Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 1976

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

310 Sub Judice Matter [9 SEPTEMBER 1976) Questions Upon Notice

copy of such Writ is enclosed. The defa­ matory material was contained in a pro­ gramme exhibited by the Australian Broadcasting Commission on the nights of the 7th and 8th September, 1976 in the ABC segment entitled 'This Day Tonight'. The report of the ABC related to Police action undertaken at Cedar Bay, North Queensland. "As this matter was raised in Parliament yesterday, we deemed it advisable to advise you of the issue of this Writ so that from here on the proper Parliamen­ tary procedure can be followed. "Yours faithfully, "J. S. Gilshenan & Luto!l." fhat matter is therefore sub judice.

QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE

1. LAND SWINDLES Mr. Burns, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General- (1) Has his attention been drawn to the newspaper article of 25 July head­ lined ''Land swindles are netting $ millions"? (2) Are weaknesses in the State's land property laws allowing cnmmals to swindle people out of millions of dollars in the sale of unregistered land and will legislation making it illegal for anyone to seil land without title not be introduced for two years? (3) Have detectives from the New South Wales Fraud Squad visited Brisbane to investigate complaints from New South Wales residents who paid large deposits on land in three Queensland centres and then found that there were no title deeds for their blocks? THURSDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 1976 ( 4) Is the Queensland Corporate Affairs Commission inquiring into complaints by at least 60 people who claim that they Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. J. E. H. Houohton have been swindled by the same operator, Redcliffe) read prayers and took the"' chai1: did the operator go bankrupt before action at 11 a.m. could be taken against him and, if so, who was the operator? SUB JUDICE MATIER (5) How many land developers have lVIr. SPEAKER: Honourable members I been investigated as a result of complaints wish to advise that I have received the lodged with the Corporate Affairs Com­ following letter from J. S. Gilshenan & mission within the last three vears and Luton, solicitors, of Brisbane, dated 9 Sep· what were the results of the investigations? tember 1976- Answers:- "The Honourable J. E. Houghton, (!) Yes. "Pa~liament Horuse, "George Street, (2) The existing provisions of the "Brisbane, Q. 4000. Auctioneers and Agents Act 1971-1975 provide that all moneys received in rela­ "Dear Mr. Horughton, tion to the sale of unregistered land shall "We are the solicitors for Raymond be paid into a trust account and retained George Marchant, a Sergeant Second until separate titles are available. Amend­ Class of Police, presently stationed at ing legislation now exists prohibiting the Cooktown, North Queensland. We have sale of land that is subdivided into more this morning issued out of the Registry than five allotments before separate of the Supreme Court of Queensland at certificates of title are available. This Brisbane a Writ on our client's behalf legislation will come into effect on 1 seeking damages for defamation and a April 1978. Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 311

(3) By arrangement, members of the Answers:- New South Wales Fraud Squad visited (! and 2) At the State conference of the Office of the Commissioner for Cor­ the Queensland Ambulance Transport porate Affairs, Brisbane, and were given Brigade, held 7 October 1975, it was information and documentation by the resolved- commissioner regarding seven complaints "That the conference commends the investigated by the commissioner relating conception of there being a State-wide to contracts for the sale of unregistered land Aerial Ambulance Service and recom­ in Queensland entered into in New South mends that the State Council examine the Wales by residents of New South Wales. feasibility of such a scheme, including- ( 4) No. However, of the nine com- (i) respective areas of operation plaints actually received, seven were (ii) degree of public participation handed to the New South Wales Fraud Squad. Investigations of the two other (iii) all aspects of financial con- matters have been completed and reports siderations including the extent of on these are presently being prepared Government interest and aid." and will he forwarded to the Commis­ State Council in accordance with this sioner of Police for his attention. Investi­ recommendation established a subcom­ gations into the activities revealed another mittee for the purpose of the investigation, 61 potential complaints involving all New and also decided that the subcommittee South Wales people and, although they seek appropriate advice from outside have been contacted, they have not sources. demonstrated any interest to date. I am advised that for various reasons, The principal operator associated with including the need to obtain information the information handed to the New South and data from other States of the Com­ 'Wales Fraud Squad W.JS shown as Robert monwealth and, later, the holding of the Wi!kie. A search made at the Brisbane triennial elections wherein one of the Registry of the Bankruptcy Court did not members of the subcommittee failed to reveal a name of Robert Vvilkie as a gain re-election, and the subcommittee had bani\.rupt. to be reformed, no meeting of the sub­ (5) In the last three years, 51 investi­ committee has been held to date. How­ gations have been undertaken relating to ever, the first meeting of the new sub­ land developers. Of that number three committee is set down for 16 September matters have been forwarded to the' police, 1976, and I understand that representatives a further two are presently before the of the Bundaberg Queensland Ambulance court a·waiting hearing dates, five are still Transport Brigade have been invited to under investigation, one was dismissed attend. by the court, one complaint was with­ The honourable member will appreciate drawn on. the grounds of insufficient that as far as my department is concrned evidence, no complaints were laid in there has been no undue delay and, when another three matters for lack of evidence, the State Council submits its recommenda­ 23 were found to contain no breaches of tions, the whole matter of aerial ambulance the Acts administered by the Commis­ services in the State will receive earnest sioner for Corporate Affairs and 13 com­ consideration. plaints were subsequently withdrawn by (3) Aerial ambulances are operated by members of the public because of satis­ the Cairns and Rockhampton Queensland factory arrangements made between the Ambulance Transport Brigades. parties, resulting from inquiries undertaken (4) I am informed that in New South mto those complaints by the commissioner. Wales an aerial ambulance service is operated by the State, and that in Victoria 2. AERIAL AMBULANCE SERVICE an air ambulance operates as part ,Jf the Mr. Burns, pursuant to notice asked the Victorian Ambulance Service. In South Minister for Health- ' Australia and West Australia, I understand (1) What is the cause of the continuin<> that air ambulance services are operated by delays in deciding whether a State-wid~ the St. John Ambulance Service, which aerial ambulance service should be set up? runs ambulance services in these States. (2) Was a subcommittee formed to (5) The Bundaberg Queensland Ambu­ examine the setting up of an aerial ambu­ lance Transport Brigade applied to start an lance service after the annual ambulance aerial ambulance service in May last year. conference in October 1975 and, if so, No other Queensland Ambulance Transport h?w. many times did it meet, and what Brigade has applied. d1d It recommend? 3. BUILDING ON FLOOD-PRONE LAND (_3) What centres already operate local aenal ambulance services? Mr. Burns, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Local Government and Main ( 4) Are aerial ambulances State or Roads- locally controlled in other States? ( 1) What criteria will a council, such as (5) What loc~I committees have applied the Moreton Shire Council, have to take to start new aenal ambulance services and into consideration when drawing up restric­ when was each application lodged? tive by-laws to cover building on land 312 Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

flooded in 1974, which it is authorised to (3) Are any of the b'ankets mentioned do by the Local Government Department, by A.C.A. sold in Queensland and, if so, as reported in the "Sunday Mail" of 29 what action has been taken to protect the August? public? (2) Will all land flooded in 1974 be Answers:- covered by the restrictions? (!) Yes. Not only the Press reports (3) Will landholders be able to take but the report by the Australian C~m­ legal action against land developers who sumers' Association has been the subject sold flood-prone land if the council bans of full investigation. construction on the site and, if not, will he consider amending the relevant laws to (2) Electric blankets are prescribed a!low such action? electrical articles which require the approval of one of the statutory approvals auth­ Answers:- orities in Australia. (! and 2) The Moreton Shire Council (3) Yes. The investigation revealed had given approval to subdivide land that many of the claims of the Australian within the Shire of Moreton, which land Consumers' Association were totally was subsequently inundated by the floods unfounded and were in fact due to faulty of January 1974. A number of other test procedures and lack of knowledge of local authorities had given approval for the relevant Australian standard. Some the subdivision of land which was affected minor departures which did not involve by these floods. safety factors were found and each was Subsequent to the floods, the council followed up by the appropriate approvals decided that it would be in the public authority. interest and in the best interests of owners of the lands concerned that the erection 5. MEDIBANK LEVY ON REPATRIATION of buildings thereon should be controlled PENSIONERS so as to prevent or minimise damage that Mr. Lane, pursuant to notice, asked the might occur by future floods. Accordingly, Minister for Health- the council made a by-law, which was ( 1) Is he aware of the current provision approved by the Governor in Council and of the Medibank scheme which seems to gazetted on 22 March 1975, empowering discriminate against "General Rate" repatri­ it to declare floodable land. Under the ation pensioners, in that these men and by-law, the council has called upon the women who suffer some disability incurred owners of lands inundated by the January as a result of war service on behalf of 1974 floods to show cause why their lands their country are still required to meet should not be so declared. the 2.5 per cent Medibank levy although In terms of the by-law, the surface of they are already covered for medical the lowest floor and all inlets to a sewer­ expenses for illness associated with war age system of a building erected on land injuries? declared to be floodable land must be ( 2) Is he aware if any action is to be constructed to a level approved by the taken to correct this an0ma!y? council's engineer but in any case not lower than 300 millimetres above the Answer:- maximum flood level. Measures must (! and 2) The matters raised by the also be taken to prevent the retention of honourable member concerning the pro­ flood waters and flood debris beneath the visions of the Medibank scheme as it building. relates to repatriation pensioners are (3) As I have stated, it is not the inten­ matters that more appropriately fall within tion of the council to prohibit the erection the province of the Commonwealth Mini­ of buildings on land inundated by the ster for Health and I wonld suggest that January 1974 floods but, in the public he approach the Commonwealth Minister interest, to control the erection of buildings to obtain clarification. so as to prevent or minimise damage that might occur from future floods. 6. CHILD-CARE IN CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS Mr. Lane, pursuant to notice, asked the 4. ELECTRIC BLANKETS Minister for Community and Welfare Ser­ Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked the vices and Minister for Sport- Minister for Mines and Energy- ( 1) Has he studied the report ?f the ( 1) Has his department investigated Catholic Family Welfare Bureau, Bnsbane. newspaper reports attributed to the Aus­ produced in May this year as a result of tralian Consumers' Association that 11 out a survey of social welfare resources of of 28 double-bed blankets failed a basic the archdiocese? electrical safety test and that two of the (2) If so, did he note the comment of most expensive blankets tested were found the resea;cher, under the heading "Con­ to be potential fire risks? clusions and Recommendations", that there (2) Are all brands of electric blankets has been a significant decrease in the num­ sold in Queensland subjected to Govern­ ber of children and youths being taken ment tests? care of in Catholic institutions? Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 313

(3) Is any action being taken by his 8. ELECTRICITY FOR RAILWAY SiDJ:,iGS department either alone or in conjunction with the Catholic Church to fill this need l'.1r. Turner, pursuant to notice, asked the for institutions for children needing care? Minister for Transport- What is the present situation in relation Answers:­ to my endeavours to get electricity con­ nected to the railway sidings of Yalleroi, (1) Ye~. Mangalore, Alice, Geera and Lochnagar? (2) Yes. Answer:-- (3) The honourable member's attention The installation of electric lighting at is directed to the introduction on page Yalleroi has now been completed. A con­ five to that part of the report of the tract has been awarded and a commence­ Director, Department of Children's Ser­ ment made on the carrying out of line vices, for the year ended 30 June 1976 work associated with the connection of headed "Children in Care" wherein the electricity to departmental buildings at director makes reference to fewer child­ Mangalore. ren coming into care and protection than ~he. trend in earlier years would have So far as Lochnager is concerned, the m_d1cated. This factor, in conjunction Capricornia Regional Electricity Board is w1th the effect of the closure in recent investigating a proposal to extend elec­ times of. the Catholic Children's Homes, tricity to the area and further advice is Mt. Mana Re-Education Centre for Girls awaited from that authority. Mitchelton, Holy Cross Retreat, Wooloowi~ The relatively high costs involved and and "Loret<:( Family Group Home, the unavailability of finance for the pur­ Kangaroo Pomt, together with other con­ pose have so far precluded the meeting trols imposed by the Catholic Family of requests for the provision of eiectricity Welfare Bureau itself, have resulted in in departmental buildings at Geera and the decrease in the number of children Alice, but the matter will be further and youth being cared for in Catholic examined so far as these centres are con­ institutions as referred to in the report cerned. in question.

9. APPRENTICESHIPS FOR SCHOOL-LEAVERS 7. POilCE STAFFING IN MERTHYR ELECTORATE , Mr. Turner, pursuant to notice, asked the Premier- Mr. Lane, pursuant to notice asked the ( 1) Will this State Government Minister for Police- ' approach the Commonwealth Government ( 1) yYhat is the total number of police with a view to getting it to pay an an~ therr _ranks at each of the suburban amount equal to unemployment benefits police statwns of New Farm Newstead to any industry prepared to employ a Hamilton and Clayfield? ' ' school-leaver as an apprentice, instead of paying the same figure to school-leavers (2) Wha1 is the latest shift worked by to live on unemployment benefits and thus the staff at each of these stations on each not get the opportunity to learn a trade? day of the week? (2) Could this scheme, if introduced, include assistance to apprentices such as Answer:- typists, carpenters, spray painters, mec­ (1 and 2.}- hanics, panel beaters and jackeroos, etc.? Answer:- Station and Latest Shift Performed Ranks (1 and 2) I am advised by my colleague I the Honourable the Minister for Industrial NEw FARM- 1 Monday to Saturday-4 p.m.-12 m.n. Development, Labour Relations and Con­ 1 Sergeant 1/C, Sunday-9 a.rn.-5 p.m. sumer Affairs that a wide-ranging discus­ 5 Constables 1 2 p. m.-1 0 p.m. every second sion on the question of youth unemploy­ i Sunday to alternate with : neighbouring Station ment and lack of opportunities for school­ leavers to learn a skilled trade was dis­ NEWSTEAD- I Monday to Thursday-9 a.rn.-5 p.m. I Sergeant 1/C Friday and Saturday-4 p.m.-12 m.n. cussed last week at a meeting of Com­ 4 Constab!es : Sunday-9 a.m.-5 p.m. monwealth and State Ministers for Labour 2 p.m.-10 p.m. every second in Adelaide. The Ministers directed their Sunday to alternate with neighbouring Station permanent heads to establish a working party of officers to investigate the prac­ HAMILTON- f ticability of training school-leavers in skills 1 Sergeant l/C ' Same as New Farm 5 Constables at technical colleges prior to their enter­ ing the work-force. This working party is CLAYFIELD- Monday to Thursday-2 p.rn.-1 0 p.m. 1 Sergeant J /C Friday and Saturday-4 p.m.-12 m.n. to report back to the Ministers at a con­ 5 Constables Sunday-8 a.rn.-4 p.m. ference later in the year. 2 p.m.-1 0 p.m. every second Sunday to alternate with As the honourable member will also neighbouring Station appreciate, the Government has recently established a commission of inquiry into 314 Questions Upon Notice (9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

apprenticeship, and no doubt the practic­ 12. BLACKWATER COURT HllUSE ability of the new apprenticeship callings Mr. Lester, pursuant to notice, asked the suggested by the honourable member will Minister for Jmtice and Attorney-General- receive the consideration of the commis­ sion of inquiry. As the building is complete, when v,ilJ the new court-house at Blackwater be 10. PROMOTION OF QUEENSLAND FLAG operational? Mr. Lester, pursuant to notice, asked the Premier- Answcr:-- ( I) Will action be taken to promote An application has been made to the our Queensland flag? Pubiic Service Board for the creation of the position of clerk of the court, Black­ (2) Will the Government encourage water. When the position is created action firms to promote the production of car­ will be taken to appoint a clerk of the port sticker-type Queensland flags, sticker­ court. The court-house will be opera­ type flags and handle-type flags for tional as from the date he takes up duty. children? (3) Will schools and firms, etc., be encouraged to fly the Queensland flag? 13. C.S.R. LTD. REPORT To Scc\.R BoARD ( 4) Will a day be set aside each year lVIr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked the to give emphasis to the Queensland flag? l\1inister for Primary Industries- (5) Would such moves encourage (!) Was a so-called confidential repmt loyalty to our own great State? by C.S.R. Ltd. to the Sugar Board regard­ Answer:- ing the quality of the 1975 sugar supplied by some mills recently published in (1 to 5) Queenslanders are Australians several northern newspapers and, if so, en first and foremost and I do not believe whose authority? their national loyalty and allegiance have ever been in doubt. The record of Queens­ (2) As this report indicates that a very landers in two world wars provides ample serious and damaging situation has been evidence of this. So far as the inculcation created for Queensland's reputation on of loyalty to Australia is concerned, an world markets as a supplier of quality instruction was issued some years ago to sugar, what action has been taken by the all State schools in Queensland that the offending mills to rectify this matter? Australian national flag should be broken ( 3) As the report casts a slur on all and saluted each day at school assemblies mills in Queensland, which were the offend­ where these are held. The Queensland flag ing mills and what penalties were imposed is a State flag and is flown in appropriate on them by the Queensland Sugar Board? places and used on appropriate occasions. I believe in the desirability of the Aus­ ( 4) What guarantees have been given to tralian and State flags being flown ~md contracted overseas buyers that 1976 sugar acknowledged as widely as possible, hav­ will be of the required quality? ing always in mind that neither should be placed in a position of jeopardy or desecra­ Answers:- tion by the antics of disloyal and anti­ (!) No. The Press articles to which the Australian organisations and individuals. honourable member refers containeu extracts from a letter from the Chairman 11. NEBO CREEK BRIDGE of the Sugar Board to the various sugar Mr. Lester, pursuant to notice asked the mills, stressing the need to maintain quality Minister for Local Government' and Main standards. This letter was wholly in keer­ Roads- ing with the continuing policy of the board In view of the huge increase in the to keep the industry informed on quality population figures of Moranbah and other requirements and to strive constantly to hinterland towns served by the Peak Downs improve raw sugar quality. No authority Highway, will a start be made on the "'as granted for the publ;cation of lhi~ Nebo Creek Bridge so as not to leave letter in the Press. people in these towns isolated each wet (2) The 1975 season was a pc>rticula:·]y season, \%hich coincides with the Christmas bad harvesting season and one of the con­ holidays, thus depriving families of annual sequences was difficulty in maintaining our holiday breaks and depriving the area of normal high quality standard~ at all times. tourist potential? Quality results to date this season indic:~t~ Answer:- that all mills are giving attention to the need to maintain and continually improve ! am pleased that the honourable mem­ standards. ber has, in his useal style, brought this matter before the House. There are a (3) The board's letter, to which number of low-level bridges on important referred earlier, in its full context did net rural arterials which warrant early recon­ cast a slur on all mills in Quec:nsland, l:Jut struction at higher levels. Nebo Cr::ek it did seek the co-operation of all mills in Bridge is one of these. Plannina and pre­ maintaining prescribed quality criteria liminary design is under way. "' which, by world standards, are high. The Questions Upon Notice (9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 315

board imposed its scale of penalties norm­ questioned by any authority in this State, ally in 1975 and no purpose useful to the are being placed in the position where they industry is served in naming particular have to pay a registered builder for the mills. use of his number to erect a building? (4) J:here was, and is, no need to give guarantees to overseas buyers as to the Answers:- quality of Queensland sugar. Despite the ( 1 ) The Builders' Registration Board of honourable member's intent to embarrass Queensland has registered steel fabrication the sugar industry, I would assure the companies as builders, in accordance with honourable member that the Sugar Boan1 section 19 (6) of the Act. and the industry have, for many years, fol­ lowed a constant policy of quality improve­ (2) The design of buhldings is normaJly ment and will continue to do so. the province of architects and civil engi­ neers. Electrical and mechanical engineers are re5ponsible for the provision of electri­ 14. REFLECTORISED STRIPS ON RAILWAY cal and mechanical services in the building. ROLLING-STOCK The Division of Occupational Safety and Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked the Department of Weights and Measures the Minister for Transport- are not involved in the approval of the design of buildings. A local authority ( 1) In view of the continuing number of approves plans and specifications subject to level-crossing accidents in Queensland, compliance with the Building Act and particularly at night-time, what further council by-laws. I am informed that steel consideration has been given to the pro­ fabricating companies do on occasions sub­ posal that ref!ectorised strips be placed contract to a registered builder to erect prof:re"sively on a!l railway rolling-stock steel. However, the steel is only one com­ in Queensland? ponent of a completed building, the con­ (2) If no such plan is under way, will struction of which is the responsibility of he consider including such a proposal in a registered builder. all specifications for new rolling-stock being buili for the Queensland Govern­ (3) The Builders' Registration Act pro­ ment and all rolling-stock being renovated vides that, with certain exceptions, all in rail\' ay workshops? building construction over $500 in value must be undertaken by a registered builder. Ann,er:- Fabrication and erection of structural steel is only one facet of work involved in the (1 and 2) Proposals to fit ref!ectorised construction of a building. For the hon­ material on railway wagons have been ourable member's benefit, I suggest that he extensively investigated by the Queens­ should acquaint himself with the pro­ land ;md o~her Australian railway systems. visions of the relevant Acts and their It has been the unanimous decision of the respective purposes. systems concerned that inherent, practical and legal problems militate against the adoption of any such scheme. 16. LONG SERVICE LEA VB FOR BUILDING WoRKERS 15. STEEL FABRICATION COMPANIES Mr. Yewdale, pursuant to notice, Mr. Yewdale, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Industrial Develop­ asked the Minister for Works and Housing- ment, Labour Relations and Consumer Affairs- ( l) ls he aware of the difficulties being experienced by steel fabrication In view of his protracted delay in pre­ companies with the Builders' Registration senting to Parliament a Bill to introduce Board? long service leave for building workers in Queensland, when will he honour the (2) Is he aware that buildings that have 1974 election promise, which was made been designed by qualified mechanical and in that year's policy speech? electrical engineers and approved by both the Division of Occupational Safety and Answer:- Weights and Measures and the relevant With regard to a Bill for long service city councils cannot be erected by the engineering company but must be erected leave for the building and construction by a registered builder even though, in industry, it is my intention to introduce some cases, he subcontracts back to the this legislation during the current session. engineering company for the greater As to that part of the honourable portion of the work? member's question which relates to an omnibus long service leave scheme, the ( 3) Is he aware that companies which honourable member wi11 be aware that over the last twelve years have handled since 1974 when this scheme was mooted hundreds of thousands of dollars worth there has been a tragic downturn in the of contracts regarding the design, fabrica­ economy which would make such an tion and erection of structural steel build­ omnibus scheme completely impracticable ings, and whose work has never been at this time. 316 Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

17. DEMOLITION OF BUILDING NEAR 19. MEDICAL SERVICES, ST. GEORGE AND ST. HELEN's HOSPITAL DIRRANBANDI Mr. Yewdale, pursuant to notice, asked Mr. Neal, pursuant to notice, asked the the Premier- Minister for Health- ( 1) With reference to an article in ( 1) With reference to his answer to my "The Courier-Mail" of 6 September 1976 question on 1 September, wherein he ad­ which related to the demolition of a vised that a relieving medical officer had building opposite the St. Helen's Hospital, been directed to serve the Balonne Hospitals Peel Street, South Brisbane, was a permit Board, was the medical officer instructed required to carry out the demolition con­ by his department to commence duties at cerned and, if so, who issued the permit? Dirranbandi and then move to St. George (2) Was it required to nominate the during the absence of the St. George times when the demolition was to com­ superintendent on leave? mence and be completed? (2) Did the Balonne Hospitals Board (3) Was any consideration given to ratify this arrangement at a recent meet­ what likely effect such work would have ing? on the immediate community and in (3) As these arrangements will leave particular the hospital patients? Dirranbandi and district without the ser­ ( 4) Will he take steps to ensure that vices of a medical practioner, will be such activities are not continued to the make every endeavour to secure the ser­ detriment of the community? vices of a medical practioner for that town? Answer:- (1 to 4) The Department of Works has Answers:- been informed that neither the main con­ ( 1) The appointment of medical officers tractor, E. A. Watts Pty. Ltd., nor ~he is primarily the responsibility of hospitals delegated superintendent of the contract, boards. When hospitals boards have dif­ Robin Gibson & Partners had any know­ ficulties in this regard, the Director-General ledge that the demolition in question was of Health and Medical Services endeavours to be completed in the early hours of to help the boards by allocating an officer 4 September. The parties concerned have either from the scholarship pool or from apologised to the hospital authorities for second year resident medical officers at any inconvenience caused and in future base hospitals. The number of medical the contractors will notify the delegated officers available for such allocation is superintendent 24 hours in advance of any limited. When there are more demands matters which are liable to create a noise than available officers, a priority has to be nuisance outside the specified normal determined. In this case, the relieving pocl working hours. was only sufficient to allow the a1location of one doctor for the Ba1onne Hospitals 18. GRANTS FOR RURAL ROADS Board. Mr. Neal, pursuant to notice, asked the The Director-General of Health and Minister for LocaJ Government and Main Medical Services contacted the private Roads- practitioners in St. George and was ~dvised ( I) With reference to an article in the that they could not act as medical super­ August-September "Road Ahead", wherein intendent during the absence of the super­ it was reported that an allocation of intendent from St. George. It was then nearly $5,000,000 was made to 124 local decided that the one officer available during authorities in Queensland by the Com­ the absence of the St. George super­ monwealth Government for spending on intendent would better serve the whole rural roads in the 1976-77 financial year. district by being stationed at St. George. when will this money be available to local (2) My information is to the effect authorities? that the Balonne Hospitals Board came (2) Are the grants Commonwealth to the conclusion that their board had aid allocations for 1976-77 or are they no other solution at present because of special grants to local authorities? unavailability of another medical officer as a replacement. Answers:- (3) The honourable member's personal ( 1) Funds are being made available representations on behalf of Dirranbandi progressively as road schemes are released and district will certainly be kept in mind. and as advances are made against Commonwealth aid allocations. 20. COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION OF (2) The amounts refer to interim aiio­ ABORIGINAL AND ISLANDER CHILDREN cations approved by the Commonwealth for rural local roads. The amounts are Mr. Neal, pursuant to notice, asked the not councils' C.A.L.A.R. allocations for Minister for Education and Cultund 1976-77. The Commonwealth Minister for Activities- Transport has not yet advised his approval With reference to his ministerial Press of how the extra $7,500,000 is distributed release of 10 August, wherein it was between road categories. stated thM a conference \Yas to be held Questions Upon Notice (9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 317

at the Canberra Hotel on 18 and 19 (3) By-law No. 2 of the Board of ~ugust to explore the possibility of form­ Secondary School Studies provides that a mg a consultative committee to advise student shall be entitled to a certificate not­ the Director-General of Education on withstanding that he has been absent from new measures concerning the education school, provided- of Aboriginal and Islander children, was (a) The period of absence is not such the committee set up and, if so, has it as to preclude a reliable assessment of submitted any recommendations to date? the student's work; and Answer:- (b) Such absence is occasioned by a This conference was held. A report is circumstance of justification such as being prepared for presentation to the illness, travelling with parents on trans­ Director-General of Education. A steering fer and normal annual vacation with committee of seven Aborigines and parents. Islanders was elected from the conference ( 4 and 5) Normal qualification for entry membership. It is proposed to enlarge to a college of advanced education is this membership to 12 in the very near a tertiary entrance statement, but each future. No recommendations have been tertiary institution has provision for special submitted to date. consideration for student entrance without a tertiary entrance statement. Teachers in 21. CERTIFICATES FOR ScHOOL-LEAVERS schools have probably acquainted students of this fact. Dr. Lockwood, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Education and Cultural ( 6) All schools have been notified by Activities- the Board of Secondary School Studies of dates of attendance required of students ( 1) How many students were denied for receipt of board certificates through Junior or Senior Certificates in 1974 and to 1979. 1975 because they left school a short time before completing the last semester? 22. VANDALISM AND ARSON !~ SCHOOLS (2) What advice is offered by his de­ partment on this subject? Dr. Lockwood, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Works and Housing- (3) What discretion have principals, regional directors of education or the ( 1) Is he aware of overseas reports of Director-General of EducMion in granting increasing vandalism and arson in schools? education certificates if the year was not (2) What was the cost of v~mdalism and completed because of ill health, accident arson to State schools in !974-75 and or the family moving from the district? 1975-76? ( 4) Have students 'been advised by (3) If these figures are not available, teachers that entry to colleges of advanced will he undertake to see that these costs education would be possible without these to the State are kept and presented to certificates? this Parliament? (5) Do the colleges require such cer­ Answers:- tificates? (1) I have not been made aware of ( 6) Will he advise the parents of such reports. students and students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the exact attendance requirements (2 and 3) Replacement costs as a result long before their holiday employment is of losses by fire in State schools were- considered? 1974-75, $42,587.00; and 1975-76, $349,082.00. Answers:- No statistical information as to the ( 1) No student who was eligible to cost attributed to vandalism in schools is receive a Junior Certificate or a Senior maintained. The administrative cost of Certificate was denied one, but some maintaining records of this nature, in detail, students rendered themselves ineligible. to cover the whole of the State, would Information concerning the numbers who not be justified. did not receive certificates in 1974 and 197 5 is not available. 23. COMPTON ROAD OVERPASS (2) The issuing of Junior and Senior Mrs. Kyburz, pursuant to notice, asked Certificates is a matter for the Board the Minister for Local Government and Main of Secondary School Studies and not the Roads- Department of Education. However, the Has he been able to persuade the Bris­ advice is given to students- bane City Council to share the cost of (i) through a notice in the news­ an overpass for Compton Road, particu­ papers larly as the Albert Shire Council has (ii) through a notice sent to every promised $100,000 towards the cost? school Mr. HINZE: The official reply is a very (iii) announcement by schools to dry sort of statement. I believe that the students in each class. best way to reply to the honour~,ble member 318 Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice would be along the lines that I have not yet Answer:- been able to persuade the Lord Mayor of (1 to 3) There is no legislation which the City of Brisbane that the council should prohibits nurses employed in State public make a contribution of about $100,000- hospitals from giving intravenous injec­ I think that is the figure-towards the cost tions. of this job. I am not blaming him; it is Relevant legislation is contained in sec­ just that I have not had a chance to talk tion 47 (4C) of the Medical Act which seriously to him about it. The Albert Shire states that any person connected with the indicated through its chairman (Councillor practice or attempted practice of medi­ Muntz) that it would be prepared to make cine who uses a hypodermic syringe shall $100,000 available. That is what one would be deemed to hold himself out as being a expect from a council that is being conducted medical practitioner unless he is a person in such a very efficient way. who is acting under the supervision or Compton Road is not a gazetted road, but instruction or upon the request of a medical a boundary road, and that is why there has practitioner. This legislation, of course, been so much duck-shoving about it. The does not refer specifically to intravenous overpass is in an area where an old railway injections but the use of a syringe. It line was put down. An increased amount of does, however, permit nurses acting at the traffic is now using Compton Road. I request of a medical practitioner to !iive believe that the Brisbane City Council will such injections. come to 'ihe party, and probably we will be I understand the practice regarding this able to squeeze something like the figure I procedure varies from hospital to hospital. have mentioned from the Brisbane City In some hosoitals where sufficient doctors Council. The Main Roads Department will are available: it is the practice for nurses make a contribution. It is most desirable only to give intravenous injections through that we as:oist the representations of the hon­ drip treatment equipment. om·able member for Salisbury, who is doing I will have the matter examined further such an excellent job on behalf of her elec­ to determine whether or not it is necessary torate. It is fitting that this Chamber should to issue guide-lines regarding the pro­ have the privilege of hearing her represen­ cedure. tations from time to time. I will have much pleasure in supporting her representations to the Lord Mayor of Brisbane in an endeavom 25. RECONSTRUCTJON OF Ross RIVER ROAD to overcome the problem as quickly as pos­ Mr. Ahern for Mr. M. D. Hooper, pur­ sible. suant to notice, asked the Minister for Local Government and Main Roads- 24. NURSES TO GIVE INTRAVENOUS Will work commence soon on the recon­ INJECTIONS struction of Ross River Road west of Cross Street and will this work not be Mr. Ahem for Mr. M. D. Hooper, pur­ deferred as it was two years ago by the suant to notice, asked the Minister for infamous Charlie Jones in the Whitlam Health- Government, who reduced Budget allo­ (1) Will the State Government consider cations for arterial roads in Queensland? amending the Act or regulation to permit registered nurses employed in State public Answer:- hospitals to give intravenous injections to The scheme for the reconstruction of patients when such treatment has been the Ross River Road west of Cross Street ordered by a qualified medical practit­ is programmed for release at an early date ioner and also to permit senior nurses (that for construction by contract. Pre-registra­ is, in their 3rd year of training) to give tion of tenderers has been completed, and similar injections under the supervision of design is now being finalised for inviting registered nurses? tenders in October. (2) Does he acknowledge that the legal­ 26. PROTECTION OF SMALL BUSINESSES; ised practice would, in many cases, save the patient from painful intramuscular STEEL FABRICATION COMPANIES injections, which resident medical officers l\'lr. Ahem for Mr. M. D. Hooper, pur­ usually administer if recalled to duty late suant to notice, asked the Minister for Indus­ at night or in the early hours of the trial Development, Labour Relations and morning and that at present only doctors Consumer Affairs- are legally qualified to give intravenous (1) As his Department of Commercial injections, but that in most cases they are and Industrial Development actively pur­ loath to administer this type of treatment sues a policy of promoting decentralisa­ because of the amount of time required tion and aid to small businesses, pm·ticu­ to set up a drip treatment? larly in provincial cities and towns, what (3) Is it impracticable and would it action does he propose to take to protect cause administrative difficulties to have the viability of such enterprises once they doctors rostered for night duty merely to are established? service intravenous treatment, which in (2) With reference to the plight of some cases is more desirable than intra­ North Queensland steel fabricators and muscular injections? suppliers of engineering labour, is he Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 319 aware that in the past year Townsville 27. _MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR OPTICAL steel fabricators were not invited to tender SERVICES for a bulk-storage shed for Queensland Mr. Prest, pursuant to notice, asked the Phosphate, a storage shed at Lavarack Minister for Health- Barracks, a casting-house extension at the Cl) Will Medical Benefits Fund of Aus­ copper refineries and steelwork to support tralia still pay optometrists for spectacles a boiler at C.S.R.'s Macknade Mill? only? (3) As southern suppliers have an (2) Will Medibank pay optometrists' advantage of approximately $18 a tonne consulting fees as usual from 1 October? start on North Queensland fabricators with (3) Does Medibank pay contracting oopital city prices for steel, if the Govern­ optometrists for consultations at the Glad­ ment cannot exert sufficient pressure on stone Hospital or hospitals elsewhere in B.H.P. to grant capital city prices for steel the State? landed in Townsville, can it legislate to make it mandatory for local fabricators Answers:- to be invited to tender on developmental (!) I am advised that in a supplemen­ projects, with a preference to the local tary benefit table of Medical Benefits Fund tenderer, or, alternatively, subsidise fabri­ of Australia, a benefit will be payable for cators outside of Brisbane to the extent the supply of spectacles. of the freight rate on steel ex Brisbane, (2) I am also advised that in the basic in order to give the local fabricators and medical table of the Medical Benefits Fund employers of labour a chance to compete of Australia, a benefit, as provided in the on an equal basis with the Brisbane sup­ Medical Benefit Schedule under the pro­ pliers and make this Government's policy visions of the Health Insurance Act, will of decentralisation a reality and not one of be payable where eye-testing is carried out despair? by an optometrist or an opthalmologist. (3) I am advised that Medibank would Answer:- not pay benefits unless consultations were (1 to 3) The Department of Commercial actually undertaken in the optometrist's or and Industrial Development is concerned opthalmologist's private consulting rooms. with the viability of all industry in Queensland but none more so than those 28. REALIGNMENT Ol' BRUCE HIGHWAY manufacturers who are established in AT MT. LARCOM decentralised areas. To this end the depart­ Mr. Prest, pursuant to notice, asked ment is the principal sponsor of the "Buy Queensland Made" campaign, which indeed the Premier- has produced positive benefits for local Since inspecting the proposed alignment manufacturers. As the honourable mem­ of the Bruce Highway through the town­ ber is, of course, aware, the Department ship of Mt. Larcom on land held by of Commercial and Industrial Develop­ the Railway Department, has action been ment provides land and, under certain con­ taken to have the railway land trans­ ditions, factory buildings for rental. In ferred to the Main Roads Department for each case the rentals are weighted heavily the realignment of the Bruce Highway on in favour of those in decentralised areas. the eastern side of the town, as requested by the Mt. Larcom Chamber of Com­ In terms of Government purchasing, not merce over a number of years? only is a preference given to Queensland manufacturers over interstate and overseas Answer:- firms, but a special five per cent is awarded I informed the Mt. Larcom Chamber decentralised manufacturers over those in of Commerce in a letter of 2 September the metropolitan area. \Ve in Queensland that I had arranged for the Main Roads espouse the cause of the free-enterprise Department to ascertain from the Railway system. As a consequence I would be loath Department its proposed plans for the to contemplate legislation which would area. If the Railway Department were in compel companies or firms to buy in a a position to make land available, a particular market. We can, should and do detailed evaluation of the two routes could encourage preference for Queensland be made at an early date. The Railway manufacture. However, in the open Department could then be advised of any market, outside of Government pnrchasing, land requirements for road purposes I believe we should allow the normal should the evaluation favour the eastern principles of supply and demand to oper­ route. ate. 29. FEMALE CRABS On the question of steel prices, the Queensland Government has on several Mr. Prest, pursuant to notice, asked occasions submitted a case both to the the Minister for Aboriginal and Islanders Commonwealth authorities and B.H.P. Co. Advancement and Fisheries- Ltd. for the adoption of capital city steel (!) Is he aware that a great number of prices for Townsville. To date we have female crabs are being sent to southern been unsuccessful. We will nevertheless markets weekly from the Central Queens­ continue our efforts in this direction. land area? 320 Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

( 2) Will he take action to protect that maintaining these areas in a clean condi­ <;eciion of the fishing industry by intro­ tion would rest with the person, organisa­ ducing a heavier penalty for a person tion or authority owning them. The Bris­ having .female crabs in his possession or bane City Council has certain powers offering female crabs for sale? under its ordinances and the Local Answer·- Government Act, 1936-1976 to require an owner of land to deal with noxious weeds (1 and ::') I am aware that consign­ or dangerous plants growing thereon. ments of female crabs reach southern markets undetected on occasions, and ( 4) The State Government paid to the provision is being made in proposed new Brisbane City Council during 1975-76 a fisheries legislation to substantially ~um of $2,060,208.72 towards the cost of increase penalties for such breaches. flood-mitigation works on Eno~gera. Breakfast, Ithaca and Fish Creeks. This In addition, I have arranged for was in respect of a scheme funded on the increased surveillance by patrol officers basis of a 40 per cent contribution by the in the area of concern. Commonwealth Government, 40 per cent by the State Government and 20 per 30. lFLOOD-:V1ITIGATION "WoRKS, cent by the council. This scheme is to be BRISBANE AREA continued during the current financial Mr. Gygar, pursuant to notice, asked year on the same basis, and it is antici­ the Minister for Local Government and pated that the State Government's con­ Main Roads-- tribution this year will be of the order ( 1) Which bodies are responsible for of $1,840,000. cleaning the beds of creeks within the Other flood-mitigation works to be metropoliian area, including both tidal :.md carried out by the Brisbane City Council non-tidal creeks? will be subsidised by the State at the (2) Why was the removal of gravel normal rate of 33t per cent, with no from non-tidal creek beds stopped and by contribution by the Commonwealth which ,\!Jthority or body was this stopped? Government. (3) Which bodies are responsible for (5) Brisbane City Council, srubject to the provisions of the City of Brisbane mowing and I or clearing the undergrowth on creek banks. which is now reaching the (Flood Mitigation Works Approval) Act stage of secondary jungle in some areas? 1952-1974.

