Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 29 AUGUST 1961

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Appropriation Bill No. 1 [24 AuGusT] Questions 85

TUESDAY, 29 AUGUST, 1961

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Murrumba) took the chair at 11 a.m. APPROPRIATION BILL No. Assent reported by Mr. Speaker.

QUESTIONS

CLOSURE OF BRANCH RAILWAY LINES Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West-Leader of the Opposition) asked the Minister for Transport- "(!) What branch railway lines, specify­ ing individual mileages involved, have been closed down in Queensland since August, 1957, and on what dates did the closures operate?" "(2) How many persons have been dis­ missed from the service as the direct result of such closures?" "(3) What revenue has been derived from the sale of steel rails, buildings, and any other equipment, and from land, subsequent to the closure of these lines?" Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer) replied- "(1)-

" Section of Line Miles Date Closed Closed Closed I

----~--- Dimbulah-Mount Mulligan 29·9 1 July, 1958 Bunda Street- Qunaba 5·2 I August, 1959 Victoria-Eton .. 1·9 I August, 1959 Gowrie Junction- Wyreema .. 11-7 ! December, 1959 Glenelg Street-Ter­ minus of South Brisbane, Wharf Branch .. 0·2 I February, 1960 Munbilla-Mount Edwards 16·2 1 November, 1960 Lota-Cleveland .. 8·3 I November, 1960 Warwick-Maryvale 18·5 1 November, 1960 Tirroan-Mount Perry .. .. 35·2 1 November, 1960 Innes-Morganville 4·8 1 November, 1960 Lappa-Mount Gar- net 32·5 I July, 1961 Malbon-Selwyn .. 41 I July, 1961 Kajabbi-Dobbyn 19·5 I July, 1961 Barli1-Windera .. 12 1 July, 1961 Kingaroy Saleyards- Tarong .. 17 I July, 1961 Nerane-Tweed Heads .. .. 20 I July, 1961 Allora-Goomburra 9 1 July, 1961 Pengarry Junction- Crew's Nest .. I 29 1 July, 1961

"(2) Only six persons have been dis­ missed-three station-mistresses and three temporary fettlers. However, one station mistress and one fettler have been re-employed and the other two station mistresses are wives of gangers." "(3) Certain materials have been retained for Departmental use. The pro­ ceeds from the sales of materials, buildings, equipment and land so far offered for sale amount to £181,429." 86 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

SUPPLY OF SCHOOL REQUISITES be sold to migrants until they had acquired some appreciation of the value of our Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West-Leader native fauna? If so, will he give con­ of the Opposition) asked the Minister for sideration to this suggestion?" Education- "(!) Is he aware of charges made in the Hon. 0. 0. MADSEN (Warwick) replied- editorial of the Queensland Teachers' "(!) Officers of my Department are con­ Journal for May, 1961, that despite depart­ stantly on the alert for breaches of the mental promises to improve the position Fauna Conservation Act. Further, all stock for State schools was being supplied police officers are ex officio fauna officers in insufficient quantities and too late for and have full authority to investigate com­ use, that head teachers had complained that plaints. During the year 1960-1961 there stock which should have been received late were nine successful prosecutions under in 1959 had not arrived till late in January, "The Fauna Conservation Act of 1952" 1960, that promises of a rapid redress of including the confiscation of firearms the problem had not been fulfilled in 1961, involved. Currently there are four (4) and that no pastel drawing books had been prosecutions approved for Brisbane, and received in the larger primary schools for prosecutions are under consideration for two years, occasioning a consequent real Cairns (6), Toowoomba (1), Atherton (2), loss in pastel work?" Ingham (2) and Brisbane (1)." "(2) Mr. Pringle's letter which appeared "(2) Are these charges true, and, if so, in the Courier-Mail in April was noted in what is the explanation?" my Department. However, generalised complaints such as contained in the letter Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (Isis) replied- are of little value. The experience of fauna "(!) I am aware of the charges made in officers in this field is that any follow-up the editorial of the Queensland Teachers' enquiry is often fruitless. If indiscriminate Journal for May, 1961." shooting occurs in any district, factual "(2) Despite the statements made in the reports should be submitted to the local editorial the schools have not suffered from police for enquiry. If incidents are report­ a general lack of school stock. Information ed immediately they occur, and suitable received from Principals of secondary evidence obtained at the time, appropriate schools and the Inspectors of secondary action as a deterrent can then be under­ schools indicate that. in general, the taken. It should also be kept in mind, position with regard to the supply of however, that it is permissible for certain science equipment is satisfactory. It is true game and pest fauna to be shot legally. that certain items of science equipment not In order to conserve the fauna of the procurable in Australia and ordered from Mount Isa district two good sanctuaries are certain Brisbane business houses, were established at Rifle Creek and the Leich­ unfortunately held up by the Dockers' hardt River, and these are patrolled by Strike in Britain. These items have been officers of the Mount Isa Mines Co. My distributed to schools as they have become Department is constantly giving publicity to available. Pastel books and drawing books fauna conservation in the form of press were in short supply at the beginning of the and radio releases, journal articles, talks year, but the Government Printing Office and, more recently, television. A range of has now effected delivery of considerable Departmental literature is available on quantities and all school needs for the fauna conservation. The Commonwealth current year have been met." Immigration Department also provides suit­ able literature on fauna to migrants and their migrant newspaper, which has a wide DESTRUCTION OF NATIVE ANIMALS AND BIRDS circulation among New Australians, regul­ arly features fauna protection. As a fauna Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ conservation device, licensing and/ or Leader of the Opposition) asked the Minister legislative control of the sale of firearms for Agriculture and Forestry- do not have a great deal of merit. On the "(!) In view of frequent protests appear­ other hand it has been established that the ing in the city and country Press that licensing of the shooter is of much more persons armed with shotguns and rifles are value. A limited shooter license system is slaughtering protected animals and birds, is already in force under the Fauna Conser­ he able to inform the House whether any vation Act and consideration is now being of the fauna officers in his Department given to the licensing of all hunters." have reported such offences and whether there have been any recent prosecutions under the Fauna Conservation Act?" SMOG SURVEY OF BRISBANE AND IPSWICH "(2) Is he aware of a letter in 'The Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ Courier-Mail' of April 11 last by J. Pringle Leader of the Opposition) asked the Minister of Mount Isa who, when stating that at for Health and Home Affairs- week-ends carloads of New Australians go "(!) Is it a fact, as reported in the ~ut a?d slaughter all wild life in sight, 'Telegraph' of June 28 last that Brisbane's mcludmg kookaburras, wagtails and plain smog survey programme has been virtually turkeys, advocated that no firearms should abandoned?" Questions [29 AuousT} Questions 87

"(2) If so, what is the explanation?" Appeal Board, comprising a Stipendiary "(3) Has the report of the air pollution Magistrate, a representative of the .Com­ committee appointed by the Government missioner of Police, and a representative of been completed and, if so, will he make it the Queensland Police Union." available to Parliament?" CHARGE OF RAPE AGAINST POLICE OFFICER Hon. H. W. NOBLE (Yeronga) replied- BY MRs. PosTMA "(1) The Air Pollution survey of Bris­ bane and Ipswich was designed to start on Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) asked the March 1, 1959, and to end on February 29, Minister for Labour and Industry- 1960. The survey was carried out and "(1) Did a woman naJ?ed Posti?a completed as planned. It was never recently make a charge agamst a police intended that the survey should continue officer that he attempted to rape her indefinitely. However, certain measure­ while she was being held in custody in ments were made after the survey had been the watchhouse?" completed and one deposit gauge is still operating." "(2) If so, did the Government Ana.lyst support the allegation after an ex~ma­ "(2) See reply to 1." tion of stains on certain clothes submitted "(3) l understand the Air Pollution to him for examination?" Committee has completed its report but I "(3) What action, Departmental or have not yet received it. A statement will or under the Criminal Code, has been be made after I have studied it." taken or is proposed to be taken against the police officer concerned?" POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH RAPE Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) asked the replied- Minister for Labour and Industry- "(1) A complaint was made by a wom~n "(1) Was a police officer recently regarding the conduct of a Constable m brought before a closed Departmental the City Watchhouse." Inquiry Board or similar body on a charge "(2) An examination was made at the of having raped a sixteen years old girl Laboratory of Microbiology and Pathology in a police car in New Farm Park?" of certain articles, which came into the "(2) Was he found guilty and dismissed possesssion of the investigating Officer dur­ from the Police Force?" ing investigations regarding that woman's "(3) If the answers to Questions (1) and complaint." (2) are in the affirmative, why was he not "(3) After the complaint had. been fully charged in the same way as an ordinary investigated, the file was submitted to the citizen would have been charged, i.e. in Solicitor-General for advice as to the Open Court under the Criminal Code?" sufficiency of the available evidence to Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) justify proceedings being taken against the replied- Constable, either for a criminal offence .or for a disciplinary offence. The advice "(1 to 3) The complaint made by the received from the Solicitor-General was girl in question was thoroughly investig­ that there certainly was not sufficient ated, and the file was submitted to the evidence to justify a criminal charge. The Solicitor-General for advice as to whether Solicitor-General advised that there was a the available evidence would justify pro­ prima facie case of a charge of miscon~uct ceedings being taken against the Police under The Police Acts and Rules agamst Officer concerned for a criminal offence the Constable for having indecently dealt and, in the event of advice being against with the woman in question. The Member the taking of criminal proceedings, advice of the Police Force concerned has been was sought as to what action should be charged with an offence under The Police taken or charge preferred against the Acts and Rules. The charge has been Police officer. The advice received from the denied by the Constable and a date has Solicitor-General was against the use of a been fixed for the hearing of an investig­ criminal charge and was to the effect that ation of the charge." a disciplinary charge of misconduct under The Police Acts should be preferred. A disciplinary charge of misconduct was pre­ REVENUE FROM TOURIST INDUSTRY ferred against the Police officer who Mr. HOUSTON (Bulimba) asked the pleaded 'Not Guilty' to the charge. An Minister for Labour and Industry- investigation was made by a Commissioned Officer of Police and, after consideration of "Did he make the following statement the results of the investigation, the Com­ about June 24 last-'Queensland tourist missioner of Police made a finding that the industry would get back an estimated Police officer concerned was guilty of £2 200 this year from every £10 spent by misconduct, and dismissed him from the th~ State Government on tourist infor­ Police Force. The Police officer in question mation'? If so, will he explain to the has lodged an appeal against his dismissal, House how he estimated the figure and this appeal will be heard by a Police £2,200 for every £10 spent?" 88 Questions [ASSEMBLY) Questions

Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) "(3) Most of our senior officers have replied- visited the main tourist attractions of "Australian National Travel Association Queensland. During the past twelve months brought to Australia, representatives of a fourteen members of our Sydney staff have business organisation with considerable visited Queensland during the period of world experience in the Tourist Industry, their recreation leave and nine from our to make a review of this industry. They Melbourne branch. Officers of our Inter­ were in various States of Australia, includ­ state branches are granted an extra five ing Queensland, on this study and subse­ days in addition to their normal leave, quently after having collected all available providing they spend three weeks of their data, including much from several years' leave in Queensland. Airlines and roadline bookings at some of our Queensland rc:sorts companies and railways grant concessional in relation to their own confidential book­ fares to our employees, and certain purvey­ ing records, made an assessment of the ors in Queensland grant concessional value of this industry. From this, the accommodation." approximate total spendings were deter­ mined, and thus the figure I used, deter­ EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN LEAVING SCHOOL mined." Mr. HANLON (Baroona) asked the Minis­ AMERICAN AND JAPANESE TOURISTS IN ter for Labour and Industry- QUEENSLAND "(1) Has his attention been drawn to a Mr. HOUSTON (Bulimba) asked the statement by the retiring Regional Director Minister for Labour and Industry- of Commonwealth Labour and National Service Department, Mr. F. Laws, as "How many (a) American and (b) reported in the 'Telegraph' of August 23, Japanese tourists have come direct to 1961, that 818 children who left school Queensland to spend their holidays during last year are still out of jobs?" the period 1 January, 1961, to 30 June, 1961?" "(2) In view of the numbers of young people who will be leaving school in a few Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) months time, as reflected by figures given replied- by the Minister for Education to the hon. "It is quite impossible to obtain this member for Bulimba, what steps does he information, as there are no means in propose to take to correct this position existence whereby it can be ascertained. whereby young Queenslanders leaving If we were to carry out a survey through­ school face the most unfair and dishearten­ out all purveyors we could get a basis for ing prospect of assuming the occupation of approximate estimate but this would of 'unemployed' which in many cases is also necessity have to be on a voluntary basis the occupation of their fathers?" and would entail a great deal of time, not "(3) Is he aware of the impetus to justified in such a case." juvenile delinquency given by the idleness and loss of confidence in themselves and STAFF OF QUEENSLAND TOURIST BUREAU, their community created in such young SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE people?" Mr. HOUSTON (Bulimba) asked the Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) Minister for Labour and Industry- replied- "(!) How many persons are employed "(1) Yes." at the Queensland Government Tourist "(2 and 3) This is a problem which is Bureaus in (a) Sydney and (b) Melbourne?" realised not only by every Minister but by "(2) How many of these employees are every senior Departmental officer who is, from Queensland?" in his own field, making every effort to "(3) How many of them have been to at combat it." least our main tourist attractions?" PoLICE MoTOR CYCLE EscoRTS Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) replied- Mr. HANLON (Baroona) asked the " (I) (a), 22; (b) 19." Minister for Labour and Industry- "(2) (a), 14; (b), 8. Immediately after the "(1) What is the basis on which police end of the war is was difficult to obtain motor cycle escorts are provided?" staff for our Sydney and Melbourne Offices "(2) On how many individual occasions and it was necessary to employ staff who were such escorts provided in the past were not Queenslanders. However it is year?" now possible to obtain Queensland~rs for transfer to our Interstate branches and "(3) What was the cost of such escorts?" vacancies are now filled by Queensla~ders. "(4) What was the numerical strength of During the past two years seven employees the escort provided during the recent visit have been transferred from Queensland to of the Lord Mayor of London?" Sydney branch, and four to our Melbourne "(5) How many man-hours were incurred branch." in this regard during his visit?" Questions [29 AuousT] Questions 89

