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Queensland
Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]
Legislative Assembly
TUESDAY, 20 AUGUST 1974
Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy
City of Brisbane, &c., Bill [20 AUGUST 1974] Questions Upon Notice 173
TUESDAY, 20 AUGUST 1974 the Whole to consider introducing a Bill to amend the City of Brisbane Act 1924- 1973 in certain particulars." Mr. SPEAKER (Hon W. H. Lonergan, Motion agreed to. Flinders) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m. BUILDING BILL PAPERS INITIATION The following papers were laid on the table, and ordered to be printed:- Hon. H. A. McKECHNIE (Carnarvon Minister for Local Government and Electri Reports-- city): I move- Under Secretary for Mines, for the year "That the House will, at its present 1973. sitting, resolve itself into a Con;mittee ?,f Commissioner of Land Tax, for the year the Whole to consider introducmg a Bill 1973-74. to prescribe standard by-laws for local The following papers were laid on the authorities in respect of the erection of table:- buildings and other structures, to prescribe the powers of local authorities in relation Proclamation under the Traffic Act to certain buildings and other structures, 'Amendment Act 1974. and consequentially to amend the Local Orders in Council under- Government Act 1936-1974 and the City of State and Regional Planning and Brisbane Town Planning Act 1964-1974 Development, Public Works Organiza each in certain particulars." tion and Environmental Control Act Motion agreed to. 1971-1973. Racing and Betting Act 1954-1972. QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE City of Brisbane Act 1924-1973. The State Eiectricity Commission Acts, FALSE MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION 1937 to 1965. CERTIFICATES The Northern Electric Authority of Mr. Ahern for Mr. Cory, pursuant to Queensland Acts, 1963 i'o 1964. notice, asked The Minister for Develop Regulations under ment,- Education Act 1964-1973. (1) How many complaints !rnve been Health Act 1937-1973. received by the Consumer Affarrs Bureau that used motor-vehicle inspection certifi Traffic Act 1949-1974. cates have been false? Statute under the Griffith University Act (2) What is the main cause of com 1971-1973. plaint? Rules of Court under the Industrial Con (3) How many of the complaints ~ave, ciliation and Arbitration Act 1961- on investigation, been found to be either 1974. a deficiency in the system or a false return? LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPE~ANNUA ( 4) How many prosecutions have been TION ACT AMENDMENT BILL made because of these investigations and INITIATION how many complaints have been found to be without foundation? Hon. H. A. McKECHNIE (Carnarvon Minister for Local Government and Electri Answers:- city): I move- ( 1) "The Division of O~cupational "That the House will, at its present Safety has received 657 complamts rega:d sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of ina certificates of roadworthiness of which the Whole to consider introducing a Bill 590 have been investigated and the to amend the Local Government Super remainder are at present under investiga annuation Act of 1964, as subsequently tion." amended, in certain particulars." (2) "Wheels and tyres, approximately Motion agreed to. 80 per cent.; braking equipment, approxi mately 75 per cent.; steering and s.usp~n sion, approximately 77 per cent.; bghtmg CITY OF BRISBANE ACT and equipment, approximately 72 per cent.; AMENDMENT BILL exhaust systems, approximately 67 per INITIATION cent.; and body, chassis and panel rust, approximately 52 per cent." Hon. H. A. McKECHNIE (Carnarvon (3 and 4) "I believe ~hat the system is Minister for Local Government and Electri operating efficiently and I am tremendously city): I move- encouraged by the effectiveness of the "That the House will, at its present roadworthiness legislation. The committee sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of which initially unanimously recommended 7 174 Questions Upon Notice (20 AUGUST 1974] Questions Upon Notice
this Legislation and which reviewed its WoRKERS' COMPENSATION PREMIUMS operation after a period of 6 months, FOR MARRIED FEMALE EMPLOYEES unanimously agreed it was very effective in removing many unsafe vehicles from Mr. Bird, pursuant to notice, asked The the road. It generally has been found, Treasurer,- following investigation of many complaints, (1 ) Are employers of married females that the matters complained of are not required to pay workers' compensation associated with the inspection required for premiums on behalf of those employees? the purpose of issuing a certificate of If so, is the rate payable the same as tba1t roadworthiness. In some few cases it has for male employees? not been possible to obtain sufficient evid ence to substantiate a case against the (2) In the event of injury to or the approved inspection station or licensed death of a married female whilst in examiner concerned. Since the introduc employment, can compensation be claimed tion of the certificate of roadworthiness by the family of that employee only when Legislation in October 1972, 351,881 it is proved that the family was wholly certificates of roadworthiness have been dependent on her? issued. At the present time there are 1,079 (3) If the premium rate is the same approved inspection stations employing as that paid for male employees and 2,812 licensed examiners. 11,187 vehicles compensation cannot be claimed, will he (or approximately only 3 per cent. of all give consideration to reducing the vehicles presented for inspection) after premiums payable? failing to pass an initial inspection also failed to pass a second inspection or failed to be presented for a second inspection. Answers:- Follow up action was taken by the division (1) "Yes. Married femal~s, if t;ngaged in respect of these vehicles. These figures under a contract of servtce w1thl an are indicative of the effectiveness of the employer are 'workers' within the meaning Legislation. Of the 590 complaints investi of the Workers' Compensation Act, and gated regarding the issue of certificates of premiums are payable on th~ir wages or roadworthiness it was found that no further earnings. The rate of premmm payable action was necessary in respect of 357. is the same as that for male employees." Seven successful prosecutions were subse (2) "If a married female is killed m quently made and three further prosecu injured during the course of her employ tions were unsuccessful. The remaining ment or on a journey to or from her place 223 complaints investigated are at present of e~ployment, ·the same conditions would under consideration for further action or apply as in the case of a male employee. further evidence is being obtained for In the case of the death of a worker. prosecution or are in the process of pro Section 14 (1) (A) of the Act sets out secution. I would mention that a further the amounts payable, which are related 163 successful prosecutions have been made to the degree of proven dependency on for breaches of the certificate of road the 'worker' concerned, with no differentia worthiness Legislation as a result of activi tion between male and female." ties of the division's inspectors. These breaches in summary were in respect of- (3) "Premium rates are assessed on 126 breaches, involving 57 used car dealers the basis of claims experience. In view for disposal of motor vehicles without cur of the foregoing information, the Honour rent certificates of roadworthiness; 3 5 able Member will appreciate that there breaches involving four approved inspec is no case for consideration of any varia tion stations, for-forgery of certificates tion of premium rates for female workers of roadworthiness (28 breaches); issuing as compared with males." false certificates of roadworthiness (3 breaches); not notifying the Chief Inspector of Machinery when licensed examiner EXCESSrvE INTEREST ON LoANs resigned ( 1 breach); using premises not Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The approved as testing station (1 breach); Minister for Justice,- not completing certificate of roadworthiness correctly ( 1 breach); and disposal of ( 1) With reference to Orders in Council motor vehicles without current certificate tabled on July 31, why was exemption of road~orthi_ness (1 breach); two under the Money Lenders Act 1916-1973 breaches mvolvmg two licensed examiners given to Trans City Holding Ltd., for-(1) not completing a certificate of Trans City Discount Ltd., Trans City road~orthiness correctly; and (2) forgery Securities Ltd., Trans City Co. Ltd., of Signatures of a licensed examiner Union-Fidelity Trustee Co. of Aust. Ltd., Following prosecutory action, one approved Queensland Cancer Fund, . Burns Philp inspection station certificate has been. Hnance Ltd. and Austrahan European surrendered, one certificate of approved Finance Co. Ltd.? inspection station has been cancelled, two (2) Have any of these firms been guilty licences as examiner have been surrend of lending money at more than the statu ered, one has been cancelled and two tory maximum interest rate of 20 per have been suspended." cent.? Questions Upon Notice [20 AUGUST 1974] Questions Upon Notice 175
(3) Is he aware of the report in The REGISTRATION OF LAND UNDER GROUP Sunday Mail of June 9 that loans in TITLES Queensland totalling millions of dollars are Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The apparently illegal because they have been Minister for Justice,- made at more than 20 per cent.? ( 1) With regard to the new Regulation ( 4) Have any requests been received by 7 A of the Group Titles Regulations 1974, the State Government to alter the Act to why was it considered necessary to give make retrospective provrswn for the special powers to the Crown Law Office protection of speculators who have been to vary the general provision enforceable affected by our current laws? by the Registrar of Titles, that a group titles plan cannot be registered where the ( 5) If the loans are illegal, does a parcel exceeds two hectares in area or borrower have any legal obligation to pay contains more than 30 lots? interest or repay the capital borrowed? (2) What will be the minimum area of land allowed by the Crown Law Office in Answers:- such a parcel and what is considered as the minimum acceptable ratio of home ( 1 and 2) "Trans City Holdings Limited, units to area of land in any group-title Trans City Discount Limited, Trans City Securities Limited, Trans City Corporation plan? Limited, Australian European Finance Cor poration Limited and Burns Philp Finance Answers:- Limited were granted exemption from ( 1) "The Crown Law Officer was given registration under the Money Lenders Act authority to consent to the registration of 1916-1973 in accordance with
(3) "Yes, I am aware of the report." Answers:- (4) "No." ( 1) "Due to the amount of money available and the priorities of other build (5) "In view of the complexity of the ings it is not proposed to build a new matter any person contemplating not paying Supreme and District Court building at interest on loans or repaying the capital Rockhampton at present. No indication borrowed should take legal advice before can be given as to when finance will be embarking on such course." available for a project of this size." 176 Questions Upon Notice [20 AUGUST 1974)] Questions Upon Notice
(2) "Action has been taken to improve LAND-USE STUDY, BuNDABERG the facilities available at the existing MARYBOROUGH AREA Supreme Court building. The Clerk to Mr. Ahem for Mr. Alison, pursuant to the District Court Judge has been re-located notice, asked The Minister for Primary and approval has been given in principle Industries,- for the air conditioning of the building. No indication can be given at this stage (!) What progress has been made on as to when the work will be carried out. the coastal-lowlands study being under A permanent Public Defender is not taken at the present time on lands between stationed at Rockhampton but accom Bundaberg and Maryborough? modation is being sought for the Crown (2) In view of the importance of this Prosecutor for the Central District of the study to the City of Maryborough and Supreme Court who was recently district, will he ensure that this land-use appointed." study is completed by December, as previ ously advised?
Answer:- NEW SHIPYARD, MARYBOROUGH (1 and 2) "The coastal-lowlands study Mr. Ahern for Mr. Alison, pursuant to is proceeding satisfactorily but at this stage notice, asked The Minister for Develop it is not possible to be more precise than ment,- in my previous advice to the Honourable ( 1) In view of the Commonwealth Member." Australian Labor Party Government's welshing on the promise made to the people of Maryborough by Mr. C. Jones, Minister for Transport, that the Common AUTHORITY TO PROSPECT No. 642M wealth Government would "go it alone" Mr. Marginson, pursuant to notice, asked and construct a new shipyard at Mary The Minister for Mines,- borough and the repeated incorrect state With reference to Authority to Prospect ments by Mr. J ones that the Queensland 642M- Government would not assist in any way, ( 1) Where is it situated and what area has any formal request for assistance been does it encompass? received from the Commonwealth Govern (2) When was it issued and to whom? ment? (3) Has it been transferred to any other (2) Will he assure the Maryborough individual or company at any time since people that the Department of Industrial it was first issued? If so, when, to whom Development was ready at all times to and for what consideration? assist with technical and other advice and ( 4) What were the conditions which assistance in the construction of a shipyard applied to it on issue? at Maryborough? (5) Has it been surrendered? If so, on what date? Answers:- ( 1) "So far as I am aware, no approach Answers:- for assistance has been made to the State Government by the Commonwealth Gov ( 1) "The area was situated south of ernment following the statement credited Kingaroy. The authority is no longer in to the Federal Transport Minister that his existence." Government would be prepared to 'go it (2) "July 1, 1969, to Bje!ke-Petersen alone' in establishing a new shipyard at Enterprises Pty. Ltd. and Raymond Maryborough." Edward Black." (2) "My Department is working in the (3) "Yes, on September 24, 1970, to closest collaboration with Walkers Limited J. M. Huber Corporation. There was no in an endeavour to assist the company to consideration for transfer of the actual maintain employment opportunities in authority to prospect. The consideration Maryborough at the highest level. In referred to existing mining lease applica particular, we are actively pursuing poss tions as well as the authority. It was ible avenues such as licensing arrange 2 per cent. of the gross sale price of ments which might assist Walkers to minerals mined from those lease applica extend its engineering capacity. Should tions and any such which might flow on the Commonwealth Government, or for from holding the authority to prospect." that matter any private company or ( 4) "These conditions were many and agency, be prepared to consider the econ varied and generally in accordance with omic prospects for the re-establishment conditions commonly included in such of a shipyard at Maryborough, naturally authorities to prospect. They extend to they can expect to receive the full support some six printed foolscap pages and cover of my Department in any investigations such matters as the period, area, marking they may care to undertake." of boundary, right to prospect, guarantee Questions Upon Notice (20 AUGUST 1974) Questions Without Notice 177
deposit, rental, protection of existing rights, other Government departments because of, work and expenditure, lodgment of guar amongst other things, the lack of oppor antee if required, lodgment of reports, tunity for promotion in that department as protection of roads, railways, telephone, compared with other Government power, radio and television services, pro departments? tection of navigation, harbours, fishing (2) Did the officers place a ban on the grounds, forests, national parks, aboriginal working of overtime last month because reserves, artifacts and historical sites and of unrest and frustration within the clerical other matters. A copy of a typical such section and does the ban still remain document can be made available. The effective? only conditions peculiar to this authority were as to period (originally two years (3) Has any action been taken to meet from July 1, 1969, but extended to the officers' request for an investigation to December 31, 1973), area (reduced from be undertaken by the State Public Service a maximum of 66 square miles to 11 Board on the question of additional classi square miles), and expenditures, which fied positions within the Department and, were-first year, $20,000; second year, if so, when will the investigation be $30,000; six months from July 1, 1971, completed? $30,000; one year from January 1, 1972, $50,000 and one year from January 1, Answers:- 1973, $50,000." ( 1) "Yes." (5) "The authority expired on December 31, 1973." (2) "The officers placed a ban on over time after consultation with the State Service Union. Notwithstanding assur AUTHORITY TO PROSPECT No. 75C ances of action by the Main Roads Mr. Marginson, pursuant to notice, asked Department at a conference with State The Minister for Mines,- Service Union representatives and subse quent referral of the review to the Public With reference to Authority to Prospect Service Board, the overtime ban has been 75c- retained." ( 1) Where is it situated and what area does it encompass? (3) "The Main Roads Department has carried out a large amount of preliminary (2) When was it issued and to whom? work over several months and by agree ment with the Public Service Board the (3) What were the conditions which information has been handed over to the applied to it on issue? board for review and further action." Answers:- ( 1) "Kingaroy locality. 102 square QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE miles." APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY TO OMBUDSMAN (2) "June 1, 1969, to C.R.A. Explora tion Pty. Limited." Mr. TUCKER: With reference to the appointment of Mr. D. W. Longland as (3) "As stated today in answer to a Queensland's first Parliamentary Commis previous Question, general conditions in sioner for Administrative Investigations, or respect of authorities to prospect are many ombudsman, I ask the Premier: As Mr. and varied. In this case they cover some Longland's age will necessitate his retirement six printed foolscap pages. Copy of a soon after he has set up this vital office, typical such authority can be made avail will the Premier give urgent consideration able. The only conditions peculiar to to the appointment of a deputy qualified this authority are as to period-originally to become ombudsman when Mr. Longland three years from June 1, 1969, but retires, thus preserving the continuity of the extended for three years from June 1, first administration and maximising the oppor 1972; area-originally 316 square miles, tunity for the Queensland office of ombuds but reduced to 102 square miles; and man to carry out the job for which it was expenditure-which was $25,000 for the intended? first year, $35,000 for the second year, $50,000 for the third year, and $160,000 Mr. B.JELKE-PETERSEN: I can assure during the next three years." the House that both Cabinet and the Gov ernment gave very careful consideration to the filling of this very important position. CLERICAL SECTION, MAIN RoADs This is confirmed by the appointment of DEPARTMENT Mr. Longland for two years. All factors will be taken into account in the appointment Mr. Marginson, pursuant to notice, asked The Mini&ter for Mines,- of his staff. We are indeed very glad to have the services of Mr. Longland, who is (1) Is he aware that some months ago highly respected and very well known 183 clerical officers of the Main Roads throughout Queensland. He is the right man Department asked to be transferred to with the right approach. 178 Questions Without Notice (20 AUGUST 1974] Questions Without Notice
SALE OF SUBSTANDARD LAND, RUSSELL ISLAND were organised and ready to take this action when the first opportunity presented itself. Mr. TUCKER: I ask the Minister for I have had discussions both with Ampol Works and Housing: Has he received the and with Mr. Jack Egerton, who has been report by Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons on the very co-operative and has played a very purchase of certain allotments of land on important role in the settlement. Mr. Russell Island, or does he have knowledge McAlister, executive officer o.f Ampol, told of that report? If so, in view of the allega me that if the tanker "W. M. Leonard" tions of fraudulent practice contained therein, is released, the company will give serious is it his intention to have the Police Fraud consideration to sending it to the northern Squad investigate all aspects of the sub parts of Queensland to relieve the pressure mission? If not, what is the reason? there. This again depends on the attitude Mr. HODGES: I have received no such of the unions in this dispute. report. SHORTAGE OF FUEL OIL, MACKAY AREA MURDER OF MAROOCHYDORE CHILD; Mr. NEWBERY: I ask the Premier: Is he ESTABLISHMENT OF DRUG REFERRAL CENTRE aware of the serious situation that will eventuate in the Mackay sugar region if the Mr. TUCKER: I ask the Minister for departure of the tanker "W. M. Leonard" Works and Housing: In view of the public from Brisbane is delayed any further? Is reaction to the tragic death of a child at the Government taking every possible action 1Maroochydore on 7 August, which was to avoid the closing down of the eight allegedly associa:ted with the local drug sugar mills in the area, which would produce situation, will the Minister oomment on- dis~astrous results such as loss of work for {a) the result of his investigations into thousands of men and a tremendous loss claims that there was lack of police co of export income for the nation? operation or co-ordination preceding the tragedy; Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: With the hon {b) whether investigations show how ourable member and many other members, closely this incident was linked with drugs; I feel deep concern over the problems con and fronting very many people as a result of the industrial turmoil that has hit Aust '(c) whether the police or other authori ralia, including our State, during the last ties have taken any action towards estab year or so, particularly in the recent period. lishing a drug referral centre with adequate I think every one of us views very seriously treatment facilities in the area? the attitude of certain union leaders towards Mr. HODGES: The actions of the police the well-being of our State, our nation and in this matter have been completely people as individuals. One could speak at exemplary. They have done a magnificent considerable length on this issue and draw job in their investigations and have not been attention to many aspects of the Common at all negligent in any of their efforts. wealth Govemment's attitude and lack of action in this whole situation. I am sure honourable members opposite know exactly SHORTAGE OF FUEL OIL, NORTH QUEENSLAND what I should Hke to say, and what they Mr. ARMSTRONG: I ask the Premier: know to be true. However, I say to the Further to representations made to him last honourable member exactly what I said in week regarding the shortage of distillate in reply to an earlier question tod~y: Every North Queensland and the likelihood of sugar action is now being taken to d1spatch raJ! mills closing down this week, has he been tankers to the North as quickly as possible, able to have the Federal Government release and also the vessel "W. M. Leonard" if this fuel from stocks held in Cairns to enable can be done on :finalisation of the dispute. crushing to continue? If not, what action has he taken to prevent the closing down of PRESERVATION OF "BELLEVUE" BUILDING industries which use this fuel? Mr. B. WOOD: I ask the Minister for Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The honourable Tourism Sport and Welfare Services: Is member contacted me several times last he seeking to preserve the "Bellevue" week and this week in relation to the very building? serious fuel position in the North. 'I have Mr. HERBERT: I thought the honourable had no .further word from the Prime Minister member had been here long enough to know in reply to my telegram recommending the that this matter is not part of my administra release of fuels for use throughout the State, tive responsibility. particularly in North Queensland. For the benefit of honourable members, I have been SALE OF SUBSTANDARD LAND, RUSSELL ISLAND informed that the dispute at the Amoco refinery has been settled and it is hoped that Mr. NEWTON: I ask the Premier: Has later today, following discussions wi'th the he received the report furnished by Mr. and Minister for Transport, rail tankers of fuel Mrs. Gibbons relative to the Redland Bay will be sent to the various places in North island development, in which very strong Queensland. We acted promptly. We allegations were made concerning a number Questions Without Notice [20 AUGUST 1974} Questions Without Notice 179
of ministerial portfolios and a local auth it. The other is the caucus economic com ority? In view of this report does he intend mittee, which consists of the 14 Ministers to set up a public inquiry into the allegations and, in addition, 31 other members of Par made in it? liament. I believe that Queensland has an additional member on that committee, Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I do not know Senator Georges, but, knowing the attitude the letter to which the honourable member of Senator Georges and Mr. Hayden to the makes reference. people in the rural sector, I should imagine Mr. Newton: It was a report. that Dr. Patterson has a heavy responsibility cast upon him. Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I understand In the light of the savage policies that that the Minister for Lands made a statement have been thrust upon the rural sector in the in this House not so long ago in relation to 18 months or so that the Federal Labor this whole question. He dealt with the Government has been in office, it would attitude of the Government and pointed out appear that, although Dr. Patterson may be that people could not be stopped from buying sympathetic towards the rural sector, he does land on some of these islands which did not not exert very much influence in the com come within the scope of certain local auth mittee of which he is a member. I am orities. This is why the Government, when concerned for people in the rural sector, who, it became aware of the situation, took action no doubt, will suffer in the forthcoming to bring various islands in Moreton Bay and Federal Budget. in Torres Strait under the control of various local authorities. It was pointed out also that SOURCE OF BRISBANE'S FooD SUPPLY people who bought land on the basis of information obtained over the telephone did Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I ask the Premier: so on their own responsibility. However, the Has his attention been drawn to the leader Government has taken action to bring these article in the "Telegraph" of Thursday, 15 areas within the ambit of certain local August, wherein it was stated that three authorities. quarters of Brisbane's food supply comes from the South by road? Further, if it is a fact that Queensland farmers can supply FIRE DESTRUCTION OF HoUSING COMMISSION only one-quarter of Brisbane's food needs, HousE, WoooRIDGE would he not agree that this is a shocking Mr. NEWTON: 'I ask the Minister for indictment of the Country Party, which is Works and Housing: Following on the fire allegedly the farmers' party and, because that destroyed a Housing Commission house of the weakness of the Liberal Party, has at Woodridge on 10 July 1974, in which three dominated this coalition Government for 17 young lives were lost, is he now in years? a position to make a statement to the House A Government Member: What a donkey! concerning the material used as interior lining, which, it is claimed, presents a very high fire Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The interjector risk? called the honourable member a donkey. I do not agree with that. I do not know Mr. HODGES: I am not prepared at this which paper the questioner quoted. We all stage to make a statement to the House. This know that around Brisbane and throughout matter is being investigated and as soon as a the State are various areas known as food report is available I will let the honourable bowls which have contributed in a wonder member know the results of that report. ful way to the well-being of the people by providing produce at very fair and reason COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC able prices. For time to time-perhaps COMMITTEES through drought or flood-these areas are unable to produce to their fullest capacity. Mr. WHARTON: I ask the Minister for I have the highest regard for these pro Primary Industries: Is he aware of the com ducers and I know that they are held in position of a Federal Labor caucus economic very high regard by most people. The committee, which recently considered the adverse effect referred to by the honourable Feder,al Government's Budget strategy, and member has nothing to do with the State can he say how many Queenslanders are on Government as such. It stems completely it? and utterly from the Federal Government As the forthcoming Commonweaith Budget and its economic policy. will doubtless concern primary producers That Government dealt devastating blows because of the present high inflation, does he at every section of the community and none think that this committee will spare a thought more so 'than that at primary industries. Even for the man on the land? honourable members opposite have gone out of their way-superficiaHy by talk but not by Mr. SULLIVAN: There are two economic actions-to try to correct the position committees in Canberra. One is a Cabinet because they know the contempt in which committee, consisting of 14 Cabinet Ministers. the State and Commonwealth Labor Parties I understand that two Queenslanders, Dr. are held by the primary producers of this Patterson and Mr. Hayden, are members of State and nation. There is no questioning 180 Questions Without Notice [20 AuGusT 1974] Address in Reply that rural industries have been placed in a At 12 noon, perilous position. A disastrous future faces In accordance with the provisions of people engaged in them because of the over Standing Order No. 17, the House proceeded all attitude and policy of the Labor Govern with Government business. ment in Canberra.
