Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

WEDNESDAY, 1 AUGUST 1973

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

4 Special Adjournment [1 AUGUST 1973] Papers

WEDNESDAY, 1 AUGUST 1973

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. W. H. Lonergan, Flinders) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m.

ABSENCE OF THE CLERK Mr. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that the Clerk of the Parliament has been granted leave of absence to attend the 19th Commonwealth Parliamentary Confer­ ence in London as the secretary to the Australian States' delegation.

OPPOSITION WHIP

RESIGNATION OF MR. D. J. SHERRINGTON Mr. SPEAKER: I also have to inform the House that, on 30 June 1973, Mr. D. J. Sherrington tendered his resignation from the position of Opposition Whip.

PAPERS The following papers were laid on the table, and ordered to be printed:­ Reports- Public Accountants Registration Board, for the year 1972. Under Secretary for Mines, for the year 1972. The following papers were laid on the table:- Proclamations under- Racing and Betting Act 1954-1972. Door to Door (Sales) Act Amendment Act 1973. Metric Conversion Act 1972. Justices Act Amendment Act 1973. Small Claims Tribunals Act 1973. The Justices Acts, 1886 to 1968. Jury Act Amendment Act 1972. Elections Act and the Criminal Code Amendment Act 1973. Unordered Goods and Services Act 1973. Mock Auctions Act 1973. District Courts Act 1967-1972. The Maintenance Act of 1965. Water Act and Another Act Amendment Act 1973. Pollution of Water by Oil Act 1973. Orders in Council under- Audit Acts Amendment Act 1926-1971. State and Regional Planning and Dev­ elopment, Public Works Organization and Environmental Control Act 1971- 1973. Workers' Compensation Act 1916-1973. Racing and Betting Act 1954-1972. Papers [1 AUGUST 1973) Ministerial Statement 5

Decentralization of Magistrates Courts MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Act 1965-1972. Justices Act 1886-1973. CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS, STATES AND The Magistrates Courts Acts, 1921 to COMMONWEALTH 1964. Hon. W. E. KNOX (Nundah-Minister Public Curator Act 1915-1971. for Justice) (11.8 a.m.): For the information The Supreme Court Act of 1921. of honourable members, I lay upon the table Liquor Act 1912-1972. of the House a copy of a petition to Her Elections Act 1915-1973. Majesty the Queen on behalf of the Govern­ District Courts Act 1967-1972. ment of Queensland, together with papers relating to that petition. In doing so, I The Explosives Acts, 1952 to 1963. desire to report to the House on the events Medical Act 1939-1971. that have recently occurred in relation to Medical Act 1939-1973. the division of constitutional powers between Children's Services Act 1965-1973. the States and the Commonwealth of Industrial Development Act 1963-1973. Australia. State Housing Act 1945-1972. By way of preface, I remind the House Water Act 1926-1968. that the Commonwealth Constitution set out Water Act 1926-1973. in detail the results of agreement amongst Irrigation Act 1922-1973. the States as at 1900 as to the division of River Improvement Trust Act 1940- powers between the States and the then 1971. newly formed Commonwealth of Australia. It also provided means for the alteration of Harbours Act 1955-1972. that division of power by way of referenda. Beach Protection Act 1968-1972. Serious disagreement arose in 1969, when Regulations under- the Commonwealth Government announced Public Service Act 1922-1968. an intention to legislate to declare Common­ State and Regional Planning and Dev­ wealth sovereignty below low-water mark. elopment, Public Works Organization The matter came into prominence because of and Environmental Control Act 1971- the improvements in technology which made 1973. off-shore mining a feasible proposition. The Workers' Compensation Act 1916-1973. proposed legislation by the Commonwealth The Petroleum Acts, 1923 to 1967. Government in this regard was the subject of considerable controversy, and, as a result, the Mining Act 1968-1971. legislation was still not introduced when the The Door to Door (Sales) Act of 1966. Commonwealth Government changed hands Elections Act 1915-1973. on 2 December last year. Small Claims Tribunals Act 1973. The present Federal Government intro­ The Art Union Regulation Acts, 1964 to 1965. duced similar legislation-the Seas and Sub­ merged Lands Bill-early this year. The Warehousemen's Liens Act 1973. Bill has not yet been finally passed by the The Contracts of Sale of Land Act of Federal Parliament. In the meantime, the 1933. Prime Minister and the Federal Attorney­ The Co-operative and Other Societies General went to London and are reported to Act of 1967. have requested the United Kingdom Govern­ Liquor Act 1912-1972. ment to enact legislation abolishing appeals Trust Accounts Act 1973. from State Courts to the Judicial Committee Health Act 1937-1971. of the Privy Council. Health Act 1937-1973. At this stage, the State of Tasmania had Children's Services Act 1965-1973. prepared a submission to Her Majesty asking Irrigation Act 1922-1973. that she refer to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council certain questions relating Harbours Act 1955-1972. to sovereignty below low-water mark. This Queensland Marine Act 1958-1972. procedure is available by reason of section 4 Traffic Act 1949-1971. of the Judicial Committee Act 1833 (United The State Transport Acts, 1960 to 1965. Kingdom) which would permit of the Judicial Committee giving an advisory opinion on By-laws under- such matters. Such a jurisdiction is not Medical Act 1939-1971. available to the High Court. Harbours Act 1955-1972. A petition in similar terms was drafted on Railways Act 1914-1971 (Nos. 1033 to behalf of the State of Queensland, and the 1040). Solicitor-General, Mr. T. Parslow, Q.C., went to London and lodged the petition with the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account Clerk of the Privy Council on 31 May. At of The Union-Fidelity Trustee Com­ the same time, the Tasmanian petition was pany of Australia Limited. also lodged. 6 Ministerial Statement [1 AUGUST 1973] Questions Without Notice

Following this, a detailed submission was Whereupon the papers referred to were prepared and also lodged with the Privy laid on the table, and ordered to be printed. Council by the Solicitor-General of Queens­ land. This submission sets out details of the matters referred to in the petition. A similar QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE submission was also lodged by Tasmania. In the meantime, the Commonwealth Govern­ SESSIONAL ORDER ment introduced the Privy Council Appeals Abolition Bill, which purports firstly, as an Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah­ exercise of Commonwealth power, to abolish Premier), by leave, without notice: I move- such appeals, and secondly, to request and "That during this session, unless other­ consent to United Kingdom legislation to the wise ordered, and notwithstanding the same effect. This necessitated a further sub­ provision of Standing Order No. 68, mission by the Solicitor-General and by questions may be asked by members with­ Tasmania. That Bill also is presently in out notice being given. The period abeyance. allotted each day for the asking of questions unon notice and without notice and for Two further documents were compiled. the answering of questions shall not exceed The States of New South Wales, Victoria, one hour." South Australia and Western Australia pre­ pared and delivered to the Privy Council a Motion agreed to. memorandum in support of the petitions of Queensland and Tasmania. ORDER IN CHAMBER All States combined in a further memor­ andum setting out the views of the States in Mr. W ALUS-SMITH (Cook) proceeding relation to the unilateral approach to the to give notice of a question- United Kingdom by the Commonwealth Honourable Members interjected. Government, acting without the request or consent of the States and asking for United Mr. SPEAKER: Order! In the past I have Kingdom legislation to abolish appeals from made the point that, when questions are being the courts of the States to the Privy Council. asked, l expect all honourable members to The Premiers of four States-Queensland, remain silent. If one can believe what hon­ New South Wales, Victoria and Western ourable members say about question time, it is considered to be an important period. Australia-together with the Attorneys­ However, from the manner in which, at times, General of Tasmania, South Australia, they conduct themselves, I often wonder Queensland and New South Wales, met in whether it is. London and subsequently held meetings with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, Sir Alec Douglas Home, and the QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Prime Minister, Mr. Heath. INVESTIGATION OF RAILWAY CLERICAL STAFF The Solicitors-General had meetings with ESTABLISHMENT, CAIRNS United Kingdom legal officers in the Attorney-General's Department, the Privy Mr. ARMSTRONG: I ask the Minister for Council and the Foreign and Commonwealth Transport: Following the recent investiga­ Office. tion of the railway clerical staff establishment at Cairns, is he in a position to provide I table the documents lodged with the details of any proposed changes? If so, what United Kingdom authorities. They are as are the proposals? follows:- Petitions from Queensland and Tasmania Mr. K. W. HOOPER: Whilst I am aware with the supporting submissions and that there has been such an investigation, I further submissions of both States; am not in a position to give details of any alterations that might result from it. The Memorandum in support of the two investigation is only just completed, and I petitions-from New South Wales, Vic­ understand that the Commissioner for Rail­ toria, South Australia and Western ways has not received the report of his Australia; and officers. However, in view of the representa­ Memorandum with reference to the tions made by the honourable member, I shall request for United Kingdom legislation to provide him with a reply when the inform­ abolish appeals to the Privy Council­ ation is available. from all States. I would add that investigations similar to As yet, there has been no formal statement that conducted at Cairns are being undertaken of any decision by Her Majesty in relation continually throughout the State to establish to the petitions and no formal advice fronn ways and means of reducing operating costs. the United Kingdom in relation to the Despite increasing rail traffic, dieselisation memorandum of all States on abolition of and other technological advances enable appeals to the Privy Council. savings to be made. Questions Without Notice (1 AUGUST 1973] Questions Without Notice 7

