144 144[ASSEMBLY)

HORTICULTURE-WINE GROWING I11rgiatatine Aiuwrmb1y INDUSTRY Wednesday, 21 August 1985 Select Committee:, Requirement to Report On motion by Mr Tray, resolved- THE SPEAKER (Mr Harman) took the That the Select Committee which was Chair at 2.15 p.m., and read prayers. appointed during the Second Session of this Parliament to inquire into the Grape ENVIRONMENT: DRINK CONTAINERS Growing Industry in Western Australia and which was, by resolution of 18 April Recyclable: Petition 1985, empowered to continue its activities MR TRETHOWAN (East Melville) [2.18 for the balance of the Thirty-first Parlia- p.m.]: I have a petition from 62 Western ment, is by this resolution required to re- Australians couched in the following terms- port on 31 October 1985. To the Honourable Speaker and H-onourable Members of the Legislative LAPSED BILLS: RESTORATION TO Assembly of the Parliament of Western NOTICE PAPER Australia in Parliament Assembled: Council's Message:- Consideration We, the undersigned, wish to register our On motion by Mr Tonkin (Leader of the protest against the proliferation of House), resolved- Throwaway drink containers and their ad- verse impact on retail prices, the environ- That as requested by the Legislative Council in Message No. 2 this House re- ment and employment in the recycling in- sumes the consideration of the Bills dustry. Accordingly, we respectfully urge enumerated therein; and that accordingly Parliament to encourage the use of the "Occupiers' Liability Bill 1985", the refillable bottles and recyclable cans, to en- "Parliamentary Papers Amendment Bill sure MAXIMUM possible recovery of 1985", the "Commercial Arbitration Bill such containers and to create widespread 1985", the "Liquor Amendment Bill new employment in the recycling industry, 1985" and the "Fatal Accidents Amend- by means of legislation requiring a ment Bill 1984", be restored to the Notice refundable deposit on all drink bottles and Paper at the stages which they reached in cans. the previous session of Parliament. Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that you will give this matter your earnest WILDLIFE CONSERVATION consideration and your Petitioners in duty AMENDMENT BILL bound will ever pray. Second Reading I certify this petition conforms to the standing MR DAVIES (Victoria Park-Minister for orders of the Legislative Assembly. Conservation and Land Management) [2.24 The SPEAKER: I direct that the petition be P.M.]: I move- brought to the Table of the House. That the Bill be now read a second time. (See petition No. 2.) The proposed changes contained in this Bill relate to four law enforcement aspects of the LEAVE OF ABSENCE Wildlife Conservation Act. On motion by Mr Barnett, leave of absence The penalties in the Act have not been for three weeks was granted to Mr Gordon Hill changed since 1967 and are clearly in need of (Helena) on the ground of urgent public busi- adjustment. This need was highlighted late last ness. year in the case of two Americans convicted of nest-robbing. Although the eggs were FIRE BRIGADES AMENDMENT BILL reportedly worth $75 000 on the overseas mar- Introduction and First Reading ket, the maximum fine which could be imposed under the existing scale of penalties was only Bill introduced, on motion by Mr Carr $1 200. There was widespread community sup- (Minister for Police and Emergency Services), port for increased penalties when the proposal and read a first time. was announced earlier this year. [Wednesday, 21 August 19851 1454

Two of the remaining changes remove minimum standards for fruit offered for sale on anomalies relating to the possession of fauna. the local market. The fruit growing industry In the first instance, the Act currently pre- believes that this arrangement has proved suc- scribes a higher level of penalty for an offence cessful, to the extent that the sales committees which involves the unlawful taking of rare do not now formally meet, their role having fauna, but does not prescribe a similar penalty been largely taken over jointly by the Western for an offence which involves the unlawful pos- Australian Fruit Growers' Association, meeting session of such fauna. The penalties for both in annual conference, and by the Western these offences should be identical. The Australian Fruit Advisory Council. proposed amendments will achieve this. Sec- .At its 1984 conference, the Fruit Growers' ondly, it is currently an offence to possess the Association resolved that sales advisory com- unless skin or carcase of protected fauna mittees be abolished and that their functions lawfully taken, but it is not an ctfence to pos- and powers be transferred to the Western sess a live specimen. The proposed amend- ments correct this anomaly. Australian Fruit Advisory Council. The West- ern Australian Fruit Advisory Council is not a The other amendment extcnids the time in statutory authority. A slight expansion of its which proceedings for offences may be made. role, to effect the requested amendments, can At the present time complaints must be made be arranged administratively. within six months from the time when offences The Bill provides for the repeal of sect ions against the Act occur. This has presented prob- 3A to 3C of the principal Act. Consequential lems where complex and time-consuming in- vest igations are involved, where offenders have upon the repeal of the sections of the Act pro- viding for the establishment of the committees, been dirneiult to trace or where serious offences are not detected within six months of the event. it is appropriate to repeal section 3D of the under the principal Act. This section provides for the Simih'r problems were experienced Minister to take advice from the sales advisory Fisheries Act before it was amended in 1982 to committees, which will not be necessary if extend the time to two years. these committees are abolished. The proposed amendments will result in sig- improvements in the area of wildlife The Bill proposes action which is in accord- nificant ance with the Government's desire to abolish law enforcement. all unnecessary statutory authorities. I commend the Bill to the House. I commend the Bill to the House. Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr Old. Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr Old.

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AMENDMENT BILL Second Reading CONTRACEPTIVES AMENDMENT BILL MR TONIN (MVorley-Swan-Leader of the Second Reading House) [2.30 p.m.]: I move- MR HODGE (Melville-Minister for That the Bill be now read a second time. Health) [2.35 p.m.]: I move- The Agricultural Products Act 1929 provides, That the Bill be now read a second time. in section 3, for the establishment of three fruit The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Con- sales advisory committees. traceptives Act to allow more retail outlets to The role of the committees is to inquire into sell condoms and so encourage their greater use the size, quality and types of fruit harvested in as a preventive health measure to lessen the Western Australia, to assess seasonal demand spread of AIDS. and to advise the Minister for Agriculture on I introduce this Bill following a strong any sales restriction necessary to maintain the recommendation from the Commonwealth viability of the fruit growing industry. Task Force on AIDS that the use of condoms In recent years the industry has itself seen a be encouraged in an effort to lessen the spread need for market quality regulation and has of AIDS in the community. Professor David financially supponted a small team of retail Pennington, head of the Commonwealth AIDS trade inspectors. The inspectors administer Task Force, warned bluntly that sexual prac- fruit grading and packing codes, established tices-particularly among the "at risk" under section 3F of the Act. The codes provide group -will have to change if the spread of the 146 146[ASSEMBLY] fatal acquired immune deficiency syndrome vi- Because of the proposed amendments, the rus is to be slowed. He is advocating constant emphasis of this Act will be more on a public use of condoms by people in the high risk health protection theme than on policing the groups and it is reported that, as a result of his unlawful sale of contraceptives as is the empha- warnings, groups alarmed at the spread of the sis of the present Act. For this reason, it is seen disease have launched an ambitious edu- to be more appropriately administered by the cational campaign to alert the public to the Commissioner of Health rather than the Com- disease transmission risks- missioner of Police. Appropriate amendments in this Bill will allow this change to occur. In the absence of any scientific breakthrough It is proposed that retailers who wish to sell leading to the discovery of a cure for AIDS, condoms should apply to the Commissioner of education campaigns in the groups at risk be- Health for a permit to make these sales. Sales come the key public health option most likely by vending machines will not be permitted. to achieve any worthwhile result in the lessening of the spread of this disease. Because An advisory committee will be formed to an individual can contract the disease without examine and make a recommendation on each showing any symptoms for years, there is a application received. It is proposed the advis- distinct possibility of the disease being ory committee be chaired by the Director of transmitted to others during this incubation the Communicable Disease Control Branch of period before the carrier is aware of the the Health Department, or his nominee, and potential for passing on the disease. comprise representatives of the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Pharmacy Guild, the While medical scientists have not yet found a Retail Traders Association, the Family Plan- cure for AIDS, they have identified the means ning Association of WA and a member of the by which it is transmitted and are public. recommending measures for slowing its spread. Upon the approval of the commissioner, a One of the measures recommended is the use of permit will be issued in respect of a particular condoms during any sexual activity. person and named premises and this may con- tain conditions applicable to sales of condoms. Transmission of the virus is effected by the Once issued, a permit will not have to be re- transfer of semen or blood from a person newed each year and can be surrendered by the having the disease to another person through holder at any time or revoked by the com- physical contact of such a fluid through a break missioner if conditions on the permit are not in the protective barriers of the body. Conse- observed or if the permit holder ceases to quently, it is believed the use of condoms can occupy the premises concerned. lessen the likelihood of spreading the disease through sexual activity. The Bill contains the usual but necessary pro- visions detailing the committee's functions, The State has a responsibility in this regard voting procedures, members' terms of appoint- to allow condoms to be more readily avail- ments and the methods of making application able-especially to people in the high risk and approving of permits. Power is provided to groups. At present, the Contraceptives Act revoke a Permit Or surrender it and for a person limits the sale of all contraceptives to aggrieved by a decision on a permit to appeal pharmacies. The amendments propose to in- to the Minister. Because the police will not be crease the number of outlets to allow approved involved in the general administration of the retail shops and all licensed premises to sell Act, nor in always conducting any pros- condoms without committing an offence ecutions, power is provided to authorise other against the Contraceptives Act. This should al- persons or classes of persons to carry out the low greater access to condoms by people in the monitoring of the provisions of the Act and high risk group by providing more convenient conduct any prosecutions considered necess- retail outlets and a greater period of availability ary. Provision has been left, however, for a per day. police officer to still prosecute on behalf of the department when so authorised. The educational campaigns and greater availability of condoms to the high risk groups It is believed the measures in this Bill will should go a long way in lessening the spread of provide significant assistance in the fight AIDS. In fact, the greater availability should against the spread of AIDS through the general also help the control of other sexually community. transmitted diseases. I commend the Bill to the House. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985) 1474

Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr ment has accepted that amendments to the Gas Williams. Standards Act should be introduced to this House as a matter of urgency. GAS STANDARDS AMENDMENT BILL In the interests of safety there is a need to Second Reading ensure that appliances sold or hired have pre- MR PARKER (Fremantle-Minister for viously been tested and approved by a respon- Minerals and Energy) [2.38 p.m,]: I move- sible body or authority. There is also a need to That the Bill be now read a second time. prohibit from sale or hire, gas appliances which have previously been approved and which no This Bill proposes to amend the Gas Standards longer meet present day standards. Act 1972-79 to control the sale, hire or adver- tising for sale or hire of any gas appliances Installation of only those gas appliances which have not been approved by a recognised which have been approved by AGA, ALPGA, body and also prohibit from sale or hire, gas the commission or individually by a gas inspec- appliances which have previously been ap- tor appointed by the SEC, is a requirement of proved and' which no longer meet present-day the gas standards regulations which were standards. introduced in 1983. Indeed it is an offence When the Gas Standards Act came into force under those regulations to "install" a non-ap- in 1972, the market for gas appliances was lim- proved appliance, but of course the term ited. The small number of gas appliance sup- "install" does not include "sale" or "hire". pliers in Western Australia tended to supply There is therefore no provision within the appliances which predominantly had been ap- existing legislation which prohibits or restricts proved by the Australian Gas Associ- a person from selling or hiring or advertising ation-AGA-or in the case of liquefied pet- for sale or hire any gas appliance which has not roleum gas, by the Australian Liquefied Pet- been approved by a recognised body. Conse- roleum Gas Association-ALPGA. These sup- quently a person can purchase an unapproved pliers were usually gas appliance specialists or gas appliance only to find that legally it cannot were experienced in the supply, installation be installed. and use of gas appliances generally. The gas standards regulations include pro- The majority of gas appliances sold in visions relating to LPG appliances in fixed in- Australia are approved by the AGA or ALPGA, stallations. I have recently been made aware which are merely associations of persons that there are various LPG appliances for the representing all sectors of the industry; neither leisure industry coming from different sources is a statutory body. As such they do not have both within and outside Australia which do not any statutory powers and therefore cannot re- require to be installed and which are entering quire that all gas appliances, which are sold or the market without a recognised mark of ap- hired or advertised for sale or hire, have the proval. Again, there is a clear need to ensure mark of approval of the relevant body. that such gas appliances are approved before they are sold or hired. Since 1972, the demand for gas, and hence gas appliances, has grown considerably within I wish to make it quite clear that there is no the State to the extent that domestic gas ap- suggestion that the approval system applied by pliances are now available through many retail the AGA or ALPGA is in any way inadequate outlets, including departmental stores. or inefficient, but as I have already stated, neither Today the knowledge and awareness of the the AGA nor ALPGA is a statutory required standards in the gas industry by many body, having statutory powers. of the sales personnel is no longer as good as These matters have been discussed with the previously was the case. As a result the State different sectors of the gas industry and meet Energy Commission and the gas industry have with their support. become very concerned as to the safety of gas appliance users in particular and the public in I now propose to deal with the Bill in three general. parts- In order to ensure that the uninformed (a) Members of the House will see that potential gas customer may be protected from the Bill prohibits the sale, hire, lease purchasing or hiring any kind of gas appliance or the advertising for sale, hire or lease which does not have a current approval rating of gas appliances which have not been and which may or may not be safe, the Govern- approved by the SEC. Provision is 148 148[ASSEMBLY]

made for all appliances which have As the Government fully recognises been so approved to be suitably the importance of these matters, the marked, stamped or labelled. Bill provides for the imposition of a penalty of $2 000 or imprisonment for (b) The Bill details the procedure to be six months or both on any person followed by a person seeking approval convicted of breaching these new pro- for a gas appliance. However, in order visions. not to duplicate testing work which has already been undertaken by the (c) The opportunity has also been taken AGA and ALPGA provision is made by the Government to review the existing in the Bill for the automatic approval provisions of the Gas Stan- dards Act relating to the penalties by the SEC of gas appliances which which may be imposed on gas under- have been approved by the AGA or takers, appliance manufacturers and ALPGA and which meet the com- gas installers convicted of breaches of mission's requirements. Members of the Act. Clearly the penalties imposed the House will no doubt agree that this in 1972 are no longer appropriate and is a most important factor in that it should be amended to correspond will help to minimise the cost to the with those which can be imposed Western Australian community of the under the new provisions. testing and approval of appliances. This Bill therefore proposes to in- Provision has also been included in crease the maximum penalties which the Bill enabling the Governor to may be imposed throughout the Act so make regulations prohibiting the as to more properly reflect the serious fraudulent or improper use of marks nature of these offences. signifying the approval of the I commend the Bill to the House. commission. Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr The Bill also Provides for the publi- MacKinnon (Deputy Leader of the Oppo- cation in the Government Gazette of a sition). list of approved gas appliances. In the event that the commission is of the ADDRESS-IN-REPLY: THIRD DAY opinion that a gas appliance or type or Motion class of gas appliance which has been approved or a component used or Debate resumed from 20 August. designed to be used in connection MR TROY (Mundaring) [2.46 p.m.]: I be- with a gas appliance or in connection lieve this Address-in-Reply debate is the appro- with a gas installation, is or is likely to priate time to clear up somne of the deliberate become unsafe or dangerous in use, and misleading information advanced by Op- the commission may by order position spokesmen, particularly the Leader of published in the Government Gazelle the Opposition, since the Government prohibit the sale, hire Or use of such announced in June this year its tariffs and gas equipment or impose conditions charges services to apply in 1985-86. and restrictions on such sale, hire or Members of the community-both the use. A person failing to comply with household sector and the business sector-not any such order commits an offence. only appreciate the early announcement of tar- iffs so that it can aid their budgetary consider- Members of the House will be aware ations at the earliest possible time, but also of the problems which have arisen re- welcome the Government's sincerity in keeping garding approved gas water heaters its word to follow three essential principles in which have been installed unflued or hol[ding down those charges. flued ineffectively and which, since 1973, have been instrumental in 12 I refer to the stated objectives of that cost known fatalities in this State. Their containment process. further sale should therefore be They are, first, the stringent cost conta in- prohibited in line with the provisions ment measures in authorities, including the of the recently amended gas standards holding down of certain programmes to im- regulations which prohibit their instal- prove the economic climate; second, improving lation. the economic climate to ensure revenue gener- [Wednesday, 21 August I19851 1494 ation is not bearing directly on the community year of $21 million-a figure that only a through cost increases passed directly on to few weeks later had blown out to more that community; and, third, diversifying and than $30 million. supplementing traditional sources of State Urgent financial stringencies Government revenue without directly im- implemented by the new Government and pinging on taxpayers. more buoyant revenue collections in the I might just add that in my view a significant later months of the year resulted in the additional factor emerges from that announce- deficit being cut back to $14.2 million by ment, which is that the early announcement of the end of the financial year. tariffs influences the local government sector. Local government is without doubt an emerg- The Premier quite fairly acknowledged that the O'Connor Government, despite its conceal- ing and important third sphere of government, ment of the State's true financial position lead- and this State Government's decision to bring ing up to the' 1983 election, had been partly in forward those announcements has had a big that position because of certain factors beyond bearing on the overall household and business costs and the influence that local government its control, and I refer to the economic stupid- has upon them. ity of the Fraser-Howard Federal Government. It is rather interesting to see the manoeuvring It is clearly evident that we are showing the currently going on in the Federal Liberal Party leadership necessary in the area of cost contain- between Mr Howard and Mr Peacock where ment; and the overall response to that lead Mr Howard is continually pushing his barrow, from local government evidenced this year is making sure that he beats Mr Peacock to the very strongly supportive of those moves. draw in making economic statements, those statements rarely reflecting the line that Mr One can ask: What constitutes tariffs and Peacock wishes to take. One can only dread the charges? The whole basis of the divergence of thought of Mr Howard ever regaining the reins opinion, of the respective claims, and of the of economic management of this country. widely contrasting views of the Government Without doubt, Mr Howard goes down on and the Opposition in this matter, really boils record as being one of the greatest non- down to what one defines as tariffs and achievers as a Federal Treasurer. charges. Without any form of apology, the In Western Australia our Opposition leader, Government interprets tariffs and charges to be who has scoured the world in search ,of new that level of assessment applied for certain ideas to counter a Government which has community services provided. I refer to the proved conclusively its ability to manage the Arading element of Government operations in State's economy responsibly with an appropri- providing community services and to the el- ate level of innovativeness, is left to select a ement that has a direct burden on the house- concept of the Thatcher Government, an aca- holder or business as an operational cost. That demic's privatisation model, without adap- basis of comparison clearly reveals the enor- tation, as the best it can offer this State. It does mous success the Government has achieved not recognise the wide differences of geo- over the past three years. graphic and social features between Western Let us cast our minds back for a moment to Australia and the United Kingdom. the Burke Government's inheritance in 1983. I suggest members of the Opposition go to Members in this place will remember the the library and obtain a copy of this document. financial position inherited by the Burke It is unbelievably poor in its application to Government when it came to office. That Western Australia. This initiative is nothing position was clearly stated by the Premier in short of a move by a desperate man to win at his 1983-84 Budget speech when he said- all costs, ignoring the adverse impact the move w ill have on thousands of people across this Members will recall that when the 1982- State, particularly in country areas about which 83 Budget was presented to this House last the Leader of the Opposition purports to be so September, it was estimated to be a concerned. balanced Budget. Yesterday's sudden rush of interest by Oppo- However, when we took office only five sition members to speak in this debate was months later, the situation had noted, but not one of them had the courage to deteriorated alarmingly, to the extent that question the direction their leader-a totally the State faced an estimated deficit for the city-oriented man-took on this issue. I ask ISO 150[ASSEMBLY) those members: Where is that so often 81. to 1982-83, the CPI figure came out at 30.6 acclaimed independence of thought in the per cent. That contrasts with the Burke Opposition panties? Government's term in office from 1983-84 I now turn more directly to the question of through to the end of 1985-86, when the figure increases in tariffs and charges which occurred is expected to be 21 per cent. I have a table here in this State over the last few years. in the which reflects the charges in summary form Premier's 1983 Budget address he drew atten- and, Mr Speaker, I will seek your permission to tion to two options State Governments had to have these figures included in Hansardafter I overcome the difficulty of the decay in State have proceeded through them. economic powers. One option was to adopt the Tbe SPEAKER: You will have to obtain traditional role; that is, a political defence, the leave of the House. well-tried and somewhat worn-out historical Mr TROY: I will seek leave at the appropri- method that had been used by Governments in ate time. this State over many decades. Alternatively, the States could undertake a more aggressive Electricity charges, particularly domestic entrepreneurial role, a technique the com- electricity charges, during the three-year term munity could perhaps have expected of a Lib- of the Court-O'Connor Government increased eral rather than a Labor Government. by 50 per cent on the domestic scale against the The first Burke Budget adopted both options CPI increase of 30.6 per cent, somewhere in the in setting four principles-to balance the order of 20 per cent above the CPI. By com- Budget, to build a firm foundation for econ- parison, the Burke Government's three-year term of office will see electricity charges in- omic recovery, to impinge as lightly as possible crease by 23.8 on the taxpayer consistent with financial re- per cent against a CPI increase sponsibility, and 10 make way for the im- of 21 percent. plementation of new programmes that the Several members interjected: Government was elected to pursue. Almost two Mr TROY: I do not know from where mem- years since that statement by the Premier, this bers of the Opposition obtain their figures, but Government can look back with pride on the I am quite happy with these because my source achievement of all those goals. is a reliable one. We see an increase of 3.8 per Let me dwell a little on the principle as it cent for the year 1985-86 and that follows on relates to tariffs and charges over that three- from the same level of increase of 1984-85. The year period. The Government wanted to im- 3.8 per cent increase, now occurring twice con- pinge as lightly as possible on the taxpayer, secutively, is the lowest increase experienced in consistent with financial responsibility. An the last six years. examination of those charges bearing directly Mr MacKinnon: What about 1983-84? on household and business operations provides the following comparisons between the Burke Mr TROY: I am quite happy to repeat my Government's performance from 1983-84 figures. Comparing the three-year average through to 1985-86 and the Court-O'Connor shows an increase of 50 per cent for the Liberal stable's performance from 1980-81 through to Government and an increase of 23.8 per cent 1982-83. for our Government. There lies the answer. "Only slightly above that 3.8 per cent" is in Two points need to be borne in mind when fact only slightly above half of the CPI forecast making these comparisons. The CPI figure for for 1985-86 of seven per cent. These figures the three-year period has been calculated by the reveal that the cumulative increase in elec- State Treasury in its analysis and an estimate tricity charges is almost in line with the CPI. In for the 1985-86 year of seven per cent is in- fact, the cumulative effect is 23.8 per cent and cluded. That figure was used by the Common- the CPI is 21 per cent. Bearing in mind the wealth at the recent Premiers' Conference. position the SEC was forced into as a result of Mr Mac~innon: They used 81/ per cent in the north-west gas deal forced on it by the pre- the Budget last night. vious Government, its performance over the Mr TROY: Did they? Figures have been three year period has been superb. adjusted to exclude hospital and medical ser- I now address the important area of country vices because of the distortionary effect of the electricity charges. The SEC's policy of charg- introduction of Medicare on the CPI. Members ing uniform tariffs across the State indicates will be very interested to learn that over that that this year a subsidy in the order of $60 period of the Court-O'Connor term from 1980- million is being applied. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]11 151

On the question of commercial users, a com- I turn now to the non-residential consumers plete review of the SEC's charges has been of metropolitan water who are particularly imn- undertaken by the SEC; it has been forwarded portant, especially in the small business area. to the Minister, and in turn it has been released Water rates for non-residential consumers have to the public for comment. Members will be not been increased for properties with a GRV aware of that report which has been in the below $4 000 in the current year. Members outside display cabinet for the last few weeks. should bear in mind that there is a three-year In essence, commercial electricity rates have phased introduction of these values. The rate in moved in step with domestic rates. That means the dollar has been adjusted as follows: In that over the past three years they have kept 1984-85 it was 6.4c in the dollar; in 1985-86 the rate will be 6c in the dollar below $4 000, almost in line with the CPI or very close to it. while above $4 000 the rate will drop to 5.25Sc Let us compare domestic gas charges. The in the dollar. Linked to that is the question of increase in the period of the Court-O'Connor pay-for-service, pay-for-use. Government was 58.2 per cent, almost 30 per- Over the past three years close attention has centage points above the CPI for the same been given to reducing charges for the business period. In the years 1983-84 to 1985-86 under and commercial sectors, especially small busi- the Burke Government the increase will be ness. Great attention has been given to remov- 24.7 per cent compared with a CPI increase of ing the previous iniquitous system which 21 per cent. Again the Burke Governiment's forced a small stallholder whose premise had a increases in gas charges have been almost in handbasin to pay several thousand dollars for a line with the inflation rate, while it was water supply. That has been changed to a much substantially more than the inflation rate in the fairer system of pay-for-se-vice, pay-for-use. previous three years. No doubt it has been welcomed by that sector. Let us look now at metropolitan water Water rates have decreased by about 30 per charges. The domestic charges can be broken cent in real ternms over the three-year period of into two sectors: Firstly, the fixed charges the Burke Government. This has been coupled which increased by 90 per ccnt during the three with a big reduction in excessive and unnecess- years of the Court-O'Connor Government. By ary water allowances which applied to most of contrast, the increase in these charges under the those properties. Those allowances arc now Burke Government is approaching 10.5 per down to 10 per cent of the original level of cent. This year the increase is a mere .2.4 per allowance for water. At the same time a large cent-from $82 to $84 for the standard house- majority of business and commercial proper- hold charge. Consumption charges increased by ties have received a significant benefit from 63 per cent in the three years of the Court- those changes. O'Connor Government; by Contrast they will I will draw out a special example applying to be held down to 22.6 per cent during the Burke my electorate and other metropolitan fringe Government's term of office. in case members electorates which arose as a result of the pay- opposite are wondering how those figures are for-service, pay-for-use scheme being gradually calculated, I point out that they relate to a con- implemented. Subsequent to the recent round sumption level of 600 kilolitres. Domestic con- of changes the Government was advised, fol- sumption above 150 kilolitres was charged at lowing representations to my office, of a prob- the rate of 37c a kilolitre in 1984-85, a 2.8 per lem emerging with low value properties. cent increase. From July this year a new sliding In those non-residential areas the water al- scale of consumption charges was introduced. lowances were being cut well below the 150 A charge of 38c per kilolitre will apply for con- kilolitres allowed for residential service. Many sumption of between 150 and 600 kilolitres. were set in the order of 60 to 80 kilolitres, and I ask members to bear in mind that that is on top of that they were forced to pay for ex- pretty significant for the average household be- cess water use. Obviously the pay-for-service, cause average domestic consumption is in the pay-for-use scheme had got to a point where it order of 380 kilolitres a year. That sliding scale was severely disadvantaging the holders of low also provides an encouragement to water con- valuation property. Thanks to the interest of servation. I point out that for a consumption the Minister for Water Resources and the level between 600 and 1 000 kilolitres the officers of the Water Authority the matter was charge rises from 38c to 39c per kilolitre, and examined closely and they came up with a new above 1 000 kilolitres the charge is 40c per kilo- option. Properties in this category will now re- litre. ceive a 50 per cent allowance granted under the 152 152(ASSEMBLY] old system up to a maximum of 400 kilolitres. I turn now to State Housing Commission The alternative to that scheme will be the stan- rentals which provide an interesting contrast, dard 10 per cent allowance which applies in all and take as my example a three-bedroomed other areas where pay-for-service, pay-for-use home. The increase in rents for that type of applies. The greater of either of those two property under the Court-O'Connor Govern- options will be applicable. ment was 41.4 per cent. In the Burke Govern- I would like to place on record my ment's three-year term of office it will be 18.6 appreciation of the support given by the Minis- per cent. ter and officers of the Water Authority in that development. In 1985-86, the increase will be 3.9 per cent Let us look now at metropolitan sewerage which will be the lowest increase for six years. rates and return to the three-year comparisons That increase will apply from 2 September. 1 was making. Under the Court-O'Connor There is no rent increase for age pensioners Government charges increased by 90 per cent, wrapped up in that exercise and it is the second or three times the CPI increase for that period. consecutive year of falls in State Housing Com- During the period of the Burke Government mission rents in real dollar terms. the increase is between 16.6 per cent and I8 per cent, depending on the property valuation. I wish to draw to members' attention some That is a stark contrast, as members opposite interesting figures which point out the stark would have to admit. contrast emerging between the public and pri- vate sectors. These figures provide a good com- Sewerage rates in the 1985-86 year Will in- parison with the Opposition's privatisation crease by 2.9 per cent, again well below the scheme announced recently. The Master forecast CPI figure of seven per cent. The rate Builders Association's figures for a three-bed- in the dollar has been lowered from 6.4c to room home show a rental increase of 8.2 per 5.75c. That is linked with the phasing-in of cent to 30 March 1985 and indicate an average property valuations over the three-year period. weekly rental of $90.45 for private rental ac- One might want to know what the overall rev- commodation. The weekly average rent for enue increase to the Water Authority has been State Housing Commission accommodation is as a result of the new charges. I will come to $58.70 a week. that in a moment. Let us look now at metropolitan drainage During its period in office, the Government rates and country water rates. During the three- has ceased action commenced by the previous year term of the Court-O'Con nor Government, Government to remove the subsidy on the metropolitan drainage rates increased by 21 north-west State Housing Commission rentals. per cent compared with an increase of 10.3 per cent under the Burke Government. Tn 198 5-86 There was a 105 per cent increase in State there will be no increase at all. The change is fuel taxes during the period of the Court and linked to the reduction of the rate in the dollar O'Connor Governments. By contrast, the from 1.09c to Ic. Burke Government has increased State fuel Country water, sewerage and drainage taxes by 17.3 per cent. With due charges will increase this year by 2.9 per cent acknowledgement, the Court and O'Connor which is well below the CPI figure, in fact less Governments were involved in a relatively than half the forecast CPI figure for this small increase by their standards in the price of coming year. diesel fuel. That increase was 13.3 per cent. Mr MacKinnon: Is that the increase in the The increase during the Burke period of rate? Government has been 16. 1 per cent. Mr TROY: That is the increase. I1i relation to transport, the Minister for If one looks at the three-year comparison, Transport has gone to great pains to explain one sees that under the Court-O'Connor that the State fuel levy is not a tax going Governiment the increase in country water straight to Consolidated Revenue to be used for charges was 101 per cent. Under the Burke other purposes. The whole of the levy is being Government it is 24 per cent. The total revenue used for road making and maintenance. That collection by the Water Authority will increase levy represents an income of $46 million to be by 2-9 per cent this year. Everyone would agree used for that purpose. Its removal will have a that that is constraint in its fullest form. disastrous affect on the State's road network. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]'5 153

A matter of significance to be considered at 58.2 24.7 this stage is the question of deregulation of the Melio water (domestic): 90 10.5 transport system. if that system does not have -fixed charge 63 216 the roads to operate on, how long will it be -consuimption charge before owners are forced to use rail again? Metro sewerage(domestic) 90 16.6-18 There was a 16.1 per cent increase in motor Metro drinage (domestic) 21 10.3 licence fees in the period of the Court and Countrywater (domestic) 101 24 O'Connor Governments, and there has been a SHC rents(3-brm 41.4 18.6 10.7 per cent increase in the time of the Burke house) State fuel Tax: Government. There has been no increase in 105 17.3 -etro vehicle licence fees in 1985-86. 13.3 16.1 In looking at the figures for motor vehicle -diesel third party insurance one will see that there Car licences 16.1 107? vehicle third patsy in- 176 nit was a 176 per cent increase in the period of the sturaiice Court and O'Connor Governments and no in- MIT faret (adultI) 42.8-too nil-9.09 crease in the time of the Burke Government. Wstrail freightsi saris variosus The Burke Government has been more than Weslesil passengerfarcs na. 13 zealous in requesting that increases by the third Statesh ips freights 40 16.5 party insurers in relation to their operating (teastJWcsiservice scheda costs be kept to a minimum. That is a credit to rates)

the Government. It has kept its finger on that *To ensure comparability, both the CR1.. figures hav-cbeen adjusted matter and there is no question that the public St the State Treasury to exclude hospital and medical services because of the disiortionary effect of the introduction of Medicare The figure are benefiting. foe the Comn/O'Ca...or period is from July 1. 1980 to June 30. 1983 and the Figurefoe the Burke period is from July 1. 1983 to June 30. I admit that zoning has been introduced in 986, The lattler Figureis, olcourse. an estimate. basedafl an assumed 1985,86 C.P.t. figure of 7 per cent. This was the figure sed by the relation to the Metropolitan Transport Trust Commonwealth at she rcencPemer Confeccuce in calculaling charges which make comparisons difficult. grants to the States. However, I think it is fair to say that, on a three-zone basis, the increases for the period of Mr TROY: In conclusion, I come back to the Court and O'Connor Governments were up comparing figures with those supplied by the by 42 per cent and the increase in the time of Leader of the Opposition. There is no doubt the Burke Government has been 9.09 per cent. that he has conveniently broadened his defi- No increase will occur in the financial year nitions of tariffs and charges to include revenue 1985-86. from an expanding economy in this State. I do not think many people would fall for that trick. Perhaps an explanation on the three-year The Opposition has spoken about the Govern- comparison is warranted because of the com- ment pulling the wool over the eyes of the pub- plications caused by the new zoning structure. lic, but the public is not falling for that trick. That structure was introduced to correct cer- pay-as-you-use principle. One of the objectives of the Burke Government tain anomalies on the has been to encourage the economic upturn. There were certain inequities in the system. That is clearly evidenced by the revenue that There have been no effective increases si nce has come from heightened economic activity. 1974 despite the costs that have gone into that area. The basis for recovery of expenditure by MR MacKINNON (Murdoch-Deputy fare paying was inequitious. One cannot ignore Leader of the Opposition) [3.1 7 p.m.]: Today the many developments that occurred over the the member for Mundaring has indicated to the last ten years in the time of the previous Parliament why he will serve only one term in Governments and I feel they should accept this Parliament. For example, he does not have some responsibility for not addressing the the ability to write his own speeches or even to problems involved in the operations of the do his own research. After 2/2 years in this Mfl. Parliament he still reads his speeches word for By leave of the House the following document word. Not only that, but also he makes was incorporated- speeches that are way off the mark. He quotes, MAJOR STATE GOVERNMENT CHARGES: THE RECORD OF ad nauseam, statistics to Parliament and, as THlE BURKE GOVERNMENT 1933-84 10 1985-86 COMPARED everybody knows, there are statistics, WITH THE RECORD OF THE COURT/O-CONNOR GOVERN. statistics, MENTS 1980.81 TO 1982-83 and damn lies. I will prove to him why the Court/ people of Western Australia will not have the CHARGE C P.O.- O'Connor Burke C.P.I. wool pulled over their eyes and why they will Electricity (donisti) 30.6 50 23.8 21 not be misled by people like the member for 154 154ASSEMBLY]