FIRE HAZARD IN RURAL AREAS ADDRESS IN REPLY Mr. HARTWIG: I ask the Minister for Lands and Forestry: As a large area of RESUMPTION OF DEBATE-THIRD rural Queensland contains many properties ALLOTTED DAY with heavy cattle numbers and extensive dry Debate resumed from 8 August (see p. grass, virtually constituting a powder keg, 171) on Mr. Lane's motion for the adoption has his attention been drawn to reports of the Address in Reply. received in many districts of fires being started illegally and causing much concern .Hon. Sir GORDON CHALK (Lockyer and trouble to landowners? In view of -Treasurer) (12.01 p.m.): Mr. Speaker,-- the serious fire danger to human life and livestock, will he consider implementing legis Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable the lation providing much harsher penalties than Treasurer. at present to act as a deterrent to people deliberately starting fires? Mr. TUCKER: I rise to a point of order. I point out that on the last sitting day Mr. RAE: I am well aware that we are the final speaker in the Address-in-Reply facing a severe fire hazard this year-one of debate was the honourable member for the worst in history-as a result of the Murrumba a Government member, who tremendous rains. We have already increased began his ;peech at 4.50 p.m. It is normally penalties to be imposed on anybody caught accepted parliamentary practice and PI?" wilfully setting fire to grasslands or areas cedure in a debate such as the Address m that could lead to the loss of human life. Reply to have a Government speaker fol We are very concerned. My committee has lowed by an Opposition speaker and to dis held meetings as far north as Cairns and tribute the time equitably. You have now it has been to Roma and other parts of the called the Treasurer. We do not deny him State. All members of the Rural Fires the right to speak, but we ask for the Board are aware of the seriousness of the courtesy of having the firsV speaker today. situation. We are all hoping-and it can only be a hope in the long term because Mr. SPEAKER: Order! It haa been the if fires get away the result will be catas custom over the years when a Minister rises trophic-that we will be able to effect con to speak to give him the call. When the trol in the most practical way. Treasurer resumes his seat, I propose .to call two Opposition members. I think that is FINANCING OF CIVIC FACILITIES, PALM 1SLAND fair enough. Mr. AIKENS: I ask the Minister for Local Mr. TUCKER: I do not remember such Government and Electricity: As the Towns a procedure ever being followed. I accept ville City Council will not be able to levy the courtesy extended in what you have smd, rates and/ or charges on Palm Island Mr. Speaker, but I still believe it is ;:ery properties owned by the Crown, where will wrong for a Minister to usurp the posnton the council obtain the large amount of money of an Opposition speaker. needed annually for the provision of water, sewerage, roads, health, libraries and other l\1r. SPEAKER: Order! It is true that civic facilities, for which it will be required to there is what we call a speakers list. So far accept full responsibility? as I am concerned, that can be torn up right now. J'\llr. McKECHN!E: The Townsville City Council has raised no objection to the incor Mr. Tucker: It has been. poration of Palm Island within that city's Mr. SPEAKER: It has not. I am extend boundaries. The whole of Palm Island is an inrr to the Treasurer the privilege of speaking Aboriginal reserve under the control of my fir~t and I shall then give two Opposition colleague the Minister for Conservation, me~bers the opportunity to follow him. Marine and Aboriginal Affairs. Sewerage and water are being installed on Palm Mr. SHERRINGTON: I rise to a point Island through grants managed by the of order. Department of Aboriginal and Island Affairs. The conditions applicable to an Mr. SPEAKER: Order! There is no fur Aboriginal reserve will continue to apply on ther point of order. Palm Isla,'1d when it is incorporated within Mr. Bromley interjected. the City of Townsvil!e. It is assumed that most of the expenses attached to the running Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I warn the hon of Palm Island will still be borne, ourable member for South Brisbane under as they are at present, by the Depart Standing Order 123A. That might keep him ment of Aboriginal and Island Affairs. quiet. Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974) Address in Reply 181
Mr. SHERRINGTON: I rise to a point of Sir GORDON CHALK: I sat in Opposition order. I should like to know why it for 10 years. It has always been the pre becomes necessary for a Cabinet Minister to rogative of the Government to put up a usurp the right of an Opposition member to Minister, if it so desires, as the first speaker speak, following which it becomes necessary on a particular day. I was in the Chamber for you, Mr. Speaker, to rule that two at the end of the last sitting day and I Opposition members must speak. In ordinary moved the adjournment of the House. circumstances-- Mr. Marginson: That's not true. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable Sir GORDON CHALK: It: is true. member will resume his seat. This situa tion has arisen before while I have been in Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Parliament. However, if the honourable member objects to two Opposition Sir GORDON CHALK: The honourable speakers-- member for Wolston knows very well that the honourable member for Salisbury was Mr. SHERRINGTON: I do object, and on the lis·t to speak, but he was not called I object to the Treasurer's taking my that afternoon. I 'entered the Chamber, and, position. being in charge of the House, moved the adjournment. Consequently this morning I Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable indicated to the Whip that as a Minister I member will not interject whilsr I am on my desired to reply to cert·ain issues and I feet; otherwise I shall deal with him under asked that I be given the opportunity to speak Standing Order 123A. There will be no first. "beg pardons" about it. If the honourable member objects to the calling of two During the period I have been a Minister Opposition members in succession, I shall of the Crown I have always regarded the delete one from the list. Address-in-Reply debate as more or less an opportunity for rank and file members to Mr. TUCKER: I rise to a further point speak on matters affeoting their own elector of order. Do I take it that by that state ates. "Hansard" will indicate that very rarely ment you are threatening us? have I taken advantage of the time available to me during the Address in Reply. On Mr. SPEAKER: Order! There is no point this occasion, however, I feel that there is of order. The honourable member will a responsibility on me to enter the debate. please resume his seat. I had expected that the new Leader of the Mr. TUCKER: Are you threatening the Opposit•ion, fired with enthusiasm and des Opposition? parately looking for the niche that he knows that he must carve for himself if he wants Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I now warn the to remain as Leader of the Parliamentary honourable member under Standing Order Labor Party, in his first Address-in-Reply 123A. Standing Orde.us provide that any speech as Opposition Leader would have member speaking or about to speak shall addressed himself to the many crucial issues immediately resume his seat when Mr. that face this country today. In ignoring Speaker or the Chairman rises to speak, and them, he indicated his lack of knowledge, he shall be heard without interruption. I just as he did again 1his morning in raising think we have heard enough of this matter. objections that one would not expect from The Opposition will not· be denied a speaker. the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. TUCKER: I have asked you, Mr. In his new role he should surely have Speaker, for a ruling. You said that you devoted himself to the issues of inflation, the would deny us the right to two speakers. I rapidly rising wages and prices that are want to know what you meant by that. throHling this country, the unprecedented industrial strife that is holding the people of Mr. SPEAKER: Order! If the honourable this country to ransom, and the whole climate member had been listening, which obviously in which we live today and which is changing he was not, he would know that I said that so rapidly-apparently without course or if the honourable member for Salisbury direction. We are being asked >to accept did not want two Opposition speakers to be different values and we have been presented called, well and good. with a whole array of overseas friends and those whom we had previously accepted as Mr. Sherrington: At no time did I say being friends for life must now be regarded that. as something less. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I now warn the These are the things that I should have honourable member under Standing Order thought the Leader of the Opposition would 123A. If he says another word out of have dealt with. All are crucial matters that place, out he will go. affect our lives and our future as Australians and Queenslanders. Instead of covering these Si:r GORDON CHALK: I have been in points, he chose the Jack Mundey line and this Chamber for 27 years-- blamed the State Government for everything. He listed 11 points of dissatisfaction, and then Opposition Members: Too long! immediately launched into a tirade of abuse, 182 Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply charges and convictions against the State staff of the S.G.I.O. itself that is now under Government Insurance Office, all based on il attack from this fledgling, irresponsible founded conclusions, half-truths and incom Leader of the Opposition. The board consists plete facts. That is my reason for entering of Mr. Eric Riding, its chairman, a man the debate. whose skill in investment and financial man I am not only surprised but also somewhat agement is well known throughout not only concerned at the 'type of venom the honour the Queensland community but world able gentleman has shown towards that financial circles {I know that from time to organisation. I am concerned at the effect time he has had some staff problems, but that such an attack can have on the S.G.I.O. even his bitterest enemy would not deny his as a business undertaking. I am also con outstanding ability in dealing with matters cerned at the effect that such an attack of finance); Mr. Col Douglas, the General could have on the morale of the many dedi Manager, who has many years of wide Public cated members of the S.G.I.O. staff through Service experience and proven skills in out Queensland. The S.G.I.O. is a strong administration; Mr. Leo Hielscher, my and successful Government enterprise, Deputy Under Treasurer, whom I believe holding its own in the very competitive every member of this House recognises as world of insurance and providing a very one of the most capable public servants in worth-while service to the people of Queens Queensland; Mr. Henry Lalor, a businessman land. It is not a National Party, Liberal and leading solicitor in the city and an Party or Australian Labor Party office; it is experienced company director; and Mr. Ray the insurance office for all Queenslanders, Hartland, a leader in the accounting field in and it should not be unfairly and incorrectly Brisbane and director of merit on similar attacked in a cheap attempt to make .:nds. This is due in no small measure to the as in every other State in the Commonwealth . attitude of the Premier and his parliamentary I believe that the Premier endeavours to colleagues. The way the Parliament of this distract attention from his own inefficiencies State operates today must be one of the and the lack of performance of his Govern great anachronisms of modern times. On ment by appearing to show concern for the the one hand we have the Premier and his people of this State. I suggest that had the colleagues zealously defending State sov Prem~er fe!U real concern for the people of ereignty and State rights and vehemently the State he would have been more tolerant demanding that this Parliament be maintained of trade unions, for instance, and would have to act on behalf orf the people of the State; on received their leaders and sought their co the other hand, we have the Government operation. Instead he has antagonised them wasting its time, talent and energy in a and not once during his entire time as futile exercise of political guerilla warfare Premier of the State has he received a against the Australian Government, when it deputation from a trade union. He will should be bending its energies to solving the interview anybody who wants to invest money domestic problems within the State. or to mulct the people of their money, but he cannot see his way clear to interview Mr. R. E. Moore: Which your crowd a trade union. created. Mr. Lee: The Minister for Industrial Mr. S.'HERRINGTON: That typidal inter Dev.elopment has ,even been up to the jection of the honourable member for Trades Hall! Windsor makes it obvious why I find it necessary to deliver this type of speech. Now, Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am not worried 17 years after election to government, hon about the little chihuahua barking at my ourable members oppo&ite are saying, "We heels. can't cure the problems that your mob" Mr. SPEAKER: Order! io quote the honourable member's word ~created." The honourable member wanted Mr. R. E. Moore: A chihuahua would eat Labor Governments of the past to provide you. 8Chools for children who were not even born in those days. I suggest that after 17 years Mr. SPEAKER: Order! That applies to of this Government, if one believed its the honourable member for Windsor as well. political propaganda, we would have more schools than children. However, I do not Mr. SHERRINGTON: I could be tempted intend to be distracted from the tenor of what to say that one of them obviously gnawed at [ wish to say by such an insignifica.nt person the honourable member's head. as the honourable member for Windsor. Quite frankly, wil!h the talents I possess and if the position were not so serious, I I have watched the Premier of this State believe I could have outdone Gilbert and with some amusement~his antics, his Sullivan and written a brilliant comedy about attitudes and his gyrations calculated to the daredevil baron who, with little ~hought divert public attention from his own of personal risk, repeatedly flew his unarmed inefficiencies. I believe that all the ballyhoo Navajo bomber deep into enemy territory of a crusading spirit affected by the in Canberra dropping propaganda leaflets on Premier as the great def.ender of sovereign the population warning them to beware of rights is nothing more ·than a political the unpatriotic government that dared to facade. adopt the name of "Australian Government". Mr. Marginson: A fraud! Mr. Campbell: It is unconstitutional. Mr. SHERRINGTON: Yes. I was being Mr. SHERRINGTON: Now we hear from charitable; it has always been my nature to be the constitutional lawyer. If the Govern charitable. I repeat: it is only a political ment depends on the Minister for Industrial facade. Frankly, I believe you welcomed the Development to interpret .the Commonwealth return of the Australian Labor Government Constitution, no wonder it wishes to preserve in Canberra because it gives you something the right of appeal to the Privy Council. to snipe at. You must surely go down in history as the jet-setting Don Quixote-- To get back to the Premier-the public should be made aware of the truth. One Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable could be pardoned for thinking that every member will please address the Chair. word spoken by the Premier emanated from his own ability, whereas the thoughts that Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am only too he expresses 'are due largely to the efforts happy to address you, Mr. Speaker, because of his personal Press secretary. I believe thav you are possibly the only To illustrate my point, the Premier illustrious person in this Chamber from attempted to mislead the people by having the Government side. them believe that it was he who thought of The Premier must surely go down as the introducing legislation to circumvent the jet-setting Don Quixote of the banana election of a senator, whereas in fact he did republic; that is what this State is regarded not wake up to this possibility until he had 188 Address in Reply [20 AuGUST 1974] Address in Reply received a '1elephone call from Senator Wood. Mr. SHERruNGTON: Of course you have! The Premier was not ashamed to bask in the I have always said that the Government has glory of suddenly becoming a great con planned its education programme on the stitutional authority who could thwart the political wants of its members and not on effort of the Australian Government. But the needs of the community. Thousands of this is not the time for comedy, nor is it dollars were spent in the Yeronga electorate the time to remain silent while the Premier to make sure that Clem J ones was kept out. blithely attempts to draw the heat off his The Government established a technical own failings. college in the Yeronga electorate despite the The Premier is not above stretching the fact that the greatest I regret that the Minister for Transport is contained in the headlines. We had the is not in the Chamber. One thing is cer spectacle of the then Treasurer, Sir tain-Ministers make sure that they are Thomas Hiley, running cap in hand to every absent when I want to tear a strip off country in the world in an attempt to bor them. In a recent statement the Minister row mol!ey for that work. It is all con for Transport said that Queensland would tained m the headlines I have here. go it alone with the rail link over the Bris Approaches were made to Germany and bane River. In a rather dramatic fashion America-a performance paralleled only by that is, if it is possible for him to be the recent efforts of the Treasurer, who dramatic-he said, "We are doing this having made the biggest blunder of all tim~ because we cannot wait any longer for the by giving away Queensland's assets for 5c Commonwealth to provide funds." How a ton, ran cap in hand to all of those ever, a check of the Government's policy investors, saying, "Would you please up the speech reveals again a very strange circum ante, for the people of Queensland are sick stance. Before the Government delivered and tired of selling their coal for the price its policy speech, it was drawing up plans of two jelly-beans? I am now prepared to for the cross-river link. I say again to the offer you Americans the same coal for the people of Queensland that that action is price of a packet of Camels." typical of this misleading Government. It That is the type of performance this Gov was drawing plans, but had it made any ernment has been notable for. The Govern attempt to obtain finance? Did the McMahon ment is now kidding itself by telling the Government promise funds to Queensland Parliament and the people of Queensland for this development? that the reason for the Government's failure Later I will show you, Mr. Speaker, and is the withholding of funds by the Australian honourable members that not one penny of Labor Government. I repeat the statement Commonwealth money has been spent on I made before ,the luncheon recess: no railway lines in Queensland during the term Commonwealth Government has spent one of office of successive Federal Liberal penny on the extension of railways in Country Party Government. Even back in Queensland. The improvements had to be the days of the Mt. Isa railway rehabilitation financed with loans raised from companies the Queensland Government had to borrow that invested in our State. Is it any wonder money from companies investing in Queens they were able to wring the Government's land. Before the A.L.P. took office on Can neck and take coal for 5c a ton? berra, not one Commonwealth Government It is no good the Government attempting spent one penny on railway extensions in to draw the heat off its own poor perform Queensland. ance by blaming the Whitlam Government, [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] when it is crystal clear that previous Liberal Governments were guilty to a greater extent Mr. SHERRINGTON: Prior to the lun than the Labor Government because they cheon recess I was dealing with the half enjoyed an uninterrupted term of office truths that have been peddled by the Gov of some 23 years. This Government ernment on several items in its policy speech now wants the Whitlam Government, for which the Government now places the after only 21 months in office, to correct blame on the Australian Labor Government the mistakes and lack of interest of although the promises were made long 23 years of Federal coalition government. before the advent of that Government. In addition, and partly as a result of the I dealt specifically with the fact that the Premier's sniping, about 50 per cent of Government now speaks of having to go it the legislation that has been introduced by alone on the railway programme because it the Labor Government in Canberra has been is sick and tired of our Australian Govern rejected by a hostile Senate of the same ment not providing funds. political ilk as the present State Govern I shall take the Chamber back to 1959 ment. How convenient it is for the Premier and indicate a few of the headlines of the and various Ministers to rant and rave day when the State Government, under the agains't the Australian Government on these leadership of Sir Francis Nicklin, tried des matters and use them as a cover for their perately to interest the then Menzies Gov own lack of performance. The Australian ernment in the need for a rehabilitation of Government, hamstrung as it is by a hostile the railway line to Mt. Isa to assist an Aus Senate, has shown more interest in Queens tralian company. land in 21 months than previous liberal National Party Governments showed in 23 J\'Ir. Lee: You denigrate that company. years of office. What a tremendous asset it must be for the Mr. SHERRINGTON: I have never denig Premier to be able to go after Gough instead rated the company. It was greatly assisted of explaining why his Government has failed by a former Labcr Government. to implement its policy of co-ordination of The great Sir Robert Menzies, if one metropolitan transport under one regional might descend to the vernacular, gave this authority. And I again notice the absence Government the big "A" when it made from the Chamber of the Minister for Trans approaches to obtain finance for the rehabil· port. He must have sneaked in during the itation of the Mt. Isa line. The whole story lur:cheon recess and read my speech notes. 190 Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply The people were promised an efficient, Mr. SHERRINGTON: The people of co-ordinated, rationalised transport system. Queensland are paying millions of dollars It would be no use the Government trying to a year for this Parliament to operate in tell people in peripheral areas what it intends their interests. to do about co-ordinating transport services when areas such as .the one I represent and Mr. Frawley: You'll be out of it shortly. Coopers Plains have no bus service between What are you worrying about? Saturday lunch-time and Monday morning. The Government, having accepted ·the Wilbur Mr. SHERRINGTON: Perhaps I am Smith plan recommending the elimination of going out, but I shall go out honourably. trams, now holds out on the Brisbane City Council in the provision of finance to enable Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Will the honour it to obtain sufficient buses. able member please address the Chair. He may disregard interjections. Mr. Jensen: We've got the trains. Mr. SHERRINGTON: I do not see why Mr. SHERRINGTON: We have trains, but I should ignore an illustrious person to deal the service there has also been cut. with back-benchers opposite. People in peripheral areas could well Mr. SPEAKER: Nor do I. believe that they are living in a foreign country. They cannot get a "visa" .to get out Mr. SHERRINGTON: I shall go out of of their suburbs over the week-end. As I this Parliament happy in the knowledge that said, it is very convenient to excuse the non I have never lost an election, and that at fulfilment of these promises, such as the each I secured an improved majority. I establishment of car-parking facilities at rail certainly will not be knighted because I way stations in an effort to co-ordinate trans built flood-prone canal estates on the Gold port, by blaming the Australian Government. Coast. I remember that the honourable Three years after the Queensland Govern member for Surfers Paradise went to the ment was elected on the promise that there people with the slogan, "Think Big. Vote would be electrification of the railway system, Small." The slogan caught on with the that scheme is still not properly off the Government, and they now talk big and ground. act small. If the honourable member for Gold Coast-- There has been lack of performance in every ministerial portfolio. About four years Sir Bruce Small: There is no such ago I asked the Minister for Lands and electorate. Forestry, who sits there smiling blithely, to dedicate the Endeavour River region where Mr. SHERRINGTON: Well, whatever he Captain Cook landed as a historical area or likes to call it. If Mr. Bruce Small-- national park. It has taken him longer to make up his mind than it took Captain Cook Sir Bruce Small: Sir Bruce Small. to go around the world in a sailing boat. Mr. SHERRINGTON: Although I do not When I entered Parliament I imagined that like repeating what I have said, I say again this Assembly would be the drawing board that the granting of knighthoods in this on which to formulate plans for an improved Parliament is such a joke that it is no society. However, it is degenerating into longer a case of going to Parliament; it little better than a Chamber of hysterical, is a case of going down to "Sirs". political hypochondriacs who meet at so-called appropriate intervals-whenever it suits the I have never been able to see any value Government-when all of the Government in knighthoods, and if anything was cal culated to lower their dignity, if they ever members assemble with their "Dorothy Dix" had any, it was the creation of a knight questions, "Dorothy Dix" answers and hood for the establishment of flood-prone "Dorothy Dix" statements by Ministers, canal estates. If that justifies a knight which are all designed so that one or other hood, thank God my party does not believe of them spews out a cacophony of bucolic in such a form of recognition. invective against the Australian Labor Party. It is a pity the honourable member for Mr. Rae: Would you like to repeat that? Burnett is not in the House, because I should like to see the day when the name Mr. SHERRINGTON: Yes, and I can, with "Sir" Claude Wharton is recorded in the out looking at my notes. I said that we annals of this Parliament. I suggest that meet for one purpose-so that Government you, Mr. Speaker, will never become "Sir" members can air their "Dorothy Dix" ques William Lonergan because of the history of tions, "Dorothy Dix" answers and "Dorothy your election to your office. But I do not Dix" statements which are designed so that want to be diverted because I want to expose they can spew out a cacophony of bucolic to the people of Queensland the sheer hypo invective against the Australian Labor Party. crisy and camouflage by means of which the Government has remained in office. It Mr. Frawley: Rubbish! has been elected to office over the years Address in Reply [20 AuausT 1974] Address in Reply 191 as a result of its ability to manipulate vot hours for an interview and to receive ing patterns through both preferential voting medicine. It would be of no cheer to the and gerrymandered electorates. people who have been robbed of their savings by land speculators. We hear about Mr. Frawley: What about the gerrymander these poor speculators who can only afford that your crowd did? $700,000 for a stallion! Surely that sort of Mr. SHERRINGTON: There is no second story would prove the great racket that prize. I do not want to get my speech has gone on in land sales in this State. out of context. However, I am very familiar The Government's propaganda is of no com with what I have to say, and it must come fort to people who wait in dismal hospitals as something of a shock to the people of to have their appendix out as an encore. this State to know that there are 12 members Typically, the Queensland Government of this Parliament who enjoyed so little attempts to take the heat off itself by attacking respect in their electorates that they actually another Government that inherited the mess trailed in the primary vote. But for the that was left by a succession of inefficient rotten system of preferential voting intro Governments in Canberra. Anyone who duced by the Government in 1961, those wishes to plumb the depths of absurdity members would have been history. Among should come down to Parliament House any them was the Minister for Health. day of the week and hear so-called res ponsible Ministers of the Crown and members Mr. Leese interjected. of the Government steadfastly refuse to refer Mr. SHERRINGTON: You don't have to to the democratically elected Government in ask me; I know the figures. There are 22 Canberra as the "Australian Government". members who are here under false pretences That Government was elected by the people because they had to be elected on preferences. and it made the decision to refer to itself as the "Australian Government", yet so-called Mr. Frawley interjected. mature Cabinet Ministers steadfastly refuse to refer to it by that title. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I would advise both the honourable member for Murrumba Take a look at the latest effort of the and the honourable member for Pine Rivers Premier. He wants to have a Queen of to cease interjecting. Queensland. Maybe he wants to elect the Minister for Lands and Forestry as the first Mr. SHERRINGTON: I appreciate your Queen of Queensland. The point is that assistance, Mr. Speaker, but I assure you behind all this hysterical flag-waving and that I do not need the protection of the attempts to prove how patriotic it is by having Chair. a Queen of Queensland lies the fact that Nineteen members of the Government what the Government wants to preserve is were elected on preference votes. Of that the right of appeal to the Privy Council. 19, 12 of them enjoyed so little respect It has so little confidence in our own Aust in their electorates that they trailed in the ralian High Court that it wants to preserve primary vote. That is the situation. If appeals to a lot of old disoriented gentlemen they had any decency they would resign. in England. (Time expired.) Mr. Porter interjected. Mr. HANSON (Port Curtis) (2.35 p.m.): It Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am not going is quite a few years since I participated in an to accept the honourable member's inter Address-in-Reply debate. This has been jection, even though it might be made in partly because of the many dedicated mem his best Church of England Grammar School bers on this side of the House who have been style. anxious to participate but principally because All the ranting and raving of the Govern of the new members who came into this ment and the propaganda that emanates from Parliament in 1972. Our lists of speakers the pen of its Press officer-! do not want have at all times been overflowing, in sharp to name him; he is not a bad journalist contrast to the semi-apologists who now might make good material for a speech at occupy the Government benches. the local ladies' sewing club or the Liberal In making a speech in this debate it is ladies tea-party, but it is of scant comfort traditional to begin by affirming loyalty to to the people who wait hopefully for the Her Majesty the Queen and, of course, the allocation of Queensland Housing Commis opportunity has been taken by many members sion homes and would scarcely raise a cheer of the House to make such a reference in among them. It is of scant comfort to those this debate. When a new Parliament who have been robbed of their possessions assembles every member presents himself to because of the lack of an adequate Police the Commissioners who have been authorised Force. The people in the peripheral areas of to accept the oath and I might say that on metropolitan Brisbane could scarcely raise a the occasions on which I have taken it I cheer for what has been done to solve their have not taken it lightly. It is a very serious transport problems. matter. I know that most members of All the ranting and raving of the Premier Parliament do take it very seriously a!lld would be little comfort to the sick and aged members of the Opposition are unanimous in who wait at public hospitals for up to seven this respect. 192 Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply The political garbage that has been inflicted that newspaper certainly could not be upon the people of this State and the hood described as a Labor or socialist publication. winking that has been indulged in by the In the leader article this appears- Premier in his references to the Queen of "But now the Australian Petroleum Queensland are very abhorrent indeed. As a Explorers' Association wants the Petrol constitutional monarch in this wonderful and Minerals Authority legislation passed democracy of ours, the Queen is entitled to through Parliament with the minimum all due respect and to the esteem of us all. delay. It realises that until Mr. R. F. X. As a citizen of the Queen I deplore the fact Connor starts 'lo hand out new fiarm-ins that her name has been used by the Premier through the P.M.A. there will be precious for purposes of gross misrepresentation and little activity on the exploration front. In in a political sense. I am not surprised at other words, A.P.E.A., which could only that; it is very typical of him. But after this be described as dedicated to free enterpri£e, Parliament has been in existence for well over sees a lot of merit in the Petrol and 100 years, the fact that the name orf the Minerals Authority." sovereign has been used politically in order The article continues-and I draw particular to gain some miserable political advantage attention to this- should stink in the nostrils of every one of her subjects. That is how I look upon the "There is nothing new or radical in the matter and I believe that many other people establishment of a Government minerals as well find the utterances of the Premier in authority. Australia is only following other this regard very distasteful. nations in recognising ,that in these energy~ conscious times no country, particularly I am very happy indeed that we have a one with the resources which Australia man like Sir Colin Hannah, assisted by his has, can afford to leave their development most gracious lady, occupy1ng the honoumble unregulated." position of Governor of this State. They are very fine people and excellent citizens. So much for the Premier's ·thoughts! Isn't the Premier aware of the assistance Mr. Frawley: I am pleased to hear you that has been promised by Senator Wriedt, say that. You are the first one on that side endorsed by the Federal Minister for Minerals who has said it. and Energy, Mr. Connor to the develop Mr. HANSON: I do not know whether ment of the phosphate deposits in North the honourable member who interjected wants western Queensland? Isn't he also aware to dispense with the office. He is, on occa of the decision arrived at last week by the sions, so very vocal in a Fascist fashion. Of Australian Government to underwrite to the course, Fascism does not come into the tune of more than $15,000,000 the mining A.L.P., or, as far as I am concerned, into of low-grade uranium deposits at Mary any constitutional democracy or monarchy. Kathleen? The Australian Government is pre pared ·to spend more than $15,000,000 to get On meeting the Governor on various occa the mine back into full production-a mine sions I have found him to be a very fine, that, incidentally, has been closed for decent man. He does the position credit approximately 11 or 12 years. Is the Premier and, of course, as one who occupied the opposed to such action? It would be interest important position of head of our Air Force ing to have from him an indication of his he carried out his duties, as one would 'thoughts. Is he merely continuing his expect, in a very admirable way. His appoint poHtical opposition to the party that was ment as Governor of our State was, of elected by the Australian people to govern course, a crowning glory for him. I have this nation? great respect for both him and Lady Hannah A sum of nearly $20,000,000 will be and I hope that, during their term of office, requir.ed to get the Mary Kathleen mine back more Queenslanders will meet and appreciate into operation. This represents a value of $3.50 them. a share at a time when the market value of In a state of negative, narky over-excite Mary Kathleen shares is as little as 53 cents. ment the Premier is bursting his veins on a This fact alone shows the type of assistance variety of Federal issues. Of particular sig that Queensland will be receiving from the nificance at the present time are the Federal Australian Government. But the Premier, Government's policies that seek a better deal the head of established authority in the State, for the nation's natural resources. The in typical narky fashion opposes this move. Premier's arrows are aimed,. of course at It is doubtful whether Mary Kathleen will the recent decision to create a petrol and become even moderately profitable for a long minerals authority. He sees such a body as time. People in the industry maintain ~that a brand of socialism and as a form of six years will elapse before a dividend is insufferable anathema. Ironically for the paid. The Premier is surely aware that the Premier, however, the Australian mining enterprise has been selected for the new industry sees such an authority as the basic scale of royalty of 10 per cent ex-mine saviour of the declining oil exploration pro value of export minerals. gramme. While the Federal Government on the To back up my claim I quote from "The one hand is underwriting an issue of over Australian Financial Review" of 6 August $15,000,000 for a mine which will, accord 1974, and, as all honourable members know, ing to the experts, not pay a dividend for Address in Reply [20 AuGusT 1974] Address in Reply 193 six years, the Premier, on the other hand, These are the policies that must be wants to bring it into the scheme of royalties followed. It ill becomes the Treasurer to anticipated to be applied to other mineral return and announce willy-nilly to the undertakings in Queensland. country's Press that there will be an across For years Opposition members have the-board 5 per cent or 10 per cent increase. screamed for increased royalties. Look at Naturally, every issue requires a thorough the scale of royalties paid in other States. examination. I believe that the people of this Victoria receives $22,000,000 or $27,000,000 State, who are really the owners and rin and New South Wales $22,000,000 a year. heritors of our natural resources, are entitled The Queensland situation is so muddled that to the best deal. However, we want to keep one would have to be an Einstein to work the producers in business. We want to see out the exact figure paid in royalty, but it is that they benefit from the arrangement and well below $7,000,000. are not forced to accept a poor deal because of weaknesses in the Government's We make no apology for our policy on diplomacy and negotiation. royalties. We believe that it is of para mount importance that a firm principle or Considerable criticism has been levelled guide-line should be laid down so that people at the Australian Government by the Premier, will not get wrong ideas. New enterprises the Treasurer and many other Ministers which will employ many Queenslanders could because of the minerals authority envisaged be severely disadvantaged by erroneous or by Mr. Connor. Again I refer to "The inconsistent Government decisions. Australian Financial Review", the Bible of conservatism in this country, which remarked Take the case of the aluminium industry that Mr. Connor is acting in the same role as on an international plane. A considerable the J,apanese Ministry of International Trade amount of aluminium investment money was and Industry or M.I.T.I., as it is known. provided in Jamaica by world-wide consor There is no doubt that his fair-minded tiums. Admittedly Jamaica had a low royalty approach has so far been successful. Of standard for many years and, even in the course, the Japanese recognise that Austra light of the vast undertaking there, only lians have a right to a fair polcicy on mineral about $30,000,000 came to the Government resources and have been willing to pay under the old system. In recent times, in increased prices. Mr. Connor has repeatedly a very avaricious stance, the Government assured our }arge trading partner, Japan, decided to get onto the bandwagon and that the market will always be supplied-a really got stuck into the companies oper fact appreciated by the Japanese steel mills, ating in this industry. It set the level of to the benefits of our two-way trade. royalty at 7 · 5 per cent of the ingot price per tonne of bauxite mined, with an increase While I am not the subject of royalties, to 8 · 5 per cent in two years. In other let me repeat that members of the Opposition words, royalty payments in Jamaica will maint,ain that there has