Hansard 28 November 1991
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Legislative Assembly 3335 28 November 1991 NOTE: There could be differences between this document and the official printed Hansard, Vol. 321 THURSDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 1991 Mr SPEAKER (Hon. J. Fouras, Ashgrove) read prayers and took the chair at 10 a.m. AUDITOR-GENERAL’S REPORTS Mr SPEAKER: I have to report that I have received from the Auditor-General the report on audits in respect of the financial year ended 30 June 1991, and a special report under section 75 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977 on the Council of the Queensland Law Society Incorporated. Ordered to be printed. PETITIONS The Acting Clerk announced the receipt of the following petitions— Penalties for Cruelty to Animals From Mr Burns (1 885 signatories) praying that the Parliament will support the Deputy Premier in his call for the imposition of adequate penalties by the courts concerning offences of cruelty to animals. Coral-dredging around Moreton Bay Islands From Mr Comben (1 028 signatories) praying that an environmental impact study be carried out on the effects of coral-dredging around Mud and Saint Helena Islands and that a similar study be carried out on Green Island by an independent authority. Capital Punishment From Mrs Sheldon (119 signatories) praying for action to include the question of capital punishment in the 1992 referendum. Scarborough Beach Caravan Park From Mr Hollis (898 signatories) praying that the Parliament of Queensland will investigate the original conditions set down in the deeds of the land on which the Scarborough Beach Caravan Park stands and that the land remain a perpetual camping and recreation area. Petitions received. PAPER The following paper was laid on the table— Order in Council under the Summer Time Act 1990. Legislative Assembly 3336 28 November 1991 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT “Schoolies Week” Hon. R. J. GIBBS (Wolston—Minister for Tourism, Sport and Racing) (10.03 a.m.), by leave: South-east Queensland has had probably its quietest “schoolies week” on record as a result of the pro- active approach to under-age drinking taken by this Government. Experienced Licensing Commission inspectors have informed me that the combination of Card 18 Plus, heavy fines and Government education programs have had the desired effect. Seventeen inspectors teamed with police from the various branches of the Juvenile Aid Bureau on the Gold Coast to blitz every hotel and club in the area. Most places were visited several times from 15 to 23 November. This was complemented by radio advertising featuring ironman and prominent youth role model, Trevor Hendy. I am pleased to report to the House that some of the schoolies’ notorious haunts were dead. The trouble spots of past years were extremely quiet. Generally, licensees were very aware of the fines and tailored security accordingly. In most cases, inspectors were encouraged by the vigilance of security staff employed by licensees. One resort on the Gold Coast caused some concerns and the commission will continue to keep it under extremely close scrutiny. Night-clubs on the Sunshine Coast were refusing entry to up to 70 young people a night who could not prove their age. Stradbroke Island—another traditional trouble spot—was extremely quiet. Inspectors around the State recorded their most subdued and sober “schoolies week”. However, the problems do not end at “schoolies week”. The Licensing Commission will maintain a rigorous inspection program throughout the holiday period. The Goss Government is the first Government to make a serious attempt to address under-age drinking. Research has shown a disturbing increase in binge drinking among our young people. The links to health problems, suicide, domestic violence and a host of other problems are clear. Sadly, and disgustingly, this approach does not have the support of the Leader of the Opposition, or the member for South Coast, both of whom have criticised the new fines and the Government’s action in the media. The record of the National Party and the Liberal Party while in Government on this issue was appalling. I am sure that parents and educators around Queensland are encouraged that at last they have a Government which is prepared to take some hard decisions. TRAVELSAFE COMMITTEE Report Mr ARDILL (Salisbury) (10.06 a.m.): I present the fifth report of the Travelsafe Committee, which deals with bicycle safety. I acknowledge the hard work of all the members of the committee during the preparation of this report and others. It came about as a result of information received incidentally to other investigations we were undertaking. I would also like to thank the clerk of the committee, Mr Rob Downey, and Mr Rex Klein, the acting clerk at this time, for their assistance with this report. I table the report and move that it be printed. Ordered to be printed. QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE 1. Q-Link Mr SCHWARTEN asked