Ila 118(ASSEMBLY.]

We are not alone In this predicament and a short time ago Sir Charles Court met with his fellow Premiers in Melbourne to consider a further approach to the Wednesday, the 31st July, 1974 Prime Minister seeking reconsideration of his earlier decision. The SPEAKER (Mr Hutchinson) took It is hoped that a meeting can be ar- the Chair at 4.30 p.m., and read prayers. ranged for early next month so that the Commonwealth can be informed of action already taken by the States to raise addi- QUESTIONS (35): ON NOTICE tional revenue and of the revenue gap still 1. STATE INFORMATION SERVICE confronting us in the light of recent wage increases. Centralisation an~d Cost At the same time, we propose to discuss Mr 3. T. TONKIN, to the Premier: the serious inflation problem which has (1) What was the cost of the special now assumed the character of a national report to the State Government emergency and will offer to co-operate with commissioned and compiled by the Commonwealth on agreed steps to W. W. Mitchell and Associates check the spiral. relating to a proposal for the establishment of a State Informa- I am hopeful that the meeting will be tion service reported to involve an able to reach agreement on measures that expenditure exceeding $1 million? can be taken by all Governments in a con- (2) Does the plan recommended which certed attack on an evil that is endanger- provides for the centralisation of ig the whole fabric of the nation's econ- the information service in the omy. Unless inflation is brought under Premier's Department niot conflict control, no-one will be able to plan ahead with his election undertaking to with any confidence and Budgets become decentralise administration and mere expressions of hope as to what the decision making into the main re- final outcome for the year will reveal. gional centres "so that peo~ile can Returning now to the year lust ended, it talk to Government on the spot, is to be noted that although revenue and get answers, and get action"? expenditure both exceeded the Estimates (3) is it still Intended to set up a sub- by very substantial sums, the deficit was stantial Government centre in the held within the Budget Estimate. main regional centres, "headed by an officer with aLhigh status in The final deficit for 1973-74 was the public service", and "staffed $5 732 000 which was $1 210 000 lower than by public servants selected for the amount allowed for In the Budget. their dedication to the regional concept of administration and de- Expenditure for the Year exceeded the cision making"? Estimate by $20 041 000 due mainly to out- (4) Will he explain how he can poss- lays on account of wage increases far ex- ibly adopt any of the proposals ceeding the sum provided in the Estimates. referred to in the above questions Revenue collections were $21 256 000 and at the same time achieve the "severe cut In the growth of the higher than the Budget Estimate. State Public Service this financial Commonwealth payments under the Fin- year", which he has been reported ancial Assistance Grant arrangements were to have ordered? $10 500 000 more than had been forecast (5) Is the proposal for the establish- mainly because the increase in average ment of a State Information ser- wages taken into account In the formula vice at more than a million dol- was higher than anticipated when the Bud- lars a first step in his "campaign get was framed. of getting costs down"? Higher wage rates than were expected in (6) If not, when is it expected the 1973-74, were also reflected in pay-roll tax first step will be taken? collections which exceeded the Budget Esti- Sir CHARLES COURT replied:. mate by $4 579 000. (1) $600. Other State taxes which exceeded the (2) No. On the contrary, the pro- Estimate were Probate duty by $2 580 000, posals submitted to the Govern- stamp duties $1 641 000 and land tax ment for Improved State in- $1 035 000. formation services provide for Debate adjourned, on motion by the the distribution of information Hon. R. Thompson (Leader of the Opposi- to State Government offices tion). established in regions of Western Australia, and for feed-back of House a~djourned at 8.32 pi.7a information from the regional offices to a Potential State infor- mation service headquarters in Perth. [Wednesday. 31 July, 1974) 119"

(3) Yes, it Is the Government's In- (2) What examination has been tention to progressively proceed undertaken and by whom? with the establishment of main (3) What has been the result? regional centres. As previously announced, it is planned to have Sir CHARLES COURT replied: at least one of these centres (1) I would not know whether the established within a year. purported statement is verbally (4) By the examination of work correct, although it could well be. loads at present carried by Public If it is, it relates to the fact that Service officers and establishment we did promise the mining of organisation and methods to fraternity we would support their ensure greater productivity, thus aims with the Commionwealth for requiring the employment of less continuing tax concessions and staff than might otherwise be the for their request for a grant or case. loan for renewing plant and housing. (5) and (0) The report compiled by W. W. Mitchell & Associates for At the same time, we mentioned the establishment of improved we could asist with housing State information services Is through the State Housing Com- still under consideration by the mission and also through the Government. A firm cost figure Industrial and Commercial Em- has not yet been established for ployees Housing Act. the suggested service. In any Inideed, the State Housing Comn- case, there is no certainty the mission has been helping a com- recommendations will be adopted, pany with housing for its as the Government is considering Kalgoorlie operations. This help alternatives to improve the pres- has been acknowledged in an ent Position and without serious appreciative letter. increases in cost. (2) Reports and requests from the Chamber of Mines, the Amalga- 2. GOVERNMENT GARAGE mated Prospectors' and Lease- holders' Association, and other Industrial Agreement interested people, have been col- Mr J. T. TONKIN, to the Premier: lated, and the Minister for Mines (1) Has an agreement covering re- visited the area and interviewed muneration and conditions for many of them. employees at the Government (3) See answer to (1). garage been completed? (2) If "No", when is it expected negotiations will be finalised? 4. TRAFFIC CONTROL ORGANISATION (3) Is it intended that when the agreement is finalised any part of Nature and Cost it will have retrospective appli- Mr J. T. TONKIN, to the Premier: cation? (1) Has the Government decided the Sir CHARLES COURT replied: precise nature of the traffic con- trol organisation it is proposed to (1) No. establish? (2) Details of a claim to vary the (2) If "Yes". what is the estimated existing industrial agreement cost of establishment plus run- were not received until yesterday, ning costs for one year? Tuesday, 30th July, 1974, and it is too early to say when negotia- Sir CHARLES COURT replied: tions will be finalised. (1) and (2) The precise nature of (3) The question of retrospectivity the traffic authority has not has not been raised in the claim. been determined, although the broad basis on which the auth- 3. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ority Is to function has been established. Security and Planned Expansion An estimate of cost could be Mr J. T. TONKIN, to the Premier: given. But in view of the mis- (1) Does he recall saying on 4th April, understandings and misinterpre- with reference to the goldfields- tations which occur when efforts We will examine the whole posi- are made to give information tion as soon as we take office before finality has been reached, and see if we can, from within the Government intends to get the State's meagre finance re- its Proposals to final form before sources, do something tangible making detailed public explana- to help the industry to achieve tions of the overall scheme and security and plan expansion? the release of financial figures. 120 120ASSEMLY. I

The cost estimates must also be (2) (a) Was there any public an- Included in Budget considera- nouncement regarding these tions. Increases: (b) If so, when, and if not, why 5. LOCAL GOVERNMENT not? Road Works: Expenditure Mr O'CONNOR replied: Mr JAMIESON, to the Minister for (1) (a) and (b) General increases in Local Government: interstate and intrastate passen- (1) What percentage of local autho- ger fares were implemented as rity income was used in road from 1st July, 1974. works in this State in- Ancillary charges such as morn- (a) rural; ing tea. rates on interstate trains (b) metropolitan, were not itemised but form part local authorities during the last of an average increase of 13.5% three fiscal years? arbitrary fares. (2) Is he aware of the similar per- in intersystem centage used in each of the other Interstate rail fares (excluding States in each of the last three metropolitan) were increased by fiscal years? 17.5%. However, it was necessary to increase meal fees on The Mr RUSHTON replied: Prospvector by 50c for adults and 36c for children to off-set rising (1) 1971-72: cost for meals on this service. .. 38.9 Rural (2) (a) Yes. metropolitan (Perth statistical divi- (b) Published in The West Aus- sion) ...... 28.2 tralian newspaper 19th June and 1st July, Australian Financial 1972-73: Review 20th June, Sunday Times Rural ...... 37.3 29th June, Daily News 3rd July. Metropolitan (Perth Reports also appeared in several statistical divi- country newspapers. sion) .. .. 29.3 1973-74: 8. CASLEY, Mr LEONARD Information not yet available. These figures do not include road Fines, and Treasury Payments expenditure from loan funds. Mr T. D. EVANS, to the Premier: This information is not readily (1) Referring to a news item in the available. Daily News of 24th May last, (2) No. headed "Protest at top level", has the Government received what 6. CROWN LEASES was in the said item referred to as a "diplomatic" protest from Mr Kalgoorlie-Boulder: Conversion to Leonard Casley following fines Freehold imposed on him In the Geraldton Mr T. D. EVANS, to the minister for Court of Petty Sessions on 23rd Lands: May, 1974? How many Crown leases in the (2) If "Yes" what has been the Gov- Kalgoorlie-Boulder area have ernment's response to same? been the subject of application (3) As the said news item also refer- for conversion of the tenure to red to the State Treasury Depart- freehold during the last 12 ment having paid moneys to Mr months? Casley's so-called "treasury" for Mr RIDGE replied: goods received, would he please Approximately 1300 applications. explain, (a) what moneys; and 7. PERTH -KAWLO0RLXE (b) what goods? RAILJWAY S19RVICE Sir CHARLES COURT replied: Meals: Price increase (1) NO. Mr T. D. EVANS, to the Minister for Transport: (2) Answered by (1). (1) When did the increased price- (3) (a) A payment of one dollar was (a) for a meal ticket on the Pros- made by the Library Board pector (25% increase); and of Western Australia by cash (b) mowning tea ticket on inter- order drawn upon the state trains between Perth Teasurer of Western Aus- and Kalgoorlie (61% in- tralia, payable to "National crease), commence to oper- Treasury, Hutt River Pro- ate? vince". [Wednesday, 31 July, 19741 1212

Payment of the cash order year by finance provided by the has since been stopped and Australian Government? a fresh cash order issued in (4) As at 30th June, 1974, what was lieu, in favour of Mr L. G. the total number of children at- Casley. I hope that does not tending approved Pre-school cen- create an international inici- tres, and how many of these were dent. Aboriginal children? (b) Payment was made for a publication supplied to the (5) How many children from country ibrary Board. areas were in attendance as at the said date? 9. ELECTORAL Mr MENSAROS replied: Joint Commonwealth-State Roll (1) 286. Mr T. D. EVANS, to the Minister rep- (2) Country: 16g. resenting the Minister for Justice: Metropolitan: 117. (1) Does the Government intend to legislate by amendment of the (3) Nine centres in the following Electoral Act to facilitate the use areas- of a joint Commonwealth-State Armadale, electoral roll at the next State Belmont, general elections? Coolbellup, (2) If not, why not? Langford, Mr O'NEfL1 replied: Nollamara, (1) and (2) The matter Is still under North Lockrldge, consideration. Albany, 10. QUEENSLAND FEDERAL Bunbury, ELECTION Geraldton. (4) 13315 (metropolitan 7 015; Participat ion by Premier country 6 300) 949 Aboriginal Mr T. D. EVANS. to the Premier: children. (1) Is it true that during the recent (5) 6 300. Federal election campaign he travelled specifically to Queens- land to take part in that cam- 12. PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION paign? Regional Scheme (2) If "Yes" to (1). was Government expense involved? Mr T. D. EVANS, to the Minister (3) If "Yes" to (2) in what manmer? representing the Minister for Educa- tion: Sir CHARLES COURT replied: Would he please outline the (1) Yes, so far as the journey beyond rationale and operation of the Sydney to Queensland and return regional scheme adopted by the to Sydney, was concerned. I had Pre-School Education Board? commitments of an official nature in Sydney, quite independent of Mr MENSAROS replied: the Queensland visit. The regional advisory scheme of (2) No, so far as the Queensland part the Western Australian Pre- of the visit was concerned. School Education Board was (3) Answered by (2). commenced with two pilot schemes in 1971. The aim of the 11. PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION scheme is to Provide an advisory CENTRES service to country pre -school teachers. At Present there are Number and Enrolments eleven regional advisory teachers Mr T. Dl EVANS, to the Minister in the employ of the board. representing the Minister for Educa- tion: 13. PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION (1) How many approved pre-school ASSOCIATION centres were operating as at 30th June, 1974? Financial Assistance (2) What were the respective numnber Mr T. D. EVANS, to the Minister of centres in the metropolitan representing the Minister for Educa- area and country areas at that tion: date? (1) Does the Government intend to (3) Where and how many additional financially assist the Western centres in disadvantaged areas are Australian Branch of the Aus- to be constructed this calendar tralian Pre-School Association? 122 1221ASB5MMY.

(2) If not, would the Minister, having (b) transferring children from regard for the fact that the Pre- Primary school to secondary School Education Act 1973 speci- school at the end of the year fically refers to the adoption by in which a subject child turns pre-school centres of the reqiuired eleven years; standards and recommendations (c) extension of the period of of the APA, seek a review of the secondary education from five decision not to assist, or if no to six years; such decision has in fact been (d) limiting student members at made, would the Minister sympa- both high and senior high thetically consider making some schools? financial assistance available? (2) When were these standards ar- Mr MENSAROS replied: rived at, and who made the (1) and (2) The Minister for Educa- estimates? tion will make a decision on the Sir CHARLES COURT replied: application for funds of the Western Australian branch of (1) and (2) Priority has been given the Pre-School Association when to implemenation of the policy. he receives the report for which on a phased basis, for children in he has called from the Pre-School their fifth year of age, A final Education Board. estimate for full development of this policy will depend on the recommendation of the expert 14. HIGH SCHOOLS committee working in this area. Admission of li-Vear-olds Preliminary discussions have been held in regard to secondary edu- Mr T. D. EVANS, to the Minister cation. It is not possible at the representing the Minister for Educa- present stage to provide precise tion:* estimates for full implementation (1) Has Cabinet made a decision re until further details of buildings, implementation or otherwise of educational requirements and the Government's ire-election an- staffing are available. nounced policy of providing- (a) presumably on a compulsory 16. COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC basis the transfer of children HEALTH from a primary school to a Appointment secondary school at the end of the year in which such Mr DAVIES, to the Minister repre- children turn eleven years of senting the Minister for Health: age; (1) When was the vacancy of Corn- (b) on a voluntary basis, an ex- missioner for Public Health tension of secondary educa- advertised? tion from five to six years? (2) Has an appointment yet been made? (2) Will the policy referred to apply (3) to children attending non-Gov- If so- ernment schools? (a) who is the successful appli- cant; Mr MENSAROS replied: (b) when was the appointment (1) (a) and (b) No. made? (2) Non-Government schools are (4) If not, what is the reason for the autonomous and thus have free- delay? dom to adopt individual policies Mr RIUDGE replied: provided they meet the require- (1) in the Government Gazette on 3st ments of the Education Act to be May, 1974 and the Press on 1st classified as an efficient school. June, 1974. (2) The appointment has been made 15. GOVERNMENT EDUCATION and is awaiting formalities be- POLICY fore being announced. Cost of Implementation (3) and (4) Answered by (2). Mr T. D. EVANS, to the Treasurer: 17. This question was postponed. (1) What are the latest estimates of cost of full Implementation of the is. ENVIRONMENTIAL Government's education policy as PROTECTION announced in the Pre-election policy speech- Swan River: Industrial Effluent (a) lowering the admission age In Mr A. R, TONY-IN, to the Minister for the primary school; Conservation and Environment; [Wednesday. 31 July, 1974112 123 (1i What are the details of the dis- (2) What charges are made to pati- charges into the Swan River made ents who are only in receipt of under permit by each of the in- an aged pension or an invalid dustries concerned? pension? (2) What are the analytical results (3) Is the hospital wholly owned by of sampling made during 1974? the State Government? (4) What assistance per patient is Mr STEPHENS replied: received from the Commonwealth (1) 1 request that the answer to part Government? (1) be tabled. (5) What other assistance is received from any source? The ansVCT was tabled (see paper No. 125). Mr RIDGE replied: (2) The Swan River Conservation (1) $16 per day. Board samples 50 points In the (2) From $17.85 per week. Individual Swan and Canning Rivers on a assessment based on patient's regular basis. The results of ability to pay. analyses of such sampling are (3) No. available for Inspection by re- sponsible persons at the offices of (4) Standard Commonwealth Govern- the Swan River Conservation ment health benefits which cur- Board. rently are- ordinary care patients: $5.10 19. GOVERNMENT Per day. Intensive care patients: $8.10 PRODUCTIVITY per day. Index for Measuring (5) State Government subsidy; and Mr A. R. TONKIN, to the Premier: donations from the public. What progress has been made In devising an index to measure the 22. SCHOOL productivity of government which North-east Morley Area was stated as an aimn In his Gov- ernment in his policy speech Mr A. R. TONKIN, to the Minister delivered In March this year? representing the Minister for Educa- tion: Sir CHARLES COURT replied: "11) Has the Minister determined upon The Chairman of the Public Ser- a site for the proposed new prim- vice Board has been asked, as part ary school in the north-east of the current overall review of Morley area? the Public Service, to progressively (2) If "Yes" which site has been develop the procedures necessary chosen and what is the present to measure the functions and pro- status of the site? ductivity of each of the many (3) If "No" when Is it expected that parts of the Government service a site will be chosen? as distinct from an approach based primarily and only on reducing Mr MENSAROS replied: numbers. (1) Yes. In a service as large and complex, (2) The combined primary and special arbitrary application of percent- school site of 6.3 hectares (15.52 age figures in each department is acres) forms Part of lots 3, 4 and not good enough. 5, Benara Road, Morley. Action The objective must be to achieve for acquisition is proceeding. the overall economies but still (3) Not applicable. maintain the required standards of competence, capacity and 23. INTERSTATE COMMISSION productivity. Re-establihment 20. This question was postponed. Mr A. R. TONKIN, to the Premier: Is the Government in favour of the re-establishment of the 21. HOME OF PEACE, interstate commission In accord- INGLEWOOD ance with section 101 of the Aus- Charges tralian Constitution and which was abolished by the Menzies Mr A. R. TONKINT, to the AMister Government? representing the Minister for Health: (1) What is the estimated cost of Sir CHARLES COURT replied: keeping a patient at the Home of The inter-State Commission Peace, Inglewood? ceased to exist in 1920 following 124 124AZSEMBLY.)

a High Court decision in 1915 that (4) Have the employees so affected the commission had no Judicial been found alternative employ- power, ment? In view of this, I understand It Mr MENSAROS replied: was considered the commission's effectiveness was virtually nil. The (1) The two Western Australian in- Inter-State Commission Act 1912 dustries affected by tariff cuts was eventually repealed by the are the clothing and footwear Statute Law Revision Act 1950. industries. The Government has no intention (2) Certain sections of the Western of asking for its re-establishment Australian clothing industry at the present time-especally in anticipate loss of production view of the Constitution Convern- through the tariff cuts. The tion currently In existence, and footwear industry has further considering all aspects of the declined through tariff cuts. Constitution. (3) One footwear employee is re- ceiving Commonwealth assist- 24. OPEN UIhVERSITIES ance and a further 18 applica- COAMMITTEE tions have been registered this Report week. (4) In most cases alternative em- Mr A. R. TONKIN, to the Minister ployment has been found. Some representing the Minister for Educa- employees are being considered tion: for various retraining schemes. (1) Has he received a preliminary or a final report from the open 26. POPULATION Universities Committee of the Australian Universities Commis- Immigration Department Report sion? Mr A. R, TONKIN, to the Minister for (2) If "Yes", would he table the Immigration: report? Has he received a report on the future size and distribution of (3) If "No" when does he expect to Australia's population from the receive the report, and will he committee, commissioned by the table it upon receipt? Commonwealth Department of immigration and headed by Mr MENSAROS replied:; Professor W. D. Bornie? (1) The Minister for Education has received a copy of the draft re- Mr GRAYDEN replied. port (entitled Open Tertiary No. I have been advised that Education) of the Committee on the report is likely to be com- Open University of the Austra- pleted and Issued in late 1974 or lian Universities Commission. It early 1975. is understood that the commit- tee intends to produce a final re- 27. CRUDE OIL PRICE port for submission to the Com- monwealth Minister for Educa- Government Policy tion, through the Australian Uni- Mr A. R. TONKIN, to the Premier: versities Commission, after it has received comments on the draft Will he indicate his Govern- report. ment's policy with respect to the (2) Yes. price of crude oil, considering that the Federal Leader of the The report was tabled (see paper Country Party, which latter is a No. 126). component of the present State (3) Not applicable. Government, stalted that the Price of crude oil should be increased? 25. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT Sir CHARLES COURT replied: Tartiff Cuts: Effect The Government believes that it is vitally important to stimulate Mr A. R. TONKIN, to the Minister for oil exploration in Australia, If Industrial Development: we are to maintain even our (1) What specific western AMl- present level of self -sufficiency tralian industries and firms have of 70% of demand. Unless ad- been adversely affected by the two ditional oil is found, self-suffi- tariff cuts of the Past 18 months? ciency will decline to about 20% (2) To what extent has there been by 1985 and Australia will be effect? faced with huge payouts for imi- an adverse ported high cost oil to supple- (3) How many employees have been ment its diminishing produc- retrenched as a result of the cuts? tion. i Wednesday, 31 July, 19741 125

With this in mind, the State in the implementation of the Government advocates a more Convention on Water Lands of realistic attitude by the Com- International Importance estab- monwealth Government to lished as water fowl habitat exploration and development of which was "signed" by Australia petroleum resources. on 8th May? This policy will need to have Mr STEPHENS replied: proper regard for- Current inflated costs of ex- No. ploration and development. 30. LANGFORD SCHOOL World market prices and trends. Conditions of exploration and Accommodation development (including roy- Mr BATEMAN, to the Minister repre- alties and prices) which will senting the Minister for Education: attract explorers and devel- opers. (1) In view of the increasing number The price of Australian crude oil of children attending the Lang- is determined by the Federal ford Primary school, will the Government. That Government present accommodation be suffi- has stated, at the Royal Com- cient for the 1974 school year? mission on Petroleum on 9th (2) If not, what action is anticipated July, 1974, that the indigenous or intended to prevent the inevi- crude oil policy as formulated in table overcrowding? 1968 by the then Prime Minis- ter, Is confirmed by the present Mr MENSAROS replied: Federal Government in its opera- (1) There will be adequate accom- tion as to allocation and pricing, modation. and continues in force until Sep- tember, 1980. with a price review (2) Not applicable. in September 1975. 31. TRAFFIC PROSECUTIONS STOCK Willetton School Area Polyunsaturated Feed Supplements Mr BATEMAN, to the Minister for Mr A. R. TONKIN, to the Minister for Traffic: Agriculture: (1) Is he aware that many traffic (1) Are poly-feed supplements being Prosecutions were made on Fri- fed to sheep and cattle in an day, 19th July, 1974 at Wood- endeavour to obtain polyunsatur- ated flesh and milk? pecker Avenue, Willetton? (2) Are there any controls in this (2) If so, is he aware that the peo- State upon that kind of practice? pie prosecuted were delivering their small children by car to the (3) Is there any substance in the Willetton Primary school for the claim that feeding of such sub- sake of safety? stance to stock will lead to the development by the animals of (3) Was this particular area kept polyunsaturated fats? under surveillance by the Police Mr McPHARIN replied: Traffic Branch? (1) This is being carried out on a (4) If "Yes" for how long? research basis but not in West- (5) (a) If "Yes" to (3) and (4), did ern Australia. It Is not yet the traffic branch warn the being done commercially. headmaster of the Willetton (2) At present there are no stand- primary school that parents ards for polyunsaturated dairy delivering their children to products, but the National school were creating traffic Health and Medical Research infringements; Council has been requested to consider the formulation of stan- (b) if not, why not? dards. The Feeding Stuffs Act (6) (a) Did the traffic branch advise would enable the control of such the Town of Canning there a practice. was a traffic problem at this (3) Yes. particular junction; CONSERVATION (b) if not, why not? Water Lands of International Mr O'CONNOR replied: Importance (1) No, but I am informed that in- Mr A. R. TONKIN, to the Minister fringement notices were issued for Conservation and Environment: for parking offences. Has the Western Australian Gov- (2) No. I believe drivers deliver- ernment been asked by the Aus- ing and waiting for children tralian Government to co-operate were creating a dangerous hazard 226 126ASSEMefL.

by parking on the crest of a hill Mr MENBAROS replied: and the approaches, causing con- gestion and chaos. (1) 343 property owners. (2) 210. (3) Yes. (3) Variable after verbal negotia- (4) It has been the subject of sur- tion. veillance for the past two (4) 10. months, during which time many (5) This is not practical. However Parents were warned concern- the full value of land so occu- Ing the parking off ences. pied is Included in the comapen- (5) (a) and (b) The headmaster sation payment for the negotiated wrote to the Police Department easement. drawing attention to the con- gestion and danger and was al- 34' SCHOOLS ready aware of the situation. Libraries.,Finance (6) The Town of Canning was al- ready aware of the situation and Mr BATEMAN, to the Minister repre- discussions have been held be- senting the Minister for Education; tween the Town of Canning and (1) Is he aware that Over the Past 12 the Main Roads Department on years mothers have built up a this matter. library system in Primary schools with the aid of the Library Ser- 32. GOSNELLS SCHOOL vices Branch of the Education Department? Upgrading (2) Is he further aware that this Mr BATEMvAN, to the Minister repre- voluntary service has been paid senting the Minister for Education: for by the local parents and (1) In view of the age of the Gosnells citizens' association In the form primary school and the Immediate of honorarium? need to repair many sections of it, (3) If (1) and (2) are "Yes' will the is it the department's intention Karmel money ranted to the to upgrade and carry out the Education Department be made much needed work at the school available to finance this service? this financial year? (4) (a) If (3) is "Yes" what effect (2) If "Yes" when can it be expected will this have on the future this work will commence? employment of the mothers who have given years of Mr MENSAROS replied: voluntary and devoted ser- (1) An external and internal repairs vice: and renovations programme is (b) will they be allowed to con- listed for classrooms 1 to 11 as tinue and receive payment a top priority item for 1974-75. for their work from the Gov- (2) An actual commencement date ernment or be retained by the cannot be nominated until the parents and citizens' associa- details of the 1974-75 finances tion on an honorarium? are available. Mr MENSAROS replied: 33. SWINANA-BALGA POWER (1) Yes. LINE (2) It is believed that this has oc- Properties Affected curred in a few cases. (3) The schools commission sup- Mr BATEMAN, to the Minister for ports the appointment of Electricity: teacher-librarians and finance Is (1) How many properties are affec- available for their training and ted by the SEC powerline between employment. Kwlnana and Balga? (4) (a) Not applicable. (2) How many owners have received (b) The provision of support an off er so far? services for professional teacher- (3) What is the time lapse between librarians is at present being in- valuation of property and mailing vestigated. of a written offer for the ease- ment? 35. HOSPITAL BENEFITS (4) H-ow many officers of the SEC Operations and Electroardiographs are engaged in compensation Mr BATEMAN, to the minister rep- claims? resenting the Minister for Health: (5) As land on which pylons are (1) Is he aware that patients who erected has been taken away by have operations or ECO's on the the SEC would he advise why the same day as the consultation with land is not purchased by the their doctor cannot claim hospi- SEC? tal benefits on both charges? [Wednesday, 31 July, 1974] 127

