Opening of Session-Temporary Chairman-24 August, 1976 33

Tuesday, 24 August, 1976

Second Session of the Forty-fifth Parliament-Opening of Session-Assent to Bill- Temporary Chairmen of Committees-Death of T. S. Crawford, Q.C., a former Member of the Legislative Assembly-Death of M. S. Ruddock, M.Ec., a former Minister of the Crown-Oath of mation or Allegiance-The Ministry-State Dockyard, Newcastle (Ministerial Statement)-Leave of Absence-Petitions- Violence in Public Affairs (Urgency)-Questions without Notice-Law of Evidence Bill (pro ford) (fist reading)-Governor's Speech: Address in Reply (First Day's Debate).

SECOND SESSION OF THE FORTY-FIFTH PARLIAMENT The House met at noon, pursuant to the proclamation of His Excellency the Governor. Mr Speaker (The Hon. Lawrence Borthwick Kelly) took the chair. Mr Speaker offered the Prayer. The Clerk read the proclamation.

OPENING OF SESSION The Usher of the Black Rod, being admitted, delivered a message from His Excellency the Governor requesting the immediate attendance of this honourable House in the Legislative Council Chamber. The House went, and members having returned, [Mr Speaker left the chair at 12.52 p.m. The House resumed at 2.30 p.m.1

ASSENT TO BILL Royal assent to the following bill reported: Financial Agreement (Amendment) Bill

TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES Mr Speaker nominated the following members to act as Temporary Chairmen of Committees during the present session: James Arthur Clough, Esquire; Robert Bruce Duncan, Esquire; John Edward Hatton, Esquire; Keith O'Connell, Esquire; and Eric Daniel Ramsay, Esquire. 3 34 ASSEMBLY-Death of T. S. Crawford-Death of M. S. Ruddock

DEATH OF THOMAS SIMPSON CRAWFORD, Q.C., A FORMER MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Mr SPEAKER: It is with regret that I have to inform ,the House of the death of Thomas Simpson Crawford, Q.C., a former member of the Legislative Assembly, who represented the electorate of Marrickville from 1910 to 1917. On behalf of the House I have extended to the family of the late gentleman the deep sympathy of members of the Legislative Assembly h the loss they have sustained. Will honourable members pIease stand as a mark of respect. Members and officers of the House stood in their places.

DEATH OF MAXWELL STANLEY RUDDOCK, M.Ec., A FORMER MINISTER OF THE CROWN Mr WRAN (Bass Hill), Premier [2.33]: I move: That this House extends to Mrs Ruddock and family the deep sym- pathy of members of the Legislative Assembly in the loss sustained by the death of Maxwell Stanley Ruddock, M.Ec., a former Minister of the Crown. It is with regret that this House today marks the death of Max Ruddock. To Mrs Ruddock and her family I extend not only my own sympathies but also, I am sure, those of every honourable member. Max Ruddock was a respected member of this House for fourteen years and, as both a backbencher and a Minister of the Crown, he contributed much to the Parliament and to the State of New South Wales. Max Ruddock was born on 2nd January, 1914, in Marrickville. He was educated at Fort Street Boys High School and the University of Sydney, from which he graduated with a Master of Economics degree. He began his career as a teacher but continued his study of accountancy, which he completed in 1940. At his final examination Max Ruddock gained the highest marks in Australia. He served as an assistant to the late Sir Douglas Copland, then an economic adviser to the Prime Minister, John Curtin. In 1942, Mr Ruddock was appointed Commonwealth Deputy Commissioner of Prices, a position he held until 1948. Mr Ruddock entered practice as a public accountant in 1956, and from 19.59 until 1962 he was general secretary of the Wheat and Wool Growers' Association of New South Wales. During that time he was also secretary of the New South Wales Wheat Research Foundation and president of the Hornsby shire council. Mr Ruddock showed a lifelong interest in conservation and preservation of the natural environment. He was a trustee of Ku-ring-gai Chase and of Lane Cove River Park and was the founding president of the Elouera Bushland Natural Park, a position he held until his death. Max Ruddock entered the New South Wales Parliament as the member for The Hills in 1962, and successfully contested five elections. He was a member and eventually chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. He was a well-liked member who gained respect from both sides of the Chamber for his devotion and diligence. His appointment as Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer in January, 1975, was a recognition of his undoubted administrative and organizational ability. He was appointed to the difficult and trying portfolio of transport in October, 1975, and held this portfolio for three months. On 23rd January, 1976, he was re-appointed as Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer. While Mr Ruddock's professional ability earned him the respect of members, his personality earned him scores of Death of M. S. Ruddock-24 August, 1976 35 friends both inside and outside Parliament. He has been described as a thorough politician, and that is a description to which I subscribe. But, I go further and describe him as a fine man-a man who cared for his fellows and worked for their well-being. The name Ruddock is continuing in Parliament, through his son Philip, who is the member for the federal seat of Parramatta. Those who were close to Max Ruddock, and I refer to his immediate family, members of this House and the electors of The Hills, mourn his death. I extend to his widow, his son and twin daughters the sympathy we all feel for them. Sir ERIC WlLLIS (Earlwood), Leader of the Opposition 12.371: On behalf of the Opposition, particularly the Parliamentary Liberal Party, I join with the Premier in his tribute to the late Max Ruddock and convey to Mrs Ruddock and the members of heir family our deepest sympathy in the loss they have suffered. Mrs Ruddock and her two daughters are in the gallery today. Max Ruddock served in this Parliament for fourteen years, being first elected in 1962 as the member for the then newly created seat of The Hills. From the outset he left no one in doubt concerning his love of that district and his devotion to the people who lived there. In one of his first speeches he demonstrated his affection for what I might call the northwestern metropolitan rural fringe, when he began by saying, "I come from The Hills, the dress circle of Sydney". That summarized his view of his electorate and the people who lived there. In fact, Max Ruddock's devotion to his electorate during his years in this Parliament was but a continuation of the meritorious service he had given as a local citizen, actively involved in a number of local organizations and as a councillor of the Hornsby shire from 1954 to 1965, including a term as president of the shire in 1961, the year preceding his entry into Parliament. He was deeply concerned with the environment-using that term in its widest sense. He successfully fought the introduction of heavy industry into Thornleigh and oil drilling operations at Dural. However, his best remembered fight on this subject is no doubt the strenuous effort he put into opposing the proposed airport at Galston. All honourable members will recall the protest meetings Mr Ruddock organized at that time and the decisive success of the campaign he and others waged against the Whitlam Government's announced intention to build an international airport in what he regarded as the dress circle of Sydney. There is no doubt that Max Ruddock rendered sterling service to his constituents at all times. They all testify to that. No problem of his constituents was too small, no local issue too trivial to engage his attention and vigorous support. Though it was a rapidly growing area. Max Ruddock seemed to know everybody and know about their every problem. He set up an electorate office--long before such offices became general-so as to keep in clwer touch with his constituents. He was thus always available to his constituents: they knew where to find him and knew that he was always accessible to them. In his younger days, Max Ruddwk had a distinguished academic career, graduating from the University of Sydney, first as a bachelor of economics and later as a master of economics. This was during the depression years. Except for government intervention, it is quite possible that he would have followed an academic career. It is not generally known, but Max won a scholarship to Cambridge University to study for a doctorate in philosophy. However, because of the depression the Government of the day cut back its expenditure and, unfontunately, his scholarship was included in the cutback. Max then studied accountancy during his early days as a schoolteacher and again showed his academic skill by topping the final examination of the Australian Society of Accountants in 1940. Dyring World War I1 Mr Ruddock served as an 36 ASSEMBLY-Death of M. S. Ruddock assistant to the Commonwealth Prices Commissioner, the late Sir Douglas Copland, who must have also recognized his capacity, for in 1948 he was appointed Commonwealth Deputy Commissioner of Prices. It was in the 'fifties that I first met Max Ruddock, both in the Liberal Party and separately in his capacity as secretary of the United Farmers and Woolgrowers' Association where he enjoyed an enviable reputation for efficient administration. He was an active member of the Liberal Party's New South Wales council and of several of its policy committees. In these circumstances I first came to respect him as a forceful orator who always knew his subject and persevered with his viewpoint. It was not altogether surprising therefore that within a relatively short time he won preselection for the new seat that had been created in the area where he lived.

As I said earlier, Max Ruddock served for fourteen years as one of our colleagues in the Parliamentary Liberal Party. Everyone who knew him in Parliament admired his integrity and the determination with which he involved himself in many activities. He always had something to contribute to party or committee deliberations and, as we all know, he frequently made his voice heard quite loudly in this Chamber during debates on a great variety of subjects. As the Premier mentioned, Max Ruddock served as a member of Cabinet for a little more than fifteen months. As Minister for Revenue on two occasions, his knowledge and experience on economics and zccountancy proved invaluable to his Cabinet colleagues and his depart- mental advisers alike. Though his term as Minister for Transport was brief, he made his mark in that department also. For example, among a number of -decisions he made, he was responsible for such innovations as the free city bus service and the resumption of steam-hauled train tours. In each of his departments he was always keen to involve the community and constantly sought suggestions from the public and interested organizations for improvements in government administration. Throughout his political career, Max Ruddock was greatly helped by his wife Emmie, and also by his son Philip, and twin daughters, Jan and Sue. It was a common sight to see the whole Ruddock family turn up and participate in Liberal gatherings, especially if the venue was anywhere within-or within cooee of-The Hills electorate. I know it was a source of great pride and pleasure to Mr Ruddock to see his son fdlow him into a political career. As honourable members know, Philip Ruddock was elected as member for the federal electorate of Parramatta in 1973 and continues to hold that seat in the federal Parliament. I m~~stadd a word in respect of the efforts made by Max's wife during his long political career. She was not only his staunchest supporter; she also showed during the last State election campaign that she shared Max's fighting spirit and cheerfulness, notwithstanding obvious health handicaps. Max Ruddock took ill on Easter Saturday, two weeks before polling day. As a matter of fact I had been at Randwick races with him that afternoon and he collapsed that night. At first his illness was not thought to be serious, but over the next couple of weeks as his condition worsened Mrs Ruddock took over his entire burden of campaigning and never once showed anything but a cheerful and optimistic countenance during the remainder of the campaign.

It was this same spirit that probably motivated Max. His physical handicap was obvious to all, but his cheerful disposition, his determined nature, his high level of intellect and, above all, his delightful sense of humour carried him through a successful political career and, more important, earned for him the respect and admiration of all his fellows. He is sadly missed by all of his colleagues in the Liberal Party, both in Parliament and in the organization. Sir Eric Willis] Death of M. S. Ruddock-24 August, 1976 37

