Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 24 AUGUST 1965

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Appropriation Bill No. 1 [24 AUGUST] Questions 61

QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT AsSISTANCE IN SOLUTION OF TRAFFIC PROBLEMS, BRISBANE AND TOWNS­ VILLE.-Mr. Coburn, for Mr. Aikens, pursu­ ant to notice, asked The Premier,- ( 1) Is the Government prepared to co-operate with and assist the Brisbane City Council in the solution of Brisbane's traffic problems, consequent on the release of the report by Wilbur Smith and Corn pany? (2) If so, will he inform the House, in as much detail as possible, as to the extent of such co-operation and assistance and the amount of money involved? (3) Is the Government prepared tu co-operate and assist the Townsville City Council in the solution of Townsville's traffic problems to a similar degree and, if not, why not?

Answers:- ( I) "Yes." (2) "The cost of Stage I proposals have been estimated at £27 million of which the Government has conditionally offered to find £17 million free of cost to the City, whilst the Brisbane City Council will have to find some £10 million." ( 3) "At present a joint Main Roads Department- Townsville City Council Technical Planning Committee is carrying out a similar comprehensive Transportation Survey in Townsville. In this regard I might mention that the Government is contributing 80 per cent. of the costs thereof. I can assure the Honourable Member that, when the road needs of Townsville are known following the com­ pletion of this survey, any approach by the Townsville City Council on the question of financial assistance will receive sympa­ thetic consideration."

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN SOUTH-EASTERN QUEENSLAND.-Mr. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Industrial Development,- TUESDAY, 24 AUGUST, 1965 (1) What is the present peak loading of electricity in South-eastern Queensland? The House met at 11 a.m. (2) What is the maximum generating capacity, what power houses are involved and what is their individual capacity? ABSENCE OF MR. SPEAKER (3) What is the expected peak load for The Clerk informed the House that Mr. the winter months next year? Speaker had accepted an official invitation ( 4) What will be the peak generation to be present this day at the Ceremonial at this time and how will it be supplied? Opening of the Parliament of New South (5) Is he aware of the occurrence of Wales. blackouts in South-eastern Queensland The CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES during recent winter months and is there (Mr. Hooper, Greenslopes) read prayers any assurance that this will be overcome? and took the chair as Acting Speaker. (6) Was there a recommendation by engineers of the State Electricity Commis­ sion for the purchase of a 10 megawatt APPROPRIATION BILL No. 1 gas turbine to temporarily supply the Assent reported by Mr. Acting Speaker. aluminium refinery at Gladstone? 62 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

(7) Was this recommendation cancelled indicate. However, an extraordinarily high and, if so, why? increase such as the 23 per cent. recorded in 1965 can be catered for only by increas­ (8) From what source is electricity for ing this spare plant margin .to an .e:ctent this refinery to be supplied? which would involve substantial additional capital cost and correspondingly higher Answers:- operating cost. Having r.egard. to the r~la­ tively small chance of Its bemg reqmre? ( I) "The estimated peak load on the and to its minor significance, the expendi­ South-Eastern Queensland electricity supply ture could not be justified." network reached 643,000 kilowatts on July 20 when conditions were exceptionally cold (6 and 7) "No recommendation was and wet. The anticipated demand for this made for the purchase of a gas turbine. winter was 575,000 to 580,000 kilowatts." Shortly after it was learnt that the ship carrying the second 30,000 kW set for the (2) "The normal maximum generating Callide Power Station ran aground near capacities of power stations connected to Aden, tenders were called by the State the network are as follows-Tennyson B Electricity Commission, by arrangement Power Station, 130,000 kilowatts; Tenny­ with the Capricornia Regional Electricity son A Power Station, 128,000 kilowatts; Board, for gas turbines to ascertain their Bulimba B Power Station, 192,000 kilo­ price and availability. This was done watts; Bulimba A Power Station, 95,000 because of the absence of information on kilowatts; New Farm Power Station, 67,000 the extent of the loss and on possible delays kilowatts; Abermain Package Plant, 10,000 involved if replacements were required and kilowatts; Tennyson Package Plant, 10,000 so that their purchase could be considered, kilowatts; Somerset Dam, 3,000 kilowatts. if practicable, to ensure supply to the The aggregate of the normal maximum alumina plant at Gladstone by the due date. generating capacities of these stations However, before a decision was made on amounts to 635,000 kilowatts. Very wet the tenders, information was received and coal resulted in a maximum capability of assurances obtained that the items lost at 630,000 kilowatts and minor shedding sea could be replaced to enable the second resulted for something less than 15 minutes. set to be commissioned in time to meet The peak loads mentioned included the load requirements. Consequently, it was not supply of 7,000 kilowatts to the Wide Bay­ necessary to proceed with the acceptance Burnett Regional Electricity Board to of a tender for gas turbines." supplement their own plant loading." (8) "The alumina plant at Gladstone (3) "The winter conditions of 1965 were will be supplied from the 132,000 volt exceptionally severe as indicated by the system of the Capricornia Regional Elec· peak loads recorded throughout Queensland tricity Board connected with the Board's as well as elsewhere in Australia. In Callide and Rockhampton power stations. South-Eastern Queensland an increase of Summarising the position may I say the peak demand of 23 per cent. was recorded Honourable Member can rest assured this compared with 1964 peak loads. This com­ Government will not fail to take adequate pares with a longer term growth rate of steps to ensure that the increasing demands 9 · 5 per cent. per annum and is clearly an for electricity in this State are met. The exceptional occurrence. An analysis of unqualified success of the Government's loads in 1965 has not been completed, but industrialisation policy has of necessity it is expected that peak load in 1966 under resulted in an increased demand for electric normal weather conditions will be 640,000 power. This, however, has been met by the kilowatts." positive action taken by the Government which has resulted in the installed generat· ( 4) "The construction programme for ing capacity of the State being increased Swanbank Power Station provides for from 483,000 kilowatts in 1956-1957 to commissioning of the first 60,000 kilowatt 950,000 kilowatts at the present time. The set (which has a capability of 66,000 kilo­ current programming of electricity produc­ watts) prior to the winter peak of 1966. tion provides for a total estimated installed When this set is in operation a total of capacity of 1,600,000 kilowatts by 1970." 701,000 kilowatts of normal plant capacity will be available to meet peak loads esti­ mated at 640,000 kilowatts. The Swanbank Plant programme is based on a further two UNDESIRABLE PRACTICES IN SALE OF machines (of similar capacity) being avail­ ELEcmrcAL GooDs.-Mr. Sherrington pur­ able before the Winter of 1967." suant to notice, asked The Minister for Justice,- (5) "As stated previously shedding on a comparatively limited scale did occur dur­ (1) Is he aware of the ever-increasing ing the July peak period but some black­ volume of false and misleading advertising outs also occurred due to overloaded relating to the sale of electrical goods? feeders in the distribution networks and not to shortage of generating capacity. It is the (2) Are any steps being taken by his practice of electric authorities to maintain Department to investigate (a) the huge a margin of spare plant capacity which is discounts being offered in connection with available to meet most eventualities includ­ the purchase of refrigerators, washing ing higher peak loads than the forecasts machines, &c., and (b) the gift of a suite Questions [24 AUGUST) Questions 63

of bedroom furniture or similar articles ROYALTIES ON OIL, BAUXITE, COAL, AND to the purchasers of certain type MINERALs.-Mr. Lloyd, pursuant to notice, refrigerators? asked The Minister for Mines,- (3) What steps does he intend to take ( 1) What were the amounts received to curb the trade practices of these by way of royalty for the year ended "Refrigerator Racketeers"? June 30, 196S, from (a) Moonie oil pro­ duction, (b) bauxite export from Weipa, Answer:- (c) coal exports from Moura, (d) Mt. (! to 3) "These questions relate to Isa Mines, and (e) Mt. Morgan Mines? matters coming under the administration of (2) What were the production figures my colleague the Honourable the Minister for Labour and Industry. I suggest that upon which the royalties were based of the Honourable Member redirect the (a) Moonie oil in barrels, (b) Weipa question to him." bauxite, and (c) Moura coal? (3) What was the formula used to assess the royalty payable on Moonie oil, TOURIST BUREAU PUBLICATIONS ON showing the expense deductions on the TOOWOOMBA DISTRICT.-Mr. Duggan pur­ price per barrel received by the company suant to notice, asked the Minister for at the borehead? Labour and Industry,- ( 1) Is he aware that a Queensland Answers:- Government Tourist Bureau publication (1) "(a) £1S8,S83 ls. 7d. (based on handed to passengers on the Canberra 1964-196S production). (b) £7,S14 13s. 6d. in Sydney on May 3, l96S, and allegedly (based on 1963-1964 tonnages). (c) depicting Toowoomba and the Darling £29,786 16s. (based on 1964-196S produc­ Downs, is years out of date? tion). (d) £242,S26 (based on 1963-1964 (2) Will he take immediate action to financial accounts). (e) Nil (based on remove the photos of horse-drawn opera­ 1963-1964 financial accounts). (The Act tion of farm machinery and pre-war street allows up to 30th September for payment scenes from the publication? of royalty for the year ended the previous June.)" Answers:- (2) "(a) 2,186,044 barrels. (b) Based on an export tonnage of 238,422 tons and (1) "No, I am not aware, as no such publication was made available by the Australian sales of 62,16S tons during Queensland Government Tourist Bureau to 1963-1964. (c) 1,191,472 tons." passengers on the Canberra in Sydney on (3) "Royalty in accordance with the May 3, l96S. Since August, 1964, the Petroleum Acts is payable on the net current publication of the Queensland Gov­ amount realised by the Company, less ernment Tourist Bureau-'This is Queens­ gathering costs and pipeline tariff charges. land'-has been used on the Canberra, a Gathering costs varied throughout the year copy of which I shall table with this reply, according to monthly production, as also for the information of the Honourable did tariff charge. Gathering charges varied Member. The brochure referred to by the from 6 · 8S622 pence per barrel to S · 02810 Honourable Member is a very old Queens­ pence per barrel. The tariff charge varied land Government Tourist Bureau publica­ from Ss. 6d. per barrel to 7s. 6d. per barrel tion, the distribution of which ceased prior from 1st September, 1964, reducing to to the commissioning of the Canberra. I Ss. lOd. per barrel from 1st February, 196S, would also add that publications on indi­ and since that date has varied in accord vidual Queensland areas, for use on P. & 0. with production. The latest tariff charge is ships, have not been supplied, at least since Ss. per barrel." this Government came into power." (2) "See answer to No. 1. However, in COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE INDUSTRIAL order that the Honourable Member may PROBLEMs.-Mr. Lloyd, pursuant to notice, inform himself from the latest Tourist asked The Minister for Labour and Bureau publications on Toowoomba, which Industry,- are currently distributed by the Queensland (1) Has a committee been established Government Tourist Bureau, I also table the following:-Toowoomba and the Darl­ to examine industrial problems in Queens­ ing Downs; Tours from Toowoomba. In land and to recommend amendments to addition, the Toowoomba Tourist Associa­ the State's industrial law as was promised tion publishes a Toowoomba Tourist by the Premier at Warwick and reported Guide, a copy of which is also tabled. With in The Courier-Mail of April 28 last? the information contained in these broch­ (2) If so, (a) what is the personnel of ures I hope the Honourable Member will the committee and what organisation or be able to bring himself up to date, con­ section of industry does each member cerning the splendid tourist attractions of represent, (b) what is the function of the Toowoomba and its environs." committee and (c) has the committee Papers.-Whereupon Mr. Herbert laid met? upon the Table of the House the papers (3) If no committee has been appointed, referred to. will he explain why? 64 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Answer:- (2) If so, what stage has been reached (1, 2 and 3) "The Government's inten­ in such planning and where is it intended tions will be made known at the appro­ that the school be situated? priate time." Answer:- "The Regional Director of Education TRAINMEN FOR RAILWAY DEPOTS WEST recently conducted a comprehensive survey OF TOWNSVILLE.-Mr. Tucker, pursuant to into probable future Educational require­ notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- ments of the City of Townsville, both at the (!) Is there an intention by the Rail­ Secondary and Primary level. Action has been initiated to obtain additional data way Department to depart from the present respecting the sites suggested for acquisition system whereby depots west of Townsville in the Regional Director's report,. but no are supplied with drivers, firemen, cleaners firm decision will be made as to which site and guards by advertising the vacancies or sites will be acquired for future High and filling them through the Weekly School purposes until the relevant addi­ Notice, and substitute a rotary transfer tional information has been received." system in which men will be transferred to western depots for periods of three to six months, with Townsville as the CO-ORDINATED TRANSPORT SERVICE, ZILL­ recruiting and supply depot? MERE AND GEEBUNG TO BRISBANE.-Mr. Campbell, pursuant to notice, asked The (2) If there is such an intention, will Minister for Transport,- he seek the opinion of trainmen through their Unions before attempting to imple­ In view of the requests made to the ment such a system? Transport Department for a co-ordinated bus and rail service from Zillmere and Answers:- Geebung into Brisbane, can he indicate (1) "No." whether this is a practical proposition? (2) "See answer to No. 1." Answer:- " At the present time the Licensee of the local bus service does provide a consider­ SURPLUS TRA!NMEN IN NORTII QUEENS­ able measure of co-ordination with rail at LAND.-Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked Zillmere. However, the bus and rail fare The Minister for Transport,- systems are separate from each other. (1) With the completion of the Mt. Following the Honourable Member's Isa line rehabilitation and the close of approach to me, the question of converting the present busy season, will there in fact and extending this form of service into a then be a considerable number of surplus complete rail-road co-ordinated service is trainmen in North Queensland? being examined. In addition, the practica­ (2) If so, then before any decisions are bility of a similar co-ordinated service at made, will all the Unions involved be Geebung Station is also being considered. consulted with a view to arriving at a Owing to the relatively short distance method of dealing with such redundancy between the two stations, there are certain and which is acceptable to all parties? operational difficulties in regard to the working of buses involved, but I am confi­ Answers:- dent that these will be able to be over­ ( 1) "Action has already been taken by come." the Department to suitably place trainmen who had become surplus in the Northern Division consequent upon the rehabilitation WILBUR SMITH REPORT, BRISBANE TRANS­ of the Mt. Isa Line and the dieselisation of that section of railway and it is antici­ PORTATION SURVEY.-Mr. Houston, pursu·ant pated the remaining surplus men will be to notice, asked The Minister for Mines,- absorbed in vacancies." Will he make available to Members, (2) "The Honourable Member is appar­ particularly metropolitan Members, a copy ently not in close contact with the principal of the report by Wilbur Smith and Unions concerned, since such Unions are Associates relating to the Brisbane well aware of the Department's practice in Transportation Survey? this connection, there having been a num­ ber of interviews by such Unions with the Answer:- General Manager, Townsville." "AII Metropolitan Members were invited to the Presentation of the Summary Report ADDITIONAL STATE HIGH SCHOOL, TOWNS­ and those who attended received a copy. VILLE.-Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked Several Members who were not able to The Minister for Education,- attend the function have since received a copy following a request by them. Upon ( 1) Has planning begun for the pro­ request I am prepared to make a copy of vision of a third State high school to the Summary Report available to any meet the growing demand for secondary Member representing a metropo!itan elec­ education in Townsville? torate who has not already received one." Questions [24 AUGUST] Questions 65

PARLIAMENTARY MISSION VISIT TO SOUTH· will he give early consideration to increas­ EAST AsiA.-Mr. Coburn, for Mr. Aikens, ing substantially the advance now pursuant to notice, asked The Premier,- available to borrowers? ( 1) Did a Minister of the Crown Answer:- recently visit certain places in South-east Asia and, if so, what is his name, the "The Honourable Member will realise names of the places visited and how long that increased maximum loans would was he absent from Queensland? enable fewer persons to be assisted with the same total funds. Furthermore, since (2) Was the Minister accompanied on 1962 the Commonwealth Government has this trip by a Parliamentary Member of implemented its proposal for Home Savings the Country Party, a Member of the Grants under which the subsidy on home Liberal Party and two Members of the savings can amount to as much as £250. Australian Labor Party? If so, what Such subsidy is to some measure an offset are their names? to increased costs. I can assure the Hon­ ourable Member that I am closely watching (3) What was (a) the total cost of the the position." trip to the Queensland taxpayers and (b) what benefit did the taxpayers derive from SECONDARY SCHOOL ENROLMENTS, EMERALD, it? BARCALDINE, AND LONGREACH.-Mr. Davies for Mr. O'Donnell, pursuant to notice, asked Answers:- The Minister for Education,- (1 and 2) "A Queensland Parliamentary What are the latest enrolment figures Mission visited the South-East Asian area in each grade of the secondary depart­ during the period June 2 to June 28, 1965. ments at the Emerald, Barcaldine and This Mission was led by my Colleague the Longreach State Schools? Minister for Local Government and Con­ servation (the Honourable H. Richter, Answer:- M.L.A.), and other members were-Mr. W. M. Ewan, M.L.A., Member for Roma; " -- Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade 8 9 10 11 12 Mr. S. R. Ramsden, M.L.A., Member for ------Merthyr; Mr. J. E. Duggan, M.L.A., Mem­ ----Emerald .. 59 49 29 8 7 ber for Toowoomba West; Mr. M. H. Barcaldine 49 41 38 9 Thackeray, M.L.A., Member for Rock­ 9 hampton North; this Mission visited Longreach 60 46 39 3 2" Manila, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Chieng Mai, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore." (3) "(a) £5,329 4s. 6d. (b) Australia NEW HOUSING COMMISSION ESTATE, is an integral part of the South-East Asian MT. GRAVATT EAST.-Mr. Newton, pursuant sphere. This whole area to our North is to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- becoming more important to us both ( 1) What is the number of building sites politically and economically and it is vital that will be available in the new that there be a clear appreciation by us of Queensland Housing Commission estate the thinking by responsible persons, in off Wecker Road, Mt. Gravatt East? those areas. Queensland business is playing an ever-increasing role in its trade with (2) Have any sites been set aside for a South-East Asian countries and I am con­ shopping centre? vinced that representatives of this Assembly (3) Has this project been connected to should also have first-hand knowledge of the local sewage treatment plant which the scene in this particular area." is directly opposite? ( 4) If so, what was the cost of the INCREASE IN ADVANCES AVAILABLE TO sewerage connection mains and who HOUSLl'

LAND HELD BY HousiNG CoMMISSION IN (2) "1960-1961, 356; 1961-1962, 292; NORTH BRISBANE.-Mr. Melloy, pursuant to 1962-1963, 358; 1963-1964, 392; 1964- notice, asked The Minister for Works,- 1965, 655.'' (1) What land is held by the Queensland (3) "1960-1961, 99; 1961-1962, 99; Housing Commission in the Brisbane 1962-1963, 105; 1963-1964, 107; 1964- metropolitan area for use in future housing 1965, 121." projects on the north side of Brisbane? (2) Does the Government intend to REHABILITATION OF MT. !SA RAILWAY.­ build houses on the north side of Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The Brisbane for tenancy purposes only? If Treasurer,- not, will he give consideration to such a building project to alleviate a very serious ( 1) What amount of mineral royalties need? were received from Mount Isa Mines Ltd. in each of the years ended June 30, 1964 Answers:- and 1965? (!) "For the purpose of providing hous­ (2) What was the total amount spent on ing on the north side of Brisbane, the the rehabilitation of the Mt. Isa railway Commission has acquired land at Arana line, including loans and grants from the Hills, Banyo, Bardon, Boondall, Bracken Commonwealth Government? Ridge, Ferny Grove, Lawnton, Petrie, Stafford and Strathpine.'' Answers:- (2) "Except for houses built for a ( l) "The question should be addressed specific purpose such as for the Armed to the Minister for Mines and Main Services, houses constructed under the Roads." group system are not limited to tenancy purposes only. They are available for pur­ (2) "The amount charged to July 31, chase in the first instance, and if not sold 1965, was £25,523,854.'' are rented. Every consideration will be given to the construction of houses on the HOUSING COMMISSION RENTAL HOUSES, north side of Brisbane." IPSWICH.-Mr. Donald, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- CRIBB IsLAND DENTAL CLINIC.-Mr. How many State rental houses in Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The Ipswich are occupied by tenants other Minister for Health,- than members of the Armed Forces? ( 1) What is the waiting period at the Answer:- Cribb Island dental clinic for (a) examination and (b) treatment? "Other than the houses let to the Com­ monwealth for the Armed Forces, there are (2) What was the number of patients 93 State Rental Houses in Ipswich. A small treated at the Cribb Island dental clinic number of these houses are occupied by for each of the years 1960 to 1965, persons who were members of the Forces inclusive? when they qualified for tenancy on a personal basis under the normal points (3) What was the number of dentists system. Tenants are not required to advise employed in Government dental hospitals when they change employment, and some and clinics for each of the years 1960 to of these tenants could now be in civilian 1965, inclusive? occupations."

Answers:- FREE TRAVEL TO BRISBANE FOR COUNTRY ( l) " (a) The period varies from imme­ PATIENTS.-Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to diate attention in an emergency to between notice, asked The Minister for Health,- five and six months; (b) Except in cases of In view of the many far-distant patients emergency, about four weeks after exami­ requiring specialist treatment in Brisbane, nation. In August, 1964, I was asked by will he consider the elimination of the the Honourable Member if I would give present means test and investigation, so consideration to increasing the hours of attendance of the dentist at the Cribb that these patients can travel free with sleeper accommodation and so obtain Island Dental Clinic in order to reduce the specialist attention on almost the same waiting time for treatment. As from Nov­ basis as Brisbane patients? ember 17, 1964, the dental service was increased until the situation improved and Answer:- became better than at the Brisbane Dental "There is no Means Test in respect of Hospital. The position is being closely the provision of air or rail transport to watched in relation to the overall dental Brisbane or other centres for persons commitments and the availability of staff suffering from a malignant, pre-malignant, which presents problems which are not near-malignant or suspected malignant con­ peculiar to Queensland." dition, which might necessitate treatment at Questions [24 AUGUST] Questions 67

the Queensland Radium Institute or a Section Car. No. 1 and No. 2 Flying Gangs Sub-Centre of the Institute. Although a use Pump Cars. No. 1 Gang is camped at Means Test is applied in respect of the Edmonton and is working in the Edmonton issue of air or rail passes to persons requir­ Station Yard and is not required to travel ing specialist treatment for other condi­ long distances. No. 2 Flying Gang is work­ tions, such Means Test is applied sympa­ ing within a mile of their camp at Stoney thetically so that no hardship is inflicted on Creek. No. 3 Flying Gang is working on any person. If the Honourable Member the 2-feet Innisfail Tramway." has knowledge of any case in which he (2) "The Department has a progressive feels that hardship has resulted from a programme to purchase new section cars refusal to grant free transport, I shall be happy to re-examine such case if it is each year. New section cars are allotted brought to my notice." to the gangs which will obtain the maxi­ mum benefit from their use, but, to date, it has not been possible to issue section cars HERBERTON STATE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND to No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 Flying Gangs, AREA.-Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, but their requirements will be kept in asked The Minister for Education,- mind." In view of the fact that the Herberton head teacher's residence has been removed from the school grounds so that extra PLATFORM LEVEL, TuLLY RAILWAY playground space would be available and STATION.-Mr. Byrne, pursuant to notice, that this area now presents a danger asked The Minister for Transport,- hazard in its existing state, will he include In view of the difficulty and danger to this area in the plan to level the whole passengers in alighting from railway area to the existing playground level and carriages on to the low-level platform at grade and prepare the area across the the Tully Railway Station, is it proposed road so that tennis and basketball courts during the current financial year, to effect can be established there? much-needed improvements, particularly in respect to the raising of the platform? Answer:- "Reports received from officers of the Answer:­ Department of Works and my Department do not disclose any danger hazard in the "Yes." state of that portion of the school grounds on which the official residence was previ­ ously erected. An estimate of cost is ADDITIONAL HOUSING COMMISSION awaited from the Herberton Shire Council ACCOMMODATION, MACKAY ELECTORATE.­ for the general tidying up of the land in Mr. Graham, pursuant to notice, asked The question and for attention to the batter of Minister for Works,- an existing bank but it is not proposed to As a serious accommodation shortage grade this area to the level of the adjoin­ ing playground. The grading of the area exists in Mackay and is affecting the proposed for tennis courts and basket ball progress and development of the area, will courts is a project which must be con­ he endeavour to make immediate finance sidered by the Parents and Citizens' available for the erection of Housing Association under the conditions of the Commission homes and flats in the Mackay School Ground Improvement Subsidy Electorate? Scheme whereby my Department meets 50 per cent. of the approved cost." Answer:- " I am well aware of the Honourable MOTOR TROLLEY TRANSPORT FOR RAILWAY Member's concern for the Mackay Elector­ GANGS IN CAIRNS DISTRICT.-Mr. Wallis­ ate, but I have repeatedly informed him Smith, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister that, for housing purposes, Mackay com­ for Transport,- prises the residential areas on both sides of ( 1) Is he aware of the fact that several the river. To assist this overall area I Flying Gangs in the Cairns district are recently approved an allocation of £30,000 from the Home Builders' Account to the using hand pump-cars to convey the gang Mackay Co-operative Housing Society­ to and from work and to transport this is the first allocation from that Account sleepers, rails and materials to the actual to Mackay and recognises the expansion site of their requirement? taking place in the district. The Housing (2) Will he consider the provision of a Commission accepted tenders in May and suitable motor trolley to replace the June for eleven houses at North Mackay and is dealing with applications to have a present hand pump-cars? further five houses erected for purchase on Commission sites selected by the applicants. Answers:- The provision of further group houses will (1) "There are four ( 4) flying gangs be considered in the light of the demands attached to the Cairns District. No. 4 Gang in all the developing areas of the State, and working on the Almaden-Forsayth Section for this purpose the Commission desires to has been issued with a heavy 'Fairmont' acquire land at a reasonable price." 68 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

POLLUTION OF BAKER's CREEK, MACKAY.­ (2) In the light of the increased demand Mr. Graham, pursuant to notice, asked The for teachers, envisaged by the Martin Treasurer,- Report within the forthcoming decade, As Baker's Creek, a tidal creek adjacent what plans has the Government to expand to Mackay, is continually being polluted the existing number of teacher-trainees? by sugar mill effluent resulting in the ( 3 ) What plans does the Government destruction of large numbers of fish, &c., have for integrating the work done by the besides destroying the creek as a picnic and University faculty of Education and the swimming site, will he endeavour to have Teachers' Colleges in the training of some action taken to prevent this most teachers? undesirable practice? Answers:- Answer:- ( I) "In making its recommendations relating to the training of teachers the "Baker's Creek is polluted and it seems Martin Committee also recommended that likely that this is destroying some fish life. financial assistance for this purpose be pro­ The extent of the pollution is being deter­ vided by the Commonwealth. The imple­ mined by the Department of Local Govern­ mentation of the recommendations of the ment at the request of the Pioneer Shire Martin Committee concerning this matter Council. The Department's report to the is beyond the unaided resources of the Council will include advice as to measures States. This Government has restored the which should be taken to prevent this two-year trainin~ period for primary pollution. I will await a copy of the report teachers which had been reduced to one before considering what action might be year by the Labor Government as an taken." emergency measure and will aim to increase the minimum course of prepara­ tion for teaching to three years, by pro­ MARIAN WEIR.-Mr. Graham, pursuant to gressive stages, when finance is available. notice, asked The Minister for Local The implementation of other recommenda­ Government,- tions in the report will also be considered (1) In what year was the Marian Weir in the light of funds available." completed, what was the cost of its con­ (2) "The number of scholarships avail­ struction, including cost of repairs, and able for teacher training will be increased what is its storage capacity? to provide staff to cope with increasing enrolments, particularly at the secondary (2) What number of irrigation licences level." were in force in the years 1960 to 1965, inclusive? ( 3) "None. As a matter of interest it might be noted that this is not a recom­ Answers:- mendation of the Martin Committee." ( I) "Marian Weir was completed in 1952. The cost of construction and repair FEE FOR JUNIOR PUBLIC MUSIC was £I87,533. It has a storage capacity of EXAMINATION.-Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to 3,IOO acre feet." notice, asked The Minister for Education,- (2) ( I) Is he aware that a music examina­ tion fee of £3 is imposed and payable by " -- 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 196 5 ------students who wish to take this subject in On Weir Storage 1 1 2 5 7 8 the Junior Public Examination in addition to the normal fee of £3? Downstream of Weir .. .. 11 12 13 13 16 16 (2) Will he take early steps to eliminate this anomaly of double fees on parents of These figures do not include Mirani Town children nominating for the Junior Public Supply, taken from the storage or four Examination, who choose to take music as licences issued to Marian and 'Pleystowe a subject? Mills for industrial purposes." Answer:- (1 and 2) "There are no tests in music MARTIN REPORT ON TEACHER TRAINING.­ as a Junior Examination subject. The fee of £3 for the Junior covers the subjects Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- in which tests are held. Students who so desire may obtain credit for Music in the ( I) Does the Government intend to Junior and Senior Examinations, upon pre­ implement any of the recommendations of senting evidence that they have satisfied the Martin Report, relating to the training the requirements of the Australian Music of teachers, in spite of the refusal of the Examinations Board in specified grades of Commonwealth Government to enter this that Board's examinations. Entrance fees field through the medium of granting charged by the Australian Music financial assistance to the States? If so, Examinations Board for its various which recommendations will be imple­ examinations are common throughout the mented and when is the commencing date? Commonwealth." Questions [24 AuGUST] Fire Brigades Act, &c., Bill 69

