Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

WEDNESDAY, 29 OCTOBER 1975

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Questions Upon Notice [29 OcTOBER 1975] Questions Upon Notice 1605

WEDNESDAY, 29 OCTOBER 1975 (2) Three-monthly season tickets are still available at reduced cost to the traveller. People travelling from suburbs in buses Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. J. E. H. Houghton operated by the Brisbane City Council can Redcliffe) read prayers and took the chai; purchase single tickets only. at 11 a.m. (3) No. The statement by the Honour­ able the Treasurer was to the effect that rail PAPERS fares and freights would be increased by an average of 40 per cent, and over all The following papers were laid on the this has been adhered to. table, and ordered to be printed:- Reports- (4) No. See answer to (3). Air Pollution Council of Queensland, for the year 1974-75. Department of Works, for the year 2. CORAL-DREDGING IN MORETON BAY 1974-75. Mr. Bums, pursuant to notice, asked the The following papers were laid on the Minister for Tourism and Marine Services- table:- ( 1) What areas of Moreton Bay are Regulations under- subject to coral-dredging leases and what Public Service Act 1922-1973. companies hold the leases? Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration (2) What effect will these leases have on Act 1961-1974. Green, Mud and similar islands? (3) How close to the foreshores are QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE dredges allowed to operate? 1. INCREASED RAIL FARES AND FREIGHTS ( 4) Has any study been made on the Mr. Bums, pursuant to notice, asked the effect the _dredging will have on the Minister for Transport- oyster and fish populations? Cl) Is he aware that the return fare Answer:- from Wynnum to Brisbane has increased by 100 per cent from 45 cents to 90 cents (l to 4) The honourable member for the and from Gaythorne from 32 cents to 60 area (Mr. W. Lamond) has previously cents, \Vhich is over 40 per cent? discussed the matter referred to in the question with the Minister for Aboriginal (2) Is he aware that, by abolishing the and Islanders Advancement and Fisheries twelve-monthly, six-monthly and monthly and myself and, in view of the fact that tickets, an additional slug, on top of the this matter does not come under my extreme fare increases, has been placed on control, I suggest the honourable member the worker? redirect his question to that Minister for (3) _\V as the House misled in the Budget advice. when 1t was suggested that rail freights would increase by an average of 40 per cent? 3. FUEL SHORTAGE AND GRAIN GROWERS ( 4) Will he move to restrict the increase to 40 per cent as promised in the Budget Mr. McKechnie, pursuant to no1ice, asked and restore the twelve-monthly, six-monthly the Deputy Premier and Treasurer- and monthly tickets? As grain farmers are justifiably con­ cerned that the current fuel shortage might Answers:- prevent them from harvesting all of their (1) The present return fare between winter grain crops and because the Gov­ Wynnum and South Brisbane is 54 cents ernment is also relying on revenue from and therefore the increase is not 100 per the haulage of grain by the Queensland cent. It is explained that the opportunity Railways, will he personally appeal to the has been taken to rationalise suburban rail leaders of the oil industry by asking them fares in that the new charges have been to make special provision to help the grain calculated on the basis of the distances industry obtain fuel during the existing travelled. The effect of this adjustment is critical fuel shortage? reflected in the new fare of 90 cents return for travel between Fruitgrove and Answer:- South Brisbane-a distance of 19 kilo­ I refer the honourable member to the metres, the same as from Wynnum-rep­ answer provided on 22 October by the resenting an increase of 32 per cent. The Minister for Industrial Development, return fares from Gaythorne to Central and Labour Relations and Consumer Affairs to from Salisbury to South Brisbane both a question asked by the honourable mem­ journeys of 10 kilometres, become 60 cents ber for Balonne about this subject. I increases of 87 per cent and 30 per cent prefer to leave the matter in his capable respectively. hands. 1606 Questions Upon Notice [29 OCTOBER 1975] Questions Upon Notice

4. INTERACTION OF ITEMS OF RAILWAY ( 3) Five homes are presently occupied WORKING EXPENDITURE and $6,579.42 has been expended on repairs Mr. McKechnie, pursuant to notice, asked and maintenance during the preceding two the Minister for Transport- years. ( 1) What were the major items of expenditure which contributed to the working expenses of $4,993,705 in 1974-75 6. GOVERNMENT ADVERTISING THROUGH attributed to the Warwick-Dirranbandi and LEo BuRNETT Warwick-Wallangarra railway lines and Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked the branches? Deputy Premier and Treasurer- (2) What was the nature and amount Cl) Was the advertising for the of those expenses which were incurred in Premier's television, radio and newspaper areas such as suburban workshops and programmes during the last financial year debited to the sections of line in question? placed through the Leo Burnett Agency (3) What amount of the $60,887,331 and, if so, why was the State Govern­ working expenses shown for the Brisbane ment's Advertising Department bypassed? section in 1974-75 is attributable to the (2) Is Leo Burnett the advertising Brisbane suburban railway system? agency for the National Party? ( 4) In view of claims that revenue ( 3) Did Leo Burnett place the adver­ from the haulage of grain assists in the tisements on behalf of the four State subsidisation of Brisbane suburban travel, Premier's in all Queensland papers last will he explain how this is justified if week and were the advertisements charged this is the case? to the Premier's Department? ( 4) Are similar facilities available to the Answers:- Treasurer to use public money for party ( 1 to 3) This information is being advertising? collated and will be conveyed to the honourable member in due course. Answer:- ( 4) Generally speaking, rail freight (1 to 4) I have replied previously .to a traffic subsidises passenger traffic. However, somewhat similar question that the detailed because of the escalating railway operating financial administration of a State depart­ costs and the level of 'the grain rates that ment is the .-esponsibility of the relevant applied during 1974-75, it cannot be said Minis.ter. I am therefore not aware of the t~a.t the haulage of that commodity sub­ detailed arrangements referred to by the Sidised any passenger travel during that honourable member. year.

7. ANOMALY IN BRISBANE SUBURBAN 5. HousiNG CoMMISSION HousEs FOR WEEKLY RAIL FARE ABORIGINES AND ISLANDERS, MARYBOROUGH Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked the Mr. Alison, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Transport- Minister for Aboriginal and Islanders ( 1) Is he aware that passengers travel­ Advancement and Fisheries- ling from northern suburban stations to ( 1) What arrears of rent were owing at Brunswick Street Station are now required 30 June on houses owned by the State to purchase a weekly ticket to Central Government in Maryborough and used Station at a cost additional to that exclusively for Aborigines and Islanders? normally charged for travelling to Bruns­ wick Street? (2) How much rent has been written (2) Will he investigate this matter and off over the last two years as uncollect­ ensure that these suburban travellers are able and how many tenants have been not penalised in this way? evicted for non-payment of rent and damage to the houses over this period? Answers:- ( 3) How many houses are being let at ( 1) The new scale of fares for multi-trip present and how much has been spent on weekly tickets is based on the distance the houses over the last two years for actually travelled, and in some cases this repairs and cleaning? could mean that the fare to Central from a no