Mr COX (Auburn), Minister for Transport and Minister for Highways [2.45]: I join with the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition in extending sympathy to Mrs Ruddock, to her son and to her two daughters in their sad loss. During Max Ruddock's fourteen years in this House he established friendships with most of the members who are here today. Though he was Minister for Transport for only a short period of three months from October, 1975, the ministerial staff who served under him had a great respect for him and formed close friendships with him. As the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition have said, Max Ruddock served his electorate with great distinction. All honourable members know the work that he did for his con- stituents. He certainly served The Hills ele~toratewell. To his credit, he resisted changes that he felt would destroy the environment of the electorate. Max Ruddock was well liked by his constituents. I doubt whether many other honourable members have won the support in their electorates that Max Ruddock won. He looked after his electorate and reaped the rewards for doing so. He was well respected. To his wife, to his twin daughters and to his son I extend my sincere sympathy. Mr PUNCH (Gloucester), Leader of the Country Party [2.47]: On behalf of the members of the Country Party I wish to be associated with the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition and the Minister for Transport and Minister for Highways in paying respects to Max Ruddock. As has been said already, regardless of his political beliefs he earned the deep respect of members on both sides of the House. He was a tireless worker and was enthusiastic about a wide range of things. Many honourable members will recall the innovations he suggested at times. Once he said that many of the drought problems could be solved if the clippings from lawns mowed in Sydney were taken to the bush to feed stock. On another occasion he spoke of solving the problem of sewerage effluent in Sydney by piping it over the Blue Mountains and depositing it in the Bathurst electorate. He was always a thinker. If a problem confronted him, he would work towards a solution with great enthusiasm and come forward with ideas, some of which would work though others would not. At least he was trying all the time. Max Ruddock never ceased trying. That was shown clearly by his overcoming his physical handicap. At all times he triumphed over it. I am sure that that triumph was aided by the ready, willing and great assistance that he received from his wife and family at all times. He made a worthwhile contribution to this Chamber during the fourteen years he was here, first as a member of the Opposition, then as a member of the Government and later as a Minister of the Crown. His record is something of which his family should be proud. On behalf of members of the Country Party I join with those who have spoken already in conveying to Mrs Ruddock, her son and daughters our deepest sympathy in the loss of a most popular member. Mr CAMERON (Northcott) 12.481: I had the privilege of knowing Max Ruddock for many years before I entered the House in 1968. Since that time his political career and mine have been closely interwoven. When the electorate of Northcott was created in 1968 it was largely carved out of the previously widespread electorate of The Hills. At each of the successive two redistributions Max and I exchanged territory. Normally it was a case of Northcott absorbing areas that had previously been represented by Max in The Hills. Throughout my time in the Parlia- ment I have had the constant duty of striving to represent eleotors who had previously been represented by Max. I tried hard to give them the same sense of satisfaction that they received from having Max Ruddock as their member. That experience led me to form a conviction that I have held for many years: I know of no other parliamentarian who has fought for his electorate with greater tenacity than has Max Ruddock or who has identi6ed himself more emotionally or mohe completely with the strip of territory which it was his privilege to serve in this Parliament. 38 ASSEMBLY-Death of M. S. Ruddock

For some time my home was in Max's electorate and I had the privilege of voting for him. In the past few years, by one of those quirks of redistribution, his home was in my electorate and he had, I do not know whether it was the privilege, but he had the opportunity of voting for me, which I feel reasonably confident he exercised. I say sincerely to the House that Max was an inspiration to me in terms of his approach to local representation of an area. I do not pretend to have equalled his standards in that area. If I ever paused to calculate how many meetings we attended together or undertook the much more difficult task of assessing how many hours I spent listening to him speak-always with tremendous dedication and devotion to his area-it would be most instructive indeed. I share the sentiments that have been expressed to the House by the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition and the Minister for Transport and Minister for High- ways, in terms of the wonderful teamwork of the whole Ruddock family. Since Max's resignation and subsequent death, I have had the pfiivilege of looking after the electorate affairs of The Hills as the neighbouring member and I have gained still further insight into the manner in which the whole family is held in high regard within the area. All of these matters make it easy for me rto speak to the House with tremendous conviction, concerning the loss that has been sustained by the death of the Hon. Maxwell Stanley Ruddock. Mr J. A. CLOUGH (Eastwood) [2.53]: I join with the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Country Party and other honourable members in expressing condolence to Mrs Ruddock and her family in their bereavement. Max Ruddock and I served in neighbouring electorates in a very harmonious and co-operative manner. As befitted a good member of Parliament, his electorate and constituents were his first concern, and he will long be remembered by a legion of grateful friends and admirers for his genuine concern and intimate interest in many ways. Max Ruddock was a keen and skilful bowler. Recently at many bowling clubs I have heard warm tributes (to his cheery nature and prowess on the bowling green. It was gratifying to all who knew him that he should terminate an interesting and fruitful career as a Cabinet Minister. I know that the eleation of his only son, Philip, as member for Parramatta in the House of Representatives brought to him a considerable amount of justifiable pride and pleasure. Mr Speaker, I express to Mrs Emily Ruddock and her son and daughters deepest sympathy from my wife and imyself in their great sorrow. Mr ROZZOLI (Hawkesbury) [2.54]: I join other members of the House in paying tribute to Max Ruddock. Of the eleven members who represent electorates neighbouring the electorate of Hawkesbury, Max was probably the closest to myself. I had known him for a number of years and he gave me tremendous support at my by-election and election to this Parliament. In years gone by, Max was a resident of the Hawkesbury district. He; received part of his schooling at Windsor. He is well remem- bered by the people not only of Windsor but also of the Hawkesbury area generally. One of his daughters, Sue, married a local lad and I had the pleasure of retaining both her and her husband as members of one of my branches. Togatherwith several other honourable members I had the pleasure of assuming responsibility for part of the area that Max represented over the years. He left that area in excellent shape for me to take over. For many reasons I feel a strong attachment towards our departed colleague. I join in extending sympathy to Mrs Ruddock, her two daughters and her son Philip. Death of M. S. Ruddock-Oath-24 August, 1976 39

Max Ruddock and I shared a deep and sincere interest in the environment. Although over the past few years this subject has become important and oMen conten- tious, Max was one of the people who were in the forefront of showing concern for the environment before it was the political and community issue that it is today. His foresight and his ability to think ahead on this issue, as on many others, together with his concern for the people who surrounded him, dictated his interest in an area that is now emerging as one of general public interest.

During his time as Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer he faced a considerable barrage of criticism from many people in New South Wales, even those in his own electorate, on the subject of land tax. The criticism was directed not so much at Max personally but at the figure who represented what many people felt was an impost. In his true spirit of dedication towards the community that he represented and towards the other people of New South Wales, and notwithstanding the criticism that was levelled at him, he worked most assiduously and conscientiously towards relieving in part some of the burdens of land tax that they bore. As was typical of Max, when in the hot seat at that time he rose magnificently to the challenge before him and was responsible for bringing in some amendments which brought great and genuine relief to the people of New South Wales generally and in particular to those constituents whom he represented. As has been said already, the dedication of Max Ruddock to the electorate of The Hills was probably without parallel in this Parliament. I do not wish to imply that other members do not look to their electorates conscientiously, but Max's attitude towards his electorate was a particular and personal dedication without equal. His loss is much felt by the people of The Hills. His loss is much felt by many people in the Hawkesbury electorate, on whose behalf I extend sincere sympathy to the family of the late Max Ruddock. Max will long be remembered in this Parliament for one other outstanding feature which has been touched on by the Leader of the Opposition-his sense of humour. It is something of the measure of a man that he can enjoy a joke at his expense. Often Max was the centre of a humorous incident or quip in the House and he enjoyed the joke, whether it was for or against him, with equal delight. This is a wonderful tribute to a man who, in the midst of the most serious business of the Parliament and in the course of his dedicated application to his work, still had that warm sense of humour that endeared him to all of us.

Members and oficers of the House standing in their places, Motion agreed to.

OATH OR AFFIRMATION OF ALLEGIANCE Mr Speaker reported the receipt from His Excellency the Governor of a Commission authorizing him as Speaker to administer the oath or affirmation of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen required by law to be taken or made by members of the Assembly. Mr Speaker reported also the receipt from His Excellency the Governor of a Commission authorizing Thomas James Cahill, Esq., Chairman of Committees of the Legislative Assembly, in the absence of the Speaker, to administer to honourable members the oath or affirmation of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen required by law to be taken or made by members of the Assembly. 40 ASSEMBLY-The Ministry-Ministerial Statement

THE MINISTRY Mr WRAN: I desire to inform the House that on Monday, 9th August, 1976, His Excellency the Governor accepted the resignation of the Hon. David Paul Landa, LL.B., M.L.C., as Minister for Industrial Relations, the Hon. Henry Frederick Jensen, M.L.A., as Minister for Planning, and the Hon. William Frederick Crabtree, M.L.A., as Minister for Environment. On the same day His Excellency appointed the Hon. Patrick Darcy Hills, M.L.A., Minister for Mines and Minister for Energy as Minister for Industrial Relations also and the Hon. David Paul Landa, LL.B., M.L.C., Vice-President of the Executive Council, as Minister for Planning and Environment also. The Minister for Planning and Environment will be represented in this House by the Minister Assisting the Premier.

STATE DOCKYARD, NEWCASTLE Ministerial Statement Mr FERGUSON: I wish to make a ministerial statement on the future of the State Dockyard at Newcastle. Honourable members will be aware of the grave situation in which the dockyard has been placed following the federal Government's ship- building policies announced last Friday week. In a joint statement that day the federal Minister for Industry and Commerce, Senator Cotton, and the federal Minister for Transport announced a decision which, if not reversed, will destroy the dockyard as a shipbuilding enterprise. The decision to allow the Australian National Line to place orders overseas for four 15 000-tonne bulk carriers will mean the end for the shipbuilding industry in Australia. Unless this decision is reversed, the State Dockyard must commence a massive programme of retrenchments. The dockyard will be unable to continue ship- building after the delivery of two ships now being built and scheduled for completion in July next year. The dockyard will be forced to dismiss immediately 62 of the design staff, and will have to dismiss progressively a further 1 255 employees between 1st October and the end of July next year. This will leave a total of 680 employees at the dockyard working in the ship repair and engineering divisions. Included among those to be dismissed are 200 first, second and third year apprentices, who will find it virtually impossible to transfer their indentures. Another 55 apprentices, in their fourth year of training, will complete their time, but unfortunately will have to be laid off then. This will happen at the end of this year. The jobs of the remaining 680 employees depend almost entirely on the future of the ship repair division, which has also been adversely affected by the federal Government's decision not to proceed with the graving dock proposal. The State Government is faced with an urgent need to provide new docking facilities which are essential to the continued existence of the dockyard even on the limited scale that I have outlined. Without a new dock, ship repair operations cannot continue. The present floating dock, which was brought into operation in 1931, now has a working life of only one and a half years. Originally the dock had a lifting capacity of 15 000 tons but, following a report on the condition of the dock in 1969, its capacity was reduced to 9 500 tons. It is costing $1.4 million a year to maintain the dock, and the Government believes that the money would be better spent on the purchase of a new facility. It is important that this House be informed of recent action to obtain a new dock. In 1968 it was recommended that a new 25 000-tonne lifting capacity floating dock be installed at the present Carrington site and an approach was made to the Ministerial Statement-24 August, 1976 4 1

Commonwealth for financial assistance for this purpose. Advice was subsequently received, in 1969, that the shipbuilding subsidy of up to 33+ per cent of the wn- struction cost-then applicable to floating docks-would be available but no further assistance could be provided. In November, 1969, following discussion with Japanese representatives, and based on their stated experience and estimates of costs of graving docks, a new proposal for the construction at the main dyke end site of a large graving dock, to take vessels of over 100 000 tonnes deadweight, was submitted for Govern- ment consideration. In January, 1970, a fullther approach was made to the Common- wealth for assistance on this project. In October, 1973, the Australian Labor Government agreed in principle to meet the cost of constructing a large graving dock capable of taking vessels of up to 150 000 tonnes dead weight subject to the State meeting the costs of ancillary facilities such as a new wharf and cranes, dredging, et cetera. A joint Commonwealth- State corporation was to be established to manage the new undertaking, to which all present State Dockyard assets were to be transferred. The construction cost of the graving dock at that time was to be $17.75 million. The Fraser Government has reneged on this agreement. The State Government has now received a recommendation for the purchase of a floating dock of 35 000 tonnes lifting capacity that would be capable of docking 98 per cent of the Australian fleet now operating or under con- struction. This dock can be delivered to Newcastle by the end of next year or early 1978 at a cost of $16 million. Ancillary works such as a crane and wharf facilities will cost an additional $13 million. The Government has approached the federal Govern- ment for talks on the funding of this project, which is now vital. I shall now refer to criticism of workers employed at the dockyard. The annud report of the dockyard shows that in 1975-76 the number of man-hours lost through industrial disputes fell by almost 25 per cent. There has been a further improvement since the end of March. I have just been advised that following the decision of the national Government in regard to the graving dock and the placing of A.N.L. orders overseas, the Newcastle workers have met and decided to have a 24-hour strike as a protest. On behalf of the Government I appeal to the workers at the Newcastle dock not to go on strike. Strike action would not solve any problems whatsoever. [Interruption] Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Davidson to order for the first time. Mr FERGUSON: A strike would affect ship repair orders which are vitally needed for continuation of the dockyard and employment of its workers. I say at this late stage to the workers at the Newcastle Dockyard that they should not have a 24-hour strike. The Government is doing everything possible to ensure that their jobs are retained and the dockyard is kept operating. The dockyard made a net profit- [Interruption] Mr FERGUSON: The former Minister for Public Works and Minister for Ports should not talk in that way. His Government did not fund the dockyard during the eleven years it was in office. That is a disgrace to him. As Minister he neglected not only the State Dockyard and the State Brickworks but also- Mr SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Minister to ignore interjections and to carry on with his speech. I shall deal with interjectors as I see fit. Mr FERGUSON: As I was saying, the dockyard made a net profit of $1,106,000 last year. This was a substantial increase on the previous year's profit of only $7,900. It had a turnover of more than $40 million and paid out more than 42 ASSEMBLY-Ministerial Statement

