20 Jul 2000 Legislative Assembly 2225

THURSDAY, 20 JULY 2000 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Olympic Bonus Grant Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— ALP) (Premier) (9.33 a.m.), by leave: Olympic Mr SPEAKER (Hon. R. K. Hollis, Redcliffe) fever is building with just 57 days to go until read prayers and took the chair at 9.30 a.m. the Olympic Games start in Sydney. My Government is pleased to reward Queensland PETITIONS athletes selected in Australian Olympic teams The Clerk announced the receipt of the with a special Olympic bonus grant of $10,800. following petitions— Later today, the Sports Minister, Terry Mackenroth, and I will make the first presentations at a ceremony here at Cooroy Private Hospital Parliament House to Queenslanders in the From Mr Davidson (1,132 petitioners) Australian swimming, softball and water polo requesting the House to (a) ensure that the teams. Queensland athletes in other Olympic result of the investigation undertaken by the and Paralympic teams will receive their bonus administrators of the Cooroy Private Hospital payments during coming months. Ltd be made public to the electorate of Noosa, In the past, the Queensland Government (b) disclose the alliance between Manchester has given grants of $5,400 to athletes Unity and Cooroy Private Hospital—if no preparing for major international competitions, financial input could be made by Manchester such as the Olympic and Commonwealth Unity then why was the company represented Games. However, this year the grant has been on the hospital's board, and (c) support the doubled to assist athletes to perform at their retrenched employees in their bid to gain their very best in front of their home crowd. Olympic financial reimbursement from the employees' selection alone is a great reward for the many entitlements support scheme. years of hard work and commitment put in by our athletes. The Queensland Government's bonus grant is presented in recognition of this Adult Entertainment Permits; Liquor Act dedication and the sacrifices made by athletes From Mr Knuth (386 petitioners) in their quest to represent their country. requesting the House to (a) refuse the applications of Koppen Investments Pty Ltd The Queensland athletes to be awarded and Gregorio Pelligrini for adult entertainment the grants at the first presentation are: in permits and (b) repeal in its entirety the swimming, Ashley Callus, Geoff Huegill, Heath amendments to the Liquor Act 1992 contained Ramsay, Sybilla Goode, Daniel Kowalski, in Part 9 of the Prostitution Act 1999. Susie O'Neill, Tarnee White, Regan Harrison, Grant Hackett, Kieren Perkins, Rob Van Der Petitions received. Zant, Leisel Jones, Hayley Lewis, Giaan Rooney and Caroline Hildreth; in softball, PAPERS Tanya Harding, Kelly Hardie, Brooke Wilkins and Sandra Allen; in water polo, Naomi Castle, MINISTERIAL PAPERS Gail Miller and Melissa Mills. The following papers were tabled— Queensland is also the pre-Olympic Minister for Communication and Information, training base of choice of another four Local Government and Planning and Minister for Sport (Mr Mackenroth)— international Olympic teams. The latest Olympic visitors to confirm they were headed Report on the Development Application at our way are the Polish and Czech Republic Goodsell Road, Cape Cleveland, via Townsville (Townsville City Council) track and field teams, which will train in called in by the Minister for Brisbane; the Korean baseball team, which will Communication and Information, Local train on the Sunshine Coast; and the Brazilian Government, Planning and Sport on 13 men's soccer team, which will train on the Gold January 2000 pursuant to section 3.5.6 of Coast. I am sure that will be of great interest the Integrated Planning Act 1997 not only to sports fans on the Gold Coast but Report on the Development Application at also to all Queenslanders. A total of 151 Cape Cleveland Road, Cape Cleveland, Olympic and Paralympic teams from 31 via Townsville (Townsville City Council) countries are coming to Queensland to train. called in by the Minister for Communication and Information, Local Mr Mackenroth: More than New South Government, Planning and Sport on 16 Wales. December 1999 pursuant to section 3.5.6 Mr BEATTIE: I am about to come to that. of the Integrated Planning Act 1997. It just goes to prove the strength of the 2226 Ministerial Statement 20 Jul 2000

Sunshine State's international reputation as an Mr BEATTIE: The GST is like a ball and ideal sporting venue and tourist destination. chain around the ankle of the tourism industry. Event tourism like Olympic training The GST taxes accommodation— highlights Queensland to the world and Opposition members interjected. attracts other tourists and creates jobs. I am Mr BEATTIE: Well may members told from a very reliable source—which opposite squeal, because I will be reminding happens to be the Minister for Sport—that Queenslanders that the Liberal and National there are more teams training in Queensland Parties support the GST. The GST taxes than in Sydney or anywhere in New South accommodation, meals and domestic travel for Wales. I think it is a credit to the effort made the first time ever, and it is a very severe attack by the Minister for Sport and this Government on the food and wine industry, on restaurants to ensure that those training teams are here. I and so on. Let the record show that the acknowledge Terry Mackenroth, I acknowledge Opposition believes that the important tourism the role of Bob Gibbs, and I very generously industry is unimportant. But we will do acknowledge the role of Mick Veivers as well. I everything we can to help tourism. Under the table a copy of that release for the information GST, it is cheaper to holiday in Vanuatu than of the House. the Whitsundays! That is the legacy of the members opposite. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Queensland Treasury has conducted a Impact of GST on Tourism detailed analysis of the market response to the increased prices for tourism services that arise Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— from the GST. They found that the GST would ALP) (Premier) (9.36 a.m.), by leave: The reduce the number of overseas tourists to tourism industry is a mainstay of the Australia by 8.5%. This research is backed up Queensland economy. It is an $8 billion by independent studies by the Centre of Policy industry, representing 8% of our gross State Studies and Econtech, who predicted a product and employing 130,000 reduction in tourism exports of between 6.5% Queenslanders throughout our State. More and 9%. Because more visitors come to than $5.3 billion of our tourism revenue comes Queensland for holiday purposes than other from interstate and overseas visitors to States, there would be an even greater Queensland. Over the past two decades reduction in overseas visitor numbers to this tourism services exports have grown by an State than these estimates would indicate if it average 7.7% per annum. My Government is were not for the aggressive program being doing everything within its power to continue pursued by the Queensland Government to that strong growth for what is now our second- increase tourism numbers. largest industry. The markets likely to be hardest hit by the The Minister for Tourism, Merri Rose, and introduction of the GST are the volatile, price- this State Government are out there sensitive markets such as Taiwan, South advocating at every opportunity the expansion Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong. The of this industry and doing everything that we analysis assumes a 5% rise in prices for possibly can to attract tourists here. That is tourism services. If prices rise by more, the why we are making massive investment in reduction in the number of tourists will be or marketing the Queensland tourism industry by could be greater. The impact of the GST on developing infrastructure, including: the Gold interstate tourism is estimated to be a 6.9% Coast Convention Centre; the Heritage Trail reduction in visitor nights spent in Queensland projects across the State; Vision Airlie; Cairns by visitors from New South Wales, Victoria and CityPort; Magnetic Island; the cultural precinct South Australia. in Brisbane; the pedestrian bridge to South Bank; the Roma Street Parklands; and the list So what is the Federal Government doing goes on, as well as supporting the regional about jobs in the Queensland tourism sector? headquarters of Virgin Blue. It is cutting the legs from under it by imposing a GST, which will stop between 7% and 9% of So my Government is doing a lot for interstate and overseas tourists from visiting tourism; we are doing everything we can to talk our State. That adds up to a $500m penalty up this industry, and we need to, not just each and every year on Queensland's tourism because it is the right thing to do to increase operators. That is a massive price for jobs but because there is a problem. You see, Queensland to pay for John Howard's tax Mr Speaker, the task is being made all the reform. That is why my Government is doing harder by John Howard's GST. everything it can to make Queensland more Opposition members interjected. attractive to tourists and to offset that possible 20 Jul 2000 Ministerial Statement 2227 loss of numbers. That is why we are investing Rockhampton, Cairns, Bundaberg, $250m this year in tourism infrastructure that Maryborough and Gladstone. builds on our natural attractions to make Since first subscribing to green power Queensland the place to visit at any products in February 1999, the Government's price—GST or not. That is the reason for the green power purchase program has already record budget for tourism infrastructure, as well helped to save over 30,000 tonnes of carbon as long-term planning for the industry, and that dioxide emissions. is why Virgin Blue is so important to tourism and jobs in this State. I am also pleased to announce that the Queensland Government has recently We will offset the impact of the GST by implemented one of its major green power careful, long-term planning, but let no-one in election commitments by signing up to the this House underestimate what it is doing to National Green Power Accreditation Scheme. the tourism industry in this State. Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory have signed an agreement establishing the National Green MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Power Accreditation Scheme and I am Cleaner Energy Strategy pleased to announce the scheme is now Hon. T. McGRADY (Mount Isa—ALP) operational in Queensland. (Minister for Mines and Energy and Minister Green power schemes, such as Energex's Assisting the Deputy Premier on Regional Earth's Choice and Ergon's Clean Energy Development) (9.41 a.m.), by leave: The new programs allow customers to contribute a energy policy titled A Cleaner Energy Strategy premium through their electricity account which and launched by the Premier in May made is based on their consumption level. This clear the Government's commitment to premium allows retailers to source an supporting renewable energy projects in equivalent amount of renewable energy on Queensland. One of the new initiatives behalf of the customer. Through the provision announced in the Cleaner Energy Strategy of accreditation, the National Green Power was the Government's commitment to Scheme gives assurance to green power increase from 1 July this year the amount of customers that their voluntary contributions are renewable energy purchased annually by the being used to source electricity from renewable Government from 2% to 5%. energy generators and to support the development of new renewable energy Once this target is reached, it will make generators. the Queensland Government the largest purchaser of green power in Australia. I am All green power purchased by the therefore pleased to announce that Parliament Government, including here at Parliament House is the latest Government building to join House, comes from accredited green power the Government's green power purchasing products. The green power schemes have program. The Queensland Legislative growing support from business and domestic Assembly has signed a new electricity supply customers who see them as an opportunity to contract with Energex Retail which includes the support investment in renewable energy purchase of 4.2 gigawatt hours per year of projects. There are already over 15,300 green power through the Earth's Choice domestic customers and nearly 300 business program. This green power purchase is customers supporting green power in equivalent to 100% of the Parliament House Queensland. and annexe consumption. This commitment The national accreditation scheme also will provide support to new renewable energy requires retailers to source increasing amounts projects such as the wind farm at Windy Hill in of renewable energy from new projects as a far-north Queensland, the K5 mini-hydro means of encouraging development of new project on the Tully River and the Rocky Point renewable energy resources. The green power sugarmill power project near Beenleigh. schemes have enabled a number of The Government is already supplying four renewable energy projects to proceed, major buildings in central Brisbane with green including the Windy Hill wind farm at power—the Executive building, the State Ravenshoe in far-north Queensland; the Rocky Government building, the Precinct Centre and, Point sugarmill power project; the Caloundra- of course, the Queensland Minerals and Maroochy hydro scheme at Landers Shute Energy Centre. The Government has also and the K5 micro-hydro expansion at the recently signed up seven Government offices existing Kareeya hydro scheme near Tully. to green power programs in regional Access to green electricity will become an Queensland, specifically Townsville, increasingly important part of the services 2228 Ministerial Statement 20 Jul 2000 being demanded by customers in these President of the Australasian Railway modern times and the Queensland Association. He continues to contribute in Government is at the forefront of ensuring that major areas of interest for QR and the wider these options are indeed available. community in such areas as training and tourism and is currently a director on the respective boards of the Australian National MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Training Authority and the Waltzing Matilda Mr V. O'Rourke Centre in Winton. Hon. S. D. BREDHAUER (Cook—ALP) More importantly, Vince has overseen (Minister for Transport and Minister for Main significant Government capital investment in a Roads) (9.45 a.m.), by leave: I rise to inform railway that had suffered a lack of investment the House that the Chief Executive of QR, Mr of the type required to make it competitive with Vince O'Rourke, has informed the Chair of the improvements in road technology and with the increasing demands of Queensland's export- QR Board that he will retire in the near future. earning coal industry. The Government's While I will have further opportunities to investment program in QR of $6 billion over comment on Vince's career, I would like to the past 10 years dwarfed all the other States take this time to reflect on his distinguished and the Commonwealth put together. record of service. Some of the outstanding achievements of Vince O'Rourke started his working career the past decade are the introduction of the tilt with the State Rail Authority in New South train, the world's fastest narrow-gauge Wales in 1954 and progressed through a 36- passenger train; the creation of the luxury year career to become the General Manager, passenger train the Great South Pacific Express Rail Division. In October 1990 Vince Express by Townsville Railway Workshops, and left the SRA to become, as it turned out, the the forging of a commercial joint venture with last Commissioner of the old Railways the world-renowned Venice Simplon-Orient- Department in Queensland and QR's first Chief Express to operate this service; QR's setting of Executive. He brought to this new organisation Australian freight haulage records for export his extensive experience in railway operations coal, as it works in partnership with coal and, like the many other commissioners who companies to improve further its operations, passed before him, a passion for all things infrastructure and cost structures as a critical railway. part of the supply chain; rebuilding of the The 1990s proved to be a watershed for general freight operations with new track, the rail industry not only in Queensland but terminals, locomotives and wagons to re- also in Australia and around the world. The establish rail's competitive edge in this highly change was characterised by massive contested market, and a string of tourism restructuring of Government owned railways, awards for award-winning services like the including privatisation, major programs of Queenslander and the Spirit of the Outback, which has injected new life and valuable investment and modernisation. Vince was income into the State's tourism industry. instrumental in refocusing QR during this period so that proper attention was given to There can be little doubt that Vince has customer service and business operations so always had a passion for QR to be a part of that the railway could re-establish its position in the community it serves and to return the transport sector, competing against the car something to that community. QR's and road freight. involvement with the community and special projects recognises QR's role in the Corporatisation has also meant that QR development of the State and its continued needed to develop a sharp commercial focus position in regional and rural Queensland. and ensure staff were closely attuned to the needs of the marketplace. One of Vince As Vince's career with QR draws to a O'Rourke's most enduring characteristics is his close, he can look back on a fundamentally ability to relate to people. A strong focus of his changed organisation firmly focused on the leadership has been seeking to harness the future and well positioned for the increasingly talent, energy and enthusiasm of staff and competitive environment in which railways involve people at all levels in improving QR operate. and the services it operates for customers. He I am sure that all members of the House has also taken a central role in the join with me in thanking Vince O'Rourke for his development of a strong and commercially contributions to QR and wishing him and Ailsa viable national rail industry, serving as Vice- well in his pending retirement. 20 Jul 2000 Ministerial Statement 2229

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT experiences similar to their own. Over coming Forde Foundation months, the board of advice to the trust fund will work to finalise eligibility and allocation Hon. A. M. BLIGH (South Brisbane—ALP) guidelines and I look forward to the first round (Minister for Families, Youth and Community of funding being advertised as soon possible. Care and Minister for Disability Services)(9.50 a.m.), by leave: In March this year I had the pleasure of announcing the MINISTERIAL STATEMENT appointment of Leneen Forde to head the Iwate Cooperative Forde Foundation trust fund. The $1m trust fund has been established by the Beattie Hon. H. PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) Government for former residents of (Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Queensland State and church-run institutions Communities) (9.52 a.m.): By leave: I would and children previously in care. The trust fund like to inform the House about exciting is designed to help former residents and developments in the way our primary children in care repair the past in practical ways producers are doing business with Japanese and improve their lives in the future. consumers. Members may be aware that the Japanese are very particular about food Sir Llew Edwards, Mr Michael Lavarch, Ms quality, food safety and food integrity. Many Jan Owen and Mr Richard Hoolihan have consumers buy their fresh produce from joined Mrs Leneen Forde in their appointments consumer cooperatives in Japan, and I to the board of trustees. To best meet the understand these cooperatives have an needs of former residents of Queensland annual turnover of $40 billion per year. institutions, it is vital that they also be represented on the board of advice. An This afternoon, I am meeting with a advertisement was placed in State, national delegation from Iwate Cooperative, which is and regional newspapers on 25 March inviting visiting two Queensland producer groups that expressions of interest from former child have set up direct marketing links with this residents of Queensland institutions for Japanese cooperative. Brigalow Beef appointment to the board of advice. A total of Company is supplying grass-fed beef and 26 expressions of interest were received. Miandetta Farms is supplying asparagus direct to Japan under what are known as supply On 13 June, Mrs Forde and the board of chain relationships. I understand this visit by trustees nominated Ms Deborah Kanowski, a senior staff of Iwate Cooperative is crucial to qualified psychiatric nurse, and Mr Michael furthering growth and development of this type Mallan, a long-serving teacher, who are both of direct marketing. former child residents of Queensland institutions. Between them, they spent 22 The Japanese have come to Queensland years of their young lives in Queensland to see first-hand the production and institutions, including St Vincents and Holy processing of food products they are buying, Cross, Bethel Home and Nazareth House. The because they are very conscious of board made their decision based on the environmental and food safety issues. They extensive personal experiences of these two have also come to inform the local Queenslanders, based on their demonstrated Queensland producers about the needs and strong commitment to representing the best expectations of Japanese consumers and interests of all former residents of Queensland Iwate Cooperative members. Iwate has institutions and children in care, their ability to already indicated that a successful outcome in communicate the perspective of former their trade with Brigalow Beef will result in residents to other members of the board of demand from other food cooperatives advice, and their skills in working as a member throughout Japan. Iwate Cooperative has of a team. more than 130,000 members, who are mainly It is central to the Forde Foundation's role Japanese housewives, and an annual turnover that former residents are on the board to of more than $470m. It markets fruit, represent the interests of the children, who are vegetables, seafood, meats, dairy, rice and now adults, who went through our institutions groceries. and are now living with the consequences. I Department of Primary Industries staff congratulate both Deborah and Michael and have been working for several years to break thank them for their willingness to take on this into this billion dollar Japanese cooperative important and challenging role. I also wish market. The Queensland producers have been them well in the task they have ahead of supplying asparagus and beef for the past two providing support to other former residents years and now Iwate is showing interest in whose lives have been affected by childhood other products such as pork, fish and wine. 2230 Sitting Days and Hours; Order of Business 20 Jul 2000

I believe these Japanese cooperatives representative of the Australian and New represent an enormous market opportunity, Zealand Environment and Conservation and I look forward to this afternoon's meeting Council from the Queensland Environmental at Parliament House so I can learn first-hand Protection Agency. Other delegates what their requirements are. This is the sort of represented Environment Australia; innovative niche marketing that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Queensland Government is pursuing on behalf Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries Australia; of our Queensland producers. Australian Greenhouse Office; the Nantawarrina Indigenous Protected Area of South Australia; the Australian Landcare MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Council and youth interests. Childers Backpackers Hostel Fire CSD8 afforded Queensland with a Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—ALP) tremendous opportunity to participate in a (Deputy Premier and Minister for State global environmental forum and assess future Development and Minister for Trade) trends in some of the most significant (9.55 a.m.), by leave: I rise to inform the environmental issues facing the world. The House that I will be travelling to Childers today event also represented an opportunity to to deliver on the Government's commitment to showcase the good environmental advances provide funding to assist the local community being undertaken in Queensland. In particular, in the wake of the recent hostel tragedy that the focus of CSD8 is the successful integration claimed the lives of 15 young people. As the of environmental, social and economic aspects Premier outlined yesterday, we have already of development required to achieve committed $125,000 to the people of sustainable outcomes. Queensland was able Childers—$75,000 to assist with to provide numerous case studies supporting accommodation, $25,000 towards the cost of its commitment to sustainable development. erecting a memorial in Childers and $25,000 to Global interest in sustainable assist in the cost of the memorial services. development continues to grow. Australia and Further to that, the State Development Queensland are well positioned to lead Department will provide another $25,000 to initiatives that support economic development help rebuild local businesses affected by the in balance with environmental and social fire. It will be support to assist those factors—the key essence of sustainable businesses directly affected by the fire as well development. International demand for as broader business support assistance for the environmentally safe, technologically Childers business community in the way of advanced products and services will provide business workshops provided by my the Australian States and Territories with new department. opportunities in biotechnology and Today, I will be travelling in the company environmental science and engineering of the local member, Doug Slack, and we will expertise and sustainably produced agricultural be meeting with the Childers Mayor, Bill Trevor, products. to discuss how best to deliver the State Queensland has significantly benefited Government support. from its participation in CSD8 and from the opportunity to showcase its initiatives and commitment to sustainable development in UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION FOR the principal international forum, the United SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Nations Commission on Sustainable Report Development. I table my report to the Hon. R. J. WELFORD (Everton—ALP) Parliament. (Minister for Environment and Heritage and Minister for Natural Resources) (9.56 a.m.): I SITTING DAYS AND HOURS; ORDER OF wish to report to the Parliament on the recent BUSINESS participation of Queensland in the Australian delegation to the Eighth Session of the United Sessional Order Nations Commission for Sustainable Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— Development. Members of the delegation ALP) (Leader of the House) (9.58 a.m.), by included myself, Senator the Honourable leave, without notice: I move— Robert Hill, and Australia's Ambassador for the "That notwithstanding anything Environment, Mr Ralph Hillman. contained in the Standing and Sessional Queensland represented the States' and Orders, for this day's sitting, the House Territories' interests by providing the can continue to meet past 7.30pm. 20 Jul 2000 Private Members' Statements 2231

Private Members' motions will be debated Premier promised the people of Queensland between 6 and 7pm. that he and his Ministers would go to bed The House can then break for dinner and every night and wake up every morning resume its sitting at 8.30pm. thinking of jobs, jobs, jobs. What a crock! What a fraud! Unemployment has been bouncing Government Business will take around 8% since January 1999. Last week the precedence for the remainder of the days Premier admitted that it would average 8% for sitting. another 12 months. Honourable members Further, that tomorrow, the House will should think about this. The Premier's meet for the dispatch of business at admission means that Queensland's 9.30am on which day the routine of unemployment rate will have remained virtually business shall be as follows— unchanged from January 1999 to June 2001. 9.30am to 10.30am— He will not have achieved any material improvement in two and a half years. Prayers Australia's unemployment rate will have Messages from the Governor fallen from 7.5% to 6.25%, but Queensland's Matters of Privilege will be stuck at 8%. That is not flat-lining; that is Speakers Statements cardiac arrest. Queensland is being run by a can't do Premier who can't do jobs. He is now Motions of Condolence predicting that the situation will get worse. Petitions Queensland's jobless rate has been tracking at Notification and tabling of papers 7.7% over the past couple of months. An by The Clerk average of 8% over the next 12 months can only mean that unemployment will rise. The Ministerial Papers Premier's target is not 5%; it is closer to 8.5%. Ministerial Statements We have to question the Premier's mind- Ministerial Notices of Motion set. Last week and again yesterday he Any other Government Business claimed that the job figures for June were the best in 10 years. What a superficial and Personal Explanations dishonest answer. The only reason Reports Queensland's unemployment rate did not rise Question Time in June was that so many people gave up looking for work. Employment fell by 6,400 and 10.30am to Adjournment of the the labour force contracted by 12,700. So House— much for the Premier's promise of jobs, jobs, Government Business." jobs. Motion agreed to. Millennium International Children's NOTICE OF MOTION Conference Unemployment Mr MICKEL (Logan—ALP) (10.02 a.m.): Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers Today two 11 year old students from the Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) Boronia Heights State School, in my (10 a.m.): I give notice that I shall move— electorate, will be my special guests at Parliament House. Bree-Anna Crocker and "That this House notes that Nikki Lotstra submitted an application to the Queensland has the second highest Millennium International Children's Conference unemployment rate in mainland Australia on the Environment on a multicultural and condemns the Beattie Government friendship garden that they helped to develop for its anti-jobs workplace relations policies at the school. Their application for selection and its continued failure to deliver on the was successful and their project was put on Premier's blatantly opportunistic and display at the conference, which was cynical commitment of a 5% organised in partnership with the United unemployment rate." Nations environmental program at Eastbourne, England, from 22 to 24 May 2000. The PRIVATE MEMBERS' STATEMENTS conference was attended by 1,000 students from 100 countries around the world. I Unemployment understand that Bree-Anna and Nikki were the Dr WATSON (Moggill—LP) (Leader of the only two students representing central and Liberal Party) (10 a.m.): Two years ago the eastern Australia. 2232 Private Members' Statements 20 Jul 2000

Spearheaded by one of the deputy crop closing at the end of August, time is fast principals at the school, Judy Raudon, the girls running out for a response. The Federal set about fundraising for their airfares and Government has indicated that it wishes to accommodation. I am pleased to say that the support the sugar industry, but no response entire Logan West community—its service whatsoever has been received from the State, clubs, sports clubs and businesses—got right despite weeks of negotiations. We prompted behind the two young ladies in their the Minister in this Parliament four weeks ago, fundraising efforts to enable them to pay to but still no action has been forthcoming. I call attend this conference. The Premier has on the Minister for Primary Industries and the agreed to present the two students with Premier to stop sitting on their hands and certificates in recognition of their unique support the sugar industry by contributing to achievement. This is a battler's dream come this assistance package. They sold out the true in every sense of the word for these dairy industry. They should not also sell out the students. sugar industry. The Boronia Heights State School won international recognition because of the Freaky Arts Festival outstanding efforts of these students and their teachers. Their submission included this quote Mrs LAVARCH (Kurwongbah—ALP) from the esteemed poet Ralph Waldo (10.06 a.m.): Representing an electorate that Emerson— has a high proportion of young people, I am conscious of the need for the provision of "To leave the world a bit better facilities and activities tailored specifically to whether by a healthy child, a garden their needs and entertainment, but I am also patch mindful that for such facilities and activities to or a redeemed social condition be truly successful they cannot be imposed on young people by us oldies. This is why I am To know even one life has breathed pleased to inform members of the initiative of easier because you have lived a group of young people in Pine Rivers. This is to have succeeded." Last year a number of our younger On any measurement these two young residents got together to address the need for ladies have succeeded for themselves, their youth activities in our community. In families and their school. collaboration with QUT's Catalyst they proposed and brought to fruition in just a matter of weeks the inaugural Pine Rivers Sugar Industry youth arts festival. As a result of a naming competition, this festival is now known as the Mr ROWELL (Hinchinbrook—NPA) Freaky Arts Festival. The organising committee (10.04 a.m.): The sugar industry has endured has put together another excellent program of one of the lowest periods of its long and proud freaky arts events this year. In particular, I history in this State. The world sugar price has make mention of last Saturday's Rapid Music been at rock bottom levels and canegrowers Festival at Pine Rivers Park. This was a free have suffered a series of unfavourable growing event showcasing about 20 Pine Rivers and conditions that have decimated yields and Brisbane bands. As well as featuring eight well- sugar levels. The area north of Mackay has known bands, such as Speedstar, Subsyde, been inundated with grey-back cane grubs Hollow and No More Gaps, there was a band and rats have devastated crops in much of the competition for up-and-coming bands. This north. In a number of areas outbreaks of competition was won by the band Submissive. orange rust have forced many farmers to plough out their fields for possible replanting. I wish also to make special mention of Many growers are now considering leaving the third place winner, Pine Rivers band industry. While prices have improved of late, Insouciant, as a member of this band is my the current harvest has revealed that the crop electorate officer's 17 year old son Bob. is much poorer than expected. Income to This event was funded through the Yes many districts will be well down, with the impact program of Arts Queensland as well as by local felt throughout those communities. If support businesses, such as Vision Skin Tattoo. It was is not provided soon, many growers and sugar well attended and all in all was a great dependent communities will be shattered. success. I congratulate all involved in The sugar industry lodged its submission organising this wonderful event for our young for a repayable assistance package with both people. the State and Federal Governments six weeks Finally, I place on record my thanks to the ago. With the opportunity for planting a new Minister for The Arts, the Honourable Matt 20 Jul 2000 Private Members' Statements 2233

Foley, for his encouragement, support and to be established on the old abattoir site. This funding not only for youth arts initiatives but proposal will take advantage of all of our food also for regional arts programs. If we did not industries—the enormous fruit and vegetable have this encouragement, support and industry throughout the district, our fishing funding this event could not have happened. industry, soft drink manufacturer and, of course, our rum and other food industries— and has the potential to turn the negative Kilcoy Poultry Farm closure of our abattoir by the previous Mrs PRATT (Barambah—IND) Government in 1997, resulting in the loss of all (10.08 a.m.): There is a situation in beautiful 25 jobs, into a positive project that can be a Kilcoy that has a particular pong about it, and hive of industry with the opportunity of the residents wish to make their feelings hundreds of new jobs. known. Imagine waking up one morning at a I strongly believe that our horticultural bed and breakfast cottage in the peaceful industries in Bundaberg have a great future. countryside after an exhausting day and being With the establishment of this site, with the woken not to the sound of birds chirping but by enthusiasm of associated industries, with the combined crowing and clucking of 80,000 shared vision and confidence, with the $5.4m chooks and roosters just 250 metres from the funding commitment by this Government, with bedroom window. The proprietor tells us that, the continued support of the Department of although breakfast would normally be served State Development working together with the on the veranda, the wind is blowing from the Bundaberg City Council, which has also wrong direction and the aroma of 80,000 contributed $2m towards this project, with the chooks has forced her to close the windows. support of DPI and the Tourism and For years Governments have been Development Board and building on the work pushing tourism. They have encouraged of positive groups such as the Burnett Food farmers—and I note that in the first week of Alliance and Oz Exports, this project has deregulation another 17 dairy farmers have enormous potential for growth. It can clearly put up their herds for sale—to look to tourism. identify our region as the major centre for food Vineyards have increased around the industries, and this site can become the home South Burnett and are making their mark, of Bundaberg's food industries. recently winning some prestigious awards. Now This project gives Bundaberg the best a poultry farm has done a deal to erect this opportunity we have had for a long time for 80,000 head poultry farm right in the middle industrial growth and new jobs. I am very of, and in close proximity to, vineyards and pleased to be chairing a committee to small tourist operations at Neurum. I visited the progress the project. I have already had proposed site, and a more suitable location meetings with major proponents, and than in the middle of a budding tourist area enormous interest is being shown in the should be found. project. I thank the Minister for State No-one in this area is opposed to the Development for his continued support. poultry farm or industry moving to their area. They are aware of the employment benefits for Mr V. O'Rourke such an enterprise and they work very hard to Mr JOHNSON (Gregory—NPA) encourage business to the area. They are (10.12 a.m.): We heard in the House this simply opposed to the proposed location. They morning a ministerial statement delivered by welcome new businesses to their area, but the Minister for Transport and Minister for Main they believe that there is a place for Roads in relation to the impending retirement everything. Meetings have now been arranged of Vince O'Rourke as Chief Executive of with the Ministers, and I hope that they may Queensland Rail. I would just like to place on be able to assist the Neurum Action Group record today the coalition's support for what and the Kilcoy council to reach an amicable the Minister had to say this morning. Vince solution to this problem. O'Rourke, as the Minister said, came to Queensland back in October 1990 to be the Bundaberg Industrial Park last Commissioner for Queensland Rail in this State. Mrs NITA CUNNINGHAM (Bundaberg— ALP) (10.10 a.m.): My electorate of Mr Hamill: He was a good appointment, Bundaberg had a major boost to its drive for wasn't he? jobs with the recent launch by the Deputy Mr JOHNSON: He certainly was. I will Premier, Jim Elder, of the proposed food applaud that. He was appointed CEO of precinct and a new Bundaberg industrial park Queensland Rail on 1 July 1991. Since then 2234 Private Members' Statements 20 Jul 2000 we have witnessed massive change in superannuation to prevent them from Queensland Rail inclusive of the bankruptcy and needing social security corporatisation, thus, a defined change in benefits. I am particularly sympathetic to the management with the implementation of the situation that Stan Myers, a 53 year old board structure which changed the hardworking small business operator, is management procedure of this great enduring. Stan is a self-funded superannuant, organisation, most of the time with Neville but he has been refused access to $5,000 of Blunt, who was the chair of that board. his own accumulated superannuation—his Together these two men certainly had a great own money, not one dollar coming from the till vision for Queensland Rail. Between these two of an employer. men they prospered Queensland Rail into one In 1997, the Howard Government of the greatest narrow gauge networks in the tightened the financial hardship criteria in the world. Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Under Vince O'Rourke's stewardship, we Regulations to make it almost impossible for saw QR launch into change in every direction. people to gain early access to their funds. I As the Minister said, we saw that in the support the need for a retirement incomes introduction of the tilt train; the upgrade of the policy that encourages substantial urban network here in south-east Queensland; superannuation savings. However, it is not cost Traveltrain, which saw the promotion of tourism effective to fail to prevent bankruptcy or in this State and also with the promotion of the reliance on Government benefits. Spirit of the Outback, the Queenslander and other Traveltrains in this State; the joint Between the financial years 1992-93 and venture partnership between Venice-Simplon 1994-95, under a Federal Labor Government and Orient Express—the Great South Pacific an average of 35,000 people per year used Express—as well as our Cattletrain concept, this lifeline. Between July 1997 and June which is still the only railway in Australia today 2000, under the mean spirited that has livestock freight; and also the Howard/Costello Government, 37,596 successful coal and mineral division of QR, applications for early release were lodged but which last year carried some 105 million only 13,961 were granted in that full three-year tonnes of coal mineral. period. I am waiting for a reply on this issue from Rod Kemp, Assistant Treasurer, but I do One of Vince O'Rourke's greatest skills not feel confident that Stan Myers and the was in his management of industrial relations. others will get the lifeline that they deserve As Minister, I had great respect for him. In from the Government. closing—and I know my time has expired—as the Minister has said today, Vince O'Rourke has many enduring characteristics. I can tell Pumicestone Passage honourable members that he outstayed many of us on many a night. I thought I could stay, Mrs SHELDON (Caloundra—LP) but Vince O'Rourke certainly left me behind on (10.16 a.m.): Yesterday I spoke in this House many occasions. He is a great man—a great about a terrible jet ski accident in Pumicestone man for QR. On behalf of the coalition, I wish Passage. Today I would like to bring to the him and Ailsa well in their impending attention of the House a letter from the editor retirement. of one of our major papers on the coast in which he said he went to a people's forum where a discussion paper entitled Developing Access to Superannuation Funds a Waterway Transport Management Plan was Ms STRUTHERS (Archerfield—ALP) discussed. He said there were 80 to 100 (10.14 a.m.): The Federal Treasurer, Peter people in attendance, their main interest being Costello, has undeservedly pinned a gold star the Pumicestone Passage and its use. He on his forehead for introducing a regressive said— goods and services tax. Now he is licking his "As you are no doubt aware over the lips in readiness to tighten the screws on our years, during my career, I have attended national superannuation system. During the possibly hundreds of similar forums. last parliamentary sitting, I spoke of the need This particular meeting takes, by a for the Federal Government to enable people long way, the prize for being the most greater access to part of their superannuation disgraceful I have ever attended. funds when enduring extreme financial hardship. It was very quickly obvious that the I spoke about three residents in my area facilitators"— who are desperately seeking part of their from Queensland Transport— 20 Jul 2000 Private Members' Statements 2235

"were exhibiting a preferred conclusion parliamentary colleagues some of the very which somewhat conflicted with the interesting facts and figures in a publication by community concerns. the Office of Economic and Statistical I would make these points: Research and Multicultural Affairs Queensland. It draws on the 1996 census data to produce a The facilitators had little knowledge, or snapshot picture of the rich and cultural interest, in what Queensland Transport's diversity of the population of this State. It area of jurisdiction within Pumicestone shows that nearly 543,000 Queenslanders Passage was. were born overseas, a figure which represents They had little, or no, knowledge of the 16.7% of Queenslanders. If we put that problems currently being experienced in together with the 20.2% of Australian born the Passage—notably with jetskis and Queenslanders who had one or both parents houseboats. Nor did they exhibit much born overseas, that means that 40.7% of the concern about the matter. population of this State are first or second They had little, or no, geographic generation Queenslanders. knowledge of the Passage and its A comparison of birthplace data for environs. Frequently they confused people who arrived in Australia before 1986 Lamerough and Bells Creek. and those who came here between 1986 and ... 1996 shows that there has been some shift in the main birthplace of overseas born Maps they displayed purporting to show Queenslanders. Settlers who arrived before the current regulations prevailing in 1986 came mainly from the United Kingdom, Pumicestone Passage were wrong. New Zealand, Germany, Italy and the Notably the map displaying prohibited Netherlands. The UK and New Zealand are still water ski areas was in conflict with current the main source countries, but the rise in the legislation. number of migrants from Asian countries such Frequent questions from the gathering as the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong were not answered or the subject was Kong, China and Japan since 1986 has added changed. considerably to Queensland's cultural diversity In answering concerns referring to stocks. Pumicestone Passage, the facilitators A centrefold map shows at a glance that would change the tone of the discussion overseas born Queenslanders have settled all to areas such as Mooloolaba or Noosa. over the State and it marks their proportions in Any question relating to breaches of each local government area. The areas with regulations within the Passage was relatively large proportions of overseas born replied by a suggestion the person should settlers are in the south-east Queensland report it to some other department. Never corner followed by Cairns and Mareeba. It all once to Queensland Transport. adds up to show that Queensland is a multicultural society, a picture of vibrant A question regarding problems in the diversity. It is this diversity that we sometimes Passage with jetskis was replied with the take for granted, and publications such as this response 'do you complain about a are a timely reminder that encourage us to motorbike going up the road'. reflect on how strongly that diversity figures in ... enriching the social, economic and cultural life The over-riding opinion of the of the State and the quality of our everyday gathering was that jetskis should be lives. excluded from the Pumicestone Passage Time expired. from Bells Creek north, and including Bells Creek. There seemed to be great reluctance on the part of the facilitators to Sugar Industry accept that opinion. There was extreme Mr MALONE (Mirani—NPA) (10.21 a.m.): reluctance on their part to allow there to The most important decentralised industry in be a simple of show of hands to reinforce Queensland is in diabolical trouble after three the sentiment." consecutive years of absolutely disastrous Time expired. seasons, caused mainly by adverse weather conditions and rat plagues and, thrown in for good measure, a downturn in the world sugar Cultural Diversity price to the lowest level ever in real terms. The Mr NUTTALL (Sandgate—ALP) sugar industry is the backbone of many (10.18 a.m.): I want to share with my regional communities along the Queensland 2236 Private Members' Statements 20 Jul 2000 coast, many of which are feeling the icy blast joined by awards committee chair, Olympian of this extended downturn. Shops are closing, Marlene Matthews, who said that the machinery sales are almost non-existent and important thing about the awards was to keep the general prosperity of each of those the Olympic spirit alive and well in Queensland communities is at an all-time low. The value of schools. farms is severely depressed—that is, of The Queensland Olympic Council invited course, if a buyer can be found—and this all Queensland schools to nominate a Year, alone has major implications for farmers' equity 10, 11 or 12 student who has represented in their own farms. their school in sport. Those students then Banks are becoming very nervous about submitted an original literary, visual or musical the level of debt in many farming operations. work which illustrated their appreciation of the Contract harvesters are in an absolute no-win Olympic movement. Of the 165 students who situation with low tonnage crops and now have received the awards, 10 came from far- to cover huge areas to achieve their daily north Queensland. Understandably, it was very tonnage supply to mills. They have to operate difficult and most were unable to attend, for long hours in adverse conditions, which although I am pleased to say that, through increases wages and fuel bills. The mills are unusual circumstances, John Inskip from also having to add coal or oil to the cane fibre Cairns State High School was able to be used to fire the boilers so the sugar can be present to receive his award. processed, and that is costing Mackay Sugar Nonetheless, I hope that the between $30,000 and $60,000 per week. The disappointment of the others in not being sugar industry—Canegrowers, the Australian present to receive their award may be Cane Farmers Association and the Australian compensated by having their names Sugar Milling Council—has submitted a recognised today in the parliamentary record proposal to both the Queensland and Federal for the recognition of their achievement with Governments. It is fair to say that the Federal the well wishes of all members of this House. I Government is copping a bit of stick for not certainly know that other Government acting on the proposal quickly enough. members from far-north Queensland such as However, I understand that the Queensland Steve Bredhauer, Warren Pitt and Lesley Clark Government has actually had this proposal for join with me in saying congratulations to Amy longer than the Federal Government, yet we Dickinson from the Woree State High School, have not heard one word from this Shani-Lee Harper from the Smithfield State Government. High School, John Inskip from the Cairns State The package is in the form of a repayable High School, Jacqui Kelly from St Monica's grant and, in the past, the Queensland College, Oskar Lewandrowski from the Government has always been at the fore in Mossman State High School, Jonelle Locastro supporting its industries and communities. from Good Counsel College and Jarrod However, this Government seems hell-bent on Moulton from St Augustine's College. Because allowing this major primary industry in of the time, I table the paper to conclude the Queensland to go to the wall. What is the list. Premier doing? A bit of leadership in this area Time expired. would not go astray. This is one situation that those opposite cannot laugh off. Time expired. Dairy Industry Dr PRENZLER (Lockyer—CCAQ) (10.25 a.m.): There is no doubt that a tragedy Pierre de Coubertin Award of unfathomable proportions is now unfolding Ms BOYLE (Cairns—ALP) (10.23 a.m.): in what was a thriving dairy industry in this Several weeks ago I was pleased to be State. This tragedy has been aided and present when the Education Minister, Dean abetted by the uncaring Labor Government in Wells, presented students with the prestigious this State. There is no doubt that the history of Pierre de Coubertin Award at a Parliament the milk entitlement system has had House ceremony. The award was given to 165 Government backing in this State from the students from around Queensland, although start through the statutory body, the not all of them could be present to receive Queensland Dairy Authority, and its milk them personally. The award, which is named entitlements committee. These bodies were after the French nobleman who founded the instrumental in instigating a trade in milk modern Olympics in Athens in 1896, entitlements. This trade has definitely been recognises high school sporting achievers who aided and abetted by the banks, including embody the Olympic movement. Mr Wells was Queensland Government controlled banks, the 20 Jul 2000 Private Members' Statements 2237 now defunct Queensland Industry Coral Coast Employment manager Jill Development Corporation and the old Knight said that Federal Government funding Agricultural Bank. granted to her Bowen agency for the next 12 These banks actively encouraged dairy months would not cover essential costs, and farmers to buy more quota to be used as that was despite rigorous budgeting and a collateral for loans, loans that were used to cutback in staff. She said that the agency's purchase extra land, machinery or livestock or client base had more than tripled in the past to improve efficiency of the dairy farms to allow six years, although funding had not increased them to employ more staff. Other farmers by even half. Chris Gleeson, the manager of used such loans for Landcare type projects to Townsville's Impact Employment Service, said improve the sustainability of their farms and to that his agency took on new clients but achieve the quality assurance status that has funding had dropped. He said that funding been thrust upon them by various Government cuts had forced his agency to drop training departments. All of these projects will now courses previously offered to improve clients' grind to a halt as the cash-strapped dairy employment prospects. He said that highly farmers struggle to survive from day to day impaired job seekers suffered particularly and cannot afford the luxury of research and because the agency could not afford the development or environmental considerations. training. The Federal Government has given Many farmers have considered their nothing. Every time we mention the disregard, quotas as their superannuation package, as the callousness and the coldness of the very few could afford the luxury of traditional Federal Government, the apologists on the superannuation. I call on this Government to other side of this Chamber stick up for it. Why reconsider its position on no compensation for not stick up for Townsville and Bowen? Why our dairy farmers and urge the Minister for not do the right thing by people with disabilities Primary Industries and Rural Communities to for once? The Opposition, however, is as undertake negotiations with the various dairy callous and cold as its Federal Government groups before this tragedy takes hold. colleagues. There is no doubt in my mind that— Persons with Disabilities, Employment Time expired. Services Mr REYNOLDS (Townsville—ALP) Jury Service (10.26 a.m.): Today I want to bring to the Mr HEGARTY (Redlands—NPA) attention of the Parliament the cold and (10.29 a.m.): Jury service could become a risky callous disregard the Federal Government has business for citizens selected to perform that for people with disabilities who are so public service. I have been advised that desperately seeking the assistance of prospective jurors could be in danger from employment agencies in north Queensland. persons charged and convicted of offences Today I particularly highlight employment because of current court practices. Some agencies which are concerned about people weeks ago a constituent was called for jury with disabilities in both Townsville and Bowen. duty. On arrival at court, one of the defendants Employment agencies for people with who was charged with a serious drug offence disabilities are crying out for more funding, with dismissed his solicitor. The judge ordered that services said to have been cut to the bone. the jury be selected and the accused was given 24 hours to engage legal representation Opposition members interjected. and was told that, in the meantime, he would Mr REYNOLDS: From the interjections have to conduct his own defence. The judge coming from the other side, one can tell that then ordered the jury list to be given to the they do not give a damn about employment defendant to enable him to challenge services for people with disabilities. They are prospective jurors. My constituent was not not getting the funding from the Federal empanelled on that occasion but was so Government which they so sorely require. concerned about the defendant being given Those opposite do not give a damn, and we the list of prospective jurors that he checked have heard it. Agency managers from with the sheriff's office and was informed that Townsville and Bowen have said that it is the jury list contained the names and increasingly difficult to meet their clients' needs addresses of each juror. due to dwindling resources. Let me quote a I know that the presumption of innocence few examples to bring this matter to the is everyone's right. Defendants are entitled to attention of the Opposition. conduct their own defence. However, I believe 2238 Questions Without Notice 20 Jul 2000 that the system needs to be looked at when I will get to the detail of the question, in someone on serious charges is given a list of light of the Opposition Leader's support for the jurors and their addresses. This leads to the measure we put through the House. This possibility of intimidation of the juror or their change simply means that canvassers have to family by a convicted person or someone canvass before 6 o'clock at night. That is quite acting on their behalf. People serving on jury a reasonable proposal. If during the duty must feel comfortable that their names canvassing up until 6 o'clock at night there is and addresses will not be given to anyone that an appointment made to visit someone after 6 they may later convict of an offence. o'clock at night for further consultation, then Time expired. that is fine. That is not prevented by the legislation. It is about making an appointment. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for Private Members' Statements has expired. The reality is that we live in a complex and diverse society. Rightly or wrongly—to some extent there are arguments both ways—a lot QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE of people feel concerned about security at Foxtel; Canvassing home. They feel insecure about protecting Mr BORBIDGE (10.30 a.m.): My question their families. This proposal is about putting is directed to the Premier. I refer to one of the families first. It is about ensuring that people Government's recent jobs initiatives, namely, feel secure in their homes. It means that they the last-minute amendments to the Equity and do not have people knocking on the door at 8 Fair Trading (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill in o'clock at night. That is not unreasonable. June of this year, which according to the I have seen the comments made by the managing director of Foxtel will cost 100 jobs gentleman from Foxtel and I understand his in the State of Queensland. Bearing in mind view. We understand its canvassing business. that the Fair Trading Minister had publicly All it has to do is doorknock up until 6 o'clock stated that there had been widespread at night and then make appointments to see consultation in respect of the impact of this people after that. My view about this is, very legislation, how does the Premier answer the simply, that people need to be able to feel managing director's claim that he was not secure in their own homes. aware of any consultation, public or private, with the industry? Will the Premier give an A Government member: After dark. assurance that he will instruct the Minister to introduce into this House appropriate Mr BEATTIE: I take that point; it is a good legislative amendments to protect the interests one. Particularly after dark families need to feel of the 100 Queenslanders currently employed secure. I guess in many senses members of by Foxtel, who now face unemployment as a Parliament do not represent typical families—I result of the actions of his ministerial understand this—but I have three young colleague? children. From my own family point of view, our whole family would feel more secure if people Mr BEATTIE: I thank the honourable were not canvassing after 6 o'clock at night. member for the question. Did he vote for this? Mr Borbidge: Yes. We were assured— Mr Hamill: What about aged persons? Mr BEATTIE: Yes, he did. I just wanted to Mr BEATTIE: It is about aged people, check that he was onside with this. I thank the senior citizens, many of whom feel insecure Leader of the Opposition for his support for the when people are knocking on their door after 6 measures we put through the Parliament. o'clock. This measure does not stop Foxtel's Mr BORBIDGE: Mr Speaker, I rise to a business. I understand its point of view, but it point of order. We did not oppose the last- does not stop it. minute amendments on the basis that the Mr Borbidge interjected. Minister had assured the House there had been consultation. Mr BEATTIE: I understand that, but all it has to do is reorganise its canvassing so that Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of doorknocking is conducted up until 6 o'clock. order. Resume your seat. Its workers can make appointments to see Mr BEATTIE: I am happy to answer the people after 6 o'clock. This change does not question. I just wanted to check that the stop that; it just means that we do not frighten Leader of the Opposition was with me on this people in their own homes. As I said, this is one, which he is, and I thank him for his about protecting people's privacy and about support. putting families first. 20 Jul 2000 Questions Without Notice 2239

Inner Northern Busway January. If he looks at today's Morgan poll he Mr BORBIDGE: I refer the Minister for will see 62.5% support for the Labor Party on a Transport and Minister for Main Roads to his two-party preferred basis. statements last year that $12m had been A $20m contract is already under way. committed in last year's State Budget to Further contracts are in the process of being progress the Brisbane light rail project and that negotiated. For the Leader of the Opposition $32m had been committed to the inner to come in here and suggest that we are not northern busway to Royal Brisbane Hospital, proceeding with the inner northern busway just and I ask: given that the Government has shows how hopelessly out of touch he is with abandoned the Brisbane light rail project and the people of Queensland, as does today's given that it did not spend the $32m allocated Morgan poll. in last year's Budget to the inner northern busway last financial year, can the Minister confirm that the Government has also Small Country Towns abandoned the inner northern busway? Mr SULLIVAN: I ask the Premier: does he Mr BREDHAUER: I appreciate the agree with the Federal Liberal member for question from the member for Surfers Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, who supports a Paradise, because it demonstrates just how suggestion that small country towns should be out of touch he is, and not only with the allowed to die? people in the rural constituency of the National Mr BEATTIE: The answer to this is, no, I Party—the Surfers Paradise leader of the do not agree with the Federal Liberal member, National Party. We all know what people out in nor with the academic who proposed this idea the bush think of him—the saltwater National. in the first place. I will set out the facts. Gordon There are not too many of them. The member Forth, from Deakin University in Victoria, has for Toowoomba South spoke yesterday in the said that people who live in country towns with House about coastal surveillance, interjecting populations of less than 4,000 should be on the Premier, as did the member for Callide. encouraged to move and provide a boost to They would not know what it is like to have nearby centres with better services. Dr Forth illegal immigrants landing on their doorstep, as said that Governments should be stabilising has been the case in Cairns. populations in slightly larger regional centres, The member for Surfers Paradise gets up rather than trying to prop up smaller and displays his ignorance, not only of what is communities. He is quoted in the Cairns Post happening outside of south-east Queensland; of 5 July as saying— he does not even know what is happening on "The towns that I'm referring to are the other side of the Brisbane River! There are towns that are clearly in ongoing decline." currently works under way on the inner northern busway—the Normanby section—in Of course, that angered, quite rightly, many conjunction with the works the Brisbane City residents and community leaders in regional Council is doing on the City/Valley bypass. A Queensland and angered us as well. Based $20m contract has been let for the inner on Dr Forth's suggestion, these Queensland northern busway, work began some months towns could be closed down: Longreach, ago and the Opposition Leader comes in here Dysart, Bli Bli, Charleville, Chinchilla, Mount and asks me if I can confirm that we have said Morgan, Clermont, Barcaldine, Childers, Kilcoy, we are not going to build the inner northern Cunnamulla, Hughenden, Mitchell, Gin Gin, busway! Ravenshoe, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, Quilpie, Eumundi, Augathella, Giru, Dimbulah, Mr Hamill: Bob's on the job. Dirranbandi, Alpha, Tambo, Aramac, Mr BREDHAUER: He is more on the job Thargomindah and many more. than Vince Lester was yesterday. Not only This suggestion did win the backing of does he not know what is happening in rural Warren Entsch. In the same edition of the and regional parts of Queensland, which are Cairns Post on 5 July, he reportedly said that reeling from the impact of the GST and price while the prospect of moving would be painful rises; he does not even know what is for some long-term residents— happening on the north side of the Brisbane River. "It's better to sacrifice one (town) that is beyond redemption and boost the Members opposite who represent economy of others." constituencies in the bush should perhaps look at alternative leadership. Perhaps the member He went on to say— for Toowoomba South should be sharpening "To consider propping them up just the knives. Maybe he should not wait until to keep them there is impractical." 2240 Questions Without Notice 20 Jul 2000

Well, that is lovely for the people who are Mr SPEAKER: There is no point of order. there! He went on and said— Mr BREDHAUER: He fed the Leader of "If we allow these towns to continue, the Opposition a load of codswallop about the the people will become poorer and poorer inner northern busway. We all know where the and more welfare dependent, and that is member lines up in the leadership debate, and no good for the community." it is not behind the salt water National from How does Mr Entsch justify that stand, and Surfers Paradise. That is to the member for who decides which towns live or die? Gregory's credit, because at least he is out there sticking up for the rural constituency that Mr Purcell: That's a shame. he represents, unlike the salt water National Mr BEATTIE: Hang on. Who tells families from Surfers Paradise. who have lived in towns for generations that it Let me come to the question at hand. It is time to pack up and go? What an arrogant refers to the Brisbane City Council decision on position! Is Warren Entsch going to volunteer weekly and monthly bus tickets and what sort to pack up and go? of an impact that might have on public The Liberal Party has been killing off small transport in south-east Queensland. Let me communities with its heartless policies, like the tell the member what will kill public transport in closure of Centrelink offices, the push to south-east Queensland: the GST, because the privatise the rest of Telstra—there was a story GST has put up the price of rail fares by this morning about the cost of installing almost 10%. The GST has put up the price of communications in Charleville—the burden of bus fares by 8%. The GST has put up the the GST and broken promises on petrol prices. price of taxi fares by almost 7%. If the member I just wonder where the Queensland Liberals thinks the decision by the Brisbane City and the Queensland Nationals stand on this. Council to change its policy in relation to Do they agree with Warren Entsch or not? weekly and monthly bus tickets might have an They do not care about the bush, but my impact on public transport patronage, he Government does. We will continue to stand should go out there and open his eyes and up for regional towns with infrastructure, have a look at the impact of his mates' tax on improving services and a commitment to public transport. Not only that; they have made inclusive government through measures like the cost of using the private motor vehicle our Community Cabinet meetings. cheaper. I make the point that we were attacked for Mr JOHNSON: I rise to a point of order. spending a majority of our Capital Works We have one minute left. The Minister has Program in regional Queensland. We will gone right off the question. Does he support continue to do it. the abolition of these concessional fares? That is the bloody question. Answer it! Mr SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Bus Fares Mr BREDHAUER: The member gets to Mr JOHNSON: I refer the Minister for ask the questions; I get to give the answers. Transport and Main Roads to the decision of the Brisbane City Council to abolish weekly Members opposite are a pack of and monthly concessional fares on Brisbane hypocrites—the salt water Nationals and the Transport buses. I ask: does he as Minister for ones from west of the Great Dividing Range, Transport expect that the abolition of these who are sharpening the knives on the member concessional fares will adversely impact upon for Surfers Paradise, the next Liberal member the number of passengers using this public for Moncrieff. They are stitching him up, and transport, and does he support the abolition of this question is another example, because these concessional fares? when he goes off to join the Liberal Party in Moncrieff, they will know that the damage that Mr BREDHAUER: I thank the honourable has been done to public transport has been member for Gregory for his question. I might done not by the abolition of weekly or monthly just sympathise with the member for Surfers bus tickets by the Brisbane City Council but Paradise for a minute for the predicament he through the impact of the GST, which will drive found himself in just a few minutes ago, people away from public transport in their because clearly he had been set up by his droves. mate the member for Gregory, who had fed him a load of codswallop— Mr JOHNSON: I rise to a point of order. I Pass the Hat Around Australia Concert Tour have more respect for my leader than the Mr PURCELL: Mr Speaker, with your Minister has for his. indulgence, I would like to congratulate the 20 Jul 2000 Questions Without Notice 2241

Premier on his support for small towns. I grew songs: we all feel like we are members of the up in small towns. Until I came to Brisbane, I Outback Club. As a major sponsor, the never lived in a town with more than 3,000 Queensland Government—which means all people in all my life, and they are a great place Queenslanders—helped in that bonding to live and work. I have a question for the process. Premier that I know he will support whole- I would like to place on record my heartedly, coming from a small rural town appreciation and respect for the other major himself. I refer to this year's Pass the Hat sponsors: Toyota, Telstra, Westpac and WIN Around Australia concert tour by the country Television. These companies are what are music star Lee Kernaghan, and I ask—yee- sometimes glibly referred to as good corporate hah—did the Queensland Government play a citizens, and they are indeed good corporate role in this year's event? citizens, but in my mind, they are much more Mr BEATTIE: I thank the honourable than simply that. member for his question. Those of us who I also want to pay tribute to the ordinary come from small towns have to stick together. Australians who went along to these concerts, In fact, I table for the information of the House including the one held this year in the article I referred to before and the numbers Rockhampton. Without their support, these from the latest census of all those towns that concerts would not have raised the money would be closed under that proposal. We will needed. fight to the bitter end to keep them open. Finally, I also wish to pay tribute to Lee Let us come to Lee Kernaghan. Yes, the Kernaghan. Lee is a great Australian. He is a Queensland Government did play a very man of great vision and great compassion. supportive role again this year in Lee The Queensland Government has backed him Kernaghan's Pass the Hat Around Australia from the start. According to the bush charity concert tour. Lee Kernaghan is a great telegraph, Lee is planning another Pass the Australian. I could not think of a better Hat Around Australia concert tour some time in Australian to be named Australian of the Year. the next couple of years. We will be there He is a very decent Australian. In fact, the again, because the State Government State proudly contributed $50,000 this year, believes this is a great way to give a helping just as it did two years ago. That money was hand to those deserve it. used to help offset the costs of the tour so that every dollar raised by Lee Kernaghan can be On behalf of all members of this House, I directed towards the particular causes say to Lee Kernaghan: thank you very much. identified by regional and remote communities in Queensland and, indeed, around Australia. Unemployment As I said, the State is a proud sponsor, Dr WATSON: I also support the Lee because these concerts give a helping hand to Kernaghan Pass the Hat Around Australia special causes. They help communities tour. It is very good. I am a great Lee acquire something they would not otherwise Kernaghan fan. be able to get. In Queensland these concerts have helped to buy defibrillators, emergency I refer the Premier to his embarrassing radio equipment and, this year, helped to public admission last week that unemployment accelerate the purchase and installation of would average 8% over the next 12 months. airconditioning in the Yuleba State School and Given that unemployment has been tracking the Moura State School. at 7.7% for the past couple of months, can he confirm that unemployment will actually go up I was honoured to attend the official rather than down before the next election? announcement last month in the Can he inform the House how high it will peak Parliamentary Annexe of this year's national over the next 12 months? beneficiaries. This included a live link concert with some wonderful kids in Wagga Wagga Mr BEATTIE: I have indicated to the who are undergoing treatment for cancer. House on a number of occasions that jobs Their spirit, not to mention their singing voices, remain a priority for this Government. We have was inspirational. delivered 82,000 plus jobs, almost 83,000 in the last two years. The Budget forecasts These concerts also have an invisible but another 31,000 jobs. We anticipate, and there very real benefit, and that is the bonding is a projection in the Budget, that there will be together of the communities who work hard to 110,000 jobs created during the term of this raise the funds, and the bonding together of Government. That is the lowest level of the city and the bush. In a way, it is a little bit unemployment in 10 years—since May 1990. like the lyrics of one of Lee Kernaghan's We all know that there is a range of factors 2242 Questions Without Notice 20 Jul 2000 that have made it tough, but notwithstanding (10.52 a.m.): I rise on a matter of privilege those tough factors we are creating 100 jobs a suddenly arising. Earlier in question time I day, seven days a week, every week of the asked a question of the Minister for Transport year. in respect of progress on a particular project. Let us look at the issue of growth that is Transfield have just confirmed to my office that linked to the question. The last Borbidge they have received official notification from the Budget forecast economic growth—just listen Minister's department that Stage 1 of that to this—of 3.5% for both 1998-99 and 1999- project, Albert Street to Roma Street, is not to 2000. What did we inherit? We inherited a proceed at this time. I invite the Minister to projected growth of 3.5%. What did we clarify the answer that he gave to my question deliver? My Government delivered 4.8% in the which, quite clearly, was a deliberate attempt first year and 4.25% growth in those two years. to deceive this House whilst his own We exceeded the projected growth that we department is serving official notification on the inherited. What are we delivering this year? contractors involved in the project. We are delivering 3.75%, which has been attacked by the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Liberal Party, yet that is PRIVILEGE higher than the economic growth of 3.5% Inner Northern Busway forecast by the Borbidge Government. Again, just hollow rhetoric from the Opposition. Hon. S. D. BREDHAUER (Cook—ALP) (Minister for Transport and Minister for Main Let us look at country comparisons in Roads) (10.53 a.m.): I rise on a matter of terms of economic growth. What is the growth privilege. I will say it slowly and I will try to be in Europe? 3.1%! In the US in 2001 it is gentle, because the Leader of the Opposition expected to be 3.2%; in Japan, 1.3%. has been given yet another bum steer, by Let us look at the reality of growth. We whom I do not know, but the reality is that his are doing better than our major trading question related to whether the INB was partners. We are going to be doing better than proceeding. My answer in spades is: yes, there Japan, Europe and the United States in 2001. is $20m worth of work going on now at the In other words, our trading partners would love Normanby Fiveways. to have our economic growth as predicted in the Budget. The department entered into discussions with Transfield over the possibility of building a Let us look at the real growth. tunnel under the King George Square car park Queensland is a $100 billion economy. Growth as part of the project and we have advised of 3.75% means around $4 billion of extra Transfield that we do not intend to proceed production happening in this State. That is $4 with the tunnel at this stage. But the project is billion of extra income to this State, $4 billion proceeding, as the Leader of the Opposition of extra expenditure occurring across the would find if he would care to look at the State, and $4 billion of value adding to the Budget Paper No. 5, Capital Works. Maybe he State as well. could just get out in the limousine and drive This economy is being driven by sound over to the Normanby Fiveways and see the economic policies and we also have a vision works that are under way. for the future in IT, biotech and moulding our traditional industries to compete in what is a very ugly and competitive world. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE I conclude by simply saying two things. Leader of the Opposition My Government delivered 4.8% and 4.25% growth in the past two years; in the two years Mr HAYWARD: I ask the Deputy Premier during which the Borbidge/Sheldon forecast and Minister for State Development and was 3.5% for 1998-99 and 1999-2000. The Trade: is the Deputy Premier aware of the Opposition has no credibility when it comes to latest Morgan poll which shows support for the growth and no credibility when it comes to jobs coalition slipping further? What does this mean because their jobs rate was 8.7% and going for the Leader of the Opposition? up. We have brought it down. Mr ELDER: I thank the member for the Interruption. question, because I am aware of the latest Morgan poll. I have to say to the Minister for PRIVILEGE Transport that that was a round one knockout, "Just get in your car and go over and have a Inner Northern Busway look at the dozer drivers and the trucks Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers building the busway if you want to know where Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) the busway is." I cannot believe the member 20 Jul 2000 Questions Without Notice 2243 even had the nerve to ask the question. He statements in relation to things that I did in the had to have been set up. past. Mr Hamill: He would have fallen over it. Mr LINGARD: I rise to a point of order. Mr ELDER: He would have, and that is That is because I taught him. The second time why the dogs are barking. That is exactly why he tried. the dogs on the back bench are barking. The Mr ELDER: Actually, I can recall a few Leader of the Opposition has got till the end of teachers from the Nationals, but I cannot recall January. That is what he was told at the the member. If he did, then I certainly did not conference. Everyone out here is telling us take his advice. that that is what was said at the end of the Mr LINGARD: I rise to a point of order. I conference; he has till the end of January to admit I could never teach him anything. actually deliver, so I reckon there is a lot of serious head counting going on over there. If Mr ELDER: The reason for that is quite he is not interested in the leadership of the clear. The member is a repeat offender. Even National Party, he should take one step back back in those days he was always out to lunch. now. Not too many of them are taking a step Charlie Doyle had an early start in life. back and a few of them are interested in the leadership of the National Party at this point. Kingaroy Hospital I tell members opposite that the dogs are Mrs PRATT: I direct a question to the barking. Why? They can smell fear. They can Minister for Health. The Minister has stated her smell fear because they have read the Morgan determination to deliver effective available Gallup poll, which showed that in the health services to all Queenslanders. There is May/June period the National Party's primary a great need by the residents of Kingaroy and support slipped a further 2.5% to a grand its large catchment area for dialysis treatment. 10.5%. The junior coalition partner, the Liberal These people must travel to Brisbane or Party, is now taking the credit and obviously Toowoomba twice weekly or more for their that is why the three-cornered contests are on. treatments. I ask the Minister: will she make They are taking credit for doing better than the available dialysis services at the Kingaroy senior party. The Liberals may have slipped by Hospital? 4.5%, but they still have 18% support. The Mrs EDMOND: In answering that Nationals have 10% support and they have a question, at the outset can I say what a great really big problem with coalition unity. If the supporter I am also for small country towns, as coalition cannot govern itself, it will never I come from one. I was absolutely appalled to govern this State. The coalition has a big hear that Warren Entsch is happy to see problem with unity and we can see why the wonderful places such as Gin Gin disappear. I push is coming from the junior partner in have to say for the record that, from where I relation to three-cornered contests. came, Gin Gin was not considered a small I have a lot of sympathy for the Leader of country town; it was considered to be the big the Opposition. I know that if he does not get country town nearby. So I understand the the Liberal preselection for Moncrieff he is concerns for health going to be looking for work in the private Mr Seeney: What was the name of that sector. He should take his own advice and place? smile a lot more, because you need to smile at job interviews. But the member could probably Mrs EDMOND: The member would not go into the private sector. He was once in know. He would not have a clue. I have to say there waiting on tables in motels. Maybe he that one of the areas of concern in Health is could open a restaurant on the beachfront at that there has been an enormous growth in Surfers Paradise. He could not call it Doyle's, the incidence of end-stage renal failure and a but I guess with the concurrence of the corresponding enormous demand for member for Beaudesert he could call it Charlie treatment. That is why I have had the Doyle's. Maybe he could go into film department working on a number of projects production. It would be a very short film. looking at how we are going to meet the demand and provide the facilities. Mr LINGARD: I rise to a point of order. At least I did not have to repeat Year 12. Over the past year, we have provided an increased number of services so that people Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of can access these services, including in their order. home, and providing training for them. Just Mr ELDER: I have to say this: in repeating recently I announced a major initiative in north Grade 12 I learned not to make any false Queensland where the people do not have to 2244 Questions Without Notice 20 Jul 2000 drive an hour or two for treatment but actually proposal for a super stadium at Hamilton. At have to move their homes from places such as that time, he said that this super stadium was Bamaga and Thursday Island down to Cairns going to be a very substantial private sector so that they can access services. So we will be development with minimum cost to the providing renal dialysis services, training, taxpayer. When the report was done finally by education and prevention programs up in the the private developers—who were going to do cape, at Weipa, at Bamaga, at Thursday it for us free of charge—it revealed, firstly, that Island and at Innisfail as part of that north the super stadium had been changed from Queensland initiative. holding 65,000 seats to 50,000 seats; We are looking at other areas of the State secondly, it required a direct Government where the need is greatest but, of course, contribution of $150m in the form of land at no consideration has to be given to priority needs. cost; a payment of $8m a year for 15 years— That means looking at how far those places that is $120m—and the relocation of the port are from other services. That will be taken into of Brisbane facilities at a cost of $157m. Is it account when we look at the needs of the any wonder we cancelled this proposal? The South Burnett region. report also revealed that the Government was to fund and approve all ancillary road and rail infrastructure. This cost had not been Brisbane Light Rail Project estimated. It amounted to a greater cost than Mr REEVES: As a person who is proud to the amount it will cost if the Government say that he is a strong supporter of the big city, proceeds with the redevelopment of Lang I refer to claims by the Leader of the Liberal Park. Party that last week's decision of the Mr Borbidge: You reckon? Government not to proceed with the light rail Mr MACKENROTH: Yes, it is. That was project in the inner city was a stake through the proposal of the Leader of the Opposition, the heart of the Lang Park plan and, further, which was going to be a minimum cost to the his claim that the decision placed in jeopardy taxpayers. the environmental impact study. I ask: are these claims correct? Mr SPEAKER: Who is the question Sugar Industry directed to? Mr ROWELL: I direct a question to the Mr REEVES: To the Minister for Sport. Premier. This should give him a good Mr MACKENROTH: When I woke up this opportunity to demonstrate how he supports morning, I knew that I was the Minister for the country towns of Queensland. I refer the Sport. Yes, I have heard those claims made Premier to the sugar industry's submission to by the Leader of the Liberal Party. Are they the State and Federal Governments for a correct? No, they are not correct. repayable assistance package to help growers recover from the prolonged downturn in world Last night, I followed the Leader of the sugar prices and successive poor seasons. Liberal Party on 4BC radio where he said that Now that the Federal Government has the scrapping of the light rail really ensured indicated its willingness to join with the that the Lang Park development could not go Queensland Government and assist the ahead because it threw the EIS out the industry, I ask the Premier: what contribution window. It surprised me that the Leader of the will his Government be making to that Liberal Party could make such a claim package, and when? because, as the leader of the party, I would at least think that before he made such a claim Mr BEATTIE: I thank the honourable he would know what he was talking about. If member for the question because this is a very the Leader of the Liberal Party had read the serious and important issue. Yesterday EIS, he would know that contained in that morning we had a post-Budget breakfast, document is a strategy as to how to proceed which was addressed by the Treasurer. with a transportation plan if there is no light rail. Mr McGrady: And a full house, too. So, in fact, all of that has been addressed in Mr BEATTIE: It was a full house, full of the EIS. The claim that the scrapping of the very intelligent people. There were some great light rail project has put a stake through the speeches, too. During the breakfast session, I heart of the proposal is just ridiculous. had an opportunity to have a short discussion That claim was just as ridiculous as the with Harry Bonanno about what is going on in claims that were made by the Leader of the the sugar industry. I have also spent some Opposition on 16 May when the EIS was time discussing this matter with the Minister for released. On ABC radio he talked about his Primary Industries. 20 Jul 2000 Questions Without Notice 2245

