2 Mar 1999 Legislative Assembly 1

TUESDAY, 2 MARCH 1999 A Bill for an Act to amend legislation about primary industries

A Bill for an Act to allow visiting health practitioners to provide health care Mr SPEAKER (Hon. R. K. Hollis, Redcliffe) services in the State for special events read prayers and took the chair at 9.30 a.m. without becoming registered under State law, and for other purposes A Bill for an Act to amend Acts ASSENT TO BILLS administered by the Minister for Transport and Minister for Main Roads, and for other Mr SPEAKER: Order! Honourable purposes members, I have to report that I have received from His Excellency the Governor a letter in A Bill for an Act to amend the Health Act respect of assent to certain Bills, the contents 1937 and other various Acts of which will be incorporated in the records of The Bills are hereby transmitted to the Parliament— Legislative Assembly, to be numbered and forwarded to the proper Officer for enrolment, GOVERNMENT HOUSE in the manner required by law. QUEENSLAND Yours sincerely 1 December 1998 (sgd) Peter Arnison The Honourable R. K. Hollis, MLA Governor Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Parliament House MULGRAVE BY-ELECTION George Street Return of Writ BRISBANE QLD 4000 Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, I Dear Mr Speaker have to report that the writ issued by His I hereby acquaint the Legislative Assembly that Excellency the Governor on 10 November the following Bills, having been passed by the 1998 for the election of a member to serve in Legislative Assembly and having been the Legislative Assembly for the electoral presented for the Royal Assent, were assented district of Mulgrave has been returned with a to in the name of Her Majesty The Queen on 27 certificate endorsed thereon by the returning November 1998: officer of the election, on 5 December 1998, of A Bill for an Act to amend the Valuation of Frederick Warren Pitt to serve as such Land Act 1944, and for other purposes member. A Bill for an Act to amend the Industrial Development Act 1963 Member Sworn A Bill for an Act to amend the Dairy Industry Act 1993 Mr Pitt was introduced, took the oath of A Bill for an Act to establish the University allegiance, and subscribed the roll. of the Sunshine Coast, and for other purposes OFFICE OF SPEAKER A Bill for an Act to amend the Supreme Court of Queensland Act 1991 and the Statement of Recurrent Expenditure Coroners Act 1958 Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, I A Bill for an Act to amend the Corrective lay upon the table of the House the statement Services (Administration) Act 1988 and of recurrent expenditure for the Honourable Juvenile Justice Act 1992 N. Turner, Speaker of the Legislative A Bill for an Act to amend the Statutory Assembly, for 1997-98. Instruments Act 1992 A Bill for an Act to amend the Fossicking MEMBERS' ETHICS AND PARLIAMENTARY Act 1994 and the Mineral Resources Act PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE 1989 for native title purposes, and to amend the Native Title (Queensland) Act Matter of Privilege 1993 Mr SPEAKER: I wish to advise the House A Bill for an Act to amend the Trading that on 19 November I referred a matter of (Allowable Hours) Act 1990 privilege raised by the member for A Bill for an Act to amend the Building and Toowoomba North to the Members' Ethics and Construction Industry (Portable Long Parliamentary Privileges Committee for its Service Leave) Act 1991 consideration. 2 Motion of Condolence 2 Mar 1999

MOTION OF CONDOLENCE Unfortunately, it left him with another legacy— Deaths of Mr R. T. McLean, MLA, and deadly fibres in his lungs from many shifts Mr L. J. Yewdale, MLA spent in dust-filled holds shifting cargoes of asbestos. In later life it angered him that Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— Queensland wharfies had been working in life- ALP) (Premier) (9.36 a.m.), by leave, without threatening conditions even after warnings notice: I move— about asbestos had been released. He told "1. That this House desires to place how he had discovered that handling asbestos on record its appreciation of the services had been banned in American ports but that rendered to this State by the late Ronald this information had not been available to the McLean, a former member of the Queensland wharfies. During that period he Parliament of Queensland and a former played for Valleys, represented Brisbane in the Minister of the Crown, and by Les Trades and Labor Cup competition against Yewdale, a former member of the Toowoomba and Ipswich, and was Parliament of Queensland; captain/coach of the Wharfies Rugby League team in the late sixties/early seventies. 2. That Mr Speaker be requested Ron's commitment to serving other to convey to the families of the deceased people led him into politics. In 1980 he gentlemen the above resolution, together became the member for Bulimba and served with an expression of the sympathy and on the backbench through a difficult period for sorrow of the members of the Parliament the Labor Party. Ron was the spokesman on of Queensland, in the loss they have several portfolios, including Employment and sustained." Industrial Affairs, and Water Resources and Ronald Thomas McLean was a true Labor Maritime Services. In Government, Ron served stalwart who battled injustice and fought for with distinction as Minister for Administrative the underdog for most of his life. He was born Services from 1989 until his retirement from on 28 December 1938 in Townsville, the son public life in 1992. While other Governments of Edna and Ken, an electrical labourer. Lack were getting rid of their day-labour forces, Ron of services in regional Queensland resulted in stuck resolutely by the men and women the family deciding to move to Brisbane a few employed in the day-labour force by his years later to allow his brother Alan to attend department throughout regional Queensland. the School for the Deaf. Ron was educated in He intended to carry on as a Minister, but Brisbane, at Bulimba State School and a medical check revealed the asbestos in his Brisbane Industrial High School, before lungs. Faced with the risk of asbestosis, Ron completing his carpentry apprenticeship with decided to devote what time he had left in life the Department of Public Works. It was one of to his wife, Anne, and to his long-term dream Ron's great delights that he was able to return of breeding thoroughbreds on a property that to this department in 1989 as the Minister. It they had bought at Landsborough. Ron and was also a tribute to the man that he still Anne took a block of bushland and turned it spoke the same language as the carpenters, into a homestead with stable and yards. shared their concerns and vigorously opposed During those six years he held the positions of all moves to cut down the number of president of the Mooloolah Country Club and apprenticeships being offered by the State president of the Sunshine Coast Racehorse Government through his department. Owners Association. Ron is survived by his In 1964 he decided to become a wife, Anne, and family. On behalf of the waterside worker, and spent 16 years on the Parliament, I extend my sympathies and those Brisbane waterfront. Ron was a committed of the House to them. member of the Waterside Workers Federation, I want to say that, like many people in this serving as a Federal councillor and eventually House, I knew Ron well. He was one of those becoming President and Vigilant Officer of the people who was well regarded by all sections Brisbane Branch. He often spoke of those of the Labor Party and all sections of this rough and tough days of fighting for better Parliament. That is a rare thing indeed in conditions for wharfies, and believed that this politics, as we all know. He was the sort of helped to shape his character. He later said— person that, if you knew him, you loved Ron "I think I learnt everything on the McLean. He was one of those decent people waterfront. I loved the guys I mixed with. I who will be missed by all of us. loved their principles. I loved the way they Today I also need to highlight the passing looked after one another—their feeling for of Les Yewdale. Les was also a Labor stalwart their fellow man." who worked hard for the people of 2 Mar 1999 Motion of Condolence 3

Rockhampton for much of his life. He died on respect of Les' contribution to the Parliament 1 January, aged 70. He was born on 30 April and to his electorate and to the State. 1928 in Rockhampton, the son of a cabinet I think it is probably fair to say that he was and mattress maker. Among the schools he not necessarily a high-profile member of this attended were St Mary's School and the House. His talent was elsewhere. He knew it Christian Brothers College. Les knew the and that was also the mark of the man. He problems faced by many of the people he was a local member—a consummate local went on to represent because he put in the member—and he was proud of it, and so he hard yards himself, working as a meat worker, should have been. The electors of a tradesman's assistant, a station hand, a Rockhampton North lost a good local member builder's labourer and a waterside when he retired at the 1989 State election. He worker—something he had in common with had served them for 17 years, a proud record Ron. in itself. He was secretary of the Rockhampton When he made his final speech in this Trades and Labour Council from 1959 till he Chamber on 19 October 1989, he said that he became a member of Parliament in 1972 and would like to refer to the forthcoming elections. was also President and Secretary of the He said— Rockhampton Waterside Workers Union. On "I will be delighted to return to this the sporting front, Les was President of place as a visitor and enjoy the thrill of a Rockhampton and Central Queensland Rugby Labor Government on the Treasury League Clubs and played a key role in local benches." greyhound racing. He was very well known in central Queensland with his sporting links, No-one on this side of the House then or now particularly Rugby League. He was patron, vice would want to have denied him the chance to patron and vice president of innumerable experience that thrill once polling day was out sports and charitable organisations. of the way. That is the true spirit of democratic politics and the Australian way. It was, indeed, Les was elected as the member for Les' personal tragedy that after 17 years in Rockhampton North in 1972. Traditionally, new Parliament, including the cricket team era of members devote their maiden speeches to 1974-77 when the ALP had only 11 members, electoral matters, but Les took an in-depth he felt the need to retire on the eve of his look at education initiatives throughout party attaining Government. Australia and he attacked the then Bjelke- Petersen Government for lagging behind the While it is true, as I have just remarked, rest of the country. He then moved on to that Les Yewdale was not a high-profile attack the Government about a lack of member of Parliament, he scaled the heights housing commission accommodation for in another direction within this House. He was people in Rockhampton and in central captain of the Queensland parliamentary Queensland. bowls team and, as many have cause to remember, bowled a mean end in the Les continued to represent his electorate Commonwealth-wide parliamentary bowls in similar style until he retired in 1989. In this championship. The traditional status of bowls time he was secretary of the parliamentary in the parliamentary system, like much else in Labor Party from 1977 to 1988 and acted as this place, transcends the practice of partisan Opposition spokesman on a wide range of competition. On the greens it was portfolios. He married Margaret "Marge" Queenslanders versus the rest, with many firm McCulloch in 1949 and has a son, Kevin, and friendships made across party lines. Outside a daughter, Karen. On behalf of the the sphere of parliamentary sport, Les was a Government and all members of this lifetime Rugby League supporter. Indeed, he Parliament, I pass on our condolences to the was a life member of the QRL and a follower families of both gentlemen. of racing. Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers It is good to be reminded, even though it Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) is in this instance by the sad passing of a (9.42 a.m.): In rising to second the condolence former member of this House, that politics is motion moved by the Premier, I would say at not necessarily the only game in town. As the outset that it is always a privilege and a many of us in the present House have reason sad duty to speak in this place as we to reflect, friendships can and do cross party remember our colleagues on both sides of the lines. Mutual respect for opponents as much House who have given great service to the as for people within one's own party or allied State of Queensland. Today I pay tribute to parties generally does. Les Yewdale spent Ron McLean and to Les Yewdale, firstly, in many years in this place as an effective local 4 Motion of Condolence 2 Mar 1999 member. He made many friends and most political debate, was a true parliamentary certainly drew respect from all of his colleague of one and all. I can remember one colleagues. His successor in Rockhampton of the great occasions which I think said North, now the Minister for Public Works and volumes about Ron McLean. We had had an Housing, paid generous tribute to him in his all night sitting. From memory, the legislation maiden speech in this Chamber on 7 March was an Aboriginal land Bill being presided over 1990. I am sure that the Minister will not mind by the then Minister, the now member for my quoting a little from what he said on that Kennedy, Mr Katter. There had been occasion. He said— numerous divisions during the course of the "It is little wonder that he is held in night. Parliament had sat on and there was such high regard both inside and outside considerable debate during the course of the the electorate by all those who know him." evening. Parliament sat and sat and sat. Come the next morning, at breakfast time the I am among those who knew Les Yewdale House was still in session. Ron thought these and I can attest to the truth of these were absolutely appalling working conditions sentiments. I held him in high regard as a and he rose to a point of order and moved worthy opponent. On behalf of the Opposition, that the House adjourn for breakfast. The I extend our deepest sympathy to his family on Speaker of the day took a dim view of that and his passing and I place on record an told Ron to sit down, but Ron was persistent acknowledgment of honour to a life well lived. and paid the price. He was subsequently Ron McLean was a Labor veteran who asked to leave the Chamber, but as he went always stood up for what he believed in. He out he was muttering—in fact, I think he was represented the seat of Bulimba for 12 years, shouting—"Mr Speaker, everyone is entitled to the seat now held by the Government Deputy some conditions." I think the goodwill, kind- Whip. During that time, Ron McLean always heartedness and basic decency of Ron represented his people with a great passion. In McLean was seen in that particular episode. the great tradition of parliamentary His interest in community affairs government, he was first and foremost a local represented almost a lifelong crusade. It was member. When he died last month at an age something on which he was never lacking in younger than is the average nowadays, he energy. So too with sport, in particular football was rightly mourned by his friends, political and and golf, and of course fishing—a pastime he personal, and my colleague the member for honoured with close attention and a wealth of Clayfield represented the Opposition knowledge. leadership at the State funeral held at Doomben Racecourse. It can certainly be said that Queensland would have been much the poorer without It was often said by his opponents that having had the services of Ron McLean in Ron was a hard man. I believe that that was State politics. I extend to his family and to his always meant as a compliment. Ron fought many friends the sympathy of members on hard for his beliefs and for those he felt had this side of the House. been disadvantaged or discriminated against. There is much honour in that, in holding true to Hon. R. E. SCHWARTEN (Rockhampton— one's lights. On an occasion such as this it is ALP) (Minister for Public Works and Minister for proper that this honour in him is noted. Housing) (9.51 a.m.): There is a sense of irony Ron had a varied parliamentary career, in what we are doing today. Les Yewdale and one in which he often made himself noticed— Ron McLean were great mates and were quite and notable—in the House and more broadly inseparable in this place. I guess it is fitting in the political environment. He had come from that we send them both off in this way today. the school of hard knocks via the Waterside Les Yewdale was my predecessor in this Workers Federation and, as the Premier place. One could not have asked for a better indicated, was a son of Townsville. He was mentor than he was. I knew him all my life. He bound to make his mark with a pedigree like was a person of great courage and great that. Ron joined the Cabinet in the first Goss character. He was a decent human being who Government and served as Minister for cared much about others. He cared about his Administrative Services from December 1989 family and he loved his sport. until September 1992. Les was one of those people blessed with We on this side of the House remember the ability to compete in any sport he chose to Ron as a big-hearted man, ever ready to be turn his hand to. He was an excellent combative in whatever cause it was that he footballer. He played for Rockhampton on a pursued, but also as a man who valued number of occasions. He played for Central friendship and who, away from the heat of Queensland. He played for Fitzroys and Norths 2 Mar 1999 Motion of Condolence 5 in the city. When he got too old to play he have lost a good mate and a true warrior in the turned his hand to the administration of Rugby Labor ranks—a person who came out of the League in Rockhampton and ended up a trade union movement, much like Ronnie trustee of Browne Park and a member of the McLean came out of the waterside workers board of the Rockhampton Rugby League. union, and who was never frightened to tell Indeed, he was president of that organisation people that he voted Labor, that he stood up for a good part of the time he was a member for his principles and that he believed nothing of this Parliament. was too good for the worker. As the Leader of the Opposition I turn now to Ron McLean, because that indicated, Les was in this place for 17 years. was his guiding influence: nothing is too good Through all of the frustration of Opposition, the for the worker. He lived his life accordingly. sad thing was that he was robbed of the From a very early age Ron fought injustice. His opportunity of being in Government. I also brother, Alan, was born with hearing and read his final speech in this place, when he speech impediments. His father, Ken, who said, "I rise in this place for the last time." That later became an official in the Electrical Trades speech was about the people who surrounded Union, moved the family down from Townsville him during that time. Right to the very end he so that Alan could attend the deaf school. Ron was a very generous human being. always claimed that his ability as a pugilist He was part of the Burns "cricket team". went back to those days, when he stood up for As one of 11 representatives of a party his brother on the way home from school. No absolutely decimated at that election, with very doubt all members would have experienced at few resources Yewdale was immediately a some time or another how cruel children can shadow Minister with a number of portfolios. be to other children. Ron was fighting injustice He once told me how he spoke at 3 o'clock in in those very early years and it was something the morning on a flour Bill he knew absolutely that was to stay with him for the rest of his nothing about. I have read the speech and I days. have to say that he managed to make a fair First and foremost, Ron was a person who fist of it. understood black and white. Either you were in Those were tough times to be endured, or you were out. There were no shades of and he did endure it. In fact, it was no small grey; you were either right or wrong. He lived effort on his part that in that 1974 election, his life pretty much that way. The Leader of when every Labor electorate in the State the Opposition commented that Ron was a suffered huge swings against, his vote was the tough man, and he was in that regard. He held only one to actually improve. There was a very principled views and those principled historic reason for that. Those who are views required him to analyse or distil students of history will recall that in 1972 the something down to a blackness or a endorsement of Yewdale's predecessor, one whiteness. If you were on the black side of Mervyn Herbert Thackeray, was removed and something, as far as he was concerned you Yewdale stepped into the breach. Thackeray were either a flea, a thing or a maggot. If you contested the seat, and it was a nail-biting were the latter it was goodbye, Mr Chips. That finish. In 1974 Yewdale got the old Labor vote was the end of the round for you. back and improved the seat. That in no small Ron McLean was one of those people way shows the talent of Yewdale to touch his who sought to come into Parliament for all the fellow human being. right reasons. He is in the same frame as As I said, because of illness he was Yewdale in that regard. The traditional reason robbed of much of his retirement. He was for a Labor politician to come here was to take certainly robbed of enjoying the privilege of a from the industrial wing and bring it into Labor Government, although he did get back Parliament, in the same way as our forefathers here on one occasion. He came to a past in 1891 sought to do. That was the reason members lunch where he, Ronnie McLean Yewdale was here and that was the reason and I sat at the same table. That was the last McLean was here. time Les ever came to this place. Accordingly, I have to say: Ron did not enjoy this there was a great deal of sadness in his place. He did not like being a member of retirement. I note Les' old mate Bob Scott in Parliament. As he described it, he was very the gallery. Bob is another mate both Ronnie much railroaded into the duty by his mates on and Les were inseparable from. It is pleasing the waterfront. He had fought things such as to see you here today, Bob. asbestosis and had fought for reasonable I say to Marge, Kevin and Karen: you conditions for people on the waterfront all his have lost a husband and a dad. The rest of us working life. He understood that struggle, but 6 Motion of Condolence 2 Mar 1999 he understood the futility of it when, as the movement. He was a great opponent of the Premier pointed out, three years previous to it Vietnam War, as indeed were the waterside happening in Australia the United States workers. One of the things that one can say Government and some European about the waterside workers union is that they Governments banned asbestos. Yet here he have taken up every social justice cause was some three years later still eating his lunch possible, and they still do that today. Whether down the hold of a ship with the snow of it is international conditions, nuclear asbestos falling around the workplace. He saw, disarmament or whatever, one will find the as his mates on the waterfront saw, that there wharfies dipping into their pockets, holding up was only one way to change that, and that ships and whatever else is required to support was by getting into Parliament and having their cause. some say on behalf of those people. During the Vietnam War, the wharfies Ron McLean, and Yewdale for that took a very strong view about it. There were matter, always took a strong interest in things quite a number of Vietnamese nationals in such as workplace health and safety, because Brisbane at that time, and they decided to they understood just what it was like and they take the law into their own hands and proceed never forgot. They resolved to continue to fight down to the Wharfies Club armed with for that cause right to the very end—especially nunchakus and various other devices, wanting in Ron's case when he became a Minister, to square the ledger. But they found that, when he was in a position to do something although they advocated peace, the wharfies about it. were quite capable of doing the reverse, and As the Premier said, Ron McLean started Ronnie was at the forefront of that. Certainly his working life as an apprentice carpenter in when the Wharfies Club went, there was a the Works Department. He finished his working great deal of history that went with it. Ronnie life for that department as the Minister with the certainly missed his mateship there, but it did responsibility. In anybody's view that is a fair move down to the Breakfast Creek Hotel, and sort of achievement. He also never, ever forgot he was able to get down there and have a the start that the building trade gave him, and beer from time to time. When the Leader of his apprenticeship, and where that led him in the Opposition was referring to Ron as being his life. He was eager to repeat that up all night, no doubt he was agitated as a experience for other young people. result of a heavy intake of coffee during the evening and at breakfast. I must pause here to apologise for Pat Purcell, who is absent from this place today There are a couple of good stories about due to a bereavement in his family. He would Ron that I would like to relate. The Birdsville certainly, as Ron's replacement, want to say a School swimming pool is a good one. Ron was few words about Ron. There are a couple of out in Barcaldine when he was a Minister, and tributes that have come in that I think are he was met by the P & C at Birdsville, who worth placing on record. I notice that two of stated that they were never, ever going to be Ron's good mates, John Lutteral and John able to afford a swimming pool. The reason "Skinny" Conway, are also in the gallery to pay was that, just as they would get to the amount tribute to him. of money that they needed for a subsidy, the price would go up. So in true wharfie's style, I have mentioned the asbestosis which Ronnie said, "We have to fix this", although he ultimately took Ron from this place and, no would have used words that were a bit doubt, hastened his departure from this mortal stronger than that. He went back and saw his coil. He never, ever stopped fighting for that then director-general, Ross Dunning, and cause and for compensation for the victims instructed him to fix it. And indeed it was fixed, thereof. I have also mentioned Ron's pugilistic and today there is a swimming pool in ability, which is renowned. One of the areas Birdsville because Ron McLean listened. He that he liked to frequent was the Wharfies had that common person's touch. Ironically, Club, and that is not a place for the faint- Ron remarked that we would not pick up one hearted. It had tiled floors, for obvious vote there, that we would never win the booth reasons; it enabled them to be hosed out the at Birdsville, and we never have. But that did next day. That was a place where niceties not stop him making sure that kids were were dispensed with, doors were closed and looked after wherever they were. This was human rings were formed. As a result of taking something that dominated him in terms of the law into two hands, I guess, the matter being a Minister. "You cannot hold kids was resolved and nothing was said. responsible for the way their parents vote", he One of the things that Ronnie was used to say. I might just add that the people of involved in, ironically enough, was the peace Birdsville have written to Ron's widow, Anne. 2 Mar 1999 Motion of Condolence 7

Amongst what else they had to say, they said operation. I think it was a Ministry that he filled that he made an outstanding contribution to wonderfully well. He performed a difficult task improving the quality of life for Queenslanders. very well. He certainly did for the people of Birdsville. Ron McLean was a Minister during my The Wolffdene dam was another story first term in Parliament. I found him an involving Ron. Former Premier Wayne Goss excellent person to deal with as a new spoke about that at the funeral, and I do not member. I am glad that John Lutteral is here intend to go over how we delivered the policy today, and the member for Logan, John and made the policy in that regard. Ron took Mickel, who was the senior policy adviser to up that fight as the shadow Minister of the Ron McLean at that time. I can relate to what day. Again, the people in that part of the world the Minister for Public Works and Minister for have not forgotten Ron, and they have asked Housing said a moment ago. I had some to place on record their condolences as well issues with some schoolkids in Upper and their statement that he hated things not Brookfield in my electorate. One day, Ron and aboveboard. "He would stand up and fight the two Johns and I were able to sit down, against them" was their comment on him. That without any rancour or politics—and they did gets back to what I said at the outset. He was not vote that way, either—and resolve some a man who understood black and white. issues that are still benefiting the kids and the Ron McLean's and Les Yewdale's people of that area today. I think that Ron passing is to be mourned by this side of McLean was precisely that kind of individual. politics. They were a breed of people who kept That is something to which all of us must us going all those years in Opposition. During aspire. all those years in the wilderness, those people In his maiden speech on 12 March 1981, never lost their heart or their spirit. Wherever Ron, who was always the champion of the they are today, I am sure that they carry their underdog, called on the Government to build spirit with them. The world is a sadder place for more units for aged pensioners. As the both their passing. To Anne, I offer the Minister for Public Works and Housing, I was condolences of this House. Wherever you are, privileged and delighted to preside over a old friend, sleep well. record building program for aged care. I think Dr WATSON (Moggill—LP) (Leader of the that Ron would have thoroughly approved of Liberal Party) (10.06 a.m.): It is also my that particular process. privilege to rise to support the motion of When Ron McLean retired from condolence, moved by the Premier and Parliament for health reasons, he expressed seconded by the Leader of the Opposition, for the concern that there was a worrying trend Ron McLean and Les Yewdale. We have just that Governments were becoming dominated heard an extremely colourful background on by academics. I do not know about what both of those gentlemen. There is no doubt happens in the Labor Party; but in the Liberal that the current Minister for Public Works and Party, when people refer to academics, they Minister for Housing has an in-depth are usually referring to lawyers and doctors! He understanding of their contributions to the said that it was best that there be a balance, a Labor Party and to this place as both a mixture of blue and white collar workers, in the Minister and, of course, a member for the Parliaments of Australia, that that was the way area. It is fitting that Ron McLean raised to get the best parliamentary government. I thoroughbred horses, because there is no firmly believe that there will always be room in doubt in my mind that Ron himself was a this House for blue-collar workers of the calibre Labor thoroughbred. I think that is what the of Ron McLean. On the behalf of the Liberal Minister has just outlined. Party, I pass on my condolences to Ron's wife The fact that Ron rose all the way from an and family. apprentice in the Department of Works to the As to Les Yewdale—unfortunately, I did Minister of the same department is an inspiring not know him. He left Parliament the year I story that should serve as a really good came in, at the 1989 election. Although I did example for our young people today. It shows not have the privilege of knowing him that, no matter what your background, you can personally, I am told on the very best play a part in the running of this State if you authority—his electorate secretary for 16 years, are willing to put in the effort. Wayne Goss Thelma Humphris—that Les never turned said that many people underestimated Ron anyone away from his office, that he did his McLean's abilities. Wayne Goss gave Ron utmost to help them. Les was a quiet achiever. McLean the task of making the Department of He was never one to blow his own trumpet. As Administrative Services a more commercial all of us believe, Les believed that it was his 8 Motion of Condolence 2 Mar 1999 job to serve his constituents. Whenever he crook and something else was crook. I tell you was able to help them, he never sought what: I got a blast from Les in no uncertain publicity for his efforts. terms. I had no option but to apologise. I have Les' work was obviously appreciated by never since written a football column; I have his constituents, because—as the previous concentrated on politics. It was a good lesson. speaker said—he held his seat for five You do not make adverse comments on the elections before retiring because of ill health. It basis of something given to you by somebody was interesting to hear the Minister for Public else if you do not know what you are talking Works and Housing talk about the historical about. I might add that he did not continue in reasons that Les was the only Labor member that vein after that. Once that little incident was to be able to increase his margin at the 1974 over, he was always again his very, very election when the Labor Party was reduced to wonderful self. He and Marge moved to the cricket team. Not only was it a tremendous Keppel a little while after retiring. Unfortunately, effort; it is my understanding that he always they had to leave. I used to call on the family liked to remind people of that. As we go on, occasionally. the relevant facts of history sometimes get In relation to Ron—he was my shadow embellished. That was one of the when I was a Minister. During that time in the accomplishments that he thought was worthy industrial relations area a number of pretty of other people remembering. interesting incidents caused a lot of debate, to In his younger days, Les was a top Rugby say the least. During one of those incidents, League player in Rockhampton. His later Ron and I had to debate each other on the efforts in the administration of the game saw ABC AM program. I will not say what it was him awarded life membership of the about, but it was a pretty serious affair. We Queensland Rugby League. Les, like Ron, were into it boots and all. We each had was not all biff and barge; he was also a very separate microphones and the ABC fellow was active member of the peace movement. Les in the middle. This was radio, not TV. One of Yewdale served the people of Rockhampton the microphones broke down. That did not North and the people of Queensland with worry Ron. He said, "She'll be right, mate." distinction. On behalf of the Liberal Party, I While I am blasting hell out of him, he is pass on my condolences to his wife, Marge, holding the microphone to my mouth, and I and their family. had to smile. At the same time, when it was his turn to blast me, I held the microphone for Hon. V. P. LESTER (Keppel—NPA) him. It was one heck of a debate; we called (10.12 a.m.): As a member of Parliament each other for everything. As soon as it was representing central Queensland, it is very over he patted me on the back and said, "We obvious that I have known Les Yewdale for a fooled them there, didn't we, mate!" long, long time. For many years, I was president of the Clermont football club. It was Ron also was a very decent fellow to deal during those very interesting times that I with. It is very obvious that he did not treat me initially got to know Les and to find out just the way Robert, the member for what a decent, fair-minded person he was. It Rockhampton, said that he dealt with some did not even matter when he found that I was people he did not like. Obviously, politics running for politics in a party different from his. aside, we got on very well. To his widow, I say: Football was first as far as we were concerned. he was a great man. He continued to do all of his football related I had extensive dealings with both of duties very, very well. these men. One can only hope that they have He also probably gave me the greatest gone as high as they can possibly go. political lesson I have ever learnt in my life. I Mr MICKEL (Logan—ALP) (10.17 a.m.): It used to do a column called "Talking Football is a pleasure to stand in support of my former with Vince Lester", which I have to say was employer. The great irony, of course, is that, widely read. It was always a very positive type although Ronnie stood up for the workers, of column. If I could say something good there were those of us who had to work for about somebody in it, that is the way I tried to him. By any measure, he was a remarkable work. I was duly elected to Parliament, and on personality and a humanitarian. On behalf of my very first Sunday as a member of the staff who worked with him—some of whom Parliament I could not get to the football, are in the gallery, and all of whom were at his because there was a fete or something else funeral—let me say that it was a great honour somewhere. I asked somebody to take notes to work with him. In fact, there were many days for me and I took my notes off that. The notes when I think it was a sin to take the money for came back to the effect that the referees were having to work with Ronnie McLean. There 2 Mar 1999 Motion of Condolence 9 were very many memorable days—great days, His second act was far more memorable. in fact. I can think back to Charleville when we He went to the Inala State High School which, were out there in a tent in all the mud trying to at that stage, was quite bereft. In fact, one of put that place back together. Ronnie never lost the ceilings was falling in. I remember he that common touch—that human touch—as carpeted the bloke from Administrative he dealt with both his staff and the people out Services afterwards. He asked, "How in there, who were going through enormous heaven's name could these schools end up hardship. like this?" The fellow said—— There was a great human side to Ron An honourable member interjected. McLean—a great laughter, a bonhomie that Mr MICKEL: I am being charitable. Ron was infectious. It certainly infected all of us. As McLean said, "How could have these schools well as that common touch, he had many ended up like this?" The fellow said, "We were interests that, until I worked with him, I had given a colour coding, and the colour coding never brushed up against. For example, I can for Inala meant that we were never to do remember when he first took me to the races. anything in the area." That led to the most He said, "Come on, mate, we'll go to the memorable incident I think in that first session races." The whole staff had to go. He had a of Parliament. Those members who were here horse named Just A Diamond. He said, "Look, will remember Ron McLean coming in and Mickel, put some money on it. No, you've got answering a question where he unveiled a to put it on to win." I thought, "God! I've never special electorate works program. There were put any money on a horse." He showed me 270 programs, all of them in National Party how to do that. The thing bolted in by half a electorates, except one. I think that was in the head. He said, "See, mate: this horseracing electorate of Cook, but that was a game, you put 10 bucks down and you get 60 bucks back, and you haven't discovered that Commonwealth project. I have to be honest yet." with the Leader of the Opposition and say that when he went back downstairs after that I can remember also that he took us to a performance I think the Opposition members golfing tournament. It was an Ambrose; it was were all called fleas and all of that sort of stuff. your best shot. I had never before picked up a golf club. He took me out and he showed me The other one that, of course, is featured how to wave the thing around. He said, in the Premier's book, In The Arena—a Pulitzer "Righto, mate, your turn." Everybody packed Prize winning book, Mr Premier, read across around that day. I was waving the club. As I the civilised world, certainly from West End to Milton, anyway—is the incident that is waved it backwards, I connected with the ball described in the first page dealing with the and the ball shot 30 metres backwards. It was my best shot all day! He stood there and Baroona Special School. That school was a looked at me and said, "Jeez, mate. I've never complete disgrace. I must say that, on seen a shot like that." instruction after he left the Premier that day, Ron McLean came back and had the place The Minister, Robert Schwarten, said that fixed up within two days. Ron McLean had a highly developed and sensitive feel for the downtrodden. As Robert The other story that is told is the Birdsville said also, it applied no matter where those pool story. There is actually another string to people lived. I notice that my friend the that story. The reason they could not get the member for Moggill alluded to something pool, apart from a little bit of shortfall in the before. I can remember that incident very, very funding, was that the department of the day well. I also remember that one of his first acts insisted that there be a grandstand with the was to go out to the Inala district where the pool. I want to say this to the member for Minister for Primary Industries and I had been Gregory: Ronnie gave the people of Birdsville schoolteachers some years before. In all that that pool only on the basis that they would time, we could never get a darned thing for the build a grandstand. So we have been steadily school. I remember in protest we both painted watching the population build up and we are our classrooms red, white and blue because faithfully assured that, by about the year 4020, we could never get the things fixed up. One of there will be a population big enough to Ronnie's first acts was to go out there and give warrant the grandstand. money for the Inala State School swimming I have not seen John Lutteral this pool, because they were always $10,000 morning, but I have certainly cleared this story short. To my recollection, that is still the only with Anne McLean. We were fearful that what I swimming pool that services a district that, am about to say next would have brought frankly, is the size of any country town. Ronnie down the Goss Government. It was an incident did that: his first act. that occurred in Mount Isa. Actually, to be 10 Motion of Condolence 2 Mar 1999 perfectly honest, it was to do with St Patrick's now, we have never been game to tell Day in Mount Isa. Those members who have anybody for fear of major embarrassment. been to Mount Isa will know that it has the In closing, I simply want to say this: the largest Irish club in the world. We were there staff and friends of John F. Kennedy wrote a studying a whole lot of Government facilities, book called The Pleasure of His Company. of course, and unfortunately it coincided with With Ronnie McLean, it would be very easy to St Patrick's Day and the whole town was there. sit down and write a book of the same title. I Ever mindful of Government money, we got a will say this of Ronnie: he never forgot who he taxi to the festivities that night. At about two in was; most of all, he never forgot where he was the morning, the festivities had ended and the going back to. That is the great tribute that we whole town, including us, because Minister can pay to him as people who worked for him. McGrady was still busy with the 800 people One of the greatest things when he retired as who had gathered around him, went in search a Minister was that all the staff of the of a taxi. After about an hour and a half of a department willingly came out and gave a futile search for a taxi I said, "Leave it with me, present to their man, their Minister. So to I will go and find somebody who can give us a Anne, I say on behalf of those who worked lift back." This guy came up to me and asked, with him that it was a great honour and that we "Are you looking for a taxi?" We said, "Yes." will miss him greatly, I know, as much as you He said, "I will give you a lift back. Just wait will. down in the back of the car park there." I said to Ronnie and John Lutteral who was with me, Mr FELDMAN (Caboolture—ONP) "Listen, I have got a lift back. We will be right. (10.27 a.m.): I did not know personally either We will just go down and wait." of these two honourable gentlemen, Ron McLean or Les Yewdale, but their deeds have Ronnie said to me, "Listen, mate, if this certainly gone before them in this House. bloke asks where we work, just tell him we work Obviously, they were men of stature and men for the Government. Do not tell him who the of character. That is something that this place hell I am." I said, "Okay, it will be sweet." So loves dearly—men of character. They did their we walked down the back and the bloke duty: they performed in this House and they showed up drinking a stubby. I thought, "God, performed for their electors. They will be this is going to be choice." He said, "Over remembered for their achievements and their here", and he pointed to a Mini Minor. So the accomplishments as well as the stories. three of us, that is Ronnie, Lutteral and me, had to get into the back of this Mini. Ronnie I endorse the kind words placed on record sat in the middle, so members can imagine in this House by those who knew these that we were all squashed. The bloke with the gentlemen well and who served alongside stubby did not get in the driver's seat. He said, them. With the other members of One Nation, "Look, I have got my brother, he will drive for I wish to extend condolences and best wishes you. I have had a few to drink." I thought, to the families of the deceased gentlemen. I "That is handy, anyway." The Mini is barely am sure that all of those in One Nation and above the ground, and the guy started up the without would be happy to join with me in car, kangaroo-hopped backwards and extending our sympathies to their families, stopped. I thought, "Oh, God." Members can their next of kin. imagine that, with Ronnie's weight, the whole In closing, I wish to offer these words to car was shaking. This bloke kangaroo-hopped their families and to their friends: unto him, the car four times, every time snuffing the car, who is able to keep you from falling, to the just to get to the exit. While they were fiddling only wise God, our Father, be glory and around the bloke said, "Mate, look, he will be majesty. I know these two men will be better when he gets his driver's licence." We presented faultless in the presence of the glory thought, "God, if Borbidge finds out about this, of our maker and I offer this to their family and we are in it deep." to their friends. Amen. While they were fiddling around trying to Mrs SHELDON (Caloundra—LP) start the car and trying to give quick lessons, (10.29 a.m.): I will be brief; I know that time is Ronnie leaned over towards me and said, moving on. I would like to express my "Mickel, I am going to kill you." In the end, condolences to the family of Les Yewdale and after many kangaroo hops, we got out. On the Ron McLean. I would like to say a few words in edge of town, Ronnie said to the bloke, "Yes, particular about Ronnie McLean. He was a that is our hotel just over there. If you stop constituent of mine. When he retired, he had right here, we will get out." To this day, I do not the good sense to come and live in my know whether that poor bloke knows who the electorate. passengers were in the back seat. Until right An honourable member interjected. 2 Mar 1999 Papers 11

Mrs SHELDON: One never knows. The the Public Works and Housing portfolio. Ron member should wait until I tell the story. Ron McLean tipped not a bucket but a 44-gallon was very interested in horses and horse racing. drum on the members of the Opposition at He was breeding horses on some land he had that time on their works program in relation to in the hinterland and was very involved with schools when they were in Government. Corbould Park Racecourse. At that time we This Chamber is made up of colourful were having a little difficulty with the then people. Queensland is made up of colourful Racing Minister, Bob Gibbs, about Saturday characters. We fit the frame of liars, larrikins race meetings. Mr Gibbs, with little foresight, and legends. Ron McLean certainly fitted into was going to take away some of our Saturday that mould. I do not mean to be defamatory race meetings. when I speak about liars. In that context I am Ron and I decided that we would jointly speaking about a sense of decency. chair a committee to see what we could do I know exactly what his wife Anne is going about this matter. We had a large attendance through. She has lost her best friend. If it is at a public meeting held in the Caloundra Civic any comfort to her at this time of death, she Centre. Mr Gibbs attended that meeting. It has can still reflect on the good times that she and been mentioned that Ron was a man of Ron shared. May you rest in peace, Ron. God peace, but I do not know how peaceful Mr bless you, Anne. Gibbs was feeling when he entered the room. Motion agreed to, honourable members I thought a great deal of Ron McLean. He standing in silence. was a very friendly man who was well respected in his community. He was certainly well respected by the racing community. Ron PAPERS McLean fought very hard for the rights of PAPERS TABLED DURING THE RECESS trainers, owners, jockeys, bookmakers and all The Clerk informed the House that the the other people who form the racing following papers, received during the recess, community. I enjoyed working with Ron were tabled on the dates indicated— McLean. I believe that, together, we managed to retain as many Saturday race meetings at 23 November 1998— Caloundra as we could. I offer my condolences Royal Brisbane Hospital Research to his family. Foundation—Annual Report 1997-98 Mr JOHNSON (Gregory—NPA) Ipswich Hospital Foundation—Annual Report 1997-98 (10.32 a.m.): I rise to speak to the condolence motion for the late Ron McLean. I only came Sunshine Coast Health Services to know Ron McLean when I entered this Foundation—Annual Report 1997-98 place in 1989. Ron and I had a mutual friend Late tabling statement from the Minister named Mike Gibson. In the 1960s Mike played for Health (Mrs Edmond) regarding the football with Ron McLean in the wharfies team. 1997-98 annual reports of the Royal Mike and Ron had a close relationship and Brisbane Hospital Research Foundation, Ipswich Hospital Foundation and were great mates. This morning I asked Mike, Sunshine Coast Health Services "What do you have to say about Ron, Mike?" Foundation Mike said, "He was a genuine, nice bloke and Members' Ethics and Parliamentary he was a true friend." Mike has gone on to be Privileges Committee Report No. 24— one of western Queensland's successful Report on a matter of privilege—The graziers. Ron McLean came to this place to alleged misleading of the House by a represent the people of Bulimba and later Minister on 30 July 1998 became a Minister of the Crown. Members' Ethics and Parliamentary I had a good friendship with Ron McLean. Privileges Committee Report No. 25— That friendship was an indication of Ron's Report on a matter of privilege referred to sincerity and his sense of responsibility towards the committee on 25 August 1998 (Use of his fellow man. Ron McLean was a good friend the Legislative Assembly crest) even though he sat on the other side of the 24 November 1998— House. Golden Casket Lottery Corporation Ron McLean was one of the colourful Limited—Annual Report 1997-98 members of this House. When I first entered Golden Casket Lottery Corporation this Parliament Ron McLean used to sit Limited—Statement of Corporate Intent somewhere near where the current Minister for 1997-98 Primary Industries sits. The member for Logan Late tabling statement from the Treasurer referred to school programs as they related to (Mr Hamill) regarding the 1997-98 annual 12 Papers 2 Mar 1999

report of the Golden Casket Lottery Ports Corporation of Queensland— Corporation Limited Statement of Corporate Intent 1997-98 26 November 1998— Rockhampton Port Authority—Annual Townsville District Health Foundation— Report and Statement of Corporate Intent Annual Report 1997-98 1997-98 Late tabling statement from the Minister Townsville Port Authority—Annual Report for Health (Mrs Edmond) regarding the 1997-98 1997-98 annual report of the Townsville Townsville Port Authority—Statement of District Health Foundation Corporate Intent 1997-98 30 November 1998— Late tabling statement from the Minister The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation— for Transport and Minister for Main Roads Annual Report 1997-98 (Mr Bredhauer) regarding the 1997-98 Late tabling statement from the Minister annual reports of Bundaberg Port for Health (Mrs Edmond) regarding the Authority, Cairns Port Authority, 1997-98 annual report of The Prince Gladstone Port Authority, Mackay Port Charles Hospital Foundation Authority, Port of Brisbane Corporation, Ports Corporation of Queensland, 2 December 1998— Rockhampton Port Authority and Valuers Registration Board of Townsville Port Authority Queensland—Annual Report 1997-98 Queensland Rail—Annual Report 1997-98 8 December 1998— Queensland Rail—Statement of Corporate Far North Queensland Hospital Intent 1997-98 Foundation—Annual Report 1997-98 Late tabling statement from the Minister Late tabling statement from the Minister for Transport and Minister for Main Roads for Health (Mrs Edmond) regarding the (Mr Bredhauer) regarding the 1997-98 1997-98 annual report of Far North annual report of Queensland Rail Queensland Hospital Foundation Central Electricity Retail Corporation 9 December 1998— (Ergon Energy)—Annual Report 1997-98 Childrens Court of Queensland—Annual Late tabling statement from the Minister Report 1997-98 for Mines and Energy and Minister 10 December 1998— Assisting the Deputy Premier on Regional Grainco Limited—Annual Report and Development (Mr McGrady) regarding the Annual Financial Report for the year ended 1997-98 annual report of Central 31 August 1998 Electricity Retail Corporation (Ergon Energy) 11 December 1998— 14 December 1998— Bundaberg Port Authority—Annual Report 1997-98 Auditor-General of Queensland Report No. 3 1998-99—Audits Performed for Bundaberg Port Authority—Statement of 1997-98 Corporate Intent 1997-98 Cairns Port Authority—Annual Report Department of Transport—Annual Report 1997-98 1997-98 Cairns Port Authority—Statement of Late tabling statement from the Minister Corporate Intent 1997-98 for Transport and Minister for Main Roads (Mr Bredhauer) regarding the 1997-98 Gladstone Port Authority—Annual Report annual report of the Department of 1997-98 Transport Gladstone Port Authority—Statement of 15 December 1998— Corporate Intent 1997-98 Mackay Port Authority—Annual Report Department of Mines and Energy—Annual 1997-98 Report 1997-98 Mackay Port Authority—Statement of Late tabling statement from the Minister Corporate Intent 1997-98 for Mines and Energy and Minister Assisting the Deputy Premier on Regional Port of Brisbane Corporation—Annual Development (Mr McGrady) regarding the Report 1997-98 1997-98 annual report of the Department Port of Brisbane Corporation—Statement of Mines and Energy of Corporate Intent 1997-98 16 December 1998— Ports Corporation of Queensland—Annual Scrutiny of Legislation Committee—Alert Report 1997-98 Digest No. 11 of 1998 2 Mar 1999 Papers 13