$13,500,000 in wages and salaries. These figures will give honourable members an indication of the effect of the federal Government's decision on the economy of Newcastle and the Hunter region. Already Newcastle has more than 9 600 unem- ployed people. The figures present a very depressing picture and show that the rate of unemployment in Newcastle is about 30 per cent higher than the Australian average. In this Government's view it is unthinkable that another 1 000 workers should be thrown on the unemployment scrap heap. The social consequences of such an action would be enormous. Several thousand other workers will be dismissed from industries that supply the dockyard and hundreds of others will be dismissed from service industries. The men facing dismissal from the dockyard are, in the main, highly skilled tradesmen who are earning above average wages. To take them out of the economic life of Newcastle would have an adverse impact on every section of the community. The outlook for school-leavers in the Hunter region is already bleak. If the federal Government goes ahead with its decision to destroy the shipbuilding industry, school-leavers face an impossible task. Most of them will be compelled either to go on the dole or to return to school for another year in the hope that the employment position will improve. The Government is examining a number of options aimed at keeping both the shipbuilding and ship-repair sections of the dockyard in operation. However, it has to be understood that we cannot go it alone. We need the financial assistance which only the federal Government can supply. To that end the Premier and I will confer with the Prime Minister next Friday. I shall make a further statement to the House following those talks. Sir ERIC WILLIS: The Government has laid down a most interesting smoke- screen and engaged upon a diversionary tactic on the very first day of this session, even before the Governor's Speech has been tabled in the House and before we have begun our formal deliberations, let alone the more informal ones that come at this time in a parliamentary session. Obviously the tactic is designed to divert public attention from the faults and shortcomings of the Wran Government. The statistics show clearly that this great State, the premier State of Australia at least until recently, has the highest rate of unemployment of any State in the nation, and that it is the only State in which unemployment is worsening rapidly. Other States are overcoming their unemployment problems; New South Wales is not. This is happening, first, because the Wran Government is closing down projects. Govern- ment supporters complain that the federal Government intends to close down the State Dockyard at Newcastle. Who closed down the Botany Bay project? Who closed down the eastern suburbs railway project? Who closed down the Windamere Dam project? Those projects were closed by the political party that now sits on the Treasury benches of the New South Wales Parliament. Its actions have directly caused unemployment. Second, socialist tub-thumping, particularly by some members of the Govern- ment, has frightened business investors away from New South Wales. They are declining to establish industries in this State, not because of its lack of human and natural resources, but because they are being scared off just as they were in the years before 1965. Third, one of the reasons why people are unwilling to invest in New South Wales, one of the reasons why the cost of living is rising so high here and why the economy of our State is getting into such a mess, is that industrial unrest has been encouraged by those who now occupy the Treasury benches. Who refused to come to work on the occasion of the Medibank strike? The answer is, Ministers of this Ministerial Statement-24 August, 1976 43

Government. They are the guilty men. Although they set that example for the dock- yard workers at Newcastle, the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works, Minister for Ports and Minister for Housing now says to them: "Do not do as I did. Please be good boys and stay at work." He expects the dockyard workers whose jobs are in jeopardy to go to work even though he refused to go to work and his job was not in jeopardy. He pocketed his day's pay, just the same. It is the fault of the State Government that this situation has arisen. It is the same position that we had when the Whitlam Government came to office. The first thing that the new federal Labor Government did at the beginning of 1973 was to announce its intention to become the pacesetter for the nation in increasing wages. The inflationary spiral that resulted soon caused Australia to price itself out of com- petitive world markets. Those who now shed crocodile tears while crying, "We cannot compete either in shipbuilding or in a number of other respects with imports from comparable nations in the western world" know that the inflation caused by the policies of the Whitlam Government priced Australia out of a competitive position. Year in and year out I have heard the Deputy Premier incite people to go on strike. Now that he has become a Minister he piously asks workers not to go on strike because it will embarrass him. That is his only interest. I have never known of such humbug as that apparent in the Minister's suggestion that workers at the Newcastle dockyard should not go on strike. He has been encouraging industrial ferment all his adult life. The State Dockyard about which the Minister is talking lost 500 000 man-hours in one year alone as a result of industrial disturbances, and at $6 an hour that cost $3 million. Lesser amounts were lost in other years. That gives some indication of the way people have been encouraged by the Labor Party, State and federal, to get themselves into economic difficulty. The federal Government has to face a most difficult situation in relation to the Newcastle dockyard. It has grasped the nettle, and although I do not like the decision it has made, I believe that decision to be inevitable, for the fact is that the official figures provided by the Industries Assistance Commission-not Liberal Party propa- ganda or Labor Party propaganda-show that the cost of building the four vessels in question in Australian dockyards would be $82.4 million, compared with $38.2 million in Japanese shipyards. Therefore, the extent of the subsidy that would be necessary to ensure a continuation of work in our dockyards would be so great that the federal Government could not countenance it. However, let us get this point straight: which federal government was it that reduced the subsidy for shipbuilding? It was not the Fraser Government; it was the Whitlam Government. Before the federal Labor Party came to office the subsidy for shipbuilding, about which members of the Labor Party are now so concerned, was 45 per cent. The Whitlam Government reduced it to 35 per cent, and said it intended to reduce the subsidy further to 25 per cent. Now that there has been a change of government in Canberra and in this State members of the Labor Party say that that trend should be reversed. Who was the federal member for Newcastle who, as Minister for Transport, had three years in which to set the situation right? His name was Charles Jones, the brother of a member of this House. He did not set the situation right; he did the opposite. Why do honourable members think that companies like Nissan prefer to estab- lish plants in Victoria? They go there because they recognize that Victoria has an environment in which industrial peace and competitiveness will be encouraged. They see it as a place where they can work to produce goods at a price that will compete in 44 ASSEMBLY-Ministerial Statement-Petitions the marketplace. The New South Wales Government is doing the opposite, just as the Whitlam Government did in getting the Newcastle dockyard into such a mess. I repeat, the mess in Newcastle at the dockyard is the doing of the Whitlam Govern- ment and the Wran Government, and it is not of the Liberal Party's making. Lest it be thought that I intend merely to be critical and to do nothing positive or constructive to help this industry, let me say that unlike the Premier and the Deputy Premier who, so far, have been able to consult only Mr Dunstan on the problem, or to talk to their trade-union bosses about what they should say and do, or to hold press conferences criticizing everybody but themselves, I have had some discussions on the matter with federal Ministers and I have put to them some alternative proposals. If they are unable to assist the shipbuilding industry in Newcastle, and to do the sorts of things that the State Government is clamouring for them to do, I have suggested some constructive alternatives that would assist the economy of New- castle and the Hunter Valley. At this stage I do not intend to go into details of my discussions with federal Ministers but I assure the House that yesterday afternoon I had a most interesting conference with Senator Cotton. He is impressed with the proposals I put to him and he has agreed to ask the federal Government to investigate them. Of course, I put these matters to him only in general terms because I have not the expertise or the detail available to me such as the Government would have. The fact of the matter- and I summarize and conclude on this note-is that Labor got Newcastle into this mess. Now Labor wants somebody else to get Newcastle out of the mess. Newcastle will not get out of its mess unless the New South Wales Government co-operates with the federal Cabinet in the long-term measures that are aimed at improving the Australian economy, to reduce inflation and at the same time to bring down unemploy- ment. The purpose of those long-term constructive economic policies is to enable the nation to pull itself out of the quagmire of inflation and to retrieve itself from the economic difficulties that the Whitlam Government got it into.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE Motion (by Mr Flaherty) agreed to: That leave of absence for the present session be granted to Williarn Arthur Wade, member for Newcastle, on account of absence from the State.

PETITIONS The Clerk announced that the following petitions had been lodged for presen- tation and that copies would be referred to the appropriate Ministers:

Sunday Hotel Trading The petition of the undersigned electors in the State of New South Wales respectfully sheweth: (1) A referendum on Sunday Trading in hotels was held in New South Wales in the year 1969 which showed an overwhelming majority voting against Sunday Trading in hotels. (2) It is considered by the undersigned that any changes in the law allowing extension of Sunday trading in liquor in hotels or in any shop selling Petitions-24 August, 1976 45

liquor will increase the acknowledged evils associated with the consump- tion of liquor including particularly danger in road travel and in crime, and in damage done to domestic life of wife husband and children in many cases. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your honourable House: (1) Will not pass any legislation which will allow any extension of Sunday Trading in liquor in hotels or in any other place where the sale of liquor is permitted. (2) If nevertheless it is intended to submit legislation to the House this should not be done until a further referendum is held to ascertain the wishes of the people as was previously held and which as stated showed an overwhelming majority against such legislation. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Petition, lodged by Mr Whelan, received.

Gambling Casinos The petition of the undersigned electors in the State of New South Wales respectfully shewd: (1) There are at present sufficient legal gambling outlets in the State of New South Wales. (2) During the last recently recorded period of a year the amount spent or invested in gambling exceeded the sum of $4,000 million. (3) The opening of casinos will enlarge this expenditure and will create further inroads upon the amount available to families for the conduct of their domestic life and will thus cause hardship to parents and children in the liome and will also, as experience has shown, be an incentive to crimes of stealing, embezzlement and fraud in order to make up for moneys that have been lost through gambling or which are intended for gambling. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your honourable House will not legislate to legalize casinos in New South Wales. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Petition, lodged by Mr Whelan, received.

Pre-School at Bungendore The humble petition of the electors of Bungendore, citizens of Australia respectfully sheweth that the community of Bungendore has need of a pre-school ta accommodate at least 30 children on a five day a week full day basis to serve this community. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Government elected make available such funds as are needed for the establishment, maintenance and staffing of a are-school. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Petition, lodged by Mr Brewer, received. Leeton Shire Rates The petition of certain landholders of the parish of Euroley in the Shire of Leeton, New South Wales, respectfully sheweth: (1) That the Act of Parliament governing procedures for valuation of property, as used for shires rating and other purposes, requires amend- ment because there is inequity and distortion of valuation and rating between property owners within communities; and (2) That, under the present system, there will be an unrealistic rate burden of Euroley land and a heavy subsidy toward urban ratepayers, which is evidenced by that fact that- (a) Rates of increase in Euroley range from 318 per cent in U.C.V. on one property, through others, to in excess of 500 per cent for land adjoining the first. (b) Yanco town has not moved in valuation, however Leeton town has been valued 100 per cent higher on average, a substantial change in relationship between one group and another. (c) Grounds for objection do not provide for these circumstances, and so the need for differential rating indicates a need for an improved system. (d) Under present circumstances, a valuation taken at any point of time will freeze values that are quickly changing before a correct relation- ship between areas or groups has been reached. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your honourable House will enact legislation to remove anomalies, to allow reasonable grounds for objection and to rebate the levying of shire rates and other taxes, currently based on hypo- thetical valuations, to a more equitable measure of the capacity to pay. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Petition, lodged by Mr Fischer, received.

