Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 21 OCTOBER 1969

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

1050 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

TUESDAY, 21 OCTOBER, 1969 Answers:- ( 1) "Senior prison administrators do not consider there is any deterioration in dis­ Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, cipline at Brisbane Prison." M urrumba) read prayers and took the chair (2) "Neither the superintendent nor the at 11 a.m. matron heard the 'rally-up' as such. The matron heard a noise which she thought QUESTIONS was a car on the roadway at the back of the prison." LICENSING OF FIREARMS; POLICE UsE OF SMALL-ARMS (3) "No. The superintendent lives in a brick residence which abuts the prison Mr. Davies for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to wall. The matron lives in a wooden notice, asked The Minister for Works,- residence close to the wall.'" ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to the claim made by Mr. M. Callaghan, secretary ( 4) "One prisoner was charged with of the police unior., reported in The a breach of discipline before !he Visiting Courier-Mail of April 11, that firearms Justice in accordance with section 32 of should be licensed? "'The Prisons Acts, 1958 to 1964"." (2) Does he propose to license firearms (5) "Investigations have not been made such as · 303 rifles? to endeavour to ascertain the source of ( 3) Is it proposed that all police be the information given to the Press. The armed with small-arms? incident did not cause consternation amongst senior prison administrators and ( 4) Will he accede to the dubious was not considered serious enough by requests of the union to allow the police the senior officer in charge of the prison to follow the routine of police in other at the time to report to senior officials States by wearing small-arms outside their resident on the prison reserve. The Press clothing? report was grossly exaggerated. It is (5) Will he have research made to significant that the Press did not check show that when police brandish firearms it on the incident with senior prison officials provokes more gun-play from the under­ nor seek any comment in relation to world than when police go unarmed in it." public?

Answers:­ LEGISLATION TO CONTROL RECKLESS TRADING BY COMPANIES (1) "Yes." Mr. Hanson pursuant to notice, asked The (2) "No." 1 Minister for Justice,- (3) "Yes, when and where necessary." ( l ) Is he aware that legislation is being ( 4) "The present practice of the wear- introduced into the Western Australian ing of small-arms is being re-examined." Parliament which will impose further con­ (5) "No." trols on companies trading recklessly? (2) Under the present Companies Act. is reckless trading not an offence unless it DISCIPLINE IN BRISBANE PRISON occurs when a company has been or is in Mr. Davies for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to the course of being wound up? notice, asked The Minister for Justice,- ( 3) As it is most desirable that the ( 1 ) What is causing the deterioration m Companies Act should be constantly discipline at the Brisbane Prison? reviewed to achieve uniformity amongst the States and as it is most undesirable that (2) When there was a "rally-up" on company officers who trade recklessly Sunday, September 28, was the superin­ should escape penalties, will he, in the tendent or the matron aware of it? interests of all concerned, note the Western (3) Do the superintendent and matron Australian legislation and bring this State have a sound-proofed section in the prison? into line with the accepted and desirable practices outlined in that legislation? ( 4) What action, if any, was taken following the "rally-up"? Answers:- ( 5) If it was as insignificant as the ( 1) "Yes." Comptroller-General suggests, have investi­ (2 and 3) "Please see section 303 (3) gations been made to find out the source of The Companies Acts. That section of information on which the Press acted, applies if the company is wound up, to which clearly indicated that the "rally-up" reckless trading prior to the winding up. was a designed and preconceived demon­ The Companies Acts are in course of stration by prisoners which caused signi­ revision and serious consideration is being ficant consternation amongst prison given to embodying the additional pro­ authorities? visions to which the Honourable Member Questions [21 OcTOBER] Questions 1051

refers in the legislation which will be (2) Will the additional accommodation presented to the House. I do not propose be ready for the beginning of the 1970 to introduce the legislation piecemeal. The school year? Uniform Companies Act introduced in 1961 has been under continuous examina­ Answers:- tion by the Standing Committee of Com­ monwealth and State Attorneys-General ( 1) "Planning 1s m train and work will and the expert Eggleston Committee with commence as early as practicable after a view to the comprehensive uniform completion of plans and estimate of cost." amendment of that Act." (2) "Yes."

QUEENSLAND PACIFIC TRADING Co. PTY. LTD. AND PEN-PAK OCEAN PRODUCTS DREDGING OF CABBAGE TREE CREEK PTY. LTD. Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked The Mr. R. .Jones, pursuant to notice, asked Minister for Conservation,- The Minister for Justice,- ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to the ( 1) Is the Queensland Pacific Trading report in the Telegraph of October 16, Company a registered company? ~ headed "Prawners held up at Creek", (2) If so. (a) who are the directors and wherein it was stated that twenty boats had what are their respective addresses, waited that day and the largest were still (b) what was the date of the company's unable to berth four hours after the usual registration. (c) what is its trading address time? and (d) what type of business is conducted? (2) As the Harbours and Marine (3) Are any of the directors eo-directors Department has plans for dredging at with Pen-Pak Ocean Products Pty. Limited, Cabbage Tree Creek and in view of the the name of which company appears in very serious situation existing, will dredging Queensland Government Gazette No. 18. commence in the near future? If not, what of October 11, page 511, Petition No. 57 is the proposed date of dredging operations? of 1969, notifying a winding-up order in the Supreme Court of Queensland? Answer:­ An.Hvers:- (!) "Yes." (2) "A contract has been let for this ( 1) '·Queensland Pacific Trading Co. Pty. Ltd. is a foreign company registered work. The contractor and his equipment in Queensland." are at present engaged on other work for the Department of Harbours and Marine (2) '·(a) Kenneth William Thomas, 7 Bastion Street, Castlecrag, N.S.W. Keith and it is expected that dredging will Alfred Lindsay Hollands, Mullins Street, commence at Cabbage Tree Creek during Cairns. Thomas Martin Baty, Vandeleur January 1970." Street, Earlville, Cairns. John Pitt Rawson, 73 Airvos Street, Port Mores by; (b) April 3 last; (c) The registered office of the COMMUNITY HOME CARE SERVICE FOR company is at 73 Lake Street, Cairns; ToowooMBA (d) The Memorandum of Association Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The lodged in the Companies Office, Towns­ Minister for Health,- ville, is of a general type and allows the company to conduct many and varied types ( 1) With regard to the announcement of businesses. It is unknown which of of the setting up of a Home Help Service these the .:ompany is conducting at pre­ for those in need, will similar domiciliary sent. The Honourable Member could view services be established in other centres and, the Memorandum at the Companies if so, when will they be inaugurated 1n Office." each centre? (3) "The H{mourable Member is now (2) Will a service be established at in possession of the names of the directors Toowoomba where a great need exists for of both Pen-Pak Ocean Products Pty. this type of service? Limited and Queensland Pacific Trading ( 3) On what basis will the service be Co. Pty. Ltd.'' ~ available to recipients?

ADD!T!ONt\L CLASSROOMS, CENTRAL STATE Answers:- SCHOOL, CAIRNS (!) "The Community Home Care Ser­ Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked vice which is being established in Brisbane The Minister for Works,- is in the nature of a Pilot Scheme and ( 1) Have plans been prepared and ultimately will be expanded to other centres approved for the construction of two addi­ on a progressive basis." tional classrooms at Central State School, (2) 'The needs of Toowoomba will Cairns and. if so, when will work receive every consideration in conjunc­ cornmencc'.} tion with the overall needs of the State 1052 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

when the expansion of the Home Care INSTALLATION OF BooM GATES OR Service to other areas is being contem­ FLASHING LIGHTS AT LINDUM RAILWAY plated." CROSSING (3) "The Community Home Care Ser­ Mr. Harris, pursuant to notice, asked Tile vice is designed to provide part-time Minister for Transport,- domestic help in the homes of the aged, In view of the increased vehicular and sick and disabled of limited means who pedestrian traffic, caused, no doubt, by the are assessed as being in need of such highly developing industrial area at assistance. The Service is not a free Hemmant and Lytton, will he urgently one, the scale of charges being as consider having boom gates or red flashing follows:-Social Service Pensioners-20 lights installed at the Lindum railway cents per hour with a maximum charge crossing? of $2 per week. Others-50 cents per hour with a maximum charge of $5 per week. Where the payment of charges Answer:- would impose financial hardship, such "The Honourable Member asked a charges will be either reduced or waived. similar question on November 23, 1967. The Home Help will be made available and was advised that consideration would according to the needs of the applicant on be given to the request when the pro­ a number of hours and days per week." gramme is prepared for future years. It has not been possible, to date, to include this crossing in the programme, but it TOBACCO LEAF SALES, MAREEBA AND will have consideration along with other BRISBANE crossings when future programmes are being decided upon. There are 'Stop' Mr. Wallis-Smitll, pursuant to notice, asked signs at this crossing. The Main Roads The Minister for Primary Industries,- Department and the Railway Department In view of the unexpected tobacco leaf each contribute $50,000 per financial year sales held at Mareeba and Brisbane- for the provision of flashing lights and boom gates at open level crossings. ( 1) Had this supplementary quota been One hundred and thirteen flashing light released previously? installations and 41 half-boom installa­ (2) Will it remain for next year's sale? tions were installed to June 30, 1968. The programme for the year ended June. (3) When was the quota released? 1969, was 22 flashing lights and 3 half­ ( 4) Was any over-quota leaf sold at booms, and for the year ended June, the sales and, if so, what quantity? 1970, it is 13 flashing lights. Prior to (5) What was the average price for the August, 1957, 14 level crossings on1y had leaf at (a) Mareeba and (b) Brisbane? been so equipped." Answers:- (1) "This is the first occasion on which DISPOSAL OF STRANDED WHALES 0I''F a supplementary Australian quota has DUNDOWRAN been granted to cover the sale of over­ Mr. Blake, pursuant to notice, asked The quota leaf." Minister for Conservation,- (2) "No. The Australian and State ( 1 ) Is he aware that the hodies of I 0 quotas for the 1970 sales have already whales, each approximately 35 feet in been set. The Australian quota was length, stranded about a mile off shore initially fixed at 31 million lb. earlier this from Dundowran in the Burrum Shire. year and this was subsequently increased have been moved by the tides in the last to 32 million lb. in the light of trends in 24 hours to within half a mile of the shore consumption and stocks." and could conceivably be moved much (3) "Growers were advised of their closer by successive tides? adjusted quotas about one week before (2) Considering the public nuisance and call up of leaf for the Mareeba sale danger to public health by imminent putre­ which commenced on Octaber 8 and for faction of the bodies, will he make urgent the Brisbane sale which commenced on arrangements for their disposal by and at October 15." the expense of his Department? (4) "The leaf sold at these sales, although originally over-quota leaf, auto­ Answers:- matically became quota leaf upon the ( 1) "Yes. The bodies of the ten whales issue of the supplementary quotas. The in fact were eventually moved by the tide total quantity of supplementary quota leaf to about one quarter of a mile from the sold at these supplementary sales was high tide mark." 2,025,358 lb." (2) "Immediately this potential public (5) "The average prices for supple­ nuisance was reported to my Director of mentary quota leaf at Mareeba and Bris­ Harbours and Marine, arrangements were bane were 92 · 1 cents and 91 · 3 cents per made for officers of the Department of lb. respectively." Harbours and Marine and officers of the Papers [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1053

Burrum Shire Council to visit the site QUEENSLAND INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL and dispose of the bodies by incineration RESEARCH ACT AMENDMENT BILL and burial. During the week-end just concluded, the bodies of the nine whales INITIATION were moved to burial pits above the high Hon. S. D. TOOTH (Ashgrove~Minister tide mark. These pits were covered with for Health): I move- timber and fuel oil during Monday, October "That the House will, at ijs present 20 and it is proposed to attempt to sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of incinerate these bodies today. The body of the Whole to consider introducing a Bill the tenth whale was buried in a separate to amend the Queensland Institute of pit for later exhumation and use by the Medical Research Acts, 1945 to 1.963 in Queensland Museum. As the whales certain particulars." became stranded on foreshores under the control of the Burrum Shire Council, that Motion agreed to. Authority had a significant measure of responsibility with respect to the alleviation SUPPLY of any public nuisance or danger to health created by their bodies. However, I am also CoMMITTEE-FINANCIAL STA n.' cE]\;1'­ conscious that my Department as the Port RESUMPTION OF DEBATE Authority for Urangan harbour had an (The Chairman of Committees, '\fr. Hooper. obligation to co-operate fully in any Greenslopes, in the chair) arrangements to dispose of the whales. A departmental engineer left Brisbane on Debate resumed from 16 Octoher {see p. the evening of Friday, October 17 to 1024) on Mr. Chalk's motion- take charge of the operation which has "That 1here be granted to Her Majesty, been carried out by men and equipment for the service of the year 1969-70, a sum from the Burrum Shire Council and the not exceeding $4,542 to defray the salary Department of Harbours and Marine. The of Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the Department also offered, to the Burrum Governor." Shire Council, to meet 50 per cent. of the Mr. SHERRINGTON (Salisbury) (11.27 costs of the operation."

the Budget which the Treasurer brought down In its administration of education in immediately before the last State election. Queensland the Government has done nothing From a careful examination of the main but kick the "guts" out of a political football. features of the pre-election Budget-those I say that because of the performance of that refer to the main items of expenditure­ the Minister for Education prior to the it is quite evident that on that occasion last State election. It was positive proof because of the number of "specials" that that the Government is not adopting a responsible attitude to this problem. Is were fe~tured in the Treasurer's Budget, it it any wonder, if my information is correct, looked like the chain stores' advertisements in that the Premier wanted to get rid of the Wednesday night's "Telegraph." Minister for Education at the same time I have here a copy of that Budget and as he was lopping off the head of the under the heading of "Main features of Minister for Conservation? If the perform­ spendi~g", the Treasurer speaks of a special ance of the Minister for Education prior effort m the field of education; a special to the election is any indication of what effort for non-primary State Schools· a we might expect in the field of education in special allocation of $2,000,000 for 'the the next three years, we are heading for mod~r_nisation of school furniture; a special a sorry state of affairs. P;C?vision for a new syll8bus; a special pro­ Mr. Miller: How much more would you VISion to allow clerk-typists to be appointed like to see allocated to education? to State schools; a special provision of $30,000 ~o. meet the cost of establishing a Mr. SHERRINGTON: I will make my rural.. trammg school at Emerald; a special speech in my own way. I suggest that the provision for the boarding-out of selected hon. member for Ithaca concentrate on his children; and a special provision for cultural own problems. I have never needed help to activities over and above the general level make a speech, either inside or outside of expenditure. my party, and I am quite able to make my Of course, it is transparently clear from contribution without help from any Liberal that Budget that an election was coming up. back-bencher. As a matter of fact, I remember that it I repeat that if the performance of the looked less like a State Budget than a field Minister for Education prior to the election day at the super;narket with everything was any pointer to the policy that will be mar~ed up as specials. Suddenly, after the pursued by the Government, we are heading elections when the Government has nothing for a sorry state of affairs in education. to worry about for a couple of years (unless I refer particularly to one of the advertised the events of the next day or two dictate "specials" in the Treasurer's previous Budget, otherwise), all the specials disappear and in obviously placed there because an election the Financial Statement we are back to the was in the offing. In his Financial Statement old marked-up prices. Exceot for one small for 1968-69 the Treasurer made a special item under the heading "Special assistance grant", $10,000 to the Queemland Spastic feature of providing $2,000,000 for additional Welfare League. suddenly nothing in the expenditure on education. To quote his own Budget becomes special. words, the $2,000,000 was "for the modernisa­ tion of school furniture and for the supply I know that comparisons are always odious. of teaching aids, school requisites, projectors, They must be particularly so to the -Treasurer typewriters, duplicators and the like." when thev bring home the message that his That was the first occasion on which a 1?68-69 Budget, far from presenting a true "special" had ever appeared, as an endeavour picture to the State presented nothing but a to eliminate some of the problems in class­ political document. rooms. Surely the Treasurer will not try In the Budget now before us the Treasurer to convince anyone that the spending of that talks !n terms of ~n increase of 16.19 per $2,000,000 eliminated all existing problems. cent. m the allocation to education. But an In his current Budget, he reduces that sum examination of the figures discloses that the of $2,000,000 to $440,000. I am not con­ net increase in the allocation for education vinced that the spending of $2,000,000 elimi­ this year is exactly the same as it was last nated all of the so-called problems and I year-and it is only natural that there will am sure the head teachers, staff and parents be an increase unl~ss the. country is going and citizens' associations are not convinced backwards. The nse this year is from either. They would not accept that all $84,000.000 to $98,000,000 whereas in last problems relating to equipment in schools year's Budget it was from $71,000,000 to have been solved. $85,000.000-exactly the same increase of $14,000,000. Mr. Kaus interjected. It is because of my interest in education Mr. SHERRINGTON: Instead of worrying and because of the growing number of about my speech, the hon. member should ~chools in my electorate-growing schools be worrying about what he will tell his m areas on the perimeter of the city-that electors at the next election. I want to deal today with some of the Mr. Kaus: I was re-elected. criticisms that I have of the Government's approach to education in the State. Mr. SHERRINGTON: Only just. Supply [21 OcTOBER] Supply 1055

I want now to examine how the Govern­ occasion, in great urgency, the Minister pro­ ment went about disbursing this "special" vided physical education trolleys to the of $2,000,000. The efforts of the Minister State schools. for Education reminded me somewhat of those of a frightened Father Christmas who Mr. Chalk interjected. feared the wrath of the children if he left Mr. SHERRINGTON: I have not come to them without a toy on Christmas Day. the "meat" of the matter yet. I have a full hour Suddenly, on the eve of the election, he to speak, so I advise the Treasurer not to shelled out all the trinkets to decorate the be in a hurry. I have plenty more to say education Christmas trees. That is about all that will provoke interjection. I can say of his performance. If he had been born 200 years ago he would have made a It is the Government's policy to supply wonderful public relations officer for Captain baubles when overhead projectors and Cook. He is like a "great white father" modern teaching requirements are lacking. bearing gifts to the natives. Does the The Treasurer is quite happy to subsidise Government believe that it can get away fertiliser used to grow grass in school with that? What intelligence does it give grounds, but he will not subsidise essential head-masters credit for? What intelligence education equipment such as overhead pro­ does it think that the school staffs and jectors and so on. parents and citizens' associations have? The Government's policy is an insult to the Mr. Lee: Oh, rot! people's intelligence. It has made the educa­ Mr. SHERRINGTON: Since the advent of tional system a political football to be kicked this Government it has granted subsidies about in the few months prior to the election. only after it became cognisant of the need What sort of mentality does the Government for items purchased by parents and citizens' think the people have? associations from their own pockets, items I shall deal now with some of the specific on which subsidy was not available at the charges that I have made. Prior to the time of purchase. TV sets are a classic election the Mini,ster for Education suddenly example. A subsidy was not paid on TV thought it necessary to install science benches sets used in schools. in schools. On that matter I asked the Minister was be aware that part of the pre­ Mr. Lee interjected. election equipment supplied to primary Mr. SHERRINGTON: If the hon. member schools included science benches, and that wants to argue with me, I should like to the benches were incomplete because they ask him how many years he has spent serving lacked gas burners. In addition, I asked as an active member of a parents and whether, despite repeated applications by citizens' association-not one! head-masters since the election, the science benches are still not usable because they lack Mr. Lee~ That is not true. gas burners. The Minister replied that 1,500 science benches had been supplied and Mr. SHERRINGTON: I was president of a that separate contracts were let for the supply parents and citizens' association for 12 years, of 6,000 burners. He said that 750 were on mostly under this Government. the way from Sydney. I ask the Minister: Mr. Chalk interjected. why the necessity of providing half-equipped benches simply because an election was in Mr. SHERRINGTON: If a subsidy is paid the offing? Is it any wonder that I charge now for overhead projectors, it was not the Government with making the education available originally. The Government was system a political football? Despite the fact forced to pay a subsidy; it bowed to the that head-masters have repeatedly made weight of public opinion. requests to obtain the burners, nearly five months after the election they are still waiting Mr. Casey interjected. for them. When the burners are supplied Mr. SHERRINGTON: My colleague from they will represent only one-eighth of the Mackay has confirmed my statement. number required. Why are many schools still waiting for the installation of gas The Government is quite happy to sub­ burners? sidise fertiliser, and is quite happy for When the Treasurer brought down his the parents and citizens' associations at Budget, in his sanctimonious manner he said, primary schools to do ground improvements "In addition to all the spending I am giving on a subsidy basis. It gives favoured treat­ you a chain-store 'special' of $2,000,000." ment to some aspects of education, but the real core of education in primary Mr. Chalk: Who said I was sanctimonious? schoois has been neglected by the Govern­ ment during its term of office. Mr. SHERRINGTON: We will see what Mr. Chalk: Quite candidly, you are talking happens tomorrow. a Jot of fertiliser. Now, with the election past the "special" on education has been reduced to $400,000. Mr. SHERRINGTON: At least I am not It is apparent that the Government's policy greasing the skids under my leader with is to offer baubles, because on another margarine, like the Treasurer is. 1056 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. Chalk: You would not be greasing The Government accepts the library hand­ anything; you are greasy all the time. outs, the formula that lays down how they are made and the conditions that are imposed, Mr. SHERRINGTON: The Government one of which makes this money available does not get down to the fundamentals in only to secondary schools. The Government educational requirements. The Treasurer is is not prepared to act in a statesmanlike quite happy to coast along. He will go out manner and attack the problem. The Gov­ on the hustings and fawn over the Prime ernment believes that it is essential to equip Minister-as he has done-and accept his only secondary schools with libraries, and miserable hand-outs for education. He is it subscribes to the view that it is not prepared to accept from the Commonwealth necessary to teach reading in primary schools. Government the type of baubles that he What the Government has done in accept­ present~ to our schools. ing these restrictive grants which confine the provision of libraries to secondary schools I will refer to library grants. If ever is to provide luxurious libraries, equipped I witnessed a pathetic reply on a very serious with books, which benefit only secondary education matter, it was that in a recent school-children. Many of the vociferous "Four Corners" programme when my col­ back-benchers who, by way of interjection, leagues, Mr. Hayden, the member for Oxley, try to get their names into "Hansard" at and Jim Cairns, the member for Yarra asked my expense should ask some of the head­ Mr. FairhaU-- teachers in the primary schools in their electorates how contemptuous they are of Mr. Chalk: Are they colleagues of yours? a system that is designed to teach advanced Mr. SHERRINGTON: Yes, they are col­ reading to secondary students but not to primary students at a very vital stage of leagues of mine. I am proud to sit with their lives. them in the party. I do not want any part of the scabby coalition. I am quite proud Mr. Newton: They spend seven years at of the people with whom I associate. primary school, too. Of course, Mr. Fairhall is getting out Mr. SHERRINGTON: That is right. now; he is probably in enough trouble over Mr. Kaus interjected. the FlH, but when they asked him about education problems, he said, "Of course, Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am happy to it is a State responsibility." accept the view of the hon. member for Hawthorne that a child should not read Mr.. R. lE. Moore: As it is. until he commences secondary school. Mr. l£.ie,e: You want centralisation? The Premier and the Treasurer have always Mr. SHlERRINGTON: No, I do not want been happy with what Gorton or previous centralisation; I want some money. Prime Ministers have dished out to them. They have not shown any fight at all. I want an end to this vote-catching aid that One side effect of that attitude is that the Government extends to the affluent primary school libraries rely on the support schools that do nothing for education in this of the parents and citizens' associations. State. Recently the head-master of one of There is a $1 for $1 subsidy on the purchase the G.P.S. schools said that the classrooms price of books. at that school would be carpeted. He also A Government Member interjected. made the somewhat amazing statement that the committee of the school had so much Mr. SHERRINGTON: That is what I money that it was embarrassed. When asked desire, and I make no secret of it. I would if the school would accept the $25 from the sooner have a socialist State than one con­ State Government he said "Yes, we will take trolled by the hon. member for Y eronga it all.'' who has waxed fat on the profits he made That is where the Government directs its by paying low wages to his employees over aid. It is not fooling anybody. It is cer­ the years. However, I do not intend to be tainly noc fooling the small parish school distracted. committees. the pre-school associations or The side effects are that in the suburbs the primary schools in the areas of greater in which people have incomes lower than need. The whole question of education has average, such as some of the Housing been treated as nothing but an avenue to Commission areas, the pupils of State prim­ direct aid to the great affluent schools, the ary schools are denied decent library facil­ best vote-catching medium. ities because their parents are unable to A Government Member interjected. subscribe sufficient money to equip libraries adequately. That is the result of the Gov­ Mr. SHERRINGTON: The hon. member ernment's policy on school libraries, and the should keep quiet. He is rarely here. If Minister for Education seems satisfied with there had been a better education system the position. When I asked him if any when he was young, he might not even be finance from the Commonwealth library here. Over the years, the State and Federal grant was to be made avaiLable to primary Government; have done nothing but make schools, he said, "No." When I asked him a political football of education. if any move was being made to increase Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1057 the amount of subsidy for State primary Mr. SHERRINGTON: I know that the school libraries, again he said, "No. We hon. member is inwardly green with envy. will give them a dollar-for-dollar subsidy." He gives no service to his school. He may go to the school on fete day and spend a There will therefore be no improvement couple of "bob," but that is his only con­ in school libraries in the areas to which I tribution to the school. As a matter of fact, have referred. I believe that, if the Min­ the hon. member does not even live in the ister for Education is prepared to accept the electorate he represents. miserable pittance handed out as a grant for Mr. Lee: That doesn't matter. library purposes, he will be showing a woe­ ful lack of acumen. It seems that nothing is Mr. SHERRINGTON: His contribution to be done to stimulate reading by students would be the spending of a couple of of primary schools, and most certainly noth­ '"bob" on fetes, a bit of hand-shaking, ing is to be done for primary schools in and all that sort of thing. He is envious those areas in which the need for libraries of my 12 years' experience as chairman is greatest. Reading is one of the most of the Coopers Plains Parents & Citizens' essential parts of the curriculum, and I Committee. Let me assure him that, despite believe that on every count in this field the this Government, the Coopers Plains school Government and its counterparts in Can­ progressed under my chairmanship of that berra have been tried and found wanting. committee. The hon. member for Y eronga Mr. Chalk: The electors didn't say that at is very much on the spot; he is sitting the last election. there yapping his head off about something he knows nothing about. Mr. SHERRINGTON: If the Treasurer is Mr. Kaus: Do you think it is the duty going to argue along those lines-- of an M.L.A. to be chairman of a P. & C. Mr. Chall•: They are the only lines you committee? can argue on. Mr. SHERRINGTON: I believe it is the duty of a parent, and I was a parent with Mr. SHERRINGTON: The Treasurer can­ children attending that school. not base an argument on the results of the State election. I suggest that the best Mr. Lee: With a political bias. solution would be to hold a referendum Mr. SHERRINGTON: It is the hon. mem­ on this subject, but not one conducted on ber who is injecting political bias. I was gerrymandered boundaries, preferential the parent of three children attending that voting, and the like. That does not give a school and I accepted my obligation to my true indication of the wishes of the people. own children by serving on the committee. If any semblance of democracy was possible in this State, the A.L.P. would be in govern­ Opposition Members: Hear, hear! ment today. That we are not in office is simply the result of the gerrymandering and Mr. SHERRINGTON: I did not make boundary-rigging that has gone on, from it political at all, as hon. members opposite which it is impossible to get a true indi­ did. The old committee idea has been cut cation of the wishes of the people. The out and the P. & C. system has been Treasurer reminds me of the hon. member introduced for the benefit of the Liberals, for Whitsunday who had the audacity to who are not parents, so that they could say that because the electors returned him, get in and make it political. That has led they have endorsed his Government's policy to the deterioration of the school committee on the Barrier Reef. Because, on gerry­ system. mandered boundaries, he won Whitsunday, Only recently I suffered from the same he dismisses the opinion of everybody else political gesture in my own electorate; but in Queensland and claims that the Govern­ that is another story. Ask the Minister for ment's policy on the Barrier Reef is justified. Justice about the episode when he was invited to open the school and he turned It is essential to inculcate the habit of up an hour late. Everybody was worn out reading in the early years of education. The waiting for him, just as hon. members on Government, however, is quite satisfied to this side become worn out waiting for a go along accepting hand-outs from Can­ decision on any matter they raise. However, berra, without itself doing anything positive I am getting away from the main punpose of or acting in a statesmanlike way. Head­ my speech. teachers of primary schools, particularly The net result of the Budget allocation those in developing areas, must feel great for education is that children in the develop­ frustration because of Government policy in" areas are put at a disadvantage com­ and the fact that the communities that they pa~ed to children at schools in other areas. serve are unable to subscribe sufficient money That is the whole thing in a nutshell. What to build up school libraries, thus placing did the Minister for Education have to offer children at a disadvantage. in answer to my question the other day about the problem? He said, "We are Mr. Lee: That is after you have been going to appoint an officer to advise the president of the P. & C. Association for 12 schools on library development." I do years. not know how he is going to have them 35 1058 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply advised on library development if they have Mr. SHERRINGTON: Due to the growth not the funds to develop libraries. That is in gross national product. Surely the typical of the futile approach to education Treasurer is not .going to claim credit and, in particular, the important subject of for that. school libraries adopted by the Minister for On the Government's own figures it is Education and subscribed to by the Treasurer spending only an additional $14,000,000 on and the Premier, and their colleagues. education this year, exactly the same amount as was added to the Budget last year. Is I believe that their performance on school the Treasurer trying to convince me that libraries is paralleled only by their per­ we should not be spending more today formance on the science blocks. In the than we were spending 20 years ago? If first place they accepted that great tragedy he is, he is not taking into account the to Australia, Bob Menzies, who introduced growth in our national product. The the system of science-block grants. They Treasurer's contributions do nothing for "copped this sweet"; they accepted these education and it is time he took a good look hand-outs and came back grateful for a at the matter instead of indulging in political few more "lousy" dollars for their Budget. bribery such as the grants to schools. In They said, "Thanks to the munificence of short, it is time education was taken away the Commonwealth Government we are now from political influence. able to construct science blocks." Mr. Lee: Seventy per cent. of the total . Mr. Chalk: What are you really suggest­ Budget is spent on health and education. mg-that we should have turned them down? Mr. SHERRINGTON: And it is no wonder, when one considers what has happened in Mr. SHERRINGTON: I suggest that the Treasurer should have acted a bit more this State over the last 12 years. like a Treasurer and less like a playboy I am limited in this debate to one hour and with his psychedelic ties. there are other matters I must deal with. One of them is industrial development. I ~r. Chalk: In other words, you are sug­ have been very busy of late and have not gestmg that we should have given the money had time to examine the Budget in great back! detail-- Mr. SHERRINGTON: I suggest that the Mr. Chalk interjected. Treasurer should have been fighting for more. Mr. SHERRINGTON: I have examined the matters on which I wish to speak today. Government Members interjected. I have not been devoting the greater part of my time to wondering which side I will Mr. SHERRINGTON: I have a whole pile be on tomorrow. I have made a study of the ?f material here; wait until I get on to various sections of the Budget on which I Jt-- wish to speak. The first is the amount The CHAIRMAN: Order! required for the administration of the office of the Minister for Industrial Development, Mr. SHERRINGTON: Sorry, Mr. Hooper. namely, $810,000. I would not want to offend you. I value Government Members interjected. your work as Chairman of Committees. I am very appreciative of the tolerance that The CHAIRMAN: Order! I remind hon. you show. How you put up with your members, particularly those on my right, colleagues I wil'l never know. that I will not tolerate these persistent interjections. If hon. members opposite can contain themselves until I get down to the subject Mr. SHERRINGTON: Judging by their of the roads, I will just show them how performance in this Chamber, Mr. Hooper, miserable their performance on that was. I should like to have been at their recent The Treasurer goes down to Canberra caucus meetings. breathing fire but he comes slinking back Almost $1,000,000 has been set aside for over the border like a road haulier guilty of the Department of Industrial Development. axle overloading who is hoping to dodge the In addition to engaging in the construction weighbridge. That is the sort of thing of industrial estates, surely one of the Country-Liberal Treasurers have been doing responsibilities of this department should for years. I can remember the former be to give as much assistance as possible Treasurer's comment that "uncouth Labour to industries that are already established in Treasurers," as he called them, did not Queensland, to ensure that operations in the have the gentlemanly approach. But what commercial world in other States do not react to the disadvantage of industries in treatment did he receive. He was chased Queensland. back over the border so fast that you would never have known he had left here. This does not appear to be the Govern­ ment policy. If recent happenings are indica­ Mr. Chalk: The only thing about it is tive of it, Queensland industry is receiving that he came back with more than Labour no real assistance to survive. I refer parti­ ever brought back. cularly to a statement recently made by Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1059