ADDITIONAL HOUSING COMMISSION HOUSES, Upon registration, the owner is issued with CAIRNS AREA.-Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to a temporary number to attach to the notice, asked The Minister for Works,- motor vehicle windscreen and in Queens­ As there is a heavy demand for Housing land this temporary number is to all Commission rental accommodation in the intents and purposes as good as a pair Cairns area, will he give early considera­ of plates in the period until they arrive." tion to having additional homes in this (2) "Number plates have been issued category erected there? from Townsville Court House upon regis­ tration since April, 1961. It is not Answer:- proposed to create another State Depart­ "As the Honourable Member is aware, ment for this purpose, nor is it proposed the Housing Commission has had road­ at this stage to increase the number of works and drainage carried out by the centres at which official number plates are Cairns City Council to provide twenty­ issued." nine house sites at Hoare, Clarke and Birch Streets. A substantial number of PAPERS these sites are subject to purchase applica­ The following papers were laid on the tions and requests, and these are now table, and ordered to be printed:- receiving attention. On 20th instant a quotation was received from the Council Reports- for further works to provide an additional Operations provided for by Part III.­ seven sites, and I anticipate that the Aid to Development, of "The Finan­ Council will be authorised in the very near cial Arrangements and Development future to proceed with these extra works. Aid Acts, 1942 to 1947," for the year As soon as the site requirements of the 1964-65. purchase applicants have been established Golden Casket Art Union for the year I will consider calling tenders for a group 1964-65. of houses on sites not absorbed. These group houses will be available for rental if The following papers were laid on the not sold during construction." table:- Proclamation under The Traffic Acts Amendment Act of 1960. IsSUE OF MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION Orders in Council under- PLATES IN CAIRNS.-Mr. R. Jones, pursuant The University of Queensland Acts, 1909 to notice, asked The Minister for Mines,- to 1960. ( 1) Is he aware that a delay of some The Grammar Schools Acts, 1860 to six weeks generally occurs for the supply 1962. from Brisbane of number plates for Regulation under The Traffic Acts, 1949 to vehicles registered in Cairns? 1965. (2) If so, will he consider on-the-spot issue by establishment of a Department in PETROLEUM PRODUCTS SUBSIDY Cairns or Townsville in order to eliminate BILL or minimize the delay to receipt of vehicle registration number plates in this area? INITIATION Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough Answers:- -Premier): I move- ( 1) "Under normal conditions, the "That the House will, at its present average time from the payment of registra­ sitting, resolve itself into a Committee tion fees in Cairns to the despatch of the of the Whole to consider introducing a number plates from Head Office of the Bill to subsidise the distribution of certain Department of Main Roads in Brisbane is petroleum products in certain country about three to four weeks. If there areas." should be anything not in order in the application or the associated papers which Motion agreed to. has to be adjusted, naturally, the time is extended. During recent months, however, FIRE BRIGADES ACT AMENDMENT due to the additional work involved in pre­ BILL paring for the changeover to computer operation as a result of the increasing INITIATION volume of new business from all over the Hon. J. D. HERBERT (Sherwood­ State, the time lag has been up to five Minister for Labour and Industry): I move- weeks. Plates are despatched in advance of the posting of certificates and registra­ "That the House will, at its present tion labels. The issue of number plates sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of upon registration involves a considerable the Whole to consider introducing a Bill amount of work for Officers in Charge of to amend the Fire Brigades Act of 1964, Police Stations and Clerks of the Court, in certain particulars." as well as in the Department's Head Office. Motion agreed to. 70 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

CHILDREN'S SERVICES BILL of Parliament. I feel that according to his political light he has striven to carry out INITIATION his responsibilities. Hon. J. D. HERBERT (Sherwood­ Mr. Aikens: Do you think he would Minister for Labour and Industry): I move- make an excellent Governor? "That the House will, at its present sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of Mr. DUGGAN: The question of determin­ the Whole to consider introducing a Bill ing who is to be the next Governor is to promote, safeguard and protect the something that does not necessitate my well-being of the children and youth of expressing an opinion at this stage. I might the State through a comprehensive and do so later this morning. It is obviously co-ordinated programme of child and a matter for the Government to submit a family welfare and to amend the Adoption nomination. of Children Act of 1964, in certain Reference is made in the Administrator's particulars." Opening Speech to the impending departure Motion agreed to. from Queensland of the Administrator of the Commonwealth, Sir Henry Abel Smith. I record, both personally and on behalf of OVERTIME PAID IN GOVERNMENT the Australian Labour Party, our apprecia­ DEPARTMENTS tion and acknowledgment of the debt Queens­ land owes to Sir Henry for the manner in ORDER FOR RETURN which he has discharged his duties as Gover­ Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ nor of this State for many years, and also Leader of the Opposition): I move- to Lady May Abel Smith. It can be truly said that no other State Governor has "That there be laid upon the Table of travelled so extensively or has made him­ the House a return showing the amount self so familiar with the problems of the of overtime paid in each Government State as has Sir Henry. One of the greatest department (all funds) in 1964-1965." tributes that can be paid to him is the Motion agreed to. fact that, more than any other public figure I know of, he is genuinely interested in the State and the problems of its people. When ADDRESS IN REPLY he undertakes an assignment, he invariably clothes himself with all the necessary infor­ RESUMPTION OF DEBATE-FIRST AND mation about the project, the district, and SECOND ALLOTTED DAYS the people. He seems always to be genuinely Debate resumed from 18 August (see p. interested in the matter in hand. In this I 18) on Mr. Newbery's motion for the think he has set a splendid example when adoption of the Address in Reply. carrying out the responsible duties attaching to his important office under the Crown. I Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ wish him a very happy retirement, and I Leader of the Opposition) (12.2 p.m.): hope that it will be possible for him to make I should like, as is customary, to offer my periodic visits to Queensland to renew congratulations to the mover and seconder friendships made here. of the motion for the adoption of the I noticed in this morning's newspaper that Address in Reply. the Premier has indicated, following a The mover, the hon. member for Mirani, Cabinet decision, that he will attend a sugar entered the House following the untimely conference in Geneva very shortly. I should death of Hon. E. Evans, the former Minister like to say that I have absolutely no objec­ ·for Mines and Main Roads. The new tion at all to this proposal; indeed, I com­ member has had quite a close association mend the decision to send our chief with many activities in the Mackay district, Parliamentary figure overseas, particularly as particularly the sugar industry, and I am the Premier, since assuming his office, has not certain that he will bring to the House an accepted the opportunity to travel overseas. informed mind on that particularly important I therefore feel that it is timely and appro­ priate for him to have the opportunity to go subject. His speech covered many subjects abroad, particularly to deliberate at a con­ important to his electors, and I hope that as ference that will have very great conse­ a member of this House he will participate quences for Queensland. in a constructive way in proposals likely to assist in the wise and ordered development Among other matters that the Premier pro­ of the State. poses to go into when overseas is that of submitting a nomination to fill the vacancy The seconder of the motion, the hon. that will be caused by the retirement of Sir member for Ithaca, will not be here next Henry Abel Smith as Governor. I do not year. He has indicated his intention to consider that filling this office should mean retire from Parliament. I wish the hon. a tremendous amount of canvassing. I hope member a long and happy retirement, and that the precedent now established in the I hope that his association with this House Federal sphere of appointing an Amtralian­ will enable him to form some appreciation born person to such a post will be followed of the responsibilities and duties of officers here. I feel that it would perhaps be Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 71

appropriate for the Premier to indicate here The first of these includes the reply to a and now that the Government has given question that I asked of the Minister for some consideration to the matter and will Labour and Industry this morning relative endeavour to select a distinguished Aus­ to a brochure that was distributed on the tralian for this role. I feel that the only overseas liner "Canberra" on its arrival possible justification for appointing men from in this country on 3 May, 1965. I do not outside Australia to these important positions wish to be in any way presumptuous in would be the existence of reciprocal arrange­ this matter, but the question that I asked ments between members of the British Com­ was not offensive, and if the circular to monwealth for the appointment of dis­ which I referred was issued-! have a letter tinguished representatives of other countries stating in writing that the person received to act on an interchange basis. That is on the vessel in question not only this not, of course, the policy of the Australian pamphlet but some others to which I .shall Labour Party, which is that Australians refer later when I elaborate on the pomt­ should be selected for these appointments. I think it will be agreed that I might have That is a policy that I advocate because I expected my question to be answered feel that there are many Australians possess­ ing the necessary ability, general disposition courteously. It would have been appro­ and personality to fill this office extremely priate for the Minister to have said that the well. Queensland Government Tourist Bureau had no knowledge of this particular publication's Sir Henry Abel Smith set a very high being distributed with the authority of his standard of efficiency. He is a dedicated department and that it was taking appro­ Englishman who, as an Englishman serving priate steps to see that suitable pamphlets his Queen, felt that he had great respon­ were distributed. If he had said that and sibilities and was mindful of them and then said that, for my information, he would anxious to succeed in carrying them out. table the type of pamphlet that was avail­ In doing so, he has worked much harder able, I should have been quite happy with than most people work. I do feel, however, his reply and would have thought that it that the practice of appointing someone from was in accordance with what I conceive to England is becoming a little outmoded. As be the responsibility of Ministers of the a matter of fact, I do not think it inappropri­ Crown in dealing with matters of some pub­ ate to suggest that perhaps consideration lic importance. could be given to the cost of establishing the Queen's representation in Australia. In round When one addresses questions to some figures, I think it now costs between MiDJsters-The Minister for Education and £1,500,000 and £2,000,000 a year to maintain the Minister for Primary Industries are two the Governor-General and the various State who come to mind very quickly; there are Governors. It is perhaps timely to look others-one invariably receives courteous into this matter and see whether the granting replies. I rather resent the type of reply that of assent to bills can be streamlined and I received from the Minister for Labour and made simpler and less costly. Industry, in which he rebukes me and says that he wants to tell me what the tourist I suppose it might be said that the overall potential of the Darling Downs is, and so figure of £1,500,000 to £2,000,000 is insignifi­ on. I live in the city of Toowoomba, and cant when one considers the national income I am well aware of its tourist attractions of Australia. I concede that that point can and of the steps that are taken by local be well taken, but I think the time has come bodies and by the Queensland Government to examine these things a little more realis­ Tourist Bureau for the promotion of items tically than they have been examined up to the present time. of interest in that city. Indeed, when I was a member of Cabinet I played a very I think we have some anachronisms in prominent part not only in establishing an this country. The retention of the right of appropriate place in Toowoomba for the dis­ appeal to the Privy Council is one that comes semination of information for that purpose, to mind readily, and I think that the sooner but also in endeavouring to attract industries appropriate steps are taken to make the final to the city. right of appeal to the High Court of Last Thursday I commended certain action Australia in matters affecting the interpreta­ taken by the Government relative to the tion of our statutes, the better. It is grati­ Wilbur Smith Report, and I think I am fying to me to see that some learned lawyers always fair enough to give credit where from England subscribe to that view. In credit is due. On this occasion I asked the my opinion the present arrangement is costly question not so that I might be informed and unnecessary, and as soon as possible we of the position in Queensland but so that should assert very definitely our sovereign migrants coming to this country might be status in this regard. informed of it. The Liberal Party has no hesitation in paying, out of its well-filled Before proceeding to deal with some mat­ coffers, sums of money to enable people to ters generally, as is customary in this debate be appointed to approach migrants when and for which some latitude is allowed by they reach Australia and to influence them the Standing Orders, I should like to deal to join the Liberal Party and, very often, to briefly with two matters in particular. paint a damaging picture of the Australian 72 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Labour Party in this country. It does that, I want to protest very strongly about this and it does it very readily. But Queensland sort of thing. I suggest, as a constructive is one of the few States of the Common­ contribution on this matter, that all tourist wealth which has shown a loss of popula­ pamphlets should bear the date of publica­ tion-we have received fewer migrants on a tion so that people will know that at that per-capita basis than any other Australian point of time it was a fair representation of State- and one would think that the the position then existing in various parts Minister in charge of tourism and the of the State. Government generally might welcome any I also have here a similar brochure suggestion by which migrants, on reaching dealing with the North Coast. The Premier Perth and being bombarded with propaganda saw this one. It is not quite so outdated relating to the various States, might be as the others but it goes back to the time induced to come to Brisbane instead of when the population of Nambour was 5,000. staying in Melbourne or Sydney. There are I think the hon. member for that district some obvious temptations for a migrant to would well know that it is now substantially disembark before he reaches Brisbane, and in excess of that. If all these booklets I should have thought that the Government, bore the date of publication people could in view of its proclamations and attempts to arrive at their own conclusions as to the bolster Queensland and its talk about worth of their contents. That is the point Queensland and the amount of money I made about the Toowoomba pamphlet, allegedly being spent on tourism, would join which depicted horse-drawn farming equip­ the Opposition in making a united appeal to ment. It is very difficult to find a horse on migrants to come to this State. the Darling Downs at the present time, except perhaps for use at the Show. There I could have tabled other pamphlets may be an odd one on various farms. The issued at the same time, on the same vessel, pamphlet makes reference to the Club Hotel, to the same person. I have them here. which has been out of existence for, I Here is one of Surfers Paradise which shows suppose, 15 years. The photograph of the corner of the Surfers Paradise Hotel and Surfers Paradise shows just how outdated the rest of it is merely palm trees and these brochures are. other types of trees. Everybody who knows And so I make an appeal on the basis Surfers Paradise knows that for the last that these matters are raised for the purpose ten years there have been brick buildings of being of some help to the State, and running from the Surfers Paradise Hotel there is a duty on a Minister of the Crown to the beach-front. Everybody who knows to co-operate instead of trying to be smart. the place knows the "Seabreeze" apartments, In a similar category, I wish to refer to three or four storeys high, yet on this a reply I received from the Treasurer last pamphlet one sees only a few trees. Thursday. The Treasurer is usually fair in these matters but his answer to me on that Another pamphlet relates to Maryborough, occasion was not quite worthy of him. I the population of which, according to it, referred to what I thought to be an undesir­ was 17,000 in 1950. We are now living able practice developing amongst certain local 1965. authorities in that people who are not Mr. Hughes: Do you suggest that those authorities on a matter, possessing no are still being distributed by the official specialised knowledge, are undertaking trips Tourist Bureau? associated with the purchase of equipment. I said I deplored the practice and thought Mr. DUGGAN: I would not have raised it was a waste of the local taxpayers' money the matter further if the Minister had given for these people to travel to the South and me a courteous answer. I merely want to to other places to purchase machinery and know just what the position is. If the other equipment. That job should be left Minister had said that these circulars were to experts in the particular field. issued without the authority of his depart­ I said also that I thought there was some ment, that he was not in favour of that merit in trying to establish a central borrow­ sort of thing and that steps were being ing authority for local authority requirements. taken in the matter, I would have corn­ Subject to "Some reservation, I think I should mended him for adopting a responsible and say that in the old days there were Treasury­ appropriate attitude. However, I contrast approved loans for local authorities. This his attitude with my own. When I raised took from local authorities the responsibility this matter, "Sunday Truth" came to see me of making individual applications for loans, and asked me if I would elaborate on the outside the Treasury Department. There queries. I said that, as a matter of courtesy were probably good reasons why that to the Minister and in view of the fact system should have been superseded. It that I had addressed a question to him, I perhaps enabled the local authorities to would refrain from any comment until the gather into the overall local government Minister gave an answer. I could have revenue greater sums than were possible pre­ had some sort of publicity in this matter viously. I do not know whether the Treasurer but I elected not to because I believe it is felt a little hurt and that he could effectively my responsibility to treat the Minister in a retaliate in his reply, but he likened the courteous fashion, and, in return, to be practice to members of Parliament visiting treated courteously. South-east Asia or somewhere else, knowing Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 73 full well that I was a member of the recent Mr. DUGGAN: This is not in the same delegation that went over there. I point category as the matter I previously com­ out that if there was anything wrong with plained about. The hon. gentleman was trying that proposal, the blame attaches to the to be a little bit smart in his reply. I do Government. It was a carefully considered not think the occasion demanded it. I am governmental decision, which I think had not labouring the matter; I merely wish to some general merit. We did not ask for it. make quite clear what I said and the reasons We were given an allocation of two members for it. on that mission. We were not charged with Mr. Hiley: I will try to have more respect the responsibility of buying equipment. for your tender skin in future. The purpose of the mission was well pub­ Mr. DUGGAN: I am not wanting any licised by the Premier. He said it was special treatment or consideration. primarily a goodwill mission which would enable members to familiarise themselves Mr. Hiley: You are asking for it. with problems that are becoming of increas­ Mr. DUGGAN: I do not care how the ing importance to Australia. I have tried hon. gentleman takes it. I do not like to play my part in a small way. I have falling back on the hon. member for Towns­ made a few public speeche·s and written ville South, but if the Treasurer wants dog­ a couple of articles, in addition to appearing and-goanna rules, that is all right with me. on television. I think the report I gave I do not care what standard he lays down. was a fair one, giving a reasonably intelligent If he wants it hot and heavy that is all resume of what I saw. What I did say­ right with me. From my talks with many the Treasurer could not possibly have mis­ ratepayers it would seem that my proposal understood me; I even linked his name with has ·some merit in it. The Treasurer acknow­ it-was that neither he nor I, when I was ledged the merit but then he tried to be in a position of ministerial responsibility, a little bit smart in the matter. I like felt it neces·sary to go around the State, or to pay the Treasurer the respect his position anywhere else for that matter, interstate entitles him to. Probably I have commended particularly, for the purpose of personally him more often than I have commended examining a whole lot of detailed equipment any other Minister about the quality of his which could be examined by specialist officers speeches in this Chamber. They are generally in the department. I do not mind one alder­ on a very high level and I only hope that man who is a member of a committee, or he may continue to win my respect by even a mayor, making such investigations continuing in the same way, instead of occasionally. departing from his normal level and trying The Treasurer mentioned the number of to be a little smart. It is all very well to specialists that had been sent overseas from try to be smart, but I remind him that it the Forestry Department, the Railway can be a case of two-way traffic. Department and the State Electricity Com­ Mr. Campbell: You are a little sen·sitive mission. I have no quarrel with that. I today. have never had any quarrel with it. If I had, it might be that I think we should Mr. DUGGAN: No, I am not. I try to have done more of it when we were in be fair in these matters. I know that on power. I certainly have no quarrel with occasions, in the heat of debate, one says sending people overseas if it is to be of things that one would not say in calmer general advantage to the State. If we argue moments but I think that usually I try to be along those lines, why not argue that we constructive and fair. In fact, I am should abandon the Loan Council agreement criticised for being too fair to the Govern­ and let the States, as the local authorities are me'llt. That may or may not be right, and doing, go wherever they can to get money? I do not think it is material to the present The very purpose of the formation of the debate. I do not think I am unduly Loan Council was to prevent competition sensitive. I have been in politics for a for available funds, and thus avoid the pay­ long while and anyone who takes an active ment of extravagant rates for the available part in all sorts of situations knows that he money. is open to involvement in many controversial On many occasions the Lord Mayor of questions, emotional outbursts, and personal Brisbane, has said that money was available attitudes. I have become a little seasoned from Switzerland, America and other places to expecting to become involved in various to finance certain developmental projects of ways from time to time, and I think I am great benefit to this city, but because of the somewhat philosophical. Of course, one rule applying to these matters that money has matter that gives me a measure of amuse­ been denied to the Brisbane City Council. ment is the quality of speeches made in The Treasurer even said that he felt that motions of condole'!lce-and I suppose this there was merit in my remarks, but he went sometimes applies even to Labour's attitude­ on to assert that he was not going to when the person concerned had very little interfere with the right of local authorities political virtue. We find that he had to send people on these various missions. advantages and merits which were not Had he contented himself with doing that it revealed during his lifetime. would have been fair enough-- I think the Address-in-Reply debate is a Mr. Hiley: You stated your opinion, and proper occasion for considering the gen­ I responded. eral question of safe-guarding industries 74 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

in this State. A question was asked He said that in trying to encourage indus­ by the hon. member for South Bris­ trial development in this State he was bane about Queensland''S excess of invariably asked, "What is the population?" imports over exports. If .the period chosen When he replied, he always got the same by him was last year It would form a answer: there were not enough people to reasonable basis for comparison, because the absorb the type of product these people State was not then gripped so intensely as manufactured. in more recent times by the ravages of The report also contains the following:- drought. No doubt our export income will be affected by the drought. I think we all "Closer home he got virtually the same view with concern the fact that the so-called answer from southern industrialists when oreat development in Queensland is not so trying to interest them in coming to ~xtensive as is claimed periodically by the Queensland. Government. I have a very vivid recollec­ "One of the greatest problems was that tion of speeches that were made when all industry generally had to have .concen­ the troubles occurred in 1957. Some impetus tration of population to absorb Its pro­ was given to the then Opposition's bid to ducts; and to have a concentration of become the Government by the claim that population, jobs had to be f?und for them. once there was a transfer of the Opposition When someone came up With the answer to the Government benches a great effect to that problem they should patent it, would be felt in Queensland; industry wou~d Mr. Dewar said." come here; capital would come here m For the first time there is this slight increasing quantities; there wo~ld be a movement away from the idea that we are feeling of confidence, and all thmgs would to become a State with tremendous indus­ flow from the transformation. The Govern­ trial development, because in this particul:;tr me·nt has done certain things to its credit article the Minister says that the avenue m but I do feel that, generally, a rosy picture which the development of Queensland was has been painted that this is the State of most likely to make any progress is in the the future. factories to be built for the processing of the In his position the Premier is obliged to food resources of this State. make many public appearances. I m~st I think that is probably a little more sympathise with him in his role. He tnes factual than many other Government state­ to do the job very well and I know that he ments in this regard, because we have at does not spare himself in travelling Wacol the unhappy result of the Govern­ throughout the State. However, I often feel ment's first major venture in the direction of a little sorry for him in that on each occasion industrial development. I am not certain he has to try to say something a little whether Rocla Pipes Pty. Ltd. is encom­ different about the potential of the State and, in the course of time, he must run out passed by the boundaries of the Wacol of appropriate phrases. He has had to r.ely industrial estate but, as far as I can ascer­ on his Public Relations men to help him, tain, it is the only company there, despite what we were told some five years ago by to give him some n~w phrases about th;e Mr. Morris, then Deputy Premier. I do giant that is awakemng, the State tha~ IS stepping off into. the future, and other. h;Igh­ not think there is more than one factory in sounding expressiOns. However, the Mmister the area of this ill-fated undertaking, which for Industrial Development probably let the is now in receivership. It has been a cat out of the bag a little in Toowoomba tremendous flop. recently when he shifted ground somewhat It was reported the other day that Bruce about the tremendous industrial development Pie, a firm which has been in operation for that is supposed to be occurring. many years, is closing its doors and that 200 The report of Mr. Dewar's address to the operatives will be thrown out of work. Felt Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce at the and Textiles, one of the largest industrial Canberra Motel, contained in "The concerns in the Commonwealth, is unable to place these people in Queensland, so they Toowoomba Chronicle" of 13 August, 1965, will be thrown onto the labour market. I is headed, "State's forte primary industries do not say that with any great glee. I con­ and foodstuffs: Dewar," and contains the sider-and I have long held this view-that following:- many of the larger industrial establishments "With the anticipated doubling of the will come here if there is population growth. world's population in about 37 years, We have heard many claims by the Queensland, with its natural capacity to Government about the establishment of two produce foodstuffs, would find its greatest oil refineries in Brisbane. It was ironic to future wealth in feeding the masses of hear how Cabinet was unsympathetic when the world's population." Ampol Petroleum (Qld.) Pty. Ltd. first sub­ And later- mitted its application. It is recorded in "Hansard"-if not, it will be vivid in the "Because Queensland was destined to memory of most hon. members-how, when become a wealthy primary producing State, it was pointed out that an Australian-owned the two most important factors were elec­ company should have priority in this matter, tricity and irrigation." it was claimed the company could not get the Address in Reply [24 AuGUST] Address in Reply 75

:equisite capital for that undertaking. Yet provision has been made in the contemplated ~t cam~ "on stream" earlier than the big expenditure and engineering specifications for mternatwnal cartel, Amoco, a subsidiary of the line to be used for natural gas. ~tandard Oil of Indiana, I think it is, with Its tremendous financial ramifications Mr. Campbell: That is not a Government throughout the world. concern. It is also worthy of note that, although Mr. DUGGAN: No, it is not. What I Government spokesmen talk frequently am concerned about is that something should about our great potential now that we have be done before it is too late. It is obvious found oil, neither oil refinery is designed to what is being done in Victoria, and it will be handle Moonie oil. only a question of time before heavy industry there will be making great demands on this Mr. Knox: You know that both of those type of fuel. Perhaps it is a case of "first oil refineries were planned before oil was up best dressed". This is a matter that I discovered here. intend to develop in some detail when the relevant legislation is introduced. Interest in Mr. DUGGAN: If that is so I am oil exploration is declining, and it is obvious surprised at the hon. member's makfng such that the Government should be doing some­ a song and dance about the basis of our thing about the matter. I would be interested commercial development. If the Government to hear from the Premier how many wells was confident that oil would be found in are being drilled in Queensland at present. this State and was prepared to spend large I think there has been a decrease. I know sums of money and give valuable concessions of five rigs operating, and of that number ~or oil exploration and development, would I think three are out of commission through It have .been unreasonable to specify that lack of funds. The depressed share market preferentml treatment would be given might be responsible for the inability of to a company prepared to accept the companies to obtain fresh capital for responsibility of refining in this State oil continued oil exploration in Queensland, and discovered in Queensland? My main I think it is a matter for regret that the concern, however, is that the Government Commonwealth authorities have not increased "rubbished" the application of the company subsidies to help in this work. whose refinery came "on stream" first, and then was prepared to bask in the attendant Undoubtedly there has been a lessening publicity when the refinery's wheels started of interest in oil exploration, and today the to turn. price of shares in companies engaged in this This brings me to the second point that work is almost at a record low level. I I want to make. I understand that the do not know where the money will come Government intends to introduce legislation from. If the Government takes action to dealing with natural gas. So far as the define its intentions in regard to natural gas, Opposition is concerned, this information the State as a whole will benefit. I under­ remains confidential till the legislation is stand from statements by the South Brisbane brought down, so I do not know what the Gas and Light Co. Ltd., and one or two by Government plans to do. I do know, how­ the Government, that it is hoped that reticula­ ever, that following the discovery of oil tion of natural gas for domestic use in adjacent to the Victorian coast, where it is Brisbane and for other purposes will be also said that gas in commercial quantities possible within a fairly short period, but I has been found, rapid steps have been taken think that if this source of supply can be to develop the opportunities thus presented developed further it will be of considerable for the use of natural gas in that State. The assistance in bringing overseas investment to intentions of the Government in Queensland this State. should also be made known quickly. (Time, on motion of Mr. Thackeray, Natural gas deposits in the Northern extended.) Territory, too, are said to be perhaps greater than any yet discovered e·lsewhere in the Mr. DUGGAN: I thank the hon. member Commonwealth. Perhaps ultimately lines for Rockhampton North and hon. members could be established to these deposits. If generally for their courtesy. I shall not this cannot be done, the requirements of speak for very much longer on this subject. Brisbane could be met from reserves at Roma and other areas in Queensland, and the use As I said, the question of the development of the gas could gradually be extended south. and use of natural gas has been raised in this Assembly by the hon. member for Roma and Mr. Campbell: Do you think the State other hon. members from time to time and should construct the line? is of very great importance. I hope that Mr. DUGGAN: Yes, I think that would the Premier might see fit to indicate in a be a fair proposition, or it could be general way that the Government is alive to established as a common carrier, in associa­ its responsibility in this respect and that tion with other interested people. As a early action will be taken to consolidate the matter of fact, the Gas Fuel Corporation of position of the people of Queensland. If he Victoria is spending approximately £2,250,000 does that, I think it will tend to help increase on construction work, including the laying the flow of funds for oil exploration and of a pipeline to the Dandenong plant, and natural gas exploration in this State. 76 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