( 4) How much money has been and wili 31. UNIVERSITY STUDENTS RECORDING be allocated by the State Government for LECTIJRES flood-mitigation works within the Brisbane metropolitan area? Mr. Gygar, pursuant to notice, asked (5) Which authority or body is respon­ the Minister for Education and Cultural sible for the control and co-ordination of Activities- Hood-mitigation works within the Bris­ (!) Is he aware that Queensland Gov­ bane area? ernment Gazette No. 118 of 21 August, page 2076, notified an amendment to Answers:- Rule 8, Statute No. 44 of the University ( I) Tidal watercourses-Department of Queensland, which prohibits students of Harbours and ·Marine, in respect of from recording any lectures, seminars or navigation. Brisbane City Council, in res­ tutorials without the prior written per­ pect of flood mitigation and drainage. mission of the lecturer or tutor concerned? In addition. the Harbours Act provides (2) Why is it considered necessary for that, subject to the prior approval of the students to get this writ·ten permission Governor in Council, any statutory body, before they can write down any notes dur­ organisation or person may clear the beds ing lectures? of tidal watercourses for the purpose of (3) Why are students expected to sit carrying out its functions or for other through lectures like stunned mullet with­ approved purposes. out taking notes and what is so objec­ Non-tidal watercomses-Brisbane City tionable about lecture notes? Council, in respect of flood mitigation ( 4) Who is responsible for this latest and drainage. example of academic impracticality and (2) The removal of gravel from non­ bureaucratic stupidity? tidal creek beds is governed by the pro­ visions of the Water Act. It is accordingly Answers:- suggested that the honOiurable member ( I) I am aware that Statute 44 of the direct this particular rpart of his question University of Queensland was amended to the Honourable the Minister for Water to prohibit a student from recording, by Resources, who administers that Act. means of any instrument, apparatus or ( 3) I presume that the honourable device, a lecture, seminar or tutorial with­ member refers to the banks of creeks out the prior written permission of the above highwater mark. Responsibility for lecturer or tutor concerned. Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 321

(2 to 4) I am advised that the provision Gladstone, will be capable of supplying referred to does not require a student to Queensland's entire needs for cement at obtain written or any permission before a reduced unit-cost of production, as both he can make notes during a lecture and it the Bracewell and Mt. Etna operations are is common practice for students to make conducted by companies that co-oper:1te s.uch notes. very closely and run their business with­ out any effective competition and as the 32. PHYTOPHTHORA OR CINNAMON FUNGUS quarrying of Mt. Etna will cease to be ON TREES economically competitive once the Glad­ stone plant becomes operational, how soon Mrs. Kippin, pursuant to notice, asked the will the quarrying of Mt. Etna cease? Minister for Lands, Forestry, National Parks and Wildlife Service- Answer:- As last week's programme of "Weekend The proposed plant at Gladstone is to Magazine" reported that fungal disease, produce clinker; that at Rockhampton cur­ phytophthora, commonly known as cinna­ rently produces both cement and lime. The mon fungus, was causing serious losses in determination of whether, at any stage, it is native forests in North Queensland, has economic to continue these operations at the disease been found in the rain forests of Rockhampton, based on supplies of lime­ our national parks or in the commercial stone from leases at Mt. Etna, is purely a forestry reserves of Far North Queens­ matter for the company concerned. land and, if so, what measures are being taken by his department to prevent the spread of the disease? 34. FORGERY ALLEGATIONS BY MR. J. W. MAHONEY Answer:- Mr. Wrigbt, pursuant to notice, asked the ¥ es. f would refer the honourable mem­ Minister for Police- ber for Mourilyan to a ministerial press statement made by my colleague the Min­ ( 1) With regard to the forgery allega­ ister for Lands, Forestry, National Parks tions made to his department by Mr. John and Wildlife Service on 2 August last William Mahoney, is it correct that, while concerning this matter and which covered South Coast police officers said that the the points raised in the question. accused would be prosecuted, the com­ plaint was not proceeded with when the In that statement he indicated that the case was sent to Police Headquarters in presence of the disease had been confirmed Brisbane? in patches of mature rain forest in the Mackay and Ingham areas. In the case of (2) Did the accused refuse to answer Mackay, the areas involve parts of State any questions in relation to the matter forests and national parks in the vicinity of on the advice of his solicitor? Eungella while at Ingham part of Oak Hills (3) As the Legal Advisory Branch has Holding is known to be affected. stated "from such investigations by the police there would appear to be little The statement also outlined measures doubt that the signature in question is a being taken to determine the extent of the forgery", and it is normal practice that disease and to investigate means of con­ no further action is taken in such a com­ trol. A research programme has been plaint if the accused simply refuses to initiated and a graduate forester is engaged answer any questions, will he now re­ full time on field studies into the problem, investigate the case in view of the fact supported by ancilliary and specialist staff. that the same accused was involved in The extent of occurrence of the disease is the passing of valueless cheques to I.A.C. being monitored by aerial reconnaissance to the value of $23,000 and also illegally and photography over the rain forest areas. sold the same floor plan of a company Costs of these investigations are being trading as New General Marine to I.A.C. shared by the Department of Forestry and and Borg Warner? the National Parks and Wildlife Service. In order to minimise spread of the Answers:- disease while the investigations are in (1) The forgery allegations of Mr. John progress, logging has been suspended on William Mahoney have been investigated certain affected areas and the co-operation and the Police Department has accepted of loggers has been sought in limiting the that on the advice of the Crown's legal movement of vehicles and machinery which adviser there is insufficient evidence to could carry infected soil. justify any criminal proceedings. (2) Yes. 33. CESSATION OF QUARRYING AT ( 3) Each particular complaint is dealt MT. ETNA with on its merits, and action is taken Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked the in accordance with the evidence available Minister for Mines and Energy- as a whole as to whether it can establish In view of the granting of mining leases a prima facie case. Should additional at Bracewell, as the new operation there, evidence be produced, action will be taken linked with the planned cement plant at accordingly. 11 322 Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

35. COMPANY, NEW GENERAL route lies along the old railway line. Routes MARINE 2A and 2B are each estimated to cost about $2,800,000. The other alternative Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked the (Route 1) goes through about 14 houses Minister for Justice and Attorney-General- and involves noise and other factors. This ( 1) With regard to the problems which matter is causing considerable concern. As have confronted New General Marine, I said, no final decision has yet been made. what action can be taken against a We intend to have further discussions with director of this company who, prior to its the local authority but the start of con­ winding-up, sold his shares by falsely struction work is some time off. claiming that the company had a profit of $70,000 when it was known that the official 37. HOUSING FOR RAILWAY EMPLOYEES, profit and loss account and balance sheet CLONCURRY showed a net loss of $60,488.00? Mr. Bertoni, pursuant to notice, asked the (2) What action can also be taken Minister for Transport- against a director who conspired with ( 1) What is the number and cost of the other members of the firm to see that the new houses now being built for railway company went broke so that an eventual employees at Cloncurry? take-over could take place? (2) What is the completion date and Answer:- the anticipated rent for the houses? (! and 2) The action which may be Answers:- taken against the director of a company (1) Sixteen houses at a cost of for selling his shares would depend on $478,924.55. the factual situation. If it could be shown that there was a false representation (2) Three houses are expected to be in respect of the sale of the shares, then completed during the week ending 17 criminal action under the Criminal Code September 1976, and the remainder at the could be taken. rate of three per week thereafter. It is expected that the rental will be in the In relation to the other aspect referred to, vicinity of $45 per week. once again the factual situation would determine what action could be taken. 38. WATER RESOURCES PLAN FOR If there were a conspiracy to defraud by DARLING DOWNS the director and other members of the company and there was sufficient evidence Mr. Warner, pursuant to notice, asked available, criminal action could be taken the Minister for Local Government and Main under section 430 of the Criminal Code. Roads- As he is aware of the future critical I am advised by the Commissioner for water-storage problems facing Toowoomba Corporate Affairs that there is no record city and the Darling Downs-Condamine of New General Marine being registered Basin area, what steps have been taken under that name either as a company to form a committee to prepare a much­ or as a user of a business name. If needed strategic plan for the use of land the honourable member has any infor­ and water resources in that area? mation which would indicate any fraudulent activity in respect of a Queensland com­ Answer:- pany or firm, he should convey the infor­ Preliminary discussions have been held mation to either the Commissioner of Police between interested Government departments or the Commissioner for Corporate Affairs. and local authorities in regard to the matter raised by the honourable member. 36. BYPASS OF BRUCE HIGHWAY AT The Toowoomba City Council is taking BABINDA steps to augment its water supply by the Mr. Ahem for Mr. Armstrong, pursuant to building of the Cressbrook Dam, the design notice, asked the Minister for Local Govern­ of which is currently in progress. ment and Main Roads- The completion of this dam should assure ( 1) Which of the routes that were a reliable supply of water for the city of investigated for the bypass of the Bruce Toowoomba and its environs for the next Highway at the township of Babinda has 20 years. been decided upon by the Main Roads Rural water supplies for the locality in Department? question are matters for consideration by (2) When will construction of the by­ my colleague the Honourable the Minister pass commence? for Water Resources. Answer:- 39. Ro-A-VIT TABLETS ( 1 and 2) No final decision has been Mr. Warner, pursuant to notice, ask~d reached on the final route of the Babinda the Minister for Health- bypass. As late as this morning I had Is a doctor's prescription necessary to discussions with the commissioner about purchase Ro-a-Vit tablets, which are 1his. Route 4 has been ruled out com­ produced by a firm called Roche and, if so, pletely because of the cost involved. That why have the tablets been so scheduled? Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976) Questions Upon Notice 323

Answer:- Answers:­ Ro-a-vit tablets are included in Schedule (1) Yes. 4 of the Poisons Regulations and thus may (2 to 4) I know that the honourable be dispensed only on a doctor's prescription. member for Sandgate has a wealth of They have been included in this schedule knowledge in affairs such as this. Besides at the recommendation of the National that, I think he has a holiday home there. Health and Medical Research Council, I Obviously, none of us would want to see understand the reason being the high quan­ dust being blown continuously into the tity of vitamin A included in each tablet. honourable member's home. Frankly, I think this has happened because it is a new 40. POLICE STAFFING, TOOWOOMBA estate and the top soil is being blown away at present. I shall discuss the matter Mr. Warner, pursuant to notice, asked with the Gold Coast City Council to get the Minister for Police- some relief for the honourable member ( 1) When will the ten men approved for as quickly as possible. We all think a lot beat control duty in Toowoomba be trans­ of Harry Dean (the honourable member ferred there? for Sandgate) and that is the only reason (2) Will he consider the appointment of I am doing this, of course. a detective-sergeant 2nd class to Too­ woomba as soon as possible? 42. ANOMALIES IN HoSPITAL LAUNDRY WAGES Answers:- ( 1) The transfer of police officers to Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked the Toowoomba for beat patrols will be made Minister for Health- in accordance with priority of other pro­ ( 1) Is he aware that laundry managers vincial cities and availability of man-power. in Queensland public hospitals receive about half the remuneration of their (2) The question of the most effective equivalents in Victoria and New South allocation of resources is always under con­ Wales? sideration. I can assure the honourable member that his request for the appoint­ (2) Is he aware that laundry foremen, ment of a detective-sergeant 2nd class to who are responsible to ·laundry managers, Toowoomba will be kept under review. receive more pay than these managers? ( 3) Is there any reason for not classi­ 41. RuNAWAY BAY HoTEL AND DusT fying laundry managers as public servants? MENACE, HOLLYWELL ( 4) What steps will the Government Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked the take to alleviate this injustice? Minister for Local Government and Main Answers:- Roads- (1) Complete details of other States' (1) Has his attention been drawn to the salary rates of the various categories of report in the "Gold Coast Bulletin" of 4 hospital employees are not readily avail­ September that the new Runaway Bay able in my department. Hotel will be officially opened on 9 October? (2) I am advised that the base rate of pay for laundry managers is higher than (2) Will he ascertain from the Gold that for laundry foremen. Coast City Council why such priority was given to Lae Enterprises to build the hotel (3) Laundry managers are employees before the present dust menace had been of hospitals boards and as such could not eliminated from the Runaway Bay be brought within the provisions of the development? Public Service Acts and Regulations. (3) In deference to the health and ( 4) Any laundry manager who feels welfare of the Hollywell ratepayers, will that a review should be undertaken of his he ascertain from the Gold Coast City salary classification should make a sub­ Council if it is its intention to allow mission in the first instance to the hos­ Lae Enterprises to again pollute the homes pitals board, who if it sees fit, will refer of ratepayers this summer with black sand such application to my department for blown by the prevailing winds from the consideration. exposed heaps of sand left by the company when it transferred its attention to build­ 43. BRIGHTON STATE SCHOOL ing the hotel? Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked the ( 4) Will he exercise his ministerial Minister for Education and Cultural authority to exert pressure on the Gold Activities- Coast City Council to make it police In view of his letter of 19 August this the local government regulations in rela­ year to the parents and citizens' associa­ tion to the dust menace being created by tion of the Brighton State School, advising Lae Enterprises, causing a real health that the building of the new administration hazard to Hollywell ratepayers? If not, block had again been deferred because will he state the reason why action will other works had higher priority, will he not ·be taken against the council? give further consideration to having 324 Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

approval given in this year's allocation for the collection and transmission of because the main staff room, which is specimens to the World Reference Labora­ 12 ft. square, has to cater for up to 18 tory at Pirbright, Surrey, in the United female staff members, the principal's room Kingdom for definitive diagnosis and virus is an enclosed porch without space for typing. Specimens could be delivered at interviews and lacks proper facilities, Pirbright from Queensland within 48 the library is a room 21 ft. square and hours of collection in most instances. is completely inadequate for a school with nearly 600 pupils and two classrooms are (4) The Federal Government has taken below acceptable standards in size? the decision to build a maximum security veterinary diagnostic laboratory for the Answer:- diagnosis of exotic diseases near Geelong, Victoria. Work has started on the project, In view of the difficulties of administra­ but I understand that further progress was tive accommodation at Brighton State deferred in the recent Federal Budget. School I have arranged for improvements to be effected as part of my department's capital works programme during the cur­ rent financial year. 45. HEN QUOTAS The provisiOn of improved library Mr. Alison, pursuant to notice, asked the and classroom accommodation must Minister for Primary Industries- await the availability of funds. Is it correct that under existing hen quota legislation an egg producer with a quota may not purchase another quota 44. FooT AND MouTH DISEASE from another area and have that quota INSPECTION OF CATTLE added to his original quota for the pro­ Mr. McKechnie, pursuant to notice, asked duction of eggs on his original farm? If the Minister for Primary Industries- so, will he explain the reasons for this ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to a restrictive legislation in the first place? statement in last week's "Queensland Country Life" newspwper which refers to Answer:- a Stanthorpe grazier who lost two head of cattle from a mysterious disease? The hen quota legislation provides for hen quotas to attach both to the persons (2) In view of his department's concern to whom they are allocated and to the &bout the possibility of foot and mouth land specified in the allocations. The leg­ disease coming into this country and islation also provides for transfers to take despite Mr. McBeth's plea to the local place only with the prior approval of the stock inspector, will he explain why no quota committee. The committee does inspection was made of these cattle? not approve of the sale of quotas inde­ ( 3) What facilities are available in pendently of the land to which such quotas Queensland or Australia to quickly attach. It is a matter of record that the diagnose foot and mouth disease virus? egg industry indicated its support for the ( 4) If there is no laboratory for such scheme in a ballot of growers. Approx­ a purpose, will he make an urgent plea imately 80 per cent of votes were cast in to his Commonwealth counterpart to have favour of the scheme. The package this facility made available in this State? included the non-transferability of quotas independently of the farm .to which they Answers:- attach. (1) Yes, an investigation of Mr. Mc­ The reasons for this general policy are Beth's complaint was instigated on 30 two-fold. In the first place, the legisla­ August. tion was designed to stabilise the industry (2) It is not customary for departmen­ by eliminating surplus production and tal officers to investigate sickness in single thereby assisting producers in the industry. animals unless symptoms suggest a noti­ It was not designed to create a saleable fiable disease. In this case, Mr. McBeth asset for people wishing to leave the rang the Stanthorpe stock inspector, industry. In addition, free sale of quotas reporting that he had one cow which was would lead to a situation whereby the losing condition. He did not report any basic cost structure of the industry would symptoms of foot and mouth disease. The be increased. This would be undesirruble stock inspector agreed to contact the as far as both egg producers and consum­ divisional veterinary officer, Toowoomba, ers are concerned. The free sale of quotas to see if a veterinary officer would be could also lead to the concentration of available in the Stanthorpe area within a the industry in disproportionately few day or two, but the divisional veterinary hands and this is considered to be officer considered that the report did not undesirable. warrant immediate investigation. I am aware that the industry is pre­ (3) Detailed plans have been drawn up paring a case for some controlled sale of to deal with suspected foot and mouth quotas and I will be pleased to consider disease outbreaks, including instructions the proposals when they are submitted. Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 325

46. SUBSIDIES TO BOWLS AND GOLF CLUBS between Marlborough and Bowen or on Mr. Alison, pursuant to notice, asked the the Marlborough-Sarina and Lotus Creek Minister for Community and Welfare Services to Bowen roads, when will such be pro­ and Minister for Sport- vided for the use of travellers? How much money was paid to bowls and golf clubs by way of subsidy from the Answers:- Department of Sport during 1974-75 and (1) Th~ sealing of a rourte between 1975-76? Brisbane and Cairns was completed in 1963. However, a major deviation between Answer:- Marlborough and Sarina via St. Lawrence, Subsidies paid to bowls and golf clubs which is presently under construction, will from funds allocated for encouragement take several years yet to complete. to sport during the financial years 1974-75 and 1975-76 were as under:- (2) Consideration is currently being given to the location of rest areas to best 1974-75 1975-76 serve requirements throughout the State. The Marlborough-Sarina route of the $ $ Bruce Highway will receive due considera­ Bowls 90,022.06 164,485.60 tion in this regard. Golf 138,359.98 104,443.33 49. PROHIBITION ON SMOKING IN BUSES AND PLANES The subsidies are paid for sporting facil­ ities. No assistance is given for licensed Mr. Byrne, pursuant to notice, asked the premises. Minister for Health- (1) Is he aware of the Brisbane City 47. BREAKING AND ENTERING OFFENCES, Council 90-day "no smoking" trial proposal EAST-LAND VIEW EsTATE for city council buses? Mr. Byme, pursuant to notice, asked the (2) In view of the common-sense Minister for Police- approach adopted here, will he confer with ( 1) In relation to the East-Land View his CommonweaJ,th ministerial counterpart Estate in the Carina-Creek Road area, how to see that a similar circumstance pertains many separate theft or breaking and enter­ for air travel? ing offences have been reported to the police in 1975 and 1976, respectively, con­ Answers:­ cerning houses or building sites, and how many separate residences have been (1) Yes. involved? (2) As the honourable member knows, (2) In how many of the cases have the airlines have already set aside non-smok­ police brought charges against any person ing seats. I am willing to have the mat­ or persons? ter examined further. ( 3) In regard to any outstanding cases, have the police any information which 50. DRAINAGE BOARDS supports the belief that further cases will be cleared up in the near future? Mr. Row, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Water Resources- Answer:- With the formation of drainage boards (1 to 3) Statistics of the kind sought are under the present State Government legis­ not readily available without a great deal lation, what precautions are taken to ensure of research being undertaken. I do not that the powers of the boards do not propose directing tha:t that research be impinge upon local authority by-laws? undertaken. All possible police action will be taken with a view to locating and prosecuting offenders for outstanding Answer:- offences of this nature. Drainage boards established under the Water Act have powers only in regard to 48. SEALING OF BRUCE HIGHWAY; TOURIST the construction. maintenance and opera­ FACILITIES tion of the works and to rating as defined Mr. Byme, pursuant to notice, asked the in the Order in Council constituting the Minister for Local Government and Main scheme. Where the local authority is Roads- involved in any of its activiHes, it is usual for discussions to be held between the local (1) In view of the importance of tourism authority and the drainage board concerned to the North and the fact that many to determine the approach required. I Brisbane vacationers enjoy holidaying by would be pleased to be informed of any road transport, when is it expected that problems arising between a local authority the Bruce Highway will be totally sealed? and a water or drainage board if they (2) As there are no Main Roads Depart­ are due to some overlapping of statutory ment rest areas on the Bruce Highway powers. 326 Questions Upon Notice (9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

51. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS will be subject to review from time to Mr. Row, pursuant to notice asked the time. There is, however, no present inten­ Minister for Local Government' and Main tion to close any section of the railway Roads-- between Cairns and Ravenshoe. (1) Is he aware of the great concern of The proposed use of a road service for local authorities where pedestrian crossings the carriage of mails from Cairns via have been entirely eliminated from some Mareeba to Ravenshoe, Millaa Millaa and town streets under the provisions of the returning to Herberton was raised with National Uniform Traffic Code? me in March 1976 by the honourable member for Mourilyan (Mrs. Kippin) and _(2) \Yhat action will he take to have I take the liberty of quoting the contents this senous anomaly overcome in order to of my reply dated 8 April 1976- restore safety to pedestrians when crossing streets? "The suggestion that the daily rail motor between Cairns and Ravenshoe is Answer:- to be canc·elled is of a most scurrilous ( 1 and 2) Some of the concern ,expressed nature and I refute the statement that by many local authorities has been re­ because the Railway Department is moved following explanation of basic w:,thdrawing this service that the Postal reasons for code requirements by specialist Commission has been forced to intro­ officers of the Main Roads Department. duce this road service. "In fact, the first advice the Railway I can assure the honourable member Department had of this subject was on that safety was foremost in the minds of 30th January, 1976 when a letter was !ho_se r~sponsible for the national code and received from the Postal Commission It IS still considered by these experts that stating that it would be discontinuing the safety of all road users is best served u~e of the rail service for carriage of by the_ prese~t sta~dard. Should any local mails between Cairns, Ravenshoe via authonty desire discussion or explanation Mareeba and Millaa Millaa, which will with specialist officers, arrangements can result in a reduction in revenue to the b~ . ~ade through the local district or Railway Department of approximately diVISlonal offices of the Main Roads De­ $9,500.00 per annum. partment. If the honourable member does not _feel satisfied I ,would be pleased to "Negotiations are still proceeding be­ receive representations from him on behalf tween the Railway Department and the Australian Postal Commission relative of any of the local authorities in his area. to rail carriage of mails to other places on the Atherton Tableland, but irrespec­ 52. RAIL-MOTOR SERVICES tive of the outcome, there is nothing CAIRNS-RAVENSHOE which I can do in relation to the method Mr. Jones, pursuant to notice asked the of carriage of Her Majesty's mail." Minister for Transport- ' No doubt the honourable member for (1) With further reference to his answer Mourilyan has informed interested parties to my question of 3 September 1975 con­ within the electorate. cerning restriction of services on the Cairns­ Ravenshoe railway, were the Australian Postal Commission's mail contracts ter­ 53. USE OF DREDGES AT CAIRNS minated on this branch line as from 30 Mr. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked the June 1976 and, if so, what was the attribut­ able cause for discontinuance of this Minister for Tourism and Marine Services- contract? (1) Further to answers to my questions (2)_ In view of this type of downgrading of 10, 22 and 31 October 1974, is he and m ~n endeavour to dispel persistent aware that the Cairns Harbour Board's n;mour m the area, will he undertake to dredger "Trinity Bay" was recently recalled give . assurances that this line will not be from sand-reclamation work to undertake considered for closure and that an efficient emergency clearing of a troublesome sec­ service in the interests of the Tableland and tion of the Cairns entrance channel only Cairns communities will be maintained? seven weeks after the "Sir Thomas Hiley" had completed a period of her contract Answers:- dredging? (~) The introduction of a road mail (2) In the event of a channel slippage service between Cairns and Ravenshoe as occurring in the poi;t of Cairns after the from 1 July 1976 was based on a decision "Trinity Bay" has been phased out, would made by Australia Post which authority it be possible to engage the services of notified the Railway D~partment on 17 the Townsville Harbour Board's dredger May 1976 of its intention to do so. "Townsville" to re-open the port if the (2) There has been no curtailment of "Sir Thomas Hiley" is not available? rail motor services on this branch since my advice of 3 September 1975 to :the hon­ (3) In the event of either dredger not ourable .member. In accordance with gen­ being available, does the port of Cairns face eral policy, the operations of this branch the prospect of being downgraded as a as well as those of all other branch lines: sugar exporting port? Questions Upon Notice [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 327

Answers:- a levy on all controlling authorities of ( 1) The shoaled section of the Cairns $100 per mooring on all moorings provided entrance channel, referred to by the hon­ by the State. The extent to which control­ ourable member, covered a small area ling authorities pass this levy on to indi­ along the edge of the channel, which was vidual mooring holders or, indeed, other known at the time the "Sir Thomas Hiley" users of the boat harbour will be a mat­ was in Cairns. Its existence was notified ter for each controlling authority. Con­ to shipping companies, but no navigational trolling authorities will continue to be restrictions were imposed by the harbour responsible for supervision costs of th• master on this account. As the "Sir Thomas boat harbours and maintenance costs of Hiley" was programmed to return to Cairns moorings, mooring areas and adjacent land. within three months, after urgent dredging These costs will vary from boat harbour at Weipa was attended to, it was decided to boat harbour and this could result in to use this dredger for more essential different charges in different ports. · maintenance in the centre of the channel I should add that the Government will during the first visit. After the dredge had mntinue to provide non-repayable funds left Cairns, the Cairns Harbour Board for the construction and maintenance of dredge "Trinity Bay" was brought in to purely public facilities including public remove this shoal. boat ramps, public jetties, breakwaters in (2) The annual programme of the "Sir boat harbour.s, navigational aids and, where Thomas Hiley" includes dredging to the necessary, channels necessary to service requirements of all northern harbour public boat ramps and public jetties. boards, with special consideration being At 12 noon, given to emergent conditions. The known In accordance with the provisions of future requirements of these boards can Standing Order No. 17, the House proceeded be easily handled by this dredge. I can with Government business. see no need to consider the use of the "S.D. Townsville" in the Cairns Harbour. ( 3) I feel sure that the Cairns Harbour ADDRESS IN REPLY Board is more than competent to meet REsUMPTION OF DEBATE-FIFTH AND SIXTH the hypothetical circumstances referred to ALLOTTED DAYS by the honourable member. Debate resumed from 7 September (see p. 290) on Mr. Brown's motion for the 54. MOORING CHARGES IN QUEENSLAND adoption of the Address in Reply. PORTS Mr. Ahern, pursuant to notice, asked the Mr. HOUSTON (Bulimba) (12.1 p.m.): Minister for Tourism and Marine Services- I make my opening remarks in this debate (!) Will he justify the steep increases with a great deal of sadness, because I wish in mooring charges in Queensland ports, to refer briefly to the passing of the wife of with particular reference to Mooloolaba one of our colleagues, Mr. Roy Armstrong. Harbour? I do so because Mrs. Armstrong passed away yesterday and I am the first speaker (2) Why were percentage increases in in the debate today. Naturally, all members some ports much greater than others and of this Assembly pass on to Roy, his family is it possible to share the costs of mainten­ and those closely associated with him their ance in harbours amongst a much wider category of port users? sympathy in the sad loss they have sustained. It is one of the occasions on which we all Answer:- realise just what sacrifices members make, ( 1 and 2) The Government in the past and the fact that Roy was here yesterday, 10 years has provided some $10,000,000 in attending to his electorate business, when non-repayable grants for small-craft facil­ his wife passed away shows that country ities in this State. I think the honourable members do have problems that are not member will agree that this policy has always evident to the public. placed Queensland well ahead of any other Another matter that I wish to refer to State in this field. However, in view of also happened very recently. Earlier today, the tightening money situation, Cabinet has Mr. Speaker gave a ruling, after reading a decided that, in future, the provj,sion of letter from a solicitor, relative to some facilities in boat harbours entirely for the matters that are, I believe, of some public benefit of individual boat owners cannot be interest. considered as a public responsibility. These In the last three days honourable members facilities, which include mooring areas, have heard read in this Chamber three moorings and adjacent land areas avail­ letters, and three separate matters have been able for boating clubs and local services, declared sub judice. I am not questioning will, in future, be financed from repayable the right of Mr. Speaker to make such a loans to the extent of 50 per cent of their decision; I am not questioning the correct­ cost during the next two years and there­ ness of his decision in accordance with the after to the extent of 100 per cent of previous practice of this Assembly. What I their cost. am concerned about is where such a decision In order to meet the cost of these repay­ leaves this Parliament. There have been able loans it has been necessary to place three letters in three days. If seven were 328 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply received in seven days, some smart person_­ Speakers in the British Commonwealth. Con­ and I use the word "smart" in the sense of cerning questions to Ministers in the House trying to stop something-could, claiming of Commons, the Nineteenth Edition at page that he had been defamed in some way or 333 states- other, go to a solicitor and pay him a "By a Resolution of the House matters nominal fee and the solicitor, in good faith, awaiting or under adjudication in a would write such a letter. It could mean criminal court or a court martial, and that eventually members would be prevented matters set down for trial or otherwise from discussing virtually any matter in the brought before a civil court may not be House. referred to in any debate or question (see p. 427); though the House has more In saying that, of course, I am not recently resolved to allow reference to be suggesting that the three letters that have made to matters awaiting or under juris­ been written were not written in good faith diction in all civil courts, subject to the and perhaps with justification. I am only discretion of the Chair, provided that there questioning whether Parliament can operate is no real and substantial danger of effectively under the system now obtaining. prejudice to the proceedings." After all, many matters discussed in Parlia­ ment are of a controversial nature, and In other words the Chair has the right to statements that should be answered are made allow matters to go on. As I said, I believe in this Chamber. Once a writ such as the the Chair here acted according to the ones that have been issued in these three precedents established in this House. While instances is issued and a ruling similar to there were only isolated instances I had no that given by Mr. Speaker is given, it is quarrel at all. The important words there impossible for members to carry out what are "set down for trial or otherwise brought I believe is their duty. before a civil court". Surely the issue of a writ is not setting a matter down for trial or When legislation is before the House, or otherwise bringing it before a court. After perhaps even in contemplation, if someone all, it is not known whether a writ is merely does not like very much what a member a stopper writ or whether the matter is going of Parliament says outside the Chamber, to be proceeded with. If it is a matter that there is nothing to prevent him from taking is going to be proceeded with, let us get on out a writ. He might not wish to proceed with it and let the whole matter be cleared with it; but the mere fact that the writ was up. We know that a writ can hang over a issued could prevent legislation being person's head for years; not only that, it amended in this Chamber. Surely that is could also hang over the head of this not the way in which parliamentary Parliament. democracy should operate. Mr. Lindsay: I think you are on the right Mr. Moore: The Speaker decides and V;JU track. know it. ' - Mr. HOUSTON: I hope I am. Very rarely am I proved not to be. Mr. HOUSTON: Till now the Speaker has I had not intended to raise this matter as had very little occasion to make a decision. a subject of a speech in the Address-in-Reply I believe Mr. Speaker did what he did because of the precedents that have been debate, but because of what has happened today I think now is the time to raise it. A established. What I am going to suggest to couple of days ago we passed a motion con­ him through you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is firming the appointment of the Committee of that the whole matter of writs and their effect on Parliament be handed over to the Privileges, and I believe that that is the Committee of Privileges, at least for investiga­ appropriate body to which to pass the matter. tion. What that committee does about it As to the content of speeches-let me would be something for it to determine after again refer to "Erskine May", where he investigating the whole situation and the pos­ states- sibilities and probabilities. In no way do I "The ban further applies to matters suggest that the three matters on which awaiting or under adjudication in a civil decisions have been made should be investiga­ court from the time that the case has been ted-they are now history-but this Parlia­ set down for trial or otherwise brought ment has to lay down firm principles so that before the court, as for example by notice writs cannot be used as a method of stopping of motion for an injunction." discussion on legislation or matters of major Again the point is that the matter is brought public importance. before the court. I suggest the Privileges I intend to quote from "Erskine May's Committee should look at this matter. I hope Parliamentary Practice". I know that Mr. my suggestion will be passed on to Mr. Speaker would be well aware of what I Speaker so that the matter can be referred to intend to quote, as probably you would be, that committee, and it can follow the normal too, Mr. Deputy Speaker. All honourable course laid down by our own rules. members should also be aware of these On behalf of the electors of Bulimba and matters. For the benefit of new members I myself, as is customary, in a meaningful way point out that "Erskine May's Parliamentary I express allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen Practice" is normally considered to be a and the Royal Family. I say that with all guide to parliamentary conduct for all the sincerity I have said it in other years. Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 329

