3682 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

2. If he will lay on the table of the Library the school. Currently the institution consists the annual reports and audited of all of the members of the council plus balance-sheets for all years since the following staff members:- 1970? E. J. Barker, Principal 1\'lr. THOMPSON (Minister of D. J. Woolley, Head of school of Education) .-The answer is- engineering A. C. Miller, representing academic 1. The members of the council are:­ board M. B. John (President) A. E. Stohr (Vice-President) A. M. Mackinnon, representing staff. J. V. Robertson (Vice-President) As from the annual meeting Mr. Mackin­ M. G. Beanland (Treasurer) non will be replaced by A. D. Shanahan and N. A. Crouch Mr. Miller by R. P. Martin, the appropriate R. H. Hollioake elections having already taken place. Mrs. D. E. Molloy 3. Yes. Dr. K. J. Neerhut Sir Arthur Nicholson W. J. C. North MOONEE PONDS WEST PRIMARY H. A. Patterson SCHOOL. Professor 0. E. Potter (Question No. 710) J. J. Smail G. K. Sutton _Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) E. J. Tippett asked the Minister of Education- K. C. Webb L. C. Yandell !. In view of the crowded conditions at R J. P. Dobell (nominated by the the Moonee Ponds West Primary School No. Director-General of Education) 2901, what stage !'las been reached in the The Mayor of Ballarat (Cr. A. C. closure of Bowen Street in the electoral Rizzoli) · district of Moonee Ponds? The President of the Shire of Bunin­ 2. When he proposes that the closure of yong (Cr. H. E. Hitchcock). Bowen Street will be completed to enable extra space to be provided for expansion of The Ballarat Institute of Advanced Edu­ the school? cation is the tertiary division of the School of Mines and Industries, Ballarat, which has Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of been registered continuously under the Vic­ Education) .-The answer is- torian Companies Act since 1908 as a com­ 1. The formal closure of the street is being pany limited by guarantee. The company's arranged by the Local Government Depart­ articles of association determine the com­ ment and an Order in Council to that effect position of membership and means of has appeared at page 266 of the 30th Jan­ election of members of both the company uary, 1974, issue of the Government Gazette. (the institution) and its governing body 2. It is hoped that the legal transfer of the (the council). The memorandum and land from the City of Essendon to the Edu­ articles of association were amended during cation Department can proceed in the near 1973 in accordance with advice received on future. certain aspects from the Attorney-General's Department, and the composition and election provisions are now different from those applying before the amendment. Initial steps have been taken in applying the new 14~gislatin~ Ass~mbly. provisions for the election of members of the council and the institution and imple­ Wednesday, March 6, 1974. mentation will be completed at the annual general meeting in March of this year. 2. The institution consists of up to 17 persons elected by the outgoing council from The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. persons nominated by all members of the Wheeler) took the chair at 2.49 p.m., outgoing institution, 3 ex officio non-staff members, 2 ex officio staff members and 2 and read the prayer. elected staff members. A further staff member is secretary to the institution though QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. not a member. The normal term of office is one year. One of the elected staff mem­ RANDOM BREATH TESTS. bers is elected from and by the whole of the full-time council-employed staff of the Mr. HOLDING (~eader of the school and the other from and by the Opposition) .-In view of the academic board· of the tertiary division of Premier's public statements that he Questions [6 MARCH, 1974.] without Notice. 3683 favours random breath tests for Vic­ Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel torian motorists, will the honorable and Power) .-Officers of the Gas and gentleman inform the House whether Fuel Corporation are today flying by he envisages any safeguards to pro­ helicopter over the area between tect the rights of individual motorists Melbourne and Wodonga to look at who may be subject to random breath possible routes for the proposed gas tests? When the Premier expressed pipeline. Certainly, both the railway this view, was it a personal view or line and the highway will be taken was the honorable gentleman speak­ into account. However, in order to ing on behalf of the Government? use a highway alignment trees must be knocked over, and that is not al­ Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treas­ ways acceptable. The railways have urer) .-The first part of the honor­ rather a narrow easement. There are able member's question relates to embankments, bridges and things of future Government policy, and I do that nature which could make it im­ not propose to answer it at the possible to follow it for its whole moment. A motion favouring random length, but certainly the matter will breath tests was debated at the meet­ be examined and consideration will ing of the State Council of the be given to what the honorable Liberal Party at the week-end. I voted member has said. for it. It was quite obvious, any­ way, because I raised my hand. Therefore, that indicated that I am PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION. in favour of the resolution. The Mr. JONES (Melbourne).-In res­ motion-and I invite the attention of pect of the Victorian submission to honorable members to its wording­ the Australian Minister for Education was carried by about four or five to on the needs of pre-school education one, so the vote was decisive. and child care, will the Minister of I am in favour of random breath Health inform the House, firstly, tests. The actual resolution will be when the Victorian submission was considered later by a meeting of the sent to Canberra; and secondly, Parliamentary party, as is our prac­ whether Victoria was the last State tice, and a decision will be made to make its submission? Further, will at that time. The House will be in­ the honorable gentleman table for the formed in due course whether legis­ benefit of honorable members the lation will be drafted and, if so, in contents of the Victorian submission? what form. Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Health) .-In regard to the second PROPOSED GAS PIPELINE. part of the question, I am unable to advise the honorable member Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of ·whether the Victorian request was the Country Party) .-Would the Minister for Fuel and Power be pre­ the last of the States' submissions pared to discuss with the Gas and to be put to the Commonwealth Fuel Corporation the possibility of Government. The whole of the re­ using railway land for the proposed quest to be put to the Commonwealth gas pipeline to the north-east of the Government covered an extremely Goulburn Valley? If this were done, complex field of funding of pre­ it would expedite the project con­ school child development projects sideraly because it would obviate and programm.es against a back­ getting easements over hundreds­ ground of the Consultative Council perhaps thousands-of private prop­ on Pre-school Child Development erties. It would also be considerably which the Government has been cheaper. I appreciate that problems considering for some time. The ques­ would be involved, but ask the Min­ tion whether the document should ister to investig~te the possibility as be tabled is one that should more a matter of urgency. properly be directed to the Premier, 3684 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice.

who is responsible for such applica­ Chief Secretary recommend to or dis­ tions being made to the Common­ cuss with the Victoria Police Force wealth. the use of these animals again in police work? CATTLE COMPENSATION FUND. Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary). Mr. BURGIN (Polwarth).-ln view -I shall be pleased to accede to that of the additional funds flowing into request. the Cattle Compensation Fund because of higher prices being VICTORIAN DAIRYING obtained for fat cattle and the fact INDUSTRY. that for a number of years $150 has Mr. HANN (Rodney).-In view of been the maximum amount payable the present serious economic crisis for a condemned beast, will the Min­ in the Victorian dairying industry, ister of Agriculture investigate the particularly in the light of the possible possibility of raising the maximum breakdown of the equalization amount of compensation payable for scheme, could the Minister of Agricul­ a condemned beast? ture outline to the House details of Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of the board of inquiry which has been Agriculture) .-I believe the maximum set up by the Department of Agricul­ compensation of $150 per head is ture to inquire into the industry, its inadequate in the present price struc­ terms of reference and when it is ture of beef cattle. I shall initiate expected that the inquiry will be com­ discussions with the Graziers Associa­ pleted? tion of Victoria and the Victorian Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Farmers Union, which are the two Agriculture) .-It could be a long bodies that have been traditionally answer, but I shall be brief. The fin­ consulted by the Minister of Agricul­ ancial crisis in the dairying industry ture, to obtain their views on has been generated wholly and solely whether there should be an by the current Federal Government. increase and, if so, how much. I shall If that Government had not removed also have discussions with the Federal the consumer subsidy on butter and Minister for Primary Industry because the fertilizer bounty on super­ the Commonwealth has imposed an phosphate, there would be no crisis. export levy on beef. Some of this money is being used in a national Mr. 1\WI'LTON (Broadmeadows).- campaign for the eradication of 1 raise a point of order. The Minister brucellosis. Additional funds may be should make a Ministerial statement available from that source to com­ and allow it to be debated in the plement the funds already in exist­ House. The honorable gentleman is ence. Following these negotiations expressing an opinion in answering I hope it will be possible to raise the the question asked by the honorable level of compensation to a more member for Rodney and is therefore realistic amount. out of order. The Minister is also entering into a debate on the question. The honorable gentleman has not GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS. stated facts. I challenge what the Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-Is the Minister has said and I also challenge Chief Secretary aware that the Com­ the honorable gentleman to make a monwealth Government has now Ministerial statement in the House so lifted the importation ban on German that it can be debated. shepherd dogs? Colonel Sir Eric St. The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Johnston recommended that these Wheeler).-The relevant Standing dogs be used for police work, but Order is No. 81, which states- because of the ban the Victoria Police In answering any such question a Member Force discontinued their use for shall not debate the matter to which the guard and tracking work.. Will the same refers. Questions [6 MARCH, 1974.] without Notice. 3685

When the Minister was in­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of terrupted he had not reached Education) .-It was my intention to the stage of debating the issue. proceed with that proposed legisla­ If the Minister furthers his reply to tion during the last spring sessional the honorable member for Rodney, I period and I again intended to pro­ shall listen carefully to decide ceed with it during this sessional whether he is debating the issue. The period. However, many of the organ­ question referred to a report. If that izations involved in education asked' report is readily available to the for further time for experimentation honorable member, that part of the and for thrashing out the positive question could be ignored. suggestions which have been put for­ ward, and I have acceded to their re­ Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of quests. Agriculture) .-Thank you for your help, Mr. Speaker. I have made the IMITATION FIREARMS. point I wished to make. To conclude Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Dundas).­ the answer, I point out that, re­ Is the Chief Secretary aware that at cognizing the difficulties which some least one Melbourne store is selling dairy farmers are facing, the Victorian . high quality imitation sub-machine Government proposed an inquiry with guns? Does the Government have a a view to ensuring that the dairying policy to control or ban the sale of industry-which is our best decen­ these imitation firearms? tralized industry-is maintained and improved on the most viable basis Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary) . possible. I gathered together a num-:­ -The answer to the first part of the ber of people who are recognized question is, "Yes", and the answer leaders in the industry and with them to the second part is, "No". set out guidelines and objectives for VICTORIAN INLAND MEAT an inquiry to be held into all aspects AUTHORITY. of the dairying industry. Mr. FOGARTY (Sunshine) .-· The objectives have not yet been I ask the M'inister of Agriculture· published and they are too lengthy to whether the Government has entered give to the House now and for into negotiations for the sale or lease the honorable member for Rodney to of any of the works of the Victorian Inland Meat Authority. If so, will the· remember if I enumerated them. M'inister give details of the progress· I will be making a statement shortly of the negotiations and what com .. on who will conduct the inquiry, the panies and authorities are involved? terms of reference and the objectives. Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of The inquiry will work according to Agriculture) .-I recall a notice of the guidelines set out by the working motion given by the honorable mem-· party so that it will not stray from ber for Broadmeadows yesterday, and realistic possibilities concerning the any answer to this question would' future viability of the dairying indus­ probably short-circuit whatever de­ try. bate will take place on that matter.. HORSE RACING. SCHOOL COUNCILS. Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) .­ Mr. BORNSTEIN (Brunswick East). In view of the debacle which took -Is it the intention of the Minister of place concerning mid-week racing. Education to proceed in this session dates and the threat of reprisals by with proposed legislation on the re­ the Victoria Racing Club against country racing clubs, does the construction of school councils? If Minister for Youth, Sport and so, will it take into account major Recreation intend to establish a com-· criticisms of the Government's origi­ mission to control racing in this: nal proposal. State? 3686 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice.

Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, of the Yarra River itself and the Sport and Recreation) .-In the first construction of the Sugarloaf dam two parts of his question, the honor­ above should be approved for early able member expressed opinions implementation subject, of course, to which are certainly not shared by the environmental impact study. members of the Government. The The scheme will be followed by answer to his question is, " No ". the Thomson Three dam and, there­ after, probably by the Watsons WATER STORAGES. Creek dam, which is also part of the Mr. PLOWMAN (Evelyn).-Can the Yarra Brae scheme. That order has Premier advise the House what stage been recommended to the Govern­ has been reached in the Board ment and the Government accepted it of Works environmental impact in principle in March last year. study on the Yarra Valley dam, whether alternatives to the in­ METRICATION OF' SPEED LIMITS. itial Yarra Valley dam have been investigated, and when a Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds). decision can be expected on -Is the Chief Secretary aware that the three stages of the scheme­ the conversion of road traffic signs Yarra Brae, Sugarloaf and Watsons to the metric system will commence Creek-in order to clarify the per­ on 1st July, 1974? If so, is the sonal situations of people who will honorable gentleman also aware that .be affected by the interim develop­ an inspector of police has stated that ment order? no tolerance will be given to motor­ ists who marginally exceed the speed · The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. limits? Is the Government consider­ Wheeler).-Should not this question ing assisting motorists with speedo­ be directed to the Minister of Public meter conversion kits for their Works who represents the Minister motor vehicles; if not, is it intended for Local Government in this House? to offer motorists any assistance in Mr. PLOWMAN.-The Premier converting their vehicle speedometers has made public statements on the to the metric system? .matter. Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary). The SPEAKER.-If the Premier is -The question is rather involved. more capable of answering the ques­ Announcements will be made in the tion than is the Minister of Public near future concerning the conver­ Works, the honorable gentleman may sion. do so. Mr. HAMER (Premier and KOSHER KILLING. Treasurer) .-It is not that I feel more capable of answering the ques­ Sir EDGAR TANNER (Caulfield).­ tion; it is simpl·y that I have first­ Further to the reply yesterday by hand knowledge, whereas the Minister the Minister of Health to the honor­ of Public Works ·would probably able member for Morwell concerning have to refer the matter to the the kosher killing of meat, can the Minister for Local Government. Minister provide any further infor­ mation on the Government's attitude The Ministry for Conservation has to the killing of animals by the kosher been requested to prepare an environ­ method? mental impact study on the Yarra Brae scheme. The study has been in Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of progress for some months and the Health) .-From time to time the results have not yet been produced Commission of Public Health has for scrutiny by the Government. examined kosher killing and, as a What has been decided in principle result of its deliberations, this method is that the first part of the Yarra of killing is permitted only in certain Brae scheme involving the damming approved casting pens at a number of Questions (6 MARCH, 1974.] without Notice. 3687 abattoirs. On behalf of the Depart­ as a result of those discussions, th~ ment of Health, I can give an assur­ industry's future is in any degree of ance that kosher killing in no way jeopardy? contaminates the meat or affects the Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of health of those who eat the meat. Agriculture) .-The last negotiations Furthermore, I assure the House that between State Ministers and the the Government has no intention of Federal Minister for Primary Industry interfering with kosher killing, which took place at the recent meeting in is very much a part of the practice Tasmania of the Australian Agricul., of those of the Jewish faith. tural Council. At that meeting, all Ministers with the exception of my.. PETROLEUM PRODUCTION. self agreed to all the other principles l\1r. AMOS {Morwell).-In view of of the stabilization plan and urged the present price of Middle East crude the Common\-13alth to agree to put oil, which is approximately double up $80 milliou, at risk, over a five .. that which was said would prevent the year period. commercial production of petroleum On behalf of the Victorian Govern ... from brown coal, will the Govern­ ment, I· refused to agree to this ar­ ment take steps to bring about the rangement, because it seems to me to commercial production of oil from be a sort of " domino " theory of brown coal notwithstanding the re­ agreeing to smaller points and leav... port from the East German con­ ing no room to negotiate over the sultants who have recently been in major point of putting money at risk .. the Latrobe Valley? The consumers have a great deaf. Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel to gain by the Federal Government's and Power) .-Although the price of coming to a satisfactory arrangement: imported crude oil has increased con­ with the Australian wheat growers, siderably, the price of Australian because at the moment the domestic­ crude oil has remained the same-it price of wheat is $1.92 a bushel and. is just over $2 a barrel. We get about the export price is between $3 and $4. 83 per cent of our petrol requirements depending upon the type of contract from Australian sources. which is involved. Therefore, at­ least for the next couple of years, the The Government is taking some wheat grower will be subsidizing the­ action in respect of the production consumer more heavily. To over­ of oil from Latrobe Valley brown coal come this, to implement a propel' and further investigations into the stabilization plan and to fight infla­ best way in which to produce it are tion by maintaining domestic prices continuing. There are several techni­ as they are, the Federal Government cal practices which are known and, has an interest in providing money over a period, throughout the world at risk. different types of practices have been under study. This study is continu­ I understand that since the meet­ ing. We are arranging for certain ing of the Australian Agricultural things of that nature to take place Council in December, the ·Federal here, irrespective of the information Government has agreed that if there we might gain from our East German is any money in defidt at the end visitors. of the five-year stabilization plan, it will be prepared to write off the WHEAT INDUSTRY. outstanding amount. That i"s a great Mr. TREWIN (Benalla).-Can the help and a definite advance on the Minister of Agriculture inform the previous position. House whether he has had discussions However, some matters arP stiH with other members of the Australian not agreed on. The most significant Agricultural Council about the future would be the retention of the present­ of the wheat industry and whether, structure of the AustfaHan Wheat. 3688 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice. Board, and also, if the Government pital were entirely in accordance with in the national interest decides to the Menhennitt determination and direct the sale of wheat to any legal under the 'laws of the State. country, that it should underwrite the price of this wheat to the Aus­ VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. tralian wheat growers. Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).­ These two reasonable points should Has the attention of the Minister be agreed to by the Commonwealth. of Transport been drawn to a report I understand that tomorrow the Com­ in the first edition of today's Herard monwealth Minister will be meeting that the Victorian Railways propose with the Australian Wheatgrowers to extend the electrified system Federation and I hope they can arrive 50 to 55 miles out from at an early agreement, because in Melbourne? If the honorable the light of the world shortage of gentleman is familiar with this grains, particularly wheat, the great­ plan-1 assume he is-can he inform est encouragement should be given the House why the Bendigo line and to Australian farmers to produce the line north of the Broadmeadows more. area have been ignored, because the Sunbury, Gisborne, Macedon and ABORTIONS. W oodend area, Craigieburn, and Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the points beyond are now the fastest Opposition) .-Is the Minister of growing areas within the outer met­ Health aware of the grave and serious ropolitan area? allegations made yesterday morning Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of on a television news programme in Transport) .-The article on the front which it was stated that abortions page of today's Herald is purely are being carried out illegally by speculative and appears to be based doctors and staff at the Queen Vic­ on knowledge gained by the reporter toria Hospital? If the Minister is that the railways are carrying out aware of these allegations, is he in some routine surveys of future a position publicly to repudiate them potential traffic. and inform the House of the results of any investigations which he has made? WEST GATE BRIDGE. Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir).­ Health) .-I thank the Leader of the Can the Minister of Transport ascer­ Opposition for the question. I was tain the extent of the wastage of aware of the demonstration in front steel and labour on the West Gate of the Queen Victoria Hospital shown Bridge as a result of changes in speci­ on television yesterday. It was largely fications? Can the honorable gentle­ by people who support the Pro-life man allay the lack of confidence in Association, University of Melbourne. the organization by the workers on I understand that the president of that bridge to the ·extent that they are unable to communicate with the that organization visited the manag~r of the hospital and presented certain management and are extremely con­ claims made by the group which, if cerned at the enormous waste of steel I remember correctly, were that be­ and loss of working time as a result tween 25 and 30 abortions a week of changes in specifications? were being performed at the hospital. Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of The manager assured the president Transport) .-The specifications for that the information was inaccurate, the West Gate Bridge were recom­ that that number of terminations of mended by a consortium of the best pregnancy would normally be carried engineering brains that could be ob­ out in the hospital over a period of a tained anywhere in the world. The month and that the operations car­ works are being carried out in accor­ ried o~t at the Queen Victoria Hos- dance with those specifications. Ombudsman. (6 MARCH, 1974.] Ombudsman. 3689

I am not aware of any factors of the legislation the Ombudsman is re­ wastage or lack of communication quired only to make a report to Par­ with anyone at the bridge. Nobody liament as soon as possible after has drawn my attention to them. If 30th June each year. Section 26 of there is anything in the allegations the Ombudsman Act provides that made by the honorable member for the Rules of Parliament may author­ Reservoir, I invite him to point me in ize the Ombudsman to publish in the the appropriate direction so that I public interest or in the interest of can have them investigated. any person, authority .or other organization, reports relating ge!ler­ ally to the exercise o~ his funct10_ns INDUSTRIAL APPEALS COURT. or to any case investigated by h1m Mr. STIRLING (Williamstown).­ whether or not the matters to be Can the Minister of Labour and In­ dealt with in the report have been dustry inform me whether he has the subject of a report made by him been advised of any challenge to the to this House under the Act. decision of the Industrial Appeals The House would agree with the Court to aUow two claims submitted by the Federated Storemen and opinion of the Ombudsman that. cases may arise-in fact, ~ave ansen:­ Packers Union which affect thirteen where it would be advisable for him wages boards? If there is any such to make a public statement about his challenge, does the Minister propose investigations and the results of to brief counsel for it? them. That is in line with what Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Parliament envisages. The effect Labour and Industry) .-I have had of the motion is to make the Rule of a brief indication of the possibility Parliament in a form-the Legisla­ of a challenge. I am not in a position tive Council will be invited to agree today to give the honorable member -which will enable the Ombudsman that information. I will seek it and to make these reports public. It will make it available to him. be to the advantage of the commu­ nity as a whole. OMBUDSMAN. It will interest honorable members Mr. HAMER (Premier and to know that already the Ombuds­ Treasurer) .-By leave, I move- man has had 643 cases presented to That this House agree to the following him some frivolous and some trivial. motion:- That is enough to show that VVe, the within the community there is Legislative Assembly of Victoria, in Parlia­ a reservoir of anxious, disturbed and ment assembled make the following rule frustrated people who were seeking pursuant to section 26 of the Ombudsman this kind of help. A total of 643 Act 1973:- cases within a few months is sub­ 1. The Ombudsman may publish in the public interest or in the interests of any stantial. person authority or other organization re­ Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-The ports relating gener.ally to the exercise of his functions or to any case investigated Opposition does not oppose the by him (whether or not matters to be dealt motion moved by the Premier. In­ with in that report have been the subject deed, when the Ombudsman Bill was of a report laid before either House of debated, it was suggested that no Parliament under the Act). restriction should be placed on the The purpose of the motion is to Ombudsman if in the public interest allow the Ombudsman from time to it was necessary for him to make a time to publish in the interests of any public statement. I expected the person or organization a report on Premier to give an indication of the the exercise of his functions gener­ type of protection that ·would be ally or on any case investigated, and afforded the Ombudsman if he pub­ the result of the investigation. Honor­ lished a statement which was subse­ able members will recall that under quently challenged by one or more 3690 Ombudsman. [ASSEMBLY.] Ombudsman. persons. Will the Ombudsman be in newspapers. If protection is protected in such circumstances? He to be provided, an amendment to the would not need protection when he Act would be required. The sugges­ reports to Parliament but it has not tion is not appropriate for considera­ been stated whether he will be pro­ tion on the motion before the Chair. tected when he makes a public state­ It may be worth considering that ment. In conjunction with these suggestion later. I will have it con­ reports, it may be necessary for the sidered because it may place too Premier or even Parliament to con­ much discretion on the Ombudsman sider what protection the Ombuds­ whether he publishes a report or not .. man should have in the event of a Probably he should have this protec­ publication for which he is respon­ tion. However, as I said, it is not sible being challenged in the courts. relevant when considering the motion Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the I have moved, but it certainly will Opposition).-The motion enables be considered later. the Ombudsman on his own behalf The same argument applies to the and in his own right and discretion matter raised by the Leader of the to publish in the public interest or Opposition who referred to the in the interests of any person, desirability of allowing resolutions authority or other organization, re­ of the House to require the Ombuds­ ports relating generally to the exer­ man to publish certain reports. The cise of his functions or to any case drafting of the relevant section of investigated by him. I wonder wheth­ the Act provides for Parliament to er in considering this matter the make rules which may authorize the Premier examined the desirability Ombudsman to do this. That is the of extending that power so that the form of the rule proposed in the House may, by resolution, require motion which is now under the Ombudsman to publish certain consideration by the House. material. For example, he may have completed an inquiry but there is Again I should like the opportunity no compulsion on him to publish a of considering this proposal by the report at that stage; he is required Leader of the Opposition. There may only to report to Parliament. By a be cases in which the House may simple amendment, which would en­ desire to know, for various reasons, able the Ombudsman to continue to what the Ombudsman's investigation act as presently envisaged, Parlia­ has revealed and what his decision is, ment could, by resolution, require but that would require an amendment the Ombudsman to publish the result to the Act. The Government is en­ of an inquiry which he had conduct­ titled only to authorize the publica­ ed. The adoption of my suggestion tion of reports, and that is what the would seem to be a useful two-way proposed rule will enable it to do. exercise. Apparently in New Zealand, on Mr. HAMER (Premier and whose precedents this Act was Treasurer) (By leave) .-Two largely based, a rule has been made in matters have been raised, the first precisely these terms, so the Victorian concerning the protection afforded rule will be parallel with that of New to the Ombudsman when he pub­ Zealand. lishes reports of his investigations. Without' going into detail, I Mr. WHITING (Mildura).- point out that it is obvious The Country Party believes this is a that a report of the Ombuds­ very good motion. Everybody is man which is tabled in Parliament extremely interested in the work of would be protected by Parliamentary the Ombudsman and how it will privilege. However, at present, no develop in the future. The Ombuds­ protection is afforded under the man should be given the opportunity Ombudsman Act for reports published of reporting to Parliament on Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3691 particular occasions as he thinks fit. It is the belief of the Opposition and I am interested in the proposals put of the reasonable man in society that forward by the Leader and the Deputy the Minister of Education and the Leader of the Opposition, and pleased Government have failed in their duty that the Premier will investigate those and obligation to provide facilities proposals with a view to a possible which will allow sufficient and amendment of the Ombudsman Act. adequate educational opportunities The Country Party supports the for children in the 1970s; that the so­ motion and eagerly awaits the results called education system has broken of some of the work of the Ombuds­ down; that the order of the day is man in Victoria. chaos and despair; that teachers are The motion was agreed to. disillusioned and discontented; and that children are being taught in in­ It was ordered that the foregoing adequate buildings with insufficient resolution be transmitted to the facilities and a gross shortage of staff. Legislative Council with a message Those are facts that cannot be argued desiring their concurrence therein. against, and I shall be surprised if LAND TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL. they are. Mr. THOMPSON (M'inister of Last year the Government pub­ Education) presented a message from lished a hefty vision and realization His Excellency the Governor recom­ volume. I submit-and I hope to be mending that an appropriation be able to show by argument-that the made from the Consolidated Fund for vision of the founding fathers of the the purposes of this Bill. Victorian education system of 100 years ago has now been lost WANT OF CONFIDENCE IN in a bureaucratic jungle that cannot MINISTER OF EDUCATION. cope with the day-to-day needs of our Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray).­ schools, our school children and our I move- education system; that the realization of this effort has been a tragic waste That the Minister of Education no longer possesses the confidence of this House. · of opportunity, of human potential The motion, of which I gave notice and human lives: and that the pro­ yesterday and have pleasure in mov­ spects for the future are that the ing, will come as no surprise to situation is not improving but dete- honorable members on both sides of riorating. · the House or to anyone involved in There is no confidence on the part education in Victoria, because it is my of those concerned with schools, such belief, and that of all who are really as teachers, parents, and students, in concerned with this subject, that the Government's approach to educa­ events of recent weeks have laid bare tion. Its performance does not merit the chaos in the Victorian education confidence in the future; in fact the system. There is a vast void between opposite is the case. Since the early the needs of the children of this 1950s the economic position in Vic­ State and the pitiful performance of toria and in the whole of Australia the Government and there is obvious has changed dramatically. There has confusion on the future of the educa­ been renewed interest in education tion system. There has been a lack and the potential of education to a of planning and concern, and the child and, for that matter, to an Government had the gall to refer in adult. The opportunity has existed; Parliament yesterday and earlier in society wants a better educational the press to its plans for next year. opportunity through the school For those in the schools at present, system, but it has been fumbled. For children and staff alike, next week is nineteen years the Government has the problem. Next term is regarded h!id t~e opportunity of remedying the as a difficulty beyond the Govern­ situation, and must take the responsi­ ment, much less next year. bility for that fumbling. Problems 3692 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. exist from pre-school years to tertiary be nothing more than a fa~ade and a years in the Victorian educational sham-there is no substance to them. system. The problems have existed The Government does not give a for years and are not improving. In damn about the quality of life or the middle of those pre-school and about the total man. Its fa~ade has tertiary years there is the syndrome been shown up for what it really is. of portable class-rooms and teacher The reality is a picture of neglect shortages. This has been the picture which strongly deserves the censure for years and is still the picture. of the House. Perhaps the crudest and cruellest I shall deal firstly with staffing of feature of all in 1974 is that the Victorian schools. It is my belief, Minister and the Government are and that of all honorable members· using education as a device to attack who face up to this question, that a the Australian Government for cheap constant feature of Victorian schools political ends. This is a fact that over the past decade has been one of cannot be denied. No other Minister teacher shortages. Another constant of Education and no other Govern­ feature has been the assurances from ment in Australia have attempted to the Government that things are im­ attack the educational policies of the proving; that next year the shortages Australian Government in the way that are unfortunately being suffered that the Victorian Government has at present will not exist; and that over the past year. These cheap there will be nothing to worry about political ends are obvious to all who because all will be well. The fact take an interest in educational mat­ of the matter is that in 1974 there ters. Teacher unions and parent is a shortage of hundreds of teachers groups in Australia have criticized in Victorian high and technical the Victorian Minister of Education schools. for his cheap political approach and for refusing to face up to what the This position is being covered up Australian Government is offering to by the use of 7,000 temporary Victorian school children. teachers in Victorian schools, many of whom have not the qualifications There are four main areas in which which the Government and every­ I criticize the Government on its educational policies. The first area body concerned with education would is staffing of schools and the massive like them to have. The temporary shortage of teachers; the second is teachers are being used by the Gov­ the Victorian Government's relation­ ernment to patch up the neglect ·of ship with the Commonwealth Govern­ the past and to hide the fact that ment, in terms of education; there is insufficient staff in Victorian the third is the failure of the schools. The present Victorian Gov­ Victorian Government to involve and ernment has failed to come to grips to create an atmosphere for participa­ with school staffing needs. It has not tion within the Victorian educational been able to recruit and retain suffi­ system; and the fourth is the building cient staff. Who are the losers? situation within Victorian schools. Obviously, the losers are the children The only conclusion that can be in post-primary schools who suffer reached is that the Government does in overcrowded class-rooms with in­ not care, and that is the cry of parents sufficient teachers, and subject limita­ who in recent weeks have endured tions imposed on them, particularly the anguish of seeing the turmoil and at the senior levels. In many schools chaos within most Victorian schools. the problem of unqualified teachers The Government has been trumpet­ exists. ing across the State its avowed con­ cern for quality of life and for the Mr. THOMPSON .-It is a pity the total man. These cries, through the honorable member was not teaching Government's examples, are shown to in a school in 1950. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of-Education. 3693

Mr. FORDHAM.-! take up the of teachers at that time. The Minis­ Minister's interjection. He is con­ ter was forewarned of what was cerned with standards of the 1950s likely to happen. On 4th December, and is not interested in progress. 1973 this information was reinforced That is typical of the Government's by the Victorian Teachers Union, attitude. The years 1973 and 1974 which issued a statement as are a long way from the 1950s and follows:- there is still a long way to go in A snap end-of-the-year survey by the the provision of teachers. The Gov­ Victorian Teachers Union has revealed that more than half of Victor.ia's high schools ernment knows it, the teacher unions will again be short of key subject staff in know it and the parents are becom­ 1974. ing increasingly aware of it. It showed that art-c11aft, physical educa­ tion, science and ma:thematics teaching next The 1973 school year was a big year will be severely restricted by maj.or ·one in terms of teacher shortages and gaps in staffing in these subjects. the Government admitted this. The VTU President, Mr. Don Bull, said­ Assurances . were given that a " It is incredible that after years of similar situation would not occur promises and reassuring statements, these again and that the problems would shortages will again be serious in 1974. be overcome in the following year. The State Government has been warned A State election was to be held in repeatedly of continuing troubles in these May, 1973. To meet the problem of areas, yet it has failed to act positively to the forthcoming election, in April, forestall the trouble." 1973, the Government appointed a There can be no claim that the committee to review the staffing of opportU;nity was not there or that the Victorian secondary schools. This unions and the political parties were committee did not meet until Sep­ not forewarned. tember, 1973, and there is still no sign of a report because the com­ On 6th December, 1973, I took the mittee is not functioning. Therefore, matter further when I brought to the nothing could flow from the com­ attention of the Minister the future mittee. shortage of teachers in key areas such as physical education, wood­ In the middle of 1973 assurances work, and art and crafts, and the were given by the Minister and the need for an urgent recruitment department that 1974 would see a campaign to be conducted. My re­ great improvement in the number of marks are recorded at page 3196 of teachers available. The Minister Hansard. The Minister replied- regularly throws out, as would a That basically is a question for the statistical Houdini, a list of the num­ 'f.eachers Tribunal. bers of additional teachers being pro­ The Government knew in December vided in Victorian secondary schools. last year that there were insufficient The parents of the pupils in the hun­ teachers in specialist areas and that dreds of Victorian schools which are special efforts would have to be short of teachers are not interested in made between 6th December and 6th the Minister's statistics; they want February to recruit these teachers. teachers now, not of the standard into the Victorian school system. of the 1950s and not in 1980. A generation of . children has gone The following statement appeared through Victorian schools without in the Age of 22nd December:- sufficient teachers, and this situation SCHOOL STAFF PosmON 'GOOD' IN 1974. will not improve in the near future. Victoria's school staff situation next year will be the best ever, the Minister of In August, 1973, the Sun· News­ Education (Mr. Thompson) said yesterday. Pictorial reported on a survey In contrast to the Minister's state­ carried out by the Victorian High ment that the situation would be Schools Principals Association which good, Mr. Schruhm, Dfrector of showed that 145 schools ·were short Secondary Education, early in 3694 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. December stated to the Victorian of staffing secondary schools, but the Secondary Teachers Association that Minister does not. As a result, rigid, there would be great gaps in the tight and completely unrealistic tar­ staffing of Victorian secondary get figures exist for the staffing of schools in 1974. Victorian secondary schools. An attempt was made to cover up Last night the Minister claimed the situation which was to emerge. that most schools are staffed in ex­ Since then there has been a remark­ cess of the target. However, I con­ able juggling of statistics by the Min­ tend that the target is artificial, ister. The honorable gentleman as­ unreal and unworkable and is set by serts that the staffing position in a bureaucrat in Melbourne. The prin­ Victorian schools is much better than cipals of the schools who reject these that required by the Teachers Tri­ target figures are up in arms about bunal. The Teachers Tribunal stan­ the situation. dards are those of the 1950s and Recently the Education Department they are completely inadequate for informed technical schools that if the present day. They are being they were staffed over-target reviewed at present. In no way do they must reduce their numbers they meet the requirements of Vic­ of teachers. The extra teachers torian schools. will be sent to other schools. For Mr. DrxoN.-Who composes the example, Williamstown Technical Teachers Tribunal? School, which has taken pride in de­ veloping a programme to meet local Mr. FORDHAM.-The Teachers needs based on the talents of the Tribunal is composed of two ap­ teachers, has been told that it has pointees of the Government and one four teachers over target. The school of the unions. The unions want to received a telegram from the Educa­ improve the position of teachers in tion Department advising that it is Victoria but the chairman and other to lose those teachers, regardless of Government representatives have the effort which has been put into blocked these aims. The Minister is developing the education pro­ faced with the problem of the Teach­ gramme at the school and the ers Tribunal and I am afraid the special needs of the students. children of Victoria also have that The special needs of the students of problem. Williamstown were. not considered; After having plugged the Teachers the school was to lose those teachers. Tribunal figures, the Minister talked The department must gear staffing about target figures, which are estab­ to the needs of schools as a result lished by persons in the head office of consultation with principals and of the Education Department, as to others in authority if it hopes to the number of teachers a school solve the problem. should have. These target figures in I direct attention to the sort of no way take into account the local situations which arise. A letter to problems of a school. Most members me from the Burwood Technical in this House are associated closely School indicates that it is seven with a number of post-primary schools teachers short, with a staff of 36. A and appreciate that it is highly desir­ letter from the president of the able that the principal and his senior Pupils, Teachers and Friends Associa­ staff should be able to plan a pro­ tion of the Sunshine West High gramme to meet local needs. This School dated 11th December, 1973, principle has been put forward by stated that 1973 had been an appalling the Assistant Minister of Education year for the children from form I. up­ in another context on a number of wards-some classes had been dis­ occasions. It is a principle which rupted and some deleted. Senior other members of the Opposition and pupils at form V. and higher school I support. We support it in terms certificate level had to attend classes Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3695 before and after school. The Why have the Government and the higher school certificate class had to Minister allowed this position to de­ be taught together with the form IV. velop? Firstly, there has been totally class for half the year. The school inadequate planning for the provision suffered from the shortage of facilities of teachers. Each year the Minister and staff for the teaching of remedial has relied on a last minute air-lift of English. It had been established teachers to deal with the problem. A that one-third of the pupils in each moment ago the honorable gentleman section had a migrant or remedial said he flew in 300 teachers. But English problem which led to this is not the way to overcome the serious difficulty at all levels. The shortage of teachers. Staffing should letter stated that the position of the be planned years ahead to meet needs school was already bad but that in as they arise, but the Minister cannot 1974 it would be even more serious claim that planning had been done. as the school would lose several of Secondly, there has been totally its senior teachers. inadequate prov.ision of places for That prediction proved to be right. potential school teachers at tertiary I visited Sunshine West High School institutions. The Assistant Minister recently. It is short of six teachers of Education is well aw·are of the and a host of portable class-rooms problems of physical education. It has not arrived. This is typical of has been impossible to provide physi­ the situation at many Victorian cal education teachers because not schools. At the request of the school enough have been trained. The committee I also visited Templestowe blame for this must lie, in part if not Technical School, which has 28 port­ wholly, with the Victorian Govern­ able class-rooms and is seven staff ment. What has it done to improve members short. the situation in physical education, music, art and crafts, and so on I could refer to school after school It has taken years for the Government in this situation. The Victorian to get a scheme for improvement off Secondary Teachers Association has the ground. It is only because of the supplied a list of some. Hamilton initiative of the Victoria Institute of High School is short of at least 5 Colleges that improvement is being staff members according to the made in the physical education field. department's standards and of 7 by the standards of the association. Thirdly, because of working con­ Frankston High School is 2 teachers ditions, the Education Department has under the department's target figure, been unable to retain teachers in Hallam High School is also 2 under, its service. Why else have large and Bairnsdale High School is 3 numbers of mathematics, science, and under. A similar situation applies to commerce teachers left the education school after school. system for private enterprise? The rewards for their work are much Technical schools have similar better outside the department. This problems. This week Altona North is also true in the psychology and Technical School is six teachers guidance field. But the M'inister, short, despite the plea of the head of through his representative on the the school to the Minister to provide Teachers "f'ribunal, has failed to face extra teachers. Last week Traralgon the reality of the effluxion of staff. Technical School was seven The M.inister grandly refers to the teachers short. The Technical record number of teachers in training. Schools Division is attempting Students at tertiary institutions who to solve these problems, as are keen to obtain a remuneration it says, but the children at these jump into ·teache·r training. But the schools are labouring under an Minister has not mentioned the impossible burden because of insuffi­ record number of bonds broken by cient teachers. people who do not wish to follow up 3696 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education.

their training or who are unsuitable. The Liberal Federal Government did The honorable gentleman has not not make any effort to meet that mentioned resignations of teachers target. In fact, it rejected the from the department. · The latest proposition that this sum was neces­ available report of the Teachers Tri­ sary. By refusing to agree to the bunal is, unfortunately, for the year proposed programme, that Govern­ 1971-72. The tribunal is already a ment revealed its philosophy. year and a half behind in submitting its report. That report shows that The Australian Labor Government, some 10 per cent of secondary teach­ through the Karmel committee, has ers resigned during the year because gone a long way in meeting that ob­ they were dissatisfied with their con­ jective. Already approximately $500 ditions of employment and the broken million, of which Victoria is to receive promises of the Government. more than ·$130 million, has been pro­ vided to 1974-75 for State education Over the years the Government systems throughout Australia. That has had a constant battle with the is an enormous increase in the teachers' unions. Its tragic record of money flowing from Canberra to industrial relations with teachers is Victoria. worse than that of any other State. It adopts an attitude of conflict rather The reaction of the Victorian Gov­ than co-operation, and it has a record ernment to this effort by the Austra­ of broken promises. Year after year lian Government to meet the educa­ teachers have been assured that tional needs of our society has been additional teaching and ancillary staff to carp and complain. Honorable will be appointed to schools to members have seen the hiss of envy lighten the load, but this has from the Minister and the Govern­ not happened. For years the ment over the efforts of the Austra­ Government has bludgeoned and lian Government. It was claimed that pushed teachers rather than attempt­ the money would not be spent; that ing to gain their co-operation. This the Australian Government did not is one reason for the t~agic staffing know what it was talking about. How­ position in our schools. ever, when Victoria was threatened with losing the 1noney, it was soon The second area which I wish to incorporated in the Budget for highlight concerns relations with the 1973-74. Perhaps this is not Australian Government. The elec­ tion of the Australian Labor surpri~;ing. Government late in 1972 created a The reaction of the Minister was potential for an enormous improve- quite different frorri that of parent ment in education in Aus- groups, such as the mothers' clubs, tralia. For the first time, the Victorian Council of State School a Government in Canberra was Organizations and its affiliated committed to massive funding of groups, which are involved in educa­ education and the visions of people tion and have commended the Aus­ concerned with education within the tralian Government for its initiative States---~and the dreams of the Vic­ and effort. To indicate the immensity torian Government-could, at least in of the Commonwealth allocations, part, become a reality. For years I point out that for general State politicians of all parties criti­ recurrent expenditure in the next cized the previous Federal Govern­ two years the Victorian Govern­ ment for its reluctance to supply ment has received $50 million, sufficient money for education. It was for the general building ·programme, estimated in 1970 that the sum of $46 miHion; for the library network, $1,443 million would be required $9 · 5 million; for disadvantaged from Canberra to meet the needs of schools, $16 million; and for special education in Australia. Of this, some education $13 million. That is a $300 million was needed in Victoria. total of more than $130 million. In Mr. Fordham. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3697 addition, further ·money is being pro­ lian Government intended to do, it vided for teacher development and for appointed a number of public com­ teacher-librarians. These allocations mittees comprising teacher and are millions and millions of dol'lars other representatives. The commit­ more than any previous Federal tees were to work with the Govern .. Government has provided. ment in the allocation and spending Instead of participating and co­ of the funds. Other groups were operating with the Australian Gov­ advised and invited to participate. ernment, the Minister of Education Details of the membership of the is unceasing in his attacks on the committees and how they would Australian Government for so-called operate were published. The Tas­ lack of flexibility. The restrictions manian Government acted openly in ... placed on the Victorian Government stead of introducing a cloak of sec­ by the Australian Government are recy as .the Victorian Government reasonable and sensible in view of has done. the past performance of the Victorian The Minister of Education has con­ regime. The Australian Government stantly claimed that there is insuffi­ was elected on a philosophy of need. cient flexibility under the Common­ It went to the electorate with a policy wealth scheme in the spending of the that money for education would be funds. The honorable gentleman has distributed on the basis of needs and been unable to substantiate his claim it has to keep faith with the elec- other than to express concern that torate. · some of the money will be spent on The Karmel committee found that tearing down old and inadequate the worst pockets of neglect in edu­ schools in the inner suburbs and re­ cation in Australia were in Mel­ placing . them with new schools. bourne's inner suburbs and no one whereas the Minister would rather can deny that. In view of such spend the money on new schools. neglect in the past by the Victorian Because of the apparent neglect in Government, it is only right that the past and a refusal by the Victorian certain restrictions should be placed Government to catch up with the on the Government and that they neglect, the Australian Government must be and will be followed by the has had to insist that the money Victorian Government. should be spent in this way so that The Victorian Minister has released those areas will not once again n1iss few details on how the money will out. be spent. The up-grading operation In an answer to a question on was set under way quickly following notice by the honorable member for the release of the Karmel funds, but Brunswick East-question No., 516- honorable members have heard little on 4 t'h December, 1973, after setting since concerning how the money is out I he moneys allocated by the to be spent. The Opposition hopes Australian Government to the Educa­ the Government will meet the chal­ tion Department in 1973-74, the lenge and will be able to spend the Minister of Education said- funds within the prescribed time. The All the money will be committed in the Government has displayed a total and financial year 1974 and it is anticipated that dependent upon the building trades unnecessary secrecy concerning the being able to carry out the necessary expenditure of these funds. The plan­ work that all the money will be spent in ning and the spending of the funds that period with the exception of money should have been very much in the allocated under the States Grants Technical Training Act. In this area delays in public arena. obtaining Commonwealth approval for new I now wish to contrast the attitude projects will undoubtedly delay expenditure of the Victorian Government with of the money. that adopted by the Tasmanian Gov­ Naturally, I raised the matter with ernment. Immediately the Tasmanian the Federal Minister for Education Government knew what the Austra- and I received a letter dated 12th 3698 Want of Confidence in (ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education.

December, 1973, from the Acting Min­ Government is fearful of involving ister for Education which details the teachers, parents, and where appli­ funds provided under various head­ cable, students, in the education de­ ings. The letter states, inter alia- cision-making process. There has been The legislation dealing with each of these a cloak of secrecy, a repression of programmes specifies the purpose for which information and a lack of encourage­ funds may be expended. In each case the ment to parents and teachers to be­ programmes were initiated to meet a parti­ cular need. All of these programmes are come involved in the school process. flexible in that the expenditure within each Planning is a closed function. It is area is a matter for determination by the confined to the Cabinet and to the State Education Department and only sub­ education officials at the top· end of ject to my general agreement which is required by the various Acts. Similarly, Spring Street. should the State Education Department In the case of the national survey decide to revise any of these programmes, to which I referred earlier and which my agreement is also required. was completed in May, 1970, there Moreover, I would advise that the capital aid programme is not restrictive. The State was a continual refusal on the- part of Education Departments have almost com­ the Victorian M'inister of Education plete freedom in deciding how these funds to release the Victorian section of the will be spent on general buildings for report, notwithstanding that it was schools. the only opportunity that members of For these reasons, therefore, I would sug­ gest that a great deal of flexibility is in­ Parliament and the public had of herent both in the intent and in the admini­ knowing the way in which this stration of the programmes set out above. State was moving in education and On the date (31st October, 1973) Mr. of knowing the philosophies which Thompson answered your question in the were to guide the teaching of students Legislative Assembly, he stated that, in the technical training area, approvals were in Victoria. The Minister would not awaited from Canberra. I would point out make the document available until that general approval to Victoria's technical the Australian Government and the training programme was given on 3rd Government of every other State in September, 1971, and on 11th September, 1973, Mr. Beazley approved a supplementary Australia had made their sections of programme for Victoria from additional the document available. Then, bela­ funds made available from the States Grants tedly, the Victorian Minister came in, (Technical Training) Act 1973. No further once again a tardy last in terms of approvals are required unless the Victorian Minister decides to vary his programme. planning the future of Victorian In respect of the question you raise con­ education. Planning and the expendi­ cerning Victoria's tardiness in expending ture of funds were determined by the grants from the Australian Government, I education task force, although the am advised that their performance in this Karmel committee recommended that respect is somewhat behind the other States. there should be community participa­ They are the facts of the matter. tion. Representatives of parents of The Victorian Government has been the students at schools should have tardy in coming to terms with an Aus­ been involved in this scheme. tralian Labor Government which is I now refer to school organiza­ pledged to a determination to meet tion and restructuring. Following the educational needs of our society. pressure exerted upon the Govern­ Until the Victorian Government is ment by the Opposition and by prepared to accept this political parent organizations, we are told that reality, it will continue to encounter the Government is committed to a problems. It must accept the fact restructuring programme in connec­ that the Australian Labor Govern­ tion with school bodies and councils. ment is there and will remain in We welcome the Government's re­ ·office for the foreseeable future. cognition of this need. It will be The third area on which I wish to welcomed by the whole community. concentrate concerns participation However, the question is the method within our school system and the need by which it is to be done. Instead of to open up the system. By its reputa­ calling together interested parties the tion and by its actions, obviously the Government has turned the matter Mr. Fordhr:un. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3699 into what will be a major political, from the Public Service Board and possibly industrial issue. At a to the Teachers Tribunal. All of this meeting on 1Oth October the Minister is unnecessary, and it should not be submitted propositions to parent the standard of Victorian education. groups and teacher groups and stated However, it will continue while this that legislation would be enacted dur­ Government remains in office. ing the last session. The Minister has The final area of contention I raise admitted this. However, instead of today concerns the present accom­ co-operation and consultation, these modation crisis. This is surely the groups, which are obviously involved most obvious and tragic indicator of and interested in education, had this the lack of concern and the lack of thrust upon them. It was only follow­ planning for education in this State. ing pressure applied by those groups There are a mass of unfinished, and that the matter was opened up and in some cases unstarted, school the Director-General circulated a buildings in this State, and at present brief document. It is obvious that almost 2,000 portable class-rooms are the Government has failed and that it being used. will take at least six months to estab­ lish satisfactory legislation because This is not an isolated problem. of the suspicions of parent groups School after school is experiencing concerning the Government's inten­ an accommodation crisis, and that tions. That means that the legisla­ is a fact that the Minister cannot tion will not be enacted during this deny. Honorable members who sessional period. represent outlying areas will be all too familiar with this problem. There are further examples of this Last November the Victorian sort of approach by the Government Teachers Union warned the Minister -for instance, despite assurances about what would happen, but it was given to the Victorian Council for the told that it was adopting an alarmist Mentally Retarded and other organ­ attitude, and earlier we were told izations interested in handicapped that all new schools would be estab­ persons, the first they knew about the lished in proper buildings. An Education (Handicapped Children) ·assurance was gi~n 1 that the Bill which was introduced into this situation which obtained in the House last sessional period' was when 1950s and 1960s when pupils I trooped around among them with a were turned away from schools copy of the Bill and asked them for 'would not be repeated. That their comments. I am sure honorable has not been the case. members can imagine what their comments were. They felt that they On 4th December, 1973, I asked the had been let down by the Government Minister of Education the following but unfortunately it was typical of questions concerning school accom­ the Victorian Government's approach. modation:- 1. Which schools will commence the ~974 The House also witnessed last s·chool year in temporary accommodation? 2. When it is expected that each sch?ol sessional period the fiasco of will be accommodated in permanent build­ the Bill which dealt with the ings? appointment of professional employ­ In reply, the Minister stated- ees. The teachers did not know any­ 1 and 2. The following list indicates those thing about it. The Minister intro­ schools which will have temporary accom­ duced this major measure late modation at the beginning of the 1974 year in the sessional period. Once and the dates by which it is envisaged that permanent accommodation will be avail­ again following opposition brought able:- to be~r by my party, by the Victorian 5086 Dartmouth-not known. Special Teachers Union and by other groups, design is envisaged. the Government had to change its 5098 Gladstone Views-not known. mind, and on the next morning Special design is envisaged. 5093 Broadmeadows No11th-West-not the Minister switched the matter back known. Special design is envisaged. 3700 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. High School Gladstone Park-April, 1974. of Victorian schools opened in High School Hastings-February, 1975. February with a shortage of class­ High School Hawthorn-June, 1975. rooms. Thousands of Victorian High School Doncaster East-April, 1974. children were \turned away or are Collingwood Education Centre-February, being taught in restricted hours. 1975. Thousands more are working in un­ Technical School Huntingdale-August, 1975. favourable conditions in specialist Technical School Ballam Park-June, areas such as libraries and general 1975. purpose areas, which in many cases Technical School Springvale-:-May, 1974. are financed by parents rather than Technical School Werribee-May, 1974. by the department. Earlier, the Minister asked for con- At the commencement of the crete examples to be given. I submit school year, six new schools failed that I have just provided concrete to open. The Sun News-Pictorial examples of neglect and lack of of 6th February of this year reported planning. The new schools are that these schools are Gladstone required now and the Minister must Park, Hawthorn, Hastings and Don­ recognize that they are not function­ caster East high schools and Broad­ ing properly. This was admitted on meadows North-West and Gladstone 8th January, 1974, in an article which View primary schools. appeared in the Herald of that date Mr. THOMPSON.-School strikes and which stated, inter alia- affected the situation. " Victorian Teachers Union claims that Mr. FORDHAM.-The Minister is 7,000 children would be turned away from school this year are wrong ", ·an Education attempting to blame strikes. The Department official said today. "The· strikes began long after the begin­ figure is somewhere between 3,000 .and ning of the school year. I was 4,000 but these are children who are only deluged with letters from parents 4! years old ". the official said. and school committees and telephone The official said, "110 primary schools calls from principals who were con­ would be one class-room short at the begin­ cerned at the situation and asked ning of the school year ". what pressure I could bring to bear That reveals the lack of educational to overcome their problems. I planning by the Victorian Govern­ assume that most honorable mem­ ment and its lack of provision for bers received similar approaches in the children of this State. This pat­ an attempt to alleviate the pattern tern is repeated time and time again. of neglect. I have visited as many The newspapers of the time high­ of these schools as possible. lighted another " record " con­ Recently I visited Templestowe cerning building in Victoria. In Technical School which has 28 port­ the Age of 26th January, there able class-rooms. This is the fourth appeared an article headed " Vic­ year in which that school has opened toria is tops in building pro­ and the fourth year in which it has jects"; and the same newspaper· operated with portable class-rooms. of 18th January. published an article The weather and the building in­ headed "High rise boom in city-19 new skyscrapers ". dustry cannot be blamed for the situation. Unfortunately, this is the The building industry in Victoria emerging pattern for .secondary was not geared to meet the pub­ lic building needs of the State, schools. The problem at that particularly the needs of Vic­ school will not be solved by torian schools. The Government the completion of the first made almost no attempt to mar­ stage of the building contract, ·to shall the building industry, archi­ which by interjection the Minister tects, and so on, to meet the has alluded, because this provides needs of the 1974 school year. It is only a workshop, domestic science a picture of tragic neglect. Hundreds room and similar areas. The 28 Mr. Fordhl~m. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3701 portable class-rooms wHl still be re­ Major and important buildings are quired at the completion of the build­ sometimes financed by this means. ing contract simply because the In fact, for years it has been the only second stage has not been planned. way by which primary schools have I invite the honorable member who been able to obtain libraries. The represents the area to comment on letter continues- what will happen at Templestowe We called for tenders and signed a con­ Technical School by the middle of tract with a builder approved by the Edu­ this year. The honorable member cation Department. After several weeks for Box Hill will doubtless be de­ the builder declared his inability, for finan­ lighted to enter the debate. cial reasons, to honour the contract. Rollowing election promises, the Education Sunshine Technical School has 30 Department agreed to take over financial portable class-rooms. The school has responsibility for a library and also to erect three class-rooms and an art--craft room. been operating for 40 years and there We were given to understand by the depart­ is still no educational specification on ment that construction of these would com­ what will be the future of the school. mence early in the current financial year,- Many groups in the community That is, 1973-74- have attempted to assist the Govern­ to be ready for next year's intake. ment in its predicament. The follow­ Our current position is: ing article appeared in the Chadstone 1. Work has not commenced on the Progress of 13th February, 1974- library. crusis FOR SCHOOLS: " Y " TO RESCUE. 2. Work has not commenced on class­ Waverley YMCA has taken emergency rooms or an art-craft room: hence action to solve the school shortage crisis. portables are required for next year. The YMCA will provide accommodation for children who were turned away from 3. Portables are not available for the primary schools on their first day last commencement of next year. week. Following pressure from myself, the The article further states that pri­ school committee and doubtless many mary school teachers would take part others, a portable class-room was in the programme. I congratulate provided at Eastmont Primary School. the Young Men's Christian Associa­ Tragically, the demands of many tion for its initiative but it is tragic schools were not met as quickly as that th~ Government must rely on the this. Many hundreds, if not thou­ initiative of that organization to meet sands, of children were turned away the needs of Australian school child­ ren. from primary schools. These children should have had an opportunity of The problem of the Eastmont Pri­ immediate education. mary School, which may appear minor, is duplicated hundreds of I refer now to the difficulty of Box times across the State. The school Hill Technical College which is committee sent me a ·copy of a letter within the electorate of the honorable dated 22nd December, 1973, member for Balwyn. The problem addressed to the Minister of Educa­ will be well known to the honorable tion. It states- member for Box Hill, and following The committee of Eastmont Primary a recent visit to the college, the School ( 4789) protests most strongly about Minister of Education is also familiar the treatment the school received from the Education Department this year. The school with the difficulty. Box Hill Tech­ has an enthusiastic committee and parent nical College is not a new college but body and an able staff-the morale of all there appears to be some confusion is seriously threatened by the year's events. about its future. The school had 20 In the early part of the year a free portable class-rooms last year and it standing library building was privately de­ is scheduled to have 28 portables in signed and approved by the department. In the previous year parents had purchased scheduled to have 28 portables in shares in the co-operative society to help 1974. Many schools face a similar finance this building. problem. Session 1974.-133 3702 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. In many ways Sunshine West possibly operate. I have a list of High School is located in a diffi­ other problems at that school. The cult area. The school does not second school is Gladstone Views possess a Commonwealth-financed Primary School, which was library or science block, an assembly scheduled to open on 15th October, hall or a gymnasium.. There are six 1973. In a flurry, the Government portable class-rooms at the school announced to the people of the dis­ which caters for 1,000 students. trict, " Your new primary school will I visited the school in the first week be there". of the school year. Eleven portable Mr. THOMPSON.-There was an class-rooms were to be provided but argument over the flight path. five did not arrive on time. The Government had some weeks in which Mr. FORDHAM.-This school is to move the porna'bles but was unable composed of fifteen portable class­ to do so. · rooms and it is likely to be that way for years because it is situated on a The teachers' union has will­ flight path. That was the choice of ingly provided lists of schools the Government. The situation is which have accommodation and staff­ " future unknown ". Because of the ing problems. I could read the lists problems of the flight path, architects if honorable members were interested are faced with difficulties. This in the information but I suspect that school was not opened in the second the Government is not interested in it. week of the school year because The Government's record indicates sewerage was not connected. that it does not care about the prob­ lems which exist at many schools, Mr. THOMPSON.-The plumbers although it is important that I should were on strike. refer to some of them. Mr. FORDHAM.-It was before Mr. THOMPSON.-Tell us one from the plumbers went on strike. I have Hans Andersen. visited many other schools which Mr. , FORDHAM.-! will take up experience similar problems. The the interjection of the Minister of Public Works Department and the Education. Does he deny that any Education Department have given of the schools I have mentioned are an assurance that all will be well confronted with accommodation in the middle of the year but problems? He indicates that it is a this is too late. The Government fairy tale, that it is not real. I invite failed the children in February of the honorable gentleman to visit this year. Th:e Ministers in charge these schools that have real prob­ of those departments were not lems. I have mentioned the late able to meet the challenge of the arrival of portables and temporary school year and have not been able accommodation. Two other schools to do so for many years. The Gov­ are worthy of note. I refer ernment has attempted to pass the to Gladstone Park High School, buck; the weather and the building otherwise known as Tullamarine industry have been blamed. No High School. I contacted the princi­ effort was made to gear the building pal, and found that, at the start of the industry to these needs. The Aus­ school year, no toilets were connec­ tralian Government came in for the ted, electricity, water and drainage biggest attack. were not available and telephones Mr. DIXON.-What about the 13 had not been connected. This school per cent inflation? was supposed to open on the first day of the school year. No sewerage Mr. FORDHAM.-Here we go! was provided and it was still not Inflation was the first reason ad­ availabfe a fortnight later. It is not vanced for the delay in the school surprising that the children were building programme. It has been turned away. The school could not said that inflation was caused by Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3703 the Australian Government, but of the incompetence of this Govern­ when referendums were held and the ment and its " don't care " attitude Australian Government attempted th::! position has not improved. On to slow down inflation, the State a number of occasions the Minister Government opposed the measures. of Education has given a gaggle of That was a hollow attack. The Min­ statistics that are of no interest to ister of Education suggested that the the parent of the child who has been Australian Government should con­ turned away from school and told trol and gear the building industry that there were not sufficient teachers to the needs of Victorian schools. to provide the full scope of subjects Mr. THOMPSON.-The Common­ that he should be able to take. wealth Government claimed that Mr. WILKES.-And not enough right. portable class-rooms? Mr. FORDHAM.-It is absolute Mr. FORDHAM.-That is so. The nonsense for the Minister of Educa­ past gives no solace and hope for the tion to neglect the situation and tell future. Honorable members repre­ the Australian Government to do senting such outlying electorates as something about it. The Victorian Frankston, Scoresby, Box Hill and Government has indicated a pattern Balwyn know the situation. Mem­ of neglect and inability to meet the bers of the Opposition have experi­ challenges of 1974. My colleagues enced the problems and they cannot will deal with numerous other as­ have any confidence in the Minister pects of education, such as the prob­ of Education and the Government in lems of migrant children and all aspects of education. The people handicapped persons. of Victoria want to censure the Gov­ The fourth university proposal ernment for its neglect of the past, of the Victorian Governm·ent is a and the House must support the fiasco; it is the biggest joke of motion. tertiary education in Victoria. The failure of the Government to meet Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of the challenge of the past twenty Education) .-The House has just years has created unequal oppor­ listened to one of the most inaccurate tunity for children and adults in Vic­ and distorted pictures of Victorian toria. That challenge has not been education that it would be possible met. The Government has attempted to draw. That line of attack would to blame everyone but itself. The make Honolulu sound like part of failings in education must fall fairly Antarctica, and Bradman appear like and squarely at the feet of the Vic­ a tail-end batsman, because it con­ torian Government, and in particular veys a totally erroneous picture. One of the Minister of Education. The Gov­ could go around Parliament House ernment must take the responsibility. and take pictures of the Legislative The community has lost talented Council Chamber and Queen's Hall, students who have not had the op­ or one could go down to the vaults portunities they deserve. The com­ and take other pictures of the old munity has lost because the indivi­ storerooms that have not been used duals have lost. In 1971 Professor for 30 years. The latter type of Goldman, Dean of Education at La approach has been adopted by the Trobe University, described the Vic­ honorable member for Footscray. torian State school system as the I intend to be fair and not deny worst he had seen in any developed the weaknesses and shortcomings country in the world. that exist. I shall divide my reply Mr. THOMPSON .-Just as he arrived into four areas. The honorable mem­ from England. ber for Footscray has talked about Mr. FORDHAM.-The position has relations with the Commonwealth not changed since then and because Government and has said that I have 3704 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. continually criticized that Govern­ Cromwell Street, Collingwood, High ment over the Karmel funds. I have Street, Prahran, and so on to decide given credit where I believe it was whether the schools are disadvan­ due and I have criticized the Com­ taged or not. monwealth Government where I be­ lieve that criticism has been merited. Mr. HOLDING.-Has he done that? Mr. HOLDING.-It has been more Mr. THOMPSON.-Why would he generous than the previous Govern­ have such a provision inserted ilil the ment. Act if he did not intend to use it? The intention must be there. On be­ Mr. THOMPSON.-! have said half of this State Parliament I object from the public platform that it has to the transfer to Canberra of the been generous in some areas. How­ detailed administration of a section of ever, it has hamstrung the States to the Education Department. At pre­ a large degree by the nature of the sent the Government is bending over legislation it sponsored to make that backwards trying to decentralize the money available. At the con­ administration of the department. If ference of Ministers of Education there is a weakness-! admit there is last year a resolution was ap­ one-it is that there is far too much proved by all six Mi~isters th~t centralization. The department is in expending money maximum flexi­ trying to administer 2,200 schools bility should be given to the with a pay-roll of more than 60,000 States within the various pro­ teachers and student teachers located grammes, consistent with the attain­ throughout Victoria. I do not believe ment of the over-all objectives. it can be done efficiently unless ad­ That was fair enough. The Federal ministration is decentralized. The Minister for Education stated that he Government is endeavouring to de­ would take the proposition to Cabinet, centralize the administration at the but the Act that was passed is as State level but its efforts are being flexible as a State Electricity Com­ thwarted by the Federal Government, mission pole braced with B.H.P. which is trying to centralize the ad­ steel. I use that illustration for ministration in Canberra. a number of reasons. The first objection to the Act is that The second objection to the Act is before a school can be declared disad­ that although Victoria pointed out vantaged it has to be proclaimed as that it would like to expend capital such by the Federal Minister for funds on libraries, this is specifically Education who is located in Canberra excluded from the Act unless approval but lives i~ Western Australia. What is obtained from the Federal Minister a ridiculous scheme to think up! The for Education. present position is that a school has Mr. CuRNOw.-Have you asked the to be proclaimed a disadvantaged Federal Minister to approve the ex­ school by the Federal Minist~r for penditure of capital funds on libraries? Education on the recommendation of the State. Mr. THOMPSON.-This expendi­ ture is specifically excluded unless Mr. HOLDING.-That is very dif­ the approval of the Federal Minister ferent from what you said originally. is obtained. If we want to construct Mr. THOMPSON.-But the final a library at Maryborough West or approval must be obtained from the Willy Willy East, why should Federal Minister. We can recommend we have to write to the Federal it and we have given him a list. Minister for Education-who lives Mr. HOLDING.-Have you? in Western Australia-and ask him, " Can we please use some Mr. THOMPSON.-To carry out of the money to build a library at this function he would have to come Maryborough West or Willy Willy?" from Canberra, drive around the The honorable member for Kara Kara country areas of the State, then to and I know these areas far better. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3705

Mr. CURNOW.-The Act follows the it clear in radio, press and television pattern of legislation previously enac­ announcements. In the interest of ted. decentralization of administration and fusion of decision-making and effi­ Mr. THOMPSON.-It certainly does ciency, I believe it is essential that not. The latest Act made additional the Act should be changed. As I money available in bulk with the said previously, I give the Federal proviso that 70 per cent be used Labor Government credit for provid­ on new schools. The previous ing additional money. general Act contained no detailed pro­ visions on how the money made I come now to the question of available was to be spent but secrecy over the Karmel funds. I am the latest Act contains provisos to quite happy to make available a copy of the press release on how the Edu­ w~ich this Government strongly obJects. The Government believes the cation Department is expending the Act should have been in an open capital money made available. The form so that there would be avail­ total of the funds made available for able a total sum of money which capital works up to the period ending could be expended with more 31st March is $3 ·23 million. The flexibility and efficiency. actual commitment to 26th February was $4 ·52 million. I could continue A further objection to the Act is and provide details of that expendi­ that general capital funds can be used ture if desired. The Government is an­ only where the principal object of the xious to spend the money as rapidly project is to increase the total number as possible, and to ensure that it will of places available in primary or be spent it has committed a sum in ex­ secondary schools. I suggest that it cess of the amount made available. would take the High Court-probably There is no argument about that. its judgment would be four to three That money can and will be profitably -to work out what that proviso spent. At a number of schools in means. Under this section the money the inner-suburban areas the Govern­ cannot be expended where the ment is justifiably and with pleasure sole or principal object of the expending additional money. project is to provide additional Mr. HOLDING.-Are you tabling accommodation, but that is one of the that press statement? objects of most projects, and in many of our buildings the two Mr. THOMPSON.-! will supply the objects are to upgrade and to provide Leader of the Opposition with a copy new accommodation. It is ·extra­ now. The next aspect relates to ordinarily difficult to say categori­ staff. I suppose I am influenced to cally how the department has spent a degree by my experience when I the money in such an instance. taught with the Education Depart­ In .any case, if the money is used to ment in the difficult post-war years. build a new school, one of the princi­ I was teaching in 1952, when 67 pal objects of the project is to in­ classes contained more than 60 pupils crease the total accommodation and when almost a quarter of the available. total number of classes in our primary schools contained more than 50 They are real and, I believe, well pupils. To be exact, in the year 1952 substantiated objections. Had the more than 22 per cent of the classes Act not been framed in this form contained more than 50 pupils. and a proviso included that permitted Mr. JONA.-That was under a Labor transfer of 20 per cent of the avail­ Government. able funds from one fund to the other, I would have no criticism whatso­ Mr. THOMPSON.-In that year ever. I personally made that point the McDonald Government went out clear to the Federal Minister for Edu- of office and a Labor Government . cation. I also endeavoured to make came into power. I might add, if 3706 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education.

honorable members want to be poli­ Mr. THOMPSON.-The over-all tical, that I was very surprised that in teacher-pupil ratio was 1 teacher to that year the Labor Government, 26 pupils in 1960, 1 to 24 in 1961, and despite terrible deficiencies in the is at present 1 to 16. This is an education system, budgeted for a sur­ almost unbelievable improvement plus and did not put more money when it is considered that during this into education. That was despite the time the State school population in­ fact that during those years the late creased by 182,000. Therefore, the Mr. A. E. Shepherd was Minister of Government catered not only for the Education-he was a fine Minister. additional 182,000 pupils but al,so im­ proved the teacher-pupil ratio from With regard to the general staff 1 teacher to 29 pupils to 1 to 21 in position, it is beyond doubt that al­ primary schools, and from 1 teacher most unbelievable improvements to 22 pupils to 1 to 14 · 5 in secondary have been made, especially taking schools, and improved the over-all into consideration the increase in picture from 1 teacher to 26 pupils population over the past ten to twelve in 1960 to 1 to 16 at present. years. If 1961 is taken as the base This is all the more remarkable year, the teacher-pupil ratio in prim­ in view of the fact that during ary schools has improved from 1 to this time. the teacher training 29 then to 1 to 21 now. In secondary period for primary teachers was schools, excluding technical schools, extended from two to three years the improvement has been from 1 to and that allowances were substanti­ 22 in 1961 to 1 to 14·5 at present. ally increased for teacher trainees. Mr. WILTON.-What is the teacher­ So far as I have been able to ascer­ pupil ratio in technical schools? tain, the student teacher allowance paid to Victorian trainees is the Mr. THOMPSON.-! am glad the highest in the world. honorable member for Broadmeadows Certainly in the United States of asked that question. It is 1 to 13- America and Canada teacher trainees the best in the world, so far as I have are required to prepare themselves been able to ascertain. I am pre­ at universities and teachers' colleges pared to purchase a baby bulldog for without financial assistance from the the honorable member for Footscray educational body. The Federal if he can point to a Government Government in the United States of system anywhere in the world which America pays a small allowance has a better teacher-pupil ratio than which is comparable with the allow­ 1 to 13. ance paid by the Australian Federal Mr. WILTON.-ls that ratio right? Government on a means test, but Mr. THOMPSON.-Yes. That is an no bursaries or student training allow­ over-all ratio. Of course, some indi­ ances are paid by any educational vidual schools are short of teachers authority. Our system costs the for specific subjects, such as mathe­ Victorian Government a cool $30 matics, science and physical educa­ million a year at allowance levels, tion teachers; that is an area of which are certainly the highest in deficiency. Australia and, so far as I have been able to ascertain, the highest in the Honorable me.mbers interjecting. world. The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Sometimes people ask whether McLaren).-Order! The Minister class sizes have really been reduced, should disregard the interjections and and if so to what degree. That is a fair not reply to members of the Opposi­ question which can be answered by tion. The honorable gentleman referring to two sets of figures which should also address the Chair. Again need to be examined in relation to I ask members of the Opposition to each other. I am not trying to imply cease interjecting and allow the Min­ that the first class-room one enters ister to proceed. will have the same number of pupils Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3707 as I referred to in the teacher-pupil additional children. In other words, ratio. Some teachers may have taken the rate of improvement has been study or long service leave and some better than a ratio of one teacher to may be absent on sick leave. Second­ two pupils. It is absolute nonsense ary teachers teach only 26 or 27 to say that the Government has not periods out of a total of 40 periods a improved the teacher-pupil ratio. It week. Notwithstanding all those has improved beyond all recognition difficulties, in 1963 the number of in the past ten years, and particularly scholars in 57 per cent of primary in the past two years, firstly because school classes was under 38, but there has been a lowering of the in­ today 91 per cent of classes have crease in enrolments, and secondly fewer than 38. In 61 per cent because we have been enjoying the of high schools in the secondary benefits of the greatly accelerated division in 1963, the number of teacher training programme under scholars was fewer than 38 but which 18,000 young Victorians are today in 99 per cent of schools presently being trained. As a com .. the number is below 38. This parison, there are about 40,000 teach­ is a striking improvement and a ers in schools. Thus there are significant number of additional almost half as many teachers in teachers have been required to make training as there are in Victorian it possible. schools. A great many additional class­ Mr. CURNOW.-Many teachers have rooms have also been needed because been recruited from overseas. the schools have been broken up ·Mr. THOMPSON.-The honorable into smaller classes. For example, member .for Kara Kara has helpfully until 1961 primary school classes reminded me of the overseas teacher were staffed on a basis of 1 teacher recruiting programme. I have seen for 44 pupils; in 1962 or thereabouts the excellent effect of that programme it became 1 teacher for 40 pupils; and in schools. More than 1,300 additional three or four years ago it was reduced teachers have been brought to Vic­ to 1 teacher for 35 pupils. To achieve toria from the United States of that improvement an additional 800 America, Canada and the United class-rooms were required, which the Kingdom. The programme ·was intro­ Education Department was pleased duced on ~an interim basis to meet to provide. These improvements a position which at the time could placed Victoria's teacher-pupil ratio not be adequately covered by other means. The majority of teachers on the first rung in Australia. Tas­ recruited from overseas have been mania has sometimes approached it e~perts in the field of mathematics and on occasions might have passed and science, with a liberal proportion it, but generally speaking Victoria is experienced in the field of physical well above the average for the rest education, which the Government is of Australia. It is difficult to obtain keen to build up. current figures from all the States. The honorable member for Foots­ It is also true that over the past cray said that nothing had been done ten years the Victorian Government to increase opportunities for training has provided one additional teacher in physical education. The Assistant for every seven additional children. Minister of Education and I made In the past two years-and this is the determined efforts to persuade the most remarkable achievement of all authorities at Melbourne university .and gives the lie to what the honor­ not to phase out the physieal edu­ able member for Footscray said cation programme. The authorities about lack of interest and achieve­ agreed, and are now contemplating ment-the Government has provided establishing a degree course in physi­ one additional teacher for every 1 · 6 cal education. Furthermore, about 3708 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education.

$1 million was spent to build a that figure. In fairness, as I mentioned physioal ·education training centre at last night, in 55 schools the new the former Monash Teachers College, voluntary target has not been now the State College of Victoria, achieved and there is a shortage of Rusden. In addition, we supported in 109 teachers. In 123 schools the principle and financially the early target has been exceeded and there stages of physical training centres at are 279 excess teachers. the Footscray Institute of Technology This ·morning I had a discussion and the Preston Institute of Techno­ W·ith the High Schools Principals As­ logy. These colleges will make a sociation which asked me to double­ significant contribution towards im­ check its figures with the depart­ proving the flow of physioal education ment's staffing officers to ensure that teachers. This area must be concen­ there is no room for argument there. trated on to a greater degree in the If a need for change is established, future. the figures will be varied accordingly. As can be seen from the statistics, If it is not possible to find additional a favourable level of class sizes has teachers for some schools immedi­ been achieved, although there is room ately or in the immediate future, the for further imp~ovement. Most of the department has authority to bring difficulties arise from the absence of additional teachers from America or teachers of particular subjects. Vic­ Canada within the next few weeks. torian high schools are staffed under On a number of occasions in the past the p~ovisions of regulation 14 of the it has been possible to do this. Teachers Tribunal. As I pointed out When I visited the United States last night, all Victorian schools are of America, which is probably the staffed to a level well above the world's ·richest country, I found that schedule laid down by the Teachers the average teaching load was 32 Tribunal. The· schedule, which has periods a week out of 40. In Victoria, been ope~ating for some years, con­ according to the depan:ment's staffing tained some inadequacies. Therefore, officer, the average is between 26 and after conferences with the unions and 27 periods out of 40. Staffing officers the High Schools Principals Asso­ have estimated that each time the ciation the Government, as a result of average teaching allotment of a recruiting teachers from the United teacher at a high school is reduced States of America and obtaining a by one period a week, for example bigger flow from universities and from 27 periods to 26 periods, this teacher training colleges, endeavoured creates a need for between 400 and to make a substantial concession 450 additional teachers. The figure to staff high schools on a could be as high as 700, but 400 is much more generous ratio which the :absolute minimum. takes into account the range of sub­ At present the Victorian Secondary jects and numbers of classes at Teachers Association is demanding senior level, which are of necessity that all new teachers should work small. five periods a week fewe·r in their first As a result, Victorian schools as a year. Meeting this demand would whole are staffed at an average level create a real difficulty as five periods of 30 per cent above the Teachers a week amounts to one-fifth of the Tribunal schedule. teaching load of •a new teacher and would result in a shortage of 250 Mr. Ross-EnwARDS.-There are teachers. The Victorian Secondary three different standards today. Teachers Association also wants the Mr. THOMPSON.-There iit only association organizer in each school one standard by law. P·arliament to be given another five periods a decided that the Teachers Tribunal week off duty; should have the responsibility of set­ There has been an amazing im­ ting that standard. We have been provement in the teacher-pupil ratio more generous rand have gone above over the· past decade, despite the fact Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3709 that there has been an increase of As I indicated, to improve 182,000 students in Victorian schools. the staffing of Victorian primary In that period the over-all teacher­ schools, during the past decade pupil ratio of 1 to 29 in primary the Government has provided schools has been lowered to 1 to 800 ·extra class-rooms in addition to 21 right across the surface. With providing for additional pupils. Over the number of teachers in train­ recent years 40 per cent of the ing at present, which is the highest Government's loan funds have been in Australia in relation to school spent on upgrading schools and population, undoubtedly that ratio providing for smaller class sizes. will be further improved. According to Treasury officers, Victoria has spent on education On the question of school building, a higher proportion of its loan over the past ten years one additional funds than any other State, being class-room has been produced for just ahead of New South Wales every additional eleven pupils. Many with the other four States fairly sub­ people have contributed to this amaz­ stantially behind in percentage. ing achievement, including the tax­ Of course, for many years the payer. I refer to planners in the Government has been spending Public Works Department and the a significantly larger propor­ Education Department. The average construction rate has been 1,034 tion of its Budget on education rooms every year for the past ten than any other State. During the years from 1963 to 1972. period I have been a m·ember of Parliament the Government has The percentage of portable class­ increased its expenditure on educa.. rooms included in that figure is tion from 25 · 6 per cent to 45 per cent approximately 15; in other words, of the Budget. In the past few years about 150 a year. This means that the figure has been hovering between every week of every year for the 42 and 45 per cent. I invite honor­ past ten years the equivalent of a 20- able members to compare that per­ room school has been built. These centage with 25 · 6 per cent in 1955 achievements are greater than they and under 20 per cent in the 1940s. may appear on the surface because of As the figure has risen from 17 per the number of schools which were cent to 45 per cent in that period, burnt down - at one stage one one wonders how much further it can almost every second week. I be taken without adversely affecting asked the Education Department the activities in other important Gov­ to list the schools which were ernment departments. burnt and the actual replace­ ment cost of those schools, which are The Government has realized the always replaced on an upgraded importance of building better schools. basis; it is not the practice to replace The type of secondary school which them with the old-type class-rooms. has been built at Albert Park, Leon­ A total of $6 · 85 million was spent gatha, Heather Hill and Laverton is over the past four or five years in immeasurably better than the type replacing fire-burnt schools. This has built before the war, in the 1950s or also caused a great deal of additional in the 1960s. Some schools were work both to the Education Depart­ building up maintenance problems for ment and to the Public Works De­ the department and needed a drastic partment. Admittedly, some schools, change in design. The department such as Collingwood, were in need of introduced variety of appearance and replacement but others, such as functional effectiveness in the opera­ Fern Tree Gully Technical School, tion of the school. Great improve­ Aspendale: Technical School, Banyule ments have been made in the office and Mornmgton schools, all of which areas for principals and vice­ were perfectly good schools built in principals as well as in libraries and the past ten or fifteen years, had to staff-room facilities for recreation and be replaced or repaired. study. 3710 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education.