Mundaring who has had the misfortune today I indicate to this Parliament that I totally to be asked to serve up to the Parliament mat- oppose the moves undertaken by the Federal ters as directed by his political masters. Government. In 1975, by courtesy of Rotary International, I was fortunate to undertake a I recently visited a country town and I was six-week tour of South Africa which enabled approached by a group of business people who me to look first-hand at the situation in that own a small office block in that town. They country. I admit that the tour was 10 years ago, expressed to me their concern about their water but it certainly opened my eyes to the problems and sewerage charges. They said that they had in that country. I came back to Western noted the advertisements in the newspaper in Australia with a greater understanding of the which the Premier had tried to convince the problems, but I did not come back with the public that everything was fine in the garden. answers to those problems. However, I did re- These businessmen gave me the figures turn from that trip totally opposed to apart- indicating the charges which they have had to heid. I had lengthy discussions with the people pay, supposedly being assisted by this Govern- with whom I stayed in South Africa about the ment. In October 1983 their water and sewer- alternatives available to the South African age rates combined totalled $1 680.03. 1 will Government to handle the problems. not blame the present Government for any- thing prior to 1983 as it only came to office in The answer from Australia's viewpoint is not February 1983 and whatever happened before to ostracise South Africa by implementing then was not its responsibility. Those trade and sporting sanctions, but to try to businessmen have had only two assessments change the mind of the South African Govern- since that time. The first in October 1984 ment. I did not agree with the policy of the totalled $2 352.08. This year they received Fraser Government in relation to this matter, their assessment payable on the last day of and I certainly do not agree with the policy of August 1985 and, significantly, only 10 months the Hawke Labor Government. The action after the first assessment. The amount of that taken by the Federal Government will not assessment was $3 292.91. 1 repeat those fig- hasten a change and, in my opinion, it will slow ures for the benefit of the member for down the rate of change in South Africa. Mundaring. The first amount was $1680.03 If we want to help the problem in South payable by 100 per cent but also it had the Africa we should talk rationally with South the amount payable was $3 292.91. If my Africans of whatever race and endeavour to maths are roughly correct, that is an increase of encourage and assist them to arrive at a proper 100 per cent in less than two years. Not only solution. It is hypocritcal of the Federal was the Government happy to increase the rate Government to announce trade sanctions payable by 100 per cent but it also had the against South Africa when at the very same cheek to advance the date payable by two time sporting activities between Australia and months. Even blind Freddy would know that Eastern Bloc countries are taking place; and the even if the rate was kept at exactly the same Federal Government condones trading with figure, by advancing the payment date by two those countries on a daily basis despite the months, the rate payable is increased quite sig- fact that the restrictions that are placed on nificantly. people living in Eastern Bloc countries are The member for Mundaring would have us worse than the restrictions placed on South believe that general increases in this area have Africans. Why is it not possible for people in been 2.9 per cent. Those people are not going Eastern Bloc countries to travel out of their to have the wool pulled over their eyes. They country of their own free will? What do we do are concerned at the way they are being treated about it? We do nothing. by the Government and will not be misled. .What did we do about the invasion of Afghanistan by the Russians except to have a I will turn now to the matter I want to raise partial Olympic boycott? We have done today. The headline in today's newspaper fo- nothing, yet we have trade sanctions against cused, and rightly so, on the Federal Govern- South Africa. The world has been saddened by ment's Budget which was brought down by activities in South Africa in recent weeks. I am Treasurer Paul Keating in the Federal Parlia- also saddened, but the solution is not to isolate ment last night. The headline in yesterday's the problem and ostracise South Africa. The paper focused on South Africa and on the sanc- answer is to try to help the South Africans with tions that the Federal Government will impose what is a complex problem. This Government against that country. and the Federal Government should be taking [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]15 155 action to do that. However, they are not doing relief after they were promised such relief by so, and we are left with a situation where the Prime Minister who said, "Trust me"! They people are standing by while ships are not al- are now facing real tax increases. lowed into ports and this is adding to the bad The second important fact contained in the reputation around the world today of our water Budget is that all those difficult decisions-for front. As far as ports are concerned, we are example, capital gains tax, death duties, and entering into an era when Australia will have fringe benefits-have been deferred for a short the only ship-free ports in the world. time. I guess that the opinion polls have shown I repeat that I oppose apartheid and I also the Prime Minister where he stands and he oppose trade sanctions against South Africa must recover some of those votes before he can which, I believe, will do absolutely nothing to implement such changes. It is important to speed the rate of change in South Africa which note that all the proposed changes are we would all like to see. South Africa has sig- supported by the Premier of Western Australia. nificantly slowed down that change. It is time The Budget also highlighted the total hypoc- that all Governments in Australia made risy of this Premier as far as the issue of fuel tax statements in support of that position. is concerned. I will explain this shortly. Mr Clarko: What about Sri Lanka? Finally, while it was pleasing to be told that Mr MacKINNON: If one were to look the Federal deficit will be reduced it was also around the world and be consistent he would significant to learn that all the Budget deficit find many examples. However, Governments has done is to put Australia further into debt; do not wish to be consistent. as I will also explain later. Last night Treasurer Paul Keating brought Mr Davies: You do not have to be Einstein down the Federal Budget and today, rightly so, to work that out. it was the main item in the newspaper. It is a Mr MacKINNON: I advise the Minister that Budget which continues to shape Australia in that debt will not be borne by him, but by the Hawke mould, particularly as far as tax- myself and certainly by my children. ation is concerned. Mr Davies: How will I be able to dodge that? If members recall debates in this House Mr MacKINNON: The Minister will be able about the so-called accord between the Labor to dodge that because of his age. He will not be Party and the ACTU they will understand what receiving an income for much longer. The debt I am talking about because in that document I that is being built up in this country will be remember having read the words "redistribution hanging around for much longer than the Min- of income" 14 times and not ister and probably me. once having read the word "profit". The latest Federal Budget has continued the process of I turn now to the first point I raised. The the redistribution of income according to the most significant factor in the Federal Budget Hawke socialist plan. was that no tax relief will be provided this year despite promises to the contrary. Mr Hawke Significantly, the Federal Budget highlighted said publicly, "Trust me and I will provide tax four main issues. Firstly, it indicated clearly to relief." However, there has been no tax relief all Australians that there is to be no tax relief and, in fact, higher levels of taxation will be whatsoever provided by the Federal Govern- paid by all. I will give details to the House, and ment. In fact,. it indicated under this Budget, perhaps the member for Mundaring. would like ahead of proposed changes, that there will be to listen to the statistics I will quote. real tax increases this financial year. We must remember that the tax changes to be in 1982-8 3 taxation revenue collected by the announced in either September or October will Federal Government was $40 834 million. As not apply, according to the Prime Minister, un- the Hawke Labor Government was elected at til next financial year. Therefore, the financial the beginning of March 1983, we will not year in which we are now in and in which the blame it for that figure. We merely use it as our Budget handed down last night will address benchmark. The 1985-86 estimate of taxation shows that there is no tax relief but, in fact, revenue is $ 58 62 7 million which, in terms that there will be real tax increases which I will people can understand quite clearly, represents explain later in my speech. Both these matters an increase of 44 per cent in three years. I refer have been endorsed by the Premier of this State to some statistics cited by the member for who is obviously happy to see that Australians Mundaring and which have been quite clearly and Western Australians are not given any tax publicised by the Premier. Inflation over the 156 156[ASSEMBLY] same three years has been 21 per cent. Thus, We on this side of the House oppose quite the H-awke Labor Government has imposed vehemently capital gains taxes, death duties taxation on the community at a rate double and the fringe benefits tax as it has been that of inflation. I remind the House that the proposed. The capital gains tax is nothing more Burke Labor Government is even worse than nor less than a savage tax on small businesses that. It has brought down only two Budgets and and, in particular, the rural community of this has increased taxation by 43 per cent. That State. The rural backlash is already strong, but increase will obviously be more than 50 per it will be increased significantly if a capital cent when the next Budget is brought down, gains tax or death duties are imposed. Those figures speak for themselves, but worse There seems to be no understanding by the is to come. Prime Minister, the Premier or any other per- The tax threshold at which a taxpayer moves son sitting on the other side of the H-ouse that into the next taxation bracket has remained the only real incentive left to business is the static. Thousands of middle income earners hope of a capital gain when one sells a business. will now pay a higher rate of tax this year as The Prime Minister, the Premier and those op- inflation takes their incomes to higher taxation posite do not understand that the Opposition is brackets. The Premier and I were both at a opposed in principle to capital gains taxes no breakfast this morning. He would have heard a matter what their form. Neither do they under- speaker at the breakfast indicate that if those stand that if we are to get taxation under con- thresholds had been indexed to the rate of in- trol we must first get expenditure under con- flation since 1955 we would not hit the 60c in trot. As John Howard has said, tax reform as the dollar bracket in 1985 unless our income proposed by the Hawke Labor Government was over $400 000. That will give the House an and talked about by the Burke Labor Govern- idea of how things have degenerated. People ment is merely shuffling the deck chairs on the earning about $35 000-what would today be Titanic. Such tax reform will do nothing to stop termed middle income in anybody's the sinking of the ship. language-are in the highest income tax The proposed fringe benefit tax to be bracket. That is inexcusable. imposed on the employer is, as the member for No tax relief has been given in the Budget. In South Perth would say, discriminatory in the fact, there are real tax increases for most extreme- It represents a double payroll tax. The Australians. That is the situation that is State Government lauds the fact that it has applauded by our Premier. In today's The West made a reduction in the rate of payroll tax. A Australian, the Premier was reported as fol- fringe benefits tax would impose a double pay- lows- roll tax. The Government has very little to say about that, It mouths words about the impli- He congratulated the Federal Govern- cations for housing in the north-west but would ment "for sticking to its planned economic we exempt from a fringe benefits or perks tax path in the face of criticism from many housing in the north-west, the south-west, or quarters". anywhere else? Administration of such a tax That planned economic path is designed to re- will be very expensive. In fact, the determining distribute resources from the productive sec- of what is and what is not a perk will be ex- tors to the non-productive sectors. Quite tremely expensive and difficult. clearly there is to be no tax relief and real tax The only answer to real tax reform is expen- paid is to be increased, supported by the diture control. We do not want the Premier of Premier of Western Australia. this State to hedge by saying that we will have a As I indicated earlier, we have seen a tem- capital gains tax provided it takes into account porary deferral of the capital gains tax, death a, b, c, d and e. The Opposition does not want a duties and the fringe benefits tax. I wonder why capital gains lax at all. We want expenditure the imposition of those taxes was deferred. I control and real tax reform. The people of suspect they were deferred because there will be Western Australia will certainly give the Premier that indication at the first available an election in both South Australia and West- ern Australia prior to I July next year. The opportunity. statement that those taxes would not be The Federal Budget made a very small con- introduced until 1 July next year had nothing tribution to the plight of the rural Sector. I hope to do with the difficulty in administration of that my colleague, the member for Katanning- those taxation measures; it had everything to Roe, will go into detail on that later. The 2.4c a do with the political implications thereof. litre rebate of excise on diesel fuel is- [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]15 157

M r Peter Jones: Pathetic! this country. I studied economics at university Mr MacKINNON: As my colleague,' the but it is not necessary to have done so to under- member for Narrogin says, that rebate is a pa- stand that when money is borrowed it has to be thetic contribution. It also highlights the paid back. The more one goes into debt the hypocrisy of our Premier with respect to fuel more it costs to service the debt and the less costs. In August 1983, just after the first Budget money is available to service other needs in the of the Government described by my community. Tasmanian colleague as the "Hawke socialist The figures I will now quote are taken di- Government", the Premier wrote in the rectly from the Federal Budget papers. In 1982- "Political Notes" column in The West 83 in regard to debt servicing as published the Australian of Thursday, 25 August 1983- Federal Budget, the amount of funds allocated However, the increase in the fuel costs is for this purpose as a proportion of total Com- of concern because the burden will not be monwealth outlay was 6.7 per cent. In 1985-86 spread equally, but will fall more heavily the amount allocated to debt servicing as a pro- on country people and businesses. portion of total outlay is estimated at 9.7 per Thus, in 1983 the Premier expressed concern cent. Had we not had that increase in the order about increases in fuel costs. of $2 000 million a year, imagine the tax relief that could have been given to the community. At the breakfast I attended this morning, the Had we not put ourselves into hock by 45 per Premier said, "I welcome what has happened cent in those three years, the situation would be with respect to the 2.4c, but more relief should quite different. have been provided." More relief can be provided by the State Government. More relief The Budget deficit has been cut back in real will be provided when we are returned to terms but despite that fact-and I take my fig- office. We have given a commitment that the ures directly from the Budget papers-the third State fuel levy will be abolished on our return largest outlay as a proportion of the total GDP to Government. All that this Government can is public debt interest. It ranks equally with do through people like the member for health costs in this country. We are spending Mundaring and the Minister for Transport is more on servicing debt than on defence, more tell us that we cannot abolish the levy because at a Commonwealth level than on education, that would affect the road funding programme. and five times more than is spent on housing. We have made a commitment that abolition of My mai.n concern about the public debt and the fuel excise levy will not interfere with the the deficit is that we are supposedly-if we road funding programme. listen to Federal and State Government ad- We shall abolish the fuel tax and shall main- visers-in a state of economic recovery. Times tain road funding in this State. There has been are supposedly good, things are looking up and a clear cop-out by the Premier who before and everything is bright. If things are looking since the last election has been travelling bright, what will happen when they look grim? around the country mouthing platitudes about What reserves shall we have to fall back on? fuel tax but has done absolutely nothing about The only option available will be to further them. The Premier has the power in his hands increase that debt and place ourselves further to give real relief to match the Common- into hock until such time that it is inevitable wealth's action and to give a further lead to the that we shall have to take significant cuts in our Commonwealth to reduce the tax even more. standard of living to put things right. That is H-e says that it cannot be done because it will happening in some ways today. The Treasurer affect the road funding programme. The Oppo- admitted that the workers in this country must sition has given the commitment that it will not take real wage cuts in the next two years and affect the road funding programme and that it that situation has been caused by the bad econ- will provide real relief in this area. The solution omic management of the Commonwealth to the Premier's concern lies squarely at his Government. feet, he should pick up the ball and run with it before he is rolled over by the backlash that is Amendment to Motion mounting daily in the rural areas. In the light of these facts I move an amend- The Federal Budget, again supported by the m ent- Premier, continues to mortgage our future. I am surprised that the Premier as a family man That the following words be added to is not concerned at the growing indebtedness of the Address-in-Reply: 158 158[ASSEMBLY]

But we regret to advise Your Excel- Mr Burke said that the Federal Govern- lency that the Government has failed ment had been rewarded with a to protect the taxation interests of surprisingly low deficit of $4.9 billion, Western Australians, and in particu- supported by a real increase in outlays of lar: only 1.3 percent. (a) has endorsed a Federal budget The concessions to primary producers which will ensure a continuation were particularly welcome in WA. of high levels of taxation; He was delighted that a gold tax was not imposed. (b) has supported those elements of the Federal taxation proposal That was a very neat summary of the Premier's (Option C) which include the attitude and since that statement he has been proposition of capital gains tax- on the radio attacking anyone who questions ation, death duties and a tax on the Budget. employee benefits; Let us consider the question of the deficit of $4.-9 billion upon which the Premier is con- (c) has opposed the removal of the gratulating the Federal Government. Let us State fuel franchise levy; and point out a simple fact: We are loading our (d) has supported policies which have young people with a phenomenal liability for massively increased the total pub- the future. No attempt has been made by the lic debt, and has resulted in an Federal Labor Government to do anything increasing percentage of revenue about that liability. It is no credit to the Federal being committed to public debt Government that it has lowered the deficit to servicing. $4.9 billion; it is a condemnation of it that it has spent or proposes to spend $4.9 billion MR HASSELL (Cottesloe-Leader of the more than it raises in revenue. Let it be Opposition) [3.45 p.m.]: I second the amend- remembered that the $4.9 billion deficit will ment. It contains a number of elements which take Australia's total accumulated debt to $100 indicate a very real concern about the direction billion, that is, $ 100 000 million. In relation to this State Government is taking in terms of its our young people, who are supposed to be the attitude to taxation. It is those attitudes I want subject of some concern and compassion in this to explore. Budget, I point out a simple fact: The $100 000 million accumulated debt now saddling If the State Government were to exercise Australia represents $20 000 for every whatever influence it has in Canberra and was Australian under the age of 20 years. Why pick prepared to take up the issues in a public way it on this group? Very simply because they are the is possible that things might have been differ- people who will have to pay it back. They will ent. The Government has not been prepared to be saddled with the debt. It is a real debt, not a do so. It has not taken a stand or been willing paper one; it is not a magical debt just because to respond to its own inquiries as to the atti- it has been incurred by Government. The tudes of Western Australians on taxation. Premier of this State is commending the Feder- The first point in the amendment moved by al Government for spending $4.9 billion more my colleague is that the Government has than it has. endorsed a Federal Budget which will ensure a The other thing which the Premier did was to continuation of high levels of taxation. A re- praise the Government for having increased port in The West Australian this morning-I outlays by only 1.3 per cent in real terms. Of do not believe it has been contradicted-states course there should have been a reduction in the following- outlays. The situation in which we go on in- creasing Federal Government spending is The WA Premier, Mr Burke, said last something which should have been stopped night that the Budget was an economically and reversed. conservative document which promoted growth and a fairer society. Then look at the impact of that! On the one hand there is a reduction in the deficit to what He congratulated the Federal Govern- the Premier thinks of as only $4.9 billion. On ment "for sticking to its planned economic the other hand there is an increase in expendi- path in the face of criticism from many ture. What does that mean? Simply that there is quarters." a massive increase in collections of taxation, [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]15 159 and that is what the Premier is supporting-an Let me remind the House what the Premier increase on a substantial basis of collections in said at the taxation summit. This was his taxation. At a time when the nation desperately speech on I July 1985 to the national tax sum- needs less Government expenditure and more mit- incentive, more profitability, there is an in- crease in the collection of taxation. The Western Australian Government believes the Commonwealth's preferred I suppose it is inevitable that the Burke option provides the framework-I repeat, Government should support that because it fol- the framework-within which reform is lows the pattern of this Federal Government best addressed. which has increased massively the collections What was that framework? It was for the intro- of taxation. This Budget estimates an increase duction of a particularly tough consumption in the collections of PAYE tax of more than 13 tax, the introduction of a capital gains tax, the per cent. Some of that might come from a abolition of negative gearing, and the introduc- growth in employment, but that in turn de- tion of the double payroll tax. The Premier pends on all the other Budget factors coming to went on record at the national tax summit as pass as predicted by the Treasurer, and there is saying he believed those taxes form a frame- very real reason to doubt the possibility of that work for reform. HeI is not going to be allowed occurring. to forget the fact that he is in support of those taxes. The simple truth is that this Budget Increases expenditure, increases the collections of tax- He goes on to say- ation, and at the same time offers no tax relief And in this context, if the package in- whatever. What is absolutely certain now is cludes a capital tax, consideration should that when we see the other half of the Budget be given to various modifications or we will see the rest of the nasties coming out. options. We almost certainly will see a capital gains tax. We will certainly see an employee benefit tax, It is very clear that the Premier supports a which is, as the Deputy Leader of the Oppo- capital gains tax, a consumption tax, the abol- sition so accurately said, a double payroll tax. ition of negative gearing, and the introduction We will see a persecution of taxpayers. A mass- of double payroll tax, and he makes no bones ive expenditure is incurred in this Budget for a about that. whole raft of staff, I think about 800- He put it very clearly on the record when he said in the North West Telegraph of 26 June Mr Williams: It is 900. 1985- Mr HASSELL: Nine hundred, is it? That is 1 have already expressed the personal for the Taxation Office to persecute taxpayers. view that I would accept a tax on so-called It is a sad commentary that the best this Feder- perks. al Government can do, an action which is so That clearly spells out the story. completely supported by the Premier of this State, is to increase the persecution of tax- There is also the interpretation of the payers, as if there has not been enough of that Premier's stance at the taxation summit in The already in recent years. Australian of 2 July. The headline reads- Burke supports Option C, but calls for Let me say to the House very clearly that changes. before this financial year is out people in Australia will rise up in anger about this The article goes on- deliberately structured plan to get hold of tax- The Western Australian Premier, Mr payers and make their lives miserable; to ques- Burke, told the tax summit he supported tion their entitlements, and put them through the basis of Option C, but with qualifi- the hoops over every claim they make. cations. We have seen already the introduction of the There is the position. Where he is talking about abolition of the so-called negative gearing. That the capital gains tax, he talks about some ex- is the first of these taxes, and it is not opposed ceptions. Where he is talking about "only by the Premier of this State. We will see furnther qualifications"; where he is talking about con- taxes come in with the support of the Premier sumption tax, he is talking about a tax on perks of this State. he is talking about making an exception 160 l60[ASSEMBLY) for the iron ore industry. That is because he said very clearly that there should have been a was visiting the north-west and the Pilbara at reduction in real terms in Federal expenditure the time, and he was in one of the Labor seats. because it is not only what Western Australia The only place where the Premier put things needs, it is also what every other State in straight was when he was talking about the gold Australia needs. tax and he said, "We do not want a goid tax in That is why we on this side of the House any circumstances." have made the commitment to abolish the fuel One can contrast his position. Wh-.n he talks franchise levy and the financial institutions about the gold tax he makes his position clear. duty, and in doing so, impose a real restraint When he talks about the capital gains tax his on the Government of Western Australia. The position is clear, he supports it. He is right to Premier is living off a one-off windfall, on oppose the gold tax, as you would well know, money obtained from Barrow Island. No doubt Mr Deputy Speaker, but he would have been we will see all sorts of goodies pop up in the right if he had opposed the capital gains tax. He Budget and all sorts of packages for the Labor would have been right to oppose the perks tax Party's marginal seats in an attempt to buy because it is not a perks tax. 11 is not a tax on votes for the election; but there will not be a perks, it is a double tax on expenditure made to commitment to restraint such as the one made employees. It is a doubling of payroll tax. But by the Liberal Party of this State. that has been supported by the Premier of this State. The people of this State will not be al- When we said we would abolish the State lowed to forget that the Premier of this State is fuel franchise levy, the Premier came out supporting a capital gains tax and the doubling immediately and attacked the proposition. of the payroll tax, as employers are hit with this Notwithstanding that criticism, the Premier taxation on payments they make to their em- has the capacity to abolish that levy by being ployees. prepared to exercise just a modicum of The situation is very unsatisfactory when the restraint. State is represented by a Government which I refer to the Premier's Press release No. 285 will not even take in any ideas from opinions it dated 28 July 1985, which states as follows- has obtained from its own inquiries. I refer to the inquiries undertaken by the Government The Premier, Brian Burke, today called when it was investigating the attitude of the on Liberal Leader Mr Bill Hassell to recon- public of Western Australia to taxation. When sider and explain in detail his proposed it made those inquiries it had the clearest indi- abolition of the State fuel levy. cation from an overwhelming majority that people were opposed to capital gains tax, and Then he went on to say, adopting his usual they were opposed to death duties. Member fearmnongering tactics, that it would cost the should not forget that the capital gains tax State and that people would lose out on road proposed by the Federal Government increases funding. I demonstrated yesterday that nobody the element of death duties because it imposes was going to Jose out on anything; all that will a tax on the basis of notional profits as an happen is that a good deal of waste and dupli- assumed disposition in the case of death. cation will be eliminated without undermining All these things are to the detriment of the any services of this State. The abolition of the Western Australian people. What the Western levy will put the State Government in the Australian people desperately needed from the position of being disadvantaged, by way of tax summit was real tax relief. Real tax relief reduced income. No-one will be disadvantaged would have been a reduction in taxation. by the abolition of the State fuel franchise levy, except that the Government will have to There can be no reduction in taxation until restrain its expenditure, extravagances and there is a reduction iii expenditure. There is no waste. Yet this Government has come out hot reduction of expenditure in the Budget; there is and strong against the proposal. As I said, the only an increase in expenditure, and that has Premier rushed out a Press release-he could been praised by the Premier of Western not get it off the presses quickly enough-and a Australia. The Przniier has committed himself few days later, at the Country Shire Councils to the support of increases in expenditure by Association conference a letter was distributed saying, "Well, ris very good that Mr Keating which has since been sent to every councillor in has been able .o restrain himself to this ex- the State setting out in great detail why it is tent." The Prernier of the State should have simply impossible to restrain the level of State [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]16 161 expenditure which would be necessary as a re- Mr Keating last night is 2.1 per cent of the sult of getting rid of the State fuel franchise GDP. That compares with 3.3 per cent in 1984- levy. 85, and 4.3 per cent in 1983-84. All I am saying in support of a very clear The Budget deficit for the last year of the amendment is simply, that by endorsing the Fraser Government was 2.7 per cent of the Federal Budget-which is a bad Budget; we GDP. have not seen the end of its badness, because Mr Laurance: Did you get thrown out of we have still to cop the new taxes which will office? come down nex~t month-this Government has failed to protect the interests of Western Mr BRIAN BURKE: I think that was pant of Australia in relation to taxation. This Govern- the reason the Eraser Government was thrown ment has endorsed option C which was put up out. at the Tax Summit, and it has endorsed the Mr Hassell: It has been two years since then taxes foreshadowed by option C. and there have been thousands upon thousands If all this was not enough, when the Premier of dollars added to the deficit. came back from the Tax Summit his statement Mr BRIAN BURKE: Perhaps the Leader of recorded in the newspaper was to the effect that the Opposition did not listen because I read the Mr Hawke and Mr Keating were the best things following statistics: In 1984-85, the deficit was Australia had going for it. The Tax Summit was 3.3 per cent of the GDP; in 1983-84 it was 4.3 a complete debacle and waste of time. The per cent of the GDP. I tried to explain to the Government did not have the courage to carry House that in terms of the GDP, the Budget through its own plans, not because it could not deficit is falling pleasingly. Members of the Op- get support for some of those measures from position may say that the deficit is not falling some of the people there but because the quickly enough and that it is still of dangerous ACTU vetoed them. It was as simple as that: proportions but they cannot argue with the di- The union movement vetoed them. The rection in which it is moving because if one Premier failed this State, and failed to rep- compares it with the last year the Liberal Party resent the results of his own inquiry into the was nationally responsible for this country's attitude of the Western Australian people economy, as a proportion of GDP, one sees towards taxation. He has now endorsed a Labor's Budget deficit is lower. The Fraser Budget which will do us no good at all and Budget of 1983-84 contained a deficit of 4.3 which carries on in the wrong direction, as in per cent of GDP. previous years. The Premier will reap the re- wards of being so friendly with Mr Hawke, Mr Mr Laurance: That is a hell of an increase. Keating and the ACTU. He will no doubt re- Mr BRIAN BURKE: The election was held ceive accolades but the price he will pay with in December 1983 so that was the last Fraser the people of this State and Australia as they Budget; I do not want to be unfair, because that realise what he is endorsing and what he is was the back-end of Fraser. I am taking the last doing will be very high indeed. four years of the Fraser Government and the MR BRIAN BURKE (Balga-Premier) present year of the Hawke Government in or- [4.06 p.m.]: I do not wish to take the full time der to obtain a fair comparison. However, if allotted to me to answer the points made by the members opposite wish to take the last Fraser Leader of the Opposition, because with all due Budget- respect to his arguments it was a fairly long and Several members interjected. tired refrain made once again in its fairly nega- Mr BRIAN BURKE: I am not trying to score tive and non-constructive fashion. I do not a political point; I am trying to point out to want to take the opportunity presented to put members opposite that they may argue that it is to the House the positive side of the Budget as too great a proportion and that it is danger- we perceive it and then make the important ously large, but they cannot argue that the point that I think needs to be made on all sides Budget brought down by the Hawke Govern- of the political spectrum about the discounting ment is not going in the right direction. Mem- of wages or the devaluation of the Australian bers opposite have just been hoist with their dollar and the retention of the benefits of that own petard to the extent that their criticism of devaluation. the H-awke Government, as vocal as it is, really The first point of consideration should be the rings hollow when one considers the perform- size of the deficit. The predicted deficit of ance of the Federal Liberal Government that $4.9 19 billion in the Budget brought down by went uncriticised by its colleagues in this State. 162 162[ASSEMBLY]

It is very important to compare the domestic If the Leader of the Opposition believes we deficit that is predicted in the present Budget, should be cutting back in defence spending, with that which Malcolm Fraser was respon- then he is at odds with the Government of this sible for recording in his last full year as Prime State, because we believe that to be one area Minister. The domestic deficit predicted in the where real increases can be justified. Federal Budget brought down last night is $1.4 billion, and that is $1 billion less than in th The compelling point is that in Federal last full year of the Fraser Government. budgetary terms a real increase of 1.3 to 1.4 per cent in total outlays is an unheard of prudence, Mr Hassell: What is the projected deficit? an unheard of caution in expenditure Mr BRIAN BURKE: $4.919 billion. For the terms-unheard of prudentially or cautionary first time in 17 years the Federal Government during the time of Liberal Governments. has met the constraints of the trilogy so that the Mr Clarko: That is because it is on the taxation as a share of GDP- highest level it has ever been. It is like having a Mr MacKinnon: The trilogy was an inven- man nine feet tall and saying it is only half an tion of the Prime Minister. inch more. Mr BRIAN BURKE: Whatever the trilogy Mr BRIAN BURKE: The Fraser Govern- means, it has for the first time in 17 years met ment never met the trilogy, so in terms of in- the financial estimates. The deficit has been creases in real outlays- wound back remarkably well to less than $5 billion. Mr Trethowan: Can you confirm that the Fraser Government never met that restraint in Mr Clarko: That is the worst deficit this terms of total outlays? country has ever seen, apart from his other two deficits. Mr BRIAN BURKE: I am sorry, I do not Several members interjected. have the percentages, but I can tell the member as far as the trilogy is concerned and the Mr BRIAN BURKE: Members -are restraints imposed on the Federal Government, contradicting each other on that side of the the Fraser Government never met that. Parliament now. I am trying to make a point, although of course I should just engage in the Several members interjected. sort of negative slanging that the Opposition Mr Hassell: It is getting uncomfortable! seems to find comfortable. I am trying to seriously draw out some of the positive aspects Mr BRIAN BURKE: I am not getting un- from the Budget presented last evening. The comfortable at all, but if the Leader of the Op- one I was touching upon was the matter of position wants a political slanging match, that constraints upon the Federal Government, is what we will revert to. The member for East which for the first time have been met by a Melville asked me whether I could confirm that Federal Government. the Fraser Government never met that In addition to that, the Leader of the Oppo- restraint in terms of total outlays. I said I did sition makes great play out of the fact that real not have the percentage increases. He then said outlays will rise by 1.4 per cent. He says that that on two occasions it meant a restraint, a what we need is a real reduction. There are not ceiling of two per cent. I am not trying to run many economic commentators who would sup- away from the argument but I do not have the port him in that, but let me point out to him figures. the inflexibility that Governments face. Mr Trethowan: That is quite contrary to No-one would say that in the area of defence, what you said a moment ago. for example, we do not need to provide more Mr BRIAN BURKE: It is not, but if the resources to ensure that this country is ad- member for East Melville wants to carry on equately defended. In that area an increase of that argument I do not have the statistics that 3.1 per cent in real terms was made in the he perhaps refers to. If he would pass them to Keating Budget last evening. The Leader of the his leader, perhaps the argument could be Opposition is, by implication at least, saying solved. that we need to pull back on defence and to reduce spending in real terms. Defence is such As I indicated previously, the increase of 1.3 a big proportion of the National Government's to 1.4 per cent in real growth in total outlays is outlays that it is difficult to go past it when something of which the Federal Government considering where reductions should be made. can rightly be proud. (Wednesday, 21 August 1985]16 163