(2) If so, does he intend to take action Pursuant to a report In The West to overcome this anomaly? Australian newspaper of 18th April, 1974, which stated that the Mr RIDGE replied: Minister for Police would follow (1) Yes. up specific matters arising from the Police Department report on (2) Action has been initiated with the demonstration against the the Commonwealth Govern- Prime Minister at the State elec- ment to correct the anomaly. tion rally In March of this year- (a) what were the specific mat- HOUSING ters to which this report re- Lan gford: Adverse Publicity ferred; Mr BATEMAN, to the Minister for (b) have they, in fact, been fol- Housing: lowed up; (1) Reference is made to an article (c) what conclusions and subse- which appeared In the flaily News quent action resulted from of Tuesday, 30th July, 1974, con- these further investigations? demning the State Housing Com- Mr O'CONNOR replied: mission over what is claimed to (a) Further investigations con- be a "slum type" housing devel- cerning the throwing of a opment at Langford, and as it is can believed that many residents in at the Prime Minister. the Langford estate consider that (b) Yes. their personal endeavours to im- (c) Inquiries were carried out Prove their suburb is being seri- by Police officers with a ously affected by these misin- view to apprehending the of- formed allegations, will he make fender, without success. a public statement allaying the apprehensions of these people? 38. LUPINS, (2) What action will he take to en- Order from Nationalist China sure that there is no repetition of Mr H. D. EVANS, to the Minister for this unfortunate publicity? Agriculture: Mr O'NEfL~ replied: (1) Is it a fact that the authorised (1) I have read the article referred representatives of the Central to. I am unable to ascertain Trust of China in Taipeh called whether the Member's belief for tenders in the South China that many residents are con- Morning Star and the Australian cerned about such statements is in February and March of this factual. However, I am aware year for 10 metric tonnes of that many are concerned about lupins? some aspects of the commission's (2) If this is so. did the Western Aus- Proposed development. 570 resi- tralian Grain Pool submit a ten- dents of the Langford area have der to supply such an order? Petitioned the Parliament through (3) If the report referred to in (1) Hon. C. E. Griffiths, M.L.C., Con- above is factual, and the W.A. cerning this matter and I shall be Grain Pool did not submit a ten- meeting a deputation from the der, what is the reason for not Residents Progress Association ar- doing so? ranged through Hon. C. E. Grif- fiths at 10 am. on Friday.' 9th Mr MePHARLIN replied: August. It is hoped to be able (1) I am informed that cuttings to reach some compromise in the of these advertisements were interests of both the State Hous- shown to the representative of ing Commission and the resi- the successful tenderer when be dents concerned. was in Talpeh. (2) 1 am sure that on reflection the (2) No. Member would be the last one (3) The Grain Pool in Its endeavours to agree that Members of Par- to promote lupins throughout liament should be "gagged". the world has to consider the There is certainly no action long-term value of any market available to me, my party or the to Western Australian growers. Government to prevent members Therefore, the Grain Pool did making any statement they not tender to Taiwan at that deem fit, and I trust there never Particular time for that particu- will be. lar quantity but, within the last two or three weeks, has held dis- 37. POLICE cussions in Taiwan which were a follow-UP to the Grain Pool's Election Rally: Demonstration contacts over the past years Against Prime Minister with Mr S. C. Hsieh, of the Trad- Mr H. D). EVANS, to the Minister for Ing Department of the Central Police: Trust of China. 128 128ASSEMBLY.]

It is hoped that these discus- contributed on a -dollar-for-dol- sions will prove of extreme value lar basis by the State and Com- to the lupin industry. For in- monwealth, will be utilised. formiation, the Central Trrust of (4) Growers who shipped fruit at China already trades with the risk to the United Kingdom and Western Australian Barley Mar- Continent will be credited with keting Board for many thousands a pro rata amount in relation of tons of barley via the Grain to the total quantity of apples Pool, and Grain Pool officers are shipped. Estimates based upon fully conversant with all mar- returns to date for the quantity keting procedures. of apples shipped indicate the assistance will be in the vicinity 39. APPLES of $1.50. The amount actually received by Individual growers Exports and Guaranteed Prie will depend upon their balance Mr H. D. EVANS, to the Minister for of account with the shipper. Agriculture: (5) General indications have been (1) What was the total quantity of that the market will be non- apples exported from Western viable. However, there has been Australia to-- a significant increase in prices (a) United Kingdom: in the last few weeks and the position next year will depend (b) other markets, largely upon the supply and de- during the last export season? mand relationship and costs of (2) Are exported apples to both mar- export. ket categories designated in (1) (6) The matter of assistance is be- above eligible for State/Common- lang considered by Industry at wealth guarantee to raise the both State and Commonwealth grower return to the BAE sup- level. The continuation of port price level? export stabilisation payments (3) What amount of the State and has been referred to the Indus- Commonwealth financial guaran- tries Assistance Commission. The tee to exporters of apples in this recently-appointed Australian State will be utilised for the in- Apple and Pear Corporation has tended purpose? been given trading pawers and terms of reference to include (4) What amount per bushel will be promotion and alternative mar- received by growers from the ket outlets, including processing guaranteed amount? and fresh fruit. (5) What is the prognosis of the apple export Industry for the 1974- 40. RAILWAYS 75 season, with particular refer- ence to the United Kingdom Derailments market? Mr T. H. JONES, to the Minister for (6) Does the Western Australian Gov- Transport: ernment contemplate assisting (1) Will he list the individual train apple growers In the 1974-75 sea- derailments for the years 1960 to son, and if so, In what way and 30th June, 1974 inclusive? to what extent? (2) How many departmental inquiries Mr MoPHARLIN replied: were carried out in connection (1) The quantity of apples exported with the derailments? to the 30th June from Western (3) What action does the department Australia according to destina- intend introducing to minimise tion is as follows-- the number of derailments? *boxes Mr O'CONNOR replied: United Kingdom 8..02779 The information requested will European Continent 153 995 take a little time to collate. Other markets . . 385 138 However, I will arrange for the Equivalent to previous term information to be passed to the bushel. Member as soon as it is avail- (2) No. Only with respect to able. United Kingdom and Continent 41. TRAFFIC INSPECTORS quantities shipped at risk. Employment of Redundant Officers (3) Varietal returns have not yet been received so that average Mr T. H. JONES, to the Minister for returns have not been calculated. Transport: Estimates based on prices re- As reference has been made in ceived to date indicate that the the Press that he has met repre- total amount, viz., $1 214 600 sentatives of the traffic inspec- [Wednesday, 31 July, 1974112 129

tors organisation in connection Mr MENSAROS replied: with the employment of any re- Our oil records are maintained dundant workers under the high- in tons. way patrol, would he therefore East South Kwinana please advise the outcome of the Perth Fremantle talks? 1099 Mr O'CONNOR replied: 1960 1D61 86 sao The officers were concerned re- 1962 20 45 garding their position following 196:3 4639 20 33: the establishment of a single 1964 * 610 44 53d6 1965 047 49 045 traffic authority. They were ad- 1966 15 590 vised their Interests would be 2067 12i54 54 D88 looked after. 10ies 1 :390 465241 1069 4 061 102 046 1970 10 27A( 123 748 1071 82 434 620 42. LOTTERIES 1072 * 541 1 52 985 113 040 197:1 1 207 18 402 1365666 Coofllbaft Tavern: Raffle o1 10 841 277 201 Motorcar 1074 Mr T. J. BURKE, to the Chief Sec- retary: 44. POLICE (1) Was a raffle for a motor car ear- Election Rally: Demonstration ried out at the Coolibah Tavern, Against Prime Minister Morley, prior to the State Elec- Mr H. D. EVANS. to the Premier: tions in March this year for which a permit had not (1) Will he table in the Legislative been obtained? Assembly a copy of the report of t2) What Is the name of the licensee the Police Department into the of the Coolibah Tavern? demonstration in Forrest Place (3) What was the purpose of the against the Prime Minister at a raffle and the net amount of the State election rally in March of proceeds? this Year? (4) How many tickets were sold and (2) If not, what are the reasons for at what price per ticket? not doing so? (5) Who promoted the raffle? Sir CHARLES COURT replied: (6) What were the names and ad- (1) No. it is not policy to table, dresses of the prize winners? or otherwise make public, con- fidential police reports. The (7) Was the Member for Mt Lawley Minister for Police has no ob- and present Minister for Police jection to the Member viewing present at the drawing of the the report in his office, if he so raffle? desires. (8) Wa.; the raffle of a kind and pur- (2) Answered by (1). pose for which the Lotteries Com- mission would grant a permit? 45. PUBLIC SERVICE AND (9) What action has been taken or Is TEACHERS contemplated in connection with Promotion on Ability and the matter? Performance (10) Will he table the papers relating Mr BRYCE, to the Premier: to the raffle? (1) Has the Government proceeded to Mr STEPHENS replied: implement the promise contained (1) to (10) A raffle did take place. in the Premier's policy speech AS the matter Is at present "...to encourage rapid advance- under investigation with a view ment in the public service on the to the possibility of prosecution, basis of ability and performance I feel It would be improper to as well as length of experience say any more at this stage. (2) With the implementation of this election promise does the Govern- 43, POWER STATIONS ment propose to include the Fuel Oil Consumption teaching service of the Educa- tion Department? Mr T. H. JONES, to the Minister for Electricity: Sir CHARLES COURT replied: What have been the annual (1) Yes. As vacancies occur In the tonnes; of fuel oil consumed at more senior positions in the Pub- the South Fremantle, East Perth lice Service, appointments are and Kwinana power stations since made by the Government on thle they commenced to use fuel oil criteria stated in the policy for power generation? speech. 130 130ASSEBIBLY.]

In addition, the Public Service We are also considering the prac- Board, when effecting promotions ticability of greater co-operation in the service at all levels, has and participation between States been asked to include these cri- in this work. teria in its considerations. In the meantime, resources of (2) The Government is giving con- Crown Law and Treasury De- sideration to this matter but, at partments are being used to deal the present time, the Education with urgent matters. Act and its Regulations provide for the establishment of promo- 48. EMPLOYMENT tion lists. A change in the sys- tem will involve considerable Trade Retraining Scheme negotiation. Mr BRYCE, to the Premier: In the Primary Division there What forms of leadership has the is provision for every third ap- Government provided in the In- pointment to be a special pro- dustrial and commercial field to motion regardless of the order get trade training and re-training In which names appear on the conversion speeded up? promotion list. Sir CHARLES COURT replied: 46. COMMITTEE ON FREEDOM Two very recent Commonwealth AND RESPONSIBUlIT reports on training and re-train- ing are currently being studied by Membership the Government. The report- Mr BRYCE, to the Premier: "TAPE (Technical and Further Who has the Government chosen Education) in Australia" and the to constitute its proposed "Com- Professor Cockrane "Australian mittee on Freedom and Responsi- Labour Market Training" report bility"? both have financial consideration to the States to further trade Sir CHARLES COURT replied: training and re-training. Also. No appointments have been made. adult trade training by Govern- ment in the furniture trade and The matter is under close exami- Government and private industry nation at the present time. in the bricklaying trade, has placed A number of possible appoint- Western Australia in a leading ments are under consideration. position in this field throughout The proposed committee is re- Australia. garded as an important one by The Government is currently mak- the Government and calling for ing inquiries into the feasibility special qualities in its members. of extending this action to other In the interests of co-opting trades, as well as additional means suitable People, we would pre- of achieving our policy in con- fer to delay constituting the junction with any Commonwealth committee for a while, rather schemes. than hasten its establishment. 49. LOCAL GOVERNMENT 47. PREMIER'S DEPARTMENT Commonwealth-State Relations Additional Powers and Responsibilities Section Mr BRYCE, to the Minister for Local Mr BRYCE, to the Premier: Government: (1) Has the Government established Arising out of the Premier's alle- the proposed Commonwealth- gation during the election cam- State relations section within the paign that the Australian Govern- Premier's Department? ment has a long ternm design for the destruction of local authori- (2) If so, who are the officers skilled ties, and in view of his election in- promise- (a) constitutional affairs; (a) to assist local authorities to (b) economics; thwart this alleged plan; (c) finance; (b) to strengthen local govern- (d) administration, ment, who comprise this unit? what additional powers and re- sponsibilities does the State Goy- Sir CHARLES COURT replied: eminent Propose to give to local (1) and (2) A special section has governing authorities? not been established, but will Mr RUSHTON replied: be set up as soon as suitably qualified and experienced people This Government believes the are available. autonomy of local authorities must [Wednesday, 31 July. 1974113 131

be maintained and it is our Inten- nages of ilmenite through the port tion that local government be of Sunbury? based on true delegation of power (5) Will coal from Collie be used as and money. fuel for the upgrading plant? The recent referendum rejection (6) If so, what is the anticipated of Commonwealth intrusion Into yearly tonnage of coal required? local government affairs clearly indicates support for our policy. Mr MENSAROS, replied: At my instigation, a local govern- (1) Yes, the plant is already estab- ment liaison committee has been lished. formed to provide direct consul- (2) The plant has a capacity of ap- tation with the Government to- proximately 30 000 tonnes per wards the implementation of our year. A semi-commercial pilot stated policy. plant with a capacity of 12 000 We will take action as necessary tonnes per year has been operat- to resist erosion of State and Local ing for some time and is continu- Government powers by the Com- ing In production. monwealth. (3) Commissioning of the plant com- menced 26th June, and it is work- 50. ENVIRONMENTAL ing up to full production. PROTECTION (4) Initially no. Peed stock is basi- Mining in Wanneroo Lake Area cally ilmenite, unsuitable for pig- ment production via the sulphate Mr MAY. to the Minister for Conser- route, and hence In limited export vation and Environment: demand. (1) Has the Department of Environ- (5) Yes. mental Protection investigated the permits recommended by the (6) Approximately 40 000 to 50 000 Warden's Court for mining opera- tomnes per year. tions In the Wanneroo Lake area, namely, Lake Joondalup, Lake 52. STATE ELECTRICITY Jandabup and Lake Onangara? COMMVISSION (2) Will he table all papers dealing Inquiry into Administration with the investigation of these applications? Mr MAY, to the Minister for lec- tricity: Mr STEPHENS replied: (1) As prior to the change of Govern- (1) No. ment on 30th March, 1974 ap- (2) Due to the complex nature of the proval was given for a firm of interactions of various develop- consultants to investigate and in- ment and mining proposals in the quire into the State Electricity Onangara area which have been Commission administration, will investigated by the Department of he advise when the inquiry com- Environmental Protection, and menced and the anticipated com- considering the confidential na- pletion date? ture of some of these development (2) Would he kindly indicate the Proposals, the relevant files and terms of reference? Papers can be made available for the Member's private perusal in Mr MENSAROS replied: the department. (1) In January 1974 a firm of con- sultants was engaged to advise on 51. MINING4 a management structure appro- priate to the role of the State Ilmenite Upgrading Plant at Ca pet Electricity Commission in the community. Mr MAY, to the Minister for Indus- trial Dlevelopment: The inquiry commenced: 22nd April, 1974. (1) Is it the intention of Western Possible completion date: Septem- Titanium N.L. to establish an menite upgrading plant at Capel?it- ber, 1974. (2) "To evaluate the present organisa- (2) What will be the anticipated tion structure of the commission yearly tonnage of upgraded ilmen- 1We when the plant is in full pro- in light of its present and antici- duction? pated size and scope of activity. To evaluate the existing resources (3) What is the anticipated comple- of the commission and to suggest tion date? how the recommended structure (4) Because of the demand for ilmen- should be staffed to assure the its processing locally will this re- commission of sound management sult In a decrease in export ton- for the foreseeable future." 132 132[ASSEflLY.1

53. ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES infringements and convictions, would he advise of any public Units Consumed Quarterfly reaction? Mr MAY, to the Minister for Elec- (2) As mionetary fines appear to have tricity: minimal effect on curbing Will he advise the approximate breaches of traffic laws, does the total number of consumers using Government intend to increase the following units of electricity fines to a level consistent with per quarter- current monetary values? 200 units, (3) While suspension of motor drivers' 800 units; licenses, will inhibit most, has he 2 000 units? considered that where a driver is under suspension and is again Mr MENSAROS replied: convicted for driving a motor Records of this nature are not vehicle, then the vehicle be im- kept. pounded for a mandatory period, thereby adding severe deterrent to apparent mockery of laws on 54. FISHERIES occasional instances? Rock Lobsters: Licenses (4) If "No" to (3), would he advise Mr FLETCHER, to the Minister for why and whether such a proposal Fisheries and Fauna: would have merit? (1) Is the number of craft and pots in the crayfishing industry on the Mr O'CONNOR replied: Western Australian coast, or any (1) There has been a tremendous section of the coast, considered response at my office with nu- adequate or in excess of require- merous letters and phone calls ments to keep the average annual supporting the action of with- catch at its present level? drawing these licenses. (2) If In excess, will he, with a view (2) The monetary penalties provided to maintaining a desirable ratio by the Traffic Act and various of craft as to catch, give consid- regulations are considered to be eration to buying out of the in- dustry those licensees who are sufficient at present and there is willing and near or in financial no Intention to Increase these difficulty? penalties. Fines are imposed by the courts Mr STEPHENS replied: and it may be noted that the Road (1) The number of rack lobster boats Traffic Code and Vehicle Stan- and pots in the industry has been dards Regulations provide for a stable since 1963 when a limited maximum fine of $100 for a first entry Policy was adopted. How- offence and $200 for any sub- ever, since that time the actual sequent offence. fishing effort has increased to the extent that some further restric- (3) Section 17 of the Traffic Act tions may now be necessary in the provides for cancellation by the interests of maintaining the an- court of a vehicle license of a nual average catch. The method person convicted of an offence of achieving a reduction in fish- against the Traffic Act. However, ing there is a problem that the person effort, if this is shown to be who commits the offence may be necessary, is being examined at driving a vehicle which is the the Present time by the Rock Lob- property of his employer or some ster Industry Advisory Committee. other person who is not aware of (2) The withdrawal of fishing vessels his suspension or disqualification. from the industry is one of the methods being examined by the (4) Answered by (3). Rock Lobster industry Advisory I might add that drivers under Committee. If such action is de- suspension are causing us some cided upon as being appropriate concern at the moment. some form of buy back scheme will need to be considered. QUESTIONS (11): WITHOUT NOTICE 55. TRAFFIC 1. SMALL BUSINESSES Drivers' Licenses: Withdrawal Government Financial Assistance Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister far Mr J. T. TONKIN, to the Premier: Police: (1) In connection with his undertak- (1) Following the action he has taken ing to assist small businessmen by In withdrawing drivers' licenses providing financial help in appro- from drivers with a bad record of piate cases, where the normal [Wednesday, 31 July, 1974113 133

sources of finance are inadequate, ]For reasons the honoUrable have arrangements been made for member will appreciate, I am the plan to operate? not prepared to add any wore information at this juncture, (2) To whom should application be because of the possibility of liti- made? gation which Is vital to the (3) if the plan has not yet been put State's future. into operation, when Is It antici- I should add that I asked for pated it will commence? a copy of the Press statement to be sent up with the answer so I Sir CHARLES COURT replied: could make it available to the (1) to (3) An Investigation is being honourable member. However, undertaken to determine the most It has not came up with the practical and effective way to answer, but I will get a copy for assist small businesses in this him as soon as possible. I State and, as soon as this Is would point out that the State decided, It will be implemented. is leaving no stone unturned to in the meantime, small firms are challenge the Commonwealth at being assisted by the Department every stage at which It chal- of Industrial Development in ap- lenges the State's responsibili- propriate cases according to exist- ties and rights under the Con- ing policy. stitution. Mr Wilson (the Solici- tor General) is In Canberra and To answer question (2) specifically while there he will be keeping in I would point out that I am sure touch with the Minister for that if anyone has a case of which Justice. It is a delicate time In the Leader of the Opposition knows Canberra at the moment so far and he represents this to the Min- as constitutional matters are ister for Industrial Development concerned and It Is felt that Mr special attention and consideration Wilson should be available. I would be given to such a case. would add that this is not an Mr J. T. Tonkin: Thank you. isolated case. There has been close consultation between the 2. COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENT Western Australian Govern- ment and the other State Gov- Joint Sitting: Legality ernments previously. Mr DAVIES, to the Premier: Mr Davies; Which ones? I gave the Premier some notice of Sir CHARLES COURT: Practically this question this morning and all of them, and including one there appears to be some Informa- Labor Government to my know- tion contained in this evening's paper, but rather than have the ledge. Premier spoil a good answer I will Mr T. D. Evans; Which ones? ask him the question which Is as Sir CHARLES COURT: We view follows- with considerable concern the de- (1) H-ave any approaches been velopments and the trends taking made to the Government re- place in Canberra at the moment. garding joining with any other State Government or 3. SEWERAGE Individual in a High Court Metropolitan Connections challenge to the Proposed joint sittings of the H-ouse of Mr A. R. TONKIN, to the Minister Representatives and the Sen- for Water Supplies: ate? (1) How many premises in the metro- (Z) If so, when, and by whom? politan region were sewered In (3) Does the Government propose 1961 and In 1973? to join, or Initiate any such (2) How many premises were there In challenge? the metropolitan region In 1961 and in 1973? Sir CHARLES COURT replied: Mr O'NEIL replied: (1) to (3) I thank the member for Victoria Park for the ample notice. (1) The Metropolitan Water Board has Apparently he was expecting me advised as follows-- to give him a very fulsome answer In 1951 there were 66 664 prem- but the answer I propose to give ises sewered, him is as follows- In 1965, 69 553; and The answers to these questions in 19731 93402. are best given by referring to a (2) Information is not available in Press release I made this morn- the Metropolitan Water Board Ing. records as to the actual number of 134 134(ASSEMBLY.]

premises, but the number of im- Editor of The Sunday Times pro- Proved Properties rated for water testing about the Inaccurate iT- was-_ port. I would like to ask the for 1961 there are no figures Premier on what date did he write available; to The Sunday Times; and In par- in 1965, there were 149 458 pro- ticular, was it before or after the perties rated for water; and last issue of that newspaper? in 1973, 219465. Sir CHARLES COURT replied: If my memory serves me correctly, 4. DAYLIGHT SAVING my letter to the Editor of The Legislation Sundayj Times was sent on Mon- day of this week, after the last Mr B. T. BURKE, to the Chief Secre- issue; that Is, Sunday the 28th tar: July, 1974. There was good reason (1) Is it true that the Government has for it because there has been a today announced claims to legis- number of complaints-and I late for daylight saving on a trial think the previous Goverrnent basis In the coming summer? had some similar experiences--in (2) Will Government members be respect of certain reporting, and bound to vote on party lines? I was hoping that we would not have to make a correction every (3) Will the legislation be administ- time these reports appear. ered by the Chief Secretary's De- partment? However, It appears that any time any anomaly or mistake of any (4) Will the legislation be Introduced kind occurs one must write in im- by the Chief Secretary? mediately, and I think this will (5) How many times has the Chief have to be the practice in future. Secretary previously voted against I have sent to the editor concerned such legislation? full details of the matter and the circumstances, and I have lodged (6) If the answer to (4) Is "Yes", will my complaint. If the honourable he please inform the House wheth- member would like to see a copy er he Intends to support a propos- of my letter to the editor I will Ition he has previously voted gladly make one available. against?. Mr STEPHENS replied: 6. PENSIONERS (1) Yes. Motor Vehicle Licenses (2) No. Mr T. H. JONES, to the Minister for (3) Yes. Transport: (4) Yes. (1) Was the Minister correctly report- (5) As this question was only handed ed in The West Australian of to me as I sat down In the today's date, where he was quoted Chamber, I have had Insufficient as saying he Is investigating possi- time to research it. bilities of pensioner exemption (6) Wait, and It will be unfolded unto from proposed increases in motor the member for Balga. vehicle license fees? (2) If the answer is "Yes", will he 5. UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE OF please explain why he informed ADVANCED EDUCATION me by letter dated the 22nd July, 1974, following a submission I Pilbara made on behalf of pensioners in Premier: connection with the matter, that Mr T. D. EVANS, to the he cannot extend concessions to Yesterday, in answer to question aged pensioners? 33 relating to a report which ap- peared in The Sunday Times of Mr O'CONNOR replied: the 21st July, reference was made to a tertiary education institution I thank the honourable member having been promised to be built for notice of his question, The in the Pilbara, within three years. answer Is as follows-- The promise was made by the (1) Yes. Premier. (2) Subsequent to the letter re- In answer to the question it was ferred to, Cabinet has set up claimed that the report was not a committee to investigate accurate. Subsequently, when whether some special action answering a question without can be taken to assist pen- notice asked by the Leader of the sioners with the payment of opposition, the Premier indicated vehicle license fees. that he had In fact written to the Mr T. H. Jones: That Is a bit weak. [Wednesday, 31 July, 1974113 135

'1. SEWERAGE WORKS 9. FREEWAYS Princess Street, Gosnelis Distance Completed Mr BATEMAN, to the Minister for Mr A. R. TON=.N to the Minister for works: Transport:, (1) Is the Minister aware that 0., N. How many kilometres of freeways Marston Pty. Ltd., plumbing con- are completed in the Perth tractors, are installing deep sewer- metropolitan region to date? age along Princess Street, Gosnells, Mr O'CONNOR replied: for the Metropolitan Water Board? I thank the member for Morley (2) Is he also aware that the open for prior notice of this question. sewerage main trench along Prin- The answer is that '7.85 km. of cess Street is over 20 feet deep freeway has been completed. I and a serious danger to small felt this was a bit low so I children? queried it with the Main Roads (3) Is he also aware the trench has Department. I was told the figure subsided, leaving two houses In is correct, but that it does not danger of falling into this deep Include controlled access high- trench, and one is cracking badly ways. at the moment? (4) If the answers to (1), (2), and 10. COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC (3) are "Yes", will he take in- HEALTH mediate steps to have this mat- Appointment ter rectified? Mr DAVIES, to the Minister rep- Mr O'NEfL, replied: resenting the Minister for Health: (1) to (4) I thank the member for In question 16 on notice I Canning for contacting me at asked whether an appointment 12.30 p.m. today to indicate his had been made to the position of intention to ask this question. Commissioner of Public Health, One of his questions indicates that and the Minister replied that it a house was cracking at 12.30 had. I also asked when the ap- p.m. I have had some inquiries pointment was made, but that made from the Metropolitan question was not answered. Clan Water Board, and I am advised the Minister give me that inorma- that the sewerage Is being instal- tion? led for a private developer under the supervision of a consulting Mr RIDGE replied: engineer. I am sorry I cannot give the mem- I do not doubt what the honour- ber for Victoria Park the exact able member has said, but natur- date. It was in recent weeks, and ally I was not aware of it at the the formalities are now being com- time, and the matter has been plied with. The appointment Is referred to the consulting en- subject to Executive Council gineer and to the Under-Secretary approval, and once that approval for Labour and Industry for in- has been obtained an announce- vestigation. ment will be made. Sir Charles Court: It went to Ex- 8. FLOTTA LAURO BUILDING ecutive Council this afternoon. Purchase by Government 11, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Mr HARMAN, to the Minister for Labour and Industry: Swan River: Industrial Effluent (1) Who are the vendors of the Flotta Mr A. R. TONKIN, to the Minister for Lauro building? Conservation and Environment: In part (2) of question 18 on (2) Has the Government made a de- notice today I asked what are the cision to purchase the building? analytical results of sampling (3) What are the price and conditions made during 1974 In respect of the of payment? Swan River. The Minister replied that the 'results of analyses are Mr GRAYDEN replied: available f or inspection by res- (1) to (3) I thank the member for ponsible persons at the office of Maylands for some notice of this the Swan River Conservation question. The information re- Board. I would suggest to the quired Is being obtained, and I Minister that Parliament is a res- will supply hirn with an answer ponsible body and, therefore, it to his question as soon as pos- should be provided with that in- sible. formation. 136 136ASSEMBLY.)

