Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 26 AUGUST 1980

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

State Housing, &c., Bill (26 AUGUST 1980] Removal of Notice, &c. 151

TUESDAY, 26 AUGUST 1980

Mr SPEAKER (Hon. S. J. Muller, Fassi­ fern) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m.

APPROPRIATION BILL (No. 1) Assent reported by Mr Speaker.

AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORT

TnEASURER's ANNUAL STATEMENT Mr SPEAKER announced the receipt from the Auditor-General of his report on the Treasurer's Annual Statement for the year 1979-80. Ordered to be printed.

REMOVAL OF NOTICE OF MOTION FROM BUSINESS PAPER Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, on Thursday last the Notice of Motion standing on the Business Paper in the name of Mr Wright (General Business Notice of Motion No. 11) was moved by the Leader of the OpjXJsition as an amendment to a motion moved without notice bv the Leader of Opposition Business in the House dealing with Sessional Orders. This proposed amendment was defeated by 46 votes to 20. 152 Death of Mr P. J. R. Tucker [26 AuGUST 1980] Death of Nfr P. J. R. Tucker

Standing Order No. 76 states- John Robert Tucker, Esquire, a former "A Question or Amendment shall not member and Leader of the Opposition of he proposed which is the same in substance the Parliament of Queensland. as any Question which, during the same "2. That Mr Speaker be requested to Session, has been resolved in the Affirma­ convey to the widow and family o.f the tive or Negative." deceased gentleman the above resolution, The 19th Edition of Erskine May states together with an expression of the sym­ on page 368- pathy and sorrow of the members of the Parliament of Queensland in the loss they "A motion or an amendment may not have sustained." be brought forward which is the same, in sub3tance, as a question which has Honourable members would have been sad­ been decided in the affirmative or negative dened to hear of the recent passing of Mr. during the current session." Percy Tucker, Mayor of TownsviJle, who spent many years of his life serving the com­ In view of the fact that the Notice of munity. Motion standing in the name of Mr Wright has already been decided in the negative, I Born in Rockhampton in 1919, he passed have instructed the Clerk to expunge General his Scholarship examination by correspond­ Business Notice of Motion No. 11 from the ence and went on to complete his secondary education at the Rockhampton High School. Business Paper. A draftsman by trade, he had a distinguished military record of 11 years' service with the 42nd Australian Infantry Battalion, including PAPERS four years' war service in New Guinea and The following paper was laid on the table, Bougainville. He attained the rank of cap­ and ordered to be printed:- tain. Report of the Commissioner of Land Tax In 1955 he moved to Townsville and, after on the operations of the Act during showing a strong interest in politics, he was the year 1979-80. elected in 1960 to State Parliament as the representative of Townsville North. His per­ The following papers were laid on the formance as a member of the Legislative table:- Assembly was recognised in 1966 when he Orders in Council under- was elected Deputy Leader of the parliament­ State Development and Public Works ary Labor Party. He held this position until Organization Act 1971-1979. becoming Leader of the parliamentary Labor Forestry Act 1959-1979. Party in 1974. He left the parliamentary ranks in December 1974 and was soon River Improvement Trust Act 1940-1977. immersed in the local politics of the North. Irrigation Act 1922-1979. His involvement bore fruit when he was Water Act 1926-1979. elected mayor of Townsvi!le and leader of Farm \Vater Supplies Assistance Act rrownsville's first ALP city council for more 1958-1979. than 30 years. Supreme Court Act 1921-1979. In his capacity as mayor he made a major Harbours Act 1955-1980. contribution to the progress of our State's Land Act 1962-1978. second city in a number of ways, including the development of the now well-known Fauna Conservation Act 1974-1979. Townsville Mall. Mr Tucker will be remem­ Regulations under- bered as a man of conviction, who fought Motor Vehicle Driving Instruction School for his beliefs. Percy Tucker involved him­ Act 1969. self in many other areas of the community. He was patron of innumerable spo~ting clubs, Motor Vehicle Control Act 1975. and was particularly interested in light-gear Tow-truck Act 1973. fishing and orchid-growing. Traffic Act 1949-1977. Mr Tucker will best be remembered as one State Transport Act 1960-1972. who believed in Queensland's future. Much Building Societies Act 1886-1976. of his life was spent in the promotion of Valuers Registration Act 1965-1979. this ideal. Valuation of Land Act 1944-1980. Mr Tucker is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. I am sure all members regret the passing of Percy Tucker, a man DEATH OF MR P. J. R. TUCKER who greatly contributed to the development of this State. MoTION OF CoNDOLENcE On behalf of the Government, and I Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah am sure, all honourable members of this -Premier) (11.7 a.m.), by leave, without House, I wish to extend our condolences notice: I move-- to the family of the late Percy Tucker. "1. That this House desires to place Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Deputy on record its appreciation of the services Premier and Treasurer) (11.10 a.m.): I join rendered to this State by the late Percy with the Premier in expressing, on behalf Death of Mr P. J. R. Tucker [26 AUGUST 1980] Death of Mr P. J. R. Tucker 153 of the Liberal Party, our deep regret at Later it was my pleasure to serve with him the passing of a former member of this as a fellow officer in that 42nd Battalion. House and a man who served the people There I found a tremendous spirit of mate­ of this State with gwat distinction. ship, comradeship and loyalty that personified As the Premier said, Perc Tucker was the character of Percy Tucker. We shared a man with a great fighting spirit, and this quite a number of memorable moments quality earned him the respect and admiration together. of people throughout his life. His name was Despite his having been born in Rock­ synonymous with the City of Townsville, the hampton, another city, and despite the love city he loved and represented so vigorously that he had for so many other things, when and well. he moved to Townsville in 1955 Percy com­ He was a real "man of the people", and the pletely devoted himself to the people of grief and sense of loss which the people of Townsville. Those of us who served with Townsville have felt is an indication of the him here in this Chamber during the 14 genuine affection in which Perc Tucker was years that he was a member would well held. remember from his speeches and his ques­ tions his sheer love for his people of Towns­ In an eloquent editorial last Friday, "The ville. That came through on every occasion Townsville Daily Bulletin" described Perc on which Percy spob in this House, par­ Tucker as "gracious and obliging to an ticularly concerning matters that related to uncommon degree". It went on to say that the North. His desire to see the North his place as one of the city's most success­ fulfil the development dream of so many other ful and beloved mayors was secure. No event northecners was one that Percy Tucker pro­ was too small to be favoured by his mayoral jected at all times. attendance and no problem was too trifling for his attention and action. He served in a very honourable capacity in this House, for eight years as Deputy Perc Tucker will be remembered by me Leader of the Opposition in very trying and as a forceful, friendly, unassuming open man heavy times in politics. That would not be with a tremendous capacity for hard work. an easy load to carry, as so many other senior Many monuments to Perc Tucker will members of the Parliament would well know. remain, but as "The Townsville Daily Bul­ He then became Leader of the Opposition letin" put it: "There will be no greater and, unfortunately, was in that position for monument to him than the enduring memories only a period of something like six months that reside in countless Townsville hearts." when the tide of politics, through no fault He served his country, his State and his of his own, completely turned against Percy. city with devotion and success. Unfortunately he lost his seat in this Cham­ He was a great family man and our ber. However, even then members will thoughts go out to his wife and family in remember well the manly and sportsmanlike their time of grief. I second the Premier's way in which Percy bore his defeat. While motion. that must have been a most distressing occurrence to him personally, and a great Mr CASEY (Mackay-Leader of the personal set-back, there was no bitterness or Opposition) (11.12 a.m.): So far as condolence excuse about it. He looked around, knowing motions in this place are concerned, today full well that he had the capacity to serve is unusual because to most of us here Perc his people in Townsville in so many different Tucker was a very, very real figure, some­ ways. He chose-and was supported by one we knew well, someone with whom we them-to serve in the highest office in that sat in this Parliament or someone with whom city. we became associated in one way or another since he became Mayor of Townsville. There He continued in his determination to serve is no question that the years of service them, right till the very day he died. Pro­ that he gave to the people of the North and phetically, a television crew in North Queens­ the people of Townsville stamped Percy land actually did film work of him that very Tucker as one of the great northerners morning, in the yard of his own home, when of the post-war era in Queensland. he clearly stated that he would go on serving the people of Townsville for as long as they Through his own hard work, through his desired him-and as long as he possibly own ability, through his determination and could. Tragically, he was asked by the his willingness to serve people, Perc Tucker journalist interviewing him how his health rose to the top in both State and local was. He said, "It's very good, but who government politics in Queensland. I first met Percy Tucker long before either of us knows tomorrow?" "Tomorrow" he was came anywhere near this place, and long dead. before either of us become closely associated Townsville's great loss in Percy's death was with politics. I met Percy through the Army clearly demonstrated in the few days after Reserve, in which he served for many years his death by the spontaneous grief shown by after returning from the war. When I its people. I suppose there would be no returned from my national service training, on more fitting tribute to Percy than the mall the first occasion I went to the Army Reserve in that great northern city. It is one of the unit I met and served under him. Even best I have seen in my travels. It certainly at that stage his leadership qualities were stands out and will be a lasting tribute to very obvious to each and every one of us. Percy Tucker. The people of Townsville 154 Death of Mr P. J. R. Tucker [26 AuGUST 1980] Death of Mr P. J. R. Tucker

immediately displayed that in their grief mate of his, and I certainly held him in when spontaneously so many of them anony­ very high regard as a mentor, guide and mously laid wreaths on the plaque that had friend. been unveiled by Percy on the occasion He was originally a draftsman and attained whe!n th·~ mall was opened. a high position in the Titles Office before There was a lot of sadness in the funeral entering Parliament, and he was truly dedi­ service for Percy last Saturday. Sadness was cated to public service. His contributions in displayed by a full cross-section of the North, that respect are \Yell known and have been which I, too, know so well. So many people well stated by members who have preceded from every walk of life were there to express me in the debate. He was always prepared their feelings towards Percy Tucker the man; to stand up with courage and support the Percy Tucker, the one who had served them convictions that he held. so well. None was more grieved than those to whom we are expressing our condolence His great capacity for work was brought in today's motion-the members of his own home to me in the days before we had such family-but none more bravely stood up to luxurious accommodation and before the their worst moment of grief than they did. number of air travel passes was increased. Bunny, his wife, his sons, Pcrcy and Probably we were the first members of Christopher, and his daughter, Cecily, were Parliament to travel home to North Queens­ strengthened in the hour of their greatest land at week-ends. Prior to that, members grief by the very great feeling the people of of Parliament could use only trains or ships Townsville were displaying towards her hus­ to attend sittings of Parliament, so, because of great distances, they came to Brisbane band and their father. for the session and returned home in the One of the most fitting tributes that I recesses. In my early days in this ChaJ?ber, have ever seen paid to any man was at the only 12 air travel passes were ava!lahle funeral, where the oration was not just to us. Possibly because of our transportation delivered in the normal way by the presiding background and Public Service background, mi'listcr or some other dignitary. Five we decided to leave Cairns or Townsville ministers from five different churches-five on Sunday's train and arrive in Brisbane at different officiating clergy, representing a full 6 a.m. on Tuesday, then fly back to the cross-section of Christianity in Townsville­ North on Friday night. The House sat on each chose clearly and succinctly something Fridays in those days, but we managed to from Percy Tucker's character, something have our week-ends with our families. By from Percy Tucker's background, that hit the stretching our air travel passes over 24 heart of each and every one of us there. It weeks, we were just about able to cover caused me to realise that, whilst at times we the sittings of the House. fire at one another across the Chamber­ We worked on the train coming to Bris­ we do get stuck into each other from time bane. Fortunately, we did not receive very to time on a purely political basis-the many interruptions from other people travel­ important thing about public office is to ling on the train and, as there were no contribute. Those who do contribute are telephones, we managed to get through a remembered, and they are remembered best great deal of work. We we:e also rooi?­ not by a bridge, a mall, an oval or some other mates in the old Lodge, wh1ch stood VIr­ public utility that may have been named tually where the front of this new building after them and is forgotten in a few years' stands today. The rooms were as good as time, but with love in the hearts and minds railway quarters. There were three of us of those people with whom and for whom in one room, Percy Tucker, Alex Inch and they served. The feelings, the emotion and myself, and, as some of the older members the grief shown by the people of Townsville of this Assembly will recall, as we walked last Saturday was the greatest tribute that across the lawn we were often described could be paid to Percy Tucker. as the big "W". Percy Tucker was a big man well over 6 feet tall, as was Alex Inch. Mr JO!'iES (Cairns) (11.21 a.m.): I join With me walking between them, it \Vas a with the Premier, the Deputy Premier and case of the long and the short of it. That the Leader of the Opposition in paying tri­ was one of the more humorous comments bute to Perc Tucker. I was, I think, as close made about us in those days, as northerners to him as any sitting member of this coming across to do battle in the House. Assembly, and my friendship with him dated back to the davs before I entered this I was also privileged to share oflice Chamber. At that -time, of course, our accommodation with Perc Tucker. In those friendship was confined mainly to casual days, there were 16 members in one com­ association. 'vVe were eo-delegates at various mittee room, trying to work out questions conferences and convent;ons, and he was also or speeches or holding interviews or tele­ a good mate of the former member for phone conversations. There was not always Cairns, Wattie Wallace. one telephone to each desk, either. I shared When I became a member of the Legis­ all those aspects of parliamentary life with lative Assembly, Perc more or less took me him. under his \ving and showed me the ropes Later, of course, we travelled in Fokker and I became, in effect, a protege of his. I Friendihip and Viscount aircraft, which took venture to suggest that he considered me a four hours to reach No.rth Queen>land. At Death of Mr P. J. R. Tucker [26 AuGUST 1980] Death of Mr P. J. R. Tucker 155

the close of the day, we used to have a that he and I were political opponents, over coupic of shandies. Perc liked a good book the past decade we traversed the same and a good laugh. He liked good company, path in trying to give the best service we good music and good people, and he liked could to the community of Townsvil!e. a beer, and travelling v, ith him gave me the Prior to entering Parliament in 1974, I opportunity of seeing many facets of his had been mavor of Townsville. I replaced character. the late Percy.Tucker as member for Towns­ He was a straight shooter, and his word ville West. Very soon afterwards, in 1976, was his bond. He believed in the Aussic Perc Tucker was elected mayor of Townsville principle, and the North Queensland prin­ in a three-way contest. He won by a narrow ciple, that a man was as good as his word, majority, but over the ensuing three years and the affirmation was not always made he cemented his place in the hearts of the with a handshake. majority of the residents of Townsville. The ·He saw servic~ with distinction in the major highlight in his deeds and actions Army and he saw se.rvice as a duty. He had during that period was an incident that has an air of correctness about him. His attitude been referred to in the media. Against his was, as one of my wharfie friends aptly political philosophy, in an official capacity, described it, that everything "had to be he publicly welcomed a former Governor­ proper, like." His attitude was sometimes General to Townsville. mistaken for aloofness. Some of his critics In many ways, Perc Tucker endeared him­ once dubbed him with the nickname "the self to the citizens of Townsville. He made duke". He bo~c that nickname w·ith some no secret of the fact that he never severed pride and had a few laughs about it. his political affiliations, but he also made it Perc Tucker had a desire for detail. He quite c-lear that when he was required to \vas neat in his approach to his work and his make a decision concerning the future of delivery. He had a certain manner about Townsville and the progress of the city he him and an air o.f respect. did not adhere to any political party pressure He practised the art of politics very well. from his own groups. He made publicly known I believe that was an essential ingredient the fact that any decision he arrived at in of his success. He had a very keen sense of the Townsville City Council was made for humour. When the tributes were being paid the benefit of the whole of the community. to him, some by political enemies who had His record was such that when the 1979 hurled abu.;e at him over a lengthy period, election was held he polled in excess of 60 I thought to myself that he would have per cent of the popular vote for the position relished the situation that developed over of mayor. That percentage indicates that he the past few days. As a connoisseur of had the support not only of those who follow humour, he would have thrown his head the ALP philosophy but also of a large back and laughed with gusto. section of the business communitv in Towns­ ville who realised the good job he was doing Perc Tucker was a formidable opponent for the city. Further evidence of his popular­ and one who gave ground grudgingly. In ity was forthcoming last Saturday after his the political sphere, he had a seat that was untimely death, when a huge crowd attended a clirf-hanger in every election. It was always the John Knox Presbyterian Church at decided on preferences. His worth was shown Aitkenvale, Townsville, for the commemor­ whenever someone telephoned him to find ation service. People of all religions, includ­ out how he was going. I-Ie simply laughed ing the Bishop of North Queensland, came and said, "I'll be all right, mate. No prob­ to pay tribute to him. lems at all." He could handle debates. He could handle his political enemies. He knew I extend my condolences to his widow, politics backwards. Isobel, commonly known to the family and the Townsville community as Bunny. She Perc Tucker was also a great family man. was a tower of strength to him. Whenever He suffered when he lost his son Rodney, he performed an official duty anywhere who died when he was a young boy. He broke Bunny was always by his side. I extend my his arm and died on the operating table deep sympathy to her and the family. under the anaesthetic. His passing is a great loss to the ALP I want to join with previous speakers in organisation in Townsville. It will be very expressing sympathy to Bunny, Perc, Junior, difficult to replace him with a man of similar Cecily, Chris and young Michael. His con­ calibre. The next mayor of Townsville, who­ dition was the reason for Perc Tucker's ever he or she may be, will have a very particular approach to rubella. I wish to hard act to follow. express my condolences to his brothers, sis­ ters and relatives from my family, together Hon. R. J. HINZE (South Coast-Minister with those of all his political friends. for Local Government, Main Roads and Police) (11.31 a.m.): I join \Yith previous Hon. M. D. HOOPER (Townsville West­ speakers in extending condolences to Bunny Minister for Maritime Services and Tourism) and the other relatives of our late friend (11.28 a.m.): I welcome this opportunity to Perc Tucker. I am sure that we remember support the Premier's motion and to pay a him well in the old Legislative Assembly tribute to the late Percy Tucker, the former Chamber as a very capable, strong, front­ mayor of Townsvil!e. Although it can be said bench debater, and in the position of Deputy 156 Ministerial Statements [26 AUGUST 1980] Ministerial Statements

Leader of the Opposition. Over that period Let me refer now to these other issues. he acquitted himself with all the dignity Some members of the industry have called appropriate to this House. We will remt"mbcr for the boycotting of the trotting meeting his clashes with Tom Aikens. He was always at Albion Park next Saturday night on the able to defend the things that he stood for. basis of alh:ged improper practices. To date I believe that Perc Tucker found his niche no specific details to substantiate such alle­ in life when he became Mayor of Townsville. gations have been made officially to the While he held that office our friendship Trotting Board or to me. In this regard, grew enormously. Earlier we were together I give a public assurance that any person on a parliamentary delegation to Japan, who is prepared to forward to me specific Singapore and elsewhere, when we became details of irregularities or improper practices very firm friends. That stood both of us \Vill be protected as to the disclosure of in good stead when he became Mayor of his identity and the cases will be thoroughly Townsville, and we were able to help each investigated. other. While the mall in Townsville was On the question of the viability of the bc;ing built we spoke to one another quite trotting industry generally and of the prize­ o;·ten. money paid to owners and trainers, I have I rose to indicate very briefly my feelings asked the Trotting Board to immediately to his family and to say that the whole of have specific discussions with trotting clubs the State has lost a very good Quecnslander, forthwith in regard to their prize-money and local government has lost one of its levels. champions. Next, I believe the owners and trainers Motion (Mr Bjelke-Petersen) agreed to, have a concecn with respect to current pro­ honourable members standing in silence. cedure for the selection of fields, and I have asked the Trotting Board to immediately examine the cause of the concern and to MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS institute corrective measures if they are TROTTING INDUSTRY seen to be necessary and to report back to me within two weeks of the outcome of Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Deputy these issues. Premier and Treasurer) (11.34 a.m.): The present controversy in the trotting industry On the question of the retired chairman and the threatened boycott of the Albion of stewards, Mr Jack Gregg, the board has Park trotting meeting next Saturday night advised me that he has ceased employment originates from an inquiry by Queensland with it. He will be employed in future in Trotting Board stewards into the running a consultancy capacity only in such matters and handling of a horse named Bold Rainbow as country seminars or the training of at Albion Park on the night of 28 June stewards. 1980. In view of the action I have already taken, The stewards' panel delivered its decision that is, (1) to seek out and investigate any last Friday, 22 August, and that decision was allegation of improper practice, (2) to ask that trotting driver, Mr George Ellictt, be the Trotting Board to discuss prize money disqualified fer a period of six months. The levels with clubs, (3) to have the Trotting inquiry opened at Albion Park on 28 June Board re-examine and correct if necessarv and concluded in the Trotting Board office selection procedures, I see no reason whatso­ last Friday. The inquiry was protracted ever for such action, and I give notice that largely due to Mr Elliott's seeking an adjourn­ the Government will take all action to ensure ment on seven occasions to introduce new that any such move is aborted. Such action evidence and new witnesses. The second last now would achieve nothing but hurt for the adjournment was due to Mr Elliott's ill industry, and it must be avoided. health. I advise honourable members that I have Having been found guilty, Mr Elliott has confidence in the ability and the integrity of the right in accordance with Queensland the Queensland Trotting Board and its wil­ Trotting Board rule No. 407 (I) of appeal to lingness to review specific procedures that the Queensland Trotting Board within seven cause concern in the industry. I ask all days of the finding. I wish to emphasise that sections of the industry to let it so operate the Trotting Board as the appeal committee and to avoid confrontation that can only cannot comment at this stage on this inquiry harm the sport and those who wish to enjoy because the seven days for the lodging of it. an appeal by Mr Elliott have not yet elapsed. Mr Elliott has the further right, beyond that, in the event of the Trotting Board Appeal ALP MoVEs TO DENIGRATE LmERAL PARTY Committee's upholding the stewards' decision, of recourse to the Full Court. Honourable Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Deputy members will therefore note that Mr Elliott Premier and Treasurer) (11.37 a.m.): Over has rights to further legal action in regard the past week, attempts have been made by to the events which led to his disqualification. the Labor Party to denigrate the Liberal This matter is therefore removed completely Party in the State Parliament. These poli­ from any other issues affecting the stability ticallv motivated stunts by the ALP by mov­ of the trotting industry. ing motions in this House on matters on Ministerial Statements (26 AUGUST 1980] Ministerial Statements 157 which the Liberal Party has a policy deter­ That the Labor Party moves have been mination have not been supported by mem­ nothing more than a political stunt, a sham, bers of my party. is obvious. The Labor Party knows that its The reasons for this are quite obvious. move was doomed to failure before it Th;: Labor Party's standing in the electorate started. It knows that the party numbers is the lowest it has eve~ been. ALP members in this House are such that the only way are a divided, leaderless group concerned enough votes could be gathered in this Par­ for their survival and attempting to regain liament to carry these policies would be at som? slightly temporary political gain by their the cost of destruction of this Government. tactics. I do not object to political tactics at The Liberal Party will not run any risk of any time, but if the Labor Party thinks it is giving the Labor Party even the slightest going to cause disruption in this Govern­ electoral bonus by taking its tainted bait ment a short time before the election if and causing disruption to this Government. it thi:1ks it is going to get away with 'this The Labor Party knows that even if every attempt to mislead the community, it is Liberal back-bench member had voted with sadly mistaken. the Opposition last week, its motions would The Liberal Party has announced Liberal not have been carried. Seventeen Liberal policy statements for the next election. This back-benchers and 22 Labor members make is our right and indeed our responsibility a total of 39, two fewer than a majority. and we will be judged on our performanc~ The members of the Labor Party are not ~nd our policies, and we will accept that only politically inept; they also cannot count. Judgment. We shall continue to declare our So the Labor Party well knows that the policy as the election comes closer. But, only way its motions supporting Liberal Mr Speaker, we are a vital and equal part policy could have been carried would have of this coalition Government, and we expect been at the cost of destroying this coalition to share the credit for good decisions for Government: by Liberal Ministers crossing the benefit of the people of Queensland, and the floor and voting against their National we also have to accept sharing of respon­ Party ministerial colleague. The Labor sibility for less popular decisions, some of Party knew that. which are not in accord with our policy. This, however, is the price of a coalition Even the Leader of the Opposition with to which we have been in this Govern­ his very slight knowledge of the traditions ment a loyal and hard-working partner. The and conventions of government knows that Labor Party can move any motion it wishes, every Minister is required to support a and it can criticise me and my party as Government decision. Cabinet solidarity is much ~s it desires for not voting with it, a traditional and essential component of but whilst we are member of this coalition a democratic society, and the Liberal Party Government, we will be as loyal as we can Ministers support that view even though be within the confines of the conscience of the ALP and media critics would wish that each n:.:mber of my party. division to occur and that tradition to be The Labor Party has not let facts or destroyed. truth interfere with its attempt to mislead As sound as we believe our policies are, the community. It has blatantly misrepre­ we are not about to destroy this coalition sented our position. The Labor Party well Government in the final days of this Parlia­ knows that the Liberal po•licies I announced ment. Nor would the people of Queensland as leader are a program for action in want us to rush into implementing those Government after this year's elections. This policies now if the price were to be the is specifically stated in the policy statements. destruction of this coalition Government. It is a fact known to the Labor Party and The members of the Labor Party must to the people of Queensland. think we are as politically inept as they The Labor Party knows these were not are, if they think we would take that course policy initiatives for the final days of this when we know that as a result of the public Government, but announcements of policy support for the Liberal Party, we will be by my party for consideration by the elec­ able to implement those policies after the torate, just as the National Party and the election. We will be able to do so without Labor Party have been announcing policies. any assistance from the Labor Party. The Labor Party knows that the Liberal The community knows that if Liberals Party has fought the battle for policies crossed the floor, the Labor Party would in Cabinet and the joint Govern­ use that to the political disadvantage of ment parties room, and on many occasions this Government. And whilst Liberal mem­ very successfully for the benefit of the bers have crossed the floor of this House Government and the people of Queensland. a number of times during this Parliament, Those are the facts-facts known to the they have done so on issues they considered Labor Party. But in typical Labor Party important and on issues where they felt that fashion, it has ignored those basic truths, stand was advisable in the best public inter­ and misrepresented the Liberal Party in a est. The Labor Party knew all this but it vain attempt at political posturing to bolster persisted with the sham of its motions. its ever-falling fortunes. Misrepresentation The Labor Party should be the last party and stuntsmanship are the stock in trade of to make jibes at Liberal members for not the Labor Party. voting against the Government. Liberal 158 Ways and ~Means [26 AUGUST 1980] Select Committee of Privileges

