Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 30 OCTOBER 1973

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

1338 Papers [30 OCTOBER 1973) Death of Ex-Member

TUESDAY, 30 OCTOBER 1973 plan Pg. 398 deposited in the Survey Office and containing an area of 7 64 hectares-and, ~r. SPEAKER (Hon. W. H. I..onergan, (d) All that piece or part of State Flmders) read prayers and took the chair Forest 1376, parishes of Bunya and at 11 a.m. Samford, described as portion 81, parish of Bunya, as shown on plan PAPERS S1.6886 deposited in the Survey The following papers were laid on the Office and containing an area of table, and ordered to be printed:- .507 hectares- Reports- under the Forestry Act 1959-'1973. Insurance Commissioner, for the year (B) A brief explanation of the proposal. 1972-73. Commissioner of Irrigation and Water Supply, for the year 1972-73. DEATH OF HON. SIR PETER ROYLANCE DELAMOTHE, North Queensland Fish Board, for the period 1 July 1972 to 31 January O.B.E., M.B., B.S. 1973. MOTION OF CONDOLENCE Commissioner for Railways, for the year 1972-73. HoiL J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah -Premier) (11.4 a.m.), by leave, without The following papers were laid on the notice: I move- table:- "1. That this House desires to place on Orders in Council under- record its appreciation of the services ren­ Central Queensland Coal Associates dered to this State by the late Hon. Sir Agreement Act 1968. Peter Roylance Delamothe, O.B.E., M.B., Irrigation Act 1922-1973. B.S., a former member of the Parliament The State Electricity Commission Acts, of Queensland and Minister of the Crown, 1937 to 1965. and Agent-General for Queensland. The Northern Electric Authority of "2. That Mr. Speaker be requested to Queensland Acts, 1963 to 1964. convey to the widow and family of the deceased gentleman the above resolution, Regulations under- together with an expression of the sym­ Public Service Act 1922-1968. pathy and sorrow of the members of the Irrigation Act 1922-1973. Parliament of Queensland in the loss they Queensland Marine Act 1958-1972. have sustained." (A) Proposal by the Governor in Council It is with deep regret that I move this to revoke the setting apart and declara­ motion of condolence following the death of tion as State Forest under the Forestry Sir Peter Delamothe. Sir Peter, as we all Act of:- recall and remember well, served Queens­ (a) All that piece or part of State land first as mayor of Bowen, then as a Forest . 3, parishes of Bowarrady, member of this Parliament and a Minister Moonb1, Poyungan, Talboor, and of the Crown, and subsequently as Agent­ Wathumba, described as Area "A" General for Queensland in London. His as shown on plan FTY. 569 made passing will be mourned by us all in this and prepared by the Surveyor­ Chamber and by the people of Queensland General and deposited in the office generally. of the Conservator of Forests and Sir Peter's biography is a straightforward containing an area of about 8 822 one. He was born in Brisbane on 29 June hectares-and, 1906. He was educated at Mt. Carmel (b) All that piece or part of State College in Charters Towers, and later studied Forest 20/55, parishes of Mount medicine at the Sydney University, grad­ Hutt<;m, Hallett and Stephenton, uating with Bachelor of Medicine and descnbed as portion 22, parish of Bachelor of Science degrees. After doing his Mount Hutton, as shown on plan junior and senior residencies at the Sydney Wt. 277 deposited in the Survey Hospital from 1928 to 1930 he began his Office and Area "A" as shown on lifelong association with Queensland, and plan FTY. 574 made and prepared more particularly North Queensland, as by the Surveyor-General and medical superintendent of the Collinsville deposited in the office of the Con­ Hospital. servator of Forests and containing During World War II he joined the an area of about 2 272 hectares­ R.A.A.F., and rose to command a base hos­ and, pital. After the war he became interested (c) All that piece or part of State in local government, and was mayor of Forest 175, parishes of Merinda Bowen from 1946 to 1958 and chairman and Uranilla, described as portion of the North Queensland Local Authorities 11, parish of Uranilla, as shown on Association for the same period. Death of Ex-Member [30 OcToBER 1973] Death of Ex-Member 1339

In 1960 he won the seat of Bowen for the For the information of honourable mem­ Liberal Party, and was Justice Minister and bers, I add that many members of the Press Attorney-General from 1963 to 1971. In gallery who knew Sir Peter and travelled 1971 he was appointed Queensland's Agent­ with him have requested me to express their General in London until this year, when he sympathy to Lady Delamothe and her family. retired because of ill-health. He was As Agent-General, Sir Peter continued his knighted by the Queen this year for his valued services to this State. His intimate services to Queensland. knowledge of the sugar industry stood Mr. Speaker, that is the bare record of Queensland in good stead during the recent Sir Peter's career-it is something that any­ preliminaries to the International Sugar one could ascertain from "Who's Who"-but Agreement talks. to those of us who knew him in this It was with great sorrow that Cabinet Chamber, and to the many thousands of learned of his illness and subsequent death. Queenslanders who came into contact with On behalf of the Government and members him outside, he was much more. "The Doe", of Parliament generally, I extend sincere as he became affectionately known, was held sympathy to Lady Delamothe and the mem­ in the highest esteem, both as a Minister of bers of her family. the Crown and also as a man. Hon. Sir GORDON CHALK (Lockyer­ Treasurer) (11.11 a.m.): From time to time The mere entry in his record that he was in this Chamber we pass a similar motion awarded the O.B.E. for his work during the of condolence to the widow and relatives of cyclone that wrecked Bowen some years ago someone who has departed from our midst. cannot convey his spirit as he performed an In many instances the deceased person has operation on a patient with a perforated been out of the Queensland Parliament for ulcer, while a nurse held a torch and vol­ some considerable time. and consequently is unteers erected a tarpaulin over the deroofed not extremely well known to honourable operating theatre to keep the rain out. That members then in the House. Because of this, is just one of the many stories that can be although the motion is passed in all sincerity, told about the late Sir Peter Delamothe which I do not think there is the feeling of personal indicate how he dedicated himself to the loss that members experience following the work at hand and why he was held in death of someone who was extremely well such high regard and, indeed, inspired deep known to them and who, as it were, was affection. one of the "boys" of the House in recent However, I feel that it is as a reformer times. As to the motion now before us, I am and an innovator that Sir Peter Delamothe sure that all who knew the late Sir Peter will be remembered by many people. He Delamothe have suffered a. deep inward was the man who continued the rebuilding of feeling of grief at the passing of a friend. Queensland's prisons system, which was begun The Premier has rightly outlined Sir Peter's by his colleage Mr. Tooth, to make it the history, and has indicated the esteem and most modern in Australia. Dr. Delamothe's affection in which he was held in North belief was that the aim of prison was not Queensland long before he entered Parlia­ to break a man but to make him. Queens­ ment. I believe that the service he ,rendered land's prisons are now designed to eliminate to so many people in that community, with the feeling that prisoners are closed away the affection that it engendered, was respon­ behind high walls. The change in the sys­ sible for his election. Whatever our political tem and the general attitude began when beliefs, I do not think anyone would deny Mr. Tooth was the Minister responsible for that the seat Peter Delamothe won when he prisons, and this continued under the late entered this Parliament was not of the Sir Peter Delamothe. He pioneered in political philosophy to which he subscribed. Australia the week-end detention and release­ When he entered the House, he adapted to-work schemes. He introduced improved himself well to this type of life. At the trade training and educational facilities for same time, he gave unstintingly of his services prisoners. He established the Law Reform to his electorate. I often marvelled at the Commission and the Legal Aid Bureau. number of trips he made back and forth Sir Peter was a pioneer in the con­ between Bowen and this city. In fact, I often sumer affairs field, and his Invasion of Pri­ tried to get him to reside in Brisbane rather vacy Act to control the activities of credit than travel backwards and forwards so often bureaus and to prevent the use of bugging between Brisbane and Bowen. But Bowen and listening devices is now being studied was his home and he felt that he should by the Federal Government. His other continue to reside there, even during his notable achievement was the major review period as a Minister of the Crown. This again carried out of Queensland's liquor laws. The was an indication of the man's sincerity. measures he introduced are still in advance I would add that during the period that of those in most Australian States. But, Peter Delamothe was my deputy leader I above all, it was his friendly, open manner found him to be extremely loyal. At all times which resulted in the high esteem in which he was prepared to share the responsibilities I believe all members of this House, and associated with any undertaking, even though the public generally, held him. sometimes they were not entirely pleasant. 1340 Death of Ex-Member [30 OCTOBER 1973] Death of Ex-Member

As I say, above all he was extremely loyal. Mr. BIRD (Burdekin) (11.19 a.m.): As Personally, I feel the passing of Peter honourable members are aware, for the first Delamothe as a great rift. I have lost a term that I served in this Parliament my friend whose memory I will treasure in all electorate adjoined that of the late Sir Peter the years to come. Delamothe, and, after the last e.Jectoral I join with the Premier and other honour­ redistribution, my electorate contained within able members in extending to Lady it part of the one previously held by him. Delamothe and her family our deepest In those circumstances, I am well aware of sympathy. the extremely high regard in which he was held by the people of Bowen and the Lower Mr. HOUSTON (Bulimba-Leader of the Burdekin district, in which I include not Opposition) (11.17 a.m.): On behalf of the only the residents of Home Hill but also Opposition, I join with the Premier and the those of Ayr. I am sure that the people of Treasurer in the sentiments they have the Lower Burdekin area would wish me expressed towards the 'late Sir Peter Dela­ to include their very sincere regrets when mothe's wife and family. Like the two speaking to this motion of condolence. previous speakers, I, too, believe that Peter Delamothe has .Jeft a very discernible mark When Sir Peter left this Parliament and in this State. He will be remembered by also the many friends and the people of many people throughout Queensland as both North Queensland who loved him so well, a friend and a benefactor, as well as one to take up his appointment overseas he took who looked very seriously upon the office a major step. His death will be a severe that he held. Whether in private medical blow indeed to those who kept in touch practice, as mayor of Bowen or as member with him and his family following their of Parliament, he earnestly applied himself arrival in England. Sir Peter and his family to the job and did what he believed was kept in touch not only with their correspon­ right. dents, but also with the people of the area From purely an Opposition point of view, generally through occasional very friendly naturally we do not always agree with all letters that appeared in the local Press. that is said by a Cabinet Minister on the Sir Peter was highly regarded by all introduction of his -legislation. However, I people, irrespective of their political views. cannot recall any occasion on which the I am pleased to record that during my term Opposition objected completely to any legis­ of office while Sir Peter was a member of lation brought down by the 'late Peter this House, I got along extremely well with Delamothe. Although from time to time we him. I could always discuss any problems submitted amendments to Bills introduced by with him, and found him to be easily him, as I say, at no time were we violently approachable on a man-to-man level, which opposed to his ideas and basic principles. I think is one of the greatest attributes a Any debate with Sir Peter as a Minister man can have. was conducted on a very matter-of-fact and friendly basis, and again I cannot recall any I ask that not only my sympathies bu1 occasion on which such a debate became also those of the people of Bowen and the either heated or per,sonal. The quality of Lower Burdekin area be included in this refraining from resorting to personalities is motion of condolence to Lady Delamothe one that distinguishes some men, and, as and the other members of Sir Peter's the Treasurer has said, the former Minister family. was a man among men. Mr. TUCKER {Townsville West) (11.22 Because I enjoyed the privilege of travel­ a.m.): As a North Queenslander, I wish to ling overseas as a member of a delegation be associated with this motion of con­ led by Sir Peter Delamothe, I suppose I dolence. While I, and other Opposition had a better opportunity than many members members, did not subscribe to his political of the Opposition of getting to know him. philosophy, that did not prevent us from One very soon gets to know and understand meeting quite frequently on common someone with whom he is in close and ground as friends in North Queensland. l constant contact for a period of five or six was therefore extremely sorry to hear of the weeks, particularly at a time when acquaint­ passing of this outstanding North Queens­ ances are made with people of many nations. lander. I repeat that although we did not We can easily understand what a great support the same political philosophy, we loss Sir Peter's passing is to his family, were fully agreed on matters affecting the as well as to his friends. It brings to mind development of the North. I believe that on once again the fact that many former this basis alone Sir Peter will be remem­ Ministers, as well a,s back-benchers, have bered for all time in that part of the State. enjoyed very brief retirements. It is to be He was a great North Queenslander and regretted that he did not have some years was ready at all times to further the develop­ of retirement during which to enjoy life ment of the North. When it was necessary and the company of his family. It is with for us to speak with a combined voice on a feeling of deep regret that, on behalf of northern development, he was always pre­ the Opposition, I join in this motion of pared to do so. I pay tribute to his efforts condolence. in this matter. Death of Ex-Member [30 OCTOBER 1973} Death of Ex-Member 134]

Sir Peter gave of his talents as a medical was patron of the sailing club), and as man in Collinsville, Bowen and other places, mayor of Bowen, a position he held for where he was well known. In fact, over a a considerable time. With this background number of years he delivered many babies of service to the community, the feeling in these towns. He often said, quite jokingly, of sadness that prevails in Bowen and dis­ that he held Collinsville because he had trict at the present time can readily be known many of its electors since their appreciated. infancy. I extend to Lady Delamothe and her Sir Peter also gave of his talents as a family not only my own condolences, but parliamentarian. While he was a back­ also the heart-felt sympathy of the people of bench member, and later a Cabinet Minister, Bowen. North Queensland was the richer because he was always prepared to speak out, and that Mr. R. E. MOORE (Windsor) (11.26 a.m.): part of the State is much the poorer for his I join with other honourable members in passing. I express my deepest sympathy to this motion of condolence. As a member Lady Delamothe and the other members of of the Liberal Party Executive, I served Sir Peter's family. with Sir Peter Delamothe for a number of years. He was the parliamentary represen­ Hon. R. E. CAMM (Whitsunday-Minister tative on that body. He always had in for Mines and Main Roads) (11.25 a.m.): mind the interests of the little man-the I, too, desire to be associated with this underdog, as it were. motion of condolence. I knew Peter Dela­ mothe years before he became a member Sir Peter was one of the greatest exponents of Parliament. As we lived in adjoining towns, of the need to keep the coalition parties I could appreciate the high regard in which together. He knew that, in effect, the two he was held and the wonderful reputation parties had no differences. He frequently that he enjoyed in his home town of Bowen. espoused that theory while on the executive, and was responsible in no small way for Later on, when we became associated our harmonious relations. as members of this Government, I came to realise his worth as an adviser and as I served under Sir Peter as a member a guide to me as well as many younger of the Government justice committee. At members. no time did he bulldoze legislation through. Later, when we became deputy leaders He had a very happy and smooth way of of our respective parties, I enjoyed the fel­ handling the members of his committee. We lowship of this great man, one who was had our differences of opinion-probably dedicated to the welfare and growth of as many as there were members-but. Queensland. when the time came to arrive at a final decision, he had the happy knack of get­ On many evenings we sat together in one ting the best out of his committee. He was or other of our rooms and discussed prob­ a great humanitarian, a man who was always lems of government and the people in our young at heart. If he had known that, as own area of North Queensland. As the it were, his number was coming up so soon. Premier indicated, Peter Delamothe was I feel that he would not have accepted indeed a North Queenslander. He was his appointment in Great Britain. Very associated with Hughenden in his younger few people would like to think that they days, and was educated in Charters Towers. were going to die in another land. No Not many people know that, as a school­ matter how friendly that country might be. boy in Charters Towers, he was an excel­ it is natural for anyone to feel that he lent athlete and was voted Sportsman of would like to spend his last days in his the Year when in one of the senior grades. own country. He carried into his life the principles of fair play that all sportsmen develop. Alexander Pope put it in these words­ Peter Delamothe had a quiet and kind "Heav'n from all creatures hides the book nature, and a very friendly disposition. He of fate, also had a determination that enabled him All but the page prescribed, their presem to carry out many of his original ideas. state; Like Val Bird, I came to appreciate the From brutes what men, from men what worth of Peter Delamothe as the parlia­ spirits know; mentary representative of the electorate of Or who could suffer being here below? Bowen because I, too, inherited part of his electorate following the most recent The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day, redistribution. Had he thy reason, would he skip and play? It was only when I visited Bowen, the town in which Sir Peter lived for so many Pleased to the last he crops the fiow'ry years, that I came to appreciate how much food, of himself he had given to the people of And licks the hand just raised to shed his that area-in his capacity as a doctor at blood. the hospital, as a lover of sport (he was 0 blindness to the future! kindly giv'n, associated with every sporting activity in That each may fill the circle marked by the town, including golf and bowls, and heav'n." !342 Questions Upon Notice [30 OCTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

Sir Peter certainly made his mark in this new sewerage manholes. The roof water State, and it is with a feeling of both sorrow from the Commission's units is discharged and pleasure that I voice my few remarks to the street waterchannel in conformity illustrating the type of gentleman he was. I with Council requirements." extend to his wife and family my kindest thoughts and deepest sympathy.

Hon. V. B. SULLIVAN (Condamine­ FREE RAIL PASSES Minister for Primary Industries) (11.32 a.m.): Mr. Ahern for Mr. Aikens, pursuant to The tributes paid to Sir Peter Delamothe by notice, asked The Minister for Tourism,- the Premier, the Treasurer and other speakers were to be expected. He was a great Queens­ For the last twelve months for which lander, a great North Queenslander, and a figures are available, how many free rail­ great mate. I had the privilege of seeing him way passes were issued by his Department on my recent visit to London, and I want to to (a) pensioners and (b) others? tell honourable members that, even though he was a very sick man, he asked after very Answer:- many of you and requested me to convey his "During the 1972-73 financial year, very good wishes to you on my return. It saddens me that I can do so only after his 33,500 free rail requisitions were issued. passing. Statistics are not kept as to those issued to pensioners and other categories but the Even though Sir Peter was not in good majority of persons to whom these issues health prior to his retirement, the arrange­ were made would have been in the receipt ments that he made for me to have discussions of Age, Invalid or Widows' Pensions etc." with people connected with the sugar industry were perfect. He was very highly regarded as Agent-General in London, and he did a magnificent job for this State. RURAL INDEBTEDNESS AND PROBATE TAX I therefore associate myself with this Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Aiken, pursuant ,to motion of condolence, and join with the notice, asked The Minister for Lands,- Premier, the Treasurer, and other honour­ (!) Have the findings of the Rural able members in expressing sympathy to Reconstruction Board on the cause of the Lady Delamothe and her family. debt in primary industries shown that Motion (Mr. Bjelke-Petersen) agreed to, probate tax is a major reason for the honourable members standing in silence. heavy debt loading on rural properties? (2) Has the board attempted to ap­ QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE portion the various reasons for rural indebtedness in order to formulate long­ FLOODING FROM FILLING OF HOUSING term plans to solve the basic problems of CoMMISSION LAND the rural industries and, if so, will he outline the important points? Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- Answers:- In the lack of a Brisbane City Council ordinance to control the level to which (1) "Probate tax is seen in relatively a property owner may fill his land, what few cases to have been a major cause of redress or action is open to the owners debt problems in applications dealt with of properties which have now become by the Rural Reconstruction Board." subject to flooding caused by the nearby construction of Housing Commission (2) "The major reasons seen by the units and the raising of the land height? Rural Reconstruction Board for difficult debt structures which have come before it Answer:- have been drought and other adverse seasonal influences, low returns, excessive " I am aware of the case of which the purchase prices and/ or inadequate initial Honourable Member refers and on which equity, plus limited farm size contending he has made representations to the with higher costs. Other reasons of course Queensland Housing Commission on embrace the whole range to be found in behalf of Mr. M. F. Talbot. Some of the business enterprises generally, such as rainwater from Mr. Talbot's property pre­ inadequacies and inefficiencies in practical viously tended to pond on the Com­ and/ or financial management, fragmenta­ mission's land and it was necessary to tion of ownership to include additional prevent this occurring under the new family units, imprudent spending, specula­ building. The Commission appreciates the tion etc. Statistical information derived situation and is currently examining ways from the Rural Reconstruction Scheme is to effect a permanent improvement on under continuing analysis by the Bureau behalf of local residents generally. During of Agricultural Economics with a view construction the position was aggravated to advising on long term policies and by spoil including from excavations for planning." Questions Upon.Notice [30 OcTOBER 19731 Questions Upon Notice 1343

WASTE DISPOSAL, KANGAROO-PROCESSING SENATOR GEORGES AND TORRES STRAIT PLANTS TURTLE-FARMING PROJECT Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Aiken, pursuant to Mr. Frawley, pursuant to notice, asked notice, asked The Minister for Primary The Minister for Conservation,- Industries,- Was Senator Georges ever a director of (!) How many kangaroo-boning the turtle farm in the Torres Strait islands? factories are there in Queensland and If so, what was the financial position of has there been any problem in waste the farm while he was a director and have disposal? the finances improved since he relinquished the position? (2) Could the waste be made into silage and fed to pigs and fowls or used as Answer:- a supplement for feeding sheep in times " I understand that Senator Georges is of drought and could the bones be used in Chairman of Directors of Applied Ecology a powder process? Pty. Ltd., a company sponsored by the Commonwealth Government responsible Answers:- for the turtle farming project in the Torres Strait Islands. The Queensland Govern­ ( 1) "There are eleven registered ment does not have responsibility for the kangaroo depots in Queensland. I am not management or efficiency of the turtle aware of any problems with waste disposal farming project and the financial position from them." is unknown." (2) "Methods of handling waste are prescribed in the Pet Food Regulations. LIVING-OUT ALLOWANCE FOR NURSING Such waste can be used for animal feed STAFF, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA AND ROYAL if boiled or otherwise heat treated." BRISBANE HosPITALS I say further that, although I have not Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked had any official advice on the matter, I The Minister for Health,- heard a radio report over the week-end that ( 1) What is the number of nursing Dr. Cass. Federal Minister for the Environ­ staff, in each category, employed by the ment and Conservation, had announced that Hospitals Boards, living out, at (a) the ban on the export of kangaroo skins will Princess Alexandra and (b) Royal Bris­ not be lifted. So I suggest to the honourable bane, inclusive of the women's section? member for Warrego that if he is con­ cerned-as no doubt he is-for the employees (2) What allowance is paid to these of these boning houses and about the increase nurses, in each category, for outside board, to pest proportions of kangaroo numbers, he lodging, etc.? should endeavour to bring some common sense to bear on his colleagues in the Federal Answers:- sphere. ! am advised by the respective Hospitals Boards as follows:- ( 1) "Total numbers of full time nursing staff in various categories who live out HYGIENE CONTROL, STOCK FEED LOTS are:- Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Aiken, pursuant ·to notice, asked The Minister for Develop­ Royal Princess ment,- I Brisbane Alexandra Hospital Hospital ( 1) What controls exist on feed lots and are they under the administmtion of the Sisters ...... / 275 135 Health Department? I Student Nurses .. I 281 196 (2) Are there any licensing or siting Cadet Nurses .. Nil restrictions or controls over solids or liquid waste which could cause pollution Assistants in Nursing .. 150 124 to streams and watercourses, objectionable 709 455" odours and the breeding of flies? (3) Have any feed lots been given (2) "Nursing staff are now paid a total notice to vacate their present locations wage from which an amount for board because of the urban sprawl? and lodging is deducted if staff live in."

Answer:- MALE NURSES, PUBLIC HOSPITALS ( 1 to 3) "The Honourable Member's Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked Question relates to various matters coming The Minister for Health,- within the province of a number of ( 1) How many male nurses are em­ Departments. However none of them ployed at (a) Royal Brisbane, (b) Princess comes within my Ministerial jurisdiction." Alexandra, (c) Rockhampton, and (d) 1344 Questions Upon Notice [30 OcTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

Townsvilie Hospitals and what was the ROAD-SAFETY LECTURES IN SCHOOLS number employed at the same time last Mr. Leese, pursuant to notice, asked The year? Minister for Works,- (2) Are they cadet or student nurses? ( 1) Is road safety taught in all primary and secondary schools? Answers:- (2) Are instructions in road safe·ty (1 ) "Details of male nursing staff given to trainee teachers as part of their employed at the respective hospitals are training courses? as follows:-

------~~~~~- (3) How many police officers, (a) Trained: Trained: male and (b) female, are employed (i) Students on Students on full time and (ii) part time on road­ 26-10-73 26-10-72 safety lecturing in schools in Brisbane and country areas respectively? {a) Royal Brisbane .. 30 10 {b) Princess Alexandra I 7 9 Answers:- (c) Rockhampton .. I 2 ( 1 and 2) "I suggest the Honourable ! Member redirect these parts of his {d) Townsville "I 12 8" Question to my colleague the Honourable the Minister for Education and Cultural (2) "See staff categories shown in (1). Activities." There are no cadet male nurses." ( 3) "Police officers do not now lecture at schools in the Brisbane Metropolitan Area. This is done by officers of the CosT OF MAINTAINING PRISON INMATES Queensland Road Safety Council. At centres outside Brisbane, police officers Mr. Leese, pursuant to notice, asked The deliver road safety lectures at schools Minister for Tourism,- from time to time. It is not possible (1) What formula has been used to without extensive research to provide estimate the cost of detaining (a) normal particulars of the number of police officers inmates and (b) week-end inmates in (i) or actual time involved." maximum-security and (ii) medium­ security prisons? RESEARCH INTO LOSSES FROM TRAFFIC (2) What is the estimated cost per man ACCIDENTS per day for detaining (a) normal inmates Mr. Leese, pursuant to notice, asked The and (b) week-end inmates and what was Minister for Transport,- the variation in the estimated coSlt (i) for the last five years for normal inmates and ( 1) Will he provide details of research (ii) since the inception of the week-end undertaken by his Depal11:ment into the detention scheme? costs of road accidents? (2) Is research undertaken and are Answers:- figures or estimates available in relation to--(a) wage losses due to loss of pro­ ( 1) "The broad formula used in esti­ ductivity through injury, incapacity and mating the costs of detaining prisoners is death; (b) medical fees and hospital by application of the total amount of expenses; (c) insurance administration and expenditure on maintenance of prisons claim settlement costs; (d) property including salaries as applicable to the daily damage; and (e) the value of time lost average of prisoners per annum. No by the non-injured who are directly or separate break-up has ever been made of indirectly involved in accidents? the costs which may appertain to the indi­ vidual prisons. No formula or records of (3) If these matters are not researched. costs pertaining to week-end inmates are by his Department, are the figures avail­ kept. This would be impracticable. Week­ able from other State Depa!1tments and end inmates are in the same category are they subject to scrutiny by his officers? as any prisoner sentenced to forty-eight hours' imprisonment on a Friday. The ( 4) If no figures are available has any formula does not take into account capital estimation of the economic cost of road costs incurred in the construction of accidents been made by the Government prisons." and how was such an estimate made? (2) "On the basis of the formula set Answers:- out, the estimated costs per man per ( 1 to 3 ) "No such research has been day of detaining a prisoner, irrespective of undertaken nor do the facilities of the place or period of detention for the last Department extend to this highly five years are as follows:-1968-69, $5.07; 1969-70, $5.47; 1970-71, $5.58; 1971-72, specialised area." $6.56; 1972-73, $7.09." (4) "Not to my knowledge." Questions Upon Notice [30 OcTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice 1345

SAFETY STANDARDS, MOTOR-CYCLISTS' and Hall, Hannan Street; Northern Aus­ HELMETS tralian Breweries, Spence Street; and Mr. B. Wood for Mr. R. Jones, pursuant R. & P. M. Pollard, Scott Street." to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- (2) "The premises have been inspected (!) Has his attention been drawn to and are being required to comply with the the September issue of the magazine provisions of the Clean Air Act and "Choice" and the article "Motorcyclists' Regulations." Safety Helmets", wherein the Australian (3) "There have been no prosecutions Consumers Association is reported to have in respect to premises at Cairns. Five made comprehensive tests on 30 crash scheduled and seven unscheduled premises helmets on the Australian marke~ and have been investigated at Cairns and the found that A.C.V., Centurian and Stadium attention of management has been drawn jet-style helmets and Everoak full-face to matters needing rectification." helmets failed the penetration tests and that A.C.V. and S.C. helmets failed the retaining-sy~tem tests? ALLEGED LACK OF TEACHER CoNCERN (2) In view of the findings, will he FOR CHILDREN, STATE SCHOOLS review the equivalents of the Australian standards and recommend banning the Mr. B. Wood for Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to sale in Queensland of sub-standard notice, asked The Minister for Education,- helmets? (1) Has his attention been drawn to Press reports of a statement by the Com­ Answer:- monwealth Member for Petrie, Mr. Cooke, in which he alleged that teachers in Gov­ (1 and 2) "l have read the article. As ernment schools lack concern for children? far as I can see it is not claimed that the helmets referred to failed or passed the (2) Will he refute these allegations? present Australian Standard. The article does express the hope that when the new SAA Standard is released there will be Answers:- greater uniformity between the States and ( I) "Yes." that helmets which pass standards. (2) "While there may exist in the equivalent to the Australian Standard will teaching profession, as in any other pro­ also be approved. Queensland Traffic· fession or occupation, a minority who do Regulations do require compliance with not live up to the expectations of their the Australian Standard for safety helmets positions, I am sure it is widely accepted for the time being, as issued by the that the majority of teachers are pro­ Standards Association of Australia, and fessionally and personally motivated to act this extends to the equivalents of that in the best interests of the children for standard. If necessary, all action possible whom they are educationally responsible." will be taken to prevent the sale and distribution of safety helmets which do not meet that standard." COMMONWEALTH AND STATE ALLOCA­ TIONS, COLLEGES OF ADVANCED SCHEDULED PREMISES AND BREACHES OF EDUCATION CLEAN Am AcT, CAIRNs AREA Mr. B. Wood for Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to Mr. B. Wood for Mr. R. Jones, pursuant notice, asked The Minister for Education,- to notice, asked The Minister for Health,- ( 1) Will he outline the reasons for the ( 1) Which premises in the Cairns local generally reduced allocations for 1973-74 authority area are scheduled under the for colleges of advanced education? requirements of the Clean Air Act? (2) Will Commonwealth funds be addi­ tional to State allocations? (2) What is the position regarding un­ scheduled premises on which a complaint (3) Are any colleges of advanced edu­ has been lodged and which have no cation restricted because of the lack of exemption until 1977? funds? (3) For (a) scheduled and (b) un­ scheduled premises, how many (i) Answers:- breaches of the Clean Air Act have led (1) "Reference to pages 33 and 101 of to prosecutions and (ii) premises have the 1973-74 Estimates indicates that far been investigated and for which some from being generally reduced allocations, action is pending? there have been significantly increased allocations to colleges of advanced Answers:- education." (1) "A.C.F. & Shirleys, Dutton Street; (2) "Commonwealth funds are included A.C.F. & Shirleys, Newell Street; Gas in the amounts shown on pages 33 and Supply Franchises, Bunda Street; Magarry 101 of the Estimates." 43 1346 Questions Upon Notice [30 OcTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice

(3) "The funds provided for 1973-74 REFUSAL OF SERVICE TO ABORIGINES, will enable colleges to implement their KINGAROY HOTELS approved programs." Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Justice,-

TEACHER SCHOLARSHIPS ( 1) Further to my Question on August 30 concerning discrimination against Mr. B. Wood for Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to Aborigines by hoteliers in Kingaroy, will notice, asked The Minister for Education,- he comment on the report in the Sunday ( 1) What number of teacher scholar­ Sun of October 21 in which hoteliers in ships and in what categories will be Kingaroy were quo.ted as admitting that offered in 1974 and to whioh institutions Aborigines were not allowed to drink on will they apply? hotel premises and were served with (2) Will scholarship holders be required bottles only to take away? to enter into a bond and, if not, what (2) As this report contradicts his conditions will apply to the scholarships? Answers, who carried out the investigation (3) With reference to the education of for the Licensing Commission, on what teachers for special schools, how many date and which hoteliers were interviewed? scholarships will be offered in 1974, at which institutions will they be offered and Answers:- in which areas of special education will they apply? (1) "From evidence available in the report of investigation no discrimination ( 4) How many teachers training for against aborigines has been made on racial work in special schools will graduate this grounds. Each hotel keeper admitted to year? providing service to such persons, but also admitted that service is refused in certain Answers:- instances. Each hotel keeper admitted to ( 1) "Approval exists for the award of service of liquor being available in all 2,430 scholarships in 1974. However addi­ trading sections of the hotel but, in most tional students may be offered scholarships cases, with certain reservations such as to depending on the capacity of the training those aborigines who are clean, orderly, institutions to accept them. The institu­ respectably dressed and well behaved. The tions and categories are too numerous to report identified certain aborigines who list. However, the Handbook of Teacher are served in certain hotels for the reason Scholarships and Courses 1974 contains that their conduct and general manner is the desired information. I table a copy of a standard acceptable within the com­ of the handbook." munity. In addition to those aborigines who have been barred by cer.tain hotel (2) "Scholarship holders will be keepers, some Caucasians have been barred required to enter into the usual bond. The for the same reasons." whole question of teacher scholarships and their relation to Commonweal,th tertiary (2) "The investigation was carried out allowances is still being discussed by State by the Officer in Charge of Police at and Commonwealth officers. It is hoped Kingaroy who is the Licensing Inspector that firm decisions can be made early in for the area. I am informed that all 1974." licensees of hotels in Kingaroy were inter­ viewed." (3) "Sixty students who have success­ fully completed the first year of the primary course in any institution will be offered scholarships· to enter the second CURTAILMENT OF "CAPR!CORNIAN" year of the course at Mt. Gravatt RAIL SERVICE Teachers' College in 1974 in the usual pre­ Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The service preparation of special teachers. Minister for Transport,- Specialization will take place in the third ( 1) With regard to the report that the year of the course; dependent upon the Rockhampton "Capricornian" service on interests and abilities of the students Tuesdays is to be eliminated, why has approximately 40 will be prepared to teach this action been taken? mentally handicapped children, 12 to teach deaf children, four for visually handi­ (2) If the reason is lack of patronage, capped, two for cerebral palsied and two what promotional campaigns have been for orthopaedically handicapped children." conducted to attract patronage to the service? ( 4) "Thirty-one teachers will graduate from Mt. Gravatt Teachers' College at the Answer:- end of 1973 for work in special schools." (1 and 2) "Despite the advertising Paper.-Whereupon Sir Alan Fletcher laid which has been carried out by the Queens­ upon the Table of the House the hand­ land Railways and by the Railways of book referred to. Australia to promote travel by rail the Questions Upon Notice [30 OCTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice 1347

response for travel by the 'Capricornian' BREAKING AND ENTERING OFFENCES, on Tuesdays has not been sufficient to STATE ScHOOLS justify the retention of the train on that Mr. N. F. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked particular day. However, prospective The Minister for Education,- travellers will still be able to use the 'Sunlander' services." Further to his Answer to my Question on October 12 and in relation to the schoo.Js listed in Schedules 'A', 'B' and 'C' as being broken and entered, what is the FAST RAIL-COACH SERVICE, BRISBANE­ estimated total cost of school equipment to ROCKHAMPTON be replaced or repaired at each school? Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- Answer:- In order to maintain and upgrade rail­ "Equipment worth $30,083 was stolen passenger services from RocJQhampton, will from State Schools .throughout Queensland he consider establishing a "Capricornian in 1972-73. This is a decrease of $6,495 Flyer" service to Brisbane, based on the on the figure for the previous year. concept of a speedy rail-coach service Figures relating to such losses are collated which would stop only at the major centres annually for the Auditor-General's report between Rockhampton and Brisbane? to Parliament. The collation of additional figures for the schools and in the periods Answer:- in schedules B and C of the Answer given on October 12, would require the transfer "The timetable being introduced on of officers from other work for a con­ November 4, 1973, provides for three siderable period. As there are particularly daylight air-conditioned train services each heavy pressures on my Department at this way between Roma Street and Rock­ time of the year, I do not feel the time hampton, with schedules as follows:­ involved in compiling the figures sought Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays-Roma Street by the Honourable Member could be depart 7.35 a.m., Rockhampton arrive 8.6 justified." p.m.; Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays­ Rockhampton depart 7.30 a.m., Roma Street arrive 8.35 p.m." CONVICTIONS FOR SALE OF ADULTERATED LIQUOR Mr. B. Wood for Mr. F. P. Moore, pur­ LICENSED DRIVING SCHOOLS AND suant to notice, asked The Minister for INSTRUCTORS Health,- Mr. N. F. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked (1) How many publicans or other The Premier,- licensees in Queensland were convicted of ( 1) Are driving schools and driving selling adulterated liquor in the year ended instructors licensed by his Government? October 24? (2) Does his Government provide a (2) Who were the publicans or licensees syllabus for driver instruction? so convicted, what was the name of ·the hotel or licence concerned and what was (3) How many licensed driving schools the fine in each case? operate (a) in Brisbane and (b) in Queensland? Answers:- (1) "Three." ( 4) What was the total number of driving instructors in 1971, 1972 and (2) "(a) Philip Carolan, Crown Hotel, 1973? Charters Towers. Fine and costs of $46.70 for selling adulterated rum. (b) Day Dream Island Pty. Ltd., Day Dream Answers:­ Island. Fine and costs of $40 for selling (1) "Yes." adulterated gin. (c) Peter Vaggelas, South Molle Island. Fine and costs of $40 for (2) "The Department of Transport selling adulterated whisky." issues, free of charge, a Traffic Code Handbook which provides an easily under­ stood and informative outline of the principal requirements of drivers to ensure RACIST POEM PUBLISHED IN GooNDI­ not only their own safety but also the WINDI NEWSPAPER safety of all other road users." Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Conservation,- (3) "As at June 30, 1973-(a) 46, (b) 94." ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to an article in The Courier-Mail of October 26 (4) "This information is contained in headed "Protest over 'racist' poem"? the relevant Annual Reports of the Com­ (2) As residents of Goondiwindi have missioner for Transport tabled in this expressed their disapproval of this poem, House." which appeared in the Goondiwindi Argus 1348 Questions Upon Notice (30 OCTOBER 1973) Questions Upon Notice

of October 18, will he take action to Edward River, Mornington Island, Cowal ensure that such inflammatory remarks as Creek, Woorabinda, Bamaga, New contained in the poem are not published in Mapoon and Umagico? future? (2) In which centres were the canteens (3) Will he make a statement on this constructed by his Department? point and have it widely circulated? Answers:- Answers:­ (!) "Canteens opened as follows: (!) "Yes." Kowanyama, January 16, 1973; Lockhart (2 and 3) "While deploring both the River, March 4, 1973; Yarrabah, February authorship and publication of such an 16, 1973; Palm Island, February 17, 1973; article, I must say that I am unable, nor Weipa, January 15, 1973; Edward River, would I wish to take an action as sug­ February 24, 1973; Mornington Island, gested by the Honourable Member which February 12, 1973; Cowal Creek, March could interfere with or intrude upon the 23, 1973; Woorabinda, August 18, 1973; basic principle of freedom of the Press. Bamaga, July 13, 1973. New Mapoon The publication is the more regrettable and Umagico have not yet commenced." because it certainly does not reflect the (2) "The Department has not funded true image and attitude of the vast any special premises for these purposes majority of Aborigines in Queensland." but has assisted the responsible Com­ munity Councils in various ways."

