23 Jul 1996 Statutory Instruments 1701

TUESDAY, 23 JULY 1996 Gun Control Laws From Mrs Wilson (1,037 signatories) requesting the House to hold firm in their resolution to put into law their proposed gun Mr SPEAKER (Hon. N. J. Turner, Nicklin) law reform legislation. read prayers and took the chair at 9.30 a.m. Petitions received. ASSENT TO BILL Assent to Competition Policy Reform PAPERS TABLED DURING RECESS (Queensland) Bill reported by Mr Speaker. The Clerk announced that the following papers were tabled during the recess— PETITIONS 15 July 1996— The Clerk announced the receipt of the Annual Reports for 1995— following petitions— Board of Trustees of the Ipswich Girls' Grammar School Gun Control Laws Griffith University From Mrs Gamin (1,314 signatories) Queensland Theatre Company from Catholic, Lutheran and Uniting Churches, 16 July 1996— requesting the House to (a) pass legislation National Road Trauma Advisory Council— that will outlaw in our society the possession of Annual Report 1994-95. automatic or semi-automatic firearms and ammunition (b) pass legislation that will outlaw in our society the use of automatic or STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS semi-automatic firearms (c) pass legislation In accordance with the schedule that will ensure that other firearms can be circulated by the Clerk to members in the possessed and used only by those who have Chamber, the following documents were a legitimate reason for such possession or use tabled— (d) pass legislation requiring those who possess any firearm to ensure that while not in Auctioneers and Agents Act 1971— use any firearm is not armed and is stored in a Auctioneers and Agents (Exemptions) safe and secure place and (e) commit itself to Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 1996, the proposals in the Federal Government's No. 188 initiative on the restriction of firearms. Competition Policy Reform (Queensland) Act 1996— Residences on Toxic Waste Dump, Competition Policy Reform (Queensland) Toowoomba Savings and Transitional Regulation 1996, No. 193 From Mr Healy (21 signatories) requesting the House to immediately introduce Egg Industry (Restructuring) Act 1993— amended legislation to enable homes and Egg Industry (Restructuring) Amendment properties built on a former Toowoomba City Regulation (No. 1) 1996, No. 189 Council dump site in the suburb of Wilsonton Mineral Resources Act 1989— in that the homes, by being listed on the register, have been reduced greatly in value, Mineral Resources Amendment Regulation (No. 5) 1996, No. 194 be removed from the register. Public Service Management and Employment Act 1988— Smelter Operation, Brisbane Public Service Management and From Mr Purcell (288 signatories) Employment Amendment Regulation requesting the Queensland Government to (No. 1) 1996, No. 192 allow the Brisbane City Council to make the Stock Act 1915— appropriate amendments to their town plan to Stock Amendment Regulation (No. 2) prohibit the building and operation of any type 1996, No. 190 of smelter within the City of Brisbane so as to be in line with the Brisbane City Council's Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936— "Livable Brisbane Vision Statement" as a Veterinary Surgeons Amendment matter of urgency. Regulation (No. 1) 1996, No. 191. 1702 Ministerial Statement 23 Jul 1996

PAPERS However, no determination will be made on the suitability of the area for national park tenure The following papers were laid on the until the outcome of surveys done under the table— Greater Planning Certainty comprehensive Minister for Local Government and Planning regional assessment process is known. (Mrs McCauley)— I would appreciate if this information could be Under the Local Government Act 1993— incorporated in Hansard. (1) A copy of a reference dated 9 July 1996 to the Local Government MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Commissioner to examine, report and make recommendations on a Merger of Metway, Suncorp and QIDC reviewable local government matter Hon. J. M. SHELDON (Caloundra— in relation to the City of Mount Isa Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for and the Shire of Cloncurry; The Arts) (9.36 a.m.), by leave: I would like to (2) A copy of a request received from inform the House that the Government has the Local Government Commissioner now finalised the selection of its appointees to proposing the re-consideration of the Merger Planning Group that is responsible the reference dated 29 March 1993 for the implementation of the merger involving in relation to a review of the external Suncorp, the Queensland Industry boundaries of Clifton and Cambooya Shires and a copy of the Minister's Development Corporation and Metway Bank. subsequent advice to the Local Our three appointees are: Martin Kriewaldt, a Government Commissioner of 9 July current member of the Suncorp Board and 1996 withdrawing this reference and partner with the legal firm of Feez Ruthning; advising that it is not proposed to Patricia Cross, a Melbourne-based banker who issue an extended reference as has held senior management positions with proposed by the Commissioner; and the National Australia Bank; and Rod Cormie, (3) A copy of a request received from a current member of the QIDC Board and the Local Government Commissioner chairman of a number of other Queensland seeking an additional reference in companies. relation to the external boundaries of the City of Brisbane and the City of These three appointments now complete Logan and a copy of a reference the formation of the MPG which is headed by dated 10 July 1996 to the Local John Lamble as independent chairman and Government Commissioner to also comprises the Acting Under Treasurer, examine, report and make Doug McTaggart, and the three Metway recommendations on additional representatives, Frank Haly, Trevor Steel and reviewable local government matters John Story. It means that the Merger Planning in relation to the City of Brisbane and Group will have a solid Queensland the City of Logan. representation of six, balanced by one representative from New South Wales and RESPONSE TO PETITION one representative from Victoria. This gives the Merger Planning Group a distinct The Clerk laid upon the table of the Queensland bias, but also provides interstate House the following response to petition expertise and connections to facilitate the received by the Clerk since the last sitting day bank's national expansion. of the Legislative Assembly, 11 July 1996— The inclusion of Mr Kriewaldt and Mr Cormie ensures that both Suncorp and QIDC Mothar Mountain are represented on the MPG. Together with the respective chief executive officers of Response from the Minister for Suncorp and QIDC who are represented on Environment (Mr Littleproud)— the Integration Steering Committee that is the 10 July 1996 executive arm of the MPG, Mr Kriewaldt and Mr Cormie will also provide for continuity of I refer to your letter dated 9 April 1996 conveying the wording of a petition presented management as the merger proceeds and to the Queensland Parliament by Mr Len these organisations evolve into the new Stephan, MLA, Member for Gympie, objecting banking and insurance conglomerate. to any proposal to have the Mothar Mountain Patricia Cross is an experienced banking area transferred to national park status. executive, having spent the last eight years I wish to advise that I recognise the conflict of with the National Australia Bank where she opinion in the local community regarding the had responsibility for Treasury, capital markets, issue. corporate banking, project finance, structured 23 Jul 1996 Ministerial Statement 1703 finance and international banking relations. Ms benefits to the Budget and the service Cross has also previously held positions with enhancements flowing from that, as well as Banque National De Paris in Sydney and the indirect economic benefits that flow from London and the Chase Manhattan having a major Australian company Corporation in London, New York and Helsinki. headquartered in the State. The Merger Ms Cross was educated at Georgetown Planning Group has all the expertise and University in Washington DC and speaks five knowledge to ensure that the Queensland languages. Clearly, bringing together and megabank will be a great success, and a integrating the four banking-type entities in major financial asset for the State as a whole. Metway, QIDC, Suncorp Building Society and Suncorp Finance Limited is the most difficult aspect of the overall merger. Ms Cross' MINISTERIAL STATEMENT extensive experience with hands-on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander management of some of the more complex Health areas of banking I am sure will prove invaluable as the MPG sets about the merger Hon. M. J. HORAN (Toowoomba process. South—Minister for Health) (9.41 a.m.), by leave: One of the most pressing issues for All three appointees are extremely Government is improving the coordination of capable and well qualified for the task. Their State and Commonwealth efforts in Aboriginal selection reflects our determination to ensure and Torres Strait Islander health. Today, that the MPG, which will ultimately become the Queensland will sign a landmark board of the merged entity, comprises people Commonwealth/State bilateral agreement on of the highest calibre. The MPG has now Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. commenced an executive search process for a What this means in money terms is that an managing director. When appointed, this extra $3m will be made available to person will also join the board. Again, the Queensland immediately to develop strategies search will be for the best talent available, and aimed at improving the health of our the search process will be international and indigenous people. national as well as local. Specifically, the Commonwealth will Clearly, the business integration process provide one-off funding of $535,000 to is all systems go with the MPG under Mr develop district plans that will identify gaps and Lamble's stewardship already having opportunities in health service provision for appointed the strategic planning and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander integration consultants. The MPG has also communities. Part of this funding will also be established a number of integration working used to develop a specific health plan for teams from within the three entities to health services in the Torres Strait and to operationalise particular aspects of the improve our data collection and analysis. This integration of the businesses. The legal will ensure that indigenous health initiatives aspects of the merger process also are well are coordinated and that the best possible use advanced, with the due diligence having is made of resources and available funding. already commenced and the common valuer having been appointed. The legislation to Also as part of the bilateral agreement, facilitate the merger is being drafted and is the Commonwealth has agreed to provide scheduled for introduction at the next sittings immediately $2.5m in related funding of this House. specifically to improve access to medical services for indigenous people throughout the The merger presents enormous State, especially those living in rural and challenges for the management and staff of remote areas. While this is a non-recurrent the three entities. However, they have already grant, the Commonwealth has given every shown that they are up to the task, with the indication that recurrent funding will be merger process now in full swing. It will require available in the future through Medicare so enormous effort, but it will be well worth it as that programs developed this year can we set about building a major new continue and expand. Queensland enterprise that will benefit all involved: the shareholders, through the However, this historical bilateral potential of enhanced earnings; staff, through agreement is about more than money. It is the more secure jobs and enhanced career beginning of a new spirit of cooperation prospects in the longer term; customers, between the Commonwealth and the including people in rural and regional Queensland Governments and Aboriginal and Queensland, through enhanced services; and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is a Queenslanders generally, through the direct recognition and agreement by the 1704 Ministerial Statement 23 Jul 1996

Commonwealth and the State Governments and Community Care, and other significant that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health people have the same rights to good health organisations. and health care as all other Queenslanders. The new council will replace the existing Specifically, the aim of the agreement is— State Tripartite Forum which was established to improve access to both mainstream in 1990. The previous Labor Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander implemented the Brennan review of the State specific health and health related Tripartite Forum last year, with the subsequent programs which reflect the level of need; report recommending that its preferred option to increase the level of resources was the abolition of the STF and its allocated to reflect the higher level of replacement with a new, more representative need of indigenous people, including ministerial advisory body. The Brennan review within mainstream services; found that the STF was no longer perceived as being representative of ATSI groups and to establish joint planning processes that STFs nationally had failed to progress the which allow for full and formal Aboriginal National Aboriginal Health Strategy, with and Torres Strait Islander participation in Queensland being the last jurisdiction to retain decision making and determination an STF. priorities; Ms Sue Morgan has been appointed to improve cooperation and coordination interim chairperson of the new council. Ms of current service delivery, both Aboriginal Morgan is currently the deputy chairperson of and Torres Strait Islander specific services the State Tripartite Forum, and her experience and mainstream services, by all spheres will be invaluable in ensuring that the new of Government; and council is representative of the broadest to increase the clarity with respect to the possible range of ATSI health views. roles and responsibilities of key Approximately $300,000 will be saved through stakeholders. the abolition of the State Tripartite Forum, and The Government sees the signing of this this funding will be allocated to a number of agreement with the Commonwealth and the areas, including: increased funding for ATSI successful negotiating of additional funding as alcohol and drug programs in Cairns; Mookai a clear indication that the direction it is taking Rosi Bayan, a hostel in Cairns for pregnant is indeed a positive one. However, this is just Aboriginal women brought from remote areas the first step in a series of initiatives that are for birthing at Cairns Hospital; employment of needed to close the health gap between Aboriginal mental health workers at Yarrabah indigenous and non-indigenous and other north Queensland Aboriginal Queenslanders. As part of this new spirit of communities. cooperation at a joint Government level, a Making significant advances in Aboriginal new, more effective approach is required to and Torres Strait Islander health is clearly a ensure that the State Government receives huge task. The life expectancy of Aboriginal the best possible advice on ATSI health and Torres Strait Islander people is 19 years issues. less than that of other Queenslanders. State Cabinet has agreed to establish a However, the coalition Government is peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander determined to make real progress in improving health advisory body. The Queensland and the health of indigenous Queenslanders. Torres Strait Islander Health Council will be established to provide advice on ATSI health MINISTERIAL STATEMENT issues to the Government. The new council will include a broad range of Aboriginal and Torres Department of Education Manual Strait Islander groups and will be the peak Hon. R. J. QUINN (Merrimac—Minister health body representing Queensland's for Education) (9.46 a.m.), by leave: One of indigenous people. The formation of the new my priorities since taking on the responsibilities group has developed from an extensive of Education Minister has been to slash consultation process, and it will represent a through the bureaucratic red tape that has range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander increasingly hogtied our dedicated teachers groups, including the Queensland Aboriginal and other departmental staff during the past and Islander Health Forum, the Aboriginal six years. One of the department's biggest Coordinating Council, the Islander bugbears was its policy bible, the Department Coordinating Council, ATSIC, the State of Education Manual—12 volumes containing Departments of Health and Families, Youth 2,340 pages. 23 Jul 1996 Ministerial Statement 1705

I am pleased to advise that this Winning this major event is a reflection of overwhelming document has now been Queensland's reputation as a leader in reduced to just 75 pages. We have not only information technology. Australia is the second slashed the physical size of the manual but highest per capita user of the World Wide also eliminated vast amounts of material Web and Queensland's universities and considered excessive and irrelevant by research organisations are among the best in schools. The old manual was used as a the world in terms of quality research on the stockpile for all the department's policies and web. The Distributed Systems Technology procedures on every aspect of the education Centre—DSTC—at the University of system across the State. This new abridged Queensland is a good example. It is version, to be known as a Policy Australia's premier research organisation into Compendium, will detail the same policies and technologies which relate to the web and its procedures, but in precis format. partners, representing the leading computer Anyone needing more detailed science research sites in Australia and key IT information from the source manual will soon companies. have ready access using CD-ROM technology, The DSTC and the Prentice Computer probably within the next few months. That will Centre, both from Queensland University, are allow rapid and easy access—using also members of the World Wide Web hypertext—to every detail of departmental convention bid. The bid was led by Southern policy and its implementation. Users will also Cross University and also included Charles be able to print any relevant pages they Sturt University and Access Australia. require. In addition to making life a lot more Importantly, too, this win demonstrates the efficient and convenient for all concerned, opportunities that Queensland's location these initiatives will lead to a significant presents to our business community and reduction in the cost of distributing policies and industries. The world's eyes are turning to the information. Asia Pacific region in light of its continued This is just the first step in our economic growth. Queensland, and in rationalisation of the way schools and offices particular our major centres, are the closest access information on policies, procedures western cities to the vast majority of Asia and guidelines. The compendium has been Pacific countries. organised into one-page policy statements in We are developing closer and closer relevant categories, each with a colour-coded business ties with our Asian neighbours and, card insert for each category. A table of as a result, are able to offer other western contents, with an alphabetical list of policy or economies a unique point of contact with the module titles, is provided to allow quick region. There is no doubt that Brisbane's retrieval of policy statements. This initiative is hosting of the World Wide Web conference is another step that the coalition has take to largely reflective of this fact. The credit for streamline the operation of our schools. maximising this opportunity must go to all those involved in the bid. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT The choice of Brisbane as the host of this Seventh International World Wide convention will have enormous benefits not Web Conference 1998 just for our information technology and telecommunications industry. Another key Hon. B. W. DAVIDSON (Noosa— element of the success of this bid was Minister for Tourism, Small Business and Queensland's unique tourist attractions. The Industry) (9.48 a.m.), by leave: I have great conference itself will run for just four days, but pleasure in informing the House that significant efforts will be put into encouraging Queensland has been chosen to host the delegates to plan pre and post conference Seventh International World Wide Web tours to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and Conference in 1998. This conference is the northern centres such as Townsville and world's premier Internet conference. The 1998 Cairns. conference will be the first one held outside of the United States or Europe. It is expected that around 4,000 delegates from all over the MINISTERIAL STATEMENT world will attend the conference at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre in Workers' Compensation April 1998. I am pleased to inform the House Hon. S. SANTORO (Clayfield—Minister that the Government's IT body, the for Training and Industrial Relations) Information Industries Board, has played a key (9.51 a.m.), by leave: I wish to inform the role in the bid for this conference. House of the appointment of the 1706 Ministerial Statement 23 Jul 1996

Implementation Task Force to oversee the large corporations, experience in financial implementation of the recommendations of management and a senior solicitor or barrister the Kennedy inquiry into workers' with expertise in insurance or workers' compensation and related matters in compensation. Queensland. As I have stated previously in At this stage I would like to announce to this House, the Government is committed to the House the Implementation Task Force ensuring that honourable members on both members. They are: Mr Des Knight, FCA; Mr sides, together with the Queensland public, Ian Callinan, QC; Mr Graeme Dalton, are informed of all relevant information Executive Director, Queensland Farmers regarding workers' compensation in this State Federation; Mr Colin Thatcher, Acting and of the progress of the changes Director-General, Department of Training and recommended by Mr Kennedy. Industrial Relations and Chairperson of the On Wednesday, 10 July 1996 I informed Workers Compensation Board; Mr Terry White, the House of the findings and businessman; Mr Kelvin Heffernan, Manager, recommendations of the inquiry. As I stated at New Business and Office Services, Workers that time, Mr Kennedy indicated that urgent Compensation Board; a senior representative and decisive action is required to rectify the of the general insurance arm of Suncorp; and problems of the workers' compensation a senior representative from Queensland system in this State. The Government is doing Treasury. just that—acting urgently and decisively to I have asked Mr Des Knight to act as ensure that all possible action is taken. On chairperson of the task force, and he has Monday, 22 July Cabinet approved the accepted. Mr Knight undertook a detailed appointment of the Implementation Task review of operations of the Workers Force to oversee the development and Compensation Board for the inquiry and is well implementation of the recommendations known in the Queensland business detailed in the Kennedy report. Mr Kennedy community. As Mr Knight conducted the recommended the establishment of such a efficiency audit of the board for the inquiry, he task force in chapter 13 of his report. has a detailed knowledge of the operations of The task force's role is an interim one the board and the priority operational areas only. Members of the task force will work in that need to be addressed. In addition, Mr conjunction with the existing Workers Knight is well known to the Workers Compensation Board over the next three to Compensation Board staff, and in view of this I four months until such time as relevant feel that he is ideally placed to lead the legislation is passed by this House creating Implementation Task Force and enlist the WorkCover Queensland and the new cooperation of board staff in this process. Mr WorkCover Queensland Board is appointed. Kennedy strongly supports Mr Knight's The task force will have a key role to play in appointment. the corporatisation of the existing board into a Mr Ian Callinan, QC, has been appointed Government owned corporation as well as in in view of his expertise and experience as the drafting of legislation relating to all counsel assisting the inquiry with legislative recommendations of the Kennedy report. matters. Mr Callinan will work with both In considering who should be appointed Parliamentary Counsel and board staff to to this task force, I have given careful ensure that the legislation drafted is in keeping consideration to Mr Kennedy's with the spirit of the Kennedy recommendations regarding suitable recommendations. The other member of the candidates, including those relating to the initial inquiry team to be appointed is Mr composition of the future WorkCover Graeme Dalton, due to his experience in Queensland Board. I have accepted Mr economics, business, public sector Kennedy's recommendations for appointees. management and the inquiry. If the Kennedy recommendations are to be fully addressed and acted on immediately, it is I have appointed Mr Terry White in view of imperative that there is continuity with the his experience in business, particularly small team that worked with the inquiry. Therefore a business. I am sure that members on both number of members from that team have sides of the House will agree that Mr White is been included in the task force. I also feel it is a well-known and respected member of the imperative that the task force composition Queensland business community. reflect, as far as possible, the skills areas In view of the transitional arrangements recommended for the new "commercially that will need to be put in place in preparation experienced" board of WorkCover for the Workers Compensation Board's move Queensland, that is, experience on boards of from the Department of Training and Industrial 23 Jul 1996 Ministerial Statement 1707

Relations to a Government owned corporation, changes to rental subsidies for young it is imperative that Mr Colin Thatcher be part people. of the Implementation Task Force. Mr Federal and State Governments are Thatcher is the Acting Director-General of the close to agreeing on a radical shakeup of Department of Training and Industrial public housing that will put tenants into Relations and chairperson of the current areas with greater job prospects. Workers Compensation Board. The changes will link for the first time Honourable members opposite will be the public housing system and social interested to hear this one: Mr Kelvin security payments for private rental Heffernan is the manager of New Business assistance. and Office Services of the Workers Compensation Board of Queensland. I have Another key aspect of the changes is appointed Mr Heffernan in view of his that States will separate the functions of extensive experience in workers' tenancy management and property compensation insurance and, equally management, which in the past are said importantly, as a representative of the board's to have led to a pre-occupation with filling staff to ensure that their views are considered houses instead of catering to tenants' by the implementation team throughout this needs. period of extensive change. That is my answer The States have welcomed the to the Opposition in terms of looking after the changes, which they see as reducing rights and the interests of workers' Federal intervention in public housing and compensation people. giving them more flexibility in the way they I have charged the Implementation Task spend their housing budget, most of Force with the role of urgently preparing which is provided by the Federal legislation for introduction to the House. At Government. that time all honourable members will have an The changes will be included in a opportunity to have their say and make a new Commonwealth/State Housing decision on this issue in light of the inquiry's Agreement to take effect in 1996-97. findings. (The) goal is to combine more flexible public housing with improved rent MINISTERIAL STATEMENT assistance payments for those renting privately—likely to be a key issue in Commonwealth Reforms to Housing negotiations leading up to the Budget." Assistance What I have just outlined is a quote from Mr Hon. R. T. CONNOR (Nerang— Howe and, before that, Mr Keating from media Minister for Public Works and Housing) (9.56 statements released prior to the change of a.m.), by leave: I wish to make a statement on Government. It basically establishes the the proposed long-term reforms to housing bipartisanship of this policy. The policy is a assistance for low income earners. It is bipartisan one on a Commonwealth basis. important that the Commonwealth position be During the last sitting, I raised my known. It is this— concerns and reservations about the changes. "We will offer to take over full These concerns relate to the detail of responsibility for housing support for implementation. The Commonwealth's stated people on low incomes, including long-term intention is to terminate its capital responsibility for the subsidy implicit in funding of construction or purchase of public public housing rental rates. rental housing through the States. It proposes In turn, the States will be asked to instead to provide direct housing subsidies to vacate the public housing rental subsidy all low income earners through the arrangements and to take responsibility Department of Social Security. This will remove for the supply and management of public a huge anomaly between the level of funding housing." to public housing tenants and those forced to rent in the private market. It has further been stated that— Current rent assistance to those renting "Under the initiative, the Government privately is on average only about $1,500 a would provide similar levels of subsidy to year. Many of the people in this situation will renters leasing from the private sector to have joined the waiting queue for public rental that available in public housing. housing. The public housing subsidy is worth There also needs to be significant an average of $3,800 a year. The new changes to public housing policy and scheme should end the pain of those forced 1708 Criminal Justice Committee 23 Jul 1996 to rent privately, and reduce or eliminate Department of Health Capital Works Program waiting lists for public housing. As I have process. explained, the plan is for the States to remain The committee believes that the responsible for the provision of public rental expansion of the Lotus Glen Correctional housing. The concerns that I have raised have Centre farm will be a good model of how a already been addressed in part by the Government agency should manage a small Commonwealth. It has not yet explained how construction project. The project was fit for it will address differing rent levels across purpose, cost-effective and came in under Australia, and even from suburb to suburb in budget and on time. The committee makes major cities. one recommendation aimed at improving The Howard Government has agreed to consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait leave capital funding in place for Aboriginal Islander communities. and Torres Strait Islanders. I will be pressing My thanks go to the committee for the same arrangements for housing for the members—Mr Bill D'Arcy, Mr Graham Healy, disabled and for community housing for Mr Pat Purcell, Mr Ted Radke and Mr Geoff reasons that I have previously outlined. Smith—for their assistance during the inquiry. However, I am concerned at media comments The committee thanks all individuals who took and public debate that overlooks the genesis part in the inquiries, particularly those of these proposed changes. They were departmental staff who provided the launched as Commonwealth housing policy on committee with information. I give thanks also 11 December last year at Beenleigh by none to the committee secretariat—Les Dunn, other than the failed former Prime Minister, Belinda Noakes and Maureen Barnes—for Paul Keating. It was from his announcement their assistance. I commend the reports to the address at Beenleigh that I was quoting House. before. I table, so that it is on record, a copy of his address titled "Community and Nation". I SCRUTINY OF LEGISLATION have read it and in no part of the policy launch COMMITTEE does he raise the concerns that I have for this Report scheme. Paul Keating's vision for the future of Mr ELLIOTT (Cunningham) housing assistance came complete with the (10.02 a.m.): I lay upon the table of the House potential flaws that I identified at the last the Scrutiny of Legislation Committee's Alert Commonwealth/State Housing Ministers' Digest No. 5 of 1996 and move that it be meeting in Melbourne. I will continue to press printed. the Commonwealth and the other States for a final outcome which takes account of these Ordered to be printed. concerns. I will do so on behalf of Queensland and low income earners for whom we are CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE trying to make this scheme work properly. Report Hon. V. P. LESTER (Keppel) PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE (10.04 a.m.): I lay upon the table of the House Reports a report of the Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee titled "Outstanding Parliamentary Mr STEPHAN (Gympie) (10.01 a.m.): Criminal Justice Committee On behalf of the Public Works Committee, I Recommendations". The primary role of the table its reports on the redevelopment of the PCJC is to monitor and review the Criminal Cairns Base Hospital and the expansion of the Justice Commission and to report thereon to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, together with Parliament. To date, the committee and its the written submissions made to the predecessors have tabled in Parliament no committee and the transcripts of evidence fewer than 33 reports, many of which contain from the committee's public hearings held in recommendations that have not been Cairns and Mareeba. implemented as a result of amendments to The committee conducted a wide-ranging the Criminal Justice Act. The implementation inquiry into the redevelopment of the Cairns of many of these recommendations is vital to Hospital. In the end the committee found that, the committee being able to effectively carry while it may not be the ideal situation, the on- out its role. These recommendations should site redevelopment will serve the community be considered for amendment immediately. well. The report includes three In particular, I draw to the attention of the recommendations aimed at improving the Parliament some outstanding 23 Jul 1996 Notices of Motion 1709 recommendations relating to the reporting recommendations concerning section 27(2) of functions of the CJC. The first of these the Criminal Justice Act dealing with reports recommendations relates to the tabling of that contain confidential sections. The Criminal commission reports in Parliament. Section 26 Justice Commission need not report those—— of the Criminal Justice Act requires that Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for non-confidential reports of the CJC are tabled Keppel will read the report. This is not a in Parliament. However, it has been the debate. practice that not all publications of the commission have been tabled in Parliament. Mr LESTER: I am simply saying that This is certainly where the committee is at these reports mean that, if the Criminal Justice issue with the Criminal Justice Commission. As Commission considers that a confidential the committee has to report to the Parliament, matter is involved, it does not have to make the committee members believe that we are this available to the committee. It does not not effectively monitoring the role of the even have to tell the committee if it contains Criminal Justice Commission. As a result, the confidential provisions. It is the view of committee believes that, in the spirit of the committee members that we be given Criminal Justice Act, all publications prepared permission through the Act so that these by the commission are to be tabled in confidential parts be made available to the Parliament. Therefore, we have requested that committee, because it is the committee's role the commission do so until such time as the to monitor the activities of the Criminal Justice reporting requirement in the Criminal Justice Commission and, if necessary, make these Act is made clear. In this regard both the first reports available to the Minister who has and second committees recommended that, carriage of the Act. These are very important in order to clarify the requirement of a aspects. This last one in particular simply definition of "a report of the commission", this means that committee members are unable to section should receive attention. effectively do their job if they do not know what is a confidential matter when the issue is The commission has recently advised the raised with them. I now ask that this and other committee that the requirement for all provisions be acted upon immediately so that publications to be tabled means that, by virtue the committee can do its job effectively and of section 26(8)(b) of the Criminal Justice Act, report effectively to the Parliament. all publications must be printed by the Mr Beattie interjected. Government Printer. The commission has indicated that this presents some considerable Mr LESTER: If that does not suit the technical difficulties in relation to the format Leader of the Opposition, then obviously he and style of its reports and competitive does not want honesty. I move that the report tendering problems. Therefore, in order to be printed. overcome these difficulties the committee has Ordered to be printed. also recommended in this report that the Criminal Justice Act be amended to enable the commission to have its reports for the NOTICES OF MOTION purposes of that section printed by persons Government Spending Freeze other than the Government Printer. Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader It is absurd that I should have to bring an of the Opposition) (10.10 a.m.): I give notice issue such as this to the Parliament. Surely to that I shall move— goodness if a report is made by the Criminal "That the Queensland Parliament— Justice Commission it is in order that it be given to the committee so that we can present (a) Condemns the Treasurer for it to members in the Parliament. It is the right instituting what she herself has of members of Parliament to view what reports identified as a freeze on Government are being produced by the Criminal Justice spending in a Cabinet meeting on 23 Commission. It is certainly the committee's role February, exactly five months ago to review those reports. It is our job to review today; what the commission does. It is also our role (b) deplores the fact that despite all to report to the Parliament and to give all departments supplying their lists of members a say in case some of these projects to be frozen by 16 March publications are not what they believe they and the Budget Review Committee should be. That should be our role. making a final decision by 10 June, communities have never been given Another particular concern of the a full list of projects which have been committee relates to outstanding cancelled; 1710 Private Members' Statements 23 Jul 1996

(c) condemns the Government for the State Economic Development Strategy, which enormous damage this freeze has the Premier had intended to table in this inflicted on construction companies, House on Thursday. The document is just a suppliers and communities in regurgitation of the Goss Government's regional Queensland; and policies that were spelled out in Strength to (d) expresses its concern at the fact that Strength only 12 months ago. But unlike many cities and towns have been Strength to Strength, it contains very few betrayed by a directionless concrete initiatives. It contains a host of good Government which is not up to the intentions but, despite the title, there is no task of running this State." clear strategy on how to achieve them. It is worth noting that the strategy contains no new infrastructure initiatives; no Privatisation of Electricity Industry tax relief packages; no initiatives to match the Hon. T. McGRADY (Mount Isa) Government's regional development rhetoric— (10.11 a.m.): I give notice that I shall move— just a promise of more reviews, studies and "That this Parliament— investigations. This document reannounces 29 reviews. What a Government! It pushes the (a) notes the recommendations of the number of State Government reviews well Commission of Audit and, in beyond 100. In fact, I table for the information particular, 12.1 of the summary, of the House the coalition reviews to date, which calls for the privatisation of the which number 125. What we have is a Queensland electricity industry; Government by review. (b) further notes the enthusiasm with The question that has to be asked is: which these recommendations have what has this Government been doing over been endorsed by the Premier and the past five months? What was the the Treasurer; and FitzGerald Audit Commission doing? We now (c) declares its total opposition to the have another 29 reviews. This flimsy strategy privatisation of the electricity industry provides clear evidence that the coalition will as we believe it will be to the take up FitzGerald's recommendations to detriment of our State and such privatise a broad range of State enterprises, actions will have devastating adverse including the electricity industry. The strategy effects on regional and country contains the good old conservative rhetoric Queensland." about leaving it to the private sector, but then goes on to describe how the Government will try to develop certain industry sectors, create Withdrawal of Services new international firms and develop strategic Mr PALASZCZUK (Inala) (10.12 a.m.): I alliances. give notice that I shall move— The document contains no estimate of "That this House— how much this strategy will cost. The really question is: where is the money coming from? (a) notes the withdrawal of services by State and Federal National/Liberal Governments is the single biggest Better Hearing Australia issue affecting rural and provincial Mr RADKE (Greenslopes) (10.14 a.m.): I Queensland today; and am pleased that the Health Minister, Mike (b) censures the Borbidge/Sheldon Horan, recently announced a $113,000 Government for its inactivity and funding package for Better Hearing Australia, inability to redress the situation by a national organisation that provides support not making adequate services for the hearing impaired. The funding representations to the Federal package includes an immediate grant of Government and by not putting in $15,000, as well as a $98,000 funding place its own positive policies." commitment for the 1996-97 financial year. People who are hearing impaired face PRIVATE MEMBERS' STATEMENTS enormous difficulties both in the workplace and in their home environment. The coalition State Economic Development Strategy Government is committed to working closely Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader with groups such as Better Hearing Australia to of the Opposition) (10.12 a.m.): I table for the ensure that discrimination against people with benefit of the House the State Government's hearing problems is eliminated and 23 Jul 1996 Private Members' Statements 1711 appropriate support networks are put in place the job. Every health professional knows that; to better assist the hearing impaired. they all talk about him, they are all a wake-up Hearing disabilities affect one in 10 to him. people, increasing to one in three by the age Mr Horan interjected. of 65. Hearing loss is primarily caused through Mr ELDER: They all know that where noise, accident, sickness and the ageing the Health Minister goes, so does the Police process. The Better Hearing Australia Minister. They are waiting for him to be organisation offers a range of services, bumped up to Police. including counselling, communication training, information on hearing aids and stress Mr Cooper interjected. management counselling. Mr ELDER: He will then put in his call and go to Police. The Minister does not want to be there; he is not up to the job. Comments by Member for Broadwater Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (10.15. a.m.): Graffiti During a Grievances debate, the member for Mr HARPER (Mount Ommaney) Broadwater, Mr Grice, spoke about certain (10.18 a.m.): I rise to speak on what I regard budget issues relating to the Department of as one of the blights on our modern-day Health. He specifically attacked my role as a society, that is, graffiti. In common with other Minister for Health for not overseeing that members, no doubt, wherever I go I see every single arm of the department had paid where the so-called graffiti artists have painted its bills on time. That was just another beat-up people's fences, and entered private homes to that came from the Minister's office and it was paint houses and garage doors. When one just another bucket for the member for visits shops and commercial buildings, one Broadwater to drop—as long as it is grubby, sees the vandalism and destruction that is he will drop it. costing society millions of dollars each year. As The reality is that the member for one moves around the streets, one sees bus Broadwater misled the House by stating in this stops that have been sprayed with graffiti. On place that I, in the early part of 1995 in my our main roads, the bridges are targets, as are capacity as the Minister for Health, was directly the noise barriers. One has only to drive down responsible for bills payable by Queensland the South East Freeway to see that. More Health not being paid on time. Everyone importantly, safety and directional signs that knows that that is nonsense and it shows him have been sprayed with graffiti can endanger for the liar that he is. lives, because people do not see them or Mr GRICE: I rise to a point of order. I know where they are heading. The Main find that offensive and ask that it be Roads Department has used protective withdrawn. coating which is, of course, very expensive and is not entirely effective. Why should Mr ELDER: If the member finds it society have to take that route to ensure a offensive, I withdraw it. But we all know his clean, decent environment? track record. As drivers say about him, some can dish it out and some cannot take it. The cost to society has to be measured both in terms of dollars and visual pollution. I have no quibble with the need for That is something that we as a Government, a Government agencies to pay bills owing within Parliament and a society in general should no a time frame agreed between the two parties; longer have to put up with. I am pleased to however, I do have problem with the note that the Government is reviewing the suggestion that the Minister for Health—or any matter and is including in that review a other Minister for that matter—should strengthening of the Criminal Code so that personally sign every cheque for every item those responsible for carrying out this purchased by the department. Next the vandalism will also be responsible for the Minister for Health will be wanting to perform restoration of property back to its original state. surgery. He will be wanting to cut patients in I enjoin the whole of the Parliament to support the same way that he cuts staff and the that measure. Health budget. The reality of life is that the Minister criticises his health professionals and public Arts Funding servants; but the one person who is not Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga) criticised is the Minister himself. The (10.19 a.m.): Throughout regional Opposition knows that the Minister is not up to Queensland, arts groups and local 1712 Private Members' Statements 23 Jul 1996 government councils are fed up with the amount of water that can be captured by a disarray that the Arts Minister, Mrs Sheldon, dam; I am not referring to increasing the has brought to the Regional Arts Development height of the dam. I refer particularly to the Fund. First of all, the fund's capital base was Borumba Dam. However, I suggest also that slashed from $15m back to $10m, thereby the process can be used on the Deep Creek slashing the available opportunities for arts Dam. The bagging process could increase the groups and cultural groups throughout the holding capacity of the Borumba Dam by two State to receive assistance under this very metres, which would make a great difference worthy initiative commenced by the Labor to the amount of water that would be available Government. during dry conditions. We only have to Secondly, not only do we have a slashing consider the dry conditions that have occurred of funds but also we have an extraordinary over the last two or three years, which resulted delay in administering those funds. Those arts in the drastic drop in the water levels of dams, and cultural groups were looking forward in to realise how important that process would May to being informed of just what they might be. During those times, it looked as though we receive. Instead, there has been delay after would run out of water not only for irrigation delay so that councils throughout the State, purposes but also for residential areas. such as councils in Maryborough, Time expired. Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns are still waiting to hear when they are going to be informed of their allocation. Indeed, it has Alternative Birthing Centre reached the stage at which, on 15 July in the Mr J. H. SULLIVAN (Caboolture) Courier-Mail, the Local Government (10.23 a.m.): I table a non-conforming petition Association expressed its concern about the of 651 signatures of women, and a handful of matter because councils had come to the men, seeking the inclusion of a birthing centre party and they were being let down. in Stage 2 of the Caboolture Hospital. I also The people who are affected by this issue commend Therese O'Brien, Gabrielle Huggett are people whom the National Party members and their colleagues in the organisation called should be representing, but they are not. For Childbirth in Harmony—Options in Caboolture example, in the electorate of the member for for Everyone for the work that they have done Warwick, previously the members of the Apple in promoting this issue in the Caboolture and Grape Band Committee, the Granite Belt community. Choir, the Stanthorpe Art Gallery Society, the In November 1995, Queensland Health Suzuki Music School, and the Stanthorpe and produced a document titled "Birthing Services District Historical Society were receiving grants. Program—Standards of Care", with a goal to However, those people are waiting to hear promote women's choice in maternity care whose funds have been slashed and whose through the establishment of a wider variety of assistance has been denied. They want action accessible maternity service models of care. now, not at some stage in the future. It has Since 1989, under the Alternative Birthing been said that this decision has been put off Services Program the Commonwealth until September. That is disgraceful. Government has provided funding to help Time expired. States establish alternative birthing services for women. The objectives are, in part, to give women greater choices in birthing through the Water Conservation establishment of midwife-based services Mr STEPHAN (Gympie) (10.21 a.m.): I which, firstly, recognise that in the majority of take this opportunity to thank the Minister cases pregnancy and childbirth are normal life responsible for water resources for correcting events requiring minimal intervention and, an error that appeared recently in a secondly, involve women as active partners. newspaper article about the raising of the Those objectives form the basis of a very water reservoir levels by using the bag desirable option and one which many women process. When that process was first in the Caboolture region understandably hope suggested, the Minister was reported as to be able to access. Already a number are saying that he did not understand the process. choosing this option, accessing services away However, he certainly does understand the from the local community. process and recently in the media has pointed Currently, the excellent obstetrics services out what a great asset this process is for water at the Caboolture Hospital provide for the conservation. birthing needs of approximately 1,000 women. For the information of members, I am A midwife-based service, such as the one talking about using a bag to increase the sought by the petitioners, would complement 23 Jul 1996 Private Members' Statements 1713 those existing obstetric services. The relative been raised. He still has not done so. Those economy of alternative birthing services issues are still outstanding. To this day, those means that not only are women provided with people still do not know what rentals they will an option that they desire but also positive be paying. implications for the State Budget are The Minister has given no indication to achieved. I ask Health Minister Horan to those people of his support for people in instruct his department to include a birthing public housing. He has said that he is centre in the development of Stage 2 of the concerned about this issue, yet he does Caboolture Hospital in line with the wishes of nothing to protect people in public housing. In local women. my electorate in Sandgate, people in seniors' units have been given notification that their rentals have been increased by 20 per cent, Scurr Inquiry from $50 to $62.50 a week. This Minister says Mr HEGARTY (Redlands) (10.25 a.m.): I that he cares about people in public housing, rise to speak about the inquiry into the security yet he allows those rentals to continue to of payments in the building and construction increase. This matter is about privatising public industry, which is headed by Arthur Scurr, and housing. That is what that mob opposite are which is to deliver its report some time in on about. That is what is going to happen to September. The inquiry is accepting people in public housing. submissions from people in the construction If the Minister really cares, he should tell industry and other people who have suffered his ministerial staffers to back off from those at the hands of unscrupulous builders and people who are forming resident action who have found it difficult to take action by groups. He should allow those people to form way of commercial litigation to recoup the associations. Once in a while, he should meet losses that they have suffered. with them and explain what he is trying to do. For most people, their investment in their Time expired. residence is the biggest investment that they will make in their lives. Naturally, it is Skillshare Funding unacceptable that those people suffer at the hands of contractors who take short cuts in the Hon. J. FOURAS (Ashgrove) pursuit of trying to save a dollar for one reason (10.29 a.m.): I rise to express my outrage at or another and incur financial embarrassment the cutback in funding to the Skillshare in seeking restitution for those damages. program. As Chair of a Skillshare program in my electorate, I know that those programs are I seek leave to table a further 19 cost effective. It costs just over $400 for a individual submissions and Home Owner long-term unemployed person to go through a Protection Lobby dispute questionnaires, Skillshare program. Those programs are which will be handed to the Scurr inquiry prior community based, which enables members of to its conclusion in September. the community to respond to the training Leave granted. programs. They know what skills are required for jobs in the community and they know that they can train those people for those jobs. Public Housing Rentals In an economic climate in which the Federal Government and the State Mr NUTTALL (Sandgate) (10.27 a.m.): I Government are sacking tens of thousands of wish to raise an issue that this morning was people, it is appalling that, at the same time, it referred to by the Minister for Public Works is cutting back on training opportunities for the and Housing in a ministerial statement. The long-term unemployed. Those people are Minister has made two ministerial statements powerless. It is about time that members of on this issue, linking public rentals and private this House express their outrage that those rentals. He still has not clarified the issue for people are no longer going to be looked after. people who live in public housing in this State. Those people have formed resident action Recently, I attended a graduation groups, and they have been harassed by ceremony for 20 people who were involved in officers of his department and hounded by the Jobskills program. Out of those 20 people, people from his office. At the last sitting of 12 are going to find long-term jobs. We have Parliament, I spoke about this issue. Today, in now been told that that program is going to be slashed. his ministerial statement the Minister had an opportunity to clarify the matters that have Time expired. 1714 Questions Without Notice 23 Jul 1996