Many schools which were built in told that they should have decided to the post-war years provided poor build six months earlier and should accommodation for staff; an amount have obtained an estimate of what in excess of $2 million a year is would happen in twelve months' time now being spent in upgrading these from a wizard on the economy, they facilities. About $2 million has been would be entitled to become angry. expended in this way in the past But the Education Department is triennium. Additional finance could in the same position. It is waiting certainly be used in this area. twice as long as it expected for Some schools are upgrading office the buildings it wants. The Minister and staff facilities and their expendi­ of Public Works will probably give ture could be up to $50,000. further details on this, but the Others have spent between $15,000 honorable gentleman's department and $20,000. estimates that it takes almost twice Much of the benefit expected from as long as it did a couple of years the additional money being available ago for a high school to be built. has been lost because of inflation. I It also takes twice as long to build have probably told the House before a primary school of a comparable that three special schools for handi­ type. capped children were planned in 1971. At the beginning of this school The Public Works Department esti­ year, 303 class-rooms which had been mated the cost to be $370,000. How­ expected had not been delivered. Of ever, the contract price was $420,000. these 153 were to be permanent class~ Now the estimated cost of an identi­ rooms and 150 were to be portable cal school at St. Albans is $754,000. class-rooms. The original contract This is an increase of 100 per cent. time for another 100 class-rooms was That would be one of the greatest extended. Templestowe Technical increases in cost but the department School was one of the schools is consistently receiving estimates affected in this category. for schools 40 per cent, 50 per cent, and 60 per cent higher than estimates Mr. WILKES.-How does the port­ for similar schools a couple of years able class-room position in Victoria ago. With the same amount of compare with that in other States? money, only about two-thirds to one­ Mr. THOMPSON.-I do not have half the number of rooms intended details. It is possible that there are can be built. more in Victoria. I asked New South Wales for its figures but they were I can best illustrate the accom­ not available. There is a case for a modation position for this year by certain number of portables to carry reading from an article which peak loads. Difficulties arise during appeared in the Herald of 15th the peak loading period. For ·example, February. It states- at present there are 198 spare rooms The time involved in building a house had at high schools, but they are in the more than doubled in the past twelve months, the housing officer of the Master wrong places. They are in excess of Builders Association of Victoria, Mr. D. the number required according to the Forbes said today. formula, and I remind honorable He said this was largely d.ue to a severe members that a formula is necessary shortage of skilled tradesmen and building in order to provide justice to all materials, including timber, steel, bricks schools. The buildings officer has and plastics. informed me that these class-rooms " The days of having a house built in three months are gone, probably for ever," Mr. are mostly in the middle-suburban Forbes said. areas. They cannot be used effec­ tively or to maximum capacity unless cc It's more like eight or nine months." the department resorts to bussing. If people who had waited for a That would be no more popular here house for twelve months after expect­ than it has been in the United States ing it to be built in six months were of America. Mr. Thompson. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3711 Although there may not be a sub­ rity should be given to the regional stantial increase in the total number directors. The three divisions need of places required in a given year, :1 to work more closely together. In the substantial number of new places interest of more effective education, may have to be provided. In the that is an absolute must. primary section, there may be an I revert to the original point. In increased enrolment of 3,000 or 4,000, order that the great number of school but an additional 18,000 or 20,000 projects, which are so necessary and places may be required. This is mean so much to people who give because places are required for their time generously on school com­ children of parents living in the mittees and councils, can be carried fringe of Melbourne who do not want out efficiently, expeditiously, and their children bussed to places such economically, so far as is possible, as Murrumbeena, McKinnon or they should be carried out by th~se Macleod. The figures relating to the groups. It is intended that the maJor number of additional students in any portion of the maintenance funds one year cannot be relied upon by shall be allocated to regional directors themselves. Careful regard must be who will have authority to delegate paid to where the students live. work to school advisory councils and It costs almost $4,000 to place a committees where that is desired. pupil in a technical school; it costs Some would need to be reconstructed. $4 · 5 million oo build a technical The State has been divided into school for 1,000 students. Provision eleven regions, six of which are in the of places costs less at the primary country. The three new country level, but where once a place could regions are those of Horsham, be provided for $750 it now costs Benalla, and Geelong. The five metro­ $1,000 or $1,500. Despite the fore­ politan regions are Sunshine, Preston, going difficulties, over a ten-year Prahran, Frankston, and Knox. The period one additional class-room has regional directors are being appointed been provided for every eleven pupils. following the appointment of three In recent years the Government has new assistant directors, one of whom consistently allocated a larger share will be in charge of planning. So that of loan funds than any other State to it will not be necessary to make schools and, certainly, a larger share further adjustments, the top men will of current expenditure on the schooJ be appointed first. Advertisements system. calling for applications for these posi­ As I said in my opening remarks, tions have appeared in the press both the major weakness of State grants here and overseas and these appoint­ legislation is that it emph~sizes ments are in the process of being centralized control. For maximum made. efficiency interest, and participation, I have tried to be as fair as possible. more and more authority must be I have admitted that despite spec­ given to schools and regional head­ tacular progress there are still defici .. quarters. encies in certain areas of education. Mr. Ross-EnwARDs.-The Country Many inner-suburban schools will Party has been saying that for a long have to be rebuilt and many others time. will have to be extended. Major Mr. THOMPSON.-That is so, but tasks are still to be carried out. difficulties have arisen in bringing this It was a well-known German about too quickly. Some inspectors philosopher, Karl Fallen, who said in the Primary Schools Division have that rest from labour is not free­ been concerned whether they wquld dom from work but greater tasks. come under the authority of the new Since taking over the portfolio, I regional directors and how the new have had to contend with boycotts, scheme would affect them. However, strikes, walkouts, kidnappers, arson­ I believe that inter-divisional autho- ists, misrepresentation, and a degree 3712 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. of personal abuse, but those things General of Education-he had to do not worry me. Whilst I have carry the can at that stage-said breath in me, I am determined to that because of the lag in the build­ fight for the advancement of the ing programme, some primary school Victorian system of education and pupils would be unable to start school to promote the maximum degree of for a few weeks. ·equality in educational opportunity. On 5th February, 1970, the Mr. ROPER (Brunswick West).­ Age carried the headlines " Hectic The final comment by the Minister first day strains class-rooms; school's of Education was the most effective. in again but oh, what a squeeze ". Whilst the honorable gentleman has The newspaper reported that the breath in him, he will battle, but Minister had said that the Education the difficulty is that if he ever had Department had built about 130 much breath in him he does not have portable class-rooms in that year- much now. All that honorable mem­ 45 fewer than the previous year­ bers have heard from the Minister is and was trying to divert money to how things have improved. When permanent class-rooms. At that time Hansard is issued, I shall be pleased the department had between 900 and to send copies to teachers at schools 1,000 portable class-rooms and did within my electorate so that they not expect to need to build any more. will know how everything has im­ Currently, the department has about proved in the Victorian education 2,000 portable class-rooms and al­ system, particularly when they go to most one in twelve pupils in this a cupboard to take a migrant English State is " portable." class! Some programmes have gone on for the past ten years and will Regrettably the Minister himself continue for the next ten years. It is not portable or he could move will be nice for the 240 pupils of around and see what is happening the Brunswick North Primary School, at schools. If I could take the honor­ when they board buses to go to an­ able gentleman to some of the schools other school because their school is in the inner-suburban areas, he might overcrowded, with no plans to re­ talk less about the progress that has build it, to know that the Minister been made and more about the says that everything is fine. things he was saying in 1970. Mr. DIXON.-The Minister did not The Age of 28th April, 1970, pub­ say that. lished a story under the headline, Mr. ROPER.-The Minister said it " Schools Survey Staggers Govern­ ad nauseam and has made similar ment". The article indicated that statements time and time again. When the Education Department had been one examines newspapers over the staggered by the expected school en­ years, one finds that the type of rolment increases in the next decade. statements made by the Minister to­ It stated that an additional 146,000 day have been said again and again children who were products of a by the Minister and by his depart­ second generation post-war baby mental officers. boom would have to be accommo­ Yesterday I took the opportunity dated in schools by 1980. In the of looking through Melbourne news­ article, the Minister of Education was papers for the past ten years, and reported as saying that massive I found that statements about Federal grants to State education the existence of small problems and small delays in the school systems were imperative. Following building programme have been publication of the article, as an ordi­ made persistently over that period. nary citizen I wrote a letter to the In the Age of 1st February, 1966, editor of the Age suggesting that if Mr. Brooks, the then Director- the Government were to appoint a Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3713 committee to study Victorian educa­ Education by Lindsay H. S. Thomp­ tion needs, those Education Depar~ son. I have borrowed from the Parlia­ ment officers who were suffering mentary Library a copy which ap­ from the staggers should be left off pears to be almost unused. I the committee. obtained a copy in 1970 and what was most interesting was what had In 1968 I sat near senior officers been left out rather than what had from the Education Department been included. In the publication, when a professor from the Aus­ the Minister said- tralian National University at a Finally, a programme for the gradual national convention on educa­ replacement of portable class-rooms with tion gave chapter and verse on the permanent buildings will also be compiled. expected increased enrolments that would occur in the next few years. One can see how that programme has Therefore, the information was known advanced when it is realized that the and the Education Department should number of portable class-rooms in not have been staggered in 1970. use has doubled since then. The In 1971 the Age ran a number of Minister also said- articles on the difficult state of Vic­ These three ·areas of replacing or renovat7 torian education. One headline was, ing older schools, providing additional accommodation at overcrowded schools, " Examples of Muddle Pour In ". and replacing portable class-rooms with permanent buildings will require many Mr. THOMPSON .-Is the honorable many millions of dollars in additional funds. member sure that it was not the The surveys at present being undertaken Nation Review? will estimate the actual financial require­ ment. Mr. ROPER.-! have never known the Minister of Education to reply Not one of those three programmes to allegations that I have made in has been carried out. Indeed, in the Nation Review concerning the answer to a question asked by the incompetence of his department; the honorable member for Footscray honorable gentleman has never been yesterday, for the first time the willing to gamble on that. In 1971 Minister admitted that the amount of money provided for education from the Age reported that many schools the State Works and Services Fund were affected by building delays but for the past financial year was $4 the Minister did not know how many. million less than for the previous year. The Education Department never In 1971-72 an amount of $26 million knows what the situation is. was allocated for education, but The Minister was genuine last in 1972-73 the allocation was only December when he stated that the $22 million. One reason why there is a school accommodation claims by the teachers' unions were crisis in Victoria is that $4 million quite misleading. However, the had been diverted for other purposes. Minister just did not know. In This information has come direct January the honorable gentleman from the Minister; it is not an organized a trip around Melbourne allegation by a teachers' union or a to a number of schools which the trumped-up charge. The information Minister thought would be completed. has been provided by the Minister Unfortunately, much to the Minister's and will appear in Hansard. annoyance, the works had not been completed. These things happened The Minister has been prepared to because the Minister has been unable blame everyone except himself and his department. He has blamed the to place a stamp of efficiency on his Australian Government for insuffi­ department. cient flexibility. All honorable mem­ With all the great difficulties, the bers know what happened at the only blueprint for Victorian education meeting of Ministers of Education. is a publication Looking Ahead in The three Ministers from the eastern 3714 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education.

States- Queensland, New South funds are controlled by the Govern­ Wales and Victoria-were pushing ment and are intended for the estab­ strongly for a per capita system of lishment of libraries and science payments so that all States would blocks, but the neediest schools have get an equal amount for each pupil. not received them. Where are the The South Australian Minister of science blocks and libraries at the Education suggested that Victoria Brunswick Girls High School, the would then get less money than it Brunswick Technical School and the was to receive. newer Brunswick High School? They Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of do not exist because the Government Education) .-Mr. Speaker, I rise to a has treated areas such as Brunswick point of order. The honorable mem­ unfairly. ber is quoting statements allegedly The Federal Minister for Educa­ made at a meeting of the Australian tion, Mr. Beazley, would have failed Education Council and has attri­ in hls duty to Australia if he had buted to me something that I have allowed this Government to decide never said. its own priorities. I point out that The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. 1;1. the Government was keen to criticize Wheeler).-Order! Is the Minister per capita grants and other grants to making a personal explanation or is private schools which were men­ he asking for the withdrawal of an tioned in the Kannel report. Last incorrect statement? year the honorable member for Foots­ cray asked which schools were to Mr. TIIOMPSON.-1 have made receive assistance, and he received a my point, Mr. Speaker-that I did not list. Unfortunately, the Brunswick say anything that has been attributed North Primary School had been left to me. out-there had been a technical The SPEAKER.-That was a per­ error or a blunder-by the depart­ sonal explanation. ment. Mr. ROPER (Brunswick West).­ One should compare Victoria's Before I was interrupted, Mr. lack of direction and planning in con­ Speaker, I was discussing the kind of nection with disadvantaged schools policies that this Government would and disadvantaged pupils with the prefer to have seen. I point out that policy of the New South Wales Gov­ our Government in Canberra was not ernment. In that State, included in elected to carry out the policies of a list of disadvantaged schools were a bankrupt Victorian Government. schools within the electorate of the It was elected to do something about former Deputy Premier of New the needs of Australian education and South Wales, Mr. Cutler, who repre­ the needy schools of Victoria. sented the ·electorate of Orange. How can some States be trusted? The Victorian Government has done little about the problem. That I remind honorable members that is to be seen fr:om the statement in although the Kannel report was the Karmel report that there are more issued last May and recommended disadvantaged schools and disadvan­ a rebuilding programme, nothing has taged pupils in inner-suburban areas come of it. In the Sun News-Pictorial of Melbourne than in any other part of 27th April, 1973, an article headed of Victoria. That is an indictment "Five-year plan to improve old of the Victorian education system schools" stated, inter alia- and a telling criticism of this Govern­ A big five-year plan to rebuild or ment and of the way in which it renovate and expand many large schools spends· the moneys granted to it. A built last century was announced yesterday similar position obtains with Com­ by .the Education Minister, Mr. Thompson. monwealth grants to the Government I do not think there was such a plan. for the establishment of libraries and The Education Department and the science blocks at schools. Those Minister of Education still have no Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3715 comprehensive view on the way in The Collingwood Education Centre which Karmel money or their own is another example of the Govern­ money should be spent. They have ment's lack of planning. It was to no ongoing programme, as have be completed in 1970 and pupils were South Australia and Western Aus­ to be accommodated in it in that tralia, and we do not know from one year. That was the stated intention year to the next which schools are of the Minister and of Mr. Ron Reed, to be built or rebuilt. Schools which the then Director of Secondary Edu­ were supposed to be built in the cation. We have now been told that 1973-74 programme will not be built it will be ready in 1975. This is five within that period. That is because years later than the promised com­ the department and the Minister have pletion date. In that period a whole no programme. generation gf students have passed The Minister spoke about fires and through the school expecting a good about the up-grade operation which education centre but having only caused the Minister and his depart­ a mass of portable class-rooms and ment to be thrust into an orgy of a variety of school sites. The very task forces with no idea of what they promising educational programme should do. The Minister still has no intended for that school has been coherent plan for education in this seriously hindered by the difficulties State. He has tabled a press release under which the staff are working. which refers chiefly to minor The Minister blames inflation, but I measures relating to particular remind the honorable gentleman that schools, such as staffing matters, but he is now spending $4 million there is no comprehensive plan. Only less than he did last year a couple of years ago the Govern­ although this centre was planned to ment did not know how many gym­ be completed in 1970 when costs nasiums there were in Victorian were lower. secondary schools. Some years ago Another example of the Govern­ it was proposed that a survey of ment's lack of direction concerns the existing plant in primary school purchase of land at Burwood from buildings should be conducted but Mount Scopus college for a special the proposal was rej'ected. If it had teachers' college. The Education De­ been adopted, planning could have partment was so inefficient that it commenced and the Government waited until roads had been laid would have had an idea of the down for a subdivision before it pur­ way in which it should approach chased the area with a consequent Victorian education. The Govern­ added cost of $300,000. Mr. Bowen, ment seems to be incapable of dealing the Acting Federal Minister for with long-range educational prob­ Education, had just taken over his lems. It was said that there would portfolio after Mr. Beazley had be one room for every eleven pupils, collapsed, when he was faced with a but the difficulty is that the pupils night-time call wanting money for are not always where the rooms are. the purchase of this special education Reverting to the question of fires, college. I ask: What condition would Colling­ The Minister of Education referred wood High School be in now if there to the huge increase in staff. The had not been fires? Spensley Street Opposition acknowledges that there Primary School is still in portables, have been increases in staff, but this following the fire there. The only Government could snatch defeat out reason that Princes Hill High School of the jaws of victory. I refer to a was built so quickly was that the letter from a member of the Sale Government likes the Carlton Foot­ High School staff which states- The staffing officer has his magic ' target ' ball Club. If the Spensley Street which applies to all schools and does not school had been moved onto a foot ... take into account individual school needs. ball car-park, action could have been Thus, according to Mr. Ford, we are two taken much more quickly. over ' target ', but in {!act we are short a 3716 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. minimum two teachers and could easily use has challenged him regarding the four or five. Ford is also impossible to contact at this time of year. position at Holmesglen that that facility will be available. The de­ Any principal or teacher who is partment has· no long-term plan for familiar with the department is rebuilding and renovating schools in aware that for the first month of Victoria. every school year the staffing sec­ tion of the department is in absolute The State Government has chaos. This would not be unknown occasionally made loud noises in the to the Minister. I was attempting sphere of special education but it has to contact Mr. Ford about a certain not performed well. Almost all the case. In the first week of the school initiatives have come from the Aust­ term I telephoned repeatedly, but ralian Government. Last year I in­ he did not reply. I then rang the quired about the situation of special Minister's office and was promised migrant teachers at Coburg West a reply. Mr. Schruhm, the Direc­ Primary School and received a letter tor of Secondary Education, tele­ from the Minister of Labour and In­ phoned and we talked for ten or dustry, who was then Acting Minister fifteen minutes. It is not the task of Education. Obviously the Minister of the Director of Secondary Educa­ and his assistant were out of tion to deal with minor problems in the State. The Acting Minister the first week of the school term. I suggested that 37 schools would had informed the Minister's office have special migrant rooms by that I wished to speak to an officer 31st March. A story which appeared about the problem and I did not care in the Age concerned me. It stated who it was. that Atco, the builders, had been told to defer the work. Today I re­ The administration of the depart­ ceived a letter stating that the date ment is so shoddy that there is no of delivery will be early in May and chain of command or delegation to that the work will be completed officers. Whenever principals contact early in June. When the Minister the Education Department in the wrote to me on lOth January he first month of the school term they must have been aware that there discover that the system is in turmoil. would be a delay and that the rooms The increase in the number of staff would not he available by 31st March. has been ineffective because of the lack of organization behind the sys­ However, the honorable gentleman tem. There is no organization to suggested that this is when they ensure that teachers arrive at school would be there. The Government on time. Some teachers are not in­ has failed to produce the goods in this formed until late in January at which small area. 'Hundreds of migrant school they will be teaching. Many children will be taught in shoddy teachers are completely bemused at conditions for the first school term, the start of the school year. twelve months after the Federal Min­ ister for Immigration, Mr. Grassby, Apart from its over-all and general announced that there would be a failure, the Government has clearly special programme for the education failed in the area of equal edu­ of migrant children. The Common­ cational opportunities. The Min­ wealth Government is constantly ister of Education occasionally refers faced with the problem of dealing to inequalities. In the Age in 1971 with a tardy State Government. he referred to the need to remodel There is a similar problem in the and rebuild old schools. The honor­ provision of special migrant English able gentleman has been talking teachers in the secondary area. One about that for years, and compara­ major insurance against being sent tively few schools have been re­ to a school which has a large number modelled and rebuilt. It is only of migrant children is to do a special now after the Trades Hall Council course in English teaching at Monash Mr. Roper. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3717

or La Trobe universities. The staffing people who work for him. A respon­ branch of the Education Department sible Minister would be aware that is incapable of assigning teachers to one does not attack people in the the schools for which they are best public press if one wishes for their suited. I have fought two cases in co-oper.ation. I am not aware that which this has happened and have the Minister has replied to a charge got nowhere. One teacher, who was which was published in . the Age as sent to Fitzroy Girls Secondary follows:- School where special migrant classes BUILDER GETS THEM A SCHOOL ON TIME. were needed, is now at Dandenong The State Government knew last year that North where there are virtually Doncaster East High, which turned away its no migrants. People are teaching first enrolment of 140 students last week, would not be built in time for the start of subjects in which they have little the school year. experience, while schools in the west­ The Education Department had at least em and northern suburbs are crying four months' warning that it would have to out for them. provide temporary housing for the school. It cannot be seriously sug­ In this article the manager of a firm gested that the migrant English of builders was reported to .have programme is effective. The pre­ stated- school programme is similarly in­ " Our contract allowed us to finish the eff·ective. Government support is first stage of the school in late February primarily given to pre-schools in the or March with an extra allowance for wet weather, which meant we didn't have to affluent areas. For years the Govern­ finish the school until April. ment has tonally failed to assist pre­ "We finished ahead of time on the first schools in the disadvantaged areas. block of class-rooms and the rest will be Even the New South Wales finished before April." Government has a special pre-school (Last week the Minister of Education scheme for the disadvantaged areas. (Mr. Thompson) blamed delays within the The Minister of Education ·and the building industry for the general shortage Minister of Health, who are divided of accommodation in Victorian schools.] on who should have control of this This builder perhaps will never get area, have completely failed to deal another contract because he defended with the inequalities of education in his industry against the erroneous Victoria. charges levelled at it by the Minister. The Government has failed in many The people of Doncaster East were areas. It gives money to private expected to believe that the building schools regardless of need. This industry had failed, but it was the matter has been debated on many Education Department and the Public occasions in this House. The Common­ Works Department that had failed. wealth Government provides great Every time the Minister attempts to flexibility in its grants. The amount blame someone else, he creates a fias­ of money allocated to schools has not co. It is his responsibility. This House been ·reduced, whereas in the past and the people must cease having financial year the State Government confidence in the present Minister of actually reduced the amount of Education. rn the six years since he money available for education has held the portfolio of education, in the Works and Services Fund. he has been saying that the new light The Minister blamed the build­ is around the comer. The only ing industry. This is not the way to trouble is that it never arrives, and it gain the co-operation of an industry, will not arrive in 1975. even if it is at fault. To gain the Mr. DIXON (Assistant Minister of co-operation of the· building indus­ Education) .-The Minister of Educa­ try one should immediately consult tion deserves the confidence of this the leaders in the field before com­ House and will get it for his dealings plaining about it. The Minister in education in Victoria. The out­ should not duck for cover behind the standing feature of this debate has 3718 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. been the only impartial and objective the Opposition are ready to say that summary of what is occurring in edu­ these have been weaknesses in the cation and this was given by the Min­ growth of education throughout Aus­ ister. The other speakers have chosen tralia and particularly in Victoria. to base their remarks largely upon Where must the strength be? It is in opinions and areas of inadequacies terms of teachers-qualifications and and weaknesses which the Minister pay of teachers and particularly in has admitted exist. In relation to the teacher-pupil ratios. That is where what is occurring today in Victoria the strength of Australian education the excellent job done by the Minister is. One can travel throughout the is unquestioned. Whether a Labor world and not find the pro­ Government or a Liberal Government fessional expertise in teacher-pupil has been in office in Canberra, ina­ ratios to be found in Victoria. dequate funds have consistently been That is the fundamental area in granted to education. which we are concerned. In terms Mr. TREZISE.-The Labor Govern­ of the development of people to ment has done more than the Liberal mature adults living well-adjusted lives in the community, Victoria has Government did. done an exceptionally good job. This Mr. DIXON.-1 admit that from a is borne out by the figures which quantitative point of view. When have been quoted by the Minister of the funds made available in Aust­ Education. ralia are compared in terms of the gross domestic product-the Difficulties have arisen in relation to expression now used in place the over-all expenditure on education, of the gross national product but that has not been Victoria's fault. -Australia lags behind many Members of the Opposition have ad­ countries, such as the United mitted that the State M'inisters to­ States of America, Canada and gether said that they were short of the United Kingdom. Those countries $1,440 million. No matter what can spend. a greater proportion of their be said about the Karmel funds, to gross domestic product on education this stage these inadequacies have than does Australia. The estimate been placed before the existing of expenditure on education in Aus­ Federal Government but have not tralia as a proportion of the gross been made good. It is a statement of domestic product is barely 5 per cent. fact and can be worked out mathe­ So much for all the trumpetings about matically that because of inflation the extra resources that have gone over the past two years, the funds into education! Over the years Aus­ made available in the past twelve tralia has gradually moved in a steady months have not made up for the progression from 3 per cent of the inadequacies placed before the exist­ gross national product to the existing ing Federal Government in 1971. 5 per cent of the gross domestic pro­ No honorable members in this duct. debate, including the Minister of If one takes one's child to the Uni­ Education-because of his modesty­ ted States of America or Canada-as and members of the Opposition, have friends of mine have done-and been prepared to mention the· positive makes an impartial assessment of the achievements that have occurred in type of education that is provided in Victoria, so I will quote independent those countries compared with the observers who do so. I refer to the education given in Victoria, one is remarks of Henry P. Schoenheimer in only too pleased to return to Vic­ his book Good Australian Schools toria. What is the fundamental and their Communities. At page 8 he reason for this? I suggest that the praises this Government for its other countries have put the greater educational efforts. bulk of their educational expenditure into sites and buildings. M·embers of Mr. TREZISE.-Who is he? Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3719 Mr. DIXON.-He writes on the sub­ of the independent school system of ject of education for the Australian. Victoria, of which we are rightly Of course, the honorable member for proud. Geelong North would not know! Henry Schoenheimer states- Mr. RoPER.-They are all experi­ mental schools. The casual reader will notice a preponder­ ance of material dealing with Victorian Mr. DIXON.-They are not in the education. true sense of the word. Many of Mr. HoLDING.-That is because he them have been doing jobs that have lives in Victoria. proved themselves. Mr. DIXON.-He is a professional. Mr. ROPER.-How many of these The Leader of the Opposition may matters have been applied to other dispute his statement if he wishes; schools? he has the freedom of the House to Mr. DIXON .-Give me time! The do so. Henry Schoenheimer con­ honorable member for Brunswick tinues- West does not have to convince me. Should he jump to the hasty conclusion I can quote Mr. Fitzgerald of the that this is where most of the action and Australian Council of Educational vitality and the leadership are, he will be Research. The next is Caulfield perfectly correct. Grammar School, another school in Mr. ROPER.-What are you talking the private school system in Victoria. about? Honorable members interjecting. Mr. DIXON.-Henry Schoenheimer The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. is talking about schools in Victoria. Wheeler).-Order! I have made fre­ quent appeals to honorable members Mr. WILTON.-Name some. to cease interjecting. They have been Mr. DIXON.-At the invitation of interjecting consistently and repeat­ the honorable member for Broad­ edly along the same lines and it is meadows I shall do so, and cite one becoming very tedious. of the unique educational experiments Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the in Victoria which is taking place at Opposition) .-On a point of order, Broadmeadows. It is typical of the Mr. Speaker, perhaps it would assist honorable member for Broadmeadows the House if the honorable gentle­ that he is concerned only with port­ man could refer to the source and able class-rooms. It is irrelevant to page of his quotations so that honor­ him that new programmes with a able members who desire to enter completely new concept, under the the debate ·can follow what he is direction of a community programmes saying. organizer appointed to manage them, The SPEAKER.-! am sure that will be introduced. It means nothing the Assistant Minister of Education to the honorable member for Broad­ meadows that, from their inception, will be pleased to comply with that the whole community will be involved request. in the programmes. All he can see Mr. DIXON (Assistant Minister of is portable class-rooms. I will not be Education) .-I have already supplied distracted by his inane comments and the source of the quotations. First, I shall return to consideration of the I quoted from page 8 and I am now good schools. Henry Schoenheimer referring to the contents page of refers to Coonara Children's Com­ Henry Schoenheimer' s book, Good munity School in Upwey, Victoria. Australian Sqhools and thei.r Com­ Reference is also made to the Hunt­ munities. The next Victorian ingdale Technical School, Maryvale schools listed are Preshil School High School and Swinburne Com­ -a school also in the private munity School, which are all part of school system - Moreland High the Education Department of Victoria, School, Beaumaris High School, Wan­ and All Hallows Parish School, part garatta High School, and the Sydney 3720 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. Road Community School, Victoria. institution is that the boys and the Eight of the eleven schools mentioned girls are using the facilities of the are schools within the State educa­ community. If they want to use a tion system. library, they go to the Hawthorn Free Library and Art Gallery. If they want I refer honorable members to the to use playing fields, they go to the No. 30, spring 1973 edition of the playing fields controlled by the Haw­ magazine Dissent, which is devoted thorn City Council. If they want to "The Education Power Game". to use a gymnasium, they go to a On page 73 of the publication, there gymnasium down the street. If they appears an article entitled " Alter­ desire experience in activities affect­ natives to Traditional Schooling" ing members of the community, they written by Ron Fitzgerald and Jenny go to the factories, to the court Mathews. In the article, the two house or to the local council; in short, authors state- they use the community. So far the community school approach has been limited largely to the State Educa­ It is surprising that this is happen­ tion system of Victoria, Several institutions ing in the State education system. of this type are operating in 1973. The Minister of Education has de­ The Government contends that Vic­ veloped these innovative ideas, which toria has based its education com­ are leading the world in these areas mitment on teachers, pupils and of education. The honorable member community awareness. The statistics for Broadmeadows, who cannot stand supplied by the Minister of Education it any longer and is leaving the Cham­ are irrefutable and argument cannot ber, does not like to know what is be advanced against them. happening at Broadmeadows North­ West. I now move into the areas of inno­ vation and initiative taken by the Mr. WILKES.-There are only Education Department under the Min­ portables out there. ister of Education, in whom the un­ Mr. DIXON.-It may be only ruly Opposition has moved a portables but I take up the interjec­ motion of want of confidence. When tion of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition members referred to the Opposition. Members of the Opposi­ Huntingdale Technical School, they tion are unable to break through the claimed that nothing was happening barrier that experimental schools on curricula or on permanent siting mean nothing more than buildings. of the school. However, the decisions When they see a school which has made and the commitments entered been established with portable class­ into at the school involve the parents, rooms, they believe it is not a good teachers, children and local com­ school. The honorable member for munity. That is an example of a spirit Prahran, in an aside to me when he of true community participation. walked by, correctly stated that the Huntingdale Technical School was Honorable members who examine completely established in portables the type of education being provided and Henry Schoenheimer named that at the Swinburne Community School school as one of the good schools in will find that boys and girls are being Australia. It is a good school because educated in a church hall. If honor­ its programme is one of community able members opposite take all the involvement. parameters they have so far advanced in this House, then Swinburne Com­ At Broadmeadows North-West, for munity School bas no permanent the first time in Australian education accommodation, no gymnasium, no history, this Government is develop­ arts and crafts ,centre and no private ing a community centre based upon a facilities for the teachers or pupils; primary school. Opposition members in fact, it has no proper facilities. talk about equality of opport­ Of course, what is happening in that unity but I invite them to take into Mr. Dixon. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3721 account what the Government Mr. DIXON.-I will tell the honor­ proposes to do at Broadmeadows able member what it means. It is North-West. At present there are understandable that I should be 107 families devoid of community asked by the Opposition to explain facilities. The Government proposes what is meant by work experience in to enjoin its forces with those of schools. Those four words are not the local community to have a proper difficult to understand. For the community centre based upon a· benefit of the honorable member for primary school. It will be necessary Moonee Ponds, during the school for the local people, representatives year students take part in a work of the Broadmeadows City Council experience programme in factories, and a committee established by the hospitals, offices and even Govern­ Government to ensure that the State ment institutions. Some of them Government supports the local com­ have been paid for their work. Of munity wherever possible and that a course, problems are created by this co-ordinated approach is adopted. programme. The local community committee Mr. DOUBE.-When did you find has been set up under the auspices this out? of the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation. That committee Mr. DIXON.-We have done a brings together the departments of survey of the schools. social welfare, health, education and The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. local government, the Housing Com­ Wheeler).-Order! Honorable mem­ mission and the Ministry for the bers on the Opposition benches will Arts, and has power to co-opt any have an opportunity to advance their State Government department which arguments when they rise in their could be involved in a specific com­ places. munity project. Honorable membe.rs interjecting.< If it is the desire of those residing at Broadmeadows North-West to The SPEAKER.-Order! I appeal incorporate a child-care centre or a to the honorable member for Broad­ pre-school centre in the project, the meadows to cease interjecting. committee will make an appro­ Mr. DIXON.-To give boys and priate decision in conjunction with girls in secondary sGhools in Victoria representatives from the various a further opportunity of enjoying departments and the members of the these types of work experience pro­ local community. That is the type grammes, the Government has estab­ of approach being adopted under the lished a committee comprised of aegis of the Minister of Education. representatives of the Trades Hall Council, the Victorian Employers I now refer to the involvement of Federation, the Department of students in the business of educating Labour and Industry and the Educa­ themselves as human beings. It· is tion Department. It will be the com­ obvious to all honorable members mittee's task to determine matters that to be human beings people not such as workers compensation, only have to live within the com­ unionism, legal liability and the way munity but it is important that they this programme can operate on a should have work experience. In generally agreed basis in all sections December, 1973, 53 high schools and of the community. This is the first 40 technical schools-nearly one­ occasion on which action of this type third of the secondary schools of this has been taken; so far as I am aware, State-had work experience pro­ it has not been done in any other State of Australia. However, the grammes. Opposition has the effrontery to move Mr. EDMUNDS.-What does that a motion of want of confidence in the mean? Minister 'Of Education. 3722 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. In terms of the work experience a five-year-old child to a series of programme, I shall speak about what specialists and to pay a lot of money is happening to the over-all chance of to find out whether he is education­ a child developing into a person able ally at risk. to fulfil his potential. To a greater or lesser degree, each person in the With the development of this pro­ community is handicapped. gramme and the work of the teacher and the parent with a check list and Mr. HOLDING.-Speak for yourself! other parts of the programme, it Mr. DIXON.-1 regard myself as should be possible to broad-screen having many handicaps. If a child is the entire five-year-old population. born without arms, even honorable If particular children are shown up members of the Opposition would by the test, they can be given the know that it was handicapped, but remedial facilities they require. The some areas of handicap are not so sooner it is possible to detect a easy to determine. I refer to the handicap or difficulty in a child, the specific learning difficulties which are more can be done about it and suffered by approximately 5, 10 or 15 the better are the chances of the per cent of the children in Victoria. child fulfilling his potential as a With the assistance of the Monash human being. University, the Australian Council for Mr. WILTON .-From where will Educational Research, the Depart­ this scheme operate? ment of Health and the Education Department, an experiment is being Mr. DIXON.-At present it is conducted with 2,000 children cover­ operating as an experiment over ing three school districts. A screen­ 2,000 children in the Doncaster, ing test is being carried out, and if Brunswick and Carlton areas. If it is successful it will enable all boys and successful, it will spread to all girls, not only those covered by the children covered by the Victorian Victorian Education Department but Education Department and ultimately throughout Victoria-and possibly to the children throughout Australia later throughout Australia and all and possibly the world. over the world-to be assessed at the age of five years to determine I now turn to the question of their emotional, psychological, socio­ handicapped children. Certain re­ logical and intellectual disadvantages. marks· made by the honorable member for Footscray were to an The sitting was suspended at 6.14 extent unworthy of him because, p.m. until 8.3 p.m. regardless of what may have Mr. DIXON.-1 wish to take up occurred in terms of pressure from the point raised by the honorable his party or from various groups in member for Footscray that broad the community, it has been acknow­ screening for five-year-old children ledged that the Education (Handi­ would require numerous psycholo­ capped Children) Act is a worthy gists, social workers, speech thera­ piece of legislation and that the pists and other specialists. This test Teaching Service (Professional involves the normal class-room Appointees) Act, which will enable teacher and a parent who have a the Government to appoint psycholo­ check list which they use over a gists, social workers, speech thera­ period of from eight to twelve weeks. pists, librarians and welfare officers By the use of this check list and who do not have teacher qualifica­ keen observation of the five-year-old tions, is a necessary part of what child it is possible to ascertain what the Government is proposing to do educational disabilities or risks for handicapped children. each child will face. One of the most The Minister has been engaged in important parts of this programme is the development of a College of that played by the parent and the Special Education. My predecessor teacher. It is not necessary to take as Assistant Minister of Education, Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3723

now · Minister of Health, played a teachers working in 48 special schools large role in getting together a group and 83 special education services of experts concerned with special which employ 3,206 specialist education to make recommendations teachers in 12 inter-divisional to the Government. In an interim re­ specialist services. port, which was brought about As honorable members are aware, largely as a result of the Karmel the department is now responsible committee's recommendations, that for instructing handicapped people committee made 37 recommendations up to the age of 21 years. The number to the Government. Dr. Leo Murphy, of students being trained as special who is concerned with the education teachers has been quadrupled. This of deaf children, has stated that 34 is a dramatic step forward under the of the 37 recommendations made to aegis of the Minister of Education. In the Government have been imple­ the light of that circumstance alone, mented. One of those recommenda­ one finds it difficult to understand tions concerns the College of Special how the Opposition can see fit to Education. move a motion of want of confidence In his policy speech the Premier in the honorable gentleman. announced that a College of Special Unfortunately, I had to be absent Education would be established. from the House at the time, but I Much has been made of the fact that understand that the honorable mem­ the area purchased for this purpose ber for Footscray made a comment was only 10 acres. However, directly on proposals for the establishment of alongside the 10 acres in Burwood technical colleges at Dandenong, is an area of 42 acres which belongs Collingwood and Moorabbin. to the Royal Victorian Institute for Mr. FoRDHAM.-They were not the Blind. Negotiations which the mentioned. Government has had with the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind indi­ Mr. DIXON.-I am sorry if my cate that the whole of those 52 acres information is not correct. In any will be available to bring together case, to clarify the question of the possibly a pre-school centre, a child middle level courses, I direct atten­ care centre, a kindergarten, a primary tion to a letter dated 14th February, school, a special school, a school 1974, received by Dr. Shears from devoted also to the blind, a high the Secretary of the Commonwealth school and the special college. Department of Education, Mr. K. N. Within this one site of approxi­ Jones, which states- ! refer to the acting secretary's letter of mately 52 acres the Government 16th January, 1974, in which he was reply­ expects to be able to develop a unique ing to your communication of 7th January, educational institution which will be 1974, relating to proposals for technical col­ community based. The Govern­ leges at Dandenong, Collingwood and ment will do what it can to Moorabbin. make certain that the community I have now received advice from the Chairman of the Australian Committee on is involved with it. This achieve­ Technical and Further Education in respect ment in the field of special of this matter. The chairman indicates education and the education of that, if the projects referred to above are teachers who will educate handi­ in conformity with the general principles which have been laid down by the com­ capped children is a significant mittee and which I understand are known advance. to you, and also if the documentation for When, in 1946, the Technical the projects can be made available to the Buildings and Equipment Sub-Committee of Schools Division obtained full inde­ the Australian Committee on Technical and pendence within the hierachy of the Further Education, discussions in relation Education Department, there were 33 to each of these specific projects can be technical schools with 791 teachers. arranged with the committee. The Special Services Division now The way in which grants are made has a total of 3,990 teachers. This available to the Victorian Govern­ includes 784 special education ment causes part of the problem!. 3724 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. They are tied down and specific re­ ber for Footscray that this suggestion commendations must be made to this was thrust upon teachers and parents and that Federal committee. It is who in no way could have under­ difficult to obtain the sort of freedom stood the concept put forward by the of movement which is necessary for Government. But the Government the Victorian Government to carry wanted to give autonomy and deci­ out its plans for technical education. sion-making powers to schools which were to be made up of the community, The honorable member for Bruns­ parents, teachers and other members wick West said that the Government of the school. At two or three con­ appeared to lack a philosophy on ferences the Government stated that education. I repudiate that sugges­ provided that the principle was tion. The Government's philosophy accepted it was not as. much co~­ involves ·enabling each individual cerned with the prectse way m citizen, whether he b~ aged 1 year which the end result was brought or 80 years, to exercise his full about. potential as a human being within a society in which the quality of life The Government recognized that is improving. One of the ways in teachers felt that if the community which this can be brought about is were brought into education decision­ to follow a continuing philosophy of making their professionally expert education which brings together functions would be impinged upon. people concerned with pre-school, Parents had a dual problem. For primary, secondary, technical, terti­ years they regarded themselves . as ary, and adult ·education and mem­ being separated from the education bers of the community, whether they system. They felt that they were are members of mothers' clubs or are ignored and that they did not have engaged in the business world. the confidence or expertise to break down this ·attitude. But parents are No philosophy of education can be now represented by a highly arti­ successful unless it involves the culate group which says that deci­ whole community and these repre­ sions should be made by school sentatives. Education the world councils which should comprise a full over faces the problem of bringing spectrum of representatives of the together people in these areas who community, parents, teachers and have tended to become isolated, in pupils. I agree with that, but it takes order to care for the needs of indivi­ some time to bring about this dual children. That is why the situation. Government proposed the establish­ The Government has endeavoured ment of the Victorian Educational to put these principles before the Council to consist of representatives House to enable it to debate the best from the various groups I have men­ way to give autonomy and decision­ tioned. The Government met with making power to individual schools. difficulties in attempting to form The teachers said that .there were this committee. The teachers' unions, certain prerequisites before they particularly the Victorian Secondary would be a party to that and the Teachers Association, suggested parents said the ·same. The result that they would not have has been only delay which has sub­ proper access to the Minister. stantially set back the process of In fact, the reverse would be the case. giving schools autonomy and bringing What the Government wants is a the community into the administra­ body with a philosophy of guiding the tion of education. developm.ent of each of these distinct I make it quite clear that the education identities in order to care Education Department and the Minis­ for the needs of each individual child. ter of Education proposed that this The problem of giving autonomy to should take place but the community, schools has been mentioned. It was through its representatives, has been promulgated by the honorable mem- unwilling for it to occur until some Mr. Dixon. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3725 sort of compromise arrangement can pressing their particular wants and be worked out. If a Bill is intro­ requirements. The spirit of the duced into the House, the same scheme is being frustrated and problems will ass·ert themselves be­ delayed. cause, no matter how the measure is The Minister is absolutely right in drawn up, some of the groups putting forward the proposal, and involved will feel that they have not now the Government is seeking a achieved their desires. spirit of co-operation, consultation Mr. GINIFER.-Some communities and the opportunity of introducing are ready for it and some are not. legislation which, i.f it proves Mr. DIXON.-1 adopt the inter­ ineffective in the short term, can be jection of the honorable member for amended later. The society in Deer Park. It is important which we live is one of great to provide the machinery for the change. All sorts of forces are at development to take place in work upon the education system and individual communities as they indeed upon many aspects of society. become ready for it. At present the When introducing changes in educa­ Minister's intentions have been frus­ tion, we need to be flexible. trated by pressure groups which want The whole scheme has been frus­ to push forward their particular trated. Some people want legisla­ interests. tion that will operate for the next The Government's policy is abso­ 20 or 30 years, but this is not lutely clear. It wishes to return the Government's objective. Its aim decision-making and a degree of is to enact legislation which will autonomy to individual schools. provide a more satisfactory working I invite honorable members to basis than the existing regulations consider some of the sacrifices and legislation which control the that have been made because groups operations of school councils. The of people representing various longer we delay debate in this place, pressure interests have been unable the longer it will be before an to reach agreement. The most funda­ effective decision is made and before mental sacrifice relates to the employ­ we can break down some of the ment of ancillary staff. The depart­ barriers that were referred to by the ment is employing ancillary staff, honorable member for Deer Park which is a magnificent step forward, when he spoke ()f the different and again, a plus for the Minister. degrees of readiness in the com­ However, contracts for ancillary staff munity to take these things upon need to be made with school councils themselves. and the longer we argue and do not take the necessary legislative action, Mr. KIRKWOOD.-Is the Govern­ the longer it will be before school ment capable of assessing that councils will be enabled to employ readiness? cleaners and other ancillary staff. Mr. DIXON.-The first step to Mr. AMos.-The Government enable these barriers to be broken deferred the proposal. down is to bring in enabling legisla­ Mr. DIXON.-It was deferred at tion along the lines that I have the request of parents, teachers, described. ·. teacher unions, and the Opposition. The only facts presented to the House during this debate were Mr. FORDHAM.-The Opposition has those submitted by the Minister not seen the proposal yet; all I have of Education, and they have seen is Dr. Shears' personal paper. shown conclusively that under Mr. DIXON.-The honorable mem­ the honorable gentleman's guidance ber has seen the paper. The whole the Victorian education system has scheme has been frustrated by gone from strength to strength. The various pressure groups which have Minister has admitted certain weak­ seen fit to use this as a means of ex- nesses and the Government believes 3726 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. there is much to be done. At the same intends to vote on the motion, the time, no member of the Opposition problem is solved. Having regard to has been prepared to acknowledge the proper rules of debate, no one the uniqueness, initiative and the party should have an advantage over creativity which have been evident the other two parties. So long as under the Minister's guidance. one party can opt to leap in and out, Viewing those things together, the not only members of the Opposition House can only reject the motion but also Government supporters are moved by the Opposition. deprived of their rights. The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Mr. JONA.-Rubbish! McLaren).-The Leader of the Mr. HOLDING.-The Parliamen­ Country Party. tary Secretary of the Cabinet does not Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the have that luxury, nor do I, so why Opposition) .-I raise a point of order. should the Leader of the Country This rna tter has been raised pre­ Party have it? viously and I suggest that it is one of The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. considerable importance to the good McLaren).-The Leader of the Oppo­ conduct of debate in this House. sition has raised a point ·of order. It must be conceded that any I understand that there have speaker from the Opposition side of already been two speakers on the House must be presumed to be behalf of the Opposition, and that supporting the motion. Equally, it there have been two replies by mem­ has been made clear that members of bers of the Government. Up to this the Government party will stand by stage no member of the Country their Minister. In the normal course Party has spoken, and it is therefore of debate the call would flow from impossible for the Chair to under­ one side of the House to the other. stand what the views of that party If in fact the Leader of the Country are on this matter. As both honor­ Party intends to speak in support of able members rose at the same time the motion, it is fair enough that he I believe that, in accordance with should have the call and, as a matter Standing Order No. 76, I should call of courtesy, the Opposition would upon the Leader of the Country yield. Many rulings cover the con­ Party, on the basis that the views of duct of debate, his party have not yet been heard. Mr. Ross-EnwARns.-Tell us what I suggest to the Opposition, which the rule is. submitted the motion, that it would Mr. HOLDING.-I am suggesting be reasonable for the House to wish that in terms of the Govemment-- to know the views of the third party. Mr. Ross-EnwARns.-It has nothing It is on this basis that I have called to do with the Government. the Leader of the Country Party. Mr. HOLDING.-It has a great Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of deal to do with the Government. the Country Party) .-The motion Continually in this place, the Country moved by the honorable member for Party is leaping in and out of the Footscray is very serious because it debate whenever it likes. states that the Minister of Education Mr. BORTHWICK.-Every honorable no longer possesses the confidence member has his rights. of this House. If the motion were carried the Minister would resign his Mr. HOLDING.-If the Minister for portfolio. Conservation were to rise, the call would come to the Opposition side Mr. WILKES.-How can it be of the House. Members of the carried? Country Party are sitting on the Mr. ROSS-EDW ARDS.-If it has Government side of the House. If been moved in the knowledge that it the Leader of the Country Party cannot be carried, there cannot be indicates at the outset how his party much conviction in it. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3727

Mr. WILKES.-You are not realis­ at once. Let us obtain a balance of tic. what the Minister's shortcomings and capabilities are. It is easy to stand Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS.-! think and babble away, but let there be a this is logical. There are many short­ fair balance struck about where the comings within the Education )De­ Minster stands. The Minister has a partment in this State; I am sure that that view is shared by the public of responsibility-- Victoria. Tremendous problems are Honorable members interjecting. involved. However, I should have The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. thought that if it were desired to McLaren).-There are still too many move a motion that a particular Min­ interjections. On this serious motion ister no longer poss~ssed the confid­ every honorable member should have ence of the House, there would be an opportunity of speaking. The better subjects for such a motion Leader of the Country Party, who is than the Minister of Education. I now addressing the House, should think members of the Opposition will not be the subject of so much agree with that statement. interjection. I am delighted that the Opposition Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS.-The Min­ has initiated a debate on education ister of Education must bear respon­ because it could not be conducted at sibility for many deficiencies that a more appropriate time; it is the be­ occur, but I suggest that his ginning of the school year, when edu­ administration of the department cation is a matter of intense interest does not justify this want-of-confi­ to the people of Victoria. They are dence motion. worried about the shortcomings of our education system, particularly in In my view, the Government's the shortage of staff. It is right that outstanding mistake over the past there should be full and frank debate ten to twelve years as been the way on the subject in the House today. in which it has handled the portfolio of Assistant Minister of Education. I During the debate members of he hasten to say that in developing this Opposition have failed to make com­ argument I am not referring only to parisons with the situations which the present Assistant Minister. I can obtain in other States. For that remember at least four Assistant reason one can only assume that per­ Ministers of Education-the present haps Victoria, despite its short­ Minister of Labour and Industry, the ·comings, does not suffer by com­ present Chief Secretary, the present parison with some other States. Minister of Health and the present Although they support the motion, Minister for Youth, Sport and Recre­ I am sure that members of the Oppo­ ation. The problem is that they have sition agree that the Minister of Edu­ had divided responsibilities in that cation possesses certain outstanding they have had portfolios and also characteristics. There is no doubt the responsibility of being Assistant that this is a serious matter, be­ Ministers. As Assistant Ministers cause the honorable gentleman's they have had the rather minor res­ reputation and character are at ponsibility of looking after primary stake. It occurs to me that nobody education, although this responsibility could deny that as a Minister and as has been extended in recent times. a man he is most a61e, a man of his The Minister of Education has the word, dedicated and hard working. heaviest responsibility of any Minis­ Mr. RoPER.-Yet all these short­ ter in the Victorian Cabinet, and my comings exist. point is that the Assistant Minister is not making a sufficient contribu­ Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS.-Yes, and tion to the over-all task that is in­ I shall come to those in due ·course. volved. I suggest that instead of the However, do not let hatred explode all Assistant Minister of Education 3728 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. looking after special services, he and that if it were untrue I considered should be involved in secondary an explanation was necessaryt. education, one of the areas about According to the report certain which the Minister is most often schools were 4 teachers, 6 teachers criticized. and even 10 teachers short. The regi­ Private schools are able to resume onal director should make the situa­ in the first week in February and tion clear in the next issue of the within the first 24 hours their staff paper so that parents do not have to and the students are in full opera­ approach the Minister for information. tion. One of the great criticisms in The regional director should be able Victoria is that in the first week in to act and ensure that staffing is March Education Department adequate in his area. This is not teachers are shuffled about because being done and in country Victoria of shortages in some areas and sur­ staffing is in a mess. pluses in others. There are schools The next criticism is that the Edu­ without science and language cation Department requires an over­ teachers. Students suffer even if haul. Some senior public servants there is a deficiency in only one in the Education Department are subject. overworked and have been in their The Assistant Minister of Educa­ positions too long. The strain of the tion should be working seven days responsibility which some of them a week, night and day, looking after have is too much for any man to staffing arrangements, because at carry. I do not wish to name public present staffing is in a complete servants. It would be wrong to do mess. There is not one member of so. This is not a criticism of them; this House who has not problems it is a criticism of the administration. with secondary schools in his This is not intended as a criticism electorate. It is too much to expect of the Minister. I do not know how the Minister to be responsible for a Minister can spend more than six every small detail of his department. years in the portfolio of education. He has an assistant who is not A Government which appoints carrying out his responsibility. a Minister of Education for more This is not a personal criticism of than six years is asking too much of the Assistant Minister of Education. any man. In New South Wales Sir It is a criticism of the Government's Charles Cutler carried out the task allocation of duties, of which the of Minister for Education for six Governm·ent should take notice. years and I am aware of the strain The Minister of Education has ad­ that that imposed on him. If the mitted that the Government has failed Minister of Education wishes to sur­ to decentralize the department. vive physically, I suggest that this The department was timid in appoint­ should be his last term in that ing regional directors to Bendigo, capacity. Ballarat and Gippsland. They were Yesterday the House received from appointed a few years ago but did the Minister the disturbing informa­ not know what their duties were. tion that 70 teachers did not report In 1974 additional regional directors for duty. I presume that most of were appointed and they are starting them were bonded teachers whose to play an effective role. However, courses had been paid for by the these regimaal directors should be Government. Possibly they had playing a more important part. As been directed to teach at country the Minister is aware, recently a schools. The Minister has the criticism of the department appeared in a local paper. I put it to the honor­ responsibility to check each of these able gentleman that if this criticism 70 teachers and discover what hap­ were true it was an indictment of his pened. I fail to see how there can administration of the department, be a satisfactory explanation. It is Mr. Ross-Edwards. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3729 the Minister's responsibility to dis­ sentations to the Premier. This is an cipline the 70 teachers. If the children example of an organization in north­ at certain schools suffer as a result ern Victoria which is serving a vast of the failure of these teachers to area and caring for autistic children. take up their positions, the Minister The Country Party will not support should take drastic action. the motion of want of confidence in Finally, I sum up the failures of the Minister. However, I trust that the Government. Firstly, it has failed the debate will not be in vain. to decentralize education. However, Urgent Government action is needed it has now realized the need for to remedy the serious shortcomings decentralization and is moving in that which honorable members have direction. Secondly, the department brought to notice. needs reconstruction. Thirdly, the Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Assistant Minister of Education must Opposition) .-Honorable members be totally involved in secondary edu­ who listened to the speech of the cation. Fourthly, there should be Leader of the Country Party, would more forward planning. The Educa­ have the impression that there is tion Department was unprepared a lack of communication in this place. when the Karmel report money came Obviously, he did not ·Want to give to hand. If there had been for­ the Minister the bullet, but would like ward planning the department would to give him an raspro, and considers be in a better position today. The that the House should move a want­ Eduoation Department has a poor of-confidence motion in the Assistant public image. Parents' organizations Minister of Education, and possibly must be given more authority and any one of two or three other Minis­ greater spending power. The Min­ ters whom he did not wish to name. ister informs me that this is on the The motion is not an attack on the drawing board. personal character or quality of the Finally, the major shortcoming of Minister of Education. the Government has been neglect Mr. Ross-EowARos.-It is. of handicapped children in country Mr. 'HOL'DING.-The Leader of the areas. It is a dismal record. This is Country Party has misunderstood the no doubt Government policy, rather concept of the motion. The !Minister than the responsibility of the Min­ can be a man of the highest character ister. and still be incompetent and unable Mr. WILKES.-There has been ne­ to come ·to grips with the problems of glect of handicapped children every­ education which bedevil the rState. where. Members of the Opposition must choose between the future of the chil­ Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS.-Distance dren of the State, who have a right puts handicapped children in to equal opportunity in education, and the country at a tremendous the Minister of Education, and this disadvantage compared with city motion means that the Minister must children. One small example go. is the autistic children's centre as Mansfield. This centre, which I commend the thoughtful and was organized by a doctor at accurate presentation of ·the facts by Mansfield, has been brought to the the honorable members for Footscray notice of the Government. Arrange- and Brunswick West. ments have been made for Mr. DUNSTAN.-They told only 10 a talented person to travel per cent of the story. northern Victoria and Apex is paying Mr. ·HOLDING.-Let me reiterate the sahrry. I have introduced the the facts for the benefit of the Minis­ people inv:olved to the Minister of ter of Public Works, who has now Education and the present Chief decided to enter the debate. The case Secretary, who at that time was Min­ rests essentially on five headings. The ister of Health. I have made repre- first and central conclusion upon 3730 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. which the case rests is that through­ in detail the inability of the Minister out the department there is a lack of of Education and the Assistant Min­ planning and long or short-term policy ister of Education to meet the new objectives. This means that the de­ initiatives. That was exemplified in partment, under the present M'inister the failure of the Government's build­ of Education, has gone from crisis to ing programme. In essence, they crisis in trying to deal with them on were the headings upon which this an ad hoc basis. case was presented. Having regard to the time Shortly, I shall deal with the two that this debate ought to take, approaches taken by way of defence the honorable member for Footscray by the M'inister of Education and the could have encompassed the matter Assistant Minister of Education. The much more fully but he chose a num­ House heard from the Minister what ber of random examples-not typical it has frequently heard; when the examples-which illustrated what Minister finds himself confronted could be found in schools in any elec­ with this sort of attack, he produce~ torate throughout Victoria. He men­ an endless stream of meaningless tioned staff shortages. Could any statistics. I can understand that, honorable member go to any school in when confronted with this type of his electorate and say that there were problem, the Minister of Education no staff problems? says to his department, " Give me the statistics and I shall defend myself Mr. DIXON.-Of course he could. with them ". What must really cause Mr. HOLDING.-1 should be de­ concern and alarm to honorable mem­ lighted to know where. The honor­ bers is not that the Minister uses able member for Footscray spoke of these statistics in that way; the the mindless and continuous con­ terrible tragedy is that he obviously frontation of the Minister of Educa­ believes them. I shall deal with them. tion on the new initiatives of the Aus­ The honorable gentleman does not tralian Government in the field of have to catch a tram; he can walk to education. Even the good natured Yarra Park State School where he has Leader of the Country Party was suggested that the teacher-pupil ratio inclined to agree that there had been is 1 to 19. a complete failure in the Govern­ Mr. DIXON .-He did not say that. ment's attempts to produce an effec­ tive decentralization of educational Mr. HOLDING.-1 took a clear administration in Victoria. It is all note of what the Minister said. He very well to hear the Minister of pointed to the Government's great Education and the Assistant Minister achievement of reducing the teacher­ of Education talking about centralism pupil ratio in Victoria to 1 to 19. in Canberra. It is time that Mr. THOMPSON.-! did not say at they dealt with centralism in Yarra Park. You are mixed up with Victoria. The major educational the legal profession. policy decisions in Victoria are made Mr. HOLDING.-The problem is in the Education Department. that the Minister produces this re­ Mr. DuNSTAN.-From where ought markable result to the House, but if they come-the State Rivers and he visited the school nearest to this Water Supply Commission? building, would he walk into a class­ room with a teacher-pupil ratio of Mr. HOLDING.-1 have no doubt 1 to 19? that if the educational policies of Victoria were made by the State Mr. FORDHAM.-He would be lucky Rivers and Water Supply Com­ to find a class-room. mission they would be just as hit or . Mr. HOLDING.-That is so. As· miss as the present policies of the the Minister knows, class sizes vary. Education Department. The honor­ I invite the honorable gentleman to able member for Footscray specified show me one class where there is Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3731 such a teacher-pupil ratio. He may their Com.munities, because it be able to indicate it to me in a small brought light, joy and hope remedial class in the corridor where to the tiny mind of the Min­ the teacher-pupil ratio is 1 to 6. Yarra ister to say that Mr. Schoen­ Park Primary School is one of the heimer had, in a sentence, encom­ schools that the former Assistant passed all his achievements and those Minister of Education, the present of the Assistant Minister of Educa­ Chief Secretary, had in mind as being tion. I will bet any honorable mem­ architecturally so inadequate that it ber that Mr. Schoenheimer must should have been bulldozed. That be getting close to being men­ was the statistical approach of the tioned in the next honours list. Minister of Education. When con­ This is the quotation about which the fronted with the situation, the honor­ Assistant Minister of Education able gentleman said, "Well, it is true; became so excited- we have achieved a teacher-pupil of The casual reader will notice a prepon­ 1 to 19. Do not really ask me to derance of material dealing with Victorian show it to you in the class-room ". education. Should he jump to the hasty conclusion that this is where most of ·the It is somewhere else on a piece of action and vitality and .the leadership are, paper, the statement can be incor­ he will be perfectly correct. porated in Hansard, but the result If one turns to the preliminary state­ cannot be transmitted to the class­ ment which the Assistant Minister in rooms. If the Minister could take his somewhat petulant haste forgot out of the department some of his to read, one will see that Mr. Schoen­ bureaucrats who delight in giving heimer states- him these incredible statistics, and The book aims to say, on behalf of the put them into the class-roqms, the people working on the floor of the class­ educational system would be better room, where the real ·action is, that many off. ·things-important, deeply-thought and deeply-felt forward-looking, very valuable Basically, the Minister of Education things-can be done and are being done, tried to confuse the argument with here, now, in Australian schools. a series of statistics. The other ap­ Mr. Schoenheimer makes it clear that proach adopted by the honorable is the basis of his approach. If members for Footscray and Bruns­ honorable members examine this wick West is that if one wants to book, which has been introduced find out what is happening in educa­ into the debate by the Assistant tion, one should go into the class­ Minister of Education, they will not rooms and make a judgment. That find any of the silly, nonsensical is the proper way of arguing the statistics in which the Minister of case. I have support for that position Education believes. The book from the Assistant Minister of Educa­ quotes objectively the existing educa­ tion. That was the essence of his tional experiments being conducted argument. He may not have realized in this State. It mentions specifically it at the time but, caught with the Coonara Children's Community, attack that was made by the honor­ Huntingdale Technical School, Mary­ able members for Footscray and vale High School, All Hallows Parish Brunswick West, he grabbed a book School, Swinburne Community written by Henry Shoenheimer and School, and Preshil School. That quoted from it. It is the first time basically is the list of schools in Vic­ I have heard any member of the toria to which Mr. Schoenheimer Liberal Party in this House quote referred. Mr. Schoenheimer, although I assure honorable members that it is much Mr. DixON.-There are eleven more interesting than listening to the schools altogether, and eight of them Assistant Minister of Educatio.n. I are in the State system. shall repeat the quotation he made Mr. HOLDING.-The Assistant at page 8 of Henry Schoenheimer's Minister will concede that those book, Good Australian Schools and schools in the private sector were 3732 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education.

specifically created because of inade­ The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. quacies in the State system and owe McLaren).-The Assistant Minister absolutely nothing to the State of Education must allow the Leader system. of the Opposition to process his case. Other honorable members will have Mr. DIXON .-Eight out of the an opportunity of denying what the eleven schools mentioned in the book Leader of the Opposition is saying. are in the State system and no other These interruptions, whether from the State in Australia can boast those qovernmen.t side or the Opposition statistics. stde, are disorderly. Mr. HOLDING.-! shall deal in depth with one of the statistics of Mr. HOLDING.-Thank you for which the Assistant Minister is so your protection, Mr. Deputy proud. The honorable gentleman Speaker. The Assistant Min­ referred to Maryvale High School. ister of Education is becoming somewhat excited because he A~yone associat~d with Maryvale Htgh School, particularly during the knows what I am about to inform time when Mr. Schapper was the the. House. Mr. Schapper, being a principal, would agree that it was dedtcated educationist, resigned from conducting one of the most the Education Department rather than put up with the frustra­ exc~ting educational experiments takmg place in this State. tions ~e met · on a day-to­ Mr. Schoenheimer deals with day basts at the Collingwood High this and the educational abilities of School. I suggest that the one person Mr. Schapper. If credit is due to any the Assistant Minister should not cal;l level of the Government, it can as a witness in the defence of himself be conceded that the Government has and the Minister of Education is Mr. given some educationists in the Schapper. The State can ill afford to State system a limited amount of los.e. educationi~ts with the capacity, freedom of action, but that has not abthty and dedtcation of people like always been so. David Schapper. In many cases educational advance­ ~f hono~able members opposite ments are achieved despite the atti­ thmk that IS not a typical example, tude of the Government and its and that Mr. Schapper might have bureaucrats rather than because an idiosyncratic tendency, I refer the of it. Maryvale High School is an Assistant Minister to the examples excellent example. Anyone who has quoted by the honorable member for the privilege of knowing Mr. Schapper Footscray, who explained why up to would recognize him as a dedicated 10 per cent of trained educationists educationist. He was so completely walk out of the department in any one dedicated to the whole school that year. Of course, the Assistant in order to prove the efficacy of the Minister will not face up to this educational experiment he left the argument. I propose to direct the Maryvale High School to take a job­ honorable gentleman's attention to which involved demotion from the an article which describes the latest position of high school principal to lunacy of the Victorian Education that of senior teacher-at the Department. The article appeared in Collingwood High School. the education supplement in the Age ?f 5t~ March, 1974. The supplement Mr. DIXON.-Why did he do that? IS edtted by Barry Hill, a man of con­ Mr. HOLDING.-Because he is a siderable reputation in educational dedicated educationist. matters. Mr. DIXON.-You should read the The article, which is headed whole lot out to the House. Your "Button holed", refers to the refusal problem is that you have not read of the department to employ a lead­ the book. You reckon you can read ing educationist named Bill Hannan. it in five minutes. . I invite honorable members to con- Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3733 sider Mr. Hannan's qualifications. and their Communities, which so He is a man who, according to the impressed the Assistant Minister of article, has made more contributions Education, is a first-rate dedicated to Victorian education than most educationist who got out because of make in a lifetime. As a practitioner the attitude and the mentality of the he has written sparklingly creative mindless bureaucracy within this English texts which are still going department. Another is an educa­ strong. He was the main architect of tionist of considerable talent who will curriculum reform and " open class­ not be re-employed. rooms" at Moreland High School, one Mr. THOMPSON .-May not be re­ of the first and best conceived of employed. new educational ventures. He was the founding editor of The Secondary Mr. HOLDING.-May not be re­ Teacher, the best educational journal employed? Can this be the stirrings in the country. The Minister of of justice in the Ministerial soul? I Education might laugh but for several quoted those two examples to illus­ years Mr. Hannan represented the trate the mindless attitude that is Minister of Education on the Vic­ often taken by the Education torian Universities and Schools Department to educationists in the Examinations Board. He is a State school sector in Victoria, and man of.. considerable ability. He the Minister of Education must He has been active in pioneer work a~cept responsibility for those in experimental theatre and in the actions. It is because of those production of children's games. attitudes that there is so much Apparently Mr. Hannan's sin· was genuine frustration and concern at that he went to Italy for about every level of the teaching profession six months improving his already in Victoria. considerable knowledge of the Mr. WILcox.-Does the Leader of language and culture of migrants, the Opposition suggest that those and the department has refused tore­ are examples of why the teachers employ him. The article in the Age leave? states- Since last October he has worked two Mr. HOLDING.-The Attorney­ days a week at the Sydney Road Com­ General should speak to the gentle­ munity school-voluntarily. Right now the man mentioned in the document from " head ", Gill Freeman, and all the staff which the Minister quoted in respect want him to stay on-but the department refuses to pay him, even 'as a part-timer. of one of the schools in the State system; he will tell the honorable Why? According to Bert Schruhm, Director of Secondary Education, it is be­ gentleman why he resigned. cause Hannan " made vindictive statements about the Education Department and its Mr. DIXON .-But schools still sur­ senior administrators both prior to and vive. The experiment is continuing; just after he resigned ". it is acknowledged. It would seem that Mr. Hannan has Mr. HOLDING.-If that is the a slightly soiled record, and that con­ attitude of the Assistant Minister of sists, presumably, of having offended Education, does he really believe the Mr. Schruhm. The article continues- State ·can afford to be without the . . . Bert Schruhm was last mentioned talents of these types of men? Does in this column after he had withdrawn the honorable gentleman believe the study leave from seven teachers because system is working flexibly and their records showed they'd been to stop­ work meetings . . . openly in a way which will en­ courage participation in educational I mention these b~cause they are decision-making when one prominent two very interesting examples of educationist has left in disgust and what happens in · education in Vic­ the other o.ne will not be re­ toria. One man who is mentioned in employed? That is the way I put the the book Good Australian Schools case. Session 1974.-134 3734 Want of Confidence in [ASSE~BL Y.] Minister of Education. Mr. WILCox.-But are they fair Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the samples of the teachers who leave? Opposition) .-1 also feel compelled to join issue with the Minister of Mr. HOLDING.-The Attorney­ Education on the ineffectual answers General should clean up the mess in he provided to the House about his own department and leave the his attitude to the failures in school Minister of Education alone. The building programmes. The Minister Ministers cannot have it both ways. quoted all sorts of interesting statis­ It cannot be said on the one hand tics. that broad statistics must be relied Mr. THOMPSON.-Facts. on, when on the other hand the Mr. HOLDING.-Let us take one Assistant Minister of Education has of the 'Minister's so-called facts. The stated that evidence based upon what honorable gentleman said with con­ is essentially a class-room approach siderable pride- must be accepted. In my electorate Every week this Government is building there is educational inequality and the equivalent of a 20-room school. bungling of a high order. This Mr. FORDHAM.-Whereabouts? At begins with Collingwood. twenty different locations? · Mr. SuGGETT.-You are a lousy Mr. HOLDING.-That is the rub. Labor member. What .the Minister means and what Mr. HOLDING.-! ask the honor­ he is proud of is not that the Govern­ able member to withdraw that ment builds a 20-room school or half remark. a 40-room school every week, but that it builds 20 separate units. I The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. refer to the quotation mentioned by McLaren).-! am afraid I did not hear the honorable member for Brunswick the remark. West, because at one time the Minis­ Mr. HOLDING.-The honorable ter of Education regarded portable member referred to me as "a lousy class-rooms as undesirable. Indeed, Labor member ". on page 45 of his own booklet, the Minister said- The DEPUTY SPEAKER.-If the As part of this Government's positive honorable member for Bentleigh ·did approach-- · make that statement and it is this was years ago--- objectionable to the Leader of the a programme for .the gradual replacement Opposition, it should be withdrawn. of portable class-rooms with · permanent buildings will also be compiled. Mr. SUGGEIT (Bentleigh).-If the Portable class-rooms were introduced Leader of the Opposition is so thin­ to Victoria as an emergency measure. skinned and sensitive- The fact that the Minister in his own The DEPUTY SPEAKER.-Order! statement indicated that they could The honorable member for Bentleigh not be seen as substitutes for perma­ must ·Withdraw the remark unequi­ nent buildings .shows that at that vocally. stage he recognized the inadequacy of portable class-rooms. However, Mr. SUGGETT.-Surely I have the the Minister will admit that since right-- then the State has built twice as many portable class-rooms as were pre­ The DEPUTY SPEAKER.~rder! viously. in existence. The Minister I have asked for a withdrawal. There has almost developed a portable psy-. is no .need to hedge it in any· way. chosis. The withdrawal I have requested should be unequivocal. In this want-of-confidence debate the Minister has said, in effect, " It is Mr. SUGGETT.-1 withdraw the true that three or four years ago I remark. was talking .about building permanent Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3735 schools but now the equivalent of 20 one only has to walk down Bourke school rooms a week are being built." Street to realize what an enormou's That statement ought not to have amount of speculative buildings been made by the Minister with pride, being undertaken, particularly in the as it obviously was; it should have inner-city area. Insurance companies been made with shame. are building· huge office blocks, and The building programmes of Vic­ in some industrial inner suburbs toria will not be assisted by trying offices and factories are being built to cover up· inadequacies with the for purely speculative purposes. : fancy terminology that is emerging Mr. WILcox.-Does the honorable from the Minister's department. member think msurance companies High schools are being established really speculate? not as permanent buildings but as what has become fashionably known Mr. HOLDING.-Of course they do. as " a cluster of portables ". Children The Minister cannot have it both in my electorate who are at matricu­ ways. The insurance companies take lation standard have been studying a long-term view and are completely in a cluster of portables during their ·devoid of responsibility in this matter. Every· time an additional 3,000 offices entire secondary education. .are built in the heart of Melbourne Mr. DUNSTAN.-Because ·Colling­ a need is created for them to be wood High School was burnt down. occupied, and transport problems of getting people in and· out of the city Mr. HOLDING. - Collingwood arise. · High School had a demolition order placed on it in 1924; it was condemned Mr. SUGGETT.-Would a Labor and should not have been standing Government stop such building? there to be burnt down. Mr. HOLD_ING.-'fhe Labor Party Mr. THOMPSON.-The Government ·believes that when there are building is spending $4 million on its replace­ and manpower shortages, the ment. Government"s needs in public building and the community's needs Mr. HOLD IN G.-But. it takes the in house building should take 'Government so long to act. Before precedence. The Minister is scream­ these children can benefit from the ing that that is industrial conscrip­ expenditure of $4 million on a school tion. There are a dozen formulas which should have been built in 1970, by which any Government can estab­ they will be gradua.Hng from a uni­ lish its priorities. The honorable versity. gentleman cries " industrial conscrip­ In his defence of the shortages that tion " but he cannot have it both have bedevilled the school building ways. · He cannot say to a business­ programme this year the Minister man, "I'm sorry, your project will stated that the Government was have to wait perhaps. eighteen months affected by shortages . in the same ot two ·years " and then get him to way as every other body in the com­ ·contribute $50 or $100 to hear Mr. munity, ~ncluding the householder. Snedden speak. The honorable gentleman, again with Mr. WILcox.-Will the honorable some pride, referred to the statement member mention one of the formulas? of a prominent member of the build­ ing· industry that there was a three­ Mr. HOLDING.-There is nothing months' delay in home building. That to prevent a State Government from is an· interesting example of the imposing a .building tax on buildings Government's attitude· towards its in certain areas of Melbourne. That building programme because that would be constitutional and could be attitude ·is completely· irreconcilable done quite. e~sily. Other communities with. some of the. ·Government's have adopted a whole range of other stated objectives. At .present methods... · , 3736 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. I make no apology for the view that Mr. LACY.-Will the honorable the building of schools for children member tell the House what they have who are being turned away in droves done to the M'aroondah Hospital? because of the shortage of manpower and building materials should have Mr. HOLDING.-The honorable priority over the building of office member can do so. blocks which waste both finance and Mr. LACY.-They have stopped physical resources and compound the construction. city's problems. The Government should be prepared to establish its Mr. HOLDING.-The honorable priorities and to state that the educa­ member can also inform the House tion of children shall take precedence. what some of his business friends have done in my electorate to build­ Mr. WILCOX.-What about the ings which have been classified by the shortage of workmen? National Trust. Whenever these Mr. HOLDING.-If the Govern­ gentlemen deal with any issue, they ment does not wish to adopt that are always ready to kick the people philosophy, that is its problem. I do at the bottom of the economic and not accept the attitude of the Minister financial level. when he says, in effect, " Pity me. Mr. WILcox.-That argument went I am like a poor house-owner in the out with button-up boots. ' sticks '. I am sitting here and the builders are ringing up and saying Mr. HOLDING.-! have never heard that they are sorry that they cannot any member of the Government do my work today, that I have to wait party praise a trade unionist, whether because the Australian Mutual Provi­ he was a teacher or a member of dent Society building is being con­ another union. structed and that I have to wait twelve months." That is the proposi­ The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. tion which the Minister wants this Wheeler).-The Leader of the Oppo­ House and the community to accept, sition should address himself to the as he has accepted it. The Opposi­ motion. He has founded an argument tion rejects that philosophy and be­ on public buildings and their preserva­ lieves the Minister of Education tion and I do not understand how should also reject it. that can be related to school build­ A Government is not affected by ings. shortages in the same way as a Mr. HOLDING.-Mr. Speaker, I householder. It is legitimate and con­ shall indicate how I relate that argu­ stitutional for a State Government ment to school buildings. The Gov­ to establish its priorities. If it does ernment has established its needs, but not wish to do so that is its right. it has refused to exercise its constitu­ Children have a right to be educa­ tional pow€rs, and therefore must ted and that right is being denied accept the responsibility. I do not put them. If I had to choose, I would it any higher than that. The Minister give preference to the rights of child­ of Education is responsible for ren instead of to those people who that only in so far as he is a mem­ are speculating to make millions of ber of a Government which takes that dollars without any regard for social attitude. In pleading with the House, priorities or social conscience. the Minister said that the Govern­ Great social responsibility has been ment could not be blamed for its shown by building workers in this failure to fulfil its building pro­ State by preserving historic build­ gramme because it was a victim of ings and by refusing to involve them­ the economic circumstances which selves in anti-social actions of build­ are currently affecting the building ing groups and companies. industry. Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3737 The basic allegations made by the During the course of the debate I honorable members for Footscray and have tried to determine what lies Brunswick West and the detail with behind this motion which simply which they spelt out their arguments states- have gone virtually unanswered, except by the use of a statistic which That the Minister of Education no longer the Minister referred to in answer to possesses the confidence of this House., an interjection when he said that I suggest that three out of four, if there was a ratio of one teacher to nineteen pupils. But the honorable ~ot all, members of the Opposition, gentleman said that one could not have great confidence in the Minister expect to walk into a class-room in of Education. This is shown by the Richmond, Collingwood, or Fleming­ number of letters they write to the ton, and expect to find that situation. honorable gentleman each week ask­ The hopes and aspirations of the ing him to solve problems in their children · and parents of Victoria various electorates. It is not only cannot be fobbed off with a series of Liberal members of Parliament who artificial figures on paper. For that go to the Minister of Education; he reason, all members of the Opposition is frequently approached by mem­ strongly support this motion. bers of the Labor Party. Obviously they would not approach him if they Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public did not have confidence in his ability Works) .-It is only twelve months to solve their problems. since the Leader of the Opposition was blaming the Premier for the There has been little criticism of drought in 1972. The winter of 1973 the Minister during the debate. There was very wet and the Minister of has been a " talka thon " during Education is being blamed for that. which many views have been ex­ The wet winter was one of the causes pressed, each member of the Opposi­ of a slow-down in the completion of tion· apparently being an expert in buildings for the start of the 197 4 one field. But not one of them is school year. One member of the an expert in all fields of education. Opposition said that the Minister was In the previous Parliament, the hon­ blaming these various factors, but orable member for Footscray was these are facts. It is well known that shadow Minister for something other the extremely wet winter last year than education. I do not know slowed down the school building pro­ whether his present position in- gramme. The Government does not dicates promotion for him. blame the weather; it just points out that this is a fact. It is also well known Could the motive for this that there was a severe shortage of motion be that the honorable steel, timber and bricks last year. This member must show his Leader that was another factor in some schools he knows a little about education? not being completed in time for the Is he hoping for a little bit of luck? opening of the school year. I do not pretend to know a great deal about education, but I do know It is also well known that industrial unrest has increased considerably that the House was impressed by since the Labor Government came to what the Minister and the Assistant power in Canberra. This has resuJted Minister said because both honorable in it taking much longer for schools gentlemen understand the whole to be built. It takes double the time field of education; they are not just to build a primary school and almost experts in one small area. double the time to build a high school. This is not the only factor but it is I have heard that, over the past one of ihe factors that has led to eighteen years, members of the Oppo­ extension of contract times and to sition have been judged by the number schools not being ready when they of ·column inches which their speeches were expected to be. occupy in Hansard. If length is an 3738 Want of Confidence in· (ASSEMBLY.] Minister of .Education.

indication of quality, the quality of that his party~s shadow Minister of their speeches cannot be doubted. Education drew all sorts of wrong What can be doubted is their ability conclusions, certainly not as a result to be brief and to express constructive of information obtained· from either thoughts. The shadow Minister of department be.cause the honorable Education used several phrases such member for Footscray has not been as " mass of unfinished buildings ". in either department, welcome as he What did the honorable member mean may be. Before another motion of by " mass? " Although he spoke of this nature is discussed in the House a "mass" he mentioned only twelve the honorable member for Footscray schools. . should take advantage of the invita­ tion which I extend and which I am Mr. FoRDHAM.-! could give you sure is supported by the Minister of another twelve. Education to visit the departments Mr. DUNSTAN.-The honorable and obtain the ·correct information member has had his opportunity to from the officers concerned. address the House; Victoria has some It has .been claimed in certain 2,200 schools. If fault can be found quarters that when the children went with only twelve, the remaining 2,188 back to school on 4th February this schools must be well off. That is year a major crisis occurred. No not a ·bad record. This is one reason mention has been made of the exten­ why the Government has been con­ sions and completions which were sistently re-elected on its education ready for occupation in February. policy over the past quarter of a century. The Government will Mr. FoRDHAM.-So they ought to probably remain in office for another be. · quarter of a century by which time Mr. DUNSTAN.-4)f course they the ·honorable member for Footscray ought to be ready despite those fac­ may know something about educa­ tors which seriously influenced the tion. completion of the work that had to After referring to unfinished be ready for 4th February. · schools and naming only twelve,. the Mr. FoRDHAM.-The Public Works honorable member for Footscray Department does ·not schedule for contended that hundreds of schools bad weather. · had insufficient class-rooms. The hon~rable member saw that his Mr. DUNSTAN.---:No, but we· used Leader was watching, so the figure to do so in the State Rivers and increased from hundreds to thou­ Water Supply Commission; In pri­ sands. The " Labor Speaks " column mary schools, 150 additional class­ in the Sun News-Pictorial during Feb­ rooms at 22 schools. were completed ruary contained ill-informed criticism and ready for occupation; staff im­ by the honorable member for Foots­ provements at 26 schools were ready cray with some inference· about lack and some of these improvements in­ ·of ·co-operation between the Educa­ cluded additional class-room space. tion Department and · the Public In · secondary schools, ten libraries Works Department. were ready for occupation by 4th The ho.norable member for Deer February, as well as · 35 special­ Park visits the . department and pis­ purpose. rooms and 185 additional cusses matters with the officers, and class-rooms. Furthermore, staff im­ provem,ents · .were ·completed at I am pleased for him to do so. That twenty secondary schools. · honorable member makes the point of finding out what goes on in the . In .technical schools, two libraries two departments. Perhaps the hon­ were ready for occupatiqn, as were ·orable· member for Deer Park is not fourteen special-purpose ·rooms . and entering .into the debate as he knows 40 class-rooms .... · Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3739 For the past seven years, the Min­ portable class-rooms in 1975. Ap .. ister of Education has been respon­ parently, that situation satisfies the sible for a greater expenditure of Government. Currently the depart­ State funds than any other Minister ment is using 1,805 portable class­ with the exception of the Treasurer. rooms with the promise of a further The Minister has carried this big 200 by next year, instead of a promise responsibility with the confidence of of completed schools, particulai'ly the former Premier and the present those which currently comprise Premier. portable class-rooms. This means that 60,000 Victorian children next I propose to examine the alloca­ year will be taught in conditions un­ tions and expenditure for the ap­ der which the Minister will not work, proved works programme. In 1972-73, and which none of the bureaucrats the allocation amounted to $37 mil­ in his department would be prepared lion whilst the expenditure to 30th to tolerate. Yet the Minister expects June, 1973, was $37 million. The teachers to work and children to be expenditure to 28th February last taught in these class-rooms. year totalled $25 · 3 million whereas the expenditure to the same date this Yesterday, members perhaps com­ year amounted to $27 · 765 :million. plained about the atmosphere in this These figures indicate that the money Chamber, but the conditions in allocated for the education works portable class-rooms are ten programme is being expended at a times more oppressive on a hot faster rate this year than was the day. In winter, the reverse situation case last year. I again question the applies. This is the answer to motion. The record shows that for equality of education in this State. the past seven years the Minister of The Minister was honest enough to Education. has enjoyed the confidence say that there are more portable of the public, the Parliament-as will class-rooms, and I suggest that there be shown later-the Liberal Party, are more in Victoria than in any parent:; generally and most teachers. other State of Australia, in spite of I suggest that, deservedly, the motion the fact that no Government has had will be soundly defeated. such a financial feast from the Com­ monwealth Government in the past Mr. WILKES {Northcote).-Earlier twenty years as this Government has this evening, I had no Ulusions about had from -the· present Federal Govern­ my knowledge of the intricacies of ment in the past twelve months. The the Education Department admini­ Minister has had $122 · 5 million of stration until I heard the Minister of non-repayable moneys for ·education Public Works~ I now regard myself in Victoria, and what has he to show as something of a genius in the field. for it?---60,000 children in portable A case has been established against class-rooms next year and no major the Minister of Education concerning step towards minimizing the number the quality of education in this State. of portable class-rooms being use~. When nobody can dispute statements In addition, there is an acute teacher concerning the three main shortcom­ shortage. The Minister cannot deny ings of education in this State and that, and I shall not weary the House the Minister and the Assistant Min­ by listing the schools in· Victoria ister can say that everytliing is all which are short of teaching ·staff. right, it js obvious . that the hon- orable gentlemen are prepared to ac­ I. remind the House again that the cept an unsa:tisfactory standard of Government has received more education in Victoria. financial assistance· from the present Federal. Government than from any As the· result of information sup­ previous ·Government. Honorable plied in the· House today, the Minister members··· who have been in this of Education must be . aw~re · that House for some time· will remember 60,000 children will be : taught ·in many of the Minister~s predecessors.

