Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 1967

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Sub Judice Matter [7 SEPTEMBER] Questions 411

THURSDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER, 1967 Mr. AIKENS: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that your ruling be disagreed with. If we are going to have solicitors writin~ to us and Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, telling us what to do, we mtght as well Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair disband. at 11 a.m. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I point out to the hon. member that I have given reasons for SUB JUDICE MATTER my ruling. If he studies my ruling, he will MR. SPEAKER's RULING see what I refer to in it. Mr. SPEAKER: Hon. members, I have received the following letter from Messrs. Hawthorn, Cuppaidge & Badgery, Solicitors, QUESTIONS dated 5 September, 1967:- PRINTING OF EDUCATIONAL PUBLICATIONS "The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, IN HoNG KONG Parliament House, Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked BRISBANE. The Minister for Education,- "Dear Sir, ( 1) What publications used in Queens­ "re A. T. Dewar v. Mirror Newspapers land State primary and secondary schools Limited are printed and bound in Hong Kong? "We are acting for the abovenamed Alexander Tattenhall Dewar, of Power (2) What is the name of the firm in Street, Wavell Heights, Member of the Hong Kong doing this work? Legislative Assembly of Queensland. ( 3) Is this firm associated with any "We are instructed to inform you that we Queensland firm and, if so, who are the have today issued a Writ out of the directors and shareholders of the local Supreme Court of Queensland, Brisbane, firm? on behalf of our Client against Mirror Newspapers Limited. (4) Is he aware of any legislation in "The plaintiff's claim as set out in the Western Australia ensuring that such Writ is as follows: educational printing is carried out within '$50,000.00 Damages for the publica­ the State? tion of defamatory matter in writing of and concerning the Plaintiff in the news­ paper called 'Sunday Truth' on Sunday, Answers:- 3rd September, 1967.' (!) "No publications prepared by the "Yours faithfully, Department and supplied for use in school~ "HAWTHORN, CUPPAIDGE & BADGERY are printed in Hong Kong. The Honour­ able Member will be aware that there are "R. M. Badgery" a large number of other publications in use Since receiving that letter I have given very in schools often chosen by teachers. I serious consideration to the question whether have no complete list of these nor do I the discussion of this matter would now come have precise information on the place of within the rules relating to sub judice matters. printing of these publications. I am aware "May", at page 454, states- that some are printed in Hong Kong. I "Matters awaiting the adjudication of a would point out to the Honourable Mem­ court of law should not be brought forward ber that the choice of publications for use in debate (except by means of a Bill)'', in schools is determined by the educational and then is set out the procedure that has quality of such publications rather than by been adopted by the House of Commons. their place of printing. Furthermore, Apart from criminal matters and courts teachers are not expected to seek approval martial, it clearly states- for all the publications they use." "The ban further applies to matters (2) "Among the firms in Hong _KC!ng awaiting or under adjudication in a civil doing this work are Lee Fung Pnntmg court from the time that the case has been Coy. Ltd., Hong Kong Printing Press. Ltd., set down for trial or otherwise brought Wing, King, Tong Coy. Ltd., Penmsula before the court, as for example by notice Press Ltd.'' of motion for an injunction; such matters may be referred to before such date unless (3) "Some of these printing firms are it appears lo the Chair that there is a real associated with Australian and oversea~ and substantial danger of prejudice to the publishers; one of them with a Queensland trial of the case." firm Jacaranda Press Pty. Ltd. I suggest I feel that further discussion of this matter, to the Honourable Member that he obtain which relates to an hon. member of this the names of directors and shareholders House, could present a real and substantial from the relevant authorities.'' danger of prejudice to the trial of the case and that therefore the matter is sub judice. (4) "No.'' 412 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

OFFICE CLEANING, MAIN ROADS (2) Have any of these three convicted DEPARTMENT murderers been released from prison and, Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked if so, on what date? The Minister for Mines,- (3) Did William Ernest Hamilton apply Further to his Answer to my Question to the Parole Board this year for release on August 31 concerning cleaning of the and was his application rejected? If so, new Main Roads building,- was he told that the rejection of his application was prompted by his reluctance ( 1) What are the factors that make to take up painting or some other form cleaning of the building by contracting of art or culture which would have specialists cheaper than by day labour? enabled the Parole Board to assess his (2) For how long has the contract degree of redemption and rehabilitation? been let and who are the contractors? ( 4) If long-term prisoners are required to cultivate artistic hobbies and pursuits to ( 3) What steps will be taken regarding impress the Parole Board with their fitness security of Departmental records, &c.? for release, will this be made known to all ( 4) For what periods have the dis­ such prisoners so that they can, if they missed individual cleaners been employed wish, adopt the cultural vogue or painting and will they be offered alternative 'school' most favoured by the Parole employment? Board? (5) Are prisoners provided with paint, Answers:- palette, brushes and other articles necessary (1) "Specialization together with wider for painting and are instructors made experience and knowledge of techniques, available to train and assist them? equipment and materials." Answers:- (2) "(a) 12 months; (b) Specialised ( 1) "November 14, 1953." Treatments Pty. Ltd." (2) "All of these prisoners have been (3) "(a) The Department has the right released on parole-Sylvia J oyce Clare to reject employees. (b) The Contractor Ferguson on November 14, 1963, and both and his employees must enter and leave the Albert Eric Murphy and William Ernest building via the watchman on duty. Hamilton on July 14, 1967." Confidential correspondence and documents (3 to 5) "See Answer to (2)." are kept inaccessible."

(4) "(a) Three male cleaners less than RETAIL TARIFFS, TOWNSVILLE REGIONAL 2 years service. Fourteen female cleaners ELECTRICITY BOARD with the following periods of service:- 17 years, 14 years, 13 years, 12 years, 8 Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The years, 4 years, 3 years 3, 2 years, 1 year Minister for Industrial Development,- 2, less than 1 year 2. (b) No. U nder the revised retail tariffs of the Townsville Regional Electricity Board recently promulgated, is not the cost of SHAREHOLDINGS OF MINISTERS OF THE 610 units of electricity per month to CROWN farmers in the Board's area almost Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked double the cost of the same amount of The Premier,- electricity supplied over the same period to farmers by the Electricity Department, What are the commercial or business Brisbane City Council? If not, will he establishments, if any, with which give particulars? Ministers of the Crown are associated by way of shareholding or directorship, Answer:- either directly or through their immediate "The cost of 610 units per month family? supplied by the Townsville Regional Electricity Board from its main coastal Answer:- network under the tariff now applicable for "The information sought by the Honour­ farm purposes is about 56 per cent. higher able Member is not in my possession." than the cost of the same number of units per month under a comparable tariff at present applying in the area of supply of RELEASE OF LONG-TERM PRISONERS BY the Brisbane City Council." PAROLE BOARD Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked The VACCINATION AGAINST MEASLES Minister for Justice,- Mr. Kaus, pursuant to notice, asked The ( 1) On what date were Sylvia Clare Minister for Health,- Ferguson, Albert Eric Murphy and William Regarding a report that in an address Ernest Hamilton sentenced to life imprison­ to the Health Inspectors' Conference in ment for the murder of Ferguson's Bundaberg this week the Deputy Director­ husband? General of Health, Dr. Johnson, referred Questions (7 SEPTEMBER] Questions 413

to pending campaigns for vaccination (2) What is the amount of unpaid against measles, when will they begin hospital fees owing to the North Brisbane and how will they be conducted? Hospitals Board and the South Brisbane Hospitals Board, respectively, for the Answer:-- years ended June 30, 1965, 1966 and 1967 "The question of vaccination against and for what categories of service were measles was discussed at the last meeting they incurred? of the National Health and Medical Research Council when it was decided a joint Commonwealth-Victorian pilot trial Answers:- with a live measles vaccine be carried out (1) "The unpaid fees of $13,500 at the in Victoria. A similar procedure was Longreach Hospital mentioned in the carried out in Tasmania before i.t was Telegraph of August 31, 1967 are classified approved that Sabin vaccine be used as the as follows:- vaccine of choice for immunisation against $ poliomyelitis. The Commonwealth Health Private General Patients . 10,818 Private Maternity Patients 2,225 Department is still investigating the best Ambulance Charges and Others .. 542 type of vaccine to be used and its avail­ ability. The pilot trial will not commence $13,585" until a decision is reached in this matter. The results of the trial will be referred to (2) "The amount of unpaid Hospital the National Health and Medical Research Fees owing to the North Brisbane and Council which will then determine the con­ South Brisbane Hospitals Boards as at ditions under which vaccine will be made June 30, 1965, 1966 and 1967 were:- available to the States. A measles vaccina­ tion campaign will be commenced after the result of the pilot study is known and it (a) North Brisbane Hospitals Board: will probably be conducted in a similar manner to the anti-poliomyelitis campaign 19651~~ which has been so successful." F.x.-tr-a--S-t-at_e_, -T-h-ir_d_P_a_r_ty-1--$--~ $ $ and Seamen Patrents . 27,802 35,899 44,106 STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM, BANYO Private General Patients 7,805 8,644 7,815 STATE HIGH SCHOOL Private Maternrty Patwnts ~1,8081Cr2,368 -~ Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The $33,799 $42,175 $52,320 Minister for Works,- In view of the serious drainage problem existing at the Banyo State High School (b) South Brisbane Hospitals Board: and the consequent inconvenience caused to adjacent private property owners and 1965 1966 1967 ------1------residents due to stormwater run-off and $ $ $ seepage from the school grounds, will he Extra State, Third Party and Sea1nen Patients .. 38,122 37,811 45,179 negotiate with Brisbane City Council for Private General Patients 26,670 26,305 27,523 the preparation of a joint Government­ Private Maternity Patients 1,999 1,116 Cr2,638 City Council plan for the provision of an Chrunk Ward Patients .. 13,314 8,042 9,526 adequate stormwater drainage system, a ------1 $80, I 05 : $73,274 I $79 590" prerequisite for a drainage system for the high school? Answer:- ''The provision of stormwater drainage REFRESHER COURSES FOR FORMER to the area in the vicinity of the Banyo TEACHERS State High School is the responsibility of Mr. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked the Brisbane City Council. Action could The Minister for Education,- be taken by the Department of Works to Regarding the re-engagement of former connect drainage from the school building teachers and particularly those teachers area to the stormwater drain if and when who have not taught for a number of the drain is provided. There is no years, are any refresher courses made concentration of stormwater run-off from available to acquaint them of teaching the school grounds and the Department of methods and textbooks which may have Works is not responsible for natural run-off c-ome into use in the meantime? of stormwater." Answer:- UNPAID HosPITAL FEES "The inservice courses conducted in Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The Brisbane and Townsville early in December Minister for Health,- last year and similar courses to be con­ ( 1) Regarding the statement in the ducted this year are designed to provide Telegraph of August 31 that $13,500 was for varying levels of experience and under­ owing to Longreach hospitals in unpaid standing of new methods. These courses hospital fees, what are the categories in give an opportunity for professional which the debts were incurred? refreshment to teachers readmitted after 414 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

a significant period out of the service. (2) Is it intended to build more homes Furthermore, there are, during the year, for the residents of the communities seminars conducted by district inspectors during 1967? If so, how many homes will of schools to meet particular needs of be built and by whom will they be teachers." constructed? (3) Has sufficient material been trans­ RESERVATION OF SCENIC AREAS IN ported to each community to allow NORTH QUEENSLAND TROPICAL building to commence? LOWLANDS ( 4) How are heavy materials and Mr. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked supplies transported to the communities The Minister for Local Government,- and what is the cost per ton in each What progress has been made towards case? setting aside as scenic and scientific reserves the twenty areas, each of approxi­ Answers:- mately 1,000 acres, as recommended by Dr. Leonard Webb following a survey of ( 1) "One staff cottage has been con­ the tropical lowlands 'Of North Queensland? structed at Mitchell River." (2 and 3) "Materials have been for­ Answer:- warded to enable a further eight houses to "It is hoped to have one area proclaimed be erected at Mitchell River and five at a National Park in the near future. The Edward River. In addition a prefabricated other areas await a joint inspection by building for use as a workshop has been officers of the Lands and Forestry Depart­ sent to each community. Further homes ments which it is anticipated will be will be erected on each community during carried out this year." this financial year. All will be built by Departmental personnel. It is not possible at this juncture to advise the exact numbers NEW BRIDGE OVER WILD RIVER, to be provided, as such will be dependent RAVENSHOE-MT. GARNET RoAD on funds available." Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Mines,- ( 4) "The Department has entered into a contract to cover the transport of heavy Has he considered the provision of a materials and supplies by road from Cairn~ new bridge over the Wild River between to Mitchell River and Edward River, the Ravenshoe and Mt. Garnet? If s·o, when cost being $35.70 per ton. Departmental will work commence? vehicles are also being used to transport Answer:- such materials." "As the superstructure of the present bridge was virtually rebuilt after the recent RECORDING OF QUALIFICATIONS OF major floods, the provision of a new bridge TEACHERS is not being considered at present." Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- NEW BRIDGE OVER BARRON RIVER, ( 1) Does his Department retain a card MAREEBA for each teacher employed recording his Mr. WaUis-Smith, pursuant to notice, or her qualifications? asked The Minister for Mines,- (2) At the end of each year does the When is it intended to commence work university forward to his Department the on the new bridge over the Barren River names of teachers who sat for university at Mareeba and where is the exact loca­ examinations together with their subjects? tion of the pra;posed bridge? Answers:­ Answer:- (!) "Yes." " It is proposed to commence work on the new bridge before the end of 1967. (2) "No. It does however provide the The new bridge will be upstream from the Department with results in the Annual existing bridge, about 65 chains from it." Degree Examinations in relevant subjects."

NEW BUILDINGS AND HOUSES, EDWARD SITES FOR HosPITALS, MT. GRAVATT RIVER AND MITCHELL RIVER AND WYNNUM ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES Mr. Newton, pursuant to notice, asked Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, The Minister for Health,- asked The Minister for Education,- Has land been resumed by his Depart­ ( 1) Have any new buildings been con­ ment for the proposed Mt. Gravatt and structed at the Edward River and Mitchell Wynnum hospital sites? If so, (a) where River communities since May 1, 1967? are the sites situated and (b) what is If so, for what purpose were they built? the area of each site? Questions (7 SEPTEMBER) Questions 415

Answer:- WARNING LIGHTS AT RAILWAY LEVEL "Land comprising 53 acres 3 roods 38 CROSSINGS, MACKA Y perches being Subdivision A of Portion Mr. Graham, pursuant to notice, asked 378, Parish of Yeerongpilly, situated south The Minister for Transport,- of Kessells Road, Mt. Gravatt and known When will all open railway crossings as the Mt. Gravatt Pound has been within the municipality of Mackay have acquired by the South Brisbane Hospitals warning flashing lights installed? Board as a site for future hospital Answer:- development. An area of 9 acres 1 rood " Each financial year the Main Roads 23 · 4 perches situated at the corner of Department and the Railway Department Wynnum Road and New Lindum Road has each provide $50,000 for electrically been held for some years by the South operated warning signs at level crossings Brisbane Hospitals Board for hospital and those Departments determine the purposes. Other land has not yet been crossings for each year's programme having resumed or acquired in the Wynnum regard to the traffic requirements of the district as a hospital site." crossings in all districts throughout the State. It is not possible to estimate when all the crossings in Mackay will have BAGASSE DUST NUISANCE, FAR NORTIIERN SUGAR-MILLING flashing lights." TowNs TAILORING OF UNIFORMS FOR Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES The Minister for Health,- Mr. Harris, pursuant to notice, asked The In view of the discomfort and wide­ Premier,- spread concern of residents of Mossman, ( 1) What is the name and address of Babinda and other far northern sugar­ the manufacturer and the cost of the milling towns caused by the bagasse uniform (coat and trousers) at present nuisance, will he have the Director of worn by members of the Queensland Air Pollution Control in consultation with Police Force, Railways Department, the Director of Industrial Medicine Mental Hospitals and Prison Service? examine and report on the air pollution (2) What supervision is given to ensure for recommendations for corrective that garments are made in accordance measures by mill managements there? with the Government's requirements and are finished in a workmanlike manner? Answer:- (3) If, as stated by the Minister for "The nuisance created by bagasse has Health, these uniforms are individually tailored, what check is made before been investigated by the Director of delivery as to the correctness of the Industrial Medicine on several occasions measurements? and also by the Director of Air Pollution ( 4) As the self-measurement-form Control. The Director of Air Pollution system appears to be the only practical Control is working in close consultation method used to take individual measure­ with the Director of the Sugar Research ments from outlying areas, why are the Institute at Mackay to devise techniques measurements not adhered to even if and set standards which mills will be bulk-cutting is carried out? expected to meet. Mr. Gilpin recently (5) If measurements are in accordance had a meeting with seven representatives with measurements sent to the manu­ of the sugar industry to review progress in facturer, why are so many uniforms this matter. I am advised that the problem returned for alteration? is not a simple technical one and research Answer:- by the Sugar Research Institute into this (1 to 5)" General Service Requirements: matter is being vigorously pursued. From Police-Contractor: Woulfe & Son, 15-17 the public health aspect I am advised Adelaide Street, Brisbane. Price, $25 · 251. there is little ill-health caused by bagasse; Special Hospital attendants-Contractor: its major impact on the community is its Woulfe & Son, 15-17 Adelaide Street, nuisance effect and this results in a degree Brisbane. Price, $18·476. Prison Officers­ of resentment and tension against the sugar Uniforms for these officers are made at industry. The effect on the health of the prison. With regard to police uniforms, operators is negligible although it has been the contract provides that each metro­ assumed that the occasional cases of bron­ politan police officer is entitled to a try-on, and when 1he garment is ready for the chitis or allergic respiratory symptoms have try-on, the Police Department is notified been aggravated by working in mill areas and appropriate arrangements made there­ where excessive bagasse dust circulates. for. When the uniform is finished, the The Director of Industrial Medicine advises contractor again advises the Police Depart­ that action which has been taken by sugar ment and the uniform is then inspected by mills has reduced the nuisance caused by police officers for workmanship and finish bagasse in their areas." before delivery. Uniforms for country 416 Papers [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