As the member would know, the State number of ladies and other community Government has been working with the representatives from the member's electorate industry to ensure a viable sugar industry well who are involved in the industry— into the future. Extensive work has occurred Mr Borbidge: Are you prepared to put with the industry on a range of issues—and some in? the member would know this as he is involved in the industry—such as strategic planning, Mr BEATTIE: No. As I indicated, we met addressing yield declines and farm finance with this group of people. We are working counselling. Clearly, low prices combined with through a number of issues. We will work bad weather, which is at the heart of the closely with the Federal Government to ensure problem, have had a substantial effect on the that the industry has the future it needs. industry, particularly after the number of Mr SPEAKER: Order! Before calling the cyclones that we have had. member for Nudgee, I welcome to the public gallery students, parents and teachers of As the member would know, the price for Patricks Road State School, in the electorate cane is slowly moving upwards. In fact, the of the Ferny Grove. New York spot price reached 9.6c per pound last week. Hopefully that will continue. The Budget predicts that there will be an increase State Government Finances in prices. We hope that that is the case. The Mr ROBERTS: I ask the Treasurer: is he member would know also that the State is aware of any recent independent assessments keen to work as cooperatively and as closely of the shape of Queensland Government as it can with the industry to facilitate moves by finances and our prospects for the future and, the industry to implement changes to improve if so, could he please inform members of the industry's viability. There are a number of these findings? things happening there. The member knows that some of the structural change issues are Mr HAMILL: Over the past couple of difficult, but we are working through those. The weeks a number of statements have been member also knows that we have supported made by commentators about the state of single desk selling to support the industry. Queensland's finances. Both the members for Obviously, we are going to continue to do that. Surfers Paradise and Moggill appeared on television speaking about black holes, financial I understand that the industry has put a crises, deficits and all sorts of dire package to the Federal Government for loans. consequences— I am not talking about grants; I am talking Dr Watson interjected. about loans, which have to be repaid by the farmers. I understand that the Federal Mr HAMILL: He is still saying it. In fact, I Government is giving consideration to the know that the Leader of the Opposition has proposal that was put together by the industry real trouble in digesting information about the and is evaluating a number of options. I transportation system, but I would have understand that is happening at the present thought the erstwhile professor of accounting time. might have been able to get his head around some issues in relation to public finances. But I want to point out that this package has what I learnt was that the knowledge of the not been directed to the State Government. honourable member for Moggill is so arcane And Harry confirmed that yesterday. He that his accounting standards are known only indicated that, from the industry's perspective, to him and the Opposition. This is not this is a matter that only the resources of the knowledge that is shared by the financial Federal Government can address. We will world. continue to work with the Federal Government to assist. We are supportive of the package Yesterday, I noted a statement by the put forward by the industry. We would hope international ratings agency Standard and that we could get some bipartisanship on this Poor's commenting on the State of issue both from the Opposition and us. We Queensland. Allow me to share with you, Mr believe that, because of the magnitude of this Speaker, the words of Mr Rick Shepherd, the issue, it rests with the Federal Government. Director of Public Finance Ratings, Standard Therefore, we are hoping that it will play a and Poor's. What did Mr Shepherd say to the constructive and positive role in assisting the Dow Jones Agency? In supporting the State's industry. AAA local currency credit rating, he said that the State of Queensland is very strong. Mr As I reported to the House on one other Shepherd went on to state that "at the general occasion, in Townsville I met with my government level their balance sheet is just so Parliamentary Secretary, Mike Reynolds, and a strong it's quite unbelievable". There was also 2246 Questions Without Notice 20 Jul 2000 a more extensive statement from Standard were in Government, we see that they have and Poor's and Mr Shepherd, and I will share gone extremely well. We are now almost at the some of that with you, Mr Speaker. end of the EB negotiations with the various Mr Springborg: Share the lot. unions across all of the departments. Mr HAMILL: It is too long to share the lot. As is always the case, these negotiations I am happy to table it. have been robust at times and on occasions industrial action has been taken. I can say Mr Borbidge: Tell us about the this—and this is all I wish to say at this time, borrowings. because the negotiations have not been Mr HAMILL: What did he say about completed; they are very close to being borrowings? Mr Shepherd stated— finalised and it is probable that they will be "The general government sector is in concluded shortly—provided the result is an extraordinarily strong financial position affirmed by the members of the unions in to take on the additional borrowings." Health and in the other areas where members have to be consulted, we can look forward with What else did he say? He stated— a fair degree of probability to finalisation and a "All liabilities are more than covered successful outcome in the very near future. by financial assets alone." That is what Standard and Poor's said. The same authors of the economic nonsense Private Health Insurance being peddled last week are trying to make out Mr PEARCE: I ask the Minister for Health: that this was some sort of condemnation of can she please advise the House what effect the Queensland Government's financial the increase in private health insurance management. The last line is also worth membership will have on the public hospital noting. It states— system? "Net worth, however, will be a very Mrs EDMOND: I thank the honourable healthy A$58 billion as the net financial member for the question. He is another liabilities are offset by nonfinancial member who fights for small country towns in assets ... worth A$67 billion." the face of attacks from Liberal members. Mr Rowell: This is a disgrace. In Queensland we have not seen any Mr HAMILL: It is a disgrace that the evidence that one iota of pressure has been member does not understand it. I table it for taken off our public hospitals. Let us look at his edification and information. what types of cover are being taken out as a result of the rebate and the massive fear campaign. There is strong growth in front-end Public Hospitals, Strikes deductible and exclusionary private health Mrs SHELDON: I refer the Minister for insurance policies. These policies enable Employment, Training and Industrial Relations people to avoid paying an increased Medicare to the Premier's claim three weeks ago that levy and even force people to join when they strike action in Queensland hospitals would be have no access to private health facilities. For over in a couple of days. Given that he and his example, people in rural areas do not have department are responsible for running the EB private hospitals to go to and yet they, too, are negotiations that have led to the continuing being forced to take out private health hospital strikes, I ask: when do he and his insurance at great cost. department expect that Queenslanders will With an excess of $1,000 or more, have their hospital services returned to policyholders are still more likely to use public normal? hospitals rather than pay the excess at a Mr BRADDY: I thank the honourable private hospital. But the real tragedy is what member for her first question in her new role these funds could have achieved in the public as shadow Minister for this portfolio. Certainly, health system. Professor John Deeble, health my department and I as Minister are in economist and the architect of Medicare, has partnership with the line agencies in relation to estimated that, if all of the new privately all of these negotiations, whether it be Health insured Australians had chosen a private or any of the other agencies. We are very rather than a public hospital because of the happy to do that. In terms of the overall $1.7 billion rebate, the Commonwealth negotiations across the Government, they Government would have saved just $296m have gone extremely well. When we compare last year across Australia—not what anybody, them with what happened in other States and not even the member for Moggill, could call with what occurred when members opposite good value for money. 20 Jul 2000 Questions Without Notice 2247

The annual cost of the rebate is already information. I am not going to take it any going up. The estimates have gone from further at this stage except to give him that $1.7 billion a year to $2.2 billion a year and reassurance that the matter will be addressed. rising. This cost is more than the It will be addressed in time; it will be addressed Commonwealth allocates to all of in adequate time. I will have— Queensland's public hospital system, which is Mr Borbidge: The cheque's in the mail. about $1.076.6 billion this year and twice the amount the Health Ministers asked for but Mr WELLS: I take the interjection of the were denied under the last Australian Health honourable member for Surfers Paradise, the Care Agreement. If that $2.2 billion had been man from Moncrieff, the person from paradise, distributed to the States for public hospitals, the Leader of the Opposition. It is very helpful Queensland would have received more than on this occasion. $400m each and every year. That would have I assure the honourable member that he been a massive boost to public hospitals in can trust me on this. I will have the matter Queensland. It could have completely wiped fixed in the very near future. It is, indeed, out waiting lists and given everybody who already fixed, but he is just going to have to needed them a half a dozen sets of extra bits wait for a pleasant surprise. I would advise him and pieces. A whole range of extra services to take the attitude that he takes towards could have been provided. Health services Christmas and his birthday: do not get too could have been delivered with that money. excited about it, do not ask too many One can only assume that the next step questions, just wait. I said to him before— in the coalition's agenda will be to block public Mr Borbidge: You don't know. health services for those who do have private Mr WELLS: I know. Let me make it cover and go down the American style two- perfectly clear. Father Christmas does not want tiered system, hitting hardest those who need his PR stolen by importunate children who health services the most. I call on all demand to know exactly when the goodies are honourable members, even those sitting going to turn up, nor am I going to allow the quietly on the opposite side, to stand up and honourable member to deprive me of the fight for Medicare. People in Australia love pleasure of going to Jacobs Well and making Medicare. We do not want to see it the announcement at a time of my own undermined in this fashion. They should get choosing. I did say to the honourable member out there and fight their Federal members and at that time that the matter was in hand. It is in not sit there like molly-coddled idiots on the hand. It was in hand then and it is in hand sand with a mobile phone in one hand. They now. Just trust me. should stick up for country towns and for Medicare. Caravan Park Residents, Electricity Charges Jacobs Well Environmental Education Centre Mr PITT: I ask the Minister for Mines and Energy: can he inform the House of what is Mr BAUMANN: I refer the Minister for being done to ensure that Queensland's Education to the fact that over 12 months ago caravan park residents are not overcharged I made him aware of a critical problem facing through on-selling of electricity? the Jacobs Well environmental education centre and its trawler-type vessel-cum-floating Mr McGRADY: Just before I do respond, I classroom, E. R. Duke. Apart from a number of want to refer to some of the comments made promises made over that period, provision of a by the Premier this morning and, in particular, replacement vessel or a major refit has not to the work being done around this State by eventuated. I ask the Minister: can he tell this Lee Kernaghan. One of his greatest hits was House if or when this problem, which has the Leave Him in the Longyard. I have no doubt potential to adversely affect up to 5,000 that the member for Gregory— students annually and the very future of the Mr Schwarten: That was Slim Dusty. centre itself, will be fixed? Mr McGRADY: No, it was not Slim Dusty. Mr WELLS: The honourable member and Slim Dusty made the original hit. Lee people from the environmental education Kernaghan has come back with a duet with centre concerned met with me at a Community Slim Dusty. I say to the member for Cabinet recently. On that occasion I gave Rockhampton that that is quite irrelevant. The them certain assurances. Those assurances point I am making is that the song Leave Him were that the problem would be addressed. I in the Longyard was written by a great friend of have given the honourable member that the member for Gregory and mine, Kelly 2248 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

Dixon, who lives in Camooweal. If Warren wrecked that man's home. The residents of Entsch has his way, Camooweal will be taken Toorbul are already trying to come to grips with right off the map. What would happen then? home invasions by human animals. They now People such as Kelly Dixon would not have the want to know what this Minister is going to do inspiration to write hits for the likes of Lee about the bounding kind. Kernaghan. So it is a very important issue. Mr WELFORD: Tie me kangaroo down, Coming back to the question which has sport! I did not realise the honourable member been asked of me so eloquently by the had such an animated concern for our coat of member, I want to inform this House that this arms. It is a problem. There are a number of Government has taken the initiative on this kangaroos in Toorbul. The Queensland Parks issue and that residents of caravan parks can and Wildlife Service has in fact— rest assured that they will be given a fair deal Mr FELDMAN: I rise to a point of order. on electricity. To ensure that people in caravan The residents of Toorbul deserve an answer to parks are charged the correct amount of this question. electricity, we have produced an updated ready reckoner which reflects changes to Mr SPEAKER: Order! I am sure the electricity tariffs, including GST. The ready Minister will answer the question for the reckoner is based on the domestic tariff 11 member. and it will help caravan park owners accurately Mr WELFORD: The simple fact of the calculate electricity bills for tenants charged via matter is that the Queensland Parks and meter consumption. This will help prevent Wildlife Service has consulted with the people overcharging of tenants and protect caravan of Toorbul. Most of them enjoy having park owners from fines for unwittingly kangaroos hopping around their community. breaching the section of the Electricity Act that Every now and then a resident accidentally refers to the on-selling of power. The ready leaves a door open and they jump inside. This reckoner simplifies the calculation of electricity is one of the vicissitudes of life and one of bills by caravan park owners, taking into the— account the differing consumption based Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for rates, GST and, of course, pensioner rebates. questions has expired. The ready reckoner has been sent to all caravan park proprietors in Queensland, and I am sure it will provide a lot of assistance and APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT) BILL assurance to residents in those parks. If APPROPRIATION BILL anybody wants a copy of this ready reckoner, I Second Reading (Cognate Debate) would be more than happy to provide it. I also compliment the member for Rockhampton, Resumed from 18 July (see p. 2124). who has been agitating for this move for Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers many, many years. Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) (11.30 a.m.): In responding to the Budget, I want to congratulate the Government on one Kangaroos, Toorbul particular aspect, that is, its undying ability to Mr FELDMAN: My question without notice stick to the script and to stick to the public this morning is to the Minister for Environment. relations strategy that was leaked from the Many people in Queensland have already office of the Deputy Premier one week before gauged his support for small towns. Following the Budget was handed down, to the inaction of his senior adviser, Mr Ross acknowledge that when the Budget is under McCloud, who will not even return calls to Mr scrutiny it should laugh off the criticism and Arnold Olson of Toorbul, who had his home "not let on what we know internally". This wrecked by an aggressive kangaroo, I ask: morning I was fascinated to hear the Premier when will action be taken by his department to again continue the spin, the deceit and the address the concerns of Toorbul residents with political dishonesty with regard to his regard to the threat being currently posed by comments and continued efforts when he said the excessive numbers of kangaroos that that he inherited low growth from the previous wander that town? What action has been coalition Government. taken by parks and wildlife when the report The Budget papers—not my Budget was made to them about that recent incident papers, his Budget papers—show that he in Toorbul when a large kangaroo—and it is no inherited 5.7% economic growth and now says laughing matter—entered a house and that the best he can do is 3.75%. He inherited wrecked it? After it broke through the back employment growth of 3.2% and now says door it saw its reflection in a mirror and then that he can do no better than 2%. That is the 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2249 low growth that he says he inherited from us. Mr BORBIDGE: The Treasurer had better The truth does not come from the Premier's talk to his own deputy chairman in Gladstone. lips; the truth comes from the Budget papers. Mr Hamill: I did, last night. This Budget confirms that the fundamentals of the Queensland economy have been in Mr BORBIDGE: I bet he did. I bet he steady decline since this Labor Government threatened him. We know how the Treasurer came to office. operates. Mr HAMILL: I rise to a point of order. I Opposition members interjected. find those remarks personally offensive. They Mr BORBIDGE: Laugh it off fellas, right are untrue. I threatened no-one. It is an on cue. The underlying cash deficit of the first offensive remark and I ask for it to be Labor Budget in 1998-99 was said to be withdrawn. $375m, not the surplus of $23m that was Mr BORBIDGE: If the member finds it budgeted for. That deficit was described as objectionable, I withdraw. actual in last year's Budget. The new Budget has revised that figure massively upwards to Mr Hamill: Offensive. $923m, virtually $1 billion out on the 1998-99 Mr BORBIDGE: If he finds it offensive, I Budget forecast. The underlying cash deficit withdraw. We find him offensive. The fact is for 1999-2000, which was estimated last year that the deputy chair of the Gladstone Port to come in at $1.235 billion, blew out to $1.7 Authority, as did the chair of the Cairns Port billion, reducing approximately half a billion Authority, very publicly confirmed the dire dollars if we accept the notation that $1.1 warnings that the coalition has been giving as billion was a transfer to superannuation a result of this pickpocket Treasurer's efforts to reserves. The targeted underlying cash deficit raid its reserves to fill his own black hole in for 2000-01 is $197m. Brisbane. This Budget is riddled with rubbery Given that a budgeted $23m underlying numbers. It is a smoke and mirrors document cash surplus in 1998-99 has been transformed from beginning to end, as that five-page over two Budgets from an initial, allegedly final, memorandum explicitly warned us it would be. underlying deficit of $375m to a deficit Despite the fact that the Treasurer said that approaching $1 billion, who knows how the document was wrong, the fact is that the rubbery the projection is for a $197m deficit Deputy Premier and the Premier said it was this financial year. Clearly, it could have a lot of right. The fact is that that leaked document of bounce. In any event, we have had two a week ago has proved to be almost totally—I opening, successive, very significant would say absolutely—correct. underlying cash deficits from this Government, There is not a single area where the and now we have a new Budget with the reality even remotely matches the marketing. promise of a third underlying cash deficit. The This Budget is no less than an attempt to pull accumulated underlying cash deficit under this the wool over the eyes of the people of Government is therefore at least $1.4 billion to Queensland as this Government drags what date and heading for $1.6 billion, or almost $3 has been for decades one of the great billion if we go by the raw numbers. Another regional economies of the world back to the job of revision could see it nudge $4 billion in pack and towards vastly more negative one term. outcomes. The job is almost done in this Budget. This Treasurer is doing to the Budget Despite the spin, despite the laughing, what he nearly achieved with regard to despite the public relations effort on the part of Queensland Rail when he was Transport this Government, this is chicanery and Minister. If the numbers prove as rubbery as irresponsibility of John Cain, John Bannon and 1998-99 and 1999-2000, the job will have Paul Keating dimensions. It is little wonder been done. If this Government gets another there was a five-page memorandum from the term, Queensland will not be in much better Government in the lead-up to this Budget shape than Victoria was at the end of Cain or telling its marketers to laugh off suggestions of South Australia was at the end of Bannon or budgetary problems despite "what we know the Commonwealth was at the end of Keating. internally". Therefore, despite assurances to The massive growth in the underlying cash the contrary, it is no surprise to hear the deficit is only one measure of the horrendous deputy chair of the Gladstone Port Authority slide towards mediocrity, or worse, that is say this morning that it will be unable to meet occurring under this Government. its capital requirements as a result of this Government's proposals to raid its reserves. Let us look at the key issue—the bellwether issue of jobs. It is another of those Mr Hamill: Not true. areas where, for the third year in a row under 2250 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 this Labor Government, as with the underlying under Paul Keating and Wayne Goss, largely deficit position, the fundamentals are slipping. as a result of the recession we were told we In 1996-97 and again in 1997-98 under the had to have. coalition, Queensland was the jobs So on jobs we are already back with the powerhouse of Australia. Employment growth pack under Labor, and this year, according to in 1997-98 was 3.2%. In that coalition era, the Labor Government, we will actually slip Queensland, with less than 20% of Australia's behind the pack. That is on the Government's population, was generating 40% of Australia's own figures, from its own Budget documents. new jobs. In 1998-99, Labor's first full year in Under Labor, in the space of three years we office, jobs growth dropped half a percentage will have gone from first to last in the jobs point to 2.7%. The rate of jobs growth generating stakes, and the best hope that is slackened in that first year by 15%. Last year, held out by Labor through the first half of the Labor's second in office, it fell by another half decade is that we somehow settle in at about a per cent to 2.2%. the middle of the pack. So the State that has The rate of jobs growth had slowed by been at the front of the pack has gone to the 30% on the record established by the coalition back of the pack, and the vision of the man under Mr "Jobs, jobs, jobs" Beattie. The who promised 5% unemployment in the first growth projection for this financial year is 2%. decade of the new century is to get us The projection for next financial year is 2%. somewhere around the middle of the pack. That represents a 60% drop on the rate of This is not good enough. growth achieved under the coalition. That is This is the man who promised an the legacy of the man who promised an unemployment rate of 5% in five years. The unemployment rate in Queensland of 5%. performance of his Government now shows There is a 60% drop in jobs growth under that statement to be nothing more than a Labor when compared with the cynical play on emotions. Three years on, in National/Liberal coalition Government. The this Budget we see no policy shift to try to forward projection, out to 2003-04, is for meet the target. growth of no more than 2.5%. Hand in glove with this sad performance is Jobs growth is down from the 60,000 that the stalling of overall economic growth under was being achieved under the coalition to Labor throughout its tenure, which is 36,100 last year and a projected 31,000 this dramatically underlined and highlighted in this financial year. What a record! Inside a term, Budget. In 1997-98 under the National/Liberal jobs growth in Queensland will have effectively coalition, at the height of the Asian economic halved under Labor—under Mr Beattie, under crisis, economic growth was 5.7%. In Labor's the man who promised that he would be first year in office, overall growth dropped to obsessed with jobs, jobs, jobs. 4.75%. It came down effectively 17%. Last I say to the people of Queensland: do not year it fell to 4.25%. On the 1997-98 believe the spin, do not believe the public performance Labor had dropped economic relations rhetoric, do not believe the laughter growth a quarter, and the projection for this and do not believe the con job. Peter Beattie's year is another drop—the only way that Mr record shows a decline in jobs growth in this Beattie knows to go—to 3.75%. If that forecast State of 60% since his election as Premier of holds true, over one-third of the rate of growth this State. What a record! Inside a term, jobs achieved under the National/Liberal coalition growth has been effectively halved. Inside a will have washed away under this Labor term, in relation to jobs creation we will have Government. gone from leading Australia to lagging behind The Premier can blame the GST. It is the rest of Australia. always someone else's fault; that is the Beattie This financial year the projection for doctrine. But why is GST not a problem in New growth nationally is 2.25%. This Government's South Wales? Why is GST not a problem in forecast for Queensland is a flat 2%. Victoria? Why is GST not a problem in Unemployment will be rusted on at 8%. Out to Western Australia? Why is GST not a problem 2003-04, on the forward projections, we will do in the Northern Territory? Why is it only a no better than 2.5% annual jobs growth. There problem here in Queensland? The Premier is, self-confessedly, no prospect under Labor can blame the falling Aussie dollar. We are an of a return to the scale of jobs growth that exporting State. That should be helping us, occurred under the National/Liberal coalition not hindering us. He will blame, as he does between 1996 and 1998. That began the real every day, everyone except himself. The process of winding back unemployment from Beattie doctrine is: it is always someone else's the heights of 11% plus that it had reached fault. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2251

Last week the Premier was blaming the Inevitably, when one oversees deficit Asian economic crisis. We do not have an spending, low jobs growth, low economic Asian economic crisis; we have an Asian growth, low business investment, low economic recovery. The Asian economic crisis household consumption, it gets difficult to was during the period of the previous coalition meet one's social obligations and one's public Government, when we were posting 5.7% administration obligations. That is another of economic growth in this State, instead of the the bitter rewards Queensland is earning from projected 3.75% that Mr Beattie has promised these past two and half years of poor in this Budget. government. Despite the rhetoric we had on Tuesday and the rubbery figures, the facts are The simple reality is that it is the private that this Budget also underlines and highlights sector that generates most of the jobs in this the continued decline in funding for the key State. If Governments cannot, or perhaps social policy areas of health, education and more to the point will not, deliver the settings law and order. which generate the confidence that generates the investment that creates the jobs, then they If jobs growth is the absolute bellwether, might as well pack up. This Budget affirms, as for most people, of the overall health of the did the 1998-99 Budget and the 1999-2000 State economy, then a Government's ability to Budget, that this Government does not have maintain decent standards in the core service the policies that generate the confidence delivery areas of health, education and law which grows the jobs and which gets the and order are the bellwether of its social private economy moving. It cannot blame the administrative abilities and of its ability to Commonwealth: the rest of Australia has been manage and direct taxpayers' funds. Let us look at the capital side of these crucial areas booming. It cannot blame the Asian economic first. In Health, actual capital expenditure in downturn: Asia is rocketing out of the 1997-98 1998-99 was $630m. The Budget in 1999- crisis, with 6% plus growth. It cannot blame the 2000 was $585m and the spending was GST for its lack of performance over the past $526m. The capital works budget for Health two years. this year is $473m. Since 1998-99, under this In context, the continuation of the Government, that is a drop of 25%. downturn in 2000-01 under this Government Let us look at capital spending in has been established with the policy settings Education. Actual expenditure in 1998-99 was of the past two years. Other major indicators $265m. The 1999-2000 budget was $328m, are in the same vein as the deficit, the record and $284m was spent. This Budget provides on jobs and the record on growth. Business for capital works spending in Education this investment declined by 4% last financial year year of $228m—a drop of $100m or 30% on after growth of 11.1% the previous year. last year's Budget. Growth in investment in machinery and Let us look at Police, because clearly equipment was down 4.75% last year. there is a developing trend here. In 1998-99 Investment in other buildings and structures capital works spending was $99m. In 1999- was down 5.9%. In each category the 2000, $96m was budgeted and $94m spent. projection is down again in this Budget— This year the allocation is $83m—a 16% cut downwards overall by 5.75%, with the biggest on 1998-99 actuals. fall in machinery and equipment, which is down 8.25%. This is all at a time when the So here is the detail from three key areas Australian economy is going through on capital spending: Health—down 25% under unprecedented growth. Historically, Labor; Education—down 30% under Labor; Queensland has been the economic engine Police—down 16% under Labor. The overall room of Australia and it should be budgets in these key areas are not any better. outperforming every other State. Health is up 3.4% after a 3.7% increase last year—the two lowest increases in Health Household consumption, another of the spending in this State in a decade. key indicators, has been slowing steadily since The slowdown in the commitment to the it hit a peak of 5.8%, again under the coalition health of Queenslanders under this in 1997-98. It fell to 5.4% in Labor's first full Government could not have come at a worse year in office. It fell again to 5% growth last time. From the late 1980s, through the year. It is expected to fall again to 4% this Government of Wayne Goss, and through the year. So all of these fundamentals are in period in office of the coalition, there was a decline again, typically—for the third clear recognition of the need to maintain successive year, in this third Budget and third strong spending in Health in both capital and year of this Labor Government. recurrent terms in order to meet the increasing 2252 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 demands on the system and the increasing year by the time inflation was taken into sophistication of the system. That cycle has account, which significantly downgrades what now been broken by this Labor Government. is superficially a reasonable increase of barely The very significant danger of the slowdown 6% in this Budget. The increase over the past we have now seen over the past two years, two Budgets is in fact, in percentage terms, under the control of the member for Brisbane less than it is for Health and less than it is for Central, is that it is going to create a massive Education. problem for this State over the next few years, Let us return to the capital program. in arguably the most crucial arena for which it Where is the alleged record capital works is largely responsible. spending? Is it in roads? Roads got a fair bit of The hiatus in adequate funding of Health the rhetoric yesterday as part of the public is going to have to be made up if we are going relations hype plan for the Budget, and to provide to Queenslanders the standards of perhaps with the areas we have so far covered health services they deserve and expect from it makes up the crucial group of bread and their Government. A loss for two straight years butter issues. The answer, of course, is no. under the member for Brisbane Central of the There is no increase in road funding in this momentum that was developed bipartisanly Budget. There is in fact a decrease. Actual over the previous decade to ensure we could expenditure in 1998-99 was $920m. The meet that commitment is going to present a Budget last year was $780m, and it was massive financial challenge in the next and actually overspent to a total of $874m. The successive Budgets. One cannot simply fall off budget for 2000-01 is $762m, which is a the pace in an area with the rate of growth in decline of $158m over 1998-99, or a 17% cut. demand like Health and catch up readily. That A 17% cut in road funding under this very recognition was what drove the increases Government! in Health spending from the late 1980s. The The reality is that, across the core areas decline in spending under this Government is of social policy and in roads, capital spending therefore quite irresponsible and a clear is actually down and, in most cases, has been reflection of its overall incompetence in being on the slide, along with the core indicators, unable to create the atmosphere in this State from the moment the coalition left office and that would earn it the funds to meet the Labor entered office. There are really only a obligations it holds. couple of areas left where the increase could The situation in relation to Education is, if have come from. One is rail, but in fact rail is anything, worse in the budgetary sense. The down as well. It is down from a budgeted overall increase for Education is 0.08 of 1%— $795m in 1999-2000 to a budgeted $646m. $27m in a $3.3 billion Budget. And again, that Rail is in fact down $150m, or nearly 20%. incredibly meagre increase followed a mere The answer for the maintenance, let 3.6% increase last year. As with Health, the alone the expansion, of capital works is almost last two budgets from this Government in exclusively in coal-fired electricity generating relation to Education are the lowest in a projects—those evil projects that the member decade. Clearly, in the expectation of for Brisbane Central does not want. That is Queenslanders, there is no more basic what he is pinning his hat on in terms of his requirement in relation to good government alleged increase in capital spending, and there from a State Government than its having due is some considerable irony in that. This regard for the process of education. Government spent quite some time, and The failure to maintain adequate considerable effort, when it first came to power spending in Education is, again, a reflection of trying to stop the very projects that now give it the wider failure to generate a situation in a bit of room, that now provide, in terms of the Queensland in the middle of a national public relations hype, some smoke and mirror economic boom that would allow it to maintain carry-on in relation to its diminishing capital Education spending at viable levels. Again, as works program. with Health, as soon as you slip off the pace of The Callide C expansion, on which $100m maintaining the base commitments, then the will be spent this year, had the cleaners put very scale of the commitment makes it difficult through it twice by the Deputy Premier. He was in the future to catch up. looking for ways to stop it, and when the first I turn to Police. Surprise, surprise: same audit went against him, he ordered another story. Last year the increase in the Police audit. He tried to stop it. Now they are saying budget, once the capital charge was isolated, that it forms a very, very important part of their was barely $1m: .015 of one lousy per cent. capital spending program. There is another The Police budget in fact went backwards last $100m for the Tarong North expansion, which 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2253 the Premier said was a worry as a project when electricity supply industry, makes Government- he first came to office, because it threatened owned corporations now the second largest to provide cheap power, which could derail his source of income to the State after the plans for more expensive gas-fired generation. Commonwealth. It is up 75%. He did not like it, and now he has to cling to it, Mr Seeney: It cannot last. like he has to cling to Callide C, so that he can pump up his pitiful capital works expenditure. Mr BORBIDGE: It cannot last, as the He ultimately directed Tarong to cut its coal member for Callide says. The dividend stream expansion by half. from a few very hard-pressed Government businesses now exceeds stamp duty and There is also $150m for the Swanbank E payroll tax as a source of funds. What we are project and there is allegedly $70m to be seeing in relation to the GOCs is precisely the spent this year on what is described as a same course that John Cain and Joan Kirner "power facility" at Carole Park by Tarong took in Victoria as they drove the Energy. fundamentals of the Victorian economy down There is no doubt that we are seeing as the member for Brisbane Central is now on massive padding of the numbers. Conscious his way to doing in Queensland. of a significant cut in its own sourced revenue Mr Johnson: So much for the 5% commitment to social capital works, it has unemployment. looked to the hard-pressed GOC sector to give Mr BORBIDGE: So much for the jobs, as some respectability to the numbers. The tactic my colleague says. continues this Government's habit of putting big numbers up front, spending a fraction and Towards the end of the Cain/Kirner folly, then rolling over funding into diminishing social the then Victorian Labor Government was infrastructure commitments, in particular, at an taking 100%, and in some cases more than ever-diminishing cost. Some underspending is 100%, of the profits of the then publicly owned inevitable. Deliberate significant underspending Victorian electricity industry. Over the past 12 is smoke, it is mirrors, it is an attempt to months, the Queensland Treasurer wanted to deceive; it is an integral component of the take 100% of the profits of each and every public relations strategy leaked from the entity in the Queensland electricity supply Deputy Premier's office. industry on the industry's 1998-99 results. That is now clearly established in FOI Certainly the general Government sector's documents—the Cain/Kirner strategy. Not contribution to capital formation under this happy with a 75% increase, he wanted to go Government has been in decline, and by all the way, he wanted to go the full Monty. Up design. To maintain, with any credibility at all, to that point, he had been satisfied with that capital spending across the entire State dividends at 90% to 95%, already way too sector is increasing has placed increasing excessive and at levels that forced him reliance by the Government on the capital regularly to use directives to overpower the commitments of the GOC sector. That reliance objections of management. is mainly upon capital plans that were afoot during the National/Liberal Government's term To his limited credit, the member for of office. Mount Isa, who had also developed an appetite for dividends of 95%, baulked at the The overall state of health of the GOC suggestion from the Under Treasurer that he sector is another of the very loud alarm bells should be seeking 100% of after-tax profits that ring from this Budget in terms of economic from the industry. I have no doubt that the fundamentals that are just going progressively Treasurer would have won in the end but for sour under this Government. This is another the fact that the profits for at least some massive example of a Government running sections of the industry for 1998-99 proved to out of control and running in circles. Dividend be somewhat larger than had been anticipated income from the GOC sector was $703m in at the time the original demands had been 1997-98. It was $973m in 1998-99, an made, and the conclusion was drawn that increase of 38%. It was $1,219m in 1999- Treasury could achieve the income it needed 2000. That is an increase of half a billion from a dividend set at 95.4%. dollars and almost 75% more than it was in Mr Rowell: Not much left. 1997-98—a 75% increase in raids on the GOC sector under this Government. That rate of Mr BORBIDGE: There is not much left, as dividend imposition is totally and absolutely the member for Hinchinbrook said, not much unsustainable. It is also totally indefensible. left at all. This vast amount of money, which is coming That push, by the way, for a 100% for the most part from the Queensland dividend was fed by the fact that in 1998-99 2254 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 the Government had pressed for the making. That is the inevitable result of raids of prepayment of dividends from each of the the sort the Government has been making. generating corporations totalling some $120m Ostensibly, the bill is not a worry, because before the end of the financial year. Normally, it is not up front. However, it is there and of course, those funds would have been sooner or later somebody will have to pay it. It available in 1999-2000, but clearly there was a could be in the collapse of the entities, it could desperate need within the Government for be in a further collapse in spending on the those funds before the end of the 1998-99 basics of Government, as the Treasurer and financial year. That raid is a concise indicator the Minister for Mines and Energy perhaps pull of the scale of the problems this Government back from the brink of their quest for 100% has progressively been piling up ever since it dividends. However, sooner or later— came to office. That demand for prepayments in turn meant strong pressure on achieving An Opposition member: The Bankcard higher income in 1999-2000, hence the push Budget. for John Cain/Joan Kirner scale dividends to Mr BORBIDGE: As my colleague bring the 1999-2000 income up. interjects, it is the Bankcard Budget. Sooner or The member for Mount Isa has claimed later, like the Bankcard, after the Christmas shopping and after the Visa card, the reality is that dividends at that sort of level are totally that the Government has to pay it back. As the acceptable, that these businesses are bill is on the way and we have to buy the taxpayer owned and that under the Labor groceries for next week, the fact is that the charter for corporatisation their sole purpose is debt that has been racked up over the past to make a commercial rate of return for their three years will have to be paid. shareholders. Of course, that is true—up to a point. However, what is also true is that the I have concentrated on just some of the shareholders are liable and responsible for the macro indicators in the Budget. I have not good governance and good management of touched on some of the smaller icon programs those corporations. Ultimately, however, they that the Government has put forward. Of also carry the can for the debt and the course, that has been quite deliberate misadventures that can flow from greed at the because, in a sense, they are the real smoke level that the Treasurer wanted to exercise. and mirrors that the five-page memo warned The fact is that if private companies were us about—the diversions. For example, the providing their shareholders with a 95% theme of the Treasurer's speech that this is a dividend year after year, let alone a 100% Budget for families—the people's Budget—is, of course, utterly and absolutely ridiculous. A dividend, they would go broke. They would Budget that projects jobs growth of 2% cannot become crippled by borrowings and cash flow be a families Budget or a battlers Budget. problems. They would become ripe targets for Obviously, a Budget that says that the best takeovers. One way or another, they would fall hope for jobs growth in the future is a flat-line over. average increase of 2.5% on economic growth To date the proof of the pudding is in the of less than 4% is not a families Budget or a bottom lines of the GOC sector in this State Budget that can hold out hope to battlers. A under this Labor regime of very heavy Budget that neglects health to the massive dividends. In terms of the theme of this extent that this Budget does cannot be a response to the Budget, the state of those families Budget or a battlers Budget. A Budget bottom lines is predictable. Like most other that consolidates a decline in real outlays on fundamentals of the health of the public education cannot by definition be a families economy, there is a very clear, indisputable Budget. slide. This Budget shows that the GFS deficit This is, in fact, as advertised, the ultimate for State trading enterprises in 1998-99 was smoke and mirrors Budget. It is a John Cain, $1.6 billion. The estimated actual deficit this John Bannon, Joan Kirner, Paul Keating-style year is $561m. The projected deficit this Budget. It is the type of Budget for which Peter financial year is $526m. The projected deficit Beattie will be remembered. It is a Budget that for 2000-02 is $744m. Let us have a close reflects the fact that the Government has the look at those figures. That is $3.4 billion in fundamental policy settings fundamentally back-to-back deficits for Government owned wrong, because its priorities are fundamentally corporations—taxpayer owned corporations— wrong. It thinks, it behaves and it performs under this Labor Government. I repeat: within the parameters of media-friendly icons $3.4 billion in back-to-back deficits. That is while the fundamentals suffer. Cain, Kirner, Bannon, Burke, Keating and now I reckon that the spin doctors wrote this Beattie economics. It is a disaster in the Budget. I believe that the ministerial staffer 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2255 who leaked the PR strategy on this Budget the operating performance of this Government helped write this Budget, because this is a is a deteriorating performance. The second Budget about spin. It is not a Budget about aspect is the issue of capital formation, or the substance at all; it is a Budget that says to the way in which we fund public infrastructure in people of Queensland, "Believe what we say, this State. Again, the Budget documents not what we do." It is a Budget that says, "We demonstrate clearly that, in terms of capital will laugh when people start to ask us the formation in this State, this Budget represents serious questions." It is a Budget that confirms the Government's deteriorating performance in the public relations strategy of, "We must not this area. That is important—and I will refer to it let on what we know internally." This is the again later on—because if there are not Budget of a very bad, a very shallow and an sufficient or the right kinds of public extremely dangerous Government. infrastructure, then there will not be sufficient Dr WATSON (Moggill—LP) (Leader of the business investment and, therefore, there will Liberal Party) (12.14 p.m.): The Treasurer has not be jobs generated. The third aspect is the signed his own political death warrant. He debt position of this Government and, in survived the koala tollway, he survived net bet particular, the rising debt that has been and he survived Fluffygate; but he will not incurred by this Government and where it is, in survive this sorry excuse for a Budget. fact, hurting the performance of the traditional Yesterday afternoon on the radio, I thought areas of the public sector. Finally, the fourth that a former colleague of mine, the respected aspect is Queensland's relative declining economist, John Stanford, from the University performance as compared with the rest of of Queensland, summed up the Budget quite Australia. succinctly. He said that the Budget lacked any As the Leader of the Opposition touched kind of ideas or vision and stated further— on earlier, there is no doubt that one of the "You really begin to wonder whether most disturbing things in the underlying the Government does, in fact, understand assumption and the forecast is that the important kinds of forces which drive Queensland is now being outperformed growth in this State. This is really bad consistently by the other States of Australia in news for those who are looking for jobs, virtually every major indicator of economic because growth at that rate in this State is performance. When the coalition took not going to create enough jobs for all of Government in 1996, it commissioned the those who are coming into the work Queensland Commission of Audit. That force." Commission of Audit was chaired by the very Those two sentences sum up the Budget. The eminent economist and consultant, Dr Vince last sentence says that this Budget is not one FitzGerald. Of course, Vince had not only an for jobs growth, despite the fact that the core outstanding academic career—having promise of the Premier at the last election was graduated with first-class honours in for jobs, jobs, jobs. Secondly, it asks the economics from the University of Queensland questions: does the Government really and a doctorate from Harvard—but also had a understand what actually drives growth in this distinguished career in the public sector, State? What are the important forces that particularly holding the equivalent position of drive growth in this State? director-general of the Department of Finance, appointed by the Federal Minister for Finance A number of people in Brisbane and at the time, John Dawkins. It is worth elsewhere—both in business and in business reiterating a couple of key points that are economic circles—have said to me that their contained in the executive overview of that impression of this Government is that it does document, because they indicate what was not understand what drives growth in this happening during the term of the Goss Labor State. Although the Government may have an Government and, I am afraid, it is a point that understanding—as the Premier seems to has started to be taken up by this have—with respect to the electorate as a Government. It states— whole, what drives economic growth in this State is not understood whatsoever by this "On a comprehensive accrual basis, Government. That is what comes through the State's operating budget position when one looks at this Budget in detail. deteriorated from a surplus of $325 million in 1994-95 to an estimated deficit of $337 I want to concentrate on four aspects of million in 1995-96. this Budget. The first aspect is the operating performance of this Government as Budgeted spending increases for represented in this Budget. Unlike its 1995-96 were an important factor, predecessor, the last coalition Government, together with some significant overruns. 2256 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

An even bigger starting deficit is This is precisely what the Commission of projected for 1996-97. Audit warned about. It said that we cannot Of more concern for the future is an keep doing that. Yet we find in a report, which inbuilt trend to progressive deterioration in was brought down 11 months after the end of the State's operating budget position—by the financial year, that in its first year this about $200-250 million per year. Government had fallen into the trap that was the hallmark of the last few years of the Goss If unchecked, the operating deficit is Labor Government. No wonder we have projected to reach $2.7 billion in 10 concerns. The people of Queensland should years." have concerns about the way in which this That was a key driver in addressing that issue. Government is managing the financial affairs The Commission of Audit indicated that a of the State. If we look elsewhere in the responsible Government had to address the Budget we see confirmation that that problem issue of operating expenses outrunning is continuing. operating revenue. We cannot do that year On page 73 of Budget Paper No. 2 a after year without affecting not only the day-to- chart illustrates the level of service provision day performance but also, most importantly, ratios. It compares the expenses in the balance sheet and the health of the State Queensland with those of other States. or any other business, for that matter, in the Interestingly, it shows that, under the Goss longer term. Government, the ratio was increasing. Our At the end of May this year, it was a little level of expenses compared with those for the disturbing to read the consolidated reports for other States was increasing. Queensland was the 1998-99 financial year and the catching up. The Government might say that comparisons with the 1997-98 financial year. that was because it was providing extra At that time, the Auditor-General commented services. But that is not clear. It is not clear that it was unfortunate that the report for the that there was any benefit to the community at previous year, the year ended 30 June 1999, all. For example, hospitals had long waiting could be delivered only at the end of May lists and they were getting longer. 2000 and that he intended to say more about Interestingly—and the Leader of the that in the future. What did that show? This is Opposition touched on this earlier—under the the important point, because it relates back to coalition Government that ratio fell. In other the warning given in 1996 by the Commission words, the costs of running our Government of Audit to the coalition Government. compared with those for the other States fell When we look at the consolidated under the coalition. At the same time, operating statement for the two years ended expenditure in the key areas of Health and 30 June 1998 and 30 June 1999, what do we Education increased relative to that in the find? We find that revenues have increased other States. The coalition was increasing the slightly but, most importantly, expenses have provision of services in critical areas such as gone up substantially. On a consolidated level, Health and Education but was controlling the the operating surplus had fallen by $204m, rate of growth in expenditure, and the total from $976m down to $772m. But even more rate of growth in expenditure fell. Under the disturbing was the fact that, when one looked Beattie Government, that position has been at the notes to those financial statements, one reversed. It has been reversed at a time when learnt that in the general Government area— expenditure on Health has fallen and the area we are talking about in this debate on expenditure on Education has remained the Budget; money is being appropriated from constant. The cost of running Government has the Consolidated Fund—revenues had risen gone up, but expenditure in the key areas of from $16.6 billion to $17.1 billion but total Health and Education has either fallen or expenses had risen from $15.5-odd billion to remained static. If we look at other aspects of $17.3 billion. We went from having an the Budget, in particular the GFS statements, operating surplus of $1.022 billion to having a we see that the projections do not give us any deficit of $188m. Of course, because we are reason to expect that that position will change. under accrual accounting, some non-cash I did an analysis of revenues and items are included in that, such as expenses projected for the next three or four depreciation and amortisation. If we take those years, as detailed in the Budget papers. I took out and look only at the cash position, we see out a couple of the non-cash items— in effect that the surplus fell from just over depreciation, amortisation and write-downs— $2.2 billion to about a billion dollars. Either because they seem to vary, in particular the way, there has been a massive change in the write-downs, without any justification operating position of the Government. whatsoever. The figures seem to be selected 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2257 arbitrarily to balance things out. When I did look at table 7.3 on page 76, General that I noticed that, over the next few years, the Government Gross Fixed Capital ratio of expenses to revenue will rise by Expenditure—and table 2.4 is broken up into roughly 2% to 3%. The problem with that is general Government sector and the public that, as the ratio of operating expenses and trading sector—what do we see? One of the revenue rises and it costs more to run the deceitful things about this Government is what Government on a day-to-day basis, that it leaves out. I will refer everybody to this. It is removes the opportunity to invest in capital on page 76, table 7.3. When we look at the formation. When we do not allow sufficient chart, we see it lists general Government gross excess of revenues over expenses to pay for fixed capital expenditure from 1993-94 going some of the capital, we end up with what we all the way to 1999-2000. Is that not a lovely are seeing in this Budget, namely, rising debt graph? It goes up year after year. Do levels simply to give the same level of capital honourable members know what was missing formation. from the graph? The year 2000-01! What happened? The audited financial statements delivered in May of this year for the year Mr Borbidge: Why? ended 30 June 1999 showed that this Dr WATSON: Because according to the Government was falling into exactly the same Government's own figures it dropped from the trap as the previous Goss Government. In previous year of $2.465 billion down to this addition, when we look at the forward year's expectation of $2.233 billion. projections on a GFS basis, we see examples Mr Borbidge: Didn't they put it in? of the sorts of concerns expressed by the Commission of Audit. As I said, the inability to Dr WATSON: They did not put it in. So use ordinary revenues to help fund capital when it is going down Treasury somehow creates a problem in terms of capital forgets it. formation. Mr Borbidge: They must not let on what they know internally. One of the problems we have in this State—and the other day this was referred to Dr WATSON: The Opposition Leader in a document by Michael Knox from raises a good point. I thought that that was Morgans—is that we are not generating written by someone in the Deputy Premier's sufficient private investment. This is something office. Now we know when she got it. She got that I will go into in more detail later in my it when she was in Treasury. There is no speech. However, we are also not generating question about that because they replicated it sufficient capital investment from the State. in the documents. I can guarantee that honourable members can go through other We should forget about the capital works places—and I do not have time today—to find budget of $5.3 billion, which has varied other issues. There it is. according to some accounting rules, and instead look at a comparison of the States on Mr Laming: They were too busy laughing. a GFS basis or a gross fixed capital formation Dr WATSON: They were too busy basis. This is mentioned on page 22 of Budget laughing, as the member for Mooloolah says. Paper No. 2 in table 2.4 and in some other Mr Springborg: Sounds like a dodgy tables. We see that in Queensland, gross fixed cover-up. capital formation is falling and has fallen over the past couple of years. It has fallen from Dr WATSON: Of course it is. The Deputy $4.273 billion in 1998-99 to an estimated Leader of the National Party got it right. There actual of $4.143 billion last year to an estimate we are, when it comes to the nice, pretty of $3.805 billion this year, in other words, graphs that people are going to look at and about a $400m decrease in the past couple of that will capture their imagination, the years. Less public infrastructure is being Government wants to hide the figures that are funded by this Government. Honourable no good. Yes, we have to try to get into the members should forget about the capital works documents. budget, which is influenced by changes in Mr Borbidge: Treasury would have been inventories, disposal of assets and things like instructed to do that. that. They should look at what goes on in the Dr WATSON: I am surprised that Treasury same way that economists would look at would have allowed that to go ahead because whether or not we are generating sufficient it certainly gives a misleading position to the capital in this Budget. statements. One of the things that surprises me—and Let me go on. That whole issue of gross I see that Alan Tesch is here—is that, when we fixed capital formation is, in fact, perpetuated 2258 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 when we look further at the general The fact is that this year the Government has Government tables A.1, A.2 and A.3. We see gone into a substantial cash deficit and there what has happened over the past couple of is a cash surplus only because it has years being perpetrated over the next four generated the $731m through borrowings. years. We see that gross fixed capital I find it most disturbing to look at the formation is projected to fall all the way from public trading enterprises. They are borrowing $3.8 billion this year down to $2.7 billion in $1.307 billion. Unfortunately, that is about the 2003-04. If we look at the individual areas, we same amount—a little bit less—than what they see that general Government is going to fall are going to be spending in capital. The capital from $2.233 billion this year down to $1.296 is just over $1.5 billion. They are going to billion in 2003-04 and that the public trading borrow about $1.3 billion—more than 80%. enterprises are going to fall from $1.57 billion That has changed dramatically. If we go back down to $1.316 billion. and look at the capital development when the We have a Budget this year that has a Labor Party took over Government, we see lower capital formation base than it has had in that the public trading enterprises were previous years, and that is projected to contributing about $2.2 billion to capital continue all the way through to the end of formation and they were only borrowing these Budget papers. And the Government $600m. So two years ago the public trading wonders why Queensland is starting to fall enterprises of this State—the GOCs—were behind! When it is not generating the public borrowing only about 30% of their infrastructure, how is it going to encourage requirements in terms of capital formation and business infrastructure into this State? If it this year they are borrowing 80%. It is no does not have an efficient public infrastructure, wonder that Standard and Poor's said—and then it is simply not going to encourage the Treasurer forgot to mention this, too, in his businesses to put their money into the State; speech— they are going to look at other places where Mr Borbidge: He left a few bits out. they can get much better value for their dollars. Dr WATSON: He left a couple of bits out, obviously accidentally—one of those arbitrary Unfortunately the problem gets worse. kind of things. The Leader of the Opposition talked about the fact that the Beattie Government is balancing Mr Springborg: Fairly important bits, too. the Budget on the Bankcard. He talked about Dr WATSON: So important! Standard and the increasing borrowings, which have gone Poor's said— from $533m two years ago to $2.038 billion in "As a result of the borrowings by the this particular financial year. So over the past public trading enterprises, the balance three years we have racked up in net sheet for the public sector (excluding borrowings something like $4 billion. The public financial enterprises)"— problem, of course, is that the Government has not only been using this method to raid which are not really relevant— these particular public trading enterprises with "is not as strong as that for the general higher dividend demands, as the member for government sector alone." Surfers Paradise said, and use it for debt He is right. The balance sheet for the public equity swaps, as it is doing in this particular trading enterprises is not as strong because, financial year but it has also raised the debt in over the past couple of years, the Government the general Government area. In fact, it has has been using borrowings to fund capital raised it from a negative $82m in the first year formation rather than reinvesting earnings or to a positive $731m in this financial year. part of those earnings. In quoting Standard and Poor's earlier on A consequence of raiding 95% of after-tax in question time, the Treasurer conveniently dividends from public trading enterprises, forgot to mention that his cash surplus of which is what the Treasurer and the Minister $330m in the general Government area was for Mines and Energy have done, is that those primarily because he borrowed $731m in net enterprises have to borrow money to maintain borrowings in that area. That is what their productive capacity. The Treasurer and generated it. Without the $731m, he would not the Energy Minister were warned about that. have had it. It is no use saying, "We fund The directors of those companies superannuation", because that was the recommended that the level be 70% or 75%, position for 32 years of coalition Government but not 95% of after-tax dividends. They said before Goss came to power and that was the to the Treasurer and the Minister for Mines, position right throughout the Goss period. So "You can't go taking dividends out at that that has not changed. That is not an excuse. level. You have to leave us some money to 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2259 fund capital expansion and maintenance." many new projects in the capital works budget, This is irresponsible fiscal management by this that is, Budget Paper No. 5, had no Government because it is irresponsibly expenditure before 1 July this year? extracting dividends from these enterprises at Mr Seeney: How much? such a level that they cannot sustain their productivity and, most importantly, cannot Dr WATSON: Some 10%—only $500m. continue to expand. This confirms that nothing has been planned down the track. What those businesses told This relates to two areas—capital me is clear for all to see in the Budget papers, formation and borrowings. Capital formation and I looked at all of them. I was particularly drives public sector infrastructure and is interested in important infrastructure in important to attract businesses and to enable Transport and Main Roads. Some $1.8 billion business to use their own investment is allocated in the Budget for Transport and efficiently. Capital formation has fallen under Main Roads. But how much of that is this Government not only in the past two years designated for new projects? I say "new" but will continue to fall in 2003-04, judging because I gave the Government the benefit of from the Government's projections. When this the doubt. The member for Gregory will situation is combined with rising debt that probably want to shoot me for giving it such an leads to problems. easy time. The amount allocated for new Mr Seeney: Even in the GOCs. projects in that area is $174m. Dr WATSON: Most importantly in the Do members know what that included? I GOCs, as well as Government generally. It is included in that the $88m designated for the important to remember that when capital new track between Rockhampton and Cairns, formation falls and debt rises, it is the worst of even though the previous year an amount of all possible worlds. The ideal situation is for $250m had been designated to cover capital formation to expand and for debt to fall. Brisbane to Cairns. Because Brisbane to That, in turn, provides more efficient public Cairns had been split and the Rockhampton to infrastructure of the kind needed by business Cairns amount was not included previously, I to be competitive. But that is not happening counted that as a new project. However, it under the leadership of this Government. That amounted to $88m, but it could be said that is the reason John Stanford and other half of that was designated for a phantom business economists around this State are project. That is what the Budget showed in saying that this Government does not relation to Transport and Main Roads, which understand the factors which drive economic are pretty important infrastructure areas. One growth—not one iota. That has been quite would have thought that a Government trying clearly shown in the Budget. to encourage investment would have thought However, I went further and looked at this further ahead and had projects coming down year's capital works budget. Capital works is the track, so to speak. But, no! supposed to create jobs and set up What about Mines and Energy? Earlier, Queensland's public infrastructure. When I the Leader of the Opposition mentioned how travelled around Queensland and spoke to the budget in this area was also decreasing. businesses in the construction industry and This is an important infrastructure area. It was elsewhere, they told me that things were allocated $1.4 billion in the Budget. How much slowing down. I said, "What do you mean they of that is dedicated to new projects? Some are slowing down? There was supposed to be $125m, which is much less than 10%. It is the a $5.2 billion capital works budget last year same with virtually every department. However, and this year it is $5.3 billion. How can things I did find some departments where new be slowing down?" So I looked at the capital projects had increased—that is, Environment, works budget again. It shows what projects are with $180m, and Natural Resources, with on the books right now but not what will $32m. happen six, eight or 10 months down the Mr Borbidge: No new dams, though. track. There is no forward planning. However, there is a good reason why we cannot see Dr WATSON: No, no new dams but other what will happen down the track, and that is things. I am sure Rod Welford will be able to because there is nothing. build his dingo fences. Mr Borbidge: They have got a power Mr Malone: Lots of reports. station. Dr WATSON: Yes. Another was State Dr WATSON: Yes, it has private power Development, which has a budget of stations. How much of this $5.3 billion capital $141.5m. Its new projects total approximately works budget is going to new projects? How $57m. The important point to remember in all 2260 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 of this is that less than 10% of the projects Let us look at business investment. included in the Capital Works Program for this Business investment is very strongly related to year are in fact new projects. That is why the issue that I spoke about earlier in respect businesses are telling us that nothing is of capital formation and the things Michael planned down the track. That is why business Knox spoke about. Business investment in is saying, "This Government is not committed Queensland last year was actually projected to to capital formation." That is why respected grow by 4.5%. The outcome was a negative business economists such as Michael Knox 4%. Business investment was expected to are saying to the general public that there is a grow, but it actually fell. This year it is expected problem with getting business investment in to fall further—by 5.75%. I noted this earlier in this State, because this Government is not relation to some of the ABS statistics, but I serious about it. thought it was most important— The fourth point I want to raise Mr Hayward: Are you going to explain the incorporates my first three points: that this basis of that projection? Government has a deteriorating performance Dr WATSON: I am not going to go in its operational area, which has been through it. The member can go through that. I conclusively proven by published reports will speak about the ABS statistics. There audited by the Auditor-General, as well as would be an econometric model there. projections in this year's Budget; there is deterioration in capital formation demonstrated The fall in business investment is not as a by the GFS figures in this State, which is result of the GST. It is not because of interest projected to continue; and the fact that there is rates. It fell last year, before those things were a rising debt level. When those issues are issues. The fall is also not as a result of combined, they create problems. The fourth Federal Government policies. The Federal issue I want to refer to is Queensland's relative Government expects growth in business position with respect to the rest of Australia. I investment across Australia of 3.25%. It do not always listen to John Miller's show on expects business investment to grow in 4BC, but I listened to what he had to say Australia, but in Queensland it will fall. So the yesterday. He is a general commentator, but fall in business investment is not because of he actually summed up the Budget rather well. these other factors at all. If it were due to With all due respect to him, I will repeat what these other factors then the fall would be he said. He said— apparent right across the country, and that is simply not the case. "Whatever happened to the powerhouse where growth was measured The interesting thing is that business by the number of cranes on the horizon, investment in Queensland peaked in and was the Promised Land for southern December 1998—six months after Labor was deserters? In cold clinical terms, the elected. That was as a result of the flow-on of Beattie Government hasn't been able to the policies adopted by the previous deliver its election promises and appears Government. Since December 1998 business unable to do anything about improving its investment in this State has been falling. That performance or our standard of living in can be seen in Queensland's economic the foreseeable future." record. It is in the Treasury documents. It fell in every quarter last year. I just checked the ABS That was part of John Miller's summary of the statistics to see what they said, and they show Budget. that business investment fell in the first quarter If one looks at the economic review and of this year as well. outlook, one can see in black and white what The ABS statistics show that there was a he was talking about. When one looks at the peak in June 1998, of $2 billion, but it peaked forecasting and the forecasting assumptions after that at $1.918 billion in the December underlying this Budget, one sees some of the 1998 quarter. It fell in every quarter of last issues that I talked about earlier coming to the year, down to $1.846 billion, and it fell to fore. One sees some of the problems that are $1.792 billion in the first quarter of this year. besetting Queensland in particular when Business investment in this State has fallen compared with the rest of Australia. dramatically under this Government. Let us look at private investment. Private Jobs will not be created without private investment is expected to fall by 4.5% this investment. We are already seeing that public year, according to the forecasts in the Budget investment is falling. Labor says that it wants papers. Private investment in Australia is to generate jobs, yet the two major factors that projected to grow by 2.75%. Queensland is will push jobs are falling in this State. Gross falling behind. fixed capital expenditure at the State level has 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2261 fallen for the two years of this Government, whole of Australia is falling dramatically. The and for the last 18 months business gap between Queensland and the rest of investment has fallen dramatically. How can Australia is widening. After two years of a we generate jobs when the two major drivers Beattie Government we are in a worse position of job generation—that is, business investment than we were in at the end of the coalition and gross fixed capital investment—are both Government. Queenslanders are falling in this State? It is not going to happen. comparatively worse off today than they were That is before we even talk about issues such in July 1998. They are worse off because of as industrial relations, payroll tax increases, the policies of this Government. It is okay to workers compensation premium increases and say that unemployment is a bit lower because so on. of the policies generated by the Federal Mr Hamill: Workers compensation Government. To see how well we are premium increases? performing as a State we have to compare ourselves with the rest of the country. Dr WATSON: It was dropped by 0.01% this year. Mr Springborg: The gap is twice as wide, at least. Mr Hamill: It is continuing to drop. Dr WATSON: And we used a narrow Dr WATSON: No, the Government raised range graph, so we could have made it even it first. Let us not forget that. First it raised it, wider if we used a different graph! then it dropped it off a bit. Let us get away from that nonsense. Let us look at payroll tax. We can also see the trends in It was dropped to 4.9%. Why? The unemployment. Unemployment has been flat- Government expanded the base so much— lining since January 1999. There has been no significant change in unemployment, despite Mr Hamill: To 4.8% from 1 July. the inception in December 1998 of this Dr WATSON: Yes, and between 1 Government's jobs program. The House January and 30 June it was left at 5% while passed its program. It was in the Budget. It the Government expanded the base by took effect from December 1998. Ever since including superannuation of 7%. then, unemployment has been flat-lining. Mr Horan: They took more than they What a tremendous recommendation for gave away. Labor's policies! This year it is putting another $91m into the jobs area and taxing businesses Dr WATSON: A lot more, because the another $99.7m in payroll tax. It is taxing real effective rate was 5.35%. Those paying payroll jobs in order to fund its phoney jobs, and it tax were paying more on 1 July 2000 than does not affect unemployment one iota. they were on 1 July 1999—with the same number of employees, the same pay rates In this Budget we are seeing a and the same superannuation. So much for continuation of the worst kinds of policies any the drop! Government can ever adopt. They are policies that destroy the operating capacity of the Mr Hamill: You oppose a further Government. They are the same kinds of reduction, I suppose. things that Cain, Kirner, Bannon and Burke Dr WATSON: We moved an amendment did. First of all, these policies destroy the to reduce it to 4.6% to compensate, and the everyday operating capacity of the Government opposed that. It has not a leg to Government. They are starting to destroy the stand on because it refused to compensate capital base of this State, both in terms of and to leave payroll tax where it was. It made gross fixed capital formation and business a payroll tax grab, and that comes out in this investment. Not only that, they are starting to Budget as well. It shows an additional $99.7m. put this State into further debt. That So let us not talk about that nonsense. The combination has a negative effect on the fact is that, before we talk about things such things that are really important to people—that as payroll taxes, industrial relations and so on, is, the services they can expect and the jobs the major drivers of investment are falling they want for themselves and their children. dramatically under this Government. We will People cannot find jobs because there is not never see an increase until that situation is sufficient investment, because the private reversed. sector does not want to put its money into It is no wonder this is happening when we areas where there is insufficient public look at unemployment in Queensland infrastructure. compared with the rest of Australia, as can be Strong economic and fiscal management seen in the graph I have here. The is not an end in and of itself. The idea of that Queensland rate is falling, but the rate for the is to provide services to the people we were 2262 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 elected to serve. Under this Government that in a project with a total value of nearly $30m. is getting out of the reach of the ordinary, The Bentley Park College will eventually cater everyday battler. for 2,000 students on a campus in a P-12 Sitting suspended from 1 p.m. to setting which is on the leading edge of 2.30 p.m. technological and educational innovation. The Hambledon State School receives Mr PITT (Mulgrave—ALP) (2.30 p.m.): I funding to address problems at the preschool rise today to speak to the Appropriation Bills second unit and to upgrade facilities for the 2000, and in doing so I am pleased to music program. Under provisions from this acknowledge the Budget brought down in the Budget, the remaining classrooms at House this week, in that it is good for the State Hambledon State School are to be and an excellent result for the far north of airconditioned. At the Flying Fish Point State Queensland. The Budget, which delivers a net School, funds have been provided to complete operating surplus of $29m and a cash surplus the amenities block, along with the provision of of $330m as part of a record expenditure of teaching space to allow for the enhancement $18.15 billion, is welcome news indeed. This of the school's library. I am also informed by outstanding result in difficult economic times is the Minister that minor works are to be carried set against a backdrop of no new taxes or fees out at the Innisfail State School to construct a and no increases in existing taxes and fees. covered area to cater for students' shelter The centrepiece of the Budget 2000 is a during the prolonged wet season. Also in record $5.285 billion Capital Works Program. Innisfail, funding has been set aside to assist Of this record investment in our State's local families by assigning four child health economic development, a massive 64% will be nurses to conduct the Positive Parenting spent outside the south-east corner. Program. Predictably, this shift in allocation has brought In the community of Yarrabah, it has some howls of protest from certain quarters. been recognised that there exists a disturbing Careful consideration of this measure reveals it drug and alcohol problem, and the Budget has to be a responsible delivery to regional and provided funds to assist in the battle against rural Queensland. As the most decentralised substance abuse. A specialist alcohol and State in this country, Queensland boasts an drug worker will be employed at Yarrabah. I economy still driven in the main by primary welcome this initiative. Hopefully it will have the industry, whether it be agricultural, pastoral or same positive impact as measures funded by in the mining sector. In addition, regional the current Deputy Premier, the Honourable population centres provide the administrative Jim Elder, when he was Health Minister in the muscle as well as significant levels of Goss Government, which had a significant secondary and tertiary industry to drive our impact on suicide rates within the community. economy. It is therefore appropriate that Of course, drug and alcohol abuse must be investment in capital works infrastructure reflect addressed on a whole-of-community, whole-of- this position. Government basis. I therefore urge the Far-north Queensland, as a major Yarrabah community to support the appointed regional hub, receives $438m—about $200m worker as he or she takes on this challenging more than last year—in capital works position. spending. As well, a further $110m has been Funds from programs administered by the allocated to economic and social infrastructure Minister for Primary Industries and the Minister projects. Because Cairns is a regional focus, for Public Works will see the construction of a capital works expenditure in that city has a classroom workshop to enhance the delivery of flow-on benefit to the far north in general. Gordonvale High School's agricultural science Important projects such as the construction of program. In all, this Budget sees a record new Government offices in Sheridan Street, $15.2m investment in the educational future of the Northern Fisheries Centre at Portsmith, the students in my electorate. CityPort project and the continued The regular supply of electricity to the far redevelopment of the Cairns Base Hospital are north and to Cairns and its environs has also critical to the controlled growth of the region as been addressed in this Budget. The a whole. expenditure of $15m to construct a new The electorate of Mulgrave has been a transmission line from Chalumbin to significant winner in the 2000 Budget. I am Springmount as part of Powerlink's Cairns delighted to see a further $12.8m set aside for reinforcement Stage 2 is welcome news. As so the second stage of the expansion of Bentley correctly pointed out in the Cairns Post editorial Park College. This is another important phase of 19 July— 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2263