FISH FREEZER UNITS, ToRRES STRAIT ISLANDS FINANCING OF RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVI­ Mr. WaUis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked SIONS; S.G.I.O. PROJECT, CABOOLTURE The Minister for Conservation,- Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Hanson, pursuant to As the method of holding fish in the notice, asked The Treasurer,- freezer boxes, which are in operation on (!) Has his attention been drawn to three islands in Torres Strait, causes the an article entitled "Economic Aspects of fish to deteriorate and constitutes a health Residential Subdivisions", which was pre­ hazard, will he have an investigation made pared for the Australian Institute of Urban before obtaining four more of these freezer Affairs by Mr. Doug Murphy, Projects boxes, as mentioned by the director in his Officer, Department of Economics, Uni­ annual report? versity of Queensland? Answer:- (2) As the article highlights the obvious desire of many developers to reject mort­ "The Honourable Member is advised gage loans issued on daily business at that the freezer units presently operating approximately 9 · 5 per cent. and accept the on the Torres Strait Islands adequately and finance companies advances of an interest effectively maintain contents at the stan­ rate of 12-14 per cent. on monthly dard existing when delivered. There have balances, can he advise me of any ad­ been some problems with regard to vances made on this basis by the State preparation and maintenance following Government Insurance Office Investment catchment and prior to delivery. Certain Board and what rates of interest are experiments in this regard and in the charged and what are the terms? supplies of ice, utilising special plastic bag containers, have proceeded with (3) As the article suggests that an reasonable results as have some instruc­ attraction is the policy of finance com­ tional procedures in preparation methods. panies to advance 75-80 per cent. of the Efforts are continuing in these avenues in costs of acquiring, designing and develop­ an endeavour to obtain at 'delivery to ing a subdivision, what is the S.G.I.O. freezer' time a quality product which can Board's policy in this regard? then be held under freezer conditions at a satisfactory standard. As a result of ( 4) What will be the basis of sale to experience, some modifications are being people who will eventually desire an incorporated in new units which will interest in the proposed S.G.I.O. Cabool­ improve the installation." ture subdivision? (5) Will future owners of the Cabool­ ture subdivision find that the value of WET CANTEENS, ABORIGINAL their land will have a huge interest loading CoMMUNITIES and, if not, what will be the cos,t, terms Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked and conditions of sale in this subdivision? The Minister for Conservation,- (!) When were beer canteens opened in Answers:- the centres of Kowanyama, Lockhart ( 1) "I have not actually seen the article River, Yarrabah, Palm Island, Weipa, referred to." Questions Without Notice [30 OCTOBER 1973] Questions Without Notice 1349

(2 to 5) "As previously advised the to Japan were seriously threatened, and now Honourable Member, the State Govern­ ask him: Is he aware that the Japanese ment Insurance Office Board is required­ Prime Minister (Mr. Tanaka) has now told 'to lay down and to supervise policy for the Australian Prime Minister (Mr. Whitlam) the investment of the funds of the Office that Japan's requirements of wool, meat, with particular regard to the production timber, iron-ore and other minerals from of a reasonable yield on investment for Australia would increase, and that he was the benefit of policyholders'. It is not my confident of the possibility of effecting long­ practice to disclose individual financial term contracts? In view of the obvious dif­ dealings between the S.G.I.O. and its ference of opinion that exists between the clients. However, I can advise the Hon­ Premier and the Japanese Prime Minister, ourable Member that the S.G.I.O. has not can he state who in Japan supplied him provided finance to any developer for th~ with the information on which he based design and development of land sub­ his surprising statements? division along the lines indicated in the Honourable Member's Question. The par­ Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: When I ticipation of the S.G.I.O. in any future returned from Japan I made it quite clear activity in this area, including its own sub­ that I had met six major steel-industry divisions and the terms thereof, will be a leaders and discussed this matter with them. matter for determination by the Board The other day, when the Leader of the under its charter." Opposition asked me to make a ministerial statement on this matter, I realised that he was barking up the wrong Canberra tree. He was completely misinformed, just as TREATMENT OF CANCER PATIENTS AT the Deputy Leader of the Opposition is. REPATRIATION HOSPITALS I take it that the honourable member for Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Hanson, pursuant to Townsville West has not read the headlines notice, asked The Minister for Health,- in today's "Australian", and that he has not ( 1) Is he aware that the Common­ closely followed the detailed information that wealth Government is now fair-minded!y is being fed back to us, and others, including and generously treating on a free basis at the Press, in relation to Mr. Whitlam's visit repatriation hospitals ex-servicemen and to Japan, which he has used as a means women who have the dreaded disease of of making a full-scale declaration about the cancer? nationalisation of Australian industries. The front-page headline in today's "Aus­ (2) If so, and as radio-therapy is th~ tralian" reads, "Japan upset by Labor's new common form of treatment, has he made resources policies", and the article beneath any approaches to the Commonwealth it indicates that Tokyo is anxious about every­ Government requesting that repatriation thing that is happening. hospitals in this State install such equip­ ment as a linear accelerator, a deep X-ray In the light of this, then, the honourable machine and a planning treatment com­ member for Townsville West does not have puter, in order that the State system will to ask me what I said and why I said it. not be overloaded? If he does not care to read this Press article, he could well read another item by Gregory Answers:- Clark entitled, "The uncertain way to cer­ tainty", in which he points out the extent to ( 1) "I understand the Repatriation which the Federal Labor Government, and Department provides such treatment to the particularly Mr. Connor, are obsessed with extent of its present facilities." the control of exports and stresses that (2) "The existing policy in respect to Japan is more deeply upset rubout this than radiotherapy is to maintain one major about the White Australia policy, which centre at Royal Brisbane Hospital and a has existed for a long time. If the honour­ significant sub-centre at the Mater Miseri­ able member is not satisfied with that article cordiae Hospital but not to open additional I refer him to another, in the "National centres even at the Princess Alexandra Times". Hospital and other major State hospitals. I appreciate that the honourable member It seems reasonable to continue the present has given me an opportunity to draw atten­ central management of cases and not to tion to these things. Japan doubts the stability reduplicate establishment with equipment, of the whole poiicy of the Federal Govern­ staff, and buildings at other centres at ment, and it has serious doubts about where present. The matter will be kept under its future business will be channelled. Japanese surveillance." business leaders have indicated this to me, and to other Ministers who have visited QUESTION WITHOUT NOTICE Japan, and have said that they are starting to negotiate trade deals with Russia and TRADE WITH JAPAN China. Mr. TUCKER: I refer the Premier to Leaders of the Commonwealth A.L.P. statements by him following his recent over­ Government are saying that Australian people seas trip to the effect that Australian exports will invest in Australian industries. However, 1350 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) it is quite clear from stock-market reports which existed between the various depart­ that Australian people have absolutely no ments during the transition period. To my confidence in the Commonwealth Govern­ own staff and the staff concerned in other ment's control and regulation of minerals departments, ,I say a sincere "Thank you." and other commodities. The stock market Although it is always wise to hasten slowly is at an all-time low, and inflation is at in these circumstances the new department's an all-time high. Contrary to what the progress and develop~ent was impeded by Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said, the fact that it had to work under difficult the Japanese Government and Japanese conditions in temporary accommodation for officials are deeply concerned about what more than six months before it moved into is happening. If the Federal Government limited but well-appointed premises in Legacy does not change its policies, we will lose House in Mary Street. Since then, a tremend­ Japan's business. ous amount of progress has been made At 12 noon, towards implementing the Government's ideas and intentions, 1and there is ample In accordance with the provzswns of evidence already to demonstrate that the Standing Order No. 307, the House went decision to form the new department was a into Committee of Supply. wise one and that the services embraced by its administration have been improved and expanded to the benefit of the State. SUPPLY This financial year, the department's Vote RESUMPTION OF COMMITTEE-EsTIMATES­ has been increased by almost $2,000,000 to FIRST AND SECOND ALLOTTED DAYS approximately $17,400,000, comprising (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Lickiss, $1,457,000 for Chief Office, $2,127,000 for Mt. Coot-tha in the chair) the Division of Tourist Activities, $8,920,000 for Children's Services and $4,851,000 for ESTIMATES-IN-CHIEF, 1973-74 Prisons.

TOURISM, SPORT AND WELFARE SERVICES TOURISM

CHIEF OFFICE I propose to deal with most of t~e department's activities in the sequence m Hon. J. D. HERBERT (Sherwood­ which they occur in the name of the port­ Minister for Tourism, Sport and Welfare folio and I thus turn initially to tourism. Services) (12.1 p.m.): I move- As ~entioned in my introductory remarks, "That $1,457,049 be granted for the Government's policy for the last election 'Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services­ was to upgrade it in the new Ministry to Chief Office'." a level commensurate with its importance to Queensland. This was done within a few Following the Government's promises during weeks of the election, and our attitude to the campaign preceding the State election in the industry is further reflected in the current May last year to upgrade tourism and to year's Estimates. create a new sub-portfolio of Sport, a new The total Vote for the Queensland Department of Tourism, Sport and Welfare Government Tourist Bureau this year has Services was created under my Ministerial been increased by $500,000 to $2,126,792, control on Thursday, 29 June 1972. Its while the allocation for publicity and advert­ establishment was approved and proclaimed ising has been raised by $100,000 to $411,000 by the Governor in Council on that date, -the highest increase in any year on record. with the Relief Assistance Branch, Division The total figure is more than 25 times the of Tourist Activities, Department of Child­ amount being spent annually for these ren's Services, Prisons Department and the purposes when we first came into office. National Fitness Council of Queensland being brought within the scope of the new portfolio. The Government sees its role in tourism mainly as a co-ordinator, a researcher, a As honourable members can well imagine, promoter and a provider of common facilities, the setting up of a new Government depart­ such as publicising and advertising the State's ment is no easy task, and the job on this attractions and booking services. In adopting occasion was made even more difficult by and carrying out this role, we have encouraged shortages of staff and lack of accommodation. the initiatives in the private sector of the The burden of the work, of course, had to economy that are so vital to the industry's be handled by the department's Chief growth. Office which, with an initial administrative staff of only one, went through some trying Our policy has been successful. Since we times in the early months. Mr. Cedric John­ put it into operation, almost $105,000,000 san, as Under Secretary, has done a has been spent by private enterprise on new magnificent job. accommodation facilities throughout the State to satisfy the demands of tourists. The Public Service at times is criticised New entertainments and attractions have by the general public, but I cannot speak mushroomed at the same time. An encourag­ too highly of the dedication of those involved ing and pleasing feature of this boom has in this task and the spirit of co-operation been the spread of tourist interest and Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973) (Estimates) 1351

facilities to areas away from the main centres The proposal to build a $32,000,000 inter-' of population. It has aided decentralisation national standard hotel in the heart of Sur­ and helped to stem the urban drift. fers Paradise is indicative of the type of Promotional campaigns instituted by the facility Queensland will need if it is to Queensland Government Tourist Bureau have gain a proper share of the growing inter­ created unprecedented interest in our holiday national tourist market. Unfortunately, it destinations, as reflected by the Bureau's has already come to my notice that this own collections from bookings. These takings project is threatened by ridiculous steps taken in the last financial year were a record by the Federal Labor Government in an $7,300,000, and the trend is continuing. In attempt to restrict foreign investment, and the month of August 1973, over-the-counter it appears that the tourist industry in the collections by the Bureau's 14 branch offices near future could suffer the same setbacks throughout Australia exceeded $1 million­ as the mining industry as a result of these the first time that this mark had been passed policies. in a single month in the history of the Other high rise development projects are Bureau. Honourable members will note that being considered for the Sunshine Coast, the estimates provide for collections of Townsville and Cairns to provide additional $8,250,000 this year, and it is obvious first-class accommodation facilities. These already that this new record will be achieved. developments will be welcomed, as a high One of the major effects of the substantial level of demand is creating difficulties in increase in the publicity and advertising securing accommodation in principal resort Vote will be a more even spread of adver­ areas during peak holiday periods. tising placement, largely through the exten­ sion of the Press campaign. Television and Apart from that, we have to prepare our­ radio are being employed in the southern selves for an upsurge in the international States, and the Bureau soon will be pro­ market. The latest survey by the Australian ducing a 60-second commercial for pro­ Tourist Commission on the overseas market motional purposes on Queensland television has resulted in estimates that the 110,000 stations to encourage more Queenslanders overseas visitors to Queensland last year to see their own State first at holiday time. will rise to 175,000 by 1975, and 300,000 by New designs are currently being prepared 1980. for brochures on Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, The Queensland Government Tourist the Darling Downs and Queensland as a Bureau will continue to pursue its expressed whole. New poster material is in produc­ aims of fostering travel to and within the tion, and it is also hoped to extend the State of collecting and distributing tourist range of colour brochures detailing tours infor~ation, and of publicising Queensland from the major resort centres. as a holiday destination. The Bureau will The highly successful policy of producing also fill the role of adviser to the industry, a film each year on onr tourist attractions maintaining liaison with the purveyors of for commercial distribution will be continued. accommodation and transport services, tourist The region covered in this year's production development associations, local authorities and will include Gympie, Maryborough, Hervey other organisations, to maintain and improve Bay, Fraser Island, Bundaberg, the Burnett the tourist facilities of this State. and surrounding districts. Over the years, Extensive renovations costing $111,000 these films have proved to be an excellent are being carried out to the Bureau's Sydney method of promoting the State's tourist office, providing a modern frontage and features. All the films have been accepted greatly improved facilities for the increas­ for theatre release, bringing our tourist wares ing number of New Sonth Wales clients before the eyes of millions of potential booking Queensland holidays. Renovations visitors throughout Australia and overseas, have also been made to the Bureau's Coolan­ but none has achieved more success than gatta office and, in the coming months, the the bureau's latest production on Queens­ Melbourne branch will move into modern land as a whole entitled "You Don't Know premises in the M.L.C. building, giving the Why You Came Here". Columbia Pictures Bureau a prestigious location in the central took up distribution rights for the film, city area. A new site has also been secured and has successfully negotiated release in for the Townsville office, again in a central theatres in Australia, New Zealand, the city location near the corner of Flinders United Kingdom, Eire and South Africa. and Stokes Streets. These new premises will The United Kingdom release included simul­ give the Bureau a first -class presentation taneous screenings in six large London to sustain and improve the image of Queens­ theatres as the supporting attraction to a land as a holiday State. major feature. In the current financial year a Research Another important development has been Officer will be appointed to the Bureau, and the decision by shipping lines to schedule one of his first tasks will be to up-date the a number of holiday cruises into Queens­ comprehensive survey into the tourist indus­ land and Barrier Reef waters. Queensland try which was undertaken on behalf of the has considerable cruise-ship potential, and Bureau by the University of Queensland this avenue could provide a valuable fillip Economics Department in 1969-70. This to the industry in the next few years. additional appointment will facilitate the 1352 Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

establishment of guide-lines to assist con­ SPORT AND NATIONAL FITNESS siaerably in the forward planning of the tourist industry. Turning to the subject of sport, I point out that the Government moved quickly to However, I do not wish to create the honour its election promise but, here again, impression that everything in the garden is a great deal of spadework had to be under­ lovely. In fact, some very serious problems taken before major policy decisions could are facing the industry which, unfortunately, be made. For instance, a list of all of the are out of the scope of the State Govern­ principal sporting organisations was not even ment available. Applications were called for the position I might ask honourable members opposite of Director of Sport to head the new who may be planning to attack our Govern­ Department of Sport and Mr. R. T. C. Leahy ment on its policy concerning tourism to was appointed to the position on 14 Septem­ take a ha~d look at what their counterparts ber 1972. He took up duty 11 days later. in Canberra have done for the tourist indus­ try since taking office nearly 12 months ago. The Government thus became the first Unhappily for them, they would be looking State Government in Australia to take such at nothing. action and a few days later became the first also to allocate funds for distribution to A Federal Government, naturally enough, sporting bodies, when an amount of $250,000 is in a far better position to do something was provided for these purposes in the constructive and far-reaching for an industry Budget brought down by the Treasurer for such as tourism, and the Federal Labor Party the 1972-7 3 financial year. went to the polls late last year with a grandiose policy for the tourist industry. The following guide-lines were then drawn Unfortunately for the industry, these up and approved by Cabinet for the distribu­ promises have been cast aside like so many tion of this money:- others and, in fact, the Labor Party in Subsidies will be paid for the coaching Government has downgraded tourism con­ of juniors on the basis of $1 for each siderably during its brief term in office. The $1 raised by the organisation itself, with Federal Minister for Tourism, Mr. Stewart, the proviso that no subsidy will be paid on has promised action in several directions amounts received from outside sources. since the election, but the Federal Cabinet Subsidies will be paid towards the devel­ obviously has placed no importance on his opment of facilities, including construction advocacy or the industry. of ovals, tracks, toilets and shower-blocks but not club-houses, grandstands or seat­ Steps affecting tourism taken by the ing, on the basis of $1 for each $2 raised. Federal Labor Government since its election Grants will be made towards the cost of actually have placed the industry's future in sending properly selected representative jeopardy. One prime example was the State teams interstate where it can be increase in domestic air fares. In spite of a shown by the State association that finan­ recommendation by the Federal and all State cial hardship exists. Any grant will be on Tourist Ministers to reduce fares, the Labor the number of affiliated players or the size Government took the opposite course. All of the sport in question. Tourist Ministers were concerned by the fact Grants will be made towards the cost that more people travelled out of Australia of staging national and international than entered it last year. This was the first events in Queensland, where it can be time that such an imbalance had occurred shown that financial hardship exists and and, obviously, it had been brought about by that Government assistance will enable a the high internal air fares. Australians have better presentation than was possible when Government assistance was not available. found that it is cheaper to travel to overseas These grants will be based on the need destinations by air than it is to travel within and the number of competitors and spec­ Australia, and our tourist industry now faces tators likely to visit Queensland for the its greatest challenge ever to counter this. event, together with the popularity of the The industry's plight, of course, has been sport with the public. accentuated by the Labor Government's Subsequently, applications were called for recent increase in fares within Australia. The assistance in accordance with these guide­ A.L.P.'s attitude to the industry was lines from sporting bodies throughout the reflected in this year's Federal Budget dis­ State and attracted a tremendous amount of cussions, when a move to cut the vote to interest. In fact, assistance was sought on the Australian Tourist Commission by almost projects worth $1,560,763. Each application two-thirds was defeated by only one vote. was considered on its merit, and grants and subsidies totalling $437,536 were approved Despite these handicaps, however, I for over 200 sporting clubs and associations believe that tourism has been established on in some 51 different sports. Although this such a sound footing in this State in the past total exceeded the Budget allocation, the decade that it will continue to prosper and balance of the approvals was made in prin­ to make an increasingly significant contribu­ ciple on projects which would not be com­ tion to Queensland's economy. pleted during that financial year. Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973) (Estimates) 1353

The money naturally was not to be meted seems certain, however, that the Federal out in an off-handed fashion, and procedures Government will make increased funds avail­ were laid down under which associations had able in the next few years for national fitness to produce certificates and audited statements but, according to the Federal Minister, will on their expenditures before subsidies were phase out this assistance in the long term. actually paid. By the end of the financial Here again we are placed in the situation year many of the projects were lagging, and of having to "play it by ear", but our own at 30 June only $117,806 had been claimed plans are clear and will proceed. and paid. This was less than half the total As a step in broadening its role, the organi­ approved, but many of the claims were for sation's name was changed last year to the progress payments only and subsequent Queensland National Fitness Council for claims are still being received and paid. Sport and Physical Recreation. Its head­ Although this may have been interpreted quarters are in Brisbane, and it is assisted as a falling-off in enthusia;sm for the scheme on a decentralised basis by 16 voluntary among the sporting fraternity, it was cer­ area committees. In 15 of these areas a tainly not the case, as we quickly discovered full-time field officer has been attached to when the department called applications for the committee and, during the present assistance during the current financial year. financial year, we will complete a scheme to When these closed _on 31 August, no fewer supply each of these with an official vehicle. than 57 sports and 13 other multi-purpose This was started with the provision of 8 organisations had applied for assistance on vehicles during the last financial year, and projects estimated to cost just on $3,800,000. the benefits of greater mobility for these The Government doubled its allocation for officers are already apparent. sporting purposes in the recent State Budget It is our intention also during this financial to $500,000, but the subsidies and grants year to appoint three additional field officers payable under the guide-lines on the applica­ to the Gold Coast-Albert Shire area, Ipswich­ tions received could amount to $1,141,518. West Moreton area and the metropolitan Each application is now being assessed in area, and action is now being taken to put the light of these facts, and Cabinet will this intention into effect. make a decision on them in the near future. The following proposals also should assist However, it is clear already from the in extending the council's activities and many communications to my department that influence within the community:- the Government's objective of aiding and The development or re-development of rewarding the efforts of the numerous volun­ National Fitness centres on a joint State­ tary workers conduciing the various sports Commonwealth basis at Townsville, has been fulfilled. Dozens of organisations Bowen, Bundaberg, Cairns and Mt. Isa, have expressed their appreciation, and many and additional sporting and recreational have now found it possible to commence facilities at other centres. projects to expand their activities which pre­ viously had only been dreams in the minds The provision of further can1ping facili­ of a few of their most ardent supporters. ties by the State Department of Works More and more opportunities thus are being from loan funds at Caloundra and Seaforth, created for young people to take part in while there are plans for similar develop­ sporting activities and this, in the long term, ments at Lake Perseverance, Tannum must be reflected in a healthier society. Sands and Fraser Island. The appointment of female National Following our lead, the Federal Govern­ Fitness officers in all major areas, as there ment has now entered the field, and this is an increasing need for assistance in the may force us in time to review some a;spects organisation of sport and recreation for of our policy, although the Commonwealth women and girLs in country areas. intentions to date remain obscure in spite of more than one conference on a State­ Greater emphasis will be placed on the Commonwealth level. The Federal authori­ organisation of recreation and leisure ties are emphasising recreation and multi­ activity for youth through the promotion purpose complexes, but just where they draw of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme the line between recreation and sport is still in industry as well as at secondary school confusing. However, we intend to proceed level. with our scheme on the same basis as that Bushwalking and wilderness type activi­ applied in the past 15 months, and will watch ties will be promoted more vigorously as developments at the Federal level closely to forms of family recreation. ensure that no overlapping occurs. As expansion of staffs .takes place, As part of the move to establish the new regional planning officers m northern, Department of Sport, the admini·stration of southern and western locations will be the National Fitness Council was brought provided to enable a better co-ordination under my control with the intention of broad­ of services. ening and expanding its role in the com­ Apart from the reasons I have already given munity. Several steps have already been for the Government's initiatives in these fields taken in this direction, but we are awaiting of sport and recreation, an important factor some further action by the Commonwealth has been the general need for the young on its announced intentions in this field. It people of today, under the pressures being 1354 Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

placed upon them by affluence and better wives and unmarried mothers who do not working conditions, to be taught how to apply for financial help until after a period usefully employ their leisure time and to of six months has elapsed and the respon­ be given the facilities to enable them to put sibility for payments then is with the Com­ what they have been taught into practice, monwealth. if they so desire. This need is plainly reflected The Commonwealth administrative mach­ in the experience of another important inery is not geared for emergent or immedi­ department under my control, the Department ate payments and it has placed the State of Children's Services. in an awkward situation in that it has had to make payments, in some instances, CHILDREN'S SERVICES after the six-month period, otherwise families The problems confronting this department would have had no means of support. Queens­ are accelerating as social attitudes and pat­ land has an excellent system for emergent terns of living continue to change. Economic payments to these needy families and is able factors, including the inflationary spiral, are to pay assistance immediately "over the contributing to this state of affairs and more counter" throughout the State. It has 197 and more people are being confronted in paying outlets and many families are saved their daily lives with social situations with from destitution because of these arrange­ which they have difficulty in coping. Deser­ ments. tion, divorce, ex-nuptial births and anti-social The police play a very vital part in this attitudes, including defiance of authority, system and their co-operation with the among young people are all rising steeply Department of Children's Services is greatly and placing great pressure on the statutory, appreciated. denominational and private welfare agencies. In our future negotiations with the Com­ Change is also taking place within the monwealth, it will be vital to ensure that, functions of the Department of Children's if the Commonwealth does accept respon­ Services, with the Commonwealth Govern­ sibility for all payments, the facility for ment accepting greater responsibility for the people to obtain immediate financial help payment of benefits which previously were will need to be safeguarded. handled entirely by the State. From 3 July The increase in expenditure in the area this year, the Commonwealth commenced of family assistance has been most alarming to pay a new benefit known as a "supporting when it is realised that in 1968-69 the depart­ mother's benefit", which is the equivalent ment's expenditure in this area was only of a widow's pension. The persons eligible $432,156 and that for the financial year for this supporting mother's benefit must not 1972-73 it reached $4,068,621. previously have been eligible for a Com­ Although the majority of family assist­ monwealth social security benefit and have ance recipients from the department are in been maintaining a child or children for six genuine need, there are many who endeavour months prior to the granting of the applica­ to exploit the situation and gain financial tion. These people are mainly unmarried assistance to which they are not entitled. mothers and deserted de-factos. The State The department has had to be ever on continues to accept responsibility for the its guard to prevent exploitation. A recent payment of assistance during the initial period case involved a woman who claimed she of six months to deserted wives, unmarried had five children, but after exhaustive mothers, deserted de-factos, wives of prisoners inquiries and searches the children could and other mothers living in a one-parent not be found. In fact, they did not exist. situation. Such inqumes cost the Department of The Commonwealth has indicated its desire Children's Services and the Police Depart­ to explore the possibility of accepting the ment a considerable amount of officers' time whole field of social welfare payment, and to ascertain if the applicant is genuine. the Premier has indicated to the Prime Unfortunately, cases such as these are not Minister that this State would be prepared to isolated and, in fact, occur regularly. discuss the Commonwealth accepting respon­ The level of family assistance payments sibility for all financial payments, including is constantly reviewed to ensure that it main­ those paid in emergent circumstances. tains parity with the widow's pension and other benefits paid by the Commonwealth The Commonwealth has no adminis­ Department of Social Security. There is trative machinery to make immediate and no doubt in my mind that payments to emergent payments and this area will be single mothers by both the State and the a vital consideration in the negotiations with Commonwealth and, in particular, the pub­ the Commonwealth in the near future. licity gi>ven by the Commonwealth to its Special arrangements have had to be made supporting mother's benefit, have resulted between the Department of Children's Ser­ in many single mothers retaining their chil• vices and the Federal Department of Social dren. The period of waiting for adoption Security to ensure a continuance of payments placements is lengthening in Queensland and to mothers after the period of six months, throughout Australia, and the fact that fin­ following which they become eligible for ancial support is available to the single Commonwealth benefits. This has worked mother has had an effect on the decision reasonably smoothly, but problems have arisen of many girls on whether or not they should in some cases, particularly those of deserted keep their babies. Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1355

