Queensland
Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]
Legislative Assembly
THURSDAY, 25 OCTOBER 1973
Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy
1242 Questions Upon Notice [25 OCTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice
THURSDAY, 25 OCTOBER 1973 be demolished. The area is required for railway purposes and a new siding is to be completed shortly within that area. If there is a proposal under local considera Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. W. H. Lonergan, tion, it has not been brought to my atten Flinders) read prayers and took the chair tion, nor am I aware of any proposals at 11 a.m. involving other authorities."
ASSENT TO BILLS Assent to the following Bills reported by GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES TO LOCAL Mr. Speaker:- AUTHORITIES Criminal Code Amendment Bill; (a) Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked Voluntary Aid in Emergency Bill; The Minister for Local Government,- Licensed Victuallers' Licenses (Validation ( 1) With reference to the recommenda of Removals) Bill; tions of the report on the financial position Supreme Court Library Act Amendment of local government in Queensland, pre· Bill; pared by Mr. R. D. Stuckey, what c ;n sideration has been given to the suggestion Fire Brigades Act Amendment Bill. that the State Government should create a local government assistance fund as has been done in New South Wales? PAPER The following paper was laid on the (2) Will he carry out a complete table:- review of the present basis and ratio of State Government grants and subsidies for Report of the Bureau of Sugar Experiment capital works, with the object of updating Stations for the year 1972-73. the payments to a more realistic level in the light of present-day costs? QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE (3) In view of the burden placed on local authorities due to the huge out ESTABLISHMENT OF PASSENGER-COACH standing sums owed to them in rates and DEPOT, ROCKHAMPTON charges, what remedial action does he Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The intend to take? Minister for Transport,- ( 1) Further to his Answer to my Ques Answers:- tion on October 17, concerning the inade quate facilities for passenger-coach services, ( 1) "The State Subsidy Scheme is con that the State Transport Acts do not extend tinually under review and is under review to the erection of a coach depot by his at the moment. Such review will include Department, has consideration been given consideration of alternatives such as the by the Commissioner or other depart Local Government Grants Commission as mental officers to the need for a depot in New South Wales. Mention could be in Rockhampton and have any of the sites made of the fact that State Officers are at named been investigated? present in Canberra participating (with (2) If a coach depot cannot be erected other State, Local Government and Com by his Department, will this project be monwealth Government representatives) in undertaken by another area of govern a Commonwealth Grants Commission ment? hearing on the subject of that Com (3) If the construction of the depot mission's role of inquiry into applications was undertaken by the Rockhampton City by local governing bodies for financial Council, what State assistance would be assistance." forthcoming? (2) "Such a review is constantly in progress as stated in ( 1). However, per Answer:- centage subsidies as used in the State ( 1 to 3) "The investigations made by scheme do in fact automatically assist in the Department of Transport have been in meeting rising costs. I would stress that relation to the facilities offered by the the amounts paid have increased over the respective licensed passenger coach services years as shown by the following figures- and none of the sites named by the Hon ourable Member have been investigated $ by that Department. As the Honourable 1966-67 12,588,191 Member is aware, the Archer Park Rail 1967-68 12,926,274 way Station is being utilised by bulk load 1968-69 15,014,219 ing contractors. The New Rockhampton 1969-70 14,895,805 railway station is not available for use as a coach depot, the whole of the area being 1970-71 15,585,389 required for the purpose for which it was 1971-72 16,599,617 constructed. The old railway station will 1972-73 18,778,393" Questions Upon Notice [25 OCTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice 1243
(3) "The collection of rates and charges the following figures for grants, subsidies levied by local authorities is a matter for a'id revenues (percentages have been added each local authority, and I do not propose as requested):- to take any action. The level of rate arrears is largely dependent upon the policies of (a) Total (b) Revenue each local authority and so far as the -- State Grants from Rates, Percentage and Charges, (a) of (b) effect of drought conditions are concerned, Subsidies Sales, etc. I am pleased to report substantial reduc tions in rate arrears in such representative $'000 $'000 1966-67 .. 16,232 110,909 14·6 areas as:- 1967-68 .. 17,112 124,717 13·7 1968-69 .. 18,836 137,162 13·7 Total Arrears 1969-70 .. 18,673 145,850 12·8 1-7-72 1-7-73 1970-71 .. 25,164 152,744 16·4 Balonne Shire $132,047 $77,768 Longreach Shire $132,170 $43,869 Statistics are not available for local authority revenues to provide figures to Richmond Shire $38,787 $.13,089 1973 as sought." Enough local authority financial statements for 1972-73 are not yet available to (2) "The last review of the Subsidy Scheme took place in 1969, and changes enable a comprehensive assessment of the in rates and subsidisable expenditure were present position to be made." made for the reason set out in the Answer to the first Question. However, the scheme is still the most favourable State Subsidy Scheme for local government." (b) Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Yewdale, pur suant to notice, asked The Minister for Local Government,- OUTSTANDING RATES AND CHARGES, ( l) In view of the criticism from cer LOCAL AUTHORITIES tain local government representatives that there has been a progressive withdrawal Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Yewdaie, pursuant of subsidy from the State Government to notice, asked The Minister for Local over recent years, what percentage of local Government,- government revenue in Queensland was What was the amount of rates and derived from State Government subsidies charges outstanding to local authorities in each of the years 1967 to 1973? for 1971-72 and 1972-73? (2) Has the reduction in subsidies from the State Government taken place for local Answer:- government works such as water supply, sewerage, roads, sea and river erosion and "The total of rates and charges out reclamation of land by refuse disposal and, standing to local authorities in Queensland if so, why has this policy been adopted at June 30, 1972, was $6,891,170. A total in view of the deteriorating financial is not yet available for June 30, 1973, as position of local authorities? many local authority financial statements for 1972-73 are not yet to hand." Answers:- ( 1) "This Question is inaccurate in that there has not been a progressive with AMENDMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ACT drawal of subsidy by the State Govern Mr. Hughes, pursuant to notice, asked The ment. In fact the amount of subsidy made Minister for Health,- available to local authorities has been steadily increasing. However, rates of sub Further to anomalies in the Mental sidy, and subsidisable expenditure, have in Health Act which react against the rights a number of cases been adjusted from of citizens- time to time to keep the total within ( 1) What action is being taken to practicable limits for the State Budget. correct them? Also as the subsidies are largely capital works subsidies it would seem anomalous (2) When is it expected that legisla to express such subsidies as a percentage tion to amend the Act will be introduced of local government revenue, which in turn into Parliament? is capable of variable definition. However, to answer the Question on available Answer:- statistics, I refer to the publication of the Bureau of Census and Statistics dated (1 and 2) "Amendments to the Mental September 28, 1973, which gives an Health Acts, 1962 to 1964 have been pre analysis of local authority receipts and pared and it is anticipated that they will expenditures for all funds for a five year be introduced into Parliament in the near period to 1970-71. This publication shows future." 1244 Questions Upon Notice [25 OCTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice
CONTRACTS FOR SUPPLY OF GOODS TO (2) Have other States attempted pro ABORIGINAL SETTLEMENTS grammes of special prevention not under Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Wallis-Smith, pur taken by Queensland? suant to notice, asked The Premier,- Answers:- What companies and individuals have contracts to supply goods to the coastal ( 1) "Officers of the Department of Aboriginal settlements? Primary Industries are watching very closely the locust position in Queensland. Answer:- Action being taken is expected to keep losses to crops and pastures at a low "Burns Philp & Co. Ltd.; Edmonton level." Bakery; Currajong Bakery; Estate F. C. Williams Butcheries Pty. Ltd.; Mr. Merv (2) "The problems being experienced Ross; Swift Meat Division, F. J. Walker with the Spur Throated Locust and the Ltd.; Tancred Brothers Pty. Ltd.; Dalby Migratory Locust do not occur in Southern Milling Co. Pty. Ltd.; N. B. Love (Qld) States. Controls for the Australian Plague Pty. Ltd." Locust in Queensland and New South Wales are based on similar methods but the administmtion of control differs." INADEQUACY OF PRISON SENTENCES; STAFFING, BUNDABERG POLICE STATION SOY BEAN INDUSTRY Mr. Jensen, pursuant to notice, asked The Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Aiken, pursuant to Minister for Works,- notice, asked The Minister for Primary ( 1) Are the inadequate sentences now Industries,- being handed down by magistrates and (,1) Does Queensland export soy bean judges for theft, carnal knowledge and or its derivatives and, if so, to what areas rape one of the major causes for dis and for what purposes? content in the Police Force? (2) Is soy bean imported and does an (2) Does he believe that the revenue imbalance occur when it is exported and obtained from traffic offences makes them also imported? If this does occur, is more important in law than criminal imported soy bean cheaper? offences? (3) How many crushing mills are there in this State and do mills import soy bean (3) In what ranks is the Bundaberg or have users preferred imported soy bean Police Station understaffed and when will because of quality or price? the appointments be made? Answers:- Answers:- (1) "Yes. Very small quantities of soy ( 1) "I have no information to support bean and soybean products are exported, the suggestion that sentences imposed by primarily to Japan. The ultimate use to presiding judges or magistrates, who are in which such products are put is not possession of the facts and circumstances known." of each case, cause discontent in the police force." (2) "No. Imports of soy beans as such during the last two years, have been (2) "No." negligible. In recent times availability of soy beans overseas has been limited and ( 3) "The present approved strength is prices have been high." considered to be adequate. Three vacancies exist at present. Of these one caused by (3) "There are currently three oilseed medical retirement has been advertised in mills in Queensland which are capable of the Police Gazette and another has been crushing soy beans. See also Answer to caused by transfer. These will be filled (2) ." as soon as possible. In the third instance, a member is under orders of transfer and is expected to proceed to Bundaberg in EXPORT OF LIVESTOCK November next." Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Aiken, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Primary Industries,- PRECAUTIONS AGAINST LOCUST PLAGUE ( 1) To what extent is the trade in live Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Aiken, pursuant to stock exports increasing and is Queensland notice, asked The Premier,- receiving a comparable number of export ( 1) Has any special precaution been sales compared with other States? taken at State level to ensure that locust (2) Is there a demand from Japan or and grasshopper build-up will not devastate elsewhere for feeder steers and, if so, what the crops and pastures of Queensland in numbers were exported in 1971, 1972 and the coming summer months? 1973 to date? Questions Upon Notice [25 OCTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice 1245
(3) Are live sheep in demand for export control of the Government. The Govern or is this trade confined mainly to other ment has already indicated that it will States and, if so, for what reason? protect and preserve public park land over which it has control and has recently ( 4) Are ships carrying livestock to emphasised that policy by bringing down other countries well fumigated on return in legislation to provide for the establishment order to prevent exotic animal diseases? of permanent environmental parks through oll11: the State in order to protect such park Answers:- areas from alienation. Insofar as freehold (1) "The number of livestock, especially park land is concerned any change of use cattle, being exported from Queensland is from, say, open space to residential would increasing. I am not in possession of be subject to the provisions of the Brisbane figures for the Commonwealth as a whole." Town Plan which provides for the making of objection to such a change of use. Any (2) "One consignment of 30 steers was such objection will receive close examina sent to Japan during the 1972-73 financial tion by the Minister for Local Government year. None was sent from Queensland to in accordance with Government policy in that or any other country in 1971-72 or this regard." 1973-74 to date."
(3) "Only small numbers of sheep have RAFFLING OF HOUSE, MISS AUSTRALIA been exported from Queensland. It is QUEST understood considerable numbers of wethers and vasectomised rams are sent Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked The from western and southern Australia to Minister for Justice,- the Middle East, because of their relative ( 1) Did a group named Lace bark Syndi proximity by comparison with Queens cate win an art union recently which land." offered a house at Bellbowrie as first prize? ( 4) "All ships that transport livestock (2) If so, how many tickets did this to other countries are effectively fumigated syndicate hold and what price did it pay with approved chemicals prior to entering for them? the first Australian port of call." (3) Is the nominee for the syndicate a solicitor named E. J. Barry, of the legal firm of Patterson and Barry, and is this PROPOSED TRANSFER OF PARK LAND firm also the solicitor for several companies To !NDOOROOPILLY GoLF CLUB controlled by John D. Booker? Mr. Porter, pursuant to notice, asked The ( 4) Have enquiries been made into this Premier,- result and, if so, do they disclose that John D. Booker won first prize in an art (1 ) In view of a reported decision by union organised by himself and is any the Indooroopilly Golf Club to proceed action proposed? with negotiations with the Brisbane City Council for exchanging its present club Answers: area for approximately one-third of the Long Pocket area thus making two-thirds (!) "Yes." of the total park area alienated from (2) "This information is not immed general public use, will he ensure that the iately available and would necessitate a council cannot transfer in fee simple any detailed examination of all the tickets part of the Sir John Chandler Park area? sold." (2) Will he ensure that should the ( 3) "The address of the syndicate is club leave its present area this land will care of E. J. Bar.ry, 82 Pope Street, Tarra not be lost as an essential city "lung" and gindi. A solicitor named Ernest Julian become available, as is widely rumoured, Barry who resides at 82 Pope Street, for residential subdivision by the council? Tarragindi is a member of the registered business name 'Plllttison & Barry' carrying ( 3) Will he provide real assurances that on the business of solicitors. I have no State Government policy for retaining and knowledge of M.r. Barry's clientele." enlarging open space in urban areas of rapidly increasing high-density living is ( 4) "No inquiries have been made as to not aborted by a council which appears who the members of the syndicate are." hell-bent on cumulative rape of Brisbane's declining open spaces? BRISBANE CRICKET GROUND TRUST Answer:- Mr. Kaus, pursuant to notice, asked The (1 to 3) "Mapping information in the Premier,- Survey Office discloses that the land in ( 1 ) Who is the chairman of the Bris both the Sir John Chandler Park area and bane Cricket Ground Trust and what are the Indooroopilly Golf Club area is free his functions as chairman according to the hold and as such is largely beyond the Act? 1246 Questions Upon Notice [25 OcTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice
(2) Who are the members of the trust Generally, rail passes are provided. Bus who attended the meetings and what were or air travel is provided when rail travel the dates and times of these meetings is not considered suitable." relative to his Answer to my Question on ( 3) "There is no specific formula for October 23? determining a person's eligibility for finan (3) Does the Act preclude the chairman cial assistance, each case being treated on from reporting to the Queensland Cricket its merits." Association, in particular, in relation to ( 4) "Persons suffering from malignant, wickets under the trust's control? near malignant, pre malignant or suspect malignant conditions are provided with Answer:- transport passes without application of a (,J to 3) "The Chairman of the Brisbane means test." Cricket Ground Trust is Alderman Clem Jones. The relative Act does not specify the duties of the chairman nor does it preclude the trust chairman from reporting FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PERSONS to the Queensland Cricket Association in REQUIRING TREATMENT FOR particular in relation to wickets under the TUBERCULOSIS trust's control. The Trustees of the Bris bane Cricket Ground Trust are Messrs. Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked The Jones, Hartland, Riding, Malone, Munro, Minister for Health,- Rowan, Priem and Mayes. Meeting dates ( 1) With reference to the Tuberculosis were February 5, April 2, May 28, June Act, are persons who show a reaction to 18, August 13 and October 5, 1973. the compulsory X-ray campaign required Meetings were timed to commence at 6.30 to report as and where directed for further p.m. Since the trust has autonomy over examination and/ or treatment? its own affairs and is required to report annually to the Minister administering the (2) Are persons who defy the direction said Act, I do not consider that I should liable to arrest under the Acts and for seek details of its operations unless spwific compulsory submission to further treat charges are made of maladministration." ment? (3) Does his Department assist all per sons directed to report to a treatment or examination centre, other than that in TRAVEL ASSISTANCE FOR PERSONS which they live, by way of the payment of REQUIRING SPECIALIST TREATMENT fares or must they qualify for assistance Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked The under the very stringent requirements that Minister for Health,- his Department lays down for travel assistance? ( 1) Do persons living away from centres where specialist treatment is available ( 4) Because of these stringent qualifica receive assistance from his Department to tions for financial assistance, are not most meet the cost of fares to obtain the persons required to pay their own fares specialist treatment? to obtain such compulsory examination or treatment? (2) What is the extent ®f such assist ance and is it necessary to qualify under (5) Would not these people so directed a means test for eligibility? be better off financially if they allowed themselves to be arrested and compulsorily (3) What are maximum income and sent to the examination or treatment asset figures applied to the qualifications, centre? what deductions are allowed for a spouse, children and other dependants and what (6) For how long must a person who other expenses are allowable deductions? loses employment because of further com ( 4) For what type of treatment are pulsory examination be on sickness benefit persons exempt from the stringent pro only before he quaJ,ifies for the special visions of this means test? pension payable under the Acts? (7) As the Commonwealth Government Answers:- refunds to the State the costs of admini ( 1) "My Department provides financial stering the Tuberculosis Act, will he grant assistance towards the cost of fares in fares and financial support to all persons respect of persons required to seek directed to seek further examination or specialist treatment at another public treatment following compulsory X-ray and hospi,tal not available locally, on the recom seek a refund from the Commonwealth? mendation of the Medical Superintendent of the local public hospital." Answers:- (2) "Persons in receipt of a maximum ( I) "Abnormal findings in the initial Social Security pension and those cases X-ray film are confirmed by full sized where the cost of travel would create hard X-ray films taken subsequently. These ship are granted free travel passes. films are taken by appointment at public Questions Upon Notice [25 OcroBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice 1247
hospitals or usually mobile equipment held, who supervises them, who marks located as conveniently as possible for the papers, how are the results published persons recalled. These X-rays may be and may an unsuccessful candidate obtain arranged privately if the patients desire it, a review of his results? at the patients' expense." (3) How many members of the Police (2) "Compulsion can be used only if Force (a) sat for and (b) passed pro !the original X-ray film is very suggestive of motional examinations for each of the tuberculosis and action would be taken not ranks above the rank of senior-constable, by the Division of Tuberculosis but by the in each of the last three years? appropriate Medical Officer of Health. There is no provision for compulsory treat ( 4) What opportunities are given by his ment of patients though infectious indi Department to (a) metropolitan and (b) viduals may be isolated if there is a sub country members, who have failed the stantial risk of infection of others. No examinations, to receive coaching or assist prosecution for a failure to have a con ance with their studies to repeat the exam firmatory X-ray has ever been lodged." inations? (3 and 4) "Funds are not available for the transport of individuals for X-ray Answers:- except under normal departmental condi tions. However, when circumstances have (1) "(a) 660; (b) 182; (c) 90; (d) 36. required it, groups of patients have been Vacancies: Sergeant 2/C, 30; Sergeant transported for X-rays in departmental 1/C, 18; Senior Sergeant, 5; Inspector, 1." vehicles or other special arrangements have been made. (2) "Examinations have been held once per annum up to and including 1973. They (5) "No." will be held twice per annum as from 1974, (in March and September). A (6) "Tuberculosis allowance is payable commissioned officer sets all papers. The from the first Social Service pay day after lodgment of a claim for tuberculosis allow supervisors are commissioned officers. In ance with the Director of Tuberculosis. a few instances where a commissioned The patient may therefore be without officer is not available, a senior sergeant payment for up to thirteen days. This who has qualified for commissioned rank requirement is laid down by the Common may be the supervisor. The examinations wealth Department of Social Security. are held in a central location in the Entitlement for payment depends on the metropolitan area; in other areas, at loca patient being directed to give up work tions at headquarter centres. The for investigation or treatment for examiners who mark the papers consist of tuberculosis." a panel of four senior officers chaired by a (7) "As only a minority of persons commissioned officer. Each candidate is recalled for further X-rays have tuber notified of his results and a list of success culosis, the funding of travel claims for ful candidates is published in the Police heart disease, lung cancer or other chest Gazette. An unsuccessful candidate may ailments would be rather complicated. Con obtain a review of his results." sidering that all costs except transport are met, it seems reasonable that persons other (3)- than the indigent should make some effort 1971 1972 i 1973 in a matter vitally concerning their own ! health." " - Sat Pass~ Sat Pass- Sat Pass- ed ed ed ------PROMOTIONS, POLICE FORCE Serg. 2/C 152 42 178 84 153 61 l\'lr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked The Serg. 1/C 55 9 66 26 62 23 Minister for Works,- Sen. Serg. 32 17 27 13 47 13 Inspector .. 18 6 19 13 38 12" ( 1) How many members of the Queens land Police Force are qualified for pro motion from the ranks of (a) senior con (4) "(a) and (b) The Police Depart stable to sergeant 2/C, (b) sergeant 2/C to ment publishes training bulletins and sergeant 1/C, (c) sergeant 1/C to senior syllabus for the information of all mem sergeant and (d) senior-sergeant to bers. The Commissioner of Police has inspector and what vacancies currently made available the Superintendent of exist for promotion to each of these ranks? Training and his police training staff for consultation direct, either personally or (2) How often are examinations for by letter, by candidates who desire guid promotion to these ranks held, who sets ance and advice in connection with their the papers for each rank, are the examiners studies. The formation of private study members of the Police Force and what are groups in all areas is encouraged by the their ranks, where are the examinations Department." 1248 Questions Upon Notice (25 OCTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice
VESSELS SERVICING TORRES STRAIT TOILET BLOCK, DIMBULAH STATE IsLANDS SCHOOL Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Wallis-Smith, pur Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Wallis-Smith, pur suant to notice, asked The Minister for suant to notice, asked The Minister for Conservation,- Works,- (!) What are the names of vessels In view of the long delay in providing a engaged in supplying Torres Strait islands new toilet block for the Dimbulah State and other far-northern communities with School and as it will receive consideration foodstuffs and supplies? only after the completion of add.itional classroom accommodation in 1974, will he (2) What is their carrying capacity and review the position and give this project how many men are employed on each? a much higher priority and so allay the (3) Which vessels have lifting equip fears of parents who are concerned at the ment for loading and unloading? existing health hazard? Answer:- Answer:- ( 1 to 3) "Vessels serv1cmg the Torres "The provision of a new toilet block at Strait are:-'Melbidir'-157 tons general Dirnbulah State School will receive further cargo. 11 tons refrigerated cargo. The consideration later in the current financial vessel is equipped with 2 cranes-capacity year in relation to funds then available 3 tons each. Crew comprise master, for Educational works generally. Mean engineer and 12 others. 'Torres Strait while arrangements have been made for Islander'-42 tons general cargo. Crew the District Supervisor of Works to ensure comprise master and 7 others. 'Stephen that the existing facilities are maintained Davies'-25 tons general cargo. Crew in a reasonable condition." comprise master and 6 others. Matters pertaining to other far-northern Com munities fall within the responsibility of LAND RESUMPTIONS FOR NORTH my colleague, the Honourable the Treas PINE RIVER DAM urer to whom I suggest the Honourable Mr. Frawley, pursuant to notice, asked Member direct his questions." The Minister for Lands,- ( 1) How many residents of the Pine WATER RESOURCES, TORRES STRAIT Rivers Shire have not received payment ISLANDS for land which was resumed by the Bris Mr. B. Wood for Mr. Wallis-Smith, pur bane City Council for the North Pine suant to notice, asked The Minister for River Darn? Conservation,- (2) What is the total number to date of ( 1) Has an investigation been made land resurnptions for the darn? recently by his Department of the water resources of the Torres Strait islands? ( 3) How many appeals are listed for court hearing? (2) Has a report been received and will it be tabled? Answers:- (3) What steps will be taken to over ( 1 and 2) "The Brisbane City Council come water problems at Stephen, Darnley, is the Constructing Authority for the pur Coconut, Boigu, Saibai, Horn, Yam and poses of any resumptions connected with Badu Islands? the North Pine River Darn. I understand that the Council has taken action towards Answer:- the acquisition of a total of 13 8 properties. Of those, 59 properties have been acquired ( 1 to 3) "Preliminary investigations amicably by agreement without resump have been undertaken by officers of Irriga tion action and compensation paid, 74 tion and Water Supply Commission and properties have been resumed and resump further investigations are proceeding. tion action is yet to proceed in respect of Report has been received regarding Badu a further 5 properties. Of the 7 4 pro and action taken for purchase of equip perties resumed, compensation has been ment which will be installed when delivery paid in 28 cases, advances as prescribed effected. When other reports have been by Jaw made in 7 cases, negotiations or completed, due consideration will be made Court action is proceeding in 16 cases, to improve water supplies at Stephen, agreement on compensation payable has Darnley, Coconut, Boigu, Saibai and Yam been reached in 4 cases while no claims Islands. As these reports are of an have been lodged by the respective owners administrative nature only, I do not pro in another 19 cases." pose to table them. Horn Island is not a matter for my administration and it is (3) "There are 6 compensation claim suggested the Honourable Member refer cases before either the Land Court or this to the Honourable the Minister for 'the Land Appeal Court awaiting deter Local Government." mination." Questions Upon Notice [25 OcTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice 1249
FUNCTIONS OF INSURANCE PATHOLOGY FEES CoMMISSIONER Mr. Row, pursuant to notice, asked The Mr. Hanson, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Health,- Treasurer,- Is he aware of an article in The Courier (!) What are the functions of the Mail of October 24 headed, "Pathology Queensland Insurance Commissioner fees disparity here", and will he state the relative to insurance companies operating facts on this matter of public interest, as in this State and has he powers over private there is some area of public complaint insurance companies who sell superannua about the high level of pathology fees tion insurance in respect of self-employed charged to private patients? persons? Answer:- (2) Is there any supervision by the '·¥ cs, I have read the article. The Commissioner over insurance brokers and fees charged by private practitioners do insurance underwriters? not come under my jurisdiction. I am of the opinion that private practitioners (3) Has there been any communication have a right to put their case to the or agreement with the Commonwealth Medical Fees Tribunal." authorities regarding the introduction of complementary legislation affecting insur ance brokers and underwriters? TESTING OF BRAKES, MOTOR VEHICLE ( 4) Has he noted the Annual Report of RoADWORTHINESS CERTIFICATES the New South Wales Consumer Affairs 1\ir. F. P. Moore, pursuant to notice, asked, Bureau which deplores the activities of The Minister for Development,- Australian Motorists and General Insur ance Co. and Ajax Insurance Co. and ( I) Is he aware that under regulations has the Commissioner in Queensland noted for the inspection of vehicles licensed similar deplorable activities by the com inspecting persons are required to test panies in this State? the brakes on one wheel only and that the machine for testing the whole braking system is valid for a speed of approxi Answers:- mately 30 m.p.h. only? (1 and 2) "Pursuant to 'The Insurance (2) In view of this, will he ensure that Acts, 1960 to 1968', the Insurance Com inspecting garages are compelled to fully missioner issues licenses to carry on general test all brakes on cars being inspected for and marine insurance business in Queens land to insurers, agents and brokers who roadworthiness? maintain standards prescribed in the Acts. The Acts do not extend to Superannuation Answer:- business such as that carried on by life ( 1 and 2) 'The equipment for the test insurance companies. These companies ing of braking systems of motor vehicles are governed by the Commonwealth 'Life concerned with the issue of Certificates of Insurance Act 1945-1973'.'' Roadworthiness if required can test a vehicle at any speed and up to say 60 (3) "The Insurance Commissioner is in m.p.h., not only to 30 m.p.h. as alleged close contact with Federal authorities as by the Honourable Member. The question regards the introduction of Commonwealth of the speed at which brake testing takes legislation in respect of general and marine place for the purpose of issuing a Certifi insurers and brokers. The Commonwealth cate of Roadworthiness is governed by 'Insurance Act 1973', which is not yet Regulation 63 of the Traffic Act 1949- fully operative, will eventually 'upervise 1971 which states that the service brake of the activities of general and marine a motor vehicle is to be tested at a speed insurers throughout Australia." of 20 m.p.h. on a dry level road. The (4) "The Annual Report of the New practice of removing one wheel only for South Wales Consumer Affairs Bureau the purpose of checking brake linings is criticises some insurance companies who common procedure, and provided that there have rejected motor vehicle claims because has been no alteration to the braking sys of breaches of policy conditions, with tem on any particular wheel or wheels particular reference to the non-disclosure, prior to the date of inspection, a reason on proposal forms of insurance, of relevant able assessment can be given in respect information regarding previous accidents of the condition of all brake linings. The and traffic offences. The Insurance Com question as to whether the present brake missioner regards the disclosure of all inspection procedure is adequate was con relevant information as essential as the sidered by the committee comprising repre basis of the contract between the insured sentatives of motor trade organisations the and the insurer and he has no cause to R.A.C.Q. and Government Departments criticise Queensland insurers who reject which reviewed the operation of the legisla claims on the basis of non-disclosure of tion at a meeting held on June 20, 1973. information." It was unanimously agreed that the present 40 1250 Questions Upon Notice [25 OCTOBER 1973] Questions Upon Notice
practice of removing one wheel only is information of the Honourable Member, adequate for the purpose of checking the that the proposal to plan for an additional condition of the brake linings and drum 200-230 bed obstetrical unit in the Mount prior to the issue of a Certificate of Road Gravatt-Sunnybank area was not prompted worthiness. The practice of removing one by any suggestion of funding assistance wheel is similar to that required in the from the Commonwealth Government. The Victorian legislation. New South Wales approval to prepare plans was given by legislation in relation to the inspection of Cabinet on March 19, 1973, at which time motor vehicles does not require the re there had been no official indication to my moval of any wheels for the purpose of Department that the Commonwealth checking brakes. I might also point out Government was prepared to assist finan that if provision were made for the cially in the planning or constmction of removal of more than one wheel, it would public hospitals in Queensland." result in a considerable increase in the fees payable by the motorist for the inspection of a second-hand motor vehicle for the SuGGESTED ABOLITION OF SPECIAL purpose of obtaining Certificate of Road BRANCH, POLICE FORCE worthiness. This legislation has now been Mr. Lane, pursuant to notice, asked The in operation since October 1, 1972 and there is no evidence to date that there is Minister for Works,- a weakness in the brake inspection pro (!) Has he seen a report in the A.L.P. cedure despite the fact that 184,166 cer newspaper Trend of October, 1973, tificates have been issued. However, I regarding the State conference of the can assure the Honourable Member the Young Labor Association held on August position is being closely watched." 25 and 26, in which a call was made for the abolition of the Police Special Branch? (2) Will he give an assurance that this COMMONWEALTH GRANT FOR PLANNING, is not in accord with Government thinking? NEW MOUNT GRAVATT HOSPITAL Mr. F. P. Moore, pursuant to notice, asked Answers: The Minister for Health,- (1) "Yes." In view of statements made by Govern (2) "Yes." ment Members concerning the $250,000 allocated to Queensland by the Common wealth Government for hospital buildings UPGRADING OF RAILWAY CATTLE and in view of his statements that plans TRUCKING YARDS were submitted in time for the Mount Gravatt Hospital, how does he substantiate' Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked the announcement by the Works Depart The Minister for Transport,- ment in The Courier-Mail of October 24 In view of the significant increase in that the $250,000 from the Commonwealth livestock movement by rail in Far North Government has allowed for the immediate Queensland, will he give early consideration preparation and submission of plans for for extensive rehabilitation of old timber the hospital? railway livestock yards and accelerate replacement, where necessary, by steel-rail Answer:- yards in centres of heavy traffic? "The Honourable Member should be more careful in attributing to me state Answer:- ments which I have not made. I refer the "The replacement of timber cattle truck Honourable Member to Answers given by ing yards with yards of steel construction me in this House on September 12 and 13, has been the policy of the Railway Depart 1973, when I indicated that in a letter ment for some years. This action is taken dated August 28, 1973, the Department of where the timber yards have reached the Health informed the Chairman of the end of their economical life and the volume National Hospitals and Health Services of railings justifies the re-building of the Commission Interim Committee of details yards." of approved major hospital projects in the metropolitan and country areas, estimated to cost in excess of $83 million. This letter SKENNAR'S COACH SERVICE, BRISBANE also listed projects which would reach a LONGREACH stage in 1973-74 where expenditure could be incurred either in planning or on con Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked struction, with on-going commitments in The Minister for Transport,- following ye:trs. In this list was included (1) Wiil he investigate the operation of the first stage of the teaching hospital at Skennar's Coach Service between Brisbane Mount Gravatt which would provide 200- and Longreach relative to standards of 230 obstetrical beds. It was not claimed passenger comforts, the frequent break that plans for the Mount Gravatt Hospital downs of vehicles, air-conditioning, toilets, had been finalised. I point out, for the etc.? Questions Upon Notice [25 OCTOBER 1973] Questions Without Notice 1251