17 December 1998— Late tabling statement from the Minister Public Works Committee Report No. 53— for Environment and Heritage and Minister Construction of 30 Citytrain carriages for Natural Resources (Mr Welford) regarding the 1997-98 annual report of the Public Works Committee Report No. 54— Townsville Thuringowa Water Supply Construction of a new school and Board secondary department at Tin Can Bay Greyhound Racing Authority—Annual Public Works Committee Report No. 55— Report 1997-98 Redevelopment of the Maryborough Late tabling statement from the Minister Hospital for Tourism, Sport and Racing 21 December 1998— (Mr Gibbs) regarding the 1997-98 annual Royal Children's Hospital Foundation— report of the Greyhound Racing Authority Annual Report 1997-98 Explanation from the Minister for Late tabling statement from the Minister Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander for Health (Mrs Edmond) regarding the Policy and 1997-98 annual report of the Royal Minister for Women's Policy and Minister Children's Hospital Foundation for Fair Trading (Ms Spence) regarding Murray-Darling Basin Commission—Annual the granting of a further extension of time Report 1997-98 for the tabling of the Island Industries Board Annual Report for the year ended Queensland River Improvement Trusts— 31 January 1998 Summarised Annual Report 1997-98 8 January 1999— 22 December 1998— Members' Ethics and Parliamentary Queensland Law Reform Commission Privileges Committee Report No. 26—First Report No. 53—Review of the Limitation report on the powers, rights and of Actions Act 1974 (Qld) immunities of the Legislative Assembly, its 23 December 1998— committees and members Dumaresq-Barwon Border Rivers Toowoomba Hospital Foundation—Annual Commission—Annual Report 1997-98 Report 1997-98 Late tabling statement from the Minister Late tabling statement from the Minister for Environment and Heritage and for Health (Mrs Edmond) regarding the Minister for Natural Resources (Mr 1997-98 annual report of the Toowoomba Welford) regarding the 1997-98 annual Hospital Foundation report of the Dumaresq-Barwon Border 24 December 1998— Rivers Commission Bore Water Boards, Drainage Boards and 27 January 1999— Water Boards—Summarised Annual Island Industries Board—Annual Report Report 1997-98 for the year ended 31 January 1998 Late tabling statement from the Minister Late tabling statement from the Minister for Environment and Heritage and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander for Natural Resources (Mr Welford) Policy and Minister for Women's Policy regarding the 1997-98 summarised annual and Minister for Fair Trading (Ms Spence) report of Bore Water Boards, Drainage regarding the annual report for the year Boards and Water Boards ended 31 January 1998 of the Island Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board— Industries Board Annual Report 1997-98 Queensland Government Progress Report on the Implementation of the Late tabling statement from the Minister Recommendations of the Royal for Environment and Heritage and Minister Commission Into Aboriginal Deaths in for Natural Resources (Mr Welford) Custody 1996-97 regarding the 1997-98 annual report of the Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board 3 February 1999— Gladstone Area Water Board—Annual Gold Coast Hospital Foundation—Annual Report 1997-98 Report 1997-98 Late tabling statement from the Minister Late tabling statement from the Minister for Environment and Heritage and Minister for Health (Mrs Edmond) regarding the for Natural Resources (Mr Welford) 1997-98 annual report of the Gold Coast regarding the 1997-98 annual report of the Hospital Foundation Gladstone Area Water Board 8 February 1999— Townsville Thuringowa Water Supply Office of the Adult Guardian—Annual Board—Annual Report 1997-98 Report 1997-98 14 Papers 2 Mar 1999

9 February 1999— Coroners Act 1958— Commission of Inquiry—Corrections in the Coroners Amendment Rule (No. 1) 1998, Balance a Review of Corrective Services No. 326 in Queensland Coroners Regulation 1998, No. 304 15 February 1999— Criminal Justice Act 1989— Queensland Egg Industry Management Criminal Justice Amendment Regulation Authority—Final Report 27 June 1998 to (No. 1) 1999, No. 11 31 December 1998 Dairy Industry Act 1993— STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS Dairy Industry (Market Milk Prices) The following statutory instruments were tabled Amendment Order (No. 1) 1999, No. 10 by The Clerk— Dairy Industry (Market Milk Prices) Order Aboriginal Land Act 1991— (No. 2) 1998, No. 376 Aboriginal Land Amendment Regulation Dental Technicians and Dental Prosthetists Act (No. 1) 1998, No. 331 1991— Acts Interpretation Act 1954, Constitution Act Dental Technicians and Dental 1867, Officials in Parliament Act 1896— Prosthetists Amendment Regulation Administrative Arrangements Order (No. 1) (No. 1) 1998, No. 305 1999 District Court Act 1967— Ambulance Service Act 1991— District Court Amendment Regulation Ambulance Service Amendment (No. 2) 1998, No. 340 Regulation (No. 2) 1998, No. 333 District Court Amendment Rule (No. 1) Appeal Costs Fund Act 1973, Coroners Act 1998, No. 339 1958, Justices Act 1886, Registration of Births, Drugs Misuse Act 1986— Deaths and Marriages Act 1962, Small Claims Tribunals Act 1973— Drugs Misuse Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 348 Justice Legislation (Variation of Fees) Regulation 1998, No. 337 Education (General Provisions) Act 1989— Auctioneers and Agents Act 1971— Education (General Provisions) Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 1998, Auctioneers and Agents (Exemptions) No. 355 Amendment Regulation (No. 4) 1998, No. 315 Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996— Brisbane Forest Park Act 1977— Education (Overseas Students) Regulation 1998, No. 322 Brisbane Forest Park Regulation 1998, No. 367 Electricity Act 1994— Electricity Amendment Regulation (No. 4) Building and Construction Industry (Portable 1998, No. 327 Long Service Leave) Act 1991— Electricity Amendment Regulation (No. 5) Building and Construction Industry 1998, No. 349 (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 1998, Electricity Amendment Act (No. 3) 1997— No. 319 Electricity Amendment (No. 3) Regulation Central Queensland University Act 1989— 1998, No. 314 Proclamation—the members of the Proclamation—certain provisions of the Council appointed under section 8(1)(h) of Act commence 13 December 1998, the Act assume office on 13 November No. 328 1998 Proclamation—certain provisions of the Central Queensland University Act 1998— Act commence 22 February 1999, No. 9 Proclamation—the provisions of the Act Environmental Protection Act 1994— that are not in force commence 1 January Environmental Protection Amendment 1999, No. 356 Regulation (No. 2) 1998, No. 316 Commissions of Inquiry Act 1950— Environmental Protection Amendment Commissions of Inquiry (Forde Inquiry— Regulation (No. 3) 1998, No. 358 Quorum) Amendment Regulation (No. 2) Environmental Protection (Interim Waste) 1998, No. 377 Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 1998, Competition Policy Reform (Queensland) Act No. 330 1996, Dairy Industry Act 1993— Fair Trading Act 1989— Dairy Industry Amendment Regulation Fair Trading Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 332 (No. 1) 1998, No. 306 2 Mar 1999 Papers 15

Fire and Rescue Authority Act 1990— Integrated Planning Act 1997— Fire and Rescue Authority Amendment Local Government Court Amendment Rule Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 324 (No. 1) 1998, No. 311 Fire and Rescue Authority Legislation Intellectually Disabled Citizens Act 1985— Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, Intellectually Disabled Citizens Regulation No. 372 1998, No. 342 Fisheries Act 1994— Justices Act 1886— Fisheries Amendment Regulation (No. 5) 1998, No. 370 Justices Amendment Regulation (No. 3) 1998, No. 303 Fisheries Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1999, No. 2 Justices Act 1886, Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995— Fisheries (Purse Seine Net Emergency Closed Waters) Declaration No. 1 of 1999 Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act No. 321 1963— Juvenile Justice Legislation Amendment Act Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies 1998— Regulation 1998, No. 320 Proclamation—the provisions of the Act Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1963, that are not in force commence 7 Food Act 1981, Health Act 1937, Mental Health December 1998, No. 325 Act 1974, Radioactive Substances Act 1958— Local Government Act 1993— Health Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 343 Local Government (Areas) Amendment Forestry Act 1959— Regulation (No. 1) 1999, No. 6 Forestry Amendment Regulation (No. 4) Local Government (Boonah, Brisbane, 1998, No. 310 Esk, Ipswich and Laidley) Regulation 1999, No. 5 Forestry (State Forests) Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 1998, No. 365 Magistrates Courts Act 1921— Government Owned Corporations Act 1993— Magistrates Courts Amendment Rule (No. 3) 1998, No. 341 Government Owned Corporations Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, Mental Health Act 1974— No. 336 Mental Health Amendment Regulation Health Act 1937— (No. 1) 1998, No. 374 Health Amendment Regulation (No. 1) Mineral Resources Act 1989— 1999, No. 4 Mineral Resources Amendment Regulation Health (Drugs and Poisons) Amendment (No. 1) 1999, No. 1 Regulation (No. 1) 1999, No. 8 Nature Conservation Act 1992— Health and Other Legislation Amendment Act Nature Conservation Amendment 1998— Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 362 Proclamation—certain provisions of the Nature Conservation (Macropod Harvest Act commence 21 December 1998, Period) Notice 1998, No. 307 No. 346 Proclamation—certain provisions of the Nature Conservation (Macropod Act commence 8 February 1999, No. 3 Harvesting) Amendment Conservation Plan (No. 1) 1998, No. 361 Health Practitioners (Special Events Exemption) Act 1998— Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Amendment Regulation (No. 10) 1998, Health Practitioners (Special Events No. 323 Exemption) Regulation 1998, No. 345 Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Health Services Act 1991— Amendment Regulation (No. 11) 1998, Health Services Amendment Regulation No. 360 (No. 1) 1998, No. 344 Police and Other Legislation (Miscellaneous Hospitals Foundations Act 1982— Provisions) Act 1998— Hospitals Foundations Amendment Proclamation—certain provisions of the Regulation (No. 3) 1998, No. 313 Act commence 18 December 1998, Industrial Development Amendment Act 1998— No. 373 Proclamation—certain provisions of the Psychologists Act 1977— Act commence 18 December 1998, Psychologists Amendment By-law (No. 1) No. 335 1998, No. 347 16 Papers 2 Mar 1999

Public Trustee Act 1978— Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Public Trustee (Fees and Charges Notice) Act 1994— (No. 1) 1999 Transport Operations (Passenger Queensland Building Services Authority Act Transport) Amendment Regulation (No. 3) 1991— 1998, No. 353 Queensland Building Services Authority Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, Act 1995— No. 375 Transport Operations (Road Use Queensland University of Technology Act Management) Amendment Regulation 1988— (No. 1) 1998, No. 354 Queensland University of Technology Transport Operations (Road Use (Statutes Repeal) Statute 1998, No. 309 Management-Fatigue Management) Queensland University of Technology Act Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, 1998— No. 329 Proclamation—commencement of certain University of Southern Queensland Act 1989— provisions of the Act, No. 308 Proclamation—the members of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1985— Council appointed under section 8(1)(h) of the Act assume office on 18 December Rural Lands Protection Amendment 1998 Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 363 University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998— Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1994— Proclamation—the provisions of the Act that are not in force commence 1 January Proclamation—certain provisions of the 1999, No. 357 Act commence 21 December 1998, No. 366 Valuation of Land and Other Legislation Amendment Act 1998— Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982— Proclamation—the provisions of the Act that are not in force commence 18 Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements December 1998, No. 364 Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 312 Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936— Statutory Instruments Act 1992— Veterinary Surgeons Amendment Statutory Instruments Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 371 Regulation (No. 2) 1998, No. 334 Water Resources Act 1989— Sugar Industry Act 1991— Water Resources (North Burdekin Water Sugar Industry Amendment Regulation Area) Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1998, (No. 2) 1998, No. 369 No. 368 Superannuation (State Public Sector) Act Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995— 1990— Workplace Health and Safety (Advisory Superannuation (State Public Sector) Standards) Amendment Notice (No. 1) Amendment of Deed Regulation (No. 1) 1998, No. 359 1999, No. 7 Workplace Health and Safety Amendment Supreme Court of Queensland Act 1991— Regulation (No. 2) 1998, No. 318 Supreme Court Amendment Rule (No. 1) MINISTERIAL RESPONSES TO 1998, No. 338 PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE REPORTS Traffic Act 1949— The following responses to parliamentary Traffic Amendment Regulation (No. 2) committee reports, received during the recess, 1998, No. 350 were tabled by The Clerk— Transport Legislation Amendment Act 1997— response from the Minister for Police and Corrective Services (Mr Barton) to a Transport Legislation Amendment report of the Travelsafe Committee Regulation 1998, No. 317 entitled Brisbane's Citytrain Network—Part Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act Two—Passenger Security; 1994— response from the Minister for Transport Transport Operations (Marine Safety) and Minister for Main Roads (Mr Amendment Regulation (No. 6) 1998, Bredhauer) to a report of the Travelsafe No. 351 Committee entitled Brisbane's Citytrain Transport Operations (Marine Safety Network—Part Two—Passenger Security; Crewing for Commercial and Fishing response from the Minister for Ships) Interim Standard (No. 2) 1998, Environment and Heritage and Minister for No. 352 Natural Resources (Mr Welford) to a 2 Mar 1999 Questions Without Notice 17

report of the Public Works Committee the Federal Court when the matter is entitled The Mareeba/Dimbulah Irrigation heard next month." Area Project; interim response from the Minister for Emergency Services (Mrs Rose) to a QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE report of the Public Works Committee Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for entitled Construction of a hot fire training Fitzroy facility by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority; Mr BORBIDGE (10.36 a.m.): I ask the Minister for Mines and Energy: does he response from the Premier (Mr Beattie) to a report of the Public Accounts support the activities of the member for Fitzroy Committee entitled Review of the Report at the Gordonstone picket that justified and of the Strategic Review of the Queensland resulted in his arrest? Does the Minister Audit Office; support his colleague's actions, as the Premier response from the Minister for Police and has done? Corrective Services (Mr Barton) to a Mr McGRADY: What the Opposition has report of the Public Works Committee to understand is that the member for Fitzroy is entitled The upgrading of the Townsville an ex-coalminer. The member for Fitzroy Correctional Centre; represents people who are involved in the response from the Minister for Emergency coalmining industry. The member for Fitzroy Services (Mrs Rose) to a report of the felt that he had a responsibility to be with his Public Works Committee entitled electors at that pressing time. He has made a Construction of a hot fire training facility by the Queensland Fire and Rescue decision. As the member for Fitzroy represents Authority; and those people, he is entitled to make that decision. If he feels it is correct, I support him. interim response from the Acting Premier (Mr Elder) to a report of the Legal, Constitutional and Administrative Review Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Committee entitled The preservation and Fitzroy enhancement of individuals' rights and freedoms in Queensland: Should Mr BORBIDGE: In directing a question to Queensland adopt a bill of rights? the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, I point out to him that the Premier and the Minister for Mines and Energy have praised a NOTICE OF MOTION member of the Government for being arrested Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for at the Gordonstone picket. I ask: as first law Fitzroy officer does the Attorney-General and Minister Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers for Justice condone the behaviour of his Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) colleague? (10.35 a.m.): I give notice that I shall move— Mr FOLEY: I salute the member for "That this House, noting with concern Fitzroy. There are various ways in which one the impact on jobs and business shows respect for the law. The law must take confidence of the Gordonstone dispute, its course, but there is a tradition of civil calls on the Premier to— disobedience in which people show certain respect for the law. That is why Nelson dissociate himself and the Mandela is President of South Africa today. It Government from the continuing was not because Mr Mandela was a unlawful activities of certain of the lawbreaker that he was elevated to that picketers at the Gordonstone mine; position; it was because he showed a condemn the actions of CFMEU commitment to his beliefs and accepted the organised protesters who have consequences of having broken the law of the prevented the peaceable passage of time. His example shines through history as a workers at the mine to and from their devotion to the principles of justice. homes; One need only look to the work of discipline the Member for Fitzroy over Mahatma Gandhi to see how the tradition of his public comments that he stands non-violent civil disobedience can— by his decision to break the law; and Opposition members interjected. calls for the immediate abandonment Mr SPEAKER: Order! of the CFMEU picket line at Gordonstone and for all parties to the Mr FOLEY: The member for Fitzroy dispute to argue their case before stands in a proud tradition. The member for 18 Questions Without Notice 2 Mar 1999

Fitzroy has taken certain actions for which he in seven months. We will stay on target for must accept the consequences, but that is not reaching a 5% unemployment rate. We know a matter for derision; that is a matter in which that it will be difficult and that it has been one must show respect for the principles which made more difficult by the Asian economic he has sought to express. crisis. The balance of payments figures released yesterday indicate that it will become more and more difficult for us. However, we will Unemployment not leave the unemployed on the scrap heap, Mr SULLIVAN: I refer the Premier to the as they were under the former Federal Treasurer's backing for the Premier's Borbidge/Sheldon Government, which target of a 5% unemployment rate, and I ask: predicted in its Budget that unemployment where do the Queensland Nationals stand on would go up. We have tackled the issue head this issue? on and achieved results. Mr BEATTIE: I thank the honourable member for his very intelligent and scintillating Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for question. I never thought that I would have Fitzroy Peter Costello on side or that he would be Dr WATSON: In directing a question to arguing for and supporting a 5% the Premier, I point out that there is a clear unemployment target. Where does that leave distinction between his side and our side. I the Leader of the Opposition and the National refer the Premier to his comments made Party? Nowhere! Where does it leave the during an interview with Carolyn Tucker on 18 Leader of the Liberal Party? Nowhere! Do February 1999 concerning the arrest of the members know why? The Leader of the member for Fitzroy in which the Premier said, Opposition is interested in only one job, and "I wouldn't expect any less of him and I that is the one he is having difficulty hanging support what he did ... I don't see anything onto. Interestingly, there has been a shift of wrong with that", and I ask: as this Parliament critical mass among those opposite. is charged with the responsibility of enacting I was intrigued by a comment made by laws with which all Queenslanders are required the Leader of the Opposition when he was to comply, why does the Premier find it struggling to hang onto his job. He said that he acceptable for a member of this House to had some certainty. Do members recall that he deliberately break the law when it suits him? said they were all united and he was feeling Mr BEATTIE: Mr Speaker, we have not very secure? When he was asked by the taken a point of order in relation to this issue, Courier-Mail about the level of commitment he and I will not be doing so. However, as the said, "I have a commitment from the party Opposition wants to talk about procedures, room that I am the leader until the next time points of order and the law, I point out that there will be a vote", which he said would be in there is a rule called sub judice. This matter is about 2001. If I were the Leader of the before the courts. The Opposition has no Opposition, I would not feel too secure about respect for the law or this institution, because it it. We heard a doozey from the member for is breaching all of the protocols. The Gregory also. The same newspaper reported Opposition well knows that this matter is before that, when asked why the challengers did not the courts, yet it is prepared to throw out that wait for six months when a challenge might rule. have been more successful, the member for Let us talk about law and order— Gregory replied, "They probably will, mate." something that the Opposition rips up to suit There is a very clear difference between its political convenience. Let me make it the Opposition and the Government. We have absolutely clear that I expect every one of the a commitment to pursuing jobs in this State, members on this side of the House—every and we will. Our track record is clear. We set a member of the Government—to have the guts target of delivering 30,000 jobs in the first 12 and courage to stand up for the people they months. In the first seven months, we have represent, and that includes Jim Pearce. He created around 35,000 jobs in this State. has stood up for the people he represents, not Within seven months, we have more than only as a former coalminer but also as achieved our 12-month target. The someone who is representing the people in his unemployment rate, which was 8.9% when we area. The reason the former Government was came to office, is now 8.2%. We have reduced thrown out—the never-never Government; the it to that level within seven months. The Government that never did anything—was that Government has been in office for eight it stood for nothing. It saw no value in months, but we have achieved that reduction principles. 2 Mar 1999 Questions Without Notice 19

There is a proud tradition in Western man who stands by his principles is a man society whereby members of Parliament and indeed. people who have felt strongly enough about matters of principle have been able to stand up. They stood up against the Nazis in Job Creation Germany and against oppression and fascism Mr ROBERTS: I refer the Premier to his in Europe. The Opposition is saying that ongoing commitment to job creation in this people should not have the right to stand up State, and I ask: is he aware of any for matters of principle. comparisons between the performance of his Mr Borbidge interjected. Government and that of the Borbidge/Sheldon Mr BEATTIE: I am talking about a matter Government? of principle. Mr BEATTIE: Let us talk about Mr Borbidge interjected. achievements with respect to job creation. I mentioned before the fact that we had a target Mr BEATTIE: Here we go. This is the man of creating 30,000 jobs in the first 12 months who would like to run his party such that no- and that we have achieved about 35,000 jobs one has a say. He has seen what that does. so far. Unemployment has come down from They nearly threw him out last week. He went 8.9% to 8.2%, when under the last to within a whisker of being thrown out not only Borbidge/Sheldon Budget it was predicted to because he does not listen to people but also increase. Under us, it has come down. What because he is not prepared to allow them to are we doing? We are delivering 1,800 more have a say. jobs each month than did the Mr Borbidge: If you don't like the law, Borbidge/Sheldon Government. Members change it; you're the Government. should think about that figure. That is a very Mr BEATTIE: Let us talk about industrial clear and stark difference between us. In other relations. I am glad the member raised that words, we have a job creation rate that is issue. almost 60% higher than that of the Borbidge/Sheldon never-never Government. Mr Mackenroth: Like Joan Sheldon and That is the difference between us. the speeding fine. Let us talk about some of the track record Mr BEATTIE: We do not all take the of the previous Government—the never-never same approach to the law that Joan Sheldon Government. What did it do? It not only failed took to dealing with a speeding fine; that is every unemployed Queenslander—and, as I exactly right. said, the Leader of the Opposition is interested The position is very simple. There are in only one job, and that is his own—the problems with the industrial laws in this member for Caloundra brought down a Budget country. The industrial laws pursued by Peter that forecast higher unemployment. That was Reith and the Federal Government—and this the best that that Government could do. That matter is under a Federal award, as the is what its last Budget forecast. Leader of the Opposition knows—lead to We have talked about industrial relations. confrontation in the work force. Those laws The workplace agreements of the member for should be changed by the Federal Clayfield have been a monumental failure. His Government so that we can resolve these industrial relations approach was about issues by negotiation and discussion, not by confrontation and about seeing a battlefield for confrontation. industrial relations—something that we will I have made it very, very clear to my review. There will be changes to our industrial Minister for Industrial Relations that I want a laws to make certain that appropriate laws are review of industrial laws in this State so that it in place. What else did that never-never does not become a battlefield. We are not Government do? It failed to resolve the Wik prepared to accept the nonsense left by the impasse. It was no surprise that it would not previous never-never Government. We want even talk to all of the parties concerned. It industrial laws that give workers a fair go but at imposed a capital works freeze. The member the same time encourage industry. There will for Surfers Paradise criticised us over Expo, be a review of industrial laws under this State but he could not even win it. He put in a losing Government and, yes, we will be making the bid for it. He granted an exclusive agreement appropriate changes to make certain that this to develop a superstadium to developers who State is given the jobs energy and drive that is could not deliver on the terms that they were necessary. In conclusion, let me say that a given. 20 Questions Without Notice 2 Mar 1999

The former Goss Government set money Here in Queensland only the other day we aside for the Roma Street redevelopment in had Minister Reith saying he had no intention the 1995 Budget, and the coalition did nothing of intervening, that he was quite prepared to for two and a half years. It was a never-never let them slug it out for as long as it took. That Government that did nothing. Four Ministers flies in the face of what this country was were forced to resign. The member for famous for—an industrial conciliation and Indooroopilly failed the Parliament and the arbitration system which included a people of Queensland by refusing to resign commission which had the power when after losing the confidence of the Parliament. appropriate to intervene. It is this sort of The member for Toowoomba North, when he legislation that we will be bringing in that will was Health Minister, fudged the public hospital bring back to Queensland under Queensland waiting lists. The former member for awards a commission which will have the Tablelands broke up the electricity industry, power to intervene, to intercede, to conciliate paving the way for privatisation. They and to arbitrate and not allow these things to introduced an elitist Leading Schools program drag on. in Education. You would think, Mr Speaker, that they The member for Noosa was an would have learnt their lesson from the Patrick international embarrassment over his ridiculous dispute, one of the most disgraceful episodes plans to set up rhino parks in Queensland. He in Australian history where thugs in balaclavas also caused the loss of millions of dollars in and guard dogs were the supporters of the taxpayers' money in a shonky cruise line coalition members of Parliament in this venture, and gave the Gold Coast Indy country. When that collapsed through the naming rights to a real estate agent who could intervention of the common law courts, then not pay and who went broke. What a hopeless the parties were able to negotiate and a good Government we saw! We saw a relentless result came about. But it would never have campaign to reduce the powers of the criminal been a good result if the High Court of justice system. There is a contrast between us: Australia and the Federal Court of Australia we are a can-do Government; they were a had not struck down the disgraceful actions of never-never Government. coalition members of Parliament in Canberra and their supporters. Industrial Relations Laws; Gordonstone In relation to our legislation, I promise the Mine Dispute members opposite this: the Parliament will give Mr SANTORO: I refer the Minister for back to the Industrial Relations Commission of Industrial Relations to events at Gordonstone this State the powers to do the job that needs and to the issue that underpins the events of to be done, and workers in this State will have Gordonstone, that is, the issue of choice of unions and there will be a reasonable system union labour as against non-union labour. I whereby both unionists and non-unionists will refer the Minister to the comments that the be able to work in this State under a good set Premier has just made and, in particular, his of industrial legislation. request to the Minister that he introduce new industrial relations laws. Under the Minister's Employment Levels in Manufacturing Sector industrial laws and those foreshadowed by the Premier, will employers have the right and the Mr PITT: I ask the Minister for State choice to employ union and non-union labour Development and Trade: can he inform the under either awards or contract arrangements? House of current employment levels in the Mr BRADDY: Certainly the greatest manufacturing sector in Queensland? significance of this Gordonstone dispute is that Mr ELDER: I thank the member for his it highlights the difference between coalition question because, as a former Minister in this Governments and Labor Governments in this area, he knows only too well some of the State. This dispute has dragged on since 1997 proud achievements of the Goss Government because the Australian Industrial Relations in relation to the manufacturing sector in this Commission was totally emasculated by the State. Members should remember that back in Workplace Relations Act brought in by the the seventies and the eighties when the Opposition's colleagues in the Federal coalition was in Government we had a small Parliament. They completely broke the system manufacturing base. There was hardly any that this country was famous for: arbitration work done in extending the economy and and conciliation. So since 1997 this has been broadening the economy. We tended to just the cause of the dispute. grow it, rip it up and ship it overseas. 2 Mar 1999 Questions Without Notice 21

As I said, one of the proudest Crop Insurance; Stamp Duty achievements of the Goss Government was Mr COOPER: I refer the Minister for that when we came into Government about Primary Industries to the recent spate of crop 150,000 people were employed in the failures and damage as a result of Cyclone manufacturing sector. It would be that sector Rona, the south-east Queensland floods and that would broaden the economy and provide the massive unseasonable rainfall across the the long-term sustainable jobs—jobs for grain belt, and I ask the Minister: does he working Queenslanders. When we left acknowledge that the assistance offered by Government, 184,000 people were employed in the manufacturing sector. During our period the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority will of Government the employment sector grew be of limited value to those farmers, given by 17%. When we left office we thought we left than many will not meet the narrow eligibility it in good hands, but we left it with a Minister criteria, and will his Government now reinstate who had no industrial policy and, as the the former Borbidge Government's widely Premier has outlined further, found his best applauded Budget initiative to abolish the and greatest interests in going to South Africa unfair 8.5% stamp duty imposed on farmers looking for rhinoceroses and looking at failed who insure their crops? cruise lines and failed Indy sponsorships. Mr PALASZCZUK: I welcome the What he did was take his eye off the ball, question from the shadow Minister for Primary and at that stage we saw a dramatic fall. There Industries so that I can make a response to was no industry policy, no direction and a the House in relation to the severe damage department that was moribund. We saw a fall caused by Cyclone Rona. In relation to the in the manufacturing sector, particularly the crops, much of the pawpaw crop was close to employment sector, to about 167,000. In other harvest and, consequently, a large proportion words, they axed all the support programs that of this fruit has been damaged and is not we had in place in the most important sector suitable for sale. Similarly, large areas of the that would provide the jobs, as I said earlier. banana crop have been damaged by high They axed all of those programs—each and winds. every one of them. Mainly due to the efforts of The cyclone did not cause much structural employers over the two years of the Borbidge damage to the Mossman sugar mill; however, Government and without support from the the cane farmers all the way from Mossman Borbidge Government, they managed to grow down to the Herbert River have been affected it back to about 175,000 employed. That was by flooding and wind damage. It is too early all the work of the employers. yet to assess the economic impacts, but Let me tell honourable members that preliminary estimates suggest a 20% reduction today, seven months into Government, back in sugar production, which equates to a loss of working with the manufacturing sector, between $50m and $60m. The affected area providing the support for the manufacturing has been declared a natural disaster area, and sector that Governments should to actually primary producers can now access low interest grow and broaden the economy, we have loans through the Queensland Rural 186,000 employed in the manufacturing Adjustment Authority. I am pleased to inform sector. That is a rise of 11,000 employed in the House that a team of QRAA officers have this pivotal sector in the first six months of our been travelling through the affected areas to Government. The first six months of the meet with producers and to assist with the coalition Government saw a fall of 19,000 in this critical sector. The first six months of this lodgment of their applications. Government, with support from Government In relation to the south-east corner, I working with industry to provide the programs personally visited the Esk Valley and spoke to that give them the opportunity to grow an many of the farmers there who were affected export base and an export culture, saw the by the flooding. I think most members in this growth of 11,000. House and probably most people out there in I see the member for Burnett, now back in the community do not realise the severity of his new role as they shuffle the deck the flood that swept through the Gympie area chairs—Slack by name, slack by nature— and through the South Burnett region. The starting to criticise it. He should watch this flood that swept through the Gympie area space because he will find that with us working would probably have been the most severe with the manufacturing sector over these years flood since 1893. The dairy farmers and crop in Government we will provide the support that farmers in that area have been badly affected. is needed by that sector to actually grow a I have taken on board many of their concerns. robust economy. Together with industry—together with the fruit Time expired. and vegetable growers and the canefarmers— 22 Questions Without Notice 2 Mar 1999 the Government, through the Department of In other words, in the time of the Beattie Primary Industries, is putting together a Government, Queensland's share of all the submission to the Federal Government for new jobs generated in Australia has been exceptional circumstances assistance. some 41%. That compares more than We have taken on board the concerns favourably with the contribution of Queensland about the issue of stamp duty. I have been under the coalition, that is, 32%. One wonders speaking to the Treasurer about it. It is about where the Leader of the Opposition gets his time the Opposition stopped bleating and so-called facts. harping at the Government and instead Furthermore, this morning in the became more positive about what this Parliament we heard—and we saw it in the Government is doing in relation to damage to article of last week that I referred to—the crops, to the sugar industry and to the Leader of the Opposition claiming that livelihoods of our very important farmers. unemployment in Queensland has gone up. Nothing could be further from the truth. There have been 35,000 new jobs created in Job Creation Queensland under the Beattie Government. Mr LUCAS: I draw the attention of the Under this Government unemployment in Treasurer to the recent claims by the Queensland is at its lowest level in nine years. Opposition Leader that job creation in Under this Government unemployment has Queensland as a percentage of national job fallen to 8.2%—the lowest level in nine years creation is half what it was, and I ask: what is and a level well below that ever reached when the Beattie Government's record on job Mr Borbidge was Premier of Queensland. I creation in Queensland? think it is about time the Leader of the Mr HAMILL: The Courier-Mail article of Opposition picked up his act—that is what his last Thursday entitled "Return of Dead Man colleagues were saying to him last week—and Walking", which the Premier referred to earlier, started applying the facts rather than fantasy. certainly reminds us that some things simply do not change. Firstly, the Leader of the Minister for Fair Trading, Office Fit-out Opposition loves talking down Queensland's performance. Secondly, truth and the Leader Mr DAVIDSON: I ask the Minister for of the Opposition rarely coincide. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy and Minister for Women's Policy and Minister for The Leader of the Opposition claimed in Fair Trading: given that she has stated publicly his article that job creation in Queensland as a that she was not aware of the finer details of percentage of national job creation is half what her office fit-out, is she now suggesting that it was. For the information of the Leader of the this signature I am pointing to on these Opposition and indeed all honourable detailed plans is not her signature? Does members of the House, I point out that in the somebody else called Judy Spence work in her period since the Beattie Government came to office or did she lie to the people of office—from July 1998 through to January Queensland? 1999—an average of 5,000 new jobs has been created in each and every month. That Ms SPENCE: I am very happy to answer level of job creation compares very favourably the question. As the member for Noosa would indeed with every other jurisdiction in the be aware, the plans he has in front of him country. In fact, the rest of the country have two signatures on them that are mine. combined could generate only 7,200 jobs per One plan is the sign-off for the electricity and month over the same period. power points on the 18th floor of Mineral House. The other plan is a sign-off for the Mr Beattie: That is the issue; that is the layout or the floor plan of Mineral House. He point. does not have my signature on any costings Mr HAMILL: That is the issue. If we for individual items—— compare that with the performance of Mr Mr DAVIDSON: Mr Speaker, I rise to a Borbidge's Government we find that job point of order. creation in Queensland has been stepped up considerably under this Labor Government. In Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of fact, in the period the coalition was in office, order. job creation in Queensland averaged some Mr DAVIDSON: I have a point of order, Mr 3,200 per month. That is substantially below Speaker. the 5,000 per month achieved under this Mr SPEAKER: The question is being Government. answered. 2 Mar 1999 Questions Without Notice 23

Mr DAVIDSON: You have to hear the advice, has been able to flourish on the Gold point of order. Coast in recent years? Mr SPEAKER: In the middle of an Ms SPENCE: I thank the honourable answer? member for the question. I am sure many Ms SPENCE: The former Minister does members have been wondering why not have my signature on any costings for unscrupulous property marketeers were individual items—— allowed to flourish on the Gold Coast during the term of the coalition Government, ripping Mr DAVIDSON: I rise to a point of order, off battlers from rural and regional Mr Speaker. I now table for the information of Queensland, interstate and overseas. Let us the House a plan of the bathroom fittings, not forget: the properties being sold by these signed by the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister marketeers are not being sold to their mates in Spence. the white shoe brigade; they are being sold to Ms SPENCE: We know that the member ordinary Australians, people who have a little for Noosa has that plan. There are plans for bit of extra money to invest in an investment the layout. There are some items on some property. plans. There are no plans with any sign-off on I think many of us have been wondering the costings. Let us look at how the former why these marketeers have been allowed to coalition Government operated. The member frolic on the homefront of coalition members for Noosa is trying to tell the Queensland representing Gold Coast electorates such as public that as a Minister I should be aware of the member for Surfers Paradise, the member the cost of every individual item that went into for Southport, the member for Nerang and the the fit-out of the 18th floor of Mineral House. I member for Merrimac. I think people would be would say that this is nonsense. Let us look at wondering why former coalition Minister the spending of his former ministerial Beanland introduced a rewrite of the colleagues. In the time remaining I have the auctioneers and agents legislation in opportunity to look at only one former Minister. Parliament last year but failed to mention once Applying the logic of the member for or to address the activities of these Noosa, the member for Caloundra would have marketeers. been aware, for example, that $8,231 was I think that people would be wondering spent on miscellaneous crockery and why the member for Noosa, who is so silverware for her office fit-out. Let us not interested in bathrooms, and who is supposed forget: the member for Caloundra took over a to be the Opposition spokesperson for Fair very well-equipped office in the Executive Trading and consumers affairs—a bit of Building that was vacated by the former tautology there—has said nothing about this Treasurer, Keith De Lacy, yet she managed to scam and has allowed those people to spend another $8,000 on crockery and operate freely without drawing them to our silverware. She managed to spend an attention. But I have stopped wondering, additional $66,000 on accommodation because I have seen some information about alterations. She managed to spend $43,000 the Liberal Party's political donors. The reason on a security upgrade. She managed to spend for the appalling inaction of coalition members $2,000 for ministerial signage. And she is becoming very clear. managed to spend over $48,000 altering the Now, there are a handful of names from workstations in that particular office. the Who's Who of Gold Coast property dealers Using the member's logic, the member for who stand out as leaders of the marketeering Caloundra would have been expected to know game. One of them is Chris Bilborough, the that the ice bucket purchased for her office frontman for the Epic Group, formerly trading cost $262 and that the Wedgwood plate she as National Asset Planning Corporation. Mr ate cake off—one plate—cost $177. Bilborough and his business practices have Time expired. featured in media exposés. He is the same Mr Bilborough who has featured on lists of Liberal Party donors. In fact, this Mr Bilborough gave Property Marketeers, Gold Coast the Liberal Party $10,000 in the year to 26 Ms STRUTHERS: I ask the Minister for October 1998. Now, that may be a Fair Trading: would she please inform the coincidence, because there is more. House why an unscrupulous property sales Rapcivic contractors of Surfers Paradise technique, where purchasers are duped into also gave the Liberal Party $5,000 during the buying overpriced property in the belief that same period. The sole director of Rapcivic is they are receiving negative gearing investment Mr James Raptis. Is this the same Mr James 24 Questions Without Notice 2 Mar 1999

