." spending. I am not necessarily saying that He went on to say that one of the most I agree with what he said in Opposition. significant features of the then Budget was the I am not unaware that with an expanding population there must necessarily be increased fact that an attempt was being made to obtain expenditure to meet the requirements of additional revenue by increasing railway an expanding State and a growing popula­ freights. He said, "The Treasurer has tion. That is natural. If we do not accept budgeted for an increase of £5,800,000 in that proposition we will go back. Later railway revenue." The present Treasurer said on, I quote some references by the Premier, on that occasion, "I don't think there is a when Leader of the Opposition, on the ghost of a chance of getting it." He went railway deficits in 1915-1916. If we go on in the course of his speech to make back far enough we find that the amounts some declarations about how absurd it was spent were microscopically small compared to budget for a figure of that kind, not that with what they are today. Nevertheless, he was so much concerned particularly with during that debate he directed special atten­ the fact that railway freights were being tion to the spending policy of the Govern­ increased, but that the Treasurer's estimates ment and how the burden of debt was were wrong. All the financial records show piling up the whole time, at the expense that something to the order of £5,300,000 very often, of the private sector of the extra revenue was obtained in that year from economy outside which is struggling to meet that department. In that and in a subse­ the cost burden amidst great competition. quent debate, he said "He appears to be All these things he said with great force wrong in this prognostication," and he and clarity in previous years. added- Then the Treasurer said that another "1 fully expect that there will be some matter for concern was that interest on the new taxation. The Government should not increasing public debt at the currently high entertain the thought of any new tax that rates, has brought a sharp lift to the annual adds to the cost structure of the com­ normal increment. What is the record of munity." the hon. gentleman if he felt so strongly He elaborated on that theme at some length on those matters in those years? What has and said that any new tax was to be deplored he done since he has become Treasurer? and that steps should be taken to try to He cannot hide behind somebody else. He must assume responsibility for the mis­ reduce taxation. management in the last three or four years. He said, too, in putting forward what he When he came into office he had an excuse, said were positive measures- and he could say that in the main the "The second thing is that there must be Estimates had been prepared by the depart­ mental officers and approved by the out­ some easing of governmental spending. going Government, that his policy was The time is over-ripe for this State to restricted to the last quarter of the financial consider making formal application to the year. We had no quarrel with him on that Commonwealth Grants Commission." occasion, but since then he has had con­ He said that the Government had not tackled tinuity in office as Treasurer in the Govern­ the problem of collecting sums of money ment. The Government must now take from interstate hauliers. When challenged responsibility for any credit or otherwise to indicate what the Government of the day for the financial administration in this State might do about that, he said, "If the Govern­ ~ince they came to office. If it was wrong ment tried, they might be surprised at the m 1954-1955 and 1956-1957 in the eyes result." Now they have had four years in of the present Treasurer for the public office and I challenge them to show what debt to be mounting, and if he criticised that, how does he square up the increase success has attended their efforts to get some in the public debt from £252,799,369 in money from the interstate hauliers in that 1956, to £342,449,858 at 30 June, 1961, regard. It is easy enough when in Opposition and the rise in the debt per head of popu­ to say that the problem is a simple one and lation from £186 17s. 8d. to £230 16s. 2d.? that corrective measures should be taken, The Treasurer will have to eat his words but he has not been very successful. Indeed, because he continued- ' there has been a constant, hysterical series "If the burden of national administration of outbursts from the Minister for Transport is to be allowed constantly to expand about border-hoppers. Into almost every and the whole weight and measure to speech he imports some reference to the correct inflation have to fall on the pro­ dreadful interstate hauliers who. he says, are duction side of the nation, we may find using our roads and not making a com­ ourselves in the position where we have mensurate contribution to the revenue of the succeeded in killing the goose that so State. far was successful in laying many golden As the Minister for Transport is present eggs. in the Chamber let me say that he has "In the long run that course if followed leaned very heavily on the Treasurer for might succeed in endangering our whole advice and help on financial matters. Indeed, social service edifice and expose our system it is currently common knowledge about the Supply [10 OCTOBER) Supply 583

place that whenever he gets into a sticky Denmark, or even a motor vehicle from financial position in Cabinet and elsewhere, Germany. Let me say that the Treasurer he relies very strongly on the Treasurer to has no direct responsibility in determining extricate him from the dilemma. So his lack import controls. But no doubt he will be of criticism on other occasions is not taking to the hustings very shortly, and I surprising. am sure that he will be defending very vigorously the financial record of his friends Mr. Chalk: I do not have to get someone in the Federal Parliament who are doing else to write my speeches. exactly that. Not only are they permitting Mr. DUGGAN: I have never been guilty the importation of one tin of .chocolates, but of that. I do not want to become involved they are permitting the importation of in irrelevant interjection but, whatever critic­ thousands of tins of chocolates and tens of ism can fairly be levelled at me and whatever thousands of pieces of decorative china, failings I have, I cannot fq.irly be charged German motor vehicles-Volkswagens are with finding it necessary to have other people flooding the market-and Scotch marmalade. write speeches for me. Indeed I am quite One has only to go to a store in Queen capable of making a speech without notes Street to see on display a wide variety of on the slightest provocation and without any Scotch marmalade and butterscotch. form of assistance from anybody. He went on to say that hire-purchase Mr. Chalk: Wise or unwise. interest rates were too high. What has he done about that? He has some governmental Mr. DUGGAN: As a matter of fact, even responsibility, and he now has the legislative those words were contained in the Treasurer's ability to give effect to his policy. He chided own Budget speech on a former occasion. the then Treasurer about the high interest He said that rightly or wrongly something rates that were being charged by hire-pur­ or other should be done. So once again the chase companies, and he criticised him Minister is echoing some of the words of the although he said he thought there was no Treasurer. constitutional process available to any one The Treasurer went on to make some other State Government by which they could be statements about what should be done about controlled. He did say that, if there was the economy and he said, inter alia,­ constitutional competence, it had to be done "We must control hire purchase interest by agreement between the States. What rates. positive action has he taken, either himself or through the Minister for Justice, to see "The wheat position can shrink from whether some agreement could be reached its present position of eminence it has between Governments to deal with this enjoyed over the past five years and wheat­ position? farmers can still obtain a comfortable living." Can he still say that there is a fairly He criticised the building up of reserves comfortable living for the wheat farmers of and the action of the then Treasurer in this country? Many of them are changing to then engaging in real estate transactions on other forms of production because of what behalf of the Government. He agreed with they believe to be the precarious state of the the Treasurer that it was a bad approach wheat industry. In many instances wheat to Federal-State financial relationships that is being sold at below the cost of production. free spending should be rewarded and care­ The deficit is made up from funds under the ful finance penalised. He called the then Wheat Stabilisation Fund, but these funds are Treasurer a miser, but admitted in his 1955 being seriously eroded and I do not think Budget speech that the State could not have the Treasurer is entitled to say that there is spent more and tliat additional funds would a comfortable living in the wheat industry. only have added to the State's already over­ flowing reserves. He was also pleased to He criticised the then Treasurer for indulg­ acknowledge that the vote for education had ing in real estate ventures, but I do not think moved up by 20 per cent. and that provision there would be a Treasurer in the history of Queensland who has indulged in real estate had been made for substantial increases in ventures to the extent to which he has. We staff. He also commented on the fact that have seen a series of new buildings through­ Commonwealth funds derived from taxation out the State. There was a grandiose plan should not be lent back to the States but for a new Main Roads building, some of should be given as grants. He supported the which was to be used for private rental Burdekin dam proposal, but since then he purposes, and the site of the present Main has altered his views on that matter and Roads building was to be used for the now strongly condemns it. erection of a new State Government Insur­ Let us see what his record is in regard ance Office, the excess area in that building to some of these things. He said in fairly to be used by private people. In Toowoomba colourful language that he doubted whether a very substantial building has been erected there was justification for bringing in one for the State Government Insurance Office, tin of English biscuits or chocolates one and again some of the space has been let tin of Scotch marmalade or butters~otch, to private persons. The same thing applies one pound of Dutch cheese or a Welsh wash­ in other places throughout Queensland where ing machine, decorative china from new buildings have been erected. 584 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I am not necessarily being critical of the a contribution to national waste. I am not erection of all these new buildings, but I am going to waste words to argue that now saying that the Treasurer condemned that because there will be an opportunity when policy when he was in Opposition. Now the gambling Bill is introduced. But I am that he has the opportunity of reversing it, sure the Treasurer will have some uneasy he is accelerating and encouraging the trend moments when he introduces the proposed towards the State's indulging in real estate legislation to square up with his general ventures. views on this mater when he was in Opposi­ tion. He will need all his skill in debate The only thing that 1 can find on which the and all of his casuistry to counter what he Treasurer has been consistent in all his has said on this subject on previous occa­ speeches is his firm declaration that he was sions. The present Budget shows the extent determined to use all the available Trust and to which he is dependent on gambling facili­ Special funds in order to bring about the ties to give him more money. In other words, position where Queensland ,could establish a he has thrown over moral principles. As claim as a claimant State. There has been long as he can get the money the end justifies no deviation from his policy in that regard. the means. That is the attitude of the He has deplored the principle of State land­ Treasurer. lordism. Those_ are the only two directions in which there has been any consistent He objected to the previous Government's pattern that he has endeavoured to apply policy towards retirement. He said that it and observe. All his protestations when in was wrong and wasteful to make people Opposition about making Queensland a retire. Have the Government reversed that claimant State have not led to Queensland policy? If anything, they have made people becoming a claimant State because of the retire at a younger age. They have given altered system now applying to the disburse­ some of them no option about taking the ment of Commonwealth funds. normal 18 months' extension but told them to go. Again, it may be a wise policy. I Because of the record spending that has have said before that I see nothing wrong taken place the Government from time to in an examination being made by the trade time have mentioned the tremendous improve­ unions and the Government of the day of ment in education. I intend to say more the possibility of optional retirement of about that later, but in fairness I say now public servants who are in good health. that perhaps it is the one aspect of Govern­ ment policy that is less vulnerable to attack Mr. Hiley interjected. than any other. I pay credit to the Adminis­ tration for what they are doing but I do not Mr. DUGGAN: I am only saying what say that because they have done any the Treasurer has said. more than any Government mindful of Mr. Hiley: You have changed your ground. their responsibilities to the people should You said that we have ordered people to have done. In a few minutes I shall retire. show that despite the tendency of the Minister for Education and Migration to contrast on Mr. DUGGAN: I do not think I used the many occasions what was done by previous word "ordered." If these things are so well Governments by way of volume of spending, known outside I regret the IdCt that tney with what his Government have done, the are not so well known in the public service. situation did not exist at that time in regard If they were I would not have so many people to the volume of secondary school pupils asking me to intercede on their behalf with as has existed in the last few years consequent the heads of departments to see that they upon the tremendous increase in the popula­ get their normal extensions. If the Govern­ tion of secondary school age. What is being ment feel so strongly about it-- done by him in that direction is praiseworthy as far as it goes, but it is no different from Mr. Hiley interjected. what any responsible Government would have done. Indeed, it is no different from what the Mr. DUGGAN: The Treasurer now Labour Government in New South Wales wants to twist the position. He objected to are doing now. The figures in the current the Government's policy on retirement. He New South Wales Budget show a percentage is now trying to twist on the matter. increase for education greater than the per­ Mr. Chalk interjected. centage increase by this Government. The same pattern is being followed more or less Mr. DUGGAN: The Treasurer needs a by Victoria and the other States. Every far better advocate than the Minister for Government in Australia are faced with the Transport. When we are dealing with trans­ problem of providing additional funds for port we will deal with the Minister who education. has the worst record of any transport Another rather interesting feature of the Minister in this State's history. Treasurer's attitude is that at one time he was rather fearful that the Government might The CHAIRMAN: Order! I ask the hon. take some steps to increase the State's member to address the Chair. gambling facilities. He said that there was neither production nor saving in gambling, Mr. DUGGAN: I address the Chair and but that instead there was a diversion of say through you, Mr. Taylor, that the pre­ national manpower from development and sent Minister for Transport has the worst Supply [10 OCTOBER] Supply 585 record of any Transport Minister in this Government when trying to sell themselves State's history. I say also that the present outside are well known. If these are such Treasurer has the worst financial record. glowing, prosperous times there is no need for a Budget deficit. The Treasurer has Mr. Chalk: Don't get worked up. agreed with that on previous occasions but Mr. DUGGAN: It will be a sorry day for he has changed his mind now. There should the Minister when I do. This Government be a movement in prosperous times to have been condemned in my view in that, in balance budgets even if deficit budgeting is the short space of four years, they have necessary in times of economic stress and become a smug and complacent Govern­ strain. ment, quite impervious to criticism. No Mr. Hiley: You have been listening to me. matter what is raised the Government say it is a nine days' wonder and that something Mr. DUGGAN: I said it long before the will crop up in the course of a few days. I Treasurer came here at all. I studied a do not know of any Government in the Swedish economist 20 years ago on that history of this Commonwealth that have principle and have quoted him on it, so I become so smug and complacent in such a am not, if I may use a colloquial term, short period of time. pinching the Treasurer's views in this regard. In his 1959 Budget Speech, the Treasurer, He cannot have it both ways. I would not at page 6 had this to say- mind if there was prosperity, and I would not mind if the Treasurer was budgeting for "The Government considers that the a deficit if there was evidence of an arrest­ changed circumstances are compelling ing of the unemployment problem, but in reasons for presenting a balanced the last 12 months, and I take for a com­ budget . parison the figures for August this year and shall, in a few moments, show the last year, the number of unemployed has Treasurer's record in this regard, I drew doubled. No doubt the Treasurer, in the attention to what he said while in Opposi­ same way as the Minister for Labour and tion on what should be done-more balanc­ Industry has done, will quote figures for ing of budgets, more careful husbandry of December or January, but I am taking the the State's finances and spending more to figures for August this year with the com­ increase employment. On the other hand parable figures last year. The number of he has had five deficits in a row, which is unemployed has increased in that time by the worst record of any State in the Com­ almost. two and a-half times, and the prob­ monwealth. lem will be accentuated by a combination I have not checked Tasmania, but this IS of applications of policy of the State and the Treasurer's record­ Federal Governments. Year Deficit £ The Treasurer's decision to reduce sub­ 1957-1958 1,514,308 sidies has already had an effect on a com­ 1958-1959 1,190,856 pany that manufactures fibro!ite pipes for 1959-1960 164,675 water reticulation. It has had to put off 1960-1961 618,243 one shift of 40 men. That is only one result of the Government's action. In the last The estimated deficit for this year is a few days I have received evidence of the figure approximating that sum. sacking of increasing numbers of men.. ~n Mr. Windsor: It is not a smug Govern­ the last fortnight 12 men who worked Withm ment. 100 yards of Parliament House have been sacked by a company that has operated in Mr. Bromley: A mug Government. Australia for many years. This is the first time in that company's operating experience Mr. DUGGAN: I am indebted to the in Brisbane that it has been compelled to hon. member. I sometimes drop my aitches; perhaps I should have dropped my "s" on this dismiss 12 men. occasion. There is coming up a deficit of In Toowoomba and other places mount­ £3,500,000 or £4,000,000 for this Govern­ ing evidence is available of men who h';lve ment's term of office. The Treasurer, been dismissed from jobs. I should not mmd no doubt, will say, as he has said pre­ particularly this year if the Treasurer viously, that the Opposition in a completely budgeted for a deficit as long as the Govern­ irresponsible way will condemn the Govern­ ment could point to the fact that they had ment because they have not made any pro­ arrested this trend to unemployment and vision for employment and will then growl could produce some positive evidence that about Budget deficits. I would not mind this grave social problem was being over­ so much if the Government went in for come. They fail on all counts, the financial deficit budgeting in times of difficulty but count and the provision of work for our they have been telling us that this is a people. prosperous period. They have never stopped saying, "Return this Government to power When he was in Opposition the Treasurer and there will be more men in work, more was very much opposed to any increase in industries operating", and making other taxation, but what is his record? In 1958 he glowing references that are well known. increased driving fees to bring in an The glowing references by members of this additional £150,000 in a full year. He has 586 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

increased registration fees. When a Labour deterrent because it takes a little more out Government increased registration fees, he of the money that the breadwinner may take condemned them very roundly and pointed home. It would need a very bold person, to the fact that those fees in Queensland however strong his convictions, to say that were disproportionately high when compared he could eradicate the spending of money on with the fees in other States. But that did beer and alcohol which is so popular in not deter him from increasing registration Australia. The Treasurer cannot claim any fees when he took office. credit for that. The betting tax in 1958 was increased, to He has had five deficits in a row. It is bring in £130,000 for part of a year. In true that New South Wales is budgeting for 1958 he increased pilotage fees to bring in a deficit this year but in their appropriation £369,000. He diverted to consolidated they have the astronomically high sum of revenue the proceeds of liquor licence fees £59,000,000 for education, which includes by a proportion over and above what he £42,000,000 for primary and secondary edu­ considered was the measure of safety for cation. Last year's vote was £55,000,000. compensation for surrendered licences. In Just as a matter of interest, the Treasurer 1959 he increased stamp duty fees on con­ said that the number of persons in the veyance, transfer of shares, hire-purchase Department of Education this year is expected agreements and policies of insurance to to be 10,352, compared with 10,906 in bring in £690,000 a year. It may be said 1960-1961. So, we find a reduction, with that stamp duty on the transfer of shares all this talk about expanding school popu­ would not affect the needy section of the lations and it seems as if economic cuts are community, but conveyance charges on being applied. insurance policies and hire-purchase agree­ ments do affect the needy section of the Mr. Pizzey: We do not include those from community. I would not mind so much if the college this year who would normally the Treasurer selected people who had come out at the end of the year. demonstrated that they had the capacity to pay, but the fees I have mentioned affected Mr. DUGGAN: The same thing hap­ those who had not such capacity. He pened last year. I am just quoting what is increased transfer fees on the sale of Crown mentioned here. land, with expected additional revenue of £200,000. Despite all his criticism of rail Mr. Pizzey: It is now a two-year course, freights and increases in freights, he has which makes a difference. increased them. Now he intends to impose Mr. DUGGAN: If the Minister can prove a fee of £1 for the testing of an applicant that there will be no reduction, I will be for a driver's licence. That is a most unfair very gratified to hear it. I can rely only imposition on the driving community, in on the figures that I have here. I am not view of the heavy increases in third party a mind reader, or a clairvoyant, able to insurance premiums and the already high know what is in the mind of the Minister cost of registration. Where are we going? unless it is explained to me. This year, in How much longer are we to be confined to New South Wales, there is an estimated such taxes, and how much longer are we increase of 1,120 in the number of teachers. going to depend for development on taxes from liquor, gambling, and the sale of our In 1961-1962 there is an overall esti­ land to real estate developers, as well as the mated fewer number of people in the Public diversion of funds to consolidated revenue. Service than for tlre previous year, which is This year the Treasurer has budgeted for an understandable, because so many hundreds increase in fees of £1,500,000 from racing have been sacked from the various depart­ and liquor licences. I think his actions are ments. The New South Wales Government wrong. I make the point that the Treasurer are faced with the same problem, as is likes to pose as one who is concerned about every other State in the Commonwealth, but the small man in the community. In the they have made provision to meet it. The case of the proposed liquor fees, who is Minister for Labour and Industry said that going to pay them? Does the more police officers are needed, and in New Treasurer suggest, for instance, that South Wales they are facing the same posi­ Carlton _lJnited Brewery is going to tion, but they lrave made provision for an absorb this 2 per cent. increase in fees? extra £500,000 this year for that depart­ Does he think that the other brewery in ment. There will be an increase of £580,000 Brisbane will absorb it, or the hoteliers will on expenditure on mental hospital capital absorb the 2 per cent. increase? Of course works in New South Wales, and £250,000 they will not! They will ask for an increase extra this year will be spent on mental in price. Price control has been removed hospital services. A Labour Government is from most things, and in any case, being in power in New South Wales, and we may on marginal profits, I suppose they are be charged with not measuring up to our entitled in strict equity, to recoup them­ responsibilities on this problem. I do not selves for a tax imposed by the Government. wish to weary the Committee with a long That applies throughout the community to list of what is to be done in New South those who choose to refresh themselves occa­ Wales this year, but I think I slrould men­ sionally with a glass of beer, or something tion that they propose to make available of the kind. I do not think it will act as a nearly £5,000,000 for the university, and the Supply [10 OCTOBER] Supply 587