(2) Is he aware that no male toilets are by wear, abrasion, dirt, exposure to sun provided at the company's Barry Parade light and perspiration and, if so, has he depot? considered overcoming this hazard? (3) What is the fare structure of the service and on what basis are the fares Answer:- varied? "No. However, the Traffic Regulations require that all seat belts comply with the ( 4) What are the current return and Australian Standards. Since 1968 the Aus single fares from Longreach to Brisbane, tralian Standards have required that when were the fares last increased and illustrated instructions describing the what were the fares at that time? correct methods of use of each seat belt assembly include the following warning: Answcrs:-- 'It is essential to scrap the entire assembly (1) "I am advised by the Commissioner after it has been used in a severe impact for Transport that long distance bus even if damage to the assembly is not services, including the service by Skennars obvious. Care should be taken to avoid between Brisbane and Longreach, are contamination of the webbing with regularly inspected by Departmental polishes, oils and chemicals, and par Inspectors to ensure the conditions of ticularly battery acid. Cleaning may safely license, as well as the Transport Acts and be carried out using mild soap and water. Regulations, are observed. If the Honour The webbing should be replaced if it able Member has any information which becomes frayed, contaminated or dam would be relevant to this particular service aged.' For belt assemblies installed in new I would be happy to arrange for a special vehicles as original equipment these investigation to be undertaken." instructions are included in bold type in the driver's handbook as recommended by (2) "I am advised that male toilets the standard. In addition the Road Safety were provided at the Barry Parade Depot Authorities of all States, in co-operation but because of recent road work construc with the Commonwealth, have ensured tion associated with the extension of that the care of seat belts is included in Turbot Street, a portion of the building the pamphlet, 'How you should wear your housing this facility was demolished and Seat Belt', which has wide distribution." until the road works are completed the company's plans for the restoration of this facility cannot be implemented, but it is QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE anticipated this facility will be restored within the next two weeks." FEDERAL GOVERNMENT POLICY ON EXPORT INDUSTRIES; STATEMENT BY MR. LANG (3) "I table a copy of the approved HANCOCK Scale of Fares for the Brisbane to Long Mr. HOUSTON: In directing a question reach service. Fares are varied on appli to the Premier I draw his attention to an· cation by the licensee who is required to article by Mr. Lang Hancock, Western• submit documentary evidence to the satis Australian mining magnate, in "The Courier faction of the Commissioner for Transport Mail" of last Tuesday in which he says~ in support thereof." "The anti-Labor Governments imposed ( 4) "The current return and single a life-and-death stranglehold on the min fares from Longreach to Brisbane are ing and other export industries with the shown on the document tabled. When imposition of export licences and set up fares were last increased from April 6, that instrument of nationalisation, the 1973, the single adult fare from Long Australian Industries Development Cor reach to Brisbane had been $20.90, the poration." return fare being twice the single fare less 10 per cent." Does he agree that this observation from one of Australia's leading industrialists makes Paper.-Whereupon Mr. Hooper laid upon his constant criticisms of the Federal Labor the Table of the House the Scale of Government rather empty and hypocritical? Fares referred to. Mr. B.JELKE-PETERSEN: I do not think there is any need for me to reply to this question at any great length. This Govern• ment's main concern is always for the DETERIORATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE interests of the people of Queensland and SEAT BELTS the nation as a whole. We believe •that Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked the policy we have pursued has gained tre The Minister for Transport,- mendous results. It has provided thousands• of job opportunities and brought a marked Has his attention been drawn to a report air of prosperity to this State, which is• by the United States of America National the envy of every other State. We can Bureau of Standards that seat belts over not be particularly concerned or interested three years old are substantially weakened in statements by other people. We have 1252 Questions Without Notice [25 OCTOBER 1973] Questions Without Notice the responsibility of government. However, INDUSTRIAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE we are concerned with the actions of other Governments, particularly the Common Mr. LEE: I ask the Minister for Develop wealth Government, that we believe are not ment and Industrial Affairs: In relation to in the interests of the people, including the Industrial Affairs Advisory Committee the workers, or of the general good of (!) Who are its members? the State and the nation as a whole. (2) In view of the spate of industrial disruption occurring in Queensland, does VISIT TO ASIAN COUNTRIES BY MEMBER this committee serve any useful purpose? FOR LYTTON Mr. CAMPBELL: Let me make it very Mr. HINZE: I ask the Premier: Is he clear that the committee referred to is not aware of another proposed overseas jaunt an industrial trouble-shooter, nor does it by the honourable member for Lytton (Mr. attempt to usurp in any way the functions Burns) taking in most of the Asian coun- of the Industrial Commission or the Indus 1ries, including our new-found friends? Is trial Court. It is a completely informal it possible that this jaunt could, by any association of top-level employers and trade stretch of the imagination, be regarded as union administrators, with departmental par being of any advantage to the electors of ticipation. It operates under my chairman Lytton or the State of Queensland? Is it ship, and its purpose is to create a platform possible to ascertain from what sources the for the free exchange of viewpoints. In cost ~f these continual jaunts is financed, other words, it is a base for communication. and Will the honourable member be requested I have always firmly believed that people to table a complete report to Parliament with opposing points of view should hold on the purpose of this jaunt and the results continual talks, not only in court or before that may be achieved? the Industrial Commission, and it is for this Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I heard over reason that I reactivated the committee the radio this morning that the honourable which, as some honourable members will member for Lytton is to be a member of recall, was initiated by the Honourable Ken the party making this trip to Red China. Morris, now Sir Kenneth Morris, in 1959 This is natural; he would no doubt expect but was forced into recess because of the to meet some of his friends there. He is non-co-operation of some of the participating certainly not going there to speak on behalf parties. of the people of Queensland which is the I feel that we have again established a responsibility of this Gover~ment and its degree of communication, and that this has Ministers.. I do not. think the Japanese led to a better appreciation of the other people w!ll be particularly interested in side's point of view. I also feel that the either speaking to the honourable member committee has the full backing of employee or hearing his opinions. I am surprised and employer organisations, and that they that the Prime Minister did not ask the both approach it in the spirit that its forma Leader of the Opposition in this Parlia tion visualised. I am very optimistic that the ment or the shadow Minister for Mines to accord already established at the first meeting !lcc_ompany him. Evidently he preferred to will continue, and will do much to foster mv1te someone who was unsuccessful even harmony in the very sensitive field of indus as shadow Minister for Health. trial relations. I was concerned to read in "The Courier The members of the committee are Mr. Mail" this morning of the very large num Peter Bell, Mr. Neil Gow, Mr. Alan Edwards ~r of people, including public servants, who, and Mr. K. Barry, representing the Ilk~ the hon~mrable member for Lytton, are employers, and Mr. Fred Whitby, Mr. E. gomg to Chma at the expense of the public Williams, Mr. W. Major and Mr. T. Burton, not representing this State as the Govern~ representing the employees. Mr. H. 0. Muhl, ~!lent or any of its Ministers do. Accord the Under Secretary of my department, is mg to the reports, very many of the wives the departmental representative, and Mr. C. of the . public servants in the party are Hancock is the secretary. also gomg on this trip to China at the expense of the people of Australia. REGISTRATION OF DENTAL TECHNICIANS An Honourable Member: What about the bull? Mr. MELLOY: I ask the Minister for Health: Referring to his reply to my question Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The bull is of 21 August 1973, in which he said that extra. Victorian legislation involving registration of dental technicians was under examination by I am not at all surprised that the honour able member for Lytton is going to Red his departmental officers, is he now in a position to enlarge on that answer? If not, China, because he, like many other members can he indicate when any progress is likely ?f the ~abor Party, has a very special to be reported? mterest m that country. However, I am concerned that he is leaving his electorate Mr. TOOTH: The honourable member will and travelling overseas at the expense of th~ be aware that a further and very detailed people of Australia. submission has quite recently been sent to Questions Without Notice [25 OCTOBER 1973] Order in Gallery 1253
me-indeed, I understand it was circulated to this instance, also, the whole queSJtion will honourable members generally-by the be considered very carefully; but there is Dental Technicians' Association. This no way in the world that the people con additional document is now under careful cerned, with their background and the review, and I am awaiting a report on it association of their leaders with Communists, from my advisers in the dental service. will be allowed to make the decision.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S FISCAL PoLICIES Opposition Mem~rs interjected. Mr. R. JONES: I ask the Premier: Has Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Lickiss): his attention been drawn to an article in Order! I remind honourable members that yesterday's Brisbane "Telegraph" reporting there will be no interjections during ques that Mr. Billy Wentworth (Liberal, New tion time. The next honourable member who South Wales), speaking during the second interjects will be dealt with. reading debate on the States Grants Bill in the Federal Parliament, said- '·It is time we acknowledged some of APPOINTMENT OF OMBUDSMAN our past errors and looked forward to some kind of new policy."? Mr. MURRAY: I ask the Premier: When may we expect the appointment of an In view of this acknowledgement by a ombudsman in this State? Minister of the former Federal Liberal Country Party Government that some of its Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I realise that e::onomic policies were wrong, how does he the honourable member for Clayfield has reconcile tthat with his abortive sorties into always been very interested in this matter undue criticism of the Australian Govern and I am pleased to be able to inform him ment's new fiscal policies? that as recently as this morning I said in Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Lickiss): an interview that was taped for a radio Order! I am rather doubtful whether the programme that this proposal is presently in honourable member's question is valid. I the hands of the Parliamentary Draftsman. shall leave it to the discretion of the Premier l am confident that the legislation will be to decide whether he will answer it. well prepared. In due course it will come before Cabinet and the joint parties, and Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I have no.t ultimately, I hope, this House. seen the statement referred to, but I am quite certain that Mr. Wentworth would not RESUMPTION OF HoUSES L'l LIGHT AND say that all the policies of the former CAMPBELL STREETS, BOWEN HILLS Federal Government were wrong. He may lnve indicated that some aspects of those Mr. KAUS: I ask the Minister for Mines policies did not work as well as they might and Main Roads: Will several of the houses have, and I think that such a statement between Light Street and Campbell Street, would apply to the efforts of anyone in any Bowen Hills, now being acquired by the walk of life. No-one is perfect; no Gov Main Roads Department, also be affected by ernment is perfect. The present Federal the extension of the rail system to improve Government, of course, is very far from public transport? being perfeot. Mr. CAMM: The proposals of the Railway UNION BAN ON DEMOLITiON OF THE Department to quadruplicate the North MANSIONS, BELLEVUE BUILDING AND Coast railway line and improve public QUEENSLAND CLUB transport will affect nine houses between M.r. GUNN: I ask the Premier: Has his Campbell and Light Streets. Five of the attention been drawn to statements in the houses will have to be demolished and the Press that the Building Workers' Industrial other four will remain on such small pieces Union, backed by the Trades and Labor of land-I am sure they would also be Council, has placed a so-called "green" ban affected by blasting operations associated on the demolition of The Mansions, 'the with the expansion of the rail system-that former Bellevue Hotel and ~he Queensland they, too, will have to be demolished. In Club, in George Street? Does the State fact, the nine houses being acquired by Government intend to bow to this industrial the Main Roads Department at present will blackmail? have to be acquired by the Railway Mr. IDELKE-PETERSEN: Adopting the Department, even if the freeway proposal comment 'that I heard from one of my is not proceeded with. colleagues on the back benches, I say, "No way in the world!" The Government decides what will and will not be done in this ORDER IN GALLERY field of responsibility, as it does in other fields, and it is very conscious of the need Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Lickiss): to preserve certain buildings and set aside Order! There is far too much noise in the certain areas for future generations. In public gallery. 1254 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement)
SUPPLY a participant in its own development and leaves the exploitation of our minerals in COMMITTEE-FINANCIAL STATEMENT the hands of foreign executives. RESUMPTION OF DEBATE It does little to expand or modernise the (Mr. W. D. Hewitt, Chatsworth, in the chair) Brisbane suburban rail system. It does nothing to restore the rail link with the Debate resumed from 23 October (see p. Gold Coast or expand the existing system 1219) on Sir Gordon Chalk's motion- to include the growing centre of Redcliffe. "That there be granted to Her Majesty, It does nothing to initiate the establishment for the service of the year 1973-74, a of suburban, perimeter hospitals and merely sum not exceeding $80,787 to defray outlines the initiative shown by the Federal Salaries-His Excellency the Governor." Government relative to health centres. People are therefore forced to travel long distances Mr. N. F . .TONES (Everton) (12.3 p.m.): for free medical treatment when, at times, Over recent weeks honourable members have they are sick or injured. had the dubious pleasure of examining what The Budget lacks the type of imagination the Treasurer has termed "a Budget that will or enthusiasm that the Treasurer mentioned show the principles of responsible in his glowing introduction. It lacks the government, namely, enthusiasm for policies enthusiasm that we associate with the 1970's. and goals for the improvement of services It is a status quo Budget that projects the to the community, having," as the Treasurer past into the future. The Treasurer claimed puts it, "full regard for all the influences great credit for the decision declaring that bear on resources, and for the strength Queensland a claimant State. He tried to of the economy that will be financing these create the illusion that the Government had policies." made some great, sudden discovery in the field of Commonwealth-State financial Having studied the details of the Budget, transactions, but the simple truth is that I am left wondering what personal definition this step has been open to successive the Treasurer applies to the words Queensland Governments over the years, and "enthusiasm for policies" and "goals for they have refrained deliberately from taking improvement of services". it. Last year the Government's main On the subject of Commonwealth-State achievement appears to have been its ability financial transactions, it is very interesting to to convince the previous Commonwealth note a comment made by the Premier when Government that Queensland suffered from he attended a conference of the Australian economic difficulties and deficiencies. If one Government and State Government Ministers of the goals set by the Treasurer was to held on 10 May 1973 in Canberra. have Queensland declared a claimant State, Mr. Lane interjected. last year he, in his "achievement" Budget, attained that goal. This year, it is a Mrr. N. F . .TONES: I will repeat what I remaining goal under his financial manage said prior to the interjection by the so-called ment. If we apply the word "enthusiasm" honourable member for Merthyr. in the broadest sense, I suppose that the 1\'ir. Lane: Haven't they got the answers Treasurer can claim some applause. written in for you this time? I agree that the Budget, unlike the 1971- The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. 72 Budget, does not increase rail fares by W. D. Hewitt): Order! 25 per cent. However, I venture to suggest that under the next Budget Queensland Mr. N. F. JONES: The honourable railway passengers will pay for the cheap member did better when he was kicking kids freight charges that are levied on overseas in the shins during demonstrations. companies. Mr. Lane: How did I miss you? The present Budget does not increase Mr. N. F . .TONES: You were just too rail freights, as others in the past have slow. done, but, likewise, it does not provide for In this context it is very interesting to one really major. new developmental note some of the comments made by the project. It does nothing to arrest the tragic Premier at the conference of the Australian drift of population from our country centres. Government and State Government Ministers It does nothing for the young city-dweller in Canberra on 10 May 1973. who is forced out into the urban sprawl to try and acquire some cheap land. There is Mr. Lane interjected. no suggestion of corridor development, with transport facilities, schools, health services Mr. N. F • .TONES: I might add that the etc. It does nothing to inspire hope for the honourable member was only game to kick 5,000 or more people on the waiting list kids under 12 years of age. for Housing Commission rental accommod Mr. Wright: Did you hear the statement ation. It does nothing to protect pensioners that people would be well advised not to from the rent rises invoked against them answer questions asked by the honourable each time the Commonwealth increases their member for Merthyr without a solicitor being pensions. It does nothing to make Queensland present? Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1255
~r. N. F. JONES: That was very sound Parliament should be reminded .that, on adv1ce. I am only sorry that I was not in the one hand, the Treasurer claims tremend the Chamber when it was given. ous economic strength from foreign develop The comments by the Premier at that ment of our minerals while, on the other, conference are even more interesting when he admits economic deficiencies which considered in the light of this introductory require our being declared a claimant State. comment by the Treasurer- The clear fact emerges that Queensland is "Clearly the caution with which I not receiving a proper return from its approach this new year is brought about mineral wealth. This was pointed out by only by the uncertainty of the Common the Commonwealth Treasury in its submis wealth Government's national economic sion to ,the Commonwealth Grants Com policy and that Government's intrusion rr:ission when a Labor Governme11t was not piecemeal into the traditional and in power in Canberra. .AJt that time, the constitutional prerogatives of the State." Queensland Government was condemned by people working for a Government of its The uncertainty that the Treasurer spoke own political philosophy. of w.as apparently not considered by the Prem~er when he said at the Canberra Paragraph 24 of the Special Report of the conference- Commonwealth Grants Commission reads- " I should like to emphasise also that ''The Commonwealth Treasury sug your paper (referring to the Prime Mi~ister) gested that the value of mining output de.alt mainly with prices, as has been might give some indication of capaci.ty to smd by other speakers. It has little to say raise mining royalties. This would ab~ut. eco~omics. This is quite a serious suggest that Queensland's capacity is above omission m attempting to deal with the standard; and as the royalties collected problem of inflation. This fact was also per head of population in Queensland are emphasised by previous speakers. There below the average per capita for the can be no satisfactory solution to the standard States it would appear that problem unless we deal with it right across Queensland makes a relatively low effort the board." in this field." I emphasise that that statement was made That was the Commonwealth Government's by the Premier at the Canberra conference submission to the Grants Commission. Put in May 1973. He said that no action could bluntly, it means that the previous Com be take1~ or that the State would not support monwealth Government agreed that the any actwn unless the emphasis was right Queensland Government was selling our across the board. minerals to foreign companies for a pittance. It means that the Commonwealth agreed The Premier continued- ,that we should be getting more than Se "I believe it is necessary for the Federal a ton in royalty, a figure which this Govern Government, in terms of the outlook for ment defends as satisfactory. That was a Australia as a whole, to go outside the statement made to the Commonweaith Grants traditional . policies of government. Commission by the former Liberal-Country Queensland Is prepared to see if it can Party Governmerit. I know that most go along and assist in areas of State Government members today would dearly influence, but 'there must be an over-all love to be able to attribute that statement emphasis." to Mr. Connor, the Minister for Mines and The Premier changed his attitude when he Energy. However, they s1tand condemned returned to Queensland last Tuesday. hy the Government of their own persuasion which was in power prior to the last Mr. Lane interjected. Federal election. Mr. N. F. JONES: I intend 1to accept the Mr. Chincben: We did find the minerals, advice of the honourable member for Rock but no exploration is now being carried out hampton not to answer any of the honour in the Commonwealth. able member's interjections or questions Mr. N. F. JONES: And they have been unless I have a solicitor present. given to the Japs ever since they were found. It is no wonder that .the Treasurer is The Treasurer alleges that the real mineral un:::ertain when, in Canberra, the Premier profit comes from rail traffic, but, at the supported the Federal Government's pro posal for across-the-board control and· in same time, the Railway Depar,tment is <;ustaining losses, despite a 25 per cent Brisbane, he wore his other coat and adopted a complete change of attitude. At the con increase in fares •the year before last. ference in Canberra, the Premier said that he Mr. Lane: When are you going to declare would support the Federal Government war on Japan? rrovided the emphasis was across the board: After the Federal Government made the Mr. N. F. JONES: And when is Queens decision to provide the emphasis across the land going to secede? board in relation to prices, salaries and As other honourable members have said, wa"es, the Premier came back to Queensland it must be realised that the railways are a end ch
Jaguar car, a Press secretary, public relations cost of Press secretaries attached to Ministers, oliicers, two chaffeurs, research and investi even though the people foot the bill, and to gation officers, and so on. impart information on virtually every subject The Premier, who tries to ridicule the if it does not suit him to do so. He helped attempts of honourable members to increase to engmeer changes in the Brisbane City an~ expand their parliamentary activities, Council representation that the people of enJoys more perks, "lurks", privileges and Brisbane did not want. He refuses to give luxuries than any other political indentity in information about the cost of propaganda Queensland's history. Within his department films, which are exhibited at public expense is the State Public Relations Bureau. It to promote the Country and Liberal Parties is a curious feature of the budgeting of this in the midst of an election campaign. He bureau that its allocation for incidental and is trying to establish himself as a dictatorial miscellaneous expenses rises dramatically in political head who does as he likes and each election year. In the 1971-72 financial is answerable to no-one. He is trying to year, these expenses for the bureau soared to bring "guided" democracy into the public $70,091. The Estimate for 1972-73 was and political administration of Queensland, down by $13,000, or 18.67 per cent. However, and wants everybody to sit back docilely the allocation for 1973-7 4 shows that it and pick up the chits. has been increased to $125,752. Similar increases are recorded in this item of expen The conditions and amenities provided diture in previous election years under the for the Leader and the Deputy Leader of Country-Liberal Government. the Opposition are a disgrace to the State The following figures for the State Public of Queensland. I am sure Ralph Nader would Relations Bureau incidental expenses are have a consumer's field day scrutinising the worth pla6ng on record- incidental accounts of various departments and the secrecy that exists within the Cabinet ----· ------~ -----·---~---- conclave of Queensland's Country-Liberal i Amount Explanatory Notes Party Government. No-one would suggest I $ that Parliament should be converted into 1962-63 .. I 41,222 a country club for its members, but I believe j 963--64 . i 42,686 1964-65 41.782 that every member, whether he is on the 1965-66 52,065 1966-67 ··I 54,997 ! back benches or part of a hand-picked Cab 1967--68 63,511 inet, should have adequate facilities to under 1968-69 .. I 84,115 ] Election year 1969-70 76,909 I take his duties in the best interests of Queens 1970-71 .. I 133,539 I Following a redistribution land In this day and age, it is wrong 1971-72 ! !34,603 Election year 1972-73 30,242 Expended that the Leader and the Deputy Leader of ·---- the biggest party in this State should be denied staff to further assist them in under I repeat that the allocation for 1973-74 taking their duties for the benefit of the is $125,752. Could an election be close at State. When members on both sides of the hand? Or might I suggest that a referendum is just around the corner and that this Chamber suggest, as they have on a num miscellaneous and incidental expenses alloca ber of occasions, the appointment of select tion could be used for other purposes. parliamentary committees to investigate mat ters of importance to this State, they face Members of the Government parties are insulting implications from the Premier that quick to criticise trade-union financial con tributions to the A.L.P., but in this instance they want something for nothing. they are using a non-political instrument of It has been suggested that select com the Public Service for party-political promo mittees be appointed to investigate and report tion. Never before in the history of this back to Parliament. If committees were State have the financial resources of Consoli established, groups of people interested in dated Revenue and the physical resources of a particular subject or issue could place the Public Service been commandeered in such their point of view before those committees. a ruthless and blatant fashion for the advance It would be a way of improving the system ment of two parties-the Liberal Party and and giving the people an opportunity to put the Country Party. When I recall the criti forward their views. At the moment, the cism levelled by our shadow Minister for most that ~n elector can do is to write to Health against the health services of this his member or discuss a matter with him; State, I remember very clearly the numerous or he can bke up a petition and give it occasions on which the Minister for Health to his member for presentation to Parlia appeared on television to defend his port ment. A select committee comprising mem folio. bers of both Government and Opposition It is safe to say that the most generous parties should be appointed to thoroughly donor to the Government parties in Queens examine conditions and facilities in this State. land is the public purse, through the Con The objective should be the establishment solidated Revenue Fund. We have a Premier of conditions that would improve liaison who refuses even to give details of flights between the Parliament and the people of on his plane, although the people foot the Queensland, and a big gap exists in that bilL He also refuses to give details of the direction at present. Such a committee Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1261 should report direct to Parliament and its "I hereby declare that I am not a report ;hould be subject to thorough debate member of any political party, or organised in this Chamber. society or group, having policies or aims opposed to the objective, policy or plat Govermnent Members interjected. form of the Australian Labor Party." l\1r. N. F. JONES: For the benefit of those l do not know whether Country Party Government members who are singing out, members have to sign a pledge that they I point out that members on both sides do not belong to the League of Righrts of the Chamber have advanced this proposi organisation, but I doubt it. I do not know tion on numerous occasions. I think, Mr. whether Liberal Party members sign a Hewitt, that you may have been one of pledge that they do not belong to a Com them. It is about time that some of the munist or Fascist organisation. For the ho:se-and-buggy restrictions in this Parlia benefit of some of the Tories on the other ment were completely abolished. side of the Chamber, I should also like to read part of the declaration of the Aus Mr. R. E. Moore: It is going to happen. tralian Labor Party. What are you moaning about? It's in the bag. Mr. Frawley: We have heard enough about that. Mr. N. F. JONES: Yes, but I beat them to it. Mr. N. F. JONES: I propose to read it in the hope that, when the honourable Since my election to Parliament I have member next makes a speech, he will be been amazed at the ranting and raving of better informed and more objective, and a small group in this Chamber who have will tell the truth in his references to the been mistakenly named the ginger group. Australian Labor Party. Today is no exception. Their anti-Com munist and Red-baiting speeches would be In part, the declaration of my party more suited to the 1930's when a leading reads- political figure in America carried on in "( I) The objectives of the Australian the same manner. Labor Party as set out in the platform and constitution is more than an economic Mr. Frawley: Who was that? and social theory. It is an attitude of mind as expressed by workers and others Mr. N. F. JONES: McCarthy. pledged to social reform. To place the record straight, I shall "(2) lt is Labor's challenge to the gross include in my speech the pledge signed by materialism of Tory and Communist alike, members of the Australian Labor Party. and conforms to a moral principle operating through all forms of human activity, and Mr. Frawley interjected. is based on the truism that man is greater than the institutions he creates and the Mr. N. F. JONES: It wasn't Eric Butler, machine he uses. to whose ideas you subscribe. "(3) That the general principles of I shall also include the A.L.P. declaration Labor's objeotive are the basic motive on as outlined in its Constitution and General which all public reforms ha'Ve been Rules. On a number of occasions in this founded, all of which have made life Chamber we have heard misguided, mis more secure and brighter for the com informed comment on the Australian Labor munity." Party. It is my privilege to read the pledge l signed when I became a member of this I could ask whether the Government has the great party. I challenge Government mem same thoughts when it sets goals under its bers to state whether a reference to certain policies. other political parties is contained in any Now that I have read the pledge of the pledge they sign when they join their parties. Australian Labor Party and part of its It reads- declaration, I only hope that Government "I hereby pledge myself to the prin members will in future refer to my remarks ciples of the Australian Labor Party's before making speeches about the things for State, Federal and local government plat which the Labor Party stands. They will forms, and to any alteration thereto made then have something truthful to say. by a duly constituted Labor Convention. I also pledge myself to do everything Mr. HOUGIITON (Redcliffe) (12.52 p.m.): in my power to further the objects of I have just listened to the greatest drivel of the Party as set forth in its constitution all time concerning the Treasurer's Budget. and general rules. The honourable member for Everton referred "I hereby declare that I am not a to the Standing Orders Committee. As one member of a Communist or Fascist who has been here for many years, I say organisation or party, or of any political it is about time we had a look at this party having objects and methods in any nonsense of reading utter tripe of the type way opposed to the Australian Labor that we have just heard. Undoubtedly, Mr. Party. Kennedy, research officer of the Q.C.E., 1262 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) wrote that speech, and, if that is the best we will all be. Many honourable members that he can do, he would be better at are inclined to come into the Chamber and home washing bottles. use the people of this great Stace, and, We have been told the responsibilities of indeed, of the whole Commonwealth, as the A.L.P. members and the things that they meat in the sandwich. They think only of stand for. I throw those statements back in the hand-outs and all the other nonsense their teeth. Why do they want to get rid that! goes on. 11he country will be better of the Australian flag, and why do they sup off in many ways if honourable members port Communism? They say "sociali!