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Electorate Office Relocation Merger of Metway, Suncorp and QIDC Mr BEATTIE: I refer the Premier to the Mr BEATTIE: (10.30 a.m.): I ask the electorate office guidelines from the Treasurer: is it true that the State Government Parliamentary Service Commission which state will pay Sydney brokers, SBC Warburg, an that electorate offices will only be relocated if estimated $1.9m for advice for its planned prior approval has been obtained from the merger of Metway, Suncorp and the QIDC to commission subject to— form a State bank? Secondly, is it true that a "the present location ceasing to be team of 20 partners, managers and support reasonably accessible to the Member's staff from Price Waterhouse are charging the constituents due to: Government up to $250 an hour each to proven demographic changes within complete the due diligence report on the the electorate; or an alteration to the merger? Thirdly, is it true that communications boundaries of the electoral district. firm Turnbull Fox Phillips will receive $450,000 to provide public relations for the merger? If . . . those allegations are true, why are taxpayers' OR funds being used in this way? On the recommendation of The Clerk of Mrs SHELDON: I think it is interesting the Parliament that the existing office has that this question comes from the Leader of become uninhabitable or unavailable for the Opposition. I confirm that, in fact, among leasing." the major brokers will be Wilsons and I table those guidelines and associated Morgans, which are Brisbane-based firms. The material. Leader of the Opposition has been commenting a lot about Queensland-based I ask: given these guidelines, can the firms; we are using Queensland people. Premier advise why the Minister for Emergency Services has moved his electorate Any money that has been paid to office to Excalibur House on the corner of consultants of any sort has been paid on a Davenport and Bay Streets, Southport? Is this commercial basis. I assume that the Leader of the same building which was purchased by the the Opposition would like to think that Gold Coast branch of the National Party for Queenslanders will get maximum dollar value $2.1m? Does the Premier believe it to be when it comes to the trading of shares or appropriate that one of his Ministers should trading in scrip. Everything that the move his electorate office in order to add to Government has put in place regarding this the income of the National Party? merger is proper and aboveboard. Fees and all other moneys involved will be open for Mr BORBIDGE: I am not responsible public scrutiny. There is no question of any for the location of or the decisions made by impropriety. individual members of this House in relation to the location of their electorate offices. I rather wonder: is the Leader of the Opposition querying the ability of the firms? Price Waterhouse is involved to do due Migration to Queensland diligence, and it is a Queensland-based firm. Mr SPRINGBORG: I ask the Deputy All of these firms have great reputations, and it Premier and Treasurer: can she inform the seems that the Opposition is trying to bring House of the results of a survey by the down their reputations. These firms are Government Statistician's Office into the commercial operators in a commercial world. migration of people to Queensland? The sorts of questions that the Leader of the Opposition is asking are evidence of his Mrs SHELDON: I thank the member for putting down of Queensland and of his his question. The Queensland migration whingeing, whining, harping and dragging survey was carried out by the Government down of Queensland when it comes to Statistician's Office between August and anything that the Government intends to do. December 1995. It has come up with some Let us face it: Labor Holdings was quite surprising results which dispel some of the content to sell its shares so that Metway could myths about the type of people who move to come under the control of New South Wales Queensland. and could obtain money from St George Firstly, the survey dismisses the notion Bank. That is really the Opposition's record that the majority of the people who move to and it shows that the Opposition has Queensland from interstate and overseas are absolutely no commitment to the interests of elderly or retirees. It found that almost two- Queenslanders. thirds of overseas movers had a qualification, 23 Jul 1996 Questions Without Notice 1715 including 37 per cent with a degree and 29 per question on notice. The fact of the matter is cent with some other qualification. More than that the Opposition has been negative about half were aged between 24 and 44 years and Queensland's major financial institution since almost one-third were aged between 15 and the Government announced the merger. The 24 years. Only 14 per cent were aged 45 Opposition has tried to besmirch anyone years or over. involved in it. Now the honourable member is The main reason for overseas people trying to besmirch Mr Lamble, who is nationally moving to Queensland was location at 44 per and internationally recognised for his ability, by cent, followed by employment at 26 per cent. implying that something illegal or improper has The main reason for people moving from occurred. That is more negativity, more interstate to Queensland was employment at downing of Queensland, more harping, more 40 per cent, closely followed by lifestyle, whingeing, and more downing of the climate and a desire to be close to family and prospects of providing a major financial friends, which was 38 per cent. institution in Queensland which will be of major value for the Government's entities of Suncorp Interstate movers were in younger age and the QIDC. groups. This means that the Queensland population will continue to remain The Government has a full appreciation of comparatively younger than the national the acceptance of Mr Lamble in the financial average. Interstate movers were more community. We believe that the Merger qualified than the overall population, with Planning Group, which is the committee around half holding post-school qualifications. making these decisions, must be hands-off in terms of Government involvement. The The Queensland migration survey 1995 Government is not going to be involved in shows that more than 7 in 10 overseas or telling the Merger Planning Group how it interstate movers will stay. Approximately should operate and the Government will not three-quarters of interstate movers said they be involved in telling it what it should do. would definitely not move out of Queensland and two-thirds of overseas movers said that All I can say is that if the Opposition really they would definitely not move out of the wanted to do something good for Queensland State. and for employment, Opposition members would support the Government in what it is We are seeing young, able, qualified doing, instead of spreading lies, people moving into our State because of job misinformation and innuendo. The Opposition prospects and because of our wonderful is trying to destroy the character of people who climate. We endorse their concerns, are nationally and internationally known and acknowledge why they are coming and recognised in the financial community. welcome them.

Aqua Del Rey International Barings Brothers Burrows; Suncorp Merger Mr CARROLL: I ask the Honourable the Premier: what costs will be borne by Mr ELDER: I refer the Deputy Premier Queensland taxpayers as a result of dealings and Treasurer to the appointment of Barings by the former Labor Government of this State Brothers Burrows to evaluate the worth of with the foreign company Aqua Del Rey Metway, Suncorp and QIDC. Taking into International? account the existing close relationship between a principal of that company, Mr Mark Mr BORBIDGE: I think honourable Burrows, and Mr John Lamble, and especially members—certainly those on the Government Mr Burrows' involvement in securing Mr side of the House—are aware of the Budget Lamble's appointment as the chief executive difficulties that we have inherited from the of the NRMA, I ask: who appointed Barings previous administration. The other day, Brothers Burrows, and did Mr Lamble provide courtesy of the entrepreneurial flair of the advice in relation to this appointment? How previous Labor Government, another bill much will Barings Brothers Burrows earn for landed on my desk—for $3m. So the the contract, and is there a limit? Were normal taxpayers of Queensland are up for another State Government tendering processes $3m because of a very interesting deal that followed in the appointment of Barings was entered into by the previous Labor Brothers Burrows? Government and the foreign company Aqua Del Rey International. Mrs SHELDON: If the honourable member had any real intention of obtaining It appears that in its desire to facilitate a that information, he would have put the resort development the former Government 1716 Questions Without Notice 23 Jul 1996 provided a loan of $3m to Aqua Del Rey My department has received International, the developer of the Laguna correspondence from the Department of Quays Resort. Supposedly, the basis of the Transport detailing the sad and sorry history of loan was to ensure a further injection of funds this exercise. I will quote the "letter of comfort" by the parent group, Fujiki, to enable that was sent from the Premier's Department completion of Stage 1 of the resort. I am to the Department of Transport, because it advised that, despite strong objections from might help us to understand how the previous the Department of Transport, the sum in Labor Government did business. It states— question was lent to Aqua Del Rey "It is understood that this loan would International through the then Harbours be facilitated by an investment of surplus Corporation. The loan, in turn, was secured funds in the Harbours Corporation Fund, against a freehold parcel of land and a with the concurrence of the Treasurer, guarantee by the parent company, and pursuant to section 207 of the Harbours financed by Harbours Corporation borrowings Act. The loan is being made with from the Queensland Treasury Corporation cognisance to the objective of ensuring a over five years. That is not a bad deal at all! further injection of $52m, to be made by In addition, and in order to accommodate the Fujiki Group, to enable completion of the concerns of the Transport Department— Stage 1 of the resort. and presumably the member for Ipswich—the I understand that Aqua Del Rey Premier's Department prepared a "letter of International has offered security over a comfort" to the Transport Department telling it parcel of freehold land and an irrevocable that it would not be disadvantaged by this company guarantee from the parent extraordinary transaction. company, the Fujiki Transportation and Mr Elder: You blew $50m on Skase. Stevedoring Company of Japan." Mr BORBIDGE: A former Transport The letter goes on— Minister is interjecting. I can only assume that "I acknowledge that there are certain the Deputy Leader of the Opposition knows practical commercial difficulties now in something about this highly suspect assessing the inherent value of the transaction. security on offer." Aqua Del Rey made some payments in So what the letter goes on to say is, "If it goes accordance with the repayment schedule. wrong, send the bill to us." So the Department However, it then defaulted and has since been of Transport, and effectively the taxpayers of placed in receivership. I am advised that a Queensland, are $3m out of pocket, because number of attempts have been made to sell at a time when the former Government was the resort. However, to date, those have not closing hospital wards and operating theatres, been successful. In the interim, the and when we saw essential and important department continues to make payments to Government services in this State being cut the QTC. I am advised that, to date, Aqua Del back by Labor, it provided a loan to a foreign Rey has repaid $590,000, whereas the company on dodgy security to build a marina. department has made loan repayments to the It is good to see that the former Government QTC of around $1.43m, leaving a deficit of got its priorities right! What a deal! I can $840,000. No provision was ever made for understand why the former Minister for meeting this debt, and the Transport Transport is so excited. He would have been Department faces continuing repayments of part of the arrangement whereby the $717,000 per annum over the next three Transport Department and the Department of years. Premier and Cabinet now have to find $3m. It is clear that, in spite of their criticism of the previous conservative Government, the member for Logan and the member for Cairns TAB Privatisation were prepared to go against the clear advice Mr MULHERIN: In directing a question of the Department of Transport in approving to the Minister for Racing, I refer to public this $3m loan. It was in fact the member for comments at last week's Building Owners and Cairns who signed the Executive Council Managers Association breakfast by the Under minute approving the loan. The result of this Treasurer, Dr Doug McTaggart, in which he failed business deal is a current net shortfall of specifically targeted the Queensland TAB as a $840,000 faced by the Department of candidate for early privatisation, and I ask: Transport and an outstanding current debt of does the Minister support the privatisation of $2.15m owed to the Queensland Treasury the Queensland TAB in light of the fact that Corporation. the privatised TABCorp in Victoria recently 23 Jul 1996 Questions Without Notice 1717 recommended the closure of 28 country racing At a recent Ministers meeting in Sydney, clubs as it was considered that they were not a proposal from the Australian Capital Territory providing sufficient returns to shareholders, was that the X classification be changed to and can he guarantee the racing industry in allow for the classifications of V for violence rural Queensland that not a single racing club and E for erotica, thereby substantially will close as a result of the privatisation of the watering down the classification regime for Queensland TAB? sexually explicit videos in Queensland and Mr COOPER: As to the issue of the throughout the country. The proposal was privatisation of the TAB—I noted also that that rejected totally by Queensland and all other was a consideration in the FitzGerald report. States. I can assure the members of the That is all it is at this point. A lot of matters House and the people of Queensland that the such as this will be under consideration, and sale, distribution and exhibition of X-rated that is as it should be. It is in the public interest videos throughout the State will continue to be that all those matters, such as the privatisation banned and that this ban will be enforced in of the TAB or any other institution, be under line with community expectations. consideration from time to time. It is appropriate that that is so. Sunlover Holidays The racing industry is going pretty well in Mrs BIRD: I refer the Minister for country areas. I am fully aware of the need to Tourism to public comments made by the make sure that country racing is maintained Under Treasurer, Dr Doug McTaggart, at last and kept healthy and viable. We are doing all week's BOMA breakfast during which he that we can to ensure that. Recently, we described Sunlover Holidays as "lazy equity" reiterated our support for QRIS, which is a and a candidate for early privatisation. I ask: $3m scheme. If we can improve it and make it does the Minister agree with Dr McTaggart's more attractive for racing in general, but assertion that Sunlover is lazy equity given the especially country racing, then we will do so. fact that it is self-funding and contributes over All of those sorts of matters are constantly $4.5m each year to QTTC corporate marketing under consideration, and they will remain so. It activities? What steps will he take as Tourism is our job to improve things. That is our task, Minister to prevent the Treasurer from selling and we intend to do it. As to the privatisation off the only means of promotion available to of the TAB—I am aware of the situation in over 350 small and regional tourism operators Victoria. I am also aware that in Queensland in Queensland? we will make our own decisions in the public interest and in the interests of racing. Mr DAVIDSON: I thought that the number was more like 750 to 1,000. I am surprised that the member for Whitsunday and X Classification of Films and Videos shadow Minister for Tourism continues to ask Miss SIMPSON: I ask the Attorney- this question. I have clearly stated my position General and Minister for Justice: what was the many, many times and as recently as the last outcome of the proposal by the Australian week this House sat. For the benefit of the Capital Territory to revise the X classification member, I once again say that the recommendations of the Commission of Audit for sexually explicit films and videos? are under consideration by Cabinet. When Mr BEANLAND: I thank the member for Cabinet has considered those Maroochydore for a most appropriate and recommendations, I will advise her, the House timely question in relation to this matter. Over and everyone else at Sunlover. the past few weeks, there has been a great deal of interest in the classification regime relating to Australian films and videos. Regional Cultural Facility, Maryborough Honourable members interjected. Mr DOLLIN: I ask the honourable Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is too member for Caloundra, the Deputy Premier, much noise in the Chamber. Treasurer and Minister for The Arts: will the Mr BEANLAND: I have received a large National/Liberal Party coalition honour its number of phone calls and correspondence, pre-election promise to allocate $3m up front as I am sure have a number of members. towards a new regional cultural facility for Currently, X-rated videos are banned in Maryborough which would benefit the region Queensland. Their sale, distribution and by providing employment and entertainment exhibition are prohibited by the Classification opportunities not presently available? If the of Films Act 1991. answer is "yes", when? 1718 Questions Without Notice 23 Jul 1996

Mrs SHELDON: I thank the honourable Representatives of the Queensland member for his question. I do not think that he Olympics Task Force and the Office of Tourism has made representations to me in this are also in Atlanta. Their activities are wide regard. I certainly have had representations reaching and aimed at putting Queensland at from other concerned people in the area. All of the front of a highly competitive race for tourist these matters are under consideration for the numbers and business opportunities. The key allocations in the Budget in September. That activities of the task force so far have been: is when these matters will be clarified. I am working with Government agencies to develop sure that the honourable member will then see funding strategies to implement a series of what Cabinet has decided on this matter. strategies for business, tourism, the arts, sport and special events; coordination of the annual Pierre de Courbetin Awards, awards for high Promotion of Queensland at Atlanta schools to honour their "good sports", named Olympic Games after the founder of the modern Games, in Mr MALONE: I ask the Minister for which 137 schools are participating this year; Tourism, Small Business and Industry: will he regional seminars on business and tourism please advise what activities are currently opportunities to inform regional committees of under way in Atlanta for Queensland to task force action and levels of communication, maximise the potential of the Sydney 2000 run by the business subcommittee; a Games for both tourism and business? newsletter publication, the Queensland 2000 newsletter, distributed to business and sports Mr DAVIDSON: I thank the member for across Queensland; a bid for the 2000 Mirani for his question. I take this opportunity International Sports Medicine Conference to to congratulate all Queensland athletes who Brisbane, which includes liaison, support and have done themselves, their State and financial assistance; liaison with the Sydney Australia proud with their performances so far Olympic Games Organising Committee, in Atlanta. I have no doubt that these fine Austrade, ATC and the Australian Sports young Queenslanders will give us even more Commission is ongoing; compilation of a to cheer about in the coming days. comprehensive pre-Games training venues I have just had a report in from Atlanta directory for worldwide circulation, distributed at from the Queensland Tourist and Travel PATA earlier this year and in Atlanta; and a Corporation's US staff, who are promoting the joint venture with Austrade, the Australian State to 15,000-odd journalists at the Games. Tourism Commission, New South Wales, The QTTC reports that the interest in Victoria, the ACT and South Australia for the Queensland is very high. Interviews have been Atlanta Showcase, one of the displays in held with CNN, the major television network, as Atlanta. well as with dozens of other media outlets. As These are some of the initiatives that was reported by the Minister for Sport, a major Queensland is undertaking to maximise the television advertising campaign for Visa card opportunities presented by Sydney 2000. The focusing on the Great Barrier Reef and tourism Games will present to Queensland possibly its product in the north is getting major prime-time best chance in history to expose itself on the exposure in the United States. The QTTC world stage. We know that the returns can be reports that this campaign, which was enormous, and we will take all the necessary produced with the help of the QTTC, the Far steps to ensure that no opportunity is missed. North Queensland Promotion Bureau and the Australian Tourist Commission, was run on a regular basis throughout the opening Rental Subsidy Payments ceremony broadcast on nationwide US Mr MACKENROTH: I refer the Minister television. This is the sort of exposure which for Public Works and Housing to the proposed money cannot buy. new Commonwealth/State Housing The QTTC has also reported that the Agreement, and I ask: can he advise whether international media have shown great interest the proposal to implement rental subsidy in the CD-ROM of 40 Queensland Yarns— payments from the Commonwealth for public travel stories and photos—which have been housing tenants will affect the amount of rent distributed to the media in Atlanta. Using this paid by Queensland housing tenants, or will technology, journalists will be able to download the present rental rebate system still apply? stories, access 580 of the best images of Mr CONNOR: As the former Minister Queensland and send it straight to pre-press. knows, the situation is still a bit in limbo as a A Queensland web site has also been set up result of negotiations. We are meeting again. at the Games and is being well used. The Commonwealth/State Housing 23 Jul 1996 Questions Without Notice 1719

Agreement is still an interim agreement. It will Mr CONNOR: At this stage we are not be formalised until about January. negotiating with the Commonwealth on this Mr Mackenroth: You can continue the issue. I would be crazy to offer anything while subsidy. this negotiation is continuing, because that would undermine our bargaining position with Mr CONNOR: The member asked the the Commonwealth. Does the member not question. Does he want the answer or not? want Queensland to get the best possible deal The whole principle of this system is that the out of this arrangement? I certainly do. new subsidy will mean that tenants should not pay any more. We are still negotiating this with Mr Mackenroth: I wouldn't have signed the Commonwealth Government. Take it. someone who is in a—— Mr CONNOR: Is the member saying Mr Mackenroth interjected. that he would not have signed the Mr CONNOR: The member asked the agreement? question; I will answer it. Let us assume that Mr Mackenroth: No. someone is in a home that would normally rent at $150 a week—a standard three- Mr CONNOR: Does the member realise bedroom home. Under the present that that would have cost us $273m? The arrangements, they pay $50 a week, which agreement is for one year's interim funding. represents 22 per cent or thereabouts of their The only way to get that $273m so that we income. There is a hidden subsidy of about could continue the capital works process and $100 a week for the balance, which we fund. all the public housing for this financial year was That is the existing system. The idea is that we to sign that agreement. That is what we did. are moving to a system whereby the DSS will Mr Mackenroth interjected. give that $100 in a voucher or some sort of a Mr CONNOR: Is the honourable facility to the tenant, and they should not pay member saying that the Labor Government in any more than they are now. They should still New South Wales was doing the wrong thing be paying $50 a week. The point is: how do as well? Every State signed it, because it was we determine the size of that subsidy, that voucher? That is one of the areas about which the only way that we could continue our capital I have the biggest concern. I might add that funding. We had to get carryovers so that that $273m capital works funding could extend for Mr Knowles, the Minister in New South Wales, the full financial year. That was a sticking point shares my concern in that regard. at the last Commonwealth and State Ministers The problem is that if a subsidy is worked meeting. We got that undertaking from the out on a regional basis—let us say it was for Federal Government so that we can continue the whole of Brisbane—in cheaper areas the our full capital works funding for this year. $100 will certainly cover the difference in rent, but if people live in Hamilton, Clayfield, Over the next six months we will be Indooroopilly or wherever, the rent may be negotiating for the following years. We are $250 a week and the $100 subsidy simply will doing that right now. We are working through it not cover it. and trying to get the best possible deal. In principle, if we get the deal that I am looking Mr Mackenroth: What happens to the for, no public housing tenants will have to pay difference then? any more than they are paying now. They will Mr CONNOR: That is my biggest simply get flexibility. If they stay where they concern. That is what we are negotiating—— are, they should pay the same as they are Mr Mackenroth interjected. paying now. However, they will have the flexibility to be able to go out into the private Mr CONNOR: Does the honourable sector and rent privately. They will have the member not want to hear my answer? I am ability to pay a little more or a little less than genuinely trying to give him an answer about they are paying now. If they wish to seek what we are trying to work through. We are better quality housing, they might decide to working through the whole process. We will be pay a little more. Or if they want something holding another meeting in September. The less expensive, they might decide to pay a whole position is supposed to be finalised by little less. That is the whole point. It provides January. It will be at least two years before flexibility and gives them the ability to move people will be placed in this position anyway. into areas where they want to live, including They will have at least 18 months' notice—— areas where they might be able to obtain Mr Mackenroth interjected. employment. 1720 Questions Without Notice 23 Jul 1996

Health Initiatives, Cape York and Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Torres Strait Cook! Ms WARWICK: I ask the Minister for Mr HORAN: That is something over Health: could he outline new initiatives which which that mob opposite laboured for years he plans to introduce following his recent and years but achieved nothing. In four three-day tour of communities in Cape York months this Government has it all sorted out. and the Torres Strait? The funds are organised and, in common with Mr HORAN: It was a very interesting tour the construction that is commencing all over indeed—three days visiting the cape and the the State, that construction is going ahead as Torres Strait. The only response from the part of the new, professional approach that Opposition was a bit of a whinge and a whine this Government has adopted. We get things about how many community health centres we sorted out. We get things started. We call visited and personally inspected in the tenders. We get backhoes on site and we Bamaga area. The three-day trip, which make things happen. included places such as Kowanyama, Mrs Edmond interjected. Aurukun, Weipa, Lockhart River, Bamaga, Umagico, Seisia, Thursday Island and Hope Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Vale, was followed by one day of deputations Mount Coot-tha! in Cairns. The coalition works on Sundays Mr HORAN: Doesn't it hurt whingeing when it has to. That one day of deputations in and whining Wendy as she wanders around? Cairns was spent specifically with people Doesn't it hurt that we are getting things representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait done? We are making things happen. health issues. As a result of that visit there will be some real action. The people on Thursday Island are happy. The Torres Strait Islanders are happy. One of the things that impressed us was But there is more! There is even more good the dedication of the registered nurses and news. The big complaint from the Opposition the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers throughout many very remote areas. spokesperson was that we did not visit all five As a result of the visit, we are now in the community health centres in the communities process of appointing two additional nurse surrounding Bamaga. We did tour with the educators to the cape and the Torres Strait. health council. We did visit one of the community health centres. We met all the Those nurse educators will each spend community health staff at the TAFE college. I two weeks of every month in the cape and the compliment the community health staff in the Torres Strait providing peer support and Bamaga area. They had some of the best education to registered nurses in those remote uniforms that one could see throughout the areas and to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait State. The enthusiasm that they showed in Islander health workers. In that way we can their positions was outstanding. We did have a provide good and practical support so that we look at the Bamaga Hospital. I do not know can improve not only the quality of the care what the Opposition spokesperson did, but we that we provide but also we can assist our staff found a floor with holes in it covered up with to stay in those very remote areas. There is a pieces of masonite. We found that, because big turnover in staff in some of those areas of water supply problems, they have to boil due to their remoteness. We believe that this their water for three months of the year. We scheme of having the additional support of found an accident and emergency room that two nurse educators will assist nurses to stay one could hardly get a trolley into. We also in those particular positions a little longer, found a hospital that desperately needs which will assist the stability of the health replacing. But do members know what the services provided. Labor Party did? It did not even include that in While on Thursday Island we made major its $1.7 billion Hospital Rebuilding Program. It announcements about the capital works was so lousy that it could not even include the projects that are going ahead on Thursday little Bamaga Hospital, after all the Island and throughout the Torres Strait. The representations that had been made to it over Thursday Island Hospital is going ahead. The the years to have it included. This Government Thursday Island Community Health Centre is has given a commitment to have a look at it going ahead, as are community health centres and make a decision. We are already on the Torres Strait islands. This is all because spending $35,000 on a functional plan so that we have been able to solve the problem with we know how much it will cost, and we can go bed numbers and other requirements—— to Treasury and get a decision made on the Mr Bredhauer interjected. Bamaga Hospital. 23 Jul 1996 Questions Without Notice 1721