• • • • • • •. ! ~ 3740 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister of Education. complaining about the poor treat­ complete waste of time, but it is the ment .they received from Canberra. Government's idea of equality of The present Minister cannot say that education. but, despite the increased funds which were made available, he can offer The Minister of Education can nothing more than was offered by his quote statistics for as long as he predecessors at a time when they wishes, but the fact remains that received nothing. Victoria has a greater teacher short­ age than it has ever had and one of When the Leader of the Opposition the worst accommodation problems criticized the Government for its lack with which it has been confronted. of planning, what he did not tell the We do not know whether that situa­ Minister-although I am sure the tion will ever be corrected. Minister well knew it-was that in the early 1960s every primary school If the Minister were in a position in the inner-metropolitan area­ to say that in 1980 the department those which a former Assistant would have eliminated half of the Minister said ought to have been bull­ portable class-rooms and would have dozed-was accommodating fewer built secondary schools on the peri­ than half its quotas of children. It phery of Melbourne where most must have been obvious even to the development is taking place, that most backward member of the Liberal would be something on which the Party, and certainly to the bureau­ Government could pin its flag, but the crats in the departments, that because Government cannot do that. It can­ of an increased birth rate and the not give an assurance that the present influx of migrants-and I remind the problems in the field of education House that the Government boasted will be any less 2, 3 or 5 years hence; that in the early 1960s it was absorb­ indeed, at the present rate it could ing between 40 per cent and 50 per well be that within 5 years the cent · of the total migrant intake-­ present position will be compounded there would be a need for more school and instead of 60,000 children being accommodation. taught in portable class-rooms 120,000 will be taught in them and instead of At that time the schools to which 2,000 portable class-rooms being I have referred also catered for the used there will be 4,000. teaching of secondary students be­ The Assistant Minister of Education cause the department ·even then could believes the equality of education is not keep up with the demand for not measured by the type of accom­ secondary schools. That was in the modation or the environment in which mid 1960s. It is now the mid 1970s, children are taught. He says that but the position has not altered. that is not important. There are still shortages in the secondary education field, and port­ Mr. DIXON.-! said "not as import- able class-rooms are being used in ant". · the deprived schools in the inner­ metropolitan area which, as I have Mr. WILKES.-Very well. The said, should have been demolished in Assistant Minister said that there was the 1960s. a basic philosophical reason why children could be taught in portable There is also a problem concerning class-rooms and the same results migrant education. In my electorate could be obtained. That may be so as many as 70 per cent of school with the brightest of children, but children are migrants, and the situa­ what the Assistant Minister does not tion in regard to remedial teaching­ admit is that teachers and children the teaching of languages especially alike have to put up with conditions -is disgraceful. The department which are not conducive to the trains teachers for remedial .work, education of. young children and and then posts them to schools which which make the task of teaching have no migrant students. It is a more arduous. Mr. Wilkes. Want. of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3741

The Victorian education system recurrent expenditure for the colleges was described by the Leader of the of ~advanced education .was $39 · 25 Opposition as a " portable system ", million. The contribution towards and if the situation with regard to constructing and equipping teachers' the use of portable class-rooms colleges and pre-school teachers' continues there is no doubt that colleges was $5 ·136 million. It is. within ten years time my Leader's hoped that som·e of that money will description will be perfectly apt. I be spent in Hawthorn at the technical suppose that is the reason for the teachers' training college which is a Assistant Minister's attempts to disgrace. justify it. Mr. JONA.-What is wrong with Mr. DIXON.-That is not true, and the training college at Hawthorn? you know it. Mr. WILKES.-The honorable ·mem­ Mr. WILKES.-! had no doubt ber for Hawthorn should examine about it, but if I am wrong I stand some of the· fittings in that college. corrected. Since 1964, if honorable The teachers are afraid to close two members care to analyse the infor­ doors on a cupboard simultaneously mation which has been furnished by for fear of taking off their fingers. the honorable members for Foots­ That is the type of finish that the cray and Brunswick West, who are Government gets for its money. educational experts-- Mr. STEPHEN .-Qh no! Mr. JONA.-That is deliberate mis­ representation. Mr. WILKES.-I regard them as having no peer in this House. The Mr. WILKES.-The college in Haw­ research of the honorable member thorn was supposed to have closed for Brunswick West reveals a clear circuit television throughout the pattern of educational deficiencies building. Every class-room has been which have developed as a result of wired for that purpose and every wire the policy of this Government over finishes in a heap approximately the past decade and show that at 4 feet high in one room. That is the the beginning of each school year an extent of the expertise of the Govern­ apology is always made by the Gov­ ment. It was important for that train­ ernment about the unavoidability of ing college to have a closed circuit staff shortages and other problems. television system. The equipment in There is no doubt that inequalities of the science room and in the mecha­ education do exist, although this nical engineering section of the col­ Government has had more money to lege is so antiquated and unsatisfac­ spend on education than any other tory that one can understand why it previous Government, and perhaps was necessary for the Commonwealth more than any Government in the Governm·ent to help the teachers' future will have. colleges by giving a non-repayable The Commonwealth Government is $5 ·136 million. providing this Government with suf­ Grants for buildings and equipping ficient funds but is not satisfied that technical schools and colleges totalled it has spent the funds provided as $3 · 35 million. Grants for expenditure non-repayable grants in the best in connection with Government interests of education in Victoria. If schools and capital expenditure under the amount that the Government has the provisions of the State Grants received since 1st January, 1973, is (Schools) Act totalled $2 · 25 million. equated with the deficiencies and That amount was promised by the problems in the education field, it may former Government but the present reflect the truth of what I am saying. Government paid it. Under the State The Government received $58·87 mil­ Grants (Schools) Act 1973, the sum lion for universities. The contribution of $5,207,505 was provided for recur­ towards non-repayable capital and rent expenditure. Grants for science 3742 Want of Confidence in [ASSEMBLY.] Minister. of Education. laboratories and equipment in has. anyone produced a blueprint to s·econdary schools amoun~ed t~ $1 :4 encourage people interested in educa­ million. Grants for hbranes tn tion that this will be the case? Of secondary schools tqtaUed $2 · 8 course not. The catchcry is that the million. largest proportion of · the State Budget is being spent on education. The Premier and the Minister of However, if the money were spent Education have received more non­ wisely more would be achieved. repayable funds from the Common­ wealth Government then ever before I shall inform the House how· the but have nothing to show for 'it. They money could be spent more wisely. have promised an additional200 port­ The Minister of Public W arks has able class-rooms for 1975. The sum stated that the Holmesglen project of to which· I have referred has been the Housing Commission is prepared made available by the Common­ to build tep schools by 1975, provided wealth Government than· ever before that . the Public Works Department addition to tax reimbursements and does not interfere. If the Public amounts agreed to by the Australian Works Department interferes, there Loan Council since January, 1973. is no guarantee that these schools , Mr. HAMER.-By the previous will be built by 1975. That is under­ Federal Government. standable because of the bungling of that department over the years. I Mr. WILKES.-By the present concede that the Education Depart­ Labor Government. Contributions in ment has had to accept respon­ support of research · projects in the sibility in the eyes of the public for academic .fields in universities and the deficiencies and bungling of the colleges of advanced education Public Works Department. totalled $897,000. For apprenticeship supervision and provision of advis~ry If the Government is conscious of services in connection with the train­ the amount of money it is spending ing of apprentices, $86,000 was pro­ on education from the State Budget vided. Another $30,000 was allocated it should be equally conscious of to the Department of Health for pre­ how the money is spent and school and kindergarten training, whether it is receiving value. which this Government persists in If that means cutting away from leaving with the Department of the Public Works Department and Health. It would be reasonable for doing what is done in other States the people interested in education in of Australia, it merits a lot of atten­ Victoria to expect that when an tion. Victoria is not getting anywhere. additional $122 million was made No one doubts the dedication of the available to it the Government would Minister of Education but dedication produce a blueprint to satisfy t~e does not produce results if the neces­ gallant people who have stuck to 1t sary physical resources are not avail­ through thick and thin, including able. teachers, parents and children. If the teachers and parents had not sold Unfortunately, in Victoria no one raffle tickets in the streets, portable from the Premier to the back-bench class-rooms would not have been members of the Government Party available. can say that the problems of educa­ tion will be solved in some year, It is reasonable that the people whether it be 1980, 1985 or beyond. who have taken a profound interest It is of no use the Assistant Minister in education in Victoria should ex­ of Education philosophizing; the pect that some of the problems in parents, teachers and students the State would appear on a blue­ want some indication of how print to reassure them that perhaps the Government can solve the by 1980 all will be well. However, problems of inequalities, ineffici- Want of Confidence in [6 MARCH, 1974.] Minister of Education. 3743 encies, shortages and lack of ac­ .· ·.·NoES • commodation in the not-too-distant Mr. Austin Mr. Mitchell future. Would it not be better for Mr. Balfour Mr. Plowman Mr. Baxter Mr. Rafferty the Minister of Education and the Mr. Billing Mr. Ramsay Assistant Minister of Education to Mr. Birrell Mr. Reese produce a blueprint showing that port­ Mr. Borthwick Mr. Ross-Edwards able class-rooms would not be re­ Mr. Burgin Mr. Rossiter . ! Mr. Chamberlain Mr. Scanlan quired by 1980? No attempt has Mr. Crellin Mr. Skeggs been made to do that because, accord­ Mr. Dixon Mr. Smith ing to the Assistant Minister of Mr. Dunstan (Bellarine) Education, there is nothing wrong Mr. Evans Mr. Smith (Ballaarat No•rth) ( Warmambool) with providing accommodation in Mr. Evans Mr. Stephen portable class-rooms. (Gippsland East) Mr. Suggett Mrs. Goble Sir Edgar Tanner Mr. DIXON.-That is not true. Mr. Guy Mr. Templeton Mr. Hamer Mr. Thompson Mr. W~KES.-The Assistant Min­ Mr. Jona Mr. Trewin ister of Education is frustrated and Mr. Lacy Mr. Vale I can understand his dilemma. He is Mr. Loxton Mr. Wilcox Mr. McClure Mr. Williams not convincing anyone when he says Mr. McKellar Mr. Wiltshire. that portable class-rooms need not Mr. McLaren Tellers: affect the education of children in Mr. Maclellan Mr. Ebery Victoria. Parents want their children Mr. Meagher Mr. Mcinnes. taught not in portable class-rooms but in established classes. Members PAIRS. of the Opposition, who are completely Mr. Curnow Mr. Wood dissatisfied with the results achieved Mr. Doube Mr. Hayes by this Government from the Mr. Mutton Mr. McCabe. 1960s into the mid-1970s, are bitterly disappointed that the honorable BITTERN LAND BILL. gentleman has not said, "By 1980, Victoria will be over this problem " Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) presented a message from and that the Government will be His Excellency the Governor recom­ doing this and providing that. At mending that an appropriation be least that should have been said to made from the Consolidated Fund for engender some support for Victoria's the purposes of this Bill. broken-down education system. The House divided on the motion LAND TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL. (the Hon. K. H. Wheeler in the Mr. HAMER (Premier and chair)- Treasurer) .-1 move- Ayes 16 That this Bill be now read a second time. No~ 47 This is a small Bill which tidies up two technical rna tters relating to land Majority against the tax. Section 90 of the Land Tax Act motion . . 31 1958 contains a provision which en­ ables a refund to be made of an over­ payment of land tax. However, sub­ AYES. section (3) of section 90 limits the Mr. Amos Mr. Roper time for the application by a taxpayer Mr. Bomstein Mr. Simmonds Mr. Edmunds Mr. Trezise to the commissioner for a refund to Mr. Fordham Mr. Wilkes within three years after the overpay­ Mr. Ginifer Mr. Wilton. ment was made. The time limit has Mr. Holding ori occasions led to the· unfortunate Mr. Jones Tellers: Mr. Kirkwood Mr. Fogarty situation iri which a taxpayer had Mr. Lind Mr. Stirling. overpaid land tax, not discovered the 3744 Land Tax [ASSEMBLY.] (Amendment) Bill. overpayment until some time after­ Act and then the 1970 Act. Unfortu­ wards, and been subsequently de­ nately, the proclamations were made barred by sub-section (3) of section in the reverse order. Clause 3 of the 90 from obtaining a refund. Bill does nothing more than correct The 1natter arose recently as a that error-an error which, ap­ result of an application to the Om­ parently having been made, can be budsman by a company which had corrected only by legislation .. I com­ been paying land tax on land it had mend the Bill to the House. not owned for six years. It does not On the motion of Mr. HOLDING say much for the company's account­ (Leader of the Opposition) , the ing procedures because it did not dis­ debate was adjourned. cover this until some time had elapsed. Under sub-section (3) of It was ordered that the debate be section 90 of the Act, the company adjourned until Wednesday, March was entitled to a refund for only 20. three years. Mr. Ross-EowARos.-Will the com­ PRINTERS AND NEWSPAPERS pany receive the benefit of this (AMENDMENT) BILL. legislation? Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary) . -I move- Mr. HAMER.-The Government That this Bill be now read a second time. has made an ex gratia repayment to the company. The Government be­ This short Bill amends the Printers lieves the current position is en­ and Newspapers Act 1958 to- tirely unsatisfactory. As I have (a) repeal the price restriction said, there is at the moment a placed upon the interpretation of case before the Government involving "newspaper"; overpayment of land tax, the refund (b) widen the application of of which would be debarred by sub­ section 21 to provide that any section (3) of section 90, even though stipendiary magistrate may take the the overpayment arises from an recognizances therein required from error in the Land Tax Office. a printer or publisher of a news­ Accordingly, it has been decided paper; to clarify the situation once and for all, and the Bill repeals (c) increase the maximum sum of sub-section (3) of section 90 as well the fee which the Governor in as two related sub-sections. The Bill Council may prescribe in respect of replaces them with a provision based matters under the Act; and on section 19 of the Pay-roll Tax Act (d) give power to the· Governor which enables the commissioner to in Council to prescribe forms for the refund tax overpaid without any purposes of the Act. time limit. This provision is in To fall within the definition of clause 2 of the Bill. "newspaper" as contained in section The Bill also overcomes a technical 11 of the principal Act a paper or problem that has arisen in relation pamphlet must- to the Land Tax Act 1973 and the (a) contain -public- news, intelli­ Land Tax Act 1970. The Land Tax gence or occurrences, any remarks Act 1973 amended both the principal or observations thereon or upon Act and the 1970 Act. It provided that political matters; all provisions other than those for the enactment of the rates of land tax (b) be published for sale periodi­ were to come into ~peration on cally or in parts or numbers at· inter­ proclamation. Because of the amend­ vals not exceeding 26 days between ments to the 1970 Act contained in the publication of any two such the 1973 Act, the order of proclama­ papers or pamphlets or parts or num- tion should have been first the 1973 bers; and· · Printers and Newspapers [6 MARCH, 1974.] (Amendment) Bill. 3745

(c) be sold at a price of 5 cents Governor in Council. The absence or any less amount. of any certainty concerning the form At present publications which has caused difficulty in the past and would otherwise fall within the it is desirable that the uncertainty definition of " newspaper " are out­ should be removed. side its provisions because they are Clause 5 of the Bill enables forms sold at prices exceeding 5 cents. to be prescribed for the purpose of That price limit has been in existence the Act. Section 32 of the Act pro­ at least since 1890. One of the re­ vides a head of power to enable the sults of the outmoded limit is that Governor in Council to prescribe there are now no daily or Sunday fees to a maximum in any case of newspapers which fall within the $4. Under the section any fees pay­ definition of " newspaper ". In this able under the Act or by regulation situation, it would be virtually im­ are to be paid to the Registrar possible to use the evidentiary pro­ General. visions of Part II. of the principal Act These maximum levels of fee were to prove in a court who was the last fixed in 1956 and, in view of the printer or publisher, or proprietor, of increase in costs since that time, the a particular newspaper . It is undesir­ Government considers that a sub­ able that such a situation should stantial increase is warranted. prevail. Accordingly, clause 3 of the Accordingly it proposes to increase Bill remedies the matter by repealing the maximum level at which fees for the reference to "five cents" in the the purposes of the Act may be pre­ definition of " newspaper " as pro­ scribed from $4 to $20. Sub-clause vided in section 11 of the principal (2) of clause 5 of the Bill makes the Act. appropriate amendment to the prin­ Section 21 of the Act requires cipal Act. printers and publishers, respectively, On the motion of Mr. BORNSTEIN of newspapers together with two (Brunswick East) , . the debate was sufficient sureties to- adjourned. enter before and to the satisfaction of a It was ordered that the debate be judge of the Supreme Court or of the Sti­ adjourned until Wednesday, March pendiary Magistrate of the district in which such newspaper is or is intended to be 20. printed and published ..... into a recog­ nizance himself in the sum of $600 . . . . REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS The Crown Solicitor has advised that DEATHS AND MARRIAGES the words " of the district in which (AMENDMENT) BILL. such newspaper is or is intended to Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary). be printed and published " create a -I move- serious difficulty in interpreting the That this Bill be now read a second time. section and has suggested that those Its purpose is to amend section 41 qualifying words be removed. There of the Registration of Births Deaths is no reason why the recognizance and Marriages Act 1959 to provide should not be entered into before any that a cancellation of a false or an stipendiary magistrate. illegal registration of a birth or death Clause 4 of the Bill makes the by the Government Statist shall be appropriate amendment to section made under the direction of the 21 of the principal act. Considera­ Chief Secretary and not of the tion of section 21 has also raised a Attorney-General as presently pro­ difficulty as to the form of recogni­ vided. zance which the section requires. The existing provision was origin­ There is no provision in the principal ally enacted as sub-section ( 1) of Act as to the form of the recogni­ section 2 of the Registration of Births zance, nor does the Act enable the Deaths and Marriages Act 1915 form to be prescribed by the (No. 2). My research has shown 3746 Labour and Industry (ASSEMBLY~] (Art and Handicrafts that the Bill as originally drawn The .motion· for the adjournment empowered the Government Statist of the debate was agreed to, and it to .make such cancellations of his was ordered that the debate be ad­ own volition. The. Parliament of the. journed until Wednesday, March 13. day considered that sue}) c;ancella­ tion was too serious a matter to authorize one person to undertake LABOUR AND INDUSTRY (ART and it amended the Bill to provide AND HANDICRAFTS GALLERIES) that the Attorney-General should BILL. have the p'ower of direction. Apparently that Minister was chosen Mr. RAFF'ERTY (Minister of on the ground that the inheritance of Labour and Industry) .-1 move- property· could be .affected. That .this Bill be now read a second time. ·So far as I have been able to ascer­ This is a simple Bill to amend the tain no difficulty of the kind envisaged Labour and Industry Act 1958 by by the Parliament of the day has adding " Art and handicraft gal­ arisen in recent years, and experience leries'' to the list of classes of shops suggests that there is no longer any contained in the Fifth Schedule to the reason why the direction of the Act. The Fifth Schedule lists classes Attorney-General should be required. of shops which are not subject to My colleague the Attorney-General restrictions as to trading hours which agrees with this view. In my view, apply to th.e generality of shops under however, it is necessary that such Division 2 of Part VI. of the Act. cancellation should be made under the direction of the Minister administer­ In recent ·times, a growing interest ing the principal Act. has been shown by the public in the purchase of works of art and crafts Accordingly, the Bill amends and a considerable number of gal­ section 41 of the principal Act by leries and shops have sprung up to substituting for the word " Attorney­ cater for this demand. Apparently General " the words " Chief Secre­ a large amount of trade of some of tary". the businesses is done at week-ends. Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) .­ The arts review page of the Age on I move- Saturdays regularly carries advertise­ That the debate be now adjourned. ments for the galleries indicating that On the question of the length of the they will be open on Saturday after­ adjournment, the honorable member noons and Sundays. Trading at these for Albert Park, who is handling the times is in contravention of the Bill, has assured me that although he present law. will do his best to deal with it in a minimum of time, he will require an There is also a growing interest in adjournment of the debate for at least the community in the handcrafting two weeks. of jewellery, pottery, leather work and the weaving of cloth_ by in­ Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary). dividuals as a hobby or outlet for -This is the simplest Bill that has creative talent. These people seek come to this House in my Parliamen­ a market for their products which is tary life. There is no principle not normally available through retail involved in it. I suggest an adjourn­ stores. They are finding that market ment for one week, and if the honor­ through "galleries", some of which able member for Albert Park finds also open at week-ends. The atten· that is insufficient time, I will give tion of the department has been an assurance that an extension of drawn to the fact that these shops time will be considered. are opening illegally. A specific Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) (By complaint against a particular shop leave) .-In view of the assurance was investigated and a prosecution given by the Minister, I accept the resulted in the occupier being con­ undertaking. victed and fined. · Galleries) [6 MARCH, 1974.] Bill. 3747

The community has become used to Paper Manufacturers Ltd. The first the idea that these shops, which are agreement relates to the supply by described as galleries, are open at the Forests Commission to the com­ week-ends. Many people visit the pany of hardwood-eucalypt-pulp­ galleries, not necessarily to buy the wood timber, and the second relates works exhibited for sale but to enjoy to the supply of softwood-planta­ viewing the exhibits. The Govern­ tion conifer-pulpwood timber. Both ment considers that the sensible thing types of timber are used by the com­ to do would be to amend the law to pany in varied mixes for manu­ allow these shops to open lawfully. facture of wood pulp, which in turn There would, of course, be no com­ is further manufactured into paper pulsion for shops of this type to open and paper-board products. on Saturday afternoons or Sundays. If the Act were amended, they would Honorable members should under­ be free to choose whether to open. stand that, although these agree­ I commend the Bill to the House. ments. have already been executed, such action was really administrative Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir).­ machinery, and the agreements have I move- no legal or actual application or force That the debate be now adjourned. until given effect to by the Parlia­ On the question of the length of the ment· of Victoria. adjournment, this Bill deals with Australian Paper Manufacturers working conditions of people en­ Ltd. is an Australian-owned company gaged in industry, and the organiza­ with assets throughout Australia ex­ tions which represent these people ceeding $248 million. It is a diversi­ will have to be consulted. To allow fied company whose main business the Opposition time to consult them, is in the manufacture of pulp, paper an adjournment of the debate for two and paper-board. For this purpose it weeks will be absolutely necessary. operates eight mills throughout Aus­ Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of tralia, three of which are located in Labour and Industry) .-I suggest Victoria-at Fairfield, Broadford and that the debate be adjourned for one Maryvale in Gippsland. The company week, but I give an undertaking that was a world pioneer in the pulping of if the Opposition is not then ready to eucalypts and the use of the pulp in proceed, consideration will be given paper and board manufacture. to an extension of time. The Maryvale pulp and paper mill Mr. SIMMONDS {Reservoir) (By in Gippsland has a capacity of leave) .-I give the Minister an assur­ 180,000 tonnes of wood pulp per ance that the Opposition will not be annum and 135,000 tonnes of paper­ ready in one week and will require board per annum. More than half of two weeks. the wood pulp produced is made into paper at Maryvale and the rest is The motion for the adjournment of sent to other Australian Paper the debate was agreed to, and it was Manufacturers Ltd. mills. About ordered that the debate be adjourned 1,450 people are employed at the until Wednesday, March 13. Maryvale mill. The Fairfield paper and board mill in Melbourne has a FORESTS (WOOD PULP capacity of 154,000 tonnes per annum AGREEMENTS) BILL. of paper and paper-board and employs Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel about 850 people. The Broadford and Power) .-I move- board mill has ·a capacity of 30,000 tonnes of board per annum and That this Bill be now read a second time. employs about 160 people. Its purpose is to ratify and give The company has a large, wholly­ effect to two agreements which have owned forestry subsidiary-A.P.M. recently been negotiated by the Forests Pty. Ltd.-to provide pulp­ Forests Commission with Australian wood for the company's pulp mills 3748 Forests (Wood Pulp [ASSEMaLY.] Agreements) Bill. and to manage the company's hard­ physical expansion of the pulp mills wood and softwood forests. The will be made progressively over the company now has 31,000 hectares of next seven to eight years so that they pine and 5,000 hectares of eucalypt will be operating at full input by the plantations in Gippsland and is end of this time. adding to this area at the rate of Initially the pulp requirements of 3,000 hectares of pine and 400 the new paper machine can be met hectares of eucalypt annually. It has by the installed capacity of the pulp invested $17 million in its forestry mill. However, expansion of the operations in Gippsland. pulp mill will follow the paper In Victoria, Australian Paper machine installation and the Manufacturers Ltd. employs directly quantity of wood required will in­ about 3,400 people, of whom about crease progressively. 1,650 are in country areas. It also Hardwood pulpwood has been sup­ employs indirectly, as contractors, plied to the company by the Forests about 650 people, mainly for obtain­ Commission for many years under ing wood and for transport. agreements which have been given The company has planned a major effect to by Acts of Parliament. The expansion of its paper and pulp­ first such Act was in 1936 and pre­ making facilities at Maryvale in sent supply is made in accordance Gippsland. This will entail the con­ with the Forests (Wood Pulp Agree­ struction of a large modern paper ment) Acts of 1961 and 1966. Under machine and a major expansion of these agreements, which terminate in the company's pulp mills at Mary­ 1987, the company is entitled to a vale. The company plans to spend supply which rises to a maximum $100 million during the next 7 to 8 level of 453,000 cubic metres of hard­ years and of this about $60 million wood pulpwood as from 1980. As within 3 to 4 years. Most of this the company's requirements for hard­ money will be spent in Australia and wood pulpwood following imple­ at least 25 per cent will be spent mentation of its expansion pro­ directly in Gippsland on construction gramme will rise to 765,000 cubic work. metres by 1983, the company, not un­ naturally, sought, in view of the cost The expansion will create 500 addi­ of its expansion programme, to secure tional permanent jobs at the Mary­ its supply of raw material by negoti­ vale mill and in the forest and will ation of a new agreement to supply. create many more new jobs indirectly following the stimulation this will A substantial part of softwood give to local industries and pulp.wood requirements to meet the businesses. It is estimated that addi­ proposed expansion will be met from tional wages paid to 500 people the company's pine plantations in would inject more than $3 million Gippsland. However, to supplement per annum into the area. The com­ this, a guaranteed supply of soft­ pany is currently using wood from wood pulpwood from State planta­ State and company forests and pri­ tions is necessary. Softwood pulp­ vate property in Gippsland valued at wood has been supplied by the approximately $8 million per annum. Forests Commission to the company The company plans that the new in the past on the basis of short­ paper machine will be installed at term arrangements. It is now pro­ Maryvale to commence production in posed to supply softwood pulpwood the second half of 1976. This under a long-term agreement of machine will make about 100,000 similar time span to that executed tonnes in its first year of operation for hardwood pulpwood. It is pro­ and its output will increase by 50 posed that softwood supplies will be per cent to 70 per cent as demand made to the company from planta­ for its products increases. The tions in Gippsland. Mr. Balfour. Forests (Wood Pulp [6 MARCH, 1974.] Agreements) Bill. 3749 A formal agreement to enable felling and removal of pulpwood supply of hardwood pulpwood has timber from the Eastern Extension been executed between the Minister and the North Western Extension, of Forests, the Forests Commission as well as from the Forest Area. It and Australian Paper Manufacturers permits the Governor in Council to Ltd., whilst a formal agreement to make regulations relating to the cut­ give effect to supply of softwood ting and felling of pulpwood frmn pulpwood has been executed between the Eastern Extension and the North the Forests Commission and Austra­ Western Extension and amends and lian Paper Manufacturers Ltd. Before increases penalties for contravening these agreements are effective, they or failing to comply with regulations must be ratified by Parliament and under this Act. this is the purpose of the Bill. Clauses 4 to 9 comprise Part II. of Reference is made in the preamble the Bill and relate to the Softwood to the supplemental agreement to Timber Agreement. Clause 4 provides the existing Wood Pulp Agree­ that " agreement " means the Soft­ ment executed by the Minister wood Timber Agreement when used of Forests, the Forests Commission in Part II. Clause 5 provides for and Australian Paper Manufacturers ratification by Parliament of the Soft-­ Ltd. and to the agreement with wood Timber Agreement and em­ respect to supply of softwood timber powers the Minister, the commission executed by the Forests Commission and all authorities and officers con-­ and Australian Paper Manufacturers cerned to carry out the agreement. Ltd. which now require ratification It also provides that the agreement by Parliament. shall take effect notwithstanding any· Clause 1 simply relates to the title thing in Acts which are listed. of the proposed Act and the designa­ Clause 6 requires the commission tion of the 1973 agreement as the to confer and co-operate with any Further Amending Agreement and public statutory body, municipality or the agreement relating to softwood any local authority where necessary pulpwood as the " Softwood Timber in the exercise of its powers under Agreement ". It also refers to the this part of the agreement and pro­ time of commencement of the Act vides for differences or disputes to be and specifies that the Act shall bind determined by the Governor in Coun­ the Crown. cil. Clause 8 specifies that royalty Clauses 2 and 3 comprise Part I. shall be paid into the Consolidated of the Bill and relate to the Further Fund. Clause 9 specifies that costs Amending Agreement. Clause 2 pro­ and expenses incurred by the State vides for ratification by Parliament shall be paid out of Consolidated of the Further Amending Agreement Fund. executed by the three parties to Clause 10 provides for the Gov.. which I have referred. It provides ·ernor in Council to make regulations that references in the Forests (Wood regulating and controlling the manner Pulp Agreement) Act 1961 to the of cut and felling, obtaining or re ... Principal Agreement shall also refer mnving softwood timber in or from to the Wood Pulp Agreements as amended by the Amending Agree­ the area of supply and states the ment and the Further Amending penalty for contravening or failure Agreement and defines " Amending to comply with any such regulations. Agreement " and " Further Amend­ Schedule 1 contains the Further ing Agreement" and "Wood Pulp Amending Agreement. The recital Agreement". merely states that a formal agree .. Clause 3 amends the Forests (Wood ment which is supplemental to the Pulp Agreement) Act 1961 to allow agreements approved by the Forests the commission to enter into con­ (Wood Pulp Agreement) Acts 1961 tracts with other persons for the and 1966 has been executed between 3750 Forests (Wood Pulp [ASSEMBLY.] · · Agreements) Bill. the Minister of Forests, the Forests revision each year and extension to Commission and Australian Paper include a further year and for sub- Manufacturers Ltd. and that the mission by the company of details of company proposes a major expansion its pulpwood requirements by 31st of its wood pulp operations at Mary­ March each year. It also provides vale and requires an assured supply for the addition of the Eastern Exten­ of pulpwood for its expanded wood sion and the North Western Extension pulp operations. as areas which the commission shall Clauses 1 and 2 of this schedule substitute if the company is unable provide that the Further Am·ending to obtain at an economic cost pulp­ wood from the original area specifi~d Agreement has no effect until ratified in the plan of utilization. It further by Parliament and that this Further provides that when a person obtains Amending Agreement shall be read pulpwood from the Forest Area, the as supplemental to the Principal Eastern Extension or the North Wes­ Agreement on and after the first day tern Extension at the same time as of July, 1974. the company, there shall be no dis­ Clause 3 deals with definitions and crimination between them as to fac­ contains new definitions and amended tors affecting " on motor truck " costs definitions from the Principal Agree­ of pulpwood and that, subject to ment necessitated as a result of the proper forest management, opera­ Further Amending Agreement. New tions shall be so located that carting definitions contained in this clause costs are minimized for that person relate to "Alexandra Royalty Zone", and the company. " conventional thinnings ", " Eastern Extension ", " Maryvale Royalty Clause 5 of Schedule 1 provides that Zone", "North Western Extension", the company shall have the exclusive " Orbost Royalty Zone " and " pre­ right to obtain pulpwood timber from mium clear felling". Definitions of the Forest Area except for pulpwood " cunit" and "Interim Forest Area ", timber from mixed forests in certain which are contained in the Principal parts of the Forest Area and that it Agreement, are deleted. The defini­ shall have the right-which ·Shall not tion of "date of expiration" in the be exclusive-to obtain pulpwood Principal Agreement has been re­ from the Eastern Extension and the placed to provide for the date of North Western Extension. It also lays expiration now to be the 30th day of down the minimum annual supply June, 2004, whilst the definition of levels, which increase from 255,000 " year " has been replaced so that cubic metres for the year 197 4-75 to " year " now means a period of 765,000 cubic metres for the year twelve months commencing on the 1982-83 and each year thereafter, pro­ first day of July. The definition of vided that not less than 45 per cent "Forest Area" in the Principal Agree­ of this volume shall be made avail­ ment has been amended to clarify that able from mountain forests and that the " Eastern Extension " and the 166,000 ·cubic metres shall be made "North Western Extension" do not available from the mill area, of form part of the Forest Area, and the which 93,000 cubic metres shall definition of " pulpwood timber '' has come from mountain forests and been amended to clarify that it does 73,000 cubic metres from mixed not include timber required by the forests. It also provides that by commission for sawmilling or fencing written agreement between the com­ timber. mission and the company, the mini­ Clause 4 amends the Principal mum annual supply level may be Agreement to provide for the prepara­ increased or decreased for any tion by 31st July, 1974, of a plan of period commencing from the I st July utilization for the five years com­ next following the date of such mencing on 1st July, 1974, for the agreement. Mr. Balfour. Forests (Wood Pulp [6 MARCH, 1974.] Agreements) Bill.· 3751

Minor amendments of the Prin­ should disaster, such as severe fire, cipal Agreement are also· included to occur in· the company's forests in cater for the addition of the Eastern Victoria, and requires the company Extension and the North Western Ex­ to salvage pulpwood, should a like tension as supply areas to the com­ disaster occur in State forests. In pany and for the conversion of ex­ practice, this will enable the com­ pressions in imperial terms· to pany to effect salvage in its own expressions in metric terms. forests should ·severe damage occur in them and require it to undertake The clause also qualifies the ex­ salvage. in State forests should like clusive right of the company to damage occur in them. pulpwood from the Forest Area so that the company shall not unrea­ Clause 8 of the schedule deals sonably withhold its consent to with royalty payable by the com­ disposal by the commission. of pulp­ pany for pulpwood obtained in ac­ wood to other persons which has cordance with the agreement. A been offered to the company at the new classification for pulpwood, time of the preparation of the plan which reflects some of the dif­ of utilization each year and which ferences in costs between various the company advises that it do·es not harvesting techniques which may be require. The commission may also employed, has been included. The dispose of to other persons pulpwood royalty system has been designed to becoming available through salvage ensure that royalty payable by the operations following a major disaster, company reflects the intrinsic 'value such as fire, if the company is un­ of the pulpwood to the community. able to utilize such pulpwood. Two additional royalty zones, one Clause 6 of the schedule proyides based at Alexandra and one based for inclusion of the Eastern ~Exten­ at Orbost, have been included as sion and the North Western Exten­ well as the existing Maryvale royalty sion, together with the Forest Area zone. This will ensure that all pulp­ as already provided in the Principal wood supplied from the Eastern Ex­ Agreement, within the supply area ten.sion or the North Western Exten­ to be investigated by the commission and the company as to availability sion area will be charged for at a of pulpwood at a specified time, for realistic rate and not rebated because the commission to make additions of cartage distance to Maryvale. or reductions to the supply areas, if The royalty payable by the com­ appropriate, following such investi­ pany will vary within each royalty gation and for the company to seek zone with the actual distance of the an extension of the operation of the agreement beyond the date of ex­ cutting section from the zone centre piration. or point of royalty determination, by use of a distance allowance, with Clause 7 deals with the propor­ maximum and minimum rates also tion of the minimum annual sup­ being set. The clause also contains ply which the company is bound amendments to the extent necessary either to take or to pay for. At pre­ to implement metric measurement of sent the company is obliged to· take all units. or pay for 50 per cent of the mini­ mum annual supply. The clause in­ Clause 9 provides for royalty creases the company's obligation to rates and roading charges pay­ take or pay to 80 per cent. As from able by the company to be re-1 the year 1989-90, this 80 per cent viewed to take effect · from 1st oblig.ation .may be modified but shall July, 1976, and at three-yearly in­ not be reduced below 75 per ·cent. tervals thereafter. This compares The clause also provides for the with five-yearly r~view periods pro­ ·company's obligation to be modified vided. for in the present agreements. 3752 Forests (Wood Pulp [ASSEMBLY.] Agreements) Bill.

Clause 10 provides for two wording required for sale of logs, mainly to changes which are made necessary the sawmilling and plywood indus­ by the use of metric expressions in tries, and for sale as poles or fencing this agreement. timber. Clause 11 of the schedule· provides Clause 2 of Schedule 2 is a for the company to keep records of machinery clause which relates to the quantities of pulpwood obtained intel}pretation of reference to other from the Eastern Extension and the Acts and headings and sidenotes of North Western Extension. These re­ the agreement. cords are already required to be kept for the Forest Area. Clause 3 of the schedule states that although the agreement has Clause 12 provides for the been signed by the parties con­ addition of the forests in the cerned, it can have no force or Eastern Extension and the North effect until ratified by the Parliament. Western Extension to those of the Forest Area as the supply area in Clause 4 provides for the assign­ which the obligations of the com­ ment of rights to another company mission to make pulpwood available if the prior ·written consent of the and of the company to take pulp­ commission has been obtained. The wood may be suspended in the case subsidiary or assignee ·company of severe damage to forests. shaH be subject to all of the obli­ gations and ·conditions im,posed on Clauses 13 and 14 of the schedule the company by the agreement and, refer to additions and amendments further, the parent company will re­ which are considered desirable in the main responsible to the ·commission side notes to the existing agreement. for the performances of all its obli­ I shall now deal with the provisions gations under the agreement. in Schedule 2, which contains the Clause 5 spells out the philosophy Softwood Timber Agreement. The of the basis of dealings between the recitals set out the purpose of the commission and the· ·company .. The agreement. The company is seeking commission is obliged to recognize an assured supply of softwood tim­ that the company is engaged in a ber for the manufacture of wood competitive business, but the com­ pulp, and the commission on its part mission is to be the sole judge of seeks to have an assured market for what .is pr-oper forest management. the softwood timber produced from The company has obligations to the the softwood plantations in the area. shareholders, and the commission The agreement therefore is of has obligations to the :people of mutual advantage, and the parties Victoria. seek ratification of the agreement so that it may have full force and The following clauses set out the effect. details of the operation of the industry. Clause 6 sets out the Clause 1 sets out definitions of duration of the agreement, which certain key terms used in the agree­ is a period of 30 years from 1st ment. I wish to refer specifically to July, 1974, or some earlier. ~ate in two of them. Firstly, the " area of accordance with later provisions of supply " is defined as the forest dis­ the agreement, and clause 7 is a tricts of Erica, Neerim, Mirboo· and "saver of rights and obligations" Yarram. It should be noted that clause in relation to the expiration or these areas fall within the Latrobe determination of the agreement. Valley, an area which is very important in the decentralization Clauses 8 to 25 of the schedule programme of the Government. set out the timber rights granted by Secondly, it should be noted that the the agreement. Clause 8 protects definition of " ·softwood timber " the rights of licensees and lessees specifically excludes timber which is under the Forests Act 1958 or any Mr. Balfour. Forests (Wood Pulp (6 MARCH, 1974.] Agreements) Bill. 3753 other Act, and the provisions of 1984-85 to 1988-89 - clause 9 ensure that the ·commission 50,000 cubic metres retains the right to seH forest produce or grant licences to other 1989-90 to 1993-94 - persons, subject to the provisions of 60,000 cubic metres sub-clause (1) of clause 12 and clause 14. 1994-95 to 1998-99 - 90,000 ·cubic metres Clause 10 sets out the requirement for the commission to draw up a 1999-2000-2002-04- plan of utilization each year. The 100,000 cubic metres plan shall set out the locations and quantities of pulpwood which are to There are provisions in the clause be made available each year, with for a review of the volumes of the similar details .in provisional form minimum annual supply by agree­ for the next two years following, ment between the commission and while clause 11 is a .general ·clause, the ·company, or in the event of the requiring the company to comply plantations of either the company with the Forests ·Act 1958 and or the com1mission or both, being regulations under the Act. damaged by natural disaster or Clause 12 grants the company the other cause. right to obtain softwood timber Clause 15 sets out the size and from the area of supply without the quality specifications for softwood issue of a licence to the company. timber made available under the The timber shall be 'made available agreement, and clause 16 defines from standing trees, parts of trees the. price to be paid by the company remaining from other forest opera­ tions, or from timber logged on for softwood timber. iJf the com­ behalf of the ·commission. Sub­ pany produces the timber from the clause (3) of this ·clause enables standing tree, royalty only is pay­ the commission to modify the obli­ able. l.f the timber is departmentally gation to accept ti·mber in the last­ produced by the commission, then mentioned ·category with certain the price payable shall be royalty provisos. plus cost of production and over­ Clause 13 restricts the use ·of the head charges. timber supplied under the agree­ Clause 17 puts an obligation on ment. The timber is to be used for the ·company to either take or pay the purpose ·Of manufacturing wood for a volume equivalent to 90 per pulp. Clause 14 sets out the com­ cent of the minimum annual supply. mission's obligation to supply soft­ Provision is made for the •co·mpany wood timber. The ;volumes of the to recoup any payment made for a minimum annual supply of softwood timber to be made available in the deficiency if it obtains an equivalent first five-year period, 1974-75 to quantity in excess of the mini•mum 1978-79 inclusive, is 8,500 cubic annual supply during the next two metres. To give honorable members years. After the ·expiration of ten some idea of the quantities involved, years the 90 per cent level may be a cubic •metre of softwood timber is modified by agreement between the something less than 1 ton in weight. parties but it shall not be reduced The volume of the minimum annual below 75 per cent of the ~minimum supply then increases in stepwise annual supply. fashion over five yearly periods as Clause 118 sets down the terms of follows:- royalty payment, and clause 19 1979-80 to 1983-84 - refers to the schedule to the agree­ 30,000 ·cubic metres ment, which sets out the royalty 3754 Forests (Wood Pulp [ASSEMBLY.] , Agreements) Bill. rates payable during the ·first two catchments. . The company shall years. During this period, royalty ensure that contractors ·have notice shall be- of the applicable conditions. ( 1) For areas. not more than 50 Clause 24 of ·the schedule requires kilometres by road from the company to keep the commis­ Maryvale, travelling by the sion informed of the names of its shortest practicable route­ servants and contractors, and to $3 . 46 a cubic metre. supply proper identification of such (2) For areas further from the persons. The company shall require mill than 50 kilometres by each contractor obtaining softwood road, an allowance o.f 1.91 timber to comply with the Forests cents per cubic metre shall Act 1958, regulations under the Act, 'be deducted from the and the conditions already referred royalty rate for each kilo­ to under clause 23. The company metre in excess of 50 kilo­ may be required to terminate the ·metres, provided that no contract of a contractor who in the royalty rate shall he less opinion of the commission has failed than $2.31 a cubic metre. to comply with the Forests Act~ regulations or conditions. Clause 20 provides for a royalty review each three years from lst Clause 2'5 provides for the possi­ July, 1976. The new rates for each bility of a further agreement. In the three-year period shall be as agreed first three months of the last year upon between the ·com·mission and of the agreement, the commission the company, or failing agreement shall enter into negotiation for a shall be calculated in accordance further agreement, if a request has with variations in the statistical been received from the company to indices referred to in the clause. do so and if the commission is satis­ Clause 21 requires the ·company fied that a further agreement is de­ to obtain the consent of a forest sirable. When such further agree-· officer prior to the construction of ment has been. executed, the com­ access facilities, and the written mission shall if necessary recom­ consent of the . com·mission prior to mend to the ·Minister of Forests that the construction of any building, a Bill be introduced into Parliament tramway, ·flume, or conversion unit to ratify the new agreement. within the area of supply, and clause 22 lays down the means of Clause 26 provides for the sus­ determination of the quantity of pension of the commission's obliga­ softwood timber supplied. If the tion to make the minimum annual quantity of softwood timber upon supply available if the commission's which royalty .is payable is to be plantations are damaged or de­ determined from its ·mass, then the stroyed by ·fire, disease or other clause requires the company to cause to such extent as to make in staB, ·maintain, and operate a such obligation impracticable. weighbridge in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act 1958. Clause 27 is a saving clause in relation to certain events occurring Clause 23 ·makes provision for the which may affect the obligations of commission to prescribe conditions the company under the agreement. which shall apply .in areas where Clause 28 allows the . determination softwood timber is being obtained. of .the agreement by the commission The conditions could cover items such as the protection of retained if the company enters into liquida­ trees from falling or snigging tion, other than a voluntary liquida­ damage, extraction routes, snigging tion, or contravenes or fails to com­ or. haulage in wet weather and ply with: the terms and conditions management prescriptions for water of this agreement. Mr. Balfour. Adjournment. [6 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3755

The final clause-clause 29- ADJOURNMENT provides that the commission and BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE - LYN­ the company may by agreement DALE HIGH SCHOOL- REGISTRA­ amend the agreement by additions, TION OF MOTOR CYCLES-IRELAND deletions, or variations of ·matters ROAD, Koo-WEE-RUP PRIMARY of detail as may be necessary or SCHOOL - ACTIVITIES OF MINI desirable to facilitate the carrying WORLD CAR SALES PTY. LTD. on of the industry. The parties may PERIODIC DETENTION also at any time determine the agree­ BENDIGO TRANSPORT STUDY - ment upon such terms as they deem LAKE TYERS ABORIGINAL TRUST - fit. I commend the Bill to the House. QUARANTINE FACILITIES AT PORT­ It is an important Bill.. I have copies LAND- DAIRY FARM POLLUTION - Qf maps which I shall be pleased to TECHNICAL SCHOOL FEES. make available to honorable mem­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ bers to enable them to identify cation) .-1 move- the areas mentioned in the second­ That ,the House, at its ris·ing, adjourn until reading notes. Tuesday ne:rt. Mr. KIRKWOOD.-Is -it a private 1 remind honorable members that Bill? under the sessional orders you, Mr. . Mr. BALFOUR.-No. Speaker, will take the chair at 3.15 p.m. on Tuesday. I also mention that Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).­ it is the intention of the House not I move- to sit on Tuesday night because of an That the debate be now adjourned. important function involving party members. Mr. BALFOUR ·CM'inister for .fuel : The motion was agreed :to. and Power) .-1 suggest that the de­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of E.du"' bate be adjourned for two weeks. cation) .-1 move- Mr. WILTON {Broadmeadows) That the House do now adjourn. (By leave) .-I ask the Min­ Mr. LIND {Dandenong).-I direct ister· to consider an adjourn­ the attention of the Minister of Edu-· ment , of the debate for three cation to a most important matter which affects the Dandenong elec­ ·weeks~ The Minister stated that this torate. I refer to the staffing of the is an important Bill. The agreements Lyndale High School, which is a are complex and the Bill contains large school with an enrolment of many clauses. I assure the Minister 1,075 students. The school is not that I will visit the area and confer old. In fact, in a short time under with commission officers on this the direction of its head master, :Mr. matter. I am aware that the honor­ Hugh McRae, it has built up a fine able member for Morwell is con­ faculty of commerce. To achieve versant with .the Gippsland district this result the school required four and I am happy to inform the Minis­ teachers in this field. I refer speci­ ter that the honorable member's ad­ ·fically to the senior section, embrac­ vice will be sought by me. ing forms V. and VI. The school achieved a remarkable Mr. BALFOUR '(M·inister 'for Fuel result last year when ·more than and Power) (By leave) .-1 am now 80 per cent of the students who pre­ prepared to agree to an adjournment sented for the higher school certifi­ of the debate for three weeks. cate examination were successful. In the faculty of commerce, 20 out of The motion for the adjournment of 21 students passed in economics; 17 the debate was agreed to, and it was out of 18 students passed in legal ordered that the debate be adjourned studies -these results included six until Wednesday, March 27. " As " and a distinction-and 11 out 3756 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment~·

of 11 students passed in accoun­ Secretary because if that has hap­ tancy. This means that there were pened to one person it may have only two single subject failures in happened to others. the faculty. Unfortunately, when the present academic year commenced Mr. MACLELLAN (Gippsland only two teachers were available at West) .-I regret having to raise the school to teach students who were a matter with the Minister of interested in the field of commerce. Education but it has arisen only This was half the number of teachers today. I contacted the Edu­ at the school last year. cation Department in an endeavour to speed up the closure of the Shorthand and typing are taught Island Road, Koo-Wee-Rup, Primary in forms III. and IV. anid this School. It may be a welcome relief has added to the problem~ The to the Minister to know that some parents and pupils were upseij parents in the State are anxious to I have received a number of have a school closed. This school complaints from parents and many had an enrolment of eight pupils, disappointed pupils have tele­ two of whom were withdrawn this phoned me expressing concern. Be­ year because they were the only cause of economies effected by the pupils in the sixth grade, and they principal and with some good luck, had no playmates or companionship he was able to recruit a couple of because the other pupils were in the part-time teachers. This has partially preparatory grade. taken up the leeway of 37 hours The other parents have agreed teaching at the school. that it would be in the best interests I suggest that the Minister of of the children to close the school Education should examine the matter and to transfer them to Koo-Wee­ with a view to bringing teaching staff Rup Primary School. When I put in this faculty up to full strength. this proposal to the department the The school is also having great diffi~ reaction was not as I imagined it culty in supplying a teacher for the would be, one of pleasure and sur­ instruction of junior science students prise, but of concern that the de­ in form III. The complaint is not partment did not have all the papers brought lightly before the honorable and reports necessary to authorize· gentleman and I ask him to give it the parents to move the children to his immediate attention, particularly the neighbouring school. I have as the school has concentrated so checked with the Koo-Wee-Rup Pri­ greatly in the field of commerce and mary School which has room· to take has done so well. the pupils and is anxious to do so. I should imagine that the teacher Mr. BIRRELL {Geelong).-1 direct at the Island Road school could be a problem to the notice of the Chief transferred elsewhere. The parents Secretary. A lad whom I know paid would rather have the children the registration fee for his motor transferred now than disrupt their cycle by cheque and sent the neces­ education at a later stage in the sary forms to the ·Motor Registra­ school year. They have delayed pur­ tion Branch last November. When chasing books and equipment. the appropriate documents were not I was asked whether the transfer returned by Christmas, he called at would involve busing. That must be the branch and was told to run treated as irrelevant because it must away, that it would be all right. He cost the department $1,500 to edu­ returned in February and he was cate each of these children at this told the same thing. Four months school. Therefore, it would be have passed and nothing has trans­ cheaper to send them to one of the pired although the cheque has passed more expensive boarding schools. through the bank. I report the mat­ Mr. Ross-EDWARDS.-! can assure ter to the House and to the Chief you that this is not true. Adjournment. [6 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3757

Mr. MACLELLAN.-If the per Ltd. is practising this type of sales capita grants reached $1,500 it technique, it would warrant further would go some way towards the investigation. I will make the docu­ cost of sending them to a boarding ments available to the Minister. school. As these children are not in .an isolated country area but are just Mr. ROPER {Brunswick West).-1 a short distance from a large pri­ wish to direct a matter to the atten­ tion of the ·Minister representing the ~ary school to which they are will­ Minister for Social Welfare. On 28th mg to go, I ask the ~Minister of Education to investigate the matter March, 1969, the then Chief Secre­ to see whether the transfer can be tary, Sir Arthur Rylah, made a press ·speeded up to save the department statement in which he said that money and to give these children a periodic detention and week-end im­ better school. The parents do not prisonment would soon become law want to face up to moving the in Victoria. In March of last year, children later· in the school year Act No. 8426 was enacted and one when their· education would be dis­ would have imagined that by this rupted. The closure of this school time it would have become law. now would be welcome and the 0~ 23rd. October of last year, I department should acknowledge the raised this matter with •the Minister responsible action of .the parents in representing the Minister for Social seeking to have the school closed. Welfare in this ·House and he in­ formed me that shortage of staff .Mr. S~ONDS (Reservoir).----! was the difficulty and that in tthe wtsh to direct to the attention of fairly near future plans to implement the ·Minister of Consumer Affairs the scheme would be prepared and two documents, one of which relates the Act would be proclaimed. to the sale of a Mini ·Minor from ~ini ~orld Car Sales Pty. Ltd., Four or five years after the Gov­ 1n whtch the vehicle is described ernment originally announced the as a 1968 Morris Mini sedan proposals and twelve months af.ter deluxe. It was sold on 30th Janu­ Parliament enacted the necessary ary for a cash price of $1 099. legislation, the Act is still not pro­ In addition, there is an iten{ized claimed. The effect is that ·many account which includes $155 de­ offenders who would be able to posit ; $266 insurance ; another item serve periodic detention or week-end o.f $40 for insurance ; · $41 registra­ imprisonment are still serving full­ tiOn fees ; $20 for handling fees ; term imprisonment or, alternatively, $28 stamp duty ; $634 for terms the courts allow them to be free charges.; and an additional $150 de­ without serving terms of imprison­ scribed as a deposit, making a total ment. It would seem that there has of $2,118. to be paid in 48 monthly been an undue delay in the appoint­ payments of $41. ment of staff required under the provisions of the Bill and in the The purchaser of this vehicle proclamation of the legislation. found in it a document which con­ tained the same engine number and Mr. McCLURE (Bendigo ).-A mat­ which described the car as a 1966 ter has arisen in my e·Iectorate which model. The document is a notifica­ I believe deserves urgent Govern­ tion of reinsurance to the original ment attention. It has been "on the owner. On that document is noted go " for a couple of years, and I the market value of the car of $1 ,200 suppose that does not ;make it for the year 1969-70. · I ask the Minister of Consumer Affairs to in­ appear urgent, but in the past week vestigate what I believe is a clear I have received representations from case of misrepresentation, not to several councillors of the Bendigo mention extortion in the charges in­ City Council and today iJ received a volved and the over-pricing of the telephone call from the council asking vehicle. If Mini World Car Sales Pty. me to initiate urgent action. 3758 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment. About two years ago the Country it has not been formally adopted and Roads Board began a study on trans­ the residents do not know which portation needs in the Bendigo area, ·land will be acquired. as it also did in Ballarat and Geelong. The Bendigo study was to The SPEAKER (the Hon~ K. H. cover the period from 1971 to about Wheeler).----Order! Is the honorable 1990. Almost 10 per cent of the member for Bendigo answering the study period has elapsed and there Leader of the Country Party or has been no indication what scheme putting a ·question to the the Country Roads Board !might Government? adopt, let alone a commencement of Mr. -McCLURE.-1 am amplifying its implementation. a point I was making for the The scheme has ramifications clarification of the House. which extend throughout the The SPEAKER.-The honorable Bendigo urban area and is of con­ siderable ·concern to the Bendigo member has one minute. City Council. It is not difficult to Mr. McCLURE.-! urge the •Min-· understand the frustration that the ister of Transport to endeavour to councH is experiencing because it is persuade the Country Roads Board to endeavouring to construct roads ·make a final decision on the trans-· and streets and to develop the ·com­ portation study. A number· of' mercial centre so that the plans ·will projects are currently awaiting. not be affected if a transportation finalization and their ·completion ·is scheme is implemented.· Not only is dependent on traffic plans for the there a problem for the Bendigo City next twenty years. It is unreason­ Council, but early reports on the able for. two years to have elapsed transportation study indicated that from the. com-mencement of this several areas of privately-owned study without.a decision having been land would have to be acquired. made on whether the plans will be This announcement was made about implemented, rejected or modified. eighteen months ·ago and has had a The uncertainty is of concern to the considerable effect -on the value. of Bendigo City Council, to people the affected land. The owners are throughout the ·urban area of most. reluctant to accept the fact Bendigo, · and to the surrounding they h.ave to wait a long period J!lUnicipalities. before receiving compensation. I agree that ·in many instances it Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland 'East). is necessary to acquire land, -I raise a matter -for the attention especially where a road alignment of _the Minister -of Transport, repre­ has to be altered. However, it is not senting the 1Minister for :Aboriginal reasonable to expect landowners to Affairs. Today .J received an answer forgo their reasonable enjoyment of to a question which I asked yester­ the .facility of the land . or a profit. day about the Lake Tyers Aboriginal should they desire to sell. Trust. The answer indicated that of the 34 ·adult ,members of the trust ·Mr. Ross-EowARDs.-Has the as at 1st July, 1971, five members Country Roads •Board dec-ided which have· sold their shares to the Gov­ land it wishes to take? ernment at prices ranging from $6,480 down to $2,001.60. It is my Mr. 'McCLURE.-The Country understanding that . each of those Roads Board has submitted a plan persons· ·believes he has sold all his which was drawn up ·a·fter consulta­ shares to the .Government. I seek tion with the board's consulting clarification on whether the valuation engineers. It has been placed on placed on · those shares has dropped exhibition and the general :public has from $6,480 to $2,001.60 in the short had an opportunity of seeing it, but p·eriod of t\yelve lllOnths. If so, is this. Adjournment. [6 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3759 a fair assessment of the economic not likely to lose control of the pro­ position of the Lake Tyers perty to people who do not have the Aboriginal Trust? interests of the Aborigines at heart. The answer also contained the Mr. CHAMBERLAIN '(Dundas).­ information that in the three I raise a matter relating to the port years since the trust was created, of Portland and one of my con~ five of the 34 adult members have stituents. This gentleman is an died. The iMinister for Aboriginal :importer of sporting goods from Affairs has advised me that it is not South-East Asia and 1India, in the within his knowledge nor should he form of ·cricket bats, hockey sticks be · expected to provide me with and so on. He desires td import information regarding the ownership these products through the port of of the shares of the deceased mem- Portland instead of through the port .bers of the trust. 'Regardless of of Melbourne. This would obviate what this House or the Government the necessity .of having · someone may determine, a large number of come to Melbourne to bring the Aboriginal people in East Gippsland goods to Hamilton. Accordingly, this have an attachment to and are gentleman made inquiries about the interested in the property under the feasibility of having them imported control of the Lake Tyers ·Aboriginal through the ·port of . Portland. He Trust. They are most apprehensive about what is happening to the has since been· advised that the shares which were part and parcel goods come under the classification of the setting up of the trust. I of quarantine goods and must there­ :share their concern and believe they fore go through the quarantine are entitled to know who now owns process. No • such . .facilities are these sha.res. available in· 'Portland. In correspondence I have received .J understand that the quaran­ from the Minister for· Aboriginal .tine regulations are administered ·Affairs on this question, the honor­ by. · th~ Victorian Department o.f able gentleman indicated that the A:griculture on behalf of ·Ministry has taken steps to advise members of the trust how to make the Commonwealth Government. a will so that they may properly I am interested because of the dispose of the shares in the · event Victorian administration of · the of their death .. However, I suggest SGheme, and I should have mentioned that many of them have not a great that this question could be directed to knowledge of. the formalities in­ either the Minister of Health ·or the volved. Indeed, it is likely that only Minister of Agriculture. Obviously it a few have made wills for the dis­ would be in· the interests of posal. of the shares they, presently decentralization and the develop­ hold in the Lake Tyers Aboriginal ment of the port for such facilities Trust. to be ··established in .Portland. I am 1 • Honorable members wHl recall that unaware whether the part played by when. the legislation was ·debated, I the Department of Agriculture would .expressed concern about its imple­ enable it ·to establish the f~cilities mentation by the Government. The in Portland, or whether th~ appro .. answer I have received .from the priate Minister ·!could make repre· Minis~er for Aboriginal ·Affairs bears sentations to the Federal Minister :in out the concern I expressed at that charge of .-this matter to ~look ·at the time.. ·The Aboriginal people in the area and I · should be inforined feasibil~ty of the proposal. who 'are the owners of shares in the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust so that ·Mr. BURGIN {Polwarth).--1 direct ·the Aborigines · concerned· may · re- -to ·the attention of the Minister of .ceive ·some assurance that they are Agricultur~ a: matter of urgency., It 3760 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment. has come to my notice that in the allocation of $10·268 million has course of its operations to control been made throughout ·AustraUa, of pollution in country areas, the ·which Victoria wiU receive Environment .Protection Authority $1,772,366. As it is proposed that has brought under its Wing dairy all technical school fees shaH be farms with a minimum ·capacity of abolished from the commencement 1'50 cows. The dairymen on farms of the 1974 school year, ·I ask the in this category 'have been told that ·Minister of Education whether he they must take action to control can arrange for the speedy process- pollution from the farms, but in one 1ng of this money to enable Victor­ specific case the farmer was not told ian technical schools to continue what action should be taken. ~In the with their programmes for 1974. early stages of this case, no advic'e was given by the authority. Since :J Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ intervened, advice has been given cation).-In reply to the question by the authority through the State asked by the honorable ·member .for R1ivers and Water Supply Commis­ Gippsland West, I apologize for sion, which is its agent in this keeping open a school that should matter. have been c·losed. ,I was impressed with the case, and it appears that There should be greater liaison it would be logical in the interests: between the Department of Agricul­ of the children and in compliance ture and the Environment Protection with the wishes of the parents to Authority 1n these matters. ·Dairy dose the school. inspectors from the department ·are spread throughout the State, and The honorable member for Dande­ they should advise dairymen what to nong referred to the staffing of the expect under the authority's regula­ Lyndale High School and pointed tions. At present this is not out its high matriculation pass rate occurring. I understand that a com­ of 80 per cent last year. It is in­ mittee is working at the top level in teresting to note that the .top list of both departments, but the word ~s senior scholarship winners thlis year not getting down to the dairy farm­ included students from ~Fitzroy .High ers directly concerned, who should School, two from Moe High School be receiving the information at and one from Castlemaine High grass roots level. School, so Lyndale High School is At present only dairy farms with 'in good company. I apprec·iate that more than 150 cows are 'involved 1in the question was ·raised because of this situation, but I understand that the difficuUy in replacing some before long all dairy farms w'iU be commercial teachers who had left, brought under the control of the and I will discuss that matter with Environment Protection Authority. I the staffing officer. ask the Minister to exam!ine the matter closely and to ensure that In reply to the question asked by instructions are given to dairy the honorable member for 'Morwell, inspectors and other departmental I will examine the figures. ·It ~is true officers to enable them to give full that ·money was made available to advice to dairy farmers. phase out or abolish fees at the technical school level. An 'added Mr. AMOS (Morwell).-1 direct problem has been caused because of the atttention of the Minister of 'Edu­ night classes conducted in high ·cation to a recent announcement of .school bui'ldings for which it is still the Australian Government that it necessary to pay fees. The Victorian will assume responsibility for the Government has raised with ~the fees currently being paid for techni­ Commonwealth Government" the cal education. For this purpose an possibility of dispensing with those Adjournment. (6 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3761 fees also if money were made avail­ situation wUl obtain, un'less addition­ able. I will take up the honorable al social ·workers can be recruited member's point and give him further from overseas. details. The honorable member for Dundas Mr. ROSSITER ·~Chief Secretary). raised ~the question of quarantine -I shaH call for a report on the facilities in the port of Portland. I delay in the renewal of the ~motor will be happy to examine the situ­ cycle licence of ~Mr. :BirreH junior if ation to ascertain whether the Mr. Birrell .senior will supply the name of the police station involved Government, in conjunction with the and the initials of ·Mr. tBirreH junior. Commonwealth Government~ can provide the necessary facilities .for Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister ·of the quarantining of goods iimported Consumer Affairs) .-I thank the through .Portland. honorable member for Reservoir for giving me the correspondence on The honorable member for ~Pol­ the matter about which he spoke. I warth raised the matter of dairy will have it examined and will com­ farms with a capacity of more than municate with the honorable mem­ 150 cows being brought under the ber's correspondent. control of the Environment Protec­ tion Authority, and suggested that Mr. I. W. SMITII (Minister of dai·ry farms with a lower capacity Agriculture) .-I should have been might also be included in that cate­ delighted to recom·mend the legis­ gory. I think it is highly suitable lation mentioned by the honorable for officers of the Department of member for Brunswick West, and Agriculture to give advice on behalf indeed made desperate attempts to of the Environment Protection do this. Geelong seemed a suitable Authority .to those farmers who need place to establish the first periodic it to enable them to conform with detention centre. The Government the authority's speci·fications. I wHI held options and, in fact, had pur­ be happy to arrange for this to be chased land in a suitable place in done. Geelong, but found that the 'local Mr. MEAGHER {Minister of population almost rioted ln protest Transport).-! advise the honorable against the proposal. Consequently member for Bendigo that the trans­ ·it was forced to reconsider its portation study which is · being ambitions for Geelong. At that stage carried out tin Bendigo 'is compli­ the Social Welfare Department was cated to some extent by the fact not as short of social workers as i~t that not only the Country Roads is now. The shortage has been Board but also the Transport Regu­ caused by the rapid expansion of lation Board, because of its services regional services, bringing welfare in the area, and the Victorian Rail­ closer to the people. Because of the ways, because of possible necessary shortage of social workers, the pro­ grade separations and that type clamation of the relevant Acts and of work, must be consulted. ~the commencement of activities under the legislation are a long way It is further complicated by the off. The honorable member is well demand from Canberra for further aware of the shortage of social information which usually requires workers. However, he is also aware computerization and which in my of the stepping up of tra'ining opinion is much too ·detailed for any courses available to people w'is'hing essential needs. Nevertheless, that to undertake social work. Until information must be provided. I these rourses bear fruit the same shall have a look at the progress of 3762 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Questions on Notice. the study and· advise the honorable fpr the owners of· the shares. They member further as soon as I have have the right to sell them to any­ had an opportunity of examining it. body.· Any Aborigine who is not a shareholder in Lake Tyers and who The honorable member for. Gipps­ is . interested in buying into Lake land East raised the question of Lake Tyers should approach members of Tyers and the Aboriginal trust. · He the trust. expressed . some· concern that shares The . motion was agreed to. purchased by the Ministry of Abori­ ginal Affairs from Aboriginal holders The House adjourned. at 12.3 a.m. have been bought for differing (Thu~sday) until ~uesday, March 12. amounts of money. The honorable member did not indicate whether it QUESTIONS ON NqTICE. · was the same parcel of ·shares· in The following -answers to questions each instance. on notice were circulated:- Mr. B. J. EvANS.-! understand that was the case. OPIUM POPPIES. (Question No. 653) Mr. MEAGHER.-! do not. know the details. Frain memory, the Mr. FOGARTY (Sunshine) asked shares were valued at $7.20 to $7.40 the Minis~er of. ~griculture- What areas of Victoria have climatic .each. This · was the valuation and conditions and environment suitable for not necessarily the market price. I the growing of :opium . poppies for medical do not know what transactions took purposes? · · place betwe.en the holders of the Mr. ·I. w.. SMITH (Minister of shares and the Ministry. It is ·con­ Agriculture).-The .answer is- ceivable that there were some contra Areas suitable for the growing of opium ac<;ounts between them which could poppies in Victoria are those with well­ have affected the actual amounts drained saU-free soils in irl'ligation districts or in the 635 mm-760 mm annual rainfall paid. .beltt with reliable late spring. rainfall, i.e., 50 mm in ·both .October and November. The honorable gentleman also re­ This belt inCludes parts of the Western ·ferred to five Aborigines who .have District (Hamilton-Cotac-Ballarat), north central district (Ballarat-Maryborough) died and the fact . that the Ministry north-eastern district (Benalla-Wangaratta­ could not tell him who were the Myrtleford) and Gippsland district (Rose·­ current holders of their shares. As dale-Bairnsdale) ·. the honorable member knows, Lake As my colleague the honorable the Min­ ister o.f Health . advised1 the honorable Tyers ·is the freehold property of the member for Sunshine (in reply to question Aboriginal trust and the share re­ No. 555 ori 27th November, 1973), it is an offence under Part XVIII. of the Health gister is held by that trust, not by Act 1958 to grow the opium poppy in Vic­ the Ministry. What . happens to toria wi!th~ut a special peqnit. shares is entirely a matter for the trust. The Act provides that ·the SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN sale of shares is subject to super­ GEELONG. vision by the trust. If the honor­ (Question No. 713) able member desires details of the actual shareholders which are not Mr. TREZISE · (Geelong North) known to the Ministry, he might as.k asked the Minister of Education- !. What secondary' schools in the Geelong the chairman of the trust for the in­ area are at present under-staffed, indicat­ formation. ing-( a) the degree of ·shortage in each such .school; .and (b) how many schools The question of the interest of •are curtailing periods? . other · Aborigines in: · Gippsland in 2. When it · is expected · that. required staff will be ·appoin~ed to each . affected buying these ·shares or in knowing school? · the destination of them is also one Questions [6 MARCH, 1974.] on Notice. 376~

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of HOUSING COMMISSION Education).-The answer is- ACCOMMODATION IN GEELONG. The position with the technical schools (Question No. 714) is as follows:- Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) 1. (a) Corio Technical School staffed above· target. asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister of Housing- Geetong E'ast Technical School staffed above target. 1. What is :the expected waiting period for prospective purchasers or tenants of Geelong West Technical School Housing Commission units in the Geelong 6t:affed on target. area at present and what was the waiting period in March, 1973? Geelong Technical School is 1 · 5 under target. 2. How many applicants are 'at present on the waiting list for Housing Commission (b) None of 'these technical schools homes in the Geelong area? are curtailing periods. 3. How many homes have been com­ 2. The n.eeds of Geelong- Technical pleted so f.ar ·this year? School would possibly be catered for by term II. or after the next airlift. · Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Trans­ port).-The. answer supplied by the The position with the high schools is as follows: Minister ·of Housing is- 1. (a) Bell Park High School-One I. under target. Present Waiting period Belmont High School-Two over waiting period in March, 1973 target-some staff from this school was moved recently. Purchasers .. 19 months 5 months Geelong High School-One over Tenants-- 2-bedroom . . 10-12 months 10 months target. 3-bedroom . . 12-14 months 18 months Geelong North High School­ Three plus under target---'have been assisted recently and the 2. Waiting list- staffing officer is trying . to get To purchase 639 more staff. Tenancy 431 Matthew Flinders High School­ 3. Forty ·from 1st July, 1973, to 1st One over target. March, 1974. Newcomb High School-Four under target-the staffing ST. ALBANS HEIGHTS PRIMARY officer experiences this year SCHOOL. some difficulties in keeping staff at this school. He is (Question No. 721) searching for staff.· Mr. GINIFER . (Deer Park) asked Norlane High Schoo'l-On target. the Minister of Education- Oberon High School-One plus What plans the Education Department over target-this . school tradi­ has for . providing additional pennanent ·tionally assists the Winchelsea class-rooms and additional portable class­ central classes. rooms at the St. Albans Heights Primary (b) Newcomb and Geelong North are School? not working full time. The staffing officer has no knowledge of any other schoo'ls Mr. .THOMPSON (Minister of which are not. Education) .-The answer is- 2. As the shortages at these schools No additional permanent class-rooms are are mainly in the subject 'areas which are planned for St.. Albans Heights. Primary in short suPJ)ly no exaot indication can be School at this stage. ·An additional portable given when the staffing officer wiU be in a class-room will be sited at the school _in the position :to· appoint additional staff, but near futUre. every attempt will be made to achieve this as soon as possible. 3764 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

HOUSING COMMISSION HOMES lighting in class-rooms at Keon Park Pri­ FOR DONALD. mary School referred to in correspondence (Question No. 726)- dated 18th August, 1972 and 29th August, 1972; (b)· repairs to school roofing; (c) Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked repairs and maintenance to plumbing fix­ the Minister of Transport, for the tures; and (d) resurfacing of asphalted Minister of Housing- areas? When the ten Housing Commission homes promised for Donald will be built? Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Education) -~The answer is- Transport) .-The answer supplied by Yes. the Minister of Housing is- The commission is negotiating with the Shire of Donald for purchase of land. When LAKE TYERS ABORIGINAL TRUST. the Shire of Donald makes title available to the commission, the commission will take (Question No. 738) immediate steps to call tenders. Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the Minister of Transport, for the Min­ HOUSING COMMISSION HOMES ister for Aboriginal Affairs- FOR ST. ARNAUD. !. What is the total number of shares (Question No. 727) in the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust and Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked what is the value of each share? the Minister of Transport, for the 2. How many Aboriginal shareholders Minister of Housing- there are at present? When the five Housing Commission homes promised for St. Arnaud will be built? 3. How many shares are owned by Abo­ riginal persons? Mr.. MEAGHER (Minister of 4. How many shares have been bought Transport) .-The answer supplied by back by the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs? the Minister of Housing is- It is anticipated that tenders for con­ Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Trans­ struction of five units at St. Arnaud will be port) .-The answer supplied by the called prior to 30th June, 1974. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs is- BOOK ALLOWANCE FOR 1. 63,000 shares; $7. 20 each. SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS. 2. Unknown. (Question No. 728) 3. Unknown. l\1r. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked 4. 2, 774 shares. the Minister of Education- Whether students who receive scholar­ ships are also eligible to receive the $10 ENGLISH TUITION FOR MIGRANT book allowance; if not, why? STUDENTS. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of (Question No. 743) Education) .-The answer is- Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) No; the book allowances were introduced asked the Minister of Education- to provide a measure of assistance to parents who formerly received none. How many migrant children are receiving tuition in English from teachers exclusively KEON PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL. engaged in this subject at both primary and secondary schools within the ·electoral dis­ (Question No. 735) trict of Moonee Ponds, indicating- (a) how Mr.. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked ~any children and teachers are at each the Minister of Education- school; (b). the various nationalities of these children; and (c) what class-rooms at each If he will lay on the table of the Library all correspondence, data and memoranda of the various schools ·are reserved ex­ in respect of-( a) provision of adequate clusively for this purpose? Questions [6 MARCH, 1974.] on Notice. 3765

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) .-The answer is­ Information requested is shown in the following table:-

Migrant children Special Class-rooms School attending tuition Specialist teachers NationaHties used school exclusively

4220 Aberfeldie Primary School 23 Nil Nil Greek (I I) Nil Italian (6) Yugoslav (3) Lebanese (3)

2608 Ascot Vale Primary School 401 Nil Teacher resigned Greek (109) on 1st March­ Italian (253) will be replaced Arabic (5) Yugoslav (23) Spanish (3) Turkish (4) · French (4)

4025 Ascot Vale West Primary School 220 Nil Nil It«lian (92) Nil German (6) Greek (66) Spanish (10) Yugoslav (20) Turkish (3) Dutch (8) Baltic (5) msc. (10)

Buckley Park High School . . 20 Nil Nil Yugoslav (4) Nil Italian (10) Greek (6)

Esseodon High School 482 22 Greek (155) I Italian (210) (IS X 15) Turkish (60) Spanish (I 5) Arabic (27) French (15)

3987 Moonee Ponds Primary School . . 210 62 2 Greek (78) I Italian (1 02) (~X 13) Yugoslav (14) Turkish (7) French (3) Spanish (2) Arabic (4)

2901 Moonee Ponds West Primary School 430 113 2 Greek (138) Italian (228) Yugoslav (20) Turkish (5) Spanish (2) Maltese (14) Miscellaneous (23)

I should like to add that the department is at present employing 540 specialist migrant teachers.