PREMIUMS, STORM AND TEMPEST INSURANCE Mr. CAMM: The land in question on the beaches constitutes an amalgamation of Mr. CASEY: I ask the Premier: Is he a number of dredging leases granted by the aware that, with the approval of the Insurance previous Labor Government between 1940 Commissioner, all insurance companies oper­ and 1943. ating in Queensland have established a three­ zone system for determining storm and Opposition Members interjected. tempest premiums, namely, North Coast, Mr. CAMM: I can understand the embar­ South Coast and Inland? Is he also aware rassment of honourable members opposite, that in April of this year all companies but the leases were granted in perpetuity and lifted their storm and tempest rates in the no restrictions whatsoever were placed on northern zone-a strip roughly 200 miles the lessees. This situation has worried the wide from south of Mackay to Cape York­ Government for some time but, legally, our by, in most cases, 250 per cent, supposedly hands are tied in any action to remove the because of cyclone risks? As this is causing limit of the title. extreme hardship, particularly to pensioner The company in question has agreed to home-owners, and is another penalty that accept a code of working conditions but, at Northerners must pay because they are pre­ best, these conditions are only the result of pared to decentralise this State, will his a voluntary agreement. However, I am Government take action through the Insur­ pleased to be able to inform the honourable ance Commissioner and the State Govern­ member that officers of my department have ment Insurance Office to equate storm and been working in collaboration with the com­ tempest insurance rates throughout the State? pany and, 1 trust, the Gold Coast City Coun­ cil, in an effort to arrive at some agreement Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The honour­ whereby this difficult situation can be allevi­ able member has raised a very important ated and the points of conflict settled. issue; it is one that concerns many people. This matter was raised with the Treasurer BRISBANE MUNICIPAL TRANSPORT AUTHORITY in Innisfail at the time of the recent Cabinet meeting in that centre. It was referred to Sir Mr. R. JONES: I ask the Minister for Gordon for investigation. Transport: What stage have negotiations reached in the establishment of a Brisbane Mr. CASEY: I wish to ask the Premier a Municipal Transport Authority as promised supplementary question. As weather con­ by the Government 15 months ago, before the ditions in the more populous areas of South 1972 State election? Queensland can cause far greater damage Mr. K. W. HOOPER: We have set up a over a period of time than any cyclone­ subdepartment of experts to implement the we are all aware of the severe flooding and Government's plans immediately after we wind damage that occurred here last month receive the funds promised by the Common­ and the wild summer hailstorms that are wealth Government. However, as recently as experienced in this part of the State-and Thursday of last week the Federal Minister as most North Queenslanders spend consider­ for Transport had no information to supply able sums of money in cyclone-proofing their to the States as to the honouring of the dwellings and other buildings, thus consider­ promise that he made in February to provide ably reducing the risk as well as the size of two-thirds of the sum req~1ired. All he said was that the States would have to wait claims for cyclone damage on insurance until the Federal Treasurer (Mr. Crean) companies, should they not be entitled to brought down his Budget; so we are anxiously some reduction in premiums because of such waiting for Mr. Crean to supply the necessary cyclone-proofing? finance. Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I can assure the honourable member that the matter PREMIER's VISIT TO UNITED STATES raised by him is one of the points that the Mr. TUCKER: I ask the Premier: Did Treasurer will be taking into consideration. his ambassadorial endeavours in the United States during his recent overseas visit include discussions with the President of that country? SAND MINING, TUGUN BEACH If not, with whom did he speak whilst in Washington and Disneyland? Mr. IDNZE: I direct a question to the Minister for Mines and Main Roads. In view In view of the very successful talks of the confrontation reported in today's Press between the Prime Minister (Mr. Whitlam) between a number of citizens on the South and the President of the United States, which Coast and a mining company concerning the have confirmed that Australia's international removal of mineral sands from the beach at standing has never been higher, will he now Tugun, will he inform the House what steps cease his futile forays into international are to be taken to abate or remove this politics and concentrate more on the office contentious situation? to which he was elected? 8 Questions Without Notice [1 AUGUST 1973] Questions Without Notice

Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The honour­ MINING LEASE No. 86, NANANGO MINING able member is obviously concerned about DISTRICT the foreign policy of the Federal Govern­ ment, and naturally I appreciate his concern, Mr. N. F. JONES: I ask the Premier: Is which obviously is shared by many other the Johannes Bjelke-Petersen who is Premier Australians. of Queensland the same- I hope that anything Mr. Whitlam may Mr. SPEAKER: Order! It is apparent have said overseas has tended to counter from the tone of the honourable member's the impressions and ideas that have spread question that he is endeavouring to be not only throughout the United States itself facetious. but to all other parts of the world. Mr. N. F. JONES: No, I am not. Mr. Tucker: Whom did you speak to over Mr. SPEAKER: If the honourable member there? endeavours to do so, I assure him that he will not get very far. Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I spoke to Mr. N. F. JONES: It is a serious matter. many important people, including the present ambassador. Mr. SPEAKER: I am surprised that a member of this Assembly is not av.are of Mr. Newton: Name one. the Premier's identity. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Mr. N. F. JONES: May I complete the question? It is a serious one. Is the Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I spoke to the Premier the same Johannes Bjelke-Petersen present United States ambassador and many who is part lessee in Mining Lease No. 86, in the Nanango mining district, containing other important people in Washington, as well potting clay and other ceramic minerals? as in other parts of the United States. I did everything in my power to counter the Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The honourable attitude being adopted by many people as a member is asking a question the answer to which he already knows, or ought to know. result of the Federal Government's actions. I have been associated with a lease in the area mentioned for over 20 years. If he Mr. Wright interjected. has only just found that out, it does not say very much for him as a member of Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I warn the this Parliament. Of course, I now have no honourable member for Rockhampton that if personal interest in that lease. he continues to interject I shall deal with him. STATEMENTS BY MEMBER FOR LYTTON AT Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I assure all FEDERAL A.L.P. CoNFERENCE honourable members opposite that I shall Mr. LANE: I ask the Premier: Has he, continue, in season and out of season to or has this Parliament, yet received any highlight the seriousness of the policies b~ing apology either orally or in writing from the pursued by the Federal Labor Government. honourable member for Lytton for the insult­ ing and larrikin-type statements he made pub­ Members of that Government are protes­ licly at the recent Federal A.L.P. Conference, ting-and rightly so-about the nuclear tests when he referred to the Premier as the that are being conducted by France in a "nut from Kingaroy" and the "Kingaroy certain area in this part of the world, but we kernel", and to the Parliament in degrading terms? Has the honourable member given hear nothing but token protests from them any indication that he intends to conduct about the much larger and much more himself in a responsible manner and with dangerous tests that are conducted by Red the decorum befitting a member in this China. Indeed, they are wining and dining place? Communist delegations in Australia at this Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I am not aware very moment. This is understandable because of any such apology being made by the of their close association with Communists. honourable member for Lytton. Nor would They are sponsoring these people in this I expect one, as I do not think anyone takes country without taking against them action the honourable member very seriously. similar to the action that they have taken APPOINTMENT OF TRADE COMMISSIONER, on this issue against the French. These are JAPAN things that I shall continue to emphasise not Mr. BROMLEY: I ask the Premier: In only in Australia but also in all other parts view of the great desirability of establishing of the world to which I may travel. We and maintaining a Queensland Trade Com­ cannot afford to have in office an A.L.P. missioner's Office in Japan, when is it pro­ posed that this important department will be Government Hmt we cannot trust to guide opened and who will be the first Trade the destiny of this great nation. Commissioner? Death of Ex-Members [1 AUGUST 1973] Death of Ex-Members 9