"(6) Will he consider the restriction of respectively at July 31, 1960 .. (b) A~ J_u_ne such escorts to only the most necessary 30, 1961, 792 which have pomts pnonties formal occasions or at least reduce the and 1,042 of nil priority compared with size of such escorts, so that these police­ 859 and 1,183 respectively at June 30, men might be engaged in duties which 1960." would be of more value to the public?" "(2) (a) and (b)- Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) APPLICATIONS FOR STATE RENTAL HOUSES replied- RECEIVED DURING PERIOD 1-7-60 TO "(1) In practically all cases involving the 30-6-61 visits of Diplomats, Ambassadors, Consular ·------Representatives and other distinguished Metro- C Points Priority I politan C~~~:~~ Total visitors, escorts are provided at the express I Area request of the Chief Secretary's Depart­ 100 Families facing eject­ ment. Escorts are also provided for many ment, living in tents, of the functions in which His Excellency huts, or similar un~ the State Governor takes part or in which suitable premises .. 212 209 421 80 Families living in he is in some way concerned. The requests premises condemned for these escorts are on some occasions by Local or State made by the Chief Secretary's Department Authorities . . . . 34 34 60 Families separated but in most instances, by officials of the owing to lack of Governor's staff and the present practice is accommodation .. 184 103 287 40 Families living under identical with that which has been operat­ over~crowded con~ ing for many years." ditions and Families sharing homes with "(2) In regard to visiting Diplomats, other people 558 235 793 Ambassadors and other distinguished visitors, the number of individual occasions 954 581 11,535 on which escorts were provided in the past year was twenty (20). In regard to escorts In addition during 1960-1961, 1,403 appli­ provided for His Excellency the Governor, cations of nil priority-932 metropolitan the number was twenty-two (22)." and 471 country centres-were received. "(3) For distinguished visitors and In respect of the metropolitan applications others, approximately sixty pounds (£60). lodged during 1960-1961 offers of 386 For His Excellency, approximately forty- houses and 103 fiats were made during the five pounds (£45)." year of which offers 315 houses and 47 fiats were accepted and 127 declined. "(4) On the occasion of his arrival, Further offers of 442 houses and 59 fiats departure and Civic Reception, five (5) were made during the same period to motor cycle officers were provided; on all applicants whose applications were lodged other movements, two (2) traffic officers prior to July 1, 1960, and of these offers for each occasion only." 356 houses and 23 flats were accepted and "(5) Thirty-two (32) hours." 122 declined. In country centres 374 rental "(6) Yes." houses were occupied during 1960-1961, but the information in regard to the dates of lodgment of the respective applications APPLICATION TO HOUSING COMMISSION FOR is not available nor is any record kept in RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Head Office of the number of applicants who declined houses. From this it will be Mr. HANLON (Baroona) asked the seen that the number of new tenancies Treasurer and Minister for Housing- during the year totalled 1,115." "(1) How many applications for rental "(3) 693 applications in respect of home accommodation are now registered with the ownership (486 Workers' Dwellings and Queensland Housing Commission (a) in the 207 for purchase of properties)." metropolitan area and (b) outside the metro­ politan area?" TRAFFIC POLICEMEN EMPLOYED ON "(2) How many applications in all cate­ PARKING METERS gories for rental accommodation were lodged with the Housing Commission Mr. LLOYD (Kedron) asked the Minister during the financial year ended June 30, for Labour and Industry- 1961, and of these how many have been "(1) How many traffic policemen are allocated rental accommodation in employed on parking meters in Brisbane?" (a) houses and (b) fiats?" "(2) In view of the serious outbreak of "(3) How many applications are on hand breaking and entering, what action is being for home purchase in the metropolitan taken to expand the work force of the area of Brisbane?" Police Department to protect private Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) replied­ property?" "(1) (a) At July 31, 1961, 2,165 which "(3) What urgent police action is being have points priorities and 1,690 of nil taken against the reported influx of priority compared with 2,241 and 1,703 Southern criminals into the State?" 90 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) Hon. H. W. NOBLE (Yeronga) replied­ replied- " (I) The cost to date is £25,339, and, in "(1) Seven traffic policemen under the addition, Furniture and Equipment is supervision of one Sergeant. They also expected to cost £6,647." police "No Standing" zones and restricted "(2) Expenditure to date is £5,626, and parking areas." it is anticipated that completed cost will "(2) The work force of the C.I. Branch be £6,126." has been expanded to combat this outbreak "(3) Improvements to the Privilege and protect private property generally. For Dormitory, estimated to cost £1,600, some weeks past, special Wireless Patrols of include provision of lounge and kitchenette, C.I. Branch personnel have been in exist­ provision of individual lockers for each ence in the City Area, South Coast Area boy, and improvements to sleeping accom­ and Fortitude Valley Area, and operate modation, including floor covering. Apart from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. and from this work, there only remains the 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. respectively, which gives construction of two partitions in the main complete coverage from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. Dormitory, the bulk of the work of each shift. These Special Patrols augment subdividing the Dormitory to provide a the normal Wireless Patrols of C.I. Branch separate unit for the more recalcitrant boys personnel which operate daily in the City having already been completed." Area, the South Coast Area and the Fortitude Valley Area from 8 p.m. to "(4) Twenty." 4 a.m., 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. to "(5) The Department of Public Works 6 a.m. respectively and the Squad of ten is now proceeding with kitchen improve­ men especially assigned to the investigation ments, and is now preparing plans for of House and Shop breaking offences and further projects estimated to cost £55,000, which operates from the C.I. Branch, City, including new bathrooms and change room in shifts from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., 8.45 a.m. £8,000, floodlit sports enclosure £4,000, to 4.45 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. manual training block (including equip­ The Special Wireless Patrols mentioned are ment) £28,000, new laundry £15,000." being strengthened in all areas-the Fortitude Valley Area as from the 25th instant and the City and South Coast Areas CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATION, EVERTON as from the 28th instant by the addition of PARK STATE SCHOOL extra temporary Plain Clothes personnel, Mr. LLOYD (Kedron) asked the Minister seconded from the uniform section, some for Public Works and Local Goverrunent- of whom will perform foot patrols during the night. Also two Plain Clothes men are "Has approval yet been given to the pro­ to be employed specifically to watch the vision of additional classroom accommoda­ movements of certain persons. A Sub­ tion at the Everton Park State School? If Inspector has been assigned to personally not, what action is being taken to have this supervise the night time activities of C.I. overdue work commenced?" Branch personnel who have been especially detailed for this special duty." Hon. H. RICHTER (Somerset) replied- "No. Plans for additional classroom "(3) There is no evidence of any partic­ accommodation at the Everton Park State ular influx of southern criminals to this School are being prepared. When plans are State." completed and the estimate of cost is available the proposal will be submitted to WILSON OPHTHALMIC HoSPITAL AND the Executive Council for consideration of WESTBROOK HOME FOR BoYS approval of the expenditure involved." Mr. LLOYD (Kedron) asked the Minister for Health and Home Affairs- HousiNG CoMMISSION HoMEs, MACKAY ELECTORATE "(1) What was the cost of the conversion of the Wilson Ophthalmic Hospital?" Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for Mr. "(2) What was the cost of construction GRAHAM (Mackay), asked the Treasurer work recently carried out at the Westbrook and Minister for Housing- Home for Boys?" "In view of the fact that the Housing "(3) What expenditure is anticipated to Commission did not erect any homes in complete the work necessary for segregation the Mackay Electorate during 1959 and or separating youths of different ages at the 1960, will he give immediate consideration Westbrook Home for Boys?" to the possibility of having further homes erected in this Electorate at the earliest "(4) How many youths over the age of opportunity?" seventeen years are at present at Westbrook Home?'' Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) replied- "(5) Does he intend to recommend suffi­ "When assessing the need for the erec­ cient expenditure to improve sleeping, tion of houses the Housing Commission toilet, bathing and laundry facilities at gives no consideration to Local Authority Westbrook?" or Electorate boundaries of a city or Questions [29 AUGUST] Questions 91

town. At Mackay the Commission has a have been assured by the Right Honour­ pool of 87 Rental Houses vacancies from able the Prime Minister that his Govern­ which average five houses in three months ment is fully alive to the importance of and over the last 12 months the Clerk of this trade development, and is carefully Petty Sessions at Mackay has held relat­ watching the interests of Australia's prin­ ively few rental applications of high cipal export industries, which of course priority. At July 31, 1961, he held three include Queensland's major primary rental applications of 100 points priority, industries." 10 of families living in overcrowded condi­ tions and three of families sharing accom­ IssUE OF ARMS TO PoLICE FoRCE AND modation with other families. In view of METROPOLITAN SECURITY SERVICE this and that work under a contract for eight houses in North Mackay has com­ Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for Mr. menced, it is considered that the erection BENNETT (South Brisbane), asked the of houses at the present time in the Minister for Labour and Industry- Mackay Electorate is not warranted. The "Why is he restricting the issue of arms Honourable Member will recall that I to members of the official Police Force advised him at some length by letter on whilst at the same time allowing members June 1 last on the overall housing position of the private Police Force known as the at Mackay." Metropolitan Security Service to have an unlimited supply of arms, many of which are unlicensed?" APPOINTMENT OF TEACHER OF MUSIC, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MACKAY Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) replied- Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for Mr. "Recently there has been some re-organ­ GRAHAM (Mackay), asked the Minister for isation in relation to the issue of conceal­ Education and Migration- able firearms to members of the Police with "Will he give immediate consideration to a view to standardising the firearms being the appointment of a teacher of music in used. Until recently there has been a great the Education Department in Mackay?" variety of different classes of concealable firearms on issue to members of the Police Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (Isis) replied- Force and it is expected that efficiency will "The Honourable Member is informed be improved through standardisation, and that the appointment of a specialist teacher in relation to cost and distribution of ammunition, there will be a considerable of music at Mackay is at present under saving. Individual issues of firearms and consideration." ammunition with the exception of issues to Detectives and Plain Clothes personnel are EUROPEAN CoMMON MARKET being withdrawn and the issue of conceal­ able firearms and ammunition therefor is Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for Mr. being made to Police Stations according to BENNETT (South Brisbane), asked the the requirements calculated for personnel Premier- attached to the respective Stations. The concealable firearms issued to Police "(!) As Britain's entry into the European Stations will be available for use as and Common Market directly affects the trad­ when required by Police personnel attached ing capacity of Queensland, has he made to the Stations. Metropolitan Security submissions to the Australian Government Services, which incidentaly, is not a Police in order to safeguard the marketing of Force, owns some concealable firearms in Queensland's wool, meat, and butter?" respect of which the Company concerned "(2) If so, what are the submissions made has been issued with licenses. Every employee of that Company who desires to and have they been accepted by the Hon­ have possession of a concealable firearm ourable the Prime Minister?" must apply for a license authorising him "(3) If not, why has he failed to collate to do so. A thorough investigation is made statistics in order to apprise both the Aus­ regarding each application for a license tralian and English Governments of the for a concealable firearm, and a license is vital concern Queensland has for its future not issued unless the individual concerned in relation to this trading agreement?" is considered a fit and proper person to hold a license and he has good and Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough) sufficient reason for requiring possession of replied- a concealable firearm. There is no necessity "(! to 3) I hasten to assure the Honour­ to have a license in Queensland for any able Member that Queensland's particular rifle or shotgun which is not a concealable interests in Britain's entry into the European firearm and consequently all rifles and Economic Community have not been shotguns in Queensland are unlicensed neglected. My Government has already irrespective of whether they are owned or made strong representations to the Com­ possessed by employees of Metropolitan monwealth Government stressing the Security Services, members of the Police possible implications for Queensland. I Force, or any other citizen." 92 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

TEMPORA;RY EMPLOYMENT OF OVER-AGE stated the Gold Coast City Council had OFFICERS BY RAILWAY DEPARTMENT Counsel's opinion on August 27, 1958. This opinion was to the effect-(i) that the Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for Mr. Council had no power to grant a lease or BENNETT (South Brisbane), asked the license of the building to anyone; (ii) that Minister for Transport- the building was, in fact, the property of "In view of his reply to my Question the Crown; (iii) that any future lease of on August 23, 1961, regarding the necessity the property or license to occupy it could to employ over-age conductors because of be granted only by the Harbour Trust the shortage of staff, will he say why the under the Harbour Acts; and (iv) that, by Department does not promote and employ Section 65 of that Act. the Trust could not other personnel so as to improve the enter into a contract for the lease or efficiency of the system and in some license without first inviting public tenders. measure relieve the large and ever-growing Despite this opinion, Harley sold this shop pool of unemployment in Queensland?" to Hughes on November I, 1958. I leave Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer) it to the House to judge the propriety of replied- that sale against this background." " Appropriate steps are being taken to "(5) In the general policy of waterfront avoid any repetition of the circumstances." improvements, the Government is quite firm in its policy that it will not permit REMOVAL OF SHOP FROM WATERFRONT, general commercial structures to be erected SOUTHPORT on the foreshores in competition with shop­ keepers who are ratepayers to the local Mr. W ALSH (Bundaberg) asked the Council. To do so would indeed bring a Treasurer and Minister for Housing- storm of protest from all waterfront local "(!) Was notice given to the Mayor of authorities. The Crown will give limited the City of the Gold Coast, Alderman permits for boat hiring, slipways and Harley, ordering him to remove a shop similar activities which of necessity must from the waterfront at Southport?" be on the waterfront. Indeed, Mr. Harley "(2) In whom did the land vest and who secured his original permit as an adjunct was the owner of the shop at the time of to the boat hiring business which he was the notice?" then conducting. He ceased to conduct "(3) Was permission ever granted for that business many years ago and, in doing the erection of the shop?" so, destroyed the background against which the original permit was issued. However, "(4) Did ownership change at any time although it had been advised that the shop and, if so, was the change authorised?" was now the property of the Crown, the "(5) What were the reasons that led the Crown did not desire to take advantage of Crown to order the removal?" the presence of the shop in this particular case. Accordingly, it was decided to give Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) replied­ Harley, who had erected the shop, the "(!) Yes." right to remove it. In these circumstances "(2) The land was vested in the Crown. the treatment could be described as The shop was erected in 1950. Counsel's generous. The Crown could well have opinion obtained by Gold Coast City asserted its ownership of the shop." Council on August 27, 1958, was that the shop belonged to the Crown. This opinion NEW POLICE STATION AT AYR was confirmed by the Solicitor-General." "(3) Yes." Mr. COBURN (Burdekin) asked the "(4) Harley disposed of his interests in Minister for Labour and Industry- the shop to one Hughes on November 1, "(!) Have plans and specifications been 1958. No approval was sought or obtained completed for the proposed new police from the Crown for this change of owner­ station at Ayr? If so, when is it antici­ ship. Indeed, Harley studiously avoided pated that construction of the building will advising the Crown of the sale. I hold a be commenced?" prepared statement supplied by Harley in "(2) Will the work be undertaken by which he admits that, in 1959, he informed day labour or contract?" an officer of the Lands Department that he was the owner of the building and that Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) he did not feel there was any point in replied- complicating the position by telling that officer he had already sold the business to " (I) Sketch plans have been prepared by Hughes. It was not until October 17, 1960, the Department of Public Works and when the Crown received a letter from approved by the Commissioner of Police. Hughes advising that Harley was not the It is not known when construction of the owner of the premises, but had sold to building will be commenced, as this is a Hughes, that the Crown was aware of the matter for the Department of Public sale said to have been made some two Works." years earlier. Might I point out the back­ "(2) This is a matter for decision by the ground to this sale? As I have already Department of Public Works." Questions [29 AUGUST] Questions 93