the Minister for Transport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Trade Development— Legislative Assembly 3337 28 November 1991 “(1) Is he aware that there have been some difficulties experienced in the introduction of Q-Link? (2) If so, what are the reasons for these difficulties?” Mr MACKENROTH: On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. Queensland Rail has received some complaints regarding the new Small Freight distribution system—Q-Link. That is to be expected whenever an organisation which has been doing things one way for 100 years finally changes its system. The level of complaints has dropped substantially since the first week of operations, which began 28 October 1991. Most complaints centred on confusion with the new consignment note format and some delays on delivery. The Small Freight network of 48 Freight Distribution Centres throughout Queensland is progressively being established over a three month period. With an annual traffic volume of 170,000 tonnes of Small Freight there will inevitably be problems in the implementation of a new handling system. Nevertheless, I am assured that all freight consignments are being cleared from the Acacia Ridge terminal each night and trains are departing on-time. The consignment note system has been redesigned to reflect the standard practice of other freight services where the freight charge is not revealed on the note. That information is nevertheless held by the Station Master and can be readily calculated. Progress in network implementation is being closely monitored, with teething problems being quickly attended to. A series of periodic reviews of operations and staffing—to be conducted by joint union/management working groups—will take place over the first six months of next year when all centres will have been established. 2. Feedlots Mr PERRETT asked the Minister for Primary Industries— “(1) What are the consequences to Queensland’s feedlot industry of the decision in the Warwick Magistrate’s Court against a major feedlot operation and, in particular, does the State Government now intend to enforce the provision of shade on all major feedlot operators in Queensland by regulation or legislation? (2) Is he concerned at the effect of any such additional regulations on production costs of the feedlot industry, its ability to expand, attract additional investment and compete for new export markets? (3) Given the approach of extreme summer heat conditions and the lead time needed to provide any additional shelter, will he undertake to hold discussions with the RSPCA and the animal welfare lobby to prevent any additional actions or prosecutions detrimental to the industry while further research and consideration are being undertaken into the provisions of shade? (4) What research has his department undertaken or have available on the effect of shade to combat heat stress and what are the practicalities of the provision of such shelter in major operations involving large numbers of cattle for vital export markets? (5) Will he undertake to ensure there is no knee-jerk reaction to the Court decision by his Government and that any decisions are taken in full consultation with Legislative Assembly 3338 28 November 1991 the industry to ensure continued investment and expansion for the industry in Queensland? (6) What are the terms of reference of the proposed Senate Inquiry into the feedlot industry and will he undertake to ensure that any decisions taken at a Federal level regarding breeds of cattle which can be utilised in feedlot operations are not made to advantage southern States at the expense of the industry and its market potential in Queensland?” Mr CASEY: The answer is rather lengthy and detailed, and I ask leave to have it tabled and incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. (1) Following the deaths from heat stress of over 2680 cattle at Whyalla Feedlot Texas, Queensland in February 1991, the Queensland RSPCA launched a successful prosecution in the Warwick Magistrates Court in September against the owners, Oakey Holdings Pty Ltd, under the Animals Protection Act for having failed to provide sufficient suitable shelter for the cattle. The consequences of this case are that it has now been established that all Queensland feedlot operators are required under the Act to provide sufficient suitable shelter for cattle confined in a feedlot. The Animals Protection Act 1925 is administered by my colleague, the Honourable T.J. Burns, MLA, Deputy Premier, Minister for Housing and Local Government who will no doubt be examining the implications of the case in relation to enforcement of the provisions of the Act. (2) Naturally, I am concerned at any additional costs which impact upon the primary industries of this State and which may adversely affect the ability of an industry to expand and compete for new export markets. I would point out however that the section of the legislation under which the prosecution was launched is not new and was in force during the term of the previous Government.