never been a perform increase from $30,000,000 to over ance as weak as that of this Government over $200,000,000. Evidence has been given to a long period cin its relationship and negoti a Senate subcommittee of the United States ation with multi-national companies. The of America to the effect that Reynolds, one Government has snivelled, bowed and genu of the great aluminium producers of the flected. Not a single Minister has had the world, is looking to the clay deposits of expertise in negotiation to obtain a better the United States, in the hope of devising deal for Queenslanders. However, suddenly, a new form of treatment to process them because of the policies of the Australian into aluminium. Obviously this could be Government and the increased charges that to the detriment of the alumina and have resulted from those policies, the aluminium industry in Jamaica. Queensland Government is now jumping on While the Opposition has been justifiably the band wagon and appears to be demand critical of the Government's inadequacies ing far in excess of what may be regarded on royalty payments, we must ensure that as reasonable. I sincerely urge the Treasurer a definite line is drawn between resources to be very careful indeed. Although members diplomacy and resources blackmail. of the Opposition believe-and have believed for a long time-that the Government has The Treasurer returned from the United been remiss in not seeking a better deal for States of America after conferring with the the people of this State, if the attitudes as coal companies. I understand that a con quoted in the Press is pers,isted in, whereby siderable degree of agreement has been it is arrogantly stated that a certain per reached-and justifiably so. Was rit not centage will be sooght, the Government will because of the policies of the great Rex kill the goose that Lays the golden egg. I Connor that after negotiations the importers have already mentioned one mine that will of our coal, principally the Japanese, suddenly not be profitable for a very long time. escalated the price? The price through our ports has been increased to $10.35 a tonne-a Reference has often been made in this considerable amount rindeed. As Mr. Connor Chamber to the royalty payments of Mount has said, he has tried to obtain the best deal Isa Mines Limited and the fact that, under for the country without really going overboard a Labor adm~nistration years ago, no royalty and crucifying the country's future mineral was paid. But it was 25 or 30 years before expansion. that company showed a profit, so why should 194 Address in Reply (20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply we have kicked it to death? Didn't we guar "South Australia intends that these guide antee its bank account to the tune of lines should remove some of the uncer £500,000 when it was struggling, and didn't tainties presently connected with explora we build a railway line and give it a t,ion and thus encourage further activity in number of other concessions? Of course it the search for new resources. received all of those amenities with the assist "The guidelines do not affect any agree ance of past Labor Governments. We do ments which have been consented to pre not want to see it or the employment oppor viously. tunities it provides crucified because this " 'I would like to commend them for administration has suddenly realised its sins these guidelines.' " and has decided to go overboard; I hope that it will not lose its sense of proportion. Isn't that a slap in the face for the Premier? Doesn't it imply "The policies of the South Of great interest, and certainly very little Australian Government are certainly to be comfort, to the Premier, must be the back praised and the policies of this . Govern handers and slaps in the face he receives ment with which I have done busrness for from friends and old"time colleagues. We years: are completely unsatisfactory.'' hear from him a continual splenetic barrage of falsely based information supplied by :M,r. Is not Mr. Siller saying, "I am unable to Callaghan, a consistent decrying of the per obtain satisfactory guide-lines here. I am formance of the Australian Government and a quite willing to give my commendation to eulogy of his own acts on behalf of Queens South Australia despite what my friend the landers and their future. Comparisons are Premier says when constantly castigating often drawn in this Chamber, and many times that Labor State simply because of its South Australia has been singled out as the politics." I hope the Premier takes some cog target for his spate of vicious vilification. nisance of that situation. How astonished he must have been to read Approximately seven or ei~ht weeks ;;go ] in the Press recently the laudatory comments sent a telegram to the Premier concernmg a of none other than the present chairman of serious situation likely to occur in my elec Oilmin, Mr. C. W. Siller, of Exoil and torate. I refer to the position at the Mt. Transoil fame! He is the same Mr. Siller Morgan mine. At present, because of certain who stood as a National Party candidate in inadequacies, the mine is unabl~ to ~et copper shipments away. I firmly believe 1!1 correc the Senate elections. He was the Premier's tive therapy long before confrontatiOn takes choice for that position. There was no place, and I believe that it is the ~espor: democracy in the choice. Standover, sibility of any Government Leader to mvesti Tammany Hall tactics were adopted by the any such matters of which he is advis~d Premier, who said, "You take Siller as a and take action for the benfit of the pubhc. candidate or else." Of course, Government Sadly enough, such a course has n~ver been members, in typical Beatles fashion said, a highlight of this Government's actiOns. For "Yeah, yeah, yeah." It is a pity that the reasons best known to itself, it is bitterly honourable member for South Coast is not lethargic and engages in devious practices in present in the Chamber because he is in a the hope that such action will gain for it very expansive mood, I am told, following a some political advantage. recent success. He bows from the waist every time the Premier barks, in sharp con On 6 July, I sent a telegram to the Premier trast to the night when, in the shadows of advising him of the situation, and I made this very building, he drew deathly steel about the simple request that he make approa<:hes the Premier's political future. That no doubt to the Commonwealth Government, particu recalls MacBeth's words- larly the Minister for Transport (Hon. C. K. Jones), to have certain ships made available "Is this a dagger which I see before me, at Port Alma to carry away the copper pro the handle toward my hand?" ducts of the Mount Morgan mine. That Has Mr. Siller fallen out of favour recently? urgent telegram was sent seven or eight weeks One would hardly know. ago and I have not yet received a reply to the honest, frank and open submission that However, I mentioned South Australia and I made in it. Each morning in answers to I shall read a statement that gentleman made questions the Premier tells the house how on 15 July 1974. He said- he got in touch with certain people in Can "South Australia is to be 'highly corn berra but received no replies from them. mended' for the guidelines it has drawn up Surely this is a case of those in glass houses on mineral and petroleum exploration and throwing stones. exploitation within its borders. Whilst the Premier is well known for his "Under the guidelines, exploration by promotion of situations that could lead to any reputable company, whether Australian certain forms of anarchy, he refuses point or foreign owned, is welcome in South blank at all times to co-operate with the Australia. Australian Government. He turns a deaf ear "However, future eX'ploitation of any to their approaches. A recent offer by the discoveroies made in the course of this Prime Minister to make ships of the Aus exploration must be carried out in such a tralian National Line available for intrastate way that a minimum of 51 per cent of any trade has been soundly rejected by the operation is Australian owned. Premier. Although no-one wants to take Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply 195 work from railwaymen, there are ways in for years that, as far as the company was which A.N.L. ships could possibly engage concerned, i Since the election of the Federal Labor Loyalty to the Sovereign, as expressed Government, considerable improvements by the elected representatives in the Sover have been made in this regard. Through eign's Parliament of Queensland-which this the National Welfare Commission we have Parliament is-is something that today is seen the creation of a social development fraught with very deep significance. It board in the community. It has made carries with it very ominous overtones considerable sums of money available for extending far beyond this Chamber. This the creation of a citizen's advisory service. menacing significance is something h'lat I Substantial amounts have been given to want to touch on shortly. various competent officers to advise the people of Gladstone of the many amenities It is quite staggering that anyone should and organisations available to them. question, as the Opposition has done, the confidence of the people in this Government. This body has also spent large sums of The present interim Leader of the Opposi money in the provision of a youth club to tion questioned this Government's support keep the young people of the town off and popularity in his extraordinary, ill-fated the streets and, consequently, away from and quite naive amendment, which \vas dealt conflict with the law. This is indeed a with summarily by the House. Perhaps one very desirable and healthy exercise. Together might have expected the Opposition to say with money advanced by the company, that we have more popularity than we considerable sums have been expended on deserve, but only very bigoted, partisan parks and sporting complexes. And I am politicians could deny that the popularity not denying that in recent times we have of this Government exists. been the recipients of considerable sums of money from State sources as well. Its popularity h;.:s been demonstrated at With the construction of the smelter, from by-elections, referendums and both State and 1,000 to 2,000 new residents will suddenly Federal polls. Not merely have we been arrive in the community. They will be supported and the A.L.P. rejected at these entitled to expect the provision of adequate polls, but on every occasion-at every test lodgings to meet their requirements and also -the A.L.P. has been not just beaten but various recreational and sporting facilities. overwhelmed. It has had its face rubbed I hope that the Government, in its nego in the dirt by the electorate. tiations with the company and the unions and for the sake of peace in Gladstone, I am expressing not merely opinions but will see that these requirements are spelt facts-hard, incontrovertible facts based on out in clear and concise terms before a the votes cast, and no amount of wild start is made to drive the first nail, and accusation and no amount of statistical that we do not have to suffer as we did juggling will dismiss these facts. All of us two or three years ago from lack of might be suspicious of public-opinion polls planning. and surveys-! think the A.L.P. would like to be very suspicious of the recent public The situation at that time went from bad opinion survey that showed the A.L.P. to be to worse. We do not want to see the down by about 10 per cent on where it substandard type of dwelling in which many was a few weeks ago-but the tally of actual people were then domiciled. This was quite votes cast is fact. unnecessary and would have been avoided had a better standard been set before con It will be interesting to take a couple struction started. I have made repeated of minutes to look at the recent Federal representations to the relevant authorities poll, because there has been a great deal of to upgrade many of the amenities. I would talk about Queensland's wrongness in chal have a file thicker than the head of the lenging what the Federal Government wants honourable member for Townsville South to do. The Federal supporters of the A.L.P., but holding just as much ivory. Personal and their henchmen opposite, claim that representations were also made by certain Labor was given a renewal of its mandate. bodies and individuals for this and that. I say as I have said before so often in this It was a chaotic mess. We do not want Chamber that I reject totally the concept that again. The Government must ensure that a Government when elected gets a that there will not be a continuation of mandate to carry out a programme. All industrial confrontation on construction sites it is given is a mandate to govern. To throughout the State. suggest that Labor was given a particular (Time expired.) mandate at the Federal election on 18 May is so absurd as to be quite laughable. Mr. PORTER (Toowong) (3.15 p.m.): It is customary for honourable members to Let us analyse this particular claim of use the Address-in-Reply debate to formally a mandate and get the analysis down on the pledge their loyalty to the Queen through record so that, if there are any holes in it, her representative in Queensland, His Excel Opposition members can pick them out and lency the Governor. Usually this is a kind demonstrate them to me in the many speeches of symbolic ritual, which we all follow that will come from the other side of the as a matter of form, and I do so now. But House. it is not now mere custom; it is certainly not now just some sort of empty ritual. Mr. Davi.s: I don't think we'll waste time. Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply 197 Mr. PORTER: I'll bet they won't waste Senate, in the voting on the same day, Labor time, for the simple reason that it cannot was done like a dinner. Counting the be done. referendum issues, still using the vernacular, What is the fact? Labor won the Lower Labor was done like a dinner on two plates. House, the House of Representatives, by five All of us who followed the election and seats. In fact two of those seats were new its aftermath will never forget the fawning, seats, created by Labor for Labor. Everyone sickening adulation which so much of the knew in advance that they would be gifts. media gave to Labor and its personalities. In a real comparison with the seats held "The Australian" was a classic example. On in 1972, Labor won the 1974 election by the morning of polling day we were told only three seats-all of them in one State that Labor would get 52.5 per cent of the only and, furthermore, all of them in one vote, that an extra 1 per cent swing had part of one State only. generated towards Labor during the cam On the same day that Labor secured this paign, We, on the other hand, were said paper-thin victory-in fact, Mr. Whitlam did to be down to 46 per cent. When the day's not dare claim it until some 10 days after vote was counted, it was found that "The the event-the same electors at the same Australian" had overvalued Labor by 3 per poll voted against the A.L.P. in the Senate. cent and undervalued us by 2 per cent. That was a massive error of 5 per cent, which was Mr. Burns interjected. equivalent to misreading 300,000 voters. Mr. PORTER: Mr. Snedden was quite On the Monday after the poll the paper right not to claim it for 10 days but to indi said, "Whitlam returned with a 7 to 9 major cate that he had not lost. ity and 31 in the Senate. Labor likely to win five Senate seats in Queensland." On On the same day the same voters flatly Tuesday, although the count was a lot rejected Labor's referendum proposals. clearer, the paper said, "Clear Labor majority, When the A.L.P. screams about the Senate latest count 5 to 7 seats, likely 30 in the Opp~ition frustrating the people's will, what Senate." On Wednesday the following was does It. want us to believe? Is it seriously printed, "Four electorates decide Labor's suggesting that the same voters, voting at the majority, likely five." On Thursday the fol same time on the same issues, expressed the lowing appeared, "vabor confident as coali people'!! will when it gave Labor a five-seat tion hopes fade, Government majority likely margin on 49 per cent of the votes in the either 3 or 5." House of Representatives, but did not express It should be noted that the majority was any will at all when they knocked back gradually coming back to the field and for attempts to fiddle with the Constitution and the first time-almost a week after the start carefully gave Labor only a minority in the of the count-this was admitted: "Labor Senate? may have to be content with 30 seats in the I find Labor's viewpoint quite a queer con Senate." It should be noted that the figure cept of the sovereign will expressed by the still stood at 30, not 29. At that stage of electorate. Labor regards the electorate as the count, anybody who knew anything of the clever in one way but stupid in another. history of late counts and was able to do a Obviously that attitude does not bear close little simple arithmetic could tell where the analysis. In my view, if any party has shown Senate probabilities lay. Certainly they did contempt for the people's will, it is the Labor not lie in the direction of an A.L.P. majority Party, with its frantic attempt to pretend that in the Senate. the people's will was not the whole vote cast Of course, the pundits, the writers and on 18 May, but only that part which it suits the commentators were all so anxious to it to talk about. We should all remember wish a Labor victory on us that they were that control of the Senate was what the literally drooling as they licked their chops double dissolution was all about. Mr. at the early stages of the count. They Whitlam proclaimed that over and over again. could not accept the actual facts of the The real purpose of the exercise was to get voting figures, always clearly provided to rid of t!Je opposition in the Senate and its those who have the wit and the will to res;stance to the onrush of Labor's socialist read them. I do not think many of us and centralis! legislation. will ever forget the A.B.C. on polling night. It is important that we should all recognise In the early stages the commentators were very clearly the result of the Federal poll. It very happily giving our side of politics is true that Labor won the House of Repre away, delightedly awarding Labor a bigger sentatives, and hence the Government, but it and better victory than in 1972. Do you just won it and no more. That is all it won. recall it? They were so pleased with the Any talk: about the renewal of a mandate way things were going-Labor was going should be measured against the voting facts. to sweep the country. On the Australian vote Labor was down 1 Then at about 11 p.m. one of them, a per cent, but we on our side of politics were Mr. Malcolm Mackerras, began to see what up 3! per cent. We were a substantial 4! for these very patent Labor backers were per cent in advance of the 1972 position. No ominous signs of the Labor count trend. wonder it took almost a fortnight to decide He tried to suggest that Labor would be who had won avd who had lost. In the in trouble, but the other commentators 198 Address in Reply [20 AuGUST 1974] Address in Reply tried to shush him up as though he were fact of life that the Leader of the Opposi uttering some sort of blasphemy in a temple. tion would do well to remember is that, How dare he suggest that Labor might not where the Labor Party formerly trumpeted get the huge majority that they were pre that the D.L.P. was composed largely of dicting for it? It was certainly a night for dissident Labor voters, the fact at the all of us to remember. Midnight was very ballot box shows that that did not stand. interesting indeed. We got their vote in total and the Opposi tion did not get it. They are now our The Federal poll, which on a 1972 seat voters, and I think they always were. comparison was won by only three seats, Whereas the Labor Party used to say that with less voting support, could by no means we won only with D.L.P. support, the -not by the greatest stretch of even the simple fact is that without the D.L.P., the most fanatical imagination-be seen as a Australia Party or anything else we can renewal of a mandate of socialism, cent and will win in our own right and do it ralism and economic idiocy. I believe it better. The Leader of the Opposition is was no more than a manifestation of the very unwise to raise that particular one. Australian fair-go characteristic; a reluctance to throw out a Government, no matter how The big point to remember is that not only bad, that had been in office only 16 months. did we in Queensland win two seats from It would be interesting to speculate, par Labor in that Federal poll-and several ticularly in view of what has happened others were sharply threatened-but since since 18 May, what would have been the 18 May, Labor has been left without a result of an election not called on for single ~afe Federal seat in the whole of another six months, after the Budget that Queensland. Not one is a safe seat for the shortly must come, no matter how much next poll, and it is well within the limits of the divided Labor Caucus may wish that possibility that at the next poll, with the it had not to present a Budget. The only tide flowing the way it is, we will win 18 out rational interpretation of the 18 May Federal of 18 Federal seats, as well as six Mr. PORTER: Opposition members are than later) Labor will be scattered like chaff groaning. They will be groaning with a before an avenging wind. It will suffer a gre,ater degree of realism before very many an electoral reverse of such proportions that months have past, I can assure them. it is likely to be politically impotent for We saw excessive power being placed in another two decades at least. rhe hands of radical industrial groups in I think people are now realising, partic order to savagely maul the very fabric of ularly following events of the last few weeks, business and commerce and investment. Are that the question of maintaining a Federal they going to groan now, or are they afraid system is not just an argument on abstract rhat Jack Egerton, who agrees with what I political theory. The lifestyle and basic say, might reprimand them for groaning at personal freedoms of the people are very the wrong place? much at stake. For many years now I We have seen moves to turn Amstralia into have been drawing attention to the dangers a multi-racial society. We have seen the posed by the decline of the Federal system. cruelly deliberate use of inflation in order Labor has hastened this decline because it to create that economic chaos rin which it has used its money superiority just as a will be easier for Labor to achieve the massive poisoner uses loaded baits-scattering them political and soda! changes that it is fan around, seducing people and organisations, atically resolved upon. dividing communities, and exploiting cupidity to deceive and destroy. What is more to the point is that we have seen the steady erosion of accepted moral Twelve months ago, almost exactly to the and social standards in Senator Murphy's day, I said in the Address-in-Reply debate- determination to abolish 'all censorship, to "We now have the overwhelming make vulgarity and aberrance the norm evidence presented in the Federal Budget and to put the family unit and the institution delivered on Tuesday night, which is cen of marriage under as much pressure and tralist and accepts inflation as a way stress as possible. of life. If we accept that inflation run ning at about 10 to 14 per cent per Of course, we have seen quite ruthless annum is feasible, heaven alone moves to try to manipulate the electoral knows what it will be by this time system. We should never forget the inf•amous next year. I suggest it will be referendum proposals which were so hea¥ily somewhere around 18 to 20 per cent. defeated on 18 May. The idea would have If we do not know, I should think that been to finish up with a token, plastic the Whitlam covey of academic 'think Opposition. Then Australia could have been tanks' does not know either ... made a republic, the Governor-General a viceroy and Mr. Whitlam-if he had still "The Budget, for proper interpretation been around, which most of us now doubt and for our State interpretation, must be or Dr. Cairns could have become president. seen in the context of the Coombs Report which, of course, was a blueprint for Mr. Davis: What do you want-the hard-line, dogmatic, doctrinaire socialism. "Stars and Stripes"? The Budget was plainly phase I of cen tralism in an inflationary setting. In the Mr. PORTER: I was waiting for honour coming weeks and months it will rapidly able members opposite to interject and tell induce dismay, despair, misery and panic. me that I was wrong. I was going to remind That provides the setting for phase II, them that they should read their own A.L.P. that is, socialism, with, literally, quite platform, because that is precisely what it ruthless Canberra control over every phase proposes and what the A.L.P. is leading to of Australian monetary and economic step by step. policy." That is the chilling master plan, and we Mr. Tucker: Tedious repetition. in Queensland saw it, from its inception, for what it was. We have constantly Mr. PORTER: I think I heard the Leader denounced it, in every one of its myriad of the Opposition murmur something about manifestations. That simply is why my side tedious repetition. If so, it is a pretty of politics did so much better at the Federal fair indication of his lack of real concern poll in Queensland than anywhere else in for the people of Australia, because the words Australia, and why the Labor Party did so that I used 12 months ago have all been much worse in Queensland. We pointed proven 100 per cent correct. Indeed, if out loudly, clearly and trenchantly what anything, I underestimated what would be Labor was after, and why it had to be the situation. Everything that I said has resisted at all costs. We demonstrated over been shown to be correct. and over again the huge gulf between our Mr. Tucker interjected. aims and Labor's socialist aims. We enabled people to see that their basic freedoms Mr. PORTER: No. I am trying to sug were at stake. Once the people realised this, gest to the honourable gentleman that he they rallied massively behind us, as they at least should recognise the threat that always will. I am confident that at the the Labor Party poses to the State that he next Federal poll, whenever it comes (it is supposed to represent. He seems totally looks as though it will be sooner rather unable to do so. 200 Address in Reply [20 AuGUST 1974] Address in Reply Clearly we must recognise that inflation "The foundation of any anti-inflationary is getting worse. It is, to the largest degree, policy must lie in the control of demand." home-made, and any attempt to excuse it by Alan Wood in "The Sydney Morning Herald" suggesting that it is imported-that because of 6 August quotes the Melbourne Univer other countries have inflation we necessarily sity's Institute of Applied Economic and must have it, also-is rubbish. Most other Social Research as saying- countries are running into inflation because "Continuation of the Government's of their oil problems. We are self-sufficient .economic policy stance would result in a in oil. severe recession in 1975 and have only Mr. Tucker: It was imported by Billy a marginal impact on 'the rate of inflation." McMahon, and you know it. They forecast unemployment running up to Mr. PORTER: What was the degree of as high as 250,000 people. When I say that inflation when he "imported" it-3.4 per things are vastly different today from the cent, wasn't it? way they were when so many academics and business people, too-supported the Mr. Tucker: What about overseas Labor Government, I am giving merely a companies? very small part of the picture. I said that Mr. PORTER: The honourable gentleman Professor Downing regards a 40 per cent is making a mishmash of economic fact which inflationary rate next year as possible. We he simply could not support. The plain fact have the very well regarded "I.P.A. Review" is that the import charges are less than whatever anyone might think about it, it is 5 per cent of our inflationary rise. I most certainly not given to exaggeration challenge him to demonstrate otherwise. The now predicting not merely bad inflation but plain fact is that our inflation is home-made. hyper-inflation, that is, the whole spiral gone It is a local product almost in its entirety. out of control and massive "stagflation" bringing abject misery and despair to hund Mr. Tucker: You are trying to brainwash reds of thousands of Australian people. everybody. Mr. Tucker interjected. Mr. PORTER: It is very interesting to hear Mr. PORTER: The honourable gentleman the honourable gentleman. Perhaps he would would do well to try 'to dismiss the suggestion like to get together with the academic experts. that the Commonwealth Government has I recall that on the eve of the last election deliberately engineered inflation. He would Mr. Whitlam was happily quoting some 130 do well to remember that inflation has been economists from the universities of Aus associated with revolutionary change since tralia-professors, senior tutors, lecturers, and ancient times. It accompanied the downfall and all the rest of them-who were of the Roman civilisation; it ushered in saying, "We believe the thrust of the Govern modem Communism; neither Nazism nor ment's policy responses are in the best Fascism could have succeeded without it. I interests of the nation as a whole." But they charge those pro-Marxist members of the are very quiet today. Where are those 130 A.L.P.-there are quite a number of them; economists who were telling us on the eve the Cairnses, Haydens, Connors, Murphies, of the poll that the Labor Government was Camerons and the rest of them-with quite right? What about Mr. Whitlam, who said deliberately fostering inflation and unemploy after quoting his economists on 17 May-the ment, and with plunging Australia into such day before the poll-"We will use fiscal and turbulance and despair that the people will monetary measures to substantially bring the become so confused and frightened that they inflation rate down."? What wonderful then become more likely to yield up vital words! How idiotic and empty they were! freedoms in the hope of some temporary The fact is, of course, .that inflation is security. Labor makes no bones about what rampant. We now have Professor Downing, it wants to do. It wants ,to pulverise, cen the head of the A.B.C. and one of the tralise and socialise; it wants to eliminate eminent professors who signed the advertise all the other areas of political power and ment in 1972, suggesting that there should leave only Canberra in control. So I am be a change of government, saying that firmly convinced that inflation was delib inflation next year may well be running at erately started. There is an old Asian proverb 40 per cent-40 per cent, not 20 per cent! which says, "He who rides on a tiger can't Many other prominent people now admit that afford to dismount." That is just what has the situation is vastly different from what it happened to the Labor Party. It has started was at the time they came out trying to something that it has no hope of controlling. support the Labor Government. Barry I think one thing becomes increasingly Hughes in "The Australian" of 24 July said- clear in these increasingly uncertain times. "The Government's approach to anti It is that the Federal Government will not inflationary policy can only be described as go its full term. Clearly it does not expect economic madness. to. It is going to shake itself to pieces but "At a time when such different figures it is going to shake the Australian economy as Dr. Cairns and Mr. Snedden agree that to pieces in the process. Informed sources our present problems are the result of suggest, on the latest advice, that the Federal cost-push elements, the Government's A.L.P. i5 now contemplating an election in approach is to treat demand inflation. May next year. The reason is that ;they Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974) Address in Reply 201 know they will go out of power and they warned us about in these words: "We must want to go out before they become fully beware of building a society in which nobody responsible in the electorate's mind for the counts for anything but the politician and massive unemployment and inflation we will the official." The Labor Party would like experience next year. They know that if to bring George Orwell's "1984" a decade ~hey go their full term and are fitted with early to Australia, a form of society in responsibility for what they have truly which all men are equal but some-that is, created, they will be out for 30 years. So the planners-are much more equal than they may go next May. others. Dr. Crawford: Would you agree that the Unfortunately for us, the A.L.P. dream tariff cuts altered inflation by 0.1 per cent? for tomorrow is already reality's nightmare for today because nobody in his real senses Mr. PORTER: I doubt whether they wants these crude attempts to transform us aitered it even as much as that and I do not into a nation of leaners with more and think it was intended that they should. more people dependent on Government In view of the possibility of a Federal hand-outs and all leaning on a decreasing few election next May--engineered by the A.LP ., who in fact produce. What happens when not by an obstructionist Senate-this State the last prop goes, when the last bloke Government might well consider that there decides, ''I'll join the leaners, too"? I pre are good grounds to look at the necessity sume we will all fall over on our faces. for an election ar the end of this year, A comment made by the famous historian possibly in November. To me it seems Edward Gibbon on factors causing the fall very necessary that we look at this so that of the first great democracy, that of ancient in this part of Australia we can do the Greece, should be indelibly inscribed in the maximum to protect at a time when pro hearts of all who believe that freedom from tection will be needed. It certainly will be the weight of oppressive Government is needed in Queensland, as in the rest of worth preserving. Gibbon had this to say Australia, when we get into the heavy about the ancient Greeks- unemployment that will face us in the first "In the end, more than they wanted and second quarters of next year. freedom, they wanted security. They At the present time we stand on the wanted a comfortable life and they lost it brink of great and irrevocable decisions. all-security, comfort, and freedom. We in this country have to make up our When the Athenians finally wanted not minds-and I believe we have made them to give to society, but for society to give up-as to whether we want a form of to them, when the freedom they wished society in which people count for something for most was freedom from responsibility, (certainly for more than Governments) or then Athens ceased to be free." a form of society in which people will do Exactly the same thing would apply in our as they are told by the planners at the top. society, but I hope that we never see it. Of course, Labor's dream is to make every There is no question that more and more body part of the controlled society. people are beginning to see the A.L.P. for To my mind, the poll of 18 May-the what it is; more and more people are becom whole poll, that is, not just a part of it-was ing increasingly appalled at the evils of its an emphatic statement that people reject plans and the sheer animal ferocity with the Labor dream for Australia. The A.L.P. which they are being pursued. But none dream, of course, is for a society in which of us should really be surprised by any of all men are ciphers and bondservants to a this when we consider the type of people ~ug~ ~ureacuracy where ambition, energy, who are in the vanguard of the Labor Party msp1rahon and the unique sanctity of family and involved in this monstrous endeavour. life are all replaced by this magical central First, we have Dr. Cairns, the grey planning. eminence of Labor's radical Left, perennially Mr. K. 1. Hooper: You are a relic of the dissembling but always implacable and sin last century. ister. And of course this man now has the numbers in the Labor caucus. Next we have Mr. PORTER: Does the honourable mem Mr. Cameron, cold and ruthless. ber think so? Then we will be happy to see Mr. K. J. Hooper: You're still on the back what the next State eiection and the next bench. Federal election provide in Queensland, namely, whether people massively come Mr. PORTER: Quite true, but this is a down on the side of what I represent as very happy place to be, and I hope to be a relic of the last century or on the side of useful here for some time yet. what the honourable member represents as Next we have Mr. Hayden, humourless, the forerunner of the Communist didactic and bigoted. He is the man I see version of a planned society! He and his as the Robespierre of this particular revolu ilk are our greatest asset. Thank heavens tion. for him! Then there is Mr. Crean, always twinkling I believe that, when we have reached the with jolly assurance. I think he will go stage that Labor wants us to reach we will down in history as the Treasurer who played then have the society that Winston Churchill his ukelele as the ship went down. 202 Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974} Address in Reply Finally, we have Prime Minister Whitlam. great majority of Australians fervently want What can anyone say about this extravagant -and the polls show it. We do not need person? We could say that he has great any turncoats no matter under what guise intellect but precious little wisdom. We or with what fair promises they may seek to could say that he exhibits brilliant flashing come to us. In any case the men we are shallows but shows no depth at all. Perhaps talking about-those who lead the A.L.P. the kindest thing we can do is to are all doomed men in the political sense. let Mr. Whitlam be the judge of They are doomed to an electoral debacle Mr. Whitlam, because I believe that of mammoth proportions. what Mr. Whitlam thinks of Mr. (Time expired.) Whitlam is starkly revealed by his continual and pathetic eagerness to drape over himself Mr. BLAKE (Isis) (3.56 p.m.): We have the stateman's mantle of Robert Gordon listened for quite some time to the honour Menzies. He is doing it constantly-the able member for Toowong talking about the poor chap! horrendous danger presented by the socialist If he is so desperate to persuade us that party. It is strange that, in the past 18 he is a latter-day R. G. Menzies he might months, the people of Australia have not well consider studying excerpts from the only shown a preference for the A.L.P. but second-reading speech of the then Mr. R. G. have also re-endorsed it in the face of claims Menzies on the Bank Nationalisation Bill by an obstructive Oppooition that if the Labor in 1949. In his speech Mr. Menzies said- Government went to the people it would be beaten resoundingly. The honourable mem "Democracy rests upon the view that the ber for Toowong indulged in rosy-hued people are the rulers as well as the ruled; wishful thoughts similar to those that he that the Government has no authority expressed in this Chamber between the two and no privilege beyond that granted by Federal elections. the people themselves; that while sover eignty attaches to the Acts of the Parlia I do not wish to deal further wuth that at ment, that sovereignty is derived from the the moment. In taking part in the Address people and has no other source. in-Reply debate, I firstly offer my expressions The whole history of democracy is one of loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen and of struggle for the control of Government those of my constituents. In 99.99 per cent by the people, not for control of people of cases there is no question about an Aus by the Government-for that freedom tralian's loyalty to the reigning Monarch. which can exist only when the powers of That has been proved time and again, not the Government are limited, when legis only in peace but also in war. This subject lators and administrators are responsible should not be defiled by people trying to score to the people, and when no great changes cheap political capital, but that has been done, in the material structure of life can be and is being done at the present time, by made without popular mandate and anti-Labor forces. approval." I cannot understand why those who wish Very clearly what Robert Gordon Menzies to be pro-Australian cannot be prQ-iBritish stood for and what Mr. Whitlam now stands and loyal to both concepts. Is not Australia for are light years apart in philosophical an old-enough ·country, a proud-enough terms, and it is ridiculous, and even pathetic country and a deserving-enough country and for Mr. Whitlam to pretend that he is cast nation to have its own national song or in the Menzies mould or that he is serving national anthem? How many other countries even the slightest semblance of such a demo .of similar standing and esteem have not their cratic purpose. own national anthem or song? I should say there are very few, if any, in the world I want to make a quick passing reference today. Although Government members would t'? rumours that are now rife of a possible btg Federal A.L.P. split-a repetition of like the public to think otherwise, there is no the Hughes and Lyons upheavals that question whatever about anybody in the occurred years ago. In Melbourne it has