>m", remember 1that ·the people come first and but it is only a short step from Communism. party politics second. To my mind, a man who is not prepared to As I have said before in the Chamber, live under the Australian flag should be I abhor the behaviour of some honourable denied the right to live here at all. The members on occasions. The honourable sooner there is a return to that attitude, and member for Townsville South spoke eadier members of Parliament stop masquerading about the dignity and decorum of this and inciting trouble, the better it will be. Assembly. Only the other day the honourable member for Everton presented information in this Mr. R. Jones interjected. Chamber that was absolutely untrue, and Mr. HOUGHTON: It is all very well for the Minister in charge of the Police Force the little foal of the Canberra J ones to had to put the record straight. interject. If he comes into my electoJ"ate, Mr. N. F. J'ONES: I rise to a point of I will give him a "touch-up". He will be order. The information that I placed before pig-ripped before it is all over. The problems the House was given to me, and it was true. to which I am referring upset everybody. The honourable member's remarks are offens The decorum and dignity of this Assembly ive, and I ask that they be withdrawn. a1re at a low level. I think it is a shocking state of affairs tha~ members of this Assembly The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. W. should incite people in this country rto break D. Hewitt): Order! The honourable member the laws of ·the land. I do not w1sh to live for Everton finds the remarks of the hon under any political sy~>tem other than ourable member for Redcliffe offensive. I democracy. However, there are people in ask the honourable member to withdraw this country who are prepared to throw them. it overboard, and they are not doing the right thing by anybody. Although democracy Mr. HOUGHTON: If what I have said may not be the best form of government, is offensive to the honourable member, Mr. it certainly is the best of all those that have Hewitt, I withdraw it. However, I will tell been tried so far. Even though it has its him the cold, hard facts of life. If he weaknesses, we, as citizens, should try to remains here, I expect him to tell the truth. make the links stronger and stronger and I was referring to the nonsense of reading make democracy something of which every prepared speeches in such a way that no body can be proud. reporter could ever take them down, and What does one see today? Parliamentarians tossing copies to "Hansard" and the Press. encouraging and inciting people to break the Those who do this are, more than anything laws, and even sitting down in the streets else, looking for publicity. On one occasion themselves defying the law. If any Parlia I saw even the Leader of the Opposition mentarian, in defiance of the law, sits down hand a copy of a speech to the Press, only to in the streets along which I travel on my find later that he was stymied. He then had way home, he will take the consequences. to race round and get it back. This is the sort of nonsense that goes on. Now that Mr. R. E. Moore: You would run over the honourable member for Bundaberg has him? been appointed to the Q.C.E., undoubtedly Mr. Kennedy will also be entitled to a Mr. HOUGHTON: There would probably "bowler hat" for preparing the submission be a few skid marks when the wheels of of the honourable member for Everton. my car became greasy from running over The Treasurer deserves special commend· him. ation for the Budget, in view of the position An Opposition Member interjected. in which he found himself in the last 12 months. Mr. HOUGHTON: If he was on the Hornibrook Highway he would get two jolts The people of Queensland should also be -one coming up, and one going down. proud that the Government has been able to produce such a report in spite of the I wish to say a few words about the hazards and problems created by the actions problems facing the Government today. The of the new Federal Government. In my principal one is lack of money. In spite of opinion, uncertainty is one of the greatest that, 1the Treasurer of Queensland has intro problems now facing us. The sooner we duced a Budget containing many concessions. get back to 'the cold, hard facts of life When one considers the penalties that are and look after the welfare of the people imposed on a number of people in the instead of playing politics, the better off commun1ty today, particularly people on fixed Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1263 incom~s. the State Budget obviously is very The Government should intervene when benefical. There has been an increaJSe in problems associated with the movement of the gnnt for education, and provision has traffic arise. Anybody with local gov also bell'! made for increased grants in many ernment experience knows that the Main other fitlds. Relief has been granted from Roads Department makes a financial con the burdtn of probate and succession duties. tribution to the local authority for ,the development of main roads in its area. I I am rked by references to losses on can appreciate the Lord Mayor's problems. the operations of the Railway Department. He has many responsibilities in the city of But for be foresight and efficiency of a Brisbane without being very worried about Country-Lileral Government 15 years ago, the road giving access to the Homibrook there woulG now be more unemployment in Highway. Consequendy, a state of chaos Queensland •han one could poke a stick at'. has developed in that area over the last 10 The vision o: the Treasurer and rt:he Govern to 15 years. The advantage of looking at ment of the day led to the establishment something in retrospect is that we can see of industries that are now becoming pro the mistakes we have made. In retrospect, ductive and increasing the revenue of the the delay in the construction of a four-lane Railway Depa,;tment. highway from Brisbane to Redcliffe is lament able. It has taken us 15 years to construct Of course, cne sees agitators who say, a four-lane highway from Nundah to Broad "Don't work." l believe ,vhat it 'is the right Street, Sandgate. of every man to strike; I believe also that any man who does not wish to strike should As I said before, the Hornibrook Highway be able 1o work. I have no objection to has outlived its usefulness. I make no strikes, but I do object to a couple of apology for my next statement. At the officials from the Trades Hall saying to time the Hornibrook Highway was con Joe Blow or to Bill Smlith, "We are out structed, Sir Manuel and the residents of the on strike." I ,rhink that !'he workers should Redcliffe area displayed courage, but the san1e cannot be said of the local be ailowed to decide for themselves whether authorities. The local authorities did not tney wish to strike. have ,the foresight, vision or courage to put [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] one cent into the construction of the Rami brook Highway. It was 20 years before Mr. HOUGHTON: Transport is one this toll bridge even paid a dividend. Many matter to which I should like to draw par people say 1that the shar~holde~s . in ticular attention because it is very important Hornibrook Highway are makmg mtlhons. to the city of Redcliffe. As we all know, ln fact it is the best cash register in the the city of Brisbane and the city of Redcliffe State; it never stops working day or night. are connected only by road. To a large Good luck to these people; they shouldered extent, _development of the city of Redcliffe a responsibility that was rightly the Govern is dependent upon an adequate road link ment's. Now, some 40 years later, the with the capital city. For many years a Government has still not made a decision controversy has raged over the Hornibrook on the site of an alternative bridge. In my Highway. I commend the late Sir Manuel opinion, this is a shocking situation. Hornibrook for his foresight and vision in I believe that the Government, not the constructing that highway, which has enabled public servants who decide our destiny in development to take place on the Redcliffe many of these matters, should assume its Peninsula. The Hornibrook Highway has responsibility and, in doing so, take cognisance served the people well. What concerns me of local opinion. It is all very well for officers greatly is that after all these years we in the Main Roads Department or some other have reached a stage of stagnation. Government department to decide these matters offhand without availing themselves No doubt transport is a problem through of the services of the local member. The out the world. Although the Hornibrook leaving of these decisions to such people has Highway has served the people well, it is put users of the Hornibrook Highway. in not now capable of meeting present-day dire straits. We had the spectacle some ttme requirements. We have heard about all sorts ago of Mickey Mouse and the little migrant of problems in the construction of a four from Scotland or Belfast coming into the lane highway to Sandgate in the electorate area and Mickey Mouse, the honourable of my friend opposite. The section from meU.:ber for Cairns (Mr. Jones), saying- Brisbane to Sandgate comes under the jurisdiction and control of the Main Roads "It is a disgraceful state of affairs that Department. That depaDtment has to con the large rapidly growing city of Redcliffe tribute a certain amount of money for the has to put up with obsolete and inadequate construction of that road. About 1961 I transport facilities." approached Lord Mayor Jones about the con This was said by Mr. Ray Jones, the struction of a four-lane highway to the city Opposition's shadow Minister for Transport. of Redcliffe. His attitude was that he could After all, Mr. Jones is only the foal from not be worried about the city of Redcliffe; the Federal Minister Jones. that all he was concerned about was the city of Brisbane. Mr. Frawley: What a little foal, too. 1264 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement)
Mr. HOUGHTON: What a little foal! He Mr. HOUGHTON: I am not gohg to brought the honourable member for Pine stand for the propaganda used by the \.LP. Rivers with him, but all they did was in soliciting the support of the peQJle of aggravate the situation. Mr. Ray Jones said Redcliffe. The honourable memrer for that the Honourable C. K. Jones, Minister Cairns should get his facts right. But for for Transport in the Federal Government the change of Government here m 1957 will do this and that. Let Mr. J ones or the people of the State would have suffered Mickey Mouse-the honourable member for from the imposition of a road t Mr. HOUGHTON: The honourable mem I cannot agree with the recommendations ber for Cairns is leaving the Chamber. The by Wilbur Smith on transport facilities to title of a certain film could apply to him service Redcliffe and I have already voiced "Gone with the Wind". my disapproval of them. Until I jolted them, the A.L.P. supporters in the Redcliffe City Mr. Bromley interjected. Council did nothing at all for 12 years about getting behind me and supporting me. Mr. HOUGHTON: The honourable mem I am prepared to stand up to any condemna ber for South Brisbane took that seat from tion of my actions. I will face up to any Col. Bennett, who contributed a great deal criticism by the Redcliffe Chamber of to this Parliament. Of course, any member Commerce or the Redcliffe City Council of the Labor Party who acts in a responsible that I have done nothing to tackle these manner is not wanted by that party. The problems. l have done everything humanly honourable member for Baroona (the only possible to overcome Redcliffe's transport member of the Opposition to make a worth problems. while contribution to this debate), the hon I abhor people like the honourable mem ourable member for Port Curtis and the ber for Cairns, who has made certain sug honourable member for Belyando, who have gestions. Apparently he thinks he is talking the courage to speak their minds, are all about the Atherton highway. An immediate on the hook. But I admire them. investigation should be made of the Red cliffe peninsula's transport needs. No doubt Good public transport concerns us all. the Treasurer can only say that he does not \Vhen I had the honour to serve the people get a large enough slice of the cake from of Redcliffe as their Mayor, I was very the Federal Government to tackle this prob vociferous about the provision of an electric lem. I think everyone would agree that rail service for that city. I still believe that those who cut the cake do so in a way that this is a necessity, in spite of what the will suit their own political ends, not the Government, the Brisbane City Council or needs of the people. That is where the the Redcliffe City Council might say about trouble lies. the Wilbur Smith plan. I am sure all honourable members know that Wilbur When Clem Jones, the Lord Mayor of Smith recommended that Redcliffe should be Brisbane, decided to do away with the trams serviced by road transport. On what I have in Brisbane, I made a submission to the seen over the years, no city in the world Redcliffe City Council under which Redcliffe can be serviced adequately by road transport. could have got those trams for nothing. In The sooner Redcliffe is included in a rail my opinion, Alderman Clem Jones made way electrification scheme, the better it will a bad "blue" when he removed the trams be-and eventually such a service must come. from Brisbane's streets. There is very little public transport in Brisbane during daylight Certain suggestions have been made about hours, and absolutely none after sundown. constructing an electric rail link to Inala. I In Redcliffe, of course, there is none even support any such suggestion, but I abhor during daylight hours. If it were not for the people who attach strings to any promise. taxi-cabs, which do an excellent job, Red They give the public nothing. I have been cliffe would be without a means of public in public life long enough to know that we transport. The citizens of Redcliffe would only get the rough end of the pineapple appreciate any assistance to alleviate the when we agree to such suggestions. We problem of the transportation of people, and should look at things in retrospect to deter traffic generally. Transport is Redcliffe's No. mine where mistakes have been made. The 1 problem. Now, everybody wants to jump sooner the Government decides to provide a onto the band wagon-even the honourable good electric rail-commuter service for the member for Cairns, who is on the Atherton city of Brisbane and the Redcliffe peninsula Tableland or somewher,e else. Tne Federal the better. Redcliffe is growing so fast, member for Petrie (Mr. Cooke) has said that, it is now virtually a suburb of Brisbane. I in representations concerning this problem, we am concerned that there does not appear have been left out in the cold. to be enough flexibility to permit funds to be Mr. Bromley: Who do you blame? diverted to meet needs as they arise. It is all very well to say that development in Mr. HOUGHTON: The A.L.P. Federal Australia is taking place at a fast rate. Red mob. cliffe is second only ,to the Gold Coast in its rate of development, yet, after 15 years we Mr. Bromley: They have only been in are without a four-lane highway or a second power since last December. What about the bridge to service the Redcliffe peninsula. previous Government? Mr. Bromley interjected. Mr. HOUGHTON: May I answer that by saying, "What a hell of a mess the present Mr. HOUGHTON: The honourable mem Federal Government has made in that short ber for South Brisbane has done nothing; period!" no-one agrees with him. The people of I welcome the return from overseas of Redcliffe have "had" him and his socialist the Minister for Primary Industries. He is promises. aware of this problem, because he sometimes 1266 Supply [25 OcTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) V!S!ts Redcliffe. It is a shocking situation. I have not been able to raise this matter I have been delayed on the Hornibrook in the Chamber until now, but I have in Highway for three hours, and I do not blame my possession a letter from the Redcliffe motorists or citizens generally for complain City Council dated 2 June. It reads- ing about this situation. lt is terrible to think "Dear Mr. Houghton, that, in this day and age, it takes three hours to travel some 22 miles from Brisbane "I have, by direction, to acknowledge to Redcliffe. The whole situation is chaotic, receipt of your letter of 26th February, and oompletely ridiculous. 1972, which you addressed to His Worship the Mayor (Alderman C. E. Kroll) and As Brisbane is without trams and Redcliffe Aldermen of the Council wherein you is without a decent highway, it is time that made reference ~o a summons which had the provision of fast transport was given been issued in respect of a breach of the serious consideration. No other country in Council's Traffic (Regulated Parking) the world can survive without it. Just think By-laws. of the railway tubes in London, Munich and "Because the matter was at that time Japan, for example. No method of transport considered by the Council's Solicitor to be will shift people quicker than an electric sub judice, I was advised to refrain from railway system. Even the Commissioner for entering into correspondence in connection Railways agrees with that assertion. therewith. The complaint in relation to the Redcliffe is the No. 1 seaside resort close parking breach having been resolved by to Brisbane. Many submissions have been the Court, I am now able to answer the made 'regarding independent companies who questions set out in the third paragraph wish to use the bay waters as a means of of your letter wherein you ask with regard transport. The Government should look to monetary assistance and/ or political or seriously at subsidising such companies in personal favour on the paDt of the Council an endeavour to generate their interest and and would advise as follows:- bring to their attention the facilities that !. The Council has never provided are available. It would be a good idea to monetary assistance to any person who have hovercraft or some other rapid water has breached the Regulated Parking transport system to the mouth of the Brisbane Regulations." River, because many of the workers who live What a laugh! in Redcliffe work in that a:rea. There is no better place in Queensland than Redcliffe I also have in my possession a copy of the in which to raise a family. It is close to Auditor-General's report on the accounts of the metropolitan area and has every facility the Redcliffe City Council for the year except transport. The Government should !971-72. This report was not, of course, afford relief by providing transport facilities in my possession until the auditor completed to the Redcliffe Peninsula. It should upgrade his audit. It contains this passage- the present transport system and provide "While exammmg the petty-cash subsidies to any company that may want to vouchers, it is noted that a payment of introduce a water-transport system. The $2 was made to redeem a parking ticket sooner that is done, the better off we will No. Al357 issued to 'S. Thorn' for breach all be. of parking regulations on 8 November I now draw the attention of the Committee 1971. to a problem I experienced some time ago. "Though apparently aUJthorised by full Some 12 months ago, in Redcliffe, I was a Council, I question whether such a pay victim of circumstances regarding a parking ment comes within the ambit of the fine. Council's authorisation." Mr. Bromley: Did you pay it? This is complete victimisation. All that I want to do is to clear my name in this Mr. HOUGHTON: Yes, and this is what matter. This shows how low some people I want to bring to the attention of the will get to defeat justice. Nobody, not even Committee. Governments, will do me an injustice, and I expose the actions of the Redcliffe City I wish to refer to a maltter that concerns Council in this matter. Lt is a shocking parking in the city of Redcliffe. I was taken indictment of the council, and I want my before the "beak", as I was on many name cleared of any suggestion that I dodged occasions when I was in the armed services. my responsibilities. On those occasions, they marched me up and I was never given the option. For this Mr. Frawley: Was it a unanimous parking breach I was fined $27.50. I have decision? in my hand a copy of a minute of conviction by G. H. Kay, Council of the City of Mr. HOUGHTON: Yes, it was a unani Redcliffe, authorised officer, against J ames mous decision of the council. It includes Edward Hiram Houghton, of Redcliffe. I A.L.P. representatitves, too. Alderman v. as fined $2 and cos,ts of court were $2.50. Hunter, who stood for re-election, was the There was an amount of $15 professional only A.L.P. candidate in the State who went expenses and $8 witnesses' expenses, making to the electors on the A.L.P. ticket and was a total of $27.50. defeated. Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973) (Financial Statement) 1267 I have heard qui,te a lot about the Premier Mr. HOUGHTON: Honourable members and the Treasurer in relation to some of opposite had the same opportunity, if they these matters, and I should like to draw wished to take advantage of it. attention to some of the things that it was I could go on and on, but all I shall claimed various Ministers had not done. I say is that if honourable members opposite say to honourable members opposite that it wish to be smart, I will declare them "on" is all very well for them to sit down on the at any time and they must be prepared to roads and scream and yell for the blood of '·cop" it. the Premier and talk about his business interests. It riles them no end that he is Opposition Members interjected. a success. While they are raving and rant ing, let them have a close look at their Mr. HOUGHTON: It is the same old own shortcomings. story, Mr. Wharton. If you throw a stone into the sty and hit a pig, it squeals like Let us take as an instance radio station mad. 4KQ. Does that station publish a state- ment of its profits? Opposition Members interjected. Mr. Lee: No. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Wharton): Order! The Chair will not tolerate Mr. HOUGHTON: Certainly not! Although so much interjecting. v;ould not be very interested, its share Mr. F. l'. Moorc interjected. holders-the members of the A.L.P.-migbt be. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! I warn the honourable member for Mourilyan. Mr. Houston: They know. Mr. HOUGHTON: There are one or two Mr. HOUGHTON: That information is other items that I should like to touch on. denied to them, even at the party's State There has been considerable agitation from convention, when reports on party activities the A.L.P. regarding off-shore islands, and usually are given. Surely anyone who is I should like to mention particularly Moreton a shareholder is entitled to some information; Island. I would support any move, either but the profits, lurks and perks are not by the Opposition or by anybody else, to mentioned. declare Moreton Island as a national park. Time will prove that my submission is correct, Mr. Lee: As the Leader of the Opposition because within the next 100 years the citizens said, "Why should they tell them?" of Brisbane will be looking for an outlet Mr. Houston interjected. and Moreton Island will become a happy playground. Mr. HOUGHTON: The Leader of the However, I am somewhat concerned about Opposition wants the best of two worlds. the statement by the Minister for Local Gov Believe me, those profits, lurks and perks ernment and Electricity that off-shore islands are considerable. If one listens to some of should be taken under local government con the firms that have patronised the A.L.P., trol. Although some form of control is essen certain people were very heavy-handed in tial, many factors have to be considered in their demands. It is all right to "tip the deciding how it should be exercised. If it can" on the Premier, but I advise the hon is the Ministers' considered opinion that ourable member for Everton to look first at the Redcliffe City Council should control his own dunghill. Moreton Island, I think he should reconsider. There are no divisions in the Redcliffe City Let me go a little further and ask: Who got Council area. It is a complete entity, and the commission on the George Pickers' sale at the council does an excellent job. There Breakfast Creek? That might reveal a little are only about 100 residents on Moreton something, too! Who was behind the nego Island, and I should hate them to be subject tiations that were taking place relative to to the same rates and charges as the citizens the Pineapple and Manhattan Hotels? Was of Redcliffe. information on these matters ever released to the shareholders? Was there any party I should also hate to see on Moreton connection between certain officials and a Island the installation of sewerage and the certain solicitor, and was a prominent stock provision of all the other facilities that are broker asked to refrain from pressing too normally demanded by ratepayers. In the heavily on the "legal eagle" for payment? old days, anyone could go there with his family and pitch a tent for six weeks during Mr. Houston: You give us the answers. the school holidays. Unfortunately, those days seem to have passed. Once upon a Mr. HOUGHTON: It is all very well for time the worker and the battler would take honourable members opposite to condemn a his family down to Redcliffe at Christmas man who, at great risk, invests capital and time for a camping holiday, but that sort waits years for a return-if he ever receives of thing seems to be dying out. The Red one. cliffe City Council has two policies, one for those who visit the place, and another Opposition Members interjected. for those who live there. Those who live 1268 Supply (25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) there ace oewg victimised. The health No-one seems to know what it wants, and inspector says to one person, "You can it does not even know itself. We get con remain here for five months," yet to others flicting statements, conflicting policies, and he says, ·you can "t." This is silly and changes in attitude from day to day. Like all nonsensical. Health regulations should apply schizophrenics, the Government is seriously equally to everybody. Pensioners become ill. caught in the undertow. Many of them have come to me and said, "How is it that Mrs. Unfortunately, the Premier places his own Jones and Mrs. Han·is are allowed to remain political interests ahead of the interests of here for five months, while I am not?" the State. He is not worried even when Health requirc:11ents should be met by every the State suffers. He has one aim only, body. which is to attack the Australian Govern ment. He has only one criterion in deter l do not Wctnt anyone from Belfast, Glas mining any action. If anything is against the gow or anywhere else telling me what is Federal Government, if it attacks or opposes required in my area. it, then he is for it. He has shown quite :\1r. R. Jones interjected. clearly that he will sacrifice Queensland's interests to create an opportunity for attack Mr. HOUGHTON: l do not even want ing the Federal Government. He forgets anyone from Cairns telling me. If the the public support given 10 months ago to honourable member for Cairns has any con the Australian Government, and the mandate structive suggestions to make I shall be glad given to it at the time, which is now being to hear them, but I do not want him coming effectively implemented. into the area and playing politics. Mr. Lee: We call it the "Commonwealth Mr. R . .Jones interjected. Government"; we are not like you lot "Comms". Answer that! The CHAIRMAN: Order! Mr. B. WOOD: I am an Australian; I do Mr. R. Jones interjected. not know about the honourable member. He The CHAIRMAN: Order! If the honour can speak for himself. able member for Cairns interjects again, he The Premier uses as an excuse the question will leave the Chamber under the provisions of defending State rights. He is really inter of Standing Order 123A. ested in his own rights; he is interested in his own personal position in Queensland and Mr. HOUGHTON: I pay a compliment within this Government. I believe, and the to the Treasurer. Honourable members Labor Party believes, that we should think of opposite have been on his back so much people's rights and the welfare of the people that today he has to get around with the of Queensland. They should be the criteria aid of a walking-stick. Every fair-minded for any action undertaken in Queensland. citizen will agree that, in spite of the hazards and problems confronting us at the present From the first day after the election of time, the Treasurer has done a darned good the new Government in Canberra, the job. Premier indicated quite clearly that he would not co-operate. I will say this for him: he Mr. B. WOOD (Barren River) (2.53 p.m.): has kept his word and has been quite con At the outset I should like to comment sistent in non-co-operation. I might add that briefly on one of the remarks of the hon Canberra has not reciprocated this negative ourable member for Redcliffe. In the early attitude. The Australian Government of Mr. part of his speech he clearly, proudly and Whitlam and his colleagues is genuinely inter maliciously indicated that, if at any time ested in Queensland. he found protesters in his road, he would Mr. Lane; What a lot of rubbish! They drive his car over them. want to take it over. Mr. Lee: It would not be any loss if he drove one over you. Mr. B. WOOD: Let me refer to an address Mr. Whitlam gave on 1 October to the Mr. B. WOOD: That would be the hon Queensland Chamber of Manufactures, in ourable member's attitude, too. which he said-"There is, quite frankly, a coolness between us (that is, the Queens The honourable member for Redcliffe was land and Australian Governments) such as critical of demonstrators who expressed their exists between no other two Governments views in a peaceful and non-violent way. I in Australia. It can only be damaging and would contrast his attitude with theirs. The destructive to both of us. I seek an end to demonstrators' attitude was peaceful and it. I am sure it is not for any want of non-violent; that of the honourable member generosity or willingness on our part that the is aggressive and violent. normal goodwill and mutual co-operation so As I have followed the life of this Parlia essential between State and National Govern ment since last year, particularly during this ments-so essential to a Federation-some~ session, it has occurred to me that we have how has faltered in the case of Queensland." a schizophrenic Government-a Government The Prime Minister obviously indicates, as that is most difficult to understand, a Gov I believe his actions over the last 10 months ernment that clearly has a split personality. clearly show, that he wants to work with Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1269 tbe Queensland Government in the best I wish to deal now with some of the interests of Queensland people Another statements made by the Treasurer, who, as manifestation of this schizophrenic attitude '.le know, experienced some difficulty in this of the Queensland Government, is its atti regard. Following a speech that he made in tude to inflation, which is perhaps the major lhis Chamber, he was reported in the Press issue in Australia today. As the Budget debate on 3 1 August as saying- continues, it appears to be the major concern "The combined powers of all Australian of this Parliament. I will quote statements Governments should ensure rthere is no made by various people to show exactly lack of power to ,take whatever steps are what I mean. I do not usually cite news necessary. paper articles, but on this occasion I will. "lt (the Commonwealth Government) The first, from "The Australian" of 7 May had taken some steps, but a major area in reads- which it had failed to act concerned " It is up to the Commonwealth not the incomes, including wage and salary States to cure inflation, the Queensland increases." Premier (Mr. Bjelke-Petersen) said last night." That Press statement was taken from Further on the article continues- "Hansard"-in fact, from the Treasurer's speech during 'the debate on the Appropria " 'I believe this is in their area of tion Bill. responsibility. The Commonwealth must not, and are not going to be allowed to, Is it any wonder that from his speech we put it on our plate as if it's our respon gain the clear impression that the Queensland sibility or as if we have caused the infla Government is a schizophrenic Government? tionary trend', Mr. Bjelke-Petersen said." We do not know where it stands. Not that anybody was making such state During the debate on the Appropriation ments. Bill on 30 August, the Treasurer said this- In a statement reported in "The Aus 1 intend to quote a lengthy extract from his tralian" of 12 May, the Premier modified speech, because I ,think it should be his attitude. He said- recorded- "We are willing to co-operate with the " It is clear that the Commonwealth will Commonwealth in any responsible way, need to use every weapon at its but I have to say it is the first time in disposal-- my political career that the States have been asked to play such a role. The CHAIRMAN: Order! The honour "I pointed out to Mr. Whitlam that able member knows that he is not permitted queensland was prepared to play a part if to quote from a concluded debate in the same his Government had acknowledged its own session of Parliament. responsibility." M.r. B. WOOD: I realise that, Mr. Lickiss. On 20 July, following mounting criticism of him both inside and outside this Chamber The CHAIRMAN: Then the honourable the Premier, when asked what he would do' rrember should not have embarked upon that said that the State Government was prepared course. to co-operate with the Federal Government in the fight against inflation. On that date Mr. R • .Jones: It's been done before. "The Australian" reported as follows:- "Yesterday the Premier, Mr. Bjelke The CHAIRMAN: Order! Petersen, outlined a five-point plan Mr. B. WOOD: I took the precaution of He said the five points were- quoting the Press statement beforehand. (1) a wages and prices policy; In his speech the Treasurer indicated that (2) a cut-back in Federal spending; a prices and incomes policy was necessary. (3) tighter controls over departmental Of course, some days later, after the joint spending, Federal and State; parties had got at him, he indicated that (4) proper forward planning and his policy had been modified. costing of Federal programmes; and We have this continual situation of up and (5) incentives for efficient industries." down. On some occasions the Queensland emphasise the first point-"a wages and Government seems to accept the fact that the prices policy". The Premier has done a Government in Canberra needs to be helped, complete flip; he does not know where he and that a prices and incomes policy is stands. desirable. But all the time one crucial Mr. Lee: Why don't you tell the truth? question arises: State rights. In this respect You are quoting him out of context. the Queensland Government has adopted a definite obstructionist policy agaim;t the Aus Mr. B. WOOD: It is there for the hon tralian Government. If the Australian Gov ourable member to read. I am quoting a ernment supports anything, members of the Press statement. Although I searched every Queensland Government attack it. newspaper file in the Parliamentary Library, I was unable to find any denial by 'the Mr. Porter: What is the "Australian Premier. Government"? There is no such animal. 