Mr Clarko: That is only because itlls a small Mr BRIAN BURKE: We have had two years percentage-it is the biggest figure that this of sound economic growth, but that is nothing country has had in real terms. That is why it is to do with the Labor Government. a small percentage. Mr Clarko: That's right, it had nothing to do Mr BRIAN BURKE: This sort of result is with the Labor Government. similar to the situation which existed in this Mr BRIAN BURKE: I said it had nothing to State last year, when our total expenditure do with the Labor Government. I am agreeing increased to 6.8 per cent, and it is commend- with the member just to shut him up. I try to able. One may argue that it is not severe agree with the member for Karrinyup, but even enough. One may argue, as did the Leader of that does not shut him up! the Opposition, that there should be a real re- We have had two years of solid economic duction in Government outlays. If the Leader growth for which we take no credit. Secondly, of the Opposition wants to argue that, he we have had a pleasing decline in the number should propose where those reductions should of unemployed. Now far be it from the Govern- be made, whether in defence, education, immi- ment to take any credit! gration- Mr Clarko: Tell us what the Government Mr Clarko: The Medicare system. did, Mr BRIAN BURKE: The member for The DEPUTY SPEAKER: May I suggest Karrinyup now starts to be more precise. He that the member for Karrinyup reduce the wants real reductions in health. I can tell the number of his interjections. House that one of the most difficult things for Mr BRIAN BURKE: I have tried seriously to any State Government is to wind back health point out the aspects of the conservative econ- expenditures, and as far as that area is con- omic strategy contained in the Budget: (1) The cerned it is intractable; it is an area in which lower deficit; (2) the meeting of the trilogy; and people have been taught, quite rightly I pre- (3) the reduction of the inevitable previously sume, to expect a certain level of treatment. anticipated increase in total Government out- Mr Clarko: I said Medicare, and you say lays nationally. I have also tried to stress that health. Be honest, everybody in this room is we have had a period of satisfactory economic. listening to you, and you twisted it to health. It growth, during which all of the economic indi- is the worst health system we have had. cators relating to retail sales, to fixed private Mr BRIAN BURKE: As far as the arguments capital investment, to the creation ofjobs- by the Opposition are concerned, they fall des- Mr Laurance: What about interest rates? perately short of being anything more than ex- Mr BRIAN BURKE: Yes, interest rates too. tremely negative, and members of the Oppo- In all of these areas there has been a satisfac- sition are being extremely indefinite as to tory reflection of an economic strategy which where the reduction will came from. There can appears to be working. be no real reduction in expenditure. It is all very well for the Opposition to say it wants real The recovery appears to be set firmly in place reductions in expenditure and then sit back. and it really is quite mean of the Opposition to Where does the Opposition want them? pay no tribute at all to any of the achievements of the present Federal Government in that Mr Clarko: Medicare. area. Mr BRIAN BURKE: Divorcing Medicare What I want to do now in conclusion is to from the health system, if that is possible- make one very serious point which I think was Mr Clarko: Change the system-it is a rotten not made by the Opposition. I hope we can one. We had a better system 10 years ago. reach some agreement upon this point within our community, and I refer to the need to dis- Mr BRIAN BURKE: The member for count the coming two wage rounds for the ef- Karrinyup wants no reductions, he wants a fect of the devaluation of the Australian dollar. change in Medicare. It is of critical importance to accept the argu- Whether the Opposition likes it or not, we ment that lies behind the Federal Treasurer's have had two solid years of economic growth. statement during his Budget address last night. Mr Clarko: It had nothing to do with the If we wish to forgo completely the benefits of Labor Government. It was a result of two devaluation that came from the floating of the things, the American economy and the Australian dollar, we will lock ourselves into breaking of the drought. growth rates of between 2.5 and 3.5 per cent 164 164[ASSEMBLY] and we will lock ourselves into a complete in- ing the fact that I am on public record as ability to run an independent wages or prices having said that I believe more assistance could Policy Or an independent economic strategy in rightly have been given and have been justified. this country. Mr Hassell: You didn't say that in the paper Quite simply put, if we do not succeed in this morning. persuading the Federal arbitration commission MrT BRIAN BURKE: I said it this morning at to defer or discount the coming two wage a public meeting. I did not say a lot of things I rounds what we will do is lock Ourselves into, have said today in the paper this morning. probably, the American economy, but certainly MrT Hassell: You said it was welcome. a major world economy-probably Japan's-from which we will not be able to MrT BRIAN BURKE: It is welcome. As I said break through and this will confiscate from us this morning, the argument is not one about the ability to run an independent economic direction but about quantum. I am not trying strategy. to duck the issue. What I am saying is what I said this morning, which is that the assistance The key point made in the Federal is welcome and a step in the right direction. I Treasurer's speech last night was simply this: said on radio last night and I said this morning On the current trading balance situation, the that I thought more could have been done. But proportion that Australian industry presently acccepting the constraints imposed upon itself enjoys internationally is unsatisfactory. The~ by the Federal Government, I believe it has only way we can increase our market share is io achieved a great deal. improve our competitiveness. That is the com- pelling argument behind the Treasurer's ad- I reject the amendment moved by the Oppo- dress made last evening. To improve our sition. competitiveness and accept OUr market share, Debate adjourned until a later stage of the which will give us the capacity to make sure sitting, on motion by Mr Tonkin (Leader of the that real living standards do not fall, we need to House). discount the next two wage rounds for the ef- fect of the falling Australian dollar. ELECTORAL AMENDMENT BILL I think I have made it perfectly clear that I Second Reading accept the amendment moved by the Oppo- MR TONKIN (Morley-Swan-Minister for sition as being fairly poorly worded and an Parliamentary and Electoral Reform) [4.27 attempt to engage in some sort of political p.m.] I move- slinging match in a negative way on an import- ant issue. I have tried to stress the important That the Hill be now read a second time. aspects of the Federal Government's Budget There are some four broad objectives and to highlight in conservative economic addressed in this Bill. The first is to provide a thinking some of the more desirable features of better service to electors; the second is to intro- it. duce some new initiatives into the State elec- toral system; the third is to align, as far as is I have touched on what [ think is the most practicable, certain State enrolment procedures important thing to be taken up following the with those of the Commonwealth; and the Budget, and that is the need to discount the fourth is to streamline next two or modernise various wage rounds to avoid the loss com- administrative areas of the Act. pletely of the effect of devaluation and to seek an improved market share for Australian in- It is not my intention to mention every pro- dustry. posal contained in the 70 clauses as some can- not be said to be of any great significance. I will make one or two other comments about However, a set of explanatory notes has been important matters in the Federal Budget. As a issued to members in which every proposed State Government we support the Federal amendment has been described and I trust this Government's proposition that the financial at- will prove to be helpful. traction to young people to leave school or to leave a tertiary institution and to take up the Let me say that in none of these proposals is dole should be taken away, and its removal was the security of our electoral system adversely long overdue. We also support the traineeships affected. that the Federal Government defined in some Of the four more significant groups of pro- detail, and we also support the assistance that posals I turn firstly to the objective of provid- was given to primary producers, notwithstand- ing a better service to electors. The Govern- [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]16 165 ment is firm in its commitment to encourage marked a first preference, a repeated people to enrol and to vote and wishes this Act preference Or a gap in the order of preferences to assist electors wherever possible. will not invalidate a vote. Honest but trivial To this end the Sill contains the following mistakes such as these should be retained in the proposals. count so far as the voter's intention is clear, and this is an extension of the wish expressed Two concepts are designed to make it easier in the existing section 139(D) and in the Com- for people to show their voting intention and to monwealth Act. reduce the number of informal votes. The choice of a simplified way of marking the ballot Both of the proposals to make voting easier paper is the first of these, proposed through are similar to the Commonwealth legislation amendment to section 128. Optional preferen- and ensure that any confusion will not work to tial voting will be allowed where a voter must disadvantage anyone in a State election. mark a first preference and may mark a second or further preference it that is desired. Nothing It is proposed to amend sections 139 and 140 is taken away, because a voter who marks by repeal and substitution to focus attention on preferences for all candidates has cast a valid the real issue which is the voter's intention. vote, as under current law. I sincerely hope that The broad effect of restructuring these sections we do not have to put up with any false non- would be to allow other than the strict use of sense about paving the way to either first-past- numerals. Of course it will be a condition that the-post or voluntary voting. These are not our the elector's intention be clear which is why no policy, intention, or proposal. mention is included of accepting a vote marked with a cross in a two-candidate contest because The Government believes that electors will that is an example of a clear intention. be pleased with this reform. When offered a choice between numbering a preference for What I believe will be a further substantial every candidate or simply a "one" beside the aid to electors is contained in the proposition party of their choice, 85 per cent of voters in clause 27. This long overdue piece of com- chose the simplified method at the most recent monsense is the inclusion of party designations Senate election. The results of a Morgan Gallup of candidates on ballot papers. Naturally the Poll published in The Bulletin of 12 February inclusion of party designation is at the option this year showed that optional preferential of the particular candidate and is achievable by voting was preferred by 66 per cent of straightforward procedures. Primarily the in- Australians. Amongst Liberal voters 60 per struction would be contained in the candidate's cent wanted it while only 35 per cent of these nomination paper. Of course I can understand people wished to retain the obligatory marking that some members of some political parties of all preferences. Grass roots attitudes to elec- would be so ashamed of their party's name that toral reform are well known to be years ahead they may not want it alongside their own name. of the current leadership of the Liberal Party in Western Australia. Party endorsements would be confirmed by In the 1983 State election only 1.56 per cent an appointed party official countersigning the of preferences were distributed in the Assembly instruction, by the candidate's name being in- and only 5.6 per cent were distributed in the cluded in the appropriate party statement of Council. In other words, well over 90 per cent the names of endorsed candidates lodged with of electors were compelled to mark preferences the Chief Electoral Officer, or by inquiry by the that were never examined. Voters are often Chief Electoral Officer. Certain prohibitions forced to make a pointless choice between can- are proposed under section 78B, including des- didates about whom the voter can feel equal ignations that contain more than six words, abhorrence or complete indifference. Where a those that are obscene, are similar to another contest is likely to be close, voters and political party name or acronym, contain more than the parties will be a lot more interested and then words "independent" or "independent party", the importance of marking all preferences will or suggest Royal patronage or contain the word be clear. "Royal". In another endeavour to reduce the informal Clause 56 proposes that certain errors or vote below the current levels of 2.8 per cent for omissions by polling officials in transcribing the Assembly and 3.7 per cent for the Council, party designations onto ballot papers will not clause 57 contemplates the allowance of a vote lead to informality. However the proposal does up to the point of error. Provided a voter has not contemplate conferring formality where a 166 166[ASSEMBLY] gross error occurs such as inclusion of the It is intended to give electors increased and wrong party designation against a candidate's better facilities in the matter of postal voting. name. Proposals include that grounds for eligibility for such a vote be extended to those electors on It is proposed that life be made a little easier emergency duty or committed to employment for electors attending at a polling place. For during polling hours. instance, it is intended to remove the present provisions of section 119 that give the right to Electors who by reason of permanent scrutineers to demand additional questions of disablement or religious belief are unable to electors. I believe that section 118 together attend at a polling place will be entitled to be with the amended section 119 will afford ample registered as general postal voters and would opportunity for the identity of the elector to be thus automatically receive postal ballot papers determined and sufficient remedy to a scruti- before an election. neer in whose mind doubt remains. The pro- posals would leave State procedures somewhat Additional issuing officers are proposed, similar to those of the Commonwealth but those being officers appointed by the Minister would permit greater assistance to State elec- on the recommendation of the Chief Electoral tors. Officer. It is envisaged that such appointees would be persons of such experience and skill It is neither dignified nor proper that scruti- that their services would be of benefit to elec- neers be privy to the voting intentions or in- tors generally. Provided satisfactory working structions of electors as is at present mandatory arrangements could be settled Australian Elec- in the section 129 provisions enabling assist- toral returning officers could well be appointed ance to voters. as issuing officers under these proposals. Clause 51 is designed to remove the right, By the proposed rearrangement of certain of indeed obligation, of scrutineers to be present the provisions of section 90 electors may apply while a voter is being assisted in completing orally in person for postal votes with fewer ballot papers. The section will still provide that formalities to complete than at present. This a polling officer, in the presence of either a would be a welcome relief to those who do not person nominated by the elector or another like completing unnecessary forms, and would polling officer, shall assist that elector. The in fact be in essence no different from what Government trusts these people to perform voters do to get a vote on election day. these duties with integrity. I do not believe electors requiring assistance ought to be subject The Bill contains the concept that postal to the immediate gaze of possibly several votes received by the Chief Electoral Officer up scrutineers. Scrutineers have a vital and unde- to 9.00 a.m. on the Tuesday following polling niable place in our electoral system but not to day are admissable provided they are undo the secrecy of the vote. completed and posted prior to close of the poll. The purpose of this amendment is to take into I may say that those of us who were around account the many votes being disregarded in the time of the disputed election in simply because of changes in Australia Post Kimberley will never forget the misuse of sorting schedules that prevent votes posted well scrutineers by the Liberal Party at the time prior to poll closure from being sorted and col- when people were flown up from the south in lected in time for admission. order to deprive many people of their lawful vote. That finding was made by Mr Justice The final significant factor in elector service Smith of the Supreme Court. We certainly relating to postal voting is the proposal to allow agree that scrutineers have an important place, issuing officers to issue duplicate ballot papers but they do not have a right in our opinion to in the event of loss or destruction. The present decide what questions will be asked of electors provisions can cause unnecessary distress to who are obviously entitled to vote. That action people who are disfranchised because the ori- by the Liberal Party in the Kimberley election ginal ballot paper is irreplaceable. is to the eternal shame of the Liberal Party in Western Australia. Those people unable to make any mark will be able to enrol and vote under proposals The same clause proposes that how-to-vote contained in clauses 13 and 69. Although I cards may form an adequate indication of would prefer a world in which such provisions voting intention by an elector seeking assist- were not necessary, these proposals make clear ance. that assistance to handicapped people should [Wednesday, 21t August 1985] 1676 be extended to enrolment or any electoral duty If accepted clause 42 would allow candidates in the same way as assistance is already poss- to appoint scrutineers to each issuing point in a ible in voting. polling place. Clause 54 would enable the ap- pointment of a number of scrutineers to attend The second objective of the Bill is to intro- the count, the number per candidate not to duce new initiatives. A group of these initiat- exceed the number of officers engaged on the ives relate to information and services to mem- scrutiny. bers of Parliament and candidates. Further miscellaneous initiatives are Clause 8 proposes that the Chief Electoral proposed and I shall outline them briefly. Officer provide copies of the latest p 'rinted rolls to members and certain other people and or- The Bill contains several clauses which ganisations. Rolls in order of addresses are also streamline the schedule of events for State to be provided to political parties once during elections. There are alterations to both se- quence of events and the times involved which each Parliament. result in a reduction of 14 days which corrects In Order that more meaningful interpretation what is an excessively long period by compari- may be given to election results it is proposed son with other States. People do not wish elec- that returning officers be required to allocate tion campaigns to drag on for the length of time preferences until only two candidates remain unnecessarily forced on us by this Act. notwithstanding that a candidate has been The Government believes that the proposed elected on an earlier count. schedule is practicable, workable, and accept- It is also proposed that returning officers be able to the electorate. It is in fact a couple of given the option of recounting all primary days longer than the Commonwealth's mini- votes prior to distributing preferences. The mum period. Court of Disputed Returns for the Mundaring In view of the success of the present Com- District made clear that such a practice was not monwealth/State co-operative enrolment pro- in accordance with the Electoral Act. I believe cedure, and the more accurate rolls which have that most members who have been involved in resulted from that, the notice of roll closure close elections would prefer a recheck of proposed will give electors time to check their primaries prior to distribution of preferences enrolments. rather than after it. To give adequate notice to electors of the A different concept for the forfeiture of can- closure of the rolls, that event will occur at 4.00 didates' deposits is contemplated in clause 29. p.m. on the eighth day after the writ. The hour It is proposed that deposits be forfeited unless of nomination will be 4.00 p.m. on the day of the candidate achieves above 10 per cent of the nominations. Members will note the similarity total first preference votes cast. At present the with the Commonwealth where experience forfeiture applies if the candidate fails to poll shows that this schedule is practicable and ac- 20 per cent of the votes polled by the leading ceptable to all parties. candidate. As a matter of interest members may note So the criteria that apply vary according to that maximum periods between writ and whether one is in a closely-voted electorate or nomination, and nomination and polling day, not, and candidates receiving the same percent- have been reduced from 45 days each to 35 and age of the total valid votes cast may in one case 40 days respectively. This is simply designed to forfeit their moneys, and in another not forfeit ensure time to count the votes within the 90 them depending on how many votes the lead- day span from writ to return of writ imposed ing candidate polls. That is quite clearly inequi- by section 72. table. It is proposed that polls close at 6.00 p.m. The application of the proposed 10 per cent instead of the present 8.00 p.m. The polls have threshold to the 1983 State election 26 deposits closed at 6.00 p.m. in other States for some were forfeited. The present rule is not very fair time now, and in the Commonwealth comn- because a candidate with 2 500 votes could lose mencing at the 1984 election. There has been his or her deposit in a two candidate contestin little evidence that earlier closure has caused a safe dlectorate but with 2 500 votes could problems in the electorate. easily retain it in a closely contested electorate In fact the present late close of polls means where a large group of candidates offered them- that there are long delays and on election day selves. everyone is looking for an early answer. On 169 168[ASSEMBLY) election night in future we should have much larations under sections 119 and 122 of eligi- earlier results and a more accurate indication bility to vote be placed in envelopes for sub- of the outcome. sequent checking, and that power be given to The Government has been of the view for adjourn polling for up to 21 days at declared some time that the correct way to determine special institutes and hospitals and remote area tied votes is by way of lot and not by the cast- polling stations as applies in the case of ordi- ing vote of the returning officer. This principle nary polling places. applies at any stage of the count and proposals The third objective of the Bill is to align for a method to separate equality are contained State and Commonwealth enrolment pro- in the Bill. visions as far as is practicable. It is particularly Other situations require also that a random important that this be achieved because of the selection be made and the procedure is set out current operation of the co-operative enrol- in the proposed schedule to the Act. The plan is ment procedure. that names of candidates be placed in opaque I believe it is simpler and more logical to hollow spheres and the spheres drawn at ran- draw the State and Commonwealth enrolment dom from a ballot box. This procedure would qualifications as close together as is consistent apply also in determining the order of candi- with our own sense of what is fair and right. dates' names on the ballot papers as required by section 86. incidentally, I do not think we There are four such areas that the Bill should require our State electoral officers to addresses. suffer the indignity of being blindfolded when One such proposal is contained in clause 4. conducting these draws as is required of their Here the intention is to repeal the section 17 Commonwealth counterparts. requirement that to be eligible for enrolment a I might add that the reason for the placing of person must have lived in Australia for six the names in the spheres is that it has been months. The importance of this qualification in shown quite conclusively when they are placed any event has diminished since Australian citi- in envelopes and then in a container in order to zenship became, to all intents and purposes, a shake them around that, in fact, the envelopes prerequisite to enrolment. stay in the same position, and there is no The other three proposals are contained in sorting and random selection. I really thinik it clause 5 in which three new sections are will be a better way of doing it. Members can inserted. These proposals firstly seek to confer test the method of using envelopes themselves upon t7-year-olds entitlement to claim enrol- -in order to see for themselves that the envel- ment. Such enrolment would not be compul- opes do not move. son' and would be provisional in so far as the Mr Rushton: Couldn't the returning officer right to vote and to be enrolled for an election put the names on Ithem? is extended only to those who will have Mr TONKIN: At present it is laid down in attained 18 years of age by polling day. the Act as to how the returning officer can do it I have often been concerned at the injustice and this amendment will give him permission which occurs at the present time; that is, that to do it another way. on polling day a person may be 18 years of age Clause 67 of the Bill proposes the introduc- and required by law to vote. However, he can- tion of the offence of misleading and deceptive not vote because the rolls have closed two or publication. The Bill has been drafted along the three weeks prior to the election and even lines of the equivalent section of the Common- though he applied to go on the roll he was told wealth Act. The provision relates to the publi- thac he could not do so. Therefore, this a mend- cation or distribution of material likely to mis- ment will provide, as applies to the Common- lead or deceive an elector in the casting of his wealth Act, that people can provisionally enrol or her vote, or that is likely to induce an elector before polling day if they attain the age of 18 by to complete a ballot paper contrary to the di- polling day. They have the right to vote and it rections on the ballot paper. is their legal right. Further proposals are that the occupation of The second proposal within this clause is electors should be omitted from electoral rolls, designed to enable people without a permanent that chief polling places be specifically residence within the State to enrol. Such per- advertised as a guide for candidates lodging sons are termed itinerant electors. There are nominations, that votes issued following dec- alternatives available to such electors who may [Wednesday, 21 August 1985) 1696 enrol for district of birth, last place of vertising of polling places in conjunction with entitlement to enrol, closest connection, or advertising receipt of the writ. Although elec- electorate in which next of kin is enrolled. toral officials have managed to comply with the law in the past, the Act is somewhat untidy. The clause finally proposes continued enrol- Clauses 23 and 24 propose a better balanced ment for those electors temporarily leaving the format in that the obligation to publish polling State. There is a practical difference here be- places is removed from the section covering tween State and Commonwealth as for obvious advertising receipt of the writ, at which early reasons the Commonwealth Act refers to over- time this is difficult, and is relocated in a sec- seas electors whereas ours will refer to electors tion of its own in proper sequence. Nothing in absent from the State. Otherwise the provisions the proposals changes the present formal are substantially the same. In the proposals re- method of appointment of polling places by the lating to both itinerant electors and those tem- Minister by notice in the Government Gazette. porarily absent from the State there are safe- guards against such arrangements being inde- The proposed section 75A requires that the terminate without review. For instance, the chief polling places are advertised as soon as is elector's name would be removed from the roll practicable after the receipt of the writ and that by reason of failure to vote or apply for a postal the full list be published in a newspaper or by vote at a general election. placards or otherwise at least once before The final objective of this Bill is to tidy up polling day. There is no diminution of service some areas of general administration that tend to electors in these proposals. to have fallen into disuse or impracticability The provisions for non-voter follow-up pro- due to changing facilities, techniques, and cedures were somewhat elderly and were well times. suited to those days when the number of elec- The term "Christian name" appearing tors per district were in the hundreds or low throughout the Act is to be changed to the less thousands. culturally specific "Christian or given name." To allow sensible administration of the com- Several quaint old-fashioned assumptions pulsory voting provisions the following pro- about women and marriage are presently a part posals are made- of the Act. Under clauses 15 and 16 the term "maiden name" is replaced by "name prior to The requirement for the unified roll of marriage" and it is made clear that married voters to be prepared in duplicate would women have a choice about which surname be removed because a single roll is all that shall appear on the roll. is required in practical terms. Certain time-consuming and excessive adminis- It is proposed that appeals against registrar's trative formalities in the maintenance of objections to claims and enrolments, the pro- records would be removed, without loss of cedures for which are set out in sections 47 and completeness or accuracy. At present 48, are dealt with by the registrar in the first people may be fined for giving inadequate instance. At present the registrar has no statu- reasons for failing to vote. It is proposed tory alternative to placing such appeals before a that people may also be fined for failing to magistrate even though the registrar is fully sat- reply or properly fill out the "please ex- isfied that the appeal is well-founded. The pro- plain" form. The Chief Electoral Officer posal simply allows the registrar to discontinue may at present only launch a prosecution the objection in those circumstances. Of against such people when they may prefer course, if the grounds are not so accepted by the option of paying the fine rather than the registrar the appeal will be referred to a going to court. Electors retain the right to magistrate as at present. take the matter to court if they wish. Clause 17 proposes methods by which mod- em technology may be applied in the construc- This Bill is an important part of the Govern- tion and maintenance of electoral rolls. ment's electoral reform programme. Promises made to Western Australian electors are The Act in its present form requires some contained in many clauses and the proposals unnecessary administrative procedures to be build on from the start made in 1983 when a performed and these can be terminated under single card witnessed by any citizen became all the proposals. that was required for enrolment for both State Present procedures for informing the public and Commonwealth elections. The main result of polling places are not well-structured. For of that reform was that our rolls had something example, section 75 seems to envisage the ad- like 100 000 names added to them, or a 13 per 170 170[ASSEMBLY] cent increase, which demonstrates that the rolls participation by interested parties is limited, upon which the last State election was based and, in practical terms, quite late in the pro- were disgracefully inaccurate. Our legislation cess. should assist electors to enrol and to vote and Though there seems to be no hindrance these two Processes, central to a democratic under the Statute for people to present their community, should be made as easy and views prior to the commissioners' publishing straightforward as is possible. their proposals, when the Act is silent the I guess that is where the Government pants presentation of such views may be seen by company most noticeably with the Opposition, some as tantamount to improper influence. in its belief that it is the Government's duty to Thus possibly helpful and innovative material make it as easy as possible to vote and to make may well be denied to the commissioners. the right to vote as accessible as possible. State The proposals require the commissioners to and Commonwealth electoral arrangements invite suggestions relating to the distribution of should, where possible, be similar. The rich ex- boundaries, to invite comments on them, and perience of dhe people in the State Electoral to consider such suggestions and comments. Department has identified many improve- The time schedules proposed are these- ments to assist electors and to make the 1907 Act more efficient. I pay tribute to the chief Suggestions to be received by the com- electoral officer, Mr Ray Shaw, and his staff for missioners within 30 days of the notice of many of the proposals that have come forward. invitation. Copies of these suggestions are These proposals are a result of their rich experi- to be made public. ence over many years. There is no doubt that Comments on the above suggestions to the people of Western Australia have been be in hand within the next 14 days. richly and well served by the Electoral Depart- Commissioners' initial proposals to be ment of the State, and its only deficiency, to published within 42 days of expiry of the which I referred earlier, was the result of comment period above. policies of the previous Government and can- not be laid at the door of the officers who serve Objections to the initial redistribution in the Electoral Department. proposals may be made within 30 days of their publication. The goal of these proposals is to reform the Act so that it may better assist voters, candi- After the commissioners have con- dates, members, and political panics. The Bill sidered the objections, the fixed redistri- achieves these goals and is consistent with bution is to be presented to the Governor maintaining fairness and complete faith in the within 60 days of the close of the period electoral process. for objections. The Act also requires the publication of Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr the redistribution. The whole redistri- Mensaros. bution process could take approximately six months under these proposals. ELECTORAL DISTRICTS AMENDMENT BILL By making the initial suggestions available to the public and inviting further comments on Second Reading these suggestions the participants will probably MR TONKIN (Morley-Swan-Minister for provide the commissioners with insights as a Parliamentry and Electoral Reform) result of this cross-examination process. The [4.52 p.m.]: I move- initial proposals made by the commissioners are subject to a similar process of scrutiny and That the Bill be now read a second time. comment. The overall effect is intended to be The principal reason for this Hill coming before the production of a better and therefore ac- the House is to introduce into the State's distri- cepted redistribution. Electoral commissioners bution of electoral boundaries procedures pro- should continue to draw on other sources of vision to make opportunity for inputs earlier in information and assistance in their work if they the process than at present. believe this will help them. The Act at present simply requires the elec- To use the word "acceptance" in relation to toral commissioners to inquire, recommend, any redistribution within the parameters of this and publish proposed alterations, and there- Act must be heavily qualified. The term after consider written objections before "acceptance" is qualified by an Act which presenting their recommendations. Generally presently prescribes gerrymandered boundaries [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]Il 171 and enforces malapportioned enrolments and encourage the commissioners to bring forward until such time as these features are reformed a set of boundaries that is likely to remain ac- there can never be full acceptance of any redis- curate for a longer period. tribution. The 10 per cent margin of allowance can I turn now to a further objective of the Bill. assist in achieving this goal in normal popu- lation trends. The second proviso to section 7 of the Elec- Enrolments are significant because the only toral Districts Act requires the commissioners evidence which may bring about a redistri- to give due consideration to community of bution is when at an election eight or more interest, means of communication and distance districts exceed their enrolment quotas by from the capital, physical features, and existing more than 20 per cent. The force of this pro- boundaries of districts. vision was proved in 1961 when a reluctant The Bill contains the proposal in clause 6 Liberal Government-surprise, surprise-was that the trend of demographic changes be in- forced by the Supreme Court to a redistri- bution. It is because the Act uses strict enrol- cluded with these criteria. Electoral com- ment criteria to make and unmake electoral missioners appear to have given some consider- redistributions that the Act should endorse to the trend of demographic change in ation commonsense and make clear that the electoral past redistributions even though the Act has commissioners are to take the trend of demo- been silent on this significant matter. This Is desirable so that the number of disruptive re- graphicccanges into account. The proposals would re-order the Act into distributions may be minimised. For example,' in the most recent redistribution of boundaries this sequence- which took place in 1981, the range of enrol- Appointment of Comn- ments struck by the electoral commissioners missioners-Section 2 was 14 per cent in the metropolitan area. Commencement of Distribution Pro- Joondalup was set 8.5 per cent below the cess-Section 2A metropolitan quota while Melville was set 5.5 Commissioners' Functions and the Pro- per cent above. Where growth was predictable cess Selection-Section 3 in districts such as Joondalup and Murdoch, Bases and Criteria for Distri- enrolments should have all been set low and in bution-Section 4-9 fact were in 198 1. Districts like Victoria Park, Clontarf, and Nollamara are now well below Promulgation and Commencement of average and should therefore have been set Recommendations-Section I I higher in the beginning instead of being set Requirement for Absolute Majority for below the average as they were. Amendment to Act-Section 13 Keeping in mind that this Act permits a mar- Schedule of Statutory Bound- gin of allowance of I5 per cent above or below aries-Schedules I and 2. the average enrolment in the agricultural, The mechanism proposed for achievement of mining, and pastoral area, the 1981 redistri- this is to insert section 2A, repeal and re-enact bution figures show that the range of enrol- section 3, repeal section 10 and transfer its pur- ments there was 16.3 per cent. Warren was set pose to section 3, repeal and re-enact section seven per cent below the agricultural, mining, 11, and repeal section 12 and transfer its con- and pastoral quota while Avon was set 9.3 per tents in part to sections 2A and 11. cent above. Dale, Mitchell, and Mandurab are Nobody should think, because this Bill does now high and should have begun life among the not remedy the fundamental defects of the lowest enrolment districts, but the highest Electoral Districts Act, that the Government growth area of Dale commenced life with an resiles from its determination and responsi- enrolment already above average. If infor- bility to legislate the principles and machinery mation was available about population trends, of a fair electoral system. seats like Warren should never have been set low initially because their lack of growth has The Electoral Districts Act as it stands makes meant that they are now well below average. unfair discrimination between citizens of this State into the law. The Act reserves also to I trust that it is apparent from these remarks Parliament the drawing of the actual electoral that a key reason for preparing this sensible boundaries of: The four districts and two prov- addition to the criteria for redistribution is to inces in the North-West-Murchison-Eyre area, 172 172[ASSEMBLY] the boundary of the agricultural, mining, and three Federal Governments. The Whitlam pastoral area, and the boundary of the metro- Government's average increase of Budget out- politan area. A political party in control of both lays was 10 per cent per annum. This is Houses of Parliament, as the Liberal Party was probably-and I hope, historically-an all- in 1981, has drawn electoral boundaries and time record. The seven Budgets brought down determined the allocation of the numbers of by the Fraser Government averaged increases districts and provinces. This is a disgraceful of 2.1 per cent per annum, while the past two situation which has been cynically exploited. Budgets, excluding the present one, of the Personally, I find it hard to understand how Hawke Government averaged increases of 7.1 members can sit in this House knowing that by per cent per annum. During the Fraser years their fingers on the crayon they are only sitting the Labor Opposition perpetrated a con trick in this place because they have dishonestly on the electors of Australia when a first-run prescribed those boundaries. Measures to Budget from the Fraser Government was guarantee to every elector the right to a vote leaked. That first-run Budget showed a deficit equal in value to any other vote and to ensure of something like $9 billion. The previous all electoral boundaries are drawn by electoral highest deficit was $4.4 billion, although, de- commissioners were a part of the rejected Fair spite the assertions of the Premier, the first-mun Representation Bill of 1984. was even higher than that. The $9 billion, as I This Bill proposes amendments which do not say, was a first-run Budget. I would be prepared affect representation to Parliament. The to bet that the first-run Budget of the one just amendments therefore do not deal with the being considered by the Government of West- democratic allocation of power, but rather with ern Australia would have been quite horren- less central matters. It is the belief of the dous. Government that the people should have the If the Premier denies that I would challenge opportunity to participate more in the redistri- him to table his first-mun Budget and let the bution process and that there are many people public have a look at the way budgeting is car- in our community who have the knowledge to ried out. A first-mun Budget is a bid by Minis- make useful contributions. The legitimacy of ters on behalf of their departments for a slice of the power of Parliament will be marginally the action and naturally they come in pretty enhanced by inviting greater public partici- heavily. By the time the Budget has been before pation in the electoral redistribution process. the Cabinet three or four times it decreases to a But the proposed amendments are not the figure which becomes almost the final figure. substantial reforms that are vital. Like spackle Thus Mr Hawke was able to say to the public of on a cracked wall they make the house better Australia, "Lokok, Fraser's Budget is going for a looking and more livable but they do not at- $9 billion deficit. I can do it for $7 billion" tend to the faulty foundations which produced Bear in mind the fact that the previous highest the crack. The main task of reform of represen- deficit was $4.4 billion. Unfortunately, the tation to Parliament remains and will continue electors of Australia fell for Mr Hawke's ploy. to be among the top priorities of this Govern- The first Budget deficit of the Hawke Govern- ment. ment was $7.9 billion. Of course, it is very easy Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr to improve on that record and it is easy for the Premier to cite a few figures and then tell this Mensaros. Parliament how well the Hawke Government is going. The Hawke Government may have ADDRESS-IN-REPLY: THIRD DAY brought the deficit down, but so it should have; Amendment to Motion it had plenty of room to move. Any Govern- Debate resumed from an earlier stage of the ment that could not bring that deficit down is sitting. not worthy of being called a Government. MR OLD (Katanning-Roe) [5.01 p.mn.]: I was The Premier was quick to point out that the quite amazed at the figures cited by the deficit in the last Fraser Budget represented 4.3 Premier relating to the percentage of GDP of per cent of GDP.- That is not quite right. The the deficits of past Governments, and while I deficit in the first Hawke Budget was 4.3 per do not dispute their accuracy I do question his cent, the next was 3.3 per cent and the follow- sincerity in not going back a little further. His ing was 2.1 per cent of GDP. Prior to that the figures clearly showed that the H-awke Labor deficit was 2.7 per cent of GDP- The highest Government was practising some efficiency. deficit previously was the 4.9 per cent during However, let us look at the records of the past the Whitlam era, preceded by 4.1 per cent; and [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]13 173 that figure was preceded by 0.5 of a per cent. The price of chemicals has to be looked at Thus, to say that the Hawke Government's very seriously by the Federal Government, and Budget is an exercise in good budgeting is to the tariff impost on chemicals has to be very mislead this House. seriously curtailed before any relief can be felt by the farming industry. remarks on some of the I want to make a few The Federal Government has allocated $7 items which affect the rural industry and pri- million over four years for marketing assistance mary industry generally. The Cull rebate on to the meat and livestock industries. A cartoon diesel fuel of 2.4c is being hailed as a great coup in The Australian this morning had a fellow by this Government, and by people throughout with a banner up reading "What meat indus- Australia who do not know what they are talking about. This 2.4c rebate applies only to try?". It will soon be too late, far too late, to help that industry. In the first year-the re- farmers and fishermen. All it does is to restore mainder of this year-$ I million has been their rightful exemptions from excise on diesel allocated at a time of absolute necessity for a fuel-something which has been recognised in The cost to the Government will maximum input by the Federal Government. I recent years. would be interested to know, and I have not yet be $25 million this year and $46 million in a been able to find out, where this $7 million is full year- There are 170 000 farmers in to come from. I would be prepared almost to Australia. One must bear in mind that this re- bet that it is coming from the levy being bate applies to fishermen as well as to farmers, imposed on mutton and beet, in which case the but I have excluded fishermen for the purpose of this exercise. Thus this rebate represents a Commonwealth is giving nothing to the indus- figure of approximately $270 for every farmer try. in a full year. What a great rebate that is to an Let us assume the Commonwealth is taking industry which is on its knees! this $7 million from Consolidated Revenue. To me, in that case, the amount is a drop in the When the Liberal Party came out with a pro- bucket. If the Commonwealth is not getting it posal to abolish the fuel franchise levy of 2.17c from Consolidated Revenue, but is in fact get- a litre on petrol and about 3.9c on distillate, ting it from the levy which has been placed on our opponents expressed great derision. At one red meat, then it is giving the farming com- stage they claimed that this proposal would munity nothing. benefit farmers in this State by something in After all, where does the Commonwealth the order of only 3600 per fanner. Now our Government get its money to give to industry? opponents are lauding a move by the Federal It does not earn any money itself, It spends it. Government to give farmers an average rebate It is the States that earn the money, and under of only $270. If one takes the fishermen into federation the taxing powers go to the Com- account when making the calculations, the re- monwealth, which then makes a big fellow of lull' will probably be more like $230 or $240. itself by talking about what it is prepared to What a great rebate that is! give away. The Minister for Agriculture here would well know that when we have an emerg- The tariff on agricultural chemicals remains, ency of some sort within an industry and the and that is one of the highest inputs today in necessity arises to compensate the industry for the agricultural industry. I believe the Govern- a declared disease on a fixed fornula, the Com- ment made a good move when it declared it monwealth provides 50 per cent and the States would replace the tariff on farm machinery provide the other 50 per cent on an agreed with a subsidy Or a bounty, but there was no formula. Actually the States give all the money commitment to ease the tariff on agricultural because, as I have said, the Commonwealth has chemicals. nothing to give-nothing except the States' In the words of the Federal Treasurer, there money. is a "ipsto"to relieve the situation. A It is disappointing that the wine tax is to disposition does not put one cent into the continue. This tax has been greatly publicised pockets of the farming community. In my over the last 12 months because of the hardship opinion a disposition is an excuse for not doing being experienced by the wine industry in WA. anything, and until the Federal Government is Our wine industry is the last in a shunting line, prepared to pick up the ball on tariffs generally because the Eastern States were hit very hard and run with it, we are not going to get any- by imports of wine from the EEC, wines which where in efforts to ease the problems facing the were subject to minimal, if any, import duty farming community. under the general agreement on trade and tar- 174 174[ASSEMBLY] ills. In turn, wine from the Eastern States was Finally, I will comment on a remark the shunted into WA. The WA wine industry had Leader of the Opposition made in seconding nowhere to go and it has been at the mercy of this amendment. That was the surprise at the cheap imported wines. amount of money budgeted for expenditure On top of all that, the wine industry was hit and for revenue. The amount of expenditure with the impost of a l0oper cent sales tax. Tis has risen by $5 billion and the amount of rev- has proved to be a very difficult thing to enue has risen by $7 billion, which makes it handle. This is especially so for maker of qual- very easy for the Government to reduce the ity red wines, where they are prepare and in deficit without actually reducing spending. fact required-if they have any respect for the The puzzle is, where does the extra revenue trade-to rack their wines for some years. I come from? I would sound a note of caution would have thought that as a meaningful here. We virtually have a mini Budget coming measure the Commonwealth would repeal that up, inasmuch as we have not yet been told what tax which, after all, does not bring in much the taxation situation will be. It seems to me to money for the Commonwealth's coffers. be perfectly obvious that the Government's No change was made to indirect taxes when option for a capital gains tax must have been one was really expecting that there might be a well and truly decided prior to the Budget's diminution of indirect tax which would have being brought down, because where this extra benefited all people and all industries. Despite income will come from is currently a matter for the fact that the Commonwealth Government conjecture. has abandoned its so-called tax summit, it has If, taken no firm grasp of indirect taxes either to in fact, the Government does introduce ease income tax or to give a direct easing of this iniquitous capital gains tax it will become a indirect taxes and keep income tax at present probate tax as far as the rural industry is con- levels. cerned. This has been canvassed prior to tonight, but the fact is that when the Govern- Leave granted to continue speech at a later ment paper was put forward prior to the tax stage of the sitting. summit, it was clearly indicated that capital Debate thus adjourned. gains would only be applied after a certain date, and it would be applied at the date of [Questions taken.j realisation of an asset. On the death of an owner of property the asset is deemed to have Sitting suspendedfrom 6. 00 to 715p. m. been realised and therefore primary producers, or any people trying to preserve property for IQuorum formed.] their successors, will find that on the Mr OLD: One of the problems we see realisation of that asset-which is on the death looming is an increase in the rate of inflation. of the owner-their successors will be liable. fr There is no doubt that the Federal Budget has a a component of capital gains tax. slight inflationary tendency to it and it is This is expected that inflation will rise to 8 per cent. I an iniquitous way for the Govern- hope we are not now on the old treadmill and ment of the day to introduce an estate duty, something which was abandoned as being heading back to double-figure inflation; it is counter-productive right throughout Australia. not very far off. It is something which I thought we had finished Inflation is a great enemy of marketing and it talking about, but obviously the current 1s a double-edged sword in that we have had Government finds it a new field for taxation, some sort of advantage in marketing overseas one which has been left alone for some years with the devalued dollar. Nevertheless, despite and which will again bring a tremendous this fact the inflationary trend will have a amount of misery and further failures in what harmful effect on overseas marketing. could be reasonably viable estates in the fui- We are all aware that most overseas contracts ture-if not in the immediate future then cer- today are written in US dollars and that our tainly over the next few yearn. dollar was devalued against the US dollar and I have pleasure in supporting the amend- that this has been of some benefit to us. How- ment. ever, inflation will negate that, and with the parlous situation in rural industries today the MR MENSAROS (Floreat) [7.22 p.m.]: I last thing we want is something that will knock cannot resist the temptation to make some us back in overseas marketing. comments on this amendment to the Address- [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]17 175 in-Reply, because the subject of the amend- Another example, which has already been ment is one of the most important matters pointed out by others but is worthwhile empha- which can come before Parliament. sising, is that of farming. The farmer's situation is even worse. Even if a farm has been built up I would like to speak on parts (b) and (d) of from originally undeveloped land, even if it has the motion, which refer to a capital gains tax been gradually reaching its value, or if it has and the increasing debt servicing of public been purchased, but not as a capital value or an debts generally. investment, it never has a return equivalent to The capital gains tax, as proposed and de- the return invested in other areas, such as in- scribed in option C of the Federal Govern- vestment in a bank, a financial institution or a ment's options on tax reform, and as it was building society, or cash trust units. Where it is presented and discussed at the grandstanding invested in farming property the return is poss- of the Federal Government which is now called ibly the smallest earned anywhere. The value of "summitry", is the worst possible kind of tax- this farm is not being offset for the return but is ation one could imagine. I think it is even being invested or built up because it is the worse than payroll tax, which both sides of the lifestyle desired by the person who has the House agree is a necessary revenue raiser farm. although it is a very bad tax. It is worse because it is a definite disincentive to investment, to all The same thing happens to the farmer as it kinds of businesses, and to any enterprise. Con- does to the barber; he earns money, sometimes trary to the belief of some people who would very little. He might be in debt himself. He like to believe that it only affects the big capi- might spend most of his earnings in repaying talists and wealthy people-and of course it the original capital which was borrowed on does affect them as wll-it affects everyone, mortgage. When he reaches the stage of paying and proportionately and relatively it affects the that mortgage off, the value of his farm prop- small man much more than it does the big erty dissipates again because of the capital capitalists or perhaps even speculators. gains tax. It catches up with him and does not allow his successors to continue the same Very few pedple think about the average lifestyle. example. In the metropolitan area one might find a small businessman having a barber's shop, for example, which he built up from a Of course the counterargument to a capital comparatively young age. At the time it did not gains tax is that other countries have it, includ- cost him much as he might have rented some ing the United States which is the bastion of premises in a not very expensive pant of the free enterprise and capitalism, and that country town or in a suburb. Gradually, possibly by has the greatest number of small and big hire purchase agreements, he purchased all the businesses. That argument is very nebulous, equipment he needed, built up a clientele, and however, because most people just accept that spent virtually all his life serving his customers, statement at face value. If we examine what earning comparatively small amounts of money sort of capital gains tax exists in the United as earnings go. When he reaches the stage of States we immediately find an enormous differ- thinking of retiring and wants to transfer his ence between what exists there and the tax business to his son or to whoever has been proposed under option C in Australia. Let us active in helping him in the business, then of look at the differences. course he is subject to capital gains tax. This means that his life savings and the real value of Firstly, the capital gains tax in the United his work, which was not reflected in his earn- States is levied at a very low and flat the Presi- ings made during his occupation in the exercise level-presently 20 per cent-and of his career, will lose value to a very large dent, Mr Reagan, has already proposed to Con- extent. gress that the rate should be lowered to 17.5 per cent. Secondly, gains tax does not apply in It is natural that as people advance in their every case as is proposed in Australia. It does trades, careers, or professions, they not apply, for instance, in the important case successively receive more income. Of course, where a taxpayer replaces his asset. He might because of this they are getting into a higher sell an asset, whether a barber's shop or farm, income tax bracket, and as the capital gains tax to use the examples I have given previously, applies in the highest bracket of income tax, the and replace it with another asset which equally person could find that he could lose 48 per cent helps him to make a living. No capital gains tax or even 60 per cent of his life's earnings. will apply because it is a replacement, and it 176 176ASSEMBLY] does not matter whether he replaces the asset similar services-these borrowings often flow within 12 months or any particular time from through in the scale of charges to the consumer. the original acquisition. Once these bodies borrow money they have the Thirdly, capital gains tax in the United cash flow. They can be irresponsible because States is subject to numerous deductions-I servicing the borrowing does not begin until made thorough studies of this on my last visit the following year and it will accumulate there- there a few months ago-so that through the after. The people who then have to pay for it by life span of the asset which is part of the tax- way of higher taxes and charges will not re- payer's property the tax is sometimes brought member what they are paying for or who has down to virtually nothing. Fourthly, capital caused the higher charges or taxes they are in- gains tax does not apply in case of death, and it curring, is not applicable in most cases on gifts. So one It is quite amazing to me that commentators can see there is a vast difference between the on last night's Federal Budget praised the two types of capital gains tax. The tax imposed Treasurer for lowering the yearly debt projec- in the United States cannot be compared with tion. We have reached the stage where an evil if that proposed in Australia, and in some cases it not exercised in the same way and to a similar it much better than our income tax system be- extent becomes a virtue. It is almost as though cause under our Income Tax Assessment Act a a court reporter were to report that an accused person who sells a property within a year of who had been before the court three times was acquiring it is subject to income tax. Under worthy of praise on this latest occasion because Option C that would be replaced by a capital he had stolen much less than on the previous gains tax. But if a person did that in the United two occasions. That is what it means when we States and replaced the asset he has sold he praise the Federal Budget for incur-ring a lower would not be subject to tax. debt. That debt still must be serviced in future, The other vast difference is that under the and it accumulates with every dollar borrowed Australian proposal the tax will be levied ac- every year instead of abating. cording to the maximum bracket of income in I repeat what I have said previously, and I which the taxpayer finds himself. In the United know no more notice will be taken of it now States capital gains is levied at a flat rate. In than it was before, that it would be very desir- Canada the situation is not very much differ- able to have some sont of statutory limit on ent. Government borrowing. That applies equally The other point which is properly raised in to both Federal Government borrowing and the amendment relates to the enormous danger that by State Government instrumentali ties. If of increased debt servicing charges- Other a reasonable limit were set the Government or members have given statistics and I do not the instrumentality could only operate within want to spend time on this, but I would like to that limit. They would not be able to borrow emphasise the desirability of finding some way more with their discretionary powers and by which Federal Governments and State hoodwink the consumer or elector by doing Government instrumentalities which are in a something for which those people must pay position to borrow money not by virtue of later. legislation and with the force of a Statute, but I am not thinking of the type of curb which by sheer administrative discretionary action, exists in the United States where the Congress should face some curb on this capacity and or the legislature has the ultimate say on discretionary power to borrow. I have borrowing. That would not suit our mentioned this in another debate some time Westminster system. I am thinking seriously of ago but it is worthwhile repeating because the something which could be done within our Federal Government and State system, particularly if the two political parties instrumentalities would find it very easy to en- in our system agreed and said, "All right, in the gage in a most irresponsible way, if they wished next period of Government we will limit the to, in obtaining money unnoticed by the elec- borrowing capacity of the Government by Stat- torate in the case of Government, or the con- ute to 'X' amount of dollars." That would be sumer of the instrumentality. calculated in an economic way taking into ac- In the case of the Government the borrowing count inflation, the money supply and a may be used to finance social service handouts number of factors. That does not exclude the or other types of handouts to electors. in the Government from bringing in legislation be- case of Government instrumentalities-the cause it will have a majority. But if it did it utility which is supplying Power or water or would be obvious to electors that the Govern- [Wednesday, 21 August 1985] 1777