members have that right. They have used Whole to consider of Ways and Means it but used it responsibly and not indis­ for raising the Supply to be granted to Her c;iminately, and thus proved their strength Majesty." of character. But the Labor Party does not Motion agreed to. give its members that right at all. It shackles and binds its members to vote the party line no matter what. Where can the Opposition point to a Lab~r member :vho SELEGT COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES has voted against the party !me and survived Mr NEAL {Balonne) for Mr WARNER as a member of the Labor Party? I(Toowoomba South): I move- The policies to be implemented by us will "(1) That this House do appoint a Select be implemented in a plann~d, thoroug)l and Committee of Privileges; organised manner. They will not be Imple­ "(2) That the committee consist of mented in the hurried, ad hoc manner the Messrs W. D. Hewitt, Jones, Lane, Neal, Labor Party sought to do last week .. And PowcH, Wright and Warner; since when has the Labor Party been mter­ ested in enhancing the reputation and stand­ "(3) That four members be a quomm ing of this Parliament? at any meeting of the committee; "(4) That the committee have and exer­ If ever a party has shown that i.t cares I!'~t cise such powers, duties and responsibilities one jot for the institution of Parliament, Jt·s as may from time to time, generally or in the Labor Party in Queensland. One only any pa~ticular case, be determined by the has to recall the smears and innuendos, th.e House; ill-founded attacks against members of th1s Parliament and the constant disregard of the "(5) That, in the exercise of the afore­ normal operation of the parliamentary sys­ said powers, duties and responsibilities, the tem, to know what the ALP's attitude to committee have authority and power to Parliament really is. send for persons, papers and records unless otherwise determined by the House in any I oive notice to the Parliament that I particular case save however that a Minister shall "'continue to give policy statements on of the Crown or an officer of the Public behalf of my party. I also g!v:e notice that Service shall not be obliged to provide I will have no part of pohtical deals or information, oral or written, which has stunts for purely political motives and been- expediency. TI1erefore, I will tr~at with the contempt it deserves any motwn of the ( a) certified by a Crown Law officer Labc·r Party moved for purely political to be information which, if it were sought reasons. in a court, would be a proper matter in respect of which to daim Crown priv­ My party represents l?eople, ~nd in coalition ilege; or we have contributed m a vital and equa·l (b) certified by the responsible Min­ manner. The Liberal Party will seek support ister, with the approval of the Ministers fmm the electorate on its contribution to of the Crown in Cabinet assembled, to Government and its po1icies. Its preferences be information such that its disclosure will be directed in one direction, to the would be against the public interest; National Party, and its total commitment is to the common opposition of the Labor "(6) That the committee have leave to Party. sit during any adjournment of t.he House notwithstanding that such adjournment exceeds seven days; SUPPLY "(7) That the committee may sit during the sitting of the House; CONSTITUTION OF COMMITTEE "(8) That the committee, so far as is practicable and as it may do, function Hon. C. A. V/HA.. RTON (Burnett-Leader in a manner similar to that of a Com­ of the House), by leave, without notice: I mittee of Privilege of the British House of move- Commons for the time being unless other­ "That the House will, at its next sitting, wise determined by the House in any par­ resolve itself into a Committee of the ticular case; Whole to consider the Supply to be granted "(9) That the committee, in addition to to Her Majesty." sitting from time to time on or in relation Motion agreed to. to matters of privilege, may meet from time to time to discuss privilege generally, including acts or omissions constituting WAYS AND MEANS instances of breach of privilege, whether in Queensland or elsewhere, and to inform CONSTITUTION OF CoMMITTEE itself with respect to privilege in such manner as it thinks fit; and, without lim­ Hon. C. A. WHARTON (Burnett-Leader iting the generality of the foregoing, may of the House), by leave, without notice: I invite from and discuss with such persons move- or bodies as it thinks fit, submissions and "That the House wi.JJ, at its next sitting, views on or in relation to matters of resolve itself into a Committee of the privilege; Personal Explanation [26 AUGUST 1980] Personal Explanation 159

"(10) That the foregoing provisions of This morning's diatribe came from a man this motion, so far as they may be incon­ who says he will do certain things in the sistent with Standing Orders, have effect community but, when he is put to the test, notwithstanding anything contained in the he does nothing. Standing Orders. l\Ir PORTER: I rise to a point of order. "(11) That the committee be authorised to give consideration to previous refer­ I fail to understand how the honourable ences from the House from the previous gentleman can be making a personal explan­ session prior to prorogation." ation when at no stage did the Deputy Prem­ ier mention the name of the Leader of the lV!otion agreed to. Opposition. How on earth can he be making a personal explanation about himself when the Deputy Premier's statement did not touch PETITIONS upon him personally? That is beyond me. I The Clerk announced the receipt of the would be grateful for an explanation of the following petitions- position. Mr SPEAii:ER: Order! If the Leader of PERMANENT POLICE STATION, COOLU:,f the Opposition has a point of order, I wish From Mr Simpson (399 signatories) pray­ to hear it. If not, I will ask him to resume ing that the Parliament of Queensland will his seat. approve the construction of a permanent Mr CASEY: Who has a point of order? police station at Coolum. ;-..'ot me. I just want to continue with my speech. LoNG SERVICE LEAVE FoR BUILDING WoRKERS Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the From Mr Campbell (77 signatories) praying Opposition must have a point to make. that the Parliament of Queensland immedi­ ately introduce legislation to provide for long Mr CASEY: Peonle out in the community service leave for building workers based on continue to say how Parliament should be their service. restructured and how the time of Parliament should be more reasonably used. THAFF!C LIGHTS, OLD CLEVELAND ROAD Mr SCASSOLA: I rise to a point of order. From Mr W. D. Hewitt (324 signatories) lV!y point is that the statement by the Leader praying that the Parliament of Queensland of the Opposition can hardly be described will give urgent consideration to the instal­ as a personal explanation. With respect, Mr lation of trnffic lights at the "zebra" crossing Speaker, he has had ample opportunity to on old Cleveland Road between Bruce Street make a personal explanation. There is and Wiles Street. nothing personal of any kind whatever in the Petitions read and received. statement by the Leader of the Opposition. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I will give the Leader of the Opposition one final oppor­ PERSONAL EXPLANATION tunity to make a personal explanation. Mr CA§EY (Mackay~Leader of the Oppojtion) (11.48 p.m.), by leave: A few Mr CASEY: The point raised refers to moments ago in this House we heard a me personally. The Deputy Premier great diatribe from the Liberal Leader, the frequently referred in his remarks to the Deputy Premier. It was probably one of the Opposition this, the Opposition that, and the weak. st and most pathetic displays that I Opposition something else. As Leader of the have heard in a long, long time. It came Opposition, I feel offended. As for the from a man who this morning has really reaction of the Liberal members-the weak shown his true colours. and pathetic display they have put on clearly shows their true colours. The Treasurer's Mr GREENWOOD: I rise to a point of comments could not be referred to as a order. So far we have not heard anything ministerial statement. about the personal explanation. Mr AUSTIN: I rise to a point of order. Mr SPEA1\:ER: I call on the Leader of I have yet to hear the personal explanation. the Opposition to comply with the require­ If the Leader of the Opposition is offended ments of Standing Orders. by the statement of the Deputy Premier, I am offended by his statement. I submit that Mr CASEY: I am personally offended bv he is not making a personal explanation. some of the misleading remarks that the He is merely insulting everyone in this Cham­ Deputy Premier put forward, especially ber by flouting the Standing Orders of this coming from a man who has dispiayed-- Parliament. Mr Akers: You are a great political sook. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I have h2ard the Mr CASEY: Fancy the member for Pine member's comments and ask him to resume Rivers calling anybody "a great political his seat. I have also listened attentively to sook". the Leader of the Opposition. The statement 160 Questions Upon Notice [26 AUGUST 1980] Questions Upon Notice he has made does not comply with the severe and unnecessary hardships and requirements laid down for a personal economic loss for Queenslanders, will he explanation. I ask him to resume his seat. undertake a thorough shake-up of the industrial relations sections of these auth­ Mr CASEY (Mackay-Leader of the orities and instruct their managements to Opposition): I move- base their future negotiations with their "That the honourable member for employees on a platform of co-operation Mackay be further heard." rather than continue the confrontations Question put; and the House divided­ of the past? AYES, 21 Blake Shaw Answer;- Burns Underwood Casey Vaughan No. The cable layers dispute, \\ hich D'Arcy Warburton involved 97 employees of the South East Fouras Wilson Queensland EleC'tricity Board out of a Hansen Wright total board work-force of approximately Hooper, K. J. Yewdale Kru;;er 4 000 persons and a total electr.icity indus­ Mackenroth Tellers: try work-force of approximately 10 COO, Milliner did not involve other electricity authorities, Prest Jones Davis as suggested by the Leader of the Opposi­ Scott t,jon. NoEs, 46 From the commencem~nt of the dispute Akers Lane Armstrong Lee in April 1980 over the cessation of dirt Austin Lester money payments on polymeric-type cables, Bird Lickiss ih~ board has endeavoured to solve the Bishop Lock wood Bjelke-Petersen McKechnie dispute through the avenues of the State Booth Miller Indus•trial Commission and through pr

2 & 3. CRYSTAL CREEK of children by certain so-called charities Dr Scott-Young asked the Minister who market products door to door? for Lands, Forestry and Water Resources- (2) Has his department made any Cl) What were the results of the investi­ investigations concerning Mr Keith Ashton gations carried out by his officers to find of an organisation called "Helping Hand"? the reason why Crystal Creek, in the Townsville electorate, changed its course Answer:- and now reoresents a menace to all f:lrrns (!) The Collections Regulations provide in the area? that a charity shall not permit a person (2) What action for the cure of this to make an appeal for support on behalf problem has been advised or undertaken of that charity whereby that person does by his officers? so in expectation of reward unless a written agreement has been entered into Answer:- between the parties involved and I have (1 & 2) As indicated in correspondence to approved that agreement. the honourable member in recent weeks, The regulations further provide that no Crystal Creek at the location in question child under the age of 15 years shall act has been a problem for a long time. The as a collector unless the written consent Townsville City Council undertook cer­ of one of the child's parents has first been tain works to protect the road access to obtained and, where that consent has been its water supply intake works further up obtained, that child must be accompanied Crystal Creek in 1974. This work with­ by an adult. stood annual flows until this year when it failed in. the early floods. Coastal creeks Furthermore, no collector shall, in con­ similar to Crystal Creek, which are short nection with any appeal, visit any house and steep and subject to high-intensity before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on any day. rainfall, are difficult and very costly to Complaints that persons were operating control. outside this legislation have been investi­ The Queensland \Vater Resources Corn­ gated and a Bill is presently being prepared mission is able to give advice to persons to amend the Collections Act to provide or organisa:ions who wish to undertake for an offence of collecting under the remedial works, but does not have the guise of operating directly or ind:rectly responsibility or the finances to undertake on behalf of charity. this work. For the information of the honourable member, street trading by male children Dr Scott-Young asked the Minister 12 years and older is authorised by the for Local Government, Main Roads and Childrens Services Act 1965-1980, pro­ Police- vided that trading is contained between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. That Act Cl) Has the Townsville City Council is administered by my colleague the Hon­ approached his department for advice and ourable the Minister for Welfare. help in the prevention of erosion of road and farm lands by Crystal Creek in the (2) Earlier this year officers of my electorate of Townsville? department investigated the operations of (2) If so, will he inform the House as the Society of the Helping Hand Ltd, of to the advice given to the Townsville which a Mr Keith Ashton is chairman of City Council so that this marked man­ directors. They reported that the finan­ made erosion can be pre. ented from cial affairs of that organisation had been further damaging this whole valley? mismanaged. Because of this mismanagement, on 23 Answer:- July 1980 I revoked the sanction issued (! & 2) There has been no recent on 8 November 1978 authorising the approach to the Department of Local society to raise funds by means of appeals Government by the Townsville City to the public for support. Council for advice and help in this mat­ ter. I have been advised, however, that The matter was also referred to the the honourable member has approached Commissioner of Police for investigation the Queensland \Vater Resources Commis­ and I understand that this investigation sion in the matter and a question is continuing. addressed by him thereon to the Honour­ able the Minister for Lands, Forestry and Water Resources is to be answered today. 5. POWDERED INSTANT COFFEE Mrs Kyburz asked the Minister for 4. DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES BY CHILDI~EN Health- Mrs Kyburz asked the Minister for (!) Did his department recently survey Justice and Attomey-General- different brands of powdered instant coffee? (1) What action has been taken to (2) What were the findings of that tighten the legislation concerning the use survey? 162 Questions Upon Notice [26 AUGUST 1980] Questions Upon Notice

(3) Did any brands of coffee contain 40 public moorings being taken over and any substance other than coffee? resold by this club and why were tenders not called for ,fhis project? Answer:- (2) Will the terms of this agreement (1) Yes. \Vith the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron ensure that these facilities will (2) The standard for soluble coffee or not be exploited for financial gain by instant coffee is that it should contain not re-leasing or subleasing, and, if so, how? less than 30 grams of anhydrous caffeine (CsH10N402) derived from coffee per (3) Will Manly Slipways, who submitted kilogram, not more than 3 grams of resi­ a tender for development which was due insoluble in boiling water per kilo­ rejected in spite of being recommended gram nor a foreign substance. It may by the Po··t of Brisbane Authority, be contain dimethyl polysiloxanes in amount made a generous offer similar to that not exceeding 10 milligrams per kilogram. made to the yacht club? Eighteen powdered instant coffees were examined and of these eight had excess (4) When is it anticipated that the insoluble residues from the coffee bean. successful applicant, Clough and Clayton, will commence work on their marina? (3) No.

An.1wer:- 6. LOADING ON DISABILITY INSURANCE FOR (1) Approval has been given to the sale WOMEN by the Crown of 167 mooring piles in Mrs Kyburz asked the Deputy Premier Manly Boat Harbour for the sum of and Treasurer- $140,000 which mooring piles will be incor­ porated into a floating marina to be con­ (1) Does the SGIO add a 50 per cent structed by Royal Queensland Yacht loading to disability insurance for women? Squadron Marina Pty Ltd, a company (2) On what basis is this loading added? promoted by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. (3) As the claims cannot include any gynaecological problems, what are the Tenders were not called because the only precise illnesses from which women are sensible means of land access to the floating supposed to suffer more than men? marina is through the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron lease. Furthermore, it is (4) How old are the actuarial tables Government policy to assist non-profit on which the 50 per cent loading is based? organisations to provide facilities in con­ junction with the Government's establish­ Answer:- ment of Crown boat harbours. ( I) Yes, usually, but only in accordance (2) Draft lease conditions concerning the with universal industry practice. operation of the marina will be submitted (2) The loading is based on information by the Port of Brisbane Authority and regarding claims and premiums relative require approval by me as Minister. As to insurance covering illness and accident. indicated in my previous remarks, the Royal Queensland Yacht 1Squadron is a (3) SGIO(Q) experience indicates that non-profit organisation which aims to pro­ the average duration of disability claims vide facilities to members at the lowest for illness and accident from women is practicable cost. longer than the duration in respect of (3) No. The available land area does claims from men. The nature or types of illness covered by claims show little not permit the siting of another marina. variation between the sexes. It was possible to assist the Royal Queens­ land Yacht Squadron to make better use (4) Actuarial tables are based on current of the boat harbour because the squadron statistics which have been confirmed in already occupied a suitable area to which the recently published reports of the Mor­ a modest addition will provide what is bidity Committee of the Institute of required to complement the mooring Actuaries of Australia. facilities which it will provide under the new arrangement. Incidentally, I do not consider the offer to be over-generous. The 7. MANLY BOAT HARBOUR Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron will be required to pay levies to the Government Mr Shaw asked the Minister for Maritime on the number of marina moorings con­ Services and Tourism- structed by it at the current rate of $90 With reference to 'the Manly Boat Har­ per annum, in addition to payment for bour- the mooring piles and payment of lease rentals to the Port of Brisbane Authority. (1) What compensation has been or will be paid to the Government by the (4) On completion of current negotiations Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for the regarding lease details. Questions Upon Notice [26 AUGUST 1980] Questions Upon Notice 163

8. USE OF METHYL BROMIDE BY RENTOKIL alcohol and dru!.! education should not be confined to health education, which is the Mr Shaw asked the Minister for Hcalth- prevailing fashion in other States. (1) Is he aware that the pest eradication My department, which is nationally firm known as Rentokil is now carrying recognised as being innovative in this area, out pest eradication treatment, using the believes that there is no single message dangerous chemical methyl bromide, in about drugs which is applicable to all suburban houses? students. Programs which depend solely on (2) What regulations control the use information-giving introduce students to a of this deadly chemical in residential wider range of drugs and the curiosity areas? thereby generated can be dangerously counterproductive. (3) Why are the strict precautions deemed necessary to protect the public The responsible use of alcohol and other at the time when Parliament House and drugs appears to be more effectively incul­ The Mansions were fumigated not required cated in students when it is treated in a when this dangerous method is used in co-ordinated fashion in several subject the midst of suburban houses? areas, simultaneously and regularly, rather than in specific, one-shot lessons. Teachers (4) Why is the firm not required to at least notify all residents that it intends are being progressively introduced to this to use dangerous chemicals in the area concept of general personal and social skill and that accidental exposure could be development within the total curriculum, fatal? and I am pleased to say that the approach appears to have great potential. (5) As it appears ,that familiarity with the use of these chemicals is leading to My department is continually develop­ a relaxation in safety precautions, will he ing materials for use by teachers and take urgent action to ensure that strict students. I have forwarded a secondary safety procedures are adhered to and school resource kit to the Parliamentary dangerous chemicals not used unneces­ Library where it will be available for sarily? perusal by honourable members.

Answer:- (1) Yes. 10. RAILWAY DEPARTMENT LOSSES (2) The Poisons (Fumigation) Regula­ Mr Bourke asked the Minister for tions, 1973. Transport- (3) The regulations are enforced by the Cl) Did the recently announced loss for Director of Industrial Medicine. the Queensland Railways, absorb consider­ able profits from the transport of coal and (4) The regulations do not require resi­ other minerals? dents of the area to be notified. (2) What were the estimated profits (5) There has not been any relaxation to the rail system from such cartage? in safety precautions. (3) What would be the loss to the Queensland taxpayer from railway opera­ tion if the profits from mineral cartage 9. DRUG EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS were excluded? Mr Shaw asked the Minister for Educa­ ( 4) Is it not true that losses on the rail­ tion- wav svstems of South Australia and Tas­ ma-nia- are borne by the Commonwealth What new programs for drug educa­ tion have been introduced into Queens­ Government? land schools in the last three years? (5) Is any special payment made by the Commonwealth Government to compensate Answer:- Queensland for such preferential treatment of those two States? In my answer to the honourable member, I shall refer to alcohol and drug education (6) Has the Government any concrete programs in order to emphasise that alcohol plans to modernise the railways and give is the major drug used in our society. them a chance to compete fairly, with modern methods? Revised health education syllabuses, which are being progressively introduced (7) Has the Queensland Government into primary and secondary schools, con­ recently sought any Commonwealth funds tain units which attempt to deal with to enable such modernisation on a rational alcohol and other drugs. However, in basis beyond electrification of the metro­ Queensland schools it is planned that politan rail syst:m? 164 Questions Upon Notice (26 AUGUST 1980] Questions Upon Notice

Answer:- (2) Will he examine the situation with a view to rectifying this apparent anomaly? (!) The announcement of the Honour­ able the Deputy Premier and Treasurer, to Answer:- which I presume the honourable member is alluding, referred to the overall operating (!) The State, in conjuncton with the result of the Railway Department for the Commonwealth, provides financial assistance financial year ended 30 June 1980. to approved community welfare organis­ ations and/or local authorities in the estab­ (2 & 3) It is not the practice to publish lishment of senior citzens' centres under the profit, or otherwise, derived from the the provisions of the States Grants (Home conveyance of individual commodities. In Care) Act. fact, in most instances, this information Cabinet decision No. 13400 of 18 August would not be readily ascertainable. i 969 stipulated conditions under which sub­ (4 & 5) The Tasmanian Railways and the sidy would be paid. The capital cost of South Australian freight services and th;? p:oject, including built-in or perman­ ently affixEd furniture, fixtures and fittings country passenger services have been taken over by the Commonwealth Government was included for subsidy purposes but the cost of free-standing furniture and curtains and now form part of the Australian \Yas excluded. National Railway System. Cabinet further decided (decision No. (6) Within the limits of available finance, 19843 of 17 December 1973), following an the Railway Department is prosecuting a amendment to the States Grants (Home continuing program aimed at improving C!r:,) Act which provided for the payment operating efficiency. Additional locomotives d subsidy by the Commonwealth onlv and rolling-stock, including 20 air­ on contributions by the State or local conditioned carriages, are being acquired for authorities, that organisations be relieved main line services. Track upgrading is cf a proportion of the capital cost which being caricd out in a number of areas, and they had previously borne and continue to facilitate train-working centralised to be responsible for the supply of fur­ traffic control is being progressively niture and equipment on an unsubsidised extended. The electrification of the Bris­ basis. bane suburban system, due for completion (2) Community welfare organisations in 1984, will be advanced a further stage contribute onlv one-sixth of the capital with the extension of electrified services cost of a pro)ect and, although they are to Ipswich. responsible in addition for the supply of free-standing furniture and equipment, it Following a study into the feasibility of is considered that these financial arrange­ electrifying main line services, a project ments are equitable. has now been launched for the completion of the design work associated with the electrification of the section Blackwatcr­ Gladstone-Brisbane. 12. PENSIONER CoNCESSIONS, NEw SoUTH WALEs As a result of the recent overseas study tour wl1ich I undertook with the Commis­ Mr Bmr l'c asked the Minister for sioner for Railways, a number of recom­ Transport- mendations designed to further improve (!) Is he aware that there is a sign dis­ railway operating standards will shortly be played at the ferry terminal ticket office at presented to the Government for considera­ Circula~ Quay in Sydney stating that tion. pe~sioner concessions are not available to pensioners from overseas or Queensland? (7) Yes, and as a result, an amount of approximately $9m allocated by the Com­ (2) What basis is there for the New monwealth Government is available for South Wales transport authorities to permit expenditure this year for the extension of this attitude, which is grossly offensive to the Acacia Ridge rail terminal and the anyone who considers himself an Aus­ installation of centralised traffic control tralian? betw~en Caboolture and Gympie. (3) As this attitude is obviously a low attack on pensioners, will he initiate urgent discussion with his New South Wales 1 I. SUBSIDIES TO LocAL AUTHORITIES counterpart to prevent any recurrence of FOR FURNISHINGS this disgusting situation?