1270 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) Mr. B. WOOD: I am part of Australia, Mr. B. WOOD: Absolutely. if the honourable member is not. For the benefit of the honourable member The only criterion for action by this for Mulgrave, I shall outline some of the Government is whether it provides a chance steps taken by the Australian Government in to attack the Australian Government. It its effort to combat inflation, steps taken seems to me that many Government members without the co-operation of the State would favour a certain policy but, because Government. One of the early steps was it means supporting the Australian Govern the establishment of the Prices Justification ment, they will not countenance it. The Tribunal. Its actions indicate already that Queensland Government has finally decided it will function ,with a great deal of that it will oppose both questions in the effectiveness. It will act as a powerful forthcoming referendums. It has therefore restraint against abuses in the business decided to fight against the passage of one sector. It has no particular legislative very effective means of controlling inflation. power, but is an open forum. People called It has decided to adopt a negative approach before it will have to justify their price to one of the serious problems confronting increases. An example of what it can do Australia. It does not want to be part of is its recent decision in the case for an it; it would rather damage Australia if in increase in the price of steel. the process it damages the Whitlam Govern ment. Mr. Miller: That is B.H.P. ln recent weeks in this Chamber I heard the Premier, notably, and other Ministers Mr. B. WOOD: That is right. The honour ask, "What has the Australian Government able member should take note of that. Did done?". At the same time they have said, "It it not curb the rise in price sought by has done nothing. It has let the country B.H.P.? drift." That is not the case. The Premier, when challenged earlier this week, and on That was the first major step of the other occasions, has been totally unable to Australian Government, and, no doubt, many make any constructive suggestion about what more will be forthcoming. Of course, we might be done to curb inflation. In contrast, still need a prices and incomes policy, which the Australian Government has taken many I will deal with shortly. Another step was steps. It has shown initiative, leadership revaluation of our currency. The Government and imagination in very difficult circum has twice taken measures to correct the stances. disequilibrium in the balance of payments by revaluing the Australian dollar and Mr. Armstrorrg: Tell us what it has done. strengthening existing controls over capital inflow. Mr. B. WOOD: If the honourable member is patient, I will. The decision to appreciate the exchange rate \'\as directed primarily at bringing about Mr. Armstrong: The Commonwealth a necessary adjustment in the current account Government created the difficult circum- of the balance of payments. In the space stances. of a few years, Australia has moved from being substantially a net importer of goods Mr. B. WOOD: That may well not be so. to being substantially a net exporter of I ask honourable members to note the goods a~d services. This is reflected in t:. changed economic climate. The last Federal growing current account surpluses. It was Liberal-Country Party Budget-- recognised at that time that the main effects of revaluation on the current account of the Mr. Armstrong interjected. balance of payments would only be felt after some time. In the long run, however, the Mr. B. WOOD: You would be better off somewhat slower growth of exports and the not talking to yourself, or your mate. faster growth of imports, which the exchange rate appreciation encourages, will be very The CHAIRMAN: Order! The honourable much in Australia's interests. It will increase member would be better off if he addressed the real resources at the Government's dis the Chair. posal and thereby assist the Government in Mr. B. WOOD: It cannot be denied that maintaining a strong forward momentum in the last Federal Liberal-Country Party Budget the economy and provide resources neces was brought down in the face of economic sary for the implementation of the Govern stagnation, high unemployment and lack of ment's policies and programmes. After the confidence in all sections of the community. first step of revalution was taken, import We now have strong growth in the economy, prices fell by 5 per cent in the ensuing six low unemployment and high production, months. although, admittedly, we are still plagued by The 25 per cent tariff cut was perhaps inflation. In the last 10 months, the Aus not the most popular measure in some quar tralian Labor Government has lifted the ters but it is now hailed, I think, by all as national growth rate to a near-record 7 per cent. being an important and very necessary step. It is perhaps the best illustration of the Mr. R. Jones: And fast! Labor Government's determination to make Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1271 the economy more competitive. This pro certain agreements unless it can convince gressive action has increased the competi the tribunal that they are in the public tivene:," of imports in Australia and has interest. This means that, as well as pro helped to ensure that local producers remain hibiting resale price maintenance, the Aust alert to opportunities for avoiding price ralian Government intends to take action increases. The tariff cut is a measure from against mergers that lessen competition, coll which the benefits, in the form of better usive pricing, monopolistic activities and price use of labour and capital as well as savings discrimination. These initiatives will be a to consumers, will increase year by year vast improvement on the present legislation as the economy adjusts more fully to that in breaking down restrictive trade practices, action. reducing monopoly power, and strengthen The Australian Government has stemmed ing competition in the economy. This is a the inl1ow of overseas funds. So much monev very important step indeed, and it is a was flowing in that it had to be halted for matter of regret that the Liberal-Country two reasons: firstly, to prevent Australia Party negative Opposition in the Senate in becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of fore Canberra is seeking to postpone considera ign interests; and, secondly, to prevent the tion of this measure until next year. It is great inflationary pressures that this generates. one that needs to be implemented as soon Few Australians question the steps that the as possible. Australian Government has taken in this In all these areas, the Australian Govern regard. ment has acted responsibly-perhaps not The decision to increase interest rates always popularly-in taking effective steps was not one to be taken lightly. But curbing to combat inflation. I call on the Queens the increase in liquidity and money supply land Government, such as it is, to follow is an essential precondition if inflation is to this example. I call on the Queensland be countered at all. Higher interest rates Government to do something to help the are needed to make the purchasing and Australian Government and, basically, to help holding of Government securities more attrac the Australian people, in this matter. It must tive, which they must be if they are to com be noted that the Australian Government has pete effectively with alternative forms of not chosen to fight inflation by creating investment. If, as a consequence, the higher unemployment, nor has it chosen to cut back interest rates have the effect of curbing the social service spending. A statement in the speculative rush into land and property, it Budget makes it clear that the Queensland will be all to the good and will be a Treasurer's advice to the Australian Govern further anti-inflationary measure. ment was to reduce spending on social ser As to the establishment of the Industries vices. At page 2 of his Financial Statement, Assistance Commission, the report on indus the Treasurer said- try assistance prepared by Sir John Crawford, "This relatively bright picture of the on which the legislation was based, is one State's economy is over-shadowed however of the most far-sighted and historic con at this time by the rapidly increasing tributions to the welfare of Australian indus inflation fever which has gripped the Com try ever prepared or published. This action monwealth. It is of grave concern that will encourage a more active and healthy the previously finely tuned Australian competitive climate in Australian industry. economy has been thrown out of balance It will strongly encourage efficiency, which through political considerations being is a vital factor in the fight against inflation. allowed to unduly influence vital economic decisions." In its very early days the Australian Gov ernment established the Department of Sec The "political considerations" to which the ondary Industries, as Labor has always Treasurer refers seem, to my mind, to be emphasised the need for co-operation between those that give benefits to the people in industry and Government. Dr. Cairns imple Australia who need them. mented soundly his proposal for industry panels to bring together representatives of The Treasurer continued- industry, Government, trade unions and con "Many of the welfare services which sumers to advise on the development and involve heavy expenditure programmes efficiency of industries. This again is an import and which are being introduced at the ant step in maintaining good relationships and Commonwealth level are desirable imp in improving efficiency. This alone is a strong anti-inflationary step. I refer hon rovements, but they should be brought in ourable members to the thanks expressed to only as they can be afforded." Dr. Cairns when he recently relinquished It seems clear that the Treasurer's advice to control of that department. the Commonwealth is, "Forget the pensioners. The proposed legislation against restrictive Forget the schools that are in poor condition. trade practices is a basic change that will Forget the hospitals. Forget all sorts of prohibit restrictive trade practices outright things. Just balance the Budget and take it in place of the present examination of cases steady." The A.L.P. objects to that attitude, and an assessment of whether they are right and it is with pleasure that I note that the or wrong. It provides that a firm may Australian Government will have no part of not engage in certain practices or enter into such policies. 1272 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) It is quite clear that the Australian Gov Mr. B. WOOD: I will deviate, Mr. Lickiss. ernment wants to work with the States, inclu I answered that question in another debate ding Queensland, in the interests of Australia earlier this year. Evidently the honourable and its people. It seeks the co-operation and member for Toowong either cannot hear or help of the States. The Premier, of course, cannot understand the written word. As he scorns the Australian Government. He seems to need repetitive teaching, I will declines to act in the interest of the people. repeat what I said at that time. The Torres He hopes to precipitate a critical situation Strait Islanders were completely misled by for the Australian Government and the Aust the Queensland Government. I said then ralian people so that he can capitalise politi that the threat to them was not as presented cally on the situation. by the Premier of Queensland, and the sup port they gave the Premier-I do not deny I now wish to make comments briefly on that, at the top level, they indicated support one other matter, and in doing so I support for him-was of the same measure and under some of the statements made in the Chamber the same influences as had been exerted last Tuesday by the honourable member for when, for example, I was a candidate in Cairns. One of the cries we hear from lho'e islands and did not receive a vo~e on the moaners on the other side of the Chamber is that we have not-- some of them. For many years, Country-Liberal Govern Mr. Porter: You are the ones who are ments in Queensland have built up a very moaning. 5trong procedure of control from the Prem Mir. B. WOOD: We are not. I have given ier's room and the Minister's room right t!1e Committee an encouraging picture of through to Torres Strait. I saw that when what the Australian Government is doing. I represented the area, I have seen it on , \ll t'Jat the honourable member is doing is many occasions since, and it happened again. sit:ing there moaning in his usual manner The button was pressed here and the reaction and crying about the Australian Government. was seen up in the Torres Strait islands. That is the reason why they gave evident support Mr. Porter: Then let your so-called Aust to the Premier of Queensland. ralian Government go to the polls. I am not being critical of the leaders of Mr. B. WOOD: One of the most notable the Torres Strait Islanders, because those gentlemen sat in the gallery in this Chamber st the people on Y orke Island, now think of Mr. B. WOOD: I did not support the the Australian Government. If you ask him motion in the House, and the honourable that, I think you will be further educated. member for Mulgrave can refer to the debate if he wants to know why. If he wishes to The CHAIRMAN: Order! The Chair does talk about boundaries, let us deal with not need to be educated. Please address the Chair. electoral boundaries and the gerrymander of the Mulgrave electorate. Mr. B. WOOD: I am sorry, Mr. Lickiss. I have on occasions been critical of the My comments were directed to the honour fruitless debates in this Chamber when able member for Toowong. Government members have attacked the I am speaking today about the Budget and Australian Government. It is an unproductive the very effective measures that the Austral debate when they carry their political fight ian Government has taken to combat infla into this Chamber. Inevitably it brings a tion, and I now wish to add something more spirited reply from the Opposition, as I about the hypocrisy of some honourable hope I have been able to reply today. I members opposite when they say that they suggest that this Government should get on are worried about centralisation. I must with its task of governing Queensland. It support my colleague the honourable member would be much more fruitful for it to do for Cairns, who has been very critical of that rather than to spend its time fighting their attitude. the Australian Government unnecessarily. Mr. Armmong interjected. Mr. MILLER (Ithaca) (3.28 p.m.): There Mr. B. WOOD: Will you support us, Mr. are one or two points I should like to refer Armstrong, when we approach the Govern to in the speech of the honourable member ment and criticise its proposed moves to for Barron River. He was critical of the take the C.R.E.B. out of Cairns and put it Queensland Government and said that he into Townsville? thought the Queensland Government was Mr. Armmong: Of course I will. I will more remote than the Australian Government. be in the lead. I am not aware that the Australian Govern ment has ever had a Cabinet meeting in Mr. B. WOOD: Thank you very much. I Queensland to give the people of the country am pleased to hear that. areas and the North an opportunity to meet Federal Ministers and to place their problems The CHAIRMAN: Order! The honourable before them. It is common practice for member will please address the Chair. Cabinet members in this State Government Mr. B. WOOD: That is part of the to travel through country areas and the Government's attitude. It says, "Don't northern part of the State on regular visits centralise everything in Canberra." In its to see the problems at first hand and to view, of course, it is all right to centralise talk to the people about them. If the everything in Brisbane, or even in Townsville honourable member for Barron River can on a sma1le;· scale. assure me that the Australian Government intends to do the same thing, then I will I do not propose to relate the history applaud that Government for its actions. of all the moves that have been made during the term of this Government and have Mr. R. E. Moore: What is this "Austra resulted in the running down of Government lian" Government? I've never heard of it. enterprise, Government departments and many private businesses in the north of this Mr. MILLER: I thank the honourable State because of the policies of this Govern member for Windsor. I am falling into the ment. I want to use this as an example trap. It is so easy to do that because of to 'now how hypocritical it is to talk about the Opposition's plan to brainwash us into the dangers of centralisation when there is using that term. no greater centralist power than the Queens I refer the honourable member for land Government. Barron River to the Australian Constitution. One of the features of this Parliament to I believe that we are all Australians but, date, especially during the last year, has if we read the Australian Constitution, we been the argument, mainly from the Govern will see that the central Government is ment side of the Chamber, between the referred to as the "Commonwealth" Govern Australian Government and the Queensland ment and that the Australian Government Government. It is a one-sided argument consists of the Commonwealth Government because, as. you well know, Mr. Lickiss, and all the State Governments of Australia. the Austral~an Government is carrying on So I hope that honourable members opposite ~s well ~s 1t. can, and with few exceptions will not continue to make the same mistake 1s engagmg m none of the abuse of the as I made a few moments ago. Perhaps if Queensland Government similar to that we this sort of statement was made outside by hear being resorted to in this Chamber bv private enterprise, the people concerned the Queensland Government. · could be charged with misleading advertising. Because it is the Commonwealth Govern Mr. Armstrong: Did you agree with the ment that is continually referring to itself suggested alteration of the boun;.hry between as the "Australian" Government, no action Pap,Ja New Guinea and Queensland? can be taken. If a private company 1274 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) endeavoured to mislead the Australian While Mr. Woods's document deals exclusively people as the Commonwealth Government with the Liquor Trades Union, it nevertheless is doing, it would never enjoy the same has national implications. It reads- latitude. "Mrs. Esther Aarons, who is an organiser Mr. Porter: The Fraud Squad would be in the union, invited me to her home to put on to them. discuss with her husband, Eric Aarons, an article he had written on a coalition of Mr. MILLER: It certainly would. the Left in the Communist Left Review. "I accepted the invitation and other I shall now refer to one or two points A.L.P. members attended. made by the honourable member for Everton. "At this stage, which would be about He quoted from his A.L.P. membership ticket three years ago, I honestly believed that the stipulation that he shall not belong to it was in the best interests of the trade the Communist Party. We all realise that union movement to have a united front. the honourable member is very young, but "At this stage I started to attend what he certainly fell into a trap when he started we term 'hard-core' meetings." talking about the Communist Party. Although honourable members opposite may not be I shall quote a further short extract to permitted to belong to the Communist Party, assure the honourable member for Everton what the honourable member did not say that more than one person was involved. was that he can associate with Communists Mr. Bill Woods went on to say- and be a fellow traveller. "We, the A.L.P. men who attended the 'hard-core' meeting (Mr. Morris, Mr. Hill, Mr. Leese: You associate with anyone you Mr. Maguire and myself) decided we like. would not attend any future 'hard-core' meetings on the ground that only one Mr. MILLER: Of course I associate with viewpoint put there could prevail and we anyone I like, but I certainly would never would not be dictated to any longer." be associated with members of the Com munist Party. It is not my intention to quote any further from this document. However, it is clear Mr. Leese: What about members of the that more of the hard-core meetings to League of Rights? which he referred were held. lt is well for all young members of the A.L.P. to Mr. MILLER: Neither do I associate with realise that this sort of thing occurs. members of the League of Rights. It is Mr. Woods accused the Queensland Gov strange that, the moment the Communist ernment of doina away with the electrification Party is mentioned in this Chamber, certain of the metropolitan railway system in 1958. honourable members opposite refer to the It is on record that prior to 1958 the League of Rights. Why they do this, I do A.L.P. had decided not to proceed any not know. Perhaps they will inform us of further with railway electrification. I ask the ,reason some day. Why is it that as soon the honourable member for Everton what as someone on this side refers to the Com he would have done in the situation that prevailed at that time, when pressure was munist Party, they immediately have to refer being exerted by the Education Depart to the League of Rights? I can see no ment in an endeavour to obtain more funds. association whatever. \Vould he have ignored that pressure and For the benefit of the honourable member proceeded with railway electrification, or would he have succumbed to it and for Everton, I should like to quote again channelled more money into education? I from a document that I referred to in 1969. I think he would have chosen the latter course. realise that the honourable member was not in the Chamber on that occasion, which is The honourable member referred also to the high price of land, which concerns all probably why he fell into the trap of refer honourable members. I recall that last ring to the Communist Party today. The year it was announced that Mr. Hawke document is an article based on a sworn and the A.C.T.U. would come to Queens statutory declaration by a Mr. Bill Woods. land and put cheap land on the market for I want to make it quite clear at this point the workers. Twelve months have now that it was not Mr. Bill Wood, the honourable passed, and I still see no action by the member for Barron River, or, so far as I A.C.T.U. to provide cheap land. am aware, any of his relatives. It is a Mr. Mr. Bird: The Commonwealth Labor Bill Woods, a member of the A.L.P. and Government raised the interest rates on a member of the New South Wales executive. home loans. He is also a member of the Federated Liquor and Allied Trades Employees' Union. Mr. MILLER: I shall deal with that point in a few moments. Mr. Woods's declaration reveals that he I do not think we will see any action by took part in Communist-dominated, hard-core the A.C.T.U. to provide cheap land, because meetings which gave the Communists undis some of its members have said that it will guised control of the Liquor Trades Union. not compete with private enterprise. The Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1275 reason for this is that the unions would Just as the Plowden Report recommended prefer a situation in which they can attack discrimination in favour of schools in poor private enterprise, so that if the A.C.T.U. areas I think we should discriminate in were to enter the arena as an employer favo~r of Class Ill schools relative to the unions would be obliged also to attack groundsmen and clerk-typists. Mter all, the A.C.T.U. The unions cannot fight for these schools have the same amount of cor wage increases from one employer and not respondence to reply ~o as have the larger from the other. All that would result from schools, and the same areas of playground such a situation is embarrassment for the and sports ovals to attend to. A.C.T.U. It certainly could not provide land any cheaper than private enterprise I was pleased to note that the Budget can. I do not think for one moment that provides for an extra 100 teacher aides for the A.C.T.U. will become a land developer disadvantaged schools. I trust ~hat schools in Queensland. that are compelled to have composite classes will be treated as disadvantaged schools and As to the Budget, I sincerely hope that will be entitled to teacher aides, as they will inflation will be brought under control. be very helpful in these schools. Another Although the State Government has allowed pleasing feature is the decision to employ for an 8 per cent escalation over last 34 Aboriginal teaching aides as advisers to year's figures, and has increased expenditure teachers and to the Aboriginal children them in many areas, its expansion programme will selves. These aides will render invaluable be in serious financial difficulties if inflation assistance in enabling teachers to get their is not brought to a halt. message across to Aboriginal children. This Looking at the appropriation for education, is a marked step forward that everyone I am pleased to see the further expansion should support as a means of giving equality of many branches of the Education Depart to Aboriginal children. ment. However, smaller schools will still I believe that the State Education Depart be at a disadvantage compared with the larger schools, especially in relation to ment is very conscious of the problems facing it in its work. The trouble lies not groundsmen and clerk-typists. It is unfor tunate that the A.L.P. Federal Government, in an inability to overcome these problems, after all its talk and promises prior to the but rather in a shortage of finance. The Federal election last year, has only been decision to increase the number of teachers able to allocate the equivalent of 3.2 per by 1,829 is indeed welcome. It is another cent of our Budget provision for education. step forward in our pl~~ed pr~gramme to reduce class sizes. It IS mterestmg to note After listening to Mr. Crean delivering his that Canada, which not many years ago Budget speech, the average person in the recruited Australian teachers to overcome community could be excused for believing its teacher shortage, is now cutting back on that most of our education problems would its appropriation for educati<;n. As a. result, be solved by 1the injection of an extra it is likely that many Canadian, English and $400,000,000 into education in Australia by American teachers will be employed by way of the Federal Budget. But Queens this State. land's share of that $400,000,000 represented only 3.2 per cent of our education Budget The specific allocati~:m. of finance . to a very small percentage indeed. Had this improve and renovate ex1stmg schools, wh1ch allocation not had conditions attached to it, are substandard because of their age or I believe we could have gone a lot further because they have demountable buildings, than merely increasing by 50 per cent will be of advantage in many areas. The the allocation of finance to schools for honourable member for Everton spoke about groundsmen and clerk·typists. demountables in his electorate. I am sur prised that he is not aware that, be.cause It is desirable that all schools, irrespective of the demands made on the pnmary of size and the number of pupils, should schools in Everton Park, the Government has have groundsmen and clerk-typists. In many already purchased land in his area on which instances Class III schools only a few years to build a new school. ago had large enrolments, but because the residents of those areas are growing older, Mr. Jensen: He knows all about it. with a consequent decrease in •the number of children attending school, parents and Mr. MILLER: In that case, I am sur citizens' associations are now forced to sub prised that he criticised the Govern~ent for sidise the employment of groundsmen and allowing these demountables to remam there. clerk-typists. I am opposed to the Federal He apparently did it knowing full well that Government's tagging of money for special the Government had taken this action. The purposes. I believe that we are quite available land at that school was not suf capable of making our own decisions and ficient to allow permanent additions to it, we are less likely to misjudge a situation. so the Government was forced to find addit The role of a small school can only be ional land. It could not be found in 5 compared with that of a low-wage earner minutes, but it was found, and the Govern who is always struggling to attain more but ment intends to build a bigger school in is never able ~o achieve the maximum Everton Park. Yet, today, he was critical of because of the system we operate under. the Government which intends to help him. 1276 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) We are facing a severe shortage of both To ensure that young people would think materials and labour. I am concerned that twice about buying a home, the Federal those shortages will restrict our building Government increased interest rates. Again programme to a large degree. This is very I say that that is an action that cannot be unfortunate, but it is a direct result of the regarded as signifying an intention to help Federal Government's policy, and it has to people to own their own homes. Another accept the responsibility. Federal Government attack on young people was the increase in the savings bank interest More and more people are becoming alarmed at the actions of the Federal Gov rate on deposits above a certain figure. Those ernment, and rightly so. In December of in excess of $4,000 attract interest of 6 last year, when it took office inflation was per cent. How many young people would have $4,000 in the bank after paying a deposit running at the rate of 4· 5 per cent, while on a home? Very few indeed. Yet the ~he _late~t. figure is 15 per cent, and it Is still nsmg. It would not surprise me at Federal Government has decreed that those all to learn that it is 17 to 18 per cent at with less than $4,000 will receive only 3.75 the moment. per cent interest. Why should young people who are saving for later life be put at this By its action in the area of housing loans disadvantage? l believe that a person with the Federal Government has let down the $2,000 in the bank should receive 6 per cent young people of Australia. The honourable interest. member for Barron River referred to in creased interest rates, and claimed that they The Leader of the Opposition said in this will reduce inflation. I do not believe the debate that inflation in Australia was argument propounded by the honourable imported. The available figures do not sub ~ember. I fail to see how the increasing of stantiate his statement. Although some mterest rates payable by young people who responsibility can be attributed to overseas have already purchased a home will reduce pressures, the real responsibility must be inflation. If the Federal Government claims laid squarely where it belongs--at the feet that, by increasing interest rates, it will of the Federal Government. Economists are increase the weekly repayments made by unanimous in their views on inflation and those young people and thereby reduce the how to beat it. In the first place, there is amount of money they have left to spend, need to increase Gross National Product. then I agree. That is exactly what it is doing. In the second place, it is essential that pub But what a despicable action it is for an lic spending be considerably reduced. The A.L.P. Government, or any Government, to Federal Government's decision to go ahead work through the pockets of the worker in with the construction of a new Parliament this way. House, combined with its appointment of so many special committees, will only aggra If the Federal Government wanted to vate the situation. reduce the spending power of the people, an increase above the 9 per cent of funds To create employment in the Evans Deakin that banks are compelled to deposit, as stat shipbuilding yard by paying a subsidy, which utory reserve deposits, with the Reserve Bank is normally 40 per cent of the cost of a would have been more acceptable. That ship, is sheer stupidity when no agreement would have resulted in less available finance between the employees and the company has and would have done away with the extra been entered into, similar to the Gladstone burden of added interest rates payable by agreement. I do not agree with the Federal these young people. Government's decision to keep this industry alive when the unions are not prepared to In his Budget speech, the honourable co-operate in formulating an agreement such member for Belmont said that the A.L.P. as the one that has been reached in Glad was not opposed to home-ownership. By its stone. lt would be wiser to consider re very actions, it is demonstrating that the training employees of Evans Deakin for reverse is ·the case. It is not my intention positions in other industries that require more to become involved in the Commonwealth labour than is at present available. State Housing Agreement at this point of time, as there will be an opportunity to deal I cannot see shipbuilding ever becoming with it during the Estimates debate. How a viable proposition. The Evans Deakin ship ever, in answer to the honourable member yard is situated in an area that is more for Belmont, I say that only 30 per cent suitable for housing units, parks and gardens of homes built under this new agreement than for the building of ships. I asked the can be sold. The remaining 70 per cent Minister for Development and Industrial have to be rented. Initially, the Common Affairs a question earlier this year concerning wealth Government was adamant that no the subsidy that the Commonwealth Govern houses were to be sold, and it was only ment was prepared to pay on the latest ship after much discussion with all the States, to be built in this yard. The Minister was including thos.e with Labor Governments, that not able to tell me, because the Federal the compromise of 30 per cent was reached. Minister had not conveyed that information Initially, the Commonwealth Government to his department. One would have thought did not want any homes sold. One can that the Federal Minister would have kept hardly agree that that action of the Federal the Queensland Minister for Development Minister was favourable to home-ownership. and Industrial Affairs informed as to the Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statemenr) 1277 amount of subsidy. I think that would have the information I have available to me been just plain common sense and cou11tesy is contrary to that given by him. An on the part of the Federal Minister. article dealing with the Prices Justification Tribunal says- Mr. Bromley: Oh, shut up! "On pages 12 and 13 the Tribunal The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. explicitly rejects the suggestion that it W. D. Hewitt): Order! The honourable was analysing price justification for a member for South Brisbane will use more particular commodity in its own right." temporate language. "Without any explanation, it lays down the principle that 'the position of the Mr. MILLER: But the reluctance of the companies as a whole (a reference to the Federal Minister to make the subsidy public over-all B.H.P. Group) is also relevant is contrary to the stated belief of the A.L.P. in certain respects. . .' in open government. This reluctance poses "In other words, the Tribunal supports a question: How much above the 40 per the legitimacy of cross-subsidisation and cent was paid to keep this inefficient indus suggests that a company producing several try alive when every other industry is products should be prepared, up to an calling for more labour? I could well ask, unspecified point, to subsidise the low for instance, if some of these employees profits or losses of some products with would like to be trained as members of the profits of others. the Police Force. If the subsidy was not "It is one which will alarm those who paid, how many areas, such as Education, had hoped that the Tribunal would take an Works and Housing, Police, and Health, economic or accounting approach which would benefit from the injection of this might seek to avoid the distortions to huge amount of finance? It is necessary co;J1pany and general economic activity of to increase the size of the Police Force, encouraging 'cross subsidisation'. and already the Government is endeavouring "This approach is bound to lead to to obtain another 165 members. But with frightening anomalies which will in the the severe shortage of labour, I wonder end discredit the Tribunal. how many it will be able to recruit. "It may mean, for example, rthat one The demand for a 35-hour week at this company is justified in charging say $3.20 stage of our history could be the most for product A, because of low profits on damaging move ever contemplated by the mal:ing product B, whereas another firm A.L.P. It is more concerned about winning is only jus,tified in charging $3.00 for pro votes from the workers than trying to duct A because it makes very high profits reduce inflation. This move by the president on product C. The competitive implica of the A.L.P., Mr. Hawke, supported by tions of this are obvious.'' Mr. Cameron, Mr. Connor, and many others, As to the A.C.T.U. submissions, the will go down in history as the greatest fraud ever perpetrated on the people of article states- Australia. Do these people really believe "The A.C.T.U. has no access to any that they can confine applications for a original information about B.H.P. and its 35-hour week to the industries which they case was plain political left-wingery. say can afford it? Firstly, I do not think The fact that the Tribunal lowers itself that they are competent to decide whether to calling this evidence 'extremely helpful' or not an industry is capable of paying; is by itself evidence of the political secondly, if the industries are in a position character the Tribunal is assuming. to pay, or to absorb the costs of a 35-hour It con&titutes a deliberate encouragement week, all the community should benefit by of the A.C.T.U. to come back again at a reduction in cost, in the case of electricity. future price justification hearings as the In the case of private companies, the com self-appointed champion of the public munity as a whole should benefit from the interest." taxes the Federal Government receives from them. If the A.C.T.U. ever goes back ·to the tribunal, I hope it will endeavour to fight .the There are precedents showing that once case on economic rather th&'"l political one industry obtains a benefit, others follow grounds. and, naturally, snowballing takes place. In a short space of time, every industry would This is just another idiotic move bv the have an application before the court. I Commonwealth Government to have a slap am not opposed to a reduction in the working at industry and, at the same time, create hours if it is introduced at the appropriate problems for the State. Any industry that time; but to consider the introduction of is considering setting up business in Aus a 35-hour week now, with inflation running tralia must now think twice about it, know at above 15 per cent, is sheer stupidity. ing that it cannot be sure of receiving price increases based on economic reasons. The Interest is now being shown by many A.C.T.U. has no access to any original businessmen in the Prices Justification information about B.H.P., and its case was Tribunal, and that tribunal was mentioned just plan political "Left-wingery". by the honourable member for B.arron River. Let me say to the Committee that Mr. Jensen interjected. 1278 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) Mr. MILLER: Through you, Mr. Lickiss, should be spent. This money should be spent say to the honourable member that I on capital works rather than on the introduc believe the A.C.T.U. has a very great tion of a scheme that will never get off bearing on the economy of this State. If, the ground. as I have just shown, the A.C.T.U. can control the price of commodities not by Let me make my position quite clear. I submitting information relevant to that par am one who believes that the Federal ticular industry, but by advancing a political Government should have no say in how the reason, there is a clear-cut case for the States spend their money. It is the Federal people of Australia ,to completely ignore the Government's role, in conjunction with State results of this tribunal. With its endeavours Governments, to work out an agreeable to introduce a 35-hour week, the A.C.T.U. formula for the allocation of moneys to will affect the State of Queensland and every the individual States. Its only role is that other State in Australia. To say tha,t the of an arbiter. A.C.T.U. has no effect on the economy of the State, as the honourable member has, is I join in the protest of those who have rather ridiculous. It has a very great bearing already expressed their fears regarding the on the StaJte's economy. Federal Government's proposed national health scheme. It has too many question I now ,turn to the Health Vote. At page 36 marks for this Government to entertain it. of the Estimates we find that the appropri_a We are told by Mr. Hayden that a tax of tion has been increased from $89,000,000 in 1.35 per cent on personal income, with a 1972-73 to over $117,000,000 for 1973-74. matching grant or one in the vicinity of 1.5 Mr. Davis: Inflationary. per cent, will cover the cost of this scheme. One must ask what will happen if this Mr. MILLER: The honourable member formula does not meet the cost. We are says that it is inflationary. The present high already one of the highest-taxed people in rate of inflation has been brought about by the world. With increasing costs, will the the Federal Government, but it has not yet Federal Government meet these costs or reached such a stage that we have to increase will it throw the responsibility onto the our hospital expenditure by nearly States? I believe the people of Queensland $40,000,000. This is an increased allocation should be made aware of these questions. by the Government in furtherance of the progressive steps we have taken in the health If we talk to the average people in the field over the years since we came to office. street we find that, generally speaking, they are under the impression that a totally free We are endeavouring to maintain the doctor and public hospital service will be present Queensland system. I cannot say available and paid for by this 1.35 per cent the same for members of the Opposition. I tax on personal income, supplemented by agree that they formerly urged retention of a 1.5 per cent Commonwealth grant. If free health services, but I believe they now this scheme is introduced, we could see a support the complete reverse of that policy, stage when more and more State finance possibly because the whips have been cracked was being used to bolster a national health in the Federal sphere. They have now scheme at the expense of all other services, decided to support the scheme being put including education. forward by Mr. Hayden. For years they have accused this Government of wanting to Every other country that has endeavoured do away with the free health scheme. Now to initiate a free health scheme has been we see them supporting a scheme which will overwhelmed by constantly rising costs, yet do the very thing they have accused us of Mr. Hayden is convinced that Australia can ever since we assumed office. It is do what no other country has been able to now the Opposition which wants to do away do, namely, introduce a free health scheme with the free health scheme in Queensland. and not have it abused. It is natural that some people will abuse anything that is given I am not saying that the free health scheme to them free of charge. We have seen in Queensland is perfect, but I am saying examples of abuse to a lesser degree in the that it is a solid base on which this Govern outpatients departments of hospitals and ment can build, expand and develop a the issue of free medicines, many of which scheme that could have the best of both are left under the seats of city theatres. worlds-Government-owned and run hospitals competing with private and church hospitals The point I want to make is that at the staffed by private practitioners who are present time we are budgeting for an expen second to none in the world. I have no diture on hospitals of more than $87,000,000. doubt that if more money was available, it That sum is approximately $9,000,000 higher could be spent on Government hospitals, than last year's appropriation, and does not improving and expanding present facilities include the $9,000,000 that is allocated to in the areas of recurrent and capital expend capital expenditure and is part of the over-all iture. We need more hospitals not only in SlOO,OOO,OOO capital works programme. How Brisbane but also in certain country areas ever, this huge sum will be spent on only and coastal towns. We need to replace some half the population because the other half of the older hospitals in these areas, and is insured and uses private hospitals and this is where any available Federal moneys doctors. Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1279 I woul~ ask: what would it cost to supply Only this week proposals for an altern and maintain enough public hospital beds ative health scheme were canvassed in the to cover the many thousands of people who Press. The suggestion is that if the Com will not be able to afford to contribute to monwealth Government's battle with the a private medical benefits scheme in addition doctors is lost, money will be diverted to to paying the compulsory 1.35 per cent tax public hospitals. It seems that Mr. Hayden that will be levied for the proposed national is committed, by his Government's economic health scheme? This unrealistic scheme will needs to fleece the taxpayers of this 1 · 3 5 place a heavy burden on the health budget per cent of their income as the first year's of Queensland. levy on their wages. If he cannot offer the people an insurance scheme, he will not People are becoming sick and tired of admit defeat but will throw the burden onto the promises and the dishonoured promises the States. We have already seen an un that have been canvassed regularly in the pleasant example of this in Queensland, and Press. Mr. Hayden's propaganda machine, I refer particularly to the row over nursing which was recently bolstered by a man from homes, which Mr. Hayden tackled like a the Prime Minister's office and another from bull at a gate. The problem that will arise Melbourne, as well as a special grant of in public hospitals in Queensland will also $250,000, has not been able to "sell" the affect the southern States, but to a far facts to the people of Queensland, who are greater extent. No Government can build utterly confused. Not even Mr. Hayden major hospitals overnight. knows all the ramifications of the proposed scheme. These are realities that no quiz-kid group of doctors of philosophy can talk around. This year he has told Queenslanders, Theories and practicalities in building hos firstly, that the State would gain an extra pitals make them major development tasks, $22,000,000; then he reduced the figure to not overnight realities. Mr. Hayden wanted $20,000,000; jumped it up to $30,000,000; to close down nursing homes, but he left it increased it again to $48,000,000; and, more to the States to find alternative accommoda recently, brought it back to approximately $20,000,000. I do not know which figure tion. He expects an overnight whim to be a is. the authentic one, but, whatever it is, it reality, and his centralis! orders have to be w1ll be far short of the sum of money that carried out without any thought or worry the State Government will be required to for the individual concerned. Because he fears inject into the present free hospital system. that he will lose out to the private-enterprise doctors, he intends to divert money to the Although the Federal health scheme has States and expects them to provide new hos not been formally proposed, Mr. Hayden has pitals overnight. The Queensland Govern authorised his department to print the ment has a major development and redevelop 13,000,000 "Big Brother" social security ment scheme under way already. Over cards, and has called tenders for the prepara the next decade, we will be spending tion of the compulsory identification cards. $100,000,000 on capital works. He has given the assurance that the privacy of the people will not be violated. The One of the major problems that Queens information gathered will be housed in a land-and, indeed, the whole of Australia new $8,000,000 computer, which Mr. Hayden faces is a very real shortage of people to has already purchased. The intimate medical staff and run our hospitals. This is the history of every Australian will be on file area in which Mr. Hayden and his Govern and subject to Government scrutiny, and ment should be directing their energies and the Government could possibly use many of resources. It is frightening to think that the facts at its disposal in a damaging way. Australia is already short of 3,000 general It is not right for a Government to have practitioners. With free university education, these hidden and potentially dangerous powers there will be no bonding of doctors. This available to it so that it can stand over is another problem that the Queensland the individual. Government will have to face in future budgeting. It will have to offer special If I had more time at my disposal, I allowances to encourage doctors to go to would quote the remarks of a Gympie doctor, country hospitals. Irrespective of whether who has said that the doctors in his town or not we agree with bonding, it was one received a visit from two Commonwealth way of staffing country hospitals. But this Government inspectors who were critical of method will no longer be available. It is the medicines prescribed by the local doc not very comforting for country people to tors. Their criticism was based not on the see doctors leaving their towns and hos fact that the medicines would not do what pitals. Medical man-power is a growing the doctors hoped they would do, but on problem, and it should be a Federal respon the cost that would be incurred by the Com sibility if the Commonwealth Government is monwealth Government. They complained really concerned about the welfare of the that it was too high. If that type of thing people of Australia. happens now, what will be the position when the Commonwealth Government has at It is essential that the people of Queensland its disposal the medical history of every Aust should know that, unlike the Federal Gov ralian? ernment, the Queensland Government is not 1280 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) involved in costly financial brawls with private sick leave on full pay, two weeks on half enterprise doctors. Most doctors in Queens pay, and all necessary equipment, supplies, land are happy to work alongside, and in professional accommodation, expenses for conjunction with, the alternative system that a locum, etc., for which the private pras; we have here. There is need, and room, for titioner has to pay." both, not only in Queensland, but throughout 'What are these extras? This is the whole Australia. Queensland's new and exciting point of the scheme. Is Mr. Hay?en venture into the total concept of medical endeavouring to reduce the cost of medtcme, care-for the benefit of the honourable or is he simply trying to introduce socialism member for Everton, who said this morning into medicine? That is the crux of the that this concept was first put forward by matter. I believe we can show that Mr. the present Commonwealth Government, I Hayden is endeavouring to introduce point out that the Queensland Government socialism rather than being concerned with devoted two years of careful planning to costs. it-has been introduced very quickly indeed, with considerable co-operation from the I repeat, what are these extra costs? I medical profession, because it is seen in its asked a medical friend to make an estimate, correct perspective as a new, positive service and, to say the least, the result was startling. for all doctors in hospitals, as well as those The cost of five weeks' annual leave, the in private practice, and one that is beneficial equivalent of three weeks' sick leave annually to their patients. on full pay and of a locum for five weeks totals $4,500. This figure was arrived at by The Commonwealth Government adopted working on a figure of $350 a week, or the right attitude in saying that it was $18,200 a year, which is well within the pleased to see the Queensland scheme intro range mentioned. A fortnight's study leave duced as one of the first positive moves in would cost another $700. Supplies, profes this field in Australia. Of course, this is sional accommodation and staff would add nothing unique. Queensland is often the at least another $8,000. If insurance, clean leading State in many areas of legislation ing charges, light and gas, car expenses, and social welfare. With the initiative that insurance, etc., are included, at least another is being shown by this Government in for $2,000 would be added. ward planning in these vital areas involving the health and welfare of the people, it is At a conservative estimate, the salary for little wonder that Mr. Hayden and his such a position would include $18,200, plus band of A.L.P. "knockers" has been $4,500, $700, $8,000, and $2,000, making a strangely quiet of late. Perhaps they are grand total of $33,400. This makes no a~hamed to admit the proof that Queens allowance whatsoever for the generous land's ideal system is functioning so smoothly Commonwealth Public Service superannua and well under the Country-Liberal Gov tion scheme. One could hardly agree with ernment. Mr. Hayden's comment that his scheme will save the taxpayers a lot of money. Yet his While these people are fighting an scheme is intended to reduce costs. As I said, expensive and extensive public-relations war it is part of the over-all A.LP. programme with the taxpayers' money, the Queensland to socialise industry and the professions. Government is continuing to provide what the people want-and, indeed, are entitled to Mr. WALLIS-SMITH (Cook) (4.25 p.m.): expect from a progressive Government. This This year's Budget debate is a little different is why Queens]anders are happy with the from that of previous years because, since dual system that operates in this State. the Treasurer presented last year's Financial They have freedom of choice, which has Statement, there has been a change of Gov always been a way of life for Australians. ernment in Canberra. Every State depart Mr. Hayden'~ attack on the medical pro ment has received increased allocations from fession has been made, not because he the Australian Government led by Mr. Gough believes doctors are overcharging but rather Whitlam. Perhaps the greatest increase has because he is a socialist at heart and must been made available to the Department of work to that end. Aboriginal and Island Affairs, and this has l.n a recent letter, the Federal Minister attracted many adverse comments from hon for Health (Dr. Everingham) wrote, in ourable members opposite and their party relation to conditions of employment for supporters throughout the length and breadth general practitioners in Canberra health of Australia. centres- I think there are two reasons for this "It is true that the salary range we reaction. One is that the people have not offer of $17,000 to $20,000, depending been accustomed to efforts to make the on experience and qualifications, repre Aboriginal and Islander people fellow-citizens sents a slightly reduced net income as of Australia. The other reason is the compared with general practice, but in antagonism shown by the Premier of Queens exchange, the general practitioner receives land to any help from the Australian Govern security, five weeks' annual recreation ment. The honourable member for Toowong leave with pay, post-graduate studies at referred to the esteem in which the Premi,er Government expense, priority housing, is held in the Torres Strait islands. I would removal expenses, two weeks' cumulative say that any such esteem starts and finishes Supply [25 OcroBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1281 on the television screen, and in radio and on his interests, are affected. However, when newspaper reports of his visits to the islands the improvement of the conditions of the accompanied by publicity crews. There is people is affected, I think he should be nothing practical in this sort of assistance ashamed even to suggest that be has anything to Aborigines and Islanders, and nothing in in common with the Aboriginal or Islander it that compares with the direct assistance people of Queensland. now being giv,en by the Australian Govern At present, because of lip service and the ment. Aborigines and Islanders Acts, Aborigines Mr. Sullivan: What happened to Mr. and Islanders are not on the same level a5 Bryant? Why was he removed from this their fellow Queenslanders. Country-Liberal portfolio? Governments-! have said this many times before-have made them second-class citi Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: When the Minister zens. I am extremely grateful to the Aus for Primary Industries was 'responsible for tralian Government for its practical assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, ance to the Aboriginal and Islander people the situation was even worse. I do not think of this State, and I will do my utmost to he is a fit and proper person to ask questions assist in obtaining a continuous flow of about Aborigines and Islanders. I know money and materials to improve the status positively that he was not happy in that of these people at all levels, from the very portfolio-nor were those he was supposed young to the very old. to be helping. Admittedly, some mistakes have been Mr. Sullivan: That was not reflected in made. Again, the lack of communications the 1969 vote in the islands. is to blame for many of the delays and frustrations that have occurred. In speaking Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: Let us have a little of mistakes, I should mention that it is true talk about that. I am pleased that the in politics-! am referring now not only Minister interjected. He has helped me ever to the present Government but also to since the first day I entered this Parliament. other Governments-that the good which has Mr. R. E. Moore: We are going to help been done is overlooked while each and you out, too. every member on the opposing side can high light one mistake. However, when mistakes Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: Don't make me concern the health, advancement and laugh! The Minister was a back-bencher improved conditions of the people, I think when I first became a member of Parliament, they should be overlooked mu~h more than and he took part in many efforts either when they concern materials or construction to remove me from Parliament or to down projects. grade my efforts. He now says that if he For the first time, mail is flowing to and was unpopular among these people it was from the Torres Strait islands in lock-up not shown at the last election. Let me assure mail bags. That was the first move by him that the very poor showing of his Mr. Bryant when he took over the Federal Country Party candidate was the worst on portfolio, and the people are extremely grate record, and he wooed an A.L.P. supporter, ful for it. They did not realise before how Mr. Ben Nona, to represent the D.L.P. in important it was to have a little privacy. an effort to take whatever votes he could They can now write a letter and, just as from me in the islands. Let me also tell him you and I can, Mr. Hewitt, post it by a that I gained an absolute majority. I wonder certain time and know that it will go in a if he received such a majority? lock-up mail bag to the post office on Thurs Mr. Sullivan: I was talking about the day Island and never go near the office of 1969 vote. the Department of Aboriginal and Island Affairs. The same remarks apply to incoming Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: The Minister's mail. With one simple operation, a change voice is not quite so loud now. He says was made that was never considered pre he is talking about 1969, so he is going back viously. Why was it not considered? Because further still. If it were not for the vote of the department could not keep its finger the Aboriginal and Islander people, I would on the pulse if it did not know what was not be in Parliament today. That should going on. One of the best ways to be answer him once and for alL aware of what is going on is to know what The Department of Aboriginal and Island is being written to and from a certain island Affairs has been given large sums of money or community. in grants, loans and capital funds, and these Boats for the Islanders have been bought have reached a record level for Queensland. by the Australian Government. It has I know that the Minister for Aboriginal bought luggers that were lying idle for years, Affairs is very grateful for this assistance. rotting away in the harbour at Thursday In that respect be is once again out of step Island. They have been slipped and refitted with the Premier, who wishes to reject every at Thursday Island, and they are now work thing offered by the Australian Government. ing with Islander crews. A larger ship has Of course, I can understand the Premier's also been taken over for the benefit of these being upset quite often when mining and people. If I remember rightly, it was a similar activities, which have a direct bearing Taiwanese ship that was arrested and 41 1282 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) impounded in Darwin for fishing in Aus noticed that, while loading and unloading, tralian waters. It was later confiscated and the deckhands did not wear protective head is now being refitted by Walkers Ltd. at gear. I am sure that the insurance com Maryborough. I pay a tribute to Brendon panies would have a lot to say about that Hansen for his efforts in this regard. I if a person was injured during these opera alerted him that things were moving, and tions. I have put this point to the Minister, he quickly saw that Maryborough's case was and I hope he realises the need for these put to the Minister and was successful in men to wear protective headgear. having the work allotted there. I would also like to see the wages of the I was surprised to hear the remarks of crew greatly improved. I saw them working the honourable member for Maryborough very long hours. The "Melbidir" was one recently. He thought that, in contributing of the vessels that had to wait 24 hours to this debate, the Leader of the Opposition to unload very heavy building material. had referred to Walkers Ltd. When I Some of it was crated, and some of it was looked through the "Hansard" proof, I found loose in slings that were swinging around that in fact the reference was to Waltons with the movement of the ship. The men Ltd. The honourable member could be were working hard to complete the unloading excused for that honest mistake. However, in time, but they were unsuccessful and the he made great play of the matter, and ship had to wait 24. hours for the next tide. it was during cross-firing at that time that Because of the Australian Government, there a member of the Opposition was sent from has been a general upsurge in building activity the Chamber. The honourable member for on the islands, which is why the transport Maryborough did not realise that at this of building materials has taken up so much very moment the ship that I have mentioned space in the three vessels, and so much of is being refitted at Walkers Ltd. That their time. storm in a teacup could have been avoided had he been aware of what is happening As I have said, I noticed that shelves in in his home town. the stores on the islands were only half full, and some popular varieties of goods Let me remind the Committee of the were missing altogether. This situation need for dependable vessels to serve the cannot be overcome by flying in stores islands. This need is more acute now than as can be done on the mainland, because ever before. In answer to a question from the Torres Strait has only two airstrips. As me this morning, the Minister for Aboriginal a result, stores still have to be carried by Affairs told me that there are three vessels ship to 14 or 15 communities. I suggest serving the islands-"Melbidir", "Torres that, if finance is available, a suitable barge Strait Islander" and "Stephen Davies". In type vessel be purchased. I emphasise that the annual report of the Director of Abori the vessel should be a type of barge, as ginal and Island Affairs that was tabled barges can get much closer to the shore yesterday, a vessel named "Tamwoy" was than conventional vessels can. They are mentioned. Apparently it does not exist now, also easier and quicker to load and unload, and the Minister is minus a vessel to deliver and they are much more adaptable for work stores and building materials to the islands. around the islands. Of course, the Australian There is now an acute shortage of food Government could be approached for finance, stuffs on the shelves of the island stores. but would the Premier "give the nod" to This has resulted from the fact that the the Minister? I do not think he would. three vessels mentioned are being required He would think there were some strings that to do the work of four. They are expected he did not like attached to the anchor rope to carry heavy equipment, such as building or some other part of the vessel. And who materials, iron and steel, etc. On two of would suffer? Once again it would be the them manual labour has to be used to lift people whose champion he is supposed to be. the cargo out of the hold and over the side Mr. R. E. Movre: We wouldn't take any into dinghies. They have to be loaded the thing that has strings attached to it. same way. Very often they have to remain where they are for 24 hours, waiting for the Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: I thought the hon next high tide. All this adds to delay in om·able member had been torpedoed a while the turn-round of the vessels. There is an ago. urgent need for the Minister to do some thing to overcome the problem. I will have Alternatively, perhaps a barge could be further suggestions to make to him later hired, but the need is so urgent that this on. should be done immediately. The island people are provided with a Speaking of the crews of these ships, I very poor service at the present time. They hone that in the very near future two are sorely in need of foodstuffs. Of the apprentices can be placed on the "Melbidir" three vessels mentioned, only the "Melbidir" one for navigational purposes and the other has mechanical equipment for loading and for the engine room. The ship has a captain unloading operations. That vessel cost and an engineer, both of high calibre, who $500,000. I spent four days on it recently, would be only too pleased to assist Islander and I found it very comfortable. But a bovs who have finished their schooling to number of things could be improved. I become proficient and capable seamen in Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1283 the navigation of ships and also in the the wharf so that, during transfer from it handling and maintenance of marine engines to the vessel alongside, the fish are exposed and equipment. to the air for a minimum period. I have frequently asked for an improve It is wrong to create in the minds of the ment in the facilities for the loading and local people the impression that fish can unloading of ships at these islands. It is be stored merely by packing them in a really depressing to see girls handling freezer box, one on top of the other. The building timber, and lifting it from the result of this practice is that the fish at the water onto the beach. This Government bottom of the box could be left there has been in office since 1957. I know we for months. When I asked the Minister may be asked, "How long did this apply about the cleaning out of these freezer boxes 0 previouc]y " We probably should have done he said it could be done in the "orthodox" something about it, but surely honourable manner, whatever that means. Perhaps members opposite, who teli us so often how he meant they could be cleaned by mopping we have advanced in Queensland and who up the sludge with a sponge, and so on. so often claim to be the champions of these Only today I spoke to a professional people, will admit that two or three jetties fisherman, who told me that fish should not could have been constructed in that time. be stored for long periods in a tank or But not one jetty has been built, and these a box. He stressed the importance of girls are p.tid 50c an hour to unload dinghies, either hanging them in a cold room or carry the timber through the shallow water laying them out on trays. Storage of fish to the bc;ach and deposit it there. This is one on top of the other only leads. to happening in 1973. These are the things that sweating and the appearance of the slimy are holding these people back and that force substance to which I have referred. This, me to accuse the Government of treating in turn, affects the quality of the fish. them ~~s second-class citizens. The construction of jetties at all the lf the jetties and wharves I advocate were Torres Strait islands would facilitate the available, we could then go a step further loading and unloading of produce and and construct a shed at each wharf-head supplies, and, moreover, would obviate the and install a cold room in it. I particularly need to employ what I will term "slave mention cold rooms because Torres Strait labour" to carry goods. I have used that abounds in fish, which will not keep any term in an effort to stir the Government where for very long, much less in the tropics. into taking action to improve the plight Three freezer boxes were delivered to the of the girls who are required to manhandle Islands of Yam, Darnley and Saibai at very goods, even building equipment, from high cost-I think they cost more than dinghies to beaches for the paltry payment $2,000 e:1ch-for the express purpose of of 50c an hour. Surely in this modern keeping the fish catches until they could be age they could be offered a better type of loaded onto a refrigerated ship and taken to employment than that. Thursday Island and other markets. The type of education available to Islanders has certainly improved. But should I have inspected these boxes, and I am education end when a person leaves school? certain that they constitute a health hazard Have we not some obligation to say to these and would not be tolerated anywhere else people, "There is a 50/50 chance of your in Queensland or, for that matter, Australia. getting a position within a reasonable Recently I watched the loading of fish at distance of your home"? Should there not Darnley Island onto the "Melbidir". The be some method by which we can assist practice there is that, if the tide is in, these school-leavers to obtain a position, and the Islanders bring their catch to the beach then help them over the little rough spots by dinghy, and they have to carry it in their first job-I am sure we all remem across the beach and roadway for a distance ber the difficulties of our first jobs-so that of 50 yards, then climb a stepladder, and, they will not run away from them due to with assistance, open the trapdoor in the a slight inferiority complex, and thus lose top of the box and drop their catch in. anv chance of becoming worth-while citi By the time the box is reopened for loading zens? In view of the upsurge in education, I the contents onto the "Melbidir", the fish believe we run the risk of having well inside it have sweated and become coated educated but unemployable Aborigines and with a slimy substance that has to be Islanders roaming around the countryside. washed off with salt water before they are put into cold storage on the "Melbidir". Only in recent times was a suitable type This practice would not be tolerated in any of industry established. I refer, of course, to other community. the turtle-"breeding industry, which has been received favourably by interstate members The Director of Aboriginal and Island of Islander families. However, it has been Affairs has said he will be obtaining four subjected to a violent upsurge of public additional freezer boxes for the storage of criticism. I could mention several families fish. He should be made aware of the who wish to return to their home islands for fact that they are a complete failure, the sane, simple reason that they want to and that what is called for is a con take part in the security that is offered. Evi ventional-type cold room at the end of dence is available that, if jobs can be found 1284 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) for these people, they do not roam around Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: All of it. but are happy to remain on their islands, in Mr. B. Wood: And for years we argued their own environment. I would not wish in vain to get this Government to provide it. to prevent them from leaving the islands because no-one should be forced to remain Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: That is so. anywhere. That is one reason why I am Dr. Kirk conducted a survey in the islands opposed to our Aboriginal and Islander on, I think, Anzac Day. He said, "I will legislation. We should not impose the have Sisters on all of the islands where there slightest control on the movements of these are white teachers or Department of Educa people. tion teachers and they will have facilities We should give Aboriginal and Islander to visit the other islands." In other words, people as much assistance as we can in they would be able to visit places where the the field of education by offering them people saw a doctor once in three months manual training and homecraft subjects. But if they were lucky. These people should not the Government should have ~ufficient fore be left in the plight they have suffered for sight to ensure that all school-leavers are the past 16 years. They should be allowed offered employment. Accommodation is to progress, if the Australian Government one of the great needs of these people. It wants to help them. is quite common to find that a contract for nine or 10 houses takes 12 months to com Mr. Tucker: The Premier is ready to use plete. We would not tolerate such delays them or abandon them whenever it suits in other areas. him. I know men who are quite willing to train Mr. WALUS-SMITH: That sums it up. as builders teams of young Aboriginal and The Premier is an opportunist in that res Islander men. I have seen some of these pect and is quite prepared even to whip up people employed at Aurukun on construct antagonism. ing buildings, with each member of the team doing his own job. I see nothing wrong with Honourable members should look at the the,se people being allowed to tender for issue of the report I have in my hand. Of Government contracts. Virtually all con course, not many of them get it, but it is tracting companies have been put on their very attractive, with an appealing cover. feet by Government contracts. They are Mr. Murray: Is it a Commonwealth Gov looked on as the gems of the building industry. We should help Aborigines and ernment publication? Islanders to engage in this work. They Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: No. Honourable would not have to be paid exorbitant allow members are provided with the issue I have ances and given free flights home every in my other hand, which is their bad luck. so often, and so on. That would reduce the They are treated like second-class citizens cost of the buildings and ensure more by this department. employment. The same can be said for the girls. In There are three advisory councils. How the homecraft section, they can easily become easy it is to manipulate, in puppet style, a nursing aides, storekeepers, post-mistresses string to each of these islands, saying to and clerks, and replace many of the depart the men concerned, "Dance and we will mental clerks presently employed on reserves help you." The first blow was the lock-up and islands. The Minister and the depart mail bag, and there are many more to come. ment could put more effort into achieving Let us not shelve our responsibility. If the this end. Premier can do this sort of thing to the detriment of these people, the Australian The health of these people is always Government should be allowed to assist important. Soon after the A.L.P. won the them in education, health, home-building and Federal election on 2 December 1972, a Press a host of other matters. article reported that the health of Aboriginal and Islander children must improve. To a In my opinion, the opening remarks in degree, it has, but nothing much can be the Annual Report of the Director of done to stop an epidemic. Even the Premier Aboriginal and Island Affairs are not quite must admit that the hospitals and dental in the interests of the Aboriginal and clinics, as well as the ambulance boat at Islander people. He says in the first Yorke Island, which have been provided by paragraph- the Federal Government, should have been "It has not been the policy of the provided by this Government. The Federal Department to hasten into solutions that Government did not stop at the mere pro will do little other than produce vision of the ambulance boat. It also temporary alleviation." provided a concrete launching strip, which can be used regardless of the height of the I think he should have said only- tide, a shed for the boat, and a crew which "It has not been the policy of the is paid proper wages to man it. It can Department to hasten into solutions." reach any of the islands within an hour. It was not necessary to sneer at the Federal Mr. B. Wood: This is Commonwealth Gov Government in the very first paragraph. ernment assistance. However, that is what the Premier wanted, Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1285 and that is what the director said. It is quite "When other reports have been com easy to work with the Australian Govern pleted, due consideration will be made to ment, but the director cannot do that because improve water supplies at Stephen, Darnley, the Premier is against the Australian Gov Coconut, Boigu, Saibai and Yam Islands." ernment. Every one of those islands is in dire straits Mr. Chinchen: They sacked their own for water, yet the Government, which came Minister because he couldn't handle the to office 16 years ago, is still awaiting reports. situation. Adequate water supplies are also very Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: I advise the important to mainland towns in my electorate, honourable member to have a talk with the particularly Chillagoe. The Mareeba Shire Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in this State. Council has found that it cannot continue He may then find that I am giving the facts. a reticulated water supply to Chillagoe Water-supply is an amenity that is most because the 50 per cent subsidy given by the important to all of us. Because there is Treasury is not sufficient to enable the few so much to be done, it could well be that people in the town who are ratepayers to water will have to be supplied to many of the meet the cost. The Departments of Islanders by tender, as it has been in the Aboriginal and Island Affairs, Police, Forestry past. Quite often water supplied in this and Education and the P.M.G. Department way is inferior because the equipment, which all have facilities there that need water, but is not in continuous use for the cartage of not one of them is taken into account in water, lies idle from one season to the next. assessing the water rates. I ask the ~reasurer, There is also an ever-increasing need for through you, Mr. Wharton, to give special the reticulation of water to the new houses consideration to this question, because I that are being built. I have brought this think that the number of public servants, matter to the attention of honourable mem particularly State public servants, at Chillagoe bers many times in the last 12 months. If who are not paying water rates would almost the honourable members for Mt. Gravatt equal the number of people who are asked and Clayfield, or any other Queenslanders, to bear the whole cost of water reticulation. were having houses built and were told by I suggest that he might make a special grant the builder that, as there was not sufficient to the Mareeba Shire Council, or, again, water for septic installations, they would ask the Aust·ralian Government for a special have to be content with earth closets, what