ment wanted more money. The Government During the lead-up to the last State election need not be afraid if it could explain why it the Leader of the Labor Party, the now wanted the money. If the Government were Premier, said, "I am the best new leader." I able to explain to the people in the electorate remind members of the Government what their that it was taking this action to create a better leader said because it is important. He also atmosphere at the next election, the electorate said, "I will balance the Budget without in- would be in a position to judge whether it was creasing taxes"-we all know how wrong that worthwhile to pay more to have this benrefit. was. Several members interjected. Mr MacKinnon: What did he say about pet- Mr Pearce: Havc you apologised to the Edu- roll prices? cation Department for your incorrect Mr MeNEE: That is an interesting question statement? because the Premier said many things about Mr MENSAROS: I will 2nswer that on petrol prices. Prior to the last election members another occasion. of the Labor Party came to my electorate and told my electors that if their party was success- The present situation is that the Government ful it would make sure that petrol in the can borrow and as I have said, the electors, country areas was the same price as that in the upon whom the Government depends, are not city. We know what happened-the price was being notified of the reason for such borrowing. increased! In a moment of weakness the Labor They only realise the consequences at a later Party said that it would reduce fuel by 3c a stage-they do not realise for what and by litre. Australia has the second or third highest whom the borrowing has been incurred on their fuel price in the world. The electors of Western behalf Australia have come to learn that Labor I -upoort the amendment to the motion be- Governments are high taxing Governments. cause it correctly points out the shortcomings Some of my electors have said that if they are which the economy suffers. Even if it does fall able to make finance available of $2 000 or under the control of the Federal Government, $ 10 000 to their farms this year that will be the the State Government has a duty to fight commitment towards their farms next year. against it. One of the reasons they are suggesting this is that money MR McNEE (Mt Marshall) [7.42 p.m.]: I do is so expensive to borrow. not want to be critical of the Government, but I Mr Court: The interest rate is five per cent have some compassion for it because I realise higher than last year. that it does not know a great deal about busi- Several members interjected. ness. The SPEAKER: Order! Today we are confronted with an intolerable Mr McNEE: I was not discussing the high situation. Outside this House there is a feeling rise buildings at Scarborough, but if the mem- of absolute despondency. Can members of the ber for Scarborough wants me to I will debate it Government imagine that business people in later. my electorate are saying, "Why should I worry-I am confronted with noise abatement The current position is that accountants are regulations, with four weeks' annual leave for undertaking reassessments of taxation returns my employees plus a 17.5 per cent annual leave in order to ascertain farmers and loading. I would be better off if I could reverse businessmen's position in regard to tax. I guess the role and become a member of my staff and that will make Mr Keating cross. Last year he my staff could become the boss"? There is a said that farmers were tax avoiders and that continual attack by the Government on the em- they had brought the taxation profession into ployer. disrepute. He will have the opportunity to make those same remarks again. I guess the people were lulled into a false sense of security because of what the Prime This Government and this Premier have Minister said during the last elections. He said, today supported the Federal Government's "Trust me, let us pull Australia together." On proposed taxation package. I am sure that in- 16 February 1983 the Prime Minister said that cluded in the taxation package to be brought the Federal Government would not impose a down in September will be a capital gains tax. capital gains tax. For a number of years he has A capital gains tax will be non-productive, it been doing his best to dismantle Western will reduce a person's incentive to add to his Australia. assets, it will remove a person's ability to pro- 179 178[ASSEMBLY] vide for his retirement, and it will kill the in- Mr McNEE: I am glad about that. They will centive of small business, which will result in hear a great deal more before the election, be- the loss of many jobs. cause I will be out there telling them. I want there to be no mistake about that. This Government talks about creating jobs. I do not know whether it has actually created Mr Burkett: Your parents certainly made a jobs but it prTetends that it has. One thing of mistake. which I am sure is that this Government has Several members interjected. created lots of positions for advisers. However, it must remember that the greatest number of The SPEAKER: Order! jobs are created by small business, yet, together Mr McNEE: I suggest that the member for with the Commonwealth Government, this Scarborough should not tease me. If he does I Government wants to impose a capital gains will not be responsible next time. That is the tax on the small business community. Many first warning. Next time the member will not people work long hours to earn sufficient get a warning and I will money in the hope not be so gentle on that it will provide them him. with a small business, which in turn will pro- vide them with a capital gain. However, along If this capital gains tax, on which the Labor comes the Federal Government and says, "We Governments are so keen, is introduced, God will place a capital gains tax on small busi- help the young widow of the person who inad- ness," Worse still is that the Federal Govern- vertently dies. That is something we cannot ment wants to introduce death duties. organise. In that case the business involved could be placed under great stress by a capital A capital gains tax could put many farming gains tax and the net result would probably be properties out of business. That is precisely that the business would go under. what could happen because it is a tax that is incredibly unfair. It makes no allowance for the Even worse than that is the situation of a amount of effort put into the property by the person with a hobby such as restoring aero- people establishing it. The same applies to planes or old motorcars. The Government businesses; the tax will drive would claim a capital gains tax on such activi- people out of busi- ties. ness. It is a tax on incentive. I wonder whether it would tax a child's stamp collection. I am sure it would. Mr Pearce: Any small businessman worth his Several members interjected. salt is not worried about capital gains, he is looking for a viable business. The SPEAKER: Order! The Minister for Education will remain silent. I cannot hear the Mr McNEE: The Minister for Education dis- member for Mt Marshall. plays his ignorance. Where is the small business that is making these handsome profits? Mr McNEE: That is what the capital gains tax will do. Perhaps the Minister for Education Mr Pearce: Your display of ignorance has a child who has a hobby of stamp amounts to indecent exposure. collecting, matchbox collecting, or something similar. I understand the Premier has a stamp Mr Read interjected. collection and that too will attract a capital Mr McNEE: The member for Mandurah will gains tax. Government members do not appear have an opportunity to speak. I suspect the to understand that. They have never been Government has done the same with that involved in business. Their business has been member as it has done with the Minister for to bash the boss and grab another dollar. They Agriculture; that is, it has told the member to do not understand that people have to work, sit down and keep quiet. If the member wishes risk capital, and borrow money to succeed in to speak he should get to his feet, but not try to business. When Government members see do so during my time. those people succeed, they seem to become cross and jealous and believe they should have The Government is killing business and let a share. They call it redistribution of wealth. there be no mistake about it. I want the world to know; I want the people out there to know Last night we had the other joke-the Feder- just exactly what the Government's policies al Budget was introduced. The are. Press-probably because it does not under- stand the situation either-produced a head- Mr Wilson: I think they can all hear you. line to the effect that there was a big deal for [Wednesday, 21 August 1985) 1797 farmers in the Budget. I tell members that the businesses and farmers going to the wall under big deal will give the average farmer $400 from the principles espoused by the Federal Govern- the Commonwealth Government. ment. I was in Canberra on 1 July, together with Several members interjected. 40 000 farmers. I watched the Prime Minister; The SPEAKER: Order! The member is wind- I listened, and I heard him say that in the con- ing up his speech. text of the Budget he would give farmers relief Mr McNEE: In supporting the amendment,!I from fuel prices. ask the State Government to take every oppor- Mr Taylor: He did too. tunity to impress upon the Federal Govern- ment the seriousness of the situation. Mr McNEE: Let us consider what he did. He has given back to the farmers what he took MR EVANS (Warren-Minister for away; it is just manipulation. He was the man Agriculture) (8.01 p.m.].I: [would like to answer to index fuel prices. The H-awke Government the member for Mt Marshall- took away the freight equalisation. I want the Mr Laurance: What about the subsidy on- people out there to remember that. They may Several members interjected. have forgotten. The Government has handed Mr Taylor: He has not even started. back a miserable 2.4c and this State Govern- ment finds it impossible to hand back any- The SPEAKER: Order! thing. Absolutely nothing has been given to the Mr EVANS: To answer the member for Mt farmers; the Government has stood by and Marshall, he suggested there has been a lack of given reasons why nothing can be done. The representation on the part of the State Govern- Prime Minister has talked a load of nonsense ment, especially in relation to rural finance. I about giving relief from fuel prices. was surprised not to see many members from I want members to understand clearly that the Opposition attending the Rural and Allied the Hawke Government has taken these things Industry Conference in May when papers were away and it has made no real attempt to assist put together which assisted in the presentation of this State Government's case to the taxation the farmers. It has promised a harvester summit. bounty; that would be good if people could afford to buy harvesters. In any event the An Opposition member: A lot of good it did. bounty does not take effect until 1 January Mr EVANS: It may have done a little better which is after the harvest starts in November. had some members of the Opposition, in a pro- I refer now to the record public debt. That, of fessional way, taken some expert advice and course, is creating a real problem because the guidance from those who attended the seminar. Commonwealth Government has not Mr Peter Jones: Who was invited to the sem- addressed the vital issue which concerns this inar? nation; that is, the high interest rate imposed. Mr EVANS: Professor Dixon was the key As long as we have the incompetent financial speaker. management of these Governments we shall Mr Peter Jones: Did I have a chance to go? continue in that situation. That is the real prob- lem with which we are confronted, but the Mr EVANS: I am certain the member did. Government is ignoring it. It tries to make The rural industry council canvassed it far and people believe that it is helping the community. wide. 1 should like to make the member for Mt but it is not doing so. Those people who are not Marshall aware of a Press release. It is involved have been told the Wrong story. The attributed to me and it reads- help given to the rural and fishing industries is The Western Australian Minister for an absolute insult. Agriculture, Mr Evans, said today the The State Government has made no attempt moves announced in the Federal Budget to make any representations at all or to develop designed to help primary producers were any policies to help these industries. It has particularly welcome in WA. stood by, thrown its hands in the air, and said Mr Evans said the reduction in the ex- that nothing can be done. cise on diesel and replacement of the tar- iffs on some farm machinery was the sort To recap, we are heading for a situation of action the Western Australian Govern- where we have record levels of unemployment ment had been fighting for for more than created. There will be record levels of small 12 months. 180 ISO[ASSEMBLY]

I agree with the member for Katanning-Roc match funds from the Commonwealth? Where when he said that while this might be a step in does he propose to get the money to offset that? the right direction, it certainly did not go far Regard must be had to the facts. enough. I reiterate, as indicated in that Press release Let me ensure that the member for Mt and the supplementary remarks, this Govern- Marshall gets the record straight. While most ment will hold on course ensuring that the submissions to the tax summit concentrated on move that has been heralded as being more income tax, we ran a major review of fuel costs than satisfactory to protect the economic re- and tariffs. The submission was put together at covery of this nation will continue and we will the instigation of major rural groups, and the support the rural community of this State to emphasis has now paid off to that degree. How- ensure an even better deal is achieved. ever, the measures announced by Mr Keating MR COURT (Nedlands) [8.09 p.m.]: I fully could not alone solve the problems facing the support this amendment. The tax debate has rural industry. been a pretty enlightening experience for mem- That is fairly plain. Today's paper attributes bers of Parliament over the last year because, a statement to Mr Keating. The point is made apart from the Labor Party's stand over the last that farm costs are rising. Farm costs will rise six months, it has brought many politicians out by six per cent in 1985-86 and the real net of the woodwork. We have now seen their true value of rural production will fall by 22 per positions on some of these issues of taxation. cent. The State and Federal Governments can- Mr Bateman: It shows how gutless your mob not be blamed for the decline in export prices were. In all that time they did nothing. for rural products. As far as that goes, if it had not been for the Government's policies, Mr COURT: I must admit that I was hoping farmers in the wheatbelt would probably be the member for Canning might be watching TV living on boiled rabbit stew. when I rose to speak. We saw a little about the policies of the One person this debate has bought out of the Fraser Government, of McEwan and woodwork is the Premier, because he has now Anthony-and the drubbing Ian Sinclair said that he supports the capital gains tax and a received-on the "Four Corners" programme new tax on fringe benefits. The Premier was on the Other night. That reveals where the blame radio this morning saying that those people should be. who were trying to create scare tactics in the community about these proposals by saying I would like to say this: More can be done, that we would be worse off with what was to and more will have to be done. This State come after the Budget-he was referring to the Government will continue to press for a proper tax Proposals that are to come down in review of tariffs and an ongoing examination of Septembr-did not know what they were the fuel pricing policy. talking about. He was saying that it would not Let me remind this House that the biggest have any effect this year. Perhaps it will not single action taken with regard to tariffs for have any effect this year, but once the Federal probably 50 years was taken by the Whitlam Government introduces a capital gains tax and Government. There was an across-the-board puts in place a tax on fringe benefits, I ask reduction of 25 per cent, and the cost of that members to consider what will happen a few was about 50 000 additional unemployed. So it years down the track. When the Government must be remembered that if one takes one ac- has a capital gains tax in place it will have tion in macro-economics, one has to have re- achieved exactly what it wants. gard to the dislocation which might arise in Labor Governments, both federally and in other sections. Judgments must be made. How- the States, have proved themselves to be very ever, I make the point that while this Budget good at playing tricks. This a short-term trick shows that achievements can be made, they are and this taxation trick is just another one. The certainly not sufficient to satisfy this Govern- long and short of it is that after this debate on ment in this case. taxation-which has seen their party pulled to Mr MacKinnon: Do something about it. pieces-we will end up with some of the worst Mr EVANS: We certainly will. May I ask the aspects of all those different proposals they Deputy Leader of the Opposition, when he have publicly floated. talks so glibly about reducing the State levy on The Federal Budget is irrelevant. The tax fuel, why he makes no reference to the $90 proposal which is going to follow this Budget is million it would probably cost this State to the thing we have to be afraid of. It might be all [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]11 18 t right this evening, the day after the bringing effect of a capital gains tax on people operating down of the Federal Budget, for members op- in the small business sector. Government mem- posite to be interjecting and saying that there is bers seem to think that if someone is in busi- nothing wrong with a capital gains tax Or a tax ness he is making a large profit. on fringe benefits, but when this proposal is Members apposite should have read the brought down in September they will see what article in tonight's Daily News which made the trouble they will really have. point that it was very difficult being in the Mr Bateman: At least they have done some- small business field and indicated just how thing. many of those people have problems simply Mr COURT: What a great thing to surviving. do-bring in a new form of taxation! Mr Taylor: As you know so much about the Let us consider Some of these forms of tax- effects of a capital gains tax, tell us how it will ation. The member for Mt Marshall has already work. explained the capital gains tax and its effect. Mr COURT: If the member had read the When the Minister for Education talks about papers brought down by the Federal Treasurer small business he should be very careful, be- he would understand how it would work. We cause single-handedly he has tried to put a lot are going to make sure that the people of of small business people out of business. He Kalgoorlie know that the member for should keep his head pretty low. Later we Kalgoorlie openly supports a capital gains tax. might get on to what is going on in the Edu- cation Department and its effect on small busi- The SPEAKER: Order! Order! I have at least ness. one member over here interjecting and another member over there interjecting. I have given The Minister for Small Business does not the call to the member for Nedlands and I can- seem to understand what effect the introduc- not listen to him with all these interjections. tion of a capital gains tax is going to have on the small business sector. Earlier today I asked Mr COURT: I appreciate the opportunity to him whether he had arranged for the Small stand in this place and put on record just what Business Development Corporation to inquire is going to happen with a capital gains tax and, into the effects of a capital gains tax on the what is more, to inform the member for small business sector, to which he replied Kalgoorlie that we will make sure his electorate "No." This is despite the fact that, as Deputy knows exactly how a capital gains tax will work. Premier, he organised a tax hot line which cost The Federal Government is to introduce a thousands of dollars and which showed that a capital gains tax and it will try to tell the people capital gains tax was one of the major concerns of Australia that it will be an innocent and facing the business community. Yet the harmless tax. The people will be told that it will Government is openly supporting a capital be indexed for the effects of inflation and will gains tax. What is the point of having a Small bring in only a small amount of money. Business Development Corporation if the However, the member for Kalgoorlie knows Government is not prepared to take action to try to get rid of these taxes the Federal Govern- that down the track-when it comes to calcu- ment is wanting to introduce? There is just no lating capital gains, when people will have to fight in this Government on this question, take into account improvements effected to the j ust different capital items being taxed-this is go- as there is no fight in it on the proposed fringe ing to be a very difficult tax to work out benefits tax. actuarialy. A few years down the track this tax The Minister for Education says that small will raise a lot of money. It will be a very business people should not have to rely on a complex tax to collect. In the event, the capital gains tax not being introduced. I have Government will probably introduce a flat 20 news for the Minister: The great majority of per cent tax. The member for Kalgoorlie seems small business people find that all they have to be indicating that he likes the idea of a capi- left after many years of hard work is not the tal gains tax being introduced. lavish wages the Minister seems to think they earn, but merely a small nest egg for their re- Mr Taylor: I don't recall saying that. And this Government wants to take tirement. Mr COURT: Now he is trying to backtrack. away that nest egg. It is obvious that the Minis- a capital gains tax? ter for Education and all other Government Does the member support members do not understand what would be the Several members interjected. 182 182ASSEMBLY]

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for members supporting capital gains tax. Do Nedlands would be a lot better advised to ask Government members support this tax on questions of and direct remarks to the Chair fringe benefits? rather than directly to other members. Mr Bertram: We certainly do. Do you? Mr COURT: The experience in the United Mr COURT: That is what we like to hear. I States is very interesting. The US Government do not support the Government's tax on fringe reduced its capital gains tax and found that the benefits. immediate impact on new investment in busi- Mr Bertram: I would not expect you to ness was quite startling. That is an example of either. what happens when Governments get rid of disincentives in business. Mr COURT: This tax has obviously been dreamt up by Labor advisers in big cities who In this country the Prime Minister is do not understand why fringe benefits need to deciding to do the exact opposite. The more be paid. Certainly those members opposite who noise members opposite make about the intro- represent electorates in remote regions know duction of such a tax and about supporting it, only too well that fringe benefits need to he the better it is for us and the easier it will be for paid to attract people to work in those areas. us to win Government at the next election. There are some 70 000 small businesses in this Mr Pearce: How remote is Nedlands? State. Mr COURT: it might be all right for Govern- ment members to joke, but I am sure those The SPEAKER: Order! Try to give the mem- members representing remote regions under- ber for Nedlands a go. stand. The member for Kalgoorlie, for Mr COURT: Thank you, Mr Speaker. The example, will know that many people are paid Government is taking on thousands of hard- fringe benefits to encourage them to travel to working, independent, free-thinking people and work in the Kalgoorlie area. The Pilbara is who understand only too well what this a classic example. Government is trying to do with them. It is not Mr Pearce: How many people in Your elec- a redistribution of wealth. It will be a torate are paid fringe benefits? Three miles straightout confiscation of wealth for those from Perth! people who put many hours into building up Mr COURT: The Minister for Education has their businesses. just made the typical sort of interjection we Mr Bertram: It only collects a few bob. have come to expect from him. Mr COURT: It only collects a few bob the Look at the people working in the Pilbara. first year; then it starts going up. I am proud of They require those fringe benefits to encourage the fact that I have been involved in a number them to work in that region. of small businesses. I have nothing to hide; Mr Pearce: What about the people who work which is more than some Ministers can say. in Nedlands and get fringe benefits? Mr Pearce: Come on! The accounts of your Mr Old: What sont of fringe benefits would boat business would not bear too close an you like to see taxed? examination. Several members interjected. Mr COURT: That was a stupid thing for the The SPEAKER: Order! This debate is getting Minister to say. Is he making an allegation? down to the standard of lounge room chitchat. Several members interjected. It is not the type of debate which I would have The SPEAKER: Order! thought would emanate from the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia. The member Mr COURT: Members opposite obviously for Nedlands. know very little about business activities. Mr Old: It would not be allowed in my Mr Taylor: One thing the Minister for Edu- lounge room. cation is not is an allegator! The SPEAKER: I would like those mum- Mr Old: What a stupid, inane remark to blings, wherever they came from-I do not make. know from where they emanated- Mr COURT: Yes, it was. My second point is Mr Old: Mr Speaker, they emanated from in regard to what might be called a tax double me. I said those remarks would not be allowed whammy-a tax on fringe benefits. We have in my lounge room. It is not lounge room chit- just heard all that noise from Government chat. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985118 183

The SPEAKER: There is no call for those they are a very important part of their remarks. businesses. At a recent meeting attended by Mr Old: it was purely an observation, Sir. about 150 restaurateurs who were very con- cerned about this proposal, estimates were Mr Pearce: It is a strong argument for cor- made of how many restaurants and how many poral punishment. people would be put out of business by the The SPEAKER: Order! I am trying to have Federal Government's tax proposals. It is very this debate proceed so that the member can sad because our restaurant industry has a really have a chance to make his speech. The member good future if it is not taxed out of existence. for Nedlands. Federally, it is said the tax threatens 10 500 Mr COURT: 1 am running out of time and I jobs and in this State the industry is saying that do want to make some additional points. 250 restaurants in Perth may be forced to close if the Government's Federal tax proposals are The Labor Party tends to want to attack the implemented. tall poppies who are receiving these fringe ben- efits, but actually they are attacking many of Mr Taylor: I think they were talking about their traditional supporters. The Government the indirect taxes, weren't they? seems to be too frightened to directly make Mr COURT: They were talking about three them pay for it, so it is going to make em- taxes-the consumer tax, the capital gains tax, ployers pay for it and that is where the crunch and the tax on fringe benefits. will come. The Government will take this cow- Mr Taylor: Tell the whole truth, right. ardly action, and will put the burden on to the employers, and make them shift it across to the Mr COURT: The important tax is the tax on employees. That is where the Government will fringe benefits because this is the tatc which will run into all sorts of problems. Members op- dissuade everyone except Government em- posite will not be so smug when they have to ployees from using restaurants. It will affect the start bearing the brunt of both these two new restaurant industry because it will increase its taxes-the capital gains tax and the tax on costs by some 50 per cent. fringe benefits. If the Government wants to try MrT Taylor: You were tellin., us -about to somehow say that fringe benefits which are America a while ago. paid as part of an award are exempt-if the Government wants to pull that trick-it will MrT COURT: The member is just showing his have a riot on its hands from the small business ignorance about what these proposals will do. community across Australia. Those people Mr Taylor: Tell us about American business might see it as a trick to try to get more people lunches. Tell us what happens in America with to operate under awards, but the backlash the the tax on business lunches. Government will get from the small business MrT COURT: Do not let Government mem- community will be similar 10 the backlash bers talk about people using business lunches. which it is now experiencing with the rural The Government seems to be quite willing to community. use the taxpayers' funds to organise its lunch- Finally, I want to make special mention of eon meetings, and that in itself is a scandal. the restaurant industry. We hear a lot these The taxpayers' funds of this State are being days about how we should encourage tourism used to organise Labor Party luncheons. To and the hospitality industry. A great part Of OUr think that in the same breath the Government service industry in this State now is represented will talk to small business people about this tax! by the restaurant industry and 1, together with The Premier has openly said his office is being the shadow Minister for Tourism, have met used to organise these lunches. many people involved in the restaurant indus- Mr Tray: What lunches? try and they have become very concerned Mr COURT: All those decision-makers' about these tax proposals. They will be hit with luncheons a are organised by the Department of capital gains tax. These people work hard to Premier and Cabinet and their cost build up their businesses and at the end of the borne by day, when they sell their businesses, they can the taxpayers of this State. reap some benefit from them. This tax on ben- Mr Pearce: That is rubbish. efits has come about because the Government Mr COURT: That is the truth. wants to get stuck into the people who are having business lunches and the like. Obvi- Mr Pearce: It is not true. ously people joke about business lunches, but Mr Old: They are hurting, hurting! 184 184[ASSEMBLY]

Mr COURT: They do not like this. I put Mr RUSHTON: One would have to believe forward a final plea on behalf of the restaurant that the standards of this House have dropped. industry of this State. The Minister for Education is doing nothing to Mr Pearce: Restaurants benefit a lot from improve the decorum of this House. It has those decision-makers' luncheons. They are degenerated to a standard that one would worth a lot of money to small businesses. rarely find in any pan of the community. Mr COURT: I would have thought that the Mr Pearce: At least I have not reduced the restaurant industry would receive a bit of sup- attendance. port in regard to exemption from capital gains and fringe benefit taxes, but it is obvious the Mr RUSHTON: What improvements to the restaurant industry will be ignored again. debate is the Minister making with those utter- ances? Any fair-minded person would believe MR RUSHTON (Dale) [8.30 p.m.]: Regret- that he could not control his tongue. tably, the standard of conduct in this House has deteriorated as has been witnessed by the The DEPUTY SPEAKER: It would be a interjections and utterances by members on the good idea if the. member for Dale ignored the other side of this Chamber. This amendment, interjections. which I fully support, is very timely. It allows any impartial observer to see very clearly the Mr RUSHTON: Does that mean that the differences between private enterprise and the Minister can interject as much as he likes and I socialist approach. It allows people to consider have no protection? the effects of the introduction of a capital gains tax, death duties, and other taxes proposed by The DEPUTY SPEAKER: If the member the Federal Government. The Labor Party has wishes to answer the interjections I will allow been clearly identified as supporting those the interjections to go on. If the member ig- taxes. The Premier's charade of purporting to nores the interjections I will offer him the pro- encourage private enterprise and of being its tection of the Chair. friend has been exposed in his comment that he Mr RUSHTON: I was indicating to the supports a capital gains tax. A capital gains tax House that the attack upon private enterprise is a bit like saying one is only a little pregnant. by the present Federal Government, supported Being pregnant is fairly potent and one cannot by the State Government, will cause nothing stop it when it starts. but harm. What it is seeking to do is to put the The Labor Party's objective is to redistribute power in this country into a few men's hands. I income, wealth, and economic power with the suggest that the proposed new taxes are basi- emphasis being on economic power. The mo- cally antifamily and antiincentive. Anybody tion with which we are dealing and the re- realises that a capital gains tax is wrong. In sponses that we have had from the Premier and many cases, a capital gain enables young people his supporters indicate very clearly that the to get started. Many young people leave school posturing by the Premier as the champion of and have the desire to create a way of life for small business is but a charade. themselves. Many start new businesses. One might ask what is the Labor Party's Unfortunately, today, the tax burdens are so objective in seeking this economic power. It is high that it is very difficult for a young family the central control of power over its citizens. to make that start. What we now see is the How will it achieve that? It will be very easy. It latest move. in preventing them from making will remove the incentive for people to strive to that start. advance themselves in any way they choose In many cases, those young people buy small and seek to make the individual dependent on houses. That would be echoed in the lives of the State. many members in this Chamber. They have Mr Pearce: Are you reading this or are you bought houses and small businesses and have referring to copious notes? worked, together with their wives or husbands, to build up an asset. In striving as they do, they Mr RUSHTON: No, not even copious notes. often deprive themselves and their children of The attack on the sub-contract system by the many of the worldly benefits. They go without Labor Party has been very forceful. It rep- in order to increase the value of their assets, resents a direct attack on the right of the people eventually in the hope of being able to make to strive and advance themselves. enough money to do something else with their Mr Pearce: Who wrote those copious notes? lives. It has the multiplier effect of creating [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]18 185

employment, adding to production, and the MR LAURANCE (Gascoyne) [8.41 p.m.]: I selling of goods. That is most desirable for our also support the Opposition's amendment to economy in the free society in which we live. the Address-in-Reply. It is an ideal opportunity In contrast, the Premier, for political gain, to raise matters which are of very great import- has come out very strongly in encouraging ance to the people of this State. The time is small business and wishing it every success. appropriate following hard on the heels of last However, in the next breath he turns around night's Federal Budget. and supports the introduction of a capital gains The first part of the Opposition's amend- tax. The kindest thing one could say of him is ment states- he does not understand how small business that ..the is created. At worst, one can say that he is being Government has failed to protect totally hypocritical in his actions. The the taxation interests of Western Premier's motives will be seen through by Australians, and in particular: people who have striven and who wish to strive (a) has endorsed a Federal Budget which to achieve something in life. Many of our will ensure a continuation of high friends, family and associates are finding it levels of taxation; more and more difficult to get started in small Last night's Budget was really a Clayton's business. I think members of this House should Budget; it was the Budget you have when you recognise that. That is the reason that I are not having a Budget. The real Budget is to wholeheartedly support the Deputy Leader of come in a few week's time, in September. That the Opposition's amendment. It enables us to is when the real blow will fall. state with great sincerity that we believe i n a system that has allowed this country to reach As Opposition speakers have already pointed out, in September the standards in which we live today. Where Western Australians will would we be without the personal endeavours realise how hard they have been hit by this of individuals? This Government is attacking Government. It has also been adequately demonstrated that that will take away from a those endeavours with this capital gains tax. It great number of the wealth producers of this is a disincentive and will contribute to increas- country the incentive ing unemployment. It will destroy the unity of to do the hard things necessary to run businesses and employ people. the family and will increase the dependence of That is the frustrating thing about where we as the individual on the State. I suggest that the a country endeavour of any Government that respects the are heading at the moment. right of the individual should be to encourage Despite what the Government and its Feder- its people to be independent of the State. The al colleagues say, any short-term economic way to achieve this laudable objective is to re- gains have been brought about mainly by fortu- duce the cost of Federal, State, and local itous circumstances which have been oulined government. That is done by reducing the costs already. I refer to the turnaround in the of those three arms of Government. American economy to which I will return in I ask the House to consider how a young relation to another point. person can start up a business these days in Mr Wilson: Don't you welcome those? view of the extra burdens that are loaded upon Mr LAURANCE: Yes, I do. I will make a him. Such a result is contrary to what we have further point about the American economy in a known in this country. Private enterprise has moment. I hope that the Minister for Housing been the developing factor and has provided will be here to hear that. the incentive to make things go in the way they should. The hypocrisy of the Federal Govern- Mr Wilson: I do not think I will be because I ment and the Labor movement's approach is do not think you are worth listening to. shown in the way Labor puts to the people by Mr LAURANCE: The Minister can keep his way of clever media presentation the argument radio tuned in. Another fortuitous circum- that it encourages the private sector. It stance was the breaking of the drought. I am pretends that it believes that the private sector sure that the Prime Minister cannot claim has the means to lead us back to a state of credit for that. The third fortuitous circum- employment far better than we have at present. stance was the wages pause which was put in Labor Governments are exposed for their place by the previous Government. That hypocrisy in, on the one hand, indicating their Government was vilified around the country- wish to encourage the private sector and on the side and paid the supreme penalty of losing other hand loading private enterprise with bur- office. However, it left in place the wages pause dens that it cannot carry. which has contributed a great deal towards any 186 186[ASSEMBLY] economic success that the Hawke Government and been responsible when in fact he had can claim. It provided the funds that were used created probably the biggest percentage jump to prop up many of the very short-term em- in our deficit in any one year in the country's ployment schemes for which the Prime Minis- history. ter has claimed a great deal of credit. The funds that were needed for those employment pro- Mr Watt: Did they happen to say last night grammes were provided by the wages pause put what percentage of the Budget would be spent in place by the previous Government. Those on servicing the deficit? are some of the economic circumstances that Mr LAURANCE: I am not sure about have fallen into the lap of the Federal Govern- whether the Premier gave that figure, but I me nt. point out that the figures that were used are I return to a matter raised earlier in this de- very misleading mainly because an inflated bate; namely the economic management of this deficit figure was taken as the base point. I country and Budget deficits. The Premier refer to the first-run figures and not the actual bought into this argument. He gave us a num- Budget deficit. The point the member for ber of figures which seemed to indicate that the Albany makes is right. Paragraph (d) of the deficits have been wound back. Let us consider Opposition's amendment to the motion refers the situation portrayed by the Federal to it. Public debt servicing is a burden that is Treasurer last night in his delivery of the becoming increasingly intolerable in this Budget and also portrayed by a number of country. speakers and interjectors from the Government Paragraph (a) of the Opposition's amend- side during this debate this evening. They have ment leads in to paragraph (b) which talks indicated that the Federal Budget deficit was about those parts of the option C tax package much bigger under the previous Liberal that is to come forward within the next few Administration than it has been under the weeks. We have heard about the elements that present Labor Government. That is totally false package contains. The Australian public are because it is based on a false premise. Before it very apprehensive about what is to be imposed came into office the Labor Party made a upon them. trumped-up charge that the first-mun Budget figures of the last Fraser Budget would give a The elements of that tax package include the deficit of something like $9.6 billion. imposition of a capital gains tax, death duties and a tax on employee benefits. As I predicted, Mr Taylor: And who provided that infor- the Minister for Housing has left during my mation to the Hawke Government? None other contribution to this debate. than John Stone. John Stone, Secretary to the Treasury, provided that information without Mr Tonkin: I suppose he is scared of you. even being asked. Mr LAURANCE: Everybody has it. This Mr LAURANCE: I am sure he is not, but Government has it too. But the facts are that because of an earlier interjection I wanted him that particular deficit was $4.5 billion. The pro- to hear what I have to say on this matter. jected or first-mun figures should not be taken Mr Tonkin: We all have egos. into account. The bloke who is running off at the mouth at the moment, himself a former Mr LAURANCE: He was interjecting at the Treasury official, knows that when depart- time. I said that a turnaround in the American ments put in their bids they blow them out. economy was one of the fortuitous circum- They put in for as much as possible and know stances that the Hawke Government inherited. that their bids will be cut back. However, the One of the reasons for the turnaround in the Labor people around Australia took that figure American economy was that a number of econ- as the official recorded deficit. The real figure omic factors that were detracting from it were was nowhere near that. It was $4.5 billion. unshackled by President Reagan. The Hawke Government in its first year blew The US has a form of capital gains tax. It out the deficit to something like $7.5 billion to was substantially increased in 1969 and private $8 billion. It nearly doubled it. The Prime Min- investment in that country fell off by 40 per ister did a great con job in his early days when cent. Capital gains tax had a dramatic impact he was good at that sort of thing-unlike his on the level of private investment and it is present situation in which his popularity has easily demonstrated that some of the downturn fallen to zero. He was able to convince the in the American economy can be attributed to Australian public that he had done a good job additional taxes such as a capital gains tax. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]18 187