Labor Party wishing to deny respect for the been said that the first sensitive overtures Sovereign by the playing of the national have been made to the Liberal Party on anthem, that is, "God Save the Queen" in the behalf of Mr. Whitlam. This is the sort presence of Her Majesty, or on occasions of thing that normally one would laugh at, when the Queen or her representative should but such is the uncertainty of these times be acknowledged or honoured. that nothing is humorous-except to some The Queensland Government and the gentlemen of the Opposition. My own view Premier in particular have worked assiduously is that in no circumstances do the Liberals to promote the impression that people who need the split-offs from the A.L.P. I, f.or are pro-Australian or are loyal Australians one, would be totally opposed to any moves must be anti~British. Perhaps Government inside my own party, in any circumstances, members have become victims of their own to accept or absorb, at any price, anyone propaganda. Perhaps they believe ·that who has been in the forefront in Labor people who are pro·Australian are anti~Brit moves in recent times. We must, and we ish. Inversely, perhaps they believe that will, prevail on our own account, carrying people who are pro·British are anti-Aus our own banner and espousing our own tralian. Anyone could be forgiven for believ philosophy because we represent what the ing that that was so in view of the incessant Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply 203 aitacks and obstruction advanced by the I will tell honourable members why he shied Liberal-Country or National Parties, or what away from such talk. It is getting through ever name they operate under temporarily even to him that the obstruction being at the present time. The way they have placed in the way of a properly elected continuously attacked the Australian La:bor Government by the Liberal-Country Parties Party Government, which has been elected is beginning to sour the electorate against twice in 18 months, we could be forgiven for the coalition parties and that the electorate thinking that they were anti-AustraLian in is beginning to realise that, if we are in a outlook. mess, it is because of the negation by Federal Liberal-Country Party members, to the best Never before in Australian political of their ability and wherever possible, of history has the mandate of a twice-elected sound legislation put forward by the Labor Government been so disregarded and assailed Party, irrespective of the merits of that as it has been by the Liberal-Country Party legislation. coalition and the Country-Liberal Govern I recall that when the Liberal-Country ment in Queensland-or, to bring the name Party was in Government much was said up-to-date, the National-Liberal Government. about amending the Restrictive Trade Prac It changes so often that one has difficulty tices Act. Nothing was done. Parliament in keeping abreast of the current one. now has to be recalled-and some members must return from overseas-to attend to A certain amount of party politics is minor changes to legislation which have acceptable from those opposing a Govern belatedly been forced by the coalition in ment. However, the present Federal Opposi Opposition, although the opportunity to do tion has sunk so low that its practices go something about the legislation was not beyond the depths of any standard ever taken when it was in Government. before set in political ethics. When listening to the honourable member for Toowong, I think it is fair to say that the Premier who went to great pains to prove that has been outstanding in attempts to obstruct the Australian Labor Party really did not the official functioning of the Australian have a mandate to govern in Canberra, I Government. He has not been very success could not help thinking that he believed ful. He has shown himself to be the most that. So much distortion has been seen in inconsistent of the critics of that Govern the thinking of anti-Labor forces that such ment. For instance, he has been outspoken an attitude does not surprise us; but it on the need for reduced Australian Govern would surprise anyone who had not been ment spending to combat inflation, yet he subjected to the barrage of distorted political has been adamant that his own Govern thought that we on this side of the House ment must be exempted from any such have had to withstand. economies and inconveniences. Whilst sug gesting economies in the Federal sphere, he None of us will forget the import of the announced on 20 July the Queensland Gov statement of the Leader of the Liberal ernment's intention to purchase a Beech Party, Mr. Snedden, that if Labor won the craft King Air aeroplane for which the Federal election with a reduced majority non-Government price would be $600,000. I it would have no mandate to govern but have a photograph of it here and I certainly that, if the Liberal-Country Party forces won would not refer to it as an example of the Government by the barest margin, they the austerity programme of the Queensland would have the right to govern. This to Government. me illustrates a resurrection of the medieval belief in the divine right of kings. This Whilst campaigning, at the Queensland is merely a variation of that old theme. taxpayers' expense, against the granting of It indicates the belief of the Liberal-Country price control powers to the Australian Gov Party (National Party) coalition in its divine ernment, even temporarily, he threatened to r:ght to govern. use price control to keep prices down in Queensland. He refused to invoke price The electorate is fast becoming aware of control-a power his own State had-and this distorted and pernicious line of thought maintained (and I think still maintains) that by anti-Labor forces. It is beginning to price control is ineffective. He contradicted wake up to the disruptive and, I suppose his own argument by threatening to invoke it would be fitting to say, obstructive tactics price control powers against bread manu continually used by Opposition members to facturers and petrol retailers. He said in subvert the functions of a properly elected the Press that he was not bluffing. Government. Mr. Snedden was in Brisbane yesterday at a $10-a-head dinner for 200 In other words, price control is effective people. This report appeared in today's only for Queensland-at least at times "Courier-Mail"- and then only when it suits the Premier in his campaign against granting price con " 'The truth is, we're in a mess,' the trol power to the Federal Government. He Federal Opposition Leader (Mr. Snedden) has refused to grant that power to the said yesterday. Australian Government, even temporarily, but "But at a Press conference before the we all recall that, during the election cam luncheon he shied away from talk of a paign, he joined with other Premiers in double dissolution." saying that he would co-operate in this 204 Address in Reply (20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply rega,rd if a Liberal-National Party Govern Press gave wide coverage, incidentally, to ment was in power. It is history that, despite the Minister's comments on this so-called anti buckets of multi-national money, the Liberal State, pro-centralist rural Green Paper. I National Party did not win. was startled to read these views, because I The Premier has been so astray in his had heard many informed people make quite accusations against the Australian Govern eulogistic and constructive remarks about the ment that even the Treasurer and Liberal efforts of those who drew up the Green Party leader in this House (Sir Gordon Paper. The Minister was the first one, no Chalk) has dissociated himself from the doubt as a result of his Country Party train Premier's statements. A case in point was ing, to read a sinister meaning of centralism the Premier's statement that it was Federal into the rural Green Paper. Government policy that had lost to Queens The Green Paper resulted from the appoint land the Weipa aluminium smelter. ment of an eminent panel to examine the Mr. Aikcns: Tell us what Whitlam has industry and suggest guide-lines for rural done to the sugar farmers. policy. It called submissions from farmer mganisations, universities and other academic Mr. BLAKE: It is quite obvious that the and technological institutions, societies and honourable member has not been out of his individuals. In fact, it invited submissions beloved city because, if some primary indus from all who believed that they had some tries are suffering, the one that is coping thing to contribute on rural problems and quite well with inflated costs at present is policies. What could be more democratic in the sugar industry. I should know, because principle than that? I am engaged in it. I believe the editorial comment in the The sooner the Premier applies himself "Bundaberg News Mail" of 18 August 1974 to governing Queensland the better. He has is well worth recording. This is not my a distorted mental attitude towards an elected Australian Government. "The Courier-Mail" statement, but an independent view. It of 14 August reported the Premier as say reads- ing there was no over-all plan, and that " Queensland's 'Minister for Primar_y the Premiers' Conference was a complete Industries, Mr. Sullivan, has expressed h1s waste of time. It was also reported that opinion of the Commonwealth's Green it was the Queensland Premier who made Paper on rural industry recently issued by co-operation on an existing plan conditional. the Australian Government. His comments Mr. Hamer and Mr. Dunstan agreed that represented, in the words of the questio.n they had made good progress, that there was submitted to him in Parliament, h1s a plan, and that they believed when they ,immediate reactions. If his statement was, applied themselves to it, as a combination in fact his considered view of the report, of States, that it would work in halting he sh~uld be advised to read it again, or at least limiting inflation. The Premier because it has nothing to do with 'centralist' believes that the whole thing was a waste control of rural production and land use in of time, and he was, it is stated in this the political context which Mr. Sullivan article, the only Premier who made co-oper emphasised." ation of his State conditional on receipt of more money from the Federal Government. Mr. Jensen: He never read it. And this is the person who is calling for austerity in every Government other than Mr. BLAKE: Perhaps he has not read it. his own! No doubt it was read by one of his depal't This attitude, incidentally, is not restricted mental officers. Perhaps the Minister did not to the Premier. It seems to ex,ist throughout even read the submission before he came into Cabinet, and perhaps right through the back the House. The editorial continue~ benche~. The Minister for Primary Indus "Queensland Cabinet Ministers seem _to tries, for instance, has been quoted in the be obsessed with the issue of 'centrahst Press as criticising centralism in the rural control' almost as if they believed thac a Green Paper. Why on earth should he find National Government should have no role the ogre of centralism in a Green Paper in matters that are, or should be, 0f drawn up as advisory guide-lines to a Gov national concern. Mr. Sullivan, for ernment-to any Government, for that mat example claimed that there was no real ter-on problems encountered in primary assessm~nt and recognition in the paper of industry and possible solutions to them? the existing activities of the States. There These are the first guidelines drawn up for did not have to be, for this was not one many years and they were drawn up after of the factors required to be assessed by consultation with farmer organisations and the group that considered the issue. Again, all others who had something worthwhile 'The document by no means presents a full to offer. cost-benefit analysis in relation to the fac Has not the Commonwealth Government, tors dealt with,' Mr. Su!livan asserted. irrespective of its political colour, always had This was not its purpose, but if he had read a say in the use of public moneys for the the paper closely, Mr. Sullivan might have support of rural policies? Is it considered appreciated that one of the recommenda that it should not have such a say? The tions made by the group was that all rural Address in Reply (20 AUGUST 1974} Address in Reply 205 industry assistance projects should be sub Indonesia they will remember that President ject to full economic and environmental Sukarno made such a poor job of governing analyses before decisions were made to Indonesia from within that he had to distract commit public funds in their support. people's attention by telling them about the "The Green Paper was not, as some threat from the South, Australia, and from people have been lead to believe, a blue the North. I should say that the smoke print for the Australian Government's rural screen being put up continually of an attack policy. It was prepared by a party of by centralis! ,threat to the State is a eminent Australian agricultural and pas similar tactic by the Government of Queens toral economists and consultants, given land, and the purpose is simply to cloud its terms of reference to recommend general own shortcomings in governing the State principles that should apply in a Com of Queensland. monwealth Government's-any Govern Mr. Porter: Are all the electors stupid? ments-rural policy. It is true t:hat the existing Labor Government is likely to Mr. BLAKE: No they are not; they are adopt in principle some of its conclusions, very intelligent and if the electoral boundaries but the Federal Minister for Primary were drawn in the right places the honourable Industry, Senator Wriedt, has told rural member would see their intelligence exempli leaders that these, and the guidelines fied by our sitting on that side of the House advocated by the group that examined the and the present Government members on situation, still have to be considered by the this side. Party politics is the dominant Government." theme of Government members, not the I apologise for the length at which I am welfare of the community. quoting, Mr. Speaker, but there is another Another point that is still being flogged paragraph that I think should be recorded- for its political mileage is that of the super "If the implications of Mr. Sullivan's phosphate bounty. I want to make it known views are that the Queensland Government right now that in spite of all the political does not agree with the principles enuncia mileage that has been obtained from it, the ted by the Green Paper, then his Govern superphosphate bounty has not been ment is at odds with a number of national abolished. A decent principle of the Aus leaders within the rural industry. These tralian Labor Government, to give people are men who have the task of assessing sufficient warning so that they could present the needs of rural industry from a national a case to justify the continuation of the viewpoint and not under the restrictions of bounty, has been capitalised on by Govern politically motivated State ideas." ment members in this Chamber. The bounty It is quite obvious that Mr. Sullivan is over still remains in effect. It is also very notice motivated by politically orientated ideas. able that neither the Premier nor the Minister for Primary Industries has come out publicly I say the Green Paper highlighted very and advised farmer organisations or sectors graphically, very forcefully and very honestly of farmer organisations that the more people the large percentage of primary producers who can put forward a constructive case to with incomes below community average. This the Department of Agriculture and thence is significant. The person who thinks that to the Industries Assistance Commission in the average primary producer is an affluent Canberra, the better the argument would be member of the community is just as much for the bounty's retention. I suggest that at sea as if he thought that each and every they do not want a solution; they want a corner shopkeeper was as affluent as the political gripe in this affair. David Jones or Myer emporiums. The Prime Minister said quite recently that The Green Paper highlighted the widely only three appeals have been made against and wildly fluctuating and uncertain nature the removal of the superphosphate bounty of primary producers' incomes. Senator and that one of them had been referred to Wriedt said- the Industries Assistance Commission on "Less than 16 per cent of primary pro behalf of the new-land farmers in Western ducers have stable incomes compared with Australia. I have said quite openly in the 31 per cent of salary earners. Over 40 Press that I believe the producers in the per cent of primary producers have fluctua wallum areas-the coastal lowland areas tions in their year-to-year incomes of over could present an excellent case on the econo 50 per cent." mics of their production for the retention Those figures coming from the Green Paper of the superphosphate bounty, and I have should destroy for all time any false impres urged them to do just that. To date the sions held that the primary or rural sector United Graziers' Association has not seen is a mollycoddled or particularly affluent fit to prepare such a case. Apparently it sector of the community. Those comments does not see fit to prepare a case on behalf were not mine. They were independent com of a section of its members because it fears ments quoted in the Green Paper, not pro that this might be regarded as parochialism. Labor or clouded by the National-Liberal While our Premier and many other so Party centralist paranoia. called well-motivated people are crying out I believe that the Premier and his Ministers for better selection of where we spend our are adopting President Sukarno tactics here. money in order to reduce inflation, one If honourable members recall the history of would think they would support the idea 8 206 Address ill Reply [20 AuGusT 1974] Address ill Reply of organisations putting a case for certain Liberal and Country Parties learned that sections of such organisations, if they think President Nixon's envoy happened to be in a case cannot be substantiated on economics China at the same time, they fell strangely over the whole spectrum. I have here an silent. extract from "The Queensland Grain In June of this year it was reported in the grower" of 31 July which contains a report Press that Austmlia's exports to the People's by the vice-president of the Queensland Republic of China more than doubled during Grain Growers' Association, Mr. D. R. the nine months ended March this year com Eather. He said that as a result of a state pared with the previous corresponding period. ment along the lines that only three farmer organisations had made application for the A newspaper report reads as follows- retention of the bounty-it was a statement "Figures issued yesterday by the Aus by Senator Wriedt-many farmers wondered tralian Statistics Bureau show expo!'ls to whether their organisations and particularly China during the last nine months were the Queensland Grain Growers' Association valued at $99.8 million, compared with had taken any action on this important issue. $43.7 million in the nine months ended Of course they would be wondering about March last year. it because the Prime Minister has said th<1t "Exports to the United Kingdom over if they can produce a case to justify the the same period dropped from $4 7 6.1 retention of the bounty, it would not be million to $335 million." put back, because it has not been removed. That article clearly demonstrates the benefit It would be retained if justified. that can be derived from a realistic approach If organisations think they cannot justify to Australia's export markets. its retention over the whole spectrum of Under the headline "China buys lm their membership, they should, if they are tonnes", the following article appeared in a interested in their organisation and their recent issue of "The Queensland Grain membersh:p, prepare a case and bring it grower''- forward in the time that was given them ! say nobly, in a political sense--by the "Depending on the classes of wheat Australian Government. shipped, the value of the sale could be in excess of $115 million. Further, we know that fertiliser costs are "This is half a million tonnes more than rising all over the world. We cannot tack the agreement provided for in the first any more than $12 a ton, the value of the year. superphosphate subsidy, onto the Australian Government for the abolition of the subsidy "Although the delivery period under this when and if it takes place. This rising cost contract will extend into the 1975 calendar of fertiliser both in Australia and throughout year it will not affect the quantity of 1.5 the world gives to primary producers an million tonnes to 1.8 million tonnes which excellent opportunity to build up a case for is to be supplied under the second year the retention of the subsidy. There is the of the long-term agreement." possibility, of course, that a case could be In addition to exporting large quantities of prese~ted a?d not approved, thereby resulting wheat to China, Australia has obtained a m d1sappomtment; but that would not be substantial market in that country for sugar. any new experience, because in 1950 the And didn't this cause a sour taste in the Liberal-Country Party Government removed mouth of the Liberal-Country Party Gov the superphosphate bounty and provided no ernment? In Federal Parliament Mr. Anthony means of appeal against its removal. accused Dr. Patterson of usurping the function of the Sugar Board, and his accusa In conclusion on this subject, I reiterate tions received wide publicity until Dr. that the subsidy has not been removed· it Patterson produced evidence to show quite is there to be retained if any sector' of clearly that the Sugar Board had asked him industry can indicate the necessity for its retention. to establish dialogue with the Chinese so that it could trade with them. Misrepresentation of the type I 'have illustrated has resulted in the loss of over Although Mr. Snedden said that his Gov ernment would have recognised China if it s~as markets. For example, whereas pre vwusly Australia sold large quantities of had been allowed to remain in office long wheat to China, in recent years our Chinese enough-that would have been more than market had been lost to Canada simply 23 years-Mr. Anthony said that he would because the Liberal-Country Party Govern not sell his principles for the sake of trade. ment abused the Chinese politically while it As he was the Minister for Trade, I take it was carrying on trade with them. Now, that if the Liberal-Country Party was still in however, thanks to the initiative taken by the office Australia would not have these trade A.L.P., even before it took over the reins outlets to China, in spite of the fact that, as of Government, Australia has a good export I have said, our European markets are market in China. There is no need for me to declining. remind the House of the way in which If, like the Premier, I were to harp on members of the A.L.P. were slated for Federal matters, I suppose I could be visiting China. They were bmnded as Com accused of being of the Government's ilk. munists. However, when members of the I am merely trying to illustrate the gross Address in Reply (20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply 207 failure of the State Government to match Mr. BLAKE: Strangely enough, the two the market-promotion record of the A.L.P. expressions of opinion were given on the in the interests of the rural sector and same day, that is, 8 June 1974. primary producers of this State and nation. Mr. Speaker, you probably read that the The Queensland Government has been a Premier admitted, after his last expensive palpable failure in terms of looking for world jaunt with his large entourage of outlets for rural industries. In 17 years of Pressmen and cameramen, that he thought office it has not established one trade office the establishment of trade offices had merit. in the Asian area, which offers the greatest However, it appeared to me that, like potential for increased outlets for primary Mahatma Ghandi, he hoped to win com products and other goods. petitive trade by passive aggression or Mr. Wallis-Smith: They are our nearest dynamic inactivity. I really do not know neighbours. how to describe it. For Queensland's sake I believe it is right and proper to divert Mr. BLAKE: That is so and, of course, the Queensland Government from its pre goodwill and trade go hand in hand. The occupation with fighting the twice-elected Queensland Government has not tried to Australian Government so that it may cultivate either. redirect its attention to the mess it has It is very desirable that we should cultivate made, and is making, of its responsibility extra outlets, because when we are dependent to govern Queensland. I hope that the on a few markets we are very vulnerable State Government will make something of to manipulation of those markets. If manip the great potential of Queensland. If it ulation of the markets is not the trouble, listened to the State Opposition, no doubt it we are very vulnerable to honest influencing would. factors in the few outlets with which we (Time expired.) trade. Some people believe that the market Mr. AIKENS '(Townsville South) (4.35 for our beef is being manipulated, while p.m.): I wish to commence this afternoon others put the trouble down to purely by making a few remarks about the Select economic reasons. In its issue of 8 June, Committee on Punishment of Crimes of "The Australian" carried this headline Violence. To me, every member of the com "Beef men hit by Japanese 'playing politics'". In the ensuing article, Mr. mittee justified his appointment by this Par Roberts, the President of the United liament. Every member pulled his weight. Graziers' Association, commented on moves Every member did as much as he possibly by Japan to cut off Australian beef imports could to make a success of the job that was worth $200,000,000 a year. entrusted to him. I believe the media should make some mention of the fact that no In part, the article reads- member of the committee asked for or "The Government (that is, the Japanese received one cent in allowances or emolu Government) in power is playing politics ments for the work he did, despite the fact by protecting Japan's own producers. that it was cons-iderably inconvenient to all "As a result Australia's producers are members and, in addition, it was expensive losing money. They are in terrible diffi to some. culties, especially the lot feeders who I believe that every member of the com supplied the Japanese market." mittee on punishment of crimes of violence, It is understood that all nations play politics with the exception of one, would agree with to protect their own producers (and I accept me that every member pulled his weight. that), but there is no need to do it Unfortunately, the other day we heard from vitriolically and blindly as the Queensland the honourable member for Chatsworth a Government has done in the last 17 years, vicious and venomous attack, in which among or to fail to promote outlets in that time. other things he said that I did not pull my In another newspaper dated 8 June, under weight on the crime and punishment com the heading, "Japan cannot buy our beef" mittee because of my age and because I do the following appeared- not belong to any political party. I would "The Japanese Agriculture-Forestry expe·ct that sort of thing from the honourable Ministry said it was almost impossible member for Chatsworth, who has a very for Japan to increase imports of beef unenviable reputation for superiority and this year as Japan herself had an abundant superciliousness, for sarcastic sneers and surplus of beef." smears, which have made him the most detested man in this Chamber. Whichever way we take it and whether we I am not concerned with what the hon accept that it is a manipulated market ounable member for Chatsworth said about politically or otherwise-or one affected by me. When it is all said and done, I am very internal troubles, the fact remains that when proud of the fact that I have lived long we rely on a few outlets we are likely to enough to have gone grey in the service of head for over-night plunges, according to the people. My electors appreciate it, and the availability of the product or the pur they demonstrate their appreciation every chasing power within the outlet area. polling day in ever-increasing numbers. How Mr. Wallis-Smith: What was the date of ever, I believe that in all fairness to the other those articles? members of the committee, the honourable 208 Address in Reply [20 AuouST 1974] Address in Reply member for Chatsworth should put a curb If I wer,e opposing Mr. Gardiner at the on his tongue outside this Chamber-in the neX>t State election I would fight the election corridors and rooms of the House and, par purely and simply on his attitude and the ticularly, in his electorate and outside the A.L.P. attitude to capital punishment. In House. addition, I would cite some of the crimes that they claim have been perpetrated not Quite recently I was informed that he said by criminals but by men of dignity with -and I believe it to be true~that the report civil rights. I am absolutely convinced that of the crime and punishment committee could if this matter were put to the people in a have been much better than it is "but for referendum, they would overwhelmingly those four senile old bastards, Hinze, Porter, endorse the actions and decisions reached by Tomkins and Aikens". ,I feel sure that, if the four senile old so-and-so's on that com he said that, his remarks were prompted by mittee. I have no more time to spend on the fact that we had the temerijy-the gall, that particular aspect of the venomous, in his opinion-to disagree with him on the vicious, scurrilous remarks passed about me subjects of capital punishment and of stiffen by the honourable member for Chatsworth. ing the present parole sections of the admin I shall now deal with another remark istration of the law. he made about me-that I did not pull my weight on that committee. Anyone who It is true-I say this for myself and I cares to read the record, depositions and believe I say it for the other three senile old report will know that we all pulLed our so-and-so's, according to the honourable mem weight. I was very proud and happy to be ber for Chatsworth-that we have Iived long associated with the other members of that enough to develop eyes that see behind the committee with the exception of the hon smiling mask of craft; we have lived long ourable member for Chatsworth, even though enough to distinguish between the gold and they disagreed with me on certain points, and the dross of human nature; and we have lived on one occasion I almost had a stand long enough also to come face to face with up vocal fight with our particularly fine the fact that, just as we destroy without chairman. I give every man the right to compunction a four-legged animal who wan express his opinion and to disagree with tonly kills, mutilates and massacres innocent me. But it would appear that anyone who people, so also should we destroy a two disagrees with the honourable member for legg~d animal who wantonly destroys and Chatsworth is less than the dust beneath mutilates people. I see no difference between the chariot wheels. the biped and the quadruped when it comes It is true, as he said, that I am not a to senseless, ruthless killing. Unfortunately, member of a party, which means, I sup the honourable member for Chatsworth pose, in his nomenclature that I am not a appears to differ from me. He has a right to member of a major political party. And differ, but unfortunately in a scurrilous man I am not. If I were, I would give to the ne'r he takes his difference outside the other members of that party and to my Chamber. leader my undivided and unstinted loyalty. Many people believe-and it has been That is something that the honourable member for Chatsworth can never claim to openly expressed by men like Gardiner, a very prominent member of the A.L.P. and have done or ever will be able to. that party's candidate for Kurilpa at the com Let us look at this paragon of all vir,tue, ing elections~that even the most monstrous loyalty and fealty to his leader and party criminals, including this criminal whom we -the honourable member for Chatsworth. read about in today's 'Telegraph", this He was no sooner in this House than he monster who dismembered a little boy with a came in with a big book which was later spade, are not criminals but men of known as the Domesday Book of pimpery. dignity and have civil rights and civil priv He sat there and marked down very ileges. Such people claim that this Parlia sedulously the time of entry and exit of ment has no right by law, and that our admin every member of the National Party and of istrators have no right, by the administration the 'Liberal Party. He came in here with the of that law, to take from those monsters fixed opinion-and was prepared to prove it their civil rights. by this document-that members of those parties in this House were loafers, spongers I do not believe that the law takes those and time-servers. He even went into the civil rights from them. I believe that by the bar and checked the time they lined up to perpetration of their monstrous crimes they have a couple of sniffs and chec~ed the forfeit their civil rights and it is not for us time they came out. to give their civil rights back to them. If It might be wondered why, in his address the honourable member for Chatsworth thinks to this House on what is known as the that Mr. Gardiner is quoting what should be Parker case, he made a particularly venomous quoted then, in all honesty and sincerity attack coupling me with the "Sunday ~£ he is the honest man that he parades him Sun". I have no brief for the "Sunday self to be--he should go into the Kurilpa Sun." It, !.ike me, is big enough and ugly electorate at the next election and stand on enough to defend itself. Honourable mem the platform with Mr. Gardiner and support bers might want to know why he made that his candidature. scurrilous attack on both of us. The reason Address in Reply (20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply 209 was, to use an old saying, that I know of things, and, so far as I could see from where the body is buried. The honourable the distance from my reading of events in member for Chatsworth, not knowing me as Townsville, I thought that there was a lot well as he should, did not know that I have of justification for the charge that Killen never attacked any member of this House had been treacherous to the Liberal Party nf my own volition. The only time I and his leader, Billy McMahon. have spoken in a derogatory or derisory Here is my first challenge to the hon way of a member of this House is, as I am ourable member for Chatsworth to prove his doing now, very reluctantly in my own sincerity. The honourable member rushed defence. into the Press and made an astonishing state When the honourable member for Chats ment in which he said in effect that the worth had compiled this monumental, putrid first duty of a party member is to ensure book of pimpery, he went along to a reporter his own election in his own electorate. If from the "Sunday Sun", told him it would in the process of doing that he betrays his make the best political story of the year party, brings down his party, and deposes and offered to sell it to him. The reporter his leader, that is quite all right because r·efused to offer him a cent for it and gave the end justifies the means. When he wrote him a pretty good oral dressing down and that, a Brisbane newspaper-not ''Sunday told him the type of person he was in Sun"-and a Brisbane television station got trying to sell it. in touch with me and asked if I would come That was not the end of it. I know that to Brisbane to make a telecast and write an the honourable member for Chatsworth will article for the newspaper. not deny that, having failed to sell that My first challenge to the honourable mem putrid thing to a "Sunday Sun" reporter, ber for Chatsworth is to produce the article he then took it to a meeting of the National that he wrote that was published in the Party and Liberal Party and read excerpts newspaper in which he defended Jim Killen from it, expecting to receive their adulation so that the House can judge what type of and encomiums, to be patted on the back party man he is, and how deep and sincere and, according to some of his friends, to be is his loyalty. I wrote to the honourable mentioned in either the Queen's Birthday or member for Chatsworth. I told him of New Year's honours list. All he got from the invitation that had been extended to members of the Country Party and the me, and I told him that I proposed to Liberal Party at that meeting was such a write the article requested and make the classical dressing down that when they had telecast. I challenge him to read in this finished with him there was not, if I may use House that letter from me to him so that a western expression with which you, Mr. honourable members can judge between him Speaker, are very conversant, enough left and me on the basis of party loyalty, and for a hungry crow to pick up. This is the judge whether I would be a better man man who says that I do not pull my weight for my constituents in this House, and a in the Chamber because I am not a member better member of the committee that dealt of a major party. If I were a member with crime and punishment, if I had been of a major party, would I do that? Is there a member of a major party. anyone here, even some of my political It is true that I did not come to Brisbane enemies, who would put me in the category for the purpose that I have already stated. of a man who would do that? I had too much to do in the North, and, Of course, we all remember when the in addition, after thinking it over I con honourable member for Chatsworth-this cluded that this was an internal squabble paragon of all party virtues and loyalty between members of the Liberal Party. There crossed the Chamber to vote with the A.L.P. is a wise old saying that if you see a in an endeavour to bring down his leader, heap of filth on the road and you walk his party, and his Premier, and put the into it instead of round it, you cannot blame A.L.P. back in power at the election that anyone else if your boots get dirty. I there he hoped that he would cause. Does any fore told the newspaper and the television one think that I would do that? station that I would not come down and, as they wanted, "do over" the honourable There is another matter on which I am member for Chatsworth. going to challenge the honourable member for Chatsworth so that this House and those I challenge the honourable member now who read "Hansard" can judge between him to read the article that he wrote for the and me. At the 1972 Federal election, Mr. Press in defence of Jim Killen, and read Killen, who I understand is the Federal the letter that I wrote to him. Members of member for Moreton or some other electo this House will then be able to make a rate in this part of the State, came in, judgment. Let them be enshrined in "Han during and after the election campaign, for sard" so that those who read them can much adverse criticism from members of the judge what type of man has the temerity Liberal Partv and others for the manner to criticise, condemn and scurrilously attack in which he' conducted the campaign, and me as he did. for his actions and attitudes before and As we know, the honourable member for during the campaign. He was charged with Chatsworth aspires to become the Treasurer treachery, he was charged with all sorts of this State. We all know that he has 210 Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply neither the ability nor the honesty to be came to the city the next day, Tuesday, for the Treasurer of a kid's piggybank. If he the Show. It was not long before the A.B.C. ever becomes Treasurer of this State, he will news office in Townsville got hold of him. very soon learn that the Treasurer's chair With one or two exceptions the A.B.C. news is not built to accommodate an incompetent office in Townsville can be rightly classed as peter-tickler. a subbranch of the A.L.P. That office asked Let me tell the House something else the Leader of the Opposition to appear about this paragon of all the political vir on its weekly programme known as "Points tues. During the luncheon recess of the North" and naturally he agreed to do that. debate on what is now known as the Parker The Premier should do all he possibly can case, the honourable member for Chatsworth to get that segment of "Points North". Mr. went to the Premier. He poked two fingers Speaker, you never saw such a transform very hard into the Premier's chest and said, ation in all your life. He was not the ranting, "If you move the gag before I have a raving extrovert we often see in this Chamber. chance to speak on this, I'll rip you to He was not the fulminating tiger who is pieces, Joh, in the Press and anywhere else going to demolish Joh Petersen and every I can." What a marvellous example of party body else. He was demure; he was docile; loyalty from the honourable member for he was coy. As a matter of fact he was Chats worth! reticent; he was diffident. He was asked, "How did you become Leader of the Opposi Whatever else we may think of the Premier, tion. Mr. Tucker?" He said, "Well, look, there is not a man here who will not give I want to tell you this: I had a great opinion him credit for having a lot of courage. He of Jack Houston. I had nothing against had courage on this occasion. He