Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 4 AUGUST 1966

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Vacancy in Senate [4 AUGUST] Address of Appreciation, &c. 17

THURSDAY, 4 AUGUST, 1966

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m.

COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER OATH Mr. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to issue a Commission under the public seal of the State empowering me to administer the oath or affirmation of allegiance to such members as may hereafter present themselves to be sworn, which I now ask the Clerk to read to the House. Commission thereupon read by the Clerk.

ADDRESS OF APPRECIATION OF SERVICES AS GOVERNOR

REPLY OF COLONEL SIR HENRY ABEL SMITH Mr. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House, for the purposes of record, that I presented to the then Governor, His Excel­ lency Colonel Sir Henry Abel Smith, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., D.S.O., the Address agreed to by the House on 9 December last and that Sir Henry was pleased to make the following reply:- "Government House, "Brisbane, 16th December, 1965. "Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the address which has just been presented to me, expressing such generous and kind sentiments about my dear wife and myself. 18 Panel of Temporary Chairmen [ASSEMBLY] Ministerial Statement

"As the Representative of The Throne Frederick Dickson Graham, Esquire, in Queensland, it has been my endeavour, member for the electoral district of in a humble and dutiful manner, to try Mackay; to follow the magnificent example of Allen Maxwell Hodges, Esquire, unselfish service which Our Queen sets member for the electoral district of each one of us. Gympie; and "It has been my aim, by meeting people Wallace Alexander Ramsay Rae, in all walks of life, to lead them to realize Esquire, member for the electoral district what an important role they are playing­ of Gregory. both material and spiritual-not only in the growth of this great State, but of Australia. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT "I wish to express the gratitude of my wife and myself to each member of the APPOINTMENT OF MINISTRY House for the great kindness, courtesy and Hon. G. F. R. NICKUN (Landsborough assistance which we have invariably -Premier) (11.7 a.m.): I desire to inform received at your hands wherever we have the House that, on Friday, 10 June, 1966, been. His Excellency the Governor- "I have been deeply impressed by the manner in which all Members of Parliament (a) appointed- work devotedly and wholeheartedly for the The Honourable George Francis Reuben welfare, freedom and happiness of the Nicklin, people. The Honourable Gordon William Wesley "It is with great sadness and deep regret Chalk, that I relinquish my high office. My wife The Honourable Jack Charles Allan and I have been very happy amongst Pizzey, you. The Honourable Alexander Tattenhall "However, I believe that it is not in Dewar, the interest of The Throne for the position The Honourable Alan Roy Fletcher, of Governor to be held too long by one The Honourable Harold Richter, individual. The Honourable John Alfred Row, "I ask you, Mr. Speaker, to convey to The Honourable Johannes Bjelke- the Members of Parliament my deep sense Petersen, of gratitude for their address, which I The Honourable Peter Roylance shall always greatly value. Delamothe, "I know that a great and glorious future The Honourable Seymour Douglas lies ahead of Queensland and her courageous Tooth, people. The Honourable John Desmond "I bid you, Mr. Speaker, and all Members Herbert, of the Queensland Parliament, on behalf The Honourable Ronald Ernest Camm, of my wife and myself, a most regretful The Honourable William Edward Knox, farewell. to be Members of the Executive Council "Henry Abel Smith, of Queensland; Governor." (b) appointed- The Honourable George Francis Reuben ELECTIONS TRIBUNAL Nicklin, to be Premier and Minister for State Development of Queensland; JUDGE FOR 1966 The Honourable Gordon William Wesley Mr. SPEAKER announced the receipt of Chalk, to be Treasurer of Queensland; a letter from the Honourable the Chief The Honourable Jack Charles Allan Justice intimating that the Honourable Mr. Pizzey, to be Minister for Education of Justice Douglas would be the judge to Queensland; preside at the sittings of the Elections The Honourable Alexander Tattenhall Tribunal for 1966. Dewar, to be Minister for Industrial Development of Queensland; PANEL OF TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN The Honourable Alan Roy Fletcher, to be Minister for Lands of Queensland; Mr. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the require­ The Honourable Harold Richter, to be ments of Standing Order No. 13, I nominate Minister for Local Government and the following members to form the panel Conservation of Queensland; of Temporary Chairmen for the present The Honourable John Alfred Row, to Parliament- be Minister for Primary Industries of Frederick Alexander Campbell, Esquire, Queensland; member for the electoral district of Aspley; The Honourable Johannes Bjelke­ Harold Dean, Esquire, member for the Petersen, to be Minister for Works and electoral district of Sandgate; Housing of Queensland; Papers [4 AUGUST] Papers 19

The Honourable Peter Roylance The Children's Services Act of 1965. Delamothe, to be Minister for Justice and The Fish Supply Management Act of Attorney-General of Queensland; 1965. The Honourable Seymour Douglas Orders in Council under- Tooth, to be Minister for Health of Queensland; The Public Service Superannuation Acts, 1958 to 1965. The Honourable John Desmond Herbert, to be Minister for Labour and Tourism The Commissions of Inquiry Acts, 1950 of Queensland; to 1954. The Honourable Ronald Ernest Camm, The State Development and Public to be Minister for Mines and Main Roads Works Organisation Acts, 1938 to of Queensland; 1964, The Barron River Hydro­ Electric Extension Project Act of The Honourable William Edward Knox, 1958 and The Northern Electric to be Minister for Transport of Authority of Queensland Acts, 1963 Queensland. to 1964. I lay upon the table of the House a copy The Fisheries Acts, 1957 to 1962. of the "Government Gazette Extraordinary" The Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1964. of 10 June, 1966, containing these notifica­ tions. The Racing and Betting Acts, 1954 to 1964. Whereupon the hon. gentleman laid the The Racing and Betting Acts, 1954 to "Government Gazette Extraordinary" upon 1965. the table. The Workers' Compensation Acts, 1916 to 1965. LEADERSHIP OF OPPOSITION The Grammar Schools Acts, 1 860 to Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ 1962. Leader of the Opposition) (11.9 a.m.): I The Rural Training Schools Act of desire to inform the House that I have 1965. been elected Leader of the Australian Labour The University of Queensland Act of Party, the hon. member for Bulimba (Mr. 1965. J. W. Houston), Deputy Leader, the hon. The Industrial Development Acts, 1963 member for Maryborough (Mr. H. J. Davies), to 1964. Whip, and the hon. member for Ipswich The State Electricity Commission Acts, East (Mr. J. Donald), Secretary. 1937 to 1965. The Northern Electric Authority of PAPERS Queensland Acts, 1963 to 1964. The following papers were laid on the The Regional Electric Authorities Acts, table, and ordered to be printed:- 1945 to 1964. The Southern Electric Authority of Reports- Queensland Acts, 1952 to 1964. Committee of Inquiry into Matters The State Housing Acts, 1945 to 1965. Concerning the Valuation of Lands in Queensland. The State Housing Acts, 1945 to 1965 and The Local Bodies' Loans Guarantee Public Accountant's Registration Board Acts, 1923 to 1957. of Queensland for the period 1st July, 1965, to 30th June, 1966. The Water Acts, 1926 to 1964. The Forestry Acts, 1959 to 1964. The following papers were laid on the The Criminal Law Amendment Act of table:- 1945. Proclamations and Orders in Council The Companies Acts, 1961 to 1964. under The Public Works Land Resumption Acts, 1906 to 1955 and The Co-operative Societies Acts, 1946 The State Development and Public to 1962. Works Organisation Acts, 1938 to The Decentralization of Magistrates 1964. Courts Act of 1965. The District Courts Acts, 1958 to 1965. Proclamations under- The Jury Acts, 1929 to 1964. The Farmers' Assistance (Debts Adjust­ ment) Acts, 1935 to 1945. The Liquor Acts, 1912 to 1965. The University of Queensland Act of The Magistrates Courts Acts, 1921 to 1965. 1964. The Aborigines' and Torres Strait The Petroleum Acts, 1923 to 1962. Islanders' Affairs Act of 1965. The Coal and Oil Shale Mine Workers The Electric Light and Power Acts, (Pensions) Acts, 1941 to 1962. 1896 to 1965. The Medical Acts, 1939 to 1963. The Forestry Acts, 1959 to 1964. The Explosives Acts, 1952 to 1963. The Thiess Peabody Mitsui Coal Ptv. The Children's Services Act of 1965. Ltd. Agreements Acts, 1962 to 1965. The Fish Supply Management Act of The Mining Acts, 1898 to 1965. 1965. 20 Papers [ASSEMBLY] Deaths of Late Members