8. R-CERTIFICATE FILMS cannot be recommended as a means of Mr. Lane, pursuant to notice, asked the control of groundsel bush. Results to date Minister for Justice and Attorney-General- indicate that, in low-lying coastal areas, some localised control may be achieved In view of the comments of Mr. D. eight to 10 years after the insect's release, Draydon in "The Courier-Mail" of 28 but in other areas appreciable control is October expressing apparent concern not anticipated. regarding the admission of persons under of 18 years to R-certificate films- (2) Because of the lengthy time involved before control may be achieved, all libera­ ( 1) Which officers have the responsi­ tions of these insects are being made on bility of policing this provision of law at groundsel bush infested land in co-opera­ the entrance doorways of picture theatres? tion with local authorities. (2) Are police officers included with ( 3) Hormone sprays affect these beetles persons who have responsibility in this indirectly once the destruction of their area? groundsel food source takes place. ( 3) How many offences against theatre proprietors for neglecting this provision have been reported and how many have QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE been prosecuted? LIQUIDITY PROBLEMS OF BUILDING SOCIETIES Answers:- Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I ask the Minister for Works and Housing: Is he aware of reports (1 and 2) A person shall not exhibit a restricted-exhibition picture in a picture that some of Queensland's building societies theatre when there is present any person are suffering liquidity problems? What action has been taken by his department or any who has attained the age of two years and other Government department to stop the who has not attained the age of 18 years. cover-up of fraud and mismanagement which There is no specific provision for policing the entrances to picture theatres. If a has apparently occurred in at least one member of the Police Force has reasonable society? cause to suspect that any person admitted Mr. LEE: As a responsible Government, to a picture theatre in which a restricted­ we are always prepared to take appropriate exhibition picture is being exhibited or action where necessary. If controls on liquid­ about to be exhibited or has just been ity are needed, we will take whatever action exhibited has not attained the age of is possible. eighteen years, he may require that person to state his correct age, name and address. (3) Section 31 of the Censorship of SIR COLIN HANNAH AS SUPPORTING SPEAKER Films Act 1947-1973 requires every mem­ AT PUBLIC RALLY IN BRISBANE ber of the Police Force to report any Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I ask

9. BEETLE CONTROL OF GROUNDSEL Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: One of the best things I could do in support of Malcolm Mr. Frawley, pursuant to notice, asked the Fraser would be to ask the honourable mem­ Minister for Lands, Forestry, National Parks ber for Archerfield to attend the meeting. and Wildlife Service- That probably would be 1he best support I ( 1) Has the introduction of the could get for Malcolm Fraser. groundsel beetle to control the groundsel bush proved successful? (2) Are the beetles available from his SUGGESTED CLOSURE OF LAVARACK BARRACKS department at the request of local authori­ Mr. M. D. HOOPER: I ask the Premier: ties and land holders affected by the As he is obviously aware that in the past groundsel bush? 18 months there have been many resignations (3) Are these beetles affected by of senior officers from Army hormone sprays? stationed at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville (and the reason must surely be the lack of Answers:- confidence of Army officers in the defence policies of the present Federal Labor Gov­ (1 ) The groundsel bush beetle ( trir­ ernment) and as the people of North Queens­ habda baccharidis), introduced from ·the land are concerned at the run-down of the U.S.A. in 1966, has not been as successful capacity of the Army at Lavarack (the largest as initially anticipated and at this stage Army base in Northern ), can he 1608 Questions Without Notice [29 OCTOBER 1975] Questions Without Notice advise the House if he has any knowledge of imagination. Is he aware that the .Mackay a rumour now circulating that Lavarack Harbour Board was recently adv1sed by Barracks is to be closed? his department that two pilots employed by the Department of Harbours and Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: Reports have Marine at Mackay are to be transferred to come in from different sources about the pos­ Hay Point, that the position of harbour sible closure of Lavarack Barracks in Towns­ master at Mackay is to be downgraded and, ville. I am not aware of a closure as such. The furthermore, that any assistan~e that he fact is that from time to time the Common­ would require must come from either Bowen wealth Government has reduced Army or Hay Point? Will he therefore tell the strength in different parts of Australia. I can House if on 14 October, he did not know only undertake to inquire from the Common­ what he ~as doing, as if he did, he deliber­ wealth Government whether the barracks are ately misled the House? to be closed or not and to acquaint the hon­ ourable member in due course. It would be Mr. NEWBERY: Put it on notice. a tragedy to the Army and to North Queens­ Mr. CASEY: It is obvious that the Minister land, particularly Townsville, if that occurred. does not know the answer, so he has answered my question and there is no need FINANCIAL ALLOCATION TO NON-STATE to put it on notice. SCHOOLS Mr. LANE: I ask the Deputy Premier and STATE PROSECUTIONS FOR FRAUDULENT Treasurer: Do the increased subsidies made UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIMS available in the recent State Budget to prim­ Mr. HARTWIG: I ask the Minister for ary and secondary non-State schools repre­ Justice and Attorney-General: Is there any sent a practical endorsement of the Queens­ provision in our State legislation which land Government's established policy of would enable the prosecution. under the recognising the right of parents to send their Criminal Code or otherwise, of a person children to a school of their choice and the or persons using fictitious nan:es and established place that private schools have in addresses to receive, for example, s1x unem­ our education system? ployment benefit cheques every fortnight? Sir GORDON CHALK: At no time in the Mr. KNOX: The matter to which the history of this Government have we hidden honourable member refers come~ . under the fact that we have given support to private Commonwealth legislation. If there JS m fact or denominational schools. Those schools no appropriate Commonwealth ]egisl~tion, I have played a vital part in helping the Educa­ am quite sure that there is State legislatiOn tion Department in Queensland to overcome that could be availed of. However, I am many of the problems it has faced, particu­ quite certain that there is a~equ_ate author­ larly with the rapid growth in population ity under Commonwealth legislatiOn to deal following the war years. with what would ordinarily be regarded as The increases we have provided in this cases of fraud which the honourable mem­ year's Budget represent a continuation of the ber alleges have occurred. policy of support we have maintained in the The question gives me an opportunity to past. They are an indication also that we say that the announcement by the Fe~e_ral recognise the considerable extent of increases Minister that there will be no more pohci_ng in costs being experienced by many private of the defrauding of the employment serv~ce and denominational schools today. I have of moneys by people not entitled .to re~e1':'e always marvelled at the part that certain them opens an entirely new operatiOn withm religious orders have played in providing the community and encourages people to high-standard education facilities. Those break the law. It is regrettable that that who provide the facilities are very dedicated announcement was made by the CDmmon­ to the education of young people and to wealth Minister a few days ago. I think it ensuring that they grow up to be good is typical of the way in which s?dal ser_vi:;e citizens. departments in this nation are bemg admmis­ My short answer to the honourable mem­ tered at the moment that it seems easy for ber is: Yes, the increase that we have pro­ people who are not entitled to benefits to vided is an indication of our continued defraud the departments whilst those who support of these schools and of our are entitled to them have to go through an recognition of the need to provide them enormous paper war in order to get their with extra funds so that they may survive. just entitlements.

LANGUAGE USED BY A.L.P. LEADERS DOWNGRADING OF P'ORT OF MACKA Y Mr. .HARTWIG: I ask the Premier: Has Mr. CASEY: In asking the Minister for he read a report of yesterday's street meet­ Tourism and Marine Services this question ing in Rockhampton at which, in front of without notice, I refer him to his ministerial women and children, Mr. Bob Hawke re­ statement to the House on 14 October, ferred to one interjector as "a silly bastard" wherein he indicated that statements by me and to another as "a nice bastard"? in the House regarding the downgrading of the port of Mackay were a figment of my Mr. Yewdale: He was, too. Questions Without Notice [29 OcTOBER 1975] Questions Without Notice 1609