PORT ABLE CLASS-ROOMS. HOUSING COMMISSION (Question No. 745) SEPARATE VILLAS. Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) (Questi<,>n No. 746) asked tbe Minister of Education- Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) What is the total number of portable asked the Minister of Transport, for class-rooms ·in use in schools •at present, and how many more portable class-rooms the Minister of Housing- are expected to be built and ready for the !. How many Housing Commission commencement of ·the 1975 school year? separate villas are planned to be finished Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ by the period of the next annual report of cation).-The answer is- the commission? 1,805 portable class-rooms are on site at schools to date. It is proposed, at this · 2. In which areas these houses are being stage, to construct 200 portable class-rooms constructed and whether they will be avail .. for the commencement of the 1975 school able to tenancy and purchase applicants, year. respectively, in each area? Session 1974.-135 3766 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Zone C: Beyond 50 miles from Mel­ Transport) .-The answer supplied by bourne* the Minister of Housing is- *For special reasons tile following towns are classified in Zone C: Bacchus 1. There are currently 2,748 villas under Marsh, Broadford, Gisborne, Kilmore, construction or let to contract, but owing Kyneton and Woodend. to current delays and shortages of labour and materials within the building trade, it Houses will be available to· both tenancy is impossible to estimate the number of and purchase applicants. villas that will be finished at the 30th June, 1974. DEMOLITION AND REPAIR 2. Hereunder is a zone summary of villas ORDERS. under construction or let to contract as at 1st March, 1974, and a zone summary of (Question No. 749) villas completed during the period 1st July, 1973, to 1st March, 1974. Mr. BORNSTEIN {Brunswick East) asked the Minister of Transport, for Villas under construction or let to con- the Minister of Housing- tract as at 1st March, 1974- 1. How many demolition orders and repair Zone A 1,324 orders, respectively, were operative as at Zone B 355 30th June in each of the years 1970 to 1973 Zpne C 1,069 Total 2, 748 inclusive, and how many of each order was issued in each of those years? Villas completed 1st July, 1973, to 1st March, 1974- 2. How many ofli:cers are currently en­ gaged in admimstering demolition and repair Zone A 293 orders and how many officers were so Zone B 52 employed in each of 1the years 1970 to 1973 inclusive? Zone C 249 Total 594 Zone A: Within 30 · miles of Melbourne Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Zone B: From 30 to 50 miles from Transport) .-The answer supplied by Melbourne the Minister of Housing is- 1.

Demolition Demolition Repair orders Repair orders orders issued orders operative issued operative

30th June, 1970 .. 792 2,355 497 2,261 30th June, 1971 .. 804 2,257 467 2,194 30th June, 1972 .. 602 1,976 516 2,087 30th June, 1973 .. 583 1,723 529 1,938

2. There is, at this date, an approved Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of establishment of 1 housing standards officer, 1 assistant housing standards officer, 1 senior Transport) .-The answer supplied by housing inspector, 9 housing inspectors and the Minister of Housing- 11 clerks. The position of senior housing inspector is, at present, vacant. As the ele·otorate of Brunswick East covers a number of municipalities where This establishment has been constant over orders exist, this information will have to the years 1970 to 1973. be speci·ally compiled. Immediately this information is available, the answer will be -DEMOLITION AND REPAIR provided. ORDERS IN BRUNSWICK EAST. PORTABLE CLASS-ROOMS •. (Question No. 750) (Question No. 751) · Mr. BORNSTEIN {Brunswick East) asked the Minister of Transport, for Mr. ROPER (Brunswick West) the Minister of Housing- asked the Minister of Education- How many demolition orders and repair Which schools have been allocated port­ orders, respectively, were operative as at 30th June, 1973, and how many were issued able ~lass-rooms for special migrant -pur­ during the year ended 30th June, 1973. in poses, specifying the order and dates of the electoral district of Brunswick East? delivery? Questions (6 MARCH, 1974.] on Notice. 3767

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu- On 26th October, 1973, a priority list of cation).-The answer is-· 50 schools was provided to the Public Works Department. 1 Brunswick Girls High School 2 Coburg North Primary On 7th December, 1973, the Public V/orks Department confirmed that the first priority 3 Northcote Primary would be 37 portables all of which would 4 Footscray Primary be sited and ready for occupation before 5 Footscray Girls High School 31st March, 1974. · 6 Kingsville Primary An escalation in the price of each unit 7 Thornbury High School has resulted in a reduction of the number 8 Brunswick North Primary of units from 37 to 32. Negotiations are 9 Collingwood Primary continuing with the Department of Immi­ 10 Coburg Primary gration for additional finance. 11 Clayton North Primary' Date of order. 12 Brunswick South West Primary The Public Works Department accepted 13 Brunswick Technical Atco Structures Pty. Ltd. agreement to 'I 4 Bell Primary provide 37 migrant education portables early December, 1973. On 16th January, 15 Fitzroy High 1974, Atco advised it was unable to pro­ .16 Moreland Primary vide the 37 units at ·a total cost of $484,811. 17 Collingwood High It was agreed that 32 units be· provided. 18 Coburg West Primary Date of delivery. 19 Richmond Girls High Atco Structures Pty. Ltd. has advised 20 Lalor North Primary that delivery will commence early in May 21 Brunswick High ·and be completed by early June, 1974. 22 - Newport Primary 23 Moreland High · 24 St. Kilda Primary KATANDRA WEST PRIMARY 25 Essendon Technical SCHOOL. 26 Springvale Primary (Question No. 757) 27 Windsor Primary 28 M.oonee Ponds West Primary Mr. BAXTER (Murray Valley) 29 Altona East Primary asked the Minister of Education- 30 .Flemington Primary \Vhen renovations and painting will be 31 Altona North High carried out at the Katandra West Primary 32 Yarraville Primary (1501) School? 33 Altona North Technical Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ 34 Westall Primary cation).-The answer is- 35 Preston High 36 Thomastown East Primary A Public Works Department architect will visit Katandra West Primary School to 37 St. Albans Technical determine the extent of renovations to be 38 Coburg Technical carried out. It has been reported that three 39 · Thomastown High of the class-rooms are in poor condition 40 Victoria Park Primary and it may not be economical to completely 41 Richmond High rehabilitate them. In addition, it is pro­ 42 Footscray Primary (253) posed· to include staff accommodation im­ 43 Kensington Primary provements in the contract. We expect that the visit will be made at an early date and 44 Abbotsford Primary the matter will be considered when the 45 Collingwood Technical report comes to hand. 46 Footscray High 47 Brunswick South Primary 48 Preston South Primary LAKE TYERS ABORIGINAL TRUST. 49 St. Albans High (Question No.758) 50 Port Melbourne Primary General information. Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East) One hundred and one schools were listed asked the Minister of Transport, for after considering statistical returns and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs-- consultations with school principals. This list was compiled in July, 1973, and was 1. How many adults were members of forwarded to the Department of Immigra­ Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust as at 1st July, tion (Canberra). 1971? .. 3768 Questions. [COUNCIL.] on Notice.

2. How many of · these members have since sold or offered to sell their shares to ljegislntine C!tnunril. the Government, respectively, and what amount was paid in each case where shares were so purchased? Tuesday, March 12, 1974. 3. How many of the adult members of the trust have died since 1st July, 1971, and who now owns the shares of deceased members? Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond Transport) .-The answer supplied Garrett) took the chair at 4.46 p.m., by the Minister for Aboriginal and read the prayer. Affairs is- 1. Thirty-four. GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. 2. Five members, including 2 married couples, have sold shares to the Minister, PRESENTATION OF ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. and 6 members, including 2 married couples, have offered shares to the Minister. The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond All these offers have since been withdrawn Garrett).-! have to report that, or lapsed for lack of action on the part of accompanied by honorable members, the member. on 18th December, 1973, I waited $4,744.80; $4,744.80; $6,480; $2,001.60; $2,001.60. upon His Excellency the Governor 3. Five. The ownership of shares of de­ and presented to him the Address of ceased members is not known to me. As the Legislative Council, adopted on conveyed to the honorable member in my 29th November last, in reply to His letter of 19th February, 1974, in response Excellency's Speech on the Opening to his letter of 13th February, 1974, this information is of a confidential nature and of Parliament. His Excellency was availiable only to the Lake Tyers Aborigi­ pleased to make the following nal Trust. reply:- MR. PRESIDENT AND HONORABLE MEMBERS ABORIGINAL HOUSING IN OF THE LEGISLATIVE CoUNCIL: GIPPSLAND EAST. In the name and on behalf of Her Majesty (Question No. 760) the Queen I thank you for your expressions of loyalty to our Most Gracious Sovereign Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East) contained in the Address you have just asked the Minister of Transport, for presented to me. the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs­ I fully rely on your wisdom in delibera­ !. How many Aboriginal families in ting upon the important measures to be Gippsland East are considered to be in­ brought under your consideration, 1and I adequately housed? earnestly hope that the results of your 2. What steps are being undertaken to labours will be conducive to the advance­ provide housing for these families? ment and prosperity of this State. 3. How many houses owned by the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs are un­ occupied and how many are in need of DECENTRALIZED INDUSTRY maintenance? (HOUSING) (AMENDMENT) BILL. Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of This Bill was received from the Transport) .-The answer supplied by Assembly and, on the motion of the the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister of is- Housing) , was read a first time. 1. Five. 2. Every effort is being made to obtain houses for these families along with VETERINARY RESEARCH families in other areas of the State. To INSTITUTE (CONSEQUENTIAL meet these needs, the Ministry, in addition AMENDMENT) BILL to the $507,500 already granted by the Com­ monwealth, has sought a further $150,000 This Bill was received from the to meet urgent housing. Assembly and, on the motion of the 3. Ten. Of the 207 houses presently Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON (Min­ owned by the Ministry, it is reasonable to assume that at least 50 per cent of them ister for Social Welfare}, was read a req.~ire some degree of maintenance work. first time. Ombudsman. (12 MARCH, 1974.) Ombudsman. 3769

STOCK (ARTIFICIAL BREEDING) the report have been the subject of a (AMENDMENT) BILL. report made by him to this House This Bill was received from the under the Act. Assembly and, on the ·motion of the The House would agree with the Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON (Min­ opinion of the Ombudsman that ister for Social Welfare) , was read a cases may arise-in fact, have arisen first time. -in which it would be advisable for him to make a public statement OMBUDSMAN. about his investigations and the re­ The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond sults of them. This is in line with Garrett).-! have received the follow­ what Parliament envisages. The ing resolution from the Legislative effect of the motion is to make the Assembly with which they desire the rule of Parliament in a form which concurrence of the Legislative will enable the Ombudsman to make Council:- these reports public. It will be to we, the Legislative the advantage of the community as a Assembly of Victoria, in Parliament assem­ whole. bled make the following rule pursuant to section 26 of the Ombudsman Act 1973:- It would interest honorable mem­ 1. The Ombudsman may publish in the bers to know that already the public interest or in the interests of Ombudsman has dealt with about 640 any person authority or other organization cases. Naturally, some of them have reports relating generally to the exercise of his functions or to any case investigated by been frivolous and some trivial. That him (whether or not matters to be dealt is enough to show that within the with in that report have been the subject community there is a reservoir of of a report laid before either House of anxious, disturbed and frustrated Parliament under the Act). people who are seeking this kind of The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE help. The record of the Ombudsman (Minister for State Development and in this State is comparable with that Decentralizati'on) .-1 move- in England and other countries where That this House concur with the Assem­ people in a social welfare community bly in adopting the resolution and that the have all sorts of problems in relation blank therein be filled up by the insertion to government. For those reasons I of the words " the Legislative Council and". support the proposed rule. The purpose of the proposed rule is The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-Is it to allow the Ombudsman from time desired that this motion be carried to time, in the interests of any per­ tonight? son or organization, to report the de­ tails of the investigations he has The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE.-1 am carried out and the results of them. entirely in the hands of the House. There is no urgency. I noted that Honorable members will recall the motion was carried spontane­ that the Ombudsman is required to ously in another place. I have no report to Parliament as soon as pos­ wishes one way or the other. sible after 30th June of each year. However, section 26 of the Ombuds­ The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ man Act provides that the rules of bourne North Province) .-1 propose Parliament may authorize the to ask for an adjournment of the Ombudsman to publish in the public debate for seven days. It seems to interest or in the interests of any me that this is a matter of some im­ person, authority, or other organiza­ portance. The terms of the motion tion, reports relating generally to the are that the Ombudsman- exercise of his functions or to any may publish in the public interest or in the interests of any person authority or case investigated by him whether or other organization reports relating generally not the matters to be dealt, with in to ·the exercise of his functions. . . . 3770 Ombudsman. [COUNCIL.] Ombudman.· In the generally ·accepted legal sense differed markedly from 'legislation in the word "publish" means that he is other countries and from the Bills to tell the world about it. That which I introduced. may inhibit some person who goes to The ·PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond see the Ombudsman on a matter of Garrett).-Order! Mr; Clarke's re­ ~njustice. He may have . his claim marks are getting a little wide of the rejected or he may even be satisfied motion for the adjournment :of the and instead of the matter, as he imagined, being confidential between debate. himself and the Ombudsman, he may The Hon. M. A. CLARKE.-It is a read about himself in the daily news­ matter of considerable importance papers. At first glance it may be how and when the Ombudsman pub­ desirable that no person shall be lishes statements either to Parliament wounded. In other words, a person or to the press. From my point of who goes to the Ombudsman as an view, this matter would require more appellant for help may find that in­ than seven days to investigate be­ stead of getting help he gets a cause a large number of reports are " blast ", although it may be de­ in existence on the operations of the served. I urge the House to adjourn New Zealand Ombudsman and the this debate so that further consider­ English Parliamentary Commissioner. ation can be given to the matter. Honorable members should be · al­ Therefore, I move-- · lowed to examine those reports and That the debate be now adjourned. the comments on them before a motion of this kind is debated. Mem­ The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE.-! bers of the Country Party may be should be happy to agree to the ad­ ready to resume the debate in seven journment. days, but if not we should be granted The Hon. M.A. CLARKE (Northern further time by the Government. The Province) .-In speaking to the Government seems determined to motion for the adjournment of the rush the measure through. as soon as debate--which I support-perhaps I possible and members of my party should be given a chance to say a few will resist .. that process. words. The Hon.· MURRAY BYRNE:-That is The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond not so. Garrett).-Order! That would never be refused. The Hon. M. A. CLARKE.-M·em­ bers of the Country Party would The Hon. M. A. CLARKE.-! felt resist that attitude. · that as soon as Mr. Galbally had spoken, the Leader of the House The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE (Min­ .agreed to the adjournment of the ister for State Development. and debate before-as is the normal cus­ Decentralization) .-I may not have tom-he heard the views of members made myself quite clear to the House. of the Country Party on the matter. I did not say that the Government or We support the motion for the ad­ anyone else wanted to rush this journment of the debate and are con­ matter through. I indicated that the cerned with the remarks made by Mr. motion was carried spontaneously in Galbally. In New Zealand it has been another place, and when Mr. Gal­ the custom for the Ombudsman to bally ·asked for an adjournment of submit interim reports to both Parlia­ the debate for seven days, I agreed ment and the press. I introduced two wholeheartedly. The proposed rule Bills into this House to establish the arises from a request made by the office of the Ombudsman but the Ombudsman. I do not care whether . Government rejected. both Bills. Now the debate is adjourned for ·7, 14 or the Goyernment has adopted. that · 21· days. The Government does not idea. A Bill was introduced which want to force anything. through. Companies [12 MARCH, 1974.) Act. 3771 The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION bourne North Province) (By leave).­ COMMITIEE. If it is acceptable to the House, I ask that the debate be adjourned for MARINE ACT REGULATIONS-REGIS­ fourteen days instead of seven days. TRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND The motion for the adjournment of MARRIAGES (FEES) REGULATIONS­ the debate was agreed to, and it was RAILWAYS ACT BY-LAW (IN ordered that the debate be adjourned CREASED CHARGES) AMENDMENTS. until Tuesday, March 26. The Hon. K. S. GROSS (Western Province) presented reports from COMPANIES ACT. the Subordinate Legislation Com­ mittee upon certain regulations made REPORT OF INSPECTOR. under the Marine Act 1958; the The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE Registration of Births, Deaths and . (Minister for State Development and Marriages (Fees) Regulations 1973 Decentralization). - By leave, I (S.R. No. 275/1973); and the move- By-law (Increased Charges) Amend­ That . there be laid before this House the ments (S.R. No. 321/1973) made report of the inspector appointed pursuant under the Railways Act 1958. to Division 4, of Part VIA. of the Com­ It was ordered that the reports be panies Act 1961 to investigate the affairs of General Mutual· Insurance Co. Ltd. and laid on the table. Motorists Mutual Insurance Co. Ltd. PAPERS. The motion w~s agreed to. The following papers, pursuant to The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE the direction of several Acts of (Minister for State Development and Parliament, were laid on the table by Decentr~lization) ·presented ·the the Clerk:- report in compliance with the fore­ Adult Education Council-Report for the going order. · year 1972-73. Agricultural Colleges Act 1958-Agricultural It was ordered that it be laid on Colleges (Fees) Regulations 1973 (S.R. the ~able. No. 381/1973). Apprenticeship Act 1958- COMMAND PAPERS. Apprenticeship (Automotive Machining Trade) (Amendment) Regulations The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE 1974 (S.R. No. 47). (Minister for State Development and Apprenticeship (Floor Trade) Regula­ Decentralization) presented, by com­ tions 1974 (S.R. No. 68). mand of His Excellency the Governor, Apprenticeship (General) (Amendment) the report of the Police Department Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 8). for the year 1972. Apprenticeship (Modular Courses No. 1) It was ordered that the report be Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 63). Apprenticeship (Sheet Metal Trade) laid on the table. (Amendment) Regul,ations 1974 (S.R. On the motion of the Hon. J. W. No. 69). Cattle Breeding Act 1958---Cattle Breeding GALBALL Y (Melbourne North Prov­ (Metric .Conversion) Regul,ations 1974 ince) , it was ordered that the report (S.R. No. 5). be taken into consideration on the Cattle Compensation Act 1967-Cattle Com­ next day of meeting. pensation (Metric Conversion) Regula­ . The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON tions 1974 (S.R. No. 6) . Cemeteries Act 1958---Cemeteries (Amend­ (Minister for Social Welfare) pre­ ment) Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 72). s~nted, by command of His Excel­ Coal Mines Act 1958---Coal Mines (Metric lency the Governor, reports of the Conversion) Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. Parole Boards (Adult) for the year 349/1973). 1970-71. Consumer Protection Act 1972~onsumer Protection (Children's Night-clothes It was ordered that the reports be Labelling Regulations 1973 (S:R. No. laid on the table. 364/1973). 3772 Papers. [COUNCIL.] Papers.

Country Fire Authority Act 1958-Country Insurance-Report, balance-sheets and state­ Fire Authority (Loan No. 98) Regulations ments of accounts of the State Accident 1974 (S.R. No. 26). Insurance Office and the State Motor Car Insurance Office for the year 1972-73. Dairy Products Board-Repol'lt · for the six months ended 31st December, 1973. Land Surveyors Act 1958-Land Surveyors· Discharged Servicemen's Preference Act Act (Title Surveys) (Metric Amendments) 1943-5alaries Regulations (S.R. No. 17). Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 76). Education Act 1958- Land Tax Act 1958-Land Tax Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 384/1973). Adult Education (Salaries) Regulations 1973, No. 6, (S.R. No. 35/1974). Law Reform Act 1973- Adult Education (Salaries) Regulations Law Reform (Advisory Council Fees and 1974, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 (S.R. Nos. 39, Allowances) Regulations 1974 (S.R. 40, 81 and 82) (four papers). No. 46). Report of the Council of Public Educa­ Law Reform (Officers' Salaries and Condi­ tion for the year 1972-73. tions of Employment) Regulations 1974 Resumption of land at Ballarat-Certi­ (S.R. No. 80). ficate of the Minister of Education. Local Government Act 1958- Technical Teachers Registration Board Local Government (Municipal Clerks Regulations 1973. Board) Regulations 1972 Amendment Estate Agents Act 1958-Estate Agents No. 1 (S.R. No. 14). (Commission) Rules 1974 (S.R. No. 74). Municipal Auditors Board Regulations Explosives Act 1960-Classification of ex­ 1966 Amendment No. 1 (S.R. No. 12). plosives (Amendment No. 1) Order 1974 Municipal Building Surveyors Board (S.R. No. 70). (Building Inspectors) Regulations 1973 Forests Act 1958-Forests (Part I.-Fire (S.R. No. 24/1974). Protection) (Amendment) Regulations Municipal Building Surveyors Board 1974 (S.R. No·. 60). (Building Surveyors) Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 25/1974). Friendly Societies-Report of the Registrar upon Benefit Associations, Friendly Municipal Electrical Engineers Boa.rd Societies, Industrial and Provident Socie­ Regulations Amendment No. 1 (S.R. ties and Trade Unions for the year 1972- No. 11). 73. Municipal Engineers Board Regulations Fruit and Vegetables Act 1958-Fruit and 1974 (S.R. No. 48). Vegetables Packing (Amendment) Regula­ Municipal Engineers Board Regulations tions 1973 (S.R. No. 382/1973). Amendment No.3 (S.R. No. 13). Game Act 1958-Proclamation as to Exemp­ Marine Act 1958- tion regarding Deer in Victoria (S.R. No. 78). Marine (Examination Fees for River and Bay Masters' and Mates' Certificates) Gold Buyers Act 1958-Gold Buyers Regula­ Regulations 1973 (No. 2) (S.R. No. tions 1974 (S.R. No. 62). 37/1974). Grain Elevators Act 1958-Grain Elevators Marine (Examination Fees for Third Class Board By-law (relating to the Conditions Engine-drivers' Certificates) Regula­ of Employment of Staff) No. 47N (S.R. tions 1973 (No. 2) (S.R. No. 36/1974). No. 334/1973). Proclamations- Health Act 1958- Amendment to Port Rule Applicable Entry into Confined Spaces (Amend­ to Westernport Harbor Services ment) Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 9). (Rates and Charges) (S.R. No. 34). Health (Inspectors Qualifications) Regula­ Port Rule (Accommodation of Vessels tions 1974 (S.R. No. 23). upon Piers and Jetties) 1973. (S.R. Irradiating Apparatus and Radio-Active No. 1/1974). Substances (Amendment) Regulations Port Rule (Management of Slipways) 1974 (S.R. No. 52). 1974 (S.R. No. 64). Hospitals and Charities Act 1958- Marketing of Primary Products Act 1958- Hospitals and Charities (Personal Ex­ Marketing of Primary Products (Polls and penses) Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. Elections) (Producers of Tobacco Leaf) 333/1973). (Metric Conversion) Regulations 1974 Resumption of land at Heidelberg­ (S.R. No. 31). Certificate of the Minister of Health. Proclamation declaring that the provisions lnflammable Liquids (Amendment) Regula­ of the Act shall apply to oranges, tions 1974 (S.R. No. 38). mandarins, and grapefruit. Papers. [12 MARCH, 1974.] Papers. 3773

Medical Practitioners Act 1970-Medical Metric Conversion Act 1973--continued. Practitioners Amendment) Regulations Metric Conversion (Mines (Aluminium 1974.(S.R. No. 53). Agreement) Act) Regulations 1974 Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways (S.R. No. 66). Board-Notice and statement regarding Metric Conversion (Motor Car Act 1958) proposal to abandon an electric tramway Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 15). in the City of Keilor. Metric Conversion (Road Traffic Act 1958) Melbourne Harbor Trust Act 1958- Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 357/1973). Metric Conversion (Sewerage Districts Melboume Harbor Trust Regulations Act) Regulations 1974 (S.R. t"lo. 57). (Speed of Vessels) No. 1/74. (S.R. No. 84). Metric Conversion (Supreme Court Act) Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 379/1973). Melbourne Harbor Trust Superannuation Regulations (Amendment No. 2) 1973 Metric Conversion (Transport Regulation (S.R. No. 383/1973). Act and Commercial Goods Vehicles Act) Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 28). Melbourne Harbor Trust Superannuation Regulations (Amendment No. 1) 1974 Metric Conversion (Trustee Act) Regula­ (S.R. No. 85). tions 1973 (S.R. No. 380/1973). Metric Conversion (Water Act) Further Melbourne University-Report of the Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 350/1973). Council, together with Statutes and Re­ gulations allowed by His Excellency the Metropolitan Fire Brigades Act 1958- Governor, for the year 1972 (nine papers). Metropolitan. Fire Brigades General (Amendment No. 1) Regulations 1974 Mental Health Act 1959-Mental Health (Medical Positions and Salaries) Regula­ (S.R. No. 83). tions 1973 (No. 9) (S.R. No. 360/1973). Milk and Dairy Supervision Act 1958-­ Milk and Dairy Supervision (Modified Metric Conversion Act 1973- Roll Tube Thermoduric Count Test) Re­ Metric Conversion (Administration and gulations 1973 (S.R. No. 331/1973). Probate Act) Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 369/1973). Milk Board-Statement and account for the year 1971-72. Metric Conversion (Bees) Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 29). Mines Act 1958-Mines (Miners' Rights Metric Conversion (Coal Mines Act) Fees) Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 7). Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 32/1974). Motor Boating Act 1961- Metric Conversion (Companies Act) Re­ Motor Boating (Lake Eildon) Regulations gulations 1973 (S.R. No. 370/1973). 1973 (S.R. No. 356/1973). Metric Conversion (County Court Act) Motor Boating (Lake Eppalock) Regula­ Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 371/1973). tions 1973 (S.R. No. 314/1973). Metric Conversion (Crimes Act) Regula­ Motor Boating (Port of Anderson's Inlet tions 1973 (S.R. No. 372/1973). Speed Restrictions) Regulations 1973 Metric Conversion (Drainage of Land Act) (S.R. No. 365/1973). Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 373/1973). Motor Boating (Wimmera River) Regula­ Metric Conversion (Films Act 1971) Re­ tions 1974 (S.R. No. 75). gulations 1973 (S.R. No. 358/1973). Motor Car Act 1958- Metric Conversion (Gas Franchises Act) Motor Car (Design Rules No. 1) Regula­ Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 58). tions 1974 (S.R. No. 19). Metric Conversion (Geelong Waterworks Motor Car (Drivers Licence Surcharge) and Sewerage Act) Regulations 1974 Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 42). ( S.R. No. 77) . Motor Car (Motor Accidents Board Pay­ Metric Conversion (Goods Act) Regula­ ment) Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 61). tions 1973 (S.R. No. 374/1973). Motor Car (Third Party Insurance)­ Metric Conversion (Groundwater Act) Motor Accidents) Regulations 1974 Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 50). (S.R. No. 20). Metric Conversion (Instruments Act) Re­ Motor Car (Third Party Insurance) gulations 1973 (S.R. No. 375/1973). Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 18). Metric Conversion (Juries Act) Regula­ Motor Car A-ct 1958, Recreation Vehicles tions 1973 (S.R. No. 376/1973). Act 1973-Recreation Vehicles (Third Metric Conversion (Justices Act) Regula­ Party Insurance) Regulations 1974 (S.R. tions 1973 (S.R. No. 377/1973). No. 21). Metric Conversion (Lands Compensation Motor Car Traders Act 1973-Motor Car Act) Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 378/ Traders (Forms) Regulations 1973 (S.R. 1973). No. 359/1973): 3774 Papers. [COUNCIL.] Papers.

Parliamentary Committees Act 1968-Parlia­ State Electricity Commission Act 1958--con- mentary Coi1Uliittees (Tmvemng Ex­ tinued. · penses) Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 55/ State Electricity Commission of Victoria 1974). (Testing Stamp Amendment) Regula­ Poisons Act 1962-Special Poisons (Levo­ tions 1974 (S.R. No. 27). dopa) Regulations .1974 (S.R. No. 73). Stock Diseases Act 1968-Stock Diseases Police Regulation Act 1958- (Amendment) Regulations 1974 (S.R. Police (Authorized Strength No. 1) No. 51). Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 41).. Supreme Court Act 1958- Police (Organization and Authorized Supreme · Court (Amendment of Claim) Strength) Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. Rules 1973 (S.R. No. 366/1973). 362/1973). Supreme Court (Costs) Rules 1973. (S.R. Police Service Board-Determin·ations Nos. No. 352/1973). 214 to 218 (five papers). Supreme Court (Court Fees) ReguLations Portland Harbor Trust Act 1958-Portland 1974 (S.R. No. 33). Harbor Trust Commissioners (Amend­ Supreme Court (Service by Post)· Rules ment No. 2) Staff Regulations 1973 (S.R. 1973 (S.R. No. 367/1973). · No. 2/1974). Supreme Court (Sheriff's Fees) (Amend­ Poultry Processing Act 1968-Poultry ment) Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 351/ Processing (Metric Conversion) Regula­ 1973). tions 1974 (S.R. No. 3). Supreme Court (Victorian Tax·ation Public Service Act 1958-Regulations Appeals) Rules 1973 (S.R. 368/1973). Amended- Survey Co-ordination Act 1958-Survey Co- Public Service (Governor in Council) ordination (Amendment) Regulations Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 22/1974). 1974 (S.R. No. 65). Public ServiCe (Governor in Council) Swine Compensation Act 1967-Swine Com­ Regulations (S.R. No. 71). pensation (Metric Conversion) Regula­ Public Service (Public Service Board) tions 1974 (S.R. No. 4). Regulations (Nos. 619 to 709) (ninety­ one papers) . · Town and Country Planning Act 1961- City of Croydon Planning Scheme 1961- Public Works Committee Act 1958-Public Works Committee (Travelling Expenses) Amendment No. 53, 1972. Regula,tions 1973 (S.R. No. 54/1974). City of Horsham Planning Scheme, with maps (two papers): Road Traffic Act 1958- City of Knox Planning Scheme 1965-­ Road Traffic (Absolute Speed Limit) Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 354/1973). Amendment No. 72, 1970. Road Traffic (Amendment No. 1) Regula­ City of Mildura Planning Scheme-Amend­ tions 1973 (S.R. No. 353/1973). men't No. 9, 1973. City of Moe Planning Scheme 1966- Rural Finance and Settlement Commission­ Amendment No. 34, 1972. Report for the year 1972-73~ Cranbourne Planning Scheme 1960- Second-hand Dealers Act 1958- Amendment No. 3, 1971. Second-hand Dealers (Exemptions Nos. Geelong Planning Scheme 1959-Amend­ 11 and 13) Regulations 1973 (S.R. Nos. ments No. 12, 1972 (City of Newtown), 363 and 361/1973) (two papers). No. 40, 1972 (Shire of South Barwon), Second-hand Dealers (Exemptions Nos. 1, and No. 42, 1973 (Shire of South Bar­ 2 and 3) Regulations 1974 (S.R. Nos. won) (three papers) . 43, 44 and 45) (three papers). Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme Small Claims Tribunals Aot 1973-Small -Amendments No. 26, with map (two Claims Tribunals Regulations 1974 (S.R. papers), No. 27, Part 1, wi'th maps No. 30). (sixty-eight papers),, and No. 43, with Social Welfare Act 1970-Social Welfare map (two papers) . (Cadetships) Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. Portland Planning Scheme 1957 (Shire of 67). Portland)-Amendment No. 14. Stamps Act 1958-Stamps Regulations Shire of Alberton Coastal Planning 1973 (S.R. No. 332/1973). Scheme 1962-Amendment No. 4, State Development Committee Act 1958- 1973. State Development Committee (Allow­ Shire of Rochester (Ro·cheste·r Township) ances) Regulations 1973 (S.R. No. 56/ Planning Scheme, with maps (two 1974). papers). State Ele·ctricity Commission Act 1958- Shire of Sherbrooke Planning Scheme State Electricity Commission Electrical 1965-Amendment No. 44, 1971. Contractors' Registration Regulations Shire of South Gippsland Planning 1974 (S.R. No. 59). Scheme-Amendment No. 5, 1973. Decentralized Industry(Housing) [12 MARCH, 1974.] (Amendment) Bill. 3775

Town and Country PLanning Act 196l~on­ establishing this new authority, and tinued. I believe this to be a major step for­ Shire of ·Werribee Planning Scheme ward in the Government's decentrali­ 1963-Amendments Nos. 14 and 15, 1971, Nos. 24 and 27, 1972, and No. zation programme. 7A, 1973, (five papers). The purpose of this small amend~ Town of Kyabram Planning Scheme ing Bill is to include in section 2 of the ~963-Amendment No. 10, 1973. principal Act a further definition of a Trade Unions-Report of the Government " Country public administration " Statist for the year 1972. which has been defined as any Transport Regulation Act 1958, Commer­ activity carried on by or on behalf of cial Goods Vehicles Act 1958-Transport the State or by a public statutory Consolidated (Amendment) Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 16). body established under the law of Victoria in the areas for which Vegetation and Vine Diseases Aot 1958- Fruit and Vegetables Importation (Amend­ approval is already given to ment) Regulations 1974 (S.R. No. 79). approved decentralized secondary industries. Victori·a Law Foundation-Report for the year ended 30th September, 1973. In ·my second-reading speech Workers Compensation Board Fund­ on the Decentralized Industry Balance-sheet and statement of receipts (Housing) Bill, I mentioned that and expenditure for the year 1972-73. its purpose was to provide Zoological Gardens Act 1967-Zoological homes for key personnel in Gardens (Amendment) Regulations 1974 approved decentralized secondary (S.R. No. 10). industries. I also mentioned DECENTRALIZED INDUSTRY that for persons receiving less (HOUSING) (AMENDMENT) BILL. than the amount set for the Housing Commission means test, The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister at present $102 a week - it was of Housing) .-I move- earlier $90 but has now been That this Bill be now read a second time. increased - exclusive of over­ time for a married couple with Honorable members will recall up to four children, their hou­ that last year legislation to establi'Sh sing requirements would come with­ the Decentralized Industry Housing in the Housing Commission opera­ Authority, to provide housing for tion, but that those people earning persons employed in country indus­ in excess of this amount would face tries, was passed by Parliament. problems in obtaining suitable Following the enactment of this accommodation. My forecast has legislati'on, action was immediately proved correct and the decentralized taken to constitute the authority and industry housing legislation is now I am pleased to advise that appoint­ filling a very important role for· key ments were made and the authority personnel outside the· Housing Com­ was constituted as from 19th April, mission's operations. 1973. The authority consists of Mr. J. P. Gaskin, chairman; 1Mr. P. W. Mer­ As part of the Government's de­ rett, representing the Department of centralization programme, it is envis­ State Development and Decentraliza­ aged that sections of State Govern­ tion; and Mr. R. G. Webster, State ment departments and statutory Co-ordinator of Works, representing bodies will be transferred to country the Treasury. The secretary of the areas, and the purpose of this small authority is Mr. D. M. McCutchan, amending clause is to enable those and the necessary staff was provided transferred to obtain assistance un­ to perform the administrative func­ der this legislation. tions of the authority. Honorable members will appre­ J. pay tribute to the members of the ciate that considerable sections of authority and the secretariat for the State Government departments are enthusiasm they have shown in already decentralized and, of course, 3776 Stock (Artificial Breeding) [COUNCIL.] (Amendment) Bill. this provision would not apply to to provide the necessary powers to those already located in country support the regulations as originally areas. It is envisaged that the pro­ drafted. The purpose of the Bill is visions will apply to more senior to achieve this objective. In addition, personnel transferred under the de­ the relationship . between sections 3 centralization programme, but I can and I 0 of the Act is clarified. assure honorable members that all cases will be treated by the authority Clause 1 cites the title of the pro­ on their merits. posed amendment and the method of commencement. Clause 2 clarifies Paragraph (b) of clause 2 is self­ the intention of section 3 of the Act explanatory in that the words "or by (a) deleting from section 3 in any country public administration " the cross-reference to section 10; are included after the words " any and (b) inserting two new sub-sec­ country industry" in sub-section (1) tions. The first of these new sub­ of section 12 of the principal Act sections makes it clear that the pro­ which defines the powers and duties hibition on the use of semen from of the authority. I believe the in­ non-approved sires does not apply to clusion of these two amendments to an owner who uses semen from one the principal Act will provide real of his own sires to inseminate his assistance to public servants and own female stock, provided that the officers of statutory authorities who approval of the Chief Veterinary In­ have been transferred as part of the spector has been obtained. The decentralization programme, and I second new sub-section provides that commend the Bill to the House. application for the required approval On the motion of the Hon. is to be made in the prescribed J. M. TRIPOVICH (Doutta Galla manner. Province), the debate was adjourned. Clause 3 substitutes a new section It was ordered that the debate be for section IO of the Act. As amended adjourned until Tuesday, March 26. by . the Bill, this section lists the classes of persons who are authorized to perform the operation of artificial STOCK (ARTIFICIAL BREEDING) insemination of stock. This section (AMENDMENT) BILL. as amended has no direct reference The· Hon.- W. V. HOUGHTON to section 3. Clause 4 is a conse­ (Minister for Social Welfare) .-1 quential amendment to section lOB. move- Paragraph (d) of sub-section (I) of That this Bill be now read a second time. section lOB of the Act contains a refer~nce to an approval under sec­ Following a .review of the Stock tion I 0, which as a consequence of (Artificial Breeding of Cattle) Regu­ the changes made earlier now be­ lations 1973, the Subordinate Legisla­ comes a reference to section 3. tion Committee reported to Parlia­ ment earlier this session that the Clause 5 states in more specific committee considered that a number terms certain powers which were of the regulations were eith.er out­ assumed to be present under the side the scope of the regulation-mak­ broader provisions of the Act. The ing powers, or did not accord with Bill will not alter the manner in which the application of certain sections the Act is currently being admin­ of the Act. However, these regula­ istered, as most of the regulations tions are essential for a proper ad­ ministration of the concept of the which are affected by this clause Act and were formulated after dis­ have been in existence since I963. cussion with the industries concerned. The proposed paragraph (aa) to The committee agreed that the be inserted in sub-section (I) of sec­ only satisfactory remedy was to tion I3 of the Act gives power to amend the Act as. soon as possible make regulations with ~espect to Stock (Artificial Breeding) [12 MARCH, 1974.) (Amendment) Bill. 3777 periods of time during which declara­ The Veterinary Research Institute tions that sires are approved sires Act 1972 provided for the transfer of are to be in force and the renewal the control of the Veterinary Re­ of any such declarations. The regula­ search Institute of the University of tions already provide for the limita­ Melbourne to the Department of tion of time in such declarations. Agriculture, which transfer was duly Paragraph (ab) gives power to make effected on 1st April, 1973. regulations for the seizure or destruc­ tion of semen held for sale from For many years the person for the sires which are no longer approved time being holding the office of sires. The proposed paragraph (ia) Director of the Veterinary Research gives power to make regulations con­ Institute of the University of Mel­ cerning the length of time for which bourne was, in accordance with the qualifications are to be in force, and provisions of the Milk Pasteurization their renewal or cancellation. At Act 1958 and the Stock Medicines present the regulations provide that Act 1958, a member of the Milk Pas­ inseminators' qualifications are cur­ teurization Committee and the Stock rent for three-year periods, and no Medicines Board respectively and change is proposed. received a fee for each meeting and The remaining new paragraphs­ travelling expenses as prescribed by (ib) to (if)-give power to make regulations. regulations wbich are essential to the It is still desirable to have the proper conduct of matters associated director of the institute as an expert with the artificial insemination of member of the Milk Pasteurization stock. Matters which are covered Committee and the Stock Medicines are the use of containers for semen; B·oard. The amendments in para­ refrigeration equipment for the trans­ graph (a) of clause 2 and paragraph port of semen; preventing the trans­ (a) of clause 3 of the Bill therefore mission of disease; prohibition on the replace the references to the Univer­ mixing of semen from different sires; sity of Melbourne in the designated prohibition of the placing of semen office of the Director of the Veterinary from approved sires with semen from Research Institute in the relevant other sires; and power to prohibit the legislation with expressions referring delivery of semen from approved sires to unauthorized persons. All of these to the Department of Agriculture. matters are dealt with in the current As the other members of both regulations and no changes are pr9- bodies who are officers of the Public posed. Clause 6 validates the regula­ Service do not receive fees or travel­ tions as originally drafted. I commend ling expenses for their attendance the Bill to the House. at meetings, paragraph (b) of claus~ On the motion of the Hon. D. E. 2 and paragraph (b) of clause 3 of KENT (Gippsland Province), the the Bill repeal the provisions of each debate was adjourned. of the relevant Acts which provided that such payment be made to the It was ordered that the debate be Director of the Veterinary Research adjourned until Tuesday, March 19. Institute of the University of Mel,. bourne. I commend the Bill to the VETERINARY RESEARCH House. INSTITUTE (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENT) BILL. On the motion of the Hon. D. E. KENT (Gippsland Province), the The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON debate was adjourned. (Minister for Social Welfare) .-1 move--. It was ordered that the debate be That this Bill be now read a second time. adjourned until Tuesday, March 19. 3778 Pentr.idge Gaol. (ASSEMBLY.] Ques.tions without. Notice.

·PENTRIDGE GAOL. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ bourne North Province) .-1 move- FOOTBALL POOLS. That the following Order of the Day, Mr. WILKES (Northcote)._;,ls it Government Business, be read and dis­ the intention of the Premier to charged:- advocate a change in the system of Reports of Board of Inquiry into H.M. football pool betting in Victoria and, Prison Pentridge--That the Council take note of the reports-resumption of debate. if so, can the honorable gentleman give an explanation to the House of The motion was agreed to. what the contemplated changes will The House adjourned at 5.27 p.m. be? Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-In one sense the Deputy Leader of the Opposition is inquiring about Government policy. However, I will say in reply to him that it is obvious to anybody who has anything to do with the subject that the foot­ iltgislatiut ·A.tlstmbly. ball pools on Victorian Football League results last year were disas­ Tuesday, March 12, 1974. trous. Not only did they not gather speed or attract support, but they actually declined, and at the last home-and-home matches the total The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. amount invested was approximately Wheeler) took the chair at 3.19 p.m., $1,300. Therefore it is obvious that and read the prayer. . that type of competition, because it does not attract enough support, is TAPE RECORDING OF not worth persisting with. PROCEEDINGS. The Tattersalls organization is The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. licensed under the Act to conduct Wheeler).-Order! r wish to advise football pools, ·and the view of the honorable members that following Government is that it is up to· Tatter­ successful tape recordings of the salls, if it wants to change the form of competition, as it has done once debates in another place since 1971, already, to say so and indicate what tests are now taking place in this changes it advocates. Subject to Chamber, and the preliminary report that, the matter is still open. Whether indicates that in most circumstances Victorian Football League pools are a useful ·recording of the main viable under a new sort of compe­ speakers can be made. The purpose tition remains to be seen. of the recording, as in the Common­ People interested in soccer pools in wealth and other Parliaments, includ­ the United Kingdom have been mak­ ing those of the United Kingdom, New ing inquiries not just here, but in, Zealand and Queensland, is to assist I think, every State, as to the con­ Hansard tQ render an accurate report ditions under which they Plight be of the debates. If a dispute should able to operate in Australia. No con­ arise, honorable members can refer to clusions have been reached and no the actual tape. The recordings will propositions have so far been sub­ be available only to members who mitted. wish to hear a replay of all or any of their speeches and to authorized ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES. members of the Hansard staff. The Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of tapes will be erased after about two the Country Party) .-1 direct a ques­ weeks. tion to the Premier. In the event of Questions · [12 MARCH, 1974.] without Notice. 3779 the Government redrawing the boun­ Matches have already been played daries of electorates in Victoria, between Ireland and representative would the Government consider itself Australian teams, and my depart­ bound by an affirmative vote in a ment would be interested to receive Federal referendum if it were to lay submissions from the Victorian Foot.. down that each electorate were to ball· League or a body representative contain the same number of persons? of football in Victoria. The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Wheeler).-Order! I rule that I can­ Wheeler). - Has the Minister not accept that question, because it answered the question as requested is hypothetical and asks the Premier by the honorable member for Geelong to answer a question which may North, or does he wish to report on never eventuate. some other aspect? Mr. DIXON.-On the promotion of AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL. Australian rules football I wish to Mr. TREZISE {Geelong North).­ make the statement that shortly I Is the ~Minister for Youth, Sport and will be asking representatives of the Recreation concerned about the gra­ Victorian Football League, the Vic­ dual invasion of soccer interests in torian ·Football Association, the Vic­ Victoria-which is traditionally an toria Country Football League, and Australian rules football State-par­ the Victorian Amateur Football ticularly now that direct telecasts of Association to come together to dis­ soccer matches are proposed? Will cuss all aspects of the promotion of the honorable gentl~man try to put Australian rules football, including the Australian rules football on an inter­ possibility of some international national scale similar to that which competition. applies to soccer, and would his Government and his department be ENCEPHALITIS. prepared to support, morally and Mr. WOOD (Swan Hill).-In view financially, the Victorian Football of the very dubious tag " Murray League, any Victorian Football League Valley " placed on the recent out­ club or the Australian Football Coun­ break of encephalitis, will the Min­ cil which might seek to put on regular ister of Health undertake to contact international games from a country all State and Federal health depart­ such as Ireland, which has a game ments and authorities suggesting that similar to Australian rules football? this misnomer be rectified by drop­ Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, ping the unfair prefix? Sport and Recreation) .-There is Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of some concern that soccer is to be Health). - The name "Murray televised by GTV9 and the possible Valley" encephalitis has been drawn effects of that move upon Australian to my attention and that of the Com­ rules football. Soccer is not doing mission of Public Health by various very well in Australia from the point interested parties along the Murray of view of attendances but young Valley who consider that it is a mis­ boys are attracted to that game nomer. Murray Valley encephalitis because of its international appeal as a disease is found in a far wider and hope they will be able to play area than the Murray Valley-from matches overseas. My department northern New South Wales through would certainly be prepared to con­ to areas of Victoria north of the divid­ sider any request from a body con­ ing range. The Commission of Public cerned with Australian rules football Health has considered this matter and for a test match between this and has resolved to seek to change the another country. Rather than Peking, name, but it will be a complex matter Ireland should be chosen, because because it will involve discussions Gaelic football has a degree of simi­ with other authorities and States as larity with Australian rules football. well as the Commonwealth. 3780 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice.

VICTORIAN INLAND MEAT Mr; HOLDING.-That being so, AUTHORITY. Mr. Speaker, I ask the Minister of Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Agriculture: Can he inform the House Opposition) .-Before I ·ask my ques­ whether the Government has con­ tion, I seek your guidance, Mr. tracted to sell or lease properties of Speaker, because I propose to direct the Victorian Inland 'Meat Authority it to the Minister of Agriculture and, if so, who are the prospective about the Victorian Inland Meat purchasers or lessees? Authority. Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of Last week the Minister refused to Agriculture) .-The Leader of the answer a question asked by my col­ Opposition conceded the right of a league, the honorable member for Minister not to reply to a question, Sunshirte, on the basis that in his and I shall exercise that right. view it possibly infringed the rule of anticipation. While conceding the SALE OF GOVERNMENT LAND. right of any Minister to refuse to Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee . Ponds). answer a question, I believe -Can the Minister representing the the honorable gentleman may Minister of Housing inform the have erred because the item is only House when the Government expects a notice of motion on the Notice to announce the first sale of land to Paper and not an Order of the Day home purchasers on low incomes and and therefore does not fall within the where the land is located? rule of anticipation. Mr. 1\'IEAGHER (Minister of That being so, I seek your guidance, Transport) .-I understand that the Mr. Speaker. If I am in order, I Minister expects to release land in propose to ask a general question the near future but I am unable to about the operation of the Victorian give the exact date. I will obtain Inland Meat Authority. the expected date from the Minister and convey the information to the The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. honorable member. Wheeler).-At page 5 of the Notice Paper under " General Business " a motion, notice of which was given DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION. by the honorable member for Broad­ Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East). meadows, is set out. I shall not read -1 direct a question to the Minister the motion but it refers to the sale representing the Minister for State or leasing of any meat works con­ Development and Decentralization. In trolled by the Victorian Inland Meat view of the statement by that Minis­ Authority. At page 327 of Erskine ter on 19th February that, for the May's Treatise on the Law, Privileges, first time since the gold rush, provin­ Proceedings and Usage of Parliament cial Victorian centres are now -grow­ it is stated that- ing at a faster rate than Melbourne, Questions anticipating discussion upon an and the fact that, at the week-end, Order of the Day have also been disallowed. the Australian Bureau of Statistics issued figures showing that 94 · 9 per For that reason, I disallow the cent of the increase of population in question. Victoria between 1972 and 1973 I apologize to honorable members. occurred in the Melbourne Statistical Division, can the honorable gentle­ It has been directed to my attention man produce evidence which will that the motion to which I referred show that the statement of the Min­ stands on the Notice Paper as a ister for State Development and De­ notice of motion, and not an Order centralization was right and that the of the Day. Therefore, the question Australian Bureau of Statistics was is permissible. wrong? Questions [12 MARCH, 1974.] without Notice. 3781 Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel the matter, can the Minister of and Power) .-If the honorable mem­ Agriculture inform me whether ber does not wish to place his ques­ Brooke Bond Monbulk Ltd. and tion on the Notice Paper, I will take Canadian Packers Ltd. have entered up this matter with the Minister and into negotiations with the authority endeavour to supply the information. and whether the negotiations have reached finality? CONCERT AT MELBOURNE Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of CRICKET GROUND. Agriculture) .-I am not in a position Mr. MUTTON (Coburg).-I direct to confirm or deny the substance of a question to the Chief Secretary and a newspaper report. I am not yet in a the Minister of Health. position to report on any negotia­ The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. tions. Wheeler).-Order! The honorable member may direct a question to CONCERT AT MELBOURNE only one Minister. CRICKET GROUND. Mr. MUTTON.-I will give priority Mr. BILLING (Heatherton).- to the Chief Secretary. In view of In view of the adverse publicity given the chaos at the Melbourne Cricket to a concert at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the Moomba festivities Ground and the criticism levelled at when a concert was given by an the managem·ent, particularly the overseas entertainer named David Secretary of the Melbourne Cricket Cassidy, and in the light of the physi­ Club, that adequate health provisions cal hardships suffered by many inno­ were not made at the ground, will cent children, will the honorable the Minister of Health investigate the gentleman inform the House what provision of health services at the actio·n the Government is taking to ground and ascertain whether ade­ prevent similar occurrences? quate measures were taken? Will the Minister also investigate whether the Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary) . position was aggravated by the over­ -I am yet to be convinced that the enthusiasm of patrons and not by the press reports on this matter were non-provision of proper facilities at accurate. I have called for a report the ground? from the Police Department concern­ Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of ing activities at the concert. The Health) .-Mr. Paul Olsen, Chief question ought properly to be directed Engineer of the General Health to the Minister of Health because a Branch of the Departm·ent of Health, requirement under the Health Act is has held discussions with those who involved concerning accommodation were responsible for fabricating the at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on stage and sound shell, and also with such occasions. I have already re­ police officers. I should like to state ceived a report expressing the police that in some of the newspaper report­ point of view but I cannot examine ing there was a tendency to overplay the matter from the Department of the situation that occurred last Health point of view. Sunday. Despite this, one must view VICTORIAN INLAND MEAT with the deepest concern any activity AUTHORITY. which can constitute a health hazard, Mr. FOGARTY (Sunshine).- particularly to children because Today, the State Secretary of the they are less able than adults Australasian Meat Industry Em­ to protect themselves, especially ployees Union made a statement that when they become involved in mass Brooke Bond Monbulk Ltd. and hysteria and excitement. Canadian Packers Ltd., two over­ As a result of this and the report seas companies, have taken over which has been furnished by the or will take over the Victorian Chief Engineer, the Commission of Inland Meat Authority works. With­ Public Health met this afternoon and out going into the pros and cons of adopted certain recommendations, 3782 Questions· [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice. which shaU be implemented, concern­ expressly deny the allegation that ing the conduct of future activities those overseas companies received similar to that which was held last preference over firms such as the Sunday. Let m·e state at the outset Farmers and Graziers Co~operative that it is not the commission's inten.: Co. Ltd. because of the undue tion to ban or prohibit activities of influence which is exercised by this kind, but rather to regulate them overseas interests upon this Govern­ to ensure that there is less danger to ment? children and to the public generally. Mr. HAMER (Premier and Among the recommendations Treasurer) .-It is not a fact that I adopted by the Commission of Public have had any deputations concern­ Health were, firstly, the provision of ing the subject of the sale or lease aisles between the seating accom­ of the meat works. It is not a fact modation in the middle of the foot­ that any agreements or arrangements ball ground. No such aisles were have yet been made with anybody provided and this led to a difficult for their sale or lease. The inference situation where there was a surging drawn by the Leader of the Opposi­ forward of young people onto the tion is therefore totally unwarranted. barriers and the stage. Secondly, the Commission of Public Health has recommended the use of EXECUTION OF CIVIL WARRANTS. crash barriers to prevent surging so Mr. MciNNES (Gippsland South). that there is less peril to those who -Following the report by Sir Eric are involved in the surging and to St. Johnston, the Premier proposed those who are hysterical or excited. that the responsibility of police for Thirdly, the Commission of Public the execution of civil warrants would Health has suggested that where be transferred to civil bailiffs. Can there is adequate seating in the the honorable gentleman inform the southern stand it should be used House whether this system has yet rather than having people on the been instituted and, if so, how many actual playing area. civil bailiffs have been appointed? Fourthly, with activities of this Mr. HAMER (Premier and type, specific arrangements should Treasurer) .-The process is in hand, be made in regard to the seating in but I understand that the Public order to prevent any personal injury Service Board has had problems in or damage to young people. making the necessary appointments. With activities which constitute a However, it is on the way, and will health hazard, I can assure the House be instituted as soon as possible. that the Commission of Public Health and the Government will take every PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION. action to prevent a recurrence of this type of situation, which we all de­ Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) .­ plore. Does the Premier intend to implement his Budget promise of VICTORIAN INLAND MEAT giving one year of free pre-school AUTHORITY. education to every Victorian child; if not, why does the honorable Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the gentleman not wish to honour that Opposition) .-Can the Premier in­ promise? form the House whether it is a fact that he has received deputations with Mr. HAMER (Pr~mier. and respect to the sale of the Victorian Treasurer) .-The promise In the Inland Meat Authority to two over­ policy speech last year was that we seas companies; if so, will the honor­ would aim at making available one able gentleman indicate the terms year of pre-school education to each and conditions of this sale, and Victorian child. In the Budget Questions [12 MARCH, 1974.] without Notice. 3783 speech of last year, I indicated that trains be given due consideration in the Government was taking the first the light of current stoppages on elec­ of two steps in ·that direction. tric train systems in the State? The first step was an increase by Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of two-and-a-half times of the capital Transport) .-I have not seen the subsidy · for the building of kinder­ article referred to. Any proposal for gartens-from $6,000 to $15,000. the electrification of the Geelong rail­ This has operated since July of last way line would have a fairly low year and has· applied not only to priority. The amount of expenditure works not started at that time but involved compared with the increased also to works which were partly built. efficiency of the service would hardly make it a worth-while proposition. A The second step was that as from more important aspect of improving 1st January the Government would the Geelong service is the quadrupli­ pay the total wages of assistants at cation which is currently proceeding kindergartens as well as of direct­ in the Sunshine-F ootscray area and resses. That has been done. which will enable the service to be I point out to the honorable member rapidly speeded up. for Kara Kara that it is estimated I do not preclude the possibility of that in Victoria we offer pre-school the Geelong line being electrified at education to 57 per cent of children some time, but there are much more in the relevant age group, and that effective methods of improving the we provide more pre-school education service in the immediate future. to children than all the other States put together. That is not a matter for u_ndue satisfaction or com­ VICTORIAN SECONDARY placency, but it does indicate that TEACHERS ASSOCIATION. we are farther along the road towards Mr. BURGIN {Polwarth).-I ask 100 per cent of pre-school education the Minister of Education: Is it a for Victorian children than any other fact that the Victorian Secondary State. Teachers Association has issued instructions to its representatives in Mr. JoNES.-Victoria is a long way schools requesting them to put pres­ behind Canberra. sure on head masters of schools to Mr. HAMER.~Admittedly we do reduce the teaching periods by five not yet offer the same advantages as periods a week for Victorian Second­ Canberra, but then we do not have ary Teachers Association members the same funds either. I believe with only? Is it also a fact that the Vic­ torian Secondary Teachers Associa­ the funds and trained staff available tion considers that its teachers a:re we are doing as well as we can in the more competent than other teachers? circumstances. We are not satisfied. We intend to progress towards the Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of objective which I stated last May. Education) .-It is true that the Vic­ torian Secondary Teachers Associa­ l\1ELBOURNE-GEELONG RAILWAY tion has demanded that new teachers, LINE. those coming from universities and teachers' colleges, be given an addi­ Mr. BIRRELL (Geelong).-Is the tional five periods off a week. This Minister of Transport aware of a would mean that an additional 250 to comment made over the week-end by 300 teachers would have to be ap­ a leading Victorian journalist regard­ pointed. It is certainly not a fact that ing the electrification of the Geelong­ the Victorian Secondary Teachers As­ Melbourne railway line? In an sociation members are more com­ assessment following any decisions in petent than teachers belonging to this field, will the practicability of re­ other unions. However, I understand placing diesel with electric motion for from a careful analysis by the officers 3784 Questions {ASSEMBLY.] without Notice. of the Secondary Schools Division, this hotel and it would not mean the that, if acceded to, these demands expenditure of one cent by the Gov­ would mean that secondary teachers ernment. Probably it would not cost would be teaching 23 periods a week, much to convert one or two rooms not 26. This would result in an aver­ of the hotel into the casino-type age teaching week of a little under six­ operation of which I was thinking. teen hours instead of eighteen hours, This has nothing to do with the Public and an additional I ,200 teachers Works Department ot the Minister of would have to be appointed at a cost Public Works. I find the question, as to the taxpayer of $8 million to $9 is usual from the Leader of the Oppo­ million. We believe these demands sition, totally irrelevant. are unreasonable. COMMITIEE OF PUBLIC CASINO. ACCOUNTS. Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the EXPENDITURE FROM ADVANCES TO THE Opposition) .-Was the Minister of TREASURER. Public Works correctly reported when Mr. REESE, chairman, presented he was publicly seen to be urging the the report of the Committee of Public building of a casino in the Windsor Accounts upon the expenditure from Hotel? If so, in the light of the Min­ the advance to the Treasurer, 1972- ister's recent statements on the short­ 73. age of building materials and labour, does the Minister feel so deeply about It was ordered that the report be the casino that he believes that he, in laid on the table, and be printed. his capacity of Minister of Public Works, should advocate its erection SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION in the Windsor Hotel at a time when COMMITTEE. there are insufficient labour and MARINE ACT REGULATIONS-REGIS­ materials for schools and hospitals? TRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. MARRIAGES. (FEES) REGULATIONS­ Wheeler).:-Order! The first part of RAILWAYS ACT BY-LAW (INCREASED the question asks the Minister CHARGES) AMENDMENTS. whether he was correctly reported. Mr. BIRRELL (Geelong) presented I must rule that part out of order. the reports of the Subordinate Legis­ The second part. of the question is in lation Committee upon certain regu­ order. lations made under the Marine Act 1958; the Registration of Births, Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Regu­ Works) .-The Leader of the Oppo­ lations 1973 (S.R. No. 275/1973); sition read only the headlines of the and By-Law (Increased Charges) story. In no part of my quoted Amendments (S.R. No. 321/1973) remarks was the word "· urged " used. made under Railways Act 1958. The ·report of last Saturday in the three newspapers made it clear that It was ordered that the reports be I was giving a personal opinion. I was laid on the table. not speaking as Minister of Public Works ·or on behalf of the Govern­ COMPANIES ACT. ment. It was also stated that the REPORT OF INSPECTOR. Government had not reached a policy Mr. WILCOX (Attorney-General). decision on whether or not a casino -By leave, I move- or casinos would be permitted in That there be laid before this House a Victoria. copy of the report of the inspector appointed pursuant to the provisions of the Companies The second part of the question Act 1961 to investigate and report the affairs related to whether a casino would be of General Mutual Insurance Co. Ltd. and permitted in the Windsor Hotel. This Motorists Mutual Insurance Co. Ltd. concerned the financial situation of The motion was agreed to. Melbourne Cricket [12 MARCH, 1974.] Club Bill. 3785

Mr. WILCOX (Attorney-General) thereof or by the trustee and to pro-. presented the report in compliance vide for the management of the said with the foregoing order. corporation and for other purposes. It was ordered that the report be The motion was agre·ed to. laid on the table and be printed. The Bill was brought in and read a first time. PAPERS. SEWERAGE DISTRICTS The following papers, pursuant to (INTEREST SUBSIDIES) BILL. the directions of several Acts of Par­ Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public liament, were laid on the table by the Works), by leave, moved for leave Clerk:- to bring in a Bill to amend the Adult Education-Report of the Council for Sewerage Districts Act 1958. the year 1972-73. The motion was agreed to. Public Service Act 1958-Public Service (Public Service Board) Regulations­ The Bill was brought in and read Regulations amended-Nos. 708 and 709 a· first time. (two papers). Statutory Rules under the following Acts:­ BREAD INDUSTRY (AMENDMENT) Education Act 1958-Nos.. 81, 82. BILL. Game Act 1958-No. 78. Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Law Reform Act 1973-No. 80. Labour and Industry) , by leave, Melbourne Harbor Trust Act 1958-Nos. moved for leave to bring in a Bill to 84, 85. amend the Bread Industry Act 1959. Metropolitan Fire Brigades Act 1958-No. 83. The motion was agre·ed to. Metric Conversion Act 1973-No. 77. The Bill was brought in and read Vegetation and Vine Diseases Act 1958- a first time. · No. 79. SUPPLY (No. I, 1974-75) BILL. MOTOR CAR (FURTIIER Mr. HAMER (Premier and AMENDMENT) BILL. Treasurer) presented a message from Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary), His Excellency the Governor recom­ by leave, moved for leave to bring in mending that an appropriation be a Bill to amend the Motor Car Act made from the Consolidated Fund for 1958, to amend section 2 of the the purposes of the Supply (No. 1, Recreation Vehicles Act 1973 and for 1974-75) Bill. other purposes. Mr. HAMER (Premier and The motion was agre·ed to. Treasurer) moved for leave to bring in a Bill to make interim provision Tne Bill was brought in and read for the appropriation of moneys out a first time. of the . Consolidated Fund for the service of the financial year 1974-75. MELBOURNE CRICKET CLUB The motion was agre·ed to. BILL. The Bill was brought in and read Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for a first time. Conservation), by leave, moved for leave to bring in a Bill to incorporate MELBOURNE CRICKET CLUB BILL. by the name of Melbourne Cricket Mr. ·BORTHWICK (Minister of Club a certain voluntary association Lands) .-1 move- formed in Melbourne under the said That this Bill be now read a second time. name and. to vest in the said corpora­ Its purpose is to incorporate the tion certain real and personal Melbourne Cricket Club. However, property now held by or on behalf of before. I explain the reasons for in­ the said association by the committee trodll:cing the measure, it is desirable 3786. Melbourne Cricket [ASSEMBLY.] Club Bill.· . that a short history of the club be a few· years later. A further grand­ given, particularly in respect of its stand, known as the Grey Smith occupation of the Crown land re­ Stand, was financed and built by the served as a site for the Melbourne club in 1906. An open concrete stand Cricke,t Ground. and a .new members pavilion . were The Melbourne Cricket Club was erected in the years from 1920 to formed in 1838. At that time it occu­ 1930. At that time the capacity of pied a paddock which today is the the ground had reached 60,000. How­ site of the old Royal Mint in William ever, as football. had. joined cricket Street, Melbourne. In 1846 it trans­ as a great drawer of crowds, it was ferred .its occupation to an area of decided that the two wooden outer land on the south side of the Yarra grandstands should be replaced by a River, but vacated that site in 1853 large concrete structure to be known when the land was required for the as the Southern Stand. Up until this construction of the Port Melbourne time the club had financed all the railway. As compensation the Crown improvements without any assistance granted the club an area of land in in arranging its loans. what was then the Police Paddock In respect of the control of the and that area is the present site of ground, the club continued to appoint the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This trustees until 1906 when the Govern­ area was permanently reserved in ment took over the matter of making 1861 as a metropolitan cricket ground such appointments. The club con­ and was placed under. the control tinued in a· managerial capacity as of trustees appointed by the club. was previously the case. The Mel­ Also in 1861 an English cricket bourne Cricket Ground Act of 1933, team was invited to Melbourne by amongst other provisions, put the the club. As a result, the first inter­ occupation of the ground by the club national cricket match was playe~ on a proper footing. on the ground on New Year's Day, 1862. In preparation for this match Mr. WHITING.-What about its the club built several large grand­ war-time activities? stands and was rewarded when a Mr. BORTHWICK.-Like myself, large crowd of 30,000 persons at­ the honorable member for Mildura is tended the fixture. This development well aware that after the war the was ·really the beginning of the growth Melbourne Cricket Ground was the of the· ground to what it is today. disembarkation centre for the Royal After 1862 the club took over the Australian Air Force. The Melbourne role of entrepreneur and brought Cricket Club turned out some out­ other English cricket teams to Aus­ standing pilots and air crew for the tralia. Moreover, it was the organiz­ British Empire training scheme. The ing body in sending Australian teams Air Force has been well represented to England until the Board of Cricket in the Federal and State Houses of Control. was formed early this Parliament in Australia in various. century. Ministerial and leadership roles. Another important action by the A great and progressive move came club was its forming of the first when Melbourne was granted the Australian rules football club in 1857, 1956 Olympic Games and it was to wit, the Melbourne Cricket Club decided to stage the main ·events of Football Club. In fact, it was mem­ these games at-the Melbourne Cricket bers of the committee of the club Ground. The club pushed ahead with who organized the drawing up of plans to rebuild the brick grandstand rules for our national football game. on the northern sector with a modern In 1896 a new grandstand was grandstand of world' standard.· Again financed and built by the club on the club was· responsible for all of the northern sector, this stand being the financial. arrangements. On this enlarged by the addition of wings occasion legislation was enacted Mr. Borthwick. Melbourne Cricket [12 MARCH, 1974.) Club Bill. 3787

whereby the club's loans amounting the club have been guaranteed by the to $900,000 for tne stand were Government. For obvious reasons guaranteed by the Government. it is most unaesirable that anything giving effect to the change in the In 1966 the club built the Western personality of the borrower and en­ Stand which lifted the total accom­ dangering those arrangements modation of the ground to 125,000. should occur. The third reason In order to finance this ·structure the is that the obligations and club borrowed $2 · 45 million for liabilities of the unincorporated which it again received a Govern­ club under various agreements ment guarantee. Although the going back many years should Government guaranteed the loans for not be brought into doubt. In the these later stands it must be em­ absence of legislation, confirmatory phasized that· the club negotiated agreements would be necessary or at them and it is wholly responsible for least desirable in aU cases. the servicing and amortization of the loans. In addition to its loan agree­ Clause 1 of the Bill cites the short ments the club has entered into title. Clause 2 sets out interpreta­ agreements with such bodies as the tions for the purpose of the Bill. Victorian Cricket Association and Clause 3 provides in sub-clause (1) the Victorian Football League. for the incorporation of a body by the name of the Melbourne Cricket Club. The club has a magnificent history Sub-clause (2) sets out the general and by its own efforts it has deve­ powers of the body corporate. Clause loped the cricket ground to a world 4 provides for the vesting in the standard sporting and recreational corporation of real and personal stadium of which Melbourne can be property of the association. justifiably proud .. Nevertheless, not­ Clause 5 sets out the powers and withstanding its rights under the objects of the corporation. It will be Melbourne Cricket Ground Act 1933, noticed that the corporation is its agreements made with the trustees authorized to sponsor and encourage of the ground and other bodies and all sports and other forms of recrea­ its borrowing of large sums of money tion and entertainment, and to utilize under Government guarantee, the the Melbourne Cricket Ground for all club is an unincorporated body. The those purposes. This is in line with case for incorporation is, therefore, the policy of the trustees of the certainly strong. ground that it should be a multi-use There are three principal reasons entertainment stadium in the interests for the incorporation of the club to of the people of Victoria. be effected by Act of Parliament Clauses 6 to 9 provide for the con­ rather than by the formation of a duct, business and affairs of the cor­ company under the Companies Act. poration. Clause 8 provides that the The first is the special position of the income and property of the corporate Melbourne Cricket Club, an unincor­ body shall be applied solely towards porated body under the Melbourne the promotion of its objects. Cricket Ground Act 1933. It is par­ Clause 10 preserves existing rights, ticularly undesirable that the rights actions and the like in relation to the and duties of the trustees of the association. It also provides that all ground and the club should be cast references to the unincorporated into doubt of any kind. Legislation body in the Melbourne Cricket should therefore be enacted to con­ Ground Acts, which include the tinue the legal existence of the unin­ guarantee Acts, shall be read as corporated body with corporate per­ references to the corporate body. sonality. Clause 11 provides for the making of rules. The second reason for the incor­ The land described in the schedule poration of the club relates to to the Bill is located at 24 and 26 those Acts under which loans to Jolimont Terrace, Jolimont, and ·is 3788 Supply (No. J, 1974-75) [ASSEMBLY.] · Bill. one of' the club's investments. It is Fund in 1974-75 to the extent and not Crown land. The enactment of for the purposes specified in the table this measure will ·not involve any to clause 2. change in the present management of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. · Honorable members will recall that Mr. WILKES.-Will that remain in the last spring sessional period Crown land? this House received the report on financial procedures from the Stand­ Mr. BORTHWICK.-Yes. The ing Orders Committee. The commit­ actual management remains the same. tee recommended significant proce­ I commend the Bill to the House. dural changes in relation to messages On the ·motion of Mr. GINIFER from the Governor recommending (Deer Park), the debate was ad­ appropriations of revenue and in rela­ journed. tion to the presentation of the annual Budget, Supply Bills ~and taxation or Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of charging Bills. The committee's re­ Lands) .-I move- commendations were accepted by the That the debate be adjourned until House, and the changed procedural Tuesday, March 26. forms of the House were reflected I give an undertaking that if the in the form of the Appropriation Bill Opposition is not ready at the end of for 1973-74. I commend the Standing two weeks, I will extend the period Orders Committee on the changes of the adjournment. which it recommended and which The motion was agreed to, and the have simplified procedures. debate was adjourned until Tuesday, The Supply Bill now in the hands March 26. of honorable members covers, as I have said, the period from 1st July SUPPLY (No. I, 1974-75) BILL. next until after the time when Parlia­ ment will reassemble for the spring Mr. HAMER (Premier and sessional period when the Budget and Treasurer) .-1 move- the Appropriation Bill for 1974-75 That this Bill be now read a second time. will be introduced. The Government This Supply Bill is to provide for the would be constrained if it had to get expenditure requirements of depart­ the Appropriation Bill through by the ments from the Consolidated Fund end of October; complications in the for the initial five months of the running of the House would occur. 1974-75 financial year. This period The amount included in clause 2 was chosen to enable freer and fuller of the Bill under each division is the debate on the Budget. If the Govern­ amount estimated to be required to ment is not restricted to a certain meet expenditure under those divi­ time to have the Appropriation Bill sions for the initial five months of passed, it will be much easier and next financial year, on the basis of will assist the Leader of the House the continuation of existing services. to arrange the debate on the Address­ No provision has been made for any in-Reply and other business. new policy decisions. These matters The amount of Supply sought is must await the introduction of the $522 · 636 million and this sum repre­ Budget in the spring sessional period. sents the amount required to allow departments to continue normal Next week I will be introducing operations until the annual Appro­ a supplementary appropriation for the priation Bill is passed. present financial year to provide the The form of the Supply Bill follows necessary appropriations to cover in­ the procedural changes recommended creased payments arising from awards by the Standing Orders Committee and determinations made since the last year. The Bill provides for an Budget and to authorize other essen­ appropriation from the Consolidated tial and urgent expenditure. At that Meat Inspection '[12 MARCH, 1974.) Services Bill. 3789 time I will take the opportunity of from that applying generally· to reviewing the progress of the finances the Public Service. A variety of for the current year. these schemes operate. There is no urgency with this Bill, Two main superannuation schemes although it must be passed before cover meat inspectors. One is the the autumn sessional period ends. local authorities superannuation I have brought it in early scheme, which is the general scheme so that honorable members will have used by municipal councils to cover ample opportunity of discussing any their officers and employees. How­ matters which they desire to raise ever, the Melbourne City Council has in relation to the wide range of a scheme which is different from the Government services and administra­ local authorities superannuation tion which the appropriation covers. scheme. No finality has been I commend the Bill to the House. reached regarding the problems of On the motion of Mr. WILKES meat inspectors if they elect to trans­ (Northcote), the debate was ad­ fer to the Department of Agriculture. journed. For instance, members of the meat It was ordered that the debate be inspectors' association inform me adjourned until Tuesday, March 26. that under the City of Melbourne scheme the entitlement of an inspec­ MEAT INSPECTION SERVICES tor would double when he reached BILL. the age of 55 years if he had twenty The debate (adjourned from years' service. One inspector would November 14, 1973) on the motion have had twenty years' service in of Mr. I. W. Smith (Minister of about September of this year. Unless Agriculture) for the second reading special arrangements are made, if the of this Bill was resumed. transfer takes place in July, that Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).­ inspector will be disadvantaged. Last year Parliament enacted legis­ As in all superannuation schemes, lation which had the effect of requir­ the question of medical examination ing the Director of Agriculture to arises. It is generally accepted that provide meat inspection services. It is for both superannuation and insur­ now necessary to pass this measure to ance purposes a person undertakes bring meat inspectors, the majority of an initial medical examination when whom are employed by municipalities, entering a scheme and that there is under the control of the Department no further medical examination. of Agriculture. According to the Bill The meat inspectors passed an initial and the Minister's second-reading medical examination when as com­ speech, after the proclamation of paratively young men they first this enactment-which I understand entered the service of the munici­ will be on about 1st July this year­ pality concerned. However if persons who are at present employed the State superannuation scheme by municipalities as meat inspectors operates according to the strict may elect to transfer to the Depart­ wording of its provisions, with no ment of Agriculture. special dispensation for these The Bill also provides that, in the inspectors, they will be required to event of an inspector electing to submit to another medical examina­ transfer, he will do so without any tion after 1st July. An inspector who loss of seniority, salary or other en­ has had twenty years in the service titlements. However, a problem has of the City of Melbourne may have arisen with regard to superannuation difficulty in passing a further which is always a difficulty where medical examination. persons in the Public Service, semi­ Public Service or statutory authori­ Members of the Labor Party take ties are employed under a superan­ the view that when transfers of this nuation scheme which· is different kind are effected and officers are 3790 Meat Inspection · [ASSEMBLY.] Services Bill.