To illustrate my point, the waiting time The Director of the Department of Child­ to adopt a Protestant infant girl has risen ren's Services endeavoured in his annual during the first quarter of this financial report to present an accurate basis for assess· year to just over 17 months, from an aver­ ment of juvenile crime, because this is not age period of about 14t months during done through quoting statistics based on the last financial year. Similarly, the wait­ charges and convictions. Statistics based on ing time for a Protestant boy has risen by court appearances are more accurate, but nearly two months to 13t months at the not completely so. The most satisfactory present time. In the case of a Roman basis is the actual number of children who Catholic infant girl the waiting time has appear before the courts, and, for the first risen from 13 to 16 months, and for a time, the Director presented statistics on Roman Catholic boy it has risen from 11 this basis. As the years pass, this should to 13 months. It is a mother's right to give a more accurate assessment of the keep her baby if she so desires, but I situation. This form of statistical informa­ am certain that their decisions are being tion involves more time and detail because influenced considerably by the greater finan­ of procedures of identification to ensure that cial assistance which is now being paid to children committing more than one offence them. are not counted twice. A child appearing Many ex-nuptial children are born into in one court can be the same child appear­ stable family situations including some de­ ing in another court. facto relationships, and, in addition, there The increase in juvenile crime, based on are many single mothers who have this system, was 12.92 per cent in the financial the ability to care for their children. But year ended 30 June last over the year 1971- my concern is for those who retain their 72, while the rise in the past five years has children and who are not adequately equip­ been 69.91 per cent. The department's ser­ ped to care for them. I know that this vices are being taxed, and in some aspects is a particularly controversial area, but I overtaxed, to meet the situation. Training consider that in many instances the needs homes and other facilities are being extended of the child are being made secondary to and new ones planned. The philosophy other factors. behind this planning is to endeavour to locate the young offender as early as possible in Only the future will tell, but, with the his life and correct his problems before he experience of the past, I cannot see, because develops a pattern of crime extending into of this trend, any abatement whatever in his adult life. demands on social and family welfare ser­ The Juvenile Aid Bureau was transferred vices such as those provided by the Depart­ to the Department of Children's Services on ment of Children's Services. Many factors 1 January last, and this group of dedicated in our society today are contributing to police officers continues to be an effective anti-social attitudes in children. Children force in helping children. I have been need security, and this element is compounded observing closely the case statistics of the by love, affection and good physical care. Juvenile Aid Bureau, and it continues to Society is changing. The family generally grow. In fact, the references from the com­ has not the stability it had in the past. munity are higher now than they have ever Many mothers are working and thus are been. The community, therefore, has con­ not giving the attention that they should fidence in this service. In the general review to their families. They are forgetting in of the facilities to prevent juvenile crime their job situation that their first considera­ now being undertaken by a subcommittee of tion still should be for their family and Cabinet, I am sure that its value will be the children. The job of caring for a recognized and its services, whether within family has not the financial reward that the Police Department or the Department of employment has. Economic needs in some Children's Services, could be extended to cases, require a mother to work, but in all parts of the State and not just to Bris­ others it is the material gain outweigh­ bane, as is the situation at present. ing family needs. The Department of Children's Services also There is greater demand for child~mind­ is being reinforced by increased personnel ing facilities, and, unless there is the greatest so that greater attention can be given to care in this area, insecurity can be engend­ young offenders and to children and families ered into a child's personality. There is with problems. The cost of these services is concern for the "latchkey" child, the one accelerating and becoming a heavier charge who comes home from school before his on State revenue. In the end result, the parents return from work. Affluence and community must pay for the effects of social pleasure-seeking also are making their con­ change so that as well as moral considera­ tribution to a declining morality. In recent tions, financial considerations are involved weeks the Press has been bringing to notice in changes in society, particularly the growth the increase in juvenile delinquency and of permissiveness and the attacks that are whilst it is difficult from the figures quoted being made on the basis of our family life. to get a correct appreciation of the situation, The Relief Assistance Branch also was there undoubtedly is an upward movement bracketed under the Welfare Services section in the number of children being involved in of my new department. It has continued to anti-social behaviour. provide quick and valuable service to the 1356 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) needy, and also to work in close harmony The new women's building also will have with the Queensland Social Service League to contain single cells, detention areas and and other organisations in helping cases of segregation areas, as well as facilities for distress. One of the branch's more import­ training in process work, which many of ant functions is the issuing of free rail our female prisoners are only suitable for passes-mainly to pensioners-and the when they leave the gaol. Most of them allocation for this purpose in the current are not in prison long enough to make any financial year is $270,000 compared with substantial improvement in skills. an expenditure of $256,540 last year. When the new section is completed at the Townsville Prison, that institution will PRISONS accommodate about 500 men. This should One of the big problem areas in our be sufficient to meet North Queensland's welfare services is the Prisons Department. needs for some years. Extensions also are By virtue of the very people with which to be made to the Etna Creek prison, outside it has to deal from day to day, this is one Rockhampton. of the most controversial and difficult depart­ ments to administer. I think it always will The new prison at Woodford, which remain this way in spite of the sweeping ultimately will be used for younger offenders, reforms being introduced from time to time, is taking shape and we are hopeful that because new problems are inevitable in the work will be completed by the end of administration when we have hundreds of next year. This will accommodate 240 men law-breakers grouped together. We are con­ and assist to relieve the overcrowding prob­ tinually looking for new forms of rehabilita­ lems at Brisbane Prison. However, these tion, and at the present time the Government problems are being accentuated almost every is pressing ahead with a building programme day, and consideration must be given in to expand and update our accommodation. the foreseeable future to the construction of a new major maximum-security prison We have projects costing $6,600,000 either in South Queensland. under way or due for commencement this financial year, and the actual expenditure on At the end of June this year, 1,574 these this year is estimated at $2,500,000. prisoners were confined in the State's prisons, Just over $1,000,000 of this will be spent an increase of 86 per cent in 10 years, at the State's major gaol at South Brisbane compared with a rise of 32 per cent in the on the second stage of new workshops, the previous I 0 years. During the last financial final new cell block and additional security year, no fewer than 5,859 prisoners were measures. As most honourable members received at our gaols, compared with 4,906 will appreciate by now, a new prison is in the previous year, an increase of almost being built there around the old one and 1,000 prisoners. As a result, overcrowding the final of 17 4 single cells at present being has been unavoidable and, if the present constructed will complete the perimeter. rate of increase in prison population con­ When this and the workshops are completed, tinues, the provision of a new fairly large the old buildings inside will be demolished prison is the only answer if we are to fulfil and the area converted into a sports arena. our objective of single-cell accommodation Within the last fortnight, I had the pleas­ for all prisoners. This objective is desirable ure of officially opening the new hospital not only in the interests of better security within that prison, which was combined with and supervision, but also in the interests of a new administrative block, and a new high­ the prisoners themselves. It would reduce ~ecurity fence surrounding the whole building such problems as homosexuality quite con­ is nearing completion. In the future, secnrity siderably. will be further strengthened by the installation Public Service Commissioner Bredhauer of a closed-circuit television network to assist also expressed the opinion in his report on in the detection of any escape attempt. the double escape from Brisbane Prison When this entire programme is completed, earlier this year that another maximum­ probably by 1975, it will represent an invest­ security prison is reasonably urgent, and ment of $4,500,000. Our next step then suggested that it could be sited at Woodford, will be to tackle the women's section, which on the same area as the institution now is outside the new main complex. Our under construction. This and other areas intention was to build it on the present site, of Crown land are now being investigated but we are now examining the possibility of with a view to a recommendation of a site. erecting it on a completely new site. If it is re-located at some distance from the pres­ Before moving on to some of the depart­ ent facility, special arrangements will have ment's other plans, I should like to make to be made so that suitable staff capable of a few remarks about security, which I feel handling some particularly difficult women is of major importance. Prisoners are gaoled pris:oners are on hand or on call at short because it is considered that they should notice. Some women who have entered be separated from society for a certain our gaols in recent years have been extremely period, and the public has a right to expect violent types, and no female officer, irres­ that they will be kept in custody for that pective of training and experience, is able period. Two of the three who escaped from to contain them without the assistance of maximum-security at Queensland prisons male officers. last financial year would not have been Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1357 able to do so if building work had not desire to do this type of work. As it is then been under way at the prison, and a the department's role to create in the prisoner lesson was learned. a willingness to work so that he can fit Actually, our prisons have a pretty good himself back into society, we have to pro­ security record when we compare these three vide work to suit various tastes so that escapes from maximum security in Queens­ interest in it can be captured and developed. land with 15 in Western Australia, which Rural work, therefore, has a place in this has a considerably smaller prison population, re-training programme, in spite of what some and higher figures in some of the other academics might think. Apart from the fact States. All three escapees in Queensland that prisoners need, and prefer, this type of were recaptured. As a further comparison, work, the crops grown save these and other there were 37 escapes in the same period in institutions large sums of money annually. New Zealand, so our record was quite favour­ I do not agree, either, that prisons make able over all, although I always believe that criminals. When one looks at the bald there is room for improvement. facts, a majority of those who find their way into our prisons are criminals before There were more escapes, of course, from they get there. I do admit that insufficient the medium and relatively open institutions segregation and classification can have during the last year, but this risk is always undesirable effects, but there is ample evid­ present because of the extreme difficulty in ence to show that prison has given many assessing some prisoners. Many are unpre­ prisoners the jolt they required to change dictable individuals, and personal problems their minds and their attitudes towards can arise without notice which can change society. The department's job is to provide their attitude and behaviour dramatically. a well-planned, practical and operative sy~­ But here again our escape record is far tem to assist them while they are in custody, better than in other States. and we are moving towards this quite rapidly. Absconders from our release-to-work My comments on the prisons service, and scheme also are negligible, and we are pro­ those I made earlier on children's services, gressively expanding this section of our have covered most of the welfare problems services because it has proved invaluable in that face my department, and I also have the resettlement of prisoners in society. A outlined the steps being taken to overcome matter that must be given serious considera­ them, including the Government's financial tion in the near future is the accommodation assistance to sporting organisations with a for release-to-work prisoners and also the view to encouraging greater participation in week-end or periodic detainees. It is my firm the various branches of sport. The Govern­ belief that, for security reasons alone, these ment also recognises the role that other men should be housed in separate accom­ types of youth organisations are playing in modation. developing good standards among our In all of our rebuilding programme and younger generations, and provision has been in our plans for the future, emphasis is made this year in the Estimates of my being placed on the training of prisoners Department, for the first time, to enable and on the provision of a full working day. financial assistance to be given to those The older-type prisons have limited working youth groups that do not benefit under the days of about five hours, and experience Government's existing arrangement for over the years has shown that this is injurious assistance to sporting organisations. to prisoners. During their confinement, they Many groups of young people, such as become conditioned to a shorter working Scouts and Girl Guides, are playing a valu­ day and then they tend to fall into bad able part in the moulding of young lives, work habits when they find a job on their and are deserving of whatever encouragement release. can be given to them. Over the past few However, rehabilitation starts with the weeks I have had discussions with youth individual and the best any department can organisations, and it is evident that there is do is to develop the right attitude towards a need in this field for tangible assistance. work and to provide the opportunity for I am at present preparing a submission on prisoners to help themselves. I disagree with this matter for Cabinet which I hope will sociologists who claim that prisoners merely form the basis of the allocation to these need education because, after all, an extensive organisations of funds totalling $150,000. education is available to any person before In the sphere of leadership training in he or she enters prison. youth organisations, the amount set aside has Our policy is therefore to develop skills, been increased once again, the amount now and to encourage the correct attitude towards available being $100,000. Action to dis­ work. Before the facilities are planned, a burse these funds also will be taken soon. great deal of thought is put into what is In concluding these remarks to open the required so that the best possible results will debate on my department's estimates, I be achieved. For instance, a study is neces­ should like to pay a tribute to all officers sary of the ethnic groups coming into our under my control. Their loyalty and effici­ prisons and of the destinations of these ency are without question, and to each and people on their release. Many people from every member of the staffs of these depart­ rural areas obviously are not suited for ments I should like to take this opportunity industrial training, and they normally do not of expressing my sincere thanks. 1358 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

My remarks would be incomplete if I Mr. DAVIS: AI'> a matter of fact, while did not pay a special tribute to the Comp­ visiting one of the prisons, I saw a cell in troller-General of Prisons, Mr. Kerr, who which the honourable member had been con­ is due to retire at the end of the year. Mr. fined for five years. Kerr has given excellent service in a dif­ ficult department over a period of 25 years, Many of the persons connected with the and much of the credit for the rebuilding tourist industry to whom the Opposition programme, and the introduction of such committee spoke are very dissatisfied with schemes as release-to-work and week-end the Minister's stand on a number of issues, detention, must go to him. I think it is particularly that on the establishment of a fair to say that our prison system has been casino at the Gold Coast. Statements by revolutionised during his 16-year term as the Minister for Tourism, the Treasurer and Comptroller-General, and he will go into the Premier during the last six months have retirement with the comforting knowledge ,led to a great deal of dissatisfaction in the that we are well on the way to providing Gold Coast area. a prison system in this State that will be I noted that the Minister mentioned that second to none. the $31,000,000 Hanover project may not I intimate at this juncture that it is not come to fruition because of the Federal my intention to reply today to any com­ Government's attitude. I should say it is ments made by honourable members, unless more probable that it will not come to matters of some urgency arise. This will fruition because of the Minister's stand on enable as many members as possible to casinos. participate in the debate. However, at the resumption of the debate on Thursday I Mr. Frawley: You are talking through shall reply briefly to those matters raised your hat, as usual. today, with a final reply to close the debate. Mr. DAVIS: I will put it on record-my The CHAIRMAN: Order! I desire to colleague the honourable member for Archer­ inform honourable members that, on the field who wa;s with me on the Opposition Chief Office Vote, I propose to allow a full com~ittee's tour of the State, could verify discussion on the whole of the ramifications my statement-that many leaders of the of a department (Consolidated Revenue, tourist industry commented unfavourably on Trust and Special Funds, and Loan Fund the Minister's attitude. Account) and then to confine the discussion to each particular Vote. The controversy about the establishment of For the information of honourable mem­ a casino has been quite funny, really. First bers, I point out that the administrative the Treasurer came back from Wrest Point acts of the department are open to debate, and said that Queensland should have a but the necessity for legislation and matters casino. The next statement came from the involving legislation cannot be discussed in Premier who said, "Not likely! We will not Committee of Supply. have a casino in this State." Then the con­ vention of the Country Party-or the National Mr. DAVIS (Brisbane) (12.45 p.m.): During Party or whatever its name is--decided that the winter parliamentary recess, my colleagues a loc~l referendum should be held to decide on the Opposition Tourism, Sport and Welfare whether or not a casino should be established. Services Committee and I took the oppor­ Next the Minister for Tourism, Sport and tunity of visiting many of the institutions that Welfare Services went to the Liberal Party come under the control of the Minister­ Convention at Surfers Paradise and said a prisons, children's homes, both State and great deal about why casinos were not denominational, tourist organisations, and required in the tourist industry. As all hon­ offices of the Queensland Government ourable members are aware, he came into Tourist Bureau. I should like to thank par­ conflict with h~s leader, Sir Gordon Chalk, ticularly the staff of the Department of who said after returning from that conven­ Children's Services, under Mr. Charles tion "D~n't worry about what the Liberal Clark, and the Comptroller-General of Pri­ Con'vention has said. It is not binding on sons, Mr. Stewart Kerr, for their co-opera­ me. I will take it back to Cabinet for a tion and assistance. I join with the Minister showdown." jn extending be:>t wishes to Mr. Kerr on his retirement, which is pending. He has What was the result of the showdown in done an excellent job. this great coalition Government? It was that the Premier made what probably was The Ministry of Tourism, Sport and Wel­ one of the weakest of the many statements fare Services is probably one of the most he has made-"There will be a State-wide peculiar conglomerations of departments that referendum on casinos if public opinion one could find. Wherever the Opposition warrants it." How does one ascertain public committee went on its tour through the State, opinion? It seems that it will be necessary a chuckle always occurred because tourism to hold a referendum to ascertain public and sport were mixed up with prisons. While opinion as to whether or not a referendum we were in Townsville, a number of escapes should be held on the establishment of a occurred from the Brisbane Prison. ca;sino. Is it any wonder that snap decision­ Mr. Frawley: Why did you "take the making of that type by the Government knock" on the cafes in Rockhampton? leaves the tourist industry flabbergasted? Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1359

Leaders of the tourist industry are not This year $50,000 has been earmarked for very happy about the performance of the the preservation of historic buildings. This Government Tourist Bureau. That was par­ is a golden opportunity for the Minister, as ticularly evident not only on the Gold Coast Tourism Minister and as president of the but also in other areas through which the National Trust, to say where he stands on Opposition committee trave11ed. The leaders demolition or preservation of the Bellevue of the indmtry maintained that the bureau building and The Mansions. I do not is only a collection agency and a travel believe that the Minister has ever made such bureau, sometimes even for overseas interests. a statement. No funds are allocated for local promotion in the areas of Tourist Bureau branches. Mr. Herbert interjected. The officers are typical public servants. Mr. DAVIS: I have never seen the Minis­ When I asked the Minister why male staff ter's name mentioned. He makes sure that in tourist bureaus had to wear ties, he said he skirts around the issue. The same remarks that it was because they were working in air­ apply to the Department of Children's Ser­ conditioned offices, but a few months ago vices. From the Estimates we see that the we saw a photograph in the Press of the staff of that department has been increased Minister for Tourism dressed in a flashy from 524 to 726, an increase of 38.5 per promotional uniform. He does not worry cent. I approve of that. It is an indication about the rank and file. Buttoned-up collars of the growth of the department. But, if and ties are the order of the day for Tourist that department were an Australian Govern­ Bureau officers. No wonder the promotional ment department, how much criticism would image of the Tourist Bureau is very poor. we hear about this increase in staff being an Government Members interjected. inflationary trend? While visiting Rockhampton on the tour I Mr. DAVIS: I will have to ask Govern­ mentioned earlier, it came to our notice that ment members to put their questions on there was no psychiatrist in the area. This notice. must be a great disadvantage, because it On the subject of promotional projects, has one State home, two or three denomina­ the most pertinent point the Minister made tional homes and Etna Creek Prison. We this morning was the Tourist Bureau alloca­ made our trip in July, and I understand that, tion to these projects. The project that for a couple of months prior to that, the comes most readily to my mind is the one area had no child psychiatrist. when a voice with an American accent was used to promote Queensland. I am not going I should now like to deal with sport, to refer to the Minister's greatest faux pas, to which the Minister devoted quite a num• the dusty-road incident, but, when there was ber of minutes in order to show how much criticism of the use of a voice with an the Government has done for sporting organi­ American accent in promotional films, the sations. I suppose the $500,000 proposed Minister said that it was the best type of ·this year for sport shades the $200,000 given voice to attract tourists to Australia. One as an extra to the racing fraternity, but I faux pas of the Tourist Bureau is seen in believe not enough credit was given by the brochure put out for the Japanese. It the Minister to the Australian Government. is no use the Minister trying to deny that it The Honourable F. E. Stewart, M.H.R., the contained photographs that were 15 years Federal Minister for Tourism and Recreation, old. I pay credit to the work of the photo­ and a personal friend of mine, in his fore­ graphers in the State Public Relations word to the book "The Role, Scope and Bureau. Those officers do a first-class job. Development of Recreation in Australia" states- Mr. Wright: Especially for the Govern­ "Before we undertake any task, no mat­ ment during an election campaign. ter how large or small that task may be, we Mr. DAVIS: Particularly for the Govern­ must make plans." ment during that period. It is a pity that the Minister for Tourism, I give full credit to that department for Sport and Welfare Services in this State the wonderful brochures it puts out, but did not take a leaf out of the book of surely it does not have to rely on 15-year-old the Honourable F. E. Stewart and plan some photographs to promote the Queensland of the sporting activities in Queensland high image. schools. This is one area of which the Minister for sport and his department should The Estimates indicate that last financial be taking more notice. In his report for year $50,000 was allocated but not spent for the Commonwealth Government, "The Role,_ the presentation of pioneer tourist attrac­ Scope and Development of Recreation in tions. Australia," Associate Professor Bloomfield had this to say on page 4- Mr. Herbert: Because the Commonwealth Government would not give us-- "Even our children appear to have lower physical and motor fitness levels when Mr. DAVIS: Let us not blame the Com­ the results of random tests are carefully monwealth Government for everything. studied." 1360 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

This is not surprising when one finds that enough courts or time available. Some of the the vast majority of primary-school children boys who are fortunate enough to get a have no regular physical education pro­ game of inter-class cricket are forced to play grammes. In addition, many high-school on a football field with no pitch and with students, particularly seniors, are prevented a cricket ball bouncing around their heads. from doing physical education so that they will Each team comprises 15 players. have more time to concentrate on their The ridiculous policies applicable to inter­ scholastic studies. Unfortunately, the ran­ school sport bring about farcical decisions. dom tests performed are true of many pri­ At one school roller-skating was introduced mary and secondary students in Queensland. for a term. It proved to be an instant success One school on the north side of this city, because many children can enjoy it with good which I will not name, allows senior stud­ supervision and with little expense. However, ents not to participate in Wednesday's sport­ it was discontinued apparently because there ing activities, supposedly to go home. It is no inter-school roller-skating competition. does not worry about forcing these students to play sport; I suppose this is fair enough. The unfortunate children who, through I am not certain whether a brilliant athlete illness, cannot participate in rigorous sport would be allowed to go home; nevertheless, can study, assist the librarian to cover books this is the general practice. Another North­ (if they are good at this they may end up side high school not too far away controls with a full•time job), or help the gardener. the activities of its seniors and makes them This is great cultural stuff for the children! participate in sport. However, lack of plan­ For a child who is lucky enough to get ning by the State Government of sporting into a sport, getting back to school again is fields, facilities and equipment, as well as another sport in itself. The inadequate facil­ sporting policies, has made a farce of ities tha't are available to the schools for this the Wednesday afternoon sporting session purpose highlight the inefficient planning put of this school. I have no complaint about into sporting activities at Queensland high the headmasters or teachers at these schools, schools. The blame must be put at the feet as, in most cases, they do a good job of the new Ministry of Sport. As I said with limited resources. earlier, it should plan well into the future. Mr. R. E. Moore: What are your views Mr. Frawley interjected. on the "Tartan" track? Mr. DAVIS: The honourable member for Mr. DAVIS: I have stated my views on Murrumba should be the first one to assist the "Tartan" track. The honourable member me on this matter. knows them as well as I do. Actually, I commiserate with the teaching fraternity. Mr. Frawley: I know more about sport than you'll ever know. The CHAIRMAN: Order! If the honour­ able member has any commiserating to do, Mr. DAVIS: All that the honourable he might defer it until the debate on the member knows about sport could be Education Estimates. He is out of order engraved on the head of a pin. in referring to it now. Many irate parents have complained to Mr. DAVIS: A few months ago a great me, particularly during the winter months, deal of publicity was given to approaches that their children get home late from sport. to the Minister for Tourism, Sport and They stress that the teachers are not to blame, Welfare Services by various school organi­ because on many occasions their cars are sations to have the Department of Sport, used to ferry children home. In these modern which is part of the Minister's portfolio, times, when our children are not safe on fall into line and assist with school functions. the streets from perverted persons, the con­ If we are going to have a sporting authority, trols for bringing the children back to school its influence should apply from the word at a reasonable hour are not good enough. "go". I suppose there would be no better Sufficient means and finance must be granted area of training than that of school-children. .to the schools to avoid any tragedy that might [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] occur. As to funds granted by the State Govern­ Mr. DAVIS: Before the luncheon recess ment for sporting equipment, it is quite com­ had highlighted the poor role that the mon for schools to scrounge sporting Minister has played in providing assistance uniforms from football clubs and parents to primary and secondary schools. At one and citizens' associations. The p. and c. high school the girl softball players were associations do a marvellous job in providing fortunate on certain days to be able to sporting equipment and other amenities in our play a match. If another school forfeits they schools. There would not be one school might be lucky enough to have about four swimming pool in Queensland if it were not innings. Recently one team had a forfeit, for the work of p. and c. associations. The the second ~earn played four innings, and the Minister can, quite rightly, claim that the third team played two innings-all on the Government subsidises swimming pools on same diamond. a dollar-for-dollar basis. However, the sub­ These girls were, however, luckier than sidy is paid only after the p. and c. associa­ the volley ball players, the majority of whom tion has either raised or pledged the neces­ do not get a game because there are not sary money. That is where Government Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973} (Estimates) 1361 assistance ends. However, it says, in effect, who look after the welfare of our prison to a p. and c. committee, "Look here, we inmates. I was very impressed by the work have practically built this thing for you. being done at Boggo Road gaol and the What about you maintaining it?" Government's determination to give people The Ministry of Sport should give assis­ who have to serve some time in prison tance right from the early years of a child's living conditions similar to those enjoyed by development. Many sporting organisations all Australians. have approached •the Minister for assistance The new segment of the Minister's port­ for sporting complexes. I venture to suggest folio covering sporting activities generates that the situation in Queensland is worse a heavy demand for subsidies from virtually than in any other State. Although I do not all sporting organisations in Queensland. It generally take much notice of what the is excellent that the Government has allo­ honourable member for Murrumba says, I cated funds for this purpose. Every honour­ agree with him that there is a great lack able member has in his electorate voluntary of sporting complexes in Brisbane as well organisations that have been established as in other parts of the State. mainly for the benefit of young people, and As it is proposed that after Chris,tchurch the Government is allocating subsidies to the the next Commonwealth Games will be held various organisations through their head­ in Brisbane, the Government should draw quarters in Brisbane. During the past few up plans now for the laying of an all-weather weeks I have received many applications track. The need for such a facility was from sporting organisations in my electorate, proved during the Commonwealth Games and I have passed them on to the Minister. trials in Sydney, when a number of records I am indeed pleased to have received replies were broken on the all-weather .track that indicating that assistance is forthcoming through the various organisations' head­ had been laid. quarters. (Time expired.) I congratulate the Director-General of Mr. HINZE (South Coast) (2.20 p.m.): Tourist Services, Mr. Joe Wilson, who is When listening to the diatribe delivered by well and favourably known throughout Aus­ the honourable member for Brisbane I was tralia. On other occasions I have indicated somewhat puzzled, knowing that he is, in this Chamber what I believe is the future reputedly, the shadow Minister for Tourism, of the tourist industry in Queensland. It Sport and Welfare Services. I found it :Vil} become this State's major industry, and impossible to visualise the position that It Is really something for a primary-industry would arise if ever, by some mischance, representative to say that. This great State Labor came to power and he was inflicted has been developed by our primary industries on us as the Minister for Tourism in Queens­ -and it would continue to improve because land. In the light of the tourist attractions of them but for the fact that the present offering in Brisbane, one would expect the Commonwealth Government is determined honourable member to make a worthy con­ to phase some of them out. tribution to this debate. But such was not I do not want to use up any of my time the case. We heard only the usual stereo­ in this debate to indicate why I say that. typed speech, containing very little sub­ Th~ Commonwealth Government has already stance. None of the honourable member's decided to cut the dairy industry subsidy criticisms warrant my devoting any time by two-thirds, and has also abandoned the to them. free-milk scheme for school-children. That I congratulate the Minister and his officers will take another $14,000,000 annually from on a job well done in controlling the three ~he dairy industry. This once-great primary important sections of the Minister's port­ mdustry .~ust be affected adversely by those folio. Since coming to power in 1957 this two dec1s10ns. I say that only to give an Government has increased the Vote for instance of what is happening. tourism from $18,000-that was all the I have said previously that I have the A.L.P. considered it to be worth-to hi¥hest faith in the tourist industry. Every­ $411,000. I am interested particularly in thmg should be done to put it into its the tourist industry. The honourable mem­ rightful place. Tourism is the main income­ ber for Surfers Paradise and I-in spite of earner in many parts of the world and we the h011ourable member for Albert-know are determined that it shall be so in Queens­ that the Gold Coast area is the tourist land, particularly on the Gold Coast. capital of Australia, and when we have an opportunity to speak in the debate on these Dr. Crawford interjected. Estimates we are happy to do so. Mr. HINZE: The honourable member for Before I deal specifically with tourism, I Wavell, in one of his usual wise recom­ have a few comments to make on the other mendations, has suggested the issue of a important segments of the Minister's port­ commemorative postage stamp depicting the folio, that is, sport and welfare services. Gold Coast. I could not think of anything During the year he extended an invitation better on a postage stamp than an illustra­ to me and other honourable members to tion of 20 miles of Gold Coast sand. It visit prisons in Brisbane and Woodford. I would ~e ~n adornment to any stamp, and congratulate Mr. Kerr and all the people would md1cate what a wonderful industry 1362 Supply (30 OCTOBER 1973) (Estimates)

tourism is. That is one of the honourable Mr. HINZE: I am saying that what tour­ member's many worth-while suggestions that ists want is service. Frankly, at the moment could be given earnest consideration. I would strongly recommend giving con­ sideration to putting up the shutters in the Mr. Bromley: If we had your face on it, tourist industry, because, as a result of all we would have to lick it all the time. the turmoil and strikes throughout Australia, anyone who goes to an Australian air ter­ Mr. HINZE: The funniest thing that could minal today is lucky to get on a plane. I possibly be put on a stamp would be a experienced this situation last Friday whilst photograph of the honourable member's head. returning from Melbourne. When we got That would be the best type of stamp to to Sydney my son said to me, "How about issue if we wanted it to be humorous. stretching our legs?" We got to the terminal, In 1957 the Labor Government gave very and the gates were then locked and the little thought to the tourist industry. As I shutters were pulled down. Apparently have already said, it allocated only 18,000 nobody seems to care. miserable, lousy dollars for an industry that is now recognised by many countries as The CHAffiMAN: Order! The honour­ their biggest industry. This Government, after able member ~s getting away from the a relatively short period in office, is now Estimates under drscussion. allocating $411,000 for publicity alone. The Mr. HINZE: I am not getting away from total figure for the Division of Tourist Activi­ anything. ties is $2,100,000. This is not out of place, because the industry is worth millions of The CHAmMAN: Order! The honourable dollars to Queensland. It gives rise to no member is getting away from the scope of worries about pollution, chimneys, smoke, and this debate. all the other disadvantages usually associated with industry. All that the people want from Mr. HINZE: I am talking about the the tourist industry is service. This is what tourist industry, Mr. Lickiss, and, if airports we must get across. We want visitors to and strikes are not part of the ,subject that come to Queensland from overseas or inter­ I am dealing with, I should not be here. state and realise that we are pleased to see I am saying very clearly that, so far as I them. We must welcome them with open am concerned, we should say to potential hands. We must give them the best we visitors from overseas, "You had better not have in the State-and we have plenty to come to Australia while the present crew show them. We have clean, fresh air, which is in charge in Canberra. If you do, you is something that does not exist in many will "cop" a strike. You will be landed in parts of the world. a terminal somewhere, and there you will Mr. Hanson: Are you now a member of stay. It will not matter how old you are, the National Party, or the Country Party? or if you have children to care for. If you want to come to any of the tourist areas Mr. HINZE: It is not very long since in Australia, be careful. If you aren't, you the honourable member for Port Curtis did will be landed at an air terminal somewhere not know whether he would be in the A.L.P. and you won't get out of it." He almost had the skids put under him. Nobody cares. Hawke does not care, and It was only by the greatest stroke of luck Whitlam is in China or Japan. He has been that he is still here. He knows he is here round the world about four times in the only through good luck, because he was last 10 months, and he could not care less the next on the list to go. I saw the list, about strikes. But I do, because in my view and no doubt you will cop it at the next people have to be brought into tourist areas Q.C.E. meeting. You haven't got far to go. and one way of doing this is through air terminals. At present they are a damned dis­ The CHAIRMAN: Order! The honourable grace, and anyone who has travelled recently member for South Coast will please address by air will know what I am talking about. the Chair. If a traveller is aged, nobody cares about Mr. Hanson interjected. him. He will be 1eft sitting in a terminal. No thought is given to providing accom­ The CHAIRMAN: Order! modation and food. Airport workers do not care whether travellers get home, or stay Mr. HINZE: I can look after him, Mr. at termina1s for weeks. They pull the Lickiss. Forget him. shutters down, go on strike, and leave passengers at the terminals. The honourable member for Port Curtis casts aspersions because I am a member of I have already said that $411,000 is being the new, informed National Party. You are allocated for the promotion of tourism, but, now looking at a member of the National when we attract tourists to Australia, we Party of Australia. leave them sitting at air terminals. It is about time someone did something about The CHAffiMAN: Order! The Chair is this situation. If Mr. Whitlam and his looking at the honourable member for South crew will not do it, the sooner this responsi­ Coast. bility is given to someone who will, the better. Supply (30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1363

If Whitlam or Hawke will not do it, let a is now taking place. Any development that respectable, responsible Liberal-National takes place in future will be in spite of the Party Government do it. Commonwealth Government. The Minister said that $105,000,000 has The Minister mentioned also that the been provided by private enterprise in the takings of the Queensland Government tourist industry. The honourable member Tourist Bureau during the last financial year for Surfers Paradise and I certainly know totalled $7,300,000, and I congratulate the all about this. The greatest building activity managers and staffs of the various offices ever seen on the Gold Coast and in the throughout the State on their good work. Albert Shire is now taking place. But, of They are trying to be courteous and find the course, there is a shortage of cement, nails accommodation and other amenities that and everything else required for building. tourists require. And it is all the fault of the Commonwealth Mr. Bromley: Look! Grandfather is back Government. During the last Federal elec­ again! tion campaign the Labor Party said, "Put us in, and there will be no more strikes." But The CHAIRMAN: Order The honourable what do we find? It is impossible to obtain member for South Brisbane is sailing very cement and nails. I, as a farmer, want to close to the wind at the moment. plant some corn, and I cannot even obtain fertiliser. Mr. HINZE: The Minister said that at present Queensland is catering for 100,000 The CHAIRMAN: Order! That is a overseas visitors a year, but that the figure matter for the Minister for Primary will rise, through 175,000, to 300,000 by Industries. 1980. The people in the tourist industry on the Gold Coast are determined to get their Mr. HINZE: I know it has nothing to do share of that increase. with the tourist industry. Mr. Jensen: It will be all right as long Mr. Hanson interjected. as it is not Japs. in uniform. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I warn the Mr. HINZE: Why is it that whenever honourable member for Port Curtis that honourable members opposite say something, persistent interjecting will not be tolerated they offend one of Australia's friends? They by the Chair. have offended the United States of America and the United Kingdom; now, with Whitlam Mr. HINZE: Because of the state of in Japan, they are breaking their necks to industry throughout Australia today, are we offend the Japanese. They are trying to lose sufficiently proud of this country that we the support of all our friends. want to attract visitors here whilst the present Federal Government is in power? I now wish to read a part of the Minister's I suggested earlier that we should perhaps introductory speech that I think is worthy of give consideration to putting up the shutters reiteration. till the confounded Government in Canberra Mr. K. J. Hooper interjected. is changed and we can again feel sufficiently The CHAIRMAN: Order! The interjec­ proud of this country to want to see visitors tions of the honourable member for Archer­ coming here. field are becoming too persistent. We know that there are millions of Japanese who want to come here, and we Mr. HINZE: The Minister said- also know that we have to be courteous to "Steps affecting tourism taken by the them. After all, when we go to their country Federal Labor Government since its elec­ they are courteous to us. But that is not tion actually have placed the industry's the situation in this country. Heaven forbid future in jeopardy." that we should ask foreign tourists to come here under present conditions, because we Mr. Davis: Rubbish! cannot return to them the courtesy and Mr. HINZE: It is true. The Minister service that they extend to Australian tourists. continued- In fact, we can do virtually nothing for " One prime example was the increase them. in domestic air fares.' I am now trying to emphasise how much If the Commonwealth Government wanted to private enterprise is putting into the tourist do something to assist the tourist industry, industry. I am proud of my own area, which surely it could have assisted by not approving has so many motels and hotels. In his intro­ that increase. ductory remarks, the Minister mentioned a proposal to build a $32,000,000 international The Minister then said- hotel at Surfers Paradise. Again the Com­ "In spite of a recommendation by the monwealth Government has come into the Federal and all State Tourist Ministers to picture in the field of foreign exchange and reduce fares, the Labor Government took said that it intends limiting the amount that the opposite course. All Tourist Ministers can be brought into the country. Every­ were concerned by the fact that more where we look we find this dead hand people travelled out of Australia than endeavouring to stop the development that entered it last year." 1364 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