Mr. HARTWIG: The honourable member rather distressing case of mercy killing in the ought to know; he was there. This follows courts in America. What is the situation in Mr. Whitlam's reference to the Premier as relation to mercy killing in Queensland? "a Bible-bashing bastard". Can the Premier I am not sure whether I should direct this inform the House if such terms and language question to the Minister for Health or to emanating from V.I.P.'s in the A.L.P. in the Minister for Justice. Canberra and in other places are an indica­ tion of their attitude to our people and our Dr. EDWARDS: I am aware of the con­ society generally? troversy overseas regarding the case in which the Quinlan family are making an appeal Mr. B.JELKE-PETERSEN: That is, of course, typical of the language used by most to a court to decide whether the instruments Labor members in high places. Indeed, I keeping their daughter alive should be think Mr. Hawke used the same language switched off. The interest of the public of about the Prime Minister when he sacked Queensland and honourable members has, of Dr. Cairns. I think Jack Egerton used the course, been aroused in this case. I think same language, too, when referring to Dr. it is quite in order for me to assure the Cairns. people of Queensland that, although this A Government Member: And Gough used could become a problem throughout the the same language when referring to you. nation because of the availability cf instru­ ments and machines which keep people alive Mr. B.JELKE-PETERSEN: That is right. That is language that is typical of them, and much longer than, say, a generation ago, what one would expect from them. Why within the Queensland hospitals system this people vote for them, I just do not know. problem does not exist. We are well aware Some people are tigers for punishment. of the tragedies and tremendous problems that could result in some cases. As a Govern­ ment, we make every effort to keep IRRIGATION AND WATER SUPPLY COMMISSION people in as good health as possible, RETRENCHMENTS first of all. Secondly, I can assure the Mr. BURNS: I ask the Minister for Water honourable member that if these situations Resources: Is he aware of the rumours cir­ do arise, every effort will be made to help culating among the workshop staff of the the people concerned. No instance of this Irrigation and Water Supply Commission pwblem arising in Queensland hospitals has that 72 men will be laid off on Friday because of lack of funds? Can he give an been brought to my attention. I would be assurance that this will not happen tomorrow? pleased if there were little or no public outcry about this issue, because it is an Mr. N. T. E. HEWIIT: I am fully con­ emotional one and is really something that versant with the problems facing the Irriga­ would be best discussed on a private level tion and Water Supply Commission at between the parties concered. I regret that present as a result of lack of funds. At the same time, I point out to the House that no this case has gone into the courts in America funds at all have been made available for because I feel it will create problems through­ major State projects this year other than out the nation and throughout the world. what was known last year. That was the I feel that some unwise statements will be sum of $2,500,000 for the Bundaberg made about the matter. scheme, and the amount allocated for the Julius Dam. Unless Commonwealth funds are forthcoming, we will unfortunately have WYNNUM WEST SCHOOL TOILETS to put some men off. Mr. BURNS: I refer to my que~tion with­ The honourable member can be assured out notice to the Minister for Works and that this matter was raised in Cabinet this Housing earlier this week about th~ toilets week. The Treasurer is considering the at the Wynnum West School and h1s assur­ position, and if anything can be done to ance that he would send an officer down keep men in employment, it certainly will to the school to conduct an urgent investiga­ be done. However, as we all know, there tion. Can the Minister give me any informa­ are problems ahead, and if I were not honest tion about that investigation? enough to say that there probably will be some retrenchments, I should not be where Mr. LEE: I am rather surprised at the I am. Nevertheless, the honourable mem­ Leader of the Opposition. He should well ber can be assured that I am conscious of know that, if I promised to send an inspector the need for extra funds, and I will be down to the school, it would be done. I can doing everything possible to obtain them. assure him that the inspector has been down to the school. Not only that, but I have given approval that, where the ground had ALLOWING A TECHNICALLY ALIVE PERSON been lowered and ponding had occurred after TO DIE rain, these areas be filled so that this pending Mr. BURNS: In directing a question to the will no longer occur. I also gave approval Minister for Health, I refer to the current for some other drainage work, so we in the newspaper publicity of the unfortunate and Works Department are on the job as usual. 1610 1\llatters of Public Interest [29 OcTOBER 1975] Matters of Public Interest

MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST as they see it, and also many relevant points which have not yet been raised. PREMIER's VISIT TO TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS; In doing so we would make it clear that STATEMENT BY MR. GEORGE MYE we do not 'side'"- Mr. JONES (Cairns) (11.45 a.m.): In view I emphasise "we do not 'side' "- of the repercussions over the last few weeks from the recent visit by the Premier to "with either the State or the Common­ the Torres Strait islands and in view of his wealth. We are concerned with the pre­ statements in this Chamber yesterday, during senting the people's viewpoint. We will the course of which he read out two tele­ now answer certain allegations which con­ grams, I feel compelled to comment on the cern our region." situation as it is known to me. I do not intend to read that, Mr. Speaker, I shall refer particularly to a statement by because time does not permit me to do so. Mr. George Mye, the representative of the As I said, I will table the document. How­ eastern islands group, made in conjunction ever, it said in conclusion- with 17 island chairmen and individuals "Many of the Premier's accusations resident in the Torres Strait islands and involved the Eastern Islands which he has issued on 14 October 1975. I have a copy not visited for nine years. There is no of that statement in my hand, and it is denying mistakes having been made,"- pertinent to note that, although 18 gentle­ men from the Torres Strait islands were they are saying that the people of the involved, the Premier received telegrams from islands have made mistakes; no doubt poli­ only two of them and read them out in this ticians also have made many blunders- Chamber yesterday. "but priceless experience has been I am prepared to table the document from gained by the people working for them­ which I shall read, but I do not intend to selves and handling their own affairs. The comment on the body of it, in which those old Queensland attitude of doing what boss concerned take umbrage at some of the com­ says and accepting what he choose to give ments that have been made, dissect their is past. Charity is not wanted." opinions of the situation and state what happened. However, I think it is important Government Members interjected. that both the preamble and the conclusion should be read. After doing that, I shall Mr. JONES: I am not going to digress and then comment on it as the A.L.P. spokes­ I am not going to argue the issues; I have man on matters coming within the juris­ not got time. When I was in the Torres diction of the Department of Aboriginal and Strait area with the Premier, Mr. George Islanders Advancement. Mye was the white-haired boy-pardon the The document is headed, "Statement issued pun. To confirm that I refer to a statement by Mr. George Mye, Eastern Island Group in "The Courier-Mail" of Friday, 24 October. Representative, and 17 Eastern Island Chair­ It stated- men and individuals on 14 October 1975", "A former National Party candidate for and it states- the far nothern State seat of Cook last "The Combined Councils of the Eastern night accused the Premier (Mr. Bjelke­ Islands of the Torres Strait were appalled Petersen) of 'twisted thinking' in his at the recent political confrontation between criticism of Torres Strait Islander Mr. the Queensland Premier and the Federal George Mye." Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. As a result of the allegations and accusations made, Mr. Graham Gordon was the Country Party many of which directly concerned the candidate in 1972. He missed endorsement Eastern Islands an Area Council meeting in 1975 and stood in the election of 1974 and a meeting of the Eruberugar Cooper­ as an Independent. That newspaper article ative Association, were held to discuss the continued- attitudes and allegations of the various "Mr. Graham Gordon said Mr. Mye parties concerned. One fact seems clear. twice campaigned for him. . . Both parties"- "Mr. Mye told him he had voted for that means the Premier of Queensland and him both times. the Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs- "Mr. Gordon said: 'It was wrong for "are eager to find fault with the other but the Premier to attack George in this way.' " both appear to have skirted the main issue-the people and what they think and Apart from those political implications of feel. Nobody has asked the people of the particular situation, I see this spon­ the Torres Straits what is true and not taneous action-- true. They are the ones to know-not distant politicians who made flying 'fact Mr. Tenni interjected. finding visits' to the area and became immediate experts. What follows are the Mr. JONES: I thought it was the honour­ views of the people of the Eastern Group able member for Cook interjecting until I of Torres Strait Islands; what is the truth turned around. I haven't time to digress. Matters ofPublic Interest [29 OcTOBER 1975] Matters of Public Interest 1611

