Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

WEDNESDAY, 19 AUGUST 1964

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Governor's Opening Speech [19 AUGUST] Member Sworn 5

WEDNESDAY, 19 AUGUST, 1964

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m.

BY-ELECTION DURING RECESS; YERONGA

RETURN OF WRIT Mr. SPEAKER: I have to report that during the recess I received from the Registrar-General a certified copy of the registration of the death, on 28 March, 1964, of the Honourable Henry Winston Noble, lately serving in the Legislative Assembly as member for the electoral district of Yeronga. In accordance with the direction of the tenth section of the Legislative Assembly Act of 1867, I issued a writ on 7 May, 1964, for the election of a member to serve in the Legislative Assembly for the electoral district of Y eronga in the room of the Honourable Henry Winston Noble, deceased, and the said writ was duly returned to me with a certificate endorsed thereon by the returning officer of the election on 6 June, 1964, of Norman Edward Lee, Esquire, to serve as such member.

MEMBER SWORN Mr. N. E. Lee was introduced, took the oath of allegiance, and subscribed the roll. 6 Death of [ASSEMBLY] Hon. H. W. Noble, M.B., B.S.

DEATH OF HON. H. W. NOBLE, M.B., after his death. We all know that he took B.S. a great interest in its development. Queens­ land's first hole-in-the-heart operation was MOTION OF CONDOLENCE performed at the Chermside Chest Hospital Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ on 11 April this year and was a complete Premier) (11.5 a.m.), by leave, without notice: success. That operation was the climax to I move- nearly two years of work and planning by "(1) That this House desires to place on Dr. Noble. The neuro-psychiatric unit at record its sense of the loss this State has the Chermside Hospital and the establish­ sustained by the death of the Honourable ment of a cytology department at the Bris­ Henry Winston Noble, M.B., B.S., former bane Women's Hospital for the detection and Minister for Health and member for the early treatment of cancer in women were also electoral district of Y eronga. the result of his planning for up-to-date "(2) That Mr. Speaker be requested to medical services in this State. convey to the widow and family of the His aim for the integration of psychiatric deceased gentleman the above resolution, services within the General Hospital struc­ together with an expression of the sympathy ture was furthered with the opening of the and sorrow of the members of the Parlia­ Chermside neuro-psychiatric unit, and the ment of Queensland in the loss they have completion of additions to Lowson House sustained." will give practical effect to the policy he In moving this motion I think I can very set out to achieve, that is, to make the rightly say that the passing of the late Dr. mental health services of this State some­ Noble was a great shock to us all. The won­ thing to be proud of. They certainly are derful tributes paid to him for his services something to be proud of, and they are a to the State by all sections of the community monument and a tribute to the work of the show very clearly the high regard in which late Dr. Noble in the health services of he was held. He was held in high regard this State. as a man, a medica, a member of the Legis­ He also made some worth-while contribu­ lative Assembly, and a Minister of the Crown. tions at various interstate conferences which There is no doubt that the death of Henry he attended with other Health Ministers of Winston Noble is regretted by all who knew the Commonwealth. His passing will be him. He was a great Queenslander and regretted not only by this State, but also by his work as Minister for Health will stand many other parts of Australia where he was forever as a monument to him. In looking known so well for his work in improving the back over a century of self government in health services of Queensland. He was a this State it is rather strange to find that humanitarian in every sense of the word, and the late Dr. Noble was the first qualified his death is undoubtedly a great loss to this medical man to administer the Department State and this Parliament. On behalf of all of Health, and under his direction consider­ members of this Assembly I extend the very able expansion took place in all fields of deepest sympathy to his wife and family. medical, health, and hospital services. Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ The late Dr. Noble entered this Parlia­ Leader of the Opposition) (11.12 a.m.): ment in 1950 as the member for Yeronga and On behalf of the Opposition, I am held that seat until his death on 28 March happy to join the Premier in paying tribute this year. During the time he sat on the to the late Dr. Noble-not happy because Opposition benches in this Parliament he of the circumstances that bring this motion made very many worth-while contributions before us, but because of the opportunity of to the debates in the Chamber, particularly saying, in all sincerity, that we regret and in regard to health matters as they affected deplore the loss of a person who served the the State. When he became Minister for State with such distinction. Health he put into practice many of the ideas he advocated as an Opposition member. It Is true, as the Premier pointed out, that it is a long while since we have had In reviewing his term as Minister for Health a medical man in control of this most I think it can be rightly said that he was important department. Of all departments, particularly concerned with the welfare of it is perhaps the most rewarding to a children and the aged people of Queensland, dedicated person and Minister who is able and the legislation which he introduced in to influence his Cabinet colleagues in the this Chamber to improve their lot was a appropriation of sufficient funds to enable very definite advance in these fields. The many worthy humanitarian projects to be unfortunates in the community concerned launched. A man of Dr. Noble's disposition him especially and credit must be given to and professional competence had a fruitful him for the annexes now established in many field in which to operate, and he seized every hospitals of this State to care for the aged opportunity in full measure. It is essential and infirm and for the special sections set that a professional man should be in charge up for handicapped children. of a department which is dealing largely with Another great achievement of his adminis­ his own specialty, and although we very often tration was the setting-up of the open-heart find that the main qualification of an adminis­ surgery unit at the Chermside Hospital trator is the evaluation of information, and which began operating only a few weeks the determination, as a matter of common Death of [19 AUGUST] Hon. H. W. Noble, M.B., B.S. 7 sense· and practical politics, what can be done For all of these things members of the with information furnished by specialists, I Opposition are grateful to the late Dr. think it can be said that Dr. Noble had a Noble. He was able to assimilate informa­ happy knack of being able to employ his tion very quickly. He had the advantage own professional knowledge as well as to of a good education, which was perhaps of evaluate the point of view of the ordinary some importance in this regard. He was person in the community. certainly a very effective Minister, both in the House and in his administrative capacity. He was quite a remarkable character in many ways. I think I can say this without As the Premier said, Dr. Noble was for­ detracting from the dignity or solemnity of tunate in being able to command funds that the occasion: when I was defeated in 1957, enabled him to accelerate developments in although I had no great expectation of being the period in which we live. This is an returned as the honourable member for age of specialisation in so many fields, of Gregory, as a party responsibility I accepted which medicine is not the least important. the duty and nominated for that seat. It It was his happy duty and privilege to pro­ may not be inappropriate at this stage to vide certain increased special services for the refer briefly to the present member for medical welfare of the people of this State, Gregory who, in quite an unusual way, and I am certain that those interested in such invited me, on the night of my arrival in services are grateful for the things done in the electorate, to become an honorary this field. member of the local club, an invitation not It is indeed unfortunate that a man virtu­ often extended to a political opponent. I ally in the prime of life should be struck did not think that my acceptance would win down so suddenly. He had finished dinner votes, or that the environment would be help­ and was about to clear the pieces from the ful, but because the gesture was appreciated table. The members of his family wanted I accepted the invitation. to help him in this task but he said, "No, Dr. Noble went out there to campaign I want you to go out and enjoy yourselves. for my opponents. He said that what Leave this to me!" They went down the Gregory wanted was a person with the stairs and he collapsed. I think that that is atmosphere of the West well in his blood, characteristic of the man; he always had that therefore the Country Party nominee consideration for other people. His death should be returned, and that the electors of undc.. those circumstances was indeed tragic. Gregory would be wise to reject a city slicker. On behalf of the Opposition, I say in all Not having a suave manner, I took this very sincerity that we regret very much indeed his much to heart. I spoke to Dr. Noble later passing. He was a man of happy disposition, and said, "I thought it was very unkind of and one who had no real rancour in his heart. you to refer to me in those terms." He said He could hit hard; at times we felt that he "I thought I had better get in first because I hit too hard, but on those occasions it was am certain that you would have referred to always prompted by considerations of politi­ me as a city slicker had you been the cal exigency rather than a desire to score campaign director." There was that sense of personally. If he did engage in hard debate, humour in him. within a few minutes he was very happy to He had other qualities, too. When we adopt a cordial atmosphere of personal were sitting late he was always happy to give friendship with those privileged to associate professional advice, of even a surgical with him. character, but I am afraid that some mem­ To Mrs. Noble and the members of his bers on this side of the House questioned family, the Opposition joins most sincerely in the wisdom of accepting such offers, fearing the tributes that have been paid, and that he may have taken the opportunity to expresses a similar sense of loss felt in the remove their vocal cords and render them passing of a distinguished parliamentarian, a silent! Nevertheless, he was always ready man who made his mark in the medical to offer help and advice to hon. members field, and one whose name will live for many on both sides of the House. years in the affections and hearts of the He was a very generous person in debate. great number of people in Queensland privi­ He could hit hard but was also receptive to leged to know him. ideas and suggestions. I say with respect that I think he was more ready to accept Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) (11.20 amendments from the Opposition than has a.m.): Many fine compliments have been been any other member of the Cabinet. He paid by the Premier and the Leader of the did not, for purely party reasons, feel that Opposition to the late Dr. Noble, and I do he would be demeaning himself in any way not propose to repeat them or to elaborate by accepting suggestions for amendments to on them. I just want to say that, irrespective Bills. If he felt that there was some purpose of party-political affiliations, this Parliament behind a suggested amendment and that it has been graced over the years by many would help in some way in the administra­ humane men. There may have been some tion of his department, he was always happy just as humane as Dr. Noble, but I doubt to acknowledge the benefit of it or have it if any were more humane. I shall always examined by his officers and put into effect remember him with a good deal of affection by administrative instruction later. for the job he did for what was then the 8 Ministerial Statements [ASSEMBLY] Ministerial Statements forgotten legion of our citizens, the age 1964, appointed Seymour Douglas Tooth to pensioners. When Dr. Noble became Minis­ be a member of the Executive Council of ter for Health there were at Goodna 1,200 Queensland, and Minister for Health of age pensioners, many of whom had been Queensland. grabbed like wild beasts, put in a barred railway wagon, and sent to Goodna to rot I lay upon the table of the House a copy and to live in loneliness and destitution just of the Queensland Government Gazette because they were senile. It was Dr. Noble, Extraordinary dated 14 April, 1964, contain­ to his eternal credit, who took all except a ing the relevant notifications. few of those pensioners out of Goodna and I also desire to inform the House that, in sent them back to the areas whence they connection with the visit overseas of the came, so that they could live in comfort Minister for Industrial Development, His and security among their friends and rela­ Excellency the Governor, in pursuance of the tives who could visit them and comfort them. provisions of Section 8 of the Officials In As I said, I shall always remember him with Parliament Acts, 1896 to 1964, has author­ deep affection as the man who took the ised and empowered the Honourable George pensioners out of Goodna, the man who Francis Reuben Nicklin, Premier and Minister r•emoved, in my opinion, the greatest blot that for State Development, to perform and exer­ was ever placed on this democratic State of cise all or any of the duties, powers, and Queensland. authorities imposed or conferred upon the I join with all other hon. members in Honourable the Minister for Industrial conveying my sincere condolences to his Development by any Act, rule, practice, or widow and the members of his family. ordinance, on and from 9 May, 1964, and until the return to Queensland of the Mr. DIPLOCK (Aubigny) (11.22 a.m.): I Honourable Alan Whiteside Munro. desire respectfully to associate myself with I lay upon the table of the House a copy the motion before the House. I knew the of the Queensland Government Gazette late hon. gentleman many years before I entered Parliament, and I always entertained Extraordinary of 30 April, 1964, notifying the greatest and most sincere respect for these arrangements. him. As a member of the Opposition, I Whereupon the hon. gentleman laid the say quite sincerely that he was one of the Government Gazettes Extraordinary upon the Ministers who always paid to me the· courtesy table. and respect due to every member of this House. I remember many occasions on SHOP TRADING HoURS which I had to approach him and I kn·ew Hon. A. T. DEWAR (Wavell-Minister that he had to consider my requests in spite for Labour and Industry) (11.26 a.m.), by of party-political opposition from my elec­ leave: During the last six months, at the torate; but I can say sincerely that at no request of the principal parties concerned time did he forget his obligation of office with the Shop Assistants' (General) Award­ and at no time did I not receive the con­ Southern Division, a number of conferences sickration that was due to my request or has been held with a view to endeavouring submission. to resolve what was a most unsatisfactory I join with other hon. members in extend­ position regarding the trading hours being ing to the members of his family my deep observed by small shops. and sincere sympathy. The fixation of trading hours is clearly a Motion (Mr. Nicklin) agreed to, hon. mem­ matter for the consideration of the Indus­ bers standing in silence. trial Commission under the Industrial Om­ ciliation and Arbitration Acts, which was the PANEL OF TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN position under the previous Government. The parties recognised that in regard to NOMINATION OF MR. F. A. CAMPBELL mixed stores, that is, the small shops, the Mr. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the require­ existing trading hours for non-exempt goods ments of Standing Order No. 13, I nominate not only imposed a burden on such shops Frederick Alexander Campbell, Esquire, but also deprived the community generally member for the electoral district of Aspley, of an adequate service in regard to groceries to fill the vacancy in the panel of 'r.emporary and certain other lines. Chairmen caused by the appointment of Mr. The parties concerned in this matter, who Tooth to the Ministry. recently unanimously agreed to an appli­ cation to the Industrial Commission for a MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS consent variation of the Award, were as follows:- CHANGE IN MINISTRY; DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY The Queensland Shop Assistants' Union of Employees; Hon. G. F. R. NICKU:N (Premier­ The Australian Workers' Union of Landsborough) (11.24 a.m.): I desire to Employees; inform the House that, following upon the death of the late Henry Winston Nobloe, The Retailers' Association of Queensland His Excellency the Governor, on 14 April, Ltd. Union of Employers; Ministerial Statements [19 AUGUST] Ministerial Statements 9

