Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 28 AUGUST 1969

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

254 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

THURSDAY, 28 AUGUST, 1969 (2) Is he aware that the children referred to would be capable of complet­ ing their secondary-course studies at the Brisbane State High School without lower­ Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, ing its achievements? Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m. ( 3) Is he aware that the nearest high school to New Farm State School is the QUESTIONS Brisbane State High School and that there is no high school available to New Farm CARD RECORDING OF MOTOR VEHICLE pupils which does not necessitate at least SPEEDS BY RADAR UNITS one change of transport and that in some Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked cases at least three changes are necessary? The Minister for Works,- ( 4) In these circumstances, will he give Has the Government given any con­ consideration to having an allocation of a sideration to the possibility of radar minimum number of places in the first machines being so equipped with a year, i.e., grade 8, at the Brisbane State recording card showing the speed at which High School, reserved for the benefit of motor vehicles were travelling, that a card New Farm State School pupils? could be issued for each alleged offence? If not, why not? If so, with what result? Answers:- ( 1) "Yes." Answer:- (2) "Yes." "Yes. However, it is not possible to equip radar units being used by the (3) "Yes." police with any device capable of pro­ ( 4) "In order to reduce the size of ducing a card indicating the speed of a the Brisbane State High School, enrol­ relevant vehicle. The accuracy of the ments in grade 8 have been restricted. The radar units in use has been thoroughly restriction does not, however, apply to tested both in and out of Courts, >and children who reside in the neighbourhood such units are considered adequate for of the school. Academic ability has not present speed detection requirements." been the basis for entry. In 1969, 40 former pupils of New Farm State School enrolled at the State high school, Kelvin FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR QUEENSLAND Grove, to which transport is relatively SUB-NORMAL CHILDREN'S WELFARE easy; some pupils from the area elected to AssociATION enrol at Balmoral State High School. In Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked the circumstances taking into account the The Minister for Health,- overcrowding at Brisbane State High School reservation of places for New Farm Did the Queensland Sub-Normal children is not considered advisable." Children's Welfare Association recently make a detailed submission seeking additional financial assistance? If so, when DECLARATION OF MON REPOS BEACH and with what result? AS NATIONAL PARK Mr. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked Answer:- The Minister for Lands,- "Yes, a submission dated March 12, Has any finality been reached con­ 1969, was received by me on March 20, cerning the declaration of Mon Repos 1969. The proposals contained in the sub­ beach as a national park to ensure the mission were discussed at Cabinet and the protection of breeding turtles? If so, when Association's request for additional finan­ is it expected that this area will be cial assistance will receive sympathetic declared? consideration when the 1969-70 Budget estimates are being finalised." Answer:- "No." ENROLMENT AT BRISBANE STATE HIGH ScHooL OF NEw FARM STATE ScHOOL PUPILS DEVELOPMENT OF NOOSA PLAINS; ARMY LANDHOLDING IN TIN CAN BAY AREA Mr. Ramsden, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- Mr. Sberrington, pursuant to notice, asked ( 1) Is he aware that there are at least The Minister for Lands,- 40 children capable of satisfactorily com­ ( 1) Have any applications or enquiries pleting the academic high-school course at been received by his Department for present in grade 7 at New Farm State development of the Noosa Plains for School? improved pastures for cattle fattening? Questions [28 AUGUST) Questions 255

(2) If so (a) from what companies or Answers:- individuals have these been received, (b) ( I) "I fully appreciate the importance what is the nature of the proposals and of pressing on with developments of this (c) what is the Government decision in nature until a stage is reached where this regard? benefits accrue to the boating public and (3) How much wallum land is held by I am having the matter reviewed to see the Department of the Army in the Tin whether additional funds can be made Can Bay and adjacent area and is this land available for the second stage of the Scar­ suitable for pastoral development? borough boat harbour development." (2) "The Scarborough boat ramp, which Answers:- is outside the boat harbour, was orginally ( 1) "General interest has been indicated designed and constructed as a part tide in the Noosa Plains area for improved ramp. An investigation into the siltation pasture. No specific applications have referred to is in hand. A new boat ramp been made." within the boat harbour is to be con­ (2) "See Answer to (1)." structed during the 1969-70 financial year as part of Stage One of the boat harbour (3) "The Commonwealth acquired by for which parking facilities will be pro­ compulsory acquisition on January 2, 1964, vided by the Redcliffe City Council." an area of 49,316 acres in the Tin Can Bay area. The suitability of this land for cattle fattening could be evaluated when the results of the overall survey and RAILWAY WORKSHOP BUILDINGS, utilization study of wallum land are NORTHGATE AND BANYO available." Mr. MeUoy, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- ( 1) What action is contemplated SUBSIDY FOR PRIMARY-SCHOOL LIBRARIES regarding the renovation or repair of the M.r. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked railway workshops at Northgate? The Minister for Education,- (2) Is it proposed to complete the semi­ In. view of his Answer to my Question constructed workshop buildings at :l:lanyo? :elal!ve .to Commonwealth Library Grants m which he advised that primary (3) Is he aware of the damaging effect schools do not benefit under this scheme of the unsightly buildings at Northgate on and in view also of the necessity to the value of private properties adjacent to stimulate primary-school pupils to early the workshops? reading, are any plans under considera­ tion for increased assistance to primary Answer:- schools by way of increased subsidies or other means to supplement these school ( 1 to 3) "An investigation is at present libraries? being undertaken by technical officers into the future of the Northgate Workshops and the completion of the workshop Answer:- buildings at Banyo." "There are plans to appoint to the school library service, an officer who will advise on the development of primary­ TORRES STRAIT ISLAND TEACHER school libraries. The total amount for TRAINEES subsidy on the purchase of school library Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The books is being increased in the estimates Minister for Education,- for the current financial year. The basis for subsidy is however unchanged." ( 1) How many Torres Strait Islanders are at present receiving teacher training at Brisbane primary schools and at which schools is training carried out? SCARBOROUGH BOAT HARBOUR AND RAMP (2) What will be their duties and Mr. Houghton, pursuant to notice, asked responsibilities on their return to their The Minister for Local Government,- respective islands and what will be the salary paid to them? ( 1) With reference to the recent deputa­ tion to him regarding the Scarborough Answers:- boat harbour, when is work likely to recommence on this project? ( 1) "Eleven. These students are receiv­ ing a special course of training at (2) When will the Scarborough boat Teachers' college, Kedron Park. On one ramp, which has silted up following the day per week they attended State school, construction of the harbour wall, be put Boondall, for observation and practice in order? teaching." 256 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

(2) '·These teachers are sponsored by Mackay, Townsville and Cairns to Sarina:­ the Department of Aboriginal and Island Brisbane, 576, Mackay, 23; Towns­ Affairs and on completion of training will ville, 255; and Cairns, 466. There have return to that department. I suggest, been several complaints from the Towns­ therefore, that the Honourable Member ville District Development Bureau regard­ discuss the matter with my colleague, the ing costs of supply to various projects. If Miniskr for Lands." the information that the spokesman for the Bureau has published is correct then it is clear that these costs he refers to are STAFF, MAIN ROADS DEPARTMENT not under the control of the Railway WORKSHOPS, NUNDAH Department. The Government has played its part in reducing costs by seeing that :Wr. Mell.loy, pursuant to notice, asked The railway freights for the Goonyella project .'vfinister for Mines,- are as low as possible. However, even as What was the number of (a) tradesmen low as the railway freights are it does not and (b) clerical staff employed at the seem possible for some Townsville firms Department of Main Roads workshops at to compete against competitive industries Nundah at June 30, 1967 and 1969, in North Queensland who enjoy similar respectively? freight advantages. There are other costs which seem to require examination." Answer:- " At June 30, 1967, there were 63 tradesmen (including supervisors, foremen INVESTIGATION OF SITES FOR CENTRAL and apprentices), and seven clerks; at QUEENSLAND POWERHOUSE June 30, 1969, there were 48 tradesmen Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The and five clerks." Minister for Mines,- In view of the Answer given to the Honourable Member for Callide on August RAIL FREIGHTS, GOONYELLA PROJECT 20, 1969, regarding the investigation of Mr. Armstrong, pursuant to notice, asked sites for the proposed super powerhouse in The Minister for Transport,- Central Queensland- ( 1) When were the sites of Rockhamp­ ( 1) Has he seen the statement issued ton and Bajool investigated? last week by Mr. K. M. Fitzpatrick, Manager of the Townsville District Dev­ (2) Who made the investigation? elopment Bureau, concerning the supply of (3) How was the investigation carried materials, plant and equipment to the out? Goonyella coal project? ( 4) Who in the Rockhampton area was (2) [f so, does he agree with the figures consulted when the investigation in question on comparative freights given in the state­ was made? ment? (5) What were the requirements deemed necessary for the siting of the (3) What is the basis upon which an proposed powerhouse? ex Brisbane rail freight as low as $11.50 a ton, which is claimed to exclude northern manufacturers from tendering Answer:- competitively, is calculated? (! to 5) "For a period of three years to mid-1969 the State Electricity Commission Answers:­ of Queensland carried out a series of economic and technical studies to deter­ (!) ·'Yes." mine the most suitable location for a (2) "The rail freight, Brisbane to power station to supply the increasing Sarina, in accordance with By-law No. 982, power demands of South-East and Central would be $11.52 per ton. I have no Queensland at the lowest possible cost. reason to doubt the correctness of Mr. The major electricity authorities in these Fitzpatrick's figures for sea and road areas assisted the Commission in this haulage." work. The studies covering each location investigated included access and site con­ ( 3) "The rail freight of $11.52 per ton ditions, sources and cost of coal to be is based on a rate of 2 cents per ton per delivered to the power station, availability mile and has application only to the and cost of cooling water, cost of trans­ Goonyella Railway Project. A freight mitting electricity from the power station rate of 2 cents per ton per mile would to centres of demand in South-East and favour the nearest supplier to Sarina. The Central Queensland so that the most econ­ following are the mileages from Brisbane, omic supply would result." Questions [28 AUGUST) Questions 257

SICK LEAVE ENTITLEMENT, RAILWAY (3) What amount of each patient's EMPLOYEES pension is retained by the hospital Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The authorities? Minister for Transport,- ( 4) What Commonwealth benefit, if any, In view of the sick-leave provlSlons is payable to patients at the hospital, who applicable to Public Service employees and are not in receipt of age or invalid employees attached to semi-government pensions? authorities, will he consider amending the sick-leave provisions of the Railway (5) Are mentally-ill patients at the Employee By-law 690-39b to make pro­ hospital, who receive a pension and for vision for an employee to be granted ten whom a Commonwealth subsidy is paid, days' leave per year on full pay and, when his sick leave on full pay is provided with day-rooms and amenities? exhausted, to be permitted to compound to ( 6) Are non-pension patients denied full-pay leave any half-pay leave standing to his credit? such amenities? If so, will he take the necessary action to have all such patients Answer:- treated equally with regard to the pro­ vision of amenities? "It is not the intention to alter the already liberal entitlement of sick leave for railway employees. In addition to the Answers:- entitlements in By-Law 690, the Govern­ ( 1) "Two hundred and fifty-two." ment on and from October 22, 1962, (2) "Nil." approved of a special sick leave grant of 13 weeks sick leave on full pay to (3) "That portion as defined by the railway employees with meritorious ser­ Commonwealth Social Services Act as vice of 26 years or more. Still further, on relates to an inmate of a Benevolent and from January 1, 1965, the Govern­ Home. The amount varies in accordance ment approved of a Special War Service with the rate of pension being received Grant of 13 weeks sick leave on full pay by the patient." to all employees of the Railway Depart­ ment who were in the employment of the ( 4) "Nil." Department at the time of their enlistment (5 and 6) "The facilities provided for for war service." day rooms and amenities are not related to the payment of Commonwealth Bene­ NEW UNIFORM STYLE FOR RAILWAY fits. Activities areas are provided centrally EMPLOYEES and patients from all wards, for whom Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The activities are prescribed, participate in Minister for Transport,- them. Approval has been given for the Has a committee been set up to investi­ construction of recreational centres at two gate the question of a new type of uniform non-pensionable wards at a total cost of for railway employees? If so, will he about $57,000, as these patients are table the findings of this committee and unable to participate in a central activities :1dvise when the new uniform will be programme." introduced? If not, what is the reason for the delay? RAILWAY SHUNTING YARDS, TOOWOOMBA Answcr:- Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The "I would refer the Honourable Member Minister for Transport,- to my Answer of August 27, 1969, to a Question asked by the Honourable Mem­ ( 1) Is he aware of the congestion that ber for Wynnum on the subject of the exists in the Toowoomba shunting yards committee. It is important that a thorough due to long-length trains and inadequate study of all the requirements be made marshalling roads? If so, what arrange­ in order that the best result may be ments have been made to (a) enlarge the achieved." existing shunting yards and (b) build new yards? (2) If it has been approved to build FACILITIES FOR PATIENTS AT BAILLIE new shunting yards, where will they be HENDERSON HOSPITAL, TOOWOOMBA built? Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The :\1inister for Health,- Answer:- ( 1) How many patients at Baillie (1 and 2) "Congestion does occur in Henderson Hospital, Toowoomba, are in the Toowoomba shunting yards due to receipt of age or invalid pensions? the restricted area. Preliminary investi­ (2) What Commonwealth subsidy is gations have been made and are con­ paid for each person in receipt of an tinuing into the possibility of constructing age or invalid pension? new marshalling yards." 9 258 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

CONCESSIONAL HOLIDAY RAIL FARES Answer:- Mr. Lonergan for !VIr. Aikens, pursuant to "The distribution of the most recent notice, asked The Premier,- increase in the State tobacco quota has ( 1) Does the Government grant already been made. The basis of distri­ reduced rail fares to workers taking their bution of the most recent increase has annual holidays and, if so, is there a been that recommended by The Tobacco means test determined on the salary or Leaf Marketing Board on behalf of the wages of the worker applicable to this industry. This basis was-(i) that the concession? If so, what is it? increase should be made on a pro rata basis to those growers whose quotas were (2) If there is such a means test, will still below the average of their best two consideration be given to relaxing it, years in the base period (19·60-61 to consistent with the rapidly-deteriorating real value of wages and salaries? 1963-64 inclusive) or the base figure taken as the basis for determining the Answer:- initial interim quota subject to:-(a) any increase not to exceed such base ( 1 and 2) 'The issue of rail tickets figures, (b) current soil limitations, (c) at excursion fares at other than specified holiday periods is subject to certain con­ production record since stabilisation taking ditions including a stipulation that there into account the factors mentioned in is no entitlement to the concession if (d), (d) the allowance made in arriving an applicant's annual salary is in excess at the grower's average of the best two of a stated amount. However, in accor·d­ years for hail, cyclone, flood and pest ance with the promise I gave in the damage be taken into account; (ii) that Election Policy Speech, rail travel at in the process of allocating the addi­ excursion fares will be made available tional 538,000 lb. in accordance with the to everyone at any time. The relevant previous resolution the Tobacco Quota By-laws of the Railway Department are Committee take cognisance of the fact in the process of being amended to give that excessive over-allocation may not effect to the Government's promise." be in the interests of all growers and they exercise discretion and do not over­ allocate excessively; (iii) that the Quota NEW TOBACCO QUOTA ALLOCATIONS Committee, in looking at soil limitations, (a) Mr. WaHis-Smith, pursuant to notice, must follow the present criteria; (iv) that asked the Minister for Primary Industries,-- no special group other than as above be In view of the fact that a second quota considered excepting that the committee increase has been made to the tobacco in accordance with the provision of the industry and no new quota farms have Act has the right to exercise its discretion been opened for a number of years, will in individual cases." he give consideration to opening new farms with a living quota? If not, when does he intend to open new farms and thus increase the rural population? ESTABLISHMENT OF RURAL TRAINING Answer:- ScHooL, NoRTH QuEENSLAND "Consideration will be given to the Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, opening of new farms for tobacco pro­ asked The Minister for Education,- duction when the State Tobacco Quota ( 1) Will he give consideration to estab­ is increased to a level which will ensure lishing an agricultural college in Far that both existing tobacco growers and North Queensland in an area which will any new farms which may be opened are able to operate on a satisfactory and provide features consistent with the cattle economic basis. There were no increases industry and all farming activities? in the Australian or State quotas until last (2) If this project has not yet been year. Increases were obtained last year considered and with the knowledge that and this year and these increases were land will be required, will he have a fully utilised in restoring to ex1stmg survey made for a suitable area and growers some of the severe cutback they suffered on the introduction of the have it set aside so that it will be avail­ Tobacco Industry Stabilisation Scheme and able when needed? eliminating cases of hardship as far as practicable." Answer:- "Consideration is being given to the (b) Mr. B. Wood, pursuant to notice, establishment of a rural training school asked the Minister for Primary Industries,- in North Queensland. The Agricultural When will the new tobacco quota distri­ Education Advisory Council has been bution be made to tobacco farmers in advised to make a recommendation with Queensland and how will it be made? regard to a suitable location." Questions [28 AUGUST] Questions 259

ADDITIONAL TEACHERS, MITCHELL RIVER POLLUTION OF BURNEIT RIVER BY AND EDWARD RIVER SCHOOLS MILLAQUIN SUGAR Co. Mr. \Vallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, Mr. Jensen, pursuant to notice, asked The asked The Minister for Lands,- Minister for Local Government,- In order to fully staff Mitchell River Has any action been taken against the and Edward River schools with fully­ Millaquin Sugar Co. for killing fish and polluting the Burnett River with "spent qualified teachers from the Education wash" from the distillery and caustic soda Department- and other toxic wastes from the sugar Cl) Have applications been called for mill? If not, why not? teachers in these two areas and, if so, are they for replacement? Answer:- "I have not been advised of any recent (2) Will :he consider calling applica­ fish kill in the Burnett River. Distillery tions for extra teachers at each school in wastes are one of the causes of pollution. order to provide education equal to that Steps have been taken to solve the prob­ in other schools throughout Queensland? lem. It is considered reasonable under the circumstances Bundaberg Skindiving Club denying a number of Commonwealth-State dis­ the statements made by Dr. Endean about cussions." the Crown of Thorns starfish damaging the reef around Lady Musgrave Island? STATE REPRESENTATION IN AUSTRALIAN (2) Will he obtain a statement from EXHIBIT AT EXPO '70, JAPAN Dr. Endean as to the source of his Mr. Bennett for Mr. Hanson, pursuant to information? notice, asked The Premier,- ( 1) Are any exhibits, objects of art or Answers:- other material being supplied by the State ( 1) "Yes." to Expo '70 in Japan? (2) Was the Government consulted on (2) "No. Dr. Endean 1s not an officer the State's contribution to Expo '70 and, of my Department." if so, what will be the contribution? 260 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Answer:- (3) "Excessive speed, 20; driver dazzled by headlights, 1; following too closely, 2; (1 and 2) "The Right Honourable the fail to keep left, 4; pedal cyclist hit stone Prime Minister did approach the Queens­ and fell to road, 1; child pedestrian cross land Government in 1968 when Australia wad without due care, 1; child passenger first accepted the invitation from the fell from motor vehicle, 1; fail to signal Japanese Government to participate in the intention, 1; fail to give way entering Universal and International Exhibition to road, 2; fail to give way at intersection, be held in Osaka in Japan in 1970. Subse­ 23; drive without due care and attention, quent discussions took place between the 2; defective brakes, 1; insecure load, 1; late Premier, Mr. Pizzey, Departmental pedestrian carelessness, 1; and unlighted officers and the Australian Commissioner­ pedal cycle, 1. Causes of the fatal General for Expo '70. The Honourable accidents were ascribed to: fail to yield Member can be assured that the Aus­ right of way, 1; excessive speed, 1; and tralian Exhibit at Expo '70 will project a pedestrian carelessness, 1." proper image of Australia which naturally includes Queensland. All exhibits are planned around a central theme and each BULIMBA CREEK BRIDGE APPROACH, Nation participating will endeavour to MT. GRAVATT-CAPALABA ROAD present a national exhibit in conformity Mr. Newton, pursuant to notice, asked The with the central theme reflecting their cul­ Minister for Mines,- ture, way of life and contribution to the Has the Main Roads Department given benefit of mankind. Australia's aim is to any consideration to straightening the give a broad impression of contemporary approach to the bridge over Bulimba life in the Commonwealth. I would point Creek on the Mt. Gravatt-Capalaba Road? out to ·the Honourable Member that this If so, what work is to be carried out and is a Commonwealth project and for his when will it commence? information the Australian Budget for Expo '70 is approximately $6!- million Answers:- which is almost double the Budget for ( 1) "Yes. The Main Roads Department Expo '67 in Canada. In place of the has a proposal for realignment on the audio-techniques such as the unique 'talk­ Brisbane side of Bulimba Creek, but tak­ ing chairs' which were used in Montreal ing into account the greater claims for it is planned to use mainly visual tech~ improvement works of many other sections niques including a film in which Queens­ of roads in this area and other areas, land scenes will appear. In addition the it has not been possible at this stage to Queensland Government has accepted a allot a priority for this work." commitment to collect coral for inclusion (2) "In the meantime, land has been in a Great Barrier Reef Display. A resumed for the future alignment so that Queenslander will also be included in the clearing of timber and visibility improve­ Australian Police Unit serving with the ment work can proceed." Australian Exhibit at Osaka and it is anticipated that some Queensland girls will be included among the pavilion MEDICAL AND THERAPEUTIC STAFF, hostesses." BAILLIE HENDERSON HOSPITAL, TOOWOOMBA Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Health,- ACCIDENTS, MT. GRAVATT-CAPALABA ROAD Is it proposed or desired to increase the number of medical and therapeutic Mr. Newton, pursuant to notice, asked The staff at the Baillie Henderson Hospital, Minister for Works,- Toowoomba? If so, what are the details? ( 1) How many accidents have occurred on the Mt. Gravatt-Capalaba Road Answer:- between Logan Road and the bridge over "The approved establishment for full-time Bulimba Creek, Mt. Gravatt, for the years Medical Officers at Baillie Henderson Hos­ 1966, 1967 and 1968 and to June 30, pital is six, but it has not been possible 1969? to recruit the total number approved. It (2) How many persons were (a) killed is expected that a fifth Medical Officer and (b) injured? will commence duties on September 29, ( 3) To what causes did the Police 1969. Vacancies also exist for one Psychol­ Department ascribe the accidents? ogist, one Social Worker and an Occupa­ tional Therapist. It is anticipated that Answers:- these positions will be filled early in 1970. Approval has also been given for the (1) "1966, 12; 1967, 12; 1968, 21; and employment of four Recreational Officers from January 1, 1969 to June 30, 1969, 17." during the current financial year, and it is anticipated that these positions will be (2) "(a) 3; and (b) 32." advertised in the near future." Questions (28 AUGUST] Questions 261