"This Budget also finally has tackled planning to arrive at the best option supported the long-neglected task of upgrading the by the community. At the conclusion of this State's hard-pressed electricity process, the ball will be firmly in the court of infrastructure." the Federal Government. And further— Funding responsibility for the Bruce "Other than commissioning a couple Highway lies with the Commonwealth. $0.9m of small gas turbine generators at has been made available to construct passing Townsville as a stop-gap measure, lanes as the initial expenditure of a $3.5m Mr Borbidge effectively did little else to overall project within the Mulgrave electorate. upgrade the State's electrical capacity." The Moller Road project will help relieve motorists' frustration, as genuinely safe The Beattie Government—and in particular the passing opportunities are in short supply on Minister for Mines and Energy, Tony the Bruce Highway, which is experiencing McGrady—has taken positive steps to both considerable growth in vehicle usage. boost and diversify the generation of power in Queensland. Without adequate and reliable May I take a moment to express my power supplies, the economy of this State appreciation to the Department of Main would be limited indeed. Roads, which responded so quickly to my request to identify significant stretches of In a similar vein, the provision of modern pavement breakdown. Once the State transport infrastructure is vital to our future. received funding from the Commonwealth, the The 2000 Budget sees record spending on necessary roadworks were commenced both road and rail projects which will deliver immediately. I acknowledge that delays and real benefits to Mulgrave and the far north. disruption to traffic have been exacerbated by Some $80m will be expended on upgrading the out-of-season wet weather, but I am sure the Townsville-Cairns rail line, and a further that all of us who travel the road on a regular $51m will be put into the tilt train rolling stock. basis will welcome the improved condition of Over 100 jobs during the construction phase the road surface. will be an additional outcome of this project. On top of this, the region's tourist industry The $1.3m project to construct a bridge receives a boost through the provision of over Middle Creek on the Pine Creek-Yarrabah affordable and faster train travel. road will remove a safety problem, to the The Innisfail railway station is to get a benefit of residents of East Trinity and $200,000 facelift, which will include raising the Yarrabah. This work complements further work platform to reduce problems that passengers to be carried out on widening the shoulders of have experienced accessing and alighting the Cairns side of the Yarrabah Range road. from trains. The City of Innisfail also receives a The community of Yarrabah will welcome the boost through the allocation of a $1.5m $70,000 set aside to further enhance the road subsidy to complement funds provided by to Back Beach. The allocation of $90,000 to Johnstone Shire Council to revamp the city relieve drainage problems which plague roads centre streetscape. I wish to record my in Yarrabah township fulfils a commitment that appreciation of the efforts of former Johnstone I gave to the community council following Shire Councillor George Pervan, who lobbied Cyclone Steve earlier this year. me to arrange a deputation to Local The seaside township of Bramston Beach Government Minister Mackenroth during a is isolated each year by flooding over the road parliamentary sitting. His championing of the which connects it to the community of project, which will uplift the presentation of the Miriwinni. $2.6m has been provided in this CBD, has borne fruit. year's Budget to construct a new bridge and An improvement of the traffic flow into the approaches over the Russell River. The total City of Cairns for my constituents can be value of the project is $3.85m. Further expected with the $6m four-laning of the spending on the $6.95m realignment of a Portsmith road link. This complements the section of the Palmerston Highway reduces construction of additional traffic lanes on the safety concerns on this busy thoroughfare, Bruce Highway from Anderson Street to which connects the Johnstone Shire to the Cannon Park. Much of the funding comes hinterland. On the subject of safety, the from the Federal Government through provision of $70,000 to assist the Cairns City Commonwealth/State arrangements. However, Council in construction of safe bikeways for the traffic congestion into Cairns from the south young and not so young in Centenary Park is can be relieved only by the delivery of a costly money well spent. multimodal transport corridor. The State is Being someone who spent his childhood doing its part by undergoing consultation and in public housing, I am acutely aware of the 2264 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 need for Government to provide affordable It is a shame that members opposite accommodation opportunities. The electorate continue to be so negative. They continue to of Mulgrave will share in a $14.7m boost to talk Queensland down at every opportunity. public housing in far-north Queensland. In the The Beattie Government is a Government with face of declining support for public housing its eyes on the future. The $300m package of from the Howard Government, Housing programs aimed at supporting Queensland Minister Robert Schwarten has again delivered families, combined with additional spending on to Queensland's battlers. His determination to education, health and community services, is see accommodation justice for those requiring an indication that this Government has got it public housing is in direct contrast to the right. Budget 2000 delivers a strong economic mean-spirited approach of the former Borbidge boost via a record Capital Works Program Government, which did its very best to force alongside a forward-thinking social people into the private sector. This Budget infrastructure program. I commend the Bills to provides $87.9m for new public housing across the House. the State, $78.5m to upgrade existing stock, Interruption. $70.6m for maintenance and $17.9m for community housing projects. The share for the far north is $5.8m for 27 new dwellings, $4.9m DISTINGUISHED VISITORS for upgrades, $4m for maintenance and Mr SPEAKER: Order! Before calling the $1.3m for community housing. This is good next speaker, I ask members to acknowledge news for the far north. the presence in the Speaker's Gallery of the One aspect contained in the Budget Honourable Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Sri Lankan documents which I believe will assist primary Minister for Plan Implementation and producers in my electorate is the transfer of Parliamentary Affairs, and his study tour the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority, delegation. Welcome, gentlemen. QRAA, from Treasury into the Primary Honourable members: Hear, Hear! Industries portfolio. I am on record as being critical of its former place within Treasury, as I believe that the people within Treasury, APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT) BILL although very good with dollars and cents, had APPROPRIATION BILL very little understanding of what it was like to Second Reading (Cognate Debate) operate a small business such as a farm. The Resumed. transfer of QRAA back into Primary Industries should see a better return to those primary Mr QUINN (Merrimac—LP) (Deputy producers who each year are hit by natural Leader of the Liberal Party) (2.43 p.m.): When disaster. the Treasurer introduced this Budget to the House he said it was a Budget for battlers, a I am pleased to say that the funding Budget for families. Nothing could be further provided by this Budget sees the final delivery from the truth. The reality is that this is an anti- of election commitments made by the battler Budget, an anti-family Budget and an Government at the by-election in December anti-business Budget. It is a Budget for no- 1998 which saw my return to this Chamber as one. In fact, it is a betrayal of the working class the member for Mulgrave. There is justifiable people because it gives them false hope. cynicism by voters in the promises made by The previous speaker mentioned that we political parties and politicians. However, I am have been talking this Budget down. We are proud to say that the Premier has given every not talking it down. The Government's own support to ensure all commitments have been Budget figures talk it down. We will go through delivered in full and, more significantly, well those figures in a moment and the House will inside the term of the Government. The see why it delivers false hope to those people allocation of $1.5m for the construction of a the Government is supposed to be new 24-hour police station at Edmonton representing here in this Chamber today. delivers an important facility to one of the region's fastest growing residential areas. The Budget will, in fact, prevent jobs from being created and will lock this State into a In closing, I congratulate the Treasurer on high unemployment rate. That is the betrayal bringing down a responsible Budget which that the Government has perpetrated on the delivers real benefits to Queensland. The working class people it thinks it supports, provision of 357 extra police, 1,000 extra because it is giving them false hope. The health workers and 800 extra teachers will Budget, in fact, will make even more of a farce ensure that Queenslanders receive the return of the Premier's target of 5% unemployment for their taxpayer dollars they deserve. over the next however many years he wants to 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2265 extend it out to. This Budget sends a clear the fundamentals to see what is going on. signal to everyone that the Government has Then he will understand what is driving the run aground, it has lost direction and it has no economy and why those figures are so bad. answers to the problems that confront it. The That is why Government members are fact that unemployment has flatlined at about betraying the working class people of this 8% for months and is predicted to continue State, because they refuse to look at these that way when the rest of Australia has made figures. They turn a blind eye; they pretend significant gains is a clear indication of this they are not there. Government members talk fact. about the number of teachers and the number The unemployment figure is the visible of nurses that this Budget provides. Yes, the sign of fundamental problems that the Budget does provide additional teachers and Government has presided over. These are the nurses, but it is only a short-term gain because figures that come out of its own Budget down the track will come the long-term pain, papers. So do not accuse us of talking down and that is when working class people are Queensland. Those are the figures in the going to really feel it. Budget. For instance, I will look at economic What does the Premier say about this growth. Under the coalition it was 5.75% in the trend? When he is challenged about it in the context of an Asian economic crisis. What is House he uses any excuse that comes to the record of the ALP? In its first year, mind. Interest rates are rising is one excuse. 4.75%—a 1% drop straight off the bat. The This morning he claimed it was the falling second year, 4.25% growth—another 0.5% Australian dollar. That was a laugh. We got a drop. This year sees the third drop in belt out of that one. Then we had the Asian succession; 3.75%—another 0.5% drop. That economic crisis. Then his old favourite, of is the reality coming out of the Budget. course, is the GST. Every time something Employment growth is falling away. In goes wrong, it is the GST. The Premier can fact, when totalled up there is a 2% drop in hardly keep a straight face when he parrots his three years—that is more than a 30% drop in excuses. Why? Because he knows it is not that period. That is the reality. When one looks true. He knows what he is saying is false. He at the job figures, one finds similar sorts of can hardly stop smirking every time as he figures coming out of the Budget. Jobs growth sends out the false messages. He is going in 1997-98 under the coalition was 3.2%. In through the motions because he knows that it the first year of Labor, 2.7%—down half of 1%. is his only defence against his own poor The next year it was down another half of 1%. performance. He parrots out the GST. It is the This year's forecast is down another Government's own policies that are generating 0.2%—that is down a total of 1.2% in three such a bleak future for many Queenslanders. years. It is the same sort of scenario. All the It is his own Government policies that are figures are heading south; there is no good seeing Government expenses outrun news there. These figures come out of the Government income. That is a clear signal that Government's Budget. Do not tell us we are this Government is living beyond its means. talking it down. The facts are there. That is why the Treasurer has had to raid the GOCs. It is well documented that their debt In raw numbers, what does that mean in levels have increased substantially over the terms of jobs? In the coalition's last year in past 12 months, as he continues to demand power, 60,000 jobs were created. In that last more and more after-tax profits as dividends year 40% of the jobs in the nation were from these GOCs. created in this State. What about last year under the ALP? Its record was 36,100 jobs last That is why their debt levels are rising. In year. What is the prediction this year? It is fact, over the past 12 months their borrowings 31,000—the same sorry story. All the figures have risen from 30% to 80% of their capital are heading out the back gate. This State has requirements, or are expected to do so. The gone from being in the position of the leading only way in which those GOCs can repair those creator of jobs to back near the tail of the debt levels would be to increase prices to pack—all in three years—and the figures are in consumers. In terms of electricity, that is the the Government's own Budget documents. scenario. Down the track, in order to recover from that debt level— A Government member interjected. Mr QUINN: So do not accuse us of talking Dr Watson: They get an extra 3% this down the Budget. The member's problem is year, remember. he cannot read. Get in there and read the Mr QUINN: Yes, that is right. They documents. Stop taking the spin from the received an extra 3%. Further down the track, Minister's press releases, and have a look at there will be more price rises. The Government 2266 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 is setting up people for rises in electricity prices the number of teachers, nurses or police further down the track as the GOCs seek to whom the Government might employ in the repair their debt levels. future. That is a betrayal of working class As I said before, Mr Beattie's own policies people whom the Government so often tells us are generating this bleak future. His own that it represents. What is another option? The policies have increased the cost of running Government can raise State taxes and Government while expenditure in key areas charges—it can raise payroll tax, it can raise such as Education and Health have fallen. As I registration fees or any other tax that the said, this is not a Budget for battlers, this is not Government can find that falls within its ambit. a Budget for families; this is a betrayal of those That is also a betrayal of working class people people. Mr Beattie's own Government policies and families. Of course, another option is for have seen the rate of fixed capital formation the GOCs to increase their prices, such as dive. Today in this place I heard an expert increase electricity prices to reduce their debts. explanation from my colleague Dr Watson of Those are the only four options open to the fixed capital formation and its effect on job Government. generation in this State. There is a clear signal However, any of those options is a to the private sector not to invest in this State. betrayal of working class families, the people whom the Government claims to represent. How has business responded? Business That is why this is a harsh Budget. It is not a investment was down 4% the last financial Budget for Queensland; it is a cynical Budget year; machinery and equipment investment designed for an election. It will get the was down 4.75%; and building construction Government to the next election, because was down 5.9%. The list goes on. So in none of these borrowings will have to be reaction to the Government's policies, repaid until that time. The next Budget will be business has started to wind down. They have brought down after the election. Then we started to close their wallets. As I said before, should watch out. That is when things are all the key indicators are heading south. going to bite. That is when the Bankcard bill Business has seen it and it is starting to react will be due. How will the Government of the as well. So how can we have jobs created day pay it? At that time there will be some when the primary creator of jobs is private tough decisions to make. enterprise? How can this Government stand here and say that it is a Government for the As I said, I am not impressed by this battlers, it is a Government for the families, Budget. I do not think that business will be when, in fact, the jobs scenario is so bleak and impressed by this Budget. The more we delve so uncertain? into it, the more we understand how it is going to cost families, how it is going to cost the This is the third underlying deficit that this battlers, how it is anti-business and how it will Government has brought in. In 1998-99, it had cost jobs. All the things that this Government an underlying deficit of $923m. In 1999-2000, should be doing are not embodied in this another $495m went on the Bankcard. This Budget. As I said, it is a very cynical Budget. year, forecasts are for another $197m on the I want to conclude by saying a couple of Bankcard. The total is $1.615 billion on the things about Education. In the Budget Bankcard. The reality is that somewhere that documents we have seen that Education money will have to be repaid. It is not a gift capital expenditure has dived. In the 1999- from Santa Claus; it has to be repaid. At the 2000 Budget, it was $327m; actual moment, the deficit is supported by borrowings expenditure, $284m. This year, that capital but, as I said, those borrowings have to be expenditure is down to approximately $227m. I repaid. have forgotten the exact figure. However, the It is quite clear from the documents that reality is that out of the allocation in the 1999- at the moment the Government is living 2000 Budget, the actual expenditure was beyond its means and at some time it has to under that figure by some $43m. I presume repay its debts. How does it do it? Its options that that figure will be rolled over into this are like those that everyone else, or families, year's capital budget. Of course, that will mean have. Once we live beyond our means, we some schools, or some facilities that were have a number of options. What are the programmed for completion last year have not, options for this Government? It can sell assets in fact, been delivered and will come on to this to discharge its debts. However, there are not year's program. When we look at the raw too many around now. There are a couple out Budget figures for this year, we notice that there, but I understand that the Government already they are down $100m on last year's has a few problems with them. Another option Budget figure. However, I acknowledge that is to cut back on essential services, such as the documents say that there is some 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2267 reclassification of some items in there. So that Parliament for all he achieved for this State figure may not be a neat $100m. I suspect over a long time in a distinguished career in that we will not know the exact position until the law and also on the bench. the Estimates committees are held. However, For the edification of honourable the reality is that the $43m that was budgeted members, I wish to read an extract into last financial year was not spent. So a number Hansard about former Judge Fred McGuire of schools were gravely disappointed. and his contribution to the law in this State. The other point that I want to make is that The Who's Who in Australia 2000 reads as even the QTU was not impressed by the follows— Budget. They said that it was disappointing. "McGuire, His Hon. Judge They saw no extra funding in real terms to Frederick ... Judge of the District Court, address areas of urgent need. They Queensland, since 1974; Judge and acknowledged some of the areas that received President, Children's Court of some attention, such as the initiative to Queensland, since 1993 ... b. Jan. 5, provide 800 extra teachers over the next three 1929; ed. Rockhampton H Sch., St John's or four years. However, the QTU were Coll., Univ. Queensland; career: practised disappointed with the Budget. If one interest as Barr in Central Dist 1953-74; formerly group was to come out and support the ALP, it Chrmn Rockhampton Club, Pres. Rotary would be the QTU. However, that is not so. Club (Rockhampton), Memb. Cl The QTU is also reading between the lines of Capricornia Inst. of Adv. Educ., Chrmn St this Budget. John's Coll. Foundn; m. Jan. 8, 1960 As I said, the more we get into this Patricia ..." Budget, the more we find that it is not as it was The Courier-Mail of 18 July this year contained presented to the House. It is not pro-family, it an article that was an excellent reflection upon is not pro-battler; it moves in the opposite the career of former Judge Fred McGuire. It direction. In the longer term, those people will stated— be paying. As I said, it is a Budget that "Rarely do those who occupy the provides for short-term gain. The members benches of our highest courts, dispensing opposite will have a good time going around justice and passing sentence, excite talking about extra teachers, extra police, extra feelings of love and reverence. nurses and what they got for their electorate, but later on the bill has to be paid. That is the But Fred McGuire, who died last reality of this document. The more debt the Saturday aged 71, was one such judge." Government racks up, the harder it is later on It further states— to repay the debt. We have seen that before. "He practised as a barrister in central Mr Sullivan: We are not going to do a Queensland for 21 years until his Joan. You know that. appointment as a Judge of the District Mr QUINN: She had balanced Budgets. Court in Brisbane in 1975. This one is not a balanced Budget. We did it During the next 24 years, he served right, and we know that this Government is not as an acting justice of the Supreme Court, doing it right. This Government has brought acting chief judge of the District Court and down three deficits in a row. The former the inaugural president of the Children's Government never did what this Government Court in Queensland." has done. So I will finish off saying that, as I One of the most notable cases in which Judge said before, the idea that this is a battlers' Fred McGuire was involved was the abortion Budget or a families' Budget is a complete clinic case in Queensland in 1986. At that furphy. In fact, in the longer term there will be time, he made a significant ruling with respect pain, pain and pain. to the abortion laws as they applied in the Mr SPRINGBORG (Warwick—NPA) State and basically interpreted the laws to (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (2.39 p.m.): apply for women—for the preservation of the It is a pleasure to participate in this debate on mother's health, physically, mentally or from the Budget. Before I go into the details of the serious damage. Basically, the interpretation Budget, with the leave of the Parliament I wish was broadened. The interpretation made at to pay tribute to a great Queenslander—a that stage by Judge Fred McGuire is one that Queenslander who made a significant has held true in this State ever since. Most contribution to this State over a long people in this State would probably consider time—who passed away last Saturday. I am that that was a very balanced view of the law referring to former Judge Fred McGuire. He of the day. deserves the respect of and recognition by this The article further states— 2268 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

"Western Society, he told people, 'lazy equity', as Treasurer David Hamill was 'suffering from a strong sense of quaintly calls it—is morally bankrupt. moral and spiritual exhaustion'. Mr Hamill confirmed the plan under He was also concerned at what he questioning in Parliament by Member for saw as the isolation and aloofness of the Gladstone Liz Cunningham yesterday. courts, and urged judges to 'relax and He said, in part: 'After all, this is loosen up', and not to be so reticent with capital which is owned by the people of the media. Queensland. Chief Justice Paul de Jersey ... yesterday praised McGuire for 'astutely measuring the modern mood' and I say to the member for Gladstone: described him as a 'very effective judge yes, the Gladstone Port Authority will be and a great Queenslander'. made to put its lazy equity to work in the interests of the people of Gladstone and Judge Eric Pratt said McGuire was Central Queensland.' 'loved by all'. 'I believe that the people of Central Fred McGuire retired two years ago Queensland would expect nothing less.' " and was made an officer in the Order of Australia last month. The writer of the editorial continued— His funeral service will be conducted "These statements show little more on Thursday"— than how out of touch the State's Treasurer is with the people of Gladstone this afternoon, Thursday, 20 July— and Central Queensland. "in St John's College Chapel at St Lucia, Only a fool would think the move is by Canon Morgan, who summed up his not going to have a profound effect on feelings simply: 'I really did love him. He the way GPA conducts itself in this was such a good man.' community. Fred McGuire has left a widow, Patricia, two brothers and a sister." Here's a hint of what the people of Gladstone expect, Mr Hamill. I became aware of Fred McGuire through reading the press in Queensland over the past The people of Gladstone expect decade or thereabouts. He was affectionately good, sound rational government which known around Queensland as Front Page does not bank on milking one of the most Freddy. His summations were always successful port authorities in the nation. interesting. He was able to capture the mood We expect smart government, Mr of the community. He applied a great deal of Hamill, and while you're robbing Paul to commonsense and a common touch in pay Peter you should not expect a dealing with the concerns of people in his welcome mat to be laid for you at the court. He is probably the only judge of whom I gates of this city." can think who had somewhat of a cult The editorial in the Gladstone Observer of 19 following in the community. That was because July is reflective of many of the news articles of his common touch and the commonsense and editorial appearing around the State. he displayed. On behalf of all honourable members, I say that he is a person who will be There is much in this Budget which should sadly missed in the State of Queensland. I raise concerns for members of Parliament and offer my very sincere condolences to his the people of Queensland. Historically, the family. people of Queensland have enjoyed a pre- eminent Budget position in this nation—one I turn to other pressing and concerning kept in place by many years of sound matters, namely, the Beattie Labor conservative Government, both coalition and Government's third Budget. I wish to start by the National Party Government in its own right reading the editorial from the Gladstone and also, to be fair, the Goss Government in Observer dated Wednesday, 19 July 2000. An the early part of the 1990s. But that pre- article in the Opinion column is headed eminent position has now been lost for the "Welcome mat not extended" and states— people of Queensland, and we are starting to "Gladstone should never forget what fall behind the other States. the State Government is about to do to Behind the smoke and mirrors and all of this city's port authority. the spin there is a lot about which the people The government's plan to make the of this State and parliamentarians should be authority rack up $75 million in debt—or concerned. I fear that one day we will wake up 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2269 and see exactly the same thing as manifested addressed. There is a commitment of itself in Cain's Victoria and Bannon's South $255,000 to upgrade the administration block Australia, namely, everything looks great and at the Allora State School. That is very seems to be going swimmingly until one day welcome, and I thank the Education Minister the books are opened or there is a major for it. It was at the head of the list in 1997-98. I disaster and the whole State seems to fall suppose it is better a couple of years late than down around our feet. never. Dr Watson interjected. There is also $330,000 allocated for a Mr SPRINGBORG: That is right. new ambulance station in Texas. That is going Mr Borbidge: They all had populist to be most welcome. There is $500,000 over leaders. two years for a new science block at Stanthorpe. I understand there is also a Mr SPRINGBORG: They certainly all had commitment in the State Budget to ensure populist leaders. It is also fair to say that that is that certain things are going to happen in something being reflected in the State of Wallangarra in relation to the development of Queensland today. It postpones the inevitable, the historical railway precinct, dependent upon but it does not ensure an end to the inevitable. a commitment from the Commonwealth, which When the Goss Government was I understand is going to be forthcoming. reaching the end of its term, the Industrial I am afraid that that is about where my Relations Minister of the day, the member for praise of the Government's performance in my Yeronga, Matt Foley, went before the electorate has to stop. The concerns which I Estimates committee and said, "It's really have in general that go on from that are going well. The workers compensation system reflected around Queensland. I notice that the in Queensland is in the black to the tune of x, Main Roads capital works budget, which is so y, z." But immediately following the election, vitally important to people in rural and regional within a matter of a few hours or days—no areas of this State and therefore to the overall more than a week—it was a couple of hundred State economy, has been reduced by about million dollars in the red. $80m this year. That is of considerable Mr Borbidge: Between $300m and concern. I also understand from reading the $400m. Budget papers that the Transport Department, Mr SPRINGBORG: As the Leader of the which is so vitally important to this State, has Opposition said, it was between $300m and seen a significant reduction in its capital $400m. contribution. Dr Watson interjected. I would like to take a moment to express my concern about the way that the Budget Mr SPRINGBORG: He passed the buck, papers are being laid out in the year 2000 and as he does so well, to the now Minister for I suppose in 1999 and maybe even some Health. Ignorance is a wonderful thing. She is years before that. When I first came into this blissfully ignorant. Parliament in 1989 and sat through my first Mr Borbidge: She did not know what it Budget in 1990, the Budget papers were was. about two or three inches thick. They were Mr SPRINGBORG: She did not. It is a bit relatively easy to understand. Over the past like heading off to Madame La Guillotine: if we few years we have seen Budget papers do not know what we are in for, we can always increase in size by about two centimetres each make a positive out of it. As we saw in that year. We see now a situation in which we get case, things were glossed over wonderfully more in terms of the size of the Budget papers until the Government won the election, and I but we get less information. Sometimes being fear the same sort of thing will happen in this able to fathom things from them is not an case also. altogether easy task. I want to take a moment to reflect upon I am very concerned about the reduction this Government's lack of performance in my in roads spending across this State electorate and also in the majority of rural and considering its vital importance to my regional Queensland. In a little while I want to electorate and other areas. This is the first time reflect on the way that the Government has in the 11 years that I have been in this gone about apportioning its expenditure to Parliament that I have actually sat down and certain areas of this State. I do not want to be looked at a State Budget and not been able to churlish, but I would like to welcome a couple find one single line item for my electorate in of areas in the Budget where some the capital works section of the Main Roads outstanding issues in my electorate have been budget which is significant enough to be 2270 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 included. That is an appalling indictment on Queensland corner. What we seem to be this Government. seeing from Mr Beattie is a situation in which Capital works expenditure across the he has excluded the Moreton statistical region, Darling Downs is down $40m. Some of that which I understand makes up the Gold Coast, can be apportioned to the drawing to a the Sunshine Coast and Ipswich, and he is completion of the interconnector. However, the saying that 64% capital works expenditure is Government must ensure that there are other going to be spent outside of Brisbane. items of expenditure to make up for the However, if honourable members look at the completion of that project to guarantee that we expenditure in that particular statistical region do have continuity of job creation on the and add it to that for the capital city, I am sure Darling Downs. that that brings it back to far less of the capital works expenditure being expended outside of Water expenditure is absolutely non- south-east Queensland than when the existent in this Budget. Borbidge Government brought down its two Mr Welford: Not true. Budgets. That is the great con which has been Mr SPRINGBORG: Where is it? Where is perpetrated on the people of Queensland. the major capital expenditure? There is Mr Borbidge: More smoke and mirrors. absolutely none. What we have in the Budget Mr SPRINGBORG: More smoke and this year is basically something to do with the mirrors. I think the Borbidge Government Dawson River dam which we listed in there in actually brought down three Budgets, but we 1998. We are still no closer in terms of did not get the opportunity to pass the third property acquisitions. Where are the new one in 1998. It was basically repackaged by capital works? Where is the significant the Beattie Government which more or less expenditure that we require for the brought it in as its own. We see a smoke and construction of major storages in this State? mirrors situation. The people of rural Nowhere! Where is the Paradise dam? We Queensland are really waking up to that great have some significant doubts that that can con and they are now starting to express their even happen. concerns, because they have seen it for the Mr Borbidge: Mr Beattie promised to fiddle that it really is. build it within five years. I will turn briefly to the portfolio that I Mr SPRINGBORG: Mr Beattie promised shadow, and I intend to raise a lot of these to build it in five years, as the Honourable issues during the Estimates committee Leader of the Opposition said. I understand process if time permits me. We have seen a that the best case scenario from the Burnett situation in which the current Attorney-General WAMP—the draft WAMP released just has been completely incompetent. He has recently—was maybe 170,000 megalitres been unable to manage his portfolio and maximum to be made available for water bushfires are basically raging everywhere in his harvesting in that area. If we look at the portfolio around the State of Queensland. We Paradise dam, Kalliwa or its various other can hope only that the situation in relation to configurations, we see that it was much bigger the Office of the Director of Public than that and its annual yield was proposed to Prosecutions in this State is going to settle be much greater. Whatever happens, there is down and that the Attorney-General has finally rather limited opportunity for water woken up to the fact that he has some infrastructure to be developed in places such extreme problems there. as the Burnett. We have seen some running battles The other great swiftie that this State between that particular office and the Attorney- Government has pulled in this year's Budget is General's office over inadequate funding. in relation to the issue of capital works Every time we brought that up and said to the expenditure. Yesterday morning the Premier Attorney-General, "You have a major problem was at his post-Budget cell downtown clutching here", the Attorney-General said, "No, we his heart and wringing his hands, saying to the don't. We have fixed it." So we would go on Property Council and others, "If you don't like another FOI hunt and we would find a whole it, just trust me. You can get used to it range of other interesting documents that because we are going to do it every other would seem to indicate that the raging fury year, too." What Mr Beattie and the continued to grow, not abate. Then we would Government have done is a very elaborate raise it with the Attorney-General and he would fiddle. say, "That may be right, but we have fixed it We used to spend 54% and 58% of our up now." We do the same thing month after Budget in areas outside the south-east month after month. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2271

That has basically led to a situation right $18.15 billion. This reflects an increase of around Queensland and in the electorate of 4.5% in general Government spending. It is Mundingburra in which we are seeing some of also a Budget with balance. I use the word the State's most senior prosecutors actually "balance" because balancing conflicting and walking away from the job. In this State not competing demands effectively has been a only do we need the Public Defender to be hallmark of this Government under the properly resourced, but a well balanced Premiership of Peter Beattie. This Budget criminal justice system is all about ensuring continues that success in striking a balance that the Director of Public Prosecutions is well between some of the most difficult demands resourced and that the office is able to work in expressed by the various groups in our society. a harmonious way with the Government of the Peter Beattie has listened to the Queensland day. We have seen the resignation of senior electorate carefully and has successfully people right around the State: Cairns, recognised and reconciled many of these Townsville, Rockhampton, Brisbane, issues. Toowoomba, the Gold Coast—the Southport office. And this Attorney-General has sat idly We have already seen the establishment by while that major disaster has been going on of the South East Queensland Regional Forest around him. Agreement and the State's cleaner energy policy, and that creates a sound balance If we look at the administration of the between economic issues and job creation on State's Penalties Enforcement Registry, which the one hand and important environmental is the alternative regime put in place to ensure issues on the other hand. This Budget that fine defaulters do not go to jail, we see continues in that vein with seven key policy that there was a Budget allocation last year of priorities which are a prime focus of this $6m. How much of it do honourable members Budget. Those policy priorities are creating think this Attorney-General, who is so good at more jobs for Queenslanders, skilling administering his portfolio, spent? A little over Queensland as a Smart State, building $2m! Is it any wonder that the alternative Queensland regions, the achievement of safer regime, which ensures that people are not and more supportive communities, fostering a sent to jail, is not up and running and will not better quality of life, valuing our environment be up and running until November this year and keeping a strong and stable Government because the Attorney-General has been bone leadership. It is a Budget which not only idle on these particular issues? addresses the big picture issues such as In relation to the Brisbane Magistrates attracting major projects to Queensland and Court, he used to condemn us about the new getting our general economic setting right but Magistrates Court because we basically said also ensures that the fine detail of services in that we were going to put in place a planning our suburbs is well addressed. regime and invite the private sector. What has he done in two years? Absolutely nothing! He I now turn to some of the specific issues indicated the same thing after two years. in our local suburbs before returning to some There was $130,000 in the Budget and he of the more general issues which will benefit basically said that he was now going to invite the Greenslopes electorate. First, I am very the private sector to become involved. pleased with the announcement made by the Hallelujah! The penny has dropped three years Government this week in relation to what has down the track. There is a process which we been known as the Coorparoo TAFE campus, put in place and there is a glaring deficiency including the Queen Alexandra Home there, something which needs to be Community Centre. Some $9m will be invested addressed to ensure the proper administration in this campus with substantial benefits for all of justice in this State. our local schools and business community and wider community as a result of this initiative. It Time expired. will boost virtual schooling throughout Mr FENLON (Greenslopes—ALP) Queensland and revitalise the heritage listed (3.20 p.m.): I rise to support the Appropriation building at Coorparoo which has been the soul Bill 2000. This is a Budget for people. It is a of the suburb. The Queen Alexandra Home Budget that will directly assist all citizens in our Community Centre and adjacent buildings will south-eastern suburbs. It is a Budget which is be upgraded to house Education prudent, responsible, balanced and is a no- Queensland's AccessEd. By doing so, we frills Budget appropriate to these economic have honoured an important State election times. It is a balanced Budget having a net promise to upgrade the historic building and operating surplus of $29m as part of adjacent buildings so that it becomes a aggregate general Government expenses of community and educational precinct. 2272 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

The site will accommodate three funds spent in our secondary schools, the likes previously separate units of AccessEd into the of which have not been seen for generations. one site. The $9m to be spent at the campus The refurbishment part of this program has will be a much-deserved injection into the local been announced already for Camp Hill State economy. With a significant number of workers High School and Holland Park State High employed during the construction stage and School to the extent of $700,000 for each of more than 100 new employees in the area those schools. We will soon be announcing when completed, local businesses will feel a the exact level of funding for renewal of the very direct benefit. Importantly, the Education Cavendish Road State High School and the Minister and Premier have given an ironclad Coorparoo Secondary College. Every student guarantee that public use of the Queen in our schools will be further assisted by the Alexandra Home Community Centre will Government's objective to enhance learning continue, and a community advisory council outcomes through information technology. In will be established to liaise with the this regard, we have exceeded our election Government to ensure the best usage of this commitment to put in place one computer to facility. The centre's location, which is every 7.5 students by 2001. This target has practically in the centre of the Coorparoo State already been achieved and we will now move School campus, is a very appropriate site to be to establish one computer for every five used as a branch of Education Queensland, students. This will be achieved in secondary especially AccessEd, which is directly involved schools in 2001-02 and for Years 3 to 7 by in the production of curriculum resources for 2003-04. To this end, $5m will be allocated schools. this year as part of a four-year $40m program. I will encourage all our local schools to Other highlights of the $171m increase on have direct involvement with these very last year's Education budget include 800 new exciting opportunities that will now be readily teachers, who will be employed to reduce class accessible to all members of our community. sizes and augment services for students with AccessEd is part of Education Queensland disabilities and behaviour management, and that improves student and teacher access to $1.7m to be allocated for the New Basics education resources and information by program, with 12 schools commencing trials producing videos, CD-ROMs and distance over the Budget period. Some $114m was education resources. AccessEd is leading the allocated for literary initiatives, bringing a total rest of Australia with its virtual schooling three-year program to $336m. This program approaches. The Education Minister has has already shown results in an improvement assured me that the site and its history will be in the performance of Year 3 students' tests. treasured by Education Queensland and Some $16.3m has been earmarked this regular attention will ensure that it is financial year for extra teachers and teacher maintained in excellent condition. This new aides to work with students with disabilities. facility will help equip Education Queensland to This builds on the $35m four-year Education deliver education programs into the 21st For All initiatives which have already produced century. extra support for school students with I now return to other education issues. disabilities. This Budget also delivers on a Education is a fundamentally important issue commitment to build on successes in to the people of the Greenslopes electorate. behavioural management in schools with its We have seen a demographic transformation $17.5m program and in helping school in our suburbs as older citizens move on and students with risk of suspension or expulsion. are replaced by young families with school- Health is a very important concern of all aged children. With this clear trend sweeping local residents. I am therefore very pleased through our suburbs, we must be not only with the Budget announcement that a new cognisant of the pressures of our schools and breast screening service will be established at their facilities but also vigilant in providing high Coorparoo. This will be one of two new breast quality education that is going to effectively screen centres established in Queensland as a meet the needs of our young people for the result of this Budget at a cost of $600,000 to future. That is why we have seen such address breast screening and cervical cancer substantial amounts of money spent in our screen services. This is part of a Statewide primary schools through the Building Better objective of reaching a target of screening Schools program to comprehensively upgrade 170,000 women this financial year. I welcome all of our primary schools in recent years. this very positive health initiative in this year's In this and future Budgets we will see an Budget. Breast cancer is the number one equally revolutionary change that will sweep cause of cancer-related deaths for through our secondary schools. We will see Queensland women. Early detection through 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2273 screening is one of the best ways of various relevant services they create. Specific preventing serious problems. This service will capital works that will affect the Brisbane be welcomed by women in the area. metropolitan area include $156m for the South Local people will also benefit from the East Transit Project as part of an overall Main Statewide funding increases totalling $1m for Roads budget of $190.59m. This budget is for the medical aids subsidy scheme and the the construction of a busway between the spectacle scheme. Health services available to Brisbane CBD and Eight Mile Plains and transit our local community will be substantially lanes between Mount Gravatt and boosted as all our metropolitan hospitals near Springwood. completion of their rebuilding. I am very proud Other capital works within the Brisbane to see the end of this process as I was part of area are worth approximately $2 billion. They the Labor Government which commenced this include: $57.271m for the Roma Street major hospital rebuilding program in the early development; $19m for the inner-northern 1990s. The residents that I represent use the busway; $62.4m for the South East Transit services of many of our metropolitan hospitals Project; $4.709m for public transport; $15.37m such as the Royal Children's Hospital, and for the South Bank pedestrian and cycle indeed all of these hospitals have been bridge; $4.983m for the millennium arts subject to redevelopment. project; $4.1m for the Cultural Centre precinct; $9.9m for the Arts Queensland Empire Office The rebuilt Princess Alexandra Hospital Furniture building; $1.54m for Queensland will provide a staggering leap in the level of Performing Arts; $42,000 for the Queensland service delivery to local residents. I visited the Museum; and $350,000 for the Queensland hospital last Saturday for its open day and Art Gallery. toured the new facility with the Health Minister and director-general. I was told that the new There is also $246.796m total Health facility would be second to none. After capital works spending in the Brisbane region; inspecting it first-hand, this claim is certainly $33.297m total Police capital works spending convincing. The old Princess Alexandra in the Brisbane region; $81.095m total Hospital was well beyond its use-by date. The Education capital works spending in the new hospital, with a total budget of $322.3m, Brisbane region; and $114.695m total Housing has a Budget allocation for further spending capital works spending in the Brisbane region. this year of $55.47m. This is part of a record capital works budget of $5.29 billion, which will support over 61,000 In total, this has been a massive project. full-time jobs across the State. Under this We are now more than halfway through the Budget 31,000 jobs will be created, making $2.8 billion Statewide health building program. Queensland the jobs engine of the country. It is the largest construction program outside This Budget provides for $90m to be invested the Olympics. I was informed at the Princess in the Breaking the Unemployment Cycle Alexandra Hospital that the changeover from initiative, which is now a $363m program the old hospital to the new facilities will be funded until 2003. Jobs growth will be driven completed by about March 2001. This is by $10m for the community training something that our entire community can look partnerships program and $8m for forward to in terms of providing high quality apprenticeships. medical care for south side residents. I turn now to issues relating to policing However, it is not just hospital services that are and crime. It was only in recent weeks that I important. Care of patients in their homes is toured the three principal police stations also extremely important in our modern health- servicing the Greenslopes electorate with care system. That is why there will be $12.7m representatives of the Police Minister's office. I more in Home and Community Care services, was keen to see what specific needs those including an additional $4.5m State stations had, but through the visits I was contribution. reminded again of the importance of keeping While as a State Government we must those particular stations intact in servicing the pursue major projects and attract many forms local communities to which they are so closely of investment and resultant job opportunities connected. We only have those police to Queensland in general and Brisbane in stations—they include Coorparoo, Camp Hill particular, the economy today still relies upon and Holland Park—because of the action an undercurrent of Government sponsored taken by me and other local members who are capital works. These capital works are, in a part of this Government to turn around plans sense, a motor to drive many other economic that had been put in place by the previous activities and interests in our regions, but they coalition Government to embark on a course will obviously also provide a boost to the of clustering those stations into one station 2274 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 distant from our suburbs and closing down the growing number of older Queenslanders those local stations. I affirm again here my have access to their concessions. $0.94m is complete opposition to clustering of police allocated for new and upgraded support stations and the importance of keeping these accommodation for homeless young people in specific local stations open and working closely high need areas. $0.585m will give foster with Neighbourhood Watch groups and other parents a 4% increase in foster care community agencies on a street-by-street, allowances to offset the impact of the Howard suburb-by-suburb basis. Government's goods and services tax. This Budget allows this Government, A substantial injection of funds is also under the Premiership of Peter Beattie, to provided for disability services, which are tackle crime in Queensland's communities with doubled this year, bringing the total budget to a 5.4% boost to the Police Service budget. $18m. This will support more than 2,000 This will mean a net increase in police adults, families and children, fund more than numbers of at least 325 officers, along with 100 new and expanded services and provide special commitments of $20m for infrastructure more than 1,000 jobs. In particular, this development to speed up the 10-year capital increase will deliver $12.4m in support for works program and $6m for additional security adults, including lifestyle support packages, associated with the Olympic Games. This post-school options and adults making the Government is continuing to support the transition from institutional care. expansion of DNA sampling and analysis with a commitment of $1.9m and $2.7m to $2.3m is allocated to establish eight new continue the whole-of-Government speed flexible family support and respite services for management strategy. $2.2m is allocated to people with a disability. $1.8m is provided in continue providing operational training and support of children and families and $1.6m is equipment for police. Sixty additional civilian provided for community and infrastructure staff will meet general growth needs and support for local area coordination initiatives, replace police in non-operational positions. including a program to support people living in private hostels. The new innovation for Queensland of trialling electronic monitoring of prisoners on Our environment is also a winner under home detention is provided for by $0.595m in this Budget. It will create 180 new green jobs this year's Budget and $0.714m in the through our Better Parks program and up to following Budget. Further additional funding 70 new jobs through our plan to create under the Minister for Justice and Attorney- Queensland's own plastic recycling industry. A General will improve the court system for all total of $294m on environmental initiatives by participants, develop crime prevention and all Government agencies represents a prison alternatives through programs such as continuation of significant environmental the drug court and the state penalties reforms to protect natural heritage, improve enforcement registry and widen access to quality of life and create long-term sustainable alternative dispute resolution services. jobs. This commitment to environmental Supporting families and protecting reform and sustainable economic children is also a major focus of this Budget. development will underpin the many initiatives $25m is allocated this year to continue to of this Government in pursuing State implement those Forde inquiry development. recommendations. This means the recruitment Via a range of strategies under Deputy of a further 50 front-line child protection Premier Jim Elder's portfolio we will see a officers, in addition to the 77 front-line and 15 concerted drive to create more jobs and attract support staff recruited last year. more business to Queensland. Some of the $7.24m is also provided to support older highlights of the strategy include: the Australia Queenslanders. $0.8m is set aside for a Trade Coast infrastructure development at the Statewide information support service for nearby Port of Brisbane with an injection of parents and families via the Internet and $8.4m; e-commerce for the Smart State at telephone. $4.4m is allocated to community $3.3m; Queensland bio-industries assistance organisations for new and expanded early of $1.6m; the South East Queensland intervention and support services targeting Regional Forestry Agreement implementation families, vulnerable children and young people at $5m; sugar industry renewable energy of at risk. $1.2m is allocated for an extended $1.14m; Queensland Regional Food hours family and adolescent support service in Processing Initiatives $2m; and the Gold Coast Brisbane to help parents and teenagers in Convention and Exhibition Centre at $30m this conflict or crisis. $7.24m is allocated to ensure year and $102m the following year. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2275

This is a fiscally responsible Budget. It will The Government seems to have maintain Queensland's competitive tax produced a document based on the belief that environment. It will ensure that its level of if it says something often enough or loud service provision is sustainable by maintaining enough, it will be believed. The fact of the an overall general Government operating matter is that every time the Treasurer raised surplus. Borrowings and other financial his voice and sought to emphasise how clever arrangements will only be undertaken for this Government was or how caring he was capital investments, and only where these can towards people he was in fact concealing the be serviced within the overall operating reverse, as revealed by the facts. Let me cite surplus, consistent with maintaining our AAA an example. The Treasurer told us with all the credit rating. Our financial assets will cover all sincerity he could muster that this was a accruing and expected future liabilities of the people's Budget. He even repeated the general Government and we will at least phrase to make sure it was not missed the first maintain and seek to increase the State's total time. He supported this absurd assertion by net worth. raving on about the implementation of the I congratulate the Premier and the recommendations of the Forde inquiry through Treasurer on this highly responsible Budget. It the allocation of an additional—according to is a Budget that addresses the social priorities him—$25m for this purpose. He even had the and the need for economic growth. It is a good effrontery to boast that this was $5m more balance. I commend this Budget to the House. than the Beattie Government last year had foreshadowed. What the Treasurer did not tell Mr BEANLAND (Indooroopilly—LP) the Parliament, the press or the people of (3.37 p.m.): There is nothing in this Budget to Queensland was that the Forde inquiry get Queensland moving again, after two years recommended an additional $103m per year of Labor in Government. This is a Budget of a for the protection of Queensland's children. tired Government. It is a Budget of a Government more preoccupied with the media Last year, this mean-spirited Labor than with getting on with the job in Government allocated a mere $10m for this Queensland, getting some substance into the purpose—$93m short. This year, it allocated Budget and doing things. It is a Budget, in $25m—or $68m short, allowing for last year's fact, by a self-proclaimed media tart. I am increase of $10m. Yet it is smoke and mirrors, reminded of that by those on the Government because the real situation is this: in two benches. Budgets, instead of the children of Queensland being protected to the tune of This Government is a Government of $206m, they will have received an increase of blame. The records of recent times show that, only $35m. Children have been short-changed day after day, all this Government wants to do by this mean-spirited Beattie Labor is blame someone. It seeks to blame the GST, Government to the tune of $171m in just two the Federal Government or anyone but itself. It Budgets. That was just one item in the Budget does not accept any responsibility for the fact riddled with deception and cynical, cleverly that Queensland is falling behind other States. crafted claims by this can't do Government. I think the Australian newspaper summed it up We all remember how the Government went in recent days when it stated— on and on about how it was accepting the "Queensland's traditional economic recommendations of the Forde inquiry, dominance over the rest of Australia is particularly this recommendation. Of course, over." that has not been the case at all; far from it. The same sorts of comments have been If one has a look elsewhere in the made by a number of media outlets, so it is portfolio statements, one sees that we are told not only the Opposition that sees this; it is the that there will be an increase of 77 staff in this media and public generally in this country, and area, when in fact the staffing full-time particularly in Queensland. equivalents statement on page 1.8 indicates If one looks at the budget of the clearly that there is an increase in staff Department of Families, Youth and numbers of only 59. That reminds me of last Community Care one sees that a lot of smoke year's little effort by the Minister, where it was and mirrors tricks have been used. As the again indicated that there would be an leaked memo says, those opposite are to increase of 70 staff members when there was laugh off these criticisms and not let on what an increase of only 22 staff, because there they know internally. That attitude is seen in were 48 temporary staff who had been the Budget papers of this particular employed for some time who were to be given department. the sack, resulting in an increase of only 22 2276 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 and not 70. Time and time again we see the their signatures appended to the same situation occurring. document—there were 4,229 Queensland For the first time for many, many years we registrants as at 22 October last year for adult have witnessed strikes in this department. Day lifestyle support packages. So there were 100 after day there are rolling strikes, not just in fewer packages made available than the Brisbane but also in far-north Queensland, number promised in the last financial year, yet because officers of the department are if one looks at the figures, that represents only extremely stressed. There has never been a about 11% of those wishing to receive these time when officers of this department have packages. Only about 11% of the registrants— had such low morale, when they have been so 471 out of 4,229 people registered for lifestyle stressed by this Government's requirements. support packages—have actually obtained This is at a time when staff are being sacked, them. and I will say more on that in a moment. What is the position with the rest of the Strikes are occurring because the Government community that has applied for these fails to properly fund this department, which is packages in the expectation that they would now being faced with new legislation and new be considered in the foreseeable future? The demands. It is easy to pass legislation; it is community's expectations are built up time much more difficult to provide the resources, and time again. If the Government builds up which is the real thing that counts in this field. people's expectations, they have to be Financial and staff resources are badly needed matched. They have not been matched. The if the systems the Government has put in public feels let down by the Government's place are to be implemented. Many of the failure to deliver on its claims in this regard. systems that have been put in place have The claims were that there would be an legal requirements. If staff do not act in additional $30m per year for lifestyle support accordance with the legislation, they could find packages. We should be up to an additional themselves facing all types of charges. It is $90m this year. In fact, that has not occurred. little wonder that staff are so stressed, morale There was a one-off increase in the Budget in is so low and people are going on strike. We the first year of $30m, and that has not been will see more of that over the coming months. followed through since, with the exception of The ministerial portfolio statements go matching the Commonwealth funds this year. further with these hollow claims. The Minister The funds put up by the Commonwealth had tries to cover the lack of adequate resourcing to be matched dollar for dollar. of this portfolio by adopting slogans and I turn now to gambling. The documents publishing glossy plans. One example is the are very quiet on gambling issues, particularly Putting Families First document, which is just gambling addiction. A section has apparently pinched from another Labor State. In fact, I been transferred from the Department of think it came from our side of the political Families, Youth and Community Care to fence originally. The Government did not even Treasury, which will now apparently have have the decency to acknowledge the source responsibility for responsible gambling of that phrase. As a matter of fact, there is strategies and for the funding of any initiatives even a Budget document bearing that to combat gambling addiction, such as the misleading title amongst the plethora of Statewide Gambling Help Line. There has publications released this week. been no indication of what funding will be put These are some of the unpalatable truths in place. One cannot help but notice that, at which neither the Treasurer nor the Minister 30 June last year, the revenue from gaming are likely to dwell on. All of this adds up to the machine tax was expected to be up some fact that there are not enough funds in the $52.4m or 28%. In fact, it is up $72m to 30 Budget to match the Government rhetoric. The June 1999. To 30 June 2000, it is up to Government's actions do not match its words. $309m. Over a two-year period, it increased In the disability services field, once again the from $185m to $309m. They are the Minister has many shortcomings. The Minister Treasurer's own figures in his own statement. continually trumpets the Government's There has been a $124m increase—or commitment to disability services. In last year's 67%—in the level of gaming machine revenue. Budget the Minister said that there would be That revenue has not been matched in terms 571 adult lifestyle support packages at the end of the funding allocated to tackle gambling of the financial year to 30 June. In fact, there addiction. I know that all members are were only 471 packages, and this comes at a concerned about this issue, and I hope that time when, according to the Government's Government members in particular will assist publication—which bears the grinning faces of the Opposition in doing something about this Premier Beattie and Minister Bligh, with both problem. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2277