Mr. B.JELKE-PETERSEN: I think the were held in very high regard for their honourable member appreciates that I could contributions to former Governments of this not answer a question of this nature. I do State. not know whether he is trying to suggest Sir Arthur, who was affectionately known that perhaps he might have the opportunity as "Artie" by his very wide circle of friends, of being appointed, but at this stage I am was only the second Queenslander to become afraid I cannot give him or anybody else Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of any such assurance. Australia, the first being the late Mr. Andrew Fisher. INTERSTATE EXCHANGE OF DETECTIVES, GoLD CoAsT AREA Sir Arthur died in Brisbane on 21 April last at the age of 78. He was a very Mr. D'ARCY: I ask the Minister for colourful member and a forceful debater. Works and Housing: Will he consider station­ He had the distinction of being the ing on the Gold Coast, on exchange, top first person to have an audience with southern detectives on a round-the-year basis Her Majesty the Queen after her accession, to help in the detection of southern criminals? and he was the last person to be invested with a knighthood by the Queen's father, the late Mr. HODGES: A policy similar to what King George the Sixth. the honourable member suggests is being pursued at the moment. Sir Arthur Fadden was born in Ingham in 1885 and completed his formal education at Walkerston, near Mackay. He left school ORDER IN CHAMBER at 15 years of age and worked as a general help to a gang of cane-cutters. He later M:r. !HNZE (South Coast) proceeding to worked as a clerk at the Pleystowe sugar give notice of a question- mill before joining the Mackay City Council as Deputy Town Clerk. This gave him Mr. SPEAKER: Order! his first contact with politics, through local government. After serving as Town Clerk Mr. Sherrington: The honourable member of Mackay for three years he went to Towns­ for South Coast wants to build a casino ville and established a very successful down there. He is only shedding crocodile accountancy business. tears. In 1930 Sir Arthur became an alderman Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I would be very of the Townsville City Council, and in loath to suspend the honourable member for 1932 he won the State seat of Kennedy. Salisbury today, so I ask him to restrain Following a redistribution he lost the seat himself. in 1935, but this gave him a chance to enter Federal politics the following year as Country Party member for Darling Downs DEATHS OF RT. HON. SIR ARTHUR and he served first as a back-bench sup­ FADDEN, G.C.M.G., AND HON. H. E. porter of the Lyons Government and later the Menzies Government. His rise in SIZER Canberra can only be described as amazing. MoTION OF CoNDOLENCE In a little over three years he became Assistant Treasurer and followed Sir Earl Hon. .J. B.l'ELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah Page as Country Party Leader In this -Premier) (12.14 p.m.), by leave, without position he became Federal Treasurer and notice: I move- Deputy Prime Minister to the then Mr. "1. That this House desires to place on Ivfenzies. Sir Arthur was also Minister for record its appreciation of the services Air and Civil Aviation. rendered to this State by the late Right In Awmst 1941 the man who started his Honourable Sir Arthur Fadden, G.C.M.G., career with a cane-cutting gang became Prime a former member of the Parliament of Minister of Australia, a position he held for Queensland and Prime Minister of Aus­ a little over a month. From 1941 to 1943 tralia, and the Honourable Hubert Ebenezer he was Leader of the Federal Opposition Sizer, a former member of the Parliament and held leadership of the Country Party of Queensland and Minister of the Crown. from 1941 to 1958. "2. That Mr. Speaker be requested to convey to the families of the deceased When the Liberal-Country Party regained gentlemen the above resolution, together office in Canberra in 1949 he again became with an expression of the sympathy and Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister under sorrow of the members of the Parliament Sir Robert Menzies. Then followed the of Queensland in the loss that they have longest and most successful partnership in sustained." Australian politics-a record-breaking Prime Minister and a record-breaking Treasurer. It is with deep regret that I move this This was a period of post-war economic motion of condolence following the deaths growth in Australia when Sir Arthur's prac­ of two former members of the Queensland tical accountancy, political knowledge and Parliament, namely, Sir Arthur Fadden, experience were fully taxed. As many of G.C.M.G., and Hubert Sizer, both of whom us no doubt recall, during this nine-year 10 Death of Ex-Members [1 AUGUST 1973] Death of Ex-Members partnership Sir Arthur represented Australia He was known to all of us as a brilliant at numerous international and Common­ speaker. The Premier referred to his vast wealth economic and financial conferences. fund of stories. Some were printable, and others perhaps not, but there was never an He was Acting Prime Minister on eight occasion on which he was asked to speak occasions before retiring from politics in that he could not relate a story that would 1958. Artie Fadden will long be remembered immediately convince his audience of his for his tremendous contribution to the ability to make a speech on any subject. development of Australia and as a humorous storyteller. He also had the. ability to make and keep friends. Something that I learnt from him Mr. Sizer died in Melbourne on 4 May early in my political career, which I will last at the age of 79 years. He was the last always remember-something that I believe surviving Cabinet Minister in the Moore we could all remember-was conveyed by his Government, which held office between statement as he looked at those who sat on 1929 and 1932. Born in Cambridge, England, the opposite side of the Chamber that they in 1893, he came to Queensland as a youth were always opponents, but never enemies. and worked as a journalist. At the outbreak I believe that that was one attribute that of World War I he joined the Army and made him the great man he was. served in the Gallipoli campaign. The late Hubert Sizer was known to me. On returning to Australia he made his It is 26 years since I entered this House first venture into politics, but was defeated and the honourable gentleman was not a in the 1917 Federal election for the seat of member then, but during the period when Kennedy, which 15 years later was won in those who now sit on this side of the House the State sphere by Sir Arthur Fadden. The were seated on the other side Hubert Sizer next year Mr. Sizer defeated the sitting never missed an opportunity to either write Labor member for Nundah to enter this or otherwise communicate with those assoc­ Legislative Assembly. Following a redistribu­ iated with his line of politics, giving a little tion he switched to the seat of Sandgate advice from his own experience and trying which he held until his retirement from to be helpful to those who were carrying politics in 1935. He was appointed Labour the banner that he had passed on. It was and Industry Minister in the Moore Govern­ in this way that I knew the late gentleman ment after the Country-Progressive National quite well. Party coalition victory in the 1929 elections. This afternoon I wish to associate myself He was credited with having put Queensland's and the members of the Liberal Party with relief scheme on a sound basis during the this motion of condolence, and to express depression years. our sympathy to the relatives of the two departed gentlemen. After his retirement from politics Mr. Sizer turned to his business interests, includ­ Mr. HOUSTON (Bulimba-Leader of ing many mining ventures, which he pursued the Opposition) (12.26 p.m.): I wish to join until his death. the Premier and Deputy Premier in the sentiments that they have expressed. I do Both these men made important contribu­ not think there would be many on the tions to the Governments of both Queensland Opposition side at present who knew eith~r and Australia. gentleman whilst he was a member of th1s House. Certainly Mr. Sizer passed through On behalf of the Government and members a period in Parliament that is unknown to of Parliament, I extend sincere sympathy to most of us. However, from the records I the families and relatives of these two former must endorse what has been said by the members of the Queensland Legislative mover and the seconder of the motion. Assembly. Sir Arthur Fadden was known to every­ Hon. Sir GORDON CHALK (Lockyer­ one in Australia as a member of the Federal Treasurer) (12.22 p.m.): I associate myself Parliament, and also as Treasurer and Deputy with the motion of condolence that has been Prime Minister of our nation. Although moved by the Premier. He outlined very I did not follow his political career as fully the political history of both the deceased closely as one follows the careers of mem­ gentlemen, and, consequently, there is little bers of one's own party, I certainly knew more that can be said in that regard. him in a private capacity, particularly on his retirement from politics when he However, I think it can be said that Sir still took an active interest in affairs Arthur Fadden was a great Australian, a around him. I agree that he was a very great Queenslander and, above all, a great likeable person who was always good com­ North Queenslander. He was k,'lown through­ pany. Naturally, Opposition members sym­ out Australia, and for that matter overseas, pathise with the relatives of both gentlemen because of his advocacy on behalf of th.is in the loss that they have sustained. State. Undoubtedly he made a valuable con­ tribution to the history of Australia. I believe Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) (12.28 that, as our history is recorded, his efforts p.m.): I should like to associate myself with and deeds will be acknowledged by Aus­ this condolence motion. I did not know tralians as the real history of his day. the late Hubert Ebenezer Sizer. As one Death of Ex-Members [1 AUGUST 1973] Death of Ex-Members 11 of those who were victims of the Moore They did not know very much about the Government, all I knew of him was his English language, and some of them, of name and his official office, but I understand course, knew very little of the style of from those who knew him that in many preferential voting. When Artie went through respects he was an excellent fellow. My the electorate, he met quite a lot of these sympathies go out to his sorrowing relatives. Italians and they told him quite frankly that they were not going to vote for him, that As a North Queenslander, I did know, they had had enough of the Moore Govern­ and I respected and liked, the late Sir ment and were going to vote to put the Arthur Fadden. He was a most remarkable other man into Parliament, the other man man in many respects. I think Rudyard being Paddy Hayes. Artie Fadden did what Kipling must have known a man like Sir I think was one of the shrewdest political Arthur Fadden when he wrote- things that has ever been done. He said, "I "If you can talk with crowds and keep will tell you what to do. There are two your virtue, of us in this fight, Paddy Hayes and myself. I Or walk with Kings-nor lose the com­ know you want to vote for Paddy Hayes mon touch, and you don't want to vote for me, so I will If neither foes nor loving friends can tell you how to do it. You give two votes hurt you, to Paddy Hayes and one vote to me. Put '2' If all men count with you, but not too opposite the name 'Paddy Hayes' and '1' much;" opposite the name 'Artie Fadden'." They said, 'That's right Artie. That's what we will That was Arthur Fadden. No matter how do.' That is what they did, and Artie rolled high he rose in the offices of this country, home by the very narrow majority of 91 he remained the same Arthur Fadden that he was when he started. He had a very votes. remarkable degree of egalitarianism. He I do not want to talk about that aspect of was delightfully gregarious. There was Artie Fadden's life; I want to talk about the not a trace of snobbery or snootiness in his tremendous amount of good he did for a whole make-up, and that is why he was tremendous number of people when he was respected and loved wherever he went. Federal Treasurer. I know how many times I went to Artie Fadden when he was Federal Arthur Fadden was no man's fool, having Treasurer and asked him to do something come up the hard way, and, consequently, for some organisation in North Queensland. he had quite a lot of things in him that I remember particularly when I went to him made him the successful politician that he and asked him to take the sales tax off the was. I will tell this story of him because he "Curly Bells" that were being erected on the told it of himself so often. He never missed sports reserve at Townsville by the Townsville coming to see me or letting me know when Rugby League. Although perhaps it was not he came to Townsville, and I was always technically the right thing for Artie to do, eager to go and see him and swap remi­ he did not hesitate for a moment. He said, niscences with him. He was a keen political "Tom, I'll fix that for you. You know of my judge, of course. I remember that not long association with Rugby League in Towns­ after I first ran for Parliament in this State vi!le." He did it, and he did many things for and was successful, someone said, "Oh, it which I was grateful on behalf of all the won't be long. The A.L.P. will do Aikens people of North Queensland. over one of these elections," and Artie Fadden made his prognostication: "The Indeed, Artie Fadden told a very fine A.L.P. will never beat Tom Aikens, even if story himself of the Rugby League in Towns­ they let the A.L.P. mark all the ballot papers ville. He was one of the stalwarts of the themselves." That, of course, was very Rugby League Executive in Townsville and complimentary to me, but it turned out to very frequently officiated as a referee. One be very true. of the big matches held annually in Towns­ ville in those days was one between Palm I remember very clearly indeed, because in Island and Townsville. On one occassion those days I was a very active member of the boat came over from Palm Island, bring­ the A.L.P., when Sir Arthur Fadden first ran ing the Palm Island team and all the Palm for the seat of Kennedy in 1932 and I Island supporters. They played Townsville, campaigned against him. I was then out of and Artie Fadden was the referee. This is work, having been refused re-employment by one of his best stories, and it is quite true. the Moore Government as a striker in the big The Palm Islanders won the match by nine 1931 northern railway strike. Nobody knew points to nil. As they were all down near better than Artie Fadden that he was going Hayles' Wharf waiting to get on the boat and to be 'scratching gravel', to use an old go back to Palm Island that night, they were western saying, to beat a rather incon­ all very elated at having beaten Townsville. spicuous opponent in the person of the late There was a big, buxom Aboriginal woman Paddy Hayes. In those days it was not a there, and as a fellow went past he said to question of compulsory preferential voting this big, buxom woman, "Who won the but of optional preferential voting. A great match today?" She said, "We won. We won majority of the electors in the then Kennedy by 9 points to nil. They wouldn't even have electorate were up in the Ingham area, and got to nil if that bloody Artie Fadden hadn't many of them were of Italian extraction. been the empire." 12 Death of Ex-Members (1 AUGUST 1973] Address in Reply