Mr Mensaros: That is not a question, place to enter, Some of those who entered it is a suggestion. will be birds of passage; others, of course, The SPEAKER: What Is the question? will remain here for a considerable time if iuck is with them. Mr A. R. TONKIN: Will the Minister Provide this Parliament with the Mr Thompson: They are all on this side! information, because he is pre- Mr Jamieson: Now you have spoilt your pared to give it to responsible position! persons and I suggest that Par- Mr J. T. TONKIN: However, they wiill liament is a responsible institu- all Ond the going tough at various periods tion? because Parliament, as you well know, Mr Sir Charles Court: This Is a public Speaker, is very much a place of dog eat place. dog, and whether one is in Government Mr O'Neil: It is a public place; it Is or in Opposition one is looking for chinks like Forrest Place, in the armour of those opposed to one. One Mr Jamieson: It is still surely, despite is continually putting in the rapier and the Premier, a responsible place. twisting it around at every opportunity. Mr STEPHENS replied: However, that is the political game. It does not appeal to everybody;, there are I do not question that Parliament many aspects of it that do not appeal to is a responsible institution, but me. But I would say without hesitation as has been pointed out it is a that if I had my time over again I would public place. I reiterate that the seek to enter Parliament because it pro- files will be made available to any vides an opportunity for one to do many responsible person. I also indicate things for many people that cannot be that I regard the member for done by anyone else. I think that is the Morley as a responsible person, greatest satisfaction one derives from this and he will be able to view the career. fles. Furthermore, It is a tremendous priv- iege to be a representative of the people COMMITTEES FOR THE SESSION In a democracy. It is not possible for Council Personnel everybody to come to Parliament and have a say, so a democratic system of govern- Message from the Council received and ment provides for representatives to go to read notifying the personnel of sessional Parliament to put the case for those whom committees elected by that House. they represent according to the way they view the position. I have always felt ADDRESS-IN-REPLY: SECOND DAY conscious of the very great privilege and tremendous responsibility one has properly Motion to gauge the feeling In the electorate and Debate resumed, from the 25th July, on to make representations in Parliament In the following motion by Mrs Craig- accordance with what one believes Is the view of one's electors. That the following Address-In-Reply to His Excellency's Speech be agreed I find it difficult to agree entirely with to- the motion now before us. Whilst I can May it Please Your Excellency: thank Is Excellency the Governor for We the Legislative Assembly of carrying the burden of the Speech he had the Parliament to read out, I cannot thank him for the of the State of Speech because I think it was the most Western Australia in Parliament inappropriate and the worst speech I have assembled, beg to express loyalty ever heard since I have been in this Parlia- to our Most Gracious Sovereign, ment. and to thank Your Excellency for the Speech you have been pleased Mr May: And that is saying some- to address to Parliament. thing. Mr J. T. TONKIN: The major portion MR J. T. TONKIN (Melville-Leader of of it was devoted to criticising and blam- the Opposition) [5.24 p.m.]: Before I Ing another Government-the Federal launch myself into the main burden of Government. what I want to say I would like to con- Mr Bryce: Excusism. gratulate the member for Kalamunda on Mr J. T. TONKIN: This Is an entirely his appointment as Chairman of Commit- new departure. Previously the Speeches tees. in the short period he was in the delivered for the Government by the Gov- Chair yesterday he indicated that he will ernor were Speeches which set out what fill this position efficiently, and I am sa- was going on in the country. They are tisfied that he has the capability to do supposed to be informative to the people the job well. and to give an outline of the projected I would like also to congratulate all the legislation. However, there was only a new members in the Parliament upon being very limited Indication of what legislation successful at the polls. This is a strange Is coming forward and, as I have already (Wednesday. 31 July, 197113 137 said, the major Portion of the Speech was Sir Charles Court: It was a shock to devoted to blaming the Australian Gov- your people who accepted the Bill. ernment for Practically everything that Is Mr J. T. TONINl: The Government wrong everywhere. and many other people know that irres- I have heard on the grapevine that it is pective of the growth of population in thre the Intention of the Government to Intro- metropolitan area, under the existing law duce legislation to try to ensure that a the number of seats remains the same. Labor Government will never get back and since the boundaries were drawn into power. under the latest electoral districts legis- Sir Charles Court: Who told you that? lation the population In the metropolitan Mr Rushton: Do you think we are fol- area has increased by 50 per cent. We lowing the Commonwealth Government? have the usual situation that the seat rep- resented by the Minister for Local Gov- Mr J. T. TONKIN: We will see as we ernment Is regarded as a country Seat go along. The Government seeks to achieve and with a weighted vote for the electors this by providing that it would not matter in that area it is out of all proportion to if we won every seat in the metropolitan what it should be. area, we could still not be the Govern- ment. Mr Rushton: And don't forget that in Rocklnghamn. Jarrabdale, and everywhere Sir Charles Court: Who told you this? else I polled twice as many votes as the Mr J. T. TONKIN: floes the Premier member for Perth. expect me to disclose the source of my Mr J. T. TONKIN: Did the Minister Information? speak? Sir Charles Court: It is so facetious, Mr Rushton: I was commenting. Mr J. T. TONKIN: The Premier could Mr J. T. TONKIN: The sooner this ab- allay my anxiety at this stage If he could surd siuation is rectified the better be- tell me straightout whether it Is the In- cause Its continuance is not justified. I tention of the Government to introduce a venture to say that If the boundaries redistribution of seats Bill during this were properly drawn, as they ought to be Parliament. to give reasonable representation to the Sir Charles Court: As far as I am con- people, the Minister would probably lose cerned, I would not know his seat. Mr Jamieson: Do you know any other Mr Rush ton: Why don't you put in a fairy stories? list of the ones you want changed, such Sir Charles Court: It will be done ac- as Geraldton and other similar elector- cording to the law and I should imagine ates? the first Person who would be pointing the Mr JTamieson: Why don't you drop off? gun at us If we were not doing it on time would be the Leader of the opposition Mr Rushton: Just nominate them. himself. There Is a percentage system laid Mr J. T. TONKIN: We know that the down. great problem in Australia today is In- Mr J. T. TONKIN: An examination of flation. The Premier knows, because he the last State election figures will show keeps on blaming that for eveny difficulty that the Labor candidates obtained more with which he Is confronted. than 52 per cent of the valid votes cast in Mr Rush ton: Is there a conflict between the metropolitan area. So it would not be you and your deputy? a long shot to say that the Government Mr Jamies on: There probably is. has already had a look at this and can see a possibility of a big growth in metropoli- Mr 3. T. TONKIN: If the Minister tan area voting which would not be in wants to make this speech instead of me Its favour and, having regard to past his- he should say so and I will sit down. tory. I for one would not discount the Mr Young: Promise? Possibility of the Government attempting to introduce another Electoral Districts Mr May: He did say "speech". Bill to ensure a continuation of the lop- Mr J. T. TONKIN: When I was so sided representation which exists. rudely interrupted I was trying to indi- Sir Charles Court: Is not the redistribu- cate that inflation Is not limited to West- tion of seats Provided for by the law? ern Australia or to Australia. It Is world- wide and it does not seem to have occurred Mr J. T. TONKIN: Yes, a law which the to anybody that instead of trying to Premier's Government introduced. That gather In Canberra to solve the problem, Is what I am saying-I expect history to somebody ought to take the Initiative and repeat Itself. hold a world conference to determine what Sir Charles Court: And your people sup- has gone wrong so that an adjustment ported It. Also, that was the law which can be made to set all these capitalist gave adult franchise to the Legislative countries on the right path again: be- Council. cause this interaction of currencies is re- rponsible for a downturn in production Mr Jamieson: That was the biggest which Is one of the reasons for the In- shock you ever had, and you know It. The creases in prices following an Increased late George Cornell told me about that. demand for a lessened quantity of goods. 16) 138 138[ASSEMBLY.]

The Premier is in the position to take answer is within the power of the State and the initiative in this matter instead of In order to emphasise this fully he Says making carping criticism of the Australian inflation can be beaten State by State. Government all the time and trying to Now, Sir, do You think that? I do not, Join with other State Premiers to upset and I would like to know whether any of the possibility of certain laws being passed the Ministers think that; that Is, it is a in this country. His time would be put simple problem and it can be settled State to better use if he endeavoured to per- by State. I reiterate that in my belief the suade somebody to take the necessary problem will not be solved unless it is by action to bring the leading nations to- all nations collectively endeavouring to gether at a world conference to consider give consideration to the very factors this question of inflation which is ad- which have brought about this inflation- versely affecting everybody. ary state. In some countries inflation has Sir Charles Court: We cannot even get reached more than 100 Per cent. It is 28 the Prime Minister to talk to us. per cent In Japan. Obviously it calls for some concerted action on the part of the Mr Bertram: I should not think he would big nations, and there is no reason, If such after what you say about him. a conference could be called, that the Sir Charles Court: All States made an various States of Australia should not be represented by their Premiers at such a offer to him on the 10th June. conference. I will hope that if It is called Mr J. Tr. TONKIN: I thought the Prem- our Premier, who has the simple answer, ler was to set up, in the Premier's Depart- will be given a prominent place at the ment, a special section- conference. Sir Charles Court: So we were. During the last State election the Prem- ier said he would ask permission to bar- Mr J. T. TONKIN: -on a warmly per- row funds outside the Loan Council. I now sonal basis- ask him if he has made any attempt, so Sir Charles Court: So we will, but we far, to do that. Intend to be there long after the Whitlarn Sir Charles Court: We Maid that, if Government has gone. necessary, we would use other means avail- able to the Government to borrow. Mr J. T. TONKIN: The Premier should Mr J. T. TONKIN: Is that what the be doing that as soon as possible. Premier said? we Sir Charles Court: What more can Sir Charles Court: I will get the exact offer him than what the six Premiers quote if you want it. We Said we would offered him? They offered complete co- raise money by unconventional methods operation to deal with the problem of in- if we did not get what we wanted at the flation. Commonwealth level for capital works. Mr J. T. TONKIN: I have not yet got through to the Premier with my Idea. I Mr 3. T. TONKIN: And if the Premier am telling him that he will not solve in- gets all he wants from the Common- flation in Australia by any meeting of wealth- Premiers, together with the Prime Min- Sir Charles Court: We will get all our ister, unless the factors operating in other capital works. However, we certainly have countries throughout the world are taken not got all we wanted. We will get by into consideration and some concerted with our loan funds, but not with all our action is taken to try to do what he claims Consolidated Revenue, and the Leader of he is capable of doing; namely, to put the opposition knows the position. things right. Mr J. T. TONKIN: If the Premier is to Sir Charles Court: It would be a good get by with his loan funds he will have to idea to start in Australia. scrap that education Proposal. Mr J. T. TONKIN: Of course if that is Sir Charles Court: No we will not; we the level of the Premier's vision he will will get by. not get very far, because this will not be solved by action in Australia alone. Mr J. T. TONKIN: From the Premier's Sir Charles Court: It can be. statement I take It that no approach has been made to the Loan Council to borrow Mr J. T. TONKIN: However It is very outside it. and no approach is likely and. interesting to reflect upon what the Prem- of course, the real reason is that It would icr told the electors during the last elec- be completely futile to make such an ap- tion. He said there was a simple answer to proach. inflation that was within the power of the Sir Charles Court: We were not State. That did not suggest that it was sug- necessary to get together all the State gesting taking matters UP with the Loan Premiers and the Prime Minister. He said Council. We were suggesting there were there was a simpler answer-which ap- other places where we could get finance parently he has--and I am trying to get If we wanted to. but no-one wants to. him to give that answer to the other Mr J1. T. TONKIN: Well, the Premier nmtions of the world. He says that the can save himself the time. [Wednesday. 31 July, 1974113 139

Sir Charles Court: You know you used Mr Harman: Silence. that system of finance yourself. Mr Rush ton: I did not hear the first Mr J. T. TONKIN: Oh no, I did not! comment. Sir Charles Court: How did You finance Mr J. T. TONKIN: The Premier has the your capital works? idea that his proposals for underground power lines will not involve any capital Mr J. T. TONKIN: I never made a expenditure. He has said that. Now in this single approach to borrow money outside policy he undertook not only to provide the Loan Council. these underground power lines in the new Sir Charles Court: No, but You used that areas to be opened up, but also to Provide system. them in existing areas, He said he would That Is not the put the power lines underground in ex- Mr J. T. TONKIN: isting areas as well as the new ones. same thing. Surely the Premier is not going to try get Sir Charles Court: Of course it is. the House to accept that the State Elec- Mr J. T. TONKIN: The Premier said he tricity Commission can put the existing would seek permission to borrow funds power lines underground at the expense of outside the Loan Council. developers. That will be capital expendi- ture which the SEC itself will have to meet. Sir Charles Court: Of course we would, as a matter of common sense, if we had to. And so It is ridiculous to assert, as the I am telling you that You used this Premier has done, that this Promise of system outside the Loan Council. underground power lines will not be any burden upon the State expenditure and, Mr J. T. TONKIN: And I remind the of course, it is a big one. I had this pro- Premier that I never sought permission posal costed and I was informed that to of the Loan Council to borrow money out- put power lines underground in existing side of that body. built-up areas would cost more than $180 Sir Charles Court: You are saying that million. That is an expenditure which the you did not use money obtained outside Premier says the State would not have to the Loan Council? carry. I would like to know who will face the expenditure if it is to be done. So the Mr J. T. TONKIN: No, I am not saying possibility is that this promise will be that. broken. Sir Charles Court: As long as we have Sir Charles Court: Well, we will com- that clear. ment in due time when the Leader of the Mr J. T. TONKIN: Did the Premier Opposition gives us a chance to reply, we have any doubt that I was not dlear on will gladly put that one right for him. that? Mr J. T. TONKIN: Now the next pro- Sir Charles Court: I hope you are clear mise which the Premier found it extremely on it, because You authorised the trans- difficult to handle, in any way whatever, action. was to curb rates and taxes. This makes very interesting reading, and it is as fol- Mr J. T. TONKIN: I will now turn to lows-- the next thing which the Premier pro- posed to have done, and I would like to We are concerned about the upward know more about it. The Premier said. trend of rates, taxes and Government "We will invite local authorities to confer charges. to discuss new arrangements immediately That was before the election, The Premier after the election, if we become the Gov- was concerned about the increases in rates, ernment." The election was held four taxes, and charges. To elaborate, he said- months ago. I now ask: Have the local authorities been Invited to confer and, if Some Government charges have so, did they accept the Invitation? If they risen as much as 300%, and there has did I would like to know when the con- been a recent extreme example of a ference took place for the Purpose of dis- 1400% rise affecting the price of cussing the new financial arrangements meat. the Treasurer Proposed to Put into opera- Inflation, affecting land values, is tion; because from Past experience the driving up rates and taxes related to Treasurer does not hesitate to rush to the them. Press to make an announcement. However This and other valuation anomalies I have not seen any announcement about are causing serious anomalies in taxes this proposal. I would have thought he and charges levied against individuals. would not be able to resist advising the people about this proposal as soon as pos- I pause here to remark that that is Jolly sible if it had been put Into effect. good stuff, is it not, when one Is electioneer- ing and one is seeking to become the Sir Charles Court: The Minister for Lo- Government? To tickle the ears of the cal Government can speak for himself; he people In this way and to play on the hip has been mighty active, pocket nerve, which the Premier did with- Mr May: No comment from him, out limit. 140 140ABSEMB3LY.]

Mr Rushton: The biggest problem with Ur J. T. TONKI- To continu-- rating Is the subsidised road funds which -recognising that they are as much a the Commonwealth has fiddled with for victim of Federal domination of fin- so long. ance as the States themselves. Mr J. T. TONKIN: The policy goes on- Mr Rushton: That has been proved. it is also causing unfair criticism Mr J. T. TONKIN. And now cornea the against local authorities which are still clincher- in financial trouble despite rising rates. We will review all taxes and charges I will now read what the Premier said to see what streamlining is possible to his party would do if it became the Gov- reduce Irritation to the public. ernment. It reads as follows- Honeyed words! We will remove land tax completely Sir Charles Court: We are doing all from the land under the family home those things. -up to five acres. This land will not be added to any other land belonging Mr Rushton: It Is not playing on any- to the same person, for the purpose of body; just carrying out policy. total land tax assessment, Mr 3. T. TONKIN: In order to carr We will hold a top-level Inquiry into this out and curb taxes and charges, what all forms of rates and taxes attached have we got? The answer Is that taxes to land valuation, as a matter of ur- and charges are at a level never before gency. reached in this country and the Mlinister has the effrontery to argue that these Sir Charles Court: That is right. undertakings are being carried out. Mr J. T. TONKIN: As a matter of ur- Mr Rushtonl: Does the Leader of the gency!I Opposition attend Cabinet meetings? Mr Rushton: Do not worry about that Mr J. T. TONKIN., If the Government one. can convince those who have to pay In- Mr J, T. TONKIN: The policy con- creased vehicle license fees that it has tinues curbed the charges, it will be good. The It will apply especially to land tax Government would have to mesmerise the and water, sewerage, drainage and people to do that. local authority rates- Sir Charles Court: I think the people The top-level Inquiry was to be Into all of will admit that we have done what we those things. promised. Mr Rushton: We are meeting our p rom- Mr J. T. TONKIN: I1repeat: taxes and ises, which the previous Government did charges have reached an unprecedented not do for three years. level. If the Opposition, before the elec- Mr J. T. TONKI: tion, had attempted to say that Increases To continue- in taxes and charges were certain. if it -and will include cases where the became the Government, one can Imagine Initial developers and occupants are what the result would have been. But, unfairly treated. no!I These were the honeyed words con- Mr Rushton: That Is right. veying the impression that if there was a Mr J. T. TONKIN: To continue- change of Government, despite Inflation, We will make a study of Local Gov- taxes and charges would be curbed. ernnment finance- The worst part of this misleading propa- Mr Rusbton: We ganda is that to cap It off the Premier are doing that. said the Improvements which he was Mr J. T. TONKfI: To continue- promising would be carried out by avoid- -and hold discussions with the local Ing the use of taxpayers' money. authorities about their finance- Mr Davies: He will "dob" It In himself! Mr Rushton: That has already com- menced. Mr T. D. Evans: That would be the Mr J. T. TONKIN: To continue- day!I -and special problems.- Mr 3. T. TONKIN: This was under- Mr Rushton: That Is happening. lined in the policy: that he would not carry out these promises with the people's Mr 3. T. TONKIN: To continue- tax money. Well, if anybody believed -as well as an expanded role for Local that, of course, he would believe anything. Government. But the Premier put It forward as an election bait and kept on reiterating the Mr Rushton: That Is so. promise. He now finds himself In a pos- Mr J. T. TONKIN: To continue- ition of having to face very heavy expendi- We will give local authorities aid ture, so what does he do? In the major above the level they are now recelv- Part of His Excellency's Speech the blame Ig- is placed upon the Australian Government Mr Rushton: Good; You Will need to for the situation which exists. await the Budget. Sir Charles Court: Is it not culpable? [Wednesday, 31 July, 1974) 1414

Mr J. T. TONKIN: No, it is not. Mr 3. T. TONKIN: Apparently Mr Sir Charles Court: Good heavens! The Eckersley has not yet been convinced. whole of Australia is screaming Its bead Sir Charles Court: That is his business. off because the Federal Government is not the issue. Mr J. T. TONKIN: It is very much his prepared to face up to business, and also the business of the Mr Jamnieson: The Premier Maid that Country Party. within six months a Liberal Government Sir Charles Court: What we are doing is would solve all the world's problems. He in the interests of the Lamb Marketing said that if given an opportunity he would Board. fix it up. Mr J. T. TONKIN: Ilam not sure that It Sir Charles Court: In the face of in- is in the Interests of the Lamb Marketing activity in Canberra! Hoard. Mr J. T. TONKIN: Last evening we Mr MePharlin: I would like to inform the heard some talk about the Lamb Marketing Leader of the Opposition that the Premier Board and I want to say a word or two and I are working in the greatest harmony about that board because I read in the at the Present time. paper this morning that Mr Eckersley is Mr Jamieson: The Leader of the Country accusing the Government of Procrastina- Party would not be capable. tion. Sir Charles Court: What we are doing is Sir Charles Court: Which is not fair. in the interests of the Lamb Marketing Mr J. T. TONKIN: Have you written to Board. tell him that? The SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of Sir Charles Court: He has been told. the Opposition. Mr J. T. TONKIN: He has been told Mr J. T. TONKIN: Thank you, Mr that it is not fair? Speaker. Now this Government is supposed to be the champion of private enterprise. Sir Charles Court: Two Ministers have For so many years we have heard that we, acted with commendable speed. the socialists, are not concerned with Mr J. T. TONKIN: To knock it out, or Private enterprise industry and that the then Opposition would put private enter- leave it? prise first. Well, I just want to explain a Sir Charles Court: To study the report little situation to see whether the Govern- not received until the 8th July. ment has got off the track a bit. Mr J. T. TONKIN: Well, would I be The MTT has the right to provide buses right in saying that because the Meat and when transport is required off the gen- Allied Trades Federation has a liberal eral run. If a headmaster wishes to engage supply of funds for the Liberal Party there a bus to take children to a certain place. is the greatest diffculty within Cabinet in he gets in touch with the MV= and makes getting the Country Party to agree to what the arrangements. The headmaster of the the Liberals want to do; that Is, to do away Mt. Pleasant Primary School wanted to with the Lamb Marketing Hoard? take a number of children on a journey Sir Charles Court: You are on a fishing at 8.30 a.m. The headmaster was organ- expedition. That does not happen to be ising the outing, so he got in touch with correct at all. the MTT. He was told that no bus could be Provided before 9.00 a.m. As he required Mr J. T. TONKIN: Not much It Is not. the bus at 8.30 am., the headmaster shop- Sir Charles Court: What is being done ped around and he found that the Golden by the Ministers concerned is In the in- West Bus Service was prepared to supply terests of the Lamb marketing Board; to a bus at 8.30 anm. However, the proprietor get rid of this bus service, knowing the situa- of some matters which have been tion, said to the headmaster, "You will the subject of criticism by producers right have to tell the Mfl that you are going to through to the export trade. use my buses." So forthwith the head- Mr J. T. TONKIN: Can we take It that master telephoned the MT1' and passed on the Lamb Marketing Board is to stay? the good news that he had been able to arrange for buses at 8.30 am., whereupon Sir Charles Court: We will give you the the MT'r representative promptly said. answer after Monday's meeting, but I ob- "Well look here, we will have to provide ject to the Leader of the Opposition saying the buses at 8.30 am." So that was the things which are completely false as far end of this little arrangement for a private as our Government is concerned. There is enterprise business. no conflict. Mr Rushton: You ought to have checked Mr J. T. TONKIN: The Premier saying out this sort of thing during your term it is false does not establish that it Is of office. You ought to look at my rep- false. resentations. Sir Charles Court: My colleague will Mr J. T1. TONKINq: But this is a Private confirm there is no conflict in this matter. enterprise Government. 142 [ASSEI LY.]