From memory, around $1m was very concerned about the coalition's approach apparently set aside last year for the Statewide to families that she is now proposing that Gambling Help Line and for gambling $85,000 of taxpayers' money be spent to addiction counselling services. That is a drop in survey clients of the department to help Labor the bucket considering the enormous amount formulate policies for the next State election. of revenue received from gambling and the That is what the department means when it increase experienced in the past couple of refers to formulating policies; it is referring to years. There must be a significant increase in Labor policies for the next State election. funding for education programs, for the $85,000 has been put aside for that. Of Statewide Gambling Help Line and for course, that money could have been spent on counselling services around this State, far more worthwhile projects such as funding because this is the fastest-growing addiction youth workers in Cairns. As I mentioned problem in Queensland. It afflicts both families previously in the Chamber, there has been a and individuals. It does not matter what reduction of four youth workers in Cairns. I will socioeconomic group people are from. Some say more about that shortly if I have time. We people claim that gambling addiction afflicts have the situation where $85,000 has been the poor more than the rich, but in fact it put aside for a survey. affects people across-the-board. It is a growing If the Government was really serious problem. Unfortunately, it is a major growth about generating jobs, then we would have industry in this State, as sad as that might be. seen very much a job creation Budget this The problem requires expeditious time round and we would have seen the Government intervention. The Government Government moving to stimulate the State must adopt a vigorous approach to combating economy. What we see is the State facing a this problem. It is about time we started to see collapse in private investment. The problem some educational advertising on television and with the Government is that it does not some general education programs aimed at appreciate the significance of private this problem. We see ads for Scratch-Its and investment and how the real jobs are created all sorts of things on television now, not to in the community within the private investment mention poker machines and a range of sector. If Queensland is to catch up with the gambling options. But we see nothing about other States and resume its traditional place the problems experienced by those who are as the No. 1 economic powerhouse of this hooked on gambling. As far as I can ascertain, nation, then this Government needs to the Budget is totally silent on what the address very quickly indeed its approach to not Government proposes to do about this issue only budgetary matters but also other matters this year. There is no point in the Treasurer such as workplace issues so that it attracts talking about the Government's responsible investment to this State that will drive the State gambling strategy. Again, it is more rhetoric. economy. Where are the dollars to back it up? Where are Instead, of course, we have the second the dollars to enable us to take strenuous worst unemployment figures in mainland action on this problem? Currently no funds Australia. Our growth has dropped markedly. have been allocated in the Budget to deal with The Budget figures show that economic this matter. growth under this Government has dropped to I turn to the issue of capital works for a just over half the economic growth established moment. Each year the Government likes to under the former Government. At a time when talk about its capital works, and even in the the GST and the Federal Government are Department of Families, Youth and blamed for everything, it is interesting to note Community Care one cannot help noticing that the unemployment rate in New South that, again, a sizeable amount of capital works Wales and Victoria has decreased markedly. has been carried forward. In fact, in the current However, that has not happened in financial year there was to be around $18m Queensland. As those two States also have spent on the Brisbane Youth Detention Labor Governments, it shows just how out of Centre. Only half of that has been spent and step the Queensland Government is. the remainder has been carried forward. It is all This year the output statements are very well to talk about the Government's contained within the Budget papers. I referred Capital Works Program, but if the Government earlier to the huge number of Budget is serious about creating jobs, then it would documents that have been released. If the have ensured that those funds were spent last Government wants to save some forests in year so that those jobs were created. Queensland, it need look only at the number If one looks elsewhere in the Budget of Budget papers produced. Because the documents, one will notice that the Minister is information contained in those documents and 2278 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 the way it is presented is of minimal use, it situation in which the Yarrabah service has serves little purpose to present them in the been reduced from six days a week to four current format. days a week without any community In the output statements for the Families, consultation at all. This has compromised the Youth and Community Care portfolio a range youth program at Yarrabah. No further of new measures have been included in place resources were allocated for youth workers or of some of the measures that existed vehicles. Apparently due to political pressure, previously. Again, this makes it more the department has now been forced to confusing. More meaningful measures that provide a service at the Wangetti Education should have been included would have been Centre. The arrangement is that the youth the number of child protection cases notified. workers work with the Wangetti clients on As far as services for children and young community-based orders every Friday from people are concerned, it is estimated that last 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., much to the detriment of financial year the number was 18,120, but the service provided to Yarrabah. No mention there is no indication of the number of those has been made of that. cases that were followed up or investigated. Time expired. Were they all followed up or only some of Mrs GAMIN (Burleigh—NPA) (3.57 p.m.): them? What happened as a result of that This is a sad Budget. It is perhaps the saddest follow-up? In how many cases were children of the troika of Budgets now down to the removed from their parents? How many credit, or rather the discredit, of the honourable parents or guardians were prosecuted in member for Brisbane Central and the relation to those matters? honourable member for Ipswich. It is a Budget The material that was included in the that lacks vision. Moreover, it is a Budget that statements is of little value in the format in lacks backing. On radio and in this place which it was presented to the Parliament. The today, I heard the Treasurer lauding the amount of information in the documentation is Standard and Poor's assessment of the insufficient. The smoke and mirrors part of the Budget. Apparently, the Treasurer thinks this Budget is presented, but not the meaningful international rating agency both applauds and information which would enable members to confirms his stewardship of the State gain some knowledge of the issues in the exchequer. That is another really fluffy idea— community. something to laugh about—and puts the I mention again the hostels task force. Budget in objective perspective. There is an There seems to be nothing in the Budget on overreliance on borrowing—often the old pea that issue. The task force still has not reported, and thimble trick that robs Peter to pay Paul— even though it is well over a month since it was and some problems likely in the future from set up. The Government indicated at that time the advancement of the case for less than fully that it did not need to have a royal commission funded public sector superannuation down the or inquiry. The Ministers knew the issues; they track. Then there is the record Capital Works knew the problems. It was simply a matter of Program. All but around 10% of it is existing getting together and presenting the issues to budgeted spending. That is some record! Cabinet and coming forward with the I cannot say that I was expecting the recommendations. Those recommendations Budget to do much for my electorate of have not yet appeared. The way the situation Burleigh, so in that sense I am not is progressing, there seems to be less disappointed. Much of its alleged benefits for likelihood than ever that they will. The the Gold Coast had already been announced, Government has run away from this issue for such as the new school in the Varsity Lakes over a decade. development at Stephens. The natural growth I conclude by referring to the youth of the region put this on the drawing board a workers situation at the Cairns office. The long time ago. Work has already started and it member for Cairns and the Minister seem to will be open for the 2001 school year. be very prickly on this matter. They like to As I mentioned before, many of the stand in this Chamber and tell members about announcements are part of normal ongoing a small part of the real situation. The Cairns work, such as the continuing upgrading of the area office will lose four full-time youth workers Gold Coast Hospital, public health services at on 21 July. That is a fact. I have noticed that the Robina Hospital, work on the motorway the member for Cairns and the Minister do not and the Tweed River bypass. These have to mention that. Youth workers have been taken be included in every Budget. There was no away from Yarrabah in order to replace youth mention of the Robina to Coolangatta rail link, workers in other locations. So we now have a nor was there any indication of when this might 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2279 be commenced, let alone completed. everyone at heart. Labor knows that to be the Obviously, this project is still a very long way case. Labor knows and demonstrates when it off. is in office—as it has with the Budget that is There was nothing in the Sport and now before the House—that it cannot compete Recreation budget for the long-awaited with genuine grassroots policies. Its rehabilitation of the Tallebudgera Recreation paymasters and its backroom boys would not Camp. When one considers how many let it. However, I believe that, as people, particularly children, pass through this Queenslanders, all of us on all sides of politics camp every year, one realises that this work need to understand fully how much politics has has been put off for far too long. The Gold changed. Coast has missed out on funding of capital Community was always the National works to upgrade older secondary schools. Party's focus, but now it must be its principal The Miami State High School in my electorate driving force. Those who lead the Government was one school that hoped to get into the first of this State need to make sure that the funding round, together with the Keebra Park people know that this focus is genuine. This is school at Southport and the Palm not just a "Look, we're listening" confidence Beach/Currumbin school. However, six trick. This is not just the throw-dollars policy of Brisbane schools and two in Rockhampton— our opponents; there is a clear difference. The where the Government has an eye on the next National Party is the party for all election—were the only successful schools. So Queenslanders. The Labor Party is the party Gold Coast schools were ignored in this for sectional interests. secondary school upgrade, and we can only For the National Party, the Queenslander is hope for a better deal in the second round paramount and in the context of this deficit distribution. Budget—this deficient Budget—that is an At this time in the political cycle—with the important point for everyone to understand. next election less than a year away—and at For Queenslanders—every one of the 3.5 this time of the economic cycle, I want to million Queenslanders—the overriding interest spend just a few minutes speaking about the is community. Our democracy is robust. It has clear, crucial difference between the Labor also always been consultative and community side and the coalition side of politics in terms minded. However, most of all, it has always of Queensland and its future. Last week and been a self-help democracy. over the weekend we had the most important Self-reliance is the key to progress. It National Party conference that we have had always has been. The arrival of new for a long time. It was the conference from technologies that have made the information which we will carry the National Party message age possible will not change that. into the most crucial State election in Communities thrive when the individuals who Queensland for a long time. We debated make them up get together voluntarily to some important matters that are vitally achieve communal goals. That will not change, concerned with the policies it will be our either. However, I believe that what has privilege to put before the Queensland people changed is that Australian society at large is next year. We went through that exercise, as reclaiming the commonsense of we go through all such exercises, in a conservatism—personal conservatism, social renewing mood. That has been challenging, conservatism, monetary and governmental but it has also been exciting and, most of all, it conservatism. At the National Party will be crucial to our success at the polls. conference, and also in the context of the We are entering the 21st century with Budget, we are interested in policy issues that policies that I believe capture the electorate's reflect just that sort of movement. It is a desire for change, but for change that does movement of the times, but it is also our not dismiss the achievements of the past as natural place in the political landscape and it is irrelevant or, worse, an embarrassment. We a natural progression of the human cycle. will enter the 21st century with policies that will As my honourable friend the member for build on the fine achievements of the past to Surfers Paradise said in his opening address help create a better, brighter, more prosperous to the conference on Thursday last week, the future for all Queenslanders. last two decades of the 20th century were a The National Party is not a party for period of ascendancy on the part of the Labor sectional interests. Historically, it has always Party throughout Australia. However, Labor is been the party closest to the people—the not a conservative movement. Labor cannot party with the largest grassroots membership, be a conservative movement. Labor has the party that genuinely has the interests of always been a collectivist movement. It might 2280 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 claim to have abandoned all sorts of punished in accordance with community essentially socialist positions that it has held in expectations. the past, but it has not. Its consistently poor We believe in a society in which people Budget management, its repeated emphasis who genuinely need help are able to get it and on spending at the expense of saving—in get it locally in their own community. We other words, at the expense of investment in believe in a society that delivers services at the future—proves that point. We see this better than the basic level to everyone, phenomenon, again revealed repeatedly, in regardless of where they live. We believe in a the supporting documents for the society that delivers educational opportunities Appropriation Bills now before the House. This to every student in accordance with that is a Budget of tired ideas, of concepts that are student's needs and consistent with the moral no longer relevant to the times or, more concepts on which our society is based. We importantly still, to the demands of the people. also believe in a Budget and budgetary The people know that Australia has moved on. principles that both understand and underpin The people know also that Queensland has an open and expanding society. moved on, too. Our job is to make sure that the process of Government moves on, too. In world terms, Queensland is only a small community. It is a community that benefits Empowering communities is our ideal. greatly from being a large part of our great The plain logic, the basic commonsense of Australian Federation. More importantly still, delivering Government at the lowest effective we are a community that emphasises level—the level closest to the people—is our progress. We used to call it the pioneer idea. It was the fundamental founding concept culture. Perhaps we still should. From time to of the National Party. It is a function that has time, it is useful to pause for reflection and been made easier, not harder, by the take a little time to examine the benefits of the development of Australia into the culture that is ours by birthright. The predominantly urban, service-industry society progressive culture emphasises the future. It that it is today. The Government says that it is implies a progressive world view—one that all about reaching for new technology. It engages influence over one's destiny, rewards should try reaching for the new possibilities in this life for virtue and positive-sum that new technology make possible. economics in which wealth expands. Work and We on this side have moved on towards achievement are central to the progressive reflecting the reality of Australian society and culture. Work structures daily life and diligence, the Queensland community. However, we creativity and achievement are rewarded not have moved towards the future believing in the only financially but also with satisfaction, self- past, not rejecting it as a model and far less as respect and prestige. Frugality is central to an inspiration. We will build the future on the progressive culture. It fosters investment and strength of the past and not, as Labor financial security. In a truly democratic threatens to do, on the skeletal remains of progressive culture, it does not damage the species that they have declared to be extinct. egalitarian ethos. We must always ensure that Everyone in politics knows from the record public policy makes it possible to deliver one of recent elections that no-one can take the personal gains without a negative impact on electorate for granted—no-one: not parties, others. not sitting members, not candidates. Every Education is the key to advancement. seat is a marginal seat. No seat is safe for Merit is central to advancement. In the anyone. No-one can rely anymore on total and progressive culture, community identification permanent electoral support. This is a sea and trust extend beyond the family to the change in Australian politics. It is also a great broader society. The ethical code—the benefit to our democracy. Politics has become essential barrier to corruption—is more rigorous much more volatile. in the progressive culture. In other words, our We on this side believe in a Queensland practical experience, our habits and opinions that offers unfettered opportunity for every all work towards maintaining our laws and our Queenslander. We believe in a Queensland social advancement. That is the essential that regulates people's lives only to the lesson of conservatism. It is one that we ignore minimum necessary to achieve communal at our peril. If we want safe streets, quality outcomes in public policy so that health care for all and economic opportunity, Queenslanders can enjoy unfettered personal we simply have to hold fast to our past while opportunity. We believe in a society in which working towards our future. the rule of law is the highest expression of In terms of electoral politics, the lesson of community and in which wrongdoers are the past few years is that Queenslanders want 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2281 their Governments to deliver commonsense This has been made possible through frequent politics. They want responsive Government at and ongoing communication with various all levels—Government that not only says that groups and individuals in the local community it is listening to the people but also actually throughout the past two years. does listen. Queenslanders also want a I have set up four community consultative Government that, having listened, will act in committees to cover the entire electorate and accordance with what it has heard. People advise me on matters of significance in their want simple Government at all levels. respective suburbs. From these consultative Government can be simple. There is never any committee meetings surveys for residents were need to complicate things. compiled, and will continue to be sent to Nowadays, Government is not necessarily various parts of the electorate, outlining more complex. Those who say that it is are specific issues relevant to that section of the generally those who expect that they will community. A lot of work was undertaken with benefit from then being told that, if they have these community groups to establish needs for the answers, then they should fix the problems the area. themselves. So in that scenario, complexity is The Beattie Government has delivered a often a means of getting on the gravy train, or surplus State Budget which is focused on job staying on it. The message of these new times creation and supporting Queensland families. is that people are practical and that, It has delivered on social priorities while still historically, they have not needed to run to living within its means. The highlights of the Government for everything. It is that historic Budget on a State level include— factor—that basic human demand—that lies a record $5.2 billion Capital Works behind the people's demand for personal and Program that will support over 61,000 full- community empowerment. time jobs; At the State level, we are concerned a four-year $300m Putting Families First chiefly with the delivery of services. Our job is strategy, which will improve opportunities to ensure that hospitals can deliver the health for Queensland children and give them a services they are there to provide. Our job is to head start in life, support families as the ensure that public transport operates in the primary nurturing environment and ensure areas people need it at the times they want it. that families live in a safe and supportive Our job is to ensure that police stations are community; open and police officers are on duty in accordance with operational requirements, not economic growth driving job generation just when a deficient Budget says they can be. and investment, creating 31,000 additional jobs over 2000-01; and Our job is to ensure that schools are an accrual surplus of $29m in the general resourced superbly and well staffed. Our job is Government sector. to ensure that local government—the vital third tier and, under our Constitution, a legislative This Budget delivers improved services to function of the State—is able to perform the Queensland families in areas such as Health, utility work necessary to maintain and improve Education and community services, along with our communities. None of this can be done in a record Capital Works Program. isolation. None of this can be done as Education Issues effectively as it must be done without the vital Bringing schools into the information age interrelation of the States and the is a priority of the Beattie Labor Government. Commonwealth under our Constitution. But all Funding will be provided to ensure that there is of it can and must be done better. It is such a at least one computer for every five students in shame—such a lost opportunity—that this primary and secondary education. At least 800 Budget does not even try to match that need new teachers will be employed in Queensland or reach that objective. State schools over four years, representing a Mrs ATTWOOD (Mount Ommaney—ALP) commitment of over $132m. All of the new (4.11 p.m.): Two years have elapsed since the teachers will be classroom teachers employed citizens of Mount Ommaney elected me to be to reduce class sizes, augment services for their State member and their representative in students with disabilities and behaviour the Queensland State Parliament. In that short management. The number of these allocated span of time a lot has been achieved in our to Mount Ommaney will be announced in the suburbs in relation to a broad range of near future. portfolios, including Health, Transport and On a local level, some of the flow-on Main Roads, Education, Public Works and effects and issues relating to the Mount Housing, and Police and Corrective Services. Ommaney electorate are detailed as follows. I 2282 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 believe that education is very important to have not fallen on deaf ears, in that all of its ensure that our young people have the best needs have been met. start in life. Jindalee State School Centenary State High School During my time in the electorate I have To ensure this, I have given education a visited this school many times to look at its high priority. I ensured that Stage 2 of the needs. So far the preschool carpet has been school was approved in the last Budget, and replaced and the playground has received this has been completed. A number of some maintenance and levelling. $12,000 was community and P & C meetings were held to expended on a fire hydrant for the recently discuss Stage 3. As the local MLA, I visited the constructed school hall. The school tuckshop school on a number of occasions to assess was refurbished and painted following a the requirements for Stage 3. A feasibility request from the P & C. Other issues include study was completed that was jointly funded the replacement of asbestos roofs, and I have by Education Queensland and the Brisbane written to the Minister about this important City Council to look at the possibility of a joint ongoing matter. community/educational facility. This year Jamboree Heights State School and Preschool $1.9m has been approved to construct a A number of months ago, I asked the student centre and to assist in the funding of a Minister to visit this school in the hope of performing arts facility. The local community getting more aid for teachers of disadvantaged will benefit greatly from the use of these school students and some maintenance issues. Since facilities in the future. then the walkway has been painted and the Corinda State High School toilet block near the pool has had its floor replaced. Prior to that, a flooding problem It is great news for Corinda High. Principal around the basketball court had been fixed. Bernadette O'Rourke called to see me in The new school hall is currently being used by Parliament House on Budget day to see for many local groups, including by the Centenary herself the commitment by this Government to Table Tennis Association on Tuesday and fund a $7.2m upgrade of facilities. Bernadette Friday nights. A new drain was installed at the and the school community put many hours of preschool after I made representations to the work into preparing documentation and plans Minister following discussions with the P & C a for the upgrade. Some of the enhancements number of months ago. to the school include a technology learning centre, which will create a seamless addition to Corinda State School the existing resource centre. Other major new On my request the Minister visited this facilities to be put in place at Corinda State school for a badge presentation ceremony and High School include a performing arts centre noticed a few problems with rust and worn incorporating the existing school hall. This new carpet in F Block. Funding was subsequently facility will include three drama/dance teaching allocated to fix these problems and these jobs spaces and an indoor physical education have recently been completed. centre, which will have full international size Oxley State School basketball courts. Two of the older buildings on the site will be removed and replaced by state- After speaking with the principal and the of-the-art facilities. Throughout the building P & C president, a list of maintenance priorities and development, the school will function as was documented and I made representations usual, providing places for its normal school to the Minister for Education and Minister for population of just over 1,400. Public Works and Housing. Not long afterwards, a commitment of $13,000 was Primary Schools made to repair unsafe stairs in a learning block Middle Park State School and playground equipment and for the provision of impact absorbing material. Early this year I announced that this school's library extension had been approved Community Health by the Minister. The school community has The Oxley/Corinda/Sherwood Community been asking for this enhancement for over six Consultative Committee, which I am years because of the increasing school coordinating, identified a need for a population. The construction work on this community health service in Corinda/Oxley. extension will commence around mid August. This confirmed my findings over the past three Other good news for Middle Park in this year's years when talking to individuals in those Budget is the provision for a new amenities suburbs. I am pleased that this Budget has block and a modular building. It is pleasing to provided the funding for this Government to see that my representations to the Minister deliver on this commitment in this financial 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2283 year. Queensland Health has commenced Policing seeking a suitable site for the centre. Further Police numbers will increase by a total of details will be announced over the next few 325, and the Mount Ommaney electorate will months. Although dental services will not be benefit from this and from the employment of included in this centre, I have asked for 60 additional civilian staff to meet general consideration to be given to broadening the growth needs and to replace police in non- scope of mobile dental vans for people in our operational positions. $1.9m for DNA sampling suburbs. The Government recently assisted and analysis will improve the number of crimes the Canossian Sisters to upgrade and solved in Queensland. This will assist to make refurbish their hospital facility at Oxley. This our suburbs a safer environment for families, has greatly enhanced their ability to care for the elderly and retired folk. the sick, the infirm and the elderly. Public Housing and HOME Assist Railway Station Access Upgrades $8m has been set aside for general This was another need confirmed by the upgrade works and maintenance programs in community consultative committee in the area, the south-west region. $6m in funding has and I have had a number of requests from been allocated to purchase more properties for people over the past three years to upgrade the construction of affordable housing in the Oxley Railway Station. Recently, the Oxley south-west area. This is an ongoing process, Railway Station was painted, the fence particularly where there is high demand for replaced, the lighting upgraded, and security housing such as in the Oxley/Sherwood area, cameras will be installed at a later time when and I will ensure that the Mount Ommaney they become available. Further to this, funding electorate receives its fair share. Public has been included in this year's Budget to housing units have been completed or are upgrade access for people with a disability, the nearing completion in this financial year in elderly and parents with prams. Approximately Sherwood/Corinda totalling $3.112m. Further $700,000 will be spent to construct ramps and seniors units and duplexes in Sherwood and lifts at the Oxley Railway Station. This is Oxley commencing in 2000-01 are valued so currently in the design phase and is expected far at $980,454. to be completed late next year. Three lifts will Ambulance Station be installed at the Corinda Railway Station. Approximately $900,000 will be spent this The Centenary Ambulance Station, year, and a half a million dollars in the funded in last year's Budget, will be officially following year. This will permit better access opened in August. It will be a three-bay station and usage of these stations by people in with 12 staff operating on a 24-hour roster those suburbs, particularly the elderly and the basis. The officer in charge, Greg Woodward, disabled. has recently been appointed and is keen to get the community involved in a local Transport and Main Roads ambulance committee. There have already been many inquiries at my office, and I would This electorate will receive a share in the encourage more residents to become involved $40,000 for Safe School Travel initiatives to in this voluntary committee. improve safety for children travelling to and from school. Darra Railway Station, which Grants services our area, will be one of the few Many groups in the local area have stations in Brisbane to have an integrated received grants from the Gaming Machine ticketing system. Community Benefit Fund. These include Y- $6.65m has been allocated to complete West Jamboree Heights, the Centenary Table priority traffic safety improvements on the Tennis Association, the Mount Ommaney Ipswich Motorway. Visual improvement at the Special School, other schools and many other end of the Centenary Highway and onto the local organisations. Over $170,000 from this Ipswich roundabout will be part of this. fund has been allocated to support local groups. Prisons The Anti-Graffiti Group Moreton A prison, on land abutting I congratulate the Anti-Graffiti Group for its Riverhills residents' homes, was closed early continuous work in the Centenary suburbs, this year ahead of schedule. This was an and I will continue to support and promote its election commitment of mine to limit the activities. I pass on my congratulations to Tony number of prisons in the Wacol area. I have and Ann Lanza on their dedication and written to the Minister to request use of this commitment to this cause. Many people have site by a local pony club. commented to me about the improved 2284 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 amenity of the area since we took the decision take a grassroots approach to my role in this to not tolerate graffiti vandalism. electorate. Importantly, putting people first Bikeway should be of the utmost consideration to all who are elected to serve in the Queensland The fence along the bikeway between Parliament. Sumners Road and Jindalee has been I would like to take this opportunity to reported as a hazard to pedestrians. This is congratulate and thank all of the local because motorists cannot see through it, community groups with whom I have been making it a hidden tunnel between the involved over the past two years. highway and the noise barriers and a haven for drug addicts and graffiti vandals. Recently I Mr CONNOR (Nerang—LP) (4.26 p.m.): I spoke to Main Roads officers, and they are rise to speak to the Appropriation Bill. endeavouring to make the fence a safer However, rather than dissecting the Budget, I transparent chain wire fence sometime this want to look at the Budget in the context of year. the overall Queensland economy, because the theme of my contribution to the debate will be Mount Ommaney Roundabout that the Budget is but a symptom of the Approval has been given to paint murals overall Queensland economy and should be on the walls of the underpass of the Mount treated as such. Ommaney roundabout. I have ensured that My argument will be based on the fact Main Roads officers continually seek ways of that, over a number of recent years, improving pedestrian safety to the bus stop at Queensland State Budgets under successive the underpass. Governments have made it progressively Sinnamon Park Tunnel harder and harder to achieve favourable outcomes. They are harder and harder to Work has been undertaken to brighten up balance without increasing either taxes or this tunnel for pedestrian use. Walls have borrowings or selling off State assets. This is been painted, lighting is now on 24 hours a also a symptom in other States and federally, day, police patrol the area regularly and I have and some of the themes I will be discussing asked Main Roads to look at opening up here relate to those other States and the visibility behind the noise barriers. Commonwealth. Just to highlight some of War Memorial these issues, I point out that we have seen Residents of Centenary recently set up an this corporatisation model that is regularly RSL sub-branch at Jindalee. With their being used to shift debt off the Budget enthusiastic support, our plans to establish a balance sheet. It is a ploy that is used by war memorial in the Centenary suburbs will be Governments of all persuasions and has been enhanced. We have applied for funding under for some time. It is also used in other States. the Government grant system to construct the The process is quite simple: one takes a memorial gardens on the corner of Government service that has a substantial Dandenong Road and Arrabri Avenue, Mount amount of capital infrastructure, creates a Ommaney. corporatised entity around it and shifts the JP Seminar corporatised entity off the balance sheet, off the Budget, and in turn creates a commercial Over 170 local residents who are justices style of environment in which all the assets are of the peace or commissioners for declarations not fully owned by the corporate entity but recently attended a seminar organised by my effectively sustain a level of debt that is office. Attorney-General Matt Foley was consistent with a commercial operation. In the present and officers from the Justice case of a billion dollar entity, for example, Department provided up-to-date information whether it be the Queensland Ports on current laws and refresher training in Corporation, an electricity supply corporation, administration protocols for JPs and an electricity generation corporation or commissioners for declarations. The people to whatever, the billion dollars is moved off the whom I spoke at the seminar were keen to see Budget and into that new corporatised entity. this happen on a regular basis—at least once Then perhaps $300m or more of that billion yearly. dollars is borrowed. That $300m is repatriated It is great to be able to openly discuss the to the Budget which, in turn, makes the needs of our local community and work Budget look a lot better than it really is. So the together to ensure that the Government of the Budget still looks good because it has this day takes our requests seriously. As the one-off income of $300m, but in effect the member for Mount Ommaney, I continue to taxpayer is eating into the equity that it holds 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2285 within those assets that have been I will now highlight why that difference is corporatised. important by making the following observation. In effect, the corporatised model may be If a large corporation were to move its head a worthwhile one in that it brings the necessary office to Queensland and many thousands of commercial disciplines and management people were newly employed and in turn that structures and can result in the entity large corporation paid many millions of dollars becoming a more efficient and effective in additional State taxes, the per capita taxes operation, which in turn can generate would substantially rise but what the actual dividends back to the taxpayer and the individual pays in State taxes does not. In Budget. However, the fact still remains that other words, if a large enterprise initiates an successive Queensland Budgets have been activity in a State that is independent of new relying on this sort of sleight of hand to move population which in turn pays significant new funds into the Budget sector that have not State taxes, the per capita State taxes rise yet actually been earned. This is just one of the individuals in the State do not pay any higher types of ploys that is used to bolster up taxes. There are many other circumstances in successive Budgets. But then we also have which this anomaly occurs, which highlights the the privatisation model, or the sell-off, and that importance of looking at State taxes from a can have some spectacular successes such as different perspective. The only real way to look was seen with the Suncorp-Metway deal. at State taxes is as a proportion of the overall However, in many cases it can be just another State economy. There are a number of ploy of converting some hard assets owned by different measures that can be used in that the taxpayer into cash to bolster up Budgets. regard. When one looks at it from other perspectives, one sees that the low-tax status Moving on, I would also like to have a that Queensland so proudly displays and look at a fairly standard measure of the discusses all of a sudden does not look quite effectiveness of a State Government when it as rosy. comes to taxes and charges. The standard measure that we regularly hear in Queensland Even though using an alternative is that we have the lowest State taxes, and the measure such as Government spending as a way in which this is measured in usually in the proportion of the economy still puts form of overall Queensland State taxes and Queensland in a favourable light, it is actually charges per capita. In other words, the total New South Wales that has the lowest drain on taxes and charges of the State are simply the State economy. Is that not what we should divided by the number of people in the State. be talking about—the overheads of the State? But is this a fair measure of the level of The State Government and the delivery of taxation in the State? I think not. I know this services are effectively the overheads of the goes against popular thinking, but I would like State economy which should be kept to a members to consider an alternative. Many minimum, because that is what is going to give State taxes, such as payroll tax, are not levied the incentive for an economy to move ahead. on the public. That is a tax that is levied at a Taking each State from that perspective, New business level and it is proportionate to the South Wales actually comes out on top. level of economic activity. In other words, it is Each State has to play a juggling game in proportionate to the total value of the payroll, trying to deliver the greatest level of services which is a factor of the number of people that it possibly can without killing the golden employed multiplied by the size of those goose, without creating an environment of individual incomes. It is not necessarily taxes and charges so high that it will impede proportionate to the population. the growth of infrastructure and industry within There are many other State taxes such as that State. If we look at the economic figures stamp duties which have absolutely nothing to in this current Budget, we will see that do with the overall number of people in the Queensland's private sector capital investment State. A much fairer and more honest is going down but it is going up in the rest of measure of State taxes should be the actual Australia. Until we start to look at State taxes proportionate size of Government revenue and charges from the perspective of its draw through State taxes and charges compared to on the overall economy rather than on a per the overall size of the economy. In other capita basis, we will not be able to properly words, we should look at what proportion of understand its impact on the State economy. the overall economic activity in the State is I turn now to another matter, that is, the being taken by State taxes. As I said before, overall effectiveness of the Queensland many State taxes are not levied on individuals; economy. As I said before, I see the Budget they are levied on the economic activity as mostly a symptom of our economic occurring in the State. circumstances rather than a global picture of 2286 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 the total economy, remembering that the In this case, substitute "taxpayer" for State Budget represents only one aspect of "shareholder". He goes on to say— the total Queensland economy. One also "These conditions can be needs to put into perspective that we have summarised in three essential tests. had a succession of difficult Budgets where we have had to use unusual means to balance (1) The attractiveness test. The the Budget without substantially increasing industries chosen for diversification must State taxes and charges. This has meant that be structurally attractive or capable of we have tended to eat into public equity which, being made attractive. by using a little fancy footwork, allows that (2) The cost of entry must not situation not to be reflected in the Budget capitalise all the future profits. itself. (3) The better off test. Either the new First of all, I turn to the Queensland unit must gain competitive advantage economy. If we can substantially bolster the from its links with the corporatisation or Queensland economy, not only will it create vice versa". more jobs, more investment and more income, If Queensland was to diversify—and I give it will also make the Queensland State Budget credit to Mr Beattie's concept of a Smart much easier to balance. I will now try to put the State—what I do question are the methods Queensland economy in perspective, up to a and industries in which he is trying to achieve point, with the rest of the world. What is that. Michael Porter goes on to say— Queensland's corporate theme, for want of a better term? If one looks at Queensland as a "How attractive is the industry? In the corporate structure, how would one explain its long run, the rate of return available from general theme or direction? At this stage, and computing in an industry is a function of for many years in the past, the corporate its underlying structure. An attractive theme of Queensland has been commodity industry with a high average return on based. We are a major producer and exporter investment will be difficult to enter of commodities such as coal, minerals, sugar because entry barriers are high, suppliers and beef. Many of our larger operations in and buyers have only modest bargaining Queensland are there either to be involved in power, substantial products or services the production of these commodities or to are few, and the rivalry among service the industries involved. In recent times, competitors stable." we have had a few successes outside this That is how Professor Porter describes an commodity field in areas such as tourism, but, attractive industry. He goes on to describe how generally speaking, the corporate theme of an unattractive industry looks. He says— Queensland is commodity based. "An unattractive industry like steel will I turn now to commodities worldwide. have substantial flaws, including a Worldwide commodity prices are at a plethora of substitute materials, powerful generational low, with very few exceptions. Our and price sensitive buyers, an excessive famous terms of trade have been continually rivalry caused by high fixed costs and a moving in an unfavourable direction. The types large group of competitors, many of of goods and services that we wish to buy whom are State supported." have generally increased in price, while the Let us look at the industries that are exports that we use to buy them have Queensland's mainstay from that perspective continued to reduce in price. We have to work to see how attractive the industries are that we harder and produce more just to stay where are currently involved in. As Professor Porter we are. If we look at Queensland as a says, they are industries with structural flaws. corporate entity, what would we do to lift its Taking most of the world's commodity overall performance and income? To answer industries, there are all sorts of structural flaws that, I will quote Professor Michael Porter from within them. They do not often work in a free the Harvard Business School and corporate environment. There are often massive quotas adviser to some of the world's largest or import restrictions on them. One only has to companies. I refer to a 1987 article titled "From look at the sugar industry in the United States. Competitive Vantage to Corporate Strategy". It has a very strict quota, yet it demands free In that article, he states— trade from everyone else. Major structural "To understand how to formulate flaws are a hallmark of just about all of the corporate strategy, it is necessary to industries that we are involved in. specify the conditions under which Professor Porter also mentioned "a diversification will truly create shareholder plethora of substitute materials". When one value." considers what Queensland produces, the 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2287 number of alternative products is massive. advantage to either that new industry or the One does not have to look far to find existing industries within the State must be alternatives to energy products such as coal. achieved. This "better off test" is commonly One does not have to look too far to find known these days as "synergies". So what sweeteners other than sugar. One does not sorts of synergies are there in available have to look too far to find other forms of industries that Queensland could diversify starch and appropriate grains to substitute for into? Which industries pass the attractiveness wheat. Again using Michael Porter's definition, test and also the cost of entry test? In other it demonstrates how unattractive our industries words, which industries have an entry cost that really are. is not so great that it will eat up all the future Professor Porter also refers to "powerful income they might generate? These are the and price sensitive buyers". One could not find three tests we in Queensland should be much more sensitive buyers than the looking at for diversification. We desperately Japanese when it comes to coal, or just about need that diversification, as demonstrated by any other commodity traded through the that brief analysis I did of the industries we are Chicago Board of Trade, for example, most currently involved in. grains and sugars. It is totally price sensitive. It This brings me back to the Budget itself. If does not look at quality but price. He also talks we use the measure of State taxation I about "excessive rivalry"—the sort of rivalry propose—that is, the amount of State taxes experienced as a result of Brazil trying to and charges compared with the overall State capture our market share by offering higher economy—one does not need to look far to grades of sugar into South-East Asia. That sort realise that if we can grow the overall size of of rivalry has impacted dramatically on the economy we can also grow the amount of Queensland canefarmers, who have seen 12 State taxes and charges. In turn, we can keep months or more of record low prices for sugar. a healthier Budget without increasing State I might add that this situation has recently taxes and charges that impact upon the turned around, but it clearly demonstrates the individual taxpayers of the State. rivalry that exists in most of the industries that This brings me to another aspect of the we are involved in. problems that face us and will continue to face Professor Porter then refers to "excessive us in the foreseeable future—that is, rivalry caused by high fixed costs and a large Australiawide, the proportion of commodity group of competitors, many of whom are State exports compared with our total foreign income supported". One only has to look at agricultural continues to shrink. In other words, subsidies in the United States, Europe and commodities Australiawide make up a smaller China, countries which are our competitors. proportion of our overall foreign income. What These subsidies throw industry and pricing occurs as a result is that no longer are structures out of kilter worldwide and we suffer commodity exports in Australian dollar terms the consequences. Whatever measure is fixed. I will briefly explain what I mean by this used, the industries which currently make up and set out the impact. Queensland's corporate theme are I ask honourable members to assume for unattractive industries. What should we be a moment that Australia's total foreign income doing? What areas should Queensland be is derived from commodity exports. With a diversifying into to improve our situation and floating currency, as world commodity prices hence improve our Budget? I refer to reduce so, too, will the value of the Australian Professor Porter's third basis upon which the dollar. That means that the income of the corporate strategy should be founded, that is, farmer or the producer of those commodities the better off test. He states— will remain the same in Australian dollar terms. "Will the business be better off? A In other words, the currency will act as a buffer corporation must bring some significant to lower international prices because the competitive advantage"— Australian dollar will simply devalue in direct in our case, a new industry— proportion to the reducing world commodity "to the new unit, or the new unit"— prices. So in Australian dollar terms those commodities will still bring the same amount. or industry— Let us say that a tonne of coal costs $100 "must offer potential for significant and that that is all we export. It costs $100 in advantage to the corporation." US dollar terms. If the Australian dollar were on When we look at what we should be par—in other words, one Australian dollar diversifying into, we need to look at the "better equals one US dollar—the producer would off test". In other words, a significant receive $A100 for that coal. If the price of that 2288 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 coal in US dollar terms dropped to, say, $60, advantage rather than those that involve the Australian currency would simply drop government directly in the process." down to being valued at approximately US60c. It goes on— Hence, for the same amount of coal the producer, who is getting US$60, would in turn "Mobile factors, particularly ideas of still be receiving $A100. So there is no highly skilled individuals, are becoming difference. increasingly important to international competitiveness. Mobile factors tend to Now let us consider the current situation— be drawn to the location where they can that commodities are no longer making up achieve the greatest productivity." 100% of our export income. The currency devaluation will only partially reflect the Porter uses the example of Hollywood and reduction in the world price of those states— commodities. Hence, the producer, the farmer, "The pilgrimage of aspiring actors the miner or whomever will not receive as and actresses to Hollywood is simply one much in Australian dollar terms for the example of how ideas and talent flow to commodity they are exporting. To give an the environment in which they can example of that, again the tonne of coal at command the highest returns. The ability US$100 comes down to US$60, but if the to command the highest returns depends Australian dollar in turn only comes down to on the simultaneous presence of unusual US80c because of other export income the local demand, related industries, active farmer in turn will receive only $A75 per tonne rivals bidding and other aspects." instead of $A100. I will seek to pull all of this together. First, This is what is happening more and more Queensland needs to consider its taxation in Australia because more and more regime from the perspective of its share of the commodities are representing a lower overall economy rather than per capita. proportion of our overall export income. This Secondly, Queensland is currently involved in means that rural and regional Queensland, very unattractive industries. We need to look at whose major income is commodity based, is what constitutes attractive industries and what being impacted upon because of the lower industries create a synergy with what is world prices and the fact that the Australian currently available in Queensland. dollar is no longer a totally commodity based If we do not address these issues, currency and is not directly linked to Queensland's standard of living compared with commodity prices. As the overall Australian the rest of Australia will continue to decline. If economy diversifies, more pressure is put on we are to get involved in these attractive commodities in Australian dollar terms. industries that have synergies with Queensland, if it continues to have its Queensland, then we need to have a corporate theme of being commodity based, Government that acts as a challenger or a will continue to have lower returns on its catalyst to raise the aspirations of industries production and will in turn have a lower overall within Queensland. We have to create an standard of living and income compared with environment that is attractive to new ideas and the rest of Australia. We have been seeing to highly skilled individuals. that happening now for some years. What is worse, it will continue. It will probably continue If we move down this path and devolve a at an accelerating rate as the overall Australian Queensland corporate theme that properly economy diversifies. reflects that, then not only will the overall State economy blossom but also the Budget will be I again quote the paper of Michael Porter far easier to balance without all of this sleight in relation to government's role in this process. of hand that the Government is currently He states— involved in. "Government's proper role is as a Mr HOBBS (Warrego—NPA) (4.46 p.m.): catalyst and a challenger. It is to It disappoints me greatly to stand in this House encourage, or even push, companies to today to debate a Budget that should have raise their aspirations and move to higher been lauded around the State. Queensland levels of competitive performance, even had everything going for it: limited debt, though this process may be unpleasant enormous natural resources—minerals, water, and difficult. forests—business and economic confidence, Government policies that succeed an emerging technology industry, population are those that create an environment in growth and a magnificent tourism industry, to which companies can gain competitive name just a few. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2289

Let us look at what the Beattie Labor "The Association has been advised Government has done to our State in three that the State Government has approved Budgets. We have seen a 60% drop in jobs the introduction of the Environmental growth, a 33% drop in State growth and a Protection (Waste Management) Policy $4 billion underlying deficit in just one term. Do and Regulation 2000. The Regulation has those opposite not realise that they will have to commenced as of 1 July 2000, pay the Bankcard bill some day? Someone will enforcement by Local Government will be have to pay it. John Cain, Joan Kirner and the by MoU's between the EPA and individual Victorians learnt the hard way. Why is this Local Governments. The introduction of Government heading down the same this Regulation and Policy is intended to discredited path? further clarify issues associated with waste Mr Goss: They will have to get Rob Jolly. management in Queensland." At a recent meeting of the Local Mr HOBBS: Yes. Smoke and mirrors tricks Government Association of Queensland will not pay the Bankcard bill. We know that is executive on 1 June 2000, the position of the what this is from the Government's leaked LGAQ regarding the introduction of the document on how to sell this lemon of a Environmental Protection Policy was discussed Budget and not to let on what Government and the adopted resolution was passed. It was members know internally. resolved that the executive does not support This Budget was summed up by the introduction of the EPP until the State economist Dr John Stanford of the University Government commits to provide to local of Queensland, who stated— government the necessary financial support "Well I must say that if you look at and resources for infrastructure and landfill the budget quite closely, it's very clear remediation in order to comply with the licence that there's not a great deal of economics conditions. This position is consistent with the in this at all. What I could say is that while LGAQ policy previously conveyed to the EPA the budget may show a surplus on the and the Department of Communication and whole, what it does show I'm afraid, is a Information, Local Government and Planning deficit of ideas." and Sport. This is a situation in which the Government will be imposing conditions on That is a summary of what has been said local governments. We are talking about a about this Budget. There are also a lot of $500m cost in relation to these waste disposal industry leaders who have not been all that areas, and there is no way they will be able to complimentary about this Budget. afford to fund them. So the Government is Local government came through the really trying to put the cart before the horse. Budget in a similar funding position as last The Minister does seem to have lost year. There is nothing new—no new initiatives, interest in local government, and the Budget ideas or directions. The Local Government lacks detail and enthusiasm. I would not mind Association summed it up. It stated— betting that there are no genuine specific "The LGAQ has welcomed the State allocations to many of the programs. This will Budget and its continuing high levels of allow Treasury, which now has all the funds, to funding for local government programs. dribble through just enough for the department However there are two major to get by on a day-by-day basis. disappointments with the budget failing to As to national parks funding—the provide for Waste Management independent inquiry by the Local Government Rehabilitation and Rural Lands Protection Association raised a number of issues of very Funding." serious and chronic underfunding of national The Rural Living Infrastructure Program parks. An additional $21m has been provided funding has continued at $4m per year for four for management and infrastructure. That is years. Other programs, such as those relating welcome in the sense that it is a step in the to sewerage and water, appear to be intact, right direction, particularly with the cuts that although no specific allocations have been occurred last year. It has a long, long way to made. Nothing substantial has been provided go, but at least we are heading upwards. for waste management. The State The Budget fails to deliver on rural lands Government has passed the environmental protection funding. There is no increase in protection policy, which will have long-term funding but cuts of over $3.5m in the SWEEP financial implications for local government but program, the Strategic Weed Management no funding. A document issued by the Local and Eradication Program. This will cause Government Association states— further degradation of Queensland's natural 2290 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 resources through the infestation of weeds availability is critical to the development of rural and the proliferation of pest animals. SWEEP and regional Queensland, and the Beattie was a really good program. It operated for a Government has totally ignored the billion- number of years and was extremely dollar Water Infrastructure Program generated successful. The $2m that has been cut from by the former coalition Government. The that program will virtually wipe out that section blueprint is there. All the Government has to of the department and send home the people do is follow it. It is a bit like breadcrumbs: the employed by that group. There were groups Government simply has to follow the trail and it throughout Queensland working on those would open up before it and be of great weed eradication schemes. benefit to the whole of Queensland. This State I turn to the Rural Communities portfolio. is facing a 60% drop in jobs growth since In 1998-99 there were two separate programs: Labor came to Government, and State growth the Regional Communities Program had a is down one third, so I cannot understand why budget of $5.87m; the Rural Communities the Government cannot see the need to Program had a budget of $4.08m. So a total generate some more activity. Jobs can be of almost $10m was allocated to those created by good financial management and by programs. In the next year, there was overall the use of our renewable natural resources. funding of $11.5m. However, in this Budget As to water—the Government has put there is nothing relating to the Office of together what it has determined to be a couple Regional Communities. That office took a of WAMPs, water allocation management whole-of-Government approach to monitoring plans. They really are not WAMPs; they are and evaluating services. It was independent really just Minister Welford's environmental and looked after the best interests and assessment. They are not WAMPs in the real wellbeing of rural Queensland. Its functions sense. They do not incorporate the associated included monitoring Cabinet submissions and economic and social studies. Therefore, a acting as an independent watchdog on other correlation cannot be carried out between the departments to ensure that the best interests needs of the community and the true of rural industry and rural communities were environmental requirements. In the being looked after. That office has now been Condamine/Balonne there will be reductions in absorbed into the Rural Industry Business water allocations and huge losses. The same Service division of the Department of Primary applies to the Burnett. Look at the Nathan Industries. It has really sunk without a trace. dam. Where is the Nathan dam? It should have been built by now, but it is just hanging Tom Burns started the Rural Communities around. The Government has no interest in it portfolio after the drama associated with at all. Look at the Paradise dam. It should be Wayne Goss closing down courthouses, built, but it will not be built under the railway stations and railway lines. The portfolio Government's proposal. The amount of water became larger and larger and larger, and we allocated—even at the highest level—in the continued to fund it and improved it. We Burnett environmental assessment will mean thought that, as long as the Minister for Local that, when a certain amount of water is taken Government had responsibility for the portfolio, out for people upstream and the whole it would continue on that path. But since the catchment, there will not be enough left to Minister lost interest and it went across to the build the dam. There is not enough water in DPI, it has sunk without a trace. The 30 people that assessment to make it viable, so it is just who were employed in the office have been not possible to build it. transferred to DPI, and the staffing levels have since decreased. Fifteen or 17 people have We all know what the Government is been lost from the RIBS program in the DPI. trying to achieve in terms of water prices. The One wonders where they have all gone. Given Government is looking to convert State Water what is happening with this Government, we Projects to SunWater, which will then have a desperately need another Office of Rural huge asset base. The Government then wants Communities to try to keep things on track. to borrow the money that it has to place it on some sort of business footing, and then the I turn to regional development. This money comes back. The Government will Budget does not allocate any funds for the borrow hundreds of millions of dollars in that construction of new water infrastructure. The way. But the Government does not have to do three-year Beattie Government freeze on the that. It is using NCP as the justification for it, construction of new water infrastructure has but NCP does not necessarily require that. cost Queensland thousands of jobs and stifled Provided the Government illustrates that a the development of agriculture and new community service obligation exists and it industry in rural and regional areas. Water outlines what that is, that is all that is required. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2291

The proposed five-year price path for under them. So they are going to be very wary irrigation schemes has been released by the about dealing with the Government. Water Reform Unit. Those prices are The same thing is going to happen with outrageous. The Government is looking to rural industry. It is not even a case of, "Well, increase prices by between 18% and 156%. okay, if we do this for the community's benefit, The impact of those increases on those the community should pay." It is a very simple people will make their operations totally non- philosophy: if the community demands natural viable. It is all because the Government wants resources for community purposes, then the to try to borrow the money. It can see the community should pay. It is as simple as that. asset there and it wants to use it. It is not even If the Government adopts that sort of concept, going to use it for increasing the reliability of people will have confidence to continue, existing schemes or improving other schemes; employ people, do things and generate more it wants to use it for purposes that are not activity. However, this Government does not even associated with water. The Government seem to be able to grasp that concept. just cannot understand where we are going. The DPI budget also looks like it has At the present moment the sugar industry taken a pretty big hit, with a reduction of some is experiencing some very low world prices. at least 137 people that I can see on the Things are just not working correctly. The time previous year. It was cut last time and the time required for this assessment must be before. I can recall that, after the now extended. It looks like the Government will not Opposition took power after the Goss be able to utilise in this Budget the money it Government, the Department of Primary would borrow, although it probably will during Industries was in a dreadful state and Trevor the year if it can, and it is probably hoping that Perrett worked so hard to try and build the it will be able to do so. But I do not believe the numbers up and to get those officers back out Government will be able to do it, because there in the field again. We did that; we got there will be too much opposition to it. The them out there. It seems now that our efforts head office costs are far too high. In fact, I have been wasted. At least we know we did understand that in some instances they can the right thing by the industry and we tried to be 25%, 26% or 28% of the overall cost. In improve productivity to make sure that the many instances that is just far too high. The people out there who use the services of the Government should examine those costs. Department of Primary Industries were at least I want to deal with one other thing that trying to increase productivity to make the relates to water, and that is the Development industries more efficient. That work has not Incentive Scheme. That is one scheme where been continued, particularly in my electorate. Government does not have to invest a lot of The interesting thing is that the money but it can be assured of huge returns in Government says that it will spend more job growth and a boost to the economy. The money outside the Brisbane area. I think the Development Incentive Scheme needs at least previous statistical area was the south-east $20m, but it has been allocated $2.9m. I do corner. What has actually happened in my not know what the Opposition can do to help, electorate is that funding has decreased. I but these are the sorts of things that have to think about $2,142 per capita is the figure that be done. If Government puts up the money, is to be spent in that statistical area. In the the returns will come in. past it was $2,300 and $2,500. The reality is it The Government has broken its promise keeps on going down. I do not know where to land-holders by not allocating any funding this increase of funding has gone. From what for the compensation of primary producers for we understand perhaps the power stations will the impact of the mandatory tree clearing account for some part of it. guidelines, nor is there any funding to I would like to look at some other issues. compensate water users for loss of water One is airconditioning of schools. I think that is entitlements under the Government's water very important. We need to make sure that allocation management plans. So what the airconditioning for schools is not just Government is doing is sending a signal to something that happens geographically from industry, the same as it did with business in the north and spreads down south, as is Queensland. People will not do business with happening now. Those people in the north the Government. The big companies are all deserve airconditioning as well. One of the gun-shy. They will not be building any more rail things that can be done at not very huge cost or other major projects. This Government has is the installation of evaporative airconditioning already cost them $2m, $3m and $4m each. in the west. We need to aircondition some of The Government has pulled the rug out from the schools in the west. Schools west of a line 2292 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 roughly between, say, Mitchell and Bollon are We were advised about the excesses of the not officially in the airconditioning zone. They Bannon Government, the Burke Government should be, and they can be. We could install and the Cain Government and how the state airconditioners in schools from that line right of the Queensland economy was showing the through to Dalby or Toowoomba very quickly same symptoms. It was a struggle for a couple simply because there is no need for expensive of years to try to change that around and it reverse cycle airconditioning in those regions. has not been completely fixed yet. I think the It would certainly be a great benefit to those opportunity will present itself when we come to kids out there who deserve to have the best terms with exactly what comes out of the GST; education that we can provide. I think that is then we will have to reorganise the revenue pretty important. raising of the State. Many of the other projects out in the It was interesting to see that Dr Watson, regions have already been announced in who has so much expertise in economics, said previous Budgets. I guess that is that a macro understanding of this Budget disappointing. No matter who is in Government shows that the Government is, once again, when a Budget is handed down, members costing more to operate, yet the outcomes are look through it and think, "What is happening slipping. That really worries me. Plenty of in my area?" Of course, what members find is comparisons have been made by previous the same old chestnuts that have been rolling speakers about job creation slipping, that on for years and years. Queensland used to hold the Australian Mr Bredhauer: It is because they are performance record in that, and also that funded over more than one financial year. unemployment levels are increasing. It is a worry for us. Mr HOBBS: I know they are. However, sometimes they do not even get started. That I have written down a couple of one-liners is the issue. What I am saying is they are there I thought of: Labor follows light on the hill; but for various reasons they do not get started. coalition realises you need money in the till. That has happened under successive Labor talks about intergenerational equity; the Governments. However, the money that has coalition believes in paying your way. been allocated is obviously welcome. Mr Pitt: Don't give up your day job. Everyone needs to work in their own Mr LITTLEPROUD: It is the best I can do. electorates to make sure they push hard to get The Labor Party talks about social justice funding for the types of schemes that they and of course we in the coalition have always need. For example, there is never enough believed in the importance of good financial money for road funding. We need to be more management. In reality, what we need is the innovative. I know everyone is running around right mix of both. All Governments suffer from blaming the Federal Government, but I think excesses from time to time, but the trend of the State Government can do a bit more as successive Labor Governments around well. Australia is that they cost too much to operate Hon. B. G. LITTLEPROUD (Western and that not enough attention has been paid Downs—NPA) (5.06 p.m.): I welcome the to the overall finances of the State. opportunity to take part in this debate on the Yesterday I was intrigued to read some Appropriation Bills and to speak about the comments by Lord McAlpine, which has had State Budget. For the last two weeks I have an influence on what I will speak about in this read the Courier-Mail and watched the TV and debate. Lord McAlpine referred to the need to seen what has been released by the populate the north of Australia or perish. He Government. Today I have seen a response, did not indicate that we were going to come first of all from the Leader of the Opposition, under attack from armed forces; it would just who cut aside some of the spin and told some be from the sheer rate of migration of those of the reality of it. I also listened intently to the people to our north who are short of food and Leader of the Liberal Party when he was space. I think that he is pretty right. That area speaking about the basic economics of the of Queensland has some similarity with the state of the Queensland economy. part of Queensland that I represent, which is I still have memories of when the coalition an inland area located behind the Great came to power after the Goss Government. Dividing Range. Unless we pay enough We had conducted the independent attention to that area, it is going to perish. We commission of audit and obviously we need to have a meaningful presence out discussed around the Cabinet table the sorts there. I know that, to date, all sorts of efforts of things that the Leader of the Liberal Party have been made by all sorts of Governments, spoke about today. I can recall those things. and I think some of those schemes have been 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2293 successful. Unfortunately, other schemes have Large reserves of gas have been found in been allowed to lapse because of a change of south-west Queensland and also in the Roma Government. district. It could be a source of new industries I believe that the vast majority of people out there. It could stop the population drift. in rural Queensland are very realistic. We However, the exploration people went out understand that we have to embrace there, then other people set up the pipes and technology. I want to give a couple of built a pipeline that brought all the product to examples that illustrate why we are getting this Brisbane. So those jobs were exported to population drift from rural areas to the cities. Brisbane. The resource may be out there, but Back in the 1950s, Quilpie was then—and still the reality is that it creates jobs in Brisbane. is—a pretty important place for trucking cattle. Instead of having an industry in the Roma A steam train would take about 10 wagons out area, such as a nitrogenous fertiliser plant at there, put about 14 bullocks or 16 bullocks in Wallumbilla, we have Incitec, which is based at each wagon, and bring about 140 or 150 Lytton, and other companies that use the bullocks to Brisbane. There would be a crew of same sort of natural gas products. three. They would change drivers at The same situation has occurred with the Charleville. They would also change drivers oilfields that are located in the south-west and the total crew of three at Roma, Chinchilla, around Roma and Tara. There was an Toowoomba and Brisbane. Today, a train injection of money into those oilfields and new loads up at Quilpie with 1,400 cattle with a personnel hired. Exploration was undertaken, crew of two, not three. The crews are then reserves were discovered, and then a pipeline changed at Roma, Toowoomba and Brisbane. was built. Where did we create jobs? In the Those trains are carrying 10 times as many city! I have often listened to the member for cattle and using fewer people. That is the way Mount Isa speak about the great mineral in which the beef industry can stay resources of the north-west. We keep on economically viable. So we have accepted the finding enormous reserves in that region, but way things have changed in the rail industry the reality is that, in more recent times, there is and that there are no longer so many people some sort of holding pattern in Mount Isa, needed in rural areas to provide the rail although Cloncurry has probably grown a bit. service. In reality, the staff for those reserves are being flown in and out. Those people are out there My own area of Chinchilla comprises small for three weeks and then they come home. So farming areas. Back in the 1950s, a dairy farm the disposable money is being spent by the supported two families: the owner's plus the families of those people who live in Brisbane or share dairyman's. Today, in the same district, Townsville. The wives of those staff probably one farmer would own three farms, have no have jobs in the city and their children are staff, produce much, much more with fence-to- being educated in the city. That employee fence cultivation, high technology, big goes out to that area for three weeks, says injections of capital, and do so using fewer "Thanks very much for the pay cheque", and people. That is the reality of the marketplace. then deposits that cheque in his bank account If farmers are going to survive, they have to at a branch that is located along the coast. So produce more and involve fewer people in their once again the opportunity of doing something operations. to stop this population drift from the rural areas For a long time we have been looking for is lost. options, and on quite a few occasions in this Today I read about the things that went House I have spoken about those on when previous Governments decided to options—perhaps to some degree ad allow the development of the bauxite reserves nauseam because some people think that it is in the Cape York Peninsula at Weipa. I a bit boring. Other people realise that it makes thought, "That is something that we should sense. However, I will go through those take notice of", because, as I understand it, at options again. We have been looking at new that particular time the resource was industries and new options for rural areas, and discovered and Comalco came along and there are not very many. The rural areas have developed the resource. However, there was a natural resources, such as minerals and water. condition put on the development of that We could try to value add to those things that resource along the lines of, "You cannot take we have. However, value adding has not that bauxite and get a mining licence unless proved to be very successful, because most of you value add in Queensland." Hence the people who are into value adding want to Gladstone was developed along with a do that in the cities where the work force is deepwater port. Prior to that, Gladstone was a rather than do it in the rural areas. dying town. The Government of the time said, 2294 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

"Here is an area of Queensland that needs Of course, recently in my own electorate developing", even though it was located on we had the great disappointment of losing the the coast. The need for a port was a Kogan Creek power station. I have listened to prerequisite, as well as access to electricity. So all the economic arguments. I have talked to Comalco went to Gladstone. the proponents of the project. I have listened I think that we should say to those people to what has been said by various Ministers in who go out to these rural areas of Queensland answer to questions. However, in my view it and find these resources, "You can get a comes down to this: we had a local resource mining licence, but you have to create the jobs that could have been used, or there was going in the area." Perhaps we have been a bit too to be a focus on bringing gas in from Papua easy and allowed the transfer of resources and New Guinea. We could have used a natural flow-on industries automatically to the resource that otherwise might have stayed in populated areas. The result is that we have a the ground and created jobs in that area. I situation that desperately needs turning wrote to the Minister for Mines and Energy and around. suggested that his energy policy was flawed, because not once in this Government's energy I turn now to vision, which is something policy is there mention of how technology that the Courier-Mail said that this Budget was could be used much better to overcome the lacking. Going back a number of years to environmental problems involved in the when the railway lines were built to burning of coal that the Minister for decentralise Queensland, the money that the Environment seems to drag up all the time. Government received in order to build the That Minister is all about using gas to achieve railway lines was obtained through selling all better environmental outcomes. the land along the railway line. Right across Why is more money not put into the Darling Downs out as far as Roma the investigating better use of technology with country was divided up and people could regard to the burning of coal? We have in that come along and select lots and pay them off area the best burning coal in Australia. The over 30 years. That brought about the creation development of that resource would create of the dairy industry in inland Queensland. jobs in a part of Queensland that desperately That was visionary thinking. We incurred a needs some sort of assistance to stop the debt, but there was a plan to open up that population drift. It would be a new industry country. We needed transportation, and it was rather than a traditional rural industry. Instead, done that way. what have we done? We have said, "We have In more recent years, during the days of to have the best environmental outcomes for Ron Camm and the Bjelke-Petersen Australia. We are going to go into gas. We will Government, it was decided that we needed to promote the gas that is going to come from get some money for the State out of our vast Papua New Guinea." coal reserves. So what did the Government I point out also that I notice that none of do? It made it pretty attractive for overseas the major powers of the world such as the companies to come in and develop the coal USA, the European Union and Japan have as reserves in central Queensland. Look at what yet ratified the Kyoto agreement. Yet we have we have today: towns of 5,000 people or a Government that holds up the Kyoto 6,000 people that were not even dots on the agreement and says, "This is it. This is the map; they were just cattle properties. These bees knees. This is the best in Australia. This days, we need the same sorts of incentives to is going to be equal to the best in the world." try to develop some of the other resources that What is the good of that if we are not we have in rural areas. competitive? What is the good of that if we do In terms of gas and oil, I believe that we not make the best use of what we have? have let things slip. In terms of the nitrogenous I do not want the development of the coal fertiliser plant in my electorate at reserves in that area to be environmentally Wallumbilla—or Pickanjinnie, to be more unsustainable, but I think that we have the correct—I believe that that is a viable project. technology to improve the way in which we use The company is going around the world our coal reserves. Why do we not put a bit seeking a partner. However, if the Government more money into that and do something about could put in so many millions of dollars to give turning around what is a major problem? Virgin Airlines a bit of a start—and maybe it will stay here for only four years—why can it not Mr Mickel: Where is the money coming offer a few inducements to get people to build from? a nitrogenous fertiliser plant at Wallumbilla that Mr LITTLEPROUD: Private enterprise was would use the natural gas that is available? putting together the money. No Government 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2295 money was going into the Kogan Creek project that normally miss out on public servants. I until such time as CS Energy bought into the notice that the Minister for Families, Youth and project. It bought into the project to look after Community Care and Minister for Disability itself, because it is lumbered with the Tarong Services is in the Chamber. It galls me and Power Station at Nanango. The problem with people out my way that the department's the Nanango area is that, although there is administration centre for all of the people west plenty of coal in the region, it needs a mix of of Ipswich is based in Ipswich. I think we can other sorts of coals to get the emission levels do better than that. right. It can get those coals from the Surat Ms Bligh: It is on the drawing board. Basin. That raises another issue of transporting jobs. Mr LITTLEPROUD: I thank the Minister for that indication. They are half an hour's drive I represent an area that is desperately in from Brisbane and a day and a half's drive need of a new industry. The Tarong Energy from the other end of the electorate. people came to us and said, "You've got the Interestingly, the other day a meeting was held coal we want. We'll mine it, build a railway line in Roma to establish a regional disability across your farming land and export the coal committee. I raised the issue that we did not to keep jobs in Nanango." Understandably, the want to be lumped in with it, because we think people in my area, who want to add to the it would swamp us. I said that we did not even primary industries, say, "It is all very well to give want to be lumped in with Toowoomba, us a few jobs in coalmining, but we would like because it is too big and would take all of the to see the electricity generated at the mouth of funding. I received enormous support from all the coalmine so that the jobs remain here." of the delegates. The Minister has said that Rather than being critical, I am trying to be she will do something about that. constructive and to make suggestions in relation to what we can do to turn around the Ms Bligh: It has been discussed with the malaise in rural Queensland. Disability Council and it is on the drawing board. I wish now to make a couple of suggestions with respect to the Public Service. Mr LITTLEPROUD: I welcome that. Governments of all persuasions have done a Under my stewardship, the Department of fair bit in relation to regionalisation, but that Environment was able to transfer a section of does not mean we cannot do more. The the department out west. The kangaroo Education Department has been to the fore. It industry has to be licensed. When I was the always had regions and, in more recent times, Minister, the licensing section of that it has moved to a district based structure. That department was placed in Charleville. The gives lots of towns across Queensland a Government should look more and more at chance to be part of the delivery of education. taking sections of various departments and Chinchilla is one such centre. It is a town putting them in the bush, where they will of only 3,000 people. The education sector, create real job opportunities. I know there is which employs about 100 people, is the always a problem in that public servants will biggest employer in Chinchilla. Some 16 to 18 say, "We don't want to go out there because people are employed at the district office. It is no good schooling is available and we already ideally located to serve an area 100 miles in have our house here." However, we have to radius. The high school and the primary school look beyond that and show a bit of vision. are also employers. The area is a big The following is a list of some of the towns educator. However, I am speaking mainly that could benefit from sharing in departmental about administration. Moving from a regional administration. In the Wide Bay area, structure to a district structure is a plus, Maryborough and Bundaberg get the lion's because it spreads the administrative cake share, but places such as Kingaroy and further. Murgon are desperate for regional Mr Wells: And the Environmental departmental administration offices. In relation Education Centre. to DNR, the water resources section of that department could have offices in places such Mr LITTLEPROUD: Yes, there is that as Emerald, Biloela and St George, which are centre and also the TAFE annexe, which works crying out for a piece of the cake. Rather than with the high school students. It has done servicing them from Brisbane or Toowoomba, pretty well. why not split it up a bit? In relation to Health, we again did the I have tried to make positive comments. I right thing by going from a regional to a district recognise that we have a real problem out based structure. That spreads the cake a bit there. The people are adopting technology further and provides opportunities for towns and are being realistic about what the future 2296 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 holds. We are trying to identify new industries. of the House have said today and in spite of There is a need for the Government to be the doom and gloom we heard in the lead-up positive rather than finding reasons why things to the Budget, we see an accrual surplus of should not go ahead, which has been the $29m in the general Government sector. In case in the past couple of months. I missed addition, no new or increased taxes were out on a jail in Roma, a TAFE college in Dalby, brought down in this Budget. a power station in Chinchilla and two weirs. One need go no further than the report Those projects were planned and, with good on the Budget in the Townsville Bulletin on the support from the Government, they could have Wednesday following the delivery of the become a reality. Budget. It was headed "Funds flow Mr REYNOLDS (Townsville—ALP) north—Townsville region in for a Budget (5.23 p.m.): Today it is with a great deal of splurge". On the front page of the Townsville pleasure that I speak in support of the third Bulletin was a paragraph titled "2000/2001 Budget brought down by the Beattie Labor State Budget at a glance", which listed the Government in Queensland. Firstly, I main items for the Townsville region, a few of congratulate the Honourable David Hamill, the which I will expand on this afternoon. Treasurer of Queensland, on the excellent There is $71.5m for the Douglas Hospital; Budget framework presented to the House last $83.5m for rail works in the region; $38m for Tuesday afternoon. The response that we Main Roads; $4.5m for the Magnetic Island have had from the Budget not only in the sewerage works; $6m for a mental health capital city but throughout regional secure unit at the Douglas Hospital; $7.8m for Queensland demonstrates the support of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing; business community and the community as a $11.3m for a youth detention centre in whole for the Budget that has been brought Townsville; and $8m for the down. Townsville/Thuringowa Water Board. Those I congratulate the Treasurer and the items that I have identified from the front page Government on the record $5.285 billion of the Townsville Bulletin illustrate clearly that Capital Works Program, which will support over this Government is committed to the 61,000 full-time jobs throughout Queensland. Townsville region and the Townsville As a north Queenslander, I am particularly electorate. A diverse array of capital works— proud of the fact that this Budget has a very social, economic and physical infrastructure— strong regional focus, with about 64% of the has been committed to the Townsville Capital Works Program being delivered outside electorate and to the Townsville region as a the Brisbane area. Well may the Chairman of whole. the Property Council of Queensland complain The $83.5m commitment to capital works that the funding has been spread too far. But for rail in the Townsville region is a major boost as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier for the continuing and strong role that the city in North Queensland, with an area of plays in the provision of rail infrastructure. I responsibility stretching from Gladstone to the congratulate the Minister for Transport and gulf and west to the border, I am very proud of Minister for Main Roads, Steve Bredhauer, on that commitment. It is one of the seven foci his commitment to the provision of road and that this Government has concentrated on. rail infrastructure in this State. The Minister We have a very strong commitment to regional knows that that commitment to rail, ports and development. roads is the very basis of job creation and I am equally proud of the four-year strong regional economic development for $300m Putting Families First strategy, which Queensland. will improve opportunities for Queensland $22m has been earmarked in this year's children and give them a head start in life. This Budget for transport associated works in the program supports families as the primary Townsville electorate. This includes $17.69m nurturing environment and ensures that to continue rolling stock upgrades at families live in safe and supportive Townsville's rail workshop and $2.9m to start communities. Every honourable member work on the new passenger station in Flinders would strongly support that Putting Families Street West. In addition, $731,000 has been First strategy. earmarked to complete work associated with This Budget ensures that economic the Western Mining phosphate project—a growth will drive job generation and great project for western Queensland and also investment, creating some 31,000 additional for Townsville port—and $880,000 has been jobs over 2000-01. Irrespective of what the allocated to complete infrastructure works doom and gloom merchants on the other side committed by this Government at Sun Metals. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2297

Again, we can see that the benefit of the The old heritage listed Flinders Street $550m Sun Metals refinery and the hundreds station will eventually be closed to all of jobs that are provided there are a real boon Traveltrain operations, with the exception of in an ongoing way for the Townsville region. ceremonial and historical rail events. That I am delighted that the Townsville rail historic rail station will still be very much the workshops have received significant funding administration headquarters of QR in and, again, that is evidence of the Beattie Townsville. That old Flinders Street site has a Government's strong commitment to the rail very special historic significance and it is our industry in the Townsville region. As a city, we intention to preserve that history while at the have a key role to play in rail infrastructure, same time showcasing the old station on very particularly in rail rolling stock construction and special occasions. freight movement. We are continuing to build The original $12m election commitment and upgrade rolling stock and infrastructure at had not included the cost of major track the Townsville workshop for both freight and realignment and signalling. As a consequence, passenger services throughout Queensland. the Government has now pledged more than I will outline today a breakdown on $23m for the project. That is a great Townsville's rail infrastructure funding in the commitment to Townsville; it is a great 2000-01 Budget. We see $2.1m to continue commitment to our region. It is proposed to contracts to supply 2,140 new coal wagons have the project completed by 2002-03 to and modify approximately 3,000 existing coal coincide with the introduction of the Cairns tilt wagons; $4m to complete the construction of train service. Locating the railway station at 600 new container wagons and an upgrade of Flinders Street West will now enable the 638 existing container wagons; $1.84m to removal of the rail loop and related railway complete works associated with the supply and structures, allowing future commercial and stabling of 10 IMU passenger trains; $5m to residential development of the area. continue overhaul and manufacture of vintage I would now like to highlight some of the steam locomotive and passenger wagons; very important commitments that have been $2.75m to continue airconditioning and made with regard to the Health component of upgrade of long distance passenger trains; this Budget. As I have indicated, $71.5m has $1.5m for above-rail works associated with the been allocated to the Townsville Hospital new Townsville passenger station; and $1.4m redevelopment. That will see the completion of for below-rail works associated with the new much of the development of the hospital itself. Townsville passenger station. The next six months after that, to the end of I am very proud of that commitment to 2001, will then see the equipment being rail. The last two items that I listed relate to the provided and the closure of the hospital in $23m overall commitment of funding that has North Ward and the new Douglas been announced in this Budget for the new development taking place. We have also seen Townsville railway station. That initial $1.5m allocated for the Townsville Hospital commitment this financial year is part of the slow stream rehabilitation unit, and that is a $23m State Budget allocation for the project. great development for Townsville as well. This $23m in funding which has been There will be $12.7m for Home and announced will enable design, construction Community Care services, including an and associated track works to begin for a new additional $4.5m State contribution. That flow- station at Flinders Street West. As members on effect for Townsville in terms of HACC would be aware, the funding follows an services will be very, very important for our election commitment of $12m for the project. community. Planning associated with the Townsville People in Townsville will also benefit from CBD revitalisation and the introduction of tilt Statewide increases, totalling $1.4m, for the train services to Cairns from December 2002 medical aids subsidy scheme, patient travel prompted consideration of a new railway subsidy scheme and the spectacle scheme. station in Townsville. Following extensive Townsville will also receive extra funding as consultation, a new site in Flinders Street West part of a Statewide increase of $2.5m for in the vicinity of the old North Yard workshops enhanced cancer treatment services, including has been identified as the preferred location radiotherapy. Townsville will be allocated one for the new station. Again, I congratulate the of the four extra specialist training positions. Minister for Transport—and I know that he is in That is a very important allocation for the the House today—for this commitment to this Townsville General Hospital. I have made new rail station. This is very much part of the submissions to the Health Minister, Wendy commitment to the CBD revitalisation in Edmond, with regard to the need for that Townsville. increase. 2298 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