The Queensland Retail Traders' Associa­ These are shops which may trade 24 tion of Grocers, Drapers and General hours a day if they so desire, provided Stores; they sell only the items set out in Regu­ The Queensland Shopkeepers' Associa­ lation 31 of the Factories and Shops tion Union of Employers; Acts. The Queensland Employers' Federation; (b) Small shops (commonly known as the "Mum and Dad" shops): The Metal Trades Employers' Associa­ tion (Queensland Branch) Union of Briefly, these shops sell a mixture of Employers and other members of the items, in addition to all or any of the Federation; exempt items. The Queensland Chamber of Manufac- These shops may now trade legally tures Union of Employers. between 7 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 12 noon and Briefly, the position is as follows, in regard 5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. on Sundays and to the area covered by the Shop Assistants public holidays, with the exception of (General) Award-Southern Division, which Christmas Day, Good Friday, Anzac extends from north of Bundaberg to the Day and Labour Day, in regard to the border and out to the western border. following items:- Prior to the granting of this application, (i) All types of groceries. the only shops which could trade 24 hours a (ii) In addition to groceries and day, if they so desired, and if they had not exempt lines, these shops may also sell come to an agreement between themselves to certain hardware and haberdashery fix their own trading hours, subject to my lines which, formerly, were non­ approval as in the case of chemists' shops, exempt goods, and legally could not were shops which may be referred to as be sold outside the restricted hours of exempt shops. non-exempt shops, and this list was These shops may still sell, without any unanimously agreed to by the parties limitation of hours, except by agreement concerned. These are set out in between themselves, all or any of the items Clause 2 of the variation to the set out in Regulation 31 under the Factories award, a copy of which I shall also and Shops Acts, a copy of which I shall table. table for the information of honourable (c) Non-exempt shops: members, together with a copy of an amend­ ment thereto, dated 6 August, 1964. This Briefly, these are shops other than list was recently extended to include toys, small and exempt shops, and the trad­ plants, potted or otherwise, seedlings, coffee, ing hours for these shops remain as cocoa and margarine, and as will be seen formerly, namely, 8.15 a.m. to 4.40 p.m. covers many items and a very comprehen­ Mondays to Fridays, and 8.35 a.m. to sive and varied range of items most likely to 11.30 a.m. on Saturdays. be urgently required by customers. The position in regard to small shops, who Previously, in the Brisbane area, all other are also subnewsagents, has also received types of shops could only legally sell items the consideration of the relevant parties, who other than those set out on the exempt list have agreed that a further application be between the hours of 8.15 a.m. and 4.40 p.m., made to the Industrial Commission for Mondays to Fridays, and 8.35 a.m. and 11.30 approval for small shops to open at 6 a.m. a.m. on Saturdays. Before and after that instead of 7 a.m., which will enable such closing time, mixed shops were required to shops to sell the early-morning newspapers. structurally and effectively separate their non­ exempt goods from exempt goods, when they Newsagents may sell toys, or any of the could trade in exempt goods only. items contained in the exempt list, during any period they desire. , ,, Mixed shops, however, were only permitted eo trade in exempt lines outside the non­ It will be seen that the small shops may exempt goods trading hours, between 7 a.m. now trade legally in a greatly extended range and 8.15 a.m., and 4.40 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. of items during a total period of 8H hours Mondays to Fridays, between 7 a.m. and a week, and reports indicate that these new 8.35 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. on hours are acceptable to over 95 per cent. of Saturdays, and between 8 a.m. and noon on the small shops. Sundays. The number of shops registered in the It might be mentioned here that these hours metropolitan area is approximately 7 ,000, vary in other areas outside Brisbane, but the and I am informed that not more than ·2 same principle obtains. per cent. at present are not observing the As a result of the granting of this appli­ new trading hours. cation by the Industrial Commission, small The agreement reached between all of stores now have greatly extended legal trad­ the parties interested-retailers, mixed and ing hours and a much wider range of items small shops, the Shop Assistants' Union and to sell. There are now three classes of shops, the Australian Workers' Union-is indeed as follows:- a triumph for conciliation, and I would be (a) Exempt shops: remiss if I did not express here my great 10 Papers [ASSEMBLY] Papers appreciation of the spirit which existed Seventy-ninth Report of the Registrar of between all parties at the discussions, which Friendly Societies. have resulted in greatly extended trading Literature Board of Review for the year hours, which are very realistic, and in addi­ 1963-1964. tion to being of much benefit to consumers The following papers were laid on the will also enable shopkeepers to have their table:- choice of three types of shops, and yet still trade legally. This is indeed a very great Proclamations under- achievement, and a tribute to all of the The Public Works Lands Resumption parties concerned. Acts, 1906 to 1955 and The State Development and Public Works I should also like to pay a tribute to Organisation Acts, 1938 to 1958. the Retailers' Association of Queensland and The State Development and Public the Pharmaceutical Guild, who have also Works Organisation Acts, 1938 to been able to reach agreement in respect of 1958, The Public Works Land the additional items, outside purely chemists' Resumption Acts, 1906 to 1955, and lines, which chemists' shops may also sell The Petroleum Acts, 1923 to 1962. during chemists' trading hours. The Northern Electric Authority of As stressed before, the only official interest Queensland Act of 1963. which my department could have in this The Anzac Day Acts, 1921 to 1930. matter is to ensure that, as has also been The Justices Acts, 1886 to 1963. requested by all of the parties, the pro­ The Interstate Destitute Persons Relief visions of the relevant award and the rele­ Acts, 1914 to 1944. vant agreements regarding the new trading hours are strictly observed, and it is intended Orders in Council under- to ensure that this is done. The Public Service Acts, 1922 to 1963. Whereupon the hon. gentleman laid the The State Development and Public relevant papers upon the table. Works Organisation Acts, 1938 to 1958. Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ The State Development and Public Leader of the Opposition) (11.33 a.m.): I Works Organisation Acts, 1938 to seek your guidance, Mr. Speaker. I do not 1958, and The Tully Falls Hydro­ want to imply any discourtesy to the Minis­ Electric Project Act of 1950. ter for Labour and Industry, or to indicate The State Electricity Commission Acts, any lack of co-operation on the part of the 1937 to 1964. Opposition, but I was wondering whether the The Electric Light and Power Acts, pronouncements contained in his ministerial 1896 to 1962. statement are in accordance with the prac­ The Regional Electric Authorities Acts, tices of the House. After all, the informa­ 1945 to 1962. tion contained in it is already in the Govern­ The Northern Electric Authority of ment Gazette. I have a copy of it on my Queensland Act of 1963. table. If we are going to have ministerial statements concerning industrial agreements The Southern Electric Authority of the time of this Parliament will be taken up Queensland Acts, 1952 to 1958. unnecessarily in the recital of information The Grammar Schools Acts, 1860 to already officially available. I should like 1962. your guidance whether it is proper that state­ The Fisheries Acts, 1957 to 1962. ments on such matters, which are already The Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1963. officially acknowledged and recognised, The Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1964. should be repeated here in this Assembly. The Racing and Betting Acts, 1954 to 1963. Mr. SPEAKER: I wish to advise the Leader of the Opposition that I was informed The Stamp Acts, 1894 to 1963. this morning that there would be some minis­ The Traffic Acts, 1949 to 1962. terial statements, the contents of which I am The Irrigation Acts, 1922 to 1961. never aware of. I honestly believe that a The Water Acts, 1926 to 1961. statement such as has just been given by The Apprentices and Minors Acts, 1929 the Minister could well be either the subject to 1959. of a Press statement or laid upon the table The State Enterprises Repeal and The of the House. Under Secretary, Department of Labour and Industry Corporation Act PAPERS of 1931. The following papers were laid on the The Factories and Shops Acts, 1960 to table, and ordered to be printed:- 1963. The State Housing Acts, 1945 to 1964, Reports- and The Local Bodies' Loans Guar­ Public Accountants Registration Board antee Acts, 1923 to 1957. of Queensland for the year 1963-1964. The State Housing Acts, 1945 to 1964. Police Superannuation Board for the year The Liquor Acts, 1912 to 1961. 1963-1964. The Real Property Acts, 1861 to 1963. Deaths of Former Members [19 AUGUST] Deaths of Former Members 11