The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitra­ By-laws under- tion Acts, 1961 to 1964. The Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1964. The Inspection of Machinery Acts, 1951 The Northern Electric Authority of to 1963. Queensland Acts, 1963 to 1964. The State Children's Acts, 1911 to 1955. The Railways Acts, 1914 to 1965 (Nos. The Aborigines' and Torres Strait 946 to 955 inclusive). Islanders' Regulations of 1966. The Dental Acts, 1902 to 1961. Regulations under- Ordinances under- The Parliamentary Contributory Super­ The City of Brisbane Town Planning Act annuation Fund Acts, 1948 to 1965. of 1964 and The City of Brisbane Acts, The Public Service Acts, 1922 to 1965. 1924 to 1960. The Drought Relief to Primary Producers Acts, 1940 to 1961. The City of Brisbane Acts, 1924 to 1960. The Gift Duty Acts, 1926 to 1963. The Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1964. Report of the Dumaresq-Barwon Border The Motor Vehicles Insurance Acts, Rivers Commission for the year ended !936 to 1963. 30th June, 1965. The Racing and Betting Acts, 1954 to Report and Balance Sheet as at 28th Febru­ 1965. ary 1966, of The Union-Fidelity The Stamp Acts, 1894 to 1965. Tr;stee Company of Australia Limited. The Workers' Compensation Acts, 1916 to 1965. PRIVATE MEMBERS' MOTIONS The Regional Electric Authorities Acts, 1945 to 1964. Hon. members having given notices of The State Transport Acts, 1960 to 1965. motions- The Motor Spirits Vendors Acts, 1933 Mr. AIKENS: I rise to a point of order to 1934. on the matter of private members' motions. The State Housing Acts, 1945 to 1965. It was ruled by a previous Speaker that The River Improvement Trust Acts, 1940 the subject matter of any private mem):Jer's to 1965. motion while it remained on the Busmess Paper, 'could not be debated or discussed by The Main Roads Acts, 1920 to 1965. that member or any other member on any The Traffic Acts, 1949 to 1965. other motion coming before the House during The Gas Act of 1965. the session. Do you, Mr. Speaker, propose The Prisons Acts, 1958 to 1964. to rule along those lines and so prevent any The Hospitals Acts, 1936 to 1962. hon. member from talking about the subject matter of any notice of motion given this The Health Acts, 1937 to 1964 (Poisons morning or at any other time for private Regulations and Cafe Regulations). members' day? The Radio-active Substances Act of !958. Mr. SPEAKER: I propose to cross that The Apprenticeship Act of 1964. hridge when I come to it. The Children's Services Act of 1965. The Factories and Shops Acts, 1960 to DEATH OF MR. R. L. HARRISON 1964. The Fish Supply Management Act of Mr. SPEAKER: I have to inform the 1965. House that I have received from the The Friendly Societies Acts, 1913 to Reaistrar-General a certified copy of the 1963. registration of the death, on 15 April, 1966, The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitra­ of Robert Leslie Harrison, Esquire, lately tion Acts, 1961 to 1964. serving in the Legislative Assembly of The Inspection of Machinery Acts, 1951 Queensland as the member for the electoral to 1963. district of Logan, and that no by-election was The Statistical Returns Acts, 1896 to held. 1935. DEATHS OF MR. R. L. HARRISON. The Weights and Measures Acts, 1951 MR. W. T. KING, MR. M. T. BROSNAN to 1965. AND MR. G. P. FARRELL The Workers' Accommodation Act of 1952. .I\10TION OF CONDoLENCE Ruie and Regulations under The Local Hon. G. F. R. NICKUN (Landsborough­ Government Acts, 1936 to 1965. Premier) (11.56 a.m.), by leave, without Rules of the Local Government Court notice: J move- under The City of Brisbane Town Planning Act of 1964. "(1) That this HollSe desires to place on record its sense of the loss this State Statute under The University of Queensland has sustained bv the death of Robert Act of 1965. Leslie Harrison, Esquire, lately serving as Notifications under The Legal Assistance member for the electoral district of Act of 1965. Logan: and expresses its appreciation of Deaths of Late Members [4 AUGUST Deaths of Late Members 21

the services rendered to this State by the Prior to Mr. Brosnan's entering this House late William Thomas King, Esquire, he was a former president and organiser of Michae! Timothy Brosnan, Esquire, and the Electrical Trades Union and had a very George Pritchard Farrell, Esquire, former wide experience in industrial matters. He members of the Parliament of Queens­ was a very able member of this House and land. the contributions that he made in this "(2) That Mr. Speaker be requested to Chamber, on industrial matters particularly, convey to the relatives of the deceased were listened to with great respect by hon. gentlemen the above resolution, together members. He was a very outspoken debater. with an expression of the sympathy and and on many occasions demonstrated his sorrow of the members of the Parliament sincerity to the principles that he advocated. of Queensland in the loss they have In September, 1952 he was the Queensland sustained." delegate to the General Conference of the The four late hon. members of this Chamber Commonwealth Parliamentary Association whose names are mentioned in the motion I held at OHawa, Canada, and on that occa­ have placed before the House this morning sion he had the unique honour of represent­ gave great service to this State and :he ing all Australian Parliaments. people whom they represented while they Before he assumed the leadership of the were members of Parliament. Electrical Trades Union, Mr. Brosnan was a qualified electrician and served the Bris­ I refer first to the late William King, who bane City Council in its electricity and died on 2 April, 1966. He entered the 35th transport departments. He later became Parliament as member for the electorate of well-known to the community as the licensee Maree at the general election of 11 June, of various city hotels. 1932, and served in successive Parliaments until his defeat at the general election of 28 The late Mick Brosnan was a keen March, 1941. During the period that he was sportsman; he was a member of Tattersall's a member of this House he gave valuable Bowling Club, and in his younger days was service as Chairman of Committees, to which a very ardent yachtsman and sailed with office he: was elected on 24 August, 1940. very many leading Queensland yachtsmen, Because of his thorough knowledge of parlia­ particularly the late Vie Lucas. mentary procedures and his unruffled manner, The late George Pritchard Farrell was he kept a tight rein on debates and con­ elected member for the electorate of Rock­ ducted the business of committees in an hampton at a by-election on 17 February, exemplary fashion. 1923, but the House was in recess at that time and the 22nd Parliament was dissolved Mr. King was a contemporary of mine, before he was able to take his seat. However, as we both entered Parliament following the he successfully contested the general election election of 1932. I remember him as an on 12 May in the same year and served amiable and popular representative who took through the 23rd and 24th Parliaments until a very active part in the debates of this his defeat in the general election on 11 May, House. He was recognised by all hon. 1929. members at that time as a hard-hitting, aggressive debater. He was a brother of the late Mr. David Farrell, who was well-known to quite a The late hon. member had a distinguished number of members of this Chamber as the scholastic career at Cooktown, Ipswich and hon. member for Maryborough, Government Brisbane. He qualified for the Civil Service, Whip and Chairman of Committees of this securing the highest pass in his year. He was House. There are no members in the present a solicitor by profession and practised in Parliament who would be contemporaries both Brisbane and Ipswich, being admitted to of the late George Farrell, but I am informed the Bar in June, 1930. Prior eO entering this that he was a very capable member of this Chamber Mr. King took an active part in House. He was an impressive speaker and local authority affairs, being elected as an spoke frequently on education matters. That alderman of the Brisbane City Council for could well be appreciated, because before the Brisbane ward in 1928. He retained that entering Parliament he was a State school office until he resigned upon his election to teacher who was highly esteemed both by this House. He was a member of the select his pupils and by their parents. He was a committee dealing with the finances of the very successful teacher of Scholarship classes council, and of the water and sewerace at the Rockhampton Central Boys' School. committees. During his time he ga~e The late Hon. James Larcombe, a former excellent service to the Brisbane City Treasurer, in a tribute to Mr. George Farrell Council. some time ago, said he had never known The late Michael Timothy Brosnan, affec­ any member of Parliament to show greater tionately called "Mick" by those who had the promise than George Farrell. His speeches privilege of knowing him, died on 20 July were intently listened to by members on both this year. He was elected to this House sides of the House, and Mr. Larcombe as member for the Fortitude Valley elector­ prophesied a brilliant career for him if he ate at a by-election on 18 November, 1950, remained in political life. Mr. Farrell's and served in the 32nd, 33rd and 34th principal outside interest was trotting, with Parliaments until 2 August, 1957. when he which he was closely associated in the city was defeated in that year's elections. of Brisbane. 22 Deaths of Late Members [ASSEMBLY] Deaths of Late Members

