Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 20 AUGUST 1968

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

QUEENSLAND

1amentary Debates [HANSARD]

THIRD SESSION OF THE THIRTY-EIGHTH PARLIAMENT Appointed to meet AT BRISBANE ON THE TWENTIETH DAY OF AUGUST, IN THE SEVENTEENTH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH 11, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD, 1968

TUESDAY, 20 AUGUST, 1968 "I join Honourable Members in expressing deep regret at his passing. "On 1st August the Honourable OPENING OF PARLIAMENT G. W. W. Chalk was appointed Premier. He Pursuant to the proclamation by His resigned on 8th August and the Honourable Excellency the Governor, dated 2 August, J. Bjelke-Petersen was appointed to succeed 1968, appointing Parliament to meet this day him. I take this opportunity of congratulating for the dispatch of business, the House met Mr. Chalk and Mr. Bjelke-Petersen on at 11.56 a.m. in the 'late Legislative Council attaining that office and I express the hope Chamber. that Mr. Bjelke-Petersen's term as the leader of Her Majesty's Government in Queensland Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, will be successful and bring continued Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair. progress to our State. The Clerk read the proclamation. "I join Honouri!'ble Members in expressing deep regret also at the recent death of the GOVERNOR'S OPENING SPEECH Honourable Sir Alan Munro, K.B.E., who gave such splendid service to this State as At 12 noon His Excellency the Governor came in state to Parliament House, was Minister for Justice and Attorney-General and announced by the Sergeant-at-Arms, received as Minister for Industrial Development. by Mr. Speaker at the entrance to the "During the past year, my wife and I Chamber, and accompanied to the dais. have continued to visit various parts of our Honourable members being seated, His State, including the North and North West. Excellency read the following Opening Wherever we went we found enterprising Speech- people and healthy children who are being educated to face the problems and the " HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE challenges of the future. ASSEMBLY: "I had the privilege of making a tour to "You have been summoned to this Third the Gulf of Carpentaria with the Flying Session of the Thirty-eighth Parliament of Queensland to consider important business Doctor and I was again impressed by the of concern to the people of our State. splendid work these dedicated men are doing for our people of the outback. "On 31st July last the State suffered a grievous loss by the death of the Honourable "This Session commences the second J. C. A. Pizzey. He was sworn in as Premier century of Parliament's occupancy of this of Queensland on 17th January last in House and reminds us of the debt of succession to the Honourable Sir Francis gratitude owed to the long line of Honourable Nicklin, K.C.M.G., M.M., and he carried Members, public servants and people from out the duties of his office with great all walks of life who have laboured over the advantage to the State and credit to himself years for the advancement of Queensland until his untimely death. and her people. 2 Governor's Opening Speech [ASSEMBLY] Governor's Opening Speech

"A century is but a relatively short time gaining in virility and economic strength in the history of mankind and the life of generally and are creating a mounting many nations, but it is practically all we consumer demand that must return added have had to people and advance this vast health, strength and prosperity to the basic State of 667,000 square miles. industries. "My Government feels this is an "Queensland's role in Australia's economy appropriate time, therefore, in the life of has always been one of major importance, separate, independent government in Queensland to observe whence we have and the wealth produced here and exported come and where we are going. overseas has been a real contributing factor to the speed and degree of national "Those who know our history well cannot development. Australian industry depends but be overwhelmed with admiration for the magnificent people in all walks of life who more than most of us realise on Queensland's have gone before us to . establish this State, ability to expand exports. to nurture and advance Its people, to secure "It can be, and will, I am sure, be of its democratic traditions and practices and much greater importance in the future, to protect it at all times. ' provided we work wisely and well to see "Who were these people? What their that it is. methods? There have been thousands upon thousands of them, well known and little "Honourable Members will, I think, agree known, who called this place home and that the present is a desirable time to make availed themselves of whatever ingenuity, still greater efforts to secure overseas energy and purpose they possessed to make earnings. i! a fitting place in which all could happily "Through the changing social and economic live. pattern of the world we are already depending "They were the people who opened settled less on the main market to which we were an~ cultivated an enormous untamed ~creage; accustomed to sell, and it is obvious from bmlt vast networks of railways and roads· our geographical situation that our trading designed and constructed ports, schools: future will be bound up more w1th countries houses and hospitals; sat in this House in in our part of the world. courts of justice, at conference tables· se;ved in government or local authority capacities· "To progress in the way we desire we must actively assist in the weaving of a new in trade unions, industry or commerce. ' and even richer trading pattern. This "They were, in a sentence, people to whom requires the wholehearted, concerted action we are eternally indebted for a State of which of all. we are proud, a way of life in the sun which we would be loath to exchange and ~ "The various commodity boards, the standard of living which constantly' grows Queensland Division of the Export Develop­ better. ment Council and private enterprise generally are doing a splendid job in this regard. "So, as Honourable Members take their seats in this chamber for another century of "The Commonwealth is giving a spirited responsible parliamentary