Queensland Treasurer has indicated that he Many years ago, when we introduced a will not match the demands of the Univer­ Bill for the provision of financial guarantees sity in its programme for the enrolment of for Mt. Isa Mines, it was not the Labour pupils. The Minister for Education and people who fought the proposal in the Migration has taken credit for what the Caucus and it was not the Labour people Government have done for secondary edu­ whom we found it difficult to persuade that cation in Queensland. The Government some measure of financial guarantee should deplore the fact that there are not suffi­ be given to this new enterprise in Queensland. cient people enrolling for tertiary education Indeed, I, as Minister for Transport, was on in the State, yet the Treasurer says he will many occasions obliged to defend the policy not match the university expansion pro­ of Labour Governments on the favourable gramme. Today, more than at any other freight concessions we extended to Mt. Isa time, there is need for expansion of tertiary Mines Ltd. over a period of years to enable education in the State. Every country in it to establish and consolidate itself. Go back the world that wishes to deal with the over the pages of "Hansard" and you will technological problems of the times we are find the criticism came from members of the living in, and the modern economics, knows then Opposition, who were of the same politi­ it is essential that there should be improve­ cal kidney as the Government today. They ments in this field. said we were gambling with a hole in the The Government in Victoria have been ground, that we were going out hundreds faced with similar problems to ours. Indeed of miles into the semi-desert country of Victoria has felt the impact of the credit Queensland and extending guarantees with squeeze more severely than we have because State finances. In a debate some time ago its momentum has taken longer to reach us. the hon. member for Maryborough gave a Admittedly we felt some immediate effects recital of extracts from "Hansard" reports in the building industry in particular and of the debates of that time. I draw atten­ elsewhere but in Victoria, despite the tion to these matters to show that we did a worsening of the manufacturing position, the great deal for Mt. Isa and that we are very laying off of tremendous numbers of workers proud that this large mining company was in the motor industry, and the fact that able to come here. I am proud to see it textile workers were working only four days expanding and I am proud to see it making a week, added to very great movements a substantial contribution to our overseas in the unemployed population, they had a balance of payments. Indeed, it was a surplus last year of £169,000 and have Labour Government who undertook to pro­ budgeted for a surplus of £27,000 this year. ceed with the Mt. Isa railway improve­ They have been able to do that despite ments. No-one can say that we engaged their problems, while Queensland's Treasurer in any form of sabotage or tlrat has not been able to effect budget equilibrium we failed to act in the best interests of or to make any substantial or worth-while the State in making provision for adequate contribution to the solution of the problem transport facilities to enable the production of unemployment. at Mt. Isa to be increased. I do not care what any member of the Government says, So with our sister State of South Australia. I am sure the records will show beyond South Australia's actual budget surplus for doubt that there was an eagerness on the 1960-1961 was the tremendously high figure part of the Labour Government of 1956- of £1,188,000. Despite the same sort of 1957 to undertake in a most sympathetic problem confronting them, they are budgeting way the building of adequate transport this year for a surplus of £3,000. In marked facilties to handle the increased volume of contrast, the Queensland Treasurer has not traffic from Mt. Isa. I make it clear that been able to demonstrate his professional we welcomed the establishment of the mine. competence in handling the matter. I pay tribute to the efficiency of the manage­ I should like for a moment to direct ment of the undertaking and I place on attention to a matter of tremendous impor­ record that a Labour Government helped tance to the State, namely, the industrial the company in the initial stages and in the dispute at Mt. Isa. I do not propose to developmental stages, and that a Labour discuss it at any great length because other Government were prepared to help them by hon. members on this side, particularly the improving transport facilities for their hon. member for Burke but also some of expansion programme. the industrial representatives of our party, There are 3,000 people working in the will be charged with the responsibility of mine, and the company have demonstrated dealing with it in greater detail. However. their ability to operate one of the best I want to make the general point that we of mines of its kind in the world today. If the Opposition make no secret of the fact it is not the most economical mine, it is that we welcomed the establishment of such certainly the second most economical mine a large and successful undertaking in this in the world. The reason why there was an State. Some overtures have been made to injection of so much American capital in me to make a declaration on the nationalisa­ the initial stages, and subsequently, was tion of Mt. Isa Mines. I do not intend to because of the stabilised conditions in this make .any such declaration; but I do country. Because of the political upheavals want to say that the current situation in and turmoil in South America, Americans Mt. Isa is very disquieting indeed. tend to look more and more to Australia 588 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply as a country in which reasonably stable con­ within the definition of a lock-out because ditions prevail. I have been to Mt. Isa the employees are prepared to work under from time to time, as have many other hon. the terms of the award. members. It is not the most pleasant place to live, with dust and high temperatures, and, But this fight is not particularly a fight until the company was able to provide ade­ between the industrial unions concerned and quate facilities, the problem of getting suffi­ the management. The body responsible for cient water. The distance from other centres the state of affairs at Mt. Isa is the made the cost of foodstuffs high, and ameni­ Government of the State of Queensland. ties were not as good as they were in places They are the people who are responsible. closer to the coast. The cost of having Hon. members opposite are the people who a holiday was also very high. claim that they are specialists. They are With a combination of the application of the ones who said, "We do not want a money as capital, engineering know-how and Government in Queensland comprised of management, the company has demonstrated ex-shop assistants, rubber workers, railway its ability to expand on a wide field over a clerks, manual training instructors, union period of years, and Mount Isa has now organisers, meat workers, and people of that become one of the great mines in the kind." They say, "We are a Government world. All the wealth that may be in the of successful businessmen. We have trained soil is of no value unless it can be won accountants, doctors, barrist~rs, company by the application of human labour to it. directors, who can make available to the All the skill in the world is useless unless Parliament of Queensland their managerial there are people who, by their sweat and hard grind, are prepared to go underground skill and professional know-how for the and help the management win the great benefit of the State. In their various depart­ riches from the bowels of the earth. These ments they might have specialists who would men do not have the opportunity of going to have more knowledge than individual hon. universities or technical schools to become members on this side, but we pride ourselves graduate engineers, metallurgists, geologists, on knowing a little more about industrial and so on, and of commanding large salaries relationships. All the ordinary people want because of their skills. The ordinary work­ in this matter is a fair go. As the Oppo­ man may not apply the same type of mental sition, that is all we ask for-that the men effort to his work as the man with special at Mt. Isa be given a fair go. They are skill in a particular subject, but he has to not being given that at the present time. work for 7 hours 20 minutes or eight hours a What a foolish statement to be made by one day, or whatever his shift requires, and he also of the chief executives of Mt. Isa Mines is entitled to a reward for his contribution. Ltd. that the mine would be closed down Over a period of years conditions have indefinitely, if necessary! Is it ?oing ~~ be been reasonably stable at Mount Isa Mine. a war of financial and econom1c attntton? Certainly there has been no trouble of the Are we going back to the depression days type that is occurring now. What is the when Brown of the collieries in New South position today? After the mine has been Wales said that he was prepared to close in operation for many years, we find that down the colliery for 18 months, and then the town has been almost paralysed econom­ went on a world tour on his palatial yacht? ically because of a dispute about bonus pay­ Are we going to have combinations of ments between the management and the cartels and monopolies that have the capacity unions representing the men. In "The Courier­ to withstand a financial siege operating in Mail" this morning an advertisement appeared that fashion? The company's financial that was authorised by the general manager strength has not been built up solely by the of Mount Isa Mines Limited, Mr. J. W. injection of new capital but by the plough­ Foots. It relates to the industrial dispute, ing back of profits. What is the good of and in the first paragraph it says- talking about £26,000,000 being ploughed "This statement is made so that the back? I am glad to see that £26,000,000 has Company's employees and the public gen­ been ploughed back for the development of erally may know the Company's policy the mine but it has been won from the in relation to bonus payments and the profits of the mine. Shareholders have present strike at Mount Isa." received bonus distributions. Money and There is no strike at Mount Isa at present. labour are the essential elements to operate any enterprise. Men who are prepared Government members interjected. to give their labour and shareholders who are Mr. DUGGAN: Hon. members opposite prepared to give capital are a necessary com­ can use the term "lock-out" or "block-out" bination. I do not quarrel with the operation if they like, but the Industrial Commission of that combination. But if it is good enough has not determined that it is not a lock-out. to say that a shareholder is entitled to a It is true that one of the Industrial Com­ bonus distribution, without his having to missioners has expressed his opinion that it demonstrate need, why impose the obligation is not a lock-out, but it has not been resolved on the employee to show need or even an by the Industrial Commission that it is not. opportunity to convince an industrial I believe that there is strong opinion by tribunal of his claims. But that dis­ counsel that the circumstances of the indus­ crimination is made. Excluding bonus pay­ trial dispute at Mount Isa Mine do come ments that applies not only to the present Supply [10 OCTOBER) Supply 589

Government but also to Labour Govern­ and then to act as I say these executives did. ments who adhered to the policy of arbi­ I name Mr. Fisher whom I know as a tration. Whether benefits were obtained very efficient executive in his professional and because of the particular advocacy of commercial capacity. I do not know Mr. union representatives in the way argu­ Foots so well but I understand that he also ments were marshalled, perhaps by pointing is a very able executive officer. If they out the disproportionate benefit compared felt so strongly on this matter why did they with people in other industries, or because not join the Country Party while the Labour of the skill of their labour or comparable Party were in power if they had the courage skill of their labour, or by agreement with to do it then? Immediately this Govern­ the employers, or even by strike action, we ment came to power they applied for mem­ find that every Government involved in bership and became active members of the wage demands have compelled the parties Country Party and I say without hesitation to go to the court to determine their -and I accept the responsibility for saying industrial grievances. I do not want it-that I think overtures were made from to get sidetracked and speak about the these people to the Country Party, which Treasurer and public servants, but there is percolated through to the Premier and cul­ not the same difficulty or the same pro­ minated in the taking out of the Act pro­ tracted negotiations involved in high pay­ vision for profit sharing. ments to top public servants as there is in What is the position now? It is all right the case of the ordinary person in the com­ for the Government to be complacent. They munity whose wage is covered by the deter­ will sit back and hope that the men at mination of an industrial tribunal. When Mt. Is will capitulate but I tell the Premier the Treasurer has had trouble in the dock­ now that if he feels that the issue of a yards, when the Minister for Transport has declaration of a state of emergency with had trouble in the railways, and when other heavy penalties will resolve this problem he Ministers have been faced with the possi­ is mistaken because the men have done every­ bility of industrial trouble, on every thing the Act lays down should be done. occasion the matter has gone to the Court I have here many extracts from what was because it has been laid down that the said by the Minister for Labour and Industry Industrial Court was to be the body to when this matter came before the House, decide what industrial conditions and wages and for the sake of the record I might as should apply to those engaged in industry well put one or two of them in. On 21 and whether provision should be made in March 1961, at page 2898, the Minister awards for bonus payments. After said- many years the present Government dis­ " I agree that the Court should not have turbed that practice which has been fol­ authority to award profit-sharing sums in lowed with varying degrees of success and addition to a fair and just wage worked wit~ varying acceptance by the unions, but out in accordance with the circumstances wh1ch at least ensured industrial stability and conditions of the work. That is in at Mt. Isa. The Minister for Labour and accordance with the definition of bonus l?dustry disturbed a long-establisl:red prac­ payments as set out in the Bill. I want to tice; we warned him it might lead to emphasise that my colleagues and I are trouble. I do not blame the Minister for firmly in favour of, and we encourage, Labour and Industry in particular, other the negotiation of bonus payments outside than that he was the instrument. I say the Court between employers and quite deliberately and cold-bloodedly-and employees. I have every reason to believe no doubt it will be denied-that I think it -indeed I know-that employers will be is a payoff on instructions from the Country encouraged to negotiate such arrangements Party to the Minister for Labour and on the passing of this measure . . " Industry to introduce an amendment of the law because of the help and encouragement He said at page 2404-- given to the Country Party by Mt. Isa "Many employers will not give bonus Mines Ltd. management. payments under the present Act because they feel that if they do, then very quickly I say it is the inalienable right of any there wil be an appeal to the Court for person in the community to join any poli­ its wide extension. tical organisation he likes and it would be With the provision removed the fear wrong of me to say that any person should is removed also. Consequently, with the not exercise his democratic franchise if he compulsion removed, I expect that there wishes to do so by joining the Labour Party, will be considerable extension of the prin­ the Queensland Labour Party, the Liberal ciple of voluntary profit sharing . . ." Party or the Country Party or any other political organisation in which he feels he Those were the remarks of the Minister for has some interest and could achieve some Labour and Industry. Then he went on to results by doing so, but I do question the say amongst other things-and I state this propriety of the executive officers of a large broadly-that he was not going to have industrial organisation of the magnitude of this Communist junta at the Trades Hall Mt. Isa Mines Ltd. to keep aloof from organising the men to come out on strike, active participation in party membership until that he was going to lay down a very there is a change of Government, and a strict code that had to be followed very Country-Liberal Government come to power closely in this matter before he would permit 590 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

men to become involved in what is regarded with the Federated Engine Drivers' Union? as a legal strike. The unions have pointed Advantage was taken immediately of Section out that they have no desire to plunge their 102 to order the men back to work, and the members unnecessarily into needless indus­ men would commit a breach of the Act if trial strife. Who is hurt most? It hurts they did not obey it. What is the use of the men more than anyone else. The com­ saying that all democratic processes should pany has said that it can go on indefinitely, be used by the men, including the observance that the mine can be shut forever-apparently of the safeguard of democratic ballot secrecy, with no hardship to the executive of Mt. to see a strike is not precipitately engaged Isa Mines. But can the men stay out in, when action is taken immediately to for ever? Of course they cannot. Conse­ order them back to work and when they can quently, there is not a desire on behalf of be subjected to savage penalties imposed by unions to plunge their members into indus­ the Crown if they fail to return to work? trial turmoil. The Mt. Isa Company has not been In legislation introduced by the Minister generous at all in the matter. This morning for Labour and Industry provision was made I had brought to my attention the case of for the taking of a ballot. In this case a plumber who had been away for six weeks' that was done and this is the result of the holiday. He spent £100 in fares to take ballot, the voting in each instance being in himself and his family back to Mt. Isa, only favour of going out on strike- to be told there was no work available for Union Votes him. I am subject to correction by the hon. A.E.U. 191 to 27 member for Burke, but I understand that F.I.A. 90 to 5 many people who work in distant places such Building Workers' 38 to 4 as Mt. Isa take their holidays every two E.T.U. 120 to 19 years rather than every year and when they Clerks' 93 to 62 return are re-engaged by the company. This B.S.A. 109 to 2 man was not involved in the trouble. He F.E.D.F.A. 75 to 35 returned to Mt. Isa and was prepared to Bricklayers' 11 to 3 carry on in his job but was locked out by Plumbers' 16 to 6 the management. He spent £100 needlessly A.W.U. . . 869 to 310 in going back to Mt. Isa. The vote of the Clerks' is significant because The Government are responsible. They clerks generally are regarded as being perhaps have not promoted industrial harmony. They much more conservative than the rest of the have aggravated the disharmony by taking industrial movement in regard to involvement away the thing that successive Governments in industrial action. have laid down for the protection of the Even allowing for the fact that some men ordinary working-man. We respect the Court were on holidays and some were absent from and expect it to give a fair decision on the the mine, the majority of the membership evidence placed before it. The company has of the A.W.U. were in favour, as shown by not been fair despite the assurance of the secret ballot, of strike action being taken if Minister for Labour and Industry, not that necessary. he expected, but that he knew, of the willing­ ness of employers to negotiate in such matters. I discussed this matter with Mr. Edgar They are paid a bonus of £10 a week at Williams this morning and he was kind Mary Kathleen, an adjoining mine, 'Yith .a enough to send me urgently the opinion very limited life-by no stretch of the Imagi­ expressed by a leading Queen's Counsel in nation has it the same possibilities of pro­ Queensland about the legal strike position longation of economic operation as Mt. that the Minister said was so necessary. The !sa-because the agreement with the British Q.C. is one of the best in his field in Queens­ Government expires in three or four years. land and this is his opinion- They can do this yet there is no certainty "In my view, all that Section 98 does that the mine will be able to continue is to indicate what is an authorised strike economic operations for any long period. or lockout and what is an unauthorised I charge the Government with being strike or lockout. It then goes on to primarily responsible and if they want to provide penalties for unauthorised strikes prevent a disastrous situation in the State. or lockouts. The Section does no more the economic effects of which may be felt for or no less than this. It could be taken a long while, I exhort them to take out of the Act, perhaps together with immediate steps to rectify the situation and Section 99, and its absence would have not exercise the powers under the State no effect on the structure of the remainder Transport Act, to declare a state of emer­ of the Act." gency, which would solve nothing. What is That is the exact position. The Act pro­ the good of ordering men back to the court vides for strike action, but when the result when a statutory provision prevents the is obtained in a legal and constitutional way Court from granting or altering a bonus, and information sent to the Registrar of the except downwards? What is the good of Court no certificate is issued. An impasse is returning this matter to the court when the reached. What is the next move in all these court has no power to deal with it? Indeed, things? What did the Minister for Trans­ the records show that prior to the introduc­ port do when he had some industrial strike tion of this legislation the unions made an Supply (10 OCTOBER] Supply 591 application for a variation of the bonus pay­ of the State, he remarked about the intem­ ment which was rejected before this legis­ perate language that was used by Labour lation was assented to. Is it any wonder that spokesmen in going to Canberra and he the men in the A.W.U. who are involved are said, amongst other things- prepared to back this dispute with the full "We have yet to be persuaded that the resources of the union? This support is being submission of inadequately prepared cases given also by the other craft unions involved. supplemented by provocative remarks in the press, can accord to the standards of I hope I will not offend anyone on this responsible public finance or for that matter matter: overwhelmingly the so called bring a readier acceptance from the author­ strikers are members of the A.W.U. Many ity to whom they are addressed. Queens­ craft unions are involved and they are land's case in the matter will be prepared entitled to be as concerned as they are for and submitted courteously. I have no fear the wellbeing of their members. The only that, on such a basis, the State will receive advice I give them, and I give it with every anything other than fair treatment." good intention, is that they do not allow out­ side interests to involve themselves in propa­ So that was going to be the modus operandi ganda to confuse the issues in this dispute. of this Government in their dealings with The issues are simply stated. This Govern­ the Commonwealth authorities. We know, ment in their desire to help the tremendously of course, that they failed and failed badly wealthy mine have stopped an industrial in their various submissions; but, with a practice that has operated for so long, by Federal election pending, obviously Mr. R. G. preventing the tribunal from making a fair Menzies felt it was time to do something determination on the workers' claims, not as because there had been very concerted a result of the action of the union or the action by Liberal Federal members and Mt. Isa people, except at the instigation of Country Party members who expressed their the executive, I believe, in channelling the dissatisfaction with the treatment that request through the Country Party to the Queensland was getting in these matters. We Government and its representatives. By this have seen from previous information placed alteration in policy they have produced this before this Chamber the extent to which great industrial turmoil. the Commonwealth has unfairly neglected Queensland in the provision of funds for vari­ I shall now refer to beef roads. We know ous works. I have the figures. Perhaps that the Government have been taking great they are not absolutely relevant at the credit for extracting certain financial moment but I should have liked to include assistance from the Commonwealth Govern­ them in "Hansard." ment. No doubt the hon. member for However, when the suggested journey to Baroona will deal with the Mt. Isa railway Canberra took place, one Minister was line transactions in his speech. Hon. members alleged to have said, "Well, the 'wig's' on will recall that when this matter was dis­ the green," the reporters could get their scrib­ cussed during the Supply debate the Treasurer bling pads out and their pens and pencils did not use any smart sidestepping with ready if Mr. Menzies did not come to words. When he was asked by the hon. the party on the Mt. Isa rail project. One member for Baroona to express his views responsible Minister, the Minister for Devel­ regarding Commonwealth obligations on opment, Mines, Main Roads and Electricity sinking fund payments he said, amongst other felt so strongly about the matter that he things- threatened secession from the Commonwealth " We say a sinking fund entitlement is unless we received more sympathetic treat­ ours as a matter of constitutional right. ment on the matter. It is not a matter for decision at all. We So, despite all the talk about temperate say it is settled by the Australian constitu­ language in the past, a report appeared in tion. We say it is a borrowing by the the Brisbane "Telegraph" of 31 August last State. They say it is a Section 96 grant that the Premier and Treasurer had left for repayable, bearing interest, and they say Canberra for talks on the Mt. Isa railway it is not a loan and not a borrowing. financial agreement and beef roads. Under "We say quite frankly that if the argu­ headlines reading, "State to get tough. ment succeeds the English language has Menzies will face demand," the 'Telegraph" lost all its meaning. If I say, 'Here is reported that the State would demand from £1,000; you have not borrowed it, but Mr. Menzies either a direct advance or you have to pay it back and you have to provision from sinking fund to finance the pay me interest on it,' if that is not a project. It also said- borrowing, then, I repeat, the English "One senior Cabinet Minister said today: language has lost all its meaning. It is This is it. If we fail this time you had a technical argument that a repayable better have your pencils sharpened next grant under Section 96 is excluded from week. There'll be plenty of news around'." Section 104A of the Constitution." But there was no need for the sharpened Then he goes on, but he says quite clearly pencils except to record how Menzies deftly that it is a matter of simple English, that swept the lion skins off the visitors from the Commonwealth had some obligations on Queensland to reveal them as singularly this. And so they went down to Canberra. unbeligerent lambs. What happened? He In one of the earlier Budget speeches of did make an offer of some money for beef the hon. gentleman when he became Treasurer roads and the Treasurer quite unashamedly 592 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply said, "I don't care what name they give it these purposes. Including this year's provi­ as long as they give the money to Queensland. sion, Western Australia will have received Forget about the approach. Forget about since 1958-1959 £3,663,000 from grants constitutional obligations. Forget about con­ under the Northern Development Act. All siderations of simple English. Give us the of this money was almost entirely related to dough. It does not matter if it is given beef production. Yet we find that Western for beef cattle roads or for some other Australia has a beef cattle population only purpose but give us the dough." That is the one-seventh that of Queensland, and Treasurer's attitude. He says, in effect, "When its beef and veal production is only one­ I want money I am not concerned about sixth of that of Queensland. The source moral principles; I am not concerned about of this information is the 1959 figures in the fine distinctions of legal terminology; I am Commonwealth Year Book for 1960. not concerned about what the dictionary says; I am not even concerned about my reputation Under the States Grants (Encouragement for being a clear, concise and lucid speaker of Meat Production) Act, the Commonwealth and for being able to impart to those listen­ has provided £2,164,000, and payments since ing to me my thoughts on these matters-as 1950-1951 to the current year, inclusive of long as you give me the dough." So they this year's estimates, were £1,327,000, or 61 gave them some "dough." Was this "dough" per cent. of the total, to Queensland, and sufficient and was it adequate compensation £837,000, or 38 per cent., to Western for their failure to do something worthwhile Australia. on the Mt. Isa railway? Time will not Considering the comparative production permit me to develop that but in all proba­ figures and the relative values of each State's bility the hon. member for Baroona will production to the export economy, the carry on from where he left off the other grants are grossly disproportionate, since day. Queensland rates six times as great as What has happened in relation to beef Western Australia as a beef exporter. Of roads? Provision was made in tlre current the five mainland States, Queensland produces Commonwealth Budget for £650,000 for the 21 per cent. of Australia's exports, while Julia Creek-Normanton road, with a match­ Western Australia provides only 11 per cent. ing arrangement on the part of Queensland. of the total exports. Recalling that £5,000,000 had been pro­ vided for development in Western Australia Apropos of what I said a few moments some years ago, the Prime Minister said that ago about the Postmaster-General, Mr. his Government were prepared to find Davidson, he hinted in his speech that the £5,000,000 for beef roads in Queensland Queensland Government were looking on the over a five-year period ending June, 1966. Mt. Isa rail project as a sort of sacred This was to include the £650,000 already pro­ cow, and that other works in Queensland vided this year. The balance of £4,350,000 were being starved because of this. He said, does not attract matching expenditure by as recorded in "Hansard"- Queensland. "For the last two years money has been available to Queensland for work on However, the Postmaster-General, Mr. the Mt. Isa railway ... (but) there have Davidson, said in the Federal House on been no drawings in the last two years 5 September that Queensland would receive against the £20,000,000 that we have been special Federal aid this year of £5,250,000, prepared to advance. Certain works on compared with £2,450,000 for Western the line have been undertaken by the Australia. But the Postmaster-General Queensland Government and financed out included in the Queensland figure the of funds which could have been used for £4,600,000 being loaned in respect of the other purposes." Mt. Isa rail project, for which Queensland will have to pay World Bank rates of He said that the State could have used to interest in addition to amortising the loan better advantage funds that were available in the short term of 20 years. to it. How often has the Treasurer chided former Governments because they did not To interpret the position as reflecting any use all the money available to them? How new attitude of benevolence towards Queens­ he lamented the fact that loan borrowings land by the Menzies Government is to com­ by municipal authorities throughout the State pletely misunderstand the situation. The had not reached the objective of 100 per Commonwealth has come in belatedly, and cent. that he is so proud of achieving last under extreme political pressure, with an year, whilst admitting in previous Budget election looming, to do something in Queens­ speeches that the calls on money from pri­ land on the lines of the Western Australian vate investments and differential rates paid Grant (Northern Development) Act of by hire-purchase companies and land devel­ 1958-1959, which provides for a total grant opers prevented full subscriptions being made of £5,000,000 for developmental work in available. Even if the local authorities were that State north of the twentieth parallel of successful in getting 100 per cent., they would latitude. not have been able to use all the money Under that legislation, payments to because of a shortage of materials and, in Western Australia in 1960-1961 amounted to some cases, a shortage of labour. £1,208,000, and provision is made this finan­ I do not want my protest on this particu­ cial year for the payment of £1,800,000 for lar matter to be construed as meaning that I Supply [10 OcToBER] Supply 593 am complaining about this injection of funds, show that the Treasurer has had at his com­ but I do say that Queensland has claimed mand funds sufficient to enable him to do from the Federal Government less than it more than he has. All-in-all the record of was entitled to for the promotion of beef the Government financially and otherwise has roads because of our export position, and not been as good as we consider that the that the Commonwealth Government have not circumstances and the situation would have recognised adequately our claims in tl:rat permitted. Because of that fact I move- regard. They are doing no more than they "That the Item 'Aide-de-Camp, £1,594' are prepared to do for another State with a be reduced by £1." lesser percentage of exports. In season and For the satisfaction of Commander Hutton, out of season no State contributes more than the A.D.C. at Government House, I assure Queensland. In view of the contribution him that we have never been parties to a Queensland makes towards Australia's wage-slashing campaign and the £1 will be balance of payments why do not we get reimbursed from our pockets. Time does some recognition? What is tl:re good of the not permit me to deal with other financial Treasurer's saying on the one hand that he matters but other speakers from this side will understands with crystal clearness and clarity deal with matters of importance to the State. what words mean? What is the good of All-in-all we feel that this "booze and his saying that he will fight for Queensland betting" budget does not do justice to the down in Canberra when they are politically tremendous opportunities to govern effi­ bribed with an election pending? I can­ ciently in the interests of Queensland as a not prove these things, of course, but I say whole. firmly and with conviction tlrat if it were not for the fact that a Federal election is Mr. ADAIR (Cook) (2.15 p.m.): The pending the Treasurer would not have got Treasurer has given us ample time during the that £5,000,000 for beef cattle roads. Now recess to peruse the Budget he introduced he has got it, good luck to him, but as I before Parliament adjourned. It is a very say, he could have got that with complete gloomy Budget so far as the Far North fairness without prejudicing his right to is concerned. The only two bright aspects sinking fund payments on the reconstruc­ of it are in the proposals to introduce tion of the Mt. Isa line. That is my quarrel. legislation relating to the liquor laws and S.P. betting. I put up a "Lone Star Ranger" Mr. Aikens: Do you regard it purely as fight in this Chamber earlier this year on an election bribe? the S.P. betting issue when the sergeant of Mr. DUGGAN: That is an understate­ police and a detective at Mareeba were ment. Even the hon. member with his com­ transferred from my area because S.P. bett­ mand of words would have difficulty in ade­ ing was being conducted in the town. I have quately describing it other than a political no fear of contradiction in saying that it gesture. It ranks with the jerrymandering has been carried out in every town in the of the electoral boundaries which is another State and that there is no way in the world political trick to win elections. it will be stopped because Australians will bet and no one can stop them. Because of considerations of time neces­ sarily I have had to confine my remarks to The Government have done the right thing in moving to legalise off-the-course one or two factors of tremendous importance betting. I have no idea what provisions the to the State. The Treasurer has not fairly Bill will contain but I hope that they are measured up to the challenging problems he sensible and will give the people living in posed when in Opposition. Whatever credit distant areas an opportunity to have a bet he may consider he is entitled to for the pre­ sentation of his accounts, I let him have. On if they want one. behalf of the Opposition I inform him that I understand from reports in the Press that we are not dealing with the Budget in a there will be a ban on betting imposed cavalier fashion. All I am concerned about within a 20-mile radius of a town in which is the impact the Government's financial a race meeting is being held. An anomaly policy !tas on the economy of the State as a could arise there because in many towns whole. At this stage I shall not deal with clubs have to construct racecourses anything his particular departmental division of from 5 to 8 miles from the town. Taking accounts, whether he has combined certain Mareeba and Atherton as an example, if a debts or whether he is paying them out of race meeting is to be held for Atherton It the Consolidated Revenue Fund. I s!tould must, in fact, be held at Tolga which is 4 like to have dealt with the added return to miles from the town. Mareeba would then the Treasurer by the sale of materials, fall inside the 20-mile radius. I do not think through suspense accounts, which have been it would be fair to provide that all betting considerable. He may argue that they were in a town the size of Mareeba should cease extravagantly built up. At this stage I am when there is a race meeting being held at not prepared to argue the merits or demerits Tolga. I ask the Treasurer to look at that of the matter but on his own statement he aspect of the matter as it will happen not has had in excess of £1,000,000 flow into only in that area but in many other areas as his Treasury chest that was not available to well and, when this legislation is introduced the previous Government. The Government race meetings will probably be held more sold the Collinsville mine. All these things often than they are now. 594 Supply [ASSEMBLY) Supply