I come to the last hon. member mentioned All four deceased gentlemen were good in the motion, the late Robert Leslie Queenslanders who gave of their best for Harrison, who was known to virtually every the welfare of the State and its people. We member in this House and who died on 15 mourn their passing, and I am sure all hon. April this year. members will join with me in expressing to The late Les Harrison entered the 35th their respective widows and families our sin­ Parliament at the general election on 31 cere sympathy in the loss they have August, 1957, as member for the Darlington sustained. electorate, and represented that constituency until 27 May, 1960. Following a redistribu­ Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ tion of electorates Mr. Harrison contested Leader of the Opposition) (12.8 p.m.): Many the Logan electorate, which he won at the hon. members who have had a reasonably general election of 28 May, 1960, and then long association with this House will per­ served in the 36th and 37th Parliaments. haps pause and reflect on an occasion such Because of ill-health, Les Harrison as this, and cast their minds back to the announced his retirement in March this fairly long list of members who have served year. We all remember him as a quiet and this State over the years and have gone to kindly man who was esteemed by all hon. their eternal reward. And the list is a for­ members of the House. He was indeed a midable one. The Premier, who has had the very able and conscientious representative of longest association with this House, would the people of his electorate. be the first to acknowledge the varying per­ sonalities and the contributions that have No man worked harder for his electorate been made, and also that inevitably our than the late Les Harrison. He was a staunch names will be added to the list of those supporter of the town of his birth, Beaudesert, who were honoured to serve in this in which he lived until he passed away. Dur­ Parliament. ing the whole of his public life connected with this Parliament, and before entering It is customary on occasions such as th1s Parliament, he was closely associated with to refer to the finer points of deceased gentle­ Beaudesert, its community activities, and its men. That is not an act of charity. There sporting bodies. He was educated at the is an obligation on us, when death comes, to Beaudesert State School and the Brisbane remember the very fine attributes that people Boys' Grammar School. possessed, and to overlook any small imper­ As a dairy-farmer Les Harrison had an fections they may have had and which extensive knowledge of the primary industries undoubtedly many of us have. And it is and gave valued service to various primary­ very consoling for the relatives of those to producer organisations. Looking back over whom tributes are being paid today to be his association with primary industry in this able to read in "Hansard" a reference by State, I think I can say without fear of con­ the Premier of the day to the contributions tradiction that no man gave better service they made in the times in which they Jived. to our primary industries than did Les I knew all the honourable gentlemen referred Harrison. to in this motion of condolence with the Among the many organisations on which single exception of George Farrell. How­ he held prominent positions were the State ever, although I did not know him as a Council of the Queensland Dairymen's Parliamentarian, 1 knew him in his other Organisation, the Brisbane Milk Board, the activities. We have had an opportunity to Queensland Council of Agriculture, the Logan observe and assess the contributions that and Albert Co-operative Dairy Association, those gentlemen made. I have been informed and the Queensland State Committee of the by sources other than that quoted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Premier, namely, the late Mr. Larcombe, Research Organisation. that Mr. Farrell entered this Parliament with greater prospects of advancement than those He was indeed a very sincere and genuine possessed by the great majority of members advocate of the primary producers, particu­ who are elected to this Assembly. He was larly those in the dairying industry, which r~garded as an eloquent and outstanding pub­ he served verY competently as a member he speaker. He had the gift of compelling of this House. He was an ardent advocate people to wait on his words, and he was for pasture improvement, and he practised capable on appropriate occasions of moving on his own farm what he preached. I know people very deeply. It was one of those that he loved to get back at the week-end vagaries of politics that he went out in the to see the progress being made in the great political landslide of 1929, and no various experimental plots of new pastures doubt a promising political career was which he established on his own property. thus nipped in the bud. He was a member of the Co-ordinating Board on two occasions, representing the I did not have a great deal to do with Council of Agriculture from November, 1949, him in his post-parliamentary days. He to March, 19 59, and the Queensland Dairy­ was, however, a well-known figure in the men's Organisation from August, 1961, to city of Brisbane. He was a genial man August, 1964. He gave great service not who had a wide circle of friends. As the only to this House but also, as I mentioned Premier also pointed out, he had the distinction previously, to the primary producers of of being one of two brothers who served Queensland. in this Parliament. Deaths of Late Members [4 AUGUST] Deaths of Late Members 23

On behalf of the Opposition, I should like a genial disposition and the capacity to be to extend to the relatives of the late Mr. alert, observant and friendly and to par­ George Farrell our sincere sympathy in the ticipate in all forms of social activrties. In loss they have sustained, and to acknowledge these fields and many others, Mr. Brosnan the very great service that he gave to the was indeed very prominent. State during the relatively brief period in I regret that I was away from Brisbane which he was a member of this Assembly. when his death occurred and that I have The late Mr. King, who occupied, amongst not yet been able to get Mrs. Brosnan's other positions, the office of Chairman of private address-! am in the course of Committees in this Parliament, was indeed making inquiries now-because, despite the a very happy soul. He was friendly to vagaries of political life, I wish to convey all, and not easily ruffled. I cannot recall to her my condolences in the sad loss she any occasion on which he made a caustic has sustained by the premature death of a comment. He was a very forgiving man, very colourful citizen of this State and to and after his defeat he demonstrated his let her know that although the Opposition capacity to be a great success in private disagreed with some of his political beliefs, life in the professional sphere in which he we had a high respect for the way in which worked; he built up a very extensive legal he carried out his various public duties. practice. He was the repository of many I also join with the Premier in expressing, confidences by people living on the land. on behalf of the Opposition, sincere regret at He made visits to the Lockyer area, in the death of Mr. Leslie Harrison. It was particular. I met him there on several distressing for us to see his progressive occasions, and no doubt the Deputy Premier physical decline--! do not think there is knows that the late Mr. King visited the anything more sad than witnessing person­ area that he represents and there enjoyed ally a person's progressive deterioration in the confidence of the people because of health-and to notice his inadequacy in coping the soundness of his views and the fact successfully with physical problems and that he could be relied on to do jobs Lhose associated with his obligations to speak quickly, efficiently and well. He was a in this Chamber. He was ne.ver a forceful man who made his mark in this Parliament, character who would be- remembered for and I am quite certain that, had he retained his eloquent contributions in this Assembly: his seat, he would ultimately have been he was a mild-mannered man, a very elevated to Cabinet. courteous man. He would always acknow­ The late Mr. Brosnan was, as he has ledge an interjection. As an Opposition, been described by the Premier, a very we are as apt as former Oppositions to forceful character. What I liked particularly interject, but I do not think any of us about him was that he was never afraid remember an off-the-cuff remark that was to tell a person to his face his opinion in any way hurtful being directed to Mr. of that person's attitude or point of view Harrison by way of interjection. He enjoyed on any matter. He was not one to seek the respect of us all because he was a gentle-­ the privacy of a dark corner to launch an man, both inside and outside the House. attack on the views of another. He was He was an acknowledged authority on even likely to confront you with an allegation dairying matters, and he invariably confined that he did not agree with what you were his contributions in debates to matters in doing or an argument you were advancing, the field of agriculture and primary industry and for that he enjoyed my personal respect generally. We all listened with very great to a high degree. He was a man with the respect to his opinions because they were courage of his convictions, and was able based on practical experie-nce. He held to state them forthrightly. responsible positions in the dairying industry He was active in the community in sport and, because of his access to responsible and many other fields. To me it was a persons who could give him advice on highly matter for regret that he was one of my specialised subjects, his views always had a former colleagues from whom the great message for us. events of 1957 brought severance. Without I join with the Premier in expressing regret making a play on this point, all I can say at the passing of these four former members is that, although I did not see him during of this Assembly, and I assure their relatives the last few months of his life, mainly that we are all very appreciative of the because of his illness, he would come along contributions they made to this State. It and indeed would almost charge into my may be some solace to them to know that office in this building and wish to engage the leaders of the respective parties have in conversation about earlier times. He acknowledged their respect for them and did express to me a wish that he could have paid tributes, though perhaps inadequate renew some measure of association with ones, to their qualities. We have tried to the Australian Labour Party, of which he show in some way that they were men who had been a member. He also was a leserved the tributes that have been paid contributor in a minor way to many of to them in this Chamber. our small fund-raising activities. I do not know what qualifications are Mr. WHARTON (Burnett) (12.19 p.m.): required of a successful publican, but I I wish to speak briefly in support of the should imagine that among them would be motion of condolence moved by the Premier. 24 Deaths of Late Members [ASSEMBLY) Address in Reply