The Supreme Court Act of 1n1. David Kane, Esquire, and the late Mrs. The Explosives Acts, 1952 to 1963. Irene Longman, former members of the The Medical Acts, 1939 to 1693. Parliament of Queensland. Regulations under- "(2) That Mr. Speaker be requested to The Public Accountants Registration convey to the relatives of the deceased Acts, 1946 to 1963. members the above resolution, together with an expression of the sympathy and The Public Service Acts, 1922 to 1963. sorrow of the members of the Parliament The Public Service Superannuation Acts, of Queensland in the loss they have 1958 to 1964. sustained." The Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1963. Only one of the three former members, Mr. The Queensland Marine Acts, 1958 to Kane, served in this House during the term 1963. of any present honourable member. Each The Workers' Compensation Acts, 1916 gave very good service to this Parliament, to 1962. and to the State, and the late Mrs. Longman The Traffic Acts, 1949 to 1962. had the honour of being the only woman The Main Roads Acts, 1920 to 1963. member ever to sit in this Parliament. The State Transport Act of 1960. Mr. Elphinstone served from 16 March The Land Acts, 1962 to 1963, and The 1918 till 10 May 1929 and was a member of Brigalow and Other Lands Develop­ the Country Progressive National Party. ment Act of 1962. During his service in the House he was a very The Land Acts, 1962 to 1963. keen representative of his electorate. He was recognised as one of the most fluent debaters, The Rural Fires Acts, 1946 to 1964. with a very cultivated style of speech and a The Apprentices and Minors Acts, 1929 talent for a well-turned phrase. In the to 1959. Parliament in which he served he was a man The State Children Acts, 1911 to 1955. of more than average ability, with a par­ The State Housing Acts, 1945 to 1964. ticularly sound knowledge of financial and The Hospitals Acts, 1936 to 1962. business principles, and he was a prominent The Hospitals Acts, 1936 to 1963. business manager in the city for many years. The Explosives Acts, 1952 to 1963. He made a contribution to t!he early industrial development of this State with the formation The Health Acts, 1937 to 1962. of a Queensland company which still bears Statute under The University of Queensland his name. Both inside and outside this House Acts, 1909 to 1960. he made a very great contribution to the By-laws under- development of Queensland. The Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1964. The late Mr. Kane was known to quite a The Railways Acts, 1914 to 1964. number of us here and his death undoubtedly Numbers 922 to 923. was a great loss to the Labour Party, which The Medical Acts, 1939 to 1963. he served so well. He served in this Reports- Parliament from 11 May 1935 till 6 May 1938, and during that time he made many Royal Commission Appointed to Inquire friends on both sides of the House. He had into and Report on certain matters a very friendly disposition and was relating to members of the Police universally admired. He made very many Force and the National Hotel, Petrie Bight, Brisbane. useful contributions to the debates in the House during the time he served here. He Union-Fidelity Trustee Company of was also a very able journalist and, as the Australia Limited. editor of the "New Age", he made a con­ tribution to politics generally. During his QUESTIONS term of office in this House in the 27th Mr. MURRAY (Clayfield) proceeding to Parliament of Queensland it may be truth­ ask a question of Mr. Speaker- fully said that he was a very able representative of

During her term as a member of this House He was a self-educated man. He received she was responsible for the admittance of training as a student in the Workers' Educa­ women into the Police Force of Queensland tional Association many years ago. Many and as a result of her constant advocacy railway men recall the days of Moroney, here during her term in Parliament the first Rymer and Gordon Crane. Gordon Crane two admissions to the Queensland Police was regarded as a great tutor in the art of Force were made. She was also very con­ logic and self-expression, and unquestionably cerned with juvenile delinquency and it was Mr. Kane modelled himself on the lines of her advocacy which changed the venue of Gordon Crane and Mr. Rymer. Frequently the Children's Court from the Police Courts. in my younger days I may have had an She was a woman with great character, opinion different from that expressed by capacity and ability who gave of her best Mr. Kane, but I was always impressed by in the service of this State and its people. the way he marshalled his arguments. The three persons named in the motion If one were looking at a black object, each made a worthy contribution to this and one's eyesight had been passed by an State and it is fitting that we should record optometrist as being above average, Mr. Kane that fact. I am sure that honourable could argue that it was white. He would members will join with me in expressing to leave you with the impression that if you their relatives their deepest sympathy in the depended on your ears to determine your great loss they have sustained. judgment you should visit an optical Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ specialist, because you would feel that what Leader of the Opposition) (12.11 p.m.): you thought to be black was undoubtedly Generally speaking, motions of condolence white. He had this gift of being able to mention names of former members of present a particular line of argument in a Parliament known to at least a number very logical way, and he was very sucessful. of members of this Assembly. On thrs He was very courageous in a way. I occasion two of the three people referred to recall his entry into Parliament. He led a were not known very well personally by campaign for the closing of an institution in existing members of the Parliament. Toowoomba known as the Home of Rest. I have read and heard quite a deal about It provoked a very bitter controversy. Pages the late Mr. Elphinstone. As the Premier and pages of letters appeared in the Press pointed out, he was regarded as one of the over a long period, some for Mr. Kane but best public ·speakers heard in this Parliament. a greater number against him. The Opposi­ He had a very eloquent style, had the gift tion was not based on any logical case of lucidity of expression, was regarded as but largely on sentiment, because the home being a formidable opponent in debate, and had been carried on by a family who certainly left a marked impression on those had established a reputation for looking after who were privileged to hear him, either in this these people. Despite a good deal of local Assembly or on the public platform. It is sentiment in favour of those conducting the a rarity to find an outstanding public speaker home, it was not up to the standard expected. who was always warmly welcomed on so Against strong adverse criticism, and without many rostrums in the State. fear of political consequences, Mr. Kane championed the closure of it. Apart from his identification with a leading industrial firm in this city, the foundation He took part in the internal affairs of the of which he laid so successfully, he was Labour Party to a marked degree. He was intimately associated with causes for the always anxious to discuss politics and indus­ promotion of better trade with Great Britain. trial matters. In his own union, namely, He was a staunch Commonwealth man, and the Australian Railways Union, he was a used his talents in that direction. He delegate to the governing body and was identified himself with the St. George Society regarded as one of its best spokesmen. Fol­ and similar societies. lowing his defeat as the member for East Toowoomba, he studied shorthand in his Parliament is the poorer for the passing general desire to improve himself and of a man of his calibre because of his success became a journalist with "The Toowoomba as a Parliamentarian, as a business man, and Chronicle". He then served as public rela­ as a citizen of this State. On behalf of the tions officer for a transport firm, and ulti­ Opposition I join in extending to his relatives mately became editor of "The New Age". our sympathy in the loss they have sustained. The marshalling of resources necessary to I am thankful that the Premier mentioned conduct a newspaper today is a consider­ the late Mr. Kane. He said he served the able task and, with the very limited funds Labour Party faithfully and well, and that that he was permitted to use and the is true. I was eo-member of this Parliament limited opportunities available to him for with Mr. Kane for the period 1935-1938. the collation of information, I feel that he when he entered State Parliament, and did a very good job. although I would not regard Mr. Kane as There is one side of his life that I do not the best public speaker I have heard I can think is generally known and to which on say without fear of contradiction that he this occasion I should like to refer. One of was undoubtedly one of the best debators his sons is a prominent official in the Electri­ I have heard. cal Trades Union and another is a successful Deaths of Former Members [19 AuGUST] Parliamentary Library Con!mittee 13 practising solicitor in this city. His third Mr. HERBERT (Sherwood) (12.21 p.m.): I son had a disability from birth which has should like to associate myself with this kept him in an invalid chair all his life. motion of condolence because two of the He had some enlargement of the brain which people concerned were very well known in to some extent impaired his faculties. I my area. know of no other person who was so stead­ Many years ago Mr. Elphinstone repre­ fast in his devotion to his son as was Jimmy sented the electorate that I now have the Kane. No matter how inviting the circum­ honour to represent. He was followed by Mr. stances may have been when he was out at Nimmo and then by Mr. Kerr before I was functions, he would always go home, without elected to this assembly. Mrs. Longman lived staying late, to attend to the boy. Of most of her life in the street in Chelmer that course, his son would be a man of 40 years bears the family name. Both of them will or more now, but right till his death he be missed in the local area, and both of them would invariably leave functions to cater for lived to a ripe old age. the physical requirements of his son Brian. Mr. Elphinstone is remembered for his I should like that to be known. I know of speeches by many people who visited this no case of greater attachment than that of Chamber. Whenever he spoke here he Jimmy Kane for his son who has this impair­ attracted a full house, and all his life he ment of faculties, and for whom he cared so had the facility of making a magnificent lovingly and with such constancy. speech. On behalf of the Opposition I offer to the My association with Mrs. Longman goes relatives of Mr. Kane sincere sympathy in back to my very young days, through a pro­ their loss. , fessional association between her husband and I shall be brief in my remarks concerning my father, and she kept a very keen interest Mrs. Longman. She certainly was distin­ in politics throughout her life. For the last guished in being the only woman ever elected ten years I have carried probably hundreds to this Parliament. That was certainly a of books from the Parliamentary Library out triumph for her. In those years there was to Mrs. Longman's home for her, because not quite public acceptance of the candida­ she was one of the most avid readers of ture of women for public office. Indeed, it is literature that the Parliamentary Library has suggested by women's organisations today ever had on its books. Until shortly before that it is still very difficult for women to her death, when her eyesight failed, she read gain nomination and acceptance in parlia­ many books that had been here for years mentary and city council fields. Despite and had never previously been read. She our claims that Australia is an advanced certainly read very heavy material on nation, we seem to lag very far behind Great occasions. Britain, and particularly the United States, It is also of interest to note that her in the number of women that we permit to nearest relative, with whom she was living enter public life. They seem to be slightly before her death, her brother Mr. J. G. handicapped if they wish to attain public Bayley was also a member of this Assembly office. It is unfortunate but true that, gener­ before he moved to the Fed•eral sphere. Mr. ally speaking, these disabilities still attach to Bayley was principal of the Charters Towers women. There is no reason for it. They are High School when it was opened in 1913 and equal with men in intelligence, industrious, he retired from politics in 1929. He is prob­ and very capable of expressing the point of ably one of the oldest living former members view of a large percentage of the people. It of this Assembly. is indeed a matter for regret that there are On behalf of the people of the Sherwood not more of them in Parliament throughout electorate, I extend sympathy to the relatives the land. of both the former members concerned. For Mrs. Longman to gain acceptance when the prejudice against women was Motion (Mr. Nicklin) agreed to, hon. greater than it is now was indeed a personal members standing in silence. triumph. I should like to express my appre­ ciation of her short service in this Parlia­ PARUAMENTARY LIBRARY ment, of the things that she tried to achieve COMMITTEE and the things that she did achieve. It is APPOINTMENT OF MR. J. D. HERBERT sometimes a disability for a man to be the Mr. SPEAKER: I have to inform the husband of a famous woman, and I do not House that a vacancy exists in the Library know whether Mrs. Longman is remembered Committee consequent upon the appointment as the wife of the Director of the Queensland of Mr. Tooth to the Ministry. Museum or whether Mr. Longman is remem­ bered as the husband of the first woman Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ member of Parliament in Queensland. At Premier) by leave, without notice: I move- least she was a very patient woman, a very "That John Desmond Herbert, Esquire, earnest woman, and she worked very hard member for the electoral district of Sher­ in the interests of women. wood, be appointed a member of the I join with the Premier in expressing, on Library Committee to fill the vacancy behalf of the Opposition, very sincere regret caused by the appointment of Mr. Tooth at the passing of these three former members to the Ministry." of this Assembly. Motion agreed to. 14 Privilege [ASSEMBLY] Privilege