Mr Rourke asked the Minister for Health- Answer:- Cl) Is a subsidy paid to local authorities (1 to 3) No. It ;vould not be proper who provide furnishings for senior citizens' for me to make representations on a centres while subsidy is not similarly avail­ matter which is the prerogative of a trans­ able for other organisations, such as service port authority of another State. The ques­ clubs, who might seek to provide such tion of a reciprocity in pensioner conces­ furnishings? sions as between Queensland and New Questions Upon Notice [26 AUGUST 1980) Questions Upon Notice 165

South Wales has been examined on many 1-t. ST. GEORGE-NOONDOO-DIRRA~BANDI­ occasions, but it must be remembered that HEBEL RoAD the Government of New South Wales operates urban transport services in Sydney Mr Neal asked the Minister for Local whereas in Brisbane these are provided by Government, Main Roads and Police- the Brisbane City Council, and private (1) What progress is being made on the operators with respect to bus services, and upgrading of the St. George-Noondoo­ the Railway Department with respect to rail Dirranbandi-Hebel road? services. (2) What are the future plans and anti­ I cannot comment on concessions for cipated costs? overseas pensioners, but I feel that no one would expect the taxpayers or rate­ Answer:- payers of any State or city to subsidise concessions to pensioners from overseas (! & 2) The honourable member has, countries, particularly where an urban of course, always displayed a keen interest transport undertaking is already making a in the projects undertaken on this road. loss on its operations. He "ill therefore be pleased to know that on the St. George-Dirranbandi section Queensland has always been of the view a 5.3 km section was recently completed that pensioner concessions are part of at a cost of $460,000. A scheme for social services and the cost of any con­ preliminary works t-o cost $200,000 on a cessions granted to non-residents of the 29 km d;;viation is to be released in the State should be treated like every other near future. social service benefit. Commencement of comtruction of a The Commonwealth Government point of further 9.9 km section in this financial year view is to relate 1hi3 type of transport is dependent upon additional funds being concession to the basic issue of the rate available to the department. of pension payable as the circumstances On the Dirranbandi-Hc:be! section wo~k and conditions under which thev were is n~aring completion on first stage con­ g:·anted may no longer apply and the con­ struction of a 9.1 km section at a cost of cessions could tend to be discriminatorv and $290,000. benefit some pensioners more than others. Progress on both roads in the future In other words, transport concessions are is verv much dependent upon the level of not a very equitable means of giving road funding available but the overall aim additional benefits to pensioners. This view is to have the road from St. George to is consistent with the Queensland Govern­ Rebel constructed to an all-weather stand­ ment view that the cost and responsibilty ard, major floods excepted, in a period for assistance to non-resident pensioners of three to four years. should be accepted by the Commonwealth Government as part of its soc:al services program for pensioners. 15. NURSING TRAINING AT COLLEGES OF ADVANCED EDUCATION Mr Fom-as asked the lvEn;ster for 13. POLICE STRENGTH, TARA AREA Education- Mr Neal asked the Minister for Local (!) Is he aware that New South Wales, Government, Main Roads and Police- Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia have initiated pilot schemes for Will he again give consideration to tertiary nursing training at colleges of increasing police strength in the Tara advanced education, as recommended by police area? the Sax committee report of 1978? (2) Why have the wishes of the Queens­ land nursing profession been ignored with Answer:- the refusal to set up a pilot scheme in The present police strength does not, Queensland? at this time, allow for increasing the strength of the Tara Police Division. Answer:- (1) Although pilot programs of basic Considerable effort is being made to nursing educa,t'·on and train;ng arc offered recruit and train personnel to bring the in some colleges of advanced education in Police Force up to strength. The Priority some States, these all preceded the delibera­ Committee, comprising .top officers of the tions of the Sax committee. No pilot Police Department, is continually monitor­ programs have been introduced, as the ing police strengths in police divisions question asserts, as a consequence of the throughout the State. Sax committee recommendations. The honourable member can be assured (2) The relevant facts are as follows: that the Priority Committee will give con­ (a) In February 1977 State Cabinet sideration to the Tara Police Division in c·onsidcred possible future developments Iine with police priorities. in basic nursing education and training 166 Questions Upon Notice [26 AuGUST 1980] Questions Upon Notice

and agreed that Queensland should not Messrs Cardno & Davies Pty Ltd, is embark on basic courses in colleges now to hand and is in the process of of advanced education while there was being examined. When any action result­ no agreement by the Commonwealth ing from the report is being considered Government to long-term funding. full regard will be had to making the {b) In its 1978 guide-lines to the report available for pubiic examination. TerHary Education Commission, the Commonwealth Government asked 17. CHILD WELFARE FACILITIES specifically that no expansion of ex.isting courses in basic nursing education be Mr Fouras asked the .Min'ster for supported. Welfare- (c) In its repo.rt of August 1978, Cl) Is he aware that the Commonwealth the Sax committee recommended that Grants Commission 45th Report, 1979, on beginning in 1983 there should be an special assistance for the States, shows that intake of 75 into basic nursing courses net per capita expenditure on child wel­ in colleges of advanced education in fare in Queensland for 1978-79 \vas $7.44 Queensland. against an average expenditure in the five (d) In its reaction to the Sax com­ other States of $10.02, some 25.7 per cent miHee report, the Queensland Govern­ higher than in Queensland? ment in June 1979 endorsed for imple­ mentation in Queensland the propmals (2) When will the Queensland Govern­ regarding the offering of basic nursing ment take action to improve Queensland's programs in colleges of advanced educa­ outdated and inadequate child welfare tion, ao soon as the Commonwealth Gov­ facilities? ernment, through its Tertiary Education Commission, makes available the neces­ Answer:- sary funds. (1) The figures quoted from the Com­ (e) In the event, the Commonwealth monwealth Grants Commission's report Government's recent response to the Sax by the honourable member should be committee report, folio\\ ing considera­ treated with caution. I do not believe that tion of reactions from interested parties, the inference he draws from that report including the nursing profession, stated can be validly made. I say this for seve~al that "basic nursing education would reasons. Firstly, the figures quoted, while cont•inue to be provided by a va.riety of derived from State Budget papers and arrangements with most nurses and all Auditor-General's reports, are categorised nurst's aides being trained in hospital­ by the commission for its particular pur­ based schools of nursing." poses. In the footnote . to: the table The Commonwealth Government's quoted, in fact, the comm!s~Ion con.cedes response went on to state, "The Gov­ the "difficulties in obtammg umform ernment supports the continued evalua­ classification". Secondly and as a general Hon of and expe.r.imentati·on with the comment this Government has always existing pilot courses. It cons·iders that maintain~d a philosophy of minimum the present levels of intake to these taxation. The report indicates clearly that •courses provide an adequate basis for Queenslanders are among the lowest taxed comparative evaluation of college-based of all Australians. It is inevitable then and hospital-based training." that expenditures in this State will, as a {f) Meanwhile, courses in post-basic general rule, be lower in per capita terms education and training of nurses have than elsewhere. This does not, however, been conducted at the Queensland imply that the levels of &ervice provided Institute of Technology s,ince the begin­ are necessarily lower. ning of 1978. A new post-bas·ic course in (2) I would have expected the honour­ community nursing is expected to com­ able member to have been aware of the mence in 1981. Government's announced decision to review the legislation and operations of the Department of Children's Services 16. UsE OF CROWN LAND AT KANGAROO with a view to the establishment of a POINT Department of Family Welfare. This review is presently being undertaken. The lVIr Fouras asked the Minister for Lands, honourable member's statement that Forestry and \Vater Resources- Queensland has outdated and inadequate Wi11 he release the feasibility report on child welfare facilities lacks substantiation. future use of the Crown land previously occupied by Evans Deakin at Kangaroo Point so that it may be available for public 18. COMPENSATION FOR BRUCELLOSIS scrutiny and discussion? REACTORS Answer:- Mr Gunn asked the Minister for Primary The Kangaroo Point redevelopment Industries- study, which has been commissioned by Cl) How often is there a review of com­ the Land Administration Commission from pensation for brucellosis reactors? Questions Upon Notice [26 AUGUST 1980] Questions Upon Notice 167

(2) What is the present compensation for State. Speech therapy services are available all types of positive reactors? to children of the Brisbane Valley from (3) How many slaughtering establish­ speech therapists located at Ipswich. ments in the \Vest Moreton region are (2) My department plans to increase engaged in the slaughtering of reactors? the number of speech therapists and remedial teachers employed in 1981. The Answer:- size of the increase wil: be determined (!) Compensation values for TB and by financial and staffing priorities later brucellosis reactors are reviewed every six this year. It seems likely, however, that months in the light of changes in farm one additional speech therapist will be gate market values of an average beast appointed to the Brisbane \Vest region. in each class of animal. Thev were As a consequence, services to Brisbane changed on 1 December 1979, following Valley children should be improved. an October 1979 review, reviewed but not changed in April last and are due to be reviewed next October. 20. ScHOOL DENTAL SERVICES (2) The present compensation values for Mr Gu!1n asked the Minister for Heal;h- bruceliosis are as follows- v,:ith reference to my question in this Bulls, dairy cows and registered ParLament last session relative to the stud beef cows (more than 2 school dental sen ices in sma!l country teeth) $220 schools that have not seen the school den­ Other beef cows (more than 2 tist for up to two years, has the situation teeth $152 b:en rectified now? Heifers (2-3 years of age) $128 Weaner heifers (no permanent Answer:- teeth) $96 An effective means of modifying the Calves $36 operation of mobile dental c:inics to permit Reactor entire horses and breeding them to operate from standard electrical mares free of clinical signs of outlets in small schools has been estab­ infection $100 lished. Some mobile clinics already in service are now able to operate in this Other horses $25 fashion and it is proposed that all new (3) Brucellosis reactors are slaughtered mobile clinics wE! have this capability. at o~ly two abattoirs in Queensland, one As a result, the number of schools receiv­ at Kmgaroy and the other at Bromelton. ing a less than satisfactory frequency These are the only works with full-time of service is being progressively reduced. meat inspection prepared to accept The rate of progress will, however, be reactors. In addition, small numbers of influenced by available trained staff. reactors are slaughtered for pet food at knackeries at Albany Creek and Laidley. 21. EXEMPTION OF FUEL DEPOTS FROM FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS 19. REMEDIAL TEACHERS AND SPEECH REGULATIONS THERAPISTS, BRISBANE V ALLEY SCHOOLS Mr McKechnic asked the Minister for Mr Gunn asked the Minister for Local Government, Main Roads and Police- Education- (!) Can individual local authorities Cl) Is he aware of the acute shortage of exempt existing fuel depots (including drum remedial teachers and speech therapists in depots) from all provisions of the Flamm­ the Brisbane Valley schools? able and Combustible Liquids Regulations, (2) What action is being taken to rectify except regulations 40 to 46 and 81 to this situation and when will children with 92, provided the local authority is satisfied speech and learning difficulties in this area that the premises concerned do not con­ receive a better service than they do now? stitute a risk to public safety? (2) If a local authority exercises its Answer:- right to exempt a fuel depot from some of (1) The policy of the Department of the provisions of the regulations, can the Education is to locate one remedial or local authority be held legally responsible resource teacher in every class I and if a disaster occurs as a result of the class IT primary school and in selected exemption? class In primary schools. This policy is being implemented progressively and Answer:- systematically on a Statewide basis as (1) The Flammable and Combustible finance and resources permit. The extent Liquids Regulations made pursuant to the of the remedial service offered by remedial provisions of the Local Government Act teachers based at Toogoolawah and Esk provide that a local authority may grant compares favourably with services avail­ a licence for the storage of flammable able to centres of similar size around the and combustible liquids in respect of 168 Questions Upon Notice (26 AUGUST 1980] Questions Upon Notice

premises lawfully in existence on the day poker machines, what effect would poker the regulations came into force, that is, machines have on a moderate gambler's July 1976, notwithstanding that the household income? premises do not conform in all respects 1;ith the provisions of the regulations, pro­ vided the local authority is satisfied that Answer:- the premises do not constitute a risk to (1) In 1978-79 the revenue collected from public safety. It is not an exemption, gambling, other than poker machines, as such, but an acceptance of compliance amounted to- to the extent that public safety is main­ New South Wales $129.6 million tained. Queensland $33.3 million The regulations further provide, more­ (2) In per capita terms, these collections over, that, 1vhere a licence is granted in amounted to­ the above circumstances, the licensee has New South Wales $25.70 per capita to comply with the requirements of the $15.29 per capita regulations as to the bunding of tanks and Queensland the installation of fire-fighting facilities Information on the total amount of within prescribed pe. iods. In the case of money spent on gambling is not readily bunding, the period is to be determined by available. Furthermore, meaningful com­ the local authority but may not be later parisons cannot be made of the turnovers than 1 July 1981. In the case of fire­ of different forms of gambling as some fighting equipment, the compliance date for forms are high turnover, low tax per dollar small installations expired on 1 July 1979, invested (e.g. poker machines), while others whereas for larger installations the com­ arc low turnover, high tax per dollar rliance date is 1 July 1981. inv~sted (e.g. pools). (2) The qu.:stion of the liability of a (3 to 6) I have read both articles referred local authority in circumstances where dam­ to bv the honomable member, and I did age occu:s from premises in existence on note" the claim by Mr Vibert that poker l July 1976 and subsequently licensed by machine income should amount to 2.8 thG local authority is a legal question to per cent of total town income. Evidence be determined having regard to the cir­ has always been available that as gambling cumstances of the particular case. and similar expenditure increases, detri­ mental effects flow through to the family and household. 22. GAMBLING REVENUE, QUEENSLAND AND NEW SoUTH WALES 23. ENOGGERA PsYCillATRIC TREATMENT Mr McKeclmie asked the Deputy Premier C'ENTRE and Treasurer- Mr Milliner asked the Minister for (1) What revenue did the New South Health- Wales Government receive from gambling (other than poker machines) in 1978-79 Further to my question regarding the compared with revenue received by the proposed use of the former Enoggera Boys Queensland Government? Home in Hurdcott Street, Enoggera, by his department- (2) Will he relate the answer to (1) to the tax per head of population on gambling Will the former home be used by his (other than poker machines) in New South department for psychiatric testing of young Wales and Queensland and also the actual people and, if so, what security measures amount of money spent per head by people will be taken? If not, will his depart­ in New South Wales and Queensland on ment be using the former home for any gambling (other than poker machines)? other use and, if so, what will that use be for? (3) Did he read an article titled "Keep out the Pokies Says Andy" in the "Tele­ Answer:- graph" of 18 August? Cabinet has granted approval for the (4) Did he read an article titled "Under­ Department of Works to negotiate with standing Poker Machines" in the July issue the Church of England to lease the Enog­ of Aristocrat News, which was written by gera Boys Home for a period of five Ted Vibert, General Manager of the Poker years, with the option of renewal for a Machine Analysis Bureau? further five years, for suitable public pur­ poses. (5) With reference to (4), did Mr. Vibert claim that he can give advice to The Department of Works has entered clubs that enables them to increase poker into negotiations with the church author­ machine take to 2.8 per cent of a town's ities and the details thereof are under total income? consideration. However, no decisions have yet been taken either in regard to leasing (6) Bearing in mind that many people arrangements or for what purpose the pro­ gamble very little (or not at all) on perty might be used. Questions Upon Notice [26 AUGUST 1980] Questions Upon Notice 169

24. SALE OF HOUSING COMMISSION LAND, 26 & 27. UsE OF SEWAGE EFFLUENT GOODNA AREA FOR IRRIGATION Mr Mniincr asked the Minister for Works Mr Elliott asked the Minister for Local and Housing- Governn1ent, Main Roads and Police- Following the recent controversial sale Has his departn1ent considered the use of of Housing Commission land in the Red­ sewage effluent fron1 the Gold Coast as a bank Plains area by hi'> department to wurce for irrigation water, and was there Rylance Collieries- in fact any feasibility study carried out in regard to the costing of such a suggestion? Cl) Does the Housing Commission own bnd at the corner of Brennan Street a:1d Answer:- J ones Road, Goodna? The disposal of the Gold Coast sewage (2) If so, what is the total area of the effluent has been investigated over a nul11- land involved? ber of years. Land disposal within the areas (3) Have any approaches been n1ade to adjacent to the Gold Coast was reported his department to sell the land? on by Can1p, Scott and Furphy, consulting engineers, in their report on the Gold (4) If so, what was the name of the company or individuals who n1ade the Coast region sewage disposal in 1976. This approach? report showed that the cost of land dis­ posal would be considerably higher than that for disposal by n1eans of a single Answer:- ocean outfall. (1 & 2) The Comn1ission owns 18.5 ha Disposal to the Condan1ine River was bounded by Redbank Plains Road, Brennan also considered by the consultants but was Street and Church Street. Church Street found to be the n1ost expensive alternative is an extension of Jones Road. both in capital costs and in annual operat­ (3 & 4) There has been no contact ing costs, owing to the very high pun1ping with any prospective purchaser, other than heads involved. an oral inquiry six to eight n1onths ago by a church group. The church has n1ade no further approach. Mr Elliott asked the Minister for Prin1ary Industries- Cl) Has his department conducted any 25. PRODUCTION OF URANIUM OXIDE trials into the long-tern1 effects which would AT MARY KATHLEEN be produced by the use of sewage effluent for irrigation purposes? Mr Milliner asked the Minister for Mines (2) If no such experin1ents have been and Energy- done, will he consider conducting such (1) What was the total tonnage of uran­ experin1ents with a view to the better iul11 oxide produced by Mary Kathleen future use of effluent wastes fron1 n1ajor fron1 1976 to 1979 inclusive and in 1979? population centres? (2) \Vhat was the total value of such Answer:- uraniun1 oxide? (1 & 2) Although the Departn1ent of (3) What was the total royalty the Primary Industries has not carried out any Governn1ent received fron1 Mary Kathleen research on the long-tern1 effects which from 1976 to 1979 inclusive and in 1979? n1ay be produced by the use of sewage (4) How is such royalty assessed? effluent for irrigation purposes, basic research on problems which could arise Answer:- fron1 the use of effluents from specific population centres has been carried out (!) The total tonnage of uraniun1 oxide overseas and in other States of Australia. produced by Mary Kathleen fron1 1976 to Officers of n1y department have access to l 979 inclusive was 2 282 tonnes and in the results of such research should the 1979 iL was 832 tonnes. need for an appraisal of an individual (2) The total value of such uraniun1 waste-water irrigation proposal arise. oxide from 1976 to 1979 inclusive was Advice given is based on these $133,196,095, and in 1979 it was results as well as on the practical $63,299,392. experience gained with several irrigation (3) The total royalty the Government projects based on treated sewage effluent received fron1 Mary Kathleen fron1 1976 in operation in Queensland already. to 1979 inclusive was nil, and in 1979 Son1e of the long-tern1 effects of apply­ it was also nil; however, $1,125,000 was ing sewage effluent on land which need received in 1980 with respect to production to be considered are- during 1979. (1) The effects on the soil itself and (4) The royalty is assessed on the basis its continued capacity to absorb water of two per cent of gross proceeds above and transn1it it safely either to plants $30,000 or five per cent of profits above as evapotranspiration or as subsurface $3il.fl00, whichever is the lesser. drainage to strean1s. 92145-7 170 Questions Upon Notice [26 AUGUST 1980] Questions Upon Notice

(2) The area of land required to receive 29. EMERALD-ALPHA SECTION, CAPRICORN safely the likely maximum effluent flow. HIGHWAY (3) Environmental effects, adverse or Mr Lester asked the Minister for Local favourable, resulting from upsetting the Government, Main Roads and Police- natural hydrological balance of the area and its surroundings. (1) What were the costs of construction and proposed construction of the Capricorn (4) Animal/human health problems Highway between Emerald and Alpha from which could be increased by careless use December 1974 to date? of the system, specifically the beef measles/human tapeworm parasite cycle. (2) How much was spent prior to 1974 on this project? One problem with the disposal of sewage effluent on land in Queensland is the fact Answer:- that the major centres of population are ( 1) The honourable member will appreci­ in the high rainfall coastal zone where ate, I hope, that it is not possible to quote drainage of excess rainfall, run-off and historical expenditure figures from a par­ seepage is already a major problem for a ticular month unless it is June, and then portion of the year. To make effective on the 30th. use of this sewage effluent as irrigation water would mean transporting the waste­ Expenditures in financial years are: \Vater considerable distances inland at very 1974-75 $468,543 high cost. 1975-76 $213,417 As each waste-water disposal proposal 1976-77 $446,273 has its own individual characteristics of 1977-78 $976,408 water quality, water volume, area of land available, soil characteristics and costs 1978-79 $1,274,387 involved, general experimentation on dis­ 1979-80 $2,004,677 posal as irrigation water would be of 1980-81 $930,000 doubtful value. (Program) (2) The section from Emerald to Bogantungan was declared during 1956- 28. BRIDGES, SANDHURST CREEK AND 57. Emerald to Alpha was declared part NoGoA RIVER of the Capricorn Highway in 1963. Mr Lester asked the Minister for Local Expenditures since these declarations are: Government, Main Roads and Police- 1956-57 (1) What action is necessary to build 1957-58 bridges over Sandhurst Creek and the 1958-59 Nogoa River on the Capricorn Highway? 1959-60 $42,220 (2) What form of planning is in hand 1960-61 $96,752 for the construction of these bridges? 1961-62 $100,268 (3) What are their dimensions and how 1962-63 $264,956 much will they cost? 1963-64 $205,566 Answer:- 1964-65 $65,298 1965-66 $115,037 (1) The main requirement is a significant increase in funds so that a greater number 1966-67 $262,311 of projects can be placed on the annual 1967-68 $389,804 construction programs, and as a conse­ 1968-69 $191,328 quence on the forward planning program. 1969-70 $324,514 (2) In the case of Sandhurst Creek 1970-71 $223,442 bridge, design has been completed but 1971-72 $210,881 detailed plans have not yet been com­ 1972-73 $42,866 pleted. As far as the Nogoa River bridge is 1973-74 $219,734 concerned, survey has been carried out. (3) The Sandhurst Creek bridge will 30. TOURISM, CENTRAL HIGHLANDS consist of 2/11 m spans by 8.6 m between kerbs. Estimated cost is $100,000. The Mr Lester asked the Minister for Maritime approach road-works over the 6.8 km Services and Tourism- section from Comet River to Yamala are As tourism is featured more in the news anticipated to cost of the order of $1m. now, what can be done to boost tourism The Nogoa River bridge will probably in the Central Highlands? comprise 11/23 m spans by 8.6 m between kerbs. The estimated cost exc:-,.,2ing foot­ Answer:- way is $1.1m. The approach road-works Recent announcements by the Queens­ of 1.5 km from Springsure turnoff to Opal land Tourist and Travel Corporation have Street are anticipated to cost approximately centred on the strengthening of the regional $350,000. tourist concept in Queensland. Questilms Upon Notice [26 AuGusT 1980] Questions Without Notice 171