I see this spontaneous action as one of Mr. .JONES: I can well believe that the the most significant for the Islanders in a honourable member for Cook would agree long history of suppression. I bear witness with my comments, as would the Minister for to the significance of that statement as a Aboriginal and Islanders Advancement and turning-point and a realisation by the Fisheries. Islanders of another way. I believe it is a forward step for Islanders in self-determina­ (Time expired.) tion. ~t is a realisation by those people of what It means to be Queenslanders-if the Government wants it that way~and to be able to stand up for themselves as true Austra­ CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS lians and, in the true Australian way of life, Mr. MURRAY (Clayfield) (11.56 a.m.): I speak for themselves. That is very important feel compelled to participate in this debate to those people. If honourable members care­ because I believe the great majority of fully read the preamble to what I quoted citizens throughout Australia share with me from, t~ey will_ see that that is what they a deep and disturbing feeling of uneasiness are saymg. It IS a new starting point for over the events that are occurring in them. What they are saying, in effect and Canberra. we should listen very closely to them' is a t~pical A1:1stralianism. They are sayi~g, "I In my memory there have been four other d1ps me lid to nobody" because every man crises that have had a most disturbing effect is as good as his master. on the people of this nation. The first was the Lang affair around the turn of the 1930's; That statement has taken them a very long the second was the abdication of Edward way. I say to the Queensland Parliament VIII; the third was the immediate events "Take heed. It's happened." The realisatio~ leading up to the declaration of World War has come very slowly. Others have made II; the fourth was the great crisis of 1949. statements like that, but at least they are Each of those crises had a profound effect ~aki~g them in concert now. They are not and influence on the citizens of Australia, 1solatmg each other, so there will be no and all are still very vivid in my mind. victimisation. They will not be berated· they wi!l not be dispossessed; they will not Since 1949, when the people of Australia be put m the stockade; they will not be dis­ audibly breathed sighs of relief after placed . by loss of position, prestige or title; demonstrating their conviction at the polls, t~ey Will not end up with some other injus­ Australia has had a remarkably serene and tice such as penal servitude; they will not stable political scene. Within the last year end up as divers on a pearling lugger as a or so, however, it has fallen apart and now form of penal servitude. There were others is virtually shattered. We may as well face whose names were whispered behind hands. realities and acknowledge the fact that on They suffered because they stood on their the political scene there are now two new and own two feet and spoke on behalf of their potent forces, which have been so fostered people. I see now that there will be no and encouraged by the A.L.P. as to be intimidation, victimisation or degradation· now running almost out of control. those people are speaking with one voice. ' The first is the trade union movement. , Sur~, there were a couple of dissentients. Last year, while attending the overseas C.P.A. fhat IS to be expected. Two dissentients out convention, I had an opportunity to discuss of a chairman and 17 island people seems to with both Labour and Conservative members be a very small minority. I can see that they in the United Kingdom the problems that are gradually progressing. That has been arose there in this field. All members, who reflected in the events of the last few weeks. were extremely worried about them, asserted They have been momentous. No matter how that elected Government in the United much s_ubjugation follows, what has been Kingdom could not now effectively govern done Will not be undone. I say that it is without first clearing its major decisions thanks to the Australian Government that with the trade union council. All were des­ !hose people themselves have taken the turn­ pondent about it and agreed that, by default, mg~pomt. What was expressed by one of each side, when it had been in power, had their l~aders and 17 other signatories was allowed this situation to develop and to unpred1cta!ble and something that I would reach the stage where there is virtually no not have thought would have come so turning back. Their warning to me was quickly. They have shown the way Pre­ loud and clear-"For God's sake, don't let viously most rebels in the Torres Strait were this happen in your young, developing, virile dealt with unceremoniously. They were put country of Australia." down by means of rebuff or delay. I believe After reading of Hayden's clearing his w~at was previously called insubordination Will now be recognised as speaking in the Budget with Hawke before delivering it to interests of their own people. the nation and even before delivering it to his own caucus, thereby breaking one of the oldest and strongest conventions of Mr. K. J. Hooper: Do you notice that Westminster-and doing so without even a the honourable member for Cook is nodding blush-! wonder whether it is not now his head in agreement? already too late for Australia. 1612 Matters of Public Interest [29 OcTOBER 1975] Matters of Public Interest

The second of these forces, and certainly all related measures in both Houses. If a potent one, is the Commonwealth Govern­ the motion is defeated, we will vote against ment's highly skilled propaganda machine. the Bills here and in the Senate. Our What was once a trickle is now virtually purpose is to destroy the Government a flood. The Commonwealth Government which has sponsored it." at public expense, maintains in one form o; another a large and well-paid public rela­ Finally, how will Mr. Whitlam ever live tions pack, who without any doubt at all with these words which, again, are taken are highly successful. from "Hansard"- I do not believe there could be one member "We all know that in British parlia­ ments the tradition is that if a Money of th!s House who would be so naive, stupid Bill is defeated . . . .the government goes or dishonest as to assert, publicly or any­ to the people to seek their endorsement where, that the Opposition in Canberra is acting in an unconstitutional manner by of its policies."? deferring or rejecting Supply. It is quite extraordinary that the highly Mr. Porter: Not one authority. skilled public relations boys in Canberra are turning the situation around despite all that . Mr: MURRAY: Not one. The Opposition has been said and all that we know. In Is actmg absolutely properly. The Constitu­ fact, they are feeding the ravenous sources tion is crystal clear on this matter. I can of the Press, TV and radio, which are lapping understand it, so I am sure most others it up and disgorging it to the public in dis­ would understand it. honest forms. They are making out that Fraser has made a massive miscalculation Mr. Houston interjected. and is wrecking the Constitution. And they are being reasonably successful. But more Mr. MURRAY: Didn't Mr. Whitlam try insidiously clever than that is the fact that to use the Senate in this way when he was in Opposition? Of course he did! The they are almost succeeding in making it honourable member for Bulimba knows that appear that Whitlam is innocent and Fraser very well. There is no principle whatsoever is power hungry-the one who wants to involved in Mr. Whitlam's attitude. grasp power by any means whatsoever. Every observer who has been reasonably I shall now read a few statements taken rational agrees that Fraser acted only after from Federal "Hansard". On 18 June 1970, Senator Murphy, the then Leader of the Whitlam sacked Connor. That provided the Opposition in the Senate, said- final evidence that Whitlam was no longer fit to govern the country, or capable of "The Senate is entitled and expected to exercise resolutely but with discretion its doing so. power. to refuse its concurrence to any The highly skilled public relations boys financial measure, including a Tax Bill. paid by the Commonwealth Government There are no limitations on the Senate have almost succeeded in convincing the in the use ~f .its. constitutional powers, nation that Fraser is on trial. Yet it is except the limitatiOns imposed by dis­ Whitlam who is in the dock-not Fraser; cretion and reason." it is Whitlam who must justify his actions­ In the same debate Mr. Whitlam in the not Fraser. If Whitlam possessed even House of Representatives said- elementary standards of public morality, he "This Bill will be defeated in another would have resigned and sought a vote of place. The Government should then confidence from the electors. No matter resign." what the cost, Whitlam is determined that he will cling to office. Therefore Fraser A little later in 1970, Mr. Whitlam opposed has only one constitutional course open to the Budget of that year. His words and him to force the Government to face the intentions were quite clear- judgment of the people. And the people "Let us take this Budget and the Gov­ have demonstrated, not only in public opinion ernment which produced it to the people polls, but also in different elections across themselves. The Parliament has already the nation that they will not tolerate this voted ?upply to the end of November. By present Whitlam-led A.L.P. that time, there can be an election for We in this Parliament of Queensland, both Houses. An election therefore would within what is left of our federation, have c~use no disruption. The only thing that a very clear duty to do anything in our will cause disruption is the continuance of the Government." power-I repeat, "Anything in our power"­ to destroy this immoral, scandalous Govern­ Reading again from "Hansard", we find that ment in Canberra if only because of recent Mr. Whitlam also said at that time- actions, but, more positively than that, "Let me make it clear at the outset because the whole history of the Federal that our opposition to this Budget is A.L.P. shows that it is not fit to govern not mere formality. We intend to press and must be got rid of by any possible our opposition by all available means on means. Matters of Public Interest [29 OcTOBER 1975] Matters of Public Interest 1613