NUMBER OF APPRENTICES ALLOCATED BY meet the arrears and what number was APPRENTICESHIP OFFICE given the full forty-five days to meet the arrears?" Mr. NEWTON (Belmont) asked the Minister for Education and Migration- "(4) For the same period what is the number of houses that were repossessed "How many apprentices were allocated from people buying homes from the Com­ in all trades by the apprenticeship office mission?" from (a) February to July, 1960, and (b) February to July, 1961 ?" Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) replied­ "(!) Eighty-seven." Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (Isis) replied- "The numbers of apprentices allocated, "(2) Ten." but not necessarily indentured, in all trades "(3) Due to the serious circumstances of by the Apprenticeship Office were­ the case, one was evicted on a seven-day (a) February to July, 1960-2,399; warrant. None of the evictions were on a (b) February to July, 1961-2,326. The forty-five-day warrant." Honourable Member is informed that the "(4) Five." following numbers of apprentices were indentured-From July 1, 1959 to June 30, 1960, 2,947; From July 1, 1960 to June 30, ELECTRIC OR GAS STOVES IN OFFICIAL 1961, 3,479. This represents an increase of RESIDENCES 532 during the last financial year over the Mr. ADAIR (Cook) asked the Minister figures for the previous year." for Public Works and Local Government- "Is it Government policy to provide for ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION AT BELMONT the installation of electric or gas stoves in STATE SCHOOL official residences occupied by school Mr. NEWTON (Belmont) asked the teachers, public servants, police or other Minister for Public Works and Local Crown employees outside the Metropoli­ Government- tan area, where electricity or gas is avail­ able?" "Has any consideration been given to providing the additional accommodation at Hon. H. RICHTER (Somerset) replied- Belmont State School as requested by the "Yes, except where electricity tariffs are Education Department on continued repre­ too high or where connection of electric sentation made to that Department during stoves is not permitted by the electricity the past twelve months?" authority. It is the practice to install improved cooking facilities as the replace­ Hon. H. RICHTER (Somerset) replied- ment of existing stoves becomes necessary." "A request was received from the Educa­ tion Department in November, 1959, for the replacement of two existing classrooms EXTENSIONS TO FRESHWATER SCHOOL at the Belmont State School by two new classrooms of modern design. As funds Mr. ADAIR (Cook) asked the Minister for have not been available for the replace­ Education and Migration- ment of serviceable classroom accommoda­ "Owing to the inconvenience now tion no action was taken to carry out the experienced at the Freshwater State School work requested. The Education Depart­ by pupils being forced to sit in an open ment recently advised that an additional area under the school, when will the new classroom is required at the school as well extensions to the school be commenced?" as the two replacement classrooms previously requested. Plans for the work Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (Isis) replied- requested will be prepared as soon as the "Executive Council approval has been services of an architect can be made given for the enlargement of accommoda­ available." tion at the Freshwater State School so that, in future, there will be three (3) classrooms as well as library, staff and storeroom. EVICTION OF TENANTS BY HOUSING Work resultant from this approval is COMMISSION expected to be commenced later this year." Mr. NEWTON (Belmont) asked the Treasurer and Minister for Housing- INVESTIGATION OF RAILWAY DEPARTMENT "(1) What is the number of formal BY MESSRS. FORD, BACON AND DAVIS eviction orders served by the Queensland Housing Commission on tenants occupying Mr. SHERRINGTON (Salisbury) asked State rental homes from January, 1961, to the Minister for Transport- July, 1961 ?" "(!) What are the qualifications of "(2) Of this number how many were Messrs. Ford, Bacon and Davis to act as evicted by the Commission with a warrant transport experts?" of possession from the Court?" "(2) Has he any details of railway sys­ "(3) Of those evicted through a court tems which have been investigated by this order how many were given seven days to company?" 94 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

"(3) Does he possess any details of Hon. E. EVANS (Mirani) replied- improvements obtained as a result of "( I) Any motor vehicle which is used investigations carried out to railway sys­ on a dedicated road is required to be tems by this company?" registered under the Main Roads Regula­ "(4) What improvements to the Queens­ tions." land railways have been suggested to date "(2) Recent investigations showed that as a result of the present investigation?" there is a large capacity truck carrying New South Wales registration plates being Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer) replied- used by a sub-contractor on this job. Action was put in hand some weeks ago to "(! to 3) Messrs. Ford, Bacon and ensure that the Regulations are observed Davis are recognised as one of the largest in respect of this vehicle. Prosecutions firms of Railway Consultants in the world. were recently instituted against the con­ The World Bank has made use of their tractor for the job for using unregistered advices, but as a matter of interest to the vehicles." Honourable Member, I will obtain from their New York office and table in the House a schedule of their more important NUMBER OF POLICE OFFICERS IN commitments over the post-war period." TOWNSVILLE "(4) Interim reports have been received Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North) asked the and these are now being examined with a Minister for Labour and Industry- view to ascertaining whether any of the "(!) What were the numbers of police suggestions can be implemented prior to officers stationed in Townsville during the receipt of the overall report." years 19 59-1960 and 1960-1961 ?" "(2) Does he feel that these numbers are BOOM GATES AND BLINKING LIGHTS, HUGH adequate for a city which it is reliably STREET LEVEL CROSSING, GARBUTT anticipated will be shown to be the second in Queensland when the results of the 1\'lr. TUCKER (Townsville North) asked recent census are made known?" the Minister for Transport- "In view of the recent collision between Hon. K. .J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) a private vehicle and a train at the Hugh replied- Street level crossing, Garbutt, when the "(!) At June 30, 1960, 80; at June 30, occupants of the vehicle were fortunate to 1961, 92. I would add that, at these dates, escape with their lives, would he be pre­ there were seven and three unfillled pared to install boom gates and blinker vacancies respectively, so that the approved ligbts at this level crossing to ensure that strength was 87 at June 30, 1960, and 95 there will not be future fatalities at this at June 30, 1961." dangerous point?" "(2) The claims of Townsville for increased Police personnel will be consid­ Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer) ered in the current financial year, in replied- conjunction with the rest of the State." "This crossing is fitted with reflectorised warning signs. It is contended that the accident was the result of negligence on the SALE OF PACKAGED ICE CREAM part of the driver of the road vehicle. It Mr. MELLOY (Nudgee) asked the Minister cannot be agreed to install boom gates and for Health and Home Affairs- blinker lights at this level crossing at the present time as there are other crossings in "(1) What are the requirements in rela­ Queensland where the circumstances war­ tion to the packaging of ice cream for rant prior consideration of such instal­ sale to the public particularly in regard to lations." the sale of what are known as family bricks?" "(2) What action is taken to ensure the REGISTRATION OF MECHANICAL LOADERS AND hygienic distribution of this food?" OTHER VEHICLES BY ROAD CONTRACTORS Hon. H. W. NOBLE (Yeronga) replied- Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North) asked "(!) The requirements in relation to the the Minister for Development, Mines, Main packaging of ice cream are covered by Roads and Electricity- The Food and Drug Regulations, the "( 1) Are all vehicles including large relevant Regulation stating-'No person capacity mechanical loaders used by con­ shall deliver to a customer any article of tractors on main roads work required to food which is ordinarily consumed in the be registered under the Main Roads same state in which it is sold unless such Acts?" food is completely wrapped in a clean "(2) If so, would he enquire whether the unprinted paper or other suitable contractor or contractors working on the material'." main coastal road south from Stuart are "(2) Inspections are carried out by State complying with the Act?" and Local Authority inspectors." Questions [29 AUGUST] Questions 95

SALE OF COAL TO POWER HOUSES NUMBER OF SAWMILLS AND PLANTINGS AT Mr. BURROWS (Port Curtis) asked the FORESTRY STATIONS Minister for Development, Mines, Main Roads Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough) asked the and Electricity- Minister for Agriculture and Forestry- "In respect to the report of the State "(1) What was the number of sawmills Electricity Commission on electrical in the State during the years 1958-1959, development in Queensland, what are the 1959-1960 and 1960-1961, and what was present ruling prices of coal as supplied the average number of workers engaged in to power-houses at present serving the these mills during these years?" South-Eastern and Central areas of the "(2) How many men are employed at State and what is the reason for the differ­ Tuan Forestry, Maryborough, at the ence between such prices and those quoted present time?'' on pages 4 and 5 for Callide and West Moreton Coals, respectively, dealing with "(3) How many acres were planted at proposals to build additional stations in Tuan during 1960 and 1961 planting those areas?" seasons?" "(4) How many men were engaged in Hon. E. EVANS (Mirani) replied- forestry work at the various forestry stations "The present average ruling prices of throughout the State at June 30, 1960, and coal ex mine supplied to power-houses at at July 31, 1961?" present serving the South-Eastern and Central areas of the State are as follows:­ "(5) How many acres were planted at South-Eastern Queensland, 61s.; Central various forestry stations throughout the State during 1960 and 1961 planting Queensland-Callide, 27s.; Blair Athol, seasons?" 30s.; Bluff, 63s. The reason for the differ­ ence between these prices and those quoted Hon. 0. 0. MADSEN (Warwick) replied- in the Report is that the greater quantity "(1 to 5) The answer to the question of coal required for a new major power­ asked by the Honourable Member for station and the limitation on the number Maryborough is almost entirely statistical of sources of supply permits the introduc­ and is quite lengthy. With the permission tion of more efficient plant and methods of the House I table a statement setting out and enables advantage to be taken of the the required information." other practical and economic benefits arising from operations on a large scale." Whereupon the hon. gentleman laid upon the table the statement referred to. REMOVAL OF DINMORE STATE ScHOOL Mr. DONALD (Ipswich East) asked the NEW INSURANCE BUILDING, MARYBOROUGH Minister for Education and Migration- Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough) asked the "In view of the inconvenience caused by Treasurer and Minister for Housing- the heavy road and rail traffic to the "When does he expect plans, specifica­ teaching staff and pupils of the Dinmore tions, &c., for the new Insurance Building State School, plus the inadequate play­ in Maryborough to be finalised and when ground area, will he take the necessary does he expect work to commence?" steps to have the school removed to the site purchased some years ago or erect a Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) replied- new school on this property?" "I would point out that the special lease of the land on which the building is to be Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (Isis) replied- constructed was not finalised until last "The provision of accommodation on a week. I am, therefore, unable to indicate new school site at Dinmore is dependent at present a firm date for completion of on the availability of funds for the pur­ plans, specifications, etc., and commence­ pose. The Honourable Member is informed ment of the work." that every effort will be made to provide this accommodation when finances are available." ANTE-NATAL CLINIC, MATERNITY HoSPITAL, MARYBOROUGH

OVERTIME pAID IN GOVERNMENT Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough) asked the DEPARTMENTS Minister for Health and Home Affairs- Mr. DEAN (Sandgate) asked the "(1) Is he opposed to the provision of Premier- ante-natal clinics in Government maternity hospitals? If so, will he give his reasons?" "Will he supply a return showing the "(2) Does he intend having provision amount of overtime paid in each Govern­ made for an ante-natal clinic in the new ment Department (all funds) during 1960- maternity hospital to be constructed in 1961?" Maryborough? If not, will he reconsider Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough) his decision because public opinion has replied- indicated that citizens generally are strongly "The information is being obtained and in favour of the inclusion of an ante-natal will be tabled in due course." clinic in a maternity hospital?" 96 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Papers

Hon. H. W. NOBLE (Yeronga) replied- being skimped, or that the consultants are "(1) No. The location is governed not allowing the Hornibrook Construction entirely by the facts of each particular Group to do a thorough and safe job. If case. The Honourable Member may rest the Honourable Member has any positive assured that the Department will provide information on which he has based his satisfactory ante-natal treatment facilities question, I suggest that he lodge it with me at State Hospitals." immediately. Might I add that earlier this month I made a personal inspection of a "(2) The matter of whether an ante-natal major portion of the project work and Clinic should be provided in the proposed found progress to be very satisfactory." new Maternity Block at Maryborough is at present being investigated. I might point out that the great majority of obstetric BALLOT FOR STRIKE ACTION, A.F.U.L.E. cases are patients of private doctors who attend to all classes of patients in their Mr. RAMSDEN (Merthyr), without notice, surgeries." asked the Minister for Labour and Industry- "(!) How many trade unionists are RIGHT OF APPEAL AGAINST CRIMINAL members of the Australian Federated CONVICTIONS Union of Locomotive Enginemen?" "(2) In the recent ballot for strike action Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) asked the how many of the votes were in favour of Minister for Justice- strike action?" "Will he give consideration to the sug­ "(3) What was the ratio of those votes gestion that in all cases of convictions in to the total union membership?" a Law Court the convicted person be handed in writing, understandable to the Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha) lay mind, the information that he or she replied- has the right of appeal?" " I would advise that as at 31 December, Hon. A. W. MUNRO (Toowong) replied- 1960, the membership was stated to be "The fact of there being certain rights 2,639. Votes cast were as follows:- of appeal in cases of this nature is known In favour 1,003; against 679; informal generally. However, it is the function of a 19; non-voters 938. convicted person's legal adviser, rather than "The percentage of votes in relation to that of a Court, to advise on the rights of total union membership, which were cast appeal in a specific case. The full imple­ in favour of strike action, was 38 per mentation of the suggestion of the Honour­ cent." able Member would involve the prepara­ tion of 1ong treatises of a general nature which, unless properly interpreted, could VOTING AT BAROOO AND be misleading to persons not having a WHITSUNDAY BY-ELECTIONS detailed knowledge of the law. In the net result a procedure as suggested would quite RETURN TO ORDER probably do more harm than good. As a general comment I may say that, in matters The following paper was laid on the of law, it is easy to make a simple matter table:- complex, but it is difficult to make a Return to an Order made by the House complex matter simple." on 23 August last, on the motion of Mr. O'Donnell, giving details of the voting at the Barcoo and Whitsunday by-elections TOWNSVILLE-MOUNT lSA RAILWAY on 1 July, 1961. Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) asked the Minister for Transport- PAPERS "In view of conflicting reported state­ ments that work on the Townsville-Mount The following paper was laid on the table, Isa railway rehabilitation scheme is being and ordered to be printed:- skimped and that statements are being made Report of the Literature Board of Review by responsible persons that the consultants under the Objectionable Literature Act to the Queensland Railways, Ford, Bacon of 1954 for the year 1960-1961. and Davis, are allegedly not allowing the Hornibrook Construction Group to do a The following papers were laid on the thorough and safe job, will he appoint an table:- independent tribunal to examine progress Order in Council under the Co-operative on this important project, and unlike other Housing Societies Acts, 1958 to 1961. Governmental instituted inquiries, have the Order in Council under the Stamp Acts, findings made public?" 1894 to 1961. Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer) Order in Council under the State Housing replied- Acts, 1945 to 1961. "! have no knowledge that the rehab­ Regulations under the Stamp Acts, 1894 ilitation of the Mount Isa Rail Link is to 1961. Address in Reply [29 AUGUST] Address in Reply 97