Mr. Good, manager of Commonwealth this situation to parcel out repetitive contracts Engineering (Qld.) Pty. Ltd., and reported that contain no rise-and-fall clauses or in 'The Courier-Mail" of 11 October, regard­ deferred-payment plans. ing the policy being pursued by the giant Hamersley company. He claimed that Mr. Chalk: They help the companies to because of restrictions placed on Australian stay alive. engineering firms tendering, they were not Mr. SHERRINGTON: A moment ago the receiving a fair go, despite the fact that Treasurer said that I was sillier than he their tenders for the supply of rolling-stock thought. Now he says-on what principle were lower than overseas quotations. The I do not know; perhaps it is Pythagoras or Hamersley group, which is exploiting our Archimedes-that by giving a company that natural resources, let two contracts overseas, is in the doldrums and lacks orders-- one for $1,750,000 and another for $1,500,000, despite the fact that the overseas Mr. Chalk: That company is not in the companies submitted higher tender prices than doldrums. those submitted by Australian firms. My information is that the tenders submitted by Mr. SHERRINGTON: The Treasurer says Australian firms were 12.27 per cent. below that that company is helped by giving it an the one submitted by the successful Japanese unprofitable contract. tenderer. Mr. Chalk: Fancy saying the company is I asked the Premier if the Government in the doldrums! That is not so. You had made any representation to the Ham­ are the biggest "knocker" I have ever heard. ersley group to obtain contracts for Queensland firms, and he said, "No, nothing Mr. SHERRINGTON: Mr. Good himself has been done." I asked him if the Com­ said-- monwealth Government had been asked why Mr. Chalk: He did not say his company it authorised the letting of the contracts to was in the doldrums. overseas firms when Queensland firms were able to submit tenders 12t per cent. below Mr. SHERRINGTON: The Treasurer the successful one. Again he said, "No, knows the situation. He knows that 200 nothing has been done." If the Minister employees will lose their jobs. That is in for Industrial Development were doing his the paper, if he wants to read it. As job properly surely he would try to do a matter of fact, I will get the messenger to something for the Queensland firms. Mr. take it over to him in a moment. He knows Good said that by April next year 200 that Mr. Good said that 200 employees of his employees will lose their jobs if the will lose their jobs by next April. Government continues its present policy. Yet the Government has made no representation Mr. Chalk: Unless other work was to Hamersley or the Commonwealth Gov­ available. ernment. As a matter of fact, it seems to Mr. SHERRINGTON: The Government have wiped its hands of the whole matter. cashes in on the situation and takes advantage I charge the Government with taking advan­ of the recession to give these companies tage of the situation to keep Queensland unprofitable contracts. a low-wage State. Mr. Chalk: Huh! Mr. Chalk: Who said they are unprofitable? Mr. SHERRINGTON: Well, on the Mr. SHERRINGTON: They are unprofit­ Premier's own admission-- able, all right. I have v.:ritten admissions from some of the compames that they are Mr. Chalk: You are sillier than I thought accepting unprofitable contracts. you were, and Commonwealth Engineering won't give you any marks for this. Mr. Chalk: You are trying to kill Com­ monwealth Engineering. Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am not worried Mr. SHERRINGTON: That's rot! about Commonwealth Engineering; I am simply quoting what Mr. Good said. He The CHAffiMAN: Order! I appeal to the is concerned, and the Treasurer knows that hon. member for Salisbury and the Treasurer he is concerned, as are many other steel­ to cease this cross-firing, and to the hon. fabricating companies that are facing ruin. member for Salisbury to address his remarks Mr. Chalk: I helped that company more to the Chair. than any other company. Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am quite happy to Mr. SHERRINGTON: If the Treasurer accept your ruling, Mr. Hooper. Never at is going to say I am-- any time do I wish to transgress the rules of debate in this Chamber. But I will not Mr. Chalk: All you are doing is "knocking". stand here quietly while the Treasurer says Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am "knocking" that I am trying to kill Commonwealth Engin­ the Treasurer for what he is doing to the eering. wage-earners of this State. On the Premier's The Government itself has killed Com­ own admission in reply to my question, the monwealth Engineering because it has not Government has been taking advantage of handed out profitable work to this company 1060 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply over the years. It is useless for the Treasurer In the few moments left to me I wish to to make these siiiy, snide attacks on me, or to deal with our railway system. The Treasurer run over and tell the manager of Common­ outlined the Government's performance, and wealth Engineering that I did my best to recently the Government Public Relations "knock" the company. I should not be raising Bureau issued a brochure, which I have with this matter if I were not concerned that 200 me, setting out how much the Government has spent in developing our railways. It employees could lose their jobs in Common­ pointed out that several hundred miiiion wealth Engineering. Does that indicate I dollars was spent on rehabilitating the Mt. am "knocking" this company? Does it seem !sa line and building the Goonyella line, the that I am "knocking" a Queensland firm Blackwater line and other projects. But that when I am trying to get some work for it, was done at the expense of the paying pas­ because the Treasurer and the Government sengers in Queensland. In the last few years have shown a lack of statesmanship? What I have used some of our trains. While the has the Government done to try to stimulate "Sunlander" may have been an excellent, the shipbuilding industry in Queensland? modern train when it was first put into ser­ vice, it has outlived its usefulness. Mr. Chalk: A lot. The slow boat to China is like a jet­ Mr. SHERRINGTON: The Government propelled rocket ship compared with the has not gone to the Commonwealth and "Sunlander's" progress after it leaves Towns­ demanded some of the work that goes to ville on the northern run. The daylight Whyalla. express from Brisbane to Melbourne leaves at 1.30 p.m. and arrives at 8.30 p.m. Mr. Chalk: That's rot; we have done more the following day. A comparable journey than you have ever heard of. from Brisbane to Cairns takes 11 hours longer. At Townsville the "Sunlander" is Mr. SHERRINGTON: That is why there broken down into a semi-goods train which has been a recession in the metal trades stops at every whistle-stop from Townsville section for months. to Cairns. Mr. Chalk interjected. Mr. Chalk: You do not want it to stop there? The CHAIRMAN: Order! Mr. SHERRINGTON: I will tell the Treas­ Mr. SHERRINGTON: The Government urer what I want. The "Sunlander" has has been cashing in on it by letting out outlived its usefulness and should be used on substandard, unprofitable contracts, yet the a short haul, for instance, from Brisbane to Treasurer has the colossal audacity to talk Rockhampton. It would be quite adequate about how we live in affluent times. An for that purpose. Then a decent passenger examination of the figures in the "Year train should be provided for the Brisbane Book" discloses that we have the lowest wage to Cairns journey. structure in the Commonwealth. The savings bank statistics, if they can be used as an Mr. Chalk: You would rather have the indication of how much people can save, $8,000,000 spent on that than on schools? show that we rank fourth in Australia. Yet the Treasurer said that we live in an affluent Mr. SHERRINGTON: The Treasurer is society. The only States that are worse being childish. off than Queensland in savings bank deposits The "Southern Aurora" was winning pas­ are the Northern Territory and the Australian engers back from the airline companies. Capital Territory, yet the Treasurer has the Because of its comfort and facilities, busi­ hide to talk about our affluent society. In nessmen found that travelling on the my opinion the Treasurer made a fair sort of "Southern Aurora" from Sydney to Melbourne admission when he said, "You want to chase was completely relaxing compared with away people who want to invest in this the dash by air the following morning. This State." Government has made no attempt to win Mr. Chalk: That is what you have been passenger traffic on long hauls or on suburban doing for a long time. services. For 10 years I have spoken of the lack Mr. SHERRINGTON: I do not think the of transport in the Inala area. The Treasurer public will accept that sort of humbug any and his predecessors have said that they longer. The Government has flogged the appreciate my submissions and acknowledge old red bogy for years. Even the present that it would be one of the best passenger Prime Minister has wakened up to the fact train lines in the State, but that they have not the money to build it, yet, suddenly, that it is not worth a candle. But now the the Government can find money to provide Treasurer wants the public to believe that we a rail siding into the Government-sponsored want to kill all the industries in the State. industrial estate at Wacol. However, it made The rate of progress under Labour Govern­ no effort to incorporate that siding in a rail ments has always been at least as good as transport service to Acacia Ridge and Inala, the best rate under this Government, with far two areas from which there would be good fewer public relations officers to tell the financial returns. Instead of that type of world how much we did. extension, we find a patch-work pattern of Supply (21 OCTOBER] Supply 1061 small rail links to industrial concerns with­ between Sydney and Melbourne there was out regard to the over-all picture of the a buffet car to which passengers could go railway system. In this way the Government and enjoy the comfort that it provided. will not increase passenger traffic for which, {Time expired.) as history has shown, there is a great need. Recently, the Commissioner for Railways Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) (12.27 returned from an overseas trip and said that p.m.): "I am come as a light unto the world there was need for electrification. The so whosoever believeth in me shall not abide Government killed that project immediately in darkness" was said 2,000 years ago by it assumed office. the other great Man in history, and I propose to take it as the text for my speech today. I spoke to the New South Wales Minister I really had hoped that all the scandal, for Transport when I visited that State with all the slander, all the vituperation, all the my Leader to look at the double-decker trains vilification, distortion and lies in connection that hrrve been implemented recently. It is with the Townsville General Hospital, had one of the most amazing trains that I have been finished, and that it would not be seen. It could be used in the open, let alone necessary for me to stand up in the Chamber in the underground in Sydney. It can shift at any time and tell the stark, hideous 2,100 passengers in eight carriages. The truth. I would not have done so but for New South Wales Minister for Transport told the scurrilous, contemptible and cowardly my Leader and me that, although he might attack made in this House last week, under be a Liberal, he was a great admirer of the cover of Parliamentary privilege, by the hon. late Jack Lang for what he did relative to member for Townsville North. the electrification of the Sydney suburban railway system. He pointed out that had the Let us look at the stark, hideous truth proposal been continued, the eastern suburbs as it applies to the Townsville General Hos­ railway could have been built at that time pital, and, in particular, the two matters for $4,000,000 as against $60,000,000 to raised by the hon. member. Dr. Scott­ $70,000,000 today. That is how much this y oung came back from Vietnam in Feb­ Government's procrastination will cost ruary. On his return, he found a consider­ Queensland. able amount of dissension among his resident medical officers at the Townsville General A Wilbur Smith survey was made of the Hospital because of the actions of a small movement of vehicles. Now there is to be a group that had been sent up there from survey made of the movement of passengers. Brisbane. That little dissident group was I hazard the guess that one of the recom­ a spill-over from the university . student mendations will be the provision of a fast action group that had been responsible for commuter service in Brisbane. If such a many deplorable and dissolute actions at service is not provided, we will never cope the university, and indeed in the streets of with the traffic that will clog our roadways. Brisbane To be quite candid, the real That congestion can be relieved only by the trouble ~t the Townsville General Hospital provision of an adequate and fast railway was caused by only four resident medical system for the transportation of passengers. officers, namely, McLaughlan, Biggs, ~ielsen, The Government has concentrated on the and Bredan. These four men, whilst at development of railway lines to coal-fields. the university here and members of the I do not know whether I am expected to "Herston mob" as members of the Faculty find coal at Inala and get Japanese interests of Medicine a;e known, were prominent in to exploit it before a rail link to Inala will all university demonstrations. Some of them be provided. The Government's whole were even prominent in the Roma Street approach has been to concentrate on the sit-in, and at the last election for president hauling of goods, to the detriment of the of the University Students' Union they very passenger system. There is a great need for strongly supported the foul and filthy lout a fast, efficient rail service, whether it be from the Medical School who ran for the in the metropolitan area or on the long haul position of president and was defeated. to Cairns. Following the attack made last week upon l believe that passengers could be won him and the hospital authorities by the hon. back to the railways if trains comparable member for Townsville North, Dr. Scott­ with the "Southern Aurora" were put into y oung made a Press statement to "The service. The passenger comfort on that train Townsville Daily Bulletin", which was pub­ has to be seen to be believed. But in lished on Saturday. I shall not read it in Queensland the Government adopts the "slow full· it is here for all who are interested, boat to China" attitude to the rail service and' those who do not want to read it to Townsville. Dining facilities are inade­ here can see it in the library. Among other quate, and we have the ridiculous business things, Dr. Scott-Young said- of waitresses going from table to table with purses, quite often with not enough change "For 16 years I have looked after the for their customers. In other States the workers and citizens of Townsville, irre­ accent has been on developing club cars spective of colour or creed, for a salary in which passengers can sit in comfort and less than one-third of what I could earn have snacks of various types brought to as a private practitioner or consultant them. Even on the old daylight express surgeon. 1062 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

"I have always had less staff than He had been there for three years. He was a considered necessary to adequately staff good man and he left merely to go into a hospital as large as the Townsville private practice. One was a drug addict, General Hospital. The hospital is giving and I am not going to refer to the drug a service to the community because of the addict for obvious reasons; in any case, devotion and hard work of the resident the drug addict would have gone. The other medical officers, nursing staff and admin­ four-McLaughlan, Biggs, Nielsen and istrative staff. Bredan-were the four troublemakers. "Until 1969 I have always been able McLaughlan automatically sacked himself to get the best out of the resident medi­ by seducing a student nurse. When this was cal officers and registrars with the result made known to the hospital authorities, when she was four months' pregnant, that the hospital has been recognised as McLaughlan was asked what he proposed a teaching hospital by the Royal College to do about the pregnancy of the student of Surgeons of Australasia and England, nurse and he insolently said, "I will do and the Royal Colleges of Physicians." nothing. Any student nurse should feel We were told the other day by the hon. complimented to become pregnant to a member for Townsville North that the dis­ doctor." The praise of the hon. member sident resident medical officers at the Towns­ for Townsville North has been lavished on vil!e General Hospital had written a letter men like that. Biggs, Nielsen and Bredan to Dr. Scott-Young. He will have us left because of their general attitude of believe that Dr. Scott-Young took no action defiance and because they were determined, on that letter. Let me tell the truth about right from the very start, not to face up to it. Dr. Scott-Young came back from Viet­ their responsibilities and not to conform to nam in February, and for the remainder of the ethics of the medical profession. February, March, April, May, and for nearly all of June, he did all he possibly When they realised that they had been could to get those four dissident doctors to leaning on a rotten reed, they were heartened see the error of their ways. He spoke with somewhat by the fact that Biggs is a nephew them, he conferred with them, he cajoled of Mr. Hulme, the Postmaster-General. Biggs them, h_e exhorted them, he did everything frequently and vociferously boasted in the he possibly could. He sat down with them hospital that his uncle the Postmaster-General and tried to reason with them, but they would see that no harm came to them no would not be reasoned with because they matter what they did. The drunker he was had ne; intenti<;m of acting as ordinary, the louder he boasted. I know Mr. Hulme. responsible medical officers, no intention of I have met him enough, I think, to know acting with ordinary decency or in accord­ him. I am not very happy about his ance with the ethics of the medical pro­ performance as Postmaster-General, parti­ fession. cularly in the way that he allows the Commos and the Left-wingers to run the A.B.C. I To give a clear indication of their atti­ think he is a particularly weak Postmaster­ tud_e, I remi_nd hon. members that every resident med1cal officer at the Townsville General, but I should say that as a man he would recoil in horror at the thought Gen~ral ~ospital,_ and at every other general hospital, 1s required to sign for the rules that his good name was being used by and regulations of that hospital as they his neph(lw Biggs as an instrument of bluff, apply to the conduct and work of resident blackmail and coercion. I understand some­ medical officers. Biggs and Nielsen reso­ thing has been said and I should like to lutely refused to sign for those rules and know just what it was that Mr. Hulme said and . regulations at any time, notwith­ to his brilliant nephew Biggs, when he was standmg that they were repeatedly asked to told that Biggs had tried to use his good do so in the presence of witnesses. That is name as a instrument of bluff, coercion and a clear indication that their only purpose at blackmail. the Townsville General Hospital was to The most amazing thing relative to the foment trouble. Finally, when they knew whole of the Townsville Hospital fracas that the axe was going to fall, when they and the address delivered here last week knew that the hair suspending the sword by the hon. member for Townsville North of Damocles was about to be cut and it is that a large number of resident medical would fall on their necks, then and not till officers are still there and are doing their then-on 26 June-they wrote the letter work nobly and well. They are loyal to that the hon. member for Townsville North the superintendent, Dr. Scott-Young; they read out in the Chamber the other day. are loyal to the institution and they are living They wrote it purely and simply as a and working in accordance with the best desperate gesture, a smoke-screen, a veneer, traditions and ethics of the medical pro­ a cover-up for their previous four or five fession. But there is no praise or commenda­ months of dissident actions. tion for them from the hon. member for I am not going to go into any of the Townsville North. All his praise and com­ scurrilous things that this group was guilty mendation are for the dissident element that of because that has already been canvassed tried to bring the reputation of the Townsville and very well publicised. Of the resident Hospital down in ruins. My praise and medical officers that were there, six of commendation are for the resident medical them left the institution. One left in honour. officers who are still there. They are there Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1063 doing not only their own jobs but carrying Then it was discovered that a few of the the extra burdens thrown on their shoulders orderlies were picking up what they called "a by the dissident element that either walked little bit of fringe benefit" by going to some out or was thrown out. I want my praise of the male patients and offering them a close for them to go on record; I want the people shave, shampoo, facial and a really good of Queensland to know that all of the hair trim at $1 a time. A number of the resident medical staff of the Townsville patients who could afford the $1 paid it. General Hospital were not in revolt; all of Of course, some of the other patients com­ them did not walk out or were not thrown plained that those who could afford to pay out. The majority of those who went up were receiving preferential treatment, and there this year are still there doing a the ward sisters inquired into the matter. magnificient job, and they deserve our praise, When they found that this little lurk or thanks and commendation. racket was being worked, they told the The most scurrilous attack ever made in orderlies that they would have to stop it. this Chamber in the 25 years I have been But the prominent A.L.P. orderly mentioned here-and believe me it was so scurrilous by the hon. member for Townsville North that I could hardly believe it when I read it refused to stop it, whereupon the ward in 'The Townsville Daily Bulletin"-was the sister in charge of floor 5 reported the charge made by the hon. member for Towns­ matter, quite rightly, to the hospital vine North that all of the employees at the authorities. Townsville General Hospital-sisters, nurses, All four orderlies were then brought orderlies, clerks and any other type of before the authorities, and two admitted that employee there-were either thieves or they had been working this little fringe potential thieves. benefit at $1 a time, and the other two, Mr. Tucker: That is not right. one of whom was the A.L.P. orderly, declined to admit ,it or denied that they had Mr. AIKENS: What other interpretation been doing it. The two who admitted to can be placed on it? it were ordered to put the money back, Mr. TUCKER: I rise to a point of order. and the other two were told that, while they That is completely untrue, Mr. Ramsden; it is declined to admit it, they did not convince offensive to me and I ask that it be with­ anybody. The four orderlies were trans­ drawn. It is completely wrong. ferred to other jobs in the hos~tal. Three of them accepted the transfer in good faith, The TEMPORARY CHAlliMAN (Mr. but the A.L.P. orderly resented it, and went Ramsden): Order! I ask the hon. member to the hon. member for Townsville North. to withdraw the remark. As a result of his allegations, in October last year the hon. member for Townsville Mr. AIKENS: I want to continue my North asked a question in this House about speech, Mr. Ramsden, so I will withdraw it. the disposition of trust funds held for geri­ Let me tell the stark and hideous truth atric patients. When that question and the about that very murky attitude of the hon. Minister's reply appeared in "The Towns­ member for Townsville North. At the Towns­ vine Daily Bulletin", a deplorable state of ville General Hospital, as at any other hos­ affairs developed at the Townsville General pital, orderlies are employed. They used Hospital. Since then, and even now, it is to be known as "wardsmen"; now they are very difficult for patients to get a sister, known as "orderlies". On each floor of a nurse, an orderly, or anyone else for that the hospital a ward sister is placed in matter, to go on messages for them because charge of all the orderlies and during the day the staff are afraid that if they do, the time she takes suggestions from the other ward might come when the hon. member for sisters for the work that must be performed Townsville North, under the cover of Parlia­ by the orderlies on the following day. The mentary privilege, will accuse them of doctor has no knowledge at all of the work­ robbing the patients for whom they do the ing or the rostering of the sisters, nurses, messages. orderlies, or anybody else. The Minister for Justice, Dr. Delamothe, was superin­ Mr. Murray: I think that this is contrary tendent of a hospital and he will bear me to the story we were told the other day. out in that. That is purely and simply for Mr. AIKENS: Of course it is! We would the hospital staff and is right outside the expect that from the hon. member for scope of attention of the medical Townsville North. But I shall make this superintendent. very trite remark: "You haven't heard any­ The sister who is in charge of floor 5 thing yet." If hon. members listen they received orders from the other ward sisters about the patients and each day she would will hear some more. draw up a roster showing that such-and-such The hon. member for Townsville North a patient had to be shaved, such-and-such a had quite a guilty conscience for raising this patient had to have a haircut, and such-and­ matter because he began to avoid the hos­ such a patient had to be bathed or sponged. pital as if it were a pestilence. He did not She would issue that roster and all the attend the opening of the very fine out­ ward sisters thought it was being carried out; patients' block at the beginning of this year. and I suppose it was. He ducked that. He even ducked, a couple 1064 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply of weeks ago, the function that all hon. Mr. Murray: Has the hon. member for members like to attend, the graduation Townsville North made a deliberately false ceremony for the nurses who became sisters. statement to this Chamber? In order to get something on the Govern­ Mr. AIKENS: That is nothing new; that ment through Dr. Scott-Young and the is typical of him. hospital board, the hon. member for Towns­ vi!le North said that he wanted some When all is said and done, everybody knows particulars from the vouchers, so the A.L.P. why he has his knife into Dr. Scott-Young. orderly illegally and unlawfully entered the I think his attack was particularly scurrilous Townsville General Hospital office and also in relation to the trust accounts because he the secretary's office through the little annexe knows that Dr. Scott-Young has nothing to do that is used as a switch room and with trust accounts. In the statement that manned by women during the day and by an Dr. Scott-Young gave to the Press he said, orderly at night. It is not known whether "I have nothing whatever to do with the he got in with the collusion of the orderly management of trust accounts, as inferred by who was in charge of the switch at night, Mr. Tucker, M.L.A." The hon. member for but quite unlawfully and surreptitiously he Townsville North knew that, and knew very obtained the numbers and figures from a well that Dr. Scott-Young had nothing to number of the vouchers. Now that he knows do with the rostering of the nurses, the sisters, that the police are investigating the matter the orderlies, or anybody else. He knew and inquiring who, why and how somebody that Dr. Scott-Young knew as much about got into the office, in a cowardly manner he is running for cover and has become that as I do, yet he stood in this Chamber panicky. To use the vernacular he is and laid his scurrilous charges in such a way "dabbing in" the hon. member for' Towns­ to place the whole of the blame on Dr. Scatt­ ville North and is claiming that the hon. y oung's shoulders. member incited him, and even that on the Mr. Murray: Why did he do that? night that he was in the hospital office and secretary's office the hon. member for Mr. AIKENS: I am surprised that the hon. Townsville North was waiting for him in his member for Clayfield should make that inter­ car in the parking area opposite the hospital jection because no-one knows better than and near the chain store. the hon. member why he did so. I suppose Mr. Murray: Mr. Tucker said he did not the hon. member wants me to tell the Cham­ know who signed the vouchers. I pressed ber what we both know. I am very happy to him on thi's point. do so. Just prior to the last State election it was Mr. AIKENS: There again we have a bruited abroad that the opponent of the hon. typical example of the slimy, oleaginous, member for Townsville North was to be Dr. contemptible approach of the hon. member Scott-Young. The hon. member believes that for Townsville North to this matter. Dr. Scott-Young will be his opponent at the It is quite true that he did not sight the next State election and he is starting off now vouch~r. I read the "Hansard" pull; he did to undermine Dr. Scott-Young, but he has not sight the voucher but I will say this not got a bolter's chance. If I were to for the A.L.P. hospital orderly: when he took tell the Chamber what Dr. Norman Scott­ the numbers of the vouchers, and the particu­ Young and his sister, Dr. Mary Scott-Young, lars from them he was at least honest enough did for the unfortunate student nurse who to tell the hon. member for Townsville North became pregnant after the attentions paid to that every voucher was signed by the person her by McLaughlan, the friend of the hon. who withdrew the money on behalf of the member for Townsville North, and what they patient. And he was honest enough to tell did to help her and ease her over her the hon. member for Townsville North that difficulty, they would stand higher in the where a patient is a "vegetable"-that was the public's estimation in Townsville than they do expression used-and is unable or incapable of at present. looki.ng after his or her affairs, that patient, in I thought the A.L.P. in Townsville was hospttal parlance, is known as a "marksman". at its lowest ebb; I did not think it could be When any money is drawn from that patient's lower. But since the attack made in this trust account, the person drawing it out must sign for it, and it must also be witnessed Chamber last week by the hon. member for by two independent members of the hospital Townsville North on Dr. Scott-Young, I do staff. The hon. member for Townsville North not think its reputation in Townsville can knew that when he denied it in reply to the sink any lower. hon. member's interjection. Mr. Murray: Dr. Scott-Young would cer­ Mr. R. E. Moore: When I interjected he tainly be a formidable opponent. said that I did not know what I was talking Mr. AIKENS: He would indeed, and poli­ about. tically speaking, he would wipe the floor with the hon. member for Townsville North. The TEMPORARY CHAffiMAN: {Mr. Ramsden): Order! Mr. R. ,Tones interjected. Supply (21 OCTOBER] Supply 1065