officers are also inspected for workmanship The following papers were laid on the and finish before despatch. No check is table:- made before delivery as to the correctness Orders in Council under- of measurements. However, the conditions The Racing and Betting Acts, 1954 to of contract provide that any uniform 1966. which is conside~ed to be a misfit shall, at The State Electricity Commission Acts, the expense of the contractor, be rectified. 1937 to 1965. The contractor is also required to pay The Southern Electric Authority of freight, both forward and return, on Queensland Acts, 1952 to 1964. uniforms returned for alteration. Individual Regulations under- measurements are taken by the contractor The Queensland Marine Acts, 1958 to for police uniforms in the metropolitan 1967. area or in any centre where he has a The Electric Light and Power Acts, branch. For all other centres, self-meas­ 1896 to 1965. urement forms are supplied. With regard to special hospital uniforms, the contractor is required to visit all centres except PRIVATE MEMBERS' MOTIONS AND Charters Towers and Rockhampton and GRIEVANCES take individual measurements. Officers in Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ Charters Towers and Rockhampton are Premier) : I move- provided with self-measurement forms. "That, during this session, unless other­ Generally, the measurements provided on wise ordered, on the days on which the self-measurement forms are adhered to, general business has precedence of but a big percentage of misfits are due to Government business- the officers concerned supplying faulty (a) The time allocated for speeches measurements. For details with respect to on private notices of motion shall be:­ prison officers' uniforms, the Honourable Mover of the motion, twenty-five Member is referred to the Answer given by minutes; seconder of the motion and the Honourable the Minister for Health on any other member, fifteen minutes; the August 29 to Question No. 13 asked of him mover in reply, ten minutes, notwith­ by the Honourable Member for Chatsworth. standing the provisions of Standing Order No. 109; and Railway Department: Uniforms are issued (b) On each alternate sitting Thurs­ to employees of the Railway Department in day, notwithstanding the provisions of a variety of classifications, and costs for Standing Order No. 37, a question shall the last issue ranged from $14.85 to $28.37 be proposed by Mr. Speaker, 'That for a full uniform (coat, vest and trousers). grievances be noted' to which question Materials for the uniforms are purchased any member may address the House by the Department, and supplied to for ten minutes. If this question is Messrs. Woulfe & Sons, Brisbane, for still under consideration at 1 o'clock manufacture. The materials are required to p.m. the debate thereon shall be brou?ht to a conclusion by Mr. Speaker puttmg conform to a specification laid down by the question: the Railway Department. Samples of "Provided that the consideration of the materials are submitted to the Government business of Supply may take precedence Analyst, and any materials which do not on these days." meet the specification are not accepted. Uniforms are supplied to self-measurement Motion agreed to. forms submitted to the manufacturer by employees. Relatively few complaints have ADDRESS IN REPLY been received. The principle of the use of the self-measurement form has applied RESUMPTION OF DEBATE-SEVENTH throughout the Railway Department for ALLOTTED DAY many years. Very few uniforms are Debate resumed from 6 September (see returned for alteration. Out of a total of p. 410) on Mr. Armstrong's motion for the 42,000 uniforms supplied in the last 12 adoption of the Address-in-Reply. months, only 851 were returned for Mr. WALUS-SMITH (Tablelands) (11.38 alteration." a.m.): At the conclusion of my speech yesterday I was dealing with the tobacco PAPERS industry and had informed the House that appraisers quite often become buyers for The following paper was laid on the table, manufacturers. I want to continue on that and ordered to be printed:- line and deal with the actual sales. Unless Report upon the Operations provided for there is an 80 per cent. clearance on the by Part Ill-Aid to Development, of first auction line of any tobacco sale, then the Financial Arrangements and there is usually trouble. Unless this clearance Development Aid Acts, 1942 to 1947, is maintained there is no competition. Once for the year 1966-67. the first line of auction is passed over, the Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 417 manufacturers can then negotiate. The to one in three or even one in two, but this arbitrator cannot refuse a product that has is detrimental both to the crop and to the been passed over and he may-and quite industry. often does-put that bale into a different schedule. The buyers will then come a Finance is necessary for all these things. second time and, without competition, or Yesterday I touched on Agricultural Bank with very little competition, will buy the finance. In answer to a question, the tobacco they had previously passed over. Treasurer told me that the Agricultural Bank will not finance the low--quota tobacco­ Mr. Frank Celodoni, who is the arbitrator, farmer. I suggest the remedy here is the was a grower and an appraiser, and he is issue of instructions that the quota be not one of the best officers and most humane taken into account, that the amount be and fair-minded arbitrators one could wish increased to $10,000, and that the repayment to have. Although it has been necessary period be extended from 10 to 20 years. for him to change his place of residence to Canberra, his interest in the tobacco farmers A tobacco farmer with a small quota has ancl the fairness of his judgment leave little only to experience two or three bad seasons, to ':Je desired. It is only right that a man or adverse selling seasons-sometimes both in the position of arbitrator should receive the season and the leaf are quite good but the credit due to him, and I extend to him the selling of the leaf leaves much to be my compliments and congratulations. But desired--to realise that instead of keeping this still does not solve the problem for the level with his financial commitments he is small farmer. The arbitrator has a job to dropping further behind. For that reason I do, and the carrying out of his job usually believe that we should give him a longer results in the farmer receiving a lesser price period-say, 20 years instead of the present for his tobacco. ten years-to make the repayments. I hope to be able to show the House that The plight of the small-quota tobacco there is a possibility of overcoming the farmer could be talked about for at least an present shortcomings of the industry. Some­ hour or two, and I intend to try to show hon. times the baling of the tobacco is done in members how easy it would be to help him a way that is not in the best interests of the if the Act was amended to permit the Minister or the Quota Committee to give special con­ product. There have been instances of bales sideration to the small quotas that operate of good tobacco hiding a quantity of inferior­ in the State today. Yesterday I told hon. quality leaf, and it does not take the buyers members that the number of small-quota very long to realise that they have been farmers is very large, and I pointed out that caught. Their reaction when this happens 60 per cent. of the quotas are of 10 tons or can be easily understood. The remedy for less. With that in mind, I think the Minister this lies in the hands of the farmers. It is should urgently consider their plight-not just up to them to be honest with their product look at it or simply give it serious considera­ and not to try to get rid of inferior leaf tion, but treat it with the same urgency as by concealing it in the middle or bottom the Government has shown in other layers of a bale. When they do this sort calamities. This is a calamity of the highest of thing they are not fooling anyone; how­ order. There is no chance of a snowballing ever, they are harming the industry as a of trafficking in quotas, for they are far too whole. valuable. lf a farmer has a 5-ton quota and the land on his farm is not recognised as As a result of research, there has been a first-grade tobacco land, he must stay on his marked advance in the various types of farm and grow the tobacco on the inferior tobacco. I have here a recent publication soil because the quota attaches to the land dealing with the new tobacco variety known and cannot be transferred. What could be as Hicks Q46, which has been tested over a wrong with his negotiating with another number of vears. It could be the means of farmer who has plenty of land, and saying reducing costs for the farmers and enabling to him, "I will transfer my quota to a portion them to get a better return from their land. of your land. I will grow it there and I will This variety gives a 25 per cent. increase sell it to you."? People may say that is an in production, with no decline in leaf quality. aggregation of quotas, but many conditions It doe-; not take much imagination to realise could be imposed. I should say that if one that if a farmer can get a 25 per cent. condition was that a farmer could not increase in production with this variety he aggregate more than 12 tons of tobacco, this can reduce his area under cultivation to such avenue of aggregation would immediately be an extent that it is much easier to look after closed. it. In addition, he can protect it better from Any farmer could earn a wonderful living disease and insect attack. It means that the from 12 tons of tobacco. The farmer who cost of fertilisers is reduced. Another very took advantage of this scheme would still important factor is that crop rotation can be reside on his farm and he could grow other carried out more effectively. It is desirable crops. He would still be in the locality. This that the farmers rotate one in four, which would help to prevent the population drift means that the ground is spelled for three from the rural areas, about which we hear years. However, some farmers who desire to so much but in respect of which so little is get that little bit extra sometimes come down done. 14 418 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

The Government must take action under Mr. Davies: They do not seem to get the Commonwealth Stabilisation Act. I do much support from the Country Party. not wish to hear the Minister or anyone else say that because it is a Commonwealth Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: I have heard only Stabilisation Act our hands are tied. We one interjection-from the hon member for went into this quite openly. We allowed the Albert-and he has since left the Chamber. Minister and his officers to make the arrange­ That proves I am a one-man band. Even ments for us. In their negotiations they took if I am a one-man band, I hope that the into consideration the tobacco farmers and Minister will take note of what I am saying the tobacco-farmers' organisations, but the and will instruct his officers to investigate results are not satisfactory to the farmers, the matter and give to the small-quota-holder who now find that they are faced with two some form of redress that he does not have alternatives: they can either forego the at present. tobacco quota completely-that is, allow it to lapse-and stay on their land and grow Only this morning I received news that a something else, or they can have their farms new industry, namely, stock-food produc­ sold by the banks to meet their commitments. tion, is to be established at Kairi by two people named Beaver and Mostyn, of Craig This is not merely supposition. I have Mostyn fame. This will give to tobacco seen letters from banks to the growers saying farmers who have passed on their quota the that as from a certain date the bank will opportunity of producing economically consider the farm as being for sale and will another product for which there is a market. make the necessary arrangements. That is a poor look-out for the farmer who has Mr. Muller: What is the nature of it? reared his family on the farm but is not permitted to transfer his tobacco quota and Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: The basis of it grow other crops on his property. It is easy has not been disclosed to me. I under­ to lose a farmer, but it is very difficult to stand that it contains fish meal and other obtain one. Once a farm gets the reputation foods necessary for stock. The hon. member that so-and-so went broke on it people shy for Fassifern probably knows what they are. clear of it. That is another reason for the It was mentioned over the air in the North drift from rural areas to the provincial and only this morning that this factory is to capital cities. be opened in the near future. Ample grain I cannot emphasise too greatly the need and pasture and fodder crops can be grown to amend the act. This is not only my in the area, because the Australian Labour own idea .. I have put this to the growers, Party provided the necessary water. It is the orgamsations, the department, and the there for all to use. Tobacco Leaf Marketing Board-! do not The Government could do much to improve think there is anybody else interested in it the lot of farmers in tobacco areas by adopt­ -and in each and every case there has been ing a more realistic approach to the cost agreement that something should be done. of water. When the first scale of charges But nothing is done. Unless the urgent need was drawn up, it was envisaged that farmers for this is driven home to the Minister the could grow as much tobacco as they wished industry wi]] be in a hopeless position. ' and the charges were based on one-third of We should not wait until next March. The the irrigable land on farms. Since then, Minister and his officers say there might be however, the position has altered completely. an increase in quotas next year. That will No longer are farmers allowed to grow happen only if the percentage is raised, and whatever they like, yet the charges for water who are we to say that it will be raised? have not been altered. I have repeatedly Yesterday I referred to the international asked the Minister to look into this situation, flavour associated with this matter when I but all that I have been able to obtain is quoted Mr. McEwen's statement that wool a statement that charges are about to be has a very serious influence on tobacco at reviewed. Nothing seems to be done in present. Therefore, we are not sure that favour of the farmer who is paying just there will be an increase in quotas. The as much for water now as he did initially. He Minister will no doubt admit that. If there is paying for water that he is not using is no extra leaf to go around, he will ask and does not want. Instead of assisting us to wait for another three or four years. farmers, water, which is the very life-blood of agriculture, is helping to make their A resolution was passed at the Darwin activities uneconomic. conference that the stabilisation plan be renewed. It could work. I am all for the Mr. Cobum: How much an acre-foot are ~ta~ilisation plan if it means security, but they charged? m Its present form it does not mean security for the small grower, and small growers Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: There are various comprise 60 per cent. of the tobacco­ charges, from $9 an acre-foot, depending growers in this State. One of the reasons on location. The charges are fixed on the I raise this matter over and over again is to basis of one-third of the irrigable land on impress on the Minister the urgent need to a farm. Although farmers are nDw allowed amend the Act and thus keep these small to grow only a restricted amount of leaf, farmers in North Queensland. their charges for water have not been altered. Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 419

I think this is another way in which the to its being put through in one day, as Government could help without very much other legislation is put through on occasions. trouble. Such action would get the scheme working and allow farmers to stay on their farms Mr. SPEAKER: Order! There is too much and produce the goods that are needed so audible conversation on my right. badly in North Queensland. Mr. W ALUS-SMITH: A review of charges to place them on a more satisfactory and Mr. LONERGAN (Flinders) (12.2 p.m.): sensible basis would assist the farmers. When Many parliamentary practices that have been I first entered this House and spoke for the handed down over the years are no longer tobacco farmers, I advocated a living area. in keeping with present-day thinking. But Now I speak for a living quota. Although there is one such practice to which I sub­ a quota has been established by the Gov­ scribe and which I think is good, provided ernment, it is not a living quota for 60 one is sincere. I join with other hon. per cent. of the growers. We heard here members in affirming my loyalty to Her the other day that 30 new farms are to Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. be established in the St. George irrigation Another custom that is well worth per­ area. I am speaking for 60 per cent. of petuating is that of commending the mover 580 farmers. and the seconder of the motion for the Mr. Waish: How would you define a adoption of the Address in Reply, and I sin­ living quota? cerely commend those two hon. members on this occasion. It was obvious that the mover Mr. W A.LUS-SMITH: I would define it of the motion, the hon. member fo~ Mul­ as a quota that would allow a farmer to grave had devoted a good deal of time to meet his financial commitments. The Min­ thought and research in the preparation of ister will confirm my statement that no quota his speech. The hon. member represents under 10 tons could be regarded as a living an agricultural area of the State, and there quota. There are, of course, areas in which, would not be an hon. member in the because of their location, production costs Chamber more competent than the hon. are higher. Although costs of production member for Mulgrave to speak on the many vary, I should say that 10 tons is the problems confronting the sugar industry absolute minimum at present. That is why today. He applies himself to his duties I have already said that aggregations of very conscientiously; in fact, I am afraid that quotas must not exceed 12 tons, which gives at times he drives himself too hard. How an extra 2 tons. If A, who has a quota different are the activities of most hon. of 5 tons, wanted to transfer to B, who members representing country electorates had a quota of 8 tons, that should not from those of hon. members f, om the metro­ be allowed becat1se the aggregate quota politan area, who are fortunate in having would exceed 12 tons. If A and B each had small electorates round which they can 5 tons, one could transfer to the other. travel without any great inconvenience to This is particularly applicable in areas that themselves. are no longer first-class tobacco soil. I also offer my congratulations to the hon. Many areas do not have first-class tobacco member for Chatswcrth, who made a speech soils. When people first took up land in very different from that of the hon. mem­ those areas, soil surveys were unheard of; ber for Mulgrave. His contribution to the now they are very important. Every farm debate was quite sound and, as usual, it in the district is surveyed and an assessment was obvious that he had devoted a good deal is made of the land-so many acres of of thought to it. Although at times I do first-class tobacco soil, so many acres of not agree with some of the things that the second-class tobacco soil, and so many acres hon. member for Chatsworth says, I always of soil unsuitable for tobacco. It would be give him credit for saying them; I appreciate very easy for the Minister to act on that his ability. information instead of hiding behind the As is to be expected in a debate such as statement that the suggested change will this, the comments of the various hon. result in trafficking in quotas. If he does members who have taken part in it have what I have suggested, more farmers will been many and varied. Almost every stay in the area, there will be a greater electorate throughout the length and diversity of farming, the correct type of breadth of Queensland has problems differ­ farming will be carried out on land that is ent from those of the adjoining electorate. not first-class tobacco soil and above all Some of the speeches from the Opposition the drift from rural areas to p;ovincial and benches, I will confess, were very interest· capital cities will be prevented to some ing, most outstanding being that of the hon. extent. member for Toowoomba \Vest and former I leave this thought with the Minister: act Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Duggan. He now, not in March 1968, as he is talking of has not lost any of his skill and I would doing, and do something to assist people say that he made a constructive speech. with small quotas. If it is necessary to When he got on to figures he was possibly bring down a Bill to amend the Act, I will a little confusing. Unless one had the oppor­ guarantee that all hon. members will agree tunity of comparing his figures with the 420 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply authorities from which he quoted, one did have done a better job. I will go even not know whether they were right or wrong. further and say that the hon. member for However, I pay him the compliment of Barcoo would have made a better job of accepting them as being correct, and his criticisino the Government for its efforts in speech can be described as the typical speech the field of education than did the hon. that one would expect from a leader. member for Toowoomba East. On the other hand, how different was the Before moving on, I should like to con­ speech made by the present Leader of the gratulate the newly-elected hon. member Opposition. He lacked all those things one for Roma, Mr. Ken Tomkins, on being would expect in a leader. I would class his elected to this Parliament. We have already speech as dull, lacking in imagination, and heard something of his background. He is utterly devoid of constructive thought. In following a very good member in the late fact, I could sum it up in a few words as a Bill Ewan. "typical Jack Houston speech." If I were a betting man-if I had a "flutter on the Most hon. members on both sides come ponies" at all-I would be willing to wager here conscientiously hoping to go a good that within a short space of time Jack Duggan job for their electors, and . quite possibly will again be Leader of the Opposition. We with a misguided idea of JUSt what they know, and every member of the Opposition can do. I am speaking as a member of knows-! am not being personal in this but the Government now. We very soon learn. speaking in a political sense-that the present If the hon. member for Roma does not Leader of the Opposition just does not already realise it, he will very soon learn measure up as the leader of a political party. the very little power any hon. member has in this House. However, I do not propose There are members in the right-wing group to develop that line of thought. Possibly opposite-! could refer to the hon. member at a later stage I may have more to say for Baroona, but by doing so I might on that subject. I feel sure that the hon. embarrass him because he is still young in member's stay here will be a long one. He years-who, unfortunately, are not acceptable brings to the House a wealth of knowledge to the left-wing group. Jack Houston is of land matters, and that is what we badly acceptable to them but lacks the ability to need. lead. In fact, if I summed it up in western terms, Jack could not lead ducks to water. I have already commented on the remarks of the hon. member for Mt. Gravatt. I I do not propose to devote a great deal of my now pass to the speech of the hon. member time to what other hon. members have said, for Isis, the Minister for Education. Pos­ but there were a couple of speeches from this sibly I am wrong in referring to it as a side of the Chamber that are worthy of speech; it might be more correct to re~er comment. The hon. member for Mt. Gravatt to it as a lesson to hon. members opposite. made a very good speech in reply to that of I am really amazed, and have been for a the hon. member for Toowoomba East, who, I long time, at their lack of knowledge of what am sorry to say, is not in the Chamber at the Department of Education is doing for the moment. However, even if he was, I Queensland. I agree with the Minister that would still say what I propose to say. the department is not perfect; it never will Obviously he has been selected as the shadow Minister for Education, and until I heard him be perfect, because with changing trends speak I thought he might have been a good in teaching what is accepted as sound prac­ selection. I might say in all sincerity that I tice today is obsolete in six or eight months' was really sorry for him, because I had time. credited him with knowing something about I enjoyed the hon. gentleman's speech the education system. Possibly I gave him too and I hope that he will circulate copies of much credit, because in all my life I have it to hon. members on this side of the House, never heard a worse speech-and believe me, as well as to hon. members on the other I have heard some bad ones. side, for their benefit and so as to restore I expected something better from this young confidence in parents, which has been under­ chappie. I am not going to term him a mined by certain people, many of whom, "day-old chick politically", as we were all for party-political purposes, have set out to that at some time or another. destroy confidence in our educational system. Mr. R. Jones: You have not improved. Mr. Hanlon: You must have something on your conscience. Mr. LONERGAN: The hon. member for Cairns says I have not improved. He will Mr. LONERGAN: I have a clear con­ have observed that at least I do not read science. The hon. member always has a my speeches whereas the hon. member even preoccupied worried look on his face. It reads his interjections. could be described as a frustrated look. I am unable to appreciate his difficulty and I do not propose to waste much time on embarrassment because I have never been the hon. member for Toowoomba East. I placed in a si~ilar position. We know he is am sorry for him. He was done a grave off-side with the "Moscow-house crowd", injustice by his Leader in being asked to otherwise he might have been boss-cocky. make a speech on education. I really believe that the hon. member for Maryborough could Mr. Hanlon: Your concern is touching. Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 421