All Tourism Ministers asked for a reduction in During the year, as indicated by our domestic air fares; the Commonwealth Gov­ shadow Minister (Mr. Davis), our committee ernment did exactly the opposite. made a tour of inspection of a considerable When members of the Country Party, the number of children's homes throughout the Liberal Party and the A.L.P. visited Japan State. In addition, we inspected most of the last year as members of a Queensland parlia­ prisons. This was done under the guidance mentary delegation, we asked the people to and excellent chairmanship of the honourable whom we spoke in Japan and Bangkok, "Why member for Brisbane. I will have a few don't you come to Australia?" In each remarks to make about prisons at a later instance their answer was, "It is too costly. stage. We can visit the United Kingdom and other I should like to place on record my appre­ countries for less than it costs to go to ciation of the courteous assistance received Australia." Now we find that, although the from officers of the Department of Child­ Tourism Ministers in all States have put for­ ren's Services throughout the State. It was ward arguments to make air fares more com­ pleasing to note the trend to move to the petitive and thus induce many thousands of family-group type of home. We now have visitors to come to Australia, the Common­ 29 family-group homes throughout the State wealth Government is making it even more for the care and protection of children. This difficult for them to come here. is a trend that the Government should and I make the point that the tourist industry must encourage. Institutions, both State and is one that does not cause pollution of private, cannot hope to give these children, streams. There is no effluent from it to who, in the main, have gone through trau­ enter streams, and no smoke comes out of matic experiences, the feeling of security its chimneys. It simply brings here people that comes from being part of a family, who wish to see Queensland and Australia. which they so much need. Usually this is They want to see particularly the western recognised. In large institutions it is difficult areas of this State, and the way we live and for children to associate themselves with one work. particular person, mainly because of the (Time expired.) changeover of staff, even from day-time to evening, when different personnel usually Mr. LEESE '(Pine Rivers) (2.40 p.m.): come on duty. This is not to say that the When he rose to his feet, the previous staff at the larger institutions are not dedi­ speaker, the supposed member for South cated. They are. At every institution we Coast, informed the Committee that he was visited we found that the ~>taff were going to relate what was happening in the extremely dedicated and that the welfare of tourist industry on the Gold Coast. I thought the children was paramount. At many I was going to learn something about the institutions, however, staff are working at industry in that area, but instead of giving times under adverse conditions. us that information the honourable member went on a rampage and attacked the Federal An article in the "Telegraph" of 21 August Government, which led me to one con­ headed "A forever wait on adoption by clusion only, namely, that although the hon­ some parents" gave me reason for concern. ourable member's electorate takes in part of The Minister mentioned in his opening the Gold Coast, he knows nothing whatso­ remarks the point I have in mind. It appears ever about tourism in that area. I look for­ from the article that the Minister is opposed ward to the speech to be made later today by 'to the Australian Government's assistance to the honourable member for Albert in which unmarried mothers. It appears that he holds no doubt he will advise us on what is the view that this is the main reason for the happening in the tourist industry on the trend among unmarried mothers to retain Gold Coast. and look after their children rather than have them adopted. I am not going to say whether It is not my intention this afternoon to or not it is the reason-obviously I am not in speak about tourism. The Estimates now a position to do that___,but I do say that there before the Committee deal with three areas is a need for a complete study rather than of Government responsibility-tourism, sport across-the-board statements. and welfare services. Prisons also come within the portfolio. The Ministry under The Minister is reported as saying that the which these three important areas of Govern­ Australian Government's policy of assistance ment responsibility are grouped, to say the to unmarried mothers encourages them to least, appears to be somewhat of a misnomer. retain their children and go out to work, An uncharitable person~! have no intention involving neglect of the children, and that of being uncharitable this afternoon-might this is one of the greatest causes of delin­ say that the Government does not place quency. I remember making a similar state­ tourism, sport and welfare service very high ment, and the Minister retorted that every on its list of priorities. No doubt a strong parent becomes an expert on child welfare. case could be made for placing tourism and No doubt this is true. We have children sport under one Minister, but, with the of our own and we all believe we are demands of changing society, welfare services experts. However, if neglect of children in general should be consolidated as a single is one of the main causes of delinquency, portfolio under one Minister. surely we, as members of Parliament, have Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1365 a responsibility to see that it is eradicated At the moment, many working mothers by means other than stopping mothers from leave their young children in the care of going out to work. neighbours, which is not always the best The Minister went on to say that he does arrangement. With that in mind and the not want to deny any mother the right to urgent need for adequate child-care facilities, keep her child, yet he is opposing the very I should like to bring to the attention of the measure that makes it possible for many Committee a scheme which I believe is well mothers to keep their children. Surely the worthy of the Government's attention. Since Minister is not suggesting that we should 1969 a day-mother child-care scheme has turn our backs on the unmarried mother and operated in Sweden. Under that scheme, make her position such that, through financial four or five children under six years of age pressures, she, in her desperation, has no are cared for by day-mothers in their own alternative other than giving her baby up homes, which, owing to the density of for adoption. In the past, the Minister has population in Sweden, are generally fiats in argued that parents ought to be responsible two or three-storey buildings. and look after their children. Now he says The day-mothers are required to complete that many of them should not. He seems a 90-hour course that is sponsored by the to be advocating a social policy that would Government but conducted by the local encourage single mothers to give away their authorities. They are taught child care, diet flesh and blood. Surely it is a mother's right and nutrition, first-aid and how best to to keep her child. One would expect a occupy the children. A day-mother is paid responsible person to welcome the Aus­ by the parents at the rate of 60c an hour. tralian Government's assistance in this field. In addition she is paid $2.50 per child per It is true that unmarried mothers do face day by the council and, being classed as a severe problems and strain in going out to council employee, is therefore eligible for work and looking after their children, par­ three weeks' annual leave with pay as well ticularly if they are not fortunate enough to as the normal social service benefits that are live with their parents. This is a problem available in Sweden. The payments paid by faced not only by unmarried mothers but the parents are assessed not by the day­ by the vast majority of one-parent families mother but by the council. and this Government stands condemned for I understand that the practice is for the its present policies and failure to ensure parents to take out insurance against acci­ that parents in the categories I have just dents, but some councils have provided mentioned are able to go out to work in accident insurance cover. As well, a number the full knowledge that their children will of councils conduct a toy-lending service be looked after in adequate child-care cen­ similar to a lending library, under which tres. toys are lent to the day-mother so that she This brings me to the Children's Services can ensure that a variety of toys are avail­ Day Care Centre Regulations of 1973 which able to the children under her care. come into force in July 1974. These are The day-mother scheme is seen to be worth-while regulations in many ways, par­ cheaper than the provision of day-care ticularly in health, hygiene and safety. Of centres. It is not planned to replace day-care course, this is as it should be. In fact, centres, which cater for 25 or more children. •one could almost say that they are a model As I say, a day-mother has four or five set of regulations; but I hope that those who children under her care. The day-mother are charged with applying them will do so plan is an extension of family life and can with a degree of flexibility. This, I feel, be advantageous to some children who do will be most important when these regulations not fit into the larger groups in day-care first come into force. How many present centres. This applies particularly to children day-care centres are going to be able to under three years of age. meet immediately the standards laid down? In one suburb of Stockholm there are 300 I feel that this is an area for real concern, day-mothers. This fact seems to indicate as many centres presently operating and that the scheme is working well. Parents filling an important need are obviously going who desire to take advantage of the scheme to be forced to close. contact their local councils, which, in turn, I have no doubt that, when these regula­ send them to the nearest day-mother who tions were formulated, the Government had has vacancies. I believe that the scheme in mind the excellent policies for child care merits close consideration, and is one that ·of the national Government in Canberra and should be included in our over-all com­ also the fact that the national Government munity welfare plan. was going to make funds available to local Mr. Miller: How much does the council authorities interested in providing these pay? facilities. I would hope that it is the Gov­ ,ernment's intention to play a far more mean­ Mr. LEESE: $2.50 per day per child. I ingful role in the future than it has done understand that West Germany is looking in the past in seeing that all districts in a closely at the scheme, and I think this community have access to child-care facili­ indicates that it has considerable merit. ties, rather than leaving the major responsi­ I note that the Comptroller-General of bility to the national Government, local Prisons will be retiring in the very near authorities and private bodies. future. I extend to him my best wishes for 1366 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

a happy and well-earned retirement. I am Earl Mountbatten, in his report on an sure that he will be sorely missed in what inquiry into prison escapes and security, must be a most difficult department to which was published in 1966, said an administer. increase in the number of welfare officers, From reading his annual report as well as plus the necessary working conditions, would from my own observations, I have come to reduce the number of attempts to escape. the conclusion that there is an acute shortage That is a reasonable conclusion. Problems of accommodation in prisons throughout which could be regarded as trivial in the Queensland. The need for a stepped-up outside world could well-and most pro­ building programme at Brisbane Prison is bably do-grow in enormity within the con­ one of urgency, but I hope that it will not fines of a prison when they arise. Their be implemented at the expense of the speedy solution is essential if tension is to redevelopment of the Rockhampton and be kept to a minimum. I hope that the Townsville prisons, particularly the latter, additional welfare officers will be spread where there is an urgent need for some throughout the State in an attempt to lower modernisation to be carried out. the ratio of prisoners to welfare officers to The increase in the number of persons a workable level-a level at which welfare confined in State prisons must be a matter officers are able not only to deal with of some concern. It calls for close and the first-aid side of the work, but also to careful study, not only because the increase give time to the longer-term objective of imposes an added burden on accommodation social case-work. If we are aiming at facilities but also because of the high costs rehabilitation, prison welfare officers must that have to be borne by the State. at all times be given the facilities which enable them to play their roles and achieve While consideration is being given to the this end. redevelopment of State prisons, due thought should also be given to the future require­ To return briefly to the Children's Services ments and demands of society on prisons. Department, I note that there has been an Are we going to use prisons solely as places increase in the staff of that department. in which to lock away and, hopefully, However, I believe that the number of social rehabilitate those persons who constitute a workers employed by that department leaves danger to our society-as I believe should something to be desired. Our tours of be the case-or are we going to continue to inspection around the State and in Bris­ place a strain on our prisons by locking bane lead me to believe that, at the moment, away people who commit a multiplicity of minor offences and pose no real threat to social workers have far too great an area society? Of course, this is a matter for to cover. They are unable to carry out penal reform, and some of the moves that the follow-up case-work that must be given have been made in other countries are well to individual parents. It appears that far worthy of the attention of honourable too often they see a family, but are not members. able to carry out any real follow-up work. Mr. Porter: Where does punishment come Members of our committee gained the impres­ into it? sion that this was an area of some con­ cern to social workers, who felt that they Mr. LEESE: There's old fire and brimstone were unable to use to the full extent the again. expertise they had acquired in their It is pleasing to note that Mr. Kerr, in training. I hope that more social workers his report, said that the time may be pru­ will be employed in that department. I dent to review legislation concerning alco­ realise that the number of social workers holics and alcoholism and consider the estab­ graduating from the university is limited lishment of centres where custody and but following on the increase of Common­ supervision can be maintained. Prison, obviously, is not the place for a person in wealth funds flowing to the university, that this condition. I hope that the Govern­ faculty should be able to lift its intake to ment will give the matter due consideration. about 100 students. Of course, even that In the prisons service, in the past, the number would go nowhere towards meeting ratio of prisoners to welfare officers has been the need within the State. anything but satisfactory. In fact, there Another area in which this would be are only four welfare officers to cover the very advantageous is that of child-care entire State. The decision to appoint five where, at the moment, we seem to be treat­ additional welfare officers in the current fin­ ing the effect rather than the cause. I ancial year seems to indicate that the Minis­ realise that it is difficult to get to the ter, at least, is recognising the important cause, or to pinpoint it, but if we could role played by welfare officers in the pri­ have more field officers out in the suburbs sons service. Studies throughout the world rather than in the Brisbane city area, I have shown that, by helping prisoners and believe the department could achieve much their families with their problems, and by more. In fact, three local authorities close making plans for the after-care of the pri­ to the metropolitan area have recently soner upon his release, the prison welfare appointed social workers. officer contributes greatly to a reduction of tension within the prison. (Time expired.) Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1367

Mr. W. D. HEWITT (Chatsworth) (3 p.m.): falling off in number because of the growing The four departments now under debate will, inclination of unmarried mothers to keep in the present fiscal year, demand their children. It is not the right of the $17,300,000 from the public coffers. It is a State to intrude upon this choice. If, after sad commentary that, of this amount, due consideration, a girl decides to keep her $13,700,000 will be spent on children's child, then, in a free society, that decision services and prison administration. I say must be respected. But the girl in particular it is a sad commentary because nothing should have emphasised to her the inherent material is produced from the expenditure of problems that she and the child face as a that amount of money. Rather is it spent result of her decision. I would not consider on rescuing people from sad circumstances the stigma formerly attaching to such a and in incarcerating those who have com­ child as of any great significance any more. mitted misdemeanours against society. In these days, when our form of society is under In our enlightened society, a child is no such pressure and challenge, we, as legis­ longer ostracised because it is illegitimate lators, must apply ourselves pa[ticularly to and is in a one-parent situation because it these pressing social problems that beset us. may not have a father. That is not so important. Indeed, in trying to understand To me, the pleasing aspects of the Esti­ the girl's decision to keep the babe, it may mates are found in the provision for tourism. well be that there is a fulfilment of her own I applaud the setting aside of $200,000 for life, if she is competent and able to look the development of tourist attractions. I after the child. In those circumstances, her look to the Minister to expand on this pro­ wish must be respected. However, I often vision and tell us exactly what is intended. wonder about the child's opportunity in later I also applaud the allocation of $50,000 for life. Does it reach fulfilment when the the preservation of pioneer tourist attractions, mother must struggle all the days of her as I support the appropriation of $50,000 life and possibly have to refuse her child for the preservation of historic buildings. We opportunities that other children have are at last developing a sense of history and lavished upon them? realise that we must maintain these contacts with the past. Not enough is usually said about the I hope that the Minister will favourably impact upon the girl's parents that is pro­ consider granting some assistance to historic duced in this situation. We see it often villages. One well-established historic enough. A girl of tender years has a babe, village exists in this city, and I enjoy the and then returns to the work-force and honour of having it in my electorate. It is possibly to a fairly happy social life. Her called "Early Street". The Minister will parents, who are in middle age or older, sud­ know that the problems of maintaining that denly hruve a new-born babe inflicted upon delightful oasis in Brisbane suburbia are them, with all the heavy responsibility that immense, and Government assistance and this entails. I know from personal knowledge recognition of the efforts there would be that this impact is very real indeed, and I very much appreciated. think this is a matter that should rate high in such a girl's consideration. Today I want to devote the burden of my comments to the Department of Child­ In the final analysis, first consideration ren's Services. The Director of Children's should be given to the child. Adoptive parents Services would not misunderstand my com­ are so thoroughly checked out that the ment when I say that his report is a cata­ natural parent can be almost totally sure logue of gloom. It reflects upon contem­ that the child will go to a happy environment porary society and tells us the mess and the and will be given every possible opportunity. wreck that some people make of their lives. The decision that has to be made by young The one pleasing feature of the report is unmarried mothers must be an awful one. the reference to adoptions. We know the I sympathise with them and respect their great happiness that the adoption system decisions, whatever they may be, but there brings not only to the adoptive parent but is at least a clear obligation on the respon­ also to the child, who is taken into the bosom sible authorities to present clearly the pros of a family, and succoured and provided for, and cons of each decision. for the rest of his life. People who adopt In the breakdown of society to which I a child must be motivated by a feeling of have referred, there are specific contributing intense love. The child did not simply come factors. The need for family assistance, child­ along; it was wanted and sought after, and ren in care, and juvenile anti-social behaviour, the adoptive parents had to submit them­ are all clear evidence of the breakdown in selves to close administrative scrutiny before society. There can be little doubt that a being able to take the child from the Strute. pertinent factor in such a breakdown is I always have tremendous admiration for desertion by husbands. Statistics show that people who adopt children to fill their own many husbands "shoot through", to use a lives when they are not blessed with children colloquialism, and it is a wonderful tribute naturally. to the women of this State that these statis­ Putting that point aside, the Director's tics also show that in the last year only report tells us of the great problems that two wives deserted their husbands. During beset him. It is a sad fact that adoptions are the current year, none have deserted their 1368 Supply (30 OCTOBER 1973) (Estimates) husbands. In the breaking down of the family are! Before World War II, Hitler told us unit, certainly the man is the villain in the precisely what his plans were. He wrote it piece. all in "Mein Kampf", while he was languish­ A short time ago I read a story told by ing in prison, and we scoffed-it could not Mr. Trudgeon, of the Brisbane City Mission, be so. Yet, when we look at the readings about a young slip of a girl, still of tender and the writings of Lenin, assault on the years, who had six mites trotting behind family unit is the first prerequisite to the her and had been deserted. Someone asked pure Communist state. It is all there, yet Mr. Trudgeon about her background. It somehow or other we do not react. It is appears that the father, because of a religous happening all around us continually-a con­ conviction, had always refused to practice certed, concentrated attack upon the family contraception, and so the children came along unit-and the evidence is no further away one after the other. When the burden and than the Director's report that is tabled in responsibility of the family grew too heavy this Chamber each year. for the father, away he went and left the I concern myself particularly with disturbed family to their own devices. It seems to me children. It distresses me greatly to see a strange form of Christianity that allows children who are in trouble, who are guilty a person to live so firmly in the light of of anti-social behaviour, and who are the one edict, and yet exhibit no Christian obliga­ victims of broken homes. I was told recently tion. In my view, any person who could do by the principal of a high school that as such a thing is of the lowest order. many as 40 per cent of the students in his In the final analysis, I do not believe that school come from a disturbed background. a marriage that has irretrievably broken If anyone can gain any consolation from down can be rescued, nor probably should that figure, his attitude is quite different from we attempt to rescue it. Under such circum­ mine. It is a distressing figure. stances, the environment for the children Therefore, we must ask ourselves whether is completely unhealthy. It is best for child­ there can be a rescue operation in the schools. ren to live in harmony with one parent than I believe there can be. I believe that the in disharmony with two. My proposition is Minister might be able to contain these this: let the marriage break down, and let figures if he could convince his colleague the us have some sensible form of agreement Minister for Education that there should be on the basis of that breakdown. But when greater participation by social workers in the a man viciously, and without feeling, deserts schools, finding out what the problems of his wife and children, I do not think he the children are, giving them counsel and deserves any consideration from the State. trying to lead them along correct paths. The I, for one, would drag him back by his Minister nods his approval and indicates that heels from Perth to make him face his provision for this has been made in the responsibilities. Budget. I am thrilled about that. It is a I put it to the Minister that in trying programme we should all support with great to find a solution to these social problems enthusiasm, because therein lies a way of that beset us, we should determine whether reversing some of these trends. the laws relating to deserting husbands are If there is a need to have social workers in adequate. If they are not, let us put the schools, there is also a need to understand broom right through them. I strongly believe what school is all about. There are two that there is a responsibility that must be things that I will never abandon in school sheeted home to the absconding father. I have procedure-respect for the teacher, and the always believed that his responsibility to teacher's right to exert reasonable discipline. the wife is negotiable. I do not for one Strangely enough, there are those who now moment believe that it is always the man believe that the student is seriously dis­ who contributes to the breakdown. It could advantaged in high schools and is in need of well be that the mother contributes equally, legal advice. Legal advice? There was a or perhaps even more. One must not gen­ time in my childhood when a child tended eralise in these matters. But there is no to be cowed, when the curriculum was room for negotiation about the children. terribly stereotyped and he dare not put a They are his, and they are his responsibility. foot out of place. Those days have long I would not care how hard were the laws since gone. There is a healthy dialogue in enacted by the State to bring deserting hus­ schools these days and a healthy relationship bands to heel. If we could do something of a between pupil and teacher, and that is as it meaningful nature, we may possibly reverse should be. the regrettable trends that show up in the Director's report year by year. But, if we abandon the teacher's right to exert reasonable discipline, we are taking I espouse the principle of the family unit the first step along the road to seeing the and all that it means in Western society. blackboard jungle that is now so prevalent There is no substitute for it, and the incidence in the United States of America-so of promiscuity and delinquency is in direct prevalent, in fact, that substantial sums have relationship to the breakdown of the family to be budgeted each year for the security unit. And the assault upon the family unit of the teachers; so prevalent that the incidence is so co-ordinated that it is ridiculous to of rape against female teachers is by no suggest that it is coincidental. What fools we means rare; and so prevalent that violence Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1369 in high schools is well known. Under these way, maybe this provides some of the solu­ circumstances, any assault upon the teacher's tion to the manifest problems assailing him. right to discipline is almost too outrageous I believe that a sport-minded community is even to contemplate. a healthy community. If the Government is concerned about the problems of juvenile I know of a situation where what I con­ anti-social behaviour, then it must also be sider to be a reasonable discipline was exerted concerned about the provision of sporting against a child in a high school. But the facilities. I was enthusiastic about the Gov­ principal of the high school received a letter ernment's entry into the field of sport and from a university identity who said that the the assistance it is prepared to give to boy had certain legal rights, and unless the sporting bodies. It is a useful start, but the form of discipline was reversed legal action Minister, I hope, would agree that it is would be taken against the principal. I took a no more than a start. We must be greatly close interest in that case, and satisfied myself concerned about the provision of sporting that the form of discipline was reasonable facilities, and also about the participation of and that it should have been so exerted. young people in sporting activities. I can only interpret these things as a con­ I know that the honourable member for certed attack upon reasonable discipline in Belmont would support me when I say our schools. I want the Minister for that there is in our area a group that does Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services and the a wonderful job with junior footballers. It Minister for Education to know that as long has something like 600 youngsters for whom as they insist upon reasonable respect being it caters during the winter months. The paid to the ,teacher and the teacher's right honourable member and I had the great to exert reasonable discipline, they will have pleasure of attending a trophy presentation my unbounded support in anything they do. recently. We saw the wonderful job that is These things are terribly important. being done by this group as a community The report of the Director of the Depart­ project. I wonder what those 600 youngsters ment of Children's Services touches upon the would otherwise be doing on the Saturday incidence of juvenile anti-social behavior. In afternoons and evenings when they are train­ the year under review there were 3,269 ing if they were not so usefully engaged. court appearances. That is a dreadful figure. (Time expired.) Again we ask: what is the reason for juvenile anti-social behavior? Surely it gets back to Mr. BROMLEY (South Brisbane) (3.20 the basic proposition I outlined at the start p.m.): Perhaps I might be permitted to of my speech-the breakdown of the family conclude what was in the mind of the pre­ unit, the non-participation of the parents vious speaker and what he was prevented in the child's life, the abandonment of reas­ from saying because his time ran out. I onable discipline, not knowing what the child agree that all responsible people in Parlia­ is doing and, more importantly, not caring. ment are very concerned with what is hap­ The Director himself touched upon this pening today in the field of crime and in point when he said- other things that affect our young people. I believe that I am perhaps reiterating the "It would also appear that too many last speaker's thoughts when I say that parents do not enquire sufficiently into the organisations that put their time, physical entertainments or outings their children energy and finance into really doing some­ attend and are greatly surprised when thing for young people today should receive appraised of the anti-social behaviour or our greatest approbation. I believe that this poor performances of their children." was what the honourable member for Chats­ It is not sufficient for parents to shrug their worth was leading up to when his time shoulders and say, "I didn't know." I believe expired. I see that he is nodding his head that there should be some degree of parental in agreement. culpability. When children are adjudged I think we are all concerned with what guilty of certain anti-social behaviour, par­ is happening today. When I was a youngster, ticularly if damage to property is involved, things were different. I sometimes feel that, the culpability should be sheeted home to today, parents with teenage daughters in the parents. It is not good enough to say, particular must be very concerned every "I didn't know." night their children are out. They must While not wanting to do anything that worry until the children arrive home safely. may compound the sorrow of the mothers r do not know what the answer is, but I of the two young girls who were recently believe that perhaps there should be more murdered in such sad circumstances, is it not parental responsibility in this respect. Whether a strange commentary on our society when we can say there should be more govern­ girls of such tender years, night after night, mental control, I do not know; but together were out at night-spots, without any discipline with you, Mr. Dean, the honourable member and often without anyone knowing where for Chatsworth and others in this Chamber, they were? That sums it up, and it is a I am very concerned about the present situ­ strange commentary on our society. ation. By a happy grouping of responsibility, the Before proceeding to deal in detail with Minister whose Estimates we are consider­ some of the official activities associated with ing is also responsible for sport. In a strange the Minister's portfolio, and of the Minister 1370 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) himself, I wish to stress what I consider to The hospital at the Brisbane Prison is a be the colossal ignorance of some Ministers, very good one, containing facilities for minor including the Minister for Tourism, Sport operations as well as for all kinds of dental and Welfare Services. They display this treatment. My only complaint is that its ignorance by continually paying visits to provision was delayed for too long. other members' electorates without having At this stage I wish to pay my respects the courtesv to inform the members con­ to Mr. Stewart Kerr, who will soon be cerned. I know that they have official duties retiring from the position of Comptroller­ to perform, but surely they should instruct General of Prisons. He will be sadly missed. someone to notify the local representative Although throughout his career he has been of the visit by letter. And this should be a very firm man, he has also been particularly done well in advance of the visit. Some courteous and understanding. Ministers are very courteous in this respect. Sir Alan Fletcher is one of them. He always In the Minister's Estimates the relatively notifies me of a visit, even when he arranges small sum of $50,000 has been allocated for another Minister to deputise for him in towards the cost of preserving historic opening a school or performing some other buildings. I wish to dwell briefly on the official function in my electorate. But I am need to preserve some of our heritage and, still waiting for the courtesy of a letter from at the same time, compliment the National the Minister who has been delegated to Trust of Queensland and the Minister, who perform an official function in my electorate is its president, for the wonderful work it is on 17 November. doing. I am also a member of the trust. Over the week-end I received some dis­ Mr. B. Wood: This Minister has made a turbing telephone calls from persons who feature of answering letters to constituents claimed they had been told that the South in another member's electorate as though it Brisbane Public Library building would be was a matter of courtesy. closed down on 17 November and later demolished. Furthermore, others told me Mr. BROMLEY: I get the honourable that they had learned with some trepidation member's point. I know that such things of the possibility of the former South Bris­ have happened. bane Town Hall being torn down. As hon­ ourable members know, the latter building As I say, while some Ministers are very at present houses the Queensland Conserva­ courteous, others must have been "dragged torium of Music. I understand that both of up". I mention this because the Minister these buildings have been classified by the for Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services National Trust as being worthy of preserva­ recently opened a hospital at Boggo Road tion. If the rumours that are circulating are gaol, which is in my electorate. He did true, I should like the Minister to take the not write to me on that occasion, and it necessary action to prevent the demolition of w~s not . the fi:st time he visited the gaol these historic buildings. without mformmg me of his visit. Cer­ Mr. Herbert: The National Trust comes tainly the Minister is not obliged to write under the control of the Minister for Local to me, but it would have been courteous for Government. him to do so. Mr. BROMLEY: I expected the Minister . To demonstrate this Government's political to say that. However, I remind him that in bras and the hard way it plays politics, I refer his Estimates the sum of $50,000 is set aside to the conduct of the Minister when he recently for the preservation of historic buildings. opened the new Woodford Prison. The It is no use the Minister saying that this is plaque that was unveiled there had engraved a matter for another Minister. The relevant upon it the local member's name. By con­ Act was introduced on 9 December 1963, and trast, however, the plaque that was unveiled I am aware of what it contains. I am asking at the opening of the hospital at the Brisbane that something be done. I have already said Prison did not have my name upon it. that the National Trust is doing a good Furthermore, wh.en perfor?'ling the opening job and that the Minister for Tourism is, ceremony at Bnsbane Pnson the Minister too. But let no-one believe that the preserva­ did not even have the courtesy to acknow­ tion of historic buildings does not play an ledge the presence of the honourable member important part in providing a tourist attrac­ for Ipswich (Dr. Edwards), the honourable tion. Many tourists visit this end of George member for Brisbane (Mr. Davis), who was Street to see Parliament House, the Bellevue representing the Leader of the Opposition, building and the Queensland Club. If some or myself, as member for the electorate in of these buildings are torn down, we will lose which the prison is located. No wonder his a tourist attraction. colleagues, ::s well as the news media, have a As the Minister is the president of the name for h1m! However, because I am of a National Trust, I believe it is appropriate forgiving nature, I forgive the Minister. He to suggest that the Act-I know he does knows no better. In case I am misunder­ not administer it-be amended or completely stood, I hasten to add that on all occasions re-written and these matters placed under the Treasurer is courteous and never fails his control. A commission with legislative to do the correct thing. authority and "teeth" should be appointed Supply (30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1371 so that it can decide on the preservation we are to encourage tourists, including child­ or otherwise of historic buildings. If that ren from country areas. Many school­ were done, these Estimates would include children from country centres come to Bris­ a larger sum for this purpose. I do not bane, and even travel interstate. In fact, a wish to detail the amounts that are set niece of mine who is a student at St. Aiden's aside, but these three items are listed on recently went to the Snowy Mountains as a page 72 of the Estimates: Development of member of a group of youngsters as part of Tourist Attractions, Preservation of Pioneer their education. We should endeavour to Tourist Attractions, and Preservation of maintain these buildings and not pull them Historic Buildings. If such a commission down, so destroying our heritage. As the as I suggest was established, I believe that Minister controls youth welfare organisations, the activities of the National Trust could I call on him to do everything in his power be conducted more successfully. to preserve these buildings and promote them In "The Courier-Mail" of 27 October 1973 as tourist attractions. the following article appears- While the Estimates under consideration "The Queensland National Trust cover many tremendously important matters, President (Mr. Herbert) said yesterday the I shall deal briefly with some other aspects Trust felt the environment comprising the of tourism. I pay great respect to Mr. Bellevue, Parliament House, Botanic Wilson and his staff. Shortly I shall be Gardens and the Queensland Club was contacting him to obtain material for a big an essential component of Brisbane's seminar, to be attended by interstate and 'heritage'." overseas people, relative to the Narbethong In Newsletter No. 32, Vol. 4, No. 2, for School for the Visually Handicapped. The August of this year, published by the Government is not decisive enough in the National Trust of Queensland, this promotion of tourism in Queensland. For all appeared- I know, this could apply to all States. "The President (Mr. Herbert) emphasised that pending the introduction of effective I do not deny that the industry is growing preservation legislation in Queensland, the tremendously. This is good. However, a Trust would adopt a positive and vigorous report on Great Barrier Reef tourism was stance against any threat to classified produced two years ago. I have not seen it. buildings, areas or objects." In fact, I do not think it was ever released On page 4 of the same newsletter, the Minis­ or that any action has been taken on it. ter is reported in these terms--- The Government should be fined for loitering "An analysis of the above listings in this regard. demonstrates that no structure is safe On a recent parliamentary delegation to from the careless indifference or com­ Asia-you were with us, Mr. Lickiss-I mercial lusts of its owners whether the found that not many people had heard much owners be Governments, Commercial or about Queensland with the exception that, in Ecclesiastical Institutions or private indi­ Japan the most popular four-letter word used viduals. At the 1973 Annual General was ,;Camm." I spoke to and mixed with Meeting the President of the Trust forcibly representatives of Mitsubishi, Nippon and reiterated the Trust's policy of total many other firms. I asked them what they opposition to the forces which are ravaging knew about Queensland. They did not know our heritage and pledged that a firm about much except the Minister for Mines, stand would be taken by the new Executive mainly because they were doing tremendously Committee." well out of our coal and other natural To bolster my argument, I point out that resources. They certainly had not heard of all these buildings are part of Brisbane's our tourist attractions. tourist attractions. I now want to mention some of the book­ In the "Telegraph" of 27 October 1973 lets that are given to tourists in various the Minister for Works and Housing was places. Incidentally, I might point out that reported in these terms- Australia has only two international hotels­ "Buildings will go, says Minister. There the Southern Cross and the Wrest Point. will be no change in policy at this stage." One booklet deals with the Imperial Hotel, where we stayed in Japan. It is indicative It appears that all these buildings will go. of the material handed out to tourists who go To bolster my statement that they are to Hong Kong and other places. They are without doubt tourist attractions, I again really good booklets, and are tremendously quote from the National Trust newsletter, as interesting. I also have here booklets from follows:- Japan such as "Your Guide to Yokohama" "One million people visited Scottish and ,:City of Yokohama", and Malaysia. I properties in the last year, many of these have no doubt that you have copies of these being school-children and students from booklets, Mr. Lickiss, and that you have home and abroad." read them with great interest. They are They are the type of properties we should examples of the type of literature that is be trying to save-our heritage-because they distributed in overseas countries. would be tourist attractions that we need if (Time expired.) 1372 Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

Mr. FRAWLEY (Murrumba) (3.41 p.m.): The CHAffiMAN: Order! There is no It gives me a great deal of pleasure to partic­ valid point of order. ipate in this debate, and to congratulate the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Welfare Mr. DAVIS: My point of order is that the Services on his very capable administration honourable member for Murrumba said that of this portfolio. I should also like to I was invited to the opening of the Wood­ congratulate the Comptroller-General of ford Prison. Prisons, Mr. Kerr, who has spent 25 years in the prisons service and who, after being The CHAIRMAN: Order! Is that offensive in charge for 16 years, is retiring this year. to the honourable member? There is no doubt iliat under his adminis­ tration prisons in Queensland have progressed Mr. DAVIS: It is, because I was not beyond all expectation. invited. The Estimates for Tourism, Sport and The CHAIRMAN: Order! As the statement Welfare Services contain some very interest­ is offensive to the honourable member for ing facts indeed. The opening of the new Brisbane, I ask the honourable member for prison at Woodford proved to be another Murrumba to withdraw it. feather in the cap of the Country-Liberal Government. The honourable member for Mr. FRAWLEY: I withdraw it, Mr. Brisbane made a contribution to the debate Lickiss. The honourable member is becoming in his usual style, and his views on the rather sensitive. I honestly believe that he casino would probably have convinced even was invited, and I repeat that be was enter­ his own colleagues of his complete lack of tained at morning tea by the honourable knowledge, and his incompetence to carry member for Mertbyr. If that is not an out the role of Labor spokesman on indication of the good will that exists among Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services. members on this side of the Chamber and Mr. Davis: What is Sparkes going to do those on the other side, I do not know what to you after last Saturday's conference? it is. The CHAIRMAN: Order! Irrelevant inter­ The honourable member for Brisbane was jections will not be tolerated. made to feel at home by Government mem­ bers present, and he stated afterwards at a Mr. FRAWLEY: 1t is easily seen that Press conference that he was very impressed the honourable member for Brisbane has with the prison, and he sincerely congratu­ known me for only the 16 months in which I lated the Mini&ter for Tourism, Sport and have been a member of this Parliament. Welfare Services on a job well done. Let him I should like to inform the honourable deny that if he can. member, and anyone else who cares to listen, that I have never been dictated to, or The honourable member for Brisbane has stood over, in my life, and I do not intend continually extolled the virtues of the Federal to change now at 49 years of age. Minister for Tourism and Recreation, Mr. When completed in 1974, the prison at Stewart, and has done nothing but knock the Woodford is expected to provide accommo­ efforts of ·the people connected with the dation for about 240 young prisoners. This, Department of Sport in this State. However, of course, will somewhat relieve the situation he did make one valuable contribution to at the Brisbane Prison. The Woodford Juven­ the debate: he mentioned the all-weather ile Prison is situated on the left bank of the athletics track ·that I hope is provided in Stanley River, about two miles from the Queensland, and on which I shall have more township of Woodford, and occupies an area of some 367 acres. It \1/as first gazetted as to say later. a reserve for prison purposes on 22 April In passing, I should like to refer to the 1971, and since then work has progressed statement by the honourable member for steadily until, on Friday 28 September, an South Brisbane that he did not receive an official opening ceremony was held. invitation to the opening of the hospital at It is interesting to note, in view of the Brisbane Prison. I know for a fact that he remark of the honourable member for South did receive one. I received an invitation of Brisbane that he does not receive invitations the same type. It was extended by telephone from various Ministers when they perform by the Under Secretary of the Department official duties in his area, that the honourable of Tourism, Sport and 'Velfare Services. He member for Brisbane was invited to attend invi.ted all members by telephone, and I the opening of the Woodford Prison. He did know for a fact that the honourable member so, and was ente!'tained at morning tea by for South Brisbane received such an the honourable member for Mertbyr. He invitation. was made to feel at home by all Government members. Mr. BROMLEY: It is not usual for me to rise to points of order, because on most Mr. DAVIS: I rise to a point of order. occasions I do not think .they are worth I was not invited to the opening of the taking. Woodford Prison. I represented the Leader of the Opposition. No Labor members The CHAIRMAN: Order! Is the honour­ received an invita.tion to that ceremony. able member rising to a point of order? Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1373