Vacant Seat in The HiUs Electorate The petition of the undersigned electors in the state of New South Wales respectfully sheweth: (1) On 20th May, 1976, the Honourable Maxwell Stanley Ruddock, M.L.A., the late Member for The Hills resigned his seat in the Assembly for reasons of ill health. (2) Since that date the people of the electorate of The Hills have been unrepresented in the Parliament of New South Wales. (3) In our respectful view undue delay has occurred in issuing a writ for election to fill the vacancy. (4) We, the undersigned electors consider ourselves rightfully entitled to a representative in the Legislative Assembly the more especially so, to put our views during this Budget Session. (5) Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your honourable House: (i) resolve that a writ for election issue to @lthe vacancy for the electorate of The Hills at the earliest convenience of the House. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Petition, lodged by Mr Cameron, received. Petitions-Urgency-24 August, 1976 47

Coal Deliveries by Rail The petition of certain residents of New South Wales and the City of the Blue Mountains respectfully sheweth that we strongly object to the excessive use of the Great Western Highway by heavy commercial vehicles with particular reference to Coal Trucks. Our reasons are as follows: 1. General interference with the quality of life; 2. Gradual destruction of the roadway; 3. Deterrence of (tourists to the area; 4. Lowering of property values due to excessive noise; 5. Detrimental effect on health due to excessive noise and exhaust pollution. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your honou~ableHouse take action to ensure that all coal deliveries will be made by rail. And your petiftioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Petition, lodged by Mr Rofe, received.

VIOLENCE IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS Urgency Sir ERIC WILLIS (Earlwood), Leader of the Opposition 13.241: I move: That it is a matter of urgent necessity that this House should forthwith consider the following motion, viz.: That this House (1) deplores the current wave of violence in public affairs, including the abhorrent attacks yesterday by those who demonstrated against His Excellency the Governor-General of Australia and the Right Honourable the Prime Minister of Australia; (2) condemns those who use violence to attack the institutions of our society, particularly the institution of parliament which com- prises the sovereign's representative and the two houses of parliament; and (3) condemns those in positions of authority who, either actively or by their silence, encourage or condone such violence. This matter is urgent because within the past twenty-four hours we have seen, in this State and in Victoria, violent and organized attacks on the Prime Minister of Australia and on the Governor-General. In both instances these men were attempting to carry out their lawful duties and were seeking no more than to exercise that basic democratic freedom-freedom of speech. This motion is urgent because yesterday's incidents show that a new dimension in violence has developed and as each day passes there is a risk that this dimension will escalate and there will be more savage violence. The matter is urgent because certain public figures in Australia continue to incite protest which inevitably leads to the sort of violence that erupted yesterday and could lead to the kind of terrorism. that is commonplace in other parts of the world. The people inciting protest include the former Pfime Minister, Mr Whitlam, who has on more than one occasion urged the protesters to maintain their rage. This matter remains urgent while ever that exhortation remains current, and it is urgent while ever the Premier of this State makes the sort of statements he made on the ABC radio programme "AM" this morning. In that interview, the Premier of this State said in effect that the representative of the Crown was not welcome in this State, a statement which could be interpreted only as support for and encouragement to Qhosewho have engaged in demonstrations of violence, particularly as he made these remarks during a discussion on violence. The matter is urgent because while on the one hand the Government has gone security mad in this institution-the House of the people-on the other hand the Premier has queried the decision of the Coidssioner of Police to ensure the security of the Governor-General on a recent visit to the opera house. This motion is urgent because if it is not dealt with expeditiously, we as a Parliament will fail in our duty to give a lead to the community in condemning such violence. If we fail to speak out today as a united Parliament this institution will be seen to have given covert, if not overt, approval to these actions. The matter is urgent because the Premier, as Minister responsible for the police, through the intimidatory process of calling for a report from the Commissioner of Police, has shown his displeasure at the police force for canying out its right and proper duties, that is, to safeguard the lives and welfare of all Australian citizens. Unless this House forthwith shows its strong condemnation, members of the police force will be unsure and uncertain in the proper execution of their duties in relation to public figures. The matter is urgent because this week the Prime Minister will be making an official visit to the city and action must be taken to discourage those who would seek a repetition of the un-Australian incident that occurred yesterday in Melbourne. This motion does not condemn demonstrations as such; it condemns the violence associated with demonstrations. As well, it condemns the example set by people in high public office, who by their action or inaction covertly encourage violence. This motion is urgent because every right-thinking parliamentarian should today want to be given the opportunity to show the community that violence will not be tolerated, that freedom of speech and freedom of assembly and freedom to go about one's lawful business will not be impeded by mob violence. This motion is urgent because the people need a clear statement from both sides of this House that the Government on the one hand, and ithe Opposition on the other, have absolutely no sympathy for those who seek to destroy our parliamentary institu- tions and intimidate and threaten violence to public figures. Further, it is urgent because the public interest demands that the Premier, as Minister in charge of the pdice, should indicate to the commissioner that he will take no aotion to interfere with the commissioner's right to decide on how to ensure the adequate and proper protection of public figures or any other citizen-whether it is the Premier of this State or the Governor-General-while they are in this State. Mr WRAN (Bass Hill), Premier [3.30]: The Leader of the Opposition has shown a curious order of priorities when this Parliament, not having met for so many weeks, has now assembled- Mr Mason: Whose fault is that? Mr WRAN: If the baying dogs wilI go back to their kennds, honourable members may be able to hear something. The country is in the grip of serious un- employment; the effects of the federal budget are being studied and the State Dock- yard at Newcastle is facing imminent disruption and closure, yet the best that the Opposition can do in its first day in this new Parliament is, almost with tongue in Urgency-24 August, 1976 49 cheek, to bring forward a motion that states nothing but the obvious. There would not be one thinking person who would support violence in public or private affairs. [Znterruption] Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the Opposition was heard in silence and I ask members of the Opposition to extend the same courtesy to the Premier. Mr Cameron: On a point of order. It is not clear to the House to what motion the Premier is addressing himself. Mr Speaker, you stated that the question before the House was the substantive motion. I submit that in reality the issue before the House is, That it is a matter of urgent necessity that the matter be debated. Mr SPEAKER: The honourable member for Northwtt has submitted that the question I should have proposed to the House is, That it is a matter of urgent necessity that this House consider the motion that I read out. The question before the House is that it is a matter of urgent necessity. Mr WRP-N: I shall put the Opposition out of its pain and misery. The sub- stantive motion is not a matter of urgent necessity and therefore the Government will not agree to urgency. I should like to correct the many mis-statements made by the Leader of the Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition either did not hear correctly or he has sought deliberately to misrepresent what was said by me this morning on the radio programme "AM. What I said on that occasion was that if the Government- Mr Mason: You had better be careful. Mr WRAN: I should be careful of those hippopotamuses in the zoo at Dubbo which will cost $500,000. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Dubbo to order for the first time. Mr WRAN: Had the Leader of the Opposition stated what was said on that programme, he would have told the House that what I said was to the effect that the Governor-General was virtually courting and provoking a demonstration by choosing to go to the University of New South Wales yesterday. Mr Mason: Why? Is he not entitled to go there? Mr Webster: Tell us what you said about welders. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Pittwater to order for the first time. Mr WRAN: Indeed the Governor-General has said-and he has made it per- fectly clear-that he accepts proper, peaceful demonstrations. Yesterday the Governor- General chose, for what reason one would never know-perhaps it was because of his family connections with welding and boilermaking-to go to that interesting seminar at the University of New South Wales which was related to the trade of welding. Having chosen to go there, in the light of demonstration after demonstration- [Interruption] Mr SPEAKER: Order! I 4 the honourable member for Yaralla to order for the first time. Mr WRAN: I said this morning-and I repeat it now-that the Governor- General, by those sorts of actions, is encouraging divisiveness in the community. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Vaucluse to order for the first time. Mr WRAN: Though no sensible person would do otherwise than abhor violence, there was all the difference in the world between what happened at the University of New South Wales-and what is happening in respect of demonstrations that involve the Governor-General-and the demonstration at Monash University yesterday which involved the Prime Minister. The demonstration at Monash University obviously was outside all realms of justification. It would be a sorry day in public life indeed if the Prime Minister when he appears publicly, has to seek sanctuary behind locked doors and to flee from an assembly. The Leader of the Opposition said that this morning I said something to the effect that the representative of the Crown is not welcome in this State. That was not said; but I think I accept responsibility for saying that if the Governor-General puts himself in a position where he virtually courts and provokes a demonstration, then it should be obvious that emotions will run high and occasionally overflow-and the sort of thing that happened yesterday will occur again.

[Interruption] Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr WRAN: The Leader of the Opposition seems to be endeavouring to make a case that in some way the authority of the police is being questioned in relation to demonstrations. The Leader of the Opposition said that I had queried the presence of the police in respect of a visit by the Governor-General to the Opera House a couple of weeks ago. What I said-and quite properly-was that the Commissioner of Police sought a report as to why there were about sixty or eighty police present at the Opera House and not one demonstrator in sight. The Commissioner of Police assured me that there had been reports-and his was verified by the fact that television crews, who usually do not wait outside the Opera House at 7.30 at night, were there-that a demonstration would take place there. In the circumstances, and having regard to the history of demonstrations associated with the Governor-General, the Commissioner of Police saw fit to take the necessary action to ensure that vice-regal personages did not suffer from demonstrations. Hence the presence of the police. My view about the protection of the Governor-General is that if he wishes-as he obviously chose so to do-to expose hiunself to demonstrations, then it is the obligation of the police to provide him with adequate protection. I am not a law enforcement officer: it is a matter of judgment for the Commissioner of Police and his officers to decide the number of police who should be made available in every instance. It would be folly for any government to issue to the police, who are expert in these matters, such a direction that involved pubIic or private safety. No such direotion has been given, nor shall one be given in the future. The case that the Leader of the Opposition has sought to make out has been noted by the Government. We have business with which we wish to proceed. The Leader of the Opposition has made his point-and as I have said, it is the obvious point-that violence is to be deplored. We agree that violence is to be deplored. Having agreed on that, the Gov- ernment refuses to agree to urgency and we hope that we can get down to some serious business. Question of urgency put. The House divided. Urgency-Questions without Notice24 August, 1976 5 1

Ayes, 46 Mr Arblaster Mr Healey Mr Pickard Mr Barraclough Mr Jackett Mr Punch Mr Boyd Mr Leitch Mr Rof e Mr Brewer Mr Lewis Mr Schipp Mr Bruxner Mr McDonald Mr Singleton Mr Cameron Mr McGinty Mr Taylor Mr J. A. Clough Mr Mackie Mr Viney Mr Coleman Mr Maddison Mr N. D. Walker Mr Cowan Mr Mason Mr Webster Mr Darby Mrs Meillon Mr West Mr Dowd Mr Moore Sir Eric Willis Mr Doyle Mr Morris Mr Wotton Mr Duncan Mr Murray Mr Fisher Mr Mutton Tellers, Mr GSth Mr Osborne Mr Fischer Mr Hatton Mr Park Mr Rozzoli Noes, 48 Mr Akister Mr Gordon Mr Petersen Mr Bannon Mr Haigh Mr Quinn Mr Barnier Mr Hills Mr Ramsay Mr Bedford Mr Hunter Mr Renshaw Mr Booth Mr Jackson Mr Rogan Mr Brereton Mr Jensen Mr Ryan Mr Cahill Mr Johnson Mr Sheahan Mr Cleary Mr Johnstone Mr Stewart Mr R. J. Clough Mr Jones Mr F. J. Walker Mr Cox Mr Keane Mr Whelan Mr Crabtree Mr Kearns Mr Wilde Mr Day Mr McGowan Mr Wran Mr Degen Mr Maher Mr Durick Mr Mallam Mr Einfeld Mr Mulock Tellers, Mr Ferguson Mr Neilly Mr Face Mr Flaherty Mr Paciullo Mr O'Connell Pair Mr Wade Mr Freudemtein

Question so resolved in the negative. r Motion of urgency negatived.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE NEW AIRPORT FOR SYDNEY Mr FLAHERTY: I direct my question without notice to the Premier. Has his attention been invited to claims that the Government is considering locating an airport west of Sydney? Will the Premier inform the House whether there is any truth in that claim? 52 ASSEMBLY-Questions without Notice

Mr WRAN: Just by sheer coincidence, I happen to have with me a copy of the Parramatta md Hills News. It would seam that the Liberal Party's candidate in the forthcoming by-election for The Hills is putting out a furphy as old as the hills- indeed, almost as old as the Liberal Party's candidate out there. He is suggesting that residents of The Hills axe again likely to be the centre of controversy for the siting of a new airport. There will be no more Galstons as far as this Government is concerned. The Government has nothing before it in relation to the siting of an airport west or northwest of Sydney. That is primarily the responsibility of the Fraser Government. If those gentlemen, after they have got rid of the shipbuilding industry, in their wisdom feel that they want to promote industry around Galston or The Hills, no doubt they will have the final say. Suffice to say the situation is that my Government has not given the matter any consideratibn. When the federal Government moves, certainly we shall do everything we can, in the spirit suggested by the Leader of the Opposition, to co-operate wholeheartedly.