Raptis of the Raptis Group Ltd, which is now a personal approach on compassionate tangled up in a complex legal case involving grounds from a solicitor representing the 19 New Zealand investors who were badly owner. The gentleman who owns the burned when they bought into the Phoenician Playroom is suffering from a terminal illness Health Spa and Resort at Broadbeach? and was keen to clear up his affairs—if I can Could this be why the member for Noosa use that word. Hence, we brought forward the and the rest of the coalition have not been sale. prepared to go out there and decry the Encompassed within the sale price, of activities of the marketeers—the very people course, is financial compensation for the who are spending money on their how-to-vote current lessees of the premises. Suffice it to cards? say that there have been problems, as all honourable members would be aware. For many years there have been problems with Freehold Land Management that establishment, the least being patrons Mr LESTER: I ask the Minister for wandering in an intoxicated state from the Environment and Heritage and Minister for Playroom into the Tallebudgera Recreation Natural Resources: following the State Camp, particularly when young kids have been Government's decision to review vegetarian there on school holidays. So it has a history of management on freehold land, will he give a problems. guarantee that his Government is committed But there is a clear conflict of interest. to providing compensation for any monetary or Once it becomes a legal fact that we have resource loss that may result from the changes purchased the premises, my Department of in the guidelines? Tourism, Sport and Racing and, more Mr WELFORD: I have not initiated any specifically, the Liquor Licensing Division, will review of vegetarian culinary delights at all, find themselves in the position where indirectly and I have the full support of the United we almost become the licensees of the Graziers Association premises. That is an intolerable position to be in. For example, if occurrences of under-age drinking or other matters arose, we would be Playroom Nightclub; Tallebudgera required to take action against the lessee. Recreation Camp There would be a clear conflict of interest; the Mr REEVES: I refer the Minister for department would actually have to hear Tourism, Sport and Racing to media reports appeals against a sentence or a fine that it that the infamous Playroom nightclub on the may have handed down when it was actually Gold Coast will cease to operate once the the owner of the premises itself. That situation Department of Tourism, Sport and Racing would be unavoidable. purchases the property as part of the planned In addition to that, if we had continued upgrade of the Tallebudgera Recreation forward, it would have meant that the Camp, and I ask: can the Minister inform the department would probably be faced with a House why it would be ill advised for the Government department responsible for liquor substantial bill to upgrade the premises, which licensing to, at the same time, be the owner of I do not believe is in a very healthy state at a licensed premises such as the Playroom? present. The department would be forced to censor acts that take place there. And a Mr GIBBS: Firstly, let me say that I number of unsavoury acts—if I can use that appreciate the public support given this terminology—have taken place there over the morning by the honourable member for years. It is simply an untenable situation for my Burleigh, who has taken a most responsible department. Quite frankly, the sooner the attitude in relation to this issue. She is aware, place is knocked down, the better off the as I am, of the problems that have surrounded whole community will be. that particular licensed establishment for a number of years. My ministerial colleague the member for Heiner Documents; Forde Inquiry Currumbin made a statement in relation to this Mr FELDMAN: I ask the Premier: in light issue some weeks ago, acting on advice from of Pat Comben's statements on the Sunday myself to her that we were in fact prepared to program, will the Premier make his position allow the Playroom to stay open for another clear on the question of Shreddergate and two years pending conditions that we could why his Government is not anxious for the place on the sale at that time. Unfortunately, Forde inquiry to investigate the illegal over the past couple of weeks I have received shredding of the Heiner documents, and will 2 Mar 1999 Questions Without Notice 25 he assure this House that no other evidence of which to do something. If he wanted to do child abuse has been shredded? something about this, why did he not establish Mr BEATTIE: My Government is the only an inquiry into the Heiner matter? At the end Government that has established a full inquiry of the day, he knows that no more public into child abuse. The Forde inquiry was given funds will be wasted on nonsense involving the power to independently assess child abuse Heiner. in any institution. That includes the John Oxley Mr FELDMAN: I rise to a point of order. Youth Detention Centre. The Premier is avoiding the question. I also What has happened in relation to the asked whether he would assure the House Heiner issue is that there are more that any other evidence of child abuse was not personalities and politics in it than in a fowl destroyed. yard. It started about allegations of abuse. The Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of Forde inquiry, which my Government order. established, gives the power to an independent commission to look at that Mr BEATTIE: I made it absolutely clear abuse. Now, that is the central issue here— that the matters of child abuse will be fully and nothing else. That is it—black and white. If we properly investigated. But I can assure the are genuinely interested in getting rid of child House of this: not one cent more of taxpayers' abuse in institutions, we will allow the Forde money is going to be spent on the Heiner inquiry to get on with its work. nonsense. There have been more inquiries Let us be very clear about this. Child into the Heiner nonsense than I have had hot abuse in the John Oxley Youth Detention dinners, and that is it. Centre can be fully investigated and, I understand, is being fully investigated by the Forde inquiry—although that is a matter for the Electricity Industry Restructure inquiry; I do not follow it on a day-to-day basis. Mrs ATTWOOD: The Minister for Mines It has the power to get to the bottom of that and Energy has outlined details of a issue. All of the other issues are, as far as I am restructure of the electricity industry. I accept concerned, the result of a number of that no rationalisation will occur. I ask: can he personalities and a number of difficulties that outline the benefits to be gained from the have emerged. restructuring of the distribution corporations? This came about because Beryce Nelson, Mr McGRADY: I thank the member for a former Minister for Family Services—or the question, because she, like all members whatever it was then—established an inquiry on this side, is certainly interested in the which was not properly established at law. That electricity industry and the recent restructure, is exactly where all this came from. The former which I believed captured the imagination of all National Party Government was so Queenslanders. This restructure that the incompetent that it could not even establish an Government went through was not about cost inquiry to protect the witnesses. cutting. It certainly was not about job losses. It Mr Borbidge: That's not right. was about doing things better. Recently I Mr BEATTIE: The temporary Leader of travelled up and down the State. I went to the Opposition may well want to interject, but Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns, the bottom line is this: the National Party Maryborough, Dalby and Mount Isa. I Government that established that inquiry—— addressed mass meetings. The first two questions I was asked at every one of those Mr Borbidge: You could have fixed that up. meetings was, firstly, "Who is the shadow Minister?" and, secondly, "Where is he Mr BEATTIE: Does the Leader of the hiding?" One day before the restructure was Opposition want to hear my answer? The announced, a press release was issued by the National Party Government that established shadow Minister saying, "This is going to cost that inquiry did not protect the witnesses, and jobs." When the media went looking for him, they ended up in a brawl. If members opposite they could not find him. I gave the media a are really interested in eliminating child few mobile numbers. I gave them the number abuse—and I believe that all members of this of his office. But the media could not find him. House should be—they will let the Forde That is how much interest he had in the inquiry get on and do its work, and they will not restructure. worry about the politics. Mr Elder: Did you call the police? As for the temporary Leader of the Opposition—he had two and a half years in Mr McGRADY: No, I did not. 26 Questions Without Notice 2 Mar 1999

As I travelled the length and breadth of For the first time, we are undertaking Queensland, I delivered a message: there will comprehensive water allocation and be no retrenchments; there will be no management planning processes to get a redundancies; there will be no forced transfers. clear fix on the resource that is available to That is the message that I gave to the people those irrigators. They have not had that who work in the industry. As I said a moment security before. They have been issued with ago, this restructure was all about trying to get permits—not legal rights, not property rights. the Queensland electricity industry to work They have been issued with mere permits to better. Everybody in this House and everybody access water with no guarantee that there else in this State knows that there were would ever be sufficient water available to problems with the electricity industry. The them. This Government will give that problems were not with the people who worked guarantee and back it up for the first time in in the industry; the problem was with the way it history with a guarantee of compensation was restructured by the coalition. under a water allocation management plan. We have amalgamated the six regional We are going to do that in a way that will allow boards into one. We have done that to try to a two-year transition period into the first bring the regional boards closer, to try to make allocation plan. We are also going to the regional decision making far more efficient. ensure that anyone who suffers any The problem with members of the coalition is exceptional hardship will have assistance by that every time they talk about a restructure way of a range of Government programs and every time they talk about efficiencies, through that two-year period, whether it be they think that they have to retrench people. under new initiatives or under existing Fancy the shadow Minister coming out—— initiatives such as the infrastructure development incentive that we will continue to Time expired. provide for.

Irrigation Water Allocations Cooler Schools Mr SEENEY: I refer the Minister for Mr PEARCE: I refer the Minister for Natural Resources to the document released Education to the Beattie Government's Cooler by his department titled "Compensation Schools program. I ask: how many extra Principles for Water Resources", which I table schools have received funds under Labor's for the benefit of the Parliament. This Cooler Schools program? document begins— Mr WELLS: It is an honour to be asked a "All existing enforceable rights and question by a man who is prepared to put his entitlements are preserved ..." own liberty on the line for the sake of the I ask: are the existing irrigation water people he represents. The Honourable the allocations held by Queensland farmers Attorney-General referred to Mahatma Gandhi enforceable by the Department of Natural and Nelson Mandela. There are three of them: Resources? there is Mahatma, there is Nelson and there is Mr WELFORD: The issue the member is Jim. We are proud that we have Jim. referring to—— Before the last election, the Labor Party Mr Seeney interjected. promised that it would expand the Cool Schools zone to central Queensland. We Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for made the promise, and then we kept it. This Callide! I call the Minister. initiative has meant that an extra 62,000 Mr WELFORD: The issue the honourable schoolchildren in central Queensland are now member is referring to has been addressed by taking advantage of the program. In addition, our Government, the first Government in the the Labor initiative provides twice the history of Queensland to address the issue of assistance to school communities by doubling compensation for rural communities in relation the subsidy that was offered previously by the to water. Never before has a Government coalition in its neglected smaller zone. The provided a guarantee of compensation for the Beattie Labor Government has expanded the removal of guaranteed water rights under a coalition's program with an extra $48m, which proper management plan for water resources. is providing cooling solutions to more than 200 This Government is doing two things to schools that would otherwise have been left improve the security of the water entitlements hot and sticky for an indeterminate period, and, therefore, the economic security of rural because there was no coalition promise ever irrigators. to expand the zone. 2 Mar 1999 Questions Without Notice 27

Approval has already been given for Police Staffing airconditioning projects estimated at more than Mr MUSGROVE: I direct a question to the $9m in value in more than 100 schools in the Minister for Police and Corrective Services. expanded zone, with school communities Some people have sought to create the benefiting from a doubling of the subsidy from perception that more police are going into non- $2 for $1 under the coalition to $4 for $1 under operational roles than on the beat, and I ask: Labor. Some of the 65 schools from the can the Minister clear up confusion about the former Cool Schools zone are also getting an number of police being assigned to non- additional subsidy benefit. Additionally, the operational duties in police headquarters? Labor Government has decided to honour an unfunded promise by the former Premier to Mr BARTON: Yes, I certainly can. Police the community of Moranbah. We did not numbers in non-operational duties at police promise it; the coalition promised it. We kept headquarters have actually dropped from 227 the promise even though it was unfunded. We to 199 and civilianisation will further reduce the are providing funding to support airconditioning number of police in non-operational duties. I in the schools in Moranbah that were promised should also indicate that, while there has been as an election stunt by the coalition. We have a very slight rise in police numbers in done that. operational duties at police headquarters over the past two years—a rise from 668 to 707— The expansion of the Cool Schools zone that represents a 5.8% increase compared to the Capricornia region has been of with an overall increase in the Police Service of enormous benefit. Let me say this very clearly: 9.9%. That puts it in its context, because those before the election, we said we would do it; we people who consistently run around the State are now in office, we have commenced doing saying that both the previous Government and it; by the end of the term, we will have this Government have done a great job in completed doing it. That is what we promised putting in additional police but that they are all to do; that is what we are doing; that is what being sucked into headquarters in Brisbane we will have done. instead of being out there in operational areas, frankly, are not telling the truth and are doing the public a great disservice. Non-violent Civil Disobedience; Member for Fitzroy This Government is committed to increasing operational police. We are doing Mr SPRINGBORG: I refer the Honourable that. This perception that has been created by the Attorney-General to his answer to an those people that, in fact, police are not going earlier question when he likened the member into areas and that the numbers of police at for Fitzroy to the South African President, police headquarters are growing unchecked is Nelson Mandela, and also India's Mahatma quite incorrect. The numbers of police that we Gandhi and said that it was okay for people to are putting out into the areas are consistent engage in civil disobedience if the law is wrong with Statewide growth in operational police and needs to be changed. Given his numbers and a decline in the number of non- statement and analogy, I ask: which laws are operational officers. wrong and should be changed? The previous Goss Government started Mr FOLEY: The honourable member the civilianisation process of the Police Service. misstates my answer. I made it clear that the Certainly, that process was carried through by law must take its course. I made it clear that the coalition. However, this Government is the member for Fitzroy must take the enhancing that process because it is consequences of his actions. That having absolutely adamant that it is going to get been said, I point out that it is also important policemen and policewomen and their support to acknowledge that there is a tradition of non- staff, such as police liaison officers, out there violent civil disobedience and that certain at the cutting edge, out there in the field, on people acting out of conscience stand in that operational duties, not sitting on seats in police tradition. stations, and certainly not in police The honourable the shadow Attorney- headquarters. General does no service to this House by The officers who are there who are seeking to twist the words of my answer. The operational, and I will go through the list of honourable member would do well to learn them because it is important, make up the from the member for Fitzroy about a genuine great bulk of the people who operate out of commitment to justice and inform himself not headquarters. The hundreds of police whom merely of the letter of the law but of the spirit we see coming and going from headquarters of justice which should inspire it. are not polishing seats; they are genuine, 28 Matters of Public Interest 2 Mar 1999 operational people. They are attached to the because it was made when the Leader of the Bureau of Criminal Intelligence; the Crime Opposition was Premier—there was no such Operations Branch, which conducts promise in Goondiwindi. I asked the people investigations into major crime; Disaster and concerned whether they would see if they Major Events Planning; Forensic and Technical could find any evidence that an undertaking Services, which includes the fingerprint and had been made to them by somebody scientific sections; and the Legal Services competent to deliver on that undertaking. Branch, which includes the Police Prosecutions There was no such evidence. Corps. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for I am prepared to provide an attachment questions has expired. to that list. I will table an attachment that outlines the staffing levels at Roma Street Police Headquarters as at 30 June 1997, 30 MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST June 1998 and 1 February 1999. I hope that Gordonstone Mine proves very clearly for everybody that, in Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers reality, there are not increases in police Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) numbers attached to headquarters. Those (11.35 a.m.): In recent weeks here in numbers are actually reducing, and any Queensland we have seen decent, law-abiding increase in numbers is going into operational Queensland workers being prevented from areas. It is less than the average increase going home from their place of work. We have across the force, and those increases relate to seen decent Queensland workers being genuine, operational people. denied the opportunity to return home to their wives and children after going about their Goondiwindi State School lawful business. Today, we have seen a Mr ELLIOTT: I refer the Minister for Government that has not backed those Education to the plight of the Goondiwindi people. All honourable members in this place State School. I also refer the Minister to his agree that a right of dissent exists and is a highly misleading assertion on ABC radio that fundamental part of our democratic society; more money is being spent on airconditioning however, today, we have seen a Government schools than ever before, and I ask: is it not a that has abandoned the rule of law. fact that funding for school airconditioning in Let us have a look at what has been 1997-98 under the former coalition happening at Gordonstone. A group of Government was approximately $26.6m? Is it hardened thugs has been standing outside not a fact that the Government's budget for the gates to that particular mine stopping other 1998-99 provides just $19.4m for school Queensland workers, who were formerly airconditioning—some $7.2m, or 27% less unionists, who formerly worked there and than under the coalition? Is it not a fact that came back, and others who joined the work this difference, this $7.2m, would be more force, from going about their lawful and legal than sufficient to meet the needs of obligations. Goondiwindi and many other small western No-one argues that that particular union, schools also suffering under harsh conditions? and indeed the honourable member for Mr WELLS: As the honourable member Fitzroy, do not have a right to dissent, that knows, Goondiwindi is outside central they do not have a right to protest. That is not Queensland and, therefore, outside the central the issue. We live in a democracy and, in a Queensland cooling zone. However, if Labor democratic society, everyone has the right to had not been in power, it would have been protest and dissent within the laws of the land outside the former Cool Schools zone, as they apply. There is an obligation on every established by the coalition, and would have member of Parliament, from the first law officer been outside the zone of schools that would of the Crown down, to respect the sanctity of have been cooled then. The former the law. Government was not promising to expand Today and in recent days we have seen a that. Premier, an Attorney-General, a Minister for Over the past couple of years, Mines and Energy and a Minister for Goondiwindi State School has received $1m in Education who have said, "If you do not like capital works. It has benefited from capital the law, break it. It does not matter in works programs, but it is outside the cooling Queensland any more." That is a recipe for an zone. Unlike Moranbah, where the former anarchy. When we have the Attorney-General, Premier had made an unfunded promise—a the Minister for Education, the Minister for promise that we were going to honour Mines, the Premier and the Government of the 2 Mar 1999 Matters of Public Interest 29 day saying, "It is okay to break the law", what This morning we had this incredible sort of message does that send to the rest of remark about how people throughout history Queensland? have stood up to oppression and the suggestion that Mr Pearce's actions in having No-one on this side has disputed the right himself arrested for breaking the law and of dissent. That is not the issue. The stopping other Queenslanders from going Government and this Parliament always have about their lawful business and returning home the right to change the laws that govern us. is somehow akin to standing up against the However, in case the Premier and his Ministers Nazis. The facts are simple. Queensland is have forgotten, I remind them that we also being watched by the boardrooms of the take an oath of office and that oath of office, world. In case the member for Fitzroy does not by affirmation or before God, makes a know it, there are lots of rocks around the commitment in respect of our duties and world, there is lots of coal around the world, obligations as members of this place. Today, and there are lots of Governments that are what has happened is particularly serious going out and chasing investment—and indeed, because instead of saying, "We do meaning it—instead of mouthing empty not agree with the law. We are going to rhetoric such as we have heard from the change it", we have a Government saying, "If member for Brisbane Central. This is a you do you not like the law, break it. As part of particularly serious issue. It is an issue which breaking that law, if you want to stop lawful will cause enormous damage to the State of Queenslanders going about their business, Queensland and to the job creation and going to and from work, going home to their investment projects that we want. wives and kids in an atmosphere where there has been immense intimidation, that is okay." The comments of the Premier, the We have from the Premier, his Attorney- Attorney-General, the Minister for Education General, the Minister for Mines and the and the Minister for Mines and Energy will Minister for Education an open chequebook send a cold shiver down the spine of every for trade union thuggery in Queensland. boardroom that is questioning whether it will invest billions of dollars in Queensland and Of course, just to make it a bit easier generate tens of thousands of jobs here or go down the track, we are going to get new elsewhere to such places as Malaysia, industrial relations laws. It is interesting to note Indonesia, Argentina or those particular that a couple of weeks back that can't do countries in Africa where the circumstances Premier leading a can't do Government for may be better than they are here. everyone except his trade union mates said, "I cannot get involved in Gordonstone; it is a As I said earlier, no-one on this side of the Federal dispute." Now the Premier is saying, House—as the Premier tried to suggest—has "We can't have all this confrontation. I am a problem with the right to dissent. We are the going to use Gordonstone as an opportunity to dissenters by virtue of being on the Opposition change the industrial relations laws in the benches in this place. We all have an State of Queensland." This is a massive obligation to respect the law. Obviously, what capitulation to the trade union movement. we are about to see in terms of new industrial Worse than that, it is a total surrender by this relations in this State is an industrial relations Labor Government to the thuggery that we regime that hands control lock, stock and saw at Gordonstone that prevented ordinary barrel to the union bosses in the biggest Queensland workers from going to work and political pay-off that we have seen in going home to their wives and children. Queensland political history. We are about to see the return of compulsory trade unionism. Of course, it is more serious than that We are about to see the return of union because this Premier says that he is obsessed preference. We are about to see new laws with jobs. He keeps telling us that he is which mean that people such as the member obsessed with jobs. We know that there are for Fitzroy will be able to go about their danger signs on the horizon. We also know business of disrupting the lives of others that the parent company at Gordonstone is without being accountable. We are about to Rio Tinto. The member for Fitzroy placed his see old trade union labour back in town. We leader in an incredible position on the eve of are about to see legitimacy or a licence given the Premier's visit to London to discuss with to the sort of union thuggery that we have Rio Tinto a potential $4.5 billion investment in seen at Gordonstone over the past few weeks. the State—potentially the biggest private I make a prediction here today, and it is investment in the history of Australia with the this: business will not come here and invest if exception of the North West Shelf project in we hear comments such as those we have Western Australia. heard from the Government today. Business 30 Matters of Public Interest 2 Mar 1999 will not invest here in the light of the stated rights of his constituents, that is his problem position of this Government in defending and he has to live with it. someone who is prepared to be arrested whilst Mr JOHNSON: I rise to a point of order. I attempting to prevent lawful Queenslanders find those remarks offensive and I ask the going about their legitimate business. member for Fitzroy to withdraw them. Investors will go elsewhere. This Government can forget about its 5% jobs target. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The member has asked for the remarks to be withdrawn. Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Mr PEARCE: I withdraw. In these Fitzroy communities, small businesses are closing and Mr PEARCE (Fitzroy—ALP) (11.45 a.m.): families are going bankrupt. It is important to For years in this place I have been speaking note that services which have been made about the impact of the Federal Government's available to rural producers through the coal policies and industrial relations legislation on industry are now under threat. Not one central Queensland towns but no-one has National Party member has expressed a been listening—not even National Party genuine concern about the Rio Tintos of this members of the Opposition who claim to be world. These companies do not care for the the champions of the bush. Given the chance people of the regions from which they mine to defend rural and isolated communities with the resources. I am determined to support my actions greater than voter-friendly rhetoric, the former workmates and their families in their National Party has failed. Those opposite struggle. attack my right to stand alongside my Mr JOHNSON: I rise to a point of order. I constituents. They attack my right to choose find that remark offensive. I represent the how I do that. It is a matter of choice. One people of Gordonstone in my constituency. I Nation Party members sit in this place today ask that those remarks be withdrawn. because voters feel that their elected members have let them down. I represent my Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There was electorate and I am prepared to stand up and no personal reflection. have my say. It is my choice to do that. Mr PEARCE: I will defend my former The attack on me today by National and workmates and their families in their struggle to Liberal Party members of the coalition shows defeat the attack by Rio Tinto on the rights of that those opposite do not care about rural workers to get their jobs back and to be towns; they do not care about the declining members of unions of their choice. I totally population; and they do not care about the reject the behaviour of Rio Tinto. I stand with closure of businesses and the withdrawal of my constituents on this issue. I am not going services. Those opposite are more interested to hide under an office desk because I am a in protecting the big end of town. The coalition member of the Government. I will do what my is big on showing its hatred for coalminers and constituents expect of me as their local their families. We have some five members member. I will go in fighting for them, even if sitting on the other side of the House who that action puts at risk my political career. My have coalmining communities in their stand at Gordonstone was as a result of electorates. Those opposite hate the concern for the community within my coalmining unions so much that—— electorate and the many other rural towns that are dying because the lifeblood of those Mr JOHNSON: I rise to a point of order. I communities, that is, the people, are moving find the remarks of the honourable member for out. These are towns that National Party Fitzroy offensive. I ask him to withdraw his members talk about but fail dismally to actively remarks about members on this side of the support. House not standing up for rural communities and coalminers and for being anti-union. I My electorate takes in a big slice of have asked at all times that the CFMEU enter central Queensland. I have lived in small rural into negotiations with regard to the Rio Tinto communities. I went to school in those small jobs. rural communities. I know the lifestyle. I know the sincerity of the people. I talk to my Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): constituents in the shopping centres, the Order! The member for Gregory has made his schools, the hospitals, the hotels and at point of order. sporting events. I see marriage breakdown Mr PEARCE: The honourable member is and financial ruin. I see alcohol abuse. I once offended because I make it very clear to the travelled several hours late at night to talk to a public that if he is not prepared to defend the man contemplating suicide. That was the worst 2 Mar 1999 Matters of Public Interest 31 drive of my life. I did not know what to expect that we look only at what is happening today. when I walked through the door. I know these We have to look further down the track and people. I am one of them and I care about see what this is all about. It is about reducing them. Jobs are disappearing, lives are being the wages and conditions of workers and destroyed, communities are falling down, lowering standards so that the attack can then school numbers are dropping, health services be refocused, not just on the workers from the are not being utilised to the expected levels, coal industry or the wharves but on every other and wives and partners feel that they have no worker in this country. If the standards of one future in many of these towns as they lose section of workers are lowered, the door is friends and opportunities for sporting and opened to reduce the wages and conditions of community involvement. Perhaps I am other workers. becoming a bit emotional and distressed The examination last year by the US about this issue, but I cannot forget for one Bureau of Labour Statistics of wages and minute that these are my constituents. I am conditions for union members and non-union committed to them and I do not care what I members doing the same work in the same have to do to support them. place found that, on combining the value of Perhaps we should take a look at the real wages and conditions, union members on reason for the attack on unions by the Federal average received 40% more than non-union Government and the multinationals, and that members. And therein lies the issue. is that unions deliver higher wages and Deunionise the workplace and the way is conditions. Howard and Reith tell us that there opened for an assault on all wages and is a need to deunionise Australian workplaces. conditions. The scabs at Gordonstone are They say that that is a requirement for committing an unforgivable offence against increased productivity. Australian Governments the future quality of life for Australian workers and conservative politicians need to look very and their families. closely at a report published in a recent issue The Emerald community is caught up in of Scientific American. Opposition members the propaganda of Rio Tinto. Businesses in should not get too excited about this, because Emerald will one day realise that they have the report was not commissioned by the been conned by mine manager Hannigan—a unions. The unions had no input. It was man paid a big wage to destroy the lives of commissioned by the New York Federal workers and their families, to shut down Reserve Bank and Tufts University in the US. businesses and to reduce that town's After surveying 1,500 workplaces, it was found population. For years I have been saying—and that companies that use unionised workers are I will keep standing in this place saying 27% more productive than those that employ this—that if the work force is taken out of the non-union workers. This report makes the likes community, it impacts on everybody who lives of Arco, Rio Tinto and their conservative mates in that community. It is no good our speaking Howard and Reith look pathetic in their attack in this place and in the media about the on the Gordonstone workers. demise of rural communities if we do not have This work force has broken world coal the guts to stand up and fight for all of the production records—the same work force that communities and the people we represent. cannot now get a job at Gordonstone. This fellow at Gordonstone is a temporary Members should let that point sink in. They Queenslander. He will move on. In the years have proven that with the support of ahead, the businesses and I will still be there, management they can produce the coal. At but Hannigan will move on. After he has done the Crinum mine, operated by BHP, the unions the damage, he will go off and hide under a and management are working together. They stone somewhere and the people of central are working as a team and are proving that Queensland will be left to clean up the mess. I they can produce coal and be a very am not ashamed of standing up for the people cooperative and productive organisation. in my electorate, and I will continue to do so in The findings of the report of which I spoke this place and at the grassroots level in my expose Rio Tinto's real purpose. With the help area. of Reith, they are determined to dramatically reduce the wages and conditions of mine workers and eventually the Australian work Maleny State High School, Land Acquisition force. The end result will be a massive pool of Mr QUINN (Merrimac—LP) (Deputy cheap labour, where workers will cut one Leader of the Liberal Party) (11.55 a.m.): On another's throat to get a job. We have to look 18 September last year, the Minister for further than just at what is happening at Education was asked a so-called question Gordonstone. The problem in this country is without notice by the so-called Independent 32 Matters of Public Interest 2 Mar 1999 member for Nicklin which sought to imply that date in what was essentially a prepared the former coalition Government had acted statement. Furthermore, the very nature of improperly in relation to the acquisition of land their contrived question and answer was clearly adjoining the Maleny State High School. This designed to mislead the House by falsely was a wilful attempt to smear the coalition. It implying that— was a scurrilous and totally baseless slur that the former coalition Government had was quite explicit in the member for Nicklin's acted improperly during the caretaker subsequent comments to the media in which period; he referred to "lifting the lid on something that smells and smells something shocking". the acquisition was other than a routine transaction negotiated at administrative The intended smear was also evident in level; the Minister's emphasis of the fact that "negotiations took place before this there was legitimate cause for concern, Government took office and during the when all the evidence indicated otherwise; caretaker period". Their rank suggestion of and impropriety was totally repudiated by the the agreement was a fait accompli which Auditor-General, who investigated the was binding on the incoming Labor acquisition and found that "the process was Government. conducted in an objective and prudent manner and was soundly based". He concluded also This is not the first time the Minister for that the timing of negotiations was not related Education has misled the House. In its recent in any way to last year's election. report on that subject in November, the Members' Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Meanwhile, we have done a little Committee reiterated that Ministers owe the investigating of our own and lifted the lid on a highest duty of disclosure to the House and few offensive smells coming from the other should always ensure that information side of the fence. For a start, we have provided is accurate. The committee also uncovered an advance copy of this so-called reaffirmed that the term "misleading" is wider question without notice, which I table for the than "false" or "incorrect". It noted that the benefit of the House. Education Queensland deliberate omission of relevant information confirmed that this draft was prepared by the could make an otherwise factually correct Minister's staff at his direction—a so-called statement misleading. The omissions in this question without notice. In my view, the fact case were scandalous. The cynical collusion that this question and answer was prepared in between the Minister and the member for advance of Parliament, with the Minister's full Nicklin means that they are both implicated in knowledge, gives it the status of a prepared this disgraceful affair and equally culpable. statement. In other words, the Minister can hardly claim whatever latitude might otherwise Key omissions included the information attach to an off-the-cuff response to a genuine that— question without notice from a true there was not the slightest whiff of Independent. He must also accept some impropriety in the thousands of responsibility for the question itself, which was documents on this acquisition dating back highly misleading and factually inaccurate. to the 1980s; I note that neither the Minister nor the the "without prejudice" settlement offer of member for Nicklin have yet apologised to the $650,000 was only a fraction of the sum House for falsely claiming that the agreement sought by the landowner and significantly was reached with the landowner "on 29 June, less than relocation costs; the very day the coalition lost Government", the "in principle" agreement was still despite my drawing this to their attention last subject to a number of conditions, October. The Government actually changed including funding approval which by then hands three days earlier, on 26 June, when could only be granted by the incoming the member for Brisbane Central was sworn in Beattie Government; as Premier. More than anyone else, the member for Nicklin was responsible for that the five-page Executive Council Minute change. He was the central player—the king- detailing the basis for that approval in maker. At the time, he claimed that that August was formally noted by the decision was the hardest of his life, so it defies Minister's Director-General, Deputy belief that he could have forgotten such a Director-General, five Assistant Directors- significant date within a few short months. It is General and the Director for Strategic even harder to believe that both the Minister Planning and Policy without any apparent and he could have confused such a significant concern or adverse comment; 2 Mar 1999 Matters of Public Interest 33

the legal Deed of Settlement was drafted the House. It also seems that the member for in the name of Rodney Jon Welford—the Nicklin was a willing accomplice in this current Minister for Natural Resources in deception and actively colluded with the the Beattie Labor Government; Minister in seeking to divert attention from their following the unexpected backlash own inept handling of the land acquisition and against the announcement, the member announcement. In my view, their scurrilous for Nicklin attended a Country Cabinet attempt to falsely smear the former coalition meeting in Nambour at which the issue Government was a disgraceful abuse of the was discussed almost two weeks before House. he raised it in the House; the local District Director for Education Townsville-Thuringowa Migrant Resource Queensland also gave the member for Centre Nicklin a personal briefing on the issue Mr REYNOLDS (Townsville—ALP) approximately one week before he raised (12.02 p.m.): Today I would like to stress the it in the House; need to recognise and incorporate regional a departmental briefing note dated 16 initiatives in State multicultural policies, September—two days before the issue programs and resource allocations. The was raised in the House—recommended Townsville-Thuringowa Migrant Resource settlement and advised the Minister for Centre is one of the oldest such centres in Natural Resources that the proposed Australia. I say that today with a great deal of payment of $650,000 was considered fair pride. The centre provides valuable services to and reasonable; and more than 40 migrant communities in north on 17 September—just one day before Queensland and serves a very large region the issue was raised in the House—the from Bowen in the south to Tully in the north. It Department of Natural Resources wrote to has acted as a major resource for newly Education Queensland advising that there arrived and established migrants in north were no known circumstances which Queensland for some 19 years. In that time it might call the transaction into question. has evolved to become one of the most progressive migrant resource centres one will These omissions concealed the fact that find anywhere. It is the only migrant resource both the Minister for Education and the centre in Queensland which still attracts full member for Nicklin knew or should have known funding from the Commonwealth Government. that there was absolutely no basis whatsoever to imply impropriety by the former coalition The Townsville-Thuringowa Migrant Government. Yet that is exactly what they did. Resource Centre's continuing relevance and They also failed to correct an apparent mistake importance to the region is indicated by the in Hansard which gives the distinct impression fact that it assists 40 to 50 clients daily. The that the $650,000 compensation was paid on centre's helpful staff and army of volunteers 24 June when, in fact, it was not paid until provide a range of services such as English some considerable time after this issue was literacy training to overcome communication raised in the House. difficulties, a very successful jobs club and educational and legal services as well. Staff This very convenient mistake, which also offer day-to-day management, for should have been corrected by the Minister at example, helping new migrants to settle in and the time, compounded his offence by lending liaising on their behalf with a number of weight to the scurrilous inference that a dodgy Government departments, local authorities deal was rushed through in the final days of and other businesses and bodies throughout the former Government. Our researchers have the community. also been combing through thousands of The Townsville-Thuringowa Migrant documents for months and have advised me Resource Centre has a long history of that they have yet to find in them a single development which shows that it is always mention of Ministers in the former Borbidge looking for new ways to serve the Townsville- coalition Government, although there are Thuringowa community and, indeed, the numerous references to Labor Ministers, both surrounding region as well. It is a grassroots past and present. organisation which is in a position to very In my view, the factual inaccuracies and quickly identify newly emerging needs in the studious omission of so much critical community. It is always busy planning ways to information in what was essentially a prepared satisfy those needs and to implement new statement by the Minister for Education can ideas. It operates from a very innovative and only be regarded as a wilful attempt to mislead creative base. Current projects initiated by the 34 Matters of Public Interest 2 Mar 1999

Migrant Resource Centre include a mental years ago, and policy development and health access project and an ethnic child resourcing questions need to recognise this liaison project. reality. They need to connect and complement locally initiated projects and experiences. The centre's annual CulturalFest, which is attended by thousands of people, exemplifies Our region is changing on a day-to-day the focus of the centre, which is the promotion basis and State officials need to remain in of cultural diversity and racial harmony. The touch with this reality. They cannot apply festival is recognised as one of the best and Brisbane scenarios to Townsville, just as most inclusive festivals of its kind in the Townsville cannot assume that its realities are country. It is unique in style with a capacity to reflected in other regional Queensland cities. include all groups in the community— This is an area of policy which ought to be indigenous Australians, newly arrived and sensitive to difference, be it regional difference established migrants and the broader, so- or cultural difference. And a sensitivity to called mainstream community as well. It differences involves flexibility in policy fosters understanding and goodwill between formulation and resource allocation as well. Australians of many different cultures and We cannot be seen to impose our policy and backgrounds, and can I say today in the programs from above, insisting that Statewide House that it is an extremely popular annual guidelines be rigidly implemented at the cost event. of local diversity. We must start from below, changing our policies and our programs in I believe that multicultural policies and consultation with local communities. Perhaps, resource allocations should tap into the can I say today, it is time that we undertook a regional expertise, experiences and review of our multicultural policies and achievements of organisations such as the programs to ensure that they do reflect those Townsville-Thuringowa Migrant Resource local and regional realities. Centre. Multicultural policy should start at the grassroots where the community is at in terms If State officials working in areas such as of current experiences and initiatives and Multicultural Affairs Queensland do not consult should always strive to remain current and regional grassroots organisations such as the remain relevant to the people it is supposed to Townsville-Thuringowa Migrant Resource serve. Policy and resource allocation should Centre, they are in danger of, at best, never be outdated or outmoded, reflecting the duplicating services already provided and, at experiences and theories that may have been worst, contradicting, dividing and misallocating current 10 to 20 years ago. resources. In other words, they will undo the excellent work that is done at the community Policies should also reflect the different level. realities that exist in different regions of this I also suggest that local members and decentralised and diverse State of civic leaders be consulted before guidelines for Queensland. There is not necessarily programs are drawn up. Consulting after the conformity in multicultural experience across guidelines have been drawn up by the Office Queensland. Townsville and Thuringowa, for of Multicultural Affairs is an insult. Our local example, are extremely fortunate to have the knowledge and experience can inform the Migrant Resource Centre in the region and to process of resource allocation and ensure a have had that successful centre for the last 19 strong match between policy and need. I think years. Communities in most other areas of that connection is a must. Queensland do not enjoy such a wonderful service. So Government guidelines for It is a fair expectation that departmental resource allocations must, I believe, be officers will consult and work in with community flexible. We must factor in regional differences organisations rather than work against them. It across Queensland in the same way as we is a fair expectation that they will be sensitive must factor in cultural differences as well. to the philosophies of the Government they serve. It is a fair expectation that they will have As a community, Townsville and an important local and regional focus and not Thuringowa have moved a long way since the be Brisbane oriented or south-east 1980s with regard to cultural diversity. Both in Queensland oriented. Queensland is the most terms of the social fabric, or multicultural decentralised State in Australia. Each region composition of the community, and in terms of has its own story to tell in terms of the experiences and achievements of migrants multiculturalism and diversity and in terms of its at the local level we have achieved a great culture and its community. State officials must deal. We are, indeed, a much stronger have their ears open to the differences in multicultural community than we were 10 or 20 regional experience. 2 Mar 1999 Matters of Public Interest 35

I conclude by thanking my colleague the including six-monthly reports to the Parliament Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier on on ministerial expenses, provided in a format multicultural affairs for the work he has done that is readily understandable by the with me in these community areas. I stress the community. Has Mr Wellington, or anyone else need to recognise and incorporate regional for that matter, yet seen one of these six- issues into State multicultural policies, monthly ministerial expense reports? The programs and resource allocations. answer, of course, is that he has not, and neither has anyone else. If we had, the Minister for Fair Trading and her colleague the Minister for Fair Trading, Office Fit-out Minister for Public Works would not now be Mr DAVIDSON (Noosa—LP) (12.11 p.m.): involved in a giant cover-up. The Premier has not restored integrity to and The Honourable Minister for Fair Trading public faith in the process of Government; he has put herself and the Premier, as so aptly has removed them. It is typical of the Premier expressed by the Melba column in the and his Government that they say one thing Australian newspaper of 9 February, "in the and do the opposite. "The debate tonight poo right now". How has she found herself in gives all members an opportunity to stand up this mire? It is through the simple for honesty and integrity without any excuses." convenience, if members will pardon the pun, So said Premier Beattie on 28 November 1996 of formulating an expenditure in excess of when speaking to his own motion of censure $600,000 on the upgrading of her office, which against the then Minister for Police. He went includes the purchase of a $93 toilet brush, on to say— and then having, at the most generous of "We will set our standards high. We comment, the unmitigated gall to tell the will have the highest possible standards. people of Queensland that she really had Not only will we have a written set of nothing to do with this state of affairs and that guidelines; all of my Ministers will it really was the fault of departmental officers. understand that they have to abide by the This simple excuse was then further same unwritten code of decency, ethics compounded by the Premier when he accused and morality to which the vast majority of some public servants of having a "sense of decent, law-abiding Queenslanders unreality" in this matter, as if these same subscribe. In other words, they will all be public servants had instigated this committed to doing the right thing." refurbishment proposal. Was this what the How often in this House do words and Premier meant back in November 1996 when promises come back to haunt the pompous he said "we will set the highest possible declarations of Labor Governments, claiming standards"? A $600,000 refit of the Minister's for themselves the high moral ground on office certainly comes in highest possible standards, ethics and decency in the name of standards bracket when it comes to dipping all Queenslanders? How have they now come into the public purse. back to haunt the Premier in the form and The highest possible standards as performance of his Minister for Fair Trading? expressed by the Premier and then followed We all remember the promises made to Mr by his Minister for Fair Trading come down to Wellington when he was being wooed by nothing more than passing the buck when the Premier Beattie. Under the heading of Minister tried to transfer the blame for this "Ministerial Responsibility", these were the debacle onto senior bureaucrats by saying that promises— she had only had brief discussions with "I concur with the probity you have departmental officers about the planned placed on imposing stringent guidelines renovations. Does the Minister really expect on ministerial financial arrangements, this House and the people of Queensland, including ministerial travel, entertainment who, as the Premier had so eloquently said, and office expenses. expect the right thing to be done, to believe that she had seven different meetings with I will insist on nothing less than departmental officers and never once complete probity in the way Ministers discussed the costs of what she proposed? meet their obligations to the Government, Does she really expect this House to believe the Parliament and the electorate and will that during those seven different meetings the put in place systems to achieve full and only reason she was in attendance was to open disclosure of ministerial expenses to hear from senior bureaucrats about the colour the Parliament on a regular basis." of the walls or the colour of the tiles proposed Mr Beattie then went on to outline what the for this taj mahal and that she had no guidelines for these systems would be, knowledge of the fundamental work being 36 Matters of Public Interest 2 Mar 1999 proposed, including specifically the final cost of ability to manage any operation in a such a project? businesslike manner. As a final and parting She had no knowledge of such a fine comment in the letter she claims— detail and no idea of the final cost of this "The Opposition's obsessive claims expensive project? This from a Minister for Fair that I priced and selected bathroom Trading who, as reported in the Courier Mail of fittings speak volumes abut its failure to 6 February, advised consumers that haggling challenge the substance of my policy over prices was part of a bargain hunter's work." armory! She said that, while many large I suggest to the Minister that in her next letter department stores would match a cheaper to the editor she tells us all what that policy price, consumers generally had a better work actually entailed so that we might mount chance of haggling in small shops. Despite her a challenge. Up to this moment, policy work gratuitous advice to the average punter, there from this Minister is virtually non-existent. But was no sign of any haggling in this matter—not what is in existence is her repeated attempts even a care about the price, to quote her own to deflect responsibility for her actions in this statements to the press. What a convenient matter. If this is how she proposes to run a lapse of memory on seven different occasions! department which requires all those whose What an insult to the intelligence of every activities come within its scope to practise the Queenslander! highest possible business ethics, then she is Again, as if to reinforce her "not me" unfit to manage and control such a portfolio. performance, in a letter to the editor of the And it would appear that not only her memory Courier-Mail on 11 February she attempted to suffered severe amnesia in relation to this conceal her activities in this affair by involving matter, but so did those non-existent the Director-General of the Department of management skills, so required at the highest Public Works, Mal Grierson. She informed the standards to run a portfolio such as Fair public at large in a memo provided to the Trading, when it comes to following media on Monday, 8 February by Mr Grierson instructions. that he attests to attending some—note the In a memorandum sent to Ministers by word "some"—meetings where discussion the Premier on 10 July 1998 titled "Ministerial focused on a possible location for the newly offices", her boss—the Honourable the formed department and the number of Premier—stated— departmental staff that would be attached to the new director-general's office. One would "If you have any plans in relation to naturally assume that this was the type of location of your Ministerial office or on any discussion a Director-General of Public Works expenditure related to out-fitting your would have, but if the Director-General of the office, I want to be advised in writing and Department of Public Works attended only will personally approve." some meetings—not the seven meetings that Let me repeat those words— apparently took place—how can he attest to "... any expenditure related to out-fitting whatever was discussed at the meetings he your office, I want to be advised in writing did not attend? In a further comment in this and will personally approve." letter, the Minister states— No doubt that was the written set of guidelines "Further, two officers in charge of the design and refit said our meetings dealt promised by Mr Beattie in November 1996. with layout and space allocations...not Did Minister Spence alert the Premier in bathroom fittings and their costs." writing about the $600,000 refit that she really Really! There was never a query about the cannot remember much about—as requested cost of this extravagance? As Minister by the Premier's memo? Did the Premier responsible for the department having the personally approve this expenditure? It would work done, does she really mean that costs appear that none of this occurred; that she did not interest her, that she never once asked forgot to tell the Premier about this insignificant what all the mooted changes were going to expenditure, because the outcome of these cost the taxpayer? If this is what she expects arrangements—to spend $600,000—had us to believe, is it not an amazing exposition of caused the Premier to, as he stated in the a complete lack of management skills and Courier-Mail on 9 February, "adopt a razor acumen? But then, the Minister's background gang approach to government." He said— of management skills related to profit and loss "I am going to make certain every and inevitable need to know about costs is not Minister and every department keep their one that would engender confidence in her feet on the ground." 2 Mar 1999 Matters of Public Interest 37