That situation could happen anywhere. If those Mr LAURANCE: I hope the Government taxes are increased, then the people who would can maintain that sort of record but if a capital otherwise make investment decisions will be gains tax is introduced, the Government will starved of capital and will be discouraged from find that this situation will go sour indeed. I investing. If the Labor Government of this should think that the State Government would State wants to turn off the tap and disadvan- be the first to stand up in order to protect what tage the economy, then I suggest that it goes it calls "a good record" and that it would be the right ahead and imposes a capital gains tax. first to turn down a capital gains tax in order to The State Labor Government will not do this, maintain that good record. However, should but the Federal Labor Government will. the State Government bring in the sort of taxes that have been proposed by its Federal counter- The State Government, including the part- Premier, has indicated that it is in favour of a Mr Tonkin: Income is income is income. capital gains tax. The Government will see from day one that the minute a capital gains Mr LAURANCE: Well, it is becoming harder tax is imposed, people who would otherwise for people to produce that income and the in- invest in a productive capacity and in employ- centives to do so are becoming fewer. There are ment generating projects will lose incentive and fewer incentives to employ and to try to create will not invest. The Government will find that wealth. it will take a change of government-a Govern- Government members interjected. ment formed by members of the Liberal Mr LAURANCE: The Government knows Party-to come along and take those economic shackles off, a government which will later on that this was happening under its system. The see the benefits of investment rising again. It tap has been turned off even harder now and so will not be the first time that this has incentives are becoming fewer and the happened; it has happened before in other opportunities for people to run successful busi- countries. A dramatic example is that of the US ness are disappearing. in the early 1970s. After the introduction of a Mr Tonkin: If a man earns $250 a week and capital gains tax in 1969, it took until President is taxed upon it, and another man makes $16 Reagan came along before the clock was turned million in one day and isn't taxed, you com- back and the ratchet started to turn the other mend that, do you? way, lifting the shackles from business and re- Mr LAURANCE: No, I do not. How do you ducing the capital gains tax. These things propose to change that? stimulated the American economy and brought Mr Tonkin: It can be changed, as I say, by forward investment. The benefits of this, in income is income is income. If you earn turn, have flowed to the Australian economy. money, you should pay tax on it. Mr Bertram: Did they abolish the capital Mr LAURANCE: Yes, but the Government gains tax? is totally concerned with the redistribution of wealth. Mr LAURANCE: No, but the American Mr Tonkin: We are after everyone paying Government substantially reduced it. That sort their fair share. of thing can be demonstrated easily. However, if the Labor Government wishes to turn off the Mr LAURANCE: What I am saying to you is that the whole thrust of this Budget-which tap of economic investment, it should go right level of taxation paid by ahead and impose a capital gains tax. The diffi- has increased the real culties of running employers and employees-has been to ''get"~ a successful business in at business people. One of the biggest increases Australia today, taking on the costs of was the employment of 900 additional people employing people, not only the direct costs in wages but also the on-costs of employing every to harrass the business community of this worker, and the worry that is attached to that, nation. These were Gestapo tactics. In fact I are such that one must ask oneself, "Why think there are only going to be random checks would people want to do it?" Every day must on PAYE taxpayers now, and a lot more effort will see fewer people become interested in running be put into checking up on the business their own business. community. The Government can make it harder for Mr Tonkin: More people in Western those people, but as Labor Governments know, Australia-lO 000 new businesses have been there will be more and more welfare recipients created. all the time-there will be more people benefit- 188 188[ASSEMBLY) ing from Government handouts and fewer this State's history. This is the highest fuel people creating the wealth to pay for those ben- pricing Government this State has ever had efits. Even sp, the tax level and the demands and when we on this side of the House said that upon those people and the investigations into we would try to do something about that, this their business affairs will increase. I say to the Government opposed us. Government that this will mean that the pro- ductive base of this country will be eroded. The indexing of the fuel excise and the re- Thus a capital gains tax will have a detrimental moval of the freight subsidies have occurred in effect on our economy because it will strike at the past month. In just four weeks we have seen the very heart of the reason that people want to a situation in which the people in the remote amass wealth. The Government must give pants of my electorate have lost a freight sub- people the opportunity to create wealth. It is sidy of 4c a litre and now they have been given not just the possible introduction of a tax, but 2c a litre back in the Budget. As one can im- also the abolition of negative gearing, and so agine, they are not overjoyed about that. These on, that has been available to people. people had 4c taken away from them a month ago and 2c returned to them last night-how Mr Tonkin: What about the bloke who goes much is that helping the farmers and primary out to work for $300 a week, he wants to amass producers of this nation? How much was the wealth too. freight subsidy costing anyway? It was a pit- Mr LAURANCE: Sure, and he will amass tance. Fuel excise raises hundreds of millions wealth if given more incentive to go into busi- of dollars and to try to equalise the freight to ness. That is why we should encourage those remote areas was costing something like $40 who want lo go into business. million. The Federal Government just re- Mr Tonkin: Well we do. moved that concession overnight. Mr LAURANCE: Not through these taxation Let us have a look now at the final pant of laws! A capital gains tax will only add to the our amendment. Paragraph (d) refers to the difficulties. State Government's support of policies which Mr Bertram: What are you in favour of' have massively increased the total public debt, and which have resulted in an increasing per- Mr LAURANCE: l am in favour of the Hong centage of revenue being committed to public Kong system of a flat rate of tax. It works extra- debt servicing. This is a great worry for the ordinarily well. It is also very easy to devise a nation because our children will have to service policy whereby one does not pay tax on money this debt. We all know that in recent years the in the hands of a company and then force the public debt has increased alarmingly and the profits to be distributed. However, once these proportion of the Budget required to service profits were distributed, a Labor Government that debt increases every year. In its first two would tax them again in the hands of the indi- years the Hawke Government was profligate in vidual. That is totally unfair. its deficits and if it is now getting on top of that Mr Bertram: Did you make your taxation situation, it is not before time. All of that is ideas known to the previous Federal Govern- added to the total public debt serviced by the ment? Government. Mr LAURANCE: Yes I did, on many oc- The point I make is that it is a very difficult casions. In fact some of them were accepted. situation to turn around and it will take bold The 30-20 rule on insurance claims was one Governments to do so. There is some evidence that I campaigned for and actually changed. around the world that Governments are willing in the time remaining to me I would like to to confront that problem and that they are get- talk on the subject of fuel because that is a very ting off the welfare hike. That is not an easy important part of this debate. The Government thing to do. This Government has not been stands condemned for opposing the removal of able to do it. It will be a very difficult task but the State fuel franchise levy as put forward by at least the Opposition has made some commit- the Opposition. Here is a positive move to ment to go down the path. We have heard from lower fuel prices and we have seen this Govern- the prophets of doom on the Gosernment side ment, despite the trumpeting before the last that this will not work, but we believe there are election and some phony legislation that came examples around the world where it is working. before the Parliament early in the life of this We are prepared to go in that direction in order Government, increase fuel prices to a far to reduce the levels of public debt and the greater level than has ever been experienced in levels of taxation. In about six months' time we [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]18 189 shall have the opportunity to demonstrate to the seminar held last May and suggested that the people of Western Australia that we will the member for Mt Marshall and others should achieve that aim. have attended that seminar, I support the amendment. Mr Evans: It would have done them a power MR PETER JONES (Narrogin) [9.02 p.m.]: of good. The contribution made by the Minister for Mr PETER JONES: Why did the Minister Agriculture tonight cannot go unacknowledged. not invite members of the Opposition? He sat there last night and listened to the com- ments made regarding the man he employs to Mr Evans: The RAIC advertised it widely. guide the destinies of the meat industry in this Mr PETER JON ES: The simple fact is that State. in relation to the comments that have been Mr Evans: I do not employ him. made regarding the Federal Budget and the im- pact an costs, taxes, and charges a promise was Mr PETER JONES: Is the Minister for made and an expectation created. That Agriculture now saying that this man is not expectation has been betrayed;, it is as simple as part of the statutory authority responsible to that. The Minister for Agriculture cannot de- him and a member of the authority appointed fend what has been done with expressions of by him? false sympathy; it does no good. It goes no- Mr Tonkin: The Governor appointed him. where near satisfying the expectations that were created. The Government, of which this Several members interjected. Minister is a member, was asked by the Pri- mary Industr Association, the Pastoralists. and Point of Order Graziers Association, the Opposition, and Mr EVANS: I wonder what this drivel has to many other people, to deregulate transport. do with the amendment before the House? That was one of the key requests in the sub- The DEPUTY SPEAKER: I must admit to mission given to the Governmeni by those having similar thoughts on the matter but I farmers who marched and met in front of Par- wanted to give the member some time to de- liament House. It was among the various pro- velop an argument that may be related to the posals and petitions presented. Immediately matter before the House. If this matter cannot following that submission the call for be related I ask the member for Narrogin to deregulation on transport, which was put for- quickly move on and continue with the matter ward and documented as to what it would before the House. mean to and how much it would assist the agri- cultural industries in this State, was attacked. Debate (on amendment to motion) Resuimed Point of Order Mr PETER JONES: The amendment relates to cost and last night the Minister for Mr EVANS: Would the Deputy Speaker like Agriculture was silent in relation to a person Mc to read the amendment before the House so who is involved in his responsibility and who, that he can make a further judgment on the with his thuggery, contributed to the increasing nonsense the member for Narrogin is speaking? costs and decreasing viability of primary pro- The DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point ducers in this State. Tonight the Minister spoke of order. and we have a situation where the paucity of support for the agricultural industry offered in Debate (on amendment to motion) Resumed last night's Federal Budget is defended. Mr PETER JONES: I can understand the Mr Evans: I do not defend it. Minister's embarrassment about costs, taxes, Mr PETER JONES: The Minister for and charges, and that is what we are talking Agriculture read from a statement that some- about. It was documented in the submission one had given him which defended what had giving exact details of what deregulation of been done. transport would mean to the level of costs, taxes, and charges in the rural industry. Mr Evans: I quoted from a Press release to Westrail immediately and publicly said that it make sure that you know what is being said. could not be done. It said that it could not Mr PETER JONES: The Minister for relieve the cost burden in the rural industry Agriculture is quoting from his policy paper, because it would mean loss of jobs, dearer The West Australian. The Minister referred to freight, and other things. 190 190[ASSEMBLY]

In this Chamber the Minister for Transport Mr PETER JONES: If the member is stood and said that if the wool transport indus- opposed to it we are on the same side. We are try were deregulated it would mean the loss of both opposed because the member for 100 jobs in Albany. T Pursued that by way of Kimberley and the member for Pilbara say they questions and he told me how those jobs would are opposed to it. Why do members not make be lost. Right up to the time when public press- certain their leader is? The member for Pilbara ure had reacted to the costs in the rural com- knows very well what it will mean in her elec- munity and the way in which the State and torate. Federal Governments have supported the im- Several members interjected. position of the taxes set out in paragraph (b) of the amendment, it was said quite clearly that The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, members! deregulation could not be achieved. Thank Mr PETER JONES: The member for Pilbara heavens we did not fall for it and the pressure knows what it will mean and she is right to remained. The Government in this State, oppose it. having denied the petition put to it, now sup- ports those elements Mrs Buchanan: I am not opposed to a tax on within the Federal perks, Government's option C which will impose a I have made that quite. clear. The situ- capital gains tax. ation in the Pilbara is quite different. Mr PETER JONES: Mr Evans: Is there a capital gains tax? The member has lived in a subsidised house yet she does not mind Mr PETER JONES: Yes. that benefit being taxed. Mr Evans: Is that precisely stated? Mr Bertram: You do not want your perks Mr PETER JONES: Has the Minister not taxed. read what is being considered? I have seen the Mr PETER JONES: Virtually everybody in statement that the Federal Government is con- the Pilbara receives some form of assistance in sidering this tax. one way or another, whether in the form of housing, transport, power, water, or whatever. Several members interjected. Several members interjected. Mr PETER JONES: If the Minister wants to interject I would be delighted to hear him say Mr PETER JONES: The member has stated there will be no capital gains tax. she is in favour of those perks being taxed. Let us talk about another of the taxes re- Several members interjected. ferred to here. Last night we were talking about noise abatement regulations. The only thing Mr PETER JONES: I have said I am not in which makes me support them is that it might favour of their being taxed. shut some members up. Mrs Buchanan: I have strongly stated that Take the question of taxation to be imposed there should be some special consideration for on allowances and employee benefits. I do not the people of the Pilbara. know why the member for Pilbara has not been Mr PETER JONES: They are to be let off; is standing up and clearly expressing her oppo- that right? sition to a tax on employee benefits. Several members interjected. Mrs Buchanan: I have done that publicly. Mr PETER JONES: Up in the north? Mr Bridge: She did it where it should have been done, at the tax summit. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Who is making this speech? Mr PETER JONES: At the tax summit? The Premier expressed support for the principle of Mr PETER JONES: What the member for tax being imposed on employee benefits and Pilbara is saying is that there is a special case allowances. for consideration in the Pilbara. I agree with her, but what happens about schoolteachers Mr Bridge: I said she did it where it should and public servants in the Eastern Goldfields? have been done; never mind about anybody Do they have a case? else. Mrs Buchanan: I put forward a case for the Mr PETER JONES: The member for the people in the Pilbara, and no doubt other mem- Pilbara is then different from- bers have done the same for their areas. It is Several members interjected. not up to me to represent other members. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]19 191

Mr PETER JONES: Now we are getting how distinctly unsuccessful he has been. Absol- around to the situation. It amounts to this: We utely nothing was produced. As the member for have a situation where the member for Pilbara Mt Marshall has said, it was part of what the went around- Hawke Government took away which has been Mr Tonkin: Do you know how popular she is given back, and it is considerably less than in the Pilbara? what was promised by the Prime Minister and very much less than the primary producers Mr PETER JONES: In relation to the nor- would be prepared to accept as the basic mini- malisation of Wickham, the process had to be mum from this Government and the Federal aborted and then slowed down because of the Government. disruption, partly aided and abetted by the member for Pilbara. That is why today we have the situation where not only do those in the primary indus- Mrs Buchanan: That is absolute nonsense. try say how they have been betrayed, but the Mr PETER JONES: No, it is not. Let me also Minister for Agriculture is not prepared to say how the Minister who sits in front of her stand up against one of the men who is part of went up to speak about it. The point is that the the empire here that is helping to bring about member made a case that the situation in the increased costs. Pilbara is different. Perhaps it is. Should assist- ance by way of housing, transport, water, if the Government were dinkum about trying power, and whatever else is given up there no'. to help rural communities as far as taxes, to be touched, or even pantly touched, or what? charges, and so on, are concerned, it has been given a shopping list of what is wanted, and it Mrs Buchanan: Ought not to be touched. is not extensive. All that the Government was Mr PETER JONES: But of course elsewhere asked to do was, firstly, completely to in the State it is different. That is the case the deregulate transport to assist in the cost struc- member is making. ture. Mrs Buchanan: It is different. What the Government has done is a pathetic Mr Wilson: Do you think it is different? apology for that. After several weeks of press- Mr PETER JONES: The principle, so that I ure, all the Government has done is exactly can advise the Minister- what it had agreed to do. It has extended fuel arrangements-which can be done without the Several members interjected. regulations governing transport and fuel-from Mr PETER JONES: No, I do niot. The prin- 80 to 120 kilometres, and wool is being ciple is not different, because up there the level deregulated in two steps. The last is to take of allowance and assistance is higher, and so it effect from I January, at which time most of ought to be. What would be the point of giving the wool will be shorn and in store. the form of assistance which is given in the Pilbara in the metropolitan area? That is a pathetic apology for what was asked; There is no complete deregulation of Mr Bertram: Have you a tax on your perks? fuel, which would have been a very significant Mr PETER JONES: I do not get subsidised matter in the mural community. housing or anything of that nature. The prin- Several members interjected. ciple that that should apply in the Pilbara ought to be supported by everybody. It has no Mr PETER JONES: Any shortcomings in the relevance in the metropolitan area, so what is past should not be excused now. They were the point of the Minister saying that? He asked asked to deregulate fertiliser transport and they if I agreed it should apply. did not do that either. Mr Wilson: I said, "Don't you agree it is We have a situation where the Premier different in the Pilbara?" wntes to all the electors in Avon on behalf of the Minister for Lands and Surveys. Firstly, Mr PETER JONES: Of course it is. amongst other things, the member has proved' Mr Wilson: You are advancing the argument himself to be competent and intelligent! it is not. Mr Burkett: Should they not have written Several members inteijected. that about you! Mr PETER JONES: The Minister for Mr PETER JONES: No-one has written a Agriculture has not in any way supported the letter to my electors trying to introduce me. industry that he is responsible for in the way The Premier said in the letter that the Minister that he should. What we saw last night shows had made a major contribution to the policies 192 192ASSEMBLY] of his Government with deregulation of road like to raise the matter of severely intellectually transport. It is a pathetic effort; and if that is all handicapped children within the electorate of the Minister for Lands and Surveys has been Mt Lawley and within the State of Western able to do, the Government has demonstrated Australia. how pathetic it is by the way it has approached it responsibilities in the non-metropoliian area A number of people from my electorate have of the State. The Minister for Lands and Sur- approached me and suggested that the accom- veys has an overriding responsibility for that modation available at the moment for severely area; but we have seen nothing at all 'n relation intellectually handicapped children is absol- to what the Government was specifically asked utely insufficient to meet the demands of our to do. The Government has done nothing at all panticular problem and because of that lack of except with that pathetic little effort with fuel. accommodation we have a number of parents Nothing has been done with regard to fertiliser; who are in particularly difficult circumstances. little has been done in areas where it really I wish to describe the circumstances in three counts; and yet the Minister last night was not ways. Firstly, these parents are financially em- prepared to stand up in relation to the man barrassed with respect to keeping their severely who is claiming to do so much to disrupt rural intellectually handicapped children. They are exports, and who has contributed so much to physically debilitated by the effort it takes to extra rural costs. He claims to have done so keep their children at home, and emotionally much to unseat the Government but has more they are totally drained; but their children are or less contributed to rural costs. obviously a part of their families and are very much loved by all members of their families. Amendment put and a division taken with the following result- I am calling on the Government to recognise the Ayes 14 problem associated with this lack of accom- modation and to do something about it in the Mr Cash Mr McNee Mr Court Mr Mensaros forihecoming Budget. I understand at the mo- Mr Coyne Mr Old ment that funding for the handicapped comes MrGrayden Mr Rushton basically from three sources. One third comes Mr Peter Jones Mr Tubby from the Slow Learning Children's Group of Mr Laurance Mr Watt Mr MacKinnon Mr Williams Western Australia, one third from the Comn- (Teller) monwealth, and one third from the State. Noes 24 It seems that there is a considerable waiting Mr Barnett Mr Mclver list for young children who wish to live in suit- Mr Bateman Mr Parker able places of accommodation and also for chil- Mrs Beggs Mr Pearce Mr Bertram Mr Read dren who reach the age of 12 years and are Mr Bridge rvr 0). L. Smith faced with the problem of having to give up Mrs Buchanan Mr P.J. Smilh their accommodation and move into a differ- Mr Terry Burke Mr Taylor ent strata within this particular category. Mr Carr Nir Tonkin Mr Davies Mr Tray It seems that if these children want long-term Mr Evans Mrs Watkins M r H ughes Mr Wilson accommodation at present they are faced with Mr Jam ieson Mir Burkett one alternative, and that is to go into an insti- tutional situation. Obviously, the parents of the "~airs children and their families who are concerned Ayes Noes for them are not prepared to accept that situ- Mr Spriggs Mr Gordon Hill ation. They believe, as I do, that there has to be Mr Thompson Mrs Henderson a better way of dealing with handicapped child- Mr Blaikie Mr Bryce ren. I am hoping the Giovernment will recog- Mr Crane Mr Hodge nise this and provide adequate funding in the M r HassellI Mr Brian Burke Mr Trethowan Mr Tom Jones current Budget. Mr Bradshawv Mr Grill I said earlier that the problem does not relate Amendment thus negatived. to the electorate of Mt Lawley alone; but I would like to highlight a particular case that Debate (on in aotion) Resumed has been brought to my attention in recent weeks. I have had discussions with other MR CASU (MIt Lawley) [9.26 p.m.]: In my parents and interested community groups both contribution to the Address-in-Reply I would in the northern suburbs and south of the river. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985] 1939

The particular case that I would like to draw would be no-one left to care for their intellectu- to the attention of the House involves a ally handicapped children. That may sound ex- middle-aged couple who have three children, treme, but I assure members that I have one of whom, regrettably, is severely intellectu- documented evidence to show that this is the ally handicapped. For 10 years now the family case. This lady is not alone in her problem-! has cared as best it can, and very lovingly, for know of other families in the northern suburbs their child. The child has lived at home and has who face the same situation. on occasions had the opportunity of staying i n I understand that in recent weeks a number a particular care centre. As the child of people have written to the Minister for approaches the age of 12 years the parents are Health impressing on him the very important faced with a very difficult situation, because at need to look into this matter. I have a folio of age 12 the young daughter will have to leave letters which have been sent to the Minister for the care of the centre that attends to her now Health and other members of Parliament. If I and will be placed, as it were, on the open may,!I will quote from some of them. market. In fact this young 12-year-old, as she will be in two years' time, will have nowhere to One is from a very concerned lady from the go, unless, of course, her parents are prepared Dianella area. In part it reads- to accept long-term institutional accommo- I have been informed that no new ac- dation. They are obviously not impressed by commodation is being built for at least that situation developing and they have ap- three years. There is a desperate need for proached me, and members opposite, to put more hostels in the metropolitan area. their case in the hope that the Government will The lady goes on to urge the Government to recognise that in recent years insufficient look into this matter. funding has been made available for this special area. The parents hope that the Govern- Another letter comes from a lady who, while ment will see the light and respect their wishes, not being the mother of a severely intellectually and the wishes of other parents, and increase handicapped child, obviously knows the funding to allow additional accommodation to parents of such a child. She expresses in a one- be made. page letter to the Minister that she believes the situation in Perth is becoming critical, as she The case history I have before me indicates also understands there are no plans currently that the mother recently had to go to hospital. on hand for additional hostel accommodation. She was so physically debilitated, so emoti on- Mr Davies: Do you have any evidence as to ally strained and stressed, that the whole mat- whether the incidence of intellectually handi- ter nearly overcame her. She was ordered to go capped children is increasing? to hospital but she had to tell her doctor that as there was no Government institution available Mr CASH: I cannot answer the Minister's to take care of her 10-year-old daughter, she, question. I do not know if the incidence is the mother, would have to refuse to go to hos- rising, but the need for parents to have some pital and keep going as best as she could. The sort of respite care appears to be increasing. doctor put it to her that if she did not attend There is also trauma involved when parents are the hospital, there was a possibility that she advised there is not going to be any new accom- would become severely ill; and obviously in the modation. That seems to cause a fairly dra- longer term if she was not prepared to accept matic reaction from the community. medical help and advice she may in fact die. To Mr Davies: It is a very grave problem. I have that the mother replied that if she died then she the greatest sympathy for those families. I had knew someone would take over the care of her it when I was Minister for Health 15 years ago, daughter. It had been made patently clear to but it is a question of priorities. her that, because of the lack of suitable accom- Mr CASH: I appreciate that it is a matter of modation, that was the only way in which the priorities, and I also accept that being severely various organisations that are able to assist intellectually handicapped is not a glamour would assist her, due to the numbers on their situation-it is not like having a heart-lung op- waiting lists at present. eration or a kidney transplant. But I hope I think the House would agree that is a fright- members will agree that it is a real problem. ening experience for any parents to face, to be Mr Davies: The member for Mt Lawley told that they are in need of medical help and might recall that I took over Tresillian for those to have to say to their medical practitioner that people, and he might remember what happened they are unable to go to hospital because there about that. 194 194ASSEMBLY]

Mr CASH: I remember very clearly, and I pital because, physically and mentally, she had would hope that attitpides have changed and had it. She was forced to say to that medical that it is now more acceptable for these practitioner that she could not go to hospital severely intellectually handicapped people to because no-one was going to keep her 10-year- be housed in a residential environment rather old daughter. It is tragic that this could occur than an institutional environment, as has been today. the case in the past. I have also suggested that it is not a glamour Mr Wilson: Does the member realise that the situation to be intellectually impaired. But Government has greatly increased payments to these people are still human and we are obliged the Slow Learning Children's Group since it to show them the compassion that we would came to office? show to other members of our society. Mr CASH: I am not here to criticise the Before those other comments were made I Government. The people who have approached was drawing from a folio of letters I have. This me about this matter have made it clear that is another letter from concerned grandparents they are most grateful for the co-operation and writing in very convincing terms about the help they have received from the Division of need for more permanent accommodation to Intellectually Handicapped in West Penth. be made available for short stays and emerg- They are grateful to the Slow Learning Child- encies. The children of these grandparents are ren's Group for the help that body has been very concerned because both their son and able to offer, and they are grateful to the their daughter-in-law are going through a very Government and the Opposition for the help trying experience and obviously it is brushing that has so far been offered to combat this off on the whole family. The grandparents are problem. Whether or not funds have been see-king assistance from the Government. increased in recent years is a matter of record. In another letter-and again I quote from it What is also a matter of record is that insuf- only briefly-can be found a call for more hos- ficient funds are being made available. The tel accommodation in the northern suburbs. Minister for the Arts has made the proper ob- These people talk about the need for more hos- servation that it is a matter of priorities. My tel beds both for adults and for children job tonight is to try to impress on the House throughout the whole metropolitan area. that when it comes to determine its priorities, The reason I seek to take just brief comments it should see the intellectually handicapped from each letter is to show the concern child as a high priority and therefore be pre- presently existing in the community because of pared to allocate sufficient funding to cope this problem. Another letter from grandparents with the problem. reads, in part, as follows- Mr Bertram: You can rest assured that this Our little granddaughter is a handi- cause already has the active support of the capped person and we understand the backbenchers in the Government. enormous strain on her parents. Mr CASH: I am grateful to the member for That is another call for help. Balcatta if he is making representations to other Government members about this matter. Although the Minister for Health is not with I will make a point of writing to the relevant us tonight, I am in fact asking him to make a Minister to express my hope that increased public statement as to whether additional ac- funds are made available. I made the point commodation for handicapped people is to be before that I am not here to criticise what is built in the next three years. It is very obvious going on. I am aware that Government that the parents of severely intellectually handi- backbenchers are also making certain represen- capped children are currently of the tations. Those people from the northern corri- opinion-perhaps because of advice from an dor have my support in their efforts to encour- officer of a particular Government depart- age the Minister to provide additional funds. ment-that additional accommodation is not The point I wish to make is that it is a very big to be built. If that is true, the Minister must problem. come out publicly and say so in order that the whole matter is cleared up. If it is not true, it is It is a problem which will not go away and important that these parents and other people which we must address now. We are talking in the community who are close to this prob- about a problem situation where, as I suggested lem are able to recognise that perhaps some before, we have a lady who went to a medical help is around the corner. I call on the Minister practitioner and was told she should go to hos- to make a public statement in this regard. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985J 1959

I have already said that the parents of the City of Stirling incorporates the amend- severely handicapped children are most grate- ment", that amendment being the ALP's ful for the assistance offered to them to date; Chinese restaurant on Warneroc Road. however, what I am saying now is that I do not As a result of that answer the City of Stirling believe we are doing enough for this group realised that a huge number of people in the within the community. City of Stirling were being disadvantaged by the Minister's action, so in order to try to assist I call on the Government to act positively in some of those people it was agreed by the coun- providing additional funds to build more hostel cil that it would submit to the Minister amend- accommodation for these handicapped chil- ments under the current district planning dren and adults. It is an urgent priority, one we scheme No. 1. ought to be recognising. I assure members it is a problem which will not go away. I will leave Now that the Minister for Planning has the problem of the severely handicapped chil- agreed not to proceed with his Chinese res- dren on the clear understanding that Govern- taurant amendment, the City of Stirling will ment members are at present lobbying the obviously not need to continue with its Government on this matter. In a few weeks' amendments under its district planning scheme time I will look forward to seeing in the Budget No. 1. So the answer to the question of why the to be brought down just how the severely intel- documents are not yet with the Minister is that lectually handicapped children have fared with some slight alterations have to be made to the additional funds for this all-important accom- district planning scheme No. 2 before it can be modation. ready for his signature. The Minister for Plan- ning is well aware of that, and if he claims any As this is the Address-in-Reply debate I am other thing, he deceives the House. given the opportunity to move to another Sub- Mr Pearce: I do not claim any other thing. ject which has been concerning me for some time. I had not intended to bring the issue of Mr CASH: Perhaps the Minister is confused the ALP's Chinese restaurant to light again, but on this issue, because he will recall that the I am very concerned at the comments the Min- reason the City of Stirling was not prepared to ister for Planning has made if he has been cor- incorporate the Chinese restaurant amendment rectly reported in the latest edition of the as he had demanded was that the council had a GuardianExpress. The Minister seems to think Queen's Counsel's opinion which was it is either smart, good value or good business supported by another Queen's Counsel's to continue to impugn the City of Stirling for opinion, a copy of which the Minister refused its actions in respect of the rezoning of the land to give to the council but the contents of which on Wanneroo, Road owned by the Labor Party. certain members of council have since been notified. Both opinions ran along the same This is the first time I have had the oppor- lines. The point I make is that the City of tunity to speak in this House on the subject of Stirling was never prepared to agree to a the Chinese restaurant. I have made a point of Chinese restaurant, because it was acting on not raising the issue prior to tonight because I legal opinion. wanted the Minister to have committed him- That legal opinion in fact suggested that the self to agree that the City of Stirling's district Minister had abused his statutory power in planning scheme No. 2 would proceed without demanding that the City of Stirling incorporate the amendment involved. That has now something which was totally illegal and regret- happened, and although the Minister has not as table, as has been said. The Minister probably yet signed that planning scheme my under- is not aware of certain documentation which standing is that he has agreed to sign it in a few has been given to mue, interestingly, by Labor days. supporters because as Labor supporters, these people were totally dismayed at the way the Mr Pearce: Because it has not been current Minister for Planning had acted in this forwarded to me. debacle over the last nine months. Mr CASH: Perhaps the House should know As I checked through the papers I came that the reason the plan has not been forwarded across an interesting statement that, "The State to him is that some time ago when I asked a Housing Commission has arced to sell two question in this place along the lines of, "When adjoining residential blocks at the corner of did the Minister expect to sign the district plan- Wanneroo Road and Ravenswood Drive to the ning schemne No. 2?" he replied, "As soon as Australian Labor Party for less than $25 000.- 196 196[ASSEMBLY]

The papers that have been given to Me are in I would like to raise another point about the fact a sales blurb to members of the party and Chinese restaurant, and it refers to a copy of other interested people to contribute to the the Australian Labor Party Balcatta branch funding of the building that now stands on that minutes. site. One of the incentives that was given for The member for Balcatta may in fact be people to contribute money was a statement interested in this matter. In fact, a desperate which tends to belie everything that has been plea was made to party members to get out, to said on this issue by certain people on the write to the town clerk, and to make sure that Government side of the House who claim that party members in fact supported the Chinese they thought they always intended the place to restaurant because, as it is stated here, "Your be a commercial property. Back as far as 1981 a help in this matter is essential as the failure to statement was made that the Labor Party be- operate the restaurant will seriously affect the lieved that as commercial land the property operation of the building which is owned by would be worth between $90 000 and you, the members of the Australian Labor $140 000. In other words, "You pay $25 000 Party in the Stirling area." Again we have a and if you give us all our contributions it in fact situation where the Minister's own party mem- will be worth, when we get it zoned commer- bers lobbied within their particular groups to cial, between $90 000 and $125 000." That try to put pressure on the local authority of the statement tends to cut right across the original City of Stirling to not recognise the wishes of conditions that were imposed on the sale of the ratepayers in the general community which that land because, as members will remember, totally disapproved of this restaurant. one of the conditions was that the successful My time is nearly up, but I assure members tenderer would not apply for a rezoning of the that the City of Stirl ing-Australian Labor Party land and, secondly, that the land not be restaurant saga is not over. It is not over in my disposed of within a reasonable time. mind, and it is certainly not over in the minds of the people who live very close to this res- So members can go right back to 15 May taurant. They will remember it for a very long 1981 when the current Premier wrote to the time and, I believe, with very good reason. City of Stirling saying that he wanted to estab- The Australian Labor Party restaurant could lish a non-residential club and at the same never be supported because it was illegal. The time, certain people within the party structure actions of the Minister for Planning were an wrote to others saying, "When we get this land abuse of his statutory power. I want it placed zoned commercial it won't be worth only the on record that that is the situation. $25 000 we are paying, it will be worth some- where between $90 000 and $140000." 1 MR PEARCE (Armadale-Minister for suggest to members that that represents absol- Planning) [ 9.57 p.mn.]: It is not normally the ute deception and that that particular deal In practice for Ministers to participate in the Ad- respect to the Chinese restaurant was deception dress-in-Reply debate but I cannot let the com- from day one. ments of the member for Mt. Lawley on the question of the Chinese restaurant go unchal- At that time I was a member of the City of lenged. Stirling- I still am-and I was a member of it Mr Rushton: If you can justify this sham you at all times when this matter came before the will be a lot better than you are. council and I assure you, Mr Speaker, that the Mr PEARCE: Obviously I am going to be a City of Stirling acted with absolute Propriety in lot better than I am. There is a very simple every step it took in respect of this planning explanation and I want to set the record application. It has been suggested that the City straight on this issue. The truth of the matter in Of Stirling took its advice from others. That some way lies in the last few words spoken by suggestion is totally untrue and there is no the member for Mt Lawley. That is what needs question that the majority of the members of to be clearly explained by him or one of his the City of Stirling will agree that that is the Liberal colleagues on the Stirling City Council. case. As you would know, Mr Speaker, a num- tf it is the case that the order that [ made to ber of Labor supporters from outside the City the City of Stirling in regard to this district of Stirling are financial contributors to this planning scheme No. 2 was illegal and invalid building and I doubt very much whether the why was the first action of the Stirling City Minister for Planning would want to suggest Council once the ALP withdrew its application that they were taking instructions from anyone for the rezoning to write to me to ask for a but him. withdrawal of that order so that it could then [Wednesday, 21 August 19851 1979 send the documentation forward? If the order that conversation in this House and the mem- was legal there would be no need for me to ber for Mt Lawley told me that if I would ga- withdraw it. zette the scheme, illegal though it was, the City Mr Cash: The reason the City of Stirling of Stirling would bring no legal challenge to my wrote to you was because it did not trust you- acting in that way. Let the member deny that. Several members interjected. Mr PEARCE: That is the matter I particu- Point of Order larly wish to raise with the House because I saw Mr CASH: I have been totally mis- that the Liberal Party Mayor of Stirling (Mr represented. What the Minister said is not ac- Tyzack) was quoted as saying the council was curate at all. fearful that if it forwarded the information to The SPEAKER: I appreciate the member's me I would simply gazette it with that amend- position. There is no point of order in what the ment in it. As Minister I have no power to member is saying, but if he feels that he has gazette town planning schemes with amend- been misrepresented Standing Orders provide ments I have incorporated myself So there was an opportunity for him to raise the matter at never any possibility of the Stirling City Coun- another time. cil forwarding its documentation to me, and my changing it in any way, and then gazetting Debate (on motion) Resumed it, without the signature of the City of Stirling on it. Mr PEARCE: That is the truth. I say to members opposite there is considerable Mr Cash: It is really a technical hitch because substantiation in this Parliament for that dis- if you could have done it- cussion because I reported the substance of the Several members interjected. discussion to Cabinet on the following Mr PEARCE: The reason that Mayor Tyzack Monday. I reported on this issue that that was would have known perfectly well that I did not the position taken by the member for Mt have that power was that I had a discussion in Lawley, but I felt there were two aspects: this House with the member for Mt Lawley Firstly, that I could not act in an illegal way over my power in that area. I will explain to the even if the illegality were not to be challenged House the details of that discussion because at in a way that meant the whole business would an early point in this whole fiasco I had a meet- go ahead. There were two reasons. The first ing in the corridors of this House with the and most obvious is that as a Minister of the member for Mt Lawley because I wanted to Crown I am sworn not to act illegally. That make clear to him that what seemed to me to means a great deal to me. Secondly, if I be the situation, that is to say, that the City of attempted to override that principle someone Stirling was setting up its own party political could challenge the whole scheme at any stage position in an attempt to embarrass the in the next five, 10, 15 Or 20 years on the basis Government, but it seemed at the same time to of the illegality of that action. Irrespective of believe that the way through it was that I was to the assurance given to me by the member for gazette the scheme. Many of the comments that Mt Lawley acting, he told me, on behalf of the came from the City of Stirling led one to that Liberal majority on the council, I was not pre- conclusion; that is to say, the City of Stirling pared to act in that illegal way. If any member thought it could make its stand but that I would were to go back Over the utterances made by gazette the scheme with amendments anyway. I the City of Stirling he would see quite clearly drew the member for Mt Lawley aside in this that that was the way the council sought to see House to tell him that I did not have that the matter resolved. I was not prepared to be power and I therefore would not be able to involved in that. exercise it and I explained to him in great detail Mr Laurance: You tried to stand over it. You the opinions of the Crown Law Department tried to get this dirty deal up and you failed. which led me to that conclusion. You had to back off. I was trying to say to him that if the City of Mr PEARCE: In fact the reverse is true be- Stirling believed the way out of the dilemma cause the particular set of discussions I had was for me to gazette the scheme and get us with the member for Mt Lawley was one way- both off the hook it did not understand that I did not have the power. I asked him to transfer Mr Hurkett interjected. that message to Mayor Tyzack and the Liberal The SPEAKER: Order! The member for members of the council. We met a day after Scarborough will remain silent. 198 198[ASSEMBLY]