During the trip we took with us two copy of the Government's State Economic representatives of the Federal Government. Development Strategy. I ask: can the Premier As a result of negotiations with those people outline to the House the background to that and the Federal Minister, Mr Wooldridge, we tabled document? have been able to provide some $3m extra for Mr BORBIDGE: Today, the Leader of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, the Opposition tabled a document that he $2.5m of which will go directly to providing claimed was an incredible leak in respect of medical services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait the Government's proposed State economic Islander communities throughout the State of development strategy. It is important to find Queensland. out how attentive and dedicated the Leader of the Opposition is, just what are his detective Pacific Highway powers and what is his level of ability in getting his hands on supposedly sensitive or secret Mr ROBERTSON: I refer the Minister documents. The Leader of the Opposition's for Transport and Main Roads to statements performance this morning, which would have attributed to him and reported in the Courier- done Broadway proud, no doubt caused Mail dated 13 July that Queensland Transport people to ask: is this a scandal; is this a leak; had sent 13,000 newsletters to property how could the Leader of the Opposition obtain owners along the highway between Brisbane such a sensitive document? The honourable and the Logan Motorway who live within 350 the Leader of the Opposition will really never metres of either side of the highway. I ask: quite make the grade as a great investigator why have residents in the suburb of or a great detective. Underwood, which is one of the communities which will be most affected by the Minister's The simple fact is that that particular decision to widen the freeway, not had those document was circulated for public comment newsletters delivered to them nearly two on three occasions. In April, copies were weeks after the Minister's announcement, or is distributed to all Government departments and this just another example of his commitment agencies. I am not sure—we might have put to open consultation? even the Leader of the Opposition on the circulation list. Later that month, 40 copies Mr JOHNSON: I am unaware that were distributed for public comment to select residents in that part of the member's peak bodies, development boards and electorate have not received those letters. I will universities. We wanted to make sure that we certainly look into that today. There is one were getting the widest possible input so in thing that this Government has been doing June, at a meeting of the Committee for the which the former Government did not do. We Economic Development of Australia, a further have been up front in our consultation with 300 copies of the document were provided to those people, and we will continue to be up conference participants. front. By the time the Leader of the Opposition Ms Bligh interjected. had tracked down one of those elusive Mr JOHNSON: The member for South confidential documents, 350 of them were Brisbane knows full well that we have had that floating around Brisbane. That document was consultation. We will continue to have that also the subject of an article in the Brisbane consultation. If there is a problem in that some Courier-Mail on 15 June. So, if the Leader of of those people have not been notified, I will the Opposition had missed one of the 350 certainly address that today. copies, he could have been brought roughly Ms BLIGH: I rise to a point of order. I up to speed by reading the Courier-Mail of 15 would like to draw the attention of the House June. to the fact that nobody in the suburbs in my I make the point that, unlike the previous electorate has received the letters to which the Government of which the Leader of the Minister refers. He is misleading the House to Opposition was a Minister, this Government is suggest that they have. serious about consultation. We are interested Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point in receiving feedback from business, from of order. organisations such as CEDA, from Government departments, from Government agencies, and from universities. In fact, some State Economic Development Strategy 350 such people were on the circulation list of Mr BAUMANN: I refer the Premier to that document. Unlike our predecessors, the document tabled today by the Leader of this Government is about getting results. Do the Opposition, which is supposedly a leaked honourable members remember the work of 1722 Questions Without Notice 23 Jul 1996 the previous Government in regard to halt that relocation? What plans does he have economic development strategies? Does for the facility? Are the jobs of the 18 anyone remember Leading State? After employees at the facility safe? Leading State came Leading State Mark II, in Mr JOHNSON: On 23 May, in company which the former Government put everything it with the member for Toowoomba North, I had omitted from the first document. So we had occasion to visit Toowoomba and some of its Leading State and then the sequel—a bit like transport and rail facilities. In answer to his Batman 2—Leading State Mark II. Then we question, we did visit the diesel maintenance had the encore, Strength to Strength. Does facility in the Toowoomba North electorate, anyone remember Strength to Strength? To and saw clearly that some of the policies of put it another way, does anyone remember the former Government seem to be still in one tangible economic development project place. However, the policies of the former that grew out of any of those three Government are no longer; it is a coalition documents? Absolutely not! What we had Government that is in power now. We have an from honourable members opposite was the agenda to look after the maintenance facilities trilogy—Leading State, Leading State Mark II throughout this State, unlike our predecessors, and Strength to Strength—but we did not who had an agenda to close down workshop have any projects or any lasting commitment facilities and cut back on maintenance levels to the people of this State. of railway infrastructure. Thus we saw the Unlike that of honourable members demise of railway infrastructure throughout the opposite, the State economic development length and breath of this State resulting from strategy of this Government will not be built on the inability of the former Government to put in glossy documents; it will be built on major place proper professional management announcements of significant economic practices, to look after rail workers and rail development projects in this State. I look infrastructure and to cater for the needs of the forward to announcing a number of those patrons of Queensland Rail. major projects—the substance of economic To return to the question asked by the development—instead of glossy public member for Toowoomba North—that diesel relations exercises as undertaken by the loco facility in Toowoomba North will be staying previous Government. I look forward to in its entirety. The 18 personnel employed announcing a number of those major currently at that facility will be staying and filling economic development projects within the the positions they fill currently. There is a blend next 10 days. of different ages in the personnel employed at that facility—some are close to retirement; Area Engineer, Brassall Depot some are not far into their careers. The Government will ensure that that facility and Mr LIVINGSTONE: I draw the attention those personnel stay in place. We are about of the Minister for Transport to concerns that ensuring the growth of the business of he intends to remove the area engineer Queensland Rail—not winding it down. While located at the Brassall depot from the Ipswich we help that business to grow, we need those region. As Ipswich is the fourth largest local workshop facilities throughout the length and authority in Queensland, with a large urban breath of this State to cater for the and rural area, I ask: will the Minister intervene maintenance of the rolling stock of QR. The to ensure that services provided by his member asked whether that facility is safe. department are not further centralised and Yes, the facility is safe. I trust that the keep senior staff in the Ipswich region? honourable member will return to the people Mr JOHNSON: I give the honourable who work there and tell them that their member that assurance. positions are guaranteed and that their future is also assured. Queensland Rail Diesel Maintenance This Government is not causing chaos Facility, Toowoomba and disruption to the lives of those people. Over the last five years, we saw what Mr HEALY: In directing a question to happened in Townsville. That is not going to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, I be part of the agenda of this Government. refer to the fact that the previous Government The policies of Labor destroyed the careers had intended to close an important and livelihoods of railway employees Queensland Rail diesel maintenance depot in throughout the length and breath of this State. my electorate of Toowoomba North and Those are certainly not the policies of this relocate it to Brisbane. I ask: since he has Government. This Government disregards been the Minister, what steps has he taken to those policies totally. This Government is 23 Jul 1996 Questions Without Notice 1723 about preserving and respecting the Mr COOPER: It is a fact that if a person professionalism of those people. I say to makes an application for a licence that person members opposite: this Government cares must have something in writing from a about the workers of Queensland Rail. property owner which gives permission for the Mr Hamill interjected. applicant to shoot on that particular property. That is regarded as a genuine reason. Mr JOHNSON: I see the honourable member for Ipswich sitting on the edge of his Nevertheless, the weapons registry is the seat. I say to my dear friend that he was the final arbiter. We are the legislators, but the grand architect, the master engineer, who people who work in the weapons registry, who masterminded the dislocation, disruption and are apolitical, are in a far better position to total chaos that exists today in Queensland make decisions as to who should or should Rail. not be granted a licence. This Government will once again However, the member raises a valid point. guarantee the livelihoods of the people within There is no question about that. We have QR—something which members opposite noted that there may be some property never did. Last week, this Government owners who may try to get half smart and they announced an $8m upgrade of the Townsville may try to register a large number of people or South yard. We will be seeing a winding down provide a large number of letters. of the Townsville North yard and the people Mr T. B. Sullivan: He pays 20 bucks from the Townsville North yard will be relocated and becomes part owner of a property. to the Townsville South yard. Bearing in mind Mr COOPER: I am fully aware of what the growth in mineral transport that will occur the honourable member is saying. I am very as a result of the development of the north mindful of it. It is one of those things that west mineral province near Mount Isa, Parliament can certainly have a look at. There Townsville is guaranteed to continue as a is no question about that. The main thing is major railway facility for north Queensland. that we have gone to every extent that we Mr Elder: What do they think of you in possibly can to look after those decent, honest the north now? shooters who like to carry out that pursuit, whether it is target shooting, sporting shooting Mr JOHNSON: I say to my friend that or recreational shooting, or whether they are under this Government, rail business in Townsville, Toowoomba and other railway primary producers, so that they can continue institutions in this State will grow. It is certainly doing the legitimate things that they have part of the Borbidge/Sheldon coalition done in the past. We are looking to make sure Government's policy to deliver. This that those people who want to possess illegal Government will act on the recommendations weapons—the Rambo-style people; the of the audit report in relation to rail, which was people who are a danger to society—have tabled during the last sitting of Parliament. restricted access to those particular firearms. This Government cares about the workers of We have to do a balancing act which, I can this State, unlike our friends opposite. say, has not been very easy. Nevertheless, at 11.30 today I will be giving yet another briefing to members Firearms Legislation opposite. I do know what the member is Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: I refer the talking about. At this stage, we do not have Minister for Police and Corrective Services to restrictions on that activity. If this legislation advertisements placed in the real estate proceeds, I suggest that we keep an eye on section of a recent Saturday Courier-Mail and the matter. Of course, if people blatantly Sunday Mail, which I table, and which states— disregard and abuse the legislation, then we should come cracking down on them like a "Sporting shooters and gun owners tonne of bricks. meet new legislation, become part owner of large property." It then gives two phone numbers. I ask the Public Display of Land Valuation Minister: how does he propose to address this Information blatant attempt to avoid his proposed gun Mr ELLIOTT: I refer the Minister for laws? Under the Minister's proposed Natural Resources to some concern that has legislation, will all rural property owners or part been expressed in the community about the owners or potentially pseudo owners be able publication of personal details in public to own firearms as suggested in this displays issued for the purpose of notifying advertisement? residents about their valuations, and I ask: 1724 Matters of Public Interest 23 Jul 1996 what is the Minister doing about the disclosure the benefit of the House, I table a copy of that of landowners' names and addresses and the letter. I ask the Treasurer: will she admit to information supplied in valuation displays or blatantly misleading the people of Queensland from public access to the valuation roll? when writing letters to community groups that Mr HOBBS: I have taken steps to were successful in securing grants from the amend the Valuation of Land Act to ensure Gaming Machine Community Benefits Fund that in genuine cases the names and address by advising them that the fund was of people are suppressed from any established by this Government when she information roll. I think that it is very important, knows that the fund was an initiative of the simply because we need to make sure that we Goss Labor Government in 1993? Will the do not jeopardise the safety of people who, for Treasurer apologise to the Parliament and the various reasons, do not wish to have their people of Queensland for misleading them? names on a public roll. I think that we need to Mrs SHELDON: No. put in place that system as soon as we possibly can. The proposal parallels the current privacy arrangements in relation to the Port Hinchinbrook Development electoral roll. Mr ROWELL: I refer the Minister for I have also proposed a further review of Environment to a claim by the member for the Valuation of Land Act in relation to the Everton that a secret plan was being methodology and administration of the developed by the Commonwealth and State valuation system. I instigated that review, Governments to enable the Port Hinchinbrook which is to be conducted by Mr Len Evans, an project to proceed, and I ask: is Mr Welford's independent project manager, in March this claim of a secret plan accurate? Why has Mr year, and it will be completed in September. Welford opposed this project when his Mr Evans has travelled throughout the State colleagues, as Ministers, signed a tripartite gathering all the information that we need. agreement with the Cardwell Shire Council and the developer? We have to improve the valuation system. We have to make it more open and Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for accountable. We have asked people to make questions has expired. submissions to the inquiry. The closing date for those submissions is 26 July, which will give MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST Mr Evans time to complete that review. Mr A. Windsor; Queensland Fire We have to rebuild the valuation system, Service which is very important. The previous Government let the valuation system and the Mr SCHWARTEN (Rockhampton) department run down to a stage at which (11.30 a.m.): I rise to warn the people of morale was very low. The old Department of Queensland about a potentially dangerous Lands had been deteriorating to a stage at agenda being pursued by the Treasurer of this which it was almost a shell. Funding had been State, Mrs Sheldon, through her requirement reduced, nothing had been done and the for the Department of Emergency Services to people doing the valuations had neither the find 10 per cent savings across-the-board. tools of trade nor the staff to be able to carry Before I do, however, I want to correct some out their functions. We have to rebuild that misinformation being peddled by the office of process, which, of course, will be very costly. the Minister for Emergency Services in relation However, we are doing it. In fact, we have to the shabby treatment of Allan Windsor, the implemented already some of Mr Evans' previous Executive Director of the Counter recommendations arising out of the review. Disaster Services. One of those recommendations was to locate The Minister's office would have us departmental coordinators throughout the believe that, after more than 20 years of State. The lack of staff at the coal face was service to the people of Queensland, Mr occurring simply because of the lack of Windsor was being allowed to retire with all the resources that were provided to the previous dignity which should be afforded to such a department. loyal servant. The truth is that on 12 July Mr Windsor was told by the Acting Director-General of Emergency Services, Mr Gaming Machine Community Benefits Hocken—who I see got the official nod Fund today—that he was no longer the head of the Mr BRISKEY: I refer the Treasurer to a SES and that as of 15 July another person letter sent by her to community groups. For would be carrying out that role. In other words, 23 Jul 1996 Matters of Public Interest 1725 he was told that, as far as this Government has caused considerable disquiet amongst the was concerned, his use-by date had arrived. ranks of the firefighters. Such was Mr Windsor's distress at such There is also widespread speculation callous and undignified treatment that, for the about the requirements for firefighters at level first time in his life, he went home early from FP01 PP4 to access FP01 PP5. This involves work. further training on Q Step and, naturally, there The news of this spread like wildfire and I is great concern as to how this will all pan out, have received 32 calls over four days from especially in the ranks of older officers who people associated with Mr Windsor, have not studied for a long time. In other demanding that I do something to help him. I words, these firefighters, many of whom were think this says a lot about the respect Mr disillusioned with us over what they saw as a Windsor has earned and the degree of lack of progress, are now finding that nothing dissatisfaction that his colleagues feel about to improve their lot has happened since the the way he was treated. coalition crept into Government. On Thursday, 18 July, I released a There is also a great deal of uncertainty in statement which set out my condemnation of the upper ranks as names of senior officers the process of eviction of Mr Windsor. As I are being bandied about as being those who understand it, Channel 9 contacted Mr are facing the chop. The secret MOU signed Windsor, but naturally he was unable to between the previous shadow Minister, Mr comment. However, I am reliably informed that Littleproud, the Premier, Mr Borbidge, and the arrival of my media release precipitated certain elements of the UFU—and, by the way, some frantic activity in the Minister's office there was no reference to rank and file UFU which resulted in a senior department official members over this—is certain to result in the contacting me to tell me I was wrong and that removal of the current commissioner from his Mr Windsor was going to be permitted to retire position. We have already seen the Director- with dignity. General, Dr Keliher, sacked from the public service as part of the grubby deal. You can The truth is that, had I not made the bet your bottom dollar that Commissioner statements I did, Mr Windsor would not have Skerrit and a number of senior officers will be been afforded the right to retire under proper next. and reasonable terms. I am delighted that my The truth is that this will solve nothing as actions have resulted in this fine the Fire Service needs two things: money and Queenslander being allowed to serve out the solid supportive leadership. I will never knock rest of his time in an appropriate way, by firefighters as I have seen first hand the farewelling the many friends and colleagues excellent job that they do, and it is about time he has made throughout Queensland. I that the Government recognised that. We condemn the actions of the Minister's office in have all heard the Minister prattle on about trying to cover up this disgraceful incident. the extra 135 firefighters and the pay I turn now to the Queensland Fire Service, increases he is going to deliver, but that is which is to face the Sheldon scissors and a 10 about it—nothing has changed to improve the per cent budget cut. The Minister has assured day-to-day lot of the firefighters. this Parliament that, following the inquiry into The Staib report indicated that an extra the Fire Service by Ms Lyn Staib, he is on top $30m had to be found for the QFS in order to of the issues which challenge that service. improve its capacity to deliver a quality service However, from what I am told by firefighters, to the people of Queensland, but the truth is nothing could be further from the truth. Morale that Mrs Sheldon is telling Mr Veivers that he amongst these workers is very low. This has has too much money and that he must reduce been caused by many things, none the least his budget by 10 per cent. Firefighters are of which is the lack of a pay rise for over six rightfully asking: how can the Staib findings be years. The reason for this is that firefighters implemented if there is a reduction in funds? rejected a workplace reform package which How is it that this Government can put on an was agreed to by the previous Government extra 135 firefighters with less money? How is and the UFU, thus causing the matter to be it that the sort of wage increases to be funded referred to the Queensland Industrial Relations through EB1 and EB2 agreements can be Commission, which brought down its findings a provided against the background of a reduced few weeks ago. It is a matter of fact that the budget? There is only one way, of course, and commission rulings are inferior to the that is that the fire levy will be increased, which agreement previously reached between the will mean the breaking of another election UFU and the previous Government, and this promise by this Government. 1726 Matters of Public Interest 23 Jul 1996

All that I can say to the Minister is that he On top of these despicable cuts, staff and had better hurry up and get started on regional training will be slashed from $35,000 implementing his promises of one and three to $18,000. This means less planning and on pumpers and increased wages, and training will occur at a regional level. Quite actually get some confidence back into the simply, it will rob regions of trained staff to ranks of the firefighters. He needs to take a assist local authorities to plan for disasters. particular interest in the upgrading of Disaster research, which has made qualifications, because I can tell him that a lot Queensland the leading State in up-to-date of firefighters are approaching this aspect with data on managing disasters, will lose its a lot of trepidation and these people will $70,000 budget. This means that the Cairns require a considerable amount of support. demographic vulnerability analysis of cyclones However, the bottom line is still that the and storm surge, the Townsville James Cook Sheldon cuts—which did not apply to the University cyclonic winds project, the users of her toll road, who will now be given a Macquarie University public awareness $200m free ride—are going to hurt the Fire communication and awareness project and Service budget. If the Minister is sincere in his the James Cook University $10,000 per year wish to have the service better funded, then for five years grant will go. The annual rescue he must either stand up to Mrs Sheldon or competition, which costs a lousy $20,000, will stand over Queensland householders and also be scrapped. This very meaningful activity take approximately an extra $30 from their has provided our rescue teams with real pockets. competition to sharpen their skills. The general training budget, which provides for the training I now turn to the unkindest cut of all from of all SES members, will be reduced by one- Mrs Sheldon—the cuts proposed to the third, or about $50,000, causing a great volunteer ranks of counter disaster services. If reduction in the ongoing training of volunteers. ever there was an indication of how little this This reduced training will mean that volunteers Government cares for the average will suffer even greater risk of personal injury Queenslander, this is it. This Government is than they already do. proposing to cut funds to the people who, in times of disaster, volunteer to lay their lives on In the area of volunteer marine rescue, the line for their fellow human beings. Every the training budget of $50,000 will disappear. time we have a flood or a cyclone or any other In other words, there will be no training disaster in this State, it is the volunteer from available to those brave souls who volunteer the State Emergency Service who risks his or to rescue mariners who regularly get into her life to climb on the roof to tarp down the trouble in our treacherous waters. Also under house; in most cases it is the volunteer who threat is the State Labor Government inspired takes the boat into floodwaters to rescue ATSI emergency training program. To date, trapped families; it is the volunteer who works Mrs Sheldon has refused to approve the around the clock to rescue people, to clean up $320,000 budget which would enable this program to proceed. This will probably come debris to make a disaster area safe, to staff as no surprise to the people of the Torres the emergency communications centre and so Strait as they are used to being treated with on. Yet we see this callous Government slicing contempt by National and Liberal Party away at the capacity of these great Governments. It is a fact that, before Labor Queenslanders to do this safely. was elected, no thought was given to training Firstly, almost $300,000 is to be taken the people of the Torres Strait to deal with away from equipment used by volunteers. This disasters nor was any equipment provided to will mean that volunteers will be forced to assist them in that regard. ignore workplace safety and even What sort of a Government would cut departmental standards in order to carry out these funds while allowing its Treasurer to their work. Less protective clothing and less squander $200m on a free ride for her rescue equipment will be available, and constituents? What sort of a Government therefore the risk of loss of life to both would reduce training to volunteers and volunteers and victims will be greater. Add to thereby increase the possibility of them losing this the reduction by 40 per cent of the their lives, and would take away their communication equipment budget, which will equipment which reduces their capacity to mean that the progress made in this area rescue victims, and then turn around and under our Government will stall while the guarantee $8m for a car race? I submit that it potential loss of life because of the use of is the sort of Government we now have in outdated or inappropriate communication Queensland—a Government which does not equipment will be increased. care a fig for the average Queenslander. By 23 Jul 1996 Matters of Public Interest 1727 doing this, the effectiveness of the whole SES young people. It is also an advantage for lady program in this State will be undermined. I and disabled shooters. Such guns are a believe that the level of disillusionment necessity. currently pervading the SES ranks throughout Perhaps I am a little thick, but the logic of this State should be of great concern to all the debate escapes me. It is okay to have a Queenslanders, and I hold the view that if this side-by-side shotgun with two shots or an Sheldon madness prevails, then ultimately under-and-over with two shots; but, no, we public safety in this State will be compromised. cannot use a semiautomatic with two shots. I may not be very good at logic, but the logic Gun Control Laws escapes me and my constituents who are interested in sporting shooting. They find that Mr ELLIOTT (Cunningham) to be a strange anomaly indeed. Interestingly, (11.40 a.m.): This morning, I take the when all of the Ministers supported the new opportunity to congratulate Michael Diamond laws, where were members opposite? on winning an Olympic gold medal for trapshooting, in particular for hitting 149 out of Mr Schwarten: Your party supported it 150 targets. yesterday. Mr Stoneman: Hear, hear! Mr ELLIOTT: I did not see one report in Mr ELLIOTT: My colleague has done the press of the ALP standing up for anyone plenty of clay pigeon shooting. He would know in the shooting debate. The ALP was absent how hard it is to achieve such a high score. I from the debate. When Rob Borbidge and the started shooting clay pigeons when I was 12 backbenchers of the National Party, such as years old. I know that hitting 149 out of 150 the member for Warwick, the member for targets in that sort of competition is nothing Toowoomba and I were attending the big gun short of a miracle. meetings taking all the flak, ALP members were 5,000 miles away from the action. They It is rather ironic that Australia's first gold all said, "We'll be behind you." They were so medal was for shooting. Thus far, we have not far behind us they could not be seen in the won any other gold medals, and certainly distance even with a telescope! That is how far none in swimming. At the moment, the behind us they were, and the electorate knows Federal Government is doing its level best to it. It knows where members opposite stood. undermine the sport of shooting in this They stood behind the door and were not country. I will watch to see whether the Prime game to front up. The odd member opposite Minister claims Michael Diamond as a great took a stand against guns, but most of them comrade in arms. were so far behind us we could not see them. Mr Robertson: Michael Diamond They were not game to stand up and be refused to participate in the debate about gun counted. They left us high and dry, and we control. took all the flak. Mr ELLIOTT: And so he should. I wish to ensure that my constituents Interestingly, the first person to make understand which party stood for which something of this issue was Steve Liebman. position in this debate. It is most important for He has been one of the biggest critics of people to understand that National Party shooters, and he has basically tried to portray backbenchers stood up, were counted, and anyone involved in shooting as being did their job. They fed back information to the unstable. I noticed with great interest that he Police Minister. It was important to make sure was one of the first to embrace Michael that everyone understood the anomalies, the Diamond and to interview him on his program. problems and the need to accommodate Such people are hypocritical. My suggestion to genuine shooters, either primary producers or all of them, and particularly to the Prime sporting or recreational shooters. In my Minister, is that they go to a major clay target opinion, those people have a legitimate right shooting club to find out exactly what goes on. to pursue their sport. If someone rounded up The Prime Minister needs to understand the about five people and killed them with a golf need for sporting shooters to use club, surely no-one would suggest that golf semiautomatic shotguns. These guns are clubs should be banned. used by ladies, juniors and disabled shooters. Ms Spence: That's a silly argument. Young shooters learn to shoot with them. I and other honourable members learned to Mr ELLIOTT: No, it is not a silly shoot using semiautomatic shotguns. The argument. Is the member suggesting that minimal recoil of semiautomatic shotguns is a Michael Diamond is going to come back here very significant advantage when teaching and run amok with his shotgun? 1728 Matters of Public Interest 23 Jul 1996

Opposition members: No! trying to keep this issue under some sort of Mr ELLIOTT: Honourable members reasonable control. should tell me why those people should be Time expired. treated any differently in society than people who follow any other sport. What about archers? A bow and arrow can be just as lethal Queensland Woman as a shotgun. A bow and arrow can be used Ms SPENCE (Mount Gravatt) to kill a person at a much greater distance (11.50 a.m.): I speak of an important matter than a shotgun. Using trap shot, the shooter this morning: the flagrant use of taxpayers' would be lucky to hit a target at 85 yards—the money to fund Liberal/National Party shot will not carry that far. The whole debate is propaganda. The more things change in an absolute nonsense. Queensland, the more they stay the same. Certain people have tried to paint anyone Just to prove that the National and Liberal involved in sporting or recreational shooting in Parties have forgotten none of the political the same light as those people who go mad tricks of days gone by when Joh Bjelke- with a centre-fire semiautomatic military Petersen and his Cabinet Ministers used the weapon. They are totally and utterly different Government media machine for their own and should always be seen to be such. It is a personal promotion, this Government shows nonsense for people to try to tar with the same that it is set to do it all again. Like old wine in brush the rest of the normal, sane people in new bottles, members opposite have learned society who carry on with their sport just nothing and forgotten nothing. because it happens to be trapshooting or This month, Queensland women were range shooting. It is totally unreasonable for presented with a new treat: Mrs Sheldon's new the media in particular to try to paint well- newspaper titled Queensland Woman. When adjusted people as being less than stable. the Deputy Premier announced the concept of People are sick and tired of it. a newspaper for Queensland women in her Mr T. B. Sullivan interjected. landmark women's statement earlier this year, I was pleased with the initiative. We certainly Mr ELLIOTT: I did not see the need more newspapers in this State. This honourable member when the big issues were could have been a valuable vehicle for women being debated. The honourable member was to write about the issues that concern them. absent from the debate. Instead, Mrs Sheldon takes a good idea and It is most important that the public of abuses it. The first edition of Queensland Queensland understands that the result will Woman is little more than a paper designed to accommodate most people's positions. There promote the Deputy Premier and her is no doubt that some people will be Ministers. An examination of the paper reveals disappointed by the legislation. However, most that Mrs Sheldon gets her name mentioned people will be accommodated because the no fewer than 25 times. Mrs Sheldon's National Party backbenchers participated in photograph dominates the first and second the debate. The Police Minister in particular pages. But not to be outdone, she shares the consulted not only those backbench members media spotlight with her political appointee, Ms and got feedback from all of the big meetings Jackson—the former marketing manager who but also listened to the sporting shooters and now heads the Office of Women's shooters from other disciplines who presented Affairs—who gets no fewer than 13 mentions various submissions to the Police Minister so in this paper. that he would understand the position across Ms Jackson shows that she is worth every the entire industry. cent she is being paid. She gives her new The Police Minister understands guns, Minister value for money. We get headlines shooting and the problems involved. It is such as "Sheldon urges country women to fortunate that in Queensland we have a unite voices" and "Joan Sheldon launches Minister for Police responsible for the carriage Brisbane Industry Group". An article titled of this legislation who understands what is "Calling corporate women" is turned into a going on. He understands the different types series of quotes from Mrs Sheldon. An article of weapons. Where would we have been had titled "Letters condemn violence" is similarly a the honourable member opposite been in series of quotes from Mrs Sheldon. Mrs charge of this issue? We would have finished Sheldon uses both the first and second pages up with the greatest disaster ever. Today, I to sell Government policy, even going as far wish to go on record as thanking my as telling us that the Metway/Suncorp/QIDC colleagues who assisted, in particular the merger is going to be good for women. We Minister for Police for the role that he played in are told that the thousands of new jobs this 23 Jul 1996 Matters of Public Interest 1729 merger will create will allow women to choose Mr Hamill: Joan wouldn't give up one of the working arrangements that suit them and her 25 spots. their families. Pull the other one, Joan! Finally, Ms SPENCE: That is right. Another we have an article titled "Greater access for important omission—and this is a serious indigenous women" and more of Mrs one—was any discussion of the hottest Sheldon's wisdom. It states— political issue confronting this State and this "Mrs Sheldon said the Queensland nation during the last couple of months: the Government valued the contribution of issue of gun control. This is a disappointing indigenous women on a number of omission, because the women of this State Government advisory committees." have been very vocal and very involved in this Mr Hamill: She also said, "Trust me. I'm debate. Women have never shied away from the Government." tough political issues, and in this particular debate they have often represented the voice Ms SPENCE: She did. The article of reason. continues— If this newspaper is ever going to be more "Mrs Sheldon said indigenous than Mrs Sheldon's and Ms Jackson's vehicle women were not being heard because for promoting this Government, it must take up they often lived in remote communities the challenge of discussing the big political and many didn't speak English as a first issues of the day. If information empowers language." and power is the capacity to act, then this An Opposition member: Surprise, Government need have no fear of any action surprise! from Queensland women as a result of this paper. There is no mention of feminism or Ms SPENCE: It is profound, isn't it! I will patriarchy and no mention of the adverse not go on and on with the Mrs Sheldon effects that Minister Santoro's industrial quotes—I do not want to bore honourable relations legislation will have on women. There members. Nor do I want to give the impression is no mention of funding cuts to women that I would deny Mrs Sheldon the opportunity service providers, no mention of the cuts to to receive some good press. As my colleague women's health and no mention of this said, we all know how badly she needs it! I Government's record in promoting women to acknowledge Mrs Sheldon's right to seek senior executive positions in the public service. recognition and fame and to take credit for her Instead, we get a newspaper devoid of hard achievements. However, I think we should all news or opinion pieces or feminist reasoning in ask ourselves whether the Queensland favour of Government propaganda and taxpayers want their hard-earned dollars going nutrition, health and lifestyle articles that would towards this self-promotion. Why aren't the do any male newspaper editor proud. Liberal and National Parties paying for this newspaper? In a world in which publishing has traditionally rested on its laurels as a I mention the National Party because its paternalistic gentlemen's profession, where Ministers get their fair share of space in newspapers are still dominated by white, male Queensland Woman. Ministers Trevor Perrett editors and reporters, the opportunity for and Mrs McCauley get a few mentions—— women to produce and write a newspaper for An Opposition member: Is Trevor a women at the Government's expense is a woman too now? He'll be dressing up in drag tremendous opportunity for women's opinions, shortly! women's reporting, the expression of women's Ms SPENCE: He does well. Health growing political might and the policy puzzles Minister Mike Horan—— concerning women. This newspaper should have been an opportunity for women in Mr Hamill: What about the Tourism Queensland to have free debate on the Minister? important issues of the day. The women I Ms SPENCE: Oh, yes. I will come to have spoken to about this newspaper have him. Health Minister Mike Horan gets his own expressed regret at this lost opportunity. article and a photo in an article titled "Health Perhaps it would be better to have no Department commits to women", and Minister newspaper at all than one which reveals that Davidson gets an article but no photo the most important diary events for women in opportunity. Curiously, I could not find the this State are the country shows. Yes, in the Premier's name mentioned even once in this "What's On" section we are given the dates for embarrassing expose of his Government's the Ingham, the Innisfail, the Dayboro, the achievements. Cairns, the Gatton, the Mossman, the 1730 Matters of Public Interest 23 Jul 1996

Collinsville, the Tully, the Texas, the Charters bit like the cartoon figure who pops out of the Towers, the Sarina and the Brisbane shows. peanut paste bottle, is she not? But LARA No wonder women in this State despair when does stand for something: she is going to the Office of Women's Affairs presents country listen, advise, research, and when all that is shows as the most important intellectual, done—and we are told that that is going to be social, cultural and political events of their a very thorough, ongoing and long process— time! finally she is going to act. I think that Mr T. B. Sullivan: Nothing about Queensland women will be taking a long—— domestic violence, child care or—— Time expired. Ms SPENCE: No. But to be fair, there are a couple of mentions of film festivals, Doomadgee family conferences and Breast Feeding Week. Mr CARROLL (Mansfield) (12 noon): I I think women can do better than this with want to mention a matter of real public respect to content, and they deserve better importance, that is, the recent Doomadgee than this Government, which is prepared to disturbance. Recently this year I twice visited treat them as children who need to be Doomadgee in north-west Queensland with shielded from the tough issues of the day. In the Minister for Families, Youth and reducing the new face of the Office of Community Care. I want to bring to the Women's Affairs to a cartoon figure, Mrs attention of the House not only a little bit of Sheldon is perpetuating the typical fact about the recent disturbances but also a stereotyping of women's affairs that has often bit of good news. delighted the male media masters of this world. The traditional lack of space in the The tale of civil unrest in that area is mainstream media given to full and proper worrying to all Queenslanders as well as, I am discussion of women's issues has meant that sure, people in the Aboriginal community. these issues have been reduced to cartoon Obviously, most of the news we have heard proportions and significance. from Doomadgee in recent months has not been of a positive nature. However, I am able Cartoons have traditionally been the to report to the House today that the situation province of children. Notwithstanding some of following the latest round of disturbances is the fine political cartooning of our time, we back to normal, and there were few serious generally see this medium as one belonging injuries. The divisional head of OATSIA, Jim to children's programming and comic books. I Wauchope, is coming back from Doomadgee happen to think women are tired of being this morning. He reports that the situation treated like children by the media, politicians there is satisfactory. and the bureaucracy. I am sorry, but every time I look at LARA, the new cartoon character I believe that the local police and the who symbolises the Office of Women's Affairs, officers who were brought in from Mount Isa I am reminded of Condoman—the Phantom- during the disturbances are to be commended looking figure who features on posters for their actions and efficiency. Their reaction encouraging Aboriginals to wear condoms. to the situation was one of complete Presumably, this type of cartoon campaign competence and ability. Those police was thought necessary to overcome literacy reinforcements have been returned to Mount problems. I wonder if the same cartoonist was Isa. I also commend the behaviour and the used to create LARA. Is it considered that the diligence of the police who are usually based LARA figure is necessary to get messages in Doomadgee. Theirs is a remote posting, across to women because they have literacy which they undertake for a number of months problems? Has research at the Office of at a time. Many of them are young Women's Affairs revealed that women in constables. particular react favourably to cartoons? Do There are a number of causes behind the women want a LARA cartoon figure to disturbances which will not all be resolved represent them in this Government? overnight. One of those seems to be the Mr T. B. Sullivan: They've got one. control of resources within the community. I think it is fair to say that, after a suitable Ms SPENCE: They have got one in interval, it will be necessary to bring the parties their Minister. in dispute together in an effort to reach some Ms Jackson said that LARA embodied all agreement in relation to the use of those that was strong in women and that this is not resources. It seems that the recent dispute the only LARA we will see—she changes flared from differences of opinion and attitude shape, age and characteristics. She is a little expressed by members of opposing football 23 Jul 1996 Matters of Public Interest 1731 teams—the town's two football teams. Islander communities come in without Unfortunately, on top of other matters that problems. were simmering, that led to a series of Another positive story, which probably will incidents. The Minister for Families, Youth and not find its way into the news, is that the Community Care recently approved the council has been able to set aside funds to provision of two buses for the community. This build a large community hall which, I am sure, will assist the football teams and the softball will provide a focal point for community and netball teams to travel to Mount Isa or activities. This has been made possible only other areas nearby so that they might be able through the careful management of financial to focus on their real sporting ability rather resources by that council. The hall will provide than on some differences. This morning in the a venue where young people can hold dances House members heard about the attention and others can meet in a friendly atmosphere. that is being given by the Minister for Health to It will be a huge advantage to the Doomadgee Aboriginal people in those remote areas. community. Construction of that hall is about While these are some of the causes of to commence. dispute, and they involve members of the Gangallida people and still have to be sorted Last night, Monday, 22 July, most of that out, it might be useful to focus on the positive community attended a celebration to mark aspects of Doomadgee and life there. I want NAIDOC week. They generally enjoyed to mention the press. Often the happenings at themselves in an alcohol-free environment. Doomadgee are regarded and reported as The people there recognise that alcohol can violent riots, whereas in fact they are be a problem. I appeal to all in that particular sometimes not more than gatherings of community and all other Aboriginal people who are attracted to an incident. They communities to continue to be mindful of the are not necessarily violent riots which need the problem that alcohol can be in all our Army brought in, for example. communities. I believe that it is very encouraging that the entire community there One of the good things about could come together again so soon after the Doomadgee is that the council administration recent fighting. I believe that augurs well for has had a very good record of financial the future of Doomadgee. accountability. The members of that council should be justifiably proud of their record. An I think it can be fairly said that many excellent comment was made by the members of the Doomadgee community are Auditor-General in his recently published very disappointed about the present reports, which I have examined. Recently I indications that the Century mine development travelled north with the Auditor-General. The may be in doubt. Those people are concerned Doomadgee council was one of those of which no doubt about the absence of job prospects he was very pleased to speak. for their children and other members of the community. I am sure that the tension of that The clerk of that community council is uncertainty has contributed to the flare-ups retiring now. I want to mention his work. He that have occurred in the last couple of has been a real inspiration to the council months. I know from my own visits to people and other folk in that community, no Doomadgee that many of the council matter what their background. Ram Kripal is members have expressed their personal the chap's name. We need to comment on anxiety about that project going ahead. In the hard work of people such as Ram and his other words, they want it to go ahead. They family, who go out to what some regard as a realise the benefits for their community, and frontier location and work very hard in the they know that the problems can be resolved. interests of the local people. By the end of this week the administration there will be staffed Despite that setback, I hope that I have solely by Aboriginal people. A member of that been able to present some of the more community who has been trained for the past encouraging aspects of Doomadgee. I take three years will be taking over as council clerk. away the usual focus on problems. There are He will be backed up by administrative many positive aspects of life in Doomadgee. I assistance in Mount Isa. This is in complete recall a recent visit there when Fiona, the contrast to the practice of the previous Labor school principal, was able to proudly show us a Government in Queensland. From now on the neat and tidy school, well-assembled classes council clerk will receive ongoing support from and keen and conscientious teachers. From a financial accountability support officer based reading press reports, that is not the kind of in Mount Isa. This is a very commendable thing that one would imagine really does initiative of our Auditor-General, who wants to happen there. I was also impressed with the be sure that all reports from Aboriginal and concept of out-stations, where young people 1732 Matters of Public Interest 23 Jul 1996 who may be experiencing discipline or the Courier-Mail that the Department of behavioural problems are encouraged to Transport had distributed over 13,000 undertake vocational training which will stand newsletters to affected residents, advising the them in good stead, whether they stay in that latest information in relation to the particular community or travel elsewhere in Government's plan to widen the freeway. I Queensland. have news for the Minister: not one resident in I believe that the long-term solutions to the Underwood area received that newsletter. the underlying disputes in the Doomadgee Today we heard the admission by the Minister community must come from the community that he was not aware of that. If that was the itself. I have no doubt whatever that the case, why did the Minister make that Minister for Families, Youth and Community deliberately misleading statement? Care, the Minister for Health and other Mr Carroll: How would you know? members of the Queensland Government will Mr ROBERTSON: I know that the be doing their very best to facilitate agreement residents of Underwood have not received that and advance beyond those problems. I newsletter because last Sunday I attended the believe that the people there and people protest meeting and the member for Mansfield elsewhere in Queensland can be assured that did not. If he had listened to the answer of the the Queensland Government will do its very Minister this morning, he would have also said best to help the folk in Doomadgee to work that he was not aware that the newsletter had through the problems and hopefully come up not gone out. I know; the member for with long-term solutions. Mansfield does not know and the Minister does not know. Pacific Highway In case the Minister is not aware of where Mr ROBERTSON (Sunnybank) Underwood is, let me inform him that (12.09 p.m.): The Liberal/National Underwood is located between the Gateway Government's ill-conceived proposal to widen Arterial and the Watland Street overpass, and the Pacific Highway received a resounding is closer to the highway than just about any thumbs down from over 250 residents in other community along the South East Underwood at a public meeting last Sunday. Freeway route. There can be no excuse for And in a further demonstration of arrogance those residents not receiving that information by this Government, neither the Premier, the some two weeks after the Minister announced Minister for Transport nor even the local that those newsletters had already been Liberal members for Springwood and distributed. It is not just Underwood residents Mansfield—all of whom were invited to the who are complaining about not receiving this meeting—even bothered to turn up to the information. At the protest meeting last meeting to hear the legitimate concerns of Sunday, residents from the electorates of their constituents from Rochedale, Springwood Springwood and Mansfield, who live alongside and Eight Mile Plains. I believe that the time is the freeway, stated that they also had not long overdue for the Premier of this State to received that newsletter. If the Minister cannot act, because his own Minister for Transport ensure that a simple newsletter is distributed has clearly demonstrated that he is just not up to those affected communities, what faith can to the task. residents have in any other commitment given by the Minister for Transport that they will be We need the Premier of this State to consulted and their voices heard? intervene to stop this madness and put an end to his Minister's plan to create that super The residents of Underwood are angry, highway. We all remember the Minister for and rightfully so. That is why they have Transport's champagne performance in this demanded that the Minister for Transport place earlier in the year when he claimed that attend their next protest meeting in order to the people who lived in the South East hear first-hand their legitimate concerns about Freeway corridor had been consulted about the Government's ill-advised plan to widen the the coalition's plans to widen the freeway. freeway. I take this opportunity to challenge When pressed, the Minister was finally forced the Minister to come to Underwood and front to admit that his version of consultation was to up to the people who live in the suburbs that issue a press release prior to last year's State he is so hell-bent on destroying. I am happy to election. In spite of the severe embarrassment issue that challenge to the member for that that caused his Government, the Minister Mansfield, who seems to interject at every for Transport seems not to have learned stage. anything over the past five months. It was only What about the members for Mansfield two weeks ago that the Minister announced in and Springwood—those members who were 23 Jul 1996 Matters of Public Interest 1733 allegedly elected on the back of protests I repeat: 100,000 vehicles every day. That against the South Coast Motorway? Where is figure alone must raise real concerns about their commitment to protecting constituents the level of air quality in those suburbs that from other parts of their electorates who are abut the freeway. I cannot think of any other suffering from this Government's plans to section of freeway in Queensland that carries destroy their communities? Where is the that amount of traffic every day of the year. mandate that the Government would have us Yet, instead of gaining some relief from the believe exists to widen the South East ever-increasing noise and pollution, those Freeway? This Government would have us residents will be further penalised by this believe that the results at the last State Government, which wants to add another two election give it that alleged mandate. Let us lanes, potentially increasing the traffic-carrying consider the results in the polling booths in capacity of that section of freeway by a further those areas of the electorates of Sunnybank 30 per cent. Where is this Government's and Springwood that will be most affected by commitment to protecting the quality of life of the widening of the freeway. those residents? Where is its commitment, In my electorate, at the Eight Mile Plains contained in its 1995 environment election booth where the vast majority of Underwood policy, to fund scientific research into the residents vote, the votes for the coalition's effects of air pollution on the health of candidate dropped by 1.5 per cent from the Queenslanders? The Minister for Environment result achieved by the Liberals and Nationals has obviously been told to shelve that in 1992. At the booth where Springwood commitment while the Minister for Transport electors voted, the votes for the coalition's builds his super highway in the backyards of candidate, Mr Woolmer, dropped by 2.9 per the residents of Underwood, Rochedale and cent from the result achieved by the Liberals Springwood. and Nationals in 1992. The votes for the The callous strategy of this Government coalition at the Springwood North booth to build its super highway has become dropped by 0.9 per cent. At the Springwood increasingly transparent. It is the old divide booth the votes for the coalition dropped by and conquer strategy whereby individual 1.7 per cent and at the Slacks Creek booth communities are picked off one by one they dropped by 2.1 per cent. Those results through the staged implementation of the were achieved at an election in which the Government's plan. First of all, we have seen coalition claims it received a Statewide swing the residents of Eagleby and Beenleigh of 6 per cent. Where is the mandate that the trampled on while the Government considers coalition claims it has to widen the South East what it will do along other sections. The next Freeway? It is clear from the 1995 election group of residents to be picked off will be results that the residents who live alongside those in Underwood, Rochedale and the South East Freeway—the residents most Springwood, while the Government considers affected by the coalition's plans to widen the what it will do along the next section between freeway—gave a resounding "No" to the the Gateway Bridge and the Captain Cook coalition's super highway plan. It appears that Bridge. This arrogant Government hopes that the votes of those residents clearly do not that divide and conquer strategy will somehow count in the estimation of the Minister for minimise the strength of protest against its Transport. super highway. But it will not work because the The residents who live alongside the residents of Underwood have said, "Enough is South East Freeway have a range of very real enough." If this Transport Minister had any concerns about the proposal to widen the heart, he would recognise that 100,000 freeway to eight lanes. So far, those concerns vehicles using this section of the freeway every have gone unheard by this Government—a day of the year is enough. Those residents Government that has demonstrated a have paid the price of the substantial growth in complete inability to put in place the necessary population in South East Queensland. They mechanisms to allow for effective consultation should not be made to suffer any more than with affected residents. One question is being they do currently. asked by many residents in Underwood, This Government's plan to widen the Springwood and Rochedale: why does this South East Freeway comes at a time when Government want to penalise those residents today's Courier-Mail reports that the Australian by implementing this ill-conceived plan? Bureau of Statistics predicts that, over the next The Minister for Transport admits readily 50 years, the population of Queensland will that already, on average, 100,000 cars, trucks, more than double to between 6 million and 7 buses and other vehicles use that section of million people. The only strategy of this the South East Freeway every day of the year. Government to meet the challenges of that 1734 Matters of Public Interest 23 Jul 1996 ongoing growth is to add to the misery of to refute that sort of suggestion very bluntly. existing communities located alongside the After all, if a referendum were held, it would South East Freeway. When the Premier of this not be in the interests of firearm owners. For a State took office earlier this year, he told us start, the Queensland Government would not that his Government would be one for all of be composing the questions to be asked in Queensland. Clearly, he has failed to live up to that referendum; that would be done by the that promise, because the people of Federal Government and, most likely, by Underwood, Rochedale and Springwood somebody who does not own a firearm at all. I cannot see how this Government is think that if a referendum were held, the representing their interests. In fact, to date, questions that we would be voting "Yes" or their calls for a sympathetic hearing from this "No" to would give no flexibility whatsoever Government have been ignored by the and gun owners would be far worse off. hearing-impaired Minister for Transport and his Mr Schwarten: How do you reckon it colleagues the members for Springwood and would go up our way? Mansfield. Mr LESTER: I know what would happen The Minister for Transport stands to the referendum up our way, but the result condemned for his absolute failure to deliver up our way and in a few other places might be on his promise of open and accountable the limit of it. In fact, it is very, very clear to me government and a commitment to consulting that in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide—and with communities along the freeway. The I have visited those places in recent times—a failure of this Minister to ensure the delivery of referendum for no firearms would be carried a simple newsletter to affected communities very substantially and that that result in those demonstrates that he is just not up to it. The areas would more than outweigh the vote that people of Underwood, Rochedale and might occur in the seat of Keppel or the seat Springwood are calling on the Premier to act of Rockhampton. now and remove that incompetent Minister and scrap the ill-advised plan that will cause so Mr J. H. Sullivan: Your side might much suffering in communities along the have a shot at getting up in a referendum at South East Freeway. Goulburn. Mr LESTER: Really? I simply say to members that the Police Minister and the Keppel Electorate Premier have done everything that is humanly Hon. V. P. LESTER (Keppel) possible to cater to the wishes of the (12.19 p.m.): I take this opportunity to community as a whole, and that includes gun congratulate Michael Diamond on winning the owners. Gun owners have had the opportunity Olympic gold medal that has been referred to to put forward their views and, hopefully, we at various times in the Parliament today. It is will be able to introduce legislation that meets rather ironic that, when so many other people the needs of all people. We must never forget were expected to win medals, out of the blue that what occurred at Port Arthur was horrific, came a young person who has been in not to mention what also occurred at Hoddle training since he was a child and gave Street and other places. I say frankly to those Australia some recognition. And recognition it people who have rung me and other members was, because a gold medal is a gold medal no of Parliament to say that we have not done matter for which sport it is won. He can be as enough, that we have sold them out, or that proud as the person who wins the 100 metres. we have done this and that we have done that: they do not know what they are talking Mr Fouras: He is an Australian of Greek about. I would really like to see any of them do descent. Do you know that? any better. It is very easy for them to be in the Mr LESTER: Of Greek decent? That is background and condemn all and sundry, but lovely. I am very pleased to know that. I think we could not have done any more. In fact, I that leads to a wider cultural understanding. I want to make it very clear that at party appreciate that comment. It is interesting to meetings and elsewhere on this issue, I have receive nice comments in the Parliament. continued to fight the cause for a fair deal for I am still surprised that my office has been people, and I cannot do any more than that. inundated with calls from people saying that, It must be remembered also that the because we are going to go along with John proposed legislation will lie on the table of this Howard and not have a referendum, we have House. By introducing a Bill and moving for its caved in. I even heard a few moments ago a first reading, it will lie on the table of the House news commentary reporting that the for a considerable length of time. That is the Queensland Government had caved in. I have time during which everybody concerned can 23 Jul 1996 Appropriation Bills 1735 see the legislation first-hand and then put of doing it. Even if people drive past the forward their views. Legislation that is signboard at Goondiwindi and the turn-off to introduced to the House lies on the table to be the Leichhardt Highway, they will at least see it reviewed. That is what the parliamentary and keep it in mind for the next time they drive process is about. If gun owners are not happy past. So I am very, very strongly behind that with the legislation, they can put forward their move. views and those views will be considered on I also want to pay tribute to Dr John their merits. However, we cannot please Vercoe, who is retiring as the research director everybody all of the time; we can only do our of the Tropical Beef Centre. He has done an best for the community. That is what we are outstanding job in central Queensland. Dr trying to do. Vercoe's retirement will mean the loss of a I reiterate my call for signposting on the man who has a wealth of knowledge. More New South Wales/Queensland border. The importantly, he has a lot of commonsense. He Capricorn Coast tourist organisation has said has the ability to liaise with the farming that at Goondiwindi and further on at the turn- community and with the university in joint off to the Leichhardt Highway there should be projects. Dr Vercoe is a pretty energetic sort of signposts depicting Rockhampton and the fellow. I think that he will be retired for about Capricorn Coast. Similarly, those areas should five minutes and then, no doubt, in common be promoted. There is very good reason for with people such as John Wildin, he will be that. Much as I hate to admit it in Parliament, doing consulting work. there are people who have not heard of the Mr Schwarten: He'll do a good job. Capricorn Coast. Mr LESTER: As Mr Schwarten said, no Mr Schwarten: Or Rockhampton. matter what Dr Vercoe is doing, he will do a Mr LESTER: I hope that they have good job. I want to thank Dr Vercoe very heard of Rocky. I simply say that these areas much. I also want to congratulate the are not promoted by the southern tourist apprentices, trainees and vocational workers organisations. On one occasion, I was in to whom last Saturday night I presented prizes Western Australia. My wife and I went into the for their achievements. They will go on to Esperance Tourist and Information Centre compete in State finals and then hopefully win and, without saying who we were or where we at a national level. It is those young people were from, we asked about hotels in who take part, together with the support of Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast, how their employers, who help make Queensland a to organise a hire car and all the other things place in which everybody is better trained for that one normally does when one organises a the future. holiday. The people at that centre were not Time expired. interested one little bit in doing that. All they wanted to do was sell us a package holiday to Great Keppel Island or, more importantly to APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT) BILL them, a package holiday to the Great Barrier APPROPRIATION BILL Reef or to the islands. Why would they want to Resumption of Committee do that? All they needed was to make one phone call to Qantas or Ansett and book a Hon. J. M. Sheldon (Caloundra— package holiday organised by that airline to Treasurer) in charge of the Bill. receive a 10 per cent commission. I can Debate resumed from 11 July (see understand that. When they start messing p. 1609) on clause 2 of the Appropriation Bill— about with hire cars, accommodation and that sort of thing, they have to make several phone Mr J. H. SULLIVAN (12.30 p.m.): calls. Before the debate was adjourned, I was highlighting the example of my electorate of Mr J. H. Sullivan: The Queensland Caboolture in respect to funding that had Tourist and Travel Corporation said that they been promised in the coalition election will be able to do that with one phone call. campaign which has subsequently been Mr LESTER: That is fine. However, in withdrawn. We have had a little time to get the past I saw efforts by the previous away from this debate and return to it cold, Government that did not promote Queensland but, in order not to waste the time of the to the utmost. I think that the honourable Parliament, I will not repeat the details. In the member's comment is about as intelligent as context of this Appropriation Bill, I simply ask the first one that he made. I simply say to the the Minister: what precisely is she member that we should promote central appropriating for? Certainly if the Government Queensland, and signposting would be a way has now labelled most of its election promises 1736 Appropriation Bills 23 Jul 1996 as pork-barrelling pork pies, we wonder why it state of the public finances. The editor might need money. comments— On behalf of the people of Caboolture, I "The web of contradictory data, ask the Minister, as the person holding the irrelevant economic signals, meaningless purse strings in this State and in deference to comparisons, deliberate distortions, some kind of political honesty—the sort of damned statistics and lies gives the man political honesty that her leader espoused and woman in the street Buckley's chance when, prior to the change of Government, he of figuring out where the red ends and the introduced a private member's Bill into this black starts in Australia." Parliament promoting the concept of truth in Mr FitzGerald: Profound. political advertising—to give an assurance that she will at least do the proper thing and talk to Mr HAMILL: It is very pertinent, her colleagues in the Cabinet room and say because this appropriation comes at a time that, out of all of the money that the when the coalition Government has been Government allocates, $30m should be peddling a lie around the community that the provided to the people of the Caboolture State's accounts are in the red. That has been electorate, and specifically those living east of the assertion of the Treasurer and the the Bruce Highway, for the road which was Premier, and indeed it was the assertion of the promised to them in the election campaign Minister for Economic Development and Trade and which has been most cruelly and callously when he was deputising for the Treasurer. He taken away from them since the coalition made a summing up in relation to the debate assumed the Treasury benches. that had ensued before this Bill went into Committee. In fact, at that time that Minister Mr HAMILL: In rising to address further accused me of delivering a somewhat matters on this Appropriation Bill, and confusing speech. Perhaps if he had his head particularly clause 2, I think it is important that around the details of the public accounts, he all members of the Parliament realise just how would not have found the facts that were important this piece of legislation is, because presented at that time so confusing. one of the most significant activities that the Parliament can undertake at any time is the The point is that on every accounting granting of appropriation to Government. The paradigm the public accounts in Queensland clause that we are discussing now is a are certainly not in the red; they are actually in clause—— the black. I will be intrigued when the Treasurer deigns to comment in relation to Mr FitzGerald interjected. these matters in Committee, considering her Mr HAMILL: We could all live in hope. prediction in relation to the Consolidated Fund. The clause that we are discussing provides The appropriation which this Bill deals with appropriation of $9.25 billion to the relates in part to an appropriation from the Government. That figure, of course, would Consolidated Fund. I recall the prediction make the heads of many members of the made by the Honourable Treasurer in March public spin. Indeed, I suspect a number of that the Consolidated Fund would come in in members of this House would find it very the black in the order of $2m to $3m for the difficult to conceive what $9.25 billion looks 1995-96 fiscal year. I have not heard the like. Treasurer deny those claims. It will be Mr Fouras: I would like to find out. interesting when she publishes the figure to see whether her prediction—which was a Mr HAMILL: I wish the honourable prediction directly in line with that of the former member good luck! Certainly the question of Treasurer, Mr De Lacy—that Queensland's appropriation has been thought about a lot by finances, on a cash accounting basis, would members of the Queensland public. Indeed, it be in the black for the fiscal year just ended is has been drawn to my attention that this very right. issue was the subject of editorial comment in the Maryborough Chronicle. The Minister for Economic Development and Trade also commented that the standards Mr FitzGerald: That's the second- which were applied in the National Fiscal reading speech. Outlook, which after all was complied from Mr HAMILL: No, it is not. This is very data supplied to the Commonwealth by this relevant to this particular appropriation. The Government's Treasury, again indicated that editor of the Maryborough Chronicle was very there might be some sort of problem with the critical indeed of the activities of this public finances. I pointed out something which Government, and its confreres in Canberra, for obviously the Minister at the time could not get not being forthcoming in relation to the true his head around, which was that the National 23 Jul 1996 Appropriation Bills 1737