I did not know the late Mr. King, the During his years in this Parliament the late Mr. Brosnan, or the late Mr. Farrell, late Leslie Harrison either lived in my but I was very closely associated with the electorate or represented an adjoining one. late Mr. Harrison before he entered I knew much of his life and I should say Parliament, particularly in his work on the that no-one has been more affectionately State Council of the Queensland Dairymen's thought of in the Beaudesert district than was Organisation. I pay tribute to the work he Leslie Harrison, not only as a member of did for that organisation and to the dedicated Parliament, but long before he entered Parlia­ way in which he endeavoured to improve ment. Every public body in the district that the industry that he served so faithfully and required assistance always had the support well. In the House he was known, to me of Leslie Harrison and his wife. and to everyone else here, as a very loyal Hon. members who were here with him friend. Perhaps his outstanding charac­ teristic was his loyalty to his party, his will remember his deeply conscientious colleagues, and those he represented. He approach to every question that came before brought that sense of loyalty into this House the House. I firmly believe that had he not in all the work he undertook. been so conscientious he might have lived a great deal longer. He devoted his whole Perhaps the most outstanding charac­ life to his work and I believe that the strain teristic of the late Leslie Harrison was of public duty was largely responsible for his humility and the dedicated way in which his death. he sought to achieve something for the I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that the people he represented. He had a sincere late Leslie Harrison will be very greatly approach to their problems, and even though missed by the people of Beaudesert and it has been said that he was not particularly district. vocal or dominating, he still achieved some­ thing-on many occasions quite a lot-for Motion (Mr. Nicklin) agreed to, hon. those he represented by his kind and members standing in silence. unassuming actions. I commend this motion to the House. I CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES wanted to be associated with it and to say APPOINTMENT OF 'MR. K. W. HoOPER that I believe that with the passing of the Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ late Leslie Harrison we lost a real friend Premier), by leave, without notice: I move- and a model member of this House. "That Keith William Hooper be Mr. MULLER (Fassifern) (12.21 p.m.): appointed Chairman of Committees of the Without any desire to prolong unnecessarily Whole House." a motion such as this, I feel it my duty, Motion agreed to. as one of the older members of this Parlia­ ment, to join with the Premier and the GOVERNOR'S OPENING SPEECH Leader of the Opposition in speaking to this important motion. Mr. SPEAKER: I have to report that His Excellency the Governor, on Wednesday, When I came here in 1935, the late Bill 3 August, delivered to Parliament an Opening King was a member of the Government and Speech of which, for greater accuracy, I I well remember his very kindly manner to have obtained a copy. I presume hon. the few of us on the Opposition benches at members will rake the Speech as read? that time. He was one man whom I learned to admire, not so much as a Parliamentarian Honourable Members: Hear, hear! but as a man. Until recently, whenever I met him in the street, he always had time to ADDRESS IN REPLY say "Hello" and to recall the days that we spent together in Parliament. Mr. E. G. W. WOOD (Logan) (12.26 p.m.), who was received with Government I did not know Mr. Farrell; he served "Hear, hears!", said: I move- before my time. I knew "Mick" Brosnan, "That the following Address be presented as he was affectionately known. He was a to the Governor in reply to the Speech man whom one could not help but like. He delivered by His Excellency in opening this, had a wonderful sense of humour and never the first session of the Thirty-eighth allowed his political beliefs to make the Parliament of Queensland:- slightest difference in his attitude towards members of the Opposition or members of 'May it please Your Excellency,­ his own party. We, Her Majesty's loyal and dutiful sub­ jects, the Members of the Legislature of However, my main desire today is to Queensland, in Parliament assembled, endorse the beautiful tribute the Premier desire to assure Your Excellency of our paid to the late Leslie Harrison. I have heard continued loyalty and affection towards tributes of this kind expressed in various ways the Throne and Person of Our Most but I have never heard anything more apt Gracious Sovereign, and to tender our or more beautiful than the tribute which the thanks to Your Excellency for the Speech Premier paid today to the late Leslie with which you have been pleased to open Harrison. the present session. Address in Reply (4 AUGUST) Address in Reply 25