in his Jack Houston. I was happy about his leader turn poked his two fingers into the chest ship. I gave him unqualified and unstinted of the honourable member for Chatsworth. loyalty." He did not poke too hard or he would have broken one of the brittle little ribs in Government Members interjected. his rib cage. He said, "Look here, Hewitt, don't you threaten me. Don't you threaten Mr. AIKENS: Honourable members me or you'll know what will will happen to opposite should get the film and have it you. I will see that every member of the screened in this Chamber. They would crime and punishment committee who wants never have seen anything like it in their to speak in this debate will get an oppor lives. They would not believe it was the tunity to speak. Don't you threaten me or Leader of the Opposition as we know him. you'll know what will happen to you." The He went on to say, "It came about this honourable member for Chatsworth, this way: some of my mates said to me, 'Look, critic of me, slunk away with his tail between there's a vacancy for the leadership. Why his legs like a whipped cur. Surely to good don't you have a go for it, Percy?' So I ness he is not going to deny that. There decided to have a go for it and the numbers were about 15 or 16 witnesses to that par came up. I won." ticular incident. As a result of that telecast a lot of people Having made those few not exactly adula in North Queensland got the idea that he tory remarks about the honourable member was not a bad sort of fellow after all, and for Chatsworth, and having given the House that he had been a great mate of Jack an opportunity to judge between my critic Houston, as he called him. As a matter and me as to whether I would make a better of fact he almost wiped the tears from his member of Parliament if I were the same eyes when he said, "I beat Jack." type of party man as he is, I will go on Let me tell the true story. The honour to deal with another gentleman in this able member for Townsville West, as he Chamber, the honourable Leader of the was then, had been up to Townsville just Opposition. prior to that. He was so ignorant of the The first thing I think we should do, in move to depose the honourable member for view of some of the most outstanding, out Bulimba as Leader of the Opposition, as he rageous and irresponsible remarks being claimed, that he told the members of the made, in the North at any rate, by the A.L.P. in Townsville the week-end Leader of the Opposition, is to arrange for before the leadership changed that the House to publish in detail the salarv that he was home and dried to toss Jack he receives, the salary that all his officers Houston! Those were his exact words. His receive, and all the lurks and perks that he exact words were, "I'll do him by 20 to 13 receives from this Government, so that every at least and 19 to 14 at the very outside. body will know that he is not the overworked, You can put your boots on it; it is home impecunious poor old battler that he parades and dry." If anyone wants proof of that himself as being, and so that everybody will I will produce it in a minute. know just how much he fought and why he Let us not forget that this man, who was fought in order to assassinate the honourable quite happy with Jack Houston, who gave member for Bulimba. him unstinted loyalty and fealty, is the man After the ballot for the leadership of the who moved the vote of no confidence in A.L.P. was concluded on 1 July, the Leader Jack Houston in the party room. He is the of the Opposition returned to Townsville. He man who launched the vicious and venomous Address in Reply [20 AuousT 1974] Address in Reply 211 attack on him in the party room, who said, Mr. AIKENS: The Leader of the "We will have to get rid of Jack Houston Opposition can laugh now. I suppose he or we're sunk." I do not know whether he thinks he is on top. He can laugh at the circulated it but a filthy story was circulated discomfiture of the honourable member for amongst certain waverers in the rank and Bulimba, after stabbing him in the back, file of the A.L.P. that during the last Federal after shoving the dagger right in election campaign when Snedden came up between his shoulder blades. I suppose he to Brisbane, the honourable member for thinks he can laugh at that, but this adver Bulimba (Jack Houston) sneaked up the back tisement was in "The Townsville Daily stairs and had a secret luncheon with Bulletin" congratulating him on his election Snedden. That is one of the stories that to the leadership of the Opposition in the were circulated amongst weakling members of Queensland Parliament and it was lodged the A.L.P. in order to get them to swing four hours before he pulled it off. Of course, their votes from Houston to Tucker. he did not win by the 20 votes to 13 he said he was going to win by. He won by 17 to As I say, the Leader of the Opposition told 15 and if the honourable member for Burke members of the A.L.P. that he was home had come down he would have won by 17 to and dry, that he was a winner whichever 16. If he had not worked so hot on some way it went. He said, "Put your money on members of the A.L.P. he'd have gone down. me; you can't lose." And believe it or not. What would have been his position had he they did. · gone down in the ballot and had that adver "The Townsville Daily Bulletin" has an tisement appeared in "The Townsville Daily iron-clad rule that has never been broken Bulletin" the next morning? What an in the 40 years I have been there and I have embarrassment for the Leader of the had a lot to do with it in 40 years in one Opposition! way or 'another. It is that if an advertise Mr. Tucker: I'd have felt badly about it. ment is to appear today it must be lodged in the office of "The Townsville Daily Mr. AIKENS: One of these clays, when Bulletin" before 12 noon on the previous clay. it suits my convenience, I will read out That is an iron-clad, implacable rule which in this House the names of the 17 members has never been broken, and I will never who voted for the honourable member for believe that it has been broken or ever will Townsville West. I know them, and Labor be broken. The Leader of the Opposition members know that I know them. was elected to that position, as he said, Opposi[ion Members interjected. much to his astonishment and surprise. Of course, he did not expect it. He said on the Mr. AIKENS: Look at them twisting and A.B.C. that he was overwhelmed with grati turning. tude for the mates who rallied round him at the last moment and assisted him to toss Mr. Jensen interjected. out Jack Houston. I think he was elected at about half past 2 on the Monday afternoon. Mr. AIKENS: I know you voted for The news became public at about half past 3 Tucker. and the advertisement I have here aopeared Mr. Jensen: I told the A.L.P. in Buncla in "The Townsville Daily Bulletin" the next berg I did. morning. It reads- "Congratulations, Perc Tucker, M.L.A., Mr. AIKENS: I have just put the finger Member for Townsville West, Leader of on you. the Opposition. A first for Townsville and North Queensland. Offi~e: B.S.C. Building, Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Shopping Centre, cnr. Ingham Roa::l and Hugh Street, Phone 79 8776. From Curra Mr. AIKENS: I have seen a lot of Labor jong A.L.P. Branch Members, (signed) A. leaders come and go, and without fear of J. Trower, Pres. F. M. Treacy, Secty." contradiction I say that the honourable mem ber for Townsville ·west is the most irrespons ~ere. is his photograph; I am not ringing ible leader that the Labor Party has ever htm m. Trower and Treacy are two men who had in this Parliament. Some of the state have been, for many years, very close per ments that he is reported in the Townsville sonal and political friends of the Leader of Press and other news media as making are the Opposition. Honourable members might absolutely beyond belief; they are incredible. think there is nothing wrong with this adver He has got to the stage where he will say tisement appearing in "The Townsville Daily anything, and now he blames the Premier Bulletin" on Tuesday, 2 July until I tell them for everything. that it was lodged before noon on the previous day. It was lodged before noon on Not long ago he stood on the Bank of the Monday, four hours before the honour New South Wales corner in Townsville and able member for Townsville West became screamed out, "Get rid of Japanese Job!" Leader of the Opposition. It was all so Now the Leader of the Opposition gives the cut and dried. Premier another title and screams out, "Get rid of multi-national Joh!" How many other Mr. Tucker: It would have been difficult names he will have for the Premier I don't had I been beaten. know. 212 Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply Frankly the people of the North are sick The other day the Whitlam Government and tired of these irresponsible diatribes sent over, at a cost of $210,000, three or emanating from the honourable member for four plane loads of ornate furniture for the Townsville West, who, by the grace of God Embassy at Peking so that Whitlam could and his own treachery, is now Leader of impress Chou-En-lai and Mao-Tse-tung with the Opposition. Furthermore, he knows the opulence and affluence of the Australian very well that the people of Townsville are Government. It virtually said, "Look, that fully aware of what the National Govern is what we have got, so hop in for your cut; ment, led by Mr. Whitlam, is doing to them. we have plenty left for you." They are being belted from pillar to post. It also paid $1,500,000 for a chromatic The honourable member for Isis, who was abortion known as "Blue Poles". This mon the previous speaker, and the honourable strosity was painted by three men who were member for Bundaberg, who interjected a few on a bender-they were drunk-in New York. moments ago, have claimed that the sugar I know the sort of things people can see industry is in a wonderful state. It is when they are drunk because many, many in a healthy state only because of abnorm years ago I used to get in the horrors. I ally high overseas prices for sugar; but of saw many queer things when I was in the course they will not last for long. Further horrors but never anything so queer as some more, the Whitlam Government has already of the A.L.P. members of this Parliament. taken at least $11,000,000 from the sugar While these three men were in the horrors industry by juggling Australia's currency and they painted this picture and over went by 1ncreasing interest rates. Gough and said, "This is a work of art; dish out $1,500,000 for it." Quite a lot of work has to be done in North Queensland. In Townsville, for I want to know how much it will cost the example, an international airport was prom Whitlam Government to set up and establish, ised for Garbutt. Now it is to be established with ornate and opulent furniture, the in Port Moresby. North Queensland was embassies that it is sett•ing up throughout the promised by Mr. Fabian Sweeney, with the world in Communist countries such as North full approval of Mr. Whitlam, that the Korea and North Vietnam. Whitlam has Federal Government would finance the money for all those things-money to second stage of the Ross River dam. All squander with the reckless abandon of a that the Federal Government can find now, drunken sailor-but he has no money for however, is a lousy $2,500,000 and it is North Queensland and no money for the forcing the State Government, under "multi jobs really needing to be done. In addit·ion, national Joh" and his crowd, and the Towns the Whitlam Government, by its juggling of ville City Council to find the balance of currency, has cost the Mount Isa Mines the estimated cost of $9,000,000. That is people $17,000,000. The Leader of the the sort of spin North Queensland is getting Opposition and other Labor people may say, from Whitlam. "What does that matter? It is a big multi· national corporation anyway." I suppose the It is interesting to read from the official company would have made an extra records of Federal Parliament what Whitlam $1,000,000 profit from the $17,000,000 extra is doing for other countries while he does money it would have got but for the juggling not have the money to do a lot of things of currency and the pegging of the copper that should be done in North Queensland. price in Australia, but the other $16,000,000 Last year the Whitlam Government gave would have gone into North Queensland. It $188,000,000 to Papua New Guinea; it con would have gone to pay the fine wages the tributed $64,000,000 to the Colombo Plan company does pay and it would have pro· -and what a racket the Colombo Plan has vided the fine homes, roads, railways and become-and on a recent overseas tour, various other services that the company with a nonchalant and grandiloquent wave provides for the people. of his hand, Mr. Whitlam gave $10,000,000 to the Philippines. It does not matter to Labor that we were robbed of that $16,000,000 and it does not Our own defence forces are being allowed matter that the sugar industry was rabbed of to run down. Fabian Sweeney, with the many extra millions of doHars it would have full approval of Mr. Whitlam, promised that got but for the way in which the Whitlam an extra regiment would be established at Government set out deliberately to crush all Lavarack Barracks, but instead the strength primary industries in North Queensland. is two regiments down. But Mr. Whitlam provided $6,000,000 by way of defence aid What a raw deal all the other farming to Malaysia and $4,000,000 to Indonesia. industries have got! When we consider that No-one needs to be reminded that the Queensland is the greatest primary-producing Whitlam Government used an R.A.A.F. jet State in the Commonwealth, and that North to transport a Murray grey bull to China Queensland is the greatest part of this great as a personal present from Mr. Whitlam to primary-producing State, is it any wonder that Chou En-lai. At the same time the honour North Queenslanders are, to use a very mild able member for Lytton, at considerable expression, browned off with the raw deal expense, went over dressed in a white coat that they are getting from the Whitlam Gov· as nappy-boy for the bull. ernment? Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974] Address in Reply 213 The Leader of the Opposition (the hon That is the whole position. There are ourable member for Townsville West) some quite a number of other things I wanted to times does not know whether he stands with say, but I can see you looking at the clock, Whitlam or against him. Without doubt he Mr. Speaker, so I will finish on that note. is the greatest political contortionist in the I say that, unless the A.L.P. in this House history of this State. Not long ago I saw gets back to the old days, when we could him depicted in the TV programme "This at least expect some honesty, sincerity, Day Tonight" standing on the lawn in front loyalty, and political decency, it will never of Parliament House saying, "I am a get back on the Treasury benches. I can Queenslander. H I think I should take remember seeing seated on the Labor Party Whitlam on I will take him on; don't worry benches in this House men whom anybody about that." I know how well he will tacke could look up to. What have we got now? Whitlam on! Every time the Premier of this A bunch of drop-outs and academic misfits. State takes Whitlam on, the Leader of the Mr. Tucker interjected. Opposition rushes in to slander and abuse the Premier. We now have an amusing Mr. AIKENS: I can understand :the Leader triumvirate, with the Leader of the Opposi of the Opposition being loyal to Egerton, tion, Jack Egerton and the Premier of Queens because he would not be in this House but land all in the one corner. I never thought for Jack Egerton. In 1960, when the A.L.P. that I would see that, but that is the position was looking for a candidate to run for the because Jack Egerton does not want to see new Townsville North seat, Egerton and the Whitlam Government put out of office. Duggan personally selected the honourable He does not want to lose his directorship member for Townsville West to run for the with Qantas or all the other affluent lurks Townsville North seat, in preference to the and perks he is getting from the Whitlam late Percy Lowes and Jimmy Eustace, two Government. He is fighting to save his own men who had given a lifetime of loyalty hide and pocket and naturally is taking his to the party. stand on what is called the "moderate" side. Mr. Bousen interjected. Some people say that he has mellowed. That will be the day when Jack Egerton mellows; Mr. AIKENS: Fancy the honourable mem he will mellow only when his own personal ber for Toowoomba North butting in here! interests are concerned. One of his own members--one of his best A.R.U. men, Jimmy Eustace, who had been The most shocking thing the Leader of the in the A.R.U. for 25 years and who had Opposition did-the people of North Queens been a loyal and sincere member of the land will never forgive him for it-was to A.L.P. for 25 years-was passed over by go out and tell young people, as he did the Egerton and Duggan in order to put in the other day, that the Queensland State Gov honourable member for Townsville West, ernment is responsible for the shockingly who had had an A.L.P. ticket for a lousy high interest rates they have to pay when four years. I would expect that sort of an they buy a home on time payment. He interjection from the honourable member. accused the Minister for Works, and said Mr. Lane: He is their stooge here, isn't he? that he put up the interest rates on housing loans from housing societies, and that he Mr. AIKENS: I don't know what he is. alone is responsible. I don't bother about him. When all is said and done, I do not have the time to stop I wonder if the Leader of the Opposition and kick at every little cur that yaps at my or some other A.L.P. fanatic will tell me heels. I believe in dealing with big issues. whether the Trade Union Building Society I know the people of North Queensland charges the same interest as the other building want big issues dealt with and they know societies. I understand that it does. If the that the Leader of the Opposition is not Trade Union Building Society has to charge dealing with big issues. They know he has the same rate of interest as other building an obsession against the Premier. He has societies, there must be a very sound reason the nerve to say that Joh Petersen has an for it. The very sound, inescapable reason obsession against the Prime Minister. Where for it is that the Whitlam Government, and would one find a more fanatical obsession the Whitlam Government alone, jacked up than the obsession of the Leader of the the interest rates to such an extent that all Opposition against our Premier? building societies have to pay over 9 per cent for their money. Because of that, they I was at a very big football match in must lend it at 11 per cent or more in order Townsville on Sunday last. I try these things to cut square. to see how the people react to them. The honourable Leader of the Opposition was When a man occupying a position of trust there, sitting out front, with a good old and confidence-the member for Townsville Labor Party supporter, Ben Bloom. I walked West occupies the position of Leader of the past them on my way to get a drink of tea Opposition, which is alleged to be a position or something. As I passed Percy and Ben of trust and honour-descends to those Bloom, I sang out, "Percy, if Estates don't tactics to deliberately distort and to delib win this match, don't forget to blame J oh erately cast confusion and chaos in the minds Petersen." The crowd roared. He has reached of the young people, we have reached a the stage where he will blame Joh for pretty poor state in politics. anything. 214 Address in Reply [20 AUGUST 1974) Address in Reply I don't care what he does. What he does the Australian Government, be it true or is a matter for himself and the rabble of false. They have shown no recognition of his party that is still left behind him. I wha:t has been done by the Australian Gov guarantee that, if it went to a secret ballot ernment for this State. again, even Jack Houston would do him like a dinner. What decent members of the As I sit and listen to their constant tirade A.L.P. (decent political members, of course; against the Australian Government, I won I am not making any personal comment) der what they found to speak about before would do him in a race for the leadership the advent of that Government. I some now is nobody's business. times wonder if they are Australians and not only Queenslanders. The Queensland Gov Mr. Speaker, having had my say for my ernment gives a strong indication, judging beloved Northland It was also explained to the lessees that, said on previous occasions, the Australian whilst it was indicated in the auction sale Labor Party is utterly opposed to the free that clearing or cultivation would be agreed holding of Crown land. to, the construction of structural improve It is well known that the tottering coalition ments should have been subject to specific that currently governs this State has a taste prior approval and, had they sought approval for setting dangerous precedents. Similar for the type of structural improvements then irresponsibility has been shown by its effected, the implications of the construction counterparts in the Federal sphere, and of these improvements in relation to the happily this has reacted against them because term of the lease would have been brought to the people of Australia do not like to see their attention. the Commonwealth Constitution flouted. But When it was made known to the lessees I am afraid that the precedents set by this that the lease area, which is all plantable irresponsible Government in the administra land, would on present indications be required tion of land and forestry matters will have for conversion to softwood plantations far-reaching and damaging effects. immediately upon expiry of their lease in The present Minister has presided over the 1988 and that, in view of the necessity to excis,ion of large areas of State forest land. hold the land for future plantation purposes, We all know that earlier this year he pushed their application for conversion of tenure the excision of State Forest 17 5 in the par could not be entertained, they suggested that ishes of Merinda and Uranilla. People now the matter might be resolved by exchange of have good reason for assuming that, if they the leased land on the State forest for an settle unjustifiably on gazetted Crown land acceptable parcel of freehold land conveni and exploit it as if it were a legitimate graz ently located in relation to the Forestry ing lease, they will eventually be granted Department's reserves of planting land. This freehold tenure. suggestion was accepted as worthy of con sideration and the matter was held in abey Companies can feel quite confident that ance pending a further approach by the their voices will override even {he protests of lessees. local shire councils and people of particular areas. Whenever it seems that opposition In January 1973 the lessees advised the will be voiced by conservation groups the Conservator of Forests that they had pur Minister ties an excision to some minor ges chased certain freehold lands in the parish ture towards the enlargement of our national of Goomboorian, between the Tin Can Bay parks and railroads it through Parliament. Road and Tinana Creek, abutting Toolara This is in fact what he is doing on this State Forest and were prepared to exchange occasion. Now, however, he has learned 301 hectares of this land for a freehold title another dodge-a sort of a barter agreement to the part of Beerwah State Forest held by in which the Government simply swaps one them as a special lease. parcel of land for another. The Minister Inspection of the freehold land disclosed may hope that, because it appears to be a that it is coastal forest country intersected straightforward transaction, it ,will escape by swampy areas. With the exception of close scrutiny. I assure him that honourable about 35 hectares along Tinana Creek the members on this S'ide of the House are well whole area is suitable for planting with aware of their responsibilities in so far as exotic soft~vood species, and the Conservator the alienation of Crown land and State of Forest is happy to accept this freehold forests are concerned. We are all well land in exchange for the part of the State acquainted with the sleight-of-hand tactics the forest to which I have referred. Government uses constantly to disguise its machinations in the eyes of the people of The lessees have furnished written advice Queensland. to the effect that they consider that an exchange as proposed would be one of equal The trade which the Minister has arranged warrants close examination. Let us consider value. Crown valuations have confirmed this. the deal the Government seeks to make. It I consider that the exchange of land as wants to give away 250 hectares of St&te proposed will have no detrimental effect on forest. In the light of the 25,000,000 the Crown estate and fully support the pro hectares it has already alienated, that is not posal to excise portion 281, pm·ish of Bribie a very large area. In return, it is to receive from Beerwah State Forest to enable the about 300 hectares of land. I imagine that land concerned to be granted in fee-simple in anyone would say that that is a very sound, or exchange for the absolute surrender to the at least a reasonably good deal, involving a Crown of freehold portions 5V, 6V and profit of 50 hectares. However, on reading a 103, parish of Goomboorian. description of the land acquired I learned that a section of it is affected by periodic I therefore commend the proposal for the flooding. The Minister seems a little shy approval of the House. about giving a figure on how much land is affeoted. Perhaps it is more than 50 hectares. Mr. BOUSEN (Toowoomba North) (5.38 I also note that a large portion of the land p.m.): This proposal is another instance of in areas 5V and 6V are so permanently alienation by the State Government of Crown soggy they are known as "Fiddler's Green land and areas of State forests. As I have Swamp". We are to get Fiddler's Green 218 Revocation of State Forest [20 AuGUST 1974] Revocation of State Forest Swamp for the good land and the State "seek and encourage" the advice of con forest we are to give away. What is more, servation organisations. I wonder what out the land that the pa&toral company is to side body advised him on this matter. A gain is much closer to a useful highway than. group called the Lenorco Pastoral Company, the land it is to surrender to the State. I perhaps? wonder whether this is such a good bargain The reasons the Minister gives for free after all. holding the land are the same tired excuses The Minister defends the Government con he has trotted out on every previous occasion, stantly by saying that the experts in the with one difference. The Minister could Department of Forestry approve. I have no scarcely say this time that the land is not doubt of the expertise of these gentlemen suitable for forestry purposes. One of the and therefore I do not believe that the reasons he supplies gives an interesting Minister should attribute his views to them. insight into the mental processes of a con The Forestry Depal'ltment personnel are all servative Government He says that the professionals, people whom I hold personally pastoral company purchased the lease at auction for a rental considerably in excess of in very high regard. I know that whenever the advertised upset price. In short, we are I want information they are always straight supposed to feel sorry for these people forward and give me the information I seek. because they have enough money to pay more I know that they are dedicated to preserving than other applicants. the forests in the State of Queensland, but, I have used the term "curiously convenient" thanks to the Government's policy, their to describe the timing of this excision. It is hands are tied relative to what they consider convenient beoause the Land Act Amendment is useful land, which should be State Forests Bill that this Parliament passed some little held in reserve for the benefit of •the State. time ago contained passages specifically It must be frustrating to them to find their designed to protect Crown rights to timber planning initiatives constantly thwarted by on freehold land. Of course, the legislation the Minister's vacillation between his pose as was wholly in keeping with the Minister's a champion of conserva,tion and his other usual policy of too little, too late; but at pose as champion of commerce. least those clauses gave the planners in the Forestry Department a chance to control Eight years ago this land was resumed to to some extent the use made of our vital become State Forest, and four years later it timber resources. was leased. Now, in 1974, it is to be free holded. I remind the Minister that "free I ask the Minister to remember the words hold" means forever. What happens if he of his colleague the honourable member for should change his mind again? Landsborough, who said, "If this State is to grow in the future . . . it will need all the In the forestry industry planning is timber resources it can meaningfully mus-ter." absolutely essential. It must be remembered Obviously the Minister and the honourable that forest products constitute the only member for Landsborough are not in agree natural resource that is perpetually renew ment about our tumber resources, yet this is able. Coal, oil, and other mineral reserves, a proposal which excises land suitable for once mined, are irreclaimable. Our forests, forestry purposes •at a time when, though like all others, are dependent on photosyn assent has been given to the amendments, thesis and solar energy, which make them they have not yet been proclaimed. Those virtually infinite if their development is amendments will at least allow the Forestry carefully planned, as it is in New Zealand. Department to keep an eye on the timber In the case of this revocation we face the on that land. Unless the Minister can make risk that the land which the Forestry Depart the amendments retrospective, that good, ment describes as "suitable for exotic coni timber-bearing Iand is permanently lo~i to us. fers" will be allowed to revert to native I ask the Minister: what is the position with scrub timber, which, however attractive and the timber on this State forest that is now environmentally appropriate it may be, does being given away, in the light of the Bill not use the land to its best advantage. The passed by this Assembly earlier this year, when Forestry Department must plan for future he said that the rights to timber on Crown land generations but how can it do so effectively would remain with the Crown, irrespective if it cannot determine what land it has to of whether the land was freeholded? work with? What is the Minister's answer to that? If the During the debate on the amendments to Minister refuses to recognise the position the Land Act. whose voice was louder than created by this legislation, will he delay the the Minister's in demanding security in the matter until the Land Act Amendment Act timber industry? Perhaps he does not feel has been proclaimed so that the Government that State fore~ts are actually a part of the controls the timber on the land that the timber industry any more than the Queens Minister is now alienating? land Railways are part of the transport The very facts adduced by the Minister industry. Perhaps he does not think they in support of freeholding this land are argu are part of the environment During the ments for the implementation of the Aus debate on the environmental parks legis tralian Labor Party's policies over the years. lation I remember that he told us he would which are the only consistent land policies Revocation of State Forest [20 AuGUST 1974] Revocation of State Forest 219 ever offered in this State. Freehold tenure ~s them to my party's view on freeholding. so expensive that it is beyond the reach of all I wished merely to explain why we oppose but the richest rural producer. Admittedly, revocation of State Forest 561 and why we the wise policies of the Federal Labor Gov will continue to oppose similar revocations ernment have made many rural producers however tempting a trade is offered. richer; but, even so freehold tenure is not When we are in Government next year possible for most. the Minister will have the opportunity of In the Minister's second-reading speech on seeing a more equitable system of distribu the Land Act Amendment Bill, he spoke of tion of land under the leasehold system. A.L.P. proposals as being propaganda and criticisms of the Government's successful free It would appear that previously these holding policy. He virtually told the people people were refused land, yet the Minister of Queensland that, if they did not like the said in his speech that, because of work Government's policies, that was their bad carried out on the piece of land the lessees luck. I remind the Minister that even the previously held, and improvements made, Bjelke-Petersen-gerrymandered State of this device was being used for the purpose Queensland, with a "massive" 19 per cent of freeholding land in this State forest. We support for his party, does not give the Gov oppose the motion because it constitutes ernment a freehold tenure of the Treasury a special device used by these people to benches. freehold better land than that which they presently occupy. Let us have a look at these "successful" policies. That ageing alliance of squabbling Mr. AHERN (Landsborough) (5.53 p.m.): squatters opposite has succeeded ,in only one Over the past few minutes we have heard thing; its freehold farce has almost driven a dissertation by the honourable member the small farmer from the land. Leasehold for Toowoomba North on the doctrinaire tenure is the poor man's main chance to work attitudes of socialism in the Australian Labor the land. Leasehold is the people's protection Party and its land policies. We have come against irresponsible and unrestr,ained de to expect this over the years. Whenever velopment-the sort of thing the Minister a Minister or other Government member termed "commercial exploitation" in his mentions the word "freeholding", every speech on the enviromental parks legislation member of the Opposition is instantly jarred last year. into alertness, and the Opposition must The "bush barons" don't like it, because oppose. it prevents them from creating a feudal State The facts are that the Minister has before under which the squattocracy owns the land Parliament a logical proposal for an and the people work it. Under a leasehold exchange of some land in the State forest system, both the Crown and the tenant have at Beerwah for some land in the State their rights legally protected. No Crown ten forest at Toolara. I think all logical people ant who does his job can be thrown off the would agree that a reasonable decision has land at a moment's notice. How different this been made. I am one of those people is from the plight of the share-farmer who is who believe that a declaration of a State subject to the landholder's whim. forest should not be so stupidly inflexible as to be not adaptable to a reasonable There are two principles which the parties representation. of privilege-the big business boys opposite -have forgotten. One is this: the equal What in fact occurred is that a piece right of all men to the use of land is as of Crown land was offered to a group in clear as their equal right to breathe the open competition. It was gained at auction air, yet freehold tenure denies that right. by Mr. R. McLean and others. The area The second principle of which I must remind concerned is 250 hectares, as the Minister members opposite is that labour can produce said. The area was developed immediately without capital; it cannot produce without and we were quite happy with it at that land. If the people are denied land-and time. There is no timber on the land. by freeholding land and making it one It was developed for pasture in the days person's exclusive property, that is what of the pioneers in the industry in this area. is being done-production is stifled and The shire council was happy to see develop poverty is produced. I am not exaggerating. ment taking place. The beef industry was The recent Henderson report shows that being developed by a group of enterprising of all Australian States, Queensland has the individuals who were prepared to put their greatest number of people below the poverty money on the line in what was and still line. is a risk proposition. They did this and did well. They spent a lot of money. I have spoken at some length on this They applied for freehold and the Govern matter because the Minister's remarks must ment looked at it. not be allowed to pass unchallenged. It is principle, not propaganda, that causes The original terms under which it was the Labor Party to oppose freehold tenure. offered precluded freeholding of this area. I do not expect that, after 17 years of I make no secret of the fact that I made wrongheadedness on the part of honourable a representation to the Minister in which I members opposite I will convert any of said that this area of the State forest is 220 Revocation of State Forest [20 Auousr 1974] Revocation of State Forest by no means a contiguous area. It is sit Mr. AHERN: I am in the very happy uated at the end of the Beerwah State Forest. position of being able to give the honour A reference to the map tabled by the Minis able member a lecture on this specific point. ter will show that in effect it sticks out as I invite him and his friends, if they are wor a finger on the northernmost area. If it is ried about this exchange, to come to the planted to pine woods, it will be a risk Beerwah State Forest and have a look at proposition from the point of view of fire. the silvicultural methods employed thene. It has freehold land all round it, and it The Minister says that all of the land in this was logical that one day it would be area can reasonably be used, with the pos exchanged for an area more suitable for pine sible exception of 35 hectares. I am quite plantations. confident that that is correct. In this area Local officers are of this opinion, and of the Beerwah State Forest, there is a constantly they are endeavouring to create tremendous area of low, swampy ground. It more contiguous ar,eas so that the land is has been drained, and much of this area more consolidated and easier to maintain. has been planted very successfully with soft They do not want land that is in effect woods by furrowing and planting on the perched out in the middle of grazing areas top of the mounds. After a couple of years, that are a constant! headache to those con the trees grow quite readily in this environ cerned with fire control. I make it quite clear ment in the forestry area. I invite honour that I hope that there will be other similar able members who are interested in this projects concerning the Beerwah State matter to come to my electorate to see in Forest. I know that there are some in the the Beerwah area many hundreds of acres pipeline. of this type of development where the trees are doing exceptionally well. In fact, they Mr. B. Wood: Do you know these people? are doing better than those in some other Mr. AHERN: Yes, I do. areas because they are not so subject to drought. What the Minister has claimed Mr. B. Wood: Did you introduce them to in relation to this area is quite possible. the Minister? The honourable member for Toowoomba Mr. AHERN: I did not, although I made North said that in recent times a considerable representations on their behalf. They are number of revocations of State forest land my constituents. They live in my area, have been brought before the Parliament. and they have done a good job in this The facts as I know them are that every agricultural development. deal that has been made has been a sensible Mr. K. J. Hooper: Did you get a sling? exchange, and it has resulted in a greate,r area of effective forest land being added to Mr. AHERN: The honourable member for the State forest concerned. The Government Archerfield has made an improper imputa can in fact take pride in the sensible tion against me. He suggesed that I exchanges that have been made to increase obtained some financial gain from the part State forests. I am one who has wanted to that I played. I ask that he withdraw that look very closely into these exchanges, and statement. I can say that I am quite confident that the additions that have been made to State Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I ask the honour forests have been made successfully. In my able member for Archerfield to withdraw area, there are some others in which I am that statement. interested. Mr. K. J. Hooper: Mr. Speaker, I said "sling". Mr. Wright: Why give freehold title? Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable Mr. AHERN: I think the freehold title is member will withdraw his statement. a basic tenet of our party-political phil Mr. K. J. Hooper: I withdraw it. osophy. I think it is reasonable in the circumstances. Mr. AHERN: The ,honourable member made quite an unworthy comment. A group [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] of people came to me with a proposition. I suggested to the Minister that it was reas Mr. AHERN: Before the dinner recess onable, and now it has come before Par someone on the other side was saying that liament. This area will be excised, and the land should not be given in fee simple. another larger area will be added to the As freehold land is being given by the people State forest. concerned, surely it is reasonable to offer the land in fee simple. They are giving us Mr. Wright: It is not area that is the 300 hectares, so surely it is only reasonable criterion. It is the use of the land, and that the 250 hectares which is to go to them the principle involved. as part of the arrangement should also be Mr. AHERN: Both areas will surely be in fee simple. If it were suggested tha1 planted to softwoods. there should be a leasehold title to the land, obviously such arrangements would not take Mr. Wrigbt: It was stated that one of the place. In certain circumstances, with ceJCtain areas is a swamp area. safeguards, and in a spirit of consolidating Revocation of State Forest [20 AuGUST 1974] Revocation of State Forest 221 areas to make sure that they are more con in detail the comparability of the ~and in ques tiguous around the outside, and thereby safer tion. The Minister made some mention of from fires and more manageable, I think free the fact that the land that is now to be hold tenure is reasonable. handed to the Forestry Department is in part swampy. He did not go into great detail Mr. O'Donnell: Why should you go to and he did not mention whether the land them? to be converted to freehold title is swampy. Mr. AHERN: We didn't. The parties con From the evidence presented here today I cerned made representations to me, and I would judge that the land the lessees are made representations to the Minister some getting in freehold title is superior in prob considerable time ago. I am happy to sup ably every respect to the land that they are port this proposal. It is the type of thing giving to the Forestry Department. If that that an open-minded and reasonable Govern is not the case, the Minister certainly has ment should be prepared to look at and say, not proved his point. For example, as far "We are flexible enough to entertain an back as 1968 these three lessees paid $1,025 exchange arrangement that is going to suit us a year in rental. Even in ·these days that is and suit the owners of the particular land." a substantial rental, and to pay that amount then, they must have considered that the Mr. K. J. Hooper: Are Mr. and Mrs. land was of substantial value. McLean members of the National Party? Mr. O'Donnell: The upset rental was $100. Mr. AHERN: Almost certainly Mr. and Mrs. McLean would not be members of my Mr. B. WOOD: The upset rental was political party. $100 and they were prepared to pay 10 times that sum. So they must have con The honourable member for Toowoomba sidered that at some stage in the future, North said that the conservation groups and if not then, the land would be worth a councils might be opposing this. I am quite great deal. sure that the Landsborough Shire Council would be strongly in favour of it; there is no Mr. K. J. Hooper: In exchange, too. doubt in my mind about that. The fact is that from a conservation point of view there Mr. B. WOOD: Well, I do not know about is no ·timber on .the land that is being given that at that time. In these proposals more to McLean and others. information of relevance and importance should be included. No mention has been Mr. B. Wood: What cattle are on this land made of the future use of this land. It at the moment? is on the near North Coast, a popular holiday area, and I have no doubt that at Mr. AHERN: I am not sure. It has been some stage in the future this land will be developed very considerably. used for subdivisional purposes. It has been suggested that machinations are involved and that dealing has taken place. Mr. Jensen: The Japs might buy it. From the Opposition side there has been Mr. B. WOOD: The honourable member heavy imputation of improper motives and so for Landsborough makes no comment on on. This is not so. It is a reasonable pro that. I do not know how long in the future posal and one which should be entertained. this will be, so why should a comparison I am quite sure that the Minister is be made on rural use? I believe any going to look favourably upon the one comparison made on rural use was or two other proposals that I have not a proper one. In any case, why should put to him in relation to this area it be made when the land will not necessarily where a similar exchange of land would take be used for rural purposes. place. When there is a reasonable parity in valuations, when the Forestry Department Mr. Tucker: Once the land is granted in is going to benefit reasonably from a pro fee simple, the Government has no more posal, and when the State forest is going to to do with it. be made larger thereby, why in heaven should such a proposal not be acceptable from the Mr. B. WOOD: That is so. The only reasonable man's point of view? I contend requirement then for subdivision is council that the present proposal should be supported approval. The Minister said he was satisfied by the House. with the comparable values. If he is satisfied, why did he not list those com Mr. B. WOOD (Barron River) (7.19 p.m.): parable values? Why not tell us what they There is not a great deal of satisfaction for the are? Opposition in any part of this proposed Mr. Rae: I will tell you in my reply. revocation. However, the Minister has included a map in the notes he distributed. Mr. B. WOOD: I thank the Minister. I On previous occasions members have asked presume that the Valuer-General's Depart that a map of the relevant area be provided. ment has looked at this land and declared At least I am pleased to see that he has that block "A" is worth so much and block acceded to our request. Of course, there "B" so much. I ask the Minister to give are many more details that the Minister could us these details in his reply and indicate the have supplied, but he failed to do so. As I have basis of assessment by the Valuer-General's said in similar debates, we would like to hear Department and whether it was considered 222 Revocation of State Forest [20 AuGUST 1974] Revocation of State Forest purely for rural use or whether it was The honourable member for Landsborough assessed as freehold land having possible has said that it is a logical proposal. On the subdivisional uses. evidence that has been brought forward I I think the Opposition is entitled to be suggest it is quite the reverse. He explained rather sceptical about this in view of the at some length that the area involved is a incident here. When the Minister replies, fire hazard and that it adjoins other areas I ask him to let us have that information. prone to fire. What a lot of nonsense that Unless he can look to the expected future is. All of us know that at t·he present time use of the land, comparisons may not always the entire State is faced with a high fire be relevant. danger. I have a further question of the Minister. Mr. Ahern: You had better come up and Why in the last year or 18 months has look at it. there been a discernible change in his policy? In my first three or four years in Mr. B. WOOD: I would like to do so. I this Parliament, I do not recall as many hope that the honourable member for Lands proposals of this nature coming to the borough has had a good look at it. His House as we have seen in the last 12 argument on the fire danger is a very hollow months. This must be the fourth time we one and has no ring of logic a:bout it. As I have had a proposal for revocation of State say, there is probably not one part of the forests, involving probably up to 10 different State in which there is presently not a high areas. Is the Minister now embarking on a fire danger. new policy? Is he making a noticeable change from what has gone on in the past? The arguments put forward by both the Minister and the member involved are I am aware that usually State Government dubious and unconvincing, so I invite Govern Departments are quite properly most con ment members to join us in our opposition cerned about setting precedents, because hav to this proposed revocation. ing once set a precedent it can be argued against them that they have to follow that Mr. WRIGHT (Rockhampton) (7.28 p.m.): precedent in the future. In other words, if it I rise to suppoPt the Opposition spokesman is good enough for one person it is good on Lands and Forestry (Mr. Bousen) in his enough for another. Over the past 12 to 18 criticism of the Minister's proposal for the months precedents have been set and I am revocation of part of State Forest 561, parish sure that they have caused the department, of Bribie. I do so firstly as a matter of prin if not the Minister, a great deal of concern. ciple. The Opposition is against the policy I want to know the Minister's attitude to of exchanging State forest reserves to suit the this change in policy, if there is such a whims of private enterprise, and this Parlia change. Certainly there is evidence that ment should uphold the principle espoused changes have occurred. But what is most by the Labor Party. ·Instead, however, the disturbing is that the honourable member for Minister has said in effect that if pr·ivate Landsborough has indicated that this is not enterprise wants the land, or if private the end of it and that further proposals will individuals want it, Parliament should ensure be brought forward. He has told us that he that they get it. has taken other people to see the Minister and they want the same treatment. This is going I am also opposed to the Minister's pro to continue. posal to give freehold title to land such as this. There is no real need for it. Regard Mr. Jensen: I want one for my gliding less of what the honourable member for club, not for private enterprise. Landsborough has said, the State is ge1ting a pretty poor bargain in this so-called Mr. B. WOOD: I suggest that the honour exchange of 250 hectares of valuable land able member for Bundaberg write to the for 300 hectares of land the value of which honourable member for Landsborough. is open to question. The Minister should have told the House This area contains a large swamp, and the use to which the lessees desire to put this even though the honourable member for land. Although it will be freehold title, he Landsborough has said that such swampland could have inquired from the lessees what is ideal for the growth of certain types the future use of the land will be. The hon of softwoods, it seems to me that the ourable member for Landsborough, who was honourable member for Landsborough is so knowledgeable about this proposal, does basing his whole case on the quesdon of not know the number of cattle presently on exchange. The swapping of 250 hectares the property. I presume that the property for 300 hectares is surely not in issue. must have reasonable potential as a cattle We are not arguing on that basis, producing property, because evidently timber whether it be a swapping of 250 for 300 or has been cleared. It cannot be a very poor 300 for 500. Firstly, it is a matter of quality block of land as has been hinted. versus qua:ntity. It is also a matter of the This proposal is too sketchy, both in the principle involved in allowing State land to granting of the lease and in the presentation pass into the hands of private individuals in to Parliament; but because of the weight of freehold title. As I said, I am personally numbers the Government will get it through. opposed to giving freehold title here. Revocation of State Forest [20 AuGUST 1974] Revocation of State Forest 223 By way of interjection the Leader of The last paragraph reads- the Opposition said that Governments have "The matter of the declaration of a no control over such title. I should like to national park in the area is one for con know why freehold title is necessary. Why sideration by my colleague, the Minister not a special lease with terms suitable to for Lands and Forestry, and I suggest the people involved? When this matter was you contact him direct in due course." raised by the honourable member for Lands That letter was written on 12 August 1974, borough, he said that it was the philosophy but on 18 June 1974, in reply to a letter of his political party. This is a very serious written by Mr. McCabe, who is involved state of affairs. Can we take it that, from with a conservation group, the Minister for now on, whenever anybody wants land, he Lands and Forestry, writing about action will always get it under freehold title? We concerning cessation of mining, surrender of certainly have not carried that policy through leases or restoration of the area that would in other areas of the State when people enable national-park dedication to take place, have tried to get pastoral leases and so on. said that this "would be a matter coming Why should we suddenly give freehold title within the responsibility of my colleague the on this occasion? I do not believe it is Honourable the Minister for Mines and Main part of the National Party policy in general. Roads. I have therefore referred your Mr. Ahem: They are offering land in letter to him." freehold title. Mr. Ahern: Is this relevant? Mr. WRIGHT: That does not mean that Mr. WRIGHT: It is relevant to the point it has to be exchanged for freehold title. that we are not quite sure that Ministers In the first part of his speech the Minister know what their powers are. Even when the said that it was an exchange of comparable Minister says that he will permanently reserve areas of land. That is a rather general an area as a State forest, we cannot count statement, and he did not bother to say in on it that he will have the power to carry what way they were comparable areas; he did this out. The matter is open to question. not give us any particulars. This matter The Government has a rather poor record in was also raised by the honourable member State forests, whether in the southern or for Barron River. The Opposition should any other part of Queensland. In Central be told of the particular characteristics that Queensland we have an area known as the make it a fair exchange. Blackdown Tablelands, which is a State forest, but a lot of logging is taking place Mr. R. E. Moore interjected. there. In spite of repeated representations to have this area set aside as a national park, Mr. WRIGHT: We have no time to listen nothing has been done. At this point I to the honourable member. He never says make a plea to the Minister-that is, if it anything constructive, anyway. is within his capacity; we are not quite sure because we have had differing corres The Minister also said that this area will pondence-to consider this beautiful area 120 be reserved permanently as a State forest. miles from Rockhampton. It is a sandstone There is no guarantee of that. It could be plateau some 1,000 or 1,500 feet above the changed tomorrow. I am not sure that the surrounding areas. Minister is certain what his authority really is. In fact members of the Opposition are Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I am afraid that faced constantly with the dilemma of not the honourable member is getting away from being sure which Minister controls what. the proposal. While I realise that we are dealing speci fically with State forests, I point out that Mr. WRIGHT: I make the one point that recently I received some correspondence about this is an excellent area with waterfalls and a proposal to establish a national park at rain forests similar to regions around Sydney. Mt. Etna near Rockhampton. The latter The Minister should look into it. Instead part of the letter reads- of giving away all the State's forests, or parts thereof, he should consider how to "The matter of the declaration of a improve the State by declaring such areas national park in the--" as national parks. Mr. R. E. Moore: Haven't yoll read this Mr. JENSEN (Bundaberg) (7.35 p.m.): booklet? The transfer of land to private enterprise is of considerable interest to me, because Mr. WRIGHT: Will the honourable mem the secretary of the gliding club in Bunda ber please listen? berg wrote to the Forestry Department seeking the transfer of a small strip of Mr. R. E. Moore interjected. developed land running by the roadside for a strip of old brigalow that is in State Mr. WRIGHT: Very well, I have looked forests. The request was rejected outright. at the directory the honourable member yet for private enterprise land can easily referred to. Now I will return to what I be transferred by the introduction of legis was sayfng. lation and the use of other procedures in 224 Revocation of State Forest [20 AuGUST 1974] Revocation of State Forest this Assembly. I have written to the Minister part of the Forestry Department to square advising him that the rope that leads the their blocks up, to consolidate them and to gliders away hit the power lines-a very put them into workable order. dangerous situation. I have asked for a simple transfer of a strip of land for the The area that is proposed to be exchanged gliding club, which was refused by the for the irregularly shaped land-I will refer Forestry Department. to it as the area near Beerwah or near Caloundra-it is not regular in shape and Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I remind the hon has obviously been made a forest reserve ourable member for Bundaberg that he is because it was a residual area from what straying completely from the motion and appears to have been once a local govern I will not tolerate it. ment reserve. In other words. it was a balance area of waste land ancl probably it Mr. JENSEN: Yes. I realise that. was handed over to the Forestry Depart ment. I dare say it would have been handed Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable over at the time of the Labor Government, member will return to the motion. because any waste lands that were not wanted for anything else were thrown over Mr. JENSEN: Yes. I was dealing with to forestry purposes. the subject of the exchange of land. The In exchange for this we see the rather proposal is for a complete exchange. The regular area of land of some 300 hectares land I speak of is held on a leasehold adjoining the Toolara area, which is formed tenure by the gliding club, which is not or outlined on one boundary by a creek. attempting to freehold any land. It merely For the improvement of fire-protection meas asks, in exchange for a piece of land ures and so that adequate forest husbandry running along the roadside, for a strip in and plantation methods can be exerted, the other direction so that the gliding club obviously the squaring up of this area is a will be able to avoid the power lines. beneficial move by the Forestry Department. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I have made The only other aspect that appears to be myself quite clear. The proposal in the worrying the Opposition is so-called motion deals with lands in the parish of free-enterprise land. I have heard of Bribie. If the honourable member for freehold and leasehold land, but I have Bundaberg knows anything at all about it, not yet heard of free-enterprise land. I I would ask him to confine his remarks to thought that anyone other than Govern it. ment who employed his labours to increase the production of land came within the free Mr. JENSEN: I know about this, Mr. enterprise sector. Surely Opposition mem Speaker. The Bill deals with private-enter bers will not dispute that. I hope that in prise land, and I am very concerned that their own activities they exert some measure by this means the Government can transfer of free enterprise. "Free enterprise" is not land such as this when we have not been a land tenure. able to have land transferred to the gliding Tonight we have heard a lot of words about club in Bundaberg. That is my worry. I a relatively small matter. I compliment the do not want to continue speaking about the Minister on the way he has handled it and gliding club, because the Minister is coming the departmental advice, which I believe to Bundaberg at some future time to fly one was the best advice that could be offered in of our gliders. Let us see whether he hits the circumstances to regularise irregular the power lines. areas for forestry plantation purposes. It is as simple as that. I do not think that the Mr. SPEAKER: Order! hogwash we are hearing from Opposition members adds anything to the debate or Mr. LICKISS (Mt. Coot-tha) (7.37 p.m.): indicates knowledge of land administration Mr. Speaker, I hope that I will at least generally. talk common sense, which has been absent so far in the debate from members of Mr. SHERRINGTON (Salisbury) (7.41 the Opposition. The matter before the p.m.): I join with other Opposition members House and the presentation of it from in opposing the motion moved by the Min the Minister has met with the approbation ister. Unfortunately, I was not here when of the Opposition, particularly in relation he outHned the full details but I have had to the fact-and I think I quote correctly an opportunity to peruse his prepared speech. the remarks of the honourable member for It would appear that this swapping of land Toowoomba North-that the Minister at arose from the desire of the lessees, who least prepared a map. I hope that hon have cleared the land, to retain the area ourable members opposite are capable of with the object of establishing a softwood reading a map. By the very nature of the plantation. outline of the area that is proposed to be exchanged, it will be seen that it is quite The Minister spoke in terms of obtaining a an irregular shape and would be very hard comparable area in exchange. It sounds very to maintain once planted. As a consequence, simple and straightforward when it is put in it shows a great deal of enterprise on the those terms, but the reason we should oppose Revocation of State Forest [20 AuGUST 1974] Revocation of State Forest 225 a proposal to freehold or swap land is that Mr. SHERRINGTON: Not a whole lot during the Gorvemment's tenure of office, we more; just a few hundred extra hec,tares. have seen Crown land slipping out of the Apparently that does not make any differ control of the Crown into the hands of pvivate ence. In the first place, the land belonged enterprise at an accelerating rate. to the Crown and most of it "as given to It is idle for the honourable member for the subdividers. Mt. Coot-tha to lecture us and say that he Mr. SPEAKER: Order! For the benefit hopes we can read a map because he then of the honourable member who might not stuttered and stumbled and it was obvious have been in the House when the Minister he could not read the map himself. moved this motion, I shall refer him to the He then spoke about our criticism of con proposal. It reads- trol and development of land by free enter " ... part of State Forest 561, parish prise, yet the Minister himself appeared on of Bribie, described as portion 281, parish television recently and tried to explain away of Bribie, as shown on plans Cg. 1890 the land swap south of Point Cartright and Og. 1891." because of the unholy mess that was created in that area by the subdiv,iders, with the con I hope the honourable member will confine currence of this Government, in lowering the his remarks to that piece of land. frontal dunes by some 24 feet. The cyclonic Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am not disputing seas broke over the area and we again wit the description of the land that you have nessed the spectacle of a subdividing com ably given, Mr. Speaker. pany be,ing able to obtain about three times the area of land it originally held. Mr. SPEAKER: The honourable member must confine his remarks to that piece of Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I ask the hon land. ourable member to revert to the principle of the motion. Mr. SHERRINGTON: What I am saying is that, as a member of Parliament, I am Mr. SHERRINGTON: This is the prin not going to stand by and see Crown land ciple of the motion. frittered away in this manner. Anybody Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I differ from the who wants a lease of Crown land merely honourable member and would ask him to has to put a bulldozer through it and then look at the motion. say that he wants to apply for a lease. That is the principle contained in the proposal. Mr. SHERRINGTON: So long as it is a healthy difference. The principle in the Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable motion is the swapping of land that originally member is quite out of order. I ask him belonged to the Crown-- to direct his remarks to the provisions of the proposal. Mr. SPEAKER: Of certain land. Mr. SHERRINGTON: In addition to what Mr. SHERRINGTON: Of certain land, if I have already said, I challenge the purpose you want to be specific, Mr. Speaker, that for which it is intended to use the land, originally belonged to the Crown for another namely, the furtherance of softwood cultiva parcel of land that was purchased by the tion within this State. Already most people who desired to acquire this Crown informed people dispute the wisdom of the land. The swapping of this land never seems complete destruction of natural timbers and to react to the Government's benefit. The their replacement by softwood plantations. Government loses control of the land. I One can drive along any highway in South cited the case of land developers south of east Queensland and see areas that have been Point Cartright, who obtained about three denuded of indigenous timbers and replanted times the area of land involved because the with imported softwoods. The great danger Government made one unholy mess of the in this practice comes from the complete original parcel of land by allowing these alteration of the ecology of an area. It people to level the frontal dunes. must also be remembered that the change to softwoods is being made merely to satisfy Mr. Ahern: That's not true. a false demand for softwood for pulping that has been created throughout Australia Mr. SHERRINGTON: Of course it's true. and many other countries. Forests are being The Minister appeared on television and denuded of indigenous timbers merely to admitted it. satisfy the whims of cardboard makers and those engaged in the manufacture of various Mr. Abern: It was 111 for 196 acres. types of packaging. Mr. SHERRINGTON: Yes, and the Min I question the Government's wisdom in ister admitted on television that that com handing over land for further softwood pany would obtain a lot more land than it plantations at a time when every effort originally held in the area. should be made to retain indigenous hard wood and hoop-pine forests. The Govern Mr. Rae: Not a whole lot more; just a ment is completely changing the type of tim reasonable area. ber being grown in this State. 226 Revocation of State Forest [20 AuGUST 197 4] Revocation of State Forest Like other Opposition members, I whole by way of land for subdivision. The Minis heartedly oppose this type of proposal. I ter has not explained this to my satisfaction oppose it not only on the ground of what or to the satisfaction of the Opposition. it contains, but because in every session of Mr. B. Wood: Nor has the Minister Parliament a little more Crown land [s. mentioned what the selling price might be. excised in the name of private enterprise. Mr. TUCKER: Ultimately it could well Mr. TUCKER (fownsville West-Leader run into thousands and thousands of dollars. of the Opposition) (7.48 p.m.): I am in The area to be exchanged is. right out agreement with what members of the in the bush. It may be that it is good Opposition have said this evening, and I agricultural land; it may be that it is good think we could be forgiven, if I may use the primary industry land or a good area for expression, for looking for the nigger in improved pastures. I am looking at the area the woodpile. that is going to be granted to these people, over which they had a 20-year lease, and Mr. Frawley: Have a look behind you and over which they are now going to have you will find him. freehold title. Mr. TUCKER: For once in his life, I wish Mr. O'Donnell: The Minister did not the honourable member would say something inform us how much these people paid for intelligible. this land. Mr. Frawley: Before I am finished, I will Mr. TUCKER: No. I hope he will when say something that will finish you. he replies. These are some of the points that we are looking to the Minister to Mr. SPEAKER: Order! explain to us. It is wrong that the Opposi tion should have to argue along these Mr. TUCKER: When those who are mak lines. I know the soft line that is taken ing application for this land swap first by honourable members opposite. We feel received the lease over the land in question, that it is designed to lead us off the track surely they knew that it was only for 20 and lull us into some sort of sleep. I years. It seems to me that a precedent has want the Minister to tell us why this has been set, and that all one has to do is to been granted, why it is so easy to get a obtain a grazing lease, spend money on it grazing lease, and why it is so easy to for its use far beyond the period of the exchange it ultimately for some other piece lease, and then cry "poor mouth" to the of land merely by saying that the land in Govemment saying, "Look at all the money question is going to be added to a State we have spent on the land. We have to get forest. It sounds a very good argument a more secure tenure than was granted to us but on this occasion I do not accept it before." That is exactly what has hap unless the Minister is able to give us some pened in the present case. Those who took further explanation, especially when it is the lease were told that it was for 20 years. realised that the land could be subdivided In the knowledge that it was only for that later, which would mean that we had handed period, no-one with any nous would spend to the people concerned a great deal of an amount of money that could not be money by giving them title to land that recouped within the 20 years of the lease. was part of a State forest. Perhaps over a period of time they came Mr. F. P. MOORE (Mourilyan) (7.53 to accept the precedent set by the Govern p.m.): I enter the debate briefly to refer ment in its dealings with leases of this type. to this Government's approach to State forest land. On many occasions I have Time and time again the Opposition has made requests for the opening of such pointed this out. It seems a very easy way land for the benefit of sugar-growing areas of ultimately acquiring a large piece of in North Queensland. freehold land. I am looking at the map to see where this land is situated. It is not We now have before us the proposed very far from Caloundra Head. It is an revocation of a State forest to benefit a area that is well served by roads. I am group of people. I notice that one name also looking at the area of land which will mentioned is A. Cooper. I do not know be exchanged. It was apparently acquired whether he is the Cooper of international not so very long ago by these people, or tennis fame who is also of subdivisional this company, with a view to exchanging fame in respect of land near Wynnum. His it ultimately for the land in question. I wife is a very good friend of mine and do not like this kind of thing, and the she went through training college with me. Opposition does not like it, either. However, I will not go into that. In this Chamber I have repeatedly referred Again I stress that, once the fee simple to misdemeanours of this Government in has been granted and the company has the allocation of land. I refer again to the received a freehold title, there is no way King Ranch allocation, where land went in the world it will remain primary industry for £2.6.8. an acre. land or improved pastures. It could well be that by what we are doing we are in Mr. .SPEAKER: Order! King Ranch is fact handing to these people a bonanza not mentioned in the motion. Revocation of State Forest [20 AuousT 1974] Revocation of State Forest 227 Mr. F. P. MOORE: I am making a com Hon. W. A. R. RAE (Gregory-Minister parison and drawing attention to the fact for Lands and Forestry) (7.58 p.m.) in reply: that this has occurred previously. I am I have been in this House for quite a long trying to draw an analogy. time and have heard many extraordinary lines of debate conveyed to Ministers over various Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable issues. This is one of the simplest exercises member will keep to the subject of the that could ever be brought to the House for motion. consideration. It is a simple exchange of land. There is a small area of land which. Mr. F. P. MOORE: I am allowed to draw in the first instance, people took up to do analogies. Many honourable members do something with. At that time it was under that. I have a letter in my possession, forestry control and the department decided which I can produce at any time, with that, as they were not going to do any regard to the 3,800 acres making up the planting in the area for quite a long time, tea plantation in Tully. This land is in the they would put the land up for lease to electorate of Mourilyan. somebody who might be able to get a quid out of it. It is as simple as that. When Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable the land was put up, some people availed member will get back to the proposal in themselves of the opportunity and by their the motion or resume his seat. own hard work and stewardship--call it Mr. F. P. MOORE: I again point out what you like--and by using modern tech ihat the price for freeholding in this case nology of soil and land usage lifted a couple has not been given yet with the tea planta of hundred hectares from ordinary, swampy, tion, although conditions were applied, the undesirable land to something pretty good. right to freehold non-arable land cost $3.00 Mr. B. Wood interjected. an acre. I have those conditions in my possession and the Collinses will never sell Mr. RAE: I am making my speech and that land while I am the member for Mouril I propose to continue to do so. I will yan, nor will they have the right to sell answer the honourable member at a later it while I have that letter in my possession. stage. I find it amazing that the Opposition Incidentally, nor will the Lands Department suddenly come in now with their political ever attempt to allow them to continue to philosophy of hatred of freehold. Opposition grow those four-legged tea plants on that members hate anybody to get even one acre tea plantation. of land and this is where their whole think ing is completely out of balance and accord In cases of this kind the Minister should with progress. It is certainly not in accord elaborate on the facts associated with the with the desires of the bulk of people associ land involved in the exchange. The inside ated with life on the land. facts should be given to the House together with the conditions on which the people Who cares if the people on this land concerned are being given the right to go make a quid? It is a good thing. I am all onto the new land. When we see developers for somebody making a quid. In this case like Ashley Cooper and his confederates pos we demanded from them that they come up sibly enjoying rights to go anywhere in the with something of equal value to their area State, we cannot help feeling that the young or better. This they have done in an area people in the State should be given similar that is more advantageous to the Forestry opportunities. I have stated before that Department than the other area that thev I am not an avid conservationist but I have been on since 1968 and on which they should like to see land opened for young have paid an annual rental of approximately people rather than for companies. I know $1,000. of many young people throughout the Cape Mr. Bousen interjected York Peninsula-- Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable Mr. SPEAKER: Order! This is a question member for Toowoomba North has had the of exchange of land. The honourable mem opportunity of making his speech. ber is so far away from the motion tha:t it is not funny. He will get back to the Mr. RAE: The land that is to be acquired proposal or resume his seat. by the Forestry Department is a far better block. I feel that Opposition members are Mr. F. P. MOORE: The young people casting grave and almost irresponsible re of this State have no land to exchange. All flections upon the Forestry Department. they have are their own efforts in the State which I think are far better than either Mr. BOUSEN: I rise to a point of order. monetary amounts or land. The honourable The Minister has implied that we have member for Cook will bear me out that reflected on the staff of the Forestry there are many eligible people throughout Department. As you will recall, Mr. Speaker, North Queensland who are able to work I lauded the officers of the Forestry Depart land. I am sure there are people in the ment for the work they have done. southern part of the State also who would be able to work this land far better than Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Minister companies can. to accept the honourable member's statement. 228 Revocation of State Forest [20 AuGUST 1974] Revocation of State Forest Mr. RAE: I accept it. Let us look at this Mr. RAE: I am not saying whether it is matter realistically and with good, sound or isn't; but I'll bet the honourable member common sense and reasoning. The Labor for Rockhampton has a freehold block Party's land philosophies are totally different himself. Any man with common sense from ours. would have freehold tenure. The honourable member should not be so blindly in allegiance Mr. Bousen interjected. with his party's philosophies as to get away Mr. RAE: As the honourable member for from the fact that he would like his block Toowoomba North seems to want to provoke of freehold land. an argument, I tell him that never once did Mr. Tucker: If it were subdivided it could I hear him applaud, laud or even recognise be worth $500,000. my Forestry officers. Mr. RAE: That might be so in a few Mr. BOUSEN: I rise to a point of order. hundred years but I do not know. I doubt Again the Minister has cast a reflection upon it very much. me. In my speech I said that I, together with all other Opposition members, respected I compliment the honourable member for the officers of the Forestry Department. I ask Landsborough, who showed tremendous the Minister to withdraw his remark. knowledge of the area. Mr. B. Wood: He did not even know the Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Minister area. to accept the honourable member's denial. Mr. RAE: He knows all about it because Mr. RAE: I shall do so, Mr. Speaker. it is in his area. To get down to realities-the honourable member for Mourilyan gave us a long spiel Mr. B. Wood interjected. about the North and King Ranch, which is totally irrelevant to the proposal under debate. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! the honourable member for Barron River made his speech. Mr. F. P. Moore: I am talking about how you robbed us before. Mr. B. Wood: And a good one! Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable Mr. SPEAKER: Order! That is debatable. member for Mourilyan has been interjecting The Minister heard the honourable member all day and he has exhausted my patience. in silence and I expect the honourable mem I now warn him under the provisions of ber to extend the same courtesy to the Standing Order 123A. If he interjects again, Minister. I will deal with him. Mr. RAE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Mr. RAE: It is important that I comment Landsborough Shire is very much in favour of on the remarks made by those members who this deal. This is progress and development, have spoken. Possibly I am taking up time which we require in Queensland today. The on what is a simple issue, but I cannot honourable member for Landsborough spoke imagine why Opposition members are so with full knowledge of his subject and gave much up in arms about it. an excellent coverage o.f the areas involved. The honourable member for Toowoomba Mr. Tucker: Why would not the council North led for the Opposition and told us be in favour of a subdivision that might about his political philosophies. The Labor return it-- Party hates even the mention of the word "freehold". That is fair enough, but my Mr. RAE: I think the honourable member Government and I like the word and the reads too much into the cup. He is trying policy, and while we are the Government we to peer into a crystal ball but he will not will implement it. make any sense of what he sees there, any The Leader of the Opposition asked the way. value of the land that we were exchanging. The honourable member for Rockhampton The Lands Department valuation for the rose to again convey his party's views on Beerwah area is $45,290 and for the Toolara freehold and leasehold tenure. I do not area $46,333. In addition the valuation of see any need to answer Opposition speakers timber is $6,700. So, we are doing very who seem only able to associate their well from the deal. thoughts with their terror and horror of Mr. Tucker: Will you guarantee that this allowing anybody the right to freehold land. land won't be subdivided? Mr. Tucker interjected. Mr. RAE: I cannot give that guarantee if it is freehold land. As the Leader of the Mr. RAE: Every Opposition speaker said Opposition knows, once land is freeholded the same thing. it goes out of the control of my department. Mr. F. P. Moore interjected. I have nothing to do with freehold land. Mr. Wright: This is the thin end of the Mr. RAE: I have answered the honour wedge, isn't it? able member. Revocation of State Forest [20 AUGUST 1974] Local Government, &c., Bill 229 The honourable member for Bundabe'!'g LOCAL GOVERNMENT took up the time of the House in an effort SUPERANNUATION ACT AMENDMENT to induce me to go glider-flying. I did not BILL know what he was talking about, but he rambled on about something affecting INITIATION IN COMMITTEE Bundaberg (his own area), which had nothing (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Lickiss, to do with the subject unde·r discussion. It Mt. Coot-tha, in the chair) was a deli-berate waste of time that held up the business of the House without serving any Hon. H. A. McKECHNIE (Carnarvon useful purpose. Minister for Local Government and Elect I congratulate the honourable member for ricity) (8.15 p.m.): I move- Mt. Coot-tha, who gave us a very interesting "That a Bill be introduced to amend little story about planning relative to the the Local Government Superannuation •two parcels of land. He covered the matter Act of 1964, as subsequently amended, very well. If honourable members study in certain particulars." the map I supplied, they will see that one area is a particularly useless bit of country This Bill makes a minor amendment to to the Forestry Department, while the other the Local Government Superannuation Act one lends itself to a management-planning to provide that, when the annual salary concept which will enable the department to of a permanent employee of a local authority get the best advantage from the area. as at 1 January each year exceeds the amount of annual salary on which his All in all the motion under discussion is membership in the local government super of little consequence. Indeed, I thought it annuation scheme is based at that date by would have been settled by 6 o'clock. How at least $100, additional superannuation has ever, Opposition members love to talk on to be effected by the local authority in these issues and make a song and dance respect of the employee for the excess about nothing. They have their philosophies amount. In other words, the adjustment and we have ours. My officers and I agree will be made once per year for each on this deal. It .is in the best interests of the employee. areas concerned and the State of Queensland. As the Act presently stands adjustments Question-That the motion (Mr. Rae) be have to be made each time a permanent agreed to-put; and the House divided- employee's annual salary is increased by an amount of at least $100. AYES, 38 Ahern Lie kiss In the present economic situation where Armstrong McKechnie salaries are increasing frequently and by Bird Miller Bje!ke-Petersen Moore, R. E. substantial amounts, local authorities and Camm Muller the Local Government Superannuation Board Campbell Ne a! are confronted with a task of processing Chalk Newbery Crawford Porter a number of adjustments each year for each Edwards Rae of the 9,000 employees covered by the F!etcher Row scheme. Frawley Scott-Young Gunn Small The amendment will bring the local Hartwig Sullivan Herbert Tomkins government superannuation scheme into line Hewitt, N. T. E. Tooth with most other superannuation schemes, Hewitt, W.D. Wharton Hodges including that of the Brisbane City Council, Hooper, K. W. Tellers: in the matter of annual adjustments of Houghton Hinze benefits. The amendment is supported by Lee Lane the Local Government Superannuation Board and by local authorities. Noes, 30 Baldwin Margin son It is admitted that the provision for Blake Mel!oy annual adjustments of superannuation instead Bousen Moore, F. P. Bromley Newton of adjustments each time the salary of a Davis O'Donnell permanent employee is increased by at Dean Sherrington least $100 could mean some small loss Hanlon Tucker Hanson Wallis-Smith of superannuation benefits. It should be Harris Wood, B. stressed that the loss would be small even Harvey Wood, P. in the case of the death of a young Hooper, K. J. Wright member. Houston Yew dale Inch Jones, N. F. Tellers: I am advised that the Local Government .!'ones, R. Jensen Superannuation Board operates a contin Jordan Leese gency account under which substantial benefits are made available in addition to PAIRS: the benefits provided under the Act. These Knox Burns Murray D'Arcy ex gratia benefits apply to widows and estates of deceased members and it is felt Resolved in the affirmative. that these benefits more than compensate 230 Local Government Superannuation [20 AuGUST 1974] Act Amendment Bill for the relatively small losses which would Mr. BALDWIN: I have asked a straight occur from the making of annual adjust out question in order to obtain information. ments of superannuation. I commend the motion to the Committee. Mr. Sherrington: Perhaps the honourable member for Yeronga has no confidence in Mr. BALDWIN (Redlands) (8.19 p.m.): As the Minister. the Minister anticipated, I can say at this stage, having some previous knowledge of Mr. BALDWIN: The honourable member the wishes of the Local Government Asso for Y eronga might feel that the facts should ciation of Queensland and local government be questioned. I am seeking information employees as well as knowledge of what on how frequently these assessments are the ~risbane City Council did previously made. When we study the details of the m th1s respect, that the motion meets with Bill, we might be able to make a fair the concurrence of the Opposition. We can assessment of the financial shifts that could appreciate that the general principle is aimed take place when an amendment such as the at smoothing out the paperwork and one now under discussion is implemented. accounting. At the moment, I say on behalf of the I was pleased to hear the Minister say Opposition that the principle of the Bill that any possible losses that might occur appears to be good. We welcome it, and we through any change in the limits set for welcome the savings that it might produce. raising superannuation payments will be We hope that no anomalies will ari~e, and covered at least by the contingency account. that no suffering results from the changing We hope that this will be so. We accept of the limits on assessments. Members on the Minister's word that this has been this side of the Chamber who have been covered in the calculations that were made employees of local authorities will no doubt in compiling this scheme. The Minister have other comments to make at this stage indicated at the outset that this scheme of the debate. would apply to salaried employees. I do not know whether he meant salaried Mr. HARVEY (Stafford) (8.24 p.m.): I employees only. commend the amendment being introduced by the Minister. I was rather surprised by Mr. McKechnie: All permanent employees. his comment that its introduction has the Mr. BALDWIN: Apparently_ it is to apply concurrence of the Local Government to all employees whose incomes vary, and Association, although I have alternative assessments will be made as at 1 January sources of information that lead me to each year? believe that that is correct. Nevertheless, Mr. McKechnie: Yes. I am rather surprised that, for budgetary purposes, the association has agreed on the Mr. BALDWIN: That is a welcome assur date of 1 January. The problems associated ance to receive from the Minister. with local government budgeting at present . I must say. at this stage that the proposal are well known. At budget time the local 1s symptomatic of what is being experienced authority must take into account the impact in the economy in general as a result of of a full year of the increased financial com necessary wage and salary increases. I think mitment by way of salaries and .other it is my duty to point out, or at least to have remuneration. Therefore, it would make noted, that we on this side of the Chamber a determination as close as possible to the are aware of the position in which those commencement of the budgetary period, who are already in receipt of superannuation probably at 1 June rather than at 1 January, payments, and their dependants, are placed because a lot of things could happen between by such rises. I do not know whether the 1 January and the presentation of its budget contingency account covers this situation nor that would have a substantial bearing on do I know whether the automatic rises' that the use of its funds. Although the Local have been made in the payments from other Government Association apparently wants superannuation funds are applicable to local it that way, I personally am rather sur government employees. This will depend prised because I consider that a council has I suppose, on the financial health of th~ much better budgetary control over its fund. expenditure for the ensuing 12 months if it makes its determination as close as When the Minister is summing up the possible to the time of allocating funds under debate, perhaps he will be able to inform me the respective votes for that year. It can ~nd other inte~ested members, of the per~ then take into account the increa<;es that it 10ds for the fixmg of contributions and pay is likely to be required to meet in the first ments under the local government six months of that budgetary period. In employees superannuation scheme. I know that way it can make provision for a full for instance, that quinquennial assessment~ year of increased expenditure on salaries, are made in other superannuation schemes. etc., plus what it expects will take place Perhaps the Minister could advise how often during that year. In the past councils have contributions and disbursements are assessed said, "The increase will be 16 to 20 per in the case of local government employees. cent." In his last budget I think the Mr. Lee: This Government is always look Treasurer of Queensland nominated some ing after you in local governmenV matters. thing of the order of 15 to 18 per cent. Local Government, &c., Bill [20 AuGUST 1974] City of Brisbane, &c., Bill 231 What will be the situation of an employee approval of the Local Government Associa who obtains promotion to a higher classi tion. Actually, the fixing of 1 January was fication within a local authority? His pro supported by the Local Government Super motion may mean an additional couple of annuation Board. On the general principles thousand dollars a year to him. Will his I have the support of the Local Government contribution apply only from 1 January fol Association, but I discussed the actual date lowing his appointment, or will his case be with the Local Government Superannuation dealt with separately? Board and it thought that the most desirable I think it is essential that all superannu date was the first day of the calendar year, ation schemes today should include a which it believed would fit in best with its formula based on the cost index movement. purposes. Actually, any date could have Unless such a provision is included a person been fixed, but I accepted the board's advice who receives an adequate superannuation that it should be 1 January. payment on his retirement may find It is understood that an adjustment will be ultimately that, because of the reduced pur made straight away if increases in salary chasing power of the money he is receiving, follow promotion. In other words, if a man he has to obtain further employment to is promoted to a classification that attracts, supplement his income. say, $2,000 per annum more, an adjustment I raise those points and submit them to will be made straight away; but any man the Minister so that if they are not cov remaining in the same job throughout the ered at this stage they can be considered year will have the adjustment made on subsequently. 1 January instead of, as at present, on every $1 00 or more increase in his wage or salary. Hon. H. A. McKECHNIE (Carnarvon The honourable member raised the question Minister for Local Government and Elec of a cost index formula and how this would tricity) (8.28 p.m.), in reply: I appreciate affect the salary. I do not think I should .go the support of the honourable member for into that because it is not covered by the Bill, Redlands. I can tell him that the scheme is although I appreciate his concern that the very healthy indeed. The contributions are salary should be adjusted according to the 7 per cent of the employee's salary, on the index. Of course, once it has been fixed, the basis of a contribution of 3t per cent by the provisions of the Bill would apply from employee and 3t per cent by the local 1 January the following year. authority. Briefly I will detail to him some of the Motion (Mr. McKechnie) agreed to. aspects of the ex-gratia payments. The con Resolution reported. tribution ensures the employer superannua tion payments as of right. The funds have FIRST READING been well managed and, as I said, are in a very healthy situation. The ex-gratia pay Bill presented and, on motion of Mr. ments could vary according to the state of McKechnie, read a first time. the fund, but the board has seen fit in recent times to lay down that if a man died under the age of 26 his widow would receive CITY OF BRISBANE ACT an ex-gratia payment of $2,400 in addition AMENDMENT BILL to the normal entitlement. The ex-gratia pay ment decreases as the contributor's age lNITIA TION IN COMMITTEE increases, because the board's thinking is (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Lickiss. that the wife, and possibly the young family, Mt. Coot-tha, in the chair) of a young man are in greater need of an Hon. H. A. McKECHN!E (Carnarvon ex-gratia payment. At the age of 30 years Minister for Local Government and Electri the ex-gratia payment would be $2,300. city) (8.35 p.m.): I move- It then begins to decline, and when he "That a Bill be introduced to amend reaches 40 years of age, it is $1,400. When the City of Brisbane Act 1924-1973 in he r·eaches po~sibly the last year of his certain particulars." employment, assuming he retires at 65, the payment would be $110 at 64 years of age. The prime purpose of this Bill is to include That is not a great amount, admittedly, but lands on Green Mud and St. Helena at that stage it would be more than sufficient Islands above lo~-water mark within the to cov·er anything he might lose by the fixing city of Brisbane. of the date at 1 January for the whole year As honourable members will be aware, the instead of at any time when rises occur Government recently initiated action to have throughout the year as is the case at present. included in appropriate local authority areas So I am confident that even a man of 64 all the islands off the coast of Queensland years of age would not be disadvantaged, which are not presently so included. Formal and a young man is very well treated by procedures in relation to this matter under the board. the Local Government Act are being pro The honourable member for Stafford cessed at the present time and it is anti raised the question of the 1 January date and cipated that, within a reasonably short period said he would be surprised if it had the of time, the matter will be finalised. 232 CitY of Brisbane Act (20 AUGUST 1974] Amendment Bill Green, Mud and St. Helena Islands are Under the Local Government Act the located in Moreton Bay adjacent to the Governor in Council has the power to mouth of the Brisbane River, and it is include Moreton Island within the city of therefore appropriate to include them within Redcliffe, but as the Redcliffe City Council the city of Brisbane. has objected to its inclusion I am hesitant to recommend it. On the other hand, Alder The boundaries of the city are defined man Shaw and Alderman Ryan of the Bris by the City of Brisbane Act, and conse bane City Council believe there are oppor quently an amendment of the Act is neces tunities for Brisbane if Moreton Island is sary to alter the boundaries. In terms of included in the city of Brisbane. As well I the Act, the boundaries of the city follow have had a brief discussion with the Lord the low-water mark of Moreton Bay. There Mayor on the inclusion of Moreton Island is thus no doubt that, under present law, within the Brisbane City Council boundaries, Green, Mud and St. Helena Islands are and I have written to him on the subject. not included in the city. On the other hand, it has been contended in some quarters It is my intention to consider before that Bishop Island and the Fisherman Islands the second-reading stage of the Bill whether are included in the city. Moreton Island should be included in the city of Brisbane or the city of Redcliffe. An examination of a map of the relevant I commend the motion to the Committee. area shows, however, that Fisherman Islands Mr. BALDWIN (Redlands) (8.40 p.m.): are separated from the I):lainland by the As the Government well knows, the Labor Boat Passage and there is a defined channel Party is, and always has been, very interested between Fisherman Islands and Bishop in the proposal to bring all land, particularly Island. It therefore appears that these islands islands, under local authority control. I am are not embraced within the presently aware that the situation in local authorities described boundaries of the city, and it under the Local Government Act may not is significant to mention that they are not always be a healthy one under this Govern zoned under the Brisbane Town Plan. To ment. In that context I cite the case of the put the matter beyond doubt, the Bill pro Redland Bay islands, and the conflict and vides that Bishop Island and the Fisherman controversy that occurred over the Torres Islands, along with Green, Mud and St. Strait Islands. Helena Islands, are included in the city. The test of the pudding is in the eating and I am advised that there is no freehold with the islands in Redland Bay I am sure land on the islands concerned, the whole that, although the principle wa.s good, the of which consists of Crown land. There action was rather belated. This has been are a number of special leases granted by demonstrated by subsequent events. the Crown over parts of the islands. Green In the absence of something better for the Island is a recreation reserve under the islands of St. Helena, Green and Mud I see Land Act. The Fisherman Islands are no reason to oppose this move. It occurred reserved for harbour purposes under the to me previously that something better could control of the Corporation of the Treasurer be done about Russell, Karragarra, Macleay, of Queensland. Lamb and Peel Islands. The Committee will recall that at the relevant time the island As a result of the alteration of the residents proposed the establishment of a new city boundaries by the inclusion of the local government authority to be called the islands mentioned, it is also necessary to "Bay Islands Council". On my understanding make a consequential alteration of the of events at meetings it was their stated boundaries of the adjoining electoral ward intention to try to get all the islands in of Waterloo Bay. This is done by the Moreton Bay-including Moreton Island and Bill. North Stradbroke Island-included in a The Bill provides that the alterations of specific island council. I do not think any the boundaries of the city and the electoral honourable member who has had anything ward of Waterloo Bay do not affect the to do with these islands will dispute that they power or authority of the Brisbane City have a peculiar environment. Council as presently constituted or the status Mr. Lane: A peculiar member, too. of the alderman presently representing the Mr. BALDWIN: The honourable member Waterloo Bay ward on the council. for Merthyr should not talk about his I think honourable members will agree colleague from Murrumba that way. I am that it is desirable to include the islands surprised at him. in question in the city. Years ago there was a shire called the Shire of Quambi, which is the Aboriginal During the preparation of the Bill the word for oyster. question of the inclusion of Moreton Island in a local authority area was considered. Mr. Frawley: Did you look that up? Initially it was thought that the Redcliffe Mr. BALDWIN: No, I learnt that from City Council would welcome the inclusion people who lived long enough to have more of Moreton Island within its boundaries; but sense than the honourable member. Being the Redcliffe City Council objected to its Aborigines they certainly had more manners being so included. than the honourable member who interrupts. City of Brisbane Act [20 AUGUST 1974] Amendment Bill 233 Mr. Lane: Quamby is up on the Burketown engineers and others knowledgeable in these Road. matters, the Fisherman Islands and Bishop Island complex seems to be the most logical Mr. BALDWIN: The word I am speaking choice for the development o.f a new Brisbane about is not spelt the same as the one which port. On that very pressing point, I am the sorely misled and poorly educated forced to accept the inclusion of Bishop honourable member has introduced to the debate. Island and the Fisherman Islands in this proposal. Mr. Lane: Give us a bit of class war. Mr. Frawley: Did Jack Mundey okay this? The CHAIRMAN: Order! Mr. BALDWIN: Why don't you write to him-if you can? Mr. BALDWIN: The residents and the Government of the day responsible for put I was interested to learn from the Minister ting these islands in one shire had in mind that Bishop Island and the Fisherman Islands a principle that was worthy of consideration do not come within the city of Brisbane although then it was not as evident as it is boundary because of the definition in zoning. today when we consider the despoilation of I am one of those who previously thought some of the islands. If I and other honour that they were included. able members had known more, sooner ·I am very pleased to hear that Alderman if we had started off a decade ago-I would Shaw and Alderman Ryan agree with this have been a strong protagonist of forming a proposal. They would know what they were bay island council, with all the bay islands talking about and would appreciate the under a local government authority of their own. responsibilities they were accepting on top of those they already carry. I cannot take it I would have done this even on the prin on myself to object when two such worthy ciple established for such authorities by this and experienced aldermen appear to be in Government; that is, they must have a com favour. munity interest, similar problems and so on, which are the prime considerations for the I would be interested to learn the reason declaration of the local government areas. for the Redcliffe City Council's objection to Unfortunately, the islands have been frag accepting responsibility for Moreton Island. mented by grave lack of knowledge by many I suppose it considered what occurred follow of us, I am afraid. ing the inclusion of some Moreton Bay islands in the Redland Shire and would have Mr. Lane: Is Red Island in your electorate? some misgiv.ings. However, I suppose these Mr. BALDWIN: The honourable member matters will come up at a later time. for Merthyr continues to display his absolute !I would also be interested to know the ignorance in this Chamber. It is a wonder decision, if there was one, of the full council he has not ceased such interjections while of the Brisbane City Council on the matter I am on my feet. If he considered the matter of the inclusion of Moreton Island in the properly and had a look at Russell Island city of Brisbane. The Minister made us aware and some of the old maps, it was once called that the Governor in Council has the right to Ruus Island. That answers his interjection include a new area in a local authority area. which displays a grave lack of knowledg~ I take it that in a case as important as this of these matters. one, which will extend the area of the Bris In this instance I agree that there appears bane City Council still further, several mat to be nothing better that we can presently ters would have to be looked at, not the do in relation to Green Island, Mud Island, least of them being the continual loud cries St. Helena Island, Bishop Island and the of "centralisation", "the all-powerful octo Fisherman Islands. I would suggest, ho•w• puslike extensions" of this local authority ever, that the inclusion of Bishop Island and area and similar accusations that are levelled the Fisherman Islands would be related against the Brisbane City Council. somewhat to the port of Brisbane survey. Mr. Newton interjected. If so, it is more than ever necessary that those islands be included in a local authority area Mr. BALDWIN: As the honourable mem -and more particularly, Br·isbane, which has ber for Belmont says, there is probably a nigger in the woodpile and we are trying to the rest o.f the port authority within its boundary. The legislation would then repre uncover him faggot by faggot. sent an integrating move. If we are to take as a precedent the fact that over a per·iod the Redland Shire Council Mr. Newton interjected. has been given a sum of money-! believe it Mr. BALDWIN: Yes. There is only one to be in the region of $400,000 and I assess local authority in the whole of Queensland it would need every cent of that amount-- capable of supplying the services that will be Mr. McKechnie: Some of that was loan required when a new and modern port is money and some was grant. established. Mr. BALDWIN: Yes. Looking at this As I have said before in this Chamber, proportionately and considering the problems from the information that I have been able tha.t could accrue to the Brisbane City Coun to glean from marine engineers, waterside cil, it would be a fool to accept Moreton 234 City of Brisbane Act [20 AUGUST 1974) Amendment Bill Island for under $1,000,000. However, that the Brisbane City Council area. I firmly is a request that it must make. I hope that believe that these islands, particularly More-,, the island is not imposed on the council. ton Island, are national playgrounds, and l After all, if Redcliffe could object and have have said all along that I should like to see its objection upheld, the same tolerance them declared national parks. should be extended to the Brisbane City Council. The cost of maintaining local authority services on Moreton Island would be more Mr. McKechnie: It has not been upheld than the ratepayers of Redcliffe could meet. at this stage. Of course, we all know what will happen to the islands when they come under local auth Mr. BALDWIN: I drew that inference from ority control. The moment they come under the Minister's statement that there was an the administmtion of the Brisbane City Coun objection and his later statement that he cil, the Redcliffe City Council, or any other had discussed the matter with the Lord local authority, leeches from the council will Mayor and written to the Bri&bane City be all over them. Health officers and other Council. I was coming to that point anyway. council officers will rush over there and have Naturally I am curious and would like to a pleasant holiday for a week. They will know whether he has had a reply from either spoil many opportunities for those who would the Lord Mayor or the Bris:bane City CounCil. like to have a litde place there for holidays By way of humorous digression, I hope, I for themselves and their families. I should trust that any communication he has received not like to see Moreton Island become any from the Lord Mayor is not of the same con thing but a national park. troversial nature as that which came before Parliament in the matter of redistribution of I think the honourable member for Red aldermanic boundaries. lands is on the right track when he says that I have already covered the possibilities and all the islands should be the responsibility of I am trying to make an assessment on behalf one authority rather than the responsibility of of a beleaguered Brisbane City Council, whose a local authority that is unable to maintain percentages of subsidies have been consider them. There would surely be no speakers ably cut over the past 17 years, and make a who would support the proposition that Palm plea that if Moreton Island is imposed on the Island, for instance, become the responsibility council against its will, at least a cash pay of the Townsville City Council. And what ment will be made to make the assumption about Thursday Island? I think there are more bearable to it and to the ratepayers of 32 ratepayers there. Much the same situation Brisbane, who will carry the final burden. applies on Mort~ton Island, where there would be no more than about 20 ratepayers. The I am sure that other colleagues of mine on largest ratepayer there is an A.L.P. supporter, this side of the Chamber will take up some 1Mr. Jim Kennedy, who has done an excellent of the important details concerned with job on the island. Since he took over at bringing the island of St. Helena under local Tangalooma, he has greatly improved com government authority. I think we are all munications on the island. It is now possible aware of the problems, the history and cul to dial Brisbane, Redcliffe, or anywhere else tural value of St. Helena. 'As my time is from Moreton Island, whereas it is running out, I shall leave it to my colleagues impossible even to get a telephone installed to cover that aspect of the matter. at Redcliffe. Mr. Kennedy has therefore In the light of what the Minister has told done some good for the island. Communica the Committee this evening, I say on behalf tions there are excellent, and I compliment of the Opposition that we have no hard-and him on what he has achieved. fast objections to the Bill at this moment, but Those who know the bay waters, as I do we reserve our final decision till we have and as other members who do a little fishing studied the Bill in detail. know them, will realise that at present Green Is.Jand, for instance, has no meaning at all. Mr. HOUGHTON (Redcliffe) (8.56 p.m.): There is nothing there. Admittedly Mud I listened with a great deal of interest to the Island would have a bit of coral. Minister's introduction of the Bill. I believe that this action stems from the problems Fisherman Island and Bishop Island raise associated with the development of the islands a doubt in the mind of local government as situated south of the city of Brisbane. This to whether they should fall within the juris undoubtedly has caused a great deal of con diction of the Brisbane City Council. Surely troversy and heartburning, and many prob before any decisions are made, the wishes of lems for local government. I ask the M,in the Redcliffe City Council should be taken ister why the Bill has been introduced before into account. Every consideration should be a decision has been made as to M ore ton given to the wishes of the people in that area. Island. We all know that this island comes Bribie Island is different in that it is within the local authority boundary of Red serviced by a bridge. No doubt most of us cliffe, but the Redcliffe City Council does not will Jive to see another bridge linking it with want the problems and cost associated with the mainland at the northern end. the administration of Moreton Island. I say here and now that I will not support any The CHAIRMAN: Order! There is too Bill that does not include Moreton Island in much audible conversation on my left. City of Brisbane Act (20 AUGUST 1974) Amendment Bill 235 Mr. HOUGHTON: If it takes as long to I say that not because the local authorities get a bridge from Bribie Island to the military would not have good intentions but because jetty area at Caloundra as it is taking to get they will have a legitimate complaint that another bridge across to Clontarf, we will be they have not the finance to look after the waiting a long time indeed to get a bridge islands. Will the islands then be allowed to leading from that end of Bribie Island. deteriorate into dilapidated, run-down areas through lack of finance, supervision and The islands around Waterloo Bay are the control? Even at the present time tremendous responsibility of the Brisbane City Council. vandalism takes place at bayside areas. I know that my colleague the honourable member for Murrumba will support me in Moreton Island is mentioned in the Bill. this. We have already notified the Minister No firm decision has been made about whose that the Redcliffe City Council will not control it will pass to but honourable mem accept the responsibility for the maintenance bers on both sides of the Chamber know and development of Moreton Island. It of the damage that has taken place on comes back to the same old story. The local this great island as a result of vandalism. authorities cannot fund what they are sup Great damage has been done by people posed to do now. I speak from experience. driving beach buggies along the beaches and My area receives many visitors. In return for over the dunes and from time one sees a small subsidy from the Government the home-converted jeep-like contraptions. Fisher Redcliffe City Council is required to clean men and people enjoying other recreational up beaches and provide bathing and other activities down there have had very narrow facilities, mainly for the visitors. It is not escapes from some of these vehicles. Again, good enough. The ratepayers have got to the this is because of lack of control. stage where they cannot fund their own requirements. When Jim Kennedy or some When these islands do pass to the control body like him starts a hovercraft service to of a local authority, whether it be the Moreton Island, probably that area will Brisbane City Council or any other, I can develop. The moment it develops, health not see how the authority will obtain the officers and others will flock there. We know financial means to police, protect and deve what will happen then. lop them as they should be developed and protected. The most important thing, of I hope that before the second reading of course, is to preserve them. The honour the Bill the Minister will be able to announce able member for Redcliffe touched on a very that the Redcliffe City Council's requests and vital matter in this regard. I think he the submissions of myself and the honourable reiterated what the honourable member for member for Murrumba have been acceded Redlands said, namely, that there should be to. I am sure that the Brisbane City Council one control for all the islands lying off would be only too happy to take over the the State of Queensland. At present, of responsibility of Moreton Island. I under course, we are considering just a few islands stand that the A.L.P. intends to establish a out of many in the bay. I could think of playground there for union members. I many other smaller islands further down understand it is going to have a Billy Butlin's the bay, some of which, I think, come under camp over there. Good luck to such a project. the control of the Redland Shire Council Perhaps the island could be developed along Coochie Mudlo and some of the islands those lines. The Brisbane City Council is the further down the South Passage. local authority that should have the respon My fear is that if these islands are sibility for its development. It has the passed over to the control of local greatest number of ratepayers and it could authorities the councils will not be able provide the necessary services far better than to meet their responsibilities in connection the Redcliffe City Council. with them. The Brisbane City Council already has far greater responsibilities than Mr. DEAN (Sandgate) (9.4 p.m.): I sup it can handle. When my electorate was port our shadow Minister (Mr. Baldwin) and much larger than it is today and extended the honourable member for Redcliffe. I, too, as far as Nudgee and Pinkenba, the council appeal to the Minister to give very serious of which I was a member in my early years consideration to the future of the islands in could not look after it because of lack of Moreton Bay. Any honourable members finance. The Deepwater Bend area and who have travelled throughout Australia as other areas that used to be in my electorate I have will agree that Moreton Bay with its were classic examples of neglect. It was not islands is one of the most beautiful areas in deliberate neglect by the council, which knew Australia. For many years we have expressed that deterioration was taking place; it was a great deal of concern about its future. I simply lack of finance. Now we are adding know Moreton Island and the other islands further to the responsibilities of these coun very well. I spent most of my early child cils. I doubt the wisdom of this simply hood around them. I realise what a great for the sake of taking the islands from asset they are to the city of Brisbane and, Government control and placing them under as a tourist attraction, to Queensland, and, the control of local authorities-unless I indeed, Australia as a whole. I have grave can be assured that the local authority con fears about handing over the control of them cerned is capable of financially meeting its to local authorities. obligations in looking after the islands. 236 City of Brisbane Act (20 AUGUST 1974] Amendment Bill Perhaps in the second reading the Minister the control of a different council from that will give us a little more information and proposed under the legislation. According tell us how the local authorities might receive to the Bill-- some extra assistance in providing the neces sary facilities and the rangers to protect Mr. Newton: Do you have a copy of it? them. The most important feature of pro Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: I have exactly what tection is the physical protection afforded the honourable member has-and that's not by rangers, especially on week-ends, when much. vandals seem to take complete control of these areas. Even in our own electorates The CHAIRMAN: Order! I hope that on the mainland the vandal takes over dur the honourable member for Townsville will ing the week-ends, when he knows that the tie in what he is saying with the motion police control in the areas is inadequate. before the Committee. We should have more rangers not only on the land but in the bay itself. They should Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: I am following the be provided with fast patrol boats so that provisions of the Bill. Here it says that they can efficiently look after such islands the three months' period of notice of as Moreton and Stradbroke. intention expires on 5 August 1974. It also says- This is all I have to say at this stage. "The proposed amendment in the above I look forward to seeing the Bill. Perhaps direction follows the direction of the the Minister can enlighten me and allay Government to include in local authorities some of my fears that the local authorities all parts of Queensland above high-water might be unable to exercise proper control mark that are not presently so included." when we hand these islands over to them. Mr. R. JONES: I rise to a point of Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG (Townsville) (9.9 order. I should like to move that the p.m.): The proposed amendment of the honourable member table the page from City of Brisbane Act reminds me of an which he is reading so that all of us can old saying, "Tall oaks from little acorns be made conversant with the document. grow." It is extraordinary that this Bill is rather shrouded with possibilities. I do not The CHAIRMAN: Order! I hope the think that any measure brought forward honourable member for Cairns knows what should allow for possibilities. It should be a point of order is. So far he has not discussed much more fully than this pro stated any point of order. posed amendment has been discussed. Mr. R. JONES: My point of order is As honourable members are aware, I that the honourable member for Townsville live in Townsville, which, if the Federal is reading from a document that obviously Electoral Act as planned, is implemented, has not been tabled by the Minister. I will have a voting force of 80,000 persons. move, "That the document be tabled." Off the city lie the Palm Islands. I gather from the third paragraph of this proposed The CHAIRMAN: Order! Is the honour amendment that that group of islands may able member for Townsville willing to table come within its provisions. As tall oaks that document? from little acorns grow, so will this Bill Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: Yes, Mr. Lickiss. ,expand. Mr. Newton: Where did you get that The CHAIRMAN: Order! I remind the information from? honourable member for Cairns that he did not have a valid point of order. Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: I don't have to get any information from anywhere. All Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: If the honourable one has to do is think, but unfortunately member for Cairns wishes to look at my many members of the Opposition don't notes in my handwriting, he can do so. If think. Frankly, a lot of members on this he is able to read them, he must have a side of the Chamber don't think, either. I diploma in hieroglyphics. am not biting any acorn; I am biting facts. I prefaced my speech by saying that tall On the Palm Islands live 1,200 human oaks from little acorns grow. This legislation beings, who predominantly are first Aust will eventually involve all off-shore islands ralians. Although ethnically they are not in the State. Members of the Opposition first Australians, they claim to be and are remain silent; they cannot disagree with me. regarded as first Australians. Under the They have no point in asking to read my proposed Federal legislation these 1,200 notes, which basically are probably the same people will have a say in for whom they as theirs. But if they wish to look at them will vote and as to where they live, just they may do so. as we have. Palm Island is a magnificent area Mr. K. J. Hooper: Why shouldn't they? occupied by 1200 people. When this pro posal appeared in "The Townsville Daily Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: I am not debating Bulletin" some months ago, there was that. I say they have. These 1,200 people no notification that Palm Island was to be presently live in a different shire and under included. However, the inhabitants of Palm City of Brisbane Act [20 AUGUST 1974] Amendment Bill 237 Island were somehow notified through the Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: The flow-on con so-called Australian Government that they cerns who is to develop these areas. Where were to be included. They objected very will the rate money come from? Tourism strongly and said that they wished to run will not pay for everything. their own affairs. The crunch comes somewhere along the Our coastal islands are the most mag line. The crunch is who will develop them nificent to be found anywhere. They have and who will pay for the roads, sewerage great potential and are worth hundreds of and water reticulation? Magnetic Island had millions of dollars in tourist revenue to the no town water supply until the city of State. But who controls them at present? Townsville reticulated water to it at great Every developer with a crackpot idea of expense. Palm Island has a very limited making millions by selling property. What water supply. is more, advertisements are published inter state and overseas without restriction, so Mr. Lane: It has a wet canteen. that many people have bought absolutely worthless and completely unimproved Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: I agree that it has a rroperties. There are no roads, sewerage or very wet canteen. Other islands along the water. The local authorities have no con coast, which will eventually be covered by trol over them. What will happen to these flow-on legislation, have no water. magnificent islands? The CHAIRMAN: They might be cov Mr. Hanson interjected. ered in flow-on legislation but we are not dealing with them now. We are dealing Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: Medical Iatin is with the City of Brisbane Act. classical Iatin. Mr. Hanson: I can speak dog Iatin. Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: The City of Bris bane Act will mention specific islands, but Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: You speak only I doubt whether they have a sufficient Italian. supply of water to meet sewerage reticula tion and normal household demand. Who The CHAIRMAN: Order! I ask the will supply the necessary water? Will it be honourable member to address the Chair the citizens of Brisbane, who already have and confine himself to the broad principles trouble with their local council about free enunciated by the Minister. ways, excessive taxes and resumptions of land at the extraordinary price of $10 a Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: I intend to do so, perch? Who will supply the money? No-one Mr. Lickiss. If St. Helena, Green and Mud other than the State or Federal Government. Islands are to come within the City of It cannot' be supplied by the Brisbane City Brisbane Act, it stands to reason that various Council. Who will supervise health? other Acts or Bills will affect other areas, i:nc!uding the city of Townsville. We already An Honourable Member interjected. have the Townsville City Council (Sale of Land) Act, which was passed to facilitate Dr. SCOIT-YOUNG: The city of Brisbane very excellent development of land at the has resumed land at $10 a perch. Alderman right price for the benefit of the ordinary Jones is the best businessman I have met. citizen. Mr. Gunn: He is one of Ned's boys. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I ask the hon ourable member to deal with the amend Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: I do not know ments to the City of Brisbane Act. whether he is one of Ned's boys or not. Who will supply the roads? We have a notice of Dr. SCOIT-YOUNG: I have come back resumption dated 5 August, which has now to the amendments. passed. We also have a note-this is a point I beg to make-- Mr. Newton: It is about time. Mr. K. J. Hooper: Which ones? St. Helena The CHAIRMAN: Order! Island, Mud Island, or which ones? Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: May I proceed? Dr. SCOIT-YOUNG: The Moreton Bay The CHAIRMAN: The honourable mem- islands-Mud, St. Helena and Green Islands ber may proceed provided he deals with the -have a notice of intention, which expired City of Brisbane Act. on 5 August. It is a proclamation. There is also one for objectors in regard to Palm Dr. SCOIT-YOUNG: These islands will Island, but it was never promulgated in the now come under the City of Brisbane Act. local Press. It was put through the Govern It is quite possible that all the islands along ment Gazette, but it was never promulgated. the coast-this will affect other honourable That is the point I wish to make. If these members, especially members of the Opposi things are pushed through, the public should tion-will be included in certain local know exactly what is happening. That is authorities. most important. Mr. Tucker: That is the flow-on. Opposition Members interjected. 9 238 City of Brisbane Act [20 AUGUST 1974] Amendment Bill Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: I gather I have The CHAIRMAN: Order! I was trying to caused a considerable amount of amusement, listen to a point of order. I hope the but it does not amuse me. I have been honourable member for Salisbury will be brought back to the legislation several times, silent while I am trying to listen to the Mr. Lickiss, but I ask you to give me some point of order. latitude, because I have prepared a statement. The legislation may deal with a proposed Mr. Sherrington interjected. amendment to the City of Brisbane Act, but The CHAIRMAN: Order! When I am on what are the implications of the principles my feet, the honourable member will remain underlying it? How far does it go? Do the silent; otherwise I will deal with him under little acorns grow into tall oaks? Do we have the appropriate Standing Order. the local authorities assuming control over islands that are already under the control of Mr. LANE: The honourable member for a State Government department? Are we Stafford suggested that I am under the going to hand over the control of our islands influence of liquor on most occasions in to the Commonwealth? We have seen the this Chamber. That statement is objection off-shore legislation being sabotaged by our able to me and I ask him to withdraw it and own State Government, which one minute apologise. opposes the National Government and the next minute almost agrees with it. Where do Mr. HARVEY: If it is offensive to the we go in this State? honourable member, I withdraw and Mr. K. J. Hooper: That is the best point apologise. you have made. No doubt many problems and ramifications Dr. SCOIT-YOUNG: I am not interested are associated with this proposal. I do not in points that appeal to the honourable mem necessarily agree with some previous speakers ber. I am interested in making points to the on how islands should be developed and advantage of people who live on the islands. by whom. Our experience shows that other islands in the bay, which have not been Mr. K. J. Hooper: I am interested. under the control of a local authority or Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: The people who live some other responsible body, have been on the islands do not know where they are developed in such a way that people have going. They are being confused by our State been exploited. This has occurred through and Federal Governments. Let us realise that lack of control over the islands. That factor they are still citizens of this State. must be taken into account in relation to future port development. In "The Courier Mr. Bromley: There is no-one down there. Mail" of 13 June a developer was reported Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: There are-1,200 as saying that he was waiting to see what of them. Go and see them. I know them happened there before taking any action on well. We must understand the implications the adjoining islands. of the Bill. I suggest that it be rethought in Like the honourable members for Red the light of the implications that I have just cliffe and Wynnum, I know these islands pointed out. fairly well. The Fisherman Islands at the Whereupon the honourable member tabled mouth of the Brisbane River can be :filled the notes of his speech. and reclaimed. No development has been undertaken. However, on Bishop Island, Mr. HARVEY (Stafford) (9.24 p.m.): I am there are some small week-end cottages, somewhat perturbed about the remarks of which would not measure up to local auth the previous speaker and to the document he ority requirements, and a kiosk. was quoting from. He referred to paragraph 3 of the document and evidently expounded JV'.r. Low: \Vhat about Tangalooma? to the Committee information that the Min ister has not presented, either on this Mr. HARVEY: The only time I was there occasion or previously. Therefore, we are was when the whaling station was operating. left somewhat in the dark as to where the During the war years I was at Cowan information and details came from. Cowan for a short time. I have not been back since. Mr. Lane: Go back to sleep and that will solve it. Moreton Island must be considered also because it is a vast island and we do not Mr. HARVEY: If I was like the honour want other than proper development. We able member, I probably would. Again if I want some type of supervision. Vve do not was like him, I would be under the influence want to shut the stable door after the horse of liquor most of the time I was in this has bolted. We must learn from experience. Chamber. Fortunately I do not come within that category. St. Helcna Island should be preserved for historic purposes. It was a prison settlement Mr. LANE: I rise to a point of order. and some of the old cells, the old bakehouse, I take strong objection to the suggestions the convict settlement and the underground made by the honourable member for cells still exist. It would not need a great Stafford-- deal of money to restore that island for Mr. Sherrington interjected. historic purposes. City of Brisbane Act [20 AuGUST 1974) Amendment Bill 239 Some work has been done on Green If the island comes under the control of a Island in Moreton Bay by the Wynnum local authority, what is to be the position of Rotary Club, which has established a bar his lease? becue and picnic area. There is no develop ment at this stage on Mud Island. Mr. McKecbnie: The lease would stand. The relationship of these islands to future Mr. HARVEY: The Valuer-General will port development must be considered and have to go into these areas and assess rate action to protect this particular locality for levels, and rates will have to be imposed the establishment of subsidiary industry must according to the services provided. Those be taken before it is too late. I consider on the island will have to contribute some that the action the Government is taking in thing towards local government supe,rvision relation to these islands is necessary. We and development. have learned the error of our ways. Russell Consideration will have to be given to Island was subdivided and titles were issued town planning and zoning of the islands. by the Titles Office, yet some allotments are This is a fact that will have to be faced up to below the low-water mark. This must be sooner or later. It is an important ma1:ter, avoided. These are the things that could because at the present time, with no zoning happen if we did not take the necessary steps on the island, a person could establish virtu at this stage. ally anything there, and subsequently there would be the embarrassment of getting rid One of the previous speakers mentioned of an industry, or whatever it might be, that the cost of development of these islands. was considered not to be compatible with the The honourable member for Redcliffe, being proper development of the island and adjacent associated vvith a local authority having a islands. vast mileage of foreshores, knows the cost associated with reclamation and protection of If port facilities are to be established in foreshores. the bay, consideration will also have to be given to subsidiary industries that may be With development in that area, we must associated with the port. These are all think of a reticulated water supply and the matters that will have to be determined, and, provision of electricity. A normal diesel quite candidly, on this Bill I am keeping my or package unit would be inadequate to priorities open until I have seen it. It could meet future requirements. These are all turn out to be very expensive for the City of factors that have to be faced up to. The Brisbane. At present, as a previous speaker time will come when there will have to be mentioned, the cost of administering Brisbane a road link to some of the islands. Even is such that the total general rates do not a local authority such as the Brisbane City even meet the city's loan-servicing charges. Council would need additional financial help To impose additional costs on the city, with to undertake these responsibilities in the out giving it financial assistance, would there development of the islands. fore place an added burden on the rate payers of Brisbane. Mr. W. D. Hewitt: A road link is some thing that many people would oppose. Without doubt, as soon as a local auth ority takes over an area there is a cry from the people that they want this, that and all Mr. HARVEY: That may be so. As a the other things that they have done without matter of fact, when one looks at the islands, in the past. I repeat that it is necessary to particularly Green and Mud Islands, one place these islands under the control of some sees that that could very well be the case. authority to ensure that they have properly A road to Bishop Island would be only a planned development, that there is no exploi small connection, but when one thinks of tation of unsuspecting purchasers, and that Green Island and St. Helena, it becomes a any bu1ldings or structures placed on the different kettle of fish. Probably there islands conform to the Brisbane building would be opposition to such a link. As the code or the uniform building code for the honourable member for Redcliffe mentioned, whole of the State. H corrective measures it has taken a long time to have a bridge are taken now we may avoid serious prob lems at a subsequent time. constructed across Bribie Passage between the northern end of Bribie Island and Caloundra. There is a need to deal with these islands, I can well ima:gine the cost of providing a but I would not know what financial assist bridge to the bay islands, and the service ance might be forthcoming from the Gov ernment to help the local authority in hand that a bridge would provide to the rather ling the exercise. I agree with the honourable restricted development on St. Helena would member for Redcliffe that the Redcliffe City not really justify its cost. Such a bridge Council could not afford to place the added would have to be built from the F'isherman burden on its ratepayers. I sometimes ques Islands. tion what should be done in regard to Moreton Island. At present I understand that the manager of Hurrican Canvas Goods-! do not know Mr. FRAWLEY (Murrumba) (9.35 p.m.): his name-holds the lease of St. Helena for The present proposal by the Minister to development of the island as a tourist resort. include Mud, Green, St. Helena, Fisherman 240 City of Brisbane Act [20 AUGUST 1974] Amendment Bill and Bishop Islands in the area of the city The Redland Shire has already been given of Brisbane is a most commendable one. control of a number of islands. H has believe that all the islands off the coast of controlled North Stradbroke Island for many Queensland should be included in some local years. Probably the Rcdland Shire would authority area. The Minister mentioned have the greatest cxp~r:cncc in the manage that he v.ould consider indL1din~ Mcreton ment of islands of this type. North Strad in the area of the city of Bri:;hanc. In brokc island is 5eparated from l\Ioreton consideri1~g the Minister's proposal, I think Island by the South Passage, \\ hi-.:h IS v\e should pose certain questions. approximately two miles wide. By reason of the proximity of the Rediand Shire main I support my colleague the honoural:Jle land area to North Stradbroke Island and member for Redcliffe in this. Jim Hough the other bay islands, it is probable that ton was the first mavor of Redcliffe when it Redland residents would make the least use became a city. As a former mayor of Red of Moreton Island. cliffe, he has a wide kno" ledge of local government ~ nd all its problems. Incidently, the notes that I am using are my own typewritten notes. I heard some Which of the four local authorities in close rude remarks from the honourable members proximity to Moreton Island should control opposite about something the honourable it? Caboolture Shire, the city of Redcliffe, member for Townsv!lle read. I typed these the city of Brisbane or the Redland Shire? notes myself, so do not let anybody accuse Which one of these shares the greatest com me of having anything handed to me by the munity of interest with the island? Which Minister. area has the best practical access to the island? Moreton Island is separated from If Moreton Island was placed under the the mainland by Moreton Bay, and the dis control of any local authority, it would be tance from each of those four local immediately subject to the by-laws of that authorities does not vary greatly. local authority. It would be neces'Oary to formulate a town plan to have control over The Caboolture Shire controls Bribie the use and development of that island. Island. and, as far as I know, the Cabool Freehold and leasehold land would be ture Shire Council and the residents of. rateable in a normal manner and would Caboolture have no interest at all in Moreton require the preparation of valuations by the Island. Redcliffe, with a fairly high pro Valuer-General's Department. But should portion of boat owners, provides a fair num a future valuation be unduly infwenceJ by ber of the people who visit Moreton Island recent sales at very high figures, it could be for short periods. However, Brisbane, the necessary to establish Moreton Isla;-;d as State capital, is the area which provides a separate financial division to permit the the greatest number of people who use the levying of a differential rate. This could island and the facilities, if any, on it. be so, regardless of what local authority Brisbane is the base for all the transport area controlled the island. On the other services. It possesses a greater ability to hand, some of the ratepayers on Moreton finance any non-revenue-producing area such Island may be prepared to pay high rates as Moreton Island. I feel that the city of on the assumption that such revenue would Brisbane is much more suited than any other permit the council to provide improved local authority to controlling Morcton Island. amenities. Brisbane residents form the greatest pro It is important to mention that, if portion of the landholders on the island, Moreton Island were brought within the together with the visitors that go to Tan control of any local authority, it would galooma, and also a big proportion of the be as much a part of that local authority landowners and users of the Cowan Co;\an as any other, and it should not be regarded and Bulwer areas. as something apart merely because of its lack of physical contact. It should share The Tangalooma tourist resort was men a proportion of the total programme within tioned earlier. It is an area of 99 acres the priorities set by the local authority leased by Mr. Jim Kennedy, who is well irrespective of the particular contribution known to all members of the Committee. it makes to the total revenue. The honourable member for Lytton can be seen dovm there almost any week-end, In addition to rate revenue there would staying in the presidential su:te. That is be some receipts from licence and permit where he was \Vhen his suits were stolen fees but these would be fairly insignificant. in Brisbane one week-end. There is one An Opposition Member interjected. thing that disturbs me about the inclusion of Moreton Island in any local authority Mr. FRAWLEY: I am coming to that. area. Jim Kennedy has protested about I think the islands should have representa including Moreton Island in any local tion on the local aL:thority in which they authority whatsoever, and that makes me are included. Each island shm;Jd have suspicious. Why is he protesting so much aldermanic representation. I also think that about this? There is something wrong some grants should be given by the State and where. Something stinks about this and I Federal Government for such purposes as hope to find out what it is before I am the establishment of an administrative, con finished. struction and maintenance organisation and City of Brisbane Act [20 AUGUST 1974] Amendment Bill 241 development and control of public services, castigated me for the remarks I then raade, amenities and recreational facilities needed after I had proved to him, and-I say this for visitors. The visitors to the islands con confidently-also to the members of this tribute nothing to the finance of the con Assembly, that this did take place. If it trolling local authority. did not occur, why is the development of There are roughly 300 residential allot Moreton Island in such a chaotic state? ments on Moreton Island, together with Any honourable member who is conversant the Tangalooma resort. There is also an with the island would be fully aware of airstrip and several other blocks which are the problems that exist there relative to held by the Moreton Bay Boat Club and traffic and the provision of roads. various other fi~hing clubs. There are 30 The first person who bought a block of 1nining leases of areas ranging from 2} land on the island had only to make a very acres to 5,632 acres. small outlay to purchase four wooden pegs l was an alderman in the Redcliffe Citv with which to mark the boundaries of his Council and I have enough knowledge of land. The purchaser of the adjacent block local authorities to estimate that the rate was required to provide only two pegs to revenue from Moreton Island would be in mark his land, and e::ch successive purchaser the vicinity of $10,000. Any other services placed two markers to define the boundaries such as sanitation and refuse collection of his land. That shows a lack of proper would be charged according to cost. control by the State Government over the subdivision of land on Moreton Island. Mr. IV[arginson: What is the valuation of 1\1 ore ton Island? At that time the then Minister for Lands, when making a ministerial stz..tement about Mr. FRAWLEY: I honestly do not know the sale of Crown land on Moreton Island, the valuation of Moreton Island; I am not said- an approved valuer, but I base that estimate ' The honourable member for vVynnum on experience I had on the Redcliffe City tells us that the Lands Department is Council in drawing up its Budget over six guilty of fraudulent practice in that the years. defined roads in the locality are not In addition to a complete lack of normal trafficable." local government services on the island, I made that claim in the knowledge that there are no educational facilities, medical there were no trafficable roads on the island, facilities or police on the island. In fact, and I hope that I am not forced to make the water police attend to any problems a simibr claim when the Government hands that occur there. over the control of these islands to the Mr. Davis: Are there any bookmakers Brisbane City Council. there? I was also fully aware that the litho Mr. FRAWLEY: I told honourable mem graphs that were published and delivered to bers before that this is my own estimate people to encourage them to attend the Lands of Moreton Island. Department auction sale were confusing. Of course, it was the intention of the Minister The CHAIRMAN: Order! Will the hon and his colleagues in the Government to ourable member please address the Chair. confuse the people so that high prices could be obtained for the land. In fact, the prices Mr. FRAWLEY: I crave your indulgence, paid for land on Moreton Island were Mr. Lickiss, to answer the honourable mem approximately the same as those paid for ber for Brisbane. I feel that Moreton land at Jindalee. In other words, the buyers Island and the other islands previously of land on Moreton Island were sold a pup. mentioned would best be suited by being included in the area of the city of Brisbane This is a shocking state of affairs, and I because it is mo I very much fear that the bay has reached that they resent land in their areas that is a crisis point. If we allow uncontrolled not rateable. I can well understand this development of the islands, even to the attitude having regard to their responsibilities. degree presently evident on some of them, the bay will become so badly polluted in I would rather we discussed the establish years to come that it will no longer be a ment of an authority similar to that suggested haven for the fisherman or for any other by the honourable member for Redlands, aquatic recreation. with whom I differ only in terminology. I would prefer the Moreton Bay area to be To my amazement, when I directed a looked at as a vast treasure house for question to the Minister for Primary Indus people's enjoyment. It should be planned tries, who is responsible for fisheries in this sensibly and properly. This can only be State, he admitted quite cheerfully and done if the whole complex is placed under cRndidly that, even though subdivision of the control of one body. this type on bay islands has been proceeding for some time, no attempt has been made to Mr. NEWTON (Belmont) (10.3 p.m.): It conduct an impact study.. He excused that was not my intention to enter this debate lack of Government activity by pointing out but after hearing the honourable member that a land-use committee was investigating for Townsville castigate the Minister con the area. cerning off-shore islands, particularly in the A land-use committee is important, but so Townsville area, I feel I must. The hon is the impact of intrusion by human beings ourable member claimed that Opposition into areas such as Moreton Bay. It would be members did not know what they were talking a great tragedy for the State if the bay and about as he was able to quote from a its pleasures were lost to the people of our document, foolscap size, in printed form, capital city. I repeat that I believe that the clause 3 {a) which he said dealt with off crisis point has already been reached. shore islands in the Townsville area. I must say I am not very enthusiastic The honourable member for Cairns moved about a proposal for the Brisbane City that he table the notes, but the notes the Council to be responsible for one section, the honourable member tabled do not contain Redland Shire Council to be responsible for the document from which he quoted. I have another section and possibly the Albert Shire been a member of this Assembly for some to control the southern end of the bay. I time and I have had a similar motion moved would prefer one simple authority, whether while referring to notes, so I treat the matter it be deemed a trust or a development as being serious. Obviously the honourable authority or whatever term one cares to member was endeavouring to mislead the apply to it. Certainly, it should be a body Committee about the document that he held that would have the capacity to plan the uses in his hand. He left the Chamber without of the bay and its islands to ensure that no tabling the document from which he read. detrimental development takes place that It is obvious that it was not tabled, as there could lead to the deterioration of the area was nothing in the documents he tabled that as a natural attraction for recreation by was of foolscap size, in printed form, and Brisbane dwellers. nothing that dealt with clause 3 (a). On Mr. W. D. Hewitt interjected. behalf of the Opposition I say that he has wittingly obstructed the wishes of ~he Mr. SHERRINGTON: I have only touched Committee and blatantly bypassed a motwn briefly on some aspects of this matter. The moved by the honourable member for _Cairn.s. honourable member for Chatsworth spoke in He held the Chair and the commrttee m jocular vein about locking up some of the contempt by his action here this evening. islands and allowing no development. He did not realise how near the truth he was. Hon. H. A. McKECHNIE (Carnarvon Very soon we will need to take steps to Minister for Local Government and Electri ensure the preservation of the areas that city) (10.5 p.m.), in reply: The hon The honourable member for Redlands asks firmly objected to any inclusion. It is sup what finance will be available to the Bris ported by residents in that area. On the bane City Council should it take over other hand, two members of the Brisbane administration of Moreton Island. I should City Council-Aldlerman Shaw and Alder like to make it clear to the Committee man Ryan-have expressed a desire to have that, as the Bill stands, it contains no the island included within the city of mention of Moreton Island. I intend to have Brisbane. This is not the official opinion further discussions with the Brisbane City of the Brisbane City Council. That has Council on the matter, and I am awaiting a not been obtained yet. I had discussions reply to a letter that I wrote to the Lord with Alderman Shaw and with the Lord Mayor. Pending receipt of a reply, I leave Mayor. The Lord Mayor has left his that question open. I do not intend to dis options fairly open so far as Moreton Island cuss in any great detail the pros and cons is concerned. He has said that the Brisbane of including Moreton Island in the city of City Council is prepared to accept the other Brisbane, because that situation may or may Islands-Mud, Green and St. Helena. not arise. I shall advise honourable members The honourable member for Redcliffe said of the position in due course. he would like to see Moreton Island made The honourable member also asked whether a national park. There is nothing in the I had received a reply to the letter written Bill to prevent that. All national parks on to the Lord Mayor. In fairness to the the mainland are part of a local authority. Lord Mayor-he has not had time to reply. This gives them additional protection in that the ramifications of the Local Government The honourable member for Redlands also Act can be applied by the local authority raised the question of the Redland Bay to stop abuse, not so much in the national islands, namely, Macleay, Karragarra, Rus park but on the borders surrounding it, sell and Lamb. Ttese were freehold lands, which could cause damage to that particular and they are in a different category from park. the other islands that are mainly Crown lands and have been controlled to some The honourable member referred to Palm degree by the Government. No authority. Island and Thursday Island. Those islands except to a very limited degree the Titles are not the subject of this Bill. It is Office, had any control over the Redland purely applicable to the city of Brisbane Bay islands, and consequently they were wide and those islands which may be included open to exploitation. The other islands that within the boundaries of the city of Bris we are dealing with now are open to bane. The other approximately 1,000 exploitation, but to only a limited degree islands off the Queensland coast are all compared with the others. in the process of being included within the adjacent local authorities. As the honour This also raises the question of finance for able members know, the Torres Strait Islands the Redland Bay islands, which most likely were first included in the Town of Thursday will not be available to the Brisbane City Island, and this was subsequently altered to Council for Mud, Green and St. Helena the Shire of Torres. That action is com Islands. The fact that the Redland Bay pleted. islands were freehold lands, and were not I think it is also completed in relation controlled by a local authority, allowed to certain other local authorities. Due notice exploitation, and the Government felt that has been given in a newspaper circulating it was necessary to assist the Redland Shire in the area of all the other islands off the Council to overcome the problems that had Queensland coast and the period for objec been created. As yet, similar problems have tions thereto has closed. It is a matter now not been created on the three islands at of confirming or adjusting the various sug the mouth of the Brisbane River, and the gestions that the Local Government Depart purpose of the Bill is to keep ahead of ment has advertised. the problems that were encountered in the Redland Bay area. So it leaves purely those islands which may be included within the Brisbane City The honourable member for Redlands and Council area, as the sole ones that require others raised the possibility of establishing legislation to decide whither they go. I a separate local authority for the whole could not quite understand his comment that Moreton Bay islands complex. There is doctors and health authorities would ruin no legal provision for the creation of an Moreton Island. I will look into that a additional local authority in Queensland. It little more deeply. Moreton Island is mainly would therefore not be competent in law Crown land. Should it pass into the con for me to suggest that there should be such trol of either the Redcliffe City Council or a special local authority. the Brisbane City Council its zoning would The honourable member for Redcliffe be a matter for that local authority. asked why no decision had been made con But the Crown does retain quite a bit of cerning Moreton Island before the Bill was control in that the island is largely Crown brought down. The situation is that the land. Whether it is desirable or not I do not Local Government Department has proposed intend to discuss at this time, but it could be that Moreton Island should go into the city that the local authorities would enter into of Redcliffe. The city of Redc!iffe has very agreements with developers to develop these City of Brisbane Act [20 AuGusT 1974] Amendment Bill 245 islands. Some honourable members have to providing water and sewerage for that expressed the opinion that this would not island and I know that the Department of be desirable. This is a matter that would Local Government is doing the planning on be for the determination of the local author behalf of the Commonwealth Government ity concerned. Should Moreton Island pass and the Department of Aboriginal and Island to the Brisbane City Council, the Brisbane Affairs in this regard. City Council would have control and would decide what should occur. After all, The honourable member for Stafford said whether it is the Brisbane City Council or that some of the islands in Moreton Bay the Redcliffe City Council, the local auth have been exploited owing to lack of auth ority is made up of the elected representa ority. Unfortunately, we all have to agree tives of the people of that particular area. with him. That is why we want this legis Whatever the situation, the local authority is lation. He suggested that we do not close in the best position to provide services such the door after the horse is out. To some as health inspection, land use and control degree that happened in the bay islands now and, above all, building control on the islands. included in the Redland Shire area and we 1 am well aware that there are many sub do not want it to happen to the other islands. standard dwellings on some of the islands So in this case we are closing the door before off the Queensland coast. I should imagine the horse is out and l trust that we will that the local authorities would allow a preserve these islands and not have the prob reasonable time for these to be brought up lems we had on Lamb, Karragarra, Macleay to a reasonable standard but any new and Russell Islands. buildings would almost immediately come under the control of their various by-laws, Mr. Tucker: Do you say that subdivision including building by-laws. will be the prerogative of the local auth ority rather than the Lands Department? The honourable member for Sandgate men tioned that Moreton Island was of great Mr. McKECHNIE: The local authority benefit to Brisbane. I thoroughly agree with will bring the islands under its zoning system him. That is why, to some degree. I believe and this will exercise some control. Where !hat the Brisbane Citv Council is the most there are leases, this will have to be done M~:. M<:KECHNIE: Health was one of the Mr. McKECHNIE: The Leader of the re<,sons. The Townsville City Council is Opposition has never heard me speak of it. concerned about health. After all, Palm He may have heard discussions elsewhere, Island is an Aboriginal reserve within the but he has never heard me say it was the meaning of the Act and it will remain so, so intention of either the Government or myself that virtually all the expense of running that to fragment the Brisbane City Council. I island will be borne by the Department of have never said that. Aboriginal and Island Affairs in the future as it is today. I understand that the Com Mr. Tucker: Do you mean the Liberals monwealth Government has committed itself said it? 246 City of Brisbane Act [20 AUGUST 1974] Amendment Bill Mr. McKECHNIE: 'I am not saying The honourabJe member for Salisbury sup which other people have said it. All I am ports the creation of a separate local auth saying is that the Leader of the Opposrtion ority for the Moreton Bay islands. It is not cannot find where I have said that I believe within the power of our present legislation the city of Brisbane should be fragmented. to create another local authority. Mr. Tucker: You must have heard state Mr. Tucker: I don't think he said a local ments on your side of the House. author;ity. Mr. McKECHNIE: I have heard them Mr. McKECHNIE: He did early in his from many quarters. I have even heard them speech, and later he put forward a further from the Opposition side. My aim is to do suggestion. He suggested a separate local the right thing by a local authority, which authority for the Moreton Bay islands and ever it may be. The Government through later he said the whole of the bay would be me has not at any time endeavoured to frag in jeopardy if too much development takes ment the city of Brisbane. ,I believe tha:t the place in the bay. He hoped that a trust or addition of these islands is in the best inter development body would be set up. ests not only of the city of Brisbane but of Mr. Tucker interjected. the islands and the State of Queens,land as well. Mr. McKECHNIE: He made both points. He began with a local authovity, and as he Mr. Newton: Your attitude has changed went along he switched to a preference for dramatically since the redistribution, of a trust or a development body for the whole course. of the bay. Mr. McKECHNIE: No, there has not been Mr. Tucker interjected. any reduction in the size of Brisbane or in The CHAIRMAN: Order! I hope that the powers of the Brisbane City Council. the Minister and the Leader of the Opposition The honourable member for Murrumba will involve the Chair ,in their conversation. feels that Moreton Island should be included in the city of Brisbane. As I have said, this Mr. McKECHNIE: The honourable mem is a matter that will be discussed at a later ber for Salisbury also made the point that stage, and I will then give members all the local authorities resent the inclusion of land information I have on Moreton Island. in their areas unless it is rateable. He said that if the Redcliffe City Council gained I do not want to confuse the issue. Only possession of Moreton Island it would exploit five islands are mentioned in the Bill, and the island. I refute those claims. I do they are: Mud, Green, St. Helena, Bishop not think local authorities are so mercenary and Fisherman Islands. as to accept land only if it is rateable. After all, they grant many concessions, and I Naturally I agree with the honourable believe that they approach this whole matter member for Murrumba that they will be in a reasonable manner. valued in due course by the Valuer-'General and that the landholders wi11 be paying rates. The honourable member for Belmont claimed that the honourable member for The honourable member for Wynnum Townsville did not table a document relative asked why the secrecy surrounding the intro to Palm Island from which he quoted. I am duction of the Bill. I do not recall the pub not aware of any document associated with lication of the provisions of any Bill before the proposed Bill that in any way mentions it was introduced in Parliament. The Press Palm Island. If the honourable member for have been aware for a long time that it Townsville was quoting from a document was the intention of the Government to that mentioned Palm Island, it did not relate include all islands off the Queensland coast to the Bill. within local authority areas. Quite some time Mr. Newton: Thank you for clearing that ago I issued a Press statement to the effect up. that is was the Government's intention to introduce legislation to include those islands Mr. McKECHNIE: I believe I have near the mouth of the Brisbane River. covered all matters raised by honourable Admittedly I named only three-Mud, Green members who took part in the debate. If on and St. Helena~which I thought was suf looking through my notes I find that I have ficient at the time. :I cannot see where the not done so, I will try to give a more honourable member gets his secrecy. detailed explanation in my second-reading speech. Mr. W. D. Hewitt: He is trying to create Motion (Mr. McKechnie) agreed to. a mystery where there is none. Resolution reported. Mr. McKECHNIE: That is quite correct. He implied that secret agreements had been FIRST READING made with developers. Nothing could be further from the truth. No developers have Bill presented and, on motion of Mr. been invited or encouraged to discuss with McKechnie, read a first time. me anything of this nature. The House adjourned at 10.27 p.m.