PRIVILEGE member who has ever been elected to this STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS, PARLIAMENT Parliament and whose name has been men­ HOUSE tioned by the Premier and others this morn­ ing in a motion of condolence. That Mr. W ALSH (Bundaberg) (12.24 p.m.): I remained there for a considerable time, until desire, in accordance with the provisions of some five or six years ago, when it was Standing Order No. 115, to raise a question removed. I am not questioning the grounds of privilege that has arisen suddenly. I think, for its removal-it was probably done with Mr. Speaker, you will gather from my the idea of making better provision in other remarks as I proceed that I have not had ways for the comfort and convenience of an earlier opportunity to discuss the matters members generally-but I think it is going that are involved in the question that I hope a bit far when one knows that there has to raise. I want to say that, whatever been a facility established within the pre­ remarks I may make as I go along, I do cincts of this Chamber and then suddenly not wish to take away from you, Mr. Speaker, finds it removed and handed over to strangers. any credit to which you may be justifiably Although one part of the complaint has entitled for your enthusiasm and interest in been rectified, so that I can get off this par­ doing things that are necessary to provide ticular subject I want to say to you now, added comforts for members of this Mr. Speaker, that I feel that a decision Chamber. should be made by you or the appropriate It has been said on other occasions that committee to restore the facility to its pre­ you certainly have shown a very enthusiastic vious position for the use of hon. members. interest in many matters here since you I do not subscribe, and I do not feel that assumed office; nevertheless, that does not pre­ any other hon. member subscribes, to a posi­ vent me from raising matters which I think tion where members are relegated to some affect the interest and privileges of members. back portion of the building in order to The matters to which I refer are related to provide for the convenience of strangers. A structural improvements that have been car­ considerable amount of money was expended ried out within P'arliament House itself during to provide some conveniences on the lower recent times and they relate, strangely enough, floor-there can be no complaint about that­ to seating accommodation under different but once this territory of Parliament House headings. proper is invaded, as it were, and these The first matter I wish to bring to mind things happen, I think somebody has to draw briefly is that there were certain facilities and attention to it. Many of these changes can conveniences provided for gentlemen mem­ take place and be accepted only for hon. bers of this Chamber when the original members to find in due course that privileges Parliament House was constructed, long they previously enjoyed have been system­ before the modern system of sewerage as atically taken away from them. we know it today was available. That facility Having dealt with that part of the seating existed immediately to the left of the library accommodation, I turn now to the seating and it concerned me somewhat to find, on a accommodation within the Chamber itself. recent inspection, that by a decision of some authority that particular convenience had Mr. Ramsden: I thought you had made been taken away from hon. members of this it up with Johnno. House. It may have been done by a decision Mr. W ALSH: The mere fact that I am of the Building Committee or somebody else, sitting beside the hon. member for Brisbane but hon. members are affected by these mat­ in no way indicates any evidence of a poli­ ters and should have some say in them. tical reconciliation. I am sure he is not There should be some method of consultation embarrassed, and I certainly am not. with members generally before such altera­ tions are made. Again I pay tribute to you, Mr. Speaker, particularly for your enthusiasm in renovat­ When this matter came to my notice, I ing this Chamber. There is certainly a lot of immediately drew the attention of certain hon. modernity about it today. Although we members to what had happened. I have to blindly follow some of the traditions-the be quite fair and say that I did not mention carpet must be this colour so that it is like it to you, Mr. Speaker, but I did draw atten­ the House of Commons-which may be a tion to it and I think there is one member good thing, at this stage I want to draw of the committee who will remember that. attention to another complaint I have. I I am happy to know that, following an obser­ refer to the removal of the Coat of Arms vation made by you, Mr. Speaker, certain from this Chamber. As far as I am con­ additional facilities have been put in since cerned no longer is the Legislative Council my first complaint, if I may put it that way. of this State in existence. It is completely While that might overcome part of my out. The former Legislative Council Cham­ complaint it certainly does not remove the ber is just another room in this parliamentary more important part of it. Those hon. building. For over 50 years the Coat of members who have been here long enough­ Arms was over your chair, Mr. Speaker. the Premier, I think, is now Father of the Although I appreciate the beauty of the orna­ House-will remember that certain installa­ ment which is now above your head, never­ tions were placed at the far end of the theless I think the rightful place for the Coat balcony for the convenience of the only lady of Arms is where it was previously. Privilege [19 AUGUST] Privilege 15