The demand on the Townsville Hospital's very pleased that there has been a vision with oncology section is great. We service up to the regard to that and we now see fire and tip of the gulf, west to the border and down ambulance services being delivered from that past Mackay. The fact that we had that very area in Nelly Bay. We also see $500,000 successful oncology department has meant being allocated towards a police station and a that there is an extra demand in that north and watch-house on Palm Island. central Queensland region. We have also I am delighted that both Magnetic and seen an extra $600,000 being provided for Palm Islands will be developing increased breast and cervical cancer screening services infrastructure through this year's State Budget. throughout the State. $1.735m has been This has been a very positive Budget for north allocated for the acquired brain injury unit, Queensland. I again congratulate the $6.063m for the extended mental health care Treasurer, David Hamill, for bringing down an unit and $1m for the psychogeriatric unit at excellent Budget. It has been great for the Townsville. They are all great additions for the Townsville electorate and great for north health system in Townsville. Queensland. I will conclude by saying that my Mr LAMING (Mooloolah—LP) (5.39 p.m.): electorate services right out to the Great As far as the Sunshine Coast and the Barrier Reef islands—the cays, the shoals, the Mooloolah electorate are concerned, this reefs and the islands. Two islands in particular, Beattie Budget is a great disappointment. Magnetic Island and Palm Island, are big Where are the big projects necessary for the winners in this Budget. The residents of both provision of infrastructure to lead the Palm Island and Magnetic Island will welcome development of growth centres such as the the important infrastructure announcements in Sunshine Coast? Where are the projects and the State Budget that was brought down on increased services which would have created Tuesday. There is a significant commitment in jobs in an area that suffers particularly from a this Budget to delivering capital works on both lack of jobs? They are hardly to be seen. In Palm Island and Magnetic Island. the interests of fairness, I will acknowledge Given the huge success of the Garbutt some of the Government's spending that community renewal program, I am delighted to affects my electorate. On paper, the proposed see that $1m has been provided this year for a expenditure on the Caloundra and Nambour community renewal program at Palm Island. I Hospitals looks attractive, but this is really look forward to working with the Palm Island carryover of projects put forward by the Aboriginal council and the community to bring coalition and still not implemented by the that program to fruition. I have been pleased Beattie Government. I note the proposed to work with the Minister for Public Works and expenditure for the community mental health Minister for Housing over the past two years on centre. I trust that the management of this the very successful implementation of the facility will match the Minister's assurances. Garbutt urban and community renewal Necessary expenditure in the growing program. It has been a singular success. education area includes works at Mountain Anyone travelling to the Townsville Airport Creek at both the primary school and the would know exactly what I mean. When TAFE college. Mountain Creek is becoming an people move through Garbutt, the academic precinct. I appreciate the fact that I rejuvenation that they see is absolutely work well with Wayne Bradley from the TAFE magnificent. Palm Island has been crying out college, Greg Peach from the high school and for such a program. I would like to congratulate Randall Burow from the primary school. This Robert Schwarten on allocating this first stage area is one of the fastest growing areas of a of money to Palm Island for the community rapidly growing region. There is no mention in renewal program. $4.6m has also been the Budget of a new primary school in the allocated for public infrastructure works for a Glenfields area either. I have written to the sewerage treatment plant at Magnetic Island. Minister about that. I remind him of the high That will be a boon for the residents and enrolments at the Buderim and Mountain ratepayers of that island. Creek Primary Schools. I also congratulate the Minister for Police and the Minister for Emergency Services Mr Wells: I am monitoring it very closely. because Magnetic Island and Palm Island are Mr LAMING: I appreciate the comments again big winners in this Budget in relation to from the Minister that he is looking at that very those portfolios. The Budget allocates $50,000 closely. When populations rise, Governments to commence work on a $340,000 joint fire must lead infrastructure needs, not follow and ambulance station on Magnetic Island. them. I recall the situation that arose when it That will be a very, very important facility. I am was proposed to build the Mountain Creek 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2299

State High School. People who wanted to Road. Work also needs to be undertaken on enrol their children at that school had to check the interchange between the motorway and if they could do that or if they had to use one Buderim-Mooloolaba Road. Why wait for our of the many good private schools in the area. only arterial road north of the Mooloolah River They did not know until after the cut-off time to reach gridlock? There is also a considerable for enrolment at those alternative schools concern in the community with one access whether or not the Mountain Creek State High across the Mooloolah River in the case of an School was going to be built. I attended a emergency in that area. Similarly, the Kawana Public Works Committee hearing to discuss arterial, which is languishing in its outyears, that and put that viewpoint forward. I trust that must be brought forward before the Nicklin that issue has been taken into account by Way grinds to a complete stop. That is what Education Queensland. planning is all about. The process is there with Similarly, in the Emergency Services area, the Roads Implementation Program, but the and I note the fact that the Minister is in the funds are not forthcoming. I again call for this Chamber, there has been some expenditure project to be fast-tracked. I realise that it is to acknowledge our needs as a growing expensive, but so are a number of other less community. That acknowledgment includes a urgent and less important projects. proposed relocated Buderim ambulance I acknowledge the recent work on the station and the completion of the new northern end of the Nicklin Way. It was a real combined Maroochydore ambulance and fire challenge to create a six lane road where there station and a communications centre. I could were previously four lanes. It is an extremely hardly let the opportunity go by, however, busy road. Up to 40,000 vehicles a year use without commenting that the increase in the that road. To try to do major works on that fire levy in the Kawana area from $67 to road was a challenge for the Main Roads $114.40 a year should only be implemented if Department and Connell Wagner. I it coincides with the provision of full-time compliment them on the fact that they were officers at the Kawana station. able to do that. There was dislocation and annoyance to neighbours, but it was done to Mr Robertson: We will have this debate the best of their ability. There were a number later. of consultation meetings with interest groups Mr LAMING: We will. So much for the and neighbours. By and large, I believe that good news, but I suspect that Mooloolah is no they have done their job well, and it is nearly worse off than other regional electorates. Let completed. I commend them for that. It is a us look at what we should have got but did matter of priorities, and both of those roads not. The most significant area of concern in deserve a higher priority. many parts of the Sunshine Coast is roads I note with interest the Government's and traffic. This is particularly the case in intention to increase police numbers by 357 holiday areas such as the north and south across the State. I would like to think that this coasts. As I have said on numerous occasions is a net increase and not a gross increase in the past and will say again, Governments which does not take into account retirements have a responsibility to plan and implement and resignations, but we will see. Until the vital infrastructure before traffic problems arise. police staffing allocation model is rectified, the No Government worthy of the name would plight of the North Coast Region will remain allow a situation to arise where hundreds of iniquitous. If the Minister wants to rely on the children could not fit into a school, and rightly model, can he explain why he continues to rely so. But why should a Government knowingly on a model that provides a police to allow a situation to arise where Main Roads population ratio in our region of one to 730 cannot cater for a certain increase in vehicle residents when the State average is one to traffic? 485? No, I am not advocating that any region That is the situation in the central be reduced to redress this iniquity. However, if Sunshine Coast where the busiest road, the the Minister is really funding a large net Nicklin Way, is rapidly choking up and there is increase, much of that should be directed to no alternative north/south route. There is a role those regions that are adversely affected by for local government to provide for local traffic, the model. However, this situation is not just but it is a unique situation in that there is only affecting the North Coast Region. one crossing. This is the sort of task that can Also, there is a huge need for water police only be taken on by the State Government. facilities at Mooloolaba, particularly a better There is also an emerging situation on the office which, in the medium term, should Sunshine Motorway, which urgently needs four comprise a joint facility with the Queensland lanes north from the Buderim-Mooloolaba Transport Maritime Division and DPI Fisheries 2300 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 such as is the case at Cairns and the Gold said on a couple of occasions, if the trial was Coast, where such joint facilities are working fair dinkum, why not run a trial with Housing extremely well. I will be following up this issue organising the maintenance of its own stock in the near future. Also in the policing area, I using Q-Build or private contractors, depending have been requesting a police station at on the circumstances? I will be watching this Buderim for some time. The Minister has development with interest, not only from the acknowledged that this is under consideration, financial aspect but also from the viewpoint of but I believe that it is now time for more service to tenants and the ease of serious consideration to be given to this administration through Housing area offices. I project. have had the opportunity to visit a number of Although it could be claimed that it is not community renewal programs and believe that strictly a Budget consideration, I once again well-planned and well-administered programs bring the situation of hoon drivers to the are important and effective. The member who attention of the House. This problem is also spoke before me referred to the program at not restricted to the Sunshine Coast. I have Garbutt. I have visited that area. spoken about this issue with other members in Mr Bredhauer interjected. settled areas of the State whose constituents Mr LAMING: That is not true. We kept are being driven mad by hoon drivers. This that program going right through the coalition's mindless activity by a selfish few causes term in office. danger on our roads and annoyance to the whole community. More police would help, but Initial perusal of the Budget, however, revised penalties might also be part of the indicates an underspend of $5m last year. The answer. I am researching this situation and will increase of $5.5m for this year's program return to this issue at a later date. While means that some energetic input will be referring to traffic noise, I once again bring to required to ensure that this target is met. This the attention of the House, and more Government seems to be floundering in specifically the Minister for Transport, the issue relation to the Community Housing Program. of road noise on the small section of the The 1999-2000 target of 221 dwellings was Nicklin Way just south of the Mooloolah River. not achieved. Only 182 new dwellings were Noise tests in this area have long since proved built. The apparent cut in this funding, from that action should be taken by the $20.4m to $17.9m, in 2000-01 would indicate department. I wrote to the Minister specifically an apparent inability to meet even last year's on this subject prior to the Budget. Let us target this year. This must be very hope that it will be addressed. disappointing to those in that sector. In ATSI housing we see an underspend at $33.1m of I now turn briefly to the budget for the budgeted $37.1m in 1999-2000. The Housing. Although there has been increased amount of $41.4m budgeted for considerable chest beating in relation to the 2000-01 will require some good custodianship overall Budget—that it is for battlers, putting of the program, particularly prior to the onset of families first and jobs for the future—it is hard the wet season. to identify significant initiatives. I note with interest that the public housing It is impossible not to relate commencements figure of 500 dwellings is underspending in these programs to lost job 280 less than the commencements in the last opportunities. The keynote of Labor's election year of the coalition Government, which pledge in 1998—jobs, jobs, jobs—can be seen achieved 780. Not only that, this figure was for the rhetoric it really was. The coalition in only achieved by deferring 200 office was presiding over the creation of about commencements from last year's target of 60,000 jobs per year. This Government is 700. Whichever way one looks at it, it is either barely managing half of that. a decline in building activity by the department I know that percentages, participation from 700 last year to 300 this year or a flat 500 rates and other statistics are thrown around in for both years—well below the coalition's this place more as missiles than as pieces of achievement. information. I suggest that Government The Minister's decision to hand over the members and Ministers start talking to the responsibility for the maintenance of public many unemployed people out there and housing to Q-Build is one over which we have realise that they are not just statistics. The long since agreed to disagree. The trial of this majority do not want welfare; they want jobs. method in a couple of regions did not result in I did hear the Federal Labor any formal assessment that I have been made spokesperson on employment, Cheryl Kernot, aware of, so I can only assume that the say that the Labor Party has now decision had already been made. As I have acknowledged that it supports the Work for the 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2301

Dole program. It took a long, long time for the certainly when that is the case in the New Labor Party to realise that it was a good South Wales papers and so on—we realise program for unemployed people, to get them that another opportunity has been lost. I say back into the work force and to give them a that this is an opportunity lost because I know certain level of training and some that a lot of people in rural and regional prestige—that it really worked. Unemployed Australia are suffering enormously. It is well people appreciated the opportunity given to known that they are and have been for 10 or them, employers appreciated the opportunity 15 years, and even longer. They really feel it given to these people and the vast majority of with every lost opportunity to do something for the general community supports this program. them—their families, their livelihoods and so I note the silence of those on the other side of on. We feel a sense of anger and despair the House. Perhaps the State Labor Party is at when opportunities are lost. I am sorry to say last acknowledging the benefit of the Work for that that has happened again in this instance. the Dole program. I anticipate that it will be I noticed when I was overseas that after supporting it at State level. three years in Government the Prime Minister This is the third Beattie Budget that fails of Great Britain, Tony Blair, who came to office unemployed people and the people who might in a blaze of publicity, was starting to be ripped have employed them in small business. Let us to pieces by the press. They are ripping him to hope that this Budget is the last from this pieces because all he does is smile, put spin Treasurer. on policy and indulge in rhetoric. Hon. T. R. COOPER (Crows Nest—NPA) Mr Borbidge: It's a bit familiar. (5.52 p.m.): Along with a lot of other members, Mr COOPER: That is true. I notice a lot of I wish to make a contribution to the debate on smugness from those on the other side of the this Budget. Debate on the Appropriation Bills House because of certain opinion polls. I provides an opportunity for members of wonder why. I know how much notice I take of Parliament to make a contribution on a range polls, because there is only one that will tell the of issues. Quite a bit of hot air surrounds tale. We know what happens when people get Budget debates. I find that this time of the smug and overconfident. We saw that back in year can be frustrating because of the amount the Goss years. We saw what happened, after of rhetoric and spin that is around. six short years of devastation, when people Generally, before a Budget is brought turn. People are starting to turn on Tony Blair down the Government tries to convince the at the moment. The same thing will happen public at large that it has a really good Budget. here, with a Premier who comes over with The Budget is then announced. Then smugness, spins, smiles and carrying on with comments come in from the various consumer no substance, no reality and no hope but only groups, business groups and industry groups, despair. all of whom have had only a couple of hours or From what I know of rural and regional days to consider the Budget. They find out Queensland we have a problem. I think that is later—days, weeks or months later—just what a sad and sorry situation, because it is a cruel sort of disaster they have been fed. blow to those people. So many things could Unfortunately, some of the comments of the have been done and still can be done out various groups are premature. We have seen there. The Government does not have to prop that in rural groups and in business and people up. It does not have to give them industry groups. Sometimes they have made hand-outs. They do not expect that, but they comments but have not had the political will or do expect that Governments can take a lead the moral or political courage to say what they in development and progress. We used to see actually really think. We find that out when we it regularly here in this State with mines, ports, consider the detail of the Budget. roads, power stations and so on—all working No Budget is totally bad and no Budget is together and all creating real jobs, not just totally good. I regard Budgets as an producing talk and rhetoric. It is not the case opportunity to do something for our State. that it cannot be done. It has been done. The That is as it should be, instead of just putting a precedent has been set. The opportunities are certain spin on things, spouting rhetoric and there each year. hoping that people will buy it. Sometimes I think it is a pity that Budgets On my return from overseas I was come around just once a year. We go through interested to read the papers in Sydney and this performance and then through the find that they had given this Budget the Estimates process which, as we know, is a thumbs down. When the media starts to knock farce, and then we settle back in to the year of the Budget and give it the thumbs down— mediocrity, which I think is sad. We need to be 2302 Unemployment 20 Jul 2000 able to keep this State alive. It is a pity that it is when the fundamentals of our economy falling behind other States again. In my view, commenced a decline that has been constant. that is something that need not happen. The dramatic decline in the rate of jobs On the issue of trade, some interesting generation in this State since Labor came to comments were made by people of office is, in every sense, a mirror held to its prominence whom I talked with overseas. They overall performance. It is a great pity therefore, were quite interested to talk to someone from especially for the battlers of this State, that this side of the world. Their comment was that Labor fell into office in 1998 with 38% popular it is very interesting to see that Australia and support. It was a cut-price victory, and we got a New Zealand are taking a lead in free trade. I cut-price Government. thought: if ever I have heard of anyone being From June 1996 to June 1998 under the damned with faint praise that was it, because coalition, based on ABS Series 6202 that is the very thing that Australia and New data—the bible of jobs statistics—Queensland Zealand should not be doing. Countries such produced 87,000 jobs, which represented 34% as ours have no hope of competing against of the jobs created in Australia. With 18% of the big economies of Japan, the European the population on that ABS database, we common market and the United States. They produced over one-third of the new jobs. In our know that we are taking a fall for them. We are first full year in office, we in fact produced over trying to take the lead on something we are far half the jobs generated in Australia—33,400 too small to take the lead on. Again, that is out of 61,100; 54.6% of all the new jobs—as why our people are suffering and have been the State and the nation clawed back to for quite some time. stronger economic activity after the recession While no-one expects this State to be we had to have under Paul Keating and able to put everything right, this Budget Wayne Goss. represents an opportunity to make sure we In 1997-98, when the coalition in actually set a blueprint for improvement in our Queensland delivered 5.7% economic growth, wellbeing. I think it is sad and tragic that that we also delivered 52,600 new jobs—a fantastic has not happened. I wish to make further effort by any standard. That was 27.5% of all points. I will continue my contribution later in new jobs generated in the country in that year. the day. The combined record for those two full years of Debate, on motion of Mr Cooper, coalition Government was therefore 87,000 adjourned. jobs and 34% of all the jobs created nationally. Our employment growth averaged 3%. Under Labor, the story is very, very UNEMPLOYMENT different. In 1998-99 employment growth in Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers Queensland slipped from the 3.7% recorded in Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) 1997-98 to 2.5%. Queensland's share of (6 p.m.): I move— national jobs growth fell from 27.5% in 1997- 98 to 22%. The total number of new jobs in "That this House notes that Queensland fell from 52,600 in 1997-98 to Queensland has the second highest 40,300. In 1999-2000 our share of jobs growth unemployment rate in mainland Australia slipped to 14.5% of the national total, and and condemns the Beattie Government from 40,300 to 38,300 in simple numerical for its anti-jobs workplace relations policies terms. The growth averaged for the two years and its continued failure to deliver on the of the coalition and two years of ALP Premier's blatantly opportunistic and Government shows that our record was one of cynical commitment of a 5% generating 34% of the new jobs in Australia. unemployment rate." Across the ALP's two full years in office, The failure of this Government in terms of Labor's record is barely 18%. jobs generation is the most potent symbol and Jobs growth has effectively halved in the real substance of its overall failure. Queensland under Labor in terms of our share Lowering jobs growth goes with lowering of national jobs growth, according to the ABS confidence, which goes with lowering figures. A more dramatic way of stating that is investment, which goes with lowering to say that if Queensland had retained a economic activity, which goes with a do- coalition Government and retained the policies nothing, floundering, self-obsessed, self- that sustained that strong economic and possessed Government. All of those factors, I associated jobs growth, there would be 90,000 am afraid, reflect reality under this more Queenslanders with a job today than is Government, and have done since day one, the case under Labor. In other words, you 20 Jul 2000 Unemployment 2303 could fill the Melbourne football ground—you We know the story behind the 5% jobs could fill Lang Park twice over—with the jobs promise. At a press conference 18 months into Queensland has forgone under the Labor Mr Beattie's term as Opposition Leader he was Party. We would have more than doubled asked by the media what he thought a Labor's jobs growth if we had maintained the reasonable unemployment target was. One of momentum built up from 1996 through to the his minders up the back of the room held up middle of 1998, and there is no reason to his hand and said, "No, no", and Premier suggest we could not have done that. Pete, the member for Brisbane Central, said, Australia, by June 1998, was booming. The "1, 2, 3, 4, 5%. Five per cent is a reasonable recovery from the recession we had to have target in respect of unemployment in was well and truly in place. Asia was recovering Queensland." That is how he scientifically rapidly from its economic crisis of 1997-98, and arrived at that core promise of his 1998 we had certainly set the scene for the election campaign. Journalists who were in the incoming Government. Economic growth in room at the time, people who were there for 1997-98 was 5.7%—a fantastic launching pad. the press conference, will tell the story. That But members opposite dropped the ball grew into one of the great and cruel political almost immediately. In 1998-99 economic hoaxes in this State, through his promising growth slowed significantly to 4.75%. It came something that he simply could not deliver. down again last year to 4.25%, and the I refer to the refusal by this Premier and projection now is for 3.75% this year. Jobs the refusal by this Government to offer growth, inevitably, has followed the growth Queensland Government financial assistance curve down, to the point where the projection in regard to the crisis confronting the sugar for this year is 2%. Based on the June figure, industry. If the Premier has an unemployment that would produce 33,600 jobs, but obviously problem now—if we do not save the sugar the Government has decided to round out its industry, it will be so much greater. I remind claim of 2% because it predicts only just over the Premier that the last great time there was 30,000 new jobs—not even 2%. That is about a need for Government assistance for the 1.8%. sugar industry was back in 1985, and the Even more depressing is that if the Hawke Government and the Bjelke-Petersen Commonwealth meets its target of 2.25% jobs Government, in a partnership, came together growth next year, which is equivalent to to put forward a joint Commonwealth/State another 26,000 new jobs, Queensland's share, assistance package. I say to the Premier and if we use Labor's pessimistic figure of 30,000, to the Labor Government of this State: you is barely 13% of the projected national total. cannot ignore your responsibilities. It is not the "Mr 5%" has turned up his toes, picked up his sole responsibility of the Commonwealth; it is a bat and ball and gone home. He has given the joint responsibility of the Commonwealth and game away; he has put his hands up. I can the State to assist the sugar industry in this just about understand it, because while it is time of economic disaster. tempting to assert that the Government could Time expired. have started to turn the situation around with a Dr WATSON (Moggill—LP) (Leader of the decent Budget this week, a decent Budget Liberal Party) (6.10 p.m.): I rise to second the was clearly beyond it. motion moved by the Leader of the A bad Budget in 1998-99—which required Opposition. There is no doubt that the massive backfilling late in the year even to Premier's 5% unemployment target was a keep the underlying cash deficit below what we cynical ploy. The commitment—the promise, now know, belatedly, to have been a billion the target, whatever members opposite want dollars—had a cascading impact. It impacted to call it—to get 5% unemployment by 2003 on the 1999-2000 Budget, and, as we have was definitely a cynical ploy on the part of the seen in terms of real capital works and real Premier, the then Leader of the Opposition, funding for basic areas such as health, back in 1998. We know that for two education and police in the new Budget, this fundamental reasons. The first is that no Government is a burnout case within a single sooner had it been said than we started to see term. It is now so preoccupied with treading a plethora of excuses being offered for why he water, with keeping its nostrils above water, could not reach it. The second reason we that we will see nothing imaginative, nothing know it was a cynical commitment is that it has positive, and the opportunity has been lost. It made absolutely no impact at all on the policy will take a new Government with real and clear implementation of this Government, policies priorities—not rhetoric—to get jobs growth and which have been directly against the economic growth in this State back on track. encouragement of employment in this State. 2304 Unemployment 20 Jul 2000

The excuses came thick and fast. Let us has fallen dramatically from what it was earlier. look at the first excuse. On election day the It is not an excuse. Premier woke up and found out supposedly Interest rates and GST are not excuses that Asia was in crisis. We were not going to either. Why are they not affecting the rest of be able to reach the 5% unemployment rate Australia? Why is Queensland suddenly out by because on his pager he had found out that itself where unemployment cannot be lowered Japan had just moved into a recession. The because of interest rates and GST? It is not fact is that Asia had been in crisis in financial having an effect anywhere else. terms for quite some time and that fact was Unemployment in every other State is going spelt out in the coalition Budget. down. The Commonwealth unemployment An honourable member interjected. figures, which are national, are all showing a Dr WATSON: It was certainly known and downward trend. discussed beforehand, but the potential The other reason it is a cynical ploy is that implications of the Asian crisis were spelt out in it has had no effect on policy implementation. the coalition Budget back in May of 1998. It has not stopped the Government introducing When that no longer held water, when the policies which are clearly anti-jobs, anti- Asian crisis turned around, when Korea, business and anti-investment. The Malaysia, Thailand and more recently Japan Government's dealing with industrial relations started to move out of their recessions, he legislation, payroll tax and greenfield sites changed his tune. mitigates directly against a reduction in unemployment. The next thing was the participation rate. I have this graph of participation rates. The Time expired. participation rate in Queensland since July Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— 1998 has varied between 64.9% and 65.1%. ALP) (Premier) (6.15 p.m.): I move the Mr Borbidge: Flat lining. following amendment— Dr WATSON: It has been flat lining. It has "That all words after 'House' be not changed. We can go back a decade and removed, and replaced with the following: we will see exactly the same thing. It has not 'applauds the Queensland Government's changed. That has always been the case. Not ongoing commitment to job creation and only has it not changed—and the commitment job security, demonstrated by: should have been made with that in mind—but 1. employment growth of 82,700 jobs in the Australian participation rate has actually the past two years; increased from 63% to 63.7%. So while the Federal Government has been dropping 2. a reduction in the unemployment unemployment across the country, the trend from 8.7% to 7.8%; participation rate is actually increasing. So the 3. its strong commitment to Break the argument about the participation rate is Unemployment Cycle for long-term fallacious; it is empty. jobless and the young; Interstate migration is another furphy put 4. continued success in attracting forward by the Premier. Interstate migration international investors to establish has fallen. Interstate migration was running at operations in this State, such as 54,000 a year in the late 1980s and 1990s, Virgin Blue, Boeing, Bechtel and Red although I would argue that interstate Hat; migration actually adds to economic growth 5. implementing a capital infrastructure more than anything else. At any rate, if program in excess of $15 billion, interstate migration was an issue it certainly accounting for around one-third of all was not an issue for this particular Premier, capital works undertaken by all State because interstate migration has fallen. and Territory Governments around Mr Horan: It has halved. the nation in recent years; and Dr WATSON: It has halved; it has 6. active pursuit of private investment in decreased to about 30,000 a year. It has gone major projects such as the Millmerran down to that from 54,000. Coal Mine and power station, the Mr Hayward interjected. PNG Gas Pipeline, Swanbank E gas- fired power station, the Comalco Dr WATSON: It went down, and after it hit Alumina Refinery, Australian the bottom it went up by 3,000 or 4,000. I said Magnesium plant at Stanwell, about 30,000. That is where it is; perhaps it is Dalyrymple Bay Coal Terminal and 32,000. The point is that interstate migration Airtrain Citylink.'." 20 Jul 2000 Unemployment 2305

The Queensland Government is presiding coalmine, and the $3 billion PNG pipeline is on over an economy which confirms Queensland track. There is strong private sector interest in as the most financially sound regional our energy industry, indicating strong Government in the world. If members look at confidence in Queensland's industrial future. the Budget, they will see that we have The $5.3 billion Capital Works Program increased spending in priority areas such as a builds up our basic infrastructure. There is a record $5.3 billion Capital Works Program. $208m investment by our port authorities, There are no new taxes. In fact, we have $760m on roads, $646m on rail infrastructure, introduced tax cuts, including a reduction in and $472m on hospitals and other health the rate of payroll tax to 4.8%, with the Budget facilities. surplus increasing in the out years. The Budget is not just about a balanced Economic prosperity, as we know, is vitally set of accounts; it is a blueprint for the future connected to the stability and the wellbeing of of Queensland. As the Smart State we have a our society. That is why we have extended the vision and a strategy for the new century. It is Breaking the Unemployment Cycle program for about equipping this State to meet the another year at a cost of $80m. This year the challenges of the new millennium. The program will provide jobs and training spotlight is on developing jobs in industries of opportunities for 11,000 Queenslanders. There the future. is $304m over four years to support children and families in need. The Budget papers confirm that the Queensland economy has been growing at What does all that mean? It means that around 4.5% per annum. There have been for the first time in many years Queensland 82,700 jobs created over the last two years. has a vision. It has a Government with We have the lowest level of unemployment direction. It means that we will look after the since May 1990—the lowest level of future of this State. Contrast that with the last unemployment for a decade. The Budget Borbidge Budget, which forecast economic projects another 31,000 jobs, which means in growth of 3.5% for both 1998-99 and 1999- three years we will have created 110,000 jobs. 2000. My Government delivered 4.8% and That is 100 jobs every day of the week, seven 4.25% growth in those two years. We are days a week, 365 days a year. predicting 3.75% this year. Look at the economic growth rates of our trading partners: The Budget estimates have economic Europe, 3.1%; US in 2001, 3.2%; Japan, and employment growth slowing slightly this 1.3%. They would all love to have our growth year but bouncing back in future years. That is rate. due to the impact of the GST, rising interest rates and the falling dollar. We will continue Let us talk about this 5% unemployment our massive $270m 10-year program to rate target that I set. I made it very clear that, develop a vibrant biotechnology sector. We when it comes to my kids' future and the future are equipping the industries of the future, but of everyone else's kids in this community, I that is not at the expense of our existing would rather try to do something about economic sectors and traditional industries. unemployment than never try at all. We will not There is a $250m package this year on stop trying just because our goal is difficult to capital works supporting tourism. This achieve. I made that very clear in our Government has allocated $30m for the Gold advertisements during the election campaign. I Coast Convention Centre; $64m for Traveltrain said this in the ads— rolling stock, including two new diesel tilt trains "Is it stupid to set high goals?" to service north Queensland; $70.5m for Of course it is not. I made that clear. I refer to Millennium Arts; a five-year $260m capital another one of those ads, which states— program of arts infrastructure; $7.8m for Vision Airlie; $10.8m for an all-weather harbour for "My job plan is ambitious, but we Magnetic Island; $25m towards the Cairns City must and will try!" port project; $57m this year for the Roma Whether we reach this 5% unemployment Street parklands; and $25.5m for Heritage Trail target in the future remains to be seen. projects around the State. However, one thing that I do know is that we We are equipping our industrial sector will never, ever give up trying. Already our track with the energy supply options it needs to record is impressive. We have achieved the expand and develop its manufacturing lowest level of unemployment in 10 years and capacity. There is an allocation of $1.3 billion 65% of the 82,700 jobs created have been for energy infrastructure in this Budget, $1.4 full-time jobs. The unemployment rate has billion for the Millmerran power station and fallen below 8% for the first time in 10 years. 2306 Unemployment 20 Jul 2000

Long-term unemployment has declined from made to job generation and job opportunities, 30% in July 1998 to 26% now. as members would expect, under a higher Time expired. growth scenario, which has been delivered by this Government, the participation rate under Hon. D. J. HAMILL (Ipswich—ALP) us has actually increased. Over the period that (Treasurer) (6.20 p.m.): I rise to second the this Government has been in office it has amendment moved by the Leader of the averaged 65%, and on the last set of monthly Opposition—sorry, by the Premier— figures it is actually 65.1%. Interestingly Opposition members interjected. enough, while the participation rate in the Mr HAMILL: No, I was actually thinking labour force has actually gone up under Labor ahead. I thought that I might give members a in Queensland, over the same period across little blast from the past. When the honourable the rest of the country the participation rate member for Brisbane Central was the Leader has actually gone down marginally. In fact, of the Opposition, we were presented with this over the past two years, across the rest of Budget I have here—the last Australia the participation rate has actually Borbidge/Sheldon Budget. It makes interesting fallen under 63.3%. reading, because for the 1998-99 financial So what does that mean? It means quite year it predicted an average unemployment reasonably that people have a greater rate of 8.75%, a population growth increase to expectation of getting employment in 2% and a decline in employment growth from Queensland. More people in Queensland are 3% to 2.5%. In fact, the Borbidge/Sheldon prepared to put themselves out and available Government was actually predicting slower for a job. Why would they not, because in employment growth, a slower economy and Queensland we have a Government that is increased population, and yet it was daring to delivering $15 billion worth of capital works in defy gravity and also claim that, under those important infrastructure and a Government circumstances, unemployment was going to that has delivered a $283m Jobs Plan that is fall. What a sham! What a dreadful deception committed to building training and to try to pull on the people of Queensland employment opportunities, particularly for before they went to the polls back in 1998! young people and particularly for The record should speak for itself. When disadvantaged groups in the community. It is this Government came to office the little wonder that we are seeing the unemployment rate in the State was 8.7%. On participation rate rising under Labor and that the basis of this Budget document of theirs, there is greater optimism out there because of that rate was trending up. Yet here we are, a growing economy and because of better 82,000 extra jobs later, and unemployment employment and training opportunities. under this Beattie Labor Government is now at That is the difference between a do- the lowest rate that it has been in Queensland nothing coalition Government and this for a decade—since May 1990. Government. If the Leader of the Opposition I refer now to the previous coalition took the rhetoric out of the speech that he Government's promises. In 1998-99, it was gave tonight, he would be struck mute. In promising 3.75% growth in the Queensland Government he had no idea. In Opposition he economy. What did we deliver? We delivered has less idea. That is why the record of the 4.8% growth. What was the previous Government stands as a very proud record Government promising for last year? It was indeed. We are delivering jobs and we are promising 3.5% growth for the Queensland delivering jobs for Queensland. economy. What did we deliver? We delivered 4.25% growth for the Queensland economy. Time expired. Those are the figures that are on the record Mrs SHELDON (Caloundra—LP) and can be verified clearly. (6.25 p.m.): Firstly, I commend the present Of course, the other interesting point to Treasurer for quoting the figures of our last make is that if one looks at the participation Budget. rate in the labour force in Queensland one Mr Hamill: What shoddy documents they sees that over the period that the coalition was were. in office the participation rate in Queensland actually averaged 64.8%. In fact, it actually fell Mrs SHELDON: Because the as low as 64.5%. That was at a time when the Government re-presented those exact figures participation rate across the whole of Australia in its Budget when it came to power. The was at an average of 63.33%. What has Government introduced our Budget. On those happened under Labor? As a direct response figures, the Government then presented its to the commitment that this Government growth rates. 20 Jul 2000 Unemployment 2307

Mr Seeney: They only changed the terminal, and in this Budget the Government is cover. selling this State asset. The Airtrain Citylink Mrs SHELDON: All the Government did was definitely, totally, all the coalition was change the cover of the Budget Government's initiative. I actually negotiated documents. I am very pleased that the that myself. I notice that the Premier took full Treasurer quoted from our Budget. credit for it when he turned the first sod. Those guys opposite have a major problem with the I will quote a few of the headlines that truth. appeared in the paper the day after the Business confidence is absolutely Treasurer presented the Budget. In the battered by this Beattie Budget. Queensland Courier-Mail the headlines were "Budget fails business certainly has no reason to be to find key to jobs growth" and "State faces confident in undertaking future expansion and collapse in investment", and in the Australian investment. We can see this by the media the headlines were, "Premier suffers case of headlines that followed those economic 5% sunburn" and "Powerhouse state runs out forecasts that Mr Hamill gave. Business will not of steam". Those were wonderful headlines! invest or expand its operations while the Never has Queensland faced these sorts of current anti-jobs law remains in place. headlines after a Budget. I will give them to the Treasurer if he likes, or do I take it that the I will actually quote from table 1.2 of the Courier-Mail and the Australian do not really Government's own Budget papers. It is good matter to him. reading. I suggest that the members opposite have a look at it. A quick look at Forecast and I refer further to an article in the Forecasting Assumptions, which is table 1.2 of Australian, which states— the Government's Budget Paper No. 3, shows "Despite claims that Labor has Queensland's business investment rate at delivered Queensland its lowest minus 5.75%, which is a full 9% behind the unemployment rate in a decade, it will still national rate of 3.75%. Queensland's rate of be hovering around 8 per cent, well above growth for machinery and equipment is the national average." projected at minus 0.75%, while nationally machinery and equipment growth is projected That article also states— at 9%. Under the coalition Government, the "But the economic blueprint for rate was 14%. Government members do not Queensland, once the nation's like these figures, because they speak for powerhouse, reveals the sunshine state themselves. will lag behind the national economy in Today I attended a big boardroom key areas of business investment and luncheon. The business community does not jobs creation. It does not augur well for a think members opposite can deliver and it Government that was swept to power on knows they are not delivering. The comment a promise of achieving a target of 5 per made to me was, "Nothing is happening." The cent unemployment by mid-2003." only infrastructure projects are the ones the These are not our comments; they are the coalition Government put in place and which comments of independent commentators and are now coming to an end, and nothing new is financial commentators that have appeared in happening at all. This is the sort of negative the Murdoch press around Australia and atmosphere in which Governments lose certainly in the Financial Review as well. elections. If the Premier is going to ask this The Government should not be too smug. Parliament to accept an amendment to the The Treasurer was hanging his cap on an motion, that he at least should tell the truth in artificial peg by blaming the GST. Alan Wood, it. I refer to point six of the Government's from the Australian, confirmed that when he amendment to the motion, which refers to the observed that it is funny that this is the only major investment projects that this Labor State in Australia that seems to be negative Government says that it has put in place. The under the GST. The Government's Budget Millmerran coalmine was a coalition initiative. papers reveal that it is getting an extra $400m The PNG gas pipeline has not yet happened. out of the GST. Any Treasurer would love to The Comalco alumina refinery was actually have an extra $400m in the Budget. It is about started by Wayne Goss and then the coalition time Government members told people the continued with it and set the parameters under truth about what is really happening. which it is finally going ahead. I think that the Yesterday, two cabbies told me that Australian magnesium plant was actually Government members have lost it. Joh's. We built the Dalrymple Bay coal Time expired. 2308 Unemployment 20 Jul 2000

Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—ALP) Gold Coast—Asia-Pacific software centre, 75 (Deputy Premier and Minister for State jobs; Hatch Engineering, regional Development and Minister for Trade) headquarters, 200 jobs; IBM, Asia-Pacific call (6.30 p.m.): Let us look at the record of the centre, 70 jobs; Indus, regional headquarters, member who just resumed her seat. It is good 50 jobs; Jet Care, maintenance facility at the to see that Joan is back from Europe. I hope airport, 93 new jobs; Kerry Ingredients, she enjoyed her holiday. I missed her. What principal Australian manufacturing plant, 130 did she give us when she was the Treasurer of jobs; Laminex Industries, plant expansion, 25 this State? Her first major decision was to jobs; Mills Tui, retention of the emergency impose a capital works freeze. She stalled the vehicle building capacity in Queensland, 66 economy of Queensland. Jobs were lost jobs; Oracle, software development centre— across the industry sector. What did she give the number is substantial, but I have been us in her first Budget? She gave us seven new asked to keep it confidential; P&O Nedlloyd, taxes and charges. Once again, the economy shared services centre, 140 jobs; Pioneer, stalled and jobs were lost. Queensland was in national customer service centre, 75 jobs; a state of paralysis while she was the Qualiflyer, customer care centre, 85 jobs; Treasurer. Quantum ATL Products, Asia-Pacific The luncheon the member attended was headquarters, 12 jobs; Red Hat, Asia-Pacific probably a Santo Santoro fundraiser. I bet headquarters, 60 jobs; Saville Systems, they were saying plenty behind her back as regional headquarters and R&D centre, 100 she was heading down in the lift on her way jobs; Stellar, Asia-Pacific call centre, 200 jobs; home. There is no respect for the Liberal Party Varley Holdings, manufacturing workshop, 80 in the business community. It is ashamed of jobs; Virgin Blue, 700 jobs; and not forgetting the Liberal Party and how far the Liberal Party my favourite, the World Association of Surfing has fallen in the short time that the member Professionals, headquarters, Coolangatta, 10 for Caloundra and Dr Watson have led it. Two jobs. We have been creating jobs and years ago Dr Watson was an unknown in the expanding the economy since day one. Parliament. Now he is an unknown in I will return to the one thing that will burn Queensland. That is the level to which the the honourable member for Callide. It is a Liberal Party has fallen. record of which he should be ashamed. The In relation to jobs, I suggest that Intergen meat industry in this State has been should ask the Opposition for an apology resurrected under this Government. Some tomorrow in respect of the Millmerran Power 2,000 jobs and $200m worth of investment Station. Intergen was not in this State when have been generated under this Government, members opposite were in Government. not from members opposite. Intergen has been in this State only since we Mr Kaiser: Looking after the bush. have been in Government. Intergen is building Mr ELDER: We are looking after the bush the Millmerran Power Station—a private sector and the electorates of honourable members project driven by this Government. The opposite. We are actively putting back into Opposition should apologise for misleading the regional Queensland jobs for their Parliament and the people in relation to constituents. Our support of this industry Millmerran. probably more than anything else illustrates Let me go through the job creation list: the difference between members opposite in AAPT, national headquarters, 381 jobs; Austar Government and us in Government. That is Entertainment, on the coast—we are looking one industry that they should have been after the Leader of the Opposition and the supporting passionately. They should have soon to be Liberal member for been doing everything they could to retain that Moncrieff—1,000 jobs; ATCO Structures, industry, and they failed, just as they will fail in expansion of manufacturing activities—we get Opposition. in and do the small things, too—10 new jobs; Australian Provincial Newspapers, financial Time expired. unit, another 40 jobs; Bechtel Australia has Mr JOHNSON (Gregory—NPA) moved its Australian headquarters to (6.35 p.m.): Tonight it is a great pleasure to Queensland, 200 jobs; Berri Limited, speak on the motion moved by the Leader of Queensland processing plant—another small the Opposition in relation to the paltry job value-adding opportunity on the Sunshine creation record of the Beattie Labor Coast—30 jobs; Citibank, Asia-Pacific Government. The real issue is the productivity customer service centre, 260 jobs; DHL, factor that is applicable to people from all Oceania Shared Services Centre at the airport, walks of life, no matter what industry or what 225 jobs; Electronic Arts—value adding on the career path they pursue. What we need is a 20 Jul 2000 Unemployment 2309 consolidation of jobs and purpose for the 1,200 people in jobs to the wolves—the real people in jobs. Over the past two years of the people with purpose in QR, such as the track Beattie Labor Government we have not maintenance people, the plumbers, the witnessed a consolidation of jobs. Under the boilermakers and all of the other people in Borbidge Government, going back two years workshops, including the diesel fitters, the ago— sheetmetal workers and the electricians. QR Mrs Edmond interjected. contracts are going out of the State and overseas because this Government will not Mr JOHNSON: I will come to the Minister tender for them. And Government members in a minute. No, I will not come to the Minister claim to stand up for the worker. The in a minute; I will come to her right now. Health honourable member for Bulimba is probably Ministers in the previous Labor Government the only member opposite who does stand up procrastinated over a capital works program for for the worker. hospitals in this State. Barcaldine, Emerald and Clermont are three classic examples. It Mr Borbidge: How many jobs are going in took the member for Toowoomba South to QR? deliver on that policy as Health Minister in this Mr JOHNSON: About 1,200, and the State. Labor Ministers never had the chaff and boys out there know it. They come to me every they just rolled it over. Ken Hayward, Jim Elder day asking how they can save those jobs. and the honourable member rolled it over. We talk about the wealth generation An honourable member interjected. capacity of primary industries and the mining Mr JOHNSON: Peter Beattie did nothing. sector. The primary industries sector of this He cooked the books. State is one of the most important areas in which we have to maintain those jobs. Jobs in Mrs EDMOND: I rise to a point of order. that industry have flow-on effects to the He may fool his backbench, but he does not eastern seaboard. That is why we have to fool one other person in Queensland. It was a have a good railway and a good road 1992 election commitment by the Goss Labor transportation system in place. Government and we are proud of it. The Premier said tonight that this Budget Mr SPEAKER: There is no point of order. contained a $760m road program. We had a Mr JOHNSON: The Minister should be $2.31 billion road and transport program in our thrown out; she is a waste of time. last Budget, or 43.8% of the Capital Works Mr Seeney: He'd throw me out if I did Program of this State. They were real jobs that that. we retained and we built on them. If this Government is going to have growth in this Mr JOHNSON: If I did it, I would get State that creates real jobs, that creates thrown out, too. prosperity, it has to make sure that our As I said, the real issue is job infrastructure development is set in granite. consolidation. Under this Government there is However, it does not have a policy of no job consolidation. The former Borbidge infrastructure set in granite. Government created some 3,000 jobs with the Time expired. implementation of the Pacific Motorway program. I note that the Minister for Transport Hon. P. J. BRADDY (Kedron—ALP) is grinning. All of those big contracts are (Minister for Employment, Training and coming to an end. Those contractors are now Industrial Relations) (6.40 p.m.): If ever there is asking the question: where will jobs be created an issue on which the coalition lacks credibility, in the future? Tonight Dr Watson spoke about it is the issue of employment. It was, therefore, policy implementation. Labor does not have a no shock when I heard the Liberal Leader, policy on infrastructure. It came to the Treasury Dr Watson, claim this week that the successful benches without Transport and Main Roads Breaking the Unemployment Cycle initiative policies. When the Deputy Premier was the was producing "phoney jobs". It was the Opposition spokesman on Transport he did coalition, of which he is a member of course, not have a policy, and he knows it. He that abolished those sorts of programs. continued our policy. I know that the Liberals are in political Mr Purcell: And where is it mostly being turmoil, and the latest polling tracks their spent? continuing slide into oblivion, but incredibly the Liberal Leader is still unaware that Breaking Mr JOHNSON: If the member shuts up for the Unemployment Cycle is supported across a minute, I will tell him a few home truths. Queensland by mayors and councillors of all In relation to Queensland Rail, the political persuasions, by business people and Government is looking at throwing another communities who have seen the work that the 2310 Unemployment 20 Jul 2000 formerly long-term unemployed people have laws we brought in. He gets it wrong all the completed and the skills that they have time because he is ideologically bent and he gained. They have seen the thousands of does not listen to the people of Queensland. young people who have been given jobs and Mr HORAN (Toowoomba South—NPA) training in their communities. They have seen (6.45 p.m.): Tonight's topic is one of the most the valuable community assets that have been important topics for many Queenslanders, created, and they know who supports these particularly young people, that we could ever projects and who opposes them. Believe me, discuss in this Parliament. What we are seeing they know. tonight is the ultimate example of the If honourable members doubt that they showmanship of the Premier and the team should just ask the Independent member for that he leads. The cruel hoax of that promise Gladstone, who witnessed the support of the of 5% unemployment, which led unemployed Agnes Water community last week for yet people to think that they would have a chance another Breaking the Unemployment Cycle of a job, has now been shown for what it really project in her area, or they should just ask the is—particularly to the young people. parents, friends, carers and members of the media who say what a great contribution the All we have seen is never-ending, glossy formerly long-term unemployed people have TV ads with football and netball stars being made to the retreat being built at Agnes Water wheeled out to try to support the Premier. All for people with disabilities. It is no surprise that we have had from the Premier is non-stop Dr Watson has chosen to repeat the same media comment. The microphone has just puerile comments made by his probable about been glued to his mouth. However, we successor, the member for Clayfield, regarding have not seen any results. We have not seen employment generation programs. any winning. Now what does he do? The Premier now starts to come out and say, "I'm Here are some facts. Since the trying. I'm trying." Every month when the Government's private sector employment figures come out and he has failed and been program began in October 1998, nearly 4,300 beaten again by the other States, he says, employers have given jobs to 7,900 additional "But I'm trying." He was crowing at first and apprentices and trainees. In 21 months we now he is bleating, "I'm trying." have already exceeded our four-year target of 7,500 training jobs in industries with skill Month after month he cannot beat New shortages. The initiative has provided jobs and South Wales, Victoria or Western Australia, training for almost 10,000 long-term and occasionally he beats South Australia. If unemployed people at a grassroots he was a football coach, the fans would sack community level. We have also extended the him because they will only take the "I'm trying" initiative for another year, which will mean that excuse for so many games. The irony of this by 2003 we will have created more than cruel hoax on the people of Queensland is 30,000 jobs and training places through this that the Premier is battling South Australia for initiative alone. Is the Leader of the Liberal the wooden spoon in the premiership of Party seriously suggesting that these are unemployment. Mr Beattie started this whole phoney jobs? Is he saying to the thousands of process of trying to bring down unemployment young people who won these jobs and training absolutely back to front. Instead of building on that these jobs are not real or that they have sound foundations, like the man who built his not picked up real training skills? house on a rock, he is starting from the other end, like the man who built his house on sand, I will tell honourable members some of with all the glossy brochures, the TV ads, all the other predictions that the Leader of the the crowing, all the publicity and all the media Liberal Party made. He said that under us stunts. WorkCover was doomed. What are the facts? It is the best WorkCover system in the country, Let us have a look at some of the it is the most financially secure and it has the fundamental reasons why we are lagging best premiums. Another prediction: he said behind the other mainland States of Australia that under us industrial relations would worsen. in this important issue of unemployment. As I Under the Beattie Labor Government we have said, the Premier is starting at the wrong end. fewer than half the national average of days Queensland is on the slippery dip. General lost through strikes. Another prediction: he said Government debt is going up. Government that when we changed the unfair dismissal corporations' debt is going up. In our capital laws there would be unbridled unfair dismissal formation, the most important aspect of applications. What are the facts? The 1996-97 creating the economic growth and the jobs level of unfair dismissal applications—under his that will come from the private sector, only so Government—is 22% higher than under the many Government jobs can be created. The 20 Jul 2000 Unemployment 2311

Government can use only so much of into the State and economic growth. However, taxpayers' money because ultimately it is the now we are coming last. pockets of the workers out of which it is pulling Time expired. the money. Only so many jobs can be created. The new jobs come from the growth, from the Hon. S. D. BREDHAUER (Cook—ALP) exports and the new money that is created. (Minister for Transport and Minister for Main Roads) (6.50 p.m.): Fancy the member for But what is happening in Queensland? Toowoomba South coming into this Chamber We have negative levels in Queensland while and using football analogies in an the rest of Australia enjoys positive levels. If unemployment debate. Was this not the man honourable members look at the rate of who, when he mounted his last leadership private investment they will see that challenge—the last but one, as we suspect— Queensland's level is minus 4.5% and got the ball with the line wide open? But what Australia's level is plus 2.75%. Mr Beattie has did he do? He choked. When he had just one copped the wooden spoon again. It is a pity player to beat, what did he do? He did a heart that Mr Elder is not here because he is the muscle and got bundled into touch. He could bloke who is responsible for this—private not even make it anywhere near the line. investment and business investment. He is doing just as badly as the Premier. They are Mr Braddy interjected. coming last. So the rate of private investment Mr BREDHAUER: The Minister for is minus 4.5% in Queensland and plus 2.75% Employment, Training and Industrial Relations in Australia. What about business investment? is right. He did not get bundled into touch; he It is minus 5.75% in Queensland and plus ran into touch. The member for Toowoomba 3.25% in Australia. How can the Premier ever South comes in here and criticises the Beattie beat the other States? How can he ever get Government, those of us on this side of the the unemployment rate down to 5% with House, for trying to achieve an unemployment figures like that? What a pathetic performance target of 5%. Let me tell the honourable from Mr Elder, the Minister for State member that I did a bit of football coaching in Development, to be responsible for figures my day. I would much rather have a team of such as that! He is an absolute disgrace and triers than a team of show ponies such as should be sacked. those on the other side of the House. What about declining economic growth I would much rather have people who get and growing Government and GOC debt? out there day after day after day and do their What about the fact that only 10% of the best rather than have a mob which comes in Capital Works Program in the Budget before here and whinges, whines, complains and this Parliament is for new projects? If these knocks—a mob who cannot even get the basic figures are falling, because the foundation is facts right, as happened this morning with the not there, how on earth can jobs be created? member for Surfers Paradise. He came in here Using the football analogy, the Premier does and suggested that a project for which we not have the personnel, the training, the have already let a contract for $20m, a project structure or the plan. He has nothing. All he is which will employ over 1,000 workers over the doing is taking part in the celebrations and next 12 months, has not even started. Let me having a beer because he says that he is tell the honourable member: I would rather be going to win one day, but he and his on the Beattie team of triers than on the Government have not done the work in the paradise team of posers. At least those of us paddock on Tuesday and Thursday nights. No on this side are out there having a go. wonder he is coming last! This is an absolute The member for Caloundra talked about disgrace. the airport rail link project—how it was her own I refer this Parliament to an article that baby and that she was the one who got it appeared in the Australian in September started. Let me tell the member for Caloundra: 1999. On the eve of Labor's second Budget, this project started under the Goss Mr Beattie, who was then Acting Treasurer, Government. When I became the Minister promised that his record on jobs would be when Labor got back into office, the project sensational. Well, it is sensational all right. We had progressed but it was languishing, so we are coming stone motherless last in Australia. kicked it over the line. Every time a person This great and proud State was once the drives out to the airport they can see hard home of construction, mines, railway lines and evidence of the fact that our partnerships with ports which saw people get jobs in offices and the private sector are actually delivering apprenticeships. That created real money from infrastructure to the people of Queensland and exports which meant increased funds coming jobs to the people of Queensland. 2312 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

The member for Toowoomba South also Mr SPEAKER: That is actually calling the said how our record on employment had let member a "liar". down young people. Youth unemployment in Mr JOHNSON: Mr Speaker, if it makes this State is well below the national average any difference, I will withdraw whatever and has improved dramatically over the past offended him. He is pretty easy to offend, and two years since we have been in Government. I have not finished with him either. When those opposite were in Government, youth unemployment was higher than the Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time allotted for national average. Through our Breaking the the debate has expired. Unemployment Cycle program we have given Question—That the amendment be young people the length and breadth of this agreed to—put; and the House divided— State, including west of the Great Dividing AYES, 43—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, Range, the opportunity to get jobs. Councils in Braddy, Bredhauer, Clark, E. Cunningham, that area are putting on apprentices and J. Cunningham, Edmond, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, trainees in towns where the kids never had a Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, Kaiser, Lavarch, Lucas, chance before. All of the councils in every Mackenroth, McGrady, Mickel, Miller, Mulherin, single electorate of members opposite are Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, lining up for those apprenticeships and Pitt, Reeves, Reynolds, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, Struthers, Welford, Wellington, Wells, Wilson. traineeships, and therefore those kids are Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell getting jobs in their home towns. NOES, 39—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, I now turn to the railway workers. When Cooper, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Goss, the member for Gregory was the Minister for Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Transport, the statement of corporate intent Laming, Lester, Lingard, Littleproud, Malone, that came down in 1997 said that his Mitchell, Nelson, Paff, Pratt, Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, Government was going to slash employment Santoro, Seeney, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, in Queensland Rail to 12,000. Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Watson. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty Mr JOHNSON: I rise to a point of order. Resolved in the affirmative. That is a fabricated lie of the highest order and I ask the Minister to withdraw it. I find it Question—That the motion, as amended, offensive and I ask it to be withdrawn. He be agreed to—put; and the House divided— knows the facts. He knows the figures. There AYES, 43—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, are two sets of rules here, Mr Speaker, and I Braddy, Bredhauer, Clark, E. Cunningham, am sick of it when it comes to him. J. Cunningham, Edmond, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, Kaiser, Lavarch, Lucas, Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Mackenroth, McGrady, Mickel, Miller, Mulherin, Gregory has made his point. He will resume his Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, seat. Pitt, Reeves, Reynolds, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, Struthers, Welford, Wellington, Wells, Wilson. Mr BREDHAUER: I find the suggestion Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell that I have lied to the Parliament offensive and I ask for it to be withdrawn. NOES, 39—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, Cooper, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Goss, Honourable members interjected. Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, Lester, Lingard, Littleproud, Malone, Mr BREDHAUER: I withdraw. He accused Mitchell, Nelson, Paff, Pratt, Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, me of lying, and I ask him to withdraw. Santoro, Seeney, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, Mr Johnson interjected. Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Watson. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty Mr SPEAKER: Order! One of the things— Resolved in the affirmative. Mr BREDHAUER: Forget it, Mr Speaker. Sitting suspended from 7.05 p.m. to He is not worth it. 8.30 p.m. Mr SPEAKER: Order! This morning a ruling was made, member for Gregory, that the APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT) BILL word "lied" is not parliamentary language, and APPROPRIATION BILL it is not. When members call each other "liars", that is not parliamentary language either. Second Reading (Cognate Debate) Members should withdraw when they call a Resumed from p. 2302. member of this House a "liar". I ask the Hon. T. R. COOPER (Crows Nest—NPA) member for Gregory to withdraw that term. (8.30 p.m.), continuing: Having been a Minister Mr Johnson: I didn't call him a liar. I said of the Crown, I know that prior to the bringing that what he said was a lie. down of a Budget Ministers have to have done 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2313 their homework to make sure they get as was the case at Dirranbandi, which had been a much funding as they possibly can for their wool growing area for 150 or 200 years. When particular portfolio. Some succeed. Some do wool collapsed, there was beautiful country but reasonably well and some do not. A Minister of course no productivity and no money. doing worse in one year than in the previous Dirranbandi had become a ghost town. year means not just a failure on the part of Producers at Dirranbandi harvested water. that Minister. People in the wider community They indulged in some very big water are affected. In relation to the Budget, in a harvesting schemes. A lot of them put up their sense there is only one chance. As a Minister I own money and they made their way. They always made sure I did my homework on my have converted Dirranbandi, which was a portfolios to ensure they got as much as ghost town and a place of despair, to a boom possible so that they could do their job and do town. People who were employing no-one it better. They cannot do their job without before are now employing 40, 50 or 60 people funding. Of course, after the appropriation of as fruit-pickers or cotton-pickers. There are funds comes wise and sensible expenditure. people involved in the grape, melon and I mention again, as I have many times, cotton industries. It is a transformation that has the pipeline from the Wivenhoe Dam to to be seen to be believed, but it has Atkinsons Dam which will give about 150 happened before our very eyes. If people irrigators in the Brisbane Valley security of cannot see what water can do, then I pity water supply. They have water supply now them because I have seen what can happen. from Atkinsons Dam, but it is not secure. It would not take much to provide that security. We aim to achieve sensible usage of The feasibility study has been conducted. The water. That is why we advocate the member for Warrego, who is present in the construction of more dams. The Borbidge Chamber, initiated a feasibility study of a Government moved very effectively to pipeline from Wivenhoe over to Atkinsons establish more sites. There were some Dam. We appreciated that study, which cost unfortunate people in Canberra at the time $300,000. That work has been done. who did not believe it was the time to keep building dams. Of course it was. In a country I went to the Deputy Premier, Mr Elder, such as Australia, probably the driest continent soon after Labor was elected. I urged him to on earth, we should be using water smartly. move on this as something useful—to provide There are so many smart ways water can be water security to irrigators so that they could used. It can be used so effectively that maintain and perhaps improve their communities can be transformed. I urge this productivity. The value of that pipeline to that Government to take another look at the entire region, as well as to the State, is proposal for a dam on the Flinders River at inestimable. That is the sort of thing we have Richmond. That would transform that area in a been trying to get this Government to follow up similar way to the way Dirranbandi has been on over the last three years. It has not done it, transformed. and it has not done it again this year. For the life of me I do not know why, because the People should not be wringing their Government will not have to foot the bill for hands, wondering what they can do about that entire project. At the end of the day it is things out in rural and regional Queensland the producers who end up paying the bill, with and Australia. So much can be done and has the taxpayer putting in a certain amount in been done in the past. It is not as if nothing order to ensure the productivity of the salad can be done. Of course it can. It is a case of bowl, which feeds this city and this part of the focusing on particular projects—working on State. It is a commonsense thing to do. The them, making them work—and then moving thing that disappoints me greatly is that when on to others, not stopping and saying, "That's commonsense proposals come along, all over now. We are finished. Aren't we proposals that are presented to it on a plate, good?", as we did with the Snowy Mountains this Government cannot bring itself to carry Scheme and the Ord River project. That is them through. where it all stopped. After 200 years we have completed about two major projects. I think I will outline what water can do for a that is something we should be ashamed of. community and a district. I highlight to There is so much more we could, should and members of the House the changes that have must do. It know it is possible. I commend taken place in Dirranbandi. Probably a few those two initiatives to the Government. Government members have been out to Dirranbandi to see the change. I have said I mention dairy farmers and the before in this Parliament that there is total and deregulation that has taken place. I think all utter despair in certain areas in this State. That members know what a disaster that has been. 2314 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

That has been brought about by one reason, provide anything like that. I think it is to be and one reason only—that is, the Victorian condemned for it. It is sad and it is wrong, dairy farmers wanted to go down that track. I especially in light of the suffering of the people am sick and tired of seeing all manner of other in those communities which have helped make Governments, organisations and people being this State what it is. blamed for this. I know that when people lose We should not just walk away from people their livelihoods they become angry. After four, like that. If it costs some money, so be it. In five or six generations in the same industry the final analysis, what is money if the who can blame them for being angry? No-one Government is going to take away so much can, but it is a question of trying to be rational that has been offered by these people and the and maintaining an operation. The contribution they have made over so many Government will not do that if it tears around decades? There has been a lot of hardship all over the place blaming, condemning and so over those years. on. A recent edition of Country Life indicates that there must be unity in the ranks, and The member for Toowoomba South and I there has to be. Otherwise they will be torn were talking privately earlier. We estimate that apart by processors. Processors have no there are 450 dairy farmers in our area of the desire to keep the dairy farmers entirely Darling Downs. They have made a significant mobile. They will pick and choose who they contribution to the region. But now their want to use. The industry itself must stay incomes have been slashed to such a degree united, otherwise it will be torn to pieces. In the that it will cost the Darling Downs region same issue of Country Life the chairman of the anything up to $30m. That is not only in one National Competition Council lauded and year; that is forever more. That is lost not just praised the move by the Victorian— to them but to the total community. We have to be positive now and see what we can do Mr Rowell: I wonder if he would like to about finding other things that these people exchange positions with some of those dairy can do. Their level of expertise is so high, and farmers. the work ethic is no problem for them; they Mr COOPER: Exactly. These non-elected have worked from daylight to dark seven days bureaucratic creatures have caused so much a week. pain and angst in our community that was Mr Purcell: All their lives. never needed in the first place. Our people Mr COOPER: They have; that is right. have always been so productive and efficient, This is where I believe that the people in the yet the processors and the supermarket DPI who have the relevant expertise should chains, mainly from Victoria, have been come forward with initiatives to set these pushing this and pushing it onto other States. people on their path again, because once they Through the domino effect deregulation has are set on the path to productivity again, they now happened. I hope they feel happy will produce; they will do it again and again, as because they have destroyed the livelihood of they have done it before. I would like to see so many people, and for what? For absolutely some emphasis on this. Maybe some of that nothing! $98m of NCP money could have gone—and I say to the dairy farmers of Queensland still should go—into not just propping up that we are dreadfully sorry that this has people but providing positive, productive happened. We did not want to see it happen. methods of getting them started and set on In this Budget the Government could have, their way. It is just like the job retraining from its $98m of national competition schemes in other fields. This is just retraining payments, made a massive contribution to our people and helping them to find another way. dairy farmers, as the Federal Government did That is our responsibility, for heaven's sake. It through that scheme. That would have made is not just about dollars: "Bottom line, a big difference, but it chose to put in nothing. inefficient, you are out." These people have I think that action condemns this Government. been so efficient and have made such a contribution that I do think some money could This demonstrates what I spoke about be well spent on such measures. earlier about spin, smile and rhetoric. Those in Mr Hamill: The trouble is we won't get the Government can go on with that for a anywhere near $90m from the NCC this year. certain time, but eventually the people will see through them. Eventually they will see that the Mr COOPER: All I can say is— dairy farmers in this State have been Mr Hamill: The maximum amount that shockingly let down. I know that Western we'll get is about $80m, but they want to take Australia made a good contribution of $37m, money off us because local councils won't put direct from the State. This State did not in two-part tariffs on water. It's outrageous. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2315