Regulations under the State Housing Acts, the past 10 years. We have witnessed from 1945 to 1961. time to time the tremendous assistance made Order in Council under the State Electricity available by the Commonwealth to all the Commission Acts, 1937 to 1958. other States for projects and large-scale developmental work. It is in marked con­ Order in Council under the Southern Elec­ trast with the neglect of Queensland. The tric Authority of Queensland Acts, 1952 statement of the Prime Minister this morning to 1958. is a remarkable one. He said he knew of no protest that had been received from the Order in Council under the Forestry Act Queensland Government about the terms of of 1959. the Mt. Isa railway loan. We have already Proclamations under tlre Forestry Act of seen the type of assistance being made 1959. available to Western Australia, and the other States, with Commonwealth Government Regulations under the Audit Acts, 1874 to contributions reaching up to 70 per cent. of 1960, the Stock Routes and Rural Lands the capital cost of works. We have been Protection Acts, 1944 to 1961, and the unable to get any satisfaction either on the Local Government Acts, 1936 to 1960. terms of the loan made available by the Regulations under the Stock Routes and Commonwealth for the reconstruction of the Rural Lands Protection Acts, 1944 to Mt. Isa railway or on any direct assistance. 1961. We have heard only one statement, and that was made last week, when the Treasurer At 12 noon, said that the only approaches that In accordance with Standing Order No. 17, were being made were about a legal the House proceeded with Government battle between the Commonwealth Gov­ ernment and the Queensland Govern­ business. ment over sinking-fund contributions, which will, if the Queensland Government are successful, mean a very small contribu­ ADDRESS IN REPLY tion by the Commonwealth. We realise the RESUMPTION OF DEBATE-FIRST ALLOTTED importance of the Mt. Isa mines project to DAY the whole economy of Australia, not merely because of the level of employment it offers Debate resumed from 23 August (see the people of Queensland but also because p. 17) on Mr. Camm's motion for the of the export trade. The mine's mineral adoption of the Address in Reply, on which production is of tremendous importance to Mr. Duggan had moved the following Australia. Surely the people of Queensland amendment:- are entitled to expect their Government not "Add to the question the following to be tied to the apron strings of a political words:- party in this matter but to register a very 'However, it is the opinion of this strong protest to the Commonwealth Govern­ Legislature that, due in great measure ment for their failure to recognise the to your present advisers having failed to national importance of the project. successfully manage and extend the We can, I think, take the last White Paper financial resources of the State, to published by the Commonwealth Govern­ encourage and foster new industrial ment in relation to Commonwealth payments enterprises, and to take adequate action to or for the States. On page 24, in the to conserve and stabilise the economy, chapter headed "Other Payments for Specific serious unemployment has become an Purposes of a Capital Nature," we find an established feature of the economy, over­ outline of the whole of the assistance made seas migrants are now loth to come to available to other States in past years. For Queensland, and our own native-born comparison let us take the current Western citizens are migrating to southern States Australian project, the standardisation of the in such numbers that our much-needed railway gauge between Kalgoorlie and population shows the lowest percentage Kwinana, £41,000,000, with a 70-per-cent. growth in the Commonwealth, and, contribution by the Commonwealth and 30- accordingly, we desire to inform you per-cent. by the State. Compare that with that for these and other reasons this the Mt. Isa project! For Victoria and New Government does not possess the con­ South Wales alone there has been a contri­ fidence of the House.' " bution up to 30 June, 1961, of over £10,000,000 and during the present financial year there will be an expenditure of Mr. LLOYD (Kedron) (12.1 p.m.): I £4,000,000. The Commonwealth Govern­ second the amendment moved by the Leader ment are meeting 70 per cent. of the cost. of the Opposition. The statement of the In South Australia there has been an expendi­ Prime Minister of Australia which was pub­ ture of £5,000,000 on rail standardisation lished this morning points very strongly to and already we can see signs of another large the need for this no-confidence amendment. project, which will be assisted by the Com­ All hon. members must feel very strongly monwealth Government, by the expenditure about the treatment meted out to Queensland of £50,000 on initial survey work for <>, by the Commonwealth Government during proposal for the conversion to 4 ft. St in, 4 98 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply gauge of the 3 ft. 6 in. gauge Petersborough timid approach, to the Commonwealth division, which includes the line from Broken Government and this has failed to get any Hill to Port Pirie. That is another project direct assistance for Queensland. During the that will be subject to the 70 per cent. direct past few years we have seen the failure of contribution by the Commonwealth Govern­ several approaches by the State Government ment. A loan of £1,250,000 was made for not only to the Commonwealth Government the dieselisation of the Port Pirie-Broken but also to the Premiers' Conference and the Hill line-a further contribution by the Com­ Loan Council. In regard to the Federal Aid monwealth Government to the South Aus­ Roads Grant, when the Premier and the tralian Government. In Western Australia, Treasurer arrived back from the conference in direct assistance to the extent of £5,000,000 February last year, they suddenly discovered has been given by the Commonwealth Gov­ that, although there had been an increase in ernment to the northern developmental the grant, the formula had been altered to scheme, and I understand that the Govern­ give the greatest possible benefit to Victoria ment of Western Australia is finding it very and that Queensland would lose £1,500,000 difficult to find projects north of the 20th over a period of five years. parallel on which to expend that money. There is also a new formula covering A list of the works that have been approved income tax reimbursements to the States. is set out, and I think I should read it to give The Premier returned from the Premiers' hon. members an idea of the type of work Conference and told the people of Queensland upon which this money is being expended. that the star of federation was in the ascend­ On page 25 of the White Paper, this list ancy and that at last we had a formula on appears- which we could work for the future. But he "The following projects have been omitted to mention that, because of the approved by the Commonwealth:- sudden impact of large wage increases and the cost of Government during the first 12 (!) The construction of a deep water months of operation of that formula, the "lort at Black Rocks near Derby. (This project was subsequently suspended and State Government were unable to budget to meet their commitments during that year. the Commonwealth's approval was with­ drawn.) The result of all this has been that in the (2) The construction of a new berth at past three years we have seen the greatest the Wyndham jetty. increase in unemployment since the depres­ (3) The reconstruction of the existing sion yars. We must insist that the Premier jetty at Wyndham (to the extent of 50 and the Treasurer revise their thinking in per cent of the cost). regard to their attitude towards the Common­ wealth Government and base their approaches (4) The carrying out of extensive on obtaining additional assistance. The investigations in the Napier-Broome Bay formula gave them a chance, an opportun­ area to decide upon the most suitable ity, so we were told, so that in special circum­ and economic means of servicing the stances the Queensland Government could North Kimberley area. make independent approaches to the Com­ (5) The construction of a diversion monwealth Government for special assistance. dam on the Ord River. We have not heard anything about the serious (6) The construction of a main channel impact of unemployment on the economy of from the Ord River diversion dam." Queensland, or the necessity to undertake additional works and receive additional These works are all of comparatively minor finance from the Commonwealth Govern­ importance when compared with the projects ment to bring employment to the level where that former Labour Governments, in par­ the people can be given what they are entitled ticular, had on the boards for a number of to-full employment in the State. The state­ years for North Queensland or the western ment by the Prime Minister that the Queens­ part of the State. land Government had made no protest about The additional contributions made by the the Commonwealth Government's contribu­ Commonwealth to the Government of tion to the reconstruction of the Mt. Isa rail­ Western Australia include a further way line was a shocking indictment of the £5,000,000 for water supply. The pattern is Queensland Government. We should like to the same over a number of years. Former hear something from the Premier about this Labour Governments of Queensland continu­ matter. The people of Queensland are ally voiced their resentment of the Common­ entitled to know something of the attitude wealth Government's attitude to this State, being adopted by the Queensland Govern­ and we were accused by the Premier and ment. We cannot afford such a Government the Treasurer, who were then in Opposition, in Queensland. l!n past years I do not think of causing disruption in Commonwealth-State any Labour Government ever tied themselves relationships. They said that we could not to the apron strings of a political party when expect to receive any assistance because of it came to matters affecting Queensland's the attitude that we were adopting towards development. Labour Governments in the Commonwealth Government. When they Queensland have been outspoken about were elected to the Government benches, they Queensland development and its national im­ decided that they would adopt this aristocratic portance. Unless there is some denial by the approach, this gentlemanly approach, this Premier we must accept the Prime Minister's Address in Reply [29 AUGUST] Address in Reply 99 statement as being factual, that there has Amoco will have a good effect on Queens­ been no protest. The Treasurer says that land development, but there has not been any there has been some negotiation with the tendency, during the past few years, that Commonwealth Government about sinking would bear out such statements. fund payments. Any contribution by the Last year the net loss in population Commonwealth Government on the basis of through migration from Queensland was sinking fund payments would be very small 3,162. That indicates clearly that Queens_land compared with the direct assistance given to is losing skilled tradesmen to the. highly all other States for similar construction work industrialised southern States. Advertisements on railways. appear from time to time in our new.spap~rs Mr. Hiley: Sinking fund contributions work similar to that inserted by the Victonan out at about 72 per cent. Railways last year, inviting skilled trades­ men from this State to enter the employ of Mr. LLOYD: Of course the repayment that Government. There has been a. drop would be over a period of 20 years whereas of 2,500 in the level of employment m the all other States have a repayment period of railway services in this State; there has been 50 years. a tendency for skilled men to go to wherever good employment is .available, and they have Mr. Hiley: Read what you are talking been going from this State to the southern about. The sinking fund endures for 53 years. States. A high level of employment is essential Mr. LLOYD: It is all very well for the in a State such as this where industry should Treasurer to make these statements when he be expanding, but the figures for the l~st has already told us that it is a legal battle two years reveal that in the larger factones to decide whether the State is entitled to in Queensland as at June, 1960, the level this 70 per cent. The Commonwealth of emloyment was 33,191, whereas at June, Government have already legalised any 1961, it had dropped to 30,414. In other direct assistance by that Government to State words, although our figu~es for. wage and Governments by way of rail standard­ salary earners have been mcrea~mg, acc

Mr. MORRIS: For the hon. member for time last year, also that factory employment Bowen, let me say that he has done things has increased by 1,800 in the same period. for the electorate about which he and every­ I do not want to be misunderstood. I am not body else has reason to be proud. I have satisfied with the increase, as this is a very here a list-- difficult year, but at least the information in the report shows that the figures used by hon. Opposition Members interjected. members opposite are literally not true. Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Let me go further. I have a list of new Mr. Tucker interjected. factories. I had hoped to be able to read it in full, but I cannot do so in the time avail­ Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I will able to me. It is a list of 34 new factories have to deal with the hon. member if he that have been established in the last 12 continues to interject while I am on my feet. months, some of them worth £250,000, some I draw hon. members' attention to Standing more and others less. There are a few about Order 114 which says that hon. members which I feel extremely proud. One is the speaking shall not be interrupted. Conse­ Willeys jeep factory. It is one example of quently, if this interruption continues­ many I could give. This organisation has particularly remarks across the Chamber not moved into Queensland and has picked Bris­ directed to the hon. member,-the Standing bane as against southern capitals. It is now Orders will have to be applied. carrying on business completely in Queens­ land. If that is not something to be proud Mr. MORRIS: I should like to quote some of, I do not understand the mental approach figures. The hon. member for Bowen has of some people. Here again I have another done some magnificent work in his elector­ lengthy list of expansions in industries. There ate. These are figures, up to June of this are various organisations-and all of them year, showing the number of people who very large-that have extended their opera­ are unemployed in Bowen compared with the tions in Queensland during the last 12 number unemployed in the preceding year. months. One of them is the glassworks This is a very fine record. Take December where they are putting in plant worth many last year. The figure was reduced from 47 hundreds of thousands of pounds. Included to 29. The figures for March, 1960, and in the list are Australian Consolidated 1961 are 44 and 19 respectively. In April, Industries which, in the last 12 months, have 1960, the figure was 24, whereas in April, spent nearly £1,000,000. There is a long 1961, it was only 11. I will tell the House list of them but the Opposition will not recog­ later how these fine results were achieved. nise it and they do not want to recognise it. Hon. members opposite are disturbed some­ what by my reminder of their careless use Let us look at it from a different angle. of words. On one occasion in particular I remember bringing legislation to this House to provide (Time, on motion of Mr. Houghton, for an oil refinery in Queensland. I remind extended.) hon. members that throughout the entire Mr. MORRIS: I thank hon. members for passage of that legislation, the Opposition the extension. I hope I can use it to advan­ fought it on every possible occasion and tage; I think I will. with every ounce of their strength. Had they been able to stop it, that refinery would The Leader of the Opposition and his never have been in Queensland. Deputy do not like to be chided on their misuse of words, but they never spare me. I have here "The Maryborough Chronicle" They remind me frequently of words I used, for 21 and 22 August. In the issue of when after all they were words used in 21 August there is a great deal said about normal discussion, words in the ordinary Ampol developing a terminal at Urangan. vernacular of the A.I.F. in the Middle East. When the legislation for the refinery was They have chided me for using these words, before this House I said that we believed and I now take the opportunity of chiding in grasping the opportunity while it was them on their use of words. there. We knew we could get a refinery but our opponents did nothing to help us. I am sorry to say that the Leader of the Indeed, they did a great deal to hinder us. Opposition referred only slightly to the prob­ Since that debate about the oil refinery, quite lem of unemployment. Hon. members on a number of overseas industrialists have said this side of the Chamber recognise it as a to me, "Well, you painted an attractive pic­ problem, just as do hon. members opposite. ture of Queensland, but why should we come? They have chided us with failing to promote Here, above all things you need an oil industry and with the fact that employment refinery, yet when you attempted to bring in factories has fallen. They mentioned one here, the Opposition in your Parliament several other factors. If the Leader of the fought it tooth and nail." I am happy to Opposition had read the report I tabled and say that in every case I have been able to which he sneeringly said revealed that the break down the mental attitude of these Government were afraid to tell the true story, people and made them realise that it will. be he would have found that the number of many years-indeed, far beyond my time factories at 31 January this year was greater and yours, Mr. Acting Speaker-before they by over 20{) than the number at the same are a political force in power in this State. Address in Reply [29 AUGUST) Address in Reply 107