endeavour in the trading lead which my Government will interests of Queenslanders, they have sure continue to support to the limits of its charter, firm foundations upon which to build and but we must look to our leaders in all can set a ceiling height of their own selection. fields of production to think and act in terms of securing still greater income earn­ "There are, too, some really fine natural ings from exports. resources at hand for development and construction and, of course, the tearaway "The great importance, too, of import advance of knowledge is providing savings must not be overlooked. Queensland constructional aids not previously known. was the first State to discover and commer­ cially utilise oil and natural gas, a develop­ "Agricultural and veterinary sciences are ment that has resulted in reduced import lifting the rural potential of this land spending on oil, and one which will allow enormously. some presently imported goods to be manu­ "Its unfolding mineral wealth already has factured profitably within the State. given a great fillip to decentralised develop­ "While today we look back with pleasure ment and promises much more in this at what has been achieved by successive economically and socially desirable direction. governments and generations of Queens­ landers we realise that the years ahead are "Secondary production has outstripped in going to be very demanding of our people. value those great rural products upon which we traditionally and almost solely depended "Knowledge, its acquisition and applica­ for our income until fairly recent times, and tion, appears to be a paramount prerequisite upon which we still rely for the major part to advancement. of our oversea earnings. "We can no longer let the world go by. "The tertiary industries, which, for the We are now too much involved in the statistician anyhow, embrace all other affairs of the great human family to enter­ avocations and callings not directly attached tain dreams of isolationism or independent to primary and secondary production, are action. Governor's Opening Speech [20 AuGUST] Governor's Opening Speech 3

"History is decreeing that we must play "No matter what changes the future does a more communal part in family affairs, bring, my Government feels that it interprets and our people need to be strong at all the feelings, the wishes and the prayers of points to do it and still preserve a separate all Honourable Members and of every identity. Queenslander when it says that nothing must occur which will lessen our attachment to the "Knowledge is a key to future national throne, weaken our true democracy, or impair strength and it becomes a cornerstone of the functioning of our democratic institutions. survival as well when a people are few in Knowing what is happening elsewhere in number, as we are. the world, we must be ever vigilant. The price of freedom is eternal vigihrnce. "Education must continue to receive top priority in the years ahead. "In recalling our indebtedness to Queens­ landers of the past my Government wishes "0~1r University, institutes of technology expressly to include in the tribute to their techJ?lCal colleges and teachers' colleges will worth and work all still within hearing. contmue to expand and develop to meet "Several Honourable Members have pub­ the growing needs of this State. licly expressed their intention of retiring "The application of knowledge, special from Parliamentary life at the termination training, skills, and abilities is becoming of this Thirty-eighth Parliament and the increasingly important in all avenues of pro­ Government takes this opportunity of thank­ duction, and managements as well as mes­ ing them now and directly on behalf of the senger boys must now lift their educational people of Queensland for the sterling service sights if they wish to succeed. they have rendered. "Her Majesty has recently honoured Sir "As one of the sparsely populated parts Francis Nicklin, one of the most illustrious of the earth Queensland is going to attract members ever to enter this chamber, and covetous eyes as the world's population I am sure all Honourable Members applaud explodes over the next 100 years and suc­ that richly deserved honour. ceeding generations may find it difficult to retain sole possession unless we and they "My Government is pleased to report that exert every effort of a positive nature to the health of the State's economy is excellent. settle and productively employ this domain. The breaking of the drought in the Western and South-western Divisions earlier this year ''Morally our tenure of the country will and favourable rainfalls in most areas have become indefensible unless we can show given Queensland a most heartening rural before many more years are out that we outlook for the new financial year. have undertaken great works of development "Improved seasonal conditions have also and settlement; that we are moving in exped­ reflected favourably on the budgetary posi­ itious and realistic fashion to eradicate the tion, the operations of the Consolidated perennial spectre of devastating drought; that Revenue Fund resulting in an excess of we are conserving and developing our very receipts over expenditure for 1967-68 of great natural assets in a fashion which will $970,027 compared with an estimated surplus ensure that Queensland will actually become of $22,600 when the Budget was brought a home in the foreseeable future for a down. vastly more numerous population. "Government departments and instrumen­ "Recently announced plans for the con­ talities generally reported good progress for struction of a new railway line to tap the the year. rich coal, pastoral and agricultural areas "Of concern to the Government is the of the Mackay hinterland and for further failure so far to secure a satisfactory Inter­ developments at Weipa are significant indic­ national Sugar Agreement, which it regards ators of the State's escalating development, as vital and necessary for the future well­ but heartening though it is, still quicker being of the State's sugar industry. The progress must be our constant aim. major part of our developed coastal lands "In a rapidly growing and developing is based on the economy of this great and State the demands on manpower and capital efficient industry. However, an agreement ~or the public