Mr. AIKENS: We are pretty fussy about practitiOners. I met one of them in the who gets into our party, so that will keep street on Saturday morning. He said, "Well, the hon. member out. Tucker has muHed it again". I said, "Well, you would expect him to mull it, wouldn't Mr. R. Jones interjected. you?" The hospital board has now issued Mr. AIKENS: He will probably run as an instructions that Dr. Scott-Young is not to Independent. examine any prospective Mount Isa Mines Limited employee in his own time; that I have spent a lot of my political life, and any such examinations can be made by any a lot of my personal life in looking after board doctor at any time. So that they pensioners. I believe that I have done as will now be examined by the hospital board, much for pensioners as any member of this in the board's time, and all the fees will Assembly has. Other members may have be paid to the hospital board. The happiest done as much as I have, but l do not think man in Townsvil!e is Dr. Scott-Young. The any member has done more. Anyone who board did him a good turn. The hon. mem· knows anything about pensioners, particu­ ber for Townsville North, thinking that he larly pensioners who are incapable of looking was again stabbing the knife between Dr. after their own affairs, knows that far too Scott-Young's shoulder blades, has done him often there are what we call the "hungry a good turn. relatives" who do not want any of the 1 think that I have told the true story pensioner's money to be spent on the pen­ behind these two scurrilous charges laid by sioner. They want all of the pensioner's the hon. member for Townsville North. We money to accumulate until the pensioner dies, are now waiting for the report of the Auditor­ so that they may inherit it. All hon. members General's Department officers who are in know that to be true. l know that some of Townsville. I feel sure that ~hey will tell those hungry relatives have been getting at us how completely irresponsible and shock­ the hon. member for Townsville North. There ingly defamatory was the charge laid by the is now a shocking and intolerable position hon. member for Townsvil!e North that existing there. Nursing sisters, nurses and someone at the Townsvi'lle General Hospital wardsmen are now not game to run messages had stolen $30,000 from the geriatric ward for patients because they fear that a charge patients at that hospital. What a monstrous might be laid against them in this Assembly. charge to Jay against anyone. l shall now deal with the other matter Mr. Murray: Do you think that it was raised by the hon. member for Townsville just an abuse of privilege? North to show how far he can get off the mark when his venom and viciousness Mr. AIKENS: To say that it was an prompt him. He dealt with the examination abuse of privilege would be the understate­ of prospective Mount lsa Mines Limited ment of the year. I think it was shocking employees by Dr. Scott-Young. I wonder and deplorable. It has reacted not only if hon. members realise that Dr. Scott-Young against the hon. member for Townsville started doing that in 1964, with the approval North, who has to struggle every election of the then, not present, hospital board. to hold his seat, but also against the A. LP. Mount Isa Mines Limited desperately needs in Townsville and in the rest of North skilled men and tradesmen. Whenever that Queensland where the Press carr,ied his company has its eye on a skilled man or scurrilous attack. a tradesman in Townsville, it wants him examined as quickly as possible and put onto I remind hon. members that last year a plane to Mt. Isa, before some employer the hon. member for Townsville North laid in Townsville get his hands on that employee. an equally scurrilous charge against the Mount Isa Mines Limited found it was los­ officers of the Valuer-General's Department ing employees, so it approached Dr. Scott­ in Townsville relative to the Thuringowa Young to see if, in cases of emergency, Shire Council. he would examine prospective employees. He Mr. Lee: There was a full report on that. put the matter to the board. He did not want to do this work. The board said, Mr. AIKENS: Yes. The hon. member "Yes, if that is the case, you can do it". ac~used those officers of all sorts of 'kul­ All the X-ray fees, pathology fees, and duggery, graft, corruption, and goodness other fees except the examination fees went knows what. The Government, and the to the hospital board. Dr. Scott-Young Treasurer who seems to rush into these received the fees for conducting those exam­ things, appointed a leading Brisbane bar­ inations, sometimes at 11 o'clock or 12 rister, Mr. Williams, to go there, with the o'clock at night after he had finished operat­ power of a royal commissioner to inquire ing, and sometimes on Sundays. into those charges. What was the result of that inquiry? In effect the report stated Some of the doctors who thought that that the charges of the hon. member for they were missing out on these fees also Townsville North were unfounded. irre­ went to rhe hon. member for Townsville sponsible. untrue. and completely unworthy North. He made a big song and dance of a Member of Parliament. about these fees being received by Dr. Scott­ Young, with the full approval of the board. And I 'hall mention another thing about The hon. member thought that he would the hon. member. I sometimes wonder drive the business back to the private general what goes wrong with him at times because 1066 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply in certain respects he is quite an ordinary Queensland but throughout Australia. The fellow. Does the Committee know that dur­ work that it does is quite renowned, and ing the last State election campaign, around obviously it should be housed in buildings the corner from Flinders Street on his more suitable than the temporary huts stamping ground in Stokes Street near the which have been its home since 1957. Bank of New South Wales, he accused the Premier of Queensland of being of Japanese [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] descent? He screamed for the whole world Mr. DAVIS: Before the luncheon recess to hear, "Don't go with Japanese Joe". I was discussing the Queensland Institute of The story was taken back by reporters to the Medical Research. I think all hon. members office of 'The Townsville Daily Bulletin" would agree that it is an institute of note and the editor or sub-editor on duty that throughout Australia and has received world night would not print it; no doubt he recognition. It occupies buildings left over thought, "We don't print that sort of thing from the 1939-45 conflict. It is certainly during election campaigns". ill housed for an institute that carries out The hon. member for Townsville North such a large amount of medical research. was branded by a commission of inquiry I was hoping for a Budget allocation to appointed by the Government as irrespon­ construct a building that would meet the sible, scurrilous, and a distorter of the requirements of the institute. truth. Let me deal with some of the reports I do not know whether the investigation to vhat have been presented by the Director be made of patients' accounts at the Towns­ of the Queensland Institute of Medical ville General Hospital will cost the tax­ Research. The 1957 report said- payers any money, or whether the Auditor­ "On the other hand, physical develop­ General's officer will carry it out in his ment has been stifled by the uncertainty working hours at his ordinary salary. How­ of tenure in the temporary, war-time ever, I will take my stand on the decency premises occupied since the inception of of the nursing sisters, nurses, orderlies, this Institute." clerks, and all the other employees of the In 1964 the director in his annual report hospitals board. I will stand on their side said- against the filth, venom and viciousness that 'The architects, Messrs. Conrad & Gar­ was vomited in this Chamber last week by gett have prepared plans for a building the hon. member for Townsville North. which would provide for efficient research Mr. DAVIS (Brisbane) (12.57 p.m.): I laboratories." rise in this Budget debate-- The site was to be in the grounds of the Royal Brisbane Hospital. Nothing was done Mr. R. Jones: We rose at 12.54 last about it that year. Friday. The 1965 report stated- The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: (Mr. "The hoped-for new building to house Ramsden): Order! I remind the hon. mem­ the Institute is still in the planning stage." ber that that remark is a refle:tion on the The 1966 report was a little more hopeful. In Chair, and I ask him to withdraw it. It it the director said that plans had been drawn happens that I am now in the chair, and for a permanent building to house the insti­ I could not care less about what happened tute; that a site had been made available last Friday. by the North Brisbane Hospitals Board in Mr. R. Jones: I will withdraw the remark, the grounds of the Royal Brisbane Hospital; in deference to you, Mr. Ramsden, but I and that construction awaited the provision made no reflection on you. of finance. The reports of 1967, 1968 and this year The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: I contain no reference to a new building to ask the hon. member to withdraw his house the institute. remark. Its expenditure for 1969-70 is estimated Mr. R. Jones: I prefaced what I said by as more than $300,000, so hon. members withdrawing my remark. But it is a fact can certainly see it is not a small part of that we adjourned at 12.54 on Friday. the Health Department. The present accom­ modation is very poor. The building is The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! a fire hazard, according to the Chief Officer I do not want a speech from the of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Mr. Healy. hon. member. The heat in the summer months has trig­ Mr. DAVIS: After reading the Budget gered off the fire alarm and the Fire Brigade and discussing it with others, I believe that has had up to six false alarms. There is it leaves much to be desired. After so many no doubt that the buildings which house years, I had hoped that at last some con­ the institute would be a fire risk even sideration would be given in the Budget to if only because of the quantity of chemicals the Queensland Institute of Medical that are used in research. Research. As hon. members are no doubt We hope that the institute will be granted aware, this institute is regarded as one of a building allocation very shortly so that the finest institutes of its type not only in it can continue with the marvellous job it has Supply (21 OCTOBER] Supply 1067 done in medical research. It is not to the agree that the present state of our waterways Government's credit that at the moment it and of the river itself leaves much to be is housed in an old Army hut. desired. Mr. Wallis-Smitb: Its officers did out­ I should like now to deal with the very standing work on Cape York Peninsula for important subject of road safety. I previously Aboriginal children. spoke of the points system applicable to driving offences and I mentioned a report Mr. DAVIS: I have read the report of that was tabled in 1968. I dealt with the the director of the institute which mentions section as it affected not only professional the work done for Aboriginal children. drivers, as I classified them, but any person who drives every day. I pointed out that, The library at the institute contains over in my view, the nine-point system had done 10,000 volumes and if destroyed by fire nothing to alleviate the road toll in Queens­ some of· these would be irreplaceable. Last land, and I have not heard anything since year an allocation of $40,000 was made for then to convince me otherwise. equipment, but the whole position at this institute was summed up in a remark passed The points system which is operated by an American who had been here during through the Superintendent of Traffic in the war and recently returned. He took a Brisbane provides that anyone who incurs photograph of the building and said to a nine points must show cause why his or resident of Herston, "I have taken a photo­ her licence should not be revoked. I dealt graph of the building in which I stayed with professional drivers such as truck during the war. It is now the Institute of drivers, taxi drivers and so on, and also Medical Research." I think we must face mentioned the many people who required a the fact that this very important institute licence in order to earn a living. deserves to be housed in a much better Since the 1968 report, hon. members have building. been supplied with a report titled, "Policies During the debate on the motion for the and Procedures of Driver Improvement and adoption of the Address-in-Reply I men­ Road Safety Through Licensing and Enforce­ tioned the Department of Harbours and ment". I received my copy approximately Marine and what it was doing about the three weeks ago. various waterways in Brisbane. Recently, a Owing to the number of members of the statement was made in a daily newspaper Transport Workers' Union who have lost that my electorate contained the worst muck­ their driving licences, that union wrote to hole in Brisbane, namely, where Enoggera the then Acting Minister in charge of police, Creek flows into Breakfast Creek. Since the Hon. N. T. E. Hewitt, and in August then, this claim seems to have been dis­ received a reply setting out the policy put puted by those who have pointed to quite forward by the Queensland representatives at a number of other creeks in the Brisbane the Commonwealth driving-improvement area, all of which are under the control of course, namely, that in the case of a driver the Department of Harbours and Marine. who depended upon driving for his livelihood the suspension of his licence would not apply The Minister in charge of the Depart­ during working hours. However, that policy ment of Harbours and Marine, in answer to has not been applied. In the great majority of a question posed some time ago, stated that cases the driver's licence is suspended on his there had been only four prosecutions for being debited with nine points. The union illegal dumping in these creeks. I think then wrote to the Minister in charge of this is an indictment of this Government. police and received a reply setting out that In "The Courier-Mail" of yesterday some the policy had been revised. When I read indication was given of how the Canadian that reply I thought naturally that the policy Government and the Governments of other had been altered; however, it has not been countries feel about the pollution of their altered. On the one hand, Inspector L. E. waterways. The Canadian Government is Hughes, who represented Queensland at the bringing down legislation which will make conference when he was, I think, Metro­ pollution by the illegal dumping of effluent politan Traffic Superintendent, drew attention into waterways a criminal offence, and the to the humanitarian type of law enforcement penalty proposed in that legislation is up under Queensland's points system, whereas to $5,000 a day. the Acting Minister in charge of police says, The electorate of Bulimba, represented by in a letter, that the policy is being revised. the Leader of the Opposition, contains one We do not know where we stand. The public of the foulest-smelling creeks in Brisbane and are being duped. I am not defending reck­ I think that the time has arrived when the less drivers but people who earn their living by driving. When they are debited with nine Department of Harbours and Marine must points, particularly if the points are obtained seriously look at this problem. The Depart­ outside working hours, they should still be ment must be honest about its endeavours. allowed to drive during working hours. It has evaded its responsibility by trying to pass it to another Department or throw it I refer now to driving instructors. Queens­ onto the Brisbane City Council. That is ] and is the only State that does not license typical of the activities of various depart­ driving instructors. I have attended several ments, but I am sure hon. members will Road Safety Council meetings. 1068 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

In many ways I agree with what was vehicles weighing more than 10 cwt. That said by the hon. member for Rockhampton exemplifies the union's thoughts on road South. In dealing with road safety, obviously safety. There should be a separate licensing we should start with the young drivers, or system for drivers of commercial vehicles, those who are about to get their licences. and I advance this proposition: for the first The hon. member expressed excellent views, year, a person should be licensed to drive which I wholeheartedly endorse, but no-one sedans and utilities with loads up to 10 cwt; could say that the Government agreed with after a year, he could be licensed to drive him because we do not have any legislation vehicles with loads up to 5 tons; and after covering driving instmctors. A truck-driver, another year, he could be licensed to drive who was sacked because he was incompetent articulated vehicles. four months later became a driving instructor, using his own vehicle. He was incompetent I know that many people claim that persons as a truck-driver yet he was imparting his of 18 and 19 years can drive a 16-ton semi­ impractical knowledge to some poor unfor­ trailer as well as anybody can. Many of tunates. them, it is claimed, were reared on farms and first drove at 9 years of age. However, Mr. Carey: Did he teach you? I have seen some shocking accidents involv­ ing young drivers of large articulated Mr. DAVIS: No, he did not. He might have vehicles. taught the hon. member, judging by the way in which I saw him driving. Mr. Lee: Wouldn't you agree that drivers are born, and that you could teach some This is a serious matter, and it is high fellows for years and they would never time that we got into gear with the other become proficient? States. I do not think the Road Safety Council horror films have a lasting effect Mr. DAVIS: That 1s so. I would not on people. People remember them for a day disagree with that. or two and say to themselves, "These are shocking films," but they forget them. It This matter must be investigated. I would be a good idea if new drivers, or recently saw an accident involving a driver persons trying to get licences, were shown aged 19 years and wondered how he could these films. If Queensland had training have obtained a licence. grounds such as are available in Western Mr. Kaus: Would you say that the accident Australia, we could improve road safety. was caused mainly because he was irres­ ponsible, and not merely because he was I do not agree with some of the ideas young? expressed at Road Safety Council meetings. I have found that the meetings are har­ Mr. DAVIS: The result of irresponsible monious but, in presenting their ideas, car training, possibly. manufacturers, motor-cycle manufacturers, the Many employers prefer drivers of 18 or R.A.C.Q. and others take care that they are 19 years. I cannot understand how a firm not interfering with profits. can trust an inexperienced driver with a Mr. Carey: Do you agree with provisional vehicle costing $9,000 or more. This is licences? done in some country areas because truck drivers in the country do not receive the Mr. DA VIS: Before a person is issued with correct rate of pay, and it may be an a licence, I believe he should undergo a employer's way of saving money. proper course of instruction. At present any­ one can get a licence, even after receiving I believe that the Department of Labour tuition from incompetent driving instructors. and Tourism is not doing the job it should. Before this Government came to power, the Mr. Carey: I am not asking you about Department of Labour and Industry, as it that. then was, was feared by employers. At Mr. DA VIS: I believe that once a person present, the department is regarded as a gets a licence he should be proficient. joke. Mr. Carey: Therefore you do not believe Mr. W. D. Hewitt: Why should it be in provisional licences. feared by anybody? Mr. DAVIS! I have expressed my thoughts Mr. DAVIS: It was feared by employers concerning the training of car drivers, and because they knew that the department would I now have a few comments to make about take action if they were "touching" employees. commercial vehicles. I repeat that we do An Opposition Member: Breaching awards? not have a training ground similar to that available in Western Australia. We should Mr. DAVIS: I prefer to say " 'touching' look closely at our licensing system, particu­ employees". That is a simple and true state­ larly the provision that permits any person ment. If a person has been defrauded by his who has held a licence for a couple of months employer and goes to the department, the to get a licence to drive a heavier vehicle department will, in most cases, check his such as a truck. For many years the Trans­ claim. If any irregularity is found, it is port Workers' Union has had included in its up to the department to prosecute. But that award a clause that juniors may not drive does not happen. Supply [21 OCTOBER) Supply 1069

I asked a question on this matter about Mr. DAVIS: Seven days of the week. I three or four weeks ago, but the Minister could go on and on, but I think the point did not give me a reply; he said that has been made. the trouble and expense involved in preparing an answer was not warranted. I have with Mr. Lee: Do you mean to tell me that me the report of an investigation carried out those things have been going on and the by an officer of the Department of Labour industrial inspector did not find them? and Tourism following a request by the Transport Workers' Union for an inspection Mr. DAVIS: The industrial inspector of the books of a tourist-bus company. That wrote to the union and said that the report stated in effect that everything in the investigating officer had found no breaches garden was rosy, and that there was nothing of the award. That is what is going on all wrong with the way in which the firm the time. If 12 people are employed by a operated. firm and one makes a complaint to an Immediately after that investigation was industrial inspector, only that person's com­ made, the union sent its officials to check plaint will be investigated. Under Labour on the position, and I propose to quote Party administration, if a person reported a from the report. It reads- firm for incorrect payment of wages or not "Employees are working seven con­ keeping time-books, the firm itself, and every tinuous days per week and they have done employee of it, would be investigated. That this from at least February 1969." is not the practice today. There are thousands of irregularities throughout the Mr. Lee: What did the industrial inspector find? State and the further you go out into the country the worse it is. Mr. DAVIS: He said that no breaches of Mr. Hanlon: It is down to a thin red line. the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, or the relevant award, could be found. Mr. DAVIS: Yes. I am talking about The report continues- drivers now and about trucks, and in every "In fact, our investigations have dis­ conceivable industry except one that is well covered that if an employee stays away, he organised by the unions, the employees are has one day deducted from his pay. They being "touched". are expected to work seven continuous days per week. There are no time books, Mr. Davies: Who is the Minister in and incidentally no log books are kept. charge of this? Is it Mr. Herbert? No pay slips were given to employees detailing pay." Mr. Hanlon: It would come within his purview, wouldn't it? There are four breaches so far. The report goes on- Mr. DA VIS: Definitely. "Until last week no employees signed Mr. Lee: The hon. member for Mary­ for their pay. borough wouldn't know. "The following are the hours that have been worked by employees:-Start at Mr. DA VIS: If he did not already know, 8 a.m. . . . , fuel the buses, wash outside, then I have told him that that is the case. sweep and mop interior, ... do pick ups at hotels and motels, etc. and arrive at the The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Tourist Bureau by 9.30 a.m." Houghton): Order! After arrival at the Tourist Bureau, the An Opposition Member: Bread mono- drivers must tout for passengers and collect polies. fares, for which they are given price lists. They leave the bureau at 9.45 a.m. and go to Mr. DAVIS: Bread monopolies are head office for further pick-ups. They com­ another; but that is a different issue. plete their tours-they have no lunch-breaks Obviously the Department of Labour and -and return to the depot generally at about Tourism is not doing its job. The other 7.30 p.m. On the completion of some coach day when the hon. member for Carnarvon tours, the employees have to carry out night was speaking and I interjected about the tours of the city, They would certainly be truck drivers not being paid, he made a in good condition then! rather vicious attack on farmers for working together. It is true that, particularly in the Mr. Davies: Is this in Brisbane? Dalby area. a lot of farmers work together quite well, with their exemption from road Mr. DAVIS: These are private firms in tax to cart their own goods for their own Brisbane. properties. But a lot of them go further Mr. Lee: Are you saying that these people and do the work of an ordinary carrier and are working a 12-hour day? naturally enough the carriers at Dalby are complaining about that. I agree that it is Mr. DAVIS: They are working at least another matter that should be looked into. 12 hours a day. Mr. Lee: Surely a farmer should be Mr. Lee: For seven days of the week? allowed to cart his own goods! 1070 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. DAVIS: I am not denying him the We can go into some other aspect of right to cart his own goods. The complaint his portfolio, for instance, road safety. is that he goes further than that and carts Vehicle inspections by machinery inspectors the goods of the other farmers around the are carried out in the car yards, and at place, and does it free of road tax. I would least half those inspections leave much to not call that fair competition even if the be desired. The inspector asks the person in charge, "Are the vehicles all right?" On Liberals do. receiving the reply, "She's all right, Jack", What I mentioned before when dealing he leaves it at that. with the article about the Department of Mr. Davies: Would you say that drivers Labour and Tourism has occurred else­ who drive seven days a week would have where. It is very prevalent with bus more accidents? operators. Mr. DAVIS: It must be so. Most hon. Mr. Davies: Would all the bus companies members in this Chamber drive vehicles and be the same? they would know that anyone who drives Mr. DAVIS: Very many of the com­ for a great distance is overcome by fatigue. panies operating long distances are. One can imagine the condition of a person driving a bus for 12, 14, 16 and 18 hours Mr. Lee: Who is this bus company? straight. It is well known that on some safaris the drivers drive for over 24 hours Mr. DAVIS: This one is Parlorcars straight. Proof of this has been produced. and Panther Buses. We could throw Red­ After the last fatal Redline coach smash line in as one of the greatest "touchers" of near Sarina, I asked the Minister a question employees, if we are to give names. I did about whether the log-books had been not intend to mention names because I was checked. I should say that so few log­ not sure of the procedures of the Chamber. books on these long-distance vehicles are Mr. Lonergan: Has the hon. member for checked that they could be counted on one's Bundaberg got shares in that? fingers. I have been personally informed by one bus company that it has never had Mr. DAVIS: I would not know. its log-books checked. And 30 or 40 people travel on some of these trips. That allega­ Mr. Jensen: No, not in that one. tion is not ill founded; it is a fact, and Mr. DA VIS: This is what the employees I ask the Minister to check it. I should are up against and they look to the Govern­ not like my family to travel on some of ment to accept the responsibility for the the buses belonging to companies which I functions of the Department of Labour and know have never had their drivers' log­ Tourism as they were conceived. It was books checked. supposed to look after the interests of the I should like to mention one or two other employees operating under the arbitration matters before concluding. Since entering this awards, and is not doing so. To go further Chamber I have noticed that many Liberal into some of the duties of the inspector of members use it as a forum to attack per­ the Department of Labour and Tourism, he haps the best Lord Mayor this city has ever is supposed to look at the accommodation had. provided by some of the firms around the Mr. Lee: Would you say his buses are city for their employees, particularly wash­ rooms and toilet blocks. If inspectors did safe? their job properly they would look closely Mr. DAVIS: They are at least serviced into these matters but, I repeat, the depart­ correctly; they are road checked and go ment has not got enough inspectors. through the machinery inspectors. Many Mr. Lee: What you are saying is that the private enterprise buses are not checked in few who are there are no good, if that is the the same way. case. Mr. Lee: The city council buses are not done very often. Mr. DAVIS: I am saying that obviously the responsibility rests with somebody Mr. DAVIS: They at least get some inspec­ higher up. Under Labour, when officers of tion whilst many private buses, the condition a Union went on a tour of inspection, they of which leaves much to be desired, are were allowed to take an inspector from the not inspected at all. Last Thursday night Department of Labour and Industry with the hon. member for Merthyr spent a com­ them, but that was quashed immediately the plete hour rubbishing projects that have been new administration took office. undertaken in the electorate I represent and I should like to place on record that I Mr. Jensen: Would you consider from the believe in progress and fully support the way the Minister answers questions in the Brisbane City Council in all its projects. Chamber that he is very lax in his port­ If there were more citizens in the com­ folio? munity as civic minded as Clem Jones, the city would be better off. Mr. DAVIS: I have not had a clear-cut answer from the Minister to any of my Mr. Porter: We would have more holes questions. around the city. Supply [21 0CTOBER1 Supply 1071