Mr PEARCE: That was one set of dis- I made two efforts to resolve the matter be- cussions I had in an effort to resolve a confron- hind the scenes. I had no response from the tation in which I was very sorry to be involved, Mayor of the City of Stirling and the member and I would have liked the matter to be for Mt Lawley, who is also a Stirling City coun- resolved without confrontation. I made a sec- cillor suggested to me that I should follow an and effort behind the scenes to resolve the mat- illegal course of action to resolve the issue in ter which I reported to the House six or eight favour of the ALP. He guaranteed the City of weeks ago. Stirling would not take any legal action to upset that. Mr Burkett interjected. Mr Court: I hope your second small business The SPEAKER: Order! For the second time I venture is more successful than the first. ask the member for Scarborough to remain silent. Mr PEARCE: I thought the member for Nedlands was a supporter of small business. Mr PEARCE: I made a second effort to resolve this business when six or eight weeks I am pointing out the kind of duplicity in ago I launched a review of the corridor plan for which the member for Mt Lawley has involved the metropolitan region scheme to which were himself. I cannot say I am very surprised be- invited the heads of all local government cause the only reason an order was issued on authorities in the Perth metropolitan area. the scheme in the first place was that when it They included Mr Tyzack the Liberal Mayor of came to boiling point before I was appointed the City of Stirling. I took him aside at the Minister for Planning my predecessor (Hon. morning tea which accompanied the launch Peter Dowding) met members of the City of and told him this whole matter had reached a Stirling to resolve the issue. No doubt in the ridiculous stage. same tempting tones as the member for Mt Lawley they said that the way through was to Mr Laurance: You made it ridiculous. require an amendment of the scheme by the council. I never first required an amendment of Mr Court: We don't want to know about the the scheme. It was first required by my morning tea meetings; we want to know about predecessor, Mr Dowding, after discussions the closet meetings.. with the Mayor and members of the City of Mr PEARCE: Are not members opposite re- Stirling who suggested to him that that was the luctant to hear about all this! way they would go, and that the City of Stirling would not oppose such a requirement being I said to Mr Tyzack that obviously the made on their scheme. In those circumstances Government could take the City of Stirling to Hon. Peter Dowding issued that requirement. court, and all our advice was that we would win. I thought that was an unfortunate situ- In fact the town planning committee of the ation for both sides, and I made him an offer. I City of Stirting acting in accordance with the said that instead of going through the business agreement made with Hon. Peter Dowding of a Supreme Court action which would be then voted to recommend to the full council costly to the Government and the ratepayers of meeting that that should be done. The member the City of Stirling I would be prepared to for Mt Lawley was involved in the discussions abide by the decision of a single, mutually about that agreement and initially voted in sup- agreed arbitrator on the issue. I was prepared port of it. to see the whole business go to arbitration. Mr Cash: I was not a member of the planning committee. Get your facts right! Mr Tyzack was not particularly interested in that at the time I put it to him, but rather than Mr PEARCE: The member for Mt Lawley ask him to say "Yes" or "no"~ on the spot, I said was involved in the discussions. if he was interested in that solution to the prob- Mr Court: What about the neighbours who lem I would give an undertaking that the went to their local councillors to get them to do Government would abide by the decision of a mutually something about the matter and they found agreed arbitrator on the issue. If he they were ALP councillors, and the residents thought the City of Stirling might prefer that course to a court action I would be only too were told to go home? pleased to hear from him. I never heard from Mr PEARCE: A significant number of the him again, and I have not spoken to him to this people who signed the petition did not live day. within 10 miles of the restaurant. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985) 1999

The point I am making is that there was an Mr Court: This is a character assassination of agreement-admittedly an informal agree- the Mayor of the City of Stirling. He is entitled ment-between my predecessor and the City of to more respect than you are giving him at the Stirling about the way the issue was to be moment. It is all right for you to assassinate his resolved. The City of Stirling reneged on the character. agreement because of pressure brought by the Mr PEARCE: Perhaps the member for parliamentary Liberal Party. Nedlands, who knows something about Press deadlines, can explain to me how the substance I was only new in the job. The truth of the of the letter that the City of Stirling sent to me matter is that I had no idea that the restaurant found its way to the Leader of the Opposition proposal was to be considered by the City of in time for him to get his political notes written Stirling on a particular evening, and the first I for The West Australian before I had received knew of that was when I read in the paper 12 the letter from the City of Stirling. hours before the meeting a comment by the Leader of the Opposition that the proposal was Mr Court: This issue was running for many to be rejected by the City of Stirling. months. You people wanted to completely ig- nore it. We had to bring the matter to the atten- tion of the public. The Premier did not answer That happened 12 hours before they even questions relating to the issue the first time it met. In The West Australian on the morning of was raised in this House because he was ill. the meeting the Leader of the Opposition was able to say that the Stirling City Council would Mr PEARCE: That is not the question. The reject this proposal. question I am asking is how the Leader of the Opposition received a copy of the letter before Mr MacKinnon: He said that he expected it I received it. The letter was not posted to me; it to be rejected. was sent to me by courier delivery and was received in my office on the same day it was Mr PEARCE: He said that it would be sent. However, it still managed to get to the rejected. He said that in the context of a Leader of the Opposition in time for his Press recommendation from the City of Stirling's secretary to get it into the political notes before town planning committee that the rezoning the deadline. Did Labor councillors send the should take place. Despite the fact that there copy to the Leader of the Opposition? How is it would be anything other than an endorsement that the Leader of the Opposition was able to of the town planning committee's announce, 12 hours in advance, the vote of recommendations, 12 hours earlier the Leader members of the City of Stirling rejecting the of the Opposition was able to say that this mat- proposal? It is a matter of public record that ter would be rejected by the City of Stirling; the Leader of the Opposition made the an- and indeed it was. That occurred at the begin- nouncement in advance of the City of Stirling ning of the affair. At the end of it a letter was vote, If members do not recall that, it is not forwarded to me instead of the scheme docu- difficult for me to table the Press releases. ments. The member for Mt. Lawley has now I have risen to speak in the Address-in-Reply conceded that the City of Stirling's scheme this evening to put the record straight. documents were not in any state of prepared- Mr Court interjected. ness even to have them forwarded to me. In- The SPEAKER: Order! Tonight I attempted stead, the council sent me a letter. 1 read the to give the member for Nediands some protec- letter twice. The first time I read the letter was tion from the House. I invite him to extend the in the political notes of the Leader of the Oppo- same courtesy to the member who is now sition in The West Australian, I received the speaking. letter from the City of Stirling after that, and it was in almost identical words. It may be that Mr PEARCE: I think the whole matter has there is mental telepathy between Mayor been a very sorry episode for all of the parties Tyzack and the Leader of the Opposition. involved. In looking back over the whole mat- Maybe great minds think alike. ter there is no doubt in my mind that, when my predecessor, Hon. Peter Dowding, first made Mr MacKinnon: Maybe the Mayor sent the the requirement on the City of Stirling to Leader of the Opposition a copy of the letter. change the scheme, with the agreement of the City of Stirling he was being set up to try to Mr PEARCE: Maybe he did before he sent it manoeuvre the ALP into the position in which to me. it finished up. He was misled by the City of 200 200[ASSEMBLY)

Stirling in relation to what it saw as a act illegally against my oath to resolve a resolution of the issue. There is no doubt in my position on the basis that it would not be mind that he was being set up. legally challenged by the people seeking some There is no doubt in my mind also that, benefit from my illegal ruling. when the member for Mt Lawley told me that I I have kept quiet about that until today. I should have the scheme gazetted illegally, would not have raised it now except that the against the advice of the Crown Law Depart- member for Mt Lawley has sought to make ment on the understanding that it would not be further political capital from this matter. I tell challenged by the City of Stirling, he was mak- him that people in glass houses should not ing an effort to set me up in precisely the same throw stones. He has now finished up with mud way. It was a devious way to try to use the all over his face tonight. In what I saw as a way Liberal majority of the City of Stirling for the of solving this matter, I was prepared to keep political advantage of the Liberal Party in this that information confidential. However, I am State. In doing that they were prepared to hold not prepared to put up with the very mislead- up every development of the City of Stirling for ing and deceptive statements put forward in nine months, 12 months, or however long it the House by the member for Mt Lawley. He took in order to keep this matter going. will have to live with his illegal proposition to The member for Mt Lawley's saying tonight me. He will carry that reputation relating to that this matter is not over is because he and this issue forward from this day. his Liberal colleagues on the City of Stirling Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr want to keep it going for as long as they poss- Williams. ibly can, in quite the same way as they are prepared to hold up small business and big business. Every time they seek to provoke an Personal Explanation industrial confrontation at a cost to employers, MR CASH (Mt Lawley) [10.19 p.m.]-by they do so for their own political advantage leave: Mr Speaker- and to hell with people who will have to pay the price. That is precisely the attitude the member The SPEAKER: I remind the member that for Mt Lawley has taken with regard to this there are a number of constraints placed on the issue. making of personal explanations. It is not poss- ible to debate matters. The member should put I was very reluctant to withdraw the order forward the matter on which he feels he has that I gave, not because the ALP had with- been misrepresented. drawn its application and hence sought to resolve the whole situation, but because the Mr CASH: I thank you for that advice Mr City of Stirling sought to abuse the whole of the Speaker. planning processes and politicise them. I was The reason I rise is that the Minister for very reluctant indeed to get into a position Planning has suggested tonight that I told him where anybody may have thought that they had that he should sign the district planning scheme got away with it, Or that they may be tempted irrespective of the legal consequences that to try it on again, or that any other Liberal might flow from that action. Party-controlled council might try a similar thing whenever it took a set against a particular I advise the House that at all times in this developer. Any developer who found himself in distasteful episode I have acted in the know- the same position vis-a-vis the City of Stirling ledge of advice from a Queen's Counsel on this could have sought the same protection from me matter. If I may, I would like to read to the as was sought by the ALP on this occasion. Any House two clauses from the advice I received Liberal Party person who was interested in de- from a Queen's Counsel concerning the actions vclopments around the place, would receive the of the Minister for Planning. They read as fol- same protection from me if they were treated lows- so unfairly by the Council of the City of my opinion that the Minister's or- Stirling. I acted honestly, legally, and It is honourably in this whole matter. I have stuck der by his letter of 25 February 1985 is ineffective in law and is not- by the oath that I swore when I became a Min- ister in this Government. In my relatively short The SPEAKER: Perhaps the member for Mt time in politics I have never had any more Lawley's colleagues should have advised him dishonourable proposition put to me than that that it would have been better to have made his put to me by the member for Mt Lawley that I personal explanation tomorrow because one of [Wednesday, 21 August 1985] 201

the problems with which he is confronted is I make it clear to the House that the claim that he is not permitted to introduce any new and accusation by the Minister for Planning is matter into his personal explanation. totally untrue and unfounded and that at all Mr CASK: When I spoke earlier this evening times I have acted properly and within the ad- I did mention the opinion I received from a vice tendered by a Queen's Counsel. Queen's Counsel. House adjourned at 10. 2! p.m. 202 202ASSEMBLY]

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE Government agencies in order to re- duce their impact, so that major tour- ist and other commercial develop- ments in the north of the State can TRADE: EXIM CORPORATION proceed? Mr Keith Gale: Title Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: 9. Mr OLD, to the Premier: All State taxes and charges are con- What is Mr Gale's official title in Exim? stantly under review. Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: EDUCATION: STUDENT TRAVEL Mr Gale has no official position SUBSIDY SCHEME within Exim. He is a consultant to the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Increase 37. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for Education: 21. Postponed. Does the Government intend to in- crease the Student Travel Subsidy GOVERNMENT INFORMATION CENTRE Scheme to allow remote area students to travel to and from school four times Abolition a year when the four-term school year 25. Mr MENSAROS, to the Premier: commences in 1986? Has the Government Information Mr PEARCE replied: Centre at the basement of 32 St Yes. George's Terrace been abolished or have only some of its functions-such as accepting the State Energy Com- 48 to 50, 65 and 66. Postponed. mission and Water Authority ac- counts-been curtailed? Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: HOUSING: HOME PURCHASE SCHEME Advances The Government Information Centre is still located on the round floor of 67. Mr HASSELL, to the Premier: 32 St George's Terrace and continues (1) Of the $69 335 000 made available in to carry out all its functions. The In- 1984-85 for the Home Purchase formation Centre has never performed Scheme and the advances to home the duties of accepting payments for builders account to be administered through the State Housing Com- SEC and Water Authority accounts. The Treasury cashiers, when located mission, what amount was actually adjacent to the Government infor- provided in the form of loans or ad- mat ion Centre accepted payments of vances to assist in home purchases? Water Authority accounts and State (2) How many loans or advances were Housing Commission rents. This made in 1984-85 from this budgetary function continues to be carried out allocation? by the Treasury at its new location at (3) Of the $104 084 000 General Loan 197 St George's Terrace, Perth. All Fund allocation for housing in 1984- SEC charges are paid direct by con- 85, how much was expended- sumers to the Commission or through various banks. (a) as at 31 March 1985; (b) as at 3OJune 198 5? Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: GOVERNMENT INSTRUMENTALITIES Headworks Charges: Review (1) to (3) As the question relates to mat- ters concerning the administration of 33. Mir LAURANCE, to the Premier: the State Mousing Commission, the Does the State Government have any member's question would be more plans to review the scale of headworks appropriately directed if asked of the charges being levied by various Minister for Housing. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985])0 203

STATE FINANCE PLANNING Balances Stirling City Council: District Planning Scheme No. 2 68. Mr HASSELL, to the Treasurer: 79. Mr CLARKO, to the Minister for (1) What was the total amount of public Planning: moneys, excluding superannuation, (a) With the withdrawal of the appli- pensions and other assurance funds as cation by the Australian Labor Party at 30 June 1985? seeking approval for a Chinese res- taumant in its Nollamnara office, are (2) What was the unexpended balance of there any remaining obstacles to his the General Loan Fund as at 30 June authorising the City of Stirling's dis- 1985? trict planning scheme no. 2, forthwith; Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: (b) if "Yes", would he state them; (c) if' "No", would he agree to sign the (I)$653 185 444. document as a matter of urgency, (2) $3 301 495. since the delay may be causing serious hardship? Mr PEARCE replied: 69, 70 and 77. Postponed. (a) to (c) Yes, a number of modifications need to be made to the scheme as a result of public submissions. I am ad- GOVERNMENT TRIBUNALS vised that council has also requested Appointments additional modifications to reflect re- cent amendments to the existing dis- 78. Mr CLARKO, to the Minister for trict scheme and the metropolitan re- Planning: gion scheme. (1) What system, if any, does he use to reappoint or replace personnel to the PORTS AND HARBOURS various tribunals and statutory bodies Dredging: Kalbarri for which he is responsible? 80. Mr TUBBY, to the Minister for (2) Has the system been reappraised since Transport: the recent incident involving the (1) Has he been approached by the Raj neeshees' school at Pemberton? Kalbarri Professional Fishermen's As- (3) What faults were revealed that sociation for assistance to overcome accounted for his failure to reappoint the problem of the silting of the Mr David Malcolm and another mem- Murchison River mouth? ber of the Town Planning Appeal Tri- (2) Is he aware that the dredging carried bunal? out last year was of limited success? Mr PEARCE replied: (3) Has any research been cardied out on tidal action and flow pattern at the (1) The appointment or reappointment of mouth of the river; if so, what were members of statutory bodies under my the results? control is, like other statutory bodies, (4) Is he also aware that fishing boats are mainly governed by the legislation being forced to anchor in the open sea under which they are established. which has resulted in the loss of three (2) Yes-see (3) licensed boats recently? (5) Because of the value of the fishing in- (3) Without seeking to allocate blame to dustry in Kalbarni of approximately anyone, it appears that since the Tri- $7 million plus tourism, what action bunal commenced operating in 1979 does the Government propose to take there has been no formal procedure to to assist to overcome this problem? monitor the appointment of members. Naturally more appropriate arrange- Mr GRILL replied: ments are now being investigated. (1) Yes. 204 204ASSEMBLY] (2) Yes. tween 0.03 and 0.84 milligrams per (3) No. litre and manganese between 0.02 and 0.26 milligrams per litre. (4) 1 am aware that fishing boats anchor in an exposed anchorage when they (4) The potential yield has not been deter- cannot enter river mouth owing to sea mined. and weather conditions or size of the vessel. Casualty reports received by the De- WILD LIFE: FLORA partmnent of Marine and H-arbours "Acacia guinettil ": ProtectionNotices show three vessels went aground off Kalbarri in the last three years. 82. Mr TUBBY, to the Minister for Conservation and Land Management: Two vessels dragged moorings while (1) Referring to the colony unattended, one vessel grounded of rare flora be- called Acacia guineaii on the Hemnsley fore anchoring while still manned. In- vestigations have indicated that poor property at "Gkenfaeld" Geraldton, how many notices have been seamanship contributed to two of served for Acacia guinettii since the legis- these accidents. lation of protection came into exist- (5) 1 appreciate the predicament facing ence? the Kalbarri fishermen-there are no (2) Exactly where are the locations for short term solutions to the problem. I which these notices were served? have instructed the Department of Marine and Harbours to investigate (3) H-ow many notices have been served the matter and to determine what can for Acacia guinettii colonies since be done to alleviate the problem prior 1981? to the opening of the fishing season. (4) Exactly where are these locations for which notices have been served? WATER RESOURCES (5) How many compensation cases have been settled for Acacia guineiii since Northampton: Improvement the legislation for protection came 81. Mr TUBBY, to the Minister for water into existence? Resources: (6) As compensation agreement was (1) Is it a fact that there is an urgent need reached with the Hemnsleys in 1983, to improve water quality in the town why is it still not settled two years supply at Northampton? later? (2) Has the Water Authority completed (7) Is he aware that the terms of agree- exploratory drilling to the west of the ment reached in 1983 are no longer town? acceptable in 1985? (3) If "Yes", what is the water quality (8) Has the Minister been requested to re- analysis? move Acacia guinenii from the rare flora list? (4) What was the evaluation of the potential yield? (9) (a) Is he prepared to remove Acacia guinettji from the rare flora list; Mr TONKIN replied: (b) if not, why not? (1) No, but because of occasional com- (10)lIs he prepared to re-negotiate with the plaints it is considered desirable to Hemnsleys, and settle compensation improve the water quality. within a set period of time? (2) The Water Authority has carried out Mr DAVIES replied: preliminary exploratory drilling at seven sites designed to indicate poss- (1) Five. ible locations for pumping bores, but (2) As a matter of policy, precise locations evaluation of these sites is not yet of rare flora are only disclosed to the complete. owner of the property on which it oc- (3) The salinity varied between 500 and curs. This policy exists to protect the 1 140 milligrams per litre total rare flora involved. dissolved salts with dissolved iron be- (3) Five. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]20 205

(4) Refer to (2). (2) How many officers are currently located at this police station? (5) None. The only dispute which has arisen has been the Hemnsley case. (3) What suburban areas does it service? (6) While the terms of settlement were Mr CARR replied: agreed to in September 1983, those terms necessitated further nego- (1) 25iSeptember 196 1. tiations with the relevant Shire Coun- (2) Eight. cil and involved complicated land transactions. I understand that a series (3) Coolbellup, Hilton Park, Kardinya, of unfortunate events has contributed O'Connor, Sampson, Willagee. to the delay in finalising the land transfers. POLICE STATION (7) Not in those terms. Canningion (8) Mrs Hemnsley has written to the 85. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for Premier and me, raising this possi- Police and Emergency Services: bility. (1) When was the Cannington police (9) 1 have not made a final decision on station established? this question. (2) How many officers are currently (10) No. Processing of the agreed land located at this police station? transfers is at an advanced stage and will be finalised.in the very near fux- (3) What suburban areas does it service? tu re. Mr CARR replied: POLICE STATIONS (1) 18 December 1961. Metropolitan (2) Eighteen. 83. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for (3) Beckenham, Cannington, Canning Police and Emergency Services: Vale, East Cannington, Ferndale, Kenwick, Langford, Lynwood, Queens (1) How many new metropolitan police Park, Thomnlie, Wattle Grove, Wilson. stations have been established within the last 10 years? POLICE STATION (2) Where are these police stations located? B rentwood (3) On what dates were each of these 86. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for police stations established? Police and Emergency Services: Mr CARR replied: (1) When was the Brentwood police station established? (1) One. (2) How many officers are currently (2) Warwick. located at this police station? (3) What suburban areas does it service? (3) 4 July 1979. Mr CARR replied: POLICE STATION (1) 18SNovember 1965. Hilton (2) Sixteen. 84. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for (3) Applecross, Ardross, Bateman, Police and Emergency Services: Booragoon, Brentwood, Bull Creek, Leeming, Mount Pleasant, Myaree, (1) When was the Hilton police station Riverton, Rossmoyne, Shelley, established? Willetton, Winthrop. 206 206[ASSEMBLY]

ROTTNEST ISLAND: MOORINGS TRANSPORT: METROPOLITAN FremantleBoat Liftlers TRANSPORT TRUST 87. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for Perth Terminal Committee: Meeting Transport: 89. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for (1) Have Fremantle Boat Lifters,- been Transport: given approval to provide moorings at (1) When did the Metropolitan Transport Rotinest Island for boats which are Trust Perth Terminal Committee last visiting for the America's Cup? meet? (2) If so, when was the approvai given? (2) Who are the current members of that committee? (3) How many moorings were approved? (3) When is it expected that the com- (4) On what basis was the approval given? mittee will complete its report and (5) Were any other groups invited to recommendations to Government? provide a similar service? (4) When was the committee initially (6) If so, which group? appointed? (7) What will be the location of the (5) When did the committee first meet? moorings? Mr GRILL replied: Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: (1) As I pointed out in my replies to simi- lar questions 201 and 1 000, which (1) No. were asked by the member in previous (2) to (7) Not applicable. sessions the committee has no con nec- tion with the Mfl. The committee, known as the City Bus Terminal Com- mittee is charged with examining the COCKBURN SOUND: MOORINGS feasibility of establishing a city bus FremantleBoat Lifters terminal to cater for tour coaches and long distance express coaches. 88. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for Transport: The committee last met on 17 July (1) Who gave approval to Fremantle Boat 1985, and the next meeting is sched- Lifters for their project to provide uled for 17 September. moorings for more than 120 yachts in (2) Members of the committee are- sheltered water in Cockburn Sound? Mr R. J. Eilis-Commissioncr of (2) When was this approval given? Transport (Chairman) (3) Were any other groups considered Mr T. McVeigh-WA Tourism Com- when making this decision? mission Mr M. Papadoulis-Licensed Coach (4) If so, who where they? Operators Division of the WA Road Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: Transport Association Mrs M. Readhead-representling (1) A study was conducted by Marine and small tour coach operators Harbours and the Fremantle Port Authority to examine the best location Mr D. Meadoweroft--epresenting for moorings in Cockburn Sound. The small tour coach operators problem arose because of the lack of Mr A. Chishoim-representing long facilities for large pleasure boats distance express coach operators expected during the America's Cup. Mr G. Ettridge-representing long (2) Approval in principal was given on 30 distance express coach operators. April 1985. (3) An interim report of the committee's (3) To my knowledge activities and deliberations was no other groups presented to Government in April expressed any interest in the project. 1985. No date has been set for a final (4) Not applicable. report to be presented. (Wednesday, 21 August 1985]10 207

(4) The committee was established by Identify opportunities for West- Cabinet in June 1983, and member- ern Australian manufacturers to ship appointments were finalised in supply equipment and services to late August 1983. the communication industry. (5) 18 October 1983. COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mr B. Harper PLANNING: CANAL DEVELOPMENT Executive Director Dawesyille: Property Purchase Department of Computing and Infor- 90. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for mation Technology Lands and Surveys: Mr W. Harding Senior Policy Officer Has the Government yet purchased Office of Communications any properties which are in the area Department of Computing and Infor- proposed for the Dawesville Cut? mation Technology Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: Dr W.J. Cox Yes. Four two hectare properties have Department of Regional Development been purchased. and the North West Dr B. O'Brien 12 Caithness Road COMMUNICATIONS: ADVISORY FLOREAT PARK W.A. 6014 COMMITTEE Mr L. Adis Members Chief Manager (marketing) 91. Mr MacK.INNON, to the Minister for Telecom Australia Communication: 80 Stirling Street PERTH W.A. 6000 (1) Who are the current members of the Government's Communications Ad- Mr R. Willcox visory Committee? Manager ABC Television (2) When was the committee appointed? 187-193 Adelaide Terrace (3) On what dates has the committee met PERTH W-A. 6000 since its inception? Mr R. J. McMillan (4) What is the role of the committee? Training and Development Executive Chamber Secretariat Mr BRYCE replied: Chamber of Mines of W.A. (Inc.) (1) List of current members of Communi- 2 31 Adelaide Terrace cations Advisory Committee as shown PERTH W.A. 6000 below. Ms S. Paton (2) Committee was established in July 55 Reynolds Road MT PLEASANT W.A, 6153 1984. Mr D. Aspinall (3) The committee has met on- Managing Director 5 October 1984 Swan Television and Radio Broad- 5 December 1984 casters Limited 20 August 1985. P.O. Box 99 TUART HILL W.A. 6060 (4) The role of the committee is to- Mrs J, Foulkes-Taylor Advise the Western Australian Yuin Station Government on Community re- YALGOO W.A. 6635 quirements for communication Cr R. Maslen services. President Advise State Government on sig- Country Shire Councils' Association nificant developments in the pro- of WA, vision of communication services 134 Adelaide Terrace for Western Australia. PERTH W.A. 6000 208 208ASSEMBLY]

Mr N. B. Fisher HOUSING: STATE HOUSING Royal Flying Doctor Service of COMMISSION Australia A merica's Cup D efe nce Tea ms Jandakot Airport 92. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for .JANDAKOT W.A. 6164 Housing: Mr K. Fownall (1) Has the State Housing Commission Managing Director yet made any final decision regarding Associated Surveys its involvement in developing prem- 18 Prowse Street ises for America's Cup Defence chal- WEST PERTH W.A. 6005 lenge teams on land it owns in the Mr P. Collins Fremantle area? Branch Secretary (2) If so, will he derail for me the intent of Australian Telecommunications those decisions? Employees' Association (W.A. (3) If not, when does he consider that this Branch) decision will be made? P.O. Box 8241 Mr WILSON replied: Stirling Street PERTH W.A. 6000 (1) There are no plans for the commission to develop premises specifically for Mr C. R. Rodgers America's Cup defence teams. Superintendent of Education (Audio Visual) (2) Not applicable. Education Department (3) If there is any alteration to the current stance Mr A. J. Dean it will be as a reaction to the commercial realities of project devel- Senior Education Officer opment and the commission's (Audio Visual) responsibilities to manage its finances Education Department in a manner which will ensure maxi- Mr E. G.Taylor mum benefit to the community. 74 Smyth Road NEDLANDS W.A. 6009 Mr B. Treasure Cl- 96FM HOUSING: BUILDING BLOCKS I II Wellington Street Rockingham Shire PERTH W.A. 6000 93. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for Dr W. J. Howse Housing: Secretary (1) How many completed homes and Western Australian Post Secondary vacant blocks of land are currently Education Commission owned within the Rockingham Shire P.O. Box 135 by the State Housing Commission and NEDLANDS W.A. 6009 what number of the homes are being Mr G. Troy rented? Member for Mundaring (2) How many lots of land is it estimated Parliament House that the State Housing Commission PERTH W.A. 6000 will acquire in calendar years 1985 and 1986? Dr P. Hull Technology Directorate (3) What Government departments del- 12th Floor egate to the State Housing Com- 32 St. George's Terrace mission the authority to purchase homes and land on their behalf? PERTH W.A. 6000 (4) What is the State Housing Com- Mr N. Harris mission's street by street distribution Aboriginal Advisory Council policy for rental and property pur- 17 Emerald Terrace chased throughout the Rock ingham WEST PERTH W.A. 6005. community? [Wednesday, 21 August 1985129 209

Mr WILSON replied: Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: No, not during the current session of (1) to (4) As pants of this question require Parliament- clarification and in any event the in- formation may take some time to compile, the member will be advised 96. Postponed in writing as soon as possible. GOVERNMENT ADVISER: SIR LENOX UNIONS: TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL HEWITT Migrant Workers' Information Strategies Conflict of Interest Project 97- Mr PETER JONES, to the Premier: 94. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister (1) Is there a conflict of interest with Sir representing the Minister for Industrial Lenox Hewitt being employed as a Relations: consultant/adviser to the Govern- What support, financial or otherwise, ment, when he is also the Chairman of has the Governmcnt provided to the Austmark which has received Trades and Labor Council's Migrant substantial support from the present Workers' Information Stategies Proj- Government? ect? (2) Does Sir Lenox Hewitt's recent ap- Mr PARKER replied: pointment by the New South Wales Government to become Chairman of The Government has joined with the the New South Wales Rail Authority Confederation of Western Australian give cause for any further concern re- Industry in endorsing this project. The garding his association with the West- Minister for Industrial Relations has ern Australian Government? asked Ministers concerned to request the management of their departments Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: and instrumentalities to provide as- (1) and (2) No. sistance to the Council's researchers and to participate in the project. SIR LENOX HEWITT The scheme is funded through a Com- monwealth Community Employment Appointments Programme grant. 98. Mr PETER JONES, to the Premier: Government support was detailed in (t) What positions, appointments or the Minister for Industrial Relations' responsibilities does Sir Lennox 25 July 1985 media statement which Hewitt currently hold with the was reported in The West Australian Government? on Saturday, 27 July 1985. (2) What remuneration is still being paid A copy of the media statement can be to Sir Lenox Hewitt for any supplied to the member for Murdoch responsibilities he currently has with if he requires. the Government? (3) When is the Government intending to review its association with Sir Lenox TOURISM COMMISSION ACT Hewitt? Amendment Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: 95. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister representing the Minister for Tourism: (1) See answer to question 2 738. Is the Tourism Commission Act to be (2) An annual fee of Vl0 000. amended to enable the establishment (3) The consultancy is for no specified of a special tourism fund to attract term but the engagement may be foreign investment to Western terminated by either party by one Australia? month's notice. 210 210[ASSEMBLY)

TRANSPORT: AIR ENERGY: DISTILLATE Charter Flight: Sir Lenox Hewitt Quality 99. Mr PETER JONES, to the Premier: 101. Mr PETER JONES, to the Minister for Minerals and Energy: (1) For what reason did the Government (1) Is he aware of difficulties being experi- provide an aircraft charter flight to the enced by truck and machinery oper- north-west on 25 May 1985, for Sir ators with the quality of automotive Lenox Hewitt, and the Parliamentary distillate? Secretary of the Cabinet? (2) Is it fact that some difficulty is experi- (2) What was the cost of the aircraft char- enced in vehicle starting during winter ter? months where distillate refined from imported crude oil is concerned? (3) Did other persons travel on the same charter flight? (3) Can he state what assistance or con- sideration is being given to resolving (4) If so, who were the other persons any difficulties being experienced with involved, and for what reason were fuel quality under conditions of low they invited to travel on the Govern- temperature? ment flight? Mr PARKER replied: Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: (1) to (3) 1 understand some problems (1) To promote investment opportunities were experienced by users of in Western Australia in a number of automotive distillate earlier this year areas. due to quality control problems with one batch of fuel. (2) $12750. The problem of wax formation during (3) Yes. winter months is not uncommon in (4) Sir Lenox Hewitt, O.B.E. many parts of the world and it has been usual practice to supply a blend Mr Terry Burke, M. L.A. of fuel suitable for the season. The Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabi- Kwinana Oil Refinery produces differ- net ent grades of automotive distillate on a seasonal basis for distribution in Mr Robert V. Glaser, Western Australia by the fuel market- Executive Director, ing companies. Arabian Investment Banking Corpor- at ion MINERALS: IRON ORE Mr Chris McSweeney, Marandoo: Negotiations Consultant, 102. Mr PETER JONES, to the Minister for Resources 2 Division Minerals and Energy: Department of Resources Develop- (1) When will the Government finalise negotiations for the development of ment the Marandoo deposits as part of Mr. Mr iohn Edwards, Hancock's Rumanian deal? Kimberley Regional Co-ordinator, (2) Does the Trades and Labor Council Department of the North-West now support barter arrangements required to make the project proceed? and Regional Development Mr PARKER replied: Mr Harold Jones, (1) Western Australian Government in- Protocol Office, volvement in this project is directed Department of Premier and Cabinet. towards facilitating the commercial negotiations which are necessary to make it a reality. There is no specific 100. Postponed. timetable for final resolution of out- [Wednesday, 21 August 1985] 2111

standing issues. I understand Mr Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: Hancock is anxious to proceed as soon as possible. (1) No. (2) A final proposal has not yet been put As pant of the Government's commit- forward by the project proponents ment to regionalisation of the Public concerning the specific materials and Service, a Regionalisation Steering equipment which might be supplied Committee has been established to from Romania. Although 1 am not identify problems and facilitate the in- aware of a formal TLC position, dis- troduction of regionalisation through- cussions involving a number of the out Western Australia. Unions which would be directly The Civil Service Association is involved have suggested that they represented on this committee. would adopt a responsible and flexible approach. (2) Not applicable.