Mr COOPER: There was the instance, That is why we need to assist organisations though, of local authorities, and we turned such as Bush Connection. We must also be back I think it was $250m-odd— more positive in finding new ventures for Mr Rowell: $153m. farmers—including dairy farmers—to move into once their industries have been decimated by Mr COOPER: $153m, I am sorry— shameless, disgusting, shocking policies such Mr Hamill: We've paid that out. as National Competition Policy and Mr COOPER: Right, back to the local deregulation, which have destroyed so much authorities. We wanted to see this other of what we stand for in this State. money go back to the dairy farmers. This has taught me a massive lesson, Mr Hamill: There isn't any other money. even late in my political life: you do not ever, That's the problem. ever allow your people to be sold down the drain for a theory—a theory expounded by Mr COOPER: Yes, but the one instance bureaucrats who have no idea of the human was the $153m from NCP to local authorities. side of it, who did not realise that it would hurt This one is $98m back to the dairy farmers. people so much. We do not have to be like Mr Hamill: There's no $98m. There isn't. lemmings and accept it when they say, "This is Mr COOPER: Yes, right. I have only three going to be good for you." It has not been minutes left. I am happy to talk to the good. Treasurer about it. Most of us agree that we Mr MICKEL (Logan—ALP) (8.44 p.m.): do not want to see these people go down and The great challenge for the Opposition in this end up totally destitute. Budget debate is to outline its alternative. That leads me to my final point. We have Matthew Franklin in the Courier-Mail has an organisation in Toowoomba known as Bush correctly, in my view, outlined how close the Connection. Bush Connection is a combination next State election will be. It is therefore of St Vincent de Paul and other organisations. imperative that the Opposition, as the Mrs Mary-Louise North and the other alternative Government, outlines the volunteers at Bush Connection are there to weaknesses of the Budget, and that is its role. help these people find new employment and But given that it is the alternative Government set up after their livelihoods have been and given the closeness of the next election destroyed. result, the Opposition needs to give us its plan—its alternative. Mr Hamill: And all strength to them, too. Honourable members: Ha, ha! Mr COOPER: Absolutely. The dairy farmers are the next ones on their plate. Mr MICKEL: I hear the giggling already, because members opposite know they do not I have worked closely with the Minister for have one. Family Services on this issue, because this organisation is invaluable in setting up fourth, So far, the Opposition's leadership has fifth and sixth generation farmers who have failed to do so. We have an incoherent, been forced off their land. They feel total inconsistent theme from the Opposition. failures. They have to move out, go through Variously, its theme has been that the the pain barrier and come out into another Government's spending is too much, and that world. Most of them do come through, but is at the leadership level. But at the shadow they have to be helped through. Government ministerial and backbench level, the argument assistance schemes and organisations such is that we need more spending. So the Budget as St Vinnie's and the Salvos are playing a response shows the crisis of leadership in the tremendous part. I cannot praise them Opposition. It thinks it knows what it opposes, enough, and I know that I do not do it often but it has no idea what it supports. It is a re-run enough. They are doing positive work in this of its failure on its return to Government in regard all the time. I certainly support them all 1996, when it said it would hit the ground the way. running, and all it did was run the same old We have had good support from the prejudices and hit the ground. No plan, no Minister and I sincerely hope that that ideas. Well, Queensland cannot afford a continues, because we have seen an repeat of that time, with the disruption it enormous number of suicides in our area. I brought. think that the Shire of Crows Nest would just The Opposition spokesmen so far have about lead the State in terms of the number of claimed that the GST is not an issue for the suicides. That is for all sorts of reasons, but Budget. In so saying, they have failed to one of the reasons is that people are suffering realise that, at a funding level, the GST is a enormously. This issue transcends politics. fundamental shift in funding arrangements for 2316 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 the States, because the GST further $20,000 a year to enable this to happen. I diminishes the States in Federal/State financial understand now that the Federal Government arrangements. The abolition of State growth is uncertain in its response on whether it will taxes such as the tobacco tax and the continue to fund that service. In other words, it abolition of other taxes through the GST will put it on the State Government out of a means that Queensland is in danger of diminished tax share to try to pick up a becoming a mendicant State. The Budget responsibility to the youth in electorates such papers point to the dangers, because in this as mine and, I have no doubt, in electorates Budget 45% of the revenue comes from the represented by members opposite. Federal Government. Taxes, fees and fines Given the capacity of the Federal from within Queensland amount to just 23% of Government to simply cease funding projects, Budget revenues, and those taxes, fees and leaving the States to carry the can, it is fines are made up of payroll tax, stamp duty, essential, if we want to have a proper debate land tax, gambling tax and debits tax, none of about fiscal responsibility, that the Opposition which are growth taxes in a similar fashion to leans on the Federal Government for the the cigarette tax. In other words, the funds—not over and above its entitlement, but Opposition has an estimated $4.89 billion to the funds to which Queensland is entitled. play with this year in its Budget response, and that is a reduction of 0.4%. That is the money The problem of members opposite is that that it needs to answer the calls for increased they have been silent on it in Opposition, so spending. we can expect the same inactivity in But let us really put the heat on the Government. What I am saying is that under Opposition to find the alternatives, because the parameters set down in this Budget—given health accounts for 20% of this Budget; that the three departments account for 55% of education, 25%; and public order and safety, the spending, given that taxation from within 10%. So 55% of the State Budget relates to Queensland is 23%—there is very little room to just three departments. If the spending in this manoeuvre. That is the test members opposite area or the other areas is inadequate, what have to pass, and so far they have all dodged would the Opposition eliminate from other it. They have done the first bit of opposition. departments, or which of those four taxes that That is the easy bit. The harder bit is saying we outlined would it increase? That is the acid how it would be funded. test for the Opposition. It is the question that it The Opposition speaks of needs to face up to, and it is the one that it unemployment—and that is fair enough—and has so far dodged. so it should, because one person unemployed Of course, the more immediate answer is is a social tragedy for that person and their that the Opposition could help straight away by family. However, nowhere has it said that the having the Federal Government meet its measures that are in place now do something obligation under the Regional Forest about that unemployment. I believe the Agreement and restore the balance to the answer really lies in commodities—in all the Medicare agreements by ensuring that things that my friend from Crows Nest just Queensland receives the $114m owing to it spoke about. It lies not just in commodities but over four years. That would be a tangible way in value adding those commodities. It is that we could get more money. It was never happening in Queensland with Sun Metals able to ensure this when it was the and Comalco, but the really exciting ones that Government. If the members opposite doubt I get excited about for my own electorate are it, they can ask the member for Toowoomba things such as AMH at Dinmore, a tremendous South about how the Federal Government plant that is operating at world-class capacity. I reneged on the dental funding arrangements am very much reassured that that plant, and Queensland had to pick up that because it is winning international markets, will funding—was obliged to pick it up—without put on a second shift there. It will put on any support from the Federal Government. In another thousand people, I hope—1,200— other words, it was money that we had to find and I hope that some of those 1,200 people in Queensland just to keep that service going. come from my electorate because it is only 20 I understand that the Federal minutes away, given our enhanced road Government is now trying to do a similar network. exercise with full service funding, that is, I think what is happening at KR Darling funding given to high schools for students who Downs is tremendously exciting. I have been had to attend school or have their youth up there and inspected its new line. I am quite allowance abolished. In my electorate, the confident that KR Darling Downs will soon put high schools receive the princely sum of on 200 extra people. There is every reason to 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2317 be confident when one sees the Japanese All the componentry in those factories I investment there, with Nippon Meat's purchase have just mentioned is manufactured in the of a piggery. That will give it sufficient Archerfield or Inala electorates. I make no throughput. That will create the jobs. The apologies for saying I would love some of it in Honourable Deputy Premier made a decision my electorate, because that is the way we can in relation to Country Choice. I have been out create jobs. and spoken with Trevor Lee. There are I pay tribute to some other private sector tremendous opportunities there. We have investment in Browns Plains through Zupps, seen the decisions recently in Murgon and which has proven to be a tremendous Rockhampton. These are the driving forces to community worker that gives something back help value add those commodities. to the community. Mr Palaszczuk: Charleville. I now turn to some of the great things that Mr MICKEL: Absolutely. I take the are in this Budget for my electorate. I do so interjection about Charleville. I have spoken to very proudly and very briefly. The greatest the member for Warrego about the exciting announcement has been the investment by things that are happening out there with the the Government and its willingness to put in goat abattoir. It is tremendous news, $2.5m for a new TAFE campus at Browns particularly for that town. I think that it is a very Plains. This is what we wanted. One of the sad exciting industry to be in. If I can use our things about my electorate is its low skills base. private conversation in this context: the I represent one of the lowest skills-based Minister said that he hoped that it had electorates in Queensland. mopped up the unemployment in Charleville. I There is no doubt about it: if you can think that is what he said to me. obtain the skills, your ability to not only obtain Another area of great excitement is what but retain long-term employment is enhanced. is happening with Golden Circle. Anybody who This initiative, I believe, will start to pitch the has been to see the new range it has put on— skills and the job training to where they are the new plant and equipment and the jobs needed. Tomorrow we will have another and opportunities that are flowing from that— hospitality graduation at the RSL run in would agree these are great success stories. conjunction with the TAFE. The great news is The member for Toowoomba South this: 65% of those people who do that course reminded me of a matter and I would be have a job in hospitality before they even neglectful if I overlooked it. That is the great graduate. I pay a tribute to the Minister for opportunity with National Foods, so derided by making sure that happened. He has been very my friend from Southport, who is not here to sympathetic in that respect. respond. I cannot understand the honourable I also pay tribute to the community groups gentleman's thinking. It is $26m of its own in my area who have given long-term investment. He derides it time and time again. unemployed people a chance through the It has created jobs in my electorate, but it is Community Jobs Plan. There are many of also creating a market in some Opposition them, but I particularly want to pay tribute members' electorates. These are Queensland tonight to the St Bernardines parish in my jobs. As a direct result of that investment in my electorate. They came to me 12 months ago electorate, that company attracted another with a project. Those kids have finished that company to do bottling, and so there are project. It is a tremendous community asset, further jobs as a result of that. Because that not just for the parish but for the community at factory went there, they have talked up the large. tremendous opportunities with the road The other aspect I touch on is an aspect network there. that nobody wants to talk about much, and We have now seen Coles Myer set up its that is BoysTown. We tend to think if we park distribution network in that area. I think there somebody in BoysTown somehow they will are tremendous opportunities in the electorate reform and they will get better. BoysTown runs of Archerfield and certainly that back part of a shop in my electorate and it runs a link-up the Inala. All of them will be derived from service in the electorate of Woodridge. Those primary industries. That is the big employment kids now have won a contract to build fencing driver in the electorate of the Honourable the around some of the Housing Department Minister for Primary Industries and I know it is a houses in nearby electorates. They have also driver in my electorate. Absolutely! Whether it been doing some work around the schools in be trucking or Inghams, National Foods or the my electorate and people have been spin-offs that go with that, we know on which overwhelmed by the willingness of these kids side our bread is buttered down there. to get in, get the job done and make a very 2318 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 valuable and positive contribution to the I want to also congratulate the Minister for community. I pay tribute to John Perry and the Emergency Services, who represents my BoysTown Link-Up people for the great job neighbouring electorate. He understands what that they have done there. is going on with Park Ridge and the need to I would also be neglectful if I did not redevelop the ambulance station there. It congratulate my Browns Plains police. They serves a massive area—again a growth have been on my back ever since I have been area—and a major highway corridor. It is good elected, telling me how much they need that to see that that is happening. On top of that, Browns Plains Police Station enlarged, and we have road funding for the Mount Lindesay they have— Highway and the southern bypass—all of which is needed. This year we will see the final Mr Cooper: I want one, too. downpayment of $5m towards the $65m Mr MICKEL: The member might want development of the Logan Hospital. That is all one; I did all the work to get mine. The fact of great news. the matter is that Browns Plains has been a For the local schools, there is another growth area— $500,000 this year to help give schools such Mr Rowell: Pork-barrelling. as Regents Park, which is in a rapidly growing Mr MICKEL: The member says that it is area, a new music block, which it has needed, pork-barrelling. It is a growth area. and to provide facilities for schools such as Park Ridge and Browns Plains. I am pleased Mr Rowell interjected. also to see that the Greenbank State School Mr MICKEL: The member said that it was Received money for two extra classrooms. We pork-barrelling. I heard him. The fact of the are helping to make the Park Ridge State matter is that Browns Plains is a growth area, School area safer. The service road is very and we need police for a growth area. If any dangerous. We are giving $50,000 to the member wants to deny that, then they should Logan City Council, which I hope will spend come down and tell the police in that area. that money on enhancing off-street parking for They will be absolutely rapt to hear that. The the Park Ridge State School. fact is that half a million dollars will be used to On top of that, we need electricity expand the station and for the first time that upgrades, because some of those acreage will enable us to place the Juvenile Aid areas suffer from electricity brownouts and Bureau. The member for Crows Nest, being a electricity disruption. These days, people want former Police Minister, knows that, in a young a safe and secure electricity supply. There is area such as my electorate, having the $1.5m going into Browns Plains to make sure Juvenile Aid Bureau on site working with the that that happens. There is several million community—as it will—will soon spot the dollars going into North Maclean to provide troublemakers. that rapidly growing Jimboomba area with a The other thing that is happening in safe and secure electricity supply. Equally, conjunction with that is the opening of a new things are happening in the Beaudesert area Police Beat at the Grand Plaza, which will to make sure that that happens there also. enhance the work of the Browns Plains police. We have waited very patiently for the I want to pay tribute to those guys, because infrastructure to be placed in my area. This is most of them are young and keen. It goes the year of the great start for it, but what is without saying that the fellows and ladies who spearheading it more than anything is the work for the Queensland Police Service in my Government's recognition that to do electorate would see more from the disruptive something positive about unemployment it side of society in a couple of months than they needs to skill the people and to skill them it would see in some of the electorates of provided the money we need to make sure members opposite in a much longer period. that that Browns Plains campus goes ahead. That is a fact. They are all very young people, For that reason, I am very, very pleased with but they are dedicated, they are keen and I the Budget and I commend it to the House. am quite happy to be in their corner and back Mr HORAN (Toowoomba South—NPA) them at every chance, and so is the (9.04 p.m.): This Budget, more than any other Government with this money. Budget, is being subjected to public scrutiny Of course, on top of that we have the new because of a leaked document that came police station at Calamvale/Sunnybank Hills, from Minister Elder's office. The crucial part of which will enhance a rapidly growing area of that leaked document was the statement, southern Brisbane. So all of those things were "Don't reveal what we know internally." So needed. everybody is making sure that they check to 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2319 see what it is that is going on internally in this of the electricity corporations is being Budget. plundered by this Government, leaving them I think that this Budget could be described virtually nothing with which to put up new poles as a Budget that is at the top of a slippery dip, or to provide the ongoing maintenance and or one third of the way down a slippery dip. I development that is so important in something think that it can also be described as a Budget as high tech as our electricity supply. that has been designed just to sneak the The raid on the reserves has continued Government through for the next 10 months. It with the raid on the auctioneers and agents is a Budget that is designed to allow the fund. Under the Goss Government, there was Government to just creak on and crawl towards a famous raid of that fund. Now that that fund an election. After that election, all the has built up a bit more, this Government is problems will really start to emerge from some again up the hollow log with a forked stick and of the basic foundations of this Budget that out come the reserves of the auctioneers and are wrong and from some of the basic agents fund. We are seeing rising debt in both foundations that are declining. the Government accounts and in the accounts The Beattie Government's third Budget is of the Government owned corporations. slowly diminishing the once-great financial Business investment in Queensland—and this position of Queensland. That can be seen by is the real measurement; this is the real almost every important point upon which a criterion of whether the Government is creating Budget is judged. This is the third time in a row growth and jobs—has declined by 5.75%. At that there is an underlying cash deficit. As far the same time, throughout other parts of as we can tell from these Budget papers, Australia business investment grew by 3.75%. which are designed to be very, very difficult to So in this regard we are way behind the rest of extrapolate and work out what is happening, Australia, and that percentage backs up all of this State is now facing a minimum $1.6 billion those other key indicators of how a State is underlying cash deficit. Economic growth is so going. The decline is there. It is gradual. Year important to the way in which we can provide after year, it is a steady, consistent decline. for jobs and bring new money into the State, Another important criterion is machinery thereby creating growth and creating jobs. and equipment purchases. In Queensland, it is Under the coalition, that growth rate was at minus 0.75%. It has dropped by 0.75%. 5.7%. From this Government, we have had However, throughout other parts of Australia, growth rates of 4.75%, 4.25% and a projected machinery and equipment purchases have 3.75%—dropping about 0.5 of a percent each increased by 9%. Again that is another year. That, of course, leads on to jobs growth, indication that Queensland, which was once which in 1997-98 was 3.2%. But in 1998-99, it the proud leader of Australia, is slowly sliding dropped to 2.7%. During this past financial down the Beattie slippery dip. year of 1999-2000, it has dropped again to Capital works projects are the important 2.2%. In two short years, there has been a public sector catalyst to making things happen 30% decline in jobs growth. in the State. Only 10% of the capital works Those people who want to run a good projects listed in this Budget are new projects. household or look after their income should No wonder business and industry are asking look at their borrowings—how much have they what we will do in about a year's time. If we go borrowed? How much is it safe to borrow? It through the capital works projects portfolio by must be remembered that, in relation to portfolio, we see how many of them are repeat borrowings, we have to not only pay back the projects that were not commenced last year or capital but also we have to pay the interest which had only a small proportion of the total each year. In the case of the Government, allocation spent on them. They have been those interest payments reduce the amount of rolled over and we again see them on the list money that the Government has available to of capital works projects. provide the core services of health, police, I mentioned that business investment is education, railways, court services and so minus 5.75% for Queensland and 3.25% for forth. Australia. This is a temporary Budget. This is a However, under this Budget the debt level Budget that does not address the of Government owned corporations is raised. fundamentals, because the Government They are now borrowing about 80% of their knows there will be an election in 10 months. capital requirements. There is an increase in The Government is putting it on Bankcard and the amount being taken from those pushing the inevitable aside. The Government Government owned corporations by this is attempting to sneak through the Budget and Government. Ninety-five percent of the surplus through the next election. The Budget after 2320 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 that will be the one where we will have to see operational policing allowance for the vast some dramatic action, otherwise Queensland majority of police officers on operational will be in real trouble. allowances, from 19% to 21%. It will have to I wish to speak about the Police budget. pay for the increase in pay points for senior Last financial year we became aware of sergeants and sergeants acting in officer-in- serious problems in the Police Service across charge positions. It will have to pay for the the length and breadth of Queensland. In the increased promotion points at senior constable early part of the last financial year complaints and constable level that came into existence started to surface about cutbacks in overtime as a result of the newly struck EB. How will all arrangements, shortages of training funds, of that be paid for from an increase such as money for fuel, computer repairs and this one? I heard a previous speaker referring maintenance, police housing for families in to it as an austere increase. However, the rural and remote parts of the State—shortages Government is trying to sustain an increase in in almost every area. The budget increase of numbers in the Police Service similar to that 4% was barely enough to cover the wage promised by the coalition Government. It has increase as a result of the 325-odd additional to provide the funds for that increase in police brought into the service through the recurrent funding each year. massive recruitment program the coalition put I turn to the capital funding for the Police in place in 1997 and the 3% EB increase that Service, which is down from $96m last year to had to be paid during that full financial year. If $82.5m this year—a cut of some $13.5m. That we work out the EB cost and the cost of 325 is a savage slashing of the capital works officers for a full 12 months, we see that a funding for the Police Service. There are only massive amount of money was needed, but it three new police stations in this year's capital was not even covered by the increase at that works program. All of the others will be just stage. That meant that every single region had rolled over and are ongoing. to ask the districts to cut back a bit. I know of Perhaps the most amazing and savage one district in north Queensland that had to cut of all is that to the plant and equipment cut $93,000 from its budget and deliver it to budget. Everybody knows that the Police regional headquarters. But it got nothing back Service needs the wherewithal to do its job. out of it. It thought it might have got a car. It The police need vehicles, protective vests, had police stations that were desperately short torches, computers, handcuffs, first-aid of cars. Nothing at all came back to that equipment, maps and so on. But the plant district. and equipment budget, including that for the What do we see this year? Is there any motor vehicles for the Police Service, will be improvement? This year's Police budget, on a cut from $58.68m to $51.23m—a drop of budget-to-budget basis, has increased by $7.5m. That would be bad enough if the 5.2%. That is 1.2% more than it increased last Police Service were maintaining the same year. If we calculate 1.2% of the estimated number of officers it had last year. Even if actual for 1999-2000, we see that it is worth there were zero growth, we would say, "Isn't about $9m. What will the $9m pay for? It will this terrible? We're cutting the plant and have to pay for the $6m in extra Olympics equipment budget, including the cars—one of tasks that will have to be undertaken by the the most important assets in the day-to-day police. That is completely new this year. It will work of police—by $7.5m, or almost 12%." have to pay for about $2m in DNA equipment. However, what will we provide in the way of Again, that is completely new this year. It will cars and equipment for the 357 new police have to pay for the additional Glock firearms. I who will come through this year, commencing understand that that is somewhere in the order with the first month of the financial year? What of $2m this year. It has to pay also for the will they do? Sit at their desks? There will not additional police officers coming into the be any cars for them. Perhaps the service over and above the average coming Government plan involves their running these through each year—about 325. The Budget cars to dangerous levels and increasing the papers indicate that it will be in the order of mileage at which they are sold. That is another 357 this year. pointer that this is a holding budget, with the I predict that the restrictions on the Police Government just crawling through to the next Service budget this year will be the same as election with inadequate funding and they were in the previous financial year, if not foundations for the whole Budget. The police worse. The budget increase simply has not will have cars that are less safe because they been sufficient to cope with the additional will have a higher mileage. police officers, the 3% enterprise bargaining The purpose of the police is to be out and increase and the 2% increase in the about deterring crime and responding to 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2321 calls—getting out and doing things. It is not range crossing, mooted for just north of their job to be tied to the police station Toowoomba, is another such proposed because they do not have a car. Similarly, if development. It would take away all the B- they do not have any computers they cannot doubles and semitrailers that currently trundle do their reports. The cut in the equipment and roar through the main east-west street of budget is one of the most amazing cuts of all Toowoomba, James Street. Of all the roads in time. It is hard to understand how the Australia, that part of the Warrego Highway Government could have done this. carries the heaviest freight load. It is the main The other thing I wish to comment on is route from Brisbane to Melbourne and from the manner in which this Budget has been Brisbane to Darwin. designed to cover up things wherever possible Vision 2000 on the Darling Downs has and to make it difficult for people to determine been looking at a proposal for a pipeline to what is happening within the Budget. This is carry recycled water from south-east true perhaps no more so than with respect to Queensland through to the Lockyer Valley, the assets tax. In 1999-2000 the assets tax where about 50,000 megalitres would be was shown clearly. However, it is not shown dropped off. About 90,000 to 100,000 clearly this year. The departments face a tax of megalitres would then be carried through to about 6% on the net increase in value of their the Darling Downs. That is a magnificent capital assets minus any decreases due to vision—one of the great things that could bring depreciation and so forth. We will be about huge increases in exports. If this examining that issue a lot further during the pipeline carrying recycled water over the range Estimates hearings. The total operational became a reality, the immediate benefit of an budget for police and the capital they require is increase of $150m in agricultural sales would far less than the vote coming in from this be seen within about six months. That is with Appropriation Bill. That will no doubt be money the existing infrastructure and the existing that will be coming through via the process of operations on the Darling Downs. depreciation and equity. The proposal for a transport and I wish to make some comments about warehouse hub on the downs—and the fast capital works in my electorate of Toowoomba. train to Brisbane—whether it be built by private This year the police station has received enterprise or a combination of Government $100,000 towards a total project cost of about and councils, could also provide a huge boost $10.5m, of which about $1.5m has already to the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region. been expended on preliminary works. This All of these things that are starting to become police station is vital. Interim arrangements a reality have to come over the range. A have been put in place to allow the Traffic commission, a corporation or a well-organised Branch and Scenes of Crime to move to a coordinating committee is needed to make temporary building up the road, which is quite these things happen as one. Whether a tunnel suitable on that basis. $100,000 will cover only is built or a passage is cut through the range, if the plans. It is essential that this work the road, the rail—despite the difference in commence in the new financial year. There is gradients—and the water were put through a desperate need for a modern watch-house together, the contributions that come from that is connected to the courthouse. each of these different projects would help The funds for the completion of the acute fund the construction of that particular tunnel mental health unit at the hospital are in the or passage. Budget, and I welcome that. The funds for the In the case of the inland rail line, Everald Baillie Henderson Hospital redevelopment are Compton has told me that, if the Government in this Budget. There are also some funds for provided assistance or if it was obtained additional works to be undertaken at the TAFE through coordinating between parties, the line college and for the Cobb & Co. Museum. I could then be taken further up to Gladstone welcome all of those funds. because of the savings that could be made, Toowoomba is on the cusp of some of despite the huge cost of going through the the most exciting development for range. Building a tunnel through the range generations. The company that proposes the would open up the west like we would not Australian inland rail line, ATEC—the believe. It would reduce the pumping costs for Australian Transport and Energy Corporation— the water, gas lines could come through and under the leadership of Everald Compton, has all sorts of other things could happen. The demonstrated that this private sector project economic growth from the increased exports from Melbourne through to the port of would be quite spectacular and the benefits Brisbane can be a goer financially. The second would flow all over Queensland. 2322 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

Toowoomba is rapidly developing as a projects—ports, electricity and those types of headquarters city because of its beauty, developments—being built. The thing that housing, schooling and sport. I congratulate disappoints me greatly is the fact that more Telstra Countrywide for selecting Toowoomba could have been done for the future as its Queensland headquarters and also as development of the State. If the Government the site for one of its area offices. Suncorp- is not going to undertake that type of Metway is giving consideration to Toowoomba development, then it is not going to create as the location for a call centre. The opportunities. Whether it is opportunities for beautification of Margaret Street and Ruthven people to have jobs, opportunities for Street by the council using Government funds businesses to flourish or whatever, those sorts that were provided last year for this project has of projects must be undertaken if we are ever certainly been a great boost. One of the going to be successful in growing this State. exciting things for Toowoomba is the potential Before me I have the Primary Industries redevelopment of the old courthouse and the budget. It appears that there will be an old post office. That will make us one of the increase in funding of about $6.9m, from most attractive inland tourist cities in Australia. $283m up to $289,897,000. They are the Finally, I want to mention four sporting figures that are listed here, and of course there organisations that are seeking some are some forecasts for total revenues which assistance. They are doing a lot of fundraising are higher. On the surface that looks very on their own. One is the Police Citizens Youth significant. However, I make the observation Club, of which I am proud to be a patron. We that other things are going to be included in have put a deputation to the Minister for Sport the budget, such as $10m for the East Coast seeking some assistance. The Toowoomba Trawl Fishery. This is quite important, because City Council is prepared to put the money in we are getting involved in a buyback scheme first—about $400,000. It is looking for some to reduce the effort out there in the fisheries. I $400,000 through that sports grant system for know that over a period discussions have been the PCYC, which has about 3,000 members. It held between the Commonwealth is a great organisation. Government, the Queensland Commercial Fishermen's Organisation and the State St Mary's Old Boys at St Mary's College is Government. building a major indoor complex right in the geographical heart of the city. The Harristown The total plan that has been put up by State High School, through its parents and the QCFO which is now being considered is citizens organisation, is extending the good $30m, of which the State is contributing some gymnastics and sporting facilities that it has $10m. Then we also see that there is $24.8m built through its own efforts over the years. At for the South-East Queensland Regional the famous athletic oval, the home of so many Forest Agreement, of which $8.9m is going to Rugby League champions over the years, the be spent this year. As I have pointed out, that great galloping Clydesdales of Toowoomba is all going to be included in this budget. are looking to put in some decent facilities in Then, of course, we have rural community the grandstand and associated facilities. development. As the output statement shows, this is delivered by the Office of Rural I strongly urge the Government to provide Communities and Rural Industry Business funding for all of these projects to provide the Services. So they are all going to be lumbered great inland City of Toowoomba with some into one. Quite a bit of money is involved reasonable facilities. While other parts of the there. I understand it is going to amount to State have their ports, coalmines and something like $29.843m for 2000-01. We will seaboard facilities, Toowoomba has the be looking at that very closely during the agriculture and the ability of the people who course of the Estimates hearings because I will farm the land—the best land in the world. All be wanting to know more about that, and I am we need is water. It would provide an sure that the Minister will be able to enlighten immediate economic boost to the downs and us to a great extent. Queensland if that became a reality. On top of that we are seeing quite a Mr ROWELL (Hinchinbrook—NPA) substantial reduction in the staff of the (9.24 p.m.): The thing that disappoints me department. We have seen something like most about this Budget is its lack of vision in 279 positions going from DPI, and that is on relation to the development of Queensland. top of a drop from the forecast in 1999-2000. When we look around the great State of Queensland we see so many projects that Mr Palaszczuk: Where are they going? have gone on over a long period. We talk Mr ROWELL: I am just saying that that is about dams and a lot of infrastructure what appears in the Budget papers. The 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2323

Minister can respond during the Estimates Philippines wants to be difficult, we can simply hearings and tell us where they are going. say, "We've got other markets besides you. There is a reduction shown in the Budget We will go to those markets rather than sell to papers, and he can tell me about it during the you." If the Philippines insists on exporting its Estimates hearings. If he wants to tell me now bananas or pineapples into Australia, we must he is more than welcome, but he will be taking be in a position to sell our live cattle elsewhere up some of my time and I do not want him to in the world. It may take two weeks to get the do that. cattle to China. They will go to a facility near There was also a reduction in staff last the Pearl River. However, I can assure year of 137 positions. We are seeing some members that that project is well under way. substantial drops in the Primary Industries The wool industry has been in the budget. We will deal with that in the Estimates doldrums for some time. However, there hearings. I am sure we will have an interesting appears to be more confidence in that time. industry, and that is great. It is an industry that has been worth a lot to Queensland in the Another matter that I want to deal with is past. Exciting opportunities exist to combine the fact that at the farm gate rural industries in wool with other fibres. The industry has been Queensland are worth something like very cyclical. I remember that in the late 1960s $6 billion. That is a very considerable amount it was gone for all money. There was no of money. I heard the member for Logan confidence in the industry. People were talking about the slaughtering of cattle and the packing up and leaving their properties. works at Dinmore in his electorate. That is However, it turned out to be a very substantial great, because they have the potential to industry in the 1970s and early 1980s. supply not only the domestic industry but also the export industry. The other industry that I want to mention is the dairy industry. Of course, this Parliament Queensland has a very big cattle industry. has just passed legislation which deregulates We have to look for every possible opportunity the dairy industry in this State, as is happening to sell our cattle and meat. An important throughout Australia. We can talk about the component of the cattle industry is the live $98m if the Minister wishes, but the fact is that cattle export trade. We send cattle to the Western Australian Government supported Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries. its dairy farmers to the extent of $37m. The Recently I looked at what was happening in WA dairy industry is only half the size of the China in regard to this trade. When the industry in Queensland, yet the Government coalition was in Government it signed put that money up. I ask the Minister to take agreements to start a live cattle export trade to notice of that, because it is a very important China. I believe that that will be well under way issue. I hear stories of people sitting behind within three to four months. That initiative their sheds crying. They are absolutely means that cattle will be purchased from distraught. Queensland and exported to China. Mr Nuttall: Have you got anything positive Concern has been expressed about the to say at all? Have you ever got anything attitude of some Governments in Australia to positive to say? You always stand up here and the live cattle export trade. Some people whinge. believe that exporting live cattle will mean that Mr ROWELL: I thank the member. fewer cattle will be available for purchase by Queensland processors. It has to be Mr Nuttall: Be constructive. understood that certain sectors of Queensland Mr ROWELL: I would like the member to are disadvantaged by our sale system. swap places with some of those dairy farmers Graziers should have the capacity to get a and see how he gets on. He would not last a price on their cattle and then ship them out week. from any port, be it Karumba or Townsville. The fishing industry is another important Therefore, there are good prospects for those industry that has been mentioned. John Olsen who want to engage in that trade. That is just is a very good president and he is an another string to add to the bow of those who important person within that industry because, work in the cattle industry. The people involved over time, he has worked very closely with in that industry work hard and deserve to be bycatch reduction devices. He will certainly rewarded. make major improvements in the credibility of As to the live cattle export trade to the the industry. The executive director, Ted Philippines, it is imperative that we have other Loveday, has also done a lot for the industry. markets where we can sell cattle. Then, if the Good things will come from that industry in the 2324 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 future. The aquaculture industry is also very A major issue worrying the industry at important to Queensland. present, and I have written to the Minister Mr Mickel: I reckon we have a great about it, is the fact that rats are destroying edge there in Indonesia. crops. The use of Racumen, the rodenticide currently being used, is onerous. In relation to Mr ROWELL: There is no doubt about Q124, the canopy is being affected. It is that. The coastal strip, particularly in my part of starting to become very open within the cane the world, contains 500 or 600 hectares of itself. That results in grass and weeds growing aquaculture. into the cane, and that leads to higher protein Mr Mickel: We have the edge in levels. One of the main requirements of technology and expertise, too. pregnant rats is a high protein diet, and that in turn enables those rats to produce at a faster Mr ROWELL: Yes, but we are also taking rate. some expertise from other countries. Because of that, we will probably have a better industry The industry is facing enormous problems than many of them. Many other countries at present with cane grubs. We are using slow have massive problems in relation to release chemicals in order to combat them. discharge, whilst we are tightening things up in Another chemical which has recently come on that respect. We have to be careful that we do the market which is actually a fungus is called not go overboard and make it difficult for metarhizium. The industry, particularly in the people who want to operate in the industry to areas from Mackay north, is in a difficult make a reasonable income. However, it is position. Its crops are predominantly the Q124 important to have stringent controls. Our variety. In fact, I believe that that variety industry involves crustaceans, barramundi, cod constitutes up to 90% of farmers' crops in that and coral trout. I know that a lot of work is area, and for some growers it is 100%. It is a being carried out in Cairns in breeding lesser percentage further north. Nevertheless, fingerlings of those species. If our industry can that is having a detrimental effect on the grow these species in a dam rather than on a productivity of the crop. Sugar levels are low reef, that will give the industry a major and tonnage is extremely low. With poor world advantage. The value of products such as prices and crop quality being substantially those on Asian markets is enormous. The reduced, revised estimates are 60% lower than industry in Australia is also expanding to crab the original estimate, which is even lower than and pearl production. Cultured pearls were in years gone by. Sugarcane producers will very popular in the past. Growing cultured have some very low returns. pearls in Australia also has some great Ethanol is another very interesting aspect prospects. of the sugar industry. The Johnstone Shire Council, with its mayor, Barry Moyle, and Gary I turn now to the sugar industry. At Hopkins, is working very hard on the ethanol present, there has been an improvement in project. It has some great prospects. One of the price paid for our sugar. However, the the great things about ethanol is that it is a problem we must now face is that, when the much cleaner burning fuel, which means that price for sugar was low and looked as though it less carbon goes into the atmosphere. The would drop through the floor, a substantial likes of the Australian Greenhouse Office, amount of sugar was sold for a fairly low price. particularly with the Harwood mill, is now Of course, that is always the risk with the running a project with the Manildra corporation forward selling of a crop such as sugar. to try to extract ethanol from the bagasse that However, we are fortunate at present that is left after the sugar has been taken out of there is a massive difference between the the cane. Australian dollar and the American dollar. Our dollar is only worth US60c. These are very positive developments that we should be looking at. I am a little Mr Malone: It is 57c today. disappointed that we do not see too much of Mr ROWELL: It may be 57c today, but it that sort of thing in this Budget. I think it is the is cyclical. It will go above and below that level. sort of thing we have to push. I know that the I am simply striking a mean average of about push for the use of ethanol has come and 60c, but it does go below that quite a bit. That gone. Every time sugar prices are very low the is a major advantage for our export industries. ethanol industry starts to revive. I think this It is not good for imports such as fertiliser and time it has a more than even chance of farm implements, but we can live with that success. It is disappointing to see that the because we can put off buying those items in State Government is not prepared to support the short term and take advantage of the the Federal Government in the package that is exchange rate. being put together by canegrowers and the 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2325 industry in general to assist the industry Hon. K. W. HAYWARD (Kallangur—ALP) through this very difficult period. (9.44 p.m.): It is a pleasure to speak in this In the short period of time remaining to Budget debate. I take this opportunity to me I will mention the horticultural industry, congratulate the Treasurer on the effort and which is very important and worth almost $1 the work he put into producing the 2000-01 billion to the State. The banana industry is Budget. worth around $240m. A major part of the I think there is a general confidence about industry is located in the northern part of the economic future of Queensland, Australia Queensland. That industry is facing problems. and, for that matter, the world. I think history The Philippines is currently trying to export its will show that this time was one of the bananas and pineapples to Australia. One of economic highlights of recorded historical the things we can do is say to the Philippines, development. We have had nine continuous "If you insist on carrying on this type of trade, years of economic growth and, in simple we will find some other markets for our live terms, there is no end in sight. I think history cattle exports." will show that what is now occurring is a world One of the major concerns of the banana economic boom so continuous as to mark this industry is black sigatoka. Moko is another time in history as unique. We are in some sort problem. Black sigatoka is prevalent in a lot of of new economic or mercantile age. the island regions of the Pacific. Some In the context of that continuous period of resistant varieties of banana have been economic growth, I think this Budget has been developed over a period of time. The banana developed in a difficult and unpredictable industry has been particularly good at dealing environment. I think all members of Parliament with this type of situation. In fact, a couple of and certainly those working within the Treasury years ago there was a major outbreak at would have to acknowledge that there was Alexander Farms, which is just north of the some understandable nervousness in the Daintree. The industry actually sponsored and framing of this Budget. A number of points financially assisted that producer to plough in would have come up in discussion on the the bananas and lay the soil fallow for a period development of this Budget. The most obvious of time to enable the black sigatoka to be one would have been: what will be the effect completely eradicated. That producer suffered of the GST on the Queensland economy? I a massive loss. This person was supplying am not sure it is something anybody can know bananas to Japan—into the bargain, they with any certainty, particularly with regard to were organic bananas. I think what he was the twin issues of consumer demand and doing is quite interesting. He was probably the inflation. The second question that would have major grower of organic fruit anywhere in arisen in the context of framing this Budget Queensland, and supplying a market such as would have been: what will be the effect of Japan was a major plus. rising interest rates, should they occur, on the Mr Mickel: What was his name? Queensland economy? Mr ROWELL: He was from Alexander Budget Paper No. 2 shows that inflation Farms, just north of the Daintree. Reichardt is will be substantially affected by the one-off his name. impact on consumer prices associated with the The mango industry is also growing in introduction of the GST. It refers to a one-off terms of the number of trees in the Burdekin effect of inflation forecast at 5.75%. That is a and in the Mareeba area. B74 is a new variety. substantial increase on what we have become New varieties take years to develop. They are used to in recent times—in Queensland, in not developed in one or two years. Seven or Australia and in a world context. That one-off eight years of work would probably have been effect is predicted. We cannot be absolutely done before a variety such as this was certain about what effect that will have in the developed. It is good to see new varieties context of financing in Queensland. coming on. It is good to see that there is a With the introduction of the GST I think prospect of the mangoes going into markets there will be a lot of price confusion, which can such as Japan. be expected to have an impact on underlying Of course, there have been some consumption patterns. Again, we do not know problems with marketing in the southern for sure how consumers will react to the markets of this State. Over my time as Minister introduction of the GST and whether they will I saw—I am sure the current Minister is aware vary what they normally buy. I think these are of this—some shenanigans going on with, we important issues which made the framing of believed, the supermarkets. this Budget particularly difficult and particularly Time expired. challenging. 2326 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

There are other questions that need to be particularly in consumer demand and also in considered in the context of this Budget. housing investment. I have tried to present Firstly, how will demand be influenced? during my speech an argument that weaker Secondly, given that demand will be economic growth may not necessarily occur in influenced in some way, how will consumption Queensland. patterns be affected? The Budget papers The difficulty for someone reading the argue that the growth in household Budget papers in detail is the contrast in consumption in 2000-01 will be 4%, down from claims. Budget Paper No. 3 uses as examples 5% in 1999-2000. I have some difficulty in when it talks about the matters of business understanding why there would be a decline in investment a circumstance of higher interest household consumption. Given the rates and a continuing low Australian dollar acceptance of the GST by the community— exchange rate. But Budget Paper No. 2 states one only has to look at various opinion polls to that the critical assumptions of the Budget see what people think of the GST—and the forecasts in 2000-01 are that there will be no money from tax cuts which has now been put future tightening in monetary policy by the in people's pockets, I think it could logically be Reserve Bank of Australia. In other words, argued that demand will be maintained or in there will be no change in interest rates and a fact could increase. moderate appreciation in the Australian dollar I think there will be a similar situation with exchange rate by around 5% to 10% by June dwelling investment. It grew strongly in 1999- 2001. If one reads these Budget papers 2000, as the Budget papers said, by 7.5%. It carefully, one is faced with a difficult question, is forecast to decline by 4% in 2000-01. That is or certainly a question, and that is: which what the Budget papers say. Again, I have Budget paper assumption is right, certainly on some difficulty understanding why a decline of the issue of interest rates? this magnitude would occur, given that the I find it difficult to understand why the $7,000 first home buyers grant is available and assumptions used in Budget Paper No. 3 given—and this is a very important given, of dealing with business investment have claims course—a stable interest environment. So I of higher interest rates, yet the forecasts that again find it a real challenge to explain why are used in Budget Paper No. 2 are that there dwelling investment would decline from the will be no further tightening in monetary policy current growth of 7.5% and would decline by by the Reserve Bank of Australia, and that is 4.5% during the year 2000-01. I cannot see, the assumption on which that paper is based. logically, why that would occur. Of course, as I If we accept Budget Paper No. 2—and I am said, the assumption in the argument I present prepared to do that, because I like the notion is that interest rates in Australia will remain that there will be no increase in interest rates competitive and stable. I think there is a during the next 12 months, and it says here general acceptance by most people that that that it is a critical assumption—then why would will occur. business investment fall to the extent claimed Budget Paper No. 3 says that business in this Budget? I do not think, logically, that investment is expected to decline in 2000-01, that can occur. with a forecast fall of 5.75%. We have seen As I said earlier, I want to congratulate the recently in local newspapers that people have Treasurer on this Budget. This is certainly a been talking about how that will occur and the difficult period, and it is a difficult period which difficulty that will be experienced because of its has been highlighted by the introduction of the occurrence. The Budget paper says that that GST. The point about the introduction of the will comprise a decline in investment in other GST and its effect on introducing a Budget buildings and structures of 0.75% and a fall in now is that it leads to uncertainty about what investment in machinery and equipment, the future could hold. No-one can be which has been forecast to fall by 8.25%. The absolutely sure about what will happen, but if Budget papers claim that the positive impact one has been out there talking to people over of lower capital costs due to the new tax the last couple of weeks one would be aware system will be more than offset by weaker that people seem to have generally accepted economic growth, higher interest rates and a what the GST is about. They have accepted continuing low Australian dollar exchange rate. it—they may not like it, but they have accepted The question that I ask, as it is set out in these it—but they also have accepted the notion of papers, is: why would this decline occur? I extra money in their pockets because of the spoke before about why I think the growth tax cuts. I think that will have the effect of forecasts contained in the Budget will be driving consumption expenditure. So, as I said, exceeded. I think there is a logical argument this has been a difficult period because of the that I have presented as to why that will occur, introduction of the GST and the potential for 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2327 rising interest rates. That is always around the The parents, staff and students of the corner as well. The Treasurer has measured Burpengary State School have welcomed the those risks, and I think he has measured those Budget because it has provided funding for a risks very well, and he has produced a record double-storey general learning area. What has Budget with an operating surplus of $40m. I been most welcomed—because my office has think he has handled a difficult and complex had phone calls about it today—is the task extremely well, and it will be extremely allocation for maintenance work: replacing the good for the future of Queensland. leaking pre-school roof and repainting the old My belief is that the forecasts and the administration building roof. As I said, there assumptions contained in the Budget papers have been calls from parents to my office are conservative. That is the simple point that I today congratulating us for that very important am trying to make tonight. They will be easily allocation. met during the next 12 months, and by this I will take the opportunity to highlight two time next year they will ensure that Budget issues which, although located outside Queensland's economic position will be much the Kallangur electorate, will have a direct and stronger than envisaged in these Budget positive effect on people residing in the area. papers. In other words, next year, because of The first is the continued upgrade of the rail the present circumstances and because of the service by expanding to three the tracks to conservative nature of the forecasts and the Petrie and the completion of the track assumptions contained in the Budget papers, signalling upgrade to Caboolture. The effect of we will be in a very strong position—better than that is that train travellers will now be able to these Budget papers predict. Whatever get to their destinations faster, and the happens, it is a win/win situation for the expansion of the rail lines with the improved Queensland economy. signalling will mean more trains for people to I want to spend a little time talking about catch and fewer stops. Customers will be able my own electorate of Kallangur and what I to get to wherever they want to go faster and I think are some important and exciting capital think that is important in encouraging people works projects which are being funded by this to travel by train. Budget. The Budget sets out the purchase of Secondly, I have spoken previously in this land to site a new ambulance station at Parliament about the need to upgrade the Burpengary to service the expanding Bruce Highway to six lanes to the Caboolture communities of Burpengary and Narangba. River. I have welcomed the progress on this The purpose of establishing that ambulance issue. The Budget details funds set aside to station in that area and choosing a site at this expand the upgrading of the Bruce Highway to stage is to ensure that residents in that area six lanes to Dohles Rocks Road at Kallangur. can expect appropriate response times. As I have previously said in this Parliament, Education has always been a major focus this upgrade will be particularly difficult in the Kallangur electorate, and this Budget is because it will mean widening the bridge over no exception. It provides the final expenditure the Pine River. Of course, that upgrade will for the recently opened Narangba Valley State require patience by local residents, anyone High School. Because of the growth in that who is using the road during the upgrade and, school, the Budget also provides specific of course, the road workers who are assigned funding for a new learning area at the school. to that task. As I have said before, I am sure When the school opened at the beginning of local residents will demonstrate the necessary the year, Year 8 students were the only ones patience while that work is in progress because taught. Next year, as the school moves on, it they have waited a long time for it and it will be will be teaching students in Years 8 and 9. very welcome by them. It would be churlish of I take the opportunity tonight to recognise me if I did not also acknowledge the support of the excellent work of the principal, Mr Ken the Federal Government in that important Kennedy, and his staff. Make no mistake: their upgrade of the Bruce Highway. drive to ensure that this school is successful One of the most important measures of has been fantastic. Their determination, lifestyle is a regular power supply, and the new together with the support of a hardworking P & power substation at Morayfield will ensure that, C and very enthusiastic parents, has been despite the population growth, local people will unswerving. I want to take the opportunity be able to depend on a regular power supply. tonight to pass on my congratulations to them Of course, there would not be anybody in this all for the hard work involved in the Parliament who would not understand just how establishment and the success of the important that is to anybody's wellbeing and Narangba Valley State High School. lifestyle. 2328 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

I congratulate the Minister for Public staffing levels cannot explain away why the Works and Minister for Housing on his efforts department has not only failed to meet mental to provide $1.1m to continue the community health staff targets but has gone backwards in renewal efforts in Caboolture south. The the last 12 months. purpose of the renewal scheme is to improve The Health Minister cannot blame the the standard of housing, to lift service levels non-inclusion of Mater Hospital staffing levels and to generate jobs, which is very, very in Budget papers on the fact that there are important, and opportunities for local people. 358 fewer staff in integrated mental health To ensure that local needs are considered in services in Queensland than 12 months ago this renewal process, a Caboolture community and that there are 385 fewer full-time action plan will be developed. It is a renewal equivalent staff than the Government's own process for the Caboolture south area, but it is target. Mental health services were supposed a renewal process that will involve local people to be a core area of service delivery for this directly in what happens. Government. Minister Edmond made big I take the opportunity tonight to promises and she has been found to have congratulate the Treasurer on framing the failed to deliver. The Beattie Labor Budget in these difficult circumstances. On Government has failed to meet its own targets. behalf of the residents of the electorate of The fall-off in mental health staffing levels Kallangur, I welcome the capital works projects is a disgrace, given that the mentally ill are that are to be undertaken locally. The efforts of extremely vulnerable and that mental health local residents have been well recognised. services are stretched to the limit or, in many Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore—NPA) places, non-existent. Even adding in the figure (10.03 p.m.): In reviewing the Beattie Labor quoted to the press by Minister Edmond of Government's Budget, it is important to focus 2,062 full-time equivalent staff positions at the not just on what the Government says it will do Mater Hospital—these figures were not quoted in the next 12 months but also on what it has in the Budget papers—it still does not add up actually done to deliver on previous Budget to a supposed increase of 89 staffing positions promises. The Premier says this is a sober in the State Health Department as the Minister Budget, but what sobers me most is that, claims. aside from the spin doctoring that tries to focus Furthermore, note 3 in the Ministerial on new promises, there is evidence that this Portfolio Statements on Queensland Health Labor Government has failed to meet many of staffing figures reveals that the number of staff its own targets in the key area of health service working in non-Government organisations is delivery. not included and has not been included in It is an irony that Premier Beattie earlier past years. Note 3 states— this week stated that Queenslanders, like all "Consistent with previous years, Australians, are sick of political parties, staffing numbers do not include any staff politicians and Governments that go out and working in non-government organisations promise and do not deliver. It is an irony funded by Queensland Health including because he has done just that: failed to the new hospitals at Noosa and Robina." deliver. For Minister Edmond to refer to the Mater Tonight I will outline some of the most Hospital staffing situation in the Budget papers damning areas in which his Government has without the accountability of specific detail or failed to meet its commitments to the people numbers is mysterious. I challenge the Health of Queensland, but obviously I will go into Minister to supply a complete breakdown on a more detail in a few weeks' time during the district-by-district basis of the operational full- Estimates process for both the Health and time equivalent staffing levels. Only then will Women's Policy areas. there be a true picture of how the bureaucracy Unlike the Premier, my focus is on getting has grown under this Government at the to the truth rather than laughing off what he expense of operational staff. The ball is in her knows internally about the state of court. I challenge the Minister to prove her Queensland's finances and, most importantly, statements, to open the books and give us the the state of the public health system. Unlike detailed staffing figures for all districts on a the Health Minister, I also believe that the district-by-district basis. She will not do it onus is on the Government to provide because it means that she would have to be documented substantiation tabled in held accountable for her statements. Parliament to questions about the I remind the Health Minister that, while Government's performance. Health Minister mental health staffing levels have gone Edmond's cynical spin doctoring over health backwards in real terms under her stewardship, 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2329 the Premier's office has seen staffing levels near the national standards. For that we need grow beyond last year's targets. It just some independence and accountability in the illustrates where the Premier's priorities are— way in which these services are being and it is not the engine room at the Health delivered. Department but his own media machine. I wish also to address the issue of the It is extraordinary that actual employee ongoing industrial dispute in our hospitals. Our expenses at 30 June 2000 for integrated public hospitals are a very important part of the mental health services have blown out by history of this State and are cherished by the about $2m on last year's Budget allegedly people of Queensland. When we see health because of a New Year's Eve bonus and workers stretched to the limit by a dishonest salary increases to the new visiting medical Labor Government, we understand why this officers, yet the Health Department has failed dispute has gone on for as long as it has. to meet targets of new full-time equivalent staff When we see that there have been many positions by 385. This makes me very areas where operational staffing levels have suspicious that the real reason there is such a been cut back and yet the bureaucracy—the shocking shortfall in the number of people to zonal management structure, the high-level do the job— bureaucrats—is receiving more and more Mr Nuttall: Shocking! money, is it any wonder that those who are providing the operational services at a Miss SIMPSON: Members opposite may grassroots level are unhappy? think it is a laughing matter, but the mentally ill in our community are extremely vulnerable. It The other day in Parliament I asked the is time the Government took responsibility for Health Minister, Wendy Edmond, a question what is happening in the system. It is one about this, and she and her parliamentary thing to allocate money but to not deliver the colleagues thought that it was a laughing services is irresponsible. I believe that it is time matter. I do not think that the doctors, the we had an audit of the mental health services nurses or the blue-collar hospital workers would in this State. If this is truly a priority of the find her response so funny, nor would the Government, let us see how it is performing in thousands of patients who have been the key areas of quality care to these people. inconvenienced by these strikes. It is no We have seen in the Budget papers that the wonder that this industrial dispute has gone on Government has failed when it comes to for as long as it has when the Government allocating the really needed staff, the full-time simply thinks that it is a matter that can be equivalent staff positions in our community. laughed off. In many operational areas, there There has been a failure by this Government are fewer workers to do the job—particularly, to deliver in one of the areas that most needs as we have seen, in mental health. This to be expanded in the Queensland Health Government can make claims that this Budget Department. will mean more staff but, given its record, we have to be very sceptical about whether that It makes me very suspicious when we see will occur in some of these key areas. This is a an increase in the estimated amount for staff fundamentally dishonest and incompetent expenses of $2m and yet a failure to meet the Government. target of full-time equivalent positions by some 385 positions. One has to wonder whether this Again, the elective surgery waiting lists are is just another way of fudging the blowing out, but we also know that the figures—making sure that they do not fill Government has failed to deliver another key positions because they might have to pay for election promise, and that is in relation to the that basic level of service. For the mentally ill issue of outpatient specialist appointments that basic level of service is not a luxury and the waiting list to get in to see those service; it is the service that is required to keep specialists. In many areas of the State, people these people alive, to keep them out of could wait up to a year—and certainly this has hospitals, out of acute care situations, and to occurred on the Sunshine Coast—just to see a make sure that they are able to have a quality specialist about a cataract operation. I have of life in their own communities. talked to people who are slowly going blind because they cannot get in to see an eye It is time that there was another specialist, or an ophthalmologist, in order to operational review of the mental health get on the waiting list for eye surgery. services of Queensland Health. It is time that there was some accountability in the way in Mr Rowell: How long for a pair of which the money is being spent. Let us see glasses? how the department is meeting the national Miss SIMPSON: My colleague asks: how standards—whether, in fact, it is anywhere long is the wait for a pair of glasses? That wait 2330 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 time varies throughout the State, but it can system that has ground to a halt in many take people many months just to get the form areas and of a failure to deliver the core in order to get in to see people to have their services to the people of Queensland. glasses allocated. People are also waiting for Meanwhile, the bureaucracy, the zonal dental appointments. The lists are blowing out management, has been growing at an unholy to the extent that, in some cases, people are pace and with very lucrative bonuses for those waiting up to a couple of years just to get in for who are sitting in the upper echelons of the basic treatment. bureaucracy. That has been happening under this I want to address the issue of cancer Labor Government. It has talked about services, because people in Queensland are supplying basic social services, but it has failed having to wait for periods beyond what the to deliver. Over the past few weeks we have specialist would like them to wait for very seen the cancelling for the first time of important services, such as access to linear complex overnight orthopaedic surgery at the accelerators. On the Sunshine Coast, each Princess Alexandra Hospital. This is surgery year hundreds of people are making hundreds that needs to be done in time blocks overnight of trips to Brisbane to access linear due to the length of time that is required. For accelerators, and there are unacceptable the first time ever, for several weeks that delays for people needing to receive those hospital actually cancelled that type of surgery. services. Once again, I urge the State At the Mater Children's Hospital, no elective Government to take the opportunity to surgery was performed for the month of June, purchase services from the private sector with the exception of some ENT work and where it has the capacity and the State other minor work. That is extraordinary. The Government does not, and one such area is funding has not been provided for that cancer services. The patients do not care who surgery. We have seen eligible elderly people owns the equipment, as long as they have being made to wait for incontinence pads. access to it. When people have cancer, they The once-proud public hospital system do not want to have to wait four or five weeks has ground to a halt and a further burden has for treatment. been added by this ongoing industrial dispute, In that regard, I have been made aware which the Government has been incapable of of some incidents that have occurred fixing. We have to ask: why has it taken so throughout the State. One bloke from out long to fix the problem and not used the Roma way found that he had to have option of going to arbitration through the treatment. He could not get in for that commission? That is a major question. When treatment at the Herston campus within four we consider the number of people who have weeks and he sought treatment privately. had their surgery cancelled, we wonder why Fortunately, that facility was able to provide the Government was so reluctant to take the that treatment without there being a gap. union into a forum in order to resolve this issue However, where the State does not have that when that option was available. If the equipment in place it should be purchasing the Government really wanted the dispute use of private facilities. A private provider on resolved and the parties had reached a the Sunshine Coast will be providing that stalemate for a number of weeks, it could have service next year. I challenge this Government utilised that option, but it failed to take it up. to purchase those services and make them The capital side of the budget has been available to the people on the Sunshine extremely disappointing. In 1998-99, there was Coast. $630m allocated for capital expenditure in There should be a similar arrangement Health. In the 1999-2000 budget, there was put in place on the Gold Coast, where there is $585m, and actual spending was $526m. This also no access to a linear accelerator. We year, the capital works budget for Health is have major regions of this State where people $473m. Since 1998-99, under this cannot access these services in a public Government, that amounts to a fall-off in hospital. Why should the Government then sit capital expenditure in the Health Department back and say, "You can get on a bus and of 25%. make daily trips to Brisbane to receive those I turn now to the area of recurrent services there", when the private sector in that spending. The overall recurrent spending is up region has the capacity to provide that by 3.5% after a 3.7% increase last year. These service? I believe that this Government needs are the two lowest increases in Health to get over its philosophical hurdles and spending in this State in a decade. The provide these services to the people by ongoing picture is of a once-proud hospital negotiating appropriate access through those 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2331 who have already made the capital I wish also to address the need for four- investment. laning of the Sunshine Motorway. I have There are some major concerns about the mentioned this to the Transport Minister, but it wait times for access to cancer services in is still not on the immediate horizon. Sections Townsville, with the hospital moving to the new of this motorway between Buderim Avenue site and the down time that will be involved in and Maroochydore Road carry 30,000 vehicles the transition period. Once again, I know that per day. People have been killed on this two- people with cancer are having a terrible time lane stretch of road. The usual capacity for a accessing these services in an appropriate two-lane road is about 20,000 to 22,000 vehicles per day, yet this road carries 30,000 way. I think that the Government has vehicles per day. It is a deathtrap, yet it is not underestimated the level of demand for these on the program of work to be done in the services. Because of the time involved in immediate future. I urge the Government to travelling to these centres, people are giving get its priorities right and to get over its hang- up attending these services. They have to wait up about the fact that we kept our election many weeks although they are very ill. When promise and took the tolls off the Sunshine they have to wait a number of weeks just to Motorway. This is a road that must be four- receive the basic level of service, that places laned to meet the growing needs of the them under incredible stress and worry about Sunshine Coast. There is also a need for four- whether that will affect the outcomes of their laning of Maroochydore Road west of Kunda long-term treatment. Park. I mention also the need for money to be There needs to be greater accountability set aside for a new bridge over the Maroochy in relation to alcohol and drug abuse. I have River at Bli Bli and, certainly in the interim, for referred to this issue in previous years. The an upgrade of that bridge. I note that a few performance indicators in the Budget papers years ago a cyclist died on the cane tracks on are woeful. If the Government is really serious that bridge, which is very narrow and old and about addressing the alcohol and drug desperately needs replacing. For the sake of problem, it needs to have better performance the people who use that road, in the interim indicators than just the number of people who some attention needs to be paid to safety are registered on the methadone program. issues. That is the sole indicator in the output I wish also to address law and order statements for the Health budget. If the Health issues on the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Minister has other indicators that she has Coast needs more police. I am impressed by buried somewhere, I have to ask: why are they the hard work of those officers who are there not in the Budget documents? It is time that and by what they try to do. We are a growth we had accountability and transparency in the area. Illicit drug use in our community impacts way these services are delivered. It is time that on the level of property crime. There is a need targets were set for the outcomes that we want for more police in order to provide a presence to see in respect of the delivery of alcohol and and timely follow-up when incidents occur. drug services. There is a need for rehabilitation Obviously, we want to see as much crime and detoxification services throughout this prevented as possible. The Sunshine Coast State. The Sunshine Coast is a classic needs more police. It is a large district and, example in that there is no access to accordingly, it takes a long time to travel from appropriate services, in particular services for one end to the other. It is unsatisfactory that young people. I will be calling on the Health there are only one or two police cars to cover Minister to provide them. such a large area and that insufficient numbers of police are rostered on to provide I wish to summarise some of the issues these services. I urge the Government to bite on the Sunshine Coast and in my electorate, the bullet and provide that funding. some of which have been dealt with in the Tourism is a major economic generator on Budget and others of which have not. I the Sunshine Coast. I am proud to see some welcome the continuing provision of funding wonderful new developments in our area for the construction of the fire and ambulance providing good quality services to our facility at Maroochydore on a site that I community, with a range of accommodation. suggested to the department. I was pleased When I spoke to the Premier earlier today he that that site was able to be purchased from remarked on how much he liked Mooloolaba the Maroochy Shire Council. It is an excellent and that he had visited there recently. I am site right on the motorway and it will provide sure other honourable members have visited access to a far greater area, particularly the Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and the north Maroochy North Shore and the airport. shore of the Maroochy River. We have a lot to 2332 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 offer. I urge the Government to give us a hand Emergency Services is a hands-on in relation to tourism. The Minister is nodding. organisation and it is very important in the We need as much help as we can get to running of our State and also in terms of promote this wonderful area. goodwill. Mrs Rose: A great area. Tonight, in addressing the Appropriation Miss SIMPSON: I agree; it is a great debate, it is important to indicate my area. observations of the reactions of the general Time expired. public. If the reaction of staff to the Emergency Services budget is an accurate gauge, the Mr MALONE (Mirani—NPA) (10.23 p.m.): Minister for Emergency Services is in for a I take much pleasure in rising to speak in the pretty interesting and challenging time over the Appropriation debate. Firstly, comments were next 12 months. However, for the people of made by members opposite that we were Queensland it could be a disastrous year. critical of the Budget. I am very supportive of the Budget. I think the Government has done A quick analysis of the Budget documents an excellent job. I recollect, when we were indicates that the provision of services will sitting on the Government side of the House, decline while direct charges through increased how complimentary the Opposition was of our levies will soar in several areas. The Budget Budget. I return the compliment. It has met all documents are probably more notable for what of the criteria leaked from the Deputy Premier's they do not say, as I said earlier, than for what office. We can laugh off the Budget; if you is clear and easily understood. Some staff never, never tell us, we will never, never know, members who may have a deeper will we? It seems to me that the Budget has appreciation of how the Budget will affect their fulfilled all of the promises leaked about it from operations have expressed opinions ranging the Deputy Premier's office. I congratulate the from derision to shock and scepticism. A Government on bringing down a Budget that is recurring theme of staff concern is the so confusing that nobody can attack it. The spiralling cost of corporate services within the smoke and mirrors put into this Budget are department. It is claimed the empire building incredible. within the centre office of the department is I wish to briefly address my shadow milking resources from operational areas. That portfolio of Emergency Services. It is an is a fact. Unfortunately, an initial study of the interesting department. Emergency Services Budget documents does nothing to allay these incorporates the statutory authorities of the fears. It is impossible to gauge just how much Queensland Ambulance Service—the QAS— is being eaten up in the administrative area. the Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority I am very concerned that the people and the counter-disaster and rescue service. working within the field are the ones suffering Those three divisions make up most of the role from this top-heavy overbureaucratic approach of the department. The department consists to administration. Of course, the natural also of the Support Services Business Unit and progression of this style of management the Strategic and Executive Services Division, regime will mean that the people of which provide support to the three operational Queensland will ultimately suffer. Scarce arms under the director-general. resources are being swallowed up by the The portfolio is an essential public safety administrative arm while the real service agency and either directly delivers or funds a providers are being starved. range of necessary emergency services. It is well known throughout the Public These services focus on preventing in the first Service and among stakeholder groups that instance, or minimising the impact of, the management of Emergency Services in emergencies and disasters as well as Queensland is causing a great deal of concern response to and recovery from emergencies in Government circles. While the current and disasters. These essential public services Minister has to accept responsibility, he was are delivered to every community throughout probably handed a poisoned chalice and told Queensland and are vital in ensuring the to drink from it. He inherited an administration community's safety, enhancing quality of life, that was out of control, that had lacked protecting the environment, protecting property direction from the previous Minister and that and strengthening Queensland's regions. was determined not to allow commonsense or The portfolio has approximately 6,500 rational judgment to interfere with the permanent and part-time employees in operation. I understand the current Minister is addition to 85,000 volunteers across the State, trying to take back control but is struggling with representing every Queensland community, the bureaucratic mafia at the head of the irrespective of size. The Department of department. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2333