From Press reports on the proposed new closed and hundreds are out of work. When liquor laws licence fees will be increased by the sawmills close there will be no other 2 per cent., from 4 per cent. t? 6 per c~nt. of avenue of employment available in the area. liquor purchases and publicans w1ll be Since this Government took ?ffice four forced to increase the price of beer. That years ago we have had manr !me~ closed will be unavoidable because these people down. Firstly, the Mt. Mulhgan !me. was bought their licences on the basis of a 4 closed. I venture to say . that 1f a per cent. licence tax. If I were buying a Labour Government had been m power that hotel the first thing I should do-in fact the line would never have been closed. I have only thing I should do--would be to see had long talks with the Minister who repre­ what the liquor licence was. It gives an sented the area, and he claimed tha~ avail­ indication of the sales of wine, spirits and able records indicate that there 1s any beer by the previous licensee. It has been amount of coal still in the Mt. Mulligan said that the increase of 2 per cent. will not mine. apply to spirits. I think it will apply to spirits just as it will apply to beer, and that Port Douglas was closed and the men it will mean an increase in the price of working on the wharf had to go to Cairns spirits. Publicans will be forced to pass it for work. For several months after the on, having bought their hotels when the fee closure they were forced to travel to and was 4 per cent. from Cairns every day. It is a long way, over 40 miles there and 40 miles back, and I have always been in favour of the right they did this for over 12 _months. Th~ Mt. to drink on Sundays. In the Far North and M ulligan miners had the1r fares pa1d _to Far West people who desire to drink, par­ Collinsville and I think homes were bmlt ticularly canecutters and other hard workers, there for them, but unfortunately the water­ should be entitled to do so, but I think the side workers did not get the same treatment. proposed hours are undesirable. The aver­ age woman wants to have her husband home Then the Mt. Garnet railway line was in time for lunch, which is usually ready closed. ' This is an important railway line. from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. If the suggested The tin from the dredges in that area was period from 12 to 2 is not altered to 10 carried on it and the line created a fair a.m. to 12 noon or 10 a.m. to 12.30, much amount of work for the railwaymen in the difficulty will be experienced by housewives area. whose husbands come home late for lunch. The next closure is to be the Cooktown­ I have nothing to say about the later period Lau.ra line. It is just on 70 miles from Cook­ on Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. town to Laura, and during the wet season the railway line affords the only means of The Budget is not a very bright one for transport. For three or four months

Ipswich and I saw from the notice board that Mr. ADAIR: They can thank Harold there were 23 trains scheduled for that Collins and the Labour Party. Anybody day. I had my gold pass with me but when who went up there and followed the miles I boarded the train nobody asked to see my of channels and saw the large body of water pass, nor did anyone ask for it when I flowing to Dimbulah and through the alighted. I did not see anyone else challenged tobacco area would be impressed by what for a ticket and I took particular notice. irrigation is doing for the area. Recently It is beyond me how the lines can pay but water was let out into the Walsh River it is certainly very unfair to allow suburban from the Tinaroo Falls dam. I saw photo­ lines to remain open at a loss with all the graphs taken 140 miles from the dam where other means of transport available when, the water had saved over 5,000 head of with the closure of the Cooktown-Laura line, stock. The water has now gone over 200 the people in that area of the Far North will miles down the Walsh River and will be of have no means of transport. I do not think great advantage to graziers in that area. the investigators will do anything about the closure of lines in the metropolitan area; The present drought is one of the worst probably they have the good oil not to touch in my lifetime. I have never before seen them. cane dying in the Barron Valley, and young cane there is now being irrigated. Recently it was said that Messrs. Ford, With such a wonderful irrigation scheme Bacon & Davis had suggested that the Cairns and a surplus of millions of gallons of railway workshops be closed. The subject water, it is a pity that good tobacco land is just as important to me as it is to the cannot get the benefit of the scheme. The hon. member for Cairns because I have many value of the tobacco crop in the area last men in Edmonton and on the other side year was £4,750,000, and I am sure that of Cairns who are working in those work­ figure could be doubled if the scheme were shops. If they are closed down, up to 200 men will be put off. extended. Mr. Wallace: More. Mr. Davies: Is the average quality of the leaf good? Mr. ADAIR: I believe that to be true. Most of those men have been employed in Mr. ADAIR: Yes. I have been informed the railway workshops since they were lads; that the average price last year was about their homes are in Cairns and district, and if 135d. to 140d. per lb. and that only a they are lucky enough to be transferred to jobs small percentage of the leaf was rejected. elsewhere they will have to sell their homes I am sure that tobacco-growing wiii be and move. Cairns is the centre of a vast area carried on in the Mareeba area long after and lines radiate to Mareeba, Ravenshoe, it has ceased in other areas. The land is Einasleigh and Forsayth. It is convenient suitable and there are experienced tobacco­ for repair work and the Cairns workshops are growers in the area who will be able to capable of doing all types of repair, yet it has cope with any obstacle. Their biggest obstacle, been recommended that they be closed. I of course, is the buyers' market. As I s~id do not know whether the Minister has made in the debate on the motion for the adoptiOn a decision on the matter, but I hope that, of the Address in Reply, the tobacco-growers in his better judgment, he will not close the are being fleeced in the sale of their product. Cairns workshop. I hope that the matter can be rectified by There has been much discussion about the holding of a full inquiry into the tobacco the beef roads from Normanton to Julia industry. Creek and from Georgetown to Mount Surprise. If the Government go ahead with I have received inqmnes about the the Normanton-Julia Creek road first, all development of irrigated pastures in the the cattle that normally would go to the region. Some land in the Mareeba­ meatworks in Cairns and the saleyards in Dimbulah area is unsuitable for tobacco­ Mareeba will go to Townsville. I ask the growing. Irrigated pastures for cattle­ Minister to recommend the construction of fattening would be a success on the rich the Georgetown to Mount Surprise road red soil on the Atherton side. The Govern­ first, because the cattle will then continue ment are spending very little money in that going to the meatworks at Cairns and the area this year. Experienced irrigation men saleyards at Mareeba. Burton Brothers are who have worked on the project from the carting a large number of cattle from Laura commencement of the Tinaroo Falls scheme and the Gulf Country to Mareeba with their are being put off, yet just recently an out­ road trains, and I hope that the Government side contractor was given a large contract will give priority to the Georgetown-Mount for the construction of channels. I have Surprise road. been informed by employees of the depart­ ment that had the Irrigation Department There is no reference in the Budget to undertaken the work the channels could have any grant of money for the extension of been built considerably cheaper, and thus the Tinaroo Falls irrigation project. It is one of the greatest irrigation schemes in provided them with further employment. Australia. They have no security of work. Their homes are in Mareeba but I do not know what is Mr. Davies: They can thank the Australian going to happen to them. They are key Labour Party for that. men in the Irrigation Department. When I 596 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

asked a question of the Minister for Public Mr. Hiley: It will cost £200,000. Lands and Irrigation he could give me no assurance that they would be placed in Mr. ADAIR: At present there is much work on other irrigation schemes in unemployment in the North and, on present Queensland. Their outlook is not very bright. indications, it will increase. If the work of Recently I brought before the notice of the rebuilding this mission is carried out as soon House the fact that the aerodrome farmers as possible many of these men can be outside Mareeba were willing to finance their employed. Local sawmills could supply the own irrigation scheme up to £80,000, link­ timber for the construction of the homes, ing up with the end of the channels 4j­ which would employ further men. It would miles away. I was informed that the be a considerable advantage if the work could scheme would cost £140,000 but the Govern­ be commenced as soon as possible. ment were not inclined to help unless the Much is heard here about relief being farmers found all the money themselves. To granted to graziers in all parts of the State by irrigate land two miles from the Barron way of freight concessions on the cartage of River the cost of machinery, pipes and every­ fodder. In my area, in Cape York Peninsula, thing else necessary exceeds £15,000. there are no railways, consequently, there is Diesel engines have to be renewed and the no way in which graziers can get such relief farmers say that it would be cheaper for unless they cart their own fodder. Fodder them to put in this money than buy new cannot be taken overland from Laura to equipment. They cannot see where the Coen and other places because there are no Government are going to give them water suitable roads. It has to be sent by boat because it will by-pass them as it goes to Merina Plains or Port Stewart, and through to Emerald Creek. then by truck 40 miles to Coen and Mareeba and Dimbulah are boom towns round the top of Cape York Peninsula. as I ~ave already said, and I cannot see any Some graziers are paying up to £36 per ton way m the world in which their future is not for fodder transport. It is very costly. assured. I believe that, within the next few Graziers whose properties are near the rail­ years, they will further advance and with way line get some assistance from the Gov­ the extension of the channels, the r~venue ernment, and I do not see why the Govern­ from the area will double. They will be ment should not give some subsidy on the sea the most prosperous areas, at least in this transport of fodder and the lorry transport State. of it from the boat to properties. The graziers would benefit considerably from such . Furt_her north, in the mining areas, there a subsidy. IS_ a tm boom. The price of tin is at its h1ghest level for some years. I have I have spoken in this Chamber in favour approached the present Minister for Mines of voting rights for Islanders. Whether they and former Ministers on several occasions come from Murray, Saibai, Badu or other poi_nting out ~hat it would be of great islands, most of them are returned ex-service­ assistance to mmers if at least two diamond men. They are fine specimens of men. drills were available in that area and at They should be given the right to vote. their disposal. Several old mines are reproducing. Other old mines in the It is impossible at present for a Torres area will still produce if the miners Strait Islander to get his freedom under the have the money to develop them. They Torres Strait Islanders Act. An aboriginal were left at a depth of 300 to 400 feet can be freed. In the last few months I the timber has rotted out and they are fuli have taken action on behalf of many of of wate~. It will cost much money to bail them, and, as long as they have not a police and retlmber them. All the old mines to record, it is no trouble to get them freed which the companies have returned are pro­ from the operations of the Act. It is an ducing and will continue to do so. impossibility for an Islander, yet he is an Much publicity has been given to the excellent type of person. The Minister development of Weipa bauxite field. The ,has told me that although an Islander cannot company is spending large sums on dredging be freed he is regarded by the Minister's the harbour. They believed when they department as having this freedom, that he started that they would have to dredge only can leave the island and go anywhere in about 2! miles but it has now become evident Queensland. Many Islanders work in the that some further distance will have to be West and in Townsville in the railways. dredged and that it will take a long time Some of them are even gangers on the rail­ and cost a large sum of money. However, way lines, yet under the Act as it stands at there is considerable work being carried out present they cannot be freed. It is all very on this field. well for the Minister to tell me that Islanders It is, as is well known, one of the largest can go to any part of Queensland and get bauxite fields in the world. There are work. I know of Islanders on Thursday hundreds of years of work ahead and, as Island who cannot get permission to leave, time goes on, several thousand men will be despite the fact that they cannot obtain employed. I have approached the Minister work there. How can they get work in any in relation to the speeding up of the rebuild­ other part of Queensland if they are not ing of the mission at Weipa. It will be permitted to leave the island? The only rebuilt on the high banks of the river and way in which many of them got to the main­ I am told it will cost £150,000. land was by deserting their pearling boats Supply [10 OcTOBER] Supply 597

Dr trocchus boats at Mackay, Rockhampton, cost to make the Mulligan Highway an all­ or Cairns, where they get employment. weather road. If he classes this road at When they earn enough money they can £300,000 as a first-class road-1 am assured bring their families to those districts. During by road construction contractors that they the Address in Reply debate I pointed out can build a road suitable for any type of to the House that hookworm disease was vehicle for less than £50,000. For that small rife in the missions and the Torres Strait sum this country could be opened up and islands. The disease has a strong hold on the vast area of rich soil developed into one aboriginals and islanders. I have been of the richest cattle-fattening areas in the informed that nearly half of the inhabitants State. of some missions are infested with hookworm yet when I asked the Minister if he would Mr. Walsh: How many thousand acres have an officer of the Health Department would be opened up? stationed at Thursday Island-which is Mr. ADAIR: At least 40,000 in the two centrally situated, where he could get free areas-Bailey's Creek and Tribulation. That transport in the Department of Native Affairs' is without Bloomfield and Shipton's Flat. boat-visit the islands, and even the mainland, he said that the disease was not as bad as I We have a transport problem since the was led to believe. I am still assured that introduction of the new legislation. During the disease is very bad in those areas and the war and after it, carriers operated from that if it is not arrested the health of the Cairns under State Transport Commission people will be seriously affected. If an_officer licences but, since the introduction of the of the Health Department is stationed at new legislation, farmers who cut up to 6,000 Thursday Island he could travel to the tons of cane have gone into the transport different islands at no cost to the Govern­ business, cutting the price and taking ment on the department's boat and other business away from the operators who have boats. given years of service to the people of t~e area and invested a great deal of money m The Minister for Public Works and Local trucks and semi-trailers. Government is in the chamber now. On Saturday he travelled from Cairns to Moss­ Mr. Walsh: And they depend on it for man, and then to Bailey's Creek. I think he their living. was impressed with his journey. He saw the land that is being slowly developed for cattle Mr. ADAIR: That is so. The cane farmers fattening. We went over one of the nicest have entered into competition with them and drives in Queensland, through virgin scrub. are taking business away from them. We we.nt across the Daintree River by The only pleasing note in the Financial barge and then further on, ten miles Statement is the reference to the proposed the other side to Bailey's Creek, towards new liquor laws and the legalising of S.P. Tribulation. There are over 40,000 acres betting. We will not know the exact terms of land in that area to be developed until the legislation is introduced so I reserve for cattle fattening. It is one of the richest further comment till then. cattle-fattening areas in the State. On the Daintree, where cattle fattening has been Mr. PILBEAM (Rockhampton South) carried on for years, the Minister saw the (3.4 p.m.): I rise to speak in support of the type of cattle grazing there, and the rich Budget so ably presented by the Treasurer pastures, even though they are suffering the and, as a fellow member of the profession, worst drought that I have seen in the area. to congratulate him upon the able manner There are cattle that are prime mud fat on in which it was brought down. As I said the property held by Fisher and Cobb; and of the Budget last year, this is definitely a it will fatten from three to four beasts to tight Budget. It is a Budget that allows for the acre. I know several hon. members in a deficit of £643,000. But it is a well the Chamber who will not credit the fact known axiom in the accountancy profession that during one of the worst droughts in the that if you budget for surpluses you budget district's history these cattle are on such for wastages. The main cause of the deficit pastures. The Minister will agree that he this year and in previous years has been the has never seen beef cattle as fat as these. state of the weather. I do not think any They are grazing on guinea grass, paspalum Treasurer can gauge what the weather is and panicum. With the development of the likely to be. We have had four consecutive Bailey Creek area and other areas, there is years without monsoonal rains, four years no doubt that this country will be brought in which we have had to do without the into production for cattle fattening. How­ regular rainy season. It is true that we have ever, the only way in which the area will had the benefit of storm rains and freak rains progress is by building a road from the such as we are experiencing at present but I Daintree to Bloomfield. I have heard the do not think anyone will deny that the State Minister for Development, Mines, Main Roads has had bad seasons. In fact, the hon. and Electricity say it will cost £300,000 to member who has just resumed his seat drew build the road. I should like to know what attention to the fact that the drought in the Mulligan Highway has cost up to the North Queensland was the worst that he present, and it is still not a road. Further­ could remember. So we can accept that more, I should like to know what it would these deficits could not be guarded against. 598 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

In looking at the Budget, I think we must would particularly benefit Central admit that there are many things budgeted Queensland. We do not mean that for, especially in the developmental field, that that section alone should be con- must result in an improvement in Queensland. structed. We applaud the decision to In the part of the State that I represent, the construct the overall road system, but there is planning stages have been reached for the one section of the overall system, and one erection of a power station at Callide, and only, that will benefit the ports of Central that is very good news for Central Queens­ Queensland, Port Alma and Gladstone, and land. The only thing that agitates my mind that is the Windorah-Yaraka road. We know about that project is the timing of its con­ that in the past that road was given top struction. If I could be quite sure and the priority by the State Government of the day people of Central Queensland could be quite and by the Commonwealth Government, so sure that the construction of the power much so that it is partially constructed now. station at Callide would not begin after the I should say that it would be the cheapest construction of the power station on the section of the whole network to complete. Moreton field, we would be quite satisfied. On our estimate it would cost approximately We have already seen the plans of the power £200,000 to complete. It would bring into station, and we are fully in accord with them the ports of Central Queensland cattle which in regard to size, capacity, and plans for we badly need to keep the meatworks in future expansion. However, we must see longer production. It is no use advancing evidence that the construction of the power the argument, as some people do who know house at Callide is not going to be a secondary nothing about it, that because cattle go past consideration. Rockhampton that we are not entitled to get I think its establishment marks a new phase more cattle in. The cattle that come from in Central Queensland's development, because the Channel Country would be available at it was brought about by the strongest co-op­ a time when the coastal cattle have gone off eration between centres that have not previ­ and graziers are no longer making their ously been noted for co-operating with each cattle available in the coastal areas. They are other. We had the combined agitation of generally available from September on, and places such as Biloela, Gladstone and Rock­ that is when the meatworks are starting to hampton. If we can get that co-operation drop in cattle killings. That is why we are and representatives on both sides of the most concerned to see the Windorah-Yaraka House will co-operate in helping to establish section of the Channel Country road system desirable projects, I think Queensland will completed. I commend that suggestion to be a better State as a result. I am very the Cabinet for consideration as a top happy that his co-operation has been priority. achieved to make possible a most important The Budget makes provision for several project, without which Central Queensland's northern projects. We approve of them. We industrial potential could not possibly be hope that the Mt. Isa rail project will go on developed. at an accelerated rate; we see that provision I am happy to say, too, that the develop­ has been made for the Barron River hydro­ ment of Port Alma is allowed for in the electric project. We see that the Gulf roads Budget. Here again, the feuding between are being constructed. I have already dealt the ports of Rockhampton and Gladstone with that. We also note a big allocation that went on for many years has almost for the further development of the Towns­ entirely ceased. I think Gladstone would be ville University. We agree with that. When prepared to concede now that the develop­ the Townsville University was first mooted ment of Port Alma will not take business we agreed with the argument advanced by from it. We have never sought to achieve the Minister for Education that the distance that result. We think that, with the develop­ factor put Townsville first in the field. We ment of Central Queensland, there will be have no reason to change our views, but in enough trade for both ports, and it is far the interests of Central Queensland we urge better that we should work together instead for the earliest possible budgeting for a of attacking each other. Nothing is to be university in Central Queensland, also because gained by sister ports indulging in recrimina­ of the distance factor. Queensland is a tions when there is great development to be very large State, certainly large enough to carried out and so much trade to be won. support three universities. I realise how diffi­ We note with appreciation the building up of cult it is to allow for three overheads and the coal trade with Japan through Glad­ provide the professors to staff three univer­ stone, and we sincerely hope that it will be sities as against two, but if a decentralisation developed to the great advancement of our policy is to be adopted in this most important sister port. phase of Government activity early considera­ tion should be given to the construction of a The Budget also makes provision for the university in Central Queensland. construction of beef-roads, and we note a particular item of £650,000 to construct the Mr. Tucker: How are you going to support beef-road in the Gulf country from Norman­ it with your population? ton to Julia Creek. We note, also, that the Windorah-Quilpie road is being constructed, Mr. PILBEAM: Our figures were better and that the road from Boulia to Mt. Isa than those of North Queensland to whom will be constructed shortly. The road we are we gave way because of the distance factor. concerned with in Central Queensland is the There are more students in our area than Windorah-Yaraka road, the section which in the hon. member's. Supply [10 OcToBER] Supply 599