Fiscal Outlook applying GFS standards—which statistics to another in trying to prove that her are used by all State and Territory alleged deficit is based on the same sort of Governments and the Australian Bureau of measure appearing in the Treasury papers or Statistics—showed quite clearly that in the National Fiscal Outlook. We know quite Queensland's budgetary position was heading clearly—even if the Treasurer does not—that for a whopping great surplus in 1995-96. she is looking at a different measure. The I was encouraged by the forthrightness of Commission of Audit report is looking at overall performance. the Premier who, on 11 July in question time, again in the absence of the Treasurer, picked As the Opposition has made very clear, up the Treasurer's brief and read it to the there is a glaring omission in that report House. The Premier said that ". . . the relating to the treatment of the retained estimated NFO surplus is lower than the likely earnings of public trading enterprises. The actual result." Those are not my words; they member for Moggill is shaking his head, are the Premier's words. By saying that, the indicating that the contrary is the case. He fails Premier has confirmed something which the to recognise that those retained earnings Opposition has been asserting for months could well be at the disposal of the now: that under the nationally accepted basis Government, because the shareholding for accounting for public finances in this Ministers can claim 100 per cent of the profit country, Queensland was heading for a and make that amount payable to the public whopping great surplus in the Budget of accounts by way of dividends. Therefore, in 1995-96. 1994-95, there was $350m that Dr FitzGerald claimed was not available for his detection in The Premier went on to suggest that in that part of the accounts he produced. Again, the future the surpluses may not be so rosy. If that goes to show that the public accounts in the surpluses are not going to be so rosy in this State are very healthy, and that this the future, that would fly in the face of the Government is guilty of blatantly attempting to data which Queensland Treasury has supplied confuse the Queensland people as to the true to the Commonwealth. If one has recourse to position of the Budget. the National Fiscal Outlook report, one discovers that the estimated surplus would Mr HAYWARD: I wish to make some actually increase for the financial year comments in relation to clause 2. I wish to 1996-97. The National Fiscal Outlook report refer particularly to the recently completed and indicates the underlying deficit, and it reminds released report of the Queensland people of something which, obviously, Commission of Audit. We know what the coalition members have not been able to get Commission of Audit process is all about. It their heads around. In talking about underlying has now become almost a standard tactic of deficits, if there is a minus sign in front of the Governments upon election—or however they figure, that means a surplus—a negative come to power in a State—to instigate an deficit. Therefore, contrary to the claims of the immediate Commission of Audit process. That Premier, the so-called negative surplus—in in itself demonstrates to every MP in this other words, the surplus—predicted for place—and if we were all honest we would 1996-97 is actually greater than the surplus acknowledge it—that the process is tainted. that was estimated for 1995-96. Unless the There is a simple formula: upon coming to Government now suggests that gross State Government, a party moves as quickly as it product is going to decline under its aegis as a can to try to discredit the previous Government, that underlying surplus is Government. To do so, it immediately calls for predicted to increase year after year after year. a Commission of Audit and then comments on Those are the figures which the Queensland the findings. Treasury supplied to the Commonwealth and There is a political aspect to this report. published in the National Fiscal Outlook. I This report into Government finances is being thank the Premier for confirming the assertion used to justify the incoming Government's of the Opposition that the State's finances are agenda of increasing taxes. Certainly, this indeed well and truly in the black under both of document adds legitimacy to the arguments those accounting paradigms. for increasing taxes. I cite the proposal for a fuel levy, which coincidentally would be levied The Treasurer has used Dr FitzGerald's within south-east Queensland. But that is a audit report to try to besmirch the fiscal matter for people to talk about later. management record of the previous Labor Government. Again, the Treasurer has been Mr FitzGerald: You reckon Dr Vince very careless in her handling of the various FitzGerald was just being used for political statistics. She has swapped from one set of purposes? That's what you're saying. 1738 Appropriation Bills 23 Jul 1996

Mr HAYWARD: I do not think anyone in Therefore, the report has to be given some this Parliament would argue seriously that the legitimacy. For example, when Ministers are process is not tainted. That is the point I am asked questions about the report's proposals making. It does not matter whether people to sell off assets, surely they should say that think that someone is being used; all 89 of us they support the report. If they do not support know the reason why the Government called the report in some respects, why do they for a Commission of Audit. I had the support the report's claim of an underlying opportunity to read the speech of the member deficit? for Moggill. In responding to the question, Throughout this whole process, as was "Why did we have a Commission of Audit?", clearly demonstrated by the former Treasurer, he gave the reason that we all know about. He Mr De Lacy, when he spoke the other day, we said, "The reason is that Governments of our can clearly suggest how and why the people persuasion"—that is, Liberal and National— involved in the Commission of Audit process cannot trust what was left by Labor." Let us got it wrong or, if we want be charitable, might not muck around anymore and kid ourselves. have got it wrong. There is confusion about Let us know straight up what the the underlying deficit and the principles on Government's agenda is. Whether the which these recommendations were made. To honourable member thinks what I am saying is cite a hospital analogy, it is a bit like a doctor's true or not is irrelevant; to me his response recommending chemotherapy for a patient underlined the appalling political nature of the with cancer. In response to the documents and it revealed the deceit of the recommendation, the person says, "No, I don't whole exercise. want chemotherapy." The Government's The Government is really saying, "We did response makes us question in the first place this because we wanted to get the previous whether it is fair dinkum about the results that Government." That is acknowledged. Some it thinks have come forward in the Commission members have interjected, "That's true." of Audit report. However, having done that, the Government It is very important that this Parliament has then proposed draconian measures to has some certainty about those results. Based combat what it argues is some kind of financial on any valid estimation, we could argue that disease in the State. The Government has nobody in this place is generally happy about proposed selling off Sunlover, privatising the the findings of the Commission of Audit. The ports and introducing a fuel tax in south-east simple way for the Treasurer to deal with this Queensland. This morning, we heard about a matter is to give the Auditor-General an proposal to privatise the TAB. I have heard a opportunity to examine the books of account series of answers to questions. For example, and the report of the Queensland Commission the Police Minister was asked, "Have you read of Audit. The findings should then be reported the report of the Commission of Audit, and do you support the recommendations regarding to Parliament. In that way, all members could privatising the TAB?" Mr Cooper had his be certain whether there is an underlying chance this morning. My recollection is that he deficit and whether the assumptions coming said, "No, we couldn't do that." When another forth in this debate are correct, many of which Minister was asked about Sunlover, the have effectively been debunked by Opposition response was, "No, we couldn't do that." To speakers in this place, including the shadow me, that emphasises very clearly the political Treasurer and the former Treasurer, who made it clear that a lot of the claims could not nature and the deceit of this document, if it be accepted. has not been acknowledged already in interjections in this place. Having heard the interjections and having The Government is not really about seen the answer to the question by the finding solutions to any problem. When member for Moggill, we all know that the Ministers are asked whether they support the document is essentially a political one. Let us solutions recommended in the report of the not kid ourselves. If the Treasurer wants to get Commission of Audit, almost invariably they rid of the political taint surrounding the report, say, "No" or "I have to think about it." Yet, with she should take the document and the great fervour, all Government members have supporting documentation to the Auditor- said, "The right figures were used to determine General and ask him to look at the material the underlying deficit." We need to have a and then report back to the Parliament about serious examination—although that is risky in whether or not the findings of the Commission politics—into the Government's consistency on of Audit are appropriate. this issue. The Government outlaid $1m in The Auditor-General could audit the report taxpayers' money to produce the report. and provide a detailed report to the 23 Jul 1996 Appropriation Bills 1739

Parliament. Through that process, as of effort and energy in making that a parliamentarians we would then have some tremendous place for tourists to visit. We also certainty about what we are considering. In have the Longreach Hall of Fame, which reality, there would not be three people in this people from all around the world and within place who would have any degree of certainty Queensland aspire to see. That project was about the document that has been presented. also supported by Government. We then There have been a lot of arguments put up as move along the highway to Cloncurry, where to how the Commission of Audit got it wrong we have the John Flynn Place—once again a when it found that there was an underlying project ably supported by Governments. In the deficit. The report recommends strong City of Mount Isa, Mount Isa Mines offers medicine to deal with the perceived underlying underground tours which are certainly one of deficit. I have heard the questions addressed the highlights of people's visit inland. to Ministers in this place. When they are asked In recent times in the City of Mount Isa, whether they will cop the strong medicine, they the local council secured the support of the get up and say that they will have to consider Federal Government, the State Government the matter. and private enterprise to develop the Mr Hamill: "The Treasurer hasn't told us Riversleigh Interpretation Centre. That is a yet." magnificent building constructed to display the Mr HAYWARD: Or they give an answer fossils of the plants and animals which lived in such as that. There is always some bizarre the region many hundreds of thousands of reason as to why they accept the finding that years ago. People from all around the world there is an underlying deficit but they do not can come and see for themselves the way it accept the suggested solution. I suggest that used to be in the north west of the State. The the Auditor-General audit the report and State Government, through the previous provide a detailed report to the Parliament. Minister for the Environment, Molly Robson, contributed a quarter of a million dollars to that Mr McGRADY: My colleague has just project. I ask the Treasurer to give some touched on the major affairs of State. I want to consideration to making a further grant move slightly away into some of the concerns towards that building. of my own electorate of Mount Isa. This morning we heard the Minister for Tourism—— I do not know whether the Treasurer has visited Mount Isa, but if she does come to the Mr FitzGerald: Why didn't you speak to city I would be more than happy to show her the second reading? around and convince her of the need for Mr McGRADY: I suggest to the Leader further Government assistance. While I am on of Government Business that this is my feet, I want to pay tribute to the people appropriate. who were responsible for that building. Mr This morning we heard the Minister for Glen Graham, who is the prime instigator and Tourism talk about the large conventions the person who designed the inside of the which are being held in Queensland. I want to building, needs to be acknowledged by the mention—— people of Queensland for the dedication and the professionalism which he has shown. The Mr FitzGerald: Filibustering. project received $200,000 from the former Mr McGRADY: I urge the member to Federal Government and a quarter of a million have some decorum in this place. dollars from the former State Government, but This morning the Minister for Tourism that is really chickenfeed compared with some talked about the big picture in tourism. I want of the grants and some of the assistance to mention briefly a few matters concerning my provided to other developments around the electorate. We hear reference to Queensland State and around the nation. being presented as the State of sun, sand There is another point I wish to raise with and surf. I believe there are many the Treasurer. I wrote to her about this issue Queenslanders and many Australians, as well many weeks ago, but to date I have not as many overseas visitors, who want to move received any acknowledgment of my letter. I away from the coastal parts of this State and am hoping that in the forthcoming Budget the move inland to view for themselves the real Treasurer will make some allowance for this Australiana. In recent years, private enterprise matter. The staff of the Mount Isa Base and local councils as well as Governments Hospital showed their initiative when they have supported many projects in inland gathered together all of the old equipment Queensland. Some of those projects include from the hospital—some of it 50 years old, the Workers' Heritage Centre in Barcaldine. and I am sure that some of it was used by The previous Government spent a great deal Sister Kenny in one or two of her visits to the 1740 Appropriation Bills 23 Jul 1996 north west—and organised a huge auction. care only about my electorate. I will not spend That auction raised $8,000. Those people $200m only in my electorate. I am prepared have now been informed by the Government on occasions such as this to give $8,000 back that that $8,000, which was raised on a to the Mount Isa Base Hospital." Saturday morning by the volunteers and the Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.30 p.m. staff of the hospital, has to go into consolidated revenue. Mr McGRADY: I notice that the Treasurer is not in the Chamber. I was going Mr Hamill: You're joking! to appeal to her—just as I was prior to the Mr McGRADY: I am not joking at all. luncheon break—that the $8,000 which the That money was raised on a cool Saturday hardworking staff at the Mount Isa Base morning through the initiative of the staff of Hospital raised themselves be reimbursed to that hospital, and it now has to go into the big them by way of ex gratia payment to assist barrel. The staff intended to use that $8,000 them in the beautification program. I am sure to beautify the grounds of the hospital. that the Treasurer will accept what I am saying Treasury officials tell me that under the various and that, once that action is taken, I will be Acts which exist in this State that money has able to disprove some of those harsh to go to consolidated revenue. Being the comments that are made from time to time reasonable person that I am, I accept that about all State Treasurers. advice. But surely if the Treasurer appreciated Coming from the electorate of Mount Isa, the initiative of staff members in isolated which makes a massive contribution to the hospitals, who face the tyranny of distance economy of this State, I do not believe that we every day—— should have to come cap in hand asking for Mr Hamill: Always up to running the some of these moneys to be returned to that department. city. Late last week, Mount Isa Mines Limited Mr McGRADY: That is right—she is up announced a half-billion-dollar investment in to running the department. I believe that the the mine and the smelting processes in that Government should give an ex gratia payment city. A decision is imminent on the gas of $8,000 to the hospital staff to enable them pipeline, which will supply natural gas to Mount to carry out the beautification work required at Isa and the north west. Many of the massive the hospital. I have no doubt that the projects that are under way were started by Treasurer, who is listening very carefully to my the previous Labor Government. Therefore, I contribution, will make an announcement in believe that is all the more reason to get some the not-too-distant future that the $8,000 reimbursement for those hardworking staff at which was raised by those people on a cool the Mount Isa Base Hospital. Saturday morning when they could have been I want to appeal to the Treasurer to out doing other things will be returned to them ensure that the moneys required for the so that they can continue the work of implementation of the recommendations from beautifying the grounds and the surroundings the Moura mine inquiry are made available to of the Mount Isa Base Hospital. ensure that the mining industry in this State Mr Mitchell: Why didn't you give it to becomes increasingly safer. In Government, them over the last six years? we promised to implement those recommendations lock, stock and barrel. I Mr McGRADY: The member is as well hope that the Treasurer and the Premier make aware as I am that the amount of money the necessary funds available to the Minister spent on that hospital by the previous for Mines and Energy so that he can allocate Government runs into millions and millions and those moneys which are needed and will be millions of dollars. All I am asking for now is for needed for the implementation of those the return of that $8,000, which was raised by recommendations. the sweat of those nurses, doctors, wardsmen and others—— Time expired. Mr Hamill: In their own time. Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: In this clause, which appropriates money to various Mr McGRADY:—in their own time for Government departments, members have the the purpose of beautifying the surrounds of a opportunity to see the quantity of money that hospital to which the Goss Government is going to be allocated to services throughout allocated many millions and millions and the State. What disappoints me are the millions of dollars. various cuts that have been proposed, We talk about cooperation. This would be particularly in the service sectors of education, an excellent example of the Treasurer saying health, police and family and community to the people of Queensland, "Look, I do not services. No-one—apart perhaps from the 23 Jul 1996 Appropriation Bills 1741

Treasurer—believes the comments that she is State. That money was simply part of the making around the State to the effect that the money that was set aside for the Child State is in a poor financial state. At business Protection Strategy. So some of those children breakfasts that I have attended in my who are most in danger of sexual and physical electorate and at various meetings of people abuse, who would have received an who have previously never before expressed advantage and protection under the Child overt political comments, the response has Protection Strategy, will not receive that indicated that people believe that, under Keith because the legislation has been held back. In De Lacy, this State was in very good hands in fact, the money set aside for the terms of financial management and that there implementation of those new strategies has was a very good balance between the been diverted to another sector. That revenue raising and development side of the redirection of moneys has been seen in other Treasury and the expenditure side, particularly areas, too. in the service sectors. On a number of occasions in this Under Labor there were consistent Chamber, the Minister for Health has increases in the service sectors—education, announced increased expenditure in various health and family and community services— areas. Mr Elder has been able to point out to representing a threefold increase. I do not this Assembly that many of those decisions envy those people, such as the Minister for were ones that he announced would be Education, who are faced with a $100m implemented at this time; so they are simply cutback to their budgets. Where a Minister not new initiatives. such as Mr Quinn is going to find that, I do not Mr Stephan: He didn't have any money know. I am concerned that programs and when he announced them. services which were introduced by former Education Ministers, particularly to help the Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: The member more disadvantaged students, are going to be says that there was no money. That is simply cut back and that the integration into schools incorrect. The timing for that expenditure was of students with special needs and the to come in during this period, and it was programs to help those who need particular known that it would come in then. All Mr Horan assistance within the classrooms are going to did was announce at the appropriate time be curtailed, if not dismissed. decisions that were made by the previous Health Minister. Under the coalition, with Mr Borbidge and Mrs Sheldon in charge, members are Mr Grice: You don't believe that. witnessing cuts in a number of sectors. People Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: Yes, I do believe who have worked in policy areas have said that. If it is a matter of believing Mr Elder or Mr that, when Mrs Sheldon announced the Grice, there is no debate on that. freeze, they were sitting in their policy areas Mr FitzGerald: Hear, hear! and basically being told to do nothing. That is a shame because, in something like the Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: The member for combined Department of Transport, which had Broadwater comes a very far second. Even an integrated approach that was working on a the Leader of Government Business is planning process to integrate private and interjecting. The member for Broadwater would public transport, especially in the south-east still be on the starting grid while the others corner, the policy area was absolutely were well and truly around the track. essential. Unless one works out exactly where Another obvious example of this relates to one has to go and what has to be done, one the redirection of moneys from the Sunshine cannot spend the money in the most Coast tollway, whereby the advantage given to appropriate areas. To do away with the policy Mrs Sheldon's own electors and the money areas and say, "We are going to be an that has had to be found for that is now going outcomes oriented Government" ignores the to be lumbered onto the people from Brisbane fact that, without the proper policy direction who will be using the Gateway Bridge and the guiding the expenditure, one will make the Logan Motorway. It is unfortunate that people wrong decisions or inappropriate decisions. of Mrs Sheldon's own party, some of whom There have also been cuts to particular are in the Chamber at the moment, have to programs involving new legislation. For face their constituents and say, "I am sorry. example, in the former Family Services You still have to pay your money every time Department, child protection legislation was you cross the Gateway Bridge because we are put on hold. The new Minister tried to make helping to pay for the Sunshine Motorway." much of the fact that he was appointing new Another example in Transport refers to family services officers in various parts of the the Nundah bottleneck. After 30 years of 1742 Appropriation Bills 23 Jul 1996 indecision by Governments, a two-and-a-half there is a significant problem. The Minister to three-year community consultation program might ask: how do we know that it was going developed a solution that was accepted by 90 to happen? The changes made after October per cent of the people. were published in the document of 15 Mr Johnson interjected. December. If the Minister had not kept them from us, we would have seen the upgrade in Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: Does Mr Johnson the document of February. say that the solution that was arrived at did have the support of 90 per cent of the The Minister has failed the people of the people? The business community, community north side of Brisbane. Mr Santoro is still telling groups and local residents all agreed that that the same untruth, saying that the money was particular cut-and-cover option was the not there. At no time was $35m allocated, approved method. because the money that was allocated was for planning. The Minister's department has failed Mr Johnson: Your Government didn't to plan using the money that was set aside for do anything. that purpose. The people of the north side feel Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: Mr Johnson says judged harshly. that we did not have the money. Mr JOHNSON: I rise to a point of order. Mr Johnson: You said it was $35m. The honourable member for Chermside can Show me the $35m. say what he likes, but what he is doing is Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: No, that is casting a slur on officials of the Department of untrue. I would have thought that even Mr Transport. I will not wear that. What the former Johnson could have read three or four simple Minister has said is certainly not true. documents. Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: I am not casting In about October 1995, the indicative a slur against those officers; I am saying that planning timetable came out under one of the the Minister has failed in his duty. Minister's predecessors. That showed two Time expired. different groups of expenditure, some of which were definite and some of which were shown Mr SCHWARTEN: It is a pleasure to in a different shaded area, which represented enter this debate. As was pointed out earlier potential. Some were definite and the by the shadow Treasurer and endorsed by the timetable for that expenditure was shown. member for Lockyer, it is a very important Some of the projects were to commence in debate. In fact, there is only one debate that five years or seven years. So some were is more important, that is, the Appropriation definite and some were indicative of long-term debate. planning. The Nundah bottleneck solution was Mr Grice: You behave yourself. You be not in the five-year plan. I agree with the good now. Minister. The upgrade of the road program Mr SCHWARTEN: The honourable was brought down on 15 December. That member should listen; he might learn included a number of decisions that Cabinet something. had made, including a significant rural roads program and programs to upgrade the As students of history would know, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast areas. Appropriation debate cost the Menzies Government, when the appropriation was Cabinet made decisions after the amended by one pound and two people indicative plan of October. Those changes, crossed the floor to support the Labor Party. which were seen in the document of 15 December, did not advantage the Mr FitzGerald: Try it. metropolitan area. On 18 December, the Mr SCHWARTEN: I was just about to Transport Minister announced that the solution come to that. I do not presume that that will to the Nundah bottleneck would be built within occur this afternoon but, as the shadow the five years, and the indicative planning Treasurer said, we live in hope. brought forward was only $4m. That funding was to start the planning to which the Minister The $9.275 billion appropriation will give refers. this Government enough money to run through to December-January next year, so it Mr Johnson: In the year 1999-2000. is important that members participate in this Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: That is not true. important function of Parliament. In common The Minister is referring to the document of with speakers who have preceded me in this October 1995. If he cannot even read the debate, I will speak about the Commission of documents that his department has produced, Audit and, if it is implemented, how it will affect 23 Jul 1996 Appropriation Bills 1743 the people of Queensland, particularly the agree that cutting-edge technology is people of Rockhampton. employed in those workshops. The craftsmen Mr McGrady: And other regional who—— centres. Mr Johnson: What do you mean "lose" Mr SCHWARTEN: It will affect other the workshops? regional centres throughout the State but Mr SCHWARTEN: I am talking about particularly Rockhampton, because 38 per the Commission of Audit's recommendations. cent of people in my electorate derive their That is one of the units that would be income from the public sector. Those people privatised under the plan of FitzGerald. I am will be greatest hit by the Commission of Audit highlighting the effect that that would have on recommendations to privatise certain units of rail in Queensland and, more particularly, the business of the Government. I am referring work force in Rockhampton and my particularly to the Works Department, or constituents. Q-Build as it was referred to under our Government. I think it would be a tragedy if Mr Johnson: Those workshops will never move out of Rockhampton. that were ever to occur. During the Charleville floods, we saw the worth of having a huge Mr SCHWARTEN: I did not say that day-labour force that could be put into effect they would move out of Rockhampton. I am at a moment's notice to rebuild an entire town. talking about privatisation of them. Quite I know that the people of Charleville are very clearly, because of the $20m that Labor grateful for the day-labour forces that exist in expended on those workshops, the Queensland. Were we to privatise—— infrastructure will always stay there. However, Mr McGrady: Was Mr Windsor involved plenty of private entrepreneurs would want to with that? get hold of that technology. We are now in a position to put on extra tradespeople at that Mr SCHWARTEN: Yes, Mr Windsor centre of excellence to build rolling stock. I can was involved in that project. He carried out his see why any private enterprise would want to role in an exemplary manner. Of course, at get its hands on that. However, I think it would that stage, he was not working for Q-Build; he be folly to allow that. It would be to was working for Emergency Services. Queensland Rail's detriment if that were to go If that day-labour force were removed and ahead. those circumstances were repeated, I do not Another item on the privatisation agenda know how we would manage. No private is the electricity industry. That would have a enterprise would drop tools and travel out west remarkably adverse effect on Rockhampton as to rebuild a whole town in the way that Q-Build well. did at that time. I do not think enough emphasis is being placed on retaining such Mr Hamill: It's a shame the Treasurer is day-labour forces. I do not believe that not here to hear this. FitzGerald considered the community benefit Mr SCHWARTEN: Yes, it is a shame of retaining the blokes with the nail bags and that the Treasurer cannot be bothered to listen hammers, and the Project Services designers to this. who ensure that Government buildings that Mr FitzGerald: That is anticipated for are built in this State will stand the test of time. debate later today. Much derision has been heaped upon Works Department carpenters. I believe—and I have Mr SCHWARTEN: I intend to seen their work first-hand—that they are participate in that debate and go into this among the best tradesmen that I have ever issue in some depth. I know that the jobs of seen. Any project that they have worked on the people of Rockhampton are of no interest has stood the test of time, and I believe that to the member for Lockyer. That is typical tory they will continue to do so. If we were to go form. In Rockhampton, we are getting a bit down the privatisation path, I think that our used to that lot opposite. They treat us with schools, hospitals and any unit of public contempt. Now the honourable member is administration that depends on a treating me with contempt in this Chamber. maintenance base would suffer. I caution the That is okay. They are laughing at the people Government not to go down that path. of Rockhampton, which, of course, they As to other items on the privatisation hit always do. We are used to that. We can live list—we would lose our railway workshops in with that. We are a pretty broad- shouldered Rockhampton. I believe that would be an lot in Rockhampton. enormous tragedy. That is now a specialist I would also like to defend the people who laid-out unit. I am sure that the Minister would work in hotel services and the health industry. 1744 Appropriation Bills 23 Jul 1996