Mr. LONERGAN: I think he would have In the three years up to December, 1966, made a good job of it. I think he would 660 names were deleted from the electoral have done better than the present incumbent; roll for Flinders. That is not a true indication that is not said in a personal sense. of the number of people who left the electorate because, in addition, large numbers I have touched on a few matters, some of of New Australians who did not bother to no great importance, I now wish to pass onto become naturalised or to enrol have left the other matters. In so doing, I should not area. like it to be thought that I am being parochial, as I will not be confining my Mr. Davies.: But you know that people are remarks to my electorate. I intend to refer leaving the country electorates to go to the to the whole of western Queensland and, cities. The hon. member for Gregory said in passing, I will mention one of my very that. able colleagues. Mr. LONERGAN: The hon. member for One of the gravest problems in western Maryborough has never been a help to me Queensland and central Queensland is the since I came here. He does not help his pronounced and alarming drift of people electorate, so how could he help me? from the country to the coastal areas. Over The figure I quoted gives some indication the years, many reasons have been advanced of the drift from the country to the cities. for this drift. I consider some of them to It is an unhealthy state of affairs. In the same be rather ridiculous, while, on the other hand, three-year period, 719 voters left the Gregory some have merit. One of the most frivolous electorate. This could be attributed to many came to my notice recently, namely, that factors. I do not know the answer. people in the West were denied TV. I do not think too many people would leave the Mr. R. Jones: You can't blame it on the West just because they cannot watch TV, Labour Government. although I believe that they should have it, and I will be happy to do anything I may Mr. LONERGAN: When Labour was in be able to do in my small way in assisting power, people in the country could not afford them to get it. the fare to leave. As I said, I do not know the remedy. There are other reasons for the drift. Towards the end of my speech I shall indicate The first one is the problem of finding jobs what I think could be done. But nothing will for school-leavers. That is the main problem; be done; in fact, my suggestion will not even it is very real. In western Queensland today be well received. our children can proceed to the secondary level of education, which they could never Another major reason for the drift, as I do when the A.L.P. was in Government. see it, is the reduction in the labour force in But where can they go from there? A very western Queensland brought about by the few of them may get jobs in offices or present drought. It is one of the worst stores, but there are no great prospects of droughts in living memory. I shall quote advancement despite their ability. Con­ figures from only one small local-government sequently, they must move to the coast. area, namely, Richmond Shire. In my Their parents sell up everything they have electorate I have four shire councils and one at give-away prices in the interests of their city council, and a conservative estimate puts children, and I commend them for doing so. the area's losses at 200,000 sheep. Even averaging them at as little as $3 a head, that The lack of opportunity must be coupled is $600,000, which is quite a large sum of with the high cost of living which, in the money in a small community. main, is brought about by the extortionate In addition, shearers are paid $20 a rail freights and fares inflicted on people hundred to shear sheep. Anybody who is in western Queensland. good at mental arithmetic can readily see Only last week-end the Treasurer and what that means to the shearers. In the space Deputy Premier, Mr. Chalk, was quoted of five or six months, shearers, station hands, in the Press as saying that the Liberal Party pressers, woolclassers, rouseabouts, and the hoped to bring down a policy that would like, will lose $40,000 in wages. Losses will appeal to country people-naturally they also be sustained by those who cart wool to would be Country Party supporters. I say to railway sidings. On the assumption that the the Deputy Premier, with all respect, that a wool would be transported by r£l.il and taking good way to start is to reduce rail freights and an average of 26 bales to the ton, my estimate fares. If he did that, he would be away to is 770 tons, which is one complete train-load a flying start. But it is hardly likely that will of wool. It must be apparent to all who be done because the Minister for Transport ponder those figures that the western districts is influenced to a great degree by the of Queensland have really suffered. Treasurer, who is an able man in the field The takings of business people in the of transport. No matter whether I disagree towns are well down, and there are no jobs with him or not, I give credit where credit available. If there had been normal seasons it due and say that he did a good job as and prices, graziers would now be carry­ Minister for Transport. However, that is ing out maintenance and improvements on beside the point. But that is one reason their properties, and possibly some would people are leaving western Queensland. be conserving fodder. None of that type of 422 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply work is being done. I know of only two I defy anyone to prove that what I say is properties in the West today on which fodder incorrect, bearing in mind the cost of rail conservation is being carried out. It is freight and labour. The coJt of labour not that graziers do not want to do these represents 38 per cent. of the return that the things; they simply have not the necessary grower receives for his wool. It is interest­ money. If it rained tomorrow, it would still ing to note that from 1963 to 1967 the be two years before many of the graziers· Consumer Price Index has risen by 13 per in the area had any money to spend. cent., and that the shearing rate has risen No-one there has any money now, and by 22 per cent. and the rate for station very few are able to go ahead in even a hands by 20 per cent. in the same period. very restricted way with some of the work I should not like it to be thought that I am that is badly needed but has been neglected quibbling about the higher wages being paid for years. to those men; the worker has only one thing to sell-his labour. But I say this to the Mr. Davies: Do you consider that there people concerned: "Don't destroy the indus­ has been sufficient financial help from the tries in the process of getting higher wages." Government in this direction in your area? Unless the people living in western Queensland are shown some consideration Mr. "LONERGAN: I am glad t~e hon. by way of a reduction in transport fees and member for Maryborough raised that sub­ rents, I do not say that area of the State ject. But for the drought-relief assistance will become a desert, but I do not know given by the State Government, western what will happen to it. The Minister for towns would have been in a very bad way Lands will have to change his thinking about indeed. Shed hands and station hands have areas, because many men on the land in the been looking for jobs, and drought-relief West have told me that it is quite impossible finance has been of great assistance to them. ·to make a living out of wool-growing and However, I take this opportunity to state that they will have to change to beef pro­ that we require more assistance, because the duction. Anyone who has had experience shearing season is virtually finished and there with sheep and cattle knows full well that it is no other work in sight. What those who is not possible to run cattle on a 40,000-acre need jobs are going to do, I do not know. block in western Queensland. What is going No doubt this plea will reach the ears to happen? of the Treasurer. That brings me to this point: in my elec­ The Main Roads Department and the torate, just outside McKinlay, a large pro­ Townsville Regional Electricity Board are perty named Eulolo is being resumed. Some spending huge sums of money in the West. years ago, when I heard what the boundaries Without that expenditure by those authorities, were to be, I thought that the blocks were western Queensland would be dead. I would far too small-35,000 acres up -to 50,000 not care to say how many men are employed acres-and I brought the matter very by the local authority in Richmond on road forcibly under the notice of the Minister. I work. I was speaking in Hughenden to a suggested that the blocks should be member of the Flinders Shire Council who resurveyed and that there should not be informed me that more than 70 men were any under 55,000 acres because, in my employed in road work in that shire. That opinion-! may be pessimistic; I should like is quite a large number for a small com­ to think that I am realistic-there is no munity. Although we are very appreciative future for wool-growing in that area. That of what the Government has done, I urge is in spite of the opinion expressed by a very the granting of more assistance so that m~n learned man who should kno-.v· more about can remain in western towns and maintain the wool industry than I do, Mr. LeCouteur, their wives and children. the general manager of Australian Mer­ If there were good seasons for the next cantile, Land and Finance Co. Ltd. I had five years, what impact would that have the opportunity of reading his book last on far western Queensland with wool prices week-end-it is quite a good one-and I as they are today? The major industries in propose to quote one paragraph from it that Australia are wool and beef, neither of which appeared in "Queensland Country Life" on receives one cent assistance by way of sub­ 6 July this year. Mr. LeCouteur said- sidy from the Commonwealth Government. "The world requires more wool. Aus­ Those industries have to compete on the tralia has the capacity to grow more wool; open market and take what they can get it has the markets to absorb the gradually for their products, increasing volume. It is interesting to note that the average "Australia is a producer of apparel-type price of greasy wool in 1955-56 was 46.50 wool fibre of outstanding quality, and this cents a lb. At the wool sales just com­ is the fibre the world is seeking." pleted there was a further drop of 5 per If that is so, what have we a Wool cent., and the price of greasy wool has now Promotion Board for? Why does the con­ reached the shockingly low level of 46 cents sumption of wool amount to only 9 per a lb. No-one in Western Queensland can cent in Australia? Why do the growers pay make a living out of wool-growing at that $2.50 a bale for the promotion of wool if price. there is such a market for wool? Those are Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 423 questions that not only I should like so far as western and northern Queensland answered but many of my friends in western are concerned. On the other hand, let Queensland as well-the people I have us assume that one was appointed. already mentioned who are going out of wool Mr. Davies: Assume you were appointed. into cattle. Mr. LeCouteur goes on to say- Mr. LONERGAN: I would be con­ "A price subsidy to the woolgrower scientious but I would achieve nothing. would be undesirable in the long term Make no mistake about that. What and unsound for the economy in principle would be the position if I said, "We want and practice. But the causes of cost of a road up Cape York Peninsula."? The production inflation can be dealt with Minister for Mines and Main Roads would internally. Productivity, not protection, say, "You are intruding into my domain." should be the objective." All I could do would be to see the position for myself and then come back and make I should like to know how they are going a recommendation to Cabinet. In fact, I to improve production. Over the past 10 would be only another highly-paid tourist. years the average weight of a clip of wool When I say "highly-paid tourist" I am not has increased by about 2 lb., and, even if we reflecting in any way on present Ministers, did produce more, our costs are based largely but that is all that a Minister for Northern on supply and demand. It is all right Development would be. for this gentleman, whose opinion I value, to say these things. On this occasion I think Another factor that has brought about he is well astray. It is not working out a drift to the city is the closing of the in practice. railway workshops in my area. This is a hardy annual with me; it is something I The article goes on to say- feel very strongly about. I can appreciate "Mr. LeCouteur does not spare the the need to transfer running staff if there pessimists in his book." is no work for them. If they cannot be Possibly I would be one. He says­ gainfully employed they must go, whether "Some of their comments about wool's we like it or not. I do not like to see future perhaps reveal a loss of determina­ anyone go. No doubt what I am saying tion to succeed in the face of difficulty." applies to Cairns, too. I am surprised that the hon. member for Cairns did not go into I suggest to this gentleman that he should this matter in more detail. When work go into central and western Queensland and can be done just as efficiently in one centre ~ee what his reception would be if he told as in any other centre it is quite wrong wool-growers out there-men who have been that people in the first centre should be battling with drought for years, or even the taken away from their homes. We know ones with grass on their properties--how what is behind it. Messrs. Ford, Bacon they could increase production, and how and Davis recommended it. increased production will increase the price of wool. In my short experience I have There is the old saying, "There'll be found that persons whom we would expect another day." I hope at a later stage in to be authorities on particular industries are this session to have an opportunity to say usually the worst informed. What would what I want to say on this subject. be the position tomorrow if I, or any other (Time expired.) member of this House, was a primary pro­ ducer or wool-grower and went along to Mr. SULLIVAN (Condamine) (12.42 p.m.): A.M.L. & F. Co. Ltd. and asked for a loan I am pleased to have the opportunity to to tide me over a difficult period? I would reaffirm my loyalty and the loyalty of my be told, "We are very sorry; we have no electors to Her Most Gracious Majesty, money," or "There is no great future in the Queen Elizabeth II. wool industry." I would certainly agree I take the opportunity to express my with that. appreciation of the work being done in Another matter on which I should like to Queensland by His Excellency, Sir Alan touch briefly is decentralisation in western Mansfield and his good lady. I am sure Queensland. it is very pleasing to all Queenslanders that our first gentleman and lady are Queens­ Mr. Newbery: What do you think about landers who are doing such a fine job for the setting up of a Ministry of Northern this State. Development? I join with other hon. members in con­ gratulating the mover (the hon. member for Mr. LONERGAN: That is an excellent Mulgrave) and the seconder (the hon. member interjection from this side of the House. for Chatsworth) of the motion for the Since the question has been asked-! have adoption of the Address in Reply. We never evaded anything in my life-I think naturally expect sound contributions from it would be a sheer waste of public money hon. members of their calibre. The hon. if this Government or the Federal Govern­ member for Mulgrave is a man of vast ment appointed such a Minister. It would experience, and now one of the old hands be an admission that our Ministers and the in this Chamber. His contributions are Federal Ministers have not done their jobs always full of meat and well received. 424 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Although a newer member, the hon. member hon. member should not talk about dis­ for Chatsworth certainly has a future in this gruntled people at Roma. We had solid­ Parliament. I think he has proved that anty, but the poor fellow who had to carry on the occasions we have heard him. the banner for the Labour Party had a vote It is a privilege to express my delight at of no-confidence passed against him. I men­ having the new hon. member for Roma, tion that only to indicate that we are very Mr. Ken Tomkins, take his place in this happy with our man. House to represent the people of the Roma The hon. member for Flinders, who has electorate. After the death of the late Mr. just resumed his seat, referred to some of Ewan and prior to the Roma by-election the comments made by the hon. member for it was my privilege, at the Premier's request, Toowoomba East in his attack on our edu­ to look after the affairs of the people of cation system. Yesterday, it was refreshing that electorate. During that time I got to everyone to hear the Minister for Educa­ to know the people of the Roma electorate tion, Honourable J. C. A. Pizzey, answer and became acquainted with many of their some of the criticisms levelled at him, both problems. At the same time I became very personally and also at our education system. aware of the wonderful work done by the I think most of us are aware that over the late Bill Ewan for the people of that area. last 12 months a personal attack has been It was very pleasing to learn of their apprecia­ levelled against the Minister for Education, tion of his efforts. as it is known that, on the retirement of the Mr. Melloy: You nearly lost the by­ P'remier, Mr. Pizzey will become the new election. Premier. For political purposes a designed attempt has Mr. SULUVAN: What a silly interjection. been made at destroying the image that Mr. It is in keeping with the hon. member who Pizzey has developed both here and over­ interjected. We won in a canter, and I will overseas. We condemn those who launched tell the hon. member why. this attack, which is designed to destroy the The people of the Roma electorate were Minister's image before he becomes Premier. very pleased with the man who was nomin­ In the eyes of many hon. members in this ated by the Country Party. I said at the House, and of the people of Queensland­ time-and I am pleased to repeat my state­ the many thousands who really appreciate ment-that in my memory I knew of no the job he has done as Minister for Educa­ political party which had nominated a candi­ tion-he stands 10 ft. tall. The day the date who was better qualified for a particular present Premier of Queensland, Mr. Nicklin, electorate. As those who have met him vacates his position, he can shed his shoes get to know him better, they will realise knowing that Jack Pizzey can step straight the truth of my prediction. into them, as he has the qualifications. There is no need for me to say anything more in The hon. member for Roma has had vast answer to the criticism levelled at the Min­ experience in the pastoral industry, in land ister for Education by the hon. member for development, in graziers' organizations and Toowoomba East, as I believe the Minister many other organizations, and in the local did pretty well in his reply yesterday. authority field, being chairman of a shire council. Such a wide experience fits him Through you, Mr. Speaker, I should like exceedingly well to represent an electorate. to say something to the hon. member for What I liked most was what I heard from Toowcomba East. Some 12 months ago, people whom he had previously employed. I when I was not present in the Chamber, met between 15 and 20 of them, and they the hen. member referred to the fact that aH spoke very highly of him as an employer. I had said that I kept in close contact with He indeed possesses wonderful qualifications, the schools and teachers in my electorate. and the Government is very fortunate in The hon. member said that he had been having a man with such a vast experience to acting head-teacher at Chinchilla for a period take over from the late Mr. Ewan. and that during that time I did not call at the school. For some reason he raised it In the Roma by-election there was solid­ in his speech again the other day. Again arity within the Country Party. We held a I did not happen to be in the Chamber, plebiscite and when the Premier went out but I read the proof of his speech. to open the campaign the two defeated can­ didates in the plebiscite attended the meeting It is true that during the time he was and indicated their support for the acting head-teacher at Chinchilla I did not chosen candidate. Things were a little differ­ call at the school while he was present. ent with the Opposition's candidate. When I go to Chinchilla for a day's business I have a pretty busy time and I endeavour Mr. Bennett: Didn't a disgruntled Country to call on the head-teacher, for hi~ con­ Party plebiscite candidate stand against Mr. venience as well as mine, either before or Tomkins as an Independent? after school hours. When the hon. member for Toowoomba East was acting head-teacher Mr. SULLIVAN: What about the dis­ there, I called at the school on two occasions gruntled men in the Labour Party'? They after school hours-and not very long after moved a vote of no-confidence in their can­ -but he was not there. I was talking to didate and then they let him stand. The the bus operator just before I went in at Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 425