I must applaud the Government for their e!llergency occurred. To my mind, a courage in tackling amending racing and ttme by which such an emergency liquor legislation. The racing reforms are would have to occur would have to be very much overdue. I know we cannot dis­ fixed-say, up to or before 30 Septem~er; cuss such reforms in this debate but at least areas in which such an emergency mtght I can say that we favour them. I notice occur would have to be defined, and there that the Treasurer has agreed to meet the ~uld have to be a certain amount of unem­ four head men of the municipal clubs before ployment in such area and a definition of bringing down the legislation in regard to the maximum earnings a person would be racing. I have already been approached by permitted before being placed inside t~e the committee of the Rockhampton Jockey scheme. The proposition could be that tf, Club who have asked me to request that they before the end of September, there was 10 should be consulted also. I do not think pelf cent., or some other 'Percentage of that anyone will doubt that the Rockhampton unemployment in the area, this scheme could Jockey Club is the leading provincial club be brought into effect straight away, and of Queensland. It races for more money every person who had not earned, say, £600 than any other club outside Brisbane. It or £700 during the year up till that date races on more occasions. In Rockhampton could participate. Plans could already be they race 60 times a year, on every Saturday in hand. They could embrace the type of and every holiday; they are a very powerful work that would place the emphasis on body and they conduct racing of the very labour rather than on the utilisation of highest order. material. They consider that if the metropolitan Mr. Davies: How many days a week clubs are consulted, consideration should be would you give each man? given to at least the leading club outside the metropolis. I make the request, through you, Mr. PILBEAM: I should say 12 weeks' Mr. Taylor, to the Treasurer that before he full work for the maximum number that brings down his legislation dealing with could be employed on the scheme. I do nC!t racing reform he agrees to meet at least the see anything wrong with the proposal. It ~s President of the Rockhampton Jockey Club. a form of insurance and the Treasurer ts I do not think there is anything wrong with interested in insurance. People who that. take out insurance must have an insurable I consider the liquor reforms to be most interest in the proposition, and ~he people realistic and, at the right time, I shall support who have an insurable interest m keepmg them. No-one will deny that they are long others in work are the Commonwealth and overdue, particularly in the country centres. State Governments and the local authorities. It is time we had an Act that can be enforced I see nothing wrong in including in the loan and not ignored. programme each year an amount that could be borrowed in certain conditions. The con­ I have told hon. members some of the tributions of the State Government and the features of the Budget that will benefit the local authority would naturally be supple­ whole of the State; I have told them some mented to a great degree by the chief bene­ of the matters that will benefit North Queens­ ficaries, the Commonwealth Gov:ernment, land and a few of those that will benefit who with the employment of men wtll escape Central Queensland, but there is one matter their responsibility for social service pay­ that would benefit the whole of the State ments. I think the proposal is entirely that I refer to the Treasurer for considera­ desirable. I submit it again and ask the tion. It is the creation of some fund to Treasurer to provide for it in next year's alleviate unexpected seasonal unemployment. Budget, if the scheme can be ironed out It has been discussed at other times in this in the meantime. I ask him at that time to Chamber, and at present we are endeavour­ consider making an allocation to meet ing in Rockhampton to draw up a scheme unexpected unemployment in areas subject to that could be implemented in the event of an seasonal unemployment. emergency. On behalf of Central Queensland I think We are endeavouring to get co-operation I have the right to appeal to the Treasurer between the three forms of government in to give consideration when submitting future creating this fund and we are told, quite budgets to the three divisions of Queensland. correctly, that the loan moneys have been I have said it before and will keep on say­ allocated for this year and that the State ing it. In early days the three divisions Government have no loan moneys available were recognised, but in recent years the to meet the £50,000 that we have requested trend has been towards two allocations. I on the basis of £25,000 from the State have tendered thanks to the Ministers respon­ Government and £25,000 from the Rock­ sible for certain improvements in Central hampton City Council. Queensland, but anyone who studies the That is so, but I think we should have Budget must agree that in the developmental some sort of scheme on the books by which field at least Central Queensland has been every year an allocation could be put aside badly left behind. I do not think that can so that the Commonwealth Government, the be denied. I should be parochial if I were State Government, and the local authority the only person to put forward that view. concerned would have some money The Central Queensland Local Government to make available provided a certain Association conference with an attendance 600 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply of 21 out of 26 local authorities carried a should be given for this road. We do not motion that consideration be given to the mind the big allocation for the Mt. lsa rail­ three divisions of Queensland in allocations way line, the beef cattle roads to Julia at every Government level. The motion Creek, or to the top portion of the Channel was carried by an overwhelming majority­ Country roads, but we say that if millions ! think it may have been unanimous-at the are to be spent on them we should have a Queensland Local Government conference in greater allocation for the one road that Brisbane last year. Every local government concerns us. I believe that it is an economic authority in Queensland was represented and proposition and I feel sure that it will the conference carried the motion that con­ receive consideration from the Minister for sideration be given to the three divisions of Development, Mines Main Roads and Elec­ Queensland. tricity and the Treasurer. In advancing my argument I am not alone Mr. Graham: We will consider it when and am not being parochial. we are the Government. We are fairly modest in our requests, Mr. PILBEAM: I cannot wait that long, I think the Minister will agree. In sub­ Mr. Taylor. mitting the motion I did not ask for equal When we consider this road to the West division of allocations; I should have been we must consider the rivalry of the direct parochial in doing so. I asked that considera­ road to Brisbane. Anyone who has gone out tion be given to the three divisions to the West must have seen all the wealth even if we got only 25 per cent. of the of the central part of the State that is lost allocations for the other divisions. The motion was carried unanimously by every to us because of the direct road, which is an local authority in Queensland. encouragement to border-hoppers. We have never made a request of an In Rockhampton we have been trying to outrageous nature. I think the Treasurer establish a wool-selling centre. That is a would admit that no local authority in most desirable and natural object. We grow Queensland has done more to help itself over one-third of the wool of the State and than the. Rockhampton local authority. We we believe that we are entitled to have it have pmd half the cost of the seaside road brought to Central Queensland ports and between Emu Park or Y eppoon, or I should sold at Rockhampton, Gladstone, or Port say we shared the cost on a fifty-fifty basis Alma, and shipped from Central Queensland with the Livingstone Shire Cmmcil. We paid ports. We think that is reasonable, but we 40 per cent. of the cost of the road to Port have no way in the world to get the wool Alma and we have guaranteed interest and down while it goes direct by road to Bris­ re~emption losses on that new port. We bane. When it is carted by rail it is subject pmd half the cost of the seaside amenities to concessional freights. We have been at Emu Park and Y eppoon, and we have attacking them for years. They have a played a leading part in trying to get a strangle hold round our necks in Rockhamp­ fund created to relieve unemployment in the ton and we will never progress industrially area. We have done our share. I think we until they are removed. I ask the Minister are entitled to make submissions to the again to give serious consideration to scrap­ Treasurer and he should heed our very ping many of the concessional freights and modest requests for assistance in this part introducing a new system whereby all of _Quee~sland. As I have said before the tapering freights terminate at the nearest maJor thmg we require in Central Queens­ port. If that principal was applied we could !and is a good road to the West. I call compete. The concessional freight rates have It the backb~:n1;e of Central Queensland. I also prevented us from having what I would tha1_1k the Mm1ster for Development, Mines, term a "natural"-a flour mill in Rock­ Mam Roads and Electricity for the work he hampton. We grow a tremendous amount has done for that highway. He has given of good milling wheat on the central high­ us an assurance that it will be gazetted very lands, but freights are mitigating against the shortly--:-as soon as the Commissioner com­ establishment of a flour mill. pletes his report on main roads and high­ In next year's Budget I hope to see pro­ ways for the State. He made an allocation vision for the construction of a barrage across last year of £500,000 for work on that road the Fitzroy River. Here again we have been through the office at Rockhampton. Mr. disadvantaged for years by not having a Young, the engineer at Rockhampton system capable of supplying water in com­ assures. me . that there will be an equal mercial quantities. The city of Rockhamp­ allocatiOn this year. That is a vast improve­ ton is situated on the Fitzroy River, as even ment on anything that has ever been done the hon. member for Rockhampton North before for that road. If we have it gazetted knows. For years we have had to go up as a highway for its entire length, and con­ to 18 miles upstream to draw our water struc.ted on an all-weather basis, we will not supply to be sure it is free of salt water :eqmre much development money to be spent and that makes it very uneconomical. We m Central Queensland. Once we get the have our filtration plant at Yaamba, about wealth of the West coming down that road 18 miles from Rockhampton. We filter the we will advance in Central Queensland. I water there and bring it the 18 miles to remind the ~inister that time is running Rockhampton so that we are not able to give out. We believe that a greater allocation Rockhampton industry cheap water. It has Supply [10 OCTOBER] Supply 601

to take filtered water because that is the Mr. PILBEAM: The idea is to bring cheap only water we bring to Rockhampton and it water to industry. Industry does not need is far too expensive. filtered water. Mr. Bennett: They ought to filter that Another thing we are very keen on in council of yours up there. Central Queensland is the development of the brigalow belt. Here, of course, finance Mr. PILBEAM: Tl:rey have filtered the must enter into consideration, and for that Brisbane City Council. I see the hon. mem­ reason I have included the subject in my ber is out of it. speech today. I think we all know that the brigalow belt constitutes about the largest Mr. Bennett: I retired. tract of fertile land that is undeveloped in the world today and as suclr it should com­ Mr. PILBEAM: Just tired, not retired. It mand the attention of every Government. is very necessary that Rockhampton be given We know, too, that the most economical encouragement to construct a barrage across method of pulling brigalow has been found, the river. With the consent of the Govern­ but it will require a fairly large capital out­ ment we have voted £12,000 to have the lay to settle people in the area. I am thank­ University construct a large-scale model of ful to say that the Minister is very keen the Fitzroy and they inform us now that the on the proposal and is giving it every con­ model is one-third completed and that they sideration, but the thing that is agitating will be able to give us an answer by December my mind is that, when we are developing of this year on wlrether we have a suitable the area, we must ensure that each settler site for the construction of a barrage. I receives an adequate area of land. Perhaps think it is fair to say that the site would it would be easier to reach some conclusion be at Splitters Creek about a quarter of a if the whole area was under brigalow, but mile above the railway bridge in Rockhamp­ it is vital tl:tat each person should receive a ton. So we have a wonderful proposal there. living area. I have heard a great deal of If we could convert the Fitzroy River from argument about what constitutes a living a salt-water stream to a fresh-water stream area. The people who live in the area think at Rockhampton industry could have water that it should be 10,000 acres. It is a worth­ in very large quantities-perhaps from the while development. and I commend it to the biggest source of water in Queensland­ Treasurer as a matter on whicl1 he should simply for the cost of pumping it out of collaborate fully with the Minister for Public the Fitzroy River. Land and Irrigation. Mr. Graham: Would it be an engineering Mr. Thackeray: What do you say about proposition to put that weir across? the railway station? Mr. PILBEAM: Wl:ry not leave it to the Mr. PILBEAM: I will not deal with the engineers? Rockhampton railway station, but I will Mr. Bennett: Why don't you ask them? deal with a legacy given to us by the pre­ You have an engineer up there, haven't you? vious Government. I have made inquiries to see whether any other city in Queensland Mr. PILBEAM: Prudent men in the has been treated as badly as Rockhampton Government have asked that the proposal be was treated in this instance. If ever there proved-even the engineers think that if it was a part of a State lrighway it is the can be proved it should be proved-and the bridge across the Fitzroy River, and it will large-scale model will prove it. In Rock­ have cost the Rockhampton City Council hampton we have a definite flood hazard £1,000,000 in interest and redemption pay­ and we cannot afford to run any risk that ments by the time they have finished paying the barrage will increase it. All tlre develop­ for it. ments that have taken place up to now make it almost certain that the barrage is a dis­ Mr. Donald: Didn't you want the bridge? tinct possibility and therefore consideration Mr. PILBEAM: The State wanted the must be given to an allocation next year of bridge. I have been watching very closely part of its construction costs. to see how the other cities in Queensland Mr. Walsh: I think you are wasting your have been treated, and I am glad to say time with the Treasurer. You want to that no similar action has been taken by tl:tis approach the World Bank. Government. No other city has a millstone of £1,000,000 in interest and redemption Mr. PILBEAM: The project has been esti­ round its neck. mated to cost between £1,000,000 and £2,000,000, so it is not a wild-cat scheme. I should now like to discuss the question H we can bring to the city an almost of the establishment of a district abattoir unlimited water supply at a cost of between in Rockhampton. We have invited repre­ £1.000,000 and £2,000,000, it will still be sentatives of the graziers and of the District one of the cheapest systems in Queensland. Abattoir Board to debate this question with us, but I have never heard one argument Mr. Graham: You will still lrave to filter from anybody in favour of the establish­ it even if you get it to within two miles ment of a district abattoir. I suggest to of the city. hon. members on botl1 sides of the Chamber 602 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

that they should consider opposing any move processing meatworks in the Southern to construct a district abattoir in Hemisphere, not just an ordinary meatworks Rockhampton. but a meatworks that employs 700 people. That is what it did last year. Mr. Thackeray: Everybody knows you are on the payroll of Mark Hinchcliffe. You Mr. Houston: For how long? are on the slush account. Mr. PILBEAM: Throughout the year. It Mr. PILBEAM: Mr. Gaven, do I have to had 700 permanent employees. By the accept that remark? As a returned soldier construction of a district abattoir you are I have proved that I am not very interested going to attack it with a killing agency in money, but the gentleman who made the that will employ only about 40. In that slur was a single man who dodged the war. way you will upset the whole economy of a privately-owned works. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Gaven): Order! Mr. Walsh: If you are opposed to the district abattoirs, would you be opposed to Mr. PILBEAM: I object to remarks of the co-operative meatworks in the Callide? that nature, that I took money from Mr. Hinchcliffe. Mr. PILBEAM: I am not opposed to any The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. meatworks in Rockhampton. We welcome Gaven): Order! The hon. member for Rock­ opposition but we oppose restrictive legis­ hampton South has said that the remark lation that would make uneconomic the only industry in Rockhampton. We have made by the hon. member for Rockhampton only one worthwhile industry in Rock­ North is objectionable to him. I ask the hampton and we do not like to see it hon. member to withdraw it. attacked. The establishment of district Mr. THACKERAY: I withdraw it. At the abattoirs would be a definite attack on a same time, on a point of order, I object worthwhile industry in Rockhampton. We have to the hon. member's remark that I dodged the assurance that Lakes Creek would operate the war. I was a railwayman employed by in much the same way as any other export the Railway Department, and I was doing a works in Australia. If the district abattoirs national service. I could not have done more. were brought in and the right to kill locally I tried to enlist in the Air Force but I was were taken away, the local meatworks rejected. would close down between export seasons. They would keep merely a caretaker staff The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. at the meatworks. If I thought it would Gaven): Order! I am sure the hon. member benefit the graziers I might give it considera­ for Rockhampton South will accept the tion but how could two overheads benefit statement of the hon. member for Rock­ the graziers? It has been said that there hampton North. would be more competition. In many cases buyers go on the properties and buy the Mr. PILBEAM: Yes, and I am also pre­ cattle and ship them past Rockhampton. pared to withdraw my remarks. I do not How could that be stopped? How could wish to make personal remarks and I will graziers be prevented from selling to the withdraw my statements. I have a job to highest bidder? How could a district do and it will not be helped by indulging in abattoirs killing for local butchers only personalities. I regret the fact that I did increase the number of cattle killed in the so, but I was provoked. area? How can the number of cattle killed be increased whether the killing is done at The hon. member for Rockhampton North Lake's Creek or the district abattoirs? produced figures to prove that the cattle How can the cattle killed for local butchers numbers of Central Queensland are not increase in number because of another increasing. It is much the same as it was killing agency? 'For the reasons I ten years ago. We have an abattoir in have given, and many others that I shall Rockhampton that is in only half produc­ give in detail when the subject is brought tion. If the number of cattle is not increasing up at a later stage, I definitely oppose the and the meatworks is in only half produc­ construction of district abattoirs in Rock­ tion, why the necessity to provide another hampton. I am very happy to see that there killing agency? We have been told that the is no allocation in this year's Budget for establishment of a district abattoirs would the construction of that very unnecessary bring into being more hygienic killing. You and undesirable project. know as well as I do, Mr. Gaven, that whether an abattoir is privately owned or As far as local government projects are not, Commonwealth inspectors control and concerned, we have every reason to be grate­ supervise the hygienic killing. There is ful to the Government and the Treasurer absolutely no point in that argument. for making an allocation year by year to Mr. Walsh: What are your grounds for enable us to carry on the very necessary opposing a district abattoir? work in the city. If hon. members look at today's "The Morning Bulletin," they will see Mr. PILBEAM: My main ground is that a letter written by Mr. Yewdale of the Rock­ it would create a great deal of unemploy­ hampton Trades and Labour Council, in ment in Rockhampton. We have the largest which he commends the Rockhampton City Supply (10 OCTOBER] Supply 603

Council for the work they are doing, par­ unions into submission on any occasion that ticularly towards the alleviation of unemploy­ they seek to improve their members' working ment. conditions or to gain a greater proportion We have put as many men as possible in of the profits of industry by way in increased work and, in that respect, we have received wages or bonus payments. every encouragement from the Government. When speaking on the Bill to amend the We have been able to increase our sewerage Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act works tremendously; we have been able to the Minister for Labour and Industry endea­ carry on our kerbing and channelling work voured to mislead us by suggesting that to a major order, to increase our road­ better industrial harmony and unity would building programme, and generally to give be the outcome of the legislation and that employment to the maximum number of men. employees would receive voluntarily from the However, because of the recent reduction in employer more than would be granted by our loan allocations, in two regards we will the Industrial Court. What has been the be slightly up against it early next year and result of the amendments of the Act, particu­ I request the Treasurer to give considera­ larly the section dealing with bonus pay­ tion, as he promised to do, to making a ments? And where is the industrial peace further allocation of loan moneys available and harmony in Mt. Isa today? There is early in the New Year so that we can keep none; it has been completely destroyed by in full employment all the men we have taking away the right of the Industrial Com­ engaged on road construction and kerbing mission to award bonus payments. And what and channelling work. has happened to the voluntary increase in bonus payments that the Minister In the last instance to assist with the prophesied would be the outcome of employer unemployment program{ue we put 50 men on and employee relationship and negotiations kerbing and channelling work. We are doing under the Act? Industrial strife and unrest 36 miles of kerbing and channelling a year have resulted from the failure of negotiations and we have only enough money to keep between Mount Isa Mines Limited and the going until May next year. This is one unions for an increase in the present bonus instance in which I ask for the Treasurer's payment. The company has flatly refused sympathetic consideration. A similar request to award any increase despite the fact that will be made in regard to our road-building production and profits continue to soar and units. the increase in the number of employees has So far as the other enterprises of the been negligible. Council are concerned, we have enough The throughput of ore has increased from money to carry on our work without putting 2,278,579 tons in 1950 to 2,687,586 tons in one man out of work. As I have already 1960, an increase of 18 per cent., whereas said, we must be doing all right because we the number of employees increased by only have the commendation, through Mr. Yew­ 83, from 30 June, 1959, to 30 June, 1960, dale, of the Trades and Labour Council in an increase of 2.3 per cent. From 1 August, Rockhampton. 1951 to 30 April, 1952, the bonus payment _Mr_. Treasurer, I congratulate you for of £'17 Ss. a week was awarded to mine bnngmg down a very worthwhile budget and employees by the Industrial Court. At that I congratulate the Government on their time the balance sheet of the company was courage in tackling problems that no other not nearly as healthy as it is today. In Government have been game to tackle­ 1959 when the consolidated income of the particularly those relating to liquor and company was £4,030,722, the Industrial Court racing. I sincerely hope that budgets in awarded a bonus payment of £8 a week. In future will take into consideration the neces­ 1960 the consolidated net income of the sity for the development of the part of company had reached £5,358,239 and for Queensland that I represent, Central 1961 it will reach just on £6,000,000. Those Queensland. figures give some idea of the increase in production and company profits, and the Mr. INCH (Burke) (3.49 p.m.): I rise to bonus payment at present made from support the amendment moved by the Leader increased profits in relation to the bonus of the Opposition, and to support his clear, payment in 1951-1952 when the profits were concise, and factual analysis of the present not nearly as high. The great increase in industrial unrest at Mt. Isa. In this dispute production, output and profits with such a the Government must accept the full responsi­ small increase in the number of employees bility for perpetrating a gross blunder by clearly indicates, bearing in mind the bonus removing from the jurisdiction of the awarded to employees by the court in 1959, Industrial Court the question of awarding that there is every justification for employees bonus payments to employees of Mt. Isa to seek an increased share in the profits Mines and other places where bonus pay­ they have helped to produce by their labour ments are made. I also place the principal in the industry. Regardless of what may blame for the present industrial strife at be said or the opinions expressed by those Mt. Isa on the head of the Minister for who are not directly implicated in the present Labour and Industry who was responsible industrial situation at Mt. Isa, I say that for introducing the amended arbitration and there can be no doubt that the unions have conciliation Jaws into this Parliament for the acted in accordance with rules laid down chief purpose of bludgeoning Queensland by the present Act. A secret ballot on the 604 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