BOTANY BAY PORT DEVELOPMENT Mr PUNCH: I direct any question without notice to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works, Minister for Ports and Minister for Housing. Is it true that the Labor Party promised before the election of 1st May to stop all the work on the urgently needed Botany Bay port development pending the outcome of a total environmental impact study? Has the Government since coming into power halted only some work, allowed other major work to proceed and instituted an innocuous legal inquiry which does not involve any environmental studies? Has the Government now gone ahead- Mr F. J. Walker: On a point of order. I submit that the question is out of order in that it is full of argument. It uses colourful and political phrases, and so far every sentence of this question contains argument. For that reason it is far beyond the bounds of the standing orders. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The q~~estionwas in order to the point where the honourable member asked whether the Government promised to stop the development of the port at Botany Bay and undertake an impact study. I allow that part of the question, but from then on it becomes argumentative. Mr PUNCH: Has the Government now gone ahead in recalling tenders for the container berths even before the completion of its inquiry? Does this make a mockery of its election promise to local resident and particularly- Mr SPEAKER: I rule the question out of order. If the honourable member cares to rephrase the question I shall give him the opportunity to ask it later.

BROADCASTING OF DEBATES Mr MALLAM: I ask the Premier a question withorrt notice. Is it a fact that this mother of Parliaments was the first Parliament in the world to be broadcast over the air? Will the Premier give consideration in the f~~tureto having this Parliament broadcast at question time and on special occasions so that the people of New South Wales will be able to hear the important deliberations of this Parliament? Mr WRAN: Members of the Opposition should treat a serious question with serious concern. One of the first initiatives that comes to my mind is that we might be able to persuade the Australian Broadcasting Commission to dispense with the Goon Show and replay some of the questions that have been coming from members of the: Opposition. This is a serious question and I shall give it considerable thought. Questions without Notice-24 August, 1976 53

FLOOD MITIGATION Mr SINGLETON: I address my question to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works, Minister for Ports and Minister for Housing. Has a decision been made regarding the continuation of the two-for-one subsidy for the flood dttigation programme in New South Wales? Is he aware that twenty people have already lost their jobs with the Clarence River Rood Mitigation County Counoil as a result of this indecision? In view of the critical job situation in the Clarence area and the importance of this programme to coastal river systems in New South Wales, will he undertake to make an early investigation regarding a State subsidy? Mr FERGUSON: In reply to the honourable member for Clarence, I shall give a detailed answer to the House tomorrow.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL Mr MADDISON: I ask the Premier whether it is true that he and his Ministers, as a matter of deliberate government policy, decided not to attend funotions in New South Wales at which the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr, is present? Has he also as a matter of deliberate policy decided not to attend functions arranged by organizations that are under the patronage of the Governor-General? If these are his decisions, will he take action to reverse them immediately, as a matter of common courtesy to the Governor-General himself and to organizations concerned, and also as an indication that the Government is not a party to the divisiveness in the community of which the House heard in the urgency motion this afternoon? Mr WRAN: Members of the Cabinet will speak for themselves, and I shall speak for myself. There is no policy as such, but I do not intend, while Sir John Kerr is the Governor-General of Australia, to attend any fundion at which he is present. In respect of those organizations of which Sir John Kerr is patron, I shall in each instance, as I do with every invitation that I receive, judge the value of the invitation on its merits to the people of New South Wales whom the Government represents.

LOSS OF INDUSTRY Mr JOHNSON: I direct my question to the Minister for Decentralisation and Development and Minister for Primary Industries. It is a fact that in the past ten years there has been a serious loss of industry by New South Wales, particularly the motor industry, to other States? Has it been claimed by a former Minister for Decentralisation and Development, the Hon. Sir John Fuller, and today by the Leader of the Opposition, that the loss of the motor industry to New South Wales was due to industrial troubles? Will the Minister inform the House of the facts of the matter and what action the Government intends to take to reverse this trend? Mr D,4Y: I was amazed to hear the Leader of the Opposition talk about the loss of industry due to some industrial unrest in the State, and to excuse completely the indo2:nce and apathy of his Government over the past decade. The Government that unfortunately occupied the Treasury benches of this State for ten years has a disgracelul record in attracting or even retaining industry in the State of New South Wales. First I want to indicate that the previous Government, under the last two Premiers, forbade any State government department or instrumentality to give evidence to any Industries Assistance Commission inquiry. This attitude was a party political one. It showed no concern for the welfare of this State or its industries which was 54 ASSEMBLY-Questions without Notice the proper responsibility of the State Government. This attitude led to some disastrous recommendations by the Industries Assistance C!om,mission, including the reduction to 85 per cent of the local content in (motorcars. This involved, if adopted, a loss of about 13 000 jobs in the industry in this State. It involved also the creation of some 11 000 jobs, mainly in Victoria and South Australia. This is disgusting because it affeots not only steel production at Port Keanbla and State suppliers and manufacturers of motor vehicle components. A non-reversion requirement has now been asked of Australian builders which affords only temporary relief, but the Liberal-Country party Government stands con- demned for its complete lack of interest in the future of the industry. In the past decade the Ford motor company closed two plants in this State-a truck plant and a tractor plant-both of which went to Victoria. The previous Government stood idly by while Leyland closed its plant at Zetland, which caused the loss of 4 500 jobs in this State. Again, it did not make one worthwhile move to save that industry for this State. It has done nothing to oppose an attractive proposition put to Leyland by the Premier of South Australia which involved Leyland building buses in South Australia for the £irst time and taking this industry away from the State of New South Wales. Amther company, Toyota, which forms a large part of the Australian motor industry went from Kingsgrove to Victoria. Nissan, mentioned hypocritically by the Leader of the Opposition, purchased a factory on 80 acres in Victoria when it took over Motor Producers Limited, and this State did nothing to attempt to offer that company an equivalent deal to retain the industry in this State. I spoke to executives of the Nissan Motor Company and they intimated that the Victorian Government had displayed great interest in their establishing their plant in that State, but there had been no interest from the Government that occupied the New South Wales Treasury benches prior to 1st May. It demonstrates a disgraceful state of affairs. One hears the Leader of the Opposition talk about unemployment in New South Wales but when one has regard to the previous Government's disgraceful record it makes one sick. Further, manufacturers of component parts follow these industries. I mention by way of example Nippon Denso, manufacturers of air conditioners. Sir John Fuller, the previous Minister for Decentralisation and Develop- ment, made the statement by way of an excuse for his gross incompetence and lack of interest that the motor industry in New South Wales had a terrible industrial record. Today the Leader of the Opposition repeated like a parrot the assertion that anything that goes wrong is to be blamed on the ordinary fellow, on the trade union movement. However, the facts spoil what otherwise might be a good story. The Leyland plant at Zetland lost no time due to industrial disputes in the past six years of its operations, and in the past twenty-five years it lost sixteen hours. General Motors- Holden's Ltd in New South Wales in the past six years lost twenty-four hours of work- ing time due to industrial disputes. The Ford Motor Company has lost no time at all. Leyland's Enfield plant lost no time at all. Mr Hills: He was lying to the House. Mr DAY: He and his colleague in another place deliberately deceived the House and the people of New South Wales. The real reason that these industries left this State and thus created a vacuum in employment was that those who are now in Opposition were not interested when they were in Government. I do not know how the same industries have prospered in Victoria and South Australia, to where they have shifted. Although New South Wales provides the motor industry with 40 per cent its market it has been driven away deliberately by the previous Government. Questions without Notice-% August, 1976 55

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Mosman to order for the ~sttime. Mr DAY: We intend to change the attitude that has prevailed in this State over the past ten years so far as industry is concerned. The Premier has given a lead; he has had talks with four motor vehicle manufacturers or assemblers. He has arranged to have talks soon with General Motors-Holden's Ltd which are in addition to discussions that have already gone on. The Premier on his initiative has set up a manufacturing advisory council consisting of four prominent people from industry and four most prominent people from the trade union movement. So I can assure the honourable member for Mmt Druitt that the Government is doing what it can to correct the terrible record of the previous Government in attracting industry to New South Wales and to reverse that position.

CRIMINAL LAW Mr CAMERON: My question without notice is addressed to the Attorney- General. Has fashionable academic opinion regarding the role of the criminal law stressed that its primary role is to protect person and property rather than to concern itself with offences reflective of particular moral values? Did the Minister when a backbencher in Opposition identify himself with that viewpoint? Are the very elements most put in jeopardy by the upsurge of violent political demonstrations against in- dividuals in authority and establishment institutions this self-same protection of person and property from molestation and assault? Will the Minister, who is now in Govern- ment, examine the scope for reforms of the criminal law designed to protect our community and its free political processes from the extremist excesses witnessed yester- day at Monash University and in continuing violent demonstrations against the Governor-General? Mr F. J. WALKER: I shall give the speech of the honourable member for Northcott detailed consideration and advise him and the House further.

BOTANY BAY INQUIRY Mr BANNON: I ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works, Minister for Ports and Minister for Housing whether Mr Simblist, Q.C., has opened an inquiry into the proposed port development in Botany Bay, in accordance with the Govern- ment's election pledge? Will the Minister advise the House when it is expected that this inquiry will be completed and when Mr Simblist's findings will be made public? Mr FERGUSON: Before the last elections the Labor Party gave a firm policy undertaking that if it were elected to Government it would hold an inq~~iryinto Botany Bay. In conformity with our policy at the eleotions we have established an inquiry into Botany Bay under Mr Simblist, Q.C., as the honourable member correctly stated. This inquiry is proceeding as expeditiously as possible. The Government wants the result as soon as possible. However, the issue of Botany Bay is so important that there should be no appearance of haste or cover-up. I am confident that Mr Simblist is carrying out a good inquiry and that after it is completed the people will appreciate that justice has been done. The Government is conducting an inquiry into the totality of Botany Bay rather than carrying out individual and isolated inquiries like those that were conducted under the jurisdiction of the Liberal-Country party Government and meant nothing. This inquiry means something and we hope to bring down a report W soon as possible. 56 ASSEMBLY-Questions without Notice

BOTANY BAY Mr PUNCH: I direct my question to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works, Minister for Ports and Minister for Housing. If the matter of Botany Bay is as important as the Minister says, why is he now going back on the word of the Govern- ment by again calling tenders for the container berths when it gave an undertaking that there would be a moratorium or that work would cease until a proper environ- mental study was carried out? Also, why has #therenot been any environmental study carried out rather than a study by a Quwn's counsel into environmental studies that were previously carried out by the former Government? Mr F. J. Walker: On a point of order. A question has been asked already on the matter of Botany Bay and an answer has been given. As I understand the standing orders, they provide that one may not ask a second question in respect of a matter on which an answer has already been given. Mr Cameron: On a point of order. Mr SPEAKER: Order! Is it the same point of order? Mr Camerm: It is further to the point of order. The honourable the Attorney- General is deliberately misleading the House when he said that an answer had been given. The Leader of the Country Party sought to ask a question and you, Mr Speaker, informed him that if he would recast it then it may be reconsidered. No answer has been given'to the House on that question and the opinion upon which the Attorney- General's point of order is based is entirely without substance. Sir Eric Willis: On the point of order. I know that the Attorney-General would like to have this matter hushed up but the question asked ;by the Leader of the Country Party is not similar, although it concern the same general area, to the question in respect of which he says an answer has already been given. The question by the Leader of the Country Party relates specifically to why the Government says one thing one day and does another thing the next day, in this case the calling of tenders in respect of the work which the Government said would not proceed until after the inquiry had been completed. That was not rthe subject of the answer given by the Deputy Premier in respect of the question asked previously. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I am guided to some degree by the point of order taken by the Attorney-General. May's Parliamentary Practice spells out quite clearly that a member may not ask the same question once it has been answered. I am guided also by the point taken by the Leader of the Opposition, that this is a different question concerning tenders in respect of the development of Botany Bay. I shall allow that part of the question. Mr FERGUSON: The Leader of the Country Party is proving himself as in- accurate in Opposition as he was in Government. He is the former Minister of the department that I now administer, and he is asking me whether fresh tenders have been called. Mr Mason: Have they been called? Mr FERGUSON: Will you shut up and let me answer the question? When Labor came to office, in conformity with our election undertaking we extended by three months the closing date of all tenders that had been called by the previous Liberal-Country party Government. After that three months the tenders have been closed, but the closing of tenders put no obligation whatsoever on the Government to accept any tender. [Interruption] Questions without Notice-Address in Reply-24 August, 1976 57

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Mosman to order for the second time. Mr FERGUSON: Whether it costs $1 million or not, if the job to which that tender relates affects the environment of Botany Bay, to the detriment of the people in the Botany Bay area, so far as I am concerned it is not going on.