STATEMENT BY MR. GEORGE MYE ON as I said, but this time he was hiding behind TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS a coconut tree. He has the ability; he would be a good leader of the IslaP..der people if Mr. DEERAL (Cook) (12.5 p.m.): I rise he would use common sense, whether it is to clarify a few aspects of the subject that for the Aboriginal and Islander people or was mentioned by the honourable member only the Islander people. for Cairns-a subject that I am interested in, and a subject that always worries me, Confusion has set in since money was not because I am a coloured person but handed out, since the tractors and the because in my electorate I represent the trailers were put on different islands. majority of the Aboriginal and Islander Confusion has set in on Palm Island. people. We do not hear anything of Palm Island Government Members: Hear, hear! any more. Why? Because we have leaders there who have common sense and want to co-ooerate with the Government and the Mr. DEERAL: I agree with some of the locai government. The honourable II?-ember things that were said by the honourable for Townsville West will support me m that member for Cairns: I agree that the statement. There is co-operation now, but Aboriginal and Islander people are being there was not when Mr. Freddie Clay was used for political purposes, and have been there. He was using our people, our com­ used for years now. We have felt that mittee and the Federal Government for the we have been the meat in the sandwich. radicals. I h-ave heard that one of the Sometimes when I sit in this House listening so-called freedom fighters for the Aboriginal to subjects that are brought to the notice people involved in yesterday's incident that of honourable members, I feel like the meat was reported in today's paper. has two co~­ in the sandwich. victions. I have a lot of tune for Dems What I want to clarify this morning is Walker. Why? Because he could make a this: the telegram that the Premier has good leader. But he will not use common received has come from the right sources sense. -it has come from the true representatives Mr. Hinze: Would you say that the mem­ -because we are only talking about three ber for Cairns did not know what he was groups of islands. First are the Eastern Islands, which Mr. George Mye represents. talking about a while ago? As was mentioned by the honourable mem­ Mr. Jones: He just told me he agreed ber, when Mr. George Mye voted for Mr. with what I said. Graham Gordon it was true because, if it came from Mr. Mye, he was brain-washed Mr. Hinze: No, he didn't. after becoming a member of the N.A.C.C. Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. I knew Mr. Mye when he was the true Hewitt): Order! The honourable member for representative of the Eastern Islands people Cook is making a speech, and I propose to when Mr. Lui was the representative of the hear it. Central Islands and Mr. Nona was the representative of the Western Islands. Mr. DEERAL: The point tha:t I really want to make is that my people are being con­ When we toured there with the new Min­ fused. They are being conf~ed not only ister for Aboriginal and Islanders Advance­ by the things that are happemng from the ment (Mr. Wharton)-and I know that hon­ outside but because some of our own people, ourable members know this-a statement was and some white people too, are getting onto made by my friend the honourable member the band wagon for their own benefit. I for Cairns. He agreed there because he hope that these things will cease. If Mr. M:re heard with his own ears and saw with his reads what I have said, I hope that he wtll own eyes on that tour. And members of use common sense. both the Liberal Party and the National Party accompanied us on that trip, and we CLOSURE OF !RVINEBANK STATE TREATMENT all heard. It is not what the Queensland ,Government wants; it is not what the vi/ORKS Premier wants; it is what the people want. Mr. HANSON (Port Curtis) (12.12 p.m.): I have in my electorate a situation of very This thing was put across when the Prem­ grave concern, which is shortly to be. !he ier and I went to Saibai and the other subject of an application to the Mm!-ng islands on this last trip. The leaders of Warden's Court. Naturally, on an occas10n the islands said, "Look, Mr. Premier, it is such as this it would be expected that I not what you want and what you say; it would concentrate on promoting the interests is what we want and what we say." It is of my electorate. I have rlone a consider­ true, and I am glad, that the people are able amount of work in this area in the past, coming out and speaking. And we must and I hope that there ,is a very Sl;lCC~sful listen to them. I want co-operation and I outcome in the Wardens Court whtch IS, I would like to see it. understand, to be constituted very shortly to I am a dark man, and when we went consider the Bracewell mining operation and to the islands and when the Premier spoke, its effect on the decent and dedicated farm­ Mr. Mye was hiding behind a shed. He even ers of that area. However, as shadow Min­ hid from me. Mr. Mye and I were friends, ister for Mines, I must bring forward another 52 1614 Matters of Public Interest [29 OcTOBER 1975] Matters of Public Interest

matter, one that is exercising the minds of should stay on in the community. But there the people who reside in a northern town has been no acceleration of attempts to because it a..fl'ects their livelihood. Recently upgrade the treatment works and make them in this Chamber several members have viable. referred to the anxiety being felt by t)le people of this community. The honourable Honourable members must be able to see members for Cook and Barron River, and that the people will go broke a.•d that they others, have made representations to the will have to ieave their homes. Are they in Minister for Mine>; and Energy, I unders-tand, favour of the Government's attitude towards and to the Premier to overcome some of the the closure of this enterprise? It would not difficulties in the present very tense situation. surprise me at all if they were. But let them go out and tell the people in that About the middle of September, in a state .. community that they are in favour of closing me1Yt

and alternative areas must be 1c

Labor Premier who retained government on Nobody can have failed to note the deliberate a minority of votes and minority of seats. and massive injection of violence into any Mr. Dunstan also got into the a~t and he rally conducted by the Liberal-National Party said- throughout Australia by the A.L.P. It is "The people will eventually take matters part of the pattern to suggest that something into their own hands if Australia's con­ is happening which is inevitable and which stitutional democracy breaks down because must be met. I lay odds that at the big of Liberal tactics." rally that we will be having on F~iday ~t the Festival Hall, the Labor heavtes will He went on to say- be present. The thugs will be out trying to "These people are so far defying normal cause as much trouble, as much violence and constitutional practice and will bring con­ as much civil disorder as possible in order stitutional, democratic government into ruin to build up the story that a situation is in this country. developing which must be met by extreme measures. "If people go on this way, refusing to carry out proper constitutional functions, Are we to regard this verbal onslaught as it will lead to where people will take things being meaningless? Are we to dismiss it into their own hands." merely as hysteria from frantic men who see their power slipping away from them? Or Mr. Jensen interjected. are we to see it as so much deliberate pre­ paration, so much careful softening up and Mr. PORTER: These are all things on brain-washing? Are we truly being readied record said by the colleagues of the honour­ for what, three years ago, all of us would able member. The same day Mr. Steele Hall, have seen as being totally impossible? Is who is very much in the A.L.P. camp these a massive crisis being contrived with all this days, said that the Opposition was looking talk of disaster, rioting and bloodshed? forward to chaos and the Liberal Party was about to cause it. Just prior to the week-end Can' Mr. Whitlam really do what incipient that professional growler and scowler on tele~ dictators, using precisely the same methods vision, Mr. Hawke, speaking to a rally out­ as those we now see being used in Australia, side the Houses of Parliament in Canberra did in other countries? Can he, by some said that unions should stop industry until device, su~pend-on a temporary basis, per­ the Senate backed down. What were his haps-this country's ·constitutional processes? actual words? Let me not treat him badly; I think many people will be appalled to learn I will get his exact words. "The Australian" that he can. reported- Mr. Whitlam has a variety of options open " Mr. Hawke told a big demonstration outside Parliament House yesterday that to him. For example, by our adoption of if the Opposition pressed ahead then 'the the Statute of Westminster he can take Australian trad"! union movement may very advantage of the provision that a determina­ well think about withholding supplies from tion made by the United Kingdom Parlia­ ment must take effect in a dominion, pro­ them.'" vided, of course, the dominion first required Does the honourable member who inter­ it and that the determination was made with jected earlier really believe that that is part the consent of the dominion. All that Mr. of the demoncratic process-the trade union Whitlam has to do is ask the United King­ movement to use its muscle to force an dom to act so as to suspP.nd our Constitution, elected Parliament to bow to its whims and and under the request or on the consent­ dictates? under the advice-and-consent basis now implicit in the statute-the United Kingdom Then we had the orchestration of this Government and Parliament would have to "road to anarchy" composition reaching its act. Don't imagine that this is not possible crescendo when that quondam Liberal, now undet our Constitution; don't believe that the darling of the A.L.P., Mr. John Gorton, its processes cannot be suspended. Think really got into the act. He said-- back to what happened in the shearers' "There could be fighting in the streets as strike at the beginning of the century. a result of the political crisi5. "It will destroy democracy . That is not the only avenue open to a power-hungry demagogue who is determined Mr. Jensen interjected. at all costs to .avoid facing the people. Sec­ tion 119 of the Constitution-the "domestic Mr. PORTER: The honourable member violence" provision-paves the way for the asks whether I like him. Let him go back Commonwealth to step in. Is this being con­ over my record. I never did regard him as sidered as a possible springboard for the a suitable person to lead the Liberal Party sudden assumption of extraordinary powers and I said so in this House time and time to deal with a fictional threat of anarchy? again. Mr. Gorton said- There is also section 63 of the Defence "It will destroy democracy and mean an Act-the "special powers" section-which end to our system of govern_ment. provides that . the Governor.General may, "There might be riots, and strikes, there subject to the provisions of that Act, do all might be fighting in the streets." matters and things deemed by him to be Matters of Public Interest [29 OcTOBER 1975] Matters of Public Interest 1617