question of the overtime ban and stop-work The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration meetings was held and the results of the Act defines "lock-out" in the following ballot showed that the men were overwhelm­ terms:- ingly in favour of such action, and the result "Lock-out"-The act of an employer in was conveyed to the Industrial Registrar. closing his place of business or suspending For the information of hon. members I have or discontinuing his business or any branch listed the result as follows:- thereof, or a refusal or failure by an Union For Against employer to continue to employ any A.W.U. 869 310 number of his employees, with intent- A.E.U. 191 27 "(a) To compel or induce any F.I.A. 90 5 B.W.I.U. employees to agree to terms of employ­ 38 4 ment or comply with any demands made E.T.U. 120 19 Clerks' upon them by the said or any other 93 62 employer contrary to the provisions of B.S.A. 109 2 F.E.D.F.A. 75 this Act." 35 and further down- Bricklayers' 11 3 Plumbers' 16 6 "(d) To assist any other employer to compel or induce any employees to agree From those figures hon. members wi]] see to terms of employment or comply with that the unions in Mt. Isa were overwhelm­ any demands made by him". ingly in favour of taking action to procure an increase, and it can be seen, too, that Yet we have this letter from the general they were overwhelmingly in favour of the manager of Mount Isa Mines Limited telling overtime ban and stop-work meetings. The the men that if they did not report for work at results of the ballot were forwarded to the the usual starting time at the usual place, Registrar and a certificate was issued certify­ even though they had taken a ballot in ing that he had been informed the ballot compliance with the Industrial Conciliat~on had been taken. The company claims the and Arbitration Act, he would close the mme ballot was not legal but they have not and the plant. That virtually constitutes a proved the claim. The company could have lockout. taken action in the Industrial Court to prove Mr. Aikens: Why did Williams of the their point but they did not take it. Appar­ A.W.U. bitterly oppose the four-hour ently they must have been speaking with stoppage? their tongues in their cheeks when they said the ballot was not legal. The ballot was Mr. INCH: The hon. member will have taken in the district as required by the Court, his chance to speak and he can give his and as is shown in the figures, majorities explanation of it. were obtained in the establishment, and in the district in which the ballot was held. Mr. Aikens: I thought you might know. The unions have abided by the rules laid down in the Act. But what of the employers, Mr. INCH: What we on this side of the Mount Isa Mines Limited? When advised by Chamber would like to know and what the the craft unions that members would be absent unionists at Mt. Isa would like to know is what from their work places on Monday, 25 Sep­ ballot was taken by Mount Isa Mines Limited. tember, 1961, the company forwarded the Did they consult with all their shareholders following letter to local union officials:- before locking out their employees, or was it only the wealthy few that they conferred "Dear Sirs, with? And what of Evans Deakin's employees Regarding your advice that the mem­ who were also made to suffer by the action bers of your union will be absent from of the company in this lock-out? Did Evans their workplaces for 4 hours on Monday, Deakin participate in a ballot to lock out 25 September, 1961, we advise you that their employees? I seriously doubt that Mount we require such members to present them­ Isa Mines Limited took any ballot of share­ selves for work at their normal work­ holders or that Evans Deakin or any other places and at the recognised starting time. contractor of Mt. Isa Mines participated in "Failure to carry out this lawful instruc­ any ballot to say that they would lock these tion will result in the closure of the mine men out. But unfortunately the manage­ and plant until such time that an under­ ment, by closing the plant or locking out the taking is given by your union that work employees, have penalised men who were will proceed regularly in accordance with working for Evans Deakin & Co. Ltd. at the the conditions of the Mount Isa Mines plant because Mount Isa Mines Limited will Limited Award and the Industrial Con­ not allow any further construction work, what­ ciliation and Arbitration Act. ever it may be, to be carried out during the "Yours faithfully, dispute. So Evans Deakin have had to dis­ miss their men, some of whom have been "(Signed) J. W. Foots, in their employment for very many years. "General Manager." This is only one result of the action of In other words, they would lock the men out, Mount Isa Mines Limited in closing its plant. which they promptly proceeded to do when What sort of democratic action is this sup­ the craft unions carried out the decisions posed to be? On the one hand, employees of their members. are forced to take a secret ballot in regard Supply [10 OCTOBER] Supply 605 to what they intend doing about overtime interests is being used effectively by the co~­ bans and stoppages, but, so far as we are pany to the detriment of its employees. This aware, the company has made no attempt is clearly illustrated by the adamant refusal to hold a secret ballot of its shareholders in of the company in all negotiations to date on regard to its action, nor has the result of any the subject of an increase in bonus payments such ballot been conveyed to the Commis­ to employees at Mt. Isa. It has brought about sion. The unions have abided by the Act by the present industrial unrest, which has c_ul­ taking a ballot of all their members before minated in the lockout of thousands of mme taking any action, and it is extremely doubt­ employees who have reported for work daily ful whether similar action has been taken by but have been told that there is no employ­ Mount Isa Mines Limited and its sub­ ment for them. Quite apart from all the contractors. employees who have been locked out at Mount Isa Mines by this action of the com­ I repeat that the Minister for Labour and pany many hundreds more in various other Industry and the Government are respon­ sphe;es of employment will be seriously sible for the present unrest at Mt. Isa, affected by the decision of the company to because when they introduced the amending lock the gates of the plant and mine. I under­ Bill into this Parliament, especially the sec­ stand that if the dispute continues for any tion dealing with bonus payments that gave length of time there will be in the vicinity the employer the right to arbitrate in his of 400 employees laid off at the Stuart own favour in any negotiations on bonuses, Copper Refinery because of the shortage of they must have known what the outcome copper ore for refining and wire drawing. In would be. If th~;y were dense enough not addition railway employees from Mt. Isa to to realise the effect of such legislation, they Townsville, and even as far as Brisbane, will received ample warning from me and from feel the effect of the lockout. Reduced other hon. members on this side of the tonnages will be hauled to and from Mt. Isa, Chamber about its effects. They were fully which, in turn, will result in fewer trains aware of what the result would be, and it being run, with short-time employment for was sheer mealy-mouthed hypocrisy on the many and in some cases employees will be part of the Minister when he claimed that stood down. Even the shops in Mt. Isa and the Act would ensure peace and harmony in Townsville will feel the repercussions of the industry and that employers would give more industrial strife. Several shopkeepers in Mt. voluntarily than would be granted by the Isa have put employees on short time; some court. He knew full well that he was plac­ employees have been advised to take their ing a weapon in the hands of the employers holidays. It is all the result of the handing that would be used to good effect in pre­ over of industrial disputes of this nature to venting increases in bonus payments. an Industrial Commissioner who has not the power to grant any increase in bonus pay­ Again I say that I firmly believe that cer­ ments. Not only will this unrest affect the tain amendments to the Act were introduced employees and their families; it will also at the instigation of powerful and influential have a very grave effect on both the State mining companies in Queensland. I strongly and national economics, which will be felt suspect, also, that somewhere along the line in due course by both State and Federal international financial pressure may have Governments. been brought to bear upon the Federal Government in order to create what is called There is a quiet but a very grim deter­ "a better atmosphere" for the investment of mination on the part of employees to see money in Australia. It could well be that this dispute through to the end and, in the Federal Government instructed the the struggle, they are receiving the support Minister for Labour and Industry to intro­ of not only their fellow unionists in other duce measures in Queensland that would areas of Queensland and Australia but also provide such an atmosphere and enable com­ of the business people in Mt. Isa. panies to invest their money here and reap I firmly believe that had this Government huge profits at the expense of the State of and the Minister for Labour and Industry Queensland and the workers generally. These allowed this issue to remain under the very same powerful and influential mining jurisdiction of the Industrial Court instead companies to which I have referred are the of handing it to an Industrial Commissioner, ones that are always preaching their faith in there is every possibility that the trouble the Industrial Commission and the necessity would have been satisfactorily settled long for arbitration and conciliation when any ago, for I know that, although decisions industrial dispute arises. They exhorted their handed down by the court may not always employees to approach the Industrial Court meet with the approval of unions, they have when any argument arose over bonus pay­ had a deep respect for the court at all times ments. Their friends, the coalition parties and have been prepared to abide by such in Opposition at the time, were also preach­ decisions. The principles of arbitration ing the same gospel, knowing full well that and conciliation were fought for by the if ever they became the Government they Labour Party, and due to agitation by our intended by the creation of an Industrial forefathers and fathers we were able to Commission to do away with the rights of enjoy justice at the hands of the Arbitration employees to have applications for increased Court. The same principles have been bred bonus payments dealt with by the Industrial into the workers of Queensland and, as I Court. The power to arbitrate in its own have said, if this dispute had been allowed 606 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply to remain under the jurisdiction of the Budget contains little, if anything, that is court, I honestly believe that the Mt. Isa likely to overcome the present serious unem­ workers would have abided by the court's ployment. The Government have a responsi­ decision. bility to the people to see that in their Unfortunately, the Minister, m his Budget they provide for the maximum so-called wisdom, decided that this should expenditure by every department on works not be so, and he went ahead and intro­ that will assist primary producers and at the duce Clause 12 into the Act. It takes away same time give employment. I agree with the right of a Commissioner to deal with the Leader of the Opposition that something more is required in the Budget to overcome bonus payments. I feel that, if the workers unemployment. In August last year the of Mt. Isa were given a chance to go to unemployment position was not as bad as it is the Industrial Court, everything would be at present. At that time I thought the posi­ settled within a very short space of time. tion would improve. In his Budgets the Again, unfortunately, as at present con­ Treasurer has always given himself a let-out stituted the law does not allow this. If the on account of the drought. Minister for Labour and Industry and the Government are sincere in their desire for Mr. Harrison: There have been five years peace and harmony in industry they will of it. amend the present Act and provide means by which both parties may approach the Mr. NEWTON: Yes, but if the Govern­ Industrial Court for a decision on the matter. ment had done the right thing by building dams and weirs the farmers and graziers As I see it at nresent the Mount Isa would have been assisted greatly. Company are adamantly refusing to negotiate on bonus payments. No matter what Mr. Harrison: Where is the money to come negotiations are entered into-and there from? have been several conferences in Brisbane If the hon. member will be patient I will and in Mt. Isa-the company's answer is tell him. I lrave told hon. members on the always the same. They refuse to make any Government side before, but they never increase in bonus payments. The employees, take any notice of us. Every time we line in turn, say that now they have been locked them up and make a contribution to tell out by the company they are determined them how to get out of a difficulty they just to carry on the struggle until such time as ignore us. the company agrees or some tribunal decides to make some increase in their bonus When we of the A.L.P. were confronted payments. with the same situation we did not hesitate to bring down a deficit of millions of pounds Mr. Davies: The company is endeavouring if necessary. I remember that on one occa­ to white-ant the Arbitration Court. sion it was a deficit of approximately £4,000,000. We overcame the problem and Mr. INCH: That has always been the case. wiped out the deficit. To my knowledge I suggest that the Minister for Labour that has happened not once, but twice, since and Industry move to introduce an amend­ the last World War. The main tlreme that ment of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbi­ we have heard announced by the Premier and tration Act to put these matters back in his senior Ministers during the past 12 months the hands of the Industrial Commission, and has been that they are watching unemploy­ so ensure the industrial peace and harmony ment carefully. We see nothing extra in the in industry in which he professes to believe. Budget brought down by the Treasurer to I have nothing more to say at this stage. overcome the problem. My colleagues on this side of the Chamber Mr. Bennett: It makes it worse. will elaborate the arguments put forward in support of the amendment so capably moved Mr. NEWTON: What tlre hon. member by the Leader of the Opposition. for South Brisbane says is true. There are Mr. NEWTON (Belmont) (4.21 p.m.): The one or two things that make this Budget amendment moved by the Leader of the worse than the one the Treasurer presented Opposition was inescapable, in view of the last year and I will deal with them later on. actions of the Government in connection with The Budget can be classed as a tightening up certain legislation that they have introduced and a worsening of the position in Queens­ and certain steps that they have taken. They land. instead of showing a gleam of light, are not in the best interests of the people that I am sure the people of Queensland of Queensland. The Budget does not provide were expecting on tire statements made by for the gainful employment of the whole of the Premier and his senior Cabinet Ministers. the work force of Queensland, which is vital The people of Queensland are being used by and important for the development and pro­ the Government to make great sacrifices to gress of the State. get new industries to the State and expand Two Budgets have been presented by the present industries. There is much truth in Treasurer since my election to Parliament. what the hon. member for Burke said about They are very different. Last year, the the Mt. Isa mines dispute which I will deal Government having been returned by the with later on. That is a clear indication of people, we would have expected them to this practice. endeavour to promote the progress and We saw a great statement in "The development of Queensland. The present Courier-Mail" this morning, and in the Supply (10 OCTOBER] Supply 607

"Telegraph," emanating from Mt. Isa Mines, making great sacrifices and they will have putting their case before the general public to continue to make them to pay for the as to what they have done and what they railway line. But Mount Isa Mines Limited have not done for the working people, and have adopted the role of a great monopoly, the development of Mt. Isa. On the other refusing workers the right to work, in other hand, what have the general public done for words applying a lock-out, as mentioned by Mt. Isa Mines and tlre railway line? Approxi­ the hon. member for Burke. mately £3,000,000 was spent on this line last When the amended Industrial Conciliation year. This was not a loan from the Com­ and Arbitration Act was introduced by this monwealth Government, but money from Government we debated fully on the floor the State Treasury. The Treasurer may come of the Chamber the effect of the provisions back at me on this, because I admit that it dealing with bonus payments, but our words helped to make employment, but it created fell on deaf ears, and the position today is less employment than if the money had been shocking. If the court still had the powers used in other departments. This is explained it had under the previous Act introduced by simply, because new mechanical techniques the Australian Labour Party, we should not are employed today on road building and have the trouble that we have at Mt. Isa railway building. They are much more today. Under that legislation the men had modern than wlren I left the industry and the right, if they could not succeed in their fewer people are employed on these projects negotiations with the employer, to apply to today. It is probable that the money would the court either to determine the matter or have been spent more wisely in other Govern­ call a compulsory conference. From what ment departments to give greater employment. appeared in the paper today, Mount Isa Mines It is also quite possible that apart from the Limited have made it quite clear that they £3,000,000 that has been spent, people good intend to be the judge and jury on the at figures-at financial wizardry-could dispute on bonus payments. cover up certain amounts used for prepara­ tory work for the Mt. Isa line. In my It is a very serious situation involving 12 opinion this sum could not have been unions. We have already heard the names obtained in any other way than by reducing of those unions, the key ones being the the allocations of other Government depart­ Australian Workers' Union and the craft ments. There is an old saying, whiclr I unions of the metal trades group. There is heard even before I became a member of no doubt in my mind that the unions are Parliament, that often money is taken from not unanimous on the stand they are taking one department and handed over to another on bonus payments. While 12 unions are to be used for a project. It is a case of involved there are about 3,000 workers robbing Peter to pay Paul. affected.' Those would be workers directly employed by the mine and workers employed Mr. Pizzey: You would be prepared to by private contractors who have also been delay the reconstruction of the Mt. Isa line? locked out. Mr. NEWTON: I do not suggest that at all. Two steps taken during the past 12 I am merely saying: could not some of the months have brought about this serious money be spent more wisely to overcome the situation. The blame must be placed entirely unemployment problem? I do not say to on the shoulders of the Government. First, curtail the work on the line, but the State the Government introduced a Conciliation has an agreement with the Commonwealth and Arbitration Act that completely abolished Government; why not get the loan money the power of the Industrial Commission to that has been promised and use it for the fix bonus payments. Secondly, the Industrial building of the line? All of the £3,000,000 Court took action when the Bill to amend or thereabouts that has been used for it in the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration the last 12 months could have been used Act was introduced in this Chamber. I am by some other department to help overcome not in the position to say whether the the unemployment problem, which has come action taken by the Court was correct. about since December last and which has However, I should say that, if an Act is grown and grown and will be much worse in force and a Bill is introduced making by Christmas, the way things are going. provision for a new Act, the Co~rt. should Men have been put off by the Department continue to function under the ex1stmg Act of Public Works and it is already rumoured until the provisions of the Bill become law. that more will go. This was not the first occasion on which Mount Isa Mines Limited and the unions The Treasurer's provision for the University could not agree on a bonus payment. A in the Budget is not very sound and I can similar position arose in 1959, when the visualise workmen being dismissed from the unions approached Mount Isa Mines Limited University day-labour jobs. Why would I for an increase in the bonus payment and not be concerned about where the money is were offered 22s. 6d. They were not satisfied being spent in this State? with that offer. They applied to the Court The stand at present being adopted by and, after hearing the case, the Court. granted Mount Isa Mines Limited shows quite clearly an increase of £4 2s. 6d., makmg the that they have no concern for Governments or bonus £8, which is the same payment that the workers. That has put the mine in a very is operating today. The company's profit strong financial position. Today people are of over £5,000,000 in 1959-60 showed 608 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply quite clearly that the increase in bonus An Opposition Member: It is like a put-up payments did not adversely affect it, and job. its profits in 1960-61 are about £6,000,000. Mr. NEWTON: It is more than a put-up If the company and the unions could not agree by negotiations to an increase in bonus job. As my leader said this morning the payments, it was open to the unions to subject of bonus payments at Mt. Isa was apply to the Court. They did this. They all worked out in consultation with the lodged their claims in September and Government. At the time we said that new October, 1960, each union lodging its own industries would come to Queensland at the application to the Court, of course, and expense of working people in the State. That the hearing was set down for 7 March, 1961. is just what is happening. At this time the Government had before Parliament a Bill to amend the Industrial I refer the Committee to the article that Conciliation and Arbitration Act. The appeared in this morning's "Courier-Mail" Industrial Court adjourned the hearing, and and again later in the "Telegraph", the company refused to negotiate on the authorised by Mr. J. W. Foots, General matter on the ground that the application Manager of Mount Isa Mines Limited. No was before the Court. What happened doubt he paints a very rosy picture of Mount then? This is what the Government's Act Isa Mines Limited. But let me answer it on did. The Court said it could not proceed behalf of the workers at Mt. Isa. In the with the case because Parliament was con­ first place the employees are fully aware of sidering a Bill to amend the Industrial the position with bonus payments because Conciliation and Arbitration Act. The they have elected representatives who have unions, as was their right, believed that the discussed the matter with Mount Isa Mines only alternative was to endeavour to Limited. Mr. Foots says in his opening para­ negotiate with Mount Isa Mines Limited. graph that the statement is made so that The company then said, "We cannot the company's employees and the public negotiate with you because the matter is generally will know what is going on. before the Court." When the Bill received the Royal assent on 11 April, 1961, the Mr. Lloyd: Do you think a guilty con­ Industrial Court announced that, as the science may have prompted that statement? Act now prevented the Court from dealing with bonus payments, there would be no Mr. NEWTON: More than a guilty con­ further hearing of the application. When science. It is clear that since the new Act this sort of thing goes on, is it any wonder became law the members on the fields have that we have industrial unrest amongst considered an increase in bonus payments. members of the unions at Mt. Isa? Union They met and decided that some action members were well aware that the decision would have to be taken to get Mount Isa to make the bonus question not an industrial Mines Limited to agree to an increase. The issue would lead to a dispute. The unions way Mr. Foots puts it in his statement, he have been treated very shabbily, because tries to place the onus back on the union and they did what they thought was right in its representatives. Union representatives the belief that they would have their case went up there only after union members had heard and receive a decision on their decided that some action would have to be application. taken to endeavour to get increased bonus As hon. members on this side of the payments, for which they had applied Chamber endeavoured to show the Govern­ through the Industrial Court before it was ment, the minute we let legal wizards inter­ abolished. They endeavoured to get an fere with a layman's court we are confron­ increase by negotiation. The Minister for ted with a great deal of trouble. There is Labour and Industry said he was sure that no doubt that that is what happened in this employers and employees would be able to case. The people who deal with cases in get together and decide the matter very other courts, without having the practical easily, but in this instance Mount Isa Mines experience of how the Industrial Court Limited adopted an entirely different atti­ works, decided to alter not only the section tude. The unions on the field are unanimous of the Act covering bonus payments but also that the bonus should be increased because a number of others. There is no doubt in they have had a report from financial experts my mind that the position confronting us in as to what the bonus payment should be. Mt. Isa will in the future confront us else­ Union officials do not go into court unpre­ where because of the alteration to the indus­ pared; they consult financial experts who can trial laws. The Minister for Labour and read balance sheets. Such experts can read Industry made several announcements about balance sheets so they know just what profit employer-employee relationships when he was made, that so much was paid back to spoke about bonus payments. Unfortunately shareholders by way of free shares and that what the Minister and his industrial com­ so much was set aside for expansion of the mittee did not take into consideration was industry. There is no doubt that the posi­ that the minute the green light is given to tion of Mount Isa Mines is a very healthy monopoly companies like Mount lsa Mines one, a profit of approximately £6,000,000 Limited the first thing they do is to set them­ for 1960-1961 and in the vicinity of another selves up as judge and jury, with no concern £6,000,000 being spent on improvements to about anybody but themselves. the plant and the mine itself. We have not Supply (10 OCTOBER] Supply 609

the exact figures of the undeclared profit to time, and for a number of years, it has be paid to shareholders. That is our answer enjoyed freight concessions, and who pays to point No. 2 in this advertisement. for those concessions-the general public. In relation to point No. 3, after holding The same thoughts apply to the Mt. Isa a four-hours' stop-work meeting, the union railway reconstruction project. The general members reported for work in the normal public has been paying for that, at least for way and it was the company that applied a the last 12 months. In its statement pub­ lock-out. Members of the union reported lished in the press the company has endea­ back on that occasion, agreeing to work a voured to mislead the public by pointing out 40-hour week as laid down by the Mt. Isa what it is doing for its employees and trying Mines Award and the Industrial Conciliation to suggest that it receives nothing in return. and Arbitration Act. It is true that they Point 11 of the statement deals with the refused to work overtime until the company procedure of the dispute at Mt. Isa. The discussed an increase in the bonus payments company made it quite clear to the Commis­ but, if the company can demand the right sioner who went out there to arbitrate and to allow workers back only if they agree endeavour to solve the problem that nobody, to work overtime then the unionists must other than the company, can consider the also have the right to hold a four-hours' terms and conditions of bonus payments and stop-work meeting or any other stop-work the reopening of the mine. The Government, meeting they desire. Mount Isa Mines by amending the Industrial Conciliation and Limited management cannot say on the one Arbitration Act, gave great power to the hand, "You must abide by our award and Mt. Isa monopoly. It now has all the power the Conciliation and Arbitration Act, but, if it needs and is using it. It is setting itself we allow you back through the gate you will up as judge and jury on the question. Are work a 40-hour week and whatever overtime the Government going to take action similar is offering. At the same time, you must not to the action they took in regard to do anything in the way of holding a stop­ employees of the Commonwealth Engineer­ work meeting, because if you do we will ing Works? They did not hesitate to do not allow you inside the gate." The workers cannot afford to give away their rights like then what they considered to be necessary. that. They have played ball with this It will be interesting to see how long it company. takes them to act against Mt. Isa Mines. Nobody would have any objections to The Treasurer in his Financial Statement point No. 4 dealing with safety as outlined again refers to the relationship of the Queens­ in this advertisement. In point No.· 5, again land and Commonwealth Governments in the company uses the Industrial Conciliation these words- and Arbitration Act to dodge the discussion "Further strong representations were of bonus payments. There is no doubt about made at the last Loan Council Meeting in that. Point No. 6 says- June, 1961, relative to what we regard as "The current bonus payable by the Com­ Queensland's inequitable share of the pany is £8 per week." Government Loan Borrowing Programme and an undertaking was received that the As 1 pointed out previously that was granted by the Industrial Court, not by Mount whole basis would be reviewed prior to Isa Mines Limited, after Mount Isa Mines the allocation of the 1962-1963 borrowing Limited had refused to grant the unions the programmes." increase that they felt was necessary. One I agree with the Leader of the Opposition interesting feature of this advertisement is that this could be rather a tricky statement. that Mount Isa Mines Limited claim that they The Government are endeavouring to mis­ are paying their employees the highest rate in lead the Queensland public by saying, "Return Queensland and Australia. By so doing they the present Federal Government in the are again endeavouring to pull the wool over forthcoming Federal elections and you will the eyes of the public. A good many awards receive loan money your Government has operating in Queensland cover conditions been fighting for during the last four years, similar to those operating at Mt. Isa. In to enable them to carry out their works many cases single men, and married men programme." The Federal Government have in some cases, leave their normal places of told the Premier and the Treasurer this residence to work elsewhere and receive story, hoping they will not be there to face their normal rates of pay plus a living-away­ up to the responsibility next year, and hoping from-home allowance which brings their rates that the Australian Labour Party will have to a level as high as that operating at Mt. to fulfil! the promises they have made to the Is a. Queensland Government. In point No. 8 the company deals with The situation facing the Queensland Univer­ bonus payments and wages paid but says sity is a very serious one. In my first speech nothing about profits about which I think the in this Chamber last year I pointed out public should know something. very strongly what I thought should be done. In point No. 9 the company deals with the I asked the Government to consider calling amenities supplied at the mine. If the com­ together all State education Ministers to go pany can talk about amenities that it gives into the position of education generally to its employees, we on this side of the throughout the Commonwealth, I had in Chamber can mention the amenities being mind that we would be confronted with the received by the company. At the present present position, and in my opinion it will 20 610 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply get worse. Having regard to the announce­ It is interesting to note that there is a vast ments by the Treasurer about housing needs, difference between the two Budgets that I by the Minister for Education on require­ have seen presented. Firstly, in the Budget ments in his sphere and by the Minister for presented this year we find that there is an Public Works on the demand for new primary increased allocation for health, hospital and and high schools, we can realise that a very charitable purposes and the Education Depart­ serious situation is developing. I think that ment. Last year, when the Treasurer brought a conference of State education Ministers down his Budget, he mentioned the effect should have been held in the last 12 months that the increased margins had had on the to consider not only how Queensland is Budget that he was introducing. We know affected, but the other States, too and the what has happened so often since this Govern­ Prime Minister should have been' informed ment abolished price control and other restric­ as to what was expected of him. We have tions. With every increase in the wage or in seen certain moves on this in the last 12 margins, costs rise beforehand; they rise months. From a "Courier-Mail" clipping again shortly after the decision, and they rise of 11 May, 1961, we see that a deputation again a little later. There is no doubt in waited on the Prime Minister to talk over my mind that some of the increases allowed education problems. The deputation included for in the Budget are to meet those costs representatives of the Teachers' Union, the that have been passed on to the general Parents and Citizens' Association, and public and to the Government. educational organisations in some of the Very briefly, on the summary of the States. We can see from that that these Budget, as the Leader of the Opposition said, people, too, are concerned about the future there were many "Hear, hears!" from of education in this State, and all the other Government members the other day and it is States of the Commonwealth. We on this quite easy to see why because in the main side of the House are very concerned because it deals witlr matters beneficial to the people we believe that education should be free, represented by the Country Party-beef cat­ from primary school up to secondary school tle roads, harrisia cactus eradication, water and, if possible, right through to the Univer­ and stock facilities, and so on; but it does sity, so that any child with ability may con­ not contain what we are most interested in tinue with his education and become an for the provincial cities and towns and for asset to the State. We know that the Trea­ the capital, namely, provision for overcoming surer has been interested in this because on the unemployment problem. 23 May he had quite a good deal to say about it. The article reads- It is to be hoped that the Treasurer will "The Treasurer (Mr. Hiley) last night get from the Commonwealth Government the urged the Education Ministers of all States extra loan money for the Mt. lsa railway to get together and prepare a common case line that he hopes to get for 1961-1962. for greater Federal aid for education ... I should hate to think tlrat we had to find He said the inadequate assistance for the £4,000,000 from State finances. I do education was 'not right when the surplus not know whether that is what will have to in Canberra at the end of this year will be spent on the line in the next 12 months be in the order of £100 million.' but he indicates in the Budget that he expects Mr. Hiley denied a recent Common­ to get that sum from the Commonwealth wealth claim that there had never been a Government, and it will be very serious for proper case for greater aid for State educa­ Queensland if we lrave to find it ourselves. tion. Mention is made in the Budget of the oil 'It must have got lost in the archives refinery at Bulwer Island. I do not beat or squeezed out,' he said. 'We're going about the bush on this. I fail to see why to press for a greater share of revenue the Government have to find the money to for education.' prepare these sites to set up industries. Mr. Hiley said lack of finance was hold­ Mr. Hughes: Let us call it the best invest­ ing back education improvements which ment Queensland ever made. the State Government wanted to imple­ ment" Mr. NEWTON: The hon. member can There is no doubt that the Treasurer is con­ call it what he likes, but the Government cerned about it, but it needs much more than obviously do not consider the adverse effect that. This State, or this Government, have it must have on tlre State's finances. The to make a move to make sure that the State reclamation of Bulwer Island is costing the education Ministers get together to present people of Queensland a great deal of money a case to the Commonwealth Government to and the latest rumours are that the oil com­ overcome the situation we are confronted pany is beginning to find fault with the site. with. As I pointed out before, any cuts I do not know whether the Treasurer has in the allocation to the University will create heard of it, but I have it from the people further unemployment in the State. The working there that work is stopping and building of the Townsville University by this starting and they are moving further afield. Government and the previous Government's I hope tlrat will not continue because it policy towards the University of Queensland will lrave a serious effect in the have created employment for many people next 12 months on the State's share in the State, but I am concerned about what of the cost of setting up the oil refinery. the future holds for the University. I have no objection to the refinery. If it Supply [10 OCTOBER] Supply 611 does what the Minister for Labour and The outside appearance of the flats is good, Industry said it would, and it employs the and a road on which sheds were erected at number of men he gave, it will certainly be one time has now been opened. It would of advantage to the State. have been a good idea to make the ground opposite the flats a playground centre for Mr. Hiley: In what way is it basically the children of the families occupying the different from the work of the Hamilton flats. Already I can see what is going to Lands Committee, which your Government happen. Apart from the flats that have been set up? It has filled the whole of Eagle allocated to pensioners most of the tenants Farm with a chain of factories employing are young married couples, some of them thousands of people. already with one child and in some instances Mr. NEWTON: I cannot answer for what a second expected. Before very long there my party did as the Government because will be a group of young children there with I was not here, but I know what the nowhere to play. As a family man I would Treasurer is talking about. There is a big hate to have even two children in those difference between the reclamation work flats. Two are enough to start a fight. being carried out at Bulwer Island and the I have not been able to inspect any of the work carried out at Hamilton. All the multi-storey units since they have been reclamation work at Bulwer Island is being occupied but when I saw them before I done for one company, whereas the reclama­ realised that one or two matters had been tion work at Hamilton was done for a num­ overlooked. Picture-rails have not been pro­ ber of firms. In fact, new firms have started vided. Tenants are required to give an business there since the Government took assurance to the Housing Commission that office. That is my answer to that. they will not damage the walls ~n any w~y. I am making these comments Without bemg I am not very happy about the Budget as critical. They are probably matters that it affects my electorate of Belmont. I have have been merely overlooked. If we are many problems, particularly in relation to to build bigger and better flats it is necessary new schools. Like the hon. member who to have criticism. No towel-rails were affixed represented the electorate of Sherwood before in the bathrooms or kitchens. In a brick the redistribution of boundaries, I shall have building it is necessary to attach them at a lot to say if something is not done about the time the building is being constructed. them shortly. It is true that the Education There must be a tea-towel rack in the Department is now taking action to acquire kitchen and a towel-rack in the bathroom. the necessary sites for new schools, but it I have heard that the Housing Commission takes time. I hope they will be able to is looking into the matter. I have not rais.ed acquire them before very long so that it in a question nor have I checked with schools can be erected to cater for the the Commision, because I thought in an open development that is taking place in the debate this was the time to raise such Belmont area. matters. I am also greatly concerned about housing, From a health point of view the Govern­ ment introduces various pieces of legislation. which also comes under the jurisdiction of We have the Workers' Accommodation Act the Treasurer. During the last session of and the Factories and Shops Act, which state Parliament the Treasurer introduced a Bill quite clearly that wherever an employer pro­ enabling certain action to be taken to over­ vides accommodation for his workers he shall come the problem of arrears of rent. That provide separate accommodation for cooking, provision is working well so far, and it is dining and sleeping. I am talking now of to be hoped that it will not be changed. what I call the one-roomed flat. A rod is At present the Government are sympathetic provided and if the tenant has enough money to tenants because of the unemployment in he may use it to hang a dividing curtain. Queensland, and if one visits homes in which It seems wrong to me because under the the rent is in arrears, one finds that the Workers' Accommodation Act the employer people are semi-skilled workers or ordinary providing accommodation for his employees labourers. When unemployment hits the State is required to have a separate tent or other in a big way, the ordinary labourer and the structure for cooking, dining, and sleeping. semi-skilled worker find it difficult to get Mr. Hiley: I would say that workers' work. accommodation standards have not been I spoke last year about the vacant allot­ examined for generations. I have no doubt ments and gullies in the Housing Commis­ that unions would object to any interference sion areas in my electorate. It is interesting with them. Under modern standards it is to note that the Queensland Housing Com­ an economy measure that helps to keep the mission are now building homes on some of rent low. those blocks. If this step is followed up in other parts of my electorate and in the Mr. NEWTON: I agree with the Treasurer, but the additional cost of partitions would Treasurer's electorate of Chatsworth, which be minimised if they were constructed in adjoins my electorate, these blocks will be wood instead of brick. Fibrous plaster, of put to good use. course, is dearer. The provision of a mason­ The Government have also established ite partition would serve the purpose and, in multi-storey flats in my electorate in an my opinion, complete a good job. I hope endeavour to overcome the housing shortage. that the Treasurer does not mind my raising 612 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