I do want to pay tribute to the late Artie GOVERNOR'S OPENING SPEECH Fadden on behalf of many charitable and other worth-while organisations in North Mr. SPEAKER: I have to report that His Queensland. I do not know whether many Excellency the Governor, on Tuesday, 31 July, delivered to Parliament an Opening people are aware of it-I know the Ministers Speech of which, for greater accuracy, I are-but Artie Fadden was one of the execu­ have obtained a copy. I presume honourable tors of the estate of the late J. S. Love. members will take the Speech as read? Originally there were two executors-a man named Collins and Artie Fadden. Collins Honourable Members: Hear, hear! died, leaving Artie Fadden as the sole execu­ tor. Every man has the right 1o bequeath his money the way he wishes to, so I do ADDRESS IN REPLY not criticise the late J. S. Love for what Mr. FRAWLEY (Murrumba) (12.40 p.m.), he did. However, in his will there was a who was received with Government "Hear, stringent provision that no money was to hears!", said: I move- be paid out of his estate to any organisation "That the following Address be presented that was associated even remotely with the to the Governor in reply to the Speech Roman Catholic Church. I am not criticising delivered by His Excellency in opening that provision, but that was J. S. Love's idea this, the second session of the Fortieth and it appeared in his will. When a great Parliament of Queensland- many applications were made to him for 'May it please Your Excellency:­ a donation from the J. S. Love estate, Artie Fadden had the very unenviable job 'We, Her Majesty's loyal and dutiful of deciding whether he could make the subjects, the Members of the Legislature donation and then whether the donation would of Queensland, in Parliament assembled, desire to assure Your Excellency of our be strictly in the terms of the will. Artie continued loyalty and affection towards Fadden made very big donations to very the Throne and Person of our Most many organisations, and many charitable Gracious Sovereign, and to tender our bodies in North Queensland have every cause thanks to Your Excellency for the Speech to remember very fondly his open-mindedness with which you have been pleased to and generosity. He frequently discussed the open the present session. matter with me. I know that the crippled 'The various measures to which Your children's and sub-normal children's organisa­ Excellency has referred, and all other tions benefited. One could talk for half an matters that may be brought before us, hour without exhausting the list of charitable will receive our most careful considera­ organisations in North Queensland to which tion, and it shall be our earnest Artie Fadden made substantial donations as endeavour so to deal with them that our the executor of the J. S. Love estate. All labours may tend to the advancement the time, of course, he was bound by that and prosperity of the State.' " stringent provision or, should I say, inhibition As the fifth member for Murrumba, I follow in the J. S. Love will. four very distinguished gentlemen who con­ I was always happy to meet Artie Fadden. tributed much to the State of Queensland, The last occasion was at a function at the namely, Mr. James Forsyth, 1912 to 1918, Centenary Hotel in Townsville. The Minister Mr. Dick Warren, 1918 to 1932, Sir Francis for Justice was the guest of honour on Nicklin, 1932 to 1950, when he became that occasion. Artie was in fine form. He the member for Landsborough, and, last but never minced words but he never became not least, Sir David Nicholson, a former too plebeian. He was of the people, and Speaker who served in this Parliament from he did not want anyone to think that he 1950 until his retirement in 1972. These men, whose footsteps I have been chosen to was not. Abraham Lincoln once said, "God follow, set a very high standard indeed, and must have loved the common people because he made so many of them." Artie Fadden it is my earnest hope that I, too, may con­ was one of the common people and he was tribute something of value during my stay proud of it. He lived as one of the common here. people and he died as one of the common I am fortunate in that I was the first people. member for Murrumba to be elected as a Government member. The others all took My sincerest condolences go to Artie their seats in Opposition. Fortunately, they Fadden's family. I know Lady Fadden; she became the Government later on. On is a lovely woman. My condolences also go checking the records I find that, in the 61 to all those who were associated by family years that the electorate has been in existence, ties with one who was a very fine, out­ I am the only member for Murrumba to standing North Queenslander-the late Sir move the Address in Reply. I am deeply Arthur Fadden. conscious, therefore, of the honour bestowed on me by the Government in allowing me to Motion (Mr. Bjelke-Petersen) agreed to, move this motion. I have no doubt that my honourable members standing in silence. predecessors were all men who would have Address in Reply [1 AUGUST 1973] Address in Reply 13 been equally capable of moving a similar and the influence of parents sometimes tends Address had they been given the opportunity to be overlooked. Every encouragement will to do so. be given towards ensuring that parents are I should like to reaffirm the continued able to learn about children and education loyalty of my constituents to Her Majesty through participation in the education process the Queen, and to congratulate Sir Colin itself. Hannah on the very efficient and capable Careful checks must be made to ensure manner in which he has carried out his duties that parents are not excluded. The pre-school as Governor of Queensland. I should also is an extension of the home, and we should like to congratulate the Premier and the see that pre-school education draws its origins Deputy Premier for the strong leadership they from the home experiences of the child. One have given us over the past year. These two of the most difficult problems in early educa­ men have no doubt carved a niche for them­ tion is the development of a programme for selves in Queensland's political history. pre-school education. There must be con­ siderable diversification of programmes and Perhaps one of the most important the development of methods to meet the decisions made by this Government was to individual needs of young children. We will introduce pre-school centres to provide free see this take place in the coming years, with pre-school training for all children whose experimentation in buildings and the type of parents wish to avail themselves of the module unit set up for young children. facility. Where possible, the pre-school will be established within each school. Pre-school We still have a long way to go in the education represents a major change in the development of pre-school education, and education system of this State and will take there will be many changes over the next several years to implement. At present few years. Some time ago one of the new three pre-schools are already operating, with members of the Opposition described the new about another 39 in various stages of con­ pre-school-education programme as a "bodgie struction. Before going any further, I should system", yet he could not come up with an like to assure all those kindergarten commit­ acceptable alternative. This is fairly typical tees which may be concerned as to the future of some of the wild and irresponsible state­ of the community-controlled kindergarten ments that have been made by immature new when a pre-school centre is in operation in members of this Parliament. close proximity that the State Government As a matter of interest, I should like to has no intention of destroying the work that inform honourable members that there is has been done voluntarily by these people not one pre-school in existence in the elector­ over the past 66 years. ate of Murrumba. However, planning is The substantial increase in financial aid well advanced, and in the near future pre­ to the Creche and Kindergarten Association schools will be established at Deception Bay, and its member kindergartens throughout the Woodford, Samford and Kippa-Ring. State is indicative of this Government's During the past year I have made a attitude towards them. I should like to number of pleas in this Chamber on behalf take this opportunity of assuring the com­ of the people whose land has been resumed mittees and parents of the Kippa-Ring and by the Brisbane City Council for the North Caboolture kindergartens, both of which are Pine River Dam. I now make a further plea in the electorate of Murrumba, of my con­ on behalf of all those people who are suffer­ tinued support. ing mental and financial hardship as a result I hope the time will come when the State of the tactics adopted by the Brisbane City Government can meet the total cost of all Council in the payment of compensation. As teaching staff employed at all creche and at 30 June 1972, the council had available kindergartens. The standards established the sum of $3,762,421 in excess of actual for buildings, equipment and the preparation expenditure on the project, and this money of teachers are designed towards providing a was used to purchase Lennons Hotel. What quality of service which, I believe, many other a shocking state of affairs it is when money countries would regard with envy. that is approved specifically for the purpose of paying compensation to landholders is The concept of pre-school education is used for other means! undergoing considerable extension in this As this Government intended to back date State at the present time. It is abundantly legislation to give the ex-Town Clerk of clear that there will have to be an increase Brisbane the opportunity of appealing against in the number of teachers and in the institu­ hi-; wrongful dismissal, I see no reason why tions offering pre-school-teacher education programmes. The Minister for Education legislation to amend the Acquisition of Land Act could not similarly be back dated to and his officers have this matter in hand, force the Brisbane City Council to pay just and the shortage of teachers will be overcome compensation immediately to all those people in the very near future. whose land has been resumed. People have Adequate provision has been made for c'aimed payment, and under the Act com­ parent participation in pre-school education. pensation should be paid within 90 days of Far too frequently there has been over a claim being made; yet I know of one emphasis on the influence of schools and farmer who submitted a claim one year ago teachers in the shaping of a child's education, but has still not received any payment. 14 Address in Reply [1 AUGUST 1973] Address in Reply

Farmers are being prevented from pur­ A glaring example of the fraud that is chasing new farms to replace those being being perpetrated on the people in the North resumed for the dam, and the people who Pine River Dam area is the attempt to de­ are not receiving consideration from the prive an elderly couple of their _home and Brisbane City Council are, generally, Country livelihood. Mr. Wilhelm Harry Knesch, aged Party supporters who live outside the Bris­ 75, and his wife, aged 77, own a 150-acre bane electoral district. farm at Samsonvale for which they have been offered the ridiculously low sum of Since 1962, when .the Brisbane City $23,000. Three independent assessors have Council became the constructing authority, calculated that if the land had not been it has conducted a ruthless campaign against resumed it would fetch $150,000. Although the landholders in the North Pine River Mr. Kriesch has agreed to accept $51,000, Dam area. The valuer appointed by the payment of this amount has been refused. council has, in many cases, grossly under­ It will cost this couple all the money that valued properties, knowing full well that the they receive for their farm-that is, $23,000 costs of $2,000 and the delay in getting -just to purchase another home. their cases before the Land Court will deter many people from taking action to obtain This man has lived all his life on this justice. farm which his grandfather settled. A year ago he sold his dairy herd because he could Some of the cases that have reached the not plan or look ahead to a future which court are worth mentioning. A Miss Bell is uncertain. Progress cannot be denied, but was offered $39,000 for her 180-acre property it is not 'fight or just that people should be by the Brisbane City Council valuer, who, cast aside in the name of progress. This five mintues before the case was to be heard couple should be given a fair price for their in court, increased his offer to $44,000. When land without having to engage in a court asked why he did this, he replied that he had action. Mr. and Mrs. Kriesch must surely always valued the land at $44,000 but was be wondering if there is any justice left after instructed to offer less. What a filthy, rotten, reading the news that the Lord Mayor unprincipled action this was! It was nothing received $95,000 for a small block of land more than an attempt to rob an elderly lady in Brisbane and they are expected to accept of her heritage. a lousy $23,000 for the whole of their 150 acres. Some years ago the Lord Mayor of Bris­ bane robbed the ratepayers of Redcliffe in 'a When one examines the history of the subdivision of land when he refused to pro­ North Pine River Dam it is evident that vide roads, kerbs and channelling as he had the human factor has been forgotten and promised to do. The plan of subdivision had that people are being cast aside ruthlessly been signed by a trusting council, so legally in the name of progress. The case of Winn the Lord Mayor could not be forced to keep Brothers, who own and operate a sawmill at his word. He is still robbing people, but now Samsonvale, is another one that should be it is those in the Pine Shire. highlighted. These four brothers have 498 acres, a sawmill and six houses that the When the case I have just mentioned was Brisbane City Council has valued at $70,000. decided by the court it awarded a sum of That is an absolutely ridiculous valuation. $50,000, which was almost 28 per cent more This sum will not be enough to purchase than the original offer. In another case, homes for the families, let alone provide involving a property of 313 acres that be­ adequate compensation. These people have longed to a Mr O'Hara, the sum of $66,000 searched far and wide for land on which was offered and the court awarded $80,000. to re-establish their mill, but cannot find That, •too, was a substantial increase. In any suitable site under $100,000. A large another case the sum of $15,000 was offered sand quarry on the property was showing for a property comprising 85 acres, yet the good returns until two years ago when the court awarded $20,000. In two other cases Brisbane City Council, after notice of resump­ that were decided in the same period the tion was served, forbade the removal of further sand. However, since then, the council offers were $7,200 and $10,000 respectively, has been selling the sand for 1 Oc a yard and and ·those amounts wer•e awarded by the paying Winn Brothers absolutely nothing. court. It is int·eresting to note, however, that those two claims were for relatively It is a shocking indictment of the laws small amounts and, as a difference in valua­ under which we live that a council can tion could not be justified, a fair valuation invade a private property and actually sell had to be awarded. sand that has not yet been purchased. Ned Kelly and his gang were lambs compared It is virtually impossible for these land­ with Clem Jones and his gang. This is only holders to obtain answers to correspondence one instance, but I could cite others where or to gain access to council officers to discuss gravel has been sold from other properties their problems. The valuer appointed by the with not one cent being paid to the owners. Brisbane City Council is also the negotiator, By the time the settlement is made, the Lord so that when people object to the valuation Mayor will have received enough from the placed on their property he invariably upholds sale of sand on this property to pay the his own assessment. valuation of $70,000. Address in Reply [1 AUGUST 1973] Address in Reply 15