They are a quality assured, hardworking group overseas and, down the track, we might even of people. make a bob out of them. Mr Beattie: Do you know if the In leafing through the documentation, I intensivists have returned yet that Mr Horan notice the reference to overtime and penalty promised? rates. Of course, that is a great one that tories Mr SCHWARTEN: No, funny that. like to attack. They are crooked on anything Actually, at the moment, we do not have an like that. I notice that the Emergency Services intensive care unit at all. Despite all the budget is going to be reduced by about promises that were made that Rockhampton $24,000 which will, of course, severely limit the would be a centre of excellence for training ability of officers to interact with volunteer intensive care unit personnel, we do not have members outside business hours. A lot of their one. I am glad that the Minister has returned work is done outside business hours. Of and I am glad that we got on to the issue of course, the expectation is that those people health. The truth is that he lied to the will do it for nothing. Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, and he has Time expired. not had the decency to retract his statement Mr D'ARCY: When we look at the that he did not raise it in this Parliament. That economic position of this State and the is an insult to me, an insult to this Parliament budgetary arrangements, it is disturbing to and an outright lie to the Rockhampton note the damage that has been done to Morning Bulletin. The Minister should be Queensland in the few months since this assured that I have given to the Morning acting Government took office. When the Bulletin a copy of the Hansard which exposes Federal and State Governments changed the Minister to be the liar that he is. I do not hands there was a great deal of optimism on mind copping a fair blow, but that was below the part of many in the business community. the belt. However, most of us realise that, after a brief Mr FitzGerald interjected. glimmer of optimism, business has stalled. Everything has come to a grinding halt. During Mr SCHWARTEN: I don't give a bugger this period, the building industry, particularly in whether it's parliamentary or not. Mr Speaker, south-east Queensland, which is one of my apologies. I was provoked and I do Queensland's major employers, has made no apologise. gains. Business has become even more I turn to the issue of counter-disaster, confused. It has become particularly which I raised this morning. Since then, I have concerned about the way the Government has obtained even more documentation relating to carried on. During the period of this acting what the Sheldon scissors are going to do. I Government, the super bank, the super cannot believe that any Government would highway and many other initiatives that have consider making the type of cutbacks that are been mooted will haunt this Government to its being suggested in this documentation, which political grave. Currently, the Government is in has been distributed throughout the State. power by default, and that is rather sad. The disaster research projects that are carried Mr FitzGerald: You lost. out in this State are world renowned. They are first-class projects. The plan is to get rid of Mr D'ARCY: The coalition has not yet $70,000 worth of programs. So the Cairns been elected. When an election is called, it will project will go, the Townsville project will go find out that a lot of its initiatives, which it and the Macquarie University project will go. If believes that the public appreciates, will be we were to be honest with ourselves, we would treated with the disdain that they deserve. say that we live in a State that experiences I refer again to the highway. Most people disasters more regularly than most other would know that I have broached this subject States in Australia. I think that we were on a few occasions. I am glad that the Minister developing programs—— for Transport is present in the Chamber Mr McGrady interjected. because I want to refer to the way in which the Government went about dealing with the issue Mr SCHWARTEN: It was a disaster of the highway. The Government has tried to when that lot opposite was elected, that is for implement all of its election promises, most of sure, and it is going to get worse for the which were made by the seat of its pants, volunteers who risk their lives and limbs for the through the reconstitution of the Department people of Queensland. I cannot imagine that of Main Roads. It has been a piecemeal we would want to take money away from process. The Government has taken the easy valuable programs such as disaster research. option: it has dealt with only the southern We could sell those types of programs section of the Pacific Highway from the Logan 23 Jul 1996 Appropriation Bills 1745

Motorway off ramp to Ipswich through to Smith Quite frankly, what the Government is Street. Most of that construction was in place. proposing in areas such as Springwood, From that point, the Government announced Underwood and Shailer Park right through to $600m worth of extensions to the highway. Logan is absolutely impossible. The proof of Immediately, everyone living along the that is coming back to haunt the Government. northern part of the highway realised that the It has not considered what is going to happen increased traffic has to go somewhere. If the with respect to service roads and service highway is widened to six lanes or eight lanes, lanes. Even if the Government extends the the increased traffic has to go somewhere. At highway and makes it a super highway, it will about the time of that announcement, the keep the local residents off that highway. That Minister said that an announcement would be will affect not only their livelihood and their made about the area around the section of standard of living but also it will affect the the Pacific Highway north of the Logan economic viability of those areas. Motorway. Although no specific Mr Fouras: Not only that, they are announcement has been made, we know that wasting $400m. all the planning is in place. We know that certain announcements will be made. Those Mr D'ARCY: I will come to that in a announcements—— moment. I am talking about the proposal to turn the road into an eight-lane highway Mr Johnson: In consultation. extending from the Gold Coast to Brisbane. Mr D'ARCY: Consultation my foot. Quite Traffic will flood those areas because of the frankly, the Minister and the department do super highway. If the Government relocates not know what they are doing. They do not businesses to make way for the highway, that know the processes. All I ask of members will affect the livelihood of a major community opposite is commonsense. If the highway is south of Brisbane. The fact is that the going to be widened to eight lanes from Smith Government is not only insisting that the Street to Logan, the Government has no community be dislodged and disrupted but chance of retaining the seats that it won at the also it is saying that the roadworks will take 8 last election. It has no chance of retaining the to 10 years to complete. The Government Springwood, Mansfield or Redlands expects traffic disruptions to occur not just on electorates for the simple reason that the that section of the highway that is being people in those electorates know that the widened but also on the service roads, which Government is going to stop them from using will affect all the businesses. Then the the highway, and it is going to channel extra Government is going to ask the local councils traffic into their areas. I came across one and the ratepayers in those areas to fund interesting point—— some of that infrastructure. Mr Johnson: That's your story. The point that I ask today, which has not Mr D'ARCY: I came across an been raised previously, is: as the Government interesting point—and the Minister can be widens the existing service roads, who pays for excused from this decision because he was it? The answer is: the councils. The not a member of Cabinet at the time—that in Government expects them to pay for that 1988, the Cabinet of the previous National work. That means that the ratepayers will pay Party Government was briefed by no less a for it. The Government will say to the figure than the previous Director-General of ratepayers of Woodridge, Springwood, Main Roads and then Director-General of the Underwood, Mansfield and the other suburbs Premier's Department, Erik Finger. One of the right through to Brisbane, "You will pay for that Ministers of the day told me that at that time infrastructure but you cannot use the road." Mr Finger said to Cabinet that either an Basically, because the new off ramps and on alternative route to the Gold Coast had to be ramps will be limited in number, that will provided or by the turn of the century the happen. It really is a tragic situation. Pacific Highway would be gridlocked. What do we have now? This is the same party in In the last week or so, the Logan City Government that Mr Finger was talking to in Council has come under fire with headlines 1988. The fact of life is that nothing has been such as "City takes on Govt", "Council to fight done about the problem. The Government plan" and "Owners warned of resumptions". has gone right back to the old plan of These things are occurring in the area. On upgrading the highway—a solution to the Sunday, I spoke at a rally about the widening problem of increased traffic that has been of the highway. Indeed, today other rejected by every other western nation. When honourable members have mentioned this an area needs more transport access, a new issue. It is true that people are not informed road should be built. on the issue. The consultation process that 1746 Appropriation Bills 23 Jul 1996 the Minister speaks about is not working. have to pay"? What will we have to pay for if While there is confusion in people's minds there is no deficit to recoup? Could it be, about such important issues as their lifestyle, perhaps, the $7 billion of unfunded promises their livelihood and where they live, they can that the Treasurer is trying to squeeze into the still see what the Government is doing with the September Budget? That is the answer of road and that it is not a practical or course. As we have continually stated, Labor commonsense solution. They understand that left the State Budget in good shape, in they are the people who will be excellent change, in surplus. disadvantaged. Mr Hamill: In the black. Mr Fouras mentioned something which I Mr BEATTIE: Clearly it was in the black. think is tremendously important to all While we have increased spending in recent Queenslanders. The Minister has announced years, we have done so without pushing the this big program and has talked about all the Budget into the deficit by any measure. We money that will be spent in south-east make no apology for spending more on Queensland. That is a never-ending program, health, education, police, training and the because the $600m will soon blow out to $1 environment or for maintaining our Budget billion or more as the traffic increases and the surplus despite flat revenue earnings. road has to be extended. However, what happens to the Main Roads programs for the Let us look for a brief moment at the rest of Queensland which are supposed to be FitzGerald audit. That audit represents a hard, implemented in an orderly fashion to upgrade Right Wing, ideological agenda which began our roads and keep the infrastructure in the in Thatcherite Britain and has followed the whole of this vast State in some sort of repair emergence of conservative Governments over the next 10 years? A large percentage of throughout Australia. It is a Thatcherite the Budget has been eaten up on a road in agenda. The report continually refers to the the south-east corner that nobody wants. path-breaking work of the United Kingdom Against every tenet for a practical solution to Government Efficiency Unit that was set up in the problem such as would be reached the mid 1980s by Margaret Thatcher. No anywhere else in the Western World, the doubt she is regarded as a heroine by some in Government is building a super highway. this place, and no doubt the Treasurer is one of those. Mr BEATTIE: This Appropriation Bill approves an amount of approximately Queensland is not like other States. It $9.25 billion from the Consolidated Fund and does not have a financial problem. The audit the Trust and Special Funds. In a debate on report confirms that the Budget is in balance in such a Bill I think it is important that we refocus cash accounting terms. It also says that under on a discussion that is now taking place on the the new accrual method the Budget is also surplus that the State enjoys and the effectively in balance, and one also needs to discredited FitzGerald audit. consider that $800m has been set aside for capital investment in future years. The State has a surplus by any measure and in this debate it is important that that be One of the concerns the Opposition has is appreciated. Treasury has forecast a cash that this Government, since it has been in surplus on the Consolidated Fund of $3m and office for over five months, has sought not an underlying surplus higher than the Budget- only to denigrate the financial position of this time estimate of $657m. The Premier State but also to attack Queensland at every admitted in Parliament that the underlying opportunity. Attacks on Queensland's financial surplus forecast in the National Fiscal Outlook standing by the Treasurer have affected our presented at the Premiers Conference by reputation both overseas and interstate. I think himself and the Deputy Premier is likely to be it was a very reprehensible state of affairs, for exceeded; a view that I agree with. The example on trade matters, when the Premier $337m deficit used in the FitzGerald audit returned from overseas and said that there report is an incomplete representation of the had not been a total commitment to trade by change to public sector net worth, and we the previous Government. That is untrue. I have clear evidence that this result should be have spoken to a number of Japanese a surplus estimated at $13 billion. business people and people in the trade area. They confirm to me that that is not true. In There is no deficit. Why then the need for addition, that sort of cheap, political stunt and harsh medicine from the Government, as we half-smart line only damages the reputation of have heard discussed by the Treasurer? Why this State and affects our trading partners the need for the savage cuts, the increased overseas. I call on the Premier and the taxes and the threats that Queenslanders "will Treasurer to desist from these cheap, political 23 Jul 1996 Appropriation Bills 1747 stunts and to remember that they temporarily many injured workers have lost their right to have the custodianship of this State. They sue employers. After the corruption identified have a responsibility to build up its reputation, by the Fitzgerald inquiry, the coalition not to tear it down. promised to bring honesty and integrity to On the weekend an ad was placed in the Government. In fact, within a hair breadth it Townsville Bulletin by my party that explains a was signing a secret deal with the police number of financial matters of some concern. I union. The coalition promised a 50 per cent table that for the information of the House. In subsidy for all local passengers on the that article we expressed our concerns, and Magnetic Island ferry, but they are still waiting. those concerns are shared by all The coalition promised increased funding and Queenslanders. The article shows the total improved management for national parks. betrayal of this Government—a Government What has happened? There have been major that is clearly not up to the task when it comes staff cuts, including the loss of rangers' jobs, to financial matters. Let us go through them. It and proposed private developments for is important that these matters be placed on national parks. And, of course, we have the the record. infamous toll road, where the Treasurer has made sure that Queenslanders will pay the When in Opposition the coalition $200m cost of scrapping the toll in her own promised no new or increased taxes or electorate. That clearly shows that this charges under a Borbidge minority Government has betrayed the people who Government. What has happened? elected it. Not only is this Government not up Compulsory third-party insurance has risen by to the job and turning back the clock at every $66 and the Government is now considering opportunity, it is clearly betraying the people increased beer and tobacco taxes, and a who elected it. petrol tax as well. The coalition promised it would immediately increase police numbers Let us deal with one department to which and, as honourable members would there is a significant allocation of funds, that is, appreciate, it promised 80 new police from the Queensland Health. The Health Minister is Townsville academy in the first year. What has very good at blaming others for his own happened? The Government has cancelled incompetence. He has now allowed the Health the most recent Statewide intake of 40 recruits budget to blow out to in excess of $70m. As to and no new police will emerge for the the Government's management of the PA Townsville academy in the first year. In Hospital—it now has an unmanageable January the Premier said, "We will not be surplus, because of this Minister's flogging off the family silver." What has incompetence. This Health Minister will go happened? Suncorp and QIDC are to be sold, down in history as the most incompetent with job losses of up to 1,600 across the Health Minister in this State. In addition to States, and ports and the electricity industry that, we have the revelation that the Health are next on the list. When he was Leader of Minister's restructure of Queensland Health's the Opposition, the Premier said that the services, which he vowed would fix all of the public service could relax about the prospect problems in Queensland's health system, will of having a new political master and that there be held up for a further three months. That would be no purge. What has happened? begs the question: how much longer can Hundreds of public servants have been Queensland Health go without a senior sacked already, with more to go because the management team? This Minister is so Government has ordered cuts of $300m to hopeless that he cannot even appoint his own budgets. The coalition promised to fix staffing management team. Not only has he betrayed shortages at the Townsville Base Hospital and people; he cannot even appoint his own the Kirwan Women's Hospital. The fact is that senior management team. the Government cut funding to employ extra The mismanagement that has crippled medical specialists for Townsville, thus forcing the health system for almost six months has overworked doctors to threaten to resign. Mr Horan's fingerprints all over it. The chickens There are other things as well. Only one are now coming home to roost! His latest Minister represents an electorate north of the bungling of senior appointments in corporate Tropic of Capricorn and there is no office leaves many questions unanswered, commitment to the north. On 26 February the questions that even his own Cabinet would like coalition said that workers could be assured answers to. For example, how could the that a Borbidge Government would maintain Minister mishandle key appointments after five common law access to workers' compensation months of deliberations? Luckily for them, they claims and would not withdraw from that. What cannot be silenced by Mr Horan's new health has happened? Four and a half months later system. 1748 Appropriation Bills 23 Jul 1996

The return of a politicised health system in bench and done nothing. They have not tried Queensland after a six-year exile is designed to pull their runaway Treasurer into gear. They to silence the critics and anyone with ideas on have sat there and copped it, because they how best to tackle issues in health. It is not have no idea how to run the economy. just consumers that the Minister wants to Government members have not been able to silence; he wants to silence doctors and give her any advice. She still comes under the nurses. The nurses in Rockhampton have sway of the Under Treasurer, who is backward been ignored for months, forcing staff to take in his thinking. He will take her with him. The industrial action. This is the same person who Government has wound back the clock as far said that he was the nurses' friend. He has as it can. It is now starting to push sand back already disproved that claim by his inaction through the hourglass. It is taking Queensland over underfunding and unrealistic workload back to the days of 1989. Honourable pressures. The Morning Bulletin confirmed it all members know what that means. Back then, when it stated, "Already the public is sick and cronyism, political patronage and corruption tired of hearing the lame excuse that a budget were rife. That followed a certain set of shortfall has prevented them from honouring circumstances—years and years of the same any number of pre-election promises." This circumstances. Those things are again starting Government has broken every commitment to come to pass. that it made to rebuild hospitals. Doctors in Mr Grice interjected. Townsville are upset. What happened in Cairns? The ear, nose and throat specialist in Mr NUNN: The honourable member Cairns has also been forced to quit. We put should not interject; I might turn to the subject him there; the coalition took him away. of the Tea Gardens. Time expired. This Government, which pays lip-service to its commitment to small business, has done Mr NUNN: I rise to speak to clause 2, nothing for it in the five months that it has which deals with an amount of money totalling been in power. It fiddled around with big $9.275 billion. It will be interesting to see business and mucked up Century Zinc. It will where the Government will spend that amount muck up a lot of other things before it is of money. Based on present indications, it will finished. It has done nothing for small not be able to spend that amount. In the business. Small business, which is recognised coalition's five months in Government, it has as the generator of most of the employment in done nothing. It is led by an undisciplined this country, has had nothing done for it by the Treasurer who comes under the spell of an Government. The Government only pretends even more undisciplined Under Treasurer who that it is going to do something for small goes back to Menzies for his inspiration. One business. of his proudest comments is that we should have—and it is necessary to have—a 6 per Mr Fouras: Everywhere I go I hear cent pool of unemployed. He must be ecstatic business people saying that there is no and, I guess, so is the Treasurer—she comes confidence at all in this Government. so abidingly under his influence—because in Mr NUNN: That shows that we have in Queensland unemployment is going up. our midst business people with a certain level However, in the rest of Australia, of acumen. They know what is going on. They unemployment is coming down. say exactly the same things to me. That is We have a Treasurer who in five months what is being said at chamber of commerce has managed to saddle us with a debt that meetings all over Queensland. Those was not there when she came to power. On chambers cannot speak as freely as they her own admission, she is becoming the might like to, because their charter is to be master of deficient budgeting. The Treasurer is non-political. At their meetings, they are saying the one saying that the Budget will be that this Treasurer is not up to the job. Hence insufficient. Nothing is further from the truth. we will be saddled with a set of accounts that When we look at some of the things being will again make Queensland the laughing- done in the name of economic good sense, stock of Australia. The Government is not up we have to wonder whether the Treasurer, the to it. Members opposite spent six years on this member for Caloundra, does not suffer from side of the Chamber ridiculing, railing and some sort of mad cow disease and whether criticising. There was not a constructive she is not leading the rest of her uncommonly thought among them, and they did not common herd to the same waterhole. prepare for Government. That is quite evident. Although in the dying days of the former In their five months in Government, Government Opposition members said that members opposite have sat on the back they were ready for Government, events that 23 Jul 1996 Appropriation Bills 1749 have transpired since have shown palpably investigated a case in Maryborough and that they were not ready for Government. appeared on television. He back-pedalled at a Mr Fouras: They were to hit the ground rate of knots. He did not even have the running. courage of his convictions. The Government is murdering Queensland. It is giving Mr NUNN: That is dead right. Similar to Queensland an awful trot and an awful name. the mad cow disease, every time the Treasurer lurches, our economy gets the I was intrigued to hear the member for staggers. Honourable members should have a Keppel earlier espousing the virtues of training look at all of the things that the Government and the value of training to our young people. has frozen in the electorate of Hervey Bay. The Queensland coalition backed in a Federal They have frozen an economy that was Government that is now slashing funds not running really well. In the last six years, the only for tertiary training in TAFE colleges but greatest growth in Queensland in percentage also slashing everything that it can to do with terms was in Hervey Bay. But what has education. If we do not have an educated happened in the five months since the work force and if we do not have a well-trained Government created a debt in this State? It work force, then how are we going to supply has frozen the economy of Hervey Bay. It has industry when it comes out of the other end of been cut off at the knees. The economy is the tunnel that it is in now? now going backwards. Hervey Bay was going There is a lot of talk about the forwards. We were maintaining adequate technological revolution. It is quite apparent levels of infrastructure, and things were going that that is now settling down. The balance well. If Government members want to see an sheets of the large companies will tell one so, example of what their form of management but when we examine what the workers get has done for the people of Queensland, they out of it, we discover that they get nothing should come to Hervey Bay. I believe that on except a diminished pay packet, and in that 14 August we will have a visit from the Minister pay packet is a notice to say that either their for Health, who will be able to tell us all about job has gone or the jobs of thousands of their what he has done for health in Hervey Bay. mates have gone. Consider what is happening Mr Hamill: It will be a short visit, will it? all over the place. For example, 9,000 jobs are to be cut from Telstra. Is that any way to run Mr NUNN: I expect it will be, because an economy? I am talking about Federal the women of Hervey Bay in particular would issues now, but the members of the scratch out his eyes, if they get hold of him, Queensland coalition were the ones who after his support for the closure of the low-risk backed the current Federal Government. birthing unit in Hervey Bay and his opposition These coalition members helped it achieve the to the building of the new hospital there. He is huge mandate which it seems to be using as bound not to staff that hospital properly. an excuse to sack workers left, right and Based on the information I have, that 130-bed centre all over Australia. It is to the eternal hospital will be staffed to a 60-bed capacity. shame of those opposite not only that they What sort of economic nonsense is that? In backed the Federal Government but also that the fastest-growing region in Queensland in they now refuse to criticise it for the campaign percentage terms, the Minister has put the that it is waging against the working people of brakes on the hospital and the health care Australia and the low-income earners of that it can deliver. I really do not know where Australia. Government members are coming from and what sort of ideology drives them, but it is If a Government cannot afford to employ certainly not commonsense. They do not have people, then it cannot afford to give them even a nodding acquaintance with good health care and good education and it commonsense. cannot feed and clothe them. Any Government in that position is an abject As to housing—there was a very good failure. housing program which would have kept the building industry in Hervey Bay going a treat. Mr Carroll interjected. The industry has now come to a dead full stop Mr NUNN: What would the member not only in Hervey Bay but also in know about it? For years he has been locked Maryborough. Contract after contract is being up in legal chambers poring over books that cancelled. As soon as the Government came he did not understand. Now he comes in here to power, its Housing Minister—and I do not and tries to trot himself out as some sort of an know how anybody could call him a Housing expert on just about everything that one cares Minister—tried to renege on signed contracts to mention. He stands up in this place like a until the Leader of the Opposition and I wooden Indian: he has no expression, no 1750 Appropriation Bills 23 Jul 1996 fervour, and there is no heart and soul in what helped contribute to the fact that at the end of he talks about. I suggest that the member try March the Consolidated Fund was running a to show a bit of sincerity. $211m surplus. When one considers the Time expired. length of the parliamentary term in this State of three years, any Government that was five The CHAIRMAN: The question is that months into its term and still trying to blame its clause 2, as read, stand part of the Bill. Those shortcomings on its predecessors would be a of that opinion say "aye"—— Government that had very little credibility Mr HAMILL: Mr Chairman, before you indeed. Really, that is what we are seeing out put the question—I thought the Treasurer may there in the wider community. have extended the courtesy to the Parliament The people have heard the Treasurer and of responding to the issues that have been the Premier bleat and wail about alleged—and raised by a number of speakers during the debate on clause 2. Therefore, I was very I emphasise "alleged"—budgetary problems. surprised that the Treasurer did not jump to But what they have been asking themselves offer the Parliament some of her pearls of is: if there is such a problem, what are these wisdom in relation to these matters. people—who purport to be in charge of the Government—doing about it? Mr Livingstone: Guilty as charged. Mr Bredhauer: I am still waiting for her Mr HAMILL: I take that interjection. I May economic statement. have been a member of this place for many years. Rarely have I seen a Minister act so Mr HAMILL: I take the interjection from arrogantly in relation to a debate on the the member for Cook. Aren't we all still waiting clauses of legislation before the Parliament for the May economic statement? We heard which that Minister is handling. I believe that the Minister for Economic Development and the Treasurer has a responsibility as the Trade, who was deputising for the Treasurer, appropriate Minister to address the very real say, "Oh, well, if we had brought that issues that have been raised by a succession statement down it would have had a shelf life of speakers, albeit all on the Opposition side of one month." What a load of nonsense! of the Parliament, in relation to her That statement was to give the Queensland Appropriation Bill. Some very serious matters public and the business community an have been raised in relation to the way in indication of the direction of Government which the Treasurer discharges her policy. That was the Treasurer's claim when responsibilities. she promised back in March to bring forward In the comments I made earlier, I referred an interim statement. We are still waiting for to the fact that on every criterion, on every that direction. We are still waiting for an paradigm of accounting, Queensland's public accounting of the budgetary position for the accounts are in the black—not in the red, as fiscal year which has just ended. the Treasurer would seem to have us believe. Mark my words: when the Treasurer Yet the Treasurer sits mute and will not produces the accounts in the Budget, I am respond to that critique of her conduct as sure that we will see no black hole in the public Treasurer. I find that quite extraordinary. In finances. We will see a very healthy surplus fact, I suggest under those circumstances that indeed in the Queensland accounts for maybe—just maybe—the Treasurer has 1995-96. We will see that the Labor nothing to say for a change. Maybe the points Government left the State in good order. But that have been made by a number of what we will also see is the direction for the speakers from the Opposition have really future. This Government cannot continue to struck home. blame a former administration for its own A couple of other points need to be made shortcomings when it comes to economic in relation to this Government's management management. The coalition has been in office of the Queensland Budget. We have heard now for five months. It is charged with the since February this year how the Queensland responsibility of governing, not sitting on its Budget has allegedly been in disarray, yet one hands, and not blaming everybody else for its could ask: what has this Government done own incompetence. It is about time we saw since February to purport to correct a problem some action in relation to the Budget in this which it perceives in relation to the State State, that we saw some action in relation to Budget? I would have to say: precious little. the important public services and that we saw We have seen the Treasurer impose a very an end to the sorts of goings-on that are now damaging freeze on capital works occurring in departments around the State spending—a freeze that we would expect where the core services of departments are 23 Jul 1996 Appropriation Bills 1751 being pared away because of a Government that the Treasurer and the Premier continue too lousy to appropriate. talking about alleged deficits in the public Time expired. finances of the State when every official document that has been published by this The CHAIRMAN: The question is that Government in relation to the state of the clause 2, as read, stand part of the Bill. public accounts shows time and time again Mr HAMILL: Mr Chairman, I thought that the public accounts are in the black? The that the Treasurer was going to jump, but only person who believes they are in the red is obviously she is not going to jump, so I will the red-faced Treasurer, who has been afford the Parliament another couple of exposed as a fraud when discussing the state minutes in relation to this matter. I have never of Queensland's finances. How is it that the seen in this place a Minister so arrogant in Treasurer can go to the Loan Council meeting relation to a debate than the person who sits with the figures that her department has here as Treasurer, the honourable member for produced, which show an underlying Budget Caloundra. This Parliament has an obligation surplus, yet she can come back to to question the clauses of this Bill. This clause Queensland and claim that there is a deficit? provides for an appropriation of $9.25 billion. How is it that she can go to the Loan Council We have a Treasurer who sits mute and by meeting, where she received about $35m in her body language communicates the extra funds for financial assistance grants and message that she really does not want to be an extra $37m in health grants, but come here. She would much prefer to be elsewhere back to Queensland and falsely claim that than being in the Chamber and being called to $190m was taken off Queensland? account for her role as the Treasurer of this These figures are on the public record. State. They are figures that the Treasurer has We have not one word from the Treasurer produced. How is it that what the Treasurer regarding the position of the Budget, a says is not reflected in what she publishes? position which she has claimed to be a $185m How can she hold her head up high when she underlying deficit when we all know—and the goes outside this place and expect to be Treasurer's own department has repeatedly believed when all the official documentation that she publishes torpedos the false, published figures to show—that the misleading and mischievous claims that she Consolidated Fund, contrary to the Treasurer's has made in this place and elsewhere in false and misleading claims, is not in deficit relation to the state of the public finances of but rather was chalking up a very healthy Queensland? Quite frankly, the Treasurer is a surplus. At the most recent figures that were disgrace. She is a disgrace in the way that she published by the Treasurer and her has denigrated this State. She is a disgrace in department, that surplus was in excess of the way that she has sought to mislead the $200m. people of Queensland and the way in which Mr FitzGerald: Tedious repetition. You she has talked down the Queensland are a bit tedious. economy. Mr HAMILL: The Leader of Government It is no accident that unemployment in Business does not like to hear the facts, but I this State has increased to such an extent that would have liked to have heard the Treasurer Queensland has the highest rate of explain herself not only to the members of this unemployment across mainland Australia. place but also to the people of Queensland. That has been perhaps the crowning She may turn her back on the members of this achievement of the five months during which place in relation to this debate, but when they members opposite have held the reins of read Hansard the people of Queensland will Government in this State. It is about time that know of the haughty, high-handed and this Government did better. It is about time arrogant manner in which this Treasurer that the people of Queensland received a conducts the business of the Parliament. better response and a more responsible Treasurer than the sort of Treasurer that The Treasurer has not explained to this members have seen in this Chamber this Chamber why she goes out and tries to talk afternoon and the sort of Treasurer who down the Queensland economy; why she continues to denigrate this great State. I hope deliberately seeks to mislead not only the that the Treasurer will manage to rise in this people of Queensland but people around place to respond to these points, otherwise Australia as to the financial State of she will be exposed for the fraud that she is. Queensland; and why she and the Premier have continued to peddle untruths regarding Time expired. the state of Queensland's Budget. Why is it Clause 2, as read, agreed to. 1752 Appropriation Bills 23 Jul 1996

Appropriation (Parliament) Bill Why am I talking about this and taking up Clause 1, as read, agreed to. the time of this Chamber? I have been advised that this Treasurer has asked this Clause 2— Parliament to find savings of $1.8m. Considering what has happened in the past Mr FOURAS (3.34 p.m.): In clause 2 of four or five years, that is just not on. It is just the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill members not possible. What are we going to do? I refer are appropriating for the service of the members to the total budget for last year and Parliament a sum of $18,294,000. Prior to the where that $36.587m came from. A total of time of Charles I, there was no doubt at all $22.281m of that related to members, their that Parliaments were subservient to the electorates, salaries, overseas delegations, Crown. Since then the Executive control of electorate officers or whatever. What was left Parliaments has varied with the strength of the was $14.2m of discretionary money. Of that Parliaments themselves. I think this is the sum, $7.5m related to salaries for the Hansard second time that members have spoken to an staff, the Parliamentary Library staff and Appropriation (Parliament) Bill. This indicates others. So the level of discretionary that we are actually saying that the Parliament expenditure in this Parliament—the amount of is the master of its own destiny. During times money that one could look to for savings—is of tightening one's belt and when restraints minute. are being placed on other sections of the community—whether it be health services, I believe that this decision to demand education or whatever—Parliaments additional savings was made by a bean themselves must play their part, too. I believe counter in Treasury. Notices were sent around that this Parliament has proved to be very stating that we have to find $1.8m in savings responsible in how it has been using its in this institution. That bean counter obviously money. does not understand the real world and does not remember that savings of $1m were made I refer, for example, to the budget for the in one year, followed by another $1m in the Parliament for the past five years. In 1991-92, next year. These savings have already been the budget for the Parliament was $32.446m made in this Parliament. There is no fat left to of a total of $8.970 billion in Consolidated cut from this Parliament. Fund total outlays. That represented 0.362 per cent. Just over one-third of 1 per cent of total When I was the Speaker, I was expenditure went into running this Parliament. considered to be a bit on the mean side. In 1995-96, the figure was $36.587m of a total People said that I was not expansive in what I of $11.6 billion in Consolidated Fund outlays. allowed to happen. Members opposite were The amount of money expended by the saying that they would return this institution to Parliament as a percentage of total outlays a situation in which members have control of from the Consolidated Fund was 0.314 per their own destiny; that it would become a cent. So there has been a 0.05 per cent members' House again. They said, "Once decline in the amount of funds outlaid. Why is more we will have a House in the true that? Westminster tradition. We will tell the Executive to jump in the lake, and we will Substantial cutbacks have occurred in the determine our own destiny." Let me put functioning of this Parliament. The catering forward a hypothetical case. What happens if division was restructured from 39 to 21 we try to find $1.8m? We could do it one way full-time staff. The former Government decided by closing the Parliamentary Library tomorrow. that, because we needed to pull our weight, That would find all the money we want. What we would run this Parliament more on a is the role of the Parliamentary Library? sessional basis. So fewer catering staff were Fundamentally, it is the most important employed when the House was not sitting, instrument that we have in this Parliament. and extra staff were employed when it was The better researched a member is, the better sitting. A similar situation applied to attendants the quality of debate in this Chamber. That is and secretarial staff. Nearly 50 staff took very important. I was a member of the Library voluntary retirement at that stage. Not one of Committee when I first came to this them was forced into retirement. There were Parliament. Mike Ahern was the Chairman of no sackings. There were also changes to the the Parliamentary Library Committee. He said Hansard staff—from pen writers to machine to me one day, "We have some problems with writers. The number of reporters was reduced the Premier." In those days it was Joh. I said, from eight to six, and we got rid of the "What's that?" Mike said that Joh was a bit Hansard typists. Substantial savings have worried about the library, and that he had said, been made. "Not only is it giving Opposition members 23 Jul 1996 Appropriation Bills 1753 information to get up in the House and give us come through. We could not find what was a belt", but that members of his own back expected of us by Treasury. bench were going to the joint party room and Mr FitzGerald: They write 5 per cent criticising his decisions. What a comeuppance faster up there, do they? that was. How dare members in the joint party room be criticising the Premier's decisions! The Mr FOURAS: That is exactly right. That library is fundamentally important. Honourable sums up the problem. members will be aware that, when I was As the French say, the fish smells from Speaker, the amount of money that was the head. If the status of this institution is to allocated to the library increased every year. In be respected and this Parliament is to stand the previous five or six years, no attempt was up in its own right as an institution that made to cut back the allocation to the library. provides quality service to its members and So, if we cannot cut the funds to the library, through the members to the public, then the where do we go from there? Those sorts of public has to pay for it. We cannot continue to savings just cannot be found. scrimp and save and still expect members to It amazes me that somebody from do the tasks that are expected of them. When Treasury would send a letter to the current the Budget is brought down—on 17 Speaker and say that he has to find that sort September or whenever it is—I do not want to of saving. It is unbelievable. Perhaps the see that this Parliament has had major cuts to Parliament has to say, "Enough is enough." the service that it provides to the members. I We have an Appropriation (Parliament) Bill am sure that we could run a ticket with that we can pass to appropriate a certain members on both sides of the Parliament saying that it is not on. I suggest that the amount of funds for the services of the Parliament. We do not want to be seen to be Treasurer withdraw the request to the Speaker self-serving. We do not want to be seen as for massive cuts. It is about time that we though we want to be treated any differently asserted the authority of the Parliament. It is from those in the general community. time for the members of this institution to However, we cannot accept this from assert themselves and have a say over the somebody from Treasury who does not Executive. They are not to be controlled by the understand how this Parliament functions and Executive. We have a job to do in the interests who does not understand how our budget is of the people. made up. I do not expect the Treasurer to Mr PURCELL: I would like to say a few respond to my comments, but I would like her words about the Parliamentary Service. I to consider what I have said. would like to compare its conditions to those provided in the organisation for which I worked Between 1992-93—when the budget for before I came into this place. I think the this Parliament was $34.859m—and 1994-95, resources that are supplied to members of that is, three years, the budget for this Parliament, of whom there are 89, are Parliament increased by $300,000; yet the deplorable. I worked for an employee Budget for all of Queensland increased by a organisation that looked after its employees. It couple of billion dollars. Nobody in the ensured that it provided the facilities to look community could suggest that we have not after people. With about 7,000 builders' been running a very tight ship. labourers in Queensland, we ensured that one I can say with certainty that, while I was organiser was employed for every 500 to 600 Speaker, there was low morale in this place, members. That is about what it takes to look because the staff were seeing members of after people correctly. We had 14 organisers Parliament receiving salary increases every six and plenty of backup staff for those months—3 per cent here, 4 per cent there, 5 organisers. per cent there—while they were getting no When I first came into this place, to look increases at all. That is what has happened in after anywhere between 24,000 to 28,000 this place. It not as though the salaries of our people, I was given an office that was officially staff were being loaded. I can understand their the office with the smallest floor space in feelings. They were saying, "Hey! There are Queensland. Not more than two people at a two classes of people here: one class, of time could get into the office to talk to me. The course, is you the pollies. You have a pretty others would have to stand out on the good system. Your salaries go up veranda in all types of weather. They were automatically. We had to go through an lined up almost to Wynnum Road in Cannon enterprise bargaining process where we Hill to see me about various matters. They couldn't find the savings." That is why our could not get into the office because of the enterprise bargaining process took so long to miserable office with which I had been 1754 Appropriation Bills 23 Jul 1996 supplied. It took me some time to have that A Government member: What about sorted out. At least now people can come in, the last six years while you were in sit down and talk to me. Government? As to the equipment in our offices— Mr PURCELL: I am referring to the consider our photocopiers. Are any members money that is provided to look after members, in this Chamber—except Ministers, of course— irrespective of who is in Government. happy with their photocopiers? Nobody could Members opposite have an opportunity to do say that they are happy with their something about it, and they should. photocopiers. Mine does about 1,000 copies I know that the Treasurer is not listening. and then lies down and has a rest for half an She is probably counting the beans on the hour or so. It just will not work. When I take table. I urge the Treasurer to look very that up with the people who come out to fix it, seriously at the budget that the Speaker has they say to me that it is not really meant to do to work with. I think that in regard to a member the work that I want it to do. It is only of Parliament servicing the needs of his or her guaranteed to produce so many copies. I do constituency, where the Speaker sees the not know when we will receive new copiers, but need, he should be allowed to appropriate we definitely need them now. I allow some money so that the member can spend that community groups in the area that do money so that he or she can service the volunteer work to use our copier. I think most needs of his or her constituents. After all, members in this place do the same thing. It is irrespective of our political persuasion, we in very embarrassing when those people come this place should be working towards looking into the office to use the photocopier when it is after those people who elect us to Parliament. having a spell and will not work. If we need the tools and the wherewithal to do Other equipment in my office that is not that, they should be provided. very efficient is a phone system that Noah had Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: I wanted to in the ark. We just got rid of dial phones. The explore in more depth an issue raised by my system in my office has two lines. It is never colleague the member for Bulimba. What I enough. I need a system with which I can at want to talk about relates to each and every least talk to my secretary, put a line on hold, member and the way they are perceived in and take messages on another line. The their own electorates because of the way current system is deplorable. things are done in this Parliament. A Government member interjected. Members operate an office in their Mr PURCELL: I was at a committee electorates which is, in effect, a business. meeting with the Works Department. I will not However, very few of us spend any money in say what the Opposition members were doing other businesses in our electorates and there. I can see the member for Gympie support our local community businesses. We laughing. I could ask him to stand up in this come to Parliament and we say that we are place knowing that he would say that only going to do all this wonderful stuff for orange juice passed my lips. I could talk about businesses in our community. However, we do a few other people, but I will not. all our spending through the central office at Occupational health and safety for our Parliament House. I do not want to office staff is deplorable. It is slowly starting to disadvantage anybody who is employed at improve because the staff are employed by Parliament House. However, there are four the Speaker. When I first became a member, stationery shops located in my electorate. no first-aid kit or cold water was provided in the Every now and then I buy goods from those office, so I supplied them. businesses because I believe that I should. I do not use the pens that are provided by the Honourable members interjected. Parliament, firstly, because the Parliament Mr PURCELL: Honourable members does not provide the best pens; and, can laugh about it, but if we were in private secondly, because I believe that, as a industry, we would be prosecuted. Because member of Parliament, occasionally I should we are the Government, they cannot get at walk into a business that is located in my us. electorate, buy some goods from them and Mr Woolmer: What about the hot help them along the way. Similarly, three travel water? agencies are located in my electorate. Mr PURCELL: That is the other thing— Mr Grice: That's why you go on the trips there was no hot water. A gas system was all the time. provided that had not been working for I do Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: I do not go on as not know how long. many trips as the member for Broadwater. Of 23 Jul 1996 Ministerial Statement 1755 course, unlike the member for Broadwater, I way, the whole community knows where their do not have a second career that keeps me members are and what they are doing. away from my primary job. As I say, three Mr Johnson: Who took that away from travel agencies are located in my electorate, local travel agencies—your Government when yet I am required to use the services of the you were in power. travel officer at Parliament House. Although that officer is quite efficient, because of a deal Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: I am pleased the that has been done by the Parliament I am Minister said that that right was taken away by provided with a service that is not as the Labor Government. I am not sure that that satisfactory as I would like. I will elucidate that is the fact. point. As a former employee of Australian Mr Fouras interjected. Airlines, it is only logical that I continue to Mr Horan interjected. support that airline when I travel for personal reasons or for business. When I travel, tickets Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: The former are booked through the parliamentary office. Speaker tells me that that is not true. Because of a deal that the travel office has However, I do not wish to debate that point. It with Ansett, my tickets are issued by Ansett is important that the comment of the Minister Airlines for travel on Australian Airlines. On for Health is recorded in Hansard. He said that more than one occasion I have turned up at it was a disgraceful action. I hope that I now the airport to collect a ticket that Ansett has have powerful allies in the Minister for not yet delivered to the airport. It has occurred Transport and the Minister for Health in putting on an occasion when I brought forward my my case that such items ought to be able to departure time and Ansett was not involved in be purchased in the members' electorates. the change of bookings. In that case, it was Members ought to be able to support local not Ansett's fault. On another occasion, I was businesses. If the Parliament is concerned a bit peeved that I had to stand around about the prospect of members rorting their waiting for someone to be sent up to the other stationery allowance or rorting their travel end of the terminal to collect the ticket. The allowance, let the most feared arbiter in the answer to this problem for each and every one country work it out. Let us let the Taxation of us is for the Speaker to look at the system Department work it out. of dealing with our officers and perhaps—— Although I am sure that my proposal will cause some small pain within the Mr Woolmer: Outsourcing. parliamentary precincts, I am sure that officers Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: Members receive who currently undertake these tasks could be an allowance for some things and they are deployed to other functions and that we, as 89 required to purchase other items centrally. In members of Parliament, could use our relation to those items that currently we are businesses, the offices that we run, to support required to purchase centrally, it could be other businesses in our communities and do better if our electorate allowances were some good in that way. increased—for example, if we received a I hope that my proposal could be placed certain amount a year for stationery, we could before the Speaker. I commend it to him as a go down to our local stationery shops and better way of doing things than the way things purchase our stationery. I buy coloured A3 are done at present. paper at my local stationery shop. That paper is not available through Parliament House, but Clause 2, as read agreed to. on occasions I use a quantity of A3 paper. Bills reported, without amendment. Mr Woolmer: For paper planes. Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: Very big paper Third Reading planes, I am sure. However, I buy that paper Bills, on motion of Mrs Sheldon, by leave, because I use it for business purposes. I read a third time. would like to be able to buy that paper through an electorate allowance for business purposes. I would like to be able to walk into MINISTERIAL STATEMENT my local travel agency and purchase tickets for Mr A. Windsor travel, because I need to support them. I can Hon. D. E. McCAULEY (Callide— also say to members that the best method of Minister for Local Government and Planning) making sure that parliamentarians do not rort (3.59 p.m.), by leave: The member for their travel allowance is that they buy their Rockhampton really needs to sack his mole in tickets from their local travel agencies. That the Department of Emergency Services. This 1756 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 23 Jul 1996 morning, the member claimed that Allan I met with representatives from the Law Windsor had been sacked and only his Society and discussed these matters with fearless intervention had saved the day. them. At that time I instructed the department That is laughable. Nothing could be to commence work on preparing legislation of further from the truth. Far from being dumped, the kind that now appears before the House. as has been claimed by Mr Schwarten, Mr Therefore, it is unfortunate that the current Windsor, one of the hardest-working and most Attorney-General has indulged in some respected Emergency Services officers, has provocative remarks in an attempt to point the put back his retirement and is still working for finger at the previous Labor administration the department. Mr Windsor had intended to when the truth of matter is that work on this retire in May but has stayed on to assist his legislation was commenced following my successor. instructions to the department in late 1995. However, notwithstanding that gratuitous Mr Windsor and this Government are provocation, the Opposition, being a tolerant disgusted that the member for Rockhampton Opposition, will support the legislation is so bereft of any original ideas for brownie nonetheless. points that he has had to stoop to using someone of Mr Windsor's standing as a This Bill illustrates the changing role of the political football. Mr Schwarten did not even legal profession. Once upon a time the use of have the good manners to contact the solicitors' trust accounts was largely in department to see if the information from his connection with activities such as the mole was even remotely close to the mark. conveyance of a home—the so-called cottage conveyance. Nowadays, in a more As for Mr Schwarten's monstrous claims sophisticated securities market, some solicitors of cuts to vital Emergency Services—these are engaged in a much broader range of should be treated with the same contempt. activities. Accordingly, circumstances arise The budget process has not been finalised where the risks that are attendant upon those and his claims are nothing more than pure activities are in the nature of commercial risks speculation. The document he claims supports that should be borne by the persons who his allegations is a document that not even engage in them, rather than risks that would the Director-General of the department, let be contemplated to arise as a result of the alone the Minister, has sighted. traditional discharge of the solicitors' functions Congratulations, Mr Schwarten. His with respect to their clients. constituents must be proud of him and his This change is part of a broader change. infallible grasp of reality. It is part of an increasing pressure upon the legal profession to adopt more of a commercial approach to its activities. Therein QUEENSLAND LAW SOCIETY lies a dilemma for the profession: how is the LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL profession to retain adherence to the system Second Reading of ethics and professional duties which Debate resumed from 16 May (see characterise a true profession while, at the p. 1194). same time, being responsive to the winds of change that blow through the marketplace of Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga) (4 p.m.): legal services? This legislation is an attempt to This Bill makes provision to exclude certain put a fence around the liability for the fund mortgages from the coverage of the Fidelity and, as such, is unobjectionable, particularly Guarantee Fund. The Bill requires solicitors to as it includes the requirement that solicitors notify their clients in advance in circumstances notify their clients in advance in relation to where cover under the Fidelity Guarantee issues of liability and cover under the Fidelity Fund for a transaction is excluded under the Guarantee Fund. amendment. These are sensible amendments. They provide that the Fidelity The change in circumstances confronting Guarantee Fund would not be used in the legal profession has been very rapid. In circumstances where it was not originally Parliament we have heard much debate over the rapid increase in common law claims for contemplated it would be used. Accordingly, injured workers under the workers' the Opposition will be supporting these compensation scheme that followed the amendments. introduction of a liberalisation of advertising Last October the Queensland Law rules with respect to negligence and other Society wrote to me as the Attorney-General actions. That change came about in a climate and asked for an appointment about this and where there has been an increasing emphasis another matter. I agreed and in late November from the Commonwealth and, in particular, the 23 Jul 1996 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 1757