No-one can question that. In recent times Her it isolated Queensland from the other States Majesty has been the subject of a good deal and the Commonwealth at the last Constitu­ of controversy in Australia. However, I tional Convention. Queensland was not believe that as the Queen of Australia she is officially represented at the previous meeting. entitled to all the respect that such a high Queensland had no voice in discussions on post commands. the many matters of grave importance to our In the Opening Speech the Governor refer­ federation and the welfare of the nation that red to the affairs of the nation and in par­ were raised. Queensland was unrepresented ticular to the Australian Constitutional because legislation was passed through this Convention. It is regretted that he chose the House, on numbers, to divorce the State from words used by him when referring to it. He a consideration of matters raised at that said- meeting. That is to be regretted. "Queensland will be represented at the As I have said, the people of Queensland Plenary Session of the Australian Constitu­ as a whole will not be represented at the tional Convention scheduled for Hobart forthcoming meeting. To support that con­ later this year. tention, I have used polling figures, and I "My advisers have assured me that the have done that for the reason that matters interests of the people of Queensland, as a raised at the Constitutional Convention are, in unit of the Federation, will be fully many instances, based on political philoso­ protected." phies. The Whitlam Federal Government was I suggest that his advisers have not advised blamed for Queensland's decision not to him correctly. attend the previous meeting of the conven­ tion. Government spokesmen ignored the fact Surely the Queensland delegates should that representatives from other States would represent a cross-section of the community; be attending. On that occasion the Govern­ but that will not be so. Without going into ment made a very poor and wrong decision polling figures-Queensland's representation and I trust that it will be rectified before at the Constitutional Convention to be held the meeting in Hobart so that through later this year will be based not on political parliamentary representation the people of opinions held by the people of this State, not Queensland will have a say. on the realities of life as a whole, but on the numbers in this Parliament. Mr. Frawley: You cannot expect an Queensland will have 12 representatives at even number, or even seven to five. that convention, of whom 10 will come from the Government and two from the Oppo­ Mr. HOUSTON: Why not? That is the sition. The other States, no matter what size voting pattern. the Government majority in their Parlia­ Mr. Frawley: It could be twelve to two. ments might be, will be sending six Govern­ ment members and six Opposition members. Mr. HOUSTON: The voting pattern at That has happened previously in relation to the last State election was certainly not 12 both the Federal Parliament and the Parlia­ to two or 10 to two. The Senate figures ments of the other States. Queensland, of showed quite clearly the difference in the course, will not follow suit. voting pattern. Perhaps as former Leader of the Oppo­ I accept the Governor's Opening Speech sition I was at fault in agreeing to representa­ as a speech of the Government. He said, tion from Queensland on the basis of seven "My advisers have assured me ..." Government members and five Opposition members. Perhaps the Opposition should have On the basis of the numerical representa­ fought the issue at that time. However, as tion, I am saying that his advisers are wrong we were keen to see the commencement of in giving that assurance. the Australian Constitutional Convention and the introduction of amendments to the Con­ Over the years I have noted a marked stitution, rather than rock the boat, I, and deterioration in the attitude of members of my Opposition colleagues, accepted a 7-to-5 Parliament to persons outside Parliament. representation. That is vastly different, of It seems to be normal procedure for a mem­ course, from representation by 10 Govern­ ber who does not like what someone has ment members and two Opposition members. said or done to decry or berate the person If the other States were to do as Queens­ rather than criticise the decision. Time and land is doing, the Constitutional Convention again during the term of office of the former would be lop-sided with a vast majority of Labor Government, the Prime Minister and delegates representing the one political view. his Ministers were called various names that would not be acceptable outside this House. I regret the adoption by this Parliament of Trade union leaders and others are attacked 10-to-2 representation. It is not too late for in the same way. Only a few days ago, the Government to alter our representation Government members, when referring to a to a more equitable basis. At the worst, the dispute between a union and the Govern­ State should have a 7-to-5 representation, but ment, were not content to argue on the we would, of course, like to see both sides facts of the case. In such instances the represented equally, each with six delegates. union leader's character is belted around. It should not be forgotten that, when it Surely that is not the way for Parliament to suited the Queensland Government to do so, operate. If we adopt such standards, how 330 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply can we expect the public to look on us as this Chamber and wave his arms around in responsible people and legislators with a horror. We heard him say that the Aus­ sense of feeling for people's welfare? tralian Labor Party in Queensland was going Mr. Frawley: I am glad that the honour­ to get rid of the position of Governor and able member for Archerfield is listening, that it did not believe in democracy, the beca;use he is the greatest character assassin Royal Family, and all of those other things. of all. That is complete nonsense and is absolutely untrue. Mr. HOUSTON: When the honourable There have been many times in the history member for Archerfield speaks, he will be of this State when the Governor has been quite capable of dealing with the honour­ overseas and therefore not in attendance at able member and anyone else who wishes to Government House. Also, there have been criticise. Let there be no doubt about that. periods between the completion by one All Government members would surely Governor of his term of office and the admit that personal attacks have got com­ appointment of his successor. On every one pletely out of hand. I trust that they will of those occasions, the State has functioned cease, because they are not in the interests correctly and well. We have had a Lieuten­ of the State or Parliament. ant-Governor, who invariably has been the In referring to trade union leaders, we Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Sir should remember that they are elected under Alan Mansfield, who was Chief Justice, constitutions adopted by the industrial became the Governor of this State, and he tribunal in this State. brought to his office tremendous legal knowledge. So that it is wrong to say that An Opposition Member: Tell the Premier a State cannot operate without a Governor, that. because it can. 'l agree that the State does need a nominal head for Executive Council Mr. HOUSTON: Most of my remarks are meetings and determinations-and no-one directed at Cabinet Ministers who are led denies that-but he could be the person hold­ by the Premier, because they are the persons ing the high office of Chief Justice of the who answer questions and make statements. State. Mr. Frawley: What about Hughie Hamil­ One of the problems associated with the ton? He would be a traitor to this State; Governorship in any State is that Governors he even admits it. are appointed as adults. I suppose that when Mr. HOUSTON: Let the honourable we leave this Parliament, provided it is not member say that outside the House and we through death, we will retain our political will see if he can prove his allegation. views. Any person who, through the years, has the welfare of the nation at heart Mr. Frawley: He is a Commo. develops political views and philosophies. Those two things cannot be divorced. Mr. HOUSTON: There is a great differ­ The Royal Family is in a completly different ence between a person holding a political situation. Unlike ordinary citizens, who are philosophy or view and his being a traitor involved during their lifetime with most of to the nation. So far as I am concerned, the decisions made by Parliament, the mem­ that is a legal political party and he has as bers of that family are not. When members much right to his views as the honourable of the Labor Party question the need for a member. particular position, they do so with those I am concerned not about individuals, but reasons in mind, and not with the idea of about the attitude in Queensland to trade breaking down our democratic system in any union leaders. They are elected on the voice way. They are merely saying that there are of their members under rules registered in other ways of doing these things. the Industrial Commission. If a union member does not attend a meeting or does Let me pass on to some of the matters not carry out his responsibility to cast a raised in the Governor's Opening Speech. One vote at elections, that is his fa;ult. Just as was the development of the State. No-one this Parliament expects the laws it passes to denies that dams, bridges, roads and schools be carried out, whether as individuals we have to be built. But that type of thing agree with them or not, so, too, a union could be said by anybody who is interested in leader is entitled to expect that the views of the State and knows anything about the the union are carried out. After all, we have State at all. We all know that these things plenty of evidence of unions making con­ must be done. However, what concerns me stitutionally correct decisions and criticism more is what is not contained in the Gov­ being voiced in this House not about the ernor's Opening Speech. One of the things correctness or incorrectness of the decision, I expected was a reference to unemployment; but of the person concerned. I believe that I would have thought that the Governor's this is something that must be corrected, advisers would have informed him of steps because it is not in the interests of the they intended to take to minimise it. people of this State. Unemployment is nothing new but in latter In Western Australia, a motion was car­ years it has gradually become worse. The ried with regard to the Governor. We saw first step was the reduction in overtime, the Queensland Deputy Premier get up in followed by fewer opportunities for married Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 331 women who wanted to return to the work­ Mr. HOUSTON: Well, I do not look it. force. Single women who left their jobs At any rate, let me now refer to this article to marry could not return to the work­ in "Manufacturers' Monthly". It reads- force as readily as they could previously. " 'Sharp fall in inflation rate.' 'Business Only a few weeks ago the stage had been warming up say manufacturers.' 'Continuing reached where 1,600 school-leavers were ~till improvement in industrial record.' 'Deficit looking for their first jobs. Surely the sma11est for three years.' 'GDP figures Governor could have been given some advice point upturn in economic activity.' concerning the employment of young people. Times have changed, but the Governor's "These are the headlines which Austra- Opening Speech was similar to Opening lians would- like to see.'' Speeches delivered year after year. As I do not hear any interjections, I assume Government members are quite happy about It is now estimated that very shortly that. The article continues- 300,000 school-leavers will be looking for jobs. What are their prospects? What oppor­ "They are in fact headlines which are tunities will there be for them to become coming out of the country which such a part of the work-force? In addition to being short time ago was reported to be sinking concerned that they will not be able to into the North Sea-Britain." obtain a job and earn their living, which Britain is a country governed by a Labour is their entitlement on completing their formal Government and it is starting to get out of education, I am worried about what they will trouble. This is happening because the do with their energies if there is no work Labour Government knows how to tackle for them. Going to work is for young the financial situation. people not only the means of earning money The trouble in Australia, of course, is and advancing themselves and this nation: that the National and Liberal Parties were it is the means of learning to discipline themselves. frightened of the Australian Labor Govern­ ment. They knew that it would do the Mr. Warner: You are on the right track job, so they cooked up all kinds of things now. to scare the people and to put the Labor Government out of office. As a result, the Mr. HOUSTON: I wish honourable mem­ economic situation is getting worse. bers opposite were a little more sincere when Let us have a look at the editorial in the they speak to their own Government on same magazine and see what the manufactur­ these matters. It has to be persuaded on ers think of this great Government honour­ them. All that I and other Opposition able members opposite support, the Govern­ members can do is to say what we believe. ment they went out and told the people It is up to the Government to do some­ would overcome all their problems. thing. It is in fact doing nothing at a11 for young people. Mr. Warner: Did that come from "Im­ pact"? Mr. Warner: How would you go about it? Mr. HOUSTON: No, it comes from the Mr. HOUSTON: Let the Government get "Manufacturers Monthly". As a matter of off the Treasury benches and we will soon fact, the only thing I know about "Impact" show you. There is plenty that could be done is that the honourable member tells me he to get the country out of the wilderness. reads it; but the editorial in "Manufacturers One thing the Government should do is Monthly" certainly was not written for my stop kidding itself that everything is all right. benefit. I should now like to quote a few com- Mr. Casey: It is a good Tory rag. ments that I read only yesterday. I ask Mr. HOUSTON: Yes, I would say it is the House to listen to this story. from the other articles which appear in it. Mr. Gibbs: Is it a funny story? The headnote to the editorial reads- "Mr. Fraser throws the ball back to Mr. HOUSTON: The honourable member industry.'' may think it is. I propose to quote from The editorial itself reads- "Manufacturers' Monthly" of August 1976. I suppose that is comic-cuts for the hon­ "Recent ministerial pronouncements ourable member for Albert. only affirm growing strains between the Government and the business community Mr. Gibbs: I didn't think you read that over their respective roles in seeking a quality stuff. return to the good old times. Mr. HOUSTON: I do, as a matter of fact. "The Government believes business is But I· have a great advantage over the hon­ simply just not enterprising enough and ourable member for Albert-I can read. is displaying apathy towards the soon-to­ The honourable member has to listen to be-found commercial opportunities. Busi­ what othPrs tell him. ness, on the other hand, thinks the Gov­ ernment has been altogether too savage Mr. Gibl'cs: You are a lot older so you in its pruning of both the private and pub­ have had more practice. lic sectors." 332 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

The last paragraph is most intere~ting, an~ Mr. HOUSTON: As a matter of fact, he I hope honourable members oppos1te take It did remarkably well to get 11 per cent, if to heart. It reads- that is what he did get. I am asked what "The Government statements are little I think we should do. I believe we have to more than words-and to many business­ get on with major projects. When we check men words are what the Government is which sections of the work-force are out of best' at. But perhaps the businessman is work we find that the unemployed come taking his cue from the Government, from all walks of life-architects, tradesmen which is withdrawing from many fields, and labourers. I believe that in the future and is doing its best to pass the buck to the Federal and State Governments have to the States for many others." go ahead with major projects which will And that is the problem today. Honourable absorb labour while providing much-needed members opposite talk about federalism and revenue as an incentive for private enterprise. all the rest, but all their Government is I think there is one way-- doing is passing responsibility to others. They Mr. Moore interjected. are passing it to the manufacturing indus­ tries but the manufacturing industries have Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. said' clearly that they do not want it. They Hewitt): Order! want help; they do not want words. No Mr. HOUSTON: If the honourable mem­ money is being given to the States to do the ber will be quiet for a while, I am sure he job, but we are going to be asked to bear will learn something. Then he will be able the responsibility. to use my speech in his electorate and say I want to get back to what concerns me it is his. most, and that is employment opportunities Electrification of the suburban railway sys­ for young people. I suppose it will be said­ tem is under way, and I regret that Govern­ it has already been said by way of inter­ ment Ministers have been making state­ jection-that they will become dole bludgers. ments that the electrification programme will Of course, the fact is that from my know­ have to be slowed down. It would be wrong ledge of them, young people want to work; to do that. Rail electrification must go ahead. they want to get on with the job. But they It is a major project that will not only assist have to be given the opportunity to get on the development of the city of Brisbane but with the job. A number of people suggest also assist young people to get work. It may that they should be self-reliant. How can a be some time before they can be absorbed young person be self-reliant when he has not into the work-force, but the project is already been taught even the rudiments of providing under way. If the statement by the Minister for himself? Most people overlook the tre­ for Transport is correct, plans have been mendous break of leaving school and the made here and there and certain contracts protection of home-the protection that have been let. Others should be let. However, comes with being a student at school where I do not think that is enough, and an attempt things are virtually regulated-and going into must also be made to look after those who the work-force where he comes under the are associated with the early design and control of the superintendent or whoever planning work. happens to be in charge of the industry in which he is working. These are the things Later in this session the House will be we have to worry about and I believe that discussing the development of the port at the Government has to take initiatives to the mouth of the Brisbane River. I do not make sure that our young people are given think that many honourable members will be opportunities to work. opposed to that project-certainly not to the concept of a new port there. Some of us Mr. Frawley: If what you say is correct, visited the proposed site with. the Mi~iste_r, how come you have only 11 men in the and I appreciated the oppor.tu.mty of seem/? It. House? Although I thanked the Mmister at the time Mr. HOUSTON: The reason is, of course, for taking me, I again say "Thank you" in that the people believed the propaganda this Chamber. The question I ask is: How honourable members opposite disseminated. are the heavy vehicles-and there will be Let us wait for the next election. Honour­ thousands of them-to get to the port at the able members opposite are good arguers; they mouth of the river? The answer should be are good story-tellers, but we won the recent clear to all honourable members-build either Port Curtis by-election. a bridge or a tunnel on ·the lower reaches of the river near Hemmant. Mr. Moore: Fifty-two per cent! Mr. Lindsay: A good idea. Mr. HOUSTON: Not bad at all. That result shows the high regard in which our Mr. HOUSTON: The answer should be obvious to all honourable members. If the candidate was held, and also the high regard Government says, "We will do it", and goes in which the previous member was held. ahead with the project, hundreds of pe?ple An Honourable Member interjected. will be engaged on it immediately. and m a short time thousands of people will be en­ Mr. HOUSTON: Of course, we do not gaged on it. Such a crossing must be built, hear about the 11 per cent the Liberals got. Mr. Deputy Speaker, so let us get on and Mr. Wright: Mr. Moore led the campaign. do the job. Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 333

I heard someone say that I am older than The whole point is that we have to get on he is. Not only am I older; I have much with the job. What is of major importance more experience of what occurs when devel­ is not so much reducing the inflation rate opment takes place. As a young man, I re­ but increasing employment. The only way member looking for a job when a Labor we can cut down the inflation rate and get Government of this State-at different times, people back to work is by giving them money but conditions were similar-went ahead with that they can spend without fear-money the building of two bridges-the Grey Street that they do not have to put away in the Bridge, as it was then called, and the Story bank because they are worried about what is Bridge. At that time the financial wizards going to happen tomorrow. They want money said, "We can't afford it."; in fact, the Grey they can spend the way they believe they Street Bridge was referred to as a white are entitled to spend it. If we can do that elephant. Those bridges were built not only we will be doing the State and nation a to provide crossings over the river but also great service. to provide jobs for people who were badly in need of them. Mr. HARTWIG (Callide) (12.40 p.m.): I rise to make my contribution to the Address­ I point out that most of the work of in-Reply debate, which I consider t~ ~ea very bridge construction and railway construction important part of the present stttmgs. I will not be carried out by employees of the congratulate Sir Coli? Hanna~ on th~ very Public Service. Most of it will be done by efficient way he earned out hts duty m the subcontractors and private enterprise, if I opening of the session. I wish to associate may use that term. I do not believe in hand­ the constituents of Callide with my mes­ ing out money and saying, "Here is some sage of loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen. money, son. Do nothing with it." But if money is used in the way that I suggest the I take the opportunity to congratulate the State will have something that will be there new members-the honourable members for for all time. I believe that these two projects Oayfield and Port Curtis-on their election -the electrification of the suburban railway to this Parliament. system and the construction of the Gateway At this .time I pay tribute to the work of Bridge, as the proposal is called-will create the National Party at its respective stages of the work that is so badly needed. management. Some years ago the name was Mr. Frawley: What about the highway to changed from "Country Party" ,to "~ational Redcliffe? Party". I pay tribute to chaps hke Bo? Sparkes, who has given a lifetime ?f dedi­ Mr. HOUSTON: I am not arguing against cation to the party. I also pay tnbute to any project. I am simply saying that the two the management committee and our own local projects to which I have referred are needed branches. I refer particularly to the 10 very urgently, and they will be needed even more strong branches, with over 1,000 members, in urgently as time goes by. Callide. At the head of the electorate coun­ Mr. Frawley: You misled the people of cil in Callide we have a new chairman, Redcliffe about the highway. Dennis Hinton of Biloela, and a new sec­ retary in the person of Keith Glasson of Mr. HOUSTON: As to the highway-! Biloela. I pay tribute to the work of the have said before and I will say again that if former electorate chairman, George Robert­ Labor had been returned to office in 1972, son, and his good wife Pat, for the amount Redcliffe would have had its highway now. of assistance they gave me. Only last Sat­ The honourable member cannot point to one urday, at a very well-attended electoral promise that I made then from which I have council meeting, we honoured former Senator backed away. A railway line to Redcliffe is Ellis Lawrie of Westwood. For over 11 an absolute necessity. years he served the State very well indeed Mr. Frawley: Of course it is. as a senator. As a matter of fact many automatic exchanges and country telephone Mr. HOUSTON: If the honourable member extensions bear testimony to his dedication for Murrumba can prove 'to the Government to country people throughout Queensland. that it is more important than the Gateway I am indebted to Ellis Lawrie for his ready Bridge, good luck to him! At least it will advice and assistance at all times. create work. In my next remarks I do not want to be I am pleased that the Minister for Trans­ thought to be detracting from either the port is in the House, because I am sure he mover or the seconder of the motion for the will agree with me that tremendous prob­ adoption of the Address in Reply. We have lems will arise in getting materials and con­ a lot of pomp and ceremony associated with tainers to the new port from the industrial the opening of Parliament. Many State dig­ area on the northern side of the river. Let nitaries and other important guests are us get on with the job now. That is the only invited to witness the official opening. His way development and employment will be Excellency always renders a very interesting promoted. Opening Speech which has been painstakingly As I said earlier, what worries me is not prepared. His Opening Speech is based on what was in the Governor's speech but what what the Government hopes to achieve in was not in it. I know that he said the the future for the welfare of the State and its Government was going to do many things. inhabitants. But what do we do then? We 334 Address in Reply (9 SEPTEMBER 1976) Address in Reply

do a complete about-face and ask a new Australia and is the most decentralised State member, who could be excused for not know­ in the Commonwealth. It is not possible for ing at that time what Parliament was all a Minister to apply himself to his duties about, to move the motion for the adoption when they embrace the whole of the State. of the Address in Reply. In addition, of course, a Minister must repre­ Mr. Casey: Do you think you could have sent his electorate. A Minister should have done a 1better job? the assistance of a junior Minister. The appointment of junior Ministers would Mr. HARTWIG: I feel that there are show the people of Queensland that this many back-benchers who would do the Government has adopted a positive approach occasion more justice; that is my point. Quite towards the future planning of the adminis­ a number of senior back-benchers have never tration and economy of Queensland. It would had the opportunity of moving the motion for also give back-benchers an early opportunity the adoption of the Address in Reply. My to be appointed to positions in which they comments are not designed to detract from would gain an intimate knowledge of the the speech made by the new member. The workings of all departments. They would. point I am making is that the moving of of course, be answerable to their senior the motion is a very important occasion and Ministers. should be viewed in that light. A new member who, as I have said, has not had I do not think it is right that a man sufficient time to acquaint himself with the who has devoted his time and study to a ramifications of Parliament should not be certain sphere of Government activity should called upon to move the motion. be appointed to a portfolio with which he is not familiar. If junior Ministers were Since the opening of the previous Parlia­ appointed, they would take over or assist ment we have witnessed many changes in in handling a portfolio. this State. The Premier and our coalition Government should be paid a tribute for I must acknowledge the contribution made the magnificent way in which we have by Sir Gordon Chalk to the State. He left handled the economy of the State. the State Government in a very good finan­ I listened intently to the speech of the clal position. I endorse the view of many honourable member for Bulimba. I thought honourable members that he did a to myself, "What a great Leader of the great job. I look forward to the Opposition he would make!" He tried to newly appointed Treasurer (Mr. Knox) put a little bit of life into his speech by applying his knowledge to his new portfolio. advocating policies that are those of the I extend to all Cabinet Ministers many National and Liberal Parties. thanks for the co-operation and the assist­ ance they have extended to me as the A year or so ago no member of the Labor member for Callide. Party would have made such a speech. The Opposition had no thought whatever for I should point out that the Minister for the unemployment situation; nor did it show Local Government and Main Roads has any concern for school-leavers. Today, how­ assisted me in getting the M onto-Thangool ever, the Opposition expresses concern at the Road completed. The bridge which will be present situation. In fact the Leader of the started soon over Limestone Creek at Bon­ Opposition has even expressed concern for doola has been urgently needed for a number the primary producer. What utter hypocrisy! of years. Having supported the actions of Mr. Whit­ Thanks to the Minister for Health we are lam, who slaughtered the primary industries getting a new hospital at Yeppoon costing of the State and the nation, the member about $2,000,000. For quite some time for Lytton must be branded a hypocrite I have fought very hard for this hospital. if he expresses concern for the future of pri­ It is a tribute to the Hospitals Board. mary producers. I thank the Minister for Education for I want to deal now with Parliament. I the new opportunity school and the new contend that Parliament should not sit for pre-school at Biloela, the new school at only 15 or 18 days in a period of six months Keppel Sands and the new classrooms at A lengthy recess sometimes means that Emu Park, Bj,loela and Y eppoon. members must wait for long periods before they can raise matters of concern to their Although I have not always agreed with electors. They are not able to do so at what the Minister for Primary Industries an early opportunity. has done, I am prepared to abide by a majority decision and I believe that he has As to legislation, we seem to follow the acted as well as he could in handling his practice of cramming a lot of it into the portfolio. latter part of the year. We sit long and People in my electorate are indebted to late hours and are not able to do justice the Minister for Works and Housing for to all the legislation that is brought forward. the many renovations carried out on schools The vastness of our State demands that and septic blocks at Gogano, Mt. Murchison, we look at the possibility of appointing Ridgelands and Cawarral. I thank the junior Ministers to assist in carrying out Minister for his assistance and for the the responsibilities of all portfolios. Queens­ Housing Commission homes at Biloela and land occupies one-fifth of the total area of Thangool. Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 335

The Minisier for Water Resources is to be majority of the output of that station would congratulated on the construction of Stage II be reticulated in the south-eastern corner of of the Callide Dam, which is very important this State-and that includes Brisbane. to our district. I fought like hell to have that power station Following cyclone "David", which struck built for Central Queensland. If we had on 19 January and destroyed the Rosslyn been able to finance such a project, we could Bay Boat Harbour, the then Minister for have drawn industry to Central Queensland Tourism and Marine Services (Mr. New­ and away from the major cities, such as bery) visited the area within a few days and Brisbane and Sydney, because we could have arranged for money to be allocated to get offered a cheaper tariff than would have the harbour operational so that fishermen been available using coal supplied from West and small-boat owners could use it once Moreton to the Brisbane power station. I again. should say that Central Queensland, rather than Brisbane, should have been annoyed We do not yet know what Mr. Iwasaki that this power station was going to be plans to do at Y eppoon, but personally I built and that we would not reap the benefit believe that, if he has $50,000,000 to spend of using cheaper coal, resulting in the cheaper on a project, it should be welcomed by the generation of electricity. Government and all people in Queensland. However, the legislation will deal wi•th the The injection of $50,000,000 into Queens­ whole of the area and will aim at the stand­ land's economy at this time would indeed ardisation of electricity tariffs. Also, it will be welcome. I agree with the remarks made aim at doing away with about 17 boards and by the honourable member for Bulimba replacing them with seven distribution auth­ about the need for jobs for people, par­ orities. Surely this would be for the benefit ticularly young people. We must try to of everybody, because the electricity would provide employment opportunities in all be purchased in bulk from this huge power areas and so stop the drift of people to station situated at Gladstone. the major cities and towns. I now want to oomment on the condition I voice my gratitude to the Minister for of roads in Central Queensland. They could Transport for the work done in upgrading only be termed atrocious. It is beyond me the Earlsfield-Callide mine railway link. why the Y eppoon-Rockhampton road, which Callide won a very important coal contract carries an average of 3,000 vehicles a day, with Comalco at Gladstone. I do not agree has been allowed to remain in such a poor with the proposal to carry coal from Callide state year after year. I guarantee that, car to Gladstone to extend the major power for car, no other road in Queensland is in station at Gladstone. I believe that the two such a bad condition. 275 MW sets that are going to Gladstone could have been accommodated easily at Mr. Powell: Come off it. Callide. I do not believe for one moment Mr. HARTWIG: The honourable member that we should put all of our eggs into one should have a traffic count carried out in his basket in the generation of power. Surely own area. history has taught us that in a vast and far­ flung State like Queensland, where a power I refer also to the missing link between station requires every bucket of coal to be Gladstone and Biloela. I would hope to hauled by railway or some other form of have the support of the honourable member transport, it would not be wise at this stage for Port Curtis in this particular maHer to place all generation of power in the one because it is a major stumbling-block in the area. I feel that in this regard Callide was trade between those two cities. Biloela is a ready-made with ample water and wonderful fast-developing centre which depends upon coal for steam turbines. fuel from Gladstone being transported by road over this very rough section of the Whilst I am on this subject, I should like Rainbow Range. The Minister for Main to refer to the legislation that will be intro­ Roads has promised me that work on this duced during this session regarding the elec­ section will be commenced towards the end tricity-supply industry. In 1967, when I was of this financial year. chairman of the Capricornia Regional Elect­ [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] ricity Board, I made several trips to Canberra to •try to convince the Commonwealth Gov­ Mr. HARTWIG: Before the luncheon ernment to assist financially in the construct­ recess I covered many subjects and I now ion of a major power station in Queensland. want to deal briefly with other issues import­ It was after many trips and assurances from ant to my electorate. Callide is very diversi­ us that the whole of Queensland was to fied, particularly in primary industries, in benefit from the construction of this major which I include extensive coal-mining opera­ power station-not Central Queensland or tions. It contains magnificent herds of beef Northern Queensland, but the whole of cattle. Dairying is carried on, and the district Queensland. As a matter of fact, the also produces cotton, poultry, pigs, pineapples, '$80,000,000-odd was to be provided only on fish and all types of grains. It has a good the ground that the Southern Electric Auth­ range of secondary industries such as meat­ ority would be the constructing authority of works, a power station, brickworks, a cement that major power station and that the great works, timber mills and a cotton ginnery. 336 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

I should like to place before the House high interest rates, in many in>tances reach­ a few facts concerning primary industries, ing 13 and 14 per cent. Why is it so? I which are decaying at a rapidly increasing believe the fact that the total voters in the rate. In the last seven years the number of pastoral industry in Australia represent 4 per dairy cattle has decreased from 758,000 to cent of the voting population has quite a bit 515,000 in 1975. Butter production has fallen to do with it. Cattlemen are arguing between from a peak of 22,784 tonnes in 1969-70 to themselves. They are trying to create a cattle­ 10,360 tonnes in 1974, the last year for which men's union, which will then submit a mini­ figures are available. That represents a mum price scheme to the Government. I decrease of about 120 per cent. trust that this would be approved by the Queensland Cabinet and then submitted to Honourable members may have noticed the Federal Minister for Primary Industry that the manager of the Queensland Butter and to all other State Ministers. It might not Marketing Board (Mr. Coombs) recently be what we all want, but it will certainly advocated importing 1,000 tonnes of butter be an improvement if we can get a minimum from New Zealand to keep faith with our floor price scheme operating. As meat is so export market. It is a shocking state of valuable throughout the world as a protein affairs that primary industry has slumped to supplement, it is obvious why other nations this state. In the year ended May 1975 buy Australian cattle. Recently in Townsville cheese to the value of $10,800,000 was im­ I saw lOO head of cattle being loaded onto ported, whilst in the year ended May 1976 an aircraft. The cost of flying those cattle the corresponding value was $13,500,000. from Townsville to Baghdad was $50,000. I The beef industry has never recovered could not imagine that happening in reverse from the days when Mr. Whitlam said, "I'll at the present time. get the price of meat down." At present Graziers must have a market for their Queensland has an enormous herd of cattle and they must have faith in the future 10,363,000 head of beef cattle. The pr

at Y eppoon last year. A total of 110 growers they arrive at the coast. Somebody has to contributed $336,000 in rail freights, which pay for that, and the over-all level of rates works out at $3,300 per grower. An increase within the shire must be causing concern. of 15 per cent in freight rates would cost In my opinion, saturation point has already each grower $500 or more and I do not been reached and the permanent residents believe the industry could absorb such an should not be weighed down with the bur­ increase. So I appeal to the Treasurer to den of higher rates. have a good, long, hard look at the imposi­ !ion of such an increase before any decision Before concluding, I wish to refer par­ IS made. ticularly to the Government's abolition of I should like to mention, too, the effect death duties. on the lucerne growers in the Callide Valley. Mr. K. J. Hooper: All you want to do is Before the last increase in freights, it cost create a bunyip aristocracy. $37.50 to rail-I repeat "rail"-a tonne of lucerne hay from Biloela to Mt. Isa. With Mr. HARTWIG: I do not agree with such the increase last year, the freight increased unwarranted attacks. The Premier is to be from $37.50 a tonne to $52.50 a tonne, and commended for his stand on the abolition 15 per cent on that figure would bring it of death duties. How it is to be financed is the into the $60-plus bracket. only thing that worries me, and I hope it will not be financed in such a way that people At present, Biloela growers are selling in outlying areas will be further handicapped. lucerne hay for $120 a tonne, which They are not making a living now, and many would make it absolutely uneconomical to people are at their wit's end in deciding send it to places such as Hughenden, Charters what they should do. If they walk off their Towers, Einasleigh, Cairns, Townsville, properties, what happens to them? If meat Longreach, Alpha and Clermont, many of prices do not increase, I suggest that the which now draw on the Callide Valley to Department of Forestry, National Parks and meet their requirements of hay for general Wildlife Service will have more national animal husbandry and management. parks available to it shortly. Let us consider now the return to the growers. In 1971-72 there were 1,649 acres I am proud to be a Queenslander. This under lucerne in the Callide Valley, and that Government has done much towards decen­ acreage produced 7,408 tonnes. Last year tralisation. The general economy of this the acreage had dwindled to 1,300, from State stands head and shoulders over that which 5,692 tonnes were produced. Before of any other State in Australia. the last increase in freights, growers were making $7.11 a tonne after clearing expenses. Mr. ALISON (Maryborough) (2.30 p.m.): Under the new conditions and with added I rise with pleasure to take part in the costs of production, their return has fallen to Address-in-Reply debate. I reaffirm my 88c a tonne. That is shocking, and it is loyalty and that of my electorate to Her something that must be taken into account. Majesty the Queen. I take the opportunity to congratulate His Excellency Sir Colin I should like to put before the House a Hannah and Lady Hannah on the grace and few figures showing what has happened in dignity with which they carry out their the last 25 years. The population of Aus­ rather arduous duties throughout the length tralia has increased from 8,000,000 to 13,000,000. Real national production in­ and breadth of the State. Quite obviously creased from $5,100 million to $17,000 mil­ Sir Colin has the welfare of the State at lion, and output per man improved by nearly heart, and does his best for Queensland. 80 per cent. By 1975 the number of cattle I congratulate the honourable member for increased from 14,600,000 to 31,000,000; Clayfield (Mr. Ivan Brown) and the honour­ the number of sheep increased from able member for Port Curtis (Mr. William 13,000,000 to 145,000,000; iron ore produc­ Prest) on their election to this Parliament. tion increased from 2,400,000 to 93,000,000 After listening to their maiden speeches in tonnes. this debate, I am sure they will be a credit The problems facing local authorities are to their respective electorates. also very important. Because of the de­ pressed state of the beef and dairying indus­ I am confident that there are now more tries, many local authorities will not be able people throughout the length and breadth of to collect their full revenue from rates this Australia with genuine feelings of loyalty financial year. Rates have risen dramatically to the Crown through the Governor-General in most shires. Councils have been caught up than there have been for many years. That in spiralling cost increases, and rates have is a directly consequence of the controversy had to be increased accordingly. The Living­ or public debate surrounding the office of stone Shire faces a particular problem be­ Governor-General and the Senate, more cause it is on the coast. About 80 per cent particularly the reserve powers of the Gov­ of the people there at week-ends are not ernor-General. It can now be seen by any ratepayers. It is very good to have them thinking, rational person who reads the news­ there, but the Livingstone Shire Council has papers and listens to people who know some­ the responsibility of providing amenities and thing about the matter that the Governor­ ensuring that water, electricity and other General does in fact have certain reserve necessities are available for tourists when powers. The fact that those reservo powers 338 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply have not been used for many years does on, but I do not think any good point would not make the power to sack the Government be served by doing so. I simply want to give of the day null and void. the illustration of the loans affair. It is worth Mr. Whitlam has accused the Governor­ repeating; we should not forget it. That was General of being deceitful, dishonest and the turning point that spelt the end, among dishonourable. He has used many adjectives all the other minor and major disasters, of which he in his position should not have the Whitlam Government. used. We well remember Mr. Whitlam's The Attorney-General, Mr. Ellicott, high­ infamous statement when exhorting his lighted the hypocrisy of this man Whitl::un socialist followers, anachists and Communists when he addressed a seminar on the Com­ -"Maintain your rage". It was an extremely monwealth Constitution in Sydney or Mel­ inflammable statement in the circumstances bourne. He was reported in "The Australian" under which he made it. His statement on of 9 August this year as having said quite the steps of the Federal House of Parlia­ succinctly that on at least four occasions Mr. ment will go down in history. He said, Whitlam had accepted that the Senate had the "Well may you say, 'God Save the Queen!', power to do exactly what it did last year, but nothing will save the Governor-General." that is, reject a money Bill or reject Supply. One would expect a more temperate state­ Mr. Ellicott rightly referred to an incident in ment from a less-educated person in the 1959 when Mr. Whitlam supported a report street. The fact was that he was quite accepting the existence of the Senate's power beside himself and quite irrational. He to reject Supply. seems to have become quite unbalanced over In 1970 Mr. Whitlam said of the Budget, the last few months. There is no evidence and I quote from "Hansard"- that he is settling down at all and accepting "We will vote against the Bill here and the facts as they are, and accepting the in the Senate. Our purpose is to destroy will of the people. On 13 December the this Budget and the Government which people showed quite plainly where they stood sponsored it." on the matter. From Mr. Whitlam's statements it is quite It is the Governor-General who has been obvious that he accepted the right of the treated shamefu!ly, not Mr. Whitlam, Mr. Senate to block Supply. Whitlam is trying to give the impression that he has been badly done by; that he In 1974 Mr. Whitlam accepted the existence has been badly and sadly mistreated by the of this power of the Senate when acceding to Governor-General, by Malcolm Fraser and the double-dissolution decision of April. In by the Senate. He. continues to trot around 1975 Mr. Whitlam said- Australia trying to get the message across "If there is again a refusal of Supply that he should still be the Prime Minister, there will certainly be an election." that he was wrongly sacked, and that the people, too, were all wrong on 13 December. Mr. K. J. Hooper: That's ancient history. I maintain that it is the Governor-General This is a State Parliament. who has been treated shamefully by Whit­ Mr. AUSON: I know the honourable lam and his colleagues in the former Labor member for Archerfield would like me to Government last year. I also maintain that stop and get on to something else. But I it is Mr. Whitlam who has been deceitful. think it is desirable to remind honourable dishonest and dishonourable. members and also the people in my electorate I should like to refer briefly to just one and elsewhere of the facts. They bear of the disgraces or scandals that arose during repetition. the three sad years of the Whitlam Govern­ I come back to the words of Mr. Whitlam. ment. This incident shows up the absolute He said later- hypocrisy of the parliamentary leader of the "We see some marvellous issues to fight Federal A.L.P. I refer to what is now com­ on in this election, not the least of which monly known as the loans affair. As I under­ stand it, when the then Attorney-General, is Medibank." Senator Murphy, requested the Governor­ Mr. Whitlam's acceptance of the right of the General to sign the Executive Minute Senate to block Supply is in black and white. authorising the then Federal Government to So let's have no more of this hypocrisy from raise the $4,000 million (or was it $8,000 Mr. Whitlam in stamping round the ridges million?), to be repaid over 20 years, he making out that he has been badly done by advised the Governor-General that this was and that the Senate was acting illegally. a loan of temporary nature. Apparently the It might please the honourable member for Governor-General accepted the then Attorney­ Archerfield to know that I want to address General's advice and authorised this loan­ some remarks now to our education system. rmsmg. What shocking hypocriscy it is For some years it has caused me grave con­ for Mr. Whitlam to continue to accuse Sir cern. I wonder just where we are going with John Kerr of being dishonest, dishonourable our education system and what we are and deceitful after he and his cronies put aiming for. What are we aiming tor m it over Sir John Kerr by giving him certain relation to the students who leave school at advice. Junior or Senior level? Frankly I am a bit I could go on ad nauseam and mention the confused myself as to what our policies are Khemlani affair, the Morosi affair and so in this regard. Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 339

There is no doubt that the standards of 20 years behind the techniques of most West­ scholastic knowledge, particularly in the three ern countries. Although some of the tech­ R's-reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic-have niques adopted in Queensland have been slipped over the past 10 years. It would be tried elsewhere and found wanting, we easy to get on a hobby-horse and say, "I blindly follow the same path. We are cer­ wonder what has happened. Children are no tainly making the same mistakes instead of longer reading as they used to, and do not learning from overseas experience. Too know how to punctuate, as we did when we much is left to the academics and the were at school 10 years ago." bureaucrats in determining changes in tech­ I believe the present situation to be niques in our education system. Honourable symptomatic not only of the over-all problem members generally have fallen down on the and over-all malaise in our education system job in that over the years they have not but also of the over-all standards in our taken enough interest in what has been going community. This worries me. I am looking on in our education system from the univer­ for answers. sity down. We should do something to rectify Mr. K. J. Hooper: Here we go. Now you that. are on familiar ground. Last night I was interested to read a com­ ment made by Mr. Don Chipp in the House Mr. ALISON: I can well understand that of Representatives. I do not know the con­ the honourable member for Archerfield text from which it was taken, but he said, would not be interested in this. "Education is too important to be left to Mr. K. J. Hooper: I am. I am listening to academics." Literally, I agree with that. It you. is where we have fallen down on the job. Too many changes have been recommended Mr. ALISON: He is? and implemented by the academics and Mr. K. J. Hooper: Yes. Keep going. bureaucrats, and we have not looked at them hard enough. By no stretch of the imagina­ Mr. ALISON: As I say, the falling stand­ tion do I suggest that we are the fountain ards in our education system are symptomatic of all knowledge, but we should be looking of the falling standards in our community, more closely at what is done. I was delighted and I am looking for answers to the problem. when the moves were made to form a com­ From what we see both inside and outside mittee to investigate our education system. our schools it is obvious that there is a I am not sure of the committee's terms of lowering of standards and behaviour. reference, but this move to investigate our Mr. Porter: Unfortunately we see it in education system is a step in the right teachers also. direction. Mr. Jensen interjected. Mr. ALISON: That is so. Mr. Powell: The Minister has accepted it. Our education system is not providing the will or the incentive for children to be Mr. ALISON: I am pleased that the hon- accurate. It is not providing the incentive or ourable member for Isis is putting the hon­ will for them to work hard or improve them­ ourable member for Bundaberg right. He selves. should be put right now and again to help Mr. Powell: Are you aware that the edu­ him. cation committee has an investigatory com­ I should like to see an all-party committee mittee looking into this matter now? review any important changes. I do not know what the guide-lines of such a com­ Mr. ALISON: I am aware of that. I am mittee should be and, quite frankly, I am delighted at the move and I have some looking for answers. Perhaps the committee comments to make on it later. could be similar to the one that was formed This is a community problem, but we, as to review subordinate legislation. It could members of Parliament, cannot duck-shove investigate important changes in education it and say, "To hell with it; it is a com­ policy and teaching techniques before they munity problem." Falling standards are not are approved. confined to the education system. They are Mr. Porter: That would be an obvious sub­ general in the community. They are a prime ject for a select parliamentary committee. problem for the community and therefore our prime problem. We should be doing Mr. ALISON: It could well be. more to get to the bottom of them, particu­ I do not suggest that we have all the larly the falling standards in our education answers, but at least we would get some of system. the decision-making away from the academ­ In the past five to 10 years in particular, ics and bureaucrats. It would give honour­ too much change has taken place in our able members, many of whom are experts education system simply for the sake of in their own fields, with their ears tuned change. There has been too much ditching hopefully to what the people are asking for, of teaching methods that have been working an opportunity to look at what is required well simply on the ground that they have in our education system. The sooner this all­ been in vogue for 10, 20, 30 or 40 years. party committee is established to review I understand from people who know more important changes in our education system, about it than I, that, basically, we are 10 to the better. 340 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