I suggest an investigation similar to that League, which had plans for development of carried out by Mr. Arnold Bennett into the the ground, it was felt that the move would dealings of the Brisbane City Council with be advantageous to athletes. In October 1960, subdividers and other land developers, which a lease was signed by the Queensland Rugby discovered many instances of fraud and League giving the Queensland Amateur injustice. A special body should be appointed to handle all these land resumptions to save Athletic Association the use of the ground landholders unwarranted expense and ensure for athletic purposes only from 1 October that they receive justice. People who submit to 31 March each year until 1980. Also, reasonably small claims should not be forced athletes were to have the use of the ground into a court action, which is expensive. The from 4 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. on each Tuesday Brisbane City Council relies on expensive and Thursday afternoon during those months court actions as a deterrent to anyone seeking for training purposes. justice in the matter of compensation for land resumption. There is a long record of Lang Park is now a long way from the expense, frustration, delay, inequity and down­ Rugby League-athletics complex it was for right robbery in the dealings of the Brisbane the first few years of the lease. The growing City Council with the landholders of the interests of commercialism have not helped North Pine River Dam area. to preserve the previously excellent state of both track and field. Last year, the Lang The men used by the council in its negotia­ Park Trust showed a blatant disregard for the tions are tough, ruthless persons who have youth of this State by hiring Lang Park to a little regard or sympathy for the unfortunate group of professional entertainers known as people who have been subjected to their the "Hell Drivers" on Friday and Saturday, tyrannical and dictatorial methods. The Bris­ 29 and 30 September, for night entertain­ bane City Council has used tactics that can ment, after the State secondary schools had best be described as inhumane, and the denial already booked the ground for eight days of of justice will never be forgotten by the athletics. The "Hell Drivers" performed by people of the North Pine area. night and the athletes by day. Fortunately Once again I urge that consideration be the track was only slightly damaged, but two given to amending the Acquisition of Land high-jump areas were damaged and had to Act to give these people the justice to which be relocated. they are entitled, but which is being denied them. Owing to the rotten, unprincipled Mr. K. J. Hooper: Who was responsible actions of the Brisbane City Council the for that? landholders in the North Pine River Dam area will be heavy losers in these times of Mr. FRAWLEY: The Lang Park Trust is steeply rising land prices when they finally predominantly controlled by members of the receive the paltry sums that they have been A.L.P. offered for their land. This is only part of the frustration that Another important matter I wish to raise is athletes have experienced over the years. the Sporting Bodies' Loans Guarantee Act The Lang Park athletic track has now of 1973, which was approved during the first deteriorated to such an extent that the session of this Parliament. It should indicate slightest bit of bad weather prevents athletics to all that this Government is sincere in being held on the track. In fact, it is a its efforts to promote and stimulate the common occurrence for 25 per cent of development of sport in Queensland. The Act athletic meetings scheduled for Lang Park provides that the Government may guarantee to be cancelled or postponed owing to the -subject to the provisions of the Act-the state of the track after rain. repayment of a loan made by a bank or any person to a sporting body. This will In its recent submission to the Minister enable many sporting bodies to improve their for Welfare, Sport and Tourism regarding the facilities and provide better conditions for establishment of an all-weather track and their sportsmen and women. However, field complex at Ballymore Park the Q.A.A.A. amateur bodies, especially clubs that do not graciously stated that Lang Park facilities, have the advantage of licensed premises, find which are poor by world standards, are it very difficult to obtain a loan. It is a unreliable because of damaging effects by well-known fact that it is well nigh impossible weather and heavy use. to repay a loan of any magnitude from Athletes cannot even train at Lang Park gate takings. through the week during the athletic season, The Queensland Amateur Athletic Associa­ much less before the season commences. tion is one such organisation. It was formed The track will not stand up to training and on 10 August 1894, with headquarters in competition for a season. In fact, athletes in Rockhampton, and later moved to Brisbane. Queensland, particularly in the Brisbane area, Since then it has catered for amateur athletes would be worse off than any of their counter­ but has been fighting an uphill battle to parts in any other State of Australia. I can establish an all-weather track. When the speak with a great deal of experience of Queensland Amateur Athletic Association L~n<:! Park, having competed there from 1938 relinquished the lease it held over Lang (when it was not much worse than it is now Park in favour of the Queensland Rugby as an athletic field) to 1973. 16 Address in Reply (1 AUGUST 1973] Address in Reply