20 to 4. That is the story. Anyway, whether done in the field of education in their areas. I contacted him when he was acting head­ Their children are benefiting very much teacher or not does not matter very much, from it. because I suggest that the hon. member The hon. member for Aubigny spoke in cannot tell me of any town of similar size part of his speech of what is being done, in Queensland that has better educational and, after all, he was Minister for Educa­ facilities. We have everything there that tion in the previous Government. He said we want. Apparently the hon. member had he was concerned about the establishment no problems on which he needed to seek of a high-school top at Bell, and considered my advice, so I do not know why he should that it would have been better to enlarge bother to raise the matter here on a couple the high school at Dalby to accommodate of occasions. the children from Bell. I think the Minister Mr. P. Wood: I am sorry if I hurt your for Education well understands the position, feelings. because I discussed the situation with him on the spot. Whilst it may have been all Mr. SULLIV AN: The hon. member did right to bring children 25 miles from Bell not hurt my feelings. to Dalby, I pointed out to the Minister before I attended a meeting in Chinchilla the the decision in this matter was made that other day at which I spoke to some railway­ children travel to Bell from areas 25 miles men who are affected by redundancy. I beyond it, which means that they would shall refer to this matter later on. Many have to travel 50 miles to reach Dalby, or a of them are hard-working railway fellows, round trip of 100 miles a day. The people but they were pretty discouraged-- of the Bell district are very grateful for the decision to- provide secondary education at Mr. Houston: You have changed your Bell. views. At the week-end I went to the trouble of making a comparison between the Junior Mr. SULUVAN: The Leader of the examination results obtained by children at Opposition should have been present to Bell and other small high-to-ps and by those hear what the hon. member for Flinders attending larger schools, and I found that had to say about him. I warn the Leader the former compared admirably with the of the Opposition that he is only keeping latter. I know that I am expressing the that seat warm until the return to that position sentiments of the people I represent when of the hon. member for Toowoomba West. I thank the Minister for Education and his These people told me they were appalled department for what has been done in the at the criticism levelled at our education development of education in the Condamine system by the Queensland Teachers' Union electorate. No doubt what has been done and members of the A.L.P. and their sup­ there follows the pattern throughout the porters. One man said to me, "You know, State. it is shocking the things these people do. For those reasons, I thought it was high I have been working in the railways all my time the Minister for Education put the real life and it is because of the policy of the story before the people of Queensland, and previous Labour Government that my children this he did yesterday in answering his critics were denied a good education." This has in no uncertain way. Any damage that been said in the House before. He referred may have been done was thrown back into to a report of a meeting held in Toowoomba the hands of those who have tried to destroy at which the hon. member for Toowoomba his image. West, Mr. Duggan, said some years ago, "We don't want to upbuild the education I now wish to speak about the grain system, because once we educate the young industry. It is a large, fast-developing people we stand a great chance of losing indus.try, particularly wheat and barley­ them from the Labour Party." This has growmg. A fast-developing rural industry been said before in this House. undoubtedly creates some problems, and those engaged in grain-growing are con­ Mr. DUGGAN: I rise to a point of cerned, particularly this year, about the order. In view of the gravity of the state­ handling of the crop. Last year a record ment made bv the hon. member for Conda­ crop of wheat, approaching 34,000,000 mine, I consider he should cite his authority bushels, was grmvn in Queensland, as well before he proceeds. His remarks are offensive as 7,000,000 bushels of barley. The Wheat to me personally, and they are untrue. Board is the handling authority for the Barley Marketing Board and the Central Queensland Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The words used by Grain Sorghum Marketing Board. For that the hon. member for Condamine are offen­ reason, there is a real need for more bulk sive to the hon. member for Toowoomba storage for the increasing grain crop. West, and therefore they must be withdrawn. [Sitting suspended from I to 2.15 p.m.] Mr. SULLIVA.N: If the words are offensive, I withdraw them. My point is Mr. SULI.IVAN: Before the recess for that these people are very aware and lunch I had begun to outline to the House appreciative of what this Government has the expansion that is taking place in the 426 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY} Address in Reply wheat industry, in particular, and in the same thing applies to Victoria. Although growing of other grains, such as barley and that State has only a fraction of the rail sorghum. mileage that we have in Queensland, its There is quite a lot of concern among crop was about four times as large as ours. grain growers about rising costs in the I suppose we could say that the develop­ industry. As hon. members know, I am a ment of the grain industry into marginal wheat farmer, and as more than one-third of areas was brought about by seasonal con­ the total Queensland crop of 34,000,000 ditions last year, which were suitable for bushels of wheat is grown in my electorate­ wheat-growing. A number of people, having in fact, about 12,670,000 bushels-and a endured many years of drought and having considerable proportion of the barley crop, lost stock-and with stock not available I suppose it might be expected that I would for restocking-have turned wheat farmers raise some objection to the present freight and have made quite a go of it, with the rates. The people of Queensland are aware result that they have been able to re-establish that the Country-Liberal Government is a themselves very quickly. Having done this, responsible Government, and if freight rates and having found that the wheat industry are increased, I believe that I, as a member is fairly prosperous at the present time, they of the Government, must accept my share are prepared to stay with it and extend still of the responsibility. It is pleasing to note further. This, of course, increases the prob­ that, although freight rates have been lem of handling the crop. increased, expansion in the industry has made necessary the provision of more and better The Government has been criticised in rolling-stock and more bulk storage. Because certain places for not making more money of that, I think that wheat farmers are well available for the bulk storage of grain. aware that the Government is doing some­ These critics think that the Government thing to assist them in that regard. Contracts should supply the money but, as was men­ have been let for the construction of 50 tioned by the Minister for Education (Mr. aluminium bulk-grain wagons with a capacity Pizzey) when he opened the Grain-growers' of 32 tons each, and they will cost about Conference in Toowoomba the other day, $570,000. In addition, 125 coal-hoppers have there is no vault full of money under the been converted at a cost of about $60,000, Treasury. I believe that the industry has and tenders have been called for a further to face up to supplying its own storage 75 wagons, each of 32 tons capacity. On the as has been done by the sugar industry over basis that 50 wagons cost $570,000, one the years. Loan finance has been made could say that 75 should cost about another available to that industry, and provided its $800,000. Admittedly the Railway Depart­ own storage. ment is earning more and taking more in As a wheat farmer representing a wheat­ freight from wheat farmers; but I think it is farming electorate, I believe that grain only fair to mention that it is spending quite growers also are becoming aware of the need a large proportion of that additional revenue for this. The Government, through the in an endeavour to assist grain growers. Treasurer, has this year extended the loan­ I commend the grain-growers' organisation, raising authority of the Wheat Board, for and particularly its president, Mr. Les Price, the purpose of building storage facilities, to for the very good case that was submitted to $1,200,000, and the Treasurer has indicated the Premier and the Treasurer for a reduction that he is prepared to lend the board in rail freights. It was pointed out in that $7,000,000 over the ensuing three years. case that rail freights in other Australian However, with the expansion that is taking States are lower than in Queensland. When place I believe that more money is required, I was in Sydney and Melbourne earlier this and fairly quickly. I believe that we wheat year with the Minister for Transport, I dis­ farmers ourselves have a responsibilitiy. I cussed this question with the Commissioners talked this over with many grain growers and for Railways, the Ministers for Transport, discovered that they are prepared to do and other Ministers. It became fairly obvious something to help themselves. that in those States, because of the volume of traffic on the railways, because of the Some years ago there was a growers' higher revenue resulting from a larger popula­ levy for storage of 2d. a bushel. A few tion, motor vehicle registrations, and other years ago it was reduced to one-tenth of a cent a bushel. I believe that at the matters associated with general revenue, present time we are not making a big enough freight rates can be subsidised. The Premier contribution towards providing storage for has informed me that Queensland is not yet ourselves. I believe that is also the thinking able to do that. That is why wheat and other of most wheat farmers because, if the Wheat grain freights are lower in those States. Board has not sufficient storage to take the New South Wales, for instance, has only crop at railhead, then it is necessary for about 230 miles more railway line than the farmer to provide his own storage. This Queensland has, but last year New South presents problems. Firstly, there is the Wales hauled more than 6t times the quantity capital outlay involved; secondly, the weevil of wheat that we in Queensland did. With the infestation that the farmer is required to volume that New South Wales hauls, it can fight against; and thirdly-and possibly this afford to do it at a lower charge. The is the most important of all-there is the' Address in Reply (7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 427 fact that until such time as the wheat is the deputation that approached him that the delivered to the board, the farmer is not Government would examine freight rates. paid for it. Although I am aware of what the Govern­ I believe that consideration should be given ment is spending on rolling-stock to help the by the Wheat Board to increasing the levy, wheat industry, I hope that every considera­ I should say at least back to the 2c that it tion will be given to the volume of the crop was before. I have heard some farmers grown with a view to a reduction in freight say it should be as much as 5c or 6c a rates. bushel. I discussed this matter with the The hon. member for Flinders expressed Treasurer as recently as yesterday to see concern at the costs that face the wool whether the Government could authorise the industry. Those of us in primary industry Queensland State Wheat Board to do this. have always worked this way: if one industry It has been suggested by growers that if is in trouble and another is prosperous, this money is not made available by levy possibly one can balance the other. I _agree it might be forthcoming by loans from the entirely with the hon. member for Flmders farmers themselves. This is one way of that with a depressed wool market con­ getting more finance for the Wheat Board sideration should be given to reducing to provide storage. freight rates, road taxes and the other costs Various arguments have been advanced that the wool growers have to meet. about where the storage should be provided. I sincerely hope that the hon. member's Some say increased storage facilities should plea on behalf of the people he represents be developed at Pinkenba. At the present does not fall on deaf ears. A week or so ago time the storage at Pinkenba is something of I was in Cunnamulla, Thargomindah, and .the nature of 2,250,000 bushels. More other western centres where I discussed this storage may be necessary at Pinkenba, par­ matter with several graziers. Only the week ticularly in view of the fact that the Wheat before they had suffered a big drop in the Board is the handling authority for barley price of wool. After the years of drought and grain sorghum. However, I think the they had experienced we have a definite main expansion of storage should be in the responsibility to assist them in some way, growing area itself. After all, the wheat­ not only in freight rates, but perhaps also harvesting season is not a very long one, and by having another look at their rentals and it is important that we avoid hold-ups at similar matters. I support to the full the wheat dumps. This is something that cannot plea made by the hon. member for Flinders be done in one, two or three years; it is on behalf of these people. something that we have to work towards gradually. Any great expansion of storage, I come now to a matter that I wish I believe, should take place in the growing particularly to bring to the notice of Ll-te area, with a sufficient stockpile of grain at House, namely, redundancy in the railways Pinkenba to meet the requirements of the because of dieselisation. Redundancy is available shipping. occurring in my electorate at Chinchilla. Early last week I discussed this matter with Only a few weeks ago, the general man­ the Combined Railway Unions. They are ager of the Railway Department in Too­ very concerned, and some anomalies have woomba, Mr. Mendoza, assured me that if arisen. I also discussed the matter with this were done the railways could handle up Mr. Mendoza, who had met a deputation to three times as much wheat as we are from the Combined Railway Unions and producing at the present time. It was sug­ informed them of his proposals. He suggested gested at the grain-growers' conference in that if they could advance any better Dalby that the Railway Department provide proposals he would consider them. That is a double track from Toowoomba to fair enough. Brisbane. Hon. members can imagaine the expenditure that would be involved in that. I hope these anomalies are brought to the As Mr. Mendoza assures me that the rail­ Minister's attention. Men who have lived ways can handle three times the present crop, in Chinchilla for 20 years, with growing I think it will be some time before a double families and their own homes, have been track between Toowoomba and Brisbane is notified that they are to be transferred, yet needed. single men living in quarters, and doing the same jobs~rivers, guards, and so on­ I have dealt with some of the problems are being retained. The single men have facing this great industry. I have mentioned indicated that they are quite willing to go that costs within the industry are high, par­ elsewhere so that the married men can ticularly for people coming into it as new remain there. This matter should be investi­ farmers. Their capital outlay for machinery, gated in fairness to the men who have lived clearing and all that kind of thing is rather there for years and are part of the com­ high. As we expand and the crop increases, munity. If they sell their homes they will we should have another look at the freight sell them on a buyer's market and, if they rate. Last year the freight increase was go to Toowoomba or elsewhere, they will be worked out on 17,000.000 bushels; in fact, buying on a seller's market. we produced 34,000,000 bushels. In fram­ ing the Budget, Cabinet should take this fact Mr. Houston: Your Government is not into consideration. The Premier promised worried about those people. 428 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Mr. SULLIVAN: I do not want the hon. increased to its peak in 1956-57, during the gentleman to make this a political matter. I time of a Labour Government. Since 1956-67 am making a plea on behalf of these men at the production and marketing expenses of Chinchilla. wool have increased quite substantially until at the moment they have reached a record The general manager of the Railway high level. At no stage did they recede. Since Department is prepared to investigate any 1956-67 prices have slumped, and in 1958-59 case that is advanced, and I have told the they reached their lowest level. At the men that I would bring their plight to the present time they are a little above the trough notice of the Minister for Transport. I am of 1958-59. This graziers' Government, as sure we will be able to do something to help Government members call it, surely cannot them. feel proud about what it has done for the The hauling of the wheat crop in that area wool industry, which is supposed to be repre­ is regarded as a seasonal occupation for the sented by members like the previous speaker, railways, but with the expansion in the grain whose submissions confirmed what was said industry it is no longer a seasonal occupation. by the hon. member for Flinders. By the time we harvest this year's crop the As usual, I express my allegiance to Her Wheat Board will be hard put to it to clear Majesty the Queen. I well reflect with happy last year's grain from the bulk stores. From memory the occasion when, as Vice Mayor the point of view of the railways, I emphasise of Brisbane, I played some part in entertain­ that wheat hauling is no longer a seasonal ing Her Majesty at the Royal Ball. Having occupation but an all-year-round job. spoken to her on that occasion, I know that In the Wandoan area, which the hon. she would be ever conscious of the standards member for Roma knows only too well, the of this State and of the sovereignty of this Wandoan branch line ranks third highest for Parliament. On reflection, I consider that she railway truckings in the State; in one year, surely must be embarrassed by what has hap­ it was the highest. Those are some of the pened in recent times with her counsellors facts that I wish to put before the House, and advisers in this State. As a member of Parliament I feel humiliated by their conduct. particularly the Minister for Transport, in Share sharks and deceivers like Stanley support of the plea of the railwaymen at Korman and his fellow directors are now Chinchilla. rightly serving terms of imprisonment Mr. Newton: What have you done with the because they misled their shareholders. The Roma-Injune line? Has it been sold yet? directors of this State, in the persons of the Premier, the Deputy Premier, and other Mr. SULLIVAN: If the hon. member wants senior Cabinet Ministers, owe a greater meas­ to make it rough, I point out that we do not ure of integrity to their shareholders, the tax­ do the things that the Labour Government payers of Queensland, than do ordinary did. We do not indulge in the wholesale company directors, and in that regard this sacking of people. In 1956 or 1957 the State has been sadly Jet down. Labour Government of the day sacked 2,124 I feel that in matters of State, and those men in one go. affecting the integrity of Parliament, the Mr. Houston: You know that is not true. Government and Cabinet, only statements that are absolutely true should be made to Mr. SULLIVAN: That is not true? "Han­ the people who should know, and are sard" shows what the Treasurer of the day entitled to know, the truth. I feel that said. The Government sacked 416 forestry if it is good enough for Stanley Korman and employees, 508 irrigation employees, 300 other deceivers to be charged before courts public works employees, 500 railway employ­ of law, no person, whether he be a ees, and 400 building workers. They were all parliamentarian, Cabinet Minister, or sacked because of lack of funds. I am making ordinary citizen, should be above the law. a plea on behalf of the railway workers in If such a person is entitled, in the process Chinchilla. of law, to a fair trial, the Minister for (Time expired). Justice has not only an obligation to the people of the State to take the necessary Mr. DUGGAN: I rise to a point of order. legal proceedings but also an obligation to The hon. member for Condamine said that the suspect to give him this opportunity. the sacking to which he referred was done by an A.L.P. Government in 1956 or 1957. Mr. Aikens: What if they go into the In fact, those employees were sacked after witness box and claim privilege and refuse the defeat of the A.L.P. Government in to give evidence? 1957, and that is recorded in "Hansard". Mr. BENNETf: I shall deal with that. It Mr. BENNETT (South Brisbane) (2.36 is rather strange that the hon. member for p.m.): It was rather interesting to listen to Townsville South continues to hark back to the hon. member for Condamine, who brags the royal commission into affairs associated that he is a proud member of the United with the National Hotel. It is equally sig­ Graziers' Association. I have with me the nificant that that royal commission involved latest publication issued by that association, in its confined terms of reference, among dated August, 1967. It contains a graph which other things, an investigation into the shows that from 1954-55 the wool price promiscuous conduct of some top-level men Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 429 with girls at the National Hotel, and the I do not believe it is good law-nor do I Minister in charge of police administration believe it is the law-that any person can at that time was none other than the hon. hold up the business of Parliament by issuing member for Wavell. It is little wonder that a writ from the Supreme Court of this State the evidence was prepared in the manner in or any other State. That is not the law. which it was and gerrymandered by Detective I do not ask hon. members to accept my Sergeant Tony Murphy before witnesses opinion on this subject; I merely invite them ever entered the witness box. to get an independent opinion from any practising member of the Bar in Queensland. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The hon. member If need be, they can get the opinion of a is imputing improper motives to a member "silk"-not that his opinion is better than of Parliament and Cabinet. I ask him to that of the average lawyer, as a rule. If withdraw his remarks. hon. members want a Queen's counsel to give an opinion about the Queen's Parlia­ Mr. BENNETT: I was not imputing any ment, then I invite them to get such an improper motives at all; I merely related opinion on this matter, because the situation what Detective Sergeant Tony Murphy did. is becoming serious when one individual can He interrogated all the witnesses before they thumb his nose at every parliamentarian, even entered the witness box. and at Parliament itself, in this State. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The hon. member It is even more tragic and prejudicial if a has imputed improper motives, and I ask member of the community or a member of him to withdraw his statements. the Public Service can, for ulterior motives, issue a writ to prevent free and proper dis­ Mr. BENNETT: I do withdraw them, cussion in this House, and that has happened although I was not aware that I was imputing within the last three years. I have photo­ improper motives. Speaking as a historian stat copies of evidence to support my claim. and one who has been a member of this There was a matter in recent times affect­ House for some time, I merely say that ing the very kernel of police administration perhaps it is purely coincidental that the in this State, and I began to raise it in the then Minister in charge of the Police Force House. A writ for defamation was issued was the present member for Wave!!. That against me personally by the Commissioner is all I say. I do not know whether that has of Police. I entered an appearance and any sinister significance or not. endeavoured to force the matter to trial as quickly as possible so that the authenticity Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The hon. member of my claims and the integrity of the plaintiff cannot gloss over statements such as the ones could be dealt with properly in court. It took that he has made by adding to them. He has the best part of two years-I do not blame withdrawn them, and that is all I want. the courts for this, because there are many reasons for it that I do not wish to explore Mr. BENNETT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. at the moment-to get the case on the list I am pleased that you appear to be very and get it ready for trial. I was not the sensitive, as I am, about the sovereignty of plaintiff; I was the defendant. I was battling Parliament. All responsible members have to clear the air, as a defendant, by using all an obligation to preserve that sovereignty, my best endeavours, through my solicitor and they should look in a very sceptical writing to the Registrar of the court, to have fashion at the conduct of any person who the matter brought on for tri.al. Eventually, tries to deride Parliament. The day that that after that long lapse during which my lips happens will be the end of democratic govern­ were sealed in this House-- ment in this State. Mr. Smith: Had it been entered for trial? Whilst you have given a ruling, Mr. Speaker, which I respect and do not chal­ Mr. BENNETT: It came up and was lenge, as is my wont, as a lawyer I entered for trial. feel that in a debate such as this I am entitled to refer to what I believe is the law Mr. Smith: That is when it should have and, if it is not, suggest that it be amended been sub judice, not before. to conform to what I consider to be justice and, more importantly, the inviolability of Mr. BENNETT: It was ruled that the Parliament among Crown instrumentalities. matter was sub judice. I am not trying to I do not think that Parliament should be capitalise on that point; I am dealing with subservient to any court in this State. My people who issue writs in this way. belief is that it is not. I also believe that When the case was ready for trial and no person should be able to issue a writ out I was prepared to defend myself, feeling of the Supreme Court not for any bona-fide confident that I would be successful, the reason but merely to stifle free and proper plaintiff-the Commissioner of Police-filed discussion in this House. That happens a notice of discontinuance and I was power­ too often in this State. We have even seen less to do anything to have the matter on occasions a person issue a writ, speak on properly tried in court. I asked for costs, the matter himself, and then complain if and the plaintiff paid my full costs because anybody else deals with it. he knew he would be ordered to do so if he 430 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply did not consent. I have a photostat copy Mr. BENNETT: Yes, I agree. In effect, of the cheque that he paid for those costs; the claim about contempt of court is purely I have a photostat copy of the notice of artificial because, in fact, it could never hap­ discontinuance. There was an allegedly pen. Admittedly it is referred to on a responsible member of the Public Service theoretical basis in any case, as the hon. holding up the business of Parliament for member for Windsor has said, in May. the best part of two years and holding the In civil matters-and, after all, defamation courts in c011tempt with an action that he cases are only civil matters; in the main, never intended to proceed with. That the vast majority of them are only hoaxes happens far too often, Mr. Speaker, and and foxing actions that clutter up the business something should be done about it. to the court, and something must be done I might mention another matter, in which about it-if a plaintiff abuses the court by I was involved but to which I was not a issuing a writ in order to stifle discussion, party, in which the same person issued a '\\Tit he should be ordered to pay heavy damages that had the effect of stifling discussion in unless he proceeds with his writ. this Parliament. In that case, not only did Mr. Hanlon: He is more in contempt he file notice of discontinuance-incidentally, of court than anybody else. when that is done a defendant cannot in any Mr. BENNETI: Of course. way proceed to bring the matter to trial­ but he paid the defendant woman's full costs I did not intend to raise these matters and, in addition, paid her damages. Yet we because of certain rulings in this Parliament. in Parliament, representing the community­ I want to deal with some other aspects of the taxpayers-and supposedly conducting administration in Cabinet about which my the affairs of the State properly, have our hands are tied and explain my position not tongues tied by skulduggery of that nature. because I have been humiliated but, on behalf of Parliament, I feel that this matter Mr. Aikens: Now you are talking sense­ needs airing. I say it is a shocking thing for the first time this week. that a man who, as a public servant, outside of Cabinet and outside of this Parliament, Mr. BENNETT: It is the first time I have is charged with the responsibility of enforc­ spoken this week. ing the law and making people obey it. I realise that many Parliaments, and in is himself handling it contemptuously and particular this Parliament, follow fairly without any respect for it, abusing this closely Erskine May's "Parliamentary Prac­ Parliament and the courts as well. tice", the latest edition of which in this House However, to get on to the point raised is the 17th edition. Of course, Erskine by the hon. member for Windsor, civil actions, May's original edition has been changed such as defamation actions, are not sub considerably over the years, and the latest judice until they are set down for trial, and, edition has been edited by Sir Barnett Cocks, of course, the issuing of a writ does not K.C.B., O.B.E., Clerk of the House of put an action in the position of being set Commons. down for trial. Long pleadings have to be In the first place, my observation about delivered in the iterim and a statement of Erskine May is that in many Parliaments, claim has to be filed in the Registry of including the House of Commons, it is the Supreme Court, long before the matter honoured more in the breach than in the is set down for trial. observance. Very often the House of Com­ mons follows Erskine May when the ruling, Mr. Aikens: Mr. Speaker ruled differently according to May, is acceptable to it, but this morning. completely ignores and disregards May when Mr. BENNETI: I am not challenging the ruling is embarrassing to it. In any Mr. Speaker's ruling. The hon. member case, at page 454 of the latest edition, under knows how I get along with Mr. Speaker. the heading "Matters pending judicial deci­ A matter does not become sub judice, sion", May says in effect that when criminal according to May, until it is set down for proceedings are pending then, in effect, the trial. It will be found, as I have found with matter is sub judice so far as Parliament the C-Ommissioner of Police, that some people is concerned and it would be in contempt who is~ue a writ do not even file a statement of court to discuss the matter. of claim setting out particulars of the cause When we speak of contempt of court, I of action. do not know how, in practice, Parliament I am rather sorry to think that Parliament could be in contempt. We rely on many --quite consciously, I will admit-has legal forms and solemnities that are purely been deceived by the intrigue and methods artificial and cannot be enforced factually, of these men who can use Parliament for because if any judge was to commit this their own purposes. I hope the time will come Parliament for contempt he would be a when that practice is stopped. I have a High very courageous man; in any case, his com­ Court authority which says that in these cir­ mission could be withdrawn. cumstances such matters are not sub judice. Mr. Aikens: Do you know that the Crim­ Mr. Aikens: Be honest about it: they can inal Code absolves us from contempt of only use Parliament if the Speaker is willing court? to be used. 431 Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply

Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The hon. member Paragraph 11 of the statement of claim for Townsville South has cast a reflection on continues- the Chair. I ask him not only to withdraw " By reason of those facts the .Pl!lintiff the remark, but to apologise to the Chair. respectfully submits that the. comm1sswners are in contempt of this Honourable Mr. Ailiens: Must I kneel? Court." In other words, many people claim that Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The hon. member is parliamentarians are in contempt of the hon­ again insulting the Chair by inference. If he ourable Supreme Court of Queenslan~ mer~ly continues in that strain I will have no alterna­ because they discuss a matter that IS bemg tive other than to name him. considered in the Supreme Court of Queens­ land. Mr. AikellS: Very well. I withdraw and apologise. Mr. Aikens: This Parliament can never become inferior to any court. Mr. BENNETT: I was about to refer to a High Court authority which in my opinion Mr. BENNETT: That is quite so. is very relevant to the point. It refers to the This is what Mr. Justice Fullagar says Petrov Commission. It has reference to pro­ at page 185- ceedings issued by Rupert Ernest Lockwood, "The last ground on which a limited of Sydney, who issued a writ in order to avoid injunction is sought is bas~d _on the issue certain action or prevent certain matters out of this Court by the plamtlff on the 6th coming before the Petrov Commission. I do July, 1954, of a writ in action No. 9 of not wish to go into the pros and cons of the Petrov Commission, but this is a High Court 1954. authority which is binding on all other courts "The defendants in this action are the and has relevance to this discussion. It is Commonwealth and Mr. W. J. V. referred to as Lockwood v. The Common­ Windeyer, Q.C., wh<;> i_s th~ s~nio: cou~sel wealth and Others and is reported in 1953, assisting the CommisSion m 1ts mvestJga­ 90 C.L.R., at page 177. It was held, among tion. The causes of action are alleged other things-! will not go into irrelevan­ slander and libel, the words complained cies- of being said to have been spoken by "A person against whom allegations were Mr. Windeyer in the course of proceed­ inzs before the commission, and to have made before the Royal Commission pro­ be~en subsequently printed and published cured the issue of a writ out of the High by the Commonwealth as part of the Court a:;ainst counsel assisting the commis­ transcript of the proceedings. The words sion and the Commonwealth. The causes in question are concerned with 'Document of action were slander and libel, the words J' and 'Exhibit 46.' complained of having, it was alleged, been "It is said that the commission cannot spoken by counsel in the course of the pro­ lawfully, while this action for alleg_ed ceedings before the commission and been slander and libel is pending, proceed With printed c:nd published by the Common­ its inouiry so far as any matter referred wealth as part of the transcript of the to in "or connected with 'Document J' or proceedings. 'Exhibit 46' is concerned. I understood "On 8th July, 1954, Rupert Ernest Lock­ Mr. Laurie really to put the matter in wood of Sydney, New South Wales, com­ two ways. He said that to proceed with the inquiry in respect of these matt~rs menced an action in the High Court against while Action No. 9 of 1954 was pendmg the Commonwealth of Australia." in this Court would be a contempt of this Lockwood did in fact, unlike some others, file Court. He suggested also that there was a a statement of claim, paragraph 11 of which rule of common law, based on natural read- justice, to the effect that a Royal Commis­ "The plaintiff has issued out of this sion could not inquire into and report upon a matter which was the subject of pending Honourable Court writ No. 9 of 1954 civil or criminal proceedings. I am not under which he claims damages for defama­ sure that he did not put the suggested rule tion against the Commonwealth and one even higher, but he certainly put it as W. J. V. Windeyer, Q.C., in respect of high as I have stated. statements made by the said W. J. V. "The short answer to the whole argu­ Windeyer, Q.C., at the said Royal Commis­ ment seems to me to be that this commis­ sion and the commissioners are hearing sion is authorized and required, in pur­ evidence and argument relating to issues suance of a statute, --" in the said writ." Of course, we operate under a statute. As the top commission, we have even greater The quotation continues- powers than any royal commission. We are "-- to undertake the inquiry in which the commission of the State-the supreme it is engaged. No court could hold in any commission--the supreme Parliament of this circumstances which I find it po,;sible to State--so that any law relating to commis­ envisage, that what is expressly authorized sions issued outside have no relevance to us. by or under a statute is a contempt, and 432 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

it is a rule of the common law that the members of the community who deal con­ common law itself gives way to statute temptuously with Parliament and parlia­ law. mentari:ms. "In disposing of the case on this short We have paid a lot of respect to Her and simple ground, I must not be thought Majesty, and I hope that the remarks of a to entertain the view that any violation number of speakers were made sincerely and of any principle of justice is involv_ed, or genuinely and were meaningful; that they that the position would have been m any were not made merely to give lip service way different if the Royal Commission had in an artificial and insincere manner. I been appointed by the Governor-General hope the speakers really meant everything by virtue of the prerogative and not in they said. If they did, in view of all that pursuance of any statute. The judgments has transpired during the conduct of this in McGuinness v. Attorney-General for debate and in view of our feeling for Her Victoria (1), and particularly the judgment Majesty, there is only one thing this Parlia­ of the present Chief Justice, strongly sug­ ment can do, that is, to support the claim gest to my mind that the position would made by my Leader for the appointment have been the same if this commission had of a royal commission to investigate the been appointed without statutory authority. matters that have been discussed by at Mr. Laurie referred to certain events which least four prominent members of this took place in Victoria in 1952, when a Government. Roval Commission had been appointed, If we are sincere in what we are doing in 'the exercise of the prerogative, to and say that we ow.e allegiance to Her investigate certain allegations of corrup­ Majesty, surely we do not want to suppress tion. "one of the persons whose conduct the truth. Surely, when conflicting allega­ might have been in question issued a writ, tions are made by four senior Ministers of claiming damages for defamation, and the Crown, there is only one way that the the commission, which consisted of three prestige of Parliament can be preserved, that judges of the Supreme Court, declined is, by using the technique or method sug­ to proceed further with the inquiry. I gested by my Leader, namely, to have a pro­ have not seen a copy of any reasons given perly constituted royal commission to for this decision, and I can therefore inquire into those allegations, because lying, express no opinion upon it, but I cannot deceptiveness, evasiveness, and untruthful­ help feeling that the soundness of the decision may be open to question. It ness do not inspire the confidence of the people we represent or of the other Parlia­ would indeed savour of absurdity --" ments with whom we have dealings, or, in I emphasise the word "absurdity". our international affairs, the confidence of The quotation continued- countries that do not subscribe to demo­ "-- if an inquiry duly authorised by cratic government. law could always be stultified by the simple The House could well bear in mind section expedient of issuing a writ out of a 133 of the Criminal Code, which reads - superior court. "Any person who asks, receives, or "For the reasons I have given I am of obtains, or agrees or attempts to receive opinion that the motion should be dis­ or obtain, any property or benefit of any missed. The order which I make is that kind for himself or any other person, upon the motion be dismissed." any agreement or understanding that he I repeat that it would be reducing this Parlia­ will compound or conceal a crime, or will ment to an absurdity if any private individual abstain from, discontinue, or delay, a prosecution for a crime, or will withhold could interfere with its functions by merely any evidence thereof, is guilty of an issuing a writ. How ridiculous it would be. indictable offence. How ludicrous it would be if a person "If the crime is such that a person involved in a matter concerning a budget in convicted of it is liable to be sentenced the Federal Parliament could issue a writ to ... imprisonment with hard labour for claiming defamation about certain matters life, the offender is guilty of a crime, and in the budget, and thereby stop the Federal is liable to imprisonment with hard labour Parliament from dealing with it. The mere for seven years. thought of it is so shockingly ludicrous that "In any other case the offender is guilty we could not entertain it as intelligent men, of a misdemeanour, and is liable to as courageous people, which we are sup­ imprisonment with hard labour for three posed to be, representing the taxpayers of years. Queensland. We should not allow any "The offender cannot be arrested with- instrumentality outside this Parliament to out warrant." interfere with our free, frank and lawful If portion of what we have heard is true it discussions. It wiil be a sorry day for the would appear, subject to the matter being authority of Parliament when any individuals inquired into by the royal commission sug­ can twist us around their little fingers. gested by my Leader, that there has been a Sometimes these people are dishonest. It is determined, considered breach of section not only the share sharks and other dishonest 13 3 of the Criminal Code. Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 433

Let me say in passing that any member of Mr. Dean: They are, too. the community, be he parliamentarian or otherwise, should not be above the terms or Mr. BENNETT: As the hon. member for concept of the law set out in the Criminal Sandgate says, in some cases they are. In Code. We should not determine our think­ those cases, we are dealing with men who ing on whether or not a person wants to be have been taken to court and dealt with prosecuted if there is evidence to support according to law. a prosecution. We should not be motivated (Time, on motion of Mr. Dufficy, extended.) by sentimentalities such as lack of desire to Mr. BENNETT: Whilst I agree that those reveal the identities of people, because, after hon. members are entitled to their views all, the vast majority of criminal cases that on the adequacy of sentences, surely they are prosecuted in our courts involve reluctant should be the first to say in the House, witnesses. But it is their bounden obligation "While I think that some sentences are to be in attendance, according to law. If inadequate, at least the persons concerned they are subpoenaed they can be dealt with have been prosecuted and dealt with. I am for contempt, and prosecuted, if they do not not going to condone a situation in which attend. They have to be there. Most wit­ a person who is known to have committed nesses do not want to be involved in criminal this type of bodgie offence is not dealt prosecutions. with in any way at all." Those matters Let me assure you, Mr. Speaker, that even obviously can be considered only by the juries do not wish to be in attendance. But type of royal commission suggested by my ·they, too, have a bounden obligation to Leader. Indecent assault, of course, is only carry out their duties according to law. The one matter that such a commission could natural tendency in any man is to hesitate to consider. convict a person, but a juryman is required Whilst I do not know exactly the ruling by the State to be in attendance to help that has been made, the matter of the carry out the precepts of the law. Oasis, of course, does not come into it. It ill-behoves any Cabinet Minister, and Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I have given in particular the Minister for Justice, to say the hon. member quite a lot of latitude. that he refuses to proceed according to law Now that he is referring to things such simply to protect and not embarrass any wit­ as the koala incident, it is not difficult to ness, whether male or female. Many young guess what he is talking about and he is girls who are subjected to violent rape do treading a rather thin line. I ask him not not want to give evidence, but they are sub­ to pursue that line. poenaed and are called upon to give some Mr. BENNETI: I understood there was very embarrassing evidence. They have to no mention of matters concerning the Oasis appear in court. It would be a sorry day if in the court action; they are subsidiary to a Minister, because of personal acquaint­ it so far as I am concerned. I know that ance with a person and a wish to spare him some people like playing squash while others or her embarrassment, could decide prefer "squeeze". That is not the matter whether such a witness should be spared I am concerned about for the moment. The from appearing in court to do justice to the matter that I really wish to discuss deals community. with the shareholders and shareholdings in Although the more serious matters such that company. This matter has already been as rape and attempted rape could, I suppose, introduced here not by Opposition members be taken into consideration from time to but by Government members, and they have time, I shall not deal with them on this left the Opposition in a state of confusion occasion. Section 350 of the Criminal Code and a strong feeling of suspicion. I think reads- Parliament has an obligation to the tax­ " Any person who unlawfully and inde­ payers of Queensland to investigate the cently assaults a woman or girl is guilty questionable circumstances surrounding the of a misdemeanour, and is liable to complete change in the company and also imprisonment with hard labour for two in the shareholdings. years." Although I have been in politics and pub­ lic life for many years, I have had only a We have heard in this and previous Parlia­ short term-I suppose I should call it a ments statements by persons who might be "short" term-in Parliament. But I studied considered responsible members of the com­ political science at the university, and never, munity, including men who have nresiied over either in history or during my actual exper­ or sat as members of, committees inquiring ience as a public man, have I known a Gov­ into juvenile delinquency. Although I have ernment to be in a greater state of embarrass­ not always subscribed to this line of thought, ment than this Government is at present. It we have frequently heard it argued that the is not for me to sit in judgment on the alle­ bodgie type of young fellow who attacks gations that have been made. girls without their consent should be severely dealt with by the courts. Prominent parlia­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! It is not for the mentarians, both Ministers and back­ hon. member to discuss them, either. The benchers, have frequently said that sentences matter has previously been ruled out of imposed by judges are inadequate. order. 434 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Mr. BENNETT: I thought only one them. He did that, and there is ample matter had been ruled out of order; I am evidence to support that statement. Why subject to your correction, of course, Mr. the Minister should deny it I will never Speaker. I am dealing with four Ministers know, but that is just what he did. He of the Cabinet, not with the former member also said that the reference made to the of Cabinet who is now a back-bencher and bomb scare was just a hoax. I should like who is having a fight with "Sunday Truth" him to make further and proper investiga­ about a matter that was not discussed in tions into that subject in the interests of this Parliament. I am dealing with the the Police Force and in the interests of the Cabinet. integrity of this Parliament. I did not wish to be nasty or vitriolic. I I suggest that the Minister, in sifting that was about to say that I do not wish to sit allegation, might probe the possibility of in judgment on any of the allegations that an actual amount of £5,000-$10,000- have been made. The Premier did not see being handed over by a couple of people fit to speak in Parliament during the Address­ from the South interested in the formation in-Reply debate; that is his prerogative. of a brand new baccarat school in this However, he did give a statement outside the State. House that appears to be in conflict with Mr. Aikens: Whom was it banded to? other information that we have been given inside the House. I am not condemning Mr. BENNETT: I am making this speech. the Premier-! should not like to do that Inspector McNeil, who was then in charge in the twilight of his career-but I think of the Licensing Squad, and who, I under­ that, in the interests of fair play and justice stand, faithfully carried out his tasks and and as his last act as Premier of Queens~ land, he should endeavour to preserve the duties, decided that this baccarat school standards of this Parliament by complying could not, and would not, operate, because with the request of the Leader of the Oppo­ be would carry out the law. The school sition. That is all I am saying. The evidence operated for one night and he closed it down is so confusing and conflicting and leaves on the second night. I should like the hon. members in such a state of suspicion Minister in charge of police to inquire that I think the Government has a duty to whether or not the so-called bomb scare iron out the conflict that is obvious within that was allegedly a hoax had any relation­ Cabinet itself and within the Government ship to the refund of the £5,000 because the parties, so that not only will we know the protection no longer applied. truth, not only will the taxpayers of Queens­ Mr. Mann: That is a lot of baloney. land know the truth, but Government mem­ bers themselves will know the truth. Surely Mr. Aikens: "Johnno" would know more that is not too much to ask and is not being about baccarat schools than you would. unreasonable. Those who are beyond blame can then be exculpated, and those who are Mr. BENNETT: The hon. member might worthy of blame must receive their fair know more about baccarat schools than I do. measure of blame; but the blame that is It has been the policy of all Governments, due to those deserving ones should not and in particular this Government, not to cast a shadow on the character and good consider, and certainly not to make name of those who do not deserve it. That, decisions about, matters that affect the surely, is a fair enough proposition. welfare of unions or other people in this I have become a little nauseated by State whilst a gun is being held at their Ministers' replies to questions. I have often heads or whilst a threat of direct action is said-I hope it will not be taken to be an current. I am not going into the pros and obsequious comment-that I admire the cons of demands made by members of the way in which the Minister for Works and Queensland University Union for an amend­ Housing replies to questions asked by hon. ment of the Traffic Act in relation to what members and the way in which he deals they call "civic liberties". That is not with their representations. If a thing can­ an issue that I wish to discuss at the moment not be done, he tells one quite bluntly that -1 have not the time-but there was a it cannot and why it cannot, and on most, threat of direct action that unless the Premier if not all, occasions his arguments are made a decision in their favour-! should sound and do not give offence. One does say the threat did not come from the official not come away soured or believing that the body of the Queensland University but from Minister is evading the truth of the issue. a minority group led by Mr. Brian Laver- On the other hand, I cannot say the same Mr. Mann: Do you think he is a Comm? of the Minister for Education, who is in charge of police affairs. In answer to a Mr. B.ENNETI: The hon. member has said questi_on that I asked yesterday morning, enough this afternoon. he sard there was no meeting of top police This group of students, led by Mr. Brian officers with the Commissioner at the Laver, said that unless the Premier, or the "Crystal Palace"-that is Police Head­ Cabinet, came to a certain decision, they quarters. First, I quite frankly admit that would take direct action and do other things. the Commissioner is entitled to call in his The Premier knew that was intended because top officers and have a conference with it had been publicly announced in the Press; Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 435 yet, according to what we read in the Press, person can recover in civil litigation. Let the Premier said he would amend the regula­ me put it more plainly. If a person is tions or the legislation and that he con­ injured, say, at the meatworks and suffers sidered and believed that it would be in damages well in excess of $1,200, the total favour of the persons who were threatening amount he can recover in costs against his direct action. opponent is $117.60. On the other hand, if That is not in keeping with the treatment he received the same injuries in a road that is accorded genuine unionists who have accident out on the highway, and was suc­ a good cause of grievance affecting their cr-SSful in litigation, the total he could wages or welfare. They are always told recover in costs against his unsuccessful that their case will not be considered or dealt opponent in a civil court, before the same with whilst there is any such threat. That is magistrate sitting in a different jurisdiction, again a matter for the Premier to consider, would be $185.75. A person who is a worker but let me assure him that on Tuesday operating under the Workers' Compensation morning the selfsame Brian Laver, at a Act virtually loses $68 because of the differ­ meeting of students on the campus-there ence in the scales of costs. It would seem were at least 1,000 or more present-said- that the appropriate Minister should con­ sider an amendment to the regulations under "We have had a victory against the the Workers' Compensation Act with a view Government; we have forced them to to bringing them into parity with the retreat." Magistrates Court scale of costs. When I am speaking about standards of government and what we expect in the way of Mr. Aikens: There is very little litigation parliamentary respect, I feel that this Govern­ under the Workers' Compeooation Act now ment should be more cautious in what it tells that we have set up all these various boards. the people and in how it tells them the truth about what is happening. Mr. BENNETI: Don't be silly! The Industrial Magistrate is sitting every day in There is one other matter which I agreed Brisbane. He cannot cope with all the work to bring up, and which perhaps has been that comes before him. overlooked by the Minister concerned. It relates to the Workers' Compensation Act. The next point I wish to make is that In case it is argued that I am only furthering the Government should introduce legislation providing for the payment of compensation the interests of legal men and their fees, let to the victims of violent crime in the com­ me assure you from the beginning, Mr. munity. We have heard many suggestions Speaker, that this argument has nothing to that certain people should not be forced into do with the income of barristers or solicitors. court in certain circumstances. In fact, Irrespective of what is done, they will charge the same fees. as I mentioned, we do insist on their going to court, and many girls, and sometimes men, According to the Magistrates Court Act, are taken into court following the com­ in civil actions a person is entitled to recover mission of violent crimes upon them. That, from his unsuccessful opponent certain in itself, is embarrassing enough, but very moneys under a scale that was amended often these people are deprived of the ability by Order in Council on 9 February, 1967. to work. They sometimes suffer permanent That ~cale sets out the amount of costs, injury and damage, and it would seem that accordmg to scale, that a successful litigant we should try to do something to help them. can obtain from an unsuccessful litigant. I point out that in an article in one of the Incidentally, the maximum jurisdiction of the latest Australian Law Journals, the following Magistrates Court is $1,200. appears- Take the case of a worker who appears "In contemporary Australian society we b~fore an industrial magistrate. The only all too frequently have brought to our d1fference between an industrial magistrate attention headlines announcing the com­ and an ordinary magistrate is that the mission of some violent crime. Case industrial magistrate is sitting in a court con­ No. A267 raises starkly the tragedy which stituted as an Industrial Court. Both courts may lie behind these headlines. Yet it is are presided over by the same class of a tragedy which all too rarely comes to the people-suitably qualified magistrates. notice of the public at large. It is also a tragedy for which the victim is unlikely Mr. Dufficy: It is a matter of jurisdiction. to receive compensation. For while in primitive legal systems great importance Mr. BENNETI: It is a matter of juris­ was attached to redressing harm caused by diction, as the hon. member for Warrego criminal acts, in our supposedly sophisti­ points out. cated legal system scant attention is In the Industrial Court a worker can claim devoted to this aim. The courts seldom compensation up to $7,000, but the scale of exercise their limited powers to order fees is fixed under the old regul<:

In the case of offenders who remain Government after an approach to it by repre­ undetected, victims have no opportunity sentatives of the sugar industry organisations. to obtain redress through either the civil If those recommendations had not been or criminal law." adopted by the Government the sugar indus­ Other States in Australia have done some­ try today would be growing and manufactur­ thing by what is known as the Criminal ing a far lesser tonnage of sugar. Injuries Compensation Act. As a result of the increased tonnage now being grown, the income from ~uga~ pro­ I am fully conscious of the fact that the duced last year by the eight mrlls m ~he House was good enough to allow me an Mackay-Proserpine district was the third extension of time to deal with another highest on record. Indeed, if ~~ take !nto matter. This is a subject that calls for a consideration the $19,000,000 mJected mto great deal of development, and many argu­ the industry by the Commonwealth Govern­ ments could be advanced in favour of the ment's loan we find that, for the whole of implementation of some scheme for com­ Queensland last year, the income of pensating victims of violent crimes. I hope $182,785,251 was the second highest ever that other speakers will deal with the matter. earned by the State's sugar industry. In view of the time that I have spent on this and other subjects, I will now conclude my Mr. Hanlon: Did you say that was taking submissions. the $19,000,000 in, or leaving it out? Hon. R. E. CAMM (Whitsunday-Minister Mr. CAMM: Taking it into consideration. for Mines and Main Roads) (3.33 p.m.): In The figure I quoted was exceeded only rising to participate in this debate, I wish when we had a boom price period in 1963, to support the hon. member for Mulgrave when the sugar crop returned $211,266,024. and the hon. member for Chatsworth in their Even without the $19,000,000 loan advanced expressions of loyalty. I should also like by the Commonwealth Government--deduct­ to welcome to this House the hon. member ing it from last year's gross income-the for Roma, Mr. Ken Tomkins. I am sure return last year would have been the fourth that, with his vast experience of the rural highest ever received in the history of the industries in his electorate, and also as an sugar industry. administrator, he will prove a very worthy This expansion has resulted in large sums representative of the people in that district. of money being spent on fertiliser, machinery, I am also sure that he will make some very fuel, and wages, covering all activities from worth-while contributions to the debate in the growing to the milling of this product. this House. This amount of money must have had a pro­ During my speech I will be replying to found effect on the economy of this State. some of the criticism that has been levelled The real sufferers from the low price are at the departments under my control. How­ the growers themselves and the sugar millers. ever, before doing so, as a representative of a Nevertheless, it is to their credit that they large cane-growing district, I should like to have been loyal to the organisations which pay a tribute to the growers, millers and they themselves elect to control their future, workers associated with the sugar industry because it is readily accepted that the future of Queensland for the manner in which they prosperity of the sugar industry relies on a have been accepting their responsibilities dur­ stable International Sugar Agreement. If ing this period of recession in the industry. Queensland is to have a right to a fair share For many years, Governments in Queens­ in any future allocation under the Inter­ land have acknowledged the value of the national Sugar Agreement, we must be pre­ sugar industry to the economy of the State, pared to show the rest of the world that we and have recognised the efficiency of the are capable of growing such large tonnages organisations that have been built up by the of sugar. To obtain the large tonnage of growers and the millers themselves, who sugar which we must produce, large sugar respectively administer and control the grow­ peaks have been allotted to mills, and, from ing and marketing of this product. the mill peaks, cane farm peaks have been It is unfortunate that the overseas price allotted to farmers. So it goes right back has fallen to such an extent that it is to the fact that the cane farmers themselves uneconomical-it could even be described as and the raw-sugar millers must bear the disastrous-for growers to continue to brunt of the low overseas sugar price. attempt to grow sugar for disposal at the Mr. Coburn: Up to now you have done world market price. This Government has everything they have ever asked you to do. been criticised by members of the Opposition for agreeing to the expansion undertaken by Mr. CAMM: The Government has done the industry when the overseas price reached everything the sugar organisations in Queens­ such a high level and the future demand for land have requested. sugar appeared to be so assured. It was very pleasing to me to find that I emphasise-and it is well known to the Queensland Cane Growers' Council and people in the industry-that this expansion the Australian Sugar Producers' Association took place as a result of investigations by a combined last year in an approach to the committee of inquiry appointed by the Queensland Government for a $19,000,00 Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 437 loan to assist in the marketing of last year's and even some other countries. However, crop. In addition, the success of the case the fixing of salary rates for teachers is a they submitted through the Queensland matter entirely for the Industrial Commis­ Government to the Commonwealth Govern­ sion, and I am confident that, with a proper ment for an increased price for home-con­ approach to that Commission, teachers will sumption sugar has been responsible for receive just recognition, bearing in mind alleviating much of the hardship that other­ the relationship that must exist throughout wise would have been experienced by the the wage structure of Queensland. farmers and the millers. This increased There is a shortage of teachers. and ·the price, by the way, has been opposed by mem­ Minister for Education made it clear yester­ bers of the Australian Labour Party. It was day that he is not entirely satisfied with the opposed in this House, as will be seen by a number that his department has. I remind reference to Volume 243, page 215, of hon. members that since this Government "Hansard," when the hon. member for came to power, with the industrial develop­ Mackay rose in the House and criticised any­ ment that has since taken place in Queens­ one who advocated an increase in the home­ land, the demand for technically trained consumption price of sugar. men has increased very greatly. We are We now find in the presentation of the short of geologists; we are short of Federal Budget that the Commonwealth engineers; we cannot get enough surveyors. Treasurer has indicated that this year pro­ The opportunities for young boys passing vision will be made for a loan of from the Senior examination today and deciding $10,000,000 to $15,000,000 to assist the what career to follow are very great indeed. sugar industry further. It has been drawn We therefore find that a smaller percentage to my attention that it has been stated by of students now undertake training for the some people with academic knowledge but teaching service compared with 10 or 15 very little practical experience in the sugar years ago, when the present opportunities industry that now is the time for cane­ in other fi.elds did not exist. growers' executives and mill suppliers' com­ mittees to approach the Queensland Govern­ I shall tell the House what there pre­ ment to have No. 2 Pool sugar included in viously was in Mackay in the way of the tonnage to be benefited by this loan education facilities. The first high school money. That is misleading advice, because there was built by a non-Labour Govern­ the Queensland Government deals only with ment in 1913, and that Mackay State High the elected parent body of the growers' School remained the only secondary school organisation, namely, the Queensland Cane in the whole of the Mackay district till 1957. Growers' Council. I am confident that that Can anyone truthfully say that the demand council will be approaching the Queensland for the training of young boys and girls did Government with suggestions on how this not increase during all those years? money can be used to assist the industry. Local organisations, whether they be mill Mr. Grah'i!m: Name one other district in suppliers' committees or district executives, Queensland that had additional facilities should channel their requests on claims prior to 1957. through the parent body. There has been considerable argument Mr. CAMI'\1: That is just what I am say­ among growers in the sugar industry over ing. It is all the more to the discredit of whether or not No. 2 Pool sugar should the Labour Government that it condones a be included in the disbursement of the policy under which, from 1913 to 1957, it $10,000,000 to $15,000,000 loan from the was prepared to accept that no other district Federal Government. in Queensland, as well as Mackay, was deserving of additional educational amenities Mr. Cobum: Would you have recognised for the children. only representations from the Queensland Cane Growers' Council? I ask the hon. member to look at the present amenities in Mackay. That same Mr. CAMM: That is correct; the Queens­ high •school has been turned into a wonderful land Government can recognise only the college, with equipment for engineering, parent body. woodworking and electrical tradesmen. There I now wish to deal with the talk that is a splendid new high school in Milton Street there has been about dissatisfaction among that is capable of catering for many times school teachers in Queensland. Some the number of students it was possible to speakers have even intimated that this dis­ house in the old building. There is a new satisfaction extends to parents and general high school at North Mackay which citizens alike. I want to make it clear that hundreds of students are attending, a new the progress in the provision of education high school at Proserpine, a new secondary facilities in the Mackay district since this department at Calen, and a new high school Government came to office can only be at Sarina. For 40 years Labour was pre­ described as fantastic. I am not denying pared to accept the view that one high school that there is some dissatisfaction among was all that was needed in the Mackav dis­ teachers, mainly, I am sure, because of the trict. Hon. members opposite must be talking salaries that teachers are paid in Queens­ with their tongues in their cheeb when they land compared with those in other States criticise the Minister for Education, because 438 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

they know that similar expansion has taken principles adopted by the Main Roads place over the length and breadth of Department give a very fair return to the Queensland. landholders whose properties are being Mr. Hanlon: And Australia. resumed. Mr. Houston: Was the amount of the Mr. CAMM: Admittedly it might have judgment more than the amount asked for? taken place all over Australia, too; but the people of Queensland should be full of Mr. CAMlVI: I cannot tell the hon. praise for what has been done to encourage member that offhand. It was far less than students to undertake higher education and the amount claimed. for what the Government has done to provide the facilities for that education. Mr. Houston: Was it less than was asked for? Mr. Houston: Weren't you satisfied with the Minister's speech yesterday? Do you have Mr. CA1\1M: It could have been a bit to come in and support him? more; I am not sure. Mr. CAMM: I do not think this can be Mr. Hanlon: What did it cost the land­ reiterated too frequently. holder to go to the Land Court? Mr. Houston: I think you protest too Mr. CA1'11JVI: Seeing that only one person much. has been to the Land Court, I did not bother to find out. Mr. CAMM: The Department of Educa­ tion has a wonderful record in Queensland. The officers of the department have a The truth always hurts. responsibility to see that the traffic flow in the city of Brisbane is maintained at a During this debate the hon. member for reasonable level. At the same time, they are Norman was very critical of the Main Roads concerned also with the disbursement of Department for its handling of resumptions public money and every care must be exer­ made necessary by the implementation of cised to ensure that this is done in a manner the Wilbur Smith plan of freeways and that is fair and equitable both to the people expressways through the city of Brisbane. affected by resumptions and also to the He was concerned mainly with what has taxpayers of Queensland who, after all, are happened in the Woolloongabba area; that the people who contribute the money that is natural, because it is in his electorate. In is paid in compensation when we resume reply to a question I gave him certain figures, properties. which he endeavoured to misconstrue to his own advantage and to the detriment of the Naturally, many people will be concerned Main Roads Department. His criticism, I at the disturbance they are caused by having believe, stems from a complete lack of to move from a place where perhaps they knowledge of the resumption procedures that have spent many years of their lives, and I have been in existence for many years in assure this House that I personally, and the Queensland. officers of the Main Roads Department, have The Department of the Co-ordinator­ every consideration for these people. I have General is responsible for the resumption of spoken to many people who will be affected land for these roadworks in Brisbane, and by these resumptions. They have come to the resumptions are made under the State my office and have spoken to me on the Development and Public Works Organisa­ telephone, and I have endeavoured to allay tion Acts and the Public Works Land their fears by explaining fully just what Resumption Acts. These Acts set out in these resumptions entail. I will explain it detail how the resumptions are to be effected. to hon. members. The Department of the Valuer-General is res­ A notice of resumption is first sent to the ponsible for the valuing of all properties and property-owner concerned, and after 30 days for assessing the amount of money that a proclamation is issued resuming the land should be paid as compensation. Property for the Crown. Technically, the land must officers attached to the Main Roadg Depart­ then be classed as resumed land even though ment confer with the dispossessed persons no compensation claims have been con­ and, for the payment of compensation, take sidered. In my reply to the hon. member for into consideration such matters as severance, Norman on 10 August, when he asked how disturbance, and injurious affection. These many properties had been resumed and what conditions cover a very wide field, and if compensation had been paid, I said that 44 an owner is not satisfied with the amount of properties had been resumed and that com­ compensation offered by the department, he pensation of $113,553 had been paid. Of can appeal to the Land Court for a further course, with his lack of knowledge of assessment. In respect of all resumptions by resumption principles, he then divided the the Main Roads Department over the last 12 44 into this amount and came up with the months, only one owner has sought the figure that $3,000 a property had been paid. judgment of the court and he received an amount far lower than he had claimed. I Mr. Bromley: You would not give me the think that indicates that the resumption individual amounts that had been paid. Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 439

Mr. CAMM: The hon. member's opmJOn of $19,900 per property. I draw to the is based on false premises. He asked how attention of the people in the hon. member's many properties had been resumed and how area how anyone can be misled through much compensation had been paid, and I a lack of knowledge on the part of some­ gave him the answer. His calculation was one who, in this case, I feel was only trying made on false premises, because the amount to obtain some cheap political advantage. paid bore no relationship whatever to the total value of the 44 resumed properties. The report prepared by Wilbur Smith and Associates following the Brisbane Trans­ Mr. Bromley: Of course. Anybody can portation Study recommended a system of see that. freeways, expressways and major street works to cater for the over-all transport require­ Mr. CAMM: Then why did the hon. ments of the area to the time, estimated member divide the total amount by 44? as 1981, when the population of the city Mr. Bromley: Because you would not would reach 1,000,000. give me the individual amounts. I notice that the Leader of the Opposition is looking at the questions. I will tell him Mr. CAMM: Actually, the amount I what the question was. He will find it in quoted applied only to six properties, one Votes and Proceedings. on the Riverside Expressway and five on the Story Bridge Expressway, advances on Mr. Houston: Of course I will. some other properties, and payment for the replacement of an existing Government Mr. CAMM: As such, the plans contained building. in the report did not purport to be the final working plans, or plans intended to detail Mr. Bromley: Why didn't you give me a property requirements, for the future express­ full answer the first time? ways or freeways. They were simply intended Mr. CAJ\1M: I do not have to supply to indicate the feasibility of the various the hon. member with brains. He asked proposals as the basis for preparation of how many properties had been resumed and over-all estimates of costs and as a basis how much compensation had been paid, and on which detailed planning could be done. I gave him the answer to that question. It has been stressed from the outset that, Mr. Hanlon: Don't forget that the public following a decision to proceed with any of get information from Ministers' replies, and the recommended works of the Transporta­ they are entitled to assume that your reply tion Plan, detailed surveys and designs would was open to that interpretation. be nece~~ary, and such would take into account any changes which had occurred Mr. CAMM: If the public want to get in the area, or in traffic patterns or other information by means of a question asked factors having an influence on the matter. by the hon. member for Norman and the way he construes the answer to that ques­ Following the detailed survey of the area tion, then he should take a few lessons on involved in the construction of the proposed how to ask his questions. I can give him South-east Freeway, a very comprehensive an answer, but I cannot give him the brains brochure was distributed to every owner to enable him to ask a proper question or whose property will be required for resump­ to construe the answer to his question. tion. Copies of the brochure were sent also to owners of properties situated in close As a matter of fact, since the hon. member proximity to the selected route of the free­ asked his question negotiations have reached way in order to acquaint them with the exact the stage where compensation for 19 pro­ location chosen for the road. perties on the Story Bridge Expressway has been settled. This compensation amounts Detailed particulars were included in the to $287,900, being an average of $15,153 brochure outlining the procedure for the per property. acquisition of properties, stating when the properties would be required and giving Mr. Bromley: Why didn't you give me information regarding compensation and that answer? when settlement of compensation could be made. Mr. CAMM: If the hon. member had Information was also contained in the been honest and fair in reading the answer, brochure advising people that if they required and if he had read it carefully, he would further particulars they could ring a tele­ have noticed that in the same answer I said that the estimated cost of acquisition phone number in the Main Roads Depart­ of properties for freeways and expressways ment. for Stage I was $8,620,000. I also indicated I might mention at this stage that the that the resumption of 334 properties would Right Hon. the Lord Mayor of Brisbane be required for the expressways and freeways. wrote to me on 15 August, 1967, about Why did the hon. member not make that the brochure. This is the text of his letter- division? If he had divided that number "Thank you very much for letting me of properties into the figure that I gave have a copy of the brochure delivered to as our estimate of the cost of resumptions, all landholders in the vicinity of the pro­ he would have come up with an average posed route of the South-east Freeway. 440 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

"May I compliment you and your devices should be included as part of the Department on its preparation. I do not over-all design of their roads and streets. think anyone could ask for any more Just as the pavement of a roadway provides clear outline of the proposals." the running surface, the traffic-control I must pay tribute here to the work that devices provide the roadside furniture for has been done by a committee formed in the safer control of traffic. the Woolloongabba area under the chair­ The Government has set the standards manship of a Mr. McKenzie. I believe that for traffic-control devices, it established the this committee was formed as the result of means of financing traffic works done by a meeting arranged by the Federal Liberal councils, including payments from a Traffic member for the area, Mr. Don Cameron. Engineering Trust Fund, and it provides I believe he received many requests from technical advice to councils on traffic residents of the area to form an organisa­ engineering matters whenever they seek it. tion which could approach the Main Roads The standard of traffic signals erected in Department and obtain information from it Queensland is amongst the highest in the to give to the people who will be affected world and is in keeping with good traffic by the building of this freeway. engineering practice. A reduction in the A Government Member: The Federal standard would not effect any appreciable member did a very good job. savings in costs, but cheaper installations could, because of reduced visibility and Mr. CAMM: He did indeed do a very recognition by drivers, result in increased good job. road hazard. Officers of my department have been to The money from the Traffic Engineering some of this committee's meetings, at the Trust Fund is distributed to local authorities. specific request of the committee, and these It was established with portion of the officers have answered in detail many of increased driving fees. We allocate $240,000 the questions that have been concerning the a year to local authorities for the provision people affected by the South-east Freeway. of traffic-control facilities. Of that sum, $120,000 goes to the Brisbane City Coun~il. This committee is doing a job for the area The rest of Queensland-every other City in a logical and sensible manner. Its and town-shares in the other $120,000. members are not just sitting there creating a clamour and causing embarrassment to I refer also to the hon. member's criticism officers who are charged with the implemen­ of the spending of money from the Main tation of this scheme and who themselves Roads Trust Fund. Surely he knows that, possess a sympathetic attitude towards the under the Main Roads Act, these funds must people that this road will displace. I might be divided as evenly as practicable between add that I have conferred with the executive the three main roads divisions of this State. officers of this committee. Section 30 of the Main Roads Acts, 1920 I feel, too, that I must reply to some to 1965, states- criticism from the hon. member for Wavell. "In the expenditure of the moneys I want to say now that I join with many legally available in each year for the pur­ other hon. members of this House in poses of this Act, it shall be the duty of expressing my regret that he has seen fit the Commissioner to see that as nearly to take the course of action that he has, as is practicable an equal amount is and that he has criticised an administration expended in each of the three Divisions of which he has been a member for some of the State." 10 years. Surely a compliance with these conditions The hon. member criticised the transfer could never be termed "criminal". His to local authorities of some traffic-control criticism appears to show a complete lack of responsibilities. The decision to hand over knowledge of the purposes for which main to the Brisbane City Council and other roads funds are collected. local authorities certain traffic-control responsibilities in respect of roads under Mr. Dewar: It would not be hard to their control was a logical one. It was change the Act. not done specifically to shift the respon­ sibilities, financial or otherwise, from the Mr. CAMM: The hon. member for Wavell Government to the local authorities, but had 10 years in which to offer suggestions­ rather to decentralise control and to enable as a matter of fact he has had J 7 years in councils to apply their local knowledge to this Chamber-but he offered no suggestions the installation of traffic facilities on roads to change the Act. designed and built by them, such installations Main roads funds are collected for the to conform to uniform standards laid down purpose of permanent construction and main­ by the Government in the light of experience tenance of the gazetted roads system of it had gained. Queensland. These roads consist of high­ As local authorities are responsible for ways, developmental roads, main roads and the designing of their own roads, including secondarv roads in this State. The Main items such as drainage, kerbing and Roads Department is not responsible for channelling, pavement thickness, etc., it is building or maintaining streets in any city logical that the installation of traffic-control of Queensland, nor does it contribute to the Address in Reply (7 SEPTEMBER} Address in Reply 441 building of local authority roads in the State. the Main Roads Department in a manner However, the various local authorities are ·which we believe will be to the greatest bene­ assisted by way of subsidy from the Govern­ fit of the State as a whole. ment. There are 24,500 miles of gazetted roads and over 100,000 miles of dedicated Mr. Hinze: Are not considerable sums roads under the control of local authorities. allocated for work under the Wilbur Smith Therefore, 20 per cent. of the roads in Report in the next four or five years? Queensland is under the control of the Main Roads Department, but this 20 per cent. Mr. CAMM: I am coming to that. carries 80 per cent. of all the traffic that flows in this State. Intelligent people in Queensland realise that we cannot impose a greater burden on In constructing and maintaining highways, the taxpayers of Queensland to provide the naturally some work is done in city areas, financial and also the physical resources because highways continue through all the required to build every road that appears major cities of our State. Some of the cities necessary to the individual. We are some­ are also served by main roads leading in from what at a disadvantage compared with other other directions. States of Australia when we examine the The hon. member for Vi'avell referred to amount of motor vehicle registration fees the expenditure of an amount of $4,471,902 collected per mile of declared road under by the Main Roads Department on perman­ the control of the Main Roads Department. ent works and maintenance on roads in Bris­ Whilst the figure for Western Australia is not bane over the past 10 years. In doing so, he known, the other States collect the following completely ignored the fact that money was registration fees per mile of declared road- spent from other funds administered by the $ Government. Expenditure on road works in New South Wales 1,225.6 Brisbane over the past 10 years is as Victoria 1,702.5 follows:- South Australia 1,457.5 $ Tasmania 1,556.6 Expenditure on declared roads from Main Roads Funds­ The comparable figure for Queensland is Permanent works and main­ $642.2 per mile of declared road. tenance 4,471,902 I want to make it clear that the need for Advances from- an improved roads system in the Brisbane (1) Commonwealth Aid area has been recognised by the Govern­ Fund 1,431,055 ment. There have been some innuendoes by (2} Road Maintenance speakers in this House that I, as a Country Fund Party Minister, am not vitally concemed with 2,984,820 the traffic problems of Brisbane. Nothing (3) Traffic Engineering could be further from the truth. Brisbane is Trust Fund 120,000 the capital of Queensland and, as a Queens­ Treasury Subsidies- lander, 1I am very interested in the pro­ Road, street, and bridge vision of adequate roads to cope with the works 5,775,085 ever-increasing demands of motorists and transport operators. Any delay experienc.ed Urban Roads Construction by workers, and the hold-up of transports in Fund 848.613 Brisbane, must cause an increase in the over­ all costs of the production of this State, $15,631,475 whether it is primary produce being marketed through the port of Brisbane or a manu­ In addition, a considerable amount was spent factured article imported or fabricated in this by the Traffic Commission on traffic engineer­ city. ing works in Brisbane. (Time, on motion of Dr. Delamot:he, It can be truthfully said that in Queens­ extended.) land, with its diversified development, every road that can be built is of importance to Mr. CAMM: I thank the Minister for Jus­ the State and, when a road is built in a par­ tice, and the House, for granting me an ticular locality, it is not built just to serve extension of time. the people in that locality. It is to provide I can assure the people of Queensland that a means of communication for the trans­ this coalition Country-Liberal Government is port of goods and produce from the point desirous of attending to all road problems of production to the areas of market or con­ sumption. in Queensland, whether they be in country or city areas. Surely it must be appre­ I do not claim that we are happy with the ciated that the building of roads from the rate of road construction, either in country country to the city areas must be of immense areas or in the cities. However, I can benefit to the cities themselves. Can anyone assure the people of Queensland that the deny that the building of a bitumen road members of this Government are satisfied along our coastline has benefited Brisbane, that we are spending the funds available to or that the building of a bitumen road from 442 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Longreach through the West to Brisbane has industrial and rural development would not meant a greater flow of people and merchan­ take place without an integrated road system dise from the country to the city? throughout the State. Even in Brisbane there are many roads On his assumption that because a big under the control of the Main Roads proportion of Main Roads funds is raised in Department. I have here a comprehensive the south-east portion of Queensland, 20 per list of them, although I do not propose to cent. of it should therefore be spent in the go through them all. I refer, for example, Brisbane city area, would he also say that to part of the Bruce Highway; part of the because $1,000,000 is collected at Mt. Isa Pacific Highway, part of the Cunningham in royalty, it should be spent in that town; Highway; and part of the Mt. Lindesay High­ or that all the royalty from Moonie should way. There is also a section of 5.1 miles be spent in that area; or that because the of the Lockyer-Darling Downs Highway. railways make a profit in the Northern In main roads, there are- Division, all that money should be ploughed Miles back into that part of Queensland? South Coast 4.7 Mr. Hanlon: Your main roads money Capalaba 7.4 goes into a special Main Roads fund, Gympie 7.3 whereas royalties go into general revenue. Clontarf 6.8 Brisbane-Toowoomba 3.0 Mr. CAMM: I am just talking about the Coopers Plains-Rochedale principle that money should be spent in the 6.4 area in which it is raised. Sa lis bury (connection road) 0.8 Brisbane-Mt. Lindesay 9.2 Mr. Hanlon: They are two different funds. Brisbane-Mt. Nebo 2.0 Mr. CAMM: I admit that they are two Moggill 9.7 different funds. But if one adopts the prin­ Brookfield 5.6 ciple for one fund that money should be Waterworks 3.3 spent in the area in which it is collected, Samford 6.4 one should adopt a similar principle for Aspley-Clear Mountain other funds. The $2,000,000 that it cost to 2.5 construct the bypass at Beenleigh was not Then there are some secondary main roads spent there for the benefit of the people of -Upper Mt. Gravatt-Capalaba, Kingston, that town. The huge amount of money that and Enoggera Waterworks-Mt. Nebo. has been expended in providing a four-lane Admittedly it is not enough; but these roads highway from Ipswich to Brisbane was not were gazetted in Brisbane over the years spent solely for the benefit of the people of and the Government understood that further Ipswich. The cost of providing a bypass at roads would have to be constructed in Redbank could not possibly be related to the Brisbane. money collected in that area. All these When the new road plan was adopted in roads are vital to the development of indus­ 1963 it was recognised that a new approach tries in this part of Queensland. What is would have to be made to the matter of the good of having first-class four-lane high­ construction and maintenance of major ways, expressways and freeways in city roads through the city of Brisbane. Conse­ areas if the products so vital to industry and quently, a firm of consulting engineers was the livelihood of the people in the city are engaged to conduct a transportation study in transport vehicles that are bogged out in and to recommend where freeways and the black-soil plains through lack of good expressways should be constructed. The roads, or stranded in the bull-dust west of result of the investigations was examined by Charleville? the Government and a modified version of The hon. member for Wavell has been Stage I was adopted to provide a beginning very specific in his utterances, in that he no for the building of a complex system of longer associates himself with the coalition freeways and expressways. This will mean Government. One must deduce from that that an additional $37,550,000 will be spent that these thoughts are entirely his own and in Brisbane in the next five years, during do not reflect in any way the opinions of which time further consideration will be members of the Liberal Party who have given to implementation of other stages of the report. worked so harmoniously with the Country Party in this coalition Government over the The construction of roads recommended past 10 years to bring Queensland to a in further stages of the report will mean stage of development that has resulted in that more money will be spent in the city unprecedented prosperity for the citizens of of Brisbane in the next 10 years than has Queensland. been expended from Main Roads funds since the department came into existence Mr. GRAHAM (Mackay) (4.20 p.m.): In in 1922. Does the hon. member for Wavell associating myself with the mover and the advocate a policy under which the bulk of seconder of the motion for the adoption the money collected for Main Roads pur­ of the Address in Reply and with the expres­ poses should be spent within the environs sion of loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen, of Brisbane? Surely he must realise that I also associate the electorate of Mackay. Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 443