Frankly, I am fed up with hearing bleat­ or control-I go along with that; certainly ings from the university at St. Lucia and they must have autonomy-but some guide­ from other educational institutions where lines should be laid down concerning the students are belly-aching about allowances. behaviour of the academic staff and the Fair enough; these allowances might not be students and, as well, what is expected of what they should expect to be receiving to students. live on, but they are certainly not going I should like to speak on a subject that is about it the right way. Students on allow­ topical in my electorate-indeed, it is topical ances who carry on like this and eventually in the Wide Bay-Burnett region-and that is appear before the courts for misconduct, or the need for the establishment of a college of even on criminal charges, should lose their advanced education there. It is the only allowances. After all, 'as I understand it, it coastal region in Queensland without a is taxpayers' money. If they are convicted college of advanced education. while on a scholarship, they should lose it. In black-and-white terms, it is as simple as Last year or towards the end of 1974 that. If these students are not on allow­ a regional committee and various district ances, perhaps they should be given a second committees were set up throughout the region chance. to do the homework on whether a need existed for a college of advanced education I shall now address a couple of brief in that area and then to prepare a case to remarks to the subject of universities. For a be put before the Board of Advanced Edu­ few years now I have been of the opinion cation. That has been done. The work was that we are spending far too much money completed earlier this year. A copy of the on the universities. Again I am looking for report was given to the Minister and to the answers myself and I am speaking in general Board of Advanced Education. It set out terms. I would not know where to start or quite clearly the need for such a college in where to cut down, but over all, judging this area. from the amount of money that we are spending throughout Australia on technical I realise that the Federal Government has colleges and colleges of advanced education, cut back on its funding of these colleges and we should be cutting back on universities. of education generally-at least it has cut back on the growth rate-but, nevertheless, Mr. Jensen: 'Put in apprenticeship. I make the point here on behalf of my Mr. ALISON: Once again I agree with electorate in particular-and I make it quite the honourable member. He is improving. I p1ain that I shall be continuing to make the agree with him whole-heartedly. As a mat­ point-that there is a need for a college of ter of fact, the inquiries that have been advanced education there. When funds made reveal that there is a shortage of tech­ are available, we must be given priority nologists, apprentices and tradesmen and it because of the need in 1he Wide Bay-Burnett is in selected areas in the univertitie~ in this area, which, according to the Bureau of field that we should be cutting back and Census and Statistics, had a population of putting more money into colleges of advanced 141,000 at the end of June 1975. That is education and institutes of technology. roughly a circular area within approximately 130 miles of Maryborough as its centre. ·I am afraid that the universities bitterly disappoint me. I realise that there has to be a Whilst some parts have been rather static place or an area for free-thinkino- and debate in growth, there are projects on the boil in on public issues. I suppose that the academics my area and surrounding districts that will have a r!ght to voice their opinions and to ensure increase in growth. Bundaberg has, of course, grown quite dramatically over the ~ffer adv~ce to the community at large from !Jme to time. But one gains the impression years and no doubt will continue to grow that some of these lecturers and academics while the sugar industry booms. Noosa is think they have a divine right to say pretty well on the way and Gympie has taken a well what they want to say and that the leap forward over the last 18 months. students also have some divine right •to Members of the Board of Advanced bludge around the place as some of them Education and others have fired at me, obviously do. How some of them achieve "You haven't got the growth rate to justify ~h~ir goal of obtaining a degree, or whatever the establishment of a college of advanced 1t IS, I am damned if I know. I believe that education." I say that that attitude will be all sorts of rackets and capers go on there, proved incorrect over the next two or three too. Frankly I should like to have the years. There will be a general uplift across universities looked at seriously. the board in the growth rate of the Wide Mr. Wrigbt: Be more specific. What sort Bay-Burnett region. of rackets and capers? That is a serious Probably no part of Queensland, or indeed allegation. of Australia, offers so much for a productive marriage of a college of advanced education Mr. AUSON: To suit the honourable with the environment as does the Wide Bay­ member for Rockhampton I shall be more Burnett region. It has national status in specific at some other time. such products as timber, fish, sugar, citrus How we should tackle this problem, I do and small crops and in such activities as not know. I understand that universities water conservation, waUum development and should not be under Government sponsorship tourism. Many of these primary industries Address in Reply (9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 341 have important associated and ancillary of five years. At the present time, as I have industries. The production of sugar-miMing already mentioned, mine is the only coastal and harvesting machinery is a large industry. educational region in Queensland without a Diesel locomotives and prefabricated timber college of advanced education. structures are produced for the local and Mr. Powell: That is not right. national markets and are also exported overseas. In the field of reforestation, the Mr. ALISON: No, it is not right. Our State Government is extensively involved. students have to travel 170 miles to Bris­ Thus we see a unique opportunity for a bane, about 220 miles to Toowoomba, or personal relationship between the industries about 270 miles to Rockhampton to attend of the region and its college of advanced colleges. As I said previously, I will con­ education. The industries would provide tinue to keep before the Government the field experience and practical background need for a college of advanced education in for the students' courses in a wide range of the Wide Bay-Burnett region. subjects, with the college of advanced Mr. LAMOND (Wynnum) (2.55 p.m.): In education supplying the inspiration and tech­ rising to speak in the debate on the Address nological skills to assist industry in experi­ in Reply, I would like, firstly, to pledge my mentation and innovation. There seems no loyalty to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and real reason why a college of advanced educa­ to express my appreciation to His Excellency tion must be situated in or on the outskirts the Governor, Sir Colin Hannah, on the of a large city, although this has been the excellent job he and Lady Hannah are trend in the past. Indeed, the congestion of doing in carrying out their demanding duties, transport, pollution and a deteriorating which take them to every part of the State. quality of life in the larger cities point surely I associate with my pledge of loyalty the to the need for decentmlisation in this field people of the electorate of Wynnum, whom of education. Travel of 40 or 50 kilometres I am privileged to represent in the Parlia­ on rural roads is often quicker, safer and ment of Queensland. I say that because I more comfortable than much shorter dis­ represent one of the most pleasant electorates tances in the city. They are some of the in the State. While other electorates might facts that have been outlined in the report be equally pleasant, there are certainly none given to the Minister and the Board of which surpass mine in that regard, and I Advanced Education. feel I can speak with some authority on In compiling this report, the committee, this point because 1976 sees my 40th year of course, had to submit figures on popula­ as a resident of the area. tion and other pertinent factors. The com­ While the suburb of Wynnum does form mittee went into the enrolment potential in part of the Greater Brisbane Area, it suffers the Wide Bay-Burnett area and came up with from problems which are not experienced the fact that a pilot survey of 1974 Grade in other suburbs, and I propose this after­ 12 school-leavers showed that approximately noon to expound these problems in my 30 per cent enrolled at colleges of advanced contribution to the debate. Included in education or colleges of teacher education. the electorate of Wynnum is the northern Full-time students only were considered in part of Moreton Bay and the majority of the report. It has been proved that, in the islands which form a very important addition to enrolling students from Grade playground not only for the people of the 12, a tertiary institution attracts enrolment electorate, but for most of the people of from other sources. The percentage of such Brisbane and the surrounding area of other sources at James Cook University is South-east Queensland. While the local resi­ about 35 and at the University of Queens­ dents have a certain pride in the district they land 22. These figures include both full­ are certainly not complacent about the time and part-time students. A conservative improvements which are required, and I can estimate of such fuH-time other sources for assure you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that I shall a college of advanced education in Wide Bay not leave a stone unturned in my efforts to would be 10 per cent. It will therefore be see that the people of Wynnum receive a seen that the members of the working com­ fair share of Treasury funds. mittee who compiled those figures were Before proceeding further, I would like rather conservative in their estimates of to congratulate the Honourable W. E. Knox students who would attend a college of on his elevation to the position of Deputy advanced education in this area. Premier and Treasurer. I feel certain it is It is also mentioned in the report that a a job that he will carry out with dignity and college of advanced education established efficiency. I would like to congratulate the in the Wide Bay region in 1980 and having Honourable J. W. Greenwood on his eleva­ students channelled into it from the Wide tion to the Ministry. In common with those Bay and North Coast areas would have an honourable members who have spoken before equivalent enrolment in the vicinity of 400 me, I would like to offer my congratulations in its first year, increasing to approximately to Sir Gordon Chalk on his contributions to 1,200 in its third year. This, I might men­ Parliament and the State over so many years. tion, is from the immediate region, not other There is no doubt that we who have been areas. This comfortably fulfils the recom­ members of this House for only a short time mendation of the Bull-Swanson report for realise the demands that were placed on 1,000 equivalent full-time students at the end Sir Gordon Chalk over so many years. 342 Address in Reply (9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

I would like to extend my congratulations I have canvassed the need for a hospital to the two new members of the House, the in the Wynnum electorate ever since I honourable member for Clayfield and the became a member of this Assembly, and I honourable member for Port Curtis, on their have had many discussions on that subject contributions to this debate. I was delighted with the Minister for Health and with the to hear that each of them devoted much of Premier. Although those who preceded me their speeches to their electorates. I believe, made certain comments on the need for a and I so believed before I entered this hospital, I assure honourable members that House, that too much time is spent by mem­ whi!e I am the elected representative for bers of various political persuasions attacking Wynnum I shall continue to be very vocal each other across the floor of the House, in my request-! might say "demand"- that and it was refreshing to hear those two the area be given the hospital that it so new members devote much of their time to urgently needs and a health complex becomes discussing the problems of their electors. a reality. That is the purpose for which they were elected-to bring before this House the It would be wrong of me not to thank the problems facing their electors and those Minister for Health and the Government for matters occurring within the State that might the various forms of assistance that they affect their electors. I hope that many of have given the Wynnum electorate in the the longer-serving members will learn some­ health field. In 1975 the Wynnum-Manly thing from the contributions to this debate Community Health Centre was established, by these newly elected members. and it is playing a very important part in the area. Adjacent to my electorate, the As I said, the electorate of Wynnum is Moreton Bay Nursing Care Unit has been situated in the Greater Brisbane Area. It established, and it is of vital importance to has an area of only about 5 square miles aged people not only from my own electorate and a population of some 13,000 people. but also from other parts of Queensland. Because of its location, it has become a service centre, and shopping facilities, banks For many years Moreton Bay has supplied and State and Federal Government offices most of the fish for the consumer market in have been established there. In fact, it Queensland. Probably the fish depot in my services a population of between 50,000 and electorate is smaller than those that have 60,000, which is far higher than the popula­ been established in other areas, but the tion of many cities throughout the State. On quantity of fish it handles makes it very that basis alone, I believe that the Federal important. Government and the relevant Ministers of the State Government should endeavour to Although the fishing industry throughout develop and extend decentralisation in the State has been and still is fragmented, Wynnum and other such areas. the Minister for Fisheries is to be congratu­ lated for the part he is playing. He is doing One thing that I know is near to the his utmost to bring the industry to the stage hearts of many people in my electorate is where it can effectively play its part among the establishment of a hospital. It is very the primary industries of Queensland. I important that Cabinet Ministers-in fact, realise that all those engaged in the various everyone involved in Government-should primary industries throughout the State are realise the great need for the establishment frequently affected by the elements, but there of a hospital in the bayside area. I know is no doubt that the fishing industry is the that I am being repetitions in saying that my one that is most affected by them. I do not electorate services a community of about need to stress that as I am sure all honour­ 50,000 or 60,000 people, but I repeat it able members realise that many hours are because I think it emphasises how badly a lost to people in the fishing industry because hospital is needed in the area. of unfavourable weather. The elements pose The ambulance figures for my electorate a major problem. show that in March this year more than 900 people were transported from Wynnum to Not all the edible products of the sea hospitals in Brisbane. By making a simple are being harvested. I venture to suggest calculation, one might reasonably assume that possibly 50 per cent of the edible con­ that about 10,000 people would be trans­ tents of -the sea are not being harvested and ported to hospitals in Brisbane in one year. the reason is that people are not educated to Although many of these people would attend accept certain items from the sea on their hospitals as outpatients, a high proportion table. I recommend to the Minister and the would actually be admitted to hospital. One Fisheries Council that they involve ·them­ must also take into consideration those selves more in the marketing of the many who use private transport, because they would and varied products of the sea. There is no increase greatly the figure of 10,000 to which reason why at least one product of the sea I referred earlier. should not be on everyone's table at least once a week. We saw what the poultry in­ It is important to remember that the dustry did a number of years ag;o. The fishing people who travel 12 miles to the nearest industry as a whole could attack the problem. hospital are in a state of ill health. Although the ambulance service does a very good iob, Mr. Kaus: It might make a difference if it is reasonable to assume that they experience the name of the Moreton Bay bug was a good deal of discomfort during the trip. changed. Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 343

Mr. LAMOND: That is a good point. and other young people. Too litNe money That is a lobster-type crustacean which, under is made available to those responsible organi­ another name, would be eagerly sought after. sations that provide sport for young people. The squid, or calamary as it is called over­ seas, is not regarded as being a very im­ If we were to spend more money on portant part of the supply from the sea. sport and on the involvement of young There are a dozen different ways the prob­ people in it, we would have less juvenile lem could be attacked. delinquency and fewer appearances of young persons in court. An active body promotes Insufficient money is being spent on re­ an active mind. By not providing sufficient search into the fishing industry. Not enough money for sport we are neglecting that most is known about the habits of fish or the effect important section of our community, the that the environment created by man is having young. I thank the Minister for Sport and on fish. Research should be conducted into his department for the thousands of dollars the life of fish and their habitats. Such re­ tihat have been poured into my electorate search should be market-orientated along to promote sport. However, more money is the lines I spoke of earlier. Certainly the needed. We must help our young people industry has many problems. Without doubt, to realise what sport means to them. It gives under the Minister's guidance we will see them the opportunity to experience involve­ during the next year greater involvement and ment in life, comradeship, team spirit and interest in the industry, with a breakdown fair play; it also gives them the opportunity of the fragmentation. to play their part in the team of life. Far The problems associated with the industry too frequently today people, both young and cannot be considered only at conference level; old, fail to play their part in the team of life. they must also be studied at the level of I urge the Government to give serious con­ involvement-by way of research, allowing sideration to this important matter. those involved in the industry to have their Whilst my district is part of the Greater say. With the correct involvement the in­ Brisbane Area, it enjoys a certain amount of dustry can play its role as an important autonomy, particularly in relation to trans­ section of primary industry in Australia. port. I ask the Minister for Transport to The port of Brisbane is in an area close give serious consideration to the upgrading •to my electorate, and it concerns me greatly. of the rail services to the Wynnum, Manly I have been given many assurances by the and Lata areas and also to review my Ministers concerned about the development requests for the provision of commuter car of the port and arterial roads, and the en­ parks in the area in preparation for electri­ vironmental effect. I accept what has been fication. I realise that electrification will not said, namely, that it will have little or no be available in my area in the immediate effect on the residents of my electorate. If future but commuters should be encouraged with the development of the new port of to use the rail system through the pro­ Brisbane my area is adversely affected by vision of parking facilities. I ask the Minister the location of feeder and service roads, I to give this matter serious thought. will be as vocal in my condemnation of the Most honourable members realise that proposal as I am now in my support of it. before the end of the 20th Century, private If the roads are correctly located they will motor vehicles will become the slowest not only bring great benefits to commerce means of transport at peak hours. That has in the Wynnum, Manly and Lota areas but happened in other cities of Australia and in also create employment. If they are incor­ other parts of the world. We must adopt an rectly located, however, they will have one extensive, bold approach to systems of of two adverse effects; either they will bring moving commuters to and from various areas with them a heavy flow of traffic through such as from my electorate to the city of residential areas or they will bypass the district totally and rob it of any chance of Brisbane. benefiting from the multimillion-dollar com­ My electorate encompasses much of plex on its doorstep. Moreton Bay, which has become the play­ ground of many people who enjoy boating. Nature has given the city of Brisbane a In the past few years an incredible increase wonderful means of transport, namely, the has taken place in the number of small boats Brisbane River. Many ·overseas countries on our waterways. They are no longer a have accepted the fact that water transport luxury; they have become the toy of many. is fast, effective and efficient. So I hope So it is vital that those responsible for navi­ that in the planning of the construction of the gational aids realise that most of the boating new port the Brisbane River will be given fraternity in the bay use fast, small craft. a major role. The design of such boats puts the occupants To turn to another matter-there is no close to the water, so they have difficulty doubt that those persons involved in all in picking up navigational aids at a distance. levels of government must concern themselves In planning, consideration must be given to in sport for the young. Both the Federal providing navigational aids that these people and State Governments pay out annually can see. many millions of dollars on academic educa­ I am sure that most honourable members tion. Insufficient money, however, is spent have heard or read about the changes pro­ on the promotion of sport for school-children posed for displacement craft and heavier 344 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976) Address in Reply power boats. These changes must be looked my comment be added so that lhe matter at carefully because boating is a pleasure can be pursued even more strenuously. At that people have learnt to enjoy. When we present, the industry is in such a state that impose too many restrictions on the boating many young people and others who are fraternity we take away from them most of home seekers cannot purchase homes. Those the joy of boating. I am strenuously opposed in the industry, including the builders and the to any regulations that restrict the freedom builders' labourers, are in an unfortunate of movement of people who enjoy boating situation. It is the responsibility of those on the Queensland coast. in government at all levels to make sure I have spoken to the Minister for Tourism that we retain the honour of Australia being and Marine Services about the increased the country with the greatest proportion of mooring charges at Manly Boat Harbour home owners in the world. We will only and other places. In August 1974 it cost retain that position if we look at interest $85 to moor a certain boat in Manly. In rates, repayments-in fact, the whole situa­ August 1975 it cost $156 but in August tion of funding-so that the average person 1976 it cost $364. Such an incredible on the average wage can afford to acquire increase cannot be tolerated. a home, which is most certainly his just right. Mr. Bums: The increases will be worse next year. There are many subjects I should like to cover. However, time permits me to raise Mr. LAMOND: We will have to watch only one further point. I congratulate the very carefully what happens. Premier and his Ministers, particularly the While nature has been kind to us by pro­ Minister for Police, because the enforcement viding the islands in Moreton Bay, we should of law and order is vital. Today, through realise that they are only lent to us for our each branch of the media we learn lifetime. Unfortunately much devastation has of many acts of violence, of various forms of taken place on Mud Island. Over a number attack on those who are less strong. It is our of years coral dredging has left Mud Island responsibility as a Government to ensure without charm. Some people may say that that the weak-indeed all citizens-have the a mangrove island has no charm, but I protection of an efficient and reliable Police disagree. Nature has given each of these Force. Surely this is the right of every islands its charm. Much of Mud Island is Queensland citizen. surrounded by spoil that makes it impossible I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for the to step ashore. Also, there are broken piles, opportunity to speak at this stage in the which are most certainly a hazard to the debate. navigation of small craft. So we have a destroyed island. Mr. JONES (Cairns) (3.24 p.m,): Initially, It is our responsibility, as people in gov­ I wish to join with the honourable member ernment, to make sure that conditions in for Bulimba in extending my personal con­ coral leases granted for those islands, such dolences to the honourable member for Mul­ as Green Island, are imposed-! understand grave (Roy Armstrong) on the sad loss of they have not been yet-so that history will his good wife in her sleep last night. I am not be repeated and the islands destroyed. sure that I speak for all honourable mem­ There is no doubt that coral dredging can bers when I extend sincere sympathy to him take place and the spoil deposited in such a and his family. On the plane on Tuesday. way as to create small boat havens or small he was unaware that, for the last time, he sandy bays. These islands are used by many had bade his wife farewell. He has been people at the week-ends. Dredging in that a colleague of mine for a long time, al­ area must be watched very carefully. As I though we have been on opposite sides of said, the islands are lent to us for only a life­ the political fence and on opposite sides of time and we have not the right to destroy this Chamber. We have shared electoral them during our lifetime. boundaries and our friendship has developed out of mutual respect. I certainly would not The state of the building industry con­ wish to bear the burden of his bereavement cerns many of us. Last year, in speaking in today. It is an indication of the difficulties the Works and Housing Estimates debate I confronting country and provincial members, said- who sit here in the House many hundreds "It is indeed one of the first responsi­ of miles from their homes and electorates. bilities of whatever Government is in Subsequent to the speech made by the power in Canberra-and I repeat, 'what­ honourable member for Bulimba today, I ever Government is in power in Canberra' learnt that the Minister for Community and -to distribute housing finance fairly Welfare Services and Minister for Sport among all States irrespective of the politi­ bad lost his father. On behalf of the Opposi­ cal colour of any State Government." tion, and indeed on behalf of all members. Whilst I realise that the Premier, together I extend condolences to him. I also take this with the Deputy Premier and Treasurer and opportunity to thank members for their the Minister for Works and Housing, has expressions of sympathy when I lost my father continued to be most vocal in his demands some time ago. This is the first opportumty on the people in Canberra to assist the I have had to convey my thanks to the building industry with finance, I request that House. Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 345

As is customary, I pay a tribute to the I do not pass judgment on other members mover of the motion for the adoption of the and it is hypocritical for other members to Address in Reply. In lighter vein, I am told stand up here and condemn people en masse. that the only good thing he ever did was to I do not believe that the repeti·tion of our marry a Cairns girl. I congratulate him on affirmation of loyalty is necessary, at least that also. not year in and year out. It is something I ex~end a warm welcome to my colleague that a man keeps to himself. I suppose it and fnend the new member for Port Curtis is something like religion. If one has a (Mr. Bill Prest). He came from the industry Christian understanding it is an inner feeling. in which I worked for 23 years and he and One does not have to go out and explain it I served in the same classification. We there­ to everybody. It is something that is temp­ fore have plenty in common not only in -;mr ered by the test of faith, and no-one else has party bonds but in our personal lives and to be satisfied of it. It is sufficient to know our industrial backgrounds. I am sure that one's self. he will be a great asset to the House and Far North Queensland, the area I am very a grand representative to replace Mr. Martin proud to represent, is presently undergoing Hanson. quite a deal of disruption to its power l would be remiss if I did not mention supply. People from Mackay to Cape York another former colleague, Sir Gordon Chalk. Peninsular are suffering from electricity I P_ay a tribute to him as both a parliamen­ black-outs. To hazard a guess, I would say tanan and a man. He treated all members that the chickens are coming home to roost. equally, irrespective of the side on which It was and has been for a long period the they sat, particularly in their electorates. In policy of my party to advocate an increase !act, he was renowned for always recognis­ in the hydro capacity of the Barron Gorge mg members as the representatives of their and the Tully Falls scheme connected with respective electorates. In this respect other the Kareeya Power House. If honourable Ministers and members could well take a members recall, the Labor Party built the leaf out of his book. Tinaroo Dam and the supplementary scheme. The Flaggy Creek retention weir, which was As is also customary, I reaffirm my loyalty intended to hold water in reserve for the and that of the electors of Cairns to the. hydro scheme is incomplete. At present it Queen and the Crown. What we do during takes about 36 hours for water required at the each Address-in-Reply debate seems to me to Barron Gorge to flow from the Tinaroo Dam, be rather. repetitious. We. swear our loyalty and during that period we suffer undue dis­ on the Bible at the openmg of each Parlia­ ment and I feel that that should be sufficient. ruptions to our electricity supply. Taking this thought a little further, I think In Townsville last week-end the Premier we could also possibly reduce expenditure said that there was insufficient water in Far a little by decreasing the number of times North Queensland to undertake a scheme Parliament is formally opened. It seems to increase the capacity of the hydro scheme. utterly ridiculous to me to have three open­ I understand his thinking that. We know that ings in the life of each Parliament. I think beoause of the actions of Governments of his that if Parliament were opened formally on political persuasion, we do not have the water assembling after an election, that would be reserves we should, but he would be laughed sufficient. The bun-fights that are held year out of court if he made the statement in my after year lose their significance and become electorate that there is no water in Far a little boring. North Queensland. We might have short run­ Comments have been made, rather oft's but the extent of our rainfall is widely unkindly, about Opposition members and known. The Koombooloomba Dam on the their loyalty, particularly by the new mem­ Tully River should be extended, as should ber for Warrego. I warn him not to stand the reserves on the Barron River. in judgment on the loyalty of others. The This Government stopped the development real test of loyalty is, in the words of the that had been planned by the Labor Party. Scriptures- The honoumble member for Hinchinbrook "Greater love hath no man than this, will probably support me in that assertion. that a man lay down his life for his friends." It stopped the development of a hydro project planned for the Herbert River, and the The ultimate reflection of that loyalty is reason there is insufficient water for this found in a man who is prepared to lay down purpose in North Queensland is that there his life for his country. I say to the honour­ are no emergency water-storage facilities. able member that he should look into the If there were such facilities in Far North background of his leaders and members of Queensland, we would not be suffering the the Opposition and see who has been tried present power black-outs. As a matter of and tested. Some of us are a little more fact, the only electricity flowing through fortunate than others in that we have passed North Queensland at the moment is being the test, which is sometimes called the supplied by the Barron River and Kareeya moment of truth. Spanish bullfighters refer Power Houses; but for them, there would be to the test as the moment of truth, and a complete black-out from Mackay North. another phrase connected with bullfightin(7 which I learned a long time ago was "Guid~ Something should have been done 20 del toro". Some of us have been lucky years ago to correct the situation. If honour­ enough to be tested and not found wanting. able members opposite cannot understand 346 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

{hat, they cannot understand fundamentals. inspection of every addition by an instal­ Perhaps now they will be able to under­ lations inspector, which would ensure that a stand why we in North Queensland sometimes high standard of electrical safety was main­ say in frustration that we should have had a tained. We cannot afford to mess around separate State in North Queensland. Decisions with electricity, so installation inspectors are taken in the southern part of the State affect a necessity. our daily lives, and the people of Far North This year Cairns is celebrating its con­ Queensland say, "When this Government talks tenary. I am on the inaugural executive about a decentralised State, we know that committee which started work on arrange­ control is centralised in Queen Street and ments about 12 months ago. In the Gover­ decisions are taken there that affect us nor's Opening Speech attention was drawn from day to day." Although the initial cap­ to the success of the Queensland Govern­ ital cost of hydroelectric powerhouses may ment Tourist Bureau's publicity campaign, be greater than that of conventional coal­ and it was mentioned that despite the fired powerhouses-it certainly would be economic situation there has been continued higher now than it was 20 years ago-their development of modern tourist complexes in construction pays dividends. North Queensland. Reference was also made While I am speaking of electricity supply, to the tourist seminar to be held in our I point out to honourable members that it has centenary year. come to my attention that the Government I draw attention to the obvious anomalies intends amending the Electric Light and in the tourist industry in Far North Queens­ Power Act to allow an electrical contractor land. The new Federal Government, as one to connect additions to an installation without of its first acts-I would call it an act a further check by an installations inspector. of vandalism-abolished the portfolio of That appears to be all right until one goes Tourism and Recreation. At the same time into the ramifications of what it will mean. it substantially cut the budget of the Austra­ I caution the Minister for Mines and Energy lian Tourist Commission, abolished all devel­ to look very closely at what might happen opment grants to the tourist industry and if the proposed amendment sees the light suspended short-term assistance to the !ourist of day. industry for accommodation. Its policy of I might refer to the case at Belmont re­ cutbacks is stifling the tourist industry. It cently in which a young child-I think it is killing incentive; it is abandoning the was a 12-year-old girl-either came home industry concept. from school or was left at home and, as r~ir. Lester: Would you do something about Australian children usually do, put the jug the high cost of motels in Cairns? I was on probably to have a cup of tea ready for up there recently and, frankly, I was shocked her mother when she came home from town. The jug had no earth-return wire and she put at the cost. it on a stainless steel sink. It had never been Mr. JONES: I heard that the honourable inspected, and the child was electrocuted. member for Belyando was in Cairns. I That is the type of thing we can understand he attended the wrong church. expect to happen if the amendment is agreed I am sure it was an ecumenical action; the to. General-purpose outlets will be left with­ honourable member surely should know the out an earth. There will be switches on lights difference these days. I believe he even and power outlets not controlling the active congratulated the minister on the mass. It conductor. There will be ranges, hot-water was very interesting to hear some of the systems and luminaries without an earth. comments from the locals. I am not sure There will be bare joints in cables under whether he was the fellow who went to houses that will also be accessible to children. sleep on the seat outside the motel,_ but I Under the present Act, the entire instal­ will tell that story on another occaswn. lation and appliances present are required to I will develop my argument about the high be checked. It will be appreciated that many costs of Far North Queensland and explain faulty appliances and flexes and general­ for the edification of the honourable member purpose outlets without earths are found just why we are in that position today. during check inspections by installation in­ It is one of the effects of the abolition of spectors employed by the boards. Statistics the portfolio of Tourism and Recreation aJ?d reveal that this type of fault is the most the substantial cuts in assistance to the tounst prevalent cause of electrocution in Queens­ industry. To me it is not only a cutback land. If the Government is considering intro­ but a slow-down. It is a sell-out of the ducing legislation of that type, as I understand Queensl.and tourist industry. This State can­ it is, I warn it not to continue with it. If it not put up with that sort of treacherous is worried about costs that may be incurred treatment by the Federal Government. We in inspections, I suggest that it weigh them cannot afford to be restricted financially at against the lives of children and the unin­ this time. I do not believe that they are itiated. simply cutbacks. In a refined way the Federal The local authorities have a standard Government is calling it "pruning". In the charge for inspections by building, plumbing National Party concept I would be more and health inspectors. Perhaps the Govern­ inclined to call it "ringbarking". The Federal ment should be looking at a similar charge Government might as well have cut the by the supply authorities to cover the industry's throat and left it to die in the Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 347 dirt like a dog. Far too often North Queens­ he happens to represent the political party land suffers as a result of cutbacks in the that is in power at the time. Let us not tourist industry. No Government, State or build tourist roads as we build court-houses Federal, considers it to be an industry or in the Belyando electorate. Apparently the even recognises it on an industry basis. This honourable member had a court-house built has been the situation for far too long. in his electorate simply because he repre­ At least the Federal Labor Government sented it. It appears that there is not even a gave token recognition to it as a tourist need for the court-house; it is not yet staffed. industry by appointing a Tourism Minister We should not approach tourism in this It also started to make moves to way. We must learn about Government ensure that financial assistance would be investment in tourism in other Pacific granted to the industry. It is to be hoped countries. I could nominate the New Zealand that in the immediate future the tourist Government as the epitome of perfection m industry will be granted 'the same financial this field. It invests heavily in the tourist tassistance as that given to the primary industry and operates chains of luxury producers. hotels at key tourist spots. We could also I realise that the present situation is not look at Fiji, Hawaii and similar places to the fault of the Government alone; the tourist get a better idea of what to do. Over the industry, too, is partly to blame. For years we must have learnt something. But example, there are far too many tourist what did the Federal Government do? It associations, nearly all of which lack finance cut out the tourist portfolio and said it does and the necessary know-how. This State is not believe that what was being done was divided into regions that correspond roughly reasonable, even though tourism generates with tourist destinations. Each region should millions of dollars each year. The cost contain one tourist association employing a anomalies between international and domestic full-time promotional officer. Such an officer flights should also be investigated with a is employed in Cairns. Further, the State view to their removal. Government should underwri,te the cost of Between 1972 and 1975 our tourist industry annual seminars or conferences of tourist was thriving with an annual increase of officers. Combined promotional activities about 30 per cent. In the winter months should also be organised. in those years, accommodation could not The sum of money that is set aside to cope with the demand, irrespective of cost, promote Queensland as the holiday State is and tourists had to be diverted to the sur­ very meagre indeed. There is a need for the rounding shires. The increase in accommoda­ Federal Government to realise the importance tion facilities was not keeping pace with the of the tourist industry, an industry that earns 30 per cent increase in tourists. That was millions of dollars not. only for Queensland a reflection of the economy of the day, and but for Australia as well. The industry must what is happening today is a reflection of be taken seriously on an industry basis. It how Governments are handling the present is big business. Catering for tourists is a economic situation. specialised and serious business. Statistics on the tourist industry are very Instead of containing the Australian Tour­ limited. Since 1967 I have been getting ist Commission, the Federal Government the yearly total of tourists visiting certain should have expanded it. It limited the attractions in my area. I concentrated on the commission's budget and made available to Kuranda rail tour in the belief that every­ it an almost infinitesimal amount. I cannot one \\ho comes to Cairns goes on that trip. urge too strongly the need to organise the The following are the yearly totals of tourists tourist indus1ry as an industry and to make visiting Kuranda by rail- Government grants and subsidies available to Number of it. Year Tourists 37,334 I would draw an analogy between beef 1967 1968 36,522 roads and tourist roads. Beef roads are an 37,680 excellent concept; so why not construct 1969 1970 47,196 tourist roads? The Bruce Highway from 1971 53,196 Brisbane to Cooktown comes to mind. 1972 57,512 Mr. Lester: What about from Roma to 1973 71,039 Emerald, Clermont and Charters Towers? 1974 74,341 1975 96,146 Mr. JONES: Any honourable member could think of roads in his electorate that The monthly breakdown of figures for the are appropriate for upgrading as tourist first seven months of 1975 and 1976 shows roads. But the concept is not recognised the following:- even by the State Government. I am putting it forward to Government members so that Month No. in 1975 No. in 1976 they can take it to their caucus meeting and January .. 7,162 7,668 February 1,835 1,856 tell the Minister for Tourism what is needed. March 3,133 2,120 It is important, however, that the con­ April 5,021 4,309 May 13,347 10,162 struction of tourist roads follow a set pat­ June 8,879 8,183 tern. It is useless constructing such a road July 12,889 11,390 in the electorate of a member simply because 348 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