these points about what I think is necessary 3s. per 100 lb. for the first 500 lb., 2s. per in the multi-storey units being built by the 100 lb. for the next 500 lb. and ls. 3d. per Government. In conclusion, I should like to 100 lb. for everything over 1,000 lb. The leave the rest of what I have to say for when new rates, recently applied, are 4s. 2d. per we are dealing with the Estimates of the week for every 100 lb. To express that various departments. savage increase in terms that can be under­ stood generally, I shall give an example. Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North) (5.15 Last year one fisherman's storage charges p.m.): I rise to support the amendment moved under the old rates amounted to £56 16s. by my Leader this morning. We in North If the charges had been assessed on the rates Queensland see nothing to enthuse about in now obtaining, the total would have been the Budget brought down just over a week £197 5s. In other words, storage charges ago. There appears to be nothing there in Townsville for the average fisherman have designed to alleviate the unemployment posi­ been increased by just under four times. tion which is still a great curse in the Towns­ Even if hon. members opposite are thunder­ ville area and which will be further aggra­ struck by that information, I can assure vated by the industrial dispute at Mt. Isa. I, them that it is perfectly true. Imagine what like my colleagues, give my unqualified sup­ such charges will do to an industry that is port to the unions and workers who are pre­ now struggling to survive. sently locked out at Mt. Isa. Large quantities of frozen fish are already On a number of occasions previously we being imported, and importers are now guar­ have heard the cries from the Government anteeing continuity of supply of frozen fish. side of the Chamber, "Why don't you go to They are posing a real threat to the Austra­ arbitration?" "Why don't you abide by arbi­ lian fishing industry. What has been the tration?" On this occasion the workers and Government's reply to this threat from the unions were quite prepared to abide by imported fish-increased storage charges, so arbitration. savagely increased that in the case of some In the last session of this Parliament we fish the Board will own them after three were amazed by the Minister's taking the weeks' storage and the fishermen will get determination of bonus payments away from nothing. the Arbitration Court and placing it in the This is the kind of unreal approach Bris­ hands of the employers. On many occasions bane authorities are making to the northern previously charges of attempting to wreck fishing industry-not, "How can we foster it the Arbitration Court have been levelled at and make it grow?" but rather, "How can us from the other side, so I now ask the we ruthlessly and stupidly balance our Government, "Who now is endeavouring to books?" That appears to be their first and wreck the Arbitration Court?" As I see it, only consideration. the answer is the Government themselves. One would not have to be a Solomon to As I mentioned previously, the workers are envisage the result of this approach. Further quite prepared to go to the Aribtration Court producers are being driven out of the for a determination of their bonus payments industry to a point when it must inevitably but, on this occasion, the Government are collapse if we are to continue in that manner. not. They stand indicted today by their own No real attempt seems to have been made legislation. to look at the matter from the viewpoint of the fishermen, nor does any attempt seem to Because I am unable to bring it up at any have been made to ascertain the crushing other time, I wish to speak today about the weight of charges that have to be borne fishing industry in North Queensland and in by a fisherman before he receives any profit. Townsville in particular. There has been a steady decline in production in the fishing The cost of setting up a freezer boat that industry in Townsville over the past eight or can stay out indefinitely is between £4,000 10 years. At one stage there were 93 boats and £5,000, while the cost of setting up an based on Townsville. In the last mackerel ice boat with a 10-day limit, from port to season there were 22 and for the other six port, is between £2,500 and £3,000, and in months of the year there are 10 or 15, yet the fishing industry from a marketing view­ Townsville has a large modern depot and a point it is necessary to have both types of very capable manager, if I might say so, boats. Buyers generally prefer iced fish for in Mr. Jack Stevenson to whom I wish to day-to-day buying. However, frozen fish pay tribute. I have known Mr. Stevenson are necessary to provide continuity of supply and his family for 20 years and I know during the off-season, and December to April that no-one would know every facet of the is considered to be the off-season in the fishing industry better than he would. He North. lives for his work and has the confidence of As I have said, buyers prefer iced fish. all Townsville fishermen. He is doing a Consequently there is always a greater mighty job, but is continually frustrated by demand for it than for frozen fish. There the Brisbane management, the Fish Board, is no breaking down of the cell structure the Brisbane officials or whatever we wish due to faulty refrigeration gear when fish to call them. are kept on ice. Therefore when iced fish are available buyers will take it and exclude I give one example of the unreal approach of the Brisbane officials to the northern the frozen fish. industry. It deals with storage charges at One of the real problems of management Townsville. The old rates were weekly, is to market the frozen fish during the flush Supply [10 OCTOBER] Supply 613 of the season when iced fish are available. I am referring particularly to amateur fish­ Consequently, the master fisherman who ermen who are allowed to use a net, without markets frozen fish during that period can any right of selling through the Board when obtain no money for his product unless he they make a big catch. Instead of putting is very fortunate. Cases have been brought it through the Board they must get rid of it to my notice of delays of up to four months in some other way, and they do. As many before some fish is sold, and in that period of us know, this fish finds its way into the the fisherman has to maintain himself and black market. family, load up his boat every so often, main­ tain his gear, without getting one red cent Mr. Armstrong: What is the reason for from his product. During this period the that? savage charges I have mentioned are regu­ Mr. TUCKER: I do not know. The hon. larly and quickly reducing the value of his member had better ask the Treasurer about catch. The longer it stays at the Fish Board that one. the less value it has for him, because storage charges mount up very quickly indeed. Mr. Windsor: Would that be one of the reasons that they have to hold the fish for Mr. Ewan: Would it be four months in so long? the freezing room? Mr. TUCKER: That is true. When big Mr. TUCKER: I will answer that ques­ catches are made the fish find their way to tion in a moment. The main fault lies in the market by other means, and when that the Fish Supply Management Acts. These happens some buyers at the Fish Board often men who are all master fishermen are com­ do not turn up for many days or up to a pelled to sell through the Board, yet on occa­ week. The master fisherman's product lies in sions their product lies unsold for months the freezing room during this period attracting without any return. The longer it con­ these iniquitous charges, while the black­ tinues, the worse off they are. This applies market fish saturates the market. particularly to estuary fishermen. During To try to overcome this waiting ~or money the mackerel season, unless the estuary fish­ until the fish is sold, the Townsv1lle fisher­ ermen have a good class of fish, such as men established amongst themselves a pool barramundi, their fish are bypassed by the of mackerel sales only which takes 90 per buyers. If the fish is passed it must inevi­ cent. of the production from June until the tably go into cold storage and then it end of November. slowly becomes dehydrated and unattractive, That was purely unofficial. It has ~orked to such a stage that it has to be reduced on a pro-rata basis of weekly productiOn of to a ridiculous price to market it. These both ice- and frozen-fish. It allows some men are mainly trap fishermen and they just initial return from the catch while the cannot win either way with their products. fishermen are waiting. If they were to Under the Act they are forced to bring their work strictly in accordance with the Act fish to the Board, and then they are at the they would have to wait until the fish were whim of the buyers, while the storage charges sold before receiving any return; but they on their fish, imposed by the Board, slowly have unofficially banded together and formed reduce them to penury. For those reasons a pool and certain moneys are paid to. theJ? I ask if we are going to stand idly by and under it. It works very satisfactonly m watch this great industry in the North dis­ Townsville. However, the Fish .Board. takes integrate? Will we watch these charges no notice of the pool. Indeed 1t d~mes all inevitably reduce these people to the stage knowledge of its existence.. How s~lly can where they must decide if they will stay in you be? Why ignore somethmg that 1s wo:k­ the industry or get out of it? I think ing so satisfactorily when the only alternative every hon. member will understand what I is to force fishermen to wait months for a am saying this afternoon. If the industry return from their product? It seems very could be properly organised it could be peculiar to me. How fortunate we are to worth £1,000,000 to the North. Is it any have a manager like Mr. Jack Stevenson wonder that the fishermen are driven to the with enough intestinal fortitude to stand up black market? I have given instances of this to the people in Brisbane who say, "You previously and they apply particularly to the shan't do this" and "You shan't do. that." estuary fishermen. He realises that he has to look after h1s men There is also a peculiar arrangement and he allows the pool to go on because he whereby amateur fishermen are allowed to knows it is necessary in spite of the people use nets to catch fish but cannot deal here who would wreck the industry. They through the Fish Board. When they make would not do it deliberately, perhaps, but big catches-under the latest legislation they they have no real knowledge of the problems are allowed to use big mesh nets-they can­ in the North. not put the catch through the Board, and Mr. Ewan: If they did not have the pool, because of the restrictions imposed by the Act, of necessity, the fish find their way to the they would be broke, would they? market in other ways. Mr. TUCKER: Yes, they would be out of Mr. Ewan: Did you say they were not the industry. Here we have something work­ allowed to put their fish through the Board? ing successfully but unacknowledged. It does exist and it is the only way that our fishermen Mr. TUCKER: That is so. survive. 614 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I know that I have been critical but what has happened. Representatives from the is to be done about these problems? How North could be very much out of pocket if are we to halt the drift from the industry? they attended meetings in Brisbane coinciding Firstly, we should lift the strangling hands with those major tides, so it is very difficult, of the Brisbane officials from the northern and understandably so, to get anyone to leave industries. We should set up a northern his boat and attend the meetings. fishing authority comprising representatives Mr. Ewan: You could have a representa­ of the Department of Harbours and Marine, tive here who was properly briefed. the Fish Board and the fishermen themselves to develop the northern fishing industry. It Mr. TUCKER: We do not think that any­ should be set up in Townsville, for Towns­ body down here can properly present our ville is the hub of the industry, and it has a problems. University for research work. More licences Overseas statistics show that 70 to 80 per to buy should be issued to hotels, cafes, cent. of the investment in the fishing industry schools, colleges and the like. The situation should be in the fishing craft and that the where producers are at the mercy of the remainder should be in the shore installation. buyers should be changed. If a buyer does The opposite applies in Townsville, where not buy up to a certain amount he should 70 to 80 per cent. of the investment is in the first be warned as it is obvious he is dealing shore installation and the remainder is in on the black market. Quite often the market the fishing craft. It is obvious that some­ is saturated with fish not moving through thing must be done about this quickly before the Board. When a buyer fails to buy through all the fishermen in the North lose the battle the Board for a week or more it is apparent that they are presently waging to stay in the that he is dealing through the black market industry. In reality, a shore installation worth and he should be warned. If he continues £70,000 should maintain a fishing fleet worth to fail to buy a fair amount of fish from the £300,000, not £30,000 as at Townsville. Board, his licence should be revoked. The overhead is very high, and it is Mr. Smith: He may have gone fishing noticeable that fishermen are leaving the himself that week. industry because of the high overhead, high costs of maintenance, and high charges. No­ Mr. TUCKER: I wish the hon. member one from Brisbane has seen fit to come up would go fishing sometimes. and find out the real trouble. Whenever the A retail section should be established at Fish Board in Townsville is losing money, the Fish Board to sell estuary fish rather the answer of the people in Brisbane is to than let it deteriorate as it does at present increase charges instead of coming up to find when it is frozen. In this way the Board out why. The charges are eventually passed could grapple with the problem of the on to the fishermen, who cannot pass them imported fish, which can be stored in our on and who are forced out of the industry. cold stores for many months and still be put At present fishing grounds off Townsville on the market to compete with our own fish are cursed by sharks. On some reefs fisher­ because of the charges being levied on our men lose to sharks eight out of 10 mackerel fishermen. In this way estuary fishermen that they hook. The claim is mac1e tlnt could be assured of sales and that part of fishermen bring this on themselves by cleaning the industry would expand. The Board fish on the grounds. However, they usually would then receive additional revenue from trail until nightfall, and they cannot steam commissions for fish that now finds its way out through the reefs at night. If the onto the black market. Everybody would industry was properly organised, a type of benefit from this approach and the industry mother ship could pick up the day's catch would be put on a sound basis. At present and bring it back to Townsville each night. there is no fishermen's representative from This would save fish roes, and so on, which the North on the Board, and my information are presently thrown away and which could is that the consumers' representative is also be marketed as fish paste. The head and appointed from the South. However, I can­ the gut and other parts that are now thrown not vouch for the correctness of the last into the water outside the reef could well be statement. It is easy to understand why used if the mother ship could bring them back there are no fishermen's representatives from to Townsville each day. The head and the the North. No-one in that particular area gut could be turned into fish meal which is has nominated. I say that in all fairness. essential in the poultry industry. A large But the real reason is that meetings in Bris­ number of fish caught are immediately bane often coincide with good tides in the thrown away. Possibly it will bring a smile North. I should like hon. members to to the face of the average hon. member when understand that there are only two major I say that some of them go by the name of fishing tides in the North each month. The "bludgers". It is the local name of a trevally­ meetings in Brisbane are usually tied to the shaped fish weighing about 15 lb. which it wants of Brisbane, not to the wants of the does not pay to bring in under the present North, and no representative will leave the organisation. But these fish could be pro­ major tides in the North to spend three cessed and filleted with the object of turning days attending a meeting in Brisbane for them into fish cakes or sausages or any of which he receives £5 a day. He could lose the other foodstuffs liked by the Continental hundreds of pounds if he did, and in fact that people. Supply [10 OCTOBER] Supply 615

The shark menace to the industry We have a can-making plant. Northern definitely has to be reduced when one Manufacturers are the people at present realises that eight out of every 10 mackerel turning out cans in Townsville. We have all caught are lost to sharks. If we could reduce the secondary industries necessary to support that menace the mackerel catch would be this industry, together with the technical sharply lifted. know-how. There is readily available pea­ nut oil from the Tableland, salt from the From the commercial point of view a Bowen works, and, as I say, all the know­ shark could be worth between £5 and £10 how to have a tuna canning industry estab­ if the required facilities were available. Oil lished in Townsville. is obtainable from the liver, the skin and fins could be exported to Singapore and More refrigeration is available in Towns­ Hong Kong, and the body could be turned ville than in any other place on the coast. into fish meal. Investigations show that the There is the Aitkenvale Cold Stores, two best way to catch sharks is by net. Depth meatworks which remain empty for quite recorders on boats show deep water and a period during the year, and our own Fish sandy bottoms beside the Reef where sharks Board which itself can handle 200 tons. could be recovered, even if they sank the We have available the University staff for net. advice in relation to ocean currents, water The Gulf of Carpentaria is teeming with masses and nutritional matters, and all the sharks at the present time. Perhaps dried things necessary to find out the favourable flesh could be sold. The meal could find a areas for different types of fish. We have ready market. The local men are prepared to all the know-how required for the research clean the grounds, but they do not want to work necessary. The University staff in do it for the benefit of southern men who Townsville could handle research into the treat the area like an alluvial gold mine, various samples and other things it is scoop up the spoils and then off for the necessary for us to know to establish the season. favourability of the ocean around Towns­ ville for different types of fish. Mr. Ewan: Are not some sharks edible? Townsville is the centre of the reef and Mr. TUCKER: I believe they are sold the coral seas. under another name on occasions. Mr. Smith: Why don't you get the tuna Some stability should be given the industry. industry going up there? It should be developed, and men should not be destroyed. The way we are going up Mr. TUCKER: One of the things that there at the present time the men certainly stopped us from doing anything up there are going to be destroyed. We urge that was the Government's attitude towards proper care should be taken by the industry North Queensland in general. It is quite itself of those who work in it. We consider possible that the hon. member for Windsor that any man going up there should serve does not even know where Townsville is, two years as a crewman before he be and he would possibly go in the wrong allowed to become a skipper of a boat. In direction. that way we would ensure that the product As I was saying, Townsville is the centre would be of the highest quality. We would of the Barrier Reef and the coral sea. Two be sure that refrigerator temperatures were hundred miles to our east are the Flinders kept at a proper level, that the bleeding of and Lihou Cays, which have never been fish was properly carried out, and that all in fished by fishermen from Townsville, but all the product was of the highest quality, from which the Japanese take a big haul not as sometimes happens with those who of fish every year. They have taken a big do not know very much about the industry haul this season. Therefore, we need much who bring in a below-standard product, and more technical know-how, which could in that way help to wreck the industry. I develop through the University at Townsville. am informed that Western Australia has some very good rules covering the fishing Tuna feeds on all the young fish on the industry. We should do well to find out Queensland coast and once we know how about them and in many cases copy them. I the Blue Fin tuna can be caught and what said previously that there could be a it feeds on we can certainly obtain it in £1,000,000 industry in Townsville. We have Townsville. it at our fingertips at the moment but we I close my remarks by reiterating that are frustrated by men in Brisbane who do it is very necessary that something be done not understand the industry in the North. So quickly to aid the fishermen of Townsville far as the tuna industry is concerned, there and the whole of North Queensland. A very is a tuna called the Northern Blue Fin definite approach must be taken in this tuna, mainly found around the estuaries on direction to allow this industry to survive. the Queensland coast. It runs for six to eight weeks between February and June and that Mr. HOUSTON (Bulimba) (5.49 p.m.): I run depends on the wet season. Our fisher­ also wish to take part in this debate by lending men feel that 600 to 800 tons could quite my support to the amendment moved by easily be taken during that six weeks' run the Leader of the Opposition. It seems rather past Townsville. We have all the facilities strange to me that, so far, only one member in Townsville to compete in tuna canning. of the Government Party has taken part 616 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply in this debate. I believe that indicates the strangely enough, they are not prepared to very sound case that the Leader of the speak. I challenge them to use the_ ti~e at Opposition put up on our behalf. Not one their disposal and let us hear thetr vtews. Government member has seen fit to answer the charges made by him. They try to get Mr. Duggan: They spend all their time their names in "Hansard" by interjecting squabbling in Caucus. and calling out. That is the method adopted Mr. HOUSTON: When we come to the by those incapable of making a speech. Dorothy Dix part of the Estimates _debate, Government members know that the charges they will be getting up and askmg all made by the Leader of the Opposition were the questions they can think of. truthful, factual and to the point. They cannot answer his case. The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. mem­ ber has made his point. I ask him now to Mr. Duggan: While we are making speeches they are decorating their homes get on with his speech. with flags from Parliament House. Mr. HOUSTON: After listening to the Treasurer I realise how strange are the Mr. HOUSTON: The Leader of the ways of 'government. At one time we find Opposition has supplied one reason. They may be delving through records or having they condemn a certain situation, and on another we find they are grateful for the committee meetings in an effort to answer the charges. existence of the same situation. If we think more deeply we realise how strange are the Government members have treated the ways of men, and that leads to the strange debate with contempt. They have shown ways of gowrnment. mass contempt for parliamentary procedure The Leader of the Opposition gave many by not taking the opportunity to speak. It examples of a change of mind and opinion seems a crying shame that the Treasurer by the Treasurer, comparing his. views whe_n is not in the Chamber to hear the contri­ in Opposition and when carrymg out _hts butions of hon. members who speak. On duties as Treasurer of the State. I thmk many occasions we find that a Minister is all these things should be read and digested absent from the Chamber during the debate by members of the Government because they on his Estimates or a Bill introduced by would then see very clearly the problems him. The Treasurer should be aware of associated with governing this great State his responsibility. He is the direct repre­ of ours. I am sure that the Treasurer now sentative of the Government and the people realises that when he makes a statement he in this debate, and I say most emphatically must be sure that it is factual. As I proceed that he should be present while it is pro­ I will show that even in this Budget, either ceeding. We hear a great deal about the deliberately, or accidentally, he has made need for workers to work full time. Surely some statements about the finances of it is not asking too much of a Minister Queensland that can certainly be misleading. to expect him to be in attendance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to When we consider mankind, it is peculiar 6 p.m. I do not care about the reason to find that there are people a;Jpearin;:; :o for his absence. There should be no excuse work against themselves. Dentists advertise for not being in the Chamber. The ordinary certain toothpastes to stop tooth decay and worker in industry has to work from 8 a.m. doctors advertise certain health foods to to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and keep people healthy so that they will not Lord help him if he decides to leave his have to visit the doctor, and we find Govern­ bench for more than a few minutes. ments spending thousands of pounds on cancer research, yet on the other hand they Mr. Ewan: You will be working a bit of are spending thousands of pounds to produce overtime tonight. tobacco, and doctors are telling us that if we smoke too much we will get lung cancer. Mr. HOUSTON: The hon. member for So we have one faction suggesting that we Roma is not capable of making a speech. do not do something and the other factio_n The hon. member for Townsville North suggesting that we do it. However, thts has just completed one of the best speeches Government are peculiar because they have on the fishing industry I have heard in the the same people contradictin~ ~hemselve.s chamber. He explained very clearly and over a period. We find that whtle m Oppost­ definitely the problems of the industry in tion the present Government professed to North Queensland, and he concluded by be opponents of strong drink a_nd opponents saying that he hoped someone would take of gambling, but now we find m the Budget notice of his points. How can the Treasurer brought down by the T~easu;er that they take notice of them when he is not present are hoping that people wtll drmk more and to hear them? The Treasurer, in addition gamble more because if they d? not, thei_r to being Treasurer, is also the Minister in Budget will certainly show a btgger defictt charge of the fishing industry. this year than in previous years. If any member of the Government does not believe Government Members interjected. that let him rise in his place when the time comes and deny it, because it is true Mr. HOUSTON: Government members are as the Leader of the Opposition said, that prepared to call out and yell out, but, this is a drinking and gambling Budget. Supply (10 OCTOBER] Supply 617