The costs are very high. Take the the proposed increase in personal income discoveries of natural gas in the Northern tax. Just why Mr. Holt felt it desirable to Te·rritory as an example. The cost of a impose a 2t per cent. additional tax on pipeline linking Adelaide with the gas field personal incomes to provide a sum of money and another pipeline from a point on that approximately equal to the anticipated line opposite Bourke to channel off gas to Commonwealth Budget surplus is not known Sydney and to Victoria might be £100,000,000 to me, unless it is that he wants to drain off or more. That is a great deal of money, public spending. That, as I say, is already and the economics of the scheme have to being done by other charges he imposed in be worked out. I understand that a supply the Budget and, in addition, prior to the for a minimum period of 20 years is required introduction of the Budget there had been a to justify the construction of a pipeline such steady increase in the cost of the whole range as that. I am well aware that the Govern­ of goods and services which the public have ment did engage the services of a qualified to use. Doctors' and dentists' fees are going man to advise it. If he has determined that up, and so are the costs of many other we have not yet reached that stage, I want professional services. In fact, every phase of to say in fairness to the Government that activity is affected in the same way and we it has taken some initial steps that are have the spectacle of this Government, for prudent and appropriate. However, in view the first time in a long period, deliberately of these unexpected developments off the intervening in an application for an increase coast of Victoria, the Government might in the basic wage and opposing the increase have to proceed a little more quickly so of 6s. a week which is being sought by the that this State will not be confined merely industrial unions. Previously the Govern­ to serving defined sections of industry and ment merely elected to act in the role of the domestic gas market. producing evidence of the impact of any decision on the state of the economy and We would not get any very great and real certain other information relevant to the value from using gas only for those purposes matter. because we are already using Queensland coal for gas making, and there would be The• public is getting a very raw deal in no rea] saving if we were to substitute these things. We are told that under the natural gas for coal. Oil imported from free-enterprise system which operates here abroad to meet the many requirements of the public is protected against increases. The industry is probably responsible for between hon. member for Salisbury has on the 35 and 40 per cent. of Australia's total business paper a motion which will enable energy requirements. Although there will him, if the- opportunity is provided for us not be 100 per cent. acceptance or utilisation to discuss it, to go into this point in consider­ of natural gas, it would be a very good thing able detail. It is sufficient for me to say at if we could reduce that percentage substan­ the present time that between 1956-57 and tially. At present I think about £117,000,000 the last quarter of 1964-65 the average cost a year is being spent on the importation of of living in Queensland increased more than crude oil into this country, and it might be that in any other Australian State. That possible to effect a fairly big reduction in disproves the theory that private enterprise, this expenditure. Of course, the saving will under the- sympathetic eye of a Country Party­ not be so great if it is at the expense of coal. Liberal coalition, will see that prices are kept in check. I will generalise on the next matter because­ several hon. members on this side of the Whether it likes it or not, the Government House will be dealing with it in more detail. will have to face up to the position because In my opinion, the matter that is worrying it is reflected in higher Government expendi­ the people of Queensland most at present is ture. Ultimately, the Industrial Commission the vicious circle and cycle of rising costs. must recognise that these added costs are There is a disposition on the part of all being borne by the consumer and that some governing bodies from the Commonwealth wage applications should succeed and some Government down to increase charges and basic wage adjustments, although belated, costs. Admittedly the State Government should be made. I do not know what the has not incre-ased taxation, but no doubt it current figure is, but it used to be estimated will be confronted soon with the problem of that an increase of 1s. in the basic wage meeting some of its financial obligations. Of represe·nted, annually, £50,000 added cost to course, the Government of Queensland the Crown. introduced the T.A.B. and endeavoured to obtain additional revenue in certain other All these additional costs, including those directions, but the Treasurer will justify this from court judgments, have to be met by action on the ground that it is channelling some reimbursement. The Queensland into Treasury funds money that previously Treasurer and the Treasurers of the other found its way into illicit fields. However, States have been receiving, by way of as I say, the State Government has not, to taxation reimbursement, many millions of any great degre-e, imposed new forms of pounds more than was the case before taxation. Defence requirements will certainly 1956-57. As I say, the position is deteriorat­ have to be met but I think it is appropriate ing in this regard. The Queensland wage­ to say at this stage that the estimated earner is being smacked in both directions Federal Budget surplus almost approximates because the average weekly earnings per Address in Reply 77 employed male, according to the Common­ duties of the Leader of the Opposition with wealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, those of Cabinet Ministers. I make no Canberra-Monthly Review of Business reference at all to that matter. But for Statistics, July, 1965, page 30, for the year the record I point out that the salary of ended June 1957 approximated £19·21. every Minister is in excess of that of the That figure increased in 1964 to £25 · 43, Leader of the Opposition by a minimum of a rise of £6·22. In 1957, Queensland £350 a year. No Minister has a salary under earnings were on an average, £1· 79 less than £4,000 a year, whereas the salary of those of other States. In Queensland we the Leader of the Opposition is £3,650 are now £2 · 09 behind, and the average a year. I do not want my remarks earnings of employees in Queensland are to be construed to mean that I think the down about Ss. as compared with the Leader of the Opposition is getting either previous period, despite the fact that during too much or too little. I am merely wanting this intervening period our increase in the to scotch these untrue statements that cost of living has been about 4·7 per cent. received publicity. I should have thought above the Australian average. I do not think that a responsible newspaper might have those figures reflect any comfort for the been able to state accurately what the rates consumers. It is time the public of this are. I am not trying to determine the State were protected from these increases proper remuneration of the Leader of the which, unlike wages, which are determined Opposition. Unaided by me, that deter­ by the Industrial Commission, are arbitrarily mination will be made by the tribunal. Its agreed to by the suppliers and are generally recommendations, whatever they might be, implemented without delay. will be considered by the Government. After accepting them, altering them, or rejecting Hon. members who follow me will develop them, the Government's intentions will be in some detail what I think to be one of made known through legislation. At that the most pressing problems confronting point of time the Opposition will accept its people in Queensland at the present time, responsibility in making its decision known and with which the Government is showing in whatever direction is required. This is a strange reluctance to grapple. purely an observation for the record to have For the record I wish to comment on these facts set right. the recent statement by the hon. member for Townsville South concerning the salary There are one or two other matters I of the Leader of the Opposition. I am not should like to mention. I started to refer raising this matter for the purpose of dealing to sugar but my attention was diverted. I with parliamentary salaries. As yet the party will now confine my remarks particularly has not dealt with that matter, but will to the problems the Premier will encounter accept its responsibility in due course. For overseas in the sugar negotiations. In 1963 the record I merely wish to correct a state­ the average price of 94 n.t. sugar was £64 2s. 2d. a ton, whereas last year it ment made by the hon. member for Towns­ dropped, on the average to £47 15s. 4d. ville South which was given considerable Undoubtedly the industry faces a very diffi­ publicity in last Sunday's "Sunday Truth". cult time, and, because of developments The Press report stated- following the expansion in the industry, I "Mr. Aikens said one of the gravest think it might be pertinent to examine the anomalies-and he had figures to prove matter at some other time. It is obvious that this-in the present parliamentary salaries the sugar industry is in a sickening state situation was that the Opposition Leader, because of the price paid for the product. Mr. Duggan, received more money than Larger areas are being planted and the some Cabinet Ministers." price of sugar is at an almost record low. In the last few months sugar A comparison was then made between the has become freely available from coun­ salaries of the Deputy Leader of the tries which previously did not have Opposition and the Chairman of Committees. an exportable surplus. It appears that the If the hon. member has the information I American authorities are tending to sharpen hope he will produce it to the appropriate that country's legislation to prevent the entry tribunal. I do not mention this in a desire of Australian sugar to that profitable market. to deal with the salary of the Leader of Under the quota system we were allowed the Opposition. I do not care what it is. about 190,000 tons a year, although our As long as my colleagues have confidence in average was 220,000 tons, and an application me and appoint me as their leader, I think is being made for an extra quota. I am entitled to whatever emolument attaches to that office. If I am not satisfied While the catastrophic drop in the world with it I have the free choice of not stand­ price of sugar reduces very substantially the ing for office. If I think that generally overall income of the established cane­ parliamentary salaries are not acceptable I farmers, perhaps it can be controlled by them. have the alternative of resigning. However, I have tremendous sympathy for new growers who have come into the industry I am not urging for any figure at all. and are heavily committed for plant and I am not trying to establish a case for any equipment, and other necessary forms of revision, either upwards or downwards, nor expenditure for developing their properties. am I making any claim as to what it ought I know that many of them are in great to be by comparing the responsibilities and difficulty and, because of the tight liquidity 78 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

position, banks in some instances are forcing Mr. Davies: More development took place the sale of properties or cutting down on the under the Labour Government, but you did availability of funds. not move around in those days. The Premier is going overseas at a time Mr. WHARTON: The fellow who moves when the economics of the sugar industry are around lives in Maryborough. He is as not as strong and as sound as they were blind as a bat. I should like to lend him previously. It is only about 18 months since my glasses. we received a world record price for sugar. My point is that we do not have to listen yet a few weeks ago we had a record to either the Premier or the Leader of the low price. Those fluctuations are of tremend­ Opposition to discover what is going on. ous importance to Queensland and the sugar The people know what is going on in the industry, which last year earned £88,000,000. State and appreciate it sincerely. Thus a very great responsibility devolves on I congratulate the hon. member for Mirani the Premier and others constituting the dele­ on his election to this House. I congratulate gation to see if they can iron out some him also for the manner in which he moved arrangement of benefit to the sugar industry this motion. My only regret is that he and the State as a whole. I wish him well replaced the late Ernie Evans, who was in his mission. a close friend of mine. I know that all [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] hon. members join with me in saying that he was quite a figure in this House, in the Mr. WHARTON (Burnett) (2.15 p.m.): I State, and in the Commonwealth. I appreciate rise to join in the debate on the motion for his work as a member of Parliament and the adoption of the Address in Reply to the as a friend of mine. speech given by His Excellency Sir Alan When I say that I was pleased with the Mansfield in opening Parliament a week ago. speech of the hon. member for Mirani, I I pay tribute to him for the excellent manner do so meaningly because I concur in many in which he carried out his duties at that of the sentiments he expressed. I was ceremony and for the clear, concise and particularly pleased when he raised the sub­ dignified manner in which he declared this ject of increased representation for certain ·session of Parliament open. I know that areas on the Queensland Cane Growers' all members of Parliament and visitors appre­ Council. I have mentioned this matter before, ciated the opening ceremony. and it seems ironical that it should be raised again by a new member. I raise it I pay tribute to His Excellency for the able now because the fault has not been rectified. work he has carried out during the year I believe that I am quite justified in referring as Administrator of Queensland representing again and again to problems in my electorate Her Majesty. He has followed a man who that have not been attended to. would be very difficult to follow, because Sir Henry Abel Smith did a wonderful job Firstly, Ayr, Mackay, and Bundaberg for Queensland. He represented Her Majesty encompass 16 mill areas which have four most fittingly and travelled a good deal members on the Queensland Cane Growers' throughout the State. Very few Governors Council of 13 members. The nine other in this era would know more than he of executive districts have 15 mills and nine matters affecting Queensland. members of the 13 on the Queensland Cane Growers' Council. At annual conferences I express to Her Majesty the loyalty of the three districts that I represent have 16 the electors of Burnett and those who repre­ votes of 31 that can be exercised, but on sent her in this State. the Queensland Cane Growers' Council their His Excellency referred to the development voting power is reduced to four out of 13 that has taken place in Queensland under votes. The three districts have approxi­ this Government, and to the plans for the mately half the assigned sugar land, half of future. I am sure that the most humble the growers and mill peak, and consequently of us recognise the work that this Govern­ meet some half of the cost of Queensland ment has done. Cane Growers' Council administration. I was interested in what the Leader of the These facts alone appear to me to be suffi­ Opposition said on this particular matter, cient reason for introducing reform in the and I appreciated the Premier's remarks on matter of Queensland Cane Growers' Coun­ the development of the State. I listened care­ cil membership. The fact remains that three fully to what the Leader of the Opposition executive districts comprising 16 mill areas said about its being not so good. But I must be at a disadvantage with only four do not think we need to be guided by either members out of 13 on the Queensland Cane of those hon. gentlemen. It is only necessary Growers' Council, and the charge put for­ to open one's eyes and use a little common ward in evidence that the addition of three sense to realise the development that has members would give the three districts con­ taken place. If one travels around Brisbane trol of the Queensland Cane Growers' one can see the activity that is going on in Council is wide of the mark when it is the field of industrial development and clear that what is sought is seven council general progress. Whichever way one looks members for 16 mill areas, leaving nine one can see development. One can also see council members for the other 15 mills. the development that is taking place in The representation would be equalised with other areas of the State. a 16-member council. Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 79

I do not want to go through all the pros I am sure all hon. members know that and cons of this matter. A committee of the Wuruma dam is being built on the upper inquiry was appointed to guide the Govern­ reaches of the Burnett River, and it is ment, and, on behalf of the cane-growers of proposed to build another dam in the area. Bundaberg and the surrounding district, I at Gayndah. There is no question that when ask for the implementation of the findings these schemes are completed the Upper of that committee. The status quo is not Burnet1 will be well served for water con­ good enough. servation. However, in the words of the Commissioner of Irrigation and Water Mr. Davies: Tell the House the Minister's Supply, that water will not get past Walla­ attitude towards this. ville, and on that basis it seems that the Mr. WHARTON: It has not been done, Lower Burnett is in dire need of huge capital and I have much pleasure now in putting it works to meet the requirements of that on the Minister's plate. For obvious particular area. A committee has been reasons I believe that there is a good case formed in the area; it comprises people for some adjustment, and that I am well using irrigation, representatives of the sugar justified in bringing the matter forward. industry, and representatives of local authorities. Another thing that pleased me in the speech of the hon. member for Mirani was The Lower Burnett sugar-producing area, his reference to the need for the Snowy near Bundaberg, is suffering from its second Mountains Authority to undertake develop­ successive year of drought-on top of 63 mental work in North Queensland. I agree years of recorded, unpredictable rainfall, fully with his remarks. much of which has been inadequate. Although there has been drought for two Mr. Davies: What do you think about Dr. years in succession, the variations of climate Patterson's joining the Labour Party? generally warrant some type of water storage that will give stability to cane­ Mr. WHARTON: I think it is quite irrele­ growing in the area. vant to refer to Dr. Patterson. All I want to say is that my electorate is in an area The effect of the current drought is little in which development should come, and short of catastrophic. For example, in 1962, representatives of the Snowy Mountains when sugar peaks for the six mills in the Authority have in fact been in the field in district were 189,000 tons, actual production the Burnett electorate. I deeply appreciate was 285,000 tons, showing how in a normal the efforts of the Premier and the Minister season additional sugar could be produced. for Conservation in arranging for that visit Between then and 1964, after expansion the with a view to developing the water resources peak grew to 271,000 tons, but actual produc­ of the area. tion of sugar was 213,000 tons-the first effect of the drought. This year, after more Mr. Davies: There should be more of it. expansion, the peak was lifted to 335,000 Mr. WHARTON: And there will be more tons. The best estimates of actual produc­ of it, I might say. A committee has been tion provide for a dismal 190,000 tons. set up in the Bundaberg district and its Too much emphasis cannot be placed on members have done a great amount of work. the 1965 position in which, because of They gave considerable assistance to the drought conditions, full advantage could not representatives of the Snowy Mountains be taken of the increase in peaks and land Authority, and their work has been greatly assigned for cane-growing. In fact, estimates appreciated. The results of the survey are indicate a production of only 56· 6 per cent. awaited before any specific plan can be of the peak allocation. adopted. The sugar industry has one large problem, namely, lack of water. However, Mr. Davies: Who said that? it is not only the current drought that has Mr. WHARTON: It would be a waste of created the problem. It is caused also by time to tell the hon. member. lack of dams to store the water and wide­ spread irrigation schemes to carry it to a Many cane-growers have contributed to the large area in the years in which good rains multi-million pound capital outlay on clearing have fallen. and preparing new land assigned for cane­ growing under the expansion plans adopted The Lower Burnett area produces not only by the Queensland Government from the sugar but also cotton, grain, milk and dairy recommendations of the Sugar Industry products, fruit and vegetables, and cattle. Committee of Inquiry which, in 1963, While the problem remains, the economy of examined and reported on the future Queensland, and indeed the economy of the prospects of the sugar industry. nation, must suffer. The level of sugar exports could fall; the income of cane-growers An amount of £15 million has been and sugar-millers will be slashed savagely. committed to expanding the sugar industry All of this lessens their buying power and in the six district sugar mill areas since reduces the revenue of State and Federal 1962. This development must continue, not­ Governments and the turnover of Australian withstanding the fact that earnings will be industry and commerce. well down. 80 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Throughout the Lower Burnett area, which Mr. WHARTON: I shall come to that last year produced only £9 · 1 million worth later. I have no complaint with what the of sugar, compared with a possible £18 Government has done. million in good seasons, cane-growers, milling The wages bill alone for 1965 is estimated companies and local authorities are to be £1· 6 million below what it could have unanimous that only a large-scale irrigation been if peak production had been achieved scheme based on new dams can solve the in a normal growing season. The effects of long-term problems of the area. the long drought will therefore continue Drought relief, while greatly appreciated, to be felt in future years as well as this offers only temporary relief and attacks the year. symptom and not the cause. It is probably I hope the hon. member for Maryborough too late for the industry to gain any relief will remember that we are concerned also for the 1965 season if the drought broke with employees in our area. It would be almost immediately. good for him to apply some of this thinking in his own electorate. From the surveys made in the six sugar The committee that has been set up growing districts of the Lower Burnett area, believes in self-help. It is trying to do it is estimated that 1,410,000 tons of cane~ something for itself. It was set up and only slightly more than half of the 2,250,000 raised money from its own people-£10,000 tons which is the district's current cane -to help finance the cost of the survey. peak-will be crushed this year. Under good It has sought help from the Snowy Mountains seasonal conditions production would exceed Hydro-Electric Authority, as I said before, this. Only 190,000 tons of sugar-little more and is prepared to contribute more. The than half of the 335,000 tons of sugar which local authorities, too, threw in some money has been allotted as mill peaks to the six to continue with the survey and I am con­ mills in the area-are expected to be cerned to help these people in what they produced. In 1963, the area crushed have done and to ensure that it is not 1,883,000 tons of cane and produced 265,000 thrown down the drain. tons of sugar. Gross sugar revenue from the Lower Burnett area, estimated this year at I should like now to say a word or two £9,070,000, yielded £10,214,000 in 1964 and about the Gin Gin sugar mill. In the Gin £17,024,000 in 1963. Gin mill area alone last year 39 growers with either fully irrigated or partially irrigated With the capital irrigation and storage farms produced 39 per cent. of the total works envisaged and the water from them, crop of cane harvested in the district. The Bingera, Fairymead, Isis and Millaquin could remaining 61 per cent. of the crop was each produce 100,000 tons of sugar and produced by 170 growers, none of whose Gin Gin and Qunaba could produce a com­ farms were irrigated. This year in Gin Gin bined tonnage of 100,000 tons. This would there are 234 growers of whom 71 have total 500,000 tons of sugar from the area irrigated farms. However, some of these compared with the total mill peaks I farmers, who are depending on the river mentioned earlier of 335,000 tons. for irrigation, are either working under restricted pumping periods or are unable to We have in addition, of course, other types draw any water because of the dangerously of industry, such as dairying, butter pro­ low level to which the Burnett River has duction, vegetables, citrus, beef and grain, all receded. In the Gin Gin area, the mighty of which have suffered greatly because of a Burnett has dwindled to almost the dimen­ lack of water. The Bundaberg District sions of a small creek whose body of water Committee has prepared a brochure which I is scarcely moving. will table in the House. It is very com­ prehensive. In this district last year, 492 acres of cane were destroyed because it did not reach I should like now to refer to the capital cutting standard. Of 3,200 acres stood invested in the sugar industry in the area. over in the hope of a better season in 1965, The capital invested in the sugar industry about one-third would by now have been in the whole area is between £60,000,000 drought-ruined and destroyed-at a replace­ and £70,000,000. Currently there are 1,530 ment cost of £50 an acre on top of the growers and their working sons and families loss in revenue. Gin Gin mill is in dire in the area and about 3,200 employees on financial straits because of two successive the farms and in the mills, all of whom years of drought. This mill, with its form part of the 42,510 people in the whole financial problems, could succumb to destiny of the Lower Burnett area. -something that we do not want to happen. While these people will be hardest hit If a sugar mill is taken from a district, by the effects of the drought, the whole what happens? We do not only lose the economy of Queensland, already suffering value of the farms to the community. We a down-turn because of drought elsewhere can ill afford to lose anything from the in the State, and because of the Mt. Isa country. There is already far too much drift to the cities; we want it to go the dispute, could be a major sufferer. other way. Mr. Davies: Are you satisfied with what When I express concern about the Gin Gin the Government has done in the way of mill I have in mind that the same pattern drought assistance? could apply to the other five mills in the Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 81

Bundaberg area. I urge that something be something that was said at the meeting of done to try to maintain stability in the the Council of Agriculture held recently in Lower Burnett area through irrigation. Brisbane- I do not emphasise so much the common "On a total farm income basis, recent plan because it is written in many places. estimates are that this fell significantly It envisages a dam in the upper reaches of during 1964-65. The fall in gross value the Kolan River, a major dam on the Lower of production was not accompanied by Burnett, dams on the Gregory and/ or Isis any stability in farm costs. These costs Rivers, the recharge of the underground have been assessed as showing a sub­ basins, a dam on the Elliott River and, of stantial rise of 7 per cent which, together course, an investigation which would cover with a drop in gross value, reduced farm the feasibility of utilising lower-reach weirs income from £753 million to £650 million." on the Burnett in association with the major There is no doubt that it is a matter of upper storage. To depend on the rainfall in concern to primary producers to learn that the Lower Burnett area is fatal. their costs have increased by 7 per cent. Naturally, all this would be very costly. Mr. Davies: Why doesn't the Country Party Something in the vicinity of £10,000,000 or do something about it in the Federal and £12,000,000 would be needed and it would State spheres? You hang onto the Liberals; be beyond our capacity to do it in one year. they are not defending you. It is obviously about five times our annual commitment for irrigation. We cannot have Mr. WHARTON: They are hanging onto one department spending huge amounts us. and another department spending nothing, We once put sugar on a very high plane. but I express the hope that in the future more I noted the remarks of the Leader of the money will be available to the Department Opposition today. I, too, am pleased that of Irrigation and Water Supply so that the Premier is to attend the International irrigation can be given No. 1 priority in Sugar Conference because I believe that the Queensland. sugar industry is now facing difficulties which some other industries have passed through. Only a Commonwealth grant to Queens­ Last week Mr. Pearce, of the A.S.P.A., said land, or the provision of low-cost capital there had been a serious and very from another source, backed by the Com­ disquieting change for the worse in monwealth, can provide the means to carry the economics of the sugar industry since out this immense task which, when com­ last November, with the export price coming pleted, will benefit the Lower Burnett area down to as low as £19 a ton. and its 42,510 people as well as the State Australia cannot produce sugar at that price. of Queensland generally. It must also be The position is much worse than it was, a factor in assisting the overall economy of and it is very reassuring to know that the Australia. Premier is attending the overseas conference. The success of many irrigation schemes l'l1r. Bennett: Why didn't he go before and depends on the spending of huge amounts of stop this sort of thing? capital on factors other than irrigation. In developing a new area the establishment of Mr. WHARTON: He had no need to go. new farms, communities, homes, community I have been referring specifically to the facilities and additional transport and com­ sugar industry, but I now wish to refer to munications calls for the committal of the dairying industry. It, too, has suffered capital far above the cost of the irrigation drought conditions and there is no doubt scheme itself. In the Lower Bm·nett area the that the price of butter is well below the only capital to be outlaid to create a new cost of production. I am concerned about irrigation scheme is the cost of the irri­ the recent trade agreement with New Zealand gated project itself. Communities, farms, and I am glad that butter is not included machinery, milling capacity, shipping and in the list of commodities to be imported port facilities and proven soils already exist. from that country. If it were, it would If this generation does not find it economic be the knockout blow for the dairying to build large water storages, the next industry. The details of the agreement have generation will have to do so to provide for not yet been released and I hope that we survival. will not be worried in the future by finding that butter is included in the list of imports. Financial assistance from the Federal With the present cost of production, that Government would help the industry con­ would be the death knell of the butter indus­ siderably. We are greatly concerned about try. droughts. I mention the present one because Queensland imports 400 tons of cheese a it has affected us so greatly. It is a matter year, which is a fairly large quantity. I of great concern to me that our primary am speaking about Queensland, and I will industries should have been thrust into dire stick to Queensland. The Queensland cheese straits by drought. Apart from the diffi­ industry has tried to meet the demand for culties caused by drought, primary industries fancy cheeses and it has done a particularly are faced with considerably increased costs; good job. However it is disquieting to at the same time they are unable to get the industry to know that some imports higher returns for their products. I refer to may effect this forward movement. 82 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Another matter of concern to me is the the primary producers so that they do not importation of 3,000 tons of pigmeats a have to bear the brunt of increased wages year. That is a considerable tonnage, and without enjoying the benefit of increased it is being imported at a very inopportune returns. We all have to get along in a time as the State has been through quite a balanced way. I hope that will come about. lengthy drought. The pig industry has divorced itself from the dairying industry and The problems facing primary industry is now standing on its own. It has made today are an uneconomic return and the lack good progress, although prices are high of long-term finance. Primary industry is because of shortages. a long-term industry, and in order to plan on a long-term basis there must be long-term Mr. Hanson: That is not true. finance available. If a quick return with high costs is favoured, high hire-purcMse l\-1r. WHARTON: The hon. member would rates, involving high rates of interest, must not know. be paid, but in farm planning it is the long Mr. Hanson: You would not know. term that counts, and we must have long­ term finance available. The private banks Mr. WHARTON: I do know. The hon. are restricted, partly because of hire purchase member will not listen so that he may be and partly because of the activities of the informed. Reserve Bank. Industry needs a pool of The pig industry is going through an era finance available for major capital works, of expansion. There is no question that, as such as the large dam storages which I the season improves, this industry will meet mentioned in my area, and that applies to what is demanded of it and the importing the rest of the State. Our farm water of pigmeat will be only temporary. In scheme caters for smaller water schemes. order to meet competition we must have The average farmer who cannot irrigate must a healthy vigorous industry. have finance available for fodder conserva­ Mr. Davies: Does the Minister for tion and fodder storage. Primary Industries agree with the importa­ Mr. Murray: Have you any suggestion as tion of pigmeat? to how that finance could be set up? Mr. WHARTON: I do not think the Mr. WHARTON: I think the Common­ Minister has been consulted. I raise these wealth Development Bank of Australia should matters for the benefit of the hon. member have that task. The development of this for Maryborough and as recommendations State is of the utmost importance. There is to the Minister for Primary Industries so no question about that. The more fully that, when he attends the meetings of the developed we are, the better we will be able Council of Agriculture, he will be well to defend ourselves in an emergency. I informed on some of the problems of the believe that such a pool of money should be sugar industry, the cheese industry, and the available for long-term financial assistance to pig industry. the community so that primary producers can Mr. Bennett: It is a bad lookout for him plan well and do what is expected of them. if he has to be informed. I think I have made all my points except this one: it is not much use making avail­ Mr. WHARTON: The hon. member able a lot of finance during the time of should not judge everybody by himself. real drought. That is done every time there The pig industry is endeavouring to expand is a drought. Farmers get into difficulties its markets. It is trying to increase the and naturally ask for help, and the Govern­ capacity of the industry so that more meat ment does what it can to make funds avail­ will be available and, as production is able to meet the situation. That is increased, the product becomes cheaper and appreciated, but money is needed when it therefore the community benefits. can be used to the best advantage, and for Just as wages have increased, so too have that reason it should be available from the farm costs. But the primary producer's pool that I suggest when seasons are reason­ return has not increased. It is disappointing ably good. If sufficient finance was then that the primary producer should be called available, it would be possible to plan fully upon to produce cheap food for the masses. to combat the hazards of drought. I am I do not think that that is warranted. If concerned with this matter, as each time we are to survive as a nation, we must have there is a drought money is dished out but a planned economy in the primary industries. does not then go very far. We cannot have one rich and one poor; we Mr. Bennett: Do you think the farmer must all be on about the same level, all has some obligation to do something to meet reasonably well off. At the same time those the hazards of drought? who work in industry must be reasonably well paid so that they can buy our produce. Mr. WHARTON: If he is allowed to Whether we are primary produceTs, manu­ operate economically, yes. I am sure we facturers, or work in industry, we depend on all realise that primary industries form the one another. We must have some balance backbone of the country, and that on their of returns. I hope that those who are prosperity depends the prosperity of every­ fighting hard for an advancement in wages body. If primary industries can be made will be prepared to pass some of it on to economic, and Ministers, both State and Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 83