That indicates a definite falling off between facing. The cost of transport from the main October and March this year. tourist markets is one of the strongest factors. Mr. Casey: That is the first big drop in I read with some apprehension an article in years. "The Cairns Post" of Tuesday, 7 December 1976, that rail charges might rise by 13 per Mr. JONES: Yes, since 1957. cent in the State Budget. In that case, the Mr. Lester: Does that relate only to position will be worse. It is far more expen­ Cairns? sive to travel to Far North Queensland by air than it is to go to New Zealand, Fiji, or Mr. JONES~ Those figures relate only to other Pacific destinations. Now, an increase the Cairns-Kuranda railway. That is the of 13 per cent in rail fares would really only indicator I could get. No doubt the throw a spanner in the works. fi.gu;es for the Green Island trip have fallen sm11lar!y. I have tables setting out beds and The Bruce Highway is bad news for motor­ :ooms available for visitors. The indication ists. In wet seasons it is often closed. Not 1s that over-all we are falling back this year. enough money is being spent to upgrade it. It is not considered to be a tourist project. The point I make is that this is the centenary year in Cairns. For over 12 The incentives to travel by car to Cairns are months prior to 1976 we were planning for non-existent. I would be prepared to put our centenary year. Yet, despite all of our forward a case for motorists to have their planning and despite all the conferences that cars transported to Far North Queensland on flat-top railway wagons. But if rail freights are ~o.ming to Cairns, which should have put the 1cmg on . the cake? we are falling back. are to be increased by 13 per cent, that will Our oyer-all mcrease, mstead of being 30 per probably put the kibosh on that form of cent,. 1s about 2 per cent. So we are barely travel. lt is a long way to Cairns for car holdmg our ground in this our centenary travellers, and bus and train travel are not year. We are fearful about what may happen very attractive for most Australian holiday­ next year. makers. However, car travel is the cheapest form of transport and the one most used by Mr. Lester: You are dearer than a lot of people who come to my area. An extract other places. from the 1971 Australian National Travel lVIr. JONES: I am coming to that. Some Association report gives the following figures definite decision must be taken on what we of transport used by visitors in Queensland are going to do about things being dearer in and they are the only ones that I could North Queensland. I believe that this calls find- for Government action. Mainly car 58.7 Train 8.1 I refer to an article in "The Australian" of 27 August concerning the tourist industry in Coach 12.8 Australia. The story is about, "Bluey Ocker, Sea 1.7 your average Melbourne working man." He Air 16.3 went into a tourist promotion place in Other forms 2.4 Melbourne. Whether it was a Queensland One of the first things to recognise therefore Government Tourist Bureau agency or not is the need for tourist roads. Development does not matter. The article reads- should proceed from there. "For $756, Qantas will fly Mr. Ocker The cost of accommodation is, as the 8878 kilometres to Hawaii and back. They Leader of the Opposition said earlier, caused will put him up for 15 days ... mainly by the extent of capital outlay on Dunk Island is only 2606 kilometres the building of motel units. Building costs a~ay from Melbourne, and one might are high in Far North Queensland and they t~mk that 15 days there would be sig­ are being accelerated by freight costs, which nificantly cheaper than flying to Hawaii. are high because of the great distance from "Not so. If Mr. Ocker had decided to manufacturing centres. The cost of labour soak up the sun at Dunk Island it would to operate accommodation places is also very have cost him $765 for only 14 'days. high. I think we need an award to cover "He might then consider somewhere the accommodation industry. Some pro­ closer. to home. Say, New Zealand? Qantas 'Prietors of tourist establi>shments provide finds Its most popul.ar New Zealand holiday very well for staff but they are in the min­ costs $642. That mcludes a return flight ority. I believe that full opportunity must 2636 kilometres to Auckland, and 16 days be taken to train staff for this industry in of tours and accommodation in most of Far North Quensland. the major centres on the North and South We must try to persuade big investors to Islands. enter the industry and we must assist them . "Hong Kong is a somewhat longer to negotiate loans at reasonable rates. We distance from Melbourne 8502 kilometres. have to see that proprietors are allowed a A Jet-about holiday, which also takes in proper rate of depreciation on swimming Manila, costs $752." pools and buildings and that the state of the That is slightly cheaper than going to Dunk industry is considered. We then have to Island. find out exactly where assistance is required. These are some of the problems that the Better roads are required on main tourist tourist industry in Far North Queensland is routes. Signposting in tourist areas is Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 349 urgently required. The Queensland Gov­ areas. I am very pleased that the coalition ernment should take the initiative in collect­ Government is attending to quite a large ing statistics for the tourist industry. The number of these problems and that I have initiative should also be taken in the training been successful in bringing several of them of people who wish to enter the tourist to the attention of the Ministers in our industry. I have no doubt that the Minister Cabinet. will refer me to what is being done at the, One of the most important and pressing college at Ga1ton. I am aware of that but I problems in my electorate at the moment is do not think that it is being used to the the establishment of the Petrie Terrace State best advantage. More money should be Pre-school Centre. This centre will have made av,ailable to develop national parks and one pre-school unit attached to it and will assistance should be given for the develop­ be located in Moreton Street, Petrie Terrace. ment of tourist facilities in remote areas. Over a period I have asked numerous ques­ Consideration should also be given to the tions of the Minister for Education on this staggering of school holidays between States matter. The Minister has accompanied me to encourage looal travel. We must also look to inspect the site and I am very pleased to at the marketing methods of the Queensland say that the building will be commenced in Government Tourist Bureau. the very near future. I feel that this is a Mr. Newbery: There is some staggering service which will be of great benefit to already but it has not gone far enough. the Petrie Terrace area generally because it has two schools in the disadvantaged Mr. JONES: A.N.T.A. should be looking schools category. In the meantime we are at this matter and influencing the Govern­ extremely fortunate to have the services of ments of other States, and the Federal Gov­ a pre-school teacher attached to the Petrie ernment, to come to some arrangement. Terrace State School. She is doing a mar­ I also believe that devaluation of the dollar vellous job but she is limited in the number may assist the tourist industry. There should of children she can work with because of be depreciation allowances on income-pro­ the small area allotted to her. ducing buildings. We should be looking at The ready availability of pre-school Australia-wide promotion of domestic tour­ education to the greatest possible number of ism, perhaps through A.N.T.A. There should children in Queensland is, of course, the also be a reduction of aircraft fuel taxes on policy of this Government, and I endorse domestic airlines for tourist flights. Airlines this policy in all respects. But I feel it is should be encouraged to provide more jnno­ extremely important that pre-school develop­ vative fares and package tours. They could ment in Queensland should not be achieved provide concessions for advance purchase and at the expense of organisations like the for pre-determined routes marked on a stop­ Creche and Kindergarten Association and over basis. Domestic charters could be more kindergartens in the community generally. heavily marketed than at present. Long­ I feel that the State pre-school system and term low-interest finance should also be pro­ the Creche and Kindergarten Association vided for the tourist industry. have a joint role to play in pre-school educa­ (Time expired.) tion in Queensland. Mr. YOUNG (Baroona) (4.4 p.m.): In Looking at the other end of my electorate, rising today to add my contribution to the and in particular at the Kelvin Grove area, debate on the motion for the adoption of it is most unfortunate that the old police the Address-in-Reply to the Governor's station was converted to house a police dog Opening Speech, I again with pleasure place unit rather than a pre-school centre. I feel that if the pre-school centre had been built on record my loyalty and that of my con­ in conjunction with this establishment, con­ stituents to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. struction costs would have been greatly I also thank His Excellency the Governor reduced and the Kelvin Grove area would of Queensland, Sir Colin Hannah, for the have been provided with a pre-school service manner in which he delivered his Opening sooner. But the formation of a police dog Speech this session. unit in the Kelvin Grove area has served one I feel that we in Queensland are indeed purpose; there are now more police in the fortunate to have a man like Sir Colin area, plus a few police dogs, and the local Hannah as Governor. He has proved that residents can rest easier at night. he is extremely dedicated to Queensland While discussing education, I would like and has Queensland's best interests at heart. to point out that the Baroona Opportunity I would also like to take this opportunity School is being expanded. It was one of to congratulate the two new members the first schools to be opened in Brisbane; recently elected to this Assembly, particu­ it dates back well over 100 years. The larly my colleague the honourable member Education Department is currently buying for Clayfield, a man who I know will make adjoining land, and when the expansion is many worth-while contributions in this completed the school will have a very Chamber both for the good of his electorate appropriate mixture of original education and for the good of the State generally. architecture and some of the most modern In the Baroona electorate, as in the in Queensland. About $250,000 is being remainder of Queensland, we face ever­ spent on the project. I believe that the great increasing and demanding problems in all need in Queensland for special education 350 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply facilities such as opportunity schools is former Government from obtaining occu­ being recognised more and more and I feel pancy of pensioner units. I hope that the that this money is being very appropriately Minister will make it possible for these units and well spent. I am very pleased that the to become more readily available to many Minister for Works and Housing has visited elderly citizens. this school with me on occasions and con­ In the Baroona electorate, there is very sulted with the staff, teachers and interested little Housing Commission development and people on a few minor adjustments to the a high density of population. In my opinion, programme under way there. serious consideration must be given to imple­ Still discussing education problems gener­ menting redevelopment programmes in inner­ ally-! am also pleased with the interest city areas such as Petrie Terrace. Too often shown in my electorate in the Parliamentary houses are pulled down and replaced by education committee that is investigating large multi-storey office blocks that remain some aspects of the Education Department. unoccupied for many months, sometimes even It is very gratifying to find so many teach­ years. It would be a great step forward if ers and parents who are willing to sit down the Housing Commission could purchase some and offer constructive criticism. In this day of those old residences, renovate them and and age, one often finds that many people then offer them as rental houses to Housing knock just for the sake of knocking, and in Commission applicants. This would do more this inquiry, at least, one can take some for the redevelopment of inner-city areas comfort from the quality of the submissions than is done by pulling down all the available that are being made on various subjects. I housing in close proximity to the city and am particularly impressed with the submis­ replacing it with obnoxious multi-storey sions coming from various quarters in my office blocks, which will probably remain un­ electorate. occupied for a long time. I come to my final point on the subject I am pleased that many of my colleagues of education. In my electorate, two colleges on this side have suggested that there should of advanced education are very closely asso­ be no deposit on Housing Commission homes. ciated in the Kelvin Grove area. Therefore, I firmly support that suggestion. It is Liberal student accommodation is of great import­ Party policy. We believe that home-owner­ ance and poses a big problem. I was very ship is very important. Every Queenslander pleased when the Minister for Works and has the right to own a home. Once a Housing announced a few weeks ago that Housing Commission tenant has proved to there would be a $1,000,000-plus project for be a reliable person, surely the rent he has student accommodation in the Kelvin Grove paid should go towards the deposit on his area. It will help to accommodate about house if he wishes to purchase it, if there 114 students. Units of this type are a step in has to be a deposit. A demand should the right direction, but many more similar not be made for an additional $200 or institutions are needed because of the large $300. I hope the Housing Commission ~ill number of education facilities in the elector­ give that a great deal of thought, and ate. abolish all deposits on Housing Commission Probably one of the most serious problems purchase houses. facing the people of Baroona is housing, par­ Summing up my comments on the two ticularly housing for the aged. Pensioner most important aspects of housing in my units are always in extremely short supply, area, I say, firstly, that a sound investi­ and many more are needed in inner-city gation should be carried out into the pos­ electorates such as Baroona. In Ranley sible redevelopment of the inner-city area Grove Street, Paddington, just opposite my to ensure that it is not done on a willy­ electorate office, it is planned to build 20 nilly basis over a period of time, and, pensioner units. This will go a long way secondly, that Housing Commission tenants towards relieving the concern and distress of should be given an option to buy with­ the many aged people in Paddington. How­ out further cost to them by way of deposit. ever, 20 units is a mere drop in the ocean. Many more pensioner units are needed in We hear a great deal about transport inner-city areas if the emotional problems these days. I hope that the Minister for relative to housing of the elderly citizens Transport will give consideration to the are to be overcome. redevelopment of railway stations in my area. With a bus and rail co-ordinated transport Fortunately, there is now in Canberra a programme, the Milton Railway Station would Government more oriented to federalism be an excellent example of a place where than to centralism, more oriented to the a large car park could and should be devel­ individual than to the socialist policies of the oped. If that park were developed, people former Labor Government. I trust that the could park their motor vehicles in it and Minister for Works and Housing will do his then travel into the city by train. And utmost in urging the Government in Canberra I hope that in the near future it will be to remove a number of the unwarranted a fast and comfortable electric train. restrictions related to pensioner units that were imposed by the socialist Labor Govern­ I place on record my personal recog­ ment. These restrictions are causing great nition and appreciation of a number of concern, because many pensioners are being groups in my area that give me immense prevented by technicalities laid down by the assistance. The Blue Nursing Service and Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 351

St. Luke's Nursing Service are two organisa­ Fire Station is to close its doors. They are tions doing a tremendous job in caring for the doubtful whether the Roma Street Fire Station aged and sick in the Baroona electorate. can adequately look after the Paddington With their assistance I have been able to area. I am 100 per cent behind the people do my small part in making the lives of of Baroona in their desire to let the Metro­ those people just a little more comfortable. politan Fire Brigades Board know that they The Queensland Social Service League, Life are opposed most strongly to the proposed Line, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul closure of the Ithaca Fire Station. I have and the Salvation Army are always ready written to the Minister for Industrial Devel­ to assist with food orders and clothing and opment, Labour Relations and Consumer to provide a roof over the head for a Affairs about this matter, and in reply to family that has been turned out of its home. a question asked of him this week he said Without such organisations to help people that at present no decision to close it has generally, and to help me personally to give been arrived at. I am hopeful that the Met­ service to Baroona, the community would ropolitan Fire Brigades Board will recon­ be far worse off. sider the matter and will allow the fire station The health problems that confront the to remain open. Baroona electorate will be greatly alleviated The Baroona electorate is serviced by by the construction in Musgrave Road, Red many community groups, and one that I Hill, of a nursing home that will contain 90 wish to mention in particular is the local beds and provide a service to outpatients. Forum. This group came together over a Its construction is under way at present, and period and formed the Baroona Community local residents enthusiastically await its com­ Forum. I mention this Forum because it is pletion. Every week I receive inquiries from currently undertaking an out-of-school care people who ask when the doors will open programme at the Petrie Terrace State and when they will be able to make applica­ School, which is to be established from 4 tion for admission to the unit. A nursing October this year. As secretary of the home of this size in the inner-city area will Baroona Community Forum, I recommend be of great benefit not only to the resi­ its services to the electors of Baroona. I dents of Baroona but also to the people of trust that working wives and single-parent the whole of the city of Brisbane as well. families who are a little worried about the I compliment the Minister for Health on care of their children after school will avail the provision in Queensland of school dental themselves of the service to be offered from services. They are much needed in the State. 4 October at the Petrie Terrace State School. However, we in Baroona lack such a service, so I trust that in the near future the Min­ I could not conclude my speech without ister will give favourable consideration to referring to the Lang Park Police Youth the establishment of a school dental unit in Club, which is very near and dear to me. Baroona, preferably at the Petrie Terrace When established in 1948 it was the first State School. Baroona contains a number of Police Youth Club in Queensland. It has a disadvantaged schools, such as Petrie Terrace current membership of about 600 financial and Paddington, and is an area that is members, and is staffed by two police officers worthy of consideration in the provision of and 12 part-time and full-time civilian school dental services. employees engaged solely in fund-raising activities. It has been my pleasure for the The Riverside Expressway is of great past 12 months to be president of this Police benefit to my constituents. I have received a Youth Club. I was pleased to be given the number of phone calls from them, praising opportunity to serve the area in this capacity. the Government on its foresight in planning and constructing the expressway. It allows This is one area in which I whole-heartedly people who live in the western suburbs to support the Commissioner of Police. He has drive to and from town, even during peak finally come to grips with Police Youth hours, much more quickly than before. How­ Club problems in Queensland. He has accep­ ever, I wish to place in "Hansard" my oppos­ ted a reorganisation programme that has ition to any proposal to extend the expressway enabled a number of the policemen involved into the Petrie Terrace-Paddington-Red Hill to be promoted, and he is organising a two­ area. I am thankful to the Minister for Local week, live-in seminar for police staff attached Government and Main Roads for having in­ to Police Youth Clubs throughout Queens­ dicated quite clearly to the people on the land. He must be complimented on his north side of Brisbane that the expressway forethought concerning the movement in will not be extended. Queensland. With this knowledge, residents in my area Although the Commissioner of Police has who desire to do so have been able to sell shown some flair for the police club move­ their houses, renovate them or extend them. ment, he has not shown the same flair and They have been allowed to return to normal ability in his administration of the Juvenile suburban life. On the one hand, we are very Aid Bureau. I am afraid that the bureau is thankful for the Riverside Expressway; on being denigrated continuously by the police the other, we oppose strongly its extension administration. I will stand and be counted in into the Paddington area. this Chamber and elsewhere-any time, any­ The people of Baroona have expressed where-when our youth of Queensland are grave concern at the rumour that the Ithaca affected. I have said frequently in this House 352 Address in Reply (9 SEPTEMBER 1976) Address in Reply that it is the responsibility of the Govern­ bit behind that area, but, as the Burdekin ment-and this Government alone-to see had the highest sugar productivity in the that the future of our children remains para­ world, we were not shamed. The northern mount in our minds. We must ensure that district maintained its position until about children who come to the notice of the Police the mid-1960s, but in the past four years it Department for the first time are given the has slipped to the bottom of the scale, and benefit of a caution and are not charged this is causing considerable concern. The before a court. main reason for this is poor drainage. We I am extremely concerned about the effect have well over 120 ins. of rain a year and on residents of the Baroona area of the that is a lot of water to try to get rid of. proposed decentralisation of the Police With the increased demand for sugar, Department. It has been suggested that the higher prices and the recent expansion, all Police Traffic Branch, police mobile patrols available land in my electorate has been and the C. I. Branch should be decentralised brought under production. Some of this in the various police districts of Brisbane. I land, in its natural state, is far from suit­ trust that the Minister for Police will see that able for agricultural development; hence there the number of motor-cycle and car patrols is is an urgent need for an intensive survey of not reduced in my electorate. We must the drainage needs of the wet tropic beLt. ensure that the people of Brisbane, across Last year, the Minister for Water Resources the board, are given the utmost police super­ (Mr. Neville Hewitt) allocated $60,000 for vision of their suburbs so that their life, an initial over-view study. I am sure it will property and other possessions are safe. confirm that drainage of these northern cane­ Mr. K. J. Hooper: After the next election lands is an excellent national investment pro­ you will be back on the beat yourself. position. It is essential, however, that more funds be allocated to carry these investiga­ Mr. YOUNG: If I am, the honourable tions further. I certainly hope to see a member will be up in Inala doing his old further allooation in the forthcoming Budget act of strong-arming women and attacking because now is the right time to proceed with unionists. drainage development. Mr. K. J. Hooper interjected. At this point I wish to give full recog­ Mr. YOUNG: All that the honourable nition and praise to those cane farmers in the member is good for is leaving his pants at Tully-El Arish district who have formed the side of Blunder Road. He raced off, but themselves into the Northern District Sugar they caught his shirt-tails. Industry Productivity Group. Each year this group runs a competition and gives awards I urge that street foot patrols in Brisbane to farmers who have achieved the best pro­ be increased. At night, in the city, in Forti­ ductivity over the year. The competition tude Valley and even in the Petrie Terrace creates a tremendous amount of interest. area, there is a great lack of uniformed The prizes are small but the kudos for win­ police. If the number could be increased, the ning is immense. citizens could take comfort. I hope that police decentralisation will not alter the The men in the group have the foresight effectiveness of the Police Force generally in to realise that this is the right time to pro­ Brisbane. ceed with drainage development and are advocating this most strongly to all of the Mrs. K.IPPIN (Mourilyan) (4.30 p.m.): cane farmers in their district. They know Firstly I wish to reaffirm my loyalty and that the cane farmers will consider drainage that of my constituents to Her Most Grac­ now because they realise that they have to ious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, and to her consolidate their industry to ward off pro­ family. This loyalty was demonstrated spective falls in profit. The disastrous wet clearly when her representative in Australia seasons of 1973 and 1975 generated amongst (Sir John Kerr) visited my electora'1:e a farmers the initiative and the climate couple of months ago. He was given a most for drainage improvement that is necessary to rousing welcome and I am very proud of sustain a fairly long-term development pro­ the people who organised it. Do you know, gramme. Mr. Deputy Speaker, that my shire cmmcil, The productivity group is asking not for which of course is Labor dominated, tried a hand-out but that the Government join until the last minute to withhold from the in this move to improve the economy of people the news that Sir John actually our State. They believe that this investment intended to visit the area? would stimulate added unemployment oppor­ I wish to devote my time today to the tunities and also added business confidence problems of agriculture in the wet tropics in my area. and, in particular, to two of our great prim­ Mr. K. J. Hooper: This speech came from ary industries-sugar and beef production. National Party headquarters. The main problem worrying the sugar pro­ ducers in this area is the relative drop in Mrs. KIPPIN: Let the honourable member productivity. Originally, our Far North just wait. I hope he does not leave before Queensland district out-produced every other I reach the end of my speech. district in North Queensland. With the expan­ There are further good, practical reasons sion of irrigation in the Burdekin area, how­ for the Government to become involved in ever, the Far North district fell a little this programme. In the first place, existing Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976) Address in Reply 353 legislation requires drainage works to have pastures is extremely expensive; and, what is the approval of the Irrigation and Water worse still, the maintenance of established Supply Department. In the second place, pastures is burdensome in the extreme. Government participation would give access It is therefore most important that cattle­ to loan programmes for funds necessary men on the wet tropical coast obtain for capital works and it would also provide maximum production and get the maximum the administrative and legislative machinery carrying capacity from their land. However, to recover the outlay. In the third place, the the lack of profit has caused graziers to Government would be able to ensure that all restrict their spending to the minimum. This beneficiaries contributed to the cost of the is showing up in the severe and widespread work programmes involved. This is nar­ deterioration of improved pastures in this ticularly important. area. It is causing headaches for the officers Those three points are most essential for of the Department of Primary Industries at the co-ordination of drainage works o·1er the South J ohnstone research station, but I long strips of the wet tropical coast. At the must give them a lot of credit because they moment there are a couple of drainage are doing their utmost to impress upon pro­ boards in my electorate but they do not ducers that we must not let the fertility of really cover a very large area and their benefit our pastures deteriorate to the point of no to the North is not really significant. Since return. Of course, this deterioration is due the granting of additional assignments, l mainly to overgrazing. We are not getting have received a flood of complaints over very much for our cattle so we are tending drainage or, in the main, the lack of it. The more and more to hold onto them. But present legislation does not cover situations coupled with this overgrazing is underfertilis­ that arise in very wet tropical areas where ing, and this underfertilising is causing the there are a number of farmers working very deterioration of the legume content of closely together; in the main, it is aimed at pastures. The legumes are dying out, which keeping water on a property rather than is most unfortunate because it is a fact that getting it off. legumes provide the cheapest source of I know of many farmers who are seriously nitrogen and once we lose them we need to affected by the "I'm all right, Jack" attitude use extra fertiliser. Once the legumes dis­ of their neighbours. In these cases the appe:Jr and the grass becomes shorter, we neighbouring farms are adequately drained suffer from tremendous weed infestation. but neighbours will not permit the pass:lge We have heard a lot about parthenium of water from another farm through theirs weed, but I venture to suggest that the prob­ in order to assist the general drainage of the lem of weed infestation in the wet tropics whole area. There is an urgent need for at the moment would rival those created drainage legislation to help sort out these by parthenium. However, the D.P.I. officers most serious problems. For this reason I at South Johnstone are firmly convinced appeal to the Minister for Water Resources that fertiliser is the answer to the problem, to station an officer of his department in although the trouble lies in convincing the Innisfail. He would then be on hand to gain farmer that he must fertilise to retain his a thorough knowledge of the integral prob­ pastures. This must bring smiles to the lems of the whole area and he would be faces of many of our conservationists because able to assist with the formulation of in the past the common cause of weed practical and effective legislation. infestation has been herbicide spraying. I also make an appeal to the Minister for Fertilising appeals much more to them­ Lands that, before further areas of Crown and it appeals much more to me, too. land are subdivided and let out to farmers, The experimental work of the Department consideration be given to the drainage of the of Primary Industries is most convincing and area as a whole. It would be much easier the South Johnstone research unit has con­ to do that than to subdivide the land into ducted an extensive publicity campaign aimed smali packages, let it out and then try to at all producers. The unit started off with get half a dozen farmers to agree on how a a field day for bank managers, which I large area should be drained. I have learnt found most interesting because most pro­ of this difficulty from experience. Crown land ducers are going to need loans to purchase was subdivided and let out in the Mourilyan ferti' is er in the coming year. The officers mill area and there has been nothing but did a very good job. There were very few troub~e over drainage ever since. bank managers who left that field day not convinced that there would be a reasonable I move now to the problems of the beef economic return from fertilising. industry, in particular those of beef pro­ ducers in the wet tropics. These producers The next item on their programme was a are, of course, experiencing problems that are field day at Utchee Creek to show producers common to the rest of the industry. They their experimental plots. This is to be are simply not receiving an economic return followed up by a field day at King Ranch. for their product. The lack of funds is where their research results have been put accentuating their whole situation. The wet to commercial use. Their research findings tropical coast is an area in which it is very are practical, economic and commercially expensive to produce anything, and beef is viable, and they appeal to graziers. no exception. Prices of land are very high; We are facing the same problem on our rates are very high; the establishment of property. As I said, the weed infestation is 12 354 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

becoming quite frightening. I hope there think that the committee would jeopardise will be many other producers like ourselves the viability of any other section of the in­ who will gather up their courage and start dustry. Of course, the main aim of the com­ to take the advice of these D.P.I. officers. mittee was to improve the lot of beef pro­ Too often we criticise them for being un­ ducers. practical, but they have rather a frustrating life. Here is a group of men who know they The honourable member for Mackay then have the answer but they just cannot get the criticised the performance of the Minister for industry to accept it at the moment. Primary Industries at the Rockhampton meeting of the Cattlemen's Union. I really While still on the subject of beef, I must do not know how he could do that, because say how disappointed I was with the speech he was not there. The Government was very of the honourable member for Mackay. I well represented at that meeting. Three Min­ regret that he left the Chamber just before isters were in attendance-the Minister for ~ st~rted to spea~, but I hope he is listening Primary Industries, the Minister for Lands, m h1s room. He IS capable of making a much Forestry, National Parks and Wilqlife Ser­ better speech than the one he made. With vice and the Minister for Water Resources. so many problems in the beef industry, his What more appropriate Ministers could there speech condemning people in the industry be to attend such a meeting? Two members who have tried to help did nothing to aid of the committee-Mr. Sam Doumany and the efforts the Government is making. It 1-also attended that meeting. I am sure was obvious to me that his vindictive distor­ we were all very proud of the performance tions of the facts were fed to him by the of the Minister for Primary Industries. We A.L.P. Who else has a vested interest in went not knowing whether we would be encouraging a split amongst beef producers? under fire. We went there to explain our The honourable member's speech contained attitude to the re-organisation of the Aus­ much criticism of the liaison between the tralian Meat Board, and six different proposals United Graziers' Association, which for a were put up on that subject. We were very long time has been the only organisation in pleased to see that, after the Minister spent the industry, and the Government. That is nearly an hour explaining our proposals and ~bsolutely ludi~rol!s. It is essential that every answering questions from those present, the mdustry orgamsatwn have good communica­ meeting adopted unanimously the report of tion with the Government, and the Govern­ the beef committee set up by the State Gov­ ment must take notice of industry organisa­ ernment and its proposals for the re-organ­ tions and the wishes of the members of .those isation of the Australian Meat Board. organisations. The next criticism in the speech of the The honourable member for Mackay then honourable member for Mackay was that the went on to criticise the composition of the Minister did not have the intestinal fortitude committee set up by the State Government to criticise the union at Rockhampton but to inquire into the beef industry, and he crit­ came home and did it from Brisbane. That icised the Government members on it. I was a very unfortunate statement because point out that every Government member what happened was not the fault of the on it is actually involved personally in beef Minister. Once again it was the result of production. misreporting in the Press. When I read what He also said that various sections of the the Press reported I was absolutely horrified. industry, such as the retailers and .the meat­ The Minister had not indicated to me in workers' union, were not represented. I point Rockhampton that he felt that the Cattle­ out that these sections of the industry are men's Union should not form an organisation. making a reasonable profit and are not in a When I rang to check with his office I was position similar to that of the beef pro" given the text of the Press release that had ducers. Of course, the committee was set been given to the media. Whereas the media up specifically to look at the problems of reported that the Minister had said that the beef producers. union should not break away, what he actu­ The honourable member also criticised the ally said was that he hoped all beef produc­ stabilisation scheme that was discussed and ers would eventually form themselves back finalised only a week ago. Because it has into one organisation so they would not been to Cabinet, details of that scheme strengthen their representation at all levels. have not yet been released; yet the honour­ Everyone involved in politics knows the able member for Mackay thought that he power of numbers. The Minister made the knew enough about it to put forward con­ point of contacting one of the union mem­ sidered criticism. I should like to know who bers and explaining the situation to him. fed him that information. From the text of That was accepted in good faith by the his speech, I should say that it certainly was union. not the United Graziers' Association! The honourable member for Mackay men­ The committee has considered all levels tioned only the E.E.C. market. To a large of the industry and all parts of the industry. extent we have lost that market. He did Members of the committee are well aware of not mention the Japanese market at all. We the fact that 80 per cent of Queensland's have a lot to thank the Premier and Minister production begins with cattle on the hoof for Primary Industries for in this respect. here and ends with meat in boxes over­ We all know that but for the Premier's seas. It would be very foolish indeed to "no beef, no coal" initiative we probably Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 355

would still not have beef going to the Japanese Mrs. KIPPIN: Shame, all right! Many !ll!i~k~t. At the same time as the Premier's business houses in North Queensland have Im_ti~t!Ve was under fire in Queensland the had to close their doors and are losing JY!u;uste: for Primary Industries was nego­ money as a result of the strike. Tremen­ tlatmg m Japan. Honourable members will dous inconvenience and upheaval have been rem.ember the tirade by the Opposition caused to householders in the area. agamst the Premier. Those honourable mem­ bers had very little -foresight. The present serious situation in the North The committee has thoroughly investigated underlines the need for the Government to ~ll sh?rHerm and long-term aspects of take a very close look at an alternative 1mprovmg the return to beef producers. How­ means of generating electricity. The honour­ ever, we do realise that it is very important able member for Cairns criticised the that any scheme introduced should be the Premier's comment that North Queensland right. scheme. We have the example of does not have sufficient water supplies to Med1bank, a scheme that was not the right support another hydroelectric scheme. ~cheme but which is being rejuvenated and Reports seem to indicate that this is so. I Improved. Medibank is running into a lot would indicate to the honourable member of problems, and we do not want to experi­ for Cairns that, although North Queensland ence that sort of thing in the beef industry. has a heavy rainfall in the early part of the year, it has not rained there for the past I am disappointed that the A.L.P. has not two months. Admittedly a few points .of had n;-ore to say about the beef industry. rain fell a couple of week-ends ago, but It mamtains that it is going to win back the water supply in the rivers of North a lot of the country seats from the National Queensland is dwindling rapidly. In fact, Party, but it has a long way to go. if the strike continues for much longer and Mr. Frawley: It won't if the honourable the hydroelectric schemes are called upon member for Archerfield goes around cam­ to generate much beyond their normal paigning in country electorates. capacity, towards the end of the year the North could face a shortage of water for Mrs. KIPPIN: I know the honourable mem­ the generation of electricity. I hope for ber for Warrego welcomes the honourable the sake of the people of North Queensland member for Archerfield in his electorate. that the irresponsible employees at Collins­ The only initiatives on behalf of the beef viHe realise the folly of their actions and industry that have been promvlgated by the return to work. A.L.P. to this point are propusals that the Mr. JENSEN (Bundaberg) (4.58 p.m.): beef committee put up over 12 months ago. I join with the citizens of Bundaberg in I can remember an occasion wr~n two days reaffirming our loyalty to Her Majesty the of concentrated effort was devoted to for­ Queen and her representative in this State, warding a submission to Senator Wriedt, who Sir Colin Hannah. I congratulate the new was then the Federal Minister for Primary members for Clayfield (Mr. Brown) and Port Industry, before the Federal Budget was Curtis (Mr. Prest) and welcome them to the brought down. Unfortunately, we did not House. I also wish to congratulate the succeed, because as soon as the Federal honourable member for Ashgrove on his Minister got wind that we were sending down promotion to the Ministry. I don't know a proposal which would mean the expenditure how he made it; he must have been a 100/1 of money he initiated an inquiry by the shot. Nevertheless, he is now in the I.A.C. into the beef industry. Ministry and therefore receives my con­ Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Gunn): gratulations. I congratulate Mr. Knox on Order! I would suggest that honourable mem­ his appointment as Treasurer and Mr. bers on my right hold their special meeting Campbell on his elevation to the position of outside the Chamber. Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party. I do not know whether they will get any further, Mrs. KIPPIN: He gave the commission but as they have been appointed to their three months to report back, which effectively very high posts I offer them, too, my delayed the presentation of that report until congratulations. after the Federal Budget. That relieved him of the duty of giving any finance to the As this is the Address-in-Reply debate, I beef industry. intend to go through the Governor's Open­ ing Speech in detail. At the outset, the Mr. Jensen: Have you finished with Mr. Governor praised Sir Gordon Chalk for Casey yet? what he had done for Queensland and also Mrs. KIPPIN: Yes. I am sorry that the for us as parliamentarians. I am sure that honourable member for Mackay was not all of us in the House fully appreciate what here before. I cannot reiterate everythina he has done for the State and for ourselves I said, but it will appear in "Hansard'' and and would wish him well in his retirement he will have an opportunity to read it. from Parliament. He has not, of course, retired from the business world. Before concluding, I wish to condemn the power strike in North Queensland. The Governor went on to mention the construction of a dam on the Brisbane River A Government Member: Shame on them! at Wivenhoe. He said that planning had 356 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply been carried out by the Co-ordinator­ asked that certain money be set aside to General's Department to augment the water subsidise the fares of juniors attending State supply to the Brisbane area in the 1980s. titles. They are subsidised when they attend All I would say about that is that if the Australian titles. Many of Bundaberg's junior construction of of the Wivenhoe Dam pro­ soccer players played in the Wide Bay team ceeds as slowly as the implementation of in the State titles. Two Bundaberg boys the Bundaberg Irrigation Scheme, we will are included in Australian teams. I know of not see the completion of the dam before no boys who were selected from other the 1990s. Queensland country cities. It cost our junior association some hundreds of dollars to The Governor said that approximately send the Bundaberg players to Townsville, 75 per cent of land in the area will be sub­ Brisbane and other places to compete in merged when the dam begins to store water the State trials. Each year boys taking part by mid-1981. Don't be fooled by that! With in soccer, Rugby League, athletics and swim­ the present slow rate of construction, the ming are sent to State titles. From State titles land will not be submerged for at least 10 they graduate to Australian titles and then to years after that date. the Olympic Games. Much has been said His Excellency referred to the upgrading about our failure at the Olympic Games. I of our coal exports. All of us are aware of shall not dwell on that, but I believe our the need for this upgrading. Our coal Olympic team did very well. We cannot industry is a primary industry, and the expect to beat everybody in the_world every primary industries of Queensland are the year, just as Bundaberg cannot expect to get backbone of the State. The people must be boys in the Australian team every year. educated to realise that. They do not seem This morning the honourable member for to realise that this country relies for its Marborough asked the Minister for Sport existence on primary industries. It cannot and Tourism how much had been paid to survive merely on the manufacture of bowls and golf clubs by way of subsidy. motor-cars, refrigerators, TV sets and wash­ I have referred each year to the money paid ing machines. The people of Sydney, to these clubs, which run their own raffles, Melbourne and Brisbane, however, seem to sell their beer at lower prices than hotels think that we derive our income from our and then approach Parliament for the right manufacturing industries. It is about time to make bottle sales as well. they were told the facts of life. The development of this nation has progressed Mr. Frawley: Are you against that? side by side with that of its primary indus­ Mr. JENSEN: Yes, I am against it when tries. Because our costs will not permit us they undercut the hotels. They can make to compete on the overseas markets, we will their money running raffles and selling beer. not gain those outlets for our manufactured The junior sports cannot do that. Last year. goods. if I took the figures down correctly this The Governor said- morning, $254,000 went to bowls clubs and "The Government, in its active pursuit $242,000 to golf clubs. From this year's of greater efficiency and economy in the annual report it is seen that this year $173,000 electricity supply industry, will introduce went to bowls clubs. At 13.1 per cent legislation . . . " of the total, that is the highest allocation. That is excellent. I only hope that the The golf clubs received $104,440. At 7.9 legislation means cheaper electricity through­ per cent, that is the second-highest alloca­ out Queensland. Such a proposal was con­ tion. Once again the golf and bowls clubs tained in Labor's platform in 1969 and have the highest and second highest alloca­ 1972. We said that we would rationalise tions of all sporting clubs in Queensland. But electricity supply and provide cheaper are they real sporting clubs? What do bowls electricity throughout the State. clubs do for junior sport in Queensland? Golf clubs do a little for the junior sport; A Government Member interjected. they train juniors and send juniors away Mr. JENSEN: The honourable member to the golf titles. Both golf and bowls should read what the honourable member for clubs want to sell bottled beer and still get Bulimba said at that time. the lion's share of the sporting fund. It is about time members of the Government Later in his Opening Speech the Governor parties did something about this. The Gov­ referred to claims lodged with the Small ernor referred to how well the Government Claims Tribunal. What he said is true. The was supporting sporting associations. I want it Small Claims Tribunal has been an asset to do more for juniors who attend the State to the people of Queensland. I only hope titles. I agree with the Governor's that it continues to operate in the same statement. way. "The Queensland National Fitness I am concerned about the Governor's Council for Sport and Physical Recreation reference to the scheme for providing continues to provide excellent facilities." assistance and encouragement to sport. l It deserves support. dealt with this matter in a speech I made in the Matters-of-Public-Interest debate. 1 The Governor then said- repeat that the Minister has still done noth­ "The Department of Commercial and ing for juniors who attend State titles. l Industrial Development will provide more Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 357

personalised service to decentralised being changed all the time. In those cir­ industry with the appointment of three cumstances, how can detectives get to know regional industry officers." the people and obtain information? I hope that one day we will have one in It is no good talking about training Bundaberg. Just the same, that move will academics to stop crime, because every time be good for the development of the State. a major crime is committed the Minister for But what has to be done is to relieve small Police-not the present one-advertises for industries of the payment of pay-roll tax. I information, although the present Minister have spoken about this matter each year. I for Police is first up with a $50,000 reward. hope that some relief can be given to small The detectives used to get that information businesses. It is most important that they for the cost of a drink down at the pub, receive relief so that they can employ more but now, with all of the academics being apprentices or juniors in their £actories. trained like Sherlock Holmes to solve crimes, the department is getting nowhere. When­ The Governor said- ever a crime is committed, an Identikit like­ "The Department of Labour Relations ness of the suspect is obtained, but still the and Consumer Affairs is considering the criminal cannot be found. Now the depart­ introduction of a long service leave scheme ment is paying $50,000 to find suspects. on an industry basis ..." The day we regain our common sense and This matter has been argued for a long time. adopt the system of foot patrols that once We have hoped it would come about. I prevailed, when policemen were accepted as worked in the sugar industry for 30 years our friends and as men on whom we could and did not get any long service leave. There rely, we might have more crimes solved. is no long service leave in industry generally. But when we do get it, we should also fix The Governor said also- standard wages for industry generally. We "My Ministers advise that some $39 do not want demarcation strikes. million was spent in the past year by the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission In the sugar industry, the highest wage is on the development of water resources." paid to tradesmen and the sugar boiler. That I do not intend to say much about irriga­ wage is uniform in the sugar industry. It is tion, but we know that the Bundaberg Irri­ about time there was a standard wage gation Undertaking is lagging behind throughout all spheres of industry. I can­ schedule. It was to have been completed in not see why a fitter, a boilermaker, a plumber, 1976-77. Only Phase 1 of Stage I of the an electrician, a carpenter and a bricklayer, scheme will be completed by 1980. One year in whatever industries they are employed, of drought costs industry in Bundaberg are not on an equal footing. They are all between $50,000,000 and $60,000,000. But tradesmen and are concomitant. Each relies we cannot get another $3,000,000 or on the work of the others to build a house $4,000,000 to finish even parts of the scheme. or factory. Why should any one of them It was to be completed for an amount of be more important to industry? There $21,000,000. As a result of this procras­ should be a wage for tradesmen and a higher tination, the cost has escalated to over wage for specialised tradesmen. If that $30,000,000. It has been going on for too system is not adopted, we will continue to long. When a scheme is started an effort have strikes and demarcation disputes. should be made to get it finishd before others I agree with the Governor's remarks about are started and money is handed out all over the reorganisation of police regions. I also the place. The scheme is too far behind. A agree with the suggestion that foot patrols be drought next year would cost the industry reintroduced. The sooner that comes about, $50,000,000, and about 75 per cent to 80 the better. It is the foot-patrol policeman per cent of sugar now produces export who knows the people. He walks among income. It is about time the Government the people and talks to them. I have said woke up to this situation. in this House on previous occasions that the For the information of the House I shall policeman in the motor-car does not know read the last part of a newspaper editorial on the people and cannot get on with the people. 13 August. It said- He does not meet the people, whereas the "If something is not done quickly by foot-patrol officer does. either the State or the Commonwealth the A few years ago Bundaberg lost its best outlook is a melancholy one. In the eyes of policemen because, after 15 years there, they the public, there would stand works had to be transferred. There was never already costing nearly $25 million of public much crime in Bundaberg in those days funds and no effective use being made of because the detectives knew when any new­ them; a massive water storage would lie comer entered Bundaberg. They would virtually unused, only a few miles from simply walk among the people and say, the farms needing that water, and hund­ "Have you seen somebody new in the town?" reds of farmers being ready to pay for it. In that way they would have him before he What they will think if a severe drought did any damage. Today, the people do not occurs within a couple of years does not know half of the new policemen there bear contemplation." because the police do not get around and do That is quite true. The scheme should have not talk to the people. The detectives are been finished this year. The last drought was 3:58 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply in 1969, and this scheme could have been tiddler to show mummy what he caught. He completed before another came if the work cannot even take it home to give it to the had been carried on. cat. The Governor then went on to deal with Mr. Newbery: He can now. the electrification of the railways. I must say, after being in Japan and seeing the electric Mr. JENSEN: It's changed again? That's trains in that country, that some advice on very good. Then I will not call him the electrification should have been sought from "Minister for Tiddlers." I was going to tell Japanese experts. In Japan one can travel by him that if I went out fishing with my train the distance between Bundaberg and grandson and he caught a little fish, nobody Brisbane in two hours. It takes me from in the world would take it from him; he 10.30 at night till 7 o'clock the following would take it home. So I am very pleased morning to make that trip. When it takes to see that somebody has talked some sense 8t hours to travel the distance that can be into the Minister. travelled in Japan in two, something needs I liked what the Governor said in his to be done about it. Opening Speech about harbours. We want to Mr. Powell: That is if they are on time. see the Burnett Heads harbour completed as soon as possible, and I know the Minister Mr. JENSEN: If a train in Japan is a is with me on that. minute or two late, an apology is made to I want to mention the development of the passengers. I can walk on the station at North Queensland. I see that the honourable Bundaberg at 20 past 10 and find there is member for Mourilyan has left the Cham­ no train there, even though I may have been ber. I wanted to ask her why beef is so told half an hour before that it would be expensive in Japan. We are always talking on time. On making inquiries 20 minutes about the Japanese market. I think the posi­ later, one is told, "Oh, it'll be here soon." In tion with beef is a little like what occurred Japan an apology is made if the train is a with our sugar exports, the big rake-off went couple of minutes late. If it is 10 minutes to the refineries in Japan. When I was in late it will be rammed from behind by Japan recently, I found that all meat is another train travelling at 140 miles an hour. sold in portions of 100 g, which is less than But here there is no apology if passengers a quarter of a pound. I think 453.6 g is the have to wait in the cold for half an hour equivalent of 1 lb. When we worked out the because the train has been held up some­ price we found that mince was $10 a lb.; where. No-one in the railways seems to know steak was $16 a lb. and the special beer­ from one minute to the next what is fattened steak was $20 a lb. Why is beef happening to the train. bringing those prices in Japan? We are sup­ I have noticed whilst coming to Brisbane posed to be exporting beef to Japan, yet we by train that the interchange facilities at sub­ are not getting anywhere near that price. Let urban stations have improved. I have noticed the Government's beef barons get onto that. that from Petrie into the city there are car­ Our sugar industry was similarly affected parking facilities that were never there before. because the refineries in Japan were putting I know that area quite well because I once their own price on the sugar after they had lived there. It has been improved considerably. purchased it from us. They are doing it with The honourable member for Cairns men­ beef. The people in Asia are hungry for tioned air fares and the cost of air travel to beef. What hurt us most on our trip was the his area. The Governor also mentioned people of different countries asking us why tourism in Queensland. It is certainly time we paid our farmers to shoot cattle when that some thought was given to air fares in those people are starving for beef. This this State and nation. In Western Australia was featured on their television and radio people say, "'Why go to Sydney or Brisbane? and in the newspapers. They asked us why We can fly to Singapore for the week-end we were paying Australians to shoot cattle and do shopping cheaply. We don't want to and then burying them. To the Indonesians fly to Brisbane or Sydney. The fares are too it was a scandal, and we copped it in Singa­ high and accommodation is too dear. We pore, Japan and Korea. Those countries would sooner fly to Singapore." Internal air want our beef, and yet we are talking about fares are too high for the good of tourism. the problems of our beef industry. We are There should be tourist fares throughout told that those countries want to take us Australia. over, and it will not be long the way this The Governor also mentioned the new Bill country is going. to be introduced concerning the fishing indus­ Mr. Ahern: It is their Government's fault. try. It must be regarded as very important to be mentioned in that speech. The Minister Mr. JENSEN: It probably is their Gov­ for Aboriginal and Islanders Advancement ernment's fault, but something has to be and Fisheries is at present in the House. ironed out about beef prices, the same way From what he said the other day, I think he we ironed out the problems in the sugar will be known as the "Minister for Tiddlers." industry. The beef industry is facing serious A couple of months ago he was going to problems and yet the Japanese are paying allow the kids to take home the little fish $10 a lb. for mince. I did not eat meat over they catch, but he has changed his mind there; I did not know whether it was buffalo again. A poor little kid cannot take home a or not. Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 359