Surely that was an unnecessary statement, if with the Cairns Regional Economic his promises to Mr Wellington of accountability Development Corporation towards developing every six months had been in place. industry in the far north region. CREDC, as it is Mr Beattie addressed a press conference, known, has made the very clear point in the far which also highlighted the probability of north that the most important thing that we $500,000 being spent in the Deputy Premier's can do is look after our existing businesses; office. "Let me tell you, the good times are that, as glamorous as it may be to go courting over", Mr Beattie thundered. All this was after new businesses and to bring business to the the memorandum of 10 July, which expressed region, unless we have existing healthy the view of the Premier that— businesses and assist those existing businesses to expand, then true economic "I realise that this is an additional growth will not be stable and secure and of burden, but believe in the circumstances it benefit to our long-term future. is an essential process." The State Purchasing Policy works very An essential process? Obviously the Minister closely with that role taken by the Minister for for Fair Trading does not think that State Development. I compliment Minister memoranda to Ministers from "the Boss" and Schwarten for his recognition that looking after their contents apply to her. For if she did, there business in regional areas is essential. would have been a personal approval from the Presently, however, it has not happened. It did Premier—the essential process. not happen under the previous Government, Time expired. and it is not happening presently, because there is a lack of focus in those who award the purchasing contracts. There is a lack of State Purchasing Policy understanding on the part of many Ms BOYLE (Cairns—ALP) (12.21 p.m.): bureaucrats who have been raised and have Unlike the previous speaker, I rise to speak worked their entire lives in the south-east about a matter of very considerable corner of Queensland of the particular importance to business, to economic growth exigencies and the particular skills and and to regional development in this State of capabilities that apply to businesses in regional Queensland. I refer to the State Purchasing areas. There has been a mushrooming of Policy and the very welcome review being Brisbane-based bureaucrats who are familiar conducted by the Minister for Public Works and comfortable with their dealings with and Minister for Housing, Robert Schwarten. Brisbane-based business, arrogant in their joint recognition of the tremendous capacity and On 21 February this year, Mr Schwarten experience—true as they may be—that many announced plans to stage a series of regional businesses in Brisbane have, but unwilling to forums on the policy. I promise him and his really open their eyes and to look wider across staff a vibrant and vigorous forum indeed this great State for the excellence and the when the one in Cairns is programmed. In the opportunities for business growth that are last couple of years, regional business has available in regional areas. been locked out of many of the opportunities provided by Government departments in their As to the lockouts, through the State role as hirers and purchasers of goods and Purchasing Policy, to regional business—some services. are subtle, and others are not so subtle. I would like to examine some of those for the Of course, it is important for Cairns, the far House today. Firstly, I mention the lack of north and other regions to have a fair go when transparent performance reviews of those who it comes to securing some of the funds spent have obtained previous contracts. Too often in by Government on goods and services. Surely regional areas we have seen contracts regional businesses deserve that opportunity. awarded to Brisbane-based companies which But more than that, it means that Government do not then perform as they had claimed to be has an opportunity, by taking care of regional able to do in their original tender documents. businesses, to facilitate the development of Unless their performance is truly monitored business in regional areas and thereby to and then taken into account when they tender facilitate the excellent and much-needed for further contracts, there is a degree of employment growth. unfairness against others who were on that list This morning, the House heard mention and who may have performed better. of the Minister for State Development's There is a bias apparent in those who intensive work to recover from several years in award contracts that big and central is best the wilderness without an industry policy. In and easiest; how much easier to award just particular, I give him credit for his close work one contract to cover the State than it is to go 38 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999 to the trouble of dividing contracts regionally; considered as suitable for different sized how easy it is to be wooed by a business that businesses and to look, with smaller contracts, has a large corporate profile and a long for the opportunity for smaller companies to history, as though that necessarily makes for have a chance to prove themselves and to better performance than a company that is grow their business. We can look for the newer and has a shorter company profile. opportunity to source locally. Of course, Another lockout occurs in that small sourcing locally is generally going to mean companies do not have the resources to cheaper costs to Government and thereby to respond to the amazing requirements for the taxpayers. documentation and information required by We can look for contract administration to the central purchasing agency. For be conducted in local areas where, in fact, the businesses—particularly in the areas of contracts have been let. Monitoring the consultancies, where two or three consultants contracts from Brisbane allows for a possible in a regional area may work together—to have misunderstanding of the real level of the time to provide the kinds of detail required performance of those companies in regional to submit for a consultancy is beyond their areas. And yes, we can give special resourcing. This unwieldy document, which I considerations in regions to joint venture have seen recently through the letting of a tenders—to arrangements that really do reflect small tender in Cairns, locks out small the direction of business that is wanting to companies, innovative companies and grow through strategic alliances. Presently, we regional business. lock out small groups of businesses wanting to In one recent call for consultancies, 38 work together to bid for Government contracts. pages went out to those companies which Transparency is, of course, the important expressed an interest and, of those, only two word. However the contracts are let, and with pages were relevant to the particular contract. whatever weighting the contracts are Thirty-six pages were relevant to State compared, we must ensure that this is open; Government guff, to protections, to probities that the performance of the winner of those and to requirements for information beyond contracts is transparent and openly assessed the reach of small companies not practised and, thereby, that at least it is truly a fair go. and without the overhead to provide this level Because only through giving regional of detailed information. businesses a fair go can we be sure that they So what can we do then, if we are will have contracts that will allow them to serious—as I know the Minister is—about continue to employ their staff in regional areas, assisting regional business to have a fair go, to take on apprentices, to take on trainees and not for the purchasing policy to be biased in to keep the very important regional areas of favour but simply to give the regions a fair go? Queensland vibrant and economically alive. We can do simple things like having the receipt of documentation and the final place at MINISTERIAL STATEMENT which submissions must be deposited in regional areas. For those companies in the far Apology north simply to have their submissions back to Hon. D. M. WELLS (Murrumba—ALP) Brisbane by 12 noon means that they lose a (Minister for Education) (12.31 p.m.), by leave: full day in the preparation of that I repeat my much earlier apology to the House documentation as compared to Brisbane for inadvertently tabling an incorrect list and for companies. This is unnecessary and can easily incorrectly stating, though I believed it to be be remedied by the reopening and the re- true at the time, that differences in computer establishment of tender boxes in regional equipment between two particular schools offices. were due to the Leading Schools program. I The documentation itself should be also repeat, as I have previously told the rationalised. I suggest that it be reviewed by House, that information about the educational private sector companies—big, medium and value of computers to a particular special small—which may then comment on what are school child, which I gave to the House on 30 surely the discriminating clauses that will allow July last year, was an anecdote told to me at those who award tenders to decide between the school and not an observation. them, as distinct from the rhetoric of Government protection and accountability, which could be published separately as a ADDRESS IN REPLY matter of course in another booklet. We could Resumed from 6 August 1998 (see allow our contracts, as we let them, to be p. 1777). 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 39

Mr PEARCE (Fitzroy—ALP) (12.32 p.m.), we still have not responded to the Governor's continuing: In winding up my contribution to Opening Speech. I thank the electorate of this debate, I point out that there are many Beaudesert for supporting me in what was a more issues in central Queensland and the challenging period. There was a massive Fitzroy electorate that could be raised. impact from One Nation in the neighbouring Unfortunately, time does not allow me to go electorate of Lockyer, where in the booths next into too much detail about those issues. They to my own electorate, over 50% of the people are issues such as Labor's commitment to the voted for One Nation. Also, to the north in the expansion of the Cool Schools program. That seat of Waterford, there was a massive swing is already under way. That promise by the to One Nation, as happened in the Logan incoming Labor Government is now being electorate. I would like to think that the reason delivered on. Another issue is the upgrading of that Beaudesert did not change was the important roads in the electorate, such as the number of massive projects that have occurred Dingo-Mount Flora Road, the Ridgelands Road there during the past three years. and the widening of the Capricorn Highway to The first of the massive projects was, of four lanes between Gracemere and the course, the construction of the Beaudesert already constructed four lanes. We need also Hospital, where $11.5m has been spent on to consider the lighting of that section of road, construction. Tenders for the construction of as it becomes quite dangerous during heavy the hospital were awarded in 1998. On 13 rain and when fog moves across it. March next, in a few days, the first patients will Local authorities need greater financial be taken across to the hospital. On 11 April, I assistance to maintain and upgrade important understand there will be an official opening. roads in their areas. Mount Morgan has a This has been a political football for many great history. We should be doing everything years. Prior to 1989, Premier Cooper promised we can to preserve the history of that a new hospital. Premier Ahern promised a new community for younger generations. I would hospital. Shadow Minister for Health McElligott like to win Government support for the also promised a new hospital in 1989. preservation of a yet-to-be-identified precinct in However, between 1989 and 1995 there was the town that would see shops, hotels, absolutely no movement by the then Labor schools, halls and the post office undergo Government. Fortunately, in 1996, with the structural repairs and receive a new coat of change of Government, a decision was made paint to ensure that they are there, strong and to spend $11.5m on a greenfield site for the visible, for the community for many more new Beaudesert Hospital. years. We have a great opportunity to I am concerned that Rotary has asked preserve those valuable assets in the whether it can hold a fete a few days before community and we should be doing whatever 13 March, when the new patients go across we can to work with the local authority, those from the old hospital into the new hospital. people who own those businesses and with That request has been declined until the those who are involved in the upkeep of those Minister opens the hospital. It seems to me to historic buildings in that community. We should be absolutely petty that people will be moved be doing whatever we can to work with those across to the new hospital on 13 March and different organisations and groups of people to that the public will be moving through the ensure that that heritage value is protected. hospital, yet Rotary, which wanted to have a It has been a wonderful opportunity for function to raise funds to provide facilities and me to make this contribution in relation to the equipment for the hospital, was refused Fitzroy electorate. I look forward to being able permission for the fete on the basis that the to put in place a lot those things that I have public could not come to see the hospital until spoken about and ensure that the people of the Minister opened it in April. That seems to the Fitzroy electorate get the things that they me to be absolutely ridiculous. It would have feel they deserve to get. been an excellent time for Rotary to hold a Hon. K. R. LINGARD (Beaudesert—NPA) fete and to have people moving through the (12.35 p.m.): I express my loyalty to Her hospital when there were no patients there. Majesty Queen and to her representative, His Rotary intended to have the fete on 11 and 12 Excellency the Governor. I convey also the March. That would have been an excellent loyalty of the electorate of Beaudesert. I am fundraising activity. However, permission has amazed and embarrassed that we are still been declined until the Minister opens the debating the Address in Reply. Eight months hospital on 11 April. after the election, we are still providing an This hospital will be a new 40-bed answer to the Governor. It seems absolutely hospital. Originally it was promised that it would ridiculous that eight months have gone by and be a 40-bed hospital. Unfortunately, the 40 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999 bureaucrats got involved. After considering the facilities, manual arts facilities, home bed patterns of Beaudesert, they thought that economics facilities and massive play areas for 22 or 23 beds would be enough. I thank the students. The Tamborine Mountain State High previous Minister for the fact that it has stayed School is no exception. It will be an absolute at a 40-bed hospital. There will be complete delight for the community of Mount services for outpatients and accident and Tamborine. Not only the present high school emergency. Allied and dental health services students but also those people who require will be available there. The medical ward will be TAFE education and other adult education can there and the maternity ward will go across to use the facilities. When one sees a school the hospital, which will also have an operating such as the Tamborine Mountain State High theatre, a pharmacy, reception, medical School on its first day with absolutely brilliant records and staff accommodation. landscaping, with facilities for performing arts— The old hospital, which was previously to complete new drama theatres and a theatre be upgraded, will be completely demolished to with a seating capacity for over 250 people— make way for a car park, with the new hospital technology facilities, music facilities, home on a greenfield site. One of the other economics facilities, manual arts facilities, difficulties has been obtaining permission for science facilities, social science facilities, art the complete demolition of part of the old facilities, sport facilities with a 400-metre track hospital, which goes back to the 1910s. It has already built, a track to which Mount sections historically related to the Stinson Tamborine residents had no access previously, crash—one ward is called the Stinson Ward. a resource centre, staff facilities and Fortunately, Government authorities have administration facilities, that is an absolute agreed that part of it can be removed. credit to everybody concerned. Hopefully that will come to Jimboomba as a The covered links of the Tamborine respite centre. I would like to talk about that Mountain State High School are constructed of later. stained hardwood poles, pine beams and I thank the previous Government and also facias and there is timber-decked bridge linking the present Government for the granting of the some of the buildings. Those fittings blend in Beaudesert Hospital. Until now, Beaudesert with the beautiful surroundings of Tamborine has always been on the end of the line. The Mountain. The buildings and the roofs are a south coast area saw massive population soft green to blend in with the green increases in and around Logan and Loganlea. countryside and they are rimmed in dark green Therefore, hospitals in that area took forest. The red of the red earth is reflected in precedence. Similarly, when the increases in the concrete columns and walls rather than the population occurred on the south coast, the old steel—— hospitals in the Nerang area took precedence, Mr Gibbs: You're just an old and Beaudesert was always at the end of the conservationist at heart, aren't you? line. Mr LINGARD: The TV must not be on in The second thing which was significant in here because, obviously, the Minister indicated the electorate of Beaudesert was the decision something. Yes, I suppose I am, especially in to build the Tamborine Mountain State High relation to Tamborine Mountain. The uprights School—to spend $7.3m, partly to take the for the covered ways are toned in the natural pressure away from the Beaudesert State High colours of the timber and the irregularity of the School and partly to take the pressure away timber poles are intended to relate to and from the Helensvale State High School, where enhance the natural elements of the site. I can numbers had become quite massive. In May only say to the Government a very sincere 1989, the construction commenced. For those thank you from the people of Tamborine for members who have never had the fortunate this particular facility. experience of seeing a brand new high school, I can say to all of them that it is an absolute My electorate is also lucky in having delight. The way high schools are now another school, the Beechmont State School. constructed is a credit to the Government, Those people who have seen the massive whichever Government it is. Previously, a development around Hinze Dam, couple of classrooms were built and when Advancetown coming up through Lower library facilities for Year 9 and Year 10 were Beechmont up to Beechmont itself would necessary, the library facilities were built, and know how that area is increasing in population. commercial facilities were built later. However, Previously, the Beechmont State School was now a complete new high school has all of the located on a site that had very, very severe performing arts theatres; it has all of the ovals, limitations. Obviously, the land in and around magnificently prepared; it has commerce Beechmont and Binna Burra is very, very hard 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 41 and very costly to acquire. For a long time, Mr LINGARD: Once again, the Minister previous Governments have wrestled with this plays with numbers. If it was not 1993, it was problem, but finally they decided to purchase a very, very close to 1993. He was the Minister new site near Graceleigh Park, which is used for Education at the time so he should not try by the community and which will provide the to play with numbers. If it was not 1993, it was ovals for the State school. This is a new 1992. initiative of the Education Department whereby Mr HAMILL: I was not Minister for it is prepared to access facilities that are near Education in 1992. Does the member want to schools and, therefore, allow the community to have another guess? access the school site itself. Although this school has a limited football field, it can now Mr LINGARD: I ask the Minister: when was he the Minister for Education? use the community field and, therefore, there is no need for such facilities to be built both at Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I remind the school and also for the community. This the member to speak through the Chair. school also has brilliant landscaping, Mr Hamill: Question time is tomorrow. magnificent early education centres and Mr LINGARD: The Minister certainly was special school sites. Once again, the the Minister for Education at that particular Education Department agreed that, because a time. If I do not have the number exactly right, house had been built on the site previously, it was very, very close. You always play with this house would be retained and would be the exact word. used as part of the school site. This house, with certain modifications, will be used for early Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I remind education. Once again, the people of the member to speak through the Chair. Beechmont are extremely lucky. Mr LINGARD: The Minister at that time, Minister Hamill, certainly said that the future Unfortunately, one of the areas where we growth of Jimboomba could not be have not had success has been the guaranteed. Anyone who goes through Jimboomba State high school. Prior to 1989, Jimboomba knows now that it is a massive the previous Government agreed that a school centre and certainly the growth can be was necessary to take the pressure from guaranteed. Certainly, if Minister Hamill had Beaudesert High School, which now has 1,600 decided to leave the site for the school at students and is probably the fifth largest Jimboomba, the Beaudesert area would have school in Queensland. The previous had a new high school by now. Government agreed that a new school would Fortunately, I give the present Minister, be built at Jimboomba. However, in 1993, Minister Wells, his due. He has agreed that a Minister Hamill, who I know is in the Chamber high school will be necessary. So in the year today, made an unbelievable decision that the 2001, a high school should be built in the future growth of Jimboomba could not be northern part of the shire. Whether the high guaranteed. That is what his statement said: school is built in Jimboomba or at Flagstone the future growth of Jimboomba could not be does not particularly worry me. However, the guaranteed. In 1993 there might not have previous Government certainly bought a site at been the shopping centre that is there now. Jimboomba. The other thing is that the traffic However, 31,000 people live in Jimboomba on the Mount Lindesay Highway is increasing and only 6,700 people live in Beaudesert. The dramatically. As the Mount Lindesay Highway Government at that time decided to move the comes down through Jimboomba, that will be high school site to another site, which we have the growth corridor. The previous ALP always said would never, ever increase in Government decided to build the Camira population as quickly as Jimboomba. Because bypass down through Undullah and Flagstone. the new site at Flagstone has not increased in That has certainly changed opinions. I ask population as dramatically as was thought by Minister Wells to not let the Education Minister Hamill and the previous Government Department influence him as it influenced the in 1993, there has been no need to build a previous Ministers in the 1991-94 period. new high school. However, Jimboomba has Minister Hamill was influenced and changed really gone ahead and if the decision—— that opinion. As a result, Beaudesert has been Mr HAMILL: I rise to a point of order. I affected because it cannot cater for its 1,600- inform the honourable member that I was not plus students. Minister for Education in 1993. The other extreme growth that has occurred in my electorate involves the Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): roadworks at Browns Plains. Prior to 1989 the Order! There is no point of order. previous Government had developed the 42 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999

Mount Lindesay Highway into a four-lane road When the Government changed, the as far as Johnson Road at Browns Plains. This present Government decided to withdraw that coincided with the northern boundary of the $400,000, even though $50,000 had already electorate of previous Premier Goss. Previous been spent on the project. I believe the Premier Goss always had the attitude that he Minister for Families was being petty in did not want to be seen to be putting massive deciding to withdraw that $400,000 on what amounts of money into his own electorate. she said was a legal technicality. The money This had something to do with the public was given to build a structure. There was no relations image he wanted to portray. intention of providing recurrent funding. The Unfortunately, because a massive amount of structure was being built so that people could money was not spent in Mr Goss' electorate it access a respite centre facility. meant that areas to the south, such as I know that the present Government is not Beaudesert, were unable to access the four- keen—and never has been keen—on respite lane highway development. centres, whether it be respite for people with Fortunately, in 1995-96 the Government disabilities or respite for carers. Regardless of decided to go ahead with the massive the philosophy of deinstitutionalisation—a development of the Browns Plains policy which this Government pushes and interchange. We now see some $30m being which I supported, in one way, with the closure spent on an overpass at Browns Plains. This of the Challinor Centre—there is a need for development will come through Greenbank respite for people with disabilities and for and will allow the four-lane highway to continue carers. It is ridiculous to think that disabled to Jimboomba and Beaudesert. Until the work people can stay in the community without on the four-lane highway and the intersection receiving some sort of respite and care. Carers was undertaken the following work could not also need a break, whether it be a daily break, be commenced. As a result, the Mount an overnight break, or, in some cases, a Lindesay Highway became an absolute weekly break. nightmare for people travelling north from Fortunately, the people of Jimboomba Beaudesert. have banded together to try to bring the maternity section of the old Beaudesert People who now travel between Hospital to Jimboomba so that it can be used Beenleigh and Tamborine Village will notice as a respite centre. Fortunately, the present the work being undertaken on the bridges. We Government, through the Department of have new bridges being constructed at Health and the Department of Family Services, Canungra. A new bridge is being constructed is cooperating. However, Jimboomba will at Allan's Creek, which is in the electorate of merely receive part of the old Beaudesert the member for Lockyer. The Allan's Creek Hospital rather than the respite centre which bridge is an extremely dangerous bridge for the previous Government undertook to people travelling from Beaudesert to Boonah, construct. but it is being replaced. I thank all the people who have been involved with this work. Sitting suspended from 12.56 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. The Rathdowney-Boonah Road has Mr PITT (Mulgrave—ALP) (2.30 p.m.): It is always been a dirt road. A massive amount of great to be back. It is great to be given the money will be required to build a causeway on opportunity once more to represent the people this road. Fortunately, the Department of Main of Mulgrave in the Queensland Legislative Roads will go ahead and bituminise that Assembly. It is great to return to this House as particular area. a Labor member after an absence of three I wish to speak about the Jimboomba day years on the political sidelines and to be in a respite centre. The previous Government had position to put the case for regional allocated $400,000 to build a respite centre at Queensland and far-north Queensland in Jimboomba. People with disabilities who had particular. left the Challinor Centre and who were going Fighting for a fair go is something in which into the community needed a respite centre. It I have always believed. "Putting the Far North was decided to build such a centre at First" is not only my campaign theme; it is the Jimboomba. Many people were moving into very reason that I entered politics in the first the Jimboomba area because they were able place. The term of the previous coalition to rent cheap housing. Sometimes these Government was a low point for the far north, people or their families suffer from disabilities. with the area being ignored because they The people of Jimboomba find that they need neglected Queensland north of Noosa. Who the facilities of a respite centre. could forget the speed with which the former 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 43

Treasurer moved to lift the toll on the Sunshine fringe in the vain hope that the tide of anger Motorway, leaving others across the State to would work in their favour. Several National pick up the bill? Party members openly courted the One Nation The coalition in Government did not take vote, only to be bitten badly at the ballot box. long to revert to the Bjelke-Petersen days of Many National Party figures chose to become cover up and cosy up. They were quick to cosy One Nation chameleons in a bid for the up to powerful vested interest groups. They dissident vote. The National Party has set covered up secret deals. The secret about stealing what passes for One Nation memorandum of understanding with the Police policy as it drifts further to the extreme Right. Union is a symbol of their continuing contempt The principled stance of the Labor Party for the public good. They resorted to covering on the extremist views of the One Nation up for incompetent Ministers. The Queensland hierarchy enables all members of the Labor coalition demonstrated that it was prepared to Party to hold their heads high. This is waste taxpayers' money on bogus inquiries especially so given the recent details of the simply for the purpose of self-preservation. The undemocratic manner in which One Nation Connolly/Ryan witch-hunt was not an inquiry at conducts its internal business. The national all; it was a blatant misuse of public funds and socialist—read "Nazi"—nature of One Nation is a symbol of the preparedness of the National cause for concern to us all. We are indeed and Liberal Parties to risk fundamental judicial lucky that the electorate has seen this safeguards in this State in order to save their movement for what it is and rejected it at the political hides. They never learned the lessons ballot box at the October Federal election. of the excesses of the 1980s and the findings At the 5 December by-election, the of the Fitzgerald inquiry. They demonstrated people of Mulgrave rejected ineffective yet again that the concept of separation of representation. They rejected the culture of powers was beyond them. complaint fostered by a party long on finger Worse still, these champions of States' pointing but short on real answers. They rights and Canberra bashers from way back rejected the lowest common denominator were dismal as they caved in to their Canberra campaigning of personal denigration by mates at every turn. The National Party's sell- master puppeteer David Oldfield in favour of out to the Liberals in Canberra on every the positive approach of the Beattie Labor important issue makes a mockery of their claim Government. to truly represent the people of rural and Alarm bells must be ringing for the regional Queensland. They must share the electors of New South Wales. They would be responsibility for increasing nursing home fees, wise to reject a party machine devoid of savage cuts to child care, the closing down of political scruples. Hopefully, given the regional Federal services, accepting second- implosion of One Nation in Queensland in best health funding, the neglect of the recent weeks, they can deliver a further rebuff unemployed, divisive industrial disputes, the by ensuring that David Oldfield is not given a imposition of a goods and services tax, platform for his divisive brand of politics uranium mining in national parks and, more through a seat in the New South Wales Upper recently, the disgraceful cuts to university House. funding. Only the Labor Party has consistently My re-election to this place was achieved stood up to be counted for Queenslanders on through the combined efforts of a vital and these critical issues. committed Labor Party and through the broad- By deserting provincial Queenslanders, based support of ordinary working men and the Nationals must also bear responsibility for women. I thank everyone who voted Labor. that cancer on the body politic of this nation— Although it is always difficult to single out the rise of the One Nation Party. I accept the individuals or even groups for recognition, I view that all major parties have contributed in would be remiss if I did not record my some way by losing touch with the electorate appreciation to the following people. and not adequately addressing real and The people of Yarrabah once again gave perceived concerns expressed by ordinary my campaign magnificent support. My citizens. However, it is in the National Party connection with this community goes back heartland that One Nation developed most over 30 years, when I was first posted there as quickly and from where the more extreme a young teacher. I recommit myself to notions that pass for genuine policy furthering the process of reconciliation and to emanated. achieving a better standard of living for all The National Party cynically turned a blind indigenous Australians. In a pathetic example eye to the rantings and ravings of the lunatic of dummy spitting, the National Party tried to 44 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999 use the media to attack the value of the vote environment. I fully understand also the need from Yarrabah through some intemperate and for environmentally sustainable development. untrue statements by the now deposed The Greens do not have a monopoly on shadow Minister for Police and Corrective concern for the environment, nor do they have Services. Similarly, former One Nation voters the right of veto over sustainable projects that who spurned the coalition and turned to Labor have the capacity to create employment with their second preferences were branded as opportunities for Queenslanders. traitors by the National Party's candidate. The During the election campaign a number of Leader of the Opposition was quick to shoot commitments were given to the electors of from the lip, launching a similar attack on Mulgrave, and today I reaffirm my former coalition voters who had turned to One determination to see them all delivered in full Nation. and on time. For most of my adult life I have It is a role of political parties to present had the privilege of being involved in the worthwhile and attractive policies to the education of our young people. I am very electorate for its consideration, not to berate proud that when representing Mulgrave on a voters for exercising their democratic right. I previous occasion I facilitated the setting aside thank these people for their support and can of land at Edmonton to cater for the assure them that the issues they raised with establishment of an education precinct. In this me when doorknocking will be addressed to term I intend to build upon that achievement. the best of my ability. I thank also those In 1998 the Bentley Park Primary School and workers and primary producers in the sugar Preschool opened their doors on a sizeable industry who offered their support to my parcel of land acquired by the then Goss campaign. This was done in recognition of the Government. My commitment to education is commitment made by Labor to meeting the as strong as ever. crisis caused by the continued decline in c.c.s. levels, falling world prices and tariff removal by The Minister for Education announced an uncaring and out of touch Government in during the by-election that construction of the Canberra. Bentley Park State High School would commence this financial year, with its first Unfortunately, this State's brief political intake of students to be taken at the flirtation with One Nation has sent a wrong commencement of the 2000 school year. The message to our neighbours and, indeed, the construction of this much needed facility is on rest of the world. Australia is not a racist or track, with earthworks starting this month. The bigoted society. We are fundamentally a Bentley Park campus offers the opportunity to diverse and tolerant people who accept each establish a superb facility to cater for the other for what we are. We do not discriminate educational needs of the whole community on the basis of the colour of our skin, our with the emphasis on lifelong learning. It is my religious beliefs, our sexual preferences or any intention to work closely with educators, the other measure based on qualities other than community and the Cairns City Council to our intrinsic fundamental human worth. The maximise the opportunities shared usage of Australia of which I am proud is also proud of facilities can provide. its independence. We should acknowledge and take pride in our ancient and indigenous In 1994 I first raised the prospect of history, as well as contributions made over the closing off Trinity Inlet to commercial gill past 200 years by newer arrivals. I look forward netting. It was therefore with a sense of great to the new millennium and the rebirth of our satisfaction that this project became Labor nation as a truly independent republic taking policy and was presented to the people at its place as a full equal on the international both the June general election and then again stage. at the by-election. Trinity Inlet is a precious and finite resource and I commend the work done During the campaign the Green Party under the Trinity Inlet Management Plan to made much of the impact that it would have preserve and utilise this valuable marine on the outcome of the Mulgrave by-election. ecosystem. Continued commercial gill netting Its vote was low. Most environmentalists chose was having a deleterious effect on recreational instead to cast their vote directly for Labor, based on its sound environmental record. and tourist fishing opportunities. Genuine environmentalists remembered the The Minister for Primaries Industries has shameful role played by the Greens during the acted promptly to institute a regulatory impact 1995 election campaign, when they helped to statement and the necessary processes are in bring the Nationals to power by putting political train to achieve the commitments to the expediency ahead of their principles. I believe electors of Mulgrave. In future years, with strongly in protecting our wonderful natural careful management Trinity Inlet will become a 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 45 focal point for locals and will provide both the Edmonton and Gordonvale Police recreational opportunities for tourists. In Stations. This would have diminished the economic terms, the return to the far northern visible police presence in those urban areas community through this use will far outweigh where it is really needed. The Minister for that received by way of commercial fishing. Police has announced that the construction of It has come to my attention that there is a a new 24-hour police station will commence as need to upgrade the boat ramp at Thompson a redevelopment of the current Edmonton site Road, Edmonton. Under the previous coalition in the new financial year. Community support Government substantial funds were set aside for this initiative is high as we look forward to for the establishment of a pontoon in the having this station up and running with a vicinity. This dubious offer was not sought by complement of 18 to 20 officers early in 2000. the community, nor was it a practical During the by-election the National Party proposition in the first place as the water in candidate falsely claimed the ambulance that area is far too shallow to support the use station at Edmonton would be downgraded. of a pontoon. It remains a mystery as to why This was in contradiction to a commitment such an announcement was ever made. made by myself that, in fact, an upgrading Public calls by myself for a "please explain" fell would occur to accommodate growth demand. on deaf ears. The Minister for Emergency Services backed my commitment and events of recent weeks I have had recent discussions with the bear out the veracity of that commitment. The Edmonton fishing club and they inform me upgrading of the ambulance station in that Queensland Transport has indicated the Edmonton to a full 24-hour service will be funds are still available to be put to the more achieved over the next few weeks. I thank the practical purpose of constructing the boat Minister for her prompt action and pass on to ramp. It is therefore my intention to ensure her the appreciation of my constituents, that the construction of the new boat ramp especially those seniors who under Labor have becomes a reality. Such a facility will be of now been provided with free universal great benefit, as the current ramp is in a poor state of repair and cannot cope adequately ambulance cover. with current, let alone projected, demand. When previously in office, I negotiated a five-year program of upgrading works along During my earlier terms as member for Yarrabah Road to improve safety for the Mulgrave, the provision of services and residents of that community and the facilities to keep pace with the rapid community of East Trinity. Although some work urbanisation of the southern suburbs of Cairns was carried out during my term in office, the was a top priority. This remains the case now previous coalition Government obviously had more than ever. Land for road improvements priorities elsewhere and the program slipped and the sites for schools, ambulance and fire seriously behind the timetable that had been stations and community health centres were established. I am pleased to assure those allocated as part of a whole of community affected constituents that the elements of that approach to provision of infrastructure. The program are now back on track and it is my planning was done and it must now be determination to see the completion of the implemented. bulk of the work within my current term of The former coalition Government let the office. people of Mulgrave down in its two and a bit The community of Babinda has over the years in office. It boasted it would establish a last 20 years suffered a gradual decline and 24-hour police station in the Edmonton area. It mistakes have been made in withdrawing never did. It was all talk and no action, which is essential services. There is, however, a new- typical of its approach to law and order issues. found sense of purpose within the township. The coalition never got around to fulfilling this The establishment of the Babinda Community promise. It considered window shopping at real Association will supplement the good work estate agencies for a site on caneland being done by a number of organisations as between Edmonton and Gordonvale as a the community sets about reinvigorating itself. substitute for real action. This process was given a real boost when the A facility remote from the population hub Minister for Housing gave the go-ahead for the would have been unsatisfactory. Had the Abbeyfield project, which will see many of previous Government ever followed through on Babinda's older citizens attain independent this misguided plan, the community would living within the community and not be faced have been short-changed. Furthermore, it with the prospect of having to move would have resulted in the downgrading of elsewhere. 46 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999

Within the next few weeks a Queensland working towards the realisation of such things Government Agent Program office will open in as home ownership. Babinda, giving residents access to an Government at all levels has been guilty enhanced range of Government services, all of using economic theory to shed its social available within the town itself. The Minister for responsibilities in the name of economic Health has announced funding for the rationalism. The fundamentals of National upgrading of the Babinda Hospital to better Competition Policy are quite sound, but accommodate the needs of those requiring unfortunately public management has seized aged care. upon NCP as a means of downsizing, I wish to reaffirm my support for some of privatising and contracting out in order to the excellent work being done in the Innisfail improve the bottom line without any thought district. That community is currently raising as to the impact upon the lives of ordinary funds for the establishment of haemodialysis people. The bottom line should not just be facilities in the city. Innisfail district citizens measured in terms of dollars saved. Economic should not have to constantly travel to Cairns efficiency is a worthwhile aim, but not at the for this important service. It is my intention to expense of our social fabric. It is false address this issue in more detail in this place economy to save a dollar on wages, yet spend at another time. more on social welfare as a growing number of I now turn to issues which have brought valuable employees are consigned to the great pain to working men and women in scrap heap of unemployment or Queensland, as they have throughout the underemployment. nation. Ideologically driven attacks on the We owe it to the citizens of this State to foundations of a sound and workable industrial spend their taxes wisely, but to balance fiscal relations system by conservative Governments propriety with a genuine commitment to the at both State and Federal levels have reduced welfare of the community. This is done through employee confidence to unprecedented lows. the provision of services in our schools and our The restructuring of the industrial relations hospitals; by our ambulance, police and fire model has not produced the efficiencies and rescue services; and through the provision projected. Improved productivity levels are not of affordable electricity, water and public to be sustained through cut-throat competition transport. The business of Labor Governments between workers. Evidence suggests that a is to deliver community services, not to sense of collective wellbeing provides better replicate the corporate sector, but to work with incentives for the work force to strive for higher it to create jobs and a better standard of living output. Secretive workplace agreements foster for all. unproductive workplace division wherein the Mr GOSS (Aspley—LP) (2.49 p.m.): I individual is too busy protecting his or her own pledge my loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen, job to make any contribution of worth to the and to her representative in Queensland, His enterprise. They do not foster the enterprise Excellency the Governor, Major General Peter commitment so valuable in a finely balanced Arnison, and I assure the electors of Aspley of free market economy. my continued efforts on their behalf. I am Enlightened employers to whom I speak honoured to have been elected once again to are rejecting the individualisation of industrial represent the residents of the Aspley bargaining. They accept that a return to the electorate. Since being elected to the Brisbane collective process under the umbrella of an City Council in 1982, this most recent election Industrial Relations Commission skilled in fairly was my seventh. Of the four State elections I resolving industrial disputation will provide a have contested, this most recent election win-win situation for worker and boss alike. It is brought about my second best result. a fact that industrial disputes occur. An I thank all those who came forward to effective industrial relations system provides assist me at the election. I express my sincere workable mechanisms for resolving conflicts thanks to the ever-present branch members efficiently and, more importantly, fairly. The who have been there to help and assist in so coalition's inflammatory approach to industrial many ways over many years. Some of them relations only foments discontent. have assisted me at all elections I have The casualisation of the Australian work contested. I also express my appreciation to force to unprecedented levels has been a the many people who at each election contact social disaster. The resulting dislocation has me and offer their help and services. Many of destabilised the work force to the extent that these people are non-political but come families have great difficulty in planning and forward at each election to assist me. 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 47