That is what it depends on. It is the only Mr. HOUSTON: Yes, but even so, even at source of new income. Of course, the Loan 6d. on Ss. it is still 10 per cent. I do not Fund will give us just over an extra care what turn-over tax the Treasurer intro­ £1,000,000, but I will show later that that duces-and he has not indicated what it will will be more than absorbed in the Mt. Isa line. be-if it is above 10 per cent. he will get From the increase in drinking and gambling, more complaints from those associated with against which they may give lip service, S.P. betting, or whatever he proposes to they will get an extra £200,000 in licensed call it. drinking fees. That means they are hoping The Budget makes provision for an esti­ for a 50 per cent. increase in the amount mated increase in expenditure this year in of liquor consumed in the State. They will round figures from the Consolidated Revenue carry through their proposed legislation Fund from £110,000,000 to £115,000,000, because they have the weight of numbers. from the Trust and Special Funds an increase We hear all this talk about sane drinking, from £79,500,000 to £87,000,000 and from but the Government are not interested in it. the Loan Fund an increase from £29,000,000 They are interested only in getting more to £30,000,000. To investigate these various money. They are not interested in the funds would take more time than hon. mem­ fellow in the country having his S.P. bet. bers have. I realise we have had a week to He is having that now. They are not go through the Budget and the various Esti­ interested in making it legal. mates and I think I have devoted as much Mr. Pizzey: Were you interested? time to them as the average hon. member could be expected to do with all the other Mr. HOUSTON: It is not a case of whether duties he has to perform. It is quite a task I was interested or not. I suggest to the to dissect the Budget to the extent necessary hon. gentleman that when we are the to form considered opinions on all aspects Government we will show him how to of it so naturally I will confine my remarks to handle this delicate situation and it will not some of the factors as I see them, and at this be used solely to obtain money for the stage I will leave out of consideration those Budget. When we talk about £500,000 in departments that we hope will be debated tax we must remember that it is a large later when the Estimates are before us. amount of money. I have referred to the large sums in the Mr. Windsor: Peanuts. Trust and Special Funds and in the Loan Fund. It is obvious that there is a certain Mr. HOUSTON: It may be peanuts for amount of overlapping in those two funds­ those who talk in hundreds and thousands moneys going from the Loan Fund to the and millions as if they were peanuts. Special Funds, particularly for the Mt. Isa I have expressed concern at the fact that railway line, as mentioned earlier, approxi­ for the Budget to be successful there must mately £1,600,000 and for the Irrigation and be a big increase in the consumption of Water Supply Construction Fund another liquor. Naturally, the more liquor that is £1,820,000. Even with an increase in the consumed the more money will pour into the money allocated, the Treasurer sounded a Government coffers. very gloomy note in his Budget speech, and I think that is reflected in the opening para­ Mr. Hiley: We have not assumed any graph. I shall read it again to emphasise increase. my point. He said- Mr. HOUSTON: The Treasurer may not "During the past financial year both have assumed it but I am sure he is hoping the economy of the State and the Govern­ for it; otherwise he would not have gone ment's finances were affected by a com­ to so much trouble about it. The same bination of adverse factors. Another dry applies to betting. He definitely said he year continued to depress primary output expected £500,000 from the new betting tax. and exports, while the national counter At this stage I do not know what the tax inflationary measures caused a decline in will be but, assuming it to be the same as activity in industry generally which has on-the-course or paddock betting, say, 6d. continued into the current year." a ticket, 20,000,000 bets will have to be I will say quite frankly that the Treasurer registered in the 12 months to bring in had a thankless task under all the circum­ £500,000. That is a tremendous number of stances, but that was a gloomy approach. I bets to be handled by bookmakers and virtu­ think he could have given the people of ally means a completely gambling popula­ Queensland and members of this Chamber tion. Considering the average value of a a more hopeful opening paragraph. When I bet, 20,000,000 will mean a colossal amount heard it I thought, "It is not very bright." of money changing hands in gambling. I That is certainly borne out when one reads do not know whether the Treasurer in hoping it through. to get £500,000 had that in mind. Government Members interjected. Mr. Hiley: Did you hear the Budget speech on that? Mr. HOUSTON: Hon. members opposite Mr. HOUSTON: Yes, I heard it. have a great deal to say now, but they did not say it when they had the opportunity. Mr. Hiley: Does not the turn-over tax I hope we will hear from them at a later weigh in your mind at all? stage. 618 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

It is about time that the Government Sahara blossom like a rose. It indicates quite woke up to tlre fact that Queensland, because clearly the Treasurer is not in favour of of its situation and its climatic conditions, large irrigation projects. will always suffer periodically from the effects of drought. I can remember long periods Mr. Hiley: Not the ones you choose. We of drought when former Governments were have built one a year. in office and they tackled the problem. Cer­ Mr. HOUSTON: I will deal with some tainly there is still a great deal to be done, we chose in a moment to show how wrong and if we attempted to overcome our natural the Treasurer was in his summing up of the shortcomings, we should be doing a Jot position. It is a fact that the Treasurer said towards the further development of Queens­ that the Burdekin River scheme was a white land. Various speakers on the Government elephant. I shall not take up the time of benches have referred on other occasions to the Committee by going into that, but dur­ the great potential of the State. I believe ing tlre debate on the motion for the adop­ that Queensland has great potential, but I tion of the Address in Reply several hon. also believe tlrat to realise it we must members gave the complete answer to the understand our shortcomings and do all we Treasurer's opinion of the Burdekin River can to overcome them. scheme. As time goes on that project will We should spend as much money as pos­ have to be completed or that part of Queens­ land will develop into a Sahara desert. The sible on irrigation and water conservation. hon. member for Burdekin referred to the I know that the Treasurer has allowed for Authorities' reports on that scheme, which an increase of about £150,000 for farm all substantiated the views of tlre previous water conservation schemes. That is all Labour Government. very well for individual farmers, or perhaps It is a fact that the Government have a combination of two or three farmers, but gone ahead with one dam a year. I am not it is only putting off the day when major denying that. They are necessary and I schemes will have to be undertaken. It am all in favour of them. I am not con­ cannot be denied that we have unemploy­ demning the Government for going ahead in ment in Queensland, and I believe that we that fashion, but I do condemn them when should now look ahead to larger and more they do not make more money available for national projects for irrigation and water that type of work. We know that £5,000,00~ conservation. eventually will be spent on beef roads, but It is no use having roads in tlre outback, in :Mr. Ewan: Would that be economically the channel country, or anywhere else, unless sound? there is something to transport over them. We could have the greatest roads in Australia Mr. HOUSTON: As a matter of fact, in but without water we cannot have livestock. this Chamber last year the hon. member for Without water we cannot have closer settle­ Gympie, the hon. member for Fassifern and ment. The development of the whole of the other supporters of the Government openly State depends on two factors, closer settle­ criticised the Government for reducing the ment and the availability of food for the vote for irrigation and water conservation. settlers. It is all tied up with water Despite the smallness of the allocation and conservation. the complaints that were made about it, approximately £35,000 of it remained unspent. The Tinaroo Falls Dam was a project of In other words, although the money was the previous Labour Government, which, in there, the administration saw fit not to push years to come, will be considered to be one ahead with these developmental schemes. The of the greatest milestones in Queensland's Government should make sure that the allo­ development. Recently we heard of 5,000 cations are spent. Of course, we know that head of cattle being saved by water from the Treasurer is not in favour of big dams that dam. No-one can deny that; it was and large schemes for the conservation of openly stated by those who sh01;ld know and water. I shall refer to statements that lrave never denied by anyone. Five thousand been attributed to the Treasurer. As the head of cattle is only a start; if conditions hon. gentleman is in the Chamber he can got worse more would be saved. As the deny them if they are not true. He said scheme p~ogresses greater areas will be that nearly £20,000,000 had been spent on covered. The whole point is tlrat the develop­ irrigation in Queensland since World War II. ment of North Queensland, particularly in pursuit of a dream. If that was said with around the Tinaroo Falls area, depends on any idea of scoring off the previous Govern­ closer settlement and the availability of ment he is on the wrong track because if primary production to feed the peop~e. . I the dream of the previous Administration was should like to see further dams bmlt m to turn Queensland into tlre State we all various areas and I suggest to the Govern­ want it to be, a State with an abundance ment that the allocation this year, small as of water so that crops and beasts can it is, be fully spent. thrive, it is a dream worth fostering and Last year, also when the Estimates were trying to bring to fruition. Later on the being discussed, the Minist.er for Lands and Treasurer said that with their irrigation Irrigation told the Committee t~at he was schemes the administrators had been car­ preparing a case for presentation to t~e ried away with the dream of making the Federal Government for more money for this Supply (10 OCTOBER] Supply 619 type of work. I hope that the Minister can going back. Just what the reserves are I tell us later on whether that case has been do not know. On investigation I have not presented, and if so, what was the result been able to find accurate estimates of of it. To my knowledge, no statement has known reserves of artesian water in our been made through the Press or in this basins. Chamber as to what happened to that case or if it was ever completed or presented. Mr. Hiley: There is an excellent study of that in the Parliamentary Library, in a report I believe it is the responsibility of the on a survey of the artesian water resources of Federal Government to, in the initial stages, the State. provide the money for these projects. I do not think it should come straight out of Mr. HOUSTON: I have not read it, but loan funds, because, as I will explain later, I will certainly be interested to do so. I coming out of loan funds it is also a drain think the Treasurer will agree with me that on Consolidated Revenue. However, grants in that survey they too were worried about from the Federal Government out of money the future of our artesian system. That is that is actually taken from this State by way the general opinion and therefore we must of taxation, pay the State back for some of look elsewhere for supplies. Two methods the effort put into development. If we look appeal to me, the first being the damming of at development as a broad issue every penny coastal creeks or rivers by a barrier in the spent by the State Government on irrigation stream or creek to stop tidal salt water from and water conservation-in fact, on any mixing with fresh water and making it brack­ developmental work at all-does not benefit ish. In some places that method would be impracticable, but in many others it could the State Government to any great extent be employed effectively. After a period of The State might benefit, as the Treasurer time those areas would have a ready local hopes, by people using their spare money supply of fresh water for irrigation and local for betting and drinking but that is an inci­ consumption. The only problem as I see it dental return. The big return goes to the is the silting of the mouths of the rivers and Federal Government by way of income tax, creeks. That problem, however, could be export duties and all the other levies on pro­ overcome. A dam to some extent prevents duction. flooding of a stream and therefore increases The Federal Government should recognise the problem of siltation. the need for these things and I hope that, in I understand such a scheme was investi­ the coming weeks when the Federal election gated years ago. However, in those days campaign is well under way we do not many of our rivers and streams were used see State Government members of the by boats that carried goods. With modern Liberal and Country Parties endeavouring to air and road transport the need for water­ persuade the people to return the present carriage of goods is not now the same. That Federal Government for another term. aspect should not cause much worry. Mr. Ewan: Why not? A further method of obtaining additional supplies has been tried in America. I refer Mr. HOUSTON: "Why not?" the hon. to a water purification scheme that has been member asks. It will make complete idiots put into operation in Freeport, Texa~. The of many Ministers considering their recent water is boiled and after condensatiOn the statements. On many occasions in this fresh water is collected. Although the Chamber Ministers are heard using the system is as old as science, this instance is phrase, "Had it not been for the Federal a classic example of its application. This Government!" Even the Treasurer, remark­ town of 14,000 residents has been able to ing on the effects of the credit squeeze, produce I ,000,000 gallons of water a day blamed it on the Federal Government. from salt-water supplies, the cost in Aus­ tralian currency being 2s. 9d. per 1,000 If hon. members wish to develop this gallons. The cost is getting close to a figure State they had better forget the Liberal­ that could be considered worthwhile from a Country Party in the Federal sphere and development viewpoint. work very hard for the benefit of Queens­ land by supporting the A.L.P. candidates at Difficulty would be experienced in many the coming election. areas because of their fiat nature in pro­ viding for the requirements of the popula­ We shall very soon have to look at other tion by damming waterways. If the Govern­ methods of obtaining fresh water for our ment have not already got information about developmental projects. It is true that our the water purification project I have me!l­ underground water supplies, in some cases, tioned, I think it would pay them to get It. are drying up, much to the horror of the That brings me to another point, the use of people living in those areas. Some are hope­ natural gas as a fuel. Natural gas was not ful that constant rains and perhaps flooding used for commercial purposes in Queensland in some of our inland rivers will once again until recently, although many schem~s have recoup these resources but, in that regard, been put forward for its more extensive use. we are only living in hopes. Those two matters, the use of natural gas It is true that, over the years, our artesian and the conversion of salt water to fresh system has provided the water necessary in water, would be worth investigation. outback areas. It is also true that we are On page 2 of the Financial Statement the using more and more of it and none is Treasurer had something hopeful to say. He 620 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

changed from gloom to hope and I hope it Weipa has wonderful deposits of bauxite is hope, and not "'ishful thinking. He but it will be 1966 before any good return said- is shown. We must look very closely at "It is pleasing to be able to report con­ Weipa to make sure that the return to the tinued growth in our basic development State from the bauxite is worthwhile. despite the temporary setbacks. I refer to the continued expansion in mineral pro­ Mr. Hiley: You understand that before duction, the encouragement given to oil production takes place over £30,000,000 has exploration by Cabawin, discoveries of iron to be spent there. ore in Central Queensland, a start on the Mr. HOUSTON: I am worried whether development of bauxite deposits at Weipa, they will spend it or not. I know how much the prospect of significant coal exports from has to be spent, but I am a little concerned Central Queensland, the conclusion of an about the bauxite deposits in Western Aus­ agreement for the construction of an oil refinery, the planning of two new super tralia and I am wondering whether inter­ power stations ..." national politics may play a part and hold up the development of Weipa. I think the If all those things eventuate he has some­ Treasurer will agree that much of his think­ thing to be very happy about, but they are ing in the last two years has been based on all projects not for this year, or next year, Weipa's becoming the main source of income but many years hence. That is what worries and prosperity for North Queensland. So me about the Financial Statement. To get we must look ahead. an element of happiness to offset the gloom he had to refer to projects that are still I could go on to deal with coal exports quite a few years away at the earliest. He and other matters but time does not permit referred to mineral development. I take it and, in any event, there will be further that naturally he means uranium and Mt. opportunities to discuss them in subsequent Isa in particular. It is true that the Federal debates. Government are concerned about the future However, I should like to refer to the of uranium exports and uranium used in powerhouses that the Treasurer is hoping for. Australia. I read the other day that the I trust that the Government will plan not number of prospectors looking for uranium merely for two powerhouses but for a in Australia has dropped to three companies complete ring to provide what we in the and the Federal Government are worried electrical industry call a ring feed through­ about it and have good reason to be. Mary out the State so that our natural coal Kathleen is one of our main uranium mining resources can be converted to electrical centres and we must watch it carefully. power. Despite all the talk about the value I do not intend to deal with Mt. Isa as of tourism and the rest of it, the two most the Leader of the Opposition and the hon. important needs for development are water members for Burke and Belmont have covered and cheap power. Given those the rest will the problems fully. naturally follow. Mr. Davies: They have silenced the I was struck by this small sentence in Government. the Treasurer's Budget speech- The CHAIRMAN: Order! I remind the "Despite the effects of credit restriction hon. member for Maryborough that if he the number of dwellings constructed during persists in interrupting his colleague he will the year was the highest since the early return to his proper place to make his inter­ 1950's." ruptions. On hearing it I thought, "Why did not the Mr. HOUSTON: Then, we come to some­ Minister have more to say about housing, thing else that we are hopeful about. What particularly as he is the Minister in charge has happened at Cabawin? The Premier of housing and particularly as in previous may have more information than the general Budget speeches he has taken a great deal public but at present there is hope. I think of credit for the number of houses built?" that is as far as he or anyone else may go. Upon investigation I found that 10,640 homes It is true that the other well nearby has not were completed in 1960-1961 and that is yet shown the prospects that Cabawin showed. the largest number completed since the early Naturally enough everyone in Queensland, 1950's so I do not dispute his statement. particularly hon. members, would rejoice Mr. Hiley: The second highest in history. greatly if oil could be discovered in payable quantities. Mr. HOUSTON: That would be right. Mr. Hiley: The latest bore has gone to a too-l do not dispute it-but I should lower level in the most hopeful area and like to give the complete picture. No doubt it looks a bit depressing at the moment. the Treasurer decided it would be wiser for the Government not to give the full Mr. HOUSTON: That is right. We are picture but just to claim the credit for the all agreed about the benefits that would part that looked good. Politically I do not accrue from a payable oil discovery. How­ suppose we can quarrel with that. But, ever, I should not like to hope that the although 10,640 homes were completed, future of the State relies entirely on its oil nearly 6,000 of them were completed in the resources. first half of the year, before the Federal Supply [10 OCTOBER] Supply 621