The regional bodies embracing the Cen­ section of road is not yet on the depart­ tral Highlands are the Capricorn Tourist ment's four-year forward planning pro­ Organisation based in Rockhampton and gram. the Whitsunday Wonderworld Travel Although Boundary Road is not a road Council with headquarters at Mackay. The declared under the Main Roads Act which Central Highlands with their many tourist has been enacted by this Parliament, it assets have a great deal to gain by co-oper­ is alreadv declared as a national com­ ating fully with these regional bodies. merce road from Railway Avenue to the For the information of the honourable start of the port area in the terms of member, I state that the Queensland Tour­ the Commom,ealth legislation dealing with ist and Travel Corporation is currently road grants to the States. producing a new brochure featuring the At the request of the Townsvi!!e City Capricorn region. In recent times, too, Council approval is being sought from the a new selection of posters has been printed Commonwealth Minister for Transport to including one which features the Anakie a prog.ram of works on national commerce gemfields. The corporation is currently roads which mcludes the provision of looking at the possibility of introducing funds to allow commencement of surveys package tours to the honourable member's and design of Boundary Road between area. I assure him that the Queensland Railway Avenue and Tu!!y Street as a Tourist and Travel Corporation is well four-lane road. av :ue of the attractions of the Central (3) Yes. The former sd will be included Highlands and will use its best endeavours in a scheme for reconstruc-tion of the int·er­ to promote the area. section now under design and currently due to commence in 1982. The latter set .is included in a scheme for reconstruc­ tion of Woolcock Street now under design 31. RoAD-\\ ORKS, TowNsVILLE AREA and due for release in the current financial Mr Wilson asked the Minister for Local year. Government, Main Roads and PoJi.ce- (1) Is it proposed to have Bowen Road QUES'IIONS WITHOUT NOTICE and Stuart Drive upgraded to a four-lane road and, if so, when will work com­ Mr CASEY: I had questions without mence? If not, will he consider having notice to direct to the Deputy Premier and Bowen Road and Stuart Drive made a Treasurer but it seems that he has gone four-lane road? down his rat-hole sulking again. (2) When will work commence on the Mr SPEAKER: Order! It is time for widening of the export road from Cluden questions, not for comment. through Oonoonba to Railway Estate, as the export road nov. finishes at the inter­ UsE OF GOVERNMENT ADVERTISEMENT PRo­ section of Railway Avenue and Boundary GHAMS BY LmERAL CABINET MINISTERS Street, which is some two miles from the port facilities, and will he declare Boundary Mr CASEY: I ask the Premier: In view Street part of the export road and have it of his recent crit.icisms of the way in which upgraded to a four-lane road, with bitumen several Liberal Cabinet Ministers have been from kerb to kerb? using Government advertising programs featuring their own photographs in order to (3) In the interest of safety for the project themselves, does he support the motorist and because of the number of current use of such tactics by the Deputy accidents that have occurred, will he have Premier and Treasurer in both ncwspape.r traffic lights installed at the intersections and teJev.ision advertis•ing for the Joint Gov­ of the Bruce Highway and Stuart Drive ernment Authority Loan, especially as three and Woolcock and Church Streets? of the four authorities, namely, the Agri­ cultural Bank, the Brisbane and Area ·water Answer:- Board and the Gladstone Area Wate.r Board, (1) Upgrading of Bowen Road to four are administered by National Party Min­ lanes is included in the department's for­ isters, including himself? ward planning program. Subject to the Mr BJELKE-PETERSEN: I am aware of availability of funds in the future it is the situation outlined by the Leader of the envisaged that the earliest start date would Opposition and I have made my feelings be 1984. There are no proposals to clear to my Cabinet colleagues. I have upgrade Stuart D~ive to four lanes included noticed what is happening on T.V. and in in the forward planning program. other forms of advertising. Of course, my (2) The recent Townsville Transportation Liberal colleagues are seek:ng to get their Study update predicted that, given certain names before the public. cond·itions of traffic development, there Mr Vaughan: That ·is a lovely state of may be a warrant for the construction of affairs. four lanes on the national commerce road from Cluden to the Railway Estate in Mr R.JELKE-PETERSEN: That is correct. the five-year period from 1985 to 1990. ~ndeed, as the Leader of the Opposition It is therefore not surpr.is.ing that this indicated it is being done for obvious reasons. 172 Questions Without Notice [26 AuGUST 1980] Associated General, &c., Bill

Be that as it may, the National Party and all retailers who sell toxic glues to consider I do not need to place a great deal of their role in preventing misuse by youngsters, concern on the issue. particularly with regard to display and The important thing so far as the National accessibility. Party, myself and our coalition partners I deplore, as nearly all people in th~ are concerned is that Queensland should community have clepl{J[ed, the screening of continue to grow and expand. If anyone a nat-ional television programme showing cares to look at the initiatives we have how it is possible to take advantage of glue­ taken it will be seen that we have improved sniffing. This, in itself, resulted in many Queensland, r·ight across the State. At a cases suddenly occurring which would never function tomorrow I intend to speak at have occurred otherwise. some considerable length about that. It [Sitting suspended from 1.2 to 2.15 p.rn.] clearly indicates that there is no ne:d for my party or me to further advertise our­ selves. The question of a new stvle of Government does not come into it b-ecause ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS tremendous achievements have been made INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED through the present style of Government (MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE) BILL under the leadership of the National Part\; and myself. - SECOND READING-RESU?v!PT!ON OF DEBATE Debate resumed from 21 August (see p. 149) on Dr Edwards's motion- G:_ DE-SNIFFING "That the Bill be now read a second Mr LANE: I ask a question of tht' time." M!n)ster for Health. He wi.Jl remember mv l\'l"r WRIGHT (Rockhampton) (2.15 p.m.): r_amng w•rth him ~eve.ral weeks ago a ques­ tiOn about glue-sniffing, particularly amongst The Assembly has before it a Bill to provide young Aborigi,nes in my electorate. Can indemnity to persons whose motor vehicles he_ advrse what action has been taken in are insured with Associated General Con­ this matter and any other information that tractors Insurance Company Limited in com­ could be of value to parents and others pliance with the Motor Vehicles Insurance who ar ~ concerned about the fate of these Act 1936-1979 and for related purposes. youngsters? Whenever legislation such as this is pre­ sented to the Assembly, members are placed Sir WILLIAJ\;[ RNOX: The honourable in somewhat o.f an invidious position. They member wa~ _kmd enough to inform me are confronted with a proposal on the one before t~i? srttmg commenced that he would hand to pick up the pieces, one might say, be_ seekmg certain information about glue­ after a private enterprise-in this instance sr:rffing. I. am nmy in a position to give Associated General Contractors Insurance, him that ~nformatron. or AGCI-has gone into liquidation and, on This is a rather ser-ious problem among the other hand, to carry out what the Min­ teena~ers, and i~ _will not be solved by the ister and previous Treasurers before him sensat10nal publicity and scare tactics that have called a rescue operation on behalf have been employed in some quarters. Like of many insurees who were parties to out­ other drug prob_lems, ·h requires a great standing claims for settlement with a particu­ dea_l of co-operation by the people involved lar company. I suggest that it is a dilemma. "':hl~h of course includes the relatives of th~ We are faced with the difficulty of trying VICtims. Health care workers in this field to support private enterprise when companies throughout the world now concent~ate their have gone into liquidation and been unable eff~rts on mme di.rect approaches to drug­ to meet their responsibilities, at the same takmg teenagers through parents and various time being conscious of the fact that we have groups.. They now combine warnings about responsibilities to the many people who are glue-smf!ing a~cl. _drug taking with suggested involved with those companies who may have alter:natwe activities and life-styles. We also claims outstanding. need co-operation f.rom the manufacturers. I am pleased to say that one manufacturer In introducing the Bill last Thursday, the Ramset Fas~eners, has taken its toxic glu~ Treasurer said that it was reasonable that out of retad outlets and replaced it with the Government of this State, having intro­ no~-f!ammable, non-toxic contact cement. duced a compulsory scheme, should assist This contact cement cannot be sniffed. people with compulsory third-party insur­ ance claims when an insurance company 'I underst

two decades-in fact, in 18 years-that the introduction of more stringent co,ntrols over Nominal Defendant (Queensland) has been the insurance indus•try, as it is totally prevailed on to rescue insurees or legislative unreasonable to believe that the failure of action has been taken to alleviate the prob­ the companies that I have mentioned was lem caused by the failure of insurers. caused by thei.r involvement in third party insurance. I do not believe that that is In that period we have had repeated fail­ true and I use VIP Insuranccs Limited ures. I go back to the early 1960s, when as ; 'typical example to back up my claim. Standard Insurance went into liquidation. Seven Seas Insurance followed in 1962. In In 1978, when word got out that the 1971 Vehicle and General Insurance Com­ company was in trouble, the Commonwealth pany Limited also faced the same problem Insurance Commissioner direC'ted that 1t and went out of business. In 1974, legisla­ cease operations because it had failed to tion was introduced to protect insurees with comply with the Commonwealth Insurance Northumberland Imurance Company Limited. Act. The New South Wales i\:ttomey­ Members will recall that in this Parliament, Ge,neral then appointed a special investigator in 1978, the same type of legislation was into V•IP, and he found that about $2m introduced for VIP Insurances Limited. of VlP's assets were missing. It is quite Barely two years later a similar Bill is obv:ous that that sort of mon~y was not introduced to assist the latest casualty, involved in only third-party insurance. Associated General Contractors Insurance I often question why VIP was even allowed Company Limited. to operate, because its reputation as an I appreciate that the latest case is a little insumnce company was very sus·pect and different from those that have gone before, in 1 :ft much to be desired. It constantly under­ cut the premiums being charged by other that prior to going into liquidation this com­ in3urancc companies, and various people pany surrendered its compulsory third-party involved in the industry came to me and licence and h'ls no live policies. Instead, we said, "This should not be allowed. V'P simply have a number of run off policies H'at are undercutting us. They are able to do have to be cleaned up and they are now that becaus·e, when accident claims a.re made being p1aced before this Assembly. That on th~m, they challenge them. They reduce burden will haYe to be carried by the Nom­ the amount they pay to panel beaters a"ld inal Defendant's account. body repairers and force them t'O me cheape~ The Minister said that there are ample parts and lower-quality workmeys only "may recover", as we dollars. kPow, and tlnre is no gua"antee that costs will be recovered. I should like the Treas­ In the case of the Northumberland Insur­ urer to te.Jl this Assembly-perhap,; not ance Company, $100,000 was committed by today. if he has not the details available: this Assembly. The commitme;nt in the I rC'alise that they may be difficult to case of Vehicle and General Insurance had ascertain-just how much has been recover.t>d to be increased from the original assessme-nt in the last 20 ye

Mr K. J. HOOPER (Archerfield) (2.34 about the snide practices engaged in by p;m.): I agree with the sentiments expressed some of these salesmen: thev come round by my colleague the honourable member for after dinner at night and will do anything Rockhampton, the Opposition shadow to sell a policy. Treasurer, about the legislation to indemnifv motorists whose vehicles are insured with Mr Davis: They're bogus. Associated General Contractors Insurance Company Limited. Mr K. J. HOOPER: Some of them are Recently I have had occasion to learn bogus salesmen, and some are only glorified the vagaries of the motor vehicle industry confidence men. After the po!icy is sold, a:t first hand. I would point out that unless the consumer is an intelligent man there are a lot of loopholes and anomali ·s who ha3 the tertia.ry background of the in some insurance company poli-cies in Treasure-r he cannot look for the loopholes relation to motor vehicles. The abolitio.n in the policy and does not read the fine of ir.troductory speeches has made it difficult print. to p.J.rticipa.te in this type of debate, but members h:\ve been promised a certain Dr Erlw:uds: That is ihe nicest thing you amount of latitude when speaking in second­ have said about me for a long 'time. readm~ debates. That is a very sensible GeCISJOn.l .. Mr K .J. HOOPER: I will pay the Tceasurer this compliment: he has the advan­ Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Row): tage over me in that I have had only a Order!_ I take it that the honourable mem­ third-grade Westbrook education while he ?er Will_ respect the position of the Ohair has had a tertiary education, but m rclat10n to this particular matt:r? possibly what I lack in not having the Treasurer's tcntiary education I make up Mr K J. HOOPER: At all times, Mr Deputy Speaker. in brilliance and native peasant cunning and, I should add, common sense. I want to take this opportunity to refer to the aiarm expressed by the Commomh·alth .r,n all se-riousness, every mem~er of this I·nsurance. Co_mmissioner in relation to mal­ House knows that the principal vnderwriters pract:ces m :murance in Queensland. The of insurance in Queensland are the SGIO, g.ravc concern expressed by the Common­ the A:MP, the T & G and the National weal-th Insurance Commission regarding the Mutual Life, and they are owned solely by practrce of what is known in the inmrance their policy-hold~rs, either directly or mdust_ry as twisti~g has been _brought to my indirectly. As thJ Treasurer would well at\·;nt10n.0 That IS the pr•actJce of enlisting know, ,they are concerned about the po"rcy-holders to replace one poli·cy for the unethical practices of certain foreicm-own~d ?ene,fit of a par-ty other than the policy­ companies, most of them very active in ;wlder. Usually t_he agent or broker mTang­ motor \ .:hicle insurance, which allow doubt­ mg the new pohcy receives a commission ful practices to carve out a mark_:t in on the replacement policy. Australia dominated by overseas multi­ I would like to take this opportunity this nDJtional companies. aftemoon to pose the following questions I am also alarmed at reports that some to th~ Treasurer: Fi-rs-tly, is the practice Queensland building societies are asking for of t:·c.ls'tl•ng mor.: preval· nt in Qaeensland than ;n other States? S~condly, does the a policy in force for not more than one Gover.nment_'s own office, the SGIO, ·h~ve month as collateral for housing loans. This reco:ds ava1lable from their analysis of dis­ is nothing short of scandalous; it is just contmuance of existing policies by way of a confidcnc~ trick perpetrated by some of lapse or surr.en.der w•hich could indicate the these unethical building societies on the poor extent of tw1s-tlng? Thirdly, if not, should old home buyer. not the SGIO e'tabEsh such facts to ensure t~a.t the forfeiture of cover, and the loss Mr Davis: Shoddy. w.;1c~ can be suffered by poEcy,holders, is pr:ncipa_lly by ge~uine ch&nge of needs of Mr K. J. HOOPER: That is right, but I the pohcy-holder m most cases, and is not will not deal with shoddy builders b.:cause the r~sul! of either unscrupulous operators they arc a different subject altogether. I peddling m~urance in the market-place solely am referring to young people \\ ho are ccck­ for pers?nai profit and without due regard ing to obtain a loan through a bL!ilding to ,the mte~est~ of their policy-holckrs, or society and the standov;;r tact'cs employed lack of apphcatron of the princir>le of selling by some societies in forcing insurance on to the n-eeds of prospective policy-hold2rs? them. If this is true, it is nothing short of scancd!ous. It is a snide form of black­ There are some over-zealous salesmen who mail of young couples who are seeking ~ell policies to the poor o·ld consumer know­ homes. If what I am saying \\ ::ts not correct, mg that they contain a lot of loooholes and there would be a chorus of hmvls and inter­ anomalies. Motivated by the wis·h to obtain jections from the Government side of the commissions, salesmen engage in snide House. I pay Government members this practices. I think we all know that all tribute: I think they realise, as all members insur-ance salesmen have this same motiva­ of the Opposition do, that some of these tion. AH members would have received building societies are exploiting young numerous complaints from their co-nst·itucnts couplEs. Associated General Contractors [26 AuGUST 1980] Instrance Co., &c. Bill 177

It would appear that the main result of two of the companies, and we are hopeful this action by these building societies is to that there will be continual recovery from accrue funds by way of commission pay­ the other companies in liquidation. ments on new policies underwritten by As to the supervision of insurance com­ foreign insurance companies. I would like panies-the Commonwealth Government is an assurance from the Treasurer that home now supervising insurance companies, and seekers have not suffered, and are not still the question of strengthening this super­ suffering, significant losses as a result of vision is being widely discussed. No doubt current building societies encouraging them these matters are under consideration at the to prematurely cancel their insurance to present time. court a housing loan. The honourable member for Archerfield, as usual, made a very useful contribution to I am interested to know the position of the debate. Whilst it was not related to the a policy-holder who cancelled a policy with Bill under discussion, it raised some inter­ the intention of effecting a new cover with esting points. His comment about twisting a building society or motor vehicle insurer relates to life insurance and not to compul­ but who was then rejected by that insurer sory third-party insurance. He has raised on health grounds. The question I pose to a matter that is not necessarily confined to the Treasurer is: Would the building society Queensland. It is an Australia-wide problem or motor vehicle insurer be legally liable to which is worrying responsible life offices provide for his dependants or, as is probable, throughout Australia. would his widow and orphans be just more victims of financial greed and corruption by Mr K. J. Hooper: You would not a~ree, these insurance companies? Also, is there though, that it is a practice that should be any action proposed by the Treasurer to stamped out? ensure that widows and orphans are not victimised in this way by some of these Dr EDWARDS: I think it is a practice rapacious building societies and motor vehicle that the responsible insurance companies insurers? I demand to know from the Trea­ would like to stamp out. Every effort will surer what the Government is going to do be made to find ways in which we can deal in relation to the unethical policy of twisting, with this problem. That will be very diffi­ particularly with its own significant involve­ cult. No doubt the people who lose are the ment in life insurance through the auspices policy-holders who surrender their policies of the SGIO. Is the Government prepared at the request of the company and try to to make a stand in support of the views take out new ones. taken by the Insurance Commissioner in its I thank honourable members for their own area of responsibility, namely, the support of the Bill. building societies? Motion (Dr Edwards) agreed to. Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Deputy Premier and Treasurer) (2.42 p.m.), in reply: COMMITTEE I thank Opposition members for their com­ The Chairman of Committees (Mr. W. D. ments. I recognise, as both honourable Hcwitt, Greenslopes) in the chair; Hon. L. R. members have done, that their particular Edwards (Ipswich-Deputy Premier and Treas­ comments were not solely related to the Bill urer) in charge of the Bill. before the House. The member for Rock­ hampton referred to motor vehicle repairers. Clauses 1 to 8, as read, agreed to. That matter is of great concern to many Clause 9-Particulars of claim to be fur­ people. As he indicated, it refers to com­ nished to Nominal Defendant- prehensive motor vehicle insurance rather than comprehensive third-party insurance. Mr WRIGHT (2.46 p.m.): Throughout the He drew this matter to the attention of the legislation the Deputy Premier has gone House. No doubt he will be writing to me to great pains to ensure that those who have or to the relevant Minister so that we can claims pending are able to get due redress. have the matter investigated. I look forward However, I note that he says that such to hearing from him. notification shall be given not later than 30 June 1981. That is ten months away and, The honourable member asked whether although that seems to be a reasonable per­ in fact we are recovering moneys from the iod, it would naturally depend on the amount insurance companies that have gone into of publicity and notice given to those per­ liquidation. I can assure him, from inform­ sons who in fact may be claimants. The ation available to me at this stage, that full Deputy Premier may be able to explain wkat recovery has been received from the Stan­ he intends to do, because I notice that further dard Insurance Company and the Seven Seas on it is also stated that those who make Insurance Company. Some recoveries are claims outside that period will lose any right expected from other failed insurance com­ ol claim. Would he make some comment on panies depending on the final liquidation that? dividend which, according to the advice I have received, has not yet been finalised. Dr EDWARDS: The matter will be widely This information does indicate that we publicised. If I remember correctly from my have had full recovery from at least one or introductory speech, only 12 people have 178 Griffith University [26 AUGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill

outstanding claims. They will have to for­ second revision since the establishment of ward their claims to the Nominal Defendant the Griffith University. It appears that a few before the prescribed time. clauses might cause concern. I ask the Minister if he would consider his statement 1\'Ir Wright: As there are only 12 of them, about the reduction to two years of the period they could be notified individually. for which students are appointed to the coun­ Dr EDWARDS: I will take that up with cil. The reason advanced for that was that the commissioner to see if that is possible. students would be loath to seek appointment in their first year of a course. I well under­ Clause 9, as read, agreed to. stand why that could be so. Assuming that Clauses 10 and 11, as read, agreed to. a student was on a three-year course and was Clause 12-Duty of Liquidator and Com- appointed at the commencement of his second pany's officers- year, he would see out nicely his two years, which would take him to the end of his Mr BURNS (2.48 p.m.): I have been watch­ course. The question arises: what happens ing the liquidation of a number of companies to those few students who might like to lately and I have found that in some cases seek election in the first year of a course? _people who have been winding-up compan­ There is nothing in the Act, as I understand ies have made reports to Government depart­ it-- ments specifically stating that officers or Mr Bird: They could be reappointed at groups of people have acted against the law, the end of their two-year term. Qr have acted in such a way that the law should be amended, or that there should be Mr SHAW: There is nothing to preclude some alterations to a specific Act of this them, as I see it, from standing again. How­ Parliament. All I am asking is that, once ever, I would have thought there would have the report is supplied to the Nominal Defend­ been a disincentive there. I take it that ant, any material of importance to this Par­ they would only be elected for that one liament be brought to its attention. We have year instead of a further two-year term. had this sort of thing happen with dozens of insurance companies, including VIP Insur­ Mr Bird: If they were to be there for a ance. In many instances, such as the case further two years, there would be nothing of Palmdale, reports should be made avail­ to prevent them from being reappointed for able to the Parliament so some action can an additional two years. be taken. I know of some liquidators' reports that have suggested that certain company Mr SHAW: Another clause which will directors have acted outside the law, but probably cause some comment is that which little or no action has been taken against validates, if such be necessary, the appoint­ them. As there are a number of rackets in ment of the vice-chancellor. The only com­ many of these areas, I would like to see ment I would make is that the purpose of some action taken. the exercise must be to ensure the ongoing operations of the university. There can be Dr EDWARDS: There is no doubt that all nothing wrong with making absolutely certain responsible Governments have taken action that the actions of the council of the uni­ where there is evidence of breaches of the versity in the past and the appointment and law. I give the honourable member the assur­ reappointment of the vice-chancellor are in ance that if such a breach is drawn to our fact entirely legal. I do not think anybody attention, and if in fact it has occurred, it has ever suggested that there was anything will be drawn to the attention of the author­ improper about it; it is only a matter of ities. putting it beyond doubt. Clause 12, as read, agreed to. The Bill authorises the council to make Biil re]Yorted, without amendment. statutes covering the ownership of inventions. This, of course, would be a grey area. We THIRD READING do not get to see the statutes. We do not know what the statutes are going to be. Bill, on motion of Dr Edwards, by leave, However, the Minister has obviously been read a third time. assured that the university has the best of intentions and nothing in those statutes will GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY ACT discourage people at the university from AMENDMENT BILL carrying out their tasks as they are expected to. In turn, we in the House must accept SECOND READING-RESUMPTION OF DEBATE the Minister's assurances that that will be so. Debate resumed from 21 August (see In referring to the matter of research p . .150) on Mr Bird's motion- in universities, I urge the Government to "That the Bill be now read a second assist universities to carry out research to time." a far greater extent than they are able to at present. Much more research must Mr SHAW (Wynnum) (2.51 p.m.): In intro­ be done in the universities, and I think ducing the Bill, the Minister indicated that it is to the shame of the present Federal it is largely a machinery measure that has Government that it has not fulfilled its the intention of updating the Act in the promises to make more funds available Griffith University [26 AUGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill 179