Federal, watch their interests and make Here, then, would be an opportune time arrangements for adequate finance to be to pause and pay tribute to the man-and available when it can be used to the best I use this word advisedly-who was the advantage, something well worth while will former member for Cairns, the late "Watty" be achieved. Wallace. How he would have chuckled over the hypocrisy of some of the statements in Mr. R. JONES (Cairns) (2.52 p.m.): On the newspapers about the election results. I the occasion of my maiden speech in this learnt much from "Watty"-mainly that Assembly it will be my first and most pleasing politics is a hard game-and I have been duty to associate myself with the address well versed in the school. I can but enjoy of loyalty. I seek to express and convey, the gems of such comments and treat them on behalf of the people in the electorate in the same manner as he would have. of Cairns, our continued loyalty and affection "Watty" ably represented Cairns for eight to the throne and person of Her Most years and five months and served in four Gracious Majesty, our Sovereign, Queen Parliaments. Need I add further to his Elizabeth II. attributes or expound to those who knew him or to members of this Assembly with As it is also customary on such an whom he served and who knew his work occasion to extend congratulations to the well? It is sufficient to say that the work mover and seconder of the motion for the he performed here, in his electorate, and adoption of the Address in Reply, I desire in Far North Queensland generally, conduced therefore to do so, and to support the hon. to his early and untimely death. members in thanking His Excellency for his I now have the honour of representing Opening Speech. I should like you, Mr. the northernmost city of this vast State, Acting Speaker, to convey to Mr. Speaker my thanks for his welcome and guidance 1,043 miles from the State capital of Bris­ to me on taking my seat in this House. bane. Statistically, Caims is the seventh city I am sure that his high and important of the State, and in population is ahead of office is afforded dignity and credit in the such cities as Bundaberg, Mackay, traditional manner by his occupancy. Maryborough, Mt. Isa, and Gympie. I venture to add that if the same method of I record my sincere appreciation to the assessment were used as is used in the case electors of Cairns for the confidence and of Townsville and Toowoomba, Cairns, trust so placed in me. I am deeply con­ statistically, should include Edmonton, scious of my duty to represent not only those Gordonvale, Babinda, Stratford, Freshwater, who voted for me as the endorsed Australian Redlynch, and the near northern beach Labour Party candidate. I will do my resorts, with a consequent significant increase utmost to merit the faith of the majority in both area and population. who voted for me by diligent representation Our area has continued to prosper despite of all the 27,000 citizens of the electoral the isolation of distance, the apparently delib­ district of Cairns. I am fully aware of the erate isolation by southern influences, and honour accorded me and humble in the the general neglect of the potential of the duties and responsibilities now imposed upon Far North by both the Queen Street State me as the member for Cairns. Even more Government and the Federal Government is this so since I have been informed that over recent years, a neglect that is intensified I am the first member for Cairns elected to by their remoteness from our area. this Assembly who was actually born and reared in Cairns. When Governments of the day show respect for the North by material projects I am indebted to my campaign director of development, not merely by nodding and and committee, the members of A.L.P. winter visits for sunshine, then, and only branches, the Cairns Women's A.L.P., the then, can the economy of the State really Young Labour Association, members of the boom, for here we have the greatest source Australian Labour Party, the Parliamentary of development potential in Australia. Labour Party, and the trade unions, all of Neither should there be, as exists at present, whom, in the true spirit and tradition of the reflex thought that the challenge of the A.L.P., committed themselves to my developing the North is too great for this assistance as voluntary helpers throughout State and nation to tackle. Such defeatist the campaign and on election day. thinking provides an easy excuse. Ways and means that spring to mind as incentives The by-election allowed a concerted effort to overcome this disadvantage are conces­ by Government parties that a general election sions-preferential freight rates, concessions would automatically have confined, and much to resident taxpayers. concessions to manu­ ado was made over a reduction in majority facturers and development companies, until the identical situation was reflected in incentives to northern producers, patterned the Mirani by-election. In Cairns the majority projects, agricultural schemes, electricity was 1,449 votes, or approximately 56 per development, and water conservation. This cent. of the overall vote-quite a comfort­ is positive thinking and fundamentaly must able majority, if I may reflect the opinion intend primarily to draw residents into the in the parallel case, for a new candidate, zone above the 26th parallel. Lately all we relatively unknown, and a majority which have received in our area is governmental quite a few members of this Chamber would closure of industries, including railway lines, certainly appreciate in any election result. workshops, police stations, and so on. 84 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

But let me digress to illustrate the argument In the Cairns hinterland we have the raw and so effectively convince this Assembly material. Far North Queensland, the State and the people of Queensland of the burden and Australia generally would be well served of freight upon residents of Far North by developmental mining. But, as well as Queensland. This is a burden of direct being won here, minerals should be processed disadvantage and an imposition caused wholly here. Cairns is the central and most suitable through the location of their domicile. The location. rail freight on dry joinery and furniture timber from North Queensland to Brisbane The present prosperity of the tin-mining is 236s. 9d. a ton. The cost of freighting industry is the legacy of an enlightened unglazed joinery from North Queensland to administration, of various mining Acts, the metropolitan area is 665s. a ton. which are so important in the history of the Allowing for conversion from timber to early prosperity of Queensland. However, the finished joinery, a wastage content of present mining policy of granting large approximately 15 per cent., allow 64s. 3d. a exploration rights, followed by prospecting ton. It will be seen that a southern joinery and development leases, to large overseas manufacturer manufacturing joinery from companies in such fashion as to preclude North Queensland timber has a comparative local miners from any benefits of their own marketing advantage of 364s. for every ton prospecting is most reprehensible. While the of joinery produced. What option has the bulk of the mineral wealth of Far Northern North Queensland operator? Only to Queensland is tied up in the greedy hands dismantle his plant and re-establish it in of the large mining concerns by the present Brisbane. unsatisfactory legislation, there is little hope of the return to mining greatness enjoyed In more mundane matters, take the daily by Far Northern Queensland in the early newspapers. "The Courier-Mail" and the part of this century. "Telegraph" newspapers cost 5d. and 4d. respectively, in Brisbane. In Cairns, to have It should be superfluous to add that the the privilege of reading these papers as a greatness was accompanied by a remarkable supplement to our own local paper, "The prosperity and increase of population in the Cairns Post", on the day of issue, with air area, with reflected benefits to the whole of freight each subscriber is required to pay the State generally. 9d. a copy. "The Sunday Mail" and "Sunday In the June issue of the Queensland Truth" sell in Cairns for 1s. 3d. It might Government Mining Journal "Review for the well be said that with 1,000 miles of air Year 1964", a report by the Under Secretary freight the price must be expected to increase. for Mines (Mr. E. K. Healy), page 269, under Let us consider "The Australian". At its the sub-heading "Tin" states- publishing point, Canberra, the cost is 6d.; in Brisbane, 1,000 miles of air freight away, "There was an increase in tin pro­ the paper still retails at 6d. The next 1,000 duction from 1,622 tons valued at miles to Cairns attracts another 3d. by air, £1,145,647 in 1963, to 2,079t tons valued "The Courier-Mail" another 4d., the at £2,111,248 in 1964. The major pro­ "Telegraph" another 5d., and "Sunday Truth" ducers were Tableland Tin Dredging N.L. and "The Sunday Mail" another 9d. This and Ravenshoe Tin Dredging N.L." lack of equity is reflected a thousand times Commonwealth Year Book No. 50-1964, a day, on every item and commodity freighted at pages 1160 and 1161, gives production to our area, whether by land, sea, or air. figures for Queensland as 1,077 tons in 1962 This sL.-nple instance indicates that major (the last figures available) and, for Australia, problems must be solved by systematic 2,715 tons. Subsequent figures indicate that examination of the impediments to develop­ the Australian production for 1963 was ment, which are all too apparent to 2,852 tons. Northerners. Transportation costs, viewed It was also indicated that most of the from our end of the telescope, are excessive tin concentrates produced came from the and inconsistent, out of all proportion to Herberton field, being principally alluvial tin relative costs elsewhere in Australia and concentrate. Of this production in Queens­ overseas. land, all except about 80 tons from the All that is demanded is equity in develop­ Stanthorpe area is treated by two tin ment and equalisation factors, the lack of smelters located in Sydney. The production which are at present inhibiting major of refined tin in Australia from locally industrial development in the far northern produced sources was 2,636 tons for 1963. areas. Consumption of refined tin has increased Local Australian capital and resources are substantially in recent years following the capable of the achievement, if they now introduction of tin-plate production in Aus­ seized the initiative and realised the invest­ tralia. A large part of the tin mined in ment opportunities with material encourage­ Australia comes from the Cairns hinterland. ment from Governments. At present, Why not the promotion and introduction of particularly in the mining industry, huge tin-plate production in the port of Cairns? profits are remitted from the richness of our The major production of tin concentrates in country to bring colossal benefit to outsiders Queensland stems from the mineral fields of and overseas vested interests. Herberton, Chillagoe, Cooktown, Mareeba Address ill Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 85

and Kangaroo Hills in Far Northern Queens­ With the development of the prop

The industry of tourism is dependent for it in North Queensland. The loan should its prosperity on the individual efforts of have been made against the district and the enthusiasts. The Queensland Government Cairns Harbour Board, not a loan against Tourist Bureau does an excellent job. Credit the people of Cairns to be rated and penalised must here be given to the staff of the bureau for harbour development which anybody in in Cairns for their untiring and unfiagging Australia in a boating sense can utilise. If devotion to their task. But in the main the tourist industry has flourished because the Government continues with this petty the local people of the North have worked attitude and its interference with the direct for its success on their own initiative. The responsibility of local government, it will greatest setback was the cessation of the be unwise. This is its own responsibility. coastal shipping service. But gradually, It will also be unjust, which is a matter of through the development of a more accept­ community concern. No Government should able standard of hotel and motel accom­ dare interfere with the democratic processes modation and arrangements, the development without dire results to itself. of local resorts, and the natural friendliness There are a few more aspects of tourism and general welcome of the Northerner, the and train travel that I wish to raise while industry has expanded. However, the surface being constructively critical. One is the need is not even yet scratched. This is in an to convert the existing dining-cars on the industry that can be developed almost with­ Sunlander to Cairns into buffet and lounge out limit, but other company capital invest­ cars, and gradually provide additional buffet ment or Government grants and subsidies cars for a full service. This need is recog­ must be encouraged to establish the basic nised by all train travellers who are bound essential services and facilities with which to two nights and two days in train .travel individual investment cannot be expected to to Cairns. Such a car would provide a cope. On the scale of the unlimited horizons, break in convivial surroundings to enjoy I again stress that Government assistance new company and help to lend ~ holiday is required here before the industry can and friendlier atmosphere to tram travel. fully develop its potential. It was pleasing The buffet car principle has J;leen accepted to see the Government realise an aspect but by other rail systems and there IS no antagon­ unfortunately arrived at by some unrealistic, ism to the idea by any traveller I have yet lopsided thinking. Or was it politics? met on this train. It lends itself to further possibilities and could, for example, provide Cairns was less favourably treated in the a means of shortening the time of this provision of funds for the small-boat harbour. The people of Cairns have been deprived of arduous journey. a justly deserved amenity and not fairly I am also a great advocate for the reintro­ treated when comparison is made with loan duction of the grandstand train on the allocations granted to ports throughout Cairns-Kuranda scenic railway. Prior to Queensland over a period in the provision the last war cars A.L.506, 507, 533, 534, of small-boat harbours. I cite Townsville, and 540 operated between Cairns and Bowen, Mackay, and Gladstone as instances. Kuranda for the benefit of tourists sight­ The people of Cairns have been made an seeing along this line, which follows the experiment in financing through repayment Barron Gorge to the Barron Falls and on of a loan to their local authority with to Kuranda the garden station. This is a interest and redemption for their small-boat tour that a~ estimated 40,000 tourists travel harbour, a loan which was not even sought by each year 23,000 of them booking through the Cairns City Council. I doubt if the council the Queen'sland Government Tourist Bureau. would ever have applied for such a loan These grandstand carriages were faced . on of £175,000 for this harbour development. one side with full-length glass, and two tiers But by an imposition and a reversal of a of seats ran lengthways along the carriage. decision for economic expediency-for Passengers were seated sideways, viewing ransom-take this or get nothing-not even from the grandstand, without craning, the the choice of a boat harbour or a cultural scenery displayed like a picture window. centre, a cold-blooded direction, "The loan for the boat harbour will have to be applied During the war these cars were converted for and accepted or you will receive no loan for use with troop trains and have remained funds." Ransom-call it what you may, but as passenger carriages in the district. With it was not a decision I could tend to cite steel-framed bogies, they could easily be as an example of a democratic process. re-converted to a unique tourist attraction. They could be gaily painted and hauled by I do not have to reiterate the desirability multiple diesels D.L's 1, 2, 3 and 4. Such and the need for increased port facilities for an unusual gimmick would provide a revenue the progress and expansion of our maritime source as a quaint tourist attraction and a city, our port of Cairns, the hinterland, the "must" when in the Cairns district. Running area, Queensland, and indeed Australia. This twice daily, the train could be equip~d with is basic and recognised by all. But I think a public address system. In fact, With the it is mean to use the project to make ever-increasing support of this half-day tour economic capital of a local-government the present rail-motor units are proving matter. There is keen disappointment in inadequate and people are turned away from cultural circles and amongst the citizens of travelling. The need for re-thinking to Cairns generally. It was an unwise decision accommodate the demand for the existing of the Government and will react against service is well overdue. Address in Reply [24 AuGusT] Address in Reply 87

When tourist services passed from the them, which could easily become uncontroll­ hands of the railways, a fence was built able. What I do advocate is a fully trained across the top of the access stairway to the protector, stationed at this centre, for our bottom of the Barron Falls at 19 mile'S 5 area, who would have all the necessary quali­ chains on the Cairns-Kuranda railway. This fications and power-a dedicated and willing fence, with a "No thoroughfare" notice on full-time fauna officer, capable of directing a tourist attraction, is ridiculous. I believe and controlling the efforts of the honorary that the access stairway should be reopened, officers and giving general effect to enforcing repaired, and renovated, to allow everybody the law. The chief (and only) fauna officer the experience of descending to the base of is based in Brisbane. The influence of Mr. C. the famous Barron Falls. To save the main­ Roff, while greatly respected, is lightly felt tenance cost on the stairway by attempting 1,000 miles away, and he certainly needs to prevent sightseeing of a naturally beautiful assistance. and scenically wonderful hike is a shameful The city of Cairns is the centre and port indictment on a Government which propounds of the four sugar-milling areas of Mossman, all encouragement to the tourist industry. Hambledon, Mulgrave, and Babinda. Cairns Further on, although they are not in my is dependent, for the greater part of its electorate, I support, out of vital concern economy, on the sugar industry for its to my area, the urgent need of development prosperity. of the Chillagoe limestone caves. The caves The buoyancy of the sugar industry in their natural state are fantastic, but are governs to a great extent the economic subject to vandalism. They need opening up trends and issue not only of our area or and developing. The extent of the maze of that portion of the growing districts on the caves is vast, and they have a surprising eastern coast north of the 27th parallel but potential if made accessible and fully also, indeed, the basic prosperity of the whole developed. Initially a system of electric of the State of Queensland. We, as a State, lighting should be surveyed and placed to should be vitally concerned about the world advantage, and a caretaker-guide and kiosk sugar price on the London market, fluctuating provided. These caves would compare more between £19 10s. and £19 5s. sterling a ton. than favourably with the J enolan Caves of This very depressed price is not realistic and New South Wales. The primary need, of indicates that there is not a controlled flow course, is a first -grade access road direct of sugar stocks onto world markets. from Cairns. Normally, free market prices have been No area such as ours, which is so around the cost of production. About 90 dependent on the natural beauty of flora and per cent. of the world's sugar is sold under fauna in its surrounding districts, can hope protective arrangements, and the remaining to continue in existence and attract tourists 10 per cent. is bought and sold in the sur­ unless essentially it is protected and plus market. It is not so with Australian preserved as a sanctuary. We in Cairns are sugar. At present mill peaks total 2,130,000 fortunately centred in a large tract of tons, of which approximately 1,100,000 tons country, extending from Cape Tribulation in are sold on the basis of world market prices the north to Mission Beach in the south and -a practical ratio of 1 for 1, or approxi­ inland to Mt. Carbine and Mt. Garnet, which mately half the overall Australian sugar pro­ is so designated as a national park. But it is duction. Australia has a bigger proportion, a national park in name only. Beautiful comparatively, of its overall production sold emerald-green rain-forests are transfigured to on the open market than any other sugar­ gruesome blackened and burned eyesores. producing nation of the world. Fires rage and ring the hillsides round The expansion and increased peaks follow­ Cairns, and the offenders and culprits in this ing the committee of inquiry on the Aus­ stupid destruction go unmolested while our tralian sugar industry of 22 October, 1963- God-given investment is wantonly destroyed. better known as the Gibbs Report--contains some indigestible "boners" in today's deflated I am aware that all policemen are flora overseas market prices, with the result that and fauna protectors and prosecutors of the at present the established cane-farmer is law. I am also aware that all police man­ experiencing difficulty. How much more power is fully allotted and committed to difficult, then, it is for the man with a new more onerous and pressing duties. In assignment. If he is not broken completely, addition, permission of the Police Department then not in the foreseeable future will he ever has to be obtained in Brisbane to prosecute receive a return for the investment of his offenders against the fauna laws. Delay is life's savings and work. involved, and enthusiasm is dampened. This The mill peak is based on the production should be a matter for local or district of sugar, virtually guaranteed by acquisition, jurisdiction. and represents a stable and high price and a reasonable security, to the extent that the mill There are many honorary fauna officers in peak of the mill and the farm peak of the the North, but these protectors are untrained grower are taken in conjunction by banks laymen in matters of enforcing fauna and and financial institutions as the yardstick and flora laws and I would not advocate bring­ as safely indicating and determining the ing such fine, civic-minded citizens into dis­ extent of credit where the grower is con­ repute by establishing a power of arrest for cerned. To elaborate this point, I cite 88 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Hambledon proprietary area-the largest mill Economic factors are perhaps the greatest in our area-as an example. The average obstacle to development in our area, prices per ton for cane paid to farmers since but the continued drift to the cities 1956 have been- is the most damaging. Unless the Govern­ £ s. d. ment realises this and arrests the trend 1956 4 6 0 by creating new industrial centres on 1957 4 19 11 the English pattern for distribution of our 1958 4 11 11 population, the battle will be lost. Already 1959 4 14 1 56 per cent. of the Australian population 1960 5 8 10 resides in its six capital cities-in an area 1961 5 12 6 less than one-quarter of 1 per cent. of our 1962 5 6 10 total land area. Queensland has followed 1963 6 6 0 this trend in recent years. Yet, by dispersal 1964 4 1 1 of its ports, roads and railway system, it is The 1964 figure is the lowest since 1956, yet ideally laid out to combat this trend. relative costs have risen terrifically, thus fleecing the grower. It could be combated by systematically planning to the extent of offering incentives Again citing Hambledon for the overall to city-bound dwellers-incentives such price of sugar- as adequate housing, educational and £ s. d. recreational facilities, health services equal to 1956 46 10 6 those in capital cities, concessions in travel, 1957 49 5 0 equal opportunities for advancement and 1958 46 3 2 higher wages in isolated areas. Until this 1959 47 8 1 is done, the bright lights will attract and 1960 48 17 9 hold the major portion of the State's 1961 47 19 11 populace, keeping them away from areas such 1962 47 15 2 as the Cairns district. 1963 64 2 2 1964 47 15 4 The industries of the North-sugar, meat, timber, tobacco and tourism-also suffer the The price in 1965 is estimated at, and could one common disability, that of seasonal be as low as, £43. This price is due partly to employment. Following the hustle of these low sugar content and partly to low world busy seasons comes the lethargic seasonal price. The industry has not yet felt the full unemployment-the slack. With increased impact of the reigning depressed, low world mechanisation the slack is becoming more price. lengthy every year and, in these industries, Reverting to the basis of the 1965 estimated simultaneous. The slack season, and the price of £43 a ton, I point out that this drift away to the cities, means an annual amount would return to the farmer approxi­ exodus not only of migratory seasonal mately £4 5s. a ton. Prices returnable to workers but lately, in effect, of many of the growers in Goondi and Mourilyan mill areas resident population. could be well under £4 unless there is a (Time expired.) sudden and unexpected upsurge in world sugar prices. It is uneconomical to grow cane Mr. RAE (Gregory) (3.33 p.m.): I at £4 a ton, and the price is too low to enable listened to the address g1ven by His the farmer to subsist. Excellency the Administrator at the opening A price of £19 a ton returns approximately of Parliament and was very impressed with £2 5s. a ton to the grower. Production costs the words he used. He is obviously a great to the average good farmer are £3 !Os. son of Queensland who knows precisely a ton. In 1963, the boom year, mill peaks where he is going and who can go about the were 1·235 million tons, of which less than job entrusted to him by the pe·ople and the 25 per cent. of our Australian production Parliament of the State and do it very well. was sold on the basis of world market The Address in Reply was moved by the prices-that is, approximately · 3 million new member for Mirani, Mr. Tom Newbery, tons. who also has indicated that he is on top of Protection in the form of tariff embargo his job. He knew exactly what was required was granted to Commonwealth producers of him in order to entice and be given the over a considerable period of time before votes of the people in the area which he the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement was now represents and which was so ably and negotiated. Stability of negotiated prices, faithfully served by one of Queensland's and their long-term character, which assure outstanding men, the late Ernie Evans. producers for at least a determinable number of years in advance that they will be able Mr. Walsh interjected. to sell a considerable proportion of their Mr. RAE: The hon. member would have production, are desirable and warranted. A difficulty in convincing anybody. He cannot fixed tariff preference cannot protect its even convince himself. beneficiaries against a low market price; a negotiated price can. But what has the The Address in Reply was seconded by Government done-the Government of a the hon. member for Ithaca, Mr. Windsor, State that is the major sugar producer in the who, after spending many years in this Commonwealth? Assembly, has now decided to retire from Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 89 politics. I trust that his retirement will be I should like the Treasurer to give every a very long and happy one, and that it will consideration to a completely new line of give him a great deal of pleasure. He thinking for the housing of people. This has certainly earned it. He is a good fellow. is the responsibility of the Minister for At all times he has played a very sincere Housing who, I know, is devoting quite a and realistic part in this Assembly. lot of time and thought to such a plan. It This debate enables one quietly and is very important for us to give greater realistically to praise or condemn certain consideration to methods which will enable aspects of the Government's contribution to people in the West to have a home they may Queensland. Under the leadership of Frank call their own, either by a form of rental, or by some means of buying a home with an Nicklin, I think a general compliment acceptable small down payment. It is obvious should be paid to the Government not only to me that the present system is completely by those who support the Government but out of balance. also by those who support the Opposition. All know full well that this Govern­ Mr. Ailrens: You agree that they should ment has achieved a great deal. The State get some special consideration? is going places. Queensland has never had it better. When we make an analysis of Mr. RAE: Yes, most assuredly they should. everything that has been done we can I have gathered a few figures, and one trace much of it back to that very respon­ matter has impressed me greatly. It costs sible member of the Cabinet, Mr. Hiley, the almost £500 in freight alone to build a Treasurer. A special compliment should be house costing £3,400 in Longreach-£500 paid to that man. In his business life in freight alone is a lot of money. That is outside Parliament he proved beyond a one item to which the Government should shadow of doubt that he had ability. Un­ surely give a great deal of thought. doubtedly he has proved himself one of the most able men ever to serve in the There is another problem in providing Queensland Parliament. housing for the men who come out west Mr. Aikens: Tell us what you think of to do a job for us, whether they be research "Basher" Burns. officers of some kind, men from the Depart­ ment of Primary Industries, the Main Roads Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Gaven): Department, or the Police Department. All Order! I ask the hon. member for Towns­ these men who are asked to go out to the ville South to conduct himself in an orderly West have the same problem with housing. manner. A short while ago a veterinary officer was sent to Longreach, and he did a very good Mr. RAE: We need a Treasurer who has job. He was a married man and he wanted a ready appreciation of the State's tremen­ a home, but he could not get one. He was dous problem in the field of housing. paying £8 a week for a little flat Throughout the State, whether it be in that was completely inadequate for him and Brisbane, in the major coastal cities and his wife, and for his standing as a senior towns, or towns out in my electorate, we officer in the community-not that I hold have to face up to the task of providing with snobbery in any form. He was then homes for those without them. I know that transferred from Longreach to Rockhampton, thought has been given to home-ownership where a home was available for him and on the basis of a deposit of £300 or £400, his family. Surely when officers are appointed with payments of £5, £6, or £7 a week for 25 or 30 years. it behoves the department which has seen fit to employ them at Longreach, Winton, I should like the Government to give Blackall or Barcaldine to provide them with consideration to new designs for houses a home. What in the name of fortune is for people in my area. It is important the good of sending them there without to keep the people there and the only way a home? All those departments should­ to do so is to provide them with an adequate home. Very few young people who it is a "must"-provide homes for them. We are considering getting married today have need those officers. They are responsible the necessary deposit for a house, which is people and are helpful to us in our way normally about £400 or £500. I should of life in that part of the world. Why should like to see a scheme introduced whereby they they be continually running to the coast can get a home for a straight-out rental of just because there is a home there? We have even £5 or £6 a week. They would be happy our problems and, whether they lie with the to pay it. land or the stock, we need those officers Mr. Coburn: They would be lucky to get there. The Government should and must pro· it on £700 deposit. vide housing for these citizens. Mr. RAE: Yes, which is quite ridiculous. Over the last 12 months Queensland has If we are to keep people in the Outback been set back by two sad mediums: the we must provide homes for them. On the drought and the industrial strike at Mt. Isa. wages paid to them they can never hope The Mt. Isa story has unfolded in its true to have £500 or £700, or whatever the concept. A lot of nonsense has been spoken amount may be, in the bank. They do not by responsible people. It is sad to think have that sort of money. Heaven knows, that the State should be millions of pounds the Basic Wage is low enough. down on its earnings because of that tragedy. 90 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

On the land today we are experiencing one Mr. Bennett: You are breaking my heart of the most severe droughts ever recorded in when you speak about the brokers. Queensland's history. It is a national calamity. Mr. RAE: I hope I am, because I will Mr. Aikens: Not all of the State is drought­ be the first one who has even broken a legal stricken. man's heart. Mr. RAE: Not now. We have had some I feel that the £50,000 allotted for drought relief, but it was very patchy. The true effect relief would not even feed the working of this drought will not be known for another horses on Thylungra. That amount is quite 12 months. ridiculous and will be of no significance at all to people who are going through a Mr. Walsh: The next drought? shocking time. One has to see these things Mr. RAE: No. The hon. member should to realise just how bad they are. With not talk like that. He has been around. In the exception of the hon. member for many parts of my electorate the drought Warrego and a few others, no-one would has continued for about eight years. There have a clue about what is now happening have been occasional respites for a few in this State. The real story is quite months, but in reality we have had a long, unappreciated by many in the House today. tiring, and almost sickening experience from Fortunately the Premier travelled round and the want of rain. I travelled 2,000 miles in had a good look for himself, and he agreed the area to see for myself how the drought completely with a few ideas that I submitted was affecting the people there. It is all to him. right for people in Brisbane. They Mr. Bennett: The Premier has had the can enjoy life and go to the pictures, but stockwhip about you. the people in the West have nought beyond the fact that from dawn to dark they are Mr. RAE: That is all right. That does breaking scrub, and one has to break scrub not worry me. I am here to do a job for before one realises how dull, wearisome, my people. I am endeavouring to have the and expensive the whole set-up can be. It seriousness of the drought re.cognised, and is a very sad state of affairs, but it is to my way of thinking £50,000 is paltry. going on and has gone on for a long time. As the final dash of salt rubbed into the Years ago the banks provided most of wound, as it were, the Minister for Trans­ the money for the man on the land. They port cannot provide N-vans or K-wagons to would provide at least 40 per cent. of their enable people who are completely at the valuation of a property. Then the broker mercy of the seasons to get stock away in was introduced as a man who would pro­ under nine weeks. They have gone on hoping vide stock and some form of purchasing for years and years that they would receive requirements. Then, if there were other some assistance. They cannot walk their requests upon the purchaser, they were cattle along the stock routes; they are all normally accepted by an insurance company bare and eaten out. The whole thing is on a long-range scheme at a rather high ridiculous. rate of interest. Mr. Thackeray: What about the road As the years have passed and droughts transport that they have been using for have become more and more severe, banks years? have shown a resistance to helping those to whom they initially gave assistance. They Mr. RAE: I will come to that in a feel that if anything is to be done towards moment. the feeding

is very keen. If one goes to Dalby, Too­ a load would weigh 7 tons, 9 tons, or 11 woomba, Rockhampton, Townsville, or Bris­ tons, but unfortunately the machine does bane-it does not really matter which centre know and it simply says, "You are 3 tons, one goes to-one finds a ready outlet. This 4 tons, or 5 tons over," and that is that­ is a very important point, because the you are fined. This is an embarrassment Minister for Transport still demands that to the driver, to the owner and to the man people in drought-stricken areas pay this very who has supplied the machine, as well as high road tax although he cannot supply to the set-up generally. Yet these things them with trucks in under nine weeks. are so unnecessary. We must be more What can happen in nine weeks? Heavens tolerant. above, the stock could all be dead! A vehicle is of a certain width and a I do not know where all the wagons are, certain length. That being so, does anyone but they are usually tied up by the big com­ here think for one moment that any owner panies-C.Q.M.E., Swifts, Vesteys, and so on. will jam it so full of stock that they will They should be made available to people fall down and smother one another? Of in drought-stricken areas instead of being course not. He will load it prudently and tied up to meet the fat-stock requirements wisely, to get whatever stock the vehicle of those big companies. It is aggravating will hold to market. If they are loaded to think that company buyers can tie the too loosely trouble can be encountered, just trucks up for their own needs when the poor as it can if they are too tight. fellows who are really battling cannot get Mr. Aikens: Seventeen fats to a K-wagon. a K-wagon or an N-van for weeks on end. Mr. RAE: I have seen it down to 14. The Minister for Transport is growing farther away from me and from other hon. Mr. Murray: It is on a standing-room basis. members on the back benches. In my opinion, he should show a stronger sense of Mr. RAE: That is right. It is stupid co-operation and a knowledge of one's prob­ to work as they are, merely on a weight lems. He and the officers of his department basis. One can get fat or thin cattle and refuse to recognise my problems and leave there is no realistic bush approach to this me out on a limb, and I want to let him problem at the moment. It is being handled know that I am very displeased and dissatis­ by fellows down here with a few figures fied. I think it is very wrong that he should and little knowledge of what is happening sit there and think only of the money that in these areas today. This is a tremendous is going into the coffers of the State. It is problem, one that should be handled by not good enough. people knowledgeable enough to handle it. Let us have a look at the problems raised Mr. Aikens: Some understanding of the by the drought. They are very serious indeed man in the back country and his problems. and they have never been sufficiently recog­ Mr. RAE: Thank you. nised by the Government. I urge my Government to prevail upon the Reserve I turn now from transport, because I Bank to release funds for re-stocking pur­ have not unlimited time, and deal with poses at a low rate of interest. hospitals in my area. I had the privilege of going to Longreach with Mr. Tooth, the Mr. Walsh: You are certainly being very new Minister for Health, on the occasion of critical. the opening of the new nurses' quarters there. I must say that it would be rather Mr. RAE: That is all right. I believe in difficult for any new Minister to have been speaking my mind. fully conversant with his portfolio at the Another matter that has been exercising time but I came away feeling that there was my mind for quite a while is the set-up of one spark of disturbance in relation to the the weighbridge as we know it. This is opening of the Longreach nurses' quarters. the one State in the Commonwealth which In the plan that was submitted and approved says, "You have to work to the ounce." I by the department provision was made for feel quite certain that these duly-elected air conditioning. On most summer days the commissioners, under commissioners or temperature in Longreach gets up to 100 deputy commissioners, whatever they are-- degrees. Everyone would imagine that that Mr. Bennett: Sheriffs. was not an unreasonable request. But the Minister had but one fixed thought in his Mr. RAE: That is right; they are sheriffs. mind when he came up. He said, "Provision In New South Wales they allow, for a has been made for Air-conditioning. That lorry-load of cattle, a certain concession with is not right." He said he would not agree respect to weight. to it. I said, "What are you going to talk about? That is all I want here." He came Mr. Sullivan: Two tons. and he went with the fixed idea in his mind Mr. RAE: That is so. Here, if you are that there would be no air-conditioning in 2 ounces out you have to pay. In America the Longreach Hospital. How silly can you the latitude is 2 tons. The point is, what be in a State like this! We have to put up man can adequately fill a lorry with cattle with very torrid conditions in the West. and say whether it will weigh 7 tons, 9 tons, Without being unduly critical of the Min­ or 11 tons? Many experienced buyers in ister, let me ask that we have a sensible the business would not know whether such approach to the set-up. Let us draw a 92 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