Trade Practices Commission to ensure that establish a core of subjects that would-be legal the market for legal services is truly practitioners could undertake whether they competitive. That impulse is based on the were studying in Western Australia, proposition that restrictive practices within the Queensland or other States and Territories of legal profession should be avoided and that the Commonwealth. I am pleased to say that, there should be genuine competition amongst in the latter part of last year, that uniformity the members of the profession so that was achieved in the form of 11 key subjects consumers are placed in as good as a position that were to form the basis of the law as possible. curriculum. The "priestly 11", as they are In that respect significant efforts have called, achieved the support of all jurisdictions. been made to achieve a national market for I am pleased to say that, during my time as legal services. It may strike members as Attorney-General, the Queensland somewhat strange that only a few years ago Government supported those subjects and one had to be a resident of Queensland they were proclaimed in Queensland and before one could be admitted as a barrister of throughout Australia in the latter part of last the Supreme Court of Queensland. That year. What that means is that the law restriction—which was referred to rather recognises that people can study and train in disparagingly by southern colleagues as the one part of Australia and practise and be dingo fence around the Queensland Bar—was admitted to qualifications in other parts of set aside by a decision of the High Court which Australia, whether they are training as held that that provision, based upon a carpenters, plumbers or lawyers. This is quite residency requirement, was inconsistent with an important principle, because there has the provisions of the Australian Constitution been much criticism of the cost of legal and hence was invalid. That heralded an era services. of competition at the Bar in Queensland and One of the great challenges facing this we have seen the emergence, in the solicitors' Government, and indeed facing all arm of the profession, of national legal firms Governments, is the cost of access to justice. which transact business all over the The costs of any product or service should be Commonwealth of Australia. minimised where there is genuine competition To some extent that process has itself amongst the providers of that product or been part of a larger process where there has service. Accordingly, in recent years, there has been mutual recognition of professions and an been a great deal of attention to attempt to ensure that the recognition of trade anti-competitive practices amongst the legal qualifications in one part of Australia should profession. When I commenced practice at flow on to the recognition of trade the Bar in Queensland, the two-counsel and qualifications in another part of Australia. It two-thirds rules were an established part of was an absurdity that a person trained as a everyday practice. The two-counsel rule carpenter in Brisbane, for example, could not provided that where a Queen's Counsel was have his or her skills recognised in Victoria or retained in a matter there must be another elsewhere. The efforts of the Commonwealth barrister, a junior counsel, retained as well in and the States to overcome that have been order to assist the Queen's Counsel. The worth while. In the case of the legal profession Queen's Counsel was forbidden to appear by similar efforts have been made to ensure that himself or herself. Similarly, the two-thirds rule the same principles of competition and provided that the junior counsel who appeared openness towards the marketplace should with a Queen's Counsel was obliged to charge apply. However, the question is: how is one to a fee at two-thirds the rate of the senior reconcile those principles of open competition counsel. The effect of that was that the in the marketplace with ethical demands and ordinary citizen who sought to retain through professional duties? This Bill is one example of his or her solicitor the services of a Queen's the need to separate the commercial activities Counsel had to retain as well another barrister from the more traditional professional activities at a not inconsiderable fee, namely, a fee at of solicitors and, as such, is a reasonable two-thirds of the rate of that of senior counsel. piece of legislation. The practice which led to the two-counsel Over recent years, efforts have been and two-thirds rules was anachronistic and made to ensure that there could be an indefensible. I am pleased to say that those opportunity for law students who study in rules have now been abolished. The realities different parts of Australia to have common of modern practice at the Bar are that one is rules governing the subjects that they not obliged to retain junior counsel when one undertake in order to be admitted as solicitors retains senior counsel. If one does retain junior or barristers. That work led to efforts to counsel as well, there is no obligation that the 1758 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 23 Jul 1996 junior be paid at two-thirds the fee of senior practice effectively as barristers in the sense counsel. Those two rules were classic that they are known to the law here in examples of what the Trade Practices Queensland, and that is simply a function of Commission has referred to as the restrictive specialisation in the marketplace. Some will be trade practices of the legal profession. I think more suited for work in the courts and in that criticism is valid. Those rules were retained advocacy; others will be more suited for work for too long at the Bar and they led, in direct contact with clients and in the unfortunately, to the legal profession suffering preparation of documents such as leases, much of the criticism that it has done in the mortgages and wills and will practise in the public arena over recent years. Things have manner of solicitors. changed and changed for the better. There However, that being said, it really are now more liberal rules in respect of the constitutes no defence of the current briefing of counsel by persons other than Government's position, because that solicitors. That, too, is part of a change specialisation can occur as a matter of practice towards the legal profession becoming more when one sweeps away the legal obstacles by competitive and more consumer focused. having common admission rules. That is what However, I have to say that it is very has been done in South Australia and in a disappointing that the current Government has different way in New South Wales, and the turned back the clock on the reform of the process of reform which was in train under the legal profession. I am disappointed that the Labor Government would have enabled that current Attorney-General has announced that to happen in Queensland. It is richly ironic that the Government does not propose to proceed the Attorney-General has taken up the cause with common admission rules so that persons of maintaining a divided profession at the very could be admitted as legal practitioners, that time that his Cabinet colleague the Treasurer is, as both solicitors and barristers. Instead, has brought into this House and passed the current Attorney-General has indicated legislation to provide for competition. It seems that the classic division between solicitors and as if the current Attorney-General believes that barristers will be retained. What is the the winds of competition—the winds of consequence of that? The consequence of change—stop at the door of the legal that is that a national market for legal services profession. It is much to be deplored that that is that much harder to achieve. I say a process of reform has stopped. "national market for legal services", because I note also in considering that process of there will be persons admitted in other States legal profession reform that the current of the Commonwealth—for example, South Attorney has indicated that solicitors are to Australia and New South Wales—who are retain their monopoly on conveyancing in this admitted as both barristers and solicitors. The State. A little over two years ago, the Labor question arises: how will mutual recognition be Government indicated during the period as offered to those persons upon wishing to enter Attorney-General of my colleague Dean Wells, practice in Queensland? the member for Murrumba, that a two-year If Queensland had proceeded with the moratorium would be provided for with respect process of legal profession reform initiated to conveyancing to enable solicitors to under the Labor Government, Queensland consider their position, to put their house in would have had a fused profession, that is, a order with respect to the costs of profession in which a person was admitted as conveyancing and its availability to members a legal practitioner who is, to all intents and of the public. purposes, able to practise as a solicitor or as a I am pleased to say that that action on barrister, or indeed to practise in a way which the part of the then Attorney-General, Mr covered both of those traditional roles. Wells, led to a substantial reduction in practice It is said by way of defence of the current in the costs of conveyancing. It helped many Attorney-General's position that experience Queenslanders achieve better access to legal tells us that a separate and independent Bar services because the legal profession was put tends to emerge wherever one has an on notice. But that was for a two-year period established legal profession whether there is a only, to be reviewed and considered in the fused profession in accordance with the light of developments over that period. I note admission rules or not, and that is so. In that the current Attorney has somewhat jurisdictions such as South Australia, where peremptorily indicated that solicitors will retain one has common admission rules—where one their monopoly on conveyancing, seemingly is admitted effectively as a solicitor and without having undertaken any formal review barrister—there is a group of persons who or assessment of the impact of that practice practise as advocates, who carry out their and without having undertaken any formal 23 Jul 1996 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 1759 consultation with respect to that practice. It is system, sometimes referred to as community disappointing at a time when so much effort justice. throughout the nation is being put into the If one is serious about access to justice, reform of the legal profession—into ensuring one must be serious about supporting that it is competitive, into ensuring that it alternative programs to enable ordinary responds to the changed dynamics of the people—ordinary working men and women— marketplace—that here in Queensland the to get access to community justice centres in reform process has ground to a halt. which they can get help to resolve their We see in this Bill a crystallisation of the problems. I am deeply disappointed that the way things have changed from the traditional current Government is slashing funds to those functions of a solicitor into the more programs. Various reports suggest that those commercial functions, and that at a time in cuts could be as much as 50 per cent. I urge which the changes in respect of restrictive the Attorney-General to reveal to the House in trade practices of the legal profession have the course of his reply on this Bill the extent of been reformed and in which admission rules to the cuts to the Alternative Dispute Resolution the profession have been significantly program. reformed throughout the length and breadth of Australia. Just as it is important to have a Queensland Law Society which regulates the In considering the Law Society legislation, conduct of legal practitioners, so it is important it is important for members of this House to that ordinary citizens can have an alternative. consider the important public duties which In modern times there has been increased legal practitioners undertake. They are not emphasis upon mediation or alternative merely the providers of goods and services in dispute resolution as a means of dealing with the way others in the marketplace are. They neighbourhood problems, personal problems, have a duty to uphold justice; they have commercial problems, and so on. Experience certain fiduciary duties towards their clients; has indicated that this can lead to a much they have certain duties to the society at large. more satisfactory outcome than simply That is because the legal profession holds a spending thousands of dollars to fund special place, in that, for reasons of public barristers and solicitors to slug out the matter policy, representation of persons in our courts in court. is confined to members of the legal profession. In this respect I might say that the cutting of funds by the current Government to the The ordinary working man or woman has Alternative Dispute Resolution program is real concerns about the cost of legal services. deeply disappointing in that it represents a For that reason, it is deeply disappointing that slap in the face for victims of crime. The the current Government has slashed the Alternative Dispute Resolution program is the access of ordinary people to the Alternative very program which conducts mediation Dispute Resolution program within the services for victim/offender conferencing. If a Department of Justice. Many citizens, victim of crime wishes to confront an including many of those who would attend at offender—to carry out victim/offender the electorate offices of members of this conferencing, which was an initiative House, will present with legal problems— introduced by the Labor Government—then problems in their dealings with a neighbour, that program in the Department of Justice, problems in respect of a contract, consumer that is, the Alternative Dispute Resolution problems and so on. For many of those program, is the program which offers that people, the prospect of spending thousands professional service. This is an important of dollars to retain legal practitioners to appear opportunity for many victims of crime to on their behalf in court is a very daunting confront offenders and to give to the victim of prospect indeed. In practice, it simply deters crime an opportunity to explain the impact of many people from enforcing their rights. That the offence upon him or her. It is richly ironic is why it is so important for those people to that the Government should be slashing funds have somewhere else to go. Hence the to this program at the very time when, in importance of the Alternative Dispute another Bill before this House, a legislative Resolution program introduced by my framework for victim/offender conferencing is predecessor the then Attorney-General, the being put forward in the juvenile justice area. Honourable Dean Wells. That program enables many citizens to seek a resolution of It is difficult to understand the logic of the their disputes not through formal legal Government's position. One can only assume representation in the courts but through that the current Attorney-General finds himself mediation in an alternative dispute resolution deeply embarrassed by the reckless spending 1760 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 23 Jul 1996 of the Treasurer in lavishing $200m to abolish $2m honoured? These are matters that one the toll on the Sunshine Motorway in her would have expected the Government to have electorate. Accordingly, sacrifices have to be embraced with great haste. These are matters found for worthy programs, because there that go to the heart of access to justice. These seems to be little other explanation of why the are matters which affect ordinary community justice program should be so badly Queenslanders who are seeking justice. knocked around at a time when the case for The Attorney-General was not slow to ordinary citizens getting cheap and speedy criticise the previous Government. But where access to justice is becoming more and more does one see in the practice of the current pressing. The importance of finding ways and Government a commitment to provide access means of dealing with legal problems outside to justice? Instead one sees a slashing of the formal procedures of the legal profession funds to the Alternative Dispute Resolution and the courts cannot be overestimated. It is program and a failure to deliver upon the often said that only the very poor and the very promised $2m extra in legal aid. No doubt the rich can afford to litigate—the very rich Attorney-General will seek to urge upon the because they have deep pockets and can House the difficulties he faces in extracting afford the costs of legal representation, and funds from the pockets of the Commonwealth. the very poor who qualify for the stringent means tests applying to legal aid. He is not Robinson Crusoe in that respect. In its report on legal aid funding, the Criminal Just as we have seen a slashing in Justice Commission drew attention to the raw funding for the community justice program, or deal that Queensland gets under the existing the Alternative Dispute Resolution program, formula with respect to legal aid. Indeed, when so, too, we wait in vain for the injection of $2m that report was presented—and I had the to the legal aid system which was promised by honour to be acting Attorney-General—I made the current Attorney-General, Mr Beanland, vigorous representations to Canberra to seek when he was in Opposition. That $2m would to have that formula changed. But the wheels be quite welcome to assist people applying for of Commonwealth funding grind exceeding legal aid to get access to legal representation. slow and exceeding fine. However, that does That was a promise made, but it is a promise not discharge this Government's responsibility. which is yet to be honoured. There is a curious It has a responsibility to deliver access to inconsistency between the eagerness with justice for ordinary Queenslanders. It is acting which the current Attorney-General is willing to quite properly to protect the Fidelity Guarantee commit public funds to provide legal aid for Mr Fund at the request of the Queensland Law Borbidge, Mr Cooper and his other colleagues Society. But where is its enthusiasm, where is appearing before the Carruthers inquiry and its energy, where is its priority when it comes to the remarkable reluctance on the part of the providing access to justice for ordinary current Attorney-General to commit those Queenslanders through things like legal promised $2m in funds to support the ordinary profession reform, the Alternative Dispute person seeking access to legal aid. I invite the Resolution program and the provision of Attorney-General, in his reply, to inform the resources for legal aid? I am sad to say that it House when he proposes to deliver upon his is a circumstance in which there is a great gap pre-election promise of an increase of State between the rhetoric of the Government and funding of $2m towards legal aid. Will he act the reality of what it is delivering for the people upon that promise with greater urgency than of Queensland. he has acted to provide legal aid for Mr Borbidge and Mr Cooper, or are they to be The current debate on access to justice is placed in a preferred position in comparison one in which the Law Society and the Bar with ordinary Queenslanders seeking legal Association have played positive roles. I have aid? to say that the positions that they have adopted in negotiations over the past year The Honourable the Attorney-General has represent a very significant shift from the given an explanation to this Parliament as to positions they held only a few short years ago. what he sees as the public interest in providing That simply reflects the increased public legal aid to Mr Borbidge and Mr Cooper, but pressure upon the legal profession to be the question remains: even if one accepts the accessible, to be able to deliver services to argument advanced by the Attorney-General ordinary citizens at a cost and in a form that in respect of that public interest, is there not a they can afford. Just as it is important for the public interest in the ordinary citizens of this Government to act to protect the Fidelity State getting access to legal aid also? Is there Guarantee Fund, so it is important for the not a public interest in the ordinary citizens of Government to act to ensure that the process this State seeing a pre-election promise of of reform of the legal profession can proceed 23 Jul 1996 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 1761 in accordance with the changes that have It is true to say that the Queensland Law occurred elsewhere throughout the Society, because of its closer involvement with Commonwealth. the commercial market place has probably Queensland is in danger of yet again demonstrated a greater openness to the competition policy changes that have been becoming the laughing stock of the nation. the subject of debate than has the Bar Queensland is in danger yet again of being Association. However, that being said, it is the odd State out in the reform process. Ten equally true that the Bar Association has years ago, Queenslanders were the butt of advanced a number of ethical concerns that jokes because of the dingo fence that was the have a legitimate place in this debate about residency rule of the Bar Association. Now, the future of the legal profession. It is, of Queensland is starting to become the butt of course, elementary that the change process jokes throughout this nation because the should not erode that which is intrinsically current Government has brought the process valuable about the tradition of the profession, of legal profession reform to a full stop. that which is its intrinsic contribution to the Instead of working with the goodwill that was wellbeing of the community and to the cause evident on the part of the Law Society and the of justice. Bar Association to address these issues, the Attorney-General has unfortunately acted on There are certain ethical duties that a the basis of reactionary advice. This should be legal practitioner owes to his or her client, to said: in the longer term, the Law Society and the court, and to justice. They must not be the Bar Association have an interest in compromised. However, those ethical duties ensuring the progress of legal profession should not be allowed to be an alibi for failing reform, because it is in their interests—and I to confront the reform issues of the day. The say this as a proud member of the Bar Bill currently before the House makes a Association—to see that the public standing of sensible amendment to separate those traditional activities in which solicitors engage legal practitioners is maintained. That can happen only when legal practitioners subject from the more commercial and speculative themselves to the same discipline, the same activities in which solicitors may engage and in winds of change, that have affected all other which it is incumbent on the parties to confront sectors of the Australian work force. We are the risks on commercial terms, whether by way of indemnity insurance or otherwise. However, not living separate and apart in some remote in addressing it the Government has taken a ivory castle; we are living in a very dynamically reasonable step. But the process, of which this changing market place. If the legal profession is but a part, requires more than a mere step is to retain a high standing in the community, on the part of the Government; it requires an then it follows that the efforts that have been ongoing commitment to the process of legal made elsewhere throughout this nation to profession reform. At the end of the day, the achieve reform should be applied here. law—legal aid and the courts—are there to It would indeed be a most unfortunate assist ordinary citizens to achieve justice. The spectre if the Competition Commission were to existence of bodies such as the Law Society have to intervene to ensure that National and the Bar Association is so that they might Competition Policy was not being breached serve the interests of their members and the here in Queensland. Indeed, the reluctance of greater cause of justice. the current Attorney-General to proceed with This Bill is a useful step in keeping the the process of legal profession reform may Law Society legislation up to date. However, well sit very uncomfortably with the competition what is unfortunate is that the other steps that legislation that the Treasurer introduced. It is need to go with this legislation have not been simply not good enough for the current forthcoming from the Government. I urge the Attorney, on the basis of goodness knows Minister—I urge all members of Parliament—to what consultation, to try to turn the clock back confront these issues. Surely all members of and to freeze in time the legal profession as if this Parliament have constituents who come to there were no need for ongoing reforms. That them on a regular basis with problems. Surely is not in the interests of consumers of legal all members of this Parliament have services, not in the interests of ordinary constituents who seek justice. Surely all Queenslanders, and, in the longer term, it is members of this Parliament have had the not in the interests of legal practitioners experience of referring constituents to solicitors themselves for they need to retain good only to be greeted with the disappointment on standing in the community and they need to the faces of constituents who say that they be aware of the changing market for their simply cannot afford legal services and will services. simply have to put up with the injustice that 1762 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 23 Jul 1996 they feel that they have suffered. That is not a funding and the lack of increase in funding to good state of affairs. It is one that requires legal aid, which to date has been characteristic effort and leadership on the part of of this Government's stewardship in the area Government. It requires a commitment to a of law and justice. I urge the Attorney-General national market for legal services. It requires a and members of the Government to commitment to genuine competition. It reconsider their path. The Opposition will requires a commitment to maintaining the support the legislation before the House. ethical foundations of the profession while Mr CAMPBELL (Bundaberg) facing up to the challenges of modern times. (4.56 p.m.): I join in this debate to make some Accordingly, I urge the Attorney-General general comments about the Queensland Law and all other members of this Parliament to Society Legislation Amendment Bill. I do so urge the Government to reconsider its position because, during the time that I have been a and to take up the challenge. These member of Parliament, I have helped many challenges will not go away: they are not constituents with their problems—health something that have been dreamed up as a problems, dental problems, problems with the matter of rhetorical puff. These are changes patient transit scheme, housing problems, and pressures that are abroad in the larger education problems, consumer requirements, community. the Building Services Authority, which comes We are living in a time when Australian up again and again, and problems with social lawyers are delivering legal services security. However, one group of people whom throughout this region of the Asia Pacific. I have tried to help are those constituents who Australia, and in particular Queensland, can have experienced problems with the legal become a greater exporter of legal services profession. I do not know how many other than it is currently. It is true that some members at various times have tried to help Australian firms have been able to achieve their constituents who have experienced that. One hopes that Queensland's proximity problems with the legal profession. However, I to Asia is such that Queensland could develop have to say that whenever I have dealt with the export culture with respect to legal services the Law Society, in all of those times the that is so important in playing a professional interests of the consumer were never put first. role in our region. But we cannot do that The interests of the client—one's constituent— unless we adopt a rigorous approach to were not really looked after. putting our own house in order. It is simply not In effect, the Law Society has basically possible to hold ourselves out to the world at been involved in peer protection rather than large while we remain choked with the peer review. Quite often, I have asked other baggage of history, particularly in the form of members, "Have you had a satisfactory divided admission rules in Queensland and outcome when you have taken a constituent's the other aspects of legal profession reform problems to the Law Society?" All of those that were in train under the Labor members have answered, "No." They have all Government. experienced problems. Constituents have No doubt, those members of the legal experienced problems in relation to a solicitor profession who see the winds of change that acting for opposing parties in winning a are blowing through our region will urge upon contract. When a dispute arose, one person the Government the need for ongoing reform. missed out. Maladministration, or just poor It is important that the Government listen to legal advice, have created problems across them. It is important that the Government the whole spectrum of law—family law, civil listens not only to its close mates in the legal actions and criminal actions. In other words, it profession but also listen more broadly to the has been very difficult to get the Law Society legal profession and, in particular, that it listen to adopt a reasonable approach towards the to the community at large. The community at handling of complaints concerning lawyers. large is speaking with a loud and very I think that we should consider looking at determined voice. It is not satisfied with the a method of achieving a satisfactory outcome current state of accessibility of legal services. for constituents. In many cases, those people The community at large has sent a very are just ordinary people—ordinary battlers. powerful message to Governments throughout Often, it is the first time they have dealt with Australia that access to justice should be the legal profession and they have improved. That has been the task that experienced problems. I have to say that in confronted the Labor Government; it is the almost all circumstances, as a result of the task that confronts the current Government. review of those cases, they are given the flick. It is very sad to see the cutting of the We have to ensure that we achieve a better Alternative Dispute Resolution program system of handling legal profession 23 Jul 1996 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 1763 complaints. Lawyers can claim client/lawyer people will come in contact with the legal privilege. Members of Parliament do not have profession on only very rare occasions, and we that right of privilege with their constituents, yet have to ensure that those who believe they we can be held responsible for many matters have been aggrieved by their dealings with the involving our constituents. legal profession have a fair hearing. We Mr Carroll: I am not game to rub it in. should ensure that through this Parliament. Mr J. H. SULLIVAN (Caboolture) Mr CAMPBELL: The member is not? (5.04 p.m.): I rise to indicate, as the So we have to consider some of the things Opposition spokesman has before me, that that we are doing. In actual fact, the only time the Opposition considers the main thrust of an adverse finding is made against anyone in this amendment legislation to be quite the legal profession is usually when there has proper—that is, the removal of certain been a misappropriation of funds. That is protections for certain mortgages provided by because in those circumstances there is solicitors in what is a relatively new practice written evidence and action must be taken. within the profession. This will remove a Mr J. H. Sullivan: If you can catch pressure on the Fidelity Guarantee Fund which them. I do not believe should be there. To the extent that this Bill achieves that, I think that it is a Mr CAMPBELL: If you can catch them. good move. However, I will come back to other Most times, that is when one hears about any issues relevant to the Bill on which I have action being taken against a member of the particular views and which I have held for legal profession. It is interesting to note that some time. clients have said that, in many other dealings with the legal profession in which they have Earlier, I was provoked by the Minister for not received a satisfactory outcome, their Mansfield in an interjection that he made—— cases have not had a reasonable hearing Government members: "Member for through the Law Society. I must say that that Mansfield". has not happened only once. I would not even Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: That is what I bother telling my constituents to go to the Law said. Society if they felt that they had received poor legal representation. Mr Radke: No, you said "Minister". Many lawyers with whom I have dealt are Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: Did I say "Minister very helpful. Quite often when asked for for Mansfield"? I meant to say "the member assistance they are very good, and we should for Mansfield", although I am sure that he acknowledge the work that private lawyers do would perform better in the other occupation for legal aid. Without the work of those private than he does in his current one. The member practitioners, the legal aid system would not for Mansfield provoked me, which leads me to work. We should acknowledge the many the issue of reforms to the justice system that people who work in the community on behalf have been jettisoned by the current of the legal profession. A lot of community Attorney-General. When I hear people talk legal service work is done for the ordinary about this, particularly when I hear person by organisations such as the Caxton Government members talk about their current Street legal service, which has been around pet subject of workers' compensation, it is for a long time. It does a wonderful job helping often said that lawyers have been the cause ordinary citizens. of what is being described as a blow-out in workers' compensation. That unjust charge is There must be some way in which we can one of the rationales for the rejection of a vast broaden the system of the Law Society so range of reforms for the legal profession that that, if a concern is raised about activities of was suggested under the previous the legal profession, there is a better way of Government. I have to feel very sorry for handling it. I ask the Attorney-General to look people who would have such a straight and carefully into this matter. Independent people narrow view of the world that they would blame who do not take a narrow and legalistic view lawyers for the blow-out in workers' on situations must have an input to ensure compensation and say that provisions that that consumers are protected. In most cases, would allow lawyers to advertise their services people only want a fair go and often they are somehow going to make matters worse. come to members of Parliament to get it. The reality, of course, is that when lawyers When we cannot do anything, and when the represent people in workers' compensation profession itself cannot ensure that those cases, they are ensuring that injured workers people get a fair go, a major level of get what they are entitled to. In that respect, administration in this State is failing. Most the profession needs to be commended. A 1764 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 23 Jul 1996 number of lawyers specialise in this area and certain documents at his address in they do excellent work. Queensland and he engaged local solicitors to Having said that, one of the reforms that act on his behalf. It is worth noting that Mick is being jettisoned by this Bill relates to the has a primary school education only. He has complaints regime in the Law Society. In six some tickets and has worked as a crane years only two constituents have talked to me driver. He really did not understand the legal about complaints that they have taken to the system of this country. Many people do not Law Society. Most of us would realise that, understand that system, including, I suspect, generally, a lawyer is considered by his client many members who sit in this Parliament. to be good if he won the case, and he is Mick believed that, by handing over everything considered to be a lousy ratbag if he lost it. that he had received to the solicitor whom he Lawyers win some and lose some; it is the had engaged, he would be represented nature of their profession—although the very properly. good ones, such as Mr Foley, generally win Some several months and a couple of more than they lose. Therefore, depending on hearings later, Mick was surprised by a knock whom one talks to, a particular lawyer can be on his door at 4.30 on a Friday afternoon. Two the best or the worst in the world. However, as gentlemen who identified themselves as I have said, only two of my constituents have Federal Police had an arrest warrant for him gone through the complaints processes for failing to appear in a court case in available through the Law Society. Geelong. Honourable members should bear in One of my constituents was declared mind that this gentleman had expected that bankrupt as a consequence of some advice the lawyer would handle the matter for him. that he was given concerning the purchase of For his troubles, Mick spent the weekend in a business. He was a working man who had the Brisbane City Watch-house, to which the managed to put together a tidy sum and he Federal Police took him, and the local police had bought a business in the electorate of my were asked to look after him. That experience colleague, the member for Lockyer. The legal did not do his crook back any good. He had people who assisted him with that transaction no meal on the Friday night. At 4 o'clock on either forgot or omitted to insert into the Monday morning, he was allowed to have a contract provisions that would keep the person shower. At 5 o'clock, the "federalies" picked he bought the business from out of the same him up and took him to Melbourne by plane, business in the same district for a period of where he appeared in court. He told the judge years. That certainly would have prevented his story. He was ordered by the judge to be that person from stealing my constituent's detained for two hours for contempt of court customers. The person who sold the business for not appearing previously, which caused to my constituent set up another business great consternation in Victoria. Mick then down the road and attracted all the business came back. that he previously had. The end result was He then proceeded, without the that my constituent was made bankrupt. He assistance of the lawyers whom he had received no satisfaction from the Law Society engaged, to bring the matter to a satisfactory because of the inadequacy of the advice that conclusion. That took two more trips to he had received in the first instance. All he Melbourne, and he was given some very received was a suggestion that he hire more welcome assistance by the equivalent of the lawyers and take the matter to court. The last Friends of Court down there. He had the time I saw that particular gentleman was in the matter concluded and came back to local DSS office; he was in the line waiting to Queensland determined to extract his pound see the staff. It is sad that that man, who had of flesh from the solicitor who had caused him worked all his life and had got to a stage at such distress. After a protracted period of which he had accumulated enough cash to correspondence between Mick and the Law buy a business which would have seen himself Society of about 12 months, it all boiled down and his wife secure until retirement, lost the lot to this: the Law Society could not find that its because of inadequate legal advice. member had failed my constituent in any way, The other case involves a man whom I will because there were no written instructions call Mick, because I do not want to identify given in the case. him. This case also went through the In this case, an uneducated man walked complaints regime of the Law Society. It into the office of a lawyer to seek assistance. involved a Family Court matter from Victoria. How could he have suspected that, in the That gentleman came to see me. He had event that something were to go wrong, he moved from Victoria to Queensland with a would need a written document stating what family law matter outstanding. He received he had engaged the lawyer to do and so on? I 23 Jul 1996 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 1765 point out to the member for Mansfield that it is I know that my colleague the member for far too easy for people who are making a living Yeronga covered the point about a national out of defending poor, shall we say, market for law firms. uneducated people in the courts to defeat Mr Palaszczuk interjected. those very same poor, uneducated people in respect of a matter before a legal tribunal. Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: Does the honourable member want a copy? A number of other things have gone by the wayside. I noted with some satisfaction Mr Palaszczuk: What's the date? that the Opposition spokesman virtually stole Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: This is from the all of the matters that I had notes on, but I Courier-Mail editorial of 2 May 1996. wish to mention them briefly. The fact that he The other issue causing some angst at mentioned them previously means that I can the moment is that of national uniformity. The mention them briefly. lack of national uniformity in the law profession Dr Watson interjected. makes it very difficult for these matters to be Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: It is like this: on dealt with properly. In some senses, I am a our side of Parliament we are thorough on the critic of national scheme legislation, but I think front bench and the back bench. Both the that each and every one of us would front bench and the back bench will arrive at understand that a nation such as ours, all of the issues. The only thing that we can although it might be geographically large, is a say about the thoroughness of the fairly small country in terms of population. It is Government benches in respect of this debate particularly stupid that, as we approach the is that they are thoroughly silent. They will not twenty-first century, we continue to have even support their own Minister's legislation. divisions and differences. I understand that at this stage Queensland is the only State not to Mrs Gamin interjected. have fused the professions. New South Wales Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: Did the fell into line fairly recently. The rest of the honourable member want to ask a question? country has had fused professions for as long Mrs Gamin: I said, "You're all thorough as 100 years. rascals." As I understand it, the separation of the Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: We may be professions in Queensland was based on the thorough rascals, but Government members legislation introduced in New South Wales, believe that they are thoroughbreds. which determined that it would have the same system as existed in England. The system that As to the fusion of the professions—I existed in England in the mid 1800s is not managed to find an editorial from the Courier- necessarily what is appropriate for Queensland Mail—that august journal—which dealt with or Australia in the late 1900s. The issue of the this issue. It was somewhat critical of the fusion of the profession is one that needs to Attorney-General. I wish to read the following be addressed and addressed quickly. I have portion of its editorial into the parliamentary read in the media a list of advantages to be record—— gained by having a fused profession, as Mr FitzGerald: If you table it, we'll read compiled by the profession. The list includes it. specialisation and associated benefits. I have Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: No. I might need heard mention of the cab-rank principle—and I to read another piece later. It states— see the former Attorney-General nodding—which would ensure that everybody "The Attorney-General's decision to finds a barrister to represent him or her. uphold the divisions between barristers However, although those benefits might be and solicitors, despite recommendations undeniable, it can be similarly argued that that they be abandoned, is a case in people who do not have those benefits do not point. The retention of a separate Bar seem to be at any disadvantage. So fusion of serves few but the ensconced elite, while the profession would, in my view, seem to be threatening to increase the cost of justice a very logical and sensible step for us to take. through duplication and division of labour. The decision to retain a separate Bar in There are some other issues relating to Queensland has also seriously changes to the justice system proposed by the handicapped, if not halted, the former Government. Admittedly, the changes development of a national legal services were proposed in 1994. They were taking their market, placing added burdens on time and cranking their way through the national firms seeking to open branches system until they reached the stage at which in this State." somebody, namely, the current Attorney- 1766 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 23 Jul 1996