I should now like to refer to unemploy­ various directions to supplement the number ment; there are many factors relevant to of cattle available. As is generally known, tltis problem. It ill becomes any member of we are making strong efforts to get assistance Parliament to quote figures that are not for sea transport to convey cattle to those accurate or not relevant and in doing so meatworks and I believe that within a few to disregard all the factors that are causing weeks we will have an announcement to unemployment. Any thinking person will the effect that that will be operating next know there are many factors. The Deputy year. Moreover, the Minister for Public Leader of the Opposition spoke about adver­ Lands and Irrigation has recently caused a tisements from Victoria for skilled tradesmen survey of the area to be made to discover appearing in our newspaper. So what! lands that can be used for cattle fattening There are advertisements regularly in our so that we can get all-year-round killing. newspapers for skilled tradesmen for Queens­ It is not something anybody can achieve land industries. in a day or a week or even a year, but While on the one hand there are unem­ already we have done more in this matter ployed, on the other hand some industries than our opponents did in 20 years. are crying out for the right type of employee. Let us look at one or two more of these One of them is a factory I visited only factors. Let us look at one I believe is last week-Penn Elastic Co. in South extraordinarily serious-and that is industrial Brisbane. They have advertised regularly unrest. I agree with the comment that throughout the year for seniors leaving school was once made-"I don't care how a bird to become tradesmen, advanced tradesmen, looks. If it looks like a crow and it flies in their organisation. The opportunities are like a crow, it is entitled to be shot like immense. They are unable to get the a crow." employees they want. Why all the fuss I now come back to the question of about southern organisations advertising in industrial unrest. I do not think it is very our newspapers? Of course they do! Our relevant whether the people who are causing own do the same. I should like hon. the unrest are in fact Communists or members to know that I discussed the whether they are fellow travellers. If they problem with the Minister for Education to cause grave unrest, they are damaging our see whether it was possible for us to initiate economy. a course for the type of young people required in Queensland. As he always does, Everybody will recognise, I am sure, that he said he would look into it thoroughly pre-war we had a coastal shipping ser­ and I know that he will. That is just one of vice in Queensland that was of great value a number of similar cases. to the North. After the war great changes took place. Instead of the ships spending There are many other factors contributing two-thirds of their time at sea and one­ to the unemployment problem, including­ third in port, because of industrial trouble The seasonal impact on some primary they spent one-third of their time at sea and industries, principally beef, sugar and two-thirds in port. If industrial unrest causes tobacco. that sort of thing, it is impossible to build The effect of automation on the wharves. an economic industry. Four years of drought, with 1961 the Let us now look at the shipbuilding worst of them all. Our opponents will industry, which is equally important. I not recognise that but unfortunately the mentioned this point briefly the other dav. people on the land are forced to. In this industry we have been in grave danger A very marked change in the materials of losing the support of the Commonwealth used for building. Shipping Board because our shipyards have not been able to turn out the ships in the An overall change in the Australian time originally scheduled for their construc­ economy in converting from control by tion. Because of the failure of unions to import licensing to control by tariffs. work overtime and because of the failure of Finally, the ever-present, I am sorry a union to work shift work, we were in to say, problem of industrial unrest. danger of losing that industry. It all boils Let us look at each of those matters, just down to this: if Queensland has this constant very briefly I am afraid. Ever since we industrial unrest, it is inevitable that industry have been a State the seasonal industries will be frightened away from the State. have been responsible for much unemploy­ In the teeth of all that, we have brought ment. We are not just looking at that to the State every year a great number of and saying what a dreadful problem it is; new businesses. In the last year alone, I we can do nothing about it. We are doing repeat, there were 200 more factories in something about it. This Government are Queensland than there were 12 months doing a great deal to try to bring all-year­ earlier. If that is not something to be proud round killing in our meatworks. We know of. I do not know what is. that today if there were a further 250,000 head of cattle available to our meatworks Getting back to unemployment, we hear in North Queensland there would be all­ members of the Opposition talking about year-round killing in all those works. There­ unemployment being as serious as ever it was fore we are making very vigorous efforts in in the days of the depression. 108 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Mr. Houston: Well, isn't it? also. I refer hon. members to the "Daily Telegraph" of 24 August wherein it is Mr. MORRIS: No, it is not. I am glad reported that at the Federal Meeting of the that interjection was made, because I shall A.L.P. the Unity ticket question was dis­ quote some figures in reply. Our unemploy­ cussed. It is classed as a disaster warning ment figures have never been more than to the A.L.P. There was a very even division 4 per cent., and they have usually been on a question vital to the industrial peace of about 2 per cent-between 2 per cent. and Australia today-whether or not Labour and 2.3 per cent. Let us look now at the days Communist candidates should run together of the depression. The figures that I am on unity tickets. I have heard hon. members about to quote relate to 30 September, 1928, opposite disclaiming any association with the and they were taken out by the then Minister Communist Party so often that I believed that for Labour and Industry, Hon. D. A. Gledson. if such an issue ever came before their party They are- they would declare very forthrightly where Totally unemployed 46,000 they stood. But what was the result? There Partially unemployed 70,000 (approx.) has been no action taken within the Labour Party to make sure that Communists do Total 116,000 not get control of Australian unions. Had When one calculates the number of bread­ I time to quote all this article I would do winners at that time, it shows that unemploy­ so. It states- ment then was 29.5 per cent., either total "Three of Labor's four leaders in the or partial. These are not my figures. They Federal Parliament warned today that the were produced by the then Minister for Australian Labor Party was being Labour and Industry, and when they were wrecked." made public there was an almighty row Senator McKenna, Senator Kennelly, and within the Labour Party and a heresy hunt Mr. Whitlam had quite a lot to say. The to discover from whom the figures came. article states- I refer to them because I am speaking about "Mr. Whitlam said he had satisfied him­ the industrial situation in general. I would self that there was a unity ticket in the remind hon. members that there is an article Victorian Australian Railways Union ballot in the September issue of the "Reader's which gave control of the Victorian rail­ Digest" that it would pay them all to read. ways to top Communists." It states- Do you remember, Mr. Speaker, that wor? "No Communist effort could have under­ "disintegrate" that the Leader of the Opposi­ mined the American missile and space tion used? Here is one of their own leaders effort as effectively as opportunistic labor saying that the Labour Party is disintegrating. unions have done at the launching pads and There is much in this article that would be ICBM bases." of a great deal of value to all people to There is the record of a true story. Unfor­ learn and to use as their own warning. I tunately so much of it is applicable to quote from the article again- Queensland. "The public had reached the stage of having no faith in the Victorian A.L.P. Opposition Members interjected. as a possible alternative government. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I should like to Senator Kennelly said, 'Unity tickets remind hon. members on my left that if would cost Labor the next election and they do not know the Standing Orders they were contributing to a disintegrating pro­ should. In moving and seconding the cess within the party.' amendment, the Leader of the Opposition Senator Kennelly told the Victorians and the Deputy Leader were given an bluntly 'You lost the Victorian electio_ns uninterrupted hearing, which is their just because the people did not trust the VIc­ due under the Standing Orders. I would ask torian Labor Party. How can they trust hon. members on my left to allow the it? Unity tickets are going on ~here., Let_'s Minister to continue his speech without try and kid others but don t lets kid further interruption. ourselves'." Mr. Grnham interjected. Then it goes on- "The way Labour is going it could be Mr. SPEAKER: If the hon. member for out of office for years because--" Mackay interjects once more, under Standing Order 123 I will ask him to leave the and mark the words- Chamber. "it is disintegrating." Why is that relevant here? Had it not been Mr. Grnham: Mr. Speaker-- for the Queensland representatives of the Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The Minister for Australian Labour Party in Victoria last week Labour and Industry. the Labour Party would have banned unity tickets between Communists and Australian Mr. MORRIS: I am deeply worried about Labour Party candidates. It is on the heads the situation. As I said at the beginning of of these hon. members who seem to be very my speech I have no doubt that the Leader disturbed at the things I am saying. Right of the Opposition is in great mental distress at their door lies the responsibility, firstly for Address in Reply [29 AUGUST] Address in Reply 109 unity tickets between Communists and the extension and the contractor, Transfield Labour Party, and secondly, that Commun­ (Queensland) Pty. Ltd., has imported labour. ists are in control of so many unions today. The company has brought in foreigners not Until they are eradicated we will never have because they are better workers than the industrial peace in this State and until we local men but because they can be exploited get industrial peace, irrespective of the work by the company. There are dozens of miners that we may do as a Government or of the in the area who are quite capable of perform­ progress that we make, the State's progress ing the work on the Barron Falls scheme, but will be white-anted and prevented and cur­ the company would not employ them. It tailed by this thinking that permits, particu­ brought men from the Snowy River scheme larly with the world situation as it is today, and thus deprived local residents of the work. Communists to bring industrial turmoil to Contractors who seek work in the Far North the State. should be told that they have to employ local labour. The Premier recently Mr. ADAIR (Cook) (3.2 p.m.): As the answered a question asked by me. He said representative of the remotest electorate in it was left to the contractor to employ the the State I have perhaps more problems than labour that would give him the best results. any other hon. member in this Chamber. The workers employed on this scheme have I hope to point out to the Government where committed breaches of union rules on several they have failed in their election promises occasions and breaches of other regulations in not implementing many of the things they covering the job. claimed they would do if they gained office. Mr. Aikens: How many foreigners are on I should like to point out to the Leader the job all told? of the Opposition and other members of the A.L.P. that their moving a vote of no confi­ Mr. ADAIR: 90 per cent. are foreigners. dence in the Government loses its effect by I am not against the foreigners. They are the fact that they can blame themselves for entitled to work, but Australians up there are this Government's being in power. It is out of work and are unable to get it. Much not very long ago that 21 of them walked of the unemployment is due to the credit across the floor of the Chamber and voted squeeze of the Menzies Government. Many a Country-Liberal Party Government into men now out of work formerly were power. If those 21 hon. members had employed in businesses which were closed walked out of the Chamber we would still down as a result of the credit squeeze. With have had the numbers to enable us to remain the closing of the sugar mills thousands of the Government of the day. We had 25 other men will be thrown out of work members. and no developmental project has been planned by the Government to provide A.L.P. Members interjected. work for those men. We have not the Mr. SPEAKER: Order! secondary industries in North Queensland to absorb them. A great deal of road­ Mr. ADAIR: They cannot blame it on building could be undertaken. For instance anybody else. Labour supporters in Queens­ the road from the Daintree to Cooktown land blame us for walking across the floor would absorb many of them. The of the Chamber and voting the Labour Tinaroo irrigation scheme comes to mind. Government out. It is the mightiest scheme ever undertaken in this country, thanks to a Labour Mr. Bennett: Are you trying to crawl into Government. If the present Govern­ the Country Party now that you cannot get ment had had their way, it would into the Liberal Party? never have eventuated. Production in Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I warn the hon. the tobacco industry last year in the member for South Brisbane. I have already Mareeba-Dimbulah area was worth had occasion to warn hon. members on my £4,750,000. At the present time very little left, and, I would say, hon. members on my money is available for further extension of right. I now ask hon. members to please the water channels to tobacco land. allow the hon. member to continue his speech Although the channel is now only 4t miles without interruption. away from the Aerodrome tobacco-growing area, where there are 33 growers, we now Mr. ADAm: I have made my point. The find that they will not be able to get Government have failed so far as employ­ this water by channel for another six or ment in Queensland is concerned, especially seven years. The growers in the area have in my electorate of Cook. There is more offered £80,000 to finance a scheme to get unemployment around Cairns and in the Cook this water. I believe it is the duty of the electorate than for a number of years, prob­ Government to do everything in their power ably since the days of the depression. On to try to give water to these farmers, when my journeys throughout the electorate I pick they are willing to help themselves. I can up men who are carrying their swags look­ assure hon. members I will be pressing for ing for work. With the end of the crushing the extension of this channel into that area. season thousands more will be out of work. At the present rate of development of the The Government have no major project under Tinaroo irrigation scheme it will be years way in the Far North. The only project of before the Paddy's Green area, the Aero­ any size is the Barron Falls hydro-electric drome area and other areas are irrigated. 110 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

It is a shame that the Government are not value of Australia's peanut crop for the able to go ahead with this irrigation because same year and half the value of Queensland's it means so much to the area. If it were wheat crop. So that is one of the wealthiest developed it would mean that all that land areas in the State. Its production was that is now lying idle would come under £4,500,000 and goodness knows what it cultivation, and the revenue that would be could produce if it were allowed to expand. earned would be colossal. From attending the tobacco sales I believe Mr. Wallace: Do you think they want the tobacco buyers are fleecing the growers. to produce tobacco? It is daylight robbery. The growers are at the mercy of the buyers. The companies are Mr. ADAIR: Of course they want to buying the leaf cheaply but getting the full produce it. price for the manufactured article. Farmers As I have pointed out, the channel is who have been growing tobacco for 20 to only 4t miles away from the Aerodrome 30 years are at a loss to know what type of area where there are 33 farmers who are leaf is required by the buyer. crying out for the water, yet the Government I have some samples of leaf here to give tell them it will be at least five or six hon. members an indication of what goes years before they are able to get it. The on at the sales. For years the tobacco farmers know they will not be able to get growers in these areas have tried to produce the water before then so they have offered a leaf similar in quality to the first one I this £80,000 for the extension of the have here-it is a light and fine leaf-yet channels. I do not think that anywhere its reserve price, that is, the price put on it else in Australia a group of 33 farmers has before the sale, was 138d. and it was sold ever made such an offer to a government. for 50d. This leaf will be bought by Rothmans or Wills or one of the other Mr. Walsh: Did the Government intend tobacco companies, and it will go into the to go on with it when it was in the elec­ manufacture of tobacco and cigarettes, which torate of the hon. member for Tablelands? will be sold at 3s. 3d. a packet just the same Mr. ADAIR: This area would have been as the other tobacco that is bought at a high serviced and would have had water by now, price. but for the redistribution of boundaries and Mr. Hilton: How much did that bring? the hon. member for Tablelands' representing the Emerald Creek area. The water is going Mr. ADAIR: Fifty pence. Hon. members in that direction now instead of to the will see that it has all the good qualities. farmers at Aerodrome. The Aerodrome area has been growing tobacco for over 30 years, Mr. Houghton: Is the tobacco appraised equal in value to leaf per acre in any other before the sale? area. In the past five years, all farmers in Mr. ADAIR: Yes. Here is another leaf, the Atherton Road and Aerodrome area have which brought a high price. As against the produced crops averaging more than 1,500 50d. for the first leaf, this one was sold lb. per acre for an average value of for 143d. It is very interesting to know 11s. a lb., that is, over £800 an acre. how the so-called experts arrive at their If any area warrants the channelling of figure. The farmers who have been grow­ water today, this area certainly does. I ing tobacco for 20 or 30 years cannot under­ believe firmly that the Tinaroo scheme should stand why they are getting such low prices have been completed before any other scheme for good-quality leaf. The appraisal price, in Queensland was taken on. There are or the reserve price, for this second leaf men in the Irrigation Department who will was 120d. and it was sold for 143d. Hon. have to be transferred to other areas because members will observe that it is all spotted of the lack of development in the Irrigation and broken, yet it was sold at a higher price Department. Later on, when the scheme than leaf that appears to be of better quality. develops, they will have to be brought back The leaf that I have in my hand now is the to Mareeba to carry out the developmental fine grade leaf that farmers have been trying work there. I am told that the cost of for years to grow. The reserve price on channelling and bringing water to Paddy's appraisal was 140d. a lb. On open bidding 40d. Green area will be £1,750,000. For an outlay was offered, and the price at which a sale of £1,750,000 this area will produce was finally negotiated privately was SOd. a lb. £1,000,000 worth of tobacco yearly. What other industry could give a return like that I have more leaf here, but the point I for the outlay? I do not think any other make is that the grower is not told before industry in the country would give such he puts in his plants what type of tobacco a good return for money invested. The leaf he is required to grow and he is at the Government's investment of £1,750,000 will mercy of the buyers. return £1,000,000 yearly. Compare the wealth of the tobacco industry of the Mr. Walsh: The manufacturers more than Mareeba-Dimbulah area with others in the buyers. Australia and you will realise the importance Mr. ADAIR: Yes. All this leaf goes of the industry. The value of its production into the manufacture of cigarettes, and in 1959-1960 equalled the value of although the manufacturers, with excise and Australia's rice crop; it was 2t times the so on, do not get the full 3s. 3d. a packet, Address in Reply [29 AUGUST] Address in Reply 111 they do get the advantage of buying the leaf cent. of the shares of the company, the at low prices. I think the Government Bulolo Mining Company the other 49 per should make a full investigation into the ,cent. Coloured labour is used and they methods adopted by buyers when purchasing are paid only £3 a month. Over £1,000,000 tobacco leaf. worth of timber came into Australia during I should like to speak briefly about the 1959-1960. The State Government should Government's decision to close the Cooktown­ have a thorough investigation into the ply­ Laura railway line. I know that I have wood industry, and they should take the been fortunate in having the line kept open matter up with the Federal Government who till December, but I do not know why the are supplying timber processed by cheap Government are determined to close it. It coloured labour in New Guinea. Very little is is the key tourist attraction at Cooktown, paid in royalties, yet they can take their pick and it is very important that it should be of the timber. In the Far North they have kept open. I appeal to the Minister to keep to take the timber at the face, including it open until a suitable road is built from secondary timbers like milky pine, candle nut Cooktown to Laura. It would be ridiculous and quondong. In the stands in New Guinea to close it when for five months of the year they pick the eyes out of the timber. Timber road transport has no chance of getting merchants in Queensland have no chance through from Cooktown to Laura. With the of competing with timber produced by cheap onset of the wet season, the nature of the coloured labour in New Guinea where they country and flooding will make it impossible take the pick of the timber available in for road transport to get through. The line the stands. As I have said, hundreds of men has doubled its revenue in the last five or have been put out of work in the ply-milling six months, and the revenue will keep on industry in the Far North and I cannot see improving if it is kept open. I again appeal any way of rectifying the position unless a to the Government to keep the Cooktown­ stand is taken with the Federal Government Laura line open. When metropolitan rail­ on the bringing of timber into the country way lines are showing a loss of hundreds from New Guinea, where it is worked by of thousands of pounds, it is hard on the coloured labour. people of that remote area that a line on which they are dependent should be closed. There is a sawmill at Cooktown owned by Raymond Bros. They purchased it from Turning to the pineapple industry, I know Bunning Bros. two years ago. A road has that Government members will say that over­ been built into a stand of timber at Mount production and so on has caused its collapse. Poverty where, I am told, there are millions The fact is that growers in the Far North of feet of timber. But no effort has yet have been hamstringed by the Government been made to work it. If it were in full ever since they took office. They have done working order it would employ 26 men. In everything in their power to see that the Cooktown at present very little roadwork is far northern pineapple industry did not going on and most of the workers i!l t~e function. They have put all the obstacles area are unemployed. Unless somethmg 1s they could in the way of these people to done there soon, with roadworks or some­ ensure that the industry did not flourish. They have given protection to the growers in thing else, I do not know what will happen and around the Brisbane area. A few to Cooktown. It is essential that some work growers in the Far North are still carrying be started very soon. on but they are sending their pineapples to If these people who have the timber rights the southern market where they are getting for this mill do not work it, let somebody reasonable prices. The cannery in Brisbane who might do something with it have a go. is of no use to them. The C.O.D. has forced the far northern growers out even The John Burke Shipping Co. trades from though there is no doubt that they can grow Brisbane to Gulf ports and Thursday Island far superior pineapples in that area. I do and received £34,000 subsidy each year from not know why the Government have adopted the Government for running this shipping this attitude. service to those remote areas, but there are other shipping companies carrying out Timber is the most important industry in equally important work, if not more import­ the Far North. The cutter goes in to cut the ant, than the John Burke Company. There timber, roads are built, the timber is hauled is Holland's Shipping Line with the "Katoora" out and transported to the mills, the timber and the "Maluka." John Burke's line runs a is processed at the mills in various ways, monthly service whilst the "Katoora" and veneer, ply and everything that goes with "Maluka" do fortnightly trips and carry as home building, so that in all the timber much cargo as Burke's boat. I also believe industry would be one of the biggest that they are going to more remote places employers of labour in Queensland. Yet what than those serviced by John Burke's line. do we see? Throughout the whole of the They service Portland Roads, Thursday Far North ply mills are closing down one Island, Weipa, Normanton, Burketown, after the other. Even Patterson's mill at Mornington Island and Karumba. They are Bloomfield closed down the other day. At also servicing places like Marina Plains and the Mareeba mill Dawson has put off over Cooktown when they have the loading. 100 men. It has all been caused by the importation of ply from New Guinea. The As I say, the Government are paying John Commonwealth Government own 51 per Burke £34,000 to carry out these services, 112 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply and they are being paid that sum whilst in Mr. Evans: £3,000 in 10 years. competition with Keith Holland's Ship­ ping Line. Holland informs me that he will Mr. ADAffi: It was started in 1949. I in the near future, if he gets the graziers am grateful for what the Government have in the Peninsula area to come in, convert done. If the Minister travelled over the the "Katoora" for cattle-carrying. He will road with me from Daintree to Cooktown be able to take 130 head of cattle on the I could point how essential it is to the "Katoora." He will load the cattle existence and development of that town. It on his return fortnightly journey from would cut off 70 miles and tourists would the Gulf and Thursday Island; he will bring use it. No-one can tell me that the Mulligan back a load of cattle. Highway would attract one tourist. When talking to the graziers at Coen I Mr. Evans: It would cost £375,000 on was informed that they would rather have Your engineer's estimates. his service than Clausen's. Clausen's boat will take up to 600 head. I do not know Mr. ADAffi: I have quoted the estimate what the draft of the boat is. I am told of Jack Brennan who was working on the that there is an agreement between the State Mulligan Highway. He would construct this and Federal Government for the signing of road and at a considerably lower contracts by both Governments and Clausen's price. The Mulligan Highway will now company to take cattle from the Gulf and go straight on to Laura and to Weipa, and Peninsula area to the meatworks in Cairns. Cooktown will be by-passed. When the road The Minister in answer to a question by me is fully constructed the traffic will come recently claimed that the Government have straight down beside Laura and down to not signed the agreement, but I have been Cairns instead of going to Cooktown. It in~ormed that the Clausen shipping line is would be one of the best tourist roads and gomg to be subsidised for three years to the would open up thousands of acres of rich extent of £150,000, that is, £50,000 a year. agricultural soil and mining country. It would When Rex Johnston pioneered the sea trans­ be the lifeblood of Cooktown, and give Cook­ port of cattle with the "Wewak" he received town the pep it needs to continue. I appeal a subsidy from the previous Government of to the Minister to carry out the construction £10,000 the first year, £8,500 in the second of this road. If the Minister were to go to year and £8,000 in the third year. The Cooktown or any other local authority in pres~nt Government gave him virtually the North he would be told it is most essential nothmg, yet they are now going to subsidise for this road to be built. We have heard a big shipping company to the extent of a great deal about a bridge over the Daintree £150,000 over three years. I am told the River. I should like to inform the House ship being built will cost £750 000 but I that at the present time loggers in that area do n?t think it will be able to giv~ th~ service have put a bridge over the Daintree River and reqmred by the Peninsula people. It will are carting logs over it. That will show to not be able to get into Port Stewart and I the Minister that the bridge over the Daintree dou~t whet~er it will be able to get into is no obstacle at all. I repeat that it will Manna Plams. Keith Holland's ship will open up thousands of acres of rich cattle­ carry up to 130 head, and I think the service fattening country and that it will be the nicest he will be able to give will be more satisfac­ tourist drive in the State. tory to the graziers. He is not seeking a (Time expired.) subsidy from. the Government, although of course, he wrll receive the £1 a head sub­ Mr. RAE (Gregory) (3.42 p.m.): As I sidy that operates for the cartage of cattle represent the electorate of Gregory, which anywhere. is approximately one-fifth the size of Queens­ I repeat that Rex Johnston pioneered the land, I am very proud to convey my apprecia­ sea trai?sport