LAW OF EVIDENCE BILL (pro forms) First Reading Bill presented and, on motion by Mr Wran, read a first time.

GOVERNOR'S SPEECH: ADDRESS IN REPLY Rrst Day's Debate Mr SPEAKER: Order! I have to report that the House this day attended the Governor in the Legislative Co~~ncilChamber, when His Excellency was pleased to deliver an Opening Speech to both Houses of Parliament. For greater accuracy, I have obtained a copy, which I now lay upon the table of the House. I direct that the Speech be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings. Mr WILDE (Parramatta) [4.13]: I move: That the following Address in Reply to the Speech which His Excellency the Governor has addressed to both Houses of Parliament on opening this Session of the Parliament of New South Wales be now adopted by this House: To His Excellency Sir Arthur Roden Cutler, upon whom has been conferred the decoration of the Victoria Cross, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Knight of the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem, Governor of the State of New South Wales and its Dependencies, in the Commonwealth of Australia. May It Please Your Excellency- We, Her Majesty's loyal and dutiful subjects, the Members of the Legisla- tive Assembly of New South Wales, in Parliament assembled, desire to express our thanks for Your Excellency's Speech, and to assure you of our unfeigned attach- ment to Her Most Gracious Majesty's Throne and Person. 2. We beg to assure Your Excellency that our earnest consideration will be given to the measures to be submitted to us, and that the necessary provision for the Public Services will be made in due course. 3. We join Your Excellency in the hope that, under the guidance of Divine Providence, our labours may be so directed as to advance the best interests of all sections of the community. I wish to express my appreciation to the Government for giving me the opportunity of moving the motion for the adoption of the Address in Reply to the Speech of His Excellency the Governor. In doing so I am reminded of the great issues of historic importance which have been debated in this House and of the illustrious statesmen who have been members of the Legislative Assembly of this State. It is, therefore, a 58 ASSEMBLY-Address in Reply privilege indeed to take my place in this Chamber as the representative of the con- stituency centred around and bearing the name of Parramatta, the oldest settlement in Australia outside the City of Sydney. Ilt was indeed significant and perhaps indicative of the political future of this great nation of ours that on 1st May, 1976, the disastrous results of the 1975 elections for the Australian Parliament were completely reversed. In fact, the figures recorded in Parramatta, and throughout the State, demonstrate that the people quickly realized the error they had made in dismissing the federal Labor Government, and showed quite clearly their confidence in the Labor movement in this State of New South Wales. I particularly wish to express my appreciation to the members of the Australian Labor Party within the Parramatta State electorate who, first, honoured me by selecting me as their candidate and then, by their untiring efforts and zeal, achieved such a success- ful result. These citizens work unpaid and contributed from their limited financial resources, their only desire being to improve the lot of their fellow citizens through the policy and plaffonm of tht Australian Labor Party. I intend to consult them continually on all the problems that confront me as their mernber of Parliament. They are a true cross-section of the people in my electorate, and I believe their opinions will be a reflection of that of the majority of people in New South Wales. Although it is impossible to give individual recognition to the many hundreds who deserve it, it would be remiss of me if I did not specifically thank not only my cam- paign director, Mr Laurence McManus of Rydalmere, whose dedication and applica- tion were an example to all, but also the deputy campaign director, Mr Phillip Russo of Parramatta, who so ably assisted throughout the period prior to and during the election. My campaign was aided by a number of honourable members in surrounding electorates. I refer in particular to the honourable member for Menylands, who is now the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works, Minister for Ports and Minister for Housing, who also was an alderman of the Parramatta city council prior to his election to this Assembly. I had the privilege of serving for three years on the Parramatta city council with the honourable member for Granville, the Government Whip; he also has been of great assistance during my years as an alderman and, more recently, as a candidate for the State Parliament. The honourable member for Auburn, now the Minister for Trans- port and Minister for Highways, has many electors whose problems are identical with those in Parramatta. He was particularly helpful in assisting me in representations relat- ing to existing and proposed industrial developments in the Silvenvater-Clyde area. The honourable member for Wentworthville, whose electorate adjoins the western boundary of the Parramatta electorate, also was available at all times to advise and assist during the recent campaign. I wish also to pay a tribute to Mr D. J. Mahoney, who retired after a period of some seventeen years as a worthy and respected representative of the Australian Labor Party in the electorate of Parramatta. I appreciate the opportunity to follow him in this Chamber, just as I followed him when I became an alderman of the Parramatta city council some seventeen years ago, following his retirement from that body. The electorate of Parramatta covers a wide cross-section of the co~mmunity. It is typical of the electorates in the western metropolitan area of Sydney, encompassing such diverse communities as the Dundas Valley-the initial large-scale project of the Housing Commission of New South Wales, and one which, despite deficiencies that have become apparent through the years, provided thousands of homes for those in need; indeed, it is a monument to the humani'ty of the Labor Government of that time. The greater part r\f the area is residential, encompassing the suburbs of Dundas, Mr Wildel Address in Reply-24 August, 1976 59

Rydalmere, Rosehill, Hanris Park, Parramatta, Parramatta North, Westmead and Northmead. It is noted for the pride that the residents take in their homes and the genuine interest and concern they have in the historic associations of the Parramatta district. Significant industrial areas are contained within the boundaries of the electorate, the principal concentrations being located at Rydalmere, Camellia and Clyde. I intend to make reference later to problems associated with these industries. To the west the electorate includes the giant Westmead hospital project, the most significant construction undertaken by a government in this State. It commenced only as a result of the tied grants of the former federal Government. The previous Government of this State was very vocal in its criticism of the policy of the Whitlam Government in directing where certain funds allocated to the State should be spent, but it is certain that this magnificent complex would not yet have been commenced had that policy not been applied. In fact, when the Australian Government made an initial allocation of $4 million to commence the work, in spite of the fact that the former State Government claimed to have been planning the hospital for more than six years the funds could not be expended within the period available and the then Minister for Health requested that the funds be diverted to other State works. Work on the hospital is proceeding on schedule and I understand that expenditure during the current financial year will be in the order of $40 million, compared with approxi- mately $16 million in the past financial year. At present 800 people are employed on the project and it is expected that this figure will increase to 1500 by the end of the year, thus making a significant contribution to employment in the building industry. I am gratified that the Govern- ment, in spite of major reductions in the funds available to it, intends to press on to a speedy conclusion of the work, and thus ensure that the people of the western metropoli- tan area are provided with a medical service of first-class standard without having to travel many miles from their homes. In fact, it has been a disgrace over the past decade and a cause of great concern to the residents of Parramatta and surrounding electorates that funds for hospital works have been allocated to areas on the North Shore and other areas already over-supplied with such facilities, while there has been a crying need for hospital beds in the western metropolitan area. The Parramatta electorate contains many significant areas of open space, all of which unfortunately have not been developed to their full capacity because the financial resources available to local government are insufficient for the burdens placed upon it. In this regard I specifically refer to Parramatta Park, the responsibility for which was recently thrust upon the council by the former New South Wales Government without any worthwhile monetary contribution. Consultants who, incidentally, were funded by a grant from the former federal Government, have recently completed a Parramatta Park management plan which is currently being considered by the Parra- rnatta city council and the appropriate government departments. Presumably many of its recommendations, which of course would require substantial expenditure for implementation, will eventually be adopted. I recall that the then Premier, the Hon. T. L. Lewis, visited Parrmatta as the guest of honour during the traditional Foundation Day celebrations in Novem- ber, 1975, and promised the council that he would make an immediate grant of $50,000 as an interim measure to cover upgrading of the park and would then consider substantial funding for a period of several years once a m~~tuallysatisfactory plan had been prepared. Unfortunately, that promise was never fulfilled. I realize that the Government has been left with many such legacies throughout the State, but I ask that at least the initial sum of $50,000 be granted to assist in the renovation of this historic part of our national heritage, and that sympathetic consideration be given to 60 ASSEMBLY-Address in Reply

further funding within the financial constraints that have been imposed upon the State by a niggardly federal Government. Located within the park are numerous playing fields which require substantial improvement, and it is remarkable that clubs such as Central Cumberland. District Cricket Club and Parramatta District Rugby Football Club have been able to achieve such fine results with such inadequate facilities during past years. It includes Cumberland Oval which is the home ground for the mighty Parramatta rugby league team, which has already this season won the club championship and will, I am sure, continue on to even greater heights. Incidentally, as the eastern section of the electorate is in the district of Balmain rugby league team which this year won the kcoCup in such a convincing manner, the district has achieved a unique double. These and similar results are in large measure due to the efforts of the parents of junior players and officials of our sporting organizations, which spend countless hours in an honorary capacity promoting recreational activities for our young people. In addition to Parramatta Park, the electorate contains many fine examples of our early colonial history and a comprehensive survey have been commissioned by the Parramatta city council and the Planning and Environment Commission, listing over 200 buildings that are considered worthy of preservation. Notable buildings that have already been preserved for the benefit of the people of Australia are Old Government House, situated within the Parramatta Park, and Experiment Farm Cottage in Ruse Street, both of which have been faithfully restored and are maintained by the National Trust, and are open for public inspection.