Mr Rushton: I made my representa- finances the very high expenditures in- tions when we were In Opposition. volved without having to Increase taxes to find the money. of course It Is quite in- Mr J. T. TONKIN: This is not an possible to do this. In order to try to isolated case. I can quote other instances escape the odium which would be heaped where the MTT can provide a service when upon the Government for these increased told that the Golden West Bus Service taxes and charges, it Is blaming the Com- Is Prepared to do so. My question Is monwealth Government all along the line. this: Is the Government trying to run this So the Governor Is called upon to deliver small businessman out of business? Is it a Speech which in the main does nothing trying to close him up? The Government but blame the Commonwealth Govern- cannot put this off by saying, "We will ment for the difficulties of our State. His give you the answer at Christmas." Excellency should not have been put in Mr Rushton: Why didn't You try to do the Position of having to read a Speech of something while you were in office? that kind. Mr J. T. TONKIN: This is supposed to A great many people believe that the be a private enterprise Government. Governor writes the Speech which he reads Mir Rushton: Totally hypocritical. to Parliament. That is the fact, although it may surprise a great many people. To Mr J. T. TONKIN: I knew nothing about cause the Governor to deliver a Speech of a situation like this. that nature was to put him In a most diffi- Mr Rushton: Have a look at the rep- cult and unenviable situation, and in my resentations that came forward from me. opinion the Government is blameworthy for doing so. Mr Jamieson: The greatest hypocrite in the place. It can find other ways to keep on blam- Ing the Commonwealth Government such Mr O'Connor: You know, of course, that as through the Press, which Is freely if this fellow is operating and running at available to It. However, to Put a Speech a loss, according to the Act we have to like that In the hands of a Governor, and take the service over and pay it out. to ask him to read it to Parliament is an Mr J. T. TONKIN: This is the way to affront to decency. make him run at a loss; this will stop Sir Charles Court: Everyone knows the him running altogether. Government writes the Speech. Mr O'Connor: Do you think he should compete in the metropolitan area and add Amendment to Motion to our Present losses? Mr J. T. TONKIN: In order to Illus- trate what we think of the situation Mr J. T. TONKIN: Let us look at the generally, I move an amendment- situation: A headmaster applies to the MITT for buses for an outing, and his That the following words be added request Is refused. What would anyone do to the motion- in these circumstances? The headmaster :however, we very much regret shops around to see whether he can get that the Government Placed Your buses, and when he Is successful in mak- Excellency in the position of being ing arrangements he tells the MfTI of this obliged to devote most of the f act. The MvTT then finds that It is able Speech to unfair and unwarranted to Provide the buses. This has happened criticism of the Government of not once but several times, and it is not the Commonwealth for the pur- good enough. If the MT'r is providing pose of enabling it to escape the these buses to ensure that Golden West wrath of the people of this State does not get the business, then it is time for the savage Increases in taxes something was done about It. if the MTT and charges which it has imposed is able to Provide buses at 8.30 a.m., its because of its need for money to representatives should not say that it Is finance the implementation of Its impossible to provide a service before 9 extravagant election promises. o'clock. Mr H. D. EVANS: I formally second the Mr O'Connor: You have the details of amendment. this, do you? Mr J. T. TONKINq: I have the details, SIR CHARLES COURT (Nedlands-- and to check this out I rang the head- Premier) [6.09 P.M.]: The amendment master himself to ascertain the correct moved by the Leader of the Opposition is facts. He not unexpected. It was heralded by the confirmed what I was told. Leader of the Opposition in another place. Mr O'Connor: I would appreciate your and of course, his opening remarks made letting me have the details and I will look it quite clear that he intended to pin his into it for You. faith on an allegation that the Speech read by His Excellency was not a fair one Mr J. T. TONKIN: All right. to ask him to read. If that Is the best I shall watch with Interest how the Gov- that the Opposition can find by way of ernment Implements Its policies without attack on the Government, It Is a poor using the taxpayer's money and how It old situation. (Wednesday. 31 July, 197113 143

Ms Jameson: Also very poor to fool Mr J. T. Tonkin:, Did it lay the blame the Governor, with the State Governments? Sir CHARLES COURT: I am sure the Sir CHARLES COURT: Again the Leader of the opposition could have look- public understood that the Governor- ed a little further to find something better General was mouthing the words given than this. Let us get the amendment In to him by the Government of the day, perspective. It says-- as required by a constitutional monarchy, the system under which we work. The :however, we very much regret that Leader of the Opposition knows that we the Government placed Your Ex- come here on opening day and we assert cellency in the position of being our undoubted rights and privileges by obliged to devote most of the Speech moving without notice for leave to Intro- to most unfair and unwarranted crit- duce a Bill. This tradition goes back icism of the Government of the Com- many hundreds of years because of the monwealth .. fact that we are a constitutional mon- Now most of a speech means more than 50 archy. I have heard some of the com- ments that the Queen herself has had to per cent of It. make when various Governments have Mr Jamieson: It was not a bad effort, been in power In Britain. The public do 15 paragraphs. not think that she is out campaigning for the Labor Party because she reads a Sir CHARLES COURT: In point of Speech prepared by It. The public know fact, If one analyses the Speech, this is that she Is a constitutional monarch, and completely wrong. they know that the Governor-General Mr J. T. Tonkin: Have you counted the and our Governor are Vice-Regal repre- paragraphs? sentatives of a constitutional monarch. So to say that any embarrassment was af- Sir CHARLES COURT: It is a fact that forded to the Governor Is quite fallacious. the Commonwealth Government is referred We would have been quite within our to, but how can one refer to the national right to prepare and present a much situation today without mentioning the stronger Speech than this in condemnna- Commonwealth Government? tion of the Commonwealth Government. Mr May: How do you? I must say quite frankly that 'we broke the Speech down tremendously. Sir CHARLES COURT: The Common- Mr Bertram: Why was that? wealth Government has aroused the wrath of the people of this State because it has Sir CHARLES COURT: We could have not the slightest desire or intention to made quite factual comments with much abate inflation: It has no intention of stronger criticism of the Commonwealth working with the States. It has a Prime Government than appears In the Speech Minister who is a declared centralist and now. We could have done this with pro- who confirmed this fact In the clearest of priety because it was factual and when terms to all the Premiers on the 8th June. His Excellency, the Governor, presents He finds It undignified and degrading a Speech he is presenting a Speech pre- almost to have to sit there and preside Pared for him by the elected Government over the Premiers because he has a con- of the day. It is as simple as that. tempt for the States. How do we deal Mr T. H. Jones: He felt embarrassed. with the situation when we have a Prime Minister and a Government like that Sir CHARLES COURT: I1 am sure he without mentioning this fact In the course was not embarrassed. He knows when he accepts the position that It is a Vice- of the Governor's Speech? Regal appointment In a constitutional I should imagine that S0 per cent if not monarchy. For instance, when he goes to more of the Public know that the Gover- Executive Council he knows that he is nor reads a. Speech prepared for him by acting as the head of the Council the Government of the day. I remind the appointed by Her Majesty, the Queen. He Leader of the Opposition of the Speeches Is acting on the advice of the Ministers, which the Whitlani Government prepared and If the Government of the day Is a for Sir Paul Hasluck to read when he 'was Labor Government, he acts on the Minis- Governor-General. The Whitlam Govern- ters' advice without question. The same ment presented the first and second Gov- thing applies with a Liberal-Country Party ernor's Speeches in its lifetime through Government. So It Is quite fallacious to try Sir Paul Hasluck. If the Leader of the to make the public believe that the opposition has taken exception to our Speech was unfair to His Excellency and Governor's Speech, he must have spat would have caused him any embarrass- chips and been thoroughly disgusted with ment. It was not unfair to the Governor, his counterpart In Canberra-the Leader and the Speech was not presented to es- of the Labor Party there, the Prime Min- cape the wrath of the people by any ister. Not only did that Government use means. the Speech to get across a great deal of party political propaganda, but also It Mr Bertram: Why did you do It? used the Speech to denigrate its predeces- Sir CHARLES COURT: Because we sors by Innuendo. It was a shocking had a duty to do It. example. Sitting suspended from 6.15 to 7.30 p.m. 144 144[ASSEMBLY.]

Sir CHARLES COURT: Mr Speaker, Yet another quotation is- prior to the suspension of the sitting for tea I was commenting on the first part Increased Commonwealth fund allo- of the amendment of the Leader of the cations are available to facilitate the Opposition which seeks to add words to anticipated major increase of tech- the Address-in-Reply. I was dealing with nical students, and the record intake the part which states-- of the Teachers' Colleges, However, we very much regret that Mr T. D. Evans: This is pure courtesy the Government placed Your Excel- that should exists between Governments. lency in the position of being obliged You are lacking in such courtesy. to devote most of the Speech to unfair and unwarranted criticism of the Gov- Sir CHARLES COURT: So, Mr Speaker, ernment of the Commonwealth.. I point out that the atmosphere in which the business of the State was conducted I was explaining that under our system of in relation to Canberra was completely a constitutional monarchy, of course, the different from the situation today. What representative of the Queen presents a happened to the Premiers--not only me- Speech that is written by the Govern- when we went to the Premiers' Conference ment. We make no apology for that and the Loan Council on the 8th June? Speech. We believe it was mild in terms The Prime Minister was adamant. He of the present circumstances because we adopted perhaps the same attitude adopted could have made it infinitely stronger. I by Prime Minister Gorton. He said, "There point out that the original draft of the Is nothing for you. You can go home and Speech was much stronger in its condem- fix up your own affairs." He even took nation of the Commonwealth Government away the $25 million supplementary grant than was the Speech His Excellency pre- that was given the previous year. He even sented to the Parliament. Circumstances took away a further $3.5 million that the change very considerably. I want to give Previous State Government had enjoyed just one simple illustration of why we had for two consecutive Years as a special the undoubted right-the undisputed right. addition to the grant received from the In my opinion-to express criticism of the Commonwealth. Commonwealth Government; because after all It is our duty on behalf of the citizens Mr T. D. Evans: His attitude was no of this State to point out those things that different from that of John Gorton. I think are serious from the State's point of view. the member for Greenough thought other- I point out that in the Speech presented wise. by the Governor on the 14th day of March, 1972, because of an entirely different situ- Sir CHARLES COURT: Well, we all ation in Canberra under a Liberal- know what happened to Mr John Gorton. Country Party Government, the then Labor He was not Prime Minister for long after Government In this State moved to ex- that. We had another Prime Minister in press appreciation of the very generous as- McMahon who came to the aid of the sistance it had received. I mention Just States and was responsible for the Gov- one or two of the highlights of that ernment of the day in Western Australia Speech- being able to say these things by way of appreciation to a Liberal-Country Party Additional revenue grants from the Government. So, the whole situation Is so Commonwealth, however, permit ex- much different. pectation of a 1971-72 deficit within the Budget estimate. Mr T. D. Evans: McMahon was not Another quotation Is- Prime Minister for long after that, either. Having made special grants in Dec- Sir CHARLES COURT: So. the whole ember, 1971, to stimulate rural em- situation Is completely reversed from what ployment, and having increased them it was during the time of the Liberal- in February, 1972, the Commonwealth Country Party Government in Canberra also agreed to a lift in the State's and during the time of the Tonkin Gov- works and semni-governmental pro- ernment in Western Australia. We believe gramme for 1971-72. we had a responsibility to point out not Another reference Is- only the financial limitations and dis- As a result, the Government is abilities that the Commonwealth had im- pleased to announce that the Common- posed on us but also Its Inflationary poli- wealth has agreed to provide a $2.5 cies which I believe are deliberate. Cer- million capital grant for purchase Of tainly, if they are not deliberate they are a fourth unit-load ship to be used on just plain incompetent. I do not accept that we in Australia, because of our the Darwin service. peculiar geographic situation and our re- A further quotation Is- sources Position, must accept all the ills The Government notes with satis- of the rest of the world. We heard a faction that Its representations to the senior union leader in Australia say that Commonwealth to increase the max- this was not necessary. On top of this, imum subsidy on gold have been suc- we have a Commonwealth Government cessful. that is determined to do all it can to wreck [Wednesday, 31 July, 19741'4 145 the States and bring about their demise. He did not come out and say, "We are And, of course, we have a Labor Party facing a deficit of something like $77.6 that is committed to their demise. million." It suited him to quote a docu- Mr Jamieson: Nonsense! You read all ment left in his office when Sir David sorts of things Into the Constitution which Brand went out of office as Premier. do not exist. Mr J. T. Tonkin: I quoted the document Sir CHARLES COURT: We move on to that was delivered to me a few days the situation that Is presented by the sec- before the election. and part of the amendment which claims Sir CHARLES COURT: I have studied that this Government wrote this Speech the Press comments in vain to find a refer- "for the purpose of enabling It to escape ence to the figure of $77.6 million or the the wrath of the people of this State for $48 million which was given to him by the the savage increases in taxes and charges Treasury on the 22nd March, 1974, and which it has imposed because of its need on which he endorsed the document, "This for money to finance implementation of is a matter of the greatest possible Its extravagant election promises" . That concern." is completely untrue. This Government Is not screaming about the problems inflicted hMr J. T1. Tonkin: That is right. on it by the Commonwealth Government Sir CHARLES COURT: I will say it was. because it requires extra money to im- If this was not an understatement I will plement Its policies. What it is screaming eat my hat. This was the situation when about is enough money-a fair and reas- our Government came in on the 8th April. onable amount of money-to enable it to This was the first document I received, finance a Budget which flowed on from just like the Leader of the Opposition re- the deficit that was left us by the previous ceived one the day he took over from Sir Administration. Let us look at this situa- David Brand, to bring him up to date with tion. the latest position. Mr J. T. Tonkin: What deficit is that? Mr J. T. Tonkin: 'There is a difference, Sir CHARLES COURT: When the but you refuse to see it. The difference Leader of the Opposition went out of office. was that the document I received from Sir Mr J. T. Tonkin: The cash position was David Brand referred to the situation as In balance. it was then, the day I took over. You are referring to a document which refers to Sir CHARLES COURT: Mr Speaker, I a period some four months after I left know the Leader of the Opposition does office. That is the difference. not like it, but when he- Mr J. T. Tonkin: What I like is the Sir CHARLES COURT: Mr Speaker, I truth. have been here a long time by Comparison. Sir CHARLES COURT: I am going to with some members in this Chamber and give it to You now: just listen. One of the Leader of the Opposition, of course. the last documents that he signed was has been here about twice as long as that. one which set out that there was going to In the entire time I have been here I be for 1914-75-that is, the current year- have heard him say some incredible things, a deficit of $77.6 million from which the and this is one of them. He cannot get Treasury hoped by Pruning and prudence away from this document. He knows that and care to cut $30 million and to bring he had a deficit of $77.6 million staring it down to $48 million. him in the face. Mr J. T. Tonkin: We left office In Mr J. T. Tonkin: For what financial March this year with three months re- year? maining in the financial year in which we left the cash In balance. What you are Sir CHARLES COURT: For the 1974-75 saying is Irrelevant. financial year-the period we are in now. Sir CHARLES COURT; It is not irrelev- Mr J. T. Tonkin: We left office in 1973-74. Surely you are not going to hold ant. me responsible f or what happens in Mr J. T. Tonkin: Of course it Is. 1974-75. Sir CHARLES COURT: If the Premier Sir CHARLES COURT: This Is the of the day in March before the election situation that would have obtained, had had done what he thinks other People the Leader of the Opposition continued should have done and what he claims other as Premier. He would have had that people should have done he would have piece of paper to work on. He would have come out and said to the people. "You are had to go to Mr Whitlam, like I did, and going to have a rough time in 1974-75. say, "For goodness sake, acknowledge the We will have a deficit of $SITS million.", situation that you have created." Mr J. T. Tonkin: I said it. it will sur- Mr J. T. Tonkin:- Yes, but with this prise you to know that I said just that. difference: I would not have had to find Sir CHARLES COURT: The Leader of the hundreds of millions of dollars thait the Opposition did not put it In the words you must find to finance your election that I will say now he should have put it. promises. 148 (ASSEflLY.]

Sir CHARLES COURT: This is the kind Sir CHARLES COURT: No. these are of false statement the Leader of the Op- the rises in salaries and wages based on position is perpetrating. He keeps on say- the State Government work force as at Ing it until I think he starts to believe it. the 30th June or, to put It another way, as When we come to bring down our Budget at the day the Leader of the opposition later in this session of Parliament, we w11' went out of office. have to explain its contents and, no doubt. Mr J. T. Tonkin: No! there will be arguments, discussion, and questions on its proposals. Sir CHARLES COURT: Yes. Mr J. T. Tonkin: Will not the same Mr J. T'. Tonkin: No! officers be framing it as those YOU accused of falsifying the accounts? Sir CHARLES COURT: It is, and if the Leader of the Opposition disputes the point Sir CHARLES COURT: I did not ac- I am sure the Under-Treasurer will be cuse them of falsifying accounts. What I only too pleased to oblige by explaining accused the honourable member of was that what I say is correct; because this not going to the people and telling them estimate is not based upon any so-called the problems so that they could under- extravagant Promises or the implemnenta- stand what they would face in times ahead. tion of them. It was quite unfair to expect accurate estimates of our election promises to be Mr J. T. Tonkin: I told You deliberately made by officers who were not given tat te rate of taxation You have im- the proper premises on which to make Posed Is higher than it would otherwise their calculations. They were not given a be, because of the cost of implementing chance to talk to the people who were the Promises You made. putting forward the proposals. Sir CHARLES COURT: I can tell the I want to come back to the point of Leader of the Opposition that that is not the 22nd March, 1974, minute again so because at this point we had to go to and again. We came into office and, with the Commonwealth at the Premiers' Con- all the talk of the then Premier and with ference and say, "We are effecting econo- his challenge to the then member for mies. We are going to be frugal. We are Wembley, now the member for Scarbor- going to be cautious in our budgeting and ough, about his statement relating to we are going to prune spending. We ex- financial affairs, we found ourselves con- pect You to help, to save us imposing in- fronted with a projected deficit of $48 flationary taxes and charges." million, even after $30 million had been Mr J. T. Tonkin: Where are you effect- pruned. But the situation today is even Ing any economies-in having a highway worse because inflation, instead of remain- Patrol, for example? ing at the level the Prime Minister pre- Sir CHARLES COURT: Does the Leader dicted on the 8th June, has galloped away of the Opposition not think that we are even further. So, the $30 million over- implementing some economies? run we put forward as an estimate of the amount we needed to find additional to Mr 3. T. Tonkin: No. the known salaries and wages increases as Sir CHARLES COURT: What about at the 30th June, and the amnount we what we are doing in the Public Service expected to incur progressively during this in the way of increasing its efficiency and current financial year, has increased: it by making sure that we curtail growth is already up to $48 million and rising. through the very considerable wastage So, this is the situation. element so that we can bring its growth Mr J. T. Tonkin: Of course it is rising. under control without any sacking, and You have to pay for your rsomises. so on, It hit nearly 9 per cent in the financial year just ended. Sir CHARLES COURT: It has nothing to do with promises because I remind the Mr J. T. Tonkin: It will be interesting Leader of the opposition of one thing: In at this time next year. the document upon which he wrote his Sir CHARLES COURT: It will be inter- famous note, the Under-Treasurer very esting; and it will not be through any lack properly said that It represented an of effort on our part if the growth is not estimate of the deficit without any regard kept down to the figure for which we are for the election promises of either of the budgeting at the present time. And this major parties. That was a wise attitude is the instruction which has gone out. for him to adopt. Members opposite will see, when the Mr J. T. Tonkin: You just said that in- Budget is Presented, that effect will be flation is still rising, four months after I given to this and, as I said before, It will left office. not be on a basis of sackings. In the Public Service there is a large wastage due Sir CHARLES COURT: This man says to age, and also to retirement for various the most incredible things. What I said reasons: that is, marriage, and the like. were rising were the wages and salary Because of that factor, just as we manag- costs to the Government. ed to adjust the situation in the railways Mr J. T. Tonkin: Yes, the costs to the without any hardship, we will do likewise Government to implement Your Promises. in this regard. Borne heartburnings will [Wednesday, 31 July, 1974114 147 occur In some departments, but on the We must be quite clear concerning the other hand most people realise these situa- provisions of the amendment and so, f or tions must be reviewed from time to time. the sake of the record, I wil read it again So I reject completely the statement that and then give my reasons for supporting the Speech presented to the Parliament by it. The amendment Is quite clear and His Excellency on opening day was in- reads as follows-- uended to be either an embarrassment to However, we very much regret that him or a means of covering up for the the Government placed Your Excel- Government. The simple fact Is that we lency in the position of being obliged have a Commonwealth Government which to devote most of the Speech to unfair Is in an awful mess. Look at the Prime and unwarranted criticism of the Minister tonight fighting for his very Government of the Commonwealth for political life within his own party. He has the purpose of enabling It to escape said that whether they like it or not the the wrath of the people of this State members of that party must support him f or the savage Increases In taxes and over the withdrawal of the petrol subsidies charges which It has Imposed because in the rural areas because he gave an of Its need for money to finance the undertaking to the Premiers. He gave no implementation of Its extravagant undertaking to us that he would do this to election promises. help our budgetary position. In fact it has embarrassed us no end because It is a That Is quite clear. We on this side of further impost on those in rural areas the House completely disagree with the who are already slugged enough and arguments advanced by the members of the forced to pay more freights and charges Government. Of course I also completely because of the actions of the Federal Gov- disagree with the remarks made by the ernment. For Instance, those in country Premier before he resumed his seat. He areas must pay more for superphosphate. then indicated quite clearly to us that In his opinion the Speech made by His Ex- Mr J. T_ Tonkin: Here you go again. You cellency was a very mild one. As I started your speech by blaming the Fed- mentioned by way of interjection prior to eral Government and now you are con- the tea suspension, I feel that His Excel- cluding it in the same way the Governor's lency the Governor was placed In a very Speech commenced and concluded. embarrassing position, to say the least. Sir CHARLES COURT: What else can wve do when we must debunk the substance Reference to his Speech will reveal of the amendment? That is what the clearly that in a number of paragraphs amendment Is all about. It is our right the blame was placed squarely on the and responsibility to demonstrate to the shoulders of the Australian or Common- Parliament and the public that anything wealth Government for the position in we said was quite mild compared with which the present State Government finds what we should have said or could have itself. Of course, this is the easy way said. out. This will be the policy from here on as time will prove. I can envisage that The simple fact Is that we have a Gov- at every opportunity the Premier and other ernment with this fantastic amount of members on that side of the House will inflation and It does not seem to care. In try to get out from under by embarrassing f act it wants to take over the States and the Commonwealth Goverrnent and lay- make them completely Impotent. It does ing the blame on it instead of accepting not want to co-operate. the responsibility themselves. I do not want to transgress. I wish to of the amendment I hope that during my small contribu- stick to the substance tion to this debate I will prove that the because X know, Mr Speaker, that will as- State Government had no alternative but sist you in your duties. Other members to Impose additional taxes on the people mnay try to transgress and deal with other of Western Australia In order to implement matters, but I will apply my remarks en- its pre-election promises. It Is no good tirely to the two points in the amendment. the Premier saying he was not warned. I repeat that, when we came Into office, We heard In the debate last night that he the first document which confronted us was warned in relation to his pre-election was the one dealing with the huge deficit, promises, particularly in regard to the for 1974-715, and with an unco-operative establishment of a highway patrol, the Commonwealth Government, I consider estimated cost for which Is not yet avail- that the remarks made in the Speech were able. It will be very interesting when the temperate, accurate, and thoroughly j us- Bill is before us to ascertain what the cost tified. I therefore oppose the amendment. will be. We have already seen a variation of the policy announced by the Premier. MR T. H. JONES (Collie) ['1.48 p'm.]:, I rise to support the amendment moved Mr O'Connor: No you have not. by my leader and I do so for a number Mr T. H. JONES: Time will reveal the of reasons. I completely disagree with true situation. The Minister indicated the propositions the Premier has advanced some time ago that a traffic authority In his effort to answer the argument would be established and would be raised in the speech made by my leader divorced from the Police Department. The when he moved the amendment. Minister can correct me if I am wrong, 148 148[ASSEMBLY.]

but that Is my understanding of the situ- Mr T. H. JONES: Now the Minister is ation. After discussions with me in Donny- changing his attitude. brook and Collie the Minister made it quite clear that, for reasons best known to him- Mr O'Connor: No I am not. self as the Minister In charge of the port- Mr T. R. JONES: in his remarks the folio, there would be a new highway patrol. Premier Indicated that the Commonwealth But he then told us that it will be associ- Government was setting out on a Policy to ated with and attached to the Polle embarrass the State Government. I think Force. Am I wrong In that statement? that is a lot of nonsense to say the least. Mr O'Connor: You will find out when Sir Charles Court: To get rid of the the Bill comes before us. States altogether! Mr T. H. JONES: The Minister Is not Mr T. H. JONES: During the last prepared either to deny or confirm the session what did we hear in this House? statement. The Press reports led me to We heard repeated over and over again the conclusion that the new authority will the two words "centralism" and "social- be attached in some way to the Police Ism". Members on the other side of the Department. House who were then on this side were like parrots. The present Premier had Mr O'Connor: Some of the Press state- them so regimented that each of his sup- ments are completely inaccurate, includ- porters who spoke referred to nothing else ing the one in yesterday's paper which, but centralism and socialism. That Is all strangely enough, was written by a news- I heard. I am sure the Hansard report- paper reporter who was not even present ers became sick of writing the words be- during the whole of the debate. cause they heard them so often. Mr T. H. JONES: Let me refresh the All we heard about was centralism. Minister's memory because apparently he socialism, and that big bogey in the east- cannot remember. Can he recall that em parts of Australia. That statement when he discussed this matter In Collie cannot be denied and with the Donnybrook Shire he said by any member on the that there would be some reversion clause other side of the House, even the mem- to cover transfers from the highway patrol ber for Scarborough who I see is laugh- to the Police Force itself. Can he recall ing. He also referred to centralism and having said that? socialism. Mr O'Connor: Wait until the Bill Is Mr Young: That Is all we were getting before us. in those days. Mr T. H. JONES: Will the Minister deny Mr T. H. JONES: I suggest that the what I have said or agree with me? Did member for Scarborough should look at he or did he not make that statement? Hansard; if he does he will clearly ascer- tain Sir Charles Court: What does it matter? what the situation was. Mr Sibson: At least you have admitted Mr O'Connor: Walt until the Bill Is that the big bogey exists. before us. Mr T. H. JONES: The Minister Is bait- Mr T. H. JONES: We have livened up he or did he not make that the members opposite. They have been Ing me. Did very quiet until now but we are drawing statement? a little fire at last. Members opposite Mr O'Neil: I thought you were talking have been so regimented that we have to the Speaker. not heard a whisper until now. Mr TP. H. JONES: I apologise to you, Mr McPharlin: What about Your back- Mr Speaker. I am answering the inter- benchers? jector who was not called to order. I was Invited by the Minister to speak so I took Mr Jamieson: Go back to Mt. Marshall the opportunity available to me. as un- you great poob-bahl doubtedly he would have done had he Mr T. H. JONES: The then member for been placed in a similar position, to anis- Mt. Marshall stated that he would Invite wer the allegations made. If my memory me to a wedding. serves me correctly-and when the legis- lation is before the House we will see who Mr McPharlin: You were very quiet is right, the Minister or I-the Minister when you were on the back bench. told the Donnybrook Shire and also the Mr TP. H. JONES: If the member for Collie Shire that there would be reversion Mt. Marshall will look at Mansard he will clauses In the legislation provided the ap- see that he invited me to a wedding. proval of the Commissioner of Police was Mr McPharlln: We never heard the obtained. If the Minister says I am wrong I will check with the local authority and back-benchers when you were over here. the Donnybrook Shire to see whether their Mr T. H. JONES: The Minister did not representatives recall that the Minister even invite me to the divorce proceedings. made a statement along those lines. How honest is he? Firstly he invited me Mr O'Connor: I am not saying You are to a wedding and then when the divorce wrong. I am asking you to wait until the occurred he did not even invite me to Bill is before us. that. [Wednesday, 31 July, 1974114 149