I now want to talk about the new designs Originally, the Works Department would not in building which will necessitate changes in allow them to go into the houses, but the teaching techniques. A couple of weeks ago teachers went to the Public Service Board I saw the new prefabricated building at the and got permission to go in. As I said, it is new North Bundaberg High School. This about time they were pushed out. prefabricated classroom is worth about Let me turn now to primary industries, $20,000. It has carpeted floors and sliding which I have called the backbone of this glass windows. The teachers in the school country. Honourable members opposite are fighting for the right to use that class­ know as well as I do that Australia is room; they would rather use it than the being priced out of its overseas markets. classrooms in the main building. These Income from primary industries in Queensland prefabricated classrooms, which cost $20,000, is about $2,000 million a year, and I read are as big and as comfortable as a pre­ in a newspaper yesterday-! think it was school which costs $100,000. the Bundaberg newspaper-that the National It was said in the Opening Speech that Bank says that the drop in Queensland's about 70 new pre-schools will be constructed. export income this year will be about The Works Department could provide five 16 per cent. No-one seems to want to prefabricated classrooms for use as pre­ educate the people on this subject. It is all schools at a cost of $20,000 each instead of very well to say it, but somebody has to constructing one pre-school at a cost of convince people that these industries pro­ $100,000 and this would mean an additional duce the revenue on which we live. 350 pre-schools this year instead of 70. All This country does not derive revenue from the department would have to do would be overseas from the manufacture of motor· to build little toilets and washbasins on the cars, refrigerators or television sets. Australia side of the classroom, which would bring had to borrow $324,000,000 about a month the cost up to about $25,000 as against ago from the International Bank and $100,000, in other words, about a quarter $200,000,000 from America in June. Now of the cost. it is proposed to borrow another $300,000,000 We now have a pre-school in almost every from Germany to keep up our overseas section of Bundaberg. Most of them cater balances. What has happened? Australia, for 50 children in the morning and 50 child­ perhaps the greatest primary-exporting ren in the afternoon. They were built at a country in the world, is having to borrow cost of about $100,000 each, but they are overseas because it is losing its markets. exactly the same size as the new prefabricated The honourable member for Fassifern asked classrooms. Works Department spokesmen whether the Australian dollar should be talk about saving money, and yet this goes devalued. Yesterday's "Telegraph" mentioned on. I wanted to raise the subject today devaluation. The value of the Australian because it is most important. dollar has declined by 16 per cent in two The Works Department can look at pro­ years. The Whitlam Government brought viding permanent structures if and when the it down by about 7 per cent, and it has money becomes available, but people want since gone down by about another 9 per pre-schools now. We have them in Bundaberg cent. Devaluation has taken place in the and I do not see why other places should past, and it will be necessary to devalue the not have them. I do not see why we should Australian dollar again if this country is have to spend $100,000 on a little pre­ to retain its overseas trade. It is very school. important for people to know this. Towards the end of the Opening Speech Probably 95 per cent of Australians do the Governor mentioned that a Bill to pro­ not read the financial pages in the news­ vide housing for certain Crown employees papers. They are like members of this Par­ will be introduced during this session. I liament in that respect. They look at the believe in the provision of more homes. The front page to see who has been killed, then Works Department purchased homes in Bun­ turn to the sports page and read about daberg on the site of the proposed new racing and the pools. How many members technical college and people were put out of of this Assembly read the financial pages those homes. Before they could be put up in the newspapers to learn something about for sale for removal so that additional mini-Budget predictions and whether or not grounds and parking areas could be made the dollar should be devalued? They do not available for boys attending the technical read them. college, teachers asked fo.r permission to live Unless the workers of this country are in them. Teachers from the technical col­ educated by somebody pretty soon, it will lege were allowed to live in them after the be taken over. Yesterday Hawke tried to stop former occupants had been kicked out. Those the strike on the waterfront by resolving a teachers have not made any effort to move demarcation dispute between the Transport out-one has been there since before Christ­ Workers' Union and the wharfies. If it is mas, in what is supposed to be temporary not the Transport Workers' Union on strike, accommodation-and it is about time they it is the Storemen and Packers' Union. It were pushed out and made to look for other goes on day after day, reducing the country's accommodation. Other people have to do export income. When Hawke tried to clear it. Preference is always given to teachers, it up, they took no notice of him. Some­ and eventually they have to be pushed out. body has to educate the workers. 360 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

Let us send some of the union heads want another $10 a day. I don't mind anybody to Indonesia and other places that members getting fair wages. People can talk about me. of this Parliament visited recently. Let them I will get up on that one. But $10 a day see how the people in those countries live at Collinsville! What about the other cities? and work and how much money they receive. Collinsville is not such a bad place to live Let them see whether they would like to in. What about Charleville or Cloncurry? have similar conditions here when Indonesia Mr. Moore: What is wrong with Charle­ or Japan takes Australia over. They would not ville? like it, but they may have to take it. Japan could finish with Australian sugar, beef and Mr. JENSEN: Nothing. If they are worth coal in a couple of years, and it has already that in Collinsville, aren't they worth that said, "We won't stand it much longer. If much in other cities, too'! Why should the Australia cannot deliver on time and if Collinsville workers strike for $10 a day? prices are not right, we will buy elsewhere." Why don't they all go out? lf one gets it, they Japan is Australia's biggest market, and we should all get it. They were knocked back must do something about it. by the Industrial Commission and now they Government Members interjected. are going to hold out on their fellew work­ ers. They don't care very much about them. Mr. JENSEN: We must educate the work­ They say, "We don't care. None of us care." ers in some way, perhaps by sending them I believe that the station hands are on a overseas. If that cannot be done, newsreels 44-hour week and poorly paid. The unions are and lectures showing the conditions in other fighting for a 35-hour week now while the countries should be shown and given in the station hands are working a 44-hour week. factories. Let us show our people that we are They don't care about their fellow man. The living in a paradise. Of course, it's a fool's way I was brought up a man fought for his paradise. Let them go over and see the other mate. Today there is no such thing as a countries and decide whether they would like mate. Go for everything yourself, and to hell to live there. Let them go to China. Some with the others. "If I can get another $60 of my colleagues went there. Would they like a week, I don't care two hoots about my to live in China under the conditions there? mate." That is today's attitude. When he be­ Let them stand and say so. Japan has better comes unemployed, you don't worry about conditions than most Asian countries, even him. It's a case of, "I'm all right, Jack." That's though she was smashed to pieces during the the attitude. war, but Japan still has got nothing like our We have to start thinking of our fellow conditions. The Japanese work 10 hours a day man, but will we ever do it under our pres­ six days a week. Some overseas workers ent system? I can't see it unless there is even work 10 hours a day seven days a week. some re-education of people who try to run Some of our people say they want that type us down. What does socialism really mean? of Government or that type of rule, but I They are all talking socialism, but they don't don't want it here. I don't want it for my know the first thing about it. They don't care children or my grandchildren. It is about too hoots about their mates. I would like to time somebody woke them up. Let us tell have the ability to educate them, but I these people that we don't live on refrigera­ haven't got that ability. I think Hawke has, tors and TV sets. We have lived without but by the time he gets around to-- them before, and we will be living without Mr. Ahern: The way you are going you them before long if we lose our overseas will get National Party endorsement markets. We have been given the warning about our overseas markets, but noboLiy Mr. JENSEN: I don't want any of the seems to be taking any notice. National Party's endorsement. I know Mr. Hawke tries to do the right What about investment in industry? They thing when things go too far. But now some don't care about that, either. They're not unions are defying him completely. They have game to invest in a capitalist industry where no concern about anything; they feel that the employment is, but they invest in build­ what they think is most important to this ing societies and credit unions. Even the country. I don't think it is very important. trade union movement whacked its money They want to continue with the demarcation in but, as soon as there looked like being strike on the wharves and prevent our de­ trouble, it raced along to get its money out livery dates from being met. Let them look first-to hell with the others! out in a few years' time! I don't want the The trade unions didn't mind taking 9± type of rule that certain other countries have. per cent interest from their workers who want I have seen it and I don't want it. I know to build homes, but as soon as another com­ that people in those countries don't want it, pany pays 9t per cent to the shareholders either. They would love to have what we've who invest risk capital in it to develop this got here. They would love to have our liv­ country, those trade unions raise a hue and ing conditions with homes and everything cry. Union officials think it is quite all right else, instead of having whole families living to take 9t per cent from their memb~rs, in bare rooms. their mates, who are trying to build homes, The unions have to learn somehow by some and the moment any trouble seems likely, new method of education. All we have seen they dive in to get their money out, and to lately has been wage rises or strikes. Some­ hell with their mates. I referred to them body mentioned the power strike. The unions 1n this House as little capitalists, and for that Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 361

I was condemned by someone in Bundaberg. Mr. JENSEN: I am sorry, Mr. Deputy I wrote to the editor stating that that Speaker. Aren't you interested in this? is all they were-little capitalists who didn't care two hoots about their mates. Mr. Lamont: Ask us another question? The unions complain about capitalism and Mr. JENSEN: I am only trying to be profits made by industry. We never hear fair and to get people to understand that them talking about investment in the capitalist something must be done. industries that develop this country. Workers I would not give privileges to any section do not understand that their contributions to or any class. I know of a former employee workers' compensation, insurance and super­ in the Railway Department who, after 30 or annuation schemes are invested in these 40 vears' service, was charged in court be­ companie-;. The funds do not stay in the cause he was found to have a packet of bank and rot. They are invested, and their tobacco and a packet of cigarette papers on money t:rows and is paid to them when they him and it was alleged that he had stolen are sick or when they retire. They are them from a shop. He denied the charge, im;,:sted in these overseas companies, such as but he was convicted of stealing. For that ! itah. This money is the workers' money; he lost his job and lost all his accrued pay. but they do not seem to know that. We He was finished completely. must educate them. Who will go out :md rell these people that they are only fighting Mr. Lamont: Did he lose his job over it? against themselves? Mr. JENSEN: The honourable member Union officials want a dictatorship rule, knows that that is provided for in the Act. such as that in Indonesia, and a Communist rule, such as that in China; they want another Last year I referred to the cases of two kind of dictatorship, such as that in Japan workers in the Railway Department at Bunda­ and Korea. What do they need to see to berg who had been employed for over nine learn? That's what I want to know. months. The Railway Department found out that some years ago when they were 11 Mr. Elliott: They've never been better off. they had been convicted of some petty offence, so it dismissed them immediately. I Mr. JENSEN: Never been better off. referred their case to the Minister and believe that this Parliament would do well complained that what happened was totally to send six union ofTicials to have a look at wrong. They did not steal from the Railway what goes on in other countries. They would Department. come back, as l did, disillusioned, cynical .tnd critical. Let them see for themselves and let Mr. Powell: Did the union go out on them be asked, "Are those the conditions you strike? want?" Let them talk with the people who spoke with us, and then let us ask those Mr. JENSEN: No. Does the Transport union officials, "Are those the conditions you Workers' Union go out on strike when a \\ant in this country?" I know what they truck-driver in Bundaberg is fined for drink­ driving and loses his licence for two years? want; they \1 ant to take over this country. I hope they are not going to take over my Government Members: No. children and grandchildren. I don't care two hoots about myself; my life is just about over. Mr. JENSEN: Does it go out when a I am concerned, however, for those workers taxi-driver loses his licence? who think of their children. Government l\1embers: No. Mr. Frawley: You're going along like a Mr. JENSEN: And that is a conviction! train. I do not think any favouritism should be Mr. JENSEN: Maybe I am, but someone shown to school-teachers in the light of the has to do something, and the sooner the way they are treating families of other better. I am calling on the heads of our employees. They think they are a privileged trade unions that have the control of this community but so far as I am concerned party to do something. Mr. Hawke is trying they are not. The truck-driver should be just to do something; but is the Storemen and as privileged, and the railway worker should Packers' Union trying to do anything? be more privileged. Government Members: No! Mr. Moore: That is right. A railway worker who picks up a spud from the ground Mr. JENSEN: Is the Transport Workers' is "pinched" and loses his job. Union trying to do anything'! Mr. JENSEN: He can lose his long Govemment Members: No! service leave and all entitlements over 40 Mr. JENSEN: The unions would say, years. Honourable members know that as "Cause more hold-ups on the wharves .. Don't weil as I do. It is called double penalty. take any notice of Bob Hawke. Hold up We fought ag~inst the double penalty in our exports." · this House. We wanted a person who was convicted of drink-driving to be given per­ Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. Miller): mission to drive between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Order! I would ask the honourable member but we were knocked cold on that. \Ve to address the Chair. have never believed in double penalties. I 362 Ministerial Statements [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Ministerial Statements cannot accept that there should be one revised system presently existing is a vast system for the teachers and another for the improvement, the request by these associ­ railway workers. ations for further relief in terms of the pay­ (Time expired.) ment of 3 per cent of the net proceeds as the registration fee is worthy of consideration. PAPER It is further realised that the 3 per cent The following paper, by leave, was laid on funding is a drain on funds which would the table:- otherwise be used for the purpose of the Regulation under the Art Unions and association in assisting very worth-while Amusements Act 1976. causes. In line with the spirit of the regulations MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS which were formulated to encourage associ­ ations to raise funds, and not in any way to ART UNIONS AND AMUSEMENTS ACT obstruct them, I have recommended to the REGULATIONS Government that the regulations which Hon. W. D. LICKISS (Mt. Coot-tha­ became operative on 1 August 1976 in Minister for Justice and Attorney-General) relation to minor art unions be further (5.38 p.m.), by leave: I wish to make it amended so that the 3 per cent registration perfectly clear that the Art Unions and fee payable on minor art unions by these Amusements Regulations, which became associations whose purposes come within the operative in Queensland on 1 August 1976, ambit of regulation 16 will now be with­ were not designed to penalise any individual drawn completely. This will be replaced by organisation operating in that field but were a registration fee set at a standard figure introduced to assist those organisations. The of $5 for each association for each year. object in devising the new regulations was I am sure that this will be favourably to simplify fund-raising procedures for those received by all honourable members of the various organisations and associations­ House. organisations and associations which, I This will mean that an association run­ might add, work tremendously hard to raise ning minor art unions for any of the pur­ money for the betterment of the community poses listed in regulation 16 will pay a at large. maximum of $5 regardless of the amount At the same time we have a responsibility raised during the 12-month period. No other to ensure that the regulations afford a proper fee will be payable. I believe that this measure of protection for both the associa­ will be acceptable to those associations as tions and the public who so generously an expression of the Government's good support them. This protection should be faith so far as the people of Queensland capable of achievement without imposing are concerned in relation to their very worth­ heavy administrative requirements either on while activities. the organisation or on the Government. In At the same time it has been decided that other words we want to reduce paperwork the associations which are not i'ncluded in as far as possible while still retaining regulation 16 should also be given some efficiency. relief. It is proposed to do this by reduc­ It is only to be expected when regulations ing the present registration fee of 6 per of this nature are brought down incorpor­ cent of the net proceeds raised from minor ating significant changes that some anomalies art unions to 5 per cent of the net proceeds will occur. Certain anomalies have been raised. brought to my attention and it is desirable I am sure that ail honourable members that these should be corrected immediately. will agree that this concession will be wel­ Concern is being expressed in relation to comed by members of these associations and minor art unions and the cost thereof to the public generally. those associations ra1smg funds for the charitable, religious and educational purposes For the information of honourable mem­ included in regulation 16. To name but a bers, I have copies of the Queensland Gov­ few-Q.A.T.B., schools and surf life saving ernment Gazette Extraordinary issued today. clubs. Honourable members will have already CooKTOWN CoNVICTIONS realised the benefits to be derived in the Hon. W. D. LICKISS (Mt. Coot-tha­ administrative aspects from the running of Minister for Justice and Attorney-General) art unions under the new regulations. (5.42 p.m.), by leave: I have just been There has been a tremendous reduction in advised by the Crown Solicitor that on paperwork and processing of repetitive information now available, the convictions applications. It is, however, reasonable to recorded at Cooktown were nuHities. assume that costs to the Government in the The position was that at Cooktown, there administration of art unions should in the is a clerk of the court who is permanently main be borne by those art unions. The an acting stipendiary magistrate by virtue of conduct of the Art Union Office still has to the isolation of Cooktown. The occupant be met as a public expense. of that office, Mr. W. J. Randall, was absent I, and I am sure all honourable members on leave at the relevant time. A clerk in of the House consider that, although the the office, a Mr. M. Arrowsmith, was Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 363

appointed acting clerk of the court and In the light of these collective acts and warden. However, he was not appointed statements made by the Labor Party in var­ acting stipendiary magistrate. ious States, one must wonder how sincere Mr. Arrowsmith, apparently on the are the members of Her Majesty's Opposition assumption that he had authority, determined in this Chamber when they pledge their alleg­ the charges. iance and loyalty to the Crown. One won­ ders how interested they really are in the I am advised that as Mr. Arrowsmith was preservation of the parliamentary system as not in fact an acting stipendiary magistrate, we know it. From the speech of the hon­ he did not have jurisdiction to deal with ourable member for Bulimba this morning the offences and any convictions and orders in which he spoke about the Constitutional consequent thereon are nullities, that is to Convention from which the Government, in say, they had no legal effect whatsover. its wisdom, decided to absent itself last year, Immediate action is being taken to give direc­ one would be led to believe that he was in tions to release all persons in prison. All favour of the retention of constitutional gov­ fines will be remitted. ernment. Further action will be contingent on con­ sideration of all the circumstances. To ascertain the true intention of me­ bers of the Opposition one needs to look at I desire to emphasise that the releases of their track performance and to see what they the people concerned are made solely on have done. Their words differ. Some speak the basis of lack of jurisdiction and not in favour of the monarchy, some against it. because of any consideration of the rights or What have they done? What do they believe wrongs of the individual cases or any cir­ to be the position of governments? Some cumstances surrounding the matters as a 50-odd years ago-in 1921-22-we saw what whole. they did in this State. After ascertaining the wishes of the people by a referendum-and ADDRESS IN REPLY the people demonstrated how they felt about the Upper House, as the vote showed a RESUMPTION OF DEBATE majority of 50 per cent in favour of its retention-the then Labor Government Mr. LOWES (Brisbane) (5.44 p.m.): I showed its regard for the democratic process welcome this opportunity to reaffirm my by stacking the Upper House sufficiently to allegiance, together with the allegiance, ensure its abolition. affection and loyalty of the people of Bris­ bane, to the Throne and Person of Her That may be somewhat ancient history. Majesty the Queen and, if I may be per­ Let us therefore come to 1975, in which the mitted to borrow from that sweet language people gave another decision at a general of the 17th Century, "All those who are put election. I heard someone-! think it was in authority under her." It is at this point the honourable member for Cairns-say, that the Government parts company with "What about the Senate figures?" Well, what the members of Her Majesty's Opposition. about them? Let us look at the Senate fig­ Although they stand here and pledge their ures at the last general election. Let us look, loyalty to the Crown, they attempt to dis­ too, at the House of Representatives figures tinguish between the monarchy in person and and the result of that election. There is now the monarchy in its role in government and in Canberra a Government with a majority specifically the throne. of 55 and a majority in the Upper House. The will of the people was made very clear. Mr. K. J. Hooper: We support O!iver But still there are complaints and demon­ Cromwell. strations and people who refer in shocking Mr. LOWES: I am reminded of the com­ terms to the GovernorcGeneral, who did no ments of the honourable member for Arch­ more than carry out the duties with which erfield when he has referred to the office of he was entrusted. our State vice-regal representative, Sir Colin So we have to look at the terms of the Hannah, as a sinecure, a useless anachronism appointment of the Governor-General and and a relic of a mediaeval past. The words the rules under which he functions. I am sure that he has used in referring to the Gover­ most members of this Parliament have read nor-General of Australia are terms that I the article "The Dissolution of the Australian do not think worth repeating in this House. Parliament: 11 November 1975", which In Western Australia the Labor Party has appeared in the January edition of "The shown its attitude to the monarchy by declar­ Parliamentarian". It was prepared by Pro­ ing that if returned to power it will arrange fessor D. P. O'Connell, who went into the the abolition of the office of Governor. In political state of the nation early in 1975. the meantime, whilst awaiting the abolition of He said- the powers of that appointment, it would "During the early part of 1975 a public leave the position of Governor of that State scandal errupted over attempts by the vacant. In South Australia, under a Labor Treasurer, Dr. Cairns, ,to raise the vast Government led by Mr. Dunstan, the Governor sum of four billion dollars on the inter­ has been made a political scapegoat. I believe national loan market through unconven­ that Sir Douglas Nicholls has been embar­ tional agencies and outside the legal frame­ rassed by the activities of Mr. Dunstan. work for the raising of loan monies." 364 Address in Reply (9 SEPTEMBER 1976) Address in Reply

Only a short while ago the honourable mem­ when in Opposition in 1970, voted in the ber for Bundaberg spoke about money being Senate against Supply legislation on the raised overseas in such countries as Germany theory of the Senate's independent role. and Switzerland-places in which the Aus­ "Speaking in the House of Representa­ tralian and State Governments have raised tives on 12 June 1970 in the debate on the money in the past, where they have a con­ States' Receipts Duties (Administration) tinuing contact with sources of money. But Bill, Mr. Whitlam (then Leader of the they were not the sources from which the Opposition) said: 'This Bill and its associ­ Treasurer of the day, Dr. Cairns, then sought ated Bills will be rejected by Parliament. to obtain a loan of $4,000 million. The This Bill will be defeated in another place. article continues- The Government should then resign'." "It was generally believed that the funds That is what Mr. Whitlam had to say in thus raised would be employed in a "cheme 1970. Of course, by 1975 he had changed for the transfer to Australian ownership of his mind, and the same Mr. Whitlam, I the mineral interest in foreign corporations. believe, lost any credibility which he might ... But another explanation was suggested ever have had when he made that unfor­ in a letter to the Melbourne Age of 11 tunate statement about Sir John Kerr on July 1975 by a Professor C. Howard, who the steps of Parliament House in Canberra. had until shortly before he wrote this let­ ter been a special constitutional consultant One does not need to rely totally on what to Senator Murphy, the Labor Attorney­ Mr. Whitlam said. One can refer to the General, whom he included in his denunci­ Opposition's manifesto, and that was fairly ations in this letter. He wrote: well stated by Mr. Cameron when he was in New Delhi after only one year in govern­ " 'No one has yet given a credible ment. He said that during the first year of reason why the sum sought to be raised Labor Government there had been a greater in the loans affair was so large. Atten­ re-distribution of wealth in Australia than had tion has been distracted by the naive ever been brought about in any country and secretive methods adopted, by the without revolution. And that is in keeping evasion of the Financial Agreement and with what Senator Wheeldon said at about by the fate of Dr. Cairns. the same time. He said- " 'Yet it seems to me that the size of "The distribution of wealth and resour­ the sums involved reveals the probable ces in Australia means we cannot expect truth of the whole business, for they are to achieve anywhere near true social of budgetary proportions . . . In my justice until there has been substantial view the loans scheme was simply changes in the means of control of an attempt to open up an extra­ production, distribution and exchange." parliamentary source of supply which would be available, not, to be That is the A.L.P. manifesto. sure, to bypass Parliament forever, What happened? We had three years of but to keep a Government afloat for a Labor administration-or maladministra­ long enough time to ride out the threat tion-in Canberra. What was the result of of another forced election'." it? Did we finish up with the millennium? Did we finish up with an A.L.P. Utopia of So much for the regard the Labor Party in some kind? What happened in that three­ power had for the status of Parliament! So year period of maladministration? Inflation much for its regard for parliamentary gov­ rose from 4 per cent to somewhere about 20 ernment! per cent; interest rates rose from 7 per cent This morning the honourable member for to 11 per cent; and, most unfortunately of Bulimba referred to constitutional conven­ all, unemployment rose from approximately tions. He is a person obviously concerned 2 per cent to about 5 per cent. Those about the Constitution and abiding by con­ increases are still continuing, unfortunately, vention-yet that was the convention sought because on 13 December 1975, which is not to be followed in the Federal House last year. so very long ago, the present Federal Govern­ Professor O'Connel went on to say- ment picked up a very sorry legacy from three years of Labor maladministration in "Although it was widely canvassed, the Canberra. theory of a constitutional convention on the subject of Supply in Australia is not In pledging loyalty to the Crown, one does readily sustainable. For a constitutional not necessarily mean that one regards Britain convention to arise which would, in effect, as the Mother Country. In fact, in the elect­ alter the intendment of the written text of orate of Brisbane many of the electors would the Constitution there would have to be not regard Britain as the Mother Country. a practice to that effect supported by a However, I believe that it is not necessary to general consensus. While it is true that the be Anglo-Saxon to be an Anglophil, and I Senate had not previously rejected Supply, would declare myself to be an Anglophil. the constitutional theorists had never prev­ We are, in fact, grateful to Great Britain iously propounded a theory on the basis for giving us our system of freely elected of this self denial, which was explicable Parliament, our system of law and our by political circumstances. And the Labor system of civil service, all of which are free Party, which in 1975 was so assiduous in of corruption. When I say it is not necessary cultivating the supposed convention, had, to be an Anglo-Saxon to be an Anglophil, I Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976} Address in Reply 365 am reminded of the Prime Minister of Singa­ former Speaker. He failed there, as his pore, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, who, because party failed in its period of governme~t. Now Singapore was the host Government, was in it is back to us, and we are runnmg the the chair at a meeting of Governments of country profitably and sensibly. With the Commonwealth countries. On the first day Budget introduced by Mr. Phillip Lynch I he heard a great deal about the Third World, am sure we will emerge from the morass in and he reminded the meeting that, after all, which we found ourselves at the end of 1975. there were continents and worlds other than the Thirld World of Africa. On a later day­ Mr. Houston: What about some State and this is the time I have in mind-he policies? listened for some considerable time to lengthy Mr. LOWES: I think it has been recog­ criticism by the Third World nations of nised by all that the States, to a large extent, Great Britain. Having heard that criticism, certainly fiscally, depend upon Canberra. he reminded the meeting that, had it not been for Great Britain, instead of sitting there Honourable Members interjected. chairing the meeting of representatives of Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. Commonwealth Parliaments, he might well Hewitt): Order! There is too much audible have been a sailor on a Russian warship conversation, with too many interjections. steaming into Singapore Harbour to kiss the feet of some Communist dictator. So Mr. LOWES: The States are dependent obviously Mr. Lee has reason to be grateful on Canberra. The result of what went on in to Great Britain for the legacies that have Canberra is unfortunately seen in the unem­ accrued to Singapore from British occupation, ployment queues, with people standing out­ and I believe that we in Queensland, too, side the St. Vincent de Paul and Salvation have similar reasons for being grateful to Army rooms. Those are the problems that Great Britain. are visited upon the States owing to a lack When the Address-in-Reply debate takes of husbandry in Canberra. However, I place, it is time to review the state of affairs believe there is cause for hope. There is within one's electorate. In the electorate of evidence that the trend evident as late as Brisbane there is concern for all those who December last year is being reversed. are still unemployed. Every member of the I refer particularly to the evidence of the Government is interested in and has building societies. Only last month some sympathy for the unemployed. $11,000,000 worth of work was approved by [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] one building society alone-a record for that society-despite the fact that last year the Mr. LOWES: Before the dinner recess honourable member for Archerfield did every­ I was expressing the concern of the thing within his power to wreak havoc in the Government for the unemployed throughout building society industry. Despite what hap­ the State. Because we believe that from pened then, the building society finances are employment flows prosperity, our commit­ recovering, and last month the Metropolitan ment is to a policy of full employment. Permanent Building Society had a record -in contrast with the policies of the Labor month for lending approvals. Its ambition Party and the statements of Senator Wheel­ is to lend $10,000,000 each month. Building don to which I referred earlier. The A.L.P. societies have been reinstated to the position believes in the control of production, distri­ that they so properly deserve to hold. People bution and exchange. What was the result once again have faith in them. This Gov­ of that in the three years it held Govern­ ernment took all necessary steps to over­ ment? If there \\as in fact any change in come the harm that was done by such irre­ the distribution of wealth, who received it? sponsible people as the honourable member Very little evidence exists of betterment for for Archerfield. The people of Queensland the public at large. are satisfied with the building societies and There may be some evidence of increased are quite sure that their money is safe. The profits by people such as Ken Myer, who is contingency fund was set up to protect the one of the signatories to that infamous letter. people. But did the textile workers, for instance, From now on the people will continue to benefit by the redistribution of wealth, or come back to the building societies and did they find themselves among the ranks of deposit money with them, and they, in turn, the unemployed? Or did people such as will lend it to borrowers. The result will Peter Wilenski, AI Grassby and Ms. Reid, be that the building trade, which is one of who lined up for jobs for the boys, benefit? the first to fall in any financial recession, Perhaps they benefited by the redistribution will receive the support that it so rightly of wealth during the period of the Labor deserves from the building societies. - Government. If they did, certainly the unemployed school-leavers didn't. When A true barometer of the financial stability Labor had a chance to introduce these phil­ of the nation and the confidence of the people osophies and make them work, the result in it is the amount collected through stamp was not that which one might expect to duty and conveyancing duty. If we look at see. It had its chance and it failed. the figures we will see that in 1972-73 during which period on 2 December 1972 there was I will not use the language that Mr. Whit­ a change of Government in Canberra, such lam used when he was speaking about his receipts totalled $66,000,000; in 1973-74, 366 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