necessary or desirable for the effective Federal Labor, of course, now cries aloud defence and protection of the Common­ because of the Opposition's move to invoke wealth or of any State. the purely constitutional power of the Senate. Federal Labor is in no way worried about Let us take that a little further. In view upholding the Constitution; its only concern is of that provision, we now understand why that it now has only a 35 per cent rating Mr. Whitlam has been talking about the across the country in the Gallup Polls. If the Governor-General's role and why he has subject were not so serious, the constant been saying, 'The Governor-General will squealing of the Federal Government about accept my advice. He will do what I tell constitutJional ma!tters would be amusing. him." We understand rhe chilling significance There is no doubt that the Senate has and meaning of Mr. Whitlam's use of the specific constitutional powers, and that it term "viceroy". can use these powers. lf it were not so (Time expired.) serious, it would be amusing to hear the Federal Government making so much noise about a constitutional situation when every precedent has been flouted by it over the CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS years since it came to power in its efforts Dr. CRAWFORD (Wavell) (12.33 p.m.): I to change or skirt around the Constitution am sure that all Australians are worried by and overcome its restrictions. I could the present constitutional crisis and that mention the Gair affair, the Cairns affair, every concerned member of the community the Crean affair, the Murphy affair and the would like to see it brought to an end at Connor affair. the earliest possible time. As the crisis is Mr. Porter: And the Morosi affair. now in its 14th day, I believe certain aspects of it are worthy of mention. Dr. CRAWFORD: And the Morosi affair. It is worth pointing out initially that our as the honourable member says. Constitution and the function of law in this And in recent days we have heard about country are not really comparable with those the Hayden affair. In the hist two or three of the United Kingdom and the United weeks ·Mr. Hayden has sent letters to pen­ States of America. For ex3l!Ilple, the sioners in his electorate stating that because Supreme Court of the United States of of the activities of the Opposition they are America is superior in jurisdiction to all not going to receive their full entitlements. State courts. If the Supreme Court hands We also know that he has been leaking down a decision-judges are appointed to it, Budget details to Mr. Hawke. incidentally, by the President of the United Mr. Porter: As a director of an oil com­ States-that decision is binding on all the pany, Hawke would be in a position States. Such a situation does not apply in to make money out of that. Australia, wherE every State is autonomous in its own right, possessing its own legal pro­ Dr. CRAWFORD: That 1s true. tection under the Constitution. I believe that the States would not have accepted the Con­ Mr. Hayden leaked information to Mr. stitution in 1901 if it had not contained Hawke, particularly, in order to get his such protection. imprimatur or approval of Budget activ­ ities. Has anything like this happened in The former Attorney-General in the Australia before? About 10, 15 or 20 years Federal Labor Government, Mr. Justice ago such a disclosure would have automa·t­ Murphy, wanted to bring into this country ically caused a Treasurer to resign. a system of superior or supreme courts The Watergate analogy is really quite similar to that pertaining in the United startling when we consider the series of States. He wanted to do this purely for the activities that have occurred in this country purpose of changing our constitutional in the past few months. The only real methods and of enabling the Common­ difference is that Nixon's offsiders in the wealth's power to be concentrated in Can­ United States-Erlichman and others-were berra so that it could override decisions gaoled for their activities, whereas Con­ made by State Legislatures and courts. nor and eo. were only demoted and relegated Mr. Whi'llam also has attempted by de to the back benches. facto means-by making speeches overseas A solution must be found to this con­ and engaging in other snide tricks-to change stitutional crisis. I have no doubt that the the Con~titution. He suggf!sted that the defence lawyers advising the present Federal Gov­ powers be seized in a de facto manner, and ernment are very busy looking at the var­ he. has repeatedly affirmed his belief that ious alternatives which the honourable mem­ he wants to abolish not only the Senate pow­ ber for Toowong mentioned. However. I ers, but also, in effect, the Senate itself. In believe that there are only two possible the Senate we have a very importa!lt bul­ alternatives in the solution of this present wark against erosion of the constitutional constitutional crisis. The first is that Mr. powers of the individual States and we must Whitlam could be defeated on the floor of preserve and maintain it. Abolition of the the House by defection of his own members. Senate would be the last thing I should like If he continues to lead as he has, to see. heaping abuse on Messrs. Cairns and 1618 }Jatters ofPublfc Interest [29 OCTOBER 197 5] Jvfatters of Pr:h!ic ];-lterest