As I have said previously, I am very an award from the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, pleased with my result in Aspley, although I whom many members would know quite well, could not miss the sour grapes of the local to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the ALP campaign director, who made a great opening of the Downfall Creek Bushland issue in the local press that I was elected on Centre. One Nation preferences. I admit that is true. I outpolled the Labor candidate in the primary One of my greatest honours was when vote and received more One Nation the residents of the electorate petitioned to preferences. have an area named the John Goss Reserve. At the unveiling I was rather worried that the What the Labor Party campaign director, word "memorial" may have been on the sign, in his moment of losing disappointment, failed but I had two options: either physical or to realise is that it is the constituents of the political death. The John Goss Reserve area who vote and allocate their preferences, represents a great honour bestowed by not the parties. The ALP booth workers residents in the electorate. handed out bogus how-to-vote cards to One Nation voters in an attempt to get their Over recent years I have been pleased to preferences. Labor went begging to One see the refurbishment of the older schools in Nation voters for their preferences. Unlike my electorate, particularly the Aspley East and Labor booth workers, who handed out two Bald Hills State Schools. Other schools have how-to-vote cards, I can honestly say that my also benefited from the upgrading of facilities. booth workers handed out only the official Aspley State High School has many new Liberal card. Labor's sneaky tactic was seen by facilities, thanks to a very active P & C the electorate for what it was: a win-at-any-cost community. campaign. The Aspley Special School has an Never have I had so many election signs outstanding record for dedication in the defaced, stolen and burnt. It was a very well- upgrading of their facilities and for fundraising. organised campaign. With the help of my In fact, their fundraising activities have to be campaign workers, there were always sufficient seen to be believed. This school paid for its signs to replace the ones that had been own therapy pool without even a subsidy from destroyed. On one occasion I went out to the Government. The P & C members at the replace a burnt sign and a six-year-old boy Aspley Special School are real workers. They came out of the house. He stood there, are determined and they are very resourceful. I watching me put the sign up. When I had pay tribute to the former principal of the finished he said, "Is that you?" I said, "Yes." school, Glynn Brown, and to Harry Johnstone, He said, "It doesn't look like you." The sign who is responsible for the recycling and was 14 years old and I had to put "Aspley" environmental centre at the Aspley Special over the former electorate name. Fourteen School. The Pine Rivers State High School is years ago I looked thinner and had more hair; also a great school. The P & C there is very that was the only difference. active and is very involved in the school, as is I take this opportunity to thank my wife, the P & C at the adjoining Strathpine school. Tricia, who has always been there when help is Another pleasing achievement in the needed. Those who know her know that she Aspley electorate has been the refurbishment has boundless energy. I also place on record of many of the State houses, which have had my thanks to the people who do so much very little spent on them over the last 40 or 45 voluntary work in the electorate—the years. The project has transformed an area of neighbourhood watches, the club committees, Zillmere, much to the delight of local residents. Meals on Wheels, the Bald Hills Bushies, the Also, another pensioners complex has been service clubs and the P & Cs and P & Fs. They constructed in the area. That has been very have made such a significant contribution over helpful. Many of the people in the area are many years. I am pleased to say that the aged and many of them occupy two, three majority, if not all, of the sporting clubs in my and four bedroom homes. We found that they electorate are junior sporting clubs. That were occupying these homes because they makes me very proud. did not want to move away from their friends. One of my proudest achievements over When they found that they could move into a the years has been the preservation of new complex at ground level, many of them bushland. That includes the Raven Street were happy to move in. This made the reserve, the West Chermside hills and 60 refurbished houses available to people on the hectares of bushland at Albany Creek near waiting list. These people have been able to Bridgeman Downs. In fact, last year I received stay close not only to their neighbours but also 48 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999 their friends. They have been able to maintain enormous congestion. In fact, people along association with their local clubs. those routes are even having problems getting I am relieved that the activity centre at the in and out of their properties. Aspley State School is now completed. For 14 I am very proud of the years that I served or more years the P & C raised funds and on the Travelsafe committee. One of the sought financial assistance. The former hall interesting things that was trialled in my area at had been condemned by Workplace Health St Dympna's School on Robinson Road was and Safety. Not only is the new hall an asset flashing lights to reduce the speed limit during to the school; it also provides a venue for the morning and afternoon school arrival and church, sporting and community groups. I departure times. From talking to the P & F at congratulate the many P & C committees and that school, I learnt that, before the flashing the parents who worked so hard and so long lights were put in, the police estimated that over all those years to raise the enormous perhaps one in 100 motorists would slow down amount of money needed to construct the to the required speed. Most motorists did not activity centre. slow down at all. But since the flashing lights Brisbane's town plan is of serious concern have been installed, the vast majority of to me. As development increases in our city, motorists now observe the speed limit past the the destruction of trees and open areas school. I must admit that the school is in a around the city with high-density development dangerous location. It is located on the crest of and unit development becomes obvious. That a hill, the pedestrian crossing is right on that development covers the land, which acts as a crest, and one does not see the white lines sponge in times of heavy rain. And because until one is almost upon them. I say thank you the earth is being covered by roadways and to the people in road safety and my houses, there is less area to absorb the rain. colleagues on the Travelsafe committee who Therefore, that rain is channelled into the were keen to try new ideas, such as the creeks. But no-one is prepared to undertake flashing lights. major creek reconstruction work because that Another issue that is of great concern to would ruin the environment. me is the defacing and removal of traffic signs. I believe that Brisbane's town plan is This can be extremely dangerous. I personally leading Brisbane into a disaster. Already knew someone who died at an intersection people in Brisbane tell me that they cannot get after a stop sign was removed. Apparently it is flood insurance. And those who are getting not unusual for the council to find keep-left flood insurance in some new areas have to do signs changed with an arrow and felt pens to deals with their insurance companies to give "keep right". One thing that I encourage the them all their insurance. But there are some Travelsafe committee to consider seriously are people who will never get flood insurance, or the penalties for defacing and removing street for whom the cost of flood insurance is so high signs. The staff of the ambulance and fire that they cannot afford it. services have their maps and they know where they are going, but doctors who are called out The run-off peak is going to get higher as often do not. development increases. Perhaps it is the responsibility of the State Government to look Quite frequently around the city I see at the intensity of development in relation to evidence of street signs that have been flooding in our city. Although the State removed by youths. That can delay Government provides assistance for roads that emergency services to people. We should flood, together with emergency assistance, it is consider making the penalty for defacing, getting to the stage where I believe that the altering or removing traffic signs—whether they Government should be responsible for people are temporary or permanent—a much more whose properties flood when it has allowed serious offence. I have noticed in recent them to build on flood-prone land. months an alarming increase in the number of traffic signs that have graffiti painted over Unfortunately, the Aspley electorate them. It is an enormous cost to the Brisbane suffers from people who are travelling to the City Council and the Main Roads Department north coast, particularly at weekends, and who to have to keep replacing those signs. use local roads as a short cut to the Bruce Highway from the western suburbs. One of the I also pay tribute to the Metropolitan North things that we have to consider seriously is an Boondall division of the Police Service for their alternative route to the west of Brisbane. The activities in the area and their participation in traffic congestion on two-lane roads the Neighbourhood Watch Program. I pay throughout the Aspley electorate on Sundays, them a compliment, because sometimes, if weekends and on Friday afternoons is creating you phone them up, some police will go out 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 49 with you in their own time after hours to inspect Housing) (3.09 p.m.): The debate on the problems in your area. We had a problem in motion for the adoption of the Address in my electorate with groups of young people Reply is a wonderful opportunity for members gathering in cars at the shopping centre. to speak about their electorates and to place When several hundred cars gather around at on record their thanks to those electors who the local shopping centre and a few gave them the privilege of being in this august irresponsible people are doing wheelies place. The reality is that 59% of the people of through the shopping centre, that is a concern Rockhampton supported my candidacy in the to everybody. For example, parents were last election. The National Party had the most afraid to take their children to McDonald's on a disgraceful result that it has ever had. One Friday as a treat after their swimming lessons. I Nation received 26% of the vote, most of must admit that the police did a magnificent which was absorbed from the National Party. job. Ninety-five per cent of those people were That just goes to show that a lot of the people there just to get together with their colleagues, who normally support the conservative side of and there is nothing wrong with that. But there politics were absolutely revolted at the thought are always those few people who act of their party placing One Nation ahead of the irresponsibly and put other people's lives in Labor Party. On the day at the polling booths I danger. The police took many weeks to sort saw people—especially some whom I know to out that problem. They worked tirelessly and be Liberal voters—take Labor Party how-to- set up a task force. vote cards. I have never seen that before. It Now, I respect the right of people to get may never happen again, unless we see a together. But I believe that it is time that repeat performance of the very pathetic tactic Government treated amateur motor sport on that was used at that time to try to bolster the the same basis as it treats other sport. We failing Borbidge/Sheldon coalition. acknowledge Mick Doohan, Jack Brabham, The people who supported One Nation at Alan Jones and all those other people who the last election—and many of them I know were world champions. But when it comes to personally—who looked to One Nation for the amateur side of the sport, we do not want some level of honesty and integrity in the to know about it, and we do not assist those process that was being promised are very, very sports clubs in providing facilities where they disappointed in what they see. They have can drag-race their own cars without going to seen—exactly as we predicted—a ramshackle great expense. Some sporting clubs have group of people who do not take accountability quite a bit of money to put together, but they seriously. just need a site for their facilities. That is something that we should be considering Mr Lucas: Hobbledehoy! seriously. Mr SCHWARTEN: Hobbledehoy! They do I also thank the Main Roads staff for their not tend to understand that this place is a consultation in relation to sound barriers in my place of accountability. What have been the electorate. They have been of enormous help two big issues that have absorbed the to local residents. Most of their landscaping attention of One Nation in recent times? One work has been a great success in the was the former member for Mulgrave who, beautification of Gympie Road. One of the sad even though he had left the place, tried to rort things is that, although they have recently the system even when he was out of it by finished landscaping out there—and it is right trying to collect his salary in advance. The on the border of the electorate of the member other issue, of course, has been the actions of for Chermside—they tell me that they are now the member for Ipswich West who, by his likely to rip up some of that landscaping and continued attacks upon it, has persisted in change the road design. As the member for dragging the Police Service in this State into a Chermside would know, there is nothing worse total state of disgrace. Now, of course, he than people seeing something being done wants to get rid of the CJC. The people in and then, a matter of months later, they see Rockhampton who supported One Nation are someone coming along and ripping it all up saying to me that they were voting for One again. Fortunately for the member for Nation to make a difference—to sharpen up Chermside, the landscaping in question is on politicians, to get the accountability lines in my side of the boundary road between our there and to ensure that the rorts come to an electorates. However, I pay tribute to those end. workers in Main Roads who maintain the roads We now find one of the former members in that area. of One Nation who was elected on that Hon. R. E. SCHWARTEN (Rockhampton— platform has his snout in the trough further ALP) (Minister for Public Works and Minister for than any politician has ever even tried to in the 50 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999 history of this State. He is wanting to be paid guarantees the future of the place. As I have for something that he did not do and for a job said on a number of occasions, Rockhampton he did very poorly. At the same time, he also faces a very bright future. As I travel around wanted to bring disrepute upon his own party the State, I observe that there are many areas and highlight its inadequacies. Of course, the that are doing very well, but they have just former police officer, Mr Paff, chose to bring about reached the zenith in terms of their this place into disrepute by wanting to get rid development. of the CJC, the very group of people set up to We have a couple of really good projects stop the rorts, and to keep the eyes of the that will start in the very near future. One is at public firmly on politicians. So, the people in the Prestons nickel mine. That will kick in some One Nation have done very, very well! Of time in April next year. That will employ about course, now they have split—— 1,000 people in the construction phase and Mr Black: What about the $600,000 about 300 thereafter. Similarly, ANC is building ministerial office? a pilot plant at Stanwell in the industrial park Mr SCHWARTEN: I will get to that. next to the Stanwell Power Station. That has the potential to be a real winner, because we The split in the party shows One Nation had the magnesite plant there and this smelter members as being the disgraceful people that will value add onto that. Value adding is they really are. They have let down badly the something that we need very badly in this 26% of people in Rockhampton who country. As a result of that value adding, supported them. They will not be getting permanent jobs will be created. I notice that anything like that the next time they run. the Premier has just talked to people from Fiat. Mr Black: We will see. We will see. That company is very interested in coming to Mr SCHWARTEN: We will see. I am willing central Queensland to set up a components to bet that at any time. I am quite prepared to factory, a casting works. Those are two have the bet. I will put my money up—no projects that are on the go at the moment. problem at all. Currently, $8m is being spent on the airport upgrade. We have planned a number of other I will address something that appears to projects. have caught the enthusiasm of One Nation, that is, the refit of 1,000 square metres of floor There are a number of other issues that I space. This issue clearly shows to me their lack promised at the last election that I would of understanding of anything in this State. I deliver on. I am proud to stand in this place defy any one of them to obtain a quote to and say that I have delivered on each and have a high-rise building office for 40 people every one of those. The first of those was the fitted out at anything less than $500 per Smart City concept, which is moving the square metre. The going rate is between $500 University of Central Queensland back into the and $600. I guess One Nation members would CBD. I notice the Leader of the Liberal Party have to take their shoes and socks off to work nodding in agreement. He, being an out 1,000 times that figure. The reality is that academic—and I do not mean that with any 1,000 square metres of fit-out on a high-rise disrespect—would understand the significance building costs between $500 and $600 per of that move, especially when we have a CBD square metre. The floor in question cost that is, like most CBDs, in trouble. We handed $595,000. If the member can get it done over to that Smart City concept a number of cheaper than that, he can go right ahead and buildings—the former Supreme Court building, do it. the District Court and the Magistrates Court and another building on Quay Street that used Mr Black interjected. to be occupied by the TAFE college. In all, we Mr SCHWARTEN: It is very pathetic, handed over about $11m worth of buildings, really. plus $2m in cash to refurbish them. I made I turn now to a number of very positive that promise before the election. That is issues that this Government has brought something that I was proud, as both the local forward in my electorate. We have had member and the Minister, to hand over. That enough of the negatives that we always hear is a very appropriate long term use of those from One Nation, the conspiracy theories and buildings. so on, which people really are tired of. People I have to say that we in CQU now have want to know where their kids are going to get our own sandstone, and they tell me that it is a job, what sort of hope there is in older than the University of Queensland. Rockhampton for continuing job growth and Rockhampton Corporation, or Rockhampton what sort of hope there is for getting some Enterprise as it has now become known, was form of economic development that another idea that I had. One of the problems 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 51 that we in Rockhampton have—and I think Rockhampton State High School, which of that this is fairly true of a lot of places about course is my old school. the size of Rocky—is that we have a lot of An honourable member interjected. groups trying to bring enterprises into the city to generally get the place going and to create Mr SCHWARTEN: Yes, it is a fine school employment prospects for our young people. I and it has a fine principal, Mr David Curran. It thought that it was time to try to bring all of is a particularly well-run school and, as I say, I those groups together. That is why we am proud to say that it was my alma mater, promised, and have now delivered thanks to and what a great job it did. Jim Elder, $250,000 to kick-start Rockhampton An honourable member interjected. Enterprise, whose job it will be to go out and, Mr SCHWARTEN: Absolutely. As firstly, unite all the development agencies in honourable members know, I commenced my Rockhampton; secondly, to go out to the working life in the building industry. I believe highways and the byways, as it were, to bring that apprenticeships are the lifeblood of our business into the city; and, thirdly, of course, to future. In recent times, I think that it has been export the businesses that we have—find less trendy to get apprenticeships and we markets for the excellent range of goods and really need to look at that in schools. services that are produced in Rockhampton. I think that it is a very exciting project to get Dr Watson: That's why the tradesmen are involved with in Rockhampton. being paid so much now. The river bank redevelopment is not going Mr SCHWARTEN: The point that the as well as the Mayor of Rockhampton would member makes is a reasonable one because, like it to be. However, we have offered half a over the years, as soon as there is a drop in million dollars towards the labour costs of the economy, people stop training. Of course, redeveloping the river bank. I always say that it in 1983 this happened federally. We started to is the most underutilised spot in Rockhampton. come out of a recession only to find that we It has huge potential. Rockhampton is had a skill shortage in this country. As a result, probably one of the few places in the world we imported tradespeople. We are doing that that one would ever go to where one cannot now in Queensland: we are importing, get down to the actual riverside. Over the especially metal tradespeople in the years, I think that really has been to our boilermaking area, to fill a void that has been detriment. When that redevelopment finally created. gets under way—there have been a few This Government has made a problems associated with it—this Government commitment to training people and to will be weighing in with half a million dollars as apprenticeships particularly. I am delighted to part of its Jobsplan to hire long-term say that this week in Rockhampton nine young unemployed people to be part of that project people will get a start in Q-Build. They will be and to help attack our joblessness and our part of the 140 apprentices who will start this lack of skill base for long-term unemployed year. As I said, nine of those will be starting in people. Rockhampton. I think that it is a very valuable Over the past few years, a number of thing for a Government to continue to use its schools in Rockhampton have become day labour forces as a method of bolstering dilapidated. For example, when I became the the industry by providing highly qualified, well- Minister, I was appalled to find out that the trained apprentices and, as a result of their Frenchville State School needed $50,000 training, tradespeople in the market. Those spent on it to make its electrical fit-out safe. It who criticise Q-Build do not seem to was completely overloaded and the power was understand that they go out into the market. going off on a regular basis. One of the first At the moment, there are about 500 tasks that I did was to find $50,000 to fix that apprentices in Q-Build. The day that Q-Build is problem before a child was electrocuted. not in the market is the day that the building Similarly, we have had a problem at The Hall industry will have to try to find its tradespeople State School where a unit for disabled children elsewhere and its trained people elsewhere. was, quite frankly, a disgrace. We have been The HITT scheme in housing, which was able to move in a relocatable classroom and an initiative of Tom Burns, a former Housing have spent about $100,000 in doing up that Minister, is a value-for-money operation if ever area. It is now quite a hospitable area and one there was one. It uses public housing that the teachers, the students, and, of construction as a method of training course, their parents are very satisfied with. apprentices whereby a number of houses are Similarly, there have been improvements set aside for that purpose. Under the previous made to the Park Avenue State School and at Government, they had to bid for those houses. 52 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999

I do not think that that was an appropriate way agree with the member for Rockhampton, the to go. If we expect group apprenticeship Minister for Public Works and Housing, about schemes to train people, then we have to set the Smart City concept. Recently I was talking them aside a certain number of houses. We to people at the university in Rockhampton have done that. The biggest complaint that I and I am convinced that it is a good program. I had from my local Capricornia Training will return to the issue of information Company was that it never had any certainty technology later in my speech. I believe that of the number of houses that it was going to the concept of the smart city is something that get. Therefore, it could not put on apprentices. we have to do right across the State and the As a result, I have been able to do a deal country. whereby for the next four years they will know Mr Schwarten: It's been a battle. exactly how many houses they are going to get so that they can train people accordingly Dr WATSON: Yes, I know it has been a and put on a number of apprentices. The battle, but I think it is a battle worth fighting for Capricornia Training Company, as an example, the future. It may not seem to be a lot now, will be putting on 50 apprentices as a result of but I think it will be in the future. this Government making available a certain Whenever one is elected or re-elected to and specified number of houses over that Parliament one has to recognise that a lot of period. other people put a lot of time and effort into Ms Boyle: A very real and practical the campaign. I would like to thank my contribution, might I say, Minister. campaign committee. I thank my ministerial staff members. Most importantly, I thank my Mr SCHWARTEN: I thank the member family for the support they have given me over very much. It is such a sensible decision that all these years. I found it a little different this one wonders why it has not been done before. time to be fighting an election campaign as a Anyway, it is being done and it is going to be Minister. One finds how little time one can in operation. It has started and, as a result, the devote to one's own electorate. It is important construction industry of Queensland will get to understand that in an election a Minister some very well-qualified tradespeople. has some difficulties with a whole range of The biggest problem that Rockhampton other issues, apart from fighting the election faces—and it is no different from anywhere within one's own electorate. else—is that it has a high youth In this speech I wish to raise a number of unemployment level of around 26%. That is issues and refer to some things that were just not to be tolerated. We have to do mentioned in previous speeches in this something about it. I believe that the debate. I believe that the member for strategies that this Government has in place Broadwater gave an excellent speech about will address that problem. We have in the realities of being a member of Parliament. Rockhampton the wherewithal at our fingertips I cannot recall precisely the whole speech, but to turn around that problem. My view is that, in last year Allan Grice gave a very sober analysis that regard, at the end of the day I will be of what it was to be a member of Parliament. judged on my performance. I am quite happy The member for Sunnybank did the same to put my credentials against those of any thing. I listened to some of the speech and other candidate or any other member in the read the rest of it in Hansard. I do not recall area in terms of getting projects for the city. As that the contents of his speech made page 1 I promised the people of Rockhampton at the of the Courier-Mail. I believe that was the last election, I intend to work tirelessly and full central issue of what he was talking about. on for their benefit. I would like to thank the member for Dr WATSON (Moggill—LP) (Leader of the Logan for his best wishes on my becoming Liberal Party) (3.28 p.m.): It gives me great Leader of the Liberal Party. Most members pleasure to participate in this debate today. would know that the member for Logan and I First of all, I pass on to the Governor both my became acquainted when we were in Federal respects and those of my constituents. I must politics. He was a member of the staff of David admit that, with respect to the Governor, it was Beddall and I was the Federal member for my privilege to have been one of his Executive Forde. It is possible to develop respect and Councillors. I enjoyed that experience liking for people on the opposite side of the immensely and I wish the Governor and his political debate. John Howard said that as wife, Barbara, all the very best in the Australians there is more that unites us than forthcoming years. divides us. We should understand that At this time it is traditional to offer a few rigorous and vigorous debate in this place thankyous, but before I do so I must say that I should not spill over into intemperate 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 53 behaviour outside this place. We should all world. What is being done in Rockhampton remember that. should be something that all Governments in The member for Kallangur touched on Australia should follow. The honourable some things that I want to talk about in the member is justified in being proud of that. remainder of my speech. The member There is no point in simply using rhetoric. said—and I commend this to members of the Mr Schwarten: It's reality. House— Dr WATSON: It's reality, but we have to "We know that competition produces compete. We have to figure out ways of better products at lower prices. So people competing smartly. understand the positive aspects of Mr Welford: I would like your income to competition. In a simplistic sense, all of us be determined upon your competition with know about competition in terms of Kieren Perkins in the pool. football, netball or other sports." Dr WATSON: My income was determined I think what the member for Kallangur said is by competition in an international marketplace worth expanding upon. as an academic, and I did very well. Right now in this House there are people Mr Welford: Oh, what! on both sides who think that "globalisation" is a dirty word. Globalisation is really just another Dr WATSON: That is exactly right. Mate, way of saying that the world is open for you don't know. My career started in the competition. In sport, Australians have no United States. I was evaluated every year. My problems with the world being open for income was determined upon my performance. I survived internationally without competition. any help from anyone else. That is the way I Mr Welford: That's a different thing. started. That's the trouble with you simplistic teachers, Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER (Dr Clark): you turn sport into economy. Order! The member for Moggill will direct his Dr WATSON: You are one of the comments through the Chair. academic lawyers. In sport, Australians do not Dr WATSON: We have a Minister over ask for any favours or any special protection. there who lived in a protected workplace, Michael Doohan does not ask for 600 ccs namely the Office of the Director of instead of 500. Greg Norman does not ask to Prosecutions in the Commonwealth tee off halfway down the fairway; neither, of Government. I want to talk about globalisation course, does Karrie Webb, as she showed us and consider its realities for Australia. Australia last weekend. Kieren Perkins does not ask his has been part of globalisation ever since 26 opponents to wait on the blocks until he swims January 1778. The reality is that until recently half a lap; nor does Susie O'Neill when she is we have not felt the full effects of globalisation. breaking a world record. Pat Rafter does not Over the past couple of decades our terms of ask Pete Sampras to serve softly to him just trade have been moving downwards and this because he is an Australian. Our sportsmen has been in combination with falling transport and sportswomen are not intimidated by costs and the costs of transmitting information. competing against the best in the world. I It simply means that we have lost our isolation. believe that Queenslanders and Australians There is nothing we can do about that. This is are world beaters. There is no reason why this going to continue. We have to figure out how world beating attitude cannot be applied to we are going to compete in a changing world. endeavours beyond sport. We are elected to this House to take this State into the next In considering our terms of trade, the century. If we allow ourselves to be intimidated reality is that the amount we get for our by international competition, we condemn exports compared with what we have to pay each and every one of our constituents to for imports has been falling. Our trade terms poverty. If we continue to fear globalisation, I have been falling since 1949-50. What we get believe we are in for very frightening times. for what we sell reached a peak in 1949-50. That was because our main export at that Mr Schwarten: What about somebody stage was wool, which was at a record price. who pays workers $2 an hour? We also had the Korean War. If we look at any Dr WATSON: I am going to speak about graph covering the period from 1949 until the some of these issues further down the track. present day, we will find that there has been a The reason why I congratulated the member continuing decline in our terms of trade. There for Rockhampton on the concept of the Smart were some pick-ups from time to time, such as City is because I believe that we have to in the 1950s with wheat, in the 1960s with iron prepare Queenslanders for a rapidly changing ore and in the 1970s with the energy crisis. 54 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999

However, the trend has been steadily Mr Schwarten: Did you have him as a downward. Why? The reason is because our student? economy has been basically a mixture of Dr WATSON: Not precisely, but he was in agriculture and mining. What we have received my faculty. I think he went downhill when he for our agricultural products has been falling. went over to the faculty of law. The rate of population increase has also fallen. As a result, we do not have the demand we The reality is that the costs of once had. Our technology has improved, with transportation have fallen and Australia is no the result that we produce more with the same longer protected from competition. The same inputs and the same land. This has put a thing is happening with respect to information downward pressure on our prices. technology. The cost of transmitting expertise The same type of thing has happened in and information across the world is changing the mining industry, where technological dramatically. For example, take the ease with advancements now mean that much more is which we can send messages from one produced from the same amount of input. As person to another via email and the ease with the member for Fitzroy would know, which expertise can be communicated via productivity in the mining industry has telephone or video conferencing. increased dramatically. The increased Communications technology and computers productivity of mines all around the world has now mean that people can communicate via led to a downward movement in prices. With the Internet—something that has dramatically respect to Australia's terms of trade, we have reduced the cost of transmitting information. been coming under greater competitive Video and audio signals and data can be sent pressures not only for the past couple of years over the Internet at a fraction of the cost at but for the past 50 years; it is just that it has which information could be transmitted not caught up with us. previously. That means that we can now transfer expertise. For example, whereas we I turn to the cost of transportation. I think once needed to bring in experts from Detroit to it was Dunne who said that no man can be an Australia to assist in the production of cars, island unto himself. Australia has been an that expertise could now be obtained via island unto itself, because it has been modern communication. protected for all these years by virtue of its isolation from other nations with which we have Mr Schwarten: That's a problem for us, to compete. It used to take a lot of money and too, here. time to send anything to Australia. Dr WATSON: If we look at the reduction in Mr Lucas: The Liberal Party has done the costs of transportation and transmitting nothing about rail policy since the line was information as problems, we will be in trouble. connected to Kyogle—nothing. Mr Schwarten: What about the surveying Dr WATSON: We are talking about in Victoria done by the American company that international competition. Let us take shipping never set foot in Australia? as an example. The cost of shipping products between countries has fallen dramatically. Dr WATSON: It was done via satellite. Why? This is because the technology Mr Schwarten: Yes. How do you associated with shipping has changed compete with that? dramatically, particularly over the past 20 years. For example, I cite the size of ships Dr WATSON: The member has given a today and the mechanisation associated with specific example. There are other examples of moving products on and off ships. The reason things that we can do. The Minister for the port costs became an issue in Australia Housing would know that, as a result of the fall and elsewhere was that the cost of moving in the cost of transportation, we are now able goods through the port became a much to export whole buildings to Japan and Korea. greater percentage of the total costs of Although the drop in the cost of transportation shipping. As the costs of shipping have fallen, has affected our traditional industries, it has Australia has lost its protection from other also enabled new industries to be opened up. countries in that it no longer costs too much to Australia has to make sure that it is able to send products here. take advantage of the opportunities being created, and not simply worry about the Mr Lucas interjected. problems arising from changes in the world Dr WATSON: If the honourable member economy with respect to transport and stops interjecting, I will get to that. The information technology. I could give more member was a problem student and he still is examples, but I wish to return to information a problem. technology. 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 55

We have to become a smarter country, Mrs LAVARCH: I thank the member for State and locality—for example, Rockhampton Lytton. and elsewhere. We will not achieve that simply I wish also to take this opportunity to by worrying about globalisation. This express my deepest gratitude to all of those development has been termed "globalisation" who worked on my campaign—Michelle or the "borderless business world". The McJannett, Steven Miles, Matt Lawrence, problem is that the issue will not go away. The Michael Harding, Joy Seiffert, Lyn Moffatt, only question that we as a Parliament and a Mick Gillam, and not forgetting my wonderful people have to answer is: will we remain husband, Michael, my beautiful children, intimidated and scared by it? When will we Simon and Elizabeth, and my exceptional make up our minds to beat the competition? mother-in-law, Colleen. It was with their As I said before, our sportsmen and support, encouragement and sheer hard work, women do not look for protection and favours. together with that of numerous other friends, That is also the case in other spheres of supporters and branch members of the ALP, endeavour. I am one Queenslander who that we achieved the stunning result in believes that we can take on the world and Kurwongbah. It must be remembered that we win. We may have lost our advantage with had two elections in less than 12 months. That respect to our terms of trade and we may have all of the supporters and branch members of lost our protection by virtue of our isolation. the Labor Party in Kurwongbah kept up their However, there are some things that I do not enthusiasm during that time was remarkable. believe we have lost. We have not lost our fighting spirit, ingenuity and "can do" attitude. It has been some time since the member for Bundaberg moved the motion for the Mr Lucas: Your brother is a lawyer, you adoption of the Address in Reply and much know. has happened since that time. Many programs Dr WATSON: And a very successful referred to in the address have now been put lawyer, by the way. in place and have changed Queensland for Let us remember how successful and the better. Others have been initiated and courageous Queenslanders and Australians soon will come to fruition—programs such as have been on the sports fields and battlefields the Jobs Plan, the Regional Communities of the world. Let us tap into that well and take Program, the Community Renewal Program, on the world in a new battle—an economic services to people with disability and free battle. Why can we not take the fighting spirit ambulance services for pensioners and that Australians showed at the Somme and Seniors Card holders, to name but a few. apply it to the Surat? Why can we not take on Today I want members to cast their minds the ingenuity that Australians showed on the back to the State election last June and Burma railway and apply it to the information remember the gruelling days after the election superhighway? Why can we not take on the when there was no clear result and all the courage shown at Long Tan and apply it at toing and froing that endured. I know many Longreach? If we remain afraid of members would have shared the same globalisation, we are in for frightening times. experience as me following the election. The As I said earlier, if we allow ourselves to be first few days were a flurry of activity—cleaning intimidated by international competition, we up after the election and putting away those condemn our constituents to poverty. I for one valuable corflutes. Then as the first week wore have no intention of condemning any on, the office became quieter and quieter. The Queenslander—my constituents or anyone phone hardly rang and people only popped else's—to poverty. their head in the door to see if I had heard Mrs LAVARCH (Kurwongbah—ALP) anything. (3.47 p.m.): It is with pleasure that I rise to By the second week it became quite support the motion for the adoption of the eerie. My electorate office is located in a Governor's Address moved by the member for Westfield shopping centre at Strathpine. Each Bundaberg. I take this opportunity to thank the day I would go into the centre to buy my lunch, people of Kurwongbah for their support. It is and it seemed as if the whole State was in with great pride and honour that I take my limbo. Even though it was school holidays at place in this Assembly as their representative. I the time, the centre seemed quieter than will continue to strive to meet their usual. It was quite depressing. Some local expectations and serve my local community to business owners were telling me that even the best of my ability. their phones had stopped ringing, yet it was Mr Lucas: And you do it very well. usually a busy time of the year for them. 56 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999

By the Thursday of the second week, Petrie, the Pine Rivers Community Health despite my best efforts, I had caught the Centre and approval for the new State school depression bug and it was not until mid at Eatons Hill. Until 1989 we had become the afternoon while listening to the radio that my forgotten suburbs and it looked like we were spirits were lifted upon hearing the slipping back into this category under the announcement of the member for Nicklin. By coalition Government's term of office between the next day it was business as usual and the 1996 and 1998. In the nine months since we spell was broken. I want to pay tribute to the took office, this Government has been member for Nicklin, Peter Wellington, for his responsive to the needs of the residents of decision to support a Beattie Labor Kurwongbah and Pine Rivers generally, and I Government and break the paralysis which have been able to build on those initiatives had gripped Queensland following the 13 June that Margaret Woodgate was able to achieve election. His decision delivered stability for for our area, thereby making sure that we do Government in Queensland. Although he was not remain the forgotten suburbs. attacked by some for this decision, I want to In my contribution to this debate, I want to convey to him that he received an address some specific issues facing our overwhelming endorsement from the people of community. Last year the daily newspapers Kurwongbah. carried a series of opinion pieces about At the same time the media was having a leadership. The authors posed and answered feeding frenzy trying to analyse the success of the question: what makes a great leader? One Nation. Many voiced opinions as to why There were many views expressed about the major parties had lost such levels of concepts of vision, of communication, of support and why so many people turned to listening to people and the ability to take One Nation. It can be said that deep feelings people with you. One of the more interesting of community insecurity are probably at the reflections by Gerard Henderson was that core of the disillusionment which fed One leaders are made by the circumstances in Nation's support. But judging by the which they find themselves. By this he means contribution those members have made to the that we view great leaders by the events that debate so far and what has happened in their surround them. own ranks with one member resigning and five For instance, Henderson points out that now sitting on the crossbenches, I do not Winston Churchill is regarded as the great believe that they have understood this or that wartime leader. But if the Second World War they even know who their constituency is. I had not happened, if Chamberlain had fear that their obsession with the extremist secured peace in our time, then Churchill issues will entrench the disillusionment and might have been regarded as a failed wartime further undermine our political institutions. leader—the man who would have been For my part, I became acutely aware of remembered because of the folly of the the deep level of insecurity and uncertainty in Dardanelles campaign of World War I. Maybe the community at the Kurwongbah by-election the same would be said of Abraham Lincoln in May 1997. In my first speech to this House, without the American Civil War or Roosevelt I addressed these issues at length and, without the Depression and the Second World although still very committed to my plea for a War. Without these momentous events, both bipartisan approach to addressing a new policy leaders might be regarded as competent and foundation for Queensland and Australia, I will good leaders, but not great. not go back over them today. I will say, I think there is much to this argument. however, I have been able to achieve many of Take John Howard. the goals set out in my plan for Kurwongbah, An honourable member: Where? including the establishment of a Police Beat shopfront in the Westfield shopping centre at Mrs LAVARCH: As far as you can, Strathpine and the publication and distribution perhaps. He is often criticised for being an of my Buy in Kurwongbah Guide to encourage indifferent leader without vision or passion. locals to buy locally, supporting not only local Actually, at the Woodford Folk Festival this businesses but local jobs. year the topic for the great debate was: Australia is boring. The affirmative team had I want to also pay tribute to my their whole argument in a name—John predecessor, Margaret Woodgate, for her Howard. This criticism comes as much from his accomplishments in gaining long-needed own side of politics as anywhere else. The Government infrastructure—new as well as Queensland National Party seemed particularly upgrades to existing infrastructure—in our critical of him. However, I am going to be area. These included the new police station at gracious here today. 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 57