The initial reaction to the Emergency small business, will feel the effects of higher Services budget is that it lacks any sort of fees and charges while residents in some imagination, initiative or purpose. Old areas are in for a fairly nasty surprise when programs and projects are being regurgitated, they receive their next rate notice and see the some with a little window dressing, but there is amount of the fire levy. It will not be a pretty very little that is new or innovative. The sight. We are going to have a debate in this counter-disaster and rescue services seems to Parliament, possibly during the next sitting, have hit a brick wall. Projected staff levels, about this. In some areas—Kawana in even taking into account extras allowed for in particular—the fire levy is increasing by up to the budget, are lower than what they were two 70%. That will have a huge impact on not only years ago. There is a suggestion that having householders but also businesspeople in that vacant positions is one way of finding extra area. money to actually get some work done. This deceptive Government claims that it The lack of staff in the right positions is has introduced no new taxes, but I cannot reflected in the level of support being offered remember hearing the Premier, the Treasurer to stakeholders such as volunteers and local or the Emergency Services Minister outlining authorities throughout the State. Because of the new fee structure for the building plan the academic approach adopted by the top approvals or the additional revenue it will rake echelon of the department's administration, in. The Government has dressed up the QFRA the counter-disaster and rescue services is budget by using carryover funds to make its losing touch with the people with whom it is projected spending look much better than it supposed to work. One can only hope that the really is. current advertising program begging people to The Government has tried to adopt a subscribe to the Queensland Ambulance damage control budget for Emergency Service works miracles. If it does not, the QAS Services, but it seems to have missed the will simply sink further and further into the mark. It is ironic that, in a department so used financial mire it now finds itself in. to being involved in disaster planning, there is The Government is pouring more and little that the staff can do to prevent the more money into the service, but again a lot of financial disaster that is looming in this area of it is being eaten up by corporate services and administration. I only hope that the Minister non-service delivery areas. While officers in the can take control quickly and get the field wait for uniforms—and I believe that a department back on track. I will investigate recent directive issued after I asked a question further— in Parliament has put paid to some of those Mr Robertson: Trust me. It's okay. concerns—head office space is at a premium because of the top-heavy administration. It is Mr MALONE: I complimented the Minister ironic and maybe even a bit pathetic that the earlier. financial performance of the QAS in 2000-01 Mr Robertson: Did you? could very well depend on the success of its Mr MALONE: I did. I will do it again. The advertising program. Minister is doing a good job. However, I need Most of that has probably been due to to examine the administration more closely the unfunded election promise to provide the during Estimates hearings. I am sure that we service free of charge to all pensioners. I have will have some interesting discussions. to say right here and now that once we gain Mr Robertson: I welcome that. Government we will not be taking that away, Mr MALONE: That is great. either. It is sad for a such a well-known and respected service to find itself in that position. Mr Robertson: I look forward to it. In particular, it is a sad reflection on this Mr MALONE: We have only two hours, so Government. If that advertising campaign the Minister will be able to give me an hour does not reap the budgeted rewards, the QAS and a half, will he? could again find itself operating at a loss and While I have a few minutes left and the we will see the operators in the field losing their Minister is interrupting my discussion, I would resources. In the current year the QAS just like to talk about a few issues in my incurred a loss over budget of $3.8m. electorate. I have been calling for a new police The Queensland Fire and Rescue station at Sarina for a long time. It was fairly Authority is defying the pronouncements of the high up on our list. Unfortunately, I noticed in no new taxes Budget by increasing levies and the Budget that a new police station in North charges to help balance its precarious financial Mackay has now replaced my police station at position. Business communities, especially Sarina. Unfortunately, the police station at 2334 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

Sarina seems to have dropped off the list. The Mr MALONE: It is Third World stuff. If that member for Mackay has gained at my happened in Korea or the Philippines, they expense. would have put a teacher in there. I have I compliment the Government on written probably three letters to the Minister. providing the funding for the Conservatorium The replies indicate that I have not been of Music. We have been looking for that for successful. I am sure that if I talk to him again quite a while. I also compliment it for the he will give me that extra half day teacher so ongoing funding for Dalrymple Bay, possibly the preschool at Marlborough can be opened. the biggest coal port in the world. It will be It was interesting to hear in the Parliament interesting to see if in a future Budget that today the Premier and the Deputy Premier terminal is leased back to the corporate crowing about their great support for small operators to gain some extra lazy equity—I communities. The shadow Minister for Primary think that was the word that Treasury used—to Industries and I have raised the issue of the bolster next term's Budget. sugar industry, and I will not go back over all of In relation to education, I was that. One of the things we are going to see on disappointed to see that a resource centre the east coast of Queensland is the does not seem to be in the Budget for the decimation of some of our small towns, such Pinnacle State School. I have been asking for as Pinnacle, Finch Hatton, Mirani, Marian, that for quite a while and I was assured that it Koumala, Sarina, Walkerston, Carmila, Flaggy was on the way. I just hope that I find that it is Rock—you name it. All of those little towns are when I follow it up with a call to the Education going to be severely affected by the downturn Department. in the sugar industry. I was really interested to hear that the Mr Rowell: How much did we get Education Department is now looking at promised from the State Government? providing one computer for every five students. Mr MALONE: We have not had one We do have some computers in my schools, promise from the State Government. but I doubt if we would have one in 10. But we Mr Nuttall interjected. have some computers there; the only problem is that we have no teachers who can actually Mr MALONE: That is the problem that the teach computer literacy. In my own school in member for Sandgate has. The Government my home town, Koumala, a call has gone out does not understand this issue, and that is for the mums and dads to teach the kids how clear from the comments coming across the to use computers. That is getting pretty Chamber. The sugar industry has always paid desperate. back any loan it has been given. The fact of the matter is that the sugar industry is the I was very disappointed with this cornerstone of all those communities. It covers Government's handling of the cut-off for the grocery man, the repairman, the guy who enrolments. In the far-flung schools in our sells fuel, the guy who sells oil and the bloke regional areas, if a school was one pupil short who sells machinery. All the money given to of the minimum enrolment, it lost a teacher. A the farmer ends up in his small community and lot of itinerant families come to those areas to the farmer pays it back. This situation has work at odd times of the year. It could even be occurred a couple of times before. It comes the case that a couple of days after the cut-off about as a result of three or four years of bad day for enrolment a family will move in and, weather, low prices and disease. It is thus, take the number of students enrolled incumbent upon the State Government to get over the minimum number by two or three. Of behind this package and to approach the course, the schools are not going to get that Federal Government about it so that they can teacher back until those student numbers are both work hand in hand. It has to work now, maintained for quite some time. So, because it is needed in the next few weeks. I depending on the enrolments at particular implore the Premier and the Deputy Premier to schools, we have teachers travelling all over get involved in that process. the place. Whilst referring to small communities, I A preschool down at Marlborough is all want to refer to the problems experienced in set up to take children. It is two students short Sarina relating to the railway, and the shadow of the minimum number and so is not open. Minister has been to Sarina to assess the While it is closed, the parents have to take situation. Members would realise that Sarina is those children 110 kilometres to another the base for the haulage of coal to Hay Point. preschool. Just for the sake of one half day The Jilalan depot and its workshops employ teacher— 400 people. I understand that the manager of Mr Rowell: That is Third World stuff. QR has been up there today offering VERs 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2335 and slashing jobs one after the other. It is There are some fundamental issues in expected that 30 jobs will go from that area. this Budget upon which everything else rests. With the downturn in the sugar industry, that They demonstrate how soundly based this will have a huge impact on Sarina. I admire Budget is. It is a Budget in surplus on both an the work of those blokes who work on the accrual basis and a cash basis, despite the railway in Sarina. They are great blokes. misleading claims made by the Opposition. It Mr Rowell: They are committed and is also a Budget that provides for record capital dedicated. expenditure, that is, $5.29 billion, or some 61,000 jobs. This Government has allocated Mr MALONE: They are committed and $15 billion of capital expenditure in the past dedicated, as the shadow Minister says. three years, which is 33% more than all capital Together we inspected some of the work they expenditure undertaken by any Government in were doing when repairing the line. Two tracks Australia. That is how important capital 250 kilometres long run from Peak Downs to expenditure and building infrastructure is in Mackay. Because coaldust is contaminating Queensland, especially in regional the ballast, moisture retention forces clay Queensland, despite the blindness and through the ballast. That in turn creates bog blinkers of coalition members. The Budget holes in the track. Train speeds have been introduces no new taxes and charges, and increased from 60 km/h to 80 km/h. As the that is another key fundamental to the Budget. trains pound through these wet spots, the track deteriorates. Those workers have to cut Unemployment is the lowest it has been the tracks and pull them out between the for 10 years, something that the coalition could power pylons, fix the track and put it all back never deliver. It rants and raves about it being so that it is operational within eight hours. It is at 8%, but it had no employment Minister. It quite a job. A lot of the equipment they use abolished all Labor employment programs set has been designed by them. They are just up by the Goss Government. It assisted its ordinary guys doing a great job. In the time I coalition colleagues in the Federal have left to me, I congratulate the Government to abolish as many Labor Government on its Budget! It has done an employment programs as it could. It does not excellent job of confusing everybody. care about the unemployed. It does not care Mr WILSON (Ferny Grove—ALP) about creating jobs. It does not care about (10.42 p.m.): It is with great pleasure that I rise training and matching young people who need to support the third Beattie Labor Budget. It skills to gain employment to a job in the first continues the tradition established by this place so that they have security of Government's previous Budgets which employment. demonstrate how this Government The other thing that is so well wholeheartedly embraces the traditional Labor demonstrated by this Budget is the fact that values that this State has come to know so there was 4% growth in the last financial year. well. This Budget is focused on job creation Some 3.75% is predicted in this Budget, which and job security, on building our health is akin to what was predicted in the last services, on building and extending education, Budget. We exceeded it in the last Budget. As on building and extending community safety the Courier-Mail commented, most of the and policing. The Courier-Mail hit the nail on fundamentals in this Budget are conservatively the head on Wednesday when it said that this estimated. With some degree of hopefulness, is a Budget for battlers. we can expect that the reality will turn out to be Most people in the community, certainly somewhat better than the conservative most living within my electorate, see their daily estimates. Therefore, we can hope to expect life as a battle—a battle to keep a job, a battle growth this financial year somewhat in excess to put bread on the table, a battle to make of the conservative prediction of 3.75% They payments on the car and the mortgage, a are the fundamentals. This Budget also battle to get a job if they do not have one. contains some records. It contains a record Most people will recognise this Budget for what Police budget, which is up by 5.4%; a record it is, that is, a Budget to broadly support a full Education budget, now at $4.2 billion; a record range of people in the community who are in Health budget at $3.4 billion; and a record need of support in our society. It is a Budget Employment and Training budget of $826m. for families and young people. As has been As I said before, the record capital expenditure said, it is a Budget which puts jobs first and provided for in this Budget will sustain 61,000 builds jobs for the future. It is a soundly based existing jobs. The employment and training Budget. It is certainly a balanced and program will introduce 31,000 new jobs in this considered Budget. financial year. 2336 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

I turn from the general aspects of this Terry O'Hanlon-Rose, and the staff there, who Budget as it applies throughout the State of are doing wonderful things to establish well Queensland and focus on specific and local and truly in my area that State schools are initiatives undertaken in this Budget which are great schools. to the benefit of those within my electorate There is also a provision in the Budget and the north-western suburbs generally. that guarantees that the Youth Action There is a major problem with Samford Road, Program currently under way will continue. which is the only arterial road from the north- $0.7m has been allocated to that. Mitchelton western suburbs into the CBD. It is the State High School has a Youth Action Amazon River of traffic through the north- Program, combined with an SES cadet unit. western suburbs. That major project which is That program is doing great things for young under way is now into Phase 2, that is, the people in our area, particularly in the areas of design for the upgrading of Samford Road leadership, community skills and community from Cobalt Street in Keperra to Ferny Way. service. I know that the Minister for Education Some $300,000 is provided for that design so has been pleased with the early reports that that next year, or shortly after that, we are able have come back from Mitchelton State High to commence the construction of an $8m School and the other areas in which the Youth upgrade. That project is very important to Action Program has been trialled—so much so relieve the traffic congestion around the Ferny that this Budget allocation has embraced the Grove Railway Station and to cater for the need to continue this program in the schools in dangerous intersections at Upper Kedron which it operates. Road and Samford Road. Another initiative facilitated by this Budget As I draw to a close, I mention the is Stage 2 of the redevelopment of the Piccabeen Community Association. Based in Samford State School, for which $1.7m has Mitchelton, it is the only community centre that been allocated. The Samford Valley is an services the north-western suburbs between important and growing area in my electorate. Ashgrove and Nundah. It is a wonderful, totally The school there has reached bursting point volunteer community association—it is totally with 700-plus students currently enrolled. unfunded in terms of personnel—that brings There are also about 100 children in the together and coordinates a range of preschool. We have just finished building a community services that support young second preschool, and now $1.7m will be people, unemployed people and the older spent in this financial year on a substantial part generation. It provides a venue for a number of the redevelopment of Samford State of other community organisations running their School. own programs that provide assistance to different sectors of the community in that area. $7.5m will be spent in the upgrading of This is one of a number of unfunded electricity reticulation in the Upper Kedron area community centres. by the construction of a substation and the building of 110 kV line over 15 kilometres from I congratulate the Minister for Families, Brendale. The suburbs of Upper Kedron and Youth and Community Care, the Honourable Ferny Grove are absolutely taking off in terms Anna Bligh, on the provision of $2m over four of the level of residential development years for the funding of some of those occurring. The Minister for Mines and Energy, presently unfunded community centres. I through the agency of Powerlink, is making consider that the Piccabeen Community provision for the increased capacity, reliability Association will be a leading applicant and and availability of power in that area and contender for the allocation of some of those likewise in the Samford Valley and at Mount funds for the employment of a coordinator on Nebo and Mount Glorious. $3.6m is being a recurrent basis to enable a more effective spent to complete a switching substation being coordination of the services available through built in the Samford Valley to ensure the that centre and provided to the local improved reliability and availability of power in community. that area. The people of Ferny Grove, in common One of the other initiatives I draw with many others in the Brisbane metropolitan attention to is the provision of $700,000 from area, will benefit from the enormous amount of the Secondary Schools Renewal Program to capital works being undertaken within the Mitchelton State High School for an upgrade Brisbane region—$2 billion worth of capital of its accommodation and facilities, because works. The inner-northern busway is a part of the high school was built prior to 1975. That that. Public transport is being given $4.7m. high school is under some very innovative and There are also major expenditure items for exemplary leadership by the current principal, Main Roads, Health, Police, Education and 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2337

Housing of a capital nature in the Brisbane electorate will see through the smoke and area, even though the vast majority of capital mirrors Budget they have put forward to expenditure is allocated for areas outside of hoodwink the people of Queensland. Brisbane. This expenditure will provide jobs, How can economic performances possibly training and apprenticeships for people not be slipping behind when the rest of Australia only in my area but in Brisbane generally. I booms? It is as a result of bad management. conclude by offering my congratulations to the This Labor Government shows definite signs of Treasurer and the Premier on the excellent taking Queensland back to being one of the Budget they have brought down on this poor performers in the nation. We have occasion. witnessed this in many other Labor-governed Mr MITCHELL (Charters Towers—NPA) States over the years. For good measure we (10.55 p.m.): The Labor Government Budget can also throw in the performance of Paul for 2000-01 has received a mediocre response Keating as Treasurer and Prime Minister in the from most business and industry groups Federal Government. We have already heard across the State. The State Budget attracted the Treasurer and the Premier admitting a so much interest that it could manage only the slow-down in the— No. 3 or 4 spot on two of the State news Mr Reynolds interjected. broadcasts and the No. 6 spot from the other leading broadcaster. I think they were a bit like Mr MITCHELL: Yes, it goes back that far everybody else—wondering what was in this with all Labor Governments. They just wrecked Budget to actually promote or to support to things and we are still suffering. make any headlines at all. Economic growth is projected to fall from 4.25% to 3.75%—way down from the 5.7% In Wednesday morning's Courier-Mail the growth achieved under the coalition State director of the Australian Industry Group, Government. Employment growth of a meagre David Whiting, described this Budget as a 2% is well below the figure of 3.2% achieved steady-as-you-go affair and said that there under the coalition Government, which were strong grounds to argue that the Budget demonstrates enough to blow Mr Beattie's position should be stronger. I cannot agree election promise of 5% unemployment clean more. Once again we hear the rhetoric and out of the water. This Government will also see the fudging of the figures produced in the struggle to maintain the current 8% Budget papers. unemployment rate. It was also reported in yesterday's Courier- No matter what the outcome by 2001, my Mail that the Treasurer is supposed to be a bet is that the Premier will find someone or magician and be able to pull rabbits out of the something to blame for any blow-outs in these Government hat one after another. That figures. I find it very hard to be enthused about definitely has not been the case with this many parts of the documents and I voice my Budget, but he has expertly used smoke and disappointment with the lack of detail in mirrors to disguise the real outcomes and relation to the allocation of capital grants and balances for the State of Queensland. funding for programs across the regions. I am, Most Opposition members have however, grateful for any funding I have mentioned to me that money allocated in this received for the electorate of Charters Towers. Budget for capital works is for projects that At long last we are to see work have been completed or are nearly completed recommence on the Gregory Development from allocations made in last year's Budget, Road south of Charters Towers, with a $4.2m yet the same amounts appear for capital works allocation for a six-kilometre section—part of a this year. Some of the Capital Works Program 91-kilometre widening program over the next funding dates back more than three years to five years. There has been a delay in the when the coalition was in Government. vicinity of two years. I request that the Minister Like most members, I agree that this fast-track any further work on this road rhetoric based Budget is also about preparing because of its importance to the mining an economic blueprint to fund Labor's election industry in the district and the increase in promises for the State election early next year. tourism and heavy vehicle traffic, because this It appears that it is only the Treasurer and the road is the main alternative route to the Bruce Premier who cannot read this into their own Highway from the south to the north. Budget, as both the media and other spin I mention the importance of further doctors suggest that this is the case. I am still funding to the Gregory Development Road slightly sceptical about the Government north of Charters Towers to the Lynd highway. producing any sort of a surplus. However, I I know that the Minister has received many believe it has lost the plot and that the representations from me and from many other 2338 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 residents along the highway. We have to mention at this point which should be expressed concerns about the increased traffic considered for urgent future upgrade to and the proposed increase in mining activity in bitumen seal include the Aramac-Torrens that area. Many of the narrow sections are Creek road, which is used extensively by heavy very dangerous, especially after rain, and there vehicles travelling both north and south. It is are long delays in maintenance to the one of the quickest routes to Cairns. shoulders of this road. I know that there is no The Clermont-Alpha road is in definite simple answer to my request, but I ask again need of an upgrade because of its strategic that these roads be given priority as soon as link to the Central Highlands, the port and the possible as I fear that more deaths—and I meatworks at Mackay in central Queensland. repeat, "more deaths"; there have already Other roads worthy of improvement are the been a couple over the last 12 months—will Hughenden-Muttaburra link. There is a occur in the interim. program there for gravelling, and I would like to Mr Reynolds interjected. see it continue so that the road is up to a Mr MITCHELL: Well done! I thank the decent standard so that people can access it member for any assistance I can get. We also in all weather conditions. The Mount Coolum- have to take into consideration that the Nebo road has now become a strategic link to construction of the proposed Chevron gas the Mackay meatworks since the closure of the pipeline will mean a major increase in the use Bowen works. People used to go through of this road in the near future. Collinsville and down that way, but now it is so much shorter to go the other way. It just needs The Herveys Range Road is to receive a a little bit of upgrading—for the time being, further $8.3m for sealing between Devils anyway. We realise that we cannot expect the Marbles and Ella Creek—some 32 kilometres. roads to be completely sealed, but we would This is also a very important link connecting like to see a gravel surface and crossings the Port of Townsville to the northern across some of the creeks and rivers improved Dalrymple area and all the other areas north to to enable people to access these roads to get the gulf country. It will also be the main access their cattle to market. road to transport mineral from the new nickel mine—which was mentioned by the member Mosman Hall is to be redeveloped to a for Townsville yesterday in a two-minute rehabilitation/dual diagnosis and transition unit speech—in the Greenvale area to be with 24 bed units to the value of $3.8m. As we processed at the Yabulu refinery north of know, Mosman Hall will eventually be sold. I Townsville. It is a shame that QR saw fit to believe there are 77 hectares to be sold off. remove the Greenvale line when there is more So that will be money returned to the coffers metal to be transported to the coast. But that somewhere down the track. $143,000 is also is in the past, and we now need the roads to allocated for the psychogeriatric unit at do it. I am quite grateful to receive this Eventide to complete the work on this unit. funding. I am pleased to see $16m over four years $4.2m is also allocated for the continued for the Rural Living Infrastructure Program to widening and rehabilitation of the Flinders assist local governments. That is a great Highway between Hughenden and Julia Creek. scheme, and I am pleased to see it is still The Kennedy development road between being funded to a level that can assist local Winton and Hughenden has also received governments. There are also further rounds of funding of $2.7m to construct and seal a 14- the funding allocations of the SCAP program. I kilometre stretch only 16 kilometres west of know that the Flinders Shire has put in a Hughenden. I will mention at this stage the submission under that program. It is in dire importance, on the completion of this link need of continuing upgrades of its sewerage between Hughenden and Winton, of work then and other water systems, which would be continuing on the development road east of funded through the SCAP program. Hughenden up to The Lynd to further enhance There is $28m for the Queensland the reef-to-rock concept, which will be of great Heritage Trails Network to strengthen the benefit to all of central and north-west economic base of rural and regional areas by Queensland and also to other States of supporting tourism. That should be a Australia. tremendous boost to many of those rural I have to talk about roads because I have towns. I believe it can be spread across a lot of somewhere in the vicinity of 3,000 kilometres those towns to assist in their tourism industry. of State Government controlled roads in my This Budget boasts that funding will be electorate, so they constitute a very important allocated for an extra 357 police. In speaking part of my role. Other main arterial roads I wish to officers only last week, I have been 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2339 informed that the Charters Towers Police Minister to make enough money available to Station requires at least another three officers enable this program to continue the good work to be able to fulfil the weekly roster and to undertaken to date. People from the DPI do a maintain a reasonable level of staff when great job of trying to keep on top of nuisance officers are away for certain reasons. I ask the weeds and pests. Minister to consider this when new numbers I was most disappointed that not a brass become available, especially from the north razoo has been allocated for any water Queensland academy. infrastructure programs anywhere in I must also mention at this point the need Queensland. There is not even any funding for a new police station at Clermont. I have that I can identify for continued planning or mentioned this need to about four different studies for future water projects. I do not know Ministers during my time in this House. The how many times the Government has to be officers there are using storerooms as offices reminded that the only chance we have of and the veranda for interviews when the other helping rural Queensland to stay viable is to rooms are being used. We have been told that build water projects in those areas. Most a major upgrade is required, but a new police members on this side have said that to the station would be nice. However, money has Government on numerous occasions, yet we not been allocated for that in this Budget. I see nothing in the Budget in that respect. In certainly hope that, down the track, we will be my electorate alone, we have worked hard to successful in receiving funding for this project. I secure a dam on the upper Burdekin—the will keep pushing for that funding. Hell's Gate dam, of which I have spoken on I hear the Premier mention in Parliament numerous occasions—to maintain a future for on many occasions the payroll tax relief Charters Towers and surrounding areas when offered to attract companies to Queensland, mining finally ceases. The prediction even at one being Virgin Blue. I congratulate the this stage—and hopefully it does not come Premier on that outcome. However, I would true—is that we do not envisage much more like to point out that many local businesses than 10 to 15 years of mining there. So we and local contractors—and I might add that have to look for alternatives. the few that have come to see me are fully Even the Premier and Deputy Premier Queensland owned—are facing bankruptcy have suggested that we have to come up with and/or closure or are finding it very hard to get other industries. The only way I can see that out of debt because of payroll tax charges. I being achieved is to have water programs in ask the Premier to consider an urgent these areas to carry on with some alternative reduction in some way to payroll tax to assist industry down the track. The Richmond dam some of our local operators. I was assisting project is another that will further enhance the one operator in Moranbah. He employs future of the western region. By not planning something like 16 people. It would be a big or providing funding over the last couple of loss if that business goes down because he years, I am terrified that the future of any water cannot keep up the payments on his payroll infrastructure in Queensland will be put back tax. for at least another 10 or so years. I am I am very concerned that I could not find concerned for the future of the people out in the Budget papers an allocation for the there. continuation of shaft rehabilitation for the old There are many other areas where I will mines in Charters Towers. I certainly hope that be asking through the Estimates process, the funds will be made available for this most shadow Minister and any other avenues open important project. The Minister has told me to me what sort of funding has been allocated over the years that it will be continued until to the electorate of Charters Towers. It does such time as the project is completed, but concern me that there is no provision in this there was no funding listed in this Budget, and Budget for rural and regional Queensland. that worries me. Mr ROBERTS (Nudgee—ALP) I was also shocked to hear from my (11.10 p.m.): I am pleased to give support to a colleague Howard Hobbs, the member for responsible Budget that delivers significant Warrego, that $2m had been ripped out of the improvements to State Government facilities SWEEP program. If this is the case, it will be and services. Firstly, I want to make a few devastating for rural Queensland and all the general comments about some of the key rural producers who have worked tirelessly for elements underpinning the Budget and then many years with the assistance of this funding focus specifically on some of the initiatives that to eradicate noxious weeds and other pests in are important to my constituents in the rural and regional Queensland. I plead with the Nudgee electorate. 2340 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

I was interested to listen to some of the activity is crucial, particularly given the negative contributions of members opposite. uncertainty created by the recent introduction Earlier today the Budget was described by one of the GST. It is important to note that on a speaker as a sad Budget. That speaker then per capita basis our capital works expenditure went on to highlight what were described as is almost double that of New South Wales and criticisms of the Budget, including some of two and a half times that of Victoria. We have those from the ratings agency Standard and increased budgets in the crucial areas of Poor's. health, education and law and order. The It is interesting to analyse the reported Health budget sees a record increase to comments of Standard and Poor's. They do $3.81 billion, which is on top of the $2.8 billion note that borrowings have occurred to finance Hospital Rebuilding Program currently under the State's record Capital Works Program. way—the largest construction program in There is nothing startling about borrowing for Australia outside the Olympics. capital investments. Every Government In short, this is a good Budget which borrows to fund the building of worthwhile, job- focuses on basic needs. It creates jobs, it creating and wealth-creating assets. sustains jobs, it provides support for those What has not been acknowledged by trying to get back into the work force, it gives Opposition speakers is that these necessary massive funding to education and health and borrowings fit within the Government's overall it focuses on basic quality of life issues which fiscal strategy of only borrowing for building affect Queenslanders in their day-to-day lives. projects where the debt will be serviced within In terms of local issues, I want to outline the operating surplus, the excess moneys left some key initiatives in some of the major after all the planned expenditure has been departments and also highlight some specific accounted for. That is exactly what the projects and benefits that will flow to my Standard and Poor's commentary confirms. It constituents and local communities within the maintains that Queensland's AAA credit rating Nudgee electorate. I will also discuss some is intact and says that it is not really concerned ongoing initiatives in my electorate that will be about the extent of the borrowings. Why does supported and continued under this year's it say that? In its own words, or its reported Budget. comments, it says— In respect of education, it, of course, is "The general Government sector is in the foundation upon which we will build the an extraordinarily strong financial position better communities we want for the future, to take on the additional borrowings." providing opportunities for our young people, It says further— giving them a chance, giving them some hope "All liabilities are more than covered for the future. The best way of doing that is to by financial assets alone." provide them with meaningful employment. However, education is a key component of It continues— giving that hope that they deserve. It is a "At the general Government level, vehicle that needs to be fuelled to enable Queensland's balance sheet is just so those other ambitions to be achieved. strong it's quite unbelievable." This Budget makes another significant In one respect only is the Opposition contribution towards ensuring that our correct in describing the Budget as sad. It is education system does deliver for our children. sad for the Opposition and sad for it alone, for One of the key initiatives includes a this is a Budget that is financially sound and commitment to employ at least 800 new delivers significant benefits to Queensland teachers over the next four years—classroom families and battlers. As the Courier-Mail teachers who will be employed to reduce class correctly described it, this is a Budget for the sizes and support students with disabilities and battlers. behavioural problems. Out of a separate $40m Some of the key elements of the Budget four-year initiative, $5m is aimed at providing which have been highlighted by a number of one computer for every five students in primary speakers include the Budget surplus of $29m. and secondary schools. We are budgeting to live within our means and I am particularly pleased to see the not spend more than we expect to earn over ongoing commitment to the relocation of the the next 12 months. There is a record capital Australian Catholic University to the Banyo works budget of $5.285 billion which will seminary site. I consider this project to be one support over 61,000 Queenslanders in work. of the most exciting and important Building projects are a key driver of job developments taking place in my electorate at creation and the State's contribution to this the present time. The Budget allocates the 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2341 second instalment of $1.4m towards the Over the past 12 months I have managed relocation of the Australian Catholic University to secure some much-needed and additional to the Banyo seminary site. The current plan is support for my local schools in terms of basic for the university to open its doors to students maintenance issues. In that regard, I thank the in January 2003. Minister for Education and the Minister for Linked to this important initiative is the Public Works for listening to the needs of my Education Department's Secondary Schools local schools. Renewal Program, which is a $114m program Some examples of the additional works aimed at modernising and refurbishing those that have been undertaken include new older schools that, to some degree, have driveway access, some new shade covers and missed out on capital financing in recent some playground equipment at the Zillmere decades. The key element of that program State School; upgraded playground which I am particularly impressed with is that it equipment at both the Geebung State School requires schools when applying for funding to and the preschool; a bicycle storage area plus identify mechanisms to improve educational some much needed repairs and maintenance outcomes. at the Boondall State School; upgraded The Banyo State High School has my full playground equipment, extra security support and involvement in an application that screening and new desks at the Northgate it has made for funding under this program. State School; drainage works at the site of the The proposal there is to establish a P-12 old tennis courts and a new school display sign school incorporating the Banyo State High at the Nudgee State School; and School and the Nudgee State School into a refurbishment of a badly deteriorated single integrated campus. It involves the verandah and a new water bubbler for the oval creation of three sub-schools; a junior school at the Banyo State High School. These are catering for preschool to Year 5, which would some examples of the items that have been be situated on the current Nudgee State addressed and there are a number of other School site, a middle school catering for Year issues that I am pursuing for these and other 6 to Year 9 and a senior school catering for schools in my electorate, including the Nudgee Years 10 to 12, which would be located on the Beach Environmental Education Centre and Banyo State High School grounds. The model the Geebung Special School. provides significant benefits for all levels of In terms of local policing, this year the students and allows the school to focus on the Police budget across the State has received a specific developmental needs of children at hefty 5.4% increase, which will enable the each crucial stage in their social, educational provision of an additional net increase in and personal development. officers of 325. Twenty million dollars has been The proposal is being considered by provided for capital works across the State, Education Queensland. There is no guarantee and I am pleased that almost $2m of that total that this proposal will be fully funded by the will be spent in the Boondall division, preparing department. I certainly hope that it will be. It the Boondall headquarters for significantly stands alone on its merits. It is well supported improved service in the area. I am continuing by the local community. In fact, at a public to talk to the Minister and the Police Service meeting attended by 130 people, 120 people about further upgrading the Banyo Police supported the proposal to create the P-12 Station. Improvements have already been school in this community. That is overwhelming made to the operation of this station as a support for an innovative and clever proposal result of my representations to both the that will significantly improve the educational Minister and the Police Service. opportunities and outcomes, not just for Other significant initiatives in the Police students but for staff. The opportunities that budget include a proposal to expend over present themselves with this proposal are $1.3m trialling the electronic monitoring of enhanced when combined with the decision to prisoners on home detention orders and to establish the Australian Catholic University just provide $1.9m for DNA sampling and analysis. across the road from the Banyo State High This latter initiative is at the cutting edge of School at the Banyo seminary site. My crime fighting and prevention. message to Education Queensland is simple: Last year money was allocated for the do not let this opportunity pass by. Zillmere Police Citizens Youth Club. However, I Opportunities like this do not come around too need to highlight again the significant nature often. Give us the money we need to develop of this project and its importance to my local a first-class educational precinct on the north community and the benefits that it will deliver side of Brisbane. to residents of all ages across my electorate. 2342 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

The Government committed over $1m to this have already been created. This year's Budget project and the Brisbane City Council has also continues that trend. An amount of $91m has made significant financial and in-kind been allocated to create an extra 10,850 contributions. It is expected that the new training and employment opportunities for community centre, the PCYC, will be operating Queenslanders. An additional 2,400 public in O'Callaghan Park, Zillmere early next year. sector traineeships will be created during In terms of transport issues, the Budget 2000Ð01. Continued funding has been allocates $18m of a total of $45m to be spent provided for 570 apprenticeships created on the Nundah bypass. In April, the Minister during the period between 1998 and this year. turned the first sod on the real construction Funding has been provided for 3,000 new work on this project. It is great to see this private sector apprenticeships and project finally up and running. Local traineeships. Money is committed to create businesses and residents will be relieved when 200 extra training opportunities under the the necessary construction work is completed. Housing Industry Trade Training Program. There is always some pain, and it will be We will also see the continuation of the encountered during the construction period very successful Community Employment over the next year or so, but it will be worth Assistance Program and the Community Jobs while as the bypass and the associated Plan. A local organisation in my electorate redevelopment of the Nundah shopping based in Banyo, DOME—Don't Overlook centre, which will require financial support from Mature Employees—has achieved some great both council and local businesses, will bring results in assisting unemployed people in the significant benefits to the surrounding areas. over 40s age group. I am looking forward to An amount of $45m has been allocated continuing to support organisations such as to build extra rolling stock for the Airtrain DOME and other organisations that are Citylink. Airtrain will pay for the use of this applying for funding under the Community rolling stock over the 35-year term of its Jobs Plan. Both of those programs provide operating contract for the railway line to the financial support to community-based airport. It is an exciting project which, to date, organisations that directly assist unemployed has been well managed by the builders, people to either gain employment or prepare Transfield. As with all major construction them to gain employment. projects, there has been some disruption to On that note, I commend the Budget to local residents. However, overall, Transfield the House. As the Courier-Mail stated, this is a has kept people well informed of the work to Budget for the battlers. However, it is also a be undertaken and has responded well Budget for the future, with significant funding whenever difficulties have been raised by me for Health, Education, Policing, and and, based on reports received in my office, to employment initiatives. The constituents of the issues raised directly by local residents. electorate of Nudgee have shared in its Other capital works expenditure on significant benefits. railways includes $45m to complete the third Dr PRENZLER (Lockyer—CCAQ) track between Northgate and Lawnton and (11.25 p.m.): I rise tonight to give my response $1.5m to complete the works between to the Beattie Budget of 2000. In doing so, I Northgate and Mayne. Over the past few years will give credit where credit is due but also there has also been a number of significant highlight some of the many shortcomings of upgrades and improvements to local railway this Budget—a Budget that has been stations, including the provision of lifts, ramp described by many as a "steady as she goes access, security parking and so on. I will not list Budget". all of the stations involved, but over the past Perhaps it is a Budget that best describes few years there has not been one station in a Government that has stretched its my electorate that has not received some manipulation of the State's finances to the improvement, whether that be simply a basic limit. In reality, over the past few years this refurbishment of station buildings, the Government has been busy manipulating and installation of a pedestrian level crossing or raiding the superannuation funds and other major additions such as lifts and ramp access. fidelity funds and now proposes a raid on the I want to touch briefly on employment port authorities to prop up its extravagant initiatives in the Budget. For the third year in a spending—spending money on pork-barrelling row, the Government has committed Labor electorates and other electorates that significant funding towards employment Labor believes it may win at the next election, programs. As a result of past initiatives, record spending money on social engineering that numbers of apprenticeships and traineeships simply does not have the support of the 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2343 community in general. This continuous raiding urgent need for a program to upgrade these of funds could see the State's financial wooden bridges to concrete. structure enter a downward spiral, ending in I am pleased to see the allocation of the mess similar to the one in which Victoria $11m of Federal funding for the duplication of found itself a number of years of ago. the Warrego Highway at Marburg in the The capital works expenditure in the electorate of my colleague the member for Budget, estimated to be $5.3 billion, is indeed Ipswich West. This duplication is certainly well a welcome aspect of the Budget. I am indeed overdue and, hopefully, on completion will add pleased to see that approximately 60% of this to the safety of this very busy highway. I will be allocation will be spent in regional areas. advocating for and continuing to lobby the Unfortunately, once again it is disappointing to Minister most strongly for an extension of this note that the majority of that spending is duplication program to include the Gatton largely restricted to the coastal strip and to bypass. Once this section of the Warrego more pork-barrelling of Labor electorates. Highway is duplicated, we will have a In the area of health funding, I commend continuous divided and safer highway from the Government for its commitment to funding Brisbane to Toowoomba. the expansion of breast screening facilities and From a safety consideration, there is also the implementation of a program to deliver an urgent need for the construction of an cervical screening to rural and remote areas. overpass at the Plainlands intersection. This While these initiatives were and still are overpass is needed urgently on this highway to desperately needed—and are most ensure the safety of residents living in the welcome—there is also an ever-increasing area. need for an increase in funding for the The $4.2m for major works on the research, detection and treatment of prostate Cunningham Highway at the Ebenezer Creek cancer. That disease is of equal importance to Bridge and approaches is vital on the basis of the male population. As with breast and traffic volumes and to complete the excellent cervical cancers, the earlier the detection of work that has been taking place on this section prostate cancer, the greater the survival rate. I of highway over the past year or so. More work urge the Minister for Health—and I notice that is required on this highway, which serves as she is sitting opposite—to promote prostate one of the most important arterial links to the detection with the same fervour as she southern States. In particular, one area at promotes breast cancer detection. Silverdale is reminiscent of roads some 40 Mrs Edmond: We are going to use the years ago. It is potholed and totally mammography machines in their down time! unacceptable for a national highway. I have Dr PRENZLER: I thank the Minister for raised the condition of this section of highway that interjection. I appreciate that. It is certainly with the Minister for Transport on a number of an area that needs a lot of attention. One has occasions and, as usual, have not received a only to go into our hospitals to see how many sensible answer as to when this section will be members of the male population are in there programmed for repair. receiving treatment for prostatic cancers. The funding of $1.335m over two years to Spending on road infrastructure will replace the Purga Creek Bridge at Peak always be a priority. I will discuss road funding Crossing is certainly welcome. This bridge has as it is relevant to my electorate shortly but, as recently been found to be defective due to a general comment, I see an emerging need termite infestation of the outer girders. I urge for accelerated funding of a replacement the Minister to expedite this replacement, as program for wooden bridges throughout the this road serves as an important connection State. Most of these wooden bridges are now road for residents south of Peak Crossing to becoming quite old and posing maintenance the metropolitan areas. Many of these people problems beyond the financial capability of live around the Boonah and Harrisville areas local councils. There is a rapidly emerging and they commute to work every day to safety issue with these bridges. Along with the Brisbane and Ipswich. As I mentioned earlier, advancing age of these structures, we are road funding is always a high priority, and seeing the compounding effect of increased there are still many projects in the Lockyer traffic volume, increased traffic speeds and electorate that deserve priority attention. increased axle loadings over these bridges. I call on the Minister for Transport to That is a recipe for disaster. Since this reconsider the possibility of reintroducing a Government's regional forestry agreement passenger rail service to the Laidley and process has taken away the opportunity to Gatton areas in the Lockyer Valley. My office access quality bridge timbers, there is an continues to receive inquires about when a rail 2344 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 passenger service will again be available. I Minister for Education to sign off on this new remind the Minister that a number of rail school as soon as possible. I also urge the motors are sitting in storage in Brisbane at the Minister—and I hope he is listening—not to be moment, and they could be used to provide persuaded by interest groups when it comes to an essential service to these areas. I assure deciding where the school should or should the Minister that, if he reintroduced such a not be placed. We all know that the best site service, it would be greatly appreciated by the for this new high school is opposite the present people of the Lockyer Valley. Flagstone State School. I hope we see that in At this juncture, I also add my support to the future. the proposed interstate railway connection The additional funding of some $459,000 through the Lockyer Valley. The future to complete the State school at Laidley is also development of this railway is essential to our appreciated. This funding will be used to area, and I urge the Government to support complete the new Laidley District State School. the development as best it can. There is no I assure the Minister that, after initial concerns doubt that construction of such a railway would from people around the Laidley district, it has enhance the serviceability of the Lockyer now been well accepted by the people of Valley and the transportation of produce from Laidley and district. They appreciate that the valley interstate and to the Brisbane port. school. It is a wonderful addition to the area. I This important linkage would allow fast thank the Minister for that. passenger transport to and from Toowoomba, I take this opportunity to urge the Minister Ipswich and Brisbane. for Education to make increased funding The Warrego Highway is becoming a available—and I realise that this is not just his major highway, with some 14,000 vehicles a territory—to the University of Queensland's day travelling on it. Many of these people are Gatton campus. Gene technology is just one commuting from the Lockyer valley areas and of many projects that I believe would be more areas of Toowoomba to Brisbane and Ipswich appropriately located at Gatton rather than at to work and also to shop. The development of Long Pocket or St Lucia, which is causing such a railway system, with stops in the problems for local residents. Lockyer area, at Gatton, Laidley and other A project that should have received stations, would certainly enhance the funding under the State Development development of these areas. Program is the transport of Brisbane's waste I notice that the Education Minister is in water to the Lockyer area for irrigation. I had the Chamber. Education is always a priority in hoped that there would be more funding to any Budget. Although the spending on accelerate the feasibility study on this very Education never seems to be enough, I important project. Apart from the economic welcome the allocations in this Budget for a benefits through increased availability of number of the schools in my electorate of irrigation water to the Lockyer Valley irrigators Lockyer. The Budget allocation of $360,000 and the drought proofing of the valley, the real for a general learning area block at the benefit would be the environmental aspect of Flagstone State School is a very welcome helping to restore Moreton Bay to pristine addition to that school. condition. I urge the Minister for State Mr Wells: A fine school, too. Development and the Minister for Natural Resources to take an active interest in this Dr PRENZLER: It certainly is. I was out proposal and to propel it into a reality. there recently talking to the principal. He is very proud of the school, and so he should be. It is I have noted in the Budget papers that a lovely new school, and I am proud to have it there has been no real provision for in my electorate. The Flagstone area of the compensation for rural landowners in regard to Beaudesert Shire is undergoing a population the Vegetation Management Act of 1999. This explosion as people from the Brisbane region Act, introduced by the Minister for Natural discover the wonderful benefits of living in rural Resources and passed by this Parliament last areas. This rapid growth in population has year, has caused a great deal of anguish to been accompanied by an astronomical rural landowners in Queensland. Once again, enrolment growth at Flagstone State School. I this anguish has often arisen through poor think it started off with about 60 or 70 consultation and because there is no prospect students. Two years later, it had in excess of of compensation for these landowners to 450. This growth in student numbers is placing preserve our native vegetation. further pressure on the Education Department As I have indicated to the Parliament to construct a new high school in this northern before, if these landowners had been end of the Beaudesert Shire. I urge the approached correctly, the outcomes of this Act 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2345 would have been accepted and seen in a I am not entirely convinced that much better light. Landowners have deregulation was inevitable. I am convinced traditionally preserved native vegetation for that there was scope for a plan that would many reasons. If this Government had have delivered a much better outcome for our negotiated and compensated these rural dairy farmers, and I am extremely landowners, we would not see the current disappointed that the Government did not haste to clear vegetation. In my opinion, by vigorously investigate all of the other options impinging its control over freehold landowners, available to it. The Government having caved the Government has a moral obligation to in to deregulation, I strongly believe that it has provide compensation. I see no provision in created a moral obligation to come up with a this Budget for this compensation but only the financial assistance package for these farmers. provision of moneys to correct the badly Just as I did in my speech to Parliament this surveyed maps of existing vegetation. I urge morning, I again urge the Minister for Primary the Minister for Natural Resources to Industries to negotiate a State compensation reconsider his position on this matter and to package to assist these farmers in their time of negotiate meaningfully with the landowners need. rather than bullying them into submission. Once again under this Budget, the police Two major disappointments are the lack force in the Lockyer electorate has missed out. of funding assistance for dairy farmers and the The police station at Gatton consists of some failure to address the inequities in the pricing 15 uniformed officers plus three plain clothes of off-road diesel fuel—a problem that has operational staff and their ancillary staff. These been primarily a result of the introduction of hardworking dedicated police officers and staff the GST. The diesel pricing arrangements have to work from an outdated station leave many sectors of primary industry designed for about one third of its number and severely disadvantaged. The added impost for built some 40 years ago. Lockers in the station contractors, local government, charter have to be shared shift by shift—and I mean operators, extractive industries and the like will shift by shift; they have to take out all their mean reduced margins and job losses in these gear between shifts so that people on the next sectors at a time when Queensland's shift can put their gear in those lockers. Those unemployment rate appears set to remain far lockers are also located in the staff kitchen in excess of the national average. area, which is very, very small. I urge the Treasurer—and I note that in The plain clothes officers at this station the debate last night he agreed to this—to are found at the back, in a converted garage. I take up this issue with the Federal have raised the condition of this station with Government as a matter of priority. I the Minister before, and I again invite him to encourage Treasurer Hamill to keep that up, visit the Gatton station to observe first-hand because over time that will cost people in the conditions that these officers have to work those areas a lot of money, which will result in under. It is definitely time that these police more job losses—something that I and, I am were provided with new premises, and I hope sure, the Treasurer do not want to see. that that will occur in forthcoming Budgets. As I said this morning, Queensland's dairy In closing, as I stated at the outset, this is farmers are in crisis. Many will not survive a lacklustre Budget that raises some concerns economically. Without help from the State about the fiscal responsibility of this Government, the personal and social cost will Government. Over the next 12 months we in be horrendous. Over the years State the City Country Alliance will be watching Governments have given tacit support to, and closely with interest the performance of this, been actively involved in, the tradability of milk the third Beattie Government Budget. entitlements. The system was established by Ms NELSON-CARR (Mundingburra—ALP) the dairy authority—a Government body— (11.41 p.m.): This Budget is a Labor Budget. which was involved in buying and reallocating This Budget is at the heart of what we, the quota. Government bodies such as the Government, stand for. In rising to support this Agricultural Bank actively encouraged farmers Budget, I applaud the Treasurer in his sober to buy quota, which they accepted as and balanced calculations to make life fairer collateral. I firmly believe that the State and more equitable for families and the Government has a moral obligation to buy out community. The four-year Putting Families First these quotas, just as it compensated milk scheme is one of which I am very proud. vendors when that sector of the industry was Giving children the best start recognises the deregulated. importance of early intervention, and directing 2346 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 resources to the early years will mean that them and act on their behalf. They want local children will get the best start in life. issues to be heard and dealt with. In valuing and supporting the nurturing As a woman, I represent more than half role of families, we can attempt to roll back the the population and, as a mother, I represent social imbalance that has been evident in the family. My experiences as a parent have society at large. As a mother of a large family, taught me patience, tolerance and the I can see only positive spin-offs for the extra meaning of unconditional love. The family unit allocation of funds to the family, which is the has changed and divided. Families are fabric of our society. Families, of course, need struggling to keep their heads above water. to live in a safe and supportive community and They are desperate to keep some traditional their members need to work in family friendly values, but they are bombarded with fear and environments. Now that the Government is uncertainty both in their relationships with actively working to help create social and partners and children and in the insecurity they economic opportunities, we can only move face in their employment. forward with social optimism. These issues are basic to our existence. Over the next four years the Government The issues of the family unit—jobs, education, will be investing a total of $304.1m, with health, ageing parents and all the social $69.4m in 2000-01, in the three key areas of implications that plague the family of Putting Families First. These will include a today—must be addressed. I believe that I am major commitment to Putting Families First, bringing back the confidence of the people by including an additional $63m over four years to doing what I have always done as a mother Disabilities Services Queensland, with a $9m and as a professional: I will listen, I will take on commitment in 2000-01 rising to $18m in board local issues and I will represent the 2001-02. The Government builds on its people of Mundingburra to the best of my commitment to the recommendations of the ability. Forde inquiry, with an additional $5m in Holding regular formal and informal 2000Ð01 on top of its $100m commitment community information sessions has been a over four years that commenced in 1999- feature of finding positive solutions to all sorts 2000. This includes young people at risk, $1m; of issues and it gives the people of youth detention centre staffing, $1m; Mundingburra a direct link to their elected intervention and prevention of youth member. It is also a feature of this Labor prostitution, $500,000; increasing foster care Government generally. Community Cabinet allowances, $585,000; improved detention meetings are held regularly and throughout centre educational facilities, $530,000; Queensland. They show that this Government improved health services for young people in is a listening and caring Government detention, $1m; and expanded community proactively seeking solutions by involving the visitor program and commitment to a better community in the decision-making process. understanding of the early childhood years, The Mundingburra electorate is not an $350,000. industrial or rural electorate; it is basically When I first came into this place, I made residential, middle Australia. The constituents a commitment to the people of Mundingburra. in the electorate include employees in the I can say that in my first term of Government I public and private sectors, professionals, have achieved that commitment. In my labourers and a large population of soldiers inaugural speech I made the point that, as a from nearby Lavarack Barracks. While many community leader, I stand for honesty, integrity people go outside Mundingburra to work, and social justice. The main thing I wanted to Mundingburra is where they live. So the issues achieve during my term of office was to win of city life, jobs, education, health, justice and back the confidence of the people in the the environment are what make up the electorate—confidence in the political process. electorate. Bearing this in mind, we can see I wanted to bring back professionalism in how this Budget will benefit my electorate in politics so that people could feel safe and focusing on families and delivering on social confident in the ability of their member to lead priorities. and make decisions. I am still in accord with The health highlights in Townsville include the people who are sick and tired of political $71.5m for the Townsville Hospital point scoring, backstabbing and undisciplined redevelopment, $1.735m for the acquired behaviour which serve no other purpose than brain injury unit at the Townsville Hospital, to turn people away in disgust and anger. $6.063m for the extended care unit at the These same people are looking for someone Townsville Hospital and $1m for the who can listen to them, feel empathy with pyschogeriatric unit at the Townsville Hospital. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2347

The people of Mundingburra will benefit from replacement police station, district Statewide increases totalling $1.4m for the headquarters and regional office in Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme, the Patient Mundingburra, which is a $2m project, is being Travel Subsidy Scheme and the Spectacle given the go-ahead. The social fabric of Supply Scheme. This year's Health budget Mundingburra has been given a facelift. also includes an extra $2.5m for cancer I am in the fortunate position of working treatment services, including radiotherapy, and closely with the Premier's representative in the an extra $600,000 for breast and cervical north, the member for Townsville. Our cancer screening. teamwork is valuable in getting the best deal Mrs Edmond: What a great Health for Townsville, and this Budget has proven budget. that. If we look at rail, road and port, Townsville Ms NELSON-CARR: It is a fantastic has benefited from this Labor Government, a Health budget. There will be $12.7m more for Government that has its priorities founded in Home and Community Care services, including social platforms which give ordinary people an additional $4.5m State contribution. hope. Education is a key focus of the State I am a different kind of modern-day Budget and, as a former teacher, I think it has politician. As a woman, I bring a different been fantastic to lobby for schools in my balance and a different way of looking at the electorate and get results. More than $1.2m world to solutions. Today, the member for has been allocated for capital works at our Merrimac referred to all Government members local schools, including $500,000 up front for as "the boys". What hope do women in the Aitkenvale Special School. Continuation of the coalition have when they are perceived as one building program for Annandale State School of the boys? This Government has a is $914,000. Currajong State School is set to commitment to women and women's issues, receive an upgrade, and Heatley State High including the environment and the socially just School and Pimlico State High School received policies evident in the Budget. In this Budget, funding under the Secondary Schools we give the green light to families and the Renewal Program. issues they encounter in everyday life. I The Budget provides $1.75m to begin commend the Bill to the House. major refurbishment of the Barrier Reef Mr BLACK (Whitsunday—CCAQ) Institute of TAFE's tourism and hospitality (11.50 p.m.): This Budget contains some good facilities in Pimlico. $4m has been allocated for news, but many of the initiatives are long the two-year project. The institute will also overdue and there are still many areas which share in a $15.2m TAFE allocation for the have not been adequately addressed. I development of information and technology welcome the allocation of funding for the services. It will receive $31.3m in 2000-01 for purchase of land to accommodate a new training delivery. ambulance station at the northern beaches. I The Budget has delivered for local also welcome the allocation of funding of residents and families in the Mundingburra $200,000 for a new police station on the electorate. An additional $18m has been northern beaches of Mackay. I thank the provided for disability services beyond the Minister for that. I hope that that work will commitment of $30m. An additional $16.3m commence at the earliest possible opportunity. has been allocated. The provision of $40m These facilities have been a long time coming. over four years is set to achieve a ratio of one My constituents in this high-growth area, which computer for every five students in secondary has growth between 8% and 9%, have been schools in 2001-02 and in Years 3 to 7 by the very patient and are now entitled to expect years 2003-04. Cooler Schools funding for that these projects will be completed as a Aitkenvale State School, Cranbrook State matter of urgency. School, Heatley State School, Mundingburra Despite numerous claims that a new high State School and Pimlico State School totals school will be established in the northern about $709,000. beaches area, I am disappointed that there Housing has also been given a boost in appears to be no funding allocation in this this year's Budget, with $25.5m being Budget to allow this project to commence. As I allocated for additional housing, upgrade and said before, this area is developing very rapidly maintenance programs. This includes almost and the need for secondary school facilities is $1m for ongoing community housing becoming more pressing daily. Eimeo Road developments and $430,000 as part of a State School continues to receive well- $470,000 project to extend a women's shelter deserved funding. This school now has 550 in the Mundingburra electorate. The students, and the upgrading program is 2348 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 certainly welcomed by the community of that that further growth and increased employment area. While acknowledging the provision of opportunities are stifled. extra classrooms at Cannonvale school, and Another project vital to the future of since this is a notorious cyclone area, I Collinsville is the mooted upgrade of the Cerito question whether it would be a much better Station and Newlands Mine Road. This link strategy to provide permanent buildings rather would prevent the population drift away from than demountables. As this is one of the major Collinsville, because mineworkers are presently growth areas in the Whitsundays, it just does relocating to areas such as Mackay, which has not make sense to use temporary much better access to mines. This morning we accommodation when the growth predictions heard a lot of posturing from the Premier and clearly indicate that permanent buildings would many of his colleagues about the importance be utilised to their full extent. of preserving Queensland's small towns. Here The science block refurbishment program was a golden opportunity to do just that, but at the Proserpine State High School is certainly that opportunity was missed. It is probably welcome, and I thank the Minister once again better late than never, and I would urge the for the funding allocation of $450,000 over two Government to look closely at this project as a years, $200,000 of which will be spent this matter of urgency. financial year. It is indeed most disappointing Sugar is vital to the future of the to note that there has been no provision for Whitsunday electorate. The industry is in even preliminary work on two projects which turmoil, and I am bitterly disappointed that this are absolutely vital for the economic viability Budget offers no assistance to one of and survival of two of the most hard-pressed Queensland's great industries, an industry that towns in my electorate. I refer to Bowen and has traditionally been instrumental in Collinsville which, through no fault of their own, developing north Queensland and an industry have been hard hit by the closure of the that provides tremendous employment meatworks and the loss of mining and rail jobs. opportunities. Many north Queensland towns Mr Pearce: This is the first time I've ever are almost totally dependant on the sugar heard you talk about mining and being industry. This Government should be providing positive. assistance to the sugar industry and should be Mr BLACK: The member has obviously making much stronger representations to the not been listening. He should read some Federal Government to ensure the long-term questions on notice. The projects which have viability of the industry and the long-term the capacity to lift the economy of the whole survival of sugar towns. region, particularly Bowen and Collinsville, are Tourism is also a major employer in the of course the Urana dam and the Elliott Whitsundays, with resorts on the northern Channel. The Elliott Channel has been beaches of Mackay, at Laguna Quays, Airlie bandied about for many years. It is an Beach and Bowen and also the world-class infrastructure development which has the resorts on the Whitsunday islands. I call on the potential to provide an enormous number of Minister for Tourism and Racing to provide any jobs, both directly and indirectly, and would assistance she can in developing the give a much-needed boost to the whole outstanding potential of these water-based region. All that is needed is a Government with tourism opportunities. The economic the foresight to commit funding which would contribution to the region and to the State of be returned many times over. Queensland that is derived from tourism in my Payroll tax is an escalating problem in the electorate would be considerably higher than Bowen area. Bracket creep is catching more the State average of one job for every nine. and more vegetable growers in this unfair tax, The opportunities for ecotourism are also which is a severe disincentive for farmers to enormous. With support and encouragement, expand and develop. A progressive farmer it will be a major contributor to the region and who expands his operation and offers to the State's economy. However, the impact employment opportunities is penalised to the of the GST is a major concern for all tourist extent of 4.9%, while his neighbour who operators and people who work in the makes no attempt to reach maximum potential Whitsundays. I would have thought that a escapes scot free. It is a severe disincentive responsible State Government would have for jobs. There should be a restructuring of the anticipated the problem and boosted spending formula to ensure that tomato growers or other on tourism promotion to an extent not vegetable growers whose biggest input costs evidenced in this Budget. Last but not least, I are wages are not burdened to such an extent refer to the jobs of the railway workers in the 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2349