GOVERNMENT HOUSES, NORTHERN CAPE (2) Is he aware that existing temporary YORK PENINSULA AREA classrooms, under seven feet high, are on concrete floors at ground level, that two Mr. B. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked are unceiled and that all have a light read­ The Minister for Lands,- ing of between five and eight foot-candles ( 1) What department or private firms on a dull day? If so, will he treat as have constructed houses in the Northern urgent the modifications necessary to bring Peninsula area? them up to standard? (2) As washing facilities at many of Answers:- these houses remain uncompleted, will he ( 1) "It is expected to commence work instruct the builders to complete the on the construction of the Victoria Park work? new school for Infants at an early date. Classroom and staffroom accommodation Answer:- will be available for the opening of the (1 and 2) "The Department of Abor­ 1970 School year." iginal and Island Affairs, in the normal (2) "I am aware of the existing ceiling course of its training programme for heights in temporary classrooms at Aborigines and Islanders, utilises such Victoria Park State School and a report forces at its command to construct all has been furnished of light meter readings homes in the Northern Peninsula Reserve of such rooms. It is not proposed to Area. It is appreciated that certain wash­ carry out modifications to these temporary ing and other facilities may not be com­ classrooms which will no longer be pleted at a number o:'. the residences, but required upon the accommodation it will also be appreciated that a normal becoming available for the 1970 School year at the new School for Infants." water supply is still in tfhe course of installation. As this water supply extends, so also will the additional facilities, in the COST OF ADVERTISING INDUSTRIAL LANDS light of existing circumstances and Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked The financial resources available." Minister for Industrial Development,- In the financial year 1968-69, how much STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER ON did his department spend on advertising in relation to (a) industrial sites in OIL EXPLORATION, GREAT BARRIER Queensland generally, (b) industrial lands REEF in the Brisbane area and (c) industrial Mr. Marginson, pursuant to notice, asked lands in provincial city areas? The Premier,- ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to a Answer:- statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. " Departmental advertising during the Gorton, in Toowoomba last week-end in financial year 1968-1969 was designed to which he stated that he was opposed to highlight the natural resources of the State drilling on or near the Great Barrier Reef? and the opportunities for investment in relation to specific opportunities. No (2) Does this statement conflict with advertisements dealt primarily with Indus­ the policy of the Queensland State trial Estates, although the availability of Government? If so, will he make a Minis­ industrial land throughout the State was terial Statement on the Prime Minister's emphasised. For the year 1969-1970 remarks? steps have already been taken to include in the new series one advertisement dealing Answer:- specifically with industrial land in provincial " My Government's policy on this centres and another covering Estates in matter has been clearly and fully stated the metropolitan area. For the informa­ publicly on a number of occasions, and tion of the Honourable Member, I might I see no reason for any further comment." add that the Department has prepared colourful brochures both in respect of the Wacol Estate in Brisbane and the CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATION, VICTORIA Bohle Estate in Townsville. Further brochures of this kind will be issued as PARK STATE SCHOOL, MACKAY additional Estates are developed." Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE, ( 1) As the proposed new Victoria Park PUBLIC HOSPITALS Infants' School will not be available for classes in the 1970 school-year, what Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked arrangements will be made to provide for The Minister for Health,- the additional class intakes forecast for (!) For each five-year period since June the coming year and for additional staff 30, 1949, what has been the amount paid rooms? to public hospitals in Queensland from 262 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

(a) State Government sources, (b) Com­ (2) (a) How much has been spent on monwealth Government sources, (c) improvements to the building since it was patients and (d) other sources? opened for music and (b) are any plans in (2) What has been the capital expendi­ hand for much-needed improvements or ture on public hospitals for each of these for a new building? If so, what are the periods? details? Answers:- (3) (a) How many staff, including the director, are employed at the conser­ (1) "The amounts paid in respect of vatorium and how many (b) full-time maintenance of State controlled public and (c) part-time students attend lectures hospitals in Queensland were-(a) 1949 to 1954, $44,301,834; 1955 to 1959, and lessons? $74,725,620; 1960 to 1964, $98,776,412; 1965 to 1969, $138,363,549. (b) 1949 to Answers:- 1954, $12,600,450; 1955 to 1959, (1) "(a) It has not been possible to $20,113,390; 1960 to 1964, $29,960,704; establish the date of the erection of the 1965 to 1969, $41,422,780. (c) and (d). present building. It is understood to have Separate figures for (c) and (d) for the been built in the 1890's. (b) Originally twenty year period requested are not it was the Council Chambers and the readily available. Combined totals of (c) administrative centre for the South Bris­ and (d) are as follows:-1949 to 1954, bane Town Council. Prior to its purchase $3,783,088; 1955 to 1959, $7,838,750; by the Government the building was used 1960 to 1964, $18,546,444; 1965 to 1969, as housing accommodation. (c) Before $22,380,755." it was occupied for its present function the interior of the building was extensively (2) "Capital expenditure on State con­ altered to provide a concert hall, studios trolled public hospitals was-1949 to 1954, and administrative offices. Subsequently, $13,388,558; 1955 to 1959, $18,599,683; further studio accommodation was pro­ 1960 to 1964, $17,881,391; 1965 to 1969, vided by the acquisition of an adjoining $21,991,910. For the period, 1965 to 1969, building. (d) The Conservatorium was the expenditure for 1968-69 has not been officially opened on February 16, 1957." finally calculated and the total shown is an estimated figure." (2) "(a) The building was acquired at a cost of $80,000. Costs of alterations SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE and improvements since and including the initial conversion have amounted to Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked $78,191. (b) Plans are in hand for the The Minister for Health,- provision of a new building for the Con­ For each year since June 30, 1949, servatorium under the programme for the what was the number of (a) school dental 1970-72 triennium for Colleges of officers, (b) school dental nurses, (c) Advanced Education. The proposed site children examined at schools for dental is within the grounds of the Queensland defects and (d) children treated for dental Institute of Technology, Brisbane." defects? (3) "(a) The full-time staff consists of the Director and six lecturers. There are Answcr:- 20 part-time teachers. (b) 49 full-time "l refer the Honourable Member to students. (c) 273 part-time students." the Annual Reports of the Director­ General of Health and Medical Services, which are tabled in this House every year. ESTABLISHMENT OF TEA FACTORY, Any information that is readily available NERADA AREA for the years commencing July 1, 1949, to June 30, 1968, is contained in these Mr. F. P. Moore, pursuant to notice, asked Reports. Statistics for the year 1968-69 The Premier,- have not yet been finalised. These will With regard to his Answer to my also be published in the Director-General's Question of August 27, has he given Annual Report for that year." consideration to the request by Dr. A. P. Maruff contained in a letter to him dated CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC at Innisfail on July 16, 1969? Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked Answer:- The Minister for Education,- "I received the letter from Dr. A. P. (1) (a) When was the building known Maruff, dated July 16, 1969, to which as the Queensland Conservatorium of the Honourable Member refers. Follow­ Music originally built, (b) what has the ing certain inquiries and discussions, I building been used for at various times have requested the Right Honourable the since, (c) how many conversions and Prime Minister to reconsider the decision reconversions have taken place and (d) taken by the Commonwealth on the matter. when was it officially opened as the Advice is now awaited from the Prime conservatorium? Minister." Questions [28 AUGUST] Questions 263

SURVEY OF CROWN OF THORNS STAR­ (3) As there have been similar occur­ FISH INFESTATION, GREAT BARRIER rences during the last two years on beaches REEF in the Keppel area, what safeguards are Mr. F. P. Moore, pursuant to notice, asked there to prevent such spillage by oil The Minister for Primary Industries,- tankers at sea? Has any official survey been under­ ( 4) As the Torres Strait Pilot Service taken of the numbers of Crown of Thorns is called upon to navigate ships between starfish on the Great Barrier Reef? If the Reef and the mainland, are any not, in view of the constant allegations men from this service instructed under our being made relative to the encroachment marine laws to police the discharging of of the starfish having reached plague oil from ships at sea? proportions, will he have his Department (5) Are any of our dockyards equipped undertake such a survey to ascertain the with discharge facilities to prevent these true position? occurrences?

Answer:- Answers:­ "No official quantitative survey of the (!) "Yes." whole Barrier Reef has been undertaken (2) "The sample received by Captain as respects the Crown of Thorns star­ Rapp has been examined at the Govern­ fish. This would be a massive operation ment Chemical Laboratory and the and could take several years to carry out analyst has reported the substance to with any degree of thoroughness. Future be a hydrocarbon residue derived from a action as respects this matter is presently refined petroleum product." under consideration by both the State and the Commonwealth." (3) "At the Commonwealth level the Pollution of the Sea by Oil Act requires ships registered in Australia to be equipped so as to prevent the escape of ROAD TRAFFIC DELAYS AT RAILWAY oil into the ships' bilges or into the sea. LEVEL CROSSINGS The Commonwealth Act also provides for Mr. Blake, pursuant to notice, asked The the inspection by Commonwealth Officers Minister for Transport,-· of ships registered in other countries As longer trains powered by modern which have adopted the International locomotives, when stationary, have resulted Convention for the Prevention of the in unreasonable and costly delays of up Pollution of Sea by Oil in order to to fifty minutes to road traffic at level ascertain if these vessels are so equipped. crossings, including Isis Junction and In the circumstances where the vessels Goodwood, and in view of written com­ are not so equipped the Commonwealth plaints to me, will he issue instructions for may report these circumstances to the train crews to part trains at realistic inter­ country of registry and it is a matter for vals to avoid prolonged and costly delays that country of registry to prosecute the to road traffic? vessel for a breach of the Convention. At the State level regulations under the Answer:- Pollution of Waters by Oil Act require "The introduction of diesel-electric ships trading intrastate to be equipped locomotives and longer trains results in so as to prevent the escape of oil into more economical working and contributes the ships' bilges or into the sea." to stabilisation of freight rates. To divide ( 4) "Pilots in the Tones Strait Pilot a train as suggested by the Honourable service are not officers of the Crown Member would occasion delays to rail and furthermore pilotage in these waters traffic with consequent inconvenience to is not compulsory. Whilst no instructions the Department's customers and additional can be issued to the Pilots to police the expense to the Department. The matter Pollution of Waters by Oil Act an of delays to road traffic at the crossings arrangement exists with the Service mentioned by the Honourable Member whereby Pilots have been asked to report will be investigated." any infringements of the Act." (5) "Facilities for the reception of oily residue are provided at each of the oil OIL SPILLAGE BY SHIPS IN COASTAL refinery terminals in Brisbane." WATERS Mr. Thackeray, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Local Government,- APPLICATIONS FOR DROUGHT­ ( 1) Did he or his departmental officers RELIEF LOANS receive a complaint regarding an oil slick Mr. Aiken, pursuant to notice, asked The on the Keppel coast in March this year? Premier,- (2) Was a sample of such slick handed ( 1) In the case of graziers whose appli­ over to Captain Rapp, Harbour Master cations for drought-relief loans have been for the area, was it examined and what approved since June 30, 1968, what is (a) was the report? the area of each successful applicant's 264 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

property and (b) the stock still held on Answers:- each of the properties at the date of ( 1) "Rearrangement and provisiOn of the application? accommodation and maintenance." (2) How many applications have been (2) "$21,000." rejected during the period mentioned and on what grounds were they rejected? DREDGING AND MOORING PILES, Answer:- WYNNUM CREEK ( 1 and 2) "The number of new app­ Mr. Harris, pursuant to notice, asked The lications approved since June 30, 1968, Minister for Local Government,- under the Scheme then operating to the Has his Department received a request date of termination of the Scheme on that Wynnum Creek, in the Fish Board September 30, 1968, was six. Only area, be dredged and mooring piles erected one application was declined during for the convenience of professional fisher­ this period. With regard to rthe Scheme men? If so, with what result? which was in force from March last to July 31, 1969, 265 applications were Answer:- approved and 150 declined. The general grounds for the refusal of applications "Requests have been received for the have been-(a) The applicant has been provision of moorings in Wynnum Creek credit-worthy; (b) The applicant's lending for the benefit of commercial fishing authority, be it bank or wool firm, or vessels. In 1963 the Brisbane City Council both, has been prepared to make funds objected to the construction of certain cat­ available to meet essential carry-on walk moorings for this purpose in the requiremerrts; (c) The assistance sought downstream section of the Creek as the has been outside the scope of the Scheme; Council proposed to reclaim part of the for example, the application was for capital foreshore in the Creek. Apart from com­ works; and (d) The returns from the prop­ mercial fishing vessels over 30 private erty and/or the applicant's financial posi­ launches are moored in the upstream section tion was such that any additional borrow­ of the Creek and in the circumstances it ing could not be serviced. As I men­ is not possible to consider moorings in tioned in my Answer yesterday to a Ques­ this section of the Creek for commercial tion asked by the Honourable Member, fishing vessels only. The Department of a primary producer, to be eligible for Harbours and Marine is at present drought relief assistance under the legis­ examining the area to determine the lation, must be in necessitous circum­ feasibility of improvements for small craft stances as a result of the drought, have generally." no liquid resources of his own, be unable to obtain further credit through normal channels and have a reasonable chance of APPLICATIONS FOR HOUSING COM­ continuing in primary production if assist­ MISSION RENTAL ACCOMMODATION, ance is granted. The processing of the ToWNSVILLE detailed data sought by the Honourable Member would present an almost impos­ Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked sible task in view of the complete com­ The Minister for Works,- mitment of the Agricultural Bank staff in How many applications for rental accom­ the administration of the present Drought modation are presently held at the office Relief Scheme, in addition to the Bank's of the Queensland Housing Commission, normal operations. As the Honourable Townsville and what is the number in Member should realise, the furnishing of each priority? the information sought would necessitate the public disclosure of the financial posi­ Answer:- tion of many applicants (and I must stress that this would be a breach of trust by any "224 applications were on hand at July Bank) and it would also involve the 31, 1969, comprising 100 points 2; 80 release, by the Agricultural Bank, of con­ points 1; 40 points 39; nil priority 182." fidential information received from numer­ ous sources." PROVISION OF PRIMARY ScHOOL AT PALLARENDA, TOWNSVILLE RENOVATION WORK, PARLIAMENT HOUSE Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- (!) Has any survey been carried out in regard to the provision of a primary school ( 1) What work, other than that to for the Townsville suburb of Pallarenda strengthen the foundations, is presently and, if so, with what result? being done at Parliament House? (2) Has any land been reserved for (2) What is the estimated cost of the school purposes in this suburb and, if so, work? where is it situated? Questions [28 AUGUST] Questions 265

Answers:- (2) Who decided the rental charges and (!) "Yes. The investigating officer has what are the details relating to them? found that the establishment of a school ( 3) Has a manager been appointed at Pallarenda at an early date is not JUsti­ and, if so, what is his name and what are fied." his duties? (2) "Yes. A school reserve has been set aside in the Three Mile Creek area." Answers:- ( 1) "The expenditure was approved by the Governor in Council." FIVE-HEAD CREEK WATER SUPPLY SCHEME, ToWNSVILLE (2) "I table the scale of charges Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The approved by Cabinet. Cabinet also Minister for Mines,- approved that the scale be rebated by 15 per cent. when our own Queensland With reference to the proposed Five­ Theatre Company uses the theatre. The Head Creek scheme designed to store cost of the rebate is set off against the additional water for the city of Towns­ annual payment made by the Office to the ville, will the main western or southern State in lieu of income tax." roads be inundated at certain points when the scheme is fully operative? If so, will (3) "Mr. Donald Batchelor has been the road or roads be re-aligned and are appointed manager. His duties are to any plans yet available showing the new manage the theatre, organise bookings and routes? undertake all matters normally handled by a theatre manager." Answer:- Paper.-Whereupon Mr. Chalk laid upon "Sections of the Flinders Highway in the Table of the House the paper the Anthill Plains area could be inundated referred to. in Stage II of the proposed Five-Head Creek scheme. The Bruce Highway will not be affected. No plans of any proposals DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, for relocation of the Flinders Highway are AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL yet available, but investigation surveys will COUNCIL be commenced shortly in conjunction with Mr. Baldwin, pursuant to notice, asked the Railway Department." The Minister for Primary Industries,- Will he table a copy of the decisions and recommendations from all the meetings in EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OFFICE the last three years of the Commonwealth RENTALS, MARYBOROUGH Council of Agriculture? If not, why not? Mr. Davies, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- Answer:- What are the terms and rental being "It is assumed that the Honourable paid for the occupation of rooms in (a) Member is referring to the Australian Maryborough Commonwealth Bank for Agricultural Council. The issue of state­ the Regional Education Director and his ments and the release of information con­ staff and (b) premises in Eleana Street, cerning decisions of the Australian Agri­ Maryborough, for Adult Education staff cultural Council are the prerogative of the and classes? Chairman of the Council who is the Federal Minister for Primary Industry. I Answer:- am not therefore in a position to accede "(a) Contract entered into witb the to the Honourable Member's request." Commonwealth Bank is for two years from January 18, 1969, with the option of a further three years. Annual rental is PRICE OF WHEAT SUPPLIED TO $635 payable at the rate of $52.92 per PouLTRY FARMERS calendar month. (b) Contract entered Mr. Baldwin, pursuant to notice, asked into for five years from March 26, 1966. The Minister for Primary Industries,- Annual rental is $1,560 per annum pay­ able at the rate of $130 per calendar Will he direct the relevant Board to month." supply feed-wheat to Queensland poultry farmers at the same price as it is supplied to the Chinese Government in Peking? s G I 0 THEATRE Answer:- Mr. Davies, pursuant to notice, asked The Treasurer,- "The home consumption price of wheat is fixed annually by agreement between the ( 1) Who decided that State Govern­ various States and the Commonwealth. ment Insurance funds should be used for The only practical way for providing the construction of a public theatre in wheat at a price lower than the home con­ Brisbane? sumption price would be for the State 266 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Government or the Commonwealth to sub­ (2) Has any comparative vehicle usage, sidise such purchases. Because of limited traffic count or accident rate been con­ financial resources it would not be possible ducted by the Railway Department on for this Government to give this assistance. either James Street or Collins Avenue Consequently the State Government has railway level crossings, Cairns and, if so, requested the payment by the Common­ what are the figures? wealth of a subsidy on the price of wheat for drought feeding. However, to date, (3) Has any priority been given to the Commonwealth has not been agreeable either or both of these crossings and when to subsidising purchases of wheat or any can it be expected that both of them will other fodder. The Premier, as you may be equipped with automatic warning no doubt be aware, recently made further devices and flashing lights? representations to the Prime Minister on the question of cheaper wheat for drought Answer:- feeding. These representations are now receiving consideration. My Department ( 1 to 3) "The programme for installation does not direct any marketing board set of flashing lights and boom gates at level up under State legislation. These Boards crossings is determined by consultation are autonomous bodies and do not rep­ between the Main Roads Department and resent the Crown for any purpose what­ the Railway Department. The programme soever. The price at which wheat is for 1970-71 is not yet finally determined exported is a matter within the jurisdiction and the matter of Collins Avenue and of the Australian Wheat Board and would J ames Street will again be considered by not be subject to any direction by this officers prior to the finalisation of the Government." 1970-71 programme."

RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES TEACHER EDUCATION Mr-. Baldwin, pursuant to notice, asked i\fr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- The Minister for Health,- ( 1) What stage has been reached by For each year since June 30, 1949, what the Committee on Teacher Education in has been the number of (a) medical officers planning the new course for recruits attached to the division of School Health entering the secondary section? Services, (b) trained nurses attached to the division of School Health Services, (c) (2) With regard to this course (a) what children given a full medical examination period of training is envisaged, (b) what in (i) metropolitan areas and (ii) country will be the various courses available and areas, (d) children examined by medical the elements thereof, (c) where will the officers, (e) children examined by trained courses be conducted, (d) what will be nurses and (f) overall number of primary­ the entrance qualifications, (e) what will school children in Queensland and/or ratio the terminal a\1 ard be called, (f) on what of doctors and nursing staff separately to level of the salary scale will the graduates primary-school children? be admitted and (g) will the terminal qualifications be professionally viable Answer:- throughout Australia? " All the information being sought by the Honourable Member is not readily Answer:- available. The Annual Reports of the ( 1 and 2) "The Committee on Teacher Director-General of Health and Medical Education is discussing courses of training Services, which are tabled in this House for secondary teachers. As details of every year, contain the information that various courses are still under consideration is available for the years commencing and have not yet been submitted, I am July 1, 1949, to June 30, 1968." unable to provide the information sought. It is envisaged that there will be a minimum of three years training for secondary NEW ACCOMMODATION, TOURIST teachers and that the qualifications arising BUREAU, CAIRNS from these courses will be acceptable throughout Australia." Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Labour and Tourism,-

JAMES STREET AND COLLINS AVENUE Due to the cramped nature of the LEVEL CROSSINGS, CAIRNS present locations becoming increasingly apparent, has any consideration been given Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked to re-siting or constructing new accommo­ The Minister for Transport,- dation for the Queensland Government ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to an Tourist Bureau at Cairns to provide for article in the Cairns Post of August 16, the convenience and comfort of tourists relative to the proposed warning lights at and staff and the overall expansion of the the railway level crossings at James Street, tourist indPstry at Cairns over a long Cairns? period of time? Form of Question [28 AuGusT] Address in Reply 267

Answer:- ADDRESS IN REPLY "! have not received any complaints RESUMPTION OF DEBATE-FIRST regarding cramped conditions in the Cairns ALLOTTED DAY Branch of the Queensland Government Tourist Bureau. The present premises Debate resumed from 21 August (see p. were remodelled early in 1966 at a cost 171) on Mr. Hungerforcl's motion for the of $6,730 and are considered to be satis­ adoption of the Address in Reply. factory. The present site of this Branch Mr. W. D. HEWITT (Chatsworth) (12.1 in the business area in Abbott Street is p.m.): It is my pleasure this morning to considered to be an excellent location." associate myself with the motion moved by the hon. member for Balonne and seconded DISALLOWANCE OF QUESTION by the hon. member for Wavell. It is a particular pleasure for me to take my seat Mr. HUGHES (Kurilpa): Yesterday I gave in the House once again, and I acknowledge notice of a question to the Premier contain­ the support of the electors of Chatsworth and ing questions that I had not raised previously the fact that they were good enough to and asking if he would reconsider the return me with an increase of 3! per cent. matter of the safety of pedestrians using in my voting figures. the new Victoria Bridge. Mr. Bennett interjected. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The hon. member Mr. HUGHES: It is not on the Business for South Brisbane is continuing to interject. Paper. He has no right to come to the centre table and interject. Mr. SPEAKER: I was wondering when the hon. member was going to ask why it is not Mr. Bcnnett interjected. on the Business Paper. It was considered that Mr. Chalk interjected. the question had been answered adequately by the Premier yesterday morning. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I must ask hon. Mr. HUGHES: It was a new question. members on my right, particularly those on my immediate right, not to interject. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Opposition Members interjected.

FORM OF QUESTION Mr. SPEAKER: Order! the hon. member for Port Curtis is acting in a rather unseemly Mr. JENSEN (Bundaberg) having given way. notice of a question- Opposition Members interjected. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! It would appear Mr. SPEAKER: Order! If there are any that a similar question was answered this further interjections and if this noisy inter­ morning. ference with the conduct of the House con­ Mr. JENSEN: No, it was not. tinues I will have no hesitation in dealing with 'the members responsible under Rule Mr. SPEAKER: I will look into the matter. 123A. Honourable Members proceeding to give Mr. Hanson: My electorate is entitled to notice of questions- representation, the same as anyone else's. At 12 noon, Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The hon. member Mr. SPK\KER: Order! This being a clay for Port Curtis is going the right way for allotted for the debate on the Address in me to deal with him under Rule 123A. Reply, under the proviSlons of Standing Mr. W. D. HEWITT: I also record my Order No. 17 the House will now proceed appreciation of the very many friends who with that debate. supported me in the electorate, and I thank Mr. Bermdt: I have three very important them not only for their tangible support but questions to ask. also for the firm friendship that they extended to me during my first term in Mr. Cha!l>i: You have not been in the Parliament. House all this week. This Parliament is distinguished by the Mr. SPEAKEH: Order! fact that some 14 members have taken their seats for the first time. This represents the Mr. Ikm1~tt: I have three important biggest turnover in this House since the matters that I should like to raise. They dramatic times of 1957. When we recall cannot wait until next Tuesday. I do not that since the State election of 1966 three see why we, as an Opposition, should be other hon. members have found their way gagged. here by by-election and that the 1966. elec!ion Mr. SPEAKER: Order! brought six new members here, that 1dent1fies the fact that about 26 per cent. of the present Mr. Bennt•tt: The Government is treating personnel have been serving here for three us like schoolboys. years or less. That proves that there are 268 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply some rigours in political activity, and that more into the monarchy. I believe that this the turnover in personnel in this House is process will accelerate in the hands of extremely high. The important thing is that Charles when he becomes the ultimate king this Parliament has undergone a "youngin,g" of our Commonwealth. process. The average age of members of this Parliament is significantly lower than While we acclaim the young Prince, it is previously. I believe that this is good. The nevertheless important to recognise that great problems that beset us year by year become changes have taken place in our Common­ more urgent, and it is important that younger wealth and that it is not the close-knit men find their way to this House. community it once was. Indeed, there are members of it who pay respect to the Queen, I extend my congratulations to all those not as monarch of their own countries, but members who have been elected for the first as leader of the family of nations; and time. I hope that their tenure of office in there is a great distinction. Our nation will this House will be satisfying in personal enjoy its bonds with the United Kingdom terms and that it will also be enriching to longer, and there are no great reasons why the State that they serve. On a personal note, they should be severed. However, it should I say to every new member and, indeed, to be acknowledged that if there is some my older colleagues that while I play the loosening of those bonds, it will be con­ game of politics for all it is worth within tributed to by the United Kingdom as much this Chamber, I do not wear my politics on as by Australia. my sleeve and, I hope that they, likewise, do not. This country will forever be grateful for the finer institutions that it has inherited I now wish to extend particular congratula­ from the British way of life. I constantly tions to my namesake from Mackenzie upon applaud them. But, at the same time, I his elevation to the Ministry. It is well acknowledge that there are no good reasons known that he springs from noble stock, for slavishly adhering to old customs, just that he claims distinguished ancestors and for the sake of retaining them. There are that he is possessed of all the finer virtues great processes of change taking place in bestowed so generously on all members of our life-time, and while no structure must be the Hewitt clan. torn down just for the sake of doing so, as The opening ceremony was performed on some of these stupid anarchists would have this occasion by the Administrator, Mr. us believe, we must acknowledge change, Justice Sheehy. In many ways, I felt that bow to change, and, on occasions, help his speech was like a mini-skirt; it was change to come about. revealing, but at the same time tantalising, Having touched on that subject, and because there were some things we would before I get to the burden of my speech, I have expected to be referred to but that wish to refer to some of the comments were rather significant by their absence. I made by my friend and colleague, the hon. venture to suggest that, in the course of member for South Coast, who spoke in time, all will be revealed. But this, of this debate a few days ago. I listened to course, is in the hands of the Government. his comments with great interest, as I always The Administrator mentioned that our listen to the comments of such an erudite distinguished State Governor attended the gentleman. However, I would be less than investiture of the Prince of Wales. I do not honest if I told him that I was in total think that it is untimely to make some agreement with everything he said. reference to that significant occasion in the The hon. member made the great mistake history of our Commonwealth and to the of trying to oversimplify the problems that young man who was so involved in it. beset our universities these days. It is not Prince Charles has upon his young good enough to make a blanket approach shoulders the ultimate responsibility of and condemn all students out of hand and carrying the monarchy of the Common­ think that all problems can be solved by wealth. Having watohed the ceremony itself, imposing the heavy hand of Government as well as a most revealing interview with control. In fact, such an approach could be some B.B.C. commentators to which he sub­ for the worst. jected himself, I consider that the hand of There are disruptive elements, not only in his father is heavy upon him and that the our university, but also in every other succession is in very sure hands. university in the world today. I have referred It is to the continuing credit of his father to anarchists. Some of them exist in our that he has associated himself with university. I can only express the fond hope so many matters in the Commonwealth that, in the fullness of time, they will reach and has tried to break down the remoteness manhood and recognise the stupidity of what that once enshrouded the monarchy; that he they advocate. Society cannot be put right pioneered Commonwealth Study Conferences, by pulling everything down first, so I dismiss which have done so much to wrestle with them out of hand. I identify the so-called the problems of mankind; and that he is the revolutionaries who allow themselves to be author of a well-known lecture devoted to used viciously for ulterior purposes, and I the subject, "Evolution of Human Organisa­ believe that their activities must be watched tion". I am pleased to recognise this demo­ closely. But there is a great body of students cratic process which is creeping more and who apply themselves actively to thinking Address in Reply [28 AUGUST} Address in Reply 269 about the social ills that still prevail in our make the mistake of oversimplifying a prob­ society, and I will do nothing to gag them. lem that is complex and does not lend It is certain that there is still poverty and itself to so simple a solution. want in this world of ours in which we are The debate in which we are now participat­ now racing into .the 1970's, and, if students ing was initiated by the hon. member for want to think seriously about these things, Balonne, and the motion was seconded by we should listen to what they are saying. the hon. member for Wavell. Their efforts were, I submit, predictable, and they were If there is any one thing that presents commendable. The hon. member for Balonne a problem with universities it is the lack rightly reminded us of many of the problems of dialogue that exists between universities that beset the countryman. We are indebted and member& of Governments. I think that to him for bringing them to our notice, if a continuing dialogue with responsible and I hope that he is able to find solutions elements at the university could be estab­ to some of them. I welcome him as a lished, many of these problems would dis­ friend and as a colleague. appear overnight. I remind the House that six days before he died the late Jack Pizzey The hon. member for Wavell came to attended a luncheon at the university. Present this House preaching the doctrine of divine at it were leading figures in the Students' discontent. He did not do so flippantly, Union at that time. The atmosphere was wantonly, or destructively but indeed with cordial, and I believed that a new relation­ due deliberation and study, and fortified by ship was being embarked upon. the extensive experience that he has gained in the higher echelons of his noble pro­ I say to the Premier that his first 12 fession. It would be a great mistake to sug­ months have been turbulent. I believe it gest that all he said was right-! am in takes a Premier 12 months to grasp the no position to make any valid judgment reins of office, to settle in, and to under­ upon it-but it would be equally wrong to stand the intricacies of his office. I hope suggest that everything he said was wrong. that now that he has settled in and taken Somewhere, by virtue of his professional the reins firmly, and now that he enjoys background, there must be something in what the undoubted loyalty of every last member he said that has validity. I believe that of his team, he may be able to follow the the sensible thing to do would be to enlist lead set by his distinguished colleague and his services and test the validity of his establish continuing contact and dialogue with claims. the Students' Union, and try to understand I think it is good at times to look closely some of the things they are seeking. at all avenues of Government enterprise Mr. Hinze: With Laver and that ratbag and Government endeavour and I do not group out there? believe that a Government 'climbs down at all if occasionally it. says, "We are going Mr. W. D. HEWITT: Again my friend to have a look at this." A Government is makes the signal mistake of trying to associ­ critici~eq more f~equently for doing nothing ate everyone with this fellow Laver. I than It IS for takmg due action, and I would remind him that during the last few years, hope that we do not see the development of a when there have been elections for the totally unnecessary Donnybrook between a presidency of the Students' Union taking private member, a Minister and a Govern­ place in the glare of publicity, on every ment department. The hon. member came occasion a responsible person, with his feet here and made comments that he believed firmly planted upon the ground, has emerged were constructive, and they should be so as the clear winner. construed. Mr. Porter: An overwhelming winner. Finally, it is important also to recognise that the hon. member for Wavell has not Mr. W. D. HEWITT: An overwhelming attacked the free-hospitalisation scheme, and winner, as my colleague reminds me. I think we should identify the fact that the recom­ that this identifies the fact that there is clear mendations of the Nimmo report, if accepted responsibility at the university. It is a mis­ in totality, will entrench free hospitalisation take to believe that everything that university in this State to a greater degree than it has students advocate is wrong and must be dis­ ever been entrenched before. I establish missed out of hand. If the hon. member that argument by referring to the appropriate for South Coast wants me to identify one clause in the recommendations of the Nimmo thing in which I find my thoughts substantially committee, which reads in these terms- in line with those of the students, I mention some of the permit arrangements that pre­ "That the Federal Government agree vail in this State. By way of example, I to pay the full Federal hospital benefit (at remind him that when we, as members of Par­ present $2 a day) to hospitals in respect liament, contest elections each three years, the of all public ward patients in Queensland type of nonsense to which we have to subject as long as Queensland's present policy of ourselves with regard to signs and similar free public ward treatment without a means trivial things establishes, in my view, that test is continued." there are grounds for an overhaul of certain I wish to move from those passing comments things. I mention this merely as an aside to the main burden of my speech today and and not as the main purpose of my speech discuss with the House the impact of auto­ today. I hope that hon. members will not mation as I, a layman, see it. 270 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