grant, which I think would be forthcoming. would they say? Don't tell me. The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Mr. Murray: I would say something rude. Welfare Seifvices, after making a visit to the Chillagoe Caves, was reported on the Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: Yes. But that is front page of "The Cairns Post" as saying what is happening now. Thousands and that they were far better than the Jenolan thousands of dollars of Commonwealth Caves or any other caves in Australia. The money are being spent in Coen to give it road to the caves is shocking, but people a face lift such as it has never had in its are going there in their thousands. Here is history. Then one man decides that he will a town without a water supply in the 15 not go on with the water scheme, and the to 20-inch rainfall belt. It is quite easy houses are deprived of septic installations. to imagine that there are very dry periods What is going to happen? Because these are throughout the year, and water will continue second-class citizens in the eyes of the to be a problem to the residents of Chillagoe Government, nothing will happen, and they and to visitors until a water reticulation and will accept the situation. They are not people storage system is provided. who rise up and complain, nor have they the desire to cause unrest. They see these homes Last week Thursday Island was without being built and think how wonderful it will water for 24 hours. That was because of be to live in them. Yet reticulated water, a breakdown, not because of a shortage which is the very heart of a home, is denied of water. You can imagine, Mr. Wharton, to them. what the Thursday Island Hotel was like A similar situation applies in the Torres and how this lack of water affected its Strait islands. Only yesterday I asked the septic system and other facilities during those Minister a question, and his reply did not 24 hours. To say the least, conditions left give me a great deal of hope. But I know a lot to be desired. The Town Clerk said from my friends, who write to me by way it was an emergency, but he could not say of the lock-up mail bag, that there have that it would not happen again. That high been very acute shortages of water on some lights how a community can suffer if its of the islands. The Minister's answer was- water supply is not dependable and adequate. "Preliminary investigations have been undertaken by officers of Irrigation and Other towns in my electorate are having Water Supply Commission and further similar problems, not so much with quantity investigations are proceeding. Report has as with quality. Cooktown has a problem been ·received regarding Badu and action of quantity; Dimbulah, the town in which taken for purchase of equipment which I live, has a problem of quality. There is will be installed when delivery effected. ample water in Tinaroo Dam for everyone, 1286 Supply [25 OcTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) but its quality is very poor, and many com crates. They could tell by the sounds in the plaints are made by those who use it for crates that almost everything was broken. household purposes. Why does the Government not provide houses at least furnished to a livable state? A very serious position is arising because On some occasions officers and their families of the difficulty the Government is experienc arrive at a centre only to find that their ing in retaining staff in far-distant areas of furniture has not arrived. the State. I do not say that this applies only in my electorate. There is a constant turn Not very long ago the administrative over in the staff of various departments. A oflicer at Bamaga and his wife were without heavy burden is thrown upon a staff when the use of their furniture for at least a its numbers are reduced because of recrea :nonth after their arrival, and they had to tion and sick leave or non-replacement of improvise. Improvision is bad enough for officers who retire or resign. The Govern a day or two, but honourable members ment could improve the position if it had an can imagine the difficulty of improvising earnest desire to replace staff on holidays for a month at a centre like Bamaga, not or reduce to a minimum the time between knowing when one's furniture would arrive the transfer of an officer and his replacement. or the condition in which it would arrive. An improvement in isolation leave would So many things could be done without any help. Isolation leave is almost held out as great effort, to assist the ofiicers working a bait to induce people to go to far-distant in various departments in these outback places. Isolation leave is seldom used because areas that I am ashamed of the little that it is too costly to take advantage of. Take has been done in the time I have been the case of an officer serving in the in Parliocment, in spite of the fact that Aboriginal Community at Lockhart River. I have advocated improvements time and The only way to get out of the Lockhart again. River Community is by air. Mr. B. Wood: There is a very high turn Mr. B. Wood: The boat ramp is not much over of officers, isn't there? use. Mr. YYALUS-SMITH: Perhaps it would Mr. WALUS-SMITH: The boat ramp that be unfair if I asked the Minister to assess is never used is another monument to this the turnover. I do not think he could tell Government. me. So many vacancies are advertised without result that I think it would be Air travel is the only means by which an officer can go on leave but the fare is wrong to highlight the position. People excessive. If he took his wife and family on throughout the State would probably say, the isolation leave to which is is entitled, "What is the use of going to these places, he would have to pay his and their air fares where we would have to work twice as hard to get out. By the time they came back, for the same money and receive no con they would have a much smaller bank sideration at all?" balance. Mr. B. Wood: Some of these employees Mr. R. E. Moore: That is obvious. compare their positions with that at Weipa, where conditions are very much better for Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: Why is it obvious? Europeans. It should not be obvious. The isolation leave is offered as a bait. It should not be Mr. WALUS-SMITH: I thank the hon a bait; it should be genuine. Isolation leave ourable member for mentioning Weipa. With should be regarded in the same way as out doubt, Weipa is an example of "from annual holidays. Air fares are paid when an log cabin to White House". Anyone working officer goes on annual holidays. Why could 'for Comalco there and using company they not be provided with air fares as far accommodation Jacks nothing. Everything as Cairns and first-class train travel from is provided. When people remain for there on? That would be an example of nine, 10 or 12 years in one place, away one department assisting another. At least from the amenities of the capital or pro it would show that the department was vincial cities, something must be holding humane in offering isolation leave. In its them there. At Weipa, company employees advertisements for positions in remote areas, enjoy excellent amenities, whereas six miles the department offers the bait of "Good a\\ ay, the Weipa South community provides isolation leave granted twice a year". one of the worst examples of high staff Because of transport costs, departmental turnover. Why? It is not the location or officers do not take advantage of isolation the climate, so it must be something else. leave. The plain fact is that the Minister and his department do not care. Weipa also Very often considerable damage is caused has the advantage of being connected by to furniture and personal belongings while telephone to Brisbane-perhaps it may be it is being transported to the officer's place a disadvantage, because when any information of employment. Some school-teachers I is required the telephone rings and the staff know have not even bothered to unpack has to drop everything and attend to it. Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1287 As I mentioned before, at places such as Mr. BRUCE SMALL (Surfers Paradise) Lockhart River the only communication is (5.24 p.m.): I am sure most honourable by radio. members would agree that there could be no more gratifying experience than the The last point I wish to refer to is the examination and analysis of a good Budget. one I mentioned earlier as causing a I confess that I like Budgets, and believe controversy. in the Budget system. I have turned to the Encyclopaedia Britannica for the origin of Mr. R. E. Moore interjected. the word, and have found that it is derived from the French word "bougette", which Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: I will treat the means "little bag". This origin probably honourable member's remarks with the con explains the fact that when I asked the tempt they deserve. It is an industry that Treasurer, "How do you think i.t will go?'' has brought some degree of security to he replied quite confidently, "It's in the bag." people in Torres Strait. I hope all hon ourable members will be given an opportunity I regard the Budget as the captain of an to visit the islands and inspect the local overseas liner regards his charts and com turtle industry. A total of 112 families are pass. The amount of funds available should engaged in it, and they depend upon it for be clearly defined and the expenditure their livelihood. In a true co-oper<1tive balanced against it. It should then become spirit, and by means of improvisation, they a matter of control of expenditure and con have established the industry on a sound trol of the course of government, just as footing. At the same time, they have fully the skipper of a ship uses his charts and realised the need to conserve turtles. compass as a means of control. Turtle farming was commenced approxi It is remarkable that, in the 1972-73 mately 18 months or two years ago. The financial year, while budgeting for an expen conservation aspect is observed by the release diture of approximately $703,000,000, the of 10 per cent of each year's hatch at a Treasurer was able to finish the year within $4,500,000 of his budgeted expenditure. size large enough ~o prevent attacks by either sharks or birds. As is known, a great This was in spite of a year of spectacular number of baby turtles are taken by preda rises in wages, salaries and general costs, tors on their way from the mother's nest accompanied by an ail-time record number to the water's edge. of strikes, with their attendant evil effects on the gross national production and their The Islanders who are engaged in the damaging effect on the nation's economy. turtle industry are, to a certain eXJtent, con It is fair to say that this country has never fused by continual announcements on the faced a more troublesome and worrying local radio station, which is on the air from period than that which has been ushered in early morning till late at night, to the effect by the centralis! Government based in Can that certain departmental officers have berra. Inflation, rising at 14 per cent, and expressed concern for the future of the threatening to rise at 18 per cent and maybe industry. I am certain that within two or 20 per cent in the current year, wages and three years it will become one of the best prices almost completely out of control, income-earners in the area. It will certainly strikes costing the country millions in take the place of 'the once-lucrative pearl precious man-hours, and record figures in shell and fishing industries. Whereas 20 or loss of gross national production, all express 30 years ago pearling luggers could be seen the attitude towards the economy evidenced at all the Torres Strait islands, nowadays very few luggers remain, and most of them each day by the seat of Government in the are lying idle at Thursday Island. Commonwealth capital. The budgeted expenditure of $808,000,000 I urge all honourable members to visit the in the coming year represents an increase of Ton·es Strait islands and to talk to the approximately $100,000,000 over last year's reclple who are engaged in the turtle indus expenditure. This is possible, even after try. By doing so, they will gain an insight absorbing the over-all inflationary rise in into what is being done by the local people wages, salaries and general costs. to make their future secure. The Islanders :Jre very hard workers. One practice in Provisions for reductions in gift duty, in .,, hich ,they engage-and which no doubt succession and probate duties, in land taxes would be scorned by any other Australian and in stamp duty on matrimonial homes \vorker-is the filling of the turtle ponds will certainly be greatly appreciated by the each day by bucket. Sea-water is carried taxpayers of the State, and they will further from the water's edge to the ponds, even enhance the Government's reputation for late at night, so that the water in the ponds sympathetic understanding of the basic can be changed. They are filled only when needs of the community at large. the tide is full, so the time varies each day. A glance at the departmental budgets is It is by methods such as this that the a heart-warming experience. As an example, Islanders are achieving excellent results in the educational allocation of $170,458,000 the industry. Therefore, they should be given is $28,000,000 above last year's figure. This every encouragement to continue with their provides for the employment of an addi good work. tional 1,829 teachers, bringing the total 1288 Supply [25 OcTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) number on the education staff to 16,763-a Much has been said concerning the high truly wonderful advance in the all-important price of land and real estate. The Prime education facilities of this rapidly growing Minister has referred to it as ,the No. 1 State. objective if and when his referendum on prices is adopted by rthe people of Australia An Opposition Member: What about land on 8 December. development? Mr. Davis: How much is charged for a Mr. BRUCE SMALL: I will give the block of land in your area-$35,000? honourable member land development. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Turning to hospitals, we see an equally Wharton): Order! The honourable member glamorous story confronting us, with more for Brisbane is continually interjecting. The than $108,000,000 being provided for the Chair will not tolerate such conduct. running of the State's public hospital sys Mr. Davis interjected. tem compared with $87,500,000 last year. The sum of $46,500,000 is provided for The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! expenditure on hea~th items other than ask the honourable member for Brisbane hospitals. Included is a long list of services to cease his continual interjections. I repeat, such as Blue Nursing centres, senior citizens' the Chair will not tolerate it. centres, welfare officers, treatment of mental health, alcoholism and drug dependence, as Mr. BRUCE SMALL: The honourable well as the school dental system. All this member for Ithaca referred to Bob Hawke's adds up to a comprehensive health policy grandiose scheme to provide cheap land for that is without equal in the Commonwealth. the worker. Perhaps he could have referred also to Bob Hawke's scheme to create a The Estimates for the Police Department cheap Surfers Paradise at low prices for disclose a total provision of nearly members of his unions. This reminds me of $33,000,000, with increases provided in the the occasion when he promised his party strength of the force to bring the total to that he would enter Federal Parliament, and just on 4,000 guardians of the law. I dips $40,000 was made available to him to ensure my lid to the police Minister, the Honour his victory. He choose the seat of Corio able Max Hodges, and his Commissioner, in Geelong, which was a typical blue-ribbon Mr. Ray Whitrod, for their sustained and socialist seat that had been held for years conscientious efforts to create a vital and by the Honourable J. J. Dedman, who was efficient arm of the law, so that law and a Federal Minister. He held the seat with order may be preserved at the highest stan cl majority of more than 10,000 over his dard throughout our community. successive opponents until "Oppy" came along and shifted him out. Three times The housing construction programme Dedman returned to the attack, and he was accounts for $48,000,000, compared with rejected on each occasion. Then the A.L.P. $31,500,000 in 1972-73. I am delighted that trotted out ,the grand champion-Bob Hawke this year's programme contains a goodly -who entered the arena to win Corio for appropriation for the housing of aged pen socialism, surely and positively. The result sioners. One only has to glance down the is well known but is seldom referred to, miscellaneous list of capital works pro and never by Bob Hawke. Nor will cheap grammes to realise just how comprehensive land for the workers or 1the tourist paradise and complex are the provisions for every scheme ever come to pass with Bob Hawke. phase of life in this great State of ours. And The one thing he seems to show enthusiasm all are being well catered for. for is to enter the arena against the Prime Minister on the forthcoming referendum Problems of flooding, brigalow land issue. development, forestry, Aborigines, harbours Let me pause for a moment to examine and . marine works, opportunity schools, some of the reasons why the price of real techmcal colleges and the encouragement estate has multiplied at least six times since and advancement of sport in every phase 1950. Statistics reveal that, whereas the provide evidence on every hand of an average sale price of real estate in 1950 was efficient and dedicated organisation giving ~2,000, it was $3,500 in 1955, $5,000 in itself to these great tasks. 1960, $6,000 in 1965, $8,200 in 1970 and, Let there be no misunderstanding, how in the three years that have elapsed since ever, concerning the problems with which we then, the average price per item of retail are confronted. First and foremost amongst estate sales has risen to $12,500. these would surely rank the dread inflation This should not be read simply as a in our economy-high rates of interest, relative increase, because many new and prices, wages and costs in every department, varied factors have contributed to the higher which are escalating rto unprecedented levels price. The quaHty and specification standards and at break-neck speed, and the projects of housing have improved. In land, there and proposals being launched from Canberra has been a marked increase in the demand with an abandon analogous to a drunken for ameni,ties such as sewerage, underground sailor recklessly speeding at the wheel of electricity, drainage, bridges, roads, parks a high-powered racing car. and gardens. All of these are provided by Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1289 the land developer without the traditional To add insult to injury, the high price Government subsidies and, with the high paid by the home builder becomes the factor rates of interest that he is called upon to on which relatively high rates are imposed, pay, it follows that the price must reflect thus providing the repeating revenue that the higher standards and the shifting of the makes it possible for councils to move into responsibility onto him. With inordinate neglected areas of past low-standard sub delays and frustrations due to the gross divisions and raise those standards at the inefficiency of the municipal bureaucrats and, expense of home buyers in the newly of course, all the increased costs, subject to developed territory. The land developer the industry's mark-up that are taken into then becomes the butt of much abuse for consideration in arriving at a selling price, increases in the price of land. it becomes readily understandable that the former prices are no longer attainable. In the recent 12 months, it can fairly be said that the effect of land prices on inflation It is no wonder that the price of land reflects fear-in fact, dread-of the depreci is rising so spectacularly. Let me tell the ating value of money. It has been well said Committee of an incident that came to my that there is no hedge against inflation to notice only last week. An application was equal the good earth itself and, of course, lodged by a land-developer borrower for a the improvements that are added to the good loan of $500,000, and he was offering 21 earth. If the Federal Government believes per cent interest. The application was that it can effectively control the price of rejected because the lender calculated that land by regulation, it is indeed burying its he would Jose heavily on the deal. He head in the sand. I remind honourable would, on the face of it, appear to make members of the truism that when the ostrich $105,000 interest for the year, but he would buries its head in the sand it exposes the pay $63,000 as income tax, apparently very basis of its thinking. leaving $42,000 as his profit. But when he calculated that his original fund of $500,000 Some of my friends on the opposite side would depreciate $90,000 by inflationary of the Chamber have been kind enough processes calculated at 18 per cent, he to remind me that under the latest Canberra would actually finish the year $48,000 worse Budget I, personally, am now qualified for than when he started. Is it any wonder that a Government pension free from the means people force up the price of real estate, test. This is true, and I quote this as a regardless of limits, so that they might sub classic example of the complete irresponsi stitute tangibles that history proves will bility of those "budgeteers" in the socialist always accrete in value for currency that is Government who, whilst enjoying the exhilar eroding in such an alarming way? ation, and, indeed, the intoxication, of their I draw attention to a grave injustice that newly found power, are suffering sadly the is now peculiar to this stage of Queensland's lack of seasoned judgment which can come development. The abnormally high price of only with years of experience. newly developed land attracts a relatively high valuation by the Value-General for rat It is true that I have been promised by ing purposes, and, with it, a correspondingly the Federal Treasurer a pension of $23 a high level of municipal rates. It follows that week, for which he claims no small degree councils are not called upon for maintenance of credit. He knows perfectly well, of course, for some years to come, because the work is that about $16 of that will come back to him all complete and new. When these rates are as income tax, and for this reason he thinks paid, a great sum of revenue is thus provided that he will get this credit cheaply. He to spend on backward areas where the rates loses sight, howeve,r, of an alternative which are insufficient to provide capital improve is so attractive as to be completely irresistible ments of any kind. The values in the to me. By donating the $23 a week to depressed areas are therefore doubled, and the Homes for the Aged Fund, I shall be trebled, with money provided by the rate released from the obligation to pay the tax payers in the "new land" territory. of $16 a week, whilst Mr. Treasurer Crean To add insult to injury, the Valuer-General will be obligated to find an additional $46 immediately revalues in the case of newly as subsidy on approved appeals of this kind. developed land, whereas revaluation of old Add to this the generous contribution which areas that the council has renovated or is forthcoming from our own Government, redeveloped is delayed for up to five or Mr. Wharton, and you have a position in seven years, when the periodic revaluation which the original $23-or, rrather, the $7 is due. No hardship is imposed on the land net, which represents my real contribution developer, because obviously he has included becomes $92 a week by virtue of the subsidies all costs in his calculations and these become that Mr. Crean will be called upon to find. the fundamental structure on which he pro I find myself imagining that I might be ceeds to calculate his selling prices. The injustice is to the home buyer, who thus joined by about 10 others in similar circum bears the cost of bridges, roads, electricity stances and that we could create a fund supply, sewerage, and all other amenities, to build a $100,000 enterprise to house a whilst being denied the advantages of Gov score or so of the needy aged at a total net ernment subsidies that are normally paid on cost to the group of $12,000, which they the works performed by the council. neither sought nor needed. This type of 1290 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) budgeting, in my judgment, produces a much All of this was in the nature of an attack happier result than that achieved by Mr. on my electorate. He deals with Miami and Crean. attacks my colleague the honourable mem ber for South Coast, whereas, in fact, Miami Reverting to the Budget now before the is in the electorate of Surfers Paradise, not Committee, I note with pride that the city South Coast. I treat the matter with a I have the honour to represent has forged measure of seriousness because he elects to its way right to the top of the provincial derogate and denigrate his neighbouring cities of this State, in that no less than Surfers Paradise electorate, which, after all, $7,345,000 is shown as the authority to is part of the city of Gold Coast, just as borrow for the year 1973-74, its nearest his electorate of Albert-or the overwhelm rival having only about 50 per cent of that ing proportion of it-is similarly an integral figure. part of that great city. However, this figure must be viewed in The hospital at Southport is providing a the light of an unparalleled growth rate, wonderful service under the guidance of a and even a cursory glance at the long list board of trustees and management headed of projects on the city's programme for the by arr outstanding citizen in Mr. Jock immediate future, and their cost, makes the Rutherford, S.M., and backed by a group of sum appear hopelessly inadequate: dedicated administrators acting i11 an honor $14,000,000 for the Advancetown Dam, ary capacity, a dedicated, experienced and designed to multiply the water supply 10 most capable matron, and staff personnel \\ ho times so that the city's plan for a permanent seem to me to be competent and diligent population of 200,000 by 1990 is within the and perform their tasks with the sincerity bounds of feasibility; $13,000,000 to imple epitomised by "going the extra mile." ment the Delft Report and to safeguard When we contemplate the plan for expan those priceless beaches which are a prime sion of the Southport Hospital into a com magnet for 2,250,000 visitors per annum plete base hospital at a cost of $6,750,000, (they spend some $85,000,000 and keep the the criticism from this raw, irresponsible 120,000-visitor beds occupied); an estimated youth takes on the flavour of the ridiculous. $30,000,000 to complete the sewerage of the The Police Force comes under the lash city and keep it in the gloriously pollution of his irrational tongue, and he lets his hair free condition with which it was blessed by down, so to speak, with ill-founded and, at nature and which we, its trustees, are deter times, crude and even rude attacks on it. mined to maintain. Then he directs an attack at the Government In passing, I crave your indulgence, Mr. in the form of innuendoes and insinuations, Wharton, to refer to a matter which has suggesting that honourable members on this intrigued me ever since I came into this side of the Chamber could be involved in Chamber about 18 months ago. I refer to S.P. betting activities. I have researched his the constant pin-pricking, sniping-or call it charge of involvement of Government mem "knocking"-which has been the practice of bers in S.P. bookmaking only to find that, my neighbouring member for Albert on the whilst there is not the slightest trace of Gold Coast. I am sorry that he is not anyone on this side ever having been present to hear what I say, but I will see involved in the subject of his inferential that he gets a "Hansard" pull of my speech. charae the only conviction for S.P. activities on r~;ord in this Parliament is actually on Al first I was content to brush this aside his side of the Chamber. as the utterances of a thoughtless youth, It becomes very obvious that his attack still wet behind the ears and maybe a little on the Surfers Paradise electorate is a inebriated with his elevation to this high diversion to cover his failure in his own place. But as time passed and his attitude territory. The electorate of Albert runs from remained the same, I changed my opinion. North Southport right to Paradise Point, and He has persistently attacked the Government includes the territory of South Stradbroke over the Southport Hospital, its standard of Island. It takes in the islands in the Broad service and amenities, and the unfortunate water about which he has become so fierce case of a newly born babe having its arm in his attack on the Government, with broken by a careless nurse. He has also ridiculous charges that Andy's and Griffin turned his attention to what he terms the Islands have been sold by the Land lack of technical schools and high school Administration Commission for $7,500 when accommodation and the inadequacy of the they are worth, according to him, $2,500,000. Police Force, particularly at Surfers Pa,radise. He deliberately overlooks the fact that Then he joined in the demand for a second millions of dollars must be spent before any hospital in my electorate, only eight miles realisation becomes possible, and that a away from the new base hospital at South great risk is involved in the process. port, seeking meanwhile to prove that the Government's declared policy of raising the I took the trouble to examine his territory status of the Southport Hospital to that of and found that there is not the semblance a base hospital at a budgeted cost of of a hospital in the whole of Albert, neither $6,750,000 is false. on the Gold Coast nor at Beenleigh, which Supply [25 OcTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1291 is 25 miles from the Gold Coast and from needs a Budget that will make possible the Brisbane. But I have not heard any demand necessary finance to achieve its great goals. or even any expressed wish that hospital For all of these reasons and more, I salute accommodation should be provided at Para the Budget. I salute the Treasurer and dise Point, or at Beenleigh for that matter. his team responsible for it. I salute the In fact, in my search I failed to find even a Government that makes it possible and will first-aid depot in any part of his territory. sec it through to its conclusion, and I pray 1 suspect that I would have had difficulty for the earliest clearing-out of the socialistic in purchasing a band-aid if I had cut my centra!ists at Canberra who, by their com finger. plete irresponsibility and their irrational, On the subject of high schools and tech incompetent, inexperienced and ill-balanced nical schools, I point out that I am intensely administration, are threatening to wreck the proud of the development of Keebra Park very economic foundations of this great Com High School in a relatively few months, of. monwealth of ours and the prosperity of the technical school in Ridgeway Avenue, this great State of Queensland. It is of the amazing expansion of the Miami important that each of us should fight in High School, and of the lovely area of 30 Queensland's defence and give it affectionate acres on the hillside at Benowa that has and loyal allegiance, for it has been bountiful been acquired for the next high-school in making possible the enjoyment of so high development. a standard and way of life for all of us. Mr. Hinze: Haven't you been successful Mrs. .JORDAN (Ipswich West) (5.54 p.m.): in getting a new school for Surfers Paradise? We have listened for some days now to lengthy speeches in this Budget debate, and !Hr. BRUCE SMALL: That is coming. I have noted that most speakers on the Gov It seems to me that the honourable mem ernment side have devoted their time to ber for Albert might expand his excess criticising and castigating the Federal Govern energies, if any, in seeking some amenities ment. It has become most repetitive and, such as these for the people who elected indeed, most boring. Government members him to represent them. Worst of all, of chose to ignore the fact that the people of course, is that his campaigning constitutes Australia elected the Federal Labor Govern a persistent "knocking" of the Gold Coast, ment with an overwhelming majority after on which his area depends for its very exist 23 years of Liberal-Country Party Govern ence and can advance only with the support ment which, over those years, had its chance of, and as part of, that wonderful city which to do something for Australia. The people provides cause for the greatest of pride to of Australia expressed their dissatisfaction every Queenslander, including the member with the Liberal-Country Party Government for Albert. by giving the Labor Party a mandate to I finally make a comparison of the two govern. Obviously the electors thought it adjoining seats. Albert occupies 17.t sq. was time for a change. miles of the Gold Coast city. Surfers Paradise occupies 12 sq. miles. Albert has 11,000 The Queensland Government gives the electors in the city and Surfers Paradise Labor Australian Government no credit what 16,952. The Albert portion of the total ever. Nor is it giving the Federal Govern Valuer-General's valuation of the city is ment time to honour its promises. Indeed, £22,640,649; the Surfers Paradise portion is in spite of the fact that the Federal Govern $94,567,750. ment is injecting vast sums of money into Queensland's finances, the State Treasurer In the year ended 30 June 1973 the Gold gave it no credit whatever in his Financial Coast City Council issued $9,684,883 worth Statement. I am sure he must have been of building permits in the Albert sector, and reluctant to list the various sums that the $29,851,305 in the Surfers Paradise area. Federal Government either has given or is In the current 3t months of this year, Albert's giving to this State. The sums of money figure is $3,222,503 as against that for Sur that are being allocated to various depart fers Paradise of $13,628,194. I commend to ments are set out on page 5 of his Financial the honourable member for Albert that he Statement. It is seen that Queensland's might apply his surplus energies to the wel share of the increase in the States' Financial fare, grov.1h, expansion and development of Assistance Grants is $4,200,000. his own electorate, and that he should cease his "knocking" campaign against the Gold Further down on page 5 the Treasurer Coast. He should be the last person to refers to new Commonwealth schemes, damage the image of a fair city to which he which are, as he puts it, "sufficiently advanced is deeply indebted. to include moneys to be provided by the Commonwealth". Many other such schemes In conclusion, I say without apology that are still the subject of discussion between the Gold Coast needs more beach develop the Commonwealth and State Governments. ment, more sewerage, more drainage, more From time to time various Cabinet Ministers roads-arterial and otherwise-more water, have gone to Canberra, belatedly, to discuss more people, more hospitals, more schools, such schemes with the Commonwealth Gov more parks, more gardens and, of course, it ernment. 