Proserpine and Bowen areas. These towns and self-esteem like holding down a real job, cannot afford to lose those types of jobs. particularly if that job can be combined with the Mr KAISER (Woodridge—ALP) tremendous community projects that produce (11.57 p.m.): This Budget recognises that we community assets, like the ones that are are part of a community, not just an economy. occurring in my electorate by people It is economically responsible and socially undertaking Community Jobs Plan work. We responsive. It enhances Queensland's well- expect that the Budget will also create 1,190 deserved reputation for responsible economic additional apprenticeships and traineeships in management, but it does not treat that as an both the public and private sectors within the end in itself. As the Treasurer said, it is just a Brisbane South/Gold Coast region. That is real means to an end, and that end is about training for real jobs. people, not Budget bottom lines. It is about I am particularly proud of the fact that this creating jobs, it is about putting families first Budget also recognises the plight of older and it is about ensuring that we create a unemployed and retrenched workers. There community in which individuals can achieve are specific measures to assist retrenched their full potential and take the opportunities workers, those at risk of losing their jobs and given to them. the older unemployed. Under the Community This Budget also delivers on Training Partnerships program the Logan City commitments made by the Premier and me Council is sponsoring a pilot which is expected during the Woodridge by-election campaign to train more than 70 people. The project will earlier this year. In that campaign, the people give pre-employment training to of Woodridge delivered for Labor. I am now disadvantaged unemployed young people and proud to say that this Budget delivers for them, provide skills development for older workers. and it delivers without putting them under No Government has the capacity to base further financial pressure. With Logan City police officers outside every home, but this Council rates rising by an average 7% recently, Government is meeting its commitments to the the battlers of Woodridge will, I am sure, be community in terms of increased police relieved to know that this Budget contains no numbers. Since coming to office, the Labor new taxes and no increased taxes. Government has increased the number of This Budget and the Government's Smart police in the Logan region by 55, and under State strategy are putting Queensland in the this Budget we can expect those increases to box seat to create jobs in the exciting new 21st continue. I was assured by the Minister for century industries of information technology Police in a meeting earlier this afternoon that and biotechnology, ensuring a future for our Woodridge will get its share of the 325 new kids. These and other futuristic industries will police positions created by this Budget. create not just new jobs but new types of jobs. This Budget also funds a great many My kids and others their age will very likely hold crime-fighting measures too extensive to list down jobs that we have not even heard of yet. here. The Government is, for example, fighting While many new kinds of jobs will be created, the local drug scene with a newly established the process of globalisation will destroy many drug court being trialled to break the other jobs. It is important in these devastating link between drug use and circumstances that Governments step in to property crime. There is continued funding for help, not desert people. the District Operations Support Group Locally, this Budget seeks to break the operating out of the Logan Central station, unemployment cycle, a persistent problem in which is succeeding in improving local crime Logan City. In addition to measures to ensure clean-up rates. strong private sector jobs growth, this Budget As is the case in many areas, property continues vital jobs projects at a time when the crime is a real issue in Logan City. That is why Commonwealth Government has withdrawn this Budget funds the Government's brilliant from community based employment programs. DNA database program, which has contributed To date, under this Labor Government the enormously to cleaning up local property crime Woodridge electorate has received $2.3m where it has been implemented in other under the Breaking the Unemployment Cycle countries. initiative. The Budget also contains about $2m to Based on previous funding patterns, the fund security cameras in crime hot spots. The electorate of Woodridge will receive funding of money is granted to councils upon application. $2.02m this financial year, which will directly I certainly encourage the Logan City Council to help over 200 local Woodridge residents into make application to the Government to ensure jobs or training. Nothing restores confidence that some local crime hot spots are monitored 2350 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 by cameras. I have already expressed my Logan region, which I welcome; it also desire to work with the mayor to identify hot provides $7.25m for the upgrading and spots, and any application made by the Logan maintenance of homes. City Council will receive my strong support. Along with the fantastic urban renewal Although not in Woodridge, we can expect work which is happening in Woodridge and new police stations at Loganholme and Kingston, this maintenance is enhancing a Calamvale/Sunnybank Hills to ease the sense of pride in these communities. In fact, pressure on local police and improve their the Budget contains around $7.4m to continue levels of responsiveness to reported crimes. urban and community renewal efforts in The Logan Hospital will soon celebrate its Kingston and Woodridge. Community renewal 10th birthday. How extraordinary to think that a is redefining how Government works. city such as Logan did not have a major Government too often operates like a master hospital just a decade ago! This Budget builder—doing things according to a one-size- contains $4.8m to continue the vital expansion fits-all plan. Under community renewal, and upgrade work at the hospital. The Logan Government becomes like a hardware store— region has also been selected for a trial of the providing the tools, the materials and the Family CARE program, which aims to improve advice but leaving the community to make the the health of newborn babies, particularly decisions about what is best. Community those in vulnerable families, by providing renewal is all about involving local people in supportive, professional home visiting services. decision making, building community capacity This continues on the Government's early and solving problems in an innovative, creative intervention approach so evident in the and all-of-Government way. Community Positive Parenting Program, which is delivering renewal has the capacity to transform my local great benefits in my community. The community, not just physically but also socially. individuals involved in these programs feel the I am particularly proud of the fact that this benefits immediately. The community as a Budget delivers further record increases in whole will feel the benefits of early intervention disability funding. These funds will provide in generations to come. support for more than 2,000 adults, families This Budget also allocates a further and children and more than 100 new and $200,000 to complete the construction of the expanded services, many no doubt in replacement ambulance station in Woodridge, Woodridge. Woodridge has a very high which I know is keenly anticipated by not just proportion of people with disabilities. This local residents but also ambulance officers and Budget gives them the recognition they staff. I look forward to going out in the near deserve. While no Government can do future with an ambulance crew one Friday or enough to assist people with disabilities, this Saturday night, as well as with a police squad Government is committed to improving their car, to gain a greater appreciation of not only quality of life, after decades of neglect. issues in my electorate but also what these This Budget also secures the funds for an incredibly important public servants in our local entertainment and cultural centre in the heart community do and what is involved in their of Woodridge. This magnificent program will work. receive $2m from the State Government's It is vital that our children, including at-risk Regional Centres Program and $2m from the kids, be given every opportunity to reach their Logan City Council. It is important that local full potential. This Budget provides the funds people recognise that this is a centre for the for the alternative school located at Woodridge whole community. The 1,500-seat auditorium State High School. It will be a place where at- has the potential to be an economic boost for risk kids can receive the special attention they the City of Logan and will provide somewhere need to enable them to continue their for major indoor events to be staged for the education. I believe it will literally save lives by enjoyment of all Logan City residents. This will keeping many young people in the school be the largest auditorium between Brisbane system rather than on the streets. and the Gold Coast, and it is certainly the The suburbs of my electorate contain a biggest publicly funded capital works project in very large number of public housing homes. I Woodridge for a very long time. find that, whether people live in a public house I return to the issue of education and the or not, all people in the community are vitally quality of local schools. I recently toured many concerned about the appearance and the schools with the Parliamentary Secretary to the maintenance of these homes. Not only does Minister for Education to outline and to show this Budget contain more than $2m for the him first-hand some of the maintenance issues construction of new public rental housing in the which many local schools are experiencing. I 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2351 am certainly hopeful and have an expectation Queensland's major trading partners is that resulting from those visits there will be expected to increase over the forecast period many announcements over the coming to 1.5%. Even though the gross State product months about upgrades to local schools, such is forecast to grow by 3.75%, it is down on the as the $100,000 upgrade to the Woodridge 4.25% of the previous year. The reasons were State High School hall, which I was able to set out on pages 14 and 15 of Budget Paper announce some time ago. No. 3: household consumption to ease to 4%; Time does not permit me to detail the private investment to fall by 4%; dwelling many other benefits this Budget delivers for investment to fall by 4.5%; business Logan City and the electorate of Woodridge in investment to fall by 5.75%; investment in particular. There are many other great projects buildings and structures to ease by three- on the books, such as road lighting work and a quarters of a percent; investment in machinery major upgrade to the Woodridge Railway and equipment to fall by 8.25%; and public Station. I repeat in conclusion: the people of final demand to ease by 1.5%—a combined Woodridge delivered for Labor; Labor is now effect of a subdued outlook for delivering for them. Commonwealth expenditures as well as the peaking of major capital works projects in Mr FELDMAN (Caboolture—CCAQ) Health and on the Pacific Motorway. (12.07 a.m.): It is with pleasure that I rise to take part in the debate on the Appropriation As can be seen, this Budget is a tragic Bills. The Budget 2000-01, the millennium indictment of what has been described as a Budget, has turned out to look a bit like a can't do Government which, by the bottle of doctor's brew: it smells a little bit, has presentation of this document, admits its lack not got a fancy taste but looks good on the of business acumen and surrenders to the outside. We actually have Premier Beattie, the inevitability of Queensland relinquishing its smiling, broad-grinned snake oil salesman, status as Australia's strongest State economy. doing the sales pitch as per the instructions of One of the major surrenders in this a media spin doctor from Gentleman Inala Budget is an admission that Queensland's Jim's office. She must have a better arm than unemployment level has defied the national Shane Warne to get that much turn on the average, remaining at around 8% in an spin. environment in which the general trend is Everyone has been asking the serial significantly downwards. Combined with this funds rapist in the Treasury portfolio where the damning statistic is the indication of shrinking extra money was coming from, and it was not growth, which gives no comfort to those long before the violated Auctioneers and battling Queenslanders who are suffering the Agents Fidelity Fund, the port authorities, the demoralising experience of being unemployed. Public Service superannuation fund and the Unemployment is the most significant factor energy GOCs came out of their Rohypnol- leading to the decay of our society and our induced blackouts to find money missing from way of life. Unemployment leads to depression the kitty. But the books balance, as long as and a lack of self-esteem, which are in turn Fair Trading does not check the scales, and catalysts for substance abuse, violence, family the books are in the black or so they tell us. breakdown and lawlessness. But is this referring to the ink on the page or Queensland is arguably the richest State the lack of lighting due to the failing in Australia in terms of natural resources, so maintenance program in the power industry, the disparity between our unemployment presided over by the Minister for Energy? levels and those of the other States can be attributed only to bad management. This Like everyone here, I am actually hoping Government should have been encouraging that the Budget is in the black and that the an environment conducive to increased taxpayers of Queensland are not being sold a production and an environment encouraging pup. However, like most, I began looking at small business to take the risks and make the the past performance indicators and then investments that provide the jobs. Small looking at the forward projections. The past business and primary industries are the wealth performance of providing a jobs, jobs, jobs generators of our economy and should be working environment did not bode too well. nurtured and encouraged by Government Looking forward, I see words in the policies and strategies. Sadly, the reverse has Economic and Revenue Outlook, Budget been the case as this Government has waded Paper No. 3, under "Key Economic through industry like the grim reaper, Assumptions", indicating that economic growth destroying everything in its path, wiping out in Queensland will ease to three and a quarter jobs by the hundred with every stroke of its per cent and that inflation experienced in legislative pen. We have seen job carnage in 2352 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 the timber industry and the dairy industry due The civil construction industry urges directly to Government actions. We have seen the Government to urgently address thousands of other jobs lost due to these issues: Government inertia or unwillingness to take Immediately resolving the positive action against economic rationalism Queensland crisis; and the economic rationalists. Immediately restoring the equivalent Why, just the other night in this Chamber of the previous state based off-road we debated the diesel fuel rebate. "A dirty subsidy of 8.354 cents per litre; diesel deal done dirt cheap by the Democrats", Adjusting the diesel fuel excise to put I believe was the crusty cry from the member the 1.7 cents per litre back where it for Woodridge. But this Government added should be—with all off-road diesel the final kick in the guts to those businesses, users; and I am talking of the extractive industries and the contractors done to death by the Longer term examining how the withdrawal of the 8.3c rebate from the State construction industry can access the Government. This has added some 10c a litre Diesel Fuel Rebate Scheme. to the off-road diesel usage of these The industry awaits the industries. I just wonder how many cranes we Government's response." will see over the skyscrapers of Brisbane in the The Premier's plaintive cries of "jobs, jobs, coming years. jobs" and his boast about 5% will go down in These building contractors entered their history, alongside such other famous remarks contracts months—and sometimes six to eight and quotes as that of his Labor mate Bob months—ago, when the diesel price was lower Hawke's "no child will be living in poverty" and and the rebate was in place. Now they have Keating's "l-a-w, law" disappearing tax cuts. lost their rebate and the diesel price is up, and This Budget is a smoke-and-mirrors trick by an in some cases these contractors are hundreds inept snake-oil salesman Treasurer that does of thousands of dollars out in their contracted absolutely nothing for battling Queenslanders. price. They have to wear that, and with the If this Government applied itself as stroke of a pen this Government and the diligently to economic management as it has Federal Government have done them in. No done to prostitution, same-sex marriages, the wonder they are turning to us in the City lunatic Left of the environmentalists and Country Alliance! political correctness, we would be savouring the benefits of a vibrant economy. The worst part is that there are three Unfortunately, those sectors are not productive major extractive industries and private and are not wealth-creating, except perhaps in environmental landscape engineering the case of prostitution, where the wealth contractors in my electorate, and they are generation benefits the pimps and the drug hurting because of this pen stroke. As a matter pushers. This Government has demonstrated of fact, I have here a letter from Park Forge, that it is soft on prostitution, soft on unnatural environmental landscape and engineering liaisons and soft on radical minority groups but contractors. The final couple of paragraphs in could not care less about the workers, the this document state— battlers, the farmers and the small-business "It gets worse! In Queensland we owners. This incompetent Treasurer has demonstrated by his own behaviour in the net now have this incredible situation where bet fiasco that he is more interested in the the off-road diesel fuel subsidy ended on "quick quid" approach than in developing a the 30th June 2000 and an on-road strong, productive and sustainable economy. subsidy of approximately 8 cents a litre by the Queensland Government applies. However, there is a little bit of a silver lining for the electorate of Caboolture, and it is This means that off-road diesel for really looking for a little bit of silver in the construction is now 8 cents per litre plus clouds that are gathering. It would be remiss of the aforementioned 1.7 cents per litre me not to mention them. I see that the above the on-road price. This is a major Redcliffe/Caboolture District Mental Health Unit impost which many businesses may not is the recipient of a rehabilitation and dual be able to bear. Locked into long term diagnosis unit worth $1.6m. The value of the fixed price contracts, some contractors are mental health unit at the Caboolture Hospital is being asked to pay an extra $15-20,000 remarkable, and further injection of funds into per month—effective overnight 30th the area of mental health is essential. As I said June/1st July. during the debate on the Mental Health Bill, I 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2353 was hoping that a lot of those measures would tourism factor of the roos, but not the quantity alleviate some of the pressures on police, and that is now there because of an inordinately I really hope that they do. good wet season last year. Mr Welford would However, there are other problems that I be well advised that this is no laughing—or, in have highlighted to the Minister before with that case, swearing—matter, and it needs respect to the area of district health. These are urgent rectification. the ongoing problems at the Caboolture TV channels 7, 9, 10 and 2 must have an Dental Clinic, where more staff, especially unbelievable fear of highlighting what I say in dentists, are required to reduce the daily any form, because they did not even mention backlog of patients and the 33-month waiting me on those channels. It really shows what list of 1,600-odd people. These are sort of fear they have of City Country Alliance hardworking and retired Caboolture and Bribie Queensland when we highlight those little Island residents—the pensioners, the lower- issues that affect hardworking battlers in our income earners and the welfare recipients; the electorates. I wonder if it is the interviewers or real battlers of my electorate—and this Labor the executives who are frightened of the City Government is totally ignoring them. These are Country Alliance. Thank goodness for good old the salt-of-the-earth people who used to vote SBS. At least one can expect a decent run Labor because they felt that they would be there. There is a continued fear of CCAQ looked after. However, that did not turn out to because we are certainly on the rise, and I be the case with David Gordon, an old Labor look forward to ignoring those very same TV man who waited through three successive stations which choose to ignore us. Governments—two Labor and one coalition—and the only one who came to his A little more funding—$5m for the electric help to push the mantle for his hip operation, trains in Caboolture, with the signalling first scheduled in 1994, was me. CCAQ was upgrade from Caboolture to Landsborough successful on its first try, and again I say: you and signalling rectification between Caboolture wonder why previous Labor voters—real, and Petrie. We are now seeing the northern thinking people—are turning to the City bypass come towards the inevitable turning of Country Alliance. No issue is too small or too the first sod. The Minister made a promise at a insignificant for us to deal with, because we Community Cabinet meeting way back in deal with real people. February last year that he would have the I note that the Police Minister is in the Moodlu bridge on the D'Aguilar Highway Chamber. Policing is a real issue in removed and rectified by year's end. This is a Caboolture, and I am still waiting to see the full $48m project and it has had its second contingency of those 10 extra police at allocation of some $5.7m this year. I look Caboolture and the 1.5 that were promised to forward to seeing this project well under way, Bribie Island. I am pleased that the watch- as do most of the residents of King Street, to house there has finally been upgraded, but relieve the stress from the main streets of the Minister really needs to increase the Caboolture and get the traffic out of the CBD. staffing level in order that the Bribie Island The Caboolture Historical Society and the station can be manned for at least 24 hours Caboolture Show Society are certainly pleased from Thursdays through to Sundays. They that the screaming and yelling that was done have a real juvenile and hoon problem over in relation to having that road lifted over the there, and the problem is escalating. top of the showground there came to fruition Residents are getting entirely sick of the lack of and they are not losing half of the staff and more important priorities being an showground. Jack Lindsay will be very pleased excuse for the inability to attend to some of with that. the hoon complaints over there. As the residents of Ningi and Bribie Island Elimbah, Beerburrum, Toorbul and can attest to only too well, the ongoing Donnybrook residents are hoping that the planning and construction is under way on the erection of the new electricity substation at Bribie road. Planning has commenced and Morayfield might alleviate some of the community consultation is gaining momentum problems in power outages, brownouts and as to whether Ningi will be bypassed or not. blackouts that have become the norm for The message that should be coming back these embattled residents, who expect more loud and clear to the Minister is that the town from this Government, just as Toorbul actually wants to be bypassed. The Pebble residents expect more from the Environment Beach residents also expect and need Minister with respect to the escalating desperately a roundabout at the intersection of kangaroo population in town, which I spoke of Bribie Island Road and Bestman Road East to this morning. The town prides itself on the avoid another inevitable fatal accident. This 2354 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 has been highlighted to the Minister already some time ago. The land has been levelled this week. and cleared, but guess what, no other building After a lot of hard work from P & Cs and a has arrived. This is adding immeasurably to lot of yelling and screaming at the Minister for the overbearing classroom numbers. That is Education, the schools in my electorate fared not really conducive to good learning. reasonably well in this Budget. Bev Sweeper, Minister, when is this school's promised the previous president of the Caboolture State building going to arrive? It has to be more than School P & C, will be pleased to see the just an empty promise. That school wants the Caboolture State School amenities and building, it needs the building, and the student covered play area. That was well and truly numbers certainly indicate that that is what needed. It has been on the priority list for should be happening. Education is important some nine years. Now $292,000 is the reality to every child's employment prospects. I will and, Bev, guess what, no more stinking urinals not stop advocating for better facilities for my at the school. constituents. The Elimbah State School and preschool The neighbours of mine in Flinders development classroom accommodation, Waters in Caboolture south and in "Waytown", amenities block and a two-storey general as it is affectionately known, are very thankful learning area block, some $1.2m worth of for the urban renewal program and some of work, was sorely needed in this growing the good things that that is going to bring to community. They are finally catered for. The that area to give it a lift. It is definitely an area squeaking wheel is still getting a little bit of oil that is well and truly in need of an injection of there. some funding to lift its profile and to clean up and beautify the area and make it an area to The Wamuran State School is receiving again be proud of. the final allocation of its redevelopment, some $500,000, and with its new look buildings and It is an area that used to be popular with structures it may finally now be able to shake a lot of younger families, but now we are that name of being the demountable school. getting a much older population moving into This is now a school more conducive to good this inner Caboolture city area, mainly because education and learning, thanks to the tenacity they have good transport; they are close to of a strong P & C that left no stone unturned in major shopping centres, particularly the major its quest for a hearing, despite the threats from shopping centre at Morayfield; there are good the Department of Education. I was glad to be medical facilities handy; and they are very of assistance to them. close to the Caboolture Hospital, which is definitely a plus for elderly people. So it is The Tullawong State High School, one of becoming an area that is gaining a lot of older our newest schools, is still receiving some constituents. recurrent funding to the tune of $333,000 for a staff and amenities block. It is thankful for the However, this area definitely does need to continued interest in its expanding student be made just a little bit more conducive to numbers. being a happy and vibrant place, and I am certainly glad that that is happening. This area However, the Minister for Education does is, as I said, very close to town. As a matter of not get off easily, even though he has done a fact, John Moloney, a prominent real estate fair bit, without my highlighting some of the agent, sold many houses around my place problems. Some urgent capital expenditure on when I was a sergeant of police by telling the the Caboolture State High School is needed. It older people they had a sergeant of police is a 40-year old school in need of repair and it living close by and that he would be looking was actually denied a second round after them. That certainly has happened, and I acceptance in the Secondary Schools find that those older people certainly look after Renewal Program in favour of schools in me a lot more because they are always home Ministers' seats. How many other schools have and they are usually watching over my place, classroom flooding problems? Core learning so it has a dual effect. I am very pleased that areas are situated away from central school the older members of our society are finding a positions with no toilets, drinking water or lot of value there. staffroom facilities. The Minister thinks this The urban renewal program is certainly school is not deserving of urgent funds. I ask wanted and needed there and it is certainly him to think again. going to make a difference to this area of The Caboolture East State School is still Caboolture and certainly in the Flinders waiting for its promised building. A Waters, Grant Road, Morayfield and demountable that was there was removed Caboolture south areas. I look forward to 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2355 seeing what does occur there and how this Schools; $1.2m for engineering equipment for area actually lifts the profile of the town. Tropical North Queensland TAFE; $15m to enhance the local electricity supply reliability Dr CLARK (Barron River—ALP) with a new line across the tablelands linking (12.28 a.m.): The 2000-01 Budget confirms into the Chalumbin to Woree line, the commitment of the Beattie Labor maintenance work on the Barron Gorge Power Government to regional Queensland and to Station and planning for a new 132 kilowatt far-north Queensland in particular. In fact, this line from Kamerunga to Kewarra Beach; and year 64% of the capital works budget and approximately $1m for the upgrading of the more than 50% of the roads budget is being Black Mountain intersection on the Kennedy spent outside of the south-east corner of the Highway, near Kuranda, to increase safety and State—an increase on last financial year. to avoid the need for traffic to pass through The 2000-01 Capital Works Program will the Top of the Range estate. provide $438.9m to the far-north region out of I think that members would agree that this a capital works budget of $5.28 billion—a is a wonderful Budget for far-north record for our region and an increase of $80m Queensland, truly recognising the importance over last year. I note the protest from the of that region to the Government. The business community in Brisbane, but this Government's commitment has been record capital works budget will both create recognised. Indeed, it has been recognised in employment opportunities and provide the Cairns Post in its Budget coverage. The essential community facilities that many editorial, often a critic of the Government, people in Brisbane take for granted. I welcome the record Budget for our region. The commend the Premier and the Treasurer for local business community and the Mayor, recognising that regional economic Kevin Byrne, have also hailed the Budget as development is the key to fostering prosperity good for Cairns. across our vast State and embodying that principle in this year's Budget. Importantly, Rick Shepperd, Director of Public Finance Ratings, in making a judgment The recent release of the new State about the entire Budget was equally up-beat. Purchasing Policy will ensure that local He stated— companies benefit from our Budget, because "If you look at their ongoing finance it enables Government purchasing officers to operating surpluses and their cash consider not simply the lowest tender price but surpluses, it all looks very good." also value for money, taking into account the Government's priorities, particularly regional The State's borrowings are not a concern to development and employment creation. Standard and Poor's because our finances are in such good shape. In fact, Mr Shepperd The range of Government capital works said— projects planned for the Cairns region also "At the general Government level, confirms our priorities in health, education, their balance sheet is just so strong it's policing and transport services. The major quite unbelievable." projects funded in this year's Budget are as follows: $25m towards the $40m city port Predictably, the Opposition has criticised development and $3m for other infrastructure the Budget, but on any objective, informed for the port and airport; $3m to commence assessment this is a conservative, responsible construction of a $15m new office building in Budget appropriate for our times when, thanks Cairns; $23m for continuing the Cairns Hospital to the Federal Government, the GST and redevelopment; $14.3m for the Manoora rising interest rates pose a threat to our Urban and Community Renewal Project and economy. $14m for the purchase and construction of But a Labor Government is about more public housing; $6m to complete the four- than just bricks and mortar. This Budget laning of Portsmith Road to ease traffic recognises that families comprise the congestion in southern Cairns; $51m to bring cornerstone of our society and that children the tilt train to Cairns and boost tourism; $5.5m are our most precious resource. The to begin the $7m redevelopment of the Government's four-year $300m Putting Northern Fisheries Centre in Tingara Street to Families First strategy is tangible evidence of assist the centre to expand its research the priority that the Beattie Labor Government capability; $1.5m for a replacement police accords our families. The three themes of station at Edmonton; $15.2m for capital works Putting Families First are giving children the in local schools, including Bentley Park best start, valuing and supporting the nurturing College, Trinity Bay State High School, role of families and creating safe, supportive Hambledon, Redlynch and Freshwater State communities for families. 2356 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

My children are now young adults, and so them either own one or work in one. The I know only too well the challenges that face impact of the GST on small business will parents at every stage of their children's become more apparent when the first tax growth and development, particularly if they returns have to be made to the Federal have any form of disability or health or Government in October, and I am seriously behavioural problems. This year, $69m has concerned that some small businesses will not been allocated to fund a number of initiatives survive. In this climate, Queensland's under our Putting Families First strategy. This traditional status as a low-tax State will be includes $4.4m for community-based services even more critical. The fact that this Budget providing prevention, early intervention, family introduces no new taxes or increase in taxes is support and placement services, including the especially good news for business, as is the family care home visiting service for at-risk fact that the Government will retain the 15% newborns, which I launched earlier this month land tax rebate and will reduce payroll tax and at the Smithfield Community Health Centre; mortgage stamp duty. By maintaining a $2.9m to ensure that Queensland competitive tax rate, the Government will Government concessions for charges such as promote an economic environment that is rates, electricity and rail travel are established conducive to both business and employment. for eligible pensioners, including new eligible In far-north Queensland, the tropical pensioners following the Federal Government's environment of reef, rainforest and wetlands tax reforms; $6.1m over four years with $1.1m underpins our tourism industry and our this year for the expansion of the Aboriginal lifestyle, and its protection is critical. This and Torres Strait Islander child and family Budget provides $4m for the purchase of the welfare services; $0.8m over two years to pilot 900 hectare East Trinity site to preserve the a number of one-stop community service green face of Cairns and retain the special centres throughout the State; and $2m over natural character of our city. Early this month four years, with $500,000 this year to assist at the Cairns Regional Community Cabinet, community-based neighbourhood centres in the Environment Minister announced the disadvantaged communities, which could gazettal of the 270 hectare Smithfield assist organisations such as the Kuranda Conservation Park, which will protect the Information Support Centre. Child protection is rainforest mountain backdrop to James Cook also being given high priority with an extra 77 University, which is home to many rare and front-line child protection staff on top of a endangered species such as cassowary, tree similar number allocated last year. kangaroo and tiger quoll. Most importantly, this year's disability At the same time, the Marlin Coast and services funding will be boosted by $27m over Trinity Inlet State Marine Parks were declared, the next two years and this funding will be putting in place the last missing pieces of the matched by the Federal Government. This is coast State marine park in far-north over and beyond the commitment that we Queensland. I was involved in the gave and honoured to inject an additional development of these important environmental $100m into this neglected area over three initiatives when I was first elected as the years. It is anticipated that this funding will member for Barron River, and the funds provide support for more than 2,000 adults, included in this Budget will ensure the families and children and fund more than 100 development of an appropriate management new and expanded services. regime for these areas. I know of many desperate families in my The Budget has also provided $400,000 electorate who are still needing additional for the continuing construction of a world-class support, including many elderly parents who system of walking tracks and visitor facilities in are caring for their disabled adult children and the Barron Gorge National Park, the most who, I hope, can now be assisted with this visited park in far-north Queensland. Funds additional funding. I know, too, that the plight from the Heritage Trails Network program will of people with a dual diagnosis of a psychiatric create a number of rainforest walks around and intellectual disability is particularly urgent in Kuranda Village linked to the Barron Gorge the Cairns region. I will continue to advocate National Park to enhance the experience of on their behalf and determine ways in which visitors to Kuranda. The funding of the Barron additional funding available in this Budget can Gorge National Park came on top of $1.3m assist them. already spent on visitor facilities and is part of In my electorate, the quality of life for a new three-year $23m Better Parks Program families is also tied to the fortunes of small and will upgrade facilities in many national businesses, because a very large number of parks. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2357

Kuranda is also home to many of the forward-looking Labor Budget that will support talented artists in far-north Queensland. So I sustainable development of our region and welcome the fact that the regional arts enhance our quality of life. I congratulate the development funding for grassroots regional Treasurer on his preparation of this Budget arts organisations, artists and performers has and I commend the Bills to the House. doubled since 1997-98 to $3m in the Budget, Mrs PRATT (Barambah—IND) and I hope that the Cairns City Council and the (12.39 a.m.): After the previous two Budgets, I Mareeba Shire Council will continue their have to state from the outset that I was not support of the program. The Budget has also disappointed in this third Beattie Budget, allocated $15m to expand regional arts because I did not expect too much. But I was infrastructure as part of the Millennium Arts very surprised to see a media release issued Capital Works Program, and I will be exploring from the Office of the Treasurer headed opportunities for the Cairns region to benefit "Barambah a big winner in the state budget from this injection of funds with a regional 2000". What was the Treasurer's idea of a big museum at the top of my list. win for Barambah? According to the I turn now to education, which is critical if Treasurer's press release, this Budget has Queensland is to achieve its goal of being the delivered to my electorate further funding for Smart State. At least 800 new teachers will be the completion of a 400-bed extension to a employed in Queensland State schools over prison—a prison which the Barambah four years, representing a commitment of over electorate does not have. The Premier will $132m. All of the new teachers would be remember that Yarraman wanted the prison classroom teachers employed to reduce class and fought hard for it, but it was delivered to sizes and augment services for students with Maryborough instead—a former Labor disabilities and behaviour management. Over seat—and a 400-bed extension was given to the past two years, schools in the Barron River Woodford, in the electorate of the member for electorate have been the beneficiaries of Nicklin. The expansion of the prison is not new increased resources to improve facilities and news and the funds allocated are a carryover learning and teaching outcomes. This Budget from almost two years ago. Given his error with continues that trend with an additional injection respect to its location, I hope the Treasurer will of $800,000 to aircondition classrooms at forgive me for questioning other aspects of this Edge Hill and Trinity Beach State Schools and Budget. construct new classrooms at Freshwater State The Beattie Queensland Government has School. tried to hoodwink the Barambah electorate into More funds and teachers than ever thinking it has delivered for local residents, but before have been allocated in this year's the hyped up media release is very budget for services for children with disabilities. misleading. The effort to make this A total of $16.3m has been earmarked this Government look good has extended to financial year for extra teachers and teacher claiming the funding for the Tarong North aides to work with students with disabilities. extension as another major win for Barambah. This allocation builds on the $35m four-year It is a win, yes, but again it is last year's Beattie Government Education for All initiative, announcement carried into the new Budget. which has already provided extra support for Do not get me wrong, we are more than school students with disabilities. grateful for the Tarong North expansion and Following the electoral redistribution, the jobs that come with it. Redlynch State School will be in Barron River The $700,000 for schools in the and my highest priority will be to work with the electorate and the $250,000 towards a half- P & C to lobby for funding for this rapidly million-dollar refurbishment of the home growing school. A new classroom block is economics block at the Murgon State High currently being built and while there are funds School will be greatly appreciated by all. They in this Budget for a toilet block and undercover have needed it for a long time and the area, it also needs a new administration students will love it. Many schools in the building, an extension to the library and a Barambah electorate have been crying out for second preschool unit. I will continue my assistance for a long time and it is good to see efforts to resolve road safety issues a few more of the schools receiving some surrounding the Peace Lutheran College and assistance. Caravonica State School. The $930,000 funding for the Burnett The Barron River electorate is part of the Highway is also appreciated, as roads in our dynamic growing Cairns region and has once area are a major issue. But I seek some again benefited from a responsible and clarification from the Minister: is this purely 2358 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 funding allocated already under the current These dairy farmers have survived for Roads Infrastructure Program or is it extra generations and supported other families. At funding? If it is moneys from the current RIP, I the stroke of a pen, their lifestyle has been would be interested in knowing whether the scrapped. Not only are their livelihoods and funding for this current RIP has been reduced, heritage stripped from them; the because the figure of $930,000 mentioned in compensation offered is an insult. They will the Budget is a lot less than is currently survive. People on the land often travel to hell indicated in the RIP. On the other hand, if it is and back in an effort to produce, and they will in fact extra funding, for exactly which section bounce back again. Although they have of the road is it allocated? fought the traditional adversaries of every For the record, I wish to mention a further farmer for years, they should not have had to road in dire need of funding, and that is the fight against a theory that subsequently road up the Blackbutt Range. Attention is virtually destroyed their industry. urgently needed, as its condition is This continuing shutdown of rural and deteriorating rapidly. With the Tarong North other industries does not encourage the expansion, the trucks utilising the range road survival of small towns. National Competition will only compound the deterioration. It is a Policy and deregulation do not encourage road that ideally requires a passing lane. small towns to survive, and these policies are The Beattie Government has suffered actively supported by this Government. This badly over the past two years with so many Budget does very little to enhance the protest marches against the Government that chances of small towns' survival. to ensure re-election Mr Beattie has to pull Everyone is aware that there is a constant something out of the hat. Cheshire smiles will migration from rural areas to the cities, and this not get him over the line, and this Budget is migration has caused the steady decline in the designed with the election in mind. Mr Beattie population in those areas. Instead of is targeting Labor Party seats or seats he encouraging our population to spread out believes are marginal in an endeavour to across the land establishing industries and shore up Labor support. creating jobs and wealth, Governments This morning, Mr Beattie and many other encourage industry and businesses to crowd Ministers made a great show of protecting the together in the cities, and slowly but surely this right of small towns to exist in spite of the land of opportunity is being drained of people. much publicised view of Warren Entsch, who The people with the will to achieve the suggested that small towns with a population potential this country is capable of in the long under 4,000 should be encouraged to die. In term are lost due to a short-term lack of vision. the entire electorate of Barambah that would That a meatworks exists in the middle of the mean that only one town would survive, and city at Dinmore is incomprehensible when we that is Kingaroy. Imagine almost 15,000 have so much country out there where a square kilometres—the size of the meatworks would not only be practical but also electorate—starting only an hour's drive from welcome. Instead our rural meatworks are Brisbane, devoid of all bar one town. It is quite under enormous pressure and constant threat a frightening thought. of closure. With the technology available today, why are businesses and industries not Mr Speaker, you can imagine the feeling encouraged to move a little further west? in the towns and shires towards the Beattie Where is the vision that our forefathers had for Government's third Budget, which does very this State and where are the long-term little for the majority of those small towns that visionaries and their projects for the future? Mr Beattie stated so strongly this morning should be encouraged to survive. This morning Mr Wells: On this side of the House. I stated that in the first week of deregulation Mrs PRATT: That is a joke. 17 advertisements and notices appeared in A State which has such great potential is the local newspapers announcing the dispersal stagnating. The Premier has often stated that of dairy herds. Several people have also Queensland is a State on the move. stated—and these people had small dairy Unfortunately, it is the State's industry workers, farms but made a reasonable living—that they rural workers, land-holders, teachers, nurses have now been relegated to the and, most damning of all, unionists who are on unemployment queues. Bureaucrats who do the move—the strength of the Labor Party. not know anything make plans on paper which Even they are marching against this look feasible but which in reality turn out to be Government's performance. They realise that a disaster. The people in rural communities are all of the rhetoric from this Government about the sacrificial guinea pigs. how many jobs it has created means very little 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2359 when we add up the number of jobs that have play an important role in the Government's been lost. drive to build a Smart State. The major This Budget has met with a mixed projects in Bundamba in this Budget are— reaction from local governments in the the Woodcrest College, with a new school Barambah electorate, with most generally opening in 2001—there will also be Year supporting the response of the Local 9 specialist spaces for six relocatable Government Association of Queensland. buildings; There are two major disappointments for local the Redbank Plains State School will get government. One is that no moneys have a new amenities block; and been allocated to subsidise waste the Kruger State School will get a new management rehabilitation. The other major amenities block. issue of concern for the LGAQ is the reduction by $3.5m in strategic weed management I have been actively involved in the control and the fact that there are no moneys planning process of Woodcrest College with for rural land protection. Considering that the the principal, Neville Smith, officers of the Minister has gone to great lengths to close or Department of Education and the Woodcrest protect such large tracts of rural Queensland, it College P & C. It will be a state-of-the-art is surprising that he has not ensured that facility in the electorate of Bundamba. The further funding was available to address these Bundamba State High School and its P & C essential program requirements. committee will be reapplying for funds under the Secondary Schools Renewal Program. This is a very disappointing Budget in This P & C is very active in our community and many aspects. There is no question that the school principal, Barry Hoff, teachers, budgeting is often a very difficult task, as there parents and students are working well together is an enormous number of requests for to finalise their submission. Other minor inclusion in the Budget allocations. This projects will also be undertaken in the schools. Budget has a definite bias and weighs heavily But the key issue is that every child will be in favour of Labor electorates. This Budget given the opportunity, through the education lacks an across-the-board fairness which is system, to get where they want to go in life. essential from a good Government. Mr Beattie This is real social justice. This is bringing home has stated on many occasions that his the bacon in our heartland and it is giving Government is a Government for all every child a quality education. Queenslanders, but after reading the Budget I think he should revise that statement. The Health is a major issue in our local Budget is a product of this Labor Government, community. The budget for Queensland and this Government is only as good as the Health is $3.8 billion, an increase of 3.4% over man who leads it. The Budget and the man last year's expenditure. Ipswich will get its fair have both been found wanting. share of this expenditure. In Goodna the Health Department is building a new Mrs MILLER (Bundamba—ALP) community health centre. It will house all (12.47 a.m.): At the outset, I congratulate the existing health services in its current facilities in Treasurer, the member for Ipswich, on bringing Smith Road, Goodna but in a permanent, down an outstanding Budget. Ipswich has specifically designed health centre. The produced two great Treasurers—the former community health centre is taking shape along Treasurer of Australia, Bill Hayden, and the Queen Street at Goodna. I have been Treasurer of Queensland, David Hamill. This watching the construction progress and only Budget confirms Labor's commitment to the last week stopped by to talk with the project battlers in the community. Labor shares their manager and the construction workers. The hopes and aspirations, their needs and desire people of Bundamba look forward to the for quality of life for their families. centre opening sometime in October this year. The Education capital works budget is A renal dialysis unit will also be built in Ipswich. aimed at building the Smart State and Patients will not have to travel to Brisbane for providing Queensland's young people with a this treatment. Many people in the Bundamba great start in life. In Bundamba some electorate will be pleased with this initiative. $7,464,443 in funding has been allocated to The Beattie Labor Government was commence new works and to finalise existing elected on a jobs, jobs, jobs platform, and that projects under Education Queensland's is exactly what will be delivered in this 2000Ð01 capital works program. This program electorate. The new $250m gas fired power is part of Education Queensland's wide- station, Swanbank E, will be built at Swanbank ranging 2010 strategy, which aims to revitalise in the electorate of Bundamba. Over 200 Queensland's public education system and construction jobs will be created, and plans are 2360 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 well advanced to fast-track this great project. green space. Further undeveloped land along Both the Treasurer and I have visited the the southern side of Mica Street is also under Swanbank E site and we look forward to work consideration for additional buffers. As part of beginning as soon as practicable. the Synergy Industrial Park development, a Over 3,000 jobs will be created for our program of green space buffer improvements, locals through the development of the Synergy including tree planting and earth mounding, Industrial Park at Carole Park. It is just outside will improve the amenity of adjacent residential my electorate and is, in fact, within the areas. The Department of State Development electorate of my colleague the Minister for is also investigating additional road access Primary Industries, Henry Palaszczuk. Some arrangements into the estate which would $13m has been set aside in this Budget for ensure that industrial traffic is directed away this industrial park. There has been some from residential areas. community scuttlebutt about this proposal, with Some residents of Camira are concerned a lot of rumours and innuendo being spread. I with industry encroachment from the am well aware of such issues as I am a undeveloped land west of Cobalt Street. A 40- community based member of Parliament. metre wide buffer has already been provided However, for the record it should be noted that to the Ipswich City Council on the western side the Carole Park industrial estate was of this land, and I understand that the eastern commenced by the Department of State corridor structure plan provides for the Development in 1973. It has proceeded to provision of an additional 20-metre buffer, develop the estate in accordance with the totalling more than 60 metres. This is an master plan. The Carole Park industrial estate environmentally responsible Government. was zoned for industry in the 1974 and 1982 Nothing sickens me more than some people Moreton Shire planning schemes. The council trying to tag a Labor Government as being followed the statutory requirements of public insensitive to environmental needs. If there are notification and public exhibition of its planning habitat issues, they will be considered by this scheme for 90 days prior to receiving the Government. The environmental vandals are approval of the Minister and subsequent on the other side of this House. They belong gazettal. to the National/Liberal conservative side of The Ipswich City Council has recently had politics. an amalgamated scheme in accordance with A reference group has been established the Integrated Planning Act. It includes the by the Minister for State Development and is area proposed for the energy park in the chaired by the Deputy Mayor of Ipswich, Paul minimal low impact precinct, and the Carole Pisasale, to work through issues of concern Park industrial estate is given specific attention with the community. The local community will which provides for the development of the be involved in the planning, development and energy park. All industrial users proposed for management of the existing and proposed the energy park, including the co-generation buffer areas. The local community are facility, are intended to be consistent with the important stakeholders in this process. requirements of the minimal impact precinct of The Synergy Industrial Park is significant the plan. for the electorate of Bundamba. There is The site for the Synergy Industrial Park widespread support for this development. was zoned industrial in 1974, some 26 years There is support for the 3,000 jobs; there is ago. Some people in the community were strong support for local economic concerned about the biomass generation on development. The simple fact is that, if this this site. This Government is a listening industrial park is not built on our doorstep, it will Government, and the Premier directed that go elsewhere. We need the jobs, we need the biomass was not to be further considered as a job opportunities for our local people and we fuel source and that the use of natural gas need the economic spin-offs in our wider was to be the energy source. The Department community. I look forward to working with the of State Development will no longer consider reference group and getting the Synergy the use of biomass or wood waste as fuel. The Industrial Park built and operational. Premier is a man of his word and natural gas I am a strong supporter of job creation will be the fuel source. programs and training opportunities in our Other areas of community concern community. The Bremer Institute of TAFE will included the buffering of the Camira State be able to continue quality programs through School and the adjacent residential areas. The its Ipswich, Bundamba and Springfield section of undeveloped land on the northern campuses, and in the next year I will be side of the Camira State School will remain as working with them in exploring alternative 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2361 delivery structures aimed at community based year's Budget, it is difficult to see when this training. Employment programs such as facility will become a reality. Breaking the Unemployment Cycle will I would also like to thank the Minister for continue in the electorate of Bundamba. I Transport for his continued support and would like to place on record my appreciation funding for the upgrade of the final section of of the dedication of officers of DETIR in Boat Harbour Drive. It would be remiss of me working on such job creation schemes. not to mention the Ross Street boat ramp. I The Department of Housing urban am sure that not only the locals but many renewal and community renewal programs will visiting recreational fishermen who use this continue in the Dinmore/Riverview and ramp will greatly appreciate the long overdue Goodna/Gailes areas. The Department of improvements that this funding will achieve. Housing is a leading edge department in Now I will thank the Minister for Public Queensland and it has many dedicated Works and Minister for Housing, firstly, for his officers, including Harvey Kharbanda and his quick response to my request during last year team, Peter Videroni, Geoff Schafferius, Anne and, secondly, for the additional funds Baker, Janelle Devereaux and others. They allocated for public works and housing in the work with our local community in a spirit of Wide Bay/Burnett region. Unfortunately, cooperation, understanding and empathy and nobody but the Minister knows where it will be are worth their weight in gold. In the 2000-01 spent. Other funding has been allocated to the Budget, $3m will be spent on urban renewal in Wide Bay/Burnett region, but the Budget Riverview and $2m in Goodna. $2.1m will be documents are very vague about exactly spent on community renewal in Riverview and where this money will be spent. The map on $1m on community renewal in Goodna. That is page 7 of Budget Paper No. 5 shows that over $8m in total. Wide Bay/Burnett includes some or all of six Since the election of the Beattie Labor State electorates. Is this an intentional ploy on Government in 1998, almost $26.5m has the part of this Government to give the been invested in the greater Ipswich area on impression to the residents of this area that urban and community renewal programs. That more money is being allocated to their is the commitment of a Labor Government to electorate than is actually the case? its people. That is the difference between I was disgusted to find that the endorsed Labor and the coalition: Labor in power can Labor candidate for Hervey Bay has been deliver a better quality of life, a better living appointed to the board of Ergon Energy, the standard, better houses, new carports, new supplier of electricity in Hervey Bay. This Labor kitchens, new bathrooms, new laundries, Party fat cat is now funded by the people of landscaping and fences. The people of Hervey Bay who are customers of Ergon Bundamba know that when Labor is not in Energy so that he can go around and Government they get nothing—zero, zilch, campaign against me. This person was able to nought. That is the difference between Labor provide a detailed press release on the Budget and the National/Liberals on the other side. moments after the Treasurer delivered the We care for our people and they do not give a details in the Parliament. One has to wonder damn. how he could achieve such speed unless, of Mr DALGLEISH (Hervey Bay—CCAQ) course, inside information had been provided (12.56 a.m.): In rising to speak on the Budget, to him. Was this the big secret snuck out the I will use the time productively. First, I will thank back door to prop up this loser? those Ministers who have delivered some There are many areas in need of contributions to my electorate of Hervey Bay additional funding. If the Budget papers were and then I will raise some of the things that a little more honest about the exact distribution have been neglected. of funds, then I would be able to more I welcome the funds that have been accurately address the concerns of my allocated for the establishment of a police electorate. Unfortunately, this Government is station on Fraser Island. This is a project that I not about making it easy for voters to see how and various residents of Fraser Island, along insensitive and uncaring it really is. Perhaps with Inspector Churchill, have been pursuing this attitude goes some way towards for the past two years. It is good to see that explaining the quality of its choice of Labor the Minister has finally recognised the need for candidate in Hervey Bay—a caviar gobbling, this facility. Unfortunately, the $150,000 chardonnay swilling social butterfly who does allocated in this Budget will fund only the not know which flower to pollinate next. What preliminary work and, as the remaining funds happened to the true blue-collar required have not been committed in next representation by the Labor Party? This 2362 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 candidate is living proof that the real working Mrs NITA CUNNINGHAM (Bundaberg— man's Labor Party has been dead for 20 ALP) (1.04 a.m.): I have a great deal of years. This mob of limp-wristed Labor lawyers pleasure in speaking to the Appropriation Bills and proctologists across the Chamber are and highlighting some of the benefits for my simply masquerading in the discarded clothes electorate of Bundaberg. This Budget, the of the long-dead Labor Party. third for the Beattie Labor Government, is This Budget does not produce any jobs. It indeed another sound Budget—a Budget for relies on record capital spending to prop up all Queenslanders, a Budget that delivers on over 60,000 jobs which would otherwise the Government's key priorities and continues disappear. This Government cannot keep toward our 5% unemployment target with a pace with the rest of Australia in creating new range of measures to provide jobs and job jobs when in the past we have almost always security. It again offers unprecedented support led the way. Certain important and life- for rural and regional Queensland and provides opportunities for us all to meet the threatening situations are ignored. I have challenges of the future. presented the Minister for Main Roads with information regarding Booral Road at My electorate of Bundaberg has achieved Wondunna and the problems surrounding it. many positive gains. Its base hospital, which This has been ongoing since before the last has been consistently under attack from the two Budgets, but still nothing has happened. Opposition during the past two years, has not gained any capital works funding for new I now turn to Fraser Island. Recently, I buildings in this Budget because its $26.7m raised with the Minister for Public Works some redevelopment is now complete and was problems that needed urgent attention, and officially opened just two months ago. In this his response was immediate, and I respect regard, the Budget now focuses, and rightly him for that. Q-Build apparently found so, on the other 187 public hospitals in approximately $86,000 in repairs required at Queensland, many of which are still waiting to Central Station alone, and this figure does not have buildings replaced that should have been include any additional amenities for the public done 20 years ago. at the Central Station location. That was as far Health continues to be a priority for this as it went. Now it has been given to the Government. This financial year, Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage, but he Health has a total estimated operating budget is still against providing good facilities on the of $3.8 billion, an increase of 3.4% over last island. Is he waiting for someone to be injured year's expenditure, which includes major before he finds the funds to fix the problems health expenditure of $1.9 billion on acute that have been identified? inpatient services, a further $898.5m for This Government can find millions of community health and non-inpatient services, dollars to build a trendy walkway for Brisbane, mental health funding of $363.6m and yet it cannot find anything for respite services $192.5m on public health services—a proud in my electorate. This Government can find achievement. The Bundaberg Hospital will $30m to pour into a convention centre on the benefit from a Statewide increase of $1.4m for Gold Coast, but it cannot find funding for the the medical aids subsidy scheme, the basic costs for a JP in our community or for a spectacle scheme and the patient travel floating jetty at River Heads needed for subsidy scheme, an additional $2.5m for emergency service situations to allow the cancer treatment services, including transfer of patients from emergency services radiotherapy, and an extra $600,000 for breast vessels to waiting medical crews, or even just and cervical cancer screening. to assist our elderly recreational anglers. There is $12.7m more this year for Home and Community Care services, including an What about the overloaded public dental additional $4.5m State contribution for a service in Hervey Bay? That is right; there has service that is so very valuable in our been no mention of any improvement or community because of its many aged people. funding in that area. I wish I could be more As in all hospitals, public and private, problems positive about this Budget, but I suppose at do arise from time to time at the Bundaberg least we fared better than some other Base Hospital. To the credit of this electorates, or at least I think we did. All this Government and the Minister and to the credit comes at a time when our pensioners are too of our base hospital staff, these problems are frightened to turn on a heater to keep warm addressed on a daily basis. Our services will because of increasing electricity costs while our continue to improve as we take advantage of fat cat Labor candidate is home in his warm the increased funds and new services being bed without a care in the world. offered in this Budget. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2363

However, headlining the funding initiatives This Budget delivers on our key policy for Bundaberg is an allocation of $9.5m for the priorities. It fosters continued strong economic acquisition of land for water infrastructure in growth for the State, particularly in our regions. the Bundaberg district. Water is indeed the It promotes stability and security. It delivers for major issue in our district. The Government is our children through its commitment to aware of the desperate need for more water education. It delivers for the health of infrastructure. Although this infrastructure is not Queenslanders. It delivers for Queensland going to be built in my electorate of families by providing jobs and support and, Bundaberg, the people of our district and importantly, it does all of these things by region have been waiting for 20 years for managing responsibly and living within our another dam. They have become weary of means. waiting while nothing has happened. They are While the major priorities in Bundaberg now relying on me and this Government to are certainly water and jobs, health, education provide the water that is essential to allow for and housing are also high on the agenda, as new industries, the expansion of existing are the environment and law and order. industries and to provide jobs in an area that is Education remains a key priority of this plagued by one of the worst levels of Government, and this year's Education budget unemployment in Australia. provides for a net operating expenditure of I congratulate Minister Rod Welford on $3.4 billion. An additional $16.3m per year is the very successful launch of the draft Burnett being provided to enhance the provision of WAMP in Bundaberg just three weeks ago. services to students with disabilities. A further After the public consultation period is $1.2m is allocated for school transport services complete, this WAMP will provide the blueprint for students with disabilities. for the planning of a secure, sustainable water The Minister is well known for his support system for Bundaberg. With more than 30 of tertiary education, and I commend him for dams, weirs and barrages already on the his commitment to all levels of education in Burnett, most people in Bundaberg appreciate Queensland. In Bundaberg, $357,806 has the importance of getting it right this time. been budgeted to complete works at the They appreciate that we have to go through Kepnock and Norville schools, and I am the proper processes to ensure that the life of continuing discussions with the Minister the river is protected and that there continues regarding expenditure under Education to be a flow in that river to protect the Queensland's capital works program for this environment and to protect our fishing financial year, particularly in relation to capital industries. projects at the Norville and South Bundaberg This Budget also provides another schools and at the Branyan Road State $920,000 out of a total of $5.4m committed by School, currently in the Burnett electorate. this Government to the proposed food precinct Mr Wells: They will be fruitful discussions. and new Bundaberg industrial park. This Mrs NITA CUNNINGHAM: I thank the proposal will take advantage of all our food Minister. industries—the enormous fruit and vegetable industry throughout the district, our fishing The Bundaberg State High School's industry, soft drink manufacturers, our rum and multimillion-dollar renewal program, which has other food industries—and has the potential to previously been announced, could be started turn the negative closure of our abattoir by the by early in the new year if detailed proposals previous Government in 1997, resulting in the can be completed by the school before loss of all 25 jobs, into a positive project that August. This Bundaberg high school is the can be a hive of industry with the opportunity oldest secondary school in Bundaberg. It has for hundreds of new jobs. a fine tradition to uphold. Many of its students have gone on to be leaders in the professions, I strongly believe that our horticultural commerce and industry, sport, music and the industries in Bundaberg have a great future. arts in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia and The establishment of this site gives Bundaberg the four corners of the world. This renewal the best opportunity it has had for a long time program will preserve the school for many for industrial growth and new jobs. years to come. However, the primary focus of this Budget Fundamental to ensuring a better quality is the people of Queensland. Whether it is the of life for Queenslanders is the provision of commitment of putting families first or the safe, secure and affordable housing to those determination to provide jobs, the focus is in need. This Budget continues to deliver on clearly on our people. It is indeed a Budget for much-needed investment in public housing. people. $87.9m is allocated for public housing 2364 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 construction and $78.5m is allocated for public will increase funding for Education, Health and housing upgrading. In the Wide Bay/Burnett Families and Community Care. region, $7.7m has been allocated for In Bundaberg we will welcome the additional affordable housing upgrade and $1.07m to be spent on roadworks this year, maintenance projects, including the provision the $70,000 for land to relocate an ambulance of eight seniors units in Bundaberg for centre, the $950,000 under the Regional Bundaberg Legacy. Again, the Minister for Communities Program to build a PCYC, and Public Works and Minister for Housing is well we will welcome a share of the proposed 357 known for his commitment to his portfolio, and new police officers and the 1,000 new staff to this Budget will certainly make a huge be employed in Health across Queensland. difference to the quantity and quality of public housing throughout Queensland. The new State Purchasing Policy will give our businesses and suppliers in Bundaberg a I am pleased to see the emphasis that is better opportunity to share in the $5 billion being placed on the preservation of the spent each year by the State Government, environment, with an increase in the operating and we will have a share of the $450m to be budget for the Environmental Protection invested in training programs in jobs for the Agency, additional spending on the future. This Government can feel very proud of maintenance and enhancement of the State's the 82,000 jobs that have been created since national parks and the emphasis on the it came to office in 1998. Beattie Government's commitment to vegetation management and the regional The Beattie Government is providing the forestry agreement. people of this State with strong, stable and accountable government. It gives me a great While rising interest rates and the impact deal of pleasure to support a Budget that of the GST are having a negative impact on delivers a black bottom line, record capital investment decisions and small business works and no new taxes or charges and confidence, they have also had a severe embraces the hallmarks of the Beattie Labor impact on those people in our communities Government—vision, leadership and who give their time freely to help others. On responsibility. As we embark upon a new behalf of so many of these groups in millennium, it is these qualities that will secure Bundaberg, I thank this Government for Queensland's future prosperity and our quality recognising the invaluable services that of life. I congratulate the Treasurer on a fine charitable and non-profit organisations provide Budget and finish by quoting Mr Rick and for sharing the organisations' concern Shepherd of Standard and Poor's, who said about the harsh burden the Federal yesterday of Queensland's budgetary Government's GST is placing on their activities. position— To overcome this, the Budget provides for all State Government grants paid to GST- "At the general Government level the registered charities and not-for-profit balance sheet is just so strong it's quite organisations to be increased by a full 10%. unbelievable." This is being welcomed by groups in Mr PAFF (Ipswich West—CCAQ) Bundaberg and throughout Queensland. (1.16 a.m.): I rise to speak in the debate on This is indeed a Budget for the people. In the Appropriation Bills. My contribution will not putting families first, this Government be long as I see very little point in making a recognises that support of families is of critical detailed speech, as anything I would say has significance for the future of our society. The already been said by somebody else. The few people and the families in Bundaberg will points I will make I believe are important. share in the benefits of the $4.4m for I believe the Treasurer has done a very community-based services to provide good job on his electorate of Ipswich and in prevention, early intervention, family support Bundamba—I am not complaining—plus a and placement services and the $2.9m to little bit for his old mate Don Livingstone, the ensure that Queensland Government former member for Ipswich West, bless his concessions—for example, rates, electricity soul. I am happy to see that some money has and rail travel—are sustained for eligible been earmarked for the Ipswich West pensioners. There is an additional $9m to electorate, but it will not do the Treasurer's old support people with disabilities, their carers mate, known locally as "Lazy Livingstone", any and families. There is $12.4m for additional good. He still works and has a job working adult lifestyle support packages and the for—wait for it; there are no prizes for numerous funding initiatives that are now guessing—Mr Schwarten. It is a case of jobs available in Putting Families First, a policy that for the boys. 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2365

I am happy to see some $3.9m spent in controlled. Our wonderful CJC is gloating over the Leichhardt area on urban renewal. I do some 26 people who have been charged for have a problem reconciling the thinking of this varying minor matters, but there is no-one in Labor Government. What about the rest of prison for that vile crime of corruption, the Queensland and the other poor electorates charge that is so readily thrown around by this that have been left out in the cold? I believe blundering organisation. that government is for all the people, not just a What have we got for all the money that few. we spent? I will tell the House: only a couple of There is another very serious matter parking tickets. That is all we have got out of affecting this great State. I have watched in the CJC. There are some very dedicated police wonder a disgrace that is continuing without officers working under trying conditions anything being said, whether from fear of arresting more criminals and yet they are being repercussions, of vilification, of being spied on treated like schoolboys. While driving to attend or of being arrested by Big Brother—or do they to urgent investigative matters, they are given have something on people in high places? It a traffic ticket. I might say that they do this with appears to me that this Government will no backing from this Labor Government. That continue to pour great heaps of money into has now destroyed their morale. Do not call for the CJC. This great blunder is a plunder of the a policeman if you are in trouble, because they people's money. I see in this Budget that this will take their time getting there. Bet on it. Government has donated nearly $25m to this I believe that despite all the money that blunder called the CJC, run by a mob of has been spent people are not getting what broken down solicitors and barristers exercising they need, and that is protection. My mind some muscle over a now broken down police goes back to the murder in Ipswich's main force—broken down by all sorts of conjured up street of a Mr Te Kooti. Despite all the money schemes such as evaluation surveys and spent on video surveillance cameras, no-one sickening prevention outcomes, searching for has been brought to trial for that crime. Do we the implementation of quick-fix solutions to need video cameras everywhere before we achieve outcomes that get nobody anywhere. can get a conviction for murder? But wait, there is more. All the while, prisons What about people today suffering from are filling up and there is more crime—more the trauma of crime? They also need help. bashings, more domestic violence and more Here we lose money again. Make no mistake, kids being molested and bashed. Yes, the it will take a strong Government to make some CJC is doing a fine job! changes, and if it does not make those Over the past approximately 10 years the changes, it does so at its peril, because we CJC has taken out of Budgets around $500m. cannot sustain this rate of expenditure that will That is half a billion dollars. And what have we prevent any Government from investing further got? We have got more crime. I ask: where in the development of this great State. Some else could we have spent $500m? What about hard decisions will have to be made to address on hospitals, schools and roads? Honourable this scourge creeping upon us, if it is not members should think about it. The mind already here. boggles. Further, we could have saved on the Mr LUCAS (Lytton—ALP) (1.22 a.m.): I prison population that we pay out on. am pleased to rise to speak to the We have the Parliamentary Criminal Appropriation Bills not only as a member of the Justice Commissioner. I believe this body is Beattie Labor Government but also in my doing a good job, but millions are also spent capacity as the State member for Lytton. on it. We also have the Assistant The third Beattie Budget is a very sound Commissioner of Police getting involved in Budget, both in terms of its financial criminal investigations. I ask members of this parameters and social responsibility. It builds House: are we getting what we pay for? I say: on Queensland's position as the premier no way. financially responsible State in Australia, a It is a fact of life that, although we spend State in which our Charter of Fiscal and Social millions of dollars on crime, we still have a Responsibility is being implemented. Our social rising crime rate. The Budget of this State is programs are increasing as each day passes. being sucked dry. These investigative bodies As Moody's Investors Service noted with are tripping over each other to justify their very respect to Queensland's budgetary position, existence. We must have the worst people in the financial management policies followed by the world in Queensland! We can easily see in the new Government have left Queensland in the Government's Budget where our money is a position of unparalleled strength among being spent. We are overgoverned and over- Australia's states. That is not said by the Labor 2366 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000

Party. That is not by some Labor hack. That is I heard a member on the other side of the by Moody's Investor Services. That is what it House earlier today criticising the Government said about the financial management of this for having an interest in intergenerational Labor Government. Their competitors, equity. Frankly, that strikes me as disgraceful. I Standard and Poor's, support our AAA credit say it is important that we realise that we rating. They said— manage the State not just for today but for "At the general Government level, tomorrow, and not just for ourselves but for our their balance sheet is just so strong it's kids and their kids and their kids. The fact is quite unbelievable." that we have an obligation to future generations to be responsible in our economic So that is what independent observers are stewardship of this State for the time that we saying about the budgetary position of this are entrusted to do it by the people. Government. Our general Government sector, It is important to have a strong budgetary excluding public enterprises, maintains at least position, because if we do not have the $1.13 in financial assets to meet every $1 in dollars, we cannot have the programs. That is liability. In the other States it is 25c. what we are about, responsible economic Queensland is the only State that fully funds management so we can put the dollars into its superannuation and long service leave for services, create jobs and implement our public servants. That is a very significant thing important social programs. because between them some 51% and 7% respectively of all Government liabilities are The Budget itself has a $29m surplus and accounted for by superannuation and long that will result in an increase to the State's net service leave. That is a massive expense to worth to some $57.8 billion. Our total of the Government. It is important for the Government outlays is some $18.1 billion. Government to know technically that, if all of Record capital expenditure, I am pleased to our public servants retired or took long service say again, is $5.29 billion. leave tomorrow, the State could meet the It is very interesting to note that expenditure required. That is very important. Queensland accounts for some 30% of all We have a responsibility to the people of our capital expenditure in Australia. We have State to do that. about 18% of the population, but we account Our strong financial low net debt status for 30% of the capital expenditure in Australia. also allows us to invest. I note that the That is excellent news. That shows that this Queensland Investment Corporation has Government has foresight and this State is the earnings in the vicinity of 14% per annum, great State, the development State. I cannot which is excellent for the stewardship of those reiterate enough that excellent capital figure. funds. Some are State funds and some are The capital will be spent in a number of superannuation funds that in reality belong to areas, in particular energy, transport, health, our work force. We are only really trustees for housing and education. It will support over them. 61,000 full-time jobs. The evidence is that As a result of our prudent Government approximately every $1,500 of capital spent low tax position, Queensland's WorkCover creates one week of direct employment. premiums are the lowest in Australia. We also Our per capita expenditure on capital is have one of the best systems for WorkCover the highest in Australia. Queensland spends claims. There will be further reductions in approximately $600 per head compared with payroll tax to some 4.8% from 1 July New South Wales at approximately $350, 2001—again, the lowest in Australia. That will Victoria at approximately $250 and Western mean business with a payroll of about $10m Australia at about $500. Our capital program is will be paying $200,000 less in payroll tax the biggest per capita in Australia, as I said, compared with New South Wales and $50,000 but it is not at the expense of our balance less than Victoria. That is very significant. Our sheet. We have a negative net debt situation. per capita State tax in Queensland is $1,359. Our net debt is minus $3,000 per head. We Compare that with the other States' average of are the only State in Australia that has that $1,733. In other words, the other States' negative net debt situation. What does that average tax burden is 27.6% higher than in mean to the average person? It means that Queensland. we have low debt interest expenses and The Budget sees $90m invested in the decreased borrowing costs and Breaking the Unemployment Cycle initiative, intergenerational equity is enhanced so we do which is now a $363m program. It is funded not put a burden on future generations. until 2003. It is an absolute disgrace that the 20 Jul 2000 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 2367

Commonwealth has more or less exited from important things that I think this Premier will be job market programs. We will not desert the remembered for—and he will be remembered unemployed, we will not desert the people of for many things, because he is a great Queensland who need assistance to get a job, Premier—is his initiatives in relation to the who need assistance with training, because we Smart State. Money is being put into the on this side of the House feel it is better to get $100m Institute of Molecular Bioscience at the that training because then someone can pay University of Queensland; $3.3m is being put his taxes and have some dignity in the family. towards the construction of the Centre for That is what we are on about. Biomolecular Research and Drug Discovery at Queensland's labour market participation Griffith University; $5m is being put towards a rate, of course, is the highest in Australia at comprehensive Cancer Research Centre at the some 65%. That is very good. The rest of Queensland Institute of Medical Research; Australia is 63%. If we had the same rate of and $1.6m is being put towards the participation as Victoria, our unemployment Queensland Biotechnology Innovation Fund. I rate would be below 5%. That shows the have referred to only a few of the initiatives, House how strong our unemployment situation but that is an indication of the funding that this is compared with what the doom merchants on Government is putting towards this type of the other side of the House are saying. We technology. That is an investment in our have a better participation rate and also, of future. I notice the Minister for Local course, we have the advantage of higher net Government, Information and Planning is migration. present in the House. Of course, he was the first Information Technology Minister we have We have a record $4.2 billion Education had in Australia. That is another indication of budget, which will employ at least 800 the way in which this Government thinks. additional teachers, together with $450m for Finally, I want to talk about a number of training. An amount of $114m will be spent issues in my electorate. Funding of $1.5m has towards literacy and numeracy. The other day been announced for the refurbishment of the in this House the Education Minister told us of Wynnum Courthouse. The old courthouse is the great advances that we have had in unsuitable. It comprises a number of levels. literacy in our State school system—fantastic There is no area for the public to wait; they increases in indigenous literacy. I think that the have to wait in the open air and get soaked in Minister indicated to the House that it was the rain when it is a raining. There are no some 10%. That is just fantastic news. That is interview rooms for people to talk with their smart money spent on the Smart State. We lawyers. The court support staff do not have do not want to concentrate just on those kids an area to look after people. Some money is who have no problems at school and run off to now being spent in that area—$1.5m. university. That is not being the Smart State. Being the Smart State is educating everybody. It gives me great pride to be the Labor In my electorate I have a very high proportion member for Lytton when I look at the of technical and tradespeople. With respect to achievements that have occurred under both my old profession of law, they are the people Tom Burns and me, in terms of our local area, who actually go out and earn money for the and under the Goss and Beattie Labor economy. They are the sorts of people whom Governments: a 24-hour outpatient facility at we want to make sure we are equipping for the Wynnum Hospital, a new police station, a new future. ambulance station, land allocated for the new fire station and the court refurbishment. These This year, funding for health services will are all things that happened under a Labor increase to $3.4 billion. There are also a Government at various times, not the number of areas in which we have exceeded conservatives. It was those Governments that our promises. We promised $100m over four did that for us. years to respond to the Forde inquiry. We put a further $5m in that. Our disability services Other allocations include $4.2m for commitment of $30m a year has been Stages 2 and 3 of the Queensland Fire and increased with an additional $18m. We Rescue Authority Training Academy at Whyte promised to achieve a ratio of one computer to Island, which will open in September 2000. It every 7.5 students by the year 2000-01. We will be the best facility in the southern have met that target and we are now aiming to hemisphere. It is a state-of-the-art facility and it have a computer for one in every five brings investment into the community. An students. amount of $200,000 has been allocated to the Lytton Industrial Estate as part of a $3m There are also some excellent initiatives in program. The Australia Trade Coast initiative is relation to the Smart State. One of the most exciting. The city people at the port are helping 2368 Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Appropriation Bill 20 Jul 2000 the country people export that produce. That is very exciting project in Selina Street. There will what the partnership is all about. The also be a psychogeriatric unit constructed at allocation of land has increased from 30 the Moreton Bay Nursing Care Unit comprising hectares per annum in the early 1990s to 95.1 22 beds as well as a 20-bed acquired brain hectares per annum in 1999. An amount of injury unit at a cost of $4.5m. Funding for a $101m has been allocated to the port of Community Jobs Plan is also being spent Brisbane, which is located in my electorate. locally, and I will say more about that at That allocation includes $14.7m for Wharf 8 another time. and its common user area. That will create a 205-metre berth. Our car trade through the Finally, in relation to police, we have an Brisbane port is expected to double by 2009. increase in numbers of 325, which will benefit An amount of $36m has been allocated for a our communities, and Wynnum will get its fair new dredge to replace the Sir Thomas Hiley. A share of that. There is also the creation of the number of other allocations have been made $1.9m DNA sampling program. An amount of as well. $27m has been allocated for community correctional centres. That is very important. At The major investment is the port the moment, as chair of the local graffiti task motorway. An amount of $23m has been force, I am working with the Minister to see if allocated for Stage 1 of the port motorway. we can get a pilot graffiti eradication program Other transport initiatives are important, such in place so that the people who cause the as those that relate to the Manly Railway graffiti are required to clean it up. Station, which will share in the $10m that has been allocated to improve access for the This is a Budget for all Queenslanders. As elderly and disabled. There is also a $55,000 a member of the Beattie Labor Government, it subsidy to the Brisbane City Council for an is a Budget that I am extremely proud to indented bus bay for Wondall Heights State support. We have done well as a State, and School. They are having problems with their my electorate has also done well. I commend road there. the Bills to the House. Some $4.5m will be spent on housing in Debate, on motion of Mr Johnson, the bayside region, as well as $300,000 for adjourned. upgrades and $2m for maintenance work. We are building quality housing in my electorate. I The House adjourned at 1.35 a.m. am working with the Minister in relation to a (Friday)