General, let down the tyres with respect to important it is that they come down. For the those reforms. It is time for the Attorney to benefit of honourable members opposite, just reconsider his opposition to such matters. The as a small aside, I point out that as a lad I did Attorney has stated quite categorically his work with a German fencer on the dingo fence opposition to the introduction in Queensland for a period. I can assure members that there of non-legal conveyancing, and in some were no short cuts: all fence posts went to the senses I am inclined to agree with him. I am right depth; all wires were run properly and inclined to the view that, although there may attached to the posts properly. I note that Mr be some advantages in non-legal Perrett is smiling. He is from the bush. I am conveyancing in some parts of Queensland, in relating this story particularly for the benefit of smaller and more remote communities it might my colleagues on the other side of the House. actually lead to the loss of legal services. That German fellow had a particular saying: It is important that we acknowledge that when anything breaks in the bush, you can fix there are existing within the Attorney's it with wire. My German mate did not speak department solid foundations on which reform very good English, but he could certainly make of the justice system can be based. Those me understand when he wanted something solid foundations were put there over six years done. He would say, "Without wire, Australia, she is buggered." He was pretty right. We use by hard-working departmental officers after wire for a lot of things: to keep stock in, to significant consultation with the Bar Association, the Law Society and many other keep old motor cars going and so forth. groups. At this point those proposals should Mr FitzGerald: Get to the Bill. be brought out again, dusted off and given Mr PURCELL: To return to the contents serious consideration. Those reforms would of the Bill—my experience with legal people up provide for a better, more consumer friendly, to this point has been in the field of industrial more efficient and therefore cheaper legal law. It is quite important that if industrial system for the people of Queensland. As problems arise there is the ability to take parliamentarians, we must not ignore the barristers or solicitors across borders without pleas of the broader community for a legal any hindrance. In many cases the industrial system that they are able to afford. I hope that laws in various States are different, and the the Attorney will consider those proposals. parties to a dispute need to be able to brief Briefly and in closing, I want to refer to a legal representatives in whom they have couple of issues related to this Bill which found confidence. I can recall a particular case that their way into the Scrutiny of Legislation went for three and a half years. I refer to the Committee's Alert Digest. In doing so, I point deregistration of builders' labourers. It took a out that there is no inherent criticism in the long time for that—— digest as produced on 9 July of the objects of Mr Radke: Hawke did that, didn't he? this Bill. However, there are one or two matters Mr PURCELL: It was Hawke eventually, that are pet peeves of mine. I want to raise but I can assure the member that we went them at this time, given that they have been through eight Liberal Industrial Relations raised by the committee. The first is the Ministers in Fraser's Government before archaic language that exists in the legislation Hawke. One thing about Hawke is that he governing our legal profession. The Attorney is knew how to do the job. I think Street was the familiar with the issue that I am about to raise, last Industrial Relations Minister on the other that is, the term "practising practitioner"—a side of politics to be involved in the case. He tautologist's phrase which is deemed went out of office before that matter was somehow untautological by the fact that it is successfully resolved. It was important for our defined in the definitions section of the Bill. union to be able to take the solicitors who had The committee made particular note of the acted on our behalf for many, many years—— fact that, in response to its inquiry, the Attorney used two very understandable terms. Mr FitzGerald: You weren't given legal He said that a practising practitioner is used to aid for it, were you? distinguish between a solicitor and a practising Mr PURCELL: No, it all came out of the solicitor, and those two terms are very readily members' pockets. It was to protect their understandable. interests; that is what it was about. It was not a Time expired. cheap exercise. But the point I want to make is that being able to take Queensland solicitors Mr PURCELL (Bulimba) (5.23 p.m.): I and barristers to the various States in which want to take a few minutes to support the the cases were being heard was much comments of the shadow Attorney-General, cheaper for us than to hire legal Matt Foley, in regard to dingo fences and how representatives from the other States. 23 Jul 1996 Queensland Law Society Legislation Amendment Bill 1767

Quinlan, Miller and Treston acted on behalf of Hon. D. E. BEANLAND (Indooroopilly— the builders' labourers for a long time. I Attorney-General and Minister for Justice) suppose solicitors are a bit like doctors. Once (5.31 p.m.), in reply: I thank Opposition people have been with certain solicitors for a members for their support of this legislation. period, they come to trust them and they The member for Bundaberg and the member become an important part of various aspects for Caboolture spoke about their concerns and of people's lives. expressed their unhappiness with the complaints system involving the Law Society We took our solicitors with us to the and solicitors generally. I point out that they various States, along with a barrister whom spent some six years in Government, but they they briefed, who happened to be Bob did not fix the problems. An investigation of Douglas. He was probably the best chairman some of these matters is being undertaken at that the TAB has ever had, until this present, and I will have more to say about that Government knocked his head off. He in the future. probably saved the TAB more money and gave punters a better go than any other TAB I do not intend to comment on the chairman in Queensland's history. Bob bought contribution of the member for Bulimba other a radio station for the TAB which saved a than to say that he expressed concern about fortune. I note that my mate from Toowoomba dingoes, and I hope that this was not a is nodding his head. The punters of reflection on the legal profession. The member Queensland really got a good go while Bob for Yeronga raised a number of issues. I thank was the chairman. It was important for us to him for his support of the legislation. I think it is have Mr Douglas act on our behalf, because fair to say that he made a very broad-ranging he was not part of the industrial relations speech touching on a number of issues, one clique that operated in other States. He acted of which I have already mentioned. The on the brief that we gave him and acted on member for Yeronga talked about mates. I our behalf. He was not influenced by point out to him that the mates to whom I precedents that had been set, and he did have been listening are his mates. In fact, I what we asked him to do. have spoken to quite a lot of them recently. They have expressed concern about some of I am not denigrating Bob at all, but I know the comments that have been made by the that in those days—and I am talking 8 to 10 Opposition in relation to a number of matters. years ago—barristers in Sydney and Melbourne were on $6,000 a day. That is a I appreciate the political game that is fair bit of hay. We took our people down and being played by the Opposition in relation to had our case better presented for much the Carruthers inquiry. Some members have cheaper—— tried to draw a similarity between legal aid and the legal representation at the Carruthers Mr FitzGerald: They helped you take inquiry. I have already explained to this them down, you said? Chamber that these are two different matters. Mr PURCELL: No, they came down with People in the legal fraternity have said to me us. that members in this Chamber ought to know that there is a difference between the legal I want to comment also on the comments representation at the inquiry and legal aid for by my colleague about workers' compensation people appearing before the courts. The and how the legal profession has been Carruthers inquiry is not a court; it is purely a blamed for the blow-out in costs in regard to public inquiry or public investigation. Therefore, common law. If workers were not being injured members of the legal profession feel that the and did not have to go in front of a court and comparison between the inquiry and a court is prove that the employer is at fault, there would totally unwarranted. The member for Yeronga be no claims in common law at all. We should touched upon a number of other matters be attacking the real source of the problem, during his broad-ranging speech. As I said, I not attacking the worker and taking away his thank him for his support for this legislation. rights. All citizens, including those in this As members will see over the coming House, would not like anybody to take away months, this Government is about cheaper their right to common law action when they access to justice and ensuring that the justice have been injured through someone else's system in this State is functioning. That is why fault. To take away that right from workers is we brought forward this piece of legislation. wrong. The legal profession in this instance is This issue has been of concern. It was raised standing up for the workers of this State so with me a few weeks before I introduced the that they do not lose those rights. I conclude legislation into the Chamber. I was not singling my contribution on that note. out the former Attorney-General particularly. I 1768 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 23 Jul 1996 made the point during my second-reading production of an additional 1.5 million tonnes speech that this matter goes back to 1993. I of cane generating $60m worth of exports. A thank the Opposition for its support. total of 1,900 jobs will directly result during the Motion agreed to. construction phase, most of course from regional Queensland. This Bill will also help promote the development of the sugar Committee industry. However, I do have some Clauses 1 to 6, as read, agreed to. reservations to which I will allude later. I certainly hope that the Minister will be able to Bill reported, without amendment. respond to them. Any amendment which assists the Third Reading establishment of new sugar mills will always Bill, on motion of Mr Beanland, by leave, receive the Opposition's support. However, read a third time. existing mills and their plight with the construction of new mills must also be taken into consideration. The Opposition recognises SUGAR INDUSTRY AMENDMENT BILL the fact that sugar industry regulatory Second Reading arrangements and sugar tariffs reviews are now being undertaken. It is also important to Debate resumed from 15 May (see note that this review is to be an ongoing p. 1111). process. It should be noted that procedures Mr PALASZCZUK (Inala) (5.36 p.m.): for establishing a review were established by No Government did more to ensure the the previous Labor Government under the long-term future of the Queensland sugar then Minister for Primary Industries. I think it industry than the previous Labor Government. pertinent at this time that the House take note No Government has had a greater of the contribution of the previous Minister for understanding of the value of the sugar Primary Industries, Ed Casey, and his support industry to our economy and the need to map for the sugar industry in Queensland. His out a secure future for the industry than the knowledge, expertise and understanding of Labor Government. The value of sugar the sugar industry have been acknowledged exports grew under Labor from $850m in by all the relevant players. For my part, I also 1988-89 to more than $1.5 billion in 1994-95. pay tribute to the previous Minister for Primary Tonnage grew from 3.1 million in 1988-89 to Industries, Ed Casey, with whom I worked in nearly four million tonnes in 1994-95. Opposition and in Government. I can say quite The Sugar Industry Infrastructure categorically that I learnt quite a deal from my Package established by the former State and association with Ed Casey over those years. Federal Labor Governments is widely The Opposition sees no problems with the recognised as a success and has contributed Bill and will give it its support. Obviously, under greatly to the development of the sugar any review, certain anomalies and problems industry in Queensland. About one-third of do seem to surface and my understanding is Queensland growers will benefit directly from that this Bill is intended to address some of the package with the sustainability of the issues that have since arisen. The intent of management on about 80,000 hectares of the Bill, which puts in place a process by which existing cane land improved. In total, Labor the sugar industry can expand and remain committed over $70m in State and efficient and internationally competitive, is the Commonwealth funding to compensate the reason for the Opposition's support. sugar industry for changes in regulations and In his second-reading speech the Minister to ensure the long-term future of the industry. said that the Bill provides for the establishment The package acted as a catalyst to of new mills, the implementation of local area increases in production, reductions in costs negotiation and dispute resolution procedures, and increased productivity. There is no doubt the smooth transition of bulk sugar terminal that the package will continue to generate operations from bulk sugar terminal projects which enhance stability and organisations to the Queensland Sugar profitability in the industry. A total of 12 Corporation, the continued exclusive control, projects were selected from nearly 40 management, operation and maintenance of submissions. I understand that construction bulk sugar terminal facilities by the has commenced on at least five of the Queensland Sugar Corporation and greater projects, with all others expected to flexibility for the period of contractual commence some time this year. These arrangements between sugarcane growers projects are expected to facilitate the and millers. 23 Jul 1996 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1769

It is true, as the Minister for Primary quite rightly, have expressed their concerns Industries has said, that no new mills have about the Government's approval for an been constructed in Queensland over the past infrastructure package for the establishment of 70 years. These amendments introduced by a mill on the tablelands. It is no good for the the Minister with respect to industry expansion Government to express concern for the and hence the opening up of new sugarcane viability of coastal mills without previously growing areas will put in place the putting in place a strategy to ensure their mechanisms required for the provision of new continued viability. mills if and when required. Under the old Act, In conclusion, I would like the Minister to of course, that was not possible. With new explain a couple of points to me. Firstly, how sugarcane areas such as the Atherton will this Bill clarify the position of the bulk sugar Tableland opening up, it is necessary to make terminal organisations once they cease to those arrangements to secure the future of exist under the Transport Infrastructure Act? our sugar industry. With the provisions for a Secondly, what will be the effect of this Bill with new mill to be constructed coming under the respect to single desk selling on the export definition of a mill, growers in new areas will be market and the move towards competitive able to be granted assignments. That is a pricing on the domestic market? Thirdly, will sensible provision. However, one has to the Minister explain the need to allow the consider the effects of opening a new mill and exemption of contractual agreements from the what impact they will have on existing mills. At regulations thus enabling contracts of greater present, 300,000 tonnes of cane from the length than three years to be entered into by tableland is transported to the Mossman mill. growers and millers? Finally, what effect will That constitutes about one third of the cane this amendment have on the move towards a crushed at the Mossman mill. The question domestic competition policy in the industry? needs to asked: do measures need to be put This Opposition supports the Bill. in place to ensure the future viability of that mill? The Minister for Economic Development Mr ROWELL (Hinchinbrook) (5.45 p.m.): and Trade is quoted in the Port Douglas- It is heartening to note that the Opposition is Mossman Gazette as saying— supporting these amendments to the Sugar Industry Act, because the sugar industry is an "There are some matters that need extremely important industry. It stretches right to be further addressed and finalised, but along the coast and many communities in the go-ahead has been given to achieve northern and southern Queensland are very an expansion of the sugar industry on the dependent on it. Tablelands." The Opposition spokesman mentioned He went on to say— the establishment of a new mill on the ". . . Cabinet was also concerned for the Atherton Tableland and asked whether this future viability of sugar mills on the coast legislation, in the event that other mills are which currently draw sugarcane from the required throughout the crushing areas of Tablelands, and it was accepted that Queensland, will enable the construction of measures need to be put in place to those mills. It is important to remember that ensure the future viability of those mills." the Atherton Tableland was very dependent on the tobacco industry. It has now gone over I would certainly like to know what measures to small crops. With the demise of the tobacco the Government intends to put in place to industry, it is experiencing a major problem ensure the continued viability of those mills. maintaining viability. As the Opposition That concern was also expressed by Mr Taylor spokesman said, something like 300,000 who, in the same article, states— tonnes—it is probably getting closer to "The State Government 400,000 tonnes this year—of sugar is grown in announcement seems to ask more that area. The mills that are now engaged in questions than it answers . . . crushing that cane are the Mossman mill, We will have to wait for further details which crushes about 300,000-odd tonnes, and from the State Government before we the South Johnstone mill, which brings cane down the ranges to the mills. There is a great can even begin to consider our situation." deal of concern about what will happen to their Certainly, I hope that the Minister in his reply crushing capacity once the new mill on the will address some of those issues, because tableland gets going. However, the important the words of the Minister for Economic issue is that, in the past, a lot of negotiations Development and Trade and Minister Assisting have occurred. The Sugar North group has the Premier are really cold comfort for the investigated the prospects of establishing a operators of the Mossman Central mill who, mill up there and, at the time that they 1770 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 23 Jul 1996 decided that it was not appropriate to offer basis whereby both sides—the millers construct a mill, Bundaberg Sugar decided and the growers—will decide on the best offer that with two mills on the coast—one at that they are prepared to make. At that stage, Mourilyan and one at Babinda—they could as I understand it, the arbitrator will make a actually crush the cane on the tableland with decision. It is a quick way of resolving disputes an operation that will take some years to get which may arise from time to time. I have little under way. It will then bring that sugar down in doubt that if conflict occurs on either side of a syrup form and process it and crystallise it at the operation—the crushing side or the those mills on the coast. That will be a tall growing side—that process will take place. I order, but no doubt Tate and Lyle, the believe that generally speaking the growers, organisation behind Bundaberg Sugar, has who are mostly situated along the coast, are carried out its assessment and has decided quite happy with the position that has been that it can do it. adopted and the initiative that has been put In light of the fact that on the tableland forward. there is a great deal of concern with the The working review party is going to look demise of the tobacco industry and the future at greater flexibility in relation to agreements. of the people on the tableland, the Currently, agreements are for a duration of Government has decided that it would allow three years. As time progresses, that the construction of a mill. It was necessary to arrangement may change. We are seeing an ensure that land could be assigned to a new evolution of the sugar industry—an industry mill while it was under construction. Of course, that is vibrant and has matched the had that not happened, those people would requirements of the world market. It is certainly have planted the cane on unassigned land. taking the necessary steps to ensure its future That change was therefore necessary. success. The industry is certainly forging ahead at Another important issue is sugar a rapid rate. Of course, the tableland is just terminals, which are an integral part of the one area. One of the major concerns is that it industry. This legislation will give interim requires substantial improvements to the road powers to the Sugar Corporation to carry out and water infrastructure if a viable amount of the necessary duties of transhipping sugar cane is to be grown. Generally, mills need onto boats and bringing it into the terminals as about one million tonnes of cane to be viable. required. Section 237 of the Transport The future of that infrastructure has been Infrastructure Act 1994 has expired. Therefore, investigated. I know that negotiations with the it is absolutely essential that this legislation is Government have taken place. Tate and Lyle passed so that the corporation can distribute has given an indication that it will go ahead the crop—it is a massive crop, worth $2 with an operation in that area. billion—to our many overseas customers. One of the other important aspects of this Negotiations are going on between the legislation is that the local boards are to be Government and the industry. The replaced with negotiating teams. They will Department of Transport and the Department consist of two growers representatives and two of Primary Industries are involved and I millers representatives. Those representatives understand that good progress is being made will have the ability to sign off agreements or in matters relating to the future of the terminal. sign off contracts. I understand that the status After all, the industry paid for the terminals; quo will be maintained for the current year. they belong to the industry. However, to date After this year, or perhaps some time towards there has been no ownership as such of the the end of this year, we may see the terminals. Basically that came about because, introduction of those negotiating teams, which when they were built, there was no body that will decide the future of local matters would claim ownership. Of course, that previously handled by the boards. In the situation has changed with the creation of the future, that is how the areas, the assignments Sugar Corporation in which the industry has no and other matters will be decided. problem in vesting the interest of those It has been decided that in the event of a terminals, which are worth many millions of dispute between the two sides—the millers dollars. Some of them have jetties that go and the growers—there will be a mediator and 5 kilometres and nearly 6 kilometres out to that mediator will endeavour to resolve any sea. The terminal at Lucinda is worth many problems. I understand that, if those problems millions of dollars and is certainly a major asset are not resolved by the mediator, the matter to the industry. will then go to an arbitrator, who will then It is interesting to note that, despite attempt to resolve the problems on a final- introducing the sugar industry legislation in 23 Jul 1996 Privatisation of Electricity Industry 1771

1991 when it was in Government, the Labor Bill 1996, I think it is important to recap the Party did not at any time during the rest of its major legislative changes that have assisted period in Government make any move to allow this great industry. In 1915, to ensure that those terminals to be returned to the industry. there was enough production to guarantee This Government is working quite quickly with domestic requirements, the T. J. Ryan Labor the growers, the millers and other people Government introduced the Sugar Acquisition involved in the industry to ensure that that Act and the Regulation of Sugar Cane Prices happens. I congratulate the Government on Act. Those Acts regulated and guided the its efforts because it has been a contentious industry until 1991. In those intervening years, issue. The industry has such a large asset, yet the industry grew from a domestic producer to its ownership has not been recognised. become a significant producer of raw sugar for I think it is important that this legislation is the export market. By 1991 the industry passed. It raises some very important points. I structures had allowed the industry to have touched on them only briefly, but I am stagnate. The industry required legislative sure that they will be of major benefit to the change that would allow it to be more flexible industry as it progresses and grows and earns so that it could anticipate and adjust to more income for this State. I support the change in the world market. In 1991, after Minister in his endeavours and I congratulate much consultation with the industry, the Sugar him on the speed with which he has brought Industry Bill was introduced by the former before the House this Bill, which contains the member for Mackay and Labor's Primary amendments necessary to the Sugar Industry Industries Minister, the Honourable Ed Casey. Act to ensure the future development of the The Sugar Industry Act of 1991 allowed sugar industry. for new structures that enabled the industry to Mr MULHERIN (Mackay) (5.55 p.m.): meet the challenges of the world market. The Mackay is a major centre for the Queensland Act abolished the Central Sugar Cane Prices sugar industry. As the member for Mackay, I Board and the Sugar Board. The marketing know only too well the significant contribution and administrative functions were that this industry has made to the regional amalgamated and transferred to the economy of Mackay and to the overall Queensland Sugar Corporation. The Act also economy of the State. In 1994-1995, the established local boards and a streamlined Mackay sugar industry contributed appeals process through the Sugar Industry approximately 7 per cent to the gross regional Tribunal. It allowed the industry to expand over product. It is one of the largest employers of a five- year period at the rate of 2.5 per cent, labour in the area, directly employing several or approximately 10,000 hectares per mill hundred workers on farms, at sugar mills, at area. It also allowed a simplified and more the Mackay bulk sugar terminal and through flexible assignment system. The abolition of cane-harvesting contractors, and indirectly the central board allowed decisions to be through service industries such as engineering made at a local board level and by the local support works, the railways, the port, the industry rather than by a central bureaucracy. Mackay Sugar Research Institute and the The success of that legislation can be Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations. gauged by the rate of expansion undertaken Three milling companies manufacture by the Mackay canegrowers. In 1991, 103,000 sugar in the Mackay region. Mackay Sugar hectares of cane was under production, or 4 Cooperative has four mills and is in partnership million tonnes of cane, producing with E. D. and F. Mann in refining sugar at its approximately 500,000 tonnes of raw sugar. Racecourse mill. Mackay Sugar is Debate, on motion of Mr Mulherin, Queensland's largest private company and adjourned. Australia's second largest sugar miller. The other companies are Proserpine Cooperative Mill at Proserpine and CSR's Plane Creek mill PRIVATISATION OF ELECTRICITY at Sarina. INDUSTRY At a national level, Queensland produces Hon. T. McGRADY (Mount Isa) 95 per cent of the total sugar production in (6 p.m.): I move— Australia and 85 per cent of raw sugar is "That this Parliament— exported. In 1994-95, the industry generated (a) notes the recommendations of the more than $1.6 billion in export revenue for Commission of Audit and, in the State. particular, 12.1 of the summary, In speaking in support of the principles which calls for the privatisation of the contained in the Sugar Industry Amendment Queensland electricity industry; 1772 Privatisation of Electricity Industry 23 Jul 1996

(b) further notes the enthusiasm with generator and distributor, Western Power which these recommendations have Corporation. The South Australian been endorsed by the Premier and Government has split its industry into a the Treasurer; and generation company and a distribution and (c) declares its total opposition to the transmission company. South Australia's privatisation of the electricity industry Premier Brown has promised to keep these as as we believe it will be to the Government-owned monopolies. Tasmania detriment of our State and such has no plans to break up or privatise the actions will have devastating adverse Hydro-electric Corporation. New South Wales effects on regional and country has rationalised its distribution system into five Queensland." groups and split up its generation system into three companies, but it has no plans to I understand that the member for privatise these competitors. Even in Victoria, Gladstone will be moving an amendment only the areas of generation and distribution which this side of the House would be happy have been privatised. Transmission is still a to accept. This Government has spent $1m on Government-run monopoly, as is the electricity an audit simply designed for political purposes. pool to which generators sell their power and It will use this report and its recommendations from which distributors buy it. The FitzGerald as its bible as it proceeds to bring in its audit report, by contrast, recommends ultraconservative policies. Whenever those privatisation of all elements of the policies are challenged, it will revert to the industry—generation, distribution and recommendations of this audit and report as transmission. its bible and gospel. To prepare its industry for privatisation, Many recommendations in this audit are the Victorian Government embarked on a alien to what we on this side of the Parliament savage rationalisation program, cutting the stand for. I believe that, as the number of jobs from 22,000 to 7,000. The recommendations are debated within the price for power in Victoria is frozen until the community, there will be a massive backlash year 2000, but before this freeze prices were against this Government because many of the increased by 12 to 18 per cent. It is now recommendations are similar to the policies estimated that a Victorian consumer pays an advocated by Mrs Thatcher and her average of $200 more each year for electricity Conservative Government in the United than a consumer in New South Wales or, Kingdom. Those policies captured the indeed, Queensland pays. imagination of the population at large for a very short time. However, once the policies The establishment of private regional started to bite, people turned on Mrs Thatcher distribution monopolies is beginning to reveal and, indeed, on her Conservative Party. I anomalies in the network charges paid by know that once we explain the implications of industrial customers who may only be a few the recommendations contained in this miles apart. Of course, the loss of Commission of Audit to the people of cross-subsidisation is also creating a Queensland, they will turn in droves from the disincentive for industrial customers to coalition. establish their businesses outside Melbourne. If this trend were translated to Queensland, Tonight we are discussing the proposal to the consequences for regional centres trying privatise the electricity industry. I want to make to attract industry would be catastrophic. As it perfectly clear at the outset that this motion the former Minister for Energy in this State, I is aimed at preventing the sale of the existing used to be subjected to a barrage of abuse by assets of the Queensland electricity industry, the Opposition and claims that the Labor Party whether they be owned by AUSTA Electric, did not support tariff equalisation. Yet in the Powerlink or, indeed, the Queensland Electricity Bill, which I introduced into this Transmission and Supply Corporation. Parliament, that policy was carved in stone. Nowhere in this motion do we talk about Tariff equalisation means that the tariff which preventing private players from coming into is charged in Brisbane is the same as the tariff the market at a later date. I emphasise again which is charged in Burketown, Mornington that we are talking about preventing the sale Island, Townsville, Gladstone and Mount Isa. of existing assets of the Queensland electricity If we did not have a policy of tariff industry. equalisation, people in the remote parts of the Let us compare Queensland with other State and in regional centres would be paying States. Only Victoria has gone down the path substantially more for their electricity. Not only of privatisation. The Court Government has no would that be unfair to the ordinary domestic plans to split up or sell off its monopoly consumers, but it would also be a further 23 Jul 1996 Privatisation of Electricity Industry 1773 impost on industry in the regional centres. suffer badly, because the FitzGerald report Industries simply could not compete with their looks on standard tariffs and cross-subsidies counterparts in the capital city, or indeed those as a constraint—something to be done away in other States. I understand that the with. Any plans for regional economic community service obligation which covers development will be a hostage to the pricing tariff equalisation costs approximately $100m policies of foreign investors who are more per year. interested in maintaining their rate of profit The only reason that people would buy or than in developing the economic base of that purchase the electricity industry would be to particular region. As the shadow spokesman make profits for their shareholders. There is for regional development, I condemn such nothing at all wrong with that proposition, but attitudes. they would obviously be looking at ways in I have spoken about the regional impact; which to cut costs to save money by cutting now let us look at the impact on electricity back on many of the services which we, as workers. Who will pay for this privatisation Queenslanders, take for granted. policy? Who bears the cost? By her own I have mentioned job losses, and that is words, the Treasurer told Queenslanders that obviously one issue which we are very they would be the ones who had to pay, and I am sure that throughout the State employees concerned about. However, the other of the electricity industry and their families important issue which has to be addressed is believe the Treasurer when she says they will the strong possibility of overseas interests have to pay. They know that many of their taking over our Queensland industry—and no own will pay with their jobs and livelihoods and legislation in the world would prevent the with their lifestyles in the communities which headquarters of that industry moving away they currently belong to. Those lucky enough from Queensland to the boardrooms of New to keep their jobs will also pay as their wages York, London or Paris. The Victorian and conditions are eroded by the private experience should be a warning to us all. The highest bidders would be the ones who owners—probably foreign owners, desperate purchased our industry. In the Victorian to recoup their investment by slashing costs. experience, the highest bidders were the FitzGerald argues that the value of the Americans. They now control large slices of assets in the electricity industry could be the Victorian electricity industry, and that is redirected to better use, but the remainder of something which this Opposition could not the report represents recommendations that condone or tolerate, and certainly would not Government remove itself from most aspects accept. of service provision. The FitzGerald report provides no evidence whatsoever that prices Could anybody in this Parliament believe are not nationally competitive or that the that a privately owned, overseas company international competitiveness of Queensland would be prepared to allocate $100m a year industry is impeded by the current structure. to ensure that tariff equalisation remained in The truth is in the fine print on page 195 of place? Can anybody in the Parliament tell me Volume 2 of the report, which states— that a privatised electricity industry would allow the continuation of many of the electrical "The Queensland industry has workshops and electrical work yards around generally been found to be a very good the State? When we have outages, crews will performer in terms of . . . efficiency by be transported from the major centres to the comparison with other Australian States, smaller centres to repair the damage at a and indeed internationally." greater cost and, more importantly, taking a If it ain't broke, why try to fix it? The real great deal more time. agenda is that the coalition is desperate for Members should make no mistake: the cash. It needs an excuse to flog off the family regional centres of Queensland will be the silver to raise the money for its $7 billion of losers out of this ridiculous prescription. The election promises. employment base of regions will be severely Mr ROBERTS (Nudgee) (6.10 p.m.): It is eroded as generation, transmission and with pleasure that I second the motion in distribution activities around the State go opposition to the privatisation of the electricity under the knife to pay for their own buy-out. industry in Queensland. Similar to many other The regions will suffer in an even more debates that have been going on in this place fundamental sense. Each private consumer of recently, this is very much a debate about the electricity and each regionally based business role of Government and Government currently enjoying the benefits of standard intervention in the economy. The coalition's tariffs and cross-subsidisation will suffer, and view of what the Government's role in the 1774 Privatisation of Electricity Industry 23 Jul 1996 economy is has been spelled out quite clearly productivity. Those initiatives need to be recently, particularly by the Premier in a recent acknowledged and, of course, many speech that he made to the Business Council improvements are being gained. of Australia. When talking about competition Therefore, the question to be asked is: policy, he predicted—and indeed supported— what are the gains and losses arising out of a reduction in the public sector control of the any potential sale? Firstly, as to any gain— economy in favour of the private sector. there will be a one-off capital injection of funds This debate has been driven by three into Government coffers. Of course, the recent initiatives. Firstly, there has been private sector will be gaining one of the most debate about competition policy. Secondly, we efficient electricity providers in the world, an have seen the Commission of Audit, which industry with a highly skilled work force and the has as its philosophy that everything in the capacity to earn massive profits for its owners. State that is of any value needs to be sold. All of this will be to the detriment of the Thirdly, in the workers' compensation report by average consumer and citizen of this State. Mr Kennedy there are very strong As to the losses to the State and the recommendations that within the next couple people of Queensland—there will be a loss of of years the workers' compensation system income, firstly, through the loss of direct should be privatised. The key question arising dividends. In the vicinity of $380m per year is from this debate is: who will gain most from paid into the Government's coffers. In the privatisation of assets such as the addition, from now on privatised companies electricity industry? Will it be the people of will be paying money by way of taxation to the Queensland, or will it be the shareholders of Commonwealth. It will also lessen the ability of the newly privatised entities? In my view, it the Government to influence directly economic certainly will not be the people of Queensland. development in this State. There are several There is no need to privatise this industry. factors that are important in this regard with The industry is performing well and for a respect to privatisation. number of years has been demonstrating its I wish to give an example of one of the ability to deliver an efficient and cheap concerns that I have in this regard. It relates to electricity supply to industry. The Commission the issue of private roads, of which there are a of Audit acknowledges that in its report. I will couple of good examples in Victoria and New quote from page 194, which states— South Wales. I refer to Melbourne's Citylink "The Queensland industry has project and Sydney's M2 private motorway. I generally been found to be a very good particularly wish to refer to the contracts for the performer in terms of aggregate sale of Melbourne's Citylink. The Victorian measures of efficiency by comparison with Government entered into an arrangement other Australian States, and indeed which basically stated that it will not construct internationally." transport alternatives that undermine the Further on at page 197 it states— expected traffic flow and revenue for the road's owners. "The South East Queensland Electricity Board has been ranked Time expired. internationally in the best performer Hon. T. J. G. GILMORE (Tablelands— category in four of twelve distribution Minister for Mines and Energy) (6.16 p.m.): I technical subfunctions and four of the move the following amendment— eight customer services functions." "That all words after 'industry' first The audit argues that labour productivity in the time occurring be omitted, and the distribution area lags behind that of some of following be inserted— our international competitors. However, it fails 'That this Parliament further to acknowledge the clear gains in labour notes the privatisation of the productivity that have been achieved in recent Gladstone Power Station by the years in that sector and also the more previous Labor Government and favourable results with respect to the industry calls on the Government to as a whole that have been delivered in recent submit any further proposals to years. I can attest to the labour productivity privatise the electricity industry to gains from my own experiences in the industry the Parliament for approval.'" as a union official for the Electrical Trades Union. Many initiatives arising out of the award In moving the amendment, I note the restructuring exercise, enterprise bargaining mischievous nature of the original motion and and also many training initiatives within the of the original mover. industry are adding tremendously to labour Mr Fouras: Mischievous? 23 Jul 1996 Privatisation of Electricity Industry 1775

Mr GILMORE: It is mischievous as matters of concern. They could not do it, because it comes from a man of no because they had no substance. substance. Mr Speaker, there is a man of little Mr Santoro: Economic vandals, that's substance who used to sit in your chair sitting all they were. in this Parliament tonight, and he is a disgrace to the place. The shallow nature of this motion Mr GILMORE: They were economic is demonstrated by the fact that he, as a vandals. They destroyed this State's economy. Minister of the Crown in the previous The former Minister is the man who presided Government and presiding over the regression over the sale of the Gladstone Power Station. of the electricity industry in this State for some What hypocrisy! five years, now comes into this place with little A Government member: Where did to offer to this Parliament other than to cause the money go? mischief because he can, because we have Mr GILMORE: The money has gone up structured the business of this Parliament so against the wall. That is where the money has that he can move a motion to try to create gone. mischief. The former Minister came into this place Mr Fouras: You are shooting the tonight and said that he is totally opposed to messenger. You don't like the message. privatisation of the electricity industry, yet he is Mr GILMORE: Just leave it alone, Jim. the man who sold the largest power station in Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister will this State. What is his excuse tonight? He refer to the member for Ashgrove as "the says, "I am opposed to privatisation, of honourable member". course, because it's not good." This former Minister has shown himself tonight to be a Mr GILMORE: In this debate, the man of such little substance that he is honourable member said, "Let us make no incapable of anything as a Minister. As an mistake about this. This is about the Opposition spokesman, he comes into this privatisation of the electricity industry in place and creates mischief, because he has Queensland." I make the point that nothing nothing else to say. He is incapable of could be further from the truth. This debate is anything else. He sold the Gladstone Power about a Commission of Audit which was Station. He said tonight that he was the one organised by this Government when it came to who looked after this business of tariff power to ensure that the status of the funds equalisation. I assure the Parliament that it and the business of this State were as they was never part of the Labor Party agenda to were anticipated to be. Of course, we have tariff equalisation; it was forced to bring it determined at some time that that was not so. in. We determined that by this Commission of Audit. The Opposition in this place has moved Time expired. daily to try to destroy the credibility of that Mr HARPER (Mount Ommaney) report. This motion today is nothing more than (6.21 p.m.): I rise to second the amendment. that. It is a shallow, miserable attempt to In so doing, I want to raise a number of discredit this Commission of Audit report. issues. I refer first to the Commission of Audit, As a prudent Government, we will which members opposite seem to have a consider everything that is in that report. As penchant for trying to discredit and the basis the Minister for Mines and Energy, I say that of which they have tended to ignore. It was a the privatisation of the electricity industry in this responsible attitude for an incoming State is not on the agenda. However, as a Government to have undertaken an audit of Government we will prudently follow through this nature so that the Government, the on this very valuable report. We will follow it people of Queensland and the business through and we will consider every single community knew the exact financial position of aspect and facet of that report, because that this State. In addition, the Commission of is what is prudent and proper for a Audit has gone into extensive detail in looking Government to do. at a range of issues and options that should be before any responsible Government. Ms Bligh: So it is on the agenda. Unless a Government faces up to those Mr Fouras: Is it on or off? choices properly and puts them on the table, it Mr GILMORE: The heckling that I am is not doing its job. If a Government just closes hearing from members opposite is from its eyes and has blinkers on, it will not give its people who were shown when in Government best performance for the people of to be not prudent; they did not consider Queensland. The Opposition seems to be properly all of those things placed before them unable to come to grips with the fact that the 1776 Privatisation of Electricity Industry 23 Jul 1996