Mr. BROMLEY: Yes. I want to assure the one-I could not be present. However, I honourable member for Murrumba that I think that the training school at Westbrook, said I did not receive a letter of invitation. under the control of the present Minister We have to put these matters straight. and his precursors, has done a great deal of good for the community. The CHAIRMAN: Order! When a member rises to a point of order, I think it ought Honourable members have heard many to be a genuine one. bad reports in this Chamber about West­ brook. The honourable member for Brisbane Mr. Bromley: It was a genuine one. has been one of those who have contributed •to these repor·ts. He has come forward with The CHAIRMAN: Order! Honourable a lot of rubbish about alleged bashings and members ought to study Standing Orders and homosexuality at Westbrook, but the investi­ find out what a point of order is, and also gations into these allegations have proved read what May's "Parliamentary Practice" them to be completely incorrect. No evi­ says about points of order. I resent the dence has ever been placed before the fact that honourable members tend to dis­ Minister to show that there was any founda­ rupt the progress of the business of the tion for the allegations. Therefore, I ask the Committee, and I intend taking appropriate honourable member for Brisbane to back up action when members rise and have no with evidence any similar claims that he valid point of order to take. They should may make in the future. know whether or not a point of order is vaiid. When the Country-Liberal Government came to office in 1957, the prisons, like Mr. FRAWLEY: Thank you, Mr. Lickiss. everything else in this State after years of As a new member of this Assembly who is neglect under Labor administrations, were continually harassed by the Opposition, I grossly overcrowded and accommodation in should like to place myself under your them was very bad. The Government set protection. about constructing new prisons and erecting Let me return to the subject of the Wood­ new buildings. ford prison. I understand that 10 blocks of I have very grave doubts about the value land at Woodford have been purchased by of week-end detention, because many week­ the Housing Commission, and I trust that end detainees arrive at the prison drunk or the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Welfare claiming that they are sick. Services can use his influence with the Minister for Works and Housing to have Mr. Leese: What percentage is that? Housing Commission houses built on that Mr. FRAWLEY: I do not intend taking land. any stupid interjections. Many of these week­ Mr. Leese: Are you talking about the end detainees arrive at the prison drunk or Works Estimates now? pretending to be sick. Of course, the scheme is only an experimental one, and I believe Mr. FRAWLEY: One has only to listen to that eventually a satisfactory solution to the some of the stupid interjections from hon­ problem will be found. ourable members opposite to know that the A.L.P. scraped not only the bottom of the Some time ago I had the opportunity of political barrel but also every hole in the visiting the Rockhampton prison with the State to find people to stand at the last Minister, the honourable member for State election. Windsor the honourable member for Mans­ field and the honourable member for Ipswich, About 70 warders will be employed at the who also are members of the Government Woodford prison, and only seven houses committee. We were all very impressed with will be built on the prison proper.ty. In my the general conduct of the Rockhampton opinion, an endeavour should be made to prison. A new kitchen and bakery are being obtain housing so that all the warders can built there, and a laundry also is un?er con­ live at Woodford in close proximity to the struction. I believe that these w1ll con­ prison. They will be working there, and it tribute in no small measure to the revenue would be beneficial to the economy of the of the prison, which at present is obtained town to keep them there. mainly from the sale of milk and pigs. The The siting of the prison at Woodford total return to the prison of $28,04·1 in the has not caused any undue concern to local past year augurs well for the continued residents. They know that the economy of development of the Rockhampton prison. the town will benefit as the prison staff and Shortly before the Minister and his party their families move to the town, and they went to Rockhampton to inspect the prison, will be welcome additions to the town's the Opposition sent a committee up there. population. It was led, I believe, by the honourable Some time last year new buildings and member for Brisbane, and he was accom­ facilities costing $650,000 were opened at panied by the honourable members for the Westbrook Training Centre for Boys. Archerfield and Pine Rivers. I noticed from Although I was invited to the opening­ reports in the Rockhampton newspapers that this time by letter; I hope the honourable they complained bitterly about the food they member for South Brisbane also received received at a cafe, and said that the service 1374 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) was poor. The truth is that they took the The CHAIRMAN: Order! Would the "knock" on the cafe proprietor and did not honourable member please address the Chair? pay for their meal, and they decided to throw a bit of dust into everybody's eyes by Mr. FRAWLEY: I am sorry, Mr. Lickiss. complaining about the service and the food. I lived in places worse than that when Mr. WRIGHT: I rise to a point of order. I was a child. I think the children are very That is a complete untruth. Such aspersions well looked after. The people running all on the honourable members who were there these centres under the control of the Depart­ are uncalled for. ment of Children's Services are to be con­ gratulated for the undoubted care and Mr. R. E. Moore: Were you there? affection they give the children. We inspected Mr. WRIGHT: I was there. St. Joseph's Home where the number of occupants had decreased from 124 in 1971- The CHAIRMAN: Order! Is the honour­ 72 to 91 at 30 June this year, mainly able member saying that the words are because of the transfer of boys over 13 years offensive to him? of age to Boys' Town. The girls in that age group all went to foster homes. Mr. WRIGHT: They are a complete untruth and they are offensive. I do not wish to intrude into matters affecting the electorate of the honourable The CHAIRMAN: The honourable mem­ member for Wynnum, but I should like to ber asks that they be withdrawn? say a few words about Nazareth House. Mr. WRIGHT: Yes. I had the opportunity to visit Nazareth House at least once a fortnight over a period of 10 The CHAIRMAN: The honourable mem­ years. I was doing something else down ber for Rockhampton says that the statement there that had nothing to do with the of the honourable member for Murrumba is children. As I was down there doing a job, incorrect and that it is a reflection on him I had more opportunity to mix and talk and he asks that it be withdrawn. ' with those children than the average person. All I can say is that the nuns who run Mr. FRAWLEY: I withdraw the state­ Nazareth House are a wonderful order of ment. women. They look after the children very While the Minister and his committee were well indeed. in Rockhampton, we had the opportunity Marsden Home at Kallangur happens to to inspect the home that had been purchased be in my electorate. by the Baptist Union for conversion to a family-group home. It is very pleasing to Mr. LEESE: I rise to a point of order. see any religious organisation-! do not care The Marsden Home happens to be in the what it is, Baptist, Congregational, Church Pine Rivers electorate. I find it offensive-- of England or any other denomination­ purchase a home and convert it for use as The CHAIRMAN: Order! Thi<> is a a foster home. Nothing influences a child's typical case of deliberate obstruction of the future as much as its parents. Foster parents business of the Committee. If the honour­ can provide some of the ,love and affection able member rises again on such a frivolous missed by a child who is not reared by his point of order, I will deal with him. There natural parents. I congratulate the Baptist is no valid point of order. Union for its foresight in purchasing this home, and I am grateful for the assistance Mr. LEESE: I took my point of order for it has been given by the Government. a specific reason. The honourable member for Murrumba is not the only member of this I had never been on such an inspection Parliament under the misapprehension that before, and I was very impressed. I was the Marsden Boys' Home is in his electorate. very pleased that the Minister invited me. Certain Ministers always forward correspond­ We visited the Birralee Home where ence on the home to the honourable member approximately 27 children are in residence. for Murrumba, not to me. My point of order The honourable member for Brisbane had is that it is a reflection on me. been there before us. On his visit he stirred up a lot of trouble with some of the untrue The CHAIRMAN: Order! I stand by the statements he made. Fortunately even the statement I made. I do not retract any children in the home did not believe him. part of it. There is no valid point of order. They had too much sense for that. When I suggest to the honourable member for children are admitted to the care and pro­ Pine Rivers that he read the Standing Orders. tection of the State, they are usually placed in one of the department's centres. The Mr. Hanson: The honourable member for Birralee Home is a very good one. We also Murrumba should stop delaying the inspected St. J oseph's Home. Committee. Mr. Leese interjected. Mr. FRAWLEY: Stop putting on an act. Mr. FRAWLEY: I thought it was quite a Mr. Hanson: You're always putting on an good home. act. Supply (30 OCTOBER 1973) (Estimates) 1375

The CHAIRMAN: I have warned the standard of the present day synthetic track, honourable member for Port Curtis about have nevertheless been vastly superior to irrelevant interjections; I now warn him under Queensland's grass surface at Lang Park. the provisions of Standing Order No. 123A. I have had many complaints from athletes about the running track at Lang Park, and Mr. FRAWLEY: As a new member, I am to say it is bad is an understatement. Being really getting tired of the harassing attacks a member of Parliament who believes in by members of the A.L.P. every time I speak. investigating all complaints personally, I went It is shocking. to Lang Park on Sunday, 21 October-only a fortnight ago-and competed in the lOO­ The CHAIRMAN: Order! The honourable member for Murrumba will either resume metre event for veterans over 40 years of his speech or resume his seat. age. Even though the last time I ran at Lang Mr. FRAWLEY: The Marsden Boys' Home Park was 1952, I still lined up in this race is situated at Kallangur. I will not say whose to find out what the track was like. I know electorate it is in, but, even if these boys what I am talking about because I com­ are not in my electorate, they would wish menced my athletic career as a sprinter and they were because I am definitely a better I can judge the state of the lOO-metre track member than the honourable member for at Lang Park. It is ludicrous that a State Pine Rivers. such as Queensland, with its wealth of A senior boy from this home has been athletic talent, should have to make do with appointed captain of his high school, and facilities inferior to those of other States. he has won one of the Duke of Edinburgh's If we are to get Queensland athletes back gold awards. This is a fairly good indication to their rightful place in Australian athletics, of the type of boy who is reared in these we must have facilities at least equal to homes. those of other States. On a number of occasions I have pleaded The seven-lane synthetic track installed in this Chamber the case for an all-weather recently in Sydney cost $128,000. It would athletic track for Queensland. We know that cost much more in Queensland because that the Lord Mayor is endeavouring to obtain track had a base on which the surface could the 1982 Commonwealth Games for Queens­ be laid. The track carrying the trade name land; it is one of the few good things he "Tartan" was used for the 1968 Olympic has ever done in his life, and I sincerely Games in Mexico and will be used for the hope that this Government will assist him 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. It is in every possible way. However, 1982 is composed of a synthetic resin which gives too far off to wait for an all-weather track. a durable, all-weather, non-slip surface. It The way things are going with the Federal can be laid on a foundation of asphalt, Government, we will not have Commonwealth concrete, or some other hard-base material. Games in 1982. They will possibly be called, The surface is unaffected by rain or tem­ "The Games of the New Emerging Forces." perature extremes. Every athlete who runs on it competes under the same conditions. Over the past few weeks several Queens­ Normally, on every athletic track the inside land athletes, both men and women, have lane is churned up, but on a synthetic track competed by invitation on the new synthetic, this does not occur. The surface is non-slip all-weather track which was laid by Rand­ even when wet. For example, in Mexico wick-Botany Athletic Club at Pagewood in the high-jump was completed during two Sydney. Their performances on this track days of rain, which proved beyond doubt have proved that this State possesses athletes the all-weather qualities of the track. who are capable of equalling Australia's best. One might ask whether the initial cost Only on Saturday a young school-teacher of an all-weather track can be justified in named Denise Robertson, who teaches at terms of proven durability. The first "Tartan" an Ipswich school, ran 11 seconds for 100 all-weather track was laid at MacAlister metres, equalling the world record. She broke College, United States of America, in 1960 the Commonwealth record. On Sunday she and has been-and still is-in constant, every­ also won the 200 metres in 22.9 seconds. day use, not only for athletics but for train­ She and the girl who ran second, Barbara ing in all kinds of sport. No such track has Jordan, as well as Mrs. Ramsay and Erica so far had to be replaced, although it is not Nixon, who broke the long-jump record, have definitely known just how long an all-weather all been selected in the Australian team for synthetic track will last. Economically, earlier the 1974 Commonwealth Games. I sincerely installations in Australia of rubberised bitu­ congratulate them. men tracks have been proved to be poor A synthetic track is needed in Queensland propositions compared with the latest type so that athletes can train on it and become of synthetic surface. used to the surface. I have told this Com­ (Time expired.) mittee previously of the gradual slip in standards of Queensland athletes by com­ Mr. D'ARCY (Albert) (4 p.m.): Once parison with those of their counterparts in again it is obvious that the Government's other Australian States. For years now south­ election promise to establish a separate ern States and Western Australia have pos­ Ministry for Tourism was only a farce. Of sessed tracks which, while not up to the the total expected expenditure for the 1376 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

Minister's portfolio of $17,300,000, only the Gold Coast, through the local authority, $2,100,000 has been allocated to the Division have to pay for necessary tourist aids and of Tourist Activities. facilities, the cost of which should be met Even the Country Party has claimed that by the authority that receives the greater the present arrangement, under which tourism benefit-the State Government. Local resid­ com~s within this Minister's portfolio, is ents are forced to pay for beach amenities nothmg more than a facade. A recent and facilities, parks, gardens, and so on. article in "The Australian" reported the Each year the council has to meet the cost Cou~try Party's call for a separate voice for of expensive resumptions to keep the area tounsm. In other words, that party claimed open for tourists from southern States and that for Queensland to make the most of elsewhere. To a large extent, the Govern­ its. ~ourist poten~ial it needed a separate ment stands indicted, as it should be pro­ Mm1~try for T~:mnsm ...~s we are continually viding large sums of money by way of grant pushmg certam activities that bring no to the Gold Coast area, which is the tourist financial return to the State we should also playground of Australia. certai?lY get behind the tou~ist industry and There are two Tourist Bureau branches help 1t become an even greater income-earner than it is at present. on the Gold Coast. On virtually every day of the week, top tourist executives and Mr. Lane: Do you know how much it business people are working hard to promote is worth each year? tourism in that area. Leading businesses on the Gold Coast-and even banks-ensure Mr. D'ARCY: I could quote the Minister's that their managers and staff adopt dress figures. He has told us that it is the second­ standards appropriate to the area. But the highest income-earner in the State. Queensland Government does not do this Mr. Herbert: The fourth-highest. in its so-called Tourist Bureau offices. When the Minister answered a question directed Mr. D'ARCY: The Minister's figures do to him by the honourable member for Bris­ not agree with mine. Perhaps he is looking bane, he said he insisted on Tourist Bureau only at the income derived from the travel officers on the Gold Coast wearing ties. It industry and is forgetting to include the is ridiculous that people actually engaged money spent by tourists not only on accom­ in the tourist industry on the Gold Coast modation but also on purchases they make are not allowed to adopt the general business while they are in Queensland. standard of dress in that part of the State. . I suggest that the capacity of the tourist They are at least 10 years behind the times mdustry to earn revenue is grossly under­ in their dress, thanks to the Government's rated. There are many areas throughout policy and the staid way the Minister guides the world that rely only on tourism for his department. their income. Undoubtedly Queensland has Tourist Bureau officers handle a large the greatest tourist potential of any State· number of bookings. They play their part yet no State neglects tourist promotion mor~ in the competitive Australian travel industry than Queensland. within the confines of their charter. They When the Minister is asked what the do a very good job, as is evidenced by the Tou:ist Bureau does in the promotion of figures returned to the State. I maintain, tounsm, all he says is that it does "some" as do other members of the Opposition, that things. I ~i~h to read an interesting letter the Tourist Bureau should be a tourist pro­ from the Mm1ster to the Australian National motional bureau, promoting the Queensland Travel Association in which he says- tourist industry throughout Australia. How­ "In fact, the contribution made by this ever, as we found last year, and on other Goyernment to the tourist industry in its occasions, it acts only as a business, and poli~y of establishing booking offices even promotes tours outside Queensland. It (wh1ch themselves become involved in should co-operate with internal tourist ~ome kinds of promotion, and SLtpport the bureaus and promotional bureaus from mte~se central activity in promotion) is other States on a year-round basis. considerably greater and more effective When I was in Tasmania earlier in the than the policy in New South Wales." year I spoke to the Minister for Tourism I would like to know who the Minister in that State, and he suggested that there thin~s he is kidding. He is certainly not could be much more co-operation between foolm~ ~he A.N.T.A., whose report shows Queensland and Tasmania on a summer­ that 1t IS completely dissatisfied with the winter tourist trade. He told me he had Queensland Government's efforts in the field made overtures to the Queensland Govern­ of tourist promotion. ment, but that it had displayed no real This is very evident in areas similar to interest in any such activity. I regard this the Gold Coast, where tourism is the life­ as a rather unusual situation. blood industry. Fortunately, during the past The Minister has made some rather out­ 18 months to two years we have enjoyed landish statements on the tourist potential of the best tourist season in history. But a casino. Fortunately, his figures and state­ tourist promotion has been handled largely ments have been completely disproved. No by the Gold Coast itself, with very little matter what moral or social stand is taken help from the Government. Residents of on the provision of a casino, the one in Supply (30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1377

Tasmania has proved beyond all doubt that northern end of South Stradbroke Island. Yet, it is a catalyst in the tourist industry. It last week, the "Uki" was gouging away at has been a tremendous boon to Tasmania, the sandhills. both as a casino and as a tourist attraction. This is the type of development and It must be remembered that, so far, it has tourist promotion that the Government is been operating in the off-peak, winter season. sponsoring in South-east Queensland. Not However, it has made a huge difference in only is it prepared to sell out South-east the whole concept of Tasmania's travel Queensland; it is doing it for a pitta:-'ce. figures, which are up substantially, as well as It seems determined that future generatiOns its accommodation figures. The Minister's of Queenslanders will see this expanse not statement that a casino is of no assistance as a purified area but as a huge sewer. to the tourist industry is reminiscent of many They will not be able to fish, because there of his statements about dusty roads. will not be any fish to catch. One of the largest single assets of the Gold Mr. Wallis-Smith: It will ruin the fishing Coast is its natural scenic beauty and the grounds. related activities that can be pursued there. Because of the actions of councils and the Mr. D'ARCY: They will be completely Government, the Gold Coast is being ruined ruined because the mangroves, which are as a playground. Large high-rise buildings the p~rifier, will be destroyed by housing along the beachfront cannot be regarded as development and the pumping of sand. It beautiful. Over the past few years they have will not be possible to water-ski, as no-one caused some concern, particularly from the would want to in an area that is heavily angle of shadows being cast on the beach. As polluted. they continue to rise higher and higher, right on the beachfront, they will cause a great Another photograph in my possession deal of concern to residents in the future. shows evidence of sand-mining that the Perhaps the Government has been short­ Government permitted on the front end of sighted in this regard, and the present cost South Stradbroke Island. It shows the of resumption would be astronomical. scoured-out beaches on the eastern side of the island. On the western side, it shows I have previously spoken about the myriad where huge canals have been allowed to of waterways and short rivers, with their eat into the central part. inlets and estuary islands, on the Gold Coast and in the area immediately inland. They Mr. Lane: Will you table the photos so are among the most beautiful in the world, that we can all have a look at them, or being reminiscent of the Everglades in are you going to keep them to yourself? Florida. To a great extent, however, they have been ruined by development. It appears Mr. D' ARCY: I will be quite happy to that the Government has been insistent on table them. This is an area that must be ruining waterways in South-east Queensland. maintained. The Gold Coast hinterland is also one I have some photographs of these water­ of the Staie's most treasured spots, and I ways and of areas in which this Government am bitterly disappointed at the way land has granted leases and allowed the areas to development is being carried out in this be scooped out by bulldozers and completely area. It is a great pity that this develop­ ruined. Where does the Minister for Tourism ment has not been planned better by the stand on this type of development? I have Government. Every time one looks at the one photograph showing Couran Point, with hills round Tamborine Mountain, one sees the large waterways of the Gold Coast and a new scar where vegetation has been Surfers Paradise in the background. It also knocked down by developers for some type shows the island development and, on top of of housing. the mangroves, scooped-out sand which is killing everything in sight, including, in this The Minister's portfolio also covers sport, particular development, a beautiful rain and I should like to make a plea for forest. grants for sporting organisations in the Be~n­ leigh district. This is the fastest-growmg Another photograph shows the honourable area in my electorate, and probably the members for Townsvil!e West and Isis with fastest-growing area in Queensland. It is me. Past the stern of the boat can be seen developing at a greater rate than the Gold a huge barge containing two gravel trucks. Coast area, and Woodridge, Kingston, This is the regrettable type of development Slack's Creek, Beenleigh and Springwood that is going on. are providing housing accommodation for The Government talks about beach pro­ families who are moving out of the Bris­ tection and the Beach Protection Authority. bane area to get a little more room to Where does the Minister stand in regard to breathe. They are mostly young people in a pho:ograph I have here of the "Uki", these areas, and they are looking for sport­ working away at the sandhills of South ing activities and the other amenities needed Stradhoke Island? It has knocked the sand­ by young families. hills down from 70 feet to 20 feet and, in One club to which I make particular refer­ many cases, almost flattened them. At high ence is the Beenleigh Junior Rugby League tide the sea could almost rush across the Club. It is affiliated with the Wynnum-Manly 44 1378 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) district, and the young parents behind it have itself marked the balanced approach in deal­ raised almost $8,000 off their own bat. They ing with juvenile delinquents. When I speak now have a playing ground, and they are of juvenile delinquents, I speak of a well­ looking to the provision of amenities such defined group in the community, that is, as lights, showers and so on, for the boys persons under the age of 17 years who come who use it. I appeal to the Minister to within the ambit of the Act. In recent times assist this club, and I support the case many comments have been made in the submitted by it for a grant. public arena by all sorts of authorities on Another club that I should like to men­ children's welfare, and all sorts of statistics tion is the Beenleigh Bowls Club. It has and other alleged facts about the serious an acti·ve committee, and its club-house is crime committed by young people have been probably one of the best on the southern thrown around. side of Brisbane. It is not yet paid for, Certainly, some serious crime is committed and another green is needed because the by people who are children within the mean­ membership is rising rapidly. ing of the Act. However, some of the (Time expired.) people who do not deal with the matter in an honest and forthright way in the public Mr. LANE (Merthyr) (4.20 p.m.): It is arena speak of children and juveniles under with pleasure that I rise to speak in the the age of 21 years and under the age of debate on the Tourism, Sport and Welfare 17 years, perhaps even in the same sentence, Services Estimates. It is on welfare ser­ and they confuse the picture, confuse the vices-children's services-that I wish to statistics and really do no good service to speak today. I would refer to that area the community by adapting figures to suit o_f the Minister's portfolio as the compas­ their own argument. The children o£ whom siOnate one, the one dealing with problems I wish to speak today are under the age of that affect people during their times of need, 17 years. That is clearly understood by all when perhaps a son or a daughter strays people in this State who have anything to a little from the narrow path of normal do with the welfare of young people affected everyday behaviour. ' by the law. Mr. Davis interjected. Since the Children's Services Act came into force it is possible, for example, for a police Mr. LANE: I listened with interest to the officer or an officer of the Children's Services speech of the so-called shadow Minister for Department to make direct application to the Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services. It was court, after taking a young pep;on into by far the most ineffectual and poorest con­ custody, for the Department of Children's tribution I have heard from any honourable Services to take that person under its care member opposite holding a shadow portfolio. and control and to have a court order made. Not only was it difficult to hear; it was also Before 1966, young people had to be very difficult to understand. It had no part­ arrested and charged in the same way as icular central theme, and I am not sure of any common criminal is charged. There is any clear proposal that the honourable now no need for them to be so charged. member put forward relative to the Minister's They are taken into custody and then taken portfolio. However, he is known in this to a place where they are lodged pending the place as a mumbler, and I suppose we have hearing before the Children's Court. to put up with him. In former times they were taken to the The Children's services section of the City Watchhouse and charged-and they Minister's portfolio is a particularly difficult were charged with a quasi-criminal offence. and delicate one. It must be administered I remember many young children being with a balanced approach-an approach charged with being neglected and liable to between taking a compassionate view of the lapse into a life of crime, and being incar­ actions of the young persons concerned and cerated in the City Watchhouse. They would perhaps, in their own interest, counselling not be put in the "drunks' tank," or anything them and keeping them under care and like that; nevertheless, they would be kept control, although not committing them to a in the City Watchhouse or cells. These days place of detention. A decision has to be they are taken to one of the hostels or places made in each and every case on its merits to of custody that are available for this purpose. ensure that any young person who comes The past practice was glaringly bad in the within the ambit of the provisions of the case of a baby. Perhaps a babe in arms Children's Services Act and under the notice would be abandoned by a heartless parent. of the authorities is dealt with in this way, It would be taken through the City Watch­ because the interest of the young person house system and charged with being a concerned must ultimately be the major neglected child. That was the only process consideration. available so that it could be dealt with by The enlightened thinking that is now shown a court and an order made for its future by the Department of Children's Services and care and control. its ancillary services first became evident, in The new system places some pressures on my view, when the Children's Services Act society, and also on the available facilities. of 1965 came into force in 1966, which in It is well known that very difficult situations Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1379 exist in some country towns. When an appli­ she will run away as soon as she gets home. cation is made in respect of an uncontrollable This is something we must face up to in this child and it is not charged with a criminal modern-day world of juvenile delinquency. offence, such as stealing or unlawfully using a motor vehicle, it has to be ordered into a In the past, "Mt. Maria" at Mitchelton, place of custody when none exists. In many which is run by the Good Shepherd Order country towns the only place of custody is of nuns, provided accommodation for 120 the police station or the cells. In the case wayward girls. Today, no more than 20 are of a particularly bad or dangerous criminal confined at this place. Looking at the reasons under 17 years of age-and there are many for this, it seems to come down to a of them-some police officers in country shortage of staff. In these times of full areas bend the law a little and confine him employment, no lay person is prepared to to the cells so that he cannot commit any take on this difficult and onerous job. There further offences or do harm, damage or are too many glamorous, easy jobs offering. violence to anyone else. Such a person is People do not want to dirty their hands. In held until he can be dealt with in the addition, this Order does not have the finan­ Children's Court. In other instances, ad hoc cial resources to pay lay people, even if they arrangements are made. Perhaps the young were available. I think this is regrettable. person is taken into the sergeant's or con­ There also seems to be a shortage of mem­ stable's house, or taken home to his parents. bers of the Order. These nuns have done a wonderful job over the years, caring for I am afraid this is something that we many of these difficult, wayward girls. have to face up to in such a vast State as Unfortunately, they are unable to cope at Queensland. We cannot have Government­ the present time. run youth hostels or charitable institutions in every small hamlet and town throughout The third place of confinement that is the State. Brisbane is where the main best known for confining young girls is delinquency occurs, and it is in the met­ "Kalimna," at Jephson Street, Toowong. ropolis that great pressures are exerted on the Unfortunately, it is always filled to capacity. available facilities. This home, which takes about 30 inmates, I should like to talk for a moment about is conducted by the Salvation Army, a very the Wilson Youth Hospital, which was con­ worthy organisation, but unfortunately it structed in the electorate of the honourable cannot assist further in this field. member for Windsor. Its establishment Honourable members may wonder why I heralded a new approach to the con­ am placing such emphasis on the problems finement of children. About two years of young girls in our society who come ago the girls' section was expanded to under notice in this way. It is a fact that accommodate about 60 girls. It is no secret the figures of one juvenile welfare agency that at the present time this section is full that operates in this State show that there to overflowing. About 66 young girls are are approximately two girls to every boy currently held there, and the institution just at present coming under its notice. Delin­ cannot take any more. quent girls are now a major problem. They I understand that the accommodation did not present this problem a few years problem has become so bad that the ago. All of us have seen young girls wander­ authorities are being forced to allow those ing the streets, attending night-spots, and girls who are the least bad to go free in hitch-hiking at all odd hours of the night. order to make room for particularly bad They place themselves in a position of or dangerous girls. I understand also that the danger. They are prey to the wolf packs­ habitually bad girls have "advance bookings" the rapists and sexual thugs-that roam in the various places of confinement. If it city and suburban streets looking for a is known that particularly bad girls are being kill-a sexual kill or, literally, a kill. In fed through the system so that ultimately recent weeks we have seen tragic examples they will be held in confinement, beds are of young girls being molested, sexually made available for them by making arrange­ assaulted, and brutally murdered. In some ments to release some of the less harmful cases their bodies have been dumped by the girls, but possibly girls who, in their own side of the road on outside highways. All interests and in the interests of society, of this is part of the society in which we live should be confined and given some form of today. treatment. If we care to study the recent annual The normal practice, with the !l"reat report of the Commissioner of Police and majority of young people, of course, ts to see the number of people reported as missing, send them home. In many instances that I we will see listed the glaring figure of 4,790 know of, young girls have come before the police and, because there is nowhere to missing persons. Of these, 2,899 were males. confine them, requests were made to the Many of them would be deserting husbands Children's Services Department. Unfor­ and the like. There were 1,891 females. tunately, as there was nowhere to put them, According to the report, of this total num­ the girls have had to be allowed to go home ber, 1,211 still have not been located. That to their families. On such occasions a girl is an alarming, and tragic, number of missing will quite blatantly say to the police that females. 1380 Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

To subdivide the figures a little further, to that of inspector. Such an upgrading let us look at the age group between 14 and would enable Terry Lewis to retain his 17 years, which is the group with which we former position. should be dealing at the present time. Of I sincerely hope that the committee that the females in this age group reported is being set up and will comprise the Premier, missing in the previous 12 months, 199 are the Deputy Premier and other Cabinet Min­ still missing, compared with only 84 young isters will see the wisdom in retaining in men in the same age group. Therefore, the the position of officer in charge of the bureau problem is what to do with young girls in this very efficient officer, who, as I say, has this permissive society in which we live gained a wealth of experience and knowledge today. We might all ask ourselves: What in this field and has brought the bureau to has happened to these girls? Where have its present peak of perfection. they finished up? How many of them are at the bottom of a creek or gully some­ It has been suggested that the bureau has where? How many of them have been adopted a soft line towards juveniles. I buried in shallow bush graves? How many rebut any such claim and say that quite will never be accounted for? frequently it has brought tough juvenil_e criminals before the court. Only recently It We must look for a solution to this was successful in breaking up a juvenile problem, and I suggest that it was provided drug ring comprising children as young as in May 1963, when the then Commissioner 13 years of age. As a result o~ info~ma~ion of Police, Mr. Frank Bischof, acting on received from school sources, mvestigatwns experience that he gained while overseas, culminated in raids on a Brisbane commune formed a separate section of the Police Force infested with all sorts of odd people. This known as the Juvenile Aid Bureau. With group was presided over by a "daddy" or two officers he set the bureau in motion, "pusher" in his mid-20's who held a and since its inception it has received com­ university degree. Investigations showed that mendation not only from the Press, but from this person, via a chain of young from private citizens as well. At peak strength people who roam .the streets at. night, ~D it has a total staff, including trainees, of 24. and marijuana have found their way u:to However, unfortunately at the present time the hands of school-children. In co-operation its staff has been reduced to only 14 mem­ with the Drug Squad, the Juvenile Aid bers. Many vacancies remain unfilled, and Bureau has been able to make arrests and some members of the staff have literally is still carrying out investigations th_at may collapsed under the pressure of work involved reveal that this is only the small tip of a in trying to overcome the problems created huge iceberg, or a minute portion of a by the great build-up in the number of much bigger racket. juvenile delinquents. It is because the staff of the Juvenile Since the beginning of the year the number Aid Bureau are police officers-many of of juveniles cautioned in each month was them experienced detec~ives-;-that t_he bur~au as follows:- is able to handle these SituatiOns satisfactt;mly. Number It is only because of the staff's expenence January 153 and their power of arrest that they are February 86 able to handle juveniles in a specialised way March 168 and bring to justice so many persons who April 127 prey on our young people. May 158 June 137 (Time expired.) July 195 Mr. WRIGHT (Rockhampton) (4.40 p.m.): August 205 Of all the ministerial portfolios, that of I underline the high figure for August, and the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Welfare point out that it does not include 18 juveniles Services is probably the most ideal for _any who were placed before the court as well political-science stu~ent !o. st~dy, especially as 13 who were dealt with by way of applica­ if he is interested m mimstenal control or tion, to which I have previously referred. administrative responsibility. This portfolio These figures highlight the tremendous is indeed an interesting one, and that impres­ increase that has occurred in juvenile crime sion can obviously be gained from what as well as the need for the Juvenile Aid honourable members have said about it so Bureau. far in this debate. Firstly, it is interest­ Recently I was alarmed to learn that the ing because of the very personal and topical officer in charge of the bureau, Detective areas of society administered, but, more so, Senior Sergeant Terry Lewis, had been pro­ it is interesting because of its unique char­ moted and transferred from the bureau. He acteristic of diversification. had travelled the world under a Churchill The Minister's realm of concern-or, to Fellowship and studied the problem of juv­ use his favourite word, "purview"-unlike enile delinquency. A report that he furnished those of the Minister for Local Govern­ to the department contained many recom­ ment, the Minister for Development and mendations that were adopted. I see no Industrial Affairs, the Minister for Education, reason why the posi-tion of officer in charge and so on, is one of variety and contrast. of the Juvenile Aid Bureau could not be It covers prisons, tourism, physica! recre­ upgraded from the rank of senior sergeant ation and expansive welfare functions. I Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1381 might say he would be better characterised, However, I wonder whether the true import­ or categorised, as ,the Minister for sin, sun, ance of these two areas of administration is sweat and sorrow, because it seems to me realised by the Government. that he is concerned mainly with these areas. We must review the importance of these Much has been said by Government mem­ fields to ensure that each gets its proper bers about the importance placed on tourism priority. I refer first to the Department and sport. Both Liberal and Country Party of Sport, which is new. I could well describe members have said that the sport aspect of it as a trend-setter in Australian politics, the Minister's portfolio is an innovation­ because Queensland is the first State to have and I admit that this is the first time it such a department. I commend the Director has been done in Australia. \Ve have also of Sport, Mr. Leahy, on the able way he been told that the Government is greatly has pioneered this department. He has been concerned about tourism, yet we find that faced with great difficulties, having insuf­ all these so-called vital areas of adm'inistra­ ficient finance and thus a very limited pro­ tion are simply lumped together in one gramme. I believe he has been forced to great conglomeration. I wonder if, in fact, follow somewhat unplanned functions. It this gives recognition to the importance of is little wonder people have asked, "What the various areas under the Minister's con­ does the Department of Sport do? What trol. link does it have with national fitness? Is it, in fact, only a cash-register type of While we hear criticism of the fact that office that hands out grants and subsidies?" the A.L.P. Government in the Federal sphere attaches such importance to tourism and We need to establish clearly an effective sport in particular, a very close scrutiny State-wide structure to administer sport. The of this Government's involvement in these best way to do this is to return to a well­ areas reveals that Queensland is in fact proven and effective structure that already in the infancy stage compared with other exists in this State-the National Fitness States. However, I believe that the Minister Council. The Department of Sport should realises the vital importance of his port­ incorporate this structure and should be folio. Whilst I do not usually hand out based on a decentralised and community­ bouquets, I believe that he has tried to participating characteristic. This is surely administer his new Department of Sport with one of the highlights of the National Fitness initiative. It is very questionable, however, Council. It is decentralised; it is community whether the same importance is placed on involved; and it involves hundreds of people his administrative functions by other Minis­ throughout Queensland in a very full ters, and particularly by back-bench Govern­ capacity, acting on some 16 different ment members. committees. One might ask why all these vital areas These committees could play a very great have been lumped together. I can under­ role in recommending grants and subsidies. stand prisons, children's services and other Given greater recognition by the Department ~elfare servic~s being_ amalgamated, but why of Sport, they could expand their functions hnk them With tounsm and sport? Is it of coaching in sport, which involves hundreds that no-one else was available to control of people from all walks of life. They come them? Is it that they are not held to be from various organisations and clubs in the very important, and that they are really community. They represent hundreds of only second-rate areas? Is it that no-one thousands of people throughout the State. else will accept them? We all know that They could play a great part in being prisons are a very bad political subject represented on what we might call area and th~t anY:o.ne who is interested in getting committees of sport. ahead m politics has no great de!'lire to wave the prisons flag. Why is it that this is These committees already manage major a low-key portfolio? activities. According to the annual reports on national fitness and other reports presented Mr. R. E. Moore: Who says it is? to this Parliament, they look after centres in most major towns, as well as camps at Mr. WRIGHT: I say that it is low key Yeppoon, Lamington, Tinaroo Falls Dam and because of the relative unimportance attach~ Leslie Dam. According to their receipts, ing to it and the paucity of the amount of they handle many thousands of dollars a money provided for it. It is suggested that year. So they are very responsible people. certain factions in the Government desire They are involved in sponsoring learn-to­ to keep it low key, and, more especially play and learn-to-swim programmes, and to keep the Minister low key. That, how: eve:, may be de?atable. I personally they cater for the needs of thousands of ?eheve that both tounsm and sport are vitally children each year. They are also deeply involved in the sporting aspects of this State 1mport~n~,. and they should be the single respons1b1hty of a separate Minister. I do and in upgrading the standard of sport, as not . have to elucidate the importance of they conduct coaching schemes. tounsm to our economy; all Government It is therefore obvious that the National and Opposition members realise that its Fitness Council is ideally suited to become importance cannot be overrated. Only a few the base or structure of the Department of hours ago, Mr. Hewitt, the importance of Sport. I say this with one reservation. Before sport in the community was raised by you. it could be allowed to become this base or 1382 Supply (30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) structure, it would need some major changes I say, too, that an officer is needed in within itself. The first thing to do is to the Central Highlands and in the Far West give the National Fitness area committees a of Queensland. Someone is needed to par­ grassroots voice on the State council. I do ticipate, and co-ordinate, with officers in the not know how many honourable members Central Queensland and Mt. Isa areas. I have bothered to go through any of the do not wish to argue against the appoint­ annual reports, but each one contains a list ment of officers to the Gold Coast and similar to a "Who's Who" in sporting Ipswich, because they are needed. What activities in this State. Most of those listed I am stressing is the need for additional have been awarded either an M.B.E. or an officers. ln fact, what is needed is an O.B.E., and they are all very prominent officer-training scheme tied to the head people. I am starting to wonder, however, office in Brisb:me. I suggest that the Minister whether this is only of prestige value, as I give consideration to training officers in am told that many of them do not attend this area. Let them be attached to head State council meetings. office and participate in the various organisa­ tions in Brisbane, of which there are hun­ This is important to us in national fitness dreds needing National Fitness assistance, matters, because this is the body that decides and, after they are trained, let them be sent what we do. At State conference and State out to the various areas where they are convention, it vetoes or agrees to our recom­ needed. mendations. It directs our National Fitness I notice that the Minister has given recog­ officers and virtually decides what we do in nition to the appointment of female officers. our areas. If this is to happen, we should He has no doubt realised that a very great have a voice in it. The State should be run part of national fitness involves women. One by the total area of Queensland, not by has only to look in the central region to Brisbane. According to the list, the council see a considerable number of women's clubs. is Brisbane based. It is out of touch with the We also must not lose sight of the need area committees. I sometimes wish that to give fitness and leadership training to some members of the State council could be adults generally. I should like to see, for flies on the wall at some area committee instance, a businessman's fitness programme meetings. If they were, they would certainly instituted all over the State. I believe that learn something about national fitness. we should try to get men and women involved, not only in adult-education pro­ Mr. Jensen: They are probably a lot of grammes but also in as many activities old codgers. involving national fitness as possible. If this is to be achieved, it comes back Mr. WRIGHT: Some of them might be to the facilities required. I think it has 70 or 80 years old. I do not cast aspersions to be admitted that some of the facilities on a person simply because he is aged, but in use today are not exactly up-to-date; if he cannot do the job he should step down they are not modern. Lots of old schools and give someone else a go. that have been closed are being used. This is not good enough. This is 1973, and we The State council burden is being carried are dealing with a very important problem by a relative few. If the Minister looks into in society. As the honourable member for this, he will have to agree with me. We Chatsworth said, if we have a healthy popu­ should give a voice to the groups that are lation, this goes a long way towards having a involved. This would surely come back to healthy society. There must also be modern the area committees. Let us divide Queens­ facilities within the office itself. I suggest land, if necessary, into five regions-Far that consideration be given to the provision North, North, Central, South and South­ of photo-copying machines for National west. Let us be regionalised and give each Fitness officers. Surely they are a necessity region representation on the State council. today. This is in the interests of the National Fitness movement and sport generally in Queensland. But the real need is a centre at which Let us improve these areas by also appointing these activities are carried on. When one a regional officer to co-ordinate the activities asks for grants and subsidies today, a fine of the National Fitness officers in these areas. line seems to be drawn between cultural, sporting and recreational activities. If one Speaking of officers, I think it is vital to applies for a subsidy on a certain type of expand the number of officers in this State. building and says that it is for recreational The Minister has given notice that there will purposes, one may not get a subsidy that be another officer stationed on the Gold one wants for cultural purposes. It is a Coast, another in Ipswich, and another in the great pity that all these things cannot be metropolitan area. It is about time that these put together for the establishment of Gov­ appointments were made, but what about ernment-sponsored complexes in all major Hinchinbrook? I think the area committee areas throughout the State. there has been without an officer for many I believe that there is an ideal opportunity years, since well before Ipswich and the to do this now in the city of Rockhampton. Gold Coast made their claims, and well I have already made representations to the before the metropolitan area asked for an Minister along these lines, and have given officer. him a rather detailed programme of what Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1383