Mr. DAVIS: Clem Jones could have portfolio as ably as he handled it. And entered State or Federal Parliament at any he has proved himself to be a very capable time he desired; there is no risk about that; Treasurer. but he is a civic-minded person and has said on numerous occasions that he is only I should like to pay a tribute also to Mr. interested in civic politics. In this respect Sewell, who is taking up another position, he is unlike the C.M.O. Lord Mayoral candi­ and voice my appreciation of the assistance date. He runs around trumpeting the fact and advice that he has given me on many that he is only entering this contest because occasions. He is an extremely capable man, he is a civic-minded citizen, but everybody and I feel quite sure that those who follow in this Chamber knowns that only about in his footsteps will be as capable as he is. a month before he nominated as Lord I realise that the Treasurer needs advisers; Mayoral candidate he was a candidate for without them he could not do his job. selection as Liberal representative for the His good Budget in this bad year is a seat of Windsor and ran second-last in the tribute to himself and to his officers as field. I use that example to show that the well. Liberal Party uses this forum to attack I look across the Chamber and I see only the Lord Mayor on behalf of the inept one hon. member opposite who has any and incompetent C.M.O. knowledge at all of finance, and he is Mr. W. D. Hewitt: Are you in favour the only member of the Opposition who has of the quarry at The Gap? devoted himself entirely to the Budget. Although I admire his ability, I disagree Mr. DAVIS: I think that Clem Jones has with many of his remarks. However, I handled the petition quite well. know that he will not lose any sleep over that. Mr. Porter interjected. Ever since becoming the Government we Mr. DAVIS: I am quite happy to be have had to contend with a series of droughts. associated with the three projects that are l well know that some Federal A.L.P. under way in the inner-city area. At least potential members and sitting members are the Lord Mayor does not huff and puff like "stumping" the Outback promising-among past C.M.O. administrators did. They only other things-that if returned as the Gov­ talked about their projects. It is easy to ernment they will alter the weather pattern. criticise anybody who believes in progress, Even if they could do that I do not think but the people of Brisbane agree with the I should be induced to vote for them despite Lord Mayor's policy. the fact that I appreciate the enormity of the present drought and the hardship it is A Government Member: You have criti­ causing. But where would Queensland be cised the Treasurer. but for its mineral production? We would have been in real trouble. Thanks to the Mr. DAVIS: I have criticised him for not Government's foresight in creating the right allocating enough money to the Queensland climate, we have induced capital to come to Institute of Medical Research. He, like the Queensland to open up our coal and oil­ Federal Treasurer, is in the news. fields that have been lying dormant for Mr. W. D. Hewitt: You criticise the millions of years. The Government did not Treasurer, but we must not criticise the Lord create the deposits: they have been there all Mayor. the time, but they needed a Government which offered a little extra inducement to get Mr. DAVIS: The Government can criti­ the companies to exploit the minerals with cise the Lord Mayor as much as it likes, which we are so richly endowed. The situ­ but it is using this forum to make that ation in Queensland will improve and, in criticism because obviously its counterparts future, one of our greatest problems will not in the City Hall are incompetent. be the finding of jobs but the finding of sufficient men for the jobs. In my area, in Mr. Porter: What counterparts? spite of the drought, we have trouble in Mr. DAVIS: The C.M.O. Government securing station-hands when they are needed members should not try to tell me that which, unfortunately, is not often. the C.M.O. is not their running-mate. Mr. Irrespective of how good a Budget may be, Jones is a progressive Lord Mayor, and he everyone cannot be pleased. Although I am is renowned even among country people for easily pleased-and that is recognised by all, the marvellous iob that he has done for even by the Treasurer, who is a little like this State. I am happy to be associated me-the Budget contains a few items with with him. which I do not agree. All in all, I have Mr. LONERGAN (Fiinders) (2.58 p.m.): no real criticism of the Budget because I I rise to congratulate the Treasurer on his appreciate that the Treasurer has only a Budget. I give credit where credit is due, certain amount of money to spend and, but, as hon. members know, I can be rather therefore, cannot allocate as much as he critical when the occasion demands. When would like. the Treasurer was made Minister for Trans­ I listened very attentively to the Treasurer's port he had a very torrid time. I doubt Financial Statement to hear if the Govern­ whether any member could have handled that ment had made any provision for restocking 1072 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply when good seasons return. That is when we water supply a few feet below the surface of will experience real troubles, not while the the ground, whereas the people in the upper drought it with us. As we all know, the reaches of the Flinders River are not so for­ main cost in getting fodder today is the tunate. In dry times there is little soakage. price of the fodder. The cost of transporting A couple of officers of the Irrigation Com­ it to a property is small, and relief has been mission will shortly be in the upper reaches provided by subsidising road transport. That of the Burdekin River, if they are not there is a major step in the right direction which already, to conduct an investigation. This is appreciated by the man on the land. scheme is long overdue. If it is put into effect, it will benefit not only Ayr and I am deeply concerned about people who Charters Towers, but also Townsville. It have no funds, and whose properties are is well known that the people of Townsville mortgaged. How will they get finance to will eventually have to turn to the Burdekin restock? It is scarcely likely that anyone River for water. Until this scheme is put will take a second or third mortgage on a property. Where can they turn? Will into effect, Charters Towers cannot hope to families that have held properties for two or attract any heavy industries. three generations have to leave them, to get I shall now make some comments on our jobs elsewhere? I know members of one education system. such family who sincerely believe that they It might be asked by some former school­ will finish on the age pension. That is not teachers, and by one member in particular good enough. I should like the Premier to who was at one time secretary of the Queens­ give an assurance that he will see the Prime land Teachers' Union, "Are you qualified to Minister about this. I suggest, in all serious­ express an opinion on this?" After listening ness, that he do so before 25 October, because to the hon. member, I feel that I can say, there is a greater chance of getting money without being egotistical, that I am more before an election than after one, irrespective qualified than he is to express an opinion of the party that is in power. The man on on education matters. After all, it will the land could rest assured if he had that be noted that I am speaking "off the cuff", assurance. whereas the hon. member's contribution was I was in the Julia Creek district recently not a speech but an exercise in reading. He and was told by one grazier there that his read every word of it and read it rather last good season was in 1954. He has badly, too. He is a disgrace to the teaching restocked on three occasions, but has no profession. stock on the place now. He is a good and able worker. It is wrong to see men like Mr. Baldwin: I am not in it. Aren't you that go by the board. When he sells his happy? wool clip he does not race down to Brisbane Mr. LONERGAN: I have never had a or somewhere else to enjoy himself, although bet in my life, but this is one time that I that ,is his right, and I do not deny him that will. I bet that the parents of the children right. He is really battling, and, through whom the hon. member was teaching are no fault of his own he is bankrupt. happy to see him out of it. The assistance granted by way of rebates Mr. Baldwin: I have a lot of letters about on fodder is greatly appreciated. It is, that, but not to that effect. however, not the answer to our recurring droughts. It is like putting a pain-killer Mr. LONERGAN: Yes, I should imagine onto an aching tooth; in a few minutes so. After last week's episode I have no the ache is back again. Until water con­ doubt that the hon. member will receive servation schemes are provided in various many more letters. I believe that he took localities in Western and Central Queensland, part in a demonstration with Miss Wieneke. so that we can conserve water and grow fodder, we will always have this problem. Mr. BALDWIN: I rise to a point of order. It might be said that transport costs very The hon. member has misinformed the Com­ little, so what do we stand to gain. Fodder mittee, and I ask him to withdraw that could be grown locally all the year round statement. and stored until it is needed. This would Mr. LONERGAN: I shall withdraw it, provide local employment, which is necessary because I have a long way to go. in country areas because it would stop the drift to the cities. Mr. Baldwin: I'll say you have. There are several areas

Mr. LONERGAN: It would take me an Mr. LONERGAN: That does not matter hour to tell that, and I have not that amount a great deal. I do not say that because he of time available. I am speaking to the is opposed to me politically, because sharing intelligent people, not the drop-outs from the Opposition benches with him are hon. the teaching profession and the Teachers' members whom I respect although we differ Union. politically. Mr. Baldwin: I bet you wish I hadn't Mr. Harris: You're talking about me now, dropped out. Bill, aren't you? Mr. LONERGAN: The hon. member is Mr. LONERGAN: The hon. member for No. 1 drop-out. Wynnum is a gentleman and a scholar. Mr. Baldwin: You an: No. 2. The buildings in my electorate have under­ gone a remarkable change with one out­ Mr. LONERGAN: Let us now proceed standing exception and that is in the town to something a little more sensible. It is of Hughenden. lt is a fairly large school just that I felt I could not let the hon. with a high top and has two classrooms that member air his knowledge-- were built when Hughenden first became Hughenden. If by any chance the white-ants Mr. Baldwin: You didn't read it. stopped holding hands or if the paint were to perish, those buildings would collapse for Mr. LONERGAN: I listened to the hon. sure. Enough paint has been poured onto member's reading as long as I could till them and enough putty has been forced into I finally thought, "Good God, I can't suffer the cracks to sink a ship. l have made this any longer and then left the Chamber. representations over many years to have the classrooms repaired or replaced. In fact Mr. Baldwin: I thought you were speaking several years ago it was promised me; but. about something you hadn't read. unfortunately, to the present nothing has been Mr. LONERGAN: I appreciate the fact done. that our education system is not perfect­ Mr. Baldwin: Call in your friend Mr. it is far from it-but my criticism is entirely Semple. He'll do it. different from that of many other members Mr. LONERGAN: I have never seen the of this Committee. That reference, of course, gentleman, but I have heard very good is to Opposition members, and certain people reports. in the teaching profession whose criticism is tainted by their political beliefs. There Mr. Baldwin: See if he is as good as his was not one high school in the Flinders reports. electorate before we became the Government. Mr. LONERGAN: He would not be any How different the situation is today! Under worse than the hon. member for Logan. A.L.P. administration, accommodation for teachers was absolutely disgraceful. It, too, Mr. Baldwin: You didn't ask me to help. is entirely different today. I would have fixed it up. Mr. Baldwin: There were two wars and Mr. LONERGAN: Hon. members opposite two depressions caused by your Tory mates. have referred to the financial problems of the Tell us about Charters Towers and the white­ Sub-Normal Children's Welfare Association. anted buildings there. As one who has had some association with that body and who until recent years has Mr. LONERGAN: I shall tell the hon. taken an active part in raising funds for it, and as one who has a great appreciation member, who associates with Mr. Laver, of its work, I urge the Treasurer to more something about the West, because I know than double the grant to it next year. Is that he knows nothing about it. there any reason why he should not? After There is, however, still room for improve­ all, the work it does is a form of education. ment, and I feel that in the years that lie Are not subnormal children entitled to ahead before the next election all the pro­ education? Of course they are, beyond any blems that I have in my area will be solved. doubt! And it should be part and parcel of the State's education system. Of course, Mr. Baldwin: Especially if the Teachers' I do not suggest that the association should Union gets active again and tells you what be taken over by the Department of Educa­ to do. tion. Its members are doing a very good job and they should be allowed to carry on as Mr. LONERGAN: I would say that under they are but not in such difficult circum­ the gentleman who is now guiding the stances. Teachers' Union it might achieve something, because to achieve anything a leader must be The figures for Queensland are very inter­ respected, and I should like to know who esting. At the present time 971 subnormal respects the hon. member who is interjecting. children are being cared for, which is quite I certainly do not. a large number. Those housed in sheltered workshops number 292. We know that they Mr. Baidwin: You wouldn't mix with me. are, or should be, in receipt of an invalid 1074 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

pension and probably they contribute some­ Mr. LONERGAN: When a rural training thing towards their own upkeep. I do not school was being built at Longreach, the know that for sure, but I presume that they hon. member said that if he had a son would. Subnormal children in residential interested in the subject he would not send accommodation number 118 and resident him there. adults 34. We all know that, in the last Mr. O'Donnell: Because it is a dead-end Budget, provision was made for $200,000 for job. the whole of Queensland. That is not a large sum but it is twice as much as that Mr. I,ONERGAN: I might agree with the of the previous year. I hope it is doubled hon. member. However, today it does not again next year. matter where you want children to go; it is where they want to go that counts. If we care to look at the Estimates for the Another matter which troubles me is the coming year for the L.mgreach Rural possibility of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Training School, for salaries and con­ being moved from Charters Towers to Cairns. tingencies alone $237,000 has been made The Minister for Education knows something ilVailable. This school caters for only about about this, and possibly other Cabinet 100 able students, in full possession of all Ministers also know about it. I offer no their faculties and with no disabilities what­ great objection to this because I understand soever-students who can go out and get a it is being done on economic grounds. I do job anywhere. Yet for the whole of Queens­ not think anyone could oppose it as such, land only $200,000 has been made available but in Charters Towers we have a "School for subnormal children. of the Air" serving a vast network in the Outback-I think about 120 children use I apprecia;te the Treasurer's problems but this "School of the Air"-and we are con­ I ask _hiJ? to endeavour next year to raise cerned that we might lose that as well, despite the pnonty of the subnormal children and the assurance from the Royal Flying Doctor spastics. The form of education they get is Service that, with the new side-band radio, not av~la~le in any other quarter. If my people in Western Queensland will get good suggestion 1s adopted, many of them will be reception from Cairns. able to take their places as useful citizens in the community. That is not the point, and I feel that someone in the Royal Flying Doctor Service Mr. Porter.: The problem is finding jobs is leading these people up the garden path. for them. In addition it was claimed that a further 150 children could come on the air. What an Mr. LONERGAN: I feel that today people utter impossibility! How could the "School are sympathetically inclined towards them of the Air" cope with 270 children? Each and go out of their way to employ them. child would be given only about a minute That is the case in North Queensland, a day. No-one would be fooled by that anyway. claim; certainly I would not. I sound a Provision of $56,000 has been made for note of warning to the Minister for Educa­ the Emerald Rural Training School. In reply tion that if he wants people to stay on the land in the Outback, and if the Government to a question which I directed to the Minister believes in its decentralisation policy, every­ for Education last week. I was informed that it is estimated that $900,000 will be spent thing should be done to ensure that the in setting up this school. I am also informed Charters Towers "School of the Air" is that this money is to be raised bv the sale retained to provide the wonderful tuitional of debentures. If almost $1,000,000 can be services that country children are entitled to raised in Emerald, the drought problems in receive. I will battle to see that it is that area cannot be great. retained. However, this involves the question of I propose to conclude my speech by deal­ pliorities and the same problem arises in ing with an important matter-and I know connection with the necessity for an oppor­ that hon. members opposite will be sorry to tunity school in Charters Towers. A rural hear that I am nearly finished. training school is to be built at Emerald in Mr. Baldwin: You are very interesting. preference to giving about 60-odd children at Charters Towers the right to attend an Mr. LONERGAN: Quite so. That is why opportunity school. I am amazed that this hon. members opposite come into the should be so. Chamber and listen to me. 1\fr. O'Donnell: Thev are not going to I have always given the Government full build it; they are buildill"g it. credit for the standard of accommodation that it provides for its employees. However, :\fr. LONERGAN: I am sure that there are exceptions to that rule, and the it was not through the hon. member's repre­ classic one is the Julia Creek Court House. sentations, but I remember that on one occa­ It is only a very small building containing sion he was quite critical of it. three rooms. About 12 months ago applica­ tion was made to have it air-conditioned. A Mr. O'Donnell: I have never been critical small air-conditioning unit could be installed of anything at Emerald. at a cost of approximately $350, and such Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1075

a unit would cool the three rooms to a com­ responsibility to provide decent housing for fortable temperature. However, unfortun­ its employees, irrespective of the position ately, Cabinet thinks otherwise and states they hold. If employees have to go to that the Government's policy is primarily to country areas on transfer, or for reclarSsifica­ air-condition new or substantially renovated tion, adequate accommodation should be pro­ Government buildings. It would appear that vided for them. If the Government wishes the Julia Creek Court House has a life of at to rebain its good name, this is an opportunity least another 30 years, so it is reasonable to for it to prove its sincerity, by providing its assume that employees rin that building will employees with good homes. wait for another 30 years for air-conditioned Mr. CASEY (Mackay) (3.33 p.m.): To offices-and possibly 60 years if the Labour date, in this debate, we have heard nothing Party is elected to power. but songs from Govemment benches about Mr. Baldwin: This school is 100 years old the way in which the Treasurer has presented already. his Budget. It was indeed like a fresh breath of spring to hear the hon. member Mr. LONERGAN: The hon. member is for Flinders offering some criticism on the confused. I am not speaking about the issues he raised. school but about the court-house. The hon. member is a little slow, and I like to l was surprised to hear such praise from encourage him. country members on the Govemment side for the Budget, because I feel that I must I have here a record of the temperatures condemn its failure to cover the problems in Julia Creek over the last three years. In in the country areas of the State. Undoubt­ one period, from the middle of December to edly the future of this great and wonderful about the middle of March the lowest State lies not in expanding the development recorded temperature WarS 102 degrees and in the south-eastern corner, but in the con­ the highest was 107 degrees, so hon. members tinued expansion and development of the can imagine the discomfort of working in provincial cities, country towns and country the three small, poky offices in the court­ areas of the State. As I said in my Address­ house. I point out that those temperature in-Reply speech, the true facet of decentral­ readings were taken at the post office and isation is that wherein all people, wherever from the meterological office book in which they might live, have an opportunity to bring temperatures are recorded every day. up their families and see that they, in turn, have an opportunity to bring up their The Government must change its attitude families in their own areas. I also set out and provide its employees in the very hot clearly, and I reiterate, my belief that the and dry zones of the State with air­ extension of this development lies in the conditioning. It is noticeable that Common­ hands, the hearts, and the minds of the wealth or State Government inspectors on men and women, both employers and thei.r visits to the town do not stay at an employees, who live in those communities, ordmary hotel but book in immediately at just as the development of local industries the air-conditioned motel. I do not blame lies in the hands of those men and women them for that. who have the know-how, know their local . Mr. «;~in~hen: Is the evaporative type of conditions, know and understand their own aJr-condJtwnmg any good out there? areas, know and understand the sufferings and hardships which must be overcome, and Mr. LONERGAN: Yes, it works reason­ know their own problems and their own ably well. district. I suggest that the Minister for Works It has been said that the mining boom is should take an active interest in this developing certain areas of Queensland, and matter. I feel sure he will knowing that this is perhaps true. But mining development we must help these people in the Outback. can look after itself. This has been the history I will now make passing reference to the of this State to date. I do not think that very real housing problems in Hughenden we should pin our hopes for the future Richmond, and Julia Creek. Because peopl~ and for the complete expansion of our are living in substandard houses they have country areas on mining development, not a ghost of a change of getting a house because, indeed, for every new mining town under the .H?usi~g Commission's policy. As that can be mentioned, I can mention an old the CommissiOn JS reluctant to build rental one. For places such as Mt. Is.a, Blackwater, houses, the ordinary worker is being done Moura and Goonyella, there are places such a grave injustice. With the present cost of as Cooktown, Croydon, Mt. Morgan and living how many workers can save $1,000, Charters Towers. They are cities and towns or even $500, to pay the deposit on a house? which have lost their former great glory, The number would be very few, and the in some cases to slip completely into oblivion, total for western Queensland would be and in other cases, to merely survive as scarcely worth mentioning. shadows of their former great selves in one Furthermore, our public servants are obliged way or another. to live in substandard accommodation. There is no great difference between the Recently I called on a public servant in one old and the new in the times and the habits of my western towns who has to live in a of people born in the country areas of disgraceful house. It is the Government's our State, but we must get around to 1076 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply updating things a little. Queensland developed What is the difference between country in cycles, and each cycle was associated and metropolitan industry? We all know with the prosperity of the pastoral industry, that industry runs on wheels, and in pro­ the mining industry and the agricultural vincial cities one of the greatest difficulties industry. il believe that we should be trying facing all operator<> is not having spare parts to obtain a mixed balance of all three of readily available for their equipment. The them, remembering what they did for us only way to overcome that is to meet the high capital cost of maintaining high stocks in the past. on the plant. In many cases, if some­ In addition to those three methods by thing goes wrong industry grinds to a which the State was developed, secondary halt whilst parts are obtained from Brisbane, industry is needed to provide stability. Two Melbourne or some other centre. That adds great difficulties stand in the way of develop­ to the cost of production in country areas. ment of secondary industries, namely, cost of In addition, metropolitan manufacturers transportation and communication. The cost have available specialised services to carry of transportation inflates the cost of fuel out repairs, and specialised advice from required by industry in country and provincial Government departments and the industry areas of this State, its raw materials, and itself. its finished goods. We have obtained some One thing that I should like to mention is relief in recent years by attempting to that men and women who set themselves up stabilise the price of petrol and petroleum in business in the far-flung areas of the State products. I believe that steps can and should have a very great sense of loyalty to their be taken to develop industry at those ports in staffs. This means that they tend to retain Queensland which handle fuel products in staff, both skilled and unskilled, in slack bulk and market them at the same rate as business periods in order to maintain a they are marketed in capital cities, thus work-force. In some cases this is done for giving those country areas the advantage humanitarian reasons, but it is also a very presently enjoyed in capital cities. In the practical policy in that employers know industrial development of this State we see that if people are not kept in employment little, if a.'1y, advantage taken of this aspect. they will leave the area and will be lost to the An important source of power today is local industries. electricity. What do we see in its develop­ I now wish to deal with communications. ment and use in country areas of this State? This is the field in which industry in country Any person wishing to establish any sort areas is hardest hit. I was pleased earlier of industry is required to make a financial today to hear the hon. member for Salisbury contribution before he can obtain power. refer to the railways. These are one of Many regional boards today are "bush-whack­ the main means of travelling between the ing" prospective consumers into contributing metropolitan area and provincial cities. to loans before they can get power to set But even the time-table for the "Sun­ up an industry. Any industrial developer lander" is almost exactly the same as or southern industry wishing to establish a the time-table used when the "Sunshine" branch in Queensland would have great route was first opened almost 40 years ago. difficuliy in obtaining power unless he first It still takes almost as long to get from provided a loan. Cairns to Brisbane as it did in the late 1920's and early 1930's. The only major change The hon. member for Roma mentioned in that period was the introduction of air­ natural gas for industry in his area. Certainly, conditioned trains in the early 1950's. there is great value in developing industry where these natural resources exist, but pro­ I agree very strongly with the hon. blems are encountered. I firmly believe member for Salisbury that our trains have that the best development of coal resources become outdated. We still see the old­ is the establishment of industries in the fashioned method of shunting the dining­ mmmg areas. To date, none of the agree­ car on at Bundaberg and shunting it off ments entered into between the Queensland again at Mackay as it goes up and down Government and mining companies has the Queensland coast, which is totally out included any requirement that some type of of keeping with modern pra:tices. We find manufacturing industry be established. If that on the "Southern Aurora" and the new that were done, the areas concerned would trains in other States and those that are about receive the benefits from the natural resources to go into service on the reconditioned rail­ that they possess. way line between Sydney and Perth, across through Broken Hill and Port Augusta, In country areas it is necessary for small modern facilities will be available to train manufacturing industries already established passengers at all times. Of course, the old to carry large stocks of various commodities "Rocky Mail" that rattles down from and spare parts that may be required. Heavy Rockhampton to Brisbane is another dis­ costs of haulage have to be met, and even grace in our modern community. The cars if requirements are obtained locally they on that train would be 40 years old. I cost more than they do in the metropolitan suppose, if nothing else, they are a tribute area. The need to carry more bits and pieces to their builders for the way they have stood means that companies in provincial areas are up to the work they have done over this involved in higher capital outlays. period. Supply (21 OCTOBER] Supply 1077

I am prepared to admit, as would most table and a brass nameplate on the door. other members in this Chamber, that there Someone gives them a calendar and away has been a substantial improvement over the they go. They are set up in business as a last 20 years in the road transportation representative of this or that or something system in this State, but we must keep else. However, these are the people who in mind that there is a substantial difference receive the advantage of the current methods between spending and our needs. We are in telephone call charges. not keeping up with the expanding need of A telephone call can be made from Bris­ motor traffic within the community. bane or Sydney to Perth, or to Cairns for Air services provide another means of the same price as one from Brisbane to communication which is most vital for the Rockhampton or Mackay. far-flung areas of the State. I should also like to bring forward today I feel sure that some of the western what I con~ider to be a vital matter. I members will agree with me that the exten­ mentioned earlier that people in some sion of excursion fares to western areas is industries are asked for special guarantees an urgent necessity, and one which I believe and loans before they are connected to the is fully justified in the case of people com­ electricity network. I know of a person not ing from Mt. Isa, Longreach and other far from my area who wanted a rtelephone areas in that part of the State. In view of connected to his establishment. He was the long distances involved, the people of employing 20 or 30 people. He was told these areas are just as entitled to con­ that he would have to pay $6,000 in cessions as are people in the coastal provin­ addition to all the other necessary fees before cial areas. the telephone service would be connected to his premises, and that for only an 8-hour Another thing that is not generally service daily for 5t days a week. What known about air services is that charges metropolHan industry would be asked to pay are very much higher in some areas than $6,000 to have the telephone installed? This they are in others. There is one point that happened at a tourist resort in North I would like to particularly mention today, Queensland. and that is that industries situated in country places are in actual fact subsidising the air­ I maintain that if the price of petrol can lines by virtue of the air-freight charges be stabilised by the Government so that that they have to pay. On some occasions country areas pay no more, or Httle more, they have to get a special nut or bolt or than is paid in the city, so can telephone a small "0" ring, a part for a hydraulic calls. I have taken out some fairly lengthy system worth only 20c to 25c, and have to figures on this matter. Without going into pay on i1: freight as high as $1.25. The too much detail I have derived from these Federal Government also benefits from the figures the fact that for an addrtional cost sales tax on the items, and the sales tax levied of 2c a local call throughout Australia free on the freight component is higher than the trunkline calls could be allowed to and from cost of the article. the capital city and any country area in the State or even in the Commonwealtih. Now that we are constructing container That basis is similar to that on which the berths in coastal ports, I believe we should petrol stabilisation fund works, and it can set an equalised rate for the container trade in be applied to telephone calls. these ports. I think this is very important. The container ports being built up and Some people say that cannot be done, that down the length of our Queensland coast are one cannot stabilise costs throughout the entitled to the same cargo rates, particularly length and breadth of the Commonwealth. on overseas goods. In that way we can I entirely disagree. I have here in the eventually develop in tho'e areas industries humble packet of cigarettes a classic example that are geared to overseas trade. of ihow it is done. It can be bought down the street for 40c or whatever the price There is one point which I must now may be. It can be bought for the same touch upon in relation to communications. price in Sydney, Melbourne, or Mt. Isa. I feel that this is a point that the State Wherever one goes in the State of Queensland Government could take up strongly. The one should be charged no more than the most important tool of communications in standard price !'or that packet of cigarettes. our community, without doubt, is the tele­ No-one can tell me that the tobacco manu­ phone, the one which we love to run away facturers are over-generous. They work out from but cannot do without. The present a scheme whereby they stabilise the distribu­ system, particularly relative to trunkline tions costs of their commodity, and I believe calls, subsidises major industries with branch the same thing can be done relative to a offices in every State. One finds them large number of consumer goods on sale in throughout the length and breadth of the the community. State and in every other capital city. I would like to classify them as "all-profit A scheme like the one I have suggested non-sweat industries". They have very little would be of tremendous assistance to business capital outlay in this State. Most of them and business communities in country areas. rent an office in one of these multi-storey Whilst speaking of telephones, I must put buildings that we see being built today, and in a "plug" on what I consider is an important their only capital outlay is the cost of a request. I have taken out further figures 1078 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