Every State in Australia, with the exception Mr. FRAWLEY: This gradual blocking of Tasmania and Queensland, has facilities of the arteries serving the heart is caused for both competition and training in all kinds by tension, stress, smoking and lack of of weather. Athletics is the major sport in exercise, and it could be minimised if the Olympic Games, yet here in Queensland people and Governments recognised the athletes are the forgotten people of amateur power of sport. It is an essential feature sport. The field games athletes, that is, the of man's existence. Too many people are shot-putters, discus-throwers, hammer­ merely sport spectators; there should be throwers and javelin-throwers, are the worst greater physical participation in sport. Here off of all. Hammer-throwers suffer more than we have an opportunity to induce young any others because they compete at Lang Park people-and older people, too-to take up under conditions which can only be described a beneficial leisure activity that would not as the most atrocious in Australia. I have only assist Queensland to become more seen, and competed on, most field games competitive on a national level but would grounds in Australia and any comparison of also help to improve the physical fitness of Lang Park with them is laughable. the population. Interstate and overseas The hammer-throwers compete on the top athletes are reluctant to visit Queensland ground adjacent to the Police Youth Club to because of our lack of first-class facilities, which they were banished in 1968. This and our athletes are rarely invited to inter­ followed complaints from the Lang Park state athletics meetings because our stand­ Trust that they were damaging the ground ards have slipped below the national average. with their implements. Yet the "Hell Drivers" The fact that last March, at Lang Park, at with their vehicles, which weighed consider­ my age I managed to gain fifth place in ably more than a 16-lb hammer, were not the Queensland javelin-throwing champion­ considered capable of causing the same ship is a fair indication of the slip in our damage to the ground. Of course, the large standards. I am not saying this with tongue amount of money paid by the "Hell Drivers" in cheek; I am merely pointing out that the for the two-night stand probably tipped the fact that older people can reach the finals scales in favour of risking any damage­ in State championships shows that younger another case where amateurs cannot compete people in this State are not being given with the mighty dollar. No wonder Queens­ the proper facilities to improve themselves land has produced only one winner in the in athletics. Further, at the Australian cham­ hammer-throw in Australian championships pionships in Sydney last March, Queens­ in 62 years, when its throwers are forced to land did not win one event in either the throw uphill on a second-rate ground. senior or the junior ranks, and finished with only one bronze medal in the seniors Because of its encroachment on the football and one silver and one bronze in the oval, it is also impossible at Lang Park to juniors. locate a properly constructed javelin-throwing With an all-weather track and field run-up. Queensland has recorded one win in complex, Queensland would be able to host this event in the senior ranks and two in the Commonwealth and Pacific Games as well as junior ranks since the Australian titles came national championships. The Minister for into existence. The Richard Coombes Shield Sport could not possibly be expected to find for the premier State in Australia for athletics the money necessary to finance a project such has never been won by Queensland. In 1954, as that contained in the submissions made by when Queensland came very close to winning, the Queensland Amateur Athletics Associa­ the athletes trained and competed not at Lang tion. The proposed centre, if built, would Park but on the University of Queensland occupy about 7 · 25 acres at Ballymore, and ground at St. Lucia. cost in the vicinity of $300,000. This money It is not hard to trace the failure of Queens­ would have to be obtained by Government land athletes to perform well in interstate grant, with, I hope, a portion contributed by events to the lack of training and competing the Federal Government. I am not blaming facilities owing to the absence of an all­ this Government or any previous Govern­ weather track and field in this State. A ment, regardless of political beliefs, for not synthetic track is unaffected by weather providing this much-needed facility, be­ and constant use and would allow a heavy cause, to my knowledge, such a request programme to be undertaken towards improv­ has never been made. However, I sincerely ing the athletic standards of this State. There trust that any moves by this Government are 1,000 metropolitan club athletes, 24,000 to establish an all-weather track and field school athletes and approximately 300 complex in this State will receive the fnll athletes from teachers' colleges who would support of all members of this Parliament use an all-weather athletic facility. Athletes -and I include Opposition members. would be able to train and compete in conditions which would lift our standards, The payment of subsidies in the devel­ and many young people would be encouraged opment of sporting facilities, on the basis to remain in sport. Cardiovascular disease is of $1 for every $2 raised and spent, is the greatest sustained epidemic confronting greatly appreciated by sporting bodies. I mankind and statistics of deaths from this am pleased to say that in my electorate $12,000 has been granted so far to assist cause are stupendous. sporting bodies, and I hope that all other [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] clubs seeking assistance will submit their Address in Reply [1 AUGUST 1973] Address in Reply 17 claims before 31 August next, which is the Premier and the Queensland Government the closing date for applications for finan­ have taken a firm stand against the pro­ cial assistance for this financial year. Communist activities of the Federal Govern­ Queensland is miles ahead of all other States ment. I do not have time now to point out in Government assistance to sport and to fellow Queenslanders the path that the recreation. Last year $250,000 was made Federal Government has chosen to follow. available for assistance to sport, and alloca­ However, I would like to inform honourable tions have been made to 174 clubs and members and the public that very shortly in organisations associated with 40 different this Chamber I intend to expose the Federal sports. This year $500,000 will be made Government for what it is-a Government available to sporting organisations through­ dominated by Left-wing Communists bent on out the State to improve facilities for those destroying the Australian way of life and sports. placing us all under the Red banner. Another important matter concerning my The Clontarf branch of the A.L.P. also electorate is the Hornibrook Highway. This wrote to the Leader of the Opposition asking highway, which has been largely responsible for assistance and stating that people were for the development of Redcliffe, has been becoming fed up with the attitude of the the subject of much criticism by many Government regarding a new bridge. As I people with differing political views, but said earlier, the greatest deception over the rarely have these critics attempted to present Hornibrook Highway was that attempted by the true facts of the case. On 17 May the Leader of the Opposition in his claim 1972, the Leader of the Opposition attempted that a Labor Government would abolish the to mislead the people of Redcliffe by toll immediately and begin plans for a new promising abolition of the toll immediately bridge. What absolute rot! He knows as if the A.L.P. was elected to office. He well as anyone else that the bridge could not also promised a new four-lane highway be taken over and the toll abolished unless from Brisbane to Redcliffe. This was a 75 per cent of the debenture-holders in the typical example of some of the ridiculous Hornibrook company agreed. Debenture­ promises made by the A.L.P. before the last holders received a dividend of 85 per cent in State election. He claimed that although 1972. What debenture-holders in their ri~ht the Country-Liberal Government could mind would agree to hand the bridge over legally have taken over the bridge in 1960, when they were receiving such dividends? 1965 and 1970, nothing had been done. Ordinary sha;·eholders received a dividend of That is quite true, but he carefully omit­ 20 per cent. So it can be assumed that, with ted to tell the people that the A.L.P. Gov­ that sort of dividend, shareholders would ernment of 1955 had the first opportunity to never agree to a take-over unless an enormous take over the highway and lift the toll. It amount of compensation was paid. is true that the Moore Government of 1931 drew up the franchise conditions, but as Mr. Houston: How much compensation? the bridge was not opened till October 1935, Have you worked that out? when the A.L.P. was the Government, the Mr. FRAWLEY: As a matter of fact, I franchise conditions could easily have been have worked it out. The issued capital of changed if it was so desired. the company is $54,240 in preference and The statement of the Leader of the ordinary shares and $370,000 in debentures. Opposition that Labor merely carried out Debenture-holders will have their principal the terms of the franchise proves that the repaid in 1975, when the franchise expires. A.L.P. Government of 1935 was quite satis­ This will be from a sinking fund established fied with these terms. If it was not, it had by the company for this purpose. In the every opportunity to alter them. Here we 1972 financial year the company collected have the example of the Leader of the $446,000 in tolls and the operating costs were Opposition and the A.L.P. candidate for $113,000, so one can see what a money­ Redcliffe both attempting to mislead the spinner this is for shareholders and debenture­ people of Redcliffe by promising something holders in the Hornibrook Highway. No-one which they knew they could not deliver. In in his right mind is going to hand this over addition, we had the Liberal candidate who to any Government without a long, drawn­ is also the Deputy Mayor, claiming th~t the out legal battle. In view of the enormous Government was not giving people a fair dividends being paid, I certainly cannot deal over the highway. Of course, this was imagine the Leader of the Opposition or any only a gimmick used in his campaign against other Opposition member who holds shares the sitting member, Mr. Jim Houghton, who in the Hornibrook Highway company sur­ has worked unceasingly since his election in rendering them. They would squeal like 1960 to expedite the construction of a new stuck pigs, and we would see that some four-lane crossing to Redcliffe of the philosophy they preach would not be Recently the secretary of the Clontarf practised. branch of the A.L.P. said that if the Queens­ However in fairness to the debenture­ land Government would get down to sig­ holders, it' must be realised that in 1932 nificant discussions with the Federal Govern­ they invested their money in what was then ment, Redcliffe might be well on the way a very shaky commercial enterprise which to having a new bridge in place of the has now turned into a veritable gold mine. existing one. Let me state here and now that Had these people not invested their money, 18 Address in Reply [1 AUGUST 1973] Address in Reply the bridge may not have been built and the and will alleviate to some extent the conges­ progress of Redcliffe could have been seri­ tion on the Hornibrook bridge. The Deagon ously impeded. Anyone who has studied the deviation will be completed by 1975, and Tolls on Privately Constructed Road Traffic this will further assist traffic flow. When Facilities Act of 1931-and I very much the bridge toll is lifted in October 1975, doubt that any member of the Opposition has traffic will flow much faster than at present. done so--would know that it is absolutely Road facilities on the Sandgate side of the impossible to take over the highway unless the highway just cannot handle the traffic. If debenture-holders agree. Any attempt to a new bridge was built before the present take over the bridge would result in a very roadworks are completed, it would not greatly lengthy and costly legal action, and the assist the motorist. money could be far better spent on planning for a new bridge. I am not making any excuses for the failure to acquire the bridge-it should have On 7 November 1931 an Order in Council been taken over in 1965, or 1970 at the set the duration of the franchise at 40 years, latest-but the many misleading statements and the period after which the company and promises by the A.L.P. and other political could be required to cease to exercise its opportunists in Redcliffe about a takeover rights to the franchise was set at 20 years. are only confusing the people. Notwithstand­ However, before exercising this power the ing anything said to the contrary by the Governor in Council must give 12 months' political opportunists of Redcliffe, who are notice of intention to do so. If this was intent only on pushing their own barrows, not done within three months of the expira­ the honourable member for Redcliffe and I tion of the 20-year period, then a further five have not ceased our efforts to have a new years must elapse before another attempt crossing constructed as speedily as possible. could be made to take over the franchise, and so on until the 40 years had expired. This Government is deeply concerned about Queensland's traffic problems, and it is endea­ It can therefore be seen that the Leader vouring to alleviate those problems as quickly of the Opposition, together with any other as possible. I can assure the people of person who claimed that the bridge would Redcliffe that they have not been forgotten, be taken over if the A.L.P. became the and a new crossing will be constructed as Government, was perpetrating a fraud on economically and as expeditiously as possible. the people of Redcliffe and twisting the facts for his own political gain. Fortunately, The electorate of Murrumba contains some the people of Redcliffe and Murrumba are of the prime dairying and agricultural areas awake to them and realise the insincerity of of the State-areas such as Samford, Day­ their actions. We are all very much aware boro, Mt. Mee, Woodford, Wamuran and that a four-lane bridge or causeway is needed, Burpengary. The Caboolture Co-operative but this Government cannot rush into the Association's milk factory is one of the construction of such a facility without fully leaders in its field, and its cheese factory, investigating all aspects of the proposal. The located at Woodford, is renowned far and rights of boat-owners and fishermen must wide for the quality of its products. Pine­ be considered, as well as environmental prob­ apples, citrus fruits and bananas grow in lems such as the disturbance to fish habitats profusion in well-established areas. and breeding grounds. Murrumba has the benefit of three local The very site of this crossing needs careful weekly newspapers: "The Near North Coast investigation, as there is no guarantee that News", published in Caboolture; the "Redcliffe the best position is necessarily one parallel Herald", published in Redcliffe; and "The to the existing bridge. The cost of such a Star", published in Pine Rivers. These news­ crossing, at between $6,000,000 and papers give a very wide and comprehensive $8,000,000, would be far greater than the news coverage to the electorate. cost of a bridge over the Pine River west of the present crossing, with a road along The establishment of the Narangba Indus­ trial Estate, seven miles from Caboolture, the western shores of Hayes Inlet and another 10 miles from Redcliffe and six miles from bridge across the inlet at the western end Petrie, has ensured that industrial develop­ of Duffield Road, which has sufficient width to accommodate a four-lane highway. ment is not neglected in my electorate. This In estate is an indication of the Government's this instance the cost of land resumptions policy in promoting planned regional growth. would be less and the existing bridge could Sites of varying sizes are available at low remain, thus providing two crossings. rentals, and conversion to freehold can be Mr. Houston: That would go through land made by payments extending over 20 years that you own. on interest-free terms. Sealed roads are a feature of the estate, but the access road to Mr. FRAWLEY: I do not own any land the southern portion of the estate-aptly in that vicinity. named Boundary Road as it forms the The new five-mile section of the Bruce border between the shires of Caboolture and Highway from Strathpine to the Redcliffe Pine Rivers-is not sealed. Sealing is a connection road will have the first two lanes necessity if the estate is to progress and completed by 1974. This will provide a fast some assistance must be given to those two alternative route to Brisbane from Redcliffe, shires in having this important job done. Address in Reply [1 AuGUST 1973) Address in Reply 19