To my way of thinking, the Opening I asked a question of the Minister for Speech that was delivered by His Excellency Primary Industries yesterday and he gave me on Tuesday, 8 August, would not enthuse a rather garbled reply as to why the Gov­ other than those who have been fanatical ernment arrived at its decision. It hinged supporters of the present Government during mainly on the fact that during the last two the 10 years of its administration. Despite years the works have operated at a loss the claim that this Government has placed to the order of $250,000. We do not deny Queensland in the forefront of the Australian that the board has been operating at a loss, States, despite the industrial expansion that but the works have only been going for has taken place in Queensland, this State two years and it is not unusual for a new still has the highest ratio of unemployment venture to suffer losses in the initial stages in the Commonwealth. There is more of development. industrial unrest in Queensland than in any I repeat, one wonders why the Government other State, and there has been more has been so anxious to put these works industrial unrest here in the last two years on the market. It has been because of than in any previous year. Without a pressure from outside interests and the shadow of doubt, that industrial unrest is the unending attacks of the hon. member for result of discontent in industry caused by the Rockhampton South. I can go back to the neglect of this Government, which is hon. member's speech in November, 1966, sectional in its approach to matters con­ when he strongly advocated that the Mackay cerning the people. abattoir should be closed. At that time he urged for the disposal of the abattoir This has meant an unending number of because it was in competition with private approaches by the trade-union movement to enterprise. He said that the late. Hon. the Industrial Commission for improved E. Evans was opposed to the creatiOn of wages and conditions in an effort to obtain the abattoir. I deny the truth of that some justice for the workers in industry. statement because on many occasions, in Despite this, continual attacks are being conversation with Mr. Evans, he indicated made by the Government on the income of that he had a lot to do with the choosing working-class people by the lifting of price of the site and the ultimate decision to control and other factors, yet at the same erect the abattoir. In November, 1966, and time we find the profits derived from industry again in recent weeks, the hon. member in Queensland are rising to unprecedented for Rockhampton South has made statements heights. The dividends being paid to share­ as to why the abattoir should be sold. holders of companies are ever on the increase. JVlr. Camm: Are you saying he advocated that it should be sold, or closed? One should not wonder, then, that discon­ tent extends throughout the length and Mr. GRAHAM: He advocates its disposal, breadth of Queensland as a result of the anyhow. actions of this Government. I know that One wonders at the reason for the haste. the Government has made certain claims These works have only been operating for relative to industrial expansion in Queens­ two years. I admit that they have shown a loss in that period, but figures can ?e land. We do not deny that there has been produced to indicate that other abattmrs a certain amount of industrial expansion, have shown a loss. I refer to the 1966 but unless the Government can achieve a report of the Queensland Meat Indust.ry state of balanced economy all its efforts in Authority, which shows that other abattOirs industrialisation will fall far short of its incurred losses in their workings. aim. If it is good enough to close the Mackay Many things have been said in this debate, works, ·why has the Government not unde~­ and I should have thought that the Minister taken to close the others? I suppose 1t is only a matter of time before it will. who has just resumed his seat would have Rumour has it that the Brisbane works made some mention of a matter that is of are "on the board" already, to be disposed vital concern to the people of the Mackay of when the time is opportune. I know district. I refer to the decision of the that this Government is entirely opposed Government to either lease or sell the to abattoir boards and would like to pass Mackay abattoir. Although the Minister the facilities over to private enterprise. When must be a party to ihat decision he has this is done, as it will be, the facilities will remained silent, and I cannot help but feel be given to some company on a silver platter. that that is because he does not want Press Those fortunate enough to be members of the company will get a "rake-off." publicity at the present time on the reasons for the Government's decision. It is not I am not the only one who is making something new; it has been working up for a stron a- protest against the disposal of these w~rks. In due course, following a a long time. I have here correspondence public meeting to be held in Mackay going back to November, 1966, showing tomorrow night, the Minister will receive that 12 months ago the Government had very strong support of my protest, not only the idea of disposing of the Mackay abattoir. from the Mackay City Council but also One wonders at the reasons therefor. from other organisations within the Mackay 444 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply area, as well as members of his own party. I took part, I believe the works would not According to Press reports, the Mackay have been built and operating by 1964. The branch of the Country Party has already Minister knows as well as I do that the delay added, and is prepared to continue to add, was caused because everyone wanted the its support to the protest lodged with the works in his own area. Certain people in Government in this matter. Sarina wanted them in Sarina and someone When we consider the difficulties that the else wanted them elsewhere. Mackay Abattoir Board has been faced with since its inception, it is not surprising that Mr. Camm: Why couldn't the Labour losses have been incurred. It makes one Government make up its mind? wonder whether there was a deliberate attempt by those responsible to bring about Mr. GRAHAM: It was not a matter for the present state of affairs. Has the Mackay the Government. It was a matter for the Abattoir Board received the full suport of board to determine where the works should those who should have been responsible for be established. The board had authority, its being a profitable venture? Has it and the Minister knows that as well as I do. receiveJ the support of those associated Mr. Camm: Why are you blaming this with the grazing industry? Because of the method of cattle disposal and because of Government? the neglect of this Government in failing Mr. GRAHAM: I am blaming this Gov­ to provide road access to Mackay, the Mackay Abattoir Board has been placed ernment for wanting to dispose of the works at a great disadvantage in receiving and without giving them a fair and reasonable killing cattle in sufficient numbers to make trial. The Minister knows as well as I do the abattoir a profitable venture. that the disposal of this abattoir to private enterprise at the present time will cause I have before me a report submitted to a loss to the Mackay public. The Minister the Mackay City Council by a member of knows that once any project is placed in the the Mackay Abattoir Board, setting out hands of a monopoly, it wiii determine what reasons why the decision of the Government the charges and costs wiii be. The Minister should be ouestioned. Admittedly there has knows as well as I do that when private been a dr~ught in the area surrounding enterprise is operating purely as a .monopol¥, Mackay, which to some extent has limited prices can rise and the consummg public the number of cattle available. However, invariably suffers. that alone is not a sufficient reason for the paucity of the number of cattle going Mr. Row: Doesn't that apply to Rock­ to the abattoirs. Other factors are involved hampton? which permit the grazier to sell on the highest market. The lack of road access Mr. GRAHAM: No, it does not apply to to Mackay perhaps makes it more profitable Rockhampton, because there are two wor~s for those purchasing cattle in the Mackay there. Perhaps it applies to Townsville, but It hinterland to rail them to other centres. will apply to Mackay. Consequently, the Mackay Abattoir Board has been unable to maintain a sufficient Mr. Camm: Does it apply to Bowen? killing rate to make the venture profitable. If these works had been established Mr. GRAHAM: I suppose it applies to immediately upon the creation of the board Bowen, but the Merinda works have been in 1952, I believe that the cost of the build­ established for 30 years. If the Govern­ ings would have been infinitely less. ment were to give the Mackay Abattoir Board the same opportunity to establish Mr. Camm: You said "1952." itself, I do not doubt for one moment that, with the passage of time, it would function Mr. GRAHAM: The board was established successfully and would show a surplus. Other in 1952. abattoir boards are operating at a surplus, and there is no reason in the world why the Mr. Camm: Why didn't your Government Mackay Abattoir Board should not do the build the works? same. One of the main reasons for the board's Mr. GRAHAM: For the very reasons I running at a loss is the huge over­ intend to outline. We did not build the capitalisation of the works. In the initial works because of the actions of certain stages of the board's activities it was to be a people who were involved. At the time, central killing works, but because of pressure certain bodies, including members of the from those who thought it would be better Minister's party, were opposed to the works to establish it as an export works the board and did everything possible to pre­ was committed to tremendously higher vent them from being built. Certain expenditure, running into almost $2,000,000. people tried to prevent the building of the works and they threw every spanner they Mr. Camm: You are talking a bit of sense could lay their hands on into the fray to now. prevent the establishment of the works. Consequently, the building programme was Mr. GRAHAM: I do not understand that delayed. But for certain agitation, in which interjection. Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 445

The Mackay Harbour Board incurred teachi~g staff. The progress and develop­ heavy expenditure in providing freezing ment m education claimed by the Govern­ facilities at the outer harbour. In the event ment is paramount in every other State. I do of the sale of these works to private enter­ not deny that we have a new high school in prise, will the harbour board freezing Mackay, a new high school in North Mackay, facilities be used or will they represent and additional facilities at Mirani, Calen and money that has been spent by the harbour Proserpine-I admit those things; I would be board uselessly? foolish if I did not-but despite all that spending on education in Queensland we The Government has acted hastily in this still spend much less per capita than the regard. The board has not had complete other States. management during the last 12 months because it has been unable to get a per­ Mr. Chinchen: In your opinion, is cost manent manager. It has been managed by the only test of educational standards? delegates from the Metropolitan Public Mr. GRAHAM: No, certainly not. If cost Abattoir Board. These and other factors figures and buildings were the only factors, have been responsible for the board's being it would be a progressive education system. in its present position. I do not think any­ If the creation of new high schools here and one would deny that the meatworks are there was the test, yes, it may be a good capable of meeting the requirements of the system. But of what use are palatial build­ local and export markets, provided they can ings if there is discontent within the depart­ get the cattle to kill. Consequently, the ment and a shortage of teachers? Government should alter its intention to dis­ After the Government has spent a great pose of the works and let the board carry on deal of money in training teachers and pay­ for a further period to see if it can over­ ing them allowances during their courses, come the loss. The Government should pay what happens? Many of them leave the heed to the approaches that will be made. teaching service, not only because salaries Mr. Peter Bell, the spokesman for the are inadequate but because of the general grazing industry, agrees that the Govern­ conditions within the department and the ment has taken a retrograde step. He over-all loss of privileges. While that situa­ believes that the Government has made a tion continues, how can the Government regrettable decision in offering the Mackay justify its claim that it has reached a peak abattoir for sale. Who advised the Govern­ in education? ment that the step it has taken was justified I admit that there has been increased or was the correct one? Did it arise from expenditure on education; and there will the agitation of the hon. member for Rock­ be further expenditure on it as the popula­ hampton South, or of departmental officers? tion grows and, with it, the demand for Did the Government seek advice from those education, which is the inherent right of every who could give it, or did it get advice from child. The Government can claim no credit one or two individuals who might have an for these things, as all that it has done is axe to grind? I raise my protest, and raise meet a responsibility of Government. Credit it strongly, that the action that the Govern­ cannot be claimed for something that involves ment intends to take in selling the abattoir a degree of responsibility. Education is a is ill advised. matter for the State Government, and it has had to provide the facilities required by an The Minister for Mines and Main Roads increasing population. Unless the teaching tried to make capital out of education service can be made happier and more con­ facilities in Mackay. The president of the tented, in the over-all situation the Govern­ Queensland Teachers' Union was reported in ment has failed. yesterday's "Courier-Mail" as saying- I have another point to make concerning "Education is as basic a necessity to the education. Whilst, I admit, thousands of future as power, water and natural dollars have been spent on the provision of resources." school buildings, parents and citizens' com­ That statement coincides entirely with my mittees are being bludgeoned into providing own line of thought. Despite the Govern­ necessary amenities for them. I believe ment's claim that educational facilities have that all parents have an interest in the wel­ been improved, the Government has been fare of their children, and most are pre­ more than neglectful. If it has been respon­ pared to make some contribution towards sible for implementing a progressive edu­ making their children's school lives happier. cational policy, would it be in its present The Government is now demanding more, predicament? Does the Government believe more and more from these committees. that the provision of spacious new buildings Although I know that the money that is is sufficient to establish a progressive raised is subsidised, I believe that the whole education system? Is the provision of build­ cost of school necessities should be borne ings the end-all in our education system, or by the Government. Because school com­ are there other essentials that should come mittees are prepared to work hard, should first? The palatial buildings the Minister for they be required to do the whole job? Mines and Main Roads speaks about will Mr. Carey: Don't you think parents and be of no use unless the Government can citizens themselves are anxious to give more create harmony and contentment in the freely? 446 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

M!:. GRAHAM: Yes. The average parent In "The Courier-Mail" of Monday, is ever-ready to assist so that the school 19 June, this statement appeared- lives of children may be happier, but that "The retail price of sugar will rise by does not justify the Government's expecting 1t cents per lb. throughout Australia -and demanding, in many cases-that com­ today." mittees be responsible for almost everything. Mr. Carey: Your Federal leader supported Mr. Carey: They are now getting swim­ the rise in the postal charges. ming pools and better playing fields and ovals. Mr. GRAHAM: Many people supported the rise in the price of sugar. Perhaps I Mr. GRAHAM: I know. If the Brisbane was not greatly opposed to it, either. But City Council and the Mackay City Council I was opposed to the way in which the can provide swimming pools for the people, Government announced the increase. I ask why cannot the Government do the same hon. members opposite this question: what thing? I know that in Mackay members did this increase do for the wholesalers and of school committees have to work their retailers who were holding large stocks of fingers to the bone to get a few dollars refined sugar prior to 19 June? The hon. towards building a swimming pool. All member for Albert might have been one of credit must go to parents and citizens' com­ them. mittees, and very little to the Government. All this prating by Government members Mr. Carey: That is not correct. about what is happening within the Depart­ ment of Education does not go down with Mr. GRAHAM: Thousands of tons of me. I believe that the Government has failed refined sugar were held by wholesalers and miserably in this field. If things were as retailers, and those people were given a hon. members opposite claim, there would nice little hand-out of about $75,000 by the not be the present discontent within the Government on 19 June. I have a report teaching service. here that one wholesaler in Mackay held 101 tons of refined sugar on Sunday, 18 June, I conclude my comments on education at and on Monday, the 19th, he received an that point and turn to some of the many additional 1-! cents for every 1 lb. of sugar other problems in this State about which he had in stock. He was gracious enough hon. members on this side of the Chamber to ring up all his retail customers on the are concerned. Let me deal briefly with the Monday morning and say, "You can have sugar industry. another 100 lb. of sugar", or, "You can The Minister for Mines and Main Roads have another five bags of sugar", so that read from the pages of "Hansard" what I they could capitalise on the increase. had said about the increase in the price of Does the Minister think that is a right sugar on the Australian market. I do not and proper thing to do? Does he not think retract one word that I said then. I say that the consuming public has some rights again that I believe the Government has in the matter? Does not the Minister think neglected entirely the interests of the con­ that the consuming public should have had suming public. 1t has bent over backwards-­ some protection? Was it right for Mr. the Minister for Mines and Main Roads Nicklin and his Cabinet to sit tight until admitted this-to meet the demands of the Monday, the 19th, and then announce that sugar industry. I am well aware of the diffi­ the price of sugar had gone up 1tc a lb.? culties that the industry has experienced; I am not unmindful of its problems. It is lVIr. Camm: I think the announcement true that the industry was in a predicament came from Canberra. to some degree, and I agree entirely-I said it before, and I repeat it-with what the Mr. GRAHAM: It says in "The Courier­ Government has done to assist those in the Mail"- industry who needed assistance as a result "The retail price of sugar will rise by of the low export price and the drought. 1t cents per lb. throughout Australia today. However, I was opposed then-I still am opposed-to the method the Government "This follows a $26 increase in whole­ adopted in increasing the price of sugar for sale prices announced yesterday by the Australian consumption. It did that over­ Premier (Mr. Nicklin)." night, without making any public state­ I do not think Mr. Nicklin comes from ment about its intention to increase the Canberra. price. One would think that there would JVI.r. Camm: No, but the increased price have been some sort of public statement by was announced in Canberra. the Government that it intended to approach the Federal Government on the matter. Mr. GRAHAM: That does not justify the One would think that representatives of the present Government's taking the consuming sugar industry would have announced that public for a nice little ride. If the Minister they were going to press the Government was as concerned about the man who eats for an increase in the price of sugar. The the sugar as he is about the man who Government took the same line on that grows it and the man who manufactures it, occasion as the Federal Government did in it might be all right. It is the man who increasing postal charges. eats the sugar who has my regard. Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER) Address in Reply 447