which show that for an additional sum of Perth or Brisbane, can obtain steel at the $7,000 a year the Treasurer could provide same price as it can be obtained in New­ free telephone calls for members of castle or Sydney. Parliament to and from their electorates. I I have already mentioned the prices of believe this facility is vital to the successful cigarettes. Let me turn now to beer, the discharge of his duties by a member of amber fluid that so many Australians seem Parliament. to like. I am not an expert on this matter, and I feel sure that if I quote wrong figures Mr. Chalk: You get an allowance. a number of my good friends in the Chamber who are knowledgeable on this matter will Mr. CASEY: Certainly, we do get an correct me. The man in the country who allowance, but if the revenue from rentals likes to have a few beers after work, or is deducted from tihe total Queensland revenue at night or on the week-end is penalised. from telephones, it will be seen that the Whereas in Brisbane the price of a 7-oz. P.M.G. Department receives approximately glass is 13 cents; in Mackay it is 16 cents. $100 a year from each connection. An In Brisbane a 5-oz. glass costs 10 cents; average of 999 local phone calls goes through in Mackay, 12 cents. In Brisbane a stubby each phone. For this one could deduct $50 of Queensland lager or "Fourex" costs 23 from the over-all figure. This leaves another cents; in Mackay, 29 cents. In Brisbane $50 for an average of 66 trunkline calls a large bottle of lager costs 3 9 cents; in throughout Queensland, giving the average Mackay, 58 cents, which is almost a 50 per cost a call of 75c. Working on the same cent. increase. The hon. member for Cairns basis and taking it on the average, because has just shown me the latest stock-market members come from all over the State, even reports, which reveal that the Cairns brewery if a member :had up to 10 trunkline calls has made another outstanding profit for the a week to his electorate, while the House period ended 30 June this year. was sitting, or from his electorate to Govern­ ment departments in Brisbane, when ,the The Government should take strong action Parliament was in recess, they would cost to assist the people who live in the country something like $7 a week or $350 a year. areas of the State. One might ask: what type of Government action is needed? Gov­ The figure can be worked out on the ernment support should be aimed strongly at basis of 40 members because the Ministers the establishment of secondary industries already use the telephones in their depart­ alongside primary industries. I cite as an ments for that purpose and many metro­ example Queensland's largest agricultural politan members would not need to avail industry, namely, the sugar industry. We still themselves of the facilities that are pro­ have the silly system whereby there is not vided. On that figure the cost would be a sugar refinery in the sugar :1reas of North approximately $14,000 a year. The Treasurer Queensland. I will not engage in a long, has said that members receive an allow­ involved story on this matter. The Minister for ance, which costs $7,000 a year, so that Primary Industries is present, and I think for an additional $7,000 this necessary he knows the story as well as I do. It is facility could be provided. It is worth time that the Government and the sugar thinking about in next year's Budget, or even industry took a long hard look at this matter. before then. The establishment of a refinery would not be I turn now to other problems associated the only benefit: sugar taken from Queens­ with decentralisation or regional develop­ land to Perth to be refined could be ment, whatever one likes to call it. Metro­ refined and packaged in Queensland, using politan manufacturers are fortunate in that Queensland labour, and then be sent to Perth. they are provided not only with better Despite the fact that Queensland produces access to labour markets, particularly the virtually all of Australia's sugar, when we skilled-labour markets, but also with mini­ travel on an aeroplane, or go to hotels and mum transfer costs on fuel, raw materials cafes we are presented with little two-tea­ and finished goods. Owing to the size of spoon packages of sugar which are all pack­ the metropolitan area, they can effect savings aged and processed in Sydney or Melbourne. in their overhead and marketing costs. In Incidentally, l think they must be level addition, they are required to pay less road teaspoons. tax because they do not use the facilities Some of the best confectionery on sale on which road tax is assessed and imposed. in Brisbane at major confectionery stores is They can also obtain access to comparisons manufactured in Perth by a firm named in industry and are provided with many forms Gibsons. It produces an excellent product, of Government assistance. but it is only sugar and water with a little The pricing policy should be looked at artificial flavouring and colouring. Yet no on a wide basis. The State still has a sugar is grown within 3,000 miles of Perth! Commissioner of Prices and two or three About 90 per cent. of confectionery sold in offsiders, but I am not quite sure what Queensland is imported. I recently read a the Commissioner does. very interesting article in 'The Courier-Mail" which stated that seven confectionery firms Look at the B.H.P. port rates for steel. had closed down in Queensland in recent Industries that are situated a long way from years. It said that in 1966-67 we manu­ the B.H.P. works at Newcastle, say, in factured sweets valued at $289,000 and Supply [21 OcTOBER] Supply 1079 imported almost $11,000,000 worth of sweets. However, the strength of those trucks depends Most of them would be made from our sugar, on the strength of their steel rims, which are with a little water or milk added. Confection­ no longer available in any wrecking yard in ery-making would be another way to help Queensland. One manufacturer specialised in the dairy industry in Queensland. manufacturing them and was selling them as A Government Member: And with a little far away as South Australia, until a metro­ rum added. politan manufacturer produced the same line and put him out of business. Mr. CAS!EY: Yes, we can get sweets with a little rum in them for suckers like the Much has been said over the years about hon. membec the manufacture of paper from bagasse. However, an overseas cartel controls the Milk chocolates which are on sale in manufacture of paper in the world, and that Queensland are excellent in quality, but the is the stumbling block. Government action use of our milk to manufacture them would is required to break up this cartel. greatly assi~t the dairying industry of Queens­ land. Government assistance and encouragement Some cordials, which are mostly sugar and are required at all levels to do something for water with a little artificial flavouring and these industries. colouring, ;;re manufactured in Brisbane. On 25 September, I asked the Minister Others are sent up from Sydney in plastic for Industrial Development a question relative cartons. Such industries could be established to the Acts used by the Department of adjacent to, and in conjunction with the great Decentralisation in New South Wales to sugar industl). We would then have on-the­ encourage decentralisation. He replied- spot processing. 'Taken overall, The Industrial Develop­ My remarks about the sugar industry apply ment Acts, 1963 to 1964' compare more to many other primary industries. The first than favourably with similar statutes in one that comes to mind is the processing of other States. In this connection it is per­ prawns J.t Karumba. Two major companies haps not inappropriate to mention that, in are established at Karumba, one of which, terms of population distribution, Queens­ Craig Mostjn & Co., collects the prawns, land is already the most decentralised State processes them, freezes and packs them, and in Australia." then exports them directly. In doing so it I do not know if our statutes do compare provides employment at Karumba for the more than favourably with other statutes, but, wives and daughters of fishermen and others associated with the industry. The other major actions speak louder than words. And the actions in New South Wales .speak louder company takes the prawns from the boats, puts them into large fibre-glass containers than the words in Queensland. packed with ice, puts them on a semi-trailer The New South \Vales Department of covered wi!h a tarpaulin, and takes them Decentralisation provides loans of up to 90 down to New South Wales where they are per cent. of the cost of country factories, processed. That is the difference. I must loans that are not available ~hrough normal be critical of the Government for the bad channels, housing assistance, rail freight sub­ time it has given the first firm which was pre­ sidies on raw materials and finished products, pared to establish itself in Karumba. I am assistance (including concessions on steel and sure that the hon. member for Tablelands basic materials), in some cases, a bounty for could give some more pointers to the Gov­ the training of country apprentices, subsidies ernment in this regard. on the cost of the services of technical con­ sultants, and other general assistance. In The best way to overcome these problems addition, that New South Wales department is to boost local manufacture by local people. purchases industrial buildings and leases The hon. member for Aubigny could tell us them t:o industry. It provides subsidies and the importance of manufacturing farm imple­ grants for water, power and other services, ments in a town like Dalby. That firm manufactures implements of a standard equi­ and overhead costs. valent to that of implements manufactured in The Queensland Budget provides $25,000 any other part of the State. It has to com­ for country freight assistance. The equivalent pete with Melbourne-based companies. spending in New South Wales during the last few years has been upwards of $400,000 In North Queensland, several factories a year, and it is still increasing. The manufacture implements used in the sugar Estimates show that last year only $38,000 industry. They need financial assistance to of an allocation of $350.000 to the Industries develop and strengthen themselves so that Assistance Fund was spent. That represents they can compete with metropolitan indus­ oRly 10 per cent. of the allocation, and one tries which have the advantages I have would exoect that to be the fund from already mentioned. which th~ State Government would give We must help local manufacturers to support to industries. Earlier in this debate specialise. In the northern and western areas there was some mention of underspending of this State many old Army "blitz" wagons in various departments. I feel quite sure are used by primary producers who find that this is one field in which there has not them a terrifi.c boon on their properties. been enough activity in the last year. 1080 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

In New South Wales, in the previous year We saw the Government's reaction to the pro­ over $2,500,000 was spent from the Country posal of the Leader of the Opposition in Industries Assistance Fund on similar pro­ the last election campa,ign to subsidise elec­ jects. Compare that with $38,000 in Queens­ tricity charges. The Government of Finland land. Assistance was provided from the fund guarantees loans on the setting up of in New South Wales for such things as the industries subject to several conditions, these acquisition of land and construction of a being that they must be in areas where cotton-spinning mill, which will be leased; unemployment is great and in areas that are acquisition of land and premises for con­ depressed. struction of a new factory to be leased for the manufacture of clothing; in conjunc­ The French Government exercises strict tion with the Orange City Council, acquisi­ control on the establishment and expansion tion of land and construction of premises of industries in Paris. Government leaders to be leased for the production of crude say, "This city is big enough. We want to rutin from the leaves of stringy-bark gum control the growth and development". They trees. Those are some of the things that are even putting a heavy tax on the floor are being done in other States in an effort areas of new buildings being built in the to help country industry and give the assist­ Paris area. As an incentive, they give sub­ ance required to carry out the work neces­ sidies to people who will reduce their sary for balanced development. I firmly activities in Paris and expand elsewhere. believe that such a plan should be followed I can go on and on. In India the Govern­ with much greater zeal in Queensland. ment fixes the price of basic items, for Whiht I am making comparisons of example, steel. The price is uniform through­ Budgets, I point out that from the Industrial out the country. In the Republic of Ireland, Estate Constntction Fund in Queensland not Northern Ireland, grants up to two­ only $1,500,000 of an allotted figure of thirds of the assets are made for industries $2,750,000 was spent in the last financial in specified areas. These are examples of year. The largest amount, of course, was what is being done in other countries and spent on the further construction of indus­ in other areas to help in the establishment trial estates at Wacol, Colmslie and Hamil­ of industries. ton, which are certainly not very decentral­ Let us have another look at Australian ised areas. Some of this money has been States, and we need go no further than spent on country estates, some on advertis­ New South Wales to note the differences in ing, and some on other things. Looking unemployment figures. In New South Wales, through the Budget, I notice that the alloca­ during an average period of the year, the tion for this vear does not include the metropolitan district had approximately 50 amount undersp.ent last year. per cent. of the unemployed in the State Let us look quickly at what is happening and the country areas had approximately in some overseas countries in the matter 50 per cent., but in Queensland the metro­ of support for industrial development. For politan area had 28 per cent. of the instance, in Canada up to one-third of the unemployed whereas 72 per cent. of the capital cost of new projects not exceeding unemployed were in the country areas of $250,000 (Canadian) is given as a direct Queensland. During May and June this grant to industries, and it declines to one­ year-two months that are always vital for fifth of the amount over $1,000,000 (Cana­ northern cities associated with the sugar dian) and is subject to a maximum grant industry with its long slack season-Mackay, of $5,000,000 (Canadian). The Government Cairns and Bundaberg had a higher figure is prepared to grant up to $5,000,000 (Cana­ of unemployment than all other Australian dian) for the setting-up of industries, the one cities except the capitals. They certainly requirement being that they are established had a higher figure than cities such as in areas of high unemployment and low Newcastle, Wollongong and Geelong, and incomes. Taxation concessions and approved even Hobart, a capital city, had a lower subsidies are granted for existing industries if unemployment figure than the North Queens­ they are taken over. land cities I mentioned. Even this does not In addition, the Canadian Government tell the full story of the way the Government has given $100,000,000 (Canadian) for the has neglected the decentralised country areas establishment of an Atlantic Development of the State. Queensland's population rep­ Fund which has been set up to help the resents 12 per cent. of the total of Australia Atlantic region of Canada to overcome its and yet on the latest Commonwealth figures present problems of unemployment and low released only last month Queensland has incomes. and undertake the integrated only 6 per cent. of Australia's job vacancies. dewlopment of that area. That could well Let us compare the Queensland cities of be borne in mind bv the Federal Govern­ Mackay, Cairns, Bundaberg and Mary­ ment, which has given only a loan and no borough-four average-size provincial grant for the power station in Central cities-with the New South Wales inland Queensland. cities of Albury, Orange, Tamworth and We could go to smctll countries such as Wagga Wagga, which have approximately the Finland where industries get a special depreci­ same populations as their Queensland ative allowance for the first few years and counterparts. I do not think any hon. they are also subsidised in electricity charges. member in the Chamber would disagree that Supply [21 OCTOBER) Supply 1081 those four Queensland cities, all of them fact that our country areas and provincial coastal, would be far more attractive to live cities definitely have not the same growth rate in than the four in western New South as the metropolitan area. Wales. Yet the unemployment figure for In the meantime, the Government is making those four Queensland cities was higher by great play on the development of mining in two to one than the four in New South Wales. this State. Let us again look at our sister For every unemployed person in those New State of New South Wales. I mentioned South Wales country towns there are two earlier that I believe that the areas where walking the streets in the Queensland towns. mines from which royalties are derived are That is the position on the statistics that established are the areas where there should have just been released. be encouragement of industry, and that a If one studies the figures in about May or percentage of what is earned from mining June, when the sugar industry is slack should be ploughed back in those areas. the ratio goes up to about 4 to I as betwee~ In New South Wales, the new royalty rates Mackay, Bundaberg and other Queensland for Broken Hill Pty. Limited, the largest towns, on the one hand, and Albury, Wagga silver-lead-zinc mine in Australia, one of the Wagga and Orange, on the other. To largest in the world, are assessed on a scale ascertain the true position one must look at graduated according to the profits of the the number of job vacancies as well as the company. On new sand-mining leases being unemployment figures. The position here granted in New South Wales the royalty is that for every job vacancy in a Queens­ charge is 2 per cent. of the value of materials land coastal city there are two in western won and on new leases for copper-mining a cities in New South Wales, and in some percentage of net profit is again to be the comparisons the ratio again gets up to as basis on which royalty charges are fixed. high as 4 to 1 in favour of the New South How much better off would Queensland's Wales country towns. Unemployment benefit finances be if it charged royalties on a similar recipients are proportionately higher. Many basis, in the new agreements that are made of these persons are family men bread- with mining companies whereby any increase winners. ' in their productivity and prosperity would result in increased prosperity for the people of . ~n addition, in many Queensland country Queensland? Cltles today a large proportion of girls leaving school are unable to obtain jobs. I am Perhaps one of the biggest jokes, if l not speaking solely of my own city of might use that term, is the claim of the Mackay; similar conditions apply in many Government member that the development of Queensland country cities. I know of one the State's water resources are well looked girl who left school last year after passing after in the Budget. In fact the Budget Senior and the only job she could obtain makes very little provision for them. Nothing was in a fish-and-chip shop. What is the is proposed for the areas of the State north use of having the higher standard of educa­ of Capricorn, which contains the great Bur­ dekin basin and part of the Fitzroy basin. tion about which the Government boasts if I suggest that the hon. member for Mirani, its recipients cannot take advantage of it who is not in the Chamber at present, must in the areas in which they have been be very disappointed that no provision is educated? made to implement the Mia Mia-North Eton I turn now to tertiary education. We find proposal, which was promised in 1966 by that not enough jobs are available to absorb the then Premier, Sir Francis Nicklin, and all graduates from the Townsville and Bris­ also by his successors. In reply to a recent bane universities. I saw recent figures showing question, the Minister for Conservation high­ that students passing Senior and going to lighted the Government's proposals for the the university in North Queensland totalled next five years and compared today's situa­ 2 per cent. compared with an Australian tion with that of five years ago. I would average of 10 per cent. and a Californian point out that the area of irrigated land average of 50 per cent. Yet we boast of in Queensland is only one,fifth to one-quarter what we are doing in education. of the area irrigated in New South Wales, and that State has nothing like the water In his Estimates of Probable Ways and resources that are available in Queensland. Means the Treasurer disclosed that the The Commonwealth Year Book lists 33 Universities Capital Works Fund was under­ major dams in Australia. Of those, how spent by $3,700,000 or approximately 60 many are in Queensland, the State with the per cent. greatest water resources in Australia? There The fact that Queensland is the most are three, the Somerset Dam. the Tinaroo decentralised State in the Commonwealth is Dam and the Koombooloomba Dam-all no credit to this Government. The towns projects of Labour Governments. and cities in existence today have been I have not heard the hon. member for developed around country industries. They Burdekin speak on the Burdekin scheme, have become established following the encour­ although one would think that he would agement given to agricultural industries over have mentioned it. I was pleased to hear the years by previous Labor Governments. I the hon. member for Flinders mention it; am not going back to the remarks I made in however, even if he was somewhat astray. He the Address-in-Reply debate, but it is a known said that he would like to see a feasibility 1082 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply study conducted. He is a little behind the I will now deal very quickly with the times. Here I have a report on the original fiasco concerning the finance of our super Bradfield scheme for the waters of the Upper power-house. If we could not get money Burdekin and the criticisms and amendments from John Gorton before ·the election what to it. This then led to the information con­ chance have we of getting it after the tained in the Annual Report of the Bureau of election? We have none whatsoever. The Investigation for 1947, under the Land and Commonwealth decision on this matter points Water Resources Development Acts, 1943 to clearly to one of two things: either the 1946. Its chairman was Mr. J. R. Kemp, then Commonwealth has complete apathy for Co-ordinator-General of Public Works and Queensland, or its assessment of the project Commissioner of Main Roads. That report means that the project is not worth sub­ was the forerunner of the report by the scribing to. But the same Federal Govern­ Burdekin River Authority on the Burdekin ment announced a glamour project for a River Irrigation Hydro-Electric and Flood nuclear power station in New South Wales Mitigation Projects, as presented to Parlia­ which has no priority in the national develop· ment in December 1951. Those reports pro­ ment projects in Australia. The Treasurer vide the answer to the hon. member for will agree with me, as will the Minister for Flinders. Eighteen years ago a feasibility Local Government and Electricity. And study was carried out, and since then Queens­ recently, the State Electricity Commissionp land has been trying to get the Commonwealth pointed out that there is a substantial Government to get off its backside and do difference between the cost of nuclear power something for the State; however, I have my and coal·generated power, and that ooal is doubts about what has happened since Labour still the far cheaper method of generating went out of office in Queensland in 1957. power. Yet the Commonwealth dallied ~ith The introductory remarks in the last report Queensland's proposals for a power-statiOn to which I referred state- and announced straight-out that it would build a nuclear power-station at Jervis Bay. "A gravity type mass concrete dam is Without a feasibility study or anything else, planned, to be built finally to a height of it made a bold announcement that the nuclear 150 feet, with a crest length of 3,040 feet. When the dam is completed the power-house would be built b) ] 977-- reservoir will store some 6,584,000 acre The CHAIRMAN: Order! feet of water." (Time expired.) That capacity is almost twice that of the Eucumbene dam, which is the nerve centre Mr. CASEY: In addition it said that New of the Snowy Mountains scheme. South Wales would buy its power at a rate as The concluding remarks of the report cheap as coal-generated power. state- The CHAIRMAN: Order! ] remind the "The Burde~in River Authority is con­ hon. member that his time is exhausted. I vinced that the Burdekin River project waited until he got to the end of a sentence. is a sound one and that its immediate The hon. member will obey my ruling. implementation on a stage development basis is essential in the State and the Hon. S. D. TOOTH (Ashgrove-Minister National interests." for Health) (4.33 p.m.): I join with previous That was 18 years ago yet there has been speakers in congratulating our colleague, the no activity on this project. I need not repeat Treasurer, in bringing down yet another the Labour Party's proposals concerning the encouraging and challenging Budget. Burdekin. We went through them at that I have gone on record in this House earlier time and the report was adopted. The in this session summarising briefly, but Snowy Mountains Authority was set up for explicitly, the plight of our colleague in the work it did in the South. Obviously it allocating the available revenues to the should now be assigned work on an over-all various departments which administer the scheme on the Burdekin and tributaries of the policies of the Government. Burdekin, the Fitzroy River basin and the And I take this opportunity of adding Burnett, Pioneer and Herbert River systems. further to the record some of the problems We would then have one great, integrated that have confronted the Department of authority for the northern and central areas Health in its role as one of the arms of of Queensland, to develop the water resources Government, and some of the achievements which are the keystone in development of that have been accomplished to the satis­ !ht; ar~a. We want water for industry, power, faction, I am sure, of those dosely involved IrngatJOn and many other purposes. In and personally associated with these addition, as the report states, the Burdekin activities. scheme is a flood-mitigation project. I have said repeatedly tha.t the infusion of I will now refer briefly to another item in the necessary finance into the coffers of the the Budget which shows that the Electricity Department of Health would resolve most of Development Fund allocation is down by the problems with which the department has $1,000,000 on last year's spending, yet electri­ been challenged-problems of which the cal authorities in Queensland are still trying department has not been unaware. At the to can subscribers into making loans before same time, each Cabinet Minister, a..1d indeed they will proceed with certain developments. each department and its officers, adopt a Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1083 realistic attitude in these matters. If the hospitals in the State. It was gratifying Government directs that a particular area of to know that our notes were being sought in activity has to be specially treated-such as this way. They will be reviewed from t1me education has been in recent years-and to time to ensure that they keep abreast special financial allocations made to meet a of new developments. particular difficulty that cannot be left It was becoming increasingly evident at unresolved,

Let me turn to further developments in These changes, whilst few in number, will nurse education. With the approval of my mean a lot, I feel, to nurses generally. It colleague, the hon. the Minister for will cost the Government no small sum for Education and Cultural Activities, officers of the various changes I have enumerated­ his department and of my department con­ well over $1,000,000 per annum when all sidered the possibility of creating a post­ schemes become effective-but if the end Junior pre-nursing course for girls. Some result is that our recruitment improves, then it is public money well spent; and I am grate­ subj~cts included in the nurse-training ful to the Treasurer who has with some curnculum, such as general nursing, difficulty, found ways to meet lhese calls. anatomy and physiology, were included in this year's course as an attraction The developments of more sophisticated for girls interested in nursing. The first fields in medicine and surgery and other year of this pilot scheme was 1969 and specialties, and the ever-growing respon­ selected high ~choo!s in Brisbane, Toowoomba sibilities that have been placed on the nursing and Rockhampton were given approval to teams in our hospitals, have brought in their introduce this programme. The Adviser in wake the need to consider carefully our Nursing has informed me that the course is future approach to nurse education. lt being well received. simply does not mean only lhe standard of education upon entry, but also the quality A matter of concern to the Royal Australian of the curriculum under which the nurse Nursing Federation for many years, and a is to be trained. The nurse training cur­ matter of concern to the Department of riculum in force at the present time provides. Health for completely different reasons, is theoretically, a training programme over what we may call a "total wage" for nursing three years of 140 hours. In practice, most staff. Queensland is the only State in the hospitals exceeded by a considerable degree Commonwealth whose Nurses Award pro­ this number of hours, with the metropolitan vides for a "living in" rate of pay, with hospitals providing over 500 hours, and one the proviso that "living in" staff are provided with free board and lodgings. Where staff provincial city hospital reaching 700 hours voluntarily elect to "live out", the allowance for the course. The Nurses' Board of to be paid to "living out" staff, as determined Queensland has been considering the intro­ by the Industrial Commission, is $2.50 per duction of a new curriculum for some time week, but where the staff is directed to "live and has reached the stage where gazettal of out", an allowance of $7.50 per week is the curriculum will be made shortly. I am payable. Whilst those closely connected with advised that the new curriculum will not the award conditions appreciate the signifi­ only provide for a wider range of subjects cance of the "living in" rate in the award, I to be taught, but will increase substantially have no hesitation in saying that it is almost the mandatory hours of lectures which will impossible to convince others that Queensland be required as a prerequisite to registration. rat~s of salary whilst shown as a "living in" The necessary work required to arrange a bas1s, compare favourably with southern programme to embrace the requirements of States when comparing like with like. The the new curriculum is stated to be as long situation is disguised by this system of a as twelve months and it seems likely, at this special living-in rate. stage, that the first State examinations under the new curriculum may not be before May In the brochure that was prepared by 1971. Training in the new curriculum could the North Brisbane Hospitals Board earlier commence in July 1970. this year, a comparison was made between the "living in" wages of a student nurse and We have provided for selected hospitals. the wages of "living out" clerks, shop particularly those which will comprise the assistants and dental assistants, after allow­ centres for the regional training schemes and ing for a deduction from the latter three those larger hospitals which will be continu­ groups for reasonable board and lodging ing _with their. own training programmes, a charges. The net result certainly did not spec1al financial allocation to enable the place student nurse salaries in the unsatis­ Boards to estabHsh nurses' libraries at lhe factory position which so often is cla·imed hospitals, to assist the girls in their nurse to be the case. The proposal for a "total training programmes. wage" will mean that the rate shown in the A ward will be that to be paid to nursing staff Let me now recapitulate. In the past 18 "living out", and a deduction wm be made months or so, the following fresh develop­ from the same salary rate from nursing staff ments have occurred [n the nursing :field:- who "live in" at the hospital. Thi·s is (1) We have introduced nurses lecture something that we hope will come about. notes to assist in nurse training; Proposals are currently before the requisite (2) Regional training programmes have authorities to see that this change is made been established throughout the State, with so that if we are successful in our approaches headquarters in the larger provincial cities in this matter there will be a uniform system throughout Queensland; throughout Australia and the unfortunate misunderstandings and very often deliberate (3) A post-Junior pre-nursing year has misrepresentations on this issue, will be been arranged in selected high schools for avoided in the future. intending student nurses; 1086 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

(4) The course of training for general felt that it should be conducted by .the nurses has been reduced from four years Nurses' Board of the State in schools of to three years; nursing. (5) Approval has been given for lectures A leading article in a recent edition of to be held in hospital time; The Medical Journal of Australia said- (6) A new nurses' curdculum has been "The one basic point on which the prepared and is expected to be published reports differ in a major way has to do with shortly; the future control of the education of nurses. Both committees"- (7) Approval in principle has been given and do not forget that they were most by the Government for the Nurses' Award authoritative committees, one appointed applying to all State hospitals to be varied by the Minister and the other by the to provide for a "living out" basis of salary Matrons' Association of New South Wales- in lieu of a "living in" basis. "are clearly convinced that the respon· This, of course, is subject to negotiation and sibility for the education of nurses should agreement by the statutory authority that be removed from the hospital administra­ handles these matters. It will thus be seen tion-a radical change which is neverthe· that in respect of our nursing service we less not difficult to justify provided, as have not stagnated. We have developed and both the committees clearly agree, that progressed in so far as we have been able. the needs of the hospital administration We hope that our development will continue are fully recognised and respected. The and at the present time our eyes are turning point of divergence is on who is to towards the future basis of our nurse administer nursing education if it is tra~n~ng. If we continue our present in­ moved from its present long established trammg at each hospital, with lectures in place." hospital time, so should we consider seriously those systems that have been accepted at least Later the same article said- in principle by most States and certainly in "There are at least two disturbing points practice by some overseas countries. I am here. The first is the fact that two respon­ not prepared to say that these alternative sible and ,thoughtful committees should programmes have enhanced staff recruitment differ so radically on this fundamental in other States and countries as this is aspect of the whole question. The second defi!litely not the case. Other~ are experi­ is the recommendation of the Minister's encmg the same problems of attracting Committee that the matter of nursing nurses to the profession as we in Queensland education should be moved away to are. Indeed, in many cases the problems another authority that has previously had are much more severe and more difficult. no concern with this field at all." Hon. members may have noticed the cur­ It does seem clear, however, that, despite the rent controversy in New South Wales arising fact that unanimity has not been reached on from the enterprise of the chairman of a all points, the thinking is unanimous that hospital board in recruiting a large number the present system of in-service training of young Malaysian girls to train in the should be supplanted by a more concen­ Bankstown hospital. trated programme akin possibly to student teachers. I hold the personal view-and in . We_ must look forward to a changing this I am supported by one of the com­ s1tuatwn. The argument has been advanced mittees referred to in New South Wales­ that the conditions under which nurses that nurse education taken into the university receive their training in these places are campus is neither reasonable nor desirable. more attractive than those we offer here. I may say that that was the view of the This point must be examined, and again let Martin Committee. The need may eventuate, me sound a warning note. Much more and in a reasonable period of time in the money will be required if new systems of future, to take nurse education into the training are to be introduced. This is not a advanced colleges of education at tertiary light or simple matter. There is an ever­ level, which is a different matter altogether. growing demand by nurses for nurse educa­ tion to be given either at tertiary level or at We are examining all these proposals, and student-status level. Of course, this raises in so stating this, we are not condemning the question of who would be vested with the present system as such, nor denigrating the responsibility of nurse education. It is the nurses who have qualified under it, but very interesting to note that two separate we accept the challenge that as the advances committees that were appointed recently in in medicine continue to demand variations New South Wales investigated this problem. in the training of our nurses, changes in One was appointed by the Minister and the methods of training will also become neces· other set up by the Matrons' Association sary. of New South Wales. One committee felt It is gratifying to me to hear that, at the that nurse education should be placed under present time in Brisbane, serious thought is the control and management of the State being given by certain private hospitals to Department of Education through a college the introduction of a similar type scheme. of advanced education in nursing; the other It will cost money. It is aimed at producing Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1087 better trained nurses under improved con­ This special group of nurses will proceed ditions. We shall await with much interest to Melbourne early next year on the basis the outcome of this proposal. of all costs and expenses being met by the At this stage I wish to mention one other Brisbane Hospitals Boards. They will lose field of progress in the nurse-training system no salary as a result of their training that I have not yet mentioned, namely, courses. the field of post-graduate training of nurses. A new in-service course of six months' Here, further developments have. also been duration leading to the award of a certificate made. The Director of the College of Nurs­ in post-graduate thoracic and cardiac nursing ing in Melbourne, Miss Slater, visited Bris­ has been established at Chermside Hospital bane recently and discussed with officers of this year, to take advantage of the specialist the Department of Health the prospects of the Brisbane branch of the College of Nurs­ facilities in this field existing at the Cherm­ ing extending its activities into further fields side cardiac unit. The new course will of post-graduate education. The director broaden the field of post-graduate nursing emphasised the need for Queensland to studies available in Queensland and could increase its enrolment in the college at Bris­ well obviate the necessity for students bane in the present three courses, before the interested in this work going to other States Council of the College in Melbourne could for training. The hospitals board is at pre­ give full consideration to the suggestion of sent drawing up a suitable curriculum for the Department of Health that further courses the course. should be developed. It may be of interest to hon. members to We were told that one of the major fac­ know that, m addition to these. close and tors militating against enrolment in Bris­ intimate relations with the Queensland bane was the disadvantage experienced by trained nurses when enrolling for the courses, branch of the Australian College of Nursing. in that their financial position was seriously the department provides accommodation for prejudiced. What was happening was that this college and meets up to 90 per cent. they were paid an allowance of $20 per week of all expenses each year. whilst attending the course and leaving a There are few opportumtles for the paid position at their hospital of employ­ activities of any Government department to ment of approximately $40 per week. be highlighted in the same stark manner as Approval has now been given that as from alleged shortcomings are so often ~eatured. the 1969 enrolment year, trained nurses will It is easy to highlight the shortcommgs, but be paid an allowance whilst at the college, the achievements are forgotten, neglected equivalent to the rate of salary they were or ignored. At this stage I intend recounting being paid at the hospital from which they to the House some of the "firsts" that can enrolled. There is no doubt that this special be claimed by the Queensland Department incentive will improve enrolment figures at of Health. I have previously stated that, the college. In the course of discussions it would be unrealistic not to expect that held between departmental officers and the in the 134 State-controlled hospitals in matrons of the metropolitan hospitals, it Queensland, looking after over 7,700 patient~ became evident that the introduction of a every day and employing over 12,700 staff post-graduate course in intensive nursing members, there would be some defects. would be desirable and very helpful, bearing Hospital staffs are, like the rest ?f us, human in mind that in Brisbane we have adequate and fallible. There are errors of JUdgment and facilities in the metropolitan hospitals for acts of indiscretion, and unfortunate incidents the conduct of such courses. happen and, I have no dou~t, wi!l contir:ue I mention the 12-bed intensive-care ward to happen, till the end of trme, urespe~tive at Princess Alexandra Hospital, the neuro­ of the system under which the hospitals surgical wards at Royal Brisbane Hospital, function. Unfortunately, these are the areas the renal transplant unit at Princess Alex­ which receive the greatest publicity through andra Hospital, and the cardiac unit at the mass media. This does not mean, of Chermside Hospital. To create a nucleus course that we are neglectful of these things. of experienced and trained personnel at our Errors' and complaints must be fully investi­ three major hospitals, whenever the post­ gated. Any complaint regarding any facet graduate course in intensive nursing is intro­ of the activities of the Department of Health duced into the Brisbane College, approval has been given for a selected trained nurse which reaches top administrative level is from each of the Royal Brisbane, Princess investigated; but I am to strike a happier Alexandra, and Chermside Hospitals to be note today. enrolled in a 12 months' course in Melbourne I wish to enumerate the following dis­ in intensive-care nursing. This will enable tinctive developments of which the Queens­ the college to send for clinical work in the land Health Department is justly proud. various hospitals-with complete confidence -the girls whom they are training in these They are- post-graduate courses, because fully-trained (1) The Children's Dental Hospital at staff will be already there waiting to receive St. Paul's Terrace, which is administered them and guide them through their practical by the North Brisbane Hospitals Board, is work. the only one of its kind in Australia. It 1088 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