John Howard's truly memorable display of Some industry sectors are performing leadership was over an issue which neither he reasonably well while others, such as the nor anyone else would have foreseen at the resource sector, some primary production and time he became Prime Minister. I speak of his part of the service sector, are doing it tough. handling of the gun debate. The tragic event Equally, economic prosperity amongst regions of the Port Arthur massacre provided the and individual households varies considerably. circumstance for Howard to display leadership. This disparity of result and opportunity Why were his stand and his actions regarded contributes to a community sense of so highly by most Australians? Firstly, the uncertainty. This is manifested in concern policy was correct. Despite the genuine views about unemployment and job security. The of some and the irrational ravings of others, it Government's program, outlined in the was undoubtedly the right thing for access to a Governor's address, quite rightly places job range of high powered weapons to be highly creation at the top of its priorities. This program restricted and in some instances prohibited. is based on the development of the regional Secondly, the Prime Minister was obliged to potential of Queensland. push the reform in the face of opposition from With the establishment of the Department his own side. of State Development as the engine room of This should not be overstated as, clearly, the Government's economic goals, we have the vast majority of Liberal Party supporters already seen major projects getting support and even a majority of National Party voters and encouragement to deliver growth and jobs wanted change. But the real opposition came to Queensland. Outlined in the address is the from right of centre. The balance of the goal of economic development plans for each community report a leader who is willing to of Queensland's regions, which will be "break out of the type" and "stare down his implemented in conjunction with local people own constituency" when that constituency is through the establishment of a State perceived as wrong and unreasonable in their development centre in each region. This is views. On no other issue has John Howard proposed so that each region's individual been able to combine these two features strengths can be maximised by having those again—a policy which the majority believe to who best know the region drive the be correct and overcoming the opposition of development plans. his own side. On most other major issues he I am already aware of the excellent has drawn the opposition of both the Left and service provided by the Aspley Business elements of the Right—issues such as the Centre, which services my electorate. Recently privatisation of Telstra and even the GST. I was called upon by an employer who was I have no doubt that in days to come his confronting the likelihood of losing the embracing of zero tolerance will receive a business and having 50 or more employees reception equal to its namesake. In cases put out of work. I immediately rang the centre such as the waterfront dispute he might have to speak to a business adviser. That adviser had Right Wing opinion behind him, but the came out straight away—and I mean within 20 implementation was so appalling he not only minutes—joined me on a tour of the factory drew the opposition of the Left but also that of and engaged the managers in discussions. I many people who probably believed some have since received advice that all may be reform was necessary, but not at the price of saved and it will be business as usual. The thuggery, mass sackings, guard dogs and the support and prompt service given by the like. business adviser has gone a long way to So what are the circumstances in which saving those jobs. our Queensland leaders now find themselves? As I said, jobs have been quite rightly Will these be the circumstances which allow placed as the highest priority of this greatness to emerge and is there capacity to Government. Throughout the Governor's take up this challenge and provide true address, references to jobs and job initiatives leadership? The Governor's address reveals are to be found, such as the 15,500 that our circumstances are challenging. Our traineeships and apprenticeships in both the country does not face war nor our State the public and private sectors and the 8,980 work prospect of an economic depression, but short placements for the long-term unemployed; a of these two terrible events we do face as $2,000 bonus to private sector employees or daunting a set of challenges as we have at group training schemes which employ any time this century. Economic circumstances additional apprentices in designated skills are not bleak, nor are they easy, but, most areas; initiatives to increase employment importantly, economic opportunity is very opportunities in the building and construction uneven. industry; an additional $5m for marketing and 58 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999 tourism, which should result in 1,410 jobs; and where we are dealing with strangers. Those a commitment to employ more police and dealings are underpinned by basic trust. If this more teachers. trust continues to erode or is attacked to such I advise the House of the great success an extent that we perceive no-one as Breaking the Unemployment Cycle is in my trustworthy, we will end up living behind six-foot area. I have been asked by the coordinator of fences, never venturing out and living in fear our local Jobs Pathway Program to pass on his that we will become the victim of a home thanks and gratitude to the Beattie invasion. In other words, we will have little or Government and Minister Paul Braddy for the no quality of life. We will have zero tolerance of excellence of this program and the difference it others. This is not what I want, neither has made to young people's lives in Pine personally nor for the community, and I am Rivers. sure that no other member in this House would want it either. I also advise the House of the extraordinary efforts of the Jobs Pathway The challenge for each member of this Program team in Pine Rivers. In less than Chamber in their capacity as a community three months the Jobs Pathway Program team representative and otherwise is to show has assisted 149 Year 12 school leavers to leadership by avoiding feeding perceptions. gain full-time employment. Sixty of these We must stop undermining and eroding basic positions are traineeships and 30 are trust by short-sighted politicking for no purpose apprenticeships. Apprenticeships is a very other than a 15-second TV grab. difficult youth labour market area. It is a credit The Address in Reply sets out this to the marketing of this Jobs Pathway Program Government's commitment to economic with employer groups that the team is able to growth and development in this State and, secure these apprenticeships and equally important, our commitment to traineeships, which have in some instances improving community services to been the direct result of the Breaking the Queenslanders. The major priority is to ensure Unemployment Cycle initiative. that our social policies and initiatives make a The Jobs Pathway Program team is very real difference to the lives of Queensland conscious of the fact that the job market does families, parents, children and people in need. not have a glut of trainee positions and that it In nine months a real difference has started to has been able to acquire for its participants become apparent and I have no doubt that more than its fair share. This is what good this will continue, because good government government can do and this is what good can and does make a difference. government is doing—making a positive Mr LAMING (Mooloolah—LP) (4.07 p.m.): difference in people's lives. Just as I did in 1995, I take this opportunity to Serving the interests of Queensland is reflect on some of the matters raised in my much more than dealing with its economy. own maiden speech of 1992. I believe this is a Queensland is a community, not simply an valuable lesson in reflection of ideals economy, and Government policy must give expressed, achievements or continuing efforts. great store to strengthening our State's social I do of course acknowledge the role of our fabric. During the campaign in my electorate of Governor, His Excellency Major General Kurwongbah, the very different understanding Arnison, AO. I would get universal agreement of the Labor Party and my opponents about in this House, I am sure, as to the dignified yet strengthening and enhancing our social fabric friendly way that he, accompanied so often by became apparent to me. By "social fabric" I Mrs Arnison, goes about his duties. There is mean the store of community and human something about the role of Governors and relations which make a society work. This is the Governors-General which will be extremely relationship which exists effectively between difficult to replicate if and when we as strangers within society—the basic trust. Australians or Queenslanders make In agrarian or traditional societies, substantial changes to our respective individuals extend trust only to family constitutions. I do not make that observation members. Strangers are treated with hostility as an arch conservative resistant to change or suspicion. In a civil society such as ours, but as a realist. trust is extended to strangers because there is It would be remiss of me not to take the a legitimate expectation, not always fulfilled opportunity that the Address in Reply affords but at least presumed, that strangers will me to thank a few special people that either behave in a civil manner. Every minute of assisted in my re-election or made my work every day interaction takes place, whether it is more effective. I thank my wife, Estelle; my in the commercial sphere or the social sphere, campaign director, Hunter Ploetz; my 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 59 campaign committee; my electorate officer, traffic periods. I ask the Minister to request his Lyn Parker; and our new assistant, Ainsley officers to report on a solution to this problem. Hall. The fact that their importance goes Similarly, one of the tightest sections of without saying does not mean that it ought not traffic on the Sunshine Coast is the Nicklin indeed be said. Way between Currimundi and the Mooloolah In 1992 I referred to the then dream of River, particularly that section north of Point the Sunshine Coast having its own university. Cartwright Drive. The proposed Kawana arterial Of course, that dream is now a reality and a will provide an alternative north-south route tremendous asset to the coast. I appreciated between Caloundra and Mooloolaba as well as the opportunity to make a contribution when a western link via the Sunshine Motorway to the Bill to change the campus's name and the Bruce Highway. The bulk of this work is status was debated last year. scheduled for the period beyond the year 2003. I call on the Minister to use every effort I spoke six years ago about another available to bring this work forward as much as vision, that of a rail line from the Sunshine possible consistent with the works program of Coast to Brisbane. The previous coalition Kawana Estates. With the growth rate being Government had progressed this to the experienced on the Sunshine Coast, I do not planning stage, and I call on the Minister for believe that the Nicklin Way can cope alone for Main Roads to continue the consultation the next four years, even taking into account process thoroughly so that the community is a the upgrading that is currently under part of that process. Whether it is light rail, consideration. heavy rail or dedicated busway will depend on a number of factors, and I trust that no options Naturally, I made particular mention of are ruled out. unemployment in my maiden speech six years ago and have done so on a number of In the meantime, the six-laning of the occasions since. I will come back to that topic busiest section of the Bruce Highway between a little later. Another project I signalled in 1992 Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast is becoming was the emerging need for a police station at urgent. This crucial work does not appear in Buderim. Well, the need is still there and the National Highways section of the latest growing, and I have called on—and will Roads Implementation Program. I urge the continue to call on—the Minister for Police to Minister to follow this up with the Federal give consideration to this need. I will come Minister. back to policing in the north coast region, too, Naturally, in my first contribution I made a little later. particular mention of the toll on the Sunshine It is not just that I represent an electorate Motorway, and on behalf of coast residents I with higher than average unemployment that I would like to say, "Thank goodness." Thanks am personally passionate about jobs, but I to the former coalition Government, the toll is suppose that fact does constantly remind me now gone. I also welcome the assurance from of how the whole community suffers from the Minister for Main Roads during the institutionalised unemployment and Estimates debates that the Government does underemployment. It is not just jobs. I not intend to reintroduce those tolls. So personally believe that every member of our popular has the motorway now become— community who is able to make a commitment operating as it always should have, as a and a contribution to their community should freeway—that it, too, is in need of four-laning be given the opportunity and, indeed, be in its central section. expected to do so. I reflect back to my first speech again, when I said— I note from the recent Roads Implementation Program document that the "If one examines the functions of our bulk of this work is scheduled for the period existing parliamentary committees, 2000-2003. I contend that this work should be important as they may be to brought forward to no later than the year 2000. parliamentary theorists, one would have I urge the Minister to reconsider this upgrade to wonder whether by the turn of the program and disregard any consideration of its century, ordinary Queenslanders would former status as a toll road as impacting on have been better served by this the program's timing. In conjunction with this Parliament with the establishment of an work, it is becoming vital that the intersection employment committee." of Buderim-Mooloolaba Road with the The end of the century is now less than two motorway must be addressed. This complex, years away, and I have not changed my mind. staggered intersection is causing considerable I would, of course, prefer that half a million traffic congestion which is not confined to peak jobs could be found in private enterprise. If 60 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999 that is not going to occur quickly, Governments supposedly to take the politics out of this task. must look elsewhere in the short term. After considerable research, I was able to It is, of course, a personal view about identify that the north coast and the Gold which I remain somewhat sanguine, but we do Coast/Logan regions were very much have a structural problem of government in disadvantaged by some of the factors in the Australia which is one of the greatest obstacles model. I believe that the basis for the model to some of the possible answers to should be revised. In the meantime, the north unemployment. I refer, of course, to the fact coast was just starting to benefit from the that it is the Federal Government that has the coalition's increased recruitment and responsibility for welfare, including civilianisation. I call on the current Minister to unemployment benefits, and the States that continue the good work of his predecessor. are responsible for most of the country's Public I was disappointed to learn that the Service delivery. Sunshine Coast district was not listed amongst Current moves by the Commonwealth are the latest recipient districts receiving what are encouraging, and I believe that we are now known as retreads. I will be watching closely to moving in the right direction with work-for-dole ensure that the Sunshine Coast does not slip programs expanding into new areas rather back to its former disadvantaged position. Let than just pointless make-work schemes. One me say quite clearly that I intend to monitor such area is a program providing for Sunshine closely the continued flow of officers to the Coast courtesy officers. This program gives north coast region to ensure that the process young unemployed people an opportunity to of redress continues under the new gain skills and experience in the tourism Government. I believe that it is essential to get industry on the coast. In the course of their those extra police officers required to mount training, they will be promoting local business foot and car patrols in problem areas, and attractions. The sponsors of this program particularly at night and on weekends. are CADET—the Caloundra Agency for There are a number of other areas Development, Employment and Training. throughout Queensland, I am sure, that are There are, of course, other programs, such as having similar problems with congregations of the Business Incubator being proposed by the mainly young people at night. It is important Sunshine Coast Area Consultative Committee. that we do not categorise all young people into Such a centre would include office and light this troublesome group. It is a small minority, industrial uses and would also assist suitable but their antisocial activities are causing home-based businesses that conform to local concern in many of our communities. As much council regulations. as I am continuing to call for more police and This is an emerging business opportunity. reactive police attention to unlawful activities, I will continue to seek Government assistance we as legislators have a wider responsibility. It for this initiative. I commend the efforts on this is difficult to address all of the contributing project so far by Ros Hourigan, Earl Covington, factors, such as dysfunctional families, alcohol David Hopper, Linda Maxwell and other and drug abuse and youth unemployment. members of the Sunshine Coast Area Yet with something approaching 40% of youth Consultative Committee. I call on the Minister on the Sunshine Coast unemployed, that is for Employment to recognise the business and obviously a good place to start. job creation role of such projects. This is a national disgrace, and it is I said earlier that I would come back to unacceptable. Of course, there are other the question of policing. Although my initial proactive measures that are being taken to interest in police numbers was sparked by an address youth problems. I cite as an example apparent shortage in and around my own the great change in Schoolies Week on the electorate, my approach to the problem was Sunshine Coast. By providing non-harmful anything but parochial. Let me say that activities for our young visitors, Schoolies Queensland, by national comparisons, was let Week has become something to which coast down by the former Goss Labor Government. I traders now look forward. I give credit to David supported and commend the work done by Curd of Community Solutions for his the former coalition Minister, the member for contribution to this outcome. Perhaps we can Crows Nest, who inherited the run-down transplant this successful formula to the next situation. His work in lifting police numbers right age group. I would like to think that we could. across the State is on the public record. The contribution of the Sunshine Coast But then there was the method of Community Police Partnership was just starting distribution throughout the regions. The police to become evident when I was advised that staffing allocation model was set up the Minister for Police was intending to drop 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 61 the program. I wrote to the Minister, and take Today I will address an issue that was this opportunity to acknowledge this extension brought to my attention following two visits I of funding to the CPP, but request that he received from parents of young men who were assess each CPP on its level of local support imprisoned. In both those instances, the and give Julia Knight of the Sunshine Coast parents were very critical of what was CPP the funding and support to continue their happening to their sons. In both cases, they work—a little extra time to present a case for went to prison because of their problems with its retention. I believe it could provide an amphetamines. While they were in prison, they example to others as to how they can be run developed a problem with heroin. It is very, successfully. If the consideration is purely very sad that those people should go to prison budgetary, perhaps there is some unused and end up with those sorts of problems. I funding that can be transferred from regions know that the Government is trying very hard where CPPs have terminated. to solve the very difficult problem of ridding our I have already referred to the Sunshine prisons of drugs. If honourable members put Coast University from an academic themselves in the position of those two perspective, but I would now like to mention parents who have children who now have a another challenge. The university was heroin problem because they were sent to jail successful in its bid for funding of $1.4m to for amphetamine problems, they will construct a ten-lane synthetic surface athletics understand how stupid is the policy for track last year. I acknowledge the support of handling drug-addicted people. Those people the former coalition Minister, the member for stole to maintain a drug habit. That is quite Southport, and that of the Maroochy Shire usual. That is why they were sent to prison. Council, which contributed $100,000. They committed non-violent crimes. Unfortunately, an unforeseen problem with Recently, when I heard about drug courts, base soil type arose, which has required I was motivated to do some research to additional expenditure to ensure that the track determine their relevance in the Australian surface meets the exacting international context. It is important to point out to the standards. I made representations to the new House that today, in the Parramatta Court Minister for Sport and hoped that he would House, Australia will have its first drug court. recognise the need to ensure that the track is After a few months of organising the system, constructed on the right foundations. I have the New South Wales Government will operate been advised that this bid for further a two-year trial. That drug court is based on assistance was not successful. That is the American system. I do not like all things disappointing. I will be continuing my efforts to American. Later I will discuss my total dislike ensure that we do achieve a first-class track for the American zero tolerance policies. with all the necessary facilities to go with it as However, I believe drug courts have a lot of soon as possible. To this end, I have written to benefits. Where they have worked well, a both Caloundra City Council and Noosa Shire reduction in drug use and associated crime Council in a bid to gain their support for this has been achieved. Drug courts bring together truly regional facility. the criminal justice system and the health I have mainly addressed issues today that system to intervene together in the lives of were of interest or concern to me when I first people who are caught in a cycle of drugs and entered this place. If I am fortunate enough to crime. We have to treat the drug addiction. be re-elected in the year 2000 or 2001, I would There needs to be supervision for the like to revisit some of these important issues at offenders for a period of between 12 and 16 that time and be able to report that many of months. Education, employment, medical and them have indeed been successfully other issues contributing to the offender's addressed. addiction must also be attended to. Hon. J. FOURAS (Ashgrove—ALP) Drug courts were instituted in America by (4.20 p.m.): I am pleased to take part in the President Clinton in 1994. Currently, 275 drug Address in Reply debate. I join with others in courts are operating in 48 States, with another giving my best wishes to the Governor, Major 155 in the planning stages. A clearing house General Arnison, and his wife, Barbara. I knew in America conducted an assessment of the them both very well when Major General drug court system and found that the cost per Arnison was in charge of the Enoggera participant per year was US$2,500, or about barracks. I found him to be a person with a $A4,000. In America, incarceration costs are very good touch with people. I am sure that he between US$20,000 and US$50,000 per year, will continue to be a very good Governor for on top of which must be added the capital the people of this State. costs of US$80,000 to build a jail cell. We are 62 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999 talking about real savings, apart from the offenders who are continuing to commit a high social benefits. volume of crime. Property crime offenders are I investigated two places in the USA that largely driven by drug dependence. I am had substantial drug courts. The drug court in pleased that Lawrence Springborg, the Brooklyn operates five days a week, eight Opposition spokesman on Justice, has come hours a day. Sixty-plus offenders per day go out publicly and said that he supports drug there. Nearly half of them—45%—have to be courts. I am sure that the Premier, who is put in residential care, because they have going to take this proposal to the Premiers nowhere to go but the streets. The others are Conference, will be pleased that there is some treated in clinics as outpatients. The Miami apparent bipartisanship on drug courts. It is court deals with 80 offenders per day. I think sad that the bipartisanship on prison policy that it is the largest drug court in the USA. A that occurred in this State towards the end of 1986 during my first year in this Parliament has cost/benefit analysis for the Miami court disappeared. We have had an unbelievable indicates that for every US$1 spent, law and order auction in this State. It is approximately US$7 is saved elsewhere in the unbelievable that, in the past 10 years, we criminal justice system. Apart from keeping have had a bigger increase in prison young people out of a jail system that aids population than any other State in Australia. their drug problem rather than helps it, the We have to be careful, because we will go drug courts provide a solution that meets the social needs of drug addicts as well as saving down to the level of States like California, society a lot of money. which have seven times our prison population. On a per capita basis, we have more than half In the USA, the retention rate for drug the prison population of Victoria. courts averages over 70% for hard-core We need to ask ourselves whether we are addicts, which is much higher than the figure serving the people well by going out there and for voluntary treatment programs. In both scaring the socks off people, by having Miami and Boston, the drug courts that are auctions about who can be the toughest, while most successful are characterised by a strong we are not getting the outcomes we want. I coalition between the court, law enforcement, point out to the Premier that a drug court trial treatment providers and community groups. in Queensland should not focus primarily on We need to understand the need to integrate first-time drug offenders—although they should drug courts into a range of Government and be involved—because most of those would be non-Government services to provide the marijuana users. The Government should treatment, the support services, education, ensure that eligibility for a drug court must not employment and training as well as be only first-time offenders but include all drug- counselling and mental health services. dependent offenders, particularly those who We have to be honest while we are are non-violent. Of course, we do not want talking about the drug problem and say that it violent offenders kept out of jail. Those who is sad and really dreadful that we do not have consistently commit property offences, who are mental health services for all the young people driven largely by their drug dependence, who need them. Parents have come to me should be eligible to appear before a drug and said that they cannot get help for their court. children who are behaving in an irrational As I said before, over the past 10 years manner. Similarly, they cannot get them into a Queensland has experienced Australia's drug detoxification centre. As a society or as a largest post-war prison population increase. Parliament, we cannot talk seriously about this However, there has not been the issue without being fair dinkum about doing corresponding decrease in Queensland's crime something about that. I think that the rates. In his Speech, the Governor spoke community, after being consulted fully and about the money that is going to go towards after having the issue explained, will accept building prisons—an increase from $80m in the treatment of drug addiction and related the previous year to $178m this year. We will crime as a medical and social problem and not also have 50 more prison officers. I think that as a legal problem. we have to take politics out of prison policy. Studies of offenders show that most We need to have a bipartisan approach to do begin committing crimes before using illicit things that work. Sadly, I do not see any drugs. The important issue is that offenders indication of that happening. who are drug users commit many more crimes We need to try to do more with than their non-drug using peers. Therefore, if community service orders, probation and non- we are to achieve a significant benefit from a custodial sentences for minor offenders. We drug court, it is important to focus on the also need to praise the current Police Minister 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 63 for returning independence to the parole board patterns are different. In New York, the and for not requiring the parole board to have connection between policing minor offences a fail-safe, no-risk policy, otherwise the and affecting serious crimes has some validity, members of the parole board will lose their particularly when the police started zero jobs. tolerance in the early 1990s. In those days, if a I remember in Western Australia the case New York policeman picked up somebody for of a serial rapist, who was sentenced to 20 committing a minor crime, it was highly likely years' jail, and who was going to be released that, because the police were dealing with a after he had served 18 and a half years. There highly criminalised, heavily armed population, if was absolute outrage voiced by a talkback that policeman stopped somebody for a minor radio host about this, who said that it was a offence, there was every chance that that disgrace. However, the redneck talkback radio person would be carrying an illegal firearm or host forgot to tell the public that in a year and that he or she would be subject to a warrant, a half that person was going to be out, or would be on parole for a serious offence, so anyway, and that the parole board decided to that attempt at committing a minor crime put him on four years' parole so that he could would really be an attempt at committing a be controlled. When the Chief Justice of serious crime. Therefore, zero tolerance Western Australia said on radio, "Do not take allowed police to deal with serious crime. notice of this nonsense. It is not true. In Australia, people do not regularly carry Understand that if we do not do anything, in guns. In Australia, the worst violence is 18 months this person will be out without committed in private rather than in public. In having any checks and balances and without Australia, homicides are committed having to report." The talkback radio host overwhelmingly by people who are intimates or ignored what the Chief Justice had to say and acquaintances of their victims. In Australia, continued to say what a disgrace it was that people do not just go around shooting people, they were letting pack rapists roam the although there have been a few instances of community. That is the sort of rhetoric, that is that recently. Therefore, Australia's homicide the sort of politics and bloody-mindedness that rates are not likely to be affected significantly we are getting from such populist talkback by the New York style of zero tolerance radio hosts. So I urge the Premier and the policing. Police Minister to not wait to see how the two- year trial in New South Wales goes but to do I believe that zero tolerance represents a something about it. serious threat to the successful community Although I have just lauded and policing concept, as that concept relies on a supported the American concept of drug close cooperation between the police and the courts, I want to speak about my abhorrence people. I ask members to imagine what would of the concept of zero tolerance, which is happen if The Gap police officer, who I think is attracting increased interest in Australia, most doing a great job in my electorate, decides to of it, unfortunately, ill informed. People such as pick up and charge every young person with the redneck ex-Chief Minister of the Northern the most minor of offences. If that police Territory, Mr Stone, go to New York on a study officer created that sort of problem in society, tour and come back and tell us that zero he could not do his job as a community tolerance is the panacea that will reduce crime policeman. The cooperation between the significantly. I think that we ought to be very public and the police does that job. careful about listening to those people who are Zero tolerance is designed for a society being briefed by people in America who are divided by class and race. I repeat that: zero pushing this sort of agenda, such as the "three tolerance is not designed for Australian strikes and you're out" agenda, 100% society; it is designed for a society that has sentencing and mandatory sentences. When chasms of class and race. It is a response to a all of those policies are put in the Australian fear of the underclass; it is a response to the context, I believe that they will be absolutely economic circumstances of the underclass and abysmal and will fail the Australian people. what they are doing in order to survive. In There is a lack of relevance to the zero Australia, we have a much stronger tolerance concept in Australia. The claims commitment to welfare, to support about its worth are exaggerated. However, mechanisms and safety nets, to public health more than that and just as importantly, we and to inclusive policies such as need to take account of the cost of such multiculturalism. Despite what some people strategies. I will get to that in a minute. might hear, I believe that we are inclusive. We There are major societal differences say to people, "We do not see you as a between Australia and the USA. Firstly, crime different citizen because you come from 64 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999

Greece or from Asia." Certainly that has been I ask all members to consider seriously my experience. the fact that, down the road these serious The costs of zero tolerance are not social problems can best be resolved by the justified by any gains. Aggressive street members of this Parliament removing their policing leads to serious social disorder. Those political coats and acting in a statesmanlike who are targeted become marginalised. They manner that shows they understand the see themselves as not being part of the realities of the society in which we live. As community. Equally important is the cost of the Socrates said, if we need to search for the common good, it is important that we remove substantial increase in the prison population. ourselves from self-interest. A large measure As I said, some American States have seven of disinterest is required. Unfortunately, too times the average per capita prison many decisions in this Chamber are coloured population. We do not want that here. If by political self-interest to the detriment of the incarceration of those swept up by zero people of Queensland. tolerance is not going to be forever, if we are not going to throw them in jail and throw away Mr NELSON (Tablelands—IND) the key, if it is temporary, it will be (4.40 p.m.): I have met the Governor of this counterproductive, because they are going to State on two occasions: firstly, when I was be released at some time. If one wanted to dressed in a suit at Government House and, make minor crime lead to major crime, sending secondly, when I was standing in the bottom minor offenders to jail would be the classic way of a muddy pit up to my knees in rubbish and all sorts of stuff when he was inspecting our of doing it. If one wants an increase in major lines at Shoalwater Bay. The situations on crime in the future, then have the zero those two occasions were incredibly different. It tolerance concept—go around and pick up is something similar to the first time I stood up people for doing nothing, throw them in the in this House and when I stand up in this clink and see what social cost one has to bear. House today. I personally did not enter politics As I said before, zero tolerance is a policy lightly and I do not take lightly the responsibility for a society that is very different from that has been given to me on behalf of the Australia. It is a terrible indictment on our 21,662 people who live on the Tablelands. Prime Minister that he should seek advice from Mr Welford: Approximately. the FBI on drug policy. It is an indictment on him that he does not want to understand the Mr NELSON: Approximately, according to fundamental difference between Australia and the Queensland Electoral Commission. The simple fact remains that I have to serve those the USA. If we are going to talk about people to the best of my ability and use my inclusiveness, if we are going to talk about voice to represent the issues that affect them, tolerance and if we are going to talk about a and affect them greatly, I must say, especially society that values social justice, I think that it over the past few years. I do not see the vote is important that we treat people who are drug on the Tablelands as a vote of protest; I see it offenders and who commit serious crimes, more as a vote for change. The previous which are a cost to society, in a health and member had his failings and the people societal environment. That is why I think the elected a new member to do a job. I am trying drug courts are going to be of great benefit. my hardest to do that job. Although I was going to speak today I do not know what other members do in about this matter, when I picked up the their electorates, but in my electorate I go Sunday Mail last Sunday I was quite pleased around small communities twice a month and to read that the Premier had taken the wind have a community meeting. I go to such out of my sails by taking this concept to the places as Millaa Millaa, Mount Garnet or Premiers Conference. I am delighted that he Ravenshoe and I pull out a chair and sit in the is, because all I have done is some reading centre of the circle and talk to people. Millaa and have come to an understanding that it Millaa is a small town and some 25 to 30 can work if it is properly resourced and properly people came to the meeting to talk about instituted. I do not think that we need to go issues. anywhere; we need to do our own trials, we People on both sides of this House need to have people with the resources. We passionately believe in things, and rightly so. need to have a bonding between Government Even though I believe in something and agencies. We must make sure that we have someone else believes in something resources such as mental health services, completely different, those beliefs are firmly detox centres, training and employment held. Whether I am right or wrong is a question opportunities and educational facilities. for history, but the main thing that happens in 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 65 this House is that politics start to cloud the playing field is certainly not level by any stretch issue. A few people start to put the party first of the imagination. and their electorates second. I chose not to do Where I come from, politics is a dirty word. that. I chose to put the people who voted for As I said, it is incumbent upon people who me first and the party that I represented come into this House to have beliefs. I second. That is why I am here today as an understand that, and I certainly have some Independent and no longer a member of One very strong beliefs myself. However, I believe Nation. It is unfortunate that that has that everyone in this House, including myself, happened. I believe that the One Nation Party is guilty of sometimes putting party politics had a lot to give but, as I heard one police before the electorate, either knowingly or officer say about the Police Service, it is the unknowingly. That has to stop. Perhaps the party that left me, I did not leave the party. only thing we can take from the vote in 1998 is Enough said on that matter! that people are somewhat sick and tired of I am 25 years old and I will soon be 26. I party politics and they want to see some real am no longer young. I am officially an adult. representation. They want to know that their As a 25-year-old man, if I was not elected to voice is being heard in this House, untainted Parliament, what would be out there for me as by any academic spin or party political favour. an educated ex-soldier? I have a lot of friends People want to see their members come into who are either the same age as me, or this House and express those views without perhaps a little younger, who have very little fear or favour, because freedom of speech is prospect of ever having a full-time job. That is something that has to be protected. If a something that my father took for granted member feels that he cannot say something when he was young. My grandfather certainly on behalf of the people in his electorate, it took it for granted. In my limited experience, a bodes ill for this House and for democracy in full-time job is the only thing that can make general. one a full-time citizen. One needs to have the There are so many points that I could ability to earn an income and support a family bring up about rural decline and so on, but and to have some sort of security. That does they have all been mentioned previously. not happen any more. Many of my good Queensland is a decentralised State. We have friends—people with whom I grew up and went cities such as Townsville and Cairns and we through school—have idled away at university have areas such as the Tablelands where for a few years, received a degree, and are people have chosen to live. We have people now either stuffing bags at Woolies or standing spread out over the whole State. Whether we in dole queues. That is a shame. like it or not, I believe that is a tribute to the I heard the member for Moggill talking Bjelke-Petersen years. The National Party about globalisation as if it was a good thing. I Government at that time worked to do not care what spin one puts on it, decentralise the State and move things away globalisation is an horrific thing. Those athletes from the State capital. Unfortunately, in the that the member talked about do not work with years since Mr Bjelke-Petersen left both their hands tied behind their backs. At the Government the fortress Brisbane mentality moment our farmers and our small has seeped back into affairs. It has businessmen are certainly working with their entrenched a feeling of disfranchisement in hands tied behind their backs. On the one the area that I represent. People believe that hand, these people are working against the they are not included any more. That anger environment. Cyclone Rona is a good has been expressed by the election of the 10 example. Farmers have a good year once in a people who sit at the back on this side of the while but then find it is ripped out from House as well as the few Independents who underneath them. On the other hand, they are were also elected. taxed into the deck so that they cannot get a leg up anyway. To top it all off, the I have heard a lot of talk about the slaying Government of the day—no matter what of the One Nation beast. Be that as it may, the Government it may be—jumps up and cuts issues remain the same. The media does not their legs out from underneath them by taking understand that no matter what it does to One away any protection that they may have had. Nation, to me, or to any other political party: We are not talking about the fact that they those issues remain. Those people still hurt. cannot compete. Our primary producers are Those people are still wondering. probably some of the most effective in the I had a very interesting talk with an world, being able to produce on land that academic. Let me say that I do not believe people in many other countries would consider that there is any person on this planet more marginal at best. What we are calling a level out of touch than an academic. An academic 66 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999 is a person who sits in a university and looks at Johnson would not be held liable for her statistics and is probably the most out-of-touch death. I know that is a dramatic thing to say, person in society. but the simple fact is that the coroner has I do not blame anyone for my situation. made a fundamental error of judgment in The people in my electorate do not blame slighting these people. I know that the loss of anyone for the situation they are in. If they a loved one is something that we cannot rest blame anyone, they blame themselves. I on; the loss will not go away. I will be asking blame myself for the problems that are more and more questions about this matter. I inherent in the system today. I blame myself have corresponded with the Attorney-General because, hey, I voted and therefore I must and I have received what I consider to be two shoulder some responsibility. Instead of doing non-satisfactory answers. I suggest that he some things that I probably wanted to do, I find out a bit more about it and make the allowed my family to talk me into running for changes that need to be made. This is a very Parliament. Members of my family said, important issue to me and to this constituent in "Shaun, there is a better way of going about my electorate. making change. Do it through the system." So The second important issue is the I ran for Parliament, and here I am trying to completion of the bridge at Herberton. Its make change from within. Unfortunately, I completion date and construction have been sincerely doubt that I will be able to make any delayed such that it is taking months and changes to the system. I think that this system months to finish a simple bridge inside a town is too well entrenched. I believe that party in my electorate. I would like the Minister for politics is too well entrenched. I believe that Transport to look at that matter. I have raised the genuine voice of the people has been two issues with the Minister for Emergency railroaded within the party political system. Services and the Minister for Environment and Unfortunately, that leaves me with a pretty bad Heritage. One concerns a logging parcel in taste in my mouth. Ravenshoe and the other concerns the State By ignoring the message and not listening Emergency Service. to what I am saying today, what has been said A final issue of interest to me concerns a over the past two months and what will be said farm outside of Ravenshoe that used to be over the next two years, honourable members owned by a man called Sweetman until it was are alienating people like me. I am no longer purchased by an Aboriginal group in in the minority. Many people in my electorate Ravenshoe. I have held meetings with that feel exactly the same way I do. Whether Aboriginal group and representatives of the members like it or not, 44% of the people in corporation at the farm. To cut a long story my electorate gave me their first preference short, these people became involved in this vote. That is a lot of people. Taken right across farm to try to do something good. They took Australia, we see that a lot of people do not steps to advance themselves instead of just agree with the way in which things are being sitting around taking handouts. They have done. I am the first to admit that 65% of the been cut off from funding. Every attempt I people in my electorate did not vote for me. have made through ATSIC to get funding for However, the situation remains the same. them has failed. The community has incurred Dramatic change is needed, and that change large debts. This is a perfect example of needs to be at a party political level. Parties ATSIC not meeting its responsibility to the have to look at what they are doing and at the people whom it is supposed to represent. We direction in which they are moving and say, must not let people get into this situation and "Either we have moved away from the people then just leave them behind. I hope this is a or the people have moved away from us." message that will get out. It is certainly an Either way, those changes need to be made issue that I will be running with over the next at a base level. few months. I wish to speak about a few local issues, I wish to raise another issue of genuine some of which I have raised previously with concern to me. Honourable members may Ministers. The first issue is quite important to have seen a movie on TV the other night me. A Vietnam veteran in my electorate lost called A Time To Kill. It basically portrayed a his daughter to toxic shock syndrome. Under man in the southern United States who was parliamentary privilege, I can make a few totally frustrated with the justice system. comments about the coronial inquests into this Believing that nothing would be done, he took matter. Personally, I believe that the findings the law into his own hands—rightly or of those coronial inquests were wrong. Based wrongly—and shot the perpetrators of a violent on the information given to me, I believe that crime against one of his loved ones. I will tell those findings were made so that Johnson & the House right now that, if I was in that man's 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 67 situation, I would do exactly the same thing best to abide by the laws of this State. People without any hesitation at all. in my electorate handed in their firearms even Mr Reynolds interjected. though they have never committed a criminal offence in their lives, yet people committing Mr NELSON: The honourable member crimes get a suspended sentence or two should make sure that he does so. years. This, in addition to everything else I This issue goes to the heart of what the have spoken about this afternoon, is a real member for Ashgrove was speaking about issue. earlier. I do not believe that fine defaulters Some members of this House have only should go to prison. That is a ridiculous waste just come here. Others have been here for 20- of time. I do not think that people should go to odd years. Some have come from working- prison for not voting at a State election. class backgrounds similar to mine. For However, there are certain people whom I however long I am here, the biggest thing for believe should go to prison. There are certain me will be not to forget where I came from, people for whom I believe rehabilitation does who I represent and what I mean to do in this not work. For 16 years I have watched my place. During the condolence motion this father fight crime. To say that it has been an morning we heard about two men I had never uphill battle is probably one of the biggest met and who were members of this Parliament understatements I can make. I have seen him before I was born. Interestingly, one of them bring people before the courts time and time had said that perhaps there are too many again, and those people have received academics in this House. I agree; there are far suspended sentence after suspended too many academics in this House. This House sentence or have not had a conviction needs to take a reality check, and soon. I am recorded. The courts now use the recording of here to tell the House now, as a representative a conviction as a punishment: "This time we're of all dissatisfied people, that their going to record your conviction." I can tell dissatisfaction is on simmer and it will not take members now that, whether they like it or not, too much more for it to boil. that message is getting out into the community and people are now committing Mr HOBBS (Warrego—NPA) (4.59 p.m.): I crimes because they know they will not be wish to reaffirm my allegiance to Queen punished. Zero tolerance is not the issue. The Elizabeth II and to His Excellency Governor problem relates to penalties and sentences. Arnison. This debate on the motion for the adoption of the Address in Reply gives I was brought up to believe that if you do members of Parliament the opportunity to be the crime, you do the time. I know that people able to talk on a wide range of subjects that have beliefs that are different from mine. I are important to them and to their electorates believe that some people cannot be and on issues that affect the whole State. I rehabilitated. I know people in my electorate want to cover a number of issues today. who have been victims of violent crime or whose family members have been murdered. Firstly, some changes have been made Members should put themselves in their recently to the Patient Transit Scheme. We are position and see things from their perspective. finding that people who use the Royal Flying I know what I would be doing in their situation. Doctor Service in western Queensland are now I can judge the issue only on what I would do being denied the service that they previously in their situation. I do not believe that violent enjoyed. I hope that the Minister for Health will criminals—people who murder, rape and be able to turn this situation around very, very pillage their way through our community—can quickly. The situation is this: previously under be rehabilitated. If someone takes a life, I do the patient travel subsidy scheme, when the not believe that person can be rehabilitated. I flying doctor held a clinic, say, at the mining do not believe that is the way to go. I do not town of Yowah, which is west of Cunnamulla, believe we should be arguing for that in this anybody who had to be flown from there to, House. If you rape and murder, you should be say, a specialist in Toowoomba or Charleville punished. would get the subsidy for the whole trip. People are completely and utterly However, now a system has been put in dissatisfied with our justice system. People are place whereby a person will get the subsidy sick and tired of having their houses broken only for a flight to the hospital closest to the into, their daughters raped and all sorts of specialist to whom they have been referred. other emotive things that I could mention. So a person would have to travel the People are genuinely sick of it. My house has equivalent of 100 kilometres before the been broken into. The perpetrator will never be subsidy kicks in. The same thing could be said caught. I am a law-abiding citizen. I do my for people who live at Birdsville. They have to 68 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999 fly from Birdsville to Quilpie before the subsidy sand and say, "Enough is enough. We do starts to kick in. So a person will have to travel need to have airconditioning for our kids if we nearly 600 kilometres before they get any want them to improve." I am sure that the help. Whether that is an anomaly or is same could be said for most students in those deliberate, I am not sure. I certainly believe it is rural and remote areas. an important issue that needs to be addressed I have another case that I need to talk very, very quickly. about, and it relates to school guidance Another issue that is very important not officers. There are four of them in the western just to my area in the west but also to the region centred on Roma. In the past, two were whole of Queensland is the airconditioning of operating in Roma and two were operating in schools. A lot of the newer members probably the Charleville area. However, the Charleville would not be aware that, prior to 1989 when region has been cut back to one. It is just the Bjelke-Petersen Government lost office, a impossible for that one guidance officer to scheme was put in place to aircondition travel from, in this particular case, Tambo in schools starting from the west. When we lost the north to Augathella, Quilpie, Government that scheme was stopped. That Thargomindah, Cunnamulla, Wyandra, line got to about Mitchell down to Bollon. It Charleville and Morven. That is a huge area. was slowly being extended to the coast. We have been told by the department Nothing really happened for a few more years that a slight adjustment has been made in the and then, as we all know, the zone was ratio and that we are going to be okay. The changed to the north. That is fine; all schools simple fact of the matter is that one person have to be airconditioned. just cannot cover that area. At the end of the However, we need to put in place very, day, those students out there will once again very quickly a plan to fix up all those schools. If be denied a guidance officer to help them we keep airconditioning those schools starting choose a career. They need some help. They from the north, for instance, it will be a very, need to be able to be told what is available so very slow process and it will be many, many that, like anybody else, they can make an years before some of the schools out in the informed choice. So I call on the Minister to western region get airconditioning simply take some advice on the problems out there. I because of the huge numbers of schools in would like him to move quickly to assist us in the north. I would certainly suggest in very, this matter. very strong terms that we also institute a I want to talk about another very serious scheme whereby we can aircondition those issue that relates not so much in my area but schools in the west as well. There are not a lot to north Queensland. It relates to the air of schools in that region in comparison to the service provided to the Torres Strait and many north, and we would cover a lot of ground. We of the other remote communities in the north. would be able to move very, very quickly and Just recently, a company called Uzu Air was get into the suburbs in a short time. grounded by CASA, the Civil Aviation Safety It is important to realise that out in those Authority, because of a so-called breach of western areas the schools need only the safety guidelines. I want to put on the record evaporative type airconditioning units—they do just exactly what happened up there. The not need the refrigerative type that is used in plane that crashed was an Islander flown by a the north—so it would be cheaper and I very competent pilot. She had two and a half believe we could cover a lot more schools that thousand hours of flying experience. She was are presently facing a serious problem. We a Grade 1 flying instructor, an instructor also in have seen examples in the past of problems aerobatics and was obviously endorsed in at schools such as Goondiwindi. I believe that multi-engine operations. The aircraft had no it is a good example. outstanding service warrants at all. There is a similar need in St George. I am Unfortunately, it did crash, resulting in the loss talking to people out there now. They are really of life. concerned. They are at the stage at which CASA went up there with a view of, I they are even talking about protesting. They guess, portraying that it was keeping the skies are people who normally do not protest. We safe. But the reality is that it has closed down are at a stage at which frustration is running that operation. CASA said that they were not very, very high, and I do not blame them. I am operating legally, that because they were not the sort of person who wishes to taking paying passengers they were operating encourage people to protest, but there has to an RPT service—a regular public transport be some recognition that we have had service—which was illegal. They had been enough. We are going to draw a line in the trying and trying for years to get some 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 69 resolution to this particular administrative Mr HOBBS: I do not know about that. I change that was made. In fact, I believe that think the Minister is the one who is a month Uzu Air wrote something like—I cannot think too late. what it was—between four and eight letters to Mr Bredhauer: I spoke to John Anderson CASA and received only one reply in relation two months ago and he has not even given to the issue. Then suddenly they are stopped me the courtesy of a reply. from flying. Mr HOBBS: I do not know whether the The reason that the Civil Aviation Safety Minister wrote to John Anderson or not, but I Authority has said that the RPT service should believe we should have had stronger not operate is that the airstrips do not meet representation from him. He is the local the guidelines for an RPT service. They have member. I believe we need to hit this issue to be a certain length, a certain width, have a hard. We can do it jointly. I think the real certain glide slope and so on. Unless they enemy here is CASA. I believe it is the real lower the sea or raise the islands, those island problem. It is not the Minister. I believe we airstrips will never ever meet those standards. need to get CASA to change its guidelines Around the world the situation has been quickly. resolved by issuing an air taxi licence. That enables those companies, whether they be a A growing industry in my area is goats. As mail service or whatever, to carry people many people would know, the Charleville around at a reasonable rate instead of their abattoir is up and running and going well, but having to pay the full cost of a charter. that has led to an increase in the number of people raising goats in the region. The As a result of what has happened, the problem we have had is with stealing. The people in the area have been denied an air legislation urgently needs to be changed, service. I have a petition here that has been simply because the goats are classified as put together by the residents of Darnley Island. feral and therefore under the Act have to be They say— tamed or controlled in some form. People "The recent action against the air need to know that if they rear or run these operators by CASA has restricted the goats they need to earmark them or even operators to conducting strict air charter firebrand on the horn. Legislation urgently operations only, placing a ban on air needs to be brought into this House to change charter operators selling seats or freight the terminology from "feral stock" to "stock" so space on existing charter flights. This has that we do not have any grey areas in relation caused the cost of travel in the Torres to whether stock is owned or feral. Strait to escalate out of reach of most of Very soon there will be an electoral our people. As CASA's action is not safety redistribution. Obviously those large related and purely an administrative electorates in the west will get bigger. We licensing issue we are therefore asking presently have two Federal members that the necessary legislation be changed operating in the region from the Gulf of to allow air charter operators to continue Carpentaria to the New South Wales border servicing the Torres Strait on a share and around to Warwick. It is just impossible for charter basis to allow the frequent and those people to give adequate representation, affordable air services that we have to the level that any person in any other part of enjoyed in the past to continue. the State would expect. Frequent air travel is imperative to Changes are also taking place in local the continuation of all aspects of living in government. A lot of the rural areas are not the Torres Strait." represented on councils. This is no reflection People are putting petitions together. on the councillors concerned. I will give an Meanwhile, it just seems to be dragging on. example. In the Murweh Shire there is really CASA is trying to break this company, like it only one rural land-holder representative who has broken others, to try to show that it is lives on the land in the shire. There are other keeping the skies safe, and it is doing nothing examples. In various areas, particularly in the at all of the sort. The infringements it talks hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, people are about are administrative, are very minor and saying that they are not getting representation. have no bearing on safety. I call on the There is a need to look at that to ensure that Federal and State Ministers for Transport to when we draw boundaries and put legislation strongly back a move to get those planes together we take into consideration that flying again. everybody should get equal representation. If Mr Bredhauer: You are about a month they do not, eventually the problem will come too late. back and bite. 70 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999

Another issue I raise is tree clearing. a genuine effort to keep racing going during Queensland put in place the first scientifically this uncertain time. There probably will be based tree-clearing guidelines in Australia. I some other areas that also need help. Racing believe that those guidelines were put in place in those rural areas is very important. in good spirit, with a lot of cooperation and a The reduction in the number of electricity lot of work from people around the State. We authorities from five to one will see a change in need to ensure that they are not tightened any the level of representation. The experienced more to make it more difficult. In fact, I believe representatives on those boards at the there is room in some cases for slight moment will be replaced with advisory boards. adjustments. The advisory boards are a waste of time. The The other issue is tree clearing on Government has tried this in the area of health freehold land. It has to be recognised by this and it did not really work. These bodies have Government that people who have bought to have some teeth. The Government is something, whether it be a licence or putting out people who have an extremely whatever, have invested a huge amount of wide range of talents and money. Therefore, any Government that experience—Councillor Graham Andrews, comes in and denies the use of a natural David Alexander, Bill Copeland, Councillor resource has to pay compensation. People Daryl McDonald, Councillor Rod Gilmore, who lease land pay for the lease, but if they Douglas Hartlands and Colin Smith. Those then freehold they pay again. What are they people have a wealth of experience and they buying? They are actually buying the title and are gone. I do not believe we should be the trees, and they are theirs to use. If allowing that to happen. somebody comes along and says, "You can't Time expired. use them", they should be putting their money up. Hon. S. D. BREDHAUER (Cook—ALP) The same situation applies in relation to (Minister for Transport and Minister for Main water. The water allocation management plans Roads) (5.20 p.m.): Yesterday, Monday, 1 are being developed throughout Queensland March 1999, the 50 km/h local speed limit was at the moment. In many cases, those who introduced in south-east Queensland, marking have bought licences have bid a lot of money one of the most important road safety at auction to buy that water. They have put a developments in recent years. The new limit is lot of money into infrastructure—ring tanks, being introduced to save lives and reduce pumps and agricultural equipment. If any crashes. change is made, they have to be paid The 50 km/h local speed limit will apply in compensation. I make it quite clear to the the local governments of Brisbane City, Government that denying people's licences, by Caboolture Shire, Caloundra City, Gold Coast changing the threshold levels for instance, has City, Ipswich City, Logan City, Maroochy Shire, an impact on those people's livelihoods. The Noosa Shire, Pine Rivers Shire, Redcliffe City bank manager wants to know about it as well. and Redland Shire. The 50 km/h local limit will If the licensee cannot pump water from a apply to most local streets in south-east certain level, if somebody moves the goal Queensland. Local streets are those which are posts, the banks want to know about it. There used mainly to access homes and private is a financial impact on them as well. property and carry only neighbourhood traffic. Race clubs in my area are concerned The 50 km/h local streets will not have speed because of the procrastination of the State limit signs, but all roads with a speed limit of Labor Government in relation to the 60 km/h or above will be clearly signed. Some privatisation of the TAB. The funding that was 50 km/h signs will be seen on roads in areas promised to them has not come. They have such as shopping and commercial precincts had to try to work out their dates. They do not where a 50 km/h speed limit is appropriate due know what prize money to allocate. There is a to the high risk of pedestrian, cyclist and fair bit of confusion. I do not think the vehicle conflict. Government realises how serious it is. Recently The 50 km/h local limit will apply in the the St George race club had a downpour. It same way as the current built-up area speed lost about 600 metres of track. Of course, it limit of 60 km/h, which means motorists must had to be the finishing post area that was drive no faster than 50 km/h in built-up areas damaged. That race club desperately needs unless they have seen a speed limit sign some funds to help put things together. All the stating otherwise. Motorists entering south- uncertainty is making things difficult. I have just east Queensland will be notified of the sent a memo to the Minister, asking him what 50 km/h limit by perimeter signs, while he can do. I certainly hope he can help. This is reminder signs in specific locations throughout 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 71 south-east Queensland will reinforce this zones—unsigned or signed—to a minor message. degree will be warned and issued with a The 50 km/h limit is the second stage of brochure explaining the 50 km/h initiative. All the State Government's Speed Management other roads, which will be signed at 40 km/h, Strategy. Stage 1 included the introduction of 60 km/h, 70 km/h or above, will not have an speed cameras to State Government- amnesty. The amnesty will not be allowed to controlled roads on 1 May 1997. The 50 km/h become a free-for-all for motorists who speed local speed limit is the result of a number of excessively or drive recklessly. Motorists years of research, planning and development travelling at a dangerous or excessive speed and has been a cooperative effort between will continue to be prosecuted. Queensland Transport, Queensland police, Any motorist can be picked up. Even local governments, Main Roads, RACQ, other Ministers can be picked up, as the former key stakeholders and the community. Treasurer has found. Even the Minister for The reason for introducing a 50 km/h local Transport can be picked up for speeding. The limit is clear: 50 km/h is a more appropriate message is that, with the amount of police speed for local streets. Local streets are a enforcement detection devices that are out challenging environment, with the unexpected there, if people speed it is not a matter of if it movements of other road users. Local streets will happen but when. The message is not just can be a volatile mix of the unexpected and to get the motorists to pay the fine but to slow short reaction times as drivers often have a down, and that has certainly happened. restricted view. In terms of stopping distance, The new speed limit is a major road safety every single kilometre per hour can affect step for Queensland. Over the past few years, whether a crash happens and, if so, how motorists in this State have demonstrated their severe it might be. A car travelling at 60 km/h determination to reduce the road toll. Since its stops some additional 12 to 16 metres after a announcement late last year, the 50 km/h car braking from 50 km/h. With 30% of all local speed limit has received support from crashes and 25% of all fatalities occurring on motorists who are willing to slow down to local streets, it is vital we address road safety prevent crashes. Now the new limit has been in these areas. introduced, I am confident the number of While the human cost of speeding is high, crashes on local streets will reduce, while local it is also expensive. Crashes on local streets communities will become more pleasant areas cost up to $150m in south-east Queensland in which to live. each year in hospital and health-care costs, When we came to Government, the lost productivity in the workplace and the use Government's first priority was determined as of emergency services. In terms of how we jobs and job security, and it continues to be compare internationally, Australia's urban that way. This Government is delivering on this speed limit of 60 km/h is high compared to commitment, especially in our relationship with that of most other developed countries. Queensland Rail. When this Government was International experience has shown a reduced elected, one of its commitments in relation to local limit cuts the number and severity of Queensland Rail was to reduce the use of crashes. fixed-term employment contracts in A $1.75m public education campaign is Queensland Rail where it was more being implemented to explain why the limit is appropriate to grant permanent employment. being introduced and what motorists need to Under the last Government, approximately do to obey the limit. As part of that campaign, 1,300 Queensland Rail positions had been a 50 km/h local speed limit brochure has been allowed to become fixed-term positions. This delivered to all households in south-east was more than was necessary and contributed Queensland. The brochure explains how the to a climate of job insecurity. In the first six new limit will work in detail and features a map months of this Government, 582 fixed-term displaying all roads which have a speed limit of employees in Queensland Rail were converted 60 km/h or above in the Brisbane/Ipswich, to permanent employment. Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast areas. Fixed-term employment has a place in The 50 km/h local limit will be primarily Queensland Rail if used appropriately, but it enforced by Queensland Police Service Laser should not be used as a substitute for secure, Infra-red Detection and Ranging devices, or permanent employment. Before Christmas, my LIDAR, and conventional radar. To allow office initiated further discussions between rail motorists to adjust to the new limit, an unions and Queensland Rail management amnesty applies until 1 June. Motorists found regarding the conversion of further fixed-term exceeding the speed limit in 50 km/h speed employees to permanent employment. Last 72 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999