ABATTOIRS LIQUOR Meal Marketing Authorities:-Changes Wine:,Standards 105. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for 103. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for Agriculture: Health: (1) What are the proposed changes to the (1) What controls or standards are set for meat Marketing authorities? wine sold in Western Australia? (2) Where did the recommendation to (2) Can casks or bottles labelled "n" restructure the meat marketing contain other fruit juices without be- authorities come from? ing indicated in the labelling?. (3) Was there any consultation with the Mr HODGE replied: bodies associated with the meat indus- try? (1) Wine sold in Western Australia is required to comply with the Western (4) If so, with which bodies? Australian food and drug regulations. Mr EVANS replied: (2) No. A number of new products of this (1) The Western Australian Lamb Mar- nature are being introduced to the keting Board and the Marketing Div- market and action is being taken to ision of the Western Australian Meat ensure compliance with the regu- Commission are to be amalgamated to lations. farm the Western Australian Meat Marketing Hoard. The functions and GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES: powers of the Meat Marketing Board will be essentially the same as those of TRANSFERS the existing bodies. Bunbury (2) The report of the Independent Com- 104. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Premier: mittee of Inquiry into Government In- volvement in the Meat Industry (1) Is the Government striking a deal with (Treloar Report) recommended the the Civil Service Association with re- amalgamation of the Lamb Marketing gard to the movement of public ser- Board and the Marketing Division. vants to Bunbury? (3) Yes. (2) If so- (4) The Primary Industry Association. (a) has agreement been reached as to The Pastoralists and Graziers Associ- payment in one form or another; ation. (b) what agreement has been The Lamb Marketing Board. reached? The Meat Commission. 212 212ASSEMBLY)

EDUCATION: PRIMARY SCHOOL Mr EVANS replied: Waroona: Land Resumption (1) The following table shows farm gate 106. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for prices paid to dairy farmers in cents Lands and Surveys: per litre. J211 1983 24.9.85 %Cbarge (I) At what stage is the resumption order Market Milk (a) 27180 30.53 +..g% on the land owned by Mr and Mrs E. special Products Milk (a) Flavoured 27.80 30.53 + 9.8% Brooks at Waroona where the Ships stores 17.25 30.53 + 7.0% proposed new primary school is to be Nonb West 17.25 t 8.96 + 9,9% built? Other (yoghurt & cream) 17.25 I17,25 Nil Manufacturing Milk (b) 11.12 9.24 -16.9% (2) How long does he expect the resump- tion to take before the land is (a) Prices paid to dairy farmers by resumed? the Dairy Industry Authority. Mr McIVER replied: (b) Based on prices announced by the Dairy Produce Companies. (1) Survey action is proceeding for re- (2) The ABS index of weekly award rates sumption purposes. of pay for an adult male wage earner (2) Several formalities to be attended to in WA increased by 12.2% between include Survey Diagram preparation, January 1983 and June 1985, the examination, Town Planning Board latest month for which figures are and Land Titles Office approval and available. examination and ultimately resump- (3) (a) and (b) I understand the Dairy In- tion action. It is anticipated that the dustry Authority will announce an in- form-alities would be finalised within crease to dairy farmers of 0.85 six months. cents/litre as of 24/8/85 for market EDUCATION: PRIMARY SCHOOL milk, flavoured milk and milk for ships stores. Waroona: Construction 107. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for Education: 109 to 112. Postponed. (1) Does he intend to have a primary school built in Waroona? (2) If so, when? CHEMICALS: FUMES (3) If not, why not? Health Hazard: Government Chemical Mr PEARCE replied: Laboratories (1) to (3) The replacement of Waroona 113. Mr CASH, to the Minister for Minerals Primary School is currently being con- and Energy: sidered in the context of the Budget. (1) Have tests been conducted to deter- mine whether fumes emitted from the DAI RYING Government Chemical Laboratories Milk Price: Increase constitute a health hazard having re- 108. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for gard to changes in the wind pattern Agriculture: caused by the construction Of Mineral House? (1) What has been the percentage increase in the price of milk, i.e., market milk, (2) If "Yes"- special milk product quota and excess (a) who conducted the tests; milk to dairy farmers since 1 January (b) were the test findings conclusive? 1983? (3) Does the Government intend to (2) At what percentage rate have wages relocate the Government Chemical increased since I January 1983? Laboratories? (3) (a) When does he intend to increase (4) Has the Government received a con- the price of milk to dairy farmers sultant's report recommending the fu- in Western Australia; ture direction for the Government (b) by how much? Chemical Laboratories? [Wednesday, 21 August 1985) 2131

(5) Does the consultant's report (4) Cabinet has approved the drafting of recommending the Government an amendment to the Local Govern- Chemical Laboratories transfer cer- ment Act to remove the anomaly. tain functions to client departments? (6) Does the Government Chemical WATER RESOURCES: PIPELINE Laboratories charge client depart- mnents for the provision of analytical Kim berley-Kalgoorlie: FeasibilityStudy services? 115. Mr RUSHTON, to the Minister for Mr PARKER replied: Water Resources: (I) When was the feasibility study into (1) Wind tunnel tests are being conducted the piping of water from the Ord in parallel with engineering studies of River/Fitzroy Basin to the Kalgoorlie measures to mechanically "scrub" the goldfields and the metropolitan area gaseous effluents prior to release. carried out? (2) (a) Wind tunnel tests are being con- (2) Will he please table a copy of the re- ducted at the Department of Civil port? Engineering of the University of (3) Is there a known technology which Western Australia; will enable the Pilbara gas pipeline to (b) see (1). be jointly used to pipe water to the (3) No decision has been made. metropolitan area to augment the present supplies should Kimberley (4) A consultant's report has been water be reticulated to Pilbara? received by the Public Service Board Functional Review Committee. (4) Has a feasibility study been initiated to bring Ord and Fitzroy Rivers water (5) The report has not yet been released to the Pilbara? or considered by Government. (5) If "Yes" to (4), will he please table a (6) Government departments funded copy? from Consolidated Revenue are not Mr TONKIN replied: charged, in accordance with Treasury Regulations. (1) Simple studies to check the feasibility of piping water from the Ord or Fitzroy Rivens to the Goldfields and LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS the metropolitan area were carried out Candidates:- Non-razepayers in the 1970s. 14. Mr CASH, to the Minister for Local (2) The results of these studies were only Government: included in internal Departmental minutes such as the one I now table. (1) Can an elector who is not a ratepayer No formal report is available. be elected to the position of local government Councillor or Mayor? (3) Technically, it should be possible to transmit water and gas through a pipe- (2) If "Yes", can an elected Councillor Or line from the Pilbara to the Perth Mayor be disqualified from holding metropolitan area. However, the office for the non-payment of rates? existing gas pipeline has not been (3) If "Yes" to (2), does this disqualifi- designed for this and its conversion cation apply to an elected Councillor for this purpose is not economically or Mayor who is not a ratepayer? feasible. (4) If "No" to (3), what action is proposed (4) The feasibility of bringing Ord and to ensure there is no discrimination Fitzroy River waters to the Pilbara between an elected ratepayer and an was included in section 4.8 of a Public elected non-ratepayer? Works Department report "The Pilbara Study 1973-4-Feasibility Re- Mr CARR replied: port on Water Supply" which was in- (I) Yes. cluded as appendix 6.4 of a report published by the Department of In- (2) Yes. dustrial Development in 1974 titled (3) No. "The Pilbara Study". 214 214[ASSEMBLY]

(5) A copy of section 4.8 referred to above ABAflTOIR: ALBANY is tabled. Reopening:-Contract System (See paper No. 97.) 119. Mr COURT, to the Minister for Agriculture: (1) Would the introduction of the con- tract system of payment used at the 116. Postponed Mudginberri abattoir enable the Bortbwicks Albany abattoir to be reopened? EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING: YOUTH (2) If "Yes", would the Government dis- TRAINEESHIPS cuss this proposition with both the owners and its former employees at Federal Government Scheme Albany? Mr EVANS replied: 117. Mr COURT, to the Minister representing the Minister for Employment (1) and (2) This is a matter for the and Training: company concerned. Does the State Government support the Federal Government's new EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING: scheme of youth traineeships. in pri- UNEMPLOYMENT vate industry and the public sector for Statistics:Economic Planningand Advisory 16 and 17 year olds, including the pay- Council ment of a minimum wage of $90 per 120. Mr COURT, to the Treasurer: week? Does the State Treasury support the Economic Planning Advisory Council Mr PEARCE replied: figures of eight per cent-nine per cent levels of unemployment remaining The State Government has already over the next 10 years? announced that it will introduce Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: traineeships in 1985-86 in the terms recommended in the Kirby Report. The relevant Economic Planning Ad- visory Council paper, "Medium to At this stage it is proposed to establish Longer-Termn Trends Affecting 500 traineeships in the remaining pant Australia's Economic Growth", does of this year, and a further 2 000 in not forecast the figures quoted by the 1986. member but refers to a range of scen- arios with differing GDP growth rates The State Government has not been and unemployment rates. party to any detailed discussions with the Commonwealth on the wage rates for trainees. 12 1. Postponed.

The State's position at the moment is TRADE: EXIM CORPORATION that it will endeavour to negotiate ap- propriate trainee award rates of pay in Sand Tolerant Pump accordance with the principles of cost 122. Mr COURT, to the Premier: sharing proposed in the Kirby report. Through what company has Exim de- veloped a sand tolerant pump? The Government is, however, mindful Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: of the need to provide a reasonable level of income support for young E & L Metcalf Pty Ltd approached people. Exim with a proposal to assist in the marketing of its sand tolerant pump, a product which was fully developed in 118. Postponed Western Australia. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]21 215

TRADE: EXIM CORPORATION INDUSTRIAL ARBITRATION Tractors: Marketing Builders LabourersFederation: Tactics 123. Mr COURT, to the Premier: 127. Mr COURT, to the Premier (I) What agreements does Exim have to (1) Are the existing State and Federal ar- market "Acremaster" tractors over- bitration systems capable of seas and interstate and with what controlling the tactics of the Builders company are these agreements? Labourers' Federation in this State? (2) How many Exim personnel are (2) If "Yes", why have not these tactics involved in marketing these tractors? been controlled? Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: (1) Exim is charged with the responsi- (I) and (2) The questions seek an opinion bility of marketing Acremnaster trac- which is out of order. tors on behalf of the manufacturer, Zanetic Manufacturing Co Pty Ltd. (2) Exim devotes the level of resources TRADE: IMPORTS required to effectively market its cli- Motor Vehicle Engines: Second-hand ents' products or services. 128. Mr COURT, to the Minister for Transport: 124. Postponed. Do the imported second-hand auto- mobile engines from Japan meet Western Australian exhaust emission INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: WA control regulations? DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Mr GRILL replied: Short-term Cash Surpluses: In vestment Imported second-hand Japanese auto- 125. Mr COURT, to the Premier: mobile engines may coincidentally What percentage of the Treasury's meet Australian exhaust emission con- short-term cash surpluses does the trol regulations. However, there is no Western Australian Development reason to think that the majority do. Corporation invest in Eastern States' It is difficult to be precise on this mat- money markets? ter because an engine's compliance Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: with exhaust regulations can only be tested once it is fitted into a vehicle, The Western Australian Development and inspectors of the Police Traffic Corporation invests Treasury's short- Branch do not have cause to examine term cash surpluses into the open mar- all vehicles. ket and the decisions it makes in Suffice it to say that if a vehicle is carrying out this operation are the examined and its engine is found to be commercial prerogative of the Board in contravention of Australian exhaust of the Western Australian Develop- regulations, the owner is liable to pros- ment Corporation. ecution.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Money Market Operations: Closure TRADE: IMPORTS Motor Vehicle Engines: Second-hand 126. Mr COURT, to the Premier: 129. Mr COURT, to the Minister for How many financial institutions have Industrial Development: closed or reduced their money market operations in Western Australia over (1) Is the importing of second-hand auto- the past year? mobile engines from Japan affecting the Western Australian engine Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: reconditioning industry? This information is not readily access- (2) Do all these engines fully comply with ible to the Government. Australian standards? 216 216[ASSEMBLY]

Mr BRYCE replied: Mr BRYCE replied: (1) There is no real comparison between (1) No. The Government will not receive second-hand automobile engines from proposals. Negotiations will be con- Japan and locally re-conditioned en- ducted solely between Borthwicks and gines. interested parties. The former, it is understood are (2) Not applicable. ",used" engines, whereas the latter are fully re-conditioned and sold 'as new", with usually a warranty. HOUSING INDUSTRY (2) 1 have been informed that it is up to the supplier and fitter to ensure that Negative Gearing:Effect Australian emission standards are 133. Mr COURT, to the Minister for met. Housing: (1) What effect will the Federal Govern- TRADE ment's move against negative gearing Export Market Development Grants Scheme in the housing industry have on the 130. Mr COURT, to the Minister for Small housing industry in Western Business: Australia? What effect will the Federal Govern- (2) Does he support these moves? ment's changes to the Export Market Development Grants Scheme have on Mr WILSON replied: small business in Western Australia? (1) 1 am liaising with the Real Estate in- Mr BRYCE replied: stitute of western Australia to deter- Estimates based on past claim- mine any likely impact. ants-from EDG Board annual re- port-indicate that 48.3 per cent of (2) I am concerned about any move which 1982-83 claimants will no longer be would adversely affect the supply and eligible. cost of private rental housing. Strong personal representations were In the area of taxation reform, I have made over the proposed amendments made strong representations to the to the Minister for Trade but the Fed- Federal Minister for Housing concern- eral Government will not reverse its ing the need to stimulate the supply of earlier decision to proceed with the affordable rental housing. cutbacks which are pant of its overall policy to limit Government spending and reduce the deficit. TAXES AND CHARGES I have requested the Department of State Autonomy: Changes Industrial Development to examine what other alternatives may be feas- 134. Mr COURT, to the Premier: ible to provide support to targeted ex.- What different taxes should the State port industry sectors. be collecting to provide it with more tax autonomy as proposed by him 13 1. Postponed. prior to the tax summit? Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: ABATTOIR: ALBANY Purchasers Taxes which are currently available to the State are generally narrowly-based, 132. Mr COURT, to the Minister for regressive and, in a number of cases, Industrial Development: the taxes impact adversely on econ- (1) Does the Government have any firm omic activity-for example, payroll proposals from any prospective pur- tax. The types of taxes which would chasers of the Albany meat works? give the States more tax autonomy (2) If "Yes", does the Government antici- would be broadly-based taxes which pate the new owners taking over prior satisfy the basic criteria of efficiency, to Christmas? equity and simplicity. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]27 217

ENERGY: PETROL (2) The Small Business Development Service Stations: Viability Corporation has, amongst a priority 135. Mr COURT, to the Minister for Small list of items for investigation and re- search, the issue of the effects of' taxes Business: in all forms on the Small Business sec- What effect has the high fuel prices in tor. 1985 had on the viability of service station operators in Western Australia? 139 to 141. Postponed. Mr BRYCE replied: As with any business, an increase in MINERAL: GYPSUM the cost of inputs will affect the Tenement: Application trading operations of service station operations. 142. Mr PETER JONES, to the Minister for Minerals and Energy: (1) Has the Mines Department received SHOPPING: TRADING HOURS any application for a tenement to be Kelly Inquiry: Report granted for the development of gyp- 136. Mr COURT, to the Minister for Small sum in the region of Israelite Bay? Business: (2) If so, has the application been heard Will the Kelly Inquiry into Trading by the Warden's Court and Hours be completed before the subsequently considered by him? America's Cup races commence? (3) If the application has not been ap- Mr BRICE replied: proved, for what reason has it been denied? The inquiry into trading houirs has been extensive, with major public in- Mr PARKER replied: volvement. Earlier this year, Com- (1) Yes. Exploration licence 69/57 by missioner Kelly released some initial Gregory Malcolm Steinbeck at Pine recommendations in the interim re- Hill, 70 kilometres north west of port. In that, Commissioner Kelly also Israelite Bay requested the Government to allow (2) Yes. him to study the issue of trading hours at an international level. (3) Approved on 27 November 1984. He is currently overseas doing so, and on his return will be in a better HOUSING: STATE HOUSING position to estimate the completion COMMISSION date of his final report. Koolyanobbing 143. Mr PETER JONES, to the Minister for 137. Postponed. Housing: (1) How many homes are currently owned by the State Housing Commission in BUSINESSES Koolyanobbing? Small Business Development Corporation: (2) How many are occupied by State CapitalGains Tax Housing Commission tenants? 138. Mr COURT, to the Minister for Small Business: (3) Have any units been offered for sale and removal from Koolyanobbing? (1) Has he been advised by the Small Business Development Corporation as (4) If so, how many? to the effect a capital gains tax will (5) Is it proposed to offer for sale and have on small business in this State? removal any State Housing Com- (2) If "No", will he have them carry out mission houses in Koolyanobbing? such a study? Mr WILSON replied: Mr BRYCE replied: (1) 73. (1) No. (2) Nil. 218 218[ASSEMBLY]

(3) No units have been offered for sale EXPLOSIVES MAGAZINE and removal by the State Housing Southern Cross Commission. 145. Mr PETER JONES, to the Minister for (4) Not applicable. Minerals and Energy: (1) Is an explosives magazine established (5) There is no intention to offer any at Southern Cross? properties for sale and removal at this time. (2) If so, who is licensed to operate the above magazine? (3) If no explosives magazine is currently HEALTH operating, what action is the Depart- ment of Mines pursuing in order to A tyl Nit rate provide this facility? 144. Mr PETER JONES, to the Minister for Mr PARKER replied: Health: (1) No. (1) is amyl nitrate still required as an (2) Not applicable. antidote for cyanide poisoning? (3) The department has an explosives re- serve at Southern Cross and it is avail- (2) If so, under what requirements or able for any person who wishes to site regulations is this indicated? a magazine in the region. No further (3) From what source and by what pro- action is currently contemplated by the Department. cedure may amyl nitrate be obtained? Mr HODGE replied: ROAD: GREAT EASTERN HIGHWAY Southern Cross By-Pass (1) The National Health and Medical Re- search Council has approved a new 146. Mr McNEE, to the Minister for Occupational Health Guide for cyan- Transport: ide poisoning and no longer (1) When is it proposed that preliminary recommends the use of amtyl nitrite as works for the construction of the an antidote for cyanide poisoning. Southern Cross by-pass on the Great There is still some controversy about Eastern Highway will be commenced? this decision and amyl nitrite is still (2) Has the Main Roads Department included in the Uniform Poisons Stan- already acquired land for the purposes dards which is also published by the of the by-pass road? National Health and Medical Re- (3) Does the proposed by-pass road in- search Council. volve the use of any land presently (2) The Poisons Act requires all cyanides designated as part of the Southern to be labelled with the Uniform Cross airstrip? Poisons Standards first aid statement. Mr GRILL replied: It is understood that Dangerous Goods (Road Transport) Regulations (1) There are no plans to proceed with the require the carriage of the Standards construction of the bypass in the near Association of Australia Emergency future. Transport Guide for cyanide when cy- (2) Yes. anide is being transported and this too (3) No. still specifies amyl nitrite as an anti- dote. ABATTOIRS The recommendations are under ac- Stock Weighing Scales tive review and action is being taken 147. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for to produce a consistent recommendation. Agriculture; (1) What tests are carried out to ensure (3) Amyl nitrite is available in small accuracy of stock weighing scales at quantities from most pharmacies. abattoirs? [Wednesday, 21 August 1985129 219

(2) If tests are carried out, how often and WOMEN'S ADVISORY COUNCIL by whom? Membership (3) Upon evidence of under-weighing be- 148. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for ing established, what steps can be Women's Interests: taken to reimburse the producers who (1) When did the State Women's Advis- sell their stock on a weight and grade ory Council become operative? basis? (2) Who are the members of the com- (4) (a) Has the body responsible for mittee? testing abattoir scales found any (3) What areas do they represent? discrepancies either under- or over-weighing; (4) What are the criteria for their appoint- ment? (b) on how many occasions; and (5) What is the current term of the (c) what is the number of times any existing members? particular abattoir has been Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: involved since 1983? (1) 17 September, 1983. (5) Further to (4), what action is taken (2) J. Pine, (President) when abattoir scales are found to be S. Bradley deficient? E. Brademneyer Mr EVANS replied: G. Brennan S. Brown (1) Stock weighing scales at abattoirs are D. Caspersz tested for accuracy by the application B. Cockman of standard weights. B. Connell (2) Verification tests are carried out at 2 H. Errington yearly intervals as required by the Act K. French by Inspectors of Weights and J. GuhI Measures. Inspection tests may, and R. Hannon infrequently are, made between verifi- P. Hatt cation tests. 0. Kaub T. Mendelsohn (3) Evidence of underweighing of a delib- erate nature would result in Court ac- N. Sassi tion against the company concerned. R. Shea The Act provides that, on conviction J. Siddins of an offence, the Court may order the R. Stanton defendant to make restitution of such L. Stone amount as it thinks fit. (3) Women are appointed to council as (4) (a) Yes. representatives of all women in the State. However, individual members (b) No record is kept of the rejection have expertise in the following of scales in any particular type of areas- establishment such as abattoirs. J1.Pine-President Women's Ad- Records which are kept for visory Council, Co-ordinator, weighing instruments in general New Opportunities for Women, indicate a rejection figure varying TA FE; between 5 and 10 per cent of the total number of all appliances S. Bradley-wife and mother, tested. President of the Shire of Wyndham/East Kimberley, com- (c) As for (b) above. munity worker; (5) The owner is required to have any E. Hredemeyer-trade lecturer at rejected scale repaired by a scale re- Albany TAPE; pairer licensed for that purpose under G. Brennan-social worker, par- the Act. ticularly with Aboriginal people; 220 220(ASSEMBLY]

S. Brown-Equal Opportunity until January 1987-S. Bradley, E. Superintendent, Department of Bredemeyer, G. Brennan, B. Education; Cockman, D. Caspersz, J. GuhI, P. D. Caspersz-social worker, Hatt, R. Stanton, L. Stone, M. Sassi. working with migrant communi- ties; LAND: SQUATTERS B. Cockman-recently seconded for three years to the WA College Barrel Wells of Advanced Education as Equal 149. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Lands Opportunity Officer, prior to this and Surveys: she was Deputy Principal at Wanneroo Senior High School; Despite requests from landowners and farmer organisations, why has he not B. Connell-President of the taken action to evict Aboriginal Shire of Roebourne and com- people who have taken illegal pos- munity worker; session of the Crown Reserve known H. Errington-social worker, par- as Barrel Wells in the Ajana area, in- ticularly with disabled people; cluding running livestock and estab- K. French-community worker; lished buildings? J. Guhi-foundation member of Mr McI VER replied: Watchdog Organisation, and has On 4/7/8 5 the member was advised by worked extensively with people with disabilities and their famil- the Minister with special responsi- bility for Aboriginal Affairs that the ies; Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority R. H-annon-Teacher in Charge would liaise with the Department of St Mary's Bunbury; Lands and Surveys which was con- P. Hatt-tennis professional, sidering approaches from both the Ab- businesswoman and concerned original Boomerang Council and the with women in sport; Northampton Shire in relation to Re- 0. Kaub-Industrial Inspector, serve 1475 known as Barrel Well. Department of Industrial Affairs; This liaison is continuing in an en- T. Mendelsohn-Adviser on deavour to resolve the issues involved Women and Welfare, Department and I believe any action towards for Community Services; eviction while negotiations are pro- ceeding in this manner would be pre- M. Sassi-Librarian, actively cipitant. concerned with numerous women's issues; PASTORAL INDUSTRY: LEASES Ros Shea-teacher at the Whitegumn Valley Special School; Kimberleyv: Changes Judy Siddins-qualified mechan- 150. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Lands ical fitter, SEC; and Surveys: Raya Stanton-Banister and sol- (1) Since 1980 how many Kimberley pas- icitor; toral leases have changed hands? Libby Stone-Consultant- (2) Further to (1), how many leases, and youth, Department of Sport and would he indicate them by name, are Recreation. now- (4) Not specifically set down, but rather (a) owned or run by Aboriginal com- to represent women in all pants of the munities; community. (b) held for pastoral management (5) Until January 1986-J. Pine, B. purposes? Connell, H. Errington, K. French, R. (3) Can he state the number of leases Hannon, 0. Kaub, R. Shea, J. Siddins, through sale or otherwise, which are S. Brown, T. Mendelsohn; currently pending? [Wednesday, 21 August 1985121 221

(4) Further to (3), how many of the PASTORAL INDUSTRY: transfers currently under review are RECONSTRUCTION to- Kimnberley (a) the Aboriginal community; 153. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Lands and Surveys: (b) overseas interests? (1) Would he state the agreed policy for Mr Mc! VER replied: the reconstruction of the Kimberley pastoral industr? (1) to (4) As the information sought will take some time to compile, I will reply (2) Does he support the breakdown of to the member in writing as soon as it existing viable stations into units of has been collated. smaller areas on the premise of their future viability? Mr McI VER replied: PASTORAL INDUSTRY: LEASES (1) The Government is determined to ar- Forfeiture rest the deterioration in the condition 151. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Lands of the Kimberley pastoral industry and Surveys: and to foster its reconstruction by all available means at its disposal. The (1) Would he detail those pastoral leases Government has recently received the where action has been taken to ensure report of the Kimberley pastoral in- their forfeiture since 1980? dustry inquiry and is awaiting the re- (2) What were the reasons for forfeiture port of the pastoral tenure study group. After due consideration has notices on each occasion? been given to these valuable reports Mr McIVER replied: from knowledgeable people concerned with the industry, a comprehensive (1) and (2) As the information sought will policy statement will be made. take some time to compile, I will reply (2) Yes, it is desirable that there should be to the member in writing as soon as it has been collated. stations of varying size in order to ac- commodate pastoralists of different means and to take account of vai- PASTORAL INDUSTRY: LEASES ations in the carrying capacity of pas- toral lands. However, no subdivisions Emanuel Faily:i Cost will be allowed which would imperil 152. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Lands the viability of individual leases. and Surveys: (1) What has been the cost to the Western MR KEITH GALE Australian Government in the pur- PastoralIndustry Experience chase of the Emanuel pastoral leases? I154. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Lands (2) What financial assistance was received and Surveys: by the State from the Commonwealth Further to question 3569 of 1985, Government for the purchase, and concerning Kimberley pastoral indus- under what conditions? try leases, would he give details of "the broad commercial experience Mr McI VER replied: and a familiarity with rural industry (1) The Western Australian Government in Australia" that Mr Keith Gale pos- was not the purchaser of the Emanuel sesses? companies. This transaction took Mr McI VER replied: place between the Emanuel family and Mr Keith Gale served in the WA Livestock Holdings Ltd. Australian Trade Commissioner's ser- (2) None. The assistance received from vice in a number of Asian countries, the Commonwealth Government was managed a large trading operation in to assist with the restructuring of the Japan for a number of years; he has Kimberley pastoral industry generally. also had extensive experience in 222 222[ASSEMBLY]

Australia in commercial organisations It should be emphasised that the concerned with the ownership of rural leases formerly owned by the Emanuel properties and involved in the export family companies are now owned by of rural produce, particularly meat. WA Livestock Holdings Ltd which is a His experience in these fields extends subsidiary of the Western Australian over a period of approximately 20 Exim Corporation Ltd and as such years. operates under the Companies Code. Responsibility for its operations is therefore vested in its management PASTORAL INDUSTRY and Board of Directors. K'imberley Pastoral PropertiesConsultative I maintain the same overview of the investigative Committee: Meetings leases held by this company through 155. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Lands the Department of Lands and the Pas- and Surveys: toral Board as I would of any lease held by any other company incorpor- (1) On how many occasions has the ated under the Companies Code. Kimberley Pastoral Properties Con- sultative Investigative Committee met and on what dates? PASTORAL INDUSTRY: (2) Who is the representative of his depart- Kimnberley PastoralProperties Consultative ment on the Consultative Committee? Investigative Committee:, (3) Does the committee report to him as Mr Stephen Hawke Minister responsible for the administration of the Land Act? 156. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Lands (4) (a) If "Yes" to (3), would he table and Surveys: reports received to date; and (1) As Minister responsible for the (b) If "No", would he give an expla- administration of' the Land Act, does nation why not? he support the appointment of Mr Stephen Hawke to the consultative Mr McIVER replied: committee investigating the (1) to (4) The Kimberley Pastoral Con- restructuring of the Kimberley pas- sultative Committee is a committee of toral industry? advice to the Western Australian (2) Can he state any special qualifications Exim Corporation Ltd. Its member- that Mr H-awke has in relation ship is to the drawn from Kimberley pastor- pastoral industry that sees him alists nominated by the Pastoralists & appointed to this important and Graziers Association, the Primary In- highly influential Government dustry Association and other position? Kimberley residents. It acts in a consultative way and is one Mr McIVER replied: of the sources of advice being drawn upon by the company and its subsidi- (1) and (2) Mr Stephen Hawke has had a ary WA Livestock Holdings Ltd in number of years experience working formulating plans for the ultimate as an adviser to an Aboriginal com- subdivision and sale of viable pastoral munity in the Kimberley. Accord- units from the lands in the company's ingly, I can well understand the de- control in the Kimberleys. The con- cision of the Western Australian Exim sultative committee is the vehicle for Corporation Ltd to invite Mr Hawke private sector advice. to participate as one of the eleven members on the Consultative Com- A Government inter-departmental mittee since the interests of the Abor- committee also advises the company. iginal residents of the Kimberley are The Department of Lands and the of course affected by the reconstruc- Pastoral Board are both represented at tion of the Kimberley Pastoral Indus- a senior level on this committee. try. [Wednesday, 21 August 19851 2232

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS STOCK: WA LIVESTOCK AND FOOD PTY LTD Pastoral Leases: Interest Emanuel Family Leases: Purchase to the Minister for Lands 157. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Lands 158. Mr BLAIKIE, and Surveys: and Surveys: (1) When did he receive advice that West- (1) What Aboriginal groups have ern Australian Livestock and Food indicated an interest in land with the Pty Ltd was seeking his approval for Emanuel and Australian Land and the purchase of the Emanuel pastoral Cattle Company leases? leases? (2) On what date did he give his approval (2) Would he table maps showing the for the transfer of the leases and with areas sought and the dates requests what conditions? were received? (3) Was he or officers of his department aware that private purchasers were (3) Would he state the means by which interested in purchasing the Emanuel the Government is considering Abor- leases? iginal groups may be granted excisions (4) Further to (3), did he or his officers and may purchase pastoral leases in' the area? receive any preliminary approach seeking advice on conditions that may Mr Mc! VER replied: be attached to transfer of leases? (5) If "No" to (3) and (4), can he categori- (1) The Marra Worra Wonr Aboriginal cally state that the only interested Corporation has made it known that party in the purchase of the Emanuel various Aboriginal groups living in the leases was the State's taxpayers via Fitzroy Valley have links to land Exim? within the former Emanuel leases and Mr Mc! VER replied: also those currently held by the (1) The Under Secretary for Lands Australian Land and Cattle Company. received a request dated 30 January 1985 for approval to negotiate the (2) Plans showing the excisions already transfer of the Emanuel leases. approved and those for which no de- cisions have been reached will be pre- (2) My approval to the transfer was pared and made available to the mem- conveyed on 7 March 1985. The stan- ber as soon as possible together with dard conditions applicable to the details of application dates. transfer of pastoral leases were speci- fied. (3) Applications by Aboriginal groups for (3) and (4) Yes. excisions from pastoral leases are con- (5) Not applicable. sidered on a needs basis with regard also to association with the land by residents or use by those community PASTORAL INDUSTRY: LEASES members. Where Aboriginal com- Emanuel Famnily: Purchase munities desire to establish village or 159. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Premier: group residential areas, endeavours On what date was agreement in prin- are made to accommodate these re- ciple reached between the Common- quirements with the least possible in- wealth Government and State convenience to pastoral lease holders. Government relative to the purchase Excisions to date have been ac- of the Emanuel pastoral leases? complished with the co-operation of Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: pastoral lessees who have voluntarily surrendered the land sought. There was never any specific agree- ment reached between the Common- The purchase of pastoral leases by Ab- wealth Government and the State original groups would be on the same Government in relatio n to the transfer basis as for any others interested. of the Emanuel leases from the 224 224[ASSEMBLY]

Emanuel family. In October 1984 dis- subject to the same governmental cussions were held with the Prime overview as any transfer of shares in a Minister during the course of which it company holding pastoral leases. was agreed that the Commonwealth (5) Not applicable. would provide assistance to the State for the reconstruction of the Kimberley pastoral industry. One of FORESTS: WOODCHIPPING the subsequent initiatives taken Forest Management Strategy towards this end was the purchase by 161. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for the Western Australian Exim Corpor- Conservation and Land Management: ation Ltd's subsidiary WA Livestock Holdings Ltd of the four Emanuel Does the Government recognise companies which held pastoral leases woodchipping as an important and in the Kimberleys. valuable component of an overall for- est management strategy, and will he give details? PASTORAL INDUSTRY: LEASES Mr DAVIES replied: Emanuel Family: Sale 160. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Premier: Yes. Details will be Provided to the member if he would specify which de- (1) What were the terms and conditions tails he requires. pertaining to the sale of each of the four Emanuel properties? 162. Postponed. (2) What was the number of livestock ac- cepted as part of the purchase on each property? FORESTS: PINE (3) (a) Has any muster been made to ver- Plantings ify stock numbers; 163. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for (b) when was this done; and Conservation and Land Management: (c) by whom? (1) What decision has the Government (4) What Government officer or depart- made in regard to planting of pine in ment has averviewed the purchase the Shires of- and transfer of assets from Emanuel to (a) Manjimup; Western Australian Livestock Hold- ings Limited? (b) Boyup Brook; (5) Further to (4), would he table all cor- (c) Bidgetown-Greenbushes; respondence? (d) Donnybrook-Balingup; Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: (c) Nannup; (1) to (3) The Emanuel family sold all of (f) Busselton; the shares in the companies which (g) Augusta-Margaret River; held pastoral l'ases in the Kimberley (h) Collie; to WA Livestock Holdings Ltd which is a subsidiary of the Western (i) other areas? Australian Exim Corporation Ltd. (2) What planting will be carried out in WA Livestock Holdings is answerable the current year in the above shires to its Hoard of Directors and operates on- under the Companies Code as does (a) Crown land; any other privately incorporated company. For these reasons the terms (b) forest land; and conditions of purchase relating to (c) private property; the transaction which is the subject of (d) leased private property; the member's question are confiden- (e) other? tial to the parties to that transaction. Mr (4) The transfer of the shares in the DAVIES replied: Emanu 'I companies to the ownership (1) (a) A planting programme of 500 of WA Livestock Holdings Ltd was hectares per annum will continue; [Wednesday, 21 August 1985125 225

(b) to (i) land will be purchased for weather conditions, cutting is pine planting at a rate determined expected to be completed about the by available land and funds up to end of September. a maximum of 2 750 hectares per annum. 170. Postponed. (2) This information is not available as planting is still in progress and will not be completed until the end of this FORESTS: SHANNON RIVER BASIN month. It could be sometime later be- Log Production: Cessation fore information is to hand regarding private property plantings. 171. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Conservation and Land Management: 164 to 168. Postponed. (1) As a result of the Government ceasing log production in- FORESTS (a) Lane-Poole Reserve; and Shannon River Basin: Reserves (b) Shannon River Basin, 169. Mr BLAIKJE, to the Minister for what will be the consequences for the Conservation and Land Management: State's timber milling and wood chip- ping industry in the years 1986-9 1? (1) What has been the extent of cutting of- (2) (a) Will there be a further reduction in available hardwood lops; (a) road; (b) what mills will be affected; and (b) stream; (c) where? (c) river, reserves to find additional supplies of (3) What alternatives to supply hardwood timber necessitated by the reservation logs does the Government propose to of the Shannon River Basin? ensure that towns including Yarloop, Manjimup, Nannup are not commer- (2) (a) Has this programme of cutting cially and socially disadvantaged by been monitored; its decision to "lock up" timber from (b) by whom; and these areas? (c) with what results to date? Mr DAVIES replied: (3) How much timber is available for (1) to (3) All these matters are being con- milling purposes in the areas indicated sidered in the review of the current in (t)? general work plan which will regulate Mr DAVIES replied: timber harvesting from State forest over the period 1986 to 199 1. (1) The planned area of cutting trials is- (a) 255 ha in road reserves; 172. Postponed. (b) 100 ha instream reserves; (c) 42 ha in river reserves. Cutting is not yet cornplete. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES (2) (a) Yes; Nine-day Fortnight (b) a joint working party of officers of 173. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Works: the Department of Conservation (1) Would he detail those- and Land Management and the Western Australian Water Auth- (a) salaried officers; ority; (b) wages staff, (c) no results are yet available. in departments and agencies under his (3) This information is not available as portfolios who work a nine-day fort- cutting has not yet been completed. night? Data will he forwarded to the member (2) In each case what has been the cost of when available. Depending on this employment benefit? 226 226[ASSEMBLY]

(3) Have any departments or agencies (2) In each case what has been the cost of employed extra personnel, either sal- this employment benefit? aried or wages, to "make up" for staff (3) Have any departments or agencies having a rostered day off, and would employed extra personnel, either sal- he detail? aried or wages, to "make up" for staff (4) Would he state the effect, if any, to-- having a rostered day off, and would (a) services provided and expected; he detail? (b) increased costs; and (4) Would he state the effect, if any, to- (c) to what extent? (a) services provided and expected; Mr McI VER replied: (b) increased costs; and (1) to (4) The member will be advised in (c) to what extent? writing by the Minister for Industrial Mr CARR replied: Relations. (1) to (4) The member will be advised in writing by the Minister for Industrial GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES Relations. Nine-day Fortnight 174. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for 176. Postponed. Housing: (1) Would he detail those- GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES (a) salaried officers; Nine-day Fortnight (b) wages staff, 177. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Deputy Premier: in departments and agencies under his portfolios who work a nine-day fort- (1) Would he detail those- night? (a) salaried officers; (2) In each case what has been the cost of (b) wages staff, this employment benefit? in departments and agencies under his (3) Have any departments or agencies portfolios who work a nine-day fort- employed extra personnel, either sal- night? aried or wages, to "make up" for staff (2) In each case what has been the cost of having a rostered day off, and would this employment benefit? he detail? (3) Have any departments or agencies (4) Would he state the effect, if any, to- employed extra personnel, either sal- (a) services provided and expected; aried or wages, to "make up" for staff (b) increased costs; and having a rostered day off, and would (c) to what extent? he detail? Mr WILSON replied: (4) Would he state the effect, if any, to- (a) services provided and expected; (1) to (4) The member will be advised in writing by the Minister for Industrial (b) increased costs; and Relations. (c) to what extent? Mr BRYCE replied: GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES (1) to (4) The Minister for Industrial Re- Nine-day Fortnight lations will advise the member, in due course in writing, the information he 175. Mr BLAIKJE, to the Minister for Police seeks. and Emergency Services: (1) Would he detail those- (a) salaried officers; GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES (b) wages staff, Nine-day Fortnight in departments and agencies under his 178. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for portfolios who work a nine-day fort- Conservation and Land Management: night? (1) Would he detail those- [Wednesday, 21 August 19851 2272