could be done in the central region in Rock­ been one of his critics-but I do commend hampton by using the Central Girls' School him for the way he has played his part and complex. There are dozens of rooms there endured his test. I understand that he is that could be used by the thousands of retmng soon-in a year or two, or perhaps people who come to the centre yearly, repre­ even sooner-and we should be able to senting bodies that meet on an organisa­ replace a man of that type and give his tional and club basis. There is a very great replacement the assistance that is required. expanse of land that could be used for I am not quite sure that we can do this. leadership training and general coaching. Sometimes I think we have treated Mr. Harris There is a swimming pool, as well as tennis rather badly in the amount of money we courts, basketball courts, and so on. This have given him, the poor facilities with which would make an ideal complex under the head we have provided him and the few officers of National Fitness. we have appointed to assist him. I hope I think we should also start to learn that the image of national fitness will change. from what has been done overseas, and also Until the Minister took over this portfolio, in the State of Victoria. We have much national fitness was looked upon as the poor to learn from advances made in America cousin of the Education Department. I and England, especially in the establishment believe it should be a major shareholder of such centres. I have seen plans of cen­ in the Department of Sport. tres that have been established in England, fn the couple of minutes I have left to and I must say that they are worthy of me, I should like to voice my concern at consideration. the Government's attitude to the proposed It seems that there is too much duplication hvasaki Japanese tourist complex at Yep­ in youth activities and club organisation in poon. This is a matter of great public this State. Take the case of a group of concern, and I realise that there are two from 20 to 50 boys who start gymnastics or sides to it. It is feared by the conservationists some similar physical activity. For this, for what it is going to do to the area; it $3,000 to $4,000 has to be spent on equip­ ;s opposed by the R.S.L., as honourable ment. If another small club starts in another members may have read in the Press articles suburb, it, too, has to spend $3,000 to that I have here-I have not the time to read 54,000 on equipment. There is therefore them in their entirety-because the Shoal­ this tremendous duplication of money and water Bay Army complex is nearby; and it facilities. This could be overcome if, is opposed by some of the residents because throughout the State, there was a planned it will disrupt the unique environment of the programme of establishing sports complexes. Capricorn coast. Of course, it is supported But we must have leaders, and this is by the land developers and by people in possibly the main point that I wish to make. the tourist industry. It also appears to be If there are to be proper training and leader­ supported, I regret to say, by the Minister, ship facilities, there will have to be leaders. because I have here an article of 8 March I therefore advocate the establishment of a 1973 headed, "Herbert sold on Yeppoon leader-training centre in Queensland. At resort plan." I am somewhat concerned about the moment, most Queensland National that, because I am afraid the Minister may Fitness officers take time off to attend training simply have supported the proposal without at Narrabeen, in New South Wales. They going into it fully. are lost to Queensland for three or four Mr. R. E. Moore: You are talking off weeks while they attend courses there. the top of your head. Why can't we have a leader-training centre in this State? It could be tied in with the Mr. WRIGHT: The honourable member physical education teachers and could incor­ would not know. He hasn't much on the top porate advanced courses for club leaders. It of his head, as it is. could be a real centre for potential leaders Without playing politics, Mr. Lickiss, I in this State in the club and organisational ask the Minister to please be very careful areas, especially national fitness. I believe in the tourist development that he allows in that the courses should include not only the this region. I do not think we need a Gold physical skills that we clearly associate with Coast in Central Queensland. I certainly do club activities but also studies in club and not want one. We do not want all the bright organisation administration and man manage­ lights. We have a beautiful coast there and ment. All these things are vitally important lovely beaches. If the Japanese are allowed if the Government is to act effectively-in to take over this area, I believe that the the field of National Fitness and sport gener­ present unique atmosphere will be completely ally. destroyed. I am not quite sure what they In my opinion-and I think all honourable have in mind-in fact, I do not think anyone members will agree with me on this point­ knows what Iwasaki has in mind-but I am the National Fitness Council in Queensland very disturbed by the news reports that are has a tremendously good record, and no coming forth. The Premier said recently that small part in it has been played by the he is not so concerned because all Iwasaki State organiser and secretary, Mr. Eric Harris, has is freehold land and he will not be and his officers. Mr. Harris has had a hard getting any leasehold land. What a statement row to hoe for years-as he knows, I have to make! Iwasaki should never have got any 1384 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) freehold land. I believe that we are selling out Tourism and sport have a marked influence the prime parts of Queensland's real estate in our lives. Accordingly, I believe that the to foreigners, and such sales must be stopped. portfolio combining both takes on tremendous importance. Therefore, although I ask the Minister to consider seriously representations made by The honourable member for Pine Rivers all sides in this matter, I ask him to oppose deplored the modesty of the honourable this proposed development in the Central member for South Coast in not relating the Queensland region. full story of tourism on the Gold Coast. I shall attempt to fill in for him. I am Mr. BRUCE SMALL (Surfers Paradise) (4.59 p.m.): I rise for the first time in this sorry he is not in the Chamber, but I will Parliament as a Nationalist, and I am proud see that he gets a pull of my speech. to do so. As a fourth-generation Australian, I propose to give the Committee a few it makes my heart beat faster when I con­ details of the significance of sport and tourism template the tremendous heritage which is in the Surfers Paradise electorate which I ours and of which I am so proud. proudly represent. Relatively, it is a pocket I am proud, too, of the Estimates for handkerchief of only 12 square miles. I Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services now mention that to emphasise the extraordinary before the Committee, and I congratulate aggregation of tourist attractions and amenities the Minister and the team responsible for in this small area. Some 35,000 people reside bringing them forward on the job they have there permanently. We receive and entertain done. more than 100,000 visitors at a time, and accommodate more than half of the 2,250,000 I do not join with the honourable member visitors who come to the Gold Coast each for Rockhampton in deploring the advent year. I do not know whether honourable of Mr. Iwasaki and his Yeppoon project. members know it, but the electorate nms from For my part, I would do anything in my the Del Plaza Hotel in Southport down to power to help in putting a proposal of that the Miami Hotel. type across, because it can only bring benefit to the economy of Queensland by boosting Mr. B. Wood interjected. tourism, which is the greatest industry in the world and the greatest money-spinner Mr. BRUCE SMALL: We are catering for for the State of Queensland. I would say tourists, and we claim to offer every amenity to Mr. Iwasaki, if he thinks he is going that could be included in a tourist's catalogue. to create another Surfers Paradise by expend­ I will name a few. We have a race club ing S20,000,000, that we would not accept which is the finest in the provincial areas of that sum, even as a deposit. Queensland outside Brisbane. It has accom­ Mr. Hughes: How much would you say modation for large crowds and conducts races w •. s i;wested in Surfers Paradise? weekly. At the moment a proposal to include a $30,000 event in a forthcoming programme Mr. BRUCE SMALL: Off the cuff I would is under consideration. We are very proud say that $750,000,000 would not get a person of this club and its track, which is right in very far if he set out to create another the heart of the Surfers Paradise electorate. Surfers Paradise. I have one or two com­ We have a trotting club at Southport which ments I want to make on that subject as I is a very fine institution of its kind, without progress. superior outside Brisbane. These are wonder­ ful tourist attractions, which regularly draw As good as it is, I believe that the Budget large crowds to their weekly meetings. is still not quite good enough because the tourist potential is so enormous that it We have a magnificent golf club with vast deserves, merits and demands greater plan­ tourist accommodation. We have the two ning and effort, and certainly greater finance finest marine shows in the southern than even the spectacular figure shown in hemisphere-Sea World and Marineland, both the Estimates. I am sad because the socialists on The Spit. They operate side by side in Canberra have scorned the tourist industry seven days a week, with shows of a most and repudiated their promises, which turned varied nature, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They out to be mere piecrust. They have deserted entertain many hundreds of thousands of the Gold Coast as well as the tourist industry tourists each year. at large by not honouring the promises that In the electorate of Surfers Paradise we they would assist in restoring the beaches, have nine football and cricket grounds, with which are the prime reason for the Gold three more to come in a very fine 35-acre Coasts popularity as a tourist resort. sporting complex which has been planned and Mr. Jensen: What does it produce? designed for Benowa. It will be the second of this size in my electorate, the other one Mr. BRUCE SMALL: The honourable being Pizzey Park, down beyond Mermaid member knows what it produces. It pro­ Beach. We have a fine showground where duces $85,000,000 a year in tourist revenue, a two-day show is held annually. It out of a total for Queensland of $135,000,000. attracts very large attendances. Out of season In my book, that is about 63 per cent. it is used as a football ground. Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973) (Estimates) 1385

There are six surf life-saving clubs in the Even the commercial enterprises cater for electorate plus a very fine club for the tourists. The Sundale complex situated at nippers-the only nipper club in Queensland. the entrance to the bridge from Southport Mr. Jensen: Rubbish! contains a grand foyer in the nature of a theatre, which provides a non-stop pro­ Mr. BRUCE SMALL: It is the only nipper gramme of entertainment. This is coupled club-house in Queensland used exclusively with 56 ancillary, bazaar-type shops which for nippers. I stand by that statement. Six add to the atmosphere and attract the life-saving clubs regularly patrol the beaches crowds. It has car-parking facilities for 800 in Surfers Paradise electorate as an integral cars. This complex in itself is a veritable part of the service given on the Gold Coast, theatre. It provides entertainment in both and they are all doing a very fine job. wet and fine weather, and altogether it is a Mr. Jensen: Have you any sand there yet? very valuable adjunct to the tourist industry on the coast. Mr. BRUCE SMALL: We have plenty of The centre of Surfers Paradise is itself one sand and, for good measure, we are pumping great bazaar. Added to this will be the in another couple of million yards as insur­ modern complex designed by the Hanover ance against a repetition of the cyclonic company and expected to come into opera­ weather which did the damage in 1967. tion in the very near future. The cost Mr. Hinze: The honourable member for involved is $32,000,000 (I hope Mr. Iwasaki Bundaberg has his head in the sand. takes note!) in addition to the $4,700,000 that Hanover has spent on its block of 4.7 The CHAIRMAN: Order! The honour­ acres. From these figures honourable able member for South Coast must not inter­ members can gain some conception of the ject from other than his usual place. potential of the tourist industry as well as Mr. BRUCE SMALL: When the honour­ the investment opportunities that it presents. able member for Bundaberg emulates the Mr. Jensen: Did you bring any brochures ostrich and buries his head in the sand, as with you? my colleague says, he exposes the basis of his thinking. Mr. BRUCE SMALL: I do not need any. The hockey field on the Isle of Capri is My memory of the attractions of Surfers worth going to see. And it is not the only Paradise-indeed, of the whole of the Gold hockey field in the electorate. There is Coast-is such that I do not need to refer another at Pizzey Park, the 35-acre complex, to catalogues. My heart swells with pride at which can accommodate four or five simul­ the thought of them. taneous hockey matches. It is little wonder I should like to dwell on the light-industry that the Queensland championship is con­ development that has accompanied the tested there. growth of the tourist industry on the Gold There are seven bowls clubs that cater Coast and, in particular, on the development for a large number of tourists. Their 26 of the Molendinar Industrial Estate. How­ rinks are kept in fine condition, and, because ever, I mention it only to draw attention to of the incomparable climate, can be used the extraordinary aggregation of tourist during the whole year. We have a fleet of amenities and attractions that have accom­ launches on the river catering for business­ panied the progress and expansion of the men and tourists. Twice a day they make Gold Coast. tours of the beautiful Nerang River and the On the coast Miss Suzette Ereaut conducts Broadwater. Hourly and daily they cater for a creche institution that is a model for visitors, sending them away delighted. We other institutions that care for children to have an art society on the Gold Coast with follow. It is situated in Scarborough Street, its own building and gallery. It is doing a Southport, and cater,s for 350 children. Miss wonderful job. Its members give art lessons, Ereaut treats them with loving care and again catering mainly for tourists. cheerfully accepts her responsibility to her A new civic centre is planned for the Gold children. Coast at a cost of some $3,000,000. It will I have sought to satiate the appetite of contain an art gallery. The land has been the honourable member for Pine Rivers, and acquired and building will commence in I reg;ret that in the brief time available to July next. It, too, is located right in the me I have not been able to do justice to centre of the Surfers Paradise electorate. the Gold Coast. We can add to all this the 120 restaurants I now wish to make a point that will of the area that serve every type of food probably be deemed to be critical. I hasten that one can imagine. They are an attraction to assure the Minister, however, that it is as well as a service. Twenty of these intended to be constmctive. I make a plea restaurants are licensed and 15 to 20 run for greater concentration on direct promo­ their own floor shows, providing entertain­ tional activities as distinct from booking ment for visitors. My electorate of 12 square accommodation and arranging travel. It must miles provides 70,000 beds for tourists at be agreed that the target of over $8,000,000 prices that are so competitive that their for bookings of travel and accommodation equal cannot be found anywhere on this is a wonderfully effective result, and is one continent. that I do not desire in any way to disparage. 1386 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

I suggest that this promotional field is one I am happy to say that I am visiting that private enterprise is quite qualified to Townsville this week-end where a pro­ enter. I do not for a moment imply that motional campaign is being launched to put it should be left entirely to private enterprise, life into Far North Queensland, and Towns­ because the Tourist Bureau renders a valuable viHe in particular. The organisers plan to service. However, I feel that concentration raise $250,000 by way of subscription from should be directed at the avenue of selling. business people, accommodation owners, and citizens generally. This is a very worthy All my life I have been engaged in effort. I am tremendously thrilled to be selling of some kind. The experience that invited to participate in this effort, and I I have gained in selling tourism has taught will lend any help I can to the project. I me that nothing can equal direct contact see in this self-help programme one of the when it comes to influencing people to visit best ways of getting tourism off the ground. a particular tourist resort. If we could inspire a similar programme in I shall never forget the cyclones of 1967, every town and city of Queensland, there after which the Gold Coast was forced, if I would no longer be any question about the might use the term, to conduct an unorthodox future of the tourist industry in our great or at least a most unusual campaign in an State; nor would there be any question about endeavour to win back the tourist traffic tourism being promoted on an economic that had been lost as a result of the adverse basis without compare. publicity given to the effect of the cyclones I repeat that this Vote for sport and on the area. As honourable members may tourism, which have their own virtues and recall, we sent the meter maids to the other natural benefits, is the best promotional aid States to captivate, or capture, the audience to be found in any programme. I commend while we told them of the restoration of the the Government for turning its attention to Gold Coast. Our programme commenced the greater and further expansion of both in July 1968, and by November it had of these facets of the Minister's portfolio. covered Victoria, New South Wales, Tas­ {Time expired.) nnnia, SDuth Australia, and New Zealand. Our "cuttings book" records that we had Mr. MELLOY (Nudgee) (5.19 p.m.): I do won 28,000 single-column inches of free not know if honourable members realise publicity; we had had the microphones of just how important this Minister's portfolio radio stations throughout that area in our is to Queensland, but it is well to remember h::mds for a total of 18~ hours; and we had that it involves such areas as prisons, child­ appeared on the television screens for 4t ren's services, sport and tourism. These are hours-all without cost to the city of Gold all very important aspects of administration, Coast. and they have an important bearing on the [f honourable members could work out development of this State and its social the total value of that advertising, they welfare. A tremendous job has to be done would find it amounted to hundreds of in these fields. thousands of dollars. lt had the effect of In our prisons there is a social problem turning a 40 per cent occupancy in July 1968 that no-one seems able to solve. This to a packed, booked-out, no vacancy situa­ responsibility must exercise the Minister's tion in November of the same year. I have mind in no small way. I pay a tribute to the previously told the story about the 12! Comptroller-General of Prisons, Mr. Kerr, mim1tes we spent on colour television in who is on the eve of retirement. He has Tokyo, w:~tched by some 33,000,000 people, done a tremendous job. His views on the again entirely without cost. We had an treatment of prisoners are much the same oppor:unity to show off Australian bikinis, as mine. It is important that we look at and \\e held the audience's attention while the matter of imprisonment in its true we extolled the glories of the Gold Coast, light. Queensland and Australia in general by way We have heard much talk on the rehabi~ of very effective translation from English to Iitation of prisoners. We must remember, Japanese. The rating card said of that first of all, that prisoners are not imprisoned particular episode that, if we had bought it as a social measure; they are there as as advertising time, it could not have been punishment because they have committed more effective, and would have cost us crimes. I believe that imprisonment would $A45,000. be more effective if a prisoner was occasion­ The following morning we appeared on ally reminded that he is in prison as a black and white television for seven minutes form of punishment. Rehabilitation can before 11,000,000 viewers, the price for come in its own time. A person who which, according to the rating card, would is fined $1,000 or $2,000 is not allowed have been $A!14,000. It cost us no,thing. $500 off for behaving himself. If a person is in prison, he is there as a punishment. That type of propaganda can be relied That is what we should remember. After upon to sell in a much more effective way, having served his term of imprisonment he regardless of cost, than the orthodox method should, ~f possible, be rehabilitated. But of buying newspaper space and placing first of all he should serve the sentence ~traight advertisements. imposed on him by the court. Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (tstimaresl 1387

This is what prisons are for. They are failed to pay maintenance, and establish­ not rehabilitation centres, which should be ments such as the one at Palen Creek are quite separate from gaols. In any case, ideal places for them to serve their sentences. what chance of rehabilitation is there when the Comptroller-General says in his report- This brings me to ways of dealing with drunks. I do not think that the Brisbane "The programme of relieving over­ Prison is any place for them. They go in crowded prison accommodation is still a for two or three days, or a week or two, pressing problem due to the increasing to dry out, and they are then sent to Wacol. number of prisoners recei,ved and detained They are not criminals. They are rounded each year. Although the Government has up every day and given two or three days a rapid building programme, there are or a week in gaol, which they come to accommodation problems which will require expect as part of their pattern of life. They careful surveillance and attention." go on a "bender," and are picked up and If those are the conditions in which people serve a short time in gaol. They are sent are incarcerated, they cannot be expected to Wacol for a few weeks to dry out. They to appreciate any rehabilitation system. What are then discharged into the community, and is being pressed on them day by day is they go through the whole rigmarole again. the circumstances of their imprisonment, and this is uppermost in their minds. I do not think enough is done in the rehabilitation of these people. There is a The Comptroller-General also says in his need for an alternative form of treatment report- of drunks who are picked up virtually every "The broad principle of Prison accom­ day. Each morning, particularly on modation is to provide a separate cell for Mondays, 30 or 40 of them parade at the each prisoner but this has, at times, not Magistrates Court. Some do not even bother been possible." to plead; they take it as a matter of course that they will be sent to gaol for two or These are the conditions in which we are three days. This is part of their normal lives. talking of rehabilitation and, as I said before, But nothing is done for them. They are that is not the purpose of prisons. Their allowed to continue going into and out of purpose is to punish offenders and to impress gaol all their lives. Some have records upon prisoners the reasons for their impris­ containing over 1,200 convictions for drunk­ onment. They are there to pay to society enness. This is not the way society should the punishment that their crime merited. treat these people. Prison cells that were originally designed Prison officers have responsibilities for to accommodate one prisoner now have to which in many cases they are not prepared. accommodate two or more. These conditions What is needed is a psychological approach are not conducive to the proper running to their duties, and I think that more intensive of a prison and cause trouble among pri­ training should be provided for men and soners. The results of the multiple housing women who are recruited as prison officers. of prisoners in one cell can be readily They should not be given only a fortnight's realised. Under such circumstances con­ training and then put in charge of prisoners. spiracies develop, and gaol break-outs and There is a need for more intensive training actions against discipline are planned. Such over a period of months before they are conditions are also conducive to homosexual given the responsibility of looking after activities. They are not in the interests of prisoners in gaols. prisoners, and they naturally add to the I now wish to say a few words about the problems of those in charge of prisons. comments of the Comptroller-General of Harassment of prison officers can be "cooked Prisons on drug addiction. In my opinion, up" in multiple cells. As the Comptroller­ they are very important because he has seen General has said, accommodation is some­ the results of the way we deal with the thing over which he has no control. Space drug problem in this State. In concluding his is so limited that two or three prisoners report, he said- must be housed in a cell originally meant for only one. "In several previous reports, I have emphasised and expressed concern about I began by making specific reference to the continuing increase in prison popula­ the Comptroller-General of Prisons. He has tion and that more prisoners are indulging had his problems throughout his career in in crimes of violence against the person this position, and I know he has made every and property, and J note an alarming effort to overcome them. On one occasion change of attitude of many young prisoners other honourable members and I went with who oppose authority which, I feel, calls him to Palen Creek. This is a place for for stern measures in the appropriate prisoners who are not hardened, and who cases." should be segregated whilst serving their That is one of the problems of a prison sentences. There must be somewhere where officer: just how stern can he be towards $hey can be segregated from hardened prisoners? I realise that prison officers must criminals who are serving life sentences, or be provoked on many occasions, but they 10 or even five years' imprisonment. There are restricted by the attitude of society, which are prisoners who are in gaol because they is very sensitive to any stern measures that 1388 Supply (30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

may be taken by prison officers against support her child, but no mother can care prisoners. I believe that a very fine line for her child in the proper manner while must be drawn relative to sternness. she is working. The new provision for unmar­ ried mothers will be a godsend to them. They The Comptroller-General continues- will be able to keep their children and rear "There is an increasing number of them properly with the assistance that the young persons in prison who have been Commonwealth Government is making avail­ convicted of offences concerning posses­ able. sion and use of drugs. It is interesting to note the ages of the ··some of these people, no doubt, may unmarried mothers who have surrendered need help but a great many, when inter­ their children for adoption in recent years. vie\\ ed, accept the risk of detection and There were 16 unmarried mothers under 15 consequence and have no intention of years of age who gave their children for mending their ways. They regard the adoption. Between the ages of 15 and 19, penalty of a fine in the nature of a license 692 unmarried mothers were in that category, fee." and between the ages of 20 and 24 there were Now, here is the warning that the Comp­ 331. We can disregard the unmarried mothers troller gives to the Government in par­ under 15 years of age, as they would not ticular- be able to cope adequately with the rearing "It seems certain that unless stern of their children even with financial assist­ measures are taken that Queensland is ance. The 692 unmarried mothers in the on the threshold of a serious drug situ­ 15 to 19-year age group would normally ation, and we might learn some lessons be able to rear their children if they had from the experiences of other countries financial assistance, and 99 per cent of before the situation is aggravated." them would want to do that. Even the 49 in the 25 to 29-year age group would want That is a very serious warning, one that to rear their children if they were in a the Government must heed. financial position to do so. I refer now to the probl::m of drunks in I turn now to the subject of tourism. the 30 to 40-year age group who are com­ I refer ftrst of all to the establishment of mitted to prison in the early part of the the new Queensland Government Tourist week, serve their term, and then return to Bureau office at the corner of Adelaide and the same old rigmarole. One sees this hap­ Edward Streets. This is a great boon to pening every day of the week. In the year tourists. The Tourist Bureau does a tre­ just concluded, 797 people were committed mendous job, and I have often used its to gaol for drunkenness, and 643 of those facilities. In the former office a state of were committed for terms of less than one confusion existed most of the time because month. In most instances, l should say the available area was too small to house they were committed for about a week. sufficient staff to attend to the public. All What concerns me is that, of those 797, 519 the necessary facilities are available in the were over the age of 40. I think they have new office. reached a stage when, if they are not dealt with properly, they will live out the I now wish to say a few words about remainder of their lives-assuming that they the much-discussed Yeppoon development by live very much longer-in circumstances a Japanese businessman. and in an environment similar to that in An Opposition Member: They are giving which they are now living. Nobody seems the country away. to care two hoots about them; nothing is done for their rehabilitation. These are Mr. MELLOY: I do not say that. I have the people whom society should attempt to heard it said by some locals that people rehabilitate. will dash into Yeppoon, stay a while and clash out again, and that the project will I now wish to say a few words about the be of no benefit to Queensland. I do not Department of Children's Services and the agree. That is what happens with tourists S!lpporting mothers' benefits that have been in every country in the world. Many areas provided recently t,y the Commonwealth are clamouring for tourists to do just that Government, partrcularly for unmarried -to dash in, stay for a fortnight and then mothers. There has been much criticism dash out again. That is the basis of tourism. of the assistance provided. The story is, It will help Queensland to a great extent of course, that we will see mothers, par­ if we can attract tourists to that area where ticularly unmarried mothers, using this money they will spend money, even if for only for a splurge on things other than the rearing a fortnight. There would be a constant turn­ of children. I do not agree with that con­ over of tourists. The Tourist Bureau has tention. I believe that it is very desirable indicated that more than 1,250,000 Japanese that young unmarried mothers should be go overseas each year. and we must do able to retain their babies, because I do not something to attract some of them. think any mother willingly gives her child up for adoption. (Time expired.) The only reason a mother does not retain Mr. R. E. MOORE (Windsor) (5.40 p.m.): control of her child is that she cannot afford First I should like to say a few words about to. It is true that she could go to work to the comments of the honourable member Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1389 for Rockhampton, who criticised the Minister gamble to excess and are completely irres­ for Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services ponsible, or they have no consideration for by ~uggesting that his portfolio was only their families and eventually leave home. a mm?r one. The wrong yardstick is being used 1f a portfolio is judged simply by Mr. Sherrington: Why do you reflect on the number of dollars spent rather than on Country Party members like this? the job done and the goods obtained for Mr. R. E. MOORE: I am not reflecting th:1t expenditure. on them. This is more likely to apply to This would be one of the most important honourable members opposite. portfolios in the Ministry. For the informa­ When this desertion does take place, some tion of honourable members who are not wives can handle the situation reasonably aware of it, this Minister is responsible for well. However, we are not all mentally the adoption of children, the assistance of equipped to the same degree, and with many familie'. children in care. the Children's deserted wives there is a real feeling of Court, encouragement of and assistance to inadequacy. They are the ones who seek sport, National Fitness, prisons, relief assist­ assistance from the Department of Children's ance to the destitute, tourist activities, and Services. In the early stages after desertion so forth. No-one in his right mind would they are in dire need of help, but the Federal pass such a remark, and I feel that the Government falls down in this respect by not honourable member must have been mistaken rendering assistance for the first six months when he did so. after the desertion occurs. No-one would suggest that a deserting Mr. K. J. Hooper: How do you explain husband should not be required to con­ the . fact that the longest-serving Liberal tribute to the upkeep of his children. How­ Mm1ster holds the most junior portfolio? ever, in certain cases, husbands who have been ordered by a magistrate to pay main­ . l\_fr. R. E. MOORE: It is not the most tenance have been left with insufficient J Lll_11?r P?rtfolio. I would say that this income to live on. The result is that quite Mm1ster IS one of the ablest in this Parlia­ often they abscond, for example, to mining ment. One only has to see him on television towns like Mt. lsa and Weipa, or even to see the _command he has of his depart­ Dampier, in Western Australia. There they ment. He IS unflappable; he gives a direct use an assumed name to avoid being traced. answer _to every question; he never hedges; However, by doing so they encounter trouble and he 1s always on top of the subject. How with the Taxation Department when they could one class a man of that calibre as are required to lodge their return. holding a junior portfolio? Certain decisions handed down by magis­ One activity of this portfolio is that of trates are not correct. It is my view that in assistance to families. We all know that the these days of so-called equality it is only ~ost of this assistance is continuing to fair that the wife should contribute some­ mcrease at a rather alarming rate. In 1971- thing towards the upkeep of her children. 72 the amount spent in this direction was I do not for one moment suggest that a $2,397,773. In 1972-73 it rose to $3 984 409 mother of five or six children should be Of course, this increase was brought ;bout forced to work, but where there is only to som_e extent by the extra problem of one child of the marriage the husband should unma_rned mothers, desertion and that sort not be required to bear the total burden, of thmg. especially if he is not to blame for the break-up of the marriage. Desertion is a real problem today. Whilst As I have said, the Federal Government a h1~sband and wife might enter into a is very slow in coming to the aid of marnage contract in the first instance in the deserted wives. For the first six months light of education and experience of' life in after desertion the State has to foot the bill these modern days, they feel that it can be and assist them. Moreover, the State is also termin~ted ~?ro~gh a court or, as in Egypt, totally responsible for the upkeep of an b~ saymg, ~ d1vorce you; I divorce you; I unmarried mother whose child is born out­ d1vorce you. However, the children of the side. Australia. u_nion_ are placed in a completely different Mr. N. F. Jones: It is not. sJtuatwn. They have not lived long enough to understand what the real problem is and Mr. R. E. MOORE: It is. Such an that, in effect, the family is not one cohesive unmarried mother does not receive any whole. The children of deserted families Federal aid for five years. Similarly, the suffer an absolutely traumatic experience. deserted wife of a migrant who has resided in Australia for a period of less than five Not every deserting husband is nocessarily years is not entitled to Federal assistance for the culprit. Some women simply nag their five years. The State has to assist her, too. husbands out of the house. It is no use As the Commonwealth Government is taking saying one thing and meaning another. That over control of social services, I do not see does happen. On the other hand, there are why it should leave gaps in the assistance it deserting husbands who drink to excess, provides. 1390 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