brought under the control of Govern­ Newport power house from the Vic­ ment departments instead of muni­ torian Railways many years ago, it cipalities, they should not be disad­ was necessary to transfer certain em­ vantaged. It is Government policy ployees from the employ of one auth­ that the meat inspection service be ority to the other but the situation part of the Department of Agricul­ was complicated because the commis­ ture. This is a logical follow-on sion did not have a superannuation from the earlier decision to transfer scheme covering such employees control of the Veterinary Research whereas the railways did. The mat­ Institute from the University of Mel­ ter was resolved by the Government bourne to the Department of Agri­ making an ex gratia payment. culture. There is logic in the new arrangement. But no inspector should The Opposition does not oppose receive less on his retirement from the vesting of meat inspection in the the department than he would have one authority. However, it is not been entitled to receive on his retire­ prepared to support the measure until ment from his present employment. the superannuation problems are concluded to the satisfaction · of the I appreciate the difficulties which meat inspectors' association. The the Minister must face in dealing with Opposition will not oppose the inspectors who at present come under second reading of the Bill because the City of Melbourne's superannua­ the measure. must be committed be­ tion scheme and the local government fore the Minister can indicate what authorities superannuation scheme. he has been able to achieve towards The Minister has been frank and .has resolving the question. indicated to me in correspondence Furthermore, it will be necessary that he wants this problem resolved to amend the title of the Bill as the to the satisfaction of the meat measure was introduced into the inspectors prior to the passage of House in 1973 and the 'year 197 4 this Bill. I point out that, in the will have to be incorporated in the light of what has happened to the title. Veterinary Research Institute, the Mr. TREWIN (Benalla).-The in­ Labor Party agrees in principle that troduction of this small measure has meat inspectors should become em­ been brought about by the passing ployees of the Department of Agricul­ of the Abattoir and Meat Inspection ture. However, I make it clear Act, which followed a great deal of that until this problem concern­ work by persons involved in the ing the superannuation is resolved to meat industry and a r.eport to this the satisfaction of the meat inspectors Parliament by the Meat Industry concerned, the Labor Party is not Committee recommending that meat prepared to support the Bill. inspection services should be brought Before the Bill is passed, I seek a under the control of the Department clear assurance from the Minister of Agriculture. Meat inspectors have that the matter has been resolved been employed by municipalities and to the satisfaction of the meat in­ other bodies, but on the coming into spectors' association. Admittedly, operation of the Abattoir and Meat the Treasury may be committed to Inspection Act meat inspectors will an ex gratia payment to the State be employed by the Department of Superannuation Board to achieve a Agriculture. fair and equitable result for the meat In making its recommendations inspectors. concerning meat .inspection services, .. No new Government policy will the Meat Industry Committee. had in mind the future of the meat industry. be involved because any number of The Government saw fit to carry out precede~ts are available concerning ·the recommendation of the commit­ ex gratw payments. When the State tee· with the result that meat inspec­ Electricity Commission purchased the tion services will be transf~rred to Mr. Wilton. Meat Inspection [12 MARCH,- 1974.] Services Bill. ,3791 the Department of Agriculture, and undertaken much more efficiently this Bill indicates the Government's under the Department of Agricul­ desire to give proper consideration ture.- to the employment of meat inspec­ tors. The Abattoir and Meat Inspection Act will ensure that Victorian meat The officers who are covered by the -inspection will fall into the same Bill are members of the meat inspec­ type of situation as Federal meat in­ tors' association and, upon the ter­ spection activities. At the Federal mination of their ·employment by level meat inspection services are the municipalities, it is necessary to undertaken by the Department of provide some security for their future, Primary Industry, and once the irrespective of where- they may cur­ Abattoir and Meat Inspection Act is rently be employed. Parliament must proclaimed Victorian meat inspection ensur~ that the meat inspectors ob­ services will be under the jurisdic­ tain security,- and this security .is tion of the Department of Agricul­ recognized as being afforded by a ture. superannuation scheme. The officers are competent in their particular field The Bill before the Hous·e is de­ of activity. rn· the past, many of signed to facilitate the transfer of them were not employed fully on municipal meat inspectors . to the meat inspection duties because, of Department of Agriculture and there­ necessity, . municipalities had to by bring them within the Victorian employ meat inspectors who spent Public Service. The Bill also allows part of their working hours on a date to be set for ·the changeover. other duties. Under the Abattoir It is pleasing to see sub-clause ( 1) of and Meat Inspection Act, these meat clause 2 which provides, inter alia- inspectors will become officers of the Any properly qualified person _who on the coming into operation of this Act is em­ Department of Agriculture. The ployed as a meat inspector by any muni­ Government should ensure their cipal council in Victoria shall be entitled future security and Parliament should to be transferred to the Public Service of take whatever steps are necessary Victoria if he so elects at a salary not less than he was receiving immediately prior to to facilitate this security of the commencement of this Act as an officer employment. or employe of the municipal council. The Country Party supports the This is an important provision for Bill but seeks an assurance from the the meat inspectors because it will Government on the matters raised ensure that those who transfer to by the ·honorable member for Broad­ the Department of Agriculture win meadows before the measure is not suffer financially or in any other passed. The Minister has an obliga­ way. Everybody who was -involved tion to indicate what security for in the earlier discussions .knew that the future is being afforded the meat problems would arise in achieving inspectors. the aim of the Government to ensure that meat inspectors were not Mr. BURGIN (Polwarth).-Any penalized. honorable member who was involved In speaking with many meat in­ in the passage of the Abatto-ir and spectors during the past Jew weeks, Meat Inspection Act through the and with officers of the Department ·Parliament knows that it was a of Agriculture, I have found that the ·major Bill, which covered a wide problems are gradually being over­ area of activity and involved the sub- come. As the honorable member for . mission of many conflicting opinions, Broadmeadows indicated there is especially by different groups pur­ -still the problem with the Melbourne porting to represent meat inspection City Council section because of the services. As ·a result of the earlier .special circumstances involved. So legislation,. meat .inspection. will be far as· I have been able to ascertain, 3792 Meat Inspection [ASSEMBLY.] Services Bill. the problems confronting country been in a municipal superannuation meat inspectors are being overcome scheme. This is only reasonable. A and it is not expected that they will further medical examination could lose financially in the changeover. create a hardship that is not of his making. Many of these people are There are one or two matters that getting up in years and may be unable the Minister will need to watch care­ to pass the test. fully. I understand that at present of necessity many ·meat inspectors are I am pleased with the drafting of handling cattle that have been con­ the Bill. It puts into words the demned because of brucellosis. At pre­ Government's intention to safeguard sent there is a scheme to extend the the financial .interests of meat inspec­ detection of brucellosis in Victoria. tors. I commend the Bill to the It is voluntary but ,it is expected that House. the ·campaign will gather momentum and farmers are paying into a fund for Mr. GINIF'ER (Deer Park).­ this purpose. While this campaign is Many meat inspectors who are proceeding cattle are being sent for employed, not only within my elec­ inspection to the meat works. On torate but within the 1Melbourne City some occasions inspectors handle cat­ Council ~area, have misgivings about tle with brucellosis. When these in­ the transfer of meat inspection from spectors have had symptoms of fever, the Department of Health, which was it has ·been diagnosed as an unknown an inspection based on the English fever. It is well known that brucel­ system, to the Department of Agri­ losis fever is hard to pin-point but culture, where there will be super­ everything should be done· to ensure vision of meat inspection under the that the meat inspectors who handle control of veterinary officers. This change has been brought about with this meat ~are adequately covered by workers compensation. the object of improving the standard of meat inspection not only for the . Another point that arises with benefit of consumers in the State, but meat inspectors is that in many also from the point of view of over­ country areas downer cattle-cattle seas markets. Another aspect is the that die in the paddock from various opportunity for greater liaison in causes-are handled at some abat­ stock disease eradication. toirs. At present many of these cattle are handled and it is important that The changeover has been brought this can be done at week-ends. about in order that the in­ Therefore, this proposed legislation dustry will be improved, from must ensure that officers and meat the point of view of both the consumer and the producer. As a inspectors are available ~at week-ends to deal with these cattle. Otherwise, result, a large body of people who farmers will receive no financial have been employed under the aus­ com1pensation for their death. pices of the Department of Health will be employed by the Department Meat inspectors have requested me of Agriculture. It is incumbent on to ask the Minister that when this this Parliament to ensure that none transfer takes place they receive the of the persons who perform this same treatment from the' Department inspection service is disadvantaged. of Agriculture as they have received in the past from the municipalities in The Meat Industry Committee made the washing of clothes without cost its recommendation on the condition to the meat inspectors. that no person, persons or meat inspectors would be disadvantaged I agree with the honorable· member by this transfer. I have always been for Broadmeadows that 'a meat of the opinion that Parliament is inspector should not be forced to the supreme decision-maker in these undergo a further ex~amination for matters. I understand that the defi­ superannuation purposes if he has ciencies which have been referred to, Mr. Burgin. Meat Inspection [12 MARCH, 1974.] Services Bill. 3793 particularly regarding meat inspectors a shortage of meat inspectors in the employed by the ·Melbourne City industry they were granted a higher Council, are that they may be dis­ allocation in the seven-year period on advantaged by the present modus which the award is calculated. Some operandi of the 'Public Service Board. people who should perhaps be on a Parliament should make clear to second or third-year payment are up the board what is envisaged by the to a six or seven-year payment. provisions of the Bill and the reasons Although they accept that in the im­ for its introduction. mediate transitional period they will In common with the honorable be granted the equivalent of their members for Broadmeadows and salary, they are concerned that in Benalla, I believe this matter should future the awards will be gradually not be left in abeyance. It should be downgraded and they will no longer made clear that the transfer of these receive the benefit of over-award pay­ inspectors is for the purpose of ments. I agree that this is partially im,prov.ing the industry in Victoria, hypothetical but these people have and there should be no ambiguities asked me to raise the matter in the which cause these people to be dis­ House, and with the Minister, with advantaged. On that basis, I join the object of ensuring that they will with the honorable member for Broad­ not lose the benefits of over-award meadows in saying to the Minister payments which they enjoy at pre­ that members of the Opposition have sent, and which are for amounts of no objection to the Bill but hope an $600 to $1,000. No one likes a reduc­ undertaking will be given in the Com­ tion in salary. I ask the Minister to mittee stage that provision will be ensure that these people are not made in the form of legislation rather down-graded in future awards. than a Ministerial undertaking that Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-One these inspectors will not be disadvan­ would expect this Bill to have an easy taged. Otherwise, we shall be obliged passage through this House, but in to adopt another course of action in common with other apparently simple Committee. measures that the Government intro­ Mr. HANN (Rodney).-1 support duces from time to time the Bill has this important Bill, which will provide a sting in its tail. The honorable greater co-ordination between the members for Broadmeadows and Deer meat inspectors, the abattoirs and the Park have made it abundantly clear producers. Not only in Victoria but that we shall be forced to take action throughout Australia endeavours are if certain assurances cannot be given being made to eradicate serious dis­ by the Minister. The Opposition will eases in stock. For many years be forced to take certain action if the these campaigns were restricted. In Minister cannot give an assurance on many parts of Victoria concentrated behalf of the Govemmen t to protect efforts are made to carry out contin­ the rights of meat inspectors who, uous tuberculosis testing, and a brucellosis ·eradication campaign on under the Abattoir and M·eat Inspec­ a wide scale is about to begin. It tion Act 1973, were placed under the is hoped that ultimately this will control of the Department of Agricul­ assist the producers in detecting dis­ ture. The meat inspectors are con­ eases in their stock and finding a cerned about their rights affecting solution to the problems they raise. length of service and terms of remuneration which were guaranteed I also raise a point concerning the under their previous employment in transfer of meat inspectors from the local government. If those rights are municipal councils to the Department of Agriculture. A meat inspector not guaranteed under the propos·ed from the Co lac abattoirs has informed legislation, the Opposition will me that many meat inspectors receive be forced to oppose this measure and, over-award payments. Because of from the remarks of the honorable 3794 Meat Inspection [ASSEMBLY.]· Services Bill. member for Rodney the Country advised to make a pronouncement Party will adopt a ' not dissimilar before this measure is passed.· If the view. Government fails to do this the When the Government effects a measure will be enacted on the' false change by legislation and the rights premise that remunerative rights will be guaranteed. I believe it is not of. q~alified people are affected, their existmg employment standards should the intention of the Minister of be maintained. In 1960 the Govern­ Agriculture or the architects of the ment introduced the Valuation of legislation for it to have that mean­ Land Act which affected local ing. Before the Bill is carried in this House, even before it is dealt ·With in government and private valuers. Committee-certainly on clause 2- ~owever, their rights were protected nght down the line and those valuers the Government should report pro­ who did not possess the qualifications gress to consider, for the benefit of demanded by the new legislation were those honorable members who have given time to obtain them. spoken on the Bill, what action it intends to take to protect the rights All meat inspectors have the of qualified meat inspectors who nec.essary .qualifications to carry out in the past have performed an their duties under this proposed excellent job for the community measure as they previously came under the jurisdiction of local govern­ under the .jurisdiction of local govern­ ment and who will continue to do so ment bodies which employed them. under the administration of the De­ The meat inspectors are certain that partment of Agriculture. · they have the necessary qualifications and the Department of Agriculture There was no doubt about the would have the same certainty but validity and good intention of the the meat inspectors are seeking the original legislation which was ac­ protection of their rights right down knowledged and ~ccepted by the line. Many of them were mem­ the Opposition and the Country bers of the Municipal Officers Party as being a . step in the right direction. However, surely the As~oci~tion, a b_ody whi~h is very active In protecting the nghts of its next step must necessarily be to pro­ members. In some instances the con­ tect the rights of the people who are ditions of employment enjoyed by affected. As with the Wonthaggi members of the Municipal Officers miners whose right to mine was Association can be deemed to be taken away and the valuers better than those which normally who were affected by the Valu­ apply in many sections of the Public ation of Land Act, there are Service. There are conditions which isolated cases and exceptions !lleat inspectors currently are enjoy­ which require certain action to mg as members of the Municipal be taken by the Government Officers Association. Those condi­ and the Public Service Board to pro­ tions of employment must be main­ tect the rights of individuals. The tained when their employment is con­ only way in which the Government trolled by the Public Service Board can handle this aspect is to report and the Department of Agriculture. progress on clause 2 so.. that a guarantee can be given by the No indication has been given that Minister of Agriculture and the the contingencies which have Government on the rights of these arisen concerning the conditions of meat inspectors. employment of meat inspectors on their transfer to the Department of The motion was agreed to. Agriculture will be obviated. The The Bill was read a second time Opposition is as concerned as the .and committed~ Municipal Officers Association and, although the Minister is sympathetic, · Clause 1 was venbally amended, the Government · would be well · and, as amended, was adopted. Mr. Wilkes. Adjournment. [12 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3795 Clause 2, relating to transfer of complaints from passengers that they ~eat inspectors employed by muni­ were unable to obtain scrambled eggs Cipal councils to the Public Service. even when the menu showed " eggs Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of to order ". This state of affairs went Agriculture) .-I have given an under­ on for some six weeks and when I taking to the honorable member for approached the then Minister of Broadmeadows and other honorable Transport, he discovered that the members who have asked me that the reason why scrambled eggs were Government will not complete this unobtainable was that certain of measure without satisfying meat the cooking utensils used for scramb­ inspectors who are concerned that ling eggs had somehow disappeared they will not be disadvantaged under in Sydney and the girls had not this measure. The Government reported it but had found it more agrees with the principle that no expedient to deny scrambled eggs to meat inspector should be disadvan­ the travelling public. That position taged. Preliminary negotiations have was rectified and I received telegrams taken place between the Department galore from people residing in Albury of Agriculture, the Public Service ~nd Wodonga saying how much they Board and the meat inspectors hked scrambled eggs and thanking association. However, there is not me for having them restored. sufficient provision under the Public Service Act to enable full agreement · The .position was all right for some to be reached. A submission has years, but last M'onday on the Spirit been made to the Treasurer to ascer­ of Progress I was told that scrambled tain by what means the Department of eggs were not available. I asked for Agriculture can honour the undertak­ the supervisor and a girl, who was ing which the Government has pro­ not wearing a badge but who said posed in this measure which I hope her name was Wendy Weldgus, told will meet with every honorable mem­ me that the chefs were too busy. Un­ ber's approval before it is enacted. I fortunately for her, when I looked in propose that progress be reported. the kitchen I found one girl squatting on a chair and another leaning on a Progress was reported. counter having a good girl-to-girl yarn-so they were not exactly busy. ADJOURNMENT. I ask the Minister of Transport and SERVICE ON . Spirit of Progress the Government why there has been -HOUSING COMMISSION ACCOM­ this change of policy. If there is a MODATION COHUNA AND good reason, that is fair enough, but ECHUCA HIGH SCHOOLS - LAKE why were we not informed of the BURRUMBEET-HOUSE OF DAWNE­ proposed change? SITTINGS OF THE HOUSE-ESTAB­ LISHMENT OF CASINo-SECONDARY Incidentally, I was also told by SCHOOL STAFFING-TOBRUK STREET, this girl that the cook was not going MORWELL, PRIMARY SCHOOL - to cook scrambled eggs for one per­ GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL. son in a train load of 240 passengers. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of It is a question of service to the Education) .-I move- travelling public. I was also told by That the House do now adjourn. this person that I could take this matter up with whomever I wished, Mr.· MITCHELL (Benambra).- hence my reason for raising the mat­ 1 draw to the attention of the Govern­ ter at this time. I was also told that ment in general and the Minister of Transport in particular the situation I was wasting the taxpayers' money. regarding the obtaining of scrambled I make it clear that I am making re­ eggs on the Spirit of Progress. As presentations to protect the interests honorable members will recall, this of taxpayers. I also ask the Minister matter caused concern to the Govern­ whether it is the custom- in his depart­ ment some· :years ago _and followed ment for· employees. in uniform to 3796 Adjournment~ . [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment. make remarks to the effect that mem­ of dollars in furniture and bers of the public can go fittings and many man-hours in look­ and see whomever they like ing after" gardens and the general and that they are waste­ area. ing the taxpayers' money. I also sug­ gest that although the girl is quite This is all summarily forgotten decent, she is probably not qualified when the notice to move is ser­ to be occupying the position of super­ ved. Every honorable member has visor. received representations from in­ dividuals who will be affected by The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. this policy decision. It will cause Wheeler).-! was under the impres­ hardship and will certainly dis­ sion that the honorable member for advantage elderly persons, particu­ Benambra was asking a question larly widows, wJ::lo in the twilight about scrambled eggs, and if that is of their years and after having the case, I suggest that he should not remained in one house for per­ go on in this fashion. haps 25 years, are asked to move to Mr. MITCHELL.-! should be the lesser accommodation. last person to differ from your ruling, Mr. Speaker, but the whole The commission, acting on the in­ question revolved not only around structions of the Government, asserts scrambled eggs but also the lack that this regulation appears in the of service given to the. public tenancy agreement. Nowhere in the by employees of the Minister of tenancy agreement-! have a copy Transport. I suggest that the of the latest-appears any clause honorable gentleman should have which states that when a house is a little " fatherly " talk to this girl. found to be in excess of a person's I hope, along with other members of need the person is to be summarily the travelling public, to be able evicted or moved to another place. to obtain scrambled eggs on the Spirit The agreement provides that one of Progress next Saturday morning. cannot keep a pigeon, a f.erret or a Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds). greyhound on the property; one is ~I direct the attention of the Gov­ not allowed· to· drive nails or screws ernment and of the Minister repre­ into the fittings of the house; one senting the Minister of Housing in this is not allowed to paper or paint the House to a matter which causes con­ walls or hang pictures unless picture cern from time to time, namely, the rails are provided ahd, if no" picture policy of the Government regarding rails are provided, pictures may not people who live in Housing Commis­ be hung other than on picture hooks sion accommodation in excess of approved by the commission. How­ their needs and who are requested to ever, it does not state that a tenant move into smaller accommodation. I know all the arguments in favour of must move. That is " buried " in the Government's policy but I draw the regulations. attention to the latest outbreak re­ The regulations are fairly am­ sulting from this policy decision. At biguous and for the benefit of the Moe about 60 elderly people have House I shall quote from Statutory been greatly disturbed because they Rules 1965 with respect to letting received notice that they must move or leasing of houses by the Housing to other accommodation as they are now occupying houses in excess of Commission. their needs. One of the factors Mr. A. T. EvANS.-Is the honorable overlooked by the Government is member in favour of two empty bed­ that some of these people, especially rooms in a house? those who take pride in their homes, occupy what are common'ly known as Mr. EDMUNDS.-Many people matrimonial homes and would have suffer serious disadvantage and hard­ put into those homes many thousands ship by being moved out of their Adjournment. [12 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3797 homes in the twilight of their years. his influence and support to assist At page 1236, Statutory Rules 1965 these two schools in solving their state- staffing problems. If that cannot be Except during the currency of any option done in the immediate future, will to purchase contained in the tenancy agree­ the honorable gentleman or his offi­ ment where the accommodation afforded by the premises becomes at any time in the cers meet a deputation from these opinion of the Commission in excess of schools to discuss the situation? the reasonable requirements of the tenant and provided reasonably suitable alternative Mr. A. T. EVANS (Ballaarat North). accommodation is available to the tenant -I draw the attention of the House or is made available by the Commission, to the critical situation regarding the surrender and yield up the demised premises deterioration of the water in Lake to the Commission if requested by it so to do. Burrumbeet, adjacent to the City of Tenants are not requested to move Ballarat. It was reported in the out of their accommodation; they are Ballarat Courier that over the week­ given a note stating, summarily, "If end 77 sheep died after drinking you do not do something in the next water from the lake. The condition couple of weeks, you will be evicted." of the water in Lake Burrumbeet I object to that policy. has been of great local concern and controversy for the past six Housing Commission tenants at months. Angling clubs and other Moe are the latest to be affected sporting organizations which use the by the Government's disastrous policy lake have continually complained. decisions. More accommodation The position has been highlighted should be built for people who are recently by the addition of a new on the waiting list and for families industry to Ballarat which will have in desperate need. I ask the Govern­ a large discharge of industrial waste. ment to examine this situation to This waste will be treated at Wen­ ensure that Housing Commission ten­ douree sewerage plant and the run-off ants, particularly those in the recent will enter Lake Burrumbeet. The case, are not disadvantaged, deprived Government has promised $500,000 or financially out of pocket. to the sewerage authority to treat Mr. HANN (Rodney).-! direct the this new additional load, but it will attention of the Minister of Educa­ not rectify the over-all situation. I ask tion to the staffing of two schools the Government to consider the in my electorate, Cohuna High School appointment of an independent in­ and Echuca High School. Cohuna quiry into the pollution of the la~e. High School has one of the worst An article in the Ballarat Courter staffing situations in the State on made this request before the death of target figures, with a shortage of 3 · 4 the sheep was reported. teachers, including science and mathematics, French and humanities If no action is taken in the near teachers, and a librarian; and if pos­ future, the lake will be polluted be­ sible, two physical education teachers yond recovery, as are some of the should be appointed. Echuca High inland lakes of America. I have School, although not in such a bad taken samples of the water running position, is in need of English and both into and out of the lake and mathematics teachers. there is a decided difference in the colour. Obviously much sediment is It is now the sixth week of the remaining in the lake which is school year. These positions have becoming a sewerage and industrial not been filled by the Education De­ waste pond. partment for various reasons which I cannot understand because it should The Environment Protection Autho­ have been possible by this stage to rity has been investigating this matter have overcome these shortages. There for six months but no report has yet is much confusion within the staffing come to light. The Fisheries and division of the Education Department, Wildlife Division is also carrying out but I appeal to the Minister to use investigations. At the week-end I Session 1974.-136 3798 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment. was approached by landowners of $300. The principals of the firm who alleged that although the have scattered to the four winds. sewerage authority claims that it One, Benjamin Smith, is reputed to treats effluent to the required be in London. A Mr. Leith who standards, as occurs in many other appeared to me on consultation to be sewerage treatment plants when " left holding the baby ", is not avail­ there is a heavy downpour of rain or able. No amount of representation a flood, untreated sewage enters the by 500 or more women can gain them creek and consequently into Lake the satisfaction of either finishing Burrumbeet. This is a serious allega­ their courses or obtaining a refund tion, and I call upon the Government of the money they have paid. not only to appoint a committee of inquiry but also to make available These companies-the House of a vast sum of money to recover this Dawne, Dawne International, Eve important playground which is situ­ International, Slimmers World and ated seven miles from Ballarat. I another ·Whose name I cannot remem­ suggest that the committee should ber-have all received publicity in consist of senior officers of the the past week on the television Environment Protection Authority, programme This Day Tonight. One the Department of Health, · the principal named Dawson was inter­ Fisheries and Wildlife Division and viewed and he completed the the State Rivers and Water Supply interview successfully, but no in­ Commission. vestigation has been made into this matter. I ask the Attorney­ Mr. BILLING (Heatherton).-1 General and the Minister of Labour raise a matter which I mentioned in and Industry, who administers the this Chamber on 29th November, Consumer Protection Bureau, to 1973, concerning the activities of the cause a complete investigation to be House of Dawne, a company which made into these companies and to operates in the electorate of the have the matter placed in the hands honorable member for Dandenong. of the fraud squad. The activity. This company specialized in slim­ that has taken place in the electorate ming, or it professed to be able to of Dandenong concerning the weight reduce the weight of people who reduction plan has been a very slick undertook its specialized courses. It operation; it has resulted in the did reduce their bank balances to no perpetration of a shameful fraud mean extent. Complaints were which has played upon the emotions made to me by constituents residing of people who consider that to be a in Heatherton. little overweight is a disadvantage. I Following publicity when I raised have not found this in my association this matter in the House and in the with the honorable member for local newspapers, I was able to Dandenong. obtain a refund for a Mrs. Millard of Dingley. As a result I was inundated Mr. WHITING (Mildura).-In view by other clients of these companies of the unusual situation with regard who requested that I endeavour to to this sessional period I should like obtain refunds for them. I received to inquire from the Leader of the letters from Pakenham, Dandenong, House what the sitting arrangements Noble Park and other districts. I will be for the remainder of the made representations, but they were autumn sessional period. With the unsuccessful. The House of Dawne, approach of Easter and Anzac Day, with four other intertwined com­ panies, has subsequently filed a honorable members, particularly schedule of insolvency and has members of the Country Party, may been put into the hands of a wish to make long-term arrange­ receiver. It is alleged that employees ments in their electorates. I would of the company at Dandenong are appreciate an indication from the owed money, one lady to the extent honorable gentleman at this stage. Adjournment. (12 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3799

Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-I The Government should undertake desire to raise a matter which con­ some clear thinking on this matter. cerns the Premier. In the light of the A public inquiry should be established recent pronouncement of a Minister to determine whether a casino is of the Crown who expressed his wanted. I take the view that it is opinion of the desirability of estab­ not. lishing a casino in Victoria, will the Premier give consideration to a Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of public inquiry on the issue? Public the Country Party) .-1 again direct to inquiries have been held in this State the attention of the Minister of Edu­ concerning the extension of liquor cation to serious staff shortages in trading hours and a multiplicity of secondary schools which have been other questions. referred to by the honorable member for Rodney. In many schools, the · There are shortages of beds in pub­ situation is desperate. The staffing lic hospitals and shortages of Housing mess is the most serious education Commission houses in Victoria. But, problem today, and I remind honor­ despite the needs of the public sector able members that I referred to this of the economy, a Minister of the rna tter last week. Crown has expressed himself publicly I ask the Minister to examine per­ as believing that Victoria needs a sonally all the representations made casino. Surely the Premier should on this subject to which answers have consider whether there are enough not been received from his depart­ means of gambling and whether a ment. If he cannot do it personally, casino is needed. There is no evid­ I ask him to delegate the task to the ence of what effect a casino would Assistant Minister of Education. It have on the majority of the people of is known that many schools in coun­ the State. try Victoria have shortages, but some The Premier should cause a public have surpluses of staff. This is the inquiry to be held so that those who· sixth week of the school year and it hold the views I hold can express is time that the staffing position was them. A public inquiry would deter­ sorted out. mine whether a casino would be Mr. AMOS -(Morwell).-1 direct beneficial to Victoria, notwithstanding the attention of the Minister of Edu­ the needs of the State. Many large cation to the situation at the Tobruk companies are interested in the estab­ Street Primary School No. 4680 at lishment of a casino but one wonders Morwell. Over a long period, the whether it would benefit the people. school committee has made represen­ If it was determined that a casino was tations to the department asking that not needed funds, materials and badly-needed renovations be carried labours could be channelled into the out. On 5th May last year the school public sector of the economy. committee wrote to the department urgently requesting that repairs be It is a question whether we catch effected to the leaking roof of the up with and overcome some of our Hawkesbury unit. As honorable shortcomings or provide something members will know, Hawkesbury and for the convenience of the relatively Bristol units were temporary class­ small section of the community who rooms introduced in the 1950s. Like would use a casino. If one accepts many other schools in the area, the what was said by the Minister who Tobruk Street school still has many made this announcement at the week­ children accommodated in these units. The school committee pointed out end, only a small, select band of that the roof was leaking and that silvertails would be able to use the repairs which had been done had not casino. It would be a disgrace for a solved the problem. In May, 1973, fine building like the Windsor Hotel the school committee wrote to the to be destroyed for such a purpose. department asking that the conversion 3800 AdJournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment. of a vacant class-room to a staff room I will tum every resource of the Vic­ be expedited because of staff short­ torian Railways to unscrambling this ages at the school. ·unfortunate contretemps. Neither request has been complied The honorable member for Moonee with, and I ask the Minister of Ponds raised the matter of people Education to confer with the Minister in the 1Moe area being asked by of Public Works with a view to the Housing Commission to vacate sorting out the problems at the school their 2 and 3-bedroom houses for and expediting repairs before the smaller houses. The honorable mem­ winter sets in. ber pointed out that notices to quit had been served on the people con­ Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray).-1 cerned and that they were therefore have been asked by a number of not being asked to vacate but were people living in the Greensborough peremptorily ordered out of their area to direct the attention of the accommodation. Minister of Education to the accom­ modation problem at the Greenwood I have had considerable exp·erience High School. The Minister cannot of the Housing Commission and, excuse the existing state of affairs although it follows the legal formality because the matter was brought to of issuing notices to quit, I have never his attention by the previous honor­ known of any person being evicted able member for Greensborough and from a house in order to be accom­ certain assurances were given that modated in a smaller one. I point out the needs of the school would receive to honorable members that when attention. Because of the growth of entering into tenancy all tenants are the school over the past years four advised that the time could come single portable class-rooms and a when their families leave them and double portable class-room were to be that they may be asked to move into provided at the start of this school smaller accommodation upon which year. Despite the assurances given they will enjoy a smaller rental. This to the parents and the previous honor­ is done because it seems unreason­ able member for Greensborough, only able that people with families are three portables were supplied. No­ denied accommodation whilst people thing has been done about permanent without families enjoy accommoda­ buildings. The principal and staff tion in excess of their needs. have had no alternative but to send I also point out that a person who one form home each day. has lived for a number of years in one The Shire of Diamond Valley, as a of these larger houses-which would result of the initiative of Councillor have been allotted to him because he Fell, is now, as a temporary measure, had a dependent family-has had, providing community halls to accom­ during those years, an opportunity modate students. This is not good of purchasing it on favourable terms enough for a long-term solution and but has obviously declined to do so. tonight a public meeting will discuss Accordingly, it is not unreasonable for the Housing Commission to invite the problems of the school. I ask the these people to make room for others Minister what steps will be taken who have a much greater need for immediately to overcome this accom­ the particular type of accommodation. modation shortage. When it is realized that acceptance of this request entails a reduction in Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of rental, the request becomes even Transport) .-I am distressed to hear more reasonable. However, I will that the honorable member for Ben­ direct the attention of the Minister ambra has been denied his normal of Housing to the remarks of the sustenance on one of my trains. In honorable member and invite him to that spirit of progress which exem­ make a more detailed reply than I plifies the Government's activities, have done. Adjournment. [12 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3801

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of during the week-end, I received a Education) .-The honorable member telephone call about it. According for Morwell referred to the need for to the Teachers Tribunal schedule repairs at the Tobruk Street Primary the school should have 36 teachers School. I will investigate the matter whereas in fact it has 43, and on the and inform the honorable member of basis of the department's more the necessary action to be taken. generous target, the school could have 45 or 45 · 3 teachers. I under­ Apparently the honorable member stand that some children are being for F ootscray is covering the Greens­ sent home. With seven teachers more borough area at the moment. than is required to staff that school Mr. HoLDING.-Somebody has to on the basis of the Teachers look after the interests of the area. Tribunal schedule, it is disgraceful that any pupil should be sent home, Mr. THOMPSON.-The area is ex­ particularly :When the teachers are tremely well represented by the actually teaching approximately only present member, who is a former eighteen hours a week. The honor­ school teacher and knows the real able member has raised the matter needs of the district. The honorable following a request by constituents member for Footscray has raised a and teachers at the school, and that matter and I will answer it. is fair enough. I will provide the One night at about ten o'clock, I honorable member with the details. had a lengthy telephone discussion The Deputy Leader of the Country with the president of the advisory Party asked about sittings of the council of the Greenwood High House. In accordance with the prac­ School. I informed him of what was tice that was established approxi­ happening with the two portable mately eighteen months ago, it was class-rooms, the first of which was intended that the House should sit to arrive this week-I understand for three weeks and not the fourth that the builder had contracted to week. Because of Easter, it is now supply it-and another at an early proposed that during this sessional date. I also informed him that if he period the House will sit for three desired to hire a local hall, the de­ weeks, have one week off, sit for partment was prepared to pay for it two weeks, and not sit during Easter and he was to make the necessary week; then, following Easter, pro­ arrangements. ceed until the end of the session Concerning the matter raised by without a further break. the honorable member for Rodney Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for and the Leader of the Country Party, Conservation) .-The honorable mem­ I have stressed that never in the 100 ber for Ballaarat North made certain years' history of the Education De­ suggestions involving the Department partment has Victoria enjoyed such of Health, the Minister of Water a high teacher-pupil ratio in its Supply and myself. I will consider secondary schools. Once again, I the matters raised by the honorable point out that Parliament gave the member and seek what information Teachers Tribunal the right to fix I can from the various authorities to staffing schedules for secondary which he has referred. I will advise schools. The tribunal has done so him of the outcome. and at the moment we have possibly I point out that eutrophication of 30 per cent more teachers in high the lake is not necessarily caused by schools than is required by the sewage; often it is associated wi!h schedule. excessive inflows of nutrients but In The honorable member for Rodney some instances it has been shown to referred to the Echuca High School. result from the excessive use of I remember the matter because, superphosphates. 3802 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment. The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. Government will consider the sug­ Wheeler).-The honorable member gestion by the Deputy Leader of the for Heatherton mentioned the Min­ Opposition. The Government has not ister of Labour and Industry and reached that stage, and does not pro­ the Attorney-General, and I ask pose to take it any further at the him which Minister he desires to moment. answer his remarks. The motion was agreed to. Mr. BILLING. - The Attorney- General, in relation to referring the The House adjourned at 5.47 p.m. matter to the Company Squad.

Mr. WILCOX (Attorney-General). QUESTIONS ON NOTICE. -Whilst the honorable member was speaking, I had the opportunity of discussing the matter with the Min­ The following answers to. questions ister of Consumer Affairs, who in­ on notice were circulated:- formed me that, following earlier representations from the honorable BETTING. member, he had investigated the (Question No. 697) matter. Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked I am not clear whether the com­ the Minister for Youth, Sport and pany is still operating, but whether Recreation- it is or not, if the honorable member Whether, in order for bookmakers operat­ will supply me with material such as ing at professional athletic meetings, to take the names of the people who have bets on Melbourne race meetings, it is complained so that we have some­ necessary for a horse race to be run at the thing to go on, I will have inquiries athletic meeting; if so, whether he will take made. steps to remove this requirement? Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, Mr. HAMER (Premier and Sport and Recreation) .-The answer Treasurer) .-The Deputy Leader of is- the Opposition suggested that an inquiry be held into the establish­ Bookmakers operating at approved mixed sports gatherings may accept bets on horse ment of a casino in Victoria. It is races held elsewhere. Mixed sports gather­ true that, in the course of com­ ings are defined in the Racing Act as- menting on a particularly objection­ Mixed sports gathering means a meeting able proposal for a 40-story tower for foot races, bicycle races or any other to dominate Parliament House, the games, exercises, pastimes or contests of a Minister of Public Works expressed kind usually conducted, carried on, con­ his personal opinion that a casino tested or decided on any land whatsoever might be considered for the hotel to which persons are admitted either at all opposite. times or only at certain times whether on payment of an entrance fee or charge or I can recall that the Leader of the otherwise for the purpose of taking part in Opposition was dazzled by his visit witnessing any such races, games, exercises, to the Wrest Point Casino and ex­ pastimes or contests, but at which meeting- pressed his opinion in favour of a ( a) not more than four races (whether casino for Victoria. However, two horse races or pony races or opinions do not make a decision either trotting races, or some or all of them) take place on any one day; way. The Government has not and reached any conclusion, nor is it likely to do so for some time. The Govern­ (b) in which four races no horse or pony ridden or driven by a professional ment does not consider that the ques­ jockey is permitted to take part; tion is of great urgency or and If importance. there are any sugges­ (c)· the total value of the prizes in money tions which make the proposal more (if any) given in respect of such favourable than it is now, the races does not exceed $50. Questions (12 MARCH, 1974.] on Notice. 3803·

Some mixed sports gatherings include Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel athletic events as a feature of the pro­ and Power) .-The answer supplied gramme. by the Minister for State Develop­ The question of betting approvals at all ment and Decentralization is- types of sports meetings is currently under Yes. In respect of its egg pulping pro­ review by departmental officers. cess only. HISTORICAL SOCIETIES. DEFERMENT OF MUNICIPAL (Question No. 722) RATES FOR PENSIONERS. Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked (Question No. 712) the Treasurer- Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) !. What grants, if any, are available to historical societies for-( a) main1tenance, asked the Minister of Public Works, and (b) capital works? for the Minister for Local Govern­ 2. Whether any other assistance is avail­ ment- able 1to these societies; if so; what assist­ ance? How many pensioners in the Geelong area have been •accepted for municipal rate Mr. HAMER (Premier and deferment since the passage of the Munici­ Treasurer) .-The answer is- palities Assistance Act 1973, indicating 1. (a) Grants are not available for main-. which councils are involved and the number tenance. of applicants in each case? (b) Grants may be made available for Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public expenditure on capital works if the society is orientated towards both historical and Works).-The answer supplied by tourist aspects. the Minister for Local Government Applications should be submitted in the is- first instance to the Historical and Tourist Projects Committee, care of Department of. The municipalities concerned have advised State Development and Decentralization, the Minister as follows:- 232 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, for Geelong city-No applications received. investigation and recommendation to the Minister who is responsible for any final Geelong West city-No applications decision in the matter. received since 1st October, 1973. 2. It is our experience that historical (Council has granted annual defer­ societies are invariably assisted in some way ments to four ratepayers over a number by the municipalities concerned. of years). Newtown city-No applications received. DECENTRALIZED INDUSTRIES. Bellarine shire-No applications received. (Question No. 723) Corio shire-No applications received. Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked South Barwon shire-Two appHcations the Minister for Fuel and Power, for received, yet to be approved by council. the Minister for State Develop·ment All council officers advise that inquiries and Decentralization- have been made but applications have not !. How many established industries have been lodged. been declared as decentralized industries? 2. Whether industries already established have been included in the Minister's total EGG AND EGG PULP MARKETING of new decentralized industries; if so, how many of such industries have been so BOARD, BALLARAT. classified? (Question No. 720) Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked and Power) .-1'he answer supplied the Minister for Fuel and Power, for by the Minister for State Develop­ the Minister for State Development ment and Decentralization is- and Decentralization- 1. A total of 1,474 industries has been declared approved decentralized secondary Whether the Egg and Egg Pulp Marketing industries. Before an industry can become Board at Ballarat is registered as a decen­ an approved decentralized secondary indus­ tralized industry; if so, on what basis? try, it must have commenced operations. 3804 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

2. Since the ten-point plan for decentra­ HOUSING COMMISSION lization in September, 1972, 117 industries PROPERTIES IN NORTH have established or announced intentions to MELBOURNE. establish in provincial areas. (Question No. 740) DARKLY RURAL FIRE BRIGADE. Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the (Quesrtion No. 729) Minister of Transport, for the Minis­ Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked ter of Housing- the Chief Secretary- In respect of the area in North Melbourne bounded by Abbotsford, Haines, Dryburgh When the Barkly Rural Fire Brigade will and O'Shanassy streets- be provided with a truck? 1. What is the cost of the properties acquired by the Housing Commission and Mr•. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary) . what were the dates on which these proper­ -The answer is- ties were acquired? . As I have indicated in my answer to a 2. Whether the purchase of these proper­ previous question on this matter, the alloca­ ties was financed from borrowings; if so, tion of vehicles to brigades is based on a what was the capital sum involved, the system of priorities, firstly within the fire interest rates and any other relevant terms? control region concerned, secondly on a zone 3. Whether this site area has now been basis, and ·thirdly on a State-wide basis, sold by the commission; if so-( d) to whom; bearing in mind the varying degrees of risk (b) what was the sale price; and (c) what in particular areas and the availability of were the terms of settlement? equipment from adjacent brigades. Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of The priority of the Barkly area is con­ sidered to be lower than other areas re­ Transport).-The answer supplied by quiring equipment and I am not able to say the Minister of Housing is- when it will be possible for a vehicle to be 1. The properties in this area were allocated to the Barkly brigade. acquired between March, 1968, and August, 1971, at a total cost of $672,240. 2. No. These are grant moneys to the EGG GRADING AT commi!ssion. MARYBOROUGH. 3. (a) The cleared area was sold to North (Question No. 730) Terrace Club Investments Pty. Ltd. (b) The sale price was $452,925 follow­ Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked ing the calling of tenders in accordance the Minister for Fuel and Power, for with the Housing Act 1958; and the Minister for State Development (c) The terms set out in the contract and Decentralization- of sale dated 18th July, 1972, required a deposit of $113,231.50 with the balance Whether the Minister will consider giving being payable on or before 29th March, financial aid to help the establishment of 1978. Interest at 7 per cent per annum. a co-operative of egg producers to buy and The purchaser has covenanted with the maintain the egg grading floor at Mary­ commission that it will, within the period borough? of the contract, erect residential buildings on the subject land in accordance with Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel plans and specifications approved by the and Power) .-The answer supplied commission. by the Minister for State Develop­ ment and Decentralization is- HOUSING COMMISSION Unfortunately, the Minister is nort enabled EVICTIONS. by the provisions of the Commercial Goods (Question No. 742) Vehicles Act 1958 to financially assist a primary industry into which category egg Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) production falls. asked the Minister of Transport, for However, there are other avenues such as the Minister of Housing- the Rural Finance and Settlement Com­ !. How many persons were evicted from mission to whom applications for financial Housing Commission, flats and houses, assistance could be made by those engaged respectively, in the years 1971, 1972 and in primary production. 1973? Questions [12 MARCH, 1974.) on Notice. 3805

2. What were the reasons for eviction YOUTH FUND AND SPORTS AND in each case? RECREATION FUND. 3. Where eviction resulted from arrears of rent, what was the amount in each case? (Question No. 747) Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Mr. ROPER (Brunswick West) Transport).-The answer supplied by asked the Minister for Youth, Sport the Minister of Housing is- and Recreation- In respect of the financial year 1973-74, 1. what finance has been and will be allocated, 1971-72 1972-73 1973-74 respectively, specifying which organizations 19 26 22 and amounts in-(a) the City of Brunswick; and (b) the City of Coburg, under the Youth The figures as shown are totals as records do Fund and the Sports and Recreation Fund, not distinguish between houses and fiats. respectively? 2. 1971-72 1972-73 1973-74 Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, Not available Not available 16 arrears Sport and Recreation).-The answer 4 arrears and is- tenancy grounds YOUTH FUND. 2 tenancy General grants have been made to the grounds following organizations:- CITY OF BRUNSWICK. $ 3. $ $ 1971-72 1972-73 1973-74 Brunswick and Coburg boys' and girls' club 900 Not available Not available 268 391 723 300 Brunswick Salvation Army youth 534 136 group 220 144 118 305 120 Don Bosco boys' club and hostel 400 194 248 CITY OF COBURG. 60 213 450 415 Kaygees gymnastic youth club 60 290 225 430 75 1,580 HOUSING COMMISSION Following a series of discussions the NOTICES TO QUIT. Brunswick City Council has now lodged a (Question No. 744) formal letter dated 21st February, 1974, in support of a proposal by the Greek com­ Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) munity to construct a building to be known asked the Minister of Transport, for as the Brunswick Greek Community Youth the Minister of Housing- Centre. This proposal will now receive further consideration. !. How many notices to quit have been served on Housing Commission tenants dur­ SPORTS AND RECREATION FUND. ing the past twelve months and how many warrants of ejectment have been obtained At present no grants have been made in country and metropolitan areas, respect­ available from this fund to the City of ively? Brunswick or the City of Coburg. This department is at present considering an 2. What is the general reason for notices application in conjunction with !the Common­ to quit and, apart from arrears, for what wealth Department of Tourism and Recrea­ other reasons are notices to quit served? tion for a sports and recreation facility estimated to cost $300,000 at Parker reserve Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of in the City of Coburg. Transport).-The answer supplied by the Minister of Housing is- There have been discussions with the Brunswick City Council at which the 1. Country Metropolitan dep·artment's policy has been fully ex­ Notices to quit 1,803 3,444 plained. The department has requested a Warrants 337 724 list of required facilities arranged in priority order, but this has not been received nor 2. General reason for notices to quit is has any individual application been sub­ •arrears of rent, other reasons being breaches mitted other than the Greek Youth Com­ of tenancy agreement. munity Centre proposal referred to above. 3806 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

PYRAMID HILL POLICE STATION. HOSPITAL AND AMBULANCE (Question No. 753) DEPOT FOR SUNSHINE. (Question No. 763) Mr. HANN (Rodney) asked the Chief Secretary- Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park) asked the Minister of Health- Whether the Police Department has pre­ pared plans for a new police station at What progress has been made in providing Pyramid Hill; if so, whether these plans a major hospital and an ambulance depot, have been submitted to the Public Works respectively, in the City of Sunshine, indicat­ Department for approval and, in that event, ing where these services will be located and when tenders are expected to be called for when they will be established? construction? Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary). -The answer is- Health) .-The answer is- An amount of $13,000 has been provided (i) A valuation is at present being under­ in the approved works and services pro­ taken on behalf of the Hospitals and gramme for the 1973-74 financial year for Charities Commission as a basis for final expenditure on the replacement of the police negotiations for the purchase of certain land office and cell at Pyramid Hill. It is at St. Albans-in the Furlong Road area­ expected that tenders will be called in the for a site for a proposed new hospital in the near future. western suburbs. Survey and other preli­ minary matters are still to be finalized and when these are completed, detailed planning BROADMEADOWS LAND. will be undertaken. (Question No. 754) (ii) Consideration is also being given by Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the the Hospitals and Charities Commission Minister of Public Works, ·for the regarding part of an area of land in Ballarat Minister for Local Government- Road, Sunshine, acquired some years ago for hospital purposes, being made available for Whether there has been a meeting between ambulance service development. It is ex­ representatives of the Housing Commission and the Town Planning Section of the pected that as soon as the question of sites Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works has been resolved, planning will be autho­ to discuss the land affected by the NEF rized and construction started. zones in Broadmeadows; if so-(a) what was the date of this meeting; (b) whether minutes of this meeting were kept and, if so, whether the Minister will make a copy of KINGSBURY TECHNICAL SCHOOL. such minutes available to the member for (Question No. 765) Coburg; and (c) who were the officers present at the meeting? Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked the Minister of Education- Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Works) .-The answer supplied by the Whether plans have been approved for the construction of a caretaker's residence at Minister for Local Government is- Kingsbury Technical School; if so, whether Yes. funds have been allocated and when con­ (a) 1st August, 1972. struction will commence? (b) No. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Housing Commission's pro­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of posed project " J " at Broadmeadows, and Education) .-The answer is- the effect of the Government's request to It is proposed that a bulk contract for the commission to reconsider its develop­ three caretaker residences at high and tech­ ment plans following the recommendations nical schools will be arranged during the in report No. 1 of the Victorian Airfields current financial year. One of the residences Committee relating to this area. is to be erected at Kingsbury Technical (c) The Chief Technical Officer, Housing School. Approval of the necessary expen­ Commission, Mr. V. Hore. diture has been given and the Public Works Department will be asked to obtain tenders The Chief Planner, Melbourne and from home building firms with the view to Metropolitan Board of Works, Mr. having the residences constructed as soon as J. A. Hepburn. possible. Questions [12 MARCH, 1974.] on Notice. 3807

RESERVOIR EAST PRIMARY The width of the easement is 99 feet. The SCHOOL. clearing to be maintained permanently for patrol and repairs is 33 feet wide. (Question No. 767) Consideration was given to locating the Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked pipeline alongside the existing aqueduct. the Minister of Education- This proved impracticable due to steep side­ In accordance with requests made during slopes and ·the fact that rock blasting would 1973, what measures have been taken in rupture the conduit. The route through respect of the Reservoir East Primary State forest was selected after close exam­ School to provide sufficient toilets, an ade­ ination by officers of the Forests Commis­ quate water supply to flush toilets, and sion, Land Conservation Council and the floor covering for class-rooms and corridors Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of and to replace the existing 21-year-old Works. It was selected to take maximum wash basins? advantage of existing road and power ease­ ments and to minimize adverse impact on Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of scenery and ecological values. Education) .-The answer is- Following receipt of a letter from the ST. ALBANS SPECIAL SCHOOL. principal on 27th February, 1974, we have asked the Public Works Department for a (Question No. 771) report on the condition and adequacy of the toilets. Additional toilets will be added if Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park) asked required. the Assistant Minister of Education- A report and estimate for improvement What plans the Education Department has to the water supply will be forwarded by Public Works Department early next week. for the establishment of the St. Albans Special School, indicating when it is ex­ Expenditure has been approved for im­ pected work will commence on the building proved drinking and washing facilities. and when the school will be ready for Plans and specifications are being prepared occupation? so that tenders can be invited. We have received a report from the Pub­ Mr. DIXON (Assistant Minister of lic Works Department for floor coverings Education) .-The answer is- where requested. This matter is under consideration at present. Tenders have been invited closing 19th March for the construction of the St. Albans Special School. PIPELINE TO CARDINIA. No definite date can be given regarding (Question No. 770) the commencement of work, however, it is hoped that the school will be ready for Mr. KIRKWOOD (Preston) asked occupation by the commencement of term the Minister of Transport, for the 2, 1975. Minister of Forests- Whether the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works has sought and been GLADSTONE VIEW PRIMARY granted permission to lay a 6 ft. 6 in. SCHOOL. diameter pipeline through State forest from (Question No. 772) Upper Yarra dam through to Silvan reser­ voir and thereon to Cardinia; if so-( a) Mr. WILTON {Broadmeadows) what is the width of the proposed easement; and (b) whether consideration has been asked the Minister of Education- given to locating the pipeline alongside the When it is proposed to commence building existing aqueduct and, if not, why? the Gladstone View Primary School? Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Transport) .-The answer supplied by the Minister of Forests is- Education) .-The answer is- Until such time as investigations into the The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works sought and was granted permis­ possible effects of aircraft noise are com­ sion to lay a 6 ft. 6 in. diameter pipeline pleted no exact indication can be given through various sections of State forest regarding the construction of the permanent between the Upper Yarra dam and Mill­ building for the Gladstone View Primary grove. School. 3808 Local Government [COUNCIL.] (Amendment) Bill. Clause 2 will expand the member­ f4tgi.alatint C!tnuu.ril. ship of the Local Government Ad­ visory Board. It will allow the Wednesday, March 13, 1974. Governor in Council to appoint as many members of the board as he sees fit. Of the present three mem­ bers, only two may constitute the The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond board, which deals with matters con­ Garrett) took the chair at 4.27 p.m., cerning boundaries of municipalities, and read the prayer. extensions and so on, and it is not always possible for these members to PAPERS. get together. There is increasing The following papers, pursuant to scope and pressure for municipalities the directions of several Acts of to be amalgamated, extended or Parliament, were laid on the table by wiped out, and it is probably a wise the Clerk:- move to have more members avail­ Public Service Act 1958-Public Service able to perform this important func­ (Public Service Board) Regulations­ tion. Regulations amended (Nos. 711 to 723) (fourteen papers). Clause 3 qualifies the payment to State Development Committee-Report on councillors of travelling expenses the Bulk Handling of All Grains in Vic­ when they attend council meetings toria. and are on council business. The previous amendment did not make LOCAL GOVERNMENT this clear. Councillors give their (AMENDMENT) BILL time in an honorary capacity and, The debate (adjourned from Oct­ apart from the fact that they travel ober 24, 1973) on the motion of the long distances to carry out their Hon. A. J. Hunt (Minister for Local duties, they also sacrifice business Government) for the second reading commitments and in some cases of this Bill was resumed. wages in order to do so. The The Hon. J. M. WALTON (Mel­ provision enacted some time ago to bourne North Province) .-This Bill allow at least travelling expenses to has been on the Notice Paper since councillors was reasonable. In the the last sessional period and I thank not-too-distant future payment to the Minister for his usual courtesy in councillors for their time will be con­ allowing it to remain there so that sidered. A councillor who takes his the many municipalities throughout business seriously can spend four or Victoria have had an opportunity of five nights a week on council busi­ considering it, of finding any loop­ ness and a large part of his week­ holes or any way in which it can ends in making inspections. While I be improved. From the rumours I was a councillor, regularly all have heard about the number of Monday morning was occupied in amendments which will be proposed, making inspections or in considering I am sure the honorable gentleman proposals which would be considered wisely once again adopted this pro­ by council that evening. By this cedure. means it was possible for councillors A local government Bill deals with to make better decisions. The many unrelated matters and in order Government has acted reasonably to explain the Bill, or even to dis­ in proposing the payment of travel­ cuss it, it is necessary to examine ling expenses to councillors. each clause individually. I shall therefore only briefly comment on Clause 5 removes the restriction the clauses to which the Labor Party on aliens voting at municipal elec­ has no opposition and shall spend a tions. I have previously spoken on little more time on the clauses which this matter. It has been the policy it wishes to criticize. of the La:t>or Party for years that Local Government (13 MARCH, 1974.] (Amendment) Bill. 3809

aliens, new Australians or whatever Clauses 10, 11 and 12 are contro­ term one uses, who reside in a muni­ versial in the Labor Party's view, cipality, pay rates, obey the laws and because they take away or alter the carry out all other duties imposed rights which council officers pre­ on them by a municipality, should viously had. Clause 11 in particular have the right to vote in municipal deprives certain council officers of the elections. In municipalities such as right to an inquiry if the council Brunswick and to a lesser extent dismisses them. Those officers in­ Coburg, Preston and Northcote, the clude valuers, rate collectors, building population is composed mainly of inspectors, municipal clerks and muni­ these people. If they are not eligible cipal engineers. I do not know to vote, councillors are elected by a whether municipal electrical engin­ small number of people. It is only eers are covered by the term "engin­ just that aliens should vote at muni­ eer " but they contribute a great deal cipal elections. This would encour­ to a municipality. They are usually age them to take an interest in what in attendance when a council meeting is going on in their city. The deals with business relating to the majority of new Australians are good electricity supply committee. They citizens and have shown an active are subject to the pressure and in­ interest in local community affairs. fluence of councillors and, if they are This is one small way in which they not included under the present terms, can be rewarded for their actions. they ought to be. The provisions of clause 8 make The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-I think they voting optional for a person who lives are not. I agree with what the honor­ outside a municipal area but who able member says and I shall submit pays municipal rates within that area. an amendment accordingly. At present if he is the owner of The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-Al­ vacant land in a municipality and though it may be cumbersome to go lives outside the area, he does not through the procedure of giving notice have to vote. However, if he owns a and perhaps having an inquiry for tenanted property, he is compelled some other officers, it is proposed to to vote at municipal elections. This exclude valuers, rate collectors and provision has always created prob­ building inspectors and to make the lems in the administration of elec­ person in charge of the particular tions, and for municipal council department the responsible officer. aspirants because they must canvass I do not agree with this proposal. people who may live long distances away. Each individual employee can run foul of councillors through his actions Under the existing provision a in the course of his work. It is not person who may have little interest unusual for council officers to be in a municipality, although he pays criticized by a council. It is not rates, has to vote although he also proper that if a council passes a has to vote in the municipality where motion to dismiss a council officer, he lives and where his main interest he is to be deprived of an inquiry, lies. On occasions when these people to which he is entitled at present. have not voted, municipal councils I know of no reason to alter the have taken action against them. As a Act in this way and I should be result they have become upset interested to learn what submissions because they may have been unaware were made to the Minister, apart from that an election was taking place. If those of his department, by councils none of the candidates had advised or other interested bodies to have them of the impending election, they this alteration made. It may seem would not know about it and it would desirable in the Minister's eyes as the therefore be unfair to prosecute them procedure is a bit unwieldy and cum­ for not voting. bersome and protects some officers 3810 Local Government [COUNCIL.] (Amendment) Bill. who may not deserve it. However, they give discounts on cigarettes, the 'Provision has been in the Act for that they sell pies, chickens and so a long time and ought to remain there. on. Signs are placed on, alongside or At the appropriate time in Committee, behind cars and in many respects if the Minister's amendments do not they are not dangerous. However, rectify the situation, members of the they could distract a driver and Labor Party will oppose those clauses. cause him to look away from the road at a dangerous time. Some I shall pass over several clauses large signs on top of vehicles could which are so trivial that there is no obstruct a motorist's view of an ad­ need to expand on them. Clause 14 visory speed sign, compulsory stop will enable a council to sell a council sign or even a traffic light. In a wind house to one of its employees. Most they may also be a danger to passing council houses are inhabited by coun­ pedestrians. The clause is sensible. cil employees. Sometimes a difficulty arises when an employee changes his Clause 22 will allow councils to job, when a council dispenses with the borrow money for the purchase of employee's services or when a council library books. This is a commendable no longer requires the home and can­ provision. Clause 24 will abolish the not sell it to the employee. This charge of 5 cents for a copy of the clause will make it possible for an annual statement of accounts of a employee to purchase a council house. municipality. That proposal requires Clause 17 extends the powers of no comment. councils in regard to the prohibition l\1embers of the Opposition join and ·control of over-night camping of issue with the Government on clause stock on roads. Stock or any other 25 because the Labor Party con­ animals on the road at night can be siders that if a change is made in dangerous to motorists and are prob­ title of the inspector of municipal ably the greatest hazard on country accounts to inspector of municipal roads. Although one might see the administration the scope and duties reflection of the bumper bar of a car of this officer will be increased. without lights, a dark horse or cow The Minister said that, at the direc­ or kangaroo cannot be seen and in tion of Ministers for Local Govern­ many cases the motorist is on top of ment, the inspector has been doing it before he realizes it is there and this work for several years. I doubt many fatalities have occurred as a whether he ought to have been doing result. In areas where this problem this. His official title was inspector of can arise councils should have the municipal accounts and it should be power to take action. retained. The clause also extends to ·councils Often, the Government has said the power to control repairs to heavy publicly that it wants to give greater vehicles in residential areas. Some autonomy to municipal councils. In controls exist but this provision ex­ this instance, the Government is spy­ tends the definition of the size of the ing on municipal councils by appoint­ vehicles concerned. In some muni­ ing an inspector of municipal ad­ cipalities truck owners defy councils. ministration. I cannot see how this Councils sometimes negotiate for proposition does not conflict with the years to prevent people from carry­ avowed intention of the Government ing out repairs which are noisy and that municipalities should have messy, and are often undertaken not greater autonomy. After all, the on the person's property but on the councillors are elected by the people. street. Recently, I read a letter from the Clause 17 will also allow councils Premier in defence of his action to prohibit, if necessary, the display­ in not allowing the Ombudsman to ing on stationary vehicles of signs enter into local government matters. advertising that shops are open, that The Premier used the excuse that The Hon. J. M. Walton. Local Government [13 MJ\RcH, 1974.] (Amendment) Bill. 3811 municipal councils are an elected some future time the problems can be body who are responsible to the overcome and a further attempt will people. be made to have a shopping mall in the central city area. Under this Bill there will be a Min­ isterial spy who will be able to visit The clause also provides that roads a municipality, see what is being may be closed permanently as an aid done, make a secret report to the to traffic movement. Quite often a Minister and I suppose, if he desires, street which is not meant to carry the Minister can introduce an heavy traffic is used by such vehicles amendment to the Act or take some because of traffic congestion nearby other action. This is an undesirable and perhaps to avoid traffic lights or proposition and the Labor Party some other holdup. Many of these intends to oppose the clause. streets have been constructed for residential use, and heavy vehicles Clause 26 will relieve councils of break up the pavement, quite apart the present necessity to call tenders from the traffic hazards that they for the purchase of any item costing create. It will now be possible for a $2,000 or more. It is possible for council to close a street to prevent some councils, by arrangement with this type of occurrence. It is ridi· the Municipal Association of Vic­ culous to have intersections at inter· toria and the State Tender Board, to vals of approximately 50 ya_rds along purchase items at prices paid by the the road. Consideration ought to be Government. The amendment will given to closing the ends of certain enable councils to buy at competitive streets, particularly where they meet prices. a main arterial highway. The clause will also enable councils Clause 30 contains two amend­ to set up, as have many private indus­ ments relating to parking. It pro­ tries, an arrangement to buy in groups poses an increase from 30 cents to 60 in order to purchase goods at cheaper cents for ali-day parking and from 15 prices. This may enable a council to cents to 30 cents for parking for purchase an item for less than $2,000 lesser periods. These fees are maxi­ whereas, if the council acted mum fees, and the changes will make individually, the cost could exceed parking more expensive for motorists that sum. but, as such fees are usually charged The clause abolishes the necessity in congested areas, it might be a to call for tenders concerning profes­ means of forcing people back on to sional services, which would include public transport. architects, lawyers, and other people The clause also provides for the who might be professionally pre­ introduction of resident parking per­ cluded from submitting a tender to a mits. Residents of tenements close municipality because the code of to the central city area usually ex­ ethics of the particular profession perience difficulty in· parking their forbids them from doing so. motor cars close to their homes, Clause 28 relates to shopping malls particularly during the day. The sys­ and the closure of roads for this and tem of resident parking permits is certain purposes. Experiments with used in England and this enables a shopping malls have been undertaken resident to park his vehicle in certain in Adelaide, Sydney and Perth. areas. It keeps out people who would Wherever I have seen them in opera­ park there whilst shopping or going tion, they have been a useful to work. A resident should have form of encouragement to beauti­ some right to park outside his own fication and have made a city more in­ property. teresting. Regrettably, for a variety Naturally, there is the usual sting of reasons, the recent experiment in in that residents will have to pay $50 the City of Melbourne failed. I hope at a year for the privilege. Most of them 3812 Local Government [COUNCIL.] (Amendment) Bill. will not mind paying the fee if a more are envisaged. Probably annexa­ parking space is available outside tions cause more heart burning, their property. Unfortunately, they friction and difficulties between will have no priority right to councils than anything else. park in front of their own property -they will still have to find a park­ Significantly, a report of an inquiry ing spot. They will probably experi­ into local government administra­ ence difficulty because of illegal tion and boundaries in New South parkers and the capitalists who drive Wales has been released. It recom­ cars which are twice as long as an mended the creation of 97 districts ordinary vehicle. to replace the existing 223 munici­ palities. A similar proposal could be The Bill deals with a number of submitted in Victoria because of unrelated matters, some of which I modern transport and the ease of have not mentioned. If anything communication. There will probably arises between now and the Com­ be proposals for amalgamation of mittee stage which warrants discus­ cities and shires or towns and shires sion, I shall refer to those matters. such as has been recommended in The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North­ New South Wales. Western Province) .-The Country Clause 3 relates to the payment of Party thanks the Minister for Local travelling expenses to councillors to Government for the opportunity of cover meetings and functions. Hither­ considering this amending Bill over to, councillors were eligible to be some period because the amendments paid travelling expenses only for cover a wide field and have many meetings, whereas now all functions ramifications. My colleagues and will be covered. A tribute should be I have discussed this as a party paid to councillors for the amount of and also with many municipal­ time they give freely and at con­ ities. Generally speaking, the Coun­ siderable cost to themselves. Many try Party views the amendments councillors travel up to 80 miles favourably. I propose to comment on or more each way to attend some of the clauses and then I shall council meetings. It was not recommend further amendments envisaged that they should be which the Minister might consider. out of pocket to the extent of their travelling expenses as well as The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond for the full day that most of them Garrett).-! suggest that Mr. Wright are away from their properties when should merely foreshadow the they attend council meetings. amendments during the second­ reading debate, and discuss t?em Clause 5 refers to non-naturalized more fully during the Committee ratepayers who will now be permitted stage. to vote at municipal elections. This is only fair because they are rate­ The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT.-! should payers and therefore have a stake in Jike the Minister to have the benefit of the comments that I want to make. the community. Moreover, it will However, I will take your advice, save a considerable amount of work Mr. President. for council officers. Some councils have allowed all new Australians to Clause 2 will enable the appoint­ vote irrespective of whether they ment of additional members to the were naturalized whereas others have Local Government Advisory Board. taken the opposite view and refused The Country Party predicts that new Australians who had been there will be a great deal of work naturalized a vote. for these members, particularly in regard to annexations. There have In the wheat and wool-growing been a number recently and, accord­ areas of the State, few ratepayers ing to some country newspapers, would be affected by the clause. Local Government (13 MARCH, 1974.) (Amendment) Bill. 3813

However, in the closer-developed dis­ miss one of its officers it will prob­ tricts, a considerable number would ably be difficult for the officer and be involved, particularly in the Swan the council to work harmoniously Hill, Shepparton and Mildura areas. together. Therefore, it may be Many of these families have made advisable for the officer to seek magnificent contributions to the employment elsewhere. The local development of their local communi­ government field offers considerable ties and most of them are involved in scope for advancement and oppor­ rural production; very few live in the tunity to young men and women. towns. Clause 11 concerns the right to an In the Shire of Mil dura 25 · 5 per inquiry for certain officers when it cent of primary producers involved is proposed by a council that their in closer settlement are of Italian services shall be terminated. Officers parentage, 8 per cent are Yugoslav such as the treasurer, the rate col­ and 5 per cent are Greek. This lector and the building inspector will means that almost 40 per cent of be excluded. Members of the Country dried fruit and citrus growers in the Party have reservations about this shire are of foreign birth. clause, particularly regarding the Clause 8 removes an anomaly in building inspector. Although the that the owner of property occupied building surveyor is nominally res­ by a tenant need not enrol in the ponsible, the building inspector is same way that the absentee owner under considerable pressure in his of a vacant block of land does not dealings with the public. He is often need to vote at municipal elections. "dobbed in "-to use a colloquialism It is only right that the owner should -to the council or to his senior have a choice because it is highly officers as not performing his job probable that he is completely out of efficiently, whereas the reverse may touch with local affairs. There is be true. also the problem for the candidates Clause 14 will enable the council in communicating with him. The to sell a house to an employee. law in this regard is fairly restrictive Under paragraph (e) of sub-section and most candidates get over the (3) of section 166, a municipality problem by sending out two letters, can sell land, but not a house and one with a postal vote and the other land, to an officer. I do not' know with details of their candidature. I do not know whether this is still why this should be so. It is reason­ legal. In any case, the absentee able that a house and land belonging owner votes through his pocket. to a municipality should be sold. A This is bad because when he exer­ council officer who is renting a cises his vote he votes for the candi­ property from the council often seeks date who he knows is not to purchase that property. This progressive and will not favour happened when I was a councillor development. In other words, he for the City of Mildura. An excellent votes for the candidate who will sit officer, who left the employ of on the fence and allow the munici­ the council, may not have done so pality to stagnate. if he had been able to purchase the Under the principal Act, two house he was renting from the coun­ meetings of council must be held cil. There are definite advantages in before officers, other than the prin­ making ownership easier for a muni­ cipal officers-the town clerk and cipal officer. When this occurs, the the engineer-can be dismissed. officer is more contented and main­ Clause 10 provides for two weeks' tenance is not the responsibility of notice to be given by either party. I the council. An owner-occupier can believe this method is less cumber­ maintain a property more economi­ some. After a council seeks to dis- cally than can a council. 3814 .Local Government [COUNCIL.] (Amendment) Bill.

Proposed paragraph ( ea) of sub­ If the Bill is passed it will ease the section (1) of section 198, as con­ type of situation that arose in the tained in clause 17, provides that a electorate that is represented by Mr. council may make by-laws in Dunn and myself. I refer to the en­ relation to- cephalitis outbreak that was regulating or prohibiting whether in the erroneously called " Murray Valley municipality generally or in specified areas encephalitis". We are sympathetic to therein the display on vehicles left standing the few people who have been un­ in ·a street of any material including signs panels or posters (other than any such fortunate enough to contract the materials which are permanently affixed :to disease. One leading citizen of Mil­ a vehicle) advertising any premises person dura died from the disease but no one or enterprise in the vicinity of the parked in the Swan Hill area contracted the vehicle. disease and only one or two in Mil­ This is a good provision because the dura did so. Many of the encephalitis practice in question is becoming victims in the southern and western more prevalent. Recently in New districts of the State had never been Zealand I noticed that this bad habit to the Murray Valley area. One had was common. The use of display not been there for 35 years and a signs on vehicles creates a hazard few others had not been there for for drivers and contributes to acci­ a considerable period. The Bill will dents; it is also aesthetically allow councils to carry on the type undesirable. The words "regulating" of promotion which has not been pos­ and "prohibiting" are mentioned in sible in the past. The sensationalism paragraph (ea). I prefer "pro­ of the daily press did not assist the hibiting " because this type of situation and the tourist industry in advertising would be difficult to the Murray Valley area was dras­ regulate. tically affected. For several nights one motel of 50 units which would Clause 19 provides for expenditure generally be fully occupied had only on tourist promotion. Municipalities three units occupied. are realizing the value of tourism and consequently are prepared to Clause 22 adds three items to the expend council funds in promoting list of works for which a council can tourism, if permitted to do so. It is borrow money. Proposed paragraphs recognized that for every job created (19M) and (19N) are already in in the tourist industry, six people effect by regulation. Proposed para­ are maintained in the community. graph (19o) provides that for the Promotion of tourism is not cheap. purposes of the Act permanent works Promoters of tourism in the City of and undertakings shall include-- Mildura have found difficulty in The purchase or provision of books for driving home to the community the any library service established or main­ fact that there are many more hours tained by the council. of sunshine in Mildura than on the Clause 24 will abolish the payment Gold Coast. Many holidaymakers of a sum of 5 cents by a person visit the Gold Coast when they could for a copy of the municipal accounts. travel to Mildura or Swan Hill in a The payment is unnecessary and is few hours. A local professional man hardly worth the administration in­ made intricate arrangements to volved. I advocate that councils travel to the Gold Coast for four should include with rate notices a weeks. He came home a week early brochure setting out in cents in the because he was disgusted that he $1 the amount of expenditure on vari­ had taken the trouble to make the ous items of council administration. arrangements. It rained nearly every I am critical of clause 25, to which day while he was at the Gold Coast town clerks, shire secretaries and and he returned to his home town to some organizations have objected. enjoy the remainder of his holiday. There is a feeling that the provisions The Hon. K. I. Wright. Local Government (13 MARCH, 1974.] (Amendment) Bill. 3815 of this clause impinge on the inde­ cause of a proposed shopping mall. pendence and flexibility of municipali­ I do not know whether the mall has ties. It is felt that in some areas of been proceeded with. The latest in­ local government audits are over­ formation I had was that it had not done. Claims involving the Depart­ been started. I am pleased that the ment of Health are examined care­ organizers of the premier town con­ fully, not only by the Government test, which has the blessing of the auditor, but also by a senior council Minister, have altered the rules so that officer; in addition, they are audited the improvements, and so on, that by the department. Councils are con­ are taken into consideration in the cerned at the numerous inquiries they award have actually been effected or are receiving from the Department of are in progress. I believe the closing Health in this respect. I ask the of streets to heavy traffic is desirable Minister to examine the clause. but some councils are taking an oppo­ site view because Country Roads Clause 26 will enable a council to Board grants are payable only on one be involved in group purchasing in thoroughfare. If the council opens relation to Government tenders. up a second avenue for heavy traffic, Some north-western municipalities it must choose which of the two will are connected with a group-purchas­ be financed by Country Roads Board ing organization in South Australia. subsidies. The alternative street I oppose this clause because where attracts a lot of traffic and the coun­ possible a municipality should sup­ cil is liable for any consequent port local enterprise. The imaginary repairs. savings are not worth while compared with the actual over-all costs. High Clause 29 is designed to make the rates are payable in the business public more litter conscious. Prosecu­ centres of all urban municipalities. In tions are rare for litter offences, pos­ the City of Mildura 33 per cent of the sibly because of the difficulty in rates are paid by the people in the obtaining evidence or witnesses. Per­ business centre. How could these haps the provision of on-the-spot people pay their rates if everyone fol­ fines may be effective. lowed the example which would be Clauses 34 and 35 relate to the set by local municipalities under the right of appeal to arbitrators with provisions of this clause? regard to the provision of 5 per cent The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE.-There for open space by those who erect could still be a local distributor act­ flats, apartments and boarding houses. ing on behalf of the bigger company. Members of the Country Party agree that it is reasonable that flat owners The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT.-Perhaps should make a just contribution to Mr. Grimwade is right, but in any the expenses of the municipalities. case the margin involved would prob­ Intensive development occurs and ably be insufficient to make it worth large numbers of people reside in while for local business to handle. those properties. The rent which they Margins have been cut considerably pay is insufficient to cover their just and the costs of overheads and wages share of the cost of the government must be taken into account. These of the city. I commend these clauses. factors must be examined closely. For this and other reasons I should Clause 28 is extensive and refers like to see a percentage of income tax to shopping malls. I sound a note paid directly to the States through of warning to the effect that experi­ the existing Local Government ments with malls have not always Department, as occurs in Canada. been successful. Generally, shoppers Two of the greatest problems in prefer to park their cars in local government are finance and in­ a handy position. One council flation. Section 37 permits the bor­ in the western district won a rowing of money by rural fire premier town sectional · award be- brigades. The permanent and 3816 Local Government [COUNCIL.] (Amendment) Bill. volunteer officers of rural fire brigades costly and time-consuming. Section perform magnificent work. Their 762 of the Local Government Act skill and enthusiasm were evidenced states, inter alia- last week-end at Swan Hill when the It shall be lawful for the council of every annual country fire brigades demon­ municipality to demand receive and have stration was held. As usual, the such sums of money as and for stallages rents tolls and dues not exceeding such people of Swan Hill organized the amounts as are authorized by the Governor event very well with the co-operation in Council by general regulations to be of the Country Fire Authority. It from time to time made for the purpose as was an honour to have His Excellency are for the time being appointed by special the Governor present to perform the order of the council in that behalf. opening ceremony and to watch That section refers to people who some of the proceedings. rent, use or otherwise pay the council Clause 39 of the Bill refers to muni­ for the use of the weighbridge. cipal boundaries on seashores, and makes the high-water mark the Section 189 of the Act provides­ boundary, thus clarifying the Where by this Act the council is em­ powered to do anything by " special order " situation. A similar problem only, the council shall not do such thing existed on the southern bank unless- of the River Murray, the high-water ( a) the resolution to do the same has mark of which is the border between been agreed to by the council in New South Wales and Victoria. This some meeting for which notice of produced many anomalies in naviga­ such resolution has been given as tion and boating and Coroners Court for extraordinary business; and hearings, because if a person died on (b) the resolution has been confirmed in a subsequent meeting held not a houseboat there, the body would sooner than twenty clear days after have to be taken 20 or 30 miles to a the preceding meeting; and town in New South Wales when (c) the time for holding such subsequent funeral arrangements were being meeting and the substance of such made. I advocate that negotiations resolution have been advertised in be co.mmenced to make the deepest some newspaper generally circulat­ part of the river the boundary, ing in the neighbourhood twice at least at intervals of not less than although probably this process would six days in the period intervening take years. between the two meetings; and Clause 42 refers to the appointment (d) notice of such subsequent meeting of additional staff to the Local and of such resolution has been Government Department to co­ given to each of the councillors in operate with municipal building sur­ the manner and time required for veyors. The Country Party believes special meetings. this clause is in order. The maxi­ I am sure the Minister will agree that mum fees allowed for building per­ this is an unduly time-consuming and mits are not sufficient for a munici­ pality to give proper and frequent cumbersome way of effecting a simple supervision throughout the construc­ operation, which could be done by a tion of a building. Building inspec­ resolution of the council. The Grain tors in the province which I represent Elevators Board, which is also con­ are experiencing difficulty in carry­ cerned with weighbridges, fixes fees ing out this work to their satis­ by statutory rule. The Country Party faction. believes this onerous burden should There are several matters to which be removed from municipalities. I should like the Minister to attend. The first is weighbridge fees. These I wish to refer to deferments of fees are of concern to councils, parti­ rates. It is well known that many cularly in the north-western part of councils are struggling for survival the State. The method of fixing these and are called upon to provide a ser­ fees by special order is cumbersome, vice which should be provided by The Hon. K. I. Wright. Local Government (13 MARCH, 1974.] (Amendment) Bill. 3817 the central government. Sub-section The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT.-That is ( 1) of section 298 of the Act pro­ so. I urge the Minister to move to vides, inter alia- repeal sub-section (5) of section 386 The Council may from time to time upon of the Local Government Act because the application of- it is not helping the pensioners. (a) any person who is liable for the pay­ ment of any such rate and who in I bring to the Minister's notice the the opinion of the council is in recent Government legislation on necessitous circumstances, or who rate assistance for local government. is in receipt of the maximum This has annoyed more councils than annual rate of pension under the Commonwealth Act known as the ever before, and, as many honorable Social Services Act 1947-1971 (a) members in this House predicted, it or any amendment of that Act or is going to be a problem. The legisla­ other Act in substitution therefor tion has been greeted with criticism defer the payment of the rate or any part thereof and the interest and derision in some quarters. The thereon for such time as the council views which have been expressed by thinks fit but so that the amount many people in my province are unpaid and the interest thereon summarized in an article which shall subject to this Act remain a charge on the property; appeared in the Wimmera Mail Times on 11th February under the Sub-section (5) of section 386 headline "Pensioner rates deal just states- a stunt". The article states- Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding provisions of this section Warracknabeal shire councillors believe or in the provisions of section 341 when the State Government's new deal on rate any deferment of the payment of rates is payments by pensioners is little more than made pursuant to the provision of section a political stunt and grandstanding. 298 the rate of interest which may be Councillors attacked the deal at their charged on any amounts outstanding in monthly meeting on Friday. respect of such rates shall be six per centum. They said it was not as attractive as it had first appeared. Some councils are paying 8 · 25 per The Local Government Department wrote cent interest for overdraft facilities, to Friday's meeting explaining the deal. and some are paying amounts running into more than six It is part of the Municipalities Assistance figures in overdrafts. The ludicrous Act approved last year. situation is that the councils receive The Act says that where a council defers only 6 per cent on rates which are or excuses part or ·all of a pensioner's rate it can only apply to the Victorian deferred, and these rates become a Treasurer for half the amount or $40 com­ charge on the property. It is not pensation, whichever is the lesser amount. as if the elderly person would have But the council can take action only if to pay the rates, because they the pensioner has a Federal Department would not have been deferred of Social Security entitlement card and if there had been any intention to receives the maximum pension. pay them in the near future. This Shire secretary Mr. Joe Neal said he means that the councils' 2 · 25 per believed the new Act read very well but cent loss could be helping a wealthy provided little benefit. beneficiary to grow wealthier. Many Shire president Cr. Kevin Shannon said relatives of elderly people who are the Government was not really providing struggling to pay their rates and to relief to pensioners or councils. exist do not pay the rates, so they are deferred and become a charge on I understand that Mr. Shannon is the property. Therefore, the munici­ the president of the local branch of palities are financing these people to the Liberal Party. The article con­ the extent of 2 · 25 per cent where the tinues- municipality is operating on overdraft He said it was a political stunt. facilities. People thought they were getting some­ The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE.-And thing for nothing from the Government the rest of the ratepayers subsidize it. but they were not. 3818 Local Government [COUNCIL.] (Amendment) Bill.