Hambleton Cottage, owned by the Parramatta city council, was restored severaI years ago with the assistance of the Parramatta Historical Society, and it also is available for public viewing. Another essential link in our early history, Elizabeth Farm Cottage, the original residence of the Macarthur family who founded the merino sheep and wool industry in this country, has not been so fortunate. It was acquired by a private trust which sought public subscriptions but unfortunately results never met expectations and the building is suffering through lack of maintenance. The former New South Wales Government examined this problem over a period of some three years with a view to providing funds to carry out its restoration and I ask the Premier to investigate the situation personally before the building deteriorates beyond repair. The people of the electorate of Parramatta are interested in community affairs and participate in a wide variety of activities, such as parents and citizens associations and mothers clubs, which raise money for the purpose of ensuring that schools in the electorate are happy places for the children. They are members of sporting clubs, scouts and guides associations, and church welfare groups which provide for a variety of youth activities or help the more needy sections of the community. These people are drawn together in various organizations to improve the material and spiritual welfzre of their fellow citizens. Although it is not possible to refer individually to the many worthy organizations within the district I mention particularly the Parramatta Community Services Centre which is an association of some fifty organizations and provides an invaluable service in co-ordinating the functions of these bodies and supplying aid to the needy in a variety of ways. I had the honour of founding this organization during my period 2s mayor of the city of Parramatta and I am indeed pleased to see that its activities have been maintained and expanded in such a manner. I pay a tribute to the executive and board of management for their efforts. It was pleasing that the Minister for Youth and Communisty Services recognized the importance of this organization and the contribution made to community welfare by members and affiliated organizations by attending the Mr Wilde] Address in Reply-24 August, 1976 6 1 annual general meeting last month. I repeat the thanks extended to the Minister by those present on that occasion. Another notable organization is the Parramatta & District Senior Citizens Centre which during the financial year ended 30th June, 1976, prepared a total of 52 361 meals for pensioners throughout the city. Of these, 44 284 were delivered to the homes of those who because of their state of health are unable to make their way to the centre and 8 077 meals were served in the dining-room. I express my sincere apprecia- tion of the efforts of the voluntary workers, numbering approximately 290, who carry out such magnificent work in the distribution of meals to the aged and infirm. Without their unselfish and unflagging efforts it would not be possible to carry on the delivery of meals to those members of the community who are in need of such a service. Meals-on-wheels is one of the most worthwhile of all community activities but in spite of the dedicated voluntary workers it is becoming an increasingly heavy burden on the ratepayers and is an area in which State and federal governments will have to re-assess the degree of financial assistance they are prepared to give if such services are to be maintained and expanded. In addition to the normal recreational facilities within the building, the Parra- matta & District Senior Citizens Centfreincludes a bowling green which was donated by the Parramatta Lions Club. Our senior citizens derive great enjoyment from this amenity which was provided by that worthy organization. Furniture, furnishings and a great deal of ancillary equipment were supplied by the Parramatta Rotary Club. Such contributions are typical of the community efforts not only by members of those particular clubs but also by other clubs and service organizations, virtually all of which have one or more branches within the electorate. The most pressing matters in the electorate are unemployment, housing and those associated with education. The Premier has been quick to recognize the problem that unemployment is causing throughout this State. He has already shown that the Government intends to take all steps possible within State finances to provide employ- ment opportunities and to encourage industry to expand its activities, but of course we all realize that this problem can be solved only with the co-operation of the Aus- tralian Government, which unfortunately is reluctant to face its responsibilities in this regard. Those who do not regard unemployment as a serious problem should consider the figures supplied to me by the Parramatta and Granville branches of the Common- wealth Employment Service. They apply as at 30th July, 1976, but no doubt the position has deteriorated even further since then. At that time the number of unfilled vacancies was only 217. However, fewer than 4 873 people were registered as unemployed, com- prising 2 441 adult males, 540 adult females, 1 059 junior males and 833 junior females. These latter figures will, of course, worsen substantially at the end of the school year and they indicate clearly the grave problem with which we are confronted. It is indeed a tragedy that thousands of people are seeking employment and that only a small number of jobs are available in limited and specialized fields. When a similar situation, though to a much lesser degree, confronted the federal Labor Gov- ernment it financed an unemployment relief scheme, part of which was funded through State governments and other funds came directly from the Commonwealth Govern- ment. This scheme was applied to the worst areas of unemployment. At that time Parramatta was included in only the first category, but for varying periods du$ng 1973 funds were provided for the employment of 123 men. In March, 1975, a second scheme was commenced and the employment of 36 persons was authorized, with funds to come from the Department of Local Government. This scheme was worth while for it not only provided an increased income for people formerly on unemployment relief but also allowed councils to carry out public works throughout their areas. 62 ASSEMBLY-Address in Reply

It is surely logical and an exercise in sound economics for the Australian Gov- ernment to reintroduce such a scheme. The additional cost over and above unemploy- ment relief would be insignificant by comparison with the social advantages achieved by providing people with an opportunity to earn a reasonable wage rather than to be the recipients of relief, particularly when taken in conjunction with the substantial contribution made to public works at the local government level. I ask the Premier to make urgent representations to the Prime Minister for the reintroduction of the regional employment development scheme.

The unemployment problem is, of course, closely allied with the depressed state of the homebuilding industry. I suggest that it is due in no small degree to the uncon- trolled proliferation of office buildings in the central business district of Sydney without any regard for their requirement or effects upon other sections of the industry. As a result of this unbridled competition for labour, materials and finance, building costs escalated to a point where private homebuilding dwindled to a record low level. Un- fortunately, no action was taken by the State Government, through the Housing Commission, to fill the deficiency. Consequently there is a deplorable shortage of housing in this State, particularly in the low-cost field. Genuine homeseekers have to wait up to five years before they can obtain accommodation.

Every day I am visited by people who are in most distressing circumstances, seeking assistance in obtaining accommodation through the Housing Commission. It is only through that avenue that people on low incomes have any chance of obtaining accommodation. The Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works, Minister for Ports and Minister for Housing is equally concerned about this tragedy which has fallen most heavily on those least able to fend for themselves. He shares my conviction that this is one of the most urgent problems facing the Government and that we must all do our utmost to resolve it. During the last few months numerous representations have been made to me by the New South Wales Teachers Federation, by teachers, and by parents and citizens' organizations associated with the various schools in my eleotorate. Though I was aware of the neglect in this field I have been astonished to learn of the way in which even minor items of maintenance have been neglected. Almost every school within the electorate has forwarded me lists, some of them covering many pages, of maintenance items ,that have been submitted to the Department of Education and to various Ministers for Education but have been ignored. There is a clear pattern of new works promised but not carried out, of maintenance requests ignored and of buildings allowed to deteriorate to a disgraceful degree. Even such elementary necessaries as an adequate number of toilets for pupils and staff have been shockingly neglected and requests for essential maintenance have been disregarded, sometimes for several years. There are instances where funds were approved by the former federal Government and it seems that deliberate efforts were made to delay expenditure and thus avoid due credit being given to the source of funding. One could be forgiven for suspecting that a policy had been followed of delaying the implementation of works funded by the Whitlam Government in order to avoid any recognition being given to the valuable social contribution it was making in the field of education, without any regard to the effect upon oqr educational system of the withholding of these improvements 'from the teachers and children of this State. It had been my intention to list all of the cases drawn to my aktention, but if I were to follow that course the entire time allotted to me would be insufficient to deal with the subject. Therefore, I have referred these matters to the Minister for Education and I am sure that they will now be treated with more urgency and consideration than they have received in the last decade. Mr Wilde] Address in Reply-24 August, 1976 63

I referred earlier to the incidence of heavy industry within the Parramatta electorate and to the associated problems. It is regretable that in recent years this State has not kept pace with the rest of the world in seeking to curb air and water pollution. Legislation alone is useless when adequate penalties are not provided and the law is not enforced rigidly. Some improvement has been achieved in relation to water pollution within my electorate, but most of the credit for it should go to the Parramatta City Council which, prior to the implementation of the Clean Waters Act, investigated all industry suspected of pdluting waterways in the area and launched more than a dozen successful prosecutions. The council's record is much better than that of government authorities which have shown a continuing willingness to give industry another chance and have frequently seemed reluctant to undertake legal action. However, virtually nothing has been done in the past ten years in regard to air pollution and it has proved most difficult to obtain details of permissible emissions authorized under the Air Pollution Control Act. Because of the concentration of heavy industry in the Ryde, Camellia and Clyde areas, and its geographical situation in the Parramatta River valley, atmospheric pollution there already exceeds world health organization standards for more than 50 per cent of the year, thus making it the most adversely affected area in the Sydney metropolis. The continual haze of smoke and other pollutants show that little action has been taken to protect the people or to improve the amenity of the district. Residents have been deeply concerned about the number of approvals given to increase industry within this complex and in particular by recent proposals in relation to the Botany Bay redevelopment involving the construction of petroleum product pipe- lines from Botany to Silverwater and then via Plumpton to Newcastle. The proposal by the Caltex oil company to establish a petroleum products depot at Silverwater would lead inevitably to a higher discharge of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. Oil tankers travelling to and from the proposed depot would contribute substantially to traffic problems, and the depot itself would constitute a significant fire risk. In addition, the possibility of enemy attack in the event of war could not be discounted, particularly as the depot would be located between a naval stores depot and the Clyde oil refinery. In spite of submissions to the contrary by interested parties, it is obvious that if all these proposals were approved, an expansion of the Shell refinery would be in- evitable. As the refinery takes up less than 50 per cent of the site owned by the company it is obvious that there is room for an enormous increase in output and resultant pollution levels. Nobody living in the area will accept assurances to the contrary. The geographical location of this industrial area is most unsuited to a refinery and though I appreciate the fact that it was establish more than Ety years ago, long before residential development advanced to the present stage, we have now surely reached the point where the rights of the individual are entitled to at least as much consideration as the financial investments of industry. Refineries should never have been located in such areas and those which are already established should have their activities restricted and eventually be phased out altogether. I was gratified to observe that one of the &st actions of this Government was to call for a complete re-examination of the Botany Bay port development. It is disgraceful that work should have been allowed to proceed to the present stage without due consideration being given to all factors associated with that development. I trust that when the proposal is re-examined and the effects of it not only upon people in the immediate vicinity of Botany Bay but upon the rest of the people in this State, and particularly those in my electorate, have been closely examined, a decision will be taken to curtail the project. I trust, also, that the question of establishing another reikery at an alternative site removed from residential areas will be given further and more favourable consideration. 64 ASSEMBLY-Address in Reply

A reference to oil refineries and pipelines leads one to consider fire protection. In this regard I should like to draw attention to some matters that the New South Wales Fire Brigade Employees' Union has been endeavouring to highlight for a number of years. I understand that representations were made to the previous Government and to the Board of Fire Commissioners, but unfortunately little has been done to improve the position. Though Parrmatta has many high-rise buildings, both commercial and residential, 50 feet is the maximum height to which the single available firefighting appliance based in the district can be elevated. It is a disgraceful state of affairs that, if a person were trapped in a building at a height greater than 45 feet above ground, it would be necessary to have equipment brought from Sydney to meet the emergency. It is quite obvious what the result would be. In each shift a total of sixty-two firemen man stations in the western suburbs district of which Parramatta is the centre, but only thirty-one sets of breathing apparatus are available. In other words, only half the men could be adequately equipped in case of a dangerous fire, and no selfcontained breathing apparatus is provided for the volulltary stations at Northmead and Merrylands. Volunteers are directed to approach a fire involving dangerous gases or fumes from the windward side. As in so many other instances, the western area has been neglected in this regard. I ask that urgent con- sideration be given to rectifying the position. The necessity for increased manpower and adequate equipment, particularly to fight fires in high-rise buildings, is accentuated by the fact that Parramatta has long been designated as a subregional centre, and is to be the major office employment centre in the County of Cumberland outside the city of Sydney. Many years ago the State Planning Authority formulated this plan and it has since been followed by the Planning and Environment Commission. Ultimately it ~llreduce the present concentration of employment in the central business district of Sydney, provide employment closer to where the majority of the people live, and help to relieve the intolerable burdens placed upon the public transport system of this State. Unfortunately the present federal Government has abandoned previous under- takings to establish a Commonwealth centre in Parramatta which, apart from providing a valuable source of employment during the period of construction, would have located some 5 000 public servants permanently in the area where they could best serve the needs of the population of this metropolis. Experience has shown that such a centre would attract into associated activities in the private sector three to four times the number of government employees, so it can be readily seen what a devastating blow the Fraser Government has dealt the commercial heart of Parramatta. I ask the Premier to ensure that the State Government will investigate the possibility of establish- ing a State office block in Parramatta and thus assist not only that city but also in decentralizing employment. The development of Parramatta is closely linked with the problems of public transport in the metropolitan area. Daily large numbers of people are forced to travel extremely long distances to and from their places of employment. I applaud the action already taken by the Government to amend deficiencies in this field. As His Excellency pointed out in his Speech, the Government has already reduced fares on public transport in New South Wales by 20 per cent since the end of June. It is hoped that patronage will improve and that the pattern which had developed in recent years of fares being increased only to be followed immediately by reduced patronage, will be reversed. I welcome the announcement that work will proceed on the quadruplication of the Granville-Penrith railway line. This work is an absolute necessity if a fast and efficient railway service is to be provided for commuters. Once again this is a project for which the former federal Government had undertaken to accept financial responsi- bility. That promise, like SO many others, has now been repudiated by the conservatives in Canberra. Mr Wildel Address in Reply-24 August, 1976 65