We desire to offer Your Excellency our My second concept is that water conserva­ sincere congratulations on your appoint­ tion should receive priority of effort in all ment by Her Majesty, and to express our agricultural development. To my way of hope that Your Excellency's administra­ thinking it is most important that develop­ tion of affairs will be a source of happiness ment should be confined to the present to yourself and benefit to the State. developed areas, where the maximum The various measures to which Your economic use may be made of it. Excellency has referred, and all other My third concept is that ways and means matters that may be brought before us, will have to be found to ensure that estab­ will receive our most careful considera­ lished rural industries, which are in transient tion, and it shall be our earne·st endeavour difficulties, are not abandoned in favour of so to deal with them that our labours new and comparatively untried industries may tend to the advancement and and markets. I again reiterate that the rural prosperity of the State.' " industries must be protected in the interests We take pride in the fact that His Excellency of the whole of the State and that, having is a Queenslander, and consider ourse-lves regard to their overwhelming proportion of fortunate that so eminent a jurist and ·of export earning in relation to all other scholar has been appointed to this high office. sources their protection is of national import­ His Excellency, of course, has served our ance. State and Commonwealth in many exalted I revert now to the small-crops industry positions, and when his term of office is over in the Redlands area, which, with an ideal -I sincerely pray it will be a long one-! climate and the advantage of excellent soil know that he will have given the Government types, proximity to the main markets of and people of this State every reason for Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, is one of linking his name with the most illustrious the premier fruit and vegetable growing of his predecessors. areas of the Commonwealth. It is famous as As the representative of the electorate of the "Salad Bowl". However, it should be Logan in succession to the late R. L. realised that this industry operates on the Harrison, I take this opportunity to thank open market of supply and demand, without the electors for the trust they have reposed the assistance of Government subsidies or in me, and if I am able to emulate the protection. It has to compete against the work of my predecessor with the same constant importation of all types of com­ honesty of purpose I shall count myself modities, such as citrus fruit, pineapple and very well satisfied. passion-fruit pulp, tomato pulp, peas and beans. It depends therefore on industrial As the Nicklin Government enters its know-how and the scientific application of fourth term of office, I realise that there are the latest methods evolved on the regional many matters of national importance to experimental farms. receive attention. In this connection there are certain basic principles which I think I have read that the Commonwealth Gov­ should colour all our thinking. On the ernment proposes to make an additional subject of rural industries there are ceTtain grant of $1,500,000 to the States for exten­ basic principles that I should like to put sion services to rural industries, and over forward, particularly their effect on the the next five years this sum is to be increased Logan electorate. It is an area with a to $4,000,000. I am quite unaware what great variety of development, ranging from allocation this State is to get but I trust that, the undeveloped tourist areas of Stradbroke as the extension services are so interwoven Island, with the finest beaches in Australia with the regional experimental farms, some through some of the beautiful Bay islands: of the State's allocation may be allotted to the urban areas of Cleveland and Capalaba industry grants to these experimental farms. the Woodridge-Kingston area and, of course' For instance, the Committee of Direction Beenleigh. ' proposes to allocate $80,000 over a five­ year period to the Redlands Experimental We also have the fast developing area of Farm, and $40,000 has already been allo­ Slack's Creek, with its light industry, and cated. This is the premier regional experi­ the large rural areas south and west of mental farm of Queensland-the whole of Beenleigh, which specialise in dairying. the small-crops industry depends on it-yet There are also the sugar areas to the south the buildings of the establishment are com­ and, last but not least, there is the famous pletely inadequate. It deserves much better Salad Bowl of Redlands, the small-crops treatment. I hope this matter will be kept in area about which I will speak later. mind in the light of the special Common­ While dealing with rural industries I wealth grant and the susbidy that the C.O.D. reiterate that we must make a very realistic has pmvided. approach to them, and at this stage I should The Government showed wonderful fore­ like to enunciate three basic principles which sight and courage in removing the markets I think should be followed. My first con­ to Rocklea-probably they are the finest mar­ cept is that as rural industries earn over 80 kets in the Southern Hemisphere-and I hope per cent. of all export earnings for the Com­ this will not be neutralised from the pro­ monwealth, in the interests of the nation they ducers' point of view by unrealistic adminis­ should receive every protection and assist­ tration so far as operating hours and approved ance to ensure their continued prosperity. commission charges are concerned. At long 26 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply last, after a good deal of negotation with the There are over 12,000 acres of alluvial land Brisbane Market Trust, somewhat satisfactory on the Albert and 20,000 acres of arable land hours for intake have been arrived at. I on the Logan-it consists of highly fertile sincerely hope that they are not curtailed at flats-and of this area 17,000 acres are the end of the experimental period. within one mile of the streams. Of all this From time to time there have been moves potential, to date only 5,378 acres are to increase the commission charge of I 0 irrigated. per cent. under all headings. When the This is a highly-developed area, with good markets were transferred to Rocklea, there road systems and in close proximity to the was in the legislation a provision that there metropolis, and must rank high in considera­ would be no more new agents for 10 years, tion for immediate water conservation and, as a quid pro quo, the farmers were schemes in an effort to assist these two given an assurance that the total charges important industries in one of the premier under all headings would be adhered to. agricultural areas of the State. I point out Unfortunately one" side of the bargain is con­ again that it is very close to the metro­ tained in legislation and the other is con­ politan market. trolled by regulation. I hope the department sees fit to ensure that that bargain is honoured. Some $5,000,000 would provide water at the head of these two rivers and ensure a I apologise if I move quickly from place constant flow down their length. Further­ to place. As I pointed out, Logan is a very more, it would assist in keeping the tidal varied electorate and I should like to cover waters back, although some special provJSion every aspect of it. may be required to effect this in conjunction The incidence of drought has emphasised with flood run-off. When one considers the the urgent need for water conservation in potential of this area, its proximity to the this State, and this matter must rank high metropolitan area, and the fact that it has in our consideration for the maintenance of been developed for over 100 years, it is the Queensland economy. The distribution difficult to understand why water conservation of our summer rainfall is such that Queens­ has not been undertaken on the Albert and land is at a disadvantage when compared Logan Rivers. with the Far South. The wide variations in Those remarks return me to a consideration stream flow and depth to adequate soil of the dairying industry. It is the policy moisture make it difficult for primary industry of the Government to provide subsidies to to carry on without water storage. When it dairy farmers for pasture improvement, par­ is considered, as His Excellency pointed out, ticularly by means of artificial fertilisers, that the current annual value of production and adequate rainfall or irrigation must be of a little over a quarter of a million acres part of a successful application of this policy. of irrigated land in the State represents Every farmer knows that. To some extent this only 10 per cent of the total value artificial watering has been facilitated by the of all rural production of the State, it is quite obvious that the water conservation schemes Farm Water Supplies Assistance Act, but it must be escalated as rapidly as possible, is on a multiplicity of smaller dams in having regard to our finances, and at the developed areas that the implementation of same time the best possible use must be successful pasture improvement largely made of existing development and organised depends. There must be water, by either markets, two very important assets. assured rainfall or conservation schemes, if attempts are to be made to fertilise and Having this in mind, full advantage should improve pastures. be taken of readily available facilities, com­ bined with established industries with assured As most of the dairying industry in this markets with all their industrial know-how, State is in the tropical and subtropical zones, instead of attempting to provide irrigation it is at a disadvantage compared with the to undeveloped localities where the provision industry in southern States. However, about of housing, road and rail transport, and other one-third of the farming land of Queensland essential modern amenities, entails long is used for dairying, and, although there delays before such a scheme can be brought has been a rapid decline in this industry it is into operation. Above all else, it must be so much a part of the rural economy of the established beyond a reasonable doubt that State that no disadvantage of adverse the products of such a scheme are to be climatic conditions can be allowed to liqui­ readily absorbed by either local or overseas date an industry that is part of our way of markets. Let us look after our existing rural life, with generations of experience and industries by establishing water conservation know-how behind it, in favour of other new schemes, which is the most economic use of and comparatively untried industries with our available finances, before we branch out uncertain markets. into new ventures. If tropical and subtropical Australia is to I now refer to the Logan electorate, and be fully developed, all the difficulties brought in particular to its dairying and sugar areas, about by climatic conditions will have to be in relation to water conservation, and draw solved. It is merely a question of the attention to the fact that 10,000 gallons of impossible taking a little longer. We just whole milk alone are supplied from the Albert cannot keep walking way from one industry and Logan catchment areas to Brisbane, in favour of another in a policy of despair. representing one-sixth of its requirements. To deal with dairying in particular, the low Address in Reply (4 AUGUST) Address in Reply 27 percentage of arable land on most farms the Rocky Point mill is too small to allow would preclude predominance being placed the plant to be operated economically on on crop-raising. We are therefore stuck with the State-wide sugar price, the local growers the dairying industry, so let us put it in order. are paid 8 per cent. below this, or 60c a The whole difficulty is that production costs ton less. The soil is excellent, but if the have escalated to such an extent that the production supplying this mill is to be returns are too low on prices that are more increased to an economical level the question or less satisfactory in southern States. There of draining the low-lying areas, of which the is therefore no alternative to seeing that the locality is largely composed, will have to dairying industry itself is placed on an be solved. This is realised by the Albert economic footing in this State, and assistance Shire Council, which, in an effort to solve can be confined to this State only by subsi­ the problem, instituted a reclamation and dising permanent improvements that will drainage scheme in two phases. In the first promote more efficient production rather than section, about $150,000 has been spent on by attempting to subsidise Commonwealth­ planning and flood-gates. However, until the wide at a production level. We must look to second phase of the scheme has been improving our own State. It is therefore completed no benefit will ensue, and the pleasing indeed to realise that the Govern­ growers will have difficulty in meeting even ment, with its dairy pasture improvement the repayments on the first phase apart from subsidy scheme combined with farm water coping with the $500,000 second phase of supply legislation, has made the first the scheme. important step in improvement subsidies, The farmers in this area have had three which are the key to the whole situation. major set-backs in 1965-from frost, drought, This is the system that operates in the and low international sugar prices-and United Kingdom, where there is a subsidy one-third of the farmers-50 out of 156- on all permanent effort that increases farm are working away from their farms at production, and I hope that in this State present. They have converted their farms the present pasture improvement scheme is to sugar and it would not now be practical but the forerunner of a continuing series for them to turn back. Levy loans and of subsidies from year to year that will assist drought-relief loans are the only things that in the provision of urgently needed dairy are assisting them to carry on. farm improvements. I realise that all this cannot be effected immediately, but there This essential drainage and reclamation should be, as I said earlier, a constant scheme was commenced when sugar was enlargement of this subsidy scheme over £!20 a ton and at the present £20 a ton the years to encourage the necessary it is well beyond the capacity of the farming improvement in pastures. community to service the scheme. This pro­ To the south of the Logan is a small blem is of vital importance to the area, and sugar area at Woongoolba. The sugar it must be solved. In my opinion, the ques­ industry, of course, is now in some difficulty tion of Commonwealth special assistance for throughout the State, but the difficulties in this area should be investigated. Such a this area are even greater. I should like scheme operates in New South Wales in to remind the House of the general set-up similar country in the Northern Rivers sugar in the sugar industry so that hon. members areas, and I suggest that the matter should can consider the situation at Woongoolba be investigated here; otherwise, this industry against that background. cannot continue. The raw sugar industry is very important Getting away from rural industries, I feel because it contributes more than any other I can speak with some small authority on the industry-primary, secondary, or tertiary­ question of local government, a type of to the economy of the State. Following government that is very close to the people, the collapse of the International Sugar that plays a very important part in com­ Agreement in 1961 and after the situation munity life, and that is dependent, to a was carefully examined in 1963, a programme considerable extent, on its own resources. of expansion was approved to achieve 2,500,000 tons of raw sugar by 1970. In It is quite true that the Government the process, about 160,000 acres of new makes available, through the various depart­ assignments were granted, over I ,200 new ments, special grants and subsidies, and farmers were brought into the industry, and Main Roads expenditure plays a big part. mill-owners largely rebuilt their factories. However, it is on the shire's 1 <1ting potential In three years some $2,000,000 was invested. that the development of a district depends­ In view of the sudden and severe reduction the actual landholders-and the position has in the returns being received for sugar sold now been reached in some cases of fast­ on the world free market, the hopes of developing shires where well over 40 per the industry have now received an extremely cent. of their rate intake is being absorbed in serious set-back and those in it look to the servicing loans and meeting Main Roads Government to find some remedy for this commitments; so it is obvious that the shires situation. cannot be expected to carry further burdens. Against the general background of the It seems to me that the basis should depend sugar industry, I now set out the difficulties on the number of persons in a shire, not only that face the industry at Woongoolba. As on the number of landholders. 28 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