It is true that automation Is not some In the United States of America the latter-day phenomenon. It has in fact been Labour Department estimates that 1,800,000 with our society for many years. There workers per annum are displaced by auto­ are those who will argue that automation mation while an extra 1,000,000 per annum started with the industrial revolution, and enter the work-force and that is at a time there were those who tried to fight it in the and in a situation where everyone would days of the industrial revolution in the same shout for joy if their unemployment figure could be reduced to 5 per cent. As all hon. way as some try to fight it today. The members know, a 5 per cent. unemployment important thing to acknowledge is that this figure in this country would be totally is an accelerating process, and it should be intolerable. hailed as a method to ease the burden upon man and to allow his burgeoning intellectual In the 12 years from 1950 to 1962. 1,600,000 farmers, representing 20 per cent. capacity to have full blossom. It relieves of the agricultural work-force, left farms in man of the drudgery of every-day endeavour the United States because of increased and allows him to engage upon finer pursuits. technology in agriculture and, at the same But, unfortunately, there are many mis­ time, farm output increased by 28 per cent. conceptions about automation, and these, too, It is important to relate this fact to the must be dispelled. It is not something to comments made by the hon. member for be feared; it is something which will pro­ Balonne in his Address-in-Reply speech vide greater opportunities, providing its imple­ and also to questions recently asked by the mentation is watched with great care and hon. member for Barcoo. It is not good great caution. Certainly it will shift emphasis enough merely to say that there is a drift from country to city and that that is to be quite startlingly, so that training and educa­ deplored. \Ve must, at the same time, tion will receive even greater emphasis than question whether production is increasing or they presently do. But I return to a theme decreasing and whether the over-all economy that I have developed many times in this of the country is suffering in consequence. House, and which I suspect I will return The stark fact of life everywhere in the to many times in future years. It is a world is that this drift from rural occupation strong belief of mine that in the tech­ ,to urban occupation is taking place. nological society into which we are fast racing, the uneducated will not only be Mr. Hughes: And it is by choice. unemployed; they will be unemployable. This Mr. W. D. HEWIIT: Certainly it could presents a clear challenge to our educators. be by choice. The issue which Kennedy described as the major problem of the '60's The effects of automation, particularly will undoubtedly be a searing situation in m these days, are clouded by the buoyant the '70's. Kennedy's advice was timely when econ groups in order to identify the degree other ~ountries I have referred to have a of unanimity that flows between them. collecti''e bargaining form of industrial At the 1957 A.C.T.U. Congress these agreement. principles were spelt out- The overriding advantage in collective 1. Increased production to be reflected bargaining, as I see it, is that the unions in increasing purchasing power; bargain directly with industry and they can 2. Joint consultation to ensure the insist on provisions for redundancy being planned introduction of automation with written into the awards. The dialogue that the least possible dislocation; exists between industry and union as a con­ sequence is infinitely better. Short of 3. Maintenance of full employment; Government aotion, and possibly in unison 4. Training and retraining programmes with Government action, collective bargain­ to be provided where necessary; ing presents better opportunities to 5. Increased leisure or a living standard unions to protect the interests of workers, increase; particularly with regard to the effects of 6. Planned resettlement of displaced automation; but there is a requirement first labour; and of all of trade union officials, a requirement 7. Severance pay. which-- Mr. Newton: Do you agree with that? Mr. Newton: What about the employer? Mr. W. D. HEWITT: I am not arguing Since you know ,so much about ~t, tell us his side of it. against it. Mr. W. D. HEWITT: I am attempting to. I turn now to a Press statement made by On past occasions the hon. member has Mr. Ralph James, the director of the given me credit for trying to present a Queensland Employers' Federation, as balanced point of view, and I am trying to quoted in "The Courier-Mail" of 29 July, do that today. But I suggest to him, with 1968. This is the way that he spelt out his great respect, that before trade union approach to the situation- officials in this country can enter into any !. A longer period of notice of termina­ basis of collective bargaining they have to tion and early consultation between demonstrate some degree of competence, employers and unions; comprehension, responsibility and sense of 2. An objective labor engagement pro­ participation. Let me dwell on the last point gramme which anticipates changes in the for a moment. That sense of participation future work-force; would be in a situation in which unionists 3. Active assistance in securing alter­ would sit down with the employers and say, native employment; "If you perfected this process or if you 4. A review of the unemployment­ did this in a different fashion, or if you benefit schemes operating within the had a closer look at this, you would increase social-service network; your own profitability." 5. Establishment of training and The trade unionists must possess a vested retraining centres to enable employees to interest in the profitability of the enter­ acquire new skills and other jobs; and prise, because under a collective-bargaining 6. A positive approach to the difficulties system they are the ultimate beneficiaries. I of the individual in moving from one respect the point of view of the hon mem­ location to another to take up a new job ber for Belmont-and he knows this-but after dismissal because of technological I say to him, with great respect, that today, change. unfortunately, the trade unions still place The hon. member for Belmont would agree, too much emphasis on the tradition of com­ I think, that there is no conflict, or very ing up through the ranks. I think that they little conflict, in broad terms between the need to have some movement away from ideals expressed by the two groups. Indeed, this tradition, and to get away from the old there is such little conflict that a Govern­ ideologies and class concepts, and the con­ ment could well interest itself in this matter, stant conflict that presently prevails. I believe knowing that it sees remarkable unanimity that this is the first challenge that the between those on both sides of the fence. unions have to face, and I wish them all the To this end, I believe that if Government luck in the world; I hope they respond to actions were contemplated they could go it. along certain lines to formalise what are I would like to see some movement accepted sentiments. The Government towards collective bargaining, but, as I have should collate information of work-force said, this must be preceded by a great movement and displacement as a result of reorientation in thinking and approach. And automation; set about making a detailed the reorientation must take place at the study of overseas experience, particularly in employer level also. industrialised countries; set up an investi­ The Australian Council of Trade Unions gation into retraining programmes; and, in and the employer groups have gone on addition, have compensation considerations. record as making certain comments about Mr. Bromley: I said this years ago. 272 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Mr. W. D. HEWITT: But the hon. mem­ Parliament to the Crown. In taking my oath ber did not say it as well. of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen, I Finally, the Government should set up a also associated with it the people of the functioning committee representative of Mackay electorate. Government, quasi-government, employee I was proud on that day to have my pre­ and employer organisations. decessor to witness my swearing-in. Frederick It is certain that there are many natural Dickson Graham devoted 26 years to the consequences of automation. Certainly within electors of Mackay, and the State of Queens­ our life-times we will have a shorter working land, in this Parliament. Only those who week, extended leave, earlier retirement and have given their time to public life can fully expanded benefits, which presently are the appreciate just what that means. For 26 problems of a tribunal. They will be wel­ years he did anything for anyone, at any comed, but we will identify in their wake a time, irrespective of colour, class or creed. new set of social problems which will arise That was typical of the service given by as a consequence. Fred Graham. It is unfortunate that in the It is interesting to note that problems will twilight of his career great personal sadness occur not only because of increased leisure and sorrow has befallen him through his and what people will do with it, but also family. My heart, and the hearts of those because of changed working habits. I will who really know him, go out to him at this illustrate that by one example only. Recently time, and I sincerely hope that things may the Bureau of Census and Statistics in Can­ change and that he may have a long and berra entered into an agreement whereby its happy retirement, which is his just reward computer will work for 24 hours a day and, for his years of work. if necessary, seven days a week. It c~n be From the time when Francis Thyssen readily seen that the clerical staff will have Amhurst was elected as the first member for to make adjustments as a consequence of Mackay on 21 November, 1879, that city this. Once upon a time the white-collar has been well represented in Parliament. worker enjoyed a regular 9-to-5 day, but he While seven different people were elected will now have to adjust himself to certain during the first 3 6 years of representation, shift work conditions. As I say, it is not only there were only two during the next 54 years. a question of problems of leisure, but also Firstly, there was the late Honourable a question of change in working habits. It is Forgan Smith, who was the member for 27t certain that in their wake will come a need years. During that period he served with for massive retraining and expanded educa­ great distinction as a member, as a Minister tion. of the Crown, and as a long-serving Premier. I believe that all this can be best spelt out Following him was Mr. Fred Graham, who in the sentiments uttered by the Duke of served for 26 years. Edinburgh in his address, "Evolution of During that period Fred Graham was Human Organisation", when he said- opposed by 16 different people. More "What matters is that man should importantly, he faced 10 elections. The people improve his control over his environment of his electorate continued to support him, and his relationships so that, both as an and I think that that illustrates the true individual and in his groups, he may be worth of any politician. Perhaps the best able to make a living in peace and in tribute I have heard paid to Fred Graham partnership with all his fellow creatures." came from a member of the staff of this I do not believe that at this time there is House. When I came here a few weeks any call for excessive reaction to automation, ago to take his place, the staff asked of but there is a need for a reasonable, watchful Fred Graham and how he was, and one approach so that as transitions take place we membe.r of the staff said, "Fred Graham was will be geared and ready for them to ensure one of the kindest men I knew." their implementation as smoothly as possible. I record my thanks and appreciation for It is necessary, not only in this field of the wonderful service Fred Graham gave endeavour, but in all fields, for the Govern­ me personally in acting as my campaign ment to think big and to act big. I favour director in the recent election campaign and the sentiment expressed so well by David in spearheading the drive that resulted in my Burnham over 60 years ago, when he uttered election to Parliament. Fred Graham and this imprecation- Peter McSherry, my campaign secretary, "Make no little plans, they have no magic headed a wonderful team of workers from to stir men's blood and probably them­ the Mackay Branch of the Australian Labour selves will not be realised. Make big plans; Party. The Mackay electorate has a long aim high in hope and work-remembering tradition and history of support for the that a noble plan, once recorded, will Labour Party and I shall do my best to never die but long after we have gone will carry on that tradition with the good will still be a living thing-asserting itself with and support of my workers and supporters growing insistency." and the confidence of the electors of Mackay. Mr. CASEY (Mackay) (12.33 p.m.): I As all hon. members are no doubt well desire to associate myself today with the aware, Mackay is the sugar capital of Aus­ sentiments of the mover and the seconder tralia. That great industry is the backbone of the motion for the adoption of the Address of our northern settlement, and it will be in Reply in expressing the loyalty of this for years to come. I look forward to a Address in Reply [28 AUGUST] Address in Reply 273 bright future in this industry despite the by Australians and, more importantly, for many hazards confronting it today and the Australians. The profits from this great many ways in which it is suffering through agricultural industry will therefore remain in actions of this Government. It pays dearly Australia. But when this industry encoun­ for rail transportation. The very high freight tered its problems, no freight concessions or rates in the district have forced many mills subsidies were forthcoming--only repayable to swing to road transportation of cane loans. because they could get no satisfaction from The sugar industry is a practical example representations for a reduction of the high of the way in which the Labour Party rates they were paying. And even with encouraged decentralisation, and develop­ this swing to road transport, the Mackay ment of the northern areas of this great district is recognised as one of the highest State. The other day the Premier challenged income-earning areas in Queensland, com­ the Opposition to say that the Government paratively speaking, for the Queensland was not furthering decentralisation. I Railways. would say that the Government has followed However, the sugar industry will continue a set of policies that have bled the life-blood to prosper despite the present trend by the of this State to the south-east corner. Every Government to allow confectionery shops to endeavour has been made by the Govern­ be filled with sweets made from sugar sub­ ment to create in this area the transport hub stitutes, including beet sugar from other coun­ of the State, the chief port, the chief manu­ tries, and the Government's history of trouble facturing centre, the main tourist area, the in this industry after years of stability result­ centre of commerce and learning, the chief ing from good Labour legislation. processing centre for the State's primary The Government even failed to grasp an industries, the distributing point for the opportunity, when negotiating the Central State's imports, and, of course, the normal Queensland Coal Associates Agreement for spread associated with the capital of the the sale of Queensland coal to Japan, to State and its administration. negotiate, in turn, a firm price and quota I point out that this does not happen in for our sugar, our greatest northern agri­ the United States, where the policy is to cultural industry. I know that a good distribute industry throughout the length and deal was said when that agreement was before breadth of the country. Quite often the the House. I also know that a World comment is heard that we should be sup­ Summary of October 1968, stated- porting free enterprise. The United States "Because of recent signs of a strain would be perhaps the greatest bastion of free of the world's supply of coking coal and enterprise in the world, and in that country rising prices in the U.S., Japanese steel a strong and firm policy of decentralisation firms regard Queensland as holding the is followed which begins with the awarding key as to whether it will successfully meet of Government contracts to industries estab­ its tremendous requirements of coking coal lished, or intending to become established, in the 70's." away from the more populous areas. This indeed shows that further negotiations To me, decentralisation means the even could have been conducted for the protec­ expansion of all settled areas of the State tion of our primary industries. Further neo-o­ simultaneously with the closer settlement of tiations could have been poss,ible even earlier those areas in need of development. It also particularly relative to the sugar industry: means giving people the opportunity to raise when. the Japanese trade treaty was being their families in their own areas, so that the negotiated. If one notes the countries that young people, in their turn, can work, live are buying cheap sugar on the world market and bring up their families in such areas. today, one will see how badly the Govern­ In my district of Mackay, unemployment ment slipped up. has remained consistently high in recent For the purpose of making a comparison years, and it has been ascertained that 40 I might mention that it has been said by th~ per cent. of those without work have been Government that the $100,000,000 required under 21 years of age. to finance the Goonyella project was not What has the Government done about available in Australia. I have made an assess­ this? What has been its reaction to the ment of the capital value of the expansion problem of decentralisation? This year, of the sugar industry in the Mackay district when it appeared that decentralisation would Capital aspects, such as the sale value of become an election issue, a sudden announce­ the new farms created, increased valuations ment was made that the Premier would have of existing farms, capital expansion in the Mr. Barton, the new Co-ordinator-General eight. sugar mills, extension to the bulk sugar of Works, carry out an investigation and termmal at Mackay Harbour, extension of make a report on rail freights. Since the mill tramlines, additional rolling stock election further publicity has been given to !ractors, implemel!ts,. houses, farm buildings: this matter, and the Premier announced the mcreased mechamsat10n of the industry with other day that he would have discussions harvesters, wagon.s, bins and other machinery, with a firm of consultants on having this and the construction of the molasses terminal, job done. all represent in the vicinity of $150 000 000 The truth of the matter, of course, is­ for the Mackay district alone. All 'of 'that and this has been pointed out for some work was carried out with Australian capital years in this House by members of the 274 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Opposition-that the rail freight anomalies manufacturers. These men, scattered through­ in existence in Queensland are the greatest out the provincial cities and country areas deterrent to decentralisation. In the past of this State, have the know-how, experience, five years the Government would have ability, initiative, drive and faith to build received or seen many reports dealing with industries in country areas, and they are ably this subject, including the famous Loader and strongly supported by the men and report, which all Governments have seen women whom they employ. Undoubtedly, fit to ignore. Foremost in all these reports the wealth and the future of Queensland has been their condemnation of the Queens­ lies in the relatively untapped mineral and land Government and its system of rail land resources in its central and northern freights, and in addition they have advocated areas and these should be used to form the the setting up of a special decentralisation basis' for the development of processing and fund. I wonder whether they have been manufacturing industries. Exports of pro­ ignored because these two points are at cessed and manufactured goods could then the top of the list of A.L.P. policy on this actually be made from these areas. When matter? our major markets were on the other side High cost of transportation has two results: of the world the increased distances from a higher cost of living, and the inability southern manufacturing centres did not of local manufacturers to compete. Things matter greatly. The freight component in are worsened by the fact that freight con­ cost was relatively small. However, now that cessions have been given willy-nilly to south­ the largest part of our export markets is in ern manufacturers where they have the our near-North, or the northern half of advantage of lower unit rates because of the Pacific Ocean, it matters a great deal, turnover and cheaper primary costs in both and southern manufacturing industries, parti­ labour and the obtaining of supplies of cularly the foreign-owned ones, are still goods. As recently as this morning we have putting it over Queensland. heard the Minister for Transport speaking in I suppose the real truth of this lie_s, as this Chamber of the special freight rate it does so often, in the figures of _our mter­ for the Goonyella project. Do you realise, state imports and exports. Accordmg to the Mr. Speaker, that the 2c a ton-mile that Queensland Year Book-I will take the last the Government will get from that project five-year period fully mentioned in it, 196_2 is less than it would receive from road trans­ to 1967, which is a fair period because It port tax? It would get 3c a ton-mile from is away from the tragic drought years that the road transport contractors. we are presently experiencing--our interstate I am aware that the Minister says, "We exports totalled $1,627 million wh_il~t our want to assist and further development, and interstate imports totalled $3,352 milliOn, a this was a special project that required assist­ deficit of $1,725 million. In fact, in that ance." However, in reading through l'1ve-year period Queensland had four oyer-all "Hansard" for the last Parliamentary session, trade deficits, the worst in our State's history, I noted the statement that the full cost of and if we take into account our overseas the Goonyella railway line project would ev.rnings over that period, we had an over­ not impose any burden upon the people of all trade loss of $215,000,000. this State. I should say that the freight As so many members on the Government rate of 2c a ton-mile that has been established side like to make comparisons, in the years represents a direct subsidy to the company 1952 to 1957-10 years previously, and the concerned, which is supposedly contributing last five years of Labour administration­ the full cost of the project. there was an over-all trading profit of To illustrate my point, I might take S262,000,000. We have even fallen behind structural steel, one of the items affected. in the production of goods for our own The normal freight rate on structural steel use. from Brisbane to Mackay is $43.55 a ton. As I said earlier, all the State's great Anyone fortunate enough to be able to mineral wealth, all of its land, its sunshine negotiate a special rate with the Railway and its water, must be used to form the Department would probably pay about $35 basis of our processing industries. The real a ton. For this project it will be $11.98 wealth of this area of the State, and con­ a ton, which certainly is a very low rate. sequently of Australia, is falling into over­ If the Minister is sincere on the question seas hands whilst Australian capital is being of making rail freights assist in decentralisa­ spent on what I consider to be nationally unproductive ventures in the densely settled tion, I would ask him to make 2c a ton-mile areas. In insurance companies and other the standard rate for northern industries. such groups we find heavy capital outlay Such a rate would assist in establishing and on such projects as multi-storey office blocks, fostering northern industries and give them parking lots, urban roads and bridges, super­ an opportunity to compete on all markets, highways to coastal resorts, luxury theatres not only on markets connected with the and so on. These are relatively unproductive Goonyella project. investments so far as increases in real One of the first and best methods of economy and the income of the nation are assisting the establishment of industries away concerned. There is no doubt in my mind from the south-eastern corner of the State about the direction in which the capital is to give greater encouragement to local of this nation should be turned. Water has Address in Reply (28 AUGUST] Address in Reply 275 determined the course of civilisation and the same as the amount to be provided by undoubtedly this is just as true today, but the Commonwealth for the construction of what we need is men of vision, ambition and the Fairbairn Dam. imagination; we need leaders who are pre­ While speaking of "Fairbairns", I remind pared to fight tenaciously and to use every hon. members that the Minister for National means within their power to develop the Development, the Honourable David great untapped water resources of Central Fairbairn, in a statement in Federal and North Queensland. Parliament in May of last year referred to the Gwydir River as being the only major Water development can be divided into tributary of the Darling River on which no three classifications-firstly, to consolidate large regulated water-storage system had and stabilise existing production and to yet been provided. How nice it would be if minimise drought; secondly, to allow for we could say that of the tributaries of the steady expansion of industries, both primary Burdekin and Fitzrov Rivers. All that we and secondary, and thirdly, to allow for the can say is that from Federal funds we are creation of new industries, both primary constructing only the first large regulated­ and secondary. storage system on either of these two great rivers, which, between them, carry a nm-off Let me deal with the first of these. that is estimated as being approximately 40 Perhaps there could be no better time than or 50 per cent. of the total run-off in now because drought still remains the con­ Queensland. queror. How very much could have been dOJ?-e had the millions spent on drought I feel that part of the blame for this reltef, and the great financial loss of national situation must be laid at the feet of the income, been spent on water projects. It Queensland Government. It must become amazes me to hear, at such times as this more convincing in its approaches to its hon. members talking about a national disaste; Federal cohorts. So far it has received no fund to provide for such emergencies, and response to its appeal for funds for the some sort of drought insurance or drought Burnett area, and no increased allocation bonds. Let us be objective about this great from the National Water Resources Develop­ problem. What we require is a national ment Programme in the recent Federal development fund-and I am not referrin<> Budget. I feel quite sure that my colleagues, to the sham that the Federal Government the hon. members for Isis and Bundaberg, calls its National Water Resources Develop­ will be able to tell the House quite a story ment Programme. It has been estimated about that particular project. that within the catchment areas of the Queensland has not received anything like Burnett, Fitzroy, Pioneer and Burdekin its share of money from the Common­ Rivers there are over 12,000,000 acres of wealth for this work. Money that has been arable land that could be turned almost contributed by way of taxation paid by the immediately to agricultural use. That acre­ people of this State has been used for the age is equivalent to the whole of the area development of areas in other States. The in Australia that produces crops other than irony of the situation is that owing to the wheat. The catchment areas of those rivers drought Queensland graziers are now forced contain an area that is greater than the to sell their herds at bedrock prices. Those whole of Victoria. What would we see in herds are being taken to New South Wales that area if the spending on the development and Victoria, where they are being kept alive of water resources had been as ureat as it in areas that are irrigated by water stored has been in Victoria? What could"have been in structures built with money provided by done if this State had leaders who could those same Queenslanders. be as convincing in their approaches to the In the last 20 years approximately $1,000 Federal Government to obtain a fair deal million of Commonwealth money has been for our State as were the leaders of that State in their approaches? spent on, or committed to, projects of this nature. Queensland's quota has been Let us look at some recent .occurrences in $20,000,000, towards the Nogoa scheme. other States. "The Sydney Morning Herald" The remainder has been shared by the other of 12 August, 1969, contained a lengthy States. In other words, this State has article in which it was stated that the received a lousy 2 per cent. of the money Commonwealth would provide one-quarter spent, despite the fact that its rivers contain of the funds for the construction of the 75 per cent. of Australia's natural water. $60,000,000 Dartmouth Dam and that the Personally, I would rather see $200,000,000 balance would be financed by each of the spent on water projects in this State to States of Victoria, New South Wales and stabilise its existing production, which will South Australia providing one-quarter, and be of immediate benefit to all Queenslanders, much of that amount would, in turn, be than on a super power station if that power provided by Commonwealth loans. The station is to be used solely to assist large same article signified the Commonwealth's overseas companies. The Queensland Gov­ agreement to provide by direct grant ernment must challenge the Federal Govern­ $20,000,000 of the $45,000,000 that is ment on the issue of increased funds for required by the State of New South Wales development of the water resources of this for the construction of the Copeton Dam on State. In addition, it must increase consider­ the Gwydir River. That amount is almost ably its own contribution towards these 276 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

projects, for there is an urgent need to of their areas north of the Tropic of construct both large-scale and small-scale Capricorn. What I have said is true, and water projects to enable producers not only it means ,that the people of the north gener­ to stabilise present production but also to expand production on a sound basis. ally do not support the present Government. While on that note, I point out that the [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] contempt in which the Government's decentralisation policies are held tin the more Mr. CASEY: Before lunch I was speaking populous country areas of Queensland is about problems associated with water shown by the fact that the Government does development in Queensland and the need for not hold a single seat in the provincial city a great uplift in spending by both the electorates. Commonwealth and the State Governments on this function. It is a stark fact that I should like to refer to one final point Australia is a dry continent. It has been concerning water development, namely, the estimated that all the water that flows down great shame inflicted on the nation by the the rivers on our east coast to the Pacific disbandment of the constructing branch of Ocean would provide only enough water to the Snowy Mountains Authority. There is irrigate the coastal areas and the area no doubt that ,if Labour Governments had between the coastal ranges and ,the Great been in power in this State and in the Dividing Range. However, it would be Federal House, this great, magnificent body possible to run major pipelines to inland would now be engaged on major work in areas to supplement dwindling artesian sup­ Queensland. Its disbandment was brought plies and to provide additional water for about by many things, among which were those areas. I realise that the high evapora­ petty jealousies of State departments. tion problem in the west of Queensland is very difficult to overcome. However, in The Snowy Mountains Authority proved Western Australia, water has been taken into by the construction of Australia's greatest the arid areas by pipeline since 1903. project that Australian professional men, Originally this water was designed for {he tradesmen and workers, given proper con­ Kalgoorlie gold-fields, but, by using it to ditions and incentives are more efficient assist farm storages and underground sup­ than their counterparts overseas. But the plies, formerly sparsely populated areas have Snowy Mountains construction team is almost been turned into closely settled rural com­ disbanded, and there ,is no authority in munities. Yet in Queensland today, we still Australia capable of handling such major find people who shake their heads when we developmental projects. All that the team talk about pumping water hundreds of miles. needed was encouragement, an invitation from the State, the strong advocacy of the I {urn now to the most recent work under­ State, and a dream of what could be done taken in Queensland in water development. in some areas of this State, and it could AIJ of the projects most recently constructed, have turned the dream into reality. or under construction, are within a radius of The main requirements in a major 250 to 300 miles of Brisbane, other than water scheme are consistent rainfall areas the Fairbairn project to which I have pre­ to provide the water and high country which viously referred. This Government has not can provide gravity feed of water towards constructed any major water-storage scheme large areas of arable land. The Mackay for irrigation purposes north of the Tropic district and hinterland provide such an area. of Capricorn. The Eungella Dam was con­ The Eungella Ranges receive up to 100 inches structed, but it was originally designed to of rain per year and feed water into the provide water for the Collinsville Power northern half of the Fitzroy River basin Station and the Collinsville water supply, and the southern half of the Burdekin River and any spare water from this project has basin. A scheme could be planned for now been allotted to Central Queensland the area where these two great rivers rise, Coal Associates for the washing of coal at and, with the intermingling of their head Goonyella. waters, it could be greater than the Snowy To gain the true worth of schemes such Mountains scheme. Unfortunately, the as the brigalow land development scheme political machine has decreed that the great they must be backed by water-development Snowy Mountains Authority should become projects. The area in Queensland today a consultant body which will compete with encompassed by this great scheme is amongst consulting engineering groups throughout the worst of the areas suffeDing from drought. Australia. Serious consideration must be given to the I support the remarks of my colleague the development of schemes such as the brigalow hon. member for Mourilyan on the Great scheme without an adequate water supply to Barrier Reef. This great national asset, back them up. with its environment and its marine and On the points I have mentioned, I feel that natural wonders, must be preserved for there has been discrimination against North future generations. Tourism and fishing Queensland in the matter of W3Jter develop­ would be far more valuable to Queensland, ment. I wonder if that is because the relative to population and investment, than Government holds only seven of the 18 mining and oil drilling. Are we satisfied electorates which have the biggest portion that every effort has been made to discover Address in Reply [28 AUGUST] Address in Reply 277 oil on the mainland? Before allowing lime­ is easy to define primary producers and to stone to be mined on the reef, are we work out who should get the benefits accruing satisfied that there are no great deposits of to that industry, I feel that it is also easy it in Queensland? to decide where the benefits should go in The Great Barrier Reef, together with its the tourist industry. They must go to the associated island resorts, forms Queensland's people who provide the beds; whether they greatest tourist attraction. Would the New be in hotels, island resorts, cruise yachts South Wales Government be foolish enough or caravan parks, those who provide them to start mining limestone in the Jenolan are the ones who retain tourists in their Caves or would the Commonwealth Gov­ ernment set up a stone-crushing plant to areas by giving them the opportunity to nibble away at Ayer's Rock? stay overnight. The value of the reef cannot be assessed There are many other matters on which in monetary terms. Its waters are pure, I should like to speak, but time precludes warm and clear, and it abounds in natural and my doing so. I point out again that there marine life. The unravelling of its mysteries are two great needs for northern areas today. still provides one of the greatest challenges The first is a positive decentralisation policy to the scientists of the world. backed by actions, not merely words, by The only point in favour of mining and the Government. The second is the need drilling is that they provide further invest­ to increase spending on the development of ment opportunities for large companies, many water resources. of which are foreign in nature and control, Many may think that I have been emotional so that with the use of relatively little labour, in some aspects of my comments today. That they can obtain large profits and pay only is because of my love of this State and the usual poor-box royalties to the Queens­ its people. I speak from the heart of my land Government. On the other hand, the firm belief in Queensland's future. I believe reef, together with its associated resorts, that our leaders should do likewise; they is, for most of the year, bathed in beautiful should use their hearts as well as their tropical sunshine and forms a tourist mecca heads and preserve this great State for its second to none. own people. As 50 per cent. of these resorts are between Mackay and Proserpine, this area should Mr. BffiD (Burdekin) (2.27 p.m.): As a have been not the first but the last con­ newcomer to this House about to make his sidered for drilling. maiden speech in an atmosphere and circum­ stances strange and very different from any­ The Government speaks proudly of the thing that I have previously experienced, $100,000,000 Goonyella investment deal; yet I rise with considerable diffidence and not it is prepared to run the risk of destruction a small measure of trepidation to support similar to that which occurred at Santa the motion so ably moved by the hon. Barbara at an estimated cost, to date, of member for Balonne and seconded in an over $1,000 million or even the lower equally able manner by the hon. member figure quoted recently in the House. for Wave!!. I congratulate my colleagues The tourist industry has a high labour on their very interesting and helpful content and is thus helping to settle more contributions. people in northern areas. In addition, its encouragement would be of great assistance I am fully sensible of the great honour in decentralisation. The resorts that are that was bestowed upon me by the electors established in association with the Barrier of Burdekin when they elected me as their Reef earn a good deal of foreign income parliamentary representative. I thank them for Queensland. The money spent by most sincerely for the confidence they have overseas and interstate visitors to these placed in me, and my greatest endeavours resorts is increasing each year. The industry will be directed to proving that I am worthy needs strong support from Governments, both of their support and that their confidence State and Federal. Many people do not feel in me was not misplaced. Their interests that tourism can be considered as a separate will be my first concern. It is my intention industry; they think that, because people have to approach the all-important task of par­ money to spend on holidays, the Government ticipating in the government of this State should not use money to develop tourist with earnestness and humility, determined activities. that the advancement of Queensland and the well-being of its people will be my first Tourist operators need, first and foremost, and paramount consideration. access to long-term finance, and the best way for that to be provided is through the I, like all other hon. members, subscribe Commonwealth Development Bank. Unfor­ wholeheartedly and sincerely to the expression tunately, because tourist operators are not of loyalty contained in the motion, and I regarded as being part of an industry, it wish at this stage to express my unswerving is very difficult for them to obtain such loyalty and allegiance to Her Most Gracious finance. It has been said, "How do you Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. How fortunate define tourist operators?" There is no we are to live in a democracy presided over tangible way of working out exactly who by a Monarch is realised and appreciated gains from tourism. However, just as it by all of us. 278 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