line from Normanton to Cunnamulla, or Many of the disturbing things which are between some other points, beyond which occurring in Queensland are traceable to this privilege is to be enjoyed. It is not officers who are getting away with far too easy to entice staff to come out and stay much. That is not good enough. We need in western towns with their extremely hot someone who knows what is happening, who conditions. We want to encourage them to can be invited to attend the discussions now come out there and do a job. and again on these matters and keep an eye Mr. Walsh: He lived out there. on what is done. That is extremely import­ ant, whether it is industrial development Mr. RAE: He taught a few people out brigalow development, land development, there but apparently he did not teach himself. or public buildings. The representative of I ask that the Minister give very full con­ the area, 99 times out of 100, is left out sideration to this matter. Air-conditioning on a limb while officers make the decisions in the West is a "must". for fantastic alterations to this or that plan, or scheme. The establishment of a rural school in Longreach is an excellent idea and receives Mr. Duggan: You and Mr. Murray should my full support, as it would receive the sup­ get together, after all. port of the shire chairmen of the Longreach and adjoining shires. However, at the Mr. RAE: There is no way in the world moment it is planned to build the school we will get together. We probably put on a Maneroo block, part of Strathdaar, no him there but he can fend for himself less than 40 miles from Longreach, simply from now on. He reminds me of an old because it has been given to the department stud ewe with its twin lambs at foot, as a school site. That is too ridiculous for rejected. He would not know where he was words. It is so far from sane thinking that going politically-neither he nor his brace of it does not bear second thought. We must supporters. However, he is an intelligent have that building adjacent to the town man-which is more than I can say for where people can see it, and where the some. people who are giving of their knowledge can enjoy some of the privileges which only Mr. DONALD (Ipswich East) (4.13 p.m.): a town can give. If a building is going to As Sir Henry Abel Smith and Lady May cost £100,000 it should be built where will not be here for the opening of the the people can see it and point to it with new Parliament next year I should like to pride. take this opportunity to extend my apprecia­ tion to them for the very valuable work they Before concluding, I wish to say a few have done for Queensland during their term words about the Co-ordinating Board, the of office. They have won not only the barrier fence and aerial baiting. I have respect of all, but also the hearts of all. here a telegram from the police in Winton Their services have never been surpassed and letters from various people concerning and I have very great doubts that they have the loss of dogs just seven miles out of ever been equalled. Winton. Two expensive sheep dogs were lost and no fewer than 15 baits, which were I also wish to express my pleasure that dropped in this aerial dingo-baiting campaign, the conservative Government of the were picked up within seven miles of Winton. Commonwealth has seen fit to take a plank It is unnecessary, and I record my strong from the Australian Labour Party's platform disapproval on behalf of those who are in the appointment of an Australian to the affected. It is not good enough for Mr. very important position of Governor-General Brebner to sit quietly in his office and say, of Australia. If Lord Casey can follow "You will be very disturbed, Mr. Rae, to the example set by two Australians who learn that I have a letter here saying that this man is completely free of all charges previously held the position of Governor­ concerning this matter." He is not free General, namely, Sir Isaac Isaacs and Sir at all; he is anything but free! This is William McKell, he will justify the con­ the telegram I received from the police- fidence that the Government, and the people "13th Inst. Mitchell Windermere generally, have placed in him. I am not handed in fourteen Government Dingo going to say that his appointment has met Baits found his property and adjoining with opposition. It is a very popular Stock Route 12th Baits recovered over appointment, and one that has met with area of quarter mile unknown number the approval of the people. That gives Baits over stretch of seven miles Winder­ another instance of the fact that what Labour mere to Colane." stands for and advocates today becomes the These baits were dropped under the auspices policy of and is put into operation by a of the Co-ordinating Board, which I have conservative Government at some time in always felt is one board that needs correct the future. and proper supervision. Its service to the There has been some publicity in the Press State is very questionable. recently about the signing of Magna Carta Mr. Davies: Who is the Minister in charge? by King John at Runnymede in 1215, and a considerable amount of controversy as to 1\!Ir. RAE: The Minister for Lands; the whether the signing of this very important hon. member should know that. document and the agitation which preceded Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 93 it really laid the foundation for the freedom The Australian Labour Party recognises enjoyed by British people and other peoples and strives for those liberal freedoms, usually throughout the world. called civil liberties. Our concept of them This has prompted me to express my own is much greater than that of our political opinion on the freedom. we enjoy toda:y,_ and opponents. The Government parties, although to ask just how far ordmary, pnvate Citizens they have been forced to concede civil should be allowed to do whatever they want, liberties, have opposed the _deyelopn:ent of and how far the Government can step in the other freedoms. Socmhsm a1ms at and restrain the individual. society resting upon the following bases- 1. Concentration of power, military, I realise fully that this is a problem ~hat political and economic, should serve and has exercised the minds of many people smce be seen 'to serve the whole community, and and before the signing of Magna Carta. not to dominate it; The power of the Government to suppress 2. Privileges of the few must be trans­ individual freedom is gene·rally acknowledged formed into rights available to every to be much wider under the arbitrary rule citizen; of a dictatorship than under democratic conditions where the Government is elected 3. A fairer distribution of wealth and by the people, is answerable to the people, opportunity must be advanced by postive and can be dismissed from office by the State action with the assistance of a free people. Nevertheless, even in a democracy trade union and co-operative movement. we have a real problem. 4. Effective civil liberties and an inde­ pendent judiciary must safeguard pers_onal In modern society a great deal of authority freedom against abuse of power by e1ther is exercised over the individual not only by the State or any organisation. the Government of the day but also by various organisations. Has this resulted in The existence of privilege based on class a diminution of our personal freedom? If prevents the growth of a really fr~e society. we admit that it has, can it be justified by By "class privilege" we mea~ n~ts il;nd the gains to the community generally? Has liberties available only to a mmonty which society gained more than we have lost as rests on wealth gained by inheritance or individuals? In the world of today we are speculation. constantly hearing of high-handed behaviour It is right that special ability and industry, by authority. Here are some examples of including thrift, inventiveness, . and excellence the impact of authority on private• people. in the arts, should be especmlly rewarded. A landowner wants to erect homes on However, such recognition should be on merit part of his land. The local planning alone and should not be allowed to lead to a authority refuses him the necessary new privileged class. We. b~lieve t~at the only political framework w1thm wh1c~ a free permission. After an inquiry a decision is society can flourish is that of a parliamentary given against the landowner under the town democracy with full rights of opposition. We planning or some other relevant Act of reject the anti-socialist illusio~ that the really Parliament. free society will develop of 1ts own accord. A pensioner owns his own home. He On the contrary, we maintain that it is neces­ unsuccessfully appeals against a compulsory sary for a Government con~cious_ly to plan purchase orde·r and his home is demolished the economic system. It IS th1s planned so that a road-widening scheme can be put advance towards an equal society, combined into operation. Although the pensioner can with a belief in the vital importance of obtain another home and he is not subject common ownership, that primarily distin­ to any great financial loss, or perhaps no guishes the Australian Labour Party from the financial loss at all, it has to be admitted Conservative parties that form the Govern­ that he is put to a considerable amount of ment of this State, the Government of the worry and a great deal of inconvenience Commonwealth of Australia, and the Govern­ through no fault of his own. ments of some of the other States. To us freedom means something quite A man joins a trade union so that his different 'from a mere absence of restraint. interests as a worker can be better protected, The welfare State and full employment have and he agrees to be bound by the laws of undoubtedly widened personal freedom. We his organisation. He is later expelled from reject as complete rubbish the view that ~his the union for breaking one of its rules. On has sapped the moral fibre of the natwn. appeal to the courts, his expulsion. is This is a point always made w!th indigna~t quashed on the ground that he was not g1Ven emphasis by those who have enjoyed heredi­ a fair hearing. tary social security. Undoubtedly th~re is a These cases involve clashes between great deal still to do before equality and individuals and authority. Property is complete freedom are secured. affected in the first two cases and authority The Australian Labour Party believes that decides that the rights of the individual the State is made for man and not that man should be subordinate to the interests of is made for the State. We affirm that the the community. The third case is an individual though a member of the com­ example of authority intervening on behalf munity, ~lso has an . inviolable personal of the individual against the rights of a identity with rights of h1s own. We therefore voluntary organisation to run its own affairs. agree that the ownership of personal property 94 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply is a human right, but this right is not abso­ in the fields, the factories, and the mines, to lute. The right to property always carries with promote public health, to provide educational it the responsibility to use and develop it in facilities, and to redistribute the wealth of the the interest of the community. Whenever the nation more fairly. The workers' political accumulation of property brings with it movement had its birth in trade unions, which decisive economic control over others, the use were formed by the workers in an attempt of that power must be subject to public to escape by their own efforts from the control. degradation of the Industrial Revolution. The extreme contrasts between wealth and The Labour movement has not regarded poverty are of themselves morally intolerable State action as the only means of social pro­ and obstacles to freedom. Thus our concept gress. The development of self-help within of the community's interest is wider than that groups independent of the State was an of our political opponents, and our policies objective of early socialists. In addition to may sharply impinge on those rights associ­ trade unionism, self-help was practised ated with the ownership of property and the through co-operatives and friendly societies, use of economic power. However, we are many of the societies being attached to the well aware that the authority of the State can trade unions. However, action by the State damage personal freedom. The modern State was necessary to provide conditions in which exercises great control over its citizens, and the group of individuals could function it could quickly become oppressive if the properly. Acts were passed to enable trade safeguards of democracy were not carefully unions to function lawfully, and certain legal maintained. But the authority of the State rights necessary for their practical operation can also be used to extend freedom in a very were granted to them. Friendly societies were real sense. controlled in the interests of their members. There is no more important extension of In various ways people have extended their personal freedom than a publicly provided freedom, both by action within groups and system of education that ensures that the directly through the State. In the process capabilities of each individual are developed of extending the freedom of the many, the to the full. Far from wanting to destroy the liberties of a few have necessarily been best kinds of education, we want them reduced. What employers regarded as their extended to everyone in the community. rights were restricted when they had to bar­ . Our view is that freedom and equality are gain with trade unions instead of with indivi­ mseparable. If freedom with gross inequali­ dual workers or when factory legislation pre­ ties is hardly worth having, equality without vented them from being absolute masters in freedom is worthless and foreign to demo­ their factories. cratic Socialism. Right from its birth the The Australian Labour Party believes in Australian Labour Party has been concerned striking a balance in the use of the powers with personal freedom. The freedom of of the State. In practice, this means that workers to join trade unions and to have the Parliament has to decide between the often­ right to vote was won from reluctant Govern­ conflicting claims and interests of social and ments only after long and bitter struggles. economic groups. A government with a bold programme of reform is immediately con­ Socialists are frequently accused of want­ fronted with this dilemma: how far can the ing_ ct:n~ralisat!on of PC!Wer . at the expense rights of the majority be advanced while ?f mdrvrdual nghts. and hbertres. This charge safeguarding minority rights? It is because rs er~oneous and rs made only in the hope we look to the State to provide measures and that rt may damage the cause of Socialism. machinery for reform that we are jealous of ~e. ~ertai_nly do not recognise as right an the citizen's rights against the State. mdrvrduahsm harmful to the community. On the other hand, far from wanting an all­ During recent decades we have witnessed powerful State or excessive centralisation, we both a diffusion and a concentration of power hold that muny important Ueci~:iions and in society. The advances towards social activities should be left to voluntary local democracy have resulted in a diffusion of effort and organisations. For example, when power. Thanks primarily to the trade unions adequate collective bargaining machinery and to near-full employment, workers cer­ exists, wage negotiations are best left to trade tainly enjoy more freedom than ever before. unions and employers' organisations. How­ However, side by side with this development, ever, the State should be able to reinforce the there has been a great concentration of work of voluntary organisations in promoting power. Almost everyone comes into direct economic, social and cultural advancement. contact with Ministers of the Crown, members of public boards and local authorities. Such The Labour movement grew out of the parties exercise authority in many ways in harshness and miseries of the industrial deciding the issue of licences, in handling struggles of the last century, a largely Social Service benefits, in providing essential unregulated society, with fantastic extremes public services such as transport, electricity of wealth and poverty, of security and and gas, and so forth. destitution, of opportunities enjoyed by the few and a deadly, hopeless grind endured by It is our duty to see that these authorities the many. We recognise that some of these shall not behave as if they were laws unto inequalities could be removed only by State themselves and degenerate into irresponsible action. Only the Government was powerful bureaucracies. I feel that I can claim with enough, or sufficiently responsive to popular justification, and certainly with confidence, pressure, to begin the protection of workers that the public servants of Queensland are Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 95

just as honest, efficient, incorruptible and a long and bitter struggle, have won their non-political as any in the world; but in place as an indispensable part of the nation. an age when everyone has dealings with As a matter of fact, trade unions and the public servants of all kinds, their standards trade-union movement have not only become of humanity, courtesy, and helpfulness are respectable; they have certainly become as important as their honesty. respected and so have their power and service. In some instances it is claimed that it is still necessary to be backed by someone The Government's responsibility for full well known in order to receive considerate employment and higher production is widely treatment by a public body. If this is so admitted. The welfare State, even in its it should not be allowed to continue. These present uncompleted form, has removed the bodies were created in order that they might sharpest anxieties from millions of working­ serve the public interest with scrupulous class and middle-class people. The improve­ fairness. ment in educational facilities provided by the State has done much to reduce educational When hon. members opposite refer to the inequalities. Near-full employment has modern concentration of power, they mention brought not only raised living standards but only public bodies, or the State; but con­ a new dignity and a great extension of centration of power in private industry has freedom to the people as a whole. been at least as remarkable, and subject to less control. It is no doubt true that the Undoubtedly these are great advances but organised workers have had certain advan­ we cannot rest with them. We of the tages in negotiating with large or federated Australian Labour Party are obliged, and firms, but freedom of the consumer has indeed eager, to think out the next steps certainly been reduced by the growth of towards Socialism, and to state them in terms monopoly in private business. It is important relevant to the modern society which we to make clear that the men who manage have largely created. No-one who benefits our great private industries are more remote from the welfare State, from full employ­ from public control, and less open to ment or from better education, can contract criticism, than are those who manage our out of the social obligations which must various Government departments, namely, support these reforms. The Australian our Cabinet Ministers and their Under Labour Party is convinced that only a Secretaries, departmental heads, and public democratic socialist government can provide boards. the climate of co-operation which is so neces­ Any activity or lack of activity can be sary for the growth of a sense of respon­ and is discussed in the Parliament and so sibility throughout society. Many people are the affairs of public boards. Committees do work of much value through voluntary of inquiry into the nationalised industries organisations. Trade unions. representing can be set up. The aggrieved citizen can the working people, and co-operative enlist the services of his member in order societies working on behalf of consumers, to take up complaints against a public body. are good examples of voluntary bodies which Consultative committees, if properly used, offset excessive concentration of State can bring consumer influence to bear. powers. Voluntary effort is also valuable in fields in which the State must carry the These safeguards cannot guarantee that main responsibility, for example, in educa­ authority is always tempered with humanity tion and social welfare. Many people render and justice, but they are vastly superior to valuable assistance voluntarily in catering the redress offered to private citizens by the for the needs of our old people; in educa­ concerns of private enterprise. tional and cultural activities; through the This concentration of power is also found Red Cross, the ambulance, the Blue Nursing in the organs of public information. Control Service, the Blood Bank, and social welfare of the Press is falling into fewer and fewer generally. The citizen's sense of respon­ hands. The independence of even local news­ sibility must keep pace with the increase in papers is disappearing as they become his rights and powers if society is to renew absorbed in national and regional chains. itself spiritually and materially. The position is further aggravated by news­ papers having substantial financial holdings After many years of struggle and sacrifice in commercial broadcasting stations and the basic civil liberties are secure throughout television. the Commonwealth of Australia. Individual religious, political and legal rights are not A free Press is vital to democracy-free, that is, from Government or other official now at issue. But there are still problems interference. So long as Labour was fighting of civil liberties-not nearly as obvious as for the bare essentials of life for the working of old, but nevertheless real. In this country class, there was no great need to bother the rights of political democracy are enjoyed about the respective claims of freedom, by all, even by those who would seek to equality, and fraternity, in a welfare State. destroy those rights if they could. Therefore the public safety must be protected from Since the birth of the Australian Labour those who seek to destroy our hard-won Party approximately 70 years ago a quiet freedom. Australia has a fine tradition of social revolution has been taking place. political and religious toleration. I make Parliament has established social rights for bold to claim that we will do everything the industrial worker. The trade unions, after in our power to maintain that tradition. We 96 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

of the Australian Labour Party are deter­ trade for they raise questions of vital interest mined to do so at all costs. Much of the to all engaged in the coal-mining industry­ freedom enjoyed by the citizens of Aus­ the employer as well as the employee and, tralia today has flowed from the thinking, indeed, the nation. I have spoken in this advocacy, struggle and legislation of the Chamber many times emphasising that tens Australian Labour Party. No matter what of thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of people might think or say to the contrary, pounds have been invested in the Queensland that cannot be denied. It is there for coal-mining industry, and recounting the everyone to see. service which the people in the coal-mining Tens of thousands of workers throughout industry have given to the State. Never in the Commonwealth of Australia have fought any crisis has the coal-mining industry let and suffered considerably so that the many the State down, and it never will. At pre-sent, could enjoy greater freedom and the many with hundreds fewer in the industry in benefits that spring from it. Therefore no Queensland, and thousands fewer in the section of the community, nor any organisa­ industry in Australia, we are producing more tion, will fight more vigorously than the coal than ever before. The output, Australian Labour Party and its members individually and collectively, has increased to ensure the freedoms we have won are considerably and the expense incurred by the adequately protected, and further freedoms colliery companies in ensuring that the gained. This can best be accomplished by customer gets the coal he wants has amounted placing in essential and productive employ­ to many tens of thousands of pounds. ment all those who are anxious and willing Mr. Osao Mizuno, the leader of the to work. By "essential and productive Japanese steel mission which visited Australia employment" I mean those services and some little time ago, said that Australia was commodities which are essential for the supplying at the present time 25 per cent. of well-being and development of our State and Japan's coking coal requirements. As the its citizens. Our primary, secondary and production of pig-iron was expected to tertiary industries are essential services, as increase, he went on to say, so would the also are our health, transport, education consumption of our coking coal, and our and housing. exports of coal to Japan would rise from The possibility of unemployment is a real 4,500,000 tons to 6,000,000 tons by 1970. threat to the most basic freedom of all, that The R. W. Miller interests claim to have is, the freedom to work, to live a normal life, contracted to supply Japan with 3,000,000 in the knowledge that one is wanted. tons of coal. Sir Edward Warren, head of Unemployment is something that, even in the coal and allied industries, has these days, when we claim we are living in announced that his company has contracted an affluent society and a welfare State, still to supply 5,000,000 tons of coal to Japan. has to be corrected. To the unemployed The BeHambii Coal Corporation has without an income of their own there can contracted to supply 3,800,000 tons. The be no real freedom. I deliberately say, American-based Utah Company at Black­ "the unemployed with no income of their water, in Central Queensland, has claimed own" because we do know there are to have tentatively won a £54,000,000 con­ unemployed with an income and to them, tract to supply 13,500,000 tons of coal to of course, unemployment means nothing at Japan. all. To be unemployed, with no income of I noticed that Mr. Warwick Jones, a your own, means that you have no freedom journalist and commentator of some repute at all. Freedom is what we boast about and in the South, writing in "The Australian", what we want. The biggest contribution any has enthusiastically foreshadowed coal pro­ Govermnent can make to ensure economic duction in Australia of 45,000,000 tons, freedom is to see that gainful employment which is a 60 per cent. increase on our is available for all who are willing to work. present production, by the end of this decade. When this is accomplished the world will be a much happier place and freedom will be The financial editor of the Sydney "Sun­ almost unlimited. Herald", on 20 June, 1965, sounded a warn­ ing to which I think we should give some However, while we are doing our best to attention. I quote from the Sydney "Sun­ abolish unemployment and all the misery and privation that accompanies it, we must Herald" of 20 June, 1965- see that the other freedoms are not lost. "Signs of instability in the Japanese Of recent years, we have seen in this world economy could hardly have come at a nations where there was no unemployment, worse time for Australia. but there certainly was not much freedom, "Not only are there already plenty of and it is freedom that we want and it is signs of financial problems in Japan, but freedom that many are unable to enjoy. any threatened down-turn in world trading could hit Japan really hard. For some time now we have been hearing and reading glowing reports for the future "And if Japan is hit, so is Australia. of the Australian and Queensland coal-mining "Last week's news of another £50 million industries. These optimistic reports are based Japanese order for Australian bauxite and solely on developing the export trade with a further £17t million coal contract under­ Japan. However, I feel that we must give lined the growing importance of Japan to some consideration to several aspects of this Australia. Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 97

"And the Minister for Mines, Mr. T. L. It could be very nerve-racking indeed. The Lewis, on Friday invited overseas capital growing dependence on Japan for the to set up a 'new steel complex' in New prosperity of the Australian coal-mining South Wales. industry, and particularly the Queensland "But the level of Japan's use of iron coal-mining industry, could prove very nerve­ ore, coal, bauxite and wool-Australia's racking indeed. major exports to Japan-is largely deter­ Mr. Jones draws attention to what I con­ mined by Japan's exports of manufactured sider an added factor in the instability of goods. the present situation when he writes­ "So to a large extent, the volume of "What perhaps is surprising is that Japanese buying of raw materials in Japan has by-passed China's huge reserves Australia will depend on her ability to of coal.'' sell the finished product in world China has large deposits of good coking markets. coal which are being worked at present in "Any suggestion of a contraction in Northern China, and I am informed that world trade probably means more to this coal is available to Japan at competitive Japan than to any other developed country. prices. "The omens are not good. Mr. Jones puts this down to China's being "Action by Britain and the U.S. to pro­ a fickle trader, but honestly I do not believe tect their currencies must have some this. I believe that the explanation really impact on world trade levels. lies in the realm of international politics. "In addition, there is no doubt some­ Has not Australia traded with China, and thing is wrong with the international has not that trade benefited Australia, par­ monetary system. ticularly our primary producers? Has not China met her financial and trading obliga­ "Last week the former secretary of the tions in full? She has, and therefore she U.S. Treasury, Mr. Dillon, warned that cannot be classed as a fickle trader. What without some reform of the system, 'the I fear is an improvement in the relationship world will soon be pinched for liquidity between Japan and China. If they begin trad­ to finance trade and commerce.' ing again, what will happen to the coal-mining "But Japan already has her troubles. industry in Australia, and in Queensland in particular? Our trade with Japan, valuable "The country's 11 largest trading com­ as it may be, is depleting the limited reserves panies have recently issued discouraging of coking coal in both New South Wales interim reports, reflecting the 'general and Queensland. We are losing our coal, slump in business.' and at the same time increasing our depend­ "These are the companies that have ence on Japan. What are we going to do? played a large part in the development of It appears to me that we are going to trade with Australia, having been be the loser, and the position is aggravated importers into Japan of foreign raw by our neglect in developing alternative materials to sell to industry and exporters markets in Australia. of Japanese manufactures. Whilst we are developing our coal industry for the production of coal for sale overseas­ "Only three of these top 11 companies coking coal, which Australia can least afford registered better results in the March to lose-the demand for steaming coal is half-year, as Kanematsu's profit fell 24 per decreasing, and the discovery of natural gas cent., Mitsui earned no profit at all and and its use is a serious threat to the gas C. Itoh's dropped by 15 per cent. coal mining industry. The Minister for "This happened when business was up. Mines in New South Wales, Hon. T. L. What could happen if it fell? Lewis, has expressed his concern over the growing increase in exports of coking coal "But that is not all. from New South Wales. "The Tokyo stock market has fallen 37 In respect of trade with Japan, I end per cent. in two years to its lowest point on a note of warning. We are crying out since June, 1960. for another steel works in Australia, and Mr. Lewis has said that something should "This has been despite solid Govern­ be done about it. More steel is needed in mental assistance for both economic and Australia. We need more technicians and fear of 'losing face' reasons. more employment generally, and we need "In fact, the Japanese Government has to develop the North. Many years ago already spent about £750 million in a vain Mr. Collins, who was then the member for attempt to hold the market up and to keep Tablelands in this Parliament, advocated the securities companies out of bankruptcy. establishment of a steel works at Bowen. The cry has always been, "We have not sufficient "For Australia, growing sales to Japan iron ore or good coking coal.'' It has now are good news for the balance of pay­ been proved that we have coking coal and ments, but growing dependence on Japan iron ore of excellent quality. It has been for our prosperity could prove nerve­ shown that we can produce the best and racking." what was once the cheapest steel in the 4 98 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply world. Now the raw materials are being sent a gentleman has been endorsed by the Liberal to Japan, thus depleting our resources and Party to contest Ithaca at the next election, making us economically dependent on Japan. and we look forward to welcoming him here We will be the losers unless this trend is in the next Parliament. corrected. Mr. Tucker: You can't be serious! (Time expired.) Mr. SULLIVAN: Following that remark, Mr. SULLIVAN (Condamine) (4.54 p.m.): I hope to be very serious in the next 35 Following the recess of approximately four minutes. months since Parliament last met, I am Since we last met in this Chamber during pleased to have the opportunity now in the previous session of Parliament, many very the Address-in-Reply debate to bring to the serious difficulties have confronted us and it notice of the Government some things that has not been an altogether easy period for the have come to my attention in the inter­ Government. Queensland-for that matter, vening period. All will agree that it has been all the eastern States of Australia-have been a very difficult time, and I, with others, ravaged by possibly the most severe drought welcome this opportunity to bring these in living memory. In my lifetime, I can things to the notice of the Premier and mem­ remember the 1926 drought and the droughts bers of the Cabinet. of 1936 and 1946, and 1951 was a fairly dry At the opening of Parliament last Tuesday, year, too. But in my memory of my property a week ago today, I feel that we were all and the district in which I live, I can say that very impressed with the Opening Speech of there has never been a drought as severe as His Excellency the Administrator of the the one this year. I am not looking for any Government, Sir Alan Mansfield. He outlined particular sympathy for the people of my the legislation to be enacted during this area, but we must face facts. Virtually the session, which is one to which I think all whole of the State has been stricken by hon. members can look forward with interest. drought. Some of the sugar-growing areas This is the last session of the 37th Parliament, have escaped, but others, such as those in the and in it will be enacted legislation that southern part of the State around Childers will have an effect on the livelihood of the and Bundaberg, have felt the drought just as people of the State generally. severely as have pastoral and dairying areas. Bearing this in mind, it is evident that the I take this opportunity of congratulating Government has had a worrying time because the mover of the motion for the adoption of the economy of the State has been so hard the Address in Reply, the hon. member for hit. Mirani, Mr. Tom Newbery. I congratulate The Country Party can be very pleased him, first, on being chosen as the representa­ that, when a drought of such gravity struck, tive of Mirani following the untimely death of the three major political parties, it was the of a man who has been described as one of one to take cognisance of it and set up Queensland's greatest statesmen, the late machinery in an endeavour to assist the Ernest Evans. Although Mr. Evans's death people affected by it. We have gone to people was a sad loss and a great blow to the who can advise us on ways in which we can Government and people of Queensland, I assist in drought relief schemes. think we can be very pleased with his replace­ ment. The Country Party is very proud of the Speaking of such schemes, as a matter of type of candidates it can bring forward to interest, with the hon. member for Warwick, represent the people in this Parliament. I the hon. member for Carnarvon and the hon. again congratulate Mr. Newbery on his elec­ member for Gympie, I am a member of the tion as a parliamentarian, and I congratulate Country Party Drought Committee which is him particularly on the manner in which he investigating methods of drought relief. At moved the motion for the adoption of the the present time I suppose we can use the Address in Reply. term "drought relief", but as one associated Mr. Thackeray: You will notice that you with primary industry as long as I can have only one Liberal member listening to remember I do not like the term "drought you. relief". Perhaps we should talk more of drought preparation or drought mitigation. Mr. SULLIVAN: Well, I hope he will learn After all, if we are going to educate people something from what I have to say. I can who are affected by droughts to look for only say that those who are not listening relief every time a drought strikes, we will, have my sympathy. as the old saying goes, get nowhere pretty fast. But if we can induce people associated The seconder of the motion, the hon. mem­ with primary industry to prepare for droughts. ber for Ithaca, Mr. Windsor-"Dear Old I believe that in this era of mechanisation and Bob", as we have come to know him-who scientific advantages to primary industry over is retiring at the end of this Parliament, has those enjoyed generations ago we can beat made many good contributions to debates in droughts. this Chamber. I know some of his constitu­ ents in the Ithaca electorate personally, and The hon. member for South Brisbane, I think that the hon. member-he would by way of interjection when the hon. member agree with this-probably does much more in for Burnett was speaking, said, "Don't you his electorate than is reflected by his speeches think some responsibility lies with the man here. I know that the people of Ithaca will in primary industry, the man on the land?" miss him. I saw in this morning's Press that I agree with him entirely. I believe, and Address in Reply [24 AuousT] Address in Reply 99