for that purpose. I have in mind particularly Whilst on the subject, I also condemn the the energy problem, which is exercising the miserable payments made to students by minds of many people in the community. way of terti,ary allowance. As we know, The history of successful research shows the allowance is subject to a rigid means that it very rarely occurs in universities test. We are told that in the verv near and that solutions are rarely found by a future the allowance will be increased. That particular group studying a problem. Never­ could have something to do with the fact theless, universities haYc a very important that an election is imminent. Election-time part to play in assisting private researchers is the only time when the allowance is who come up with something that looks adjusted. Perhaps it is only a coincidence like being the answer. Further development that the allowance was last adjusted three is then required, and it can best be carried years ago. Even after the forthcoming out in universities or institutes of higher adjustm~nt, the allowance will s1till be a learning. lower sum than that available w the unemploytJ. In my opinion, we ought to be encouraging the universities and providing them with the I do not know \\ hether the Government wherewithal to ensure that research work wants to perpetuate the belief that uniYersity is carried on. Often people in the com­ educ;Hion should be gained only as the munity come forward with ideas to solve result of great personal sacrifice and that problems, but they arc forced to take tbem people should starve in attics while under­ overseas and seek assistance to develop taking it, but no reasonable person would go them. Assistance should be available in this along with the concept that a university country. If we are ever to make Australia student should be required to exist on a the great nation that the Prime Minister sum of money that is even less than the and other members of Federal Government unemployment benefit, which is supposed insist that they wish it to be, they are to be the lowest sum on which a person going to have to put their money on the should be expected to live. line and provide real assistance. The temptation is there for university students to register for unemployment Similarly, there is a great need to main­ benefits and attend university at the same tain availability of university education for tim~. Of course, a prerequisite to the all students in this State. Unfortunately, receipt of uner:1ployment benefit is that the because of the across-the-board cut-backs person seeking it should sit around and that are being made in education funding, 1 irtu_ally do nothing \Vhile he is supposedly university education is becoming available seekmg employment. That means that the to fewer and fewer people. The Prime university student rs ruled out on that Minister has quite obviously set out to see ground alone. that attendance at universities is based, as it was in years gone by, on class, not on I congratulate Griffith University on the Yery fine reputation that it has gained par­ ability. I was quite surprised last year to ticularly in the field of Asian studies. If hear a very senior member of the Liberal world affairs continue to develop as they Party in Queensland say that it is a great have, it is inev:table that Australia will pity that no longer can a doctor be certain become doser to and more involved with ~its that his son can enter university and study near-Asian neighbours. The work carried out medicine. I do not think it is a pity. It by Griffith University in the field of Asian is a pity that a great many people who studies assumes great importance. wish to enter courses that are popular can­ not do so because there are too few places This fact was impressed upon Opposi,tion available. However, I fully support the members who recently paid an official visit concept of places being available in the to China. We visited several Chinese uni­ universities for all those who have the versi,ties, where we were able to have con­ ability to pursue a university course. siderable discussion not only w,ith the faculty staff but also with the students on both a There is a great need for the Government formal and an informal level. in Canberra, and the Prime Minister in It was interesting to learn that universities particular, to get the priorities right, and in China are extremely anxious to engage I condemn the funding of a university such m greate.r cultural 'exchanges w,ith Aus­ as Casey, in Canberra, with the aim of tralians generaliy and with Queensland uni­ promoting the education of members of the versities in particular. They h~n·e sought armed forces. In my opinion, the money an interchange of ideas and are very anxious would be better spent in existing universities, to conduct an ongoing relationship with our particularly Griffith and the University o.f universities. I see this as being of great Queensland, and in CAEs. From a philo­ benefit to Jur community in Australia. Not sophical point of view, I think that it only will it a,chieve an exchange of cultures, would be preferable for defence personnel it will also bri,ng about a better understanding to be educated in universities of that type, of the cultures of othe.r countries. That wiH to mix with all sections of the community, enable us to conduct trade with those rather than be cloistered in their own countries on a higher level. narrow environment. From the point of 1 shall not digress from the Bill and view of efficiency alone, the money would start dis,cussing trade negotiations between be far better spent in existing universities. Queensland and our Asian neighbours, but 180 Griffitlz University [26 AuGusT 1980] Act Amendment Bill

I want to point out that we can benefit a Mr SHAW: I think it is necessary because great deal from a study and better under­ of the great shortage of vacancies in our standing of the Chinese culture. If we universities for people wanting to get into under~tood the Chin~e culture and their medicine. ways, we would be able to conduct our business relations with them to our great Mrs Kyburz: There is an oversupply of benefit. doctors. A better understanding of the Chinese Mr SHAW: If there is an oversupply, one culture is important in matters of defence. reason would be that we have imported too I was somewhat surprised to learn that the many from overseas countries. However, I Ch1nese viewed an alliance with Australia do not think there is a shortage. as being of utmost importance. It would seem to me that we stood to gain more from Mrs Kyburz: Don't you? such an alliance. Mr SHAW: No. If doctors can earn the Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Row): salaries that they do, and we continue to Order! I think the honourable member is experience difficulty in getting to see doctors, $Citing off the subject. we can well afford to educate a few more of them. Mr SHAW: I am relating it to the uni­ The Griffith University is situated close versity. I bow to your ruling, of course. to the proposed Mt Gravatt Hospital, which I was encouraged by a recent statement should eventually become a teaching by the honourable member for Sherwood hospital. who reminded us that, in the absence of Mr Mrs JCyburz: It is not a teaching hospital. Speaker, Mr Acting Speaker (The C:hairman of Committees) gave an undertakmg that Mr SHAW: As yet it is not a hospital at we would be allowed a great degree of lati­ all. It has been on the drawing board for tude in the second-reading debate. He said, quite a few years. Eventually it will become in fact, that at no time had anybody been a hospital and ultimately, I should hope, it pulled up. will be a suitable teaching hospital. To be Mr Lee: You are arguing with the Chair. a teaching hospital, a hospital needs all the facilities that a good hospital should have. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I Mrs Kyburz interjected. do not wish to enter into a debate with the honourable member about the lati­ Mr SHAW: I cannot enter into a debate tude to be allowed by the Chair. I suggest with the honourable member because Mr that reason should apply on both sides. The Deputy Speaker will pull me up. Chair will be reasonable if the honourable The Griffith University is ideally situated member speaking is reasonable in the degree for courses in nurse training. I noted in that he strays from the subject. I ask the answer to a question this morning that the honourable member to come back to the Minister said that Cabinet had decided, in Griffith University Act Amendment Bill. relation to the Sax Report, that the Queens­ Mr SHAW: I said I would accept your land Government would not initiate the ruling, Mr Deputy Speaker. I understand advanced training of nurses at the tertiary that you are not bound by what other people level without the support of the Federal Government. say. Mr Lee: That is an insult to the Chair. Mr Bird: It was proposed that the nurse training would be in colleges of advanced Mr SHAW: It is unfortunate that you are education, not in universities. not bound by your own policies. Mr SHAW: Would that eliminate univer­ Mr Lee: That is another insult to the sities? Chair. Mr Bird: No. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I ask the honourable member to come back to Mr SHAW: Personally I can see no rea­ the Bill and suggest that honourable mem­ son why we should differentiate between the bers do not provoke the speaker. two. Generally, there has been a movement of the CAEs closer to the universities. Mr SHAW: A great number of benefits Many people would prefer to see them will be derived from Asian studies such as moving more towards the technical colleges. those being conducted at the Griffith Uni­ The general pressure has been more towards versity. There are reasons, which I think the university level. I have explained sufficiently, for the Go,vern­ ment's expending public money to further Mr Bird: It depends on the level of train­ these studies. As I said, far greater encour­ ing required, and that level of training would agement and involvement must be under­ not be necessary in other than a college of taken by the Government in many of the advanced education. university's functions. I hope that a medical Mr SHAW: I accept the Minister's point, school will be incorporated in the Griffith but it is a technical point. Despite the attitude University. of the Federal Government which has almost Mrs Kyburz: It is not necessary. totally rejected the concept of nurse education Griffith University [26 AuGusT 1980] Act Amendment Bill 181 in any tertiary institution whatsoever but has Mr SHAW: I agree that he is overworked, opted more for training in hospitals, I per­ but I do not think that necessarily the best sonally believe that if we are going to have way of overcoming the Minister's problems an advanced course for nurses, as is being is to appoint a Minister for Tertiary Educa­ suggested, it would be eminently suitable tion. Some of the recommendations were that it should take place in a university such debated in this House and an indication was as Griffith which is situated so close to a given as to what the Government stand on hospital. But we seem to be getting nowhere with the problem. While the Queensland them would be. Cabinet is saying that it is not opposed to In particular, I refer to something that the idea of some sort of tertiary education happened just recently in the field of human for nurses but that it wants to have the relationships. One of the recommendations Federal Government give the lead in this was that there should be a human relation­ matter, at the same time Mr Fife is saying ships course in our schools; and such a that most of the issues involved in the course would involve sex education. Sex schools report Jre matters for consideration education is being taught in some of our and impl·~mcnt'"tion by the States. schools at the present time, but unfortunately Mr Bird: 'Tl1c funding for this comes from it is being done in an unsupervised way. I the Commonw.:alth, and the Commonwealth wish to refer to a recent visit to Brisbane by has indicated that it does not want us to a Mr Derek Llewellyn-Jones, who was push­ move into that area of nurse training at ing his book '"Understanding Sexuality". this time. Dr Lockwood: Have you read it? Mr SHAV¥: It seems to be one more instance of talking about improvements and Mr SHAW: Yes, I have. policies that are going to be wonderful I do not wish to set myself up as an things but ne1 ~r ever trying to implement expert in these matters; I freely admit that them. I am not. I do not believe that it is the Mrs Kvbur.,.: Do vou believe nurse educa­ prerogative of politicians to set up courses. tion shou.ld gu into ~Diversities? I believe that they have to present the views of parents. In playing that role, I believe Mr SHAW: I believe that what the Federal that that book by Mr Llewellyn-Jones is Government is supporting is a concept of not suitable for use in our schools. The type cheap labour in hospitals. It wants to main­ of human relationships course that we on this tain nurses as a cheap labour force as side of the House would support would not applied in the past. incorporate that book. Mrs Kyburz: They are quite well paid. I am concerned that the book found its Mr SHAW: That is a debatable issue. way into our schools. To the credit of the They are certainly going to be higher paid, teachers and the education system generally, and it will cost the hospitals a lot more if it was discovered and withdrawn. I do not they are educated entirely in an academic know why it was withdrawn, but I would institution. I do not intend to urge that withdraw it because I believe it covered too that is a point not \vorthy of consideration­ wide an age span. A book should suit the ] think that it is-but what I have said is maturity of the particular child to whom it that I think that what has happened is that is given. This book covers a range of child­ the concept is being overlooked because ren from those who have a very elementary nobody is prepared to pick up the ball and knowledge of these matters to those who run with it. have a very advanced knowledge of them. With your indulgence, Mr Deputy Speaker, I do not object to what the Education Depart­ 1 would just offer my congratulations to ment did in this instance. I think it acted Griffith University on the way it has come quite correctly. However, it would be far forward with the idea for using the institution better if this sort of thing could be properly controlled. There should be a set of rules and in association with the Commonwealth regulations governing the introduction of Games. It did show a certain amount of human relationships courses in our schools. initiative, and I think it should be congratu­ lated for it. Mr W. D. HEWITT (Greenslopes) (3.18 I would also like to quickly refer generally p.m.): The Griffith University Act that we to the administration of our tertiary institu­ are amending today was first assented to in tions, and in association with that I want to this State on 30 September 1971. We look ask the Minister whether any consideration therefore at a university that is not yet nine is to be given to the recommendations of years old. As far as universities go, it could the parliamentary committee of inquiry in be described as no more than a lusty young­ this regard. Again let me hasten to say ster. Its fine traditions have yet to be that I am not committing the Opposition to moulded and its best and finest hours still support for some of the recommendations in lie ahead of it. It developed fast. It has regard to tertiary education-- already established a fine reputation and has Mr Bird: You are still agreeing that the offered particularly outstanding courses, some Minister for Education in Queensland does of which the Opposition spokesman has the work of two men? referred to this afternoon. 182 Griffith University (26 AUGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill

Certainly the building and the surrounds because ·the disciplines •involved there sug­ are aesthetically pleasing, and it is a delight gest that their advice could be very useful on any occasion to visit that campus. The indeed. The fact is that we must live more last-published figures showed that it had an and more in closer communion with the academic staff of 304 and a student enrol­ environment, using 'i·t to our advantage and, ment of 1 610. One can contrast it with the on the other hand, making sure that it is James Cook University with an enrolment of preserved for posterity and not deva;;tated 1 831 and the University of Queensland with or put beyond future use. So the School an enormous student enrolment of 18 517. of Australian Environmental Studies serves So, compared with the University of Queens­ a useful purpose in that regard. land, it is in every sense still a thriving youngster. Also of great significance and value :is the School of Modern Asian Studies. I refer The degrees that the university offers are pal'ticularly to the discipline with respect to interesting, and some of them are unique. Japan. Part of ·the univeor'"ity's .report Certainly they are praiseworthy. The five states- faculties offered are the School of Australian " In 1978, research on Japan focused on Environmental Studies, the School of the country's poli,lica•l, economic and social Humanities, the School of Modern Asian structure during ·the twentieth century, Studies, the School of Science and the Centre and on the structure and characteristics of for the Advancement of Learning and Teach­ the contemporary Japanese society. This ing. It was appropriate that the Opposition included work on the organization and speaker should refer to two of those because activities of Japanese companies; the they are very important. I refer first of all modern Japanese economy, and its place to the School of Australian Environmental in the world economic order; international Studies. To the best of my knowledge, no .relat·ions; income distribution and wage other similar course is offered anywhere else differentials; post-war literature; and •the in Australia. image of Australia projected by Japanese Mrs Kyburz: Armidale. mass media." Mr W. D. HEWITT: I s1tand corrected by In .recent months, in company with a num­ my colleague the member fnr Salisbury. ber of other colleagues, I had the grea•t Such courses are, however, still very few in pleasure of spending 12 days in Japan. We number. v, ere able .to experience at firs·t hand the grea·t pulsating na.t:ion that is Japan. For Australian Envimnmental Studies is cer­ better or worse-I do not resile from 'it­ ta·inly a course ·that .is deserving of close because of our economic relat,ionship we are interest and 1the support of this Parliament, closely related •to Japan. It :is a poor com­ because ours is still an environment that is pliment oto •that country that we apparently being developed, eXJplored and, to some understand so little of ,its culture, economy, extent, exploited. It lis ·important that people trade and ·its people. Tha·t Griffi.'h Univer­ study the environment closely so that they sity has a discipline applying itself to 'those are at hand ,to give advice to the decision­ studies is :totally that were probed ·in 'the aH to understand more about •that country. recent past. The School of Australian In the same light that I have referred to Environmental Studies at Grif!ith University Australian Envimnmemal Studies, T believe studied the ecology and productivoity of also ·that graduates from GrifiHh in Modern e~tuarine, mangrove and seagrass com­ Asian Studies could serve this Government munities, and othe management problems and very well 1indeed by piacing at ,jts disposal the strategies in agricultural, 1terrest·rial and expertise ;tha.t they have been able to amass. aquatic systems requiring multi-disciplinary I refer particularly 'to one of o!he graduates team solution. in ·that discipline, Miss Patience Thorns, who I do not 'intend to read all of these but was at one t·ime the edi,t·ress of ·the women's one is of part.icular 'interest to people in section of "The Courier·Mail". She is a the practical business of po1il'ics, namely, rthe most distinguished person who undertook politics of the environment; the implications this study after her ·retirement from of env·ironmental problems for politicai journa.J•ism. In consequence, her knowledge philosophy and policy analysis, especially of Asia is quite profound and her wi:Hing­ with reference to env.ironmental issues; ness to share thaJt knowledge is most com­ problems ·in social choice theory and political mendable. I cite her as being •typical of decision-making and relevant aspects of many students who have now passed through democratic theory and social phychology. It tha:t course with, I am sure, great advantage would be interest·ing to know ,if any of 1he to themselves and, hopefully, with great graduates in that course have ever been advantage to the State. prevailed upon ·to give their advice 1to people One would hope that when diplomatic who me embark,ing upon certain projects postings and appointments are made people w:here the environment must be disturbed, holding this degree would have that taken Griffith University [26 AuGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill 183 very much into account. It is of very little institutions or authorities governing such value to send representatives to Japan if they institutions, for the purposes of post­ do not understand the country they are visit­ secondary education; and ing. Apart from posting people to Japan, (ii) requests for a variation from an we now have so many Japanese businessmen approved triennial programme of a post­ visiting this country that it is useful to have secondary education institution or an graduates in such a series of studies who can authority governing such institutions; give advice to the Government on the Japan­ "(c) For the purpose of achievi?g ese economy and all of those things that are rationalization of resources and the avmd­ important to that great nation. Therefore, ance of unnecessary duplication to advise I particularly commend those two schools the Minister on- in Griffith and hope that they continue to (i) the need for review or discontinu­ enjoy the support that they deserve. I hope ance of the existing fields of study or that their graduates can serve this State courses offered by post-secondary with great distinction. institutions; When we talk about the Griffith University, (ii) proposals for the introduction of we talk about a tertiary institution-post­ new post-secondary education courses of secondary-and therefore the recommenda­ study; tions of the Select Committee on Education (iii) the need for new post-secondary in Queensland should be referred to in this context. We all know that the select com­ education institutions; and mittee of inquiry recommended that a separ­ (iv) the closure or amalgamation of ate ministry be established in the field of existing post-secondary institutions." education, to be designated the Ministry for The purpose of that would be to look at all Post-secondary Education, the thrust of the tertiary institutions throughout the State, to argument being that, with the best will in rationalise their activity, to determine to what the world, the work-load for all education, extent there is duplication or overlapping from pre-school right to tertiary institutions, and in a word to be advisory on rationalisa­ is too heavy for any one person. The tion'. Neither that council nor the Minister Minister and 'I have enjoyed too close a for Post-secondary Education should be seen friendship for a number of years now for to be intrusive or taking any of the autonomy him not to interpret those comments in any away from those institutions. I believ~ .that way to his detriment. I am sure he under­ that council and a post-secondary mm1stry stands that the committee had his own would do an enormous amount in rationalis­ welfare and good-will at hand when it ing their activities and, indeed, in giving brought forward that recommendation. many of them the place in the sun that they If there is a necessity for a different yearn for. Certainly Griffith, offering these ministry in education, the logical place to two very distinctive and important schools pare some responsibilities is in the field of of study, could only benefit from such a post-secondary education, so the select com­ course of action. mittee of inquiry brought that recommenda­ As to the amendments to the Act now tion down. Consistent with that recommen­ proposed-there is little with which .one dation, it also suggested that a statutory could argue. Most of the recommendatwns council be established to be called the Advis­ seem to be reasonable rationa·lisation, refe~­ ory Council on Post-secondary Education, and rin<> to such terms as "permanent academic it laid down a suggested membership. I do staff", doing such things as reconsti.tuting .the not intend to trespass upon the time of the council, providing for an actmg VIce­ Assembly by reading out the structure of chancellor and a number of other thmgs that committee, but I think what is important which are important to the university. They is that we look at the functions of it, as contain no controversy within them and, those functions would certainly affect the therefore, deserve no great argument. Griffith University, which we are debating this afternoon. However, I do refer to the provision that pmposes to amend Part V~Statutes and The functions of the Advisory Council on Regulations- Post-secondary Education were said to include "The Council may from time to time the following- make Statutes not inconsistent with this "(a) To assist the Minister and the Act with respect to all or any of the Government of the State in the formation following matters, that is to say-" of State views on the promotion, develop­ and it then lists those things on which the ment and co-ordination of post-secondary council may make statutes. The amendment education and, for that purpose, to make before us proposes that the council should recommendations to the l\1inister on those be able to make s.tatutes relating to the matters having regard to the needs of the ownership and exploitation of inve.ntions a;nd State, the number of students to be pro­ discoveries which are the property of the vided for and the financial and other university but which are produced by the resources available; staff or students. With great respeot to "(b) To advise the Minister on- the Minister, I do not believe that tha~ is (i) the levels of financial support as definitive as it ought to be. It reqUires requested by post-secondary education some further explanation, and I should 184 Griffith University (26 AUGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill

be grateful to him if he would explain The spokesman for the Opposition made exactly what is proposed. My own inter­ a few points in his speech that I think pretation would be that the university itself were worthy of comment. He mentioned would be able to take out patents upon Casey University. I entirely agree that it inventions and be able to enjoy the exclusive is a waste of t·ime. However, all Govern­ use or whatever benefits flow because those m~nts are inclined to put money where they patents have been taken out. If there is see votes. That happened in the past with •a broader interpretation than that, the l\{in­ the estoablishment of the t.rade union training ister owes it to honourable members to school, which ~vas a waste of money. It explain exactly what is propo"ed, and I am was established only with a view to winning sure that he will respond to that invitation. votes. It is an ongoing waste of money. Griffith is one of the great tertiary institu­ However, the present Federal Government tions on the south side of the river-as I has not ceased funding it, so it is perpetua­ constantly tell the House, the best part of ting the \\ aste. Brisbane-- Obviously the Casey University was pro­ Honourable Members: Hear, hear! posed primarily to boost the building that is going on in the Australian capital at Mr W. D. HEWITT: It is wonderful to the pr'esent time. That was undertaken receive such support. For that reason, I probably in an attempt to hold a couple of have particular interest in the institution; I have a particular affinity with it. Federal seats. Nobody batted an eyelid about it, even though people are constantly Mr K. J. Hooper: They tell me that the saying that money should not be wasted only time you went through a univers.ity was in such large proportions. on a pushbike. The housing at Griffith University deserves Mr W. D. HEWITT: That is correct. The mention. We have just seen the opening world knows that I did not go past primary of a new community development in housing. sohooL I am old enough now not to worry It is quite new in theory. My concern very much about tha.t. I have never found centres on whether or not highly paid myself at too much of a loss when it comes members of the university staff are living to verbal tussles, so I do not worry. I in Government-subsidised housing. If that would have liked the opportunity to go were happening, it would be quite intoler­ through university. If the honourable mem­ able. The housing was built primarily for ber wishes me to tell him, I will even students and is to be used in a second nomi.nate the degree that I would have liked phase for the Commonwealth Games. It to take if mv fortunes in life had been different. " would be recalcitrant of the university senate if it were allowing staff to rent Mr Pncst: Political science. that housing, particularly if the staff were renting it cheaply. The seiting of ·the Mr W. D. HEWITT: The honourable university is such that it is a top-priority member is a poor guesser. area for housing rental. I make that point. The fact is that Griffith is a great institu­ I think that money has been wasted on tion. It is in a sylvan setting on the south that housing, but that is just by the way. side of the river. Those of us who see it The sum of $9m for a few units plonked with some frequency are proud of it. We in the bush in a very nice setting is a wish it well, 1\Jnd we hope that the amend­ lot of money. Apparently the Griffith ments to the Aot will further facilitate its University council has made the decision administration. as to who shall and who shall not use that housing. I simply ask the question of Mrs KYBURZ (Salisbury) (3.33 p.m.): I the Minister. shall canvass a few matters that have bee,n raised in the debate and also ment.ion a few The points made by the honourable new ones. member for Greenslopes concerning post­ Today is a historic day for the Queensland secondary education and the committee of Pa.rliament and for legislation in this State. review are particularly important. Although I refer to clause 23, an amendment of the Select Committee on Education did se·ction 40, which omits discrimination on recommend a new ministry, I do not agree the basis of religion, politics, race and­ with its recommendation. I cannot see why at last, for Queensland-sex. This is the the Education portfolio should be split. The first time that such oa clause has been written overview principle is very important in into any legislation in this State. It means education. If the person who happens to that in appointments to the Convocation of be Minister does not have the ability to the University or to the Senate, there cannot have an overview, nobody will suffer except be discrimination on the grounds of religion, that person himself and the ministry. It politics, race or sex. One would have pre­ is important that post-secondary education sumed that that would not have been so in be put in its true perspective together with any case; but as institutions are wont to pre-school education, primary education and follow history, probably discrimination did secondary education. They are all equally take place. As I said, it is a historic occasion important; each is as important as the other for Queensland, and I draw the attention of not only in the public's eye but also in the all honourable membe.rs to it. educators' eye. Griffith Unirersity [26 AUGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill !85