The PRESIDENT (Sir Raymond I know of an inspector of accounts Garrett).-! direct Mr. Wright's at­ who was queried by a town clerk tention to Standing Order No. 129, because he had gone beyond what which states- he was supposed to do. There were No member shall reflect upon any vote queries whether the person was in­ of the Council except for the purpose of specting accounts or general admini­ moving that such vote be rescinded. stration. This amendment clears up I take the honorable member's re­ the situation and gives a proper con­ marks as reflecting on a matter that cept to the inspector of municipal has already been passed by this accounts, allowing him to check House. accounts instead of being questioned The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT.-1 take on what his powers are. The proposed it that that would apply to practically amendment should resolve a doubt everything which is discussed by the which previously existed. House at some time or other. I commend the Minister for having The PRESIDENT.-It is not really seen fit to ensure that this covers relevant to the measure. the whole of the administration. The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT.-1 have This system should not be regarded almost finished. as spying or pimping because even the Government's accounts are sub­ The PRESIDENT.-! have been ject to scrutiny by the Auditor­ very tolerant in allowing the honor­ General, the Committee of Public able member to refer to rna tters Accounts and so on. All that is sug­ which are not relevant to the Bill gested is an authorized report to because I believe they are suggested the council following the auditor's amendments and should be con­ report on what can be done. I com­ sidered by the Minister, but now mend the Minister on the suggestion. the honorable member is offending Standing Orders to some extent. The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT.-1 shall (North-Eastern Province) .-1 support certainly follow your ruling, Mr. the remarks of my colleague on this President. In reading the letter and measure. The Bill may be regarded in my previous discussion I have as a tidying-up measure. It contains made the point that the Minister few new principles and is mainly for should ensure that the relevant sec­ the purpose of solving pin-pricking tion is amended. problems that have developed in the local government field over many That concludes my remarks on this years. Bill. I thank the House for its tolerance. This is a most important I do not intend to discuss .the Bill for the municipalities which hon­ question whether some agree with orable members represent. The the principles that are proposed. Country Party is pleased that many Many minor problems which have anomalies and weaknesses in the Act arisen under the Local Government are being corrected, and looks for­ Act and which are probably relics of ward to the Minister introducing the past are being eliminated by this further amendments in due course. measure. I was pleased about the inclusion of clause 8 which relates to The Hon. H. R. WARD (South­ the absentee landowner who may live Eastern Province) .-1 wish to speak hundreds of miles from the locality. briefly on only one point relating Some years ago I rented a flat in to clause 25. Honorable members Melbourne and when municipal elec­ have criticized some of the pro­ tions were held I had to travel to posed amendments. I strongly sup­ Melbourne to vote. I did not know port the provision which substi­ who the candidates were and was not tutes the words " inspector of muni­ interested in them. I came to Mel­ cipal administration " for the words bourne solely to record my vote and " inspector of municipal accounts ". avoid having to pay· the fine. ·Most Local Government [13 MARCH, 1974.] (Amendment) Bill. 3819

people who own land in a municipality shall be the qualifications of a mem­ in which they do not reside are in a ber of Parliament. A similar proble'm similar position. Where voting is arises as to where the line should be compulsory the municipal clerk has drawn with resprect to the pecuniary the responsibility of checking to interest of municipal councillors. ascertain whether eligible voters have voted and, if not, why they failed to The burden on councillors should do so. The amendment contained in be eased. Otherwise, as Mr. Galbally clause 8 will overcome many of the said on one occasion, if the criteria are too strict, only persons who are problen1s which now ~arise in munici­ pal elections. unemployed or who have no real interest in the community will become Members of the Country Party are councillors. Members of the Country at a disadvantage in debating this Bill Party do not want this to occur, but because the Minister proposes to that ·will be the result, particularly in move some amendments which we country areas, if the Act is imple­ have not seen. We will have to wait mented strictly. Councillors in the to ascertain whether those amend­ city would not be affected to the same ments relate to the existing clauses extent. of the Bill or ~are additions to it. My colleague, Mr. Wright spoke I presume that when the amendments about pensioners' rates. In view of are distributed progress will be all the criticism I have heard around reported so that honorable members the country during the past six may consider them. months I hope the Minister proposes I am disappointed that, in view of to move an appropriate amendment. all the difficulties caused by the One frequently meets pensioners who sections of the Local Government Act want to know how to apply for the which relate to the pecuniary interest rate concession. I refer them to the of councillors, only one minor amend­ shire secretary. I do not know of ment dealing with travelling expenses any municipality in my area which is proposed in this Bill. Pecuniary has implemented the existing pro­ interest is one of the greatest prob­ vision. It is a " loser " in the view of lems facing municipalities, especially municipalities and will be a burden country municipalities. Honorable for years. members who represent country areas If a pensioner's rates are deferred realize that councillors in country for a number of years, when the towns or districts usually have busi­ property is sold following his death ness interests or some interest in the the Treasury must be recouped. This development of the area. They are is a farcical way of assisting a pen­ members of various committees and sioner. Surely an easier means can organizations in the town. Councils be found. This situation has been are often handicapped in conducting pointed out previously, but no their business because half the coun­ attempt has been made to rectify the cillors have to withdraw when the position. council is discussing a minor matter The Bill as drafted is a great con­ in which they are involved. tribution to local government but I do not know whether the Minister there are some omissions, which I has given this matter much con­ hope will be covered by the amend­ sideration, but from time to time ments. If they are not I ·hope the most country members have had Minister will consider them when brought to their notice by the munici­ further amendments to the Local palities the question of pecuniary Government Act are proposed. interest. I had hoped for an easing I also request the Minister to of the problems which exist. Mr Gal­ arrange for the Local Government bally, who is a member of .the Qualifi­ Act to be consolidated following the cations 'Committee, is aware of the passage of this measure. Only a full­ difficulties involved in deciding what time shire secretary could follow the 3820 Local Government [COUNCIL.] (Amendment) Bill. various amendments which have been my department continually. They made since the previous consolida­ are all investigated. If they appear to tion. Therefore, I make that request have validity, they are tested by to the Minister. checking with a number of municipal The motion was agreed to. clerks, virtually as test cases, and are then incorporated. The Bill was read a second time and committed. Bills containing amendments to the Clause 1 was verbally amended, Local Government Act become so and, as amended, was adop~ed. large that I must have a cut-off date. I have currently before me Clause 2 (Amendment of No. 6299 about twenty amendments which I s. 17). believe have substantial validity. The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for I must have a cut-off date to get a Local Government) .-1 thank honor­ Bill passed in this House and it must able members who have spoken for include the more important things. their obviously close study of the However, I undertake that the issues measure. It was apparent to raised by Mr. Wright will be exam­ me that they benefited from reports ined n1ost carefully, as are most sug­ given to them concerning the Bill gestions, and that I will reply to the during the period of adjournment honorable member in writing about which is now about five months. those matters. I, too, have benefited, and the comments of municipat councils, Mr. Swinburne referred to section municipal officers or organizations 181 of the Act. I point out that interested in municipal affairs have I share his concern. Never have shown that some of the provisions of I been satisfied with the opera­ the Bill were capable of improvement tion of that section of the Act; to meet the circumstances. That is and I do not like to have it always the case with a measure used as a weapon against honest affecting, as it does, 211 munici­ councillors, particularly by those palities. who, virtually, are seeking to black­ mail them. I remind honorable mem­ It would be unfair of me to expect bers, however, that the responsibility the Committee to proceed forthwith for section 181 of the Act rests on to deal with the amendments which the House, since it was arrived at as I intend to move, although most of a result of a unanimous report of them are fairly simple. I propose an all-party committee. shortly to move that progress be re­ ported to enable members concerned The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-The Par­ in the debate to study the amend­ liament and the Minister do not have ments now proposed to the Bill. I to accept that report. will supply copies of my notes on the The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-The Parlia­ amendments to members who desire ment did. On the whole it has worked them. Meanwhile, I shall refer to reasonably well, but on some occa­ only some of the more general re­ sions it has worked too harshly. marks made in the second-reading debate. I will withhold any com­ The Hon. R. J. EDDY.-The Com­ ments which relate to specific clauses monwealth Government will probably until those clauses are reached. take it over anyway. Mr. Wright has drawn attention to The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-There are a number of matters not included in signs that the Federal Government the Bill-in other words, to anomalies is seeking to take over local govern­ that he sees in the principal Act. It ment. would be impracticable at this stage to include his suggestions in this Bill. The Hon. R. J. EDDY.-The muni­ Proposals for amendment of the Local cipalities will get more money than Government Act come before me ~nd they receive from this Government. Adjournment. (13 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3821

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-That Gov­ agreed that no further nominations ernment gives nothing but promises. should be accepted until agreement Progress was reported. had been reached by local people on how the committee could best serve the whole of that area. ADJOURNMENT. PORTLAND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The Hon. M. A. CLARKE (Northern -KYABRAM HIGH SCHOOL­ Province) .-Mr. President, I speak DRAINAGE LEGISLATION-COUNTRY with considerable feeling about the WATER SUPPLIES. plight of the Kyabram High School, where the advisory council, the The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE parents' and citizens' association, and (Minister for State Development the school staff are suffering from and Decentralization) .-By leave, I utter frustration at the delays of the move- Education Department. That the Council, at its rising, adjourn until Tuesday next. Some of the many problems con­ The motion was agreed to. fronting the school, such as the delay in building the assembly hall, the The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE delay in deciding about the extension (Minister for State Development of the school site and the need for a and Decentralization) .-I move­ technical wing to be established, That the House do now adjourn. were described by me in a letter to The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT (Mel­ the Minister of Education dated 25th bourne Province) .-I am somewhat October, 1973. In that 'letter I asked surprised to be informed by friends the Minister of Education to receive and informants in Portland and the a deputation from the Kyabram High Western District that three former School. Despite a number of in­ members of this Parliament, Mr. Clive quiries to the Minister's private Mitchell, Mr. Edward Lewis and Mr. secretary, I have not yet had a posi­ William Lewis, who were nominated tive answer to this request. Recently for appointment to the Portland I received a letter from Mr. G. J. Development Committee, most of Dow, who is the branch president of the members of which would appear the Victorian Secondary Teachers to be members of the Liberal Party, Association. The letter is dated 22nd have not had their nominations February, 1974, and I propose to approved. Although the Minister has quote part of it. Mr. Dow stated that received advice of their nominations, the Victorian Secondary Teachers he has not endorsed them. Association held a meeting on 19th The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE February, 1974, at which the follow­ (Minister for State Development and ing motion was passed:- Decentralization) .-I have been in­ As from the first school day after 30th March, 1974, the Kyabram High School formed that these three former mem­ Branch of the Victoria Secondary Teachers bers of the Parliament have offered Association will refuse to take classes in themselves for service on this com­ the canteen and the car park. mittee. However, the Portland That illustrates the accommodation Development Committee and the crisis at the Kyabram High School. councils concerned with it are study­ I shall detail to the Leader of the ing the question of reconstitution of House, who is listening with interest, the committee. I am not sure of the what has been happening at that number of committeemen. I think it school over the past two or three is fifteen; but it is by far the largest years. The number of students is committee that has been established. steadily growing and the answer of It was agreed that there would be the Education Department to this discussions between the councils con­ growth has been to supply portable cerned and the harbor trust concern­ class-rooms. Two were put in posi­ ing the reconstitution of the com­ tion in 1972, another two in 1973 and mittee, and it was unanimously two more were promised for 1974 3822 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment. but have not yet arrived. Unfortun­ class-rooms were built at the same ately the priority of one of these time. Obviously that would represent portables has been downgraded. a considerable saving rather than half The teaching staff have reacted finishing the job, knocking off after strongly to the portable class-room making a temporary arrangement, and situation. In northern Victoria these coming back in two or three years' class-rooms do not qualify for the time to construct the other class­ provision of fans. Northern Victoria rooms. In the meantime the depart­ has had a long hot summer and ment will have the expense of bring­ in my province portable class-rooms ing two more portables onto the becon1e very hot indeed; in fact they school site. have been stifling in temperature I have asked a question about the readings of well over 100 degrees cost of portable class-rooms, but have Fahrenheit. Portable class-rooms not yet received a reply. No doubt have no storage space and it is im­ I will be provided with an answer. possible to develop them into proper I ask the Leader of the House to subject rooms. They are not fitted request the Minister of Education to with public address systems and, receive a deputation from the Kyab­ therefore, they are isolated from the ram High School as soon as possible rest of the school. to discuss this position not only with the view of financing education in This situation is a source of bitter Kyabram but also with the view in disappointment to the Kyabram High the long run of effecting economies School and is detrimental to its for the Education Department. progress. I raise this matter because a new Commonwealth science block The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE is to be built at the school. Tenders (Minister for State Development and have been let but only for two class­ Decentralization) .-Mr. Clarke raised rooms for chemistry and biology. a number of matters concerning These two class-rooms will be placed schools in his electorate and dealt first on one side of a corridor which is to with the urgent need for a deputation be built, and on the other side of to discuss the situation of the Kyab­ the corridor a temporary wall is to be ram High School. Then the honor­ provided. It was planned that three able member detailed to the House new class-rooms should be erected the problems of buildings and port­ on the other side of the corridor. able class-rooms at that school. Other than Mr. McDonald, no one could The Board of Secondary School In­ possibly know more about schools spectors visited the school in July of in Northern Province than Mr. Clarke. last year to discuss the permanent Therefore, I do not propose to extensions. The board informed the answer on behalf of the Minister school council that the plan to con­ of Education. When the House rises, struct a block of rooms to include the I will discuss with the Minister of two science rooms I have mentioned Education the remarks made by Mr. and the three class-rooms will stand, Clarke and mention the urgent need and that similar blocks have been for a deputation. constructed at Alexandra and Buckley Park schools. However, unfortunately Most honorable members, if not the contractors-McDonald's from all, will, agree that the Minister of Shepparton, who are acknowledged Education would not wilfully refuse to be good builders-will move to to see Mr. Clarke or in any way ob­ the school site and construct the two struct any deputation to him. He science rooms, the corridor and the is one of the most hard-working and temporary wall on the other side of dedicated Ministers in the State. The the corridor and then depart. Surely honorable gentleman administers it would be far better planning, far nearly half of the Budget of Victoria more economical and better for edu­ in a vast department which he super­ cation at Kyabram, if these three vises and he is responsible for The Hon. M. A. Clarke. Adjournment. [13 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3823 thousands of schools. Mr Clarke has may be necessary over and above raised this matter, but not because the those recommended by the Drainage Minister of Education has refused to Committee in its final report. There see him. I will give Mr. Clarke some are rumours that the proposed drain­ indication of when he can arrange age legislation will not be proceeded his deputation. with until the Public Works Com­ The Hon. S. R. McDONALD mittee brings down its recommenda­ (Northern Province) .-I desire to tions. I ask the M'inister of Water raise a matter of Government ad­ Supply what are the intentions of the ministration concerning the important Government in this important matter subject of water supply which, to because I assure him that many muni­ some ·extent, involves the Minister cipalities and individuals are vitally for Local Government. I refer interested in this important question. to the need for some change in the The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister law relating to drainage in Victoria. of Water Supply) .-It is the Govern­ In recent years this has been given a ment's intention to introduce this great deal of attention but in 1973, proposed legislation as soon as pos­ when the northern part of Victoria sible. I have been greatly concerned, suffered from high rainfall, the situa­ as has the State Rivers and Water tion developed of landowners and Supply Commission, that the Bill has municipalities being placed in a diffi­ not been introduced. I spoke to cult position by persons erecting Mr. Lyons, of Parliamentary Counsel, levees and banks across watercourses. who is drafting the Bill for the Gov­ This led to the flooding of freehold ernment, and he informed me that he land and damage to the road systems. is in a dilemma about how he can tie Some years ago, the Drainage Com­ in the recommendations of the worthy mittee, which was a Parliamentary Drainage Committee with the Bill so committee, carried out a full and ex­ that it may be presented to the House cellent investigation into drainage during this sessional period. I told problems and made certain recom­ him that I considered it essential that mendations. Mr. Granter and Mr. the Bill should be introduced because Swinburne were members of that I know the plight of the councils in committee. In common with many northern Victoria with regard to other persons, in particular repre­ banks and the flooding of roads. sentatives of municipalities and I do not say that I am as familiar their officers, I am waiting with with the situation as the local mem­ great interest to see whether bers, but with Mr. Swinburne and the recommendations are accepted other colleagues on the Drainage and implemented. In January of Committee, I assure the House that last year when Mr. Clarke and we are well aware of this problem. I introduced a deputation to the It was accentuated last year with the Premier on the matter, the honorable heavy rains and floods. I assure Mr. gentleman stated that legislation McDonald that there is no truth in a would be introduced in the autumn rumour that may be circulating that sessional period. At a later stage, it the proposed legislation will not be was announced that because of some presented to the House before the difficulties, the proposed legislation Public Works Committee brings would be introduced in the spring down its report. The Drainage Com­ sessional period. To my sorrow and mittee presented a wonderful report to the regret of many other persons, to Parliament-not because I was a this has not been done. member of it but because it worked M'Ore recently, the Public Works very hard on its charter. I consider Committee has conducted an inquiry that its reports were excellent. into flooding in northern Victoria and The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE one of its terms of reference was to (North-Eastern Province) .-I raise a examine any legislative changes. that matter pf Government administration 3824 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment. and its effect on country people. I further ten-year plan which includes refer to the proposed transfer of the the further work on the new Dart­ water supply administration of the mouth dam. M'elbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works to the State Rivers and If the Government is to amalgam­ Water Supply Commission. I should ate the functions of two water supply like to know whether this proposal authorities in this State, members of will interfere with the Government's the Country Party would like to be ten-year plan of water conservation assured that the amalgamation will for country areas. Will the present not interfere with the present ad­ storages be used for the dual purpose ministrative structure or the plans for of providing water for both areas; the next ten years which ensure the does this inClude the waterworks, development of country Victoria. sewerage and drainage of the Mel­ Over the past decade the develop­ bourne and Metropolitan Board of ment of Melbourne has continued un- Works; if so, will this interfere with checked. Figures on population the programme of the provision of trends released last Saturday revealed that the population of the sewerage to country areas through­ metropolitan area has increased out the State? enormously. I should like the Minister of Water For those living in the country areas Supply to assure the House that there the position is frightening. The only will be no interference with the dev­ way this Government and the Min­ elopment of country areas by any ister for State Development and De­ such transfer. The Minister for Local centralization can bring about a de­ Government, who administers the centralized population is to ensure Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of that adequate water is available in Works, estimates that the provision country areas. Although I have my of sewerage facilities for the fast doubts, I am hopeful the population developing areas of Melbourne in the figures for next year will show that foreseeable future would cost $300 the Minister for State Development and Decentralization has been able million. In the water supply field it to reverse the current trend. would cost many millions to provide I assure him that members of the services for the fast developing areas Country Party will do everything to of metropolitan Melbourne. try to achieve a more satisfactory Country people have been worried result. since the proposal was announced. I believe they have just reason to worry Residents of country areas are not because, for many years, it has happy that the_ administration of been suggested that eventually the water supply resources in the State metropolitan water supply would is being brought completely under one organization. Many people fear that come from the Big River or Eildon. the proposal will interfere with the These aspects are worrying people rights enjoyed by the State Rivers residing in the country areas of and Water Supply Commission for Victoria who are dependent upon a number of years, which have water for their livelihood. My collea­ enabled development to proceed gue, Mr. McDonald, spoke about the along certain lines to provide ade­ problems of flooding in that area quate water supply for those areas. I which of course is caused by wet raise my voice on behalf of country weather. However, the success and people to ensure that as a result of prosperity of the country areas of any amalgamation of the two water Victoria have been brought about by supply authorities in this State the the long-range development of water rights of country people are not storages over a number of years. Only taken away for the benefit of the recently the Government announced a metropolitan area. The Hon. I. A. Swinburne. Adjournment. (13 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3825

The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for Board of Works and the Chairman Local Government) .-1 am happy of the State Rivers and Water Supply to be able to give Mr. Swin­ Commission. I explained to them burne an unqualified assurance that that they would work as separate his fears are groundless. There will authorities under the new water be no amalgamation of the two water resources Ministry, which will be set supply organizations, nor will the up under a Bill that is later to be present structures, to which he re­ presented to the House. ferred, be interfered with. All that will occur is that the Minister of The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING.-How did Water Supply will have jurisdiction the Chairman of the Melbourne and over both the State Rivers and Water Metropolitan Board of Works take the Supply Commission and the Mel­ proposal? bourne and Metropolitan Board of Works in its water supply, sewerage The Hon. F. J. GRANTER.-He and drainage functions; each took it all right-he is quite realistic. authority will retain its separate en­ The ten-year plan for country areas tity as at present. The purpose of will not be interfered with, and I will the proposed change is quite obvious. do my best to ensure that the plan It is to ensure cohesive planning of proceeds as enunciated. My col­ the States over-all water resources. league, the Minister for Local Gov­ Similarly, the Government found it ernment, referred to the only dual­ desirable to place all aspects of road purpose project-the Thomson River and rail transport under the Minister storage-which envisages the al­ of Transport to ensure cohesive location of water on the basis of two­ planning. thirds for Melbourne and one-third for the country areas. This project A Bill will be introduced establish­ was the subject of a Public Works ing a Ministry of Water Supply. It Committee inquiry some time ago and will also give statutory powers to the the committee's recommendations present informal standing committee are being adopted. which is composed of representatives The provision of sewerage in from both the State Rivers and country districts concerns me just as Water Supply Commission and the it concerns Mr. Swinburne. There is Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of a need for sewerage in country dis­ Works. In addition, each authority tricts as well as in the metropolitan will continue to maintain its present area. functions and there will be no inter­ ference with the ten-year water There has been no change in supply plan. It is not intended that Government policy concerning the any existing storages will become Big River project, which was also dual storages. To some degree the the subject of an inquiry by the Pub­ Thomson River storage proposed by lic Works Committee. The former and being constructed by the Board of Premier firmly laid down a policy Works will be a dual storage but which will be adhered to and which that has been known to honorable members at all relevant stages. There will benefit country districts. I feel will be no diversion of funds, nor will the change will work well under one country people lose any rights now Ministry. The Board of Works and enjoyed by them. the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission have accepted the Gov­ The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister ernment's policy on this matter. of Water Supply) .-Because the question asked appeared to be a dual I propose to request the Federal question, I feel I should add to my Government to make available to colleague's reply. Only today I had Victoria more funds for sewerage a conference with the Chairman of and water supply, both in city and the Melbourne and Metropolitan country areas. Much could be 3826 Questions [COUNCIL.] on Notice. achieved with extra funds. I am (ii) The policy to allow the provision of sure that the Minister for State ·a multi-purpose hall or room at new high .and technical schools was instituted on Development and Decentralization 20th May, 1968. shares my sentiments. My colleague knows that when he is endeavouring to attract an industry to a country INQUIRY INTO JUMPING RACES. area the first question that is raised (Question No. 212) concerns the provision of sewerage and water supply facilities. If Vic­ The Hon. R. J. EDDY (Doutta toria is to attract industry into Galla Province) asked the Minister country areas, these amenities must of Housing, for the Minister for be provided. Youth, Sport and Recreation- As the inquiry into the rigging of jump­ The motion was agreed to. ing races has concluded, will the Minister The Howse adjourned at 6.24 p.m. for Youth, Sport and Recreation table a until Tuesday, March 19. copy of the findings of the inquiry; if so, when? QUESTIONS ON NOTICE. The Hon. V. 0. DICKIE (Minister of Housing) .-The answer supplied ASSEMBLY HALLS FOR HIGH by the Minister for Youth, Sport and SCHOOLS. Recreation is- (Question No. 211) Police have laid charges against two persons as a result of their inquiries into The Hon. M. A. CLARKE (Northern the jumping races. The charges have not Province) asked the Minister for yet been heard. State Development and Decentraliza­ In the circumstances it would be improper tion, for the Minister of Education- to make any information relevant to the ( a) Which high . schools have had proceedings av·ailable. assembly halls constructed as an integral part of the school, without any cost to the school council or the parents in the form RIVER MURRAY LOCK 11. of a matching grant? (Question No. 216) (b) Is it now Government policy to provide an assembly hall as part of a new The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North­ high s·chool complex; if so, when was this Western Province) asked the Minister policy adopted? of Water Supply- The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE ( a) Has the Mildura City Council (Minister for State Development and requested opening times for lock 11 for Decentralization) .-The answer sup­ river craft to be E.S.T. every hour, on the by hour, between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. and sum­ plied the Minister of Education mertime every hour, on the hour, between is- 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.; if so, has a decision The following high schools have had been reached? assembly halls constructed without ,a local (b) Are these times in accordance with contribution being required:- those permitted by the River Murray Traffi·c ( a) Albert Park, Ballarat, Bendigo, Regulations? Brentwood, Brighton, Burwood Heights, Doncaster, Eltham, Essendon, Fitzroy Girls, The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister Hamilton, Heidelberg, Kealba, Keilor of Water Supply) .-The answer is- Heights, Kyneton, Laverton, Melbourne, Mildura. Montmorency, Newcomb, Numur­ In June, 1973, the commission sought .the kah, Pakenham, Pembroke, Portland, views of the Mildura City Council in rela­ Richmond, Richmond Girls, Rosanna East, tion to the times of passage of pleasure Seaford-Carrum, Syndal, Timboon, Traral­ boats through the Mildu11a lock. gon, Yarrarn. The council advised that it recommended (b) (i) Current policy does ·allow the the following hours:- provision of a multi-purpose hall or a multi­ Eastern St·andard Time (Winter purpose room at a new high school or months) every hour, on the hour, technical school without cost to the school. between 6.00 a.m. and 9.00 p.m. However the decision as to the stage at which .this facility may be provided is a Summertime-every hour, on the hour, matter for determination by the divisions between 6.00 ·a.m. and 10.00 p.m. at the time their building programmes are These times are not in accordance with being prepared. the present River Murray Regulations. Questions (13 MARCH, 1974.] on Notice. 3827

The commission considers that the exist­ completed by the Water Commission and ing regulations should be altered to con­ the relative economies of these sites are now form with present-day requirements as being considered. suggested by the Mildura City Council. The authority will be advised of the However, any amendment of the regulations results of the commission's investigations must be .agreed to by .the three States as soon as possible. operating the River Murr-ay Traffic Regula­ tions. LANDS DEPARTMENT The views of the States of New South Wales and South Australia have therefore PERSONNEL. been sought on the proposed amendment of (Question No. 224) rthe existing regulations •and their replies are awaited. The Hon. B. P. DUNN (North­ Western Province) asked the Minister SWAN HILL SEWERAGE of Water Supply, for the Minister of AUTHORITY. Lands- (Question No. 222)· What number of Department of Crown Lands and Survey officers and employees The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North­ are engaged in the Mallee and Wimmera Western Province) asked the Minister regions, giving the locations and numbers of Water Supply- stationed at each location? Has the special inquiry into the location The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister of the proposed new sewerage farm for the Swan Hill Sewerage Authority completed its of Water Supply) .-The answer sup­ report; if so, will the report be made public? plied by the Minister of Lands is rather lengthy, and I seek leave of the The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister House to have it incorporated in of Water Supply) .-The answer is- Hansard without my reading it. Agricultural feasibility studies of alterna­ tive sites for a new sewerage farm for the Leave was granted, and the answer Swan Hill Sewerage Authority have been was as follows:-

The regional boundaries used for this reply are those adopted for Government activities in Victoria as related to the regions known as Northern Mallee and Wimmera. The required information is:-

Crown Lands Vermin and Noxious Weeds Region Administrative Survey (Officers) Destruction (Officers) (Officers) (Employees)

Northern Mallee Meringur .. 1 2 Murrayville 1 4 Ouyen 1 6 Red Cliffs 2* 3 10 Robin vale 1 3 Underbool 1 4 Werrimull 1 3 Wimmera Birchip .. 1 3 Dimboola 1 5 Donald .. 2 3 Goroke .. 1 4 Hopetoun 2 6 Horsham 2 2 7 Murtoa .. 1 2 Natimuk 1 4 Nhill 1 5 Rainbow 1 6 Speed 1 4 Stawell .. 6 1 5 Warracknabeal 1 5

• Includes part-time service (four days per month) by Land Officer stationed at St. Arnaud. NoTE.-In regard to both regions-survey requiremen'ts are also serviced by staff stationed at Bendigo and Maryborough. 3828 Questions (ASSEMBLY.] without Notice.

SAFETY CROSSING ON set out the procedure for submission of DANDENONG ROAD. applications for saleyards subsidy to the department. (Question No. 227) (d) The committee does not make public The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT (Mel­ or press statements. bourne Province) asked the Minister for Local Government- What action has been taken in regard to the building of a safety crossing on Dande­ nong Road, East St. Kilda, between Hornby and Westbury streets? illtgi.alatittt 1\sstmbly. The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for Local Government) .-The answer is- Wednesday, March 13, 1974. The question should be redirected to the Minister of Transport who is preparing a reply. The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. SALEYARDS ADVISORY Wheeler) took the chair at 2.50 p.m., COMMITTEE. and read the prayer. (Question No. 232) The Hon. M. A. CLARKE (Northern QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. Province) asked the Minister for Local Government- ( a) Who are the members of the Sale­ COMMONWEALTH yards Advisory Committee? CONSTITUTION. (b) What are the functions of this com­ Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-At the mittee? Constitutional Convention late last (c)· Has it recently issued a statement of general guidelines on saleyards to munici­ year, the Premier appeared to enter palities; if so, will copies be made available into some agreement with at least to honorable members? one other Premier that powers should (d) Will copies of future public or press be referred by the States to the Com­ statements made by this committee be made monwealth and by the Common­ available to municipalities and to honorable wealth to the States by agreement. In members? the light of the Premier's apparent The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for acquiescence in that proposition, Local Government) .-The answer does the honorable gentleman still is- support the proposal that will be put (a) The Saleyards Advisory Committee forward by the Commonwealth as comprises-Messrs. W. J. Goodall, Senior one of the forthcoming referenda Engineer, Local Government Department, items? (Chairman); B. C. Kelleher, Assistant Senior Inspector of Municipal Accounts, Local Mr. HAMER (Premier and Government Department; Dr. L. P. Prewett, Senior Veterinary Officer, Department of Treasurer) .-It was agreed by the Agriculture and Mr. M. V. Frew, Senior Prime Minister and five of the six Sheep and Wool Officer, Department of States that it would be highly desir­ Agriculture. able for the present power under the (b) The functions of the committee are Commonwealth Constitution regard­ " to consider and advise on applications for subsidy for the constitution, renewal or ex­ ing the referral of powers by the tension of saleyards and on any other States to the Commonwealth to matter affecting saleyards jointly referred to be clarified because it cannot be it by the Ministers of Agriculture and Local said to be clear at the moment. Government.'' Among the problems are doubts (c)o No statement has recently been whether a State can refer a power issued to municipalities by the committee. for a limited time, whether it can The only circular letter sent to all coun­ cils was dated 30th April, 1973, and was recover that power or retract the signed by the Secretary for Local Govern­ reference as it thinks fit, and whether ment. It was of an explanatory nature and such a power can be referred under Questions (13 MARCH, 1974.] without Notice. 3829 conditions. All those things are in EMERALD HILL PROPERTY. doubt under the present provisions. Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of It was agreed that if clarification the Country Party) .-I ask the was to be obtained the situation ought Premier and Treasurer whether, in to be reciprocal, and the Common­ the purchase of the Emerald Hill wealth Government should have the property at South Melbourne, the power to refer similar authority to State of Victoria will have to bear the States if it sees fit. This was the whole capital cost together with agreed to in principle at the Con­ compound interest over the next five stitutional Convention and, so far as years, and what has been the Federal I am aware, most people thought of Government's reaction to that Gov­ it as a kind of first achievement of ernment bearing some of the capital the convention. cost and interest charges. The Victorian Government's ap­ Mr. HAMER (Premier and proach to the convention was that it Treasurer).-The price to be paid for was seeking a set of amendm.ents to the Emerald Hill property will be a the Constitution to bring it up to date loan from the Commonwealth to the on a basis of unanimity; that the State of Victoria; the loan and the amendments should be supported by land which will be purchased will all parties and all Parliaments. With­ be administered by the Housing Com­ out that the chances of a successful mission using the urban renewal amendment are minimal. powers which were given to it by this Parliament. It was recognized that The way in which the Government the actual return from the Emerald looks at this particular amendment, Hill area is only about 2 per cent of which was agreed to in principle, is interest on the purchase price, just that it should become, one hopes, the as it was recognized that to be asked first of many similar amendments, to pay an interest rate of 8 · 5 per cent which would carry this unanimity and for interest would be crippling to the which would be submitted to the Aus­ Housing Commission. The Federal tralian people as an agreed and desir­ Government agreed to defer payment able set of amendments to the of interest for the next five years Constitution. and then to review the whole basis The Government supports the prin­ of interest payments, in order that ciple that this should be done, but it Victoria would not suffer. does not agree that this amend­ Mr. WILKES.-You did not get ment should be prejudiced by much out of it. being put forward with a group of quite partisan and party Mr. HAMER.-No, but we were political amendments in conjunction seeking some relief. This leaves the with the Senate election, which is whole question of interest open for itself a partisan affair. This is con­ five years. It is a proposition which trary to the whole concept of the is similar to the establishment of the Constitutional Convention, which set Albury-Wodonga complex. In that out to be a convention of representa­ instance no interest is payable for tives of Parliaments and not of par­ years, and then the interest payable ties to try to arrive at a unanimous will be related to the return on capital set of agreed amendments. When invested in the project. the Commonwealth Government cuts I agree that nobody can tell what across that concept and puts amend­ will happen to capital values and ments separately on this basis, it is rentals in the next five years. The only prejudicial to their success and I satisfaction we· have is that Victoria strongly regret that this step is being will not suffer from the scheme, taken. I have told the Prime Minister although we will not make any profit my views. either. Session 1974.-137 3830 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice.

MENTALLY RETARDED PERSONS. SALE OF HOUSING COMMISSION LAND. Mr. LACY (Ringwood).-My question without notice is addressed Mr. JONES (Melbourne).-Further to the Minister of Health and con­ to an answer to a question on notice cerns the Government's proposal to th~t. I asked yesterday, I ask the introduce a home help service for the Minister of Transport, representing parents of mentally retarded child­ the Minister of Housing, a question ren. In view of the success of pilot with respect to a block of land in schemes conducted last year in the North Melbourne between Abbots­ municipalities of Knox, Nunawading ford, Haines, Dryburgh and O'Shan­ and Waverley and in view of the assy streets which was purchased wide acceptance in the community by the Housing Commission between of the principle that the very best March, 1968, and August, 1971, at a environment for a mentally retarded total cost of $672,240 and then child is his home of origination can cleared. One year later the area was the Minister inform the House: sold to private developers for private Firstly, when the Government's purposes for $452,925. scheme will be extended to the other Can the Minister of Transport municipalities in the State. Secondly, explain why, at a time when capital how the scheme will operate in the site values have almost doubled in local municipalities and for the par­ the two-year period, there was a 33 ents of mentally retarded children. per cent fall in the value of a site Thirdly, what effect the scheme will after clearing had been carried out? have on the current waiting lists for Will he undertake to ask the Minister the placement of mentally retarded of Housing to lay on the table of the children in Government hospitals. House the file relating to the calling of tenders and negotiating of the sale The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. of that block of land to private Wheeler).-Order! I think the honor­ developers called North Terrace able member's question contains far Club Investments Pty. Ltd.? too much detail. However, if the Minister can answer briefly, I invite Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of him to do so. Transport) .-This situation has been explained so many times in the House Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of that it seems almost redundant to Health) .-The question is complex explain it again. The land was and detailed. The secretary of the bought on the open market. Money public health section of the Depart­ was spent on clearing it and remov­ ment of Health has issued letters to­ ing the buildings. The price paid for day to all municipalities within Vic­ the land included the value of the toria advising them of the detailed buildings. The cleared land was arrangements that can be entered in­ then resold on the open market by to to obtain home-help services. This tender and fetched the market price means that, from today, the scheme achieved by tender at that stage. I will operate throughout Victoria and will refer the honorable member's that it will be in addition to the request for the tabling of the file to home-help services which are the Minister of Housing. provided by municipalities. Regarding the third part of the ques­ COMMONWEALTH tion, this will in no way affect the CONSTITUTION. waiting list for permanent residential Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the accommodation in institutions main­ Opposition) .-I direct to the Premier tained by the Mental Health Autho­ a question arising out of an answer rity, but it will provide immense the honorable gentleman gave earlier supportive help and relief for the to the Deputy Leader of the Opposi­ parents who have had to carry the tion. Has the Premier seen the Bill heavy burden of caring for a mentally which will form the basis of the retarded child. proposal for a referendum to go to Questions (13 MARCH, 1974.] without Notice. 3831 the Australian people regarding an Mr. HoLDING.-You are advocating interchange of powers between the a "No " vote. Commonwealth and State Parlia­ Mr. HAMER.-If the Leader of the ments? Does the Premier agree that Opposition will listen he will know. the Bill contains nothing which is in The answer is that all Parliaments in any way contrary to the agreement Australia are trying to produce a set reached between himself and the of agreed propositions emanating Prime Minister? Is the Premier from the Constitutional Convention. aware of the Prime Minister's indica­ It will not save money to put tion to members of the convention one matter during a Senate election that the reason this matter is being but, on the contrary, it will have less included in the referendum is the sav­ chance of success than if put ing in cost which will be achieved? separately or wiE1 other proposals Is it a fact that the Premier would from the Constitutional Convention. seem to be suggesting to the people That was my answer, it is still my of Victoria that they should vote answer and it is still my attitude. "No" on this matter? If so, is he doing so for party political reasons SPORTING FACILITIES. to support the position of the Mr. BIRRELL {Geelong).-Can the Federal Leader of the Opposition, Minister for Youth, Sport and Recrea­ who is now publicly opposing the tion inform the House what propor­ Bill in the Commonwealth Parlia­ tion of financial approvals have been ment? made this financial year for various sporting facilities in Victoria? I ask Mr. HAMER (Premier and this question to resolve my personal Treasurer) .-I received a letter from queries regarding the likelihood the Prime Minister containing a of applications generally being copy of the Bill the day before it was approved before June. introduced in the Federal Parliament. Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, I understand that the Bill was Sport and Recreation) .-I do not guillotined through the Parliament know the proportion of the funds next day following debate of half an approved and what remains to be hour, in company with four other granted. Projects are continuing to referendum proposals. be approved. It is important that Honorable members interjecting. honorable members should bear in mind that projects should be ade­ The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. quately planned according to the Wheeler).-The question requires a principles contained in our guidelines detailed answer, and I ask honorable and what is required to enable the members to cease interjecting. local communities to function better. Mr. HAMER.-Some weeks ago Consideration should also be given the Federal Attorney-General for­ to the requirements of education, warded a copy of the proposed Bill health, recreation and all the other to the Attorney-General of each criteria necessary for the improve­ State with a request for his com­ ment of the quality of life. ments. I regarded this as a serious I have tried to stress that these request and the Bill was examined criteria should be more fully adopted by both the Victorian Parliamentary than has been the case in the past, Counsel and a senior counsel selec­ when it was more or less a question ted by the Attorney-General. of putting up proposals which Unfortunately, before we were in a were " ready to go ". Much of the position to give our opinions on this money which has been allocated for Bill the action that I have just de­ sporting facilities was already scribed was taken, so it appears that, approved by local government. I am in any case, our comments are super­ now looking to much better plan­ fluous. I have stated the position ning and much more thought and that the Victorian Government involvement of local people in the takes. particular plans. I also foreshadow 3832 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice. the increasing importance of pro­ Mr. WILKEs.-What is the good of grammes to make use of facilities their meeting? rather than establish facilities them­ selves. The answer to the honorable Mr. WILCOX.-The good of the member's question is: Yes, it is still Premiers of the States meeting is that possible that particular projects they can come to a proper conclusion could receive approval this financial after the due processes of the Aus­ year, but the important matter is tralian Constitutional Convention and that they ought to be well planned. not be pre-empted by the Socialists at Canberra who are interested only REGISTRATION OF in their own objectives. The whole HAIRDRESSERS. result of the actions at Canberra by the Socialists is to pre-empt the Con­ Mr. LIND (Dandenong).-In Oct­ stitutional Convention and make a ober last year, during the debate farce of it and it is time that that on the Hairdressers Registration was put in the records of this Parlia­ (Amendment) Bill, the Minister of ment. Parliamentary Counsel, who Health said- are experienced people, produced, It is my belief, hope and intention that first of all, a draft, a copy of which amending legislation will be introduced in I received from the Commonwealth the autumn sessional period. Attorney-General. The Attorneys­ Can the Minister of Health inform General then held a meeting and me whether those hopes have depar­ Parliamentary Counsel met at the ted or have merely been deferred? same time; on the first day Parlia­ Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of mentary Counsel produced a second Health) .-We live in hope. I have draft and after working overnight asked my officers to examine all the next day they produced a third matters that are pertinent to hair­ draft. dressing with a view to drafting a Bill which I hope may be introduced It is quite clear the interchange of powers between the Commonwealth in the autumn sessional period. and the States is no easy matter, when it comes to drafting the neces­ COMMONWEALTH sary Bill. Nevertheless, Parliamentary CONSTITUTION. Counsel were doing their best. The Mr. McLAREN {Bennettswood).­ Attorneys-General did not discuss the Further to the questions asked by the matter other than to make it abund­ Leader and Deputy Leader of the antly clear, on behalf of the Opposition, can the Attorney-General Attorneys-General for Queensland, advise whether the Attorneys-General New South Wales and Victoria-1 of all States of Australia, together speak for myself but I know I can with Parliamentary draftsmen, have speak for my colleagues in the other agreed to a Bill seeking the altera­ two States-that our Governments tion of the Australian Constitution in had the matter under consideration regard to the interchange of powers and we were not in a position to between the Commonwealth and the approve of the Bill. Therefore, the States as reported in the press this reported statement of the Prime Min­ morning, the statement being attri­ ister to the effect that the Attorneys­ buted to the Prime Minister? General had approved the Bill is an Mr. WILCOX (Attorney-General). untruth. -Parliamentary counsel have been considering the Bill following the TRAVEL AGENTS. general agreement in principle indi­ Mr. MciNNES (Gippsland South). cated by most of the Premiers to -Pursuant to a question I asked the what has been described as an inter­ Premier in the spring sessional period change of powers. Let me stress whether a Bill would be introduced what the Premier said, that it is only to license travel agents in Victoria an agreement in principle. during this autumn sessional period, Questions [13 MARCH, 1974.] without Notice. 3833 as has already been done in New added my own view, which is the South Wales, is it the Government's view of the Victorian Government, intention to introduce an appropriate that because inequalities exist in re­ measure or does it propose to wait sources and rate bases of many until Federal legislation is enacted? councils, there should be a means of adjustment as between councils, but Mr. HAMER (Premier and that these should be administered Treasurer) .-I ask that the question through the departments which know be placed on the Notice Paper so best what those inequalities are, that I can refer it to the Minister for namely, the local government depart­ Tourism. The Victorian Government ments of the States. has been waiting because the Federal Government gave notice that it pro­ It is a two-pronged approach. One posed to introduce national legisla­ approach is a known per capita addi­ tion. However, I ask that the question tion to the budget of every local be placed on notice so that the Min­ government authority, and the second ister for Tourism can furnish a proper is an increase where there are in­ reply to the honorable member for equalities which require adjustment. Gippsland South. The Government would support any legislation or amendment which LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE. would bring that about. The present Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds). system of regional grouping-that is -In view of the decision of the Aus­ the best word to use because it is no tralian Government to provide finance more than that-has no structure, to local. government on a regional no staff and no sorting out of basis and the public statement of the priorities-- Premier that he is opposed to this Mr. GINIFER.-You call it regions but supports a formula based on a without reasons. per capita grant by the Australian Government for local government Mr. HAMER.-That is correct. It finance, can the Premier indicate is simply an ad hoc grouping of coun­ whether this means that the Vic­ cils which serves no purpose other torian Government will support a than to confuse the issue. The referendum advocating a change in Government is opposed to this, as it the Australian Constitution to enable is to any proposal which does not the national Government to provide take into account that local govern­ moneys direct to local government? ment generally wants support, and special support in certain cases. Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ surer) .-The honorable member has mis-stated the position which I stated. We are in favour of local government ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS. receiving a share of the national pool Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North).­ of taxation. We regard it as no Is the Minister of Transport aware· of longer equitable that the ratepayer the statement made yesterday in the should be called upon to pay for the House of Representatives by the varied and wide-ranging services of Federal Minister for Transport, Mr. local government which go far beyond Jones, that in the past twelve months what could be properly attributed to Victoria was the slowest State in people as property owners. Indeed, 1 supplying information about road several years ago all Ministers of safety and is perhaps the most unco­ Local Government from every State, no matter what their political colour, operative State in Australia on this recommended that a known and set subject? Why was Victoria behind proportion of the national pool of all the other States in receiving its taxation-that is, from the taxpayers grant for 1973? Is the Victorian generally-should by agreement come Minister of Transport or his depart­ to local government. To that I have ment adopting an attitude of lack of 3834 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice. co-operation with the Federal Minis­ announced this $840,000 in Septem­ ter and, if so, is the honorable gentle­ ber, Mr. Jones has had the best of man prepared to instruct his Govern­ both worlds by announcing it again ment to pull up its socks and to act in March, 1974. Unfortunately, the in co-operation with the most gener­ Victorian Government has not seen ous and understanding Federal Gov­ one cent of the money. ernment on the matter of public I return to my original remark. transport in the history of this Since May, 1973, the Government country? has been awaiting finance for road Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of safety improvements, all of which Transport) .-I am sure that the hon­ had their genesis in Victoria through orable gentleman in Canberra to whom authorities in this State. During that the honorable member for Geelong time inflation has taken care of North referred will be much more about 20 per cent of the money and appreciative of his eulogies than will the people of Victoria have gone the taxpayer who is paying for them. without the improvements. Although Let me put Mr. Jones's outburst into Mr. Jones may be upset about the proper perspective. In May, 1973, situation, I believe the taxpayers of Mr. Jones advised the Victorian Min­ Victoria have more reason to be ister for Local Government that he upset. was prepared to make available PAPERS. certain sums of money for road traffic engineering and road safety The following papers, pursuant to purposes. In June, 1973, Mr. Jones the directions of several Acts of sent officers from Canberra to Victoria Parliament, were laid on the table to inspect certain safety situations. by the Clerk:- In July Mr. Jones asked the Country Public Service Act 1958-Public Service (Public Service Board) Regulations­ Roads Board of Victoria to ascertain Regulations amended-Nos. 710 to 723 from the Melbourne and Metropolitan (14 papers). Board of Works, the Road Safety and State Development Committee-Report on Traffic Authority and local councils the bulk handling of all grains in Vic­ what were the first priority needs in toria.-Ordered to be printed. road safety activities. In August the Country Roads Board set about doing BREAD INDUSTRY (AMENDMENT) this and because of the multiplicity BILL. of authorities involved, it took a Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of little time although Mr. Jones ex­ Labour and Industry) .-1 move- pected the answers in three weeks. That this Bill be now read a second time. In July Mr. Jones arranged through It amends the Bread Industry Act his department to send out certain 1959 by removing from it references data sheets to be filled in in great relating to bread standards. It is detail by all of these authorities. In proposed that, instead, bread stan­ August, before the data sheets could dards shall be regulated by the Food be adequately prepared, Mr. Jones and Drug Standards Regulations made notified the Ministry of Transport in under the Health Act 1958. Power Victoria that $840,000 would be already exists in that Act for the made available for the purpose of regulations to be made. The reasons road safety improvements. for this are threefold. Firstly, the National Health and Following a series of conferences Medical Research Council has recent­ between the various Victorian ly recommended standards for flours, authorities and those in Canberra, meals and bread, for uniform adop­ the first priority list was submitted tion throughout Australia. This stan­ to Mr. Jones in September, 1973, and dard cannot be incorporated com­ the second priority list was submitted pletely into the schedule to the Bread as recently as February, 1974. Having Industry Act 1959 because that Act Bread Industry [13 MARcH, 1974.] (Amendment) Bill. 3835 does not cover the labelling of bread the standards laid down by the regu­ or of bread ingredients. It also is not lations. Action can be taken against concerned with the labelling or the the manufacturer rather than the standards for meals and flours not retailer for breaches. used or intended to be used for bread­ making. It is desirable that the coun­ In the interests of efficiency and cil's recommended standards should convenience, it is preferable to have not be fragmented, but should be all food standards in one set of dealt with in the one piece of legis­ regulations. It is, as I have said, also lation. in the interests of efficiency to have all the recommendations of the Secondly, the enforcement of the National Health and Medical Research existing legislation relating to bread Council in relation to its standard for standards has been the concern of flours, meals and bread in the one inspectors appointed by municipal set of regulations. The Bill will allow councils as health inspectors and this to be done through the Food weights and measures inspectors un­ and Drug Standards Regulations. It der the two relevant Acts. The has the support of the Minister of Department of Labour and In­ Health. dustry has never been concerned Clauses 2 to 5 of the Bill repeal with prosecutions for breaches Part I. and those sections and parts of the bread standards require­ of sections and the schedule to the ments. They have always been principal Act which are concerned dealt with by the health inspectors with bread standards. I commend the and the weights and measures inspec­ Bill to the House. tors appointed by municipal councils. It has no expertise in the area of the Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) .- testing of bread samples and it is 1 move- therefore appropriate to transfer the That the debate be now ·adjourned. administration of bread standards to Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of the Department of Health. Labour and Industry) .-1 suggest that the debate be adjourned for one Thirdly, the Health Act 1958 gives week. comprehensive powers to inspectors who are concerned with contraven­ Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) (By tion of the Food and Drug Standards leave) .-It will be impossible to con­ Regulations. Examples are power to sult the number of people who should enter premises, power to demand the be consulted in one week because sale of the product to an inspector, of the organizations affected. Be­ power to demand answers to ques­ cause of this and the nature of the tions asked by an inspector, and Bill, I suggest to the Minister that a power to stop and detain persons or minimum period of two weeks is vehicles. necessary. The powers of inspectors under Mr. WHITING (Mildura).- the existing Bread Industry Act 1959 The Country Party would appreciate are limited to those appropriate an adjournment of the debate for powers contained in sections 186 to two weeks. 188 of the Labour and Industry Act Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of 1958. The powers of inspectors un­ Labour and Industry) (By leave).- der the Health Act are more appro­ 1 am happy to agree to the wishes priate than those under the Labour of the Labor Party and the Country and Industry Act for dealing with Party that the adjournment be for bread standards. In addition, under two weeks. the Health Act there is provision The motion for the adjournment of for manufacturers to issue warranties the debate was agreed to, and it was to retailers regarding products. These ordered that the debate be adjourned are warranties that the products meet until Wednesday, March 27. 3836 Historic Buildings [ASSEMBLY.] Bi/1.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS BILL. over-all perspective of historic build­ The debate (adjourned from March ings throughout Victoria and un­ 5) on the motion of Mr. Dunstan doubtedly something will be done to (Minister of Public Works) for the preserve buildings which are worthy second reading of this Bill was of preservation. In many instances, resumed. people say that a certain building should be preserved. Last year Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).­ legislation was passed relating to the Since the Bill was introduced on 13th preservation of Government build­ December, a considerable amount of ings. However, if a building is out­ debate and examination has taken side the Government sphere, great place. The measure has aroused expense could be involved in trying widespread interest. Many honorable to preserve it. This could create for members have strong views on the Treasury a burden which the what should be happening with the State would have great difficulty in State's historic buildings. Parliament meeting. should seriously consider the position Obviously, it will be necessary to and in due course members of the preserve certain selections from Opposition will express their views various periods of history and allow on the measure. the poorer examples of those periods Mr. BIRRELL (Geelong).-The to go by the board. My views will Bill before the House is important to probably differ from those of many the community generally. During people who are historically inclined. the past three or four years a number However, the Government cannot of historical projects have been continue to bow to the wishes of undertaken, and that is an indication people in the community who, when of public interest in history. One a building is threatened, say that it does not need to leave one's elect­ must be preserved. The State has orate to ascertain the interest that no chance of keeping up with the the Bill has aroused in the com­ huge cost involved in preserving all munity. historic buildings. A problem that has arisen in A few years ago certain people recent years has been the definition sought to preserve a decrepit wall of "historic building" and what at Geelong, which to me had no measures can be adopted by the architectural significance and was not Government to delineate buildings attached to anything. The wall was worthy of preservation. In the Bill approximately 30 feet long and 6 feet the Government has produced a high and was of a higgledy-piggledy reasonable compromise. construction, but because it was about 100 years old some people Throughout Victoria various groups wanted it preserved. All around and organized committees with the Geelong there are better examples of objective of promoting interest in this type of construction attached to history have delineated their priorities a building which could be preserved. of historical importance rather nar­ It should be possible to sort out the rowly. I recall similar situations rough work and retain for posterity occurring in Geelong, with the result the best examples of the various that sometimes historical committees periods in history. Obviously, in have overstepped the mark with their this matter the Opposition will be in a quandary as to the future of Pen­ so-called classifications of historical tridge Gaol although undoubtedly the data and buildings generally. honorable member for Coburg would The proposed Historic Buildings like to see a bulldozer go through it. Preservation Council, which will be Under the Bill, it will be possible established under this measure, will to devise a viable system whereby have the authority to look at the the classification of a building can Historic Buildings (13 MARCH, 1974.] Bill. 3837

be made by a recognized group under representation. This could lead to an the superintendence of an authority. improvement in the preservation of Some areas in Victoria are worthy historic buildings, by improving of note. If we ignore the settlement the method of classifying appropriate at Sorrento in 1803 and one in a buildings. small area of Westernport in 1824, One problem is that owners of the two oldest settlements in Victoria buildings which are classified as are Geelong and Melbourne. Geelong historic buildings will be prevented has a vast conglomeration of old, from utilizing their buildings in the historic buildings but if action is not same way as people who own build­ taken to sort out the sheep from the ings which are not classified as goats, so to speak, the city will be historic; in a way, some restriction a patchwork quilt for years to come. will be placed upon them. However, I am sure that the House will be I am a member of the Geelong anxious to consider suggestions Historical Society and on one or two which may help to overcome prob­ occasions I have lectured at its meet­ ings. Therefore, it cannot be said lems which may arise if the Bill is that I am anti-history. However, it passed. sometimes worries me to see the sort A promise was made before the of structures which it is suggested last election concerning the intro­ should be preserved. The general duction of a Bill of this type and I tenor of the Bill is one with which am glad that this measure is now be­ I agree, although I realize that some ing considered by the House. In small problems may arise from it. I general, I wholeheartedly agree with trust that the House will consider the this proposed legislation, and I trust measure seriously. The mechanics of that it will be passed in the form in the proposed legislation require it to which it has been presented to the be considered responsibly, and I hope House. the Government will be responsive The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. ~o any suggestion which will improve Wheeler).-Perhaps visitors who are It. Generally, I think it is well worthy in the gallery have not been made of support. aware that they must not be heard in this House. In the past, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has done won­ Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the derful work. The chairman of the Opposition).-The Opposition be­ trust, Mr. Rodney Davidson, has lieves this measure should not be been a leader of merit in the passed in its present form. I agree field of the preservation of historic with the honorable member for buildings. Without the efforts of the Geelong who, at the outset of his National Trust, this measure would speech, said that the Bill is a com­ not have been considered by the promise. Like many other measures, House today. The section of the it represents a compromise between National Trust which operates in competing interests and one which Geelong has worked splendidly. produces a situation in which it is better to take no action than to pro­ We need to have a much wider ceed. The proposed legislation, which vision, because often in this House is essentially mechanical, will not influence is exerted by a small sec­ provide a structure which will pro­ tion of the community whose whole tect historic buildings in this State, life revolves about the problems and by virtue of the fact that legisla­ which affect their small areas of tion exists, many people will be interest. induced to believe that our historic When enacted, this legislation will buildings are safe. establish a committee on which the The Opposition foreshadows a National Trust will be represented substantial series of amendments but which will have much broader which are designed to strengthen the 3838 Historic Buildings [ASSEMBLY.] Bill. Bill and to put teeth into it. I do not Mr. HOLDING.-No. We will pro­ intend to detail the proposed amend­ pose certain changes in personnel, and ments at this stage, although it is propose that the body shall be en­ proper and, I suppose, safer, to bring trusted with the task of identifying the details of the amendments to the buildings and listing them. Certain attention of the Government at an identifiable people form part of the appropriate time so that they can re­ committee. If action is taken on the ceive the utmost consideration. list provided to the Minister, these people will meet with the larger body The Opposition wishes to have to form the total council in the task legislation enacted which will, at both of preserving an historic building. We State and local government levels, suggest to the Minister that the work protect our historic buildings. Our of the council which is related to basic objection to the Bill in its pre­ identification and listing should be sent form relates to the composition dealt with by a small committee of of the proposed Historic Buildings experts rather than a body which re­ Preservation Council. If one examines presents various conflicting groups in clauses 4 and 5 of the Bill and studies the community, whether those groups the constitution of the council one are unionists, members of the Master must realize that it consists of a Builders Association or property fairly mixed group of people who wiU owners. It is not essential for the occupy important and influential council to have the necessary exper­ positions. tise that is available in those group­ There are two essential aspects of ings, although it is probably desirable the work of the council. The first is that they should be represented on the evaluation and listing of historic the council when it is carrying out buildings, which is an exceedingly its broader role. complex and difficult task. I suppose We suggest that the identification the honorable member for Geelong, and listing committee should include the Minister and myself could agree a representative of the National Trust or disagree completely concerning experienced in evaluating historic what is an historic building and on buildings; an architectural historian is the way in which it should be pre­ also essential, but he should be a prac­ served. I consider that the body tising architect who is nominated by which is entrusted with the task of the relevant professional body, preparing a list of classified historic namely, the Royal Australian Institute buildings must be one which contains of Architects, Victorian Chapter. a considerable amount of expertise; The committee should also comprise certainly, it must not be a body which a nominee of the Minister of the Arts, consists of members having compet­ and a town planner experienced in ing in~erests. It should be a body the evaluation of historic buildings which can be accepted by any citizen nominated by the Town and Country in our community. Planning Board. Essentially, it should be a narrow five-man committee and Therefore, Mr. Speaker, we pro­ there should be no doubt in the com­ pose, by way of an amendment, to munity that the members have been suggest that the council which is to nominated on the basis of their known be created if the proposed legislation professionalism and capacity to ad­ is enacted should be divided into vise on what buildings must be pro­ two parts, and that the first part tected. There should be no suggestion should be an identification and listing that they represent some outside policy committee, and that committee vested interest. After that procedure should consider-- has been observed, the next essential Mr. DuNSTAN .-Do you propose role of the council is that of preserva­ that there should be an additional tion. In this sphere there can be committee? more broadly based groupings calling Historic Buildings (13 MARCH, 1974.] Bill. 3839 on various expertise in the com­ Mr. DUNSTAN .-Is it suggested munity, because although preserva­ that the nominee should be from the tion is an important role it permits Trades Hall Council or a specific of community participation. union? It is regrettable that the Govern­ Mr. HoLDING.-! have in mind a ment should not have seen fit to in­ nominee from the Trades Hall Coun­ clude in the Bill a nominee of the cil· I should think that a person with Victorian Trades Hall Council. On kn~wledge of the building industry many occasions the Government has would be valuable. Included on this made its attitude to the trade union council would be nominees of the movement clear. However, from an Valuer-General, and an engineer examination of the struggle that has would also be necessary. Further­ taken place in the community for the more we recommend that member­ preservation of historic buildings ship ~f the council should include a when acts of public vandalism have lawyer experienced in planning. It been committed by people whose is undesirable that bodies of this type only concern has been to make a should be overloaded with public quick dollar, it is evident that the servants, although the Opposition people who time and again have used has no fundamental objection to rep­ their indus~ri&l resources to prevent resentation by the Victorian Public the demolition of historic buildings Service Association. When a build­ have been members of the trade union ing such as the Titles Office is involv­ movement, particularly the building ed, the association might want to construction union and the Electrical submit views concerning the condi­ Trades Union. Frequently these tions under which its members must unions have been prepared to say to work. The logic of that proposition their members that they are declaring would apply equally to the trade a job black because they believe it union movement generally. If that is an anti-social act to demolish a argument is conceded in respect of certain building. To their credit the the union which covers public ser­ unions have been prepared to with­ vants in public buildings, a similar hold work in order to preserve a argument could be applied with building of historic significance to the equal efficacy to private employers people of Victoria. Having regard to in private buildings. The council en­ the role played by the trade union visaged by the Bill is lopsided be­ movement, it is regretted that the cause no provision has been made Government because of its anti-union for representation of the Trades Hall attitude would exclude trade union Council. representation from this council but at the same time include employer In his second-reading speech, as groups whose membership includes printed at page 3624 of Hansard, the some of the public vandals who have Minister stated- in the past been only too concerned The Governor in Council will specify the to demolish buildings in order to buildings to be included in the register and make a quick dollar. it is proposed that the initial list of build­ ings be specified on the recommendation I do not suggest that it is improper of the Minister only. Thereafter the inclu­ to include representatives of the sion, removal or alteration of items in the master builders on this council, but if register will follow a report to the Minister they are included it would be proper by the Historical Buildings Preservation to have representatives and nominees Council to be constituted. of the trade union movement who It can be expected that the initial en­ have played a more significant role in tries in that register will be primarily preserving the historic buildings of buildings in central Melbourne which the State than any other single body have been given an " A " classifica­ in the community with the exception tion by the National Trust. From an of organizations such as the National examination of the imposing list of Trust. classified buildings prepared by the 3840 Historic Buildings [ASSEMBLY.] Bill. National Trust, it is evident that the Members of the Opposition con­ initial register will place many .build­ template a number of other import­ ings in jeopardy. Not only wtll the ant proposals. The council should purpose of the Bill not be achieved have power not merely to specify but the developer will immediately buildings but also to deal with his­ be given the incentive to destro~ a toric areas. The legal concept of building because it is not on the hst. " building " is wide and it has been used to include bridges, coffer dams The method of work contemplated and portions of a road. In the case by the Minister is entirely unaccept­ of an important historic building the able to the Opposition. Consequent­ general area can be tremendously im­ ly I foreshadow an amendment portant. I could not take a better which will provide a simple formula. example than Parliament House. It It envisages that every building that would be fruitless to say that Parlia­ is classified shall immediately be ment House in Spring Street, Mel­ placed on the register automatically bourne, should be classified, if build­ so that the objectives of the Bill will ings such as the Imperial Hotel and be fulfilled. Then, if there is any the structure next door, which be­ argument, the onus of proof is re­ longed to the Ronald Hubbard organi­ versed. It will be up to the owner zation of scientology fame, were to or the person who wants to proceed be demolished and a building of 30 to den1olish an historic building to or 40 stories were erected on the argue that the building ought to be land. This would not be in keeping exempt and taken off the register. with the general architecture of the If the Minister contemplates a area and it would diminish the argu­ register which, initially, will include ment that Parliament House was an only those buildings in the central historic building. Melbourne district which have been Therefore, members of the Opposi­ given an "A" classification, such a tion believe that the Bill should con­ restricted list would immediately en­ tain wider powers-which we con­ danger all the other historic buildings template by way of amendment­ in the State because a ruthless de­ dealing with the d~cl~ration o_f ce~­ veloper could say, "The Government tain areas in proximity to histone has introduced a Bill, it has a list of buildings. The declaration of an h!s­ buildings, but this building is not on toric area would keep the fabric, the list. Therefore, I will do all I design and nature of the buildings can to knock it over quickly and around the historic building and pre­ then get out of the way." serve the atmosphere engendered by It is common knowledge-the dogs that building. are barking it in Melbourne-that I foreshadow a number of other that approach is already being important amendments, not the least adopted by a number of developers. of which is a proposal that any hear­ Let not Parliament engage in a cos­ ing by the council to declare a build­ metic operation. If we are serious ing an historic building shall be open about preserving our historic build­ so that any citizen may attend. I could envisage the honorable member for ings, the answer is simple. If Melbourne not being the owner of the Government has the list, let it a building but as an interested citizen go ahead and say that as from the and as the honorable member for moment the register is created every his electorate, wanting to put a case one of those buildings is " in ". Let for the preservation of certain historic there be discussion on the preserva­ buildings. He should have the right tion of the rights of the owners. to do that. They can apply to have the buildings Mr. JoNA.-I wonder whether he taken off the list if they so desire. would do so in regard to his own That is a proper approach. property. I agree with the Leader Mr. Holding. Historic Buildings [13 MARCH, 1974.] Bill. 3841 of the Opposition, but how many an owner to take the lock off the people will take this action with their front door and let it be known own properties? among the local community that no Mr. HOLDING.-! should hope the one is living in the house and that honorable member for Hawthorn all sorts of fixtures and attachments would do it with his property. are available. The place then be­ comes inhabited by all sorts of un­ Mr. JONA.-1 would. desirables, and after a period the Mr. HOLDING.-One really has to building becomes a menace to health, make up one's mind. In fact, as so the municipal council is Parliamentarians we should make up approached and asked to issue a our minds that in the broad social demolition order. That sort of anti1" interest certain buildings are of social action is not completely relevance to the people of Victoria .. covered by clause 14. Therefore, I foreshadow an amendment to add the Mr. DUNSTAN.-Has the Leader of words " or allows " to the words the Opposition read the provision " removes demolishes or alters " in contained in sub-clause (1) of clause sub-clause (2) . 11 that " any person may apply "? Mr. RAFFERTY.-It is a very wide Mr. HOLDING.-The sub-clause term. reads- Any person may apply in the prescribed Mr. HOLDING.-It would cover a form to the Council for recommendation set of circumstances which have that a building be added to the register. arisen whereby the owner of an his­ I am contemplating a situation where toric building creates a situation the Government would accede where he does not remove or damage to a request that a building should the building but invites other people be placed on the register. No appli­ to do so. The acceptance of my cation can be made to take a building amendment would not allow him to off the register, and that is not pro­ plead that it was not he but other vided in this clause. It is important people who broke the law. It would that the hearings shall be public place the onus on him. This so that the cases for and against can sort of situation exists in Rich­ mond, Collingwood and Fitzroy. be presented to the council when The ruthless owner has not been able it is determining issues of the gravest to pull down an historic building so public concern. that he can realize on the value of the I also foreshadow a number of land which is needed for a multi­ minor amendments which can best story building, and for which the be discussed during the Committee council has refused a permit. The stage. ~or the most part, they are type of situation to which I have amendments which are subsequent to referred ought to be considered by the basic proposals I am making. the relevant authority so that action I refer the Minister of Public Works could be contemplated in respect of to sub-clause (2) of clause 14 which that type of offence. provides- It may be gathered from the An owner of a designated building who approach of members of the Op­ removes, demolishes or alters that building or who causes it to be removed, demolished position to this Bill that we are in or altered without having first obtained a agreement in principle that action is permit issued by the Council under section long overdue to preserve historic 16 shall be guilty of an offence against this legacies for the people of Victoria. Act. We believe the Bill is an unfortunate As drafted, the clause contemplates compromise and as structured will some action by and on behalf of the not work. Members of my party fore­ owner. In my electorate one of the shadow a series of amendments which favourite methods of destroying I hope the Minister of Public Works buildings of historic relevance is for and the Government will consider in 3842 Historic Buildings [ASSEMBLY.] Bill. the spirit in which they will be moved Mr. McLAREN.-Clause 23 of the -that is, to produce a Bill which will Bill provides for the repeal of the have teeth and which will protect Government Buildings Advisory historic legacies for the people of Council Act. That council has been Victoria. If the amendments are responsible for the preservation of accepted, the Bill will achieve the many fine buildings owned by the purpose with which honorable mem­ State. It must be realized that the bers are concerned-to protect his­ State has under its control a large toric buildings from demolition. Once number of buildings which must be they are pulled down, they can never retained for posterity. All honorable be replaced. Much of our legacy members will · be pleased to know has been lost in this way in the past. that the National Trust medallion was There is a high duty on all of us to awarded to Parliament House, Mel­ ensure that there is no doubt in the bourne, because of its architectural mind of the average Victorian citizen beauty and because it is one of the that Parliament intends to provide a finest examples of this type of build­ legislative framework to protect the ing in the world. history and legacy of the people of this State. I shall comment on three aspects which have been traversed by the Mr. McLAREN (Bennettswood).­ Leader of the Opposition. The first This Bill, which provides for the relates to the register of historic retention of features of the past, is of buildings which must be compiled. deep interest to the people of Victoria. The Leader of the Opposition made It has been said that those who some good points on the need for neglect the past have no fu.ture, and buildings that have already been fully therefore it is important as a back­ investigated by the National Trust to ground to community life to preserve be regarded as the first to be pre­ buildings associated with the past. served. Perhaps it would be appro­ There is a growing interest in the priate to consider not only classifica­ preservation of historic buildings, so tion " A " buildings but other build­ this Bill brings into perspective ques­ ings, and immediately review them to tions that previously were largely determine which buildings should be determined by organizations, partic.u­ retained. The work that has been larly the National Trust of Australia. carried out by the National Trust in I was pleased to hear the tributes this direction should not be wasted, paid to the National Trust and its and I am sure that it will not work over the years, and to the Royal be, but it is necessary for the classi­ Historical Society of Australia, which fication of buildings to be undertaken has been interested in similar work pr·omptly to overcome the many since 1910. difficulties which may ensue in regard Honorable members who have to whether buildings are to remain travelled overseas have had the classified, be retained or be removed. opportunty of seeing. the work t~at has been carried out In all countries The second point I wish to make for the preservation of old buildings, relates to the constitution of the pro­ particularly in places such as Rome posed Historic Buildings. Preservation and Geneva. In the latter city, the Council. The two suggestions made view ·Of beautiful Lake Geneva has by the Leader of the Opposition on been retained because the buildings the organization of the council have that have been erected complement some merit. I do not know whether specific provision should be included the surroundings and reflect the in the Bill. It is a question architecture of the last century. of how to determine the chart of Mr. WILKES.-Mr. Speaker, I draw organization of the council, whether attention to the state of the House. there must be a board to control its operations and whether under it A quorum was formed. there should be bodies such as the Historic Buildings [13 MARCH, 1974.] Bill. 3843 identification and listing committee site, allowing an historic building to and the preservation committee that remain as it is. Under the current are recommended by the Leader of system of building permits, the cubic the Opposition. If suitable nominees capacity of every building is governed are appointed to the council, it will by the site area. Obviously if a huge undoubtedly do valuable work. The site such as that on which the Wind­ Governor in Council should ensure sor Hotel stands were sold to a devel­ that the work suggested by the oper, a 60 or 70-story building could Leader of the Opposition in identifica­ be erected, returning far greater tion and listing, which to date has revenue to its owners than the been carried out by the National present hotel could. Trust, and the preservation of historic buildings, will be carried out by sub­ Proposed Part Ills. of the Town sidiaries of the council rather than and Country Planning Act provides by separate bodies. There is little that where a purchaser buys an his­ with which one can disagree in toric building which, if demolished the representation on this body. The and rebuilt, would hold a structure Minister might consider that one or with a volume of, say, 4 million cubic more women should be associated feet, a purchaser may, with the con­ with this work, because the contribu­ sent of the Minister, the Town and tions made by women to the work Country Planning Board and the of the National Trust have been "responsible authority "-as sub­ significant. I should like to see the section (i) of proposed section 59c women's point of view brought to calls it; that is, the Melbourne City bear on the operations of the counciL Council in the case of the central The third aspect to which I wish business district of Melbourne-can to refer is the functions of the coun­ transfer the notional difference be­ cil. The Leader of the Opposition tween the actual volume of the described them as complex and diffi­ historic building purchased to an al­ cult. I agree that the functions of a ready existing site. This would mean body such as this in determining that if, for example, Broken Hill which buildings should be preserved Proprietary Co. Ltd. wanted to extend and which should give way to pro­ its present 550-ft. glasshouse to 750 gress are both complex and difficult. or 800 feet, it could acquire the The functions have been widely right, jointly or singly, by buying an stated; they will allow a council historic building such as the Windsor of a diverse character to bring the Hotel on condition that the surplus thoughts of its members to bear on plot ratio value was transferred. which buildings should be included One example which is a prospect in the register of historic buildings. along these lines is the current agita­ This is the next step. Whether it is tion for the preservation of the site the final step to be taken in the of Elder House in William Street. preservation of historic buildings, I The Bank of New South Wales has am not certain. How the council pro­ proposed to build an 11-story build­ gresses, what work it does, and ing on the site of Elder House. The whether it carries out the charter suggestion is that if this proposed given to it remain to be seen. I wish section is passed by Parliament, the the Bill well. Bank of New South Wales-if it Mr JONES (Melbourne).--One of undertook to preserve Elder House­ the rnost interesting and significant would be able to add the equivalent parts of the Historic Buildings Bill is of the 11-story building which it pro­ the proposed amendment to the Town posed to erect on the Elder House and Country Planning Act. Proposed site to its already large development Part IIIB.-Historic Buildings-allows in Collins Street. the transfer of unused plot ratio from To the extent that this will help to one building to another in considera­ save many historic buildings such as· tion of the purchase of an historic the Windsor Hotel, Elder House or 3844 Historic Buildings [ASSEMBLY.] Bill. 61 Spring Street, the Opposition wel­ building at the lowest end of the comes it, but it is a power which will "A" class and the one at the top end have to be exercised with discretion. of the " B " class. There is a safeguard in the legisla­ tion in that it will have to overcome The number of buildings which three hurdles-the Town and Country were classified "A" are compara­ Planning Board, the Minister and the tively few, and fewer still would be li~ely to be demolished under any ~elbourne City Council. This provi­ SIOn has for some years been in circumstances. Included on the operation in London and New York list are the Baptist Church, Collins where it has worked with consider­ Street, and the ceiling of the Capitol able success. Theatre. There would be some difficulty in preserving that ceiling if Several matters which worry me the building around it were demo­ about the present proposal in the lished. Captain Cook's Cottage was Bill and the limitations involved in it classified "A" and so were Captain are that the terms of the Minister's Lonsdale's Cottage, the Old Customs second-reading speech make it diffi­ House, and the Australia and New cult to see that any of the buildings Zealand Bank building at the over which there are current cam­ corner of Queen and Collins paigns for preservation will be saved streets. Perhaps the site of that as a result of the passage of this bank has great potential for com­ Bill. I mention briefly the current mercial development, but none of the arguments concerning Deloraine others I have mentioned are likely to Terrace in Parkville, Lanark Terrace be redeveloped. Other buildings in in Middle Park, the Metropolitan the old " A " classification were the Meat Market in North Melbourne, library of the Supreme Court and Clarendon Terrace in East Mel­ the Melbourne Club building. Prac­ bourne, Elder House in William tically every institution in Victoria Street-which is in a different would come crashing to the ground category, as I have already mentioned before the sacred precincts if the -and the five important buildings Melbourne Club were interfered with. from the Rialto to the Olderfleet in Mr. DUNSTAN.-Are you a member Collins Street. Under the present Act of the Melbourne Club? it is difficult to see that any of these buildings will be saved, with the sole Mr. JONES.-! have one or two exception of Elder House in William of the qualifications and none of the Street. disadvantages. Let me put it this way: I have not been invited to join. In his second-reading speech the Minister remarked that a starting MR. DUNSTAN.-! will fix it up for point for the classifications on which you. the Historic Buildings Preservation Council would work would be the Mr. JONES.-! thank the Minister "A" classifications of the National for his assurance. Other buildings on Trust. The current report of the Na­ the "A" list are the Old Melbourne tional Trust lists all the classified Gaol, the. Old Treasury building, the buildings, metropolitan and suburban, Royal Mmt, St. Francis Church, St. as from 1st January, 1972, and the old James' Old Cathedral, St. Patrick's "A" classification is already obso­ Cathedral, and St. Paul's Cathedral. lete. Buildings which were previously Most of those buildings are suffused classified as " A ", " B " or " C " are with the aura of sanctity as they recommended for preservation, and belong to churches, are already those which were formerly classified Government buildings, or are located as " D " are simply listed for record­ in public parks. So the only struc­ ing, because it is pointed out that it is tures which the Minister said would arbitrary to distinguish between the have to be covered and which are Mr. Jones. Historic Buildings [13 MARCH, 1974.] Bill. 3845

under any threat are the ceiling of Mr. JONES.-! hope the Govern­ the Capitol Theatre and the Australia ment will be generous so that it will and New Zealand Bank building. be possible for members of the A council comprising eleven mem­ council to devote a reasonable bers is to be set up. Unless the amount of time to its work. That is council has an effective secretariat not to denigrate the voluntary work and its members can devote a great done by so many people for so long. deal of time to its work, it could be One point which concerns me many years before a list of buildings relates to the essence of the defini­ which should be preserved was com­ tion of " building " in the context of piled. How much will the members historic buildings. Under the terms of the council be paid? It is said of the Bill, it may be difficult to that the Governor in Council will preserve a streetscape or an area. make appropriate provision for their The Leader of the Opposition men­ remuneration. But the council will tioned the case of the former head­ need an architect with discerning quarters of Mr. Ron Hubbard's gifts. scientology organization. Mr. DUNSTAN.-The members of Mr. DUNSTAN.-That could be the Local Government Buildings done under the Town and Country Advisory Council receive $500 a year Planning Act as a result of an amend­ and the chairman receives $750 a ment made to the Act during the year. spring sessional period. Mr. JONES.-! thank the Minister for that information. If the members Mr. JONES.-Does that cover of the council are to spend a sub­ buildings which of themselves are stantial amount of time in the course not of great historic interest? · of the year visiting provincial centres Mr. DUNSTAN.-Yes, it covers the and other country areas, the environs of certain places. remuneration ought to be more sub­ stantial than that. Mr. JONES.-! am grateful for the information from the Minister that Mr. JoNA.-The members of the such areas can be dealt with. Can National Trust give their time I take it that that applies to large voluntarily. areas such as Parkville, Port Gelli­ Mr. JONES.-That is so. We all brand, and the area around Parlia­ pay tribute to the enormous amount ment House? of work that has been done over many Mr. DUNSTAN.-Yes, the amend­ years by the trust. But it has taken ment of the Third Schedule to the a long time for the trust's list to Act provided for that. reach its present form. What will be the time lag between the passing Mr. JONES.-! am grateful for of this Bill and the production of a that assurance. When the measure definitive list of buildings which setting up the Ministry of the Arts and should be preserved? The best people the Public Records Bill were passed should be appointed to the council by the Parliament, there was a long and they will be busy people who delay between their enactment and cannot devote as much time as they the appointment of persons to the may wish to this job. The appropriate councils. It is to be hoped council may meet once a month that in this case, because of the or once a fortnight, but only for a enormous economic considerations couple of hours, and it may take a involved and the great importance of matter of years to produce the list. preserving what little remains of the historical antecedents of present-day Mr. HoLDING.-! direct attention to Melbourne, these appointments will the state of the House. be made quickly. The Govern­ A quorum was formed. ment must have planned this measure 3846 Historic Buildings [ASSEMBLY.] Bill. with some care and must have some I cannot understand why the Gov­ idea of who will be appointed to the . ernment is apparently prepared to council. disregard the work of Mr. Rodney It is to be hoped that when the Davidson and those who have work­ Bill is proclaimed it will be put into ed with him over the years. They operation as quickly as possible, that have done the groundwork so that it will make adequate provision for we know which buildings of historic the remuneration of members of the value were given the old classifica­ council so that the best people tions of "A", "B" and "C ". There possible will be appointed to the should be a schedule to the Bill list­ council, and that they will be appoint­ ing those buildings which Parlia­ ed with the greatest expedition. ment, acting on the advice of the National Trust, agrees should not be Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park).­ demolished. If there is not, some I endorse what has been said by the of these buildings will disappear. Leader of the Opposition and the honorable member for Melbourne This Bill should have been passed and make a further point on what is by the Parliament in the spring likely to happen, with the passage of sessional period last year. I do not time, to buildings which have already know why it was not proceeded with been classified. Of necessity, then. If the Act had been pro­ Governments act fairly slowly even claimed with a schedule attached to it when the appropriate machinery ·is setting out the buildings which put into operation and, unless the should be preserved, Lanark Terrace Bill is amended, it is likely that a and possibly other buildings would number of valuable buildings will be have been preserved. The owners of lost to us. those buildings would have had to give reasons why they should be Local organizations in the Albert allowed to demolish them if they Park electorate have been fighting wanted to do so. for months for the preservation of Lanark Terrace and the local muni­ A number of significant buildings cipal council has done what it can. have been lost, particularly in the Most recently, a group of local Albert Park electorate. The toll gate people took the matter to the on St. Kilda Road, on the opposite Supreme Court. However, a recent side to the Shrine of Remembrance, ruling by Mr. Justice Dunn will allow was a most important building which this historic building, which was di~appeared. .There is now a huge classified by the National Trust to building, I think a motel, on the site. be demolished legally. ' If it takes twelve months to complete a list of buildings which should be MR. Woon.-What was its classi­ preserved, many will disappear. If fication? the Government is not prepared to accept the amendment foreshadowed Mr. DOUBE.-I cannot recall the by the Labor Party, it must bear the classification but it was declared to full weight of blame which will come be a significant building and one from the people of Victoria when worthy of preservation. Preservation these buildings are lost.· of the building would benefit not only the local people but also all The Minister said that he would not Victorians and posterity generally. be hard and fast about this measure However, one is fearful that, as a ~nd that he would be prepared to result of the ruling by the Supreme listen to any worth-while proposal. He C<:>ur.t, this building. will disappear said that he wanted the controversial Within a short penod. So will a aspects of preservation of historic number of other buildings which buildings to be removed and that he were classified by the National had been in touch with many people Trust after a great deal of research. and had obtained their points of view. Historic Buildings [13. MARCH, 1974.] Bill. 3847

He also said that he would be pre­ proposed Historic Buildings Preser­ pared to agree to reasonable amend­ vation Council. He said that he ments. The suggestion that Parlia­ would move that there should be an ment lists buildings that should be identifying and listing committee preserved is worth while and it would consisting of five members of the prevent any of them disappearing council. I believe this can be done within the next twelve months. I under sub-clause (1) of clause 7 hope the Minister will accept such an which states- amendment. The Council may delegate any of its The motion was agreed to. functions (except its power of delegation) to a sub-committee of members of the The Bill was read a second time Council. and committed. I believe that clause gives power for the establishment of an identification Clause 1 was verbally amended, and listing committee. and, as amended, was adopted. The Leader of the Opposition also Clause 2 (Interpretation) . mentioned that he would propose the addition to the council of a nominee Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public of the Victorian Trades Hall Council Works) .-I thank the honorable and of the Australian Institution of member for Benambra, the Leader of Engineers as well as a lawyer ex­ the Opposition, and the honorable perienced in planning. I have received members for Albert Park, Bennetts­ representations from the Institution wood and Geelong for their contribu­ of Engineers. Members of that body tions to this debate. have offered their services as repre­ I was pleased to hear the Leader sentatives on this council. I informed of the Opposition say that his party them that I would discuss the matter is, in principle, in agreement with with my colleague, the Minister for this proposed legislation, although Local Government. he has foreshadowed a series of The Leader of the Opposition re­ amendments. As I said in my second­ ferred to my second-reading speech reading speech, the Government will in which I mentioned that buildings seriously and sympathetically con­ proposed to be preserved could be sider any constructive amendments placed in different categories. I think which are put forward. I propose to I am correct in saying that any move that progress be reported to building which has been classified enable the Opposition to present its by the National Trust-regardless foreshadowed amendments for con­ of its category-has not been pulled sideration. It would be of advantage down in the past eighteen months. for me to have the opportunity of If developers had wanted to do such examining them before the debate a thing, they have had eighteen progresses any further. months in which to do so. This Bill was drafted by the Min­ The honorable member for Albert ister for Local Government follow­ Park has shown a great deal of per­ ing advice from Mr. Rodney sistence regarding the preservation Davidson, Chairman of the National of historic buildings, as has the Trust; Mr. Ken Menzies, Mr. Gordon honorable member for Melbourne. Jacoby, the Honorable F. S. Grim­ The Leader of the Opposition also wade, M.L.C., Mr. John Fagan, of the sought an alteration to the wording Municipal Association of Victoria, of clause 14, and the Government the Valuer-General, and representa­ will be pleased to consider that. It tives of town planning authorities. seems to be a suggestion which has The Leader of the Opposition said a rational basis. that the basic objection of his party The honorable member for Ben­ to the provisions of this measure was nettswood referred to clause 23, related to the constitution of the which, as soon as this Bill is enacted 3848 Historic Buildings [ASSEMBLY.] Bill. and proclaimed, will repeal the the time he has spent and the contri­ Government Buildings Advisory butions he has made to the commit­ Council Act 1972. The reason for tee. The honorable member for Mel­ that is to prevent two committees bourne also mentioned that in early from carrying out the same task. 1973 a number of amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act were I believe that representatives on passed by the Parliament among the Government Buildings Advisory which was the inclusion in the Third Council, which meets for above four Schedule of a number of new clauses or five hours each week, should re­ relating to additional powers for the ceive a greater reward for the in­ preservation of historic buildings. valuable time and service they have devoted to the council in the interest Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the of preserving historic buildings. They Opposition) .-1 thank the Minister have had a great deal of experience, for his approach to the matter. I and in the past twelve months, for assure him that when the amend­ example, the Government has been ments I have foreshadowed are in grateful for their advice concerning my possession I shall be only too different projects-for instance, their happy to supply them to him. advice concerning Tasma Terrace. Progress was reported. The members receive $500 a year, which amounts to only $10 a week for the four or five hours they spend SWAN HILL PIONEER on this work. The chairman of the SETTLEMENT BILL. council receives $750. In view of The debate (adjourned from the way in which the value of money December 13, 1973) on the motion has lessened recently, I think the of Mr. Hamer (Premier and Treas­ members should receive more-per­ urer) for the second reading of this haps $1,000 a year. However, that Bill was resumed. is a matter for the Treasury. What­ Mr. LIND (Dandenong) .-Although ever amount the Treasury stipulates there is a great deal in this Bill with will be the amount they receive. which the Opposition agrees, there is Mr. JONEs.-Would this cover out­ also a great deal with which it dis­ of-pocket expenses for travelling, and agrees. The time is not now ripe fully to debate this measure. The so on? Opposition believes the case for the Mr. DUNSTAN.-No, that would people of Victoria could best be pre­ be in addition to travelling expenses, sented if the Bill were withdrawn and living-away-from-home expenses, and referred to the State Development so on. It would be a payment for the Committee. Therefore I move- time they devote to this activity. I That all the words after "That" be omitted with the view of inserting in place assure the honorable member for Mel­ thereof the words " this House refuses to bourne that I will make the strongest read this Bill a second time until the Bill representations to the Government has been referred to the State Develop­ ment Committee for examination and report for adequate reimbursement of these and the committee has reported thereon." members. The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. The honorable member for Albert Wheeler).-Order! Honorable mem­ Park said that the Government was bers will now be speaking both to disregarding the work of Mr. David­ the amendment and to the Bill. son, but I doubt that. This proposed Mr. LIND.-In his second-reading legislation results from work done speech, the Premier went to great by him and by other members of the pains to praise the Swan Hill Pioneer committee who have advised the Settlement and its management, and Government. The Government is on many occasions he pointed to the most grateful to Mr. Davidson for success of the settlement. The more Swan Hill Pioneer [13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3849 one studies this Bill the more one is The provisions of this Bill take convinced that at least one person away the operations of the settlement will be destroyed if the proposed from the citizens and a committee of legislation is enacted. A grave injus­ the subscribers and place them in tice will be done to the person whom, the hands of an authority of which on many occasions, the Premier has the majority representation will be lavishly praised. As reported rat page members of the Swan Hill City 3621 of Hansard of 13th December, Council. The Premier cannot make 1973, the Premier said, inter alia- the two objectives equate. The Additionally they are invariably controlled honorable gentleman also said that by committees of management or directly by five members of the authority would local councils in a wide variety of ways, be from the council, three would be none of which are, from a managerial point of view, entirely satisfactory. subscribers or life subscribers of the settlement, one would be from the He was referring to the development Swan Hill National Theatre and one of historical projects of this nature. would represent the Historical So­ I shall endeavour to show from the ciety of Swan Hill. report, balance-sheet and accounts of At present, according to the con­ the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement that stitution of the settlement, there is a this project has been satisfactorily chairman and a committee with managed. Any indication to the a majority of members representing contrary can only be harmful to the the subscribers. The chairman is person to whom I shall later refer. appointed at the first meeting of It is strange that this person should committee; he has no ordinary vote be eased out when the Premier has but has a casting vote in the· event of said that- equality. It is proposed that this Swan Hill has been the pacesetter in this situation will be ~altered, as also will type of activity. be the method by which the chief This reads strangely when the person executive officer-who is the chair­ to whom I shall refer is now on the man-can be dismissed. In fact, he outer. The honorable gentleman has already been eased out, so there also said- is no question of his being dismissed. The Bill also provides for responsible His reinstatement to the position management of the project and, rather which he occupied honorably for a importantly, for any excess revenue to be long period to his great financial dis­ ploughed back into the municipal funds for advantage should exercise the minds the maintenance or establishment of recrea­ tional facilities for the benefit of the local of the Premier and other members of population and tourists. the Government. This is not doubted; it has been so Much emphasis is placed on the fact to the tune of $1 · 5 million in the that the Swan Hill City Council had short space of a few years. The a good deal to lose. Facts and figures management of the settlement must which I shall quote later will show have been responsible or it could not that the council has not been a great have reached such a state of financial contributor to the pioneer settlement. stability. The newspapers have The Government has made fine contri­ reported that the finances of the butions. The council has guaranteed settlement, if not shaky, could be loans and overdrafts, but in all cir­ questioned. I have a statement pre­ cumstances these have been met and serviced by the committee of the pared by a well-known firm of accoun­ pioneer settlement. At page 3622 of tants which shows that the finances Hansard, the Premier is reported as of the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement having said- were indeed in fine order. The I think it would be appropriate for me Premier also said that the project was to pay a tribute to the vision and dedication the brain child of the local citizens of all those people who have been involved in the activities which have culminated in and that they should have a major the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement as it say in its operations. stands. 3850 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill.