Another problem arises from the fact that retrain prisoners. Before we can do this as pensioners who are paying off their homes with other pepple we must discove~ a are not eligible for the $4 allowance that is prisoner's natural bent. If it is his natural given to pensioners who pay rent. In bent to do a certain thing, he will be good addition to making repayments, pensioners at it and will like doing it. If a suitable who own their own homes are also required trade or calling can be found, there is every to maintain them. There is no reason why reason for retraining him. Many prisoners they, too, should not receive the allowance. are highly intelligent. Some are in gaol This Minister has to deal with the anti­ because they did not have a chance, but social behaviour of children. This problem many have had a good education. Numerous is becoming worse and worse. Is it brought trades are available-for instance, plumbing, about by working wives not being at home carpentry, electronics, mechanics and brick­ to listen to the children's little problems when laying. Although the trade union movement they return from school? Can the problems is opposed to the idea, gaols should accept be traced to "latchkey" children? I can contracts. What is the difference between only commend some of the children of work­ prisoners working inside gaols or outside in ing parents on the absolutely responsible the work-force? In the latter case, they way in which they behave on returning home. would not be a cost on the State. All such children are not truly responsible, Mr. Hughes: They could be released to but the great majority of them are. While I work on public works. must say that the working wife is contribut­ ing to the problem, I wonder whether some Mr. R. E. MOORE: I agree with the children's anti-social behaviour can be traced honourable member for Kurilpa. At present to the violent films seen on television and we have the release-to-work system, and scenes depicted in the other media which many prisoners could be employed in out­ may implant ideas in children's minds that side industry because there is a labour certain types of behaviour are the "in" things shortage. Gaols should not be a cost to the to do. In the case of children who are a State. The money spent on prisons could little older, I wonder whether the motor-car be spent in a more beneficial way, such as can be blamed for some of their troubles. on health or the provision of aged people's homes. Irrespective of what the trade union Mr. K. J. Hooper interjected. movement wants, I suggest that prisooers be Mr. R. E. MOORE: The honourable mem­ trained to do useful work that they like for ber for Archerfield referred to their getting eight hours a day. If they were doing work a lousy, "scabby" wage. I should like to they were happy to do, when their term of know what he pays his gardener. imprisonment is completed, they could become useful members of society. When I was a child, Brisbane had not developed in the way that it has and children Mr. Tucker interjected. always had somewhere to go. They could Mr. R. E. MOORE: I have seen Stuart explore the bush and swim in a creek, but Prison, and I agree that some reforms are today the bush is far from city dweller's and needed there. For instance, not all cell such adventures are not available to them. blocks are sewered. But these improvements When they go for a swim it is in a pool filled are in the pipeline and will eventuate. It is with filtered and chlorinated water, and most true that some prisoners are kept in cages, children are subject to a fair amount of but what else can be done with hardened regimentation. criminals who are a real problem and assauit In 1970-71, 2,226 children appeared in prisoners as well as warders? Should they be the Children's Court. In 1971-72 the number locked up in cells or allowed out in the increased to 3,269, which is surely reason sunlight in what is called some form of for some concern. At one time the term cage simply because it has a roof over it? "juvenile delinquency" meant something, but It could be constructed of weld mesh and be today it i,s simply accepted. Although my rather large, but H is still considered to be a next suggestion is not covered by the port­ cage. Our modern prisons have hospitals folio we are discussing, I wonder whether, as and other facilities. in America, we should create an offence {Time expired.) termed "contributing to the delinquency of a minor". Many problems confronting older [Sitting suspended from 5.59 to 7.15 p.m.] youths are created by mature people who ply them with "reefers" and such like. I should Mr. NEWTON (Belmont) (7.15 p.m.): In not be surprised to see the day-in fact, I his final remarks this afternoon, the honour­ advocate it-when we frame a law to prohibit able member for Windsor made 11. very the commission of any act that contributes to strong attack on the trade union movement and the role that it plays in the rehabilitation the delinquency of a minor. of prisoners in this State. Let me make the I refer now to another section of the position quite clear on behalf of the union Minister's portfolio, prisons. I believe that movement. We have never interfered with little can be done in the way of reform­ the retraining of prisoners inside institution~. ing brutal, hardened criminals. However, nor have we interfered with the releasing of over aY, there is a great nec~ity to prisoners for work. We have also agreed Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1391 to the continuation of apprenticeship training Easts Junior Rugby League Club. There are in institutions, and the inclusion of that also the marching girls associations. The training as part of the apprenticeship period. Wynnum-Manly Marching Girls Association, I feel that I should make the position quite of which I am patron, has its own ground clear because of the strong attack that was and caters not only for marching girls but made by the honourable member for also for the 26 girls' basketball teams that Windsor. play there. The Government should be the last to Therefore, I say to the Government that criticise the trade union movement, because, if it wishes to score politically on this matter, if it was sincere in its efforts to rehabilitate it should look at its own record since it set and train prisoners, it would pay trade up that inquiry. Honourable members on instructors in prisons the wages paid to trade this side of the Chamber have asked a instructors employed by the Education number of questions on the subject, but the Department. I think these things should Government has dodged them. It has said be brought to the attention of the Govern­ that financial assistance should be sought ment when its members endeavour to score through the physical fitness organisations off the trade union movement. to which it was allocating finance for these I listened with interest this morning to purposes. the Minister's introduction of the Estimates The Government could have done more of the many departments that are now under for organisations that are doing so much to his control which together form the Depart­ prevent youth problems, which are as bad ment of Tourism, Sport and Welfare Ser­ now as they were when a former Govern­ vices. They, of course, differ considerably ment decided to hold an inquiry. For from those that were previously under the example, it has not done anything to provide Minister's control. youth organisations with their own home The Minister's departments need at the grounds. That is very important, because helm a person with a broad outlook. In there is then an incentive for those organisa­ his opening remarks today, the Minister sur­ tions to raise finance to provide the other prised me when he took the opportunity to amenities that are needed by the youth of endeavour to score politically off the Com­ this State. monwealth Government on the matter of Mr. Hinze: When you played cricket for financial assistance that may be made avail­ the Belmont Cricket Club, did you get any able by that Government to sporting organis­ assistance from the Government? ations and other youth bodies. I take it that the Minister has not forgotten that he Mr. NEWTON: When I played for the was one of the members of a committee Belmont Cricket Club, it received assistance set up by his Government to report on from the local authority. It provided the youth problems in this State when it first grounds on which we played. All we had to took office in 1957. It is very interesting provide was the material needed to play the to note the names of the members of that game of cricket. Committee. The Minister was third on the I wish first to express my appreciation of list. the assistance given by the Comptroller­ I make it clear to the Minister and the General of Prisons, Mr. Stewart Kerr, his Government that the Opposition will be former deputy, Mr. Sochon, and his present watching very carefully the actions of the deputy. It seems to me that it is some time Minister in dealing with the problems of since the Estimates for the Prisons Depart­ youth and child welfare. I well recall the ment were before Parliament for discussion. report of that committee and the reactions Of course, that may be due to the continual that it produced between 1960 and 1963, changes in portfolios made by the Govern­ when every organisation that gave evidence ment. before the committee felt that finance would Mr. Hinze: Have you had a look at Boggo then have been made available to assist those Road and Woodford and at the new buildings who were doing so much to overcome the that are being erected? problems of child delinquency. As indicated by the honourable member Mr. NEWTON: I do not have to look at for Chatsworth earlier in the debate, when Boggo Road. I attended school at Dutton I was first elected to this Assembly my elec­ Park in my early days, so I know the place torate covered 32 sq. miles of the Brisbane well and I am aware of the improvements metropolitan area. In it were some of the that have been made there by Governments biggest youth organisaions in Brisbane, and over the years. no doubt they were among those that gave I wish to make the point, Mr. Lickiss, evidence to the inquiry set up by the Gov­ that the gentlemen to whom I referred a ernment and sought assistance for the good moment ago have always gone out of their work they were doing to overcome the way to assist me with matters raised by the problems of youth. It is interesting to note dependants of people who are under their that at that time the Mt. Gravatt Youth control. As a member of Parliament, one Recreation Club was catering for a member­ appreciates assistance of that type because it ship of 500 to 600 children. Its membership assists to relieve the tension felt by is probably even greater today. The honour­ dependants of persons serving terms of able member for Chatsworth mentioned the imprisonment in such institutions. 1392 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

It would be impossible in the time allotted of children in this State. He carried out to me to deal with all the matters covered a survey, which revealed that only 7 per so fully in the report of the Director of the cent of children who appear before him Department of Children's Services. The make a second appearance. I think that Director, Mr. Clark, and the officers and this, too is a very clear indication of what staff under his control can be assured that is being' done by the Children's Services the personal assistance given by them on Department, the Juvenile Aid Bureau and matters affecting family assistance, unmarried the magistrate himself. It is also obvious mothers and wives of prisoners, and on that Mr. Matthews does not intend to be matters affecting adoption, children under dictated to by anybody as to how he will control and assisted children are very much handle these children who come before him appreciated by me. The increase in payments for some wrongdoing. to foster parents and denominational homes Anyone who studies the statements of for the care of children is a step in the right this gentleman on his work will realise just direction, as is the increase in allowances to how important a role he plays in endeav­ unmarried mothers and others in a single­ ouring to set these children back on the parent situation. right path. He has made it quite clear It is pleasing to note that the Government that in his view, children are no different took heed of the many requests for the fro~ other persons. Because of his experi­ continuation of the Juvenile Aid Bureau. ence, this statement would carry some The announcement about disbanding this weight. He was on the Magistrates Court section of the Police Force brought many bench prior to being appointed to the protests from church organisations, youth Children's Court. And he has shov.;n quite movements, social workers, school principals clearly that he believes that any chance and many other organisations and persons these children ha,ve of rehabilitation must interested in child welfare in this State. As be maintained at all times. I interjected when the Minister was speaking, I want to refer now to an officer who it will be interesting to see the report brought did such an excellent job while in charge down by the Cabinet subcommittee. As we of the Juvenile Aid Bureau. He has now understand it, it will be a committee com­ been promoted to the rank of inspector. I posed of the leaders of the Country Party refer to Inspector Lewis. Looking at the and the Liberal Party and top departmental statements made by this gentleman, I see that officers. To us it is not merely a subcom­ in May this year he said that more children mittee of the Cabinet, but a very important were coming under the Bureau's notice, and committee. that there had been a significant increase The Director's report clearly indicates the in the proportion of girls involved. Until charter laid down for the Juvenile Aid six years ago, of the cases that were com­ Bureau and its activities in the six months ing before the Juvenile Aid Bureau, 65 per to 30 June 1973. It is quite clear that the cent were boys. Then a change began to annihilation of the Juvenile Aid Bureau as take place and now 55 per cent of those it is presently constituted would be a serious who have to be looked after by the Bureau setback to all those connected with child are girls. This is a very alarming change welfare. The Director states- in society. The inspector also said that "The relationship between members of 80 per cent of those coming under notice the Bureau and the staff of the Department were not again involved in any trouble. To of Children's Services has been excellent." my way of thinking, this is a very import­ ant point because, when dealing with children It is good to read that, because it is a in their tender years, the final results may very important factor in the interests of child depend upon how the situation is handled welfare. in the first place. If these children are Just over 10 months ago the Bureau looked not handled in the right way, the result could like being abolished by the Government. As be that they would enter on a career that indicated by me and other honourable mem­ nobody would like to see children follow. bers on this side on other occasions, the In all the reports made by the people Director and officers of the Department of I have mentioned, it is clearly indicated Children's Services, and the officer in charge that quite a number of cases stem from lack and staff of the Juvenile Aid Bureau, have of parental control. One therefore won­ the very important responsibility of looking ders what is going to happen now that we after children, with all their problems, from have pre-school centres. Anyone who has a tender age until they are 16 years of age. followed the progress of these centres so It is important to make this point because far will have read in the news media that many people have the wrong impression. principals and teachers are complaining that They believe that this responsibility extends children are left at the centres ear1v in the to children over 16 years of age. It should morning and not picked up until- a very be made quite clear that it is limited to late hour in the afternoon. guidance of children from a tender age to 16 years. (Time expired.) It is interesting to note what the magis­ Mr. NEWBERY (Mirani) (7.35 p.m.): I trate in the Children's Court (Mr. R. T. am pleased to participate in this debate, and Matthews) had to say about the problems at the outset I congratulate the Minister on Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1393 his capable handling of this portfolio. I also and the Mackay District Development Bureau, express my appreciation to the heads of his I have endeavoured to have the road to the various departments for the assistance they Finch Hatton Gorge upgraded. This gorge have given me over the past year. offers many scenic attractions, but access In the Mackay-Proserpine-Sarina area, to it is difficult. The Minister is well aware tourism is developing at a very fast rate. of the tourist potential of the area, but his The region contains numerous tourist attrac­ difficulty lies in getting help to overcome the tions, and I suggest that it is one of the problem. The gorge, which is located in greatest tourist areas in the State. Today I the Mirani Shire, is an unsurpassed scenic took out some figures from the Mackay attraction, containing waterfalls, mountain Regional Study that highlight the develop­ streams and natural swimming pools amidst ment that is taking place in tourism in the tropical vegetation. A lot of work has been Mackay area. In the study, it is estimated done to help tourists view the wonderful that by 1980 tourism will be "well advanced". tropical jungle scenery. The Forestry Depart­ ment has spent over $27,000 in providing As is known, the Mackay region is the walks, picnic areas, barbecues and other largest sugar-growing area in the State, so it facilities for tourists, but the hazardous is interesting to compare figures given for 1!mile stretch of road, with five creek the sugar industry with those given for the crossings within one mile, precludes a large tourist industry. In 1970 the sugar industry number of visitors from visiting this out­ employed 1,814 mill workers, and it is esti­ standing area. mated that by 1990 the number will have grown to 1,895. By comparison, in 1970 the The Mirani Shire is relatively small, and tourist industry had 918 employees in the owing to its high rainfall it faces a difficult region, and it is estimated that by 1990 the job in maintaining bridges and roads in the number will have risen to 4,375, or an area. The council, which consists mainly of increase of 500 per cent. In 1970 the total farmers, must give No. 1 priority to main­ income from the sugar industry in the region taining access roads to cane farms, and this was $66,000,000, and it is forecast that by means that the building of roads to tourist 1990 the amount will be $130,000,000. The areas is difficult to finance. The Mackay Dis­ total expenditure in the Mackay region on trict Development Bureau has estimated that tourism in 1970 was $7,800,000, and it is if this 1!-mile section of road could be made estimated that by 1990 the figure will be trafficable, at least 50 per cent of the $73,000,000. visitors to Mackay would remain for at least one extra day, which would mean that many Mr. Casey: Are those figures from the extra thousands of dollars would be spent Mackay Regional Study? in the Mackay area each year. A good access Mr. NEWBERY: Yes. road to Finch Hatton Gorge would be tremendously valuable to tourists and local It is also interesting to note the increase residents who want to visit the gorge but in the number of passengers who pass cannot do so because of the bad access road. through the Mackay airport. Three years ago the figure stood at approximately 75,000. By As I have said, the Forestry Department comparison, the present figure is nearly has spent $27,000 of public money in 140,000. In 1970 the number of guest-nights developing Finch Hatton Gorge, but it has stood at 667,000. It is estimated that by not been backed up by other Government 1990 the figure will have climbed to departments. It is beyond my comprehension 3,112,000. There is no doubt whatever that why this 1!-mile stretch has not been tourism in the Mackay region is growing upgraded. I cannot reconcile the state of rapidly, and for this thanks are due to the this road with our claim that we are a Minister's department for the encouragement tourist-oriented State. The Minister for it has offered. Tourism may ask what roads have to do with him, but in this instance I think he should Mr. Davis: What do you put it down to­ become involved. Tourist areas surrounding good ·luck? Mackay desperately need attractions like Mr. NEWBERY: Certainly not. As I have Finch Hatton Gorge to be made freelv acces­ said, the Mackay region is one of the finest sible to the public so that tourist interest tourist areas in the State. The Mackay may be maintained in the area. The gorge District Development Bureau is doing every­ road, for a distance of 1.2 miles, is well thing possible to develop local tourist attrac­ constructed from Charles Langdon's farm to tions. the grid. Mr. Casey: Would you say it was due to Only a few weeks ago I had the oppor­ the good climate and the wonderful people? tunity of having a look at this road with Councillor Matt. O'Neill, the shire chairman. Mr. NEWBERY: I would indeed. When We had to use a four-wheel-drive vehicle. We visitors come to the Mackay area they are also inspected the alternative route through made very welcome. Mr. Matthews's farm, on the eastern side I have mentioned those figures as a basis of the creek. This road could be constructed for a point that I now wish to make. For through the hills above the creek quite easily many yeans, with the Mirani Shire Council with bulldozers. 1394 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

The road from the grid to the barbecue, by the Mackay Junior Rugby League. They which is unconstructed for a length of about have a big job in front of them, and any 1.6 miles, is very rough and crosses many assistance is very much appreciated. creeks. It is only possible to traverse it in At Carmila, a very energetic committee is a blitz-buggy or a four-wheel-drive vehicle. developing a sportsground that will not be The road would be easily constructed. I used for any specific sport. That committee, suggest that a gravel road be constructed on too, has received some assistance. Help of the eastern side of the creek to avoid this any sort is very acceptable to organisations rough area. in the outer areas of the region, and is Some people go to the extent of leaving greatly appreciated. The Western Suburbs their cars and walking the last couple of Football Club, in the western area of my miles. However, once they reach the bar­ electorate, has a very energetic committee, becue, they still have to walk along the and it has been given some assistance in tracks of the real tourist attractions. the development of its football ground. 1 can assure the Minister that all these clubs Like the honourable member for Mackay, are very appreciative of the wonderful I am worried that although Finch Hatton support that is forthcoming from the Depart­ Gorge is so well advertised in tourist mag­ ment of Sport. azines and brochures, people find that they With those few remarks, once again I are unable to reach this attraction. thank the Minister for his assistance and Mr. Casey: Don't you think it would be support. better to concentrate on the roads on Eungella first and have one good spot available? Mr. N. I''· JONES (Everton) (7.52 p.m.): I consider speaking on the Estimates for Mr. NEWBERY: Actually, the Eungella Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services to be roads are coming under construction and it very important, as this portfolio deals with is hoped that, within the next 18 months, children and their involvement, with this a bitumen road will be completed as far as responsibility covered at both ends of the the Broken River bridge and the tourist area spectrum-one of sport, and one of juvenile there. Only a small amount of money is crime, child care, etc. required to make Finch Hatton Gorge Briefly in relation to sport, the Govern­ accessible. And it is very much closer to ment has neglected its responsibilities to our Mackay than is the Eungella Range Area. youth. If there had been a Minister of Sport, with his own allocation within the Budget, I do not know to what extent the depart­ today we could have been debating the ment could assist the council financially. I Estimates for Sport only. Perhaps with this should like the Minister to discuss this matter extra help to train and assist our youth in with me to see if we can use his influence the use of their leisure time, we may not in other directions to obtain funds to have been so alarmed by the changes that construct this road. My first thoughts are have taken place at the other end of the section 19A of the Commonwealth grants youth spectrum. legislation. Approximately $8,000 would do a tremendous amount of work in Finch However, my intention tonight is not to Hatton Gorge, and would make one of the deal with the sport aspect of these Estimates most beautiful scenic spots in the Mackay but to question some of the motives and region available to the many tourists who actions within the field of children's services. visit Mackay each year. I ask the Minister I shall deal in particular with the transfer to make approaches in the right quarter to of juvenile aid to this department. I believe that today we should examine in some detaiL see if some assistance can be given to the for the public record, the dishonest attempts JVfirani Shire Council to construct a road by some members of the Governrr.ent to into this area. practise discrimination against the children I take this opportunity to thank the of this State. We should further examine Director of Sport (Mr. Leahy) and his officers some of the statements and records of some for the work they are doing to encourage of the masterminds behind the discrimination sport in this State. Last year was the first against, and downgrading of, the children year he really got moving in this sphere, and and young people of Queensland. As a some sporting bodies in my area have Parliament, we should investigate the motive already benefited from this very beneficial that drives these men to such a defilement subsidy scheme. In this regard, my first of our youth. thoughts are for the Mackay Junior Rugby Before we deal in detail with these League ground, which is not in my area. attempts at discrimination, we should look This club received some assistance from the back in retrospect at the inauguration of the department, which I know would greatly Juvenile Aid Bureau. Juvenile aid was please the honourable member for Mackay. modelled on lines similar to those of a scheme Approximately 1,400 juniors are playing operating in WeJstham, London. It was Rugby League in the Mackay region, and identical with schemes recommended by quite a number of them come from outside Orlando Wilson, ex-chief of the Chicago areas. I thank the Minister for this support, Police Force. Orlando Wilson is recognised and I assure him that it is much appreciated throughout the world as an authority on Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1395

police administration and as the author of Let us look at some of the charges and a book entitled "Police Administration", countercharges made during that period. which I believe most police officers would According to a report in "The Courier-Mail" consider a handbook for administrators. He of 14 November 1972, Mr. Whitrod said on has also been responsible for the establish­ 4 November that under changes he sug­ ment of juvenile aid bureaus or similar youth gested to the Police Minister the bureau schemes. would engage in less counselling and more A pilot scheme was commenced in crime prevention. Plaistow, a London suburb, in 1961. In On 13 November 1972 the Treasurer said 1968, seven years later, the scheme was that a day earlier Cabinet had agreed that evaluated. FoJlowing the investigation of there would be no change by the Police the results of the Plaistow scheme, it was Department in the long-standing policy of planned to extend the scheme throughout the Juvenile Aid Bureau operations. According metropolitan police district. This action was to the same report, a senior official of the taken in 1969. Approximately 150 police Department of Children's Services said that were assigned to duty under the extended his department and the Police Department Plaistow scheme. were separate. It was further stated that it Today we find a further extension of the was expected to take between 18 months and United Kingdom bureau similar to the two years for the Department of Children's Queensland Juvenile Aid Bureau. In fact, the Services to train officers in Juvenile Aid bureau in .the London Metropolitan Police Bureau operations. area recently has increased its staff to 208 Why the change in personnel if the present men. Although statements by some leading system is a success in turning young people lights in the conspiracy indicated that the from a life of crime? A newspaper report London-based bureau had been disbanded, it said that the Minister for Welfare Services appears that in fact it is being extended stated that juvenile aid did have substantial while its Queensland counterpart is being success. Everyone agrees that it has had a prepared as a lamb for the slaughter. maximum success rate of 80 per cent in Juvenile aid was founded in 1963 under turning young offenders away from crime. the then Police Commissioner (Mr. Frank Teachers, social workers and church groups Bischof), with one policeman and one police­ all opposed any change to juvenile aid at woman. Commissioner Bischof recommended that time. to the Premier of Queensland at that time, But was that the end of the battle to have the late Honourable Jack Pizzey, that the more children charged to assist the crime­ Juvenile Aid Bureau be formed. The bureau clean-up rate? Definitely not! On 28 August was essentially a unit of specialised police 1973, the special committee to inquire into to counsel and rehabilitate youngsters and juvenile crime met at Parliament House­ help them to understand and respect members the Premier, the Minister for Mines and of the Police Force and the public-surely Main Roads (Mr. Camm), the Treasurer motives of the highest standard. (Sir Gordon Chalk) and the Minister for Why would the Government wish to Justice (Mr. Knox). It appears strange that transfer or change the proven successful the two Ministers directly involved, the operation of the Juvenile Aid Bureau in the Minister for Welfare Services (Mr. Herbert) handling of young offenders throughout the and the Minister in charge of police (Mr. State? Let us examine the statement of Hodges), were not present. It was amazing those deeply interested in the change, and if, as alleged, a senior public servant and a compare it with the statement of leading senior police officer were again putting for­ members of the public who stand opposed to ward a proposal for the disbanding of the it. Juvenile Aid Bureau. On the one hand, it Because the Government was under was proposed that the police be returned to criticism because of its crime clean-up rate, the department nnder a new name-Juvenile a report was brought down on 26 October Bureau or Juvenile Unit-with dutv to investi­ 1972. Its contents indicated that if, during gate every offence involving a j~venile and questioning by police, children admitted to to record every offence on police files. This more than one offence, they were charged means, of course, that every offence, regard­ with the other offences. Proposed changes less of its nature, could be used to raise the were recommended by the Police Commis­ crime-clean-up rate. sioner and supported by the Minister in The other proposal, of course, is to expand charge of police. One might well ask why. a new section within the Department of On 22 November, 1972, in the Matters of Children's Services. Of course, this is the Public Interest debate, the Minister for same course of action as was proposed in Justice pointed out that originally there was October 1972 when Cabinet directed that a policy to change juvenile aid. The proposal police officers were to be phased m1t by was considered by Cabinet, and a decision child welfare officers. While most of the was made that there should not be any Cabinet Ministers were present, the Premier change in policy. It was announced that the directed that the Public Service Board should personnel of the Juvenile Aid Bureau and examine the situation and confer with Mr. their equipment would be transferred to the Clark of the Department of Children's Ser­ Department of Children's Services. vices and Police Commis!lioner Whitrod. Is 1396 Supply (30 OCTOBER 1973) (Estimates) this an easy way of allowing a decision to That letter was signed by E. D. Evans, be made-to destroy or replace the Juvenile Honorary Secretary, Secondary Schools Prin­ Aid Bureau by a recommendation from the cipals' Association, on behalf of the members Public Service Board? The Premier wanted of the executive-C. M. J. Butcher, Coor­ a final decision within six weeks. In the paroo State High School; C. McCallum, Clon­ meantime, has the decision been made and tarf Beach State High School; A. Jones, are plans being carried out to remove and Toowong State High School; K. Pembleton, change the Juvenile Aid Bureau as outlined Kelvin Grove State High School; D. F. by the t~;•o senior public servants? Whittred, Salisbury State High School; and While the debate goes on, one should' J. F. Guy, Wynnum State High School. note the views outlined by the Queensland A further letter to the Premier from the State Secondary Schools Principals' Associa­ president of the Association of Senior tion in a letter to the Premier dated 24 Mistresses of Queensland State Secondary July I 973, which stated- Schools, dated 27 July 1973 stated- "The Executive of the Queensland State "On behalf of the Association of Senior Secondary Principals' Association wishes Mistresses of Queensland State Secondary to express its unanimous and strong support Schools, I wish to put forward the views of the work of the Juvenile Aid Branch in of the Association on the Juvenile Aid the metropolitan area. Bureau. ''Since its inauguration, the officers of "It is with the utmost dismay that we the Juvenile Aid Bureau have consistently read of the possibility of the role of been of tremendous assistance to principals the Bureau being changed or its effective­ of high schools in Brisbane in many ways. ness curtailed in any way. Their firm, but friendly and understanding counselling, backed by official authority, "In our position in the larger high has been responsible for keeping many schools, we deal with a great number of young boys and girls on the right track. problem girls, and we have the highest Parents also have, on occasions, appealed praise for the assistance we receive unstint­ to them with success for assistance and ingly from the dedicated members of the advice with problem children. They met Bureau. with prompt and worthwhile co-operation. "At every meeting and seminar held by "Although counselling is their principal our association, the work done by the method of operation, there have been bureau is discussed, our appreciation is instances when incorrigible juveniles have always voiced, and our country members been put before the courts for their own in the bigger cities deplore the fact that protection. ·they have no similar assistance at their "We believe that the reported high disposal. incidence of juvenile crime does not indi­ "Our own role is very largely that of cate any definite failure on the Bureau's counselling, however, we do not have the part. On the contrary, we believe that weight of the bureau with its powers of the incidence of juvenile crime would have prosecution, nor do we have the right to been higher had it not been for the work go to the children's homes. We have all of the dedicated officers of the Bureau, seen the tremendous effectiveness of the despite an apparent tendency for juvenile bureau's counselling and home visits, and crime to be increasing in many parts of know also that offenders who do not Australia and elsewhere. respond to this will be prosecuted when "We deplore the system of prosecution necessary. We know only too well that the of most young first offenders, particularly majority of children who commit serious those of tender age and inexperience who offences or who are difficult disciplinary yield to sudden temptation. We do not problems at school, have serious problems contend that prosecutions are not neces­ at home, and the very effectiveness of the sary in most serious cases, nor in the case bureau's members is the result of their of seemingly incorrigible youths, but we being able and willing to spend time feel that careful consideration is most talking with parents as well as children. necessary before such action is proceeded I know personally of many, many parents with. We, too, pay a tribute to the excel­ who are grateful for the help given them lent work and co-operation with school and their children. principals, of the uniformed officers of "Our association deplores the threat of the Police Department both in metropolitan immediate prosecution of young offenders, and provincial areas. while resting secure in the knowledge that "In conclusion, we repeat that our under the present bureau, persistent and Association commends the officers of the serious offenders will, in fact, be dealt Juvenile Aid Bureau for their prompt, With by the COUPtS. efficient and humane assistance. We would "In conclusion, I must reiterate that our be loath to see any reduction in their association and all the parents and students influence and would like to see the Bureau whom we represent, believe most firmly preserved and strengthened. that the Juvenile Aid Bureau should be "Trusting our views and request meet allowed to continue with the work it is with your approval and your support." so ably doing." Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1397

That letter was signed by M. L. Collins, if we made historic villages. I think there is President of the association. a great deal of merit in his suggestion. It is a lot easier nowadays than it was years ago to :l believe that those letters outline the persuade Governments and other authorities concern of responsible people within the to put money into the preservation of useful community who are worried by persistent relics of the past. There is now a much more statements and counterstatements to the helpful climate of public opinion in favour effect that the activities of the Juvenile Aid of their preservation. It is certainly essential Bure:.tu might be affected or changed. I that we preserve the past. I always think bclie\e :hat we should take some notice it is quite impossible to know where we are of the responsible attitude set out in those going without having some rough idea of letters by responsible people who spend a great deal of their lives teaching the young where we have been. It is vital to keep what­ people in our Queensland society. I also ever we can to remind us of our links with believe that they indicate clearly that the the past. only avenue open to the Cabinet is the Mr. Bromley: I said that. extension and strengthening of the Juvenile Aid Bureau. Mr. PORTER: The honourable member Why would these men of high position for South Brisbane has said it, and now I want to destroy this section of the Police have said it. That settles it; it must be Force and the Department of Children's right. Services? Could it be personal conflict I was interested in the comments that between the parties? Could it be political, to have recently been made about such build­ lift the crime-clean-up rate? Could it be that ings as The Mansions and the Bellevue in public servants are making the decision for George Street. None of us want to see Cabinet? The Minister in charge of the the disappearance of buildings that have a Department of Children's Services now has certain amount of atmosphere and attract control of juvenile aid. He has said it has not only visitors but also those of us been successful in turning young offenders who have belonged to the city of Brisbane from crime. Why doesn't the Minister say for a long time. I would hope that very where he stands? real consideration will be given to the reten­ tion of the facades of these buildings. If The public should be asked. What would "'e can keep their exteriors as well as the be the attitude of parents who have been interiors even to a depth of only one room assisted by the officers of the Juvenile Aid and at the same time erect new buildings Bureau~ What would be the attitude of within them we may be getting the best children who have been assisted? In my of all worlds. I agree that in all cases opmwn, a joint parliamentary committee this is not possible, but it is being done should be appointed to look at all aspects of at present in St. George's Terrace in Perth, juvenile crime and investigate the claims and with the Diocesan Council Building. counterclaims in relation to counselling and prevention, and such a committee should be It had been suggested that that building asked to present a report to this Parliament. should be pulled down to make room for Onlv then should a decision be made to one more of these modern monstrosities that trm{sfer, expand or destroy such agencies as are nothing more than matchboxes set on the Juvenile Aid Bureau. end. made of steel, glass and stone. How­ ever, public pressure was such that a new Mr. PORTER (Toowong) (8.9 p.m.): The building was redesigned to sit inside the honourable member for Everton always facade of the old historic building. Per­ exhibits a strange compulsion to attack some­ haps that may be an answer for The Man­ body in this Chamber. He seems to feel that sions and the Bellevue building, even though his role here is to act somewhat like a from my little knowledge of the latter I disease-ferret. He comes across something am constrained to say that it will take a that he thinks has an odour to it, and lot of shoring up to keep anything there. away he goes, chasing it with frenzied My own feeling is that we should aim enthusiasm up any drain and along any at keeping not single buildings but groups sewer. It is a great pity. of buildings. Most visitors who in the past The Estimate with which we are dealing came to Queensland were struck by our is for a portfolio that covers a remarkable houses on stilts. We grew up with them array of responsibilities. Sometimes I wonder and found nothing wrong with them­ just how it is that they are all able to go indeed, we found a lot right with them­ together. Actually, I doubt if they do and but visitors regarded these houses standing this must make the task of the Minister on stilts in this sub-tropical climate as being more difficult. So one can only touch on quite extraordinary. some aspects of the Estimate in the brief I think it would be a good idea if we time :~Y2ilable. preserved a couple of streets of houses that On th~ tourism side of the Minister's were built 30 or 40 years ago so that the responsibilities, I was interested in a com­ total atmosphere could be seen. I also think ment ur:ier today by the honourable mem­ that we should keep buildings that may not ber fo"" Chatsworth, who said that quite a be terribly old but nevertheless possess a consiJe:-;_ble tourist asset would be created particular atmosphere. I have in mind the 1398 Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates)