We might as well say that we need a quality control and the testing of the var­ Minister for Pre-School Education or a ious creeks and streams around Brisbane. I Minister for Pre-teen Education. Both of do not know whether much of the work those aspects of education are presently has been publicised, but occasionally I read more important than post-secondary of the important \York being done there. education. The developments that have taken place over the past 15 years in post-secondary The patenting rights of the university are education have been enormous and have very important. This matter should be fur­ far exceeded those in primary education. ther clarified by the Minister. As I said in It is now quite fashionable-indeed it is my opening remarks, I congratulate the Government policy-to have pre-schools and council-I do not know \vhether it was the kindergarten education for children of five council or the department-on deciding to and six years of age. However, in the amend section 40 so that discrimination will future we will see the development of no longer be allowed on the basis of sex. education for children of an even younger If the Minister is responsible for the amend­ age. I simply make the point that if we ment I congratulate him, because this is a are going to have a Minister for Post­ historic point for the Parliament of Queens­ secondary Education we should also have land. a Minister for Primary Education or at least a Minister for Pre-teen Education. As I Mr GUNN (Somerset) (3.43 p.m.): I add say, that is of greater importance than my support for the amendments in the Bill post-secondary education. before us. At the same time I have a few words to say about Griffith University. Clause 5, which amends section 5, con­ cerns patenting by the university. Concern Mr K. J. Hooper: Do you know where it would arise only in the School of Science. is? I know that this matter has been raised and will continue to be raised by other Mr GUNN: If the honourable member institutions in Queensland. This aspect refers listens for a while I will tell him how I particulariy to patents in the field of biology. came to be involved with Griffith University Perhaps the Minister could set us straight and the marvelous area in which it is situ­ on that. I do not know if anything has ated. been developed at Griffith University that I do not intend to compare the universities needs patenting, but it could well happen in Queensland. We should be extremelv in the future. proud of all of them. My eldest son studied Other honourable members have referred medicine at the University of Queensland. to the importance of the School of Modern At the time, I believed the University of Asian Studies. Its importance cannot be Queensland was a little large and a second underestimated, and this is an area in which university was needed in Brisbane. My eldest the Griffith University is playing a major daughter attended Griffith University and part. I am very impressed by the number gained her science degree. She went on to of female students in the School of Modern take first-class honours, and then took up Asian Studies who are learning Japanese and a post as a biochemist with the CSIRO in Indonesian. These young women intend to Sydney. She is now in Amsterdam. work for mining and other companies trad­ ing with Japan and Indonesia. I point out, I am not using this Chamber to praise however, that they will have a very difficult my family but to indicate the standing of time in Japan, where women are very much Griffith University throughout Australia and on the outer and are not all'O\ved to enter indeed, the world. Its standing will become the mainstream of business discussions. These evident when I point out that when Jennifer students have a lot to learn, but it is wonder­ applied fm the position of biochemist there ful that they are trying. It could well be were 30 applicants from Australia and over­ that Australian women learning Japanese seas, and she WilS the only one from Griffith and Indonesian at our universities will teach University. the Japanese women something about how I should like to make a point that is not to get on in the business world. The univer­ generally known, namely, that Dr David sity is tackling a modern concept in teach­ Doddrell, the son of our Sergeant-at-Arms, ing these men and women students how to is a Doctor of Science at Griffith University. get on in the culture of the nations whose He is held in high esteem. He is one of the languages they are studying. top scientists in the nation today. One has I was recently discussing this matter with only to speak to any student who has had the a girl studying Japanese at the University of pleasure of working with Dr David Doddrell Queensland. She asked me what her pros­ to know what a top scientist he is. pects were in Japan. I said that they were The DepaDtment of Asian Studies has Yery slim and that she would be very lucky already been mentioned. It is in world class to get a job unless she dressed as a man. and we should be eX!tremely proud of 1it. I She realises the difficulties ahead, even in would like .to commend ·the student exchange working for a company in Australia. system. I beLieve that there are some The work being done by the School of students who, tif they have not already [eft, Environmental Studies is obviously of great wHI •leave within a short :time ·on an importance, particularly as it relates to water exchange v·isit to China while some students 186 Griffith University (26 AUGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill

from tha-t country come here. I •think it is a worked extremely hard to get where he lis. marvellous innovation, and I hope it con­ I am not suggesting that he does not make tinues. money, and good money, but :he has .to In the years since the Griffith University work extremely hard and be on call seven \\as estab1ished I have had .the pleasure of days and nights a week unless he makes watching quite a number of young people other arrangements. So I think we :have just from my electorate going through 1the various about reached saJturation point as far as courses. In fact, I have recommended •the medical practitioners are concerned. universi•ty to a number of .them. It .is pleas­ I would Iike to see ·the humanities and ing for me ,to know ·that a number .of them science courses at .the Griffith Univer$.ty are now studying in various countries. I expanded. They have proved very successful, know one young man named Crombie, from as have the courses in Asian and environ­ the little township of Grandchester, who is mental studies. The university lends ·i,tself now in Scotland studying the way various particularly to the study of 1!hose subjects. types of trees adapt to the cliima>tes of In fact, I would say tha·t no university in different European countries. The results of Austmiia would be doing a better job as far his s~tud•ies could have some i!ipplica.tion in as environmental studies are concerned. those inland areas uf Australia which receive only sparse minfaJI. I am pleased to see that living quarters are being erected at the Griffith University. I do not agree with the honourable mem­ They will serve a dual purpose: they will be ber for Wynnum .that •there ~s a need for a used for the Commonwealth Games and course in medicine •at Griffitreme1y hard. But it does not end there; rather ste··eotyped. I can say without any fear they do not just get the money put into of contradiction that if I were an under­ their hands. My son ·is in private pmctice graduate now I would be heading towards in Maryborough, and I know that he has the Griffith University. Griffith University [26 AUGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill 187

The first impression I had of the Griffith the time of entering school in Year right University was its closeness to the city. In up through his tertiary education has enough my undergraduate days I lived in the north­ lumps and bumps in it as it is. In my view ern suburbs of Brisbane and I tended to too many empires have been created in each think of any place on the southside as being of the individual areas of education. Quite somewhere near Southport. I found that I frankly, the most sensible thing is to have was able to drive very quickly from here to the one ministry for Education as a whole so the Griffith University. The road network that students' lives can be gauged by the one that leads to the university is very well department. I reject totaily the proposition designed. I suppose that the three tiers of that one Minister cannot carry out the tasks. government should be congratulated on the I am quite confident that it is a task quite siting of the university. easily administered by one Minister. I cer­ The second thing I noticed about the tainly would not like to see any breaking-up university \vas the friendliness of the people of the Education Department so that more there. I was an obvious stranger when I emphasis was placed on one section than walked into the university, but the students another. All sections of education are quite readily said "Good morning" or "Good important, and although it is vital that the afternoon". The staff were only too happy first-year student in a primary school has to assist. I found a very healthy atmosphere an excellent teacher, it is just as vital that in the university. I congratulate the regis­ the Year 12 student has an excellent teacher trar, the vice-chancellor and the staff for and also that students in tertiary institutions the atmosphere that they have created there. have excellent teachers. The third thing I noticed about the uni­ Mr K. J. Hocper: As a former school­ versity was that it is in a delightful bush teacher yourself, do you think you could setting. One of its major thrusts is the administer the Education portfolio? Australian Environmental Studies faculty. It has been very well sited in that area. All in Mr POWELL: Undoubtedly. all, I found the university to be very pleas­ I believe that any fragmentation is bad ant and conducive to study. Its friendliness indeed, and in fact work ought to be done is something that is needed in learning to smooth out the change between Years 7 situations. Everybody concerned should be and 8, Years 10 and 11 and from Year 12 congratulated. to tertiary work. But that leads into another The amendment before the House provides argument that people at Griffith University for a few changes. The membership of the and others in the State might well be inter­ council is to be increased to 23, a measure ested in. I believe that certainly in Queens­ which I support. I am very happy to see land, and perhaps in the rest of Australia, that general staff are defined and that they we ought to look seriouslv at the restructur­ are represented on council. In my view that ing of the tertiary education system, or the engenders a general attitude of happiness at post-secondary education system. To this the university; everybody is involved in the time we have been hidebound by a certain running of it. sacred cow, and I use the words advisedly, The provision for the continuity of mem­ with regard to apprenticeships. We have bership is also important. As the Minister slavishly followed the system whereby to pointed out, it would be most unlikely that become an apprentice a person must have a first-year student would want to get on left secondary school, found a master and is to the council. Only when a student finds out learning a trade. Following that there is the what is going on at the university would he block release training program. We all know, be concerned with council representation. and we must face the facts, that young Consequently the provision of three years people are not obtaining apprenticeships seems to be wrong. The changes to the coun­ where they wish to. Employers say that the cil are important ones and probably innova­ reason for that is the high cost of employing tive in Queensland universities. an apprentice. I therefore believe that we should seriously consider this matter. The provision for the appointment of pro­ vice-chancellors is something that I fully I see no reason at all why we should support. That a person can be appointed for not be opting for a junior college and a specific time for a specific task is a very senior college system, under which students good idea. It is a valuable position to have could leave school at the end of grade 10 and then move to, for want of a better in a university; it means that a person can term, a junior college-probably something carry out a task and then return to his normal equating TAFE institutions-and there academic duties. undertake what could be a four-vear cou.rse A previous speaker in the debate spoke with a diploma at the end of- it. They about a separate ministry for tertiary educa­ could then move into their trade or what­ tion, as was suggested in a report to Parlia­ ev:r field it was in which they obtained a ment by the Select Committee on Education diploma. in Queensland. I reject that argument. I On the other hand, if at the end of the do not think there is a need for a separate four years they wished to go on to further ministry for any section of education in work which would give them extra tertiary Queensland. Education is fragmented enough qualifications, they should then be able to now. The path that a child follows from move to a university or perhaps a college 188 Griffith University [26 AUGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill

of advanced education, where they could less fonmal atmosphere so that thev can obtain further qualifications. That system educate themselves and find employm(;nt in of cross-college work is quite common in the community. That is the critical direction the United States. I believe that we could in which 'ihe whole education system ought well learn something from it, especially in to be steering itself. Queensland, which 1s a decentralised State. I know that it raises problems concerning One of the other speakers in this debate the status of colieges of advanced educatiOUJ, complained about the amendment that deals technical and further education colle!:!es and with the nwnership and exploitation of inven­ universities. Quite frankly, I think \~e havG tions and discoveries that are the property of too many CAEs. I have no doubt that the university. He seemed to find some­ som~ of our friends in CAEs might disagre:: thing wrong with the provision, but I really violently with that statement. However, cannot understand why he sees a problem. it seems to me that CAEs are trying to It seems to me to be a fairly usual pro­ raise themselves in academic standards to vision that any invention made on universitv such an extent that they believe they are property, which has involved the use o-f universities. I do not believe that they are university materials, time, laboratories, and universities. The CAEs should recognise so on, ought to remain the property of the that whilst they certainly have a part to university so that it can be exploited by play, it is similar to the part that TAFE that university. If the university has the coll.eges play. I would deaf'ly love to see ownership and control of it, we, the general research done by the Education Department public, are more likely to see the realisation into whether in some areas, and on an of that invention. experimental basis, we could not look I have mentioned the School of Aw;tralian seriously at restructuring the upper education Environmental Studies rat Griffith Univers:irty. level in our State. lt is really a marve1lous innovativn anJ ,5 I know that we have problems with Fed­ doing excellent work. The School of Modern eral funding; "lack of Federal funding" per­ Asian Stud·ies .is another school •that should haps is th:: best way to describe it. The be ·congmtulated on the work it ·is doing. Federal Government enters into all manner Quite frankly, if I were a student again, of schemes in education and then, after knowing the world situation as I do, I would hav;ng seen a scheme started, it backs out be looking 1o .Jearn Cantonese. Lt lis a and leaws the States to either find the funds language tha·t Queenslanders in par.ticular or close down the initiative. Mostly, of ought to be able •to speak and converse •in course, we do not close down the initiative, fluently. \Mith our natural food bowl and because it is worthwhile and necessary. We manufacturing ·resources •in ·this State, we then have to find the additional funds. are going to have to sell our products, and I would probably be arguing very strongly we have marveUous potential cus•tom~rs in for a complete withdrawal of the Federal China-- Government kom education spending. In fact, I believe that the Federal Government Mr K. J. Hooper: I agree with your senti­ should be handing back to the Stales a lot ments, but the offioiarJ language in China is more of the income tax pool so that we Mandarin, commonly known as Pekiing. If would not experience the problems that we the honoumble member sees me after .the now have with our Budgets. I do not House ·rises, I will coach him. believe that the Federal Government has a place in education. The total funds Mr POWELL: I am sure ;bhat the honour­ spent ought to be given back to the States able member would be an e~per.t in Pekinese. so that they could distribute them as they In fact, he is not unlike •the four-footed s·aw fit. The needs of Queensland are animal that bears tha,t name. vastly diffe.rent from those of Victoria. Victoria is a compact State that does not In my o·pinion, Cantonese is a language have Queensland's problems of distance. that we will all need to know. We ought .to While I am most impressed with the be able •to converse in basic Chinese. T:here Griffith University and the excellence of is no doubt that the Chinese are learning it's learning a'imosphere-and, I might add, Engl:ish and, when we negotiate with ·them, the employment record of people who come it will be very emba.rrassing if we have to sit mute while they discuss mat·ters ·in their out of that university~! suppose I might selfishly cla;m that it is in the wrong place. own :language and we do not know what I would much prefer to see it in Central they are talking about. The Chinese language Queensland. There are two universities in is one •that we ought ·to be considering very the South Eas·t and one in the North. Once seriously and not only in universities. I again, Central Queensiand is left out. I would hope .that, coming from .the School personally believe that there is need for a of Modern Asian Studies at Griffith Univer­ university in Central Queensland, because shy, ·there might be rteachers who can teach of the topography of our State. that language in high schools. We have a multiplicity of colleges of The amendments before the House .today advanced education. We need more tech­ are necessary. The House should support nical and further education colleges, all them without quaLification, and I certainly looking to take in grade 10 students in a do so myself. Grijfith University [26 AuGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill 189

Dr LOCKWOOD (Toowoomba North) benefit advantage can be gained from having (4.8 p.m.): Earlier the Opposition spokes­ nurses trained in colleges of advanced edu­ man on education, the honourable member cation rather than under the existing system for Wynnum (Mr Eric Shaw), spoke about that most nurses use, that is, training nursing eduo&!Jion. It is .true iha.t the through a hospital-based program. The Federal Government has baulked at the pro­ honourable member for Wynnum was posal .that .there ;;hould be more nursing trying to get this point across, but I do not educaMon through uhe colleges of advooced know that he fully grasped the significance education. I can see quite well why it has of what he was told. baulked. Whether I agree with h or not is The nurses feel that nurses undergoing a another mal'ter. I.t has baulked because there course of training in which they have lectures, will be a ·transfer of funding from Health say, on medicine whi1e they are undergoing budgets to Educat·ion budgets. Of course, if a term. in the surgical ward do not get the that is done, there wiU be a big •tmnsfer of full benefits from either their term in the the funding for nursing education from the surgical ward or their lectures. The same Stao!e Budgets to the CommonweaLth Budget. applies to a demonstration in surgery while Mr Powell: We don't want that. they are undertaking a term in a paediatric ward. Dr LOCKWOOD: We do not want that. The nurses want their courses to closely \V e do not want to lose control of nurSJing follow those undertaken by medical students, educat•ion. However, I do not think that .the not in content but in arrangement of courses. Commonwealth wants to pick up the bill, so The nurses would like to have a lecture, it has baulked. a practical class and a demonstration-be it At present, not enough is known about the on models or in the ward-on one particular real costs of nursing educa:tion because costs subject at a given time. That would mean are hidden •in hospital budgets. We cannot there would be medical lectures, demonstra­ cost nursing education because so much of tions, medical practical work and again it is paid for from •the private hea1th funds, demonstrations of what they had been told so much of it is parid for by Commonwea1th in the medical ward. This is much the same and State Government subsidies to hospitals, as the course undertaken by a medical and some of i.t, of course, is paid direct from student. The nursing federation believes that charity, paPbicuJarly in cases where private nurses would learn at a much faster rate hospitals are mising funds. under such a system, and that perhaps some cost advantages are to be gained from Proposals have been put forward to increase training a nurse to registration status in a the content of nursing education from 800 much shorter time than is presently possible. hours in each basic nursing course to I 200 hours. That would be an added cost borne An analysis needs to be undertaken of the by the State, if the State pays for it, or by real cost of a nurse working in the ward the Federal Government, if the Common­ while she is studying and attending lectures wealth pays for it. If it is done through a and practical classes, which disrupt her time private hospital, that cost will have to be in the ward. A study needs to be made of borne directly by the patients at that private the real cost of that type of training and hospital and by the charities that work to the cost of training in colleges of advanced support it. This is one of the matters that education, where nursing aides and fully have not been thrashed out fully at Govern­ trained nurses provide the entire nursing ment level. ·whether we should be supporting care. I think this is what the honourable an increase from 800 to I 200 hours in the member for Wynnum was alluding to, but I basic nursing course, without finding out am not sure he got the message across. fully where the funds will come from, is by The nurses themselves are quite concerned no means certain. at this refusal to fund more nursing courses in the colleges of advanced education. This It is quite easy to say that the funds wi11 matter is of particular interest to nurses in come from the Government. But here we Queensland, because no nursing course is have an example of the Federal Govern­ available in any college of advanced educa­ ment's baulking at the cost. I venture to tion in Queensland. This is something that suggest that the State Government would the State needs to take before the Federal need to be extremely careful in what it does members of Parliament, all of whom, I am in funding the additional 400 hours in told, are seeking re-election. It is also some­ training. thing that the State needs to take before the The basic fact is that insufficient is known Senate candidates who are seeking re-election. about the real cost of nursing education. A It is something that the nurses feel very proposal has been put forward by the Royal strongly about. At this stage, the Federal Australian Nursing Federation that 2 200 Government has not made any allocations to to 2 400 nurses should be undertaking basic nurse education programs in this State. Cer­ training at colleges of advanced education tainly it has not made any funding available throughout Australia. The federation believes for study by from 2 200 to 2 400 trainee that, if that number of trainee nurses were nurses in the coileges of advanced education. in the colleges, statistics would show that No comparison has been made between the some real cost benefits could be considered. cost of that type of training and hospital­ H could be determined whether a real cost based training. 190 Griffith University [26 AUGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill

Hon. V. J. BIRD (Burdekin-Minister for There seems to be some confusion about Education) (4.15 p.m.), in reply: It is the provision dealing with an invention and obvious from the debate this afternoon that the taking out of patent rights. I have nobody has any objection to the Bill or already tried to make it clear that any per­ its contents. During the debate it became son who invents something in his own time very clear that honourable members who or while working at the university has the spoke had the support of their fellow mem­ normal protection under law. But to ensure bers and believed that the work done by all that no organisation or person can take any those associated with the Griffith University invention that results from work done at since its inception has been absolutely the university with university e«penditure remarkable. As a member of the parlia­ and tic it up so that it cannot be used mentary education committee of the then for the good of mankind, the university is Minister for Education I took part in dis­ simply seeking approval to have that pos­ cussions on setting up-and it seems ,to be sibility prevented by statute. I think the only a few years ago-the council, and honourable member for Wynnum may have the establishment of the Griffith University said that Parliament does not see the as the third university in Queensland. statutes, but let me give him the assurance that each and every statute is tabled in the Today, as Minister for Education, I share House and may be disallowed. So I believe in the pride of each honourable member that there is every protection to ensure that who has spoken today about the work done any invention covered by patent will be used by the council and all the members of the for the benefit of mankind. staff. It is understandable, I suppose, that in the nine years since its inception, the uni­ The honourable member also spoke about versity should find a need to alter its govern­ the possibility of insufficient moneys being ing Act to cover those things that have made available for research. Let me assure been found necessary. him that finance for research comes from many areas, including large companies, and In dealing with some of the matters raised I have not yet heard of any worthwhile by honourable members who spoke in the project not being able to continue through debate, I shall refer firstly to the contribn­ to fruition because of a lack of finance. That tion made by the honourable member for would be one of the lesser worries I would Wynnum who talked about students seeking a further term on the council. He was of have as Minister for Education. the opinion that they could serve only the The honourable members for Wynnum two-year period as set down in the Act, and and Salisbury and, I think, somebody else, thereafter would be called on to resign. mentioned the proposed Casey University. As I said at the time students can seek' While it is not my intention to enter into re-election to the council. Of course, if a debate on that subject here today, let me their studies finished 12 months after their assure all honourable members that I have re-election they would no longer be students spoken to the Federal Minister for Educa­ and would be required to resign from the tion about this matter, and I have at least council. There is nothing at all to stop been given the assurance that if Casey Uni­ their renominating for a further 12 months versity is established that funds will come or two years on the council. from the defence budget and not the educa­ Mr Shaw: That does not really solve the tion budget. problem. There could stiil be problems with this system as well. The honourable member for Greenslopes spoke about student enrolments at Griffith Mr BIRD: I see nothing wrong with the University compared with the other universi­ system as proposed. At least it allows a ties in Queensland. He also referred to the student who is there for three years, and who study areas that are available. Whilst we do decides that he does not want to be on regard Griffith University as being an infant, the council in his first 12 months of study, particularly compared with the University of to seek nomination to the council for the Queensland, we must congratulate all those remaining two years. associated with the university on the way that it has grown already. I hope that it The honourable member for Wynnum will be given every encouragement to con­ referred to that part of the legislation tinue to grow, particularly as it has already which validates the actions of the council earned such a wonderful reputation. and all those associated with it during the period between the vice-chancellor's original The honourable member referred to the appointment and his recent reappointment report of the Select Committee on Education, as approved by the Governor in Council. particularly with regard to post-secondary As I said in my speech, there was some education. Two or three other members also doubt about whether there was a need to raised this point, and perhaps I could reply have this validated by amending the Act, to their remarks altogether. This is an area because this was simply a reappointment. in which I believe we should not hurry in To ensure that there would be no complica­ making any firm decision. I do not think tions it was decided that the most appropriate an education commission has been established course of action was ,to introduce an amend­ in any of the States which one could say ment. was completely successful. I would like Griffith University [26 AUGUST 1980] Act Amendment Bill 191

somebody to show me that there are defin­ must be absolutely honest with her and say itely weaknesses in the present system before ,that the pwposal did not originate from me, I would recommend any change. but I certa:inly had no hesita,tion at aH an suppol'ting it. The honourable member also referred to She also mentioned .the possibiLity of mem­ the patent statutes, and perhaps I could bers of :the staff liv,ing in the accommoda­ repeat to members some of the advice that t,ion provided at the universi,ty. That accom­ has been forwarded to me bv the Griffith modation will be used by the ,athletes par­ University on this subject. The letter sets ticipa,tcing in ,the 1982 Commonwea:Jth out a proposed new paragraph of section 36 Games. Later it will be used as accommoda­ of the Act to read- 'tion not only for students aNending the "the ownership and exploitation of university but also for staff of the nearby inventions and discoveries that are the hospital. I have been assured that only one property of the University made by the member of the staff Eves in ,that aooom­ staff or students of the University." modaJt,ion, 'and that is the housing officer. However, a number of ,tutors wiH be living The letter continues- there ,in the future to g;ive a balance to 'the "Research or other work undertaken res,ident:ial community. by a member of the University's staff in The member for Somerset, because of his the course of his University duties, or by a own experience as the fatilier of a student student in the course of his studies, may at ,the Griffith University, spoke from the lead to an invention or discovery which heant about the excellence of ·the subject may have potential value for the benefit areas and the tutorship ava

we are continually giving our consideration. It reacts to situations-usually years late_ He certainly saw no problem with that sec­ In the matter of simple amending legis­ tion of the legislation dealing with inven­ lation, it always lags behind the othe