Mr Jamieson: They only lived de facto. Sir Charles Court: Have you heard Mr Dunstan In action lately? Mr MePharlin: There was no wedding. so how could there be a divorce? Mr T. H. JONES: I heard him about three weeks ago. Mr Jamieson: No! You lived de facto for a while. Sir Charles Court: Have you heard him speak about the actions of the Federal The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Government concerning Consolidated Rev- Collie is making the contribution. enue and road funds? Mr T. H. JONES: We did not know Mr Davies: I think he said that Cough whether the wedding took. place. Whitlam was the greatest Prime Minister Mr Jamieson: They were living in sin. Australia has ever had. Mr T. H. JONES: Some people were Mr Coyne: That was three weeks ago. working for the cause of the National He has changed his mind since then. Alliance and some for the cause of the Mr Sibson: That is not what Caucus Country Party. said. Mr McPharlin: It was a fact that the Mr T. H. JONES: Members opposite are DLP divorced the Labor Party. very vocal. What did they do during the Mr T. H. JONES: The Minister cannot tea suspension? get away with that one. Mr Blaikie: We are giving some padding The SPEAKER: Order! I suggest that to your speech. the honourable member resume his speech. Mr T. H. JONES: Blefore all the inter- Jections, I was about to indicate the im- Mr T. H. JONES: Yes. Sir. These inter- positions on pensioners and people gen- jections cannot go unanswered as you will erally by the Court Government in a very appreciate. short space of time. Sir Charles Court: It would not be a For the sake of the record I want to bad idea if you talked to the amendment mention briefly some of the taxes that for a change. have been imposed. They are quoted in Mr T. H. JONES: I accept your sugges- the amendment moved by my leader. First tion, Mr Speaker. I think you were very of all, on the 19th June, a short time after easy with me and I will be co-operative the Government was elected, it was an- to the utmost. I have Maid what I wanted nounced that fares and freights would to say. cost more-a 30 per cent increase. The Premier said a moment ago that many of Getting back to the amendment and the these impositions were brought about by position in which His Excellency found increased wages. We hear that so often. himself, it cannot be denied that many The increased freights to the northern part impositions have been placed on taxpayers, of the State are not brought about as a and especially pensioners. The reason, of result of increased wages; they are simply course, is that the Government now finds increased freight charges to people living that it cannot honour its pre-election in the northern areas of the State. promises. I quote briefly from an article which Sir Charles Court: Who said that? appeared in this evening's Issue of the Mr T. H. JONES: It had no- flatly News- Mr Young: That is what the leader of Freight skyrockets prices in north. the Opposition said when he became People were being penalised for liv- Premier; not the present Premier. Ing in the North, the secretary of the Mr T. H. JONES: The member for Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce, Scarborough can make his own speech and Mr Pat Richardson, said yesterday. should let me make mine. The Premier He said: "flecentralisation has virt- has clearly indicated that the Government ually become a dead word." has found itself in this very embarrassing position. He commented on the 30 per cent freight Sir Charles Court: That is not because rise which would result in spiralling costs. He said a loaf of bread had increased of our promises. it is because of the situa- from 39c to 42c and was expected to rise tion in which the Labor Government left to 50c. A cucumber now costs 45e. I will the Treasury. not read the entire article but reference to Mr T. H. JONES: Now the Governent it will indicate the plight in which the is blamning the Australian or Common- People in the north of the State find them- wealth Government for the position in selves. The Whitlamn Government cannot which It finds itself. Time will tell who be blamed for these increases; they are is to blame. I am looking forward to the increases directly imposed by the Court Budget and I am wondering how many Government. more times we will hear the same question Sir Charles Court: Why did we have to raised during the session. put up the freights? 150 150[ASSEMBLY.]

Mr T. H. JONES: It is quite obvious. Mr O'Neil: It does not subsidise any The Premier knows the answer. It was rents at all. Sudsidies are carried by the necessary in order to meet his election State Housing Commission and nobody promises. else--not even the State Treasury. On the 20th June it was announced that Mr T. H. JONES: it might apply in- cartage rates would increase, and the big- directly. gest increase would be for furniture re- moval, amounting to 34.9 per cent. That Mr O'Neil: You are talking through your announcement was made by the West hat. Australian Road Transport Association. Mr T. H. JONES: I am glad the Minister The increase which will make the biggest is so vocal. He has been so quiet that I impact on the taxpayers of Western did not know he was here. I do not know Australia was mentioned in The West what I am saying to upset everyone but I Australian on the 21st June, when it was have to take on everyone at once. Mem- stated- bers on the Government side have been S010 car insurance up 25 per cent. very vocal since the tea suspension. It must be remembered that was on the I have yet to make my main point, In re- 21st June. Another blow to the taxpayers in lation to a matter for which I charge the Western Australia, generally, was a big Liberal Government with full responsibil- increase in sewerage and water rates an- ity over the years. I refer to the increase nounced in The West Australian on the in State Electricity Commission charges. it 22nd June, 1974, in the following terms- cannot be denied that successive Liberal The new rates and charges an- Governments are responsible for the in- nounced yesterday show that residen- crease In the price of electricity in this tial water rates will rise by 11.1 per State. The Policy of the Liberal Govern- cent and sewerage rates by 25.8 per ment in relation to Kwinana has been cent. proved to be wrong, and I challenge any- one on the other side of the House to re- That clearly shows what the people can fute what I said when I moved in 1970 for expect from the Court Administration. the appointment of a Royal Commission The West Australian on the 1st July to inquire into the State Electricity Com- stated- mission. Everything I said has been proved New year-on the up and up to be correct; the chickens have come The new financial year starts today home to roost. I wonder whether any with a series of price rises. They in- member on the other side of the House clude: Who was a member of the Liberal Gov- Dentists' fees (eight per cent In- ernment at the time can tell me why the crease). Swinana Power station was ever built. Why was the Kwinana power station built? Can Bricks (nine per cent). anyone tell me? Water and sewerage rates (37 per cent average). It is quite clear to mue that the Govern- ment entered Into an agreement with the Interstate rail fares (131 per cent oil companies without knowing what the average). future Position would be, not only in re- Gun licence fees (50 per cent-from lation to supply but also In relation to $2 to $3). price. This has been proved, and the mem- That is a clear Indication of the burden ber for Sunbury can try to deny it. He being Placed on the working people of knows the story. He was once a coal miner Western Australia. at Collie and he knows how we struggled. As a result of the additional charges, If he Is honest he will admit the Opposi- costs have soared in other directions. tion at that time was justified in Pleading Panel beaters have been forced to Increase with the Brand Government in 1967 not their charges from $2.50 to $7.50 an hour. to double the size of the oil-burning power People in the low wage brackets were station at Ewinana. stunned by a figure which appeared In Our pleas fell on deaf ears, and today the The West Australian on the 10th July, this State Electricity Commission is forced to year, when It was stated- change back to coal; It has no alternative. SEC rents, interest up If my information is correct the Price of Rents will rise by between $1 and fuel oil today is $54 a tonne. The Minister $3.45 a week but will not apply to all for Elecertcity, Fluel and Energy will be SHC tenants. concerned when he renegotiates the oil Increased rents for pensioners will be met agreement this year. I want to know why by the allowance made by the Australian the Brand Government ever agreed to build or Commonwelath Government. the Rwinana power station when it had no guarantee in relation to the supply or Mr O'Neil: There is no allowance at all price of oil. It placed itself in the hands by the Australian or Commonwealth Gov- of the oil combines, and that cannot be ernment. denied.' Mr T. H. JONES: I am speaking about allowances. The minister knows the pro- Sir Charles Court: It reduced the price visions of the Pensions Act as well as I do. of power three times in its existence. [Wednesday, 31 July, 1974] 151

Mr T. H. JONES: I will come to that. State coffers, we might not be in the posi- Mr Mensaros: You did not tell us at that tion we are in today. On the 8th August. time that there would be at crisis with the 1972, in a question directed to the Trea- Arabs. We might have listened to you. surer, I asked whether HP was paying wharfage charges from 1955 to 1972, and M'r T. H. JONES: I cannot hear what the what amount It had Paid to the State, and Minister is saying. It cannot be denied the answer was "No". The figure up to that this Is the situation. The Minister that time was $94 930 932.30. That is not has made public statements that he finds a bad whack. How would that look in the himself in the position that there is no coffers of the State today? That is only alternative. The present Leader of the the figure up to 1972, and It is now out- Opposition warned that this would hap- dated: but between 1955 and 1972 the State pen. On the 14th June, 1967. he is quoted would have bad access to an additional $94 as saying- million If BP had been required to pay Tonkin asks Goverment to delay de- wharfage charges. I do not wish to say cision over fuel. any more about coal tonight. Of course, the miners' Union, when I was Sir Charles Court: The State would not secretary of it, Pleaded with the Brand have had that because there would not Government not to double the capacity of have been a refinery. the oil-burning Power station at Swinana for the reasons stated when I moved for the Mr T. H. JONES: We have only the appointment of a Royal Commission. Premier's word for that. Somebody should be reprimanded. Either Sir Charles Court: They would not have the Government misinformed somebody or entered into it uinder any circumstances, somebody in the State Electricity Commis- sion misinformed the Government. Mr Jamieson: You were conned into that. Stupid theories were held about the re- Mr T. H. JONES: The Government en- serves of coal at Collie. In November, 1964, tered Into an agreement not to disclose the the then Minister for Electricity said there price of fuel oil. I hope the present were 30 years left for coal at Collie. What Minister will not fall for that when new a stupid statement that has proved to be! contracts are being negotiated, because it I recall that the Manager of the State amounts to unfair competition. Oil com- Electricity Commission at that time (Mr bines know the price of coal but coal com- Jukes) said there would not be enough Panies cannot find out the price of oil. water in Collie. That is another statement Is that competition? The Government which has been disproved. prides Itself on its free-enterprise policy. but it entered into an agreement with the Sir Charles Court: Are you telling us we oil companies that no Government would overstated the Collie reserves? reveal the price of oil. It tied its own Mr T. H. JONES: I am telling the Pre- hands and the hands of our Government. mier what his Government said. I was not A great deal of secrecy surrounded this running the State Electricity Commission deal. at that time. Had I been doing so, we Mr McPharlin: Do You know the price might not be in the mess we are in today. of ol ? The Premier well knows that in 1964 the Minister (Mr Crawford Nalder) said there Mr T. H. JONES: I understand from were 30 years left for Collie. What hap- reliable sources that it Is $54 a tonne. I Conference, the am glad the Deputy Premier reminded me pened? The South-West of that. We have recently had a calcula- unions, and the townspeople in Collie asked tion made by the experts in the mining the Government to introduce a compre- programme, and all the industry, and the situation today is that, hensive boring on beating value, coal delivered into the pleas fell on deaf ears. The programme Muja Power station at Collie Is one-third initiated by the Tonkin Government. In of the price which the SEC Is Paying for conjunction with Peabody Coal of America oil. and Western Colieries Ltd.. revealed that the extractable reserves of coal at Collie The SPEAKER: I think the honourable were in excess of 282 million tonnes. It member Is allowing the interjections to will therefore be clearly seen that the in- lead him too far astray. creased charges are brought about by the Mr T. H. JONES: It was a good Inter- short-sighted Policies of the Ministers on jection. Mr Speaker, because it brought the other side of the House. The blame me back to what I wanted to say. I was cannot be attached to the Australian Gov- very glad the Deputy Premier interjected ernment. An inquiry should be conducted and brought mue back Into line. The to find out who was responsible. The IKwln- Minister can try to refute these figures, ana refinery was not required to Pay any but this is the Position in which the State wharfage charges. now finds Itself. For this reason we are Sir Charles Court: What has that to do now turning back to "Old icing Coal". with It? The State will have to rely on "Old King Mr T. H. JONES: Had the State re- Coal" for many years to come. We were ceived the revenue which other organisa- a forgotten race in Collie, but now we are tions and businesses were paying Into expecting large tonnages of coal to be 152 152ASSEM33LY.I

Produced, there baa been a change of policy for Bunbury was one of the instigators of back to the usage of coal and no doubt this association. There were a number of someone Is responsible far this. I wish stoppages on the coalfields as a result of someone would own UP to the mess In the coalmining award in which the mem- which the Power authorities In this State ber for Bunbury took a prominent part on have been Placed. The whole thing is a behalf of the transport association. I with- shambles and someone ought to be con- draw the former statement if the member demned. for Bunbury wishes me to do so but the matter is recorded and the situation is Hundreds of workers have been put out known: and the honourable member can- of work, and hundreds have lost their not deny it. homes In Collie; It has been necessary for them to accept lower paid lobs. Now, Mr SIBSON: I asked for that statement however, the situation Is returning to its to be withdrawn. There is nowhere on true perspective. What has happened record that this can be proven. The only should never have occurred and I am glad time I was involved in such a situation was to say that coal Is now being used Instead once or twice when we appealed for better of oil. roads in the Muja open cut. Mr Sibson: The reason for this was the The SPEAKER: I feel the explanation uncertainty of the supply of coal out of made by the member for Collie that he Is collie. prepared to withdraw the former state- ment has been misunderstood and I accept Mr T. H. JONES: The member for this. Bunbury knows very well that he was responsible for stop-work meetings when Debate (on amendment to the transport association was attempt- motion) Resumed ing to have coverage in the coal mining industry- Mr T. H. JONES: I do not wish to take ask members up any more of the time of the House in The SPEAKER: Order! I relation to this matter. In conclusion I to keep to the amendment. say the amendment moved by my leader has my full support. Time alone will tell Point of Order how many of the present Government's Mr SIBSON: On a point of order, Mr policies wili be implemented. It is no good Speaker, I ask that the member for Collie the Government continuing to blame the withdraw his statement that I led stop- Whitlam Government for the steps it has work meetings In Collie. taken and for the policies it has imple- mented to combat inflation. The SPEAKER: I would like the mem- ber for Eunbury to restate what he takes exception to. MR H. D. EVANS (Warren) 18.2D p.m.J: Mr T. H. Jones: I did not say that. I1, too, would like to support the amend- ment moved by my leader. Before doing Mr StESON: As I understand it the so, however, I wish to take this opportunity member for Collie said, "The member for to congratulate the 15 new members who Bunbury would remember having led stop- were elected to the Assembly Chamber. It work meetings on Collie coal." would be insincere of me if I wished their The SPEAKER: Perhaps the member for stay was a long one, but I am sincere Collie will explain what he did say. when I say that I hope It will be a happy one. Mr T. H. JONES: Certainly. Mr Speaker. I am sure Hansard will prove what I said. In supporting my leader's remarks I1 I am not a betting man but I will bet that stress that I join with him in stating that I did not say what the member for Bun- the criticism the Government made was bury has taken exception to. I mentioned unfair and in fact unwarranted. The the transport association and certain Leader of the Opposition has explained stoppages. the reasons for inflation as he saw them. I do not think he went far enough, how- Mr. Sibson: I asked for that statement ever, and I would like to elaborate on his to be withdrawn. statements. He did go Into the intricacies The SPEAKER: I find it hard to adjudi- of international finance and the complexi- cate whether there should be a withdrawal. ties that result from the reactions and However, the member for Bunbury finds inter-reactions of the monetary systems the words offensive and perhaps the mem- throughout the world. ber for Collie might consider either with- I do think we should have looked at the drawing them or saying he had no inten- Whitlam Government's inheritance, be- tion of offending the honourable member. cause it is from this that many of his Mr T. H. JONES: May I explain the situ- actions have stemmed, together with the ation. I did not say it deliberately against effect that these have had on all the States, the member for Bunbury. However, he including our own. would know as well as I that a group was It is, however, also important to try to farmed on the Collie coalfield which was an gauge the level of consequences from these owner-driver association and the member causes. In the first instance there was the (Wednesday, 31 July, 1974] 1535 neglect of previous Governments over a It is obvious that an income of $60 a period of 23 years which allowed inflation- week while being adequate for a single man ary pressures to build up. is certainly not adequate when a large Sir Charles Court: Over 23 years they family becomes Involved. averaged 21 per cent. They never went to The poverty line in August, 1973, for a their present level. couple with two children, but with the Mr. H. D. EVANS: If I could proceed a wife not working, was set at $62.10. That little further, I would paint out that these is for a wife, husband, and two children. pressures had steadily built up. and now I Those below this austere amount contained refer to the mineral boom, to the rural in the report were termed "very poor", boom as it occurred, and also to the in- and those less than 20 per cent above it vestments from overseas--the tremendous were considered "rather poor". Other in- amounts of finance which affected the comes were graded comparably to this liquidity of this country to a marked yardstick. degree. Foreign capital of a speculative It is interesting to note that the highest kind was poured into Australia at various levels of poverty did not exist in the levels making control difficult. Variations major cities as we might expect;, they ex- in foreign invesment of 8500 million and isted in the country areas, and it was $1 900 million in successive years made It Shown that 14 per Cent of rural dwellers- impossible to maintain stability in the and this excludes farmers-fell below the economy of this State. poverty line, and 10.8 per cent were cate- There was no effort on the part of Gov- gorised as "rather poor". ernments to take the necessary action and so the stability of the economy was jeo- The total percentage of income units pardised in this way. below the poverty line throughout Aus- Sir Charles Court. What was the rate tralia was 12.5 per cent, with a further of inflation during the mineral boom? 8.1 Per cent in the "rather poor" class, Mr H. D. EVANS: Some of this invest- So we have the astonishing situation of ment was caused by the need to revalue: one-fifth of the total income units in Aus- and speculators sought the appreciation tralia being categorised as "very poor" or of money this would bring; even this was "rather poor". left for a considerable length of time The Western Australian figure is above after action should have been taken; the Australian average. I would point out and, as a consequence, when revaluation that 14 Per cent of the wage-earner units did take place it was too late far it to are below the poverty line and an addi- have the desired effect. Revaluation was tional 6.9 per cent in the "rather poor" not done early enough to achieve the de- category and this raises the total in the sired effect In the economy. two groupings to 20.9 per cent, as distinct I point also to the movement of the from the Australian average of 20.6 per Amnerican economy which did have a fringe cent; and we are still talking about one- or peripheral effect on the Australian fifth of the community. economy; and though it was minor in its The commission of inquiry recognised impact it was nevertheless a contributing that many far-reaching reforms would be factor to some of the other circumstances required to eradicate poverty completely. which Justified and demanded reorienta- The commission did bring down a series of tion to some degree. 12 recommendations which could be Im- I refer to the major imbalance and plemented rather rapidly and which would problems of the overpopulous areas of bring the greatest amount of relief to the Australia which represented commitments areas where the need was greatest. These with Governments which had been ne- recommendations were brought down and glected for years before the Whitlam Gov- acted upon to a fairly large degree. They ernment came into office. Might I point involved quite a number of increased pay- to the Henderson report on poverty; It is ments. The recommendations include ant an interim report which came out on the in crease in the weekly child endowment 1st March. This In itself is sufficient to Payments; the removal of taxation deduc- indicate the degree and magnitude of po- tion for dependent children; an increase verty which exists in Australia, at a level in basic pensions and allowances; in- which is intolerable in an affluent country creased benefits to fatherless families; in- such as ours. creased supplementary assistance, and The Henderson Commission was ordered matters of that kind. to investigate poverty in Australia. It got The essential realisation of the report to the Bureau of Statistics to undertake a which I have referred is of course the survey to examine income and poverty magnitude and extent of poverty as it does levels throughout the nation. The results of exist, and the need that it should be acted the bureau's survey are illuminating to say upon, together with the fact that it had the lea t. The commission adopted a very not been acted upon until the Whitlam severe standard when judging poverty, and Government came into office. the standard followed the principle of The major problem, however, which income in relation to the family that faced and is still facing the Government income had to support. of Australia is that of large cities. It is 154 154[ASSEMMLY.)