is well worth visiting, and any hon. member (12) Queensland Institute of Medical will be welcome there if he desires to Research. inspect it. I do not intend to say much about that (2) The Division of Welfare and Child institute because it will be the subject of Guidance, with its Institute of Child Guid­ legislation, when there will be an opportunity ance and Day Hospital in Rogers Street, to discuss its activities. is unique in Australia. (3) The Flying Surgeon team with head­ Let us dwell a little more closely on quarters at Longreach and providing a these 12 major developments in the State. specialist surgeon service to remote areas During 1963, part of the former Central in Western and Central Queensland, was Practising School in St. Paul's Terrace was remodelled at a cost of $175,440 and the first of its kind in Australia. It equipped as a hospital specialising in chil­ was established by my predecessor. dren's dentistry. It is under the control of ( 4) Queensland provides the highest the North Brisbane Hospitals Board, and it number of hospital beds per head of commenced to function in early July, 1964. population in Australia. The hospital was designed to attend to all (5) Queensland is the leader in the imple­ the dental needs of pre-school and school mentation of the concept of the integration children, with emphasis on preventive of psychiatric services into the public measures and specialist treatment available hospital system. in orthodontics and pedodontics. The design has proved to be extremely functional, and, (6) Queensland provides a dental service, due to the tasteful use of colours, with through its dental hospitals and hospital special features for young children, a cheer­ dental clinics, unequalled in extent by any ful atmosphere prevails throughout the other State in Australia; in fact, it is very entire building. Children do not develop a much greater in extent. fear of the dentist when they go to the children's dental hospital at St. Paul's Ter­ Mr. Bromley: What about the School race. Dental Nursing Service? The total staff is 38, including 13 dentists. Mr. TOOTH: I did not say it was perfect. During the inaugural year of operation, The developments continue- nearly 40,000 treatments were provided, and, for the financial year ending 30 June last, (7) Tne Wilson Youth Hospital at the number reached what might be con­ Windsor, a juvenile psychiatric hospital for sidered an optimum of about 47,000. The delinquents. is amongst the few of this staff provides lecturettes, sound movie films, type of institution in the world, and there slides and film strips, relating to various is none like it anywhere else in Australia. aspects of dental health, directed to both (8) Queensland's Alcoholism Treatment parents and patients, and also to groups in Service, based on a specific specialised clinic contact with the public, such as speech within an acute general hospital and sup­ therapists and kindergarten teachers. We ported by a specific institution organised on receive a great deal of co-operation from therapeutic community lines, was the first these people who willingly come to the and remains the leading treatment service hospital to learn how to integrate in their of its kind in Australia. work the type of public relations that is so (9) The provision of a committee to necessary. co-ordinate the expertise of the Health With the co-operation of the Department and Education Departments in the preven­ of Child Health, specialist work is being tive field of alcoholism was the first of performed, particularly in regard to problem its kind in the Commonwealth and is a children, such as infants with dental and model for other Australian States and overseas countries. palatal deformities associated with cleft palates, and many other child patients with (10) Queensland leads the other Aust­ complicated medical problems. There is a ralian States, and indeed compares favour­ very close liaison with senior medical ably with any overseas country, in the officers of the Royal Children's Hospital to training and utilisation of special teachers provide an essential service of a high in the special education of the intellectually standard in the total care of sick children. handicapped. (11) Queensland's concept of a security The first Welfare and Guidance Clinic was patients hospital, presently under construc­ opened at 30 Mary Street, Brisbane, at the tion, under the direction of my colleague, end of 1959. The clinic is staffed by the Minister for Justice, and of the train­ psychiatrists, medical officers, psychologists, ing of specially selected hospital officers social workers, speech therapists, nurses and to work in the therapeutic programme, clerical staff. Children treated here suffer is the first of its kind in Australia and from nervous, mental or emotional disorders goes beyond similar concepts overseas. or educational and behavioural problems. Supply [21 OcTOBER] Supply 1089

To cope more effectively with delinquent under construction at Cairns; following the children, an institute known as the Wilson opening recently at Townsville of a truly Youth Hospital was opened in July 1961. magnificent casualty and out-patients' section, This is a psychiatric hospital for the treat­ a new ward block of 197 beds is at the ment of juvenile delinquents and provides tender stage; Rockhampton is plannin¥ a accommodation of 40 beds as well as an new surgical block of 140 beds; extensiOns out-patients' department. Plans are proceed­ have recently been made to the hospital. at ing at Wilson Youth Hospital to build a Mount Isa· additional ward accommodatiOn section for girls, at a cost of over $750,000, is planned 'at Gladstone; a new medical block and construction has commenced. is under construction at Toowoomba. The Institute of Child Guidance in Note the emphasis on base hospitals in Rogers Street. Spring Hill, :s a hospital for the major provincial cities to which we bring emotionally disturbed children and a sub­ those requiring specialist medical care and sidiary of the Royal Brisbane Hospital. attention not available in the sma11er hos­ Professional staff are supplied by the Division pitals. This has been our policy over the of Welfare and Guidance. The institute years and is now being adopted elsewhere concentrates on treatment of the school child in Australia. and has a day hospital where some of the In the metropolitan area, the role played more disturbed children attend on a daily by church authorities and charitable oPganisa­ basis. Provision of in-patients' accommoda­ tion forms part of the over-all future pro­ tions in providing institutions for the ~ged gramme. and the chronic sick aged, has assisted tremendously in the over-all programme of The Mary Street Welfare and Guidance hospitalisation. The decline in the number of Centre is gradually developing into a centre beds required for the treatment and control for adolescents. It is situated in the city of tuberculosis at Chermside has ma~e avarl­ and is most suitable for this purpose. Wel­ able a potential 200 further first-quahty beds fare and guidance centres have been estab­ on the northern side of our city. South of lished at Toowoomba and Townsville, and the river, the Mater Hospital authori!ies both centres have reported a heavy demand are erecting a new ward block Of avprOXlll?-­ for their services. The Division of Welfare ately 160 public beds. I mentiOn thts and Guidance does approximately 35,000 because the State Government is financially examinations, interviews and treatments every involved in this enterprise to the ext~nt year. The doctors of the division supply of $2,500,000 approximately as a spec1al consultative services to in-patients and out­ grant towards building costs, but even m?re patients' departments of the Royal Brisbane so because we see in the Mater Hospital Children's Hospital. They also visit the complex a p~rtner v.:ith .us in providing. an church homes in the metropolitan area which efficient hospital serv1ce m the metropolitan care for children who are admitted there area. The North Brisbane Hospitals Board under the Children's Services Department. is planning a multi-storey ward block at The Flying Surgeon Service was inaugur­ the corner of Herston Road and ~0\~en ated by this Government in 1959. It pro­ Bridae Road and a major re-orgamsatwn vides great benefit to the more remote areas of e"'xisting ~ard floors, resulting in . a net of the State and has been instrumental in over-all increase in bed accommodatiOn of saving lives by providing skilled surgical 266 beds. All in all, we see coming pro­ assistance in times of emergency. Over 5,000 gressively into use over a ~e~ years, 620- operations have been performed, 1,000 of odd additional acute beds w1thm the metro­ which have been surgical emergencies. politan area. Statistics released by the Commonwealth Looking further into the future, the Gov­ Department of Health on a survey conducted ernment has declared its policy of a new of hospital beds per thousand of population major hospital in the Mt. Gravatt-Sunny­ shows that Queensland provided 8.8 beds bank area and land already has been acquired per thousand, as compared with 6.2 in New by the so'uth Brisbane Hospitals Board. This South Wales, 5.1 in Victoria, 5.7 in South will be a major hospital complex: A Australia, 7.5 in Western Australia, and 6.6 special ad hoc committee has been appomted in Tasmania. The report indicated that, in by Cabinet to advise the .Gov~rnm<:nt of the United States of America, it was esti­ what it feels should be prov1ded m th1s new mated that under conditions in that country hospital. 4.4 to 4.7 hospital beds per thousand people Queensland, for many years,. has b~en were noted for diagnosis and active treat­ implementing a programme of mtro~uctwn ment of general illness, and an additional of psychiatric services into the public h.os­ 2.3 to 2.6 beds per thousand for chronic pital system. Some years ago, new bu~ld­ illness and long-term care. The combined ings were erected at Cherms1~e . Hosp1tal needs of acute and long-term care were, providing 17 4 beds for psych~atnc cases. therefore, estimated to be between 6.7 and Lowson House, in the grounds of the Royal 7.3 beds per thousand. Queensland provides Brisbane Hospital, has developed to accom­ 8.8 beds per thousand. modate approximately 132 patients. The Some will no doubt ask what are our new ward block at TownsviHe will provide plans for the future. In the country, vast three floors solely for psychiatric treatment. building programmes are currently under In this way olose co-operation has developed way. A new ward block of 172 beds is between the hospital administrations and the 36 1090 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Division of Psychiatric Services, which latter The Queensland Government also accepted authority controls the mental hospitals of the responsibility of introducing a preven­ the State, and so we have that integration tive service in the field of alcoholism, as of the psychiatric service with the geneml distinct from the treatment services I have acute service to which I referred in my just described, and developed a unique con­ speech in the Address in Reply. cept of co-ordination between the Depart­ ment of Health representing the treatment Touching briefly on our dental services, service, and the Department of Education I have nothing but praise to offer to those representing the field of health education. who are responsible for the organisation In spite of the fact that research data is not and maintenance of these services throughout available and in any case would require a the length and breadth of Queensland. We generation or more to be conclusive, the are able to provide, in such remote areas Queensland Government has mounted an as Thursday Island-1,500 miles from Bris­ active programme of education presented in bane-a fully functional dental service. The a graded fashion according to the child's department provides 46 base dental clinics at abilities, based on the knowledge of medicine our hospitals, including the three metropolitan and the techniques of education. In this dental hospitals, and 38 itinerant dental field Queensland is providing a model for clinics. In addition, dental staff visit 50 other States and overseas countries and is other centres, on missions, Aboriginal settle­ ments, etc. The dental services employ a active in a field that is still neglected in total of 140 dentists, including 23 part-time many other parts of the civilised world. dentists. Apart from the country services, Tremendous developments have taker: there are two major dental hospitals in Bris­ place in the care of the intellectually handi­ bane, exclusive of the Children's Dental capped. The entire complex of buildings at Hospital. Challinor Centre (formerly the Ipswich Alcoholism may be regarded as one of the Mental Hospital) has been set aside for most important public health problems of their care, treatment and special education. our day in persons of European descent. In Para-medical staff, compnsmg special 1958, the Government established an alco­ teachers, speech therapists, occupational holism treatment service at the Royal therapists, and social workers, have been Brisbane Hospital as a specific specialist engaged and a concerted programme of service within the context of a hospital activity is currently under way. This develop­ treating the whole range of physical ailments. ment was the subject recently of a feature article in "The Sunday Mail" colour maga­ In doing this, Queensland was the first State zine. I have sufficient copies and I shall to recognise that the most effective way to take the liberty of posting one to each hon. deal with the disease process known as member in case some have not seen it. I alcoholism was to treat it on the basis of hope that when they get it they will read it. an illness in the context of a health facility. Although this acute treatment centre at that I have attempted today to make an objec­ time had the backing of an institution for tive survey of some fields of our activities. the care of chronic inebriates-at Marburg­ In concluding, let me direct attention to an it became obvious that further active treat­ article in yesterday's issue of "The Courier­ ment facilities needed to be provided. Mail" by a rather disillusioned young teacher recently returned from Canada. His con­ A medical officer was sent overseas to study world trends in alcoholism treatment cluding paragraphs were most significant. and, as a result, a detailed new therapeutic I take them for my own purposes, and, in programme as a follow-up to the acute quoting them, substitute throue:hout the hospital centre was provided at the Wacol word "health" for "education". ~ Rehabilit.ation Clinic. This clinic is organised He says- on the lmes of therapeutic community prin­ "Certainly there are flaws and deficiencies ~iples. . This is a f_airly new concept and in our health systems. There is not Is workmg very satisfactorily. It remains a health system in the world today which the leading treatment service of its kind in is not in need of some improvement, in Australia. New developments are taking the face of the tremendous pressures place. Groups of people who have been occasioned by rapid societal change. treated at this place are now establishing Obviously, we need to spend on health small communities for themselves. I am far more than we do. spe~~ing. in the plural; perhaps I am antiCipatmg. One pilot scheme is operating "But it is important that as we criticise in Brisbane at present. A small group of weaknesses and press for improvements, people who have been treated at the Wacol we do not lose sight of the many fine Rehabilitation Clinic have established a small achievements that have been made. Let's community of the,ir own for mutual support not just point to our deficiencies; instead, and assistan~e and this is one new develop­ let us also accentuate the positive. ment that Will be watched with great interest, "We have much in Queensland health and fostered, by the Health Department. of which we can be justly proud." Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1091

Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) (5.26 p.m.): statements should be answered. I am sur­ Before speaking on the Budget it is incumbent prised that no-one has replied to them before on me to continue a speech that I started this. during the Address-in-Reply debate, when, unfortunately, the time allotted to me expired Mr. Davies: Who is this doctor? Is he a before I could complete it. Since then the foreigner? matter has been referred to in the September Mr. BROMLEY: No, he is not a foreigner. issue of "Stand Easy", the official publication I intend to make a few other comments about of the Incapacitated Sub-Branch R.S.L., whose him later. treasurer, pensions and welfare officer is Mr. W. P. McLachlan, better known as I am a member of the R.S.L., as you are, Wally McLachlan. He expresses his com­ Mr. Hooper. In fact, I am a trustee. I do plete disgust with Dr. John Whiting, and on not intend to carry a torch for the R.S.L. behalf of his sub-branch, under the heading, at this stage other than to state in passing that "The doctor, the R.S.L. and you." says in I think it is doing a reasonably good job for that publication- its members, particularly the incapacitated sub-branch of that organisation. "We have in this office been inundated with inquiries as to what we are doing Diggers are becoming fewer and fewer in about the statements in the Press concern­ number because of death and injury mainly ing allegations made by Dr. John Whiting attributable to war service, during which they of Adelaide and which we understand will sacrificed a great deal for their country. But be the subject of his book 'Be in It, Mate' it appears to be becoming harder and harder ... In the meantime, however, all Diggers for them to obtain pensions or get increases must be disgusted with the use of the in pensions. I have tried to help many ~x­ word 'bludgers' by Melbourne Truth' in servicemen and women, and I should now like its glaring headlines. Members can rest to refer to the most recent report of the assured that after perusing the book, some Repatriation Commission from. which I want action will be taken on the matter, not to cite a few figures. In 1968, m Queensland, only by this Sub-branch, but in many the number of appeals allowed from those other quarters." who served in the 1914 war was 14, and the number disallowed was 201. For those who I intend to take action by speaking on that served in the 1939 war, 208 appeals were matter. allowed and 1,013 were disallowed. It stands In my speech that is recorded on page to reason that any person who served during 494 of "Hansard" I said that this matter any campaign, at any age, must have had is near and dear to the hearts of many his or her health adversely affected to some returned servicemen and women. extent. Irrespective of their ages on joining, the years given in service to the nation were I want to refer to the article published possibly the best years of their lives. in "Sunday Truth" of 17 August and in the Melbourne "Truth" of 16 August. Sub­ In Dr. Whiting's attack on ex-servicemen sequently Dr. Whiting was interviewed on and women in this article-no doubt it will Channel 2 and confirmed the statements that be in his book-he describes them as "spon­ appeared in the Press. gers and bludgers". That description, which appeared in "Sunday Truth" in Melbourne and The article reads- Brisbane, was most blatant and unwarranted. "In a book called 'Be in It, Mate' Dr. I say, without equivocation, that the doctor Whiting says that many T.P.I. pensioners can be described in Diggers' terms only as are paid for illnesses that could not possibly "a no-hoper bludger, and a lead swinger". have been caused by war service . . . No doubt his statements are contained in his "Dr. Whiting makes the point: 'As book, "Be in It, Mate". They do him no we get further and further away from the credit; they can be described only as an wars, tens of thousands of new phony insult to all, including his own profession. conditions are being accepted as being due He has besmirched ex-servicemen and to the wars'." women, his colleagues and their integrity. This is completely false, and is unacceptable Mr. R. Jones: How does his service record to me. Then he admits that a few "big guns" read? will be having a shot at him over this and trying to discredit him. I will discredit him. Mr. BROMLEY: It would be pretty weak, I should imagine. I have said that he is He stresses- a bludger, but I feel that he has besmirched "Repatriation-type illnesses, which drain his colleagues in their profession. $298,000,000 a year from the taxpayer, are mostly suffered by the rest of the com­ Let me turn now to the meaning of the munity at a similar age, anyway." word "bludger". One could not be far amiss in assessing it as, "making money from I do not agree with that statement. While others". That is exactly what Dr. Whiting repatriation pensions are a Commonwealth will be doing by publishing his book. He matter, the doctor's statements concern many will be making money from the sale of this people in this State, many friends of mine book and putting it into his fat bank account. friends of other doctors and fellow parlia: That money will be derived from the suffer­ mentarians, and I therefore believe that his ing of ex-servicemen. For Whiting, who is 1092 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply obviously a queer "fish", to condemn the can be changed, because it is well known R.S.L. as a pressure group, as he does, is that referendums on such matters rarely ludicrous because, after all, all organisations approve changes. which assist their members are, in one way The Treasurer also stated- or another, pressure groups. Therefore, I "! don't propose, at this stage, to do not think that anybody can condemn endeavour to state the nature of the case, any group at all. I think that Dr. Whiting wants "scaling" down to size. but I would remark that the whole issue of Commonwealth-State financial rela­ The Repatriation Act defines the duties of tions requires basic rethinking." repatriation doctors, as it does of any doctor. To intimate that doctors are recommending I certainly agree with that. The Treasurer, pensions right, left and centre, is quite however, said that he was not going to take unfair and casts a poor reflection on the us into his confidence on the nature of the integrity of all doctors. approach to be made to the Commonwealth Government. I do not know why we, as a Mr. Davies: It is a stupid comment. Parliament, should not be taken into the Treasurer's confidence so that the people Mr. BROMLEY: I agree with the hon. of Queensland will be represented by mem­ member for Maryborough, who assists T.P.I. bers with the necessary knowledge to be pensioners greatly. able to assist in the development of the Unlike most doctors, Whiting has no sense State. The Treasurer, of course, is fond of of sympathy, decency, or understanding. His saying that we on this side of the Chamber outbursts have done a great injustice to all are always "knocking" this, that, and the ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen and to other thing. I say that as members of the Repatriation Department. He should be Parliament we should be able to work ashamed of himself, and that is putting it together, but we cannot work harmoniously mildly. I am really disgusted with him. unless the Treasurer takes all members into After "filleting" Dr. Whiting, I make the his confidence. final point that before a person obtains a The Treasurer continued- pension, it must be proved that he is "fair "A system which finds the States getting dinkum". I think that everybody knows that. Even then, an ex-serviceman does not deener into debt and, on the other hand, always succeed, as I proved by quoting finds the Commonwealth becoming a net figures from the 1969 annual report of creditor Government, is not to be toler­ the Repatriation Commission. ated in a realistic federal sy&tem." I shall now deal briefly with the Financial I agree with that also. The Treasurer then Statement. Firstly, I shall refer, as I have went on- done in previous years, to the Public Debt "One of the great dangers which of Queensland. All States and countries Australia faces today lies in the central­ have public debts. Nevertheless, I do not isation of the real powers of Govern­ think that, because of the continued increase ment." in our Public Debt, we are getting value Prime Minister Gorton is the greatest for our money from this Government. centralis! that ever drew breath in the On page 4, the Treasurer said- Commonwealth. "As at 30th June, 1969, the gross Public The Treasurer also mentioned the expendi­ Debt of Queensland was $1,148,819,719. ture that will be involved in obtaining an of this sum, $1,090,887,105 was domi­ increased number of teachers. To my way ciled in Australia whilst the balance of thinking, that will be a great help, but $57,932,614 was located overseas. During it will not solve the problem. For one the year 1968-69, the debt increased by thing, there are not enough teachers' col­ $71,164,122." leges to produce sufficient teachers, and That is a shocking increase. It is a well­ there has been no long-range plan for their known axiom that the people deserve the training. In my opinion, the whole educa­ Government they elect. On 25 October, the tion system should be compietely over­ people will elect an understanding Govern­ hauled. I think that if a Queensland ment, namely, an A.L.P. Government. citizen's education committee was set up, On page 7, the Treasurer said- composed of representatives of all inter­ ested people, including teachers, something "lt is a sad commentary on the Aus­ tralian Constitu1ion that major areas of would be achieved. Obviously nothing is uncertainty as to the taxing powers of the being accomplished in the field of education States do arise and that a case of such now. basic importance should find an equally The CHAIRMAN: Order! divided High Court." At the time of writing that, the Treasurer Mr. BROMLEY: I sympathise with you, did not know what the decision of the High Mr. Hooper. It is probably purely by accid­ Court would be. However, I sincerely ent that you are a member of the Liberal agree with the Treasurer that that part of Party instead of the greatest party of all, the Constitution must be looked at and the Australian Labour Party. I regret the possibly changed. I do not know how it rude manners of some members on my left Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1093 who are having discussions and a private Mr. BROMLEY: I can remember back in caucus meeting on the margarine and history that the people on the right of the butter issue. Chairman were called right-wingers. It dates Mr. Miller: Which side are you on? back to France, where the ones on the right were the militants. But I think hon. Mr. BROMLEY: The hon. member knows members opposite are Fascists. where I stand; I stand for freedom of Before I pass on to the subject of cultural choice for the people. I am not going to activities, I want to make an urgent appeal endeavour to speak on that legislation now. to the Government-and I think it is very However, I might say in reply to the inter­ necessary and I am sure that my country jection of the hon. member for Ithaca that colleagues would bear me out in this-to take the Bill, if it be introduced tomorrow, is an steps to fill the great need for more veterin­ im.ult to the people's intelligence. arians in the country and also more land Mr. Carey: Do you believe in monopolies? valuers. The amount allocated to foster and expand Mr. BROMLEY: No, but I know that the cultural activities throughout Queensland, hon. member for Albert does to such an including the provision of grants to various extent that he talked this Government into cultural organisations throughout Queens­ abolishing the railway line to the South land, as set out on page 8 of the Financial Coast so that he could bring in his own Statement, has been increased from $17 5,000 transport fleet, his own trucks, to operate last year to $260,000 this year. That is only a monopoly there for his own benefit. peanuts and it will not go anywhere. Mr. Carey: I have received the answer From time to time I have asked quite I expected. I don't believe in monopolies, a few questions in the House about a site either. for the new Art Gallery and I will deal with that matter shortly. I have asked other Mr. BROMLEY: While on the subject of questions about the Conservatorium of Music education, l want to call for an inquiry on and about a director and supervisor of art the set-up of universities. I think that a in Queensland. The Minister for Education committee of inquiry with full powers should replied that applications for the positions of be established to inquire into the advantages Supervisor of Art and Supervisor of Music and disadvantages of the present complicated were invited in 1968, yet no-one has been system of university government, the staff appointed. That reply is on page 129 of administration, whether there are too many Volume 2 of this year's pamphlet "Hansard''. kings in the administrative empire at the Twelve months have elapsed and still no university, whether the professors or rulers appointment has been made. have too much say, whether the procrastina­ tion in appointing a new permanent Vice­ I asked two questions about the Conserva­ Chancellor is warranted (and to me the delay torium of Music. I asked when the building appears to be completely unwarranted) and, would be erected, how many were on the finally, why the extremists could not be dealt staff, and so on. My questions related to with more severely and expelled if necessary. the cultural State of Queensland and the I will have more to say about education Minister replied that the full-time staff at later. I do not know for sure whether the the Conservatorium of Music consists of a Estimates of the Education Department are director and six lecturers. There are 20 to be debated this session but in any event part-time teachers, 49 full-time students, and I will deal further with the subject, perhaps 273 part-time students. later in this speech. Anyone who saw the Conservatorium of Mr. Baldwin: They are ducking it. Music would be as completely ashamed of it as I am. How anybody can teach there Mr. BROMLEY: I think they are. is beyond me and how anybody can learn there is beyond my comprehension also. On page 8 of the Financial Statement the Something will have to be done about it, Treasurer refers to education, of course, and done quickly. The Minister said that among other things and he talks about senior an art gallery would be built in the Technical remote area scholarships. I contend that College grounds, but everything about this the shortage of scholarships and the inade­ Government is in the "never-never". To quate allowances are the reason the Govern­ use a colloquialism, they are dragging the ment cannot get people to come into the chain somewhat. teaching profession. If they do not do something more positive in that respect they Mr. Hooper, you and every member of will never get the teachers that Queensland this Chamber will be well aware that for needs. many years I have been pushing for the building of a new Queensland art gallery. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I have appealed On behalf of art lovers in Queensland, and to hon. members on my right, including the this includes school children who are hon. member for Isis, by calling "Order!" interested in art, I want to refer briefly to a to them, to discontinue their continuous con­ question I asked the Minister for Education versation. It is quite audible and I ask about the proposed new Queensland art them to discontinue 1t as from now. The gallery, and the answer I received thereto. hon. member for Norman. It may be found at pages 100 and 101 of 1094 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Volume 1 of this year's pamphlet "Hansard". Mr. BROMLEY: Nothing at all is being In his reply, the Minister said that 3t acres done. He is giving them some land that had been allocated for this purpose; that will be completely useless. There has been a feasibility study only has been prepared; a lot of talk about the building's foundations that $90,000 has been expended on the being on floating piles. and that's absolutely initial acquisition of land, and that provision impossible. has been made in the 1969-70 Loan Works programme for progressive acquisitions of Mr. Chalk: You want to kill it. further land. However, I cannot find any The CHAIRMAN: Order! reference to it in this year's Estimates or in the Treasurer's Financial Statement. As Mr. BROMLEY: How ludicrous can a result of these answers and the public anybody get, Mr. Hooper. The Treasurer statements made by the Minister for Educa­ is obviously wasting my time. We need to tion and the Treasurer immediately prior to get some sense of art and culture into the election, many people in Queensland were Treasurer, who, if he is is not running around thrilled. I received dozens of letters on at races chasing rabbits-and I have photo­ the matter. graphic proof of that-is out chasing some­ Mr. Chalk interjected. thing else. Mr. Chalk: At least I always get a decent Mr. BROMLEY: Don't give me that! I just referred to the answer. The Treasurer haircut. is only interested in opening up "the Creek" The CHAIRMAN: Order! on Wednesdays. Incidentally, we all know that "the Creek" is a sand track; I wouldn't Mr. BROMLEY: The Treasurer is the last be surprised if the Minister for Mines leased person who SJhould get personal. I have it for mining purposes. already challenged the Treasurer or the Mr. Chalk: Don't you want the $500,000 Minister for Education to make a ministerial this year to acquire the property? statement on this. I guarantee they are not game to get up and do so, because then Mr. BROMLEY: It is not what the Gov­ the people of Queensland will know that the ernment has or has not got; it is what the election promises will not be upheld, and people of Queensland get that matters, and will even be wiped until some time in the I challenge the Treasurer or the Minister 1970's. for Education to make a ministerial state­ Mr. Chalk: That's next year. ment in this Chamber denying that the art gallery will not be built on that site on Mr. BROMLEY: "During the 1970's," I the south side. said. Mr. Chalk: Don't be silly! Mr. Chalk: You wouldn't even know if Mr. BROMLEY: That is an absolute fact next year is 1970, you're so dumb. and I challenge the Treasurer or the Minister Mr. BROMLEY: Mr. Hooper, I don't for Education to deny it. I have seen the know if you heard that remark. The plans that have been drawn. I know the Treasurer said I was dumb. I migiht be site and I know that the building is not dumb, but I am not completely ,stupid. going to be proceeded with because of the foundations. The Treasurer knows this A Government Member: Not completely. as well as I do. Serious consideration may Mr. Chalk: That means you are partly. have to be given to the alternative sites I' have suggested. Mr. BROMLEY: I am not an idiot, and Mr. Chalk: You are the greatest "knocker" I am not a fool like the Treasurer is. of all time. The CHAIRMAN: Order! Mr. BROMLEY: There he goes again! Mr. BROMLEY: I can see I have got I should say without a doubt that the Treasurer was brought up in a parrot shop. under the Treasurer's skin. If he wants to That is all he can say-"You're the greatest challenge me to tell him something about knocker, you're the greatest knocker." I the art gallery and associated people, I will want to get something done, and I ask let the Committee know all about it, the for action.- I have heard this from members same as you and the other Ministers know. of the Liberal Party- Mr. Chalk: What! Mr. Chalk: I don't care what you've heard. Mr. BROMLEY: Don't challenge me. I will tell you, and then this Government will Mr. BROMLEY: And the Treasurer does not care if I tell this Committee what is really have a scandal. going on? The CHAIRMAN: Order! Mr. Chalk: No. Mr. BROMLEY: The Treasurer knows Mr. BROMLEY: Well why does he not about it. do something about it? Mr. Chalk: I went out the other night Mr. Chalk: We are doing something. and spoke to them. Supply [21 OcTOBER] Supply 1095