Although the renovations might appear My complaint is that, without the authority attractive and in some respects comfortable, of this House, some arrangement appears only time will tell whether they are in all to have been made whereby certain seats respects comfortable, particularly when we are allocated to particular members, and are sitting at night. The appearance of the it is in that respect that I want to voice Chamber, of course, may bring back happy my protest. This House has never-and I memories for the Minister for Education, hope it never will-specifically written into the Minister for Health and the hon. member the Standing Orders any matter that will for Aubigny. SOme might say that it reminds determine the rights of members on a party­ them of the fourth form at St. Percy's and political basis. We have to be very careful others might say that there is now more wood about that. Also, we should not subscribe in the Chamber than there was previously. to any arrangement being made mutually However, the fact remains that references between members regarding seating accom­ to the seating accommodation in the House modation. Members are expected to conform are contained in the 1951 reprint of the to the Standing Orders, and generally, with Standing Rules and Orders of the Legisla­ the guiding hand of Mr. Speaker, most of tive Assembly, since which date members us do. There is a desire that we conform have been supplied with the various amend­ to the Standing Orders so as to enable ments brought down by the Standing Orders the business of the House to be conducted Committee, which are reported to, and with decorum. adopted by, the House. Let us be clear In 1953 there were 50 members of the that the Standing Orders are adopted by then Government party sitting on that side, this Assembly. I should say that, apart from and another member who usually sat on that the select committees which may be side made it 51. In 1956 there were 49 appointed for particular purposes, the members. A division was recorded in the Standing Orders Committee is the only last two years in which 69 members were committee that is in some way obligated seated on that side. The Minister for to report to the House. Any other committee Education can turn his arm-rest up in an appointed by the House can meet and come endeavour to come to a statistical calculation, to decisions. However, there is an obliga­ but I challenge him to show how he could tion on the Standing Orders Committee to put 69 members where 45 are seated now. report to the House and seek its approval No doubt the honourable member for Lands­ for any amendments to the Standing Orders. borough, who occupies the position of Premier, is looking forward to the day when There are approximately 332 or 333 he will return here with 60 members. I do Standing Orders and 11 Rules of Practice, not know which Standing Order will provide several of which refer to yourself, Mr. for that eventuality. The fact remains that Speaker, in relation to your election and these things do affect the rights of members. other matters associated therewith. Rule of Practice No. 6 is the only one that in any It is only fair to say, Mr. Speaker, that way refers to the seating accommodation you have not dictated to me in any way within the House. I do not want to stick where I should sit, and I have no doubt to any literal interpretation of these rules, that had you wanted to exercise any right not written into the Standing Orders you would and I do not rise today for that purpose. have done it this morning. I am sure you I rise mainly to register something in the appreciate, as I hope every other honourable nature of a protest so that in future no member does, that I raised this subject action will be taken by anybody to disturb only for the purpose of future guidance. in any way the rights and privileges of this It is not good enough to decide outside this House without first bringing the matter before Chamber matters which so greatly affect the the House, or arranging for some form rights of members. of consultation. It may be appropriate for me to quote the Rule of Practice with I do not care two hoots about the which I am concerned. It is to be found courtesies shown in this Standing Order to on page 9 of the Standing Rules and Orders former Ministers of the Crown. That and reads- courtesy has been there for many years, no doubt even since there have been Standing "The front bench on the right hand Orders. The Leader of the Opposition and I of the Chair is reserved for Members are both former Ministers, as are also the holding office under the Crown, and the honourable member for Fassifern and the front bench on the left hand of the honourable member for Aubigny. I found that Chair, and the front crossbenches on irrespective of this Rule of Practice the so­ either side of the Chair, are ordinarily called Independents were to be relegated to occupied by Members who have held what I have called the "Royal Box", up in office under the Crown." the corner. I do not overlook the fact that the Nowhere within the Standing Orders is Ministers have placed themselves in an there any reference to the seating of mem­ isolated area. I am dealing with this matter bers, so far as seats are concerned. Strange from the point of view of the rights of though it may seem, Standing Orders members who represent the people as a generally do not refer to seats; they refer whole, not any particular section. I am not to places of members. worried about politics, Mr. Speaker. All 16 Privilege [ASSEMBLY] Privilege that I should like you to do, either now or Mr. AIKENS: Mr. Speaker-- on an occasion suitable to you, is give the House an assurance that no action will be Mr. SPEAKER: There is no motion before taken here to regiment honourable members the House. I do not propose to allow any in any way outside what is specifically pro­ debate. vided for, particularly in relation to Ministers Mr. AIKENS: I rise on a question of occupying positions under the Crown. privilege under Standing Order No. 115. When the Speaker is obliged to give an interpretation of Standing Orders, he, as Mr. SPEAKER: I wish to deal with one does a good barrister (some people say the question of privilege at a time. There is no honourable member for South Brisbane is motion before the House; therefore there can that), likes to give a correct one. No doubt be no debate. the honourable member for Fassifern is I should like to say a few words in reply sitting in a place selected by him, and that to the hon. member for Bundaberg. First probably will destroy fears that there is an of all, I wish to thank the Parliamentary attempt to regiment members. I should like Buildings Committee and the other commit­ to emphasise now that that should not tees under my control in this House. apply in this Parliament or in any future Parliament. I think the Premier will Members who occupy a seat in this Par­ agree-- liament have more privileges today than they Mr. Nicklin: You will remember that years have ever had in the history of the Parlia­ ago there used to be a rush by members ment. The hon. member for Bundaberg has to select their seats when each Parliament spoken about the handing-over of a certain opened. facility to strangers. That facility never belonged to members of the Legislative Mr. W ALSH: I think that is the practice Assembly; it belonged to the members of now. the Legislative Council, which is -now defunct. Mr. Nicklin: You wrote your name on a The change was found very necessary because seat, and woe betide anyone who sat there. other breaches of privilege were being com­ mitted by female members of the staff Mr. W ALSH: I imagine that could apply upstairs having to pass through the members' to some members in this House, particularly dining-room to approach their own wash­ when there is a section as rebellious as room. We have converted the old Legisla­ Independents can be from time to time. So tive Council Chamber to an area where we far as the relegating of Independents to a can encourage the public and strangers to particular corner is concerned, I remind take an interest in Parliament~something honourable members that, whilst there may be that we have very much desired to do--and six now, the records of the House will show by doing that we have lifted Parliament to that at one time there were ten, and, if a higher position in the eyes of the people headlines in the Press for months past are than it has ever been before. any guide, there may be many more in the future. Strangely enough, the hon. member for I have taken my stand under Rule of Bundaberg said that he had made a recent Practice No. 6 instead of doing it under inspection and discovered this change. His Standing Order No. 46. If I had done that, it recent inspection could not have been a would, of course, have had the effect of very minute one, because he did not discover opening a general discussion by all members. until this morning, when I told him, that I have no knowledge of any other honourable instead of the one pedestal in the cubicle member wishing to raise this matter, and I that has been used for other purposes, two have consequently exercised my rights under are now provided. I think it is quite sufficient the appropriate Standing Orders. for me to say that members of the staff of this Parliament had fewer privileges than I have two things to say. One is that the did the staff in any other building or Govern­ facilities available to members in the passage ment department in Queensland, and I and in the Chamber should be handed back thought it was high time that some provision for the use of hon. members, and strangers, was made for the convenience and comfort whoever they may be, should not be allowed of the women members of the staff. I to invade the corridors or any part of the sincerely hope that hon. members will not House usually set aside for the use of deny them that privilege. members. Secondly, if an assurance is given that nothing is going to be done to disturb The hon. member for Bundaberg referred the arrangement under which members select to the Coat of Arms. Again, that was some­ their seats, as long as Standing Orders remain thing that belonged to the Legislative Council. as they are I do not want to hand over The Legislative Council was abolished in a right whereby on the one hand we can be 1922. and the Coat of Arms was not removed told, "There are Standing Orders and they from. the Legislative Council Chamber, which must be complied with," and, on the other, was then under the jurisdiction of a Govern­ "You are to do as you are told, even though ment of which the hon. member for Bunda­ it is not in Standing Orders." That is not berg was a member, until 1934. It was the my way of looking at an interpretation of the British Coat of Arms, and I do not know rights and privileges of honourable members by whose authority it was placed here, in this House. because I was not a member of this Assembly Privilege (19 AUGUST] Privilege 17 at that time. I have given a great deal of of necessity to put in a great deal of time­ thought to the replacement of the Coat of he would find that, as I said previously, Arms in another section of the Chamber, members generally have more privileges to­ but I think that, if we display any Coat of day than they have ever enjoyed in the Arms, it should be our own. We are a history of this Parliament. sovereign State and we are entitled to display So far as the seating and many other our own Coat of Arms in this Chamber, while still owing allegiance to the British matters affecting this Parliament are Commonwealth and to Her Majesty the concerned, it is my desire to call the Standing Queen. Orders Committee together. I would have done so before the House met to suggest The matters raised by the hon. member certain things that should be done, but for Bundaberg have not been lost sight of unfortunately a member of the Standing by me or by members of my committee, Orders Committee, Mr. Munro, the Minister who have had constant discussions during for Industrial Development, is overseas. The the alteration of this Chamber. honourable member for Bundaberg is a It is passing strange that the question of member of that committee. It is very where former Ministers of the Crown should necessary that we meet to discuss these sit is raised only when an alteration of seat­ problems and all that is needed to have a ing takes place in the Chamber. I do not meeting called at any time is for any member remember the question being discussed of the committee to request me to call one. between 1950 and the present day. As I say, I did intend to call the committee together to discuss certain .problems that have Mr. Walsh: I beg your pardon. arisen becau'Se of the necessity to expand Mr. SPEAKER: We had cross-benches the seating in this Chamber. Some of the previously, and the hon. member for Bunda­ Standing Orders are very difficult to apply. berg, a former Minister, sat on the cross­ They were promulgated before the days of benches at the back because he chose to party politics, and now that rhe party politics sit there. apply and are the general rule of Parlian1ent certain of the Standing Orders are outdated Mr. Walsh: Excuse me, I sat here on the and outmoded. front cross-bench. Honourable members will have ·ample Mr. SPEAKER: Let me say that there opportunity to raise any complaints they may are certain very necessary improvements to have about the seating in this Chamber. I be carried out for the convenience of have always intended that they should have members of this House. For the convenience ample opportunity to discuss that matter or of members we have installed an annunciator, anything else. In fact, the honourable in other words, a message board. If a member for Bundaberg today made what member presses the button on his desk it what was really an Address-in-Reply speech. immediately registers in front of the mess­ I told him I would give him the opportunity engers. That is a convenience that has never this morning because I did not want a previously been enjoyed in this Parliament. lengthy debate on it, but the Address-in It is for that reason that, once a member Reply debate will give any other member occupies a seat, it is necessary for him ample opportunity to discuss particular prob­ to remain in that seat in order to enjoy the lems relating to the seating or any other convenience of 1having a messenger come to amenity in this Parliament. him when he presses the button. I do not think any member should complain about Mr. AIKENS (Townsville SouVh) (12.59 a convenience such as that being provided. p.m.): I rise pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 115. I think the advice you The honourable member for Bundaberg have just given, Mr. Speaker, is very sound. also mentioned something about Independents I was going to tell the House of the privileges being put in a certain section. I wish to provided to Independent members by the thank Independent members for their ready Labour Government, in which the honourable co-operation. I asked them where they member for Bundaberg was a tyrannical wanted to sit and they very readily said, dictator. When I came into this House I "Anywhere you like." What a difference in was treated worse than an Afghan's dog. the attitude of Independent members, about I was going to tell honourable members whom the 'honourable member for Bundaberg something about it, but I am very pleased is so worried! They were most co-operative to see the belated atonement and penance and very readily acceded to the section in of the honourable member for Bundaberg, which they sit being, of necessity, on the who is now concerned about the rights of opposite side of the Chamber from that on private members. It reminds me of the which they previously sat. World War I song, "When it strikes home, As the custodian of honourable members' gone is the laughter." privileges I will not allow anything to stand Mr. Mann interjected. in my way in ensuring that they get all the privileges to which they are entitled. If Mr. AIKENS: When the honourable the honourable member for Bundaberg visited member who is now interjecting was Speaker other sections of the House-the committee of this House and I got the room that was rooms and other areas where members have allotted to me the first thing I had to do 18 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply was remove a sign which read, "Please My sincere endorsement is given to remarks adjust your dress before leaving." by speakers to the motion of condolence on I shall deal with this matter further during the death of Dr. H. Winston Noble, who the Address-in-Reply debate. served this State and the electors of Yeronga for so long and so well. His death at a [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] comparatively early age was indeed a great loss to Queensland, and much of his work GOVERNOR'S OPENING SPEECH will continue on through the years as a mag­ nificent memorial to him. Mr. SPEAKER: I have to report that His Excellency the Governor yesterday delivered In accordance with time-honoured customs, to Parliament an Opening Speech of which, Mr. Speaker, I should like to thank the for greater accuracy, I have obtained a copy. electors of Y eronga for placing their trust I presume hon. members will take the Speech in me at the recent by-election. I can assure as read? them that I 'Shall do my best to merit that trust, and certainly I regard myself as the Horwumble Members: Hear, hear! servant of all the electors in that area, not merely of those who voted for me as the ADD'RESS IN REPLY endorsed Liberal candidate. Mr. LEE (Yeronga) (2.16 p.m.), who was Perhaps at this stage I should mention one re~eived with Government "Hear, hears!", of the prime problems worrying the people in sa1d: I move- my electorate--the problem of fall-out, not "That the following Address be pre­ in the atomic bomb sense, but from the sented to the Governor in reply to the Tennyson powerhouse. We are constantly Speech delivered by His Excellency in assured that arresters have been installed to opening this, the second session of the end this horrible nuisance, but every year Thirty-seventh Parliament of Queensland:- something seems to go wrong which pre­ 'May it please Your EXcellency,­ vents the soot arresters from doing their job, and then the prevailing winds cover a wide We, Her Majesty's loyal and dutiful area of adjoining suburbs with filthy black subjects, the Members of the Legislature soot. of Queensland, in Parliament assembled desire to assure Your Excellency of ou; Something must be done about this continued loyalty and affection towards menace to property and health. If this is the Throne and Person of Our Most primarily a matter of cost-and I am reliably Gracious Sovereign, and to tender our informed a real remedy would cost in the thanks to Your Excellency for the Speech vicinity of £250,000-then what of it? It with which you have been pleased to must be done sooner or later, and whilst open the present session. I remain the hon. member for Y eronga I assure the House that I shall fight to make The various measures to which Your sure it is done sooner, rather than later. Excellency has referred, and all other matters that may be brought before us As I see it, the Tennyson powerhouse will receive our most careful considera~ provides a service not only for Brisbane, tion, and it shall be our earnest endea­ but also for regions outside the metropolitan vour so to deal with them that our area. Why, then, should the people of one labours may tend to the advancement sector of Brisbane have to put up with all and prosperity of the State'." the nuisance when so many others share I believe mys_elf to be speaking for all hon. the benefits? I cannot see any moral or members, Mr. Speaker, when I thank His practical reason why the people of Yeronga Excellency for the address with which he should have to put up any longer with opened this session, and the manner in which sooty homes, grimy gardens, and a health he detailed the record of this Government hazard. If there is a cure--and it would and indicated some of its plans for the future be difficult to convince me that there is progress of this State. not-then let us have it as quickly as possible and not in five, six or seven years' Queensland counts itself fortunate in hav­ time. ing had the services of Sir Henry as Governor for more than six years, and his Now, Mr. Speaker, from soot to traffic­ interest in every phase of this State's develop­ another city problem-which will then lead ment has been an inspiration to us all. His me to the problem of main roads, on which friendly manner and his deep concern with I have some strong and, perhaps in some all that happens here have combined to quarters, unwelcome views. endear him to us all. As most hon. members know, we now As the most recently elected member of have about 500,000 motor-cars in Queens­ this Parliament, representing the electorate land, and it is important to recognise that of Yeronga, I am fully aware of the honour this means one car to every three persons accorded my electorate--and me-in being in the State. We can say quite conserva­ invited to move this motion. I do trust, Mr. tively, because of the large number of Speaker, that at all times I can play my vehicles used for business purposes in the part in maintaining the dignity and prestige metropolitan area, that some 200,000 of of this Parliament. these are in Brisbane. Perhaps the number Address in Reply [19 AUGUST] Address in Reply 19 is greater. I accept that it would rise and I suggest that we should give strong con­ fall with the transients, but I would not sideration to every phase of the possibilities think it falls below that mark. of fringe parking. My view is that parking areas in the city will not be of any great Now, if we took 200,000 cars and placed benefit to the traffic growth which we can them end to end they would reach from reasonably expect each year. Brisbane to Maryborough and back again, a distance of about 400 miles. It is a Through traffic obviously must be diverted picture to produce nightmares, is it not? around the city as planned, and cars which Thousands of these cars park daily in car­ now remain stationary in the city all day will parks and city streets, many thousands more have to park ultimately in fringe areas. If stay at home in garages, but the real traffic we are to plan for the future, fringe areas problem involves the moving vehicles. are the only places to build off-street parking stations. In the past 12 months about 36,000 new A series of parking stations around the city vehicles came onto the roads in this State, could be used as terminals for public trans­ and we must assume that at least 12,000 of port, and could prove of great benefit to that number came onto the streets of city traffic in the years ahead. They could Brisbane. Where will this multiplication of be financed by money from city parking a problem end? I would like to be able meters which should be available during the to give a solution and say happily that we day for purposes of business. None of us need so many more underpasses, overpasses wants to see any further restrictions placed on and tunnels, or more parking lots in the city people such as housewives, who already area. But the ultimate solution does not have their shopping problems. lie only in absorbing parts of the city area to solve a problem which must necessarily A record sum (£693,000) was made avail­ be increased with greater numbers of cars able by the Main Roads Department for and no growth in the available moving space road works in Brisbane last financial year. for all these vehicles. This included more than £374,000 which was spent by the department itself on main If we put up a 15-storey building in the roads in the city. The balance of £319,000 city we might be able to provide parking was allocated to the Brisbane City Council, space for the cars that will belong to the not £71,000 as Lord Mayor Jones was people directly concerned with that building, reported to have claimed in last Sunday's but what are we to do with the cars whilst Press. they are on the streets? We have to face In the past seven years there has been the fact that peak-hour traffic is our greatest great development of roads in and out of problem and it does not matter where the Brisbane-the Pacific Highway, the Bruce cars come from; already they are the cause Highway, and the Western Highway. More of bottle-necks, traffic jams, and the driver­ and more industry is being attracted to frustration that causes accidents. Queensland, and Brisbane is growing at an One has only to leave an office in the city accelerating rate. on Friday afternoon to go to the Gold Coast, Early last month work began on the the North Coast, or anywhere else, to realise General Motors-Holden's Pty. Ltd. plant at what a difference a few minutes make in Acacia Ridge. It probably is not generally getting out of the city. appreciated that it would be easier for employees at this new plant to go to work If a person leaves at 5 o'clock it will take from, say, Beaudesert, than from the north an hour and a half, or two hours, to get side of Brisbane. In my opinion, we should to the Gold Coast, but in that distance of look very carefully at the possibilities which 50 miles he can cut up to half an hour off such a plant as this offers for population his time, and greatly ease the strain on his decentralisation, and as an aid to metropoli­ nerves, by leaving the city at, say, 15 tan traffic problems. minutes to 5. In the growing maze of traffic coming in This situation will not get any better-on and out of Brisbane, Fairfield Road, in my the contrary, it will get worse-if we con­ electorate, gives rise to much concern. It is tinue to smother the city with cars that are one of the worst traffic arteries in the city parked all day somewhere in the busy area, area at present. Let us face the fact that and that all suddenly become mobile at it will get far worse with the opening of the 5 p.m. new fruit and vegetable markets. In many Our city roads were built for the horse­ parts of this busy highway there are not and-buggy era, and so were those in almost even footpaths, and the unfortunate pedes­ every major city in the world. In some trian has more problems than he should of the great cities, the authorities have taken have in an area so close to the inner city. over large areas-in Los Angeles about two­ Another of the most dangerous traffic thirds of the city-trying to solve this pro­ places in Brisbane is the junction of Fairfield, blem with underpasses, bypasses, turnpikes, Ipswich, and Sherwood Roads. It is impera­ freeways, and fly-overs. But they would tive that this menace be eliminated as quickly readily admit that they have not been as possible. This section is also subject to successful. regular flash flooding, and is a real blot on 20 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