the problem of large cities, not the prob- Mr H. D. EVANS: Let us have a look at lems in the cities, and this probably needs It. some elaboration, Mr O'Neil: It is about time you did. It is incongruous that we should tend to Mr H. D. EVANS: The exact wording look upon ourselves as having grown up refers to the unwarranted criticism of the with a mythical national identity based on Government of the Commonwealth. I am our traditions of the skies, the seas, far demonstrating that that criticism is un- distant brown lands, and the comparable fair and unjust, because although the ac- sort of individual, while at the same time tions which have been forced upon the finding ourselves in the situation of being. Commonwealth by the neglect of 23 years in fact, the most highly urbanised country must have brought about some reactions, in the world. those reactions in this State are not res- For example, in 1911 some 58 per cent ponsible for our difficulties to the extent of Australians lived In centres of more than that the State Government is trying to 1 000 People. By 1951 this had increased to claim they are. I am demonstrating the 82 per cent; by 1966 there was a further Problems and the actions that had to be increase to 83.5 per cent who lived in such taken; and I will go on to show how the centres: and the census in 1971 showed actions of the State Government in rais- that 85 per cent of Australians were urban ing charges so vigorously cannot be Justi- dwellers. In 1980 it will presumably be fied. somewhere in the vicinity of 90 per cent. Mr MePharlin: Are you justifying the Comparable figures for other countries are actions as follows-- of the Federal Government? Per tent Mr H. D. EVANS: I am indicating the Britain ...... 82 problems in respect of which the Com- USA and Canada ... 75 monwealth Government was forced to act Japan .... 65 as a result of the neglect of the previous Further, 75 per cent of all Australians live Government and of the morass of the In cities of more than 10 000 people, and 72 cities which had to be resolved for a start. per cent live In cities of more than 20 000 This is just one aspect: and I will pro- people. It can be readily presumed that ceed from that to the economy and other Australian cities are no different from, and matters. have no exemption from the Problems Mr McPharlin: It had to penalise which beset the major cities in North country people. America. Europe, and Asia. Our cities fate all the worst problems of those metro- Mr H. D. EVANS: If I may proceed: I palises, with the exception perhaps of was referring to the interlocking nature of the overt racial problems. But if we talk the problems of the economy, and I about the problems of cities, of course, we cited the fact that 30 per cent of rural miss the point. Cities are the problem, transport costs are incurred in the last because there is not one aspect of our few miles to the port. national life that can be discussed in poli- Now, it can also be shown that the con- tical, economic, or social terms without re- gestion of traffic has increased costs to a ferring to it in this urban context. marked degree. We hear anguished cries Education, health, transport, social wel- against suggestions that the hours of trans- fare, immigration, Commonwealth-State Port workers should be reduced: but we relations-in fact, the whole gamut of hear nothing at all in relation to the fact problems--are of course essentially part of that the rate of travel in a city like the urban problem, and no problem can Sydney has been reduced by half in a be resolved without seeing it In this light decade. So we have this tremendous capi- and looking at it as part of the overall talisation of machinery-of wheeled difficulty. vehicles which have had their performance The Interlocking nature of our national reduced by half: and the effectiveness of problems can be readily demonstrated, in the manpower which operates them has the first instance, if we turn to the question been reduced. The cost of this to the of transport and the matter of farm costs nation must be rather staggering. So the in relation to transport. It must be remem- effective hours which machines and men bered here that our great cities are also can work are being reduced not by legis- our great ports, and It has been calculated lation or by arbitration, but by the sheer that 30 per cent of rural transport costs physical compulsion of our great cities. are incurred in the last few miles of their This Indicates the need for something to journey to the port. This is what cities be done to alleviate the problem. mean to the rural producer. The urban problems of Perth which ac- Sir Charles Court: Has this anything to companied the mineral boom were directly do with the amendment moved by the attributable to that boom which was, of course, beneficial to the whole of Australia: Leader of the Opposition? yet it was Perth which, in many cases, Mr H. D. EVANS: It has everything to had to foot the costs of development. I do with the amendment. point out one further instance of the in- Mr O'Neil-: Have You read the amend- terlocking nature of the problems of our ment? economy;, that is, the shortages at the [Wednesday, 31 July, 1974115 155 present time particularly in regard to charges It Is levying on the action of the steel and allied products. of which Commonwealth Government. To say the capital was made politically. It can be least, that is grossly unfair. It will be shown that at the time of the great rural many years before the Problem of the great depression three years ago BHiP found It cities is resolved, so vast is Its magnitude. had to seek markets by way of contracts This is the point we must realise. We outside Australia. Today it must still hon- must realise that we cannot afford the our those contracts and so steel is being cost of great cities. We reach the stage exported. As a consequence, with the in- where It is just not economical to Increase proved conditions in rural areas there is the size of cities. now a shortage of fence Posts and wire. The cost of installing a telephone In BlHP Is manufacturing greater quantities Perth Is something of the order of $1 300. of wire than it did previously, but It still In Melbourne It Is $1 100, whilst In Can- cannot achieve maximum production of berra it is $550. The basic cost of run- such lines because it must honour contracts ning a car In the city has increased It entered into during the rural depression, tremendously, and economists have estab- and so It cannot meet completely the de- lished that traffic congestion generated by mnand on the home market. one additional resident-this Is staggering This is the sort of interrelationship of -means an added expenditure of $63 In factors regarding the economy with which Sydney, $4 in Wollongong, and 20c in we are faced, and It demonstrates clearly Wagga. This is the extra cost generated how the rural dweller cannot exist with- by only one additional resident to a city. out his city counterpart, and how the city When we are considering a city of the dweller cannot exist without the rural size of Sydney or Melbourne the cost of population. The economy of the country Is providing public services to one single resi- so closely interwoven that the destinies of dent costs in the order of $10 000. There- all sections are tied up in the one econom- fore In the long run It Is inevitable that we ic basket. must have smaller cities established in developing centres. So It must be recognis- The SPEAKER: I think the honourable ed that the programme the Commonwealth member's generalisations should be related Government embarked upon Is indeed a specifically to the amendment. most worthy one, though regional growth Mr H. D. EVANS: Yes, Mr Speaker. I centres will cost many millions of dollars. appreciate your tolerance, and I will come It may be considered devious to outline back to the specifics. other costs in adding one single resident The SPEAKER: I hope you will do so to a large city in terms of national health, fairly quickly because we must keep to the conmunity welfare, and happiness, but in amendment. doing so I am sure I would be testing your Mr H. D. EVANS: Thank you, Mr patience too far, Mr Speaker. Neverthe- Speaker; I will do so immediately. 'How- Less this is something that has to be re- ever, I think it should be pointed out that alised and considered when mating an there comes a point where it Is just not overall approach to solving the problem. economical to continue with a city once it I would also point to the tremendous reaches a certain size. progress that Is being made with our sys- tem of education and the steps that have The SPEAKER: I cannot see how this already been taken as a result of the applies to the unfair and unwarranted recommendations of the Karmel commit- criticisms as made In the Governor's tee which involve the expenditure of Speech. Anyway, develop your theme first. many millions of dollars. Already $11.4 I lust want to point out that you are million has been allocated to non-Govern- getting somewhat tenuous In your com- ment schools that are eligible for the pro- parisons. vision of school buildings. This is another Mr H. D. EVANS: I appreciate that, indication of the neglect that was shown Sir, and I certainly will not transgress. by the Previous Commonwealth Govern- However, the essential point of the crit- ment, the results of which were inherited icism Is that the problems which have been by the Whitlamn Goverrnent and which forced upon the Australian Government brought about a need for the redirection have resulted in the necessity to take of resources by that Government. These action In many ways. The social Injustice results, of course, were coupled to the which was caused by the problems of the inflationary pressures that had been allow- cities and the morass the Australian Gov- ed to build up without any action being ernment inherited had to be acted upon; taken to solve the problem. and the need to clean up the major cities Sir Charles Court: You are not on that of Australia for economic reasons if for again, are you? What was the rate of In- no other reason, of course, Involves the flation when the Whitlam Government Government In a great deal of cost and a went into office? redirection of resources. That is the Mr H. D. EVANS: The figures will essential point I make. show- The Australian Government was forced Sir Charles Court: You have got your to move in this regard, and yet It is crit- base completely over apex. what was, the icised by the present State Government, rate of inflation before the Whitlam Gov- which Is trying to blame the increased ernment went into power? 156 [ASSE "JLY.3 The fact was that As you know, Mr Speaker, this is my Mr H. D). EVANS: nineteenth year In this Parliament. In- Inflation was allowed to manifest Itself are some members reaped the cluding yourself, there and the Whitlam Government in this House who have a few grey hairs harvest of wild oats it did not deserve. The to say. for 23 who will support what I am about seeds of inflation were nurtured In fact, some of them were members of years. this House before I entered it, but there On the subject of education the pro- are not too many of them. that was recommended by the gramme For the greater part of the 19 years I Karmel committee will cost hundreds of but this is one area sat in Opposition on this side of the House. millions of dollars, led by the Progress has already been made. the Government of the day was in which respected member for Greenough, and for I reiterate the point made by the 12 years I followed my colleagues to an- Leader of the opposition; namely, that the other Place on opening day to hear various charges introduced by the present State Speeches prepared by the Leader of the Government will be a terrific burden on Government at that time-that is, the the taxpayers of this State and, as a con- member for Greenough-and delivered by sequence, there will be an inevitable, two separate Governors other than the tremendous rise In the cost of living. present incumbent. During all that time especially to the people residing in the I can honestly say that on not one of those north when they have to bear the large occasions did I hear a Speech that was freight increases. In saying this we must so diabolical and so full of political dia- bear in mind that the members of the tribe as that which I was subjected to present Government Could not have been listen to last week. surpassed by any strong critic of the Tonkin Government when it sought to make in- Mr A. R. Tonkin: Hear, hear! charges of any kind. I would creases in Mr T. D. EVANS: I feel that this was an add further that the increases in freight rural dwellers and imposition on the representative of Her rates will affect other in fact, I think and the effects of such Majesty the Queen and, other industries was an insult. I consider I would not be alarming, to say the least. it increases will do justice to the person responsible for to define how many Of the preparation of previous Speeches if It is difficult that these increases are justified and how many I did not refer to him again, and of the increases have simply been made to person is the member for Greenough. meet the cost of the promises that were During the 12 years he served as Leader made by members of the Government of the Government he followed the fine during the last election. To define this principles of tradition when preparing the specifically Would be most difficult, but Governor's Speech. there is a large element of undoubtedly present Government, with the doubt in regard to this question. I support With the moved by the Leader of same political complexion as that of the the amendment have seen the opposition. member for Greenough, we shattered those fine principles that were [8.45 followed in the past. The references that MR T. D. EVANS (Kalgoorlie) on not blame me, Mr were made in the Governor's Speech p'm.): You would Parliament by the again the precise word- the opening of this Speaker, if I read of Her Majesty the Queen ing of the amendment, but instead I will representative bovrilsing the were not only an insult to the Governor create a datum peg by Leader of the it. I commence by say- himself, but also to the essential Parts Of opposition. ing that having analysed the amendment I find myself in complete agreement with I am sure the member for Greenough the Leader of the Opposition as hie has would not feel proud of the fact that the analysed it and I have come down on the Governor was subjected to read a Speech side which believes that there are two of the calibre of the one that I now hold parts to it. In my hand. the Government of the day The other portion of the amendment Firstly, behind the Speech, stands to be criticised for subjecting His points out the rationale Governor to reading a apart from the Political hatred of the Excellency the It Is designed to Speech much of which was devoted to un- Australian Government. criticism of the set up a smokescreen behind which this fair and unwarranted can hide from the chickens Government of the Commonwealth of Government a smokescreen which Should come home to roost from its Australia in order to create and-I dare to say the present State Govern- expensive, extravagant, behind which -ill-conceived policies, some of which I ment seeks to hide. In fact, it seeks to should am sure-and I refer to the education avoid the continued criticism that thought behind them. it for the extravagant policies-had no real be levelled against I refer to that Part of the education election Promises that were made and me go too feels obliged It policy-I know you will not let which the Government far on this. Mr Speaker-which states must honour in at least some form. [Wednesday. 31 July, 1974] 1575 that the Government would, on a compul- outside the climate of the Budget to be sory basis, bring Into the secondary school introduced by the Australian Government, the primary school child who had reached whether, in fact, profits made by mining the end of his 11th Year. ventures are to be taxed. Yet, in this I point out that In 1959 the former climate of uncertainty, against the promise Director-General of Education (Mr made by the Leader of the Opposition as Dettman) delivered a report into the hands he was then-he is now the Premier-that of the then Minister for Education in the their need was a delicate one and that they Brand Government (Mr Lewis). In that had to be treated with kid gloves, we find report the Dettman committee strongly that tomorrow prospectors are to be sub- recommended the retention of 12-year-olds jected to a 200 per cent increase in charges in the primary school and not their trans- made by State Batteries. fer to secondary school level. However. Sir Charles Court: Can you remember I must come back to the amendment and the way your Goverment increased, was to the point I was making concerning the It inspection fees, by 1 per education policies. They are not only 000 cent? extravagant and Ill-conceived, but they Ur T. D. EVANS: I am sure you will also have no educational merit In any sllow me to answer that interjection Mr respect. Speaker, although it is not covered by the As I have said, these unwarranted, un- context of the amendment. I used that just, and untrue attacks on the Australian very point as an illustration at a meeting Government-and I can refer to at least I recently attended in Kalgoorlie when two paragraphs on page 2 of the printed prospectors were protesting about the ac- copy of the Speech which meet those tion taken by the Government and the qualifications--are designed deliberately to Inconsistency demonstrated by it. I made set up a smokescreen. the Point that when I had the brief but great honour of being the Treasurer of I can recall that during each of the the State the task fell to me to introdue three years of the Tonkin Government it a Budget in which mineral claims and was trenchantly criticised by the then charges for other mining tenements were Opposition members who now comprise increased; and the present Minister for the Government, for Increasing the Labour will recall this. charges and also for the manner In which However, that was at a time when specu- they were Increased, and the timing. I lation in such mineral claims and other emphasise the criticism concerning the mining tenements was at a high pitch and timing of the increased charges. We were when those involved were producing, in told it was wrong for us to make the fact, very increases outside the climate created by little except large bundles 9f the introduction of the Budget. We were transfers at the Mines Department. His- told that all the Increases should have tory shows that since the mining boom been announced within the Budget and very few mining transactions have blos- discussed within the totality of It. As I somed into mines. I can refer to Poseidon, have said, we were thoroughly criticised. Scotia, and Widgemooltha where there is but what is the position now? a promise of a mine; but very little else. Consequently the Government of the day We find that we are faced with increased imposed the burden upon those who could water charges; increased rail fares and best afford to bear it; that is, those who freights some of which are already apply- were making large profits out of specula- ing and some of which will apply as from tion. tomorrow; motor vehicle registration fees We baulked at imposing a charge on are to be increased; and tomorrow the those who were producing something con- State Batteny charges will be increased by structive; that is, the Prospectors. From 200 per cent. I am glad you did not fall tomorrow when they produce ore and take from your Chair, Mr Speaker, although it to a State Battery they will have to bear I thought you might when you heard that the burden of increases in the range of figure. Those charges are to operate from 200 per cent. That is the result of action tomorrow, and yet I can recall the present taken by the present Premier whose query Premier going to the goldfields last year I hooe I have answered. in some form of masquerade. He could I believe that with other increased not get there quickly enough to take the charges--water rates, motor vehicle regis- mining fraternity by the hand and say. tration fees, and so on-the Government "I am here as Your friend. I will treat has thrown the baby out with the bath you with kid gloves. We will befriend You water. Why do I say that? I say that the against this unkind Commonwealth Gov- Government has panicked. I say that if ernment." by this action towards economic recovery Mr MePharlin: We were forced to do it. the Government hopes only to bridge the Mr T. D). EVANS: I make the point, and budgetry deficit expected in 1974-75 then the Premier might be quick to make a It must surely scrap all those expensive note of it, that I agree that at the present election promises. time the goldminlng industry is heavily Last night our leader gave figures which dependent on the nrospectors who face were honestly and objectively arrived at uncertain times. They still do not know, by officers of the Treasury Department 158 158[ASSEMLY.]

of Western Australia. The figures revealed Mr T. D. EVANS: I am not distorting that the election promises in the field of the Position, If the Premier does not like education alone would require something the heat he should get out of the kitchen! like $2'1? million, in reply, the Premier referred to a minute, I assume written by Sir Charles Court: This is different from the Under-Treasurer, dated the 22nd the estimate you are talking about. March, 1974. and addressed to the then Mr T. D. EVANS: I consider the amend- Prem-ier. I am relying on my memory ment speaks for itself, It has the support now, but I think the minute indicated that of my colleagues and I join with them in the State in this financial year faced a that support. budgetry deficit of something like $75 mil- lion which midght well, with careful prim- MR MOILER (Mundaring) [9.04 p.mn.]: ing and prudent husbandry of funds, be In supporting the amendment r take this reduced by $30 million leaving still a start- opportunity, firstly, to congratulate you, Mr ling- budgetary deficit of $46 million. Speaker, on your election to your office. I In that minute the Under-Treasurer also congratulate those new members who clearly indicated to the Premier of the have come Into the Chamber, day-and the Premier of today has also While speaking to the amendment I will been made aware of the situation-that try to stick to it. The Government is his estimate did not make any reference charged with having used so much of the to the carrying out of any of the election Governor's Speech to waffle on and blame promises of either of the two major par- the present Federal Government for every ties. issue which the State Government con- The Premier cannot have it both ways: sidered was its fault. If Western Australia is to face a Budget I have selected a few paragraphs from deficit this financial year amounting to$7 His Excellency's Speech where the Federal million which might, with careful prun- Government has been mentioned and I ing and prudent husbandry, be brought shall speak to these Particular points. On down to $46 million, how can this Govern- page 2 of the Governor's Speech the fol- ment try to carry out its ill-conceived, lowing appears-- highly extravagant, and unjustified Policies While some of our economic diffi- in terms of some of the promises referred culties are due to international pres- to under the heading of "Education" in the sures- speech delivered by the Premier? With which members of this House would The Premier indicated-and I refer to agree, undoubtedly. To continue- the estimate of $272 million, which was -they have been greatly aggravated framed by respected Treasury Department by the inflationary policies pursued by officers who now serve the Government of the Commonwealth Government since the day, as being the cost of implementing 1972. the educational programme-that if the Treasury officers had only been permitted The following paragraph reads- to discuss the proposal with him, or with The State is doing all it can to re- officers of the Liberal Party to find out trieve this situation, both by con- their modus operantdi and how they in- stantly urging- tended to Implement this policy, they And this is where I want to make the em- would have come up with a different esti- phasis, To conltinue- mate. I presume it would have been a -changed policies at the Common- reduced estimate. wealth level, and by tighter controls Let us look at that in perspective. Yes- within the State sphere. terday one of my colleagues asked certain Another paragraph of the Speech, appear- qluestions of the Government as to how and ing on page 3, reads as follows-- when that part of the educational policy State development has been restric- relating to the entry of five-year-olds into ted due to the economic situation the Primary school system was to be imple- already described, and the resource mented, and what the cost would be, and development Policies of the Common- we were told that the Minister for Educa- wealth Government, which are at var- tion had set up an expert committee. That iance with the policies and objectives was four months after the election and of the Western Australian Government. until the committee brings down a report That is the point to which I wish to give the Government will not know what It will some attention tonight-the difference be- cost. If the Government does not know tween the policies of the Australian Gov- now bow could it have known prior to the ernment Pnd the policies of the present election? The Premier said the Treasury State Government. i am pleased to say officers should have been given an oppor- that for my part-and I am sure I speak tunity to discuss the matter with him so for members on this side of the Rouse-I that he would be in a better position to am happy that the policies of the Federal state the cost. Government do vary from those of the Sir Charles Court: Do not distort the present State Government, not only for the position; this committee will work cut the benefit of the people in this State, but for technical details. the people within Australia as a whole. [Wednesday. 31 July, 1974119 159

Let us look at the policies regarding In the Australian Government. when there resources development within Western was wholesale takeover of our industries Australia and the policies of this Govern- and development in the north, leaving us ment. I refer members to the evening of with nothing but holes in the ground and the 15th August, 1973, when the present quarries. The recent Fitzgerald report.- Premier was interviewed with Professor which the Premier was quick to criticise Geoffrey Bolton, Professor Crowley, and and challenge as being ridiculous, before he Mr John Roberts of the Royal Military had even read it- College, Duntroon, on an ABC broadcast session. I think the extract I am about Sir Charles Court: It was a scandalous to quote indicates the policy of the present document. Premier and, obviously, the policy of the Mr MOILER: The Premier said that party he represents in this House. before he had even read it, because it Sir Charles Court: I anm interested to contravened his policy of an open slather know what this has to do with the amend- for foreign companies. ment now before us. Sir Charles Court: You should read the Mr MOMhER: It has a lot to do with it Fitzgerald report. as I will show if I am allowed to proceed. Mr MOILER: Has the Premier read it? I am trying to indicate how it is to our advantage that the policy of the Austra- Sir Charles Court: I have read it. lian Government differs from that of the Mr MOILER: The Premier states he present State Government. The variance has now read the document. is to the benefit of Western Australians. Who are the people who would come to The interview on the ABC last year was defend us? Professor Crowley suggested in connection with secession. When asked one or two who might be interested in a question Sir Charles Court said, in part- doing so-Peking and Jakarta. If we were If you want to be just a cold-blooded to open our doors and continue the policies realist in the matter. If we were on of the previous Federal and State Liberal- our own there'd be so many people in Country Party Governments, we would the world wanting to invest here if have foreign companies falling over each we had the right type of political other to come to Western Australia, de- climate. velop our resources, and defend them for I can only imagine that the right political us. Defend them against whom? If we climate would be the magnificent Liberal- had some control over and interest in our Country Party coalition we have at pre- own resources, they would be defending sent. So, we now have the right political their investments in Western Australia climate. To continue- against us--the very people for whom the There'd be so many people wanting present Australian Government is trying to develop Industry here, so much to provide some interest. sophisticated type of development Sir Charles Court:, To be fair, you should taking place in Western Australia if make the observation that in the course we had the right type of drive at of those remarks I was making It clear I Government level. That you would be did not advocate secession. if you say those almost be able to write your lown things without making that preamble, you ticket on a free defence force. are being dishonest. At a later stage it continues- Mr MOILER: The Premier said it 'Was But if we are on our own and we virtually an open go for foreign interests. had such huge investment and became Sir Charles Court: I did not say that. such a reservoir for food, fibre and I said that would be so If we seceded, but metals and minerals and so on- I made It clear I was not advocating seces- there'd be so many people falling sion. If you do not say that, you distort over backwards to make sure we were the whole matter. safe that we'd be much better off than we'd ever be as part of the Australian Mr MOILER: I am not wordied about nation. whether or not the Premier is in favour of secession. In the article, he claimed Mr Hartrey: The Japanese would defend he was not in favour of It. us. Sir Charies Court: It was a supposition Mr MOTTER Of course they would. I worked on If we seceded, but I said we Sir Charles Court: Before you become would not. too involved you should read the whole Mr MOILER: it is clear from past context. actions that Liberal-Country Party Gov- Mr MOILER: I have read it. It indi- ernments are in favour of allowing the cates the Premier's thinking and the Gov- takeover not only of our resources but also ernment's Policies. The Premier would of the established industries in Australia, allow foreign companies to come in, which to the detriment of future generations of was the Federal policy before the change Australians. 160 160ASSEM33LY.]

Back in September, 1971, many members Mr MOILER: I will came to that later. of Parliament received correspondence I now wish to deal with the National Pipe- from a Mr R. N. Hughes-Jones, who line Authority. The reserves on the norith- wrote- west shelf which are being developed at I write as a Director of Woodside the present time by Woodside Burmah and Oil Nb. so on will come under the National Pipe- line Authority so that the Australian Gov- He went on to say that possibly the great- ernment will have some control of these est resource in this country-the offshore resources for the benefit of Australia, and gas fields in the north-west-was literally we, as Australians, should support such being given away to foreign Interests, and proposals. he called on all members of the various Parliaments to take whatever action they Mr Mensaros: They are being controlled could to counter this. The first paragraph f or the next 100 years, so it will remain of his letter reads-- with the Government and nothing will The attached is lengthy, but gives happen. all relevant facts concerning a move Mr MOILER: The Australian Govern- that would involve the erosion of the ment should have control of these re- last vestige of Australian control of sources for the next 1 000 years. I do not the Immensely prospective oil and gas see why we should give them away now and tenements on the North-West Shelf, forsake future generations. Mr Hughes- held by a consortium of companies of Jones went on to say- which Woodslde is a member. Without energy, the industry of the I repeat that Mr R. N. Hughes-Jones was world would rind to an instant halt. a director of Woodside Oil Nb. He con- I think that has been proven. tinues- Mr Mensaros: That is why we want To give you a very quick under- to standing of the Importance to Austra- get It out, not leave It there. lia of this area-two structures, Rankin Mr MOILLER: Mr Hughes-Jones con- North and Scott's Reel, have been tinued- proved to be gas and condensate reser- The two major agencies of energy in voirs of a size that is huge even by the world today are oil and gas. world standards. Rankin North, alone, Apparently the Minister agrees with that. has been conservatively estimated to He Is suggesting that the Australian people hold reservoirs of recoverable gas should not have, through the Australian totalling 4 000 000 000 000 cubic feet. Government, a major say and Influence on Step-out wells could prove this figure what Is done and how the reserves are to be considerably greater. used. The present Australian Government is trying to ensure the Australian people On the 31st March, 1973, Petroleum Search derive the greatest benefit from these re- in Australia, which is a publication of the sources and, even though It might cause Petroleum Information Bureau (Austra.- a minor delay at the present time, surely lia), published certain information, and I this can be accepted for the benefit of will read a small paragraph from it to Indi- future generations. It should be heralded cate that Mr R. N. Hughes-Jones certainly by us as a very worth-while move to pre- knew what he was talking about in 1971. vent the selling of the farm and the giv- The article, which was published In 1973, Ing away of our country to foreign Inter- states-- ests, to the advantage of a few individuals North Rankini alone contains proved In this State and probable recoverable reserves esti- I will continue with Mr Hughes-Jones' mated at 7.9 trillion (million million) letter: he wrote three letters of which I cubic feet, making It by far the largest am aware. I believe he would be very happy gas field in Australia and one of the with the steps being taken by the Fderal world's giant fields. Government at present. Mr Hughes-Jones Is it not reasonable that an Australian knows what he Is talking about and he Government should want to derive as has clearly outlined the problems. He much benefit as possible from these fields say-- for the people of Australia? But I do wish to raise my voice in protest at the fact that this great Sir Charles Court: Cannot the State conglomerate, so heavily weighted Government do that? with overseas companies-- Mr MOILER: It was not doing it under He is referring to the foreign Interests. To the previous Liberal-Country Party Gov- continue- ernment, and of course it cannot do it to -will necessarily wish to derive the the same degree that an Australian maximum profit In the quickest pos- Government can. sible time for the Investment they will Mr Mensaros: What Is the Australian make in the areas concerned. This, of Government-as you call it-ong? I course, Is what business Is all about. will be Interested to know, because I have The result of it, however, will be been asking everyone. You might know that we will see one of the world's what it is doing. greatest fleets of giant oil and liquified [Wednesday. 31 July, 1974) 181

gas tankers carrying to far away lands Mr MOILER: In his usual manner the that which should rightly be safe- Premier rushed to the defence of those for guarded for Australian posterity. whom he seems to have such high regard The needs of our children and -the foreign companies. However, The children's children seem to be of very Nation Review was quick to point out little account in our thinking. that the Premier was rushing to the de- fence of the foreign companies before he I would just like to finish with one brief had a chance to read the report. So in paragraph which I think will Interest the that regard I am Particularly happy that Premier. the Policies of the Australian Government The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Could I ask are so different from those of the pres- the honourable member how this relates ent State Government. to the amendment before the Chair? In another section of his Speech the Mr MOILER: I am trying to show that Governor said- the Governor's Speech, prepared by the The important role of Local Govern- State Government, blames the Australian ment in meeting the needs of the Government for many things. The Para- graphs I have read from these letters re- community and generally assisting in fer to the difference In the policies of the the development of the State is rec- Australian and the State Governments. ognised by the Government. The Australian Government Is attempting Big stuff! It continues_ to expedite development on the north-west Particular attention will be given to shelf for the benefit of Australia. I say the financial problems of Local Gov- this is to our advantage and that the ernment, with a view to further Australian Government should be com- strengthening its role as a vital and plimented and not blamed for many of valuable partner in the government of its actions. this State. Mr Hughes-Jones says-- It is interesting to note that whilst we As hateful and offensive as such an have this statement by the Government idea would be to my political beliefs- that it is concerned about local govern- ment, just Prior to the Tonkin Govern- One can only assume that he is a Liberal. ment's leaving office, at the request of a It continue-- number of country local authorities, we -I am firmly of the opinion that increased the branding charges levied at falling all else it would be better far abattoirs within these shires. Branding to nationalise our industry than to charges on sheep, beef, and Pigs, were in- drop it so lightly into overseas hands. creased to enable the local authorities to This Is what the previous Australian Gov- cover the cost of meat inspection services ei-nment was Permitting. These tremendous carried out by officers under their juris- resources were being dropped lightly into diction. The Tonkin Government took this the hands of foreign interests. The Aus- step to offset the losses incurred by the tralian Government is to be commended. country local authorities. One in partic- ular, the Northam Shire Council, suffered Mr Carr: H-ear, hear! a loss of something like $10 000 in the Mr MOILER: Its policies are quite diff- Previous Year. erent from those of the Present State Mr Mclver: They are still suffering a Government, and 1, for one, amn very happy. loss. that they are different. Mr MOILER: Yes, but this would not be The Premier has already interjected so If the policy of the Previous Govern- about our resources, and I think it was ment had not been altered. The Northam quite noticeable from the report prepared Shire Council incurred a loss of something by Mr Fitzgerald for the Minister for Min- like $50 000 over the period of time that erals and Energy (the Hon. R. P. X. these abattoirs had been operating. This Connor)- loss was incurred because the meat in- Mr A. R. Tonkin: An excellent report. spection fees which may be charged under the Health Act do not cover the cost of Sir Charles Court: No wonder You People the inspection services provided. So, quite are no longer the Government. rightly, the Tonkin Government said, Mr MOILER: All Australians would do "Well, the services provided will have to well to read the Fitzgerald report. be covered by the necessary charge for the Particular work done." After consider- Sir Charles Court: It has been com- able study by the department concerned, pletely debunked by better brains than these charges were Increased. Mr Fitzgerald's. No sooner had the Liberal-Country Mr MOILER: What did the Premier do? Party Government taken office than a Before he even had time to read the re- Country Party member, as Minister for port he made some ridiculous statements. Health, saw to it that the charges were Sir Charles Court: Don't you know that brought down to a ridiculously low level. this was published in instalments in the I imagine it is for the reasons expressed Press before It was published as a report? earlier tonight by the Leader of the 162 162(ASSEMBLY]3