Mr Davis: Mr Bourke uses a large gum Although I am by no means a fan of tree. large shopping centre developers such as the Bexley Corporation or Westfields and Mr K. J. HOOPER: And, I am told, believe that they have much to answer for, lantana leaves. I can see that their reluctance to commit However, I will reserve my comments large sums of money under the leasehold until I see the group titles Bill that the system has had the effect of stifling Inala's Minister has told me privately he inte,nds development. I say that advisedly, and I to introduce at a later stage of the session am sure that the Minister's advisers who to cover the kasehold land at the two shop­ are sitting in the lobby will agree with ping centres. what I am saying. At the present time, Whilst those two centres are excluded on we have at lnala a hoot of small buildings this occasion, some of the problems that are not exactly architectural gems. encountered at them no doubt prompted They were erected by jerry-builders as the this Bill. As the Minister represents the need arose, and they certainly would not rural electorate of Ga;·ndah, which is a receive any classiflcation by the National very large citrus-growing area, he is pro­ Trust. bably still not au fait with some of the With hindsight, the ideal solution would problems of the city. I am prepared to have been for the Housing Commission to make myself available to take him on a build the shopping centres in both Inala and guided tour of these shopping centres to Acacia Ridge and then lease the shops. show him the problems that exist. Unfor­ That is what any prudent landholder would tunately, the people of Inala regard the do. At least in that way the Housing civic centre as neither a civic centre nor Commission would have been able to exer­ .a s'wpping complex in the t.rue sense of the cise greaL:r control over the type and terms. There was no proper planning when quality of the buildings erected, some of the C[ntre was constructed. I think most which leave much to be desired aesthetically. 'honourable members would agree that the Unfortunately, when both suburbs were term "civic centre" applies to a complex being built, housing was very scarce, and the that has a civic hall. The.re is no civic commission, to its credit, turned all its hall in the centre at Inala and, quite attention, both physical and financial, to frankly, it is a second-rate shopping compl~x. providing homes for needy people. I suppose It has a very tatty, seedy look, which is one must be realistic and admit that the no fault of the shopkeepers. It is the prime function of such a commission is to fault of the Queensland Housing Commis­ provide homes. 'Sion because of its intransigent attitude. I hone that the Biil succeeds in remedying Mr Bourke: You haYe an alderman on the some -of the past mistakes that I have council, don't you? outlined to the House today. If the quality of life is lost, particularly in the coming Mr K. J. HOOPER: I know the member years, there wiil be a serious effect on fnr Lockyer is not overbright and he does Housing Commission estates. If the com­ not have a great deal between the ears. mission does something about improving In fact, if brains were dynamite, they both the Acacia Ridge and Inala shopping wouldn't blow the wax out of his ears. complexes, the future of Housing Commission Nevertheless, even he should know that the estates will be greatly enhanced. I take Brisbane City Council has no jurisdiction this opportunity to sound a note of warning over the Inala shopping complex, which is to the Minister. Whenever I see the National owned wholly and solely by the Queensland Party introducing a Bill of this nature, I Housing Commi;sion. am very wary. Mr Bums: And the\' won't ag.ree to any- thing. - Mr Davis: We have to be, haven't we? Mr K. J. HOOPER: Of course. There is Mr K. J. HOOPER: They won't agree to usually some ulterior motive. Whenever a the Brisbane City Council having any Bill of this type is introduced, one of its jurisdiction over the land whatsoever. That financial supporters is to receive some sort just shows how little the honourable mem­ ber for Lockyer knows. of a favour. Government Members interjected. Bearing in mind that Inala is Brisbane's largest suburb, it is obvious that the Jack Mr K. .J. HOOPER: That is true, and of a departmental store or the like has not many honourable members in this prevented the Inala Civic Centre from Chamber will deny it. It is 100 per cent becoming the main and true shopping correct. centre that it was originally designed to be. I am reliably informed that such a store Mr PmveU interjected. would be a huge financial success. There Mr K. J. HOOPER: The National Party­ is certainly ample car parking to attract dominated Government has such a shocking potential customers. The nigger in the record of converting public leasehold land woodpile is the leasehold land. That is the to freehold land for the benefit of its problem there. Large firms are not prepared wealthy backers that one is quite entitled to make the large financial outlay that is to tread very warily when Bills of this required. nature are introduced. 194 State Housing (Amendment [26 AuGUST 1980] of Freeholding Provisions) Bill

1\,ir Akers interjected. being extended to cover commercial sites. I cannot see anything wrong with that pro­ Mr K. J. HOOPER: I can never hear the posal. In fact, even the Opposition agrees interjections made by the honourable member to it. I give my support to the principle for Pine Rivers. They are as dreary as his involved because I have always been a keen speeches and one can never pick them up. supporter of the principle of freeholding of All honourable members know that some land. Minister's and some National Party back­ benchers, such as the honourable member Freehold has always been, and will con­ for Isis and his mates, have had spectacular tinue to be, the most desirable type of tenure success in all types of land ballots since that a person can have. It has been long 1957. I hope I am not being too skeptical recognised by land buyers, land owners and when I say that when the Bill becomes financiers as the most secure tenure. It is Jaw we will see some of the shopping­ for that reason that financiers are prepared centre developers with close links with the to lend money more readily on freehold National Party suddenly emerge from the land than on leasehold land. woodwork as major beneficiaries of the Mr Davis: That is not correct and you legislation, and I have no doubt that some know it. of the people who have made major con­ tributions to the Bjelke-Petersen Foundation Mr NEAL: Of course it is correct. Many will be suitably rewarded. of my constituents who have lea5ehold tenure Government Members interjected. of rural lands have been in financial diffi­ culties because their financiers have not been Mr. K. J. HOOPER: There are quite a able to extend credit to them. The land­ number of . these people. It is common holders were not able to offc.r long-term security. knowledge 111 Queensland that if some wealthy businessman makes a sizeable con­ Freeholding means something special. It tribution to the Bjelke-Petersen Foundation, has more attaching to it than has leasehold. he is always suitably rewarded. I have That something special is inherent in the title already detailed to the House some of the "freehold"; the land is held in fee simple. rew,1rds that have been made. Take Keith No Government conditions attach to it. No Williams, the proprietor of Sea World. He set term of occupancy is laid down; occupancy made a donation of $25,000 to the Bjelke­ depends on the wishes of the owner. That Petersen Foundation. As I have stated in is what freehold is all about. The owner is the House previously, he was rewarded with the one who decides what he will or will not positions on two Government-controlled do. He works the land for his benefit and his boards. The honourable member for Albert benefit alone. For those reasons people are made a donation of $5,000 to the Bjelke­ desirous of converting to freehold. As Petersen Foundation, and he was rewarded distinct from all other lands held under the with his ministerial portfolio. There is not Lands Act, freehold land does not require a great deal of talent on the National Party prior ministerial sanction for its sale. back benchers, but even the member for Isis, who is not over-bright, has more ability The proposals cover commercial sites than the member for Albert. These are already held under perpetual lease and they the things that are going on in Queensland. will cover further leases that may be given, The Bjelke-Petersen Foundation is Tammany as outlined by the Minister. Quite obviously, Hall at its worst. they will have to comply with the usual local government controls. The Minister has Mr SPEAKER: Order! I ask the honour­ indicated that, in future, land zoned for able member to refer to the Bill. shopping in areas held by the commission Mr K. J. HOOPER: In conclusion-the will be sold as freehold in the first instance Opposition has no objection to the Bill. In if possible. However, if a lease is sought it fact, we welcome it. However, we feel it can be converted to freehold at a later date. is long overdue. Provision will be made to convert to free­ hold, as it applies to rural land. Tenure can Mr NEAL (Balonne) (4.46 p.m.): I take be converted for cash straight-out on a pleasure in supporting the Minister's intro­ determination of valuation. The Minister has duction of the Bill. The honourable member suggested that the proposal is that those who for Archerfield claims that the Bill is long cannot afford to pay cash in the first instance overdue. I am pleased to hear him, as can spread the payments over a period of Opposition spokesman, agreeing in principle 10 years. This, again, is in keeping with with freehold tenure. Certainly the Labor freeholding in the rural areas. Party's policy is totally opposed to the free­ hold tenure of rural lands. I wonder what The whole thrust of the legislation is in are the honourable member's motives for line with the Government's policy of free­ supporting the principle under these circum­ hold land tenure. As has been outlined, stances. the procedures will be somewhat similar to the freeholding of rural land except that As the Minister has said, the principal Act in this instance an applicant will have provides for the freeholding of perpetual recourse to the Valuer-General or the Land lease residential sites and that provision is Court. The first offer will be made by the State Housing (Amendment [26 AuGUST 1980] of Freeholding Provisions) Bill 195

Housing Commission as distinct from an the Labor Party will be put to a very import­ offer from the Land Administration Com­ ant test here today; will ALP members dump mission. their brother Milliner and stick to their As I understand it, an applicant can policy, or will they, for his convenience and accept the commission's offer. If he does the convenience of any individual Labor not do so he can opt to have a determination supporter who stands to gain, vote for this made by the Valuer-General or the Land legislation which we believe is very sound? Court. If I did not agree with the com­ Labor Party members can make up their mission's valuation I \Vould opt for a deter­ own minds which way they will vote: to mination to be made by the Land Court. follow their policy or to do their best for a Labor fellow who wants to participate in a I ask the Minister to clarify whether little free enterprise. I think for the first there is any appeal if an applicant, in the time we will see just how they measure up first instance, does not accept the com­ to their own policies. mission's valuation, and opts for a deter­ mination by either the Land Court or the It was interesting to hear the honourable Valuer-General. When freeholding rural land member for Arche~fie!d speak in this debate an applicant who does not agree with the on his old shadow portfolio of Works and department's offer can appeal to the Land Housing. He was the architect of Labor's Court. lf he is unhappy with the second policy and even had his photo placed above determination he can then appeal to the it in the policy document. Land Appeal Court. I would like clarifica­ Mr Bourke: It wasn't a bad collection of tion on this matter as it relates to these lies for a scratch effort, was it? blocks. The honourable member for Archerfield Dr LOCI<>:WOOD: I refuse to answer that quite obviously recognises the value of the question on the grounds that it might not amendments. He said that leasehold land quite be the truth. tended to stifle development and that free­ It is interesting to note that the Queens­ hold tenure was the best tenure. He said land Housing Commission has done a great that financiers placed great importance on deal for the person on an average income freehold land, considering it to have advan­ who wants to own his own home. I believe tages over and above leasehold land. When that the Labor Party's policy would prevent land is listed for sale with agents the first such a p:rson from owning a home under question the buyers ask relates to its tenure. the Housing Commission's p'an. I will The Land Act provides for numerous land elaborate further on that later. Under tenures, some of which do not offer long­ Housing Commission policy the maximum term leases. loan is $25,000, which can be applied to I certainly support the amendments. As either a home built on a person's own land­ the 'alue of the home would then be a has be~n said, the legislation is certainly overdue. It will assist those people who maximum of $30,000--or to a ready-built desire to get out on their own and be hee home which meets Housing Commission of Gm ernment control. Freehold land is inspection standards, to a maximum value of $36,000. In either case the maximum loan not subje~t to Government controls. When a buyer pays cash he virtually pays out the will be set at $25,000. Wage earners in amount he would pay in rental over the receipt of up to $250 per week are eligible years. ror such loans with a repayment period of 30 years. It is to the credit of this Govern­ Mr Jones: Freehold land can be resumed ment that it is subsidising these loans to at any time. the extent that in no case does interest exceed 7t per cent. Mr NEAL: In the light of Labor's policy, that is quite understandable. In my mind Mr Frawley: The honourable member for there is no risk about freehold land being Brisbane Central tried to get a Housing the most secure. I apweciate that in certain Commission loan, but he got knocked back. instances freehold land can be resumed, but by and large it cannot be denied that freehold Dr LOCKWOOD: So he should, because land has the most secure tenure. Those who his income is far above the maximum per­ opt to buy the land over 10 years are mitted level, and he knew that before he virtually setting the rental for the 10-year applied. I just wonder '' hether under a period, after which the land will be theirs. Labor Government he would have got a loan not for one house but for a whole street Dr LOCKWOOD (Toowoomba North) of houses. The fact remains that this Gov­ (4.55 p.m.): At the outset I say that it was ernment has done a great deal for people on a very proper thing that the honourable the average wage to get them into home­ member for Everton did here today. Of ownership. \Ve have done this for several course, it remains to be seen whether the reasons. If a person owns his own home he Labor Party will still persist in its idea that can develop it to his own liking and to his all land should belong to the State and vote own standards. He can develop a garden against the financial interest declared by the and furnish the home to meet his family's honourable member for Everton in support requirements. Such people become part of of its publicised policies which its members the stable community, and we are very avow they will stick to. So in some measure pleased that they are able to do this. 196 State Housing (Amendment [26 AuGUST 1980] of Freeholding Provisions) Bill

Typical of the person we seek to help is the lurks and perks boys. If Labor pro· the tradesman with a wife and three child­ vided 52 per cent then, I believe that it ren who recently came to see me. One of would provide the same again. his children is seriously ill. He has lived The $223m left after paying wages and in nine homes since he has been married. The administration costs was misspent on a whole seriously ill child needs special care. Because host of DURD projects. DURD told local he is a blue baby he needs special heating authorities all over Australia how they in winter, and air-conditioning in summer. should run their own affairs. No- matter It is within this man's capacity to provide where o-ne lives in this State, the Liberal these amenities. He has taken time off work Party believes that one's local authority is to he:p his wife with the sick child, and this better able to serve one than a centralis! has resulted in a loss of wages which places Government in either Canberra or Brisbane. him within the income bracket set by the If Labocr were to take 52 per cent straight Government, so he can seek Government off the top for administration, there would be help to purchase his own home. In his own precious little left for welfare housing. I home he can provide the amenities which think that the people in this State who are will help his very seriously ill child survive dependent on this Government for \I elf are the rigours of winter and the heat of summer. housing, be it the rental of houses or flats A Labor Government would disband the or the QHC purchase plan, have to have a Queensland Housing Commission. Perhaps hard look at Labor's policy. This is provided that is news, but it is in the Labor Party's in Labor's policy, and every member has policy. Labor would replace the entire sworn to abide bv it. It is binding on them. Queensland Housing Commission-its entire They cannot change it; they cannot escape staff and administration-with a housing it. They must implement it. trust. Labor refuses to elaborate on this pro­ The Liberal Partv encourages equal oppor­ posed housing trust and the reasons for its tunity for all people to live in, and preferably secrecy. I can only fear the worst for those own, their own comfo-rtable home at a who work in the Queensland Housing Com­ reasonable cost. The Liberal Party promotes. mio:sion. Recently the Australian Labor encourages and facilitates by every means Party made a great song and dance about possible the flow of finance from all insti­ jobs for the boys. Under its policy, and tutions and individuals prepared to lend this particular aspect of it, there is the money for housing. That is our policy ar;td means of injecting a great number of Labor we stick by it; we are not ashamed of It. supporters from outside the Public Service It means that there is available bank fin­ into Labor's housing trust. That would ance, housing society finance and termin­ seriously dis1dvantage not only those people ating housing co-operative finance. Some in the Public Service but also home owners. people who have very little money for a deposit on a house choose to appro-ach How would it disadvantage home owners? finance houses for loans on housing. If they Vle would have a great many housing can do that and meet the repayments, the authorities-presumably one in each Govern­ Liberal Party says good luck to them. If ment department. These authorities would they can arrange the finance, they are rent houses to workers; they would not entitled to o-wn their own home. finance workers into houses. I can see a Last Tuesday in this Chamber a Labor huge rental bureau developing, with every­ spokesman attacked home purchases from body who wanted a house having to- run finance houses. \Yhen speaking later on the along and buy favours off a Labor adminis­ same subject of home purchases, the Labor tration-perhaps join the Labor Party, or candidate for Toowoomba North, Alderman three or four of its branches; I do not know. Lindesay Jones, said- People would have to kick the tin for the "I don't think people should have acce,;s Labor Party even to get a house, and kick it to that type of finance. I think they need again to get a better house. protection really from themselves." Labor would deny these people the chance Labor would revamp that most hated that they presently have under the policies department of the Whitlam Government­ of the present Government to buy their own the Department of Urban and Regional home. What a fine way this is for the Development. Labor has pro-vided for that Labor Party to regard people who are in its policy. It would have a subdepartment o-f determined to- own their own homes! A urban and regional development injected Labor spokesman in this Chamber says they into- the Works and Housing area. All of should not be allowed to--that a finance this would cost money. Let us get some house should be discouraged. Another idea of what sort of money it would cost. Labor man says that people need protection In 1974-75, DURD had a budget of $458m, from themselves. The Labor Party would $235m of which-52 per cent-went on deny the right of access to low-deposit fin­ administration. I believe that under a Labor ance to tho-se people who believe they can Government in Queensland we could see a affo-rd it. That would deny people with a massive amount of the total Works and very low deposit the right to enter into Housing vote-52 per cent was good eno-ugh arrangements to own their own home. Some for Whitlam, so maybe it would be 60 per of the people who entered into contracts. cent here-going straight into the salaries of the documentation of which was tabled here State Housing (Amendment [26 AUGUST 1980] of Freeholding Provisions) Bill 197 last week by the member for Wolston, earn Dr LOCKWOOD: That simply means that more than the maximum allowed by the anybody who owns a home could expect it Queensland Housing Commission under its to be nationalised. home purchase plan-that is, they earn more An Opposition Member: Liberalised, not than $250 a week. The Labor candidate for nat·ionaHsed. Toovvoomba North would discriminate against these people and has said that they Dr LOCKWOOD: The honourable mem­ really need protection from themselves. ber can call it what he likes; he will no1 be The Labor Partv has to sort out tits own an Government •to do it. candidates. If the aHack of the member fo.r Wolston in this House last Tuesday was Labor seeks to create a gr:oat many new justified, •then the Labor Party should reject housing authorities, one for each depart­ 1he endorsement of :rvrr Sciacca for the seat ment. They would cons~ruot, purchase or of Ipswich. If the member for Wolston was lease housing ~or rontal to employees, but I wrong, .then he should not be endmsed for doubt very much .if very much of it would his seat for the next election. In seeking .to be sold, as I do not think the Labor Party protect these people from themselves Lindc­ would be very intere;~ted in selling. If such say Jones is including Ronald Gordon Fraser, housing authonities fdt a need to deveiop, the Labor candidate for Toowoomba South. subdi\ ide or sell a home for home-owner­ So the electors of Toowoomba should note ship, .then .they would have the right to take that one of the Labor candidates has said that privately"owned land through resumption even H people have the money ·they should purchases. That ·is perhaps !)pica! of what be protected from themselves and, on the other hand, he includes the Labor can­ Mr Jones did \Vhen he was Lord Mayor; he didate for Toowoomba South who;e name resumed valuable land in Brisbane and was en the document<; tabled here. The demanded land f·or council purposes, but as Labor Party is saying that he should be pro­ soon as 'the time was ripe he sold it for tected from himself. council profit. The Labor Partv is in a sorrv state. A Mr AUSTIN (\Vavell) (5.10 p.m.): As I Labor membe•r h~re has attack~d a Labor am an advocate of free enterprise and the candidate in Tps;, ich. I believe that one or right of people to own their own home and the other or bo:h must go. The Labor can­ their o1vn business, it is with a great deal dida

I accept that he has removed himself from Mr AKERS: That could well be. I would the Chamber but, in fact, I suggest that he believe anything these days. After the things has done it too late. It could be that that I have seen members of the ALP he was tipped off that I 1note to Mr Speaker do in the last few days, after seeing the this morning as follows- deals that they have done, after seeing the "The Hon. S. J . .tvfuller, M.L.A., P;·emier of this State call the Leader of "Speaker, the Opposition out of the Chamber and have "Parliament House, a conference with him and, after five minutes, "Brisbane. 4000. the Leader of the Opposition come back in and ask a Dorothy Dix question of the "Dear Mr. Speaker, Premier, and the Premier then proceed to "I wish to lodge an objection to a vote forget about any semblance of the West­ t;Jkcn in the House en Thursday, 21st minster system of Cabinet solidarity-- August, 1980, on the State Housing Bill­ a Bill to Amend the State Housing Act Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Gunn): and Another Act Amendment Act 1957- Order! The honourable member will return 1979. to the Bill. "On the vote that the Bill be read a Mr AKERS: . . . and dump the Deputy first time, the Honourable Member for Premier, I will believe anything. That is Everton, Mr. Glen Richard Milliner one of the things that makes me worried according to the Votes and Proceeding~ about what the Bill allows. It allows anv­ of the Legislative Assembly, was present th!ng to happen. It depends solely on the in ihe Chamber on Thursday, 21st August, integrity of the Minis:er, the Government 1980. The Member for Everton, who is and the Commissioner of Housing. Although lwider in part, of Housing Commission I am not questioning the integrity of the Lease 216, Dallas Parade, Gravely, and present Commissioner of Housing or the consequently having property within the present Minister, I do not trust any future limit of this Bill, and which property will Government, and the Bill should limit their be affected by the passing of this Bill, power. has such interest as would disqualify from him voting thereon. Mr Vaughan: You can't trust the Liberals. "As the Honourable Member has an Mr AKERS: I heard an honourable mem­ obvious pecuniary interest in this Bill, I ber opposite say, "You can't trust the respectfully request that the attention of Liberals." I wonder what ALP supporcters the House be drawn to this matter, and think of their members when they suddenly that you determine whether the Honour­ find that their leaders are doing deals with able Member should participate in further leaders of the National Party. debate on this Bill." Mr D'Arcy: You have been doing it for Obviously, the member was well and truly years-for 23 years. tipped off about what may have happened. I do not want to make any allegations about Mr AKERS: We have been doing it deals that may or may not have been made openly. We have been in coalition for 23 in this place, but it seems to me that years with the National Party. someone has tipped that member off. I think In his speech, the honounble member for that that is despicable. I will let my case Archerfield said that he had only a very rest there. short time to prepare it. He must have, because it is the first time this session that Mr AKERS (Pine Rivers) (5.13 p.m.): The a member of the ALP has broken away from Bill is one that I support to the extent ALP policy (I wonder whethe.r he \'.ill be that it allows the freeho!ding of existing allowed to stay in the ALP caucus) by not shopping centre sites to the people who attacking the Nat;onal Party and concentra­ have actually done the work and built shops ting on the Liberal Party. With the excep­ on them. The Bill should stop there, but tion of the speech of the honourable member it does not. for Archerficld, not once has such an attack been made. The Bill allows any future Government, Housmg Commissioner or Minister to go Let us look back at the series of things much further than anyone here today mi<>ht that have happened ove.r the last little wish. The Bill allows any Government­ while. or any Minister, as I said-to go to the Mr K. J. Hooper: Why should I attack extent of allowing something the size of the Nationals? The Liberals are doing a Toombul Shopping Centre-this may be an good job. extreme case-being built on leasehold land and freeholding it, thus bypassing all the Mr AKERS: Not once have I complained normal procedures that a free-enterprise Gov­ about being attacked by my political oppon­ ernment should adopt. ents. I am not worried in the slightest by the attacks that are being made now. Mr Rourke: Have you heard the s.tory that I am questioning the integrity of the leaders Mr Milliner made a big donation to the of the ALP when they will go against their Bjelke-Petersen Foundati~n to get the Bill membership's sworn enemy, the man who into the House? is hated most by the ALP membership, and State Housing, &c., Bill [26 AUGUST 1980] Adjournment 199

do a deal like the one we sa,w this morning was no leak to the ALP today. The and the similar deals that have been made member for Everton had been contemplating over the last coup-le of weeks. his action for some time. It is the right and the obligation of Mr DEPUTY SPEAI\.ER: Order! I accept members of the Op]JOSition to attack the the honourable member's point of order. policies of the Government, and they have However, Mr Speaker is quite capable of failed miserably to db that in the 5! years looking after himself. I ask the honourable that I have be~n in this Chamber. They member for Pine Rivers to return to have not mounted one reasonable attack the Bill or be seated. in the whole of that time. However, there has been a series of weird occurrences that Mr AKERS: These amendments as such members of the Australian Labor Partv are ones that I would support at any other must find very strange, and I wonder whethe:r time. However, they are lacking in the some of the ordinary members of the Nat­ limits that they impose on the powers of a ional Party might also find them strange. future Government. They are an example Suddenly, out of the blue, after all the of what we have seen in the recent past. restrictions that have been put on the Opposi­ They disregard the concepts of what laws tion, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition are supposed to be. Everyone who claims gets a research assistant pa,id for by the that the Bill is a good one does so because Government, at the expense of the taxpayers. it is claimed that the Government does not During this session, a series of debates have intend doing anything other than freehold been initiated by the ALP. At any other existing leases. time in the last 5t years that I have been here, those debates would have been cut The amendments made to the Police Act off before anything was said. fall into the same category. No limit was imposed. Complete reliance is placed on the Mr K. J. HOOPER: I rise to a point of integrity of the Government and the public order. As a greater stickler for Standing servants who will be involved in administer­ Orders in this Chamber, Mr Deputy Speaker, ing that Act until it is repealed. I draw your attention to the fact that the honourable member for Pine Rivers is not Some of our laws in Queensland have speaking to the Bill. lasted for nearly 150 years. In Great Britain some laws have lasted for as many as 600 Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is or 700 years. No-one would expect the no valid point of order. integrity of all Governments over such a lengthy period to be beyond question. So I Mr AKERS: In raising these points, I am question the Bill. I urge the Minister to questioning the intentions of the honour­ continue with what he is proposing and to able member f'Or Archenfield in his speech impose a limit as soon as possible, in either and pointing out the way in v. hi eh he was this session or the next session. caught out. He has not been following ADP policy. He is smiling now, but I Debate, on motion of Mr Powell, wander what will happen in the caucus adjourned. meeting tomorrow when he is attacked for departing from ALP policy. ADJOURNMENT I was mentioning the many incidents that Hon. C. A. WHARTON (Burnett-Leader have occurred recently. Debates that were of the House): I move- allowed to proceed, which would normally have been stopped over the past 5t years, "That the House do now adjourn." all happened to constitute attacks on the Liberal Party. They are another part of PRITCHARD STEAM CAR this conspiracy that, strangely, members of the Australian Labor Party engage in. Dr LOCKWOOD (Toowoomba North) (5.24 p.m.): The Save the Steam Car Appeal Today we saw two other occurrences. One was a spontaneous success because of was this Dorothy Dix question from the Queenslandcrs' concern for the future of road Leader of the Opposition. The other, which transport. Following publicity on the Channel worries me greatly, was the leakage to a 9 current affairs program "Today Tonight", member of the Opposition of the contents of hosted by Andrew Carroll, enough Queens­ a letter from a Government member to Mr landers responded to save the Pritchard steam Speaker. The leakage of that letter allowed car for Australia. Unlike the hydrogen car, the Opposition member to take certain action the steam car is a goer. before Mr Speaker raised the matter in this Parliament. As an office bearer of the Queensland Consumers Association, I, with the member Mr UNDERWOOD: I rise to a point of for Rockhampton (Mr Keith Wright), who order. The honourable member's comment is State president of the Queensland Con­ is a reflection on Mr Speaker. I draw your sumers Association, and the member for attention, Mr Deputy Speaker, to the fact Peak Downs (Mr Vince Lester), who first that it was the member for Everton himself voiced concern at the plight of the Pritchard who drew attention to his position. There steam car, became a trustee of the appeal. 200 Adjournment [26 AUGUST 1980] Adjournment