realise that Government subsidies and to have an adequate road link between the Main Roads expenditure make some contri­ two places. With the state of Brisbane City bution for the non-ratepayers in a district, Council and local authority finances, such but it is very questionable whether they a connection can be provided only by the meet the demand. If these shires are to declaration of Compton Road under the improve their services in accordance with Main Roads Act, or with suitable provision their development some thought will have to being made under section 19 of that Act. be given to further subsidies; the Government The construction of an adequate road will just have to open its mind on the matter betwe·en the Woodridge area and the of subsidy. If a shire is paying over 40 per industrial complex at Acacia Ridge is cent. of its rate intake towards servicing essential. loans and meeting Main Roads commitments, it is obvious that the Government is not Since the closure of the railway line, the going to solve its difficulties without making main road out of the Redlands has been so some provision for subsidies related to non­ inadequate that its speed limits have been ratepayers within the area. There is so much drastically curtailed. Urgent consideration that these shires have to do. must be given to improving this route, which is fast becoming a traffic hazard. I refer, for instance, to coastal shires, There is scarcely a place where one vehicle where a serious erosion problem has arisen. can overtake another in safety. This road I realise that on the open surf beaches this carries 6,000 vehicles a day, which is com­ is an extremely difficult problem, but I refer parable with the traffic on the South Coast in particular to bayside frontages in com­ road, apart from its peak periods. paratively sheltered waters, where sea walls are an economic proposition but are, as I Other outlets to the Redlands should also pointed out previously mostly beyond the be provided. I refer particularly to the financial capacity of the councils, and valu­ proposed bridge across Tingalpa Creek at able land is being lost. This will have to Thornside. The Brisbane City Council and be dealt with by special grants or generous the Redlands Shire Council are anxious that subsidies. this work be undertaken but it wiil be neces­ sary for the Government to "weigh in''. This A further aspect of these matters is the road links up with the Eastern Freeway marginal Crown lands which front many proposed in the Brisbane Transportation bayside shires and which, if development warranted it and the shire was in a position Study. It is a necessary adjunct to the to reclaim the land for subdivisional pur­ development of the Redlands and I commend poses under a scheme divorced from Lands it to the Government's consideration. Department participation, would provide another source of income for the shire and Finally, I make an appeal to all hoB. be another weapon in the fight against tidal members on behalf of the aged. Just as water. we provide the best facilities for the young in our kindergartens, schools, and univer­ I come now to the question of town plan­ sities, let us provide similarly for our senior ning. It is extremely difficult to gauge the citizens. I should like to see a policy of extent or location of likely development, and pmviding modern institutions in elite sur­ on occasions this takes place so rapidly that roundings, with all the necessary therapy unless a plan is fluid progress is retarded. My and treatment readily available, for these experience of town planning indicates that if people in the evening of their lives. H we the rights of individual owners are to be can spend so much on the young., let us safeguarded the present machinery is ade­ spend a small fraction of this on the aged. quate in most respects, although it is ;\t one end of the rainbow we are prepared cumbersome and unwieldy, and I would say :o spend a huge amount on the education that most plans are obsolete by the time thev of the young, with which I wholeheartedly come into effect. The five-year period fo~r ag:ree, but let us spend a small portion of amending is Pot satisfactory, and I think this amount at the other end of the rainhow some provision should be made to allow a on people in the evening of their lives. plan to be constantly amended to meet altering circumstances and public needs. The Senior Citizens have some 40 clubs at present, and I agree that it is much better 1 turn now to the subject of main roads. to keep these people occupied in their own I do not intend to de-al with the Main Roads homes rather than have them placed in Department in general, but rather with a institutions. I appeal for a dollar-for-dollar particular phase of it relative to the main subsidy on money raised by these clubs for approaches from the closely developed areas the establishment of buildings and other of Logan to the metropolis. I realise that facilities, just as that subsidy is payable to within the limits of its finances the Main parents and citizens' associations in State Roads Department does what it can to meet schools. The Senior Citizens are in difficulty this situation. However, take, for instance, trying to raise money, and on their behalf the fast-growing township of Woodridge, I appeal for a dollar-for-dollar subsidy on which is cut off from the important industrial the money raised by these clubs. In other complex at Acacia Ridge. Because of the words, let us have a complete new deal for employment situation alone it is necessary the aged. Address in Reply [4 AUGUST] Address in Reply 29

In closing, I wish to thank hon. members My thanks are extended to the people of on both sides for the consideration they have the Hawthorne electorate for showing their shown me in this, my first appearance in the confidence in me at the recent State elec­ House. I realise that this is traditional and tion by returning me as their representative. consequently, in de·ference to their attitude, I am deeply conscious of the responsibility I have kept my remarks as far removed as which my position entails. I believe that possible from controversial matters. a member of Parliament should at all times [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] speak and act as his conscience dictates in the interests of the people he represents Mr. KAUS (Hawthorne) (2.15 p.m.), who and the people of the State generally. I was received with Government "Hear, hears!", look upon myself as a representative, not said: only of the people who supported me, but of all the people in my electorate and indeed It is with pleasure that I second the all the people in the State of Queensland. motion for the adoption of the Address in I shall at all times endeavour to maintain Reply so ably moved by the hon. member the prestige and dignity of Parliament. for Logan, Mr. Wood. I am very thank­ ful for the honour conferred on me as one I\1r. Speaker, for many years as a private of the new members of this Assembly so citizen I have been concerned with the early in my parliamentary life. disastrous road toll throughout Australia. I have several ideas that I should like to I want to support fully and join with submit to the Government, in this debate the hon. member for Logan in expressing today, in an endeavour to assist it with the my personal loyalty to the Throne through job it is doing to bring under control the Her Most Gracious Majesty, Sovereign terrible carnage of our Queensland roads. Queen Elizabeth II, and to associate the In particular, I congratulate the M_inister in people of the Hawthorne electorate in this charge of police, Hon. J. C. A. P1zzey, ~or expression of loyalty. I also wish to sup­ instituting so many measures through police port the hon. member for his message of action since he has held this important thanks to His Excellency for the speech post. My congratulations are also extended he delivered in the opening of the present to the members of the Police Force, who are session. We desire to offer His Excellency carrying out many acts of law enforcement our sincere congratulations on his appoint­ on our roads. These police officers include ment by Her Majesty and to express our the men of the Q-cars, Traffic Police, and hope that His Excellency's administration a great number of our uniformed police not of affairs will be a source of happiness to normally associated with traffic. him and benefit to the State. My own driving activities in and around We are indeed very fortunate in having Brisbane prior to my entering this House. as our representative of our Most Gracious and up to the present time, have been num­ Sovereign such a distinguished and capable erous. I have covered a great deal of ter­ son of Queensland as our Governor. Might ritory and observed many hundreds of I compliment His Excellency on the manner traffic breaches that have or could have in which he has accepted and carried out resulted in a disastrous road accident. the duties of his vice-regal office. Sir Alan has left an indelible mark on the Much has been said in recent years of the history of Queensland and a record of growing toll of the road in Queensland,. but achievement, particularly since the ter­ I feel the position has become w senous mination of World War II, in the many that if any additional contribution to the important offices he has held. subject can do anything at all to impn~ve_ it, it will be worth while. The astomshmg At this juncture I congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, on having been re-elected to your thin" to me is that although there is gen­ high and honourable office and also extend era!"public and official concern at the increas­ congratulations to the new members on ino number of people being killed on the both sides of the House. We certainly ro~ds, it does not seem possible to get the look to you, Mr. Speaker, to guide us in message over to certain individual drivers. the ways of traditional parliamentary pro­ Mr. Speaker, I know you will appreciate cedure. We trust that you will not be too it when I say that our real problem is a hard on us for our transgressions, at least mental one-the mental approach of a driver early in our parliamentary career. You to other drivers and other people. I think may rest assured that they will be through you will also agree that the problem drivers ignorance and not by design. I should also are the ones who have no toler:mce or like to congratulate the Chairman of Com­ thought for others. mittees on his appointment and I look to him also for guidance. A second problem, to my mind, is the inability-mentally--of the better drivers I wish to convey my sincere thanks to to think about their driving, to be able to the Premier and his Government for the appreciate the conditions around lhem _as manner in which they have honoured me they drive, to look far enough ahead, physic­ and the electorate of Hawthorne in choosing ally and mentally, or to anticipate things that me to second the motion for the adoption may or could happen ahead of them which of the Address in Reply to the speech could be avoided by preventive thought and His Excellency. 1 action. 30 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