always shall, that the first responsibility rests which did not give them an opportunity to fairly and squarely on the shoulders of the restore their fodder stocks, so now they go man on the land. But I believe, too, that into their second dry winter without any through our financial policies, and things reserves. In what was considered to be a of that nature, we can assist the man on drought-free dairying area they are entering the land to overcome the hardships of their second dry winter without any drought. preparedness for drought. When such I want to go on record as having said arduous weather conditions prevail, the that droughts play a part in agriculture and farmer cannot be blamed for making are a blessing in disguise. It is fairly hard insufficient preparation for drought. to realise that, of course, when you are in the grip of drought as we have been for the The same sort of thing applies in many past 12 months. Do not let me go on record parts of Queensland. In my lifetime and as saying that the drought is broken. It is the lifetime of people much older than l in certain areas in the south-eastern am-people who can remember back to the corner, and on the Darling Downs, where 1902 drought-we have not previously we have had very good relief. But it experienced such a widespread drought. In will be found that the grain-grower there, previous droughts, although one area might who has not really been affected by this be drought-stricken, relief was available in drought, is already saying, because of the other areas not very far distant. That is prolific growth that has taken place, "What not so this year. The only way to save our a wonderful thing droughts are in rejuvenat­ stock was to hand-feed them. ing the soil!" Apparently that is nature's way of rejuvenating soil. That brings me to the point that I think the Government should induce the farmers When I say that droughts are a blessing to make better provision by way of fodder in disguise, I say it advisedly, although when conservation to see them through dry times one is in the midst of a drought it is such as we have recently experienced. difficult to appreciate it. On the black-soil Although the recipients of assistance from plains, where the majority of our wheat is the Government unde·r the drought relief grown, even in a dry year without it being a scheme are appreciative-it is the most drought year, the tendency is for the ground generous assistance that has been made to crack wide open. I think the hon. member available in my memory-! think that Cabinet for Maryborough spoke about that fairly should have acte·d sooner. That is not only recently when he was on the property of my belief. It has been confirmed by such his son-in-law. He was amazed at the people as managers of dairy factories, cracks in the ground, feet deep and five directors of dairy boards, members of or -six inches wide. That happened last year graziers' associations and dairymen's when it was only a fairly dry year. This organisations. It is thought that had year, of course, it has been accentuated to Cabinet acted a couple of months sooner to a great extent. The cracking and opening of the ground allows the air to get in and make· this finance available it would have rejuvenate the soil. After a drought we been of much greater benefit to those who always find that the growth is much more received it. I have been told by butter prolific. That is why I say that droughts factory managers that once some people who can be a blessing in disguise. They are were in really dire straits were able to avail nature's way of rejuvenating the soil. themselves of this finance and commenced feeding their dairy herds, their production As I said, it is no doubt the responsibility lifted a little. Their belief is that if the of the man on the land to prepare for money had been made available a couple of droughts. Many people do make that months sooner, before production dropped preparation. Unfortunately, however, we to an all-time low, the dairy herds could have experienced a series of dry years. Let have been kept in production-not full me mention a matteT that came up at one production-and the recipients of the drought of our Country Party Drought Committee relief would have had a greater income. meetings, something which has been taken up by the Country Parties in all eastern I am only mentioning that point. I think States at Commonwealth level at the Cabinet could have acted a little sooner. I instigation of the Deputy Prime Minister, do not want Cabinet to think that the dairy­ Mr. McEwen, our own Premier and the men are not keenly appreciative. In certain Leader of the Country Party in New South areas protest meetings were called, as in the Wales. At that meeting I was very Lockyer. Dairymen in my area wish to dis­ interested in a conversation with one of the sociate themselves from the criticism that members from the Hunter River Valley, an has been levelled. It has been said that the area which we have always thought to be £500 was not enough but these dairymen pretty well drought-free. In that intensively forget that, if the dry conditions had con­ dairying area, fodder conservation had been tinued, the Government would have been practised to a large extent. That member faced with the necessity of providing another pointed out to the committee that during the £500. I give the Government full marks, dry winter last year the farmers were obliged particularly with reference to the conditions to use most of their reserves of fodder to of the loans. They are to be interest-free feed their cattle. The dry winter was for two years and paid off over a further five followed by a dry spring and a dry summer, years. I believe that to be very generous 100 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

and, in the main, most dairymen, graziers, believe that a large percentage of farmers or stock-owners have a full appreciation of realise that it is a good idea to make pro­ what the Government did. vision in good years if they cannot grow lucerne hay. In some of our areas where Mr. Hanson: Don't you think the there is no irrigation and they cannot grow £50,000 was enough? it, there are many occasions on which it Mr. SULLIVAN: I do not think anybody can be purchased for £8 to £10 a ton. thinks it was enough in the circumstances, I believe that each year every small stock but at least it indicated that the Government owner should purchase approximately 20 was prepared to make some contribution and tons a year and every big stock owner 50 tons to 100 tons of lucerne hay for storage. it should be congratulated for doing so. I We know that we get one pretty dry year express appreciation on behalf of the people in every five, so that at the end of five who received some of the gift fodder as a years the small stock owner would have result of the donations made, whether they 100 tons of lucerne hay stored to get him were large or small. The Government through a dry period. If we all did that donated £50,000 and other people subscribed relative to the number of stock we run, an additional £30,000 to the appeal. it would be very good insurance against Whether they put in 2s., £500 or £1,000, drought. everyone is very appreciative of their action. If the money made available by the Government in drought times was used in Mr. Melloy: Do you think the public good times to store fodder against the possi­ should have been asked to contribute, or do bility of drought, it would go four to five you think the Government should have times as far. I recommend that to the carried the whole burden? Premier and his Cabinet colleagues. We must induce stock owners to store fodder Mr. SULLIVAN: Let us look at it this in good times. This time we reached the way: apparently the members of the public stage where the only fodder available was who subscribed the extra £30,000 felt, "Well, wheat. Had the drought continued until here is our opportunity to express in some December, which often happens, goodness humane way our realisation of the hardships knows where the fodder would have come that the people on the land are going from. Imagine the national loss of stock through." The Premier provided the £50,000 had we not recently had rain. and invited the public to subscribe. I think the Premier has been commended in many There has always been a 50 per cent. places, and I co!hrnend him now. rebate on the rail cartage of fodder which is to be stored for use in time of drought. An Opposition Member: In that £30,000 That is a very good rebate and people there would have been many people who appreciate it. Most fodder in the closer-in shirked their responsibility. areas-the south-eastern corner, the whole of the Darling Downs, extending as far Mr. SULLIVAN: That may be so. t was west as Taroom, Wandoan, and Miles, and very pleased to read that some members of through to Tara-is transported by road. the hon. member's party subscribed to it. I When dealing with baled hay-I am not should have liked to be in a position to sub­ concerned with grain-the less it is handled scribe to it but I was in just as bad a state the better. Fodder storage schemes should, as others who were drought-stricken and I believe, be on the basis of "on the farm." was not in a position to do so. Over the years I have heard various schemes put forward which would operate through Mr. Thackeray: You should have sold co-operatives or governments or somebody your property at Indooroopilly. else buying all the hay and grain available and storing it at specified points. I believe Mr. SULLIVAN: I am a member of that such methods would merely add to the Parliament, but that does not mean I am cost of the fodder, and for that reason I not affected equally with my neighbours. Let advocate on-the-farm storage. By that I us not be petty about these things. It was mean the taking of fodder from the producer a grand idea to give the public of Queens­ into one's own shed, where it stays till one land an opportunity to subscribe and I am wants it. sure that those who did, did so very graciously. I point out that drought relief I am pleased to say that during the schemes have been introduced by previous current drought the Government waived Governments-Labour Governments and road tax on the movement of fodder used Country-Liberal Governments-and no doubt for drought feeding. I have advocated this they will be introduced again in the future. for the last three or four years, and have previously been told that it just could not I believe that better use could be made be done. Apparently the Minister for of the money if it was made available in Transport, with his Cabinet colleagues, found good times rather than when a drought is a way round it by the Treasury's subsidising on top of us. It is common knowledge that the Department of Transport for the con­ during a drought the price of lucerne hay­ cessions granted to those who are drought­ I shall deal with lucerne hay as that is the stricken. Today it is customary to transport main source of fodder available-soars to fodder by road instead of rail, and I believe £40, £50, and even £60 or £70 a ton. I that some concession should be given. Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 101

I listened to the hon. member for Gregory at least Social Services take care of them making a plea to the Minister for Transport, when they are unemployed. The man on and I listened also to the hon. member for the land who is unemployed cannot leave his Mackenzie this morning when he directed property in drought time because he has to to the Minister for Transport notice of a try to keep his stock alive, but he is debarred question concerning the movement of from receiving Social Service benefits. I drought-stricken stock. I shall listen with think that is a matter that should be looked interest to the Minister's reply tomorrow into by the Federal Government. Where it morning. I believe that the same con­ can be established that the man on the land cessions should apply to the transport of cannot leave his property because he has drought-stricken stock. After all, but for stock to look after and he has no income, the drought they would not have to be I believe that, like a person who is unem­ moved. When people are stricken by drought ployed, he should be entitled to receive conditions, they want transport as cheap as Social Service benefits. they can possibly get it. Mr. R. Jones: Like the unemployed, he Mr. R. Jones: They want rail concessions should be subject to a means test. during times of drought but they won't use Mr. SULLIVAN: If one looks at the bank the railway in times of prosperity. accounts of some of these people after the Mr. SULLIVAN: The hon. member has drought, I am sure they will qualify to the missed my main point. I am putting up a same extent as some unemployed people. case for the reduction of road transport Mr. R. Jones: That would be very interest­ fees in a time of drought to assist these ing to see. people. The hon. member for Gregory indicated whilst making his plea that the Mr. SULLIVAN: If money were made Railway Department cannot shift the stock available to induce primary producers to for nine weeks, and in that time the stock provide storage space and store fodder during will die. It is appreciated that drought times of plenty, I think this woulrl; play a conditions and the movement of stock may big part in stabilising the lucerne mdustry. have overtaxed the faciHties of the Railway In parts of Queensland where water is avail­ Department. However, if the railways able for irrigation, men on the land make cannot handle the stock, road transport their livelihood by growing lucerne, and I hauliers are not operating in opposition and believe that the industry could be stabilised therefore there should not be any road if more schemes of this type were established. tax. Today stock are being sold or moved I have talked this over with men who are for agistment purposes. The other day I engaged in growing lucerne. They have told sp_oke to one man who was trying to keep me that if they could get a guaranteed price alive 350 head of cattle on roads 1t chains of about £8 or £10 a ton all the year round wide in the area outside Kingaroy. He told for all the lucerne they can grow, they would me what it would cost to transport them be very happy. I spoke to one young man to three or four places where there was a in my area recently-in his case it would be little feed available. The Government dry farming-who is on what is regarded as could well assist him and others like him some of our best wheat country-the hay­ by not imposing road tax on the movement stack scrub-and he told me that if he could of drought-stricken stock. After all the get £10 a ton for his lucerne all the year lifting of road tax at 1td. a ton-mile ~ould round it would be just as remunerative as reduce the freight rate in the case of a wheat-growing. I am trying to arouse the 12-ton semi-trailer from Ss. to 6s. 6d. a interest of owners of stock in the area in mile, which would mean a considerable utilising their own country for the growing saving. of grain and fodder crops for their stock and also entering into contracts with men who Mr. Thackeray: There is no relief for the grow lucerne. unemployed. Of course, it is no use our talking about Mr. SULLIVAN: The hon. member can storing fodder unless the storage facilities speak about that if he wishes. I am speak­ are available. As we know, hay sheds and ing about relief for people who may not grain sheds are fairly costly to construct, and be unemployed but who nevertheless are some of the people on the land who have not making any money. They are not been hit very hard by the drought will need making any money, and they are losing it assistance in this direction. I should say every time a beast dies. Is the hon. member that the ones who will need assistance most in favour of assisting the man on the land will be those who can least afford to make or is he not? ' provision for storage. If the Government can Mr. Thackeray: The man on the land devise a scheme of finance over a long period should be able to assist himself. with fairly easy interest payments, I believe it will prove to be a really good investment. Mr. SULLIVAN: If the hon. member was I understand that in Canada the Govern­ in favour of assisting him, he would make ment lends money to farmers for the pro­ an interjection that might assist me in some vision of fodder storage over a 20-year period way. at 3 per cent. interest. Some may say that People who are unemployed receive Social is a very low interest rate. I suppose it is Service benefits. I have every sympathy and by today's standards, but apparently the respect for people who are unemployed, but Government there realises that whilst it may 102 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply be giving something away for 3 per cent., efforts. I am sincere when I say that we in assisting people in primary industry it is shall be sorry to lose both those members benefiting the country's economy and it is a next year. fairly good investment. I feel that, perhaps through the medium of the Commonwealth Although relatively few members have Development Bank and the Agricultural spoken today, we have had some fairly Bank, an approach at Premier level should be constructive speeches. The last one, by the made to the Commonwealth Government to hon. member for Condamine, was rather make funds available for this purpose. dry; nevertheless, it was very interesting. Although I think he should have been more As I mentioned earlier, we in the Country critical of the Government's attitude towards Party are vitally interested in this matter. helping the man on the land through drought I am not saying that Opposition members are relief, I believe he was sincere. I do not not interested in the affairs of the man on praise the hon. member very often but I the land. I think they are, but it is natural believe that credit i'S due to him on this that Country Party members, who have set occasion. up this committee, should have done every­ Like my Leader, I am disappointed that thing possible. I have a document here of Sir Henry Abel Smith is leaving us. To use recommendations that we make, in our case an Australianism, I would say that he is a to our own Leader and Premier, Mr. Nicklin. good bloke. He is a good mixer, one who Other members may do the same thing, in can speak with people in all walks of life. the State and in the Commonwealth, but I He has done a tremendous job for Queens­ believe that anything we do to induce people land, and he will do the same job for this to prepare for droughts must be started great State of ours by publicising it when he here and now. It has been said that gets back to England. people are apt to forget a drought very quickly after one or two good seasons. I Many subjects can be dealt with in the believe that is so. If we are to introduce Address-in-Reply debate. Indeed, many were any scheme that will induce farmers and covered in the Administrator's Opening graziers to do more to assist themselves, Speech. Today I wish to deal with some of by preparing for droughts, and thereby assist the very important matters that affect both the the economy of our country, now is the time State's economy and the people as a whole. to start, not after we have good seasonal I have put a lot of thought into what I am conditions when people are prone to forget going to say. It is what I might call a thesis the lessons they should have learned. on industrial relations between management and labour. This important subject was For that reason I believe that the drought touched on by the Administrator when he has perhaps been worthwhile, for want of a referred to various industrial disputes. A lot better expression. It is true that many people of study has gone into the preparation of on the land today have never experienced my speech and I believe that some good could a drought. It is 19 years since 1946. There emanate from it if all members of the Gov­ are many people with their own properties ernment would listen to what I have to say. who are in the 30 to 35 years-of-age group. I do not do it very often but I intend to read They were only boys and girls in 1946 and part of my speech on this occasion because I they have never experienced the ravages think this is a very important matter. of drought. Please God that they will not forget too quickly. Mr. Davies: You are quoting from copious notes? (Time expired.) Mr. BROMLEY: Yes. As the hon. member Mr. BROML!EY (Norman) (5.33 p.m.): The for Maryborough says, I am quoting from time a!lotted to us to speak on the Address copious notes. in Reply is, unfortunately, one of the very Most people today are, or should be, few opportunities we have to air almost concerned with industrial relations between any grievance. I say in all sincerity that management and labour. I say this because there should be many more occasions in the voting public consists of those in all walks Parliament when we, as members, can rise of life, such as owners, managers, foremen, and speak of matters affecting the welfare employees in all types of industry and profes­ of the State in general. Unfortunately we sions, and labour leaders in unions who, as have only two opportunities a year to do citizens, cast their votes and directly or so, namely, in the Address-in-Reply debate indirectly influence legislation of all kinds, and the Budget debate. and in doing so determine the administration Mr. Niddin: The Estimates allow pretty of such legiSlation. There must be understand­ wide scope, too. ing and wisdom between all those associated with the handling of this most important Mr. BROMLEY: To a certain extent, but aspect of our lives as this can, and does, affect one has to speak to the Estimates. One our political sphere and the economics of our cannot drift on to things that perhaps affect democratic nation. one's electorate particularly or the State in Labour issues, of course, are viewed differ­ general. We do have other opportunities, ently from opposing sides. Some may con­ but I believe we should have still more. demn unions and, in a weak attempt to I wish to pay my due respects to the bolster up their arguments, state that they mover and seconder of the Address-in-Reply curtail the freedom of the individual, are motion and to congratulate them on their responsible for wasteful inefficiency and Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 103

impede the rate of industrial progress. This, I sections of industry which I have represented state most emphatically, is a wrong attitude than by the other method of arbitration. and does harm to industrial relations and is The present-day court arbitration is, in fact, an insult to working people. Others-! am too slow a procedure. among them--commend the unions for intro­ ducing more and more democracy and justice Here, I wish to make a comparison with for the workers in their dealings with the a section of the Act in Queensland concerning employer, and commend them for increasing the Industrial Commission with the law in employee security against arbitrary decisions America; not that the law of that country is by management and their endeavours to altogether perfect in many respects, but there secure better conditions and social welfare are portions which are an improvement on activities and general all-round benefits. those existing on the scene in Australia. I quote verbatim from the Act in Queensland- There are, of course, pressure groups on "Provided that any bonus payment both sides. This we cannot deny. Business provided for by an Award or industrial associations, on the one hand, strive to make agreement in force immediately prior to higher profits by endeavouring to force the the commencement of this Act (1961) shall workers to a greater productivity and thereby continue in force until the circumstances obtain what they consider to be greater value in which it was awarded shall have so for their capital outlay and achieve a better altered as to require the reduction or profit pattern; whilst unions, on the other abrogation thereof and the Commission hand, encourage a fair day's work for a shall have jurisdiction from time to time fair day's pay and, in turn, strive to eliminate to reduce such bonus payments or to slavery with the ultimate purpose of abrogate them accordingly."- securing for their members a more equitable share of the ever-increasing margins of profit No indication or direction for the Commission enjoyed by the employers. This, of course, to increase bonus payments is contained in is their right and they should not be the Act. I believe it is shocking legis­ completely denied. lation that gives the court or the commission power to reduce the bonus or to eliminate Unfortunately, perhaps, industrial relations it altogether. It is one-sided legislation. It are inseparable from human re·lations and is most unfair and I often wonder how unreal there are many involvements. Most persons, a Government can get when that sort of I believe, whatever their position in society, legislation is on its Statute Book. Further­ are honest and sincere and yet their behaviour more, the Act indicates that subject to the at times is extraordinary and often irrational power of the commission to reduce bonus where money or conditions are concerned. payments, the question of bonus payments is The worker has only his skill and labour to to be a matter of and for negotiation offer and surely it is his inherent right to be between employer and employees, or-and able to withdraw this labour if his working which is the same-the industrial unions conditions are in danger of deteriorating or representing their members. Although a his demands or appeals for a greater share commissioner is to be made available for of profits produced by his own skill arc mediation or conciliation, only at the request completely ignored and Governments, even of both parties, no advice is indicated as to in a democracy, continue to include harsh the manner of negotiations. Summed up, it penal clauses in their legislation. It appears obviously means that if the employer did not to me that more and more employers are agree to an increase in bonuses the meeting now believing that bargaining processes, would be abortive and the aggrieved parties­ which we can describe as round-table this naturally being the unions representing conferences, are producing better results for the employees-would have no further right all concerned and furthermore, that by to seek a just increase. agreeing eventually, if not gracefully, to a better wage structure, they will and do enjoy What a democratic Government we have­ better industrial harmony and, in a short ! don't think! Just imagine the worker having no other redress to seek justifiable means of time, greater profits, because they realise that sharing the profits brought about by his own the worker spends his earnings on things he labour, and yet on the other hand the needs for his and his family's comfort, Government has legislated to give itself the thereby putting more money into circulation. right to force men to work and, through this This does not mean to say that I do not legislation, also the power to deprive the agree with arbitration and the system as we worker of his hard-won birthright to with­ know it, but I do suggest strongly that whilst draw his own labour. the system of arbitration may not be out­ In America, the essentiality of the system moded, a complete inquiry and revision is the fact that the law-and this is import­ should be undertake'D. immediately. Perhaps ant-makes it mandatory for the employer I should say I believe in arbitration, but -in other words, it is a legal duty-to bar­ much more so in conciliation. The Queens­ gain with the union, and for the union to land Act is known as "The Industrial bargain with the employer. This bargain­ Conciliation and Arbitration Act of 1961". ing, of course, has to be in good faith. That There are, of course, regulations and rules means that all attend the bargaining table of court under this Act. I personally have with no fixed intention of not retreating from achieved more through conciliation with any pre-determined plan of action. However, employers and their representatives for even in America the worker by law still 104 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply retains the right to strike or withdraw his of workers for financial and social security, own labour. This, to my mind, is essentially and the development of codes and standards a freedom in any so-called democratic of a higher degree may be forthcoming in country. Again comparing this situation with the attitude of management towards labour. the Queensland Government amendments of I sincerely hope so because, if this is so, the the law in 1961, it shows that neither of these world will be by far a better place in which things is provided for. The employer is not to live. even bound to meet the union, let alone negotiate in good faith. With the advance and encroachment of technological machinery into our every-day Recalling the Mt. Isa dispute the mines lives, the length of the working day and the officials were willin~ to meet the' unions, but hours of the working week must be given stated that at no time would they be pre­ some considerable thought, as this must pared to increase the bonus payment. The affect workers and productivity. People in only section in the Act which gives the right all walks of life must eventually benefit, to strike is Section 98-which incidentally and consequently serious consideration must could be wiped out by an order of the com­ be given to discussions by and amongst all mission or a declaration of a state of emerg­ sections of industry so that these benefits ency by the Government-but in effect this will become an established reality. means nothing-that is, Section 98 means nothing-because of the very fact that it is From my studies during many years, I nullified by the conditions contained in the believe that the following points must be section. A good question in this case would made with regard to hours of work. The be: what chance has the worker got? longer the hours of work, the greater tends to be the amount of sickness, absenteeism, One method of improving management­ work injury, fatigue, and consequent defective labour relations could be introduced by case output. Perhaps one of the most important studies at certain firms by focusing attention factors with regard to continuity of working on these relations, studying in detail at the hours is monotonous repetitive work which same time effects on labour during tech­ inevitably quickens fatigue more than do nological change, wage and price relations, varying other types of occupation. Long and the harmony or otherwise of the com­ hours, too, are likely to cause ill-health and munications between both parties. I would reduce the length of a working man's life. further recommend first-hand experience of Furthermore-and this is not desired by those engaged in those case studies by a spell the worker or the employer-increased in the workings of both industrial manage­ absenteeism (or "taking a sickie", as it is ment and, of course, participation in the commonly described), accompanying longer actual manual side of the industry concerned. hours of work also arises from insufficient Those reports and conclusions would be time off to attend to personal matters. On reliable and of considerable value to all the other hand, during times when job concerned. opportunities are limited, insecurity of employment also has adverse psychological The role of trade unions is an important effects that manifest themselves immediately one, and trade unions represent an inter­ or later in life. Extended unemployment mediary or instrument for meeting most of may impair morale, skills, working habits, the economic, political, social, and psycho­ and even family and social life. logical problems of large-scale industry, machine technology, and of the automobile Where better conditions, including industry assembly-line production. As well increased wages, are concerned, there is a they are a means of achieving the desires and percentage of people who subscribe to the the goals of the majority of the people, the theory that increases in wages are of no workers of the nation. They protect the real benefit because prices of commodities workers' rights and are a powerful voice in rise out of proportion. This is so where the protection of workers from arbitrary and monopolies exist, and particularly so where unfair treatment in employment. Further­ restrictive trade practices flourish, and it is more, official union positions, which are open up to the Government of the day to keep to all members, carry a sense of responsi­ a firm control, to prevent price-fixing by bility and prestige for all conscientious private industry, and to institute price control members. Loyal members of unions who on essential foodstuffs and necessary com­ take an active interest in the welfare of their modities used in every-day life. Without this fellow men must inevitably feel a sense of watch-dog of control, the worker becomes self-respect and pride when better conditions steeped in debt and hire-purchase commit­ are won by their efforts. A feeling of pride ments. Actually, as a definite matter of and dignity must fill the mind of a good fact, applications for wage increases usually unionist when he knows that he does not are the result of price increases, and chasing have to rely on the employers' largess in these increases in the prices of consumer voluntarily granting an objective which products becomes a vicious circle which anyway is not normally handed to him on a very often leads to nowhere. silver platter. It has been proved many times that a The strength and bargaining power of a general wage increase does not, as some trade union is a great influence on the manufacturers claim, increase the cost of decisions of management and whilst neither production, since-and this is very true­ side gives in easily, I feel the trend today is the worker, whether male or female, becomes for more employers to recognise the need more efficient when better paid, better fed, Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 105 better clothed, and, because of an increase between workers and management. That in wages, often better housed. (That is, was a claim made by the Queensland of course, if he can get a house under the Employers' Federation, not by me. The administration of this Government!) As has Queensland Chamber of Manufactures said been stated, the prices of many goods are that the Queensland Government has shown fixed at extremely high figures by monopolies, an astonishing and dangerous lack of leader­ and profits are thereby not affected by ship in its handling of the industrial situation. increases in wages. One sees this by the In the "Telegraph" of Saturday, 21 August huge discounts that are often offered on this year, Mr. John Eddy, who is a very certain articles, particularly in the field of knowledgeable man in the field of economics, electrical goods, and the manufacturers and under the heading "All did good job for retailers must rub their hands with glee year", said- at the gullibility of some of the buying public. However, excessive profit-making "Australian workers turned in a good is not completely bound up with industrial performance in the year to June 30, judg­ relations but is a feature of negotiations ing from the national income and pro­ when the consideration of "ability to pay" duction accounts presented with this week's by the employer is under discussion. Federal Budget." Security in the immediate future, and in He goes on to say that the gross national the years to come during retirement, is production has increased tremendously-in always uppermost in the minds of the ordin­ fact, by 9 per cent. In spite of this, mem­ ary people, and since the establishment of bers of the Liberal Party tell us that the the Labour movement this has been the workers of Queensland always want to loaf goal of those who work for the betterment and go on strike. of their fellows. Organised labour has Mr. Davies: A few of the companies were strongly supported legislative measures to managed by rogues, judging by their record protect workers and their families from over the past few years. victimisation, unemployment, sickness, accidents, old age, and poverty caused by Mr. BROMLEY: Yes. It is a very sorry the death of the breadwinner. With the state of affairs. average life expectation increasing, govern­ ments, management and labour must enter Industrial relations are very important, into general agreement for the security of and the Government must do something to families and, because of the increasing intru­ preserve the welfare of the workers. If it sion of automation into our lives and the does not, all sections of the community, inevitable shortening of the working week, from the teenagers to the pensioners, will together with the increased need for skilled revolt. I give that word of warning to the labour due to technological advance, special Government because I believe that if the thought will have to be given to those who workers are given a fair spin, they will are least able to bear the burden of early give a fair spin in exchange. Everyone retirement. They are the unskilled who are knows that, and no-one knows it better than generally classed within the low income the hon. member for Ithaca, Mr. Windsor, bracket and who consequently have not been who is an employer. Every good employer able to prepare for early retrenchment. knows thaJt if he treats his workers fairly and gives them an extra £1 a week, he will Finally, harmonious industrial relations benefit indirectly. The workers will spend depend on the success of the parties con­ the money and his business and the business cerned in meeting with one another and of many other employers will benefit directly, setting out their problems clearly and con­ and in the long run the coffers of the cisely, with no evidence of prejudicial bias Federal Government will benefit, too, from on either side. It is not denied that manage­ increased taxation. ment and labour have their own viewpoints and problems and that each has the right Mr. Windsor: An employer would be a to consider its own interests, and much will fool if he did anything to prejudice his depend on the skill with which each repre­ workers in any way. sentative presents his case as to the eventual success or otherwise in the final summing Mr. BROMLEY: Unfortunately, in the up. Mutual understanding leads to greater past there have not been very many good respect, and greater respect between manage­ employers; but I believe that today employers -the hon. member for Ithaca is one of ment and labour is a worth-while achieve­ them-are cognizant of the fact that there ment in the final analysis. must be more co-operation between the employer and his employees and that each I believe that if some cognisance is taken of them must have a better understanding of the remarks that I have made, in the of the other's point of view. long run both the workers and management will benefit. It was after reading an article [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.J headed "Weakness seen in our arbitration system" in the Press that I decided to speak Mr. BROMLEY: There are many points on the subject of industrial relations. It in the Administrator's Opening Speech on has also been stated in the Press that the which we could speak. One of the matters Government has a babes-in-the-wood he mentioned was tourism, which brings me attitude to industrial matters and differences to a suggestion that I wish to make to the 106 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Government. It is in relation to wharfing are going on in various harbours and in facilities for tourists, which to my mind is places where large oil ships enter the State. very important. Dredging is going on in the electorate the Premier represents, at Caloundra. The I have here various newspaper cuttings, the Government is undertaking an extensive first of which is from the "Telegraph" of dredging scheme there. 12 August, 1965. Under the heading "Drab View Awaits 1100 Ship Tourists", it says- Mr. Nicklin: Mooloolabah. "A shipload of 1100 tourists will arrive Mr. BROMLEY: Caloundra. What are in Brisbane on Saturday to a cheerless row some of the university people doing? of tin sheds and mobile cranes." Mr. Nicklin: They are doing a test for the The article speaks of the uninspiring Cairn­ local authority. cross dry dock and the fact that Hamilton wharf is a picture of functional efficiency Mr. BROMLEY: This is at Caloundra. and that there are only galvanised iron buildings there to greet the tourist. It goes Mr. Nickiin: Caloundra. on to say that outside the wharf gates the Mr. BROMLEY: I am glad that we agree. tourist disembarking from the ship will be It is not very often we do agree. A man spoke approximately one mile from the nearest to me the other day about the Premier's public transport and has nothing to greet his retirement. I said, "Perhaps the Premier will eye except a dirty road and cheerless retire; nevertheless he is not a bad sort of buildings. chap. When he does retire there will be a Under the heading "Shed Berths scramble for his position. Who is going to get 'Uninspiring' ", the "Telegraph" of 14 August, it, I don't know." Reverting to the speech of 1965, reports that one tourist said- the Leader of the Oppositon, I would suggest that as the Premier is getting on in years, "In Auckland there is a two-storey although he does not show it, he would make concrete terminal. You can park your car an excellent Governor. on top of the terminal or even sit in the car and wave to your friends as they I do not want to digress from my sugges­ come in or go." tion about the construction of a wharf at Mowbray Park. One does not need a great That is just as the Liberal Party and the deal of imagination to realise what a wonder­ Country Party are waving goodbye to some ful view would tle provided for tourists. All of their friends from the House. the facilities are already there for tourists to visit the environs of the city. Although I do I refer now to "The Sunday Mail" of not know how long we will have them, the 15 August, in which the heading is "Tourists trams now pass the park. Ample buses serve get a Smoky Welcome". the area. There are cab ranks in the vicinity Mr. Duggan: This is more for the Budget, and Park Road would lead right to the wharf. of course. At each end of Mowbray Park ferries operate a service across the river. In their transporta­ Mr. BROMLEY: As the Leader of the tion survey Wilbur Smith and Associates Opposition says, these are the sort of things visualise a bridge across the river at that one can discuss on the Budget. I wanted point. It would be an ideal place to build a to raise this matter on the Appropriation wharf. If tourists did not want to go far from Bill but I did not get an opportunity. In their ship they could stretch their legs in that view of the importance of tourism and the beautiful park. fact that we are trying to foster it, or so Mr. Ramsden: An ideal place for a tunnel. the Government says, we should be prepared to spend money on the facilities that tourists Mr. BROMLEY: The hon. member for are entitled to. Obviously the Government Merthyr would have to come in with his is not doing enough because it appears to tunnel. He seizes every opportunity to do so. be afraid to spend money on these things. He may as well bury himself in his tunnel because there is no chance of his getting it. I suggest to the Government that consideration be given to building a special Mr. Lloyd: There is very strong opposition wharf for tourists. It may be said that there for his seat this time, too. is no suitable locality for the erection of such a wharf. I am suggesting a wharf for tourists Mr. BROMLEY: I doubt that the hon. only. Anybody who knows East Brisbane member for Merthyr will be endorsed this will know of Mowbray Park. Whilst I am time. They will do the Peter Connolly act not advocating, or even suggesting, any again, as organised by Clive Hughes. He alienation of park lands, I believe that the will probably be the instigator of it, but I expanse of park land known as Mowbray will have more to say about that later on. Park, which has a very wide frontage to the Nobody can deny Queensland's tourist Brisbane River, would be ideal for this attractions. Possibly this State has the greatest purpose. The Treasurer, who is in the tourist potential in the Commonwealth. Apart Chamber, might interject that the depth of from the ideal weather, which is possibly the the river there is not sufficient for ships to best in the world, we have many natural navigate but the Administrator spoke of beauty spots. I hope that serious considera­ extensive dredging that is being undertaken tion will be given to building a wharf where throughout the State. Dredging operations I suggest. There is a tremendous length of Address in Reply [24 AuGUST] Address in Reply 107 river frontage in that area. At least there is Mirani and Ithaca, who respectively moved merit in nw suggestion and I leave it for the and seconded the motion for the adoption of consideration of the House. the Address in Reply. Each of the hon. members, at completely different ends of their I now turn to what I consider is a matter of political careers, addressed himself to the great concern to every member of Parliament debate in a manner that we should be very and every parent or other citizen associated proud of when thanking His Excellency the with Parents and Citizens' Associations. Administrator for the way in which he opened Unfortunately, I have not sufficient time to Parliament. deal fully with the matter but I wish to say something about the important subject of I will always remember the hand of friend­ subsidies. I am referring now to subsidies ship which the hon. member for Ithaca paid by the Government to schools. Through­ extended to me when I first came to this out the State there are some very large House not very long ago. I greatly appreci­ schools and some very small ones and it is ated that friendship and, having met the the small schools with small attendances, and hon. member for Mirani, I believe we are consequently a limited number of parents to very lucky that Tom Newbery has seen fit form a Parents and Citizens' Association, with to put himself at the disposal of his electors which I am most concerned. I do not wish to as a member of this Parliament. We will be parochial about this but I have three benefit from the experience he has gained schools in my electorate with very small throughout his life, and I feel that we will be enrolments. The Buranda Boys' School has much richer for his friendship. We can look about 150 children enrolled and the Buranda forward to a very worth-while sojourn in Girls and Infants' School has a slightly larger this House by the hon. member for Mirani. enrolment. I also have the Narbethong school We will learn a lot from him and should be for the visually handicapped, with an enrol­ appreciative of his wisdom. ment of 78. Quite a few of the children attending the Narbethong school are boarders We have all gained experience in the last so hon. members can well understand the very 12 months from the situation which has hard job we have to raise finance in the small existed in Queensland. We have not schools when we have only a limited number encountered such a situation previously. of parents on the Parents and Citizens' Water storage is valuable to both the primary Association. When all is said and done the producer and secondary industry. We have Parents and Citizens' Association is only a seen, and are still seeing in the greater collecting body for the Government. It does portion of our State, the spectacle of dimin­ not have enough say in the running of the ished water supplies. This is affecting the school. The associations, so far as the Gov­ inland industries and primary industries of ernment is concerned, exist only to raise this State. The surface water is not able finance to save the Government money in to carry the stock in some areas of the providing things that are necessary for the State, and the stock have to be shifted. schools. Many small industries are handicapped because the surface waters on which they Mr. Hughes: That is a shocking miscon­ rely are no longer available or are becoming ception of community service. very short. Mr. !5ROMlLJEY: As a matter of fact, the The figures relating to the initial use that hon. member who has interjected should be was made of the large storage facilities that at a school meeting tonight. He is the Govern­ have been provided in the State could be ment appointee to the school to which I have interpreted a'S disappointing. But we must just referred and he has not yet attended a remember that those figures were produced meeting there. I have not missed one. We have about 12 months ago when the major schemes to raise at least £2,000 a year for this school. were comparatively new, and there had not It used to be known as the State School for been sufficient time for the industries and the Blind but it is now the school for the personnel in those districts to adjust them­ visually handicapped. I repeat that we have selves industry-wise and capital-wise so as to raise £2,000 a year to give the children at to make fuli use of the water that wa8 the school what should be theirs by right. We available. They were making a living from have to pay large sums of money for various those industries long before the dams were things which the Government should provide. constructed, and they could not adjust them­ I know that the Government cannot provide all selves overnight. In the last 12 months that is necessary for all schools. However, our thinking has matured on the use and we have a school with only 70 to 78 pupils, value of the few storage facilities that we with a small Parents and Citizens' Associa­ have in the State which have water in them tion. The Minister for Education appointed at present. They have proved an invaluable two Government representatives, both from asset in the areas which benefit from them. another electorate-one of them a political We must also agree that they are certainly opportunist-without even consulting me, inadequate for what we envi'Sage as the although I represent the electorate. ultimate usage, that is a permanent water (Time expired.) supply for the State of Queensland, and we have a great deal more to do in that Mr. CORY (Warwick) (7.28 p.m.): I have regard. I think it will also be agreed that great pleasure in taking the opportunity to the storage now available and in use has join in this debate and also to extend my been of very great service, and I think the congratulations to the hon. members for drought has indicated what can be done by 108 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