In addition to government transport, attention also needs to be given to the bus services in the district that are exclusively in the hands of private operators. The percentage of available passengers carried by these services is continually falling. As more people abandon public transport, greater pressure is placed upon road systems and other resources. It is imperative that a system be devised either to encourage or to compel private operators to provide better services, so that travellers will be persuaded to use public rather than private transport. I commend the Minister for Transport for the speed with which he has moved to honour vital sections of Labor's transport policy. I express to him my sympathy over the financial blows that have been dealt by the Australian Government to the areas of his responsibility. Those decisions must make the complete implementation of Labor's policies difficult to achieve. His Excellency referred to the Government's intention to introduce legislation to make voting for local government elections compulsory. As an alderman of many years experience I welcome this decision. The proposals of the Askin Government were condemned almost unanimously by the Local Government Association of New South Wales, yet that Government proceeded to force through legislation which made local government completely unrepresentative of the majority of residents. As forecast, fewer than 20 per cent of those eligible to vote exercised their right. In some areas the figure was as low as 12 per cent, resulting in pressure groups and sectional interests receiving representation out of all proportion to their community support. I am sure that with the reintroduction of compulsory voting a saner approach will prevail and the headlong spiral of local government rate increases will be slowed as aldermen and councillors will be more truly representative of, and thus more sympathetic to, the needs of their districts. It is also proposed to introduce sectional votes to local government. This is a long-felt need as it seems that local government electoral rolls are less reliable than those maintained either by Commonwealth or State eleotoral officers, and consequently some voters have been deprived of the right to vote without being provided with any means of having this injustice rectified on the day of the ballot. Proportional represen- tation will be reintroduced in the majority of cases and this also will lead to local government bodies reflecting more accurately the will of the electors than can be done with preferential voting in multiple electorates. It is essential, also, that groupings of candidates be permitted. The removal of this option was just one more method devised by the former Government to prevent representative results. I am sure that local government in this State will be more democratic and responsible as a result of the proposed legislation. Further, I welcome the proposal to establish a commission for ethnic affairs, as my electorate has a large migrant population mainly of Greek and Lebanese origin. Both of these nations produce excellent citizens and those of them who have come to Australia have made significant contributions to our cultural and commercial advance- ment. However, many of them are deprived of their rights in a variety of ways. Elderly people in particular suffer from their lack of a complete knowledge of the English language. Frequently they are unaware of their full rights and entitlements. I am sure that the commission will greatly assist them in this regard, and thus aid their integration into the Australian community. His Excellency has outlined the Government's pro- gramme for the forthcoming session. It is a programme for development in all sections of the community, for the improvement of the public services of this State and for the raising of the living standards of the people. It also recognizes the financial constraints that have been placed upon the State by an unsympathetic federal government. I am privileged to serve under the responsible and highly efficient leadership of the Premier, who has already demonstrated his outstanding ability to guide this Government. I am privileged, also, to be associated with the progressive measures that the Government proposes to implement. 5 66 ASSEMBLY-Address in Reply

Mr R. J. CLOUGH (Blue Mountains) [4.48]: I congratulate the honourable member for Panamatta on an address full of information and obviously prepared with great care. In seconding the motion for adoption of the Address in Reply I am thankful that I am speaking as a member of the Government because the electorate I represent is in real need and that need can be met only by a politicay party in government. For the past eleven years the electorate has been denied party representation. I pay tribute to the previous independent member for the manner in which he represented the electorate during his term. The Blue Mountains eleotorate consists of a mixture of residential, small farming, coalmining, manufacturing and general industrial sectors. It extends in the west from the small township of Cullen Bullen and includes Portland, Wallerawang and Lidsdale. In this area relatively few industries are to be found, and for many years there has been little development. Industrial townships such as Portland have always been at the mercy of the single employer and I hope that the Government will recognize the need to utilize the many natural resources abounding in the area, such as clay, shale, cement, timber, coal and power, and to decentralize industry into what could become an extremely pleasant area in which to live. I am referring to the area covered by the Wallerawang Lakes scheme. The Government plans to develop the power station at the centre and to construct an entirely new one in the district. The lakes scheme, promised more than nine years ago, would improve the quality of life in the district. The city of Lithgow with its industrial background and potential should have been the first township selected for decentralization of population, instead of the Bathurst-Orange area farther west. It should be essential when planning on the scale required for a growth centre to give full and proper consideration to resources so as to ensure that development will occur where resources are available. Because of its resources and potential the district of which Lithgow is the centre appeals instantly as a growth centre. The western coal mining industry is again coming into its own through the world-wide shortage of energy, and the provision of coal-loading facilities at the sea- board by our Government will ensure that this commodity can be shipped to its buyers averseas, notwithstanding the many gloomy predictions by the Opposition. Much has been said by the Opposition and the press about coal loading, but the fact remains that during the term of the previous Government western district coal did not always get equal treatment at coal loaders. We are indeed fortunate that the Government has a Premier who is aware of the needs of the people of Lithgow. He was exceedingly well received by them on the occasion of his visit there. Also we have a Minister for Mines and Minister for Energy who understands and relates to the men in the industry. The ministerial selection in this portfolio could not have been better. By visiting the mining fields and talking to the men concerned he has developed a sense of confidence within the industry. It is one thing to mine coal; it is another to get it to the seaboard. The electrification of the western line by the previous Labor Government in this State was for the express purpose of transporting western coal to the seaboard. The same railway system has been allowed literally to fall apart, and is not now capable of hauling Lithgow coal to the coast. This is reflected in the need to transport much of the coal by road, with consequent damage to the highways, which were left by the previous Government in nearly as bad a state as the railways. It was not our Government that promised eight years ago to provide a 4-lane highway through the eIectorate, or that allowed the 2000 CH series coal-hoppers to deteriorate to such an extent that barely 300 are serviceable, with the remainder lying idle in yards throughout the metro- politan area waiting for repairs and for essential maintenance to be carried out on them. However, the task must be tackled, and our Government will do it. Address in Reply-24 August, 1976 67

As additional rolling stock becomes available, more coal will be lifted to the seaboard by rail, and road traffic will decline. This, of course, cannot be done as quickly as I should like. The eastern suburbs railway has seen to that. One must aon- sider what could have been done for the railways in the Blue Mountains electorate with a fraction of the money spent on the eastern suburbs railway. However, I pay tribute to the Minister for Transport and Minister for Highways for the way in which he is making better use of the facilities to provide improved services to the people, and for his realistic reduction of fares to encourage greater use of public transport. I support my colleague the honourable member for Parramatta in his appreciation of the intention to upgrade the line between Granville and Penrith with consequent benefit for the commuters of my electorate. The Lithgow district is richly endowed with mineral wealth, including oil shale that has been proven to contain the greatest quantity of oil of any shale in the world. The oil shale industry at Newnes and at Glen Davis was more than closed down by non-Labor governments; it was completely demolished. No enemy of our nation could have done more to destroy an industry. I believe we will need to revive it in order to satisfy the energy needs of this State and the rest of our nation. I strongly urge the Government to make a comprehensive study of the methods of producing oil from coal and shale, and towards this end to explore the State's mineral resources. It is my firm belief that the Wallerawang district would make a most suitable centre for such an industry. When people hear references to the Blue Mountains their immediate reaction is to think of the tourist industry. Nowhere in New South Wales is there better tourist potential than in my electorate, yet it is on record that the previous Government ignored the Blue Mountains when it determined its four regional tourist development areas. On 8th August, 1973, when opening the fourth session of the Forty-third Parliament, His Excellency the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Roden Cutler, referred to the four tourist development areas to receive priority for government expenditure and assistance so as to accelerate tourist promotion. The Blue Mountains were not included in the areas named, and again my constituents paid the penalty of not having a representative in the party room. Therefore, it is pleasing to note that our Government intends to assist in the Blue Mountains and that it is taking action to finance projects within this important and popular section of the tourist industry. Development of the Jenolan Caves and encouragement to the day-tripper to come and experience what we have to offer the family would tend to confirm the description of the mountains as the lungs of the metropolis of Sydney. The scenic attractions at Katoomba, Medlow Bath, Blackheath, Mount Victoria and the Zig Zag Railway are there for all to see and to enjoy. I should now like to refer to some of the deficiencies in education in my electorate. There is an imbalance in the provision of adequate primary school facilities in various sections of the mountains. Another high school is needed in the central mountains, and possibly one at Lithgow. I should hope that the Government will consider the building of a college of advanced education at Katoomba, where land can made available. Katoomba is an ideal location for such an institution. Schools established where the winter climate is extremely cold should be sensibly planned. Children attending these schools must be specially catered for. Katoomba Primary School must be relocated and rebuilt urgently. However, I cannot say that the department's apparent intention to transfer this school to the site currently used as a school for disadvantaged children, and to knock down a beautiful brick building formerly used as a college, is entirely sensible, especially when another parkland site is available. In the western end of the electorate the Wallerawang Primary School is located between a coal dump, a power station and a railway line- 68 ASSEMBLY-Address in Reply scarcely an environmentally desirable situation. I am confident that our Government wiU rectify this deficiency in planning. Already the Minister has visited the area, for which, I thank him. With his practical experience he was able to assess the situation and to plan to remedy the shortcomings I have mentioned. I am grateful to him for his interest. I turn now to local government and its many problems and restrictions. Local government, the third tier of government, was beginning to make progress during the period of office of the former Australian Labor Government, but there is grave doubt about its future under the policies of the present federal Government. The Commonwealth cannot be excused of its responsibility to continue the work of the Whitlam Government in providing funds urgently needed by local government. In the western end of my electorate it is generally considered that it would be beneficial for the Blaxland Shire Council and the Lithgow City Council to be amalgamated. For many years the two councils have been working, not always in the same direction, for the development of their respective areas. Unfortunately, constraints have been placed upon both councils through lack of funds on the one hand and heavy expenditure on the other. Amalgamation will mean that efficiencies can be achieved and the ratepayer partially relieved of the burden now facing him. It is essential to protect the interests of residents within the shire with lower valuations. I have the greatest confidence that the Minister for Local Government, a well respected man of many years experience, will ensure that the transition is accomplished smoothly. The Blue Mountains City Council is a general purpose council providing all services, including electricity, to its residents. The council, like many other local government bodies, has been affected by rapid changes in valua- tion~which generally are not required to be supported by the Valuer-General. I welcome initiatives on the part of the Minister to make the Valuer-General produce evidence before boards of review to support the valuations he has placed on property. I welcome the proposal by his colleague the Minister for Local Government to restrict percentage rises in rates. Unfortunately, the Blue Mountains City Council has not done well in the field of planning. An exhibited town plan was put together in haste just prior to the 1973 general election because of pressure demanding such a plan. There are thousands of landowners whose land has been zoned non-urban. Many had residential classifica- tions changed in 1973 to non-urban and were put in the position of owning a normal building block in either 2, 5, 25 or 50-acre zoning. Yet all are compelled to pay rates. It is only now, with the advent of our Government and the understanding of the Minister, that progress is being made to permit owners to build a house on their own land. I thank His Excellency the Governor for his sober Address, which gives hope to the people of New South Wales as it contained a message of encouragement in a legislative programme to end the period of wasted years. For the past eleven years economic slump was regarded as an achievement, not a disaster, by recent governments of this State. Unfortunately, the restrictive programme of the Australian Government is causing much hardship in New South Wales as the number of unemployed continues to grow. The federal Government deserves censure for its refusal to provide funds to meet the housing needs of the people lacking adequate accommodation. The down- turn in the building industry must be arrested without delay. It gives me much pleasure to second the motion for the adoption of the Address in Reply. It has afforded me an opportunity to talk of the electorate of Blue Mountains and to applaud the realistic programme of the Premier, the Government and my party. Debate adjourned on motion by Mr Webster. House adjourned, on motion by Mr F. 3. Walker, at 5.5 p.m.