The Minister for Development has already Dr. EDWARDS (Ipswich) (2.32 p.m.): It offered from his department a contribution is with a great deal of pleasure that I rise of $100,000 to the Caboolture Shire Council to second the motion for the adoption of the towards the cost of sewerage works to service Address in Reply to His Excellency's the industrial estate, and major industrial Speech in opening the second session of growth will take place on this 1,000-acre this the fortieth Parliament of the State estate in the near future. of Queensland. The motion so capably moved by my colleague, the honourable Land is also held by the Department of member for Murrumba, reaffirms this Par­ Commercial and Industrial Development for liament's and this Government's desire to future development in an area adjacent to assure His Excellency of our continued the town of Caboolture. The town of loyalty and affection towards the Throne Caboo!ture, approximately 16 miles from and person of our Most Gracious Sovereign, the city of Redcliffe, is entirely dependent on and to tender our thanks to His Excellency, the Redcliffe Hospital for many services. The Sir Colin Hannah, for the Speech with doctors at present domiciled in Caboolture which he has been pleased to open the render a magnificent service to the town present session of this Parliament. and surrounding areas, and one cannot speak too highly of their efforts. However, a need The various measures to which His exists for a small community hospital or Excellency referred and all other matters medical centre to take the load off the that may be brought before us will receive Redcliffe Hospital and to save the local our most careful consideration and it shall people much unnecessary travelling. Half be our earnest endeavour so to deal with an acre of land and about $50,000 would be them that our labours may tend to the adequate for the initial stages of a project advancement and prosperity of this State such as this. I hope the Government can of Queensland. see its way clear to make provision for a At the outset of my speech, I should like small hospital in Caboolture in the not too to associate the electors of Ipswich with my distant future. own expression of loyalty to Her Majesty Another important town in my electorate Queen Elizabeth II. I should also like to -Woodford--can expect a boost to the take this opportunity to congratulate Sir economy of the area with the completion of Colin Hannah and Lady Hannah on their the Woodford prison. Built on modern outstanding service to the State of Queens­ lines and designed to accommodate about land during their term of office as represen­ 240 prisoners, this prison will fill a need tatives of Her Majesty. In my maiden that now exists in our prisons complex. A speech in this Assembly last year I stated recent inspection of the prison strengthens that Queensland had been very proud of my belief that complaints regarding the the Governors whom Her Majesty has been treatment of prisoners will be minimal, but pleased to appoint to this important position. no doubt we can expect some childish utter­ I also said that I believed that Sir Colin ances from the honourable member for Bris­ would be no exception. The dedication and bane in endeavouring, as he did at West­ dignity with which His Excellency and Lady brook, to create an illusion of chaos and Hannah have carried out their responsibilities maltreatment of inmates. so far have made them no exception and I am sure that their contribution to Queens­ Mr. Davis: I went up there before you land over the years will be long remembered did. throughout the State. Mr. FRAWLEY: And the honourable I should like to take this opportunity to will still be there after we have been there express my appreciation to the Government again. for its assistance to my electorate over the past year. The contribution by this Gov­ Part of the electorate of Murrumba is ernment in this period of outstanding situated in the Pine Rivers Shire, a fast­ development of the city of Ipswich has been developing area with a progressive group of tremendous value and the Government's of councillors controlling shire affairs. The activity has not gone, and will not go, district of Kallangur, part of the Pine Shire, unnoticed in my city. I deeply appreciate is badly in need of a high school. I have the co-operation of all Cabinet Ministers in raised this matter with the Minister, who their consideration of my representations on has assured me that he will give earnest behalf of my constituents, and their under­ consideration to the request. standing and sympathetic decisions have added to the vitality and potential of the The recent guarantee of a loan, which most progressive provincial city in the State. was raised by the parents and citizens' com­ I also pay tribute to the departmental officers mittee of the Clontarf Beach State High with whom I have had a very close and School to build a school assembly hall with­ harmonious relationship. Their help and out subsidy, is greatly appreciated. As a advice since I have been in this House have new member, I can truthfully assert that been deeply appreciated. the Ministers of this Government have endeavoured to accede to any reasonable I would say a word of special apprecia­ request I have made on behalf of my tion to the private secretaries to the Minis­ electorate. ters, who have been most helpful and reliable 20 Address in Reply [1 AUGUST 1973] Address in Reply in all my contact with them. They are a of Ipswich and adjoining electorates with dedicated group of people and the respect particular reference to the coal industry and that I have for them grows and extends the proposed decision as to the site of the daily. I therefore feel that it is essential next super power station to be constructed for me to pay this dedicated band of people after the one at Gladstone. I also wish to this small tribute at this time. speak about the rising road toll and shall I should also like to express my apprecia­ try to relate what I believe are some of tion to my Government colleagues for their the basic features and causes. advice and guidance to me as a new member Let me refer firstly to the siting of the of this distinguished Assembly. It has made next powerhouse and to the future of the the period of settling into the functions and coal industry in Ipswich. This is a matter activities of a member of Parliament a very that is very close to my heart. The decision enjoyable experience from which I feel I on the siting of the next powerhouse will have been able to obtain many benefits for have a tremendous effect on the coal industry my electorate of Ipswich. in the West Moreton district. His Excellency's Opening Speech details the outstanding record of this Government and The city of Ipswich has a great coal-mining outlines in general principles the expectations tradition and history, of which we in Ipswich and plans for the future as well as the are very proud. Alan Cunningham described progress and performance that can be antici­ coal seams around the ridges and in the pated in the days ahead under this Govern­ banks of creeks near to the present site ment. The people of Queensland are obviously of the city of Ipswich, and in 1827 Captain aware of the quality, sincerity and dedication Logan also reported coal seams when he of this Government, and our achievements passed through the area now known as speak for themselves. The result of the Federal Ipswich. As far as can be ascertained, the election last December, wrth the swing to first coal-mine commenced operations in 1851 Labor elsewhere in Australia in general terms not far from the main city settlement, and but an actual increase in the Liberal-Country over the past 122 years the coal industry Party percentage of votes, is to my mind has thrived and developed. an indication of the high regard in which this Government is held within this State In Ipswich we now have third and fourth­ and also of the respect in which we as a generation coal-miners from the one family State Government are held throughout the who are skilled in the art of coal production, nation. and but for this form of employment these skilled miners would become unskilled labour­ I feel certain that the debates in this session, the quality of legislation to be intro­ ers. There is scarcely a family which has lived duced and the Budget to be brought down in Ipswich for ,any reasonable period which by the Treasurer late in September will has not had a relative who has worked in support the confidence and knowledge within the coal-mines. I speak with respect and the electorate that we in Queensland have pride when I refer to my two grandfathers a very vital, active and enthusiastic Gov­ who were coal-miners. Many of my uncles ernment, one that is based on the philosophy were miners and some of my relatives to of care and concern for the individual in this day still earn their living in this industry. the community and the vital role that he Some of my best friends are associated with can play in a free-enterprise system. the coal industry. In my maiden speech last year I stated Mr. P. Wood: Why are you on that side that I believe in the importance of the individual as the basis of a strong and of the House? virile nation. I am now more than ever convinced that this is absolutely true, and Dr. EDWARDS: It is very interesting to I believe fully in the individual's role in hear the sudden outcry, and the question, a free society that is so designed as to "Why are you on that side of the House?" permit the fullest expression of an individual's The answer is quite clear: I represent the conscience and his personality as well as people of Ipswich including the coal-miners. the complete achievement of well-being in I speak for them and I have been very society. We as a State Government must outspoken in the last few months. I will therefore legislate and govern to provide an continue to do so irrespective of the decisions equal opportunity for every man in the of this Government and other people. My community in every walk of life, regardless aim as a member of this Government in of his colour, creed or intellectual status. this Parliament is to speak in support of the But we must act in such a way that the people of Ipswich, which is more than can individual person is able to acquire knowledge be said for a lot of Opposition members. and ability to enable him or her to improve We in Ipswich talk about our miners with his or her station in life and therefore, as respect and dignity because of the manner, a result, benefit the community in general. the tenacity and the vigour with which they This afternoon I wish to address myself have fought and worked for this industry to two specific subjects, both of which are in which they have faith, and which has been of vital importance. I propose to discuss the the backbone of the development of our situation as I see it within my electorate city. These people are a living legend in our Address in Reply (1 AUGUST 1973] Address in Reply 21 city and we pay tribute to ,the valiant men The Ipswich Coal and Power House Com­ who, over the years, have produced coal mittee was formed in Ipswich in March this from our mines. year. Never in the history of the city of Opposition Members interjected. Ipswich has there been such a united front working with tremendous vitality and enthusi­ Dr. EDWARDS: It is obvious that Oppo­ asm to promote our cause. We formed this sition members are not proud of the miners committee to fight and battle for the future of Ipswich. I speak with pride of my associa­ of the Ipswich coal industry. tion with them. I deplore 'the attitude of Opposition members which clearly shows what Mr. R. Jones interjected. little respect they have for the miners of the Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I wiH not warn the city of Ipswich. I stand by the miners and honourable member for Cairns again. the industry, and deplore the Opposition's attitude. Dr. EDWARDS: We shall continue to The miners of the city of Ipswich have fight, and promote the issue because we gained the sympathy and respect of the believe in what we are fighting for. The whole of Australia through their dedication socio-economic effect upon the city of and devotion to their friends, which all of Ipswich is quite clear and has been fully us witnessed just 12 months ago when the documented. I am the first to admit that Box Flat disaster olaimed the lives of 17 of our coal is more expensive to produce our finest men and citizens. because of underground mining compared with open-cut methods of production, but Mr. Baldwin: Only when they die. let me assure this House that this is only one aspect of the cost of production of Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I warn the hon­ electricity for the consumers. ourable member for Redlands. I believe that the pithead price of coal Dr. EDWARDS: We respect our miners is only one of the considerations. We and the coal industry because it is an integral need to consider costs of water, availability part of our community and an essential part of water without interference with future of the life of Ipswich. The industry is worth demands and planning, the cost of $6,000,000 annually in wages to our coal­ transmission lines, transport, and develop­ miners. ment of the infrastructure. This includes the setting up of housing, hospitals, schools, Mr. R. Jones interjected. public amenities, recreational areas, shop­ ping centres and so on. In the public Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I warn the honour­ interest, these have to be included in the able member for Cairns. over-all assessment. Dr. EDWARDS: The industry is worth Some figures that I have been able to $6,000,000 in wages annually to our coal­ obtain indicate that the cost of establishing miners and it is worth $11,500,000 to workers housing alone at Blackwater was about in associated industries-timbergetters, mech­ $2,000,000; that it cost about $5,000,000 anics, ,electricians and so on. to establish the township at Goonyella; that $3,000,000 was spent at Peak Downs; and The output of coal from the Ipswich field that it cost $8,000,000 to set up the town­ is worth $15,000,000 annually, and all the ship of Moranbah, which services Goonyella mines are owned by local companies with no and Peak Downs. We have not yet estab­ overseas investment or capital. The coal pro­ lished the full figure for the development duced in Ipswich is used almost exclusively of Greenvale in order to show the cost of for the generation of electricity. In other establishing housing in that area. Approxi­ words, the Ipswich coal industry has but one mately $13,700,000 was spent last year on main market, but the volume of coal required the total project. Basic services such all for this purpose will fall as the Gladstone water, sewerage and roads are in an advanced powerhouse comes on stream. state of construction, and represent a fair percentage of this expenditure. At full production Swanbank needs about 2,600,000 tons of coal annually but the Ipswich has all these facilities readily demand for our coal will drop to a possible available, with a modern expanding hos­ level of 300,000 tons annually by approxi­ pital of about 250-bed capacity, with almost mately 1984 if no other markets are found every medical specialty catered for and for it. In other words, if Ipswich coal is not with about 50 medical practitioners includ­ used in the future, our coal industry will ing a large proportion of dedicated general virtually die and our work-force will fall practitioners. The city has an excellent from 1,100 to about 400. Employment in private hospital and six homes for the associated industries will fall from 2,200 to aged, all of high standard. There are two about 650, and that does not take into opportunity schools, an excellent subnormal account the families of miners who are school and a pre-school for the deaf, all of dependent on the mines and associated which are equal to any in this State. We industries for their livelihood. This number have State and denominational primary has been estimated conservatively at 5,500. schools; State, denominational and private 22 Address in Reply [1 AUGUST 1973] Address in Reply secondary schools and a modern technical against the case for Ipswich. I recently college. As well as this, we are close to visited all Ipswich tenderers and discussed the city of Brisbane. the prices submitted by these companies. The average price per ton for 35 per cent I~ our city, well-established specialised ash content from Ipswich is $5.70. serv1ce programmes for the needs of an Admittedly this is higher than the cost of expanding community are carried out by Tarong coal, but it is not as high as the socml workers, Children's Services Depart­ figure of $8 that is being used to criticise our ment, community health and home-care and fields. meals on wheels. We also have the out­ stan~ing assistance of the Blue Nursing It is interesting to note in the original Serv1ce, and recently the Minister for specifications submitted by the State Elec­ Health in this State announced that Ipswich tricity Commission for contracts for the would be one of the sites for the com­ supply of coal to the power station that coal munity health centre programme. with an ash content in excess of 30 per cent, These facilities, along with our proximity and a sulphur content in excess of 1 per cent, to the capital city of Brisbane make would not be considered. The companies in Ipswich beyond comparison in the' matter the Ipswich area submitted tenders for coal of infrastructure. These amenities cannot with ash contents ranging up to 30 per cent. be measured in monetary terms, but to set These were later modified when it was them up in other centres would take many requested that tenders for coals with a high years of planning and consideration, with ash content be submitted, and tenders were great financial involvement as well as socio­ discussed along those lines. logic.al effects upon the developing com­ Furthermore, Ipswich has been criticised mumty. on the ground of pollution, but two points In Ipswich, we have adequate recreational come to mind. The design and specification and sporting facilities catering for all ages of the power-house must be such that it con­ and interests. As a result of the adequate forms to the requirements of the Clean Air recreational facilities available for continual Act of Queensland. Therefore if there is and immediate use some of this nation's any pollution, the atmosphere would be greatest sportsmen and sportswomen have aiTected irrespective of site or location. No come from our city. Government having concern for the public and a sense of responsibility would allow Every other site under consideration design or construction to contravene this Act. would have to develop these facilities or depend on neighbouring towns and cities. The Ipswich coal industry cannot be The problems of having industry, commerce alio,sed to fragment. The Government has and mining develop without such infrastruc­ a responsibility to assist in finding markets ture are well known and have led to social for coal. This is basic government for the economic and industrial problems in othe; people. Cabinet has received a recommenda­ places over recent years. tion in favour of Tarong, and I at no stage question the expert opinion or recommenda­ It has been stated that decentralisation tion as delivered, because I have the utmost is an argument in favour of other centres. respect for Mr. Murray and his officers. I This. is totally unacceptable. Ipswich is a therefore submit that Tarong has claims but, classified area for decentralisation and one as that area is undeveloped, it can, and questions the wisdom of a decision to should, wait. Furthermore, other uses could develop a new area at the expense of other be made of this coal of low production cost. developed centres. This is surely false It could, for instance, be exported. Ipswich economy and poor planning. coalfields need orders in the immediate future, Despite massive increases in the cost of and this must be planned for now. I submit materials and spir~lling wages, electricity that in order to protect the industry, Ipswich charges have not mcreased a great deal coal should be used, and providing such a over the years that Swanbank, using under­ market for the coal would meet with the ground coal, has been the chief source of approval of the majority of Queenslanders. power supply. The second matter that I should like to In our crises report produced in Ipswich bring before the House is one of great we outlined the requirements for a power: concern to all Queenslanders. I refer to the hc:us.e as stated by the State Electricity Com­ mounting road toll in this State Epidemic miSSIOner (Mr. E. D. Murray) in an address proportions have been reached in this serious last year. Ipswich fulfilled these require­ matter, with over 500 people of all ages being ments with the selection of Swanbank unit killed on the State's roads last year, and "B" of w~:Jich was recently commission~d by over 3,400 being killed on Australian roads. the Pre!l·uer at a most impressive ceremony. In addition, countless others have been I .submit .that Ipswich is again adequate on injured. Some are so badly injured that they th1s occaswn. never fully recover, whilst others are hos­ pitalised and immobilised for long periods. A great deal has been said about the cost The loss to the community in the personal of.. coal at the pithead, and some of our sense from these deaths and injuries, with the cnt1cs have been quoting this as an argument resultant heartbreak to families and friends, Address in Reply (1 AUGUST 1973] Address in Reply 23 is just not acceptable, because many of these The ad hoc committee set up in Adelaide accidents are avoidable. Loss of production to comment on alcohol in relation to road in commerce and industry as a result of road accidents in 1972 reported- accidents is phenomenal, and the costs to the "The ad hoc committee reaffirms the taxpayer in hospital and medical expenses established evidence supporting the view are staggering. that alcohol is responsible for a percentage Over all, the problem is therefore a mas­ of accidents. The social consequences are sive one. If in our modem society there was so severe that proposed legislation must an outbreak of a disease that devastated the be given sufficient 'teeth' to achieve its community with death and destruction, as objectives." does the road toll, there would be outcries In 1962 Professor Borkenstein of Indiana for emergency procedures and programmes to University carried out a massive investigation combat such destruction. In the whole of the over a Ion" period into the causes of road Vidnam conflict stretching over 10 or more accidents. He reported that drivers with a years, we in Australia lost about 400 men. blood alcohol of .06 per cent have an This I do not condone. But during this estimated probability of causing an accident period of involvement we saw demonstrations, double that of a driver without alcohol. He conflict, sit-ins, and moratoriums protesting also found that if the level rises to .1 per against the unnecessary loss and tragedy. cent the probability rises to six to seven I sympathise with those who protest for times that of a normal person with no their beliefs. However, I ask: have we seen alcohol. If the blood alcohol rises to .25 one demonstration or one major protest when, per cent, the probability rises. to more than in the period of the Vietnam war, approx­ 25 times that of a driver w1th no alcohol. imately 40,000 of our citizens were killed and about 800,000 injured on Australian In Queensland, Doctors Tonge, O'Reilly, roads? All we have heard about that loss of Davison and Derrick, who are experts in the life were minor rumblings and fears. investigation of this problem, reported in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1964 that We are dealing with a serious and devastat­ they had investigated 2,213 fatal accidents ing health problem which is destroying our over a period between 1935 and 1963. They people, some of whom are in their most found that, where blood alcohol was estimated productive and best years for society. Road on the dead victims, 33.7 per cent had a deaths are the commonest form of death for blood-alcohol level of above .1 per cent, our young people. They are one of the and that this was found in 41.9 per cent greatest causes of wastage of useful working of car drivers who died and in 62 per cent years, and road accidents are also a prolific of dead drivers in a single-car accident. source of disability, with consequent economic and social distress. The problem imposes a In a further reoort, in the Medical Journal severe burden on our medical, hospital, of 1 July 1972; Doctors Tonge, O'Reilly, ambulance and nursing man-power resources. Davison and Johnston found that 28.8 per cent of victims had levels above .1 per cent, No doubt there are many aspects of this that 45.7 per cent of the drivers had a increasing problem, but today I would like level above .1 per cent, and that 25 per cent to bring before the House evidence that is of pedestrians killed had above this level. overwhelmingly indicative of a close associa­ tion between alcohol and road accidents. The loss to the State and the nation of There are other factors such as speed, mech­ some of our best young people is the sad anical faults, road design, car-safety problems, part of this story. I have seen the tragedy law-enforcement problems and irresponsibility, at first hand as a resident medical officer but it is very difficult to assess and correlate in hospitals where I witnessed the results the exact significance of all these. of road tra~ma and the associated anguish. It is very distressing to have to carry out World-wide opinion agrees on the point the unenviable and heart-breaking duty of that alcohol and driving just do not mix. breaking the news to a woman that her In 1972 the Royal Australian College of husband has been killed, to parents that Surgeons said in a report- their son or daughter has been mutilated in "Alcohol is a major cause of road a road accident or to tell young children accidents. This has been the factor respon­ that their pare~t-in some instances it is sible for consternation among surgeons and both parents-will not be coming home a demand for stern action." again because he or she has died in a This same body, in a report from its second road accident. The anguish is much greater seminar on road trauma in the same year, when one knows that in many of these cases said- the death was quite unnecessary because alcohol was involved. "Recognising the prime importance of alcohol as a cause of road accidents, this From my observations, it seems that seminar reaffirms its concern and supports authorities throughout the world agree that legislation which makes compulsory routine alcohol consumption and driving are incom­ blood-alcohol estimations on all road patible. ~owe ask: what is the answer? Firstly, casualities for clinical and research as well I believe that we must have greater warnings as for legal reasons." to people about the dangers of the eo-relation 24 Special Adjournment [2 AUGUST 1973] Annual Report