the road system of a city as large as section of an existing highway is essential. Brisbane. I want to see a fly-over built Few people, however, stop to consider the there immediately to cope with the ever­ cost of roadworks. In a State as large as increasing demands of traffic along this major ours, road work is a constant and enlarging arterial road out of Brisbane to Ipswich and strain on financial resources. It is my under­ the Darling Downs. standing that the Government plans an I also believe that it will become essential expenditure on our roads and highways of on major highways to have more pedestrian more than £120,000,000 in the next five underpasses on the same lines ;is the one years. This is a nice round figure, and it in Main Street, Kangaroo Point, to help the works out quite impressively at more than pedestrian in his struggle to save life and £2,000,000 each month for the next five years, limb in the rising tide of traffic. The roads or £100,000 for each working day. out of Brisbane create a pedestrian hazard But, Mr. Speaker, what do we get in terms in almost every suburb of the city. Our of road construction for £2,000,000? In my planning must aim to eliminate the pedestrian experience-and this is a field where, perhaps crossing at road level, because this can be a unlike quite a few others, I have had con­ negative approach to the traffic problems siderable experience-we would be fortunate of the future and is even now a severe to get 60 miles of new roads, and even this handicap to the free movement of vehicles. figure would depend on where we were Even at our main city intersections we should building, the availability of gravel or metal, seriously consider some form of pedestrian the type of country, the necessity for bridges crossings other than at traffic level. If and culverts, and other factors. In any we can get the pedestrian off street-level consideration of these heavy costs, crossings, it will be of great benefit to him Mr. Speaker, there must be taken into con­ and will improve the traffic flow to a very sideration the enormous costs of modern great degree. machinery and its quick depreciation under With the increase in traffic on our roads, certain working conditions. one major concern to us all is the increasing As honourable members may know, I number of traffic accidents. Though speed relinquished my contracting interests more from various causes is a prime factor in the than four years ago, but after more than 20 high accident rate, we must pass considerable years in this field I do know something of responsibility to the frustration that our road-building problems. In its relatively present inadequate roads provoke and the brief term of office, the Government has resultant human element. improved the specifications and standards of I do feel that greater restriction should be road works. Much better foundations are placed on the issuing of licences in the first now required, and more attention is paid instance. We have a situation in which a to the compaction of fills. More earthworks licence is issued after a few short driving are constructed to provide better grades with lessons, and the holder is then in exactly improved vision. This improvement in basic the same category as a person who has held standards of road building was much over­ a licence for 20 or 30 years. I mention this due. The thickness of gravel or metals is because so many of our young people are greater and the quality much higher. All losing their lives or being maimed each year this naturally adds to the initial cost, but in traffic accidents. A solution could be a it pays off in the long run because main­ graduation from the learner's phase to a tenance costs are lower over the years. second phase, during which time the driver Under the long-standing policy of Labour must carry some identification on the car administrations, specifications were not of that he is driving. There is no doubt that such high standard, and though it was at the present time the learner's "L" on a possible to build a fair mileage of roads, we car has a warning effect on other road users, are now experiencing the aftermath of this and a second-phase identification would have short-sighted policy in the need for costly much the same effect. It would also possibly repairs and maintenance. have a psychological effect on the driver himself. I am concerned that there is too I recently made a trip through the Rock­ much confidence and too little experience hampton, Burnett, and Brisbane Valley areas, issued with a driving licence. and I saw roads being replaced because the originals were laid down with bad corn­ I now have a comment on roads in general, paction, clay foundations, and inferior gravels, and, in particular, on the part played by which, because of incorrect grades, left knolls our Main Roads Department. The present and dangerous curves. Government has done a lot for the roads of this State, and possibly one of its greatest The Government is spending throughout achievements is the completion of a bitumen the State large sums of money building highway-certainly not a two-carriage high­ bridges in areas where previous road con­ way, but bitumen nevertheless-from the struction was made over the cheapest and New South Wales border to Mossman in easiest places. When constructed, narrow North Queensland. bridges were built over the easiest part of a gully or creek, out of alignment to the Most people accept the fact that a road road, and without any consideration for is being built or that a new road is needed traffic hazards. This is now being . corrected here or there, or that widening of some by straightening the road and building Address in Reply [19 AUGUST] Address in Reply 21 bridges in alignment, but, of course, with I can recall several years ago inspecting the consequent high costs for short con­ a job site with a view to tendering. I was struction 5trips. taken to the site by the shire engineer I hope the people of Queensland realise and generally was shown where the gravels, why the present Government has to spend etc. could be obtained. Later in the day we so much more on roads with this straighten­ visited a job being done by day labour. I ing, building of new bridges, and the excava­ noticed a cutting that had a large quantity tion of cuttings through hilly country­ of rock showing and asked the engineer simply because its predecessors did the job what they did about keeping to the original "on the cheap." price or estimate. He had no hesitation in telling me that they had not kept to the I believe that all this is absolutely essential for safety reasons in the present motor age. original price. They ran out of money and These higher-quality constructions cost more, had to call for an extra £12,000 from the but any road job must be of a high standard Main Roads Department; when they found so that we get better value for our money. this was not enough they sent for another The Minister for Mines and Main Roads £10,000. must be given full credit for the fact that A little further down we came upon present-day roads will last much longer than three men playing cards during ordinary the poorer-quality roads built up to five or working hours. I said, "It's a wonder you 10 years ago. don't sack them." the engineer said, "I will Having given some indication of the as soon as the football season is over, but problems of our roads, now let us look at I can't afford to sack them now because the problems of road contracting, which is they are good footballers, and with them in the full of pitfalls. A D.9 Caterpillar tractor­ district team we should win the premiership." or another make of equivalent size-fully I do not mean that all day labourers are equipped costs about £40,000, which is more good footballers, in fact, most of them are than thf' cost of an average factory, and very good workers. I also am not saying a balanced road-making plant costs well in that there is no inefficiency by contractors. excess of £150,000. This is a very heavy but because of their fixed price they can capital investment and, like any other afford it less than day labour can. If the business so capitalised, if a road-contracting contractor has confidence that there will be firm does not get continuing work it goes a continuous flow of work he will be bankrupt and closes down. efficient. Because of competition he must In 10,000 hours of work, say, over 4t be efficient to survive. There must be a years, this D.9 under reasonable conditions steady flow of contract work from both would cost its original price of approximately Government and local-authority sources if £40,000 in maintenance. Under adverse the vast Queensland contracting industry is conditions-that is, in bad country-it would to be kept stable and efficient. cost twice as much. In my electorate of Y eronga there are over In the building of roads in a State the 3,000 employees paid by contracting firms, size of Queensland, it is essential that con­ and there are many thousands more all over tracting firms be in a position to build up the State. I want to see them all in employ­ an efficient plant and an efficient work force. ment-secure employment that will ensure There is no comparison between the cost of there is a trained work force for the satis­ day labour and an economically-run, efficient factory and economic development of this contracting firm. State for the great years of progress that lie ahead. When the present Government came into It is reasonable to say that this Govern­ office it was barely possible to get enough ment has so instilled confidence in industry contractors to do the work because, with that over the past few years there has been so little prospect of getting work, they could a great build-up of trained labour and plant not afford to buy plant. in the construction industry generally. The When one outlays such large capital sums capital investment in such construction firms there must be some assurance of continuity is enormous, and I reiterate, Mr. Speaker, of work. A contractor will train his work that it is essential that we realise the value force and he will be able to build up of their operations. his plant if there is no fear of a sudden I deplore the continuing emphasis being change in policy, resulting in his plant placed by the Main Roads Department on suddenly coming to a standstill. Work done day labour. I lmow that many road con­ by the contractor is more economical from tractors feel that there has not been any the Government or local-authority point of essential change in policy since this Govern­ view, because no contractor can afford to ment took office. They point to the fact make a mistake in his operations. He has that in a lOO-mile radius of Brisbane there tendered at a fixed price and any mistake is probably not one job going to tender; it with his machines, or inefficiency in his is all being done by the Main Roads Depart­ work force, is a charge against his own ment with day labour. If there is, certainly business. As is the case with day labour, it is one which consists mainly of rock. or it does not come from the Government's swampy country, or both, which entails high pocket. risks. 22 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