1\;lr. Camm: I would eat as much sugar unemployment position, recurring year in as you. and year out, about which the Government does little or nothing? Mr. GRAHAM: But the Minister does I raise these protests because I believe the not buy it. I suppose he gets it from the time is long overdue for the Government to mill at mill prices. Like Tom Newbery, he stop its sectional approach to the many prob­ would get a bag at the end of every season lems that are of great importance to the so that he would not have to buy it. people of Queensland. The Government has All this claptrap and the shedding of to devise ways and means of achieving pro­ crocodile tears over the sugar industry make gress and development, not only in the metro­ me a little sick. Despite the fact that there politan area and in larger cities such as has been a fall in export prices, and despite Townsville and Rockhampton but throughout the fact that the industry has been going the State, by encouraging the establishment through a difficult period, there are people of industries at those places where unem­ in the Australian political field-I refer to ployment is increasing year after year. a statement made by the Minister for the Interior-who are quite easy about the sugar lVlr. Carey interjected. industry in Australia; they are sure it can Mr. GRAHAM: It is all very well for the compete with the world and that nothing hon. member for South Coast to interject. much will go wrong. The Minister for the He has plenty of "dough" in his pocket. He Interior says he believes the industry will is not concerned about the little man; he does come out of its present predicament, and I not care two hoots about him. He verifies think so, too. what I have said. There are members of Nobody knows better than the Minister the Government who have no concern what­ for Mines and Main Roads and the hon. ever about the man on a low income. member for Mirani that the over-all loss of Is it any wonder that in Queensland today profit at the end of last year was consider­ there is so much discontent and urging for ably less than at the end of the previous better conditions and more stability for the year. When the export price of sugar went wage-earner? Until this Government to astronomical heights there was no appeal approaches the problems associated with the to reduce the consumption price; those development of the State on a wider basis engaged in the industry took the extra profit and brings about more contentment in indus­ and put it in their pockets. They bought try, the State will not progress. There is new houses and big, new motor-cars and discontent in the Department of Education; extra machinery and equipment to reduce because of Government policy there is con­ taxation, but as soon as the price went down siderable discontent in the Railway Depart­ they squealed loud and long. ment; we see it in outside industries; we see I have as much concern for the sugar it in the bmlding trade; we saw a big strike farmer as anybody else has; I have as much at Collinsville because of discontent in the concern for the primary producer in all fields coalmining industry. While these things are as anybody else has. But I am also con­ happening we cannot say that Queensland is cerned for the people I represent, the progressing the way it should. We cannot working-class people. This Government's say that Queenslanders are happy, contented approach to everything it puts its hand on people while there is so much discontent. On shows that its only concern is for its own Tuesday, university students tried to demon­ supporters. That has been evident through­ strate on a matter of some importance. out its 10 years in office, whilst at the same time it has neglected to do anything that Mr. Camm: Did you support the strike at might improve the lot of people in the Collinsville? lower-income group. Mr. GRAHAM: Whether I supported it or An increase of 1 tc a lb. in the price of not is not the point; the fact is that there sugar or $1 more to educate his child is of was a strike. The point is not whether I very little concern to the man on $10,000 a supported the action of the tramway year, but it is of tremendous importance to employees the other morning or whether I the man in the lower-income group, support the activities of the Queensland especially when he is faced with recurring Teachers' Union, whose members are pre­ periods of unemployment. One has only to pared to down tools. That is not the point. take the figures issued week after week by The whole point here is that unless we look the Commonwealth Department of Social at the substance of these things we are get­ Services indicating the extent of unemploy­ ting a distorted view. That is what is hap­ ment in Queensland to know that there is pening. The Government has not a clear tremendous hardship and poverty in our own picture of these things. The Premier was not State. In Mackay and Sarina there are concerned at my remarks about the sugar people who are impoverished because of industry. The Minister for Primary Indus­ unemployment. What chance is there of tries is not concerned about the employees overcoming the unemployment position in of the Mackay Abattoir Board. The Minister our district? Can either the Minister for for Mines and Main Roads is not concerned Mines and Main Roads or the hon. member about the discontent in many industries in for Mirani say how we can overcome this Queensland. 448 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

I leave it at that. Although I support to The article continues- the full the expressions of loyalty to our "It also has called on its members to gracious Queen, I cannot in any way enthuse suggest a method of improving pe-destrian­ about the past or present activities of the crossing safety. Government. "An article in 'Progress News', a monthly publication by the council, says that in Mr. KAUS (Hawthorne) (4.59 p.m.): I many cases pedestrian crossings are join with other hon. members in congratu­ invisible to oncoming motorists." lating the hon. member for Ivfulgrave and the That is a fact. Motorists do not see them hon. member for Chatsworth, who respect­ although there are signs at least 50 yards ively moved and seconded the motion for the before the crossings; they are hard to see. adoption of the Address in Reply, and I The article concludes- associate the people of Hawthorne and "People using these crossings under such myself with the message of loyalty to Sir circumstances do so with a false sense of Alan and Lady Mansfield. security. At this stage I should like to congratulate "It said the council had passed the the new hon. member for Roma, Mr. problem back to member associations so Tomkins. I know he will be a very com­ that a complete list of the worst crossings petent and capable representative of the could be obtained. people of the Roma electorate. "Already some associations had made During the past week much has been suggestions for improvement. said in this House concerning many matters. "These included warning 'cats eyes' set I wish to deal with one matter that I in the road and flashing lights similar to believe is important to Queensland and those used in some southern States and Australia as a whole. I should also like New Zealand." to deal with another matter that is of par­ I should also like to add the comment that ticular importance to the people of the illuminated signs should be erected at ped­ Hawthorne electorate. My complaint con­ estrian crossings so that motorists can see cerns a traffic problem and the criminal them at night-time. This would also apply neglect in the failure to install pedestrian to crossings on main roads. traffic lights at the Morningside shopping centre and on Wynnum Road near the Mr. Miller: Do you think reflectorised convalescent home and the ferry crossing. paint should be used on pedestrian crossings? In the last few years there have been many deaths on these sections of Wynnum Road. Mr. KAUS: I think that is the only Two sections are involved, one near the answer. The sooner it is used, the safer the convalescent home in Norman Park and crossings will be. the other the shopping centre at Morning­ Hawthorne would be the only electorate side. I have received numerous complaints in the metropolitan area without pedestrian about these traffic hazards and I condemn or traffic lights. I sincerely hope that the the Brisbane City Council for neglecting local alderman will receive the benefit of the people of Morningside and the Norman some of the subsidy that the Minister Park section of Wynnum Road by exposing announced the council gets yearly. I hope them to these hazards. Admittedly there that some of this subsidy will be allocated are pedestrian crossings, but they are not for these purposes. enough. Lights should be installed for the safety of pedestrians, mainly pedestrians in Mr. Hanlon: The subsidy is only a bag of the Morningside shopping centre and the shells compared with the work the council Norman Park section of Wynnum Road. has to do. That is the trouble. The overhead street lighting is insufficient Mr. KAUS: Yes, but they have overlooked and should be improved, and the crossing Hawthorne. at the Morningside shopping centre should JVIr. Sben:ington: How long has this prob­ be investigated. lem existed? The following article appeared in the Mr. KAUS: For years. "Telegraph" of 1 November, 1966- "The Council of Brisbane Progress Mr. Sherrington: Why didn't the Govern­ Associations believes that because of poor ment, through the Traffic Commission, do street lighting many people are using something to alleviate it? pedestrian crossings with a false sense of Mr. KAUS: I can only say that it is now security. the council's responsibility to the electors of "It is investigating the city's pedestrian Hawthorne. crossings to establish the most poorly lit, I shall now comment on the recent tour and the most dangerous." of the North that I made with other hon. I must be fair, because I know that in members and express to the Minister Morningside one or two additional lights in charge of the Department of Aboriginal have been erected. However, many places and Island Affairs my appreciation for have missed out completely. allowing me the opportunity of seeing what Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 449

a worth-while job is being carried out by Thursday Island, approximately 20 miles him and the officers of his department. The from the tip of Cape York, is a normal tour covered virtually all aspects of the town and the administrative headquarters department's activities from Cairns north. for the Department of Aboriginal and Island What I saw has given me great heart for the Affairs. The Department of Education has future of North Queensland and has given established both primary and secondary me confidence that the Aborigines and Torres schools there, and the Catholic Church Strait Islanders who look on this area as conducts a primary school. I might add their home are fiercely proud that they are that the primary school at Thursday Island Queenslanders, and are determined to par­ is one of the best that I have seen anywhere ticipate to the fullest in the development of in Queensland. this part of our State. The economy of Thursday Island depends We called at Weipa on the way and, primarily on the pearling industry, particularly although the Aboriginal reserve at Weipa the culture of artificial pearls. Live South is only a small area of some 400 mother-of -pearl shell is produced by the acres, it is flourishing under the able pearling fleet and sold to the various pearl­ management of Mr. Trevor La Brooy. The culture companies. It is interesting to note Aboriginal residents are settled in new, that the Islanders themselves provide the three-bedroom homes, and their interest is vast majority of the work-force engaged in well evidenced by the cleanliness of the fishing for the pearl shell and working the homes and their surroundings. This is com­ pearl-culture farms. In addition, they own mendable. New homes are being built. quite a number of very efficient pearling vessels. Their ownership of vessels can We were fortunate to be present when the only be taken as an indication of their Department of Education's new school at progressiveness. Weipa South was opened. It is probably The Government has certainly responded one of the finest buildings in Queensland. well to its responsibility in giving departmental It is constructed of bricks made from encouragement in the area. On the island bauxite, and an adequate area and adequate facilities are provided for the children who are hospitals, including general, maternity attend. It is staffed by trained Department and tuberculosis complexes. The staff of Education teachers, so the children do establishment includes four medical officers not lack educational opportunities. and more than 20 trained nursing sisters, together with nursing aides and other staff Many of the Aboriginal men at Weipa are members. employed in bauxite-mining activities and A mantle of safety is provided over the receive the full mining award wage, which whole of Torres Strait through the radio­ is paid direct by the company to the men. network service of the Department of Certainly some spend too much of their Aboriginal and Island Affairs, which for income on alcohol, but is that not a charac­ efficiency is second to none in Australia. teristic of all Australians, irrespective of This radio service maintains communication origin? This is a matter for concern, and between Thursday Island and all inhabited will probably be overcome only by the work centres scattered throughout the islands as of more welfare and guidance officers in the far south as Mitchell River and Mornington field, as departmental finance permits. It is Island, in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Those indeed heartening to see these Aboriginal centres can be linked in direct voice contact men working alongside other Queenslanders with a medical officer virtually at will, so in the development of this natural and that medical advice and guidance is valuable mineral field. available to those in need almost as speedily as it can be obtained by telephone in At Weipa there functions a very efficient Brisbane. A visit to the hospitals leaves pre-school training centre. It is interesting one with a feeling of confidence in the that this centre is staffed by an Aboriginal well-being of the patients. woman of Weipa who was trained at the kindergarten centre at Brisbane. The work An interesting highlight of the visit to she performs fits the youngsters to progress Thursday Island was the Torres Strait to primary school the following year. College, which was established by ~he Government in 1963 for the accommodatiOn From Weipa we moved to the Torres of a cross-section of student boys from the Strait area and for the first time I met Torres outlying islands of Torres Strait. These Strait Islanders on their home ground. I am boys, potential leaders of the future, live not talking about a cricket match, either. in at the hostel and attend the normal They look on this area, the gateway to primary and secondary schools at Thursday Australia, as the birthright of their race. Island to extend their education and advance The men wrest a living from the dangerous their backgrounds and progress in accordance waters of the sea. They consider themselves with their abilities. It is not only the masters of Nature's forces. When one sees brightest boys who have been selected for the hazardous weather conditions under admission to the college, as an endeavour which they work and live, one is proud that has been made to admit as wide a cross­ these Islanders are loyal and respected fellow­ section of the population as possible. They Australians who deserve nothing but praise. are all good types of lads. 15 450 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

For the girls, the department supports a We were greeted by the Islander council­ similar number with similar background lors, all of whom expressed profound appre­ environment in normal boarding schools ciation to the Government for the work and girls' hostels in southern areas, being carried out in the interests of the particularly at Herberton and Charters Islander race. Each of these islands is a Towers. township of relative size based on popula­ tions ranging from 40 to 50 people to in A visit to the islands, particularly the excess of 600. Irrespective of the density northern peninsula reserve area at Bamaga, of population, each island has radio com­ which is managed by Mr. Rob. Yarrow, munication with Thursday Island, as well as gives one a close insight into the customs a school, medical-aid post or hospital, store, and manner of living of Islanders and public hall, and numerous conventional-style Aborigines. I left the area with a feeling dwelling-houses. After a personal visit, one of stimulation. At Cape York, more than very quickly loses any misconceived notions 1,000 Aborigines and Islanders now inhabit of primitive people living in the stone age the area between the Jardine River and and becomes aware that the Islanders and Cape York itself. The reserve pulsates the Aborigines residing in this most northerly with life and activity. The sawmill, working section of the State live in traditional at top efficiency, pours out all the building Queensland circumstances and environment timber needed for housing and governmental and are fiercely proud of their participation. requirements for the entire area. Prefabri­ They have a tremendous pride of race and cating workshops ensure that no wastage preserve many of their finer cultures in both occurs, and pre-cut frameworks are shipped song and dance. to the centres where Islander gangs are speedily erecting units. That all of these things have come to pass must truly reflect a humane and understand­ Another field of endeavour is the pastoral ing ministration to the needs of the people; industry, and many hundreds of cattle are but paramount in my mind is the fact that depastured and provide all of the meat the people themselves have accepted, and needed in the area. Considerable progress are continuing to accept, a major part of has been made in pasture improvement the responsibility for their own progressive work, and all the necessary background development and well-being. Their spirit of experimental cultivation work has been com­ self-reliance and the ability to use this spirit pleted. One can now see many hundreds of is contributing to their achieving the goals acres of reasonably good country being set by the progressive policy of the Govern­ cleared and sown to improved pastures, and ment, as administered through the Depart­ it does not require a visionary to look into ment of Aboriginal and Island Affairs. the future to realise that very soon the full Many of the things that I saw I found benefit of earlier and current developments impressive-impressive in themselves, and will be reaped. particularly impressive in the ligJ;lt of their meaning for the future. The rsland and Here, only 19 miles south of Cape York Aboriginal councils, for example, are well itself, flourishes a manual training section, worthy of special mention, for it seems to and there is no doubt that the young men me that the$e bodies are the beginning of of Bamaga are being given every opportunity valid local government throughout the to gain the necessary understanding and areas. They look after most of the day-to­ knowledge of both woodwork and tinsmith­ day administration required by any group of ing. The Department of EducatiQn has people who live together in a society, and accepted responsibility for the primary they perform their duties creditably. Th.ese schools and has appointed energetic young councils are democratically elected bodres; teachers, who are doing a remarkably good they have the respect of ~heir. elect<;)fS and job. it is in this process, whrch IS umque to Queensland, that the basis for assimilation Extensive experimentation has been carried and the objectives of the Government are out in both pig raising and poultry farming, to be found. with reasonable results. Small crops are grown and find a ready market at Thursday Mr. BYRNE (Mourilyan) (5.21 p.m.): I Island as well as in the Bamaga area, and rise to speak on a matter than conce;ns my other crops of grain, cassava and cotton area, one that I regard. as of utmost Import- have produced satisfactory results. ance. ' Hon. members also took the opportunity A Government Member: Your swan song. of visiting a number of the outlying islands of Torres Strait, and it is indeed gratifying Mr. BYRNE: Irrespective of the fact that to a member of this House to observe, on it might be my swan song, perhaps I might landing at each of the islands, the deeply be able to bring to the notice of Queens­ ingrained sense of loyalty amongst all sec­ landers some things which are taking place tions of the island population. I was proudly in North Queensland and which, in my heartened by the sight of the Australian flag opinion, should not take place. flying over residential areas and by portraits Prior to going on with that matter I want of Her Majesty occupying a place of honour to express, on behalf of the people of in the public halls and council offices. Mourilyan, their loyalty and devotion to Address in Reply [7 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 451

Her Majesty and the hope that she will have All those things are in the future. Over a very long reign. To Sir Alan Mansfield, the years that have passed when we were a very fine man, and his good wife, I extend confronted with difficulties we have been the very best of wishes. He fills his posi­ made promises about this and that, and cane tion with dignity and distinction. He is farmers have been exhorted to stand up to very dignified and, with it, very pleasant. these things and told that they would suc­ Everyone must have been somewhat thrilled ceed in the end. How can Queensland cane at Government House the other afternoon to farmers stand up to these things? Many of see the Governor and his good wife mixing them will not succeed; some have already with the people and passing the time of day gone to the wall. with them. We are very happy to have a It seems peculiar to me that the Federal Governor of Sir Alan Mansfield's calibre, Government has completely taken over the and we wish him a long life. sugar industry, to the extent that our Dealing with the sugar industry, there are organisations are playing only a secondary always before our minds, as hon. members part. It is time that the Queensland Govern­ generally know, the difficulties that the ment got busy and made its presence felt farmers have had to contend with and have by fighting for the sugar industry. We can­ endeavoured to surmount. Many of them not carry the industry on when we are rely­ have not been successful in their efforts and ing primarily on the Federal Government to have gone to the wall. From what was a tell us what we are going to do. The Federal once booming industry, we now have an Government is doing all the negotiating; the industry in which it is difficult for anyone to Queensland Government is doing nothing at survive unless he is in a big way and is able all. to harvest his cane by mechanical pro­ Mr. Armstrong: When the industry makes cesses, and has sufficient money to tide him representations, both Governments are over a difficult period. involved. I feel that the sugar industry has been let Mr. BYRNE: If the hon. member com­ down the drain, particularly by the Federal pares the amount of authority the Queens­ Government; and I have not very much land Government has in the negotiations with confidence in our own Government in its the authoritv of the Federal Government, he approach to this industry. I have expressed will find that the Federal Government has that opinion on many occasions. I do not all the say and the Queensland Government think the Government has been awake to none. The Queensland people have been what has been going on. We have been led promised that this and that would take place up a blind alley, and in consequence many but Mr. John McEwen is still the top dog, of our people are suffering today. No doubt and he tells us what is happening. Our the Government is hoping for the best. Queensland people cannot tell us. We expect Even Mr. John McEwan is hoping for the our people to tell us something about these best. In reply to Dr. Rex Patterson he things, but they are not able to. We ~o said- not know where we are. Labour members m the Federal Parliament asked the Minister "It is better than even money that the for Trade what was happening in regard to negotiations will succeed." the sugar industry and what was likely to When questioned by Dr. Patterson, he said­ be the ~outcome of the negotiations surround­ "The Government expected that negotia­ ing the international agreement. The Federal tions for a new international sugar agree­ Government can tell us these things, but our ment would be held next April." own people do not seem to be able to tell and he then said that it was a better than us. even-money chance that the negotiations Mr. Chinchen: It is an international agree­ would be successful. ment, you know. Judging Mr. McEwan on his record over Mr. BYRNE: When is it going to come the years, I am not one of those who laud about? him to the highest. I believe he is a fine class of gentleman, but I would not choose Mr. Chinchen: You cannot expect the him as negotiator for me. The best he State to negotiate on an international basis. can offer is an even-money chance and I It is a job for the Commonwealth Govern­ have not much confidence in him. ment. The article from which I am quoting Mr. BYRNE: We have had one. When goes on to say- are we going to get the next one? Our "Dr. Patterson also asked what pro­ people have fallen down very badly. The gress had been made in the negotiation of trouble with Queensland is that we have a sugar agreement between Australia and no Forgan Smiths or Ned Hanlons today. Japan. There are many hon. members here who can remember the negotiations back in 1949 and "Mr. McEwen said he had tried to 1950 when the late Ned Hanlon demanded arrange this and was confident of getting that he should go overseas and represent the it in the context of the Kennedy Round sugar industry. He brought back a deal the talks." like of which we have never seen since. 452 Ways and lvfeans [ASSEMBLY] Questions

There are other matters about which I desire to speak. I should say that the Tully River land is perhaps the most sought-after land in the whole of Australia. The value per acre there would compare favourably with the value of land in any other part of Australia. Today banana land in that area is worth anything from $400 to $600 an acre. Sales are taking place at very high figures. The Government is putting up two separate blocks of 1,000 acres at an upset price of $18 an acre. Instead of giving the young man or the small fellow an opportunity to get the land at ballot, it is making him bid at auction in competition with people who are regarded as millionaires in the sphere in which they operate. I refer to King Ranch and the tea-growing people. The Government gave King Ranch 34,000 acres at $2 an acre and 17,000 at $10 an acre. I keep on mentioning this because I think it was wrong. At the time I pointed out what was going to happen. I said it would not be long before another huge deal took place­ that somebody else would come into the industry and get more of the land for nothing. That is what has happened. Some 4,000 acres were granted for tea-growing. Mr. Hughes: Didn't they prove something? Mr. BYRNE: Local people can prove it, too. Mr. Hughes: You need the capital. Mr. BYRNE: They wanted 4,000 acres for tea-growing. At 5.30 p.m., under Standing Order No. 17- Motion-That the Address in Reply be adopted (Mr. Armstrong)-agreed to.

SUPPLY CoNSTITUTION OF COMMITTEE Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ Premier): I move- "That the House will, at its next sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider the Supply to be granted to Her Majesty." Motion agreed to.

WAYS AND MEANS CONSTITUTION OF COMMITTEE Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ Premier): I move- "That the House will, at its next sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider of Ways and Means for raising the Supply to be granted to Her Majesty." Motion agreed to. The House adjourned at 5.31 p.m.