I join with other members of the Govern­ many well-known organisations. In fact, ment, and, I am sure I can truthfully say, there are many organisations in existence with all members of this Parliament, in today that would not have been in existence expressing pleasure at the news that Her but for the efforts of Mr. Coburn. Majesty the Queen will visit Australia next year and that Queensland will be included After his election to Parliament, he became in her itinerary. I am sure, knowing the a forceful advocate for the construction of loyalty of the Australian people as I do, a major Burdekin Dam, a project that he that her welcome will be affectionate, sincere, had evisaged as far back as 1944. His and enthusiastic. presentation of the case for its construction was so lucid and forceful that those in To the Premier and the members of influential places are convinced of the benefits Cabinet who have been chosen to guide the that would accrue from its construction. destiny of this State I offer my heartiest A perusal of "Hansard" will reveal that congratulations. I have no doubt that they there are more references to the Burdekin will discharge the duties of their respective Dam scheme than to any other subject, high offices with sound judgment and great and for almost all of those he was confidence. It is comforting to the Premier, responsible. I am sure, and a source of great strength and security, to know that he will always That Arthur Coburn worked untiringly for have the wholehearted support and co­ the benefit of his electorate can be seen in operation of every member of the Govern­ things such as the fine roads, bridges, ment. I say to him, "I sincerely hope your schools and public buildings and amenities term of office will be eminently successful". that stand as monuments to his efforts. His service to the people of the Burdekin elect­ It is a great pleasure for me to extend orate is reflected both by the high majority to you, Mr. Speaker, heartiest congratulations of votes that he polled at each election and on your re-election to the high and important by the high regard in which he was held office of Speaker of this Parliament. You by the people of the district. have already demonstrated clearly that you There is no doubt that Arthur Coburn possess the qualifications so necessary for was respected not only by his constituents the successful conduct of the business of but also by his parliamentary colleagues. this House. You have always, since you From the time he entered Parliament 19 were first elected as Speaker, carried out years ago until his retirement this year he the duties with great credit to yourself, remained a staunch Independent because it and almost invariably to the satisfaction of was his belief that he should be free to the members of this Assembly. You have exercise his vote in the manner he thought always been impartial, your judgments have best. He did not want to be tied to party been sound, and by a judicious and tactful decisions which, at times, could conflict with approach to the more difficult situations his own. that have arisen at times, you have most commendably, and with distinction, preserved As I said earlier, Mr. Coburn was highly the decency and decorum of this House. respected in this House. That I have learned from conversations during my short time I am grateful for this opportunity of here. He was known as an honest, straight­ paying tribute to the late Mr. Arthur Coburn, forward, clear-thinking member who had a my predecessor as the representative of kind word for everyone. He was always the people of the electorate of Burdekin. ready to assist and advise his fellow­ I know that the Premier, the Leader of members, regardless of their political beliefs the Opposition and the hon. member for or followings. He always put his case in a Townsville South spoke at some length earlier clear, forceful and unbiased manner and this week about Mr. Arthur Coburn. How­ consequently won the admiration of all. ever, I should like to briefly go over Mr. During his life-time, Mr. Coburn was a Coburn's life as we knew it. most m~thodical man. He showed a clear As you are aware, Mr. Deputy Speaker, determination to strive for the betterment of Mr. Coburn was elected to the Parliament of his fellow-men with little or no thought for Queensland in 1950 and held the Burdekin his own well-being. So methodical was he seat continuously for 19 years, until his that his sad death was almost as though retirement from politics this year. Born he had planned it in the same way as he in Ravenswood, a small mining town, he had planned his life's work for his people. was admitted to the Department of Public It would appear that, having given his Instruction as a pupil teacher in 1911, after efforts to the people of his electorate and having been educated at the Ravenswood the State, he died as he had lived, without State School. He later taught children at fuss or bother to anyone. There is no doubt the Ravenswood, Mundingburra, Ayr, Bow­ that, having retired, he was determined to man, East Brisbane and Maida Vale State assist me, and this he did from the time of Schools. my election until his passing. I spent many hours in discussions with him on such During this time he did not confine him­ matters as parliamentary proced11re and self to the schoolroom but strove untiringly how best to serve the people I represent. to serve the community. This work included His knowledge was unbounded and always that of chairman and/ or committeeman of absolutely sound. One of his last thoughts Address in Reply [28 AUGUST) Address in Reply 279 was of me, for I believe that he said to his It is planned that the main storage dam wife many times, "I wonder if Val has required to store water for major irriga­ delivered his speech yet." tion development and for the generation of hydro-electric power, as well as for the miti­ You may be sure, Mr. Speaker, that I, gation of flooding, should be built above like a great many other people, lost a the Burdekin Falls, 99 miles from the mouth wonderful confidant and friend in the pass­ of the river. The dam will conserve water ing of Mr. Coburn. I know hon. members from the 44,100 square miles of the catch­ will all join with me in an expression of ment area above the dam site, which drains regret to Mrs. Coburn and his loved ones an area with an average annual rainfall who are left behind. of 23 inches, with considerable variations to I wish now to pass on to a subject that that average. A gravity-type mass-concrete in my electorate is considered to be one of dam is planned to be built to a final height very great importance. I feel that I am of 150 feet with a crest length of 3,040 following in Mr. Coburn's footsteps in this feet. When the dam is completed the reser­ regard because, like him, I believe so much voir will store some 6,584,000 acre-feet of in the benefits to be gained from the con­ water, which is more than 16 times the struction of the Burdekin Dam hydro­ volume of water in Sydney Harbour and electric irrigation and flood-mitigation three times the capacity of the Hume reser­ scheme. voir on the Murray River when the Hume Dam is raised to its final height. In addi­ There are many who believe that the con­ tion, it is appreciably greater than the com­ serving of water by the construction of a bined storage capacities of the seven major major dam on the Burdekin River is the dams in the Snowy Mountains project. only way in which the water problems of the extensive area extending from the Don The capacity of the completed Burdekin River in the south to the Black River, north Falls reservoir will provide for a continuous of Townsville, can be solved. The great daily output of not less than 5,400 acre­ multiple-purpose Burdekin River irrigation feet over the worst drought period that hydro-electric and flood-mitigation project is likely to be experienced. This is equal for the development of the water resources to a flow of 2,700 cubic feet, or 17,000 of the Burdekin River and its tributaries is gallons, a second. It is sufficient for the planned for three main purposes, namely, firm generation of 80,000 kilowatts at 50 the growing of food and other agricultural per cent. load factor and for the irrigation of crops, the generation of hydro-electric at least 350,000 acres each year without energy, and the mitigation of flooding. It restriction. In most years water will be will utilise the waters of the Burdekin River available for the irrigation of a greater area and its tributaries, which form one of the than the minimum of 350,000 acres and major river systems in Queensland, drain­ for the generation of additional hydro-electric ing an area of over 50,000 square miles, and po\ver. will gradually bring into production large In the time available in this debate it is areas of land which offer great possibilities not possible for me to refer in detail to for development. all aspects of the proposed Burdekin dam Irrigation water will be provided for the project; however, I would point out that growing of food and other agricultural crops the extent to which the Burdekin River in the first instance, and, as the scheme Authority, which is better known as the develops, substantial quantities of hydro­ Kemp Committee, was enamoured of the electric power will be generated. Irrigation project can be gauged from statements that development will be expanded and the risks were included in its report. of flood damage along the river in the The report said- closely settled Burdekin Delta area will be appreciably reduced. "A.ustralia cannot afford to continue allowing the waters of the Burdekin River The complete project was fully investigated to run to waste and to lose the potential by the Burdekin River Authority, whose wealth to which construction of even a members were J. R. Kemp, then Co-ordin­ 75-foot dam would contribute. Speedy ator-General of Public Works, as chairman, construction of the Burdekin Falls Dam W. Nimmo, then Commissioner of Irrigation to this level is therefore imperative as a and Water Supply, as a member, and Mr. Neil national interest." Smith, Commissioner of Electricity Supply, Later the report said- also a member. The report on the project, furnished to ·the Premier of Queensland on "The Burdekin River Authority is con­ 19 December, 1951, showed that in its vinced that the project is a sound one investigation and planning full regard was and that the implementation is ess;;ntial paid to its potentialities for ultimate in both the State and National interest. development, when some 350,000 acres of It will bring closer settlement and 'ndus­ land will be irrigated each year. The hydro­ trial development to an area which is electric power station will have an installed at present sparsely populated and which capacity of 120,000 kilowatts and the staging could not be developed without irrigation." of development will enable works to be The area to be developed within the Burde­ put into service and production to com­ kin River hydro-electric and flood-mihgation mence as construction proceeds. project was part of the terrain mitially 280 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply under examination by the Northern Aus­ enormous additional agricultural and animal tralian Development Committee, of which production made possible and encouraged. the Co-ordinator of Public Works, Sir John A request has been made by representatives Kemp, was a member. of widespread local interests that the Com­ A report on the progress of the investiga­ monwealth Government be urged by the tions was submitted to that committee in Queensland Government to have the prom­ February 1948. Subsequently the then Prime ised investigation for the purpose of Minister suggested that the Burdekin project reappraising the Burdekin irrigation, hydro­ should be considered as a separate matter electric and flood-mitigation project under­ to be examined by a Commonwealth com­ taken immediately, and proceeded with mittee when further information was available. expeditiously, so that the report on the reappraisal will be finaLised and ready for By 1949 it was felt that the investiga­ presentation to the State and Commonwealth tion was sufficiently advanced to leave no Governments at the earliest possible date. doubt as to the practicability of that scheme. The urgency of the completion of the reap­ Accordingly the findings of the several State praisal cannot be too greatly stressed. investigating authorities were embodied in the report of August 1949 by the Co-ordinator­ The main problem facing the sugar industry General of Public Works in consultation with in the Burdekin River delta lis the diminishing interested departments, with the recom­ reserve of underground water. Despite the mendation that it be referred to the Prime successful operation of two water-replenish­ Minister for examination of the proposals by ment schemes, the water reserves are at a Commonwealth technical officers with a view level which is causing a deal of con­ to Commonwealth participation. Owing to cern in the North Burdekin Water Board the natic:nal importance of the project it area, and a deal of alarm in the South was considered that the Commonwealth Gov­ Burdekin Water Board area because of ernme~t should. assist both in its imple­ the distinct possibility of the unavail­ mentatiOn and m the further investigation ability from the r~ver of water for pumping. that was still to be undertaken. The prolonged dry spell has created The committee that was appointed by the a desperate situation and has resulted in Commonwealth Government to examine the much irrigation and consequential pumping Burdekin proposal visited the area in October by cane-growers. As a result there has been 1949 and made a preliminary report to the a great drain on the underground reserves. Prime Minister dated 10 November, 1949. The benefit of the 1968 floods has therefore That report was tabled in the House of been practically nullified. ~el?resentatives on 20 April, 1950. It Since the period of investigation immedi­ md1cated that the committee considered the ately preceding the presentation of the Kemp engineering proposals advanced by Queens­ Report, the acreage devoted to the produ~­ land to be basically sound. A large volume tion of sugar cane on the Lower Burdekm of water could be made available and sub­ has more than doubled. The resultant total stantial quantities of hydro-electric energy sugar production has been consistent ~ith could be generated at low rates. The volume this expansion of acreage. The productiOn of water likely to be available would not of sugar since 1931 has been as follows:- be fully and profitably utilised until solu­ tions had been found to a number of major y ear Tonnage technical and economic problems associated 1931 78,844 with crop and pasture production, but the 1935 82,397 committee was reasonably hopeful that, by 1940 89,704 the time the design and construction of the 1950 127,173 project had reached the stage where water 1963 273,119 was available in the quantities envisaged, considerable progress would have been made 1964 303,329 in resolving the outstanding difficulties as far 1968 406,698 as soils and land usage were concerned. During those years the Lower Burdekin has The report is now 20 years old and since proved to be the most reliable sugar-pro­ it was presented to the Prime Minister in ducing area in Queensland, and on numerous 1949 considerable investigation has been occasions it has been called upon to produce undertaken in respect of soils and land usage sugar in excess of peak allotment to meet in the commandable area. It is now gener­ the requirements of the Sugar Board. ally accepted that the undeveloped soils can The report of the Royal Commission on be used for the profitable production of Sugar Peaks and Cognate Matters published agricultural and horticultural crops, and of on 27 April, 1939, contains, inter aiia, the anim'lls. following statement relating to the 'lower It is implicitly believed by many that it is Burdekin:- imperative that water for irrigation must be "For many years development was slow available at all times, and under all con­ and the annual production was irregular at ditions, if our established agricultural and first. The area can now be regarded as the grazil' g industries are to be conducted best in the State from the point of view efficiet. tly and profitably, and the economic of regular production and high average develop:nent of the great potential for sugar content of cane." Address in Reply [28 AUGUST] Address in Reply 281

The marked improvement followed the to the area. The gross income of the area practise of irrigation on a highly efficient in 1967-68, at $2,181,342, will be greatly and extensive scale. increased during the next few years when Since the introduction of mill peaks in the income from rice is added. Great expan­ 1929, the Burdekin is the only sugar­ sion of the rice industry must be coupled Pr?city of Townsville and the obtained at the Department of Primary Indus­ town of Bowen. In the past much has been tries research stations at Millaroo and Parada, said against the productivity of these lands, of three beasts to the acre, the Burdekin but, following extensive experimentation, it Valley could fatten annually 600,000 head has now been proved that with irrigation of bullocks on irrigated pastures. they are quite fertile and are capable of In 1968 the Q.M.E. meatworks at Towns­ producing outstanding crops of sugar-cane, ville killed 54,000 head of cattle, Swifts, rice, grain, fodder and improved pastures. also of Townsville, killed 71,000 head, and It is the contention of many experienced Borthwicks at Bowen killed 53,700 head, and well-informed people in the Lower making a total of 178,700 head of cattle Burdekin that the best use for much of for the season. At the present time these these lands would be cattle fattening and works operate for only seven or eight months fat lamb production. At the present time of the year, according to seasonal condi­ we have the ludicrous practice of lamb in tions. Consequently, it is obvious that the considerable quantities being brought in Burdekin Valley could supply enough cattle refrigerated vans from Victoria to Ayr, Home to keep these three meatworks operating all Hill and most other towns in North the year round, thus improving the opera­ Queensland. tion of these works in addition to providing A pilot area of 22 acres of irrigated continuous employment. Today most of the pangola grass at Millaroo, planted in work in North Queensland is of a seasonal February 1968, was stocked in August, six nature, with the result that a number of months later, with 33 head of cattle. It men travel to the South during the slack was found necessary to increase the stocking season, and many of them do not return. rate by a further 33 head to keep the grass In addition to being able to supply sufficient in check. It is estimated by the Department cattle to keep the three aforesaid meatworks of Primary Industries that up to four beasts operating throughout the year, the Burdekin to the acre could be carried on this pasture. Valley would be capable of supplying suf­ The weight gain was estimated at 2 lb. daily ficient cattle to three more meatworks of per beast live weight. comparable size to ensure continuous opera­ tions throughout the year. Cattle live-weight gains believed to be the highest in the world have been recorded Experience has shown that, under normal on irrigated and fertilized pure-grass pasture seasonal conditions, Townsville lucerne can at the Department of Primary Industries be grown successfully on much of the remain­ Parada Research Station, near Mareeba. In ing 450,000 acres of the Burdekin Valley almost 12 months pangola grass pasture to which the project does not provide water returned live-weight gains of 1,855 lb. an for irrigation but is capable of supplying acre. The officer in charge of the research water for stock use. Townsville lucerne station (Mr. J. Evans) said it might be has been quoted at being rated equal to possible to obtain even better live-weight Hunter River lucerne. gains from the pasture. It might be possible, According to Mr. K. F. Howard, Senior said Mr. Ev.ms, to increase the stocking rate Adviser in Cattle Husbandry for the Depart­ of the pasture to four beasts an acre with ment of Primary Industries, in a report a fertiliser application of 400 lb. of nitrogen prepared in September, 1965, the average total Address in Reply [28 AUGUST] Address in Reply 283