Mr. BROMLEY: I know. You went out I read in this morning's paper that a well­ and you promised the world. known architect believes that some of our modern buildings will eventually become The CHAIRMAN: Order! I remind the fine buildings of historical value. In Britain, Treasurer and the hon. member for Norman according to this book, the Minister of that the Chair is the correct place to which Public Buildings and Works is responsible to direct their remarks. for the preservation of ancient monuments and certain historic buildings, and the Mr. BROMLEY: I am glad you reminded Minister of Housing and Local Govern­ me, Mr. Hooper. As I said to you the ment is responsible for administering the other night at a function that both of us grants available for the repair and mainten­ attended, I would always obey you, whatever ance of buildings of outstanding historic or chair you may be in. architectural interest. While we have a Minister who is responsible for that, nothing I am getting away from my subject, and is happening. I suppose that, as usual, he I do not want to do that. I sincerely believe considers that these matters, like many other that the Government the Treasurer and the matters we raise, do not come within his Minister for Educati~n will come round to purview. the various sites that I have suggested for The book refers to the teaching of litera­ the art gallery. ture, the need for libraries, and the curri­ On page 8 of the Treasurer's Financial cula of all schools and colleges. The British Statement he says that to foster and extend Museum Library in London contains over cultural activities, the' provision for grants 7,000,000 volumes, and is the largest in to various cultural organisations throughout Britain. The National Libraries in Scot­ Queensland has been lifted to $260 000. I land and Wales each contain about wisih to quote from an official h~ndbook 2,000,000 volumes. In Britain, and similar entitled "Britain. 1969". It contains many countries, strong emphasis is placed on the pages on educatiOn and youth activities. It need for such amenities to be provided for is stated on page 214 of this publication that the public to promote education in the over 900 museums and art galleries are sciences and arts. open to the public in Britain. Mr. Carey: What kind of Government provided those big libraries? [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] Mr. BROMLEY: Labour Governments. The Mr. BROMLEY: I recommend this book hon. member for Albert is a silly old sausage. for its good reading and educational value He does not know. I realise that I shall to the Minister for Education and the have to keep him quiet somehow, so I Treasurer. It also states that there are shall tell a story about him. One night national museums and art galleries. his wife whom I know very well, said to I will now deal briefly with art education him-- which is badly needed, but sadly neglected i~ The CHAIRMAN: Order! I hope that Queensland. Without an art gallery, and a this will be in Parliamentary language. fine arts centre attached thereto, there is no way in the world in which we can formulate Mr. BROMLEY: Quite. She said, "What plans and progressive thinking on art edu­ are we doing tonight, Cec?" He said, "Well, cation in Queensland. This official hand­ Melba, I think we will go out and enjoy book "Britain 1969" refers to art education ourselves." She said, "A jolly good idea, and states that a formal art education i; Cec. If you get home before me, don't given in publicly supported art colleges, lock the door." That shows what his wife universities art schools, Royal Academy thinks of him. Schools and a few private art schools. It also refers to what is taught in ordinary This handbook is of tremendous interest ,·chools about art. and contains many articles. We know that Britain is a great country. It was nearly The book also deals with architecture. I ruined by the previous Government, but think all hon. members know my feelings has been getting back on to its feet since the about buildings of historical architectural advent of a Labour Government. Britons value, and the need to preserve them. It are a fighting breed, and they will "pull seems that all the Government wants to do their fingers out" and get into action. I is to pull down these beautiful buildings, should like to deal at length with some of and it has been doing that for some time. the material in this handbook, but cannot, While I know that some buildings must be owing to the time factor. pulled down, I believe that, for posterity's sake, more money should be allocated to I shall now deal with another important preserve historical buildings. In Britain, matter, namely, the liberty of the subject official responsibility for the nation's archi­ in Queensland. I have dealt with cultural tecture entails the encouragement of the best activities and certain people connected with in new buildings, and the preservation of the art I shall now relate an event to hon. best of those inherited from the past. That me~bers, and have it included in "Hansard", policy is completely in accord with my to demonstrate the shocking things that sentiments. happen to people and show how their privacy 1096 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply is invaded by raids being made on their Jish the fact that Parliaments and the homes. I refer to a raid by police officers civil service are the servants, and not the and customs officials on the home of a well· masters, of the people?" known artist. That action is a shocking indictment of the State and Federal Gov· She is so right; we are, and we should be, ernments. This is supposed to be a democratic the servants and not the masters of the country. Without a doubt, there are only people. I believe it is a shocking indictment two words to describe this, and they are of any Government that a persDn, particu­ "police State". larly a woman living on her own, can be raided late at night by a group of men I refer to an article which appeared in hammering on her door and saying, "Open "The Courier-Mail" of 22 March, 1969, up or we will smash the door in". There which reads- must be concern about such happenings. 'Tm no liar about raid: Miss Mayo This matter has not previously been brought to the notice of Parliament, and details of "Miss Daphne Mayo last night accused it have not been included in "Hansard". I the Customs Minister (Senator Scott) of felt that I should bring it before Parliament having made a false statement, equivalent and have it recorded in "Hansard" for pos· to saying she was a liar, over her account terity. I repeat that we should be the servants of the night raid by Customs officers on of the people, not their masters. her Highgate Hill home." Miss Daphne Mayo, without any doubt, is Mr. Carey: Aren't you the servant of yDur a well-respected citizen of Queensland. She people? has done a great deal for art in this State. Mr. BROMLEY: Yes, I am. If she does not command respect, she is at least entitled to it. Mr. Carey: So am I. I don't want any The article continues- ombudsman in my electorate. I am one myself. " 'Thi> statement by Senator Scott is absolutely false and is equivalent to saying Mr. BROMLEY: If the noisy member for that I am a liar. It is adding insult to Albert will please keep quiet, I should now injury,' Miss Mayo said. like to make one or two observations before " 'As I see the position, the incon­ continuing with the Treasurer's Financial venience of having a large number of Statement. It is all very well for the Treasurer strange men going through one's private to laugh. I do not think that he is aware of possessions is not important, compared the few times that members can get up in with the fact that the word of any malicious informer is accepted and acted this Chamber and speak on anything that upon, to the defamation of any reputable they desire to put before the public. I have citizen, and that any report issued by dealt with some aspects of the Budget, and I the raiding officers is accepted as truth have also dealt with things that need to be beyond doubt. said in this place. They have to be made "'Between these two prongs of iniquity, known to the public, and they have to be just what hope is there for the private included in "Hansard" for posterity. The citizen?' Miss Mayo asked." Treasurer laughs at those things. She says that a threat was made to smash her Mr. Sherrington: He is overcome by the door in, and the Commonwealth police, exuberance of his own verbosity. customs officials, and the State police deny that it was made. I am prepared to believe Mr. BROMLEY: He is. The Treasurer is Miss Mayo; without doubt what she says not too happy about the way in which is true. various members on this side of the Chamber have criticised him for giving very little I join with her in the first sentence of information in the Budget. I might mention, her letter of 13 March, 1969, to the editor in passing, that if he were a ghost he would of "The Courier-Mail". She said- be too lousy to give anybody a fright. "May T thank you for your splendid help with regard to my letter, published I now want to be serious and deal with in Saturday's 'Courier-Mail'?" an aspect of safety. Indeed, there is a great deal of responsibility and sincerity in every­ I, too, thank "The Courier-Mail" for pub· thing that I say in this Chamber. That lishing in full a letter from a person detailing what happened to her in the privacy of her is much more than I can say about hon. own home. She also said in the letter- members opposite in the blue corner. "I too, have been round the world­ I want to talk now about the safety twice-and I think Australia is the most aspects of Volkswagons or Kombi vans used wonderful country in the world. I have to for the conveyance of spastic children­ agree about the 'BUT'! and this should interest the hon. member "There must be plenty of people with for Merthyr who has interjected. These wide vision and high principles in Aust­ vehicles have only one door and one driver, ralia. Isn't it time that 'we the people' one person in charge. organised to guard our rights and to estab- A Government Member: I hope so. Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1097

Mr. BROMLEY: Obviously hon. members Mr. BROMLEY: I am concerned about opposite do not care about the safety of the health of the community. This is a the spastics. Those vehicles have only one breakdown in the scheme to arrest the spread driver and one exit door and very often of tuberculosis and the "Minister for the driver has to leave the vehicle to help Chooks" comes in and laughs. H makes the children in or out. one sick. The scheme has its faults. One is that a person may not be enrolled. Many Government Members interjected. people do not enrol, as we all know. They may enrol federally and think they are The CHAIRMAN: Order! automatically put onto the State roll but that is not so. If a person wanted to deliberately Mr. BROMLEY: Mr. Hooper, I think the dodge having a compulsory chest X-ray it sooner we get this business of margarine would be a simple matter. He would not versus butter over, the sooner we might get enrol and would not appear at the mobile some sense out of the members of the X-ray unit. Cabinet. A simple remedy for this would be to Very often the driver has to leave the supply people who visit the X-ray unit with vehicle to help one of the spastic children an enrolment form to fill in. These could in or out, thereby leaving all the others in then be sent to the Electoral Office and the the van completely unattended by any respon­ persons would be enrolled or perhaps advised sible person. Without a doubt these vehicles by the office to enrol immediately. That is are a death trap for the unfortunate young­ one method that comes quickly to mind, but sters in them and I sincerely trust that the it would be easy to evolve some scheme to matter will be closely studied by a respon­ correct the situation. sible Minister if we have any. I have not much time left and I wish to The danger does exist and it would be deal with another urgent and important obvious to anybody interested in the welfare matter. It is the introduction of a scheme of these spastics. I hope it is eliminated of positive identification of denture wearers before a tragedy occurs. Anybody who does in case of accident. In many countries, every not believe me should go and have a look person who wears any type of denture, for himself. whether it be partial, full upper or full lower, is required to have some positive Mr. R. E. Moore: Would you explain identification mark on it. exactly what the trap is and what the prob­ lem is? Mr. Sberrington: If he can afford to buy one. Mr. BROMLEY: I take it the hon. mem­ ber understands the unfortunate physical Mr. BROMLEY: As the hon. member for handicap of spastic children? Salisbury says, if he can afford to buy one. Such an identification mark showing the Mr. R. E. Moore: Yes, I do. institution or surgery from which the denture was received and the name of the person Mr. BROMLEY: I am sure he does and who made it would save lengthy delays I take it most hon. members do. By the presently being experienced in the identifica­ very nature of their handicaps they are not tion of seriously injured accident victims. mobile patients, yet they have to be left Legislation today is becoming more and more alone in a van which may become a fire uniform and this scheme could be introduced hazard and with only one exit door. If with the co-operation of all the States. A there were two exit doors the danger would national coding system and marking method be greatly reduced. In my view, all vehicles would be simple to operate. for the transport of spastic children should be equipped with two doors serving as two Finally, one of the greatest rackets exists when necessary and two entrances. operating in our hospital system in Brisbane The danger is serious and the remedy is a at the moment is that adopted by outside simple one. optometrists for the Queensland Government Another matter with which I am concerned eye-testing section. The eye section at the is the system on which the mobile drive Princess Alexandra Hospital can prescribe for compulsory chest X-rays is based. The glasses for patients but the frames supplied scheme is of tremendous value to the health by the Government optician, Trevor Hen­ of the community but, because it is based derson, are shocking. The whole set-up is on an electoral roll system, it has its faults a "frame-up", because people will not accept and inadequacies. It is quite simple if one these frames and decide to purchase a better has regard to the fact that every person type. Anyone connected with the optical who has a chest X-ray taken at the mobile profession will know that the best frames booth is marked off on the roll as having can be imported into Queensland for $1 or had that X-ray. To my knowledge there is $1 .50, but a patient who contacted me no way in which a person can be checked recently was told that he had to pay $8 for as having had an X-ray, if he is not on ordinary glasses made to a free prescription. the roll. He was forced to buy two pairs of glasses at $8 each, or pay $21.50 for a pair of Mr. Camphell: Can they get a postal bifocals. yet he had a free prescription from vote X-ray? the Princess Alexandra Hospital. If that is 1098 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

not a racket, I would like to know what is. educationally deprived areas, or neighbour­ I know the cost of glasses frames. At one hoods in which a person's job and status time the best of frames could be imported owe little to education, where their parents for 2s. or 2s. 6d. I know that they are owe very little to the education system. It more expensive now, but it is wrong if a is only natural that their children, as they patient gets a free prescription and is grow older, regard school as a prelude to required to pay $21.50 for a pair of glasses, work rather than an avenue for future particularly when the lenses and the frames opportunities. are supplied under free prescription. In the past, we have tried to spread the Finally, I refer to the great number of finance as evenly as possible among our people who enjoy visiting trotting courses schools. I am now supporting the pro­ like the one at Rocklea. An executive gramme advanced by the Minister for Edu­ member of the Liberal Party has told me cation to give a higher priority to schools that there is a possibility that betting at in the subeconomic areas. Unfortunately Rocklea will be abolished, and before I sit these areas do exist and, because of the down I should like the Treasurer to tell me lack of interest by parents, the children whether that is true or not. from them do not have the benefit of some of the teaching aids that are available at Mr. Chalk: Read this morning's paper. our average schools. Therefore, we should Mr. MILLER (Ithaca) (7.41 p.m.): In encourage these children to learn, and we rising to speak in this debate, I associate can best start by providing schools such as myself with the members who have already the one we are now building at Petrie congratulated the Treasurer on another Terrace. excellent Budget. Last year members of the For many reasons, Petrie Terrace is one Opposition accused the Treasurer of with­ of the problem areas: First, in the transient holding funds in the two previous years to nature of the school population; second, in strengthen last year's pre-election Budget. the increase in the number of coloured This year members of the Opposition accuse students and, third, in the very low pro­ him of not allocating sufficient funds to portion of homeowners among the parents. activities in which they are particularly We are all prisoners of our own environ­ interested. However, they have not said ment to a certain degree and it is pleasing where the funds should come from. The to see that the school at Petrie Terrace allocation of finance to everybody's satis­ will encourage most of these children to faction has always been a problem confront­ lift themselves out of their environment to ing Governments, and I have no doubt that a much better standard for the future. I every Government member could suggest do not suggest that this school will be the areas of Government that call for the school to end all schools. Naturally features expenditure of greater sums of money. The will be found wanting, but at least it will significant result of the debate is that, be a start in helping these children to over­ although members of the Opposition would come their handicap of living in an area of like more money for the care of subnormal inadequate housing and other social problems. children and other important matters, they have not been able to justify a reduction in The Plowden report fully supports the the allocation of finance to any section of action taken by the Minister for Education. Government to allow for that increased It recognises that the first step must be to expenditure. Their only argument is that raise the schools with low standards to there is not enough money to do all the the national level and, secondly, to quite things that we would like to see achieved, deliberately make them better than average. and Government members do not argue with These schools will play an important part members of the Opposition on that point. in the lives of these children but they will In the ab;ence of any criticism of the be of no avail without the right type of spending by the Treasurer it must be teacher. accepted that members of the Opposition recognise the Budget for what it is, namely, I do not wish to be misunderstood. I a well-balanced Budget. believe that 98 per cent. of our teachers are dedicated, hard-working people, who have the It is particularly pleasing to me that once interests of the children at heart. But I am again the allocation of funds for education concerned about the other 2 per cent. who h;s been increased, and I believe that even prefer to use our schools as an outlet for more monev should be channelled into that their political philosophy. I do not know very important activity. There is now what sort of screening is used by the Depart­ general agreement among social workers ment but I suggest that we should look and psychiatrists that the lack of education a lot deeper into the background of some is the main cause of crimes. Prisoners of the teachers coming into the service. It themselves now recognise that fact, and that is beyond my comprehension how a member is why so many of them take advantage of of the Communist New Look Party, the New the educational facilities that are offered in Left, is able to join the teaching staff. I am the gaols. However, education needs to be certain that if a strict survey were taken commenced early in a person's life to induce at least 95 per cent. of people would not him to seek the knowledge that is available. want their children taught by a Communist A great number of prisoners come from teacher. At the present time, members of Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1099 the New Left are attending our universities Mr. MILLER: If Opposition members are on teaching scholarships. Surely that is patient I shall tell them all about their not in the interests of the children. Communist friends. Last Saturday week I had the pleasure We must also consider if it is in the best of listening to a former under-cover agent interests of the community to have, as trade of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who union officials, members of the Communist had specialised in counteracting student Party. We have now reached the stage in unrest in America and Canada. He spoke our development where the employment posi­ of the $2,000,000 damage caused to the tion no longer depends on good seasons in George William University of Montreal by our country areas, but rather on the good students and outsiders. sense and, at times, loyalty of our union Opposition Members interjected. leaders and their shop stewards. I believe that the women of this State are sick and Mr. MILLER: It is a shame that Opposi­ tired of having their husbands called out on tion members think that this is funny. strike by irresponsible union officials. These In one day they wrecked a large computer women are also the consumers who have to centre and partly destroyed the building by meet increased prices that are often caused fire-a mere $2,500,000 worth of damage. by strikes. We have seen proof of this in Unfortunately, 12 West Indians from Trini­ recent weeks in the strike by meatworkers dad were among the 79 students arrested. when all "specials" were removed because They were at the university on a scholarship of a shortage of meat. All these strikes provided by the Canadian Government. They affect the consumer's pocket, and it is were hand-picked so that they could, on their criminal to call irresponsible strikes and return to the West Indies, play an important stoppages. An irresponsible strike that used part in the development of their country. to occur-I am pleased that the men at They are now facing prison terms ranging Mt. Isa have decided not to continue with from seven to 15 years, all because their it-was a stoppage of one day when some­ lecturer was a member of the New Left. body was killed at that mine. The worst feature of this is that the real An Opposition Memb€r: That was not a trouble-maker, the lecturer, is still free to strike. carry on and instil his philosophy into the Mr. MILLER: I called it a stoppage. minds of other students. What happened after the men decided We would not allow members of the that they would not continue the practice Communist Party to join the staff of our of having such stoppages? What did Egerton security service. I believe that the education have to say? of our children is as important as our security service. We would be wasting our Mr. R. Jones: Doesn't this House adjourn money if we spent millions of dollars on a when a member dies? new look in education to overcome the Mr. MILLER: "Mount Isa workers' scheme problems confronting children in deprived paltry," said Egerton. areas and intended at the same time to allow members of the Communist Party to Honourable Members interjected. teach in that service. I trust that the depart­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. ment will see fit to improve its screening Carey): Order! The Chair is anxious to hear process. the speaker. 1\'l:r. Sherrington: Do you know them? Mr. MILLER: I was surprised at the way Mr. MILLER: I most certainly do. in which the workers' leader, Egerton, reacted to the wonderful idea of the workers at Mr. Sherrington: Would you like to name Mt. Isa of working, instead of having a them? stoppage, and donating a day's pay to the Mr. MILLER: I believe that members of widow of the man who was killed. the Opposition would be well versed in the Mr. Davies: You called that a strike. names of the Communists in our State. Mr. O'Donnell: That is a shocking state­ Mr. MILLER: I have been talking about ment to make, and you know it. strikes and irresponsible stoppages. Mr. MILLER: We will see later on The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! whether that is so. The hon. member for Maryborough knows that he cannot interject from other than If we are to have financial stability m his accustomed seat in the Chamber. I ask this State, we must face the problem of him kindly to refrain from interjecting, or irresponsible strikes. If the people of Queens­ to return to his seat in the Chamber. land are to enjoy the benefits of the expansion that is taking place in our mining and indus­ Mr. DAVIES: I rise to a point of order, trial fields and if we are to have a continuing Mr. Carey. I should like to know under expansion of them, there is a need to amend which Standing Order you have made that the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration ruling. Act to allow for a new look in arbitration. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! Opposition Members interjected. The hon. member for Ithaca. 1100 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. MILLER: Thank you, Mr. Carey. Mr. MILLER: That is quite true but the Workers have been called out on all sorts industrial relations officers want to be able of paltry excuses. Happenings at Glad­ to meet with an industrial conciliator. Tthere stone provide a typical example of what I is nothing in the present Act to prevent an am saying. A strike was called there industrial dispute. The situation is that because a foreman marked a pipe with a inevitably a strike occurs irrespective of the hacksaw. Does one see the same attitude provisions of the Act and of the award. In in other unions and other sections of indus­ the interests of better relations we should try? Have carpenters gone on strike because amend the Act to provide a procedure for a foreman marked a pipe? Have automotive the settlement of disputes. The Act makes electricians gone on strike because a fore­ all strikes illegal, but what is required is a man repaired a car? No. These strikes system whereby a strike is declared illegal are well placed and well planned, and they depending on the facts or factors. In other are called in places where the cost to the words, we do not declare all strikes illegal employer is prohibitive. The alumirra works and then find ourselves without a means at Gladstone and meatworks throughout the of enforcing that declaration. It is ridi­ State are industries in which severe financial culous to say that all strikes are illegal, losses c:1n be inflicted upon employers, which because surely it is the inherent right of all is why such companies are now prepared people to withhold their labour if they to sack employees if the unions demand cannot obtain satisfaction by true con­ it, ciliation. For those reasons, and in the interests of employees and their families, we must The problem that has now developed is consider amending the Industrial Conciliation that strikes are not always caused by the and Arbitration Act by, firstly, making it failure of the unions to obtain satisfaction more workaJble, and, secondly, placing more or some improved conditions but are often emphasis on conciliation rather than arbitra­ caused by shop stewards who look upon tion. In the interests of better industrial themselves as "Sawdust Caesars". Today relations, we should consider the appointment unions are finding it more difficult than of a professional conciliator within the ever to control some of these shop stewards structure of the Act. and union representatives and quite often Mr. Davies: What do you mean by that? they are embarrassed by their actions. Surely whether a law is a good law depends Mr. MILLER: If the hon. member listens, on what effect it has. There is an old saying he will find out. If he will keep the member that bad laws are the worst form of tyranny. beside him quiet for five minutes, he will How effective is our law? Has it achieved hear what I have to suggest. Such a the desired resuit? These are the questions conciliator should be independent of the that we must ask ourselves. If it is not Industrial. Commission. He should be part effective it needs review. of the lme of communication and should be a person with whom the parties can talk Approximately 70 per cent. of the freely. Certainly there would be frank dis­ workers in Queensland are covered by State cussion if the parties knew that what was awards and depend on the Industrial Con· said at their meetings would not be held ciliation and Arbitration Act for industrial against them if conferences failed and arbitra­ peace and prosperity for their families. Let tion ;va.s necess

Mr. MILLER: That was said by Mr. Bill " 'The meetings were convened in the Wood. main by Mr. Roser. The declaration continues- " 'At these meetings we would decide " 'Mrs. Esther Aarons, who 1s an who would be supported for official organiser in the union, invited me to her positions in the union. home to discuss with her husband an " 'In the main what we agreed to at article he had written on a coalition of the meetings went to the annual meeting the Left in the Communist Left Review. for nominations and an annual general meeting attended by at the most 30 or 40 " 'I a~cepted the invitation and had discussions at t:hese evenings. members.' "(The Liquor Trades Union has a "'Other ALP members attended.' " membership of about 15,000) Opposition Members interjected. The document continues-"sometimes members who did not approve of the Mr. MILLER: I am only warning Opposi­ 'hard core' meeting nominations attempted tion members of the dangers confronting to get other people elected at the meeting. the A.L.P. in Queensland. " 'But the Communist group had always Mr. R . .Jones: We have been fighting the previously organised sufficient absentee Communist Party since 1953. votes to ensure they had a majority. Mr. MILLER: The hon. member for " 'It was only at this stage I became Cairns claims they have been fighting the aware that there was provision in the Communist Party since 1953, yet I am reading rules for absentee postal voting. a statutory declaration from New South '' 'At this stage the bulk of the member­ Wales-- ship was left unaware that there was provision in the rules for getting an An Opposition Member: But this is absentee postal vote.' " Queensland. Mr. R. Jones: That bloke must have been Mr. MILLER: I have already quoted the pretty naive. Opposition's share of uhe position in Queensland. There is no difference between Mr. MILLER: Yes, and he was a member Queensland and New South Wales. of the A.L.P. executive, too. Th·e CHAIRMAN: Order! I have already It continues- reminded hon. members to direct their " 'While still not realising how completely remarks to the Chair. I now remind the the union was being manipulated for hon. member for Ithaca to do so. I remind political purposes, I started to grow hon. members on my left that a barrage of uneasy.'" interjections will not be permitted. Mr. Sherrington: How was the Liberal Mr. MILLER: I should like to continue Party conference-- with this because I am sure it will be of Mr. MILLER: The hon. member had his interest to members of the Opposition. say this morning. It continues- It continues- " 'At this stage, which would be about " 'I had an argument with Mr. Eric three years ago, I honestly believed that Aarons. it was in the best interests of the trade union movement to have a united front. " 'The other ALP members and I had ideas and thoughts about how to improve " 'At this stage I started to attend what the welfare and industrial standing of the we termed "hard core" meetings. general membership. " 'There "' ould be no more than nine " 'But we the ALP members found that of these meetings. we could get consideration of our ideas "'At this stage I did not notice but on the occasions when our ideas could subsequently I realised that there were be used by the Communists and Communist always a majority of Communists. sympathising elements to advance their political lines. " 'This means that the Communists were " 'When we wanted a "hard core" always in a position to outvote the ALP meeting we were told that everyone was members.'" too busy to attend one. An Opposition Member: That is a lot of " 'But they called meetings whenever it rubbish suited them and we found increasingly that it was on their terms and on their Mr. MILLER: That is a lot of rubbish? grounds.'" It is a statutory declaration by a member of the A.L.P. executive in New South Wales. Mr. Wright: Will you table that document later? It continues- " 'These meetings took place in the Mr. MILLER: I will be pleased to. The Union's rooms at ~he Trades Hall. hon. member can have it. 1104 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. R. Jones: I will retract that statement The CHAIRMAN: Order! When the Corn· about his being naive; he was a bloody fool. mittee comes to order, I shall allow the hon. member for Ithaca to continue his speech. Mr. MILLER: Was he really? Mr. Newton: Make him tell the truth. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I ask the hon. Mr. MILLER: For the benefit of the hon. member for Cairns to withdraw that remark. member for Belmont-- Mr. R. Jones: I will withdraw it. Mr. Newton: I happen to be a member of Mr. Bennett: I would like to hear what that union and I know what goes on in it. it was. Mr. MILLER: I believe what I am read· Mr. MILLER: Mr. Wood's statement con· ing to be the truth. If it is not the truth, the tinues- hon. member had better go and see Mr. Bill Wood, the executive member of the New " 'This was very apparent when there South Wales Labour Party. was an expansion in the N.S.W. delegation from two to four. Mr. Newton: It's another dirty dossier that " 'Our Federal Council is not Corn· you have brought in here before that some munist involved. of your colleagues have made up. " 'There was a "hard core" meeting in, Mr. MILLER: It has never been in here I believe, February. 1967. before. " 'Present were Miss Flo Davis, Vie Mr. Bennett: It was probably printed at Workman, Norman Proctor, Jim Clark, Liberal Party headquarters. Bill Roser, Barney Kerr, and possibly another person. The CHAIRMAN: Order! The ben. mem· "'Also present were Mr. John Morris, ber for Ithaca. Ken Hill, Noel Maguire and myself. Mr. MILLER: The statement continues- These four are ALP members. " 'At the next "hard core" meeting " 'Mr. Roser put forward that the about a fortnight later and attended by increase in the delegation should be one the same people, my ALP colleagues and member of the Communist Party and one I were even more insistent that the dele­ member of the ALP. gates to Federal Council should be ALP " 'I argued that as already two of the members or sympathisers, not Communists. delegation to the Federal Council-Mr. " 'They offered a compromise of two Roser and Mr. Cliff Williams-were mem· Communists, one ALP man a:r:d an Inde· bers of the Communist Party, both of the pendent. new delegates should be ALP members.' " " 'Believing that an "Independent" Mr. Wright: We are talking about Queens· appointed on that basis would dance to land. I am fed up with this. whatever tune a Communist Party piped, we resisted this and demanded two A.L.P. men Mr. MILLER: I know the hon. member is fed up with it. "'Mr. Kerr said, "Well we can't make a firm decision on your ultimatum . . . Mr. Wright: Tell us about Queensland. we'll have to go back to Day Street (which Mr. MILLER: I am associating what hap. is the way Communist Party Headquarters pened in New South Wales with the sharing is referred to in the Trade. Union Move· of positions in the Building Workers' Indus· ment) and put your viewpoint to our indus· trial Union. trial group." " 'Finally towards the end of April the Mr. Wright: Tell us about Queensland, and "hard core" met again. name them. " 'Mr. Roser said "our decision is that Mr. MILLER: All right, I will name them if you are adamant in standing two ALP -Mr. Chard, A.L.P.; Mr. Hamilton, Com­ candidates and an Independent nominates munist; Mr. Anderson, Communist; Mr. as well, we will play a neutral role with Peterson, Communist; Mr. Laughlin, Corn· the fourth candidate." munist; Mr. Ferguson, A.L.P.; Mr. Stevens, "'We said "we don't care what you do­ A.L.P. Hon. members opposite want them we're going out to battle for two ALP named, and I have named them. blokes to be Federal Councillors." Mr. Newton: That's only half of them. " 'This for me was the turning point. .. I recognise that this talk about shared The CHAIRMAN: Order! leadership is so much poppycock and what the Communists wanted was complete con· Mr. MILLER: Mr. Hooper, how many trol of the Union on their own terms. more Communists are there? The hon. "'We decided to run two ALP men member for Belmont informs the Committee for the two vacancies. that I have named only half of them. "'I stood for one vacancy. . . John Mr. Newton: Names were given, and you Morris stood for the other vacancy. don't even know who nominated them. "'Mr. Morris and I organis.ed.'" Honamable Members interjected. Mr. Bennett: Ken Morris, was it? Supply [21 OcTOBER] Supply 1105