Government has said that it will consider the former Labor Government. In addition, Victoria recommendations of the Commission of Audit had an inefficient industry and it needed to and make decisions on them. Instead, the find a way to reduce costs and improve Opposition insists that this Government is productivity. As a result of that inefficiency, going to adopt every recommendation of the Victorians previously paid much higher Commission of Audit. That is not true. We are electricity prices on average, whereas going to consider the options and make the Queensland historically has not had that best decision. situation, and so the need to privatise is not as Electricity is one of the key service delivery compelling as that which existed in Victoria. areas provided by Government. One should That is just one aspect that will be taken into always maximise the various aspects of that account by this Government when giving service delivery to the public. We have heard proper consideration to the issue. the former Minister, the honourable member The main issue for Queensland for Mount Isa, introduce many red herrings to consumers and business is lower electricity this debate, as he has done on several prices and the reforms emanating from the occasions when speaking about the electricity introduction of a competitive market. Those industry. Of course, one that he raised tonight issues will be addressed by that competitive was tariff equalisation. He was trying to distort market. In this respect, the Government has the real subject of this debate by attempting to just completed a competitive bidding process. imply that this Government would not continue It has announced the intention to proceed with with tariff equalisation. There is no shadow of interconnection when it is in the best interests doubt that this Government is permanently of Queensland. committed to tariff equalisation, regardless of Time expired. whether or not the electricity industry is privatised or corporatised. Just because an Mr CAMPBELL (Bundaberg) industry happens to become privatised does (6.26 p.m.): My major concern is that not mean to say that tariff equalisation cannot Government members are implying that the be maintained with Government control. electricity industry is not operating efficiently and effectively. I reject that implication. I The member for Mount Isa engaged in believe that we have a very effective and further scaremongering—as is a common efficient industry and one which can continue tactic from the Opposition—in regard to to operate in its present form. It is important employment to try to deviate from the main that we understand that the electricity industry topic of the debate. I note also that he quoted is not only about lower prices and a from Volume 2 at page 195 of the audit report competitive market, as the previous speaker regarding the industry being a good performer. suggested, but that it is also about price There is no shadow of doubt that the basis of justice for people in the country and real jobs that good performance was laid many years for people throughout Queensland. ago under former conservative Governments. The member posed the question: if it ain't If it supports privatisation, this broke, why fix it? In any walk of life or Government does not care about where the business, if an organisation takes the jobs are, it does not care about approach that it seems to be doing all right unemployment and it does not care about and people say it is doing all right so it can sit price justice. That is what this debate is all back and rest on its laurels, things are not about. This Government's proposal is illogical. going to stay all right for too long. That Government members have alleged that organisation will soon slip behind the members of the Labor Party were economic competition and soon be down the ladder vandals. But if Government members agree when it comes to being benchmarked against with all of the recommendations of FitzGerald others. Even though an organisation might be and his audit team, then they also are marked as being a good performer, it should economic vandals. I do not accept what always look to see what improvements can be FitzGerald says. I reject it totally. I reject his achieved. recommendations because they do not support the concept of regionalisation and In regard to the Victorian experience, they do not acknowledge the Queensland which has been referred to frequently—we ethos. must examine the factors which drove Victoria's push to privatisation. They will not be It is very important that we appreciate that the same issues that will drive this State's and electricity supply is a basic requirement of all this Government's decision making in regard Queenslanders. Recently I visited England. to privatisation. Victoria had to meet massive That country has been through the debt requirements which had been left by the privatisation process. It has seen the results of 23 Jul 1996 Privatisation of Electricity Industry 1777 privatisation, and the people do not like it. It on board any recommendations that were put may be all right for the economic rationalists, forward by the audit and to have a look at all but the ordinary people are unhappy. They are avenues for improvement. It covered a wide the ones we should listen to. It is about time range of initiatives right across every we learned from the mistakes made in other department for better management and countries. For example, it is not acceptable to restructuring for a more improved financial the ordinary English person to hear that power position for Queensland. companies are making profits of 250 million Recommendation 12.1, which members pounds and that water boards are making are debating, is actually set out in two parts. profits of 150 million pounds but are not The first part states that the industry could be providing an adequate water supply. A certain restructured to allow the maximum possible company in England was fined 43 million degree of competition. Part 2 talks about pounds because it did not provide an selling generation, transmission and adequate water supply to the people of distribution assets to the private sector. I will Yorkshire, yet that very company made a profit deal with both of these issues in just a of 140 million pounds. What message is that moment. However, let me state from the sending out to the people of England and outset that the coalition Government has no those in this country? plan to privatise any part of the electricity There are some basic assets which I industry without the permission of Parliament. believe should belong to the people of The Minister has already guaranteed that. Queensland. They are water, power and This Government is committed to communications. If this Government wants to providing services to rural and regional give those assets over to foreign ownership Queensland. We also recognise that the and private entrepreneurs, then I am afraid electricity supply industry is an important that it is being un-Australian. I believe that in source of employment and economic the long run this Government will regret giving development in rural and regional away any of those basic assets. I have heard Queensland. This Government is also people say that we must fight to guarantee a committed to providing access to safe, reliable power supply to the sugar industry and various electricity at low prices to regional and rural other primary industries. But this Government Queenslanders. Tariff equalisation is one of is apparently prepared to give away the right this Government's central focuses. It is also of the people to own the assets of water, coalition policy—no matter who in future will be power, communications and the basic supplying power to this State. transport infrastructure. On behalf of the people of Queensland, I reject that proposal. Clearly there would be benefits from of competition in the Queensland electricity I cannot believe that this Government industry with the introduction of any new would even consider this proposal. I believe electricity infrastructure. A few of those that, if adopted, this proposal will deny basic benefits would be: lowering costs to infrastructure to the constituencies of Queensland electricity customers as energy Government members. It will be the people in retailers improve the efficiency with which they provincial cities and those in rural areas who seek to retain or gain market share; improving will suffer the loss of infrastructure if the investment decisions, as the managers or Government sells the ownership of these owners of any new infrastructure will bear the assets to private industry. This Government investment risks; and empowering customers has lost the people of its own constituency if it by offering choice and service. For example, does not believe that they understand and the electricity retailing companies would be appreciate the need to ensure that their water offering different packages of services and supplies, their housing and their power remain prices for electricity in the same way as Optus in the hands of the people of Queensland. and Telstra do in the telecommunications This Government is on the wrong track and market. This would lead to ongoing cost FitzGerald was on the wrong track. We should reductions as competitive pressures are reject this economic rationalism and ensure placed on these industry participants to retain that these assets are kept for the people of profit as well as customers. Queensland. I must reiterate that, under this coalition Time expired. Government, tariff equalisation will remain as Mr MITCHELL (Charters Towers) our main focus. The notice of motion moved (6.30 p.m.): The Queensland Government by the Opposition is rather hypocritical. As the requested the Commission of Audit to report Minister stated, it was the former on the state of Queensland's finances, to take Government—the now Opposition—which sold 1778 Privatisation of Electricity Industry 23 Jul 1996 off the Gladstone Power Station to private assets to the private sector. The Government enterprise. It was that Government which cannot have it both ways. It says that this corporatised the electricity industry of this State is in a financial mess. Government State, creating the autonomous entities of members are the people who commissioned AUSTA Electric and the Queensland the audit. They should follow through with the Transmission and Supply Corporation, which recommendations of that audit. controls Powerlink and the seven regional If the Government decides to privatise electricity corporations. utilities such as electricity, how does that The Opposition is really pathetic. In the six necessarily improve competition? How does years that it was in power it did not initiate the that necessarily reduce tariffs? If the building of one megawatt of power generation. Government decides to privatise the electricity It did not provide for the storage of one industry and it sells off those utilities—I refer to megalitre of water—a major component for the experience in Victoria. The overseas meeting future power demands in companies that bought those utilities paid a Queensland. This Government will give premium for them. The only way that they can Queensland the power it needs to become not get a return on their outlay is if they ensure only self-sufficient for its own energy needs but that tariffs are not reduced. By privatising also to be a net energy exporter. utilities such as electricity the Government Mr NUTTALL (Sandgate) (6.35 p.m.): In cannot guarantee that there will be lower this debate all that members need is tariffs. It cannot guarantee that there will be clarification: a clear statement from the increased efficiency. It cannot guarantee that Minister that the electricity industry will not be there will be greater competition. That cannot privatised. We simply are not receiving such a happen if those companies pay a premium statement from the Minister. The Minister is and need a return on that money. It simply will having two bob each way. In his amendment not add up. the Minister says that further proposals to It gets worse. What if the Government privatise the electricity industry will come to the then says, "We will also ensure that we have Parliament for approval. So the Minister is not tariff equalisation for the people in the ruling out privatisation. On the one hand, the country"? Again, if a private company buys the Minister has said that it is not on the agenda, utility and pays a premium, how on earth can but on the other hand he says, "We might the Government dictate to that private bring it to Parliament first and get approval. If I company that it must ensure that we have decide to privatise it, I will bring it to tariff equalisation? The only way to do that is if Parliament, but it is not on my agenda." The the Government dips its hands into the National Party Minister is saying that it is not Treasury coffers and subsidises the private on the agenda. The Liberal member for Mount company. That is not what it is all about; either Ommaney is saying that we should endorse the Government privatises it or it does not. the FitzGerald recommendations lock, stock Opposition members do not believe that it and barrel. So we have a coalition with the should be privatised. The people in regional Nationals saying, "No, we are not going to Queensland should be looked after. This is the privatise it at the moment", and the Liberals most decentralised State in Australia. The saying, "No, we should privatise it." Government should look after those people Mr HARPER: I rise to a point of order. and ensure that the regional boards are The member for Sandgate is misquoting me. I maintained in all those regional towns. It must did not say that we should adopt the ensure that those jobs are retained. The FitzGerald recommendations lock, stock and member for Warwick is going to speak shortly. barrel. I ask that those remarks be withdrawn. I would like to hear him explain to the people of Warwick, the people of Dalby or the people Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable of Toowoomba, when the regional boards member will withdraw the remarks. disappear, how—— Mr NUTTALL: I withdraw. Clearly, two Time expired. different statements have been made: one statement from the National Party and a Mr SPRINGBORG (Warwick) different statement from the Liberal Party. (6.40 p.m.): I support the amendment moved These are the people who are running the by the Minister for Mines and Energy. Tonight State of Queensland. Mr FitzGerald's audit we have seen from the other side of the was commissioned by the Government, which Chamber a classic example of all care and no has said that this State is in a financial mess. responsibility. It is very hard to believe that The audit clearly talks about selling only six months ago the members opposite generation, transmission and distribution were sitting on the Government side, 23 Jul 1996 Privatisation of Electricity Industry 1779 supposedly being a responsible Government, elected Government. The Parliament is supposedly considering the things that a democratically elected. That is a very Government ought to consider. All that reasonable amendment to move. Who knows FitzGerald has done in the Commission of what will happen in 10 years or 15 years. Who Audit is—— knows what the dynamics will be in the future. Mr Fouras: Like selling electricity to Even I who am opposed to privatisation would people. say that the correct process would be for the Parliament to consider it in the future. That is Mr SPRINGBORG: For the benefit of all that the Government is calling for. the member for Ashgrove, I point out that FitzGerald considered the economic position Mr Nuttall: Come and vote with us. of the State. He gave an indication of the Mr SPRINGBORG: For the benefit of health of the State; he indicated that the the honourable member for Sandgate, I point Government should consider a number of out that the amendment is certainly worthy of strategies; and he made a number of the support of this Parliament. There is no recommendations. It is the Government that comparison here with England. There is no will be the final arbiter of privatisation or any comparison with Victoria. This is Queensland, other recommendation contained in that an autonomous State, doing the things that report. Queensland has to do. Mr McGrady: Eastlink. A lot of matters have been mentioned in Mr SPRINGBORG: I would love to relation to the electricity industry and have a tete-a-tete with the shadow Minister privatisation. As to tariff equalisation—what about Eastlink, but, unfortunately, I do not happened when the members on the other have the time. side of the Chamber were in Government? They are rising to speak believing that they are I have reservations about privatisation. I the ones who advocate tariff equalisation. A would say that just as many reservations number of years ago, what did the former about privatisation are held on the member for Lytton do when the former Government side as on the Opposition side. If Liberal/National Government introduced that one listened to the bleatings of the initiative? He opposed it. When in Opposition Opposition, one would think that we were at that time, the members opposite opposed going to rush out and privatise everything in tariff equalisation. We supported it. It is a good the State. It will be this Government that idea. To their credit, when they were in decides what to privatise, not somebody who Government, the members opposite has carried out a Commission of Audit. That is supported it. However, they were dragged the important point for members opposite to kicking and screaming to that position. We are remember. That decision will run the gauntlet keen to ensure that rural and regional of the Government. If members of the Queenslanders are not disadvantaged by Government have reservations, if the anything that happens in the electricity members of the back bench have industry in this State in the future. We have reservations, it will not happen. I have that commitment to rural Queensland, as we extremely grave reservations about have always had. privatisation. Unless they are troglodytes, the members What did the honourable member for of this Parliament have to be aware that Mount Isa say a moment ago when the dynamics change and we need to allow Minister indicated to him that he presided over private enterprise to have some input into the the sale of the Gladstone Power Station? He electricity industry. That has been done. We said that the reason that he did that was that are taking action to ensure that this State has he could sell it better. He believes in enough electricity to be able to meet the privatisation as long as he can do the selling growth demands in the future. I note the and as long as he can sell better. The estimate published today indicating that by the honourable member for Waterford said that year 2000 Queensland will have 7 million that sale generated industry. So he believes people. What did the former Government do? that it is okay to have privatisation as long as it It built nothing. When it was in Government, generates industry. Those comments are there was absolutely no electricity planning. inconsistent with tonight's debate. This Government is now sorting out the It was very reasonable to move tonight's problems in the electricity industry that it amendment, which basically states that any inherited. The amendment moved by the future proposals for privatisation come before Honourable Minister is worthy of support. The this Parliament. We are the democratically members of the Opposition have shown gross 1780 Privatisation of Electricity Industry 23 Jul 1996 hypocrisy. It is a case of all care and no power is provided by private enterprise, responsibility. whether there is union activity or any other Mrs CUNNINGHAM (Gladstone) factor. Both the city and the country people (6.45 p.m.): I move— look for that commitment from Government. "That the words 'the Parliament The issue of tariff equalisation is one of further notes the enthusiasm with which great importance. We have a diverse State. these recommendations have been That is recognised unilaterally. Tariff endorsed by the Premier and the equalisation recognises the interdependence Treasurer' and 'and such actions will have between city and country. City people cannot devastating adverse effects on regional produce primary product; they are heavy and country Queensland in particular.' be consumers of it. Country people do not have deleted; and that after the words 'of our ready access to services; they are consumers State' be added 'This Parliament further of those. Tariff equalisation or cross- recognises the value of independent subsidisation recognises that power producers to provide new interdependence. I think it is important that we generation capacity on a competitive send a clear message to the community that basis.' " we are not interested in privatising the electricity industry. I cannot support a motion I have a number of reasons for moving that or amendment that implies that privatisation amendment. Firstly, the amendment that has will be considered, hence my amendment. I been moved does not rule out privatisation. I commend it to the House. think the people of Queensland want to hear a categorical response on that issue. Mr J. H. SULLIVAN (Caboolture) (6.49 p.m.): I second the amendment moved Mr SPEAKER: Order! I should advise by the member for Gladstone. the honourable member that the fate of her amendment is contingent upon what happens Dr WATSON (Moggill) (6.49 p.m.) In the to the Minister's amendment. The honourable time remaining for this debate, I will deal with a member may proceed. couple of issues that need to be put to rest. Mrs CUNNINGHAM: Thank you, Mr Firstly, it is worth pointing out that the Speaker. Additionally, I should say that, in any Commission of Audit was independent. That is conversations that I have had with the Minister not to say that the terms of reference were not for Mines and Energy, he has never indicated determined by the Government. It is not to say an intention to privatise. We are dealing with that the individuals were not appointed by the the motion before the House. The reason I Government. However, the integrity and have asked that that paragraph be deleted stature in the community of the individuals from the original motion is that, to date, I have who were appointed are beyond reproach. not heard the Premier or the Treasurer I think that it is rather insulting for endorse the recommendations of the Opposition members to suggest that people of FitzGerald report. I have heard them comment the standing of Professor Carmichael, Dr on them; I certainly have not heard them FitzGerald or Mr Donoghue—— endorse those recommendations. Mr Fouras: Are you saying the Secondly, historically I opposed the sale recommendation is worth supporting? Is that of the Gladstone Power Station. During the what you are arguing? 1991 election, the then member, my Dr WATSON: All I am saying is that the predecessor, was staunchly in favour of the assumption, or the issue that the Opposition is sale of the powerhouse. I had quite a number trying to put across that somehow the of debates on the merits or otherwise of the recommendations of the Commission of Audit sale of such a strategic asset to the State. In were determined by the Government, is false. the wash-up, the powerhouse was sold, but The people who were appointed to that that did not alter my perception and belief that commission were of such integrity that, even if strategic infrastructure should be retained in it had been tried—and it had not been the ownership of the State. Government has tried—they would not have allowed it to an obligation to provide some fundamental happen. services—those services that the community expects Governments to provide and perhaps The second issue that needs to be put also to provide cross-subsidisation. Power is into perspective is the fact that these are one of those services. People expect that a recommendations. Just as the Government base supply of power will be available to the did not determine what the recommendations community. People need confidence that that were going to be, neither is the Government supply will be there irrespective of whether the necessarily committed to accepting each and 23 Jul 1996 Privatisation of Electricity Industry 1781 every one or any of those recommendations. Question—That the words proposed to The Commission of Audit was put in place to be omitted stand part of the question—put; examine the financial situation of Queensland and the House divided— and to make suggestions to the Government. AYES, 41—Barton, Beattie, Bird, Bligh, Braddy, It is now up to the Government, as it is with Bredhauer, Briskey, Campbell, Cunningham, D’Arcy, anything else, to decide how it is going to De Lacy, Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Foley, Fouras, Goss proceed. When the Government makes a W. K., Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, McElligott, McGrady, decision and comes to this place, then it is up Mackenroth, Milliner, Mulherin, Nunn, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Purcell, Roberts, Robertson, to the Opposition, if it wishes, to oppose and Rose, Schwarten, Spence, Sullivan J. H., Welford, oppose vigorously. However, to suggest that Wells, Woodgate Tellers: Livingstone, Sullivan T. B. because the Commission of Audit hands down NOES, 40—Baumann, Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, a set of recommendations the Government is Cooper, Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, Gamin, then bound to accept those recommendations Gilmore, Goss J. N., Grice, Harper, Healy, Hegarty, lock, stock and barrel—or anything else—is Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Laming, Lester, Lingard, totally wrong and totally inconsistent with any Littleproud, McCauley, Malone, Mitchell, Perrett, other set of reports that the Opposition Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, Slack, Stephan, received when it was in Government. I cannot Stoneman, Tanti, Warwick, Watson, Wilson, recall the Opposition, when recommendations Woolmer Tellers: Springborg, Carroll of committees that it appointed were Pairs: Ardill, Veivers; Gibbs, Simpson; Smith, delivered, or the recommendations of inquiries Radke. that it set up were handed down, coming to Resolved in the affirmative. this Parliament and saying that it was going to Mr SPEAKER: The question is that the accept all of those recommendations. For motion of the member for Mount Isa be members opposite to say that the agreed to. The Noes have it. Government should do so is absolutely Mr McGRADY: I rise to a point of order. hypocritical. Mr Speaker, can we have clarification from the Clerk and yourself that the action that was The third point that needs to be made taken was correct? We were advised that Mrs about the Commission of Audit is that the Cunningham was to move an amendment Opposition members have fundamentally now. missed the central message of the Mr CAMPBELL: I rise to a point of Commission of Audit. The Commission of order. I called "divide" and I would like that to Audit stated that if a Government is going to be taken account of. deliver the services to the Queensland public A Government member: Nobody that it deserves, then it must examine the heard you. ways in which it is delivering those services. The financial situation in which Opposition members: We heard him! Queensland—and the rest of Australia—finds Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable itself is not such that it can continue to member for Bundaberg, did you call divide? disregard the efficiency and effectiveness by You have indicated that you did. A division which it delivered its services. That was the has been called. central message of the Commission of Audit. Question—That the motion be agreed It is worthy of the Government and it is worthy to—put; and the House divided— of this Parliament to take that message to AYES, 41—Barton, Beattie, Bird, Bligh, Braddy, heart. In a competitive environment in which Bredhauer, Briskey, Campbell, Cunningham, D'Arcy, great demands are placed on the resources De Lacy, Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Foley, Fouras, Goss that the taxpayers of this State provide to this W. K., Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, McElligott, McGrady, Mackenroth, Milliner, Mulherin, Nunn, Nuttall, Parliament and to the Government, it is Palaszczuk, Pearce, Purcell, Roberts, Robertson, incumbent upon us to examine the way in Rose, Schwarten, Spence, Sullivan J. H., Welford, which we use those resources and, in fact, Wells, Woodgate Tellers: Livingstone, Sullivan T. B. deliver to the taxpayers the services that are NOES, 40—Baumann, Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, demanded by them. In doing so, it is Cooper, Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, Gamin, incumbent upon the Government to ensure Gilmore, Goss J. N., Grice, Harper, Healy, Hegarty, that the business environment and the social Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Laming, Lester, Lingard, environment in Queensland—particularly the Littleproud, McCauley, Malone, Mitchell, Perrett, business environment—is such that we can Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, Slack, Stephan, deliver the services demanded by Stoneman, Tanti, Warwick, Watson, Wilson, Woolmer Tellers: Springborg, Carroll Queenslanders in the most efficient and effective fashion. Pairs: Ardill, Veivers; Gibbs, Simpson; Smith, Radke. Time expired. Resolved in the affirmative. 1782 Adjournment 23 Jul 1996

ADJOURNMENT Despite the latest round of assurances to Mr FITZGERALD (Lockyer—Leader of the contrary, it is crystal clear that the aero Government Business) (7.09 p.m.): I move— club intends to develop the airfield. Its transparent ambition is for the development of "That the House do now adjourn." a major commercial airfield rivalling Archerfield, but having the operational advantages of being located outside controlled airspace. The Caboolture Airport Expansion club is patient and is obviously prepared to Mr J. H. SULLIVAN (Caboolture) achieve its vision little by little, chipping away (7.05 p.m.): The recent decision by the at the amenity currently enjoyed by local Caboolture Shire Council to support changes residents. The message for Caboolture people in the operating conditions at Caboolture is quite stark—to borrow a phrase, this is as airfield will only compound one of the council's good as it gets. From here on in it is all worst ever town planning decisions. The downhill. Today, bigger aircraft and night airfield, established in 1987, is barely two operations; tomorrow it will be something else kilometres from the centre of Caboolture to make life an even bigger misery. township. Despite widespread opposition to its In every major city and many towns in this establishment, an uneasy truce has existed country airports have become the focus of between the airfield operators, the Caboolture major community conflicts. The Caboolture Aero Club, and opponents, based on airfield is destined to become—just as former repeated assurances from the club that all it shire chairman Alex Barr predicted—a was interested in was a small club field. festering sore in the middle of our community. Today it is clear that the club has a People should not, and indeed are not, blase grander vision. The council approval allows a about airports in their midst. We have all seen bitumen seal on the runways, the installation the graphic television and newspaper of lighting for night flights, the use of the accounts of serious accidents in and around airfield by larger aircraft and the use of airports and the aero club has pointed out runways previously forbidden. This adds up to those dangers to the council. In a letter to the a significant diminution in the living standards council dated 22 January 1991, in which the of those people residing in the area club opposed a rezoning application nearby, it surrounding the airfield. wrote— In the first instance, the establishment "The Council should also consider was not entirely the fault of the council. A the safety implications which possible report to the council's general meeting of 29 emergencies on take-off or landing may September 1986 clearly showed that a more have on any land users in the vicinity of suitable site had been identified, but the report the airfield." went on to state— On 9 December of the same year the "In view of the advanced state of aero club again wrote to the council, this time negotiations in respect of the Pasturage demonstrating its concern about inappropriate Reserve it is not proposed to promote the development in the vicinity of the airfield by merit or otherwise of the alternative site." way of this threat— The words "advanced state of negotiations" "If the Council continues to permit are code for an extraordinary charade played development under the flight paths out in Brisbane in June of that year, where immediately adjacent to the airfield and former National Party Minister, Bill Glasson, within 5 kilometres of the airfield under and former National Party State MLA, Bill those flight paths, the Caboolture Aero Newton, through chicanery and blackmail, Club will refuse to consider any complaints forced the council to agree to the airport in from persons occupying those return for approval to establish a much- developments in respect of aircraft needed rubbish dump on part of the operations." Pasturage Reserve. However, that does not Given that the aero club, via its National Party explain why, ten years later, the council is so mates, virtually blackmailed the council into obliging in facilitating the aero club's desire for agreeing to the establishment of the airfield more flights by larger aircraft for longer periods well within that five kilometre limit from the of the day. Someone less charitable than centre of town, that threat is both ludicrous myself would no doubt query the mayor's self- and obscene. However, threats are a regular declared membership of the aero club at the tactic employed by the aero club. Video tape time of his election, as recorded in the exists of two former presidents of the aero club council's material personal interest register. threatening to have the police remove a 23 Jul 1996 Adjournment 1783 citizen who was filming operations at the The Hervey Bay Independent reported airfield, operations clearly contrary to the that in one instance the Hervey Bay City conditions of approval for the airfield. That Council narrowly averted paying out nearly citizen was filming from outside the airfield $860,000 in compensation for the resumption boundaries. More recently the current of two parcels of land after a valuation president, Bill Comiskey, has been threatening conducted by Mr Maddern concluded that that local media outlets over their coverage of the was the value of the land. Another valuer was issue. Sadly, those threats seem to have been reported to have placed the value at up to effective. It would seem that the clock has $82,000. The final settlement was agreed to been wound back and it is business as usual by both parties. They agreed that their in National Party Queensland. calculation differed because they were working from different legal instructions. Mr L. Maddern However, the member quoted, again from the Hervey Bay Independent, a story about Mr STEPHAN (Gympie) (7.14 p.m.): I another Maddern valuation done for the wish to speak on the very serious matter of the purchase of a former rail corridor from the misuse of parliamentary privilege by a member Hervey Bay City Council. It reported that as a of this House. It has been over a year now result of the undervaluation the acting CEO of since Mr Lloyd Maddern was first defamed by the council, Bob Chambers, would no longer the member for Maryborough under the legal deal with Mr Maddern and had instructed his safeguard of this House. Since then, the staff to refuse Mr Maddern any future member for Maryborough has repeatedly business. Mr Maddern approached Mr implicated Mr Maddern in what he describes Chambers, who had been angered over the as shonky and crooked land deals. These article because he had been misquoted. What alleged crooked land deals were to have Mr Chambers had actually said was that the occurred not in the electorate of Maryborough job would be offered to another firm, because but in the neighbouring electorate of Hervey Mr Maddern had already been engaged for Bay, where in distinct contrast the sitting Labor the prospective purchaser and obviously could member has not found any reason to not act for the buyer and the seller alike. In persecute Mr Maddern. fact, Mr Maddern has been employed by the Mr Maddern has in fact been cleared of council again—the same council reported to any criminal intent or impropriety alleged by maintain that it would never deal with him the member for Maryborough. It seems the again. This fact was revealed by the member one crime that Mr Maddern has been guilty of himself. was to stand against the member for Finally, I turn to the member's inference Maryborough as a National Party candidate at that the State coalition Government was the last election—and he nearly won. To make providing jobs for the boys by awarding him a sure his electoral fortunes are boosted the major contract. The member warned this next time around, the member opposite has Government that, "Without a shadow of a chosen to put all his efforts into assassinating doubt this company is incompetent or worse." the character of Mr Maddern. The major contract that the member for I wish to make certain that Mr Maddern is Maryborough referred to was in fact awarded no longer held to ransom by the loose-lipped by the former State Labor Government, and ravings of the member for Maryborough. Mr the Madderns thank the honourable member's Maddern is not the National Party candidate Labor colleagues for the vote of confidence! for Maryborough. He is a businessman and is The bottom line is that the member has an a long-respected member of his community. obsession with seeing Mr Maddern out of The serious allegations aired by the member political contention. He has used this House to in this House regarding the valuations dwell on lies. conducted by Mr Maddern are slanderous and Time expired. pitiful. He alleged that a real estate agent arranged for Mr Maddern to "jack up" the value of homes, and that is absolutely untrue. Sports Champions, Mackay Electorate Mr Maddern has stated on public record that Mr MULHERIN (Mackay) (7.19 p.m.): All in fact he has never spoken to the broker Queenslanders are proud of our Olympic team about the valuations in question. To come up competing at Atlanta. The people of the with this allegation and others, the member for Mackay area are especially proud, because Maryborough relied on the press to provide we have three Mackayites in the team at him with evidence of what he alleged are Atlanta. The three who will be vying for gold Maddern's "dubious valuations". are Sandy Brondello, Baeden Choppy and 1784 Adjournment 23 Jul 1996

Cathy Freeman. It must surely be some sort of ites—Owen Cunningham, Brett Dallas, record for such a small part of Australia to Wendell Sailor and Dale Shearer—in the have such a strong hand in the national Queensland side. Olympic team. In boxing, Mackay produced Australian Sandy Brondello is a member of the titleholders the Moodie brothers, the Taylor Australian basketball team at Atlanta and has brothers, Geoff White and Paul Lovi. Ollie and for the past few years been recognised as one Wally Taylor subsequently represented of the foremost players in the world. Sandy Australia and were medal winners at plays professional basketball in Germany for Commonwealth Games. In body building, in seven months of the year and for the rest of the worldwide competition Mackay's Ken Ware the year she is based in Brisbane with the won the Mr Universe title last year. Jim Cross Brisbane Blazers. Such is her commitment to won Australian sprint championships in cycling, going for gold that she has delayed medical and the current junior women's Australian track treatment to a stress fracture of her left foot champion is Kerry Meares. Teddy Rogers won until after the Olympic Games. the famous Warrnambool-Melbourne road Baeden Choppy is a member of the race and, in the 101-year history of the race, is hockey team, and even before his the only Queenslander ever to have won this appearance at the Games he has made it into prestigious event. These three riders' careers the record books as being the youngest started when they were school grade cyclists in hockey player to ever represent Australia at an Mackay. Olympic Games. Baeden was nurtured It can be seen that our three Olympians through the Mackay school hockey system have had a great sporting culture and and, before going to Atlanta, he was in Perth background in the Mackay area. Sandy's at the Australian Institute of Sport on a mother, Baeden's mother and Cathy's mother scholarship. are all in Atlanta to proudly cheer on their children at the Olympics. Their pride and best Cathy Freeman is a member of the wishes for Sandy, Baeden and Cathy will be Olympic track team and will be concentrating almost matched by all the good folk in the on the 400 metre event. Cathy won gold in the Mackay area. 200 metre final at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada, and for the last few years has been regarded as one of the world's Whites Hill/Pine Mountain Reserve outstanding athletes. In recent months, Cathy Mr RADKE (Greenslopes) (7.23 p.m.): has been winning races all around the globe, The development of Whites Hill/Pine Mountain and her form augurs well for a great bushland areas has recently taken a major performance at Atlanta. Cathy is a proud advance with the securing of funds for the product of the Little Athletics Club of Slade 1996-97 financial year to complete two major Point in Mackay. upgrades. In addition to these funding Sandy, Baeden, and Cathy will be striving initiatives, there will be detailed plans to emulate the feat of Tracey Belbin and Sue submitted for the rezoning of this area to Howland, two of Mackay's favourite sporting conservation zone. Since coming to office, daughters. Tracey won gold at Seoul as a Councillor Michael Caltabiano has initiated the member of the winning hockey team, and Sue move to rezone the bushland area, currently won gold in javelin throwing at the zoned non-urban, open space and sports Commonwealth Games. The five champions I reserve, into a conservation zone. The move have just mentioned are continuing the great to a conservation zone will recognise the record the Mackay area has in spawning elite significance of this area and protect for future sports people in a great variety of sports. generations the natural bushland. Some that readily come to mind include One of these bushland areas deserving champion jockeys George Moore and Tommy protection under a conservation zone is the Hill, who were from Mackay, as was Melbourne rainforest remnant known as Sankey's Scrub, Cup winning trainer Dick Roden, who trained located on the south-eastern boundary of the McDougall to win the cup in 1956. Pine Mountain section of the Whites Hill In Rugby League, Ron Griffiths, Elton Reserve. The remnant vegetation at this site Rassmussen, Martin Bella, Dale Shearer, occurs on a steep slope that grades down to a Wendell Sailor and Brett Dallas were all small watercourse and includes the area on selected to play for Australia in test matches, the opposite bank. The shape of the remnant and they all started their careers in schoolboy area is approximately rectangular and is football in Mackay. In the last State of Origin bounded by Pine Mountain Road to the south, match, it was of interest to see four Mackay- Brisbane City Council quarry to the north and 23 Jul 1996 Adjournment 1785 east and by the dry eucalypt forest of Whites step forward in the access provided to the Hill Reserve to the west. community to this natural bushland area. The The existing remnant area is walking paths will also have an educational approximately one hectare in size, and is all component with signposting providing that remains of a much larger stand of information on such things as plant species rainforest that was historically known as and origin, viewing sites and the history of the Sankey's Scrub. Early records indicate that first house located on top of Whites Hill. Local Sankey's Scrub was a substantial block of schoolchildren and the general community will rainforest that extended up the slopes and be able to walk through the natural bushland around the southern and eastern flanks of and gain an appreciation of the history of the Pine Mountain. This rainforest block probably area at the same time. also extended as a thin strip along the creek Whites Hill Reserve has been well known line that runs parallel to the present day Pine for its superb sporting facilities: Brisbane Mountain Road. Indicator rainforest species Touch Football, Holland Park Hawks Soccer have been noted both up and downstream and zone 4 cricket. We are now able to add to from Sankey's Scrub. Historical records note this facility with walking paths and develop a that large emergent hoop pines (Araucaria significant environmental bushland area. The cunninghamii) were common within the scrub. tree planting theme for the entrance to the The place name "Pine Mountain" is another reserve proper will create a striking and indicator of this. Hoop pine and other landmark statement that will in years to come important timber trees such as crows ash signpost the area. This work has been (Flindersia australis) and white beech (Gmelina conducted in consultation with community leichhardtii) would have been felled from the groups such as Whites Hill/Pine Mountain scrub in the early days. Community Group Inc., Friends of Olivia Park Initial timber-getting activities were Bushland Care Group and local schools. followed by development of the site as a Council parks officers' guidance in and support gravel quarry. Quarrying activities have for the rezoning should also be recognised as reduced the rainforested area to the small critical to the success of the process. remnant that exists today. The vegetation at Sankey's Scrub can be classified as a remnant Home Day Care Program of lowland warm subtropical rainforest of the drier type characterised by the presence of Mr DOLLIN (Maryborough) (7.28 p.m.): I emergent hoop pines. This type of rainforest is wish to draw to the attention of honourable commonly referred to as dry rainforest or hoop members of this House the threat posed by pine scrub. The remnant site at Whites Hill the Howard Federal Government, supported contains a number of uncommon/significant by this Borbidge State Government, to the and rare and threatened plant species. The Home Day Care Program that was established rare and threatened species are Cupaniopsis and funded by the Keating Labor shirleyana and Macadamia integrifolia, and Government. This Australian model of family the uncommon/significant species are day care is world renowned and does Omalanthus stillingifolius, Stephania aculeata, everything a parent could ever want a child- Gmelina leichhardtii and Cryptocarya care service to do, and then some. Grounded macdonaldii. in the foundation of the family as a spirit or ethos for the model of practice, family day The proposed conservation zoning will care offers the best of both worlds: a place allow the Brisbane City Council to focus its where children can grow up at home and efforts in the management of flora and fauna within a family environment whilst their parents within the area. Detailed mapping of the entire are actively and productively participating in zone will take place, with the result being a the community. Sadly, this service could soon natural bushland area. This environmental be a thing of the past, if the Howard razor area will be the closest to the city on the south gang slashes its funding in the forthcoming side of Brisbane and will be preserved and Budget. managed properly. Across Australia, family day care is made The two funding initiatives announced by up of 100,000 children and their parents, Councillor Caltabiano are an allocation of 20,000 carers and 2,000 coordination unit $20,000 to the development of walking paths staff. In Queensland, 7,600 children and their at Whites Hill and an allocation of $5,000 to parents, 1,400 carers and 150 staff benefit tree planting at the entrance to the Whites Hill from this world-renowned service. There are 90 Reserve. The completion of walking paths to carers in Maryborough and Hervey Bay, and the top of Whites Hill will represent a major more than 400 children aged from zero to 12 1786 Adjournment 23 Jul 1996 years and their parents would be affected if Howard's razor gang slashes into family day care funding. The economic consequences to our region would be staggering, as Maryborough and Hervey Bay currently contribute $1.5m annually to our local economy by way of payments to carers via cost of care and coordination unit salaries. Time expired. Motion agreed to. The House adjourned at 7.30 p.m.