I have actually seen in this close area a false economy of the 12-ft pavement is road being built by day labour, of, say, shown in the quick wearing of the shoulders, 8 to 10 miles in which there was a hard high maintenance costs, and the fact that rock section of about one mile. The Main widening, which must be done ultimately for Roads Department has called tenders for this a variety of reasons, costs just as much as hard rock section, keeping the easy construc­ the original construction. tion for day labour, and not giving the con­ tractor the chance to tender for the whole Beef roads are another matter. The 12-ft. job. Consequently, his price per mile must strips in that instance are satisfactory be higher. These instances are used as a because of the lesser traffic usage (although yardstick to assert that contract work is not o£ heavier type) than we find on highways cheaper than day labour. such as the Condamine and the main Northern Highway. The contractors point out that this area is the easiest part for road building, with the I should like to thank hon. members for highest prospect for profit. The contractors the patient hearing they have given me. If can find plenty of work in the remote areas I appear to have been critical of one sec­ where the going is really tough, where it is tion of the Government's administrative virtually impossible to find local labour or policy in regard to the construction of roads to hold imported labour, and where an esti­ it is because I have an unshakable conviction mate that is the basis of a tender can be so about the role that private enterprise should far astray because of the labour position play in our society. and conditions which simply could not be I do not wish to be regarded as criticising foreseen. any particular person in regard to traffic, In this respect, I make a plea not only main roads, or local authorities. In the field for the private road contractor, but also for of traffic, I have merely put forward some the principle of free enterprise, a principle to suggestions on the problem as I see them. which, as a Liberal member of this Parlia­ In road construction, I have offered observa­ ment, I am proud to subscribe. Do not for tions based on a long and close experience one moment imagine I am one-sided in this in the contracting industry. As to the Tenny­ view. My personal experience indicates that son powerhouse fall-out, I really do not there should be some classification of con­ mind whom I offend in criticising it. I feel tractors, with particulars listed of their plant, so strongly about it that I will never so that a reasonable estimate can be made apologise for raising the subject, either in of their capacity to carry out a particular this House or elsewhere. job. In the past few weeks, whilst travelling In conclusion, I again thank the electors in rural areas, I saw plants which, to say of Y eronga for their confidence in me at the least, were quite inadequate. They were the June by-election. I repeat that I shall owned by contractors and by local authori­ do my humble best to represent them all ties, and I say flatly that, using such plants ably, irrespective of their particular interests it would be impossible to keep within reason~ or political affiliations. able costs and time schedules. Mr. CORY (Warwick) (2.55 p.m.): Mr. Please do not misconstrue this as opposi­ Speaker, I am extremely pleased and deem tion to the small man. In fact, I am one of it a great honour, to second the motion for his greatest supporters because I started con­ the adoption of the Address in Reply so tracting as a one-man show. If any man ably moved by the hon. member for Y eronga. has some guarantee of continuity of oppor­ tunity for work, he will iron out his own I want to support fully, and am privileged problems. I am not advocating that all day as a member of this Parliament to be associ­ labour should cease, but I cannot accept the ated with, his reference to our continued present situation of 80 per cent. day labour loyalty towards the Throne and Person of and 20 per cent. contract work. It is urgent our Most Gracious Sovereign, Queen that we get full value for the money we are Elizabeth II. spending on roads, and an allocation of one­ I wish also to support the hon. member half of the work to the contractors-not one­ in his message of thanks to His Excellency fifth as at present-would stabilise the con­ for the manner in which he was pleased to tracting industry. This would not cause open this present session. unemployment, as men presently employed by the Main Roads Department and local We are proud of our Sovereign, and of authorities would be readily employed by her representative in our State, and we are contracting firms. indeed thankful for His Excellency's energetic and informed endeavours on behalf of all I am very happy to see that the Govern­ ment is now adopting the policy of building Queensland. We are indeed delighted with roads of minimum pavement width of 16 his obvious interest in all our affairs. feet or more. Many earlier roads were built I wish to convey also, Mr. Speaker, sincere with a 12-ft. pavement width and although thanks to the Premier and his Government this achieved more construction it was not for the manner in which they have honoured economical because of higher maintenance me in asking me to second the motion for costs. It also contributed to accidents broken the adoption of the Address in Reply to the windscreen-s, and higher insurance co;ts. The speech of His Excellency. Address in Reply [19 AUGUST} Address in Reply 23

It is. though, with a tinge of sadness that I feel that reference must also be made it is my lot to be present today. It was to the part that the increased revenue of the untimely passing of one who had so much the Railway Department is playing in making yet to do that brought it about. more money available for the development of Queensland and the provision of increased Now let me refer to the very great respon­ services for its population. sibility I have, firstly, in following one of such character and ability as my friend, and I am privileged to represent secondary your colleague, the late Hon. Otto Madsen. industry and business and educational His endeavours on behalf of the Warwick interests as well as primary producers. There electovate, and indeed Queensland, are well are in my area heavy alluvial flats, known to us all, and I can say without fear agricultural land, sandy, granite, and trap­ of contradiction that all of us who knew rock grazing country, each with its own set him are the richer for his counsel and of circumstances and hence its own problems. friendship. He was indeed a great Queenslander. We are faced with the problem of losing too many of our population, mainly our My second great responsibility is to the young people, to the cities. We must become electors of Warwick who have honoured me increasingly realistic in our endeavours to the way they have. I thank them for their foster decentralisation. It is not right that confidence. I am very mindful of my respon­ any industry should be compelled to start in a sibility, and I pledge my earnest endeavours particular area, but it does appear that more in the interests of those whom I am privileged · could be done at government level to equalise to represent. the profit-making opportunities of country It is also sad that our late Minister for and city areas. This is an ever-increasing Health is not with us today. Dr. Noble problem to both our primary industries and was a good man, a kind man, and one who our inland manufacturing industries, assist­ laid the foundation for so much that was ance wi~h freight rates being one obvious on the threshold of fulfilment. line of attack. Through you, Mr. Speaker, I extend my It is well to remember that although our congratulations to the Hon. S. D. Tooth, State's economy is based on primary pro­ Minister for Health, on attaining Cabinet ducts, and a large credit balance of payment rank. We look forward with confidence tn can be achieved with them, much is produced a job well done by him. at well under bank rate of interest. With the high cost of land and machinery, many I congratulate also the new hon. member farmers and graziers are living on deprecia­ for Y eronga, Mr. Lee. He, as with me, no tion, not profits, from the capital that tlhey doubt, is like the man with a wheelbarrow­ have invested in their enterprise, and yet, it is all in front. However, my congratula­ with what they produce, they are the back­ tions are extended to him and we can look bone of our economy. forward with confidence to a fruitful relation­ ship in the future. I am referring in particular to the rural industries of the Darling Downs, where it His Excellency yesterday referred to the is unfortunate that land is valued in accord­ increase in expenditure on ~ndustrial ance with sales in vhe particular area and expansinn throughout Queensland, from not on the earning capacity of the land in £100,000,000 to £126,000,000 in the last 12 question. To my mind, land cannot be months, showing an increase in tempo in this worth more than what can be made off it. direction, as well as an increase in the pro­ Because someone not dependent on this duction of minerals in the first quarter of particular land pays more for it, I do not the current year, indicating greater confidence think that all should be valued and taxed in Queensland by investors. accordingly. The entire living of many of Reference was also made to progress in these people has to come from the land, irrigation development by the strategic plac­ and it is not fair that for valuation purposes ing of large water storages throughout the their land should be compared with that State and expansion of the use made of the of someone else who has come in for other Farm Water Supplies Assistance Act, under reasons. which technical advice and financial assist­ Compare this with the high cost of pro­ ance are made available. This assistance is duction in farming areas, both dairying and very much appreciated, and is something that fattening, where the farmer has the annual continues to grow in the minds of producers cost of cultivation to produce a fodder crop, who are in a position to make use of the which is in the vicinity of £3 10s. an acre service provided. to establish a crop of oats. That is an annual cost that goes on every year. Com­ Couple this to increased expenditure in pare this with the permanent pastures of the fields of roadmaking, education, and the South and elsewhere, where the cost of health, and we have a picture of a very establishing a pasture is spread over several practical compromise between expenditure on seasons. On the Downs there is this annual development, on the one hand, and, on the cost of cultivating a fodder crop, which is other, efficient services and higher standards the greatest single element in the cost for our community. structure of farmers in that area. 24 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