opinion there is ample room for both. There notice of the Minister in the hope that he should be co-ordination between road and will give consideration to the possibility of rail services in the transport of stock, food­ houses for public servants being made avail­ stuffs, or commodities of any sort, and able by one authority rather than have the admittedly full consideration should be given various departments allotting their own houses to the big drain on the financial resources of to their own staff. In that way transfers the State that our railway system is making. could be effected more quickly and with a I think some understanding can be reached on comforting thought to the officer that he has this co-ordination. We hear all sorts of pub­ a home to go to. licity from self-seekers, people who are pre­ pared to do anything to bring into being some­ The Public Lands portfolio is essential to thing that suits them, but I believe that the the people of the State just as it is essential Governn:ent are tackling a difficult situation, to the Government. In the past we have one which was never tackled by previous heard nothing but condemnation of land 9ove:nments.. We possess the necessary administration; indeed many and disturbing mtestmal .fortitude and we are tackling it, stories, quite alarming really-areas too and I believe that we shall reach a solution small, too much of this and too much of that will be of great advantage to Queensland. that, but after a very full inquiry and con­ I ?ave no douJ;>t that our transport problems siderable research I find that matters are very will be solved m a way that will be just and much the reverse. Indeed, were it not for of such a pattern as to reduce the cost of publications such as "Queensland Country living and production in the West. Life," all this backbiting and nonsense going on in Queensland today in respect to our land I have mentioned to the Minister for laws possibly would never have reached this Transport two things in connection with this completely unwarranted stage had full con­ rather tricky subject. I have told him that sideration and thought been given by the I feel that the restrictions smack somewhat various writers. of a police state, and that if we can remove a few of the rules and regulations indicating I recall that, immediately on our election this rather. frightening aspect, and get down to office there was a great kick from certain to a practtcal assessment of the problem it members of the U.G.A., the idea being, "We will be to the advantage of the State that 'we will now have what we have been seeking for retain both the railways and road transport years." What a selfish and unjustifiable out­ which is here to stay and should be encour­ look? For them and for them alone and aged by fair legislation. not in accordance with the welfare, the in­ terest and the development of Queensland One matter of great interest to me con­ on a fair, sound and reasonable basis. cerns a responsibility that falls upon the shoulders of the newly-elected member of I am happy to have the privilege of saying the Cabinet, Mr. Harold Richter. Through here that I condemn most soundly and as the years that hon. gentleman has been a roundly as I can the press announcements of very good Country Party stalwart. I think the onesided views of "Country Life" that he will be even more outstanding as a bring to the eyes of country people a com­ Cabinet Minister. He is a man of down-to­ pletely fictitious picture of our land laws. I earth qualities and sound logic; a calm man, think we have a record of which we can be not one to be easily swayed either to the very proud indeed. - pro or con of an argument. He is essentially Instancing some of the blocks about which a successful businessman and a capable they have been talking, in the first place, person. With that in mind I brina before there is my own. I was fortunate enough his notice a point that I consider has con­ to win it, and without a doubt it is an ex­ siderable merit. I refer to houses that are cellent block of country. available in various parts of Queensland for public servants. The school teacher will Taking the Nive Dows subdivision, there occupy one house, the stock inspector was a story circulated from the U.G.A. another, and the police constable yet another. executive that it was too small, that it was Instead of these houses coming under the ridiculous and would not do any good for control of the various departments I suggest Queensland but I found that all the neigh­ that as they are all for public servants they bours spoke highly of them and commended should all come under the control of one the Government on their wise subdivision. Minister. I think it would provide a more The Currawilla blocks which, in the past effective ~cheme for the housing of public under Labour administration were on a servants m country areas. At the moment rather close limit so far as the potential and if I go to Winton I might see a very fine possibilities of getting ahead were concerned, home on one corner but it may have been can safely carry 7,000 to 8,000 sheep and empty for months because it belongs to the have been subdivided in a manner that to Department of Agriculture and Stock or per­ me reflects great credit on this particular haps the Education Department. At the same Lands Minister of ours and on Mr. Muir time another public servant, an officer of and other officers in the department, all most another d.epart~ent, may not be able to get capable, unbiassed and completely fair. a home m Wmton because his department has not been able to build him a house in I called upon many of my electors who the town. I bring this suggestion to the have said that they were being handicapped Address in Reply [29 AUGUST] Address in Reply 115 or harassed in some way and I said, "If nised authority. I do not like to name you feel you have any specific problem, people, although I must give two names bring it to me." I have always found that to bring the full import of my words to any such problem has been ironed out in a notice. In Winton recently I was approached manner that indicates a very positive under­ by the Shire Council members who wanted standing on the part of these officers. If something done about the barrier fence. we were to consider what has been done They told me it was in a deplorable state, by previous land administrations, I think that it was falling down. I said I would be the least said the better. very happy to inquire into the matter. I asked, "What is the score?" Councillors Mr. Burrows: Do you know who the Bryce and Green took me aside and gave previous Minister was? me the information I shall now disclose. I have to name Mr. Brebner, as he is the Mr. RAE: In many instances in which senior member of the Board, but in doing so five blocks were made from a subdivision I am not acting under parliamentary we have turned it into three; where they privilege. I would say in the street what were making three we have turned it into I am about to say here. This man has one. Whichever way our administration is always chosen to indicate through the Press looked at we have done a good job. I say or per medium of advertisement and in other that because I know it to be true. ways that the barrier fence is his baby, but I should say the sooner he gives that baby I have heard from many people that it to somebody who can rear it and put it is high time that we, as a Country Party, on the right footing, the better it will be developed a land settlement scheme that for everyone. Obviously this man is not will do much good for Queensland and that if fit to care for any sort of a "baby," let we do not do it, there will be something wrong alone the barrier fence, which is a major with our administration. All I can say undertaking of the State, costing a great deal to that is that I hope we never enter into of money and today can show little for the any scheme that has the same damning argument supporting it. result as the Opposition was responsible for when they were in office. The Theodore land In Winton, on one side, we have many men settlement scheme without a doubt is the battling with sheep and doing their damndest greatest "shocker" and most cruel thing to control the dog menace. On the other this State has ever had thrust upon it. I have side, we have the dividend-earning show, and been on the land all my life, and I think that they are mainly in cattle. Most of them also when we throw open land we must bear in are not concerned about the sheep fellow mind three very important points. The first and the tremendous hardships wrought by is that the land should be attractive enough the· dingo. We should remember what they to invite interest from a banker or broker. are doing to the grazier with this fence, or If it is not of sufficient size or magnitude, rather the lack of interest in it. When it was only peasant-block settlement will be the reported by Mr. Goldsworthy as being in result. We have only to think of the good condition, it was not so at all. There Theodore scheme to realise the truth of that are over 50 miles of that fence in my area statement. Let us not be mean or tough where dogs can roam through at will. It is enough to expect that men who take up land dreadful that we in this State should be asked will be worth in 30 or 40 years only the value to fall for this nonsense about the dingo of the land. Let us make sure that they will fence. be rewarded for what they do. We must be big enough to subdivide the land in such Mr. Walsh: Does the Minister want to get a way that assistance will be provided by rid of Mr. Brebner? He has been there a a banker, a finance house or broker, and thus long while and he is a very capable officer. allow employment in the area. We must try to ensure that blocks, immediately after Mr. RAE: The Iron. member may say he being thrown open for competition, will pro­ is capable. I am not one to say he is, or vide work for carpenters, well borers, yard he is not. I want the House to know about builders, fencers and others. Employment in this co-ordinating board and their knowledge the area is one of the essential points to be of our western conditions and that a senior borne in mind in land subdivision. It was man like Mr. Brebner can openly say, in overlooked in former years, but today it front of the Council, to a responsible officer, is one of the strongest features of Govern­ Mr. Goldsworthy, "Is that fence in order?" ment policy, and I commend them for their And Goldsworthy says, "Yes," and he says soundness in this regard. to the Council, "I have no further argument with you. I believe this man." My Heavens, I now turn my attention to the Co-ordin­ what a state of affairs? Responsible Coun­ ating Board. On previous occasions I have cillors Bryce and Green have given me a spoken heatedly about the Co-ordinating full coverage of this fence and I intend to Board, but, on the material I have at my give it to Mr. Brebner. I believe that command, I see no reason why the we should get on with the fence and have Co-ordinating Board should not have less of this throwing out of baits from aero­ appointed to it a new set of officers or be planes. The figure of £8 a mile should be placed under the control of some other recog- increased where the job is difficult, such as 116 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