(a) salaried officers; GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES (b) wages staff, Nine-day Fortnight in departments and agencies under his 180. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for portfolios who work a nine-day fort- Health: night? (I) Would he detail those- (2) In each case what has been the cost of (a) salaried officers; this employment benefit? (b) wages staff, (3) Have any departments or agencies in departments and agencies under his employed extra personnel, either sal- portfolio who work a nine-day fort- aried or wages, to "make up" for staff night? having a rostered day off, and would (2) In each case what has been the cost of he detail? this employment benefit? (4) Would he state the effect, if any, to- (3) Have any departments or agencies (a) services provided and expected; employed extra personnel, either sal- aried or wages, to "make up" for staff (b) increased costs; and having a rostered day off, and would (c) to what extent? he detail? Mr DAVIES replied: (4) Would he state the effect, if any, to- (a) services provided and expected; (1) There are no staff in the Department of Conservation and Land Manage- (b) increased costs; and ment who work a nine-day fortnight. (c) to what extent? (2) to (4) Not applicable. Mr HODGE replied: (1) to (4) The member will be advised in writing by the Minister for Industrial GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES Relations. Nine-day Fortnight 179. Mr BLAIIE, to the Minister for 18 1. Postponed Agriculture: (1) Would he detail those- EXPLOSIVES AND DANGEROUS GOODS (a) salaried officers; ACT (b) wages staff, "Bulk Container--T Definition in departments and agencies under his 182. Mr PETER JONES, to the Minister for portfolios who work a nine-day fort- Minerals and Energy: night? What is the precise definition of a (2) In each case what has been the cost of "bulk container", as referred to in this employment benefit? Regulation 801, under the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act 196 1? (3) Have any departments or agencies employed extra personnel, either sal- Mr PARKER replied: aried or wages, to "make up" for staff "Bulk container" means a container, having a rostered day off, and would not being a freight container or an he detail? outer package, in which dangerous (4) Would he state the effect, if any, to- goods are packed for transport, which container- (a) services provided and expected; (a) if it contains dangerous goods of (b) increased costs; and class 2, has a water capacity (c) to what extent? exceeding 500 litres; Mr EVANS replied: (b) if it contains dangerous goods, not being of class 2, that, at 55" (1) to (4) The member will be advised in Celsius, are in the form of a liquid writing by the Minister for Industrial or a paste, has a water capacity Relations. exceeding 250 litres; or 228 228ASSEMBLY]

(c) contains mote than 400 kilograms (1) Yes. of dangerous goods that, at 550 (2) (a) Approximately once every 2 Celsius, are in solid form. years; (b) counts are taken in different ROAD: CARNARVON-GASCOYNE months of the year and adjusted JUNCTION to an annual daily average in Condition keeping with nearby permanent 183. Mr LAURANCE, to the Minister for traffic counters; Transport: (c) counts on the Carnarvon- (1) Is he aware that the Carnarvon- Gascoyne Junction Road at the Gascoyne Junction Road is currently turn-off from North West Coastal in very poor condition due to lack of Highway have been 50, 54 and 56 adequate funding? vehicles per day in the years 1978, 1981 and 1983 respectively. Some (2) Will he endeavour to provide mare 38 km inland at the Rocky Pool funding for this road in the 1985-86 turn-off the counts were 43, 21 and subsequent budgets? and 26 vehicles per day for the Mr GRILL replied: same years. No significant trends (1) The road within the Shire of are apparent. Carnarvan is currently in poor con- dition. The Main Roads Department ROAD: CARNARVON-GASCOYNE and shire engineers have studied the JUNCTION road deficiencies and identified where available funds can be spent to best Tourist Traffic advantage. Current work by the 185. Mr LAURANCE, to the Minister for council work force should achieve Transport: substantial improvements. (1) Is he aware that the major tourist at- (2) Over the past five years $450 000 of traction of Mt Augustus in the upper Government funds has been allocated Gascoyne and the associated tounist to the Carnarvon Shire Council for developments at Mt Augustus station improvement and maintenance of this and Cobra Station are causing a con- road including $88 000 in 1985-86. siderable build-up of traffic on the The allocations for the current year Camnarvon-Gascoyne Junction Road have already been approved, however and other roads in this general area? the needs of this road will be con- (2) Is additional funding required for sidered when determining priorities these roads to cope with this ad- and allocations in future programmes. ditional traffic? (3) Is he also aware of substantial ROAD: CARNARVON-GASCOYNE roadtrain movement in this general JUNCTION area that is also causing additional dif- Traffic Counts ficulties with these roads? 184. Mr LAURANCE, to the Minister far Mr GRILL replied: Transport: (I) Are regular road counts carried out on (1) I am aware of the tourist development the Carnarvon-Gascoyne at Cobra and Mt Augustus Stations Junction but have Road? no details of the traffic build- up. I understand the Carnarvon and (2) If so- Upper Gascoyne Councils are (a) how often have the counts been evaluating the traffic movements in done; the area. (b) what times of the year have they (2) The councils concerned are respon- been done; sible for determining priorities for (c) have the results shown a trend of roadworks in their shires and allo- increasing traffic on this road? cation of road funds. M r GR ILL replied: (3) Yes. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985129 229

ROAD: CARNARVON-GASCOYNE practice of building small premises in- JUNCTION itially, for which a lesser premium Classification would be payable, and subsequently effecting major variations which could 186. Mr LAURANCE, to the Minister for not attract a premium. Transport: Will he give consideration to (3) The Licensing Court is an indepen- upgrading the classification of the dent judicial body responsible for any Carnarvon-Gascoyne Junction Road matter within its jurisdiction. from a secondary road to a main road? Mr GRILL replied: QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE The classification of this road has re- cently been reviewed and it was found INSURANCE: STATE GOVERNMENT to be appropriately classified as a sec- INSURANCE OFFICE ondary road since it did not meet the Price Waterhouse Report principal warrants for a main road classification. 27. Mr BRIAN BURKE (Premier): As a point of clarification, I indicate COURT: LICENSING COURT that yesterday the Leader of the Oppo- Revenue Collections sition asked me, during his speech on the Address-in-Reply debate, whether 187. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister I would send him a copy of the Price representing the Minister for Racing and Waterhouse report on the operations Gaming: of the SGIO. 1 advised him that I was (1) Further to question 22 of Tuesday, 20 under the impression I had sent him a August 1985, concerning revenue col- copy but that I might not have, and I lected by the Licensing Court, will the undertook to check the matter. I did Minister provide examples of how so this morning and I am able to ad- much the premiums are with regard to vise that in a letter dated 21 January projects such as the Merlin Hotel, Or- 1985 and addressed to the Acting chard Hotel and Burswood Island ca- Leader of the Opposition, I forwarded sino? information outlining the Govern- (2) How does the Licensing Court justify ment's intentions for the State charging a premium? Government Insurance Office, but (3) Is the Minister's department inare indicated that I was unable to supply a copy of the Price Waterhouse- ment with the premiums charged by Rothwells report because it contained the Licensing Court? a great deal of commercially confiden- Mr PEARCE replied: tial information which could be used (1) The liquor licence for the Burswood to the disadvantage of the organis- Casino Hotel is exempt from the pay- ations concerned; that is, the SGIO ment of a premium pursuant to recent and the MVIT. amendments to the Liquor Act. The Leader of the Opposition will be The Merlin Hotel premium was aware that the Price Waterhouse re- $160 000, plus $21 000 for a cabaret port on the Tourism Commission was licence. released and a copy forwarded to him. The Orchard Hotel premium was There may have been some confusion $39 500, plus $21 000 for a cabaret in my mind about the two reports. licence. The only thing I can do is to indicate (2) The fixing of a premium is mandatory that if the Leader of the Opposition in respect of new hotel and tavern li- wants a briefing on the Price cences. A discretionary power for the Waterhouse-Rothwells report, if he Licensing Court to impose a premium contacts the director general of my de- in respect of variations to hotel and partment I will arrange for that brief- tavern premises was introduced in ing to be given to the Leader of the 1981. This was done to discourage the Opposition. 230 230[ASSEMBLY]

INSURANCE: STATE GOVERNMENT that basis it is not envisaged that the INSURANCE OFFICE report will be made public. The Price Waterhouse-Rothwells Report Leader of the Opposition may have a briefing and I am happy to consider 28. Mr HASSELL, to the Premier: whether we can exclude the commer- The Premier will be aware that I am cially confidential information about about to ask a question on the same the operations of the SGlO and the matter on which he has just MVIT-information that may dam- commented because I telephoned his age those two organisations in the office at IIt o'clock this morning. In competitive or commercial sense-if view of the fact that yesterday he the Leader of the Opposition thinks mentioned not only that he had that is appropriate after the briefing. sent a copy of the Price Waterhouse- Rothwells; report to me-which he now acknowledges as not having been HEALTH: VENEREAL DISEASES sent to me-but also that he believed Penalties the report had been released to the 29. Mr TAYLOR, to the Minister for Health: public, and in view of the remarks he My question follows on from an has just made, is it the Government's answer that the Minister gave to the intention to keep secret the report and member for Balcatta's question yester- not release it to the public at all? day about existing penalties under the Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: Health Act. Could the Minister please inform the House- Just so that there is no misunderstand- ing, let me quote from my comment in (1) When were the existing penalties Mansardyesterday. I said- in relation to venereal disease last I thought you asked a question increased? about when it was to be released (2) Has the incidence of venereal dis- and whether you could have a ease dropped since those penalties copy. I was under the impression were increased? that I have sent you a copy, but I (3) Would the Minister please advise may not have. what is the incubation period for I tried to elaborate by saying- AIDS? Mr Hassell: There were earlier remarks. Mr HODGE replied: (1) to (3) I advise Mr BRIAN BURKE: There the member for may have been Kalgoorlie that the penalties to but I am trying to put into context the which he refers were last raised in whole thing, and that appears to me to 1965, and that, since that time, be the last comment I made. As I said previously when trying to clarify the the number of notifications of ve- situation, if the Leader of the Oppo- nereal disease has increased five- sition wants a briefing on the report I fold. am prepared to arrange for that, but I can further advise that the incu- the release of the report is constrained bation period for AIDS is at least by the commercially confidential in- two years, and may be a lot formation about the SGIO and the longer; so a sufferer could con- MVIT contained in the report. For tract the disease without showing that reason it is not proposed to make symptoms for years. It is, there- the report public. I am perfectly happy fore, distinctly possible that the to have the matter reviewed with a carrier could unknowingly view to releasing the report, less the transmit the disease to another commercially confidential infor- person at any time during the in- mation, but then the Leader of the Op-. cubation period. position will accuse us of releasing just I await with some considerable half the report. It is a very difficult interest the legislation the mem- situation to meet unless we seriously ber for Kalamunda has promised disadvantage those two statutory to introduce into this House on authorities, according to them. On this matter. I really cannot believe [Wednesday, 21 August 1985]23 231

that he proposes a six-month gaol iday time of teachers under the old sentence for people who are found arrangements, so we are in fact giving to be suffering from AIDS. It teachers fewer holidays and more time really seems quite incredible that for professional development. he proposes that a person dying Mr Hassell: Having children at school from AIDS would firstly be put must be a terrible annoyance to into a prison rather than a hospi- teachers. It must really upset their tal, and, secondly, of course, there metabolisms. is much more inclination for Mr Old: prison communities to indulge in Pupil-free days! homosexuality than would per- Mr PEARCE: I do want to hear the Oppo- haps the normal population. sition's comments on this question be- Thirdly, of course, I do not im- cause the Government is doing what it agine that the prison officers always tries to do-to arrive at a cor- would be very thrilled about rect balance in these matters. We are handling AIDS victims in the on the one hand opposing one-fifth State prison system. time to primary teachers -because we feel that the State cannot currently So all in all, it seems to me a very afford it, and on odd procedure which the member the other hand, we for Kalamunda has outlined, and are also of the view that the pro- which he intends introducing into fessional development that is necess- ary to implement this House, and I think all mem- the Reazley report bers on the Government side will recommendations does require some wait with some interest to see how days for professional development. I he actually tackles this problem. made a similar decision last year when we took the reading programme through primary schools, and rather EDUCATION than try to spend approximately $5 Student-free Days million or $6 million for teacher re- placements so that professional devel- 30. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for opment can be undertaken, we have Education: taken the cheaper option of closing the What arrangements have been made schools for a day. I am interested to by the Education Department to ac- know the Opposition's attitude to this commodate children of working matter. Perhaps members of the Op- parents for the two pupil-free days position would state clearly if they are granted to teachers to prepare for the in support of this matter or not. introduction of changes from resulting Mr Hassell: We wilt make our statements the Beazley report? when we are ready. We are listening in Mr PEARCE replied: amazement to yours at the moment. The short answer is: None. In having Mr PEARCE: My position on the matter is pupil-free days this year-two for high perfectly clear. schools and two for pnimary Mr MacKinnon: You have made no ar- schools-we are trying to achieve a rangements for parents whatsoever for balance between the legitimate needs those pupil-free days. That is all I of schools and to make dramatically asked you. increased provision for the pro- fessional development of teachers be- Mr PEARCE: That is right, in the same cause of the very heavy loads that they way that no arrangement was made, are bearing in that regard. Next year, for example, when under the previous of course, and thereafter, there will Government staff meetings were not be any difficulty because of the called for an afternoon and students new four- term-year arrangements; we were sent home early. In those circum- have set aside four professional devel- stances, in general terms the children opment days on which teachers will be become the responsibility of the at schools and the children will not be parents. expected to attend. Those four days Mr Taylor: They were given at least a actually represent a cut into the hol- week's notice. 232 232[ASSEMBLY]

Mr PEARCE: That is right. They were mortality has caused a deal of conster- given at least a week's notice, and the nation to the pearl farmers in the schools are not obliged to use the same Broome region. day. In fact, the schools have been In the next two years about $300 000 asked to cause the least possible incon- will be spent on the project and it is venience to parents. If members of the hoped to enhance the availability of Opposition are opposed to that ar- pearl oysters for pearl cultivation in rangement, let them say so- Western Australia. Several members interjected. The research is being carried out in a Mr PEARCE: The Government's position small hatchery at Waterman and while is quite clear. I inform the Opposition this has been successful and breeding that if it has hopes, come election has been improved, a major problem time, it will have to realise that when involves getting supplies of mature the silences come, after we have oysters from Broome. Duplicating ihe announced our policy on these mat- facilities at Broome is seen as a way of ters. The time will come, gentlemen, overcoming the problem. when the Opposition will have to Pant of the transit shed will be used as answer. a field station for the next two to three years while plans for a shore-based fa- cility can be determined. FISHERIES: RESEARCH The Exmouth Gulf monitoring pro- Northern Regions gramme aims to look at the relation- 31. Mr BRIDGE, to the Minister for ship between spawning tiger prawn Fisheries: stocks and the numbers which will reach harvestable size. What assistance is being given to aid research projects in northern The monitoring programme is of para- fisheries? mount importance for the manage- ment of the Exmouth Gulf prawn fish- Mr EVANS replied: ery and the final stage will result in a The Government has allocated greater understanding of the fishing $89 000 from the fisheries research pressures the fishery can sustain. and development fund for research The policy developed by the Fisheries projects in two northern fisheries. Department which is supported by After negotiations between the Marine this Government has improved the re- and Harbours Department and the cruitment stock dramatically. The Fisheries Department up to $70 000 levels in the past three years have will be spent on providing a research increased immensely because of the facility on Broome Jetty. restrictions on the fishing pressure Pant of the jetty transit shed will be imposed by the Government. Now the used as a field station for the Fisheries industry is starting to show the justifi- Department's pearl oyster cultivation cation for and the fruit of that policy. studies. A further $19 000 has been allocated EDUCATION: PRE-SCHOOLS for the final stage of the tiger prawn Teachers breeding monitoring programme in 32. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for the Exmouth Gulf prawn fishery. Education: The funds for the Broome project will (I) Does the Minister employ teachers in be used to install a seawater pumping pre-schools? station, an algal laboratory and to carry out modifications to the transit (2) Is the Minister supporting the State shed. School Teachers Union in its moves in the Industrial Relations Commission Since 1980 the Fisheries Department to gain coverage of pre-school teachers has been looking at unusual who are already members of the pre- mortalities of pearl oysters, and this school teachers and associates union? [Wednesday, 21 August 1985])3 233

(3) If so, why is he intervening in this ELECTORAL: ENROLMENTS case? Imbalance Mr PEARCE replied: 33. Mr P. J. SMITH, to the Minister for Parliamentary and Electoral Reform: (1) to (3) 1 have had lengthy discussions (1) What is the degree of imbalance ini with the Miscellaneous Workers enrolments in the Western Australian Union which covers the pre-primary electoral system? school teachers and with the State (2) Do these imbalances create a contra- School Teachers Union of Western vention of accepted United Nations Australia with regard to the circum- standards? stances of employment of pre-school Mr TONKIN replied: teachers. The situation in this area is rather messy because of the (1) and (2) The ratio between the enrol- convoluted statements made by the ment numbers of the highest and of member for Narrogin when he was the lowest electorates for this Parlia- Minister for Education. ment are 7:1 in the Legislative As- sembly and 11:1 in the Legislative When the Pre-school Board was Council. Imbalances in enrolments are abolished in 1977, the former Minis- a source of embarrassment within ter made a distinction which was not Australia because the extent of valid in law. He argued that pre-pri- malapportionment in our electoral mary teachers would be employed by system is the worst in Australia. the Education Department and pre- Internationally, our major trading school teachers would be employed in partner has condemned imbalances in its own electoral enrolments. The a different way through the Education Japanese Supreme Court has been Department- He saw a distinction in that kind of employment. In fact, in reported to have ruled that the pre- my discussions with both unions, we vious election there was unconsti- moved to get both pre-school and pre- tutional because some electorates have primary teachers on the same set of four times the number of electors in conditions. In the end we ran up them than other electorates. against the strange statements made Uncomfortable comparisons like this by the former Minister which have reinforce the resolution of this proved to be legally inaccurate. Government to strive for a fair elec- toral system of which every Western The legal fact is that all pre-school Australian can be proud in a national teachers are employed by me as the as well as an international sense. responsible Minister. There is no dif- Before members opposite think it is ference in the employment between a funny to endorse United Nations' pre-primary and a pre-school teacher. resolutions, they should remember I have taken no position with regard that it was the conservative Govern- to the coverage of pre-school teachers ment in Canberra which ratified that by the Miscellaneous Workers Union agreement. or to the coverage of pre-primary school teachers by the State School Teachers Union. I have said that the TRADE: EXIM CORPORATION problem would be more easily solved Cattle Marketing: Mr Keith Gate if both unions continued to cover the 34. Mr OLD, to the Minister for Agriculture: different sets of teachers. I understand Is Mr Gale, in his capacity as an ad- that there is a dispute between the viser to the Department of Premier unions which has gone before the In- and Cabinet, required to oversee the dustrial Relations Commission. I take marketing of cattle from the previous no position on this matter. I do not Emanuel leases on behalf of Exim? feel it is any of my business and I am sure the Industrial Relations Com- Mr EVANS replied: mission will make a decision on the Mr Gale is employed within the De- matter without my assistance. partment of- 234 234(ASSEMBLY]

Mr Old: Answer the question. Woodvale High School-$750 to run an intensive course for the Mr EVANS: I am not sure of the precise Year 8 intake to provide smoke- mechanics whereby the cattle have free models for following been marketed. However, I will under- students. take to find out the precise details of those mechanics for the member for Melville Senior High Katanning-Roe. Scho)Il-$400 to train peer group leaders in smoking education. Belmont Senior High HEALTH: TOBACCO School-S 700 for an extensive programme including a smoking Antismoking Campaigns:-Young People clinic. 35. Mrs WATKINS, to the Minister for Significant components of other Health: grants encompass youth activities. There are Is many exciting and it the Government's intention to di- innovative projects being undertaken rect a significantly greater proportion by a variety of groups of Government grants to groups work- in the com- ing on antismoking programmes munity. aimed at the young? For example, the International Youth Year co-ordinating committee will use Mr HODGE replied: its grant to involve young people with experienced performers and directors Yes. Out of a total of $85 000 which to produce a show focusing on the will be made available to voluntary issues of cigarette smoking. groups, more than $27 000 will go towards work with the young. We will continue to help community organisations, educational insti- For the first time four Western tutions, health agencies, and any other Australian high schools will receive groups which support our bid to re- grants totalling $7 350 for work on duce the incidence of smoke-related antismoking campaigns. diseases in Western Australia. The International Youth Year co- ordinating committee will receive TRADE: EXIM CORPORATION $20 000 for an educational pro- Cattle Marketing: Mr Keith Gale gramme based on a theatre group. The grants reaffirm this Government's 36- Mr OLD, to the Premier: commitment to its antismoking cam- in view of the fact that the Minister paign. However while the campaign for Agriculture is not responsible for has been successful, there is still a long Exim, I ask the Premier- way to go. Is Mr Gale, in his capacity as an In particular, we have a lot of work to adviser to the Department of do with young people and there is no Premier and Cabinet, required to better place to start than in our oversee the marketing of cattle from schools. We must aim to encourage the previous Emanuel leases people not to take up smoking, not on behalf of Exim? just work on them after they have the Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: habit. Firstly, in answer to a question which I think was asked and answered The four schools to receive assistance tonight, I pointed out that Mr Gale are- was a consultant to the Department of Wanneroo Senior High School-a Premier and Cabinet. grant of $5 500 to mount a pro- Secondly, in respect of the Emanuel gramme involving all pupils, leases, I am not sure about the role aimed at encouraging personal that Mr Gale has been playing in development of self-esteem in a either the marketing of cattle or in smoke-free community. talking to those people in the industry [Wednesday, 21 August 1985)25 235

who have an interest in the Emanuel Mr BRIAN BURKE: I am not saying that leases and the way in which the Exim was established on the same Government, with the help of the in- principle. I am pointing to the dustry, hopes to restructure the indus- inconsistencies in the attitudes of the try. I am perfectly happy to ask Exim Opposition. to define for me the role that Mr Gale is playing. I am sure it will be a worth- while one. Mr H-assell: There was no parliamentary approval for Exim's operations. The In conclusion, I should say that the matter was never brought before Par- Opposition, in its criticism, appears to liament for approval. be out of step with how the industry feels about the whole exercise because, consistently, we are being told that, Mr BRIAN BURKE: All I can say is that for the first time in this State's recent the inconsistencies in the Opposition's history, a Government is facing up to attitude are highlighted by the fact some of the problems associated with that, on the one hand, it would seek to the pastoral industry in our north. ensure that the WADC remains Those problems include problems of outside the direction of the Govern- insecurity of tenure, problems of ment and outside its knowledge, if stations that are run from outside the that is the Opposition's insistence. control of the State, problems of overgrazing, problems of conflicting demands for land, problems of dog Mr H-assell: You don't know what the Op- control, and many other matters. position's attitude towards Exim is be- Those matters are being seriously cause you have never brought it before addressed within the commercial con- Parliament. text of the Emanuel properties. The latest advice I have received from Mr BRIAN BURKE: The Opposition's at- Exim is that the Emanuel properties titude to Exim has been reflected in are shaping up to be an excellent pur- some of its interjections tonight. In chase by the State Government. any case, I guess the fundamental Mr Old: What is so secret about the mar- issue is that, if the WADC is to be keting of the cattle? expected to operate commercially and Western Australian Government Mr BRIAN BURKE: There is no secret. Holdings is expected to operate corn- Mr Old: Why was I cold those matters are mercially and not to gain advantage from the Government, the least the confidential to the company? Opposition can expect is the refuge Mr BRIAN BURKE: I am perfectly happy that the Opposition provided to the to ask whether Mr Gale is involved in WADC. That is an indication of the the marketing arrangements. I will ask Opposition's attitude. It has obli- Exim whether it will reveal that infor- gations under the Companies Code mation, apparently in answer to a and also it has obligations to pur- question asked by the member for chasers an d ot her people with wh om i t Katanning-Roe. enters into commercial operations and agreements. I suspect those people will Members of the Opposition might re- not want their cornmercial secrets, if call that they made the Western one wants to put them that way, Australian Development Corporation, displayed publicity. That may apply to specifically by legislation, outside the Exim. I do not know whether it has control and direction of the Govern- put a caveat on the disclosure of intfor- ment. mation. I am perfectly happy to ask Mr Hassell: Exim is not within the control Mr Gale to advise me of his role in the of the Government. You were the one marketing of cattle and to advise me who got Western Australian Govern- also of the role he is playing in assist- ment Holdings through on the basis of ing Exim in splitting up the Emanuel buying diamonds. properties satisfactorily. 236 236[ASSEMBLY)

ROAD CONSTRUCTION underpass and Throssel Street. This Kalgoorlie work, with reconstruction between Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, will greatly 37. Mr TAYLOR, to the Minister for improve the entrance to the town of Transport: Kalgoorlie. Can the Minister for Transport An amount of $1635 000 will be spent outline what further funds the Burke on improvement and maintenance of Government, as pant of its catch-up the Coolgardie-Esperance Road. The plan after nine years of Liberal improvements include reconstruction Government neglect, is putting into of a 1.1 km section at the junction the Kalgoorlie region in the area of with Great Eastern Highway and re- road construction and maintenance construction of a 2.38 km section over during this financial year? Lake Cowan, north of Norseman. Mr GRILL replied: An allocation of $555 000 has been A total of $ 13.47 million has been made for sealing and resealing 6.5 km allocated for road construction and south of Leonora on the Kalgoorlie- maintenance in the Kalgoorlie region Meekatharra Road. This work will during this financial year. This in- complete the widening of the road be- cludes Commonwealth funds tween Kalgoorlie and the railhead at provided by the Australian land Leonora, a distance of 237 km. transport programme and the Australian bicentennial road develop- An extra $3100000 has been provided ment programme. for construction to start on a new 30.4 road between Leinster and Miranda. The allocation includes $3.9 million This new road, which will be for roads under the control of local constructed as a gravel road, will pro- authorities. This comprises $2.32 vide a through route between Leonora million in statutory and ABRD grants and Wiluna via Leinster. and other allocations of $1.58 million for the improvement and maintenance Allocations for works on local auth- of council roads. ority roads include- In a programme to upgrade Eyre $206 000 for construction of the Highway, $1 530 000 has been Kalgoorlie eastern bypass, be- allocated for widening and tween Hainault Road and reconstructing 63 kilometres of the Boorara Road. highway between Cocklebiddy and $170 000 for formation improve- Madura. This is the first stage of a ments and gravelling of the proposed programme for widening the Laverton-Warburton Road in the entire length of the highway within Shires of Laverton and Wiluna. Western Australia, which will be funded, over a number of years. $1t07 000 for maintenance includ- Another $2 108 000 will be spent on ing resealing and shoulder maintaining the highway, including reconditioning on the Esperance- resealing 102 kilometres. Israelite Bay Road in the Shire of Esperance. Another major item is continuing the reconstruction work on Great Eastern $91 500 for improvements to the Highway between Coolgardie and Cascades Road in the Shire of Kalgoorlie. For this $1 755 000 has Esperance. been allocated as part of the cost of $60 000 for gravel sheeting 15 km reconstructing the remaining 13.1 km of the Agnew-Leinster Road in on this section of the highway. It is the Shire of Leonora. expected this project will be completed early in the 1986-87 $50000 for formation improve- financial year. ments on the Warburton-Giles Road in the Shire of Wiluna. Funds have also been provided to widen and seal the shoulders over 8.1 I think all members would agree that kilometres between the railway that is a very fine programme. [Wednesday, 21 August 1985J]3 237

POLICE: BLUE LIGHT DISCOS ours, enacted those regulations some years ago. However, I Albany understand why they were 38. Mr WATT, to the Minister for Health: enacted. They were enacted to provide public safety for people (t) Has the Minister seen my letter of using public buildings. 9 August 1985 marked "Urgent" in connection with the blue light discos conducted in Albany by local off-duty (4) With respect to the action I will policemen? take, I have discussed the matter (2) Is the Minister prepared to take urgent with senior officers, including Dr action to ensure that this worthwhile McNulIty (the Executive Director community service is not strangled to of Public Health) and Dr Richard death by Government red tape? Lugg (the officer in charge of health inspection services). I have (3) Does he interpret the present health asked them urgently to convene a regulations as giving him discretion- meeting with the police and the ary powers to approve the conduct of fire brigades to discuss the mat- functions of this type? ter, and to see whether there is (4) As the blue light discos have been indeed some room for altering the highly successful, attracting hundreds existing regulations in view of the of young people, can he say what very special circumstances of the changes to the regulations he proposes blue light discos. to allow the discos to continue? (5) When will the proposed changes, if (5) If any changes are to be made, any, be made? obviously they will be made as Mr HODGE replied: soon as possible. I am as keen as the member for Albany, the Min- I thank the member for Albany for ister for Police and Emergency some previous notice of the questions, Services, and Mr Knight to ensure the answers to which are as follows- that the blue light discos continue (I) Yes, I have seen his letter. to be the great success that they are. However, the regulations (2) Yes, I have already taken action. I were enacted by the previous received, in addition to his letter, Government to ensure that public representations from the Minister safety in public buildings is at all for Police and Hon. Tom Knight. times, and under all circum- 1 have discussed the matter at stances, protected. There have same length with senior officers been some terrible tragedies over- in the Health Department to see seas caused in discotheques, what action, if any, can be taken. nightclubs, and hotels by (3) With respect to discretionary overcrowding; and it is my re- power, I advise that we are talking sponsibility, as the Minister for about public safety regulations Health, to try to ensure that these that were enacted under the sorts of tragedies are not allowed Health Act. They do not provide to happen in Western Australia. for the Minister to have any dis- cretionary power, nor for the Commissioner of Health or any However, taking that into ac- other person. Thus, the regu- count, if the public health lations have been approved by officials in consultation with the this Parliament and are the law of police and the Fire Brigades the land. Therefore, they must be Board recommend to me that the obeyed. The honourable member regulations should be amended, I referred to the regulations as will be only too happy to take the strangling red tape. That is his quickest possible action to im- opinion. His Government, not plement that recommendation. 238 238[ASSEMBLY)

HOSPITAL LAUNDRY AND LINEN cut linen stocks by 30 per cent SERVICE while still giving hospitals the ser- Sale vice they currently receive; 39. Mrs BEGGS, to the Minister for Health: successfully incorporating the (1) Does the Government support the dis- existing laundry business into the posal of the Hospital Laundry and hospital service, despite the prob- lems associated with trying to Linen Service to the private sector? keep the two types of laundry sep-. (2) If not, why not? arate; and Mr HODGE replied: charge a higher rate of de- (1) No, the Government has no plan to preciation. sell the Hospital Laundry and Linen The previous Government made the Service. only sensible decision it could. It (2) A report commissioned by the abandoned the attempts to privatise O'Connor Government recommended the laundry service. against the disposal of the laundry and linen service to the private sector. The report was commissioned in 1982 COMMUNICATIONS: SATELLITES from consultants P.A. Australia by my Receivers Sales Tax predecessor, the then Minister for 40. Mr LAU RANGE, to the Minister for Health, Mr Ray Young, and was Regional Development and the North received before the previous Govern- West: ment left office. (1) Is the Minister aware that equipment The consultants were asked to con- for the earth stations required for sider outright sale, leasing, and joint outback homesteads to receive com- private and Government equity. munications signals from Australia's P.A. Australia warned of two major domestic satellites when they are risks associated with any transfer of launched in a few weeks' time will at- the service to private management.' tract a sales tax at the rate of 32.5 per These were- cent? the successful private operator (2) Will the Minister approach his Feder- monopolising the metropolitan al colleagues as a matter of urgency laundry business, not just hospital and add to ray own representations to business, because of benefits con- the Federal Minister to have these ferred by ownership of Hospital products treated as essential rather Laundry and Linen Service;, than luxury items? industrial action because of the M r GRILL replied: need a private operator would have to achieve operating econ- Unfortunately this particular area of omies in a short time. responsibility no longer comes within This amounted to objective indepen- my charge and although I would be privatisation very happy to take up this matter with dent evidence that the the Federal Government, I simply do policy being pursued by the Oppo- sition would lead to the loss of jobs not have that responsibility any longer. There has been a change in and the establishment of a private portfolio responsibility and this mat- monopoly. ter is now the responsibility of the The report showed the sale of the Hos- Deputy Premier. However, I reply as pital Laundry and Linen Service follows- would be viable only if the private purchaser could- (1) and (2) Western Australia in fact has been extraordinarily success- lease the building for an amount ful in representations to the Fed- that represented a return to the eral Government in respect of the Government of less than 10 per whole outback satellite scheme. I cent on its investment; do not want to take all the glory in reduce staff by about 28; this regard because the initiatives [Wednesday, 21 August 19851 2393

were commenced by the previous demonstrated that the Government is Government, but they were on the right course with its plans for brought to fruition by the present the area and the reports will be open Government. Initially the spectre for public comment for two months. presented by the Federal Govern- The total cost, if all the recommended ment was that programmes for options were adopted, would be about the satellite would actually emra- $ 40 million over four years. nate and be presented from the Eastern States. The Western The fact that the Government is Australian Government was able giving active consideration to signifi- to convince the Federal Minister cant expenditure in the future that in fact these types of pro- underlines the importance of the estu- grammes-especially those being ary to Mandurah as a healthy, robust received by isolated communities estuary is of critical importance to the in the outback-should emanate long-term future of Mandurah as a from the State in which they were tourist and recreational centre. to be beamed. There was a whole The condition of the estuary had host of technical problems t~o be deteriorated progressively over the overcome in that regard, but past 20 to 30 years as increasing every-one of those problems has amounts of phosphorus had run off been overcome. I must admit that into what has been a poorly flushed the Federal Government did system. This resulted in a massive change its policies some months weed problem. A six-point action plan ago. It was a sweeping win to has been developed for the estuary Western Australia, and a vindi- and includes three major initiatives, cation of the very detailed work namely- that was carried out by the De- partment of Regional Develop- (a) A detailed engineering and en- ment. However, having succeeded vironmental study for the in that, the responsibility was Dawesville Channel at a cost of then taken over by the Deputy $509 000. It is planned to release Premier. stage 2 of the environmental re- view and management pro- gramme for the channel in mid- ENVIRONMENT: PEEL-HARVEY 1986. ESTUARY Problems (b) A dredging programme, subject to 41. Mr READ, to the Minister for completion of a public environ- Conservation and Land Management: ment report assessment, to begin in December downstream of the Will the Minister advise what the traffic bridge, at an initial cost of Government intends doing to combat $460000. the algae and navigation problems in the Peel-Harvey Estuary? (c) Provision of a two-metre deep all- Mr DAVIES replied: year navigation channel, subject I am delighted to be able to give a to agreement on cost-sharing ar- comprehensive report to the member. rangements for annual mainten- The State Government has committed ance, at a cost of $1.4 million in itself to spend $2.5 million over the 1985-86. next year to combat the algae and The Government has also reaffirmed navigation problems in the Peel- its commitment to the fertiliser Harvey Estuary. This expenditure is modification plan on the coastal the next phase in the implementation plain and to the weed clearing pro- of measures to restore the long-term gramme in the estuary. Fertiliser con- health of the estuary. trols, weed management, dredging and Stage I of the environmental review the proposed Dawesville cut are all el- and management programme, and a ements which will restore the health of public environment report, have the estuary. 240 240ASSEMBLY]

The Government has, however, de- PASTORAL INDUSTRY: LEASES cided to delay a final decision on the Emanuel Family:, Purchasers Dawesville cut until stage 2 of the en- vironmental review and management 42. Mr BLAIKIE, to the Minister for Lands programme assessment is completed and Surveys: in about 12 months. The aim of the proposed dredging Further to question 158 regarding the work is to improve the navigability of Exim purchase of Emanual leases I ask the Mandurab channel and to assist the Minister- water exchange in the Peel Inlet. This Will he give an assurance to the will lead to a reduction in weed House as to whether the consider- growth in the inlet in the long term. ation he gave those private pur- The development of a permanent chasers who, as he has said, were two-metre deep all-year ocean en- interested in purchasing the trance to Mandurah is a separate issue Emanuel properties was any dif- and will therby enhancing Mandurab's ferent- ability to develop as a major centre for recreational boating and fishing: The The SPEAKER: Order! The last pan of the State Government will seek to enter question is out of order. into an agreement with potential ben- eficiaries on cost-sharing arrange- Mr McI VER replied: ments for annual maintenance works. All this happened a long time ago and A steering committee, convened by I cannot recall each person who made the Department of Conservation and requests of the pastoral board. Land Management, will be set up to provide on-going advice to the Mr Blaikie: March this year; and it was Government; and the Minister for $8.5 million. Transport will take over co-ordination of planning and implementation of all Mr McIVER: Is the member going to maritime engineering and land devel- answer the question or am I? I will opment works associated with the es- obtain the information for him and tuary strategy. advise him of it by correspondence.