The problem, therefore, seems to be the I believe that the Government should repression of the first type of driver, and consider the registration of all driving the education in "How to Drive", both instructors and establishing certain standards physically and mentally, of both types. for anyone who has the responsibility of teaching people, particularly young people, If a young man is killed in the defence of to drive. Driving tests should be supervised his country there is a great outcry, but if by highly-trained people, and it is no the same young man loses his life on our denigration of the Police Force generally roads he joins the growing toll that people to say that many police officers responsible take as a necessary evil of our times. for the granting of licences have no real The question arises: is the basic training qualifications for this important task. Any in car driving of a sufficiently high standard? person who drives a car can teach another There is no doubt that most licences are to drive, but the important thing surely is issued in the cities, so we must find drivers that he be educated not only in the basically aware of where they can park, mechanical operation of a vehicle but also in what to do in heavy traffic, and what road the many hazards and pitfalls that he will signs mean. But how many of these people encounter almost every time he takes the are killed on the open road? car out of the garage. Driving around city streets is a totally The basic problem of road safety lies in a different proposition to highway driving at full appreciation of what can happen, and speeds of up to 60 miles an hour, where we the ability to anticipate danger at all times. find a great lack of appreciation by the Cars are becoming almost a necessity for immatur.: driver that he has a lethal weapon everyday life, and education in the growing in his hands. What judgment has the city­ problems connected with their use is a "must". trained driver got on the open road unless he I believe that urgent consideration should has had a great deal of experience? be given to the inclusion of adequate driving The roac:s to holiday resorts are becoming instruction in our secondary-school curric­ death traps every week-end with head-on col­ ulum. This has been proved successful over­ l;s:ons and cars running off the road. Head­ seas in improving driving skill and producing on colliS:ons are certainly the result of at saner conduct on the roads by teenage and least one driver being on the wrong side of younger-age-group drivers. the road: cars run off the road generally As I have already stated, all driving because the driver has lacked the judgment instructors should be registered. A school of to adjust his speed to the circumstances. instruction should be set up under Govern­ Judgment of speed is the greatest trap to ment guidance. In addition to including the inexperienced and unwary, and it affects driving in secondary-school courses, instruc­ the risk to the individual driver and every­ tors should be trained in the Hendan method. one in his vicinity at all times. How many I might mention that the book detailing this accidents are caused by a car moving out of method is hard to obtain, and the one that a line of traffic without sufficient time to get I now have in my hand is, I think, only the back in before it reaches a blind spot or a second in Queensland. It is a good textbook hill-top? on driving. To give an indication of its contents, they include the physical and mental One has only to drive along the roads requirements of a driver; the system of car outside Brisbane any week-end to see cars control; drivers' signals; road observation; "just making it" as they pass lines of traffic. acceleration, braking, and steering; and Some "make" the blind spot safely through cornering, skidding, and gear changes. I sheer good fortune, but too many pay the table that copy for hon. members to peruse penalty for either carelessness or recklessness. at any time. This method has proved One does not have to be a learned man to successful in Britain, and it has been adopted know that responsibility for most accidents by the Police Force of Western Australia. In is with the person concerned. How can we that State all police and instructors are make the motorist a good citizen on the ' trained in this method. Driving instructors roads? must take either a two-week-course or a six­ As I said earlier, I have noticed that the hour simulation test. This would at least be average motorist has many bad driving habits. a start in the right direction. It is quite likely that he does not know any All testing officers should be trained in better. Many people who drive have never advanced driving methods on the same lines been tested to a correct standard. Many of as those used at the Institute of Advanced them have never been instructed in a method Drivers of London. They should be taught that will make them first-class drivers. Two to lecture on road safety and traffic regula­ factors could therefore be weak testing and tions. A corps of testing officers should be poor instruction. How can these faults be formed, with its headquarters in Brisbane, overcome? and only these highly trained people should One point that could be subject to some be allowed to test in the State. This would review is the qualification of driving instruc­ eliminate the popular test with the local tors and whether many bad driving habits are policeman; with all due respect, what does the result of the issuing of licences to people the local policeman usually know about who have not been instructed and tested driving? He could be the world's worst to a high enough standard. driver. The selection of testing officers Address in Reply (4 AUGUST] Address in Reply 31 should be made from men with a long experi­ The Army could be asked to take part ence in driving and a strong sense of public in the scheme. It would mean the use duty. of three "other ranks", one of them a I would like to recommend that the follow­ mechanic. The equipment is very simple. ing be included in the driving test- First it would require a portable set of traffic lights worked by a 6-volt battery. The 1. Proper equipment to test people's training area could be painted on the eyes (the present method is inadequate); recreation area at the school; where this 2. All candidates should do a written is not possible lengths of old fire-hose could test on the traffic regulations (then we be used. In all probability condemned hose would be sure that this examination was could be obtained from the Metropolitan standard); Fire Brigade. The only other equipment 3. Where possible, at times the speeds needed would be 15 blocks of wood each on test should exceed 35 m.p.h., because 5 inches square. In this connection, I have the ballistics of the motor-car change another book which is available for the greatly at speed and people who do not perusal of hon. members. It is titled, "Are understand them are often involved in you a Good Cyclist?" and sets out a national accidents. cycling efficiency scheme. It, too, is printed A special test should be devised for bus and in London. truck drivers. Before the course all cycles will be inspected I could say many words on the correct and those that are not safe put off the methods, but all these have been said and road until they are repaired. I feel that written before and the methods are the same all cycles should meet a standard set by no matter what language they are written in. law and this standard should be enforced. The person who is behind the wheel must I have noticed that many cycles ridden by know how to apply the correct method. children are unsafe. Many experts are called to the conference I suggest that the following items should table, but how many of them are masters of be provided on all cycles before they are safe driving? Let us put it this way: if a allowed on the road: If a cycle has a man rode a horse with the same skill as he back-pedal brake, a second system should drives a car, he would break his neck! be installed because if the chain comes off the rider has no means of stopping. It would There is a further suggestion I should like be folly to use the front brake. All cycles to make. After having been associated with should have mudguards with a reflector and children in the age group 12-15 years, I find a white flap at the rear; a red light should that they are only too willing to take part be fitted; handle-bars should not be wider in any kind of training that demands an than the shoulders of the rider; bells should amount of competitive skill. In order that be fitted and all decorations that could be they may have early training in road safety, a danger to the rider should be removed. a national safe-cycling award should be By "decorations", I mean decorations that founded under the guidance of the Queens­ consist of plastic streamers and spring wire. land Road Safety Council. This would mean that children could be trained in road safety In my travels around the suburbs I have with cycles. To begin with, a limited seen many children travelling to and from number of schools could enter. The children school, most of them a danger to themselves could be trained on a Saturday morning for and all other road-users. They ride on one or two hours, and the period of training either side of the road; they give no signals; could be for four or five Saturdays. At the they often ride three abreast on roads that end of the course they could be tested by a are only wide enough for two cars to pass. police officer on their cycling ability and by Surely children who have no discipline on a road safety officer on their knowledge of the road will show the same disregard for the traffic regulations. Those who passed road safety when they start to drive cars would receive a certificate of merit and motor-cycles. similar to the one that I have here. It is Another added safety factor for school­ a certificate issued in Great Britain and is children and students attending night college called the National Cycling Proficiency Certi­ could be to encourage parents to obtain ficate. It is awarded to children who pass bright yellow rainproof coats for children the test, and is usually presented by the to wear to and from school, because on a Minister for Transport or an officer of the wet, dark night yellow stands out far more Road Safety Council. than the dull grey coats that seem to be Mr. Hooper: Is that in London? the general type of clothing used. This may not be a popular colour, but if every Mr. KAUS: Yes, in London. child wore it no-one would feel out of In addition, there is a badge for boys and place. a brooch for girls. Headmasters of schools Too many of our young people look could encourage the scheme by allowing forward to the time when they are old children who had taken training to use their enough to hold a licence to drive, and to cycles in travelling to and from school, and experience all the pleasure connected with a shield or cup could be presented to the it, without having any appreciation of the school with the greatest number of passes in risks involved. I do not believe it is right one year. to issue a full licence to a 17 -year-old, because 32 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply the modern-day car, with its almost unlimited that the observer is also driving at power, presents problems to the mature the time. This information is passed driver. The age for the issue of a licence on to the relevant authority, who then, should be raised to at least 18 years and through the registration number, writes then it should be provisional only so as to the car-owner and asks that the to ensure a period of care and to encourage driver of the vehicle--owner or otherwise­ this as a habit in later years. report to the authorities at certain times It appears that the majority of major for lessons in correct driving. accidents involve the younger age-groups, but If any driver has a number of calls of the pedestrian toll occurs in all age-groups. this nature-remember that he is unlikely This is becoming a very serious problem to be breached by the same man more than and brings me to the question of pedestrian once-the number of calls will show the crossings. It seems to me that completely pattern of his driving. If his driving pattern new thinking must be brought to bear on is bad, then police in mufti, if necessary, this subject before much more time has could take it from there and make it a passed. Pedestrian crossings have, to a court action for serious offenders. certain extent, become hazards for the unwary, Here I draw a parallel with a J.P., whose and some thought must be given to building character is thoroughly investigated before them beneath the roads. We all realise appointment. When a man is selected as that the construction of subways under our an observer his driving ability is noted, roads would be a very costly matter in and his mental attitude thoroughly investi­ dollars and cents, but it would effect a gated. He is asked to act for. a limi~ed tremendous saving in human life. Is there period-say, three months--durmg wh1ch any yardstick by which the value of human time he can be further observed to deter­ life can be measured? Subways would give mine if he is of the type required. If not, certainty of protection to the pedestrian, he is thanked, and let go. If he is found and their construction would also greatly to be what is required he may be asked to improve traffic flow. serve for a further term. The problems of traffic flow are now As to payment-again a parallel with a concentrated mainly in the major cities, but J.P.-only men who want to do this with the growing car usage it is certain that because they feel they are doing something it will also be the concern of areas along worth while are any good. I thmk most all the highways in the State. We are con­ men would agree that there should be no tinually improving the road system for payment connected with it. A small com­ faster travel but little thought is being given mendation from "high up" to show appre­ to the problems of the pedestrian. The risk ciation should be all that is desired. to life and limb grows in reverse ratio to To keep these selected drivers completely road construction. At city intersections it anonymous is also desirable because they should surely be profitable, and possible, to would all be subject to observation, even construct underground crossings with cer­ observers and undoubtedly some would be tain shopping facilities. If arcades can be breached: No-one can be exempt if we built at ground level it must be possible to want safety. Complete supervision of all have them beneath street level. observers and their selection would be car­ My candid opinion of an alarmingly large ried out by the Police Department. Highly percentage of drivers is that they simply trained police officers would have to be cannot handle the power contained in the constantly watching for good drivers so that modern vehicle, nor can they mentally there could be hundreds of observers. The handle the density of traffic. possibilities are limitless. Today we have police in mufti patrolling May I suugest that along with selected in "Q" cars, but why not use some of the every-day drivers, some taxi-drivers-and I large number of competent citizens who are emphasise "some"-would make competent capable of driving, and also of assessing observers. These are mostly skilled drivers, dangerous driving, as selected observers? I and undoubtedly a good number are mentally know that every citizen now has the right capable of doing this job. They are on. the to report anything he considers a wrong­ road at all hours, and if they were specmlly doing, but because, for a number of reasons, observant they would at some time be very the ordinary citizen is reticent to go to helpful to police in other types of cas~, court, he takes no positive action, although such as the theft of cars. They are also m he may really curse the wrongdoer at the constant radio communication with their time of the happening. My idea does not bases, and this could be a very useful envisage court appearances by the factor. "observers", as I shall call these citizens for Carnage on our Queensland roads presents the time being. As a matter of fact, com­ a tragic problem which can affect the lives plete anonymity is far more desirable as and happiness of all of us. In the past we this rejects the idea of retaliation by the have made traffic laws to control this prob­ wrongdoer. lem but still the accident rate continues to In the case of dangerous driving the grow out of all proportion to the increase observer notes the registration number of in motor vehicles. Our percentage of traffic the car involved, the time, and his accidents is, in fact, one of the worst in the idea of the offence. I am assuming world. Address in Reply (9 AUGUST] Questions 33