sector of our economy will, is closer now than it has been since the old m the foreseeable future, continue to be agreement terminated. one of the State's most pressing problems. "Negotiations ar.e at present under way for We must also at all times keep in mind the growing need of the private sector of the the new Wheat Agreement, and discussions economy. are continuing with the Queensland Dairy­ men's Organisation and the Federal Govern­ "While continuing development will be ment on the proposals for the reconstruction possible in every field of Government activity, of the Dairying Industry. The price of wool the full demands of any one cannot be met still remains far too low, and the industry without prejudicing development in other will take years to recover from the long and important fields. Therefore, one of the most devastating drought. important duties of my Government will be "The compensating of rural industries for the determination of priorities in both capital losses incurred through the Commonwealth's and recurrent expenditure to achieve a well­ decision not to devalue currency will continue balanced development. to be closely watched by my Ministers. 4 Governor's Opening Speech [ASSEMBLY] Distinguished Visitor

"My Ministers advise that:- "Honourable Members, I now wish to acquaint you with legi5lative proposals by A remarkable transformation in land my Government for the present sittings of usage and settlement is occurring in the Parliament:- State, every new block thrown open for selection being eagerly sought; "A Bill to provide for a Law Reform Commission: My Government con­ Introduction of freeholding, modern siders that the systematic development land clearing and farm equipment, develop­ of the State's law, with a view to its ment of new legumes, grasses and pastures, codification, the elimination of ability to use formerly unproductive land archaisms and anomalies and its and the success of the Fitzroy Basin reform, should be entrusted to a Scheme, a project unparalleled in scope permanent body; and magnitude which is exciting land men "A Bill for a Mining Act: The Mining throughout Australia, are responsible for Acts in force date from 1896. Today, the mounting demand for land; mining is one of Queensland's largest Areas totalling about 4,000,000 acres are industries, methods of mining are far being designed for sheep and cattle pro­ more sophisticated, areas required for duction and Crown estates in 44 centres economic mining have increased, the are being developed for residential, indus­ field of minerals sought and mined trial and business purposes. has expanded and the administrative function required to regulate this new "My Government believes the tremendous scheme of things has changed. These potential of the land defies assessment at this considerations prompt my Govern­ time; that the State will continue to provide ment to propose the new measure; unique opportunity for the investor, land­ holder, scientist and technician whose cumu­ "A Bill to amend the Forestry Acts, 1959 lative efforts will result in even speedier to 1964: The purpose is to make better progress towards productive capability. provision for the classification and administration of national parks; "My Government's policy of encouraging "A Bill to amend the New South Wales­ transport to provide efficient services will Queensland Border Rivers Act of continue, and my Ministers advise that:- 1946: This seeks approval of amend­ Since 1959, when an open road policy ments to the existing agreement the was introduced, the trucking industry has better to provide for the equitable made enormous progress and, with the distribution of water available in the rapidly developing network of sealed roads, Dumaresq and other border rivers. this will increase; "HONOURABLE MEMBERS: The Railways have improved services, "I now leave you to discharge your duties and long distance road hauliers are making to the people of Queensland and pray that much greater use of co-ordinated rail-road Almighty God will bless your work." services; His Excellency then left the Chamber. Studies now being completed will result in large movements of containers by train Mr. Speaker announced that the sitting and, eventually, fast block container trains would be continued in the Legislative will be travelling between our major cities; Assembly Chamber, where he took the chair at 2.30 p.m. The first intrastate long distance bus services have been licensed to operate between Brisbane and Cairns, providing DISTINGUISHED VISITOR another service for our people and Hon. Sir A. LYELL McEWIN, K.B.E., thousands of visitors; President, Legislative Council of South Australia. Proposals for a study of public transport needs for the densely populated south-east Mr. SPEAKER: Hon. members, during corner of the State centred on Brisbane are this, the postponed centenary of the first being examined since, by the year 2000, sitting of the Queensland Parliament in this the population in this region could exceed building, it has been my pleasure-and I am 2,000,000. sure yours-to entertain many visitors, among whom were some very distinguished "My Government's re~ent outstanding people. Today it is my pleasure, on behalf success in attracting new industrial under­ of the Queensland Legislative Assembly, to takings to the State has confirmed it in the welcome to this House a person who has wisdom of its developmental policy and had long experience in the parliamentary strengthened its resolve to continue to the field, a visitor who is, in effect, representing fullest possible extent the attraction of new all the presiding officers in other States. industries to make Queensland much more highly industrialised and more economically It was with a great deal of regret that we decentralised. It is confident that measures had to postpone the original sitting. On that lately announced to assist the spread of occasion the Speake-r in the Federal sphere, manufacturing establis:hments to country and Presidents and Speakers from the centres will have good effect. other States, had all accepted invitations to Ministerial Statement [20 AUGUST] Death of Hon. J. C. A. Pizzey 5 attend our centenary opening. Today I wel­ The Honourable Frederick Alexander come on your behalf the sole survivor of all Campbell to be Minister for Industrial those who had accepted invitations, in the Development of Queensland; person of the Hon. Sir Lyell McEwin, Presi­ The Honourable Victor Bruce dent of the Legislative Council of South Sullivan to be Minister for Lands of Australia, who, in his own words, is playing Queensland; hookey from his own Parliament. The Honourable Alien Maxwell Sir Lyell, on behalf of the Queensland Hodges to be Minister for Works and Legislature, I extend to you a very sincere Housing of Queensland. welcome. I hope that the second half of your stay in this State will be equally as I lay upon the table of the House a copy pleasant as I know the first half has been. of the Queensland Government Gazette Extraordinary of 8 August, 1968, containing these notifications. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Whereupon the hon. gentleman laid the APPOINTMENT OF MINISTRY Government Gazettes Extraordinary upon Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah the table. -Premier) (2.33 p.m.): I desire to inform the House that, following on the DEATH OF HON. J. C. A. PIZZEY, B.A., untimely death of the Honourable Jack DIP.ED., LL.D., M.L.A. Charles Allan Pizzey on 31 July, 1968, His DEATH REPORTED Excellency the Governor, on 1 August, 1968, appointed the Honourable Gordon William Mr. SPEAKER: I have to report that I Wesley Ohalk to be Premier and Minister have received from the Registrar-General a for State Development and Treasurer of certified copy of the registration of the death, Queensland and appointed his Ministry. on 31 July, 1968, of the Honourable Jack Charles Allan Pizzey, lately serving in the I lay upon the table of the House a copy Legislative Assembly as member for the of the Queensland Government Gazette electoral district of Isis. Extraordinary of 2 August, 1968, containing this notification. SEAT DECLARED VACANT On 8 August, 1968, His Excellency Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah accepted the resignation of Mr. Chalk and -Premier): I move- his Ministry and- "That the seat in this House for the (i) appointed Alien Maxwell Hodges electoral district of Isis hath become and to be a member of the Executive Council is now vacant by reason of the death of of Queensland; the said Honourable Jack Charles Allan (ii) appointed- Pizzey." The Honourable Johannes Bjelke­ Motion agreed to. Petersen to be Premier and Minister for State Development of Queensland; MoTION OF CoNDOLENCE The Honourable Gordon William Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah Wesley Chalk to be Treasurer of -Premier) (2.36 p.m.), by leave, without Queensland; notice: I move- The Honourable Ronald Ernest " 1. That this House desires to place on Camm to be Minister for Mines, Main record its sense of the loss this State has Roads and Electricity of Queensland; sustained by the death of the Honourable The Honourable Dr. Peter Roylance Jack Charles Allan Pizzey, B.A., Dip.Ed., Delamothe to be Minister for Justice LL.D., member for the electoral district of and Attorney-General of Queensland; Isis and Premier and Minister for State Development. The Honourable Alan Roy Fletcher to be Minister for Education and "2. That Mr. Speaker be requested to Cultural Activities of Queensland; convey to the widow and family of the The Honourable Harold Richter to deceased gentleman the above resolution, be Minister for Local Government and together with an expression of the Conservation of Queensland; sympathy and sorrow of the members of the Parliament of Queensland in the loss The Honourable John Alfred Row to they have sustained." be Minister for Primary Industries of Queensland; It is with great sorrow that I record in the proceedings of this House the recent death The Honourable Seymour Douglas Tooth to be Minister for Health of of our late Premier, Jack Pizzey. I know Queensland; that all hon. members were deeply shocked at Jack Pizzey's death. Parliament and The Honourable John Desmond Queensland are the poorer for his passing. Herbert to be Minister for Labour and He was a Queenslander by birth and nature. Tourism of Queensland; He loved the outdoors, had a friendly dis­ The Honourable William Edward position and also a warm and sincere greeting Knox to be Minister for Transport of for people in all walks of life. In the short Queensland; time in which he was Premier-just a little 6 Death of Hon. J. C. A. Pizzey [ASSEMBLY] Death of Hon. J. C. A. Pizzey more than six months-he won the affection, centres in two provincial cities. Meanwhile respect and confidence of a:ll with whom he he obtained his Diploma of Education from came in contact. the university. Jack Pizzey had the difficult task of It was in 1949 that he returned to Childers assuming the high office of Premier upon the to become manager of the local cane-growers' retirement of Sir Francis Nicklin at the end executive. The intimate knowledge that he of a record term-a period in which Sir gained in the sugar industry helped to equip Francis, too, won the respect and affection him for his task as deputy leader of the of all Queenslanders. But Jack Pizzey Australian mission which attended the vital demonstrated that he had the qualities of sugar talks in Geneva last May. I know leadership so necessary in one charged with that he had high hopes of the conference the responsibility of leading the Government reaching an agreement when the talks are of a State as big as Queensland. reconvened in Geneva next month. During his recent visit to North Queens­ Mr. Pizzey entered the State Parliament land, and in his attendance at functions in 1950 as member for Isis and was the throughout the State, Jack Pizzey won a main Opposition speaker on education whole new host of friends and admirers. matters. With the return of the Country­ People admired him for what he was Liberal Government in 1957 he became endeavouring to do for the State. It was Minister for Education and retained that his earnest desire to provide modern amenities portfolio for a record term until he succeeded for people, wherever they lived in Queens­ Sir Francis Nicklin as Premier on 17 January land. He was also admired by his parlia­ 1968. For lOt years he directed the most mentary colleagues and we all appreciated ambitious educational expansion programme the fact that he was a fighter to the last, in the State's history. This included the despite earlier