before the full effect of the bad management had to be located somewhere, and would any­ in Canberra had been felt in Queensland, the one suggest that it should be in a far distant figure dropped by $1,000,000 to $65,000,000. centre rather than Brisbane? Opposition Members interjected. I was interested and quite grateful to hear the honourable member for Rockhamptort Mr. LOWES: I would correct the figure North express his concern for the patients at in relation to stamp duty. In 1972-73 the St. Helen's Hospital. His interest, which was amount was $52,800,000, and in 1973-74, aroused yesterday morning, was preceded by before the full effect of the bad management the attention given to this matter by the of the Canberra regime was felt, it rose to Minister following representations made by $63,200,000. However, by 1974-75, by me before breakfast last Monday morning. which time the confidence of the people had These matters have been well cared for, but been sapped, receipts from stamp duty I am grateful to the honourable member for dropped to $48,600,000. For the year just his interest. concluded, 1975-76, the sum is estimated to The Queensland Art Gallery is housed in be $74,500,000, or an increase in only one temporary premises. They are air-conditioned year of $26,000,000. and, in this way, are an improvement on the old premises at the Queensland Museum. Of the amount in 1974-75, $18,000,000 The present site is an incentive to us to represented conveyancing duty on transfer ensure that work on the cultural complex and mortgage documents, and in 1975-76 the proceeds as quickly as possible. In the mean­ figure rose to $29,500,000. Surely this is a time, I urge the Minister for Education and barometer of the confidence of the people Cultural Activities to consider restoring the in the decision given by the people on 13 itinerant rail art gallery which operated very December last year. successfully in Queensland about 20 years The Lynch Budget has already been shown ago. At the time I lived in Townsville and to be the desired remedy for the ills that I remember the pleasure that the people of beset us at the beginning of the year. It is Townsville and other cities derived from the directed at the private sector, without any visit of the travelling art gallery. At this apology whatever. It is recognised-even the time, when so many of the treasures of honourable member for Bundaberg recog­ the Queensland Art Gallery are stored away, nised it-that the private sector employs unable to be exhibited, I recommend to the approximately 75 per cent of the work-force. Minister that he take steps to reintroduce To get the people back to work, to reduce this amenity so that it may be enjoyed by unemployment and to restore happiness in all the people in Queensland. the community we must support the private Two years ago the estimated cost of the sector. That is what is happening. As the cultural centre at South Brisbane was over Lynch Budget gathers momentum we will $45,000,000. Only last week $1,200,000 was see re-employment and a reduction in the allocated for its commencement, and work number of the unemployed. At the end of has already begun. I trust that money will this year we will see school-leavers obtaining become available from time to time so that employment instead of joining the ranks of the job can be completed as soon as possible. the unemployed and asking for the dole. When it is finished we will have right in o.he heart of Brisbane a complex second to none. Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. Transport in Brisbane is in a pitiful state. Hewitt): Order! There is too much conversa­ tion in the Chamber. Mr. K. J. Hooper interjected. Mr. LOWES: This Government believes Mr. LOWES: I know that the honourable in the joint development of both the private member for Archerfield, like most citizens of and the public sectors. It has a fine record Brisbane, has a legitimate gripe about of support of the public sector. transport, which merely exists or is com­ pletely lacking. For that reason electrifica­ In the electorate of Brisbane alone works tion is essential. The proposed link from of a total cost in excess of $100,000,000 are Darra to Ferny Grove is well under way. proceeding at the present time. I refer firstlv Among the ancillary works associated with to No. 7 block at the Royal Brisbane electrification of the south-east corner is the Hospital, which has been under construction cross-river bridge being built at a cost of for some time. The delays which occurred about $13,000,000. I point out that this on this job were attributable directly to structure, too, is in the electorate of Brisbane. lack of funds from Canberra. This building is now nearing completion. The moving-in The quadruplication of the rail track has process will start about April next year. One caused some concern in Brunswick Street. I of the biggest projects in the State is nearing thank the Minister for Transport for the completion right in the heart of the electorate consideration he has shown. As soon as he of Brisbane. was advised that small businesses would be upset and people would be inconvenienced, The site selected for the cultural complex he made it his personal business to make is just across the Victoria Bridge. While it is inquiries into the problems. His first step situated in Brisbane, it is surely for the whole was to increase the 40-hour week contract of the State. Any criticism directed at its to an 80-hour week contract to facilitate being located in Brisbane is ridiculous. It the work that was under way. Because of Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976} Address in Reply 367 this, the cost of the project increased was pleased to find that on 25 September from $610,000 to $726,000 and, on present last year our Government introduced legis­ indications, that is only a commencing point. lation to abolish all duty on the transfer of Further costs will undoubtedly be properties between spouses. incurred. Whenever a need is found to A further recommendation I made was eliminate nuisance such as noise (by the that gift duty as such be abolished, but that use of baffle walls or working extra late the transfer of assets between persons other hours), the Minister and officers of his than spouses be liable to duty at the rate department involved in this particular pro­ of conveyancing duty on the value of such ject are amenable to the wants of the people assets, irrespective of whether the transfer and give such matters their attention. The was wholly or partly by way of gift. I working period will be reduced from 38 believe that that is a reasonable policy to to 22 weeks and the work is being done at be followed and is one that I recommend to times which are suitable not so much to the the Treasurer when he is considering the contractor as to the people in that area. framing of his Budget. When it comes to the development of the I am glad of this opportunity to reaffirm Brisbane area, however, I am concerned the allegiance of the people of Brisbane. I about the antics at the Brisbane City Hall. can assure this House and all of the people Some years ago, an inquiry was held into of Queensland that the people of Brisbane the management of the City Hall and Mr. look forward to Her Majesty's visit next Arnold Bennett, Q.C., itemised many March. They will be given the opportunity instances in his report of the council's then to display their loyalty. Furthermore, flouting the law. Unfortunately, despite the people of Brisbane look forward to dis­ those findings and despite the recommenda­ playing their loyalty on 2 June next year tions of the Bennett report, the tactics are when Her Majesty celebrates the 25th anni­ still the same. We are still experiencing versary of her Coronation. Her Jubilee is Tammany Hall tactics. something to which the people of Brisbane I had an instance brought to me recently look forward. of a planner who had planned a multi-unit I am pleased to support the motion. development at Spring Hill. It is an area which is ideally suited to mixed dormitory Mr. GOLEBY (Redlands) (7.36 p.m.): It and commercial uses. But it cannot be gives me very much pleasure on behalf of developed, simply because the Brisbane City the citizens of Redlands to reaffirm and Council is not applying itself properly to its convey their allegiance to Her Majesty the task. It has no policy, or if it has a policy, Queen. We are very fortunate to live in a it is one of obstruction. In the instance as country that has a democratic system of related to me, clearly an illegal and government, with the Queen as monarch. I am improper demand was made for an amount proud to be able to honour her in this way. in excess of $20,000, with no particular To the two new members in the House­ consideration or particular purpose being the honourable members for Clayfield and nominated. Furthermore, although there Port Curtis-I give my congratulations and was no particular or nominated purpose, the I wish them a very memorable stay here. I amount was variable and the variation was also pay a tribute to Sir Gordon Chalk, who in accordance with the inverse proportion served the State for almost 30 years as the and degree of opposition raised by the member for Lockyer, first as a member of proposed developer. the Opposition and then, after the Nicklin While this behaviour in the City Hall Government came to office in 1957, for 19 continues, people will not be prepared to years in the Ministry. He will be remem­ develop their sites. As a result of the delays bered particularly for the contribution that they are experiencing, they are incurring he made to the State in the Treasury port­ greater costs, which can only be passed on folio. I convey my congratulations, too, to to the ultimate purchaser. For these reasons the new Minister, the honourable member I believe that the progress of this city is for Ashgrove, on his appointment. being hindered, as it has been in the past, The Governor made particular reference by a Brisbane City Council under the in his Opening Speech to the development of domination of Labor. We have a similar Queensland. It is a State of unlimited poten­ problem with transport. tial and one in which a great deal of work When I last spoke in the Address-in­ remains to be done. I must congratulate the Reply debate I dealt with the abolition of honourable member for Bundaberg on the estate duties because it is and has been part remarks he made a little earlier about the of the philosophy of the Liberal Party for development of this State, getting on with many years. It is the platform of the the job and making Queensland a place that Liberal Party to moderate the imposition of our children and their children will be able estate duty. Last year, in this debate, I to retain for themselves. It so happens that made certain recommendations which might the honourable member for Bundaberg often have been followed. Subsequently I made speaks immediately before or after me, and a submission to the Liberal Party on the quite often we interject on one another. same issue. My first recommendation was This, however, is the first occasion on which that est:~te duties of all kind on the transfer I have heard the honourable member for of assets between spouses be abolished. I Bundaberg really speak from his heart. He 368 Address in Reply (9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply gave the House a speech which I am sure Mr. GOU£BY: I will point out some of every member really appreciated. It showed them. In the Redlands electorate, which I quite clearly how over the years he had represent, and in the Redland Shire in par­ been misled by his party and by their ticular, this management study this year pro­ pnilosophy on work and its value. Only jected a population of 32,000 persons by the recently he toured overseas and saw for year 2000. The population of the area at himself the problems and conditions faced the present time is 28,000! After many by the people living in Korea, Indonesia and, deputations and an exploration of the facts, to a lesser extent, Japan. He now realises, their prediction reluctantly rose to 60,000; as Government members have realised for a but five new houses are being constructed long time, that if we do not do something in the shire each day. The population about getting on with the job and developing has doubled every seven years since 1959, this State, someone else will do it for us. and the coastal management prediction is Mr. K. J. Hooper: Who? that by the year 2000 the population will have risen to in excess of 100,000. The Mr. GOLEBY: The honourable member figure is very important when we consider for Bundaberg told us-the Communists. the various facilities that are needed in such The honourable member for Archerfie~d will an area. not recognise that. He walks side by side The proposal by the Moreton Regional and hand in hand with them. Growth Study was purely and simply to Getting on with the development of a develop the areas within Brisbane, using the State in which there is a limited population existing infrastructures, whether they were requires devotion from its work-force. The suitable for further development or not. I 60-minute hour has to return, and workers refer to the many low-lying and swampy and management alike must put every effort areas, such as the Serpentine area on the into the 8-hour day and make sure that it is north side, which the study proposes be used worked for a full day's pay. Overseas capital for residential development in the very near is waiting to come here, but it is being held future. I ask the House: why would people back because of the indecision of trade elect to live in an area such as that when unions and the great grabs for wage increases almost as close to the city they have good irrespective of conditions. Until these claims high and dry land in the coastal environs are modified and unions realise there is a of the Redlands area, where residential job to be done in this State, and until development is moving ahead rapidly? As workers cease being dictated to by the Com­ the years go by, that development must munists who unfortunately control many increase and the 100,000 figure projected by major unions and themselves take control of the Coastal Management Study will surely be their affairs. the overseas capital that is so reached. To provide for a population such badly needed to continue the development of as this-- this country, particularly in the mining industries, will not be attracted here. Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I have Mr. Hartwig: They wouldn't tolerate it in. made two appeals to honourable members Communist countries. to curtail their audible conversation. I ask them once again. If they do not respond to Mr. GOLEBY: No, and I hope we do my request, I might have to take disciplinary not tolerate it here much longer. But it is action. up to the workers, and I look forward to the day when the Federal Government Mr. GOLEBY: To provide the necessary introduces secret ballots for trade union transportation and traffic flow for a popu­ elections so that every worker will have lation of 100,000, certain things must be his say in deciding the future of his union. taken into consideration. Firstly, I ask that consideration be given to the construction In his speech the Governor spoke of the of the eastern corridor. It is quite obvious Moreton Regional Growth Study, which has that under the Moreton Regional Growth just been completed, and the report made to Study the growth patterns have been aligned the Government. This study dealt solely along the existing corridors to the north with development in the south-east corner coast and to the south coast; little atten­ of our State. It predicts that there will be tion has been paid to those areas in between. a population growth to 1,600,000 by the I refer to the areas adjacent to \Vynnum year 2000. In contrast with this, the Coastal and Redlands and clown to the Logan River. Management Study predicted a population expansion in the south-east corner to almost In his Opening Speech the Governor also 3,000.000 by the year 2000. I ask all hon­ mentioned the Wivenhoe Dam, which is to ourable members to look carefully at these be completed by about 1980. Reference had studies, because obviously one of them must already been made to this dam tonight by be wrong. I venture to say that the infor­ the honourable member for Bundaberg, mation and data collected under the More­ although an appreciation of the worth of ton Regional Growth Study has many short­ this dam has very little relevance to the falls. areas around Bundaberg. However, it is of great importance to the south-east corner. It Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. will provide water for a very large area Hewitt): Order! There is far too much audible and will considerably enlarge the existing conversation in the Chamber. supplies for the city of Brisbane and its Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976) Address in Reply 369 environs. However, I sincerely hope that way of a bridge to Stradbroke Island. I know the shires surrounding Brisbane will not be that developers are waiting to begin work on asked to pay for its construction costs if a large area of Stradbroke Island. All that is they are not to draw water from it. The required, as I see it, is the grant of a large Redland Shire in particular has a large water tract of land in return for a bridge crossing supply 8Cheme, with the ponded area known the bay at the lower end of tche Redland Shire locally as the Leslie Harrison Dam which near the Logan River, across to Russell has been built to· supply a population well Island and Canaipa Passage. This could be in excess of 100,000. This particular region done readily and would release to the large will not require water from Wivenhoe Dam, population of Brisbane one of the finest and I certainly hope that neither it nor others tourist areas in Australia. like it will be asked to contribute to the Mr. Simpson: How long would it be? expenditure required for its construction. Mr. GOLEBY: Less than a mile over the A Government Member: Will they be waterways; the remainder would be over land. drawing water from it? Mr. Akers: Shorter than the Hornibrook Mr. GOLEBY: No; they will not be Highway? drawing water from it. Mr. GOLEBY: That is correct. A Government Member: They won't pay. Education has been much to the fore Mr. GOLEBY: That is what we are told recently, and I make no apology for saying at present; but quite often things alter as that I fully support the stand taken by the time goes on, and we are all brought in Minister for Education and Cultural Activ­ under a blanket cover. I certainly hope that ities and the Government over drug issues will not be so in this case. involving teachers. In saying that, I am sure that I speak not only for the majority of the The tourist industry is of tremendous value people of the Redlands electorate but also to the State. It is one of the major industries for the majority of the members of the in my area and, of course, Queensland is teaching profession in Queensland. known throughout Australia as the tourist State of the Commonwealth. The cost of Teaching is an honoured profession, and tourism is one of the items that concerns me we owe much to the teachers of this State. greatly today. Once it was possible to travel I am sure that virtually every one of them throughout this State and enjoy the comforts would appeal to us as members of this that one expects as a tourist. However, Assembly not to relent but to maintain the recently cost structures have made accom­ profession as a high and honoured one that modation so expensive that it has been priced the citizens of this State can look up to. out of the range of the ordinary citizen. Since becoming a member of this Assem­ Unlc5s something is done in this field, bly, I have made certain representations to instead of being the tourist capital of Aust­ the Minister for Education to advance ralia Queensland will become the tent capital education in the Redlands electorate. I because many so-called tourists can no longer am pleased to say that one new primary ::~fiord to stay at the accommodation houses school and a new opportunity school have along the coastline and are reverting to the been opened, and that a new primary school canvas cities in camping areas dotted around and a new high school are under construc­ the State. tion. In addition, two new pre-schools are under construction, and three new pre-schools In my own electorate, Stradbroke Island, have recently been opened. The population which is so close to Brisbane, calls for growth in this area, particularly in the further development as a tourist centre. I northern end of the Albert Shire, is so great have said before in the House-and I repeat that it has been necessary to purchase four it now-that it has some of the finest beaches additional sites for future schools. Those to be found anywhere. They are unsurpassed schools will be needed in the very near in Australia-20-mile long, continuous sandy future. A new high school is urgently needed beaches, within 30 miles of the city-and the in the Capalaba region in the Redland Shire. only problems are access and development. At the present time the electorate has only I am very grateful for the Government's one high school operating. It is necessary assistance in the short time that I have been that a high school be opened in the Capalaba here. So far it has seen fit to begin construc­ area by 1978. At present 1,450 students tion of a $2,500,000 boat harbour at Dunwich attend the Cleveland State School. Unless a and to replace the Dunwich jetty, and it has new school is built by 1978 the accom­ spent over $700,000 on an access road to the modation problems at Cleveland will be tourist centre of Point Lookout, which has insurmountable. some of the most beautiful scenery one could I should like to think that land could be see anywhere. H has gorges and sandy purchased for educational needs in many areas beaches, and at this time of the year the prior to development taking place. I have had wild flowers are something to behold. If the regional director for Brisbane South the State Government Tonrist Bureau pro­ around the electorate on two occasions sec­ moted this area, I am sure that it would uring land. It is quite obvious to me that if grow rapidly. funds can be made available for the pur­ I suggest to the Government that it find chase of land before rezoning takes place, ways and means of providing road access by much more suitable sites can be selected at 370 Address in Reply (9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

a much more reasonable price. Before re­ deal of hardship. With the present high zoning, $40,000 to $100,000 is required to wages and the prospect of even higher wages purchase a site suitable for a high school, in the future, the exemption figure provided but once rezoning takes place in an area the last year is now of little effect. same site could not be purchased for less The time has arrived for employees to con­ than $1,000,000. tribute to their employers' workers' compen­ For transport into my area we rely entirely sation funds. There are a great many genuine on bus services to and from Brisbane and workers who do not flout the law, but I am barge services to and from the islands. I quite sure that all honourable members are appeal to the Minister for Transport to keep aware of instances of the payment of workers' high on his list of priorities the need for compensation to employees who are not the extension of an electrified line from Lota legally entitled to it. Some workers tend to to Cleveland. The land where the previous play upon workers' compensation. Unless railway line ran was retained, and it would that situation can be rectified, workers' com­ be very easy to re-lay a line along the exist­ pensation charges will rise so much that ing route. Fortunately the route goes through employers will no longer be able to afford the main populated areas along the coastline. to meet them and the workers will be forced Earlier I mentioned the eastern corridor. to contribute to the fund. Little has been heard about the eastern cor­ I turn now to local authorities and in ridor in recent years, but to service that area doing so would urge again the need for by road adequately a freeway system or cor­ preferential voting in local authority elec­ ridor system is required along what is pres­ tions. Preferential voting is firmly established ently known as Old Cleveland Road. at both Federal and State level as well as in I mentioned bus services. I very much the Brisbane City Council elections. Now appreciate the concessions given in the last that political parties have entered the local Budget to pensioner passengers on local bus government arena, there is a need for prefer­ services. Those concessions have been apprec­ ential voting in local authority elections. iated by the pensioners themselves. However, Quite often, with a multiplicity of candidates, several anomalies still exist. In the Albert the successful candidate is elected with as Shire, on the western side of my electorate, little as 30 per cent of the votes. Surely the pensioners using the three bus services that highlights the need for the introduction from the Gold Coast-I refer particularly of preferential voNng. to Skennar's service and the Greyhound­ I congratulate the Minister for Fisheries on cannot receive the pensioner concession as the work that he has done to help the fishing they are using what are termed through bus industry. Until the present time Fisheries has services. If they are fortunate enough to be been the Cinderella department. For years it able to use the very limited local bus ser­ has been an unwanted foster child, pushed vice the pensioners' concession applies. I around from department to department. At appeal to the Minister for Transport to have first it was under the control of the Depart­ this anomoly rectified so that pensioners liv­ ment of Harbours and Marine; later it was ing in that area can use the public transport embodied with1n the Department of Primary that runs through their area. In this way Industries and then it went back under the they could be all placed on an equal footing control of the Department of Harbours and and receive the various concessions. Marine. This is the first occasion on which a Minister for Fisheries has been appointed. Mr. Ahem: In my area they get nothing Although much work has been done, a good in that regard. deal remains to be done. Mr. GOLEBY: Perhaps the honourable My electorate is vitally concerned with member had better join me in my approach fisheries. Fishing is carried out along its to the Minister. I have already written to entire coastline, as are crabbing and oyster­ him. Perhaps we should approach him to­ ing. The Cleveland fish depot is the largest gether. It is an anomaly. collection point of sand crabs on the Queens­ War widows receive no concessions in the land coast. terms in which I have been speaking. They The fishing industry has tremendous poten­ are not subject to a means test and there­ tial, but unfortunately a minority of fisher­ fore are not eligible to receive the conces­ men, who could aptly be termed pirates, are sion. This is another matter which should flouting the law. I should like to think that be looked into. the new Bill that is to be introduced wou1d Reference has been made to the effect of provide for much stiffer penalties on those pay-roll tax on small businesses. Pay-roll who violate the Jaw, for example, by trawling tax, coupled with higher workers' compensa­ in closed waters and within habitat areas. I tion charges, is crippling small businesses suggest that persons who do that should have throughout the State. I appeal to the their licences cancelled. That would prevent Treasurer to alleviate the burden of pay-roll them from participating in the fishing industry tax and workers' compensation in his forth­ again. After all, a motorist who is convicted coming Budget. The previous Budget pro­ of certain indictable offences or of serious vided for a high exemption level, but once traffic breaches has his licence suspended, so the exemption figure is exceeded the calcula­ I cannot see any reason why a fisherman tions are based on the total amount, so who knowingly breaks the law should not that the small businessman suffers a great have his licence revoked. Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 371

A good deal of research is needed into the 500 males are registered for employment but fishing industry. Many problems still exist. recent advertisements in the local Press did Little is known of the various fish habitats not produce any replies. along our coastline. At Cleveland a new Mr. Houston: What sort of jobs are these? C.S.I.R.O. headquarters has been established, with expenditure to date totalling $1,500,000. Mr. GOLEBY: Labouring jobs. I understand that its completion in the very Mr. Houston: What are the chaps who near future will entail a total expenditure are out of work? of more than $3,000,000. I understand that the function of that laboratory is the study Mr. GOLEBY: Labourers. of the breeding habits of fish, and prawns We hear much talk about dole bludgers in particular. but I prefer to refer to them as work dodgers. It seems that they are no longer prepared to I would like the Government to influence do an honest day's work. As I said earlier, the C.S.I.R.O. to spread its wings and study if Queensland is to develop we must get the kerosene taint in mullet. Much has been back to working a 60-minute hour for a said about this problem but very little has full eight hours-to give a just day's wages been done. The area in which fish seem to for a just day's work. be affected by this taint extends from the Brisbane River to Caloundra. Fishing for Mr. Houston interjected. mullet has virtually ceased in this area. Any Mr. GOLEBY: Many of these people were catch with one tainted fish is condemned, engaged in the industries I referred to and making it a high-risk industry in this area. are experienced, but they prefer the dole as I should like the fishermen to be encouraged an easy way out. to catch these fish because when they join We have a great State with unlimited up with the shoals moving on the outside potential if only we are prepared to work. of Stradbroke, Moreton and Bribie Islands, I urge honourable members to encourage the the whole of the shoals can be contaminated. development of our State and to give every If fishermen were encouraged to catch these incentive to the investment of overseas capital, fish for use in the pet-food industry, one at the same time making sure that our of the problems confronting fishermen in mineral resources are developed for the Moreton Bay would be alleviated. benefit of Queenslanders. We must not wait Many people on Stradbroke Island are of until our resources are taken over by people Aboriginal descent. They are very fine citi­ from outside. zens who are fuliy integrated in ihe lucai Mr. AKERS (Pine Rivers) (8.5 p.m.): At community. They play a very active part in the outset I should like to express my sym­ local organisations and take a keen interest in pathy to the honourable member for Mul­ their town. They are engaged in the fishing, grave in the sad loss of his wife. I am sure oyster and mineral sands industries. T should I speak on behalf of every member of the like provision to be made for their adequate House. I also express my sympathy to the housing. The houses that have been con­ Minister for Community and Welfare Ser­ structed for them are highly appreciated but vices and Minister for Sport (Hon. a number of families cannot get suitable J. D. Herbert), who, I understand, has lost accommodation. his father. During this debate many speakers have Over the past few months we have seen dealt with our primary industries. I shall some fairly dramatic changes in the Liberal not spend time on the beef industry because Party leadership in this House. The former other honourable in this Chamber who are leader (Sir Gordon Chalk) has resigned. I more qualified to do so have dealt with it at am sure that he will be missed in this House length. However, I shall deal with problems by those honourable members who have facing the horticultural industry in my been here much longer than I. I shall cer­ electorate, particularly as they relate to the tainly miss him and I have been here only labour situation. We hear a great deal about 18 months. unemployment and the difficulties experienced I should like to comment on the other in seeking work. It is extremely difficult to changes. Firstly, the new leader of the obtain suitable labour in the horticultural Liberal Party in this Parliament (Hon. industry. Some employers have started men W. E. Knox) has already shown tremendous who, after two hours' work or less, have initiative and leadership. I believe that he walked off saying, "This is no good to us; will weld the Liberal Party into a very we prefer to do nothing." The strawberry effective force in Queensland politics. He industry, which was one of the major indus­ will be assisted very ably by his deputy tries in my area, has suffered considerably. (Hon. F. A. Campbell), who is an old friend This was one of the largest strawberry­ of mine. His choice of the honourable growing areas in Australia, but it has slipped member for Ashgrove as a new Minister was, back in recent years because of the difficulty I think, an excellent one. The Hon. J. of securing suitable labour. Difficulty is W. Greenwood has not been here any being experienced again this season in obtain­ longer than I have. I know how he must ing suitable labour to harvest the crop. which have felt last week when he stood up in is at its peak. The same difficulties are front of the Local Government Association experienced in the Gympie area. In this area Conference in Cairns. I wonder how I would 372 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

have handled it. He had a brand new port­ I congratulate the honourable member folio, one that he has not had great experi­ for Clayfield on his election to this House. ence in, and in facing such an experienced I have known him for some years and have group of hard-headed politicians as we find great respect for him. I am very pleased in the leadership of local government, I can to see that he has stayed in the Chamber assure you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that he for most, if not all, of the debate on his handled himself very well. motion. I think that indicates the dedica­ tion that the people of Queensland and As one of the final speakers in this debate, especially the people of Clayfield can expect I shall reiterate the motion which is the from this new representative. subject of this debate. The honourable member for Clayfield (Mr. Ivan Brown) I have said that I support the motion. I moved- say also that all of my 27,171 constituents join with me in that support. Unlike the "That the following Address be pre­ honourable member for Archerfield, on sented to the Governor in reply to the behalf of those 27,171 voters and their Speech delivered by His Excellency in 30,000-odd dependants I reaffirm our opening this, the third session of the allegiance to the Queen. Forty-first Parliament of Queensland-" The figure of 27,171 was the enrolment and so on. of Pine Rivers electorate on Monday of this The Address is one of allegiance to Her week. I have looked at what has happened Majesty Queen Elizabeth and contains an in other electorates and have prepared a assurance to His Excellency that this Parlia­ table showing the enrolments of several ment will take notice of and will try to deal others. I seek leave to incorporate that table excellently with the proposals put forward in "Hansard". by him in his Opening Speech. (Leave granted.)

"ELECTORATE ENROLMENTS

Actual I Projected I I May 1972 i December 19741 December 1975 September 1976[ December 1977 December 19~0

Pine Rivers .. 16,758 24,539 I 25,929 27,171 1 29,000 33,500 Balonne 6,870 7,152 6,910 6,895 7,000 7,000 Gregory 6,723 7,087 I 6,866 6,821 6,900 7,000 Cook 7,375 8,275 8,363 8,425 8,600 8,700 Archerfield 12,522 14,612 14,241 14,512 14,600 14,700 Bulimba 12,534 13,763 I 13,288 13,318 13,400 13,500 Bundaberg 11,034 11,753 11,908 11,945 12,200 12,350 Sandgate 12,875 14,110 14,128 14,314 14,400 14,500" I I draw attention to the September 1976 The table shows that the Pine Rivers enrolments and in particular the projected enrolment is 5,000 greater than the com­ enrolments for December 1977 and Decem­ bined enrolments of Balonne, Gregory and ber 1980, which are quite frightening. Cook. That is bad enough but those are very large areas and some allowance has to be Mr. Houston: Why don't you have a re­ made for that reason. The Pine Rivers total distribution? is almost equal to the combined totals of Mr. AKERS: The figures show that if Bulimba and Sandgate and it is more than there is no redistribution the Pine Rivers twice the aggregate of Archerfield and Bun­ electorate will have an enrolment of 29,000 daberg. before the election is due next December, and 33,500 before the following election. The A.L.P. therefore has two reasons for That means that when I win the next elec­ not being interested in a redistribution. The tion I will be looking after the interests over-populated seats are mostly held by of 33,500 voters, or approximately 60,000 Liberals and the A.L.P. seats are safe seats people. with small populations. A.L.P. members are not interested in a redistribution and any The first time I have heard the Labor denial of that statement is a sham. I am not Party call for redistribution was just now. a supporter of exactly equal numbers in I wondered why they had not made such electorates and this I have shown in votes a call before until I heard the comments of within my own council. Allowance must be their leader the other day that he is deter­ made for area, but the present position is mined to eliminate the Liberal Party by competely biased against the electors of Pine manipulating votes. He said that he will Rivers. They have only half the voting power try to get his party to give their preferences of those in Archerfield, Bulimba, Bunda­ in three-cornered contests to the National berg and Sandgate and one-third the power Party. He believes that in that way he will of those in Cook, Gregory and Balonne. get rid of the Liberal Party and he can then Compared with the latter electorate, 5.000 take on the National Party. might just as well not have voted. I believe Address in Reply (9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 373 that there must be a redistribution, even if The Housing Industry Association only a minor one round Brisbane, as soon Queensland Division; as possible. The Australian Institute of Quantity In the debate on the Financial Statement Surveyors; last year I referred to the effects of the Hay­ The Royal Australian Institute of den A.L.P. Budget on the building and Architects; construction industry. I shall quote some of The Practising Architects Group; what I said then. It must be remembered that I spoke on 21 October last year before The Queensland Confederation of Indus­ the A J_.P, Government was sacked. I said- try Limited; " Under the Budget, the Federal Govern­ The Queensland Master Builders Associ­ ment deferred building projects worth ation; $58,000,000. That was the equivalent of The Queensland Timber Board; deferring the employment of 3,000 men The Urban Development Institute of in the building industry, in design offices Australia, and on construction sites, for one full year throughout Australia. A survey of and a member who represents the hard­ consulting engineers in September, three ware and building suppliers. That is a full weeks after the Budget was brought down, range of representation from the building showed that projects worth $102,000,000 and construction industry of Queensland and had been cancelled in Queensland." therefore that report should receive the keen attention of both the State and Federal went on to say- Governments. \Ve hear a cry from the "These horrific figures indicate that in A.L.P. supporters that the present unemploy­ about mid-1976-that is about when the ment cannot be attributed to the former effects will be felt-15,000 to 20,000 jobs A.L.P. Government, because of the time that for building workers and others in asso­ has elapsed since its defeat, but the figures ciated fields just will not exist." and predictions which I quoted in October That prediction has been borne out. It last year when there was a Federal A.L.P. has been borne out by a report prepared Government put the lie to that assertion. recently by the Building and Construction Mr. Honston: What do you do-read the Industry Development Council of Queensland. stars and get your predictions, or what? That report shows that the building industry, which employed 134,000 people late last Mr. AKERS: I assure the honourable year. has suffered a job loss of 25 per cent. member that the figures I quoted in October that is, 30,000 jobs. So I underestimated were based on surveys taken within the badly last year when I said there would be building and construction industry at that a loss of 15,000 to 20,000 jobs. This has time. The present unemployment in the occurred entirely as a result of the Hayden building and construction industry is directly A.L.P. Budget. There are 45,000 people attributable to the Whitlam-Hayden A.L.P. unemployed in Queensland, 30,000 of those policies. A.L.P. supporters cannot do better being from the building industry. If those than remember the old statement, "The buck 30.000 jobs still existed, the employment stops here." situation in Queensland would have been The building and construction industry has greatly different. a very long lead time, and my predictions I do not make these statements on the con­ of last year have been borne out. This is struction industry as a layman without sub­ what the A.L.P. supporters blissfully ignored. stantiation. as are some of the comments A full appreciation of lead time is essential we hear from the A.L.P., but as a practis­ because lead time has a great effect over a ing architect. I know how badly architects long, long time. It is the thing that makes are feeling the effects of the A.L.P. Gov­ the building industry the easiest one to ernment's policies. The figures I have quoted attack with economic policies and the hardest are from a report which has been prepared to restore. The first stage of lead time in an unemotional and well-documented and involves the commissioning of primary and researched manner by the Building and Con­ secondary consultants through the allied pro­ struction Industry Development Council of fessions of architecture, engineering and Queensland. That council is not made up quantity surveying, and the preparation of of a bunch of people who do not know briefs, feasibility studies and reports, pre­ what they are talking about. It consists of liminary and revised designs with alternative representatives of the following site approval. foundation tests and many other organisations:- items that must be covered before any work The Association of Consulting Engineers can start on the site and before anyone of Australia; can get employment on the job. Thal is the beginning of the lead time of which The Association of Consulting Surveyors, notice must be taken when we are dealing Queensland; with the building industry. The Australian Federation of Construc­ The second stage involves the calling of tion Contractors;_ tenders and the establishing of their work The Building Industry Sub-contractors by builders and contractors, and sometimes Organisation of Queensland; it can be up to 10 months-and quite often 374 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply four years-after the first commission by the people were employed in the building industry architect that the painters and other finishing in September last year; now 30,000 of those tradesmen are on a building site. These are not. are the people who are finishing off jobs now and who will be out of work very soon. I wish to refer to several items affecting my electorate, and the first of these is In 1968 I worked on some of the sketch transport. Because it is a disjointed area, plans for Block 7 at the Royal Brisbane transport in the Pine Rivers electorate is Hospital. That building is not finished yet. very inadequate. In some areas the Brisbane The effect on employment in the building City Council bus runs to the boundary of the and construction industry is, as I said city, and that boundary can be identified only earlier, a long-term effect, because there is by the fact that there is a bus terminal there. a loss of skilled and experienced workers. The residential development extends beyond That was the point made by the honourable that point, and I refer to the Arana Hills member for Bulimba a short while ago, area. When jobs do become available, there w1ll not be skilled and experienced labourers to The Brisbane City Council bus terminates handle them. Those men will have gone to at Queens Road. If the service were extended other jobs. I think that is borne out by the another mile into the Pine Rivers Shire, sev­ fact that there are no pools of skilled eral thousand additional people would be unemployed in the employment bureaus. served. I urge the Minister for Transport to There are no large numbers of skilled people take action as soon as possible to get some on the books at any of the bureaus, yet there sort of co-ordination between the Brisbane has been a 25 per cent loss in staff in the City Council and neighbouring shires. The offices of architects and builders and about Albany Creek area is another example. The 15 per cent in the offices of engineers. service could be extended another half mile to serve about 1,500 more people. There is another great loss in that organisa­ tions that have been built up over many The matter of police cover is often raised years-in most cases they have developed a in my electorate. Several approaches have high margin of skill by training of personnel been made to me about having the neigh­ in a pre-1974 situation-are broken up. fhe bourhood policeman concept adopted in engagement and training of new staff cannot specific districts, such as Albany Creek, Bald be accomplished quickly even after work Hills and Bracken Ridge. They would be begins, and efficient teams cannot be restored ideal areas for that innovation because they quickly. Therefore, there is a danger that are separated from other residential areas by when construction begins again, the standard a mile or a couple of miles of scrub. Each of workmanship and efficiency will not be is surrounded entirely by rural areas and is high. a defined township. In any one of those three areas it would be very easy to install What must be done? There must be a neighbourhood constable who would be generation of new work. There must be able to provide the sort of cover we used to an examination of the high-interest rates that get in Petrie many years ago. At that time are preventing the private sector from initi­ the local police sergeant knew every person ating spending. There must be an investiga­ in the district. It was not a matter of his tion of methods of establishing planning grabbing someone and sticking him in gaol. policies that prevent the boom-and-bust If he thought a young fellow was doing the syndrome that has been characteristic of the wrong thing he gave him a kick up the back­ post-war building industry. That is the most side. The kid learnt from that. That is the important point. In addition, there must be sort of thing that made the Petrie area liv­ reviews of economic controls so that the able many years ago. Today the police are whole community is made to share the shifted in and out. The station closes down difficulties being experienced by the nation overnight and a car comes from your area, instead of the building industry being the Mr. Speaker. It wanders around the district, prime and first subject. It is the easy one supposedly covering the area. Those in the to hit; it is the hardest to get going again. car would not know one person in the district. Let me deal with the first proposal. In They were not able to prevent someone generating new work, it can be seen that throwing a brick through my window over there is little initiative from the private Easter. sector, and in support of that I refer honour­ The neighbourhood policeman idea would able members to the report that I mentioned not be the best for areas that extend into earlier. There is little initiative from the larger areas. I refer to places like the Ferny private sector at present; so, necessanly, Hiils-Arana Hills area and the Petrie-Strath­ Government action is required. This will not pine district. The Petrie area is covered in be inflationary. It can be seen from the lead the day-time by the police station, but only time that I have described that it will not by patrol car at night-time. The Ferny Hills be, and in the short term, because of its area is barely covered at all. Ferny Hills over-all effects, it will still be spread over must have a police station as soon as pos­ several years. sible. A tremendous number of young child­ Immediate action from both the State and ren are growing up in that area. We must Federal Governments is needed to rehabili­ provide the police coverage and the sort of tate this important industry. I repeat: 134,000 guidance that young people need. Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 375