1292 Supply [25 OcTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement I As the Treasurer has pointed out, one States. In spite of his hate of the Federal such new Commonwealth scheme is the Labor Government and his complete non provision of funds for primary and secondary acceptance of the people's democratic election education as a result of the recommendations of a Labor Government, the Premier, in a in the Karmel Report. Altogether, $5,390,000 very ungracious manner, changed his mind. will be contributed to the total education But he is still forgetting his manners in his effort in this State. As well, science blocks dealings with the Federal Government. and school libraries are being provided by Things would be much better in this State the Federal Government. if there were closer co-operation between A vast sum is also being injected into the the Queensland and Federal Governments. State health services. The allocation of even Although the Premier and other Government further money is envisaged. An amount of members are loath to agree, this is now $892,554 is being set aside for the expansion happening. Some Ministers are going to of school dental services, including the pro Canberra and, with their counterparts from vision of clinics and the training of thera other States, discussing the needs of their pists. I understand that in the near future various departments. a Bill will be introduced into this Parliament The Premier's talk some months ago about to allow for this. seceding from the Commonwealth was simply one big laugh. I know that many dedicated I am pleased to learn on the grapevine Liberals were very concerned and worried that one of the new dental clinics will be because of his attitude. But he soon gauged established at the Brassall State School, public feeling on this matter and said no which is in my electorate and close to my more; he let it die. He would have received home. On behalf of the schools that will little support-and he knew it. be serviced by the clinic-! believe they will number five, including the high school But enough of that. I do not wish to join -I heartily welcome the announcement. the ranks of those honourable members who spoke about the Federal Budget and omitted The sum of $296,000 is being allocated to to mention the State Budget. I turn now to the provision of legal aid to people in poor some more pleasing aspects of the State financial circumstances. As the Treasurer Budget. I am not one of those people who admits, the provision of this sum by the are reluctant to say that they are pleased Commonwealth Government will enable the about something or to give praise when it State Government to double its efforts in is due. It was very pleasing to note that this field. there is to be a reduction in succession We also know that a large sum of money and probate duties, and that the exemption is to be injected into the State's transport rate is to increase from $20,000 to $50,000. systems. As I have said, the Federal Gov This concession will alleviate a great deal of ernment is providing wonderful assistance hardship that widows and their families have to this State so that it can carry on with endured for a long time upon the death of its development. In fact, in his Financial the bread-winner. Over many years, much Statement the Treasurer has said- hardship has been experienced in this field. l have known numerous widows who have "It can be seen that these supplements had to borrow money to pay probate duty to State finances enable worth-while pro because they did not have the ready cash, grammes to advance, and are therefore and they have had to repay the money over very acceptable." a period of years, under great difficulties. I wholeheartedly agree. Although, as I have In future, joint ownership of a bank account said, I am sure that the Treasurer was will be accepted as evidence that the surviv reluctant to include in his Financial State ing party owns one-half of the balance in ment the sums that have been provided by the account. This is a welcome concession, the Federal Government, they are there in and will save many people unnecessary black and white for everyone to read. worry and hardship. [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] Mr. Jensen: That was A.L.P. policy. Mrs. JORDAN: As I was saying, the MTs. JORDAN: That is so. Treasurer has at least given some credit Many people thought that by having a to the Federal Government for the supple joint bank account they were covering them mentary financial assistance it has given to selves, only to find, on the death of the this State. Many honourable members will bread-winner, that the account was frozen, recall that, in stark contrast, the Premier and that in the early days of bereavement said that Queensland would not accept any the widow could not operate on it. As if finance with strings attached. If we examine she did not have enough to bear with comments made since then, and statements the bereavement itself and the loss of her that appear in the State Budget, we see that loved one, without having to endure financial he did a complete turn-about. He simply hardship. In the past, most of these things was not game to refuse the finance, as the have caused much hardship to the bereaved people would have suffered by being on widow and her children. It is something the losing end. Queensland would also that has been handed down over the years have lagged even further behind the other in this male-dominated world. The whole Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1293 system has been male oriented for many I do not want it to be taken that I am years. So it is pleasing to see some justice anti-male, because I am not. I have moved at last becoming evident and a recognition, in a male world for many years in politics, although belated, that women are people, sport, local government and Parliament, and just as men are. have struck only a small amount of dis It was very pleasing that the Minister crimination. In spite of discrimination for Justice announced some weeks ago the against women and girls, I have been able setting up of a commission of inquiry into to break through, particularly in my home the status of women in Queensland. I town, without meeting a great deal of pre congratulate him on this move, and hope judice or opposition because I was a woman. that it will improve the lot of women in In hindsight, this was because I have been this State and improve attitudes and alter very active in community affairs and the many of what have been accepted prejudices A.L.P. since my teenage years. Previously and traditions handed down over a number I was one of those who, whenever they of years. attend a public meeting, almost always fall for the job of secretary, be it of a sporting Mr. Chinchen: Did you make a body, a P. and C. association or other submission? form of community activity. Although some Mrs. JORDAN: Yes, I did. people might say that I was a mug, I always enjoyed the work that I did, the Mr. Chinchen: I am glad to hear that, association with people, and the friendships because you are the only woman that I made during that time. I think that parliamentarian. experience enriched my life, even though Mrs. JORDAN: I made sure that I made it took up most of my time. a submission. The secretary of the com Although I personally have not experienced miSSIOn of inquiry rang and asked me to a great deal of discrimination as a woman, go and talk to the commission, which I I have, nevertheless, been on the receiving will be happy to do. end of a few examples of this discriminatory Mr. Lane: How do you feel you are attitude, some of which were rather amusing. disadvantaged in this place? Perhaps the most humorous of all is the annual invitation that I receive to the Premier's Mrs. JORDAN: If the honourable mem Warana breakfast. That invitation contains ber listens, I will try to tell him. the words "Men only" in heavy print at the bottom, and one is expected to refuse politely. Mr. Lane: I thought it may have been I am only too happy to do that, because in your submission. who on earth would want to travel from Ipswich to Brisbane in the early hours of Mrs. JORDAN: There was a little men the morning for breakfast? Certainly not tion in my submission on this matter. To me-not even to make a point of equality. be honest, I have not felt that, in the main, I have been disadvantaged in this Mr. R. E. Moore: You wouldn't be out of place. In fact, after I first entered Parlia bed. ment some eight years ago, I received so much Press publicity as the only woman Mrs. JORDAN: I would not want to get member that I had to call the Press off as out of bed for that reason. I think it is it was getting me "in crook" with some extremely funny that the only woman mem of the male members who thought I had ber of Parliament should be sent an invita an advantage. As I live in a male-dominated tion and be expected to apologise for not world, I did not want that attitude accepting it. To me, that is a real scream. emphasised. Perhaps the most discriminatory, but not On the same line, quite often in this amusing, incident was a public function to Chamber Ministers say "gentlemen" and welcome a new manager of the Common completely ignore me. The worst offender is wealth Bank in Ipswich. Representatives of the Treasurer, although I do not think he virtually every male organisation were invited, does it deliberately. Time and time again he has said "gentlemen" when I have been but the State member was completely ignored. sitting here. However, he does not make At that time the bank was in my electorate. me feel small; that would be impossible. I was ignored because, I was told, no As a matter of fact the Governor com woman was ever invited to official functions mences his Opening Speech with the word of the Commonwealth Bank. When I met "Gentlemen". I think it should be drawn the manager, I had a good laugh about it. to his notice that in Parliament we are He quoted the bank's rule to me, but he was members, not gentlemen. greatly embarrassed. Mr. Harvey interjected. When the next manager came to Ipswich and was welcomed two years later, I was Mrs. JORDAN: As the honourable mem invited. The bank telephoned me to check ber for Stafford interjected, sometimes that if I would be attending. This was not an term is not descriptive of some of the people invitation following which an apology was in this Chamber, and I agree. expected from me. The bank put on a real 1294 Supply [25 OcTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) act of welcome, proving that it was purely Mrs. JORDAN: Through you, Mr. Lickiss, tradition that had caused me to be ignored I say to the honourable member for Windsor on the previous occasion. that he is the type of person who needs to be educated in the attitude that women are Time has broken down most of these people, too. barriers for me, except the one that I encoun tered in the selection of the team for the If girls are to have anything approaching Australian parliamentary bowls carnival. I equal opportunity, this continuing circle of shall not speak about that because it does limited expectations and limited outcomes not worry me. I am, however, concerned must be broken. The whole complex of about the discrimination that has existed social, parental, peer-group expectations and against women in general over the years, and pressures must be subject to critical revalua I hope that the present commission of inquiry tion in our education system and our schools. will bring to light many of these unjustified This would involve a radical restructuring attitudes. of the schools and their role in the community. Equal pay is no longer the main issue. That is now gradually being implemented, Mr. R. E. Moore interjected. and it will become an actuality before very long. The emphasis is now on discrimina Mr. F. P. Moore: Will you deal with tion and inequality in everyday life. The him? myth of equality in Australia is being exposed by an ever-increasing accumulation of evi The CHAIRMAN: Order! Would the dence that women and children are the honourable member for Mourilyan like to largest disadvantaged group. Most of the leave the Chamber? Another remark like discrimination has been handed down from that, and he will. generation to generation, and it lies in tradition, usage and prejudice. I believe Mrs. JORDAN: It would involve a that most of this attitude springs from the restructuring of the relationship of teacher to difference in the subjects that have evolved student and parents to schools and to down the years as suitable for girls to study students. as against those that have been considered Even co-educational schools do not elim suitable for boys. From their early years, inate segregation of the sexes. Girls and boys are expected to be strong, capable and boys are often segregated in the school-room independent, whereas girls are expected to -girls for domestic science subjects and be quiet and ladylike, with a need to lean commercial subjects, and boys for technical on someone and be helped. The main subjects subjects, woodwork, and so on, leading to considered suitable for girls are those that apprenticeships. Only recently has there been favour home-making needs, and skills that a break-through after schooling in some of fit them to play a supporting role to men. these areas, and a very few girls have become At the primary-school level, the sex roles apprentices. More and more are now being for boys and girls are rather rigidly defined given that opportunity. in school readers and textbooks-for example, In the world of school sport, there are the Dick and Dora stories at Grade 1 level. girls' sports as against boys' sports. Different It is also evident in handicraft and playground punishments are meted out for boys, as activities. against those for girls. In schools, even the There are toys that are recognised as women teachers have a different role to play specifically suited to girls-dolls-or to boys to that of male teachers, and the visual -trains, trucks, machinery, etc.-and if boys example thus experienced has a strong effect want to play with dolls they are called sissies, on pupils. or if girls want to play with boys' toys it is a matter of deep concern to their mothers. That some girls do break through this Thus the respective boy or girl role is brain vicious circle of conditioning from childhood, washed into them from their infancy onwards when everything has been stacked to make in a myriad of ways. In secondary school them conform, is indicative of their courage ing, the same pattern continues to reinforce and tenacity. That so many do not is a these roles and the allied attitudes which sad fact in an education system which has are inculcated into them through experience pretentious to equality of opportunity. and conditioning. This conditioning as to sex roles is just as detrimental to boys as In Australia, perhaps more strongly than in any other country, this socio-sex-role it is to girls. ideology limits the aspirations and hopes of Mr. R. E. Moore: That is a lot of rot. girls to lives that are limited in scope, lives that centre on a future as a wife and mother Mrs. JORDAN: Seeing that you are con -a life mainly within the confines of the ditioned that way and full of prejudice, family, with father as the recognised head. that would be the sort of interjection I Any alteration to this conditioning mu3t would expect from you.· start in the schools. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I ask the hon Mr. R. E. Moore: Can you see a girl as ourable member to please address the Chair. a boilermaker, in a dirty suit of overalls? Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1295 Mrs. JORDAN: The day will come. our community. We have so many cases Mr. R. K Moore: Do you think they of rape, bashing and murder that women should do that class of work? are afraid to move out into the community at night. Indeed, these crimes are not con Mrs. JORDAN: It should be their choice, fined to the night hours. We have had if they want to; just as many men like to go examples of children being taken from their into the kitchen and do the cooking. Many homes in broad daylight and murdered. I young men love to do that. I know many blame the mass media for the attitudes men in my electorate who like to cook towards women and children they have con the meals; I also know many men who do the ditioned people to adopt. Not just for the washing. sake of women and children but for the This is the stereotype of the ideal woman. sake of the whole community something !t has had an effect on Australian women must be done about these attitudes to ensure and how they see themselves and what type a change in the situation which has developed, of woman they want to be. Many women in which from the cradle to the grave it have accepted as truths the mental images is unsafe for women and children to move and social constraints which society over the about in the community. Most honourable years has conditioned them to, and regard members would agree that we cannot allow this concept as the ideal one. These stereo types are perpetuated by the mass media not this state of affairs to continue. only in Queensland but throughout Australia I take the example of children going on and many other countries as well. Day after a school trip and being away ov,ernight day advertisements in newspapers and under the supervision of a teacher and a magazines, and particularly on television, couple of parents. Many parents are afraid exploit women and reinforce these stereo to allow their children to be away overnight types in order to sell or increase sales of a because in the space of a few seconds of particular product. A woman is often lack of supervision a child can be taken. represented as a sex object, and defined Because of this, my own son, who is a as a superficial creature who thinks only teacher, will not allow my twin grandchild of her appearance and who judges herself ren to go on such a trip. This is not good in terms of whether she is attractive to men. for the children. They cannot move around In the main, young women are used in these in the community as much as they should; advertisements. Women are hardly ever they cannot enjoy some of the things that associated with intelligence, sincerity, culture we, as children, enjoyed in sport and various <)r talent. other activities. The parental eye must Women should object to this form of always be kept on them because of these advertising. We should object strongly to wolves who are always waiting to grab this concept of women. We should object children and do some of the shocking things to advertising which depicts women as fragile that are happening in our midst-not now creatures, without reality and obsessed by and again, but almost every day. their desire to please masculine hero-figures I think most of us are deeply shocked by as artificial as themselves. Repetition of this the attitude that has developed in this day afier day is an effective tool in influencing country. Admittedly, it has developed in young girls and conditioning children to accept other countries, but I do not think any of such low ideals. When women are shown in us here wants to reach the stage where human active pursuits, the activities are usually in beings have to be locked up to keep them the nature of polishing furniture, preparing safe from other human beings who prey on food or doing the family washing. How their fellows. many advertisements are there on TV which show women using various washing powders, Mr. Hougbton: Do you think we should etc? have capital punishment again? This stereotype concept is handed down Mrs. JORDAN: I agree that the punishment from generation to generation. If a woman must be severe enough to deter these people. does not conform, a feeling of guilt ensues If it means that we must go back to capital and she comes to believe that she is wrong punishment in order to achieve this, then I and is not normal. The need to conform would be wholeheartedly behind it. We must to the status quo is deeply embedded in use strong methods to stop this sort of thing the minds of most women, and it will take in the community. Be it fair or foul, we much effort to alter that attitude. It comes cannot allow this situation to continue. back to education and schools. Somehow the mass media must be encouraged and There are a number of other points I induced to change the emphasis in their could make on the Budget, apart from the advertisements on women being sex objects. question of discrimination. However, as. I Indeed, I feel that they must be compelled said to an interjector, I have made submis by legislation to change this attitude. sions on a number of aspects to the com mission of inquiry and I hope that something Today we have an indication of the bad concrete will result on some of the issues. I effects this has had on the community. From know many submissions have been made by cradle to the grave, no woman is safe in women's organisations, unions and individuals. 1296 Supply (25 OCTOBER 1973) (Financial Statement) I know that they have responded well ·to the Hon. Sir GORDON CHALK (Lockyer invitation to make their views known to the Treasurer) (7.47 p.m.) in reply: Honourable commission of inquiry. lady and honourable gentlemen: Because of the fact that during the major portion of Mr. R. E. Moore: You're not speaking for the time occupied by this debate I was Acting the average woman, anyway. Premier, plus the need for me to go to Canberra for a Prime Minister-Premiers' Con Mrs. JORDAN: How would you know! ference-together with my personal disability What is an average woman? One might ask, for a couple of days this week-it has not "What does a woman regard as an average been possible for me to be in the Chamber woman?", as against, "What does a man to listen to every contribution to the debate. regard as an average woman?" and there However, while I was indisposed this week would be a great deal of difference I had ample time to read through each between the two. I would say I am honourable member's address. an average woman. It was because I have always moved around in the community, Quite candidly, I looked in vain for caring about people and children-more than the theme of the Opposition's attack on this caring; doing something active for them over Budget. The conclusion I arrived at was many years-that people thought of me as that honourable members opposite gave up an average woman and an average person looking for a basis of criticism and, instead, and sent me from Ipswich to represent them set out to find the reason why this Budget is in this Parliament. It was because of that, the best one ever presented in this Chamber. not because they thought I was a great Suddenly they had a political inspiration brain or anything else. They sent me here it was all because of the generosity of the because they thought I was symbolic of new Federal Labor Government in Can people as a whole and capable of represent berra-and so, one by one, they chanted "Big ing them. And in spite of what the Govern Brother from Canberra is providing all." ment parties have done election after election, I have been sent back here with The CHAIRMAN: Order! I heard the an increased majority, which also proves remark passed by the Deputy Leader of the that the people think I am an average, Opposition. He will withdraw it. normal woman. Mr. Tucker: What remark? There has been an attitude in the com munity that women are incapable. In fact, The CHAIRMAN: The honourable member many women underrate themselves. Because is well aware of the remark to which I refer. of their experience in the community and If I am required to mention it, I shall also in the home, because of their participation in warn him under Standing Order 123A. community affairs, and because of the hours that their menfolk are shut up at work Mr. Tucker: I would like to know what (usually eight hours a day), I would say is the remark to which you take exception. that women are even more suitable than men I think that is a fair enough request. to represent the community. This is par ticularly so in the local-government sphere. The CHAIRMAN: The honourable mem ber should be sufficiently in control of his I should like to see a greater number of faculties to know when he has made a remark women nominated for positions in local that is outside the scope of Standing Orders. authorities and take a greater part in com He has reflected on another honourable munity affairs. Many women have a wealth member. of experience in community work, and, if they had the courage to nominate for local Sir GORDON CHALK: Anyone who fol government, I feel they would be elected lows the speeches through will find that and thereby able to play a very useful and that was the crux of the contributions made important role in our community. Although by the Leader of the Opposition, as well as a number of women do not realise it, they by the honourable members for Warrego, possess a great deal of common sense. How Port Curtis, Albert, Redlands, Nudgee, many times do husbands go home and ask Townsville West, Belmont and Sandgate for their wives' advice? That happens in and I could go on-all of whom are torch most marriages. Similarly, the majority of bearers for the socialistic Whitlam Govern husbands and wives talk things over and ment in Canberra. It is a Government that, arrive at decisions together. This is as it if allowed to remain in office for its full should be, not only in the privacy of the term, will wreck the economy of Australia home but also in the community at large. and of Queensland in particular. I sincerely hope that the commission of Hence, my first responsibilty tonight is to inquiry that has been set up by the Minister disillusion those torch-bearers in respect of for Justice, who deserves credit for initiating what they thought was their one spark of it, will come forward with excellent results wisdom. At the same time, I have the not only for the women of Queensland but responsibility to correct any wrong impres also for all the people of the State both sions ,that these honourable members may male a~d female, and, moreover, for' future have created in the minds of the people of generatiOns. Queensland. Supply [25 OcTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1297 Firstly, let me say that we have accepted backlag in Queensland. In its inn Let us look at the position of the Aus being produced to meet normal demand, tralian economy. We have inflation rates then obviously queues will form and prices in recent Consumer Price Index figures over will race upwards. the last four quarters of 1.2, 2.1, 3.3 and 3.6 per cent, respectively. This is 10.6 Concurrently with all these happenings per cent for the 12 months, but it must be with many radical unions causing un remembered that the first quarter, at 1.2 warranted strikes-we note the feeble at per cent, still had the effects of the economic tempts of the Commonwealth Government policies set by the previous Government. to try to manage the economy of the The real rate of inflation under the Whitlam country, not by grappling with unions but by Government is presently running at around attempting to dry up the supply of national 15 per cent per annum, and I forecast that, resources by legislative and taxation hefore the end of the year, it will be measures aimed at the producers of these 20 per cent. per annum-an unprecedented resources, in both the rural sector and the figure in the history of this country. We industrial and mining sectors of the have seen it before in Chile and Cuba, and economy. perhaps in other South American republics, but never before in Australia. I am not What can we do to salvage the situation? being political in this. These are facts, and Quite clearly, as State Governments, as local they cannot be denied by the Opposition. authorities, as business, or as individuals, we The Leader of the Opposition laughs. I are severely handicapped. All the tools for shall deal with his speech in a few minutes' the control of the Australian economy are tim.=. in the hands of the Federal Government, but Mr. Whitlam and his merry men will In jL!St 10 months, Labor has pushed us not strike a blow at the real cause. into runaway inflation. But that is not the hole story. Not only are the costs of our Mr. Houston: What do you suggest? everyday goods and services galloping away from us, but we now muSit also face short Sir GORDON CHALK: If the Leader of ages in supply in almost every conceivable the Opposition will listen, I shall tell him. item v,e want to purchase-shortages that we haven't seen in this country since t]Je Hence all we can do is to call for a ration-ticket clays of our earlier Federal Federal election to !et the people pass judg Labor Government. ment on this mismanagement before it is This growing shortage of goods and too late, and before too much more damage services reflects the problems of frustrated is done to the economy of this country. industry, particularly on the manufacturing its defence capabilities, and our external side, and has a disastrous effect on the friendships and alliances. development of the nation. Investment The measures the Federal Government decisions are being delayed or discarded should take to avoid an economic crisis are altogether in the face of continuing attacks clear. Such must also be clear to it, and on industry by individual Federal Ministers, I am sure that this is the advice that its and by actual or threatened discriminatory Treasury experts have been giving it but legislation. And so the story goes on. which, of course, its radical union bosses and caucus will not let it accept. Firstly, they We have also in the last 10 months en must accept that prices and incomes control dured crippling strikes and industrial action is artificial, and will do nothing to solve the in key industries, and the country has, in my problem. If the producer cannot get the right opinion, been held to ransom by the irres price for his product, he simply ceases to ponsibility of Communist unions supporting produce it and so shortages grow worse the present Federal Labor Government. or a black market commences to operate. According to official figures, wages lost in Prices and incomes control is like trying to industrial disputes during the first seven force a lid on to a boiling pot, when what is months of this year totalled $27,700,000- needed is to reduce the head of steam in the an increase of more than $10,000,000 on the pot. same period in 1972. Working man-hours lost rose from 1,100,000 in the seven months The first practical step to take to retrieve of 1972 to 1,600,000 this year, and it is the country from the economic precipice on certain that there has been a considerable which it is now teetering is for the Federal increase in these figures over the pas't three Government to cut heavily into its own months. spending. It must look closely at some of its newly announced schemes and recognise This is under a Government whose that it simply cannot have them all as electoral promises included an "era of indus additions to a fully employed economy with trial harmony". These irresponsible indus out runaway inflation. The end result, of trial actions not only cause discomfort to course, is that it still cannot have them all, the public and disruption to the economy at as the runaway price increases and rationing the time; they also add to the problem of that result mean that the more important continuing shortages in the community. If items that we look for in our purchase our resources remain idle and goods are not baskets are just not there. Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1299 The next step to take is the introduction to assist the councils, and is the best local of a realistic monetary policy to temporarily government subsidy scheme operating in Aus reduce the expanding cash supply that is tralia today. I do not think any local chasing after the diminishing goods that are authority or any member of the Opposition being produced. This action, though the cor would argue to the contrary. This was rect one for the circumstances, would be admitted to me by the Prime Minister him unpopular-and the economic importance of self at a recent Premiers' Conference in the measures may just escape the comprehen Canberra on the question of the admission sion of some of the caucus back-benchers in of local authorities to the Loan Council. The Canberra, and party and union leaders who record of that conference will show that now have more influence over the economic the Prime Minister admitted that Queensland management of this country than the Federal was providing a larger sum of money for Treasury experts. local authorities than any other State in Australia. The final step is to encourage production even if the Federal Government stopped These subsidies have increased in volume hindering production it would help-and each year, except for 1969, from $10,800,000 thus increase the supply of the goods required in 1964-65 to $19,500,000 in 1972-73 and for the standard of living that all Australians an estimated $21,000,000 in this 1973-74 are entitled to in this day and age. I will Budget, an increase over the period of 94.4 not take up the time of this Committee to per cent. detail the methods that could be adopted Mr. Wright interjected. to enhance production, but as a first measure I would suggest that the Federal Labor Sir GORDON CHALK: The honourable Government could undo all the knots it has member couldn't add up the other night, tied to hamstring and inhibit industry over either. the last ten months. Only tonight we have heard of a further increase in the amount During that same period the loan allocation of money that has to be paid into the to Queensland from the Australian Loan Reserve Bank for capital coming into Aus Council, out of which these capital subsidies tralia. For instance, to help Queensland, the primarily are financed, has increased from Federal Government could make Mr. $66,800,000 to $115,200,000, an increase of Connor a permanent resident of China. I 72.5 per cent. In other words in 1964-65 am sure that China's need for a socialist subsidies to local authorities took 16.2 per Minister for Energy is much greater than cent of our total loan borrowings and in ours. 1973-74 this had increased to 18.2 per cent. Candidly, Mr. Lickiss, I could spend my As far as the capital provisions for local whole 90 minutes talking about the Opposi government are concerned, the only offer tion's "Big Brother" in Canberra, the radiant we have had from the Federal Labor Govern hope of the Leader of the Opposition in this ment has been that the local governments debate but a "Big Brother" who has not been be given a seat on the Loan Council. All so generous after all. As a matter of fact, State Premiers met with the Prime Minister "Big Brother's" socialistic tactics have in an endeavour to find a way to provide wrecked the Australian economy. I should extra capital and il'evenue funds for our repeat that during the period in which "Big local authorities, and the only solution that Brother" has ranted about his social service the Prime Minister had was that of local and welfare schemes, not one cent has flowed authority 'representation at Loan Council. He into the Treasury of Queensland. advised that there would be no extra money in the proposal for local government. The other matter that took up a deal of time and interest of Opposition speakers was Each State Premier realised what a smoke the State Government's treatment of local screen this was for the real aim of the government in Queensland. Points were Commonwealth-to gain greater control over made on the level of State Government the local government area in Australia. Each assistance by the honourable members for State Premier realised also how little influence Stafford, Rockhampton, Mackay, and State representation has on Loan Council Townsville West. Let us look at the situation determinations. These are now virtually the dispassionately. Let us compare what this preserve of the Commonwealth Government, State Government does for its local auth and the addition of local government to the orities with the assistance rendered bv other Loan Council would do nothing but expand State Governments to their local authorities. the audience that must listen to the Com Then let us look at the volume of assistance monwealth dictates on these important rendered by this Government as a percentage financial programmes. of the funds that it has available for capital The one ray of hope for the local works. Finally, let us examine what addi tional measures might be available in these authorities in their endeavour to participate vital areas of need from the Loan Council in the Commonwealth tax pool is their pro and from the Commonwealth taxation pool. posed admission to the Commonwealth Grants Commission. My senior officers are The State Government's capital subsidy at this moment in Canberra with representa scheme for local authorities provides State tives of local governments to argue policies, grants of up to 40 per cent on major works procedures and methods to be adopted by 1300 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) the Grants Commission in its hearings of as the Federal Government is doing today. local government applications. Grants Com It is quite clear from what the Leader of mission assistance, of course, will not be the Opposition said during this debate that universally applied, and will be afforded only he and his party have no policy, and I to those councils suffering relative financial must be fair to the people of Queensland disability when compared with other councils. and point this fact out to them. My officers are presenting a case to the In this very important debate the Leader Commission to have these grants set as high of the Opposition spent much of his time as is possible, spread equitably on the basis taking us around the world, dealing with the of proven needs and, most importantly, devoid overseas visits made this year by the Premier. of the strings that the Commonwealth Depart Candidly he wasted the time of the House ment of Urban and Regional Development at a time when he had the opportunity to wishes to apply to them. We must ensure advance important policy on behalf of his the continuing autonomy of these very essen Queensland party-if he had any sense of tial local government units in our community. imagination. As I see it, the Opposition speakers had Basically, his speech was a political one, no worth-while criticism to offer generally endeavouring to promote the policies of the or specifically on the Government's pro Federal Labor Government and condemning gramme as outlined in the Budget. No one the Queensland Government for taking a said, for example, that we were wrong in stand against certain of those policies that providing for 1,829 additions to the teacher are not in the interests of this State. Never strength, in introducing the new teacher-aide theless, the Leader of the Opposition managed scheme involving the recruitment of some to pad it up with sufficient comments and 2,000 non-professional people, and in provid queries to indicate that he did at least read ing for the extensive building and equipping the Budget documents, which I very much programmes for the schools and the rapid doubt was done by some of the other hon acceleration of our new pre-school policy. ourable members on his side of the Chamber. No one said that instead of increasing our medical staff by another 1,337 The Leader of the Opposition asserted that this year, instead of increasing our subsidies the Budget is dependent on a continuation of to charitable institutions, to cultural bodies, inflation. This is stating the obvious, for to community sport and recreation associa the Budget must be framed with full regard tions, as we have, we should have done to the roaring inflation that is with us. There some other thing. There was no criticism is no doubt in my mind that the Common that there was something wrong with the wealth Government has neither the capability record size of the housing programme or nor the intention of controlling inflation and the electricity-development programme. that the present trend will continue for some Hence all I am left to reply to, other than time to come. It follows that we must budget the matters I have referred to, are some accordingly. Or would the Leader of the of the pertinent points raised by certain Opposition have us ignore the situation and honourable members. be like his beloved Federal leader, now on his way to China, and hope that inflation Dealing firstly with the Leader of the might go away? Opposition, it is the custom in most British parliamentary systems for the Opposition Getting down to some of his specific attack on the Government Budget to be grouches, the honourable member performed launched by either the Leader of the Opposi quite a song and dance about a difference of about $30,000 between figures for coal tion or the shadow Treasurer. This is when royalties given by the Minister for Mines the people expect to hear a clear criticism and those appearing in the Auditor-General's of the Government's policies and have pre Report. He thought he had found some sented to them an equally clear set of thing. I hasten to assure the Leader of the financial policies of