between alcohol and driving. Education pro­ grammes must be continually implemented, as is being done at the present time. Secondly, we must legislate for compulsory blood­ alcohol estimations of all people involved in accidents and admitted to hospital. I believe that the Minister for Transport is examining this suggestion in the proposed traffic law changes. I congratulate him on this proposal. Thirdly, we must have stricter penalties with increased fines, longer terms of disqualification from driving, and even terms of imprisonment for recurrent offences. In saying this, I am not suggesting that stricter penalties are necessarily a deterrent to all. They will not affect those irrespons­ ible people who will continue to drink and drive even when under suspension. I do not know the answer here, other than to suggest that we should enforce the law more against people who have recurrent offences and to have gaol sentences for them for treatment. In addition, we must improve our driving techniques by advanced courses, but it must be remembered that those who undertake such courses are usually respons­ ible people with a high regard for road safety. We must make every effort with research programmes into road safety rules, traffic control, and road and vehicle design. We need much more money for research into road accidents at the site and investiga­ tion into all aspects of traffic accidents. Although this may be controversial, I also consider that we should have a look at lowering the alcohol content of our beverages. But this would be best looked at on a national level, and much more information would need to be available. I shall have more to say on this subject when the relevant legislation is introduced later in the session. However, let me emphasise that I firmly believe that alcohol consump­ tion and driving are incompatible, and this Assembly has the responsibility to deal with the problem. I appreciate this opportunity to second the motion for the adoption of the Address in Reply. What I have been able to bring to the notice of the House today are my sincere and personal views on two import­ ant subjects. I trust that the facts I have presented will be carefully considered by the House for the benefit of this State as a whole. Debate, on motion of Mr. Houston, adjourned.

SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT Hon. J. .BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah -Premier): I move- "That the House, at its rising, do adjourn until 11 a.m. tomorrow." Motion agreed to. The House adjourned at 3.6 p.m.