In grazing areas on the Darling Downs we position to make use of this great new have, as yet, no satisfactory winter pasture, potential. Let us not neglect the areas that except under irrigation, to compare with the have been improved for 50 or 60 years, red and white subterranean clovers of the because there are cities, towns, secondary South or the exciting and very promising industries, and a large population in addition tropical legumes of the coastal areas. Our to primary producers dependent entirely on winters are too dry for southern pastures and their productivity. too cold for northern ones, so we can get no suitable introduced species to combine I have the privilege of representing an with our natural summer grasses, which are area such as this, and it is vital that we quite satisfactory for six months of the year retain the productivity of our soils. It is but inadequate for the other six months. with this in mind that I say, "Let us do everything within our resources to get a Because we have no introduced species for suitable introduced legume, or, alternatively, these grazing areas, stocking rates have to be artificial fertilisers at a reasonable cost." We low; but the cost of ownership is increasing must have these to introduce nitrogen to and an individual's earning capacity is limited our farm lands and build them up, and at by this low stocking rate and he has to bear the same time retain their production through the burden of high costs year after year. the feed value of the growth or increased To assist in this cost of production problem, grain quality and yield. much more research into suitable introduced species, preferably legumes, is essential. I I should like to stress the importance of should like to commend the work being done increasing the quality of the grain we pro­ by officers of the Department of Primary duce. With increasing improvement in the Industries in this direction. They are a quality from time to time our markets will dedicated body of men who are doing every­ become more and more selective and it is thing possible to overcome the problem and not the volume we produce that will be of develop species that are suitable. However, main importance but the quality of the their resources at present do not appear to product. Should we continue without the be sufficient to enable them to go as far as introduction of nitrogen to the farm lands of they would like or certainly as far as we the Downs we will soon be producing a would like. commodity so lacking in proteins that it will not be acceptable to the millers.. It is A further reason why more effort should therefore of vital importance that we produce be put into pasture research is the the need an article that is marketable at all times. to counter the gradual depletion of soil In the grazing areas adjacent to these farm fertility. Firstly, we must take all possible lands we have sandy and clay soils that are steps to retain our soils. Again the officers of both phosphorus and nitrogen deficient. Both the Department of Primary Industries are of these can be introduced by artificial fer­ doing a very good job, but they can be only tilisers but the response achieved by our as efficient as the use that is made of them. natural grasses is not nearly sufficient to Their services are readily available and free, make such application economic. So here and their influence is spreading. It is to again an introduced species of legume that be hoped that more and more people will will give sufficient response to applications make use of their services. of phosphate to make the economics right Having taken all possible steps to retain and at the same time, by virtue of being a our soils, we should then do everything legume, build up the nitrogen in the soil to possible to maintain their productivity. More cope with the growth of our natural grasses and more of our farm lands that have been in the ~ummer, is necessary. We must have cultivated for years are becoming deficient the introduced species that will be vigorous in nitrogen, and we must realise that the enough to make it economic to build up wealth of our rural districts is in direct phosphate and in turn give us sufficient proportion to the productivity of the soils in increase in carrying capacity to make it an those particular districts. If we retain the economic proposition. At the present time soil and the fertility of the soil, we will our only legume that is anywhere near this retain the productivity of the land. If we do possibility is lucerne but it falls down on not, a greater and greater area will be needed the very important phase that it is a summer for a person to make a living, and there will legume, not a winter one. It is a winter be fewer and fewer people on the land. I legume that we are striving for in order to think all honourable members will agree assist us over the protein-starved months that this is completely contrary to what .we each winter and early spring-and, depending are trying to achieve. on how soon the spring breaks, not always only in the early part of spring. Should we We have heard a great deal about bauxite be able to get a suitable plant to increase deposits in North Queensland, an alumina plant at Gladstone, brigalow belts, oil-bearing our protein in winter, a remarkable trans­ deposits, and oil refineries. Neither their formation will take place in our present magnitude nor their importance to the depleted pastures. There is no doubt what­ economy of Queensland can be denied. But ever that the carrying capacity of our grazing let us not, in the light of all this, neglect areas that have now been improved and the areas and the productivity that have cleared for 50 or 60 years is gradually brought us to the stage when we are in a decreasing. Address in Reply (19 AUGUST] Address in Reply 25

Referring now to secondary industries that east and west road and rail services, plus have grown up in Warwick and other similar adequate electric power and, I stress, with areas, these are of incalculable value as a very competitive coal supplies from Mt. source of employment as well as a ready Colliery mine near Tannymorel being avail­ market for rural production, but the age-old able, the stage is being set for the industrial problem of inland industries comes in here, development of the Warwick area. With especially regarding freights. This is par­ this development we will have industries ticularly so with the milling and grain­ that will be able to make still better use processing industries, and because of these of the resources and production of the area. difficulties they have not been able to increase Some may say that this is being parochial, their production and their enterprise to the but how can any scheme that is going to extent that they can operate on huge turn­ make use of an installation that is costing overs and small profits. There is a limit to the Queensland taxpayers £2,000,000 be their expansion while they have to cope with called parochial and not one of State-wide the problem of being inland industries. It is importance? I commend the decision to important, though, that these industries build the dam, but do not let us stop there. remain active; it is important to the producer Let us make the best possible economic use and it is vital to the business and commercial of the water to be stored by the dam. man in our inland towns. Having now established, or being in the It is true that a processing industry must process of establishing, these strategic water either be at the source of the market or at resources throughout the State, let us con­ the source of supply, but we have in Warwick sider a far less dramatic form of develop­ two flour mills with provender mill depart­ ment, one that would not achieve very great ments which are doing a wonderful job as publicity but one that would bring into pro­ industries in Warwick and at the same time duction many hundreds of acres of some of giving a very valuable supply of stock feeds the richest country in Queensland. I refer over a large area, as are other similar mills to the development of a scheme for the con­ on the Darling Downs, at Dalby and Pitts­ struction of smaller weirs and dams in the worth. upper reaches of many of our streams, to These mills were placed strategically, being serve areas that have no possible chance of at the source of supply, but they are being being served by any of the bigger schemes. denied this right in regard to sorghum, a I make particular mention of the possibility major component of stock feeds, as virtually of constructing a series of small weirs in the all t.'le Downs crop was sold to interstate upper reaches of small streams such as Glen­ operators. Owing to the Sorghum Board's gallan Creek, Freestone Creek, Swan Creek, operations Queensland buyers were unable to Emu Creek and the headwaters of the Con­ compete on the open market, and as the damine River itself in the Glengallan Shire, board was not getting sufficient supplies from which would in themselves be small con­ the Downs it could not give our mills their structions but which would be of invaluable requirements, and they had to purchase them benefit to farmers owning the rich alluvial from New South Wales. So we find our­ land downstream. The object of these con­ selves in the unfortunate position where the structions would be to control the flow to New SOuth Wales buyers can purchase under the extent that water would be available for our very nose the commodity that our local 12 months of the year. This would lower the industries have been built to process. Again cost of production and many farmers would I stress the importance of these industries find a new field of production. They could and their expansion. I only hope that this produce in times of drought and it is then position can be resolved at an early date that profits can be made from such an so that our local manufacturers will be able enterprise. at least to compete with interstate buyers These areas cannot be surpassed for rich­ for our own product and not have to go ness or potential, but unless the stream flow south for the commodity they require, thus can be controlled and can be depended upon ensuring continuity of production. It is vital -and at the moment when it is needed most that they maintain their even rate of produc­ it is not available-there is no chance of tion because they are a vital source of stock making full use of the potential of the land, food. At the same time it is essential that and the areas will suffer in produotion. I they expand in order that further employ­ ask that surveys be made to prove the ment can be provided in the area. I take economics of such schemes and the benefit time to mention this at length because we to the farmers and the district in general. regard the present position very seriously. Let us make greater efforts to bridge the Our timber mills, dairy factories and meat­ gap between city and country profit-making works in Killarney and Warwick form a opportunities with freight concessions of nucleus of employment. With the comple­ major importance and so, in some practical tion of the Leslie Dam, with a storage way, assist in the theory of decentralisation capacity of 87,000 acre-feet, further expan­ and make better use of the resources we sion can be expected. Indeed, we feel that have to offer inland. In that way we can it is in sight. I appeal to Cabinet that give the commercial world, which has done Stage IT be completed immediately Stage I so much to improve its premises in recent is finished. By giving us this storage, with years in cities like Warwick, the ·stimulus it \Varwick at the junction of the north, south, deserves. 26 Special Adjournment [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Those of us who live along the New South Wales border must also face the difficulties resulting from southern producers being able to undersell our local product because of the variance in transport tax chargeable on an interstate movement compared with an intra­ state movement. This must be watched, especially with stock fodder in times of drought such as is being experienced in many parts today, because it is important that the fodder reaches its destination as quickly as possible. New South Wales hay has been bought by Queensland consumers because they can buy it cheaper and have it delivered at a lower Tate than the Downs product. This could kill the incentive of the local growers, and Queensland is losing to another State money that could be very gainfully spent here. The farmer, the grazier, the manufacturer, and the commercial and business houses in my area, coupled with our road and rail transport systems are anxious to get on with the job. They will not let us down if we can only give them the support they deserve in their endeavours. Mr. Sherrington: Are there any railways there? Mr. CORY: The railways are there all right. We also have a very sound educational programme. At present we have six secondary schools, with another one in the course of construction. In these schools we have educational facilities second to none. We must do everything possible to increase the job opportunities in the area by developing our industries so that when the young people leave school we do not lose them to other areas. We must increase the production of our land as well as the volume of our industries. I again thank the Premier for the privilege of seconding the adoption of the Address in Reply, and I again sincerely join with the hon. member for Y eronga in thanking His Excellency for his Speech. I should like also to ihank you, Mr. Speaker, the members of this Parliament, the staff at Parliament House, and officers of the various departments with whom I have come in contact, for the way I have been received as a new member of this Parliament. Debate, on motion of Mr. Duggan, adjourned.

SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ Premier): I move- "That the House, at its rising, do adjourn until 11 a.m. tomorrow." Motion agreed to. The House adjourned at 3.27 p.m.