I have made certain suggestions here who will furnish an authenticated report, today. For the future, we are making supported by enlarged photographs, etc., plans and passing still more traffic laws showing exactly what happened from, say, in the hope that we can reduce the 200 yards prior to the accident to the pvint accident rate. Surely we must realise of impact, and fixing the location to within that the techniques we have used in the a few yards of the commencement of the past must be unsuccessful and costly in the trip and to within a few seconds of the future, no matter how elaborate they may time of the accident. Surely such informa­ become. Let us face it! What we need is tion would contribute greatly to the avoid­ not more laws but effective control; control ance of similar accidents in the future. so that we can enforce the laws already The knowledge that a driver's every action made and to implement the excellent plans is recorded and subject to scrutiny makes we make, and control to enforce the laws we him more cautious and enables him to cor­ will draw up in the future as the need arises. rect his faults and become a better driver. In support of my argument, 1et me point Isn't that what we want-better and more out that there are very few accidents at con­ careful drivers? trolled intersections; rather, the accidents take place on the open road, which is Conversely, the vehicle-recorder chart will impossible to police. When an accident support the driver if he is in the right. I takes place, a thorough investigation is feel sure this knowledge will give him invariably held to determine the cause. Such greater confidence on the road. questions as "What speed were you doing?", Mr. Speaker, I hope that this, my first "Where did you first apply your brakes?", contribution to this Assembly, will be of etc., are asked. The often dazed and gen­ assistance to my Government, the Queensland erally worried parties involved do their best Road Safety Council, the Queensland Police to supply correct information, but this is Force, and all who are concerned with this impossible. If a motorist foresees an impend­ terrible carnage on our roads in Australia. ing accident he naturally uses all his faculties, Debate, on 'motion of Mr. Duggan, including his eyes, to avoid a collision. He adjourned. cannot look at the speedometer to see what speed he is doing. Neither is there any visual meter which will advise him accu­ SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT rately of the distance he travelled after he Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ applied his brakes. Premier): I move- If the police receive faulty information­ "That the House, at its rising, do even though it is given sincerely-the task adjourn until 11 a.m. on Tuesday next." becomes more difficult and costly. In the event of the parties concerned in an accident Motion agreed to. being killed, evidence of what actually hap­ The House adjourned at 2.54 p.m. pened is sometimes impossible to obtain. In certain countries of the world~Ger­ many, Japan and parts of America to name a few-the authorities have made it com­ pulsory to fit certain types of motor vehicles, namely, heavy transport and passenger coaches, with vehicle recorders, and we could well profit by their actions. After all, they have bigger cities and bigger problems than we have. These vehicle recorders print on a chart a complete log of the vehicle's performance. This log is mechanically recorded and can­ not be tampered with. The chart shows at a glance the vehicle's speed at all times and its starting and stopping times. The police should be empowered to inspect these charts at any time and use the information thus made available to them. For instance, if a vehicle-recorder chart was inspected by the police at, say, 2 p.m. and on examination it was seen that between 11.20 a.m. and 1.15 p.m. the driver had been travelling at 73 m.p.h., the police would immediately have a case against the driver. The chart would be sufficient evidence. No police trap or witnesses would be required. Surely this would be a major deterrent and would keep speeds to a safe limit. In tlle event of an accident the vehicle­ recorder ~hart can be analysed by experts 2