Friday, 26 February 1999, an in-principle myself could have received. Many agreement was reached which will see thanks." approximately a further 150 fixed-term To Julian, to all those people in QR and to all employees made permanent. Under this Queenslanders out there, this Government's agreement, Queensland Rail has given a commitment to jobs and jobs security will commitment to limit the use of fixed-term continue unabated throughout the term of the employees to legitimate temporary situations Government. and only in situations where permanent employment is not consistent with business Mr VEIVERS (Southport—NPA) needs. Queensland Rail will declare fixed-term (5.28 p.m.): Firstly, I pledge my allegiance to positions permanent where the work can be Her Majesty, through His Excellency the projected as being a permanent need and has Governor, Peter Arnison. Let me say undertaken to continue to ensure the integrity straightaway that I want to thank the people in of fixed-term employment practices by the electorate of Southport for the confidence monitoring its use within work units. that they once again have placed in me for my fifth term. Rail unions have agreed to take a number Mr Foley interjected. of key changes to the previous principles of fixed-term employment to their membership for Mr VEIVERS: I want to tell the consideration. These include a maximum Honourable Attorney that I know and he knows period of fixed-term employment of two years, that mine is a 54% to 57% Labor electorate. with permanency available if either the You blokes have been trying to win it for purpose of the fixed-term position is planned the—— to extend for more than two years or if the Mr Mickel: We will get it next time. actual engagement of a worker extends Mr VEIVERS: I think I will be old and beyond two years. These agreements are now gummy by the time they nail me, but still I take subject to discussion between rail unions and no chances and try not to take any prisoners. their members. It is a wonderful electorate. It is a working As I said, the new arrangements will result man's electorate. It is a pleasure to represent in approximately 150 existing fixed-term the people there. workers being given permanent employment in Mr Roberts: It's like Nudgee. Queensland Rail. The agreements further Mr VEIVERS: Yes, it is just like Nudgee. entrench progress toward this Government's Of course, every now and the there is a good 5% jobs target. The ACTU and rail unions Minister in Government—even when you are in agree that it will deliver in full this Opposition—who gives you something, like Government's commitment to Queensland Rail that terrific track at Nudgee. It is not turf; it is employees to convert as many fixed-term synthetic. It is going well, is it? I am told that employees to permanent employment as the birds fly into it occasionally; is that correct? possible. Mr Roberts: No, that is not correct. But members of the House should not just take my word for it. They should take it Mr VEIVERS: That is good. Thank God from a Queensland Rail employee who wrote for that, because that would be another minus. to me on 8 January 1999. The letter is from a I am glad to hear the member for Nudgee say chap by the name of Julian Morgans, who that. states— I must thank my hardworking volunteers, who continue to support me all through the "As a one time 'fixed term employee' year every year. I thank my electorate council of Queensland Rail, I would like to thank chairman, Graham Cash. He is a good bloke you (and your Government) for your with lots of worries. He seems to put up with efforts in having as many as possible of me. We get on just fine. I get a few lectures these positions made into permanent from him from time to time. They are pretty ones. I have been advised by QR that my strong lectures at times; however, we get by. I position at Pring Locomotive Depot has also thank the secretary of my electorate now been made permanent. You and council, Garth Keppie, who is a really switched- your Government's position of employing on man about town. He is really into the apprentices and reducing excessive overseas tourism business. He is doing very overtime within QR to encourage more well with his college, which teaches Japanese employment is to be congratulated. and Chinese languages. Having a secure job is the best I thank my campaign manager, Mrs Fay Christmas present that my family and Hinze, and her band of willing workers for 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 73 always coming along and doing the right thing. Finally, but not least, I want to say many She has supported and run the campaigns for thanks to my wife, Betty, and my son, David, me on the last three occasions. That is who have taken the brunt of the telephone probably one of the reasons I am reasonably calls at home when I am not home. They, successful. It has nothing to do with me; it has particularly my son, have had to put up with everything to do with Fay Hinze. No matter the jibes relating to my work when I was which side of the political fence one is on, one Minister for Sport and Emergency Services. must recognise that she is a very Our families really are important to us. They knowledgeable woman. She has been through take some nasty calls. They are not the the school of hard knocks. She has guided me member but, because of loyalty, the family—if through my campaign so that we dodged a my wife is not there, it is my son—has to take few pitfalls, even though the Labor candidate the call. Because they know it is so important, had other ideas. they take the calls, whether they are bad, I thank John Dixon. He did and still does a good or indifferent. On many occasions, they fine job. I think I would be remiss if I did not have had to put up with what I will describe as thank my electorate secretary, Barbara Talty. I a lot of rot. It is not always pleasant for think all members realise that when we are out families. I think everyone in this House knows what I am talking about. of the office—whether one is a Minister or just a member of Parliament—our electorate While gloom and doom still abounds, with secretaries are us when we are not there. If many people continuing to worry about the they make a boo-boo, say the wrong thing or ramifications of the Asian economic meltdown, give a wrong explanation or advice, the I can report with confidence that things are member has to wear it. An electorate secretary definitely looking bright in my electorate of is most important. I have a beauty in Ms Talty. Southport in particular and on the Gold Coast She works above and beyond the call of duty. in general. Not everywhere is sweet, but in the She does a great job. I mention Henry Lack, area of Southport, during the last 27 months who has been with me now for 10 years off when my coalition Government was in power, and on, mostly off. It is pretty hard to keep up we achieved things that were only pipedreams with Henry. He is one of those characters that in the time before we came to office. Hopefully one runs into in life. this momentum will continue, despite the efforts of those who would attempt to I am glad that a Liberal colleague is in the sabotage it. I am not saying that those people House. I thank the Liberal Party for its support sit on the opposite side of the House. and for telling, in advertisements, that I was However, there are some people who just do also their candidate for the seat of Southport. not want it to happen; they want it to happen My thanks go to Geoff Johnson, the president somewhere else. Our list of achievements is of the Liberal Party on the Gold Coast, for his an impressive one. magnificent support and that of the Liberal Party. As members know, in three-cornered The reasons for our success include the contests we used to be belting each other cooperation of the local government, in this around a little bit. The Liberal Party has got case the Gold Coast City Council and Mayor behind me. I have to say that I was the first Gary Baildon and Ray Stevens, the former candidate to have the National Party logo in mayor, and my local councillor, Dawn Crichlow, one corner and the Liberal Party blue logo in who is very friendly—and I am friendly with the other corner. I hope I carried the banner Dawn. There is no doubt that I will look all for the Liberal Party in the manner to which members in the eye and say that I am they were accustomed and in the manner they definitely not going to get her offside, because wished I would carry it. I have seen a few people try to take the sting out of her and I have not seen anyone get the I thank the former president, John Mason, better of her. I am not going to try. She loves who started that trend. We have worked pretty Southport and thinks it is the best thing since closely together down there. In the presence sliced bread. So do I. We are a team. She is of all members I have to say that it has not the pretty one and I am the ugly one, and we always been rosy between the National Party get on just fine. We have also had the and the Liberal Party. I remember Russ Hinze cooperation of the council officers, all of whom getting elected on Labor preferences when a work tirelessly toward our goals. Thanks to that fellow called Bruce Bishop was running. It is spirit of cooperation, we have managed to put good to see that I have been able to settle in place a number of world-standard sporting things down and receive the support of all facilities that have already returned huge people from our side. There is not any doubt dividends to Southport, the Gold Coast and, that we need it. indeed, to Queensland and Australia. 74 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999

Mr Mickel interjected. Mr VEIVERS: I will get to that. These Mr VEIVERS: It is that good. The facilities that I want to talk about have become member for Logan is getting a $70m milk magnets for many of these overseas teams factory in his electorate, but we have other who have committed themselves, as I have facilities on the Gold Coast. said, to making the Gold Coast their training base in the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 I remember when I was the Minister for Olympics. We have to remember that it is only Sport. I flew off to encourage the Olympics a 38-minute flight from Brisbane to Sydney. teams to come to Queensland. Boy, didn't I Hopefully, those teams will be organised so cop a bucket from members opposite! "This is that they take that flight, then take a bus to another jaunt," they said. I have never worked the Olympics. Let us face it: tourists can do the so hard. As a result, at the last count, 17 of same. They can stay up here—in the best the major Olympic nations are coming to pre- State in Australia—where it is a bit cheaper train here in Queensland. According to Labor's and away from the hustle and bustle, and they figures, to the economy of Queensland that can fly down to the Olympics. I think we all will be worth something in the vicinity of $80m agree that they can do that. Let us hope that to $100m. Those are not my figures; those are they do it. the figures that the Premier is now using. He is As the Minister for Sport in the previous the bloke who said that I would not get coalition Government, it is with some justifiable anyone, that it was hopeless and that I was pride that I can see the tangible evidence of going on a jaunt that was an absolute waste of the hard work and cooperation that we have time. A press release put out on his behalf had from everybody. We now have a stated that all the ticketing and so on would be magnificent, world-standard athletics track at done somewhere in Sydney. I do not know the Gold Coast campus of the Griffith whether it was Campbelltown or somewhere University. I know that we also put one in at around there. The press release said that they Nudgee, and one at the university at St Lucia. would all be put through the wringer down All of those tracks are magnificent. They are there and given their identification there and working. When the coalition came to power, that no-one would be coming to Queensland. when one crossed the Brisbane River the next That was not the best press release that had tartan track was in Townsville. That was not ever been put out. I do not know if the current good, but successive Governments all ignored Premier had a lot to do with it, but it was not sport. really too successful and it was not very truthful. I was able to come back and say, not Mr Reynolds: The Townsville one has two to the Valley, but "Have a look at this; been there for 15 years. these are the achievements." Mr VEIVERS: I know it has. I am saying that it was there but we needed more. That is I know that members opposite will have a simply it in a nutshell. As I have said already, look at the report. I think it would be worth these tracks will be used by a great number of while if they went back into the archives and competitors in the lead-up to the Games. looked at the report that I did on my trip over However, our youth and our athletes will be there and who I saw. At the time, I did not tell using these tracks over the years to come. members opposite that I was the only foreign politician to be invited to address the United The facility at the Gold Coast was a great States Olympic Committee and the United example of cooperation between the then States Olympic Congress. I did not tell very coalition Government, the city council and the many people about that, but that is where the Griffith University Students Guild. While talking success started and it has continued since about the university students' guild, I could get then. The American track and field team will be into the debate about what is happening with training in the member's electorate. They will student unions throughout Australia. Quite bring money into the electorate—they will be frankly, I am going to say that I am one who staying there—and the member is going to get cannot see why we should be abolishing them. all the benefits. I told him that I helped him to I think that they do a great job. That is my get re-elected at the last election by putting view, and a few members on this side of the that track in his electorate. When the 2000 House think the same thing. I want to make Olympics come, the member will be out there special mention of the guild's chief executive shaking hands with all of these flyers and officer on the Gold Coast, Teena Morrow. In athletes. It will probably help him get elected common with the ones in Rockhampton and in again. north Queensland, the members of that guild do a great job. They have worked tirelessly to Mr Mickel: The Baywatch girls, too. bring that track and other buildings to the 2 Mar 1999 Address in Reply 75 university. That Gold Coast campus is just the mill. However, like Lazarus, he has growing—like the many others around, resurrected himself. He has come back bigger including the one at Logan—like a mushroom. and better, although I do not fancy the ties I think that these youngsters get in there and that he wears! do a great job. I just hope that the present Mr Mickel: I would have put you on the thinking in Canberra changes. I have been told front bench, Mick. the reason why they want to abolish those unions. However, quite frankly, looking at it Mr VEIVERS: Let us not get nasty. Let us with an open mind, I cannot see any get back to my electorate. The swimming pool justification for their argument. will be going in at Southport, and it will have a diving tower. It is well on its way to becoming Long after the Sydney Olympics are but a another Olympic standard venue that will be memory these tracks, particularly the one on used for pre-training, and it will have the tower. the Gold Coast, will continue to be used by They were not going to put in the tower. other local budding athletes and, hopefully, However, when the pool is completed, it will be future gold medallists. I must mention also that appreciated not only by competitive swimmers the coalition put in an Olympic-standard but also by the public at large. hockey field at Hunt Park. That is another facility that is a monument to the former From a business perspective, Southport is coalition Government, to the council and, I on track to reinforce its position as the central suppose, to me as the then Minister for Sport. business district of the Gold Coast. It is coming I must say that I am hoping that we will be back! The revamping of the Southport Mall at able to put another track on the Gold Coast, the eastern end of Nerang Street has opened because we are getting tremendous use out of up new opportunities. Business people and the present one. Although the Gold Coast is developers are viewing this area in a new light. the sixth-largest city in Australia, we did not I can tell members that the response has been have a track down there and the youngsters in very positive indeed. that area used to have to travel to Brisbane or During the coalition's term of Government, to Toowoomba. Although there is a track in the new law courts were constructed and north Queensland, such tracks were as scarce associated facilities were upgraded and then at hen's teeth. I hope that one day shortly we completed. They were needed desperately will be able to have a second track there so and gave that part of Southport where they that the youngsters from the major are located a badly needed upgrading both schools—all of them—get a chance to play aesthetically and in the provision of services. their sport, because it is a growing sport that The social clubs in the Southport area most youngsters are interested in. It is a world- have played their part in providing vastly standard field and it has already attracted improved facilities for the local people through competitors from far and wide, bringing with it their charter of ploughing profits back into the the sort of financial benefits that this kind of community. The Southport RSL is one sporting activity generates. example. It has also grown like a mushroom. Although it is outside my electorate—and Mr Sullivan: You have helped generate I know that the member for Nerang, Mr some profits, too, haven't you? Connor, will not mind me mentioning it—the Nerang cycling track is yet another facility that Mr VEIVERS: Absolutely, and I can tell was upgraded as a result of work carried out honourable members that I have not taken by the council and the Department of Sport any off the top, either. I am pleased to do that, when I was the responsible Minister. The because that is what we are all here for: we are here to serve the people who elect us and current Minister for Sport could not attend its make things happen so that our areas are a opening, so Merri Rose went along and better place in which to live. opened it. I have to say that I was invited along but I was not mentioned at the The Southport Sharks Australian Football opening—not by the Minister, anyhow. Club, under the capable stewardship of Mr Anyway, one gets over these things. There is Paul Wyatt, is another club that has grown. It nothing more ex than an ex-Minister. One gets is really a magnificent facility. Quite frankly, I to learn these things very quickly in life. can say here and now that one day it will probably host a major Australian Rules—and I Mr Mickel: Don't get maudlin; you were am talking about the AFL—team in the doing well. competition. That is a little way down the track, Mr VEIVERS: No, I was just mentioning it. but that club would be capable of doing just I ask the Honourable Matt Foley whether that that. It is in an ideal situation and location to is right. He is like flour: he has been through do just that. Let us not forget the Southport 76 Address in Reply 2 Mar 1999

Workers Club, of which I am a member. It is in plantation pine to irrigated cane land have the throes of an expansion program that will finally collapsed. I look forward to the time provide another first-class entertainment and when environmental and land use issues can recreation venue for the local community. All of be debated and resolved in a factual, scientific those places put on good, cheap meals. The and responsible manner. entertainment is not cheap; it is really brilliant. Despite our diversity and skills, the There are performances from first-class Maryborough electorate is suffering. The acts—in fact, world-class acts—but people are recent NIEIR report—"The state of the not charged—— regions"—recorded that the Wide Bay/Burnett Mr Mickel: Jobs for Australians, that's region has been identified as having amongst what it's all about. the highest unemployment and the lowest Mr VEIVERS: I agree with the member on household incomes. If this Government is to that. It is creating jobs for Australia. It is also achieve the admirable objective of 5% giving an opportunity—— unemployment, Wide Bay, and thus the Maryborough electorate, is a key area for Time expired. positive action. According to DEWRSB figures, Dr KINGSTON (Maryborough—IND) in March 1998 there were 1,795 unemployed (5.50 p.m.): Through you, Madam Deputy in the local Government area of Maryborough, Speaker, I would like to thank the Governor for 336 in Tiaro, 218 in Woocoo and 3,784 in his kind words when he opened this neighbouring Hervey Bay. Parliament. May we live up to his expectations. But the Maryborough community decided I take this opportunity to talk about that such unemployment is unacceptable. The Maryborough—the multi-skilled electorate. My local newspaper and CHR office combined. electorate, based on the City of Maryborough, Their aim was to create $1m worth of jobs. is a skilled and diversified community. The Their awareness campaign created jobs worth strength of the City of Maryborough is the $3.8m. variety of specialised engineering works and Maryborough has just hosted the meeting their skilled staff. Members will be aware of of 21 Wide Bay/Burnett mayors under the Walkers and Adtrans and the tilt train and their leadership of Bill Trevor. Our communities are success in this country and overseas. I thank prepared to work together and to build from the Government for its continuing support for within rather than sit on our hands and wait for these two companies. Please keep it up. Government handouts. Having said that, I I am delighted to announce that we have want to identify that the Maryborough council added three more specialised industries to our and the thinking community, with the support portfolio: firstly, the designer and builder of of the Hervey Bay, Tiaro and Woocoo councils, oceangoing multi-hulled yachts made of a very have been working hard to convince the light material; secondly, a renovated slipway Corrective Services Department that we have now servicing a steadily increasing number of the best site for the 900-bed prison currently east coast and gulf trawlers—increasing under consideration. The economic boost because all the skills needed are within resulting from the siting of the prison in the Maryborough; and thirdly, our latest addition, a Maryborough vicinity will give the Maryborough ceramic pot manufacturer who has already electorate the economic kick-start and the secured impressive contracts. confidence boost currently so badly needed. I Forestry and sawmilling are vital to our commend this fact to the Ministers concerned. economy. As the Deputy Premier personally Help us to help ourselves. Thank you. witnessed last week, Hynes and others are Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore—NPA) aggressively addressing the changes within (5.54 p.m.): As a constitutional monarchist with their industry. But our timber industry a healthy distrust of Labor lawyers who want to desperately needs resolution of the regional take away the checks and balances in our forestry agreement and clear signals and current Australian Constitution, I would like to encouragement from all levels of government. reaffirm my parliamentary oath in regard to my The sugar industry is the biggest loyalty to the Australian Queen and also to our employer in the Maryborough electorate. The stable system of government. Maryborough sugar factory has expanded I would like to address some issues in my production area, irrigated area, the use of own electorate. Firstly, I want to praise the sewage effluent and is now upgrading mill community around the North Arm area in capacity. It is very disappointing that the regard to the new school oval that they have prolonged negotiations to convert an area of managed to build with considerable voluntary good agricultural land currently under assistance in the way of engineering, 2 Mar 1999 Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Fitzroy 77 surveying and earthmoving. I would like to put an adequate road network to deal with minor on the parliamentary record my thanks to Mr flooding. Noel Covey and his business for their help in Maroochydore Road from the industrial coordinating this voluntary project. Quite a area west between Kunda Park and the Bruce team of people was involved in making this Highway must be upgraded. The current time possible. We must realise that some of these frame is not acceptable. It must be fast- schools have only a couple of hundred tracked. I will continue to pursue this matter students. In this case the school involved did with the Government because roads are not not even have a township from which to seek only our business lifeline but they are also our business sponsorship. Under those social lifeline. We have a major hospital in circumstances it is difficult to do things, but this Nambour but the growth centres are on the is a great school. The people worked hard and coast and we do not have adequate linkage supported each other well. It is such a delight between them. It is imperative that action is to see members of the community come taken very quickly to address this matter. forward and make such things possible. It was a great effort. I would also like to address the ongoing issue of the public transit corridor feasibility I would also like to put on the study, otherwise known as CAMCOS, which parliamentary record that we need a greater has gone on for far too long under the appreciation of eco-tourism on the Sunshine previous Government and under this Coast. I will be pursuing further how we can Government. A lot of money has been paid to develop a quality network of walking tracks to consultants but the people have not been such a standard as that of the famous Milford consulted. It has gone off track and it has Track in New Zealand. Obviously the area of focused mainly on heavy rail. If it was a true the Milford Track is extremely beautiful, but I feasibility study it would be looking at all public believe that on the Sunshine Coast we have transit options including busways. I have a outstanding natural features that could be personal preference for busways but I believe better marketed to Australia and the world. that this feasibility study was always meant to Our hiking tracks on the Sunshine Coast investigate all public transit options. That has are not as well known to the public but they not happened. Heavy rail will never be viable if are quite beautiful. We can do so much more it simply carries passengers; it will have to rely in the way of marketing these hiking tracks and on freight. People are terrified that they will allowing people to get into the great outdoors. have heavy rail coming through their houses or In this way people will be able to appreciate past their back doors. I believe there are far the jewels that we have on our doorstep. more environmentally friendly options which a There has been a lot of talk about developing proper feasibility study should take into tracks from Noosa south. I believe that we account. need to link the hinterland to the coast. We Debate, on motion of Miss Simpson, need to link the range with Maroochydore and adjourned. other coastal centres. We have magnificent forestry areas that bridge the gap between some of these townships. We need to work SCRUTINY OF LEGISLATION COMMITTEE hard to bring this to the notice of the wider Report community. People need to be encouraged to get outside their four walls and get back into Mrs LAVARCH (Kurwongbah—ALP) the great outdoors. Hopefully they will visit the (5.59 p.m.): I lay upon the table of the House Sunshine Coast, spend their money along the the Scrutiny of Legislation Committee's Alert way, and tell people from overseas what a Digest No. 1 of 1999, and move that it be great area we have. printed. Another important issue in my area is Ordered to be printed. roads. Being in one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, we have challenges of GORDONSTONE MINE DISPUTE; MEMBER growth. I am concerned that we have a very FOR FITZROY flood-prone major arterial road between Nambour and Maroochydore. Whenever we Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers have the slightest flood this road is cut and Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) people have to take quite circuitous alternative (6 p.m.): I move— routes to get to the Nambour Hospital. Clearly "That this House, noting with concern this is unacceptable. We need a flood-free the impact on jobs and business arterial network on the Sunshine Coast to deal confidence of the Gordonstone dispute, with major emergencies. We do not even have calls on the Premier to— 78 Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Fitzroy 2 Mar 1999

dissociate himself and the and in particular the CFMEU, to the point at Government from the continuing which even the industrial relations legislation of unlawful activities of certain of the this State will be changed to accommodate picketers at the Gordonstone mine; the whims of the union bosses and the tactics condemn the actions of CFMEU of the union thugs that we have seen at organised protesters who have Gordonstone in recent times. prevented the peaceable passage of We know that Rio Tinto is a company that workers at the mine to and from their in terms of its work practices opts for work homes; contracts. We know that Rio Tinto is the parent discipline the Member for Fitzroy over company of Queensland Coal at Gordonstone, his public comments that he stands and we know of its association with Pacific by his decision to break the law; and Coal. We also know that we have an enormous opportunity in this State that has calls for the immediate abandonment been fostered by conservative and, up until of the CFMEU picket line at today, Labor Governments, namely, the Gordonstone and for all parties to the opportunity to deliver to Queensland ahead of dispute to argue their case before Malaysia, probably to Gladstone, the biggest the Federal Court when the matter is heard next month." private sector infrastructure project in the history of Australia after the North West shelf. The mining industry generates more export dollars for this State than does any We know that the Premier met Rio Tinto other. It is not only a major employer in its own in London on the day following the right; it supports jobs in a great variety of performance of the member for Fitzroy at sectors right across the State. In fact, it is such Gordonstone. I guess any real leader would a central element of the State's economy that have dissociated himself from law the multiplier effect is difficult to quantify. It is breakers—from people who break the law and an industry that is now under enormous seek to intimidate others. What did we hear in pressure, and that is particularly the case in here today? We heard the Premier, the respect of coal. What were very optimistic Attorney-General, the Minister for Education projections just a couple of years ago for and the Minister for Mines and Energy say that demand in Asia for both coking and steaming it is okay to break the law. We heard the first product have taken a battering. law officer of the Crown—the first law officer of the State of Queensland—saying that he Of course, parallel with those market supports illegal action; that he supports people problems we have seen the emergence of who take action to prevent law-abiding very strong competitors with much lower costs, Queensland workers going about their lawful particularly in Africa and Indonesia. For business to and from work. example, coal contracts signed with Japan's leading users have seen reductions in prices of The situation is very simple. In respect of 18% for coking product and 13% for thermal the sacked Gordonstone workers—those that coal. The only option our miners have is to did have a job and left a couple of years increase their productivity to increase the back—the world has passed them by. Indeed, competitiveness of their product. That is what the realists and pragmatists in the trade union this debate essentially is all about. It is about movement have passed them by. Many of keeping mines open, workers employed and those former workers are now back at Australian industries competitive. That is why Gordonstone. They are happy to be there; the Opposition views with such enormous they want to work there and make a concern the developments in Gordonstone contribution to this State, their families and and, indeed, the developments in the regional development. They are being Parliament today. prevented from doing so by the likes of the member for Fitzroy. The boardrooms of the world are watching the Queensland Government. What they saw I believe what we have seen is a defining today was not a pretty picture. What they saw moment in the life of this can't do Government today was an admission from this Government led by this can't do Premier. The only people that "If you don't like the law, you break it"—an he can do anything for are his trade union admission from this Government that it is okay mates. The only people he can give a helping to stop law-abiding Queenslanders going to hand to are the CFMEU. The only people he is work and back to their families. What we saw prepared to support have been the likes of the today was a total abrogation of responsibility to honourable member for Fitzroy. I would have the wider electorate of Queensland and a total thought that, in a society where we elect our subservience to the trade union movement Governments, where we take an oath of office 2 Mar 1999 Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Fitzroy 79 as members and, when we go into Cabinet, as people whom we need to be investing in this Ministers of the Crown to uphold the law, in a State for the future of Queensland. As a result dispute such as Gordonstone the Premier and of the sectional narrow-mindedness of the the Government would have been siding with Labor Government in this State, we have seen the people who are abiding by the law. a recipe for a loss of jobs, projects, investment Let us get one thing absolutely clear: this and confidence in Queensland as a place for is not a debate about the right to dissent. No- business to come and to grow. one on this side of the House argues with Mr SANTORO (Clayfield—LP) (6.10 p.m.): anyone who wants to protest, march up and I am pleased to second the motion moved by down with a few placards and put their the Leader of the Opposition. The ongoing particular point of view. However, this is about picket of the Gordonstone mine by the CFMEU more than that. This is about the law of the is a tragedy for all concerned. It is a watershed land. This is about the laws that we pass in this issue for Queensland and it is a watershed place, and which we have a sovereign duty to issue for the resource sector in this country defend until such time as they are changed, and in this State. It is not an industrial dispute being honoured and respected by the Premier at all. It is an attempt by a union to force on a and by his Government. What we saw today company which has purchased a moribund was a shameful admission by the Minister for mine and wants to reopen it the work force Justice and Attorney-General as the first law that the union dictates and not necessarily the officer of this State that "If you don't like the best qualified people for the job. It is an law in Queensland, it's okay to disobey it". outrageous intervention by a union which is Presumably if someone does not like the prepared to use force, standover tactics and speed limit and they are stopped by the police un-Australian behaviour to try to get its way. It they can say, "The Attorney-General says it's is a situation that risks Australia's international all right. You can break the law in Queensland reputation and could set back for many years if you don't agree with it." If one breaks the law future expansion of our minerals industry. It is in Queensland, one is compared with a matter that requires high-level intervention Mahatma Gandhi or Nelson Mandela. One is a and persuasion from the State Government hero. These are the standards that the because so much is at stake. member for Brisbane Central has delivered to What we have seen instead is high-level the public administration of the State of intervention of quite the wrong kind. We have Queensland. the Premier of the State, the head of Tonight we should be thinking of the wider Government, making in this place today the picture. We should be thinking of trying to most astonishing claims in relation to the secure the $4 billion plus in major investment actions of his errant backbencher, the member in Queensland through Rio Tinto. We should for Fitzroy. The Premier, by drawing an be thinking of the right to work whether one is incredible analogy between a self-serving a member of a union or not, under a contract if union picket line and the heroic efforts of one wants to and under freedom of choice in people from another era who combated this State and nation. fascism, has linked the mining company Rio Tinto with Nazism. If he really is interested in As a total capitulation to the trade union investment and in jobs, jobs and jobs—— movement, we now see that the Minister for Mr BEATTIE: I rise to a point of order. Industrial Relations is going to bring in That comment is untrue and I seek for it to be industrial relations laws to end the conflict. Of withdrawn. I have never made any analogy course, you do not have a conflict if you give between Rio Tinto and Nazi Germany. in. You do not have a conflict if you roll over. You do not have a conflict if you say to those Mr SANTORO: Yes, you did. picketers at the gate, "Stop the buses. Stop Mr BEATTIE: I seek for it to be withdrawn. the workers going home to their wife and kids", Mr SANTORO: If the Premier is offended, when those families are being subjected to a I will withdraw; the record can speak for itself. reasonable degree of intimidation by union With the future prospects of Queensland at heavies. stake, what do we see? So what we had was an opportunity for Mr SPEAKER: Order! investment and jobs in Queensland but also for social justice. What has happened? This Mr SANTORO: I did say that I will Premier and this Government have failed, and withdraw. failed miserably. The tragedy is that this sends Mr SPEAKER: The member will simply an absolutely horrendous message to the make the withdrawal. 80 Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Fitzroy 2 Mar 1999

Mr SANTORO: I did make my withdrawal The commission found that industrial action by previously, as Hansard will show. militant unions has been unacceptably high. Firstly, we see the local Labor member The commission also noted the benefits actually joining the picket line and being of the flexibilities provided by the Federal arrested. Then he told us— Workplace Relations Act. In reality, what Rio "I really don't care what other Tinto has attempted to do at Gordonstone is members of Parliament think"— simply make a failed mine work and give a job to people who otherwise would not have one. and he didn't stop there. He said— At stake is the principle of whether an "Because I represent this area and employer who is working within the law should it's fair enough for everyone to open their be applauded for job creation or harassed and big mouths in Opposition but you have to victimised by a union whose actions place jobs prove that you're fair dinkum and stand at risk. alongside your constituents when you're The Premier is at least in good company in Government." when he makes the statements that he made I would say to the honourable member that he today. Just days after Lord Mayor Soorley, at is elected to represent all his constituents, not public expense, wined and dined the Irish just a small minority of law breakers. nationalist Sinn Fein leader, Gerry Adams, this Just at the time the member for Fitzroy apologist for the IRA backed the CFMEU. The joined the picket line, the Premier was about to Premier is in very good company here, or visit Rio Tinto in London to submit that rather bad company: the member for Fitzroy, Comalco, Rio Tinto's subsidiary company, the CFMEU and Gerry Adams. Who next will should invest in a new $4.5 billion smelter in join this alliance for Queensland job Gladstone and not go offshore to Malaysia. destruction? Perhaps Saddam Hussein might Yet at this critical juncture, the Premier actually write next in solidarity. backed up the member for Fitzroy. We can be If this matter was not so tragic and so sure that this remark, along with his other serious for Queensland it would be a joke. But utterings, has entered the record at Rio Tinto's it is very, very serious and the Government has corporate headquarters. He said— let the people of this State down badly. On the "Jim Pearce is an old coal miner, an altar of expediency and for the sake of union old miner, I mean why wouldn't he be mates it has sacrificed business confidence, standing up for the people he the building of bridges with Rio Tinto and represents?" respect for the rule of law. I cannot recall any time in this State's history Time expired. when a Premier has publicly condoned law Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— breaking by a member of Parliament and tried ALP) (Premier) (6.15 p.m.): I move the to cover it with a veil of respectability. The following amendment— Premier should have called last week for the union picket to be abandoned. The Federal "Omit all words after 'That this House, Court has set a date in April to hear the noting with concern the impact on jobs dispute between the sacked Gordonstone and business confidence of the workers and the former employer, Arco. Rio Gordonstone dispute,' and insert— Tinto has been joined to this as a party to the 'condemns the Federal Government action. for its refusal to act to assist in the The Premier and the State Government resolution of the dispute and should have said publicly that the courtroom is therefore calls on the Federal the right place to sort this whole mess out; that Minister for Employment and it cannot and will not be settled by illegal Workplace Relations, Peter Reith, conduct at a picket line. This call is even more to— important because just a few weeks ago the establish as a matter of urgency Productivity Commission released its report a process for conciliation and into the coal industry. The report detailed the resolution of the Gordonstone increased competitive and price pressures that dispute; Australian coal producers face. It also found that achievable improvements in productivity immediately remove harsh and could add $3 billion to national income within unfair federal workplace relations the next decade. The commission outlined at laws which promote division, length that there are still many restrictive work conflict and unrest within the practices that inhibit productivity in the industry. Australian community; and 2 Mar 1999 Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Fitzroy 81

reinstate the comprehensive Mr BEATTIE: I withdraw. arbitration powers of the Mr SANTORO: Mr Speaker, I find his Australian Industrial Relations remarks that I introduced legislation in order to Commission—to enable it to act create an industrial relations battlefield as effective and independent offensive and I ask the Premier to withdraw umpire.'." them. This amendment is the solution to Gordonstone. We would finally get a Federal Mr BEATTIE: I will withdraw. Government that is prepared to do something The position is very simply this: I met Rio under the existing Federal award to resolve the Tinto when I was in London. I saw the matter. What is this motion designed to chairman, Robert Wilson, and the chief achieve tonight? It is all about cheap political executive, Leon Davis. We had sensible point scoring. It is all about a Leader of the discussions about the Chevron gas pipeline Opposition who is on a sticky wicket, finding it from Papua New Guinea. We had discussions difficult to hold his job, and trying to run around about the $4.5 billion smelter and here and thump the old drum of bashing the cogeneration facility. We also talked about Queensland worker. That is what it is all Gordonstone. I told them that, although the about—nothing more, nothing less. workers were employed under a Federal What does the National Party Leader do award, my Government was anxious to see when he is in trouble? Get out the old drum the dispute resolved and the mine go ahead. and bash the worker! That is what it is all We agreed that the sooner the mine operates, about. This is about cheap point scoring and the better it will be for all concerned. I told nothing more. He tried to use the member for them that I am keen to have the matter Fitzroy as a political pawn in question time resolved as quickly as possible. I told them today to try to save his own leadership. You do that I believe in an industrial relations system not get any lower than that. He is trying to which seeks to find solutions, rather than one muddy the waters rather than clear them. which provokes confrontation. If the Nationals and Liberals were serious They understood my position. I also made about this, they would have acted when the it absolutely clear that we as a Government dispute started. When did this dispute start? In value investments by Rio Tinto in this State, 1997! If we are going to have some silly points through Comalco and particularly in relation to about this and continue the sort of nonsense the refinery and the Chevron gas pipeline. debate that the Leader of the Opposition has The goings-on at Gordonstone will have started, I ask: who was the Premier in 1997? no influence on Rio Tinto's investment in this The current Leader of the Opposition! What State. The only people who are out there did he do? Zero! Why did he do nothing? damaging our international reputation are Simply because he was part of a never-never those opposite, who are seeking to score Government that did nothing! cheap political points. They do not care about But instead of coming up with legislation our reputation. They will do anything to destroy designed to find solutions, the previous jobs because all they want to do is play politics Government drew up laws that provoked at the expense of Queensland workers. confrontation. What they want—— I made our position in relation to Rio Tinto Mr Borbidge: You said it was a Federal very clear. The company knows that we are a issue. can-do, jobs generating Government. It knows Mr BEATTIE: The Opposition Leader what we are doing. It also knows the nonsense cannot even follow a simple line of logic. I said from those opposite. It has no respect for the that if I wanted to continue his silly argument, Opposition's position in any of this. The they are the consequences. He should just Opposition is about the past; we are about the stick with me. I know it is hard, but he should future. try to follow some logic. Time expired. They wanted industrial relations laws to be Hon. P. J. BRADDY (Kedron—ALP) used as a battlefield. That is what the former (Minister for Employment, Training and Minister, Mr Santoro, introduced into this Industrial Relations) (6.20 p.m.): I rise to House. That is what Peter Reith introduced. second the amendment moved by the Premier They do not want industrial relations to work; and to speak out on behalf of Queensland they want it to be a battlefield. and Queenslanders for a return to sanity in Mr SANTORO: I rise to a point of order. industrial relations in this country. Certainly it is Mr Speaker, in returning the courtesy to the this Government's intention to introduce Premier, I find his remarks—— legislation to ensure a fair and equitable 82 Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Fitzroy 2 Mar 1999 industrial relations system which will have trade union system. They want to destroy the majority support. system of arbitration and conciliation, which is As the Premier said before, I did not say one of Australia's proud legacies to the whole that I could introduce legislation that will settle of the Western World. They want to destroy this dispute, because it is a Federal matter. that. They will let a dispute go on year after We can bring in legislation which will set an year in order to prove that their deregulated example and show the way to a return to system is the way to operate. We reject that. sanity and to a return to laws which are We reject it in our amendment. supported by a large majority of Australians We point out that Peter Reith and the and certainly Queenslanders. Federal Government have abandoned their On coming to Government, we responsibilities to the Australian people and immediately asked for a group of people, the Australian economy. We indicate that in representative of both unionists and our term, within a matter of months, we will employers, to work with us on where we should bring legislation into this Parliament which will go with industrial laws. One thing that was have the support of many employers who will made very clear in the report of that task force want an industrial commission returned so that was that a large majority of both workers and in areas of Queensland jurisdiction—over 55% employers want an industrial commission in of Queensland workers—they will have an this State which will have the power to industrial commission which can intervene, conciliate and arbitrate in a manner which was which can arbitrate, which can conciliate and traditional in this State and in this country. which will not allow situations such as occurred with Patrick and at Gordonstone to develop Our opponents either know no history or, and get out of hand. if they do, refuse to understand it. Firstly, we have a long and honourable history in this The barrenness of the knowledge and the country of industrial commissions which have legislation of the coalition stands exposed for the capacity and the powers to arbitrate, and all to see. We saw it in relation to Patrick and conciliate where necessary. Secondly, those we are seeing it now in relation to on the other side do not even know current Gordonstone. The motion is rejected by the affairs. How could anyone who watched the Government. events that unfolded in the Patrick dispute not Mr JOHNSON (Gregory—NPA) understand how necessary it is to have a fair (6.25 p.m.): I rise to support the motion moved and competent industrial relations by the Leader of the Opposition. I speak on commission? In that dispute we saw the thugs behalf of those people of the Central in balaclavas with their dogs stopped not by a Highlands who are looking to this Government fair industrial law, which had been abandoned for leadership in relation to the anarchy and by the Opposition's counterparts in Canberra, terror at Gordonstone. The Minister for but only by the common law courts—ultimately Industrial Relations might take heed of this: if the Federal Court and the High Court. That we are to have sanity, we first have to have was a very expensive process which ultimately leadership. led to the collapse of the Reith-inspired attack Every day citizens of this State are having on trade unionists, the trade union system and their lives torn apart by what is happening at a fair industrial relations system in this country. Gordonstone at this very moment. These men, It collapsed and the matter was able to be women and children believe that they have a settled. right to go about their daily lives without terror. Here we see a similar situation in What sort of example is being set by the State Gordonstone. The Federal Minister, Peter Government? Even businesspeople in Reith, was here in Queensland recently, Emerald are afraid of speaking out through proudly saying that he had no intention of fear of reprisals. They find that their intervening in the Gordonstone dispute, which Government representative has no respect for has gone on since 1997. He says that it is a the rule of law. He believes that he is above matter for the company and the workers to the law. He believes that he can pick and fight their way out of the problem. This dispute choose which law he will abide by. is approaching two years in duration, yet Does the member for Fitzroy believe in Minister Reith washes his hands of it and walks the laws of this State or does he believe that away. anyone can choose which laws they would like Peter Reith, the coalition Government in to obey? If the honourable member does not Canberra and the coalition Opposition in agree that the police should have the power to Queensland agree on one thing: a totally keep our roads open, let him say so. Let him deregulated market. They want to destroy the change the law if he does not like it. The 2 Mar 1999 Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Fitzroy 83