warnings that his heart was building of many new primary schools and suspect. He appreciated those dedicated the expansion of the number of State high people who gave freely of their time and schools from 30 to 96. He was the driving means and were willing to work long hours force behind the provision of a second to help the underprivileged, those who were teachers' college in Brisbane and the planning sick, and the maimed. of two others, one in Townsvil!e and another in Brisbane. While he was Education In the affairs of the Queensland Branch of Minister we saw the establishment of the the Australian Country Party, Jack Pizzey State's first regional university at Townsville, was always prominent and he was giving the planning of a second university in sound leadership to the party at the time of Brisbane and the decentralisation of technical his death. education. For his services to education Mr. Pizzey was awarded an honorary Doctorate Jack Pizzey was admired because he of Laws by the University of Queensland. devoted a lifetime of service to the com­ munity and to our State. He, too, was He also won wide acclaim for his humane prepared to work long hours and to give approach to matters affecting Aboriginal and his all to advance the living standards of Island peoples and for his work in modern­ Queenslanders. In recent months he had ising and increasing the efficiency of the warned responsible youth of the community Police Force of our State. not to forfeit their rights in the future In his youth he was a prominent athlete. because of complacency. At a recent Cabinet He was a keen cricketer and represented meeting in Mareeba he said that it was an Queensland in interstate Sheffield Shield opportune time for people to join with him matches, he played on the wing for the in a declaration of faith in Queensland. He Bundaberg Rugby League team, and often himself had unbounded faith in Queensland. took part in foot-racing. Our late Premier was born in Childers Above all, he was a loving husband and and received his early schooling there and a devoted father. also at Bundaberg. He was appointed a I know that all hon. members will join with student teacher at the age of 15 years and me in expressing to Mrs. Pizzey and her later served as a fully-trained teacher in family the sincere sympathy of this Parlia­ various country centres of our State. This ment in the grievous loss they have sustained. perhaps, was his first public expression of service to the State-helping to educate its Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer­ future citizens. During World War II he Treasurer) (2.45 p.m.): It is with a deep sense served with the 5th Australian Artillery of sadness that I rise this afternoon to support Regiment, rising to the rank of captain. This the motion of sympathy proposed by the was his voluntary expression of service to Premier in the untimely death of our late our nation. colleague, the 29th Premier of Queensland, Jack Pizzey was never idle. Even during Jack Pizzey. his war service he continued his studies, and The sense of shock and distress occasioned in 1942 gained his Bachelor of Arts degree by the sudden passing of one of our close from the University of Queensland while ~still friends completely dulls the outlook, even of serving in the Army. Returning to education those of us who are engaged in the heavy, at the end of the war he became a district busy activity of public life and who, organiser of adult education, establishing admittedly, enjoy the personal friendship of Death of Hon. J. C. A. Pizzey [20 AuousT] Death of Hon. J. C. A. Pizzey 7 many thousands of people with whom we All that I can do in conclusion is to say come in contact. It is a grim reminder of the that we can only speculate as to what future great uncertainty of life. contribution he could have made to Queens­ But this sense of sorrow and loss is doubly land, but may his widow and his family heavy when the last great call comes in the derive some consolation in the days and mid-career of a person who was so actively years to come from the knowledge that what and zealously engaged in serving, with great he did achieve will long be remembered, sincerity and dedication and in a high and not only in this Parliament but throughout responsible office, his country and its people. the length and breadth of our State, by hundreds and thousands of people to whom Might I recall that I entered this House he represented, I believe, an ideal, and to three years prior to the late Jack Pizzey. whom he was an example and a source of At that time the Premier, the hon. member help, assistance and inspiration. This House, for Fassifern, the hon. member for Cooroora this State and this nation are the better for and I were the only persons now in this Jack Pizzey's life and work in and for them, Chamber who sat then on the Opposition because he was a great parliamentarian, a benches. I recall the entry of Jack Pizzey great Queenslander and a great Australian. in 1950. He came as a bright, new face to the Opposition, a man possessed of a great I very sincerely, and very humbly, support future, a man who had many friends, and a the motion of condolence moved by the man who very quickly won the friendship Premier. of every person in this Chamber. When Mr. HOUSTON (Bulin1ba-Leader of the there was a change of Government in 1957, Opposition) (2.53 p.m.): On behalf of the Jack Pizzey and I were appointed Ministers. Opposition, I wish to add our condolences Today 1 am the only one here of those who to those already expressed to the widow were appointed to ministerial rank at that and family of the late Jack Pizzey, and to time. The hon. member for Fassifern is still support the Premier and the Deputy Premier in this Chamber, and he also was a member in this motion. On the night on which Jack of that Cabinet. Pizzey unfortunately died, I was in ·the I recall the hours that Jack Pizzey devoted company of the present Premier, and I know to his ministerial responsibilities. To me that it was a great shock to us both to his death was a terrific shock-to have been receive word that Jack Pizzey had collapsed with him at 5.30 p.m. that afternoon when and had been taken to hospital. It was we parted, he apparently in good health, and certainly a greater shock when we learned to learn some five or six hours