Under the heading of "Objectives", (c) To prepare and distribute sell and/ clause 2 of the constitution of the or give away catalogues, brochures, Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement, then souvenirs and any publicity material. known as the Swan Hill Folk (d) To engage and dismiss any staff the committee considers necessary for the Museum, provides, inter alia- attainment of the objectives herein set out The objectives of the Swan Hill Folk and to meet all expenses associated with Museum are, on behalf of :the Council of such employment. the City of Swan Hill, (hereinafter referred (e) To raise funds, receive grants, dona­ to as the council), to establish, develop, tions and subscriptions and to expend same carry on, operate and maintain on the land in order to carry out the objectives herein at Horseshoe Bend: contained. The constitution also provides that (/) To fix charges for admission of the the rules are in all respects subject public or waive same so far as subscribers to section 241A of the Local Govern­ (or any other persons at the committee's ment Act. It is appropriate that I discretion) are concerned. should refer to sub-section ( 1) of (g) To invest moneys as and when con­ that section which provides- sidered desirable in such investments as are authorized for the investment of trust The council of any municipality may by funds in the State of Victoria from time to resolution delegate to any committee of time. persons all or any of its powers and func­ ... tions (otther than this power of delegation) * • * with respect to the management and control (j) To make nominations to the council of any land, building, premises place or for the purpose of filling casual vacancies works (being the property of or leased to on the committee. Such person or persons the municipality) specified in the. nominated will serve on the committee resolution. until such time as when the person whose place was taken was due to retire. Approximately half an hour ago I (k) To acquire either by purchase, dona­ telephoned the Lands Department tion or otherwise and preserve all such and spoke to the officer in charge of chattels objects and materials as may be this area and he said he believed that considered by the committee to have a bearing on Australian history, or of an the land at Horseshoe Bend was educational or cultural nature. Crown land, that portion could be ( l) To accept gifts of money or chattels owned by the settlement and portion whether testamentary or otherwise and if by the subscribers, that none was necessary or advisable to perform, execute owned by the council, that some was or adopt any condition or trust attached to river frontage reserved on the Little such gifts. Murray River and that some land was ( m) To purchase, rent, take on lease, reserved for public purposes. That is exchange, hire or otherwise acquire land, one reason why this Bill should be buildings, plant or other property, real or personal, and to erect or construct any withdrawn and referred to the State buildings to maintain and from time to time Development Committee for a alter and add to any buildings or plant used thorough investigation. The officer of by the Swan Hill Folk Museum or on the the Lands Department assured n1e Swan Hill Folk Museum site or sites. that complete surveys would have to ( n) To sell, manage, lease, mortgage, be undertaken before any knowledge dispose of, dedicate, exchange or otherwise of who owns what in that area could deal with all or any part of the property of the Swan Hill Folk Museum but in any be gained. case should the Swan Hill Folk Museum take or hold any property subject to any I now refer to the powers and res­ trust the Swan Hill Folk Museum shall ponsibilities of the committee as set only deal with the same in accordance with out in clause 11 of the constitution. the trusts affecting it. These are, inter alia- (o) With the consent of the council to ( a) To manage the Swan Hill Folk borrow or raise with or without security and Museum. to secure the payment of money in such manner as they shall consider expedient (b) To define the policy of the museum and particularly by the mortgage of all or and auditorium management and of :the art any part of the property of the Swan Hill g·allery and any other institution referred Folk Museum both present and future and to in sub-clause (d) to (m) inclusive of to purchase redeem and to pay off •any such dause 2 hereof. securities. Mr. Lind. Swan Hill Pioneer (13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3851

The committee is empowered to change of control and makes unten­ call extraordinary general meetings able the position of the gentleman of subscribers for any purpose and who was managing the pioneer the extraordinary general meeting has settlement. to be held not less than seven days after the notice thereof. A special It may be asked why Councillor meeting was called for the purpose Ross Mellor, the person concerned, of making the recommendation to did not take action to bring this which I shall refer later. However, matter forward earlier than he did. I the special meeting was called not by possess correspondence which indi­ the management committee of the cates that Mr. Mellor was informed pioneer settlement but by the finance that all was well-he was assured by committee of the management sources which he trusted. I believe committee which had been ap­ Mr. Mellor has acted honourably pointed by the Swan Hill City throughout this matter. Council. This is another reason why On lith December, 1972, the the Bill should be withdrawn as there Minister of Agriculture, then Minister was no provision for the meeting to for Social Welfare, addressed a lettel' be called in that manner. There is also to Mr. Mellor in these terms- no provision for the Swan Hill City Dear Ross, Council to alter the constitution of Thank you very much for your hospitality the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement. when we visited Swan Hill recently. We Although members of the Swan Hill could not have been more impressed or have City Council attended meetings of the had better treatment. pioneer settlement committee, the I was impressed with the progress you finance committee brought forward have made since I last visited the settlement recommendations which have divided approximately two years ago. I have the people of Swan Hill and caused spoken to the Premier about the legislation you require to incorporate the settlement local bitterness. and he has indicated that he hopes to pro­ ceed with the legislation this session. I have The original pioneer settlement put a memo before him so that the matter committee consisted of twelve mem­ will not lapse. bers, comprising seven members who were invited persons from sub­ On 18th December, 1972, a letter­ scribers and life members and who ! believe in the writer's own hand­ were known as " A , members. Other writing-was addressed to Mr. Mellor members included one representative as follows:- from the Swan Hill National Theatre, Dear Ros~. one representative from the Historical Thank you for your letter of the 8th Society of Swan Hill and three November, which the end of session pressure representatives from the Swan Hill has prevented me from answering until now. The legislation for the statutory corporation City Council. The chairman of the is proceeding and will be ready for the committee was in addition to those autumn session. As you say, it will give twelve members. Clause 6 of the the enterprise a firm foundation. Bill provides that the Swan Hill Yours sincerely, Pioneer Settlement Authority shall R. J. HAMER, comprise ten persons appointed by Premier of Victoria. the Governor in Council to be direc­ tors of the authority of whom five On 13th July, 1973, Mr. Mellor re­ shall be nominees of the Swan Hill ceived this letter- City Council and three shall be Dear Ross, nominated by life members and sub­ I have your letter of the lOth July, ·about the statutory corporation for the pioneer scribers. In addition there should be settlement. I have discussed the matter representatives of the Swan Hill with Murray Byrne and it is proceeding. National Theatre and the Historical In fact he tells me he has asked the Liberal Party Committee on Transport to work on Society of Swan Hill. The Opposi­ the proposed legislation with the view to tion suggests that this is a complete bringing it forward for the spring session. 3852 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. I think you will probably be asked to the people of Swan Hill what a great confer with the party committee before fellow Ross Mellor was. In fact, long. In any case the main thing is that progress is being made. three months previously Mr. Mellor Yours sincerely, had been awarded the Order of the R. J. HAMER, British Empire for his work at the Premier of Victoria. pioneer settlement. In August, 1973, the axe fell and on 27th August, 1973, Those are the assurances and encouragement which Ross Mellor the Swan Hill Guardian announced- received. The Premier and other COUNCIL TO APPOINT ADMINISTRATOR FOR Ministers of the Crown had assured PIONEER SETTLEMENT. him that all was well and he believed Present positions of chief executive officer his position would be secure when and commercial manager at the Swan Hill the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement Pioneer Settlement have been abolished, and a person with suitable business-management Authority was established and that and accounting qualifications is to be his work would be recognized. appointed as manager. Mr. Ross-EowARDs.-Have you any I refer honorable members to the more letters? qualifications of Mr. Mellor, which Mr. LIND.-Yes, I have plenty make interesting reading and are as more, including one which will sur­ follows:- prise the Leader of the Country Party. T. R. Mellor-Chairman and Chief Execu­ Mr. DuNSTAN .-1, too, wrote to tive Officer, pioneer settlement. him. 1960-61~Mayor of Swan Hill. At this time also Secretary of the Swan Hill Mr. LIND.-Yes, but the Minister Development Committee. of Public Works did not assure him 1961--0ne of the original proposers of the two years ago that the authority pioneer settlement idea which would be set up. I intended to raise resulted in visits by Eric West­ brook and finally the appoint­ this matter later but I shall refer to ment of Sir Roy Grounds as it now. It is addressed to "Dear architect. Ross" and the signature is "K. D. 1956-1971-Secretary, Mid-Murray Football Green, Secretary ". The letter is League. dated 5th April, 1973, and reads - 1958-1973-Councillor of the City of Swan Thank you for your recent letters includ­ Hill. ing that of 2nd April with which you 1962--Government under Henry Bolte pro­ forwarded copies of the Auditor's report vided a $300,000 grant on a 2: 1 for 1970-71. basis to Grounds Master Plan The points raised by you have been and restoration commenced on brought to the attention of the Premier and the P.S. Gem. have been discussed with Sir Ernest Coates. 1966-Pioneer settlement officially opened Sir Ernest will be briefing the Premier per­ by Premier Bolte. Wide range sonally on the financial situation of the of advisers, Sir Roy Grounds pioneer settlement before Mr. Hamer comes and Alan Nelson, architects; R. to Swan Hill next Saturday, and I think R. Ingpen; C. Christian, you will find he has a very good under­ C.S.I.R.O.; Alf Butcher; Sir standing of the overall position in Swan John Knott; Post Office Hill. officials; Tom Brown, theatre I am sure everything will come out satis­ consultant; Strand Electrics; factorily in the end, providing you can keep Australian Tourist Commission; your counsel and not be provoked into any Prof. Colin Donald of the Waite action which might prejudice the future of Institute; State Rivers Com­ the settlement. There is no doubt that the missioners and a great host of Government intends to set up a statutory others. Many benefactors such corporation to administer the future activi­ as A.C.I. Lysaghts; and C.M.L. ties of the settlement, and the Premier will 1970-Made Chairman and Chief Executive refer to this during his visit. Officer and seconded by the From a reading of the local press at Education Department - am the time of the visit of the Premier, still being paid as a Class 3 it appears that the honorable gentle­ teacher. 1973-Permanent staff approximately 68 and man spent a considerable time in­ part time and on call staff forming· Councillor Ross Mellor and approximately 37. Swan Hill Pioneer (13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3853

Paragraph after paragraph of the A letter was written to the Premier achievements of Mr. M'ellor are set on 28th October, 1973, and contained out. I now refer to the qualifications the following information about the of the man who was appointed to the appointee:- position of manager at twice the He is not an accountant. salary which M'r. Mellor had been re­ Much of his managerial and entrepre­ ceiving. The report on this gentle­ neurial skill referred to has been:- man states- ( 1) through his association with " Sarah­ He is a man of above average height, slim Coventry" Jewellery-An American based with dark hair cut in the more conservative firm with a branch factory in Wodonga and style. He was well groomed and on the whose sales and entrepreneurial methods whole his appearance was excellent. are of the " Direct " type. He is a rather pleasant Scot with some and (2) through his association with the slight evidence of an accent. He is quietly " Mini Golf " operation in Melbourne. spoken but very alert, quite persuasive and when necessary could take a firm and re­ This is the man who replaces solute stand. His level of intelligence ap­ Councillor Ross Mellor in this posi­ pears to be high and there is evidence that tion. He is being paid $12,000 a he possesses both initiative and drive. year, and he may do the job very For the past seven years he has occupied well. Obviously, Mr. Mellor was top management positions in which he has doing it very well although he was been called upon to display leadership paid only $6,000 a year. Mr. Mellor's qualities and management skills. He is ex­ perienced in formulating plans, preparing salary was raised by the Education budgets and the management of funds with­ Department, just prior to Christmas, in budget limits. to $7,800. In addition to his management experi­ Mr. Ross-EnwARDs.-Who pays the ence he is creative in his approach and displays some of the skills of an entre­ new man? preneur. Mr. LIND.-The settlement will He appears to enjoy challenge and his pay him. management capacity should enable him to critically examine the various activities Mr. Ross-EnWARns.-So it will be within the settlement to ensure their profit­ $12,000 a year worse off. ability and progress. Mr. LIND.-That is so. That is We are of the opinion that he possesses a combination of the qualities required to another good reason why this matter successfully manage and develop the activi­ should be referred to the State ties of the Pioneer Settlement and is worthy Development Committee. Mr. Mellor of very serious consideration. was put in such an awkward and The report also contained the follow­ uncomfortable position that he had ing paragraph:- to resign. He withdrew from his He has resided in Wodonga for a period secondment on 4th February this of four years where he successfully estab­ year and resigned from the Educa­ lished the headquarters of an Australian tion Department a fortnight later branch of an American company under the because he was still a third-class Victorian Government's decentralization scheme. Whilst in Wodonga, both he and teacher. He was not promoted his wife took a keen interest in local affairs during his secondment. Had he including the Albury and District Aero Club remained with the department his of which he became the president. His stay pay would have been about $10,000 in Wodonga gave him a taste for the rural or $11,000, not $7,800. At the least, atmosphere and on this account coupled with a genuine interest in Australian history he would have been a first-class prin­ he is keen to gain selection. cipal of a primary school. Mr. RAFFERTY.-Who made that In addition, Mr. Mellor has lost report? heavily in superannuation entitle-: ments. He will receive only what he Mr. LIND.-That report was pre­ has paid in. At his age, if he obtains pared by J. S. Lynas, management a position and wants to buy super­ consultants, the firm called upon to annuation or insurance, the annual make a recommendation. premium will be so high that he will 3854 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. scarcely be able to afford a reason­ future occasion. This man has able pension. Mr. Mellor has lost all been done a great injustice and so this after giving fine service to have a number of members of a loyal the pioneer settlement and the people staff. of Swan Hill. Mrs. Margaret Spong, who is Millions of dollars have been highly thought of in the public rela­ brought to Swan Hill in trade and tions world, did a splendid job for tourism at no cost to the town. Most the Swan Hill settlement but she was of the money for the settlement was given one month's pay in lieu of supplied by the Victorian Govern­ notice by the new authority. She ment. The Swan Hill council sup­ is now directing the Coal Creek plied only about $16,000. At the end enterprise at Korumburra and she of September, 1973, the settlement recently received high praise from had assets valued at $977,000. That the Premier when he visited that was $79,000 more than the value of area. Mrs Spong has been lost assets twelve months previously. to Swan Hill. Other members Its liabilities had increased by .of staff have been dismissed or $36,000, so its net worth had in­ have resigned. creased by $43,000. Its surplus of If it had not been for Mr. Mellor income over expenditure over the holding his counsel the whole year was $39,000. Its gross income assembly of the staff would have was $369,000. So its net excess of walked out. At one stage Mr. income over expenditure represented Mellor telephoned and asked me to 10·5 per cent on that amount. One suggest what he should do. I told could scarcely say that it was a badly him not to lose heart and to stick managed or ill-run business. on there. I asked a question in the During the time he was working House about the corporate body and for the settlement to be made a I assured Mr. Mellor that things corporate body, Mr. Mellor was at all would be all right. He kept his times prepared to discuss the proposal counsel and kept the staff together with the Government and particularly whilst he could. Now look at his with the Premier. He did not cry reward! His position has been filled out in public or try to undermine by somebody else at double the anybody, and he had a loyal staff salary. about him. For having held his As I said, there are a number of counsel he finds that he has been good points in the Bill and it is a white-anted. Whilst the Government pity that they should be over­ was preparing this Bill to set up this shadowed by measures which will authority, another authority set to destroy the sentiment built up. work and made Mr. Mellor's position Many honorable members of all untenable, and that was done, I parties and of both this House and claim, illegally. Nowhere in the another place have been guests of constitution of the Swan Hill Pioneer the management at the Swan Hill Settlement is the City of Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement. They received given a right to call a meeting or every courtesy and learnt a great deal manage its finances. Section 241A there. That was possible only of the Local Government Act because of the great co-operation gives the council only the right to between Mr. Peter Beatty and Coun­ deal with such an organization if it is cillor Ross Mellor. Mr. Mellor's \<>Cated on council property or on allowance for entertainment was only property leased from the council. As $50 a month but despite this he man­ the Lands Department says, that is aged to entertain many people who not so. could act as ambassadors for Swan I urge the Government to withdraw Hill. Mr. Beatty and he combined well this Bill, have its provisions exam­ to do a great job. They created a ined, and present another Bill on a most favourable impression with all Mr. Lind. Swan Hill Pioneer [13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3855 the honorable members to whom Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of I have spoken. I do not know of the Country Party) .-This measure, one who was not perfectly satisfied which sets up a statutory body to with Mr. Mellor. control the Swan Hill Pioneer Settle­ ment, is long overdue; it should have I could produce evidence to show come before this House twelve how Mr. Mellor built up each section months ago. It was in the air long of the settlement. The consolidated before then. All honorable members balance-sheet as at 30th June, know that many undertakings were 1973, deals with all its sections and given to the people of Swan Hill that shows that it is a magnificent enter­ the measure was just around the prise and a great financial success. corner. Honorable members have Mr. Mellor was a leader in a num­ knowledge of some of those under­ ber of fields. He instituted the hos­ takings from letters and I have heard tels for school children at Swan Hill of them at first-hand during my visits and already had two operating, and to Swan Hill. at a profit. He proposed that five I am sure that the Opposition would more be established in the near agree that the people of Swan Hill future. Now, that is all in abeyance. want the organization set up as a It is common knowledge that the statutory authority by legislation and Australian Council of Trade Unions that they want it now. That should was keen to establish a large holiday have been done long ago. The Leader complex in the area because of what of the Opposition says that it should Swan Hill could offer. That proposal have been done eighteen months ago; is now in limbo. The organization I would say that it should have been is not satisfied that the settlement done at least twelve months ago. will be what it knew it to be when Because the people want it the Mr. Mellor was in charge. Country Party will support this Bill, I again appeal to the Government whatever injustices and unfairness to reconsider this Bill. Those people are involved. of Swan Hill to whom I have had I complained in December when the the pleasure of speaking are divided Bill came before the House. I on this matter and would like to see appealed to the Premier that it should it cleared up. I believe a majority be debated there and then. For no of them think along the same lines good reason, but because the situation as Mr. Mellor. They want the situa­ was hot in Swan Hill, at that time tion aired at a proper inquiry and the the debate on the measure was put Government then to introduce a Bill off. The Premier said that the Gov­ to incorporate their thinking in such ernment would think about the mat­ a way that neither the settlement ter. But there are no amendments nor its valued employees are to the Bill. It has been in the destroyed. hands of many people at Swan Hill Mr. Mellor is held in high esteem for some time; hundreds of copies not only in Victoria but also in other were distributed. It was sheer hypocrisy for the Government to say States. In fact, he had been asked that it wanted more time to examine to advise on tourism in other States. the situation; that was not true. At present, an Australian-based public relations organization with Mr. HOLDING.-Who said that it world-wide ramifications is inter­ wanted more time to examine it? ested in obtaining his services. I Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS.- The urge the Minister to appeal to the Premier. The Bill takes away from Premier to withdraw the Bill and to the council the administrative and introduce a new one after the situa­ financial responsibility for operating tion has been fully examined by the this involved complex and hands it State Development Committee. over to an authority which has a 3856 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. particularly interesting composition. of $90,000 or $100,000. A progressive It will comprise five nominees of attitude has been adopted in that the the council, three nominated by life management has ploughed back the members of organizations and two takings into further capital develop­ Government nominees. One wonders ment. It may be suggested that this why there should be five nominees of has been done too quickly, but if it the council, because after all the coun­ were not done the over-all success cil wanted to get rid of the financial of the exercise in the long term and administrative responsibility, would have been slowed down. I which is understandable. Like all was pleased that the honorable councils, the Swan Hill City Council member for Dandenong presented the has a tremendous amount of work audited balance-sheet to the end of and its officers are overburdened. June last which shows the tremen­ The responsibility has not really dous asset of just under $1 million been handed over because some coun­ that has been built up by a number cillors will be members of the new of dedicated people. authority. Perhaps the Minister I am disappointed that when the should explain whether it is proposed Premier explained the Bill he did not that the present composition should mention Mr. Ross Mellor. continue indefinitely. One could imagine that in time the number of Mr. HoLDING.-The Premier prob­ councillors will be reduced. The ably feels a deep sense of shame. authority should become a com­ Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS.-That may munity enterprise involving people be so. The Swan Hill Pioneer Settle­ from Swan Hill and the large area ment is a credit to Swan Hill, to the which surrounds this prosperous citizens of 'the district and in parti­ provincial city. cular to Mr. Ross Mellor, whom the Mr. EDMUNDS.-What does Harry Government recommended for a Broad think about it? high distinction and who was subse­ quently honoured by Her Majesty Mr. ROSS-EDW ARDS.-All hon­ the Queen with the Order of the orable members know why Harry British Empire. Mr. Mellor has been Broad is not present. If he were still paid a tribute by many members of a member, the result might have Cabinet and particularly by the been quite different. I shall not con­ Premier on his frequent visits to tinue in that vein because it is Swan Hill. embarrassing to the Liberal Party to be reminded that it gave its prefer­ Honorable members know that ences to the Labor Party. However, there have been strains and stresses it does not do any harm to give the concerning the matter and many feel Liberal Party the facts of life on how that an injustice has been done to it can double deal on occasions. Mr. Mellor. However, our prime res­ ponsibility is to ensure that the It must be remembered that the enterprise is successful in the future. pioneer settlement has been an out­ We pay a tribute to what has been standing success financially, as a done and appeal to the people of tourist attraction, and in every other Swan Hill to get behind the new way. It hasJbrought millions of management and build on the great dollars into~ Swan Hill and made the foundations which have been laid in city a household name not only in the past. Victoria but also throughout Aus­ tralia. Moreover, the settlement has Mr. CURNOW.-How can they with attracted visitors from all over the two big salesmen running it? world. It is a great success story. Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS.-I do not A lot of misunderstanding has know the specific qualifications of arisen because certain people have the new management but one hopes been talking about a bank overdraft that those who chose it chose well. Swan Hill Pioneer (13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3857

Honorable members know that It may well be that financially he will there was a division in Cabinet and achieve a better position, but I know that for month after month during that his first love was the Swan Hill the second half of last year assur­ Pioneer Settlement. ances were given that this Bill would In Swan Hill, we have an outstand­ be introduced-that it would ing tourist attraction. There could definitely be presented "next week" be no better place for it to be -but this did not occur. Whatever situated as Swan Hill has great the pros and cons of Mr. Mellor and historical significance and is a centre whether he should have been fired which experiences difficulty in or retained, this should have been de­ developing industrially because of cided by the new authority. When its geographical position. Tourism the authority was set up, surely is the ideal industry for the city. The someone who had been there since settlement has been an outstanding the inception of the settlement success, and I ask the Government to should have his name up for selec­ continue to give it the support which tion and be given the opportunity of has been provided in the past. being choseq by the authority. Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Because the Government delayed Opposition) .-I enter this debate the introduction of the Bill, Mr. with considerable regret because Mellor could not be considered for matters which are bound to be raised the position. Whether he would be in this House are essentially matters better or worse than the man who of right and injustice, subjects which has the job now is not for me to say. have been touched upon and I can speak of what Mr. Mellor has developed by the honorable member done in the past and I pay a sincere for Dandenong. I suppose it was tribute to him. I do not know the eighteen months ago that I visited man who has been appointed but I Swan Hill and first learned of tension wish him well in his job. The between members of the Swan Hill authority could have been and should City Council and the management of have been set up early in the the pioneer settlement, which was spring sessional period; this would formerly the Swan Hill Folk Museum. have allowed this outstanding Aus­ tralian, Mr. Mellor, at least an This know ledge was not peculiar even money chance of being con­ to myself; it was known to members sidered for the job. It is to the dis­ of the Government, to the people of credit of the Government that he Swan Hill and to the councillors of was not given an opportunity. the City of Swan Hill. Everybody knows that the view which was then I also pay a tribute to Mr. Mellor taken within Government circles was for the way he held his counsel, to that, because of the way in which the use the words of the honorable mem­ project was growing and developing, ber for Dandenong. During the the way out of the situation-nobody spring of last year many people con­ wanted a continuing confrontation tacted me and also members of the between certain councillors and Mr. Opposition and of the Government Mellor-was for the body to become party. Many members on the Gov­ a statutory corporation. When that ernment benches were sympathetic concept was first mooted there was about the situation at Swan Hill. no doubt in anyone's mind that the However, the advice given to all sides person who would be given the was that the settlement must come responsibility for continuing to guide first and foremost and that nothing the destinies of the settlement was should be done to jeopardize its Ross Mellor. future success. Mr Mellor heeded that Over many years, Victoria has pro­ advice to his own detriment because duced some fine and dedicated public his dearest wish would have been to servants, but, in terms of dedication continue with the pioneer settlement. to a concept which he and his staff 3858 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. were prepared to follow, there would tourist development activities at be few public servants who could three times the salary he was receiv~ exceed the devotion which Mr. ing. His assistant, Margaret Spong, Mellor and his staff showed in the was included in this offer. The development of the Swan Hill Pioneer Premier of South Australia would Settlement. This is not merely my have been delighted to get him. Mr. view but one which would be shared Mellor's dedication to the Swan Hill by almost all members on the concept was such that he refused the Government side of the House. offer. My information on this matter Possibly one or two may choose to was not obtained from Mr. Mellor. represent the small and parochial views which emanate from certain I invite honorable members to con­ sections of the Swan Hill council. sider what the letters that the honor­ able member for Dandenong read to Mr. BILLING.-That is unfair. the House indicate? Mr. HOLDING.-Any unfairness in Mr. DUNSTAN.-Is it ethical to this rna tter is being done to a man produce those letters? who has served this State and his community well, and who is now Mr. HOLDING.-Of course it is being cast aside after being given ethical. I would not want to do any­ all s·orts of assurances by Ministers thing that is unethical, but a grave of the Crown. For the benefit of the injustice has been done and will con­ honorable member for Heatherton, I tinue to be done. There is unhappi­ intend to quote what his Leader has ness in the community of Swan Hill said publicly about Mr. Mellor. and in the folk museum. It is useless Mr. DIXON .-Here is a good for honorable members to wash their authority! hands as if they were some communal Pontius Pilate and say, "Mr. Mellor Mr. HOLDING.-The Premier has done a good job. He can look at ought to be an authority which is his O.B.E. and we must not refer to acceptable to the Minister for Youth, undertakings which were given to him Sport and Recreation. After a surprise by Ministers and the Premier." announcement was made to the management committee, . the Swan Now that the Premier is present in Hill Guardian of 7th November, 1973, the House I feel at liberty to say in his presence that I believe Mr. Mellor reported- was given an assurance by the The leading part Mr. Mellor has played in establishing the Folk Museum (as it was Premier and that the Premier fully then known) in its early formative years, understood the problem at Swan Hill and in its subsequent development to its and indicated to Mr. Mellor that the present-day eminence, is too well known to folk museum would become a cor­ need repetition. poration. In the absence of the As recently as last Sunday, in a ceremony Premier, the honorable member for at the settlement, the Premier of Victoria (Mr. Hamer) expressed a special tribute to Dandenong made available to the the dedication and ability of Mr. Mellor in House a letter from M'r. Green a his former capacities as chairman of the senior officer of the Premier's Depart­ management committee and chief executive officer of the settlement. ment. In fairness to the Premier I shall read the letter, which is dated Mr. Mellor was a teacher, and because 5th April, 1973, and states- he was a teacher seconded from the The points raised by you have been Education Department he carried a brought to 'the attention of the Premier and managerial load at an absurdly low have been discussed with Sir Ernest Coates. salary. The people of Victoria should Sir Ernest will be briefing the Premier know that Mr. M'ellor's talents were personally on the financial situation of the pioneer settlement before Mr. Hamer comes so well known interstate that the to Swan Hill next Saturday, and I think you Government of South Australia will find he has a very good understanding offered him the job of heading its of the over-all position in Swan Hill. Swan Hill Pioneer (13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3859

I concur with that statement. The I repeat for the information of the letter continues- Premier that Mr. Mellor's talents and ! am sure everything will come out satis­ capacities were so well recognized factorily in the end, providing you can keep by the Premier of South Australia your counsel and not be provoked into any that he offered Mr. Mellor the most action which might prejudice the future of senior job in tourism in South Aus­ the settlement. tralia at three times the salary he What does the Premier's secretary was receiving. Mr. Mellor's dedica­ mean when he says," I am sure every­ tion was such that he refused the thing will come out satisfactorily in offer, and he said he would stay the end "? The proper inference is where he was. that he was saying to Mr. M·ellor, It is important for the House to "We understand your problem. We know whether undertakings were will establish a corporation and we given. I believe there is no doubt want you to continue the excellent that they were. The Government job you have been doing." He recognized this man's record because cautioned Mr. Mellor that he should it recommended him for an honour not allow himself to be provoked into on the basis of the work that he was saying anything that would enlarge doing. When the knives are out, the problem or make it an issue which these men tum their backs and walk could become the subject of debate away with advice to " keep in this House or elsewhere. Mr. Mellor your counsel ". It might be un­ was advised by the Premier's per­ pleasant, but a grievous injustice has manent head to keep his counsel. The been done to Mr. Mellor and his letter concludes- assistant. Anyone who works in the There is no doubt that the Government settlement will confirm that this is intends to set up a statutory corporation so. to administer the future activities of the settlement, and the Premier will refer to Members of the Opposition support this during his visit. the amendment moved by the honor­ Best wishes for the future. able member for Dandenong which Yours sincerely, indicates that the solution is to refer K. D. GREEN, the matter to an all-party Parlia­ Secretary. mentary committee. The basic prob­ As early as April, 1973, the Premier lem is the attitude of certain sup­ was aware that allegations were being porters of the Government. They made in Swan Hill about Mr. Mellor are aware that Mr. Mellor has been by a group of petty-minded, parochial scandalously treated. It must not councillors. The Government was be said that this injustice cannot be aware of the problem. The under­ rectified. The people of Swan Hill taking was given to Mr. Mellor that have waited for this proposed legisla­ there would be a corporation to re­ tion for some time. No one will be solve these problems and let him get worried if, in order to correct an on with the job he was doing so well. injustice, this issue is referred to the Will any honorable member rise and State Development Committee. I trust say that Mr. Mellor did not do a the members of that committee. I first-class job? believe they are capable of producing justice in this situation. It is not Mr. CURNOW.-There might be one. enough for Parliament to say it will Mr. HOLDING.-It is his preroga­ form a new corporation; it is a ques­ tive to stand, but is there one who tion of numbers in any structure, as will say that many of the basic con­ the Premier is aware. cepts and the devotion shown at As the Leader of the Country Party every level in that important under­ pointed out, the council which wanted taking were not subject to the per­ to be relieved of its responsibility will sonal dedication of Mr. Mellor and now have 50 per cent of the control. his assistant? Who is deceived? The Premier will 3860 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. be aware of an old maxim in the council adopt this settlement project, law which simply states, "Let right and backed it to the hilt; and Coun­ be done ". Right has not been done cillor Dorothy Douglas, who seconded in this case to a man who has given the motion. These people were all a lifetime of dedicated service to the very brave. State and to the community. The situation can be rectified. Members In its early days the settlement of the Opposition urge honorable was not the success it is today. members to support the amendment It was often referred to as the "other that this matter be referred to the tip ", because many people regarded State Development Committee so the project with scorn and used to that right can be done. My collea­ suggest to others that they tip their gues support the plea I am making rubbish on the site. to the House. Much has been said about Council­ The sitting was suspended at 6.13 lor Ross Mellor. It is not my intention p.m. until 7.54 p.m. to denigrate him because he is a man of talent, and I shall elaborate on that Mr. WOOD (Swan Hill).-1 wish to statement later. I wish to read a speak in support of the Bill and letter which appeared in the Age of against the amendment. The Council 11th July, 1972, under the heading .of the City of Swan Hill and the " Bellbird gets it wrong in Swan committee of m·anagement of the Hill ". It has been said that the insti­ pioneer settlement have discussed this gator of this wonderful project was Bill at length, and their members Councillor Mellor. That statement is have voiced complete approval of it. not correct, because although Coun­ cillor Mellor played a major part in It is relevant to outline my associa­ the project he was not its prime tion with the settlement, and I shall mover. The letter reads- later present facts to prove that I In the ABC television serial Bellbird, the know exactly what I am talking town and its inhabitants are, of course, about. I do not claim to have played fictional. But when within this framework a major part, but I was the first real places, people and circumstances are member appointed to a committee of introduced one should surely expect that the pioneer settlement, and over the these should be presented truthfully. years as a member of the Swan Hill In the segment of Bellbird shown in Mel­ City Council I have closely watched bourne on Wednesday, July 5, two of the characters visited the pioneer settlement what has happened to the settlement. museum at Swan Hill and met Mr. Ross I have been a chairman of the Mellor, who is a real person and who was finance committee there and resigned introduced under his own name. When in a few weeks ago from both the the conversation Mr. Mellor was asked how the project began he implied that he was a council and the settlement. prime originator of the museum and said I pay tribute to many people who specifically that he approached the Premier for funds to acquire the Gem paddle played important roles in making the steamer, the most striking feature of the settlement the success it is today, complex. and who did a great deal of work in At the risk of being accused of immodesty, earlier times when things were not but in the interest of correcting a false easy. They went ahead with this legend which has already been planted else­ project in the face of local contro­ where, I would like •to point out that it was versies and scorn. They include Eric I who first proposed to the local authority the setting up of the Swan Hill Folk Westbrook; Jack Cohn, the president; Museum, as it was called; that Mr. Jack Bob Pugsley, the Town Clerk and Cohn, then of Swan Hill, paid the first secretary; Councillor Alex Domaille, deposit on the Gem after I had bargained who was the mayor at the time; Ross with the owner at Mildura; and finally it Holloway, the director of the folk was I who approached the Premier to request a Government grant to complete the museum; members of the committee; purchase of the vessel, an approach which Councillor Arthur Feldtmann, who was most generously received and approved moved the original motio~ that the by Sir Henry Bolte. Swan Hill Pioneer (13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3861

These facts will, I am sure, be confirmed guaranteed by the Swan Hill City by a number of people who were deeply involved in the scheme at a time when Mr. Council. was $47,000. A request was Mellor was not particularly conspicuous. received from the committee of management to increase the over­ That letter was written by Mr. Eric draft to $70,000. The chief executive Westbrook. I have another docu­ officer asked for the increase because ment, which I shall not read because he considered that this amount was· it is v,ery lengthy, called "A History necessary to carry on. Three months of the Swan Hill Folk Museum ", later the committee of management written by a former councillor, Mr. asked for another $30,000, bringing Arthur Feldtmann. I ·shall make the the increase to $100,000. Four months document available to any honorable later the bank advised that the limit member who would like to know the had been exceeded although it had origin of the Swan Hill Pioneer not been notified. The overdraft was Settlement. increased to $111,000. Many people were involved in the At that stage the venture was being establishment of this settlement. I do operated without any current Govern­ not wish to downgrade the character ment support, although large sums of of Councillor Mellor, but he became Government money had previously a director of the museum only in been put into it. A letter from Sir 1970, about eight years after its in­ Henry Bolte dated 13th July, 1972,_ ception. Since then the work has stated- been carried on by others and at present a hard-working committee is It seems quite obvious that if further developments are deferred for a period continuing its efforts. The whole sufficient to enable the settlement finances basis of the Swan Hill Pioneer Settle­ to be stabilized prospective surplus income ment committee of management is would then be available to finance further that it is a committee of the Swan development. Hill City Council. This fact should be This approval (making $3,700 available remembered during this debate. under rural unemployment) would be given on the distinct understanding that your The responsibility for the settle­ committee would forthwith take the neces­ ment is the prerogative of the council sary steps to stabilize the financial position which is established under the appro­ of the settlement in line with what I have priate section of the Local Govern­ said in the third paragraph of this letter. ment Act. The councillors are When the overdraft was escalating responsible for the expenditure of the committee and the council were moneys and for any waste or prob­ concerned as there were rumours in lems which may arise. At present the town about moneys owing and this council consists of nine members. about full wages not having been paid They were unanimous in their action to certain members of the staff. The concerning the pioneer settlement. council decided to form a finance The committee of management is committee to investigate the rumours composed of sixteen members, one and the financial position of of whom is the town clerk. There are the pioneer settlement. A report of six elected members of the com­ the chairman of the finance com­ mittee. When a vote was taken mittee for the year ended 30th on the final action to appoint December, 1973, stated, inter alia- a chief executive officer to handle This finance committee was constituted the commercial side of the affairs, basically for these reasons:- it was a twelve to two vote; (a) because the Swan Hill City Council one member was absent and one did was and still is directly responsible for al 1 loans raised for settlement works and all not vote. current liabilities such as bank overdraft During 1971 and 1972 the council and tr.ade creditors; encountered a grave liquidity prob­ (b) because the Swan Hill City Council and no other body was answerable to the lem. In August, 1971, the overdraft ratepayers of the City of Swan Hill for the of the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement, proper management of the settlement; Session 1974.-138 3862 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. (c) because the Swan Hill City Council the architects and confirm this was not satisfied that an accurate account of settlement liabilities was being presented immediately. We received the infor­ either to the committee of management or mation that $16,000 was owing to the council. over a period of five years. This (d) because ·the Swan Hill City Council also had never been disclosed in was determined to ensure that the experi­ the financial statements. A hard­ ence of capital works being executed at costs grossly in excess of estimated costs ware shop in Swan Hill was owed and therefore grossly in excess of funds $1,900 over a lengthy period, and available, would not be repeated. over the past few months a dress After the investigations had taken designer has made claims against the place, the committee met with Coun­ committee for $4,800 over a period cillor Mellor and the commercial of six years. Claims have been re­ manageress, Mrs. Spong, in an en­ ceived that staff have been under­ deavour to ascertain the true situa­ paid to a total of $4,000. tion. In many cases costs of projects Members of the committee could were far in excess of initial estimates, obtain no co-operation from either and this was about two years ago, at a Mr. Mellor or Mrs. Spong, and were time when costs were fairly stable. hindered when information was either The sound and light project was ap­ hidden or not disclosed. The vague­ proved by the committee at $12,000; ness of the senior staff was alarming. it now seems that the cost will be Books of account, letters and files $45,000. Commitments were made were missing. I will ask the honor­ without the approval of the commit­ able member for Dandenong to have tee. A schools' camp was estimated a look later at the letters quoted to cost $45,000, but it appears that by him to try to ascertain where they the cost will be $75,000. could have gone. Hundreds of hours The finance committee was alarmed were spent by the committee in by the fact that many accounts were trying to get to the bottom of this outstanding over many years and matter. were not disclosed in the financial The council is responsible and statements. An electrician told mem­ must explain to the ratepayers if bers of the committee that he was there is a waste of $20,000 or $30,000. owed $15,000 over a period of four Many queries have been raised by years. When the committee ques­ ratepayers as to what has been going tioned the commercial manageress on on in the settlement. The talents this matter, she did not know that and artistic ability of Councillor the money was owing. The commer­ Mellor are appreciated but he has cial manageress was asked for books no commercial qualifications. He of account which showed the amounts has been a school teacher, but has due to this man. There was absolutely had no commercial training. The nothing to show that he was owed commercial manageress also has had $15,000. Finally, the commercial no commercial training. I do not want manageress and Mr. Mellor agreed to rubbish her, but, so far as I am that it was so, and that they thought aware, her only other job was in a the amount was correct. The finance motel. Mr. Mellor appointed her­ committee asked why this was not with the approval of the committee disclosed in any balance-sheets or of management-several years ago. statements of account and was told The situation did not augur well for that Mr. McAlister, the electrician the future; I can describe it only as a concerned, had said that he mess. Many members of the finance was in no hurry and, therefore, they committee, at different times, ex­ did not have to pay him immediately. pressed absolute frustration with The committee asked whether any the operation. The committee moneys were owing to the architects told Councillor Mellor and Mrs. and was told, "No". Mr. Mellor and Spong to draw up a budge,t Mrs. Spong were asked to telephone to provide for the following twelve Mr. Wood. Swan Hill Pioneer [13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3863 months to be a period of rearrange­ member of the staff to leave the ment during which the organization settlement without committee con­ would take Sir Henry Bolte's advice sent-members of the staff had and try to hold the operation and not been travelling all over Australia. expand it. It suggested that nothing The committee told members of be spent on capital works. the staff to stay home and make Many accounts for entertainment sure the budget worked and that the were coming in. One account in­ project was viable. Those instructions volved an amount of $1,200. were ignored. Some of that may have been spent When the figures were produced over a period of two months. But a for the period which had been bud­ large sum of money was spent on geted for, the committee realized that entertainment-and I know where a it was getting nowhere and decided lot of that went. - by twelve votes to two - to Mr.· WILKES.-You have made the appoint a commercial manager. The accusation, so you should tell us specifications for the job were that where it went. the appointee was to manage the Mr. WOOD.-The dockets for en­ whole commercial enterprise. The tertainment are still available and I positions of commercial manageress should be delighted to show them to and chief executive were dispensed honorable members. Mr. Mellor and with. Arrangements for obtaining a Mrs. Spong were asked to produce a commercial manager were placed in budget which would show that they the hands of J. P. Young and As­ could run the organization as a viable sociates and, after a careful study proposition. The Swan Hill City of Mr. Cleghorn's history, the com­ Council had other commitments and mittee decided to appoint him, could not allow the pioneer settle­ as manager of the commercial ment to run away with its money. side of the operation. In the light of The officers asked for loan money but what I have outlined, no one could the council told them that there was say that this was done unfairly. It a limit on what could be ploughed had to be done. into the operation. It is all very well to be big fellows The budget the executive and the with other people's money, but the accountant produced predicted an committee realized that it could do excess of about $80,000 of receipts nothing else. It is easy to let money over expenditure which could be slip down the drain but the commit­ used to reduce the overdraft. The tee recognized that it was responsible committee thought this would be to the ratepayers and that it had to impossible and told Mr. Mellor make sure that the overdraft did not and the accountant that they had escalate. over-estimated the income from M'r. Cleghorn was appointed at a attendances and had probably not salary of $12,000 a year. He has been allowed enough for wages. They denigrated by many people. I have produced a revised budget predicting heard him referred to as a jewellery an excess of $57,000 in income over salesman. He was also run down by expenditure and the committee being referred to as a pyramid seller brought that down to $37,000. But, and a gold-brick seller. I do not think after twelve months, instead of the any honorable member who has settlement having better liquidity, referred to Mr. Cleghorn has ever liabilities had increased by $36,000. met him. Honorable members are Strict instructions were given that asked to uphold the dignity of no more staff were to be employed, Mr. Mellor at the same time as Mr. and that if any member of the staff left Cleghorn is rubbished. the committee was to be consulted When Mr. Cleghorn was appointed, before he was replaced. The com­ the committee asked Mr. Mellor to mittee said it did not want any stay on in the position for which he 3864 Swan Hill Pioneer LASSEMBL.Y.J · Settlement Bill. was best suited. That was as projects that he did not know anything about officer, co-ordinator, and forward commercial management and that he planner, and in the role for which he wanted an accountant. But he wanted was seconded from the Education an accountant to work under him. Department as an education officer. I Members of the committee would not repeat that Mr. Mellor is very have been right in their minds if they talented as an education officer. He engaged an acc;ountant to work has an artistic approach but, unfor­ under a man who had had the tunately, like many others with an opportunity to prove his commercial artistic approach, he has no idea of ability but who could not. Mr. Mellor commercial operations. He had no just could not cope with the commer­ idea of financial control-that did cial side of things and he told the not matter! The argument put up by committee that on many occasions. Mr. Mellor, Mrs. Spong and those Many incorrect statements have few vocal members of the community been made. A report in the Sunday who stuck up for him, was that the Observer of 11th November, 1973, organization should not worry, that stated that Councillor Mellor had it should spend whatever money it been pushed aside and that, at that liked and that the Government would time, 21 of a staff of 60-odd had sent pick up the tab. written resignations to the Premier I, for one, realized that this was as a result. To my knowledge, to not correct and that, in any case, the date, there have been four, or pos­ committee had a responsibility to the sibly five, resignations as a result of local community. The council­ what has occurred. The paper quoted lors of the Swan Hill City Coun­ a member of the staff as saying- cil also had a responsibility to We believe he has been treated with the people of Victoria when spend­ scorn and contempt by the Swan Hill ing State money. It is not good council, ·and we won'1t stand for it. Without enough for people to spend money to Mellor this would still be a hick country make friends and to make big fellows town. of themselves. I repeat my tribute to Councillor Mellor's ideas and to his forward No one can rightly say that the planning. Mr. Mellor is a man of wrong thing was done to Mr. Mellor vision, but the committee had to do when he was asked to take the posi­ something about the commercial side tion offered to him. He was quite of the operation. Its members would clearly told that he would not be res­ not have been responsible councillors ponsible at any time to Mr. Cleghorn; if it had not. he was to be responsible to the com­ mittee which, in turn, was responsible The honorable member for Dan­ to the Swan Hill City Council. He was denong spoke about taking control told that the two positions would be from the people and placing it in separate in the way that the the hands of a body, the majority positions of town clerk and city of members of which will be mem­ engineer are separate. The ·com­ bers of the Swan Hill City Council. mittee went through the job specifi­ I remind the honorable member that cations with Mr. Mellor and explain­ the council fostered this project ed that he was to be projects officer, from the start. If it were not for co-ordinator, forward planner and the council's action in commencing education officer. Many hours of the project this debate would not hard work were put in by members be held tonight. of the finance committee when pro­ The proposal was that three mem­ ducing these suggestions. bers of the proposed Swan Hill It has been said that Mr. Mellor Pioneer Settlement Authority should was sacked, pushed aside and be members of the Swan Hill so on. During th.e discussions, and City Council, one should be a right up to the last, Mr. Mellor said member of the Swan Hill National Mr. Wood. Swan Hill Pioneer [13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3865

Theatre and a further member the battle because he felt that an ·would represent .the Historical injustice was being done to Coun­ Society of Swan Hill. The cillor Mellor. The councillor who council was asked what would hap­ was critical of the settlement won pen if the historical society or the by an outright majority whereas national theatre ceased to exist when the other man received a small provision was included in the Act. number of votes. The town is not The council suggested that the pro­ divided on the issue. I have re­ vision should be for five members to ceived more approaches from people be nominated by the council and criticizing the operations over the the council would undertake to ap­ past two years than I have from point one member from the Swan people criticizing what the council Hill National Theatre and another intended to do. member from the Historical Society of Swan Hill. Clause 6 does not Unfortunately, it has become a provide that all those members must vicious circle and certain pressures be members of the city council. have been exerted to· stop the finance committee from implementing its de­ The clause provides that three cisions. I have received anonymous shall be nominated by the life ·mem­ and filthy telephone calls but I know bers and subscribers of the Swan that what has been done is for the Hill Pioneer Settlement and the other betterment of the settlement. two persons shall be appointed by What has occurred had to happen; the Government. Again, it is only it was a financial mess and the com­ right that the Government should mercial manageress could not control be represented because it is provid­ it. W·e had stacks of stock, which was ing funds for the project. The city well above the requirements, includ­ council has discussed the Bill at great ing half a ton of boiled sweets. That length and is happy with it. may sound a joke to some honor­ The honorable member for Dande­ able members, but it is not funny nong also said that the council's con­ when a committee is paying 7 per tribution had not been great, but I cent on an overdraft. It was a remind him that on occasions gold mine for sales representatives­ loans have been repaid to the it was a salesman's paradise. The council from the settlement over­ place was loaded with stock of a draft. The council was taking the quantity which it should never have money out of one pocket and putting carried. it into another. The honorable member for Dan­ The honorable member for Dan­ denong also referred to a letter denong referred to the Lands Depart­ which Mr. Mellor had received. That ment ana said that none of the land letter was on one of the files which was owned by the council. This were missing from the offices. A proves the honorable member's lack request was made to return all files of knowledge because several par­ to the settlement and quite a small cels of land are owned by the number of files were returned. I have pioneer settlement committee of seen the files in the State offices management. There is also freehold and they contain hundreds of letters land which the council is prepared which we have not seen, some to hand over. of which were read tonight. The It has been alleged that the town city council has been wondering is divided on the issue. At the time where the copies of those letters of the last council elections, one of were. the retiring councillors had been Statements have been made con­ strongly critical of operations at the cerning the activities of Mr. Mellor. pioneer settlement. Another candi­ The City of Shepparton tried to date in the elections entered into obtain information about the 3866 Swan Hill Pioneer. [ASSEMBLY.] . Settlement Bill.

pioneer settlement for an inter­ debated then. Even last week I asked esting project at Shepparton. The the Premier not to bring the Bill on council · was dismayed because for debate yet. it believed that the picture presented was inflated. I have been told that I should like to see any written Councillor Mellor advi-sed the Shep­ document in which the Premier or parton City Council that he was any other member of the Govern­ worried that the Swan Hill City ment promised that, when the Bill Council would take over the opera­ was passed, Mr. Mellor would be tion and use the profits to subsi­ appointed as Chief Executive Officer. dize rates. I do not know where That promise was never made and profits 'come from when one is oper­ there is no letter in existence in­ ating on an overdraft and the bank dicating that promise. I challenge manager is leaning on the door. any member of the Opposition to produce something to that effect in It was also said that Mr. Mellor writing. All that the Premier pro­ had resigned as a teacher. I regret mised was that the Bill would come that this has happened because he before the House. Last year the com­ would probably have been a good mittee decided that it did not want teacher. However, that is beyond the Bill to be proceeded with at that the powers of the council. The com­ time. To proceed with it was against mittee ·offered him better conditions my wishes and against the wishes of than. he had worked under previously. some members of the Swan Hill City He had always said that he did not Council. have full responsibility on the com­ mercial side of the operation. When­ The Leader of the Country Party ever a matter was referred to him it mentioned that perhaps some of the would be sent on to the commercial problems could have been overcome manageress. When a vocal member and I commend him for his support of of the committee used to ask ques­ the Bill. The Secretary of the Swan tions of Mr. Mellor, he would be Hill Branch of the Country Party, told to come back tomorrow or to see Mr. Jim Mitchell, has told me on several occasions that if any mem­ the commercial manageress. ber of the Government wants the Events connected with the pioneer truth about the pioneer settlement settlement do not give any joy to he will tell it. Mr. Mitchell was myself or to other members of the treasurer and resigned from that Swan Hill City Council. We get no position because he could not take pleasure out 0f somebody leaving it any longer, so he told me. and somebody else being dismissed. But we all have a job to do and we Mr. WHITING.-Is the honorable would be remiss if we failed in our member speaking about Councillor duty. Mitchell? The Swan Hill City Council com­ Mr. WOOD.-He is now Councillor mends the Bill. Reference was made Mitchell. This is a wide concept. It to the Premier but the allegations reaches beyond Swan Hill. It re­ were most unjust. I have discussed presents a wonderful· acquisition for the matter with the Premier, who the Commonwealth of Australia and promised that the Bill would go preserves our country's heritage. It through as soon as possible, and if is interesting, exciting, and edu­ possible during the spring ses-sional cational. I could speak of it for period. That is what the Premier hours. promised Councillor Mellor and the Many members of the Parliament Bill was presented to Parliament in have referred to the significance of the spring but members of the com­ this concept, but I suggest that mittee a-sked that it should not be honorable members should not. be Mr. Wood. Swan Hill Pioneer [13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3867

carried away ·with the number of particular entertainment matters. The folk and other museums which exist Opposition asked the honorable mem­ in Victoria. Perhaps it might be ber to specify the missing documents. thought desirable to establish, say, He has made allegations but has twenty museums throughout the refused to substantiate them. State, but I think it is preferable for Over a number of years a thriving us to concentrate on those which have enterprise had been built up, and already been established, such as suddenly it was decided to employ a Sovereign 'Hill, Ballarat, the Swan commercial manager at a salary of Hill Pioneer Settlement and the $12,000 a year, whereas the person Echuca project. Honorable ·members who had helped to build it up had should not be carried away with the been paid $7,800 a year. Could he idea that we should have a large believe anything but that he was number of such museums throughout being demoted in the organization, Victoria. especially as again and again respon­ I remind the House that although sible members of the community had a large amount of money has been praised his work? One wonders, if ploughed into such developments by he had committed the crime, to use the Government, the local council the word loosely, of which he is has also made a tremendous contri­ accused, how any member of the bution in the matter of street and Government party or any Minister road construction. It has provided who wrote to him could ever have a great deal of material, labour and trusted him. know-how. ·I hope the Govern­ Only last December the Swan Hill ment and the people of Swan Hill Guardian published a picture of the will make the settlement an even Premier and Councillor Ross Mellor, greater financial success story than or Mr. Ross Mellor as he was then, at it is today. I commend the Bill to the launching of the Vega. That was the House. The measure is vital to long after the allegations which the future of the Swan Hill Pioneer Councillor Wood mentioned tonight Settlement. were starting to be made. Mr. ROPER (Brunswick West).­ The honorable member for Swan ! have been interested in the Swan Hill made two series of allegations. Hill Pioneer Settlement for a consid­ The first concerned the commercial erable time, and on a number of ability of Mr. Mellor and the second occasions I have been extremely concerned his personal qualities. pleased to visit it as a tourist and to The honorable member has presented discuss the general question of it with a perfect case why this Bill should Mr. Mellor and other local people. not be passed and why an organiza­ The House has just listened to an tion which is in such a financial mess extraordinary contribution to the should not be given autonomy. Fancy debate from the honorable member a Parliament granting autonomy to for Swan Hill, who has been a mem­ a body which is in the financial mess ber of Parliament for some time-as which honorable members have just long as I have been. It is now three heard described! or four months since the Bill was The honorable member for Swan introduced, and tonight the honorable Hill wants to have it both ways. He member made a whole series of alle­ wants to be able to attack Councillor gations about files being missing. Did Mellor, and at the same time he wants to be able to say to the financial he say which parts of the files were gentlemen that the pioneer settlement missing or what files were missing? will be a reasonable proposition. The The honorable member merely said honorable member has given an that some things were missing. He example of small-minded council talked about particular receipts which activity. The honorable member said were not discovered; he talked about that, according to the accounts hP. 3868 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. presented and the items that he men­ financial accounts. A document tioned, the project was running into signed by Robin Poole and Associ­ overdraft and that there was need ates, chartered accountants, and for­ for retrenchment. Therefore, he said warded to the Premier on 27th that the trips must cease. It is in­ August, 1973, contained a financial disputable that if one's business is summary of the situation. This firm going badly one must retrench. How­ of skilled accountants clearly set out ever, there is no doubt that the the financial position of the settle­ p"ioneer settlement is receiving extra ment and said that despite the in­ visitors and additional income. Why creased overdraft, the project was would one retrench in that situation viable. when the accounts show that business is all right? One can understand people with no understanding of ,financing a pro­ How can the settlement best be ject of this nature being worried promoted? Certainly not by officers about increasing overdrafts. As men­ staying in Swan Hill and being con­ tioned by the honorable member for cemed only with projects there. The Dandenong, at 30th September, 1973, scheme must be promoted by persons the assets of the Swan Hill Pioneer travelling throughout Victoria and Settlement totalled $977,000, which other parts of Australia and ensuring represented an increase of $79,000 that schools and tourists are informed over the previous twelve months. about it. If ever a policy would have The liabilities of $401,423 showed an proved disastrous for a project such increase of $36,000. However, there as the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement was a substantial increase of assets it was the instruction, with which over liabilities of $42,000. the honorable member for Swan Hill seems to have agreed, that the per­ The surplus of income over ex­ sons promoting the settlement should penditure of $30,000 represents a 10 remain in Swan Hill. per cent margin between the income The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. and the expenditure, which is suffi­ Wheeler).-Order! When a member cient to cover any increases in liabili­ refers to another member he should ties during the year, to quote Mr. refer to him as " the honorable mem­ Poole's letter to the Premier. Although ber ". Among the interjections I the liabilities of the settlement have believe I heard the Deputy Leader of not been reduced, as forecast, the abi­ the Opposition raise the point. I did lity of the settlement to meet its liabi­ not hear a reference to the honorable lities as they fall due has not dim­ member for Dandenong. If I had done inished. As all capital works pro­ so, I would have corrected it immedi­ grammes have not been completed, ately. I apologize to the honorable a dramatic increase in liabilities over member if it passed without my the next six to twelve months can hearing it. be expected. Mr. ROPER.-The honorable mem­ The letter and the financial state­ ber for Swan Hill was prepared to ment make it plain that, in the minds agree to the discontinuance of trips of persons competent in financial for promotional purposes-the very management, there is no doubt about antithesis of the way in which a the way in which the finances of the tourist venture of this kind should Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement are go­ be promoted. Let us look at the ing-they are improving dramatic­ material which is publicly available ally. The problem of the honorable and was available to the Premier member for Swan Hill, and I suspect concerning the financial situa­ some of the city councillors, is that tion at the pioneer settlement. they find it increasingly difficult to Much has been heard from the hon­ live alongside this type of thriving orable member for Swan Hill on the financial enterprise, with a revenue broad picture of the settlement's. which is 50 per cent more than Swan Hill Pioneer (13 MARCH, 1974.) Settlement Bill. 3869

th_e rate revenue of the City of Swan new~paper and the debates of pro­ Hill. ~h~ revenues from ~he pr10ject ceedu~gs of the city council, time were riSing at a rate which clearly and time again one will find critic­ surpassed that of the other under­ isms of the pioneer settlement which takings administered by the City of completely ignore that point. Swan Hill. For that reason, one can understand the concern of the coun­ The proposed legislation has been cillors of that municipality at over­ considerably changed. According to drafts and other matters that com­ the local newspaper and gentlemen petent accountants mentioned in like Councillor Quinn the provisions letters to the Premier. No doubt :the of the Bill have been amended much advice given to the honorable gentle­ later than one would normally man by the secretary of the Trea­ imagine. Clearly many people have sury indicated that the scheme was had discussions on this measure long viable and a great success. before honorable members had access to it. No doubt it was dis­ Mr. STEPHEN.-! thought you were cussed with people who were in­ a school teacher before you entered volved. The main change that this House? ~ccurred between the original draft­ Mr. ROPER.-1 also had some ex­ Ing of the Bill and its introduction perience in arithmetic and with this in this House was that this mean­ kind of operation. There is a clear mi~ded city council, typified by the difference between a thriving tourist attitude of the honorable member potential and investment in this type for Swan Hill, has gained complete o! enterprise and management en­ control of the enterprise. If what visaged by many of the councillors honorable members have heard to­ at Swan Hill. In any rational night is any example of that body, accounting, the value of the pioneer the passage of this proposed legisla­ settlement to Swan Hill can be seen. tion will mean a potential and pos­ All the additional business that does sible disaster. One would hope not, not appear in the books of the settle­ but one must wonder how such a ment would have been accounted settlement could continue to func­ for. tion when the driving f,orce behind it is removed. Honorable members have heard of the great benefits of motel accom­ During his second-reading speech modation work in the area, of the Premier did not mention Coun~ services provided and of the flow­ cillor Mellor. Most honorable mem­ ons that went to the city because of bers would agree, whether they like the establishment of the Swan Hill it or not, that Councillor Mellor was Pioneer Settlement. Most honorable the driving force behind the expan­ members, as normal people, would sion of this enterprise. No one would spend money on other activities suggest that the hostels and the when they visit Swan Hill to see other ancillary benefits that have the settlement. That is an important flowed would exist in Swan Hill factor in assessing the value of the without the efforts of Councillor settlement to Swan Hill, and it would Mellor. Would the expansion as pre­ be taken into consideration in any sently planned exist without his adequate accounting system. drive? I suspect not. Even if, as was mentioned by the One could envisage that there honorable member for Swan Hill, would be retrenchments of staff and there were some financial difficulties all the problems that worry the it may be in the best interests of gentlemen whom the honorable Swan Hill to allow that situation to member for Swan Hill represents. remain so that business and profita­ One cannot envisage large projects bility in the area can continue. If of this nature :throughout the State one looks through the Swan Hill remaining viable propositions lf 3870 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.) Settlement Bill.