loss of cattle in the northern section of Mr. JENSEN: I will prove that later. North-west Queensland was 10.8 per cent., The trouble with Mr. Walsh was that I while the percentage of branded calves that expected him to revert to his true colou:s do not reach the market was 44.3. The after he retired from Parliament, but he dtd report pointed out that an adequate supply not; he returned to the Tories. Nevertheless, of water is the only solution to this problem the actions of my predecessor leave a and would assist in substantially reducing challenge for me and I trust I can meet t?is these recurring losses. It is authoritatively and represent my electors w_ell. ~y ctty claimed that the expansion of the grazing then will not stagnate but wtll contmue to industry in the Burdekin Valley could basic­ progress-with the help of this Government, ally supply the solution to these enormous I hope-as it has progressed over the past stock losses in the inland areas. six years in spite of this Government, or virtually in spite of it. Any water supply that is not permanent At this point, I should like to reply to a is dangerous and must sooner or later bring couple of deliberate mis-statements made by about disaster. A dam on the Burdekin the hon. member for Burnett. He stated River to a height of 100 ft. would provide that Bundaberg had been well looked aft~r. an enormous storage that would guarantee This is rot. How could Bundaberg be satd a permanent supply for at least 350,000 to be well looked after when it has the acres under the worst drought conditions highest unemployment rate in the State? ever experienced. I implore the Government I have here the figures for June and July, and to give its utmost co-operation in having they show that Bundaberg has the hig~~st the reappraisal of the Burdekin irrigation, unemployment rate in the State. The ctttes hydro-electric and flood-mitigation project of Toowoomba, Rockhampton and Towns­ completed with the greatest celerity, so that ville with twice our nopulation, have fewer construction of this great national project une~1ployed. The city of Rockhampton may be undertaken as soon as possible. had only half the unemployment that extsted in Bundaberg, yet the hon. member says Mr. JENSEN (Bundaberg) (3.4 p.m.): First we have been well looked after. Bundaberg let me express my sincere appreciation to had 263 females unemployed and the highest the electors of Bundaberg for their con­ number of persons receiving unemployment benefits. That was the first mis-statement fidence in electing me as their member. It made by the hon. member for Burnett. is indeed an honour, and I am proud to The next one was that I had not asked a represent such a charming and progressive city as Bundaberg. question about Bundaberg. If the hon. member refers to the questions and answers I must express my thanks, too, to my in "Hansard" he will see that not one campaign director and campaign committee, question that I have asked in this Assembly members of the A.L.P., members of unions, has not been particularly related to Bunda­ and all my friends who ably assisted me berg. One question that the hon. mem~er throughout the campaign. The A.L.P. has said I asked about his electorate dealt wtth fought hard over the years to win back the water-supply scheme. I asked t~at it Bundaberg, and this time their efforts were question because is vital to the ctty not in vain. of Bundaberg. The Premier in his reply aave me a lot of political jargon, and I The city of Bundaberg, in the past has ;esubmitted the question. gained much publicity from the action; and The other question I asked that had some calibre of its representatives in this Assembly. reference to the hon. member's area dealt The late Mr. Frank (Bombshell) Barnes, with the boat harbour at Burnett Hea?s. known as "Bombshell" here and in Bunda­ That boat harbour also concerns the ctty berg, achieved notoriety because of some of of Bundaberg because our citizens use it, his actions, and my predecessor, Mr. E. J. or will use it, and they know they h~ve Walsh, whom the A.L.P. sent to Bundaberg more chance of getting it by my fightmg to defeat Mr. Barnes, was once a stalwart for it than through him. of my party who attained Cabinet rank and His next mis-statement was that the hon. was Treasurer of Queensland. There is no member for Maryborough ably assisted me. doubt that while holding the portfolio of The hon. member for Maryborough did _not Treasurer of Queensland he was outstanding enter my electorate during the campatgn. in that office. However, after his defection The hon. member for Burnett does not from the party he continued to hold Bunda­ know anything about what is going on in berg until his retirement this year. I Bundaberg. He made a speech a few days might mention that I owe no thanks to Mr. ago and he had about two paragraphs in Walsh for my election, because he placed it referrina to the planned Burnett water­ his paternal hand on the head of my Country conservati;n scheme, yet this is the m_ost Party opponent. I understand that one often important matter that he could mentwn hears here references to "Tory Tom". Mr. concerning his own electorate. He spoke a Walsh could have been called "Tory Ted" so far as I am concerned. lot of piffle about everything else. I congratulate the hon. member for Bu:de­ Mr. Wharton: He was a better Labour man kin, who spoke about wa~er conservatwn. than you are. This is a very important subject. I hope that 284 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

I can present him with one of my cards the dist11ict as a result of the drought was "Fight for Water", and present each Cabinet estimated to be over $15,000,000. This loss Minister with one, too. on top of the 'loss of $18,000,000 suffered I would be remiss and failing in my duty in 1964 and 1965 will have a serious effect to ~Y electors if I did not use this oppor­ next year on the district and the city of tumty to promote the Kolan-Burnett water Bundaberg. It takes many years to recover conservation scheme and stress the need to from such losses. Hon. members may not relieve the serious unemployment that exists know that Bundaberg has the lowest average in Bundaberg owing to the drought and the annual rainfall of any Queensland non­ Government's lack of concern about decen­ irrigated sugar-producing area. tralisation and the establishment of secondary The Burdekin area is entirely irrigated. industries there. I know that the hon. member representing I wish to outline some important facts that area is very concerned about the under­ relative to the Kolan-Burnett water con­ ground waters running out. We are similarly servation scheme; they should be [ndelibly concerned because irrigation in our area imprinted on the minds of hon. members. has increased enormously in the last 10 years. I shall not burden them with a great mass The levels are now so low that Mr. Haigh of detail and facts or figures that are con­ considers it very likely that we will get tained in the copious report compiled by salt intrusion, which could ruin the city of Bundaberg and the surrounding farms. the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission. This year those without irrigation have A Government member: What is the name no crops, or only very small crops. The of that report? hon. member for Isis will cut about 50 tons instead of 5,000 tons. Some farmers who Mr. JENSEN: This is the full report on usually cut 2,000 or 3,000 tons will not the Kolan-Burnett water conservation scheme. cut a stick of cane this year. Those with I think that all hon. members have received irrigation will cut 70 to 80 per cent. of a copy of this report, and I hope that they their normal crop and some will cut as have read it. I shall not read out figures for high as 100 per cent. As the hon. member the number of acres that have been irrigated for Isis knows, anyone who has irrigation or numbers of farms, as hon. members could can grow good cane, but without irriga­ not digest that information. It is sufficient to tion or a reasonable rainfall nothing can deal with a number of relevant facts. be grown. The Kolan-Burnett scheme has been pro­ The average annual loss caused by drought, posed to ensure the security of 1,458 sugar­ calculated over a 40-year period, is $5,500,000 cane farms in addition to providing an on our present sugar peaks at $89 a ton adequate water supply for many small-crop for sugar. In any 10-year drought period farms and the city of Bundaberg, which wm the loss would total $55,000,000, which is require additional supplies of water for its greater than the estimated cost of the com­ future needs and secondary industries. It pleted first stage of the scheme-$47,000,000. will remove the threat of serious losses that The first stage of the scheme would not occur in drought years and the fear of a only provide stability for the sugar industry catastrophe from another prolonged drought in the district, but would also open up similar to the one that extended from 1899 many thousands of acres of land for other to 1910. crops and provide for future expansion in the sugar industry in the district. Further, The late Mr. Inigo Jones forecast that such it would ensure an adequate supply of a drought would occur from 1983 to 1991, water for the city of Bundaberg and the and Mr. Lennox Walker agrees with that growth of secondary industries. Rainfall forecast. If their forecast should prove to this year has reached only 17.9 inches com­ be correct then without the water conserva­ pared with the average of 443 inches. tion scheme the district will lose in excess of $50,000,000 in those years alone. As the A Government Member: We have had scheme would take 12 years to complete, it only five inches. could be finished by 1983, the year of the commencement of predicted drought, if it Mr. JENSEN: The irrigation undertaken was started early in 1970. in Bundaberg is nothing like that in the The following words are very appropriate:­ Burdekin area. "Water water everywhere flowing out to The Kolan-Burnett Water Conservation sea; Scheme is not a hare-brained scheme. About Water water everywhere but none for $750,000 has been spent on investigation by industry." the Queensland Government alone, and the scheme has been economically justified in They relate to the situation in Bundaberg. every way. It has been recommended by The Commissioner, Mr. Haig, considers the Commissioner of Irrigation, Mr. Haigh, that there is a real threat of salt intrusion and has been given first priority by the into the underground water supplies if some State Government. If we are not let down, action is not taken to supplement or safe­ as we were once before by the Govern­ guard that supply. If salt intrusion should ment, all will be well, although I have occur it would have disastrous results to the just heard from Bundaberg that the Federal district. This year the loss to the city and Government has shelved the scheme, which Address in Reply [28 AuousT] Address in Reply 285 means that the State Government will have sugar-peak production. It would also ensure to push a little harder. The State Govern­ that Australia could meet its commitments ment says that it has been pushing the under the International Sugar Agreement. scheme but apparently it has now been The present system of drought relief is shelved-probably for the $200,000,000 wasteful. The money spent on it could be powerhouse. used to guarantee the farmers and workers The initiative now rests with the Queens­ an income from production which would land Government to commence building the benefit both the State and the nation. I tidal barrages on the Burnett and Kolan realise that drought relief is warranted at a Rivers, and the weirs at Gayndah and time like this, but a good deal of the money Bucca. The hon. member for Burnett said could have been spent on weirs and that the scheme was a little beyond the barrages. That would result in increased resources of the State but I do not believe production and could allow drought relief that. The Government has said that it may to be extended in areas where there are go ahead alone with the construction of no dams. the $200,000,000 powerhouse, yet the hon. Let me now turn to unemployment relief. member says that this scheme is beyond In the first allocation, up to June, Bunda­ the Government's resources. It is not beyond berg received $17,500 in unemployment the resources of the Government when it relief, compared with $19,000 by Mt. Perry. can spend money on Goonyella and other In the second allocation, Bundaberg received projects to provide profit for the Japanese. $7,000 and Mt. Perry $10,000. Bundaberg It rs not beyond the Government's capacity had the highest number of unemployed in at all. The Government has not to lay any provincial city, namely, 800, and out $47,000,000 in one year; that will be received $24,500, whereas Mt. Perry, with done over a 12-year period. a population of 350-that is men, women and children-and 16 unemployed, received It is not beyond the Government to get a $29,000. move on with the scheme. The two barrages across the Burnett River and the Kolan River What Government officer gave that infor­ the weirs at Bucca and Gayndah and all th~ mation to the Minister? How did he work ancillary works will cost $8,000,000. The out that every little shire and small town expenditure of that amount would remove round Bundaberg should receive more than the fear of salt getting into the under­ the city of Bundaberg? Not one of those ground water supply. That would be a areas has a population approaching that of national calamity, because it would ruin Bundaberg, and the number of unemployed Bundaberg and district. For $8,000 000 half in Bundaberg is greater than the population of the farms in this scheme could b; irri­ of some of the towns and shires in the area. gated, and the water supply for Bundaberg That is the allocation that we received for assured. unemployment relief. Let us look at the small-crop industry in The scheme could be started now if the the Bundaberg district, which is fast Government wanted to implement it. It is expanding. Last year there were 4,000 acres no use the Government continuing to under small crops, the value of which was shelve the responsibility for it onto the nearly $2,000,000. There were 2,300 acres Federal authorities. If the barrages were of beans grown, with a value of $620,000. commenced now, the Bundaberg water A total of 16,000,000 lb. of beans was supply would be assured and the Common­ produced. There were 200 acres of tomatoes wealth Government would realise that the grown, with a value of $600,000. There were Queensland Government agrees that the 480 acres under pineapples, and the crop scheme should be proceeded with. was valued at $350,000. There were a thousand acres of melons grown, worth There has been a good deal of talk about $250,000. Beetroot, peas, and cucumbers and a $200,000,000 powerhouse. We all realise other crops totalled 100 acres, for a value what a great asset that would be. It would of $30,000. It will be seen from those figures provide cheap power for industry. But the that in the near future Bundaberg could well big industrial concerns that would use the become the vegetable and salad bowl of cheap power would employ only a couple Queensland. In addition, there were 1,000 of hundred people. In addition, their profits acres under tobacco, the value of the crop would go to America. I agree with the hon. exceeding $1,000,000. member for Mackay that irrigation is much more important than the powerhouse. It Bundaberg has a climate which permits is important for the Government to the production of two crops of beans a year. remember that this scheme would be based This is unique, and has allowed the district on an existing industry. The sugar industry to become the second largest producer of alone is worth $30,000,000 a year to the beans in the Commonwealth. Last year Bundaberg district. It is fundamental to the Bundaberg's production exceeded that of welfare of the whole district, which supports Tasmania, and half the frozen-pack beans up to 50,000 people, not 200. The expendi­ consumed in Australia were grown in the ture of this $8,000,000 would save the dis­ Bundaberg district. Large processing com­ trict. That amount would be recovered with panies such as the Edgell group and Panozza interest in a few years by having an assured & Co. each contract for approximately 286 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

500 acres of beans a year, and Cottees Ltd. of the sugar industry and the related indus­ contracts for 100 to 150 acres. Further, tries, such as field equipment and machinery. some 200,000 half-bushel cartons of tomatoes Even the building industry is already feeling are exported to southern markets each year. the effects, and next year it will feel the full effect of the slump in the sugar industry. It is a crying shame that Bundaberg has This may have serious consequences for not a large fruit and vegetable-processing Bundaberg. In the "Bundaberg News-Mail" factory, which could absorb some of the of 16 August an article referred to a slump 200 to 300 unemployed girls and women in building and the fact that one in the city. Bundaberg has the climate sawmill had closed down. The position and good-quality water, and grows substantial will be even more serious next year, quantities of the products needed for canning and if a recession hits the building and deep-frozen packaging. Last year two industry its effect will snowball throughout companies, Panozza & Co. and the Edgell the businesses in Bundaberg. Government group, set up new processing factories in works programmes on new schools, the rail­ Brisbane. A Government decentralisation way station and the goods yard would assist programme should have been able to entice the city and district during the recession one of these companies to set up in expected as a result of the serious drought. Bundaberg. A very small processing factory People in the Bundaberg area were under producing canned fruits and vegetables is the impression that a new primary school operating in Bundaberg, and it could have was to be built at Norville for 1969 and been given assistance by the Government to that a new high school was planned for expand and absorb some of the surplus labour North Bundaberg. These were the promises available. There is experienced labour avail­ that were made-the hon. member for able in Bundaberg. Scores of people leave Burnett said we have been well looked there each year in the slack season to work after-but they were not kept and work on in the southern States. Bundaberg therefore the schools has not been started. The has the climate, the good water, and the Government reserved land for these schools necessary labour and products to conduct years ago, in addition to land for primary a fruit and vegetable-canning and processing mdustry. schools at Millbank and Kepnock. The Education Department continues to add I now turn to manufacturing industries in temporary classrooms and new extensions to Bundaberg. I make no apology for being the over-crowded high school and the West Pc~rochial in my speech today, because I Bundaberg primary school instead of pro­ w1sh to state what is happening in Bundaberg ceeding with the erection of the new schools and refer to the treatment it has received that the people of Bundaberg expected would from the Government. Manufacturing be built three years ago. industries in Bundaberg have expanded The Bundaberg High School is a disgrace through the production of cane-harvesting to the city. As an article in the "Bundaberg and farm equipment. It may not generally News-Mail" of 21 June says, it is "The be known that Bundaberg is the largest school that just growed." The article says- producer of cane-harvesting equipment in the Southern Hemisphere. This industry has "What a cluttered hodge-podge we've expanded through the initiative and foresight allowed the Bundy State High to develop of Bundaberg farmers and businessmen and into over the past decade or so. it is now the mainstay of our seco~dary "Buildings, old and modern, tangle mdustry. The Bundaberg Foundry was once around each other in an architectural the backbone of industry in Bundaberg but ugliness of overcrowded growth. I'm today it is just keeping its head above ~ater. pointing the bone at no-one: merely The locomotive work for the Government observing that what we've now got does which in past years was good business ha~ no credit to anyone. It's a monumental been discontinued, and the sugar mill~ are piece-meal patchwork." not spending on new capital equipment The article mentions also the tennis courts because of the drought and the low return at the high school, and it is expected that from world market sugar. they may be replaced. It continues- Th.is company has branched out into ship­ "Now, High School tennis players bmldmg and has to compete against estab­ scatter around the city to play." lished firms that tender under Common­ The school has just grown; there has not wealth shipping subsidies. Only recently the been any planning. The area at the Bunda­ State Government has assisted with financial berg High School on which the parents and aid to enable the company to survive, and citizens' association built the tennis courts thanks are due to the Government for that is now occupied by a Commonwealth science aid. Now it is important to obtain orders block, and there is virtually no recreational for work from the Government, as the loan area left at the school on which the children must be repaid and such repayment can be can play sport. They have to go to public made only from profits from productive work. courts, and parents have to pay hiring charges of about $200 to $300 a year to M any other small manufacturing industries allow their children to play tennis. That is are languishing because of the drought and how Bundaberg has been looked after by the its consequent effect on the spending power Government. Address in Reply [28 AUGUST] Address in Reply 287

There is no doubt about the Railway serious unemployment situation which will Department. It has allowed railway activities occur next year. Although Bundaberg is the at Bundaberg to become chaotic. Some years largest city in the Maryborough division, ago, particularly under Labour Governments, which itself is the third largest division in there was a hive of railway activity at North Queensland on a population -basis-Brisbane Bundaberg, but today there is only a skeleton and the Downs being the only larger staff of three or four left, and very shortly divisions-the divisional head offices for only the station master will be there. All Education and Railways are situated in our inward and outward goods are shunted for smaller sister city of Maryborough. loading and unloading at the Bundaberg railway station. Because of the long goods It would appear that Bundaberg is not trains that are used today, the main street getting the consideration due to lit, taking of Bundaberg is often blocked as a result into account its future expansion. I should of shunting operations, and I have often be happy to accompany the Minister of written to the Minister for Transport about Education and the Minister for Transport on the situation at the Bundaberg station. I a tour of Bundaberg so that they may see have here a cutting from the newspaper of for themselves some of the things about Saturday, 12 July. The headline, which which I have spoken. Mention has been reports a goods train smash in Bundaberg, made of Ministers travelling all over Queens­ reads: land, but I am anxiously awaiting their visits "Goods train smash blocks Bundaberg to Bundaberg. line; guard's van, wagons wrecked." I have written to the Minister for Trans­ We were very lucky it was only an empty port asking him to give some consideration cattle train because there could have been to our sawmilling industry instead of taking fatalities and the line could have been badly logs from the district for the Ipswich work­ damaged. shops. One sawmill has already closed down, I invite any hon. member to look at the yet our industry could supply sawn timber Bundaberg railway station and the conditions to the department, and that would ensure under which goods clerks work there. They employment in the district. I am concerned are a disgrace to the city of Bundaberg. In about the export of logs to other areas to the last month the railway checkers' room be cut into sawn timber. The Government has been moved. It was beside the line, professes a policy of decentralisation. It may but it has now been placed between two sets be of interest to this Parliament to know of lines which are not even standard distance that a new match factory was constmcted apart. The distance from either door to near Petrie and that it is using timber from trains passing by is only 27 inches. I have the Goodnight area within 40 miles of already informed the Minister for Railways Bundaberg. What happened in this case that the checkers' lives are now in danger. to the policy of decentralisation of secondary They are using an old box wagon which has industry? This industry would have been a been placed in between two sets of lines and God-send to Bundaberg and it would have they have no light or gas, which they had helped considerably in giving employment previously. Their conditions have been made to some of our citizens. worse and their lives have been put in danger. I have already mentioned the unemploy­ Some years ago the department bought ment census. Bundaberg's figure is the many acres of land at North Bundaberg for highest in the State. I have the figure here a new goods yard but this is now rented for June and it will be the same for July. for agistment. The volume of goods traffic Is it any wonder that I have censured and in and out of Bundaberg has increased over criticised the Government for its past neglect the years owing to the export of cane­ of Bundaberg, the failure of its decentralisa­ harvesting and field equipment and the large tion policy and the lack of funds for develop­ usage of fertiliser in the district. Freight mental work in Bundaberg? I trust that the .from the export of harvesters alone :is Ministers who have listened to me will give $15,000 a month; cash revenue totals some consideration to Bundaberg in the near $150,000 a month; and credits on the future 'in view of the huge losses that have "to-pay" book are $70,000 to $80,000 a been suffered by industry as a result of the month. This does not include handling drought. I hope that the Government will charges for steel that is :sent up from see its way clear to commence the Kolan­ Brisbane and on which freight is paid in Burnett water conservation scheme while Brisbane. It is unloaded in Bundaberg but waiting for funds to be prov·ided by the these handling charges are not shown at Federal Government. If the State Govern­ Bundaberg. This means that railway revenue ment proceeds with the scheme it will from Bundaberg amounts to over $250,000 indicate to the Federal Government its faith a month or $3,000,000 a year and the clerks in that scheme. work with little office equipment and under It would have been much more pleasing shocking conditions. for me today to have been able to praise A new station and receiving depot for the Government instead of criticising it. goods are urgently needed in Bundaberg. However, the hon. members who represent The Railway Department could well afford the areas of Moura, Blackwater and Goon­ to spend money in my city and in that way yella will be in a position to bestow praise give some assistance towards overcoming the upon the Government. 288 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