Connor, that is a definite possibility. In Mr. Whitlam we have a m.an of The mandate about which we hear so honesty, integrity and purpose for the wel­ n:mch from him involves a majority of only fare of Australia. His honesty is as out­ three--excluding Mr. Gorton, who would standing as his ability. He is head Rnd probably vote for him at the moment. But shoulders over M:r. Fraser an.d any other some solution must be found. If certain member of the Opposition. At no time has members of the Labor Party are not suffic­ he been afraid to stand up for honesty and iently good citizens to realise ~hat they must decency. take tbRt type of action on the floor of the House of Representatives, the second altern­ He said to his Cauinet- ative is for {he Governor-General Sir John "I have made it clear throughout the Kerr, to ad. He also has specific powers life of this Government that there is one under the Constitution. standard which, if departed from, must carry the heaviest penalty. It is a prin­ A reasonable solution to this whole ciple on which the integrity of Parliament matter would be for the Governor­ itself depe~ds. 1:here ':"as, I ,believe, a General to announce now that he will departure rrom tnat prmc1ple. be calling an election on some set date next year, say, in April or May. That The departure referred to Mr. Connor. Th~ would permit every political party to cam-, Prime Minister also said-- paign as it wished fer a few months. It "Yesterday I received from solicitors in would have to involve a double dissolution Melbourne a copy of a statutory declara­ with the House of Representatives going to tion signed by Mr. Khemlani" (who is the country. That would allow the Prime the \VOp that was brought over a~ the Minister to test his Budget in rthe next three instigation of ihe Liberals) "and copies of or four months to see if it had a possible a number of telex messages between Mr. cha.nce of working. It would also completely Khemlani's offi.ce in London and the office preclude any claim that his Budget was of the Minister for Minerals and Energy. not given a chance ·to work. In my judgment these messages did con-­ This is a workable solution and I believe stitute' 'communications of substance' it is one which would be acceptable to all between the 1'/finister and l'vfr. Kbemlani. parties-to the Opposition and to the "I was therefore driven to conclude that majority of the Labor Party. But whether I had been misled , " Mr. Whitlam, with his personal acquisition of power and his personal desire to keep Mr. BYRNE: I rise to a point of order. I power, at all costs to the country, would be draw your attention to Mr. Speaker's deci­ prepared to act in that constitutional way sion a few days ago in relation to the read­ or to acquiesce in the Governor-General's ing of speeches. The honoura.ble member acting in that constitutional way remains to for Bundaberg has not taken hrs eyes from be seen. his notes. It should be possible to issue a challenge Honourable Members interjected. to him either to advise the Governor-General along those lines or to accept the advice of Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (l\fr. W. D. the Governor-General if he made a decision Hewitt): Order! When a point of order is to act in that way. This would be one method being taken, I expect the Chamber to listen of completely removing the threat of anarchy in silence. in our country and of bringing about a The honourable member for Bunclaberg so!ution to a constitutional crisis which is of should not be overdependent on copious the greatest significance. If, however, it is felt by the Federal Labor organisation that notes. anarchy is to be encouraged for political ends, this solution would not be possible. 'Mr. JENSEN: I do not want my time The ball is in Mr. Whitlam's court, and wasted by idiots. I am quoting what Mr. through him, and separately from him, in Sir Whitlam said. John Kerr's court to act in a responsible fashion. There is no other solution, l\1r. BYRNE: I rise to a point of order. I find the remark or the insinuation of the honourable member for Bundaberg that I am an idiot offensive and I ask that he INTEGRITY OF THE PRIME MINISTER withdraw it. !VIr. JENSEN (Bundaberg) (12.41 p.m.): My matter of public interest today deals Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The with the Prime Minister of Australia, the honourable member for Bundaberg will with­ Honourable . Today, the draw it. honourable member for Clayfield practically reiterated the speech made last week by the Mr. JEN§EN: I withdraw it. honourable member for Toowong because I have heard insinuations in this House he received no publicity. Today, the honour­ that Mr. Whitlam was implicated in what able member for Toowong has spoken in a Mr. Connor did. Mr. Whitlam was not stronger vein to try to get that publicity. implicated in anything Mr. Connor did after Marters of Public Interest [29 OCTOBER 1975] Matters of Public Interest 1619

20 May. The statement made by the Minis­ to the people. Whitlam has stood by his ter for l'v1inerals and Energy (Mr. Connor) statement and he has been as honest as he which he presented to Caucus and Parlia~ should be. ment reads- The Liberal Party threw out Snedden, "1 repeat for public information what MclVlahon and Gorton for certain 1hings that has already been made clear by protracted they did. But Whitlam stands up and is not debate in both Houses of Federal Parlia­ afraid to sack even his Deputy Prime Min­ ment. ister, his next in line and one who was well "My authority to pursue the question of regarded throughout Australia by both the loan raisings was revoked on 20 May last trade union movement and manufacturers. to enabie a $100 million Australian Gov­ They 1hought that Cairns was a pretty strong ernment Loan to be raised in the United man; but Whitlam is the strongest person States. that the Australian Parliament has ever had. "I have never proceeded on any basis This is now being admitted, and the Oppo­ other than that authority. I have per­ sition are cracking. They are now trotting sistently abided by the decision of 20 Jl/lay, out the Hayden affair. 'They are clutching at and have rejected any endeavours to any straw 'that comes sweeping down the river. further involve me in loan raising mat­ They will do anything to try to destroy ters. l have since 20 May made clear Whitlam and his honesty and integrity. But that anyone interested in loan matters that is one thing that they will never succeed should deal with the Treasurer." in, because he is a man of principle. We have not had much of principle from He gave that s~atement to the Prime Minister Fraser. He said that he would not destroy and the Prime Minister, because he is a ma~ the Parliament before it had run its term; but of integrity, had to do what he did. He he has turned around and made the biggest sai.d, "This Parliament is going to be run mistake of his life. He will go the way of his on hone;t lines." He is one of the most predecessors--Snedden, McMahon and Gor­ honest and sensible men who have ever been ton. He is as incompetent as they were, and in this country. Whitlam shines head and shoulders above the Fraser called him either a liar or a fool I incompetents of the Liberal Party, who would say that Fraser is a real Australi~n brought a wop into this country in an attempt mu,g. He is the on~ who brought Khem­ to discredit him. hm back to . Australia, and the Opposition Whitlam will not be discredited by any­ have called hm1 to appear before the Senate body. He is one man who is sincere in the to prove anything that he can prove. It has game of governing Australia, and he is mak­ been shown in the last two days that 'the ing himself felt throughout the Liberal move­ Liberal Opposition are cracking fast. They ment. He is showing how to govern with have now forgotten Khemlani, this wop whom honesty and decency. He is the one and only the:y b;ot:ght from overseas in an attempt man who has ever stood up and stated that to mcnmmate Wh1tlam and kill the Federal this country has got to be governed by Government that is doing the right thino. certain principles, and if they are departed They brought this wop back after he h;d from the heaviest penalty must be paid. That left Australia for Singapore and told more is why these Ministers paid the heaviest lies there. The Opposition thoug,'1t he had penalty, being sacked from Cabinet. There some material that would be of value to them might be some members of the Queensland so they brought him back. He had he saict' Cabinet who should be sacked too, but we six cases of documents. They went >thwugh do not know. But if the Premier of any them hut found that they were nothincr but State acts in the way Mr. Whitlam has acted rubbish. "' we can be sure that his State will be gov­ erned very adequately, sincerely and A Government Member: How do you know? honestly.