Opposition when he drew attention to the Mr MOILER: Yes, Mr Speaker. The influence exerted by representatives of the only other point to which wish to draw meat employers' industry on the present attention at this stage concerns another Government that such action was taken statement by the Premier which indicates to reverse the decision of the previous that this State would be far better off Government. This action means that than it is at present if the Premier and the Northam Shire Council and other his Party had been more reasonable and country local authorities continue to Pro- had Paid more consideration to the popu- vide these services at a loss. I imagine lation Of Western Australia during the that the biggest abattoir in the Northam term of the Tonkin Labor Government. Shire is the Tip Top abattoir which SUP- instead of adopting a dog-In-the-manger plies many butchers' shops within the attitude and preventing anything worth metropolitan area. The present Govern- while from developing. I refer to the legis- ment is forcing the people living in the lation introduced by the Previous Govern- Northam Shire and other country areas to ment in respect of land control, the estab- subsidise those living In the metropolitan lishment of a land commission, and the area. These are the very people whom the Salvado area. Deputy Premier represents-I must be ex- cused for almost forgetting his title,' but The Premier made a statement in the perhaps I am getting like the Premier who Sunday Independent of the 12th May- forgets who his deputy leader Is. almost three months ago-in which it was reported that the Victorian State Govern- However, the Deputy Premier, who leads ment had signed an agreement with the the members of the Country Party and Australian Government under which it who claims to support the country people. would receive some $28.5 million to enable is allowing the People of the Northam it to Purchase land and subdivide and de- Shire to suffer this loss and to subsidise velop it for sale at half the present prices the cost of meat consumed by people In to People on low incomes. That article the metropolitan area. It was not a case appeared some three months ago, and I of the charges having to be raised, because am anxious to ascertain during the Course they had already been raised by the Pre- of the next couple of weeks whether the vious Government after a very exacting State Government has done anything study of the matter. Now the members of about finding out the details of the agree- the Country Party allow their Liberal ment signed by Party masters to disregard completely the the Victorian Government. country people whom they claim to repre- Mr Rushton: You will most probably be sent and the charge has been reduced to asking some questions tomorrow. the extent that in the Northam Shire alone, with which I have had some deal- Mr MOILER: I have some on the notice ing. the annual amount lost will be not paper. less than $10 000. Mr Rushton: Why don't you wait until Mr MePharlin: You will get your answer tomorrow? later on. Mr MOILER: I am merely highlighting Mr MOILER: Give it to me now: or. as the fact that a considerable amount of with other matters will we have to wait finance could be utilised now in this State. and see what the Premier says? Mr Rushton: Victoria has not got any- Mr Bertram: Is it a one-man band? thing yet. Mr MOILER: If It is It has gone fairly quiet. The Deputy Premier says we will Mr MOILER: Western Australia could have to wait and obtain an answer later. be well on the way to obtaining a similar He has made many statements not the grant so that Western Australians could least of which was in connection with the buy blocks much cheaper than they can at amalgamation of the Country Party and present. the DLP. Those parties renounced their Mr Ruohton: Victoria has not received separate Identities and merged, and the anything under that agreement. Didn't you Deputy Premier said the merger was cer- see the article the other day which said tain to be regarded as one of the historic that State has appointed an investigator events in politics in Western Australia. to find the cheque? Four months later the merger is crumbling In a heap, and its handful of Mr MOILER: We will see when the Min- representatives in this Parliament do not ister answers the Questions. The point is want to have anything to do with their that the Previous Government was anxious previous friends. to do something about this problem, and Mr O'Connor: You are wandering wide we could have done something about it. of the amendment. Mr Rushton: You were prepared to sell The SPEAKER: Yes, you must relate our souls and to do away with freehold this to the amendment. titles. Mr O'Neil: The amendment is not Mr MOILER: There was no intention of worth speaking to, and the honourable that at all. An emotional attitude was member knows It. adopted by the then Opposition, which (Wednesday, 31 July, 19141 163 claimed that ridiculous things would occur. that the Premier Is not present because I The proposal of the previous Government am going to approve of one remark he would have resulted in people being able made. He said he could see no reason to obtain blocks at a fair and reasonable that It would not be proper for this Howse price- on occasions to express condemnation of Mr Rushton: You want to have another Commonwealth Governments. That may look at it. very well be true. Mr MOILER: -and that is all it would I am quite prepared to accept that chal- have done. So, like other speakers from lenge because the principal reproach that this side, I believe that since the 30th has been expressed In the Governor's March Western Australians have been Speech against the present Commonwealth subjected to a continual flow of abuse and Government is that it has been responsible unwarranted criticism of the Australian for Inflation. We have had a very learned Government. I hope that in the ensuing and able exposition of the causes of in- period which this Government may spend flation from the member for Warren. He in office the Premier and his colleagues has, I think, covered practically every will get down to the job, with the co- factor in the production over 23 Years of operation of the Opposition-and he will the epidemic of inflation from which we receive our co-operation-to ensure that are now suffering, except one, and that is the standard of living In this State will the only one to which I propose to refer continue to be at the level which was and which I lay right at the feet of a commenced during the term of office of the Commonwealth Government. I blame not Tonkin Government. the Commonwealth Government which is now In Power but a series of Common- MR HARTREY (Boulder-Dundas) [9.37 wealth Governments masquerading under p.m.]: Mr Speaker, in the first place may the name of Liberal or Liberal-Country I take the opportunity to congratulate you Party or National Alliance-whatever we on Your elevation to the office you now are short of. I refer to the horrible mili- occupy, which I am sure you will honiour tary adventure into which a series of those with your presence. Secondly, I would like Governments plunged Australia for the as a fairly new member of the club myself, past 10 years or so. to offer my congratulations to other new I expected to receive chuckles from the members. other side and I am not the least bit sur- The SPEAKER: Whilst I do appreciate prised to hear them now. If members the sentiment, I think it would be more opposite want to know the prime cause of appropriate to deal with this during the inflation, it Is of course that there are in- debate on the motion for the adoption of sufficient consumable goods to satisfy the the Address-in-Reply. demands of a community at any given level of civilisation. And how do we best Mr HARTREY: That is very probably Produce that situation? We produce It by so, Sir. Bowing to your direction, I would taking the ablest, the most energetic and say that the amendment to which I now vigorous of the work force out of the com- address myself Is, of course, a vote of no munity and sending them away to destroy confidence, and it is based essentially on their own property. They are not destroy- the proposition that the Governor's ing other people's property, but their own. Speech contained nothing of substance I refer to the munitions with which they apart from vituperation of another Gov- are Provided, the uniforms they wear, and ernment. I think that is a reasonable the food they consume. Those things are and proper ground upon which to protest not provided by the enemy; they are pro- against the Governor's Speech which we vided out of the wealth heap of Australia. are rather sarcastically told His Excellency How can we better deplete the wealth was pleased to deliver to this Parliament. divisible among the people of Australia and better encourage galloping inflation, I feel quite confident that although the which is the result of doing just that, than Governor may be pleased to occupy the by engaging in a frantic, stupid, degrading, high office he now has, and be pleased to and despicable military adventure such as have the opportunity to read the Speech the Vietnam war? he must have been bitterly disappointed at the contents of it. We do not expect in Mr McPharlin: The rate of inflation this House a great degree of impartiality, was kept down by the previous Liberal- with the exception of the remarks made Country Party Governments. from the Chair. This is a political arena In which both parties contend fairly Mr May: It was not. fiercely at times and with a certain amount of disregard for Impartiality. Mr MePharlin: It was kept down to a manageable level. However, elementary and basic fairness is generally required, and the attack that Mr HARTREY: Listen. my friend, was repeatedly made in the Speech in prevalent amongst the goldminers who respect of which we are demonstrating our form the largest proportion of the wage discontent was directed against the Gov- earners in my constituency is a disease ernment of the Commonwealth. I regret known as pneumoconiosis. 164 164[ASSEMBLY.].

Mr O'Neil: There is a new disease in possessions. So, the Roman miatrons took the mining industry Dow: it Is called off their gold wedding rings and the "Coninorhoea"I senators took off their gold rings--the mark of their office-and they all threw Mr HARTREY: I will use it as a symbol their rings into the chasm, but with no of inflation. There are three Inherent result. factors in this disease. It is irreversible, incurable, and progressive. When At Then through the crowd burst Quintus reaches a certain stage, even If the sufferer Curtlus in the full accoutrements of war is removed from the irritant cause- and leapt into the chasm, which immxedi- exposure to silicon dioxide-it will con- ately closed after him. The moral of tinue to progress until it finally kills hin. course is that the most priceless possession In this context, Inflation is the same thing. of the Roman Republic was its brave People start It, they encourage it and young manhood. I still think our young work on It for 10 years and give it a manhood is the most priceless possession lift off and then they cannot stop it. of the Australian Commonwealth. The pre- vious Federal Governments took that Mr MePharlin: That is what the Federal brave young manhood away from where Government Is doing now. it was growing wheat, mining ore, build- Ing houses or doing something to increase Mr HARTREY: The Federal Govern- the wealth and happiness of the Australian ment is doing its best to stop it, but It people and sent it to take part In the de- is not succeeding. I doubt whether It will foliation of Asiatic crops and the destruc- succeed. I think it will succeed only after tion of poor Asiatic people by napalm raids a worse catastrophe overtakes us: when and the other atrocities which were com- all the banks call In their overdrafts and mitted; and to assist corrupt, rotten, when we have a depression such as the Asiatic politicians, the tools of corrupt, one which occurred in the United States rotten American politicians, who are now in 1929 and in Victoria, Western Australia on their way to impeachment. This was and various other places in 1930. I done in the name of Australia and for the remember that very well. That is the glory of Australia but It was to the external sort of Federal Government we have had shame of Australia. God knows, no man for such a long time and it Is well that loves Australia more than I. That is the we should remind our opponents of that thing for which past Liberal Federal f act. I am no great friend of Federal Governments have to answer to the People Governments. Certainly, I am no friend of Australia. of Federal Governments of their political persuasion. They have inflicted on this Now, members opposite think they can country for 23 years every kind of en- save themselves from their State respons- couragement to Inflation, particularly as ibilities by insulting the present Federal I said earlier, with this despicable and Government in Canberra. The Present dishonourable war.- Federal Government is not responsible for inflation. it was the vile war which, more Mr MoPharlin: Any Government that than anything else, produced the very con- stays in for 23 years must have the ditions that create and expand Inflation. confidence of the people. Having done that over a long and dis- honourable period of poor and dishonour- Mr HARTREY: Twice In the history of able government at home and abroad, the Australia in my lifetime Australian soldiers Liberals now have the nerve to say that fought for their country with great their shortcomings can be removed by honour, success, and victory. But on this throwing mud at the present Federal Gov- occasion, they were compelled by a brutal erment. I say that this amendment has and unscrupulous conscription which took everything to commend it because it con- the very best of our workers and young demns precisely what I have mentioned. rising generation, to squander the very It condemns the efforts of the present cream of our wealth. The true wealth of Western Australian State Government to a community is its brave young men. shirk its responsibilities and answer for its shortcomings by insulting the Federal I would remind members of a Roman Government of Australia for a thing which simile which is to be found In Book s members of its own party in the Federal of Livy's so-called Histories which in fact Parliament were responsible for creating. were Roman myths. It is the tale of one They were responsible for inflaming and Quintus Curtius, a brave young Roman expanding inflation and finally were shot soldier who lived at the particular time out of office altogether because people when a great chasm was said to have could stand their efforts no longer. I have opened in the Roman Forum and to have much pleasure in supporting the amnend- continued widening. The Romans, being ment to the Address -in-Reply, which at the time a superstitious People, called amounts to a motion of no confidence in upon their soothsayers to tell them what the State Government, on the basis. that to do. The soothsayers announced that It is trying to squib its own responsibil- the chasm would close only when the ities by unjustly and quite unfairly In- Romans cast Into it their most precious sulting the Commonwealth Government. (Wednesday, 31 July, 1974118 165

MR BRYCE (Ascot) (9.49 pm.]: I rise water charges, but it also states that they to support the amendment to the Address- had to be increased. It is argued that these in-Reply moved by the Leader of the Op- increases were made because the Com- position because I believe that, in Its monwealth Government forced them on amended form, the Address-in-Reply the State Government. would be improved. The first paragraph on page 3 of the The Governor's Speech which was deliv- Governor's Speech constitutes a clear ered only a few days ago is actually an warning. This is another example of a insurance policy of excuses and political well laid foundation to prepare the people fine print to enable the Government to for what may happen in the future. This avoid the fundamental responsibilities it Paragraph contains a warning that the should honour if it is to fulfil the promises increase in freight rates, fares, hospital, that were made during the election. The in Speech represents a carefully well-worded and water charges may go even higher basis which the Government will use to the future. The catch phrase Is: If the "get out from under". The Speech itself Commonwealth Government does not contains about 15 paragraphs written by change its policies, further increases will the Premier for the purpose of condemn- be made. It is absurd for a State Premier Ing the Commonwealth Government which to argue that the Commonwealth Govern- the Governor was required to read. Fur- ment should be adopting policies that suit ther. in at least 10 of those paragraphs him. This merely represents a very good there was carping or. to say the least, excuse for making further increases in implied criticism. these charges which we must expect. To adhere specifically to the terms of Mr McPharlifl: Other Premiers have the amendment before us I draw the at- made similar statements. tention of members-particularly the at- tention of Government back-benchers who Mr BRYCE: The third paragraph on may not have had the time or the oppor- page 3 relates to housing, and it is merely tunity to acquaint themselves fully with the expressing a "grizzling" attitude that is contents of the Governor's Speech- shown by the present Government in re- Mr O'Neil: They were all present in an- gard to the high interest rates for hous- other place listening to its being read. Ing. I notice that the Premier made no reference whatsoever to the complete ne- Mr BRYCE: On page 3 of the Govern- glect of housing shown by the previous or's Speech the first paragraph relates Commonwealth Government when it was specifically to a rather unique "grizzle" In In office for 23 years. In the opinion of regard to the economic climate. It is a very large group of respected economists unique because It constitutes such a at that time there was a need to control change of ground on the Part of the Prem- the fringe-banking institutions. However ier. I referred to this when speaking yes- there is no reference to this whatsoever terday evening. I quote a specific example in the Governor's Speech, but rather a of a contradiction of the criticism of the specific attack on the Commonwealth Gov- present Premier on a Previous occasion ernment because of the existing high in- when sitting on this side of the House. terest rates on housing finance. The pre- This contradiction appears in the Speech sent Government blames the Common- as follows- wealth Government exclusively for this While some of our economic difficul- situation. ties are due to international Pressures, they have been greatly aggravated by The sixth paragraph on page 3 of the the inflationary policies pursued by Governor's Speech, to which I draw the the Commonwealth since 1972. attention of members, relates to the In my opinion an interesting aspect of Policies of the Commonwealth Govern- this, which I now draw to the attention of ment on resource development. It is puz- members, is that it is only 12 months ago zling to note that the Premier has chosen that the present Premier suggested that no this Particular item to "grizzle" about, matter what happened in any other part because I think It Is one of the most of the world, irrespective of the economic laudable features in the economic policy of climate of the day, and no matter what the Present Australian Government. it is policies were pursued by the Common- a Policy, of course, which enunciates that wealth Government, every economic and Australia should be owned by Australians. social III in Western Australia was the This Paragraph in the Speech represents a complete and entire responsibility of the "grizzle", because that Particular Part of State Government. the Australian Government's policy may We now have the instance of the first in some way impair the rate of economic excuse being made. Now that the Pre- growth which the Premier sees as most mier is the Leader of the Government he desirable for this State, having no regard has changed his tune completely and this for those who will ultimately own such is expressed in the form of an excuse, developments. The last paragraph on page 2 represents I am sure we will all sit back with bated a basic criticism of the increases in pay- breath to see how the particular policy set roll tax, freights, fares, hospitals, and out in two paragraphs further down on 166 166ASSEMBLY.) page 2 of the Speech will be implemented. States there Is reason to believe that tax- This is called a new policy. One of these Payers' money has been shamefully paragraphs reads as follows-- wasted. There Is a widely diversified list of I have no objection to this kind of ap- industries under study. In many cases, proach and I am completely disappointed overseas capital is involved. Its In- to find that the Premier would say, at the troduction so far is inhibited by opening of Parliament. in a&half-hearted Commonwealth Government policies, "grizzling" fashion, that it was necessary even though the Western Australian to Pass through this Parliament a Bill if Government's policy is for a majority in fact the State Government was to Australian ownership and complete secure its necessary share of funds that Australian management where prac- are available for road development. ticable. Also, on page '7,appears the tenth refer- This is referring to new industrial develop- ence to the Liberal Party policy speech ment projects. which I think is probably the most dis- tasteful, The fact is that the Premier At the outset of this Parliament I now wrote suggest that the most operative phrase into the Governor's Speech a Para- relating to this aspect of economic policy graph which required the Governor of will be "where practicable". We have seen Western Australia to repeat his own party a Government similar to the present one political propaganda that he used on the in operation before and the policies it puts election hustings. into effect. The next complaint or The paragraph to which I refer is the "grizzle" in the Governor's Speech ap- sixth on page 7. It constitutes the essence Pears in paragraph five on page 5. This of the fear syndrome which was evolved relates to the Commonwealth Govern- and then beaten like a drum from one end ment's decision on a superphosphate of Western Australia to the other during bounty. Immediately one reads this one the course of the campaign. Long gone cannot help thinking of the recent charges was the red can to be kicked. This tlmo, of that were publicised and were levelled at course, the fear syndrome was to be based the Premier and his Government by the almost exclusively on some octopus-like former Federal Country Party member for monster some 2 000 miles away which Canning. I think he alleged complete out- was supposedly trying to squeeze the life right hypocrisy on the part of the Liberal blood out of Western Australia and the Party Government in this State for adopt- other States. The way in which it was ing the policy it had in respect of this Presented to the electors on a purely parti- issue. san basis was plugged straight into the Governor's Speech and he was expected to On page 6 of the Governor's Speech ap- repeat the Liberal Party's lundamental pears another half-hearted "gize in policy and the sloganising was used in the that the State has had to hand over the campaign some four months previously. control of Aboriginal affairs to the Aus- tralian Government. This is a "grizzle" The other most significant aspect of the about the clear-cut decision that has been amendment relates to the rather savage In- made by the Australian people. If my crease in freight rates and other charges memory serves me correctly, the pert or- and taxes the Government has foreshad- mance of the Liberal Party in Western owed. I would like to make some very brief Australia In the area of Aboriginal affairs commnent now about the effect these in- would not seem to suggest that the Premier creases will have, and particularly the would feel deprived by not being able to effect of the 30 per cent across-the-board administer that Part of the Policy con- increase in the State Shipping Service tained in the Governor's Speech. freight rates to the north-west. The eighth paragraph On Page 6 of the Mr Rushton: Do you think the Common- Governor's Speech refers to what may hap- wealth Government should take over our Pen to the development of the north-west railways? shelf gasfield. This is a complete insur- ance policy whereby, if the Premier does Mr BRYCE: The Minister for Local Gov- not get his way he will, once again, be able erment Is an expert In irrelevancies. I wish to blame the Commonwealth Government to goodness he would improve now he has because he could not have this gasfield reached the exalted status of Minister. I developed in his own way. was expecting some change in his behav- iour. on page 7 of the Speech the second Paragraph constitutes a criticism In respect I would like to draw attention to the very of money offered by the Commonwealth adverse effect which the 30 per cent across- Government for the development of roads. the-board increase in shipping freight rates to the north-west will have on the Mr Rushton: Are you not worried about living standards generally of everyone in that? the north-west. I am particularly sorry Mr BRYCE: I understand the Com- that the Minister for the North-West Is monwealth Government has imposed not here at the moment. I appreciate that some conditions on the basis that In some the new member for Pilbara, and the new (Wednesday. 31 July, 1974] 1678

member for Gascoyne, for that matter, a deficit, bearing in mind that the Tonkin have a very close Interest in this subject, Government revamped the State Shipping and I will make some specific suggestions Service- to them a little later on. At election time Sir Charles Court: Don't be so stupid. the Premier campaigned very hard in the Who arranged for the ships? north-west of Western Australia- Mr Blaikie: The Tonkin Government- Mr Blalkie: And the south-west. Mr BRYCE: The member for Vasse Mr BRYCE: -expressing his alleged knows practically nothing about it. heartfelt concern for the people of the Mr O'Neil: The electors of the north north-west. showed what they thought of the Tonkin Sir Charles Court: That is a concern of Labor Government. Have a look at the long standing. election results for the seats in the north. Mr BRYCE: Then, within 12 weeks of Mr BRYCE: Mr Speaker, I Wish You the election of his Government. he an- would point out to Government members nounced a 30 Per cent across-the-board in- that interjections are out of order. crease in freight rates for the State Ship- Mr O'Neil: For which you should be ping Service which caters for so many of extremely grateful. the People in the northern parts of the State. The SPEAKER: The honourable member Is quite correct and what he said applies Mr O'Connor: Have You a reasonable to those on each side of the House. I am alternative? being somewhat tolerant and I hope to Mr BRYCE: I ask the Premier to at continue to be tolerant throughout the least face up to the Inconsistency. I sug- session. However, members can overstep gest that If he were to go to Port Hedland the mark, but I hope this will not be so. tomorrow he would Probably have to hide Mr BRYCE: Your tolerance is appre- from lynching mobs. ciated very much, Mr Speaker. Sir Charles Court: I will be there on What I would like to emphasise is that Friday and Saturday. if the Premier was, in fact, genuine in his Mr BRYCE: If the article in the Daily concern for the people of the north-west, News Is a real indication of the feeling of then when the State Shipping Service was some of the People, then he may well have faced with a deficit, regardless of the to hide from lynching mobs. reason- Sir Charles Court: I know the people up Mr O'Connor: Do you know how much there better than you do. the deficit was? Mr Blaikie: If you made remarks like Mr BRYCE: -he would have sustained this In Forrest Place, no wonder you in- the deficit and rearranged the priorities In cited the farmers. bis accounting. The present Government Mr BRYCE: I will acquaint the Prem- would have done what Labor Governments ier with one of the interesting comments have done. in today's Daily Newos made by the Sec- Mr Ridge: Not the Tonkin Government. retary of the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce (Mr Pat Richardson). He said. Mr BRYCE: It would have- "Decentralisation has virtually become a Mr Ridge: But it did not, dead word". It Is dead all right. Mr BRYCE: -sustained the loss and in Mr Rushton: It died In the last three this way assisted one of the main factors years. leading to the savage increases in the cost Mr BRYCE: How could any Premier go of living for those people. to the people in the north-west during a Sir Charles Court: Do you know that the campaign and express his concern for their freight Increases do not take care of the opportunities and for their living standards wage Increases? and then, within 12 weeks of the election of his Government, increase by 30 per Mr BRYCE: Every time the Government cent the freight rates of the State Ship- Is forced to make a decision concerning Ping Service which is the very life blood an instrumentality such as the State Ship- of the people of the north-west? I ask Ping Service, the one griping thought in him to be consistent. the back of the minds of its members is that whatever happens, that Instrumental- Mr Ridge: I wager that more will be ity must run at a profit. done for decentralisation in the next three Years than was done in the course of the Sir Charles Court: The State Shipping last three years. Service does not run at a profit. Mr BRYCE: I want to see proof of real Mr O'Connor: Never will do. compassion for the people in the remote Mr BRYCE: At whatever cost, the Gov- areas instead of simply words. If the Pre- ernment must juggle things so that the miter was sincere and genuine, then when loss Is not sustained. It Is almost un- the State Shipping Service was faced with acceptable to the Government that the 168 168[ASSEMBLY-]

State Shipping service should be allowed vehicle to make certain criticisms of the to run at a loss, even if it is necessary- Australian Government. flat has not been Mr O'Connor: Do you know how much dented by the Government in this House the loss Is? and so the question then becomes whether the statements which were made by the Mr O'Neil: It Is still running at a loss. Governor were Jutisfied and whether the Sir Charles Court: A heavy loss. meanings he conveyed to the people of this Mr BRYCE, Members opposite know as State are acceptable. well- While in normal circumstances it might Sir Charles Court: You silly man. not be acceptable to use the Governor as Mr BRYCE: --as I do-- a vehicle, I1concede that In times of crisis and in severely troubled economic cir- Mr O'Neil: You silly boy! cumstances it might be necessary to use Mr BRYCE: -that to keep decentrali- him as a channel or a voice through which sation. alive the Government must be pre- certain points must be made and through pared to cop and to accept a very substan- which the people miust be made aware of tial loss. certain facts. Sir Charles Court: It runs at a heavy Mr Rushton: In the same way that the loss. Don't you know this? member opposite has been using the City Mr BRYCE: It may run at a significant of Stirling as a vehicle for so long. loss, but the Government of the day Mr B. T. BURKE: The member for Dale should be Prepared to cop that loss. is a thespian and is well suited to playing Sir Charles Court: It is still carrying a the part of the 40 empty vessels in Alt heavy loss. Baba and the 40 thieves. We are constantly Mr O~ell: It still will. subjected to astounding statements of Mr O'Connor: Do you know the extent rubbish. of the loss? I again say that in certain circum- Mr BRYCE: This is a philosophical stances it becomes necessary to make a weakness the present Government displays point in a significant fashion and, per- in regard to this situation. The previous haps. to give to the Governor certain state- Labor Government and many other Labor ments for him to make. That brings us to Governments in the past adopted a very the question of whether or not the things different attitude. which the Governor attributed to the Fed- eral Government or the Australian Gov- Mr Ridge: That Is a lot of rubbish. You ernment, hold up under close scrutiny. do not know the facts of the case, because After a period of 23 years of Conservative the Labor Government put the charges up rule the Perfect foundation was laid for a not 18 months ago. cost-push inflation situation. That cost- Mr BRYCE: I would like to conclude push situation had reached an undesirable by challenging the Minister for the North- level when, in December, 1972, the first West and his colleagues-- Labor Government in 23 years was elected. Mr 0ONeil: You are concluding in em- Mr Laurance: But the Federal Govern- barrassment. ment says we have demand inflation. Mr BRYCE: -to make an approach to Mr B. T. BURKE: The member's point the Premier on behalf of the people of the Is well taken and I will deal with It in north-west- a moment. Mr Ridge: How long have You stayed In Mr Jamieson: I should recommend that Port Hedland? a maiden speaker should keep quiet. Mr BRYCE: -in connection with the Mr B. T. BURKE: I was guilty of the deleterious effect this increase will have same offence so I will not object. On elec- on the living standards. I would like them tion the Labor Government to which I to show they are worthy of representing have referred faced the situation of ful- the people of the north by submitting a filling its philosophical view by increasing case to the Premier to see whether the Government spending In welfare areas, It savage rate of increase cannot, in fact. be needed to attract the country's resources reduced. but found it could not control the neo- banking area which existed. There was no Mr Ridge: You would not have any Idea scope for attracting the liquidity of the of what Is being done. country to the areas where it should go. Mr O'Nel.- Would you make an approach This cost-push situation was overlaid by a to Mr Whitlam at the same time? demand-pull one, producing the combina- tion capable of Producing what is known MR B. T. BURKE (Balga) [10.10 p.m.]: as galloping inflation, I rise to make one or two Points about The controls which the Chifley Govern- the debate on this amendment, and to ment introduced In 1945 with its bank- support the amendment. It seems to me Ing legislation proved adequate until that no question has been raised about oeople got around them by setting up fin- the fact that the Governor was used as a ance institutions outside those controls. [Wednesday, 31 July, 1974] 1696