Normanby and Breakfast Creek Hotels, Some comment has been made in this which were built in the gold-rush days. They debate on prisons. Nowadays, there is a are excellent representations of the char­ great tendency in some quarters to recoil acter and fine, optimistic and virile attitudes from the notion of punishment for wrong­ of people in those ebullient days, and we doers. The old Gilbert and Sullivan tune should certainly try to keep them. It is which highFghts the words, "Make the a matter for great regret that Chardons punishment fit the crime" now seems to have Hotel was demolished. gone by the board completely. The notion seems to be that the victim of a criminal Mr. Bromley: The Red Brick and Broad­ offence really deserved what he or she got way Hotels, too. because he or she was the instrument whereby Mr. PORTER: Any buildings that are the unfortunate aggressor was brought to representative of particular periods should book. I find it quite absurd, and, indeed, be preserved. Although they may not be tragic, that so much sympathy should be old now, it is inevitable that as time goes shown for the perpetrator, and so many on they will become old. violent efforts made to excuse and condone wrongdoing, with a complete attempt to Parts of Spring Hill should be maintained obliterate all memory of a victim. Hence as they are. Recently I was delighted at the we get the notion that prison is wrong. I fact that, owing to community effort, part think it was the honourable member for of Spring Hill was used to emulate the Pine Rivers who said earlier in the debate atmosphere of the Portobello Road street today that it was a terrible thing that men stalls in London. We do not want to get should rot away in prisons. These are rid of all these things in the name of pro­ fine polemics-that men rot away. Anyone gress. We should certainly try to keep those who has had anything to do with prison that are distinctive, unusual and unique. administration knows that this is very far People want to see things that are pictur­ from the fact. My own view is that this esque and different. notion is being taken much too far. Only As I say, this proposition should apply a few years ago Lord Chief Justice Denning not only to particular areas of Brisbane but of England wrote in these terms- also to many other places in the State that ''It is a mistake to consider the objects possess rich and highly individualistic of punishment as being deterrent or industries. reformative and not anything else. The I now wish to comment briefly on coastal truth is that some crimes are so out­ resorts. We in Queensland tend to believe rageous that the public insists on some that we have an almost unlimited supply punishment because the committer deserves of beaches. And perhaps in a general sense it, irrespective of whether it is a deterrent we have. However, with the enormous or not." growth in our population and the pressure I must say that I agree with that whole­ on coastal resorts, our unlimited supply is heartedly. The notion that the role of becoming very limited indeed. We must prison is totally a reformist one is a little remember that, while people today drive to bit of precious nonsense that some people resorts in motor-cars, the next generation will who believe they are trendy and progressive almost certainly be flying to them in light go in for. In my view, it may well be aircraft. By this means, beaches many hun­ that the concept of reform through impri~on­ dreds of miles from big centres of popu­ ment is quite incompatible with the major lation will come under intensive usage. role of prisons as places of detention for We need all the open, uncluttered, sun­ imposing punishment. We must watch this drenched and wave-swept coastline that we area very carefully to ensure that we are have. I make a strong plea in this Chamber­ not carried away by quite spurious emotions. and I intend to reinforce it wherever I Children's services are an area of very can-to please leave our beaches alone. Do great concern to all of us. No other sphere not let us fence them in, sell them, build reveals so startlingly the very dreadful by­ on them, mine them or sully them with products in terms of human agony that sewage. We want as many as we can get. inevitably flow from today's permissive It is very wrong and shortsighted of us society, with its erosion of individual responsi­ to confuse development with massive build­ bility and family authority. Young people ings and unnatural mangling of our coast­ are always the innocent victims and the line and inland waterways by regimented major sufferers from this erosion--children canal developments. To my mind this is who are unwanted, unloved, deserted and sometimes very far from development. A rejected. Last year, the Director of the little of it can go a very long way, and Department of Children's Services, Mr. certainly we do not want so much of it Clark, made a very grim prediction when that it tends in part to become brackish he spoke of the alarming rise in anti-social backwaters and immense breeding grounds behaviour of youngsters caused by the grow­ for midges in plague proportions. Above ing rate of family desertion. He said that all, we do not want casinos, because they there would be an upward trend foc the grievously exploit scarce public resources next 10 years. That was a very sombre for the benefit of the greedy, the raucous, comment. The sad fact is that what he the hungry and often rapacious few. said last year has now all too tngically Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1399

been shown to be true. His forecast, far However, I make a plea to the Minister from being exaggerated, was perhaps a little to think big in one direction. I make no on the moderate side. apology for ~aying that I would like provided, for track and field athletics, an all-weather I wonder if there is not, over all, a danger­ track which would cos,t somewhere in the ous and rather nonsensical trend towards mis­ vicinity of $250,000 or $300,000. All of us taking bathos for pathos in this field of like to glow in the reflected glory of a few accepting that people can opt out of things; great athletes. But there is much more to that v.e are placing our sympathy and help it than enjoying the lustre that they are able where it is certainly not most deserved. 1 to shed on the rest of us. Champions are do not think anything is gained by believing important, not only for the laurels that they that the State's role-! use the term in its gain for the State and nation but also larger sense-is to take always from the because they become people to be emulated deserving and give to the undeserving; to by boys and girls. It must be a much take from the thrifty to give to the shiftless; healthier situation if young people idolise a to reward laziness, stupidity, selfishness, Stephen Holland or Denise Robertson rather evasion of duty and rejection of responsibility than some screaming pop star with greasy, and, at the same time, inevitably penalise, lank hair. by withholding from them all reward and incentive, those people who stand on their Mr. Bromley: Was "Chilla" Porter any own feet and accept responsibility for their relation of yours? own acts and battle out life's problems for themselves. Mr. PORTER: I do not know whether the honourable member is being facetious. There Of course, nobody is suggesting for one is some slight connection between us. moment ,that \\e must not help those who are unduly buffeted by circumstances. We all Because track and field athletics are the accept that. But that is a far cry from basis of literally every sport that involves subsidising deliberate shirkers. Honourable running, jumping and throwing, and because members opposite, who believe ,that they this is a way of harnessing the enormous alone are the apostles of modern social reservoir of enthusiasm, capacity and talent welfare, fall very readily into this trap of that is generated down through the years in mawkish sentiment that we must always our schools, not only G.P.S. schools but help the people who are least worthy of State high schools, a "Tartan" track is needed help. to put Queenslanders on an even footing with Australians in other States. Without such a I agree with the Minister, who has said track, Queensland athletes are grievously on several occasions that such attitudes as handicapped. It is wrong of us to exploit the enlarging aid for unmarried mothers to few naturally and remarkably endowed enable the single mother to keep her child people-at the moment it seems to be only are most certainly, in so many cases, not the girls-and not give them the facilities in the best interests of the mother or of the that they require to enable them to keep in child. In one home I visited only recently, line with athletes in other States. I was told of a 15-year-old girl who, because she now gets this money from the Common­ I suggest that the Department of Sport wealth, decided to keep her child. It would could make a great name for itself, and do a wonderful job for sport in general in this be very remarkable indeed if, under these State, particularly with the prospect of Bris­ circumstances (as the child grows from being bane's securing the Commonwealth Games, a toy, a plaything, or an object to be looked if it provided this special track for athletics at and enjoyed, into an adolescent), what is in Queensland. happening now turns out to be in the best interests of that child. I suggest that we must Mr. Bromley: What about the Mt. Gravatt consider this as much as anything else. So Showground? I sound a note of waming in these fields. We should not go overboard in always trying Mr. PORTER: I am not particularly con­ to help over stiles people who themselves cerned about where it is placed, as long as will not even try to put one foot ahead we have it. The main thing is to give our of the other, young people the advantages enjoyed by athletes in other States. I cannot see how Finally, I make some comment on sport. any athletics organisation could provide this It is well said that tall oaks from little sort of money. It is simply not around these acorns grow. We have made a good start days, and one cannot expect voluntary in this field of assistance to sport. We all officials, who are fiat out trying to keep the concede that much has yet to be done. As sport going, to generate a capital investment one of that ardent group of Liberal back­ of this order. This is a job for the Govern­ benchers who, over the years, have advocated ment, and there are a few other members this move-long before the A.L.P. jumped who feel the same way. I think the honour­ onto the band wagon-and helped to have it able member for Murrumba is very heavily included in the Government's election policy, involved in this matter, and we will certainly I am delighted to see so much being done. do what we can to persuade the Minister One accepts ,fuat it is impossible to satisfy and his officers that an athletics track of all the requests that are being made. this type is necessary. 1400 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973) (Estimates)

Mr. HANSON (Port Curtis) (8.27 p.m.): it. To ensure that children are properly I very much appreciate the fact that one is cared for during the period when their able to participate at this time of the year parents are at work and to overcome the in what could be known as the "Estimates problem of what are known as "latchkey" season." I refer at the outset to many of the children, playground activities and many fine public servants who have been connected with the administration of the departments other methods of keeping children engaged in under discussion for many years, and who some wholesome form of physical activity have worked unselfishly and assiduously in could be provided so that their young minds the interests of Queenslanders. Of note is could be oriented to high ideals. an old friend, Mr. Joe Wilson, Director­ Although the Minister may have received General of Tourist Services, who has headlines today because of the comments he recently been appointed to the Licensing made, I remind him that he and hi' Govern­ Commission, I understand on a temporary ment colleagues have at least some responsi­ basis before a permanent appointment is bility for the policy of their party, which is made. I refer also to that great humani­ founded on the great spirit of free enter­ tarian, Mr. Charles Clark, and another friend prise, and has unleashed many unsavoury of long standing, Mr. Cedric Johnson, who economic forces upon the people of this now sports a sylph-like figure after many country and in some instances put them in years of extra avoirdupois. I must also financial jeopardy. I suggest that he could mention, of course, my old friend Stewart well look at the proposal put forward by a Kerr, Comptroller-General of Prisons, who, political colleague of his in the Federal incidentally, I contend should be in the Police Department occupying a very high sphere, the Member for Sturt (Mr. Ian position. I believe that he would be a very Wilson), that a system of stay-at-home pay excellent Commissioner, and that is what he for mothers be introduced. I am aware that would be if the Government had any brains. it has been suggested in certain quarters that Finally, I mention a recent acquisition, Mr. this is the brainchild of a Labor administra­ Ron Leahy, who became Director of Sport tion. However, if we look at 'The Aus­ from the edges of tennis, the Davis Cup tralian" of 3 May 1973 we find that the idea sport. I think that the work of these gentle­ was advanced by Mr. Wilson, who suggested, men should be acknowledged, because I have according to the article, that if the Govern­ found them particularly courteous in the ment believes moth(!(['s should be paid a many representations I have made to them. maternity allowance, that allowance should be available to all mothers, not just to those It was with very sincere regret that I read working in the Public Service. It said it the Minister's article in the "Telegraph", in was bevter for the Government to pay the which he criticised working mothers for not natural mother to stay at home and care giving sufficient attention to their families. for the children than to use that amount to I quite agree with much of what he said, pay substitute mothers in child-care centres and there is, of course, a lack of responsi­ simply because the natural mother cannot bility in some people. However, one must afford to stay at home. examine the basic cause of many of the economic ills that now beset society. I I do not say, of course, that I agree suggest that it is at the very root of the entirely with such a proposal, but I should political philosophy that he and many of his like to know whether the Minister for colleagues have espoused over a long period. Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services. who, as I say, has been given some prominence Unfortunately, it is true that there are a in today's Press, agrees with his political considerable number of working mothers colleague in another State on that point. today. About 30 years ago, a husband who allowed his wife to go out to work was Under the directorship of sport, one finds frowned on by society in general. But now, in the Sporting Bodies Assistance Fund, because of severe economic pressure con­ which was created last year, that grants from jured up by financial manipulators and those the Consolidated Revenue Fund totalled who are at all times attempting to crush the $437,536. The expenditure was $,117,806, working-class society of this country, the leaving a balance of $3'19,730. Pre~umably family situation has been altered to such it took a while for the Director of Sport an extent that the mother must seek employ­ to get off the ground, and naturally with the ment in order to maintain a satisfactory terms and conditions applicable to aid to standard of living for her children, herself sporting bodies, requiring as they do certain and her husband. The two-income family plans and specifications, time did not allow has to some extent become part and parcel .the complete spending of the grant. I should of the Australian way of life. like to hear some comment from the Minister on that poin1. Of course, certain remedies in this field could be followed by Governments. They In passing, I should like to thank the could face up to the problem, admit that it Director of Sport for coming to Gladstone exists, decide that there is no economic recently and viewing the plan of the future proposal they can put forward to meet the undertaking by Queensland Alumina Ltd. at present unsatisfactory situation, and en­ a cost of $1,500,000 to set up a vast sporting deavour to find other means of overcoming complex. Supply [30 OcTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1401

To-day's "Telegraph" reports the Minister's Without doubt, the tourist industry is a biting criticism of the Federal Government's very significant employer of labour, par­ policies as they affect the State's tourist ticularly female labour. It offers a wonderful industry. The report reads- opportunity for employment and is a major "Ste::cs taken by the Federal Government economic factor in many places. The industry since i:;; election had placed the industry's offers the means whereby Australians are able to enjoy the resorts in their own country. future in jeopardy." It gives them an opportunity to see at first To bolster up and justify his opinion, the hand the moves for the preservation of the Minister said that one prime example was environment, which is part and parcel of the increase in domestic air fares. Might the stock-in-trade of the tourist industry. I remind the Minister and other Government I mentioned earlier the devastating truism memberE that on 20 June 1972, at a time when of the middle 1972's and days previous to the Mc:Mahon Government was in office in that which was revealed in the Press of the Canberra, "The Courier-Mail" published an time, as applicable to the recent submission article, under the heading "Domestic tourist that I read regarding reduced air fares. trade slump", by Oliver Harvey, a journalist Naturally, this is a matter for very serious of considerable repute. In his article he concern. The newly elected Commonwealth referred to young, and old, Australian holiday­ Government, which the Minister derided in makers who were being lured abroad by the his speech today, has created a Ministry of current fare-cutting war among the oversea~ Tourism and Recreation, something that did airlines. He was referring to the tourist not exist previously in the regimes of business as it relates to the average Australian McMahon, Holt and Menzies. The Depart­ going on an overseas tour. He submitted a ment of Trade and Industry dealt with thoughtful report on the tourist industry by matters of tourism in its tourism sector. A.N.T.A., which said- The A.L.P. Government has also promised "Domestic air fares inside Australia are that the Australian Tourist Commission will so high that the new reduced overseas be vested with full constitutional powers to fares are increasingly attractive to local engage in business activities appropriate to holidaymakers. tourism. I do not think there is anything "The relatively low costs of air travel wrong with this. After all, the Federal overseas to, for instance, nearby Pacific Government has not yet been in office for areas like Fiji, New Zealand, and New 12 months, and it is certainly entitled to a Caledonia are luring Australians in their little time in which to galvanise people into thousands away from holidays within their action and commence its policies, the pre­ own country." vious Government having been in office for 23 years. I believe it is a step forward Far be it for the Minister to be critical of and the exercise will no doubt assist tourism the Labor Government, when many months in this State. I maintained in this Chamber, previously the selfsame criticism of the then when the Australian Tourist Commission was Federal Government appeared in the Press first formed, that it would be oriented throughout the length and breadth of this towards southern cities and directed towards country. policies affecting the nation as a whole. I The article in today's "Telegraph" says­ also believe that in the months ahead the "Australians had found it was cheaper Australian Tourist Commission, under the to trcwel overseas by air than to travel Labor Party in Canberra, will not become withi:l Australia." the plaything of southern investors and interests. Under the McMahon administra­ They might be finding that now, but they also tion it was nothing more or less than that. found it many months before the present Despite what the honourable member for Federal Government came to office. In all South Coast and many others will say here, honesty. the Minister should recognise the I firmly believe this to be true. Whilst there situatioP. might have been minimal benefit to those The Tiature of the travel industry is such in certain appointed areas on the Gold Coast that it is a very big and significant employer and other parts of South-east Queensland, within :his country. The report of the people in many of the central and northern Director-General of Tourist Services reads- areas saw very little of either the Australian Tourist Commission or its work. It was "It is pleasing to report that the over­ oriented towards southern cities, which is the the-counter collections of the Bureau for way the previous Liberal-Country Party the Financial Year ended 30th June, 1973, coalition thought. amou:oted to $7,305,835-an increase of $751,873 or 11 per cent on those of the Under Labor's policy there are many previous year." significant aims in regard to tourist policy. I dare say they will eventually reach fruition. The inc. ease in collections is made a feature The ambitions of a viable tourist industry of the Director's report every year. I believe are indeed simple. Firstly, it should that when the percentage is worked out, encourage Australians to see their own cognisance should be taken of the increase in country first. Every country in the world air fares. that has a desirable tourist industry has as 1402 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) its bread and butter people within it who of business because it is not profitable. seek to see their own country. Secondly, we Naturally, such a person would - adopt a should try to attract, as much as possible, dog-in-the-manger attitude toward' the indus­ people from abroad. try. Unfortunately, many persons in the It is highly essential, however, that certain industry who have large overdrafts with guide-lines should be laid down, and one banks are not able to meet their commit­ point in particular that has exercised my ments. mind for many months is that it is about (Time expired.) time the tourist industry and this Govern­ ment faced up to the possibilities of licensing Dr. EDWARDS (Ipswich) (8.48 p.m.): I travel agents who operate throughout this am very pleased to be able to participate in State and, for that matter, the nation. this debate and, at the outset, I join with Eighteen months or two years ago we saw other honourable members who have con­ glaring examples of people being fleeced and gratulated the Minister and his officers on robbed of their life's savings, which had the work undertaken by their various depart­ been directed towards taking a holiday, either ments. abroad or in their own country. It is time I pay a special tribute to the Under Secre­ that some form of licensing was attempted tary, Mr. Cedric Johnson, whose dedication so that the bona fides of these people can to his work and untiring assistance leave be proved so that they can carry on business nothing to be desired. On every occasion in a "fair dinkum" fashion. that I have contacted him with a problem, If travel within Australia is to be whether large or small, he has taken keen encouraged it will necessitate cheaper internal interest in it and has considered my repre­ fares, and good accommodation should also sentations as favourably as possible. At all be available. I mentioned some regret about times he has gone out of his way to assist overseas travel, but there are excellent my constituents. opportunities at present for charters for off­ I also pay a very special tribute to the season package holidays. Recently I inquired Comptroller-General of Prisons, Mr. Kerr, from tourist agencies in other States about who will be retiring later this year. He has the possibility of conducting package tours. rendered sterling service to the Prisons I am aware that a number of package deals Department, and over the years that the are offered by the Tourist Bureau, but I prisons of the State have been under his suggest that it could do a lot more in this control we have seen tremendous changes field. Every issue of "The Courier-Mail" in them. Surely his dedication to his work contains an advertisement saying, "So-and­ has been amply rewarded by the develop­ so's world tour will depart from Australia ment of the present prison system, which on such-and-such a date." So why can't the has brought a change to the lives of many Tourist Bureau get off its seat and do prisoners. something similar instead of merely drawing the fat commissions that come from sales Prisons in Queensland are at an outstand­ over the counter? It should do all it can ing stage of development. Over the past to get into the package-tour market. As I few months, as a member of the Minister's have said, it offers a few such tours, for committee I have had the privilege of visit­ example, to school-children and bowls clubs, ing all prisons in Queensland with the excep­ but there are many opportunities for it to tion of the one at Woodford. The prisons expand in this direction. are of a very high standard, comparable to that of any similar institution throughout As to accommodation, the Labor Party's the world. policy is that the recommendations put for­ ward 1by the Australian Tourist Commission The new hospital complex that w:ts opened will be implemented in stages during the recently within the Brisbane Pnson pro­ term of its stewardship. It is imperative vides medical services that are equal to that inducements by way of income-tax con­ those supplied anywhere else in Australia. cessions, grants and loans be offered to It possesses modern wards for the care of the tourist industry. Unfortunately, encour­ patients. a very modern operating theatre, agement has been given in the wrong direc­ the best of equipment, fine X-ray appara­ tion. For example, there is no limit on the tus and machine:-y, as well as dental faci­ number of motels that can be erected in lities. Visiting specialists attend the pri­ certain places. In Brisbane there are glar· son hospital on a sessional basis, and, more­ ing examples of the construction of great over, regular medical services of a high concrete buildings that have a very low rate standard are provided by the Government of occupancy. On Wickham Terrace such medical officers under the control of Dr. a motel has been on the market two or Wilson. The Government, of course, has three times because it is not a viable proposi­ every right to be proud of its present tion. system, which I i'elieve is the envy of authorities world wide. In the interests of the tourist industry as well as of the people who invest in it, The principle of employing prisoners in the Government should rationalise the pro­ building programmes, especially with involve­ vision of motels so that no-one who either ment in apprenticeship training of some owns or leases a motel will be forced out prison inmates, must certainly be encouraged. Supply [30 OcroBER 1973] (Estimates) 1403

This provides very useful rehabilitation Possibly the futures of these men and women employment, to the benefit of the State, and will be influenced for the better and lead to the over-all cost of the State's building pro­ proper rehabilitation in the community. gramme is thereby reduced. Furthermore, this work plays a very important role in the I note with dismay that the Comptroller­ rehabilitation of some prisoners. General sees, in the future, a very real drug problem within our State. He says in his From my observations, I believe that the report that stern measures must be taken to standard of these buildings is very high. The prevent problems similar to those presently standard of the farming activities within the being experienced overseas. I seek the Prisons Department is also very high. When Minister's advice on what suggestions he has we visired the farming division at Etna to help reduce the increasing drug problem, Creek. anJ the prison farms at Palen Creek which concerns us all. and Numinbah Valley, we saw that they are providing valuable benefits to rural industries. We should be instituting education pro­ The cattle and pig sections and the small-crop grammes in our schools for our children, and divisions are as good as any to be seen also in the community so that the parents throughout the State. Records of the stud may be made aware of the danger to society section were meticulously kept, and the high of both alcohol and drugs. I do not believe production figures of the excellent progeny that harsher penalties are the complete speak for themselves. answer. We need experts to advise and lecture on the risk of these dangerous, I notice that the Comptroller-General of destructive drugs at an early age so that Prisons, Mr. Kerr, said in his report that he school-children may be aware of the prob­ was very concerned at the increasing number lems. I sometimes wonder if we are treating of prisoners received and detained throughout drug addicts too lightly in giving them the State. This, of course, is a world-wide rehabilitative treatment in our hospitals. What trend, and indicates a need for real concern we need to do is to stem the problem before on the part of Governments and the com­ it starts, if at all possible, with education and munity ·as a whole. Concern should also knowledge programmes on the dangers be expressed for the relatives and families involved in drug-taking. of prisoners. They often suffer extreme difficulties, both emotional and financial, I now turn my thoughts for a few moments during the imprisonment term of the bread­ to the Department of Children's Services. I winner. pay tribute to Mr. Clark, who has performed outstanding work in this department for The emotional disturbance caused by crime many years. This is appreciated by honour­ leading to imprisonment that is inflicted on able members on both sides of the Chamber. a family cannot be estimated, but I know the His dedication to his work is a definite Minister is well aware of the problem, and calling, and his interest in his work, from his depz.rtment is encouraging the work of my experience first as a medical practitioner church and welfare organisations who are and more recently as a member of Parlia­ active in this field of caring for the relatives ment, goes beyond the call of duty. of people who are sent to prison. I realise that a price must be paid for crime, but the I was disappointed to read in Mr. Clark's problems created for the families are tragic report that the number of deserted wives and and heart-rending. I know that honourable families, including de facto wives, increased members on both sides of the Chamber are in the past year by 20 per cent. This is a well a;~care of the problems faced by a very sad state of affairs and is again the prisoner's family, whose members undergo a trend being seen throughout the nation and very severe emotional and financial strain the world. I make no apology for saying during the term that the prisoner is detained. that this number will increase in the next few years because of the attitude of dis­ The Comptroller's report indicates that respect for the basis of society-the family some problems have arisen with week-end life-that we see in the community today. detention, especially when prisoners return There is a tendency throughout the nation to to prison under the influence of liquor. The break down the importance of the family risk of communication beyond the rules of unit and the respect that men and women prison detention is a problem that the Gov­ have for each other. With the traditions of ernment must face. We should take every marriage as well as the principles and possible step to deal with such action in requisites traditionally believed to be asso­ a very severe manner. If necessary, increased ciated with marriage and family life being penalties should be imposed on week-end broken down, together with trial marriages prisoners who break the law in this way. and de facto relationships-this disrespect for the value of womanhood and manhood­ It is pleasing to read of education courses family life, in my opinion, will be even further available to prisoners. I hope that these destroyed in the years that lie ahead. As a courses are maintained, and even extended. Government and as individuals within the It is essential that every effort be made­ communitv 'we have a tremendous responsi­ as I know it will be-to assess the education bility to e~courage family living and com­ possibilities of every longer-term prisoner. munity life. This can only be done by 1404 Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973)

making the generation in which we live aware attend and are greatly surprised when of the values and advantages of a happy appraised of the anti-social behaviour or family unit. poor performance of their children." I am pleased that the Minister has encour­ It has been suspected for some time that aged the setting up of family group homes there is a much greater risk to children by church and other organisations under the \\hose parents are absent when they return care and control of the Department of from school. I realise that the financial Children's Services. The children live in burdens of some families demand that both family units in normal suburbs. They attend parents work, but we need to make certain schools as part of a family within a suburb. that children are cared for and are not free This often allows members of one family to to do as they please after school. live together and so retain some remnant of I notice with pleasure that over a five-year blood relationship in being brought up period the Ipswich court appearances of together in a situation more conducive than children actually fell from 126 in 1968 to that into which they were unfortunately I 12 in 1973. This was not the case in Bris­ born. bane, or in any other provincial city. This again indicates the leading role that Ipswich With the Minister, I have visited some of is playing in every aspect of development in these group homes as a member of his Queensland, and I believe it to be indicative committee. I assure the Committee that the of the good family living in the city of outstanding work that is being done in an Ipswich. I am sure the honourable member ideal environment in these situations will for Ipswich West would agree wholeheartedly have a tremendous effect upon the lives of with that statement. We are very proud of the children involved in this relationship. family life and traditions in Ipswich. The children are given good education oppor­ tunities. In the report, it is pleasing to see l pay a tribute to the staff of the Depart­ that this year 11 children under the care of ment of Children's Services in the Ipswich the Department of Children's Services are area. This department has been established undertaking tertiary-type education courses, in my area fQr about 18 months, and on including three at the University of every occasion on which I have contacted Queensland. lhe ofi1cers, namely, Mr. Cox ar:.d Miss Wal!ey, I have received the utmost courtesy \Ve must also pay tribute to the work being and co-operation. I feel certain that the carried out by church organisations and department's actions have also helped to charitable institutions in caring for children. reduce juvenile crime in the Ipswich area. During the many inspections carried out by the Minister and his committee, we have been The Estimates of the Department er Sport particularly impressed by the dedication of are also under consideration. This department staff and the high standard of affection and is playing a tremendous role in the develop­ training given to children who obviously are ment of amateur sport, and I look forward benefiting and will benefit from the work of to the allocation of subsidies in this State, those places that we have been able to visit. especially in my own area, in the year ahead to bring to my city further development of I was distressed to read of the continuing sport, for which Ipswich has become well increase in the number of Children's Court known. With the aid of these subsidies, the appearances for juvenile anti-social behaviour. development of further sport in Ipswich, and In 1968, 1,579 children appeared before the throughout the rest of the State. will be Children's Court whereas, in 1973, 3,269 guaranteed. I look forward to further involve­ appeared-an increase of over 100 per cent ment of young people in all sporting in 5 years. In the past 12 months the activities. increase has been 12.92 per cent. The tragic It is a great pleasure to take part in this and worrying problem is the increase in the debate, and I should like to thank the Minister number of females appearing in the Children's for the support he has given me personally Court over the past two years. In his annual and for the opportunity ,that he has made report, the Director says that this has some­ available to me to visit centres throughout thing to do with the home situation. The the State to see at first hand activities that report reads- come under his control. I trust that what "It is becoming more apparent that the I have said this evening will not go unnoticed absence of both parents from the home at throughout the State. work, although sometimes financially neces­ sary, is contributing to anti-social behaviour Mrs. JORDAN (Ipswich West) (9.3 p.m.): in that on their return home from school In speaking to the Estimates, I want to deal children are either locked out of the home mainly with matters and concerns that come or left to their own devices in which time under the welfare section of the Minister's they make association with unruly elements portfolio. This section deals w~tb. many or get involved in criminal offences." worrying problems, and it needs a very humanitarian outlook and a very understand­ The Director goes on to say- ing approach. "It would also appear that too many The Minister said in his introductory parents do not inquire sufficiently into the remarks that the problems in the area covered entertainments or outings their children by the Department of Children's Services Supply (30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1405 were increasing, and this is borne out by the of them and giving them security in a family figures given in the report of the Director home and environment were the important of the Department of Children's Services, things. But this seems to have falle

division and monetary gain. In Brisbane 2 pe-r cent, child endowment, inflation-in recently, considerable areas of sporting fact everything-yet more families are asking fields were acquired for various purposes. for assistance. A similar incident occurred in Townsville when the trustees of a sportsground somehow The number of single mothers keeping or other got around the Department of Lands their babies has increased by 53 per cent. and a portion of land was excised for a However, there was a 9.3 per cent decrease petrol station and a licensed Rugby League in adoption by non-relatives. The figures sports club. In this way a considerable area given on page 10 of the report indicate that adoptions by non-relatives numbered 1,228. of a well laid-out sporting complex was handed over to outside interests. That action Of that number, 410 were tradesmen, pro­ must be detrimental to future sporting duction-process workers and labourers, while professional, technical and related workers, development in Townsville. If a State administrative, executive and managerial Sportsground Authority were established, workers were well down the list. It makes action of this sort would never have been me think that the more one has, the less countenanced. Such a body would also pre­ vent the misuse of funds. It would direct one gives in this community. finance into the proper channels and ensure Several people in Townsville have been that money was not wasted and that sporting refused adoption on grounds unknown. Two complexes did not overlap. of them were themselves adopted children, and have an incentive to adopt and help In Townsville, the Murray sporting com­ other children as they were helped. The plex is "getting along famously". It has all department could make a more detailed its fields allocated, but some delay has examination of the background of people occurred in the transfer of titles. The Minister who wish to adopt a child. The personality could well look into this matter and see that of the applicants should be considered more the titles are not delayed unnecessarily. than their financial or worldly state. This I ask the Department of Sport to consider gets back again to the greater number of paying a subsidy to small gymnasiums which, adoptions being made by those who most although they do not have a big following, probably have less than others. The train amateur boxers, wrestlers and weight­ workers and tradesmen seem to be quite lifters. Some of these smaller gymnasiums willing to adopt children and help them. are privately run and are often in need of The increase in the number of de facto financial asistance. wives has some rather interesting facets. It Mr. R. E. Moore: They play an important almost gives the impression that it pays role. not to marry in this country. There seems to be a breakdown in our moral standards, Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: They always have and I wonder what will flow on in the way fighters on hand, and they sometimes need of welfare following the recent Common­ considerable financial assistance. wealth legislation on homosexuality. Recently, the Federal Government's action Mr. Davis: That is Liberal Party policy in the sphere of Aboriginal welfare resulted now. in an absolute shambles. This brings home the fact that, in all forms of welfare, financial Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: It is not. It was resources must be well husbanded. There put through the House of Representat!ves must be an intensive and continuing study on a free vote, just as many other thmgs into finding ways and means of getting the have been passed in this country. It was most out of the money spent. Departmental a conscience vote, and many people do not officers must be very careful of the expense have a conscience. That is why the num­ lists of various "spongers" who fatten on ber of de-facto wives and family breakdowns the money allocated to welfare groups. in the community is increasing. There must be careful planning for train­ The anti-social behaviour of children is ing schools for social workers and welfare obviously on the increase, and this is a workers. Not everyone makes a good social problem for which one doubts whether, in worker or welfare worker. Such people must our present society, there is a cure. I be selected and trained carefully. Considera­ wish to quote from "The Medical Journal tion must also be given to places of .training of Australia" of 29 September. There is so that the curricula are correct and are reference in it to the World Federation for gone into in depth to cover a wide field. Mental Health, and a seminar to be held I understand that the National Commission entitled, "Youth in a World of Change". on Social Welfare will shortly issue a report. The article contains this passage- I hope it will be of benefit to the country. "Anna Freud also spoke at Edinburgh, According to the annual report, more seeing adolescence as a developmental dis­ familie< Jsked for assistance in 1972-73 than turbance, noting that our society is poorly in 1971-72. This is a problem, and it makes designed for adolescents who are asked me wc:nder how this can possibly happen for academic and economic achievements when we live in such an affluent era. We during this time, and who are exposed to have <:n unemployment rate of less than a society which has not yet controlled Supply [30 OCTOBER 1973] (Estimates) 1409

its aggression. Her classical and often I also note that the Remand and Assess­ quoted paper on normality in adolescence ment Centre for Boys and Girls at Towns­ states among other things that- ville is only in the planning stage. ~ ask the Minister and his department to gtve some 'adolescence is by its nature an priority to this work. The case of a yo~ng interruption of peaceful growth . such fluctuations between extreme Aboriginal girl of 14, who had been workmg opposites would be deemed highly as a prostitute on the wharves, was brought to my attention. She became abnormal at any other time of life infected with venereal disease, and unfor­ the ego of the individual in question does not cease to experiment and is tunately she had to be re_manded .to in no hurry to close down on possibi­ "Carramar". This caused a considerable dis­ lities . . . there are few situations in turbance, especially with the Gover~ment life which are more difficult to cope Medical Officer. I think that the planmng of with than an adolescent son or the Remand and Assessment Centre at daughter during the attempt to liberate Townsville should be given priority. themselves.' There is another aspect of the work of "Clinical practice bears this out, but the Department of Children's Services that when rebelliousness is prolonged into the I believe should be emphasised. Many seventeenth year we find either continu­ people do not fully understand all aspects ing domestic stress-usually parents quar­ of the department's work, and I suggest that relling seriously and violently, so the it should follow the example of the Justice child's symptoms are due to prolonged Oedipal ambivalences and transferences­ Department by circulating brochures so that or a more serious condition of obsessional the people of the State will know exactly or paranoid thinking which may presage what they are entitled to from this Depart­ an intractable disorder." ment. The brochures produced by the Justice Department are very informative and people In other words, the phases of schizophrenia. are now fully aware of their entitlements. I This is a problem that we face. It is believe that the honourable member for brought about by our present society and Ipswich West also referred to this matter. our way of living. I consider that in all In the field of tourism, Townsville is very welfare departments there must be highly fortunate. It has considerable tourist poten­ trained teams consisting of child psychi­ tial, which is now on the threshold of atrists, child psychologists and trained social development. I disagree with a recent state­ workers, all constantly in attendance to help ment by Professor Gates of the University and assist in problems that arise in adoles­ cence. of Queensland, who said, when advocating the imposition of decentralisation taxes, that It is interesting to note that many of he doubted whether a regional development the children who, in adolescence get into project at Townsville would attract a large trouble with the law, at school, and with number of people. He said that the nol'thern authority as a whole, seem to grow out of it by careful tutoring and guidance by the city was rather a barren area and he did not correct people, who understand their prob­ think it would develop very well. I point lems. Once children of this type are thrown ot~t that Townsville has considerable attrac­ into the rat-race of oppression and severe tion for tourists. It has magnificent water­ punishment, they go the opposite way, especi­ ways and a magnificent climate. It is an ally those who are not normal, and they are entrance to the Great Barrier Reef. It has often irretrievable. Frequently they end up nearby lovely Magnetic Island, with all the as habitual criminals. facilities needed for a holiday, and it also has In the institutions controlled by the Depart­ first-class hotel accommodation. Sporting ment of Children's Services, I note that there facilities are excellent, as are the social are planned improvements at 'We,tbrook, amenities, and, for those wishing to settle Wilson Youth Hospital, "Warilda", and there, educat,ion facilities compare very "Carramar'', in Townsville. There is an favourably with those anywhere in Australia. ave;·age of about 50 children a day at "Carramar," and I must place on record The only other aspect of tourism that I that we in Townsville are extremely lucky wish to discuss is that Australia always to have as matron of this home such a fine seems to take second place to overseas with and upstanding woman as Matron Dolan. Australians, who are always talking about She was seen by several honourable mem­ going abroad. I consider that greater pub­ bers when they visited North Queensland. licity and much mare emphasis in advertising The manner in which she spoke to the should be given to "See Australia first". children, and the way the children so obvi­ Unfortunately, the attitude persists-