In conclusion, I point out that rural Mr. AHERN: As the hon. member for development is still very important to this Toowoomba East said, it was not the first State and that the Kolan-Burnett scheme is time that this sort of proposal was put essential to the future welfare of the before the people of this State-and soundly Bundaberg, Burnett and Isis districts. rejected. That sum of $300,000,000 did not include the amount obtained in private Mr. AHERN (Landsborough) {3.41 p.m.): treaties that were entered into over cups In this the first session of this new Parlia­ of tea or at other meetings held throughout ment, I want to take this opportunity to the State. congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, on your re-election to the esteemed position of Speaker Despite the attack by the Labour Party of this Assembly and to express my opinion on the Country Party and its esteemed that you will carry out the duties of your leader, the vote for our party rose by 1.87 job competently and will uphold the tradi­ per cent., a greater increase than that gained tions that pertain to your high office. I by the other political parties in the recent also congratulate you on the way that you election. The vote of the A.L.P. rose by called the House to order today at 12 noon only 1.43 per cent. Our vote rose sub­ to proceed with Government business. This stantially and it is interesting to note that is an indication of the competent manner it would take more than a 4 per cent. in which you will carry out your duties swing against the Government to unseat any for the next three years and is in keeping member of the Country Party. with the manner in which you have carried out your duties over the period that you Many people have attacked the Country have occupied the very high office of Mr. Party. In his Address-in-Reply speech the Speaker. The Government had to do some­ Leader of the Opposition again saw fil thing on that matter because of the great to launch an attack on the Country Party number of frivolous questions that have and said that it represents only pastoral been asked by members of the Opposition. combines in the State. I place squarely on record that the Australian Country Party Mr. Ramsden: It is a House that runs on represents the people of Queensland and, the law. in the Australian sense, the people of Aust­ ralia. It is the only party on the national Mr. AHERN: As the hon. member for scene that recognises the vital importance of Merthyr reminds me, the House is run primary industries to the future of this according to law. That law is that Standing country. It has always participated in Orders shall be observed, and you, Mr. Speaker, were quick to see that they were administering portfolios throughout the ambit observed. of Government activity in every State of Australia and the Commonwealth. It has I should also like to take this opportunity always put the people of Queensland first, to congratulate Mr. Neville Hewitt, the hon. and I express the opinion that our party will member for Mackenzie, upon his promotion expand its influence in the future. to the Ministry as Minister for Local Gov­ ernment and Marine Activities. I express It wa:s Mark Twain, I think, who said that my confidence in his capacity to do a good many people talk about the weather but and efficient job. nobody does anything about it. This after­ This is a new Parliament, so I should noon we heard the hon. members for Bunda­ like to express my loyalty to the person of berg and Burdekin, in their maiden speeches, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. In addition, direct their thoughts to local irrigation I should like to thank the electors of Lands­ schemes that they consider to be important borough for returning me to this House with to their electorates. I relish the opportunity a record majority. On this occasion my this afternoon to make a few constructive majority was increased by 12 per cent. I comments about this Government's record should also like to thank the Queen's repre­ in drought relief and to offer some criticism sentative, Mr. Justice Sheehy, for his of the Labour Party's policy in this respect. Opening Speech. His Excellency the Administrator, Mr. Justice Sheehy, when opening this session In the recent State election, for the first of Parliament, said- time since 1957 we saw the Labour Party frontally attack my party, the Australian "My Ministers advise that State finances Country Party. That attack was conducted in 1969-70 will face a number of diffi­ at great expense to the Australian Labour culties. Receipts will be depressed due Party machine. In the recent election cam­ to the drought ... Additionally, drought paign the Labour Party spent two or three outlays are expected to run at a high times the amount spent by my party, and level." it spent that money in spite of the withdrawal It is to the very great credit of this Gov­ of financial support by the Right-wing trade ernment's policy that His Excellency was unions in this State. For the first time also able to say that although the State's finances we saw a decentralised policy-speech pro­ were considerably influenced during the year cedure, which, on an objective assessment by unforeseen heavy wage costs and drought­ by my party, would cost $300,000,000 to relief expenditure, Queensland finished the implement. year with a surplus of $59,000 in its Con­ Mr. P. Wood: That's not the first time. solidated Revenue Fund. Address in Reply [28 AuousT] Address in Reply 289

In the election campaign completed some that the cost of all structures used for months ago, many misleading statements were fodder conservation and for water conserva­ made about drought, principally by the tion and its reticulation are fully deductible Australian Labour Party, and particularly by in the year of their purchase. In the past, the Leader of the Opposition. He was very income-tax deductions like these had pro­ keen throughout his whole election campaign found influences on the Australian agri­ to capitalise on drought and drought miti­ cultural scheme, but I consider that this gation and to equate the solution of those step is very well-founded indeed. problems to the providing of vast water­ conservation schemes throughout the State. A tremendous amount has been done He repeatedly equated Queensland's drought under the Farm Water Supplies Assistance problem and its solution to the implementa­ Act in this State in providing vast sums of tion of vast State and Federal water-con­ drought relief. In Labour's day, precious servation schemes and massive financial little was done. assistance from State and Federal authorities. An Opposition Member: You are not old It is interesting to look at what the Labour enough to know. Party's attitude to this matter is in the Federal sphere. A week ago in Federal Mr. AHERN: I can read. Parliament Dr. Rex Patterson, when rmsmg a matter of public importance concerning In the light of experience-and this State drought and condemni~~ t~e Gove:nment's Government has been unfortunate enough attitude to drought mitigation, agam com­ to have a good deal of experience in pletely ignored the dictates of . his o:wn drought-there is a need for a reappraisal profession of. agricultural eco:IOmics, which of State and national drought planning at is my professiOn also. He agam equated the this stage. There is a need for greater solution of Australia's drought probl~ms to research, firstly, to identify more clearly vast water-conservation schemes, with no the problems that exist today and, secondly, thouaht whatsoever for the priorities w~ich and more importantly, to establish new mioht be involved in this matter. I beheve priorities for drought mitigation in future. th~ he "sold out" some of his professional This research should be conducted in terms thoughts on this subject for votes on 25 of the cost and in terms of the benefit to October. the greatest number of people in Australia in the light of market considerations, and 1 am astounded at the attitude of this taking into consideration both the short-term man. Two years ago he said that. the sug.ar and long-term measures. industry, when it was in financial st~~Its in obtaining overseas markets, should stabilise Mr. Jensen interjected. production and that it should look at what was done by the whea~ industry. 1;Jow that Mr. AHERN: I shall deal with the hon. the wheat industry is m trouble With over­ member for Bundaberg in a moment. seas markets, he has turned 180 degrees and has advised the wheat industrY. to do Given that a tremendous amount of work has been done, I am sure that research what the sugar industry d~d. I, thm~ we have reason to question this mans attitude will show that emphasis is at present being placed a little on the wrong priorities and to agricultural policies. that there is some lack of co-ordination I believe that some members of this Gov­ of State and Federal Government effort in ernment, and indeed the .Press in this State, drought mitigation. I do not propose, in have been far too qmck to adopt the the limited time available to me today, to attitude that if vast Federal . funds were suggest a comprehensive drought-plan appropriated for water conservatiOn, Queens­ formula, with all its priorities. However, I land would be drought-proof. Research do want to touch on some points, and indicates that Government-sponsored irriga­ I should like to consider the part that tion schemes represent much less than 20 Government-sponsored conservation schemes per cent. of the solution to drought prob­ ought to play in terms of priorities. lems in Australia. First of all, in 1966 the Federal Govern­ At the outset, I acknowledged that a ment appropriated $50,000,000 for this tremendous amount of work has been done work, and half has already gone into the in drought-mitigation schemes in Australia. Fairbairn Dam. Several million dollars The attitude of this Government to water have been appropriated for the Ord River conservation, in the light of its resources, scheme, and Federal money has been has been tremendous. The attitude of the involved in many other schemes throughout Federal Government in involving itself in Australia. In the Federal Government's this field in 1966 more actively than before attitude to water conservation in this was commendable, and Queensland was for­ country, there is a clear emphasis on tunate to participate in that $50,000,000 development of high-risk agriculture rather appropriation to the extent of $25,000,000 than drought mitigation. for the Fairbairn Dam. The Commonwealth Government has said it will introduce a I bring before the House a statement drought-bond scheme. The most recent made by Mr. Fairbairn in Federal Parlia­ Budget contained new and powerful incen­ ment only the other day after he had been tives for drought mitigation by providing questioned on the priorities by which the 16 290 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Federal Government would assist such on the international scene, I believe that a conservation schemes. He said- change in Federal Government policy on "In selecting the remaining projects use this matter is indicated, and that a policy was made of the crude rate of return of of consolidation is more important than each project, which is the estimated net development in future water-i:onservation increment in value of annual production schemes. at full development expressed as a per­ However, assuming that that happens and centage of the total capital costs." there is an increasing amount of investment In other words, the priority is development, in water conservation-! hope there is-it not drought mitigation. will still be a small contribution to the It is interesting to look at what other pro­ solution of a nationally recurring problem. jects are currently before the Federal I have mentioned the figure-less than 20 Government for the $25,000,000 remaining per cent.-and I am convinced that research from the original $50,000,000. Again refer­ will show that that is so. It is easy for ring to this document that I have in my the Opposition to ignore priorities and to hand, I note that New South Wales has five say, "Well, drought mitigation is terribly applications before the Commonwealth important; there is exceptional hardship. Government, with a capital cost of Governments ought to do absolutely every­ $62,000,000. Victoria has seven appli­ thing in their power and appropriate huge cations, with a capital cost of $87,000,000. sums of money for water conservation." But, Queensland has four applications, with for a Government, priorities are a fact of a capital cost of $75,000,000. South life, and I submit that they ought to be Australia has 10 applications, with a a fact of life for responsible members of capital cost of $20,000,000. Western Aus­ the Opposition. tralia has two applications, with a capital The State Government has been guilty, but cost of $12,000,000. Tasmania has four to a lesser extent, in not providing schemes applications, with a capital cost of that would initiate the development of $6,000,000. Projects to a total value of drought mitigation. Although this policy $292,000,000 are therefore currently before may have been justified in the past, I believe the Federal Government for the remaining that it must be reviewed in the future. In $25,000,000. On this basis, it will be inter­ earlier years the State Government had the esting to see what will be the Government's responsibility for providing for the needs attitude to the Bundaberg project. of towns, but it must increase its appropriation for drought-mitigation purposes in the future. This afternoon the hon. member for Bundaberg spent a third of his speech con­ I take this opportunity to say that the demning the efforts of the hon. member for amount of drought-relief finance provided by Burnett, who has fought strongly and the Queensland Government is extremely worked tirelessly in this House for the imple­ commendable when viewed in the light mentation of the Bundaberg scheme, or the of the demand that is continually Burnett-Kolan-Isis scheme, as it was known made upon it. However, there is in those days. If all the reports in need to plan for a continuing demand ":Ffansard" on this issue were put for drought-relief finance at this time. It ·together, they would make a large is not possible or profitable for a farmer book, yet the hon. member for Bundaberg to plan for a devastating drought such as comes in here and spends about a third of the one that has occurred, and is occurring, his time condemning the efforts of the hon. in North-west Queensland, and a continuing member for Burnett. appropriation of huge sums of money for drought-relief finance is absolutely essential If this scheme comes to fruition-and I for the future. It is on the farm that a hope it will, because there has been a con­ siderable amount of hardship in that area­ great contribution can be made by Govern­ ments. Indeed, that contribution has been it will be in no small measure due to the made in the past; it will, I believe, be efforts of the hon. member for Burnett. All made in the future. In my opinion, research hon. members in this House know that. During the last State election campaign the will show that higher priority should be Deputy Prime Minister said that the Burnett­ given to on-farm measures in attacking the Kolan-Isis scheme, as it was called then, is problem of drought. The Federal Govern­ next on the priority list for the remaining ment provided expanded taxation incentives appropriation of $25,000,000 of Federal in the last Federal Budget; but, when assistance. I hope that is so. arguing this question, one must face the fact that these concessions assist the man In the past, water-conservation schemes on the higher income more than they assist as proposed by the Federal Government the man on the lower income. Allowances have not resulted in vast areas of waving for on-farm water conservation and fodder grass and lucerne waiting to be consumed by conservation do not compare favourably drought-affected stock. What such schemes with those applying in the United States have done is to create new areas of of America, the United Kingdom, or Canada. development in high-risk agriculture with where 50 per cent. subsidies apply fairly crops such as cotton, sorghum and rice, and, widely to on-farm water-conservation to a lesser degree, intensive beef production. measures. I submit that that is something In the light of Australia's market prospects we ought to be examining. Address in Reply (28 AUGUST) Address in Reply 291