in mountainous country and in flooded areas, I am speaking just as an individual. The and possibly reduce it in the open plains or sooner we recognise that we must have a hardwood country where it does not require legalised form of S.P. betting the better; it the same maintenance. In my opinion, the will be to the advantage of everybody. This co-ordinating board is one of the weakest sneaking behind doors or in some quiet lane boards that this Government has anything to or on the telephone is not good enough. It do with concerning Western Queensland. The leads to all forms of corruption and strife board's knowledge of our essentials such as and unnecessary hardship. Make it open watering of stock routes, and the whole tie-up and get into step on the road of common with the pattern of work is weak and com­ sense progress. Keep it as it should be, pletely out of touch with reality. I believe before the people, and let us by the same it is high time that this board came under token be rewarded because the avenue and the control of responsible officers who are the opportunity are there. I strongly say prepared to link their activities with the that we should accept it as a "must" as local authorities which surely must have a soon as possible. very good knowledge of conditions. This knowledge is essential if the work is to be Mr. Low: They are doing it now. carried out in the right manner and if Mr. RAE: I do not know who is doing it progress is to be achieved. now but perhaps the hon. member will tell In the West, we have a problem: we have us that later on. However, it can be suc­ long been denied certain privileges, and cer­ cessful and that is one thing that should be tain conditions. However, we have been entered into, and I am certain an under­ able to enjoy these privileges as a concession. taking that will ease a lot of minds. I am talking now of our betting and drinking Time is catching up with me and I suppose, laws as applied to the West. rather than prolong the speech, as so many Mr. Walsb: Be careful now. people tell me one is rather apt to, I shall resume my seat; but before doing so I Mr. RAE: I am speaking now. The should like to repeat that if Queensland hon. member can make his speech later. was ever fortunate and ever blessed thrice, I feel that the Minister for Labour and it is in having a Government and Cabinet Industry, Mr. Morris, is enthusiastic in his under the leadership of Mr. Nicklin, as we desire to serve the State, and he is doing see it here today. an excellent job despite the fact that he has Brisbane looking like a Christmas tree. Mr. DUFFICY (Warrego) (4.19 p.m.): I He is to be commended and congratulated rise to support the amendment so eloquently fully because he has indicated and proven moved by my leader and seconded by the to all of us and to overseas visitors that here deputy leader. in Queensland we have something very Before I forget, let me say that I was good. He is responsible for no end of absolutely amazed at the speech delivered by interest being shown by industries, manufac­ the hon. member for Gregory. He has been turing concerns and other organisations, but publicised in the Press as one of the rebels, the aspect of his work to which I wish to one of the people who have some regard refer is that of attracting and keeping for the welfare of Western Queensland. tourists here. There is no way in the world we can hope to hold them if we entice them Instead of being a rebel, he turned out to on the one hand and knock them back on be a complete sycophant, supporting the the other, and I think we are knocking them Government and various members of the by the archaic and churchwarden-like views Government. Surely his attitude must have held by responsible officers on the drinking changed, because he gave his proxy vote requirements of the people. It is high time to the Minister for Education, who used it that we took a step in accordance with the to elect the present Minister for Public Works wishes of the people and caused tourists to and Local Government. People in the West think more kindly of the State. We have realise now that he supported metropolitan the best to offer and we know it. Let us control of the Country Party, because the not turn the tourist traffic aside. Let us Minister who was elected with his proxy stay with it. Let us make the most of our vote represents an electorate in the suburbs potential. We should be able to of Brisbane. take a definite line on drinking requirements. The hon. member made a speech today Leading restaurants and eating places should that was very different from the speeches I be accorded the privilege. Let us get away have heard him make in the House previ­ from the set, stereotype pattern of the past, ously. I think he must be controlled by the which is not good, and go on with progress metropolitan branch of the Country Party. in a modern manner. I am not saying that as a joke, because there Out in my area in the far out-back there is a metropolitan branch of that party, even are times when we are permitted a few though it is a contradiction in terms if ever drinks outside of normal trading hours. and there was one. If one looks at the Press an odd bet. People will always bet in reports of recent Country Party conferences, Queensland and they will always bet one realises, as I say, that the metropolitan in Australia. I should like to see legalised branch of the party plays a most important starting-price betting. That is the answer. part in their deliberations. The hon. member Address in Reply [29 AUGUST] Address in Reply 117 for Gregory has shown in the past that he been contradicted because it could not be was a person with a western approach, but truthfully contradicted. Not only was the he has now become a convert to the metro­ Premier censured on that occasion but also politan branch of the Country Party and senior Ministers of his Government were speaks as that branch instructs him to speak. censured, not by his political opponents, but by the past supporters of his own party. Mr. Richter: Haven't you a metropolitan Again I am speaking advisedly when I say member for Warrego? "past supporters." Mr. DUFFICY: I will deal with the hon. Government Members interjected. gentleman later. I have something to say about him, and I suggest that he should not Mr. DUFFICY: Seeing that there are so interject at this stage. many interjections from certain hon. members I am not suggesting that the winning of a opposite, let me say that although I have block has made any great difference to the no intention of speaking about transport at attitude of the hon. member . for Gregory, the moment I shall be looking forward with other than that at least it has given him considerable interest to the speeches I expect financial security. When he was speaking he will be made by the hon. member for Conda­ mentioned the Nive Downs ballot and he mine, the hon. member for Balonne and glossed it over expertly. He said there was other hon. members opposite who were so not very much wrong with it. He compli­ vocal at that meeting when they expressed mented the Minister on having intestinal condemnation of the actions of their own fortitude. I think I mentioned that word here Government. I am not forgetting the hon. previously in regard to the Minister for Public member for Barambah, who was one of the Lands and Irrigation but in a different way. leaders on that occasion. If I can believe the The hon. member for Gregory did not say, Press-and they do not support us in the however, that had the same conditions applied main, but hon. members opposite and their to the Nive Downs ballot as applied to the Government-he also attended a meeting in particular ballot in which he was successful his own electorate and the condemnation of in winning a block, he would not even have the Government was more severe from his been admitted to the ballot. He did not say own party and members of it who sit behind that. At this stage I am not going into land the Premier than any condemnation that has 'matters but I shall deal with them more fully come out of this Chamber up to the present later on. I want to emphasise a point that time. The reason for that is that the hon. is important-had the hon. member who has members of this Chamber who spoke on that just resumed his seat been an applicant for occasion had certain inside information that the Nive Downs ballot, instead of the ballot our leader or deputy leader could not possibly in which he was successful, the conditions have had. that apply to Nive Downs would have It is because of that that this session of eliminated him, and he would not have gone this Thirty-sixth Parliament is meeting in to the barrier. very extraordinary circumstances. It cer­ Mr. Ewan: What qualifications-- tainly has never previously happened in the political history of this State, and I think Mr. DUFFICY: All right, I shall deal with I am entitled to say that when we do move that later. Let me deal with this matter on the matter of transport, as was indicated and endeavour to support the amendment by our leader, we are going to get the moved by my leader. support of hon. members opposite who were We are meeting in the Chamber under so vocal at meetings throughout the State. remarkable circumstances. We find that in I feel that, in the main, we may think as this, the second session of the Thirty-sixth they think and as they have expressed them­ Parliament, the Govern'rrlent of the day are selves at those meetings. However, we shall not only subject to the severest criticism wait and see. But, after the exhibition of from the Opposition and from those people the hon. member who has just resumed his who normally vote Labour, but also they seat, and who was also mentioned in a have been criticised most severely by those Press report as being one of the rebels, it people who in the past have supported them. appears to me that the whip has been I say "in the past" advisedly. cracked. In other words, instructions have been given, and do not tell me that instruc­ We witnessed the spectacle in Roma of the tions are not carried out! Leader of the Country Party-the Premier of the State-and a number of his senior Mr. Ewan: You ought to know. Ministers being severely criticised by members of the Country Party. It must be remem­ Mr. DUFFICY: The hon. member should bered that only members of the Country know, too, because his leader said on T.V. Party were allowed at that meeting. Only that because the Country Party Conference members of the Country Party were admitted, instructed him not to introduce preferential and there were 600 of them there. voting, he would not introduce it. He was instructed not to do it, and, of course, he Mr. Ewan: That is not right. is not going to do it. Mr. DUFFICY: The report of that meeting Mr. Ewan: You might have misinterpreted published so extensively in the Press has never him. 118 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Mr. DUFFICY: I saw him, I listened to he was invited by the Queensland Govern­ him, and that is exactly what he said. ment to advise them on how their electorates could be successfully gerrymandered. After So much for transport, and so much for the excellent job of gerrymandering that was the hon. members opposite who were so done in the recent redistribution, there can vocal. Let us hope that they are as vocal be no doubt as to the astuteness of Sir when the debate that will be initiated by Thomas Playford. Press reports have our leader takes place. I hope they are revealed that he sent his officers through as vocal then as they were at the meetings South-western Queensland and as far north when they were pandering to the electors in as Winton. I know the reports are correct. their own electorates. They were sent to those areas to investigate Mr. Richter: Keep on hoping. the pastoral industry and the possibilities of trade with those districts. If the Govern­ Mr. DUFFICY: I know they will not be, ment do not know about this following their because they have not the intestinal f?rtitude investigation, I am going to tell them. The to do it. I completely agree wrth the South Australian Government propose to Minister. I know very well that the whip build a road to the Queensland border in has been cracked and that a committee has the north of South Australia. been appointed. Mr. Ewan interjected. Mr. Richter: You should know very well. Mr. DUFFICY: The hon. member would Mr. DUFFICY: The hon. gentleman will not know. Possibly he may have read about know more about it than I do, but I know it, but he does not know much about that very well that a co~mittee has be~n area. appointed. Somebody qmte relevantly sard, "If you cannot control a private, put him The fact remains that the scheme of roads upstairs and make him an officer." The in South Australia will be built to tap the hon. members who could not be controlled whole of the trade of South-western Queens­ when they were privates in the ranks were land in the-- kicked upstairs and made officers. They Mr. Muller: The Clrannel Country. were appointed to a committee to investigate transport. The Government cracked the Mr. DUFFICY: Yes. The former Minister whip, to make sure tho~e hon. members for Lands knows. He knows I am speaking would not be as vocal m the House as the truth. they were when they were pandering to their own electors. It will tap the whole of the trade, not only the beef trade, but the wool trade and com­ Let me move now to what can be called merce generally, from South-western Queens­ a little bit of sabotage, and in doing so I land, and will take it to Adelaide. When I will refer to the ridiculous remarks of the said that the proposed road to be built from hon. member for Gregory. I am not reflect­ the Gulf Country to Julia Creek, at a cost ing on him personally. I have a high regard of £650,000, with some subsidy from the for him, although it was higher before he Commonwealth Government, may be justified, spoke. He has gone down to some ~xt~nt I believed that it should not receive No. 1 in my estimation. He referred to the bmldmg priority. of roads to increase beef production, but he did not tell the full story, although he Mr. Ewan: What slrould be No. 1 priority? may have known it. The fact is that £650,000 Mr. DUFFICY: No. 1 priority should be is to be spent on a road from the Gulf to exactly as I said. It should be th~ road Julia Creek. I do not say that the construc­ scheme that will link the South-west wrth the tion of that road is unwise, but I do say rail heads at Quilpie, Cunnamulla and that in the interests of the State it should Dajarra. not be given No. 1 priority. Mr. Ewan: Y araka. Mr. Muller: I agree with you. Mr. DUFFICY: Yaraka, or Dajarra; Mr. DUFFICY: The former Minister for wherever the hon. member likes. Public Lands who investigated the matter over a number of years agrees completely. Mr. Ewan: Both of them. Hon. members who have read the Press Mr. DUFFICY: Yes. We are going to recently would have learned that Sir Thomas link the roads in the South-west of Queens­ Playford, who is a very astute politician-- land with tlre existing rail heads so that v.:e Mr. Duggan: He gerrymandered the elec­ will retain in Queensland the wealth that. rs being produced in the south-western portron torates up here. of this State. Mr. DUFFICY: I was coming to that. He Mr. Walsh: And the cattle will be treated is Premier of South Australia and a very at Queensland meatworks. astute politician, and no-one would know that better than hon. members on this side Mr. DUFFICY: Exactly. That is my point. of the Chamber. After successfully gerrY­ mandering the electorates in South Australia Mr. Ewan interjected. Address in Reply [29 AUGUST] Address in Reply 119

Mr. DUFFICY: The hon. member will Mr. DUFFICY: I did not say he was. have an opportunity to speak later on. I am just saying we have Mr. Don Parkinson I am not condemning the road that is and Mr. McCormack, a past president of the suggested and I am not saying that it is unjus­ Country Party. Those two gentlemen may tified. I am not saying that the expense of have a little knowledge, or perhaps quite a ~650,000 is not justified, but I am saying that bit of knowledge, of land matters but I am ~t should not receive No. 1 priority, because one of those who believe that people without 1f the South Australian Government move ministerial or parliamentary responsibility as they are moving at present-and if the are not entitled to influence the land policy Government do not know, I am telling them of the State. I do not care who the person now-it will be far too late to start on the is, if he is a grazier without any ministerial road schemes there after these people look to or parliamentary responsibility, his opinions Adelaide as their capital, rather than to on land matters will be influenced by his Brisbane. personal position or personal experience, I have not very much more time and there which is bad. are a few other matters that I wish to This is the first time in the history of discuss. However, I will have another oppor­ Queensland that the administration of the tunity to talk about them at a later stage. Department of Public Lands and Irrigation In the limited time at my disposal now I has been taken out of the hands of the wish to mention a few matters concerning Minister entrusted with it. That lends weight land because I believe that the Minister for to the remark of the former Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation would be dis­ Public Lands and Irrigation-he is sitting on appointed if I did not give him some sadly­ the Government benches-when he said, needed advice on land matters. Not only do "The Country Party executive rolled down I believe he sadly needs advice on land; so to Parliament House"-those are his words­ do the members of his own party, and that "and endeavoured to put pressure on me, was made quite obvious when in May last but I wouldn't accept it." Because he would at the Country Party Conference in Cairns not accept it he is now sitting on the back they appointed a committee to "assist"-and benches and is no longer Minister for Public that was the nice way of saying it; otherwise Lands and Irrigation in Queensland. I sug­ "instruct," I should think-the Minister for gest that his successor is prepared to accept Public Lands and Irrigation on how he should that pressure, that dictation, and that is why administer his own department. he now occupies that portfolio. I do not It might be interesting to have a look at believe that pressure should be applied on the committee that was appointed. The land matters, I do not believe that commit­ Premier was one member. I have a high tees should be appointed, and I object par­ regard for him personally but, with respect, ticularly to outsiders, people without any I suggest that his knowledge of land is responsibility to the State generally, influenc­ extremely limited. When I speak about land ing land policy. I am not speaking of the coastal strip or In the short time that I have left, I want the pineapple farms or banana farms, or to deal with the Nive Downs ballot, which even the sugar farms in the North, because I mentioned earlier and which the hon. most of the land problems in the coastal member for Gregory also mentioned very strip were solved years ago. The only briefly. I firmly believe that in the whole real land problems exist in the West-that history of land administration in Queensland is where large leaseholds are accruing to there was never such an unholy mess as the Crown-and I suggest that the Premier the Nive Downs ballot. That is not only would not know very much about that my opinion but the opinion of hundreds and problem. hundreds of people throughout Western Also appointed to the committee was the Queensland. It is a fact that when the Minister for Education and Migration. As a notices of that ballot were first sent out by land authority he may be a fairly good the Department of Public Lands it was stated school teacher, and when you have said that the only people who were eligible as that you have said the lot. applicants in the ballot were those who had Mr. Windsor: I would not under-estimate £8,000-in one case £8,500-and a minimum him, either. of £6,000 in hard cash or readily convertible assets. How many people are walking round Mr. DUFFICY: It would be hard to Queensland with £6,000 or £8,000 in hard under-estimate the hon. member for Windsor. cash to enable them to be applicants in a I would be on very safe ground with him. ballot? I ask the hon. member for Gregory, Then we have the Minister for Public "If those were the conditions when you Works and Local Government. I do not entered the ballot, would you have been wish to say very much about him. He is eligible to enter?" quite a nice chap. He would be the first Mr. Rae: No, I certainly would not. I can to admit that he knows little or nothing tell you that I was in debt when I drew about land matters. the block. I am honest about it. I will Then we have two complete outsiders on be out of debt very soon, I hope. the committee-Mr. Don Parkinson-- Mr. DUFFICY: The hon. member was Mr. Ewan: He is not a bad bloke. accepted as an applicant. 120 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Mr. Rae: I am not against your story he has no opportunity to reply. I could at all. There is a lot of merit in your mention the name of a man who has managed contribution. some of the largest properties in South Western Queensland. Mr. DUFFICY: Let me put it on record that I am not singling out the hon. member (Time expired.) for Gregory or suggesting that there was anything irregular in the fact that he was Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) (4.59 p.m.): In accepted and was fortunate enough to draw moving and seconding the censure motion, a block. the Leader and D