later that that he bad passed on. he had passed on. When Jack Pizzey accepted the high office When Jack Pizzey was elected Leader of Premier, I think most people realised that of the Country Party in January last he he did so knowing that he had a heart con­ automatically became Premier of the State dition. Those of us who are in public life in succession to a man who had served this realised that he was taking quite a chance country so well and whom Jack Pizzey had in allowing himself to carry out the hard served very faithfully and ably, and I was and demanding duties of a senior official of very proud and happy to have the oppor­ this State. However, he accepted that chal­ tunity to serve as his deputy because I lenge, and I believe that the people of believed, as he did, that together we could Queensland will give him full credit for accomplish much for this State and its putting his State before his personal health. people. It is true that both of us bad our It is for this reason, if for no other, that party problems, but there was between us the Opposition believes that members of his a close comradeship that enabled us to hold family have suffered a great loss, because by our ranks together in our desire to do some­ his passing they have been denied his com­ thing to build further this State. panionship as a husband and as a father; It was a great privilege to serve under but he did this in the interests of the State Jack Pizzey, and I believe that this State in which he had the privilege of being can ill afford the loss of a man of his Premier. calibre-a man who, in such a short time as I could not say that the Opposition always Premier, as our present Premier has said, agreed with Jack Pizzey's views or his built around him a spirit of goodwill and administrative decisions. But this is a demo­ affection. cracy, and we accepted those decisions as In moving this motion the Premier has being his honest opinions and for that reason, outlined not only Jack Pizzey's parliamentary of course, we accepted the differences in life and his contribution to it, but also the political views. That does not deny us the many other fields of endeavour in which he right to say that we recognised Jack Pizzey had a never-ending desire to help his fellow­ as a man who was very friendly to all those man. I do not intend to try to repeat those who came in contact with him. We also details. I feel sure we all ·recognise that know that he was a very hard debater, that they show that here was a man who had he fought hard in this House and outside been endowed to no mean degree with the it for what he believed was right. I know attributes of ability, zeal, loyalty and love of that others who have differed from him on country, all of which he displayed so often political opinions have found that he was a in his public life, in this House, and outside worthy opponent. But I suppose that one of it. the great traits that he showed as a man 8 Death of Hon. J. C. A. Pizzey [ASSEMBLY] Death of Hon. J. C. A. Pizzey was loyalty to his leader and loyalty to his Mr. DEWAR (Wavell) (3.1 pm.): I desire party. I know that many people suggest that to join in this motion of condolence to the the party which I have the privilege to lead family of the late Jack Pizzey, particularly is rather severe on the question of loyalty. because, with you, Sir, and the hon. That is not so; our loyalty is to what we member for Burdekin, I am one of the last believe in. I believe that Jack Pizzey's loyalty three in this Chamber of those members who entered this House in 1950. I am was to what he believed in-his party and sorry; there is one more who escaped my his 'leader. memory temporarily-the hon. member for It is with regret that we have to move Callide. and support in this House motions of con­ In the days from 1950 to 1957, when we dolence relative to any person who has sat in Opposition, very few in number, we served in this House. It is even more regret­ were actually thrown together quite a deal. table when such a motion relates to a sitting You, Sir, and I, consequently know the member. He has died in harness; he has not value of the friendship of our late colleague. had the opportunity of accepting the rewards Jack Pizzey was called to the Premier­ for his labours. Those who pass on after ship, and during the very short five months retirement have had some opportunity to or so that he occupied that position he reflect and to enjoy the company of those displayed an ability for leadership for which, near and close to them; but someone who no doubt, the war years provided a good passes on in harness loses all of that. training ground. The thing that impressed me most was the fact that he was prepared o.n behalf of the Opposition, I join in the to face up to sticky problems, which was motion of condolence moved by the Premier a refreshing change. and supported by the Deputy Premier. Jack Pizzey was a simple man and, as Mr. DIPLOCK (Aubigny) (2.57 p.m.): On all simple men generally are, he was a b~half of th<: Queensland Labour Party, I big man. It is only big men who are capable wish to associate myself with the motion of of forgiveness. How often, in the cloistered sympathy moved by the Premier and sup­ confines in which I once sat, did I hear ported by the Deputy Premier and the Leader people outside being criticised and, almost of the Opposition. In associating myself with invariably, one of the voices raised in the motion, I wish also to endorse most defence was that of Jack Pizzey. He had sincerely all of the tributes that the speakers a great capacity for forgiveness; he had a who have preceded me have paid to Mr. great capacity for making and holding Pizzey. friends. So, this man, called so early from Having suffered a setback somewhat this life, has left a legacy for good. His similar to that suffered by the late Premier attitude to life was such that he might have I know of all the warnings that would hav~ said to himself, "I shall pass this way but been issued to him. I often discussed those once. If there is anything, therefore, that I warnings with him, but he felt that nothing can do, let me do it now; let me not defer it, mattered except his job. Because of that I for I shall not pass this way again." think that every Queenslander will agree that Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) (3.4 