The public response was nothing short of centrifugal extraction of oil from hea.ted magnificent. It shows that Queenslanders are wa-ter has not yet been perfeoted, and there­ genuinely concerned about alternative forms fore the Pritchard engine needs a final filter of engines to power road transport, farm in the closed water circuit. I underst·and machinery and stationary engines. They are that these cartJ1idges need changing af•ter a concerned because they are aware that our day's running. The problem is •thwt if any known o] resources are failing to meet this oH is in the water .th&t enters the steam pipes country's liquid fuel requirements. It is in the furnace it will coke up the pipe and unfortunate that it has been difficult to get efficiency faHs off. accurate assessments of Mr Pritchard's I have asked the Commonwealth Minister engine, its fuel consumption and its adapti­ to publish the precise reason why the Com­ bility to non-petroleum fuels. If the engine monwealth ceased funding the Pdtcha·rd is to be a success I believe that Pritchard steam car. I did this to end conjecture. It has to look to coal products for its fuel, is not true to say uhat the Commonwealth which could be either powdered coal, has not supported the car in the past, because powdered solvent-refined coal or liquid coal/ I understand that in the heyday of the oil slurries. \Vhi.tlam Government .the Commonweal,th Because it has been difficult to get an commenced grants which ultimately tot·alled accurate assessment of the engine I bdievc $400,000. I understand -t·hat the Department that the Pritchard engine needs to b~ run on of Supply actuaiiy built three steam engines a test bed to establish its reliability. In par­ to Pritchard's specifica,t•ions. T1hc Victorian ticular we need to know about its po.wer out­ Government also appJ.ied $50,000 towards the put at various consumption rates of kerosen~, development of trhe e·ngine. LP gas and rower alcohol. These need to be: I believe tiha:t P.ritchard may ha,.e devoted examined \\ ith its oil and water consumption. too m11ch avai•lable ·t1ime, energy and The endurance of the Pritohard engine also resources to a oar body, when hindsight needs to be firmly established and so do the shows it would h.we been wiser to concen­ sencicing intervals. If the engine is run on a trate on the :;,team engine alone, .perfecting test bed, the type and nature of the servicing its furnace and overcoming the centrifugal required, the time spent in getting tha·t ser­ oil-extraction problems. ~he fact that Prit­ vice and the co;;.t of parts can ·all be dis­ chard went bankrupt should not be any covered, enabling ser'.'ice manuals for •the drawback to fur.ther development of the engine to be prepared. engine and furnace here in Queensland. I From the meag•rc information I have been would see his lMnkruptcy as a measure of ·.able to obtain without any direct access .to :his dedicart·ion and determination to succeed, Mr Pritchard, H seems that .the engine does hut like the rest of us he was not a multi­ have vast problems that are common to all millionaire and did not have the amount of steam cars. In order to save w&ter it recon­ capital which is required to overcome tech­ denses the steam instead of exhausting it to nological problems and develop the engine the air as our steam locos used to do. It and oar to the mass-production stage. will be remembered that the steam locos (Time expired.) r.:arried an immense load of water which was exh.1u.-_:ted up the smoke s·tack. This cau;ed the chdacterilltic choofing. If a HANCOCK & GoRE LTD steam car does not recondense its water its Mir BURNS (Lytton) (5.29 p.m.): I rise opemtional range is restricted more by the to make the Government aware of another water it can carry than by the fue.J. Queensland company that has been sold down I believe that a steam engine is basicaUy the d,·ain as a partial result of a southern 10 per cent efficient and petrol cars are take-over. I refer to the public company basically about 30 per cent efficient. There listed on the Australian Stock Exchanges as is Ji.ttle point then ·in having a steam car the business of Hancock & Gore Ltd., one powered by a petroleum product. Its advan­ of the oldest and most respected public tages for the future must lie in its ability to companies in the State. It is a company use other fuels, and this is the way I see which, as most people may know, started the need to have continued development. as a family partnership in 1867. In 19~6 a Approximate prices of fuels, where avwil­ public company was incorporated, and smce able, are coal $27 a tonne, kerosene $250 a then thousands of Queenslanders have held tonne, petrol $360 a tonne and hydrogen shares in the company. Many men and women worked for the company over the $6,400 a tonne, when Dl is available. years and enjoyed a good relationship with The time is coming when the petwl car the company. It gave employment to wiJ.i have no cost advantage over other types hundreds of Queenslanders. On Monday a of transport, so th'te concern of those who decision was made to sack what is left of the supported the save-the-steam-car project is staff. genuine, appropriate and timely. In the mid 1960s the company had a One of ·the problems wi,th the engine .is temporary set-back in its trading and a Mr that oil used in lubricat1ing ·the bore leaves Charles Viertel joined the board as a com­ the cylinder in the steam and it has .to be pany doctor to save the company. Charles centrifuged out of the recondensed water Viertel was appointed at the insistence of before it is bailed again. I understand that a group of Brisbane stockbrokers. One Adjournment [26 AUGUST 1980} Adjournment 201

wonders whether they could have been He also gave evidence in answer to a operating as agents for southern raiders, question by his own counsel in relation to because that is exactly what he acted as employees- when he was appointed to the board. It "There would be no alteration of the is significant that Mr Viertel, despite trading situation. I do not think that question losses by the company, purchased large par­ has been considered at all." cels of shares and became a substantial share­ There could be no doubt in the minds holder. It is alleged that Viertel or his of all stockholders who attended the meet­ family bought 50 000 preference shares at ings called at the behest of Cemac to con­ 13c and sold them to the southern interests sider its take-over scheme that there would he represented at around 45c. It is also be no disturbance in the continued trading alleged that Viertel or his family bought an of the company and that no employees "Yould estimated 250 000 ordinary shares at around be dismissed. The Supreme Court Judge 10c and sold them to southern interests at up who sanctioned the scheme awarded Mr to 56c. He set out to rescue the company Hancock one of the grandsons of the and ended up by raping it. After some foundinc,' familv his costs, and this can ups and downs the company continued to only be" interpr~ted as recognition by the trade and Viertel sold his shares to a New court of the stand taken by Mr Hancock on South Wales company called Takone Pty Ltd, behalf of the shareholders and employees a subsidiary of Cemac Associated Limited, in those proceedings. The scheme was sanc­ which is also a New South Wales-based tioned by the court in November 1979. company. I believe Viertel should be investi­ Within three or four weeks of the sanctiOn gated under the InsiJer Trading provision of that scheme and without any warning of the Companies Act. whatsoever, 40 employees of Hancock & By July 1979 the chairman of the board Gore Ltd in my electorate of Lytton were of Hancock & Gore Ltd was a person named sacked. In point of fact, they were told Robert Julian Constable, who was also a of their dismissals at their Christmas party about a week or so before last Christmas. director of Cemac and some of its associ­ This mind you, in the face of what Cemac ated companies. I would like the Minister pro~ised in the meetings and in the court. to have a look at Mr Constable to see More than that, valuable assets of the com­ whether he has been investigated by the pany have been shifted over the border New South Wales Corporate Affairs Com­ into New South Wales, stocks have been mission, as has been alleged. I would like liquidated and now the directors of the to know the results of any such investigation. company are bent on closing the business down and realising the assets. To state it shortly, the take-over scheme The affairs of Hancock & Gore Ltd are which Cemac put up, and there is no other so serious that they ,warrant investigation way of describing it, had in mind to acquire by the Attorney-General .and the Co.mmis­ by purchase the debts of the trading creditors sioner for Corporate Affa!TS. In particular, at a genuine discount to by-pass and lock the commissioner should be required to in the preference stockholders in the com­ investigate the accounts of Hancock & Gore pany in such circumstances that they may Ltd for the financial year ended 30 September never recover their accumulated dividend and 1979 as presented to the meeting on 18 capital. March 1980 to see whether those accounts are true or false. I am told that the The Supreme Court of Queensland ordered investigation should also include the ques!ion meetings of the ordinary stockholders and of determining whether the representatiOns the preference stockholders to be held in made by the Cemac directors to the stock­ Brisbane in late 1979. In the creditors' holders at their meetings to consider the meetings representations were made that take-over scheme which was presented to Cemac would be a "big brother" to Hancock them were true or false and whether there & Gore Ltd and that it would make avail­ was full and proper disclosure of all material able sources of raw materials to keep its matters to the creditors and the court which production going. Some representations were entertained the sanction proceedings of that scheme. I have been advised that there made in the meetings that there would be should be an inquiry into the balance sheet no dismissal of employees of the company, and the profit and loss accounts of Ban­ some of whom had been employed for cock & Gore Ltd presented to the stock­ upwards of 40 years. There wer.e about holders at their annual general meeting of 80 employees of the company at that time 18 March 1980. out of the original 150. Obviously the distressing fate of Hancock & Gore must concern all Queenslanders and In the Supreme Court proceedings, the any loopholes in the law must be closed chairman of the board of Hancock & Gore to prevent this sort of thing happening, Ltd, Constable, who was also a director of where well-established and valuable Queens­ the Cemac interests, swore under oath among land companies are gutted by interests out­ other things- side the State for their company assets "I feel quite confident the company can and where numerous employees are thrown return to profitability given the support on the scrap heap. of Cemac Associated." (Time expired.) 92145-8 202 Adjournment [26 AUGUST 1980] Adjournment

GUIDE BONVOYAGE PUBLICATIONS PTY LTD Mr FRAWLEY: I had quite a deal of success with White Mercantile. They col­ Mr FRAWLEY (Caboolture) (5.34 p.m.): lected a lot of money for me. I have I want to draw the attention of the House nothing but praise for them. t? a. firm known as Guide Bonvoyage Pub­ h~atwns Pty Ltd of Suite 67, Westfield Shop­ Mr K. J. Hooper: Didn't the Electrical pmgtown, Indooroopilly. This firm is selling Trades Union have to put you in to White a subscription scheme in the form of a book Mercantile for ar.rears of fees? of c.oupons. which enables the purchaser to obtai~ a discoLmt on service charges from Mr FRAWLEY: Never. I paid all my certam restaurants and motels in various Eleotrical Trades Union fees yearly. I countries such as Australia New Zealand kept all the receipts and books because I Fiji, New Caledonia, the 'New Hebrides: knew that some day I might have to pro­ Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tahiti. For duce them. ex.ample, if a couple produce a coupon from this firm at a restaurant, instead of paying The Justice Minister should investigate for two meals they pay for only one. That Guide Bonvoyagc Publications as its sales might sound pretty good to some people. people are misrepresenting the situation by Th.e same applies at a motel; one meal is telling people that signing an authority for pmd for and the other one is free. payment is not binding on them. People do not receive the book of coupons for A saleswoman visited Redcliffe on 18 12 days, so they cannot return them within December 1979 selling these Guide Ban­ seven days, and they are hit for $132. I voyage Publications books of coupons. am not going so far as to say that they ~nfortunately, one of my nephews was gull­ are a bunch of crooks; I would not say that Ible enough to sign an authority for periodic about anybody. Nevertheless, I urge the payments fo.r the coupons. He was told Minister for Justice to have a look at this that he could examine the book of coupons company before it sucks in too many more and .cancel the order if he was not satisfied, people. provide~ that he did so within seven days A salesman takes along one of these from tae day he signed the authority. I forms and puts up a spiel to some young have a copy of the form that he signed. chap who does not knmv \',hat the salesman The book of coupons did not arrive for is talking about. He fills the young chap 12 d~ys, so it was impossible for him to with a lot of rubbish about how good the examme the coupons and return them within deal is. Half of the motels and restaurants seven days from the date of sianina .the listed would not be frequented by the mem­ authority. By the way, the cost "was" $132 b~r for A.rcherfield, even if he could get spread over five years. a meal on the grouter. That shows how On 25 July 1980 he received a notice from bad they are. Dun & Bradstree>t, a coHection firm, on In conclusion, I hope that every member, behalf of Guide Bonvoyage Publications Ptv when he receives complaints from his con­ Ltd claiming '$132. He was threatened with s

A number of projections have been made What has the Minister done that is and I believe that the Port of Brisbane improper? I submit to the House that he Authority had gone into the matter very has given details of increases in funding for carefully before making the recommendation. at least live specific education-related areas. In fact, after having had one of its recom­ The document quotes facts and figures down mendations overruled-overruled after an to the last dollar in certain areas of alloca­ investigation that took 36 hours-I believe tions. I deliberately did not bring this docu­ the authority would have been very careful. ment into the House today, although there The matter is very important to the develop­ are many copies of it floating around the ment of the port of Brisbane. The projections building. If I had brought a copy into the provided to me by the Port of Brisbane Chamber with me I could have been Authority and Brisbane Wharves & Wool required to table it, and that would have Dumping acknowledge the importance of the compounded what I regard as a felony before development. The report states that the total this House. I have a copy in safe keeping number of containers likely to be handled and I have given a copy to the Treasurer in the port of Brisbane will be around of this State because I believe that he should 130000 to 131000 by the year 1985-86. be au fait with the fact that a Minister of In his reply, the Minister said that no the Crown, a part of that supposed Cabinet decision has been made not to lease No. 2 of 18, has not in fact played by the rules. terminal during the next fiye years and that Now I would like to discuss certain facts the need for a second terminal will be of this gross impropriety which this Min­ reYiewed at the commencement of the oper­ ister has committed. Only a week ago all of ation of No. 1 terminal. It appears that one Australia was sho2-ked by the premature member of the authority disagrees with most announcement of the Federal Budget. At of the others. From a newspaper report that the time Mr Howard said that if he had I read this morning, I understand that he been in any way responsible for the leak has not been associated with the recom­ Parliament could have, and would rightly mendations of the authority, but he seems have, expected his resignation. He said that to have the ear of the Government and has he would giYe it. Should members of the been instrumental in some of the decisions Queensland Cabinet be bound by any lower that have controverted those of the author­ standards than those? Should this Parliament ity. That member of the authority says he expect any lower standards than those? I represents the stevedoring companies and, as such, represents the interests of free enter­ would say, "No, indeed we should not." prise. The Federal Police were called in to Obviously one person, apart from myself, investigate. In the Federal Budget leaks, disagrees with this. I refer to Mr. Harpham those concerns were paramount. In Federal of the United Graziers Association. He Parliament, the Treasurer called upon the said that the statements made by Mr Baillie Federal Police to find the culprit and charge on Nationwide that he would use No. 2 him. I would like to quote from "The berth as an auxiliarv to No. 1 container Courier-Mail" of Monday, 18 August- berth would mean that one company would "In November, 1947, the British Chan­ be operating both of these berths, towards cellor of the Exchequer, Dr Hugh Dalton, which some $50m has been spent in devel­ resigned after having told a reporter that opment by the Port of Brisbane Authority. beer prices would rise by a penny a Quite obviously there is a change towards pint in his Budget. containers in shipping through the port of "The Labour Prime Minister, Mr Attlee, Brisbane. Mr Harpham also said he feels was forced by pressure from the Winston that this is the thin end of the wedge to Churchill-led Opposition to appoint a enable BATL and BWWD to get control of select committee of inquiry into Dr No. 2 berth. They have sole use of these Dalton's action and to accept his resig­ two berths on which $50m has been spent by the Port of Brisbane Authority. He nation." states that this \Vill be a monopoly. Can we expect any less in this Parliament? (Time expired.) My concern centres not only on gross impropriety but also on the commercial STATE BUDGET DETAILS ON EDUCATION advantage that could be gained as a result of these Budget leaks, particularly in soft­ Mrs KYBURZ (Salisbury) (5.43 p.m.): wear which is pushed into schools by some Today a document has been circulated by firms. the Minister for Education containing some explicit details of financial allocations that What will happen to the person respons­ are to be made bv the Treasurer of this ible for these leaks? I consider it, as I State this coming Thursday-not tomorrow said before, to be a gross act of impropriety. but the day after. I therefore submit that I call upon the Premier of this State to the Minister for Education has blatantly step in immediately in defence of the prop­ breached the traditions of parliamentary pro­ riety and integrity of the whole of his priety by releasing detailed facts and figures Cabinet. If he does not act now by immedi­ of budgetry allocations which should have ately suspending the Minister for Education, remained strictly-I repeat "strictly"-con­ he wil! be shown to have no concern for this fidential. Parliament. 204 Adjournment [26 AuGUST 1980] Adjournment

Another thing that we must be concerned they give the Government notice? Surely about is the number of copies of the docu­ it is the responsibility of the companies con­ ment circulating. I am backed up by my cerned to run their business along the lines colleague on the Education committee, the that they see fit. member for Southport (Mr Peter White), I believe that it is up to us, as members who has resigned from that committee in of the State Parliament, to tell the Federal protest at being shown Budget leaks. I call Government that we disagree completely upon the Premier to take action over this with its policy, that it should allow the Minister, who I believe should be suspended companies concerned, as they see fit, to immediately. arrange concessions for sporting bodies or other bodies that wish to travel on a group GROUP AIR FARES basis. Surely it is their responsibility to have the seats in the aircraft filled and to Mr POWELL (Isis) (5.47 p.m.): I rise in help people travel throughout the State. As this place to discuss a matter which rather Queensland is such a large State, I believe it shocks me. I refer to an article on the front has a special case, and I sincerely hope that page of last Sunday's "Sunday Sun" headed honourable members will take up the call "Air fares shock to charity". The article is that I have made to redirect the Federal reported to emanate from "Sunday Sun's" Government in a sensible direction. Canberra office. In that we read that the Federal Government has had the temerity to approach both Ansett and T AA to stop ESTABLISHMENT OF GOVERNMENT-MANAGED concessions being given to sporting bodies FUNERAL FUND and other people who fly in groups. Mr WRIGHT (Rockhampton) (5.52 p.m.): I would have thought that the Liberal-led I rise to advocate the establishment of a Government in Canberra was one that pro­ special Government-managed funeral fund moted free enterprise and, as such, would to lessen the financial burden of dying. have been able to sustain the proposition It is well known to honourable members that those two companies ought to be able that today the cost of dying is nudging the to vie one with the other in arrangements $1,000 mark. It is certainly a burden for, for sensible amounts of money for group and a source of worry to, the aged. In many bookings. As was pointed out by those who instances, relatives are left with a debt for oppose the Federal Government's point of funeral expenses that they cannot afford. view, generally speaking the people who fly Unfortunately, many pensioners are afraid in these groups do so in off-peak periods. In to put money aside because they believe that other words, the aircraft would otherwise be any additional savings could affect their pen­ almost empty and the people travelling by sions. concession are merely filling up those aircraft. The existing Federal Government funeral I have sent telegrams to the Federal mem­ benefit is a miserable $40, and it drops back ber for Wide Bay and to Queensland senators to $20 if the claimant is not a pensioner. I asking them to approach the Minister for believe that the solution lies with the SGIO, Transport (Mr Ralph Hunt) to see that if a special type of whole-of-life insurance something sensible is done. The way the cum funeral-benefit scheme is adopted. My Federal Government is acting in this matter inquiries show that the SGIO could launch a is just plain stupid. In fact, at a meeting special funeral benefit plan, the benefits of of the Bundaberg branch of the National which, while being part of an estate, could Party last night a resolution was passed be paid out immediately without the usual unanimously condemning the Federal Gov­ letters of administration from the Public ernment's attitude on this matter. They, too, Trust Office. will be taking the matter up. The policy could cover both the bread­ It is quite sensible, I suppose, for people winner and the spouse in a similar way to of Victoria to complain about concessions the "his and her" insurance concept. for sporting groups travelling on aircraft. Depending on the applicant's age, no medi­ However, the problems of communication in cal check-up would be required, and a Victoria are not comparable with those in scheme could be developed to cover Queensland. employees in a particular industry en bloc. It would be possible to subscribe to such a The Queensland Soccer Federation conducts fund for a very low amount. In fact, there a State league competition and teams from could be a $2,000 coverage for between $1 Mareeba to the Gold Coast travel throughout and $2 a week. It would be possible, also, to the State. That has raised the standard of have written into such a scheme an escala­ soccer in Queensland. It would not have tion clause to meet the inflationary trends in been possible if T AA had not been able to our society today. arrange a concession for the clubs involved. Now we find that the Federal Government This would really remove the difficulties is saying to TAA and Ansett, "You can't now facing many people. There is no reason carry on with those concessions." What rot! why we cannot have such a scheme, and the I understand that the Minister concerned was SGIO should take it upon itself to embark a bit embarrassed and said, "Well, they mav upon such a scheme and give a lead to be able to do it if they give the Government society in Queensland. notice of what they are doing." Why should The House adjourned at 5.53 p.m.