the Opposition for the Opposition that he has not unearthed a running of the State. Each year, as Treasurer sinister attempt by the Minister or the of this State, I have listened in vain for Auditor-General to mislead him or the public the alternative proposals from the Opposition. in general by falsifying figures. The amount This year was no exception. advised by the Minister was the figure appear I could get no indication whatsoever from ing in the unaudited Mines Department the Opposition Leader's speech that he has records at the time the question was ans a firmly determined policy on any specific wered, whereas the Auditor-General's figure State matter-and I cannot help but wonder took account of minor transfers between what clear policy would follow if, by some Loan Fund and Consolidated Revenue-a quirk of fate, the A.L.P. suddenly found fact which the Leader of the Opposition could itself in government in this State. have found out for himself if he had turned over one leaf of the Auditor-General's Report No doubt they would emulate "Big Bro and read the footnotes on page 6. ther" in Canberra and appoint a multitude of commissions, committees and academic I note also that he has, to use his own advisers to theorise on how to run the terminology, "again trotted out some of his country. They would fiddle around playing old faithfuls to keep them alive". The mineral politics while the State's economy fell apart, royalty horse has been ridden into the ground Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973) (Financial Statement) 1301 over recent years. I know that Melbourne As a forerunner to the Public Transport Cup Day is approaching, but I am not going Authority, the Government has recently set to saddle up that same old horse again. up a Metropolitan Transit Project Board, and applications are at present being called On the subject of railways, I wonder just for the position of full-time Executive Chair what the Leader of the Opposition was man of that Board. This man will manage trying to convey in his comments on the the projects with the assistance of the increasing railway losses. One interpreta Project Board and under the direction of tion of his remarks is that he is advocating a policy commi•ttee which comprises myself, increases in freight rates and fares, and he my colleague the Minister for Transport, assumes that this will occur later in the the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, a Common financial year. Another, and probably more wealth representative and the Executive sinister, interpretation is that he is advocating Chairman, to be appointed. that the State hand over its railways to the The Executive Chairman will be assisted Federal Government. In this regard I must by expert managing consultants who will inform him that the State railway system has plan, co-ordinate and supervise the whole been the vehicle through which successive programme, which will be carried out by State Governments have developed this the authorities concerned. Tenders are State, and it cannot be left to the mercy presently being called for these managing of the Connors and the Cairns in the consultants. Caucuses of Canberra. The honourable member then happened The Leader of the Opposition then asked gleefully upon an under-expenditure of why we had a loss on the standard-gauge $38,500,000 in an over-all appropriation of railway. He has the impression that, because $670,600,000 from Trust and Special Funds. the carriages are full, the line should be This cash carry-over at 30 June is not an a paying proposition. Let me point out that unusual situation. The total funds on hand passenger fares account for less than 10 per at 30 June represented cash for about three cent of the receipts of the line, which in weeks of work and were fully expended in 1972-73 were $3,500,000. Fare and freight July. rates are determined by agreement between These funds and balances are mainly for the two States and must be maintained at a developmental works. Expenditure pro level which is rela•tive to rates generally and grammes in the Budget are determined for compe!itive with other forms of transport. the full utilisation of available funds. It is, Queensland's share of the total freight and of course, impossible to expend exactly and passenger fare must of necessi•ty be based fully, and the only way to err is to under spend. Furthermore, when contractual on the relatively short section (69 miles) of problems, material and manpower shortages the total interstate journey. Queensland also and industrial disputes cause delays in these has heavy terminal costs, and negotiations programmes, obviously there must be some with our New South Wales partner have carry-over. These problems affect practically resulted in a recognition of these costs and all the funds mentioned by the Leader of a loading in Queensland's favour for them. the Opposition. There was no substance in We also have the advantage, which of course what he unearthed. cannot be measured in dollars and cents, of The funds operated on by the Department this traffic feeding into the Queensland of Primary Industries and the Lands Depart system. It is a faot of life that we need ment are mainly those of the Agricultural this rail service, and we must be prepared to Bank and other schemes of assistance to meet any net cost in the interest of the State. primary producers. Conditions in the rural industries have improved to such a degree The Leader of the Opposition also queried that the call on these funds has been well the progress being made with Brisbane below expectations. It was, in fact, mainly public transport. Whilst we are awaiting an this improvement that caused the upsurge agreement with the Commonwealth Govern in freehold land sales. Great numbers of ment for the sharing of the costs of a five people were able to convert leaseholdings to year programme, expected to be some freehold at prices negotiated with the Land $72,000,000, we are going ahead this year Administration Commission, subject to ratifi with a programme which, of necessity, in its cation by the Land Court. initial period must be relatively smaller than what it will be as the tempo of work builds The way to keep land prices in check is up in succeeding years. Works this year not to freeze them as the colleagues of the will include an expenditure of $1,200,000 Leader of the Opposition in Canberra would on the cross-river rail link, $1,300,000 on seek to do, but to increase substantially the electrification of the Darra•Ferny Grove availability of land-and this is what the section, and $700,000 on additional trackage Queensland Government is trying to do. in the northern corridor. With this work On the question of the strength of the under way, and with the agreement with the Police Force, the Leader of the Opposition Commonwealth finally negotiated, it is and his deputy may have misunderstood the expected that the full $72,000,000 pro significance of my announcement of the gramme will be completed in the five years. increased provision in the Budget. The facts 1302 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) of the matter are that sufficient funds have During the long days of dr~ught, our action been provided to increase the effective m providing speedy ana varied relief strength of the force from its 30 June level measures to those in their desperate need by 478-249 officers and 229 cadets. The spoke, and will continue to speak, for itself. relevant figures are---:-approved strength was Our assistance to wool-growers, advances 3,484 officers and 300 cadets-a total of for rural reconstruction and our participation 3,784. Provision was made for this in the scheme to ensure the viability of the approved strength to be increased to 3,499 marginal dairy farmer exemplified our keen officers and 450 cadets-a total of 3,949, desire to improve the lot of those in the However, as the actual strength of the force rural areas of the State. at the time the Budget was prepared was 3,250 officers and 221 cadets-a total of In this Budget, $29,600,000 is provided 3,471-the increase in strength allowed for under various schemes of Government assis in the Budget is 478, as mentioned earlier. tance to primary producers, while the expenditure of the Department of Primary To go a little further, I would point out Industries has been lifted in excess of 17 per that responsibilities attaching to the issue cent on last year's figure to enable it to and renewal of drivers' licences, and involving continue to expand its functions of research 26 officers, have been -transferred to the and guidance for the benefit of all sectors Transport Department and will be carried of primary production in this State. out by civilians. Likewise, the work of 19 officers attached to the Juvenile Aid Bureau Never could my Government be accused will be taken over by civilians. This transfer of "mauling its rural industries". But that of responsibilities will thus release a further is what the honourable member for Warrego 45 police officers for crime-prevention and has said of the Federal Government, and I law-enforcement duties. leave it to him to explain his remark to I shall now deal with the more construc some of his Labor friends in Canberra. tive side of the debate. I pay a particular The honourable member for Ipswich, compliment to the honourable member for making full use of his qualifications and Maryborough for his contribution to the experience, delivered a hard-hitting attack debate. (Opposition laughter.) The Leader on the Federal Government's proposed of the Opposition may laugh, but I point health scheme. out that the contribution made by the hon eurable member for Maryborough was one Mr. Houston: Here is another "goodie". of the best made in this House by a young member for a very long time. It is obvious Sir GORDON CHALK: I say he was from his comments that he has taken time another "goodie". He explained the health to study and appreciate the relevant Budget scheme, and if the Leader of the Opposition documents. And he is a person who can had listened he might have learnt something understand them. about it. He is somewhat critical of the increase in In highlighting its inadequacies, he pay-roll tax from 3t to 4t per cent as from emphasised the detrimental effect that these 1 September this year. He is, of course, proposals would have on the State's free aware that this increase was made necessary hospital system-a system greatly enhanced by the Commonwealth Government's refusal and expanded by this progressive Government. at the Premiers' Conference in June to sup The honourable member for Port Curtis plement State Financial Assistance Grants took me to task for several references in sufficiently to cover the rapid rise in costs o~ my Budget Speech to the inflationary policies State services. The result was a unanimous of the Commonwealth Government. He decision taken by all the States (Liberal and said that I attributed all sins of omission Labour) and, of course, it staved off and commission to the central Government. increases in other areas of State taxation, For this, I make no apology whatsoever. which I would have had to apply if pay roll tax had not been passed over to us. Once again, I repeat that it is a matter of However, I wish to make it quite clear that, simple economics that, when all resources of the pay-roll tax collected at the present are being fully utilised, a Government, time, the first 2-!- per cent does not mean irrespective of political colour, cannot get any addition to what were normal State any more out of the proverbial full bucket finances. and that is the situation. The honourable The contribution of the honourable mem member should be able to comprehend that ber for Warrego was an extremely vocal simple fact of economic life. bass solo, dealing almost exclusively with the I am sorry that he is not in the Chamber Federal Budget's effect on the rural sector tonight, but when one recalls his personal of the community. His admission that Labor's prosperity over recent years, his rapid rise initial Budget "mauled the rural industries" to the capitalist class, and his escapades on will hardly be welcomed by his fellow Australian racecourses, which have earned travellers in Canberra, but it does give him the title of the "two point extra man", me the opportunity to reiterate the proven it is clear that his is a case (to coin and record of the Queensland Government in perhaps mistreat a phrase) of "Never in the its assistance to the primary producer. field of financial endeavour has one man Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1303 earned so much from so many as a result our annual rate lifts to 50 per cent, as it of the development policies of this is still not as bad as Chile's. Because Government." the Israelis and the Arabs have a war The honourable member for Murrumba e'. cry six years, we would be all right, dealt mainly with matters of interest to his according to him, if we had a war with own electorate, including problems associated Japan, say, every ten. I must say that with the Hornibrook Highway. He is aware I fail to see the sense in his argument. that the Main Roads Department is carry ing out roadworks to provide improved On tae question of the Treasurer's Advance access to the Redcliffe Peninsula at the same Account and the provision of funds to time that investigatory work is in progress meet award increases, iet me point out to determine the most economic way to that last year there was a specific $11,900,000 duplicate the Hornibrook viaduct. for awards knO'.'· n to be pending or expected, and a further $6,500,000 for The honourable member for Albert had award costs and increased costs generally a deal to say about the increases in wages th:.;t could not be predicted with any cer in Queensland, claiming that I had said tainty up to 12 months ahead. In fact, in my Budget speech that in the past 12 the cost of award increases alone during months these had increased by 4.5 per cent. the year, which were spread over the relevant One \\ otlld have thought that an ex-school salaries and contingency votes, was teacher \-,ould be able to read intelligently, S16,100,000, and increased costs generally but such apparently is not the case. If took up any balance in funds allowed for. he had taken the time to read the document If such had not been clone, we would carefu}iy, he would have seen that the have been stone motherless broke, as he 4.5 per cent increase quoted so often by so often advocates that we should be. him is in fact the increase in the number of wage-earners in Queensland in the last When this year's Budget was being framed, twelve months. This is the best record it \\as expected that the award increases of any State in Australia, and compares pending, or likely before the year ended, with a 3.2 per cent for Australia as a would cost $23,000,000. A prudent whole. There was no mention of the increase $10,000,000 is held also in the Treasurer's in wage rates. Advance Account as the one buffer to meet award costs above those presently estimated, Furthermore, statistics show that the and to cover other inordinate cost increases increase in average wages in Queensland likely to flow from the inflationary situation from June 1972 to June 1973 is of the we have in Australia today. Surely a wise order of 13 per cent, whilst in the same housekeeper retains a little in the bottom period the consumer price index figures rose of her purse just in case the cost of by only 8 per cent. These facts, of course, essential needs rises. defeat the whole argument he was attempt ing to make, and l suggest that in future The Treasury Computer Replacement he spend his evenings baby-sitting since, Acconnt now stands at $2,250,000, and, by her public appearances on TV in her after meeting the cost of the acquired ''marriage business", his wife has demon S.G.I.O. equipment and new supporting strated that she is far more alert than he equipment, $1,800,000 will be available is, and will no doubt be able to supplement towards the replacement and expansion of the family income when the honourable the whole Treasury computer complex. Pre member's short time in this House draws liminary studies on the type of equipment to a close. needed are under way, and when these are known tenders will be called in the usual The honourable member for Burnett way. It is expected that further provisions appreciated the concessions granted in the will have to be made before that time. budget in the fields of succession and probate I am satisfied that it is prudent (and also duties and land tax. I have noted his the practice in other States) to set aside remarks on the matter of pay-roll tax. funds ahead of need of the computer type Whilst I have always regarded the hon to obviate heavy calls on the Budget in ourable member for Baroona as one of the year of actual installation. I might the more capable members of the Opposi add that, when the new computer is event tion when it comes to analysing a State ually purchased, the existing equipment and Budget-I say that very sincerely-his the recently acquired S.G.I.O. equipment theories on this occasion about rampant will be made available to another depart inflation in Australia today seem to me to ment or sold. be all askew. He attempts to justify Aust I acknowledge the complimentary 'l"emarks ralia's runaway inflation by saying that it of the honourable member for South Coast is all in the mind; that it is all relative on the Budget. His close study of the docu to the times in which we are living; that ments is reflected by the varied and pertinent it is not as bad as Chile's; that those points he raised, and he demonstrated his countries with a 300 per cent annual outstanding ability to adapt himself to the increase would be happy with Australia's finer points of Government when there is 20 per cent; and so on. It appears to his need to do so. He also pointed to certain academic mind that it does not matter if education, health and police difficulties in 1304 Supply (25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) his rapidly expanding electorate, and I am The honourable member for Windsor made sure his remarks will be noted by the his usual constructive and worth-while con respective Ministers. tribution to the debate, but he was forced to speak through a barrage of untimely and The honourable member for Redlands very ineffectual interjections from the Leader referred principally to local government and of the Opposition and some of his colleagues. to the Federal Government, and the points It was pleasing to note that the honourable he raised have, I believe, been answered member was able to overcome this attempt by me earlier tonight. to silence him, and that he was able to make some down-to-earth and interesting The honourable member for Merthyr spoke observations on the Budget and the state at length on the forthcoming referendum of the economy. on prices and incomes. I think that all points made by him were quite valid, and The contribution of the Deputy Leader of although the terms "prices" and "incomes" the Opposition was pitiful. If he has any are simple words, I for one am very suspicious vision of one day being Treasurer of this that the centralist Government in Canberra State, God help Queensland! In fact he will place the widest interpretation on these proved that he cannot do even simple arith words if, perchance, the referendum is metic, so how could anyone make a Treasurer carried. Here I say-let the people be of him? He told the Committee that this warned-that if any part of the referendum was my sixth Budget, when in fact it is is passed, it becomes part of the Constitution my eighth. So if he cannot even work that of Australia and, once incorporated, will out, what credibility could one place on any never be removed. of his utterances? Then there was that portion of his speech in which the blame for every The honourable member for Nudgee con thing that he, in his own peculiar way, fined his comments mainly to the health could find wrong in present-day society was sphere. He followed the example set by laid at my door. He overlooked one or his leader and sang a hymn of praise to two things that have happened arot:nd this the Commonwealth Government. Apparently area recently. Of course, if this argument he can see no good in anything the Govern had any merit at all he should then have ment of Queensland has done or is trying gone through the list of advances and achieve to do. In one breath he criticises what he ments throughout the world during this same sees as lack of action, and in the next he period and, if he were honest, given all refers to our efforts to increase medical staffs credit for them to me. as a "pious hope". He can have a tote ticket at the races, if he likes, but he cannot I have already answered, earlier tonight, bet both ways on this issue. the honourable member's oft-repeated mis conception of the value of the massive coal I was interested in the views of the developments in this State. I have also honourable member for Fassifern on the provided the constructive ideas he sought for need for facilities for handicapped children the control of inflation in Australia. I know in country areas. The Government is very he recognises that this is a Commonwealth much aware of the problems of these unfor Government responsibility, but I am sure tunate children and their families, and is that he and his colleagues in Canberra will making tremendous advances in the area appreciate the very constructive ideas I have and levels of its assistance. It also recognises mentioned. I have also pointed to the that much of the job is yet to be done. State Government policy on the supply of residential lands. The honourable member for Mourilyan, the new shining light of the Opposition in I cannot give too much consideration to matters of health, found much to criticise the other main point in the honourable in the fact that the allocation for the Chief member's speech, where he asks for an Office appropriations of the Health Depart all-party committee to investigate ministerial ment had increased by some 50 per cent, expenses. I am sure he was being facetious to $12,500,000. In fact, he reminds me of in this request. Personal ministerial expenses the woman who gets her daily exercise by are tabled in the House. Other costs of reading the headlines and jumping to con ministerial departments are disclosed in Esti clusions. If, in his excursion through the mates papers and are subject to questioning printed estimates, he had moved past the in the House. His real concern for the departmental summary, he would have justification of the Government aeroplane realised that the increase of $4,500,000 seemed to centre on the thought that there included $3,300,000 for the community health, should also be one for the Leader of the school dental and mental health, drug and Opposition. alcoholism schemes sponsored by the Com monwealth Government and about which he The honourable member for Toowong made so much. Having carefully read that showed a clear appreciation of the problems much of his speech, I came to the conclusion and turmoil that the Federal Labor Govern that he did not know what he was talking ment has foisted onto the people of Aust about, so I turned to the next honourable ralia. I endorse his sentiments and his gentleman. remarks on this point. Supply (25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1305 The honourable member for Belmont, in critical analysis of the Budget. Unfor his criticism of the Police Department appro tunately, he got himself into an unholy mess. priation, made the point that the A.L.P. I know he is young so far as this Parlia would immediately increase the number of ment is concerned, and, by the erroneous security personnel by 200. I have already use of a mass of non-comparable figures, he explained in detail the significance of the endeavoured to prove that the real work increase in police strength provided for in effort provided for in the Budget was less the Budget, and pointed out that provision than that of last year. has been made for an increase of 249 in the number of police officers. Hence the Mr. Baldwin: He is right, too. honourable member, now that the position has been explained to him, must be more Sir GORDON CHALJ(: He is wrong. His than satisfied on this point. Knowing his starting point was the mcrease of character, I am sure I will receive a letter $310,000,000 in the expenditure effort pro of commendation and apology from him vided for from all funds in 1973-74 over tomorrow. that provided for in 1972-73. He then tried to whittle this increase down to a nil effort. The honourable member for Landsborough This is where he fell into error. For example, is fully appreciative of the problems asso his quoted figure of an increase of ciated with the preparation of a Budget in $74,000,000 in awards is not an increase, but times of rampant inflation, as exists today, a total provision for 1973-74. The real and I thank him for his comments in this figures are $74,000,000 provided in 1973-74 regard. He is concerned, however, with the as against $18,400,000 provided in 1972-73, relatively small increase in the allocation of an increase of $55,600,000. funds for capital works on roads throughout the State, namely, an increase of only Then, in his railway deficit figure, the $5,000,000 to a total of $74,300,000 for honourable member made a mathematical this financial year. Let me point out to the error of $10,000,000 and, additionally, com honourable member that funds available for pared provision for 1973-74 with actual for road purposes, namely, registration fees and 1972-73, thus further perpetua,ting his error. funds made available by the Commonwealth And I could go on. in terms of the Commonwealth Aid Roads The plain facts are these: the total Budget Act and the State Grants (Beef Cattle Roads) provision for this year is $1,666 million, or Act, are being utilised to the best advantage $310.000,000 (22.9 per cent) above that of by the Main Roads Department. To find last year. The percentage increase in costs funds for any enhanced programmes in this in this period has been nowhere near this regard would, of course, give rise to an figure, so, on a simple arithmetical calcula increase in motor vehicle registration fees, tion, it is clear that there is a substantial and this I am sure would not be welcomed increase in the work effort provided for in by the honourable member. To use his this year's Budget, not the negative posi,tion own 'v\ords, we have to "balance demands that the honourable member attempted to with the resources available". prove. The honourable member for Belyando As would be expected, the topics of the found a lot to complain about, in spite of honourable member for Somerset included the great number of major developments the problems of primary producers. He taking place in his electorate. He should pointed out, in effect, how the benefits of be aware of the tremendous problems the greatly improved conditions are being invol .ed in the rapid development of his seriously eroded by the Commonwealth area, and also of the priority that this Government's elimination of long-standing Government has given to providing the concessions. With this, I fully agree. necessary amenities in the fast-growing cities and towns in Queensland. The honourable member for Brisbane devoted most of his time to what he feels The honourable member for Wavell made was an expose of corporate malpractices in constructive comments on the need for a the State. This matter pertains more to the children's hospital in Brisbane, the right-of portfolio of the Attorney"General than to way rule and injustices and anomalies in the Budget, and I am sure my colleague the Brisbane City Council ordinances. These noted the remarks of the honourable mem are all matters that concern my colleagues the ber and will deal with them in due course. Minister for Health, the Minister for Trans port and the Minister for Local Government The honourable member for Mulgrave and Electricity. I feel sure that they, or spoke on his fears for the sugar industry. their officers, will have taken note of the I am not going into details associated with honaurab!e member's references, and will the breakdown in negotiations at the recent bear them in mind when these matters are Geneva conference, but I agree entirely with being considered by the Government. the sentiments expressed by him in his address in that the shovt-term prospects for the The honourable member for Stafford was industry are reasonably good, but in the long one of the very few honourable members term there could be grave problems facing opposite who attempted to engage in a the sugar industry. 1306 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) The honourable member also protested to the Federal Government's principle of at the 150 per cent increase in storm and regionalism to qualify for special revenue tempest insurance premiums in the northern funds. zone. Let me state the position. The existing insurance arrangement is a system of zoning The honourable member made the point which attempts to distinguish between the that he is presently studying the subject of different risks in different areas. If a uniform State and local government at the university. rating were adopted throughout Queensland, For this, I congratulate him. However, he those insurers whose business predominates then complains that he still cannot understand in South-east Queensland would gain, while State Government financing and makes the those who have an above-average amount of remarkable suggestion that, in order to help business in North Queensland would lose him to do so, we should change the system. and would therefore tend to cut down their Might I suggest that an extension of his North-east Queensland storm and tempest university studies would be the cheaper and risks. The obtaining of insurance protection more logical course of action. I would even in that area would consequently become be prepared to consider paying for it. more difficult. However, I would like to The honourable member for \Varwick advise the honourable member that con spoke strongly on the lack of practical sideration is being given to one aspect of experience in the multitude of committees premium rating which may affect the that the Commonwealth Government has position. appointed for various purposes. I must The honourable member for Mackay has agree with him that many of the actions of had considerable practical experience of the the Commonwealth Government lead one to sugar industry in this State, and his remarks the conclusion that it is being poorly advised. on price stabilisation and the consolidation In common with other honourable members of existing markets are appreciated. I agree with predominantly rural electorates (in with him wholeheartedly that it is important cluding even the honourable member for for the welfare of the sugar industrv in Warrego), he is acutely aware of the shabby Queensland that we remain firm in · our treatment given to primary producers by the opposition to the Federal Government's present Federal Government. proposal to create an Australian sugar board. After reciting the Opposition's creed, "I The contribution to the Budget debate by believe in Gough", the honourable member the honourable member for Bundaberg con for Sandgate spoke with his usual sincerity tains many misconceptions, all of which are on some of the social problems of our harmless enough, except for one that I feel I time. I am sure that the Director of Child must correct. The $200,000 subsidy to racing ren's Services appreciated his compliments clubs is not only an equitable measure of on the sterling work being done by his needed assistance to the principal clubs to department. boost their prize-moneys; it is also an invest The honourable member for Chatsworth ment which should return good dividends to expounded a good case against centralism, the State from increased interest in the sport, illustrating the world-wide trend back to and in turn benefit every club in Queensland, federalism. I thank him for bringing to the big or small. notice of the Committee the denunciation by The honourable member for Mansfield the Leader of the Opposition of the philo dealt with a variety of subjects. I was in sophy of centralism and of former Prime terested particularly in what he said about Minister Gorton, who he asserted was an the need for a youth hostel in Brisbane, and exponent of this philosophy. In recent times, I am sure my colleague the Minister for the Opposition has certainly made some Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services will quaint somersaults. I thank the honourable carefully consider any request for assistance member also for his personal tribute and to such a project under our new youth assure him that, as Treasurer, it is my aim assistance scheme. to utilise our available resources for the maximum continued development of every I have already covered, in a reasoned ex phase of industry and welfare in this State. planation, the question of State Government assistance to our local authorities, which the As was only to be expected, the honour honourable member for Rockhampton raised able member for Lytton was another sponsor so hysterically and incorrectly during the of the Federal Labor Government, although debate. It now remains for him to sit down he left me in doubt as to whether he is quietly and comprehend the real situation a "Whitlamite" or a "Hawkeite". Still, with respect to local authority finances. He despite his pleas on behaif of either or both might direct his energies towards the preser of his masters, I again find it hard this year vation of the autonomy of our local gov to offer him any praise. His attacks on ernments and, at the same time, endeavour overseas companies paying wages to a work to obtain for them a fair share of the Com force in this country are not really logical monwealth taxation pool. He should prevail for a Labor Party spokesman. But perhaps upon his Federal Labor colleagues, particu I overlooked the fact that today we do not larly the Prime Minister, to desist from at knO\"' whether he speaks on behalf of the tempting to force local authorities to submit Houston Labor Party, or whether he is Supply [25 OCTOBER 1973] (Financial Statement) 1307 negotia:i;1g a Burns-Hanson Opposition up The honourable member for South Bris in the cack benches to take away hard bane, as usual, saw fit to set himself up as earned .,,ages from the Gladstone workers, an authority on most things. Also, as as one me'ffiber of such a possible coalition usual, his opinions were not always founded is alre:1dy doing. He then continued to on a knowledge of the facts. He was advocate the Federal Government's policies greatly concerned about the problems caused of encouraging imports and paying good by freeway development. Apparently he has Australian money overseas to the Chinese not heard of-or, if he has, he does not or some other Communistic force to keep understand-the Government's $1,000,000 down pri(es in Australia and deny Aus tralian workers their inherent livelihood. scheme for loans to people who have been disolaced by freeway development and whose The h,Jnourable m::mbcr devoted r:early prc;perties are of insufficient value to enable half hi: time to reading a circular handed them to re-establish in comparable homes out by '-'lr. Hayden in support of the Com else>"here. These loans of up to $6,000, at mom' ~.,1lh 's scheme for health nationalis the low interest rate of 3 per cent, which is a1ion. The Federal Budget allocated capit;:iized at the borrowers' discretion, are $2,000.000 to Mr. Ha~ den's department for non-repayable dL1ring the lifetime of the publicity. Jf this scheme is as good as the borrowers. honourable member for Lytton tried to tell us, surely there would be no need for such The honourable member for Hinchinbrook an Enprrckctive and inflationary misuse of made a v,ell-considered contribution to the debate. I vas particularly interested in his :i;2,000J)Qcl of the ta··.payers' money. No comments on the detrimental effects on doubt the preparation of the hand-out that primary producers of the Federal Govern ihe honourable member read to the Com ment's recent actions in discontinuing taxa mittee would have taken some of the hard tion concessions relating to plant and equip earned $2,000,000 of taxpayers' money. ment and other capital expenditure, increas ing fuel prices and lifting telephone and The honourable member touched only briefly on the question of the Grants Com postal charges-another clear indication that mission, but said enough to show his com the Federal Government has little considera plete Jack of knowledge of the commission's tion for the man on the land. principles and methods. I suggest to him The honourable member for Everton, as that he read the Commission's report rather might be expected, gave quite a demonstra than rely on statements made by others who tion. His main topic was mineral royalties. have not done so. We have heard it all before, and the Opposi I have noted the remarks of the honour tion must be as sick of pushing this argu able member for Burdekin on water needs ment as the Government is of hearing it. The honourable member did the sensible in his area. I assure him that the State, thing when he did what he does best, and for its prt, continues to place irrigation sat down. projects high on the list of priorities based on the available funds. The main point raised by the honourable member for Redcliffe was the traffic problem The honourable member for Townsville of the Redcliffe Peninsula. This also was South contributed some worth-while sug raised by the honourable member for gestions to contain inflation, and made certain Murrumba, and has been dealt with by me. other observations with which I feel many honour~,bie members will be in agreement. The honourable member for Barron River contributed little to the debate that had not The honourable member for Cairns, a been said before-I know this occurs quite former railway-man, saw the lack of increase often when a member is well down on the in railway staff as grounds for criticism of list of speakers-and I can only assume that Government policy. Surely even he should he was thrown in as a last-ditch stand to realise that this is due to the increased repeat the old ALP. sing-song about the efficiency that accompanied the dieselisation merits of the Commonwealth Government. ~rogr