he was a man dedicated to his position p.m.): On most condolence motions it is usual dedicated to the welfare of all Queenslanders: for members to follow the example as laid He had a tremendously difficult task in down in the Latin proverb, "De mortuis nil nisi following Sir Francis Nicklin, but I think bonum." Sometimes speakers do that with that, in the few short months that he was silent reservation, but this is one occasion Premier, he had proved himself able to when every speaker should do it without surmount the difficulties associated with the reservation at all, because Jack Pizzey was importance of that task and to show the indeed a man of the people. He was uni­ people that he was destined to carry on versally liked because he had all those the good work that Sir Francis Nicklin qualities that endeared him to his fellow­ h&d done for so long. We in this men. It has come to all of us at times House feel that Queensland has lost a good to meet men in unusual drcumstances that son. Whether or not he was a good Minister are indicative of their real characters, and a~d whet~er or not we feel that he played those are the circumstances in which I his part m the Government is not, in my fortunately first met the late Jack Pizzey. opinion, the most important thing because, He had been sent to Townsville to open an no matter how good a job any statesman adult education department, and he found or Minister may do, there is always some­ when he got there that all he had to operate one rready to take his place and, we hope, with was a bare room, a table and a chair, to do the job as well as, say, the late He had no finance and no means at his Premier did. But the people who will feel disposal to publicise adult education or to his passing most are his wife, his mother and let the people know about this work. Any­ his children, and I end with the thought that body who knows anything about Townsville God, who saw fit to take Jack Pizzey from knows that in those days there was very them, might see fit to lighten the load that little opportunity for him to get any free they have been called upon to carry. advertising for such a project. By means that Death of Hon. J. C. A. Pizzey [20 AUGUST) Death of Hon. J. C. A. Pizzey 9 it is not necessary to disclose here he acquired He built three new primary schools and spent a quantity of plain foolscap and he borrowed tremendous sums in modernising education a roneo machine and churned out thousands buildings and facilities in the TownsvHle area. of pamphlets setting out the aims and objects In addition to that he performed a public of the adult education centre in Townsville. service for Townsville and removed an Then, in the middle of a steaming Townsville eyesore that had agitated and concerned summer-and only those who live there know the minds of the city fathers for very what that entails-he rode his own bike all many years-and I was one of the city around Townsville and put one of those fathers for 13 years-namely the tremendous, pamphlets in every letter-box. He frequently foetid, stinking mangrove swamps right in the said afterwards that he knew more about heart of our city known as Monkey Island. Townsville than anyone else and I believe Jack Pizzey reclaimed that area in order to that statement of his to be true. It was in build on it the Townsville High School. At those circumstances that I met him. One a public function in Townsville not long afternoon I went out ostensibly to do some ago, on the eve of his retirement from office, work in the garden but, being what I am, and I heard Sir Thomas Hiley say that the story my nature being what it is, I did not work of how he and Jack Pizzey arranged to make in the garden very long on this very hot the money available for the reclamation of steamy summer afternoon. I took shelter in Monkey Island was a magnificent example of the shade of one of the trees in my front genuine Levantine trading. No matter how yard. While I was there, perhaps engaged in they did it between them, as Treasurer and meditation and prayer, or contemplating the Minister for Education, they did something beauties of nature, this chap came along for Townsville that almost 100 years of perspiring profusely on his bike and he put aldermanic ineptitude had failed to do. a pamphlet in my letter-box. Seeing me in So it is that we think very highly, very the shade of the tree, he came in and sincerely, and very kindly of the late Jack said, "Are you Tom Aikens?" I said, "Yes." Pizzey. He was a man of the people and a very He said, "Well, I am Jack Pizzey. I am the approachable man. I can remember more than Director of Adult Education in Townsville one occasion putting proposals to him about and I am riding round letting the people know schools in Townsville. One instance concerned all about the job that I have to do." I said the shifting of the head master's residence "Well, is there anything I can do for you? from the school ground to another site, and Can I get you a soft drink or a cup of tea?" everybody was in favour of it except Jack He said, "No, all I want is a glass of water Pizzey. It meant the removal of one grave, out of your tap; I do not want any iced one old unidentified grave in the old cemetery water, and I want a loan of your bike pump." of Townsville. Everybody else including the I gave him a glass of water out of the tap headmaster was in favour of that grave being and a loan of my bike pump and he sat removed so that the headmaster's residence down in the shade of the tree and told for the West End school could go on that site, me of his work. After he had been there a but Jack Pizzey said, "No, I would not like while he r_ode on~ still perspiring profusely, to disturb any grave, no matter who sleeps to do the JOb, while I sat back in the shade there." So other arrangements were made. of the tree and thought with considerable That was the real essence of the man. He sympathy of the dedicatio1;1 of a man who was a human man. He walked with kings would do that in the middle of a Townsville and still retained the common touch. summer. I do not know that any tribute I could He lived not far behind my place just near pay or that any tribute I have ever paid Corcoran Park, and every morning he to any man could be more sincere than the doubled his children on his bike