Police Minister showed no support whatsoever In fact, 40 or so CFMEU members are for the police trying to man that picket line and currently working at the mine. That mine has keep law and order at Emerald and the capacity to earn up to $250m annually and Gordonstone. to create employment for 180 people. Those Mr BARTON: Mr Speaker, I rise to a point jobs form an important core of the Emerald of order. I find the member's comments that I community, which is suffering division and show no support for police to be offensive and fragmentation because of the attitude of a I ask that it be withdrawn. selfish few. This issue is about ideology all right. It is about law or anarchy. It is about who Mr JOHNSON: I withdraw because he is really runs this State: the elected holding me up. The member for Fitzroy spoke representatives of the people or the 17 today about standing up for what he believes militants of the CFMEU who, after sharing in in. If he believes in what this State Parliament the $4.6m compensation from ARCO, are now is about, let him stand up for it and either obey bludging $600 a week from their union the laws of this Parliament or change them. mates—probably on the dole, too. Which is it to be? He cannot have it both ways. Nor can the Premier. The people of the Central Highlands deserve to have the Premier answer these Does the Premier support what the questions. The people of the central coast member for Fitzroy has been saying about Rio need to know that this Government welcomes Tinto and about the business community? The the investment of Rio Tinto in the light metals member for Fitzroy said this morning in this industry in this State. Or must these potential House that the business community in jobs also be offered up on the altar of northern Emerald has been caught up by the unionism, Pat Mackie style? We saw it in the propaganda of Rio Tinto. What an insult to a sixties, but we are not going to wear it in the company that is trying to create jobs! The nineties. And all this for the sake of some Premier is saying that he is trying to get unemployable thugs on the picket line! I say to unemployment to 5%. What a hypocritical them: wake up before the whole industry statement that is! Is Rio Tinto welcome in this suffers at the hands of our international State or not? Can it expect the Premier to competitors. That picket line should be support the rule of law? removed immediately to let Pacific Coal get on Mr Borbidge: No. with the job so that they can mine coal at Mr JOHNSON: That is the answer all right. Emerald without the thuggery attached to the This company could support this Government CFMEU and this Labor Government. in its attempt to attain its 5% unemployment Time expired. goal. Instead, the Government condones the behaviour of a militant few who do not care. Hon. T. McGRADY (Mount Isa—ALP) They do not have to pay the wages, the (Minister for Mines and Energy and Minister superannuation, the workers compensation or Assisting the Deputy Premier on Regional Development) (6.31 p.m.): Some of the negotiate the coal contracts. The list goes on. comments that have been made in this The Premier's great contribution so far is Chamber today, when read tomorrow, will to ask for the Commonwealth to come up with demonstrate just how Opposition members laws that encourage a negotiated settlement. have tried to inflame a very delicate situation. Would these be the same kinds of laws that Nobody in this Chamber could be happy to the Premier condones his members breaking? see a great resource standing idle, and The Premier is sitting on the barbed wire fence nobody in this Chamber should be happy to on so many issues at the moment that he is see decent Queenslanders not earning a living starting to look and sound like a crow. Sooner by not having a job. Some weeks ago I spoke or later he will have to make some decisions. to Brian Horwood, who is the leader of that On 20 February the Courier-Mail got it coalmining company in this State, and I right for once. It correctly identified that the expressed to him the Government's concern Gordonstone issue is the litmus test for the about the situation and offered whatever help Premier. No more grip and grin and blaming we could provide. To date, no request has others; it is time to demonstrate that he will not come back from that company. be dictated to by the militant minority of about This motion is in part about the member 17 and it is time to protect those in this State for Fitzroy. Every one of us in this Chamber got who abide by the law and have a right to live here in a democratic way. We are entitled to life without fear and intimidation. our views, our opinions and our beliefs. Jim Let me make it clear that I have no Pearce, the member for Fitzroy, was a argument with the rank and file of the CFMEU. coalminer. Jim Pearce today has the honour of 84 Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Fitzroy 2 Mar 1999 representing a great percentage of Mr McGRADY: Heavens! The member for Queensland coalminers. At the time of the Fitzroy is entitled to take the stand that he lockout, he decided himself that he would go took. He will have his day in court. But it is and join some of his colleagues on the picket wrong for a motion to come before this line. He was entitled to take that position. Parliament criticising a member for doing what Whether it was right or wrong is something that he believes is correct. I believe that Opposition Jim Pearce will decide. members in this place stand condemned for the way in which they have used this dispute I did not take too kindly to the then as a political football and the way in which they deputy leader of the coalition calling upon me have inflamed a very, very difficult situation. to remove Jim Pearce from my parliamentary committee. Jim Pearce is one of the few Time expired. people in this Chamber who understands the Dr WATSON (Moggill—LP) (Leader of the coalmining industry. He has, over a long time Liberal Party) (6.36 p.m.): It is an insult and a in this Parliament, played a very significant role disgrace that the name of Jim Pearce is to be in the work of the coalmining industry. mentioned in the same sentence as Nelson Tonight we are talking about a great part Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Nelson and of the Queensland coalmining industry. It is an Gandhi improved the lot of their people. But industry that employs over 20,000 people the member for Fitzroy is not improving the lot directly and approximately 60,000 people of his people. In fact, Jim Pearce is indirectly. As has been mentioned by the condemning his people to unemployment. As I Premier, it is an industry that earns export said earlier tonight, he is condemning his income of more than $5 billion a year, yet people—his constituents—to poverty. some members in this Chamber tonight are The member for Fitzroy might win a few trying to use this dispute as a political football. votes from his militant miner mates for Quite honestly, they stand condemned. breaking the law and getting arrested, but his actions are more likely to lose a few votes in People say that one should not hark back boardrooms around the world. And those few to the good old times, but we have seen votes could ultimately cost Queensland industrial relations in this State and in this thousands of jobs. Once upon a time, we nation go from bad to worse. I have to say that could perhaps say to investors with the utmost it is my belief that industrial relations have hit confidence that Queensland had a stable and an all-time low because of the deliberate democratic Government. But for how long will actions of conservative Governments. we have a stable and democratic Government The member for Gregory mentioned Pat if the people we entrust to make the laws Mackie. In 1964, the Mount Isa mineral field break our laws? We all want to create jobs for was in chaos. Again, I am not standing here Queensland. But before we can create jobs, tonight to say who was right and who was we have to create confidence. wrong. But that mineral field was in total Mr Fouras interjected. chaos. As a result of that, both sides of industry—the unions and the company— Dr WATSON: The member ought to know decided that that must never, ever happen that. The actions of Jim Pearce and the again. What they put in place was a system endorsement of those actions by the Premier which served that city and that mineral field for and the other Labor Ministers, all of whom about 25 years. We had no industrial ought to know better, do not create confidence disputation. And we had no industrial for people looking at investing in Queensland. disputation because the company and the If we cannot provide certainty of supply, unions sat down and thrashed out their certainty of quality and certainty that we have problems. I am proud of my friends who law-abiding companies, then those investors participated in those deliberations, because are going to go elsewhere. The simple reality is they provided us with 25 years of industrial this—— peace. All that was broken by the actions of Mr Fouras interjected. conservative Governments. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Mr Borbidge: You're showing your colours Ashgrove must not interject from other than his tonight. correct seat. Mr McGRADY: I am showing my colours, Dr WATSON: The reality is this: and I am proud of the colours that I wear. But Queensland is not the only place in the world with coal in the ground. If Labor wants to what I am saying—— mention Jim Pearce in the same breath as Mr Borbidge interjected. Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, 2 Mar 1999 Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Fitzroy 85 perhaps we should look at the example of the "That this House, noting with concern coal situation in those two countries. Official the impact on jobs and business figures from the World Coal Institute show that confidence of the Gordonstone dispute, both of those countries already produce more condemns the Federal Government for its coal than Australia does. In fact, India refusal to act to assist in the resolution of produces 271 million metric tonnes, and South the dispute ..." Africa 208 million metric tonnes, compared It is a damaging dispute that has attracted not with Australia's 195 million metric tonnes. only national but international attention. I Granted, Australia exports more coal than would like to read into Hansard the facts of this either of those two nations. But how long will it dispute. This information is by courtesy of be before countries such as India and South Andrew Vickers of the CFMEU. Members Africa increase their exports and join a opposite are not interested in the facts. They crowded supply market which includes the are not interested in the fact that we are losing United States of America, Canada, Indonesia, jobs in central Queensland, in areas that they Russia and Poland? represent, where they claim to be the Mr Littleproud: China. champions of the bush. I will tell them some Dr WATSON: And China. facts so that the people of Queensland understand. Coalmines might have been gold mines in Fact one: even prior to the Australian the past, but not any more. Mining is suffering Industrial Relations Commission awarding its worst slump in 15 years. No mine in India, compensation for unfair dismissal for the 312 South Africa, Kentucky or Queensland can workers sacked, the same commission had afford to have unproductive staff or practices. made an interim order requiring ARCO to There is no doubt that there is much room for provide preference to sacked workers in the improvement in productivity in the Queensland event of the mine reopening because ARCO coalmining industry. was actively advertising its intention to restart I know that most members have this the mine as early as December 1997. The information because they also had a briefing. commission said that the workers should have Let us consider MIM, one of Rio Tinto's their jobs back. competitors. It has made substantial Fact two: in face of that order, ARCO productivity gains in its Queensland coalmining changed its mind and decided not to operations since changing to enterprise commence the reopening. Fact three: the agreements. Let us consider the figures. I do AIRC awarded monetary compensation to the not know where the Minister for Mines and workers because the reinstatement was not an Energy has taken off to, but he ought to know option as ARCO told the commission that it these. Productivity at Collinsville is up 250%. was not restarting the mine. Fact four: in June Productivity at Oakey Creek is up 90%. 1998 the commission decided that there was Productivity at Newlands is up 60%. no further need for the interim orders of Productivity at Abbot Point is up 100%. MIM December 1997 as ARCO continued to tell the states that it introduced certified agreements commission that it had no immediate plans for to remove restrictive management and work restarting the mine. The interim order was practices to allow employees to achieve the therefore cancelled. productivity improvements necessary to be competitive. Unless Queensland is Fact five: within weeks of the decision to competitive, there will be no Gordonstone, and terminate the interim order, ARCO again there will be no jobs. advertised for labour and the union again made application to the commission. On that I assume everybody in this House knows occasion, ARCO implored the commission to that coal is formed from the remains of trees make a quick decision as it was intending to and plants that died about the same time as recruit labour and restart the mine by the the dinosaurs. The simple truth of the matter is middle of August. The commission issued an this: unless Labor can control its dinosaurs, order requiring ARCO to give preferences of such as the honourable member for Fitzroy employment to the sacked workers. That was and the mining division of the CFMEU, then the second occasion that the commission had the Queensland coal industry itself will die. ordered ARCO to give preference to those That is what they will have to explain to their sacked mine workers. constituents and to their mining mates. Fact six: ARCO again placed its restart Mr PEARCE (Fitzroy—ALP) (6.41 p.m.): I plans on ice to avoid complying with the rise in support of the Premier's amendment commission order. It walked away from that, which, if accepted, makes the motion read— because the commission had ordered that 86 Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Fitzroy 2 Mar 1999 those sacked workers be given their jobs back. Charters Towers, an electorate in which mining Fact seven: ARCO applied for a review of that is one of the mainstays of the regional commission order by a full bench. By a two to economy, I hold grave concerns for the future one majority the order was quashed. The of the industry and the future of miners' jobs union has appealed that decision and is doing under this can't do Beattie Government. All the so in the Federal Court on remittal from the indicators, and the industry itself, are pointing High Court. The appeal by the union has been to another tough year ahead for the coal set down for hearing by the Federal Court on 7 industry and the need for increased April this year. We look forward to that productivity to ensure our industry remains judgment. Members opposite should be competitive and Queensland mines stay open. waiting to see what happens instead of However, this Government appears totally launching this outlandish attack in the House oblivious to those indicators and unwilling to today. work with the industry in tackling those areas As to the attitude of members on that where productivity can be improved and jobs side of the House—I think about five members maintained. sitting on that side of the House have This Government's endorsement of the coalmining communities in their electorates. I illegal and job destroying behaviour of some am about standing in this place, standing on the Gordonstone picket, including the alongside my constituents, to make sure that member for Fitzroy, provides stark evidence of they get a fair deal. I am not hearing anything that. The Gordonstone mine was previously from those members over there about the closed for 18 months. Based on an annual businesses that are being closed down, about contribution of $25m in wages alone to the the businesses that are going bankrupt in the Emerald and Peak Downs communities, that communities. I have not heard from them closure cost those communities in the vicinity about the 200 empty houses in a town like of $35m. Add to that the lost returns to the Dysart, the four businesses that have closed Queensland economy as a whole, and the since Christmas or the 20 businesses that impact of the picket line in stifling the have closed in Blackwater. Those constituents development of the mine is enormous. do not blame me; they know whom to blame. The reopening of the mine by Rio Tinto They are blaming the Federal Government, and the subsequent employment of Reith and the lack of guts of members Queenslanders was hailed by the community opposite to stand up to those in Canberra who and the coalition. One would think that the want to run the lives of people and destroy Beattie Government—this Government that families. Members opposite just do not care claims to be obsessed with jobs—would share about that. those sentiments. But over the last few weeks, Mr Johnson: They don't want to talk to we have seen once again that the "jobs, jobs, you. jobs" line is just that: a line of empty rhetoric. Mr PEARCE: I am glad the member for This motion is not about industrial Gregory interjected. I have a little story for the relations; this motion is about developing House about the member for Gregory. He industry and creating jobs. It is about the basic went to the picket line last week, snivelling to rights of Queensland workers to travel to and the picketers in an attempt to get them onside. from their work place. It is about basic law and Mr Johnson interjected. order in this State. The statements by Government members on this matter in the Mr PEARCE: He knows what he said to Parliament this morning and previously in the Jim Lambley from the CFMEU. media have left the industry in no doubt that, Mr Johnson interjected. under this can't do Beattie Government, Mr PEARCE: He told Jim Lambley that he Queensland is not open for business, and supported the right of those people to choose many speakers have spoken along those their union. lines. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The House will The conduct of the member for Fitzroy is come to order. a disgrace. As one of this State's law makers, he has sent a clear message to the Time expired. community that it is okay to be a law breaker. Mr MITCHELL (Charters Towers—NPA) It is not surprising that the member for Mount (6.46 p.m.): I rise to support the motion moved Isa has once again shirked his responsibilities by the Leader of the Opposition in the as Minister for Mines and Energy and Parliament tonight. As shadow Minister for endorsed the illegal thuggery of his colleague Mines and Energy and the member for the member for Fitzroy. But for the Premier of 2 Mar 1999 Gordonstone Mine Dispute; Member for Fitzroy 87 this State to also endorse those actions shows some direct, practical experience of industrial a man bound by party philosophies and with a relations knows, the display by the Opposition total lack of leadership. Matthew Franklin of is exactly the thing that we do not need in the Courier-Mail hit the nail on the head on 20 industrial relations in Queensland. In common February when he said— with my valued colleague Jim Pearce, I, too, "A great Labor Premier rises above am interested in the facts. There is so much sectional interests—be they business or heat coming from the other side that one labour—and acts for the good of the could hardly see any light. whole State. A poor Labor Premier is a The facts are that the Gordonstone captive of sectional interests and cannot coalmine in central Queensland was opened in put aside his alliances to make tough 1991 with much fanfare about its being the decisions." most technologically advanced underground This motion calls for leadership for the mine in the world. Employees were told that good of the State. It calls for the substance to the life of the mine was 25 years. The project back up the froth and bubble of this Premier. It was undertaken by a joint venture involving calls for an end to the dispute which is costing ARCO as the principal joint venturer—ARCO the Emerald community and the Queensland being an American oil company valued at economy millions of dollars and is hurting our approximately $20 billion. By 1996, the mine reputation as an attractive development was breaking world production records for an destination. This is not the only company that underground coalmine. The workers were has mentioned to me that they are seeking congratulated and a statue at the mine alternatives outside Queensland and Australia. declared the work force to be the best Until the Premier shows some leadership on mineworkers in the world. this issue, mining and other industrial In January 1997, when the Federal developments and the jobs that go with the Government's new slash-and-burn industrial developments will continue to be diverted relations law took effect, the company away from Queensland. commenced an anti-union strategy. In October To sum up, I quote Mr Clive Bubb, chief 1997, after attempts to deunionise its work executive of the Queensland Chamber of force by wriggling out of its 1996 certified Commerce and Industry, who on 18 February agreement had failed, the company sacked its stated— entire production and engineering work force of 312. It kept on a management staff team of "It is not in Queensland's interests to over 100 non-production workers and allow rogue members of any political party commenced recruiting a new production and to undermine Queensland's generally engineering work force. The Federal good economic credentials. The commission thwarted these attempts by Queensland Parliament has a duty to ordering the company to give preference of ensure that this behaviour is not allowed employment to the former workers. The to set a precedent for the future." company refused to re-open the mine on I think that all members opposite should those terms. take note of that. I also urge all members to In February 1998, the commission found support this motion and let us get this mine up that the dismissals had been unfair and and running. ordered the company to pay compensation. Mr WILSON (Ferny Grove—ALP) The commission found that the company had (6.50 p.m.): It is with great pleasure that I rise deliberately set about an anti-union approach in support of the Premier's amendment to motivated by the desire to avoid its obligations condemn the Federal industrial relations under an enterprise agreement that it had legislation. Last week, Queensland was freely entered into in 1996. The commission graced, if that be the word, by the presence of did not order reinstatement as the company Peter Reith, who took time out to criticise the said that it would refuse to operate the mine ongoing reform of Queensland's industrial unless it could recruit a new work force. relations system and to provocatively exhort In October 1998, ARCO announced that it Queensland employers to opt out of the State would sell the mine to RTZ. In December system and move to the Federal industrial 1998, RTZ commenced recruiting for the relations system. Gordonstone mine. The recruitment was His level of provocation is matched only carried out in secret and 23 hand-picked by the level of intemperate, inflammatory and employees from those management staff immoderate tone and language of the employees were selected. The company speakers opposite tonight. As anyone who has recruited through Mine Management Pty Ltd, 88 Adjournment 2 Mar 1999 a $2 shelf company 100% owned by RTZ. Has McGrady, Mickel, Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, anyone heard about the Patrick and the MUA Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Pitt, Pratt, Reeves, dispute or is that lot opposite still asleep? As I Reynolds, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Spence, said, some of those employed came from the Struthers, Welford, Wellington, Wells, Wilson. Gordonstone mine management staff Tellers: Sullivan, Roberts employees. NOES, 38—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Cooper, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Gamin, Grice, The 23 hand-picked employees were Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, offered a non-union agreement that would Laming, Lester, Lingard, Littleproud, Malone, cover all work at the mine by the staff and Mitchell, Nelson, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, production employees for a two-year period. Santoro, Seeney, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, So 23 got to make a decision for the Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Watson. Tellers: approximately 200 or 300 whom they intended Baumann, Hegarty to employ. The agreement overrides all Pairs: Beattie, Goss; D'Arcy, Veivers; Purcell, existing obligations at the Gordonstone mine. Connor. No preference of employment will be given to Resolved in the affirmative. the former workers and the new certified agreement will be significantly less in its conditions of employment than the previous ADJOURNMENT one. Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— Against the giant multinationals, about ALP) (Leader of the House) (7.05 p.m.): I which One Nation seemed to be so much move— concerned in the past, but not today, we have "That the House do now adjourn." 200 workers trying to get their jobs back, trying to look after their families, trying to hang on to their houses, trying to make the mortgage Labor Party Preselection of Female payments, trying to make the rent payments Candidates week by week, trying to keep their kids in Mr SANTORO (Clayfield—LP) (7.05 p.m.): school and trying to understand what is going I want to briefly speak about Labor machine on. That is why we need a new industrial men and how these Labor machine men put relations system in this country. women in neutral. With a redistribution of State Time expired. seats due out later this year, already the Labor Question—That the amendment be machine men are out there carving out seats agreed to—put; and the House divided— for themselves. Now that the Premier has publicly admitted that Mike Kaiser has well and AYES, 43—Attwood, Barton, Bligh, Boyle, Braddy, truly passed his use-by date, he has been Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, E. A. Cunningham, J. I. Cunningham, Edmond, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, anointed as a "great" candidate for Gibbs, Hamill, Hayward, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, Woodridge. McGrady, Mickel, Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, This is yet another example of the Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Pitt, Reeves, Reynolds, arrogant way that the Labor Party operates Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, and its total contempt for selecting women as Welford, Wellington, Wells, Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, candidates in safe seats. Mr Kaiser's blatant Roberts attempts of late to secure Woodridge have to NOES, 39——Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Cooper, be seen in the context of the recent Labor Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Gamin, Grice, preselection brawl in Oxley. The whole Labor Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, hierarchy, from Gary Gray down to Mike Laming, Lester, Lingard, Littleproud, Malone, Mitchell, Nelson, Paff, Pratt, Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, Kaiser, did everything possible to derail the Santoro, Seeney, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, preselection of Anne Scott. Who could forget Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Watson. Tellers: the totally outrageous intervention of Gary Baumann, Hegarty Gray, who tipped a bucket of muck over Mrs Pairs: Beattie, Goss; D'Arcy, Veivers; Purcell, Scott and tried to force her out of the race? Gary Gray tried to scuttle her candidacy by Connor. publicly calling for her to withdraw or have her Resolved in the affirmative husband, former Federal MP Les Scott, Question—That the motion as amended surrender his $30,000 parliamentary pension be agreed to—put; and the House divided— during the preselection process. AYES, 44—Attwood, Barton, Bligh, Boyle, Braddy, Of course, Mr Gray, Mr Kaiser and AWU Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, E. A. Cunningham, J. I. powerbroker Bill Ludwig, who personally Cunningham, Edmond, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, plucked from much deserved obscurity Bernie Gibbs, Hamill, Hayward, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, Ripoll as the anointed male candidate, raised 2 Mar 1999 Adjournment 89 no such problems when Brenda Gibbs woman an unwinnable one. That is the sort of obtained Senate preselection; nor did they gender balance politics that Labor plays. intervene when the member for Kurwongbah This illustrates how Labor has failed got her preselection, despite the fact that her spectacularly to live up to its targets for female husband is in receipt of a Federal payout. No, representation in the Parliaments of Australia. instead they supported a 32-year-old male No less than Queensland Labor stalwart, candidate who had left no footprints in the Senator Margaret Reynolds, said that Gary sand. This nonentity got—wait for it—just 49 Gray's views on Mrs Scott were "anti-women" votes out of a possible 247 in a branch and that he was "back in the dark ages". By plebiscite. Not what one would call publicly backing the candidacy of Mike Kaiser overwhelming support! and failing to publicly support Anne Scott the But in a show of democracy that Saddam Premier of this State has shown, once again, Hussein would be proud of, when Labor's that he is all rhetoric and no action. When electoral college—and there read push comes to shove it is clear that Peter "powerbrokers"—voted, Mr Ripoll suddenly got Beattie, like his factional colleagues—I will not majority support. What about the locally say mates because even they do not trust popular Mrs Scott? Well, she received zero him—pushes men forward and shoves women votes. Let me repeat that: zero votes. So aside. The next time that Mr Ripoll cares to talk much for democracy and so much for about me in Federal Parliament I will again advancing the cause of women. I notice how repay the compliment in this Parliament. all the women opposite are staying quiet. If only they could pluck up the courage of their convictions and speak up for Mrs Anne Scott. Road Safety However, it is left to people such as myself in Mr ROBERTS (Nudgee—ALP) this place to support Mrs Scott. As Anne Scott (7.10 p.m.): Last Monday heralded the said of these factional heavyweights, "They introduction of the new 50 km/h speed limit in just can't cope with having a woman in a built-up areas or suburban streets in south- winnable seat—they just want the winnable east Queensland. It is timely, therefore, for me seats for their mates." to raise some issues regarding the Well, at least the heavyweights of Labor implementation of another important safety do one thing to balance things up. Instead of issue, and that relates to the school zone preselecting women, they preselect policy. Currently Queensland Transport is lightweights—Mr Bernie "Who" Ripoll, and undertaking a review of this policy and it is in soon the man with the use-by sticker on his this context that I raise a number of issues head, Mike Kaiser. Any reasonable person which I believe will enhance the safety of would have no option but to agree. Who could children during the times when they arrive at seriously argue that Bernie Ripoll, a 32-year- and depart from school grounds. old ex-RAAF apprentice who caught Bill The most important element arising from Ludwig's eye as an organiser in the Public the school zone system is the reinforcement of Sector Union was an outstanding candidate? the need to exercise caution and additional This nonentity received selection because care when driving in the vicinity of a school. "Uncle" Bill Ludwig can pick out hacks at 100 Currently, the school zone policy provides for a paces. When he saw Bernie Ripoll beavering reduction in speed down to a maximum of 40 away at keeping those all important km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h in rural membership dues coming in, he saw a areas, generally for a two-hour time frame soulmate. I suspect he thought, "Here he is, a between 7 and 9 in the morning and 2 and 4 man after my own tastes. He's got no in the afternoon. Heavily trafficked roads—— achievements, he owes everything to the union, and he'll owe everything to me." Mr Johnson: Eighty down to 60 and 60 down to 40. So here we have it. Let us preselect into a safe House of Representatives seat a good Mr ROBERTS: The policy actually states example of 1950s unionism. Female that the maximum is 40 km/h in urban zones representation? Well, forget about that. and 60 km/h in rural zones. Yes, there are Women can be preselected into seats where some slight differences in some areas. Heavily they do not stand a chance. No better trafficked roads, particularly dual carriageways, example can be given of that than, on the very such as Sandgate Road, are generally day Bernie Ripoll was given his gold card for precluded from the policy because of the Federal Parliament from Labor, the Labor difficulties of enforcing the school zone areas Party preselected a female candidate for Blair. and also interruptions to traffic flows. I will say In short, give a man the safe seat and give a a bit more about that shortly. 90 Adjournment 2 Mar 1999

In addition, the policy provides for a extremities of the zone. The signs are quite standard design of school zone signs. I have bland and are not distinguishable generally submitted a proposal to Queensland Transport from other speed limit signs. They are in need to substantially change the existing school of improvement. Consideration should be zone policy. I do not profess to be an expert or given to increasing their size, changing their to have all of the answers, but I do believe shape and adding more striking colours. there are a number of key issues that are Additionally, it would be worth while deserving of more attention by the Minister investigating the use of additional road and his department. markings, such as coloured stripes on the The particular issue in my electorate that road, to mark the entrance and exit to a school has stimulated this interest in school zone zone. Enhanced signage and road markings policy relates to the speed limit on Sandgate could act as a visual reinforcing reminder that Road outside the Boondall State School. road conditions are different and that care is Currently, the speed limit is set at 70 km/h. required. Ideally school zones should be However, the records of the Department of delineated by either electronic sign boards, Main Roads indicate that the average speed such as those used on major highways, or past that school is in the vicinity of 78 km/h. flashing lights. Of course, that is a more costly That is totally unacceptable outside a school. option. However, I believe it can be justified in However, to date the department has resisted some circumstances, particularly on busy main my endeavours to drop the speed and install a roads such as Sandgate Road. The school school zone, with a reduction in the speed limit zone policy is an important initiative of to at least 60 km/h. I disagree with this view Queensland Transport. The current policy is in and have expressed that publicly under both need of review and I hope that my coalition and Labor Governments. It has submissions will go some way towards always been my contention that the high traffic improving compliance. volume and the extra speed of the vehicles Time expired. travelling along Sandgate Road in the vicinity of the Boondall State School are reasons for implementing a school zone, not reasons for Natural Disaster Assistance rejecting an application for a school zone to be Hon. T. R. COOPER (Crows Nest—NPA) implemented. (7.15 p.m.): Farmers across many areas of I turn now to a few specific elements of Queensland have suffered at the hands of the my proposal to change the current school elements over the past 12 months—from zone policy. The first one relates to the time Cyclone Rona and flooding in south-east frame. A common time frame for school zones Queensland to huge unseasonal winter rainfall currently is for a two-hour period between 7 across much of Queensland's grain belt last and 9 in the morning and 2 and 4 in the year. Many farmers are now in a desperate afternoon. That does vary in some areas financial situation and will need assistance to throughout the State. In my view, that is far recover. too long a period and is not conducive to Assistance has been offered in the form encouraging compliance by motorists. A of exceptional circumstances declarations and shorter period of operation which targets the through the Queensland Rural Adjustment times when schoolchildren arrive and depart Authority—QRAA. However, the facts are that schools will in my view improve compliance exceptional circumstances assistance is no and sharpen community awareness of school panacea. We recognise that it does put food zones as a safety initiative. on the table and that that is necessary in the My proposal is that the times be first instance. However, the offers of assistance shortened to one hour, with a general from QRAA are largely useless, as the Minister operating time frame of around 8 till 9 and will probably know. Lots of applications are 2.30 till 3.30, depending on the specific needs coming in, but they rarely fit the guidelines. I of particular schools. If the period of operation can assure the Minister that that is true. At of school zones extends beyond the times it is times of natural disaster we often say, "Don't usual for children to be arriving or departing worry. It will be all right. QRAA will fix you up." the school grounds, the community naturally However, it does not. becomes less accepting of the need to Mr Palaszczuk: The guidelines have change their driving habits. been relaxed. The other issue is the delineation of Mr COOPER: The guidelines need to be school zones. Presently, school zones are relaxed further in order to make sure that we delineated by school zone signs placed at the can do something for these people, a lot of 2 Mar 1999 Adjournment 91 whom have experienced a double whammy. floods affected the electorate of Crows For example, last year canegrowers Next—Crows Nest Shire and Esk Shire. I have experienced low c.c.s. harvests and cyclones had good warning from those people there both last year and this year. A lot of them that, while the rains were very good—they filled cannot afford to pay rates. They could not do the dams: Wivenhoe, Somerset, Crestbrook so last year, so I do not see how they will be and Perseverance—they did cause some able to do so this year. That is why we have to damage, especially in the Esk Shire, where the look at providing some form of assistance damage cost was up to $4m. I will certainly be involving financial restructuring on a major following through in relation to those shires to scale. This is a major financial disaster for the ensure that the flood damage is rectified nation. through the normal financial processes. But, All Governments have to play their role in as I said, there have been double whammies order to make sure that we can bring these that have hit the sugar producers, the pawpaw people back. Offering restricted financial producers and the banana producers, assistance after the event is simply not good particularly those in north Queensland. They enough. I mention again, as I did this morning, are in dire straits, and offering QRAA and that crop insurance represents the best those simple forms of assistance is not going opportunity to minimise risk. In recognition of to do the job. that, the Borbidge Government abolished the Time expired. 8.5% stamp duty on crop insurance in its 1998-99 Budget—a decision widely applauded by farmers. As an example of the value of that Cyclone Rona initiative, a farmer paying a premium of Dr CLARK (Barron River—ALP) $30,000 would have saved $2,550 in stamp (7.20 p.m.): I have experienced four cyclones duty. The first of the can't do Beattie since moving to Cairns in 1981. I have been Government's few decisions was to scrap that through Winifred, Joy, Justin and most recently tremendous initiative and once again slug Cyclone Rona. Although personally Joy was those doing the right thing with an unfair tax. the most terrifying—and I certainly hope they When the Federal Minister for Agriculture, will strike that name off the list of cyclones in Mark Vaile, suggested that there had to be a the future—each one has caused hardship for better way of countering natural disasters and the people of the Cairns region. Each one, proposed a wide-ranging national crop though, has produced its heroes—the people insurance scheme, members opposite who make the sacrifices in times of disaster to bucketed it. No-one has said that it will come in help others. at all. What the Minister wants is a wide- Tonight I would like to give members of ranging discussion about whether we can do this House a better understanding of what better in relation to crop insurance and Cyclone Rona has meant to far north handling natural disasters, be it from fruit bats, Queensland and take this opportunity to thank hail, frost, drought, flood, fire and so on. We all of those whose tireless and selfless efforts have to do better. supported our community through yet another It is no use being seen as reasonable by natural disaster. Unfortunately, the time making false offers of QRAA assistance when allotted to me—just five minutes—tonight will we know that people cannot fit the guidelines. not give me the opportunity to really do justice We have to do more than that. Farmers in to them, but I will do my best. such dire straits need more than that. They do Each cyclone has its own unique not need handouts. We are not saying that at character and certainly Rona gave us some all. What they need is food on the table for a surprises. I went off to work on Thursday, 11 start and then medium to long-term February. It was raining somewhat. There was restructuring of their finances. The more loans supposedly a Category 1 cyclone some people are given the more they have to pay hundreds of miles off Cooktown. By 4 o'clock back. That is a worry. We have to give them that same afternoon it was a Category 3 relief from immediate heavy repayments by cyclone and predicted to cross the coast near restructuring their loans over a longer period. Cairns that evening. It was certainly a fairly Some banks are now offering loans with 15, chaotic scene when I went to my local 20 and 25 years of interest-only repayments. shopping centre as people were stocking up They are starting to recognise that financing in on their supplies, getting their petrol and doing the rural sector is totally different from the 1 all those last-minute preparations. Generally July/30 June system that operates elsewhere. speaking, our education campaigns have It is different and it has to be treated worked very successfully and people were differently. I also mention the fact that those ready for Cyclone Rona. I certainly had my 92 Adjournment 2 Mar 1999 house well prepared and was ready to bunker farmers. Their crop losses are estimated to be down for the night. in the vicinity of $100m. During that evening we actually had a When the Premier and the Emergency very comprehensive broadcast coming through Services Minister came to Cairns we visited the on our local commercial radio station, 4CA. SES headquarters and the Counter Disaster John McKenzie gave us that broadcast. Every Coordination Centre. The people that I would time there is a cyclone he is there on the radio particularly like to mention are Sid Churchill, 4CA. He and all of the rest of the team at 4CA our senior district coordinator; Tom Spearman, do a magnificent job keeping us up to the the SES controller; Geoff Reynolds of the minute with exactly what is happening, so we Disaster Coordination Centre; and Jeff are very well informed. He talks with the Pezzutti. They all did a magnificent job Bureau of Meteorology, the Cairns Counter coordinating the responses to calls. There Disaster Coordination Centre and FNQEB. were volunteers manning the phones. People also phone in to describe what is The Cairns Marine Radio Club also played happening in their local area. a magnificent role assisting the Atlantic We knew by listening to the radio that the Clipper, which, because it was caught out at cyclone would cross the coast at about sea in the cyclone, would have run aground midnight and it did, in fact, cross over Cape had it not been for their assistance. There is Tribulation. Most of the structural damage was no doubt that many, many people provided in Cow Bay, where homes and the tourist assistance, including people outside of the resort Crocodylus were actually badly front line of the SES, such as those at damaged. By 2 o'clock in the morning it was Sunlover Cruises. At their own expense, they clear there was going to be a major flooding transported some thousand stranded tourists problem in my electorate and that the people from Palm Cove to Cairns. It was the only way in the low-lying areas of Lake Placid, they could get to Cairns. Kamarunga and Caravonica adjacent to the Time expired. Barron River would need to be evacuated, and the police and the SES went into action. The Peace Lutheran College received some 600 to Reduced Speed Limits 800 people, who began arriving there at about Mr JOHNSON (Gregory—NPA) 3.30 a.m., while the Smithfield State High (7.25 p.m.): Tonight I wish to address the issue School became the evacuation centre for of the new speed limits for south-east about 200 residents. Queensland residential streets. At the outset, I This was the first time that this has ever say that I totally support the reduction in those been done in Cairns. It was a first attempt at speed limits on residential streets to 50 km/h, such an evacuation, and I would like to and the coalition supports it also. However, the congratulate David Spanagel, the chairman of advertising campaign for residential streets the college, and Larry Gallagher, the principal speed limits has been very badly handled. of Smithfield State High School, who did an Once the three-month amnesty period has excellent job under difficult circumstances. expired, I believe many people will not be Special thanks to the legendary Trish Trail, the aware of where the demarcation zone is for Smithfield State High School tuckshop the 50 km/h signs that will be erected, and a convenor, who came in and fed everybody lot of people are certainly going to be there. Everybody really did do a magnificent outwitted, I suppose you could say, by the job. By Friday morning it was clear that we did speed cameras. The Minister has announced have a major flooding problem, similar to the the introduction of 30 extra speed cameras at levels of the last floods in my region in 1977 1,000 new sites throughout Queensland. and 1979. In fact, the level of the water over People are certainly going to be hampered the Tinaroo spillway was the highest ever when it comes to knowing exactly where the recorded. demarcation zone is. Most people lost power at some stage, I call on the Minister, Steve Bredhauer, to but John Lister and his team at FNQEB did a extend that advertising campaign outside magnificent job in restoring power in very quick south-east Queensland to let people in time and working under very difficult regional and rural Queensland know what the circumstances. We were lucky that there was changes are. With the introduction of the new not any structural damage of major proportions limits on 1 March, I heard him say on television in Cairns, but there is no doubt that the real that it is probably only a matter of time before victims of the cyclone were the primary we see the inclusion of some of our regional producers—our sugar, banana and pawpaw centres in that 50 km/h speed zone in 2 Mar 1999 Adjournment 93 residential areas, which again I also support. congratulate also the Queensland police for Far too many people are speeding in those the great role that they have played in residential streets. They certainly are places conjunction with Queensland Transport in where many kiddies—and many elderly bringing about the reality of a reduction in the folk—take some time to cross roads. A lot of road toll. I do not think I should fail to kids play in streets, as we have all done in the recognise anybody, because it really has been past. There is always that one motorist who a team effort throughout the State. travels too quickly. I do say to the Minister: please give some I know that everybody in this House consideration to broadening this advertising supports road safety. We know that the campaign about the 50 km/h speed limit in the measure of 279 fatalities last year was south-east, expanding the advertising certainly a great record for this State, but it is campaign across the State and delaying the still far too high. If those 30 new cameras are introduction of new speed camera sites until introduced at the conclusion of the trial period, the new 50 km/h speed limits have been people will be saying that it is a blatant introduced and are well bedded down. I think revenue-raising exercise. Revenue raising will that is fair comment. certainly be a feature if that advertising Tonight I also wish to touch on the issue campaign is not presented in a better way. of road train routes throughout the State. I The member for Nudgee raised the issue notice that some roads have been included in of speed zones around schools. This is a very Type 2 road train routes. There has been a complex issue. I think many people out there little bit of misunderstanding by some truckies ask: why are we dropping speed limits? Why as to where they can and cannot go. I say to are we increasing speed limits on some of our Queensland Transport and to the Minister: rural roads? I think we are all well aware that please let your centres throughout the State with the engineering and design of the modern know so that truckies can be advised or an motor car, higher speed certainly is something advertising campaign can be put together as that we can cater for. But at the same time, to the location of those upgraded routes. It is many people out there have to be aware of causing embarrassment not only to the people the population explosion here in south-east in question—the transport inspectors or police, Queensland. The number of cars that we do if they are apprehending these truckies—but have on our roads here in south-east also to Queensland Transport itself. I do not Queensland has also increased. At the same think that anybody would want to see that time, we are trying to get the road toll down, happen. I call on the Minister—— and I congratulate the Queensland motorist Time expired. and the Queensland pedestrian for playing a very important role in the recent reduction. I Motion agreed to. see the Police Minister here in the Chamber. I The House adjourned at 7.30 p.m.