Government introduced their credit restric­ There is one part of his Budget speech tions. For a house to be completed in that that I think the Treasurer should explain to period the financial arrangements and the the House in more detail. He said on page paper work were started well before the 3- credit restrictions came. I think 4,742 were "With the exception of 'Executive and completed in the second half of the financial Legislative' and 'Treasurer and Housing,' year. There were 3,730 under construction all headings expended less than the Budget at 30 June, 1960, but at 30 June, 1961, provision, with the following summarised there were only 3,467, or 263 fewer. This variations:- year so far has not been nearly as good £ as the same period last year for the number Salaries Excess 234,368 of completed houses. We are still feeling Wages Saving 549,800 the effects of the credit restrictions. More­ Overtime and over, approvals are down by 620 over the Allowances Saving 553,398 same period. Other Expenditure Excess 164,258 Bad and all as the shortage of homes is, "The excess under the heading of the immediate problem is the great decrease 'Salaries' was caused mainly by the cost in the number of people employed in the of paying marginal increases granted after building industry during those 12 months. the 1960-1961 Budget had been presented Following are the figures of employees in to Parliament. the building industry for the years 1960 "The savings in 'Wages,' 'Overtime and and 1961:- Allowances' payments were due mainly to a decline in available traffic requiring less As at As at De- running time by the Railway Department, 30 June, I30 June, crease 1960 1961 coupled with savings effected through -----·------dieselisation." Carpenters 10,730 9,322 1,408 Bricklayers 1,548 1,121 427 Those figures bear investigation. It is true Painters 2,130 1,581 549 that in some departments extra salaries have Electricians. · 1,341 886 455 been paid but it is not owing to the fact that Plumbers . . : : :: \ 2,268 1,693 575 Builders' Labourers .. 3,753 2,843 910 marginal increases had been granted after Clerical Staff and others associated with building 2,544 2,121 423 the presentation of the Budget-not in all cases by a long way. If we go through the Estimates for 1960-1961 we find the same The total drop in the number of employees position with almost every department. over that period of 12 months was 4,747. Opening the document at random I find If those people could have been kept in under "Chief Office, Department of Justice" work-this is where we condemn the Federal the entry, "Increases under Awards £22,719." Government and those who support them, Under "Stipendiary Magistrates, Clerks of which is the important thing in Queensland­ Petty Sessions, &c.", I find "Increases under just imagine how many houses those 4,747 Awards £52,825"; under "Commissioner of tradesmen and their assistants could have Prices", "Increases under Awards £2,491." huilt. If that had happened, I am sure the In the Estimates of the Departments of Agri­ Treasurer would have used not two lines of culture and Stock and Forestry under the print but a whole page in telling us of the heading of "Administration" we find Government's activities during the year. "Increases under Awards £9,900." There­ Although 10,640 houses were built last fore the Minister's statement that the year, we must bear in mind that approxi­ increase in salaries was owing to the cost of mately 10,500 marriages take place each year paying marginal increases is not factual when and that we are only keeping pace with the we investigate the position. It is true that marriage rate, not allowing for any replace­ £80,000 extra was paid in retiring allow­ ments. As Brisbane and other cities and ances and the cash equivalent of undrawn towns in the State develop industrially, many leave in the Department of Railways. That houses will become useless for residential is brought about by the fact that a number purposes. In Brisbane in my own electorate of men have been put off. When they are of Bulimba I know of streets that either have put off, naturally they are entitled to draw been or will be rezoned as industrial areas. the cash equivalent of annual leave and The people living there have to leave their long service leave due to them. That increase homes because, with the coming of industries, of £80,000 was brought about in that way, the homes lose their value. Those houses not by increases in margins. The wages staff must be replaced. Immigrants also must be of the Department of Health and Home housed, and we must make a determined Affairs were not covered by the increase in effort to push forward with home building. the salary range. They took another £60,000. The police were not covered and they took Mr. Pizzey: You have to allow for those £10,000. All in all, the Treasurer's statement who have passed on. is not true when it is analysed. Mr. HOUSTON: People are dying, of He_ referred to the saving of wages and course, and if the Government stay in office overtime and allowance payments in the they will kill more with the paltry wages Railways Department. Here we find that the and poor conditions they are giving them. only figures worth mentioning are £26,000 622 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply on maintenance in the South-eastern District Mr. HOUSTON: Yes. In fairness to the and £10,000 in wages in the South-western Minister I will deal with that later. The District. Minister for Education and Migration will I should like the Treasurer to reply to have a bit of explaining to do later on. See what I am about to say about the Estimates if he can explain how the technical corres­ of the Railway Department before we get on pondence school has 90 personnel! It is the to the detailed debate of the Estimates of first time in history it has had 90. that Department. As I go through the Esti­ Mr. Pi~y: There are many children mates I notice the remarkable number of using it. times that the appropriation for 1960-1961 and the expended amount in 1960-1961 are Mr. HOUSTON: Perhaps the Minister can identical, except perhaps for £1. I could explain later on when I ask him where the understand isolated cases, particularly in 90 are on the payroll at the correspondence small amounts, when officers in charge of a school. I shall be glad to hear his department might be able to run their explanation. departments to such fine budgeting that they Getting back to the Department of Public could work it out within £1. Considering Works and Local Government, what worries the locomotive section in the South-eastern me-and it became apparent early in the District-! am not selecting this to have a go year when I asked a question about the at any particular person-£103,397 was number of people paid off-is the overhead appropriated for salaries and £103,397 spent of some of our Government departments. It on salaries; for wages £2,793,206 was is a fact that today quite an amount of work appropriated and £2,793,205 spent-in other is going out on contract and, although it is words only £1 less than the amount quite legitimate from the department's point appropriated. And, so it goes right through. of view, when they bring an estimate in for In some cases it will be seen that stores, a particular job and then get the contract contingencies, etc., are identical in the price, the contract price is often found to be amounts appropriated and spent. I feel that less than the estimate. I believe it is brought the Treasurer should give hon. members an about by the high overhead cost of the explanation of these matters because department, they having more or less esti­ the Railway Department is the only mated themselves out of the job. Every trading department that has shown a loss of penny that is spent in administrative cost any account over the years, yet it is the only has to be met as overhead charges. department that has shown this consistency of identity between appropriations and (Time expired.) expenditure of funds. Mr. KNOX (Nundah) (8.5 p.m.): I should Another factor that is apparent in the like to congratulate the Treasurer on the way statement and which worries me, is the in which he presented the Budget and on amount of money being used for adminis­ the material that he provided for us. As tration as against that being used for actual usual he went to great trouble to see that productive work. I shall use the Department the Committee was extremely well informed of Public Works as an example but it is about the details and the background of the not the only department. From Consolidated proposals he was putting forward for con­ Revenue fund £55,000 less will be spent on sideration. We are always indebted to the construction work and out of loan funds Treasurer for his efforts to make these things £93,000 less-in other words, £148,000 less as clear as possible for all hon. members. -will be spent this year than last on the Today those of us who were in the actual productive side of the department and Chamber heard the reply of the Leader of at the same time there are less staff-that the Opposition. It must have been disap­ is tradesmen wage-earners-in the depart­ pointing to him to notice that all hon. ment now than there were last year. Yet, members of his own party did not see fit since June, 1960, there have been 150 more to remain in the Chamber until he finished. clerical and architectural and other adminis­ Only eight were present at that stage. It is trative staff put into the department. I can­ a pity that the Leader of the Opposition not see why, if the amount of construction when making an important speech does not work is being cut down, more architects and command the respect and support he should clerks are required to administer the depart­ receive on those occasions. Unfortunately he ment. was in a very difficult position this morning, Mr. Richter: You realise that we do as it was obvious to us that he was not architectural work for other departments, do making the speech he had originally pre­ you not? pared. Quite obviously he had been. given some indication that it would be wiser to Mr. HOUSTON: I realise that but there is make an attack on Mount Isa Mines Limited nothing in the Budget to indicate it. The and what was going on at Mt. Isa than to Minister's department is not being devote some or all of his time to an attack reimbursed by other departments for the on the Budget introduced by the Treasurer. effort they are putting in or, if they are, it is This subject seems to have been the theme not clearly indicated. of hon. members opposite, and it is a pity Mr. Pizzey: Planning is a bottleneck and that the Leader of the Opposition was so always has been for 10 years. ill-prepared on the subject that he had to be Supply [10 OCTOBER] Supply 623 contradicted by the hon. member for This work was long overdue. When we took Belmont. That hon. member saw fit to office we found some of the worst conditions correct his Leader, quite nicely and without in the State existed in the Government being. obvious, on a number of points. It Printing Office. We had the task of bringing was mteresting also to note that the hon. the machinery up to date and providing the :nember for Belmont who today was defend­ employees with proper conditions. mg those who are seeking a bonus was the hon. member who not so long ago in this In ten years of Labour administration Chamber described any union or union leader £90,362 was spent on marine works. In the who sought a bonus as not being worth his five years of Country-Liberal Party Govern­ salt. This is the very same hon. member ment £691,000 has been spent. The State who attacked all union leaders who sought Government Insurance Office buildings are a bonus. Today he was trying to save face magnificent edifices. We were attacked by by defending the very people he originally the Leader of the Opposition for building attacked. Probably when he attacked them beautiful buildings. The conditions of State they were not sitting on the Q.C.E. of his Government employees do not seem to worry party, although they are now sitting on it. It him. is somewhat significant that he has found I deal now with a statement made by the it necessary to change his tune. hon. member for Belmont who proclaimed I now want to refer particularly to the that the work we are undertaking at Bulwer three main points made by the Leader of Island is valueless in his eyes because it will the Opposition. He accused the Government help only one organisation. He said that of producing five deficits in a row, he attacked the work on the Hamilton lands was all right them for not doing anything about unem­ because it assisted many companies. That ployment, as he alleges, and he attacked seems to be his philosophy of life. I have them for taxing the people in order to try here a map of the Hamilton lands district. to make ends meet. Those were the three It covers a huge territory, from Hamilton, points of his speech or that part of it which right down to Pinkenba. This is a continuous referred to the Budget. In considering these project that has been going on for many points let us have a look at some of the years. It started under a Labour Govern­ factors or items that contribute to a deficit. ment, was continued by us, and no doubt will For instance, in State coal mines, which are be finished by us, because we will be in very expensive to run and maintain the power for many years. The number of position is that at Collinsville the ac~umu­ factories that have been established on that lated loss to 30 June last year was £868 000· land has increased each year. Most of the the loss in 1960-1961 was £126 500· ~tock land that was unoccupied only a year or two ~djustment and sales came to £9:3oo: bring­ ago is now filled in and completed. The land mg the total loss to a little over £1,000,000. near the river is very far advanced in filling Deducting Treasury grants made to 30 June and of course the work of drainage behind this year of £952,000, we still have to find the Royal Queensland golf course is going £51,700 for Collinsville. At Ogmore, to 30 on very rapidly indeed. It is one big project June last year, the accumulated loss was of filling and draining. It cannot be done £356,500. There was an additional amount in little bits. As the land is completed of £20,696 for this recent financial year and it becomes available to the individual fac­ an adjustment for stocks and assets and sale tories that want to establish themselves on of plant, £20,000, leaving a total of £397,000. it. The Treasury grant met £373,000 of that Bulwer Island cannot be tied in with this leaving £23,600 to find. At Mt. Mulligan: because it is separated from it by the on 30 June of this year, the accumulated township of Pinkenba, which is adjacent loss was £528,000. The adjustments of to land that can easily be reclaimed and assets and loss on sales was £4,600 and the that in the course of time would be total accumulated loss was £532,900. The reclaimed. The Government are to be con­ Treasury grant was £400,000, leaving a gratulated on seeing to its reclamation. The balance to be found of £141,624. The total fact that part of Bulwer Island will be made accumulated loss amounts to £1,933,962 as at 30 June this year. Hon. members can well available to an oil refinery will be of realise why it is so difficult to make ends great value to the State and to the area. meet when such huge amounts of money are As hon. members will remember from the being paid out. debate on the Bill, half of Bulwer Island, as outlined by the red line on the map Mr. Pizzey: They didn't offer to share the that I have here, will receive attention. costs. As the Treasurer announced, there will be some adjustments to give some of the solid Mr. KNOX: No, they made no attempt to land on the eastern tongue of Bulwer Island. share the losses. This land should be reclaimed. It is being Let us now look at something else that done to the great benefit of the State. When can contribute to a deficit. The Treasury the refinery is completed and in full pro­ office is also responsible for the Government duction, no doubt many other industries will Printing Office. In 10 years of Labour be attracted to the area and will be able Government £112,526 was spent on the to occupy land in the Hamilton lands Printing Office. In the five years that we district as well, because they will be mainly have been in office £309,689 has been spent. those associated with the oil industry. 624 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Turning to the record of marine works we have spent £631,500 on State Govern­ and ports, it is hardly necessary for ment Insurance Office buildings, compared me to mention Gladstone and the work with £43,800 in Labour's last 10 years of on Scarborough Jetty in 1957-1958; in office. 1958-1959 the work on the Bribie Island reconstruction, the Manly boat harbour and Mr. Hanlon: What 10 years was that? the Scarborough Jetty additions; in 1959-1960 Mr. KNOX: Labour's last l 0 years of work on the Manly boat harbour, the office. We have provided in those offices Magnetic Island Jetty and the Cooktown excellent working conditions of which the Wharf; in 1960-1961 more work on the Government are proud, and we will see that Manly boat harbour and work on the Shute they are continued. No member of the Bay Jetty, the Green Island Jetty, the Opposition can criticise us for providing fine Yeppoon boat harbour and the Urangan public buildings, for providing good work­ boat harbour, and in 1961-1962-the year ing conditions for our employees, and for under consideration-yet more work on the giving a lead to the community by providing Manly boat harbour and the Shute Bay Jetty, staff amenities such as air conditioning and the Green Island Jetty, Clump Point Jetty, other desirable features in modern buildings. Urangan boat harbour and the Redcliffe Surely when an enterprise has been as suc­ Jetty repairs. Those alone accounted for cessful as the State Government Insurance many thousand of pounds, not to mention Office has been we are entitled to use t!Ye the following major works:- funds for developmental works of this type. Mourilyan-harbour and bulk sugar Hon. members opposite, one in particular, terminal. criticised us for the lack of development in Lucinda-part of which was under North Queensland. If there is any name Labour and part under our Government­ that this budget could attract, surely it would the bulk sugar terminal. be a name associated with North Queens­ Townsville-bulk sugar terminal and land. It specifically mentions a particular harbour improvements. area of North Queensland in which probate benefits will apply. When that legislation is The deepening of Bowen Harbour. prepared and presented to the House, it will Bundaberg-port and bulk sugar be one of the most important pieces of terminal. legislation to assist North Queensland that the Chamber has seen. Improvements to Gladstone Harbour, and the work being currently carried out Opposition Members interjected. at Port Alma. Mr. KNOX: It is no wonder that mem­ These works in total involved a tremendous bers of the Opposition attempt to interject, amount of expenditure. because their record in the North is shame­ I have mentioned State Government Insur­ ful. Our record is one of which we can ance Office Buildings, but let us look at where be justly proud. they have been erected in our term of office. Work on the Mt. Isa railway line takes a Ipswich was commenced under Labour and considerable part of our funds. The expen­ finished in June, 1958. diture on that line this year is £7,475,000. For work on beef roads in North Queens­ The Roma offices were started in 1958 land this year, £1,000,000 has been allocated, and finished in January, 1960. and probably more will be spent. The Tinaroo scheme will have £501,000 spent on Townsville was started in 1959 and finished it, t!Ye Barron area £1,796,000, and the Tully in April of this year. Falls scheme £155,500. Toowoomba was started in 1960 and Mr. Donald: They were initiated by the finished in July, 1961. Labour Party. Maryborough is under way and buildings Mr. KNOX: I am not denying that, but have been purchased at Warwick, Bundaberg I am pointing out that our expenditure in and Mackay. This is a big advance in these areas is huge and that nobody can expenditure on the State Government criticise this Budget and say that it neglects Insurance Office, and I am sure that the North Queensland. The use and develop­ figures showing the money involved will ment of Weipa this year and in the future impress hon. members. will be a big stride forward in that part of the State, of course. I do not intend to In Labour's last 10 years of office, £43,800 mention all the similar schemes in North was spent on State Government Insurance Queensland t!Yat have received assistance from Office buildings. In 1957-1958, £86,000 was this Government, but those that I have men­ spent on S.G.I.O. buildings, or twice the tioned will indicate the immense sums of amount spent during Labour's last 10 years money that we are spending in the North. of office. In 1958-1959, £47,000 was spent on S.G.I.O. buildings, in 1959-1960, £151,000, Census figures reveal that Townsville is and in 1960-1961, £348,000. In t!Ye Country­ now the second biggest city in the State, Liberal Government's four years in office, and it is developing rapidly. Townsville has Supply [10 OCTOBER] Supply 625 been generously assisted in its development anybody else, but I realise it is a responsi­ and the development of its hinterland by this bility of the citizen to pay taxes. I feel Government. that that is a little bit of double talk by The second point taken by the Leader of the Leader of the Opposition, trying to sug­ the Opposition was that we are doing noth­ gest that we are not being fair in taxing ing about unemployment. We do not deny people in order to make ends meet. It is not that there is unemployment. We do not deny a new device. It is the proper way in which that the employment figures are not as good Governments should look at the problem. as we would like them to be. But what are We require this money to give us the the facts? The latest published figures show financial strength to retain a high level of that in Queensland there is a 24 per cent. employment. That is most important. decrease in the number of people receiving What are the facts regarding taxes in unemployment benefits in March, which was this State? The two taxes that are specifi­ the highest figure this year. The August cally mentioned by the Treasurer about which figures are 24 per cent. lower than the March he intends to bring legislation into the House figures. Not only are we going down in the in order to raise more money are those number of unemployed but for the first time relating to betting and liquor. in two years we are equal to the Australian I have the Commonwealth Grants Commis­ average. While we are going down New sion report for 1960, which is the latest one South Wales, under Labour administration, available to me, outlining the various points is going up. The New South Wales Govern­ of all State taxes on a comparative basis. ment are straining every effort in their The amounts of money collected in taxes in budgeting to try to alleviate unemployment. regard to racing and liquor are very interest­ We are not ashamed in budgeting for deficits ing. In New South Wales bookmakers on to prevent unemployment. If we are success­ the course pay a racing tax of 2d. in the ful, if we can claim any success at all, we paddock and 1d. elsewhere. They pay 1 shall be very proud that our Budget has per cent. turnover tax; the totalisator pays assisted. We are the only State on the 12t per cent. eastern seaboard of Australia whose unemployment figures are improving. The In Victoria, in the metropolitan area the number of people receiving unemployment tax is 2d. in the enclosure, 1d. on the hill benefits is decreasing. and td. elsewhere. I do not know where "the elsewhere" is at the moment, but I Mr. Donald: You have still got the biggest presume it is on country courses. The taxes percentage out of work. on country courses at the moment are ld. Mr. KNOX: We have not. Those are the in the enclosure and td. elsewhere. There latest figures. I did not int~nd to go into all is a 2 per cent. turnover tax in the metro­ the figures but in view of the hon. member's politan area and 1t per cent in the country interjection I point out that the biggest per­ areas. There is a 12 per cent. tax on the centage is in Tasmania with 3 per cent. New totalisator. South Wales and Victoria come next with In South Australia there is td. stamp 2.7 per cent. Queensland is next at 2.6 per duty on betting tickets; there is a 1 per cent. The only States with lower percentages cent. turnover tax, and an impost of 3d. for than ours are South Australia with 2.5 and every 10s. or part of the stake plus winnings, Western Australia with 2.1. On a percentage known as a winning bet's tax. For book­ comparison our record is one of which we makers off the course there is td. stamp duty can be proud. We have nothing to be on betting tickets, a 2 per cent. turnover ashamed of in Queensland. Mr. Haylen, a tax, and 3d. for every 10s. or part of the prominent member of the A.L.P ., said that stake plus winnings as a winning bet's tax, 2 per cent. of unemployment was full and a tax on the totalisator of 1U per cent. employment. We do not have a record in In Western Australia there is a stamp duty difficult times, for instance, during a period on betting tickets of 3d. in the enclosure of drought, of sacking people in the and Id. elsewhere, and a turnover tax of Queensland Housing Commission. Just before H· per cent. For off-the-course there is 1d. we assumed office 700 employees of the for stamp duty on betting tickets, a 2 per Housing Commission faced the sack. cent. turnover tax, and a tax on the totalisa­ Mr. Newton: You are wrong, it was only tor of 131- per cent. 500. In Tasmania the stamp duty on betting Mr. KNOX: I am corrected by an hon. tickets is 2d., and the tax on turnover is 2t member opposite who says that it was not per cent. For off-the-course betting it is 2d. 700 but 500. Shame on his party that for stamp duty, 2t per cent. for turnover there were any facing the sack. Our record tax on all Tasmanian racing, and 2 per is not like that. We have made every effort cent. on races outside tll'e State, and the to keep people in employment. We have tax on totalisator turnover is 15 per cent. absolutely nothing to be ashamed of in our The figure in Queensland is quite an record of keeping people in employment. important one which hon. members can use As his third point the Leader of the to compare with other States. The stamp Opposition attacked us for taxing. I know duty on betting tickets in Queensland is 6d. that taxes are unpopular. I do not particu­ in the paddock in the metropolitan area and larly like having to pay taxes, any more than main centres, and 2d. elsewhere. There is 626 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

no turnover tax, and no winning bet's tax. cent. Queensland's figure is well above the Of course, there is no off-the-course tax at Australian average of 38.4 per cent. That all, and the tax on the turnover of the tota­ figure alone gives a fairly good indication lisator is 13! per cent. We have the lowest of the healthy state in which most of the racing and betting tax per head of popula­ people of Queensland live, compared with tion, or nearly tlre lowest in amount-not the position in other States where conditions quite-in Australia. may have been declining instead of improving. Mr. Hanlon: Tasmania's amount is lower The percentage increase in retail sales in than ours. Queensland for March, 1961, the latest figure available, compared with March, 1960, is Mr. KNOX: The fact that there is no 3.9 per cent., and that is 0.4 per cent. above turnover tax, no tax on off-the-course bet­ the Australian average. We are not doing ting and no winning bet's tax as in South too badly. Australia, means that the whole of our Now to deal with buildings completed. revenue from tax on racing at the moment Many figures were given by the hon. mem­ comes from on-the-course bookmakers and ber for Bulimba, but let us consider the the 13! per cent. tax on metropolitan area official figures taken from Quarterly Bulletin totalisators. That is fairly low. of Building Statistics for the June quarter of Now let me take liquor tax. The figures 1961, a bulletin produced by the Common­ appear on page 84 of the same document. wealth Bureau of Census and Statistics. These In New South Wales it is 5 per cent. on figures are up to date. The number of flats publicans, 5 per cent. on clubs and 2 per completed as at June, 1961, was 1,212, which cent. on sales of all spirits by spirits merchants is 300 more than at the same time last year. and others; in Victoria it is a flat 6 per cent. In the last year of Labour administration the on all retail sales· in South Australia it is figure was 174. The number of new houses £25 where the anniial value of premises does completed in the year ended 30 June, 1961, not exceed £100, rising to a maximum of was 9,391, which has been beaten only by £450 where the annual value is £1,550 or the number completed in the 1953 financial over and a minimum fee for the metropoli­ year when 10,500 houses were completed. tan ~rea of £260; in Western Australia the We have produced a record figure for com­ tax is 8t per cent.; in Tasmania 4t per cent. pleted homes over a period of eight years. and in Queensland, the lowest liquor tax in The hon. member for Bulimba very success­ Australia, it is 4 per cent. fully picked out certain trade classifications to try to give us a general indication Queenslanders are paying a very low ra~e of employment in the building industry. I in betting and liquor taxes, the lowest m was very busy making notes at the time, but Australia per capita, and we are not fright­ I was awake to what he was doing. He ened to face up to the job of increasing referred to only certain classifications in taxes if it is necessary to create employment which there has been a considerable reduc­ and promote the development of the State. tion. Let us look at the total figures because If betting and liquor are capable of carry­ I have no time to go through them all as ing a tax, as they appear to be on the figures there are about 15 altogether. The hon. from other States, no great hardship will member quoted only certain classifications. result. We do not apologise for taxing when As at June of this year the total number the capacity to pay is evident. employed on buildings was 18,192 which, in spite of the terrible things the Opposition What are the general conditions in the say are happening in the State, is only 70 State? It is in a fairly healthy condition, fewer than the number for the previous in spite of a prolonged drought and in spite quarter, but in all other States there are of the difficulties to be faced by some primary hundreds less. In South Australia, which industries. We have managed to do fairly would be comparable, there are 500 less, well. Opposition members say that the and in Tasmania 300 less. Of course, we Government, when they do anything, are could expect an even greater drop in Victoria, representing some special interests, but accuse and there are 2,000 less, and in New South the Government of neglecting the develop­ Wales there are nearly 3,000 less. Queens­ ment of the State if something is not done. land is the only State that has shown a drop The people of Queensland have shown their in the cost of living despite all the claims confidence in the State and their willingness by the Opposition that the lifting of price to make the State healthy financially. In control would contribute to an increase in the last five years the increase in savings the cost of living. bank deposit balances in Queensland has been 41.3 per cent., the second highest in On many occasions we have been accused the Commonwealth. of putting bright lights about the city. The Leader of the Opposition complained that Mr. Newton: When was that figure up to? the lights were on at odd hours and several members of the Opposition have complained Mr. KNOX: August, 1961. I repeat that about traffic control. These figures from in the five years the increase in Queensland Canberra published on 4 October this year is the second highest in the Commonwealth, are the official figures for last year of persons second only to New South Wales with an killed on the roads in Queensland. The increase in savings bank deposits of 46.9 per number was 346, and shows that Queensland Supply (10 OCTOBER] Supply 627 was the only State in the Commonwealth The Opposition claim that if they were in with a decrease in the number of people killed office today there would be no deficits. That on the roads. We have nothing to be has been the claim of many hon. members. ashamed of in the way we spend our money. They say there would be bright surpluses. It is spent intelligently and for the benefit If they had carried out that intention there of the State, to assist in its development. would have been record unemployment in the The figures I have quoted indicate clearly State and developmental works would not how successful we have been. When the have been undertaken. You could be assured Labour Party was in office it had the reputa­ that harbour development would not have tion of being a bad employer. Labour's been carried out, and you could certainly be administration was one of persecution and assured, from statements made by tlre scalp-hunting, of transferring people who Leader of the Opposition, that the very fine managed to cross some top Labour politicians. buildings and additions provided for branches That was the picture when we took office. of the State Government Insurance Office It was the Liberal Party Government who would not have been made available; they introduced a respectable superannuation would not have built them. Although we scheme for public servants, one they are very like to balance budgets, in budgeting for happy to belong to. We were the ones who deficits we indicate that we are straining provided a new classification for the public every possible resource to see that the money service in consultation with the unions con­ is used wisely. In five years we have pro­ cerned. We earned the reputation of being vided more irrigation dams and more harbour a good employer and a fair employer and and waterfront development than have been one who wanted to provide for our employees seen in the history of Queensland. We the very best conditions in strong contrast have given more attention to the future needs with what Labour had provided. of giant new enterprises associated with oil, Opposition Members interjected. coal export, copper, and aluminium. We have given an impetus to land clearing. We Mr. KNOX: Members of the Opposition have given great assistance to the man on always attack us with tlre charge that we are the land with water conservation. We have only looking after the white-collar workers. provided new hospital services, particularly It must be recognised that most public ser­ in mental homes and homes for the aged. vants are necessarily white-collar workers. We have made great strides in education, par­ ticularly in secondary schools and primary We do our share and play our part in pro­ schools and at the University College at viding amenities for them whether they are Townsville. We are spending to the limit white-collar workers or work without ties. of our capacity this financial year. The cost of the superannuation scheme Mr. Bromley: And will finish up with a this year was £924,500 over and above the deficit. amount Labour provided in their last year of office-nearly £1,000,000 more! We pro­ Mr. KNOX: If this is the defence of a vided very much increased and better bene­ deficit, I am not ashamed to defend it. We fits. We felt this was the responsibility of are trying to get on with the job of develop­ a good employer. We have never hesitated ment. We will spend every penny that we can to say that is why we do it. It is not true, lay our hands on. We are spending to as some members of the Opposition allege, bursting point. We will do this rather than that those funds are then not available for conserve funds and provide a balanced use in the State. They are invested in local budget. authorities and semi-governmental bodies to The budget spells development for North encourage developmental works. They in turn provide a good deal of employment in Queensland in particular, and we are very remote parts of the State as well as in more proud of it. We are not frightened to see that the State goes ahead. Today we have thickly populated areas. So our record on heard the cries of members of the Opposi­ superannuation is an excellent one. tion. They do not like to see us making so Under Labour, public servants were under­ much progress. The only fault they can find paid and under-privileged. When we took is not with what we are doing but with the office we had many consultations with the fact that the marks on the little pieces of trade unions concerned. I remember read­ paper are not as tidy as they would like them ing in the State Service Journal that over 90 to be. Let me assure hon. members that any meetings were held between officers of the budget that the Treasurer brings down, Public Service Commissioner's Department although it may provide for a deficit and and the unions. From those consultations a although we may be overspending, will stand very satisfactory arrangement for reclassifi­ up to the closest possible scrutiny. Hon. mem­ cation of public service appointments was bers opposite will find it extremely difficult to arrived at. In the first year the cost to the discover any point on which they can offer State of the new classification system was any worthwhile criticism of the Budget that over £1,000,000-money well spent in keep­ the Treasurer has presented to the Com­ ing our very fine employees and particularly mittee. in making sure that we kept in the State Progress reported. many technical men whom we would other­ wise have lost. The House adjourned at 8.54 p.m.