to the tribute I pay to Jack Pizzey. I think I Hermit Park school and then rode on to his can speak for all the people of Townsville, office at the Adult Education Centre. I think and with all due solemnity and sincerity I it was because of that-because he got to offer to Mrs. Pizzey and her children the deep know the Townsville people so well, and got and sincere condolence of our people. We to know Townsville the hard way-that we will remember Jack Pizzey not only as a always thought in Townsville that he was former citizen and not only as an amazing very kindly disposed towards us. Minister for Education, but also, perhaps, as one of the finest men who ever lived in our When Jack Pizzey became Minister for city. Education all that Townsville had in the realm of secondary education was a combined Mr. V. E. JONES (Callide) (3.14 p.m.): I high school and technical college with enough wish to associate myself with the motion of playing area for one basketball court. In condolence moved by the Premier and sup­ 10 years Jack Pizzey erected in Townsville ported by many other speakers. I do so many permanent monuments to his memory. as one of the many Country Party members Not only that, but he built up in Townsville who entered this Parliament in 1950. You perhaps more respect and more genuine liking and I, Mr. Speaker, can look back upon the for himself than probably existed in any other sad record of the many members that have town in the State-and that is a proud boast. been lost to the party since that day. In 10 years he built us three new high schools Our late colleague, Jack Pizzey, has left and a university college, and he commenced a mark in this State. His high principle of the building of a teachers' training college. giving equal opportunity to every child 10 Death of Hon. J. C. A. Pizzey [ASSEMBLY] Papers within Queensland is something that gathered together on the eve of breaking up, Queensland is the better for. During the I remember saying to Jack Pizzey, as I said comparatively short term of this Govern­ many years ago, "Jack, if you had not taken ment many girls and boys have appreciated notice of the experts' advice to learn to bowl what the late Jack Pizzey did in the field a wrong 'un, and if you had developed your of education and many more will do so in natural talent as a left-hand bowler, as I the future. asked you to do at the time, you would have Jack Pizzey had a wealth of knowledge. gone further than you did in the game of I know of two differ,ent occasions in my cricket." That is as it may be; but it gives electorate when the audiences at sticky an indication of the man's anxiety and meetings at which there were large attend­ willingness to struggle and learn. Emphasis ances were much better informed after an has been placed on how he played the game explanation had been given on the matters of politics, and how he was a fighter. They by Jack Pizzey. are the characteristics that made him a for­ midable opponent on the cricket field, and Mr. DONALD (Ipswich East) (3.16 p.m.): the good qualities that he showed there were While I very sincerely agree with the senti­ reflected in his political career. ments expressed by the hon. members who As we speak and vote on this motion of have already made a contribution to this condolence, I feel that I should re-echo the debate, I feel that there is one stage of the sentiments expressed by other speakers that late Jack Pizzey's life that has not been not only have Jack Pizzey's widow and sufficiently touched upon, although it was family suffered a severe loss; the Country mentioned by the Premier. It enabled him to Party has suffered a severe loss; this Parlia­ achieve one of his ambitions in life and it ment has suffered a severe loss; and the State gave him tremendous satisfaction and some of Queensland has suffered a severe loss. We justifiable pride. hope that his widow and family will be com­ The fir&t time that I met Jack Pizzey was forted in the knowledge that he served them, when we brought him down to Brisbane his fellow-men, his party, and his native State from the country to participate in the of Queensland very, very well in his parlia­ Country Week cricket carnival. That was mentary and sporting careers. many years ago. Queensland was looking Motion (Mr. Bjelke-Petersen) agreed to, for a left-hand bowler and Jack Pizzey hon. members standing in silence. had been achieving outstanding perfor­ mances with the ball in cricket fixtures SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT in his own district. He came down here and bowled exceedingly well all through that Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah Country Week carnival. He not only justified -Premier) (3.21 p.m.): As a mark of respect the confidence that we country selectors to the memory of the late hon. gentleman, I placed in him but he also impressed the propose to move the adjournment of the State selectors so much that they selected him House. I move- to play with the Queensland Colts against "That the House, at its rising, do the New South Wales Colts. Again he adjourn until 11 a.m. tomorrow." pleased not only the country selectors but also the State selectors. He bowled himself Motion agreed to. into the Queensland side, which met one The House adjourned at 3.22 p.m. of the strongest batting sides that New South Wales ever fielded, and that State has fielded many strong batting sides. The ambition of Jack Pizzey that I have referred to was to play in the State eleven. That is an ambition cherished by many Queenslanders, although many go further and wish that one day they will play in the Australian eleven. Well, perhaps Jack Pizzey could have played in the Australian eleven if he had developed the skill and ability that nature had given him. I can remember quite vividly people who knew cricket and had been good cricketers saying to him, "Young man, unless you learn to bowl a wrong 'un you will never go very far." I was one of a party which was fortunate enough to make a trip, under the leadership of the late Jack Pizzey, to the Torres Strait J~lands and native settlements in the Gulf of Carpentaria. On that occasion he proved an excellent host and a good leader, and we all respected him for the assistance he gave us and the pleasure that he brought to us. We were a very happy family. When we were