Mr. JENSEN: Today's "Telegraph" con­ CRITICISM OF A.L.P.; NEW BRIDGE ACROSS tains this item-- HAYES INLET "The Opposition in the Senate gave Mr. FRAWLEY (Murrumba) (12.51 p.m.): notice that it would move for a select There is no doubt about it, the honourable committee to investigate the Government's member for Bundaberg must have thought he overseas loans affair." was auditioning for the part of a clown at The Opposition now wants a select com­ a circus or trying to take over as a comedian mittee. It does not want Khemlani to go on one of the television channels. Fancy before the Senate. rising here and defending Whitlam. Whitlam must be the worst, rottenest and foulest Prime Whitlam has made it clear that he is oov­ Minister that this country has even been erning {his country with honesty and "irrteg­ unfortunate enough to have foisted upon it. rity. If anyone lies to Whitlam, whether If he did not know about some of the rotten, it b.e Cairns, Connor, Crean or anybody else, :filthy deals that went on down South he is he 1s out. And that is what a Prime Minister incompetent. He did know about it! I or Premier should do. He should not allow do not believe for one moment that Whit­ a Cabinet Minister to lle to Parliament or lam did not know. He knew about the 1620 Matters of Public Interest [29 OCTOBER 1975] Matters of Public Interest racket that Dr. Cairns's son was involved the opportunity to put him on the right in and he knew about the oil deal with track and I also felt it was important to Khemlani. I venture to suggest that a fair point out that the honourable member f~r bit of the commission paid on that deal would Rockhampton has failed in his duty to hts have found its way into W·1itlam's pockets, constituents by absenting himself today to or those of some of his cohorts; don't worry take part in a meeting in Rockham~ton ~nd about that. try to incite a riot. That is all he xs trymg What about the latest deal he was involved to do--get a whole mob of strong-arm in, the ACTU-Solo petrol deal where they heavies up there to incite a riot tomorrow. got Souter, the secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions to take the kick for Mr. Akers interjected. it? Bob Hawke was out of the country. As I said before, he ought to be called Mr. FRA WLEY: I know that he wouldn't "Chicken Hawke" for being so gutless as give a hoot. I want to make an impor_tant to get out of the country and let Souter appeal in this House today for a new bndge take the kick. How many fellows have taken across Hayes Inlet from Redcliffe to Sandgate. the kick? Cairns and Connor took the kick Redcliffe is a city of 41,000 people. The for the Prime Minister. He got rid of honourable member for Redcliffe (Mr. Crean. Junie Morosi was tied up with bring­ Speaker), made an appeal in 1960 for a new ing in illegal. Filipino immigrants, or her bridge across Hayes Inlet. He has done so mother was, and hiring them out to people ever since. There are only two routes from in Sydney at a lousy rate of pay. At any the Redcliffe Peninsula to Brisbane­ rate, it involv~d a kick-back to her. They one across the Hornibrook Highway were all involved in this. Murphy was in it, and the other around through Petrie and too. They are the greatest mob of racketeers Lawnton. The route across the bridge is I have ever seen. only 26 km but the route through Petrie is 35 km. I would like to draw the attention of the House to the absence of the hon'ourable mem­ Mr. Jensen: What is that in miles? ber for Rockhampton. Honourable members know where he is today-up in Rockhampton Mr. FRAWLEY: About 16 miles and 25 fawning, toadying and grovelling around Bob miles. I am not too well up on this kilo­ Hawke and polishing his boots. He is attend­ metre business but it is about 16 miles via ing a meeting in Rockhampton some time the Hornibro~k Highway and 25 miles today. The honourable member for Rock­ through Petrie. About 75 to 80 per cent of hampton is up there trying to stir up a riot Redcliffe people use the Hornibrook Highway tomorrow, so that the Premier cannot be to travel from Redcliffe to Brisbane. heard. In his hatred for the Premier, he Redcliffe could be classed as a dormitory has taken time off from this Parliament to city because most workers who live there go up to Rockhampton to incite the people work outside its boundaries. In fact, about to riot. 80 per cent of Redcliffe's work-force work Mr. Jensen interjected. outside the city and of that 80 per cent, a good 65 {o 70' per cent use the Hornibro?k Mr. FRAWLEY: He is up there to start Highway to travel to and from work, prm­ it. Look, there is only one A.L.P. man cipa!ly to Brisbane. in the Chamber-one A.L.P. man listening Ten years ago Redcliffe had a population to this very important debate! of 27,000. They were mainly retired people and people on holiday. But since then many Mr. JellSen: One of us could take all of young people have settled in Redcliffe and you on. brought their families there because they Mr. FRAWLEY: The honourable member realise the advantages that 'the dty of Red­ for Rockhampton is up there now because cliffe has over other cities. Being near the sea, ·it does not have any smog or foul air­ he was told by the Left-wing and Communist except when the A.L.P. members get up and bosses of the Q.C.E. to go up there and do spout things at election time. Another all he could to disrupt the Premier's meet­ big attraction at Redcliffe is the all-day .shop­ ing. Honourable members all know that ping on Saturday. Many people who live m they are frightened of the Premier because Brisbane use the Hornibrook Highway on he is a man who tells the truth and they Saturday to travel to Redcliffe to do their do not want the truth told at any price. shopping. Mr. Teooi interjected. Incidentally, Redcliffe has no parking meters. During the six years that I was an Mr. FRAWLEY: I do not know whether elected alderman of ,the Redcliffe City Coun­ the honourable member for Rockhampton is cil I was one of the few who opposed parking a member of the Communist Party-! m~ter~ and succeeded in keeping them out of honestly don't know-but there is no doubt Redcliffe. I sincerely trust that the present that he is financed by them. I have something aldermen of the Redc!iffe City Council will important to say here today but I was continue that policy. There is regulated impelled to rise and refute some of the stupid, parking in the area, but, as far as I am con­ ridiculous statements made by the honourable cerned, there certainly will not be any park­ member for Bundaberg. I could not resist ing meters in Redcliffe. Matters of Public Interest [3(} OcTOBER 1975] Questions Upon Notice 1621

Since the I Oc toll on the Hornibrook breaks down, usually the driver gets a lift to Highway was lifted on 4 October, there has the nearest garage. There are no breakdown been a large increase in the volume of facilities on the bridge. I have asked in 'this traffic using the bridge. I can speak with Chamber whether the Hornibrook Highway authority on this because I live in Elizabeth Company would put ,telephones on the bridge Avenue. It used to be called the North Coast Road, and it was the direct link with Mr. Moore: Why don't they put an air the Bruce Highway. Many trucks are now cushion, or something of that sort, at certain using· Elizabeth Avenue and going through places on the bridge? It could be put on ~he Old Bay Road and Deception Bay to avoid bumper-bar and the vehicle could then be the weighbridge at Burpengary. I am abso­ pushed off the bridge. lutely certain that there has been a definite Mr. FRAWLEY: They should be able to increase in traffic over the Hornibrook High­ open the rails and tip the vehicle over into way. I will not take any contradiction, Hayes Inlet. That would stop the trouble. because I know what I am talking about. Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. Mr. Melloy: You had better get a new Hewitt): Order! Under the provisions of the bridge before this one falls down. sessional order previously agreed upon by Mr. FRAWLEY: There is no danger of the House, the time allotted for the Matters the bridge falling down. of Public Interest debate has now expired. Just before the 1972 election, Mr. Jack The House adjourned at 1.1 p.m. Houston, who was then Leader of the Oppo­ sition, came to Redcliffe and attempted to mislead the people of Redcliffe by saying that if the A.L.P. were elected it would immed­ iately remove the toll from the bridge. The A.L.P. knew damn well that, because of the agreement with the Hornibrook Highway Company, it could not do that. Mr. Houston also said that an A.L.P. Government would build a four-lane highway to Redcliffe. That was completely untrue. It could not do that. I have to be fair and admit that the Liberal candidate who opposed the present Speaker of this Assembly in the 1972 election-! was also opposed by a Liberal candidate, but I am not complaining about that--criticised the State Government, his own colleagues and everybody else because a new highway had not been built to Redcliffe. Everyone tries to jump on the band wagon of the Horni­ brook Highway. A transportation study was carried out in 1967 by Rankine and Hill. It was paid for partly by the Redcliffe City Council and partly by the Main Roads Department. Between 1967 and the present day, traffic on the Hornibrook Highway has increased to such an extent that at leas.t 14,000 vehicles now cross the bridge daily, and that does not include Government vehicles, Redcliffe City Council vehicles, ambulances and so on. At week-ends, more than 20,000 vehicles cross the highway daily on Saturday and Sunday. That transportation study was made on the basis of projecting into the future to 1987, and it was estimat~ed that by 1987 22,000 vehicles would cross the highway daily dur­ ing the week and 46,000 daily at the week­ ends. It was estimated that two lanes of pavement with a width of 20 ft. and a pedestrian walk-way could not possibly carry that amount of traffic. A four-lane bridge must be built very soon. When a breakdown occurs on the .existing two-lane bridge, invariably the driver of the vehicle walks away from it. The nearest garage is only about 400 metres from the northern end of the bridge, but the bridge itself is about 1 t miles long. If a vehicle