The last subject I wish to refer to was What I am pleading for is that jobs be raised by the honourable member for Red­ provided to the 5 per cent of the people lands, namely, local government elections. in the dole queues at the present time. I do I agree with him wholeheartedly that pref­ not in any circumstances withdraw from my erential voting must be introduced into local previous comments to the effect that those government elections. people who are capable of working and Mr. Doumany: The A.L.P. doesn't want it. refuse to accept work should not be per­ mitted to take the hard-earned wages of the Mr. AKERS: That's for sure. I will give fettlers, shearers and meatworkers in my one good reason for that. With "first-past­ area. Do not forget that the highest unem­ the-post" voting there is one A.L.P. member ployment figures in Queensland are found in on the Pine Rivers Shire Council. He is there Cairns and on the Gold Coast; bear that in solely because the independents had to put mind. I am concerned that consternation has someone else on their card, so they picked been caused by irresponsible statements out the first name they thought of. He hap­ appearing in the Press. As I say, the news­ pened to be an A.L.P. man, and he is now paper would not print my words as they on the council. But for that there would have appeared in "Hansard" or in the Press re­ been five Liberal councillors for my division leases that I circulated subsequently. and three Liberal councillors for division 1. Mr. Marginson: What paper was that? In conclusion, I reaffirm my loyalty and that of the electors of Pine Rivers to Her Mr. KATTER: It is one that is not read Majesty the Queen. I look forward to the in my area, thank heaven. accomplishment of the proposals in His Excellency's Opening Speech. I stress that the articles to which I have referred did not do me any damage in my Mr. KATTER (Flinders) (8.30 p.m.): I area. The unemployed people there know avail myself of this opportunity to pledge that the place at which they collect the dole the loyalty of my electors and myself to is my office in Charters Towers. We handle the Crown. Having said that, I wish to com­ something like 200 persons who have been ment on two articles that have appeared in after money, and some of it has been taken '"The Courier-Mail". I am not one who takes out of my pocket as well. I do not like being on the Press, but I have to inform the House painted in the wrong colours. that on two recent occasions I was very badly I stress the possibilities arising from the misquoted and the newspaper refused to print creation of credit, and we get back to the my side of the story. Let me repeat again arguments that arose in the J 930s. At that what I said in the House the other day. I time, instead of listening to Mr. Theodore, do this because a lot of people in the State who was a humble, simple miner from believe there was some substance in the Chil!agoe (people asked, "What the hell reports that appeared in the Press. would he know about doles and depressions At one stage I was unemployed, and at and economics?"), they ignored him and that time I had a wife and two young child­ listened to Dr. Niemeyer and took his advice. ren. To be unemployed is not a very pleas­ The result was that one-third of the work­ ant feeling. force in Australia was unemployed. If the Mr. K. J. Hooper: You had a rich father. people had listened to Mr. Theodore, there would have been no depression in Australia. Mr. KATTER: My father was not and is Mr. Houston: He was a Labor man, not rich; quite the contrary. wasn't he? Come and stand over here. To repeat-it is not a pleasant feeling to be unemployed. I would hate to think that Mr. KATTER: The problem was that he anyone who has experienced that sick feeling was a bit too good for the Labor Party and has had his condition exacerbated by any he was thrown out over that issue. In fact, remarks wrongly attributed to me. My com­ when Mr. J. T. Lang said the same thing he, ment was taken entirely out of context. In too, was thrown out of the Labor Party. fact, the remark I made was exactly the There is no way that I would stand with the same as that made by Mr. Jimmy Carter, Opposition and say that. the front-runner in the presidential elections In talking about the creation of credit we in the United States. So if, as suggested, I are speaking of picking up the 5 per cent am a dangerous Right-winger, that brand of people who are unemployed at the present must also be applied to him. I do not think moment. Someone may ask, "Where would it can be applied to him; if anything, he they be employed?" If all the articles I read could wear the opposite brand. in the Press are to be believed we should be In the speech during which my remarks releasing credit in the building sector of were made, for half an hour I pleaded with the economy. Governments can do that. All this Government and the Federal Govern­ they have to do is release some statutory ment not to restrict credit; to keep the supply reserve deposits, enabling people to borrow of credit open, and even to increase it in more money for housing. certain areas of the economy. I asked them Mr. Houston: The League of Rights! to cold-bloodedly create jobs where possible. If that means something like the R.E.D. Mr. KATTER: I do not know about that. scheme, I am all for it. only know that it was preached by two 376 Address in Rep~v (9 SEPTEMBER 1976) Address in Reply early lEaders of the honourable member's The sheep industry surrounding the towns own party, who were kicked out for has ceased to exist. The problem can be preaching it. traced to a combination of rising costs of :\1r. Houston interjected. production that sheepmen, as exporters, cannot pass on, and the big floods and Mr. KATTER: I do not know about other recent fires. Because very few sheep are areas. 1 can speak only for my own area. left, shearers no longer live in these towns; If a mother of a young family falls ill no work is available for them. The other today she cannot get help. ln years gone industry in these areas is beef. I do not need by grandparents lived with their families, to go into details about the plight of the but now they live elsewhere. Young wives beef producers in Queensland. No-one are in an invidious situation. I feel terribly would contest that the two industries in the sorry for our young people. area are in a critical state. The difficulties are being alleviated by the Queensland Gov­ Mr. Houston: Do you wish to employ the ernment's spending $7,000,000 this year on grandmothers? the completion of the Flinders Highway. Mr. KA TTER: No. Some of the people on Although the Labor Party was in office the dole could be employed in these areas. for 20 years it did not Jay a single mile of Many old people in my area cannot main­ bitumen on this main arterial road, which tain their houses. Let some of the unem­ runs through a major part of North Queens­ ployed paint them. As these houses would land. not otherwise be painted, painters would Mr. Houston: It has taken you 20 years. not be put out of work. The unemployed could repair houses, do gardening or clean Mr. KA TTER: It has taken us 17 years up the shocking conditions in most of our to do it, but in the 20 years that Labor was towns caused by local government being in office the only bitumen it laid was one desperately short of money. I am talking mile through one of the towns. It took us about creating jobs. That is what I spoke 17 years to build it and it took Labor 20 on for 30 minutes in the House the other years not to build it. day, but I was reported throughout Queens­ Mr. Houston: That is typical logic. land as demanding that people starve. It is very regrettable and reprehensible that any Mr. KATTER: That is exactly the logic sub-editor should be responsible for the way we are using. m which I was reported. These two small towns desperately need ''11r. Houston: If a person would not paint something done at the present moment. We your house you say that he should starve? are trying very hard to have the Lands­ borough Highway started as soon as possible Mr. KA TTER: The honourable member and work continued on it so that the people cannot over-simplify. who will fall out of employment in Richmond Mr. Houston: What happens if people and Julia Creek will be picked up in this cannot do the job? particular area. Let me suggest to the Government that Mr. KATTER: That is a different situa­ such things as research into solar heating tion. of water and solar air-conditioning be Mr. bmwnt: You are complaining about undertaken. Solar air-conditioning is avail­ people like those at Cedar Bay. able in the United States at this very minute. A person there can buy a solar-powered air­ Mr. KATTER: That is exactly what I am conditioning unit for his house at a very comp'aining about. If a person does not reasonable price that can be costed out over want to work and wants to live on a sub­ seven or eight years. I advocate most sistence farm, that is his business. I have no strongly that research in these two fields qualms about that. He should be allowed to could be established most logically in those live there. But the minute he starts raking two small towns. money off people who are prepared to work he is in a different arena altogether, What we should be aiming at is a viable The most pressing problem in my area community size. These two small towns con­ concerns the plight of three western towns, tain only about 1,500 people. They are namely, Hughenden, Richmond and Julia just too small. But, if we could increase the Creek-more particularly the small towns of population beyond 2,000 people, we would Richmond and Julia Creek. Regrettably, a have in those towns a doctor, a chemist, an large percentage of the shops and buildings electrician, a painter, a builder and the other in those towns are empty. Many more will things that we are desperately trying to get be empty within 12 months if nothing is done at the moment. to help. Theirs is a classic case deserving Let me move on to the field of medical specific help. I am not being critical of the health in country areas. In the past two Queensland Government, which has done years one of the two towns had five cases marvellous work in both towns. The Toorak of a per.~on being involved in an accident or Research Station at Julia Creek employs 10 becoming suddenly ill. They would be dead to 20 men. The shallow-dam storage scheme if there had not been a doctor in the town at Richmond provided similar employment, at the time. Julia Creek has had no doctor but unfortunately that job is finished. for 13 months out of the last two years and, Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 377

by the greatest stroke of luck, the two Q_CCas­ the people in Townsville, the Australian ions that a doctor was visiting there were Universities Commission will not proceed the two occasions when critical accidents with the building of the university installa­ occurred. We can thank God that those acci­ tion in Townsville to train them. So I have dents occurred on those particular days or answered him again. If he opens his mouth two people would be dead owing to the again, he will only get into more trouble. inability of the Health Department to secure There are a number of alternatives. In the doctors for these areas. six, seven or eight years we will have to It has been said to me again and again wait even if something can be done in that we cannot get doctors to go to country Townsville in the next two or three years, areas. Ever since the concept of supply and which would be extremely doubtful under demand was put forward successfully by the present situation-- Adam Smith there is one sure solution to Mr. Houston: You have the representation that problem. Why has the solution never both State and Federally. What do y"m been taken up by the Government? I am expect? speaking here in a general sense because it is really the Australian Universities Commis­ Mr. KATTER: I am attacking the concept sion that is at fault. It is about time that of the Australian Universities Commission. I these ivory tower academics, who live in wish the honourable member would listen. a world where they cannot be got at by the If he intends to keep making rude interrup­ political forces of this country, were made tions, he should listen so that he might make to stand up. and defend themselves the same intelligent interjections. So far he has suc­ as everybody else concerned with the econ­ ceeded only in making a fool of himself omy has to. Let them give an account of and wasting the time of the House. their stewardship. Let them answer for the One of the top officials in the Health De­ situation that they have created in which partment in Queensland said this to me- we cannot get doctors to go to small towns "Look, for the next six or seven years and people in these small towns are dying until the stage is reached where we are pro­ because of the lack of medical assistance. ducing enough doctors to service country In the year 1960, 135 students graduated areas, doctors should be required to spend in the economics and arts courses. The same some time in the West. A doctor in our year 61 doctors graduated. So for every society today enjoys everything that soc­ doctor, we produced two economics and arts iety has to offer. He has an extremely high graduates. In 1974-75, we produced 921 income. He enjoys a social position above economics and arts graduates-a sixfold that of other members of the community. increase--but the number of doctors He is looked up to and respected and he only doubled. We are now producing nine has a very important and rewarding job. arts graduates for every one medical grad­ He probably has fewer working hours than uate at the University of Queensland. Thanks most other people. It is my considered to the Federal Labor Government we are opinion that the least a doctor can do is paying for the training of these people. devote one year of his life to the service Because of the Australian Universities Com­ of the State of Queensland and the people mission, this situation cannot be changed by who inhabit it." this House, the Federal House or by the Mr. Houston: Who told you that? will of the people of Australia. That is a very sad reflection on the democracy of this Mr. KATTER: Obviously I am not going country. to divulge his name. The alternative to the Mr. Houston: There weren't enough hos­ provision of such a service from medical pitals to train them in. That's the official practitioners is to consider a concept of paramedics such as exists in many poorer answer given by your own Minister for countries. It is a great reflection on our soc­ Health here four years ago. iety that we in one of the world's richest Mr. KATTER: The comments being made countries have to consider paramedics, but by the honourable member for Bulimba are that is the situation now. most certainly correct, in part-and I stress. I stress that the first year of a doctor's "in part". Let me answer him by saying training has very little to do with the medical that we have already announced plans course. According to my informants, who to go ahead with the building of the medical are university lecturers and students, it is an school in Townsville. So we have done our irrelevant year and should be removed from part. It is being done right at this very the course. This would make the course short­ moment. er, as medical courses are in the rest of the world, and so would produce more doctors in Mr. Houston: You haven't, because a med­ ical school is not a training hospital, and a shorter time. that's where your problem is. I pay a great tribute to the new Minister for Health because his achievements in this area Mr. KATTER: The honourable member have been the first steps taken in the last for Bulimba has foolishly come in again, so 10 or 15 years in the field of rural health. I I will give him another serve. The situation got the doctors in my area to draw up a list is that, although we are proceeding with the of their major complaints. What they wanted building of the hospital to take in and train first was relief doctors; they did not want to 378 Address in Reply (9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply be on duty seven days a week every week. country areas. Thirdly and finally, tod.ay The Health Department has now introduced the Cabinet of Queensland approved a stab!IJ­ a system under which relief doctors provide sation scheme for the beef industry in the relief sought. Queensland. Within a year or two this pro­ Mr. Houston: They have had that for years. posal will not only double the income of beef producers in this State but it will ensure Mr. KAITER: They have not had it for that never again in Australia will beef be years. If any Labor members had crossed priced off the tables of Australian consumers. the Great Divide, which they have not, they So it is a great achievement for the con­ would know that they had not had relief. That sumers of Australia and also a great achieve­ is proof of the fact that the honourable ment-- member has never been over the range. Mr. Houston interjected. Mr. Houston interjected. Mr. KATTER: I take that interjection Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable because again the honourable member has member for Bulimba had the opportunity to made a fool of himself. If he looks at the make a speech today. set-up in the various primary industries Mr. Houston: I'm only trying to help. throughout Australia, he will see that each of them has what we call a stabilisation Mr. SPEAKER: The honourable member scheme. When the export price goes up, a does not need any help. damper is put on it which enables the domestic price to be kept down, and that Mr. KAITER: It is embarrassing, Mr. is why consumers will never have beef Speaker, because by comparison with the priced off their table in Australia again­ honourable member for Bulimba I look so that is if this scheme is accepted throughout good. It is unfair to his colleagues. Australia. The second point I wish to make is that doctors and their wives in country areas con­ Mr. Marginson: Who told you this-the stantly complain about the heat, dust, dryness honourable member for Belyando? and all the other things that we have to put up with in country areas. Most of these Mr. KATTER: We have been working on people have spent six years in Brisb<;ne. this for two years. I have been pleading Their wives are for the most part typ1cal with the Government to adopt this particular Brisbane girls and they are not used to harsh scheme, and that is on record in "Hansard". conditions. The obvious answer was to create This, of course, is an achievement by the their own environment in their homes by Queensland Government that has not be~n means of air-conditioning. I congratulate the rivalled by any other State. Once agam Minister on air-conditioning hospital resi­ we are leading Australia in this field. Hav­ dences in Western Queensland. The people ing said that, I must stress that the other in my area owe a great debt of thanks to States must agree with what we are doing; the Minister and I take great pleasure in if only one State fails to agree to come thanking him for what he has achieved so into this stabilisation scheme it will not work. far. I just hope and pray, as do all the beef producers and businessmen in my area, that All that I can say at this stage is that the it does work. Let me stress that 500 stock­ battle for country medical services in this men are out of work in my area at the pre­ State depends on one thing-the establish­ sent time; that is, 500 jobs once held by ment of a medical school at Townsville. men who had worked in the industry all Without that there is no hope in the immed­ their lives no longer exist. iate future of getting doctors to service west­ ern areas. Mr. Elliott interjected. I conclude by making reference to another Mr. KATTER: I accept what the honour­ great achievement of the Government. I able member for Cunningham has said. It was about to ref~r to it as the second great­ is true that honourable members opposite est achievement but I should perhaps call it think that everybody who lives over the the third greatest because the building of Great Dividing Range rides a horse. I have the Flinders Highway was an achievement never ridden a horse. I find them very to rival even the building of the Brazilian smelly and dangerous and I am terrified by Highway through the jungles of the Amazon. them. Most of the people in the area drive Quite literally that is the case because the cars. They are employed in service industries. men working in that area have had to put For every person in a country area who up with conditions which have never been works on the land there are 100 people who encountered by road builders anywhere else live and work in towns, and when honour­ in the world. It is a marvellous achievement able members opposite say that everyone in of sheer physical endurance that that road the country is a rich grazier they ?o not has been built and it is a marvellous monu­ realise that they are not even grazters to ment to the tenacity of this Government start with. As for the graziers being rich, and its feeling for the people who live in all I can say again is that honourable mem­ country areas. bers opposite and their colleagues in Can­ Secondly, I congratulate this Government berra have never been to a station and never on what it has done for health services in seen the conditions under which these people Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 379 live, especially at the moment. It is embarras­ probate and succession duties would become sing for these people to have these things a reality in this State. That is about to come said about them, and that is the only expres­ to pass, and I congratulate all honourable sion I can use. members of this Assembly for continuing Mr. Moore: How do you get on riding discussions on the subject till finally the the camels around your district? idea has percolated through to those who can repeal and remove from the Statute Mr. KATTER: We have only wild camels Book what I regard as an iniquitous Act. at the present time. Some of them visited It was a socialist innovation and was con­ us quite recently. sidered to be a wealth tax. It was supposed The creation of a minimum price scheme to be levied once every gneration to keep for the beef industry will bring a doubling people on an even financial keel, and it was of income to people in my area in the also supposed to directly limit the growth next year or year and a half, and this of large inherited fortunes. It was said to means that once again we will have viability be less incentive-blocking than direct per­ in the small western towns. For example, sonal taxes. When one looks at it, Mr. to the town of Hughenden alone it will Speaker, one finds that it has quite the mean an extra $12,000,000 flowing in each opposite effect on the population. year and that means that once again the I consider that death duties-both probate trade-unionists can get something like a and succession duties-are contrary to good decent wage, something which the stock­ economic principles, in that capital is with­ men are not enjoying at the moment as drawn from the private sector and becomes there are virtually no jobs at all for them. part of Government revenue. There was a It means that the livestock hauliers, too, very good example of a somewhat similar can look forward to some work. They have attempt when the Whitlam socialist Govern­ heroically-that is the only expression I ment was in office in Canberra. The Com­ can use-kept their prices down so that they monwealth Government said that it intended have had only a 60 per cent increase in the to phase out this form of taxation over a past 17 years-and how many sectors of the period. However, during the Whitlam Australian economy can talk of a figure like socialist A.L.P. Government's tenure of the that? In my area the hauliers have not Treasury benches, that appeared to be some­ increased their charges in the past two years. thing of a myth, because in 1974-75 revenue How anyone could manage that, I do not from probate and succession duty increased know; yet they have done it. They did it by $17,000,000. Labor did not make a simply because they had no alternative. They very serious attempt to reduce it. knew that if they did not, the graziers would walk their cattle clown. If the price of In 1971-72, out of a total income from beef can be increased, it will mean that at taxation of $7,824,000,000, the Common­ long last the people who have been slowly wealth Government received $86,000,000 going broke in the service industries will from probate and succession duties. It cost again have some viability. Implementation 1.8 per cent to collect it. Not only did the of the stabilisation scheme is essential for Whitlam Government take it from the the survival of western areas. people; it also lost money because of the inefficiency of its collection process. In the I thank the Government very sincerely same year, Queensland obtained nearly 7 for building the Flinders Highway-as I per cent of its total revenue from probate said earlier, an achievement probably and succession duty, so this State had nothing unrivalled in the world-and I thank it for to be proud of in that respect. the efforts it has made in the field of rural ln Queensland, probate and succession health, despite the disgusting behaviour of duties have increased yearly. Let me quote the Australian Universities Commission. figures from the Queensland Year Book Finally, I again thank the Government for and the Estimates. I shall take round being the first State Government in Australia figures. to put forward a stabilisation scheme for The receipts were as follows- the beef industry. Year $ Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG (Townsville) (8.56 1971-72 19,095,000 p.m.): I wish first to associate myself with 1972-73 19,488,000 the motion expressing loyalty to the Crown 1973-74 20,149,000 so ably moved by the honourable member 1974-75 35,094,000 for Clayfield and seconded by the honour­ It must be remembered that probate duties able member for Mt. Isa. I also congratu­ were removed in this State in December late the honourable member for Clayfield 1973. Our Government again has nothing and the honourable member for Port Curtis to be proud of. on their election to this Assembly. In the Federal sphere in 1973-1974, out of ln considering the legislation foreshadowed a total revenue of $11,396 million the esti­ in His Excellency's Opening Speech, I noted mated estate duties were $60,000,000 or 0.59 that the Government intends abolishing death per cent of the total revenue. In 1975-76 the dL1ties. In 1972, my short speech in the Federal Government collected $76,000,000. Address-in-Reply debate centred wholly and These figures show what a grave injustice solely on the hope that the abolition of both death duties have been. These taxes may 380 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976) Address in Reply have been an easy way of collecting money the death tax. In 1973 some probate duties but they have been a grave injustice to all were abolished and in 1974 the exemption concerned. level in values of estates passing from spouse In Queensland in 1969-70, 4,455 estates to spouse was raised from $20,000 to $50,000. out of 9,228 estates fell between the value That was the first concrete attempt to ease of $6,000 and $50,000. In other words they the burden of death duties. Although the represented 49 per cent of the total estates. other States criticised Queensland for taking Probate and succession duties on those that step, they followed suit, but they were estates amounted to $15,161,000, the average by no means as generous as Queensland. tax on an estate being $14,400. This was an The Queensland Government also eased imposition on the small man and small the joint account legislation. It was an family. Similarly in 1970-71 estates valued iniquitous measure, which provided that on between $6,000 and $50,000 numbered the death of a husband the joint bank 4,768 out of a total of 9,596-49 per cent account with his wife was frozen. This meant of the total. There was an average estate that the wife had no money available to value of $15,000. For years this State has her until probate was issued. I have seen slugged and slogged the middle-income and widows left utterly penniless even though moderate-asset person. they had joint accounts with their husbands. Because they could not prove to the commis­ Probate and succession duties have bit all sioner that the money in the accounts was sections of the community. but there is one theirs-that they had saved it out of their section that is probably hit worse than most, housekeeping money-they had no access to namely, the rural sector. J consider that a those accounts. I had to arrange for two viable primary producing property at the widows to be paid the pension to enable moment is worth $200,000. Under the them to exist. I am very pleased to see present system that would attract estate duty the end of that legislation. I hope it will of somewhere about $63,000. One realises never come back onto our Statute Book. that the Australian economy depends largely upon rural income. Rural income must be Succession duties should be totally considered in all tax levies. The principal abolished. Some other States are merely play­ fixed asset in the rural industry is land. Land ing with legislation to abolish them and is not eas:Jy divisible. It is difficult to divide have not been as bold as our Premier and a 40 perch allotment in an urban area, let Treasurer. Although, according to the Press, alone a large block in a rural area. there was a difference of opinion between the Premier and former Treasurer, the battle ln Queensland a considerable number of has been won. Other States, as I say, are properties are still held under lease tenure. playing with the legislation. Succession Much of that land would be doubtfully duties have failed to prevent the accumula­ viable if it were cut up into smaller sections. tion of great wealth. It can be accumulated In other words there must be large holdings by way of various tax-evasion schemes, for them to be viable. When an estate is which are well known to people with huge wound up, very often the value assessed by financial resources. probate and succession duty officers does not Succession duty is a tax on thrift. A man coincide with the market value, if one is who works bard, pays taxes and saves lns available. Farms in the rural area have a money has his money taken from him by high capital intensity with a low ratio way of death duties when he dies. The of income to capital investment. They imposition of this duty inflicts a psycho­ accumulate little liquid assets. logical trauma on the family that he leaves The other problem that rural industry behind. It brings to the surface a feeling faces is that of the family farm. In most of revulsion at the State system. It makes countries, particularly in Australia, the people improvident and spendthrift, and it family farm is supposed to be the backbone is one of the causes of inflation. It makes the of rural industry. But in some cases, because States more important than the individual, of lack of business knowledge and organisa­ which to us as Liberals is a most revolting tion and, in others. poor income, people thought. The State is never greater than lose their farms. At the present moment, the individual. The tax also diminishes because of the current poor financial position economic drive and incentive. It produces of the man on the land in the beef industry an attitude of, "Why worry about the kids" and the wool industry, and in some small­ Jimmy Government is going to look after crop areas, he just does not have the liquid them. We don't have to save; let us spend it." assets to withstand the sudden imposition of Furthermore, it paves the way to socialism. a tax. He is different from the small business­ It allows everyone to say, "Don't work hard, man in the commercial world. Small business don't save; we'll be looked after by the Gov­ is not so badly hit until it grows. But small ernment. The Welfare State will look after us." businesses diversify and become limited Again I say that death taxes are grossly companies and arrange trusts. This is com­ unfair on the rural sector. They hit that monly done in the commercial world because sector more than any other. An interesting those people are more closely associated point about the rural sector is that, although with business principles than the man on the it represents only 5 per cent of the popula­ land. tion of Australia, it pays 30 per cent of In Queensland we have seen the gradual death taxes. Those figures are taken from easing of probate duty, or what I would term the 1971-72 taxation statistics. Address in Reply (9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 381

Although the Government is very capable approachable and have adopted the State as in taking money from the people, it is not their own. In the minds of some people the very efficient in its administration. In Governor committed a slight breach of pro­ Queensland, for example, the collection of tocol by stating his own opinion. Because death duties entailed the employment of I believe that he should be allowed to hold 103 public servants and long delays of up an opinion, I thank him for expressing it as to six months or one year in the finalisation he did. I do not believe that he committed of estates. The blame for this lies at the any breach. feet of the legal advisers and the public The A.L.P. policy is to do away with servants. In 1973-7 4 the collection of the Governors. In the Federal sphere they were tax cost a total of $886,000. Lots of people attempting to create a Viceroy. The aim of found that administration costs amounted to as much as 2 per cent of the value of their the Queensland A.L.P. is to turn Government estates. Because of this delay the value of House into an old men's home, which is certain estates, especially those involving rather stupid. I am amused because, on large quantities of shares, particularly in occasions, members of the A.L.P. will lick mining companies, altered with devastating the boots of the Governor and his good results. At the date of death an estate con­ lady. But when they come here, like Jacob, taining, say, Poseidon shares would be worth they wear a coat of a different colour. I $100,000 and three weeks or three months hold them in contempt because they will not later the shares could be worth nothing. The stand up to be counted. Opposition members result was considerable hardship and anguish. must have known I was going to make these All Government members must be pleased remarks because, with the exception of the that this tax is to be abolished. honourable member for Sandgate, they have run out of the Chamber. Some people may ask how we are to make up the loss in revenue. We should get more The attitude of the former Labor Govern­ mineral royalties, vary the land tax scale and ment towards Royalty is truly remarkable. increase taxes on certain entertainment and In an endeavour to obtain five pennyworth luxury goods. Because Queensland has led of political capital, it invited the Queen to the race to get rid of probate and succession open Parliament. What contempt! This was duties, I consider it will get a considerable done despite Labor's stated policy to do away capital inflow with which will come certain with the positions of Governor and Governor­ works. In the end we will be much more General and to appoint a Viceroy, so doing prosperous thanks to this broadened outlook. away with the responsibility of the Queen towards this nation. That would have been In 1973 the Senate was extremely worried the first step of the Labor Party had it about death taxes and a Senate standing com­ remained in office. But it was axed in time. mittee was set up to investigate them. I Its idea was to appoint a Viceroy and then shall refer to part of the dissenting report make Australia a republic. by Senators Lawrie, Cotton and Guilfoyle. They recommended that the Government Labor attempted to make many marked should vacate the field of death taxation in changes to the Constitution. There was to be the A.C.T. and the A.N.T. and that the a Constitutional Convention having as its States should examine the possibility of sole purpose the turning of Australia into a gradually reducing their death taxes with a republic. But the people have a very short view to eventual abolition. I am so pleased memory. They have forgotten what Labor to see that that has happened and I hope that did and had in mind. Of course, they knew :'lis State continues to approach all forms of at the time, because they threw Labor out taxation in this enlightened manner. of office in no uncertain manner. But now the odd person is saying that Fraser has not Mr. MOORE (Windsor) (9.12 p.m.): I produced the goods. True he has not, but associate myself with the message of loyalty if he were prepared to let the printing to the Crown so ably moved by the honour­ presses run and spend money as the Labor able member for Clayfield (Mr. Brown). He Federal Government did, recovery would will make his mark in Parliament. He has be much slower. Inflation would not be already indicated by his contributions in this cured if the fiduciary issue had remained in House and in the party room that he is a circu·alion. The $5,000 million deficit can man with a mind of his own and some be recovered only by budgeting for a surplus, guts. He is certainly not a ves-man. He by e;,tra taxation but at the moment that Js will be an asset in this House. ·I am pleased not being done. The economy just would to see him here. If I can support him in not stand it. Therefore it must be done by any way I assure him that I shall do so. I <::utting do·.,,n exce<;'> Government expenditure. also congratulate the seconder of the motion, We must consider the standing of the the honourable member for Mt. Isa, who Crown in this nation and the contemptuous has shown himself to be a member of some and organised campaign against Sir John worth. He has been here for some time, and Kerr for his action in sacking the Labor I am sure that he will have no trouble in Government, which he was entitled to do. holding his seat in the next State election. The Governor in the State and the Governor­ Our Governor has been doing a worth­ General in the Commonwealth have never while job since his appointment. He and been figure-heads. True they are most Lady Hannah have travelled throughout the reluctant to use the authority vested in them. State. Both of them have proved to be But when Prime Minister Whitlam said that 382 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

he did not intend to resign come hell or high been right. We do, however, have a tried water, no matter how the economy went, and prQven system as opposed to a republic, and that he would not consider a double with its Watergates and corruption. We have dissolution, the Governor-General was left a system, with a Lower House and an Upper with no option but to dissolve both Houses. House, and it has worked well. Unfortunately Had he called his shots by summoning at the moment Queensland does not have an Mr. Whitlam to the Lodge and telling him, Upper House, but I hope that before long the ''If you do not do this, I will give you the Government will give consideration to its sack", the Governor-General's cards would re-establishment. We, too, would then have a have been counted; he would have been House of review. Legislation would be pub­ sacked and someone else would have been licly debated here and it would then go appointed. He just could not play that sort to the other House for further consideration. of game at that time. The course he took If amendments were necessary the Black Rod has seldom been used by either a Governor­ would tap on the door and return legislation on which the Upper House had said, "We ~e.neral or the Monarch. But one day, if 1t IS necessary, the Queen will use that very have decided this needs amendment." power in the House of Commons or the House There is great advantage in having members of Lords if the same type of impasse arises. appointed to an Upper House. Many people feel that the members of an Upper House What grieves me is that a person of the must be elected by general franchise on the calibre of Sir John Kerr, a Labor appointee Hare-Clark system or some other system and a person who invariably behaves with of proportional representation. I suggest absolute dignity, is being harassed by groups that with appointees we would have a balanced organised by the Labor Party. The Labor team, with one from the trade union move­ Party previously stated that its policy was ment, one an expert on native culture, one continued harassment of Sir John simply from the manufacturing sector and so on, because of a move that was vindicated by so that we would have an expert on prac­ the vote of the people of Australia, who tically every subject. That would mean not threw out the Labor Government lock, stock only having an Upper House as a House of and barrel. That vote proved the Governor­ review but an Upper House composed of General to be right. experts, which would be of advantage to The Labor Party is not prepared to accept Queensland. In addition to that, an Upper the people's decision. It is true that we were House would prevent the very things that not happy about some decisions when the we and the A.L.P. are criticised for when in A.L.P. was in office and when we had a office, such as gerrymanders and the hurry­ majority !n the Senate and used our good ing through of legislation in one night. offices qmte legally to do what we did. The A.L.P. is now harassing the Governor-Gen­ An Honourable Member: If you had an eral. He can stand it, but my sympathy goes expert House, you wouldn't get any people to his wife for the booing and other forms from the A.L.P. in it. of demonstration that they have had to con­ tend with. Mr. MOORE: We would try to work The Westminster system under which this something out along those lines. We could country operates has a great history of probably put a few Liberals in to look after achievement. Great Britain, the home of the their interests. Something like that would Westminster system, does not have a con­ be fair enough. stitution and apparently does not need one. Mr. Houston: What were you saying before The common law has evolved from judgment about riding a camel? after judgment, legislation and forethought, and precedent upon precedent, and that Mr. MOORE: The honomable member is country is run without a written constitution not here, so I cannot go on talking about and without corruption. It has been a most camels. stable form of government in both Labor While he has been a member of this and Conservative hands. There has not been House the Premier has been a reformer. He a Government in Britain under the West­ has been a fellow prepared to do some­ mmster system virtually since Magna Charta thing for the first time. The honourable that has not been at least fairly responsible. member for Townsville referred to death It would be a shame if the A.L.P. does duties and said that, even though it was not change its policy because one day it will our policy, we were attempting to say, "Not again obtain the reins of office in the Com­ yet; not yet." The Premier said, "Do it monwealth sphere and I would not like to now or it will never be done." The Premier think that because of something written in is getting on in years and we all know he its platform it departed from the ~Westminster cannot remain here for ever. He will prob­ system. It has, after all, many things in its ably remain for another couple of terms, platform that it does not implement. I should and I hope that before he departs he puts like to see the A.L.P. amend its platform so in train legislation to reintroduce an Upper that retention of the Westminster system be­ House in Queensland as a safeguard for us comes part of it. when we are in Opposition and a safeguard .It has never been my contention that every­ for the Labor Party when it is in Opposition . thmg the Labor Party did was wrong or Mr. Houston: It is only required under that everything our parties have done has your Government. Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply 383

Mr. MOORE: I realise that, because hon­ happening. People do not realise that it is ourable members opposite operate under happening, but it is, and Queensland's power Rafferty's rules and we do not. They also and authority is being whittled away because have to suffer the heavy hand placed on this State has to comply with the wishes of them, which we do not. the larger States, which have the numbers Mr. Houston: At least we allow Ministers in the Federal Parliament and organise it to run their own departments. that way. There has certainly been quite a lot of Mr. MOORE: I beg your pardon? criticism of Queensland by southern States. Mr. Houston: We cannot sack our Minis­ They refer to Queensland as the "Deep ters from their own departments. North". However, I commend the Premier for his stand in encouraging the establish­ Mr. MOORE: In reply to the honourable ment of new industries here. As leader of member's interjection, when the A.L.P. was the coalition Government and as its spokes­ in power Labor Attorney-Generals simply man, it is only natural that he will receive stood over magistrates. A tougher lot could credit for something that has been thought not be found and rough justice was the order of by this or that Cabinet Minister or by of the day. some back-bench member, and when I speak Mr. Lamont: When the last A.L.P. Gov­ of the Premier I really speak of the coalition. ernment was in power, nine or 10 Ministers As its spokesman, he is doing a very good were sacked and Duggan was the only one job for this State. left standing. I say "Thanks very much" to him for the stand he is taking on the question of the Mr. MOORE: Yes, and he wrote in a Torres Strait islands and the boundary few provisos that put them out of office between Queensland and New Guinea, or for ever. When we think about the West­ Australia and New Guinea. I have been minster system, we realise that Australia is to most of the islands in Torres Strait and a relatively young country. It has adopted heard the Islanders say that they are not the tried and true Westminster system which seagulls; that they are not prepared to give has worked well up till now, and I see no one grain of sand or one cup of water to reason why it should be changed. As I New Guinea. They were there 700 years said earlier, I appeal to the A.L.P. to throw ago, and they were never part of New out of its platform that section relating to Guinea and never part of Australia. But since the Westminster system. We do not want to the coming of the light about 100 years ago, have all sorts of stresses placed on the nation when the London Missionary Society and the simply to get rid of a Government because Church of England took them over, they it has something like that in its platform. have all been good Christians. They ~ay I should like to make one or two criticisms that they were born under the flag and wish of the attitude of the Federal Government to to remain under the flag; that they are the States. For about 75 years, of course, Queenslanders and Australians and wish to Australia has been a Federation. When legis­ remain Queenslanders and Australians. There lation has been passed in this House and the is no way that any Commonwealth Govern­ Federal House passes counterpart legislatbn, ment should be giving Queenslanders away the Federal legislation take·s precedence over to a foreign nation. If we give away islanJs the State enactment. Therefore, the more such as Boigu, Saibai and Mabuiag, we are legislation of that type which is passed in the giving away the only channel through which Federal House, the more the authority of our shipping can pass. It would then have the States is being whittled away. to go through foreign waters. As I said during the debate on the I have never seen an instance in which Appropriation Bill, the State receives about there is an advantage in giving something 33 per cent of the total tax revenue and the away. I can recall a former Prime Minister Commonwealth retains about 66 per cent, of Great Britain, Harold Macmillan, saying, and I think that those percentages ought to "Oh, well, we have the winds of change." be reversed. He gave away what Great Britain stood for. There are some disadvantages in Federa­ On the other hand Churchill said that he tion because there is a tendency towards would not chair any meeting that was going uniformity throughout the States, and uni­ to give away the British Empire in a few formity for uniformity's sake leaves much short years. When I was a child the sun to be desired. I am well aware that there didn't set on the British Empire, but now were disadvantages, too, when each State Great Britain is in the same situation as Fin­ was a separate colony-there were problems land. It has become a second-rate nation in of co-ordination, communication, defence, my lifetime. I could never imagine that hap­ customs and so on-but there was a diversity pening when I was a kid singing, "Britons of views; whereas now we are being plagued never, never, never shall be slaves" and by the Federal Government and other State "Rule Britannia". Look at the state she is Governments reaching agreement on uni­ in now! One gets nowhere by giving ground. formity, and uniformity can prevent many I thank the Premier for the stand he has original views being brought forward. State taken and the guts he has shown. rights are being lost every month simply Mr. Lamont: That is what happens when because of the passing of Commonwealth a socialist Government is elected twice in legislation, and it is a shame that that is a row. 384 Address in Reply [9 SEPTEMBER 1976] Address in Reply

Mr. MOORE: In all the time we have had In one of my earlier speeches I sp~ke Governments in Australia the A.L.P. has not about the use of a points index to deter~me been in office very long. Their proud record wage adjustments. I suggested that pomts before the last lot was that they were the could be allocated for skill, the difficulty of only crowd to reduce the age pension. the work, exposure to obnox!ous gases, brain fag and so on. A points mdex could They had the audacity to reduce the age be used to arrive at an equitable wage. But pension by 2s. 6d. when pensioners were re­ now I have come to the conclusion that ceiving less than £2 a week. That shows the smartest thing to do to maintain indus­ Labor's attitude. trial harmony would be to allow the tr~de­ I should like to say a few words about unionists themse'ves to set up a committee the trade union movement and its stand­ to decide what the margins should be. over tactics. When there is a real confronta­ Into this pot-pourri I bring the toll of tion we see industry and Governments sur­ the road. The leading article in a recem rendering to the power of the trade union issue of "The Courier-Mail" stated that the movement. When one industry stands up for situation had improved. In 1972-73, road itself its competitors take advantage of the accidents totalled 29,899; road fatalities situation to try to gain some ground. The numbered 625 and the number of persom trade union movement is the toughest boss injured was 10,903. In 1973-74, there were that one could have. Anyone who has had 30,486 accidents, 603 road fatalities and anything to do with that movement, as I 11,279 persons injured. In 1974-75, there have, would know that its rules are disobeyed were 29,829 accidents, 583 fatalities and at one's peril. lf a person goes to work after 10,839 persons injured. Of the injured a union has decided, with or without a ballot, persons a great many would be permanently to hold a strike the union is very tough on disabled and therefore a burden on the com­ that individual. It will be organised that munity. In looking at the accident figures others will not work with him later, or else we must bear in mind not only the number pressure is brought to bear on the boss to of persons killed but also the number. of have him dismissed. persons injured and the type5 of lllJllrY The unions talk about the toughness and sustained. cold-heartedness of Governments, but there If these figures were applied to the number is nothing tougher or more cold-hearted than of men killed and wounded in Vietnam or the trade union movement. Why do all trade in any other war we would be crying out. unionists come to heel? Why do they allegedly "Pull out the troops," but when they are road vote unanimously? Because they are dead toll statistics they are accepted by everyone. scared of what the trade union movement will do to them. On one occasion I stood up There is no doubt in my mind that the against the trade union movement, and got one common factor in all traffic accidents is a smack on the jaw for it. speed. I will preach this until it is accepted. Accidents are caused by a combination of On another occasion I was hit with a inattention and speed, carelessness and speed, couple of oranges. Generally speaking, if a mechanical failure and speed, a fellow giving person bucks the trade union movement he his girlfriend a cuddle while driv_in!S at is out. That is something we have to look at. speed colliding head-on at speed or hittmg a A union will declare a person black, irrespec­ tree ~t speed. Of course, some ~eople claim tive of his colour. From then on no-one will that the tree hits the motor vehtcle. work with him, and he is out. I have asked the Minister for Transport One situation in the trade union move­ to give serious consideration to the governing ment that needs some improvement is the of motor vehicles on the wheel speed or on system of wage justice . .I d.o not believe. that the speedometer itself. It is possible to bring the lower-paid trade-umomsts get a fmr go the governor into operation when the spe~d.o­ at all. If the lower-paid group gets a wage meter reaches a certain speed. If the Mtms­ rise, the reasonably well-paid unionists say, ter is not prepared to have the speed of "You've closed on our margin and we need motor vehicles governed by an electromc a further rise." I would like to see the whole device which is quite simple to do, he could of the trade union movement-all the unions gover~ the top speed of ve~ic!es to. say, and their representatives-get together and 5 kmh in excess of the speed l!m1t. decide what the margins should be. I do not care how much the margins are, but such a When a motorist is driving along at 100 scheme would enable all sections to know kmh and a car speeds past making him feel automatically what they will be paid when that his car is stationary, he wonders whether one section of the trade union movement is it will crash or miraculously continue to given an increase in wages. The margins hold the road. We have introduced legislation could be reviewed every three years or so. on seat belts, a points system, breatha~yser Whenever the Industrial Commission decides tests, alcotests and so on but comparatively what amounts should be paid by way of speaking the road toll has not been reduced. When it is remembered that each year 500 margins, dissension is created. The t_r~de unions are not prepared to accept the declSlon people are killed and 10,000 are injured it of the commission. The only decision they is obvious that something has to b~ done. would accept is their own, so I say let the Debate, on motion of Mr. Ahern, trade unions, not the Industrial Commission, adjourned. determine what the margins shall be. The House adjourned at 9.47 p.m.