water conservation and has inspired greater gratitude to the people who have battled and enthusiasm to provide further water storage worked hard in these industries over many in places that have not so far benefited. years. It is over 12 months since I urged the It is important that all our industries building of stage 2 of the Leslie Dam. I did should be active, virile and expanding, that in all sincerity because I felt it wise because this will encourage new industries and prudent to procee-d with this construction. in the area and raise production generally. Regardless of what was said then, my Let us encourage the people and do every­ advocacy of this additional work has been thing we possibly can to assist them to vindicated by the lessons learnt in the last overcome their problems. I might mention 12 months. It must be remembered that at particularly the freight handicap of our that stage it was not easy to get maximum inland industries. We must not forget this, guarantees for the amount of water that and we must strive to find a way of over­ would be used for irrigation purposes. The coming their difficulties or at least alleviating drought of the last 12 months has, however, them. proved that this water will be used Land and water are the basis of pro­ when its use becomes economic. I again duction, and I should like to refer now to emphatically urge proceeding with stage 2 the valuation of land. We should not allow of the dam, especially in the light of the our thinking to be influenced too much by information and knowledge gained in the last the word "potential". We must understand 12 months. the meaning of the word and never dis­ It must be remembered that the life blood regard it, but we must not value on potential of a country is its production, and I think and we must not tax on potential. It the basis of production in rural industries is costs a great deal of money and a lot of their water supply. It is also over 12 months hard work over many years to realise the ago that I indicated the great need for a potential of land and achieve satisfactory permanent water supply throughout the produotivity. I think we should acknow­ highly fertile and irrigable land upstream ledge this by not valuing or taxing on from the Leslie Dam along the Condamine potential. Anyone who has made full use River and its tributaries. Permanent water of the potential of his land has done a very is needed for the land that extends down good job and should have a few years' to where water from the Leslie Dam will be respite from the attention of the tax available. Not a very great distance is gatherer. In my opinion, the Crown should involved, and the area is a very important have only one taxing authority for this one, including four or five creeks that are purpose. I know there has been argument tributaries of the Condamine River. All are over the length and breadth of Queensland joined by large areas of alluvial fiats and as to which raxing authority should be used, quite a considerable area is available and but this does not seem to me to be the very suitable for irrigation if only water correct approach. People are inclined to could be made available. At present, when favour a particular valuing authority because water is most needed it is not available. Here its valuations are lower than the valuations of another authority, not because they think again this need has been brou.ght home it is the best valuing authority for the area within the last 12 months, as well as in other or because it has arrived at its valuations years. The problem is right on our plate at correctly. I suggest that it should not be present. a taxing authority. It has also been shown in the last 12 Mr. Tucl,er: Which one do you suggest? months that not only people on the land but those engaged in industries are ready and Mr. CORY: I am not suggesting either able to make full use of any water that they one or the other, but I feel it should be one are able to get. I should like to mention, who is not associated with another depart­ too, that the Minister for Conservation, Hon. ment or the taxing authority. It should be H. Richter, and the Commissioner of staffed by expert men whom we have in the Irrigation and Water Supply, Mr. Haigh, have State, operating within our departments as shown genuine interest and co-operation in the professional valuing authority for the this matter, and I am very pleased to say Crown. I question that the Crown should that they desire to help wherever they can. be able to arrive at two totally different A scheme such as the one under considera­ values. tion will be invaluable in stimulating activity Mr. Bennett: Would you say it should be in new industries, and here I say that the Valuer-General? industries must be based either at the source of production or the source of supply. We Mr. CORY: It might well be the Valuer­ must strive to make our area a source of General but, as I say, the criticism I have supply of commodities that can readily be heard in this regard is based mostly on made use of by expanding industries. This whether or not it is the higher or the lower will be a great stimulant to existing value, not on whether it is the right valuing industries because it will give them enthusiasm authority. I feel that we should be a little to increase production and to increase the bit open on the subject and available for dis­ variety and quality of the goods that they cussion with the experts. I think we should produce. It will also enable us to show our seek some advice as to how best this could be Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 109 done. I do not think we should be arbitrary Many comparable sales could be very close that either one or the other would be the to the mark so that a fair and reasonable right one but it should be only one because value could be put upon land, but so many the State's land, in the eyes of the Crown, anomalies can creep in and make this method should have only one value. of assessing land values too inaccurate to be good enough. Consideration is given to the Another point I should like to stress is price that a prudent purchaser might pay. that no land should be so small in turnover Here again we find weaknesses because of as to become an uneconomic unit. By the interpretation of a "prudent person". A "uneconomic unit", I mean one that cannot very successful medical man with a lot of cope with and service the debt which it is money might be interested in buying land. reasonable to expect would be incurred in He might buy land in a certain area at what the normal course of development. A certain could be regarded as a very high price. debt, no doubt, will be incurred in the pur­ No-one could suggest that he was not a chase, but for the development and expan, prudent person. He would have already sion of an industry further money has to proved himself to be prudent in his profes­ be borrowed. We must strive for produc­ sional life. The fact that he pays an exces­ tion in an industry. Whether it be a farm, sive amount for a piece of land is no justifica­ a business or a factory, it must be big tion for penalising other people who earn enough to be able to service the debt their entire living from the land. In my which it incurred in the expansion and nor­ opinion the wrong formula is being used at mal development of the business. There­ the present time. Valuations should be based fore, in terms of land, I think we must on the earning capacity of the land, taking define a very fair area to give the person into account its use-whether it carries so many sheep to the acre, for instance, or sufficient area to enable him to handle the whether it is agricultural land. situation, service the debt, and be able to make use of the potential about which I I instance another disadvantage in using have already spoken. comparable sales. People who have spent most of their lives working very hard in the Mr. Hanlon: It is easier to do that with West may wish to come closer to the coast. leasehold than with freehold, is it not, for Perhaps they desire to settle on the Downs. rating capacity? If they have worked hard to earn money in the West I do not begrudge them the right Mr. CORY: Yes. I should say that the to buy such land at whatever price they have Crown has the greatest say in arriving at the to pay, but why should the industries within area of a leasehold. Let us base the the area in which they purchase be penalised minimum on a person who has sufficient because of the high purchase price? Another enterprise-be he farmer or otherwise-to person who might be justified in paying a little make enough money to cope with what he bit extra for land is the adjoining landholder. He can afford to pay more for an adjoining would normally need on our present standard area because he does not need to purchase of living to make a go of it and to service any further machinery to work it. At the the debt. same time he realises that if he does not Mr. H:mlon: Under freehold, the Crown purchase the land when it is available, some­ cannot help him in the same way as it one else may buy it and it may never again become available in his lifetime. could with leasehold. Mr. Walsh: The valuer would take that Mr. CORY: But the Crown is vital in into consideration. helping him to go ahead. Mr. CORY: He is supposed to take a lot We must also remember that today we of these things into consideration but all too are different in our economy because the often they are given but little consideration. purchase of the land and the stock, if we If the formula were right he would not have take the two together, is now much smaller to take them into consideration. The average than the purchase price of a going concern. landlord does not want the worry and con­ It is a much smaller percentage. I think we cern of going to court to arrive at the correct must always realise that a large proportion value and it should not be necessary for him of the purchase price of an enterprise as a to do so. It should be done in the normal going concern is taken up in plant and course of business with the department and machinery, which was not the case some the landlord co-operating. years ago. This being so, I think we settle We must remember that in our State graz­ for a situation in which few properties­ ing and agricultural lands there has been a certainly in the smaller areas of the State­ great depletion in fertility. We are on the earn what is considered a fair interest on threshold of a reasonably large fertilising investment on city standards. I should say programme in Queensland. I know that on that in the smaller, more settled areas of my own property, and on those adjoining the State a big percentage of people are me, in the last few years the stocking rate living on depreciation rather than the profits has dropped and the productivity of the derived from their land. Our values must land has been reduced. In the agricultural be tied to the earning capacity of the land, section the only reason productivity has been not merely based on comparable sales as maintained-not improved-is that better they are under the present formula. machinery has become available and we have 110 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

the added advantage of improved species of the matter discussed with them. Negotiations plant. The cost of overcoming the decline should take place and finality reached at the in nutrition is very great. There are no earliest possible stage. There are cases short cuts to preventing ,the decline in where the matter drags on for a long time. nutrition. We must introduce either plant I know that could be the fault of the land­ fertiliser or chemical fertiliser if we are to holder. I admit that the procedure is maintain the productivity of areas which reasonably routine in that notices are served have been settled for many years. We must and the matter is fairly well explained. take some physical action quickly and we Whereas the owner of the land would might be surprised to know the number of encounter this problem probably only once places which have already started to do so. in his lifetime, the department which is I repeat that the cost involved is great and resuming the land meets it every day of the I believe that the value of the land should week. be related to this matter. I do not think it is asking or expecting I have no quarrel at all with the personnel too much that the initiative be taken by the who have to value Queensland. It does department in assisting the land-holder. I not really matter which department does the suggest the appointment of a liaison officer work. They are all experienced and com­ or public relations officer to meet these petent people and I am sure that they people. He need not be an engineer or a earnestly desire to do their very best in university graduate. All he needs to be is valuing the land and that they do the best a genuine fellow with a basic background possible job. However, I am sure that the of the workings and the pros and cons of wrong formula is at their disposal to help the Main Roads Department. He should be them arrive at a decision. Much is left the type of fellow who can approach to interpretation, and I repeat that the individual landholders on their properties on interpretation of a "prudent person" is too a man-to-man basis rather than on an official wide. I know people in my own district basis, which I think some technical officers who have bought land. No-one could say are inclined to do at present when dealing with that they are not prudent, but I say they landholders. I feel that the department paid too much for it. should give serious consideration to taking the initiative in this matter. Engineers are I should like to refer briefly to resumptions doing a very good job, and generally the by the Main Roads Department. The roads being constructed meet very much with appreciation of the community is readily our approval. There may be differences of forthcoming for the work being done by opinion at times but, as laymen, it is not our the department throughout Queensland and, job to criticise their work because they are without fear of contradiction, I say the experienced men doing their job to the department is working in all parts of the standards laid down by the department to be State. A very high appreciation is shown followed throughout the State. by the public for the quality and standard of road which is now recognised as necessary A man who can do this type of work wisely and we have now come to incorporate these and well is not necessarily, however, a public standards in our roads system. We realise, relations man. He may be or he may not be. too, that traffic is ever increasing and that Public relations men are born, and going to the standard of the roads must be improved school does not help a man to become to meet both increased traffic and the successful at this woi·k. District engineers, increased weight of vehicles on the road. and those above and below them, are doing I commend the department and the officers their jobs well, and I doubt whether they and engineers for the work being done. could reasonably be expected to spend a lot Probably no-one is opposed to the improve­ of time on this work. The fact that they are ment in standard or the principle of expected to do it could well be one reason straightening narrow, dangerous sections and why these things are inclined to lag from sharp corners. Wherever any roadworks time to time. Some suitable person should be take place a straighter alignment is surveyed, appointed to approach landholders and gain a deeper foundation is common practice, their confidence before construction of any and large areas of land have to be resumed. road gets under way. I might mention one case in which the first the man knew that a I criticise the lack of liaison in the resump­ road was going through his property was tion of land. I have yet to hear of a when he saw a man with a bagful of pegs go land-holder or citizen who is against the past his cow-yard. That did not impress him principle of what the Main Roads Depart­ very much. If someone had called on him ment is doing, but land-holders do like to and discussed his problems beforehand, I be put into the picture as to what is taking think a satisfactory basis could have been place and told how they can get fair and arrived at. just compensation. I am sure that the Main Roads Department would desire that. These people are not against the principle of what is being done and they are willing to I offer that criticism as a suggestion. I co-operate, but I do think someone should feel that is one matter in which the depart­ sort out their problems with them before the ment is not doing as much as it could. road construction begins. Do not wait too People own the land that is being resumed long to do this, and these lags will not be so and they earn a living from it. They deserve' bad. I say quite genuinely that these people in the planning stages, the courtesy of having are not antagonistic to what is being done; Address in Reply [24 AuousT] Address in Reply 111 they merely want to be put into the picture so Men on the land did not have any trouble that they know what is going on. They are making haystacks out in the paddocks then able to make any necessary arrangements then. I remember that on one place on in plenty of time without being faced with which I worked there were 10 or 12 acres problems when the job is well under way and of lucerne. We cut it twice a year and the inconvenience is on their shoulders. were able to make two good haystacks out of it. I agree with one hon. member opposite Mr. NEWTON (Belmont) (8.8 p.m.): Today who spoke this afternoon on the subject of we have listened to a number of contributions lucerne. I worked on the Darling Downs, from hon. members on the Government and there is no doubt that if you have a benches concerning the problems arising for flat piece of land 10 or 12 acres in area the State from the current drought. The along a creek, it is possible to grow very hon. member for Condamine asked by inter­ jection what was the feeling of the Australian good lucerne without irrigation. Labour Party towards this problem. I want to Mr. Cory: In a wet season. indicate tonight on behalf of that party that our feelings are the same as they have always Mr. NEWTON: Not only in a wet season; been on unemployment and droughts. We I have seen it grown in a reasonable season. have stated on many occasions that both are Of course, it poses problems in a dry very serious to the economy of the State. One season. does not have to be a member of the Country When I was working on the Darling Party or the Liberal Party to realise what a Downs, we used to cut the headlands serious effect they have. before the wheat was headed-in those days Mr. SULU:VAN: I rise to a point of order. the headers were pulled by 10 or 12 horses I have been accused by the hon. member for in a team, with pulley blocks and chains­ Belmont of saying something by way of and often we made haystacks out of the interjection. Actually, I was speaking, and wheat that we cut in that way. I have even the hon. member for Rockhampton North helped to stack Sudan grass on the Darling interjected. I did not think that he displayed Downs to provide fodder for drought the feelings of his party at all; he seemed to periods. I do not see why these things convey to me that he had no feelings what­ cannot be done today by the man on the ever for the man on the land. land. Quite apart from what any Govern­ ment might do, he must do something to Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Hodges): assist himself to overcome his problems. Order! It is my intention to take advantage of Mr. NEWTON: I was in no way reflecting this debate, as I have in the past, to speak on the hon. member for Condamine. I was on a number of matters affecting the Belmont indicating the feelings of the Australian electorate. Representations have been made Labour Party towards this problem. to the Government on these matters, but its response has not enabled the problems to be In my electorate I have quite a number solved. of small-crop farmers who have been affected by the drought. By good management, they I shall deal first with the serious problem of the increase in rent that has just been have made sure of an adequate water supply passed on by the Government to tenants by providing dams, wells, or bores, and of Housing Commission rental houses. I have come through the drought without great have very strong views on this subject, and difficulty. Of course, it must be remembered since 1960, when first I was elected to that Brisbane has been more fortunate than represent Belmont, I have spoken on it on other areas because it has had some good a number of occasions. Unfortunately, when downpours of rain. increases are made as they have been by the present Government, people do not I agree with previous speakers that the stop to think who does these things and, man on the land has a responsibility to as the member representing a particular area ensure that he makes hay while the sun one gets petitions from people in the area shines. I do not know whether men on the to do something on their behalf in the land now are different from those of 20 matter. I do not hesitate to say that imme­ years ago when I worked on the land. Quite diately this matter was drawn to my a lot has been said today about the trans­ attention I contacted the Press. In passing, port of baled fodder and the construction I must thank the Press for the wonderful of storage sheds, silos, and things of that job it did to assist me in publishing my nature to enable fodder to be stored to meet views. There may have been one or two situations such as the one we are now errors in the article that appeared in the facing. Press, apart from the letter received by Mr. Suilivan: How much a week did you tenants of the Queensland Housing Commis­ get when you were working on the land? sion. On this occasion the letter was very different from the one sent out in 1962. Mr. NEWTON: I worked seven days a At least it set out the formula laid down week, from 4 o'clock in the morning till in the 1956 agreement and showed how 7 o'clock at night, and I got 25s. a week. the increases were applied. Unfortunately, That was the best rate that any worker on the tenants of these State rental homes still the land got in those days. want a number of questions answered. 112 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

A similar position arose in 1962, when the for Housing had said that rents had been Opposition strongly attacked the Govern­ increased from ls. to Ss. 3d. a week, they ment for continually increasing the rents of followed the lead. They said, "If the Com­ Housing Commission homes. On that occa­ missioner is putting his rentals up, we are sion it was stated that the increases ranged going to put ours up." They have already from 2s. to 9s. 3d. a week, but summarising done that without hesitation. Where are the position one finds that, in the main, the we going to end up? The State basic wage increases were in the top bracket-7s. 3d., is £15 9s. The way Housing Commission Ss. 3d. or 9s. 3d. a week. On that occasion rentals are going one-third, of that amount we protested strongly and pointed out to will be absorbed in rent. Outside landlords the Government that something would have are taking half of it in rent, and before long to be done. Again we are quite openly it will be more. opposing the increase on the ground that I have here a letter that sums up the the formula laid down is unjust and attitude of tenants since they received the unwarranted, and is unfair to tenants of letter from the Housing Commission inform­ Housing Commission homes. ing them of the increased rentals from This Government has become noted for August. It states- repealing any legislation that has been in "We, the undersigned electors of Bel­ favour of the people of Queensland. It mont, request that you complain on our has either repealed such legislation alto­ behalf in the Parliament of Queensland gether or repealed certain sections of an about the latest increase in the rental of Act. But in this case there has been no our Housing Commission homes. This repealing of the formula that was laid down. increase takes effect from 2nd August, It has not been repealed by the Govern­ 1965, and is the second increase in three months, the last increase taking effect on ment because it is to the Government's 3rd May, 1965. It should be noted that advantage as it stands. in the past eight years, the rentals of these If one considers the reply given to the homes has risen by nearly 35 per cent. hon. member for Salisbury in 1962 by the "Due to general increases, not to any then Minister for Works and Housing, one special change in family circumstances, a can understand why the increase has been rent of £3 1s. 6d. in late 1957 now stands made. On that occasion the Minister said at £4 2s. 6d. when the latest increase takes that some comparison must be kept between effect in the first week of August. rents charged by the Housing Commission and those charged by landlords outside. The "It is obvious to tenants in these homes Minister indicated quite clearly then, and it that rates, cost of maintenance, wages or is evident now, that this Government is other expenses, have not, by any stretch of determined to maintain a close comparison the imagination, risen by nearly 35 per cent. in the last eight years. We feel that with the rents being charged by outside these increases are particularly unwar­ landlords. ranted in view of the unsatisfactory amount Representations made to me reveal that of maintenance which has been conducted outside houses are few in number and very on these homes, and the very unsatisfactory hard to get. Since World War ll houses and unhealthy drainage system which has have not been built by private people for to be endured by the tenants of these rental purposes. Today, in the main, the homes. rents being charged for these houses are "The system was introduced as an much higher than the houses are worth. emergency measure during the drastic hous­ People are paying from £6 10s. to £S 10s. ing shortage after the last war, but should a week. now be remedied without further expense Mr. Bromley: More than that. to the residents who have suffered it for so long. Even with every care taken, sump IVlr. NEWTON: I agree that there are water in certain types of allotments seeps cases in which more than that is being paid, into other people's yards and onto foot­ but I do not exaggerate in this House. paths, and some people even pay to have the sumps attended to by persons with the There is no doubt that at the present necessary equipment to deal with the moment the Queensland Housing Commission problem. is charging £4 to £6 a week rent for State rental homes. One has only to read the "The painting of these homes inside and report tabled in Parliament each year which out has been sadly neglected in many cases. gives a comparison of the rents under the Some of the homes have not been painted various agreements. It (;;reates a very diffi­ inside since they were built, and where cult position when there is no rent control there is a fibro roof, there is sometimes in this State. Every three years and in mildew and discoloration of the ceilings between times when the houses are being and walls due to dampness and other reallotted to new tenants rents are increased factors. by 10s. or 12s. 6d. a week. Landlords out­ "Although the houses were painted out­ side follow the lead. Once they read in the side about five years ago this painting was newspaper, as they did in the mid-day issue very badly done, and, without exaggera­ of the "Telegraph" after the letters had been tion, in a matter of months the paintwork sent out to the tenants, that the Minister on many of them was patchy and faded. Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 113