they are controlled by councils of Mr. STEPHEN (Ballaarat South).- small-minded people and groups of 1 would prefer not to take part in people who have no great vision~ the debate because of my as­ who are not prepared to examine sociation with Sovereign Hill, but how tourist settlements are run but it :is interesting that the honorable who regard ·the financial operations ·member for Brunswick West should of these ventures in the same way state that the ·council in some way is as they would run the garbage ser­ not interested in the benefits ·which vices. flow to the City of Swan Hill from the splendid pioneer settlement. By Mr. DIXON.-What would you say the introduction of the 'Bill the Gov­ about the councillors in Brunswick? ernment has shown that it is vitally Mr. ROPER.-The councillors in concerned .in protecting, enlarging Brunswick have their difficulties~ and and further supporting a great tour­ some of the 'Ministerial colleagues of ist attraction, which .is so much a the Minister have greatly con­ part of Victoria and Australia. tributed to them. The great I have always been able to ·claim difficulty for the honorable mem­ that Ross ·Mellor was a friend of ber for Swan Hill, like many of mine because of our association over his Government colleagues, is that he the years in the development of is not prepared to accept that this Swan Hill and of Sovereign Hill at successful financial institution far Ballarat. Ross iMellor has outstanding surpasses the City of Swan Hill ability, flare and i·magination in this in revenue and importance. field. This was more than the majority of his colleagues in the council could :Mr. WILTON.-Why was he take, with the result that they have sacked? . decided to remove the person who got the project off the ground. Time Mr. STEPHE·N.-As .J understand prevents me from saying much about it he was not sacked, because at all the other people who assisted in get­ times he was paid by the Education ting the project established. Doubtless Department. In the development of outstanding tourist attractions, it is other people helped, but any honor­ necessary to divide the power and able member who says that council­ bring other staff ·members into the lor Mellor did not play a major role organization. This has been the prac­ is not telling the truth. tice at Sovereign Hill. Did this House IFor two reasons, the Bill should require the necessary authority to be referred to a speciai committee of say ·who should be appointed as the Parliament. Firstly, a serious injus­ director of Sovereign Hill? I have tice has clearly been done, and never heard a suggestion that some­ certain information has been given one was done an injustice because to honorable members tonight. Sec­ a director was appointed at ·Sov­ ondly, if these financial difficulties ereign Hill. did occur, ·Parliament would surely The honorable member for Bruns­ not desire to set up an authority wick West suggests that a great that would be .faced by such prob­ injustice has been done to Ross lems. I do not believe the· problems Mellor because those who are re­ are as serious as the remarks of the sponsible financially in the City of honorable member for Swan Hill Swan Hill decided to offer Councillor indicate. If they do exist, how can Mellor, as he then was, a position in keeping with his ability. Surely the the honorable member in all con­ p_eople who are financially respon­ science advise the Premier to pro­ sible have a right in the interests of ceed with the Bill when it might the ·community to appoint a business put an authority at a permanent manage: and a ·commercial manager disadvantage? who Will carry on the project in a Swan Hill Pioneer [13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3871 proper manner. The honorable mem­ member for Swan Hill for putting ber for Brunswick West does not the true facts before it tonight. I consider anyone in the council has a commend him for doing so. responsibility in this matter. At all Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).­ times the council was responsible .for One can readily see the confusion o.f the project. If the honorable mem­ the Government over this issue. The ber had some commercial back­ honorable member for BaUaarat ground, instead of a purely academic South commenced his speech by say­ background, on reflection he would ing that Mr. ·Mellor was a friend of know that when accounts are not his and a person .for whom he had revealed it may not necessarily mean high regard. As I interpret his re­ that they are being hidden. How­ marks, he ·considers 'Mr. Mellor to ever, it is strange when accounts be a person of highest integrity and involving $60,000 or $70,000 are not ·Outstanding talent. Apparently having within the knowledge of the person heard ·what the honorable me·mber responsible for the operation of the for Swan Hill had to say, the hon­ park. orable member for Ballaarat South I make no reflection on Mr. decided to come down on the Mellor. At all times he has given side of the ·Premier. The situation outstanding service in his particular is that the Premier's credibility is at field to the community at Swan Hill. stake. The honorable member for This is the ·main reason why the Swan Hill has put the Premier on Government has strongly supported the spot. The Premier must either the Swan Hill project over the years rise in Parliament and substantiate in which it has been in operation. I his public statements or, like a hope the Government will continue craven cur, remain seated and swa-l­ to support the project and the many low what the honorable ·member for similar projects which are in full Swan Hill rammed down our throats. operation. I invite honorable members to con­ sider what the honorable member The honorable member for Bruns­ wick West suggested that the ·council for Swan Hill said. He said that the would not take cognisance of the Government was competent-- fact that there were great benefits to Mr. DUNSTAN {Minister of Public the hotel, motel and other business Works) .-On a point of order, I ask enterprises in the city. Of course the for a withdrawal of the remarks council is conscious of this fact, but " craven cur ", I find the remark surely the major responsibility of the offensive and ask for a withdrawal. council is to its ratepayers, to the Mr. HOLDING {Leader of the financing of the project and the re­ Opposition) .-On the point of order, sponsibility of meeting the overdraft which is rapidly mounting. The the honorable member for Broad­ meadows did not say that the Prem­ assets are i•mportant, but 1I do not know who would buy a settlement ier was a "craven cur". What was which was too heavily indebted as said was that the Premier could a result of its operations over the choose to sit there-- past seven or eight years unless it Mr. DUNSTAN .-Like a craven cur. was someone who possessed unlim­ Mr. HOLDING.-That is a matter ited finance-much in excess of the for the Premier. If the honorable capabilities of any council in the member for Broadmeadows had said State-to support the project with a that the Premier was a craven cur, view to larger promotion. there would be no doubt that the re­ The cheap political stunt by the mark was unparliamentary and the Opposition has not paid off. The honorable member for Broadmeadows House is indebted to the honorable would have to withdraw it. However, 3872 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. the honorable member for Broad­ was in Swan Hill to conduct a cere­ meadows drew a general analogy and mony which involved the recommis­ that is a rna tter-- sioning of a vessel which had been re­ Mr. STEPHEN.-That is Trades stored. According to the Swan Hill Hall talk. Guardian this is what the Premier had to say- The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. The leading part Mr. Mellor has played Wheeler).-Order! The Leader of the in establishing the folk museum, as it .was Opposition on the point of order. .then known in irt:s eal'lly formative yeal'ls, and in its subsequent development :to its present Mr. HOLDING.-Will you get that day eminence ds too well known to need half-baked member of the National repet·ition. Civic Council off my back? That is So we have the situation where the a reputable organization and the honorable member for Swan Hill honorable member for Ballaarat reckons that Mr. Mellor is a no-hoper, South can ask me to withdraw it if incompetent and unable to hold the he finds my remark offensive. I sug­ position, and the Premier-- gest that the remark made by the Mr. WOOD (Swan HiH).---On a honorable membe·r for Broad­ point of order, I did not refer to Mr. meadows is not in any sense unpar­ Mellor as a no-hoper at any stage liamentary. during my speech and I ask for a The SPEAKER.-Order! I am withdrawal. ready to give a ruling and I do not Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).­ require any references to the matter On the point of order, I am inter­ to convince me. The honorable mem­ preting the remarks of the honorable ber for Broadmeadows did not call member for Swan Hill. I suggest that the Premier a craven cur, and for some of his more experenced col­ that reason I cannot uphold the point leagues should inform the hon­ of order. orable member that 'it is the height of ignorance to inter­ Mr. WILTON .~Broadmeadows).­ rupt the speech of an honorable Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I was member to call for a correction of a about to say, I invite honorable mem­ misrepresentation. I submit to you, bers to consider what the honorable Mr. Speaker, that if the honorable member for Swan Hill said in his member for Swari Hill claims that he contribution in this debate. Firstly, the has been misrepresented by me, this is honorable member indicated to the not the proper time to raise the House that Mr. Mellor was incom­ matter. petent, that he was incapable of dis­ The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. charging the duties of the appoint­ Wheeler).-Order! The honorable ment he held at that time. It seems member for Swan Hill believes he to me that the Government is divided heard the honorable member for on the question. The honorable mem­ Broadmeadows state that he, the ber for Swan Hill says that Mr. honorable member for Swan Hill, Mellor is incompetent and unable to referred to ex-councillor Mellor as a discharge his duties. To my mind no-hoper. If the honorable member that connotes that in the opinion of for Swan Hill claims that he did not the honorable member for Swan Hill say that he is quite .entitled to ask for that person should not have held his its withdrawal. position. However, what did the Mr. WILTON.-Are you asking me Premier have to say about the same to withdraw? gentleman? I refer honorable mem­ The SPEAKER.-Yes. bers to the Swan Hill Guardian, a Mr. HOLDING {Leader of the local publication, of 7th November, Opposition) .-On the point of order, 1973. On that occasion the Premier an honorable member is entitled to Swan Hill Pioneer (13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3873 ask for a withdrawal of a remark him, although he has not expressed which impinges on him and which he it in those terms. I suggest that your finds personally offensive. If the hon­ ruling, Mr. Speaker, is correct. orable member for Broadmeadows had said that the honorable member The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. for Swan Hill was a no-hoper, the Wheeler).-Order! There appears to honorable member for Swan Hill be some confusion between the would be entitled to ask for and re­ statement made or alleged to have ceive a withdrawal. All that the hon­ been made by the honorable member orable member for Broadmeadows for Broadmeadows and the interpre­ has said is that after the speech of tation of it by the honorable member the honorable member for Swan for Swan Hill and for that reason I Hill, during which he made all sorts intend to listen to the tape recording of allegations about ex-councillor and report back to the House on the Mellor, in the opinion of the honor­ next day of sitting. The honorable able member for Broadmeadows the member for Swan Hill will be given remarks of the honorable member for the opportunity of making his point at Swan Hill could be summed up as that stage. representing the view that ex-coun­ Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).­ cillor Mellor was a no-hoper. If the As I was saying, after listening to honorable member for Swan Hill re­ the honorable member for Swan Hill, garded himself as being personally who informed the House that in his misrepresented, he would be entitled opinion Mr. Mellor was incompetent to make an explanation pointing out and unable to carry out his duties, I to the House that that was not in interpreted the honorable member's fact the conclusion to be drawn from remarks as putting Mr. Mellor in the his remarks, but with great respect, n.o-hoper class. That is what it came Mr. Speaker, within the framework down to because if the honorable of the Standing Orders it is inap­ member for Swan Hill considers that propriate to ask for a withdrawal in a person is incompetent, it seems to the terms sought by the honorable me that he puts that person in the member for Swan Hill. no-hoper class. It is in that sense that I made that point. Mr. DIXON {Minister for Youth, Honorable members know the type Sport and Recreation) .-On the of reaction they will receive from point of order, what has clearly back-bench members of the Govern­ happened is that you, Mr. Speaker, ment party because they have often have correctly interpreted the spirit seen it before. When members of the of what has been taken as a point front bench nod their heads, the of order by the honorable member back-benchers cave in and their prin­ for Swan Hill. The honorable ciples go out the door, as happened member's point is that it has been in this instance. wrongly alleged that he re-' In handling this ·measure for the ferred to ex-councillor Mellor· Opposition the honorable member for as being a no-hoper, that he did not Dandenong, who has a sense of make the alleged remark, and that he justice and fair play, was presented finds offensive a suggestion that he with material which clearly indicated would have made tha't remark about that an 'injustice could have occurred. ex-councillor Mellor. I suggest that However, not wishing to pre-judge the issue and desiring to take the your ruling, Mr. Speaker, is in keep­ necessary steps to ensure that jus­ ing with the spirit of the Standing tice will not only be done but will be Orders. The honorable member for seen to be done, the honorable mem­ Swan Hill considers that a wrong in­ ber has asked the House to refer the terpretation has been placed on his measure to the State Development remarks, and that it is offensive to Committee. V/hat is the Government 3874 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. running away from? Why is it member ·for Swan Hill is prepared to frightened to have the Bill publicly repeat his allegations outside Parlia­ examined in the calm atmosphere of ment. the meetings o'f the State Develop­ ment Committee, where interested However, honorable members have parties can give evidence and state seen this type of thing before from their points of view on this issue? Government supporters. The Premier will probably sit ~there and suffer in Instructions were issued, and back­ silence because the honorable mem­ bench members of the Government ber for Swan Hill has torpedoed and. party were told to shut up, put their sunk him in no uncertain terms. The hands up, steamroll this measure Premier informed the people of Swan through and reject the Opposition's Hill and Victoria in general that he amendment. believed Mr. Mellor was a first-class Honorable members tonight heard organizer and operator in his field. from the honorable member for Swan The honorable member 'for Swan Hill Hill one of the most disgraceful said tonight that Mr. Mellor was in­ speeches I have ev·er 'heard in this competent and could not do his jo'b. House. Under Parliamentary privilege Whom does the Attorney-General a craven attack was made on a support in the struggle that is occur­ person whom the Premier eulogized ring in the ranks of the Government? in November last year. The honor­ Does he support the Premier, or is able gentleman then told the people he prepared to take the line of the of Swan Hill that in his opinion Mr. honorable member for Swan Hill? Mellor was supreme in his field. The interpretation one is entitled to place The House is entitled to an ex­ on the Premier's •words on that planation, and I shall be interested occasion is that the State could not to hear what the Premier has to say. do better by employing any other In the interests of preserving his own person in this position. credibility because of the high posi­ tion he holds in the Government of What is it to be? Is the Premier Victoria, the honorable gentleman to be accepted as a man of hollow ought now to be prepared to accept words, a man of straw who stands the amendment moved by the honor­ on public platforms mouthing com­ able member for Dandenong so that pliments without meaning? I do not it can be established whether the accept that. I believe the Premier Premier or tthe honorable member for meant what he said, so the Swan Hill is correct. The Premier honorable member for Swan Hill has cannot have it both ways. Either dragged into question the credibility Mr. Mellor is a first-class organizer of his Leader. That is the only con­ who is capable of carrying on the clusion one can reach. If the honor­ work that the Premier said he has able member for Swan Hill has the already done, or he should be dis­ courage of his convictions, he will missed because of his inability to do repeat outside Parliament tomorrow the job, as suggested by the honor­ the allegations that he made in the able member for Swan Hill. The House tonight under Parliamentary a·mendment moved by the honorable privilege. That will be the testing member for Dandenong gives the time for the honorable member. It is Premier a chance to salvage some of aU very well for Government sup­ his ·credibility as a result of the un­ porters under Parliamentary privilege warranted, unsubstantiated attack to make the type of allegations made by the honorable member for which the honorable member for Swan Hill on Mr. Mellor during the Swan Hill made tonight against a debate tonight. person who is not a member of Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ Parliament and !therefore 'is denied surer).-~! speak against the amend­ the right of defending himself, but ment, firstly, because it has nothing the test will come if the honorable to do with the ·merits of the BiH ; Mr. Wilton. Swan Hill Pioneer (13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3875 secondly, because I do not know enterprises has been created. The what the State Development Com­ Government considers that any mittee would report on if the Bill money which it has given by ·way of were sent to it for ·consideration; support has been well spent. The and, thirdly, because any further local communities and councils delay in the passing of this Bill could which in most cases have borne the only be detrimental to this signi,ficant brunt of the entire undertakings are enterprise at Swan Hill. Therefore, also pleased with the result. the amendment must be rejected. That is the background into which I should like to say something the pioneer settlement at Swan Hill about the Bill, about the corporation fits. Last year there were 208,000 visi­ which is to be established and about tors to the settlement, a figure which the people whose names have un­ compares more than favourably with fortunately been bandied ~about dur­ the number of visitors to the ing 1the debate. The Swan Hill National Museum in Melbourne, Pioneer Settlement is 1a viable eco­ although it is not quite as high as nomic enterprise with a bright history the figure for the National ·Gallery. and a promising future. Let there The attendance figure for the be no doubt about that. It is not on pioneer settlement at Swan Hill does the rocks nor about to fold up. On not compare yet with the number of the contrary, tit has better prospects visitors to Sovereign Hill, Ballarat. of being a viable economic ·enterprise Nevertheless, it is a magni·ficent and of playing an even more im­ enterprise and is well worthy of this portant role in ~the future· 'history of Government's support. Victoria, particularly in the field of The name of Councillor Mellor has tourism, than it has had in the past. been mentioned many times tonight. Mr. LIND.-Is the Premier denying I do not retract one word of ·what I what was said by the honorable said about him in Swan ·Hill in member for Swan HiH? November. ·He has played a leading part in this enterprise, but not the Mr. HAMER.-No; I do not be­ whole part. Many other people in lieve members of the Opposition were Swan Hill have played a large part really listeniing to what was said by in bringing this tourist attraction to the honorable member for Swan Hill. its present state. One could men­ The Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement tion Ross Holloway in the very early is part of a group of similar enter­ days, Jack Cohn and Eric Westbrook. prises in the State of which Victoria Councillor Ross Mellor, however, took ought to be proud. I refer to settle­ a leading part and for the past four ments such as Sovereign Hill at years has been the chief executive Ballarat, at Mildura where there officer of the committee of manage­ is a similar establishment along ment in charge of the settlement. He the waterfront, and at Echuca, is a man of ideas, a man with a Bendigo, Beechworth, Maldon, Kyne­ strong sense of history and, as befits ton, Moe, Warracknabeal, and his training, a man of learning Korumburra. Another is soon to with a strong bias towards edu­ be established at Shepparton. cation. In his time there he has put a A large amount of money is being great deal of emphasis on the young spent on these enterprises, which are people who have flocked by the paying off handsomely. They have thousand to this pioneer settlement. generated a great deal of travel and Councillor Mellor's flair and chief role tourism in this State, interstate and are in the realm of ideas and develop­ overseas, and each one of them has ment, and I wish he were still in made a tremendous contribution charge of projects at this settlement. already to the local scene. Hotels, He has never claimed, and I do not motels and restaurants have been believe he ever would claim, that he built and employment for these has had any training in commercial 3876 Swan Hill Pioneer (ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. management or management tech­ the debate. In my view the project niques. In the many conversations is more like a hospital where one has I have had with him he has al1ways a medical director and a business said that he ·would prefer to have manager side by side, both respon­ the actual day-to-day business sible to the committee of manage­ management of the settlement in ment. I believe that is what the other hands. I have had a lot of committee of management of this correspondence with him on a per­ enterprise tried to achieve. Whether sonal basis. I do not know how it did so is another matter but I much of it the honorable member believe it set out to do that, to for Dandenong has in his possession, divide the business management and but he can check if he ·wishes to do the day-to-day running of the settle­ so. This is Councillor Mellor's role, ment from the ideas, projects and the field in which he excels. It is development of the future. If it had the outstanding contribution which succeeded, it would have been the he has made and could still make to best possible solution. It has not the future of this settlement. done so and that is a great pity for Mr. STEPHEN.-And could still be the pioneer settlement. However, I doing. do not consider that its future is any less bright. Mr. HAMER.-That is so. It is also perfectly true, as the honorable I now turn to the role of the member for Swan Hill pointed out, council. If one thing has been mean­ that there have been a series of diffi­ soirited about this debate it has been culties with the financial management the attack on the Swan Hill City of the Swan Hill settlement. At one Council. It has carried the settlP­ time, my predecessor, Sir Henry Bolte, ment from the beginning. It will held up further payments until the still carry it until this Bill is passed financial position was stabilized. The and the Government gives it assist­ letter was read out tonight in which ance financially and otherwise. It he stipulated that that rwould be so. has raised $140,000 in loans for the Treasury officers have been sent to settlement, secured against the rates the settlement on several occasions and the assets of the City of Srwan to check the accounts and find out Hill. Therefore, it has a duty to its what the situation was. ratepayers to ensure that those loans are secure and that things are MR. WILKES.-To ·whom does the properly run. U is also responsible Premier attribute the responsibility? by guarantee for the whole of the Mr. HAMER.-No one can claim overdraft. I cannot see how a re­ that the financial management of the sponsible council can watch the settlement has been above reproach. overdraft rise without apparent MR. Ross-EDWARDS.-But Mellor cause and ·without authority and not should not carry the entire blame. do something about it. I do not de­ Mr. HAMER.__;! believe most part in any way from ·what the firmly that the Swan Hill Pioneer honorable member for Swan Hill has Settlement had reached a stage of put, that this magnificent show is in size, turnover and complexity which need of financial readjustment and was beyond the handling of one man organization. as chief executive officer. MR. WILTON.-You said that it In several conversations I had was in a mess. with Councillor Mellor up to two­ and-a-half years ago I recommended Mr. HAMER. - The honorable that he press the committee to sup­ member for Broadmeadows is put­ port the appointment of a fully-quali­ ting words into other people's mouths. fied business manager. The example I said nothing about the settlement of a council was mentioned earlier in being in a ·mess. Swan Hill Pioneer [13 MARCH, 1974.) Settlement Bill. 3877

MR. WILTON.-It was an intelli­ Mr. Ross-EDWARDs.-The Bill should gent interpretation of what you said. have been introduced before. Mr. HAMER.-1 beg to differ. Mr. HAMER.-There were dis­ The council of the City of Swan cussions about the Bill. Hill has never been in a majority on the committee of management. Mr. Ross-EDWARDs.-Over a long The committee of management has period. fourteen members, six of ·whom are Mr. HAMER.-Over quite a long members of the city council. This time, and discussions, even in the is not just a city council enterprise spring sessional period, nearly but one which has much local sup­ prevented its introduction. But the port, the local historical society and Bill is now before the House. It the local dramatic society having is, in the words of the Leader of been involved in it from the begin­ the Country Party as I interpret them, ning. The local citizens have raised long overdue. It is needed, and send­ about $60,000 in support of the ing it to the State Development Com­ settlement. It is a partnership of mittee will not improve it or do any­ local people and local bodies, strong­ thing but delay its passage and the ly and generously supported by the reorganization of the settlement to council. give it a new lease of life. Everybody at Swan Hill wants and supports the The Government has contributed Bill and the best thing the House a mere pittance of $300,000, but has can do is to pass it now. not previoYsly sought any voice in the management of the pioneer Mr. WILKES (Northcote).---Con­ settlement. That has been left to trary to what the Premier has just the City of Swan Hill and the com­ said, the referral of the Bill to the mittee of management operating State Development Committee could under that council. I stress again play an important part in re-estab­ that the entire financial responsi­ lishing interest in the project at bility for the success or failure of Swan Hill. Certainly, if it brought this project fell on the city council together the parties at Swan Hill, and still does, and it is only right who appear to be divided over the and just that with the sharing of management of the project, it would responsibility which this Bill will achieve something. At least the produce and the injection of some committee would be able to examine other outside advice onto the council all the facts. or the committee of management, there ought to be smoother sailing The House has heard two views. in the future. One view was put forward by an ex-councillor of the City of Swan I do not believe there is any rea­ Hill. The Premier has said the son to advert to any particular per­ council played a big part in the es­ son in this debate. T believe ·what has tablishment of the project, but the been done now ·will in the long run council does not accept any re­ be seen as the best thing that sponsibility for its financial misman­ could have been done for this settle­ agement. On this point, the Opposi­ ment. tion differs from the Government. If the council was responsible for the es­ MR. Ross-EDWARDS.- It should tablishment of the project and was have been done before. to be its watchdog, despite the fact Mr. HAMER.-Possibly it should that a committee

These points have not been Mr. STEPHEN .-Does the Deputy answered by the honorable member Leader of the Opposition share his for Swan Hill. I do not take the Leader's confidence in members of honorable member to task because the State Development Committee? he is a new member and he put his Mr. WILKES.-! share my Leader's case very well. But there seems to view that we have every confidence be some collusion resulting in the in the members of the State Develop­ argument put up by the Government ment Committee, even the honorable to justify this measure whkh, in member for Ballaarat South. That essence, the Labor Party does not is why the Opposition wants the Bill oppose. The Premier looks up with referred to that committee. The hon­ some amazement. What the Oppo­ orable member for Dandenong has sition is trying to point out read letters from the Premier ex­ to the honorable gentleman is that pressing confidence in Mr. Mellor. a serious injustice was done. Mr. RAFFERTY.-They are the let­ Parliament is peculiar in the way ters which are missing. that it permits honorable members Mr. WILKES.-They may have to express their dissatisfaction ab~ut been missing, but they are not secret certain acts of Government admin­ documents; they are readily avail­ istration or the administra'tion of able. The honorable member for bodies that are responsible to the Swan Hill has said that the finance Government. On this Bill, the Oppo­ committee was concerned that it did sition chooses to express its con­ not have those letters. The Opposi­ cern about the treatment of Mr. tion is prepared to supply photo­ Mellor. It does so without prejudic­ stat copies of the letters if necessary. ing its position on the measure it­ self. In the best interests of the The only reason why the honor­ settlement it may well be necessary able member for Dandenong adverted to establish the authority which the to the letters was to demonstrate Government proposes. clearly and beyond reasonable doubt that the Premier and senior Cabinet Mr. JONA.-The honorable member Ministers had expressed their faith is arguing against the reference to and satisfaction in Mr. Mellor. The the State Development Committee. Opposition cannot understand why Mr. WILKES.-! am suggesting the Premier and senior Cabinet Min­ that the State Development Com­ isters. after expressing their faith in mittee should examine why Mr. Mr. Mellor, should acquiesce in an Mellor's services were dispensed action by the committee, which is res­ with. Nobody would know better ponsible for the financial mismanage­ than the Parliamentary Secretary of ment of the settlement, to dispense the Cabinet that the Opposition with the services of Mr. Mellor and could not move an amendment to not come to his assistance or defence. the Bill to bring the matter before The Opposition would have ex­ the State Development Committee; pected the Premier to query the ac­ that the only way would be to refer tion because, as Treasurer, the hon­ the Bill to the committee for exam­ orable gentleman has been respons­ ination in the hope that by careful ible for a considerable Government examination of the measure it will be contribution towards the develop­ ascertained whether dispensing with ment of the settlement. The Premier Mr. Mellor's services was justi­ should have been concerned about fied and whether the allegations the way in which a man whom he which have been levelled against him had been prepared to eulogize was tonight are true or unjustified. The being treated. Opposition is so concerned that it is Mr. STEPHEN (BaUaarat South).-.- prepared to move an amendment to 1 raise a point of order and I seek the second-reading motion. your guidance, Mr. Speaker. The 3880 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill.

Deputy 'Leader of the Opposition is It has been strongly suggested that constantly referring to the committee Mr. Mellor had the know-how to dispensing with the services of Mr. keep the project going at top speed Mellor. I understand that it.is a false but, in a panic move, quite unjustly statement because it has already his services were dispensed with and been stated in the House that Mr. he was offered a minor job. If the Mellor resigned. 1Premier were placed in this position, The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. naturally he would not accept a Wheeler).-There is no point of minor position. It was pointed out order. that Mr. Mellor had a flair for what he was doing and it was an affront for Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-1 this ad hoc committee to get the would not expect back-bench settlement into a financial mess and members of the Government party offer Mr. Mellor a minor job. Of to understand, but I would have course, he rejected the offer and I expected the Premier and some admire him for doing so. Any of his Cabinet Ministers to de­ honorable man would have done the fend Mr. Mellor and at least seek same thing. reasons why Mr. Mellor was being made the victim of the committee's The Opposition does not agree with mismanagement. the actions of the committee. The For some time, there was procras­ Government, in all seriousness, tination about when the Bill would should try to correct the grave wrong be introduced. Late in the last ses­ that was done to Mr. ·Mellor by sional period, in answer to a ques­ referring the Bill to the State Devel­ tion, the Premier said that the mea­ opment Committee. Knowing full sure would be proceeded with dur­ well that the honorable member for ing that session. Apparently, the Ballaarat South is a member of the honorable gentleman had some mis­ committee-and honorable members givings about the Mellor case be­ have heard his views-the Opposition cause the Bill was not proceeded is prepared to have :the Bill sent to with during :that period. the committee so that every aspect can be readily discussed and efforts As one who had done such a fine made to find a means of repairing job in the initial stages of develop­ the damage :that has already been ment, Mr. Mellor should at least have done to ·Mr. Mellor. been given the opportunity of further developing the settlement after the Mr. McCLURE {Bendigo)._;Before financial mismanagement by the attacking the Opposition in this de­ finance committee which comprised bate, I remind the House that a mainly backward councillors of the bitter, personal attack has been made City of Swan Hill. No councillor on the honorable ·member for Swan should allow the finances of a muni­ Hill and that a variety of insults cipality to drift away without calling have been directed to the Govern­ a halt. The answer of the 1finance ment and to the Premier. committee was to put in another man at twice the salary. Unfortunately, the Opposition has only one member who represents a A serious injustice was done in country electorate and who has any this case. It could have been avoided understanding or feeling for the unity if the finance committee had adopted which exists in Swan :Hill-particu­ the proper course of allowing Mr. larly in regard to this BiB. Mellor to continue in the position and explaining to him that the com­ ·Mr. TREZISE.-When were you mittee was dissatisfied with its there last? I was there last ·week-end. handling of the ,financial commit­ ments of the project and that it would Mr. McCLUR'E.-I shall come to lay down guidelines which Mr. Mellor that in due ·course. It is a matter would be expected to follow. which does not arise so early in my Swan Hill Pioneer [13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3881

address to the House. I should like It was a question of the tail wagging to refer to some of the remarks of the dog, and it was a situation which the honorable ·member .for Brunswick required constant supervision. I be­ West, who has acknowledged that he lieve the council carried out its obli­ has ·made some fleeting trips to the gations to its ratepayers ·completely. country in recent days. The honorable member for Bruns­ I suggest to the House that among wick West said the success of the the honorable member's qualities the settlement was being jeopardized to subject of accounting is not included. some degree by the action of a group The honorable member attempted to of small minded people who could talk about the accounting procedures not run a garbage service. I think relating to the Swan Hill Pioneer that is a deplorable statement and Settlement, and he made great play one which is not apparent to visitors upon the assets of the museum and to the settlement-even to the hon­ upon the fact that its assets had in­ orable member for Geelong North, creased at a greater rate than its liabi­ who said that he was there last lities. However, I remind honorable week-end. members that in assessing the worth of assets one must also take into ac­ When I was last there I .made a count whether, regardless of their special point of speaking to· many worth, they can actually be sold. One people in an attempt to determine must study the question of whether ·what atmosphere prevailed at the the assets of the Swan Hill Pioneer settlement, and I found nothing but Settlement are readily marketable. complete harmony. There was no One ·must also take into ·considera­ suggestion that anything untoward tion the position of the Swan Hill was occurring. One could only be council in relation to the folk impressed by the operation of the museum in the matter of bank over­ settlement. drafts and so on. It is difficult Swan Hill is a small city and, to estimate the value of the assets unfortunately, the Opposition has of the museum. It must be obvious seen fit during this debate to discuss to all honorable ·members that the the city in such a way as to break council's overdraft in respect of the down the unity which exists there. pioneer settlement reduces its capac­ The honorable member for Broad­ ity to raise funds .for other municipal ·meadows made some play about Mr. undertakings. Mellor, and made his own judgment I have observed the progress of on fair play. I remind honorable the pioneer settlement since the members that in his second-reading paddle steamer Gem was first placed explanatory speech the Premier did in position. The committee which not mention Mr. Mellor. ·I am sure started the Swan Hill Folk Museum that 'Mr. ·Mellor must be greatly dis­ was a committee of the Swan Hill appointed at what has been said City Council and it is only right about him during this debate. and proper that the council should be recognized for its .interest and The honorable member for Broad­ involvement in the undertaking and ·meadows also asserted that the Gov­ f.or its action in taking steps to en­ ernment should refer this matter to sure that it W·ould ·continue to have the State Development Committee ·a successful response from the for public examination ; on other public. occasions I have heard the Oppo­ It is true that the financial struc­ sition saying that this matter should ture of the settlement is bigger than be brought before this House for the financial situation of the City of examination. The ·Opposition cannot Swan Hi11. In terms of turnover, the have it both ways. If the matter proceeds of the settlement ·exceed were referred to the State Develop­ the rate revenue of the city council. ment Committee, the Opposition 3882 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. would insist that the debate upon it The honorable member for .Broad­ should be conducted in this House. meadows made a profound statement Once again, the speech of the when he said that the speech made by Deputy Leader of the Opposition the honorable member for Swan Hill was a .most inaccurate one, especially under Parliamentary privilege was. when he spoke of dollars and cents. disgraceful. Honorable members The inaccuracies ·contained in the have heard one of the most disgrace­ honorable ·member's contribution to ful personal attacks on an honorable the debate were so numerous that member that has ever been made in there would not be time within the this House. It is to be deplored that limits of the discussion to list all members of the Opposition saw fit of them. not to be present in the Chamber for the first part of the contribution to The first inaccuracy was that Mr. the debate of the honorable member Mellor was replaced by a man who for Swan Hill, although one or two of was paid almost double his salary ; them chose to listen at the doorway however, I remind the Deputy Leader of the Chamber, so they would have of the Opposition that Mr. Mellor's heard some of his statements. They salary was not paid by the Swan HiH are not the tactics of honorable mem­ council; it was paid by the Education bers who wish to debate sincerely and Department. The second inaccuracy constructively. If members of the of the Deputy Leader of the Opposi­ Opposition intend to raise matters of tion was that Mr. Mellor was dis­ this nature, they should do their missed, but, as I have said, Mr. Mellor homework and preferably visit the was employed by the Education De­ area concerned. partment and, of his own volition, chose to resign his position with The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. the Swan Hill Pioneer Settle.ment. Wheeler).-! will now put the ques­ The honorable member for Northcote tion. said that the finance committee was Mr. LIND (Dandenong). -Mr. part of the original formation of the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement and Speaker-- should have had its finger on the The SPEAKER.-The question is­ pulse all the time. The finance com­ That the words proposed by Mr. Und to mittee was formed only after it was be omitted stand part of the motion. realized that everything in the ac­ counting section of the settlement Mr. WILKES {Northcote).-I rise was not as it should be. It was to a point of order. The honorable formed in August, 1971. member for Dandenong has not spoken to the amendment. Mr. LIND.-It was in August, 1972. What about the inaccuracies now? The SPEAKER. -The honorable member for Dandenong moved the Mr. McCLURE.-! am happy to amendment and I rule that in doing refer to my notes. It was August, 1972, which demonstrates that the so he has spoken to it. committee was a recent innovation The House divided on the question brought in only after it was realized that the words proposed by Mr. Lind that everything was not as it should to be omitted stand part of the be. One of the first recommendations motion (the Hon. K. H. Wheeler in was to increase the number of the chair)- councillors on the committee and to include the town clerk. Therefore, Ayes 46 out of a total membership of sixteen, Noes 17 six were members of the council and the town clerk was included. For a sub-committee, that is not a bad re­ Majority against the presentation. amendment 29 Swan Hill Pioneer [13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3883

AYES. gentleman concerned. The honorable Mr. Austin Mr. Maclellan member for Swan Hill unequivocally Mr. Balfour Mr. Meagher stated ·that when a vote ·was taken Mr. Baxter Mr. Mitchell on the appointment of a chief execu­ Mr. Billing Mr. Plowman Mr. Borthwick Mr. Rafferty tive officer the voting was twelve .to Mr. Burgin Mr. Ramsay two or that only two were in opposi­ Mr. Crellin Mr. Ross-Edwards tion. I have it in writing from Mr. Dixon Mr. Rossiter Councillor MeUor, who chaired the Mr. Dunstan Mr. Scanlan Mr. Ebery Mr. Skeggs meeting, that five people voted Mr. Evans Mr. Stephen against the motion. (Ballaarat North) Mr. Suggett Mr. Evans Sir Edgar Tanner Copies of the letters to which (Gippsland· East) Mr. Templeton reference has been made were sent to Mrs. Goble Mr. Thompson me so that I could present the case. Mr. Guy Mr. Trewin The honorable member for Swan Hill Mr. Hamer Mr. Vale Mr. Hann Mr. Whiting might prefer not to show Mr. ·Mellor Mr. Jona Mr. Wilcox a letter from a man who would have Mr. Lacy Mr. Wiltshire a case to answer if Mr. ·Mellor ever Mr. McClure Mr. Wood. Mr. MacDonald read that letter. Mr. Mcinnes Tellers: The Premier praised the Swan Hill Mr. McKellar Mr. Chamberlain Mr. McLaren Mr. Williams. Pioneer Settlement and ·my coHeagues and I agree with him. This is exactly NOES. what the honorable ·member for Mr. Amos Mr. Lind Swan Hill did not do, and his argu­ Mr. Curnow Mr. Simmonds ment came unstuck. Item No. 13 of Mr. Edmunds Mr. Stirling the constitution of the pioneer sett'le­ Mr. Fogarty Mr. Trezise Mr. Fordham Mr. Wilkes ment states- Mr. Ginifer Mr. Wilton. The books of account and .the statements Mr. Holding Tellers: of receipts and payments of .the committee Mr. Jones Mr. Bornstein shall be audited annually by .the town clerk Mr. Kirkwood Mr. Roper. of Swan Hill City Council or an auditor nominated .by ,the Swan HHI City Council. PAIRS. Mr. Loxton Mr. Doube How did the situation referred to by Mr. Smith Mr. Mutton. the honorable member for Swan Hill ( Bellarine) arise 'if 'the Swan Hill City CouncU carried out its duties ·as set out in The motion was agreed to. the constitution of the pioneer settle­ The Bill was read a second time ment? The honorable member for and committed. Bendigo tried to make a point by saying that the •fin1ance committee Clause I was verbally amended, was set up in 1971. It was not estab­ and, ~as ·amended, was adopted. lished until August, 1972, twelve· Clause 2 (Establishment of Swan months later, when this aHeged mess Hill Pioneer Settlement Authority). was discovered. If the honorable member for Bendigo had read the Mr. UND (Dandenong).-1 assure constitution he would not have made you, Mr. Chairman, that the honor­ that statement. able member for Ballaarat South erred greatly when he accused the If the Bill ~is ·passed in 'its present Opposition of engaging in a cheap form, the injustice wiH not be recti­ political stunt. It was not a fied. If the .Premier and some of his political stunt; it was an honest Ministers who ·were ~aware of the endeavour to do justice to situation from the beginning had one person. Members of the 'placed Mr. ·Mellor in a position of Opposition support the majority responsibility in which he would of the provisions contained in the have been receiving $10,000 to Bill. It is regrettable that certain $12,000 a year, and then intro­ statements have been made about the duced a Bill to establish this 3884 Swan Hill Pioneer [ASSEMBLY.] Settlement Bill. authority and appointed an the Swan Hill City Council and only accountant or a commercial person, three nominated by the life members there ·would have been some justice. and subscribers of the Swan Hill There is no justice in the way ~n Pioneer Settlement. For that reason which Mr. Mellor was driven out. I have moved an amendment and I He was surely 'led to believe his foreshadow further amendments position was secure. Doubtless the covering the number of representa­ Premier and many of his Ministers tives from the Swan Hill City are uneasy about the situation that Council and the number of repre­ they 'have ·allowed to develop. The sentatives nominated by life members establishment of this sulb-comittee by and subscribers. the Swan Hill City Council ·was Mr. HAMER (Premier and illegal. The constitution states- Treasurer) .-The Government is Alter.at·ions to .this constitution may be unable to accept the amendment or made at .the annual meeting of subscribers or at an extraordinary meeting of sub­ the foreshadowed amendments which scribers called for this purpose and must be would diminish the nominations of carried by a two-thirds majority of those the Swan Hill City Council to three present and voting. persons and increase the nominations That was not done in any of these from life members and subscribers instances. Doubt exists in the Lands of the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement Department on who controls what in to seven. the pioneer settlement, especially at I should add that from its incep­ the Horseshoe Bend area ; this adds tion the Historical Society of Swan to the confusion and vindicates the Hill and the Swan Hill National Opposition's claim that the matter Theatre have supported the pioneer should be re-exa·mined. settlement and are still supporting it. During discussions with the Swan The clause was agreed to, as were Hill City Council on the composition clauses 3 to 5. of the new governing body, the Swan Clause 6, providing, inter alia- Hill City Council has given an assur­ (1) The Authority shall consist of ten ance, which the Government accepts persons appointed by the Governor in as it knows that the council will Council to be directors of the Authority honour this assurance, that as long as of whom- there is an Historical Society of Swan ( a) five shall be nominated by the Council of the City of Swan Hill; Hill and a Swan Hill National Theatre and functioning, the council shall include (b) three shall be nominated by the life representatives from those two members and subscribers for the bodies in its nomination of five time being of the Swan Hill Pioneer persons. Settlement. Mr. LIND (Dandenong).-1 move­ Mr. HoLDING.-! hope the assur­ ances of the Swan Hill City Council That, in sub-clause (1), the word "ten" be omitted with the view of inserting the are better than the assurances word " twelve ". received from the Premier and other When the constitution of the pioneer Ministers of the Crown. settlement was first written, a Mr. HAMER.-1 have already said management committee was ap­ that the Government accepts those pointed which consisted of repre­ assurances and has no doubt that sentatives of the Swan Hill City they will be carried out. In legisla­ Council, life members and sub­ tion of this nature it is difficult to scribers of the Swan Hill Pioneer specify that a nomination shall Settlement, the· Swan llill National come from a national theatre or a Theatre and the Historical Society of historical society because those Swan Hill. The Opposition sees no bodies, although now well estab­ reason why the composition of the lished, on some occasions cease to new authority should be limited to exist and there would then be a need ten persons, five being nominated by to amend the Act. So, the Bill has Swan Hill Pioneer [13 MARCH, 1974.] Settlement Bill. 3885

been framed in this way and I give AYES. an assurance to the House that the Mr. Austin Mr. Meagher Government expects the Swan Hill Mr. Balfour Mr. Mitchell Mr. Baxter Mr. Plowman City Council to include nominations Mr. Billing Mr. Rafferty from the Swan Hill National Theatre Mr. Borthwick Mr. Ramsay and from the Historical Society of Mr. Burgin Mr. Ross-Edwards Swan Hill. There will also be three Mr. Crellin Mr. Rossiter Mr. Dixon Mr. Scanlan nominations from the life members Mr. Dunstan Mr. Skeggs and subscribers of the Swan Hill Mr. Evans Mr. Stephen Pioneer Settlement, the selection to (Ballaarat North) ·Mr. Suggett be made at its annual meeting. Mr. Evans Sir Edgar Tanner (Gippsland East) Mr. Templeton Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of Mrs. Goble Mr. Thompson Mr. Guy Mr. Trewin the Country Party) .-The Country Mr. Hamer Mr. Vale Party appreciates the problems in­ Mr. Hann Mr. Whiting volved in the drafting of this Bill, Mr. Jona Mr. Wilcox especially in deciding the composi­ Mr. Lacy Mr. Wiltshire Mr. McClure Mr. Wood. tion of this statutory body. Frankly, Mr. MacDonald I have some sympathy for the Mr. Mcinnes Tellers: amendment moved by the Opposition Mr. McKellar Mr. Chamberlain which is against five persons Mr. Maclellan Mr. Williams. being nomina ted by the Swan NOES. Hill City Council. The council Mr. Amos Mr. Lind will no longer carry a responsibility Mr. Curnow Mr. Simmonds after this measure becomes law. The Mr. Edmunds Mr. Stirling Mr. Fogarty Mr. Trezise Country Party would have expected Mr. Fordham Mr. Wilkes this to be an appropriate time to Mr. Ginifer Mr. Wilton. obtain a wider participation from the Mr. Holding Tellers: district of Swan Hill in the manage­ Mr. Jones Mr. Bornstein ment of the pioneer settlement. Mr. Kirkwood Mr. Roper. Although the Country Party will PAIRS. support the Bill and vote against the Mr. Loxton Mr. Doube amendment, it believes that in a year Mr. Smith Mr. Mutton. or two it would be appropriate for (Bellarine) the Government to again consider the question to ensure that representa­ The amendment was negatived, tion is widened. There is no valid and the clause was adopted, as were reason,· apart from continuity of the remaining clauses. management, for the Swan Hill City The Bill was reported to the House Council to have a larger say in the with an amendment, and passed composition of this statutory autho­ through its remaining stages. rity. The Country Party believes that certain local bodies should be ADJOURNMENT. given the opportunity of nominating CoMPENSATION FOR POLICEMAN's persons for appointment to the autho­ WIDOW-DINNER SUSPENSION- rity. BRUNSWICK TECHNICAL SCHOOL The Committee divided on the CARETAKER'S RESIDENCE-NUMUR­ question that the words proposed by KAH PRIMARY SCHOOL-HEARING Mr. Lind to be omitted stand part of OF CIVIL CASES .AT BENDIGO­ the clause (Mr. McLaren in the BRIGHTON STREET, RICHMOND, chair)- PRIMARY SCHOOL-WATER STORAGE ON MITCHELL RIVER. Ayes 44 Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ Noes 17 cation) .-1 move- That the House, at its rising, adjourn Majority against the until Tuesday next. amendment 27 The motion was agreed to. 3886 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ Department on thi-s subject, but un­ cation) .-1 move- fortunately and regrettably no· ac­ That the House do now adjourn. tion seems to have been taken, ex­ cept that more plaster falls from Mr. WILTON ·~Broadmeadows).- the ceiling, more damp shows 1 direct a matter to the attention through the walls and the house of the Premier and Treasurer. In looks more and more like a con­ the Sun News-Pictorial of 12th demned building. The city council January a brief report appeared health offker has prepared a report stating that the Treasurer had an­ for the school council and it has nounced that the Government had been sent to the Minister. given $5,000 to assist the widow of the police constable who was killed Is the Minister of Education pre­ in the course of duty at Flinders pared to request his department to Street railway station. Although I take urgent action, not to renovate commend the honorable gentleman the residence, because it has gone and his Government on the action, too far for that, but to find alterna­ is it to be taken that in the future, tive accommodation in the vicinity if any member of the Polke Force of the school for the caretaker, his has the misfortune to lose his life wife and family, as at present in the course of duty, his widow and they are living in conditions which family will be treated in the same can only be des·cribed as shocking. way? and which are rapidly deteriorating? Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of Mr. BAXTER (Murray Valley).­ the Country Party).-During this ses­ I raise a matter which is also within sional period it has been the practice the province of the Minister of Edu­ for the sitting to be suspended for cation and concerns the backlog in dinner at 6.15 p.·m. and resumed 1at 8 the delivery of school furniture. I p.m. It came to my notice this even­ refer particularly to the primary ing that the House rose at about school at Numurkah, which, prior 6.15 p.m. and resumed at 7.50 p.m. to the opening of the school year, Although I appreciate there has been was promised 31 new tables, size a trial period, will you, Mr. " C ", and a similar number in size Speaker, inform the House whether "D ". the trial period has come to a con­ On 15th February, 1974, the re­ clusion or whether there was some quisition was approved on what is other reason for the change this known as the green form. The prin­ evening? Some honorable members, cipal asked me to try to ascertain including myself, had made other ar­ when delivery might be expected. I rangements during the dinner sus­ checked with the buildings branch of pension, and it meant altering our the department today and was in­ arrangements slightly without any formed that there was a big prior notice. I should appreciate it, backlog on furniture. The ·officer Mr. Speaker, if you would explain was unable to indicate to me what the procedure will be in the when delivery might be made. future. No tenders have been accepted Mr. ROPER {Brunswick West).­ since aproximately September, 1973, I wish to raise a matter ~concerning because they have not been deemed the administration of the Education satisfactory by the Public Works De­ Department. On 25th September last partment. year during the debate on the I appreciate that there have been motion for the adjournment of the shortages of materials and industrial sitting I referred to the care­ strife which has caused a number of taker's residence at Brunswick Tech­ shortages, but in setting its specifica­ nical School. I have had copious tions and deciding what is an accep­ correspondence with the Education table tender perhaps the ·department Adjournment. (13 MARCH, 1974.) Adjournment. 3887 has failed to take note of rising Minister of Education have expressed prices. This may be the reason why the view that parents and teachers the tenders have not been acceptable. ought to be increasingly involved in I ask the .Minister to investigate the decisions about the nature and situation because it is difficult to quality of education and the type of teach children, particularly small educational structures that are built. children, without the appropriate fur­ The Brighton Street, Richmond, Pri­ niture. mary School is a very old school, and the Public Works Department has Mr. HANN (Rodney).-! refer to called tenders for a new building. the Attorney-General the delay in the hearing of civil court cases in Ben­ Mr. DUNSTAN.-When did they digo because of the priority which is close? given to criminal cases. This matter was raised by a constituent of mine Mr. HOLDING.-1 do not know. who has an appeal pending in a third­ This project involves a set of plans party motor car insurance claim. The which might well be relevant to case has been delayed for a consid­ another educational institution in erable time. The man is out of work another part of the State because it and unable to obtain employment be­ amounts to dropping an open class­ cause of the injuries he received in room setting on the Brighton Street the accident. He finds that the hear­ site. The result has been to reduce ing of his case is continually de­ the playing area. But, more seriously, layed because of the criminal cases although open class-room situations that are heard at the Bendigo court. might be more than adequate for I ask the Attorney-General to take children in areas where the family whatever action he can to have this background contains a high educa­ situation corrected. Alternatively, tional motivation, in this school 80 will the honorable gentleman con­ per cent of the pupils come from sider the holding of a sitting .,of the families which do not speak English County Court in Echuca at an early in the home. Sixty per cent of these date? families are predominantly Greek, and the proposed new school is of Mr. . HOLDING {Leader of the the open class-room type. Opposition) .-I raise a matter for the attention of both the Minister of So little thought has been given Public Works and the Minister of to meeting the needs of the com­ Education. munity that no language laboratory is to be provided although it The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. is absolutely essential in this kind Wheeler).-! will have to call on one of educational situation. A large Minister or the other. number of class-rooms are needed to Mr~. HOLDING.-! address the deal with the problem of small question to the Minister of Public ·groups of children who must start Works, as I have already· raised the catching up with English. I appre­ matter privately with the Minister of ciate the pressures which are upon Education. I request the Minister of the department, but the building of Public Works to withdraw the invita­ a new school is an important event tion for tenders which have been for any local community. The plans called for the erection of a new which have so far been presented , Brighton Street, Richmond, Primary and upon which tenders are being School. It is unusual for a group of called are, in the view of the local citizens to ask a Minister to with­ headmaster, the local community, draw tenders for the erection of a and the teachers in the school, com­ school which .has been desperately pletely out of touch with the needs needed for some time. Both the Min­ of the community and, far from re­ ister of Education and the Assistant solving the educational problems in 3888 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment. the community, would simply com­ which was not chosen might have a pound them. I therefore ask the Min­ far worse impact. ister to withdraw the invitation for The study considers only three tenders. I should be happy to discuss propositions, and it happens that the matter with the Minister of Edu­ the one most favoured would cation and the Minister of Public have a certain adverse effect. Works and I suggest that discussions The extent of the adverse ·effect is should be held with the local head­ that two-fifths of a lilly pilly closed master, the teachers and the local forest-as it is termed-would be community with the view of pro­ inundated and a gorge would be ducing an educational structure flooded by water. Apparently the which would be geared to meet the people who prepared this document needs of the local community in a regard a running stream as more way which the proposed structure aesthetically attractive than a gorge certainly does not filled with water. However, beauty Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East). is in the eye of the beholder and I -I direct a question to the attention am certain that the vast majority of of the Premier. The honorable gen­ people in the Bairnsdale area ·would tleman will be aware of the efforts consider a lake in that gorge a far which have been made over a num­ more attractive proposition than a ber of years by residents in the running stream. Bairnsdale district to have a water conservation storage built on the The Premier has made numerous Mitchell River. He will also be aware comments about the quality of life. of the undertakings given by him I ask him to consider the effect on that approaches will be made to the the quality of life of the people of Federal Government to provide Bairnsdale and district of the absence of the suggested reservoir on the finance for this storage. Mitchell River. Is it the honorable One aspect of the proposal which gentleman's belief that the loss of a has been under consideration for a lilly pilly forest is more important period of time has been environ­ than dying crops and pastures and mental impact studies which were reduction of production in this fertile requested by the Federal Government area? Apparently certain people do before it would give consideration to regard the lilly pilly forest and a providing money for the project. scenic view as more important than Today, in response to a question a water storage. on notice, the Minister of Water Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea­ Supply provided me with a copy of surer).-The honorable member for the environmental study. I express Broadmeadows referred to a contri­ my alarm that a document of this bution made by the Government on nature could influence the decision behalf of the peOple of Victofita to a of the Commonwealth Government public fund which was initiated by because the contents of the docu­ the Victoria Police Association or by ment are tentative and uncertain. So individual policemen to provide for many unresolved questions and the widow and young family of a theories are expounded in it that it fellow officer who was stabbed to can be of no value in determining a death while on duty at Flinders matter of such importance. The study Street station in January. I stress considers three alternative sites. Of that it was a public fund. U seemed these three it considers that the one proper for the Government to make most favoured by the State Rivers a contribution as it does to similar and Water Supply Commission and funds raised for similar purposes. the local people would have the The making of the contribution did greatest adverse environmental im­ not create any precedent. Certainly, pact. No examination was made of cases will be dealt with on their the question whether some other site merits. If similar circumstances Adjournment. [13 MARCH, 1974.] Adjournment. 3889

arise and a family is left in the situa­ pleased to discuss the future of the tion in which this family was left, I school and of the caretaker's cottage hope the Government will again make with the honorable member at the a contribution. deputation he intends to introduce The honorable member for Gipps­ shortly. land East spoke about a dam on :the I am not familiar with the details Mitchell River. The Federal Govern­ of the exchange of seats referred to ment has not yet said whether it will by the honorable member for Murray contribute to the cost of the dam but Valley, but ·I will make inquiries in it has certainly indicated that, subject order to make sure that a suitable to an environmental impact study, it redistribution of seats occurs at the would consider doing so. That is primary school he mentioned. why the study now being ·completed Mr. WILCOX (Attorney-General).­ by the Ministry for Conservation is What the honorable ·member for being made. Itt is not just a question Rodney said comes down to 1(1 re­ of a dam being erected at Billy Goat quest that I consider the possibility Bend, l(lS was originally recommended of the County Court sitting at by the Public Works Committee. A Echuca. Both the Supreme Court and study was made of the three possible the County Court sit at various loca­ sites considered by that committee. tions around the State according to Billy Goat Bend was one and Tab­ the amount of business to be trans­ berabbera was another. The study acted. Obviously, a constituent has indicates that the environmental im­ raised a particular matter with the pact would be serious at Billy Goat honorable member and I suggest Bend and negligible or even bene­ that, if he is in possession of the full ficial at Tabberabbera. The Govern­ facts, he discuss them with me. If ment is about to take the study into there is any real reason why the case consideration and make a decision. is being delayed, I would be happy I will carry out the undertaking I to help. There are ·many reasons for gave that, when that decision is delays in the hearing of cases. made, the Government ·will apply to Sometimes they are not made known the Federal Government for financial or are not understood by the respec­ assistance to construct the dam. If tive parties. State funds only are to be used, the Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public construction of the dam cannot be Works).-The Leader of the Opposi­ contemplated until the Dartmouth tion made a request, backed up with dam is completed. If the State valid reasons, for the wi·thdrawal of receives Federal Government ass·is­ the invitation for tenders for the con­ tance it wiH be built much sooner. struction of the Brighton Street That assistance should be available Primary School in Richmond. The as Victoria has received little of the Public \Vorks Department is working total funds. on an Education Department brief. Mr. HOLDING.-Oh, come on! I will discuss with the 1Minister of Education whether the invitation for Mr. HAMER.-I invite the Leader tenders should be withdrawn or,. of the Opposition 1to study the alloca­ alternatively, whether a contract tion of Federal funds for water con­ should not be proceeded with. I note servation in Australia. Victoria has the offer of the Leader of the Opposi­ so far received only about 5 per cent. tion to discuss the matter rwitth the Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ Minister of Education and ·me. We cation).-The honorable ·member for will be pleased to talk to the honor­ Brunswick ·West referred to the c'are­ able member about i't. I give the taker's cottage at the Brunswick Leader of the Opposition an assur­ Technical School. This is one of the ance that I will discuss it with the old schools on a cramped site which Minister of Education tomorrow gives me som·e concern, ·as it does morning and advise him of the the honorable member. I ·will be results of that discussion. 3890 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

The SPEAKER (the Hon. K. H. 2. The following works will be assisted in Wheeler).-The Leader of the 1973-74:- Country Party spoke about the sus­ Railway route upgradings. pension of the sitting for dinner this (i) South Kensington-Footscray. evening. When the Leader of lthe (ii) Caulfield,-Mordialloc. (iii) Sunshine-Deer Park West. Opposition had concluded his speech (iv) Macleod-Greensborough. . prior to the suspension the clock showed 10 or 11 minutes past 6 New stations. o'clock. It was obvious to me that (i) Near Dandenong. the· honorable member for Swan Hill (ii) Near Frankston. was about to rise and I considered it Rebuilding of some existing stations. unreasonable to allow him to speak Installation of automatic power signal- for two or three minutes only before ling. the sitting was suspended. At that Provision of passenger interchanges. stage, I decided that the House would resume sitting at 7.50 p.m. As a New trains. result, honorable members lost The basis of the agreement under which approximately five minutes of the the funds would be made available was agreed last year but we have not yet dinner period which was agreed upon received from the Commonwealth a final for a trial period. It became obvious draft of the proposed agreement. to me when I returned to the Chamber that, in addition to the Leader of the Country Party, many CHELTENHAM LEVEL CROSSING. other honorable members must have (Question No. 718) .had important engagements. If those honorable members were in­ Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) convenienced in any way, I hope they asked the Minister of Transport- were not badly inconvenienced. 1. Why " whistle boards " were removed from the vicinity of boom gates near· the The motion was agreed to. Cheltenham station? The House adjourned a.t 10.59 p.m. 2. What plans, if any, are being considered until Tuesday, March 19. to establish an underpass or overpass at this point, indicating when it is envisaged ~uch work will be undertaken? QUESTIONS ON NOTICE. 3. Whether consideration will be given to reinstalling the " whistle boards "; if not, The following answers to questions why? on notice were circulated:- Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of COIVIMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT Transport).-The answers are- RAILWAY GRANTS. 1 and 3. The " whistle boards " were and are considered by the rail ways to be un­ (Question No. 711) necessary. Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) 2. None. asked the Minister of Transport- !. What amount of finance is expected to be received from the Commonwealth Gov­ FREEWAY PROJECTS. ernment for Victorian railway works in the (Question No. 719). 1973-74 and 1974-75 financial years? 2. What works are to be assisted under Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) such gr~;tnts and what Commonwealth Gov­ asked the Minister of Transport,_;. ernment conditions apply to such grants? 1. What freeway works are proceeding at the present time, indicating-(a) what stage Mr. MEAGHER (Minister. of has been reached in each such scheme; and Transport) .-The answers are- (b) what stages are planned to be reached 1. The Commonwealth Government has in each such programme at the end of 1974 promised $8 · 97 million for Victorian railway and 1975,. respectively? works for the 1973-74 financial year. No 2. What was the cost of each such Commonwealth commitment has been made project for the 1973-74 year and what is the in relation to 1974-75. expected cost for 1974-75? Mr.· MEAGHER (Minister of Transport).-The answers are- 1 and 2. The Country Roads Board has informed me that the foJlowing freeway projects are at present being constructed :-

Approximate Approximate percentage percentage estimated to be completed by- Proposed expenditure Freeway Particulars of work completed at 6th March, 1974 31st December, 31st December, 1973-74 1974-75 1974 1975 tC $ s ~ Princes Freeway Widening from 4 to 5 lanes between Lower Yarra 20 45 65 1,314,700 1,387,000 -~· freeway and Werribee interchange, a length of 7·45 miles Princes Freeway Provision of overpasses and alternative access roads 70 90 100 330,000 60,000 between Werribee and Corio. Eumemmerring Free- Construction of a 4-lane divided freeway between 20 40 75 450,000 1,500,000 ,...... , way Princes Highway east and Abbotts Road, Hampton w Park, a length of 2 · 4 miles. - Mulgrave Freeway Construction of a 4 and 6-lane divided freeway from 70 80 85 4,500,000 4,500,000 Stud Road to Forster Road and earthworks to !XI~ Stanley A venue, a length of 7 · 4 miles. n ~:X: Hume Freeway Construction of a 4-lane divided freeway from Wallan 35 75 95 6,200,000 6,700,000 to Broadford, a length of 21 miles c.o -~ Frankston Freeway Construction of a 4-lane divided freeway from 65 90 100 2,115,000 875,000 ~ Cranbourne Road to Eel Race Drain, a length of ~ 4·5 miles Mornington Peninsula Construction of a 4-lane divided freeway from Eel 2 5 45 335,000 1,720,000 Freeway Race Drain to Springvale Road, Edithvale, a length of 4 miles § Mornington Peninsula Construction of a 4-lane divided freeway from east 95 100 100 423,000 500,000 Freeway of Dromana to Jetty Road, Rosebud, a length of ~ 5·1 miles. ~· Calder Freeway Construction of a 4-lane divided freeway from Niddrie 25 35 50 2,041,500 522,000 to· west of Keilor, a length of 5 ·1 miles Tullamarine Freeway Provision of a grade separation at the Melbourne 12 60 191,500 1,075,000 Airport entrance. Princes Freeway Conversion of existing divided sections and existing 15 30 80 365,000 455,000 single carriageway sections to full freeway conditions w from west of Moe to west of Morwe11, a distance of 00 7·9 mile& -\0 w 00 Approximate Approximate percentage \0 percentage estimated to be completed by- Proposed expenditure N Freeway Particulars of work co~leted at 6th arch, 1974 31 ~t December, 31st December, 1973-74 1974-75 1974 1975

Western Freeway- $ $ 1. Pentland Hills Construction of a 4-lane divided freeway through 95 100 100 750,000 20,000 tC section the Pentland Hills, a length of 4 · 2 miles. ~ ~ 2. Myrniong section Construction of a 4-lane divided freeway by-passing 25 95 100 950,000 700,000 Myrniong, a length of 3 · 65 miles. 5- c,..:::s 3. Balian section Construction of a 4-lane divided freeway by-passing 2 15 60 200,000 1,470,000 Balian to the north, a length of 5 · 25 miles.

I am informed by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works that the following freeway work is now in progress :- Eastern Freeway (Collingwood to Thompsons Road, Bulleen). Work commenced late in 1971 and is expected to be completed early in 1976. At the end of 1974 construction of the freeway pavements, overpasses and underpasses will be in progress, together with landscaping work. >en By the end of 1975 the bulk of pavement works will be completed. Work will still be in progress on several structures. en tr1 Expenditure Estimate Estimate s: 1973-74 1974-75 t::d Eastern Freeway $10 · 5 million $11 million t""t to<: ~ DEPOSITS ON BOTTLES AND PRIMARY PRODUCER LICENCE in connection with the business of a CANS. FEES. primary producer are exempt from licensing and are therefore not subject to payment (Question No. 724) (Question No. 725) of licence fees. Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked :::s0 Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked The bulk of primary producer vehicles the Minister of Consumer Affairs­ the Minister of Transport- come within the load capacity of grouping What action he is taking to investigate Whether as a result of the growing pro­ 2-1 tonnes for which the annual fee pay­ c=;·~ and implement the placing of a compulsory able is $5, and there are less than 100 deposit on all bottles and cans? tests from all sections of rural areas, he ~ will reconsider the decision to increase vehicles with load capacity of more than 13 Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of primary producer licence fees; if not, why? tonnes which are liable for the payment of Consumer Affairs).-The answer is- the maximum ·fee of $50. As Minister of Consumer Affairs I do not Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of The fees prescribed for primary producers propose to take any action in relation to Transport).-The answer is- are considerably lower than those payable the placing of compulsory deposits on all bottles ·and cans. This is a question better Primary producers' vehicles not exceed­ by owners of commercial goods vehicles directed to the Minister for Conservation. ing 2-tonnes load capacity and used solely generally. Questions (13 MARCH, 197~.] on No,#ce. 3893

STORI\tl DEBRIS IN SHIRE OF BET 2. If he will lay the relevant files on the BET. table of the Library? (Question No. 731) Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of Transport) .-The ansvver is- Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked 1. No stalemate has occurred in bricl~c the Minister of Transport- construction work over the Albion-Broad­ Whether, as the Country Roads Board meadows railway in the vicinity of the has refused the Shire of Bet Bet funds to Calder Highway. The same Country Roads clear roads of debris caused by a storm on Board bridge gang is constructing the two 21st December, 1973 ·and as the shire has bridges over the railway and the bridge over no uncommitted existing grant money to the freeway approximately 0· 5 km. to r.hc use to clear the roads, funds will be made east. The bridge over the freeway Is bemg available for this purpose? given priority at present to expedite its com­ pletion in order that east-bound traffic can Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of use the northern carriageway of the freeway Transport).-The answer is~ as soon as possible. The board considered the council's 2. No. However, I would be pleased to application for $5,650 to finance the cost of assist the honorable member with any par­ clearing debris from main roads and un­ ticular matters he would like clarified. classified roads in the shire but, owing to its funds being fully committed, was unable to make additional funds available. The board has already allocated $72,780 to Bet SCHOOL LIBRARIES. Bet Shire for works on main roads and (Question No. 737) $88,294 including a council contribution of $18,407 on unclassified roads this financial Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park) asked year. the Minister of Education- The Government did provide special During the period 1st .January, 1973, and funds to the Country Roads Board to en­ 25th April, 1973, inclusive, which primary able allocations totalling $4 7, 790 (including schools were the subject of signed contracts a ·COntribution from the council of $3,630) for the construction of a school library? to be made to Bet Bet Shire for restoration works following severe floods in February, Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of 1973 and September and October, 1973. Education).-The answer is- Costs of clearing road pavements may be Special grant. charged against board's majntenance grants 4848 Ardeer Primary School. and applications for transfers of funds will 4917 Burbank Primary School. always be considered by the board. 2904 Mitcham Primary School. 4876 Moomba Park Primary School. COUNTRY ROADS BOARD. 4811 St. Albans North Primary School. (Question No. 732) 547 Seymour Primary School. 1.090 Sorrento Primary School. Mr. CURNOVV (Kara Kara) asked 4789 Eastmont Primary School. the Minister of Transport- Libraries included in new schools. Wh·ether it is intended that the Country 5055 Wallarano Primary School. Roads Board take over responsibility for all 5052 Mimosa Primary School. main roads in the fu'ture; if so, how and 5050 Glengala Primary School. when this responsibility is to be assumed'? 5064 Ardeer South Primary School. 5074 Lalor West Primary School. Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of 5066 Gladesville Primary School. Transport).-The answer is- 5057 Lilydale West Primary School. Yes. By legislation to be introduced this session. BICYCLE PROMOTION BY BRIDGE OVER COUNCILS. ALBION-BROADM.EADOWS (Question No. 748) RAILWAY LINE. Mr. KIRKWOOD (Preston) asked (Question No. 736) the Minister for Youth, Sport and Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park) asked Recreation- the Minister of Transport- ·why the five councils represented on the !. What is the reason for the stalemate committee to discuss the promotiqn of th~ that has occurred in bridge construction use of bicycles where chosen only frorn over the Albion-Broadmeadows railway line councils south of the Yarra River to the in the vicinity of the Calder Highway? exclusion of other areas? Session 1974.-139 3894 Questions [ASSEMBt Y.] on Notice.

Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, 8. That in the construction of any new Sport and Recreation) .-The answer major roads, consideration should be given to conducting a feasibility study to include is- bicycle routes. The discussion referred to was called in part to consider the feasibility of a bicycle 9. That in new towns, new suburbs and path along a major route to the city and the new subdivisions, cycling routes to com­ municipalities represented were those munity centres should be separated from through which this proposed route passed. other modes of transport, and in particular that the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board The statement issued from the meeting of Works be requested to consider codes for was as follows:- new subdivisions to incorporate bicycle The Minister for Youth, Sport and tracks. Recreation, the Hon. Brian Dixon, announced 10. That the Department of Youth, Sport today that at a meeting of representatives and Recreation should ·consult with appro­ from the Country Roads Board, the Depart­ priate authorities as to the advisability and ment of Youth, Sport and Recreation, the desirability of setting or improving standards Police Department, Melbourne and Metro­ for bicycles with particular reference to politan Board of Works, Melbourne and provisions for lighting and quality, etc. Metropolitan Tramways Board, Ministry of Transport, Road Safety and Traffic 11. That the Department of Youth, Sport Authority, Rusden Teachers College, City and Recreation be confirmed as the co­ of Caulfield, City of Malvern, City of Mel­ ordinating body for the promotion of the bourne, City of Prahran, City of St. Kilda, safe use of bicycles. and City of South Melbourne, unanimous agreement was reached on the following 12. That no experimental commuter route recommendations:- be established at this stage because of the traffic problems and the doubts about 'the 1. The meeting was generally in favour of demand for it. promoting the use of the bicycle for recrea­ tion. 13. That the " Sun Ride for Life " on Moomba Sunday, the lOth March, around 2. The Yarra River was endorsed as hav­ ing great potential for a recreation cycling the Royal Botanic Gardens be supported. path. The Department of Youth, Sport and 14. That the appropriate departments, Recreation, together with the municipalities municipalities and authorities should meet concerned, the Melbourne and Metropolitan again in three months' •time to receive re­ Board of Works and other public authorities, was asked to investigate the ports on progress and to consider further establishment of a continuous route for developments." bicycles. All municipal councils have since been 3. The Department of Youth, Sport and contacted regarding bicycle paths. Their Recreation, together with the appropriate comments have been sought and any pro­ authorities, is requested to look at the jects submitted by councils will be given full possibility of other recreation routes for consideration. cycling such as the Moonee Ponds Creek, outer circle railway lines, the Elwood Canal, St. Kilda foreshore and State Electricity RECRUITMENT OF TEACHERS Commission easements. FROM OVERSEAS. 4. The appropriate authorities and bodies (Question No. 755) controlling parks and gardens will be asked by the Department of Youth, Sport and Mr. LIND {Dandenong) asked the Recreation to give consideration to the Minister of Education- establishment of bicycle paths. !. How many recruits for •the teaching 5. That school committees and councils, service were brought to Victoria from San in conjunction with municipal councils, be Francisco by charter flight on or about 6th encouraged to make feasibility studies February, 1974? regarding safe routes for bicycles to and from schools. 2. How many officers of the Victorian Education Department were carried on this 6. That consideration through the Road charter flight? Safety and Traffic Authority be given to what legislative changes would be required 3. Whether some passengers aboard ·this to enable certain footpaths including nature aircraft were neither recruits for the Educa­ strips, to be used by bicycles. tion Department, nor officials of that depart­ 7. That the Department of Youth, Sport ment? and Recreation should seek advice from the 4. What was the passenger capacity of Ministry of Transport as to the feasibility the aircraft concerned? of establishing bicycle parks and changing facilities at appropriate railway stations. 5. What the charter operation cost? Questions [13 MARCH, 1974.] on Notice. 3895

6. What amount, if any, was apportioned asked to conduct the recruitment for Queens­ as the cost of the fare of each recruited land, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the teacher? Catholic Office of Education, Victoria. This has enabled us to enter into a large contract 7. Whether any amount was apportioned with Qantas at very favourable rates, the as the cost of the fares of the recruiting first part of which involves 1,016 seats on officers, or other passengers, if any, on -this charter and scheduled services at $314,960. aircraft? Most of this sum will be recouped from other education authorities. The second part 8. Whether the other passengers, if any, of the contract will depend on •the needs of were called upon to meet the cost of their other States and will involve a larger con­ fares; if so, on what date or dates these tract, details of which are being finalized fares. were paid? now. 6 and 7. For recoupment from other Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of States and authorities $310 was apportioned Education).-The answer is- as the cost of the fare of each recruited The Victoria teacher selection pro­ teacher, $310 for each dependant and in gramme is conducted jointly by the educa­ addition an amount of $110 was charged tion Department of Victoria and the State for each recruited teacher. This will cover University of California at Hayward, and more than amply the salaries of the Vic­ the honorable member is invited to discuss toria teacher selection programme personnel, the details of this unique, successful and ·the return tickets made available as a con­ economical programme with the Director­ cession to these personnel, and the ad­ General of Education. Answers to the ques­ ministrative costs of the programme. tions raised are as follows:- 8. There were six recruited teachers with 1. Recruits for the teaching services of dependants on this flight who elected to choose the shorter period of •teaching Australia-February airlift- service. They have agreed to meet the Victorian Education Department 127 cost of the fares of their dependants. The usual letter requesting the payment of these Catholic office of Education, fares has been sent to •these teachers. Victoria 96 Tasmanian Education Department 21 TRANSPORT REGULATION BOARD. West Australian Education De- partment 24 (Question No. 761) State College of Victoria, Mel- Mr. BAXTER (Murray Valley) asked bourne 3 the Minister of Transport- 2. Highly qualified American personnel !. What funds were provided for the are involved in the Victoria teacher selection Transport Regulation Board in the last programme. They are recompensed at the financial year? relatively low part-time temporary teachers 2. How many males and females, respec­ rates plus two extra return tickets which tively, are employed by the board? are at •their disposal, but not always used. Four of the team were on this flight. No 3. In what classifications personnel are officers of the Victorian Education Depart­ employed, indicating the number in each ment other than those American personnel classification? were on this flight. 4. How many prosecutions were launched 3. Yes-44 dependants, one person invol­ by the board last year? ved in selection for Catholic Office of Educa­ 5. How many prosecutions were-( a) tion, one person involved for the State successful; (b) lost; (c) withdrawn; and College of Victoria, four persons invited by (d) struck out? American personnel on their tickets. See 6. How revenue is applied from penalties the answer to part 2 of the question. imposed by the courts and licence fees 4. Capacity of Boeing 747's varies be­ charged by the board, respectively? tween 342 and 365 according to seat con­ formation. There were fewer dependants Mr. MEAGHER (Minister of than expected on this flight, but the pro­ Transport) .-The answer is- portion of teachers in the 325 passengers 1. The board's revenue is received from was significently greater. licences, fees and fines in respect of com­ mercial vehicles. This revenue. is paid into 5. There is no single charter cost. Be­ the transport regulation fund out of which cause of the quality and low cost of the the board meets its administrative costs Victoria teacher selection programme and and disbursements to municipalities to assist its status throughout Australia and the or improve the conditions of transport of United States of America, we have been _passengers, either generally or on any parti- 3896 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

cular route, or in any particular area. The PRICE OF BEER. revenue received by the Board in the last financial year amounted to $2,517,384. (Question No. 764) 2. Males 306, females 205. Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked the Minister of Consumer Affairs- 3. Whether, to rectify the price disadvan­ tage in country areas, he will investigate Head Decentra­ office lized Total why beer brewed in Melbourne is retailed offices at 18 cents per 7 oz. glass in Melbourne and surrounding areas, whilst beer brewed in Administrative staff 170 14 184 Ballarat by the same firm is priced at 19 Inspectors 86 40 126 cents per 7-oz. glass in Ballarat and sur­ Female clerks 97 97 Machinists 20 20 rounding areas? Typists .. 37 10 47 Stenographers .. 19 10 37 Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Consumer Affairs) .-The answer is- 4. 12,361. It is not the policy of the present Govern­ ment to introduce a system of price control 5. in Victoria. Therefore, I do not propose to ------investigate the price of a 7-oz. glass of beer in Victorian hotels. Part II. Part I. Commercial Commercial Goods Goods Vehicles Act Vehicles Act GLADSTONE PARK HIGH SCHOOL. (Road and other Acts Maintenance and Regu­ (Question No. 766) Charges) lations Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows)

(a) Successful 6,249 3,890 asked the Minister of Education- (b) Lost .. 5 69 What was the stated completion time (c) Withdrawn 1,997 122 (d) Struck out .. 2 27 in the contract documents for the building of the Gladstone Park High School and why there was a delay in the opening of the 6. Covered in part of the answer. school? Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of BRA YBROOK HIGH SCHOOL. Education).-The answer is- (Question No. 762) The specified completion date for blocks "C" and "F" of the Gladstone Park High Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park) asked the School was _the 6th February, 1974. How· Minister of Education- ever, the contractor was granted an exten­ sion of nine days for inclement weather What was the outcome of his visit to the and 27 days because of industrial disputes. Braybrook High School late last year where­ The expected completion date is now 28th by a case was presented for-( a) a Com­ March, 1974. The formal request for the monwealth-financed science block; (b) a provision of the permanent building was Commonwealth-financed library; (c) addi­ forwarded to the Public Works Department tional class-room accommodation; and (d) on the 6th March, 1973. an assembly hall? When it was realized that the permanent building would not be completed for the Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of opening of the new school year portable Education) .-The answer is- accommodation was ordered but the school ( a) A contract for the erection of a could not open on the first school day duP. 2-room Commonwealth science block at to the lack of toilet facilities. Braybrook High School was let in February 1974. TRAFFIC BLITZES. (b) No exact indication can be given at (Question No. 768) this time as to when a Commonwealth library will be built at this school. Mr. \\'ILKES (Northcote) asked the (c) There are no plans at this time for Chief Secretary- the provision of additional class-room accom­ !. How many traffic blitzes have been modation apart from that referred to in conducted by the Police Force since Decem­ (a). ber, 1973? (d) Due to the number of schools preced­ 2. How many motorists were booked on ing Braybrook High School on the waiting each occasion and for what offences? list, a grant for a multi-purpose hall will 3. Whether all available police were used not be available for some time yet. on these blitzes? Mr. ROSSITER (Chief Secretary) .-The answer is- 1. Seven. A further State-wide special traffic effort was commenced on Monday, 11th March, 1974, and is scheduled to end on Sunday, 17th March, 1974. 2.

Special Offenders detected traffic effort conducted *Special week-end traffic efforts conducted by the mobile traffic section in its four throughout metropolitan divisions Nature of offence the State from 21st No.2 No.4 No.3 No.2 No.I No.4 tO December, Division Division Division Division Division Division z:: 1973 to 6th 18th to 20th 25th to 27th 8th to lOth 15th to 17th 22nd to 23rd 22nd to 23rd ~ January, 1974 January, 1974 January, 1974 February, 1974 February, 1974 February, 1974 February, 1974 ~- :::::: 1:-.l Driving with blood alcohol content in excess of · 05 per cent. 663 3 3 2 11 7 2 Driving under influence of liquor or drug .. .. 71 1 . . .. 1 In charge under influence of liquor or drug .. .. 2 Exceed 35 miles per hour ...... 7,014 67 221 132 170 288 88 ,..-, Exceed 40 miles per hour ...... 900 4 7 5 3 3 2 w Exceed 50 miles per hour ...... 208 2 2 3 2 .. 1 - ~ Exceed 60 miles per hour ...... 1,269 6 . . 12 3 18 .. > Exceed 70 miles per hour ...... 85 ...... ~ .. .. . (') Exceed 30 miles per hour (over 3 ton R.T.R.) .. 32 1 1 3 ...... ~:r: Speeding trucks-Motor Car Act ...... 116 .. . . 2 . . 7 . . Accidents (a) fail to stop after ...... 22 1 ...... CD --....] (b) fail to give name, etc...... 31 ...... +::>. (c) fail to report to police ...... 12 ...... ~ Driving offences (a) in a manner dangerous .. .. 108 1 ...... 1 (b) reckless driving ...... 2 ...... 1 c (c) speed dangerous ...... 41 . . .. 2 ...... ;:::: (d) careless driving ...... 280 . . 1 1 .. 1 .. ~ Driving whilst licence cancelled or suspended .. .. 37 ...... 1 .. .. ~- Double lines-fail to keep left of ...... 609 3 2 13 1 2 .. ~ Fail to give way at intersection ...... 273 4 2 1 10 3 2 Fail to keep to left of carriageway ...... 185 . . 3 . . 2 2 1 Fail to give (a) stop signal ...... 73 (b) turn or diverge signal ...... 537 15 14 9 39 12 6 Incorrect right-hand turn ...... 104 . . .. 3 3 w Lighting offences-motor vehicles ...... 524 s· 6 12 16 .. 00 \0 Level crossings-fail to stop, etc...... :1 w 00 Special Offenders detected \0 traffic effort 00 conducted *Special week-end traffic efforts conducted by the mobile traffic section in its four throughout metropolitan divisions Nature of offence the State from 21st No. 2 No. 4 No. 3 No. 2 No. 1 No. 4 December, Division Division Division Division Division Division 1973 to 6th 18th to 20th 25th to 27th 8th to lOth 15th to 17th 22nd to 23rd 22nd to 23rd January, 1974 January, 1974 January, 1974 February, 1974 February, 1974 February, 1974 February,1974 ta ~ Number plates (a) damaged 15 ~ (b) obscured 246 4 8 7 8 3 1 ~· ~ Pedestrian crossings-fail to give way, etc. 52 t'.) Parking offences-various 1,527 31 12 5 21 3 59 Motor cycle riders-no safety helmet 43 Pillion passengers (a) speed with 56 2 (b) no safety helmet 23 Stationary tram-passing, etc... 5 Stop sign-fail to observe 496 4 14 1 >Vl Vl School crossings-fail to stop at, etc. 2 .. .. tr1 Traffic lights-fail to observe .. 480 11 5 9 9 14 7 ~ Unregistered motor vehicles detected 245 3 2 3 4 1 ttl . 5 ~ Unlicenced drivers detected 534 2 2 3 1 ~ Bicycles-without lights 9 .. ..:_a Log books-rest periods 68 1 5 Seat belt offences 1,606 52 17 9 34 32 3 Litter offences 34 1 1 Other traffic offences-not specified above 3,679 47 26 38 60 20 4 §- Totals 22,325 266 343 269 410 460 183 ~ The areas patrolled in each of the Mobile Traffic Section's metropolitan divisions were approximately as follows :­ ~· * ~ No. 1 division-the area west of the Hume Highway. No. 2 division-the area east of the Hume Highway to the Yarra River. No. 3 division-the area between the Yarra River and the South-Eastern Freeway. No. 4 division-the area south of the South-Eastern Freeway, down the Mornington Peninsula. The patrols were conducted in each area up to a distance of approximately 50 miles from the City of Melbourne. 3. All available police were used in the special traffic effort conducted from the 21st December, 1973, to the 6th January, 1974, whilst in the special traffic efforts conducted by the Mobile Traffic Section, only members of that section were used on each occasion. Questions (13 MARCH, 1974.] on Notice. 3899

SCHOOLS IN WODONGA. West Primary School and Wodonga South Primary School, respectively? (Question No. 774) 2. 'What is the area (in acres) of the Mr. BAXTER (Murray Valley) grounds of each school? asked the Minister of Education- Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of !. What is the enrolment for 1974 at the \Vodonga High School, Wodong·a Technical Education).-The answer is- School, Wodonga Primary School, Wodonga 1 and 2.

School 1974 enrolment Area

Wodonga High School 1,087 19-i acres Wodonga Technical School 476 16! acres 37 Wodonga Primary School 532 12 acres 4814 Wodonga West Primary School 680 8 acres plus /minus 5042 Wodonga South Primary School 242 5! acres

RUTHVEN PRIMARY SCHOOL. FLOATING DOCK FOR PORT OF (Question No. 776) MELBOURNE. Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked (Question No. 780) the Minister of Education- Mr. STIRLING (Williamstown) !. How many children have been refused asked the Minister of Public Works-- enrolment at Ruthven Primary School this Whether the floating dock proposed as year? an interim measure for providing docking 2. \Vhen and where these children are to facilities in the Port of Melbourne has been be admitted to a primary school admini­ acquired? stered by the State education system? Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Education).-The answer is- Works).-The answer is- No. Negotiations are proceeding. 1. Nineteen. 2. All eligible pupils admitted on 21st February, 1974 at Ruthven. BROADMEADOWS NORTH WEST In the view of the primary division pupils PRIMARY SCHOOL. at Ruthven should not have been deferred as numbers fell within the 540 to 574 range (Question No. 781) and the school had sufficient class-rooms to cope with this number. Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows) asked the Minister of Education- MARYBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL. !. What progress has been made in the investigation into the suitability of the site (Question No. 778) now occupied by the Broadmeadows North­ Mr. CURNOW {Kara Kara) asked West Primary School for primary school the Minister of Education- purposes? Whether he is aware that the Maryborough 2. When tenders will be called for the High School staff rooms are not insulated construction of permanent buildings for or ventilated and that in summer tem­ this school? peratures are consistently 10° F. hotter in­ side than outside; if so, whether he will Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of arrange for the immediate installation of Education).-The answer is- an adequate cooling system? 1. An investigation into the level of air­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of craft noise has been carri·ed out by the Education).-The answer is- Environment Protection Authority and ·the Public Works Department. Information has The department is aware that conditions also been obtained from the Department in the staff rooms in Terrapin buildings of Civil Aviation. similar to that at Maryborough High School are oppressive .and the decision has been 2. Preliminary design of the permanent taken to install air circulating fans in these buildings will be undertaken following com­ staff rooms. The matter has been referred pletion of assessment of the resul'ts of the to the Public Works Department for atten­ investigation into the level of aircraft noise. tion but I understand that these fans are Tenders will be called when plans and in short supply at the moment. specifications are available. 3900 Questions [ASSEMBt Y.'l on Notice.

MELBOURNE HARBOR TRUST taking to further the proposal; and (b) EQUIPMENT. whether the Minister will make available a copy of such study? (Question No. 782) Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Mr. STIRLING (Williamstown) Vvorks) .-The answer supplied by asked the Minister of Public W arks- the Minister of Vvater Supply is- Whether tenders have been let for the The study into the environmental aspects construction of a bucket ladder dredge, as of the proposed Mitchell River storage has proposed in the Melbourne Harbor Trust been completed and will be taken into con­ new equipment programme for floating sideration when a decision is made as to plant? what site should be adopted for the con­ struction of the dam. When this. has been Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public finalized an approach will be made to the Works).-The answer is- Commonwealth Government for financial Tenders for the Melbourne Harbor Trust assistance. commissioners proposed new bucket ladder I will arrange for a copy of the report to dredge have been called and close on be forwarded to the honorable member. Wednesday, 8th May, 1974.

FOUNDRY INDUSTRIES. SAND BAR AT LAKES ENTRANCE. (Question No. 788) (Question No. 784) Mr. KIRKWOOD (Preston) asked Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East) the Minister of Health- asked the Minister of Public Works- Whether inspections of foundry industries Whether the Ports and Harbors Division have been carried out since the introduction has carried out any recent investigations into the removal of the bar at Lakes of sand chemical processes; if so-(a) what Entrance; if so, what was !the nature of the inspections; and (b) whether there is any investigations and what action, if any, the indication of a health hazard to foundry Government proposes taking to rectify this workers? long-standing problem? Mr. SCANLAN (1\tlinister of Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Health).-The answer is- Works).-The answer is- Inspections have been carried out by The Ports and Harbors Division has inspectors and medical and scientific officers commissioned and received a feasibility of the Industrial Hygiene Division of the study from the United States Army Corps of Engineers on the design of a dredge General Health Branch of the Department of suitable for dredging and maintaining a Health. navigable channel through the Lakes When these processes are first used it has Entrance bar. been noted that some irritation of the eyes It would also have pump-ashore capability of foundry workers occurs together with a which would enable it to be used for beach tendency to cough, but after a short period renourishment. An indicative price for the a tolerance to the process is established. vessel has been obtained and the question There have been no cases of permanent of finance is presently being investigated. lung or eye damage resulting from exposure The Commonwealth Bureau of Transport to chemically treated sands discovered by or Economics is also preparing a cost-benefit reported to the Industrial Hygiene Division. study of the Lakes Entrance area taking into account the sand bar problem. Its report has not yet become available. PAISLEY BRIQUETTE DUMP. (Question No. 791) MITCHELL RIVER STORAGE. Mr. STIRLING (\Villiamstown) (Question No. 785) asked the Minister of Transport, for Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East) the Minister of Housing- asked the Minister of Public Works, Whether an investigation has been made for the Minister of Water Supply- into the cause of the recurring outbreaks of Whether the environmental impact study fire on the proposed Housing Commission into the proposal to build a storage on the site, namely, the Paisley briquette dump; if Mitchell River has been completed; if so­ so, what was the result of such investiga­ (a) what steps the Government proposes tion?