Mr. Hinze: It is something we should for Bundaberg that he does not comprehend have a look at. or believe what I say, but throughout other countries of the world a tremendous amount Mr. AHERl~: The hon. member for South of research work has indicated that there Coast agrees with me that this should have are species that are drought tolerant and high priority. In the past the Government resistant. There are species of cattle and, has acted along these lines by subsidising more importantly, species of plant with phosphates and nitrates, and efficiency deeper rooting systems which can resist measures must be subsidised. The Govern­ drought more effectively. This has been ment has also said that it will introduce of tremendous use in the United States of a drought bond scheme. This will give America, and there is no reason at all why tremendous assistance to rural industries, and this research should not indicate to Queens­ it will be greatly appreciated in drought areas land, and to Australia, ways of mitigating in the west of Queensland. Once the practice the effects of drought which would mean is instituted, I believe that it will extend, many millions of dollars to the nation. in the light of experience, to the eastern a re as of the State and will be very beneficial. I can understand the Opposition not being able to comprehend these matters, but who The Federal Government has assisted also knows what research work might produce in in underground water investigations and these, the drought-mitigation field in the futur~? again, have been of great assistance in Research has done a tremendous amount m Queensland. the past. There are other ways, too, and I Mr. Jensen: How much has the super­ have no doubt that with other hon. members phosphate subsidy assisted Queensland? speaking on drought mitigation they might well leave this question here. However, Mr. AHERN: I could go into the question drought occurs to varying degrees through­ with the hon. member as to why Federal out the Commonwealth and I should like to Governments have not assisted Queensland make a couple of points conce:ning its to the point they should have. The principal mitigation in some of the closer-m areas, reason is that former Labour administrations although I feel that the rem.arks I int~nd. to in this State did not give a sufficiently high make will have much wider application priority to Queensland's special problems. throughout the State than many people The C.S.I.R.O. was chased out of the State believe. before 1957. Since then, it has been actively involved in Queensland and an immense Drought-planning cannot be divo;ced fr~m amount of research work has been done. ordinary on-farm planning, and this, despite That is why a continually increasing amount many people's belief to the contrary, is. a of superphosphate has been, and will be, real area where the Government can assist. used in Queensland. It can help to increase on-farm manager,ial efficiency. Opposition Members interjected. In 1966 the Commonwealth Extension Mr. Sullivan: Do you think, from the per­ Services Grant was initiated, and an amount sistent interjections by the hon. member for of $4,000,000 was appropriated by the Com­ Bundaberg, that he is trying to cash in on monwealth Government to go to the the work done over the years by the hon. Governments in each State. This opened up member for Burnett? a new era in agricultural extension and farm management extension in Australia. It pr?­ Mr. AHERN: I am certain that is so. vided the seed for the development m Australia of new serv;ices that had been There are other areas in which Govern­ growing overseas for many years. Y\:'ithout ments, both State and Federal, can assist a doubt, this will have a tremendous Impact still further ,jn drought relief in Queensland, on the AustraHan agricultural scene. It has as long-term measures. This is with refer­ led to the development in the State DeJ2art­ ence to the subject of research again­ ment of Primary Industries of new agncul­ research into on-farm problems. Do hon. tural economic servkes which did not exist members realise the impact that the use of in the days of the Labour Government. molasses and urea roller-licks has had on Heaven knows how one can get along with­ drought mitigation in Queensland? A couple out an accountant, someone to put an of years ago this was unheard of, but today economic rule over one's business, but that it has had a tremendous impact on making is the way it existed in the days of the Queensland more drought resistant than it Labour Party administration. was. This has had a tremendous impact throughout Western Queensland. It is sig­ The money that came from the Federal nificant that it has been used on our property Government led to a tremendous growth for the 'last 10 years. in these services in Queensland, and this State was quick to use these funds to develop I believe that research will indicate that new management services. I think that the there are new drought-tolerant species which Government has put 17 or 18 agricultu_ral will be important to Queensland, particularly economists into the field, and they are dom1: in the semi-arid and ar,id areas. I know it a wonderful job. In the other States also is easy to scoff and I can see from the a tremendous amount of work was done. expression on the face of the hon. member This was the seed that rapidly grew into 292 Address in Reply (ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply farm business management on the private Mr. AHERN: I have no doubt in my side. This growth occurred mostly in the mind that the Deputy Speaker knows a other States and only to a limited degree in tremendous amount about what the drought Queensland. I think that this has a lot to means to Queensland. do with drought and cannot be divorced from it. There is no doubt that in drought manage­ ment the farmers and property-owners could It is interesting to look at the percentage of well use the services of farm management farmers who use the services of private consultants, especially on their own farms. farm management consultants. In Western That has been the experience in other States, Australia, 9.55 per cent. of all farmers use although I know that the hon. member for intensive private farm management services. Bundaberg could not appreciate that. How­ That percentage represents a figure of one ever, I do not intend to start educating him farmer in 10, and that is a very high on this because I would have to start with percentage. In South Australia the percentage the alphabet. This has been the Australia­ is 2.5; in New South Wales it is 2.24; in wide experience, other than in Queensland. Victoria it is 1.00; in Tasmania it is .36; The development of these services has been and in Queensland it is .35. In other words, vitally important in the United States of Queensland is on the bottom of the ladder America, Canada and the United Kingdom. in the use of private farm management Organisations such as the United Graziers· services. I believe that there is scope in Association, the Grain Growers' Association Queensland for a rapid growth of those and Rural Youth should take a more active services. The sugar industry has been quick interest in providing these services to their to realise their value and has put before members. In other States these graziers' the Federal Government and the board that and grain growers' organisations have been administers the Commonwealth Extension politically powerful in lobbying for greater Services Grant a proposal for funds to investment in this field. That is very develop private farm management services. important. The C.E.S.G. Committee donated $70,000 In the ambit of Government activity in to the Queensland sugar industry, and that Queensland, and throughout drought and donation will have a profound effect on the agricultural extension services, we could well State's sugar industry. Queensland has been bent;fit from the experience in other States. slow to make use of private farm manage­ The relationship between the university, the ment services, and no doubt that has some­ agricultural extension service, the farm man­ thing to do with the growth of the Govern­ agement service, and the Public Service as ment's services in this State. a whole, is vastly different in Queensland from that in other States of Australia. It Mr. Bennett: That is the fault of the could well be that we could learn tremend­ Government. ously from other States in this field. I Mr. AHERN: I was just about to say propose that the Premier should appoint a to the hon. member for South Brisbane, select committee of this Parliament to investi­ who has just entered the Chamber, that gate this matter, and visit other States to obviously it has something to do with the examine what goes on the~e, because I growth of Government services in the State. believe that these things could have an It also has something to do with the lack even greater impact on the Queensland agri­ of initiative of the university in this matter. cultural scene than they do at present. The universities in the other States have I have summarised the few points l wished provided positive incentives in the develop­ to raise, but I do not want them to be ment of this kind of service. We have acted misconstrued by the hon. member for Bunda­ positively in this field, and I have organised berg. This is wishful thinking. I repeat extensive tours to be conducted throughout that I wish to see increasing investment, Queensland in the next couple of months both State and Federal, in water conserva­ by farm management consultants and the tion schemes. I should like to see the head of the Farm Management Service Bundaberg scheme come forward, but I can­ Centre of the University of New England not stand idly by when I hear the Opposi­ to preach this doctrine. If farm management tion say it is a matter of top national services are improved, Queensland will be priority to appropriate $500,000,000, or more drought-proof than it is at the present $1,000 million for water conservation schemes time. in Australia at this particular stage of our development. There are other matters which Mr. Jensen: Are you going to be paid deserve higher priority if hundreds of millions for it? of dollars are to be appropriated. There are on-farm measures that are vitally important Mr. AHERN: It is costing me a lot of to this country so far as drought is concerned. money. We need new drought planning throughout I have no doubt, Mr. Deputy Speaker, the ambit of Government activity, and new that throughout the current drought many planning in relation to the relationship of wrong decisions have been made on drought farmers and graziers to Government. Greater planning. research is needed to determine priorities and I am not prepared to accept the Labour Mr. Bennett: The Deputy Speaker knows Party's propositions in this respect. No nothing about it. doubt the Labour Party wili ;-epeat them Address in Reply (28 AUGUST] Address in Reply 293 in the forthcoming Federal election campaign. He had a logical mind, a fluent tongue and Wherever a gully is to be found in Queens­ a wide knowledge of many subjects. He land they will promise a dam, as happened, served his constituency, this Parliament and through private treaty, at many of the Opposi­ Queensland faithfully and well. tion meetings during the election campaign. Mr. Wrigb.t: Were you his campaign In the light of past experience in relation director on many occasions? to drought mitigation schemes, I believe that we can now pay heed to what we Mr. BOUSEN: Yes. have learnt and plan more effectively for In Toowoomba and throughout the State the future. there is much evidence of his valuable work. Mr. BOUSEN (Toowoomba West) "Hansard" contains examples of his thought­ (4.20 p.m.): I join with the mover and ful, constructive and eloquent speeches. On seconder of the motion in expressing my this occasion he was my campaign director, loyalty to the Throne and to the Person of and both he and his good wife did all Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen they could to assist me. I am sure that Elizabeth II. I bring greetings of loyalty hon. members on both sides of the House from the electors of Toowoomba West. will wish Mr. and Mrs. Duggan good health to enjoy a long and happy retirement. I offer my best wishes to His Excellency the Governor, and congratulate him for I come to this Parliament at a time when the good work he has done as Her perhaps the most spectacular and courageous Majesty's representative in this State. achievement in the long history of mankind has just taken place, namely, the landing In common with other hon. members, I of two men on the moon. It is now widely refer to the able manner in which the known that stuoendous sums of money have Administrator, Mr. Justice Sheehy, delivered been spent on- the technical and scientific his Opening Speech. It is regrettable that skills required to make this outstanding feat the Chief Justice, Sir William Mack, is possible. This Parliament, whilst acknow­ suffering from a serious illness. I trust ledging this scientific achievement, must, it will not be long before he is restored however, concern itself with problems far to good health. On many occasions prior removed from those of placing men on the to his illness Sir William deputised for moon. Our job, with the help of skilled the Governor, Sir Alan Mansfield. public servants, is to use our resources in the As a new member of this Parliament, most productive and efficient way to improve proceedings will be somewhat strange to me. the State of Queensland, and the nation to I hope that it will not be long before I which we belong. become familiar with Standing Orders and Since the beginning of time, rulers of all the rules of debate and that I shall have kinds, whether they accepted their obligations the privilege of taking part in debates. or not, have had the responsibility of look­ ing after the people. True it is that many My next important duty is to express of them exploited the people for personal my thanks to the electors of Toowoomba gain, and unfortunately, there are still some West for the confidence they displayed in people in our midst who are more c':m­ me by electing me as their parliamentary cerned with personal gam than With seem_g representative. I thank all members of the that justice is done for all. A great respo\lsi­ Australian Labour Party and of the trade bility falls on all of us to make, according union movement and others who assisted to our talents, the best contributions that me in my campaign. In this democratic we can for the welfare of our fellow citizens. age, neople are free to consider the claims I realise that, as individuals, we cannot do of n;ore than one candidate. On this as much as we would like. We are bound, occasion I had three opponents who offered of course in a common-sense approach, themselves for election. Consequently, the to join the major political party whose electors' wishes were spread over a fairly policy we think is in the best inter_ests _of wide field. To those who voted for me, the people. I do not doubt the smcenty I express my sincere thanks. To those who of hon. members opposite in their belief did not vote for me on this occasion, I that they are striving to obtain the general express the hope that, because of my sincere objectives that I bave outlined. On the desire and resolve to serve all electors in other hand, I make no apology for the fact my constituency faithfully, impartially and -indeed, I am proud of it-that _I belong well, they will support me in the future. to the Australian Labour Party, which party However, I am certain that the decision I feel is better equipped than are all others made by the majority on this occasion was to achieve the best results for the people of the correct one. Queensland. My election resulted from the retirement During my term in Parliament, which 1 of my predecessor, Mr. John E. Duggan. hope will be a reasonably long one, I feel He served this Parliament for 33 years confident that opportunities will present as a private member, a Minister of the themselves to speak on matters of import­ Crown, a Deputy Premier and Leader of ance. On this special occasion, I want to the Opposition. He displayed many speak particularly about the city which has qualities and I am sure hon. members honoured me in a very special way, and will agree that his service was meritorious. about some things which extend beyond the 294 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply boundaries of Toowoomba. Toowoomba, as In speaking of industry in Toowoomba, I all members know, justifiably has the reputa­ wish to refer particularly to the barley­ tion of being one of the finest cities in the growing industry on the Darling Downs, the Commonwealth. It is perhaps unique in returns from which are substantial. Mr. that geographically it is favourably placed, Dalzell of the BaDley Board pointed out and is blessed with a very invigorating recently that in the 1966-67 season, the climate. It has a population approaching gross realisation was $10,000,000. Because 60,000, which makes it large enough to pro­ of Government policy, the industry is in vide the facilities and amenities of a modern danger of losing at least $1,000,000 in sales. city, and also opportunities for employment According to Mr. T. A. Kelly of Carlton over a wide field. United Breweries, rail freight discrimination will cost Darling Downs barley-growers an However, it has both the advantages and annual sale of 500,000 bushels, and the disadvantages of being reasonably close to future loss could be an additJional 300,000 the metropolis. Because of its close bushels. Mr. Kelly said recently that the proximity to Brisbane, many find it advan­ absurdity of the Railway Department's tageol!s economically to send their repre­ freight structure was evident in the fact sentatives by car from Brisbane to transact that the rate for malt between Toowoomba their. ?usiness in Toowoomba. In the case and Cairns was $22 a ton, while the rate of cities of comparable size and population from Redbank to Cairns was $20.50 a ton. Road freight from Redbank to Brisbane was suc.h as Rockhampton and Townsville, only $3 a ton (tax exempt), compared with which are geographically far removed from $7 a ton (including $2.50 tax) from the capital city, offices and warehouses have Toowoomba to Brisbane. It has been estab­ been set up because representatives cannot lished that malt barley from New South be sent there from Brisbane as they can be Wales is available to Carlton's Toowoomba sent to Toowoo?Jba. Therefore, Rockhamp­ brewery at slightly more than $1 a bushel ton and Townsville have additional employees plus freight, and by purchasing this barley who are useful members of the community the brewery saves more than $10 a ton. although the services that they render and Many other telling arguments have been the goods that they supply are not appreci­ advanced by Mr. Kelly, but these accusations ably greater than those supplied by Too­ have only evoked a retort from the Minister woomba and its rich district. for Transport that Mr. Kelly was either I believe that Toowoomba has a more ignorant of the true position or was deliber­ balanced economy than most other areas ately misusing rail freights as an excuse for because of the diversity of its Iindustdes­ Carlton brewery to obtain its barley require­ wo?l, wheat, dairying, fat lamb raising, ments from outside the Barley Board. I, maize, .barley, and some manufacturing and and many other people in Toowoomba who ~!eservmg-and .that t.his reduces the depres­ are in a position to know, think that the smg effect of fmlure m any one industry as argument so far has clearly been won by a result of drought or slackening demand. Mr. Kelly, who has challenged the Minister However, one factor that militates against for Transport to reveal the secret freight manufacturing industries in Toowoomba is policy that favours Brisbane and is killing t~at raw materials have to be hauled to the country areas. Mr. Knox has not accepted city, processed or manufactured, and then Mr. Kelly's challenge. the bulk of t~e products returned to Brisbane It is interesting to point out, however, for metropolitan or State-wide distribution. that when the Labour Party was in power Ther~fo!e,. transp?rt ~osts are considerable, concessional freight rates when given were a:-'d ~~ 1s 1mper~tive, 1f more than lip serv­ published and advertised together with the VICe Is to be g!ven to decentralisation, that reason why the concessional freight rate these costs be given early consideration. was granted, but that is not done by the It is not generally appreciated, I think, present Government. It has declined to that the country makes a contribution follow this practice. The matter has become towards the building of a capital city and too important to be merely an academic ~he cost of maintaining it. As industry debating exercise. I invite the Government mcr.eases and as population increases in the to call appropriate conferences with interested capital, as It seems to be at an accelerating parties so that a common-sense decision can rate, problems such as air pollution and be arrived at. traffic congestion increase. The cost of Only last Monday, the manager of Carlton miti1pting these problems in Brisbane is United Brewery was invited to address the met m no small measure by country interests. Chamber of Commerce in Toowoomba and As an offset to this and other country con­ in his speech he very effectively pointed tributions, the capital city, or the Govern­ out to all those concerned what the position ment that operates in it, could do much was. I have here a newspaper report of more to aid decentralisation. Despite all his statement. It reads- the claims that the Government makes the "Our quarrel with the State Government cold, hard fact is that more and ~ore has been-like so many provincial manu­ cou!ltry pe~ple are. gravitating to the capital. facturers-that the Railway Department Freight assistance iS one obvious method of gives us no regional consideration and in assisting decentralisation. fact, by confidential private contract, allows Address in Reply [28 AUGUST] Address in Reply 295

metropolitan manufacturers to invade the Speaking further on industry, the Govern­ accepted marketing areas of provincial ment can do much more to make decentralisa­ industry. tion work; otherwise our country areas will "Our own provincial breweries have increasingly become depopulated. With a suffered this invasion from Brisbane. We view to maintaining population in Too­ are a decentralised operation and we do woomba, the Government should give early not like our Brisbane brewery competing consideration to the establishing in the city on an unfair freights basis with our pro­ of the following light industries: a factory vincial breweries. for the manufacture of chocolates; a potato "Why not, you may ask? The alter­ and vegetable processing plant; and a factory native offered to us (by this railways offer­ for the manufacture of cotton towelling. iJ?g of ex-Brisbane concessions) is that we I feel sure that hon. members are all aware simply shut down three important pro­ of the prolific growth in the Darling Downs vincial city operations and supply the State and Lockyer areas of fruit and vegetable totally from Brisbane. production, and Toowoomba is the most "Is this decentralisation? Of course, it ideally situated centre for the establishment is not. And we will have no part of it. of a processing plant. The Darling Downs But as most of you are aware the Railway is recognised as possessing one of the greatest Department's actual policy on decentralisa­ dairying industries in this State, and, with tion and the Government's professed policy the relatively close proximity of the sugar on decentralisation in the past have been industry, that lends itself to the establishment two completely separate quantities." of a factory in Toowoomba for the manu­ It goes on further- facture of chocolates and other sweets. ". . . both rail and road operating to the disadvantage of the provincial Recently, the cotton industry has grown communities." up overnight, as it were, near Cecil Plains, And he went on- which is approximately 50 miles from Toowoomba, and two large ginneries were "Is it fair (or even sensible) that we recently established in that area. In addition, should find it cheaper to supply our north­ ern breweries with malt from our com­ cotton is grown at Clifton and in the north­ petitor malsters? If it remains cheaper, ern part of New South Wales. I hope that how can we (in all conscience) go ahead the Government will provide some assistance and increase the capacity of our Too­ to the establishment of light industries in woomba maltings?" the city of Toowoomba as they would give a great boost to the population of the city I might mention that only last year they spent $1,000,000 renovating the malt-house and would help it to develop. at Toowoomba only to find they may have to It is probably unusual for a member of go to the wall and out of existence because the Opposition to congratulate the Govern­ of this great discrimination between the Red­ ment, but I do congratulate it on the bank malt-house and that at Toowoomba assistance that it has rendered to the estab­ in supplying malt to the provincial breweries lishment of an institute of technology at throughout the State. He goes on to say- Toowoomba. The institute is doing magnifi­ "Let me, however, give you one cent work and is providing industry with example of how freight rates affect us: trained personnel. In spite of the promise Railway concessions given to Brisbane to grant the institute local autonomy, there breweries mean that bottled beer-same is nothing to suggest at this stage that the tonnage, same mileage-can be landed in promise will be honoured. Therefore, it is Cairns cheaper than malt." felt that the time is now opportune to set One can see what is going to happen. They up a statutory body to control the Queensland are going to do away with the sending of colleges of advanced education. malt to these provincial breweries and supply everything from Brisbane in its raw state I believe that the following scheme would and as the finished product. He goes on- be an ideal one. In control of the council "Provincial manufacturing industries­ would be the Minister for Education, and the lesser industry, small or big-must be he would have a number of personnel under kept resilient. As it is, the railway his direction. They could constitute a freight contract system of confidential co-ordinating council for advanced education negotiation can virtually determine the or a board of advanced education, whichever economic success or otherwise of any is preferable. In addition to this body, a provincial manufacturer." number of councils could be set up for the agricultural colleges, the institute of tech­ So it is quite obvious that unless something nology, the teachers' colleges, the conserva­ is done by the Government the brewery torium, and so on. The activities of the and the malt-house at Toowoomba will colleges of advanced education could be eventually close down. I am sure that co-ordinated if the optimum utilisation of no right-thinking person would like to see the available resources is to be achieved and this happen. This Government merely talks if unnecessary overlapping and inter-college about decentralisation. competition are to be avoided. 296 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

The functions of the co-ordinating council I might say that, at present, the Institute or the board of advanced education would of Technology at Toowoomba has some of be as follows:- the best professional-academic brains avail­ 1. The co-ordination of the activities of able. These people are working for a much the colleges of Queensland; lower salary than they could get in other colleges of advanced education or even at 2. The review and approval of the the university. Because they like the city capital and recurrent expenditure sub­ of Toowoomba and its invigorating climate missions of the individual colleges; they are waiting for the time when they 3. The recommendation to the Minister receive local autonomy. of conditions of service of and salaries payable to the academic staff and other Queensland has always been recognised as a low-"age State. In last Tuesday's "Courier­ staff; Mail" the earnings of the ordinary working­ 4. The investigation of deletions from class people in this State were shown to or additions to the range of courses be $7 lower than the average of the other offered by individual colleges; States. Who would be more competent 5. The carrying out of such surveys to say what these academics are worth or investigations in relation to the colleges than the people whom I suggest would or any of their functions as it thinks fit. form the college councils? Let the Govern­ ment create local autonomy as soon as 6. The report to the Minister on the possible for the Institute of Technology at need for and location of any new colleges Toowoomba. If autonomy is gazetted, it in the State. is important that the majority of the coun­ It should be noted that it is not intended cillors should be people who have graduated that 1his council should exercise any direct through tertiary education. Also, by past supervision over the management of the activity, they must have evinced some interest individual colleges. However, it is considered in tertiary education and have shown that that existing teachers' colleges should be they are capable of, and likely to, make treated as colleges of advanced education a worthy contribution in this field. and should come within the province of the I will deal now with price control. During co-ordinating council. There appears to be my election campaign I was inundated with no apparent reason for the establishment of requests from constituents in Toowoomba further teachers· colleges as such, so I urge West about what could be done in relation that. in future, teacher education be incor­ to this matter. It is generally recognised porated within the existing colleges of that, on the average, prices rise 4 per cent. advanced education or any new colleges that each year, which represents 4c in the dollar. might be established. Each college council That runs into a considerable part of a should have sole responsibility for the person's earnings over 12 months. Those management of the college. Its only limita­ hardest hit by price rises are pensioners, tion would be a requirement of over-all people on superannuation and fixed incomes, budgetary approval and the introduction or and those in the lower-wage bracket whose deletion of courses. wages have been frozen for a long time. The planning of these colleges is carried If all goods and services-instead of only a few as at present-were brought into out on a three-year basis. As the present the Consumer Price Index, which is used three-year period expires at the end of this by the Government Statistician, the 4 per year it is vital that a decision be made cent. increase would probably be as high on the principles of such a scheme to as 8 or 10 per cent. For instance, doctors' enable the necessary legislation to be drafted, fees, hospital and dental charges, chemists' and passed by Parliament, before the end costs, education fees, school books, and of this year. It is felt that such an announce­ school uniforms are not included in the ment would have an intense revitalising effect Consumer Price Index. Neither are insurance on colleges in this State at a time when premiums or rates and power charges. uncertainty as to their future, and persistent internal dissatisfaction, are taking their toll. One might ask why prices rise. At one time there was free competition between It must be borne in mind that these sellers of goods and services, but today many colleges a re not glorified technical colleges. products and their sale in the retail field They are colleges where young adults are are in the hands of monopoly groupings being introduced at tertiary level to profes­ which can and do fix wholesale and retail sional training in technology, business studies prices at will. Competition has not, as the and the liberal arts. They cannot be run Government claims, reduced prices. Today, on the lines of primary or secondary schools. we are witnessing a race between wages They need a measure of independence which, and salaries on the one hand and prices in Queensland, is at present associated only on the other hand. At one time, one with the university. This independence is could say that competition was the life not available to them under departmental of trade, but that does not apply today control. In other States and overseas, the because cartels and monopolies fix whole­ autonomy of these colleges is an accepted sale and retail prices of commodities which fact. are necessary to life today. Address in Reply [28 AUGUST] Address in Reply 297

Increases in direct and indirect taxation in "The Downs Star". The advertisement are widely used by Governments to increase also occupied almost half a page of the their revenue. This makes price rises inevit­ morning issue of "The Toowoomba Chron­ able, as do increases in local and overseas icle", and it drew attention to the fact that freight rates, insurance charges, etc. Large­ some nine years ago I was privileged to be scale expenditure on war materials brings able to join a trade union delegation which about increased prices for metal, timber, travelled overseas to visit Japan, China and steel, wool and so on. the Soviet Union. This was a scurrilous, Contrary to popular belief, increased filthy, gutter-type attack made on my honour wages do not result in increased prices. as a reputable citizen of Toowoomba, and The rises in prices cause workers to seek it was degrading for any political party to higher wages, and if they are not successful make such an attack. It appeared in the there is the possibility of industrial trouble, Press on Friday, 16 May, the day before with consequential hardship to many people. election day. With advances in mechanisation in big I have lived in Toowoomba all my life, industries, one expects prices to fall rather as has my family before me. I worship than rise, because the cost of producing so with my family at one of the Anglican many articles is cheaper with mechanisation. churches every ·sunday, and I categorically It is felt that a special Government­ deny that there is any subversive element appointed body, with consumer and trade­ in me or my family. Yet those responsible union representation, should examine the for this advertisement, some of whom did economics of the major industries which not even know me, attacked my character in produce consumer goods and provide con­ a manner that. to say the least. was degrad­ sumer services, to ensure price reductions ing to any political party. That advertise­ where there are lower costs. ment alone would have cost approximately $!50 or $160, so it can be seen that more Poor quality and planned obsolescence, than $300 was spent in one day by my which shorten the life of products, raise opponent on advertising in the Press. indirectly the price of many goods and ser­ vices. We therefore need to establish a After the election, when it was found consumer protection council with direct that I was not again contesting the presi­ effective consumer representation and wide dency of the Trades and Labour Council, I powers to investigate prices and lack of was eulogised in the Press and told what quality, which is so prevalent today. a great fellow I was, and how, as President of the Trades and Labour Council, I had I suggest that the Government demand shown sane judgment for a period in excess that the Commonwealth Statistician set out of 12 years. It was also hoped that the in detail and price the minimum living Trades and Labour Council would not needs of a family in this modern-day be controlled by the Left-wing move­ Australia. A similar living standard should ment, because I had set an example of be established for young marrieds, the sick, stewardship that had averted many industrial the infirm and the aged. The Government disputes in Toowoomba. One day I was should reintroduce automatic basic-wage told that I was subversive and that my affilia­ adjustments each quarter to compensate for tions were not with my own country, and rising prices. the next I was eulogised and told what a It is perhaps ironic that in the recent great fellow I was and it was hoped that election the Country Party, which had not the Trades and Labour Council would not previously contested Toowoomba West, fall into the hands of the Left Wing. fielded a candidate who was my runner-up When the Leader of the Opposition after having established a commanding lead referred during the election campaign to the over his Liberal Party rival. The Country Premier's dealings in oil shares, he was Party candidate, who is president of !!1e castigated and told that that happened seven Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, owes years ago, so why bring it up now? What his selection as that party's candidate to was referred to in my case happened almost his claim to be fighting £or the unemployed J 0 years ago and I was elected to the presi­ young girls in the city of Toowoomba. dency of the Trades and Labour Council Because the Government has not decentral­ more than 12 years ago, yet this, more or ised industry, young females in Toowoomba less bordering on defamation, was raised have had to go elsewhere to obtain against me by the parties opposed to me at employment. the recent State election. Despite all that, The Country Party candidate was not the the majority of electors in Toowoomba West only one interested in the unemployed female saw fit to elect me as their parliamentary youth. The trade union movement played representative, and I feel that I will be an active role in this matter and, as presi­ able to sustain the confidence that they dent of the Toowoomba Trades and Labour have reposed in me by giving them able and Council, I did m11ch to try to find employ­ sincere representation during the life of this ment for young girls. Parliament. I now refer to the character assassination Debate, on motion of Mr. Hughes,. indulged in by my opponents during the recent adjourned. State election in a professionally prepared advertisement which took up a whole page The House adjourned at 5 p.m.