Mr. BROMLEY: There were refreshments that on the tape recorder, too. He added at the end of the evening. The meeting was that it gave the Commissioner's representa­ held in the R.S.L. Hall. There would be tive the right to enter private homes at any approximately 700 people seated at the meet­ time that the Act was worse than a per­ ing, about 150 standing in the hall, and petu~l crisis. We have had perpetual crises about 350 standing outside-on a cold night from time to time since the coalition Gov­ -listening to the various speeches of the ernment took over the Treasury benches in people assembled on the stage there. When Queensland. there are 1,250 people at a meeting from Opposition Members: Hear, hear! 7.30 p.m. till 12.20 a.m., with 500 standing from 7.30 p.m. to 12.20 a.m. listening to Mr. BROMLEY: Those last few words are indictments of the Government, that proves my own but they are greeted with "Hear, how serious it is, and what their thoughts are. hears!" not only by our own members but Mr. Richter: You could get the same also by the people of Queensland today. number at any meeting. Mr. J. Alexander said the people were terrified of the Act, that we should demand Mr. BROMLEY: Especially in protest that the Government abide by the principles against this Government. You are lucky you of democracy. I do not think they know are not the Minister for Transport. You are a the meaning of the word "democracy." He very fortunate person you are not the Min­ said also that the carriers and farmers were ister for Transport. told the Act would break up monopolies but this Act was designed to create monopolies. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The hon. member will address the Chair. Mr. V. Carra, a farmer and grain­ grower, stated that the people had been hood­ Mr. BROMLEY: Through you, Mr. winked by bureaucracy and that under the Speaker, I should like to tell the hon. mem­ Transport Act it was costing the growers an ber for Somerset that he is not the elected extra £3 a ton at least by their being forced member for that district, and therefore he is to use the railways and that the Government very fortunate. were forcing the growers to borderhop. That Mr. Hanlon: What did the hon. member is a definite fact. I do not think anyone for Condamine say at that meeting? can argue about it. Come in, Mr. Chalk, and listen to this because I think you will Mr. BROMLEY: I am coming to that find it interesting. because I took it all down in my own form of legible shorthand and I have a dossier on Mr. SPEAKER: Order! that, just like other people in this House have Mr. BROMLEY: Mr. Rolf said that the a dossier on this and that. The Minister for farmers and transport proprietors were Labour and Industry has said, "I have a frightened and that transport companies cou~d dossier on this, and I have something from give service under the old Act-that IS, the secret security police on that." I have the Act that was introduced by the Labour here the original. Of all the people at that Government-and that they were told the meeting there would not have been more Government would look after carriers. He than six who left it from 7.30 p.m. till said they gave the new Act a fair trial and 12.20 a.m. Surely that is a real indication of approached the acting Minister, Mr. Chalk the feeling of antipathy of these people to of course having shot through overseas at this Transport Act. the time. I do not know why he did but Dr. Delamotbe: Was it a very cold night? possibly we all have some idea in our heads why he went away at that time. ~r. R.olf Mr. BROMLEY: No, it was not a very said they gave the new Act a fair tnal, cold night, but at the same time it was a that they presented the Acting Minister at winter's night. the time with proof of losses of £1,000 a One of the Cobb & Company men who is month and that everything the company greatly interested in the Transport Act moved asked for was refused. He went on to say 40 families from the township of Talwood. that the Minister allegedly said he would The Minister for Labour & Industry said this run all road transport out of the State and morning that people are not leaving Queens­ that he did not care how much the railways land, but these 40 families were transferred lost as long as they eventually got all the from Talwood to the southern states in search business. Is not that a lovely statement for of employment because of the misconduct of a responsible Minister to make? Further­ this Government in the running of the State's more, Mr. Rolf said that the 1946 Act was affairs. Forty families, mind you, were moved a good Act. I will repeat that. He said that by only one firm. the 1946 Act, introduced by the Labour Government, was a good Act. Mr. Rolf I will now give some further indication of is a Country Party supporter. He went on the people's feelings by quoting some of the to say that the present one gives no right of statements made by various people at the appeal and will bring chaos into transport, meeting. which we know it has already done. He Mr. Gard said that the Transport Com­ went on to say that the Labour Transport missioner could be a dictator under the Act. Minister eight years ago could foresee expan­ I think the Minister for Transport will find sion. I remember reading something about Address in Reply [29 AUGUST] Address in Reply 123

that. He said at the time that he could Mr. Aikens: How did you fellows ever foresee expansion in the transport industry. get tangled up-- And Mr. Rolf said that under this present Government the people were victims of a Mr. SPEAKER: Order! For the benefit confidence trick. I think that is quite true of the hon. member who is speaking, he of the Transport Act in particular and of has mentioned the fact that a member has other Acts. his hat on in the Chamber. A member is quite entitled to have his hat Mr. Sullivan: You were there and heard all on in the Chamber, but he is not allowed this. What about telling us what you think to speak with his hat on. should be done? Mr. Aikens: I will take it off. I would Mr. BROMLEY: We have been trying to rather have my hat off than be silent. tell them what to do for a long time. Their own supporters have been telling them. Mr. BROMLEY: I take it that he was, as usual, speaking through his hat. Mr. Sullivan: What have you told us? Not one word! Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Mr. BROMLEY: I think that some of Mr. BROMLEY: I will come to the hon. the remarks I have made further prove the member for Condamine in a minute and tell Government's arrogant and stand-over the House what he said. The Government's attitude which is leading it farther into the own supporters ·have been trying to tell morass of unpopularity with people on the them what to do and they have been ignor­ land. Further proof is contained in a ing them just as they are ignoring the wishes supplement to "Queensland Country Life," of the people in Queensland today. of which the hon. member for Gregory spoke Mr. Bolton said that the business man's in somewhat derogatory terms. I was quite liberty was at stake, yet this is supposed surprised that he should say anything nasty to be a business man's Government. He about "Queensland Country Life." A said that their freedom was gone with the perusal of that supplement of 16 March, iniquitous tax under the Act, and he con­ 1961, shows that the Government are being tinued in that strain. criticised by their own supporters, and other criticisms have appeared in the daily Press Mr. Cyril Anderson, the manager of three and in the Press in country centres. I have groups-Western Transport-and the dozens of them here, but because of the illustrious brother of an hon. member of limited time available to me I shall be this Chamber. said it was the Minister's able to go through only some of the criti­ intention to wipe out road transport and that cisms in the "Queensland Country Life," there was no freedom under this Government. criticisms by the Government's own sup­ porters. The supplement reads- What I have said should give the Govern­ ment some food for thought, and I believe "The fate of every Crown tenant and it will. It should give the rebels more food of his land lies at the mercy, the whims, for thought. too-that is, if there are any and the obsessions of the Minister for rebels left, if the iron hand of the Premier Public Lands and his officers. has not gone rusty in the meantime. "There is no question that they mean well and are doing what they think is The two Country Party members present best. But the fact remains that there is at the meeting both said that the road tax no right of appeal from their adminis­ was too much; nevertheless, at this meeting trative decisions to any judicial authority, they supported the Act. To me, it is a no matter how unreasonable or ruinous classic example of having two bob each way. they may be. Mr. Sullivan: We are free to say what "Rights of appeal are restricted to an we think in this Chamber. We are not appeal on rental charges only. The like you people over there. administration itself tends to be swathed in red tape and guided by rigid rules. Mr. BROMLEY: Mr. Speaker, I draw Economic data is not sufficiently con­ your attention to the fact that we have an sidered. Small wonder that Queensland is hon. member in the House with his hat on. crying out for land development!" Further on, the article continues- Mr. Aikens: I am just keeping the custom alive. "Before Mr. A. G. Muller left office as Lands Minister, confidence throughout Mr. BROl\fLEY: I am going to place on the country was returning and it appeared record in "Hansard" what they said. We that Queensland was in for an era of know that the motion moved at that par­ active and progressive land administration. ticular meeting. "That the 1960 Transport "Mr. Muller, who was responsible for Act be repealed in its entirety" was carried the enactment of the 1959 Act, was with only three dissentients. With two relieved of office in June, 1960. Sir Country Party members present and 1,250 William Payne, the author of the report, people in the hall, there were only three shortly afterwards retired. A new and dissentients. untried Lands Administration Commission 124 Address in Reply (ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

and a new Lands Minister, Mr. A. R. with Mr. Speaker. I am going on with this Fletcher, came in. What has happened report in spite of the interjections and the since has not increased public confidence ignorant talking in the Chamber. in the Government's land administration." Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Mr. Ramsden: Who wrote that for you? Mr. BROMLEY: The hon. member has Mr. BROMLEY: I will give hon. members just come into the Chamber. For his benefit opposite something by way of interjection I mention that this is a report in "Queensland later if I get the chance. The report Country Life." Being a Liberal, of course, continues-- the hon. member would not be interested in "Accelerated land development would the country people, nor would he be surely follow the appointment of a com­ interested in the Country Party other than petent and experienced Judicial Arbitrator. to crucify them until the time when the Liberal Party become the major power in Increased development and increased the coalition. production are the foremost considerations. Closer settlement and a larger population The article in "Queensland Country Life" on the land must inevitably follow. There continues- is a widespread feeling throughout the " A Judicial Arbitrator would help country in favour of greater land use and remedy matters. closer settlement. "If Crown tenants were granted a right What is objected to is unfair, uneco­ of appeal to a competent authority against nomic and ruinous closer settlement at the departmental decisions affecting the statu­ expense of existing Crown tenants who tory rights of existing lessees, such action are striving to develop their lands." would go a long way towards remedying matters. It goes on to speak about the Muller "The appointment of a 'Judicial Arbi­ reforms- trator' to hear such appeals was a key "When the present Government took recommendation in the Payne report." office in May, 1957, it had no land policy I hear constant interjections while I am worthy of the name and land administra­ quoting this article but for the benefit of tion seemed to have no definite objectives. people generally it is desirable that it should This was largely remedied by the report be included in "Hansard." I am not like and recommendations of Mr. W. L. Payne some hon. members opposite who try to (later Sir William) in February, 1959. Sir make contributions through interjections only. William was then president of the Land I am trying to put forward something con­ Court, a judicial office independent of the structive for the benefit of members of the Government. Country Party and for the good of Queens­ After much debate in Country Party land and Australia as a whole. The article Caucus and in Parliament, nearly all his continues- suggested reforms were adopted by the "The former Lands Minister (Mr. Government and incorporated in the Land Muller) made known his intention of asking Act of 1959." Sir William Payne to accept the post, not only because he fathered the land reforms It can be seen that the State lost a very competent Minister in Mr. Muller. The and has vast experience, but also because "Queensland Country Life" statement goes on he possesses the rare quality of originality. to say- "Such an appointment would have given general satisfaction and won confidence. "Old rigid methods will not do. Since Mr. Muller left office, other counsels 'An adviser, with neither statutory office seem to have prevailed. This has caused nor authority of any kind, would not be astonishment throughout the country. able to help sufficiently in bringing about "As Mr. H. M. Hungerford, chairman what is required,' he said, but the 'judicial of Waggamba Shire Council so pointedly unravelling of administration difficulties, as put it to Mr. Fletcher at a Goondiwindi envisaged by the 1959 Land Act, would meeting last November: 'The Government be a job of public service well worth­ had no difficulty in reinstating Mr. while.'" Creighton and creating a job for Mr. Gair, The next section is under the heading, "Mr. yet it could not retain the services of Sir Fletcher's 1959 stand," and reads-- William Payne, who is the greatest "It is recalled that Mr. Fletcher never authority Queensland has ever had on land showed enthusiasm for fully implementing development'." the Payne Report which was the basis of Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The normal time the 1959 Land Act, and which was for the Address in Reply has expired but accepted by the Government and land­ I propose to allow the hon. member to holders throughout the State as the blue­ finish speaking. print for land development and progressive land administration. Mr. Fletcher was, of Mr. BROMLEY: I appreciate that very course, not identified in any way with the much; it is a great pleasure to be on-side framing of the report nor of the Act. Address in Reply [29 AUGUST] Questions 125

At the Country Party State Conference That is the warning we of the Australian at Bundaberg on 15 April, 1959, Mr. Labour Party have been giving the Queens­ Fletcher, in opposing the motion for the land Government and the Commonwealth full implementation of the Payne Government for many years. Report--" The article continues- Take notice that he opposed that motion- "Beef cattle are in short supply." "--said that 'it was unthinkable that That is correct. The graziers were slaughter­ the Government should resign its powers ing every marketable beast and sending the to work out land policy on a report made beef to America. They were dollar hungry. by one man .. .'" Unemployment is rife in the meat industry at While people in all walks of life in the State the moment. That view is supported by the think that not only did Mr. Muller do a article I am quoting from this Country Party good job but that Sir William Payne was the paper. man for the job, the present Minister for This is a further extract- Lands and Irrigation objects to that parti­ cular appointment. The report continues- "There are many ways available to help lessees to help themselves in developing "Just prior to the appointment of a Land and subdividing their lands to the immense Adviser, the Premier (Mr. Nicklin) gave advantage of Queensland. the grazing industry an assurance that there was no need for concern over the "One means available for facilitating implementation of the 1959 Land Act. He development would be to permit unpro­ said, 'the Government's intention was to gressive lessees to sell their holdings to implement in its entirety the 1959 Land persons willing to develop the land, and to Act in the true spirit of the Act.' Why condition the transfer with heavy develop­ has this not been done? The honouring of mental conditions, a new, secure lease the Premier's assurance is still awaited.'' being granted to the developers. Another would be to allow subdivisions after devel­ As with many other assurances of the Coali­ opment, and thus anticipate closer settle­ tion Government I think we will be waiting ment by a generation. a long time for that to be implemented. The report continues- "But nothing will be done until inertia "Now that the Government, after a long is banished. delay, has chosen its Land Adviser, it "In its first anual report, the newly remains for him to be clothed with the appointed Land Administration Commis­ judicial powers of an arbitrator, or, alter­ sion, consisting of three members, reported natively, for some judicially trained person proudly to Parliament that 'the commission to be appointed arbitrator. It would seem has adopted a practice of meeting at least that the Premier's promise cannot be twice weekly'.'' honoured in any other way.'' (Time expired.) A further paragraph reads- "Mistakes in land administration have The House adjourned at 5.40 p.m. been multitudinous. Are such mistakes to be allowed to continue ad infinitum? By this reluctance to appoint a Judicial Arbitrator to hear matters in dispute, Mr. Fletcher's attitude is incomprehensible." A further extract has the heading, "Stagna­ tion threatened." That has been said by A.L.P. members, and by Government mem­ bers in their campaign speeches. The paragraph reads- "The whole outlook of the administra­ tion of brigalow lands is unimaginative and unrealistic. Recently at Goondiwindi, addressing a meeting of graziers, Mr. Fletcher said that 'The undeveloped brigalow land is held by lessees' and that 'there is no Crown land available immedi­ ately for settlement'. "A fair inference from these remarks is that because the land is held under lease the State will have to wait a whole genera­ tion for the lease to expire before real development can start and closer settlement be effected. Could any land policy be more unimaginative? We cannot afford to allow our lands to remain undeveloped when tens of millions of tightly packed people are living nearby.''