Those institutions decided deliberately to Mr O'Neil: You should not need to ask. take on the economic decisions which should have been the decisions of the Gov- The SPEAKER: Order! Order! ernment. Mr O'Neil: I cannot educate the mem- bers of the Opposition. When the Australian Labor Government was elected in 1972 the situation was Mr B. T. BURKE: The bond rate is the beyond its control. I believe the Prime Interest rate necessary to raise the money necessary to finance work proposed by the Minister made a mistake when he duced his referendum to take controlintro- Of Government. Incomes and prices. If that referendum had Sir Charles Court: And it sets the pace been introduced now the result would have for all interest rates. been drastically different. Mr J. T. Tonkin: No, it does not. Sir Charles Court: It would have been Mr O'Neil: Well, why raise It? exactly the same. People will not give any Mr J. T. Tonkin: To get money so that more power to Canberra. the Government can carry on. Mr B. T. BURKE: I do not believe that The SPEAKER: Order! Would the opinion. The Premier has been wrong in member for Balga resume his seat? I have the past and he will be wrong In the called 'Order" on a number of occasions. future. Building society rates are affecting I do not mind having interjections during thousands of young people. debate; I think frequently they give life Sir Charles Court: That was a decision to a debate. Members who wish to try from Canberra. to avoid too many interjections should not bandy remarks back and forth beyond the Mr O'Neil: Have you not read Mr reply, polite or impolite, as the case may Crean's address? be. air Charles Court: He wants money to Members should endeavour to speak be scarce. through the Speaker and I know that most Mr O'Neil: And interest rates higher. members try to do this. However, I object to cross debate between members other Mr B. T. BURKE: If this Government than the member speaking. I ask members is genuinely interested- to observe that request. When I call Mr O'Neil: And we are. "Order" I expect a better response than I have had this evening. I call on the Mr B. T. BURKE: -then will this Gov- ernment introduce legislation to control member for Beige. the rates charged by building societies? Mr B. T. BURKE: To continue, my con- Mr O'Neil: Quite clearly, no. tention is that the interest rates that have spiralled were the direct result of competi- Mr B. T. BURKE: Then do not pretend tion between the Government, properly to be Interested in relieving the positions trying to make economic decisions, and of those young people. fringe banking institutions-the neo-bank- Mr O'Neil: Do you think that is the Ing area which also sought money. This answer? competition forced up the bond rate and The SPEAKER: Order! also forced up rates of interest in many Sir Charles Court: If the Federal Labor areas. Party were to bring down the bond rate My only sorrow is that in 1947 when the the rest would follow. then Prime Minister (Mr Chifley) passed Mr J. T. Tonkin: What rot! legislation to nationalise banking it was ruled to be outside the Constitution. An Mr B. T. BURKE: The Labor Party in- interesting aspect of the summary by those creased the bond rate because its control who sat on the Privy Council when the was being challenged by fringe banking appeal was taken by the then Attorney institutions which did not want money to General (Dr Evatt) was that times and cir- be directed Into social welfare areas. When cumstances might change and that efforts the Government Increased the bond rate to nationalise banking in the future might the finance companies automatically In- not necessarily be ruled to be outside the creased the interest rates offered on deben- Constitution. I would very much like 'o see tures. the Australian Government introduce legis- Sir Charles Court: That was Intended. lation that would nationalise banking to end, once and for all, the despicable prac- Mr B. T. BURKE: Why was it forced to tice in which the private profit motive do so? forces People to take advantage of those Mr O'Neil: Totally incompetent. least able to defend themselves. Mr J. T. Tonkin: I venture to say that not one member opposite understands MR JAMIESON (Welshpool) [10.19 what the bond rate Is. p.m.]: One can only speculate why the Mr O'Neil: Cut it out! Government wrote the Governor's Speech as it did in a somewhat provocative way, The SPEAKER: Order! to say the least. It was somewhat humili- Mr J. T. Tonkin: What is It then? ating so far as the Governor was concerned. (7) 170 170[ASSEMBLY.]I

I do not know what was the motive of are not so keen to continue their argu- the Premier and others who were assoc- ment. I aiso have a copy of the Liberal lated with the writing of the Speech. One Party platform. I cannot get a copy of can only speculate. Is It because the pre- the Platform of the Country Party because sent Governor of the State is the only one It does not have one; it might be too who has been appointed by a Labor Gov- damning. However, when I1conferred with erment and this Government was deter- Federal Ministers I always made sure I mined to humiliate him? had a copy of the Platform of the Aus- tralian Labor Party so I1would know what Sir Charles Court: We have a great ad- I was talking about. miration for the Governor. I looked at the two platforms tonight Mr JAMIESON: Then why try to humili- and it Is interesting to note that the plat- ate him? form of the Federal Liberal Party gives no Sir Charles Court: We did not at all. He credence to the existence of the States. showed no embarrassment, and in fact he They are not even mentioned. They are read the Speech better than any Governor not acknowledged as being part of Aus- tralia. Australia is regarded as being a has ever done. whole and the States are disregarded. Mr JAMyIESON: There was no word like Mr Hartrey: That has always been in "Gnowangernp*' in It, of course. We find the Liberal Party's platform. ourselves in the situation that an appoin- ted Governor is being used by the powers Mr JAMIESON: This is an amazing of the day and the Premier is trying to de- situation for a party which Is supposed to fend such action by saying something abmi- be protecting the States. Surely It would lar was done before. However, when he have something In writing. Surely it is reads the other Speech he will find it was not kept In a dozen and one craniums and not similar. It was merely a comment on Interpreted differently each time it needs the satisfaction expressed by the people of to be Interpreted. Chaos would result. the State. When one compares the two platforms and gets down to the nitty-gritty of Sir Charles Court: That is the point I them, there is an amazing similarity be- was making. tween the platforms of the Australian Mr JAMESON: It was not at all simi- Labor Party and the Liberal Party-ta such lar; it was quite different. The recent an extent that the Liberal Party's Federal Governor's Speech was a positive attack platform contradicts the State platform in on the Federal Government by the State that the Federal platform agrees to nation- Government of the day. I know that alisation. This might surprise some mem- right from the start the Premier has been bers here but It is stated very clearly In very annoyed that the Labor Government objective (g)- was returned In the Federal sphere. That In which there shall be no national- must irk him. In his "bible" he states Isation of any Australian Industry on a number of occasions that the without the approval of the people. aim must be to get rid of the Federal Labor Government at the first opportu- What does that mean? Does it mean when nity after the people of Western Austra- someone says to the Government, "We In- lia have got rid of the socialist Govern- tend to nationalise an industry", the Gov- ment In this State. ernment has the approval of the people? Sir Charles Court: No. I took some trouble tonight-because I am sure the Premier has not done so- Mr JAMIESON: Of course it means to make a review of the Constitution and that. It Is extremely badly written, to say Rules of the Australian Labor Party. I the least. I do not know why the Liberal know the Premier will not accept my ad- Party cannot spend a few bob to put out vice because he is rather headstrong. some decent publications. It seems to Earlier in the piece I tendered some ad- have funds available to print glossy vice to the incoming Government, which pamphlets when elections are in the offing, was not heeded. I mentioned what would but its other publications are terrible. happen if the Government did not take The SPEAKER: Is the member relating the advice, and it was forced to take cor- rective action later on. this to his argument? Mr JAMIESON: Yes, because the claim I suggest that the Premier obtain a copy has been made by the Premier that, be- of the Constitution and Rules of the Aus- cause of the attitude of the Australian tralian Labor Party and carry It In his Labor Government In wanting to force portmanteau when he goes to the Prem- the States to their knees, he took action to iers' Conference. In it he will find some criticise the Federal Government in the gems he can use In his argument with the course of the Governor's Speech. Very Prime Minister. I always carried a copy of clearly, the two platforms must be exam- it when attending ministerial conferences ined in order to Indicate just how wrong and found It of great advantage because his claim Is. Federal Ministers and others are liable to run off the rails and when one brings I refer again to the Liberal Party's them back onto the rails with a statement election platform according to the Premier. from their own constitution and rules they This docunent would probably be more [Wednesday, 31 July, 1974] 1717

rightly named "the Gospel according to the platform of the Australian Labor St Charles". He sees the July decision of Party to which he is objecting. I be- the 30th ALP Federal Conference as going lieve it is paragraph (d) of the consti- against an August declaration of the Fed- tutional matters which is bugging him, eral Parliamentary Liberal Party. That but obviously he has not read it. When declaration could have been anything he does so he will change his mind. and could have been changed the next Paragraph (d) reads as follows- day because it is evidently not a written reference by the States to the Aus- one. Because the other declaration is tralian Parliament of such legislative fortunately a written one, I intend to ad- powers as will assist to achieve the vise the House of this diabolical decision. party's objectives, e.g., Power over corporations, family law, defamation, It is interesting to note that while the shipping and navigation. Such legis- Liberal Party does not acknowledge in its lative powers will be held concur- Federal Platform the existence of the rently by the Australian Parliament States, right throughout the platform of and the States. the Australian Labor Party references are repeatedly made to the States. Here are Sir Charles Court: What did You decide some of them- at Your Surfers Paradise conference? the decision The Australian Labor Party in the Mr JAMIESON: That Is Commonwealth and States is demo- of the conference. tratic, national and constitutional. Sir Charles Court: You agreed to hand over whatever you were told to. That means each has its rightful Place. No such declaration appears in any Mr JAMIESON: I have just read out Liberal Party manifesto. Another refer- our resolution. ence is- Sir Charles Court: In other words the It is democratic in that it believes Press was incorrect? that Politics should be conducted with- Mr JAMIESON: It would not be the in the framework of free elections on first time. These resolutions were ap- the basis of universal adult suffrage; proved by the 30th Federal Conference, that Governments may be freely 1973, at Surfers Paradise. I have elected and freely dismissed by the warned the Premier of his failing-our electorate: that the right of constitu- platform Is readily available. He should tional opposition to a Government is get one. essential- Sir Charles Court: I have one in the The SPEAKER: Frankly, I cannot see- office. Mr JAMIESON: Mr Speaker, I draw at- Mr JAMIESON: Then why does not the tention to the motion before us, which Premier read it? It is not of much use hav- reads- ing it there If he does not read it. However, we very much regret that Sir Charles Court: It Is not very inter- the Government placed Your Excel- esting. lency in the Position of being obliged to devote most of the Speech to unfair Mr JAMIES ON: The Premier gives the and unwarranted criticism of the Gov- Impression that he is very hard-working ernment of the Commonwealth for the and that everyone else is loafing by com- purpose of enabling it to escape the parison. However, all he does Is to create wrath of the People of this State for such a barrage of paper that he does not the savage increases in taxes and know how to go about working. He should charges which it has imposed because get off his seat and do something. That is of its need for'money to finance the the whole Problem; he Is not prepared to implementation of its extravagant endeavour to do anything himself-he election Promises. wants to put the blame on someone else all the time. He wants to blame the Fed- The Premier stated that the reason for eral Government In respect of the road the references in the Governor's Speech funds. If he wants to do that, he should was the centralist ideas of the Federal use the book again and hold the Federal Government. Government to its obligations. If members read the Governor's Speech Sir Charles Court: This will be inter- they will see this stated very clearly. esting. Surely I must be allowed to expand this point to show that this is not as has been Mr JAMdIESON: I am sure this reference indicated by the Premier. will excite the Premier, If I can find It. Right throughout its various writings, Sir Charles Court: We thought we had the Labor Party indicates clearly that it a friend In respect of road funds after Your accepts the States as being part of the very noble outburst. scheme of things. Surely the Premier Mr JAMIESON: What noble outburst? cannot show me anything that states otherwise. I do not know to which Sir Charles Court: When you were a manifesto he referred. However, I would Minister, you criticised the Federal Gov- like to read to the House the passage in ernment about the Bureau of Roads. 172 172ASSEMBLY.]

Mr JAMIESON: Again this Is a situa- (c) co-operate with the States tion where the Premier does not see as to standardise road laws and far as his nose, because he does not want regulations. to see that far. The Bureau of Roads, which is a Commonwealth-sponsored de- Mr Mensaros: None of these refers to partment, brought out a report In the finance for building the roads we need. same way that any State Government department might do. Of course, it is a Mr JAMIESON: Of course, the Minister matter for the Administration of the day whom I very rarely understand, mumbles whether or not the Government lives up something about this. But he cannot to all the things contained in an annual show me anything in the platform of the report. I was most critical of this Par- iberal Party which gives us any lead ticular report, because obviously its as to what could be expected by the authors did not know what they were people of Australia in the way of assist- talking about, and I said so. I would ance from a Commonwealth Liberal Gov- do the same thing again. I was very ernment. Therefore, his criticism Is quite critical of the previous reports put out void, quite unnecessary, and quite falla- by Mr Loxton. His findings were not cious, as it usually is. justified and he knew it. My argument was never with Mr Jones because he had The SPEAKER: That has no bearing, made a determination. I criticised the however, on the amendment. report put out by the Bureau of Roads Mr JAMIESON: The amendment states, and I was quite entitled to do so. "unfair and unwarranted criticism of the Sir Charles Court: You know they are Government of the Commonwealth". This taking worse actions than those contained was one of the criticisms. in the report. The SPEAKER: However, the honour- The SPEAKER: Order! It would be able member must relate it to these mat- very helpful if the honourable member, ters about which I am speaking. I would in comparing the platforms to make the not say this to a new member, Mr Deputy point, would keep to the amendment and Leader of the Opposition, but I believe refer to the appropriate part of the Gov- that with your experience you should be ernor's Speech. able to relate the matter to the amend- Mr JAMIESON: I can do that because ment. I ask you to do this more effective- there is a reference here to the road ly than you have done so far, funds. The SPEAKER: Is that on page 10 of Mr JAMIESON; Mr Speaker, despite the Votes and Proceedings? the fact that it has been read two or three times already, I would like to read the Mr JAMIESON: The Governor said- amendment again. It says-- The road funds offered by the Commonwealth Government are However, we very much regret that grossly inadequate and subject to the Government placed Your Excel- conditions the Government has ob- lency in the position of being obliged jected to. to devote most of the Speech to unfair Mr Speaker, with due deference to You, and unwarranted criticism of the I ask you to look at this paragraph. I Government of the Commonwealth did not want to Indulge in an airy-fairy for the purpose of enabling it to chase all over the world, and it was for escape the wrath of the people of this this reason that I looked at the platforms State, for the savage increases in in respect of this matter. If the Premier taxes and charges which it has im- is Interested, and he does not seem to be posed because of its need for money very interested at present- to finance the implementation of its extravagant election promises. Sir Charles Court: I am listening In- tently. The SPEAKER: If you speak to that it Mr JAMIESON: -1 would like to draw is perfectly legitimate. his attention to this part of our Plat- Mr JAMIESON: With due deference, form- Sir, I am speaking to it. I am building The Australian Government in co- up to show that all the matters c!limed in operation with the States, to main- the various criticisms of the Common- tain the highest standards In road wealth which we say are quite unjusti- construction and maintenance. fied, are unjustified. Finally, because of Labor will:- the lack of justification for these critic- (a) take the initiative to actively isms, the State Government Is attempting promote research into Road to throw a veneer over the issue so that Safety, in co-operation with it may continue to increase charges. Cer- the States;- tainly many increases have been made; (b) provide the States with ade- they have gone on ad nauseam since the quate finance to promote Government has taken office. There have effective road safety educa- been so many increases that they are very tion campaigns; hard to keep track of. [Wednesday. 31 July. 1974)1 173

I know that when the Previous Govern- Mr JAMIESON: Of course, three weeks ment was forced to increase some charges later he had to do just that. This proves the then Opposition made great Play of that he does not listen. the fact that five or six items had been increased; it was as though it was the The SPEAKER: I think this is beyond result of some sort of magic that we had the scope of the amendment. to increase so many charges at once. On the other hand, in the case of the present Mr JAMIESON: I think it is too, Mr Government there is no limit to the num- Speaker, and that is why I will come back ber of charges which are to be increased, to the gospel according to St Charles be- and the Premier has smugly Proceeded cause I think what he had to say is most with the idea of increasing them. We important: "We believe we understand argued for weeks in Cabinet at various where Western Australia wants to go and times when a Minister presented pro- we are more than ready once again to posals to increase a certain charge; but lead the way to additional charges in all the Present Government could not have rates, fees, and other matters that we argued for weeks because weeks have can possibly lay our hands to." I support just not elapsed. It has simply said, "We the amendment. will increase them." Sir Charles Court: No Government likes MR~ HARMAN (Maylands) [10A43 p.m.]: I wish to support the amendment moved to Put up charges. by the Leader of the Opposition. It refers Mr JAMIESON: Well, the present Gov- to the unfair criticisms of the Govern- ermnent seems to have found a great deal ment of the Commonwealth contained in of solace in putting them up. As a result the Governor's Speech, and there is no of that, I think the amendment to the doubt that since the Premier has been in Address-In-Reply motion is quite Justified. office in respect of almost every action he The other comparisons I wish to draw has taken or not taken he has used the between the party platforms, in deference occasion to blame the Australian Gov- to you. Mr Speaker, I will leave to a later ernment for the commission or omission stage when we are debating the main of his action. I think we must spare a motion. thought for the Commonwealth Govern- ment, because the subject of inflation The SPEAKER: I would appreciate which we are discussing tonight seems to that. be a problem which concerns the Premier. Mr JAMIESON: However, Sir, I would He provided an answer to this Problem ask You to refresh Your memory by ref er- when he said some months ago that the ring to the debate earlier this evening to simple answer to inflation is to beat the see just how far some members went when shortages that are driving up prices. dealing with this amendment. Well, that may be an answer as far as The SPEAKER: It is because of your he Is concerned, but there are more im- experience that I have ruled this way. portant decisions which should be made in order that we may overcome the rate of Mr JAMIESON: Thank you very much, inflation. The Australian Government Mr Speaker. I will deal with the other tried last year to do something about aspects later, and I am sure I will be able inflation when it endeavoured to obtain to show the Premier where he is wrong, the approval of the States to its having although he will not take any notice. the power of prices control, but that was Sir Charles Court: I always listen to not accepted. The only way that we will you; I have a great respect for your dedi- be able to moderate prices is to have a cation to Your cause. form of prices justification, with the necessary legislation to enforce it. Once Mr JAMIESON: The Premier has not we have a measure of prices justification listened very intently, otherwise he would and prices control, then the consumer not have made some of the mistakes he price index will be affected; and once the has made. One of those mistakes--If you consumer price index is affected there will allow me to mention it Mr Speaker- will be a moderation in the demands for was the result of not taking notice of me wage increases. when I told him through his deputy that it would be necessary to include the wards I am wondering-and I have been for "and Traffic Safety" in the designation some time-what the Premiers decided to of the Minister for Traffic. I gave that do at their last meeting. What was their information to the Premier two days be- plan of action? What did they suggest fore the Ministers were sworn in, because to the Commonwealth? The Premier said I did not want the Administration to be tonight that the State Government would inconvenienced; but the Premier merely co-operate, and I asked him in an Inter- said. "Oh, don't take any notice of Jamie- jection, "Co-operate in what?" but he ,son, he doesn't know what he is talking failed to answer. about." Sir Charles Court: In the whole range Sir Charles Court: I did not. This is that is necessary to cope with national news to me- Prices. 174 114I[ASSEMBLY.]

Mr HARMAN: What attempt has he so that they regain the purchasing power made as the Premier of one of the States they had 12 months previously. If no of Australia- action is taken by the Premiers to band over the power of prices control to the Sir Charles Court: We are not talking Australian Government I cannot see any about only one Premier; we are talking hope at all of the present rate of in- about all of the Premiers, including the flation being moderated. So I suggest Labor Premiers. We agreed Unanimously to the Premier that he carefully consider to co-operate with the Commonwealth in the power that be has. He is not pre- the co-operative use of combined powers. Pared to exercise that power in Western But now the Prime Minister will not see Australia in isolation as compared with us: he says he will see us in his own good the other States. time. I will explain that, but I think I should Mr HARMAN: I do not know specifi- explain that the other Premiers did not cally what that means; but I hope it have this power of price control so that means that the Premier is prepared to the Government could get down to tin- hand over power to the Australian Gov- tacks and do something about halting erment in respect of prices control. price rises, thereby reducing consumer Sir Charles Court: No, not to hand price index increases, thus having some over power, but the co-operative use of bearing on demands for wage increases. powers. We will not give any powers to Sir Charles Court: You must work in the Commonwealth because the people together. You cannot do one thing in have decided against it. isolation. Mr Jamieson: Now You are in line with Mr HARMAN: No, but it could be the Surfers Paradise decision. done collcctively, as I said, so really, I Mr HARMAN: The Liberal Premiers do not think that the Premier has any have a plan, and that plan is to frustrate sort of plan. the Australian Government- Sir Charles Court: I told you that we Sir Charles Court: All the Premiers have agreed with the States to work in have a plan to co-operate with the Aus- concert and to use our powers on a co- tralian Government. operative basis. What more could we do? You are selecting just one Item. Price Mr HARMAN: -for purely political fixation by itself will not solve anything. purposes. They want to bring the Aus- Mr O'Neil: The Prime Minister will not tralian Government into disrepute in order that their Governments may sur- call the States together. vive. That might be a very good tactic Mr HARMAN: Mr Speaker, I do not electorally. but the people who will suffer know whether you will allow me to say as a result of that plan are the people what I am about to say, but probably who live in the States-virtually all of I will not have another opportunity to the people in Australia. I suggest to the speak. In the Speech written for him by Prcmier that when he attends the next the Government, the Governor said- meeting he should consider handing over to the Australian Government the power The Government is concerned that of prices control for the benefit of the immigration was permitted to run people of Australia. dowvn, resulting in the present serious shortage of skilled workers in many Sir Charles Court: There will be no categories. handing over: it will be the co-operative That is untrue. use of that power. Mr Grayden: It is not untrue. Mr HARMAN: As I have explained. that is the only way to moderate prices. Mr HARMAN: It is untrue. We did All members know that when one goes to not allow the immigration programme to a supermarket one can pick up an item run down. which has three or four price tags on Sir Charles Court: It was a deliberate it. In fact, I have been told that in some policy decision. cases the assistants working in some supermarkets spend most of the day run- Mr HARMAN: I can recall when I be- ning around fixing higher price tags to came Minister for Immigration that commodities after they have been placed Western Australia was advertising for on the shelves. I tried to point out to only six classifications of Skilled workers the Minister for Labour and Industry and we increased it to 28 classifications. the other day the excessive mark-ups That does not represent a running down which are being made by some retailers of our immigration programme. of imported goods which are the subject of a reduced tariff. Sir Charles Court: Did YOU Say 26 classifications? I do not think any member will deny that prices are excessive at present; and, Mr HARMAN: Yes and, as a result of of course, we cannot blame those people the advertising campaign we undertook on wages or salaries for endeavouring to in Great Britain, the number of replies have their wages or salaries increased received increased dramatically. These [Thursday, 1 August, 1974115 175 were handled by the officers in London. So, to say that our immigration pro- OT,$411ativr (Jhiundlt gramme was permitted to run down is not true. Thursday, the 1st August. 1974 Mr Grayden: In three years, your Gov- ernment brought as many migrants to this State as the previous Government attracted in one year. If that Is not a The PRESIDENT (the lion. A. F. run-down, what is? Griffith)' took the Chair at 2.30 p.m., and read prayers. Mr HARMAN: The Minister seems to forget that when he conducts an immigra- tion programme, he must compete. QUESTIONS 113): ON NOTICE Mr. Grayden: Yes; you had a Federal Labor Government diverting migrants to 1. ROAD TRANSPORT the Eastern States. Peflh-Carnarvon: Bell Bros. License Mr HARMAN: We had to compete with the European Economic Community. The Hon. S. J. DELLAR, to the Min- People from England were able to go ister for Health: across to European Economic Community in view of the report published countries and receive better wages and In The West Australian newspaper standards of work than they could obtain dated the 31st July, 1974, In which in this State. That is the point I make the Chairman of the Carnarvon now. We did not run down our immigra- Transport Advisory Committee Is tion programme; we increased it. reported as having confirmed that Mr O'Nell: It is an Indictment of your Bell Bros. Pty. Ltd., one of the Government that conditions were so bad two haulier co~mpanies licensed by when you were in office. the State Government to operate between Perth and Carnarvon, Amendment put and a division taken will withdraw its service from the with the following result- 1st September, will the Minister Ayes-19 advise- Mr Barnett Mr Jamieson Mr Bertram Mr T. H. Jones (1) When tenders were called for Mr Bryce Mr May this service- Mr B. T. Burke Mr Meltver (a) did Bell Bros. PtY. Ltd. Mr T. J1. Burke Mr Skidmore submit a separate tender; Mr Canr Mr Taylor Mr H. D. Evans Mr A- Rt. Tonkin (b) If not, what was the basis Mr T. D. Evas Mr J. T. Tonkin of their tender? Mr Harman Mr Moller (2) (a) How many other tenders Mr flartrey (Teller) were received; and Noes-fl (b) f romn whom? Mr Blatkie Mr Nanovich Mr Clarko Mr O'Connor (3) What effect will the with- Sir Charles Court Mr Old drawal of Bell Bros. have on Mr Cowan Mr O~eti the transport situation as It Mr Coyne Mr Ridge applies to Carniarvon, and the Mr Crane MWRushton surrounding area? Dr Dsdour Mr Sibson (4) Will the Government recall Mr Grayden Mr Sodeman tenders for the cartage of Mr Orewar Mr Stephens goods to and from Carnarvon? Mr P. V. Jones Mr Thompson Mr Laurance Mr Walt The Hon. N. E. BAXTER replied: Mr MePharltn Mr Young MdrMensaros (Te ler) (1) In respect of tenders called in March, 1974, a joint tender was Pairs submitted by Gascoyne Trading Ayes Noes Pty. LWd. and Bell Bros. Pty. LWd. Mr Bateman Mr abalders Mr Pletcher Mrs Craig (2) Three other tenders were received, Mr Davies Sir David Brand these being from J. Wilson (Perth) fly. Ltd., Thomas Can- Amendment thus negatived. nlngton Transport and Camnarvon Consolidated Carriers Pty. Ltd. Debate (on motion) Resumed (3) It will he necessary to orrange for Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr A. another carrier to replace Bell R. Tonkin. Bros. and negotiations are now in Mouse adjourned at 10,59 yin. progress to that end. (4) It is not Proposed to call new tenders at this stage.