"In some homes, plaster is peeling from I come now to the prefabricated houses the ceiling, and one ceiling which began to which were purchased overseas and brought drop down from faulty construction was to Queensland. constantly reported and did have some Mr. Hughes: What a scandal! work done on it, but has never been properly repaired although it has now been Mr. NEWTON: I am not going to talk in that state for years. about the scandal side of it. I just want "The inferior type of electric stove in to indicate to the House the present con­ use in these homes is a source of resent­ dition of those prefabricated houses. Last ment to the women. They are a very week I asked the Minister a question about unusual make, slow heating, almost impos­ maintenance. I am sure that the cost of sible to regulate, in constant need of adjust­ maintenance of these houses vitally influ­ ment and repairs, and undoubtedly contri­ ences the overall maintenance costs because bute to a very high consumption of elec­ of the experience I have had with Housing tricity, which increases the financial burden Commission rental projects. We are con­ on the tenant. tinually replacing leaking fibro and tiled roofs on these houses. The Minister knows "It is felt that it could be in the best quite well that I have made numerous interests of the tenants and the Housing representations for re-roofing these houses. Commission themselves to install a more The same applies to the joinery. The back modern and better type of stove in these and front porches and steps have had to homes. be replaced. When a tenant moves out of "It would be appreciated if you would one of these houses a carpenter is there for make personal representations to the two or three days with a list of jobs to be Minister responsible for these matters to done. If you saw them being erected I try and influence him into providing am sure you would agree, Mr. Acting better stoves for the tenants, at no further Speaker, that it was quite evident from the expense to the tenants, in view of what type of construction that they would last we consider the continual unwarranted no longer than 10 or 15 years. If we cast increases in rent. This particular matter our minds back to when they were brought concerning electric stoves could be handled to the State we realise that time has either during the formal protest in Parlia­ passed. I do not say it is a scandal and I ment about the other matters or separately, am not criticising anybody because they according to your own personal discretion were brought in only as a stopgap measure and experience in these matters." to overcome a problem which was rife at the time. They could never stand up as Mr. Hughes: If you tossed the people out long as our Queensland timber homes, of those homes you would have 100 waiting although prefabricated schools brought here to go in. and erected by our own men in their own way are still standing very well today. On Mr. NEWTON: This matter has been behalf of the people of Queensland I must raised by a number of housewives in the raise some form of protest in this matter. Belmont electorate. They have taken around It is possible that the Housing Estimates a petition to get it signed. It is all very well will be debated later this year and I shall for the hon. member for Kurilpa to inter­ leave further comment on the subject until ject. If anyone wants to interject while then. I am speaking I would prefer that the hon. The Government has endeavoured to member for Kurilpa does so. When I spoke streamline the education system in this State. some time ago about the high cost of meat It started at the primary level, then went he told us what to do then-to live on to the secondary level, and it is now in dehydration. He is now saying that if we the technical sphere. The Government is toss the people out of Housing Commission faced with the fact that it has created a homes we will get other people to move in. serious position. I shall deal only with my That is quite true. However, if we are own electorate in order to show what has getting rent from people for Housing Com­ happened. I asked a question in the House mission homes let us at least do something this morning. If I had the answer in in return for the increases which are being front of me it would be of advantage, but applied regularly. I am not very worried about that. What is happening in my electorate is happening Mr. Bjellre-Petersen: You don't imagine in other areas. Because of the change in that we are making a profit out of them? the secondary syllabus, under which classes leave primary schools earlier than they did Mr. NEWTON: I do not imagine that at under the Scholarship system, the whole of all, but if we are to continue along this the work force was needed to provide new line where will we end up? The letter secondary schools and additional accom­ that I read covers many of the problems in modation in the metropolitan area and these houses and it remains unanswered. I possibly throughout the rest of the State. want the Government to give serious con­ The position is quite serious in the metro­ sideration to this. We will have to give it politan area. consideration, as in the next 12 months My electorate has grown by 4,000 to 5,000 we could become the Government of the people since it was formed in 1960. Rapid State. development is taking place. By the time 114 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply the next election is held I would not be Road, and this land would make an excellent surprised if the enrolment is up 6,000 on site for a university. There would be no the 1960 figures. It is difficult to get new trouble in purchasing 200 or 300 acres for primary schools built and additional class­ university purposes in that area. I think it room accommodation. would be ideally situated from the point of Time and time again I have asked for a view of transport. new school in Wondall Road. I also asked During the passage of Appropriation Bill for a new school in Mt. Gravatt South. No. I, the Leader of the Opposition referred After talking myself hoarse on a number of occasions I was able to convince the to the report furnished by Wilbur Smith and Government that that school was warranted. Associates on Brisbane's traffic problems. I, It has only been in existence a short time, in common with the Leader of the Opposition, but already three new classrooms are am concerned that nothing has been done required. It is no use waiting for the debate about providing for future transport in the on the Estimates to raise these matters. metropolitan area. In recent weeks state­ Representations have already been made. ments have been made about our great elec­ Other schools in my electorate are in a tricity undertakings and their ability to pro­ similar position. vide all the power needed in this State. A new classroom is needed at the Mt. Nothing has been done, however, about the Petrie State Schoo.J. A temporary classroom electrification of railways in the metropolitan has been erected under the school, which area. The Minister for Transport indicated was built during World War Il. The con­ his concern because nothing was mentioned in crete under the school is not level; it follows the report about this problem. He has the fall of the ground and falls about I stated on other occasions that by 1980 there foot in the width of the school. People will have to be an electrification scheme in talk about togetherness. At this school, a the metropolitan area. pair of kids using a two-child desk are together, the books are together, and every­ It seems to me that I980 is far too late thing else is together. These things may be to wait to see what is to be done in this acceptable for a few months, but temporary matter. There is at present a railway line accommodation gets to the stage of becoming passing through the centre of the city to "temporary permanent" accommodation. the boundaries of the metropolitan area, and a start should be made on providing an A similar position exists at Belmont. electrified ring-rail service right round the Although we were successful in obtaining a metropolitan area. This could easily be done. new school, the same situation applies there. There was at one time a railway line, which An administration block is required. Last has now been closed, extending from South year, right at the peak of the Christmas Brisbane to Belmont. There is still a large holidays, the Education Department called area of land through which this railway tenders for the shifting of a wing of three passed and which could be acquired more classrooms to the Manly West school. No easily now than in years to come. It would contractors were interested at that time be easy later to convert it to an underground because of the high cost of recalling men from railway similar to the one in New South leave to do the work. The tenders submitted Wales. The line branched off at Norman were too high and the job was not done. Park and went through Seven Hills. It could Two temporary classrooms were provided be taken through Camp Hill and Mayfield under that school. They are stili there today, to Carina and Relmont, from Belmont to and this school will need additional class­ Upper Mt. Gravatt, and then round the rooms next year. back to join the existing line at Rocklea. In Teachers and children have so far put up this way the whole of the South Brisbane area with this type of accommodation, and an could be ringed. Development would soon earlier start should be made in the works follow the resumption of land by the Govern­ programme to ensure that accommodation is ment for an electrified railway system in ready for the beginning of the 1966 school the metropolitan area. year. In the whole matter of providing I have yet to see a transport system better classroom accommodation, work has started than that provided by the electric trains in too late in the year. New South Wales. To go 20 miles in Whilst on the question of classroom accom­ Queensland by train-from South Brisbane modation, much has been said about providing to Cleveland, say-would take just over an a new university in Brisbane. In deciding hour. In Sydney, in an electric train, it the site for it, I think that the south side would take under 20 minutes to cover the should be given some consideration. Because same distance. If the Government provides of the Government's legislation and the a faster and better system of transport such throwing open of the Brisbane meat market as this, the public will use it. to private abattoirs, land wiii be available I ask the Government to give serious in the Creek Road area. There are quite a consideration to my suggestion when it is number of cattle-resting paddocks covering considering the provision of new highways acres and acres of ground in Creek Road and byways and bridges in the metropolitan between Old Cleveland Road and Logan area, because I believe that, no matter what Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply ll5

happens, one day the Government of bit lax in order to raise a grievance. On Queensland will have to face up to over­ some occasions I have got away with it coming the transport problems of this city. myself. At present no-one seems to know where he is going. There is no co-ordination between Mr. Nicklin interjected. the railway service provided by the State Government and the tram and bus services Mr. NEWTON: We must get in wherever provided by the Brisbane City Council. I we can if we have a problem. Once the do not hesitate to say that I believe the open debates are concluded we have to get solution to the problem lies in the Govern­ these things before the Government some­ ment's taking over the whole transport system how, either by a question or in the manner in the metropolitan area, as the Government I have indicated. I agree with the hon. of New South Wales has done in Sydney. member for Norman that there should be some other way of attacking a problem once Finally, I wish to deal with the question of these two debates are concluded. Members the transport of children to schools in country find themselves here for the months of areas. There seems to be a great deal of September, October, November and Decem­ discontent now with the amounts being paid ber confined to debating Bills with no further by the Department of Education to people open debate offering a chance to raise prob­ running these transport services. According lems, not only those affecting one's own to letters I have received, in some instances electorate but those that concern people children are being transported from 10 miles throughout the State. to 40 miles, and it is evident that the problem is acute. The people running the services are Mr. McKECHNIE (Carnarvon) (8.48 p.m.): seeking to join the bus proprietors' organisa­ In supporting the Address in Reply to the tion in order to get protection for themselves Administrator's Opening Speech may I con­ and a just return for the services that they gratulate Mr. Newbery, the new member are providing. They may be able to do for Mirani, on his maiden speech and wish this, but a person in a country area who him well in the House. My good friend transports children in his own motor truck Bob Windsor, the hon. member for Ithaca, or motor-car is not getting the remuneration in seconding the Address-in-Reply motion, that he should be getting and may find has commenced his last session in this himself very much out of pocket. The House. I trust he will be spared for many Department of Education deals with the years to enjoy his retirement in the State matter at the moment, but a system may have that he has made so much richer by his to be introduced in co-operation with the inventive mind. Transport Department to make sure that May I also take this opportunity to people in country areas get a fair and just reaffirm my constituents' loyalty to Her return for the services they are providing. Majesty the Queen and to express our regard Only recently I read that something like 50 for Her Majesty's representative in Queens­ or 60 schools have been closed on the land and our regret that we will soon be Darling Downs alone. Wherever schools are losing Sir Henry and Lady May. closed the children must be transported to a Fortunately for Queensland, we have had larger school in the area. I am in complete a period of excellent government and wonder­ agreement with the system; I think it is ful development that has placed us in a a move in the right direction because where sound position. they are transported to a central school in Mr. R. Jones: Whereabouts? the area their chances must be improved since they have more and better teachers to teach Mr. McKECHNIE: Throughout the State. them. Conditions are entirely different from those in the old one-teacher schools. Mr. R. Jones: Not in the North. I feel that the matters I have raised Mr. McKECHNIE: Despite the fact that tonight are matters that should be raised in we have been, and still are, experiencing this type of debate. There was a slight the worst drought in the State's history. argument this afternoon between the hon. Tonight I want to speak of the drought, member for Norman and the Premier as to of what we have learned from it, and of how these matters can be raised in debate. how we must stop future droughts from Mr. Niddin: We did not have an argument creating the loss, despair and destruction at all. that has been and is still evident in this one. In Northern New South Wales and Mr. NEWTON: There was some debate Southern Queensland we have been facing on our rights in raising these matters. Put the worst drought in white man's history. it that way. The hon. member for Norman So far as the inland areas are concerned, spoke the truth in saying that we only get it is still continuing and could become the chance to raise these general matters in even fiercer. I shall quote a few figures the Address-in-Reply and Budget debates. to back up that statement. Almost eight In the Supply debate one can speak only months of this year have gone by. I have on the Estimates affecting the department the official figures of the post office at under consideration. Outside of that one Goondiwindi. For the almost eight months has to take a risk on Mr. Speaker being a from 1 January, 1965 to today, 24 August, 116 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY) Address in Reply

the total rainfall has been only 469 points causing a shortage of concentrates and so on 31 wet days, an average of 15 points forth. The fact that the roughage has not per fall, which is almost ineffectual. In survived has been a big problem. two-thirds of the year only about one-fifth of the normal rainfall has fallen. This is Mr. Davies: What makes you think you are less rain than fell in what has been regarded worth more than the members of the Opposi­ as Australia's worst drought, namely, the tion from the point of view of salary? drought of 1902. Mr. McKECHNIE: If the hon. member However, rather than dwell on our mis­ wishes to raise this question, I believe that fortunes let us take a look at the lessons to be ,a Government member has much more learnt and plan to meet future droughts. Let responsibility than an Opposition member. us compare the cost of this drought to the He has to help frame the laws of the State Treasury of Queensland with the cost of and shoulder much more responsibility. Be droughts in the last 10 years. In 1946 the has to assist his Minister as well as defend assistance for drought relief from the Queens­ him, consequently a Government member has land Treasury amounted to £377,760; in the a much greater responsibility than an drought of 1951 it amounted to £261,678; in Opposition member, who can just blow 1957, when there was quite a severe little blithely through. drought, it was £368,012; in 1960 it was £84,848, or a total of £1,092,298 by way of Returning to the matter I was dealing with, drought relief cost to the Queensland Treasury I was saying that the droughts of the future over that 10-year period. Let us look at the will be more severe. I had made the point present drought. Up to the present date, at that we now have more intense land usage, the very least it has cost the Queensland which will consequently create a greater Treasury £1,500,000, or at least 1t times as likelihood of droughts. In the horticultural much as four previous droughts. It has industry the tendency has been to plant trees certainly cost the State Government a lot of closer to defeat cost in the industry, but money. once trees are moved closer together water has to be provided more often than when Mr. R. Jones: What did it learn from the they are spread out, and dependent only on four previous droughts? You said it should rainfall. With improved pasture there will learn something. be a greater risk because of the very fact of the higher nutrient; they will be grazed Mr. McKECHNIE: I will come to that. right off. With the greater use of irrigation Quite a few concessions have been provided the temptation is to have a greater turnoff on during the present drought. The hon. member crop-fattening and irrigated pastures rather for Condamine has covered most of them than storing the fodder produced on those already and I will not reiterate them except areas. As a result, people have a much to say that at first concessional road tax was greater return per acre, even with grazing granted on sorghum stubble, peanut animals, and they are not conserving as much hay, etc., from the central areas to as they could. By using more machinery a the South, and, as hon. members know, greater indebtedness is created, which the 3d. a ton road tax has now reduces the fluid assets that a landowner may been waived on all drought fodders. Of have to use in drought time. As the course, in the last few months those fodders population increases the better lands are used have been coming mainly from South Aus­ for the more productive crops of fruit and tralia, Victoria and the southern regions of vegetables, and grains and cereals. Grazing New South Wales. Although fodders in those animals are continually being pushed up into areas have been costing only £10 to £12 a the hilly or rough country, which is another ton they have been costing about £40 or £50 reason why droughts will be more severe in a ton landed in Southern Queensland. future. As the years go by, droughts will become The rising cost of land in itself is a worse because of the increasing investment complementary factor. People are paying in rural industries, which has been dictated by more for land and have to get more out of the rapid growth of the Australian economy, it, particularly if they are working on and which would be matched by an increasing borrowed money, so they are more inclined measure of risk. Whereas the 1946-47 drought was estimated to cost the nation some to take risks and have less to put into £300,000.000 in all aspects, including loss of conservation. exports, it is forecast that the present drought In the present drought there has been a will be far heavier than that for the nation great loss of stock and assets, and horrible as a whole. mental suffering by the producers them­ Why will droughts of the future be more selves. I believe that an owner of stock has severe? Firstly, we are making more intensive some moral responsibility for the life of the use of the land. In other words, the country stock that he entrusts to his care. When has been more highly developed. It is carry­ running stock, I believe there is some obliga­ ing more stock with a greater turnoff to the tion other than financial to see that they acre. Consequently, the roughage that was have reasonable conditions. I should hate there in former years is now non-existent. In to see again the suffering which has been so many instances the present drought has been much in evidence throughout the present essentially a roughage drought, as well as year. The loss to the economy generally has Address in Reply (24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 117

been so serious that it has worried secondary gested in some quarters that a double industry financially. As hon. members are taxation deduction be granted for water all aware, 80 per cent. of our export income conservation and fodder conservation, as is is obtained from primary industry. This 80 done in the case of secondary firms advertis­ per cent. is the lifeblood of the secondary ing Australian products overseas. The Com­ industries for use in importing their needs monwealth Government will have to consider of heavy machinery, or whatever else they providing financial assistance with long-term require. I feel that the people as a whole, repayments at lower rates of interest. whether urban or rural, are more concerned I feel that in the case of some land-holders, by this drought than any previous one. particularly small ones who are in destitute As a primary producer I agree with the circumstances, Social Service provisions could hon. member for Belmont that essentially well apply. This raises some difficulties, but it is a matter of self-help. I feel that any in some cases I think their total indebtedness man on the land must essentially look to would exceed in value their total assets. These himself to preserve his future. I shall enlarge people are still carrying on in an attempt to on that later. For the moment I should salvage something from the wreckage of the like to outline the way our Governments, drought. I really feel that these people could both State and Federal, may be able to help be assisted by Social Service provisions. us in the future. I feel also that quite a lot could be done First, we must herd a larger portion for the country trader. There is no doubt that of our national income into the conservation some people with small stores in country of water and the provision of large dams. areas have been so badly hit by the drought I do not intend to elaborate greatly on that they need assistance just as much as the that point in this debate, but it will alleviate primary producers. My sympathy goes out to the ravages of drought in many ways. The them because they endeavoured to help others growing of cotton will provide cotton-seed through what was at first a dry spell, and they meal, which is the best source of raw have now become engulfed in ever-increasing protein outside meat. In some ways it is expenditure caused by the drought. I have easier to feed, because it is a vegetable protein great sympathy for the small storekeepers in and not an animal protein. country towns, as they have struggled and With big water schemes we are in a fought to help primary producers. position where we can get fresh green Where the drought has been most severe, lucerne during the actual drought. As hon. unemployment grants could be granted to members would know, that is worth much shires. more than long-stored dry fodders. It pro­ vides the necessary vitamin A and gives a Another thing that would help to conserve fillip to the animal at a time when it needs fodder would be the waiving by the Com­ it most and helps it digest the other forms monwealth Government of death duties on of feed. conserved fodder. It must be a horrible thought for a man who has conserved £5,000 The second way the Government can help or £10,000 worth of fodder to know in his is by providing long-term finance at a reason­ later years that when he dies duty will have able rate of interest as was originally envis­ to be oaid on the value of the fodder set aside aged by the Commonwealth Development to figlit drought. If death duties and probate Bank of Australia. I think that is most were waived on conserved fodder, encourage­ essential and we will have to see that more ment would be given to men in their later is done in that regard. years to conserve more of it. In Queensland the Department of Irriga­ Mr. Bennett: The Government is going to tion and Water Supply has been doing a very good job under the Farm Water Supplies introduce a Bill during this session to make Assistance Act. In 1959 only £5,020 was probate more severe. spent under that Act. Each year the amount Mr. McKECHNIE: I am referring purely has risen. In 1960 it was £76,000, in 1961 to stored fodder. it was £165,000, in 1962 it was £245,000, and it kept rising until, in the year ended So far I have been speaking mainly of ways 30 June last, it was £391,806. I do not in which the Government could assist, encour­ know the actual number who took advantage age, and induce people to help themselves. of it, but a large number did take advantage Turning to more direct self-help by land­ of the technical services of the department owners, the first lesson learnt from the and a lesser number took advantage of the drought is that water must be conserved. I finance. The mere fact that it rose from am proud of my constituents in the Granite £5,020 in 1959 to £391,806 in 1965 illus­ Belt for the wonderful upsurge of dam­ trates the need for, and the use made of, building that has gone on in the last 12 this money. If we take the value of the months. When flying over the area before various dams designed and assisted by the the recent rains one could see new dams Department of Irrigation and Water Supply, everywhere. Some were built under the farm we find that it is much greater than the water supply scheme, some by technical assist­ amount advanced from Government sources. ance received from the Department of Irriga­ tion and Water Supply, and others on the It is necessary that the Commonwealth growers' own initiative and with their own Government should give greater inducement finance. Fortunately, good rain fell in that for the storage of fodder. It has been sug- end of the electorate, and most of the dams 118 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

are now full. There are some quite large use of wheat. Some owners of stock dams, such as that of Harslett Bros. at would be frightened to use it; but Amiens with a capacity of 30,000,000 gallons; the departmental officers have taught us to that of Mr. 0. Catterin at Amiens of use it, and at present wheat is being used 1,500,000 gallons; Sonego Bros., of 7,000,000 at the rate of 150,000 bushels a week in gallons; and others of 3,500,000 gallons and southern Queensland and northern New 1,000,000 gallons. Further west, in the trap­ South Wales. Wherever silos are erected in rock country towards Inglewood, some large the marginal wheat areas, it will be of assist­ dams have been constructed to the extent of ance to have stores of wheat. In the Goondi­ 25,700,000 gallons and 10,500,000 gallons for windi area we are very fortunate that a the irrigation of pastures and the watering of 300,000-bushel multi-bin silo is being erected, stock. and we already have a 100,000-bushel bulk One thing I should like to mention is that shed. On the marginal areas, where stock and the department will give assistance whole­ crops meet, it should be of great assistance heartedly if it is 100 per cent. sure that the in future droughts if the Wheat Board can dam will be successful. I cannot say that I be induced to hold feed wheat at the far blame it, because although the department is terminals until late in the season. For not responsible financially, its reputation is at example if the wheat is taken off in stake. Although dam sites are plentiful in the Novemb'er or December and not shifted to Granite Belt, the material to build the dams the seaboard till the following September or is in rather short supply in some instances. October a new crop will then be in sight If departmental officers were prepared to take and the' worst of the drought probably will a little more risk when the owner was pre­ be over. If it is not over, the wheat will pared to take it, I believe that more dams be there on the job. This would provide could be built in the area. drought storage, without any cost to the nation, the State, or the individual, merely Returning for a moment to assistance from by rearranging our wheat stocks. the Government, I think that underground water surveys such as those that have been Another matter that is receiving attention carried out in parts of New South Wales is the forced sale of stock because of drought. would be worth a great deal to the State. I Quite a number of people have had to sell understand that down on the Macquarie River breeding cows worth £30, £40, or even £50 or the Lachlan River alluvial water has been a head, for £15 or £20 a head in some found at a depth of 1,000 feet and that up cases. However that is much preferable to to 100,000 gallons an hour is being obtained allowing them t~ die. The owner is getting from one of the bores and there are others £20 of that money back and it is helping of a like nature. There have been some good our abattoir economy. The same thing schemes in Queensland for reticulating water applies to shearing twice in the one financial for stock, and I think they could be encour­ year because of drought. Many men have aged further. been forced to shear for eight or nine months' wool and they have consequently Growers should be encouraged to store fod­ had two clips in the one year, but I am der in good years-_when I say "good years", sure there will be a sympathetic response I mean good financmlly and seasonally-and from the Federal Government in that regard. I think the Railway Department could assist here by encouraging owners of stock to trans­ When discussing the Meat Industry Bill port fodder in good years at concessional here recently some people were concerned rates. that we micrht have excess killing space. In this drom!ht we have had a shortage of kill­ Mr. Hewitt: The Commonwealth Govern­ ing space throughout the State. I admit ment could do it by taxation. these are abnormal times but if we have a Mr. McKECHNllE: Yes. little bit of killing space up our sleeves in these times we will help our position There is another method that could be of considerably. assistance in some cases, although I am not very enamoured of it. If a man cannot get I appreciate the research that the fodder in a particular year, he should have C.S.I.R.O. has done and particularly that the right to lodge £1,000, or whatever sum done by our own Department of Primary might be suggested, with the Federal Industries. I mentioned earlier that these Treasury. It could then be deducted from men have taught us how to use wheat. I his taxable income in that year and treated give them fulf credit for that. It was the as income in the year in which he buys fod­ department that taught us. As a rule I am der. It would have only limited application inclinf>d. to be a little sceptical about the -I do not think it would apply to many department teaching us, but in this case people-but it could be of some assistance. thar is what happened. We have been The hon. member for Condamine said that feeding for eight months. lucerne hay is the basis of drought feeding. Mr. Newton interjected. I do not quite agree with him on that point, because officers of the Department of Primary Mr. McKECHNIE: Grain is much Industries have proved to us-we have had cheaper than lucerne hay, particularly when wonderful assistance from them, particularly long hanlage is involved, but the food con­ from men such as Jim Arbuckle in tent in the wheat is much greater. Unfor­ Toowoomba-that we can make good tunately, if you feed for a long period the Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 119 animal gets a tucked-up, kangaroo look. Mr. McKECHNIE: It is not extravagance. That is why we have been bringing fodders The value of paying out money to make from South Australia, Victoria and southern a saving is not as appar.ent as paying New South Wales, at very high cost, to fill out money to get a direct return. We these stock up. have had a run of good years. It is much easier to go along in that way. Growing Mr. Bennett: Why didn't you go to the fodder on irrigation is not easy. I have Atherton Tablelands for feed? not done much of it but I have watched people irrigate their crops, and it is arduous Mr. McKECHNIE: Because Forbes and work. Pike's Creek dam on the Border the Riverina are much closer. We are Rivers has been under consideration by this trying to keep the stock alive. We are Government for quite a long time. The making an earnest endeavour to help our dams presently under construction represent State by the cheapest means possible. There 70 per cent. of the total irrigation water of is nothing greater than our desire to keep Queensland. Had we had them completed, these animals alive, even if it costs their possibly we would have saved their cost value. twice over. The Lower Yellowstone project in North Dakota and Montana is so success­ We appreciate the work of the university. ful that from 1940 to 1948 Federal tax On 24 September we will have the pleasure revenues were double the total Government of seeing the Premier open a veterinary investment in building the dams. In other clinic for the University of Queensland at words, in eight years the Government Goondiwindi. I appreciate the university's obtained double the cost. Surely that was setting up that veterinary clinic. Not only a good investment. will it take the final-year veterinary students If we had more dams of the type envisaged out and give them practical experience in on Pike's Creek we would be in a much that area but it will be a great help to the better position. We have a wonderful set-up country districts that these boys with there. We have the necessary irrigation inquiring minds are finishing their training know-how. I am quite confident that we there. They will also be taught about have the support of this Government to internal and external parasite control, par­ proceed with that dam. We are endeavour­ ticularly such minute pests as lice in cattle, ing to get New South Wales to come in which hitherto have been regarded as of with us but I do not know the position not much consequence but which in this in New South Wales at the present time. drought have had quite an effect on the I hope to speak at a later s.tage in the strength of cattle by their blood-sucking session on that subject. I certainly hope activities. that we can get the co-operation of the In conclusion, I should like to turn to New South Wales Government, because the-- extreme southern Queensland and extreme northern New South Wales can miss the Mr. Davies: Tell us one thing. northern monsoons and the southern winter rains as they move up. In most years we Mr. McKECHNIE: What is it? get a good season from the overlap of the Mr. Davies: Do you consider that Liberal two systems but that region is highly members. are worth as much as Country vulnerable, as is illustrated at the moment. Party members? It is the worst spot in the State. I hope to see the completion of that dam, which will Mr. McKECHNIE: I agree with the hon. irrigate the areas that are possibly the most member for Maryborough. susceptible to drought in the two States. They are carrying a lot of stock. As it To illustrate how it does pay to conserve is in close proximity it has been the source fodder on the farms, when this drought first of supply for much of the beef for southern started I thought, as a stock-owner, that I Queensland, the Brisbane market, the was fairly safe. I was wrong. The fodder norvhern New South Wales market and the that I had on hand I valued at £3,000, Sydney market. There is no doubt that which is what it cost me. Since I have throughout this area there is a big flow been buying in fodder I have spent £4,000. of cattle south. Three weeks ago I flew The £3,000 of conserved fodder lasted to Murgon from where, much to my surprise, about 90 per cent. of the production exactly four times as long. of beef and pigmeats goes direct to the Mr. Duggan: Why is there a general reluct­ Sydney market. In the foreseeable future I ance in normal times for people to do what cannot see any recession in the meat industry. you did? We can sell, inside and outside Australia, all the beef we can produce. If we can Mr. McKECHNIE: Finance is one prob­ get these big schemes moving and get these lem. People are hesitant to spend money on pastures so that we may produce the cattle a long-term project that does not return there is an unlimited outlet for this type of any finance. Admittedly it saves their stock. beef. Mr. Duggan: If it is going to cost four Debate, on motion of Mr. Hanlon, times as much, it is not an extravagant adjourned. expenditure. The House adjourned at 9.27 p.m.