Mr. MILLER: You wish it was. The document continues- " 'I (Wood) would be supported some­ Mr. Bennett: I wouldn't be surprised. time in the future as Branch President if Mr. MILLER: The document continues- the ALP members agreed to go along with " 'We could only organise on a limited this deal. basis because of the lack of resources. . . " 'I went to ALP officials {in other some of the members who voted told us Unions) whom I regarded as Left Wingers. that it was the first vote they had had in "'I told them of the proposition. the Union's history. . . they were mem­ " 'I told them that the question of the bers of long standing. presidency was not as important as far as " 'Mr. Morris and I were elected. Union management went. " 'We, the ALP men who attended the " 'The job of Assistant Secretary was "hard-core" meetings-Mr. Morris, Mr. the important one.' " Hill, Mr. Maguire and myself-decided Mr. Hooper, I do not think there is any that we would not attend any future "hard­ need for me to carry on reading this docu­ core" meetings on the ground that only ment. I think I have proved to the Com­ one viewpoint put there could prevail and mittee beyond doubt that there has been a we would not be dictated to any longer.'" unity between the A.L.P. and ,the Com­ Mr. Newton: You're flat out even reading munist Party and that there still is a unity it. between them in Brisbane. I am concerned that the "Left Wing" in Queensland will take Mr. MILLER: That's very true. This is a control of the A.W.U. as it has in New South photostat I am reading. Wales. If it does, we can expect irrespon­ sible strikes in Brisbane. One of the most The document continues- important services under the auspices of the " 'Mr. Wood's document then goes on to A.W.U. is our Water Supply and Sewerage describe how the Communist officials Department. I wonder what will happen if turned critical of their methods as the men in this Department in Brisbane are organisers and organised Communist called out on a strike similar to that which officials and organisers to launch a cam­ occurred in London recently involving the paign against the rebellious ALP men garbage workers. There would be chaos. personally. I hope that the Minister for Labour and The document continues-"Mr. John Tourism will consider this problem and see Rennick, Sub-Branch Secretary of the if we cannot amend the Industrial Concilia­ Union's Wollongong Branch came to my tion and Arbitration Act. home I think early in 1968. " 'He said he was attending a Com­ Mr. DEAN (Sandgate) (8.36 p.m.): During munist camp at Minto. my past nine years in this Assembly I have " 'He pleaded with me. not listened to a speech with more disgust " 'He said "Disregard Bill Roser's than that delivered by the hon. member domineering attitude ... he'll toe the line for Ithaca tonight. As a member of the when he's told ... what we want is to Australian Labour Party I confidently and re-establish Communist-ALP co-operation vehemently declare on behalf of my ... we have a genuine offer for you to colleagues in this Chamber that we have consider if we meet again." no affiliation whatever with the Communist Party of Australia. I do not know any " 'For technical reasons we decided to Communist in this State, personally or other­ meet the Communist group, in order to wise. I would not know whether any know at least what they were planning. particular man or woman belonged to the "'We met I think in March, 1968 ... Communist Party. I know also that nobody Rennick chaired that particular meeting. on this side would be attending any meeting " 'He said that the Communist Party at which Communists or Communist fellow­ officials were getting on in years and could travellers would be present. not be expected to carry on their Union I had a great respect for the hon. member work much longer. for Ithaca and I am amazed and disgusted " 'Miss Davis would be retiring shortly that he has allowed himself to be used as and there might be other retirements. a tool for an outside organisation. I will "'Jim Clark, then Sub-Branch Secretary name it. It is the so-called D.L.P.-cum­ for Newcastle, was the person they felt Fascist organisation. should fill Miss Davis' shoes. An Opposition Member: And the National "'It was suggested by Mr. Rennick that Civic Council. there could perhaps be a deal if we agreed to this proposition.' " Mr. DEAN: It is a combination of all of those. Santamaria, of the National Civic Mr. Jensen: You don't believe that rot, Council, was the architect of this vicious and do you? filthy organisation that has been operating in Australia for some time now. To the hon. Mr. MILLER: I most certainly do believe member for Ithaca I say again that I am it. surprised and amazed that he, a man of his 1106 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply above-average intelligence allowed himself imaginative, more industrious than most, to be used by an organisation outside of and easily adaptable to technological this Parliament. As proof positive that he was change." being used as a tool, he was reading very r feel that in the main our salvation in meticulously from a document supplied to the future will come from the technological him by that organisation. I watched him training that many Queenslanders receive carefully and it was only when interjections today. University students who advance to to his speech were made that he looked the higher technological planes will be quite up from the prepared script before him. capable of steering the State along a pros­ perous course in secondary industry in the The debate on the Budget, of course, allows future, provided they are allowed to do w~th­ members wide scope to discusss subjects out the fear of importations from abroad. of importance to the State as well as the I am not derogating any professional men actual Financial Statement presented by the imported from overseas, because it is good Treasurer. A thorough discussion of the to have fresh ideas and new faces. But Treasurers' Financial Statement would take credit should be given to Queenslanders, more time than is allowed under the Standing especially those trained in the universities Orders. Therefore, before I deal with any and technical colleges, to carry the responsi­ particular aspect of the Budget, I want to bility of its secondary industries. comment on the intensification, during the last few weeks or months, of the dreadful Sir David s,aid- drought from which the State has been "Our basic national objectives are, of suffering. Of course, droughts have plagued course, well defined. Simultaneously we this country ever since we took possession are looking for high employment, rising of it. It is well known as the driest continent living standards, increasing productivity, in the world. I hope therefore that the improved social welfare, adequate defence, GovernmPnt, on this occasion has learnt expansion of world trade, and greater the lesson inherent in drought, and that it diversification of economic activity." will promote secondary industry more than That points out what I have said about the in the past. importance that should be placed upon Some time ago I received a copy of a secondary industries. report prepared by Sir David Muir, whose Australia has had to live with droughts ability and integrity is well known. Many since it was colonised by our forebears from hon. members know him personally and Great Britain, so the time is long overdue have watched his climb to his present posi­ for the Government to give consideration tion. His report is headed "Industrialisation to developing secondary industries at a fast -the Key to Queensland's Economic Pro­ rate. I think Government members have gress", and in it he offers advice to the an underlying desire to see our secondary Government, which I hope it will heed. industries develop and diversify in the very near future so that we may avoid the hard­ He said- ships created by the drought in the last few "By tracing the impressive development years. which has occurred more particularly over the past two to three decades, and by It is impossible to deal with the Budget observing the radical changes which this in great detail, but it is appropriate to deal has produced is the basic nature of the with the sections that interest us and which (State's) economy, two indisputable facts will have the greatest impact on the people's will clearly emerge. Firstly, industrialisa­ general welfare. The heading, Department tion is indeed the key to Queensland's of Conservation, Marine and Aboriginal Affairs, covers many departments on which ~conomic progress, and, secondly, despite 1ts already noteworthy performance in the I could speak at great length. As pointed matter of export earnings, Queensland, with out, I think by the hon. member for its vast resources, is destined to make an Norman, we can spread ourselves only during even greater contribution to the national certain debates to raise matters that we economy in the years that lie ahead." might wish to bring up at other times of the year if Standing Rules and Orders did not Sir David said that more emphasis should preclude our doing so. be placed on secondary industries than has been in the last few years, particularly, I I should like to discuss a matter of grave might add, since this Government took office. importance that is causing great concern in A second force is needed in the State's the fishing industry in the Sandgate elec­ economic structure to counter future droughts. torate, namely, the proposed harbour at There is no doubt that the course of nature Shorncliffe, which has been under considera­ cannot be changed, so the State must pre­ tion for many years. It is well known that pare for droughts both by assisting primary Cabbage Tree Creek lends itself to the con­ producers and by speeding up the indus­ struction and development of a first-class trialiS'ation of the State. boat harbour for small craft, especially the prawning fleet which operates from the creek. Sir David went on- I say without hesitation that at this very "Australia's greatest wealth, however, moment there is chaos in Cabbage Tree lies in its people. As a race they are Creek in that up to 70 boats may be trying Supply (21 OCTOBER] Supply 1107 to get access to the creek for mooring pur­ I support the remarks of other hon. mem­ poses. They find that very difficult because bers on school driving courses. Soon after of the shallowness of the creek at the mouth. my entry into Parliament, the hon. member The bar is causing much trouble for many for Salisbury proposed a scheme for the of the interstate boats following the prawns training of high-school children to drive up the coast. I promised the fishing interests vehicles on our public highways. It was said in my electorate that I would raise this then, and it is still said, that it cannot be matter at every available opportunity until done and that it would not be practicable. the boat harbour is constructed for the use However, Mr. E. A. Huxtable, a traffic of this great commercial undertaking, which engineer in New South Wales, is reported creates employment for many people other in 'The Courier-Mail" of 11 October, 1969, than those in the prawning fleet, such as as proposing the general adoption of a driver­ those who repair the boats, and those who training programme in Australian high supply parts and nets and everything else schools. It was stated in that newspaper for the prawning industry. article that several pilot schemes were already I asked the Minister by way of a question working in some schools, and that many when it was proposed to effect improvements, others were interested. The Director of and he indicated that he hoped that early Secondary Education in Queensland, Mr. in January next year dredging would be Roberts, said that Queensland State schools resumed in Cabbage Tree Creek to deepen did not have the facilities, time, or finance the water at the bar. I sincerely hope that to handle such schemes. I am not, of something will be done before then. I make course, making any charges against Mr. no apology for introducing the subject, as Roberts personally, because he is a public I have done before. Tonight I make a servant and must follow policy lines laid special appeal on behalf of those people down by the Government. He said that who are trying to earn a livelihood in the education authorities could not handle the prawning industry. extra burden. Other delegates to the Queensland Road Safety Council seminar Mr. Wallis-Smith: You have a lot of accused Mr. Huxtable of taking a negative trouble at Sandgate when the tide is out. attitude. Mr. DEAN: I can assure the hon. mem­ In Western Australia a scheme for training ber that we have a good deal of trouble young drivers has been in operation for down there whether the tide is in or out, some time, and, according to information because there is no great depth of water in received, it has been a very great success. the creek even when the tide is in. When I feel that I should make a plea on behalf the creek is dredged and the boat harbour of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra also. is provided, boats will be able to gain access For some years the Government's contri­ to the creek and moor in the creek at high bution to its maintenance has remained vir­ or low water. tually unchanged, and I think the time is overdue for consideration to be given to I again appeal for the provision of a new increasing its subsidy. It receives one of Queensland Conservatorium of Music. I had the lowest subsidies paid in the Common­ the pleasure of attending the opening of the wealth for the purpose. The Sydney Sym­ conservatorium many years ago when the phony Orchestra, for example, receives Labour Premier said that it was only a $75,000 from the Government and $25,000 temporary measure. but that it was a start from the council, making $100,000 a year with the project. It was hoped that a more in all. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra fitting building would be made available. receives $75,000 from the Government and However, the conservatorium is still housed $22,000 from the council, making $97,000 in the South Brisbane Town Hall which a year. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra ~lthoug~ it !s architecturally and hi~torically receives only $45,000 from the Government mterestmg, Is completely unsuitable for the and $15,000 from the council, a total of purpose. It was only a stopgap measure $60,000 in all. and the time is long overdue for a neV.: The Queensland Symphony Orchestra plays conservatorium. The site has been chosen a very important role in the cultural develop­ and there should be no delay in constructing ment of the State. In addition to its regular the building so that students can be educated commitments to the A.B.C. for celebrity in Queensland and not have to go to New concerts and a dui t concerts throughout the South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia. year, it makes a valuable contribution to the education system in schools. Many free I support my colleague who said that a school concerts are held during the year, and more concentrated effort should be made to schools in the metropolitan area in turn bring obtain first-class libraries in our schools. In classes to them so that children can gain this day a_n~ age there is strong competition in musical appreciation and learn what a from televisiOn and theatres, so it is important symphony orchestra is and what it can do. that children be encouraged to read good I was therefore disappointed that the Budget literature, and there is no better time for did not provide an increase in subsidy for them to start than in their early days at the orchestra. It is all very well to say that school. The allocation for this purpose is the Australian Broadcasting Commission inadequate. should carry the burden of maintaining the 1108 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

orchestra. That was not the idea originally always been one of the very strong planks when the State orchestras were formed. of Labour's platform in Queensland State Governments and local councils were in particular. to play their part in helping to maintain Mr. Davies: We have every reason to be the orchestras by the granting of subsidies. proud of it. I am rather disappointed that no greater Mr. DEAN: As the hon. member for assistance has been given to the Queensland Maryborough says, we have every reason Bands Association. This is a voluntary to be proud of it. The first name that comes organisation, 2.nd the time is long overdue for to mind in this connection is that of the it to be given more consideration. There late Hon. E. M. Hanlon, Premier of the are about 55 brass bands and half-a-dozen State for some years, and, for want of a military ba:-~ds in the State, and all members better word, a fanatical admirer and fanatical and players are volunteers. They receive no supporter of free hospitalisation. Indeed, he remuneratio:1. was the instigator of many of the great benefits that flow from it in Queensland Mr. Bemrett: The South Brisbane Federal today. They stand to his credit and will Band has been the champion band many stand against his name to the end of time. times. The Royal Brisbane Hospital, the free­ hospitals system in general and the great Mr. DEAN: That is quite correct; it is maternity hospitals of the State all come a good band. There are also many other from Mr. Hanlon's early interest. He real­ bands that are very good. As with all other ised the great hardships occasioned in years contests, they cannot all gain first place. past by a lack of the modern facilities that I think ail band people should be given should be placed within the easy reach of more by way of subsidy. If more money everyone needing them. were allocated to the Queensland Bands That brings to my mind the great institu­ Association for distribution among the tion down there in my electorate-"Even­ various bands it would enable them to train tide"-that does such wonderful work for the younger people in the community who the aged people of Queensland. Many of are desirous of taking their places in the the inmates come from distant parts of the bands and ensure the continuity of bands in State. One of the great hardships encoun­ the future. Their only reward is the satis­ tered by inmates of "Eventide", Sandgate, faction of doing something for the com­ occurs at State election time-not so much munity and the personal satisfaction of their during a Federal election because they are own performance. It is too late now to all enrolled on the Federal roll for Lilley. increase the subsidies in this Budget but I But during a State campaign or a local trust that the Government will in the near authority campaign, they are compelled to future give serious consideration to increas­ vote in the electorate in which they lived ing those to the Queensland Symphony before entering the home at Sandgate. I Orchestra and the Queensland Bands know some of them have been there for 30 Association. or 40 years. Of course, they were at Dunwich before entering "Eventide" at Sand­ As to the allocation for the National Fit­ gate, but they are still on the State electoral ness Campaign, I think the Government roll for the electorate in which they lived should show more interest in encouraging before taking up residence at "Eventide." young people to join National Fitness Many hon. members know of the confusion groups. It will pay handsome dividends in and distress of trying to work out the elec­ its contribution to the general health of the torate in which they must vote. Many of community by giving opportunities to them have forgotten which electorate they engage in healthful and worthwhile were in, but they are compelled by the laws activities. of the State to exercise their vote in that electorate. I think the time is long overdue The other Department I want to deal with for the State Electoral Act to be amended is the Department of Health and the to put all these people on the one electoral administration of the free-hospitals system. roll, that for Sandgate. I listened very attentively this afternoon to the Minister of Health's wide dissertation During the debate on the Address in on the free-hospitals system of Queensland, Reply, I mentioned the necessity to recon­ which no doubt all hon. members must struct this home, and I have since given my realise-even though some are not honest promise to people interested in the institu­ enough to admit it-stands as a great monu­ tion that I would again stress this necessity. ment to previous Labour Governments of I believe "Eventide" should be reconstructed the State. It is rather amusing to read on modern lines to bring it into conformity current Press reports on the subject. with modern trends learned overseas by its Tonight's "Telegraph" contains comment by Director, to afford these geriatric patients a certain Federal member who said that the treatment more fitting for their declining great fear was that if Labour gained con­ years. trol of the Federal benches it would mean At the moment, the buildings are of all­ the destruction of the free-hospitals system wooden construction. They are maintained in Queensland. Free hospitalisation has as far as it is possible to maintain them Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1109 with the available staff. From the outside or welfare will not repair the great damage they look quite all right; but, as I have that is done to the minds of young children claimed before, they are virtually being held who come from homes that are deliberately together with paint. The time is long over­ broken by selfish parents who think only of due for the building of a modern brick their own welfare. I appeal to the Govern­ structure which will give these people the ment to consider introducing legislation to comfort to which they are entitled. deal with parents who will not shoulder their Last SatJrday afternoon I had the pleasure full responsibility to their children. of attending at Redcliffe the opening of the new Nazarene Hospital run by the Blue I am glad to see the Minister for Justice Nursing Service. It did my heart good to in the Chamber, for I know that he will see the facilities being made available to take notice of what I say. The community the fortunate-or unfortunate-people who is greatly concerned about the increasing have to enter these places in their declining number of attacks made upon innocent people years. Anyone who enters this hospital will in the streets. Newspaper articles contain enjoy facilities calculated to make him dS reports of the concern felt by police officers happy as possible. about people, particularly young women, People entering "Eventide" or any other being molested at night while returning institution catering for the aged and invalid home from work or places of amusement. are entitled to the same consideration as the I do not agree with ideas expressed by Methodist Church has given to these inmates. some of the do-gooders in the community, namely, that the Department of Education Many of these homes are operating in the is to blame for it all. The hon. member State. At the moment nearing completion is for Ithaca said that those in the community the new wing of the Masonic Home at who are becoming criminally minded are Sandgate. This institution is being extended the product of our educational system. That to give the same consideration to the inmates as is extended in the hospital at Redcliffe is a lot of rot because they are over 21 that I mentioned. Each resident at the home years of age and have reached the age of will have a separate room with all the reasoning long since. They are fully res­ modern facilities available. The new wing ponsible for their actions. The time is well will be opened next January. A modern overdue for changing the law so that those elevator will be installed in it so that aged who attack innocent people going about their people will not have to climb stairs or waflc business wiJl be dealt with more stringently along highly polished passageways. I hope than at present. I do not blame the courts that the Sandgate "Eventide" will soon be for the sentences imposed because they can improved to a standard similar to that set act only in the light of what we determine in in the new wing at the Masonic Home and this Chamber. We have a responsibility to the Methodist Aged People's Home. examine these problems more closely and introduce stricter legislation. Mr. Wa!lis-Smith: It has a beautiful view over Moreton Bay. I have here a newspaper article which reads, "Police were concerned at the number Mr. DEAN: That is correct. The view of unprovoked attacks by teenagers on Bris­ from the Sandgate foreshore is one of the bane streets, a detective told Mr. Nolan, best along the Queensland coast. S.M., yesterday." Referring to a certain person This afternoon the Minister for Health who was brought before the court he said l'derred to problem children, sometimes that if he got a taste of his own medicine called delinquents. All responsible members it would do him a lot of good. He said of the community are concerned about them, that he had made a cowardly attack on a and I am pleased to see that provision is schoolboy of 16 who was a stranger to him. made to assist them. However, consideration should be given to punishing problem parents. Perhaps I may be accused of reverting to I do not go along with those who say that the Dark Ages but I sometimes think that they are not responsible, that they have not a resort to the old Mosaic law would be been educated, or that they do not know quite appropriate for these individuals. In any better. Frequently they ill-treat little some instances we could hurt them a little children by starvation or downright cruelty, more than we are doing by placing them in and many of them should be deprived of Palen Creek or Wacol where they have their freedom in the community. Nearly every luxury. After release, it is not long all mothers do the right thing by their before they are back. Their treatment in children. Usually it is the father who wishes gaol is so good that it is much easier for to have a free go and deserts his children; them to go back than to shoulder their it is rarely that a mother deserts her children. community responsibilities outside. When Although concern is felt for delinquent child­ criminals hurt an innocent boy of 16, as ren, the law should be amended to provide in this case, they should receive punishment for the punishment of parents who ill-treat that hurts them. No-one will put up with their children. They should not be allowed continual pain, and the punishment should to go scot-free and enjoy themselves at the fit the crime. The law will have to be expense of little children. All the help that amended to deal adequately with individuals is offered by way of institutional guidance who attack innocent people in the street. 1110 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

The subleader in "The Courier-Mail" of and other organisations, I find it necessary 13 October, 1969, was headed- to come to Brisbane some Sunday afternoons "J ail for hashers" and often I have had the wits scared out of Bashers attack people before they have me by some motorists who apparently drive time to defend themselves. They knock only at week-ends, the so-called "Sunday people down just for amusement and because drivers". I do not say that what they do is they like venting their feelings on somebody deliberate; it is probably through ignorance else. The article read- and lack of ability. However, they breach "If, as some of our police claim, fines the traffic regulations. Our inadequate high­ for street assaults are not regarded as a way system encourages motorists to break sufficient deterrent by street bullies and the regulations. Our roads are not wide louts, the answer must be another form enough, nor are they in good enough con­ of punishment. dition, to carry the traffic to and from the "Innocent people must be able to walk city on any day of the week. In peak hours through the city streets without fear. one experiences considerable difficulty driving "Last week a Brisbane Magistrate who to the city and has to exercise great care. was dealing with one of these street assau]( That brings me to the point that in their cases (it was by a youth on a schoolboy) driving habits some people in the community was told by the prosecutor that this type could be placed in the category of delinquents of violence now was common in Brisbane, or vandals. It seems to me that some of and was causing police great concern. them go out of their way to cause trouble "Jail sentences for violence of this type on the roads. Whether this springs from a would act as a better deterrent to would-be spirit of daring in their make-up, I do not hashers than mild fines." know, but it certainly appears to me that I repeat that we are responsible for fixing when some people get into a motor-car they the punishment for these individuals. If become almost subnormal in their driving the Minister does not do it voluntarily, he habits. Frequently I have seen drivers over­ will be compelled by the pressure of public taking on crests of hills, and endeavouring opinion to do something to protect innocent to pass six or seven cars when visibility is people. restricted. Anyone who tries to do that is fit for admission to a psychiatric clinic, yet As on previous occasions, I voice a strong I see that type of behaviour daily while protest against the liberalisation of the travelling from my electorate to the city. liquor traffic. I feel that I would be recreant to my duty if I did not once more denounce When the weather is inclement, some under-age drinking, which has become more drivers still drive as they would in dry condi­ prevalent in the community, particularly in tions. And what is the result? Last week the last 12 months. One does not need to was a week of wet weather; I do not think go to the South Coast or to any other seaside there was one day on which it did not rain. resort to see young teenagers walking round According to newspaper reports, there were the streets on Sunday afternoons and claim­ 70 road accidents, and two people killed on ing to be tourists and buying liquor in hotels. one day. A newspaper report on 13 October Our laws are adequate, but they are not read- enforced. I appeal to the Minister to con­ " A woman was killed and her mother sider this matter before recommending to and her niece critically injured in a two­ Cabinet that the liquor traffic in this State car collision in New Cleveland Road, be extended. Everybody I know who imbibes Gumdale, at 3.30 p.m. yesterday." alcoholic liquor assures me that the present All of this goes to prove that some people hours of supply are adequate. The Govern­ are quite incapable of handling motor-cars ment should not even consider opening the as they should be handled. I feel that those hotels 24 hours a day or all day Sunday, as who are involved in accidents in inclement has been suggested by some commercial weather should be asked to show cause why interests. their licences should not be cancelled, as A Government Member: Isn't that the they have shown that they will not adjust policy of your party? their driving to prevailing weather conditions. Only last Friday I was involved in a minor Mr. DEAN: It is not my policy. I am traffic incident in which no-one was injured opposed to any liberalisation of the alcohol but which could have been serious. I had traffic in this State. I have a perfect right stopped at a pedestrian crossing in Logan to express my own feelings on this matter Road, and, as I was watching a woman pass from time to time. The Government is in front of my car, a new motor-car struck in power and has the authority to make or mine from behind. The young fellow who amend laws covering the liquor traffic in was driving it admitted that he had not seen this State, and I am telling the Government my car; he said, "I just didn't see it." I that I am totally opposed to any extension think that, in broad daylight, that is quite of that liquor traffic. inexcusable. There may be some excuse for The situation with vehicular traffic is it at night if street lighting is poor or if the chaotic. Sunday afternoon is one of lights of the car are poor. I feel that speed the worst times to venture onto the high­ was the cause of the mishap; the young ways. Because of my interest in the band fellow was going so fast that when he Supply [21 OcTOBER] Supply 1111 applied the brakes on seeing my vehicle, his I want to support the recommendation car kept moving because the road was a little made by the Commissioner for Railways, wet. It is quite possible that, if my vehicle Mr. Lee, upon his return from overseas, that had not been where it was, the woman on the Brisbane public transport systems should all be put under the one authority. I have the crossing could have lost her life, and advocated this from time to time and other there would have been another death on the hon. members, too, have joined in advocating highway. the co-ordination of all the transport systems I think that there should be a tightening embracing the city itself. That would bring up, and a stronger enforcement of the Traffic about a much improved railway system and Act and Regulations. There is no doubt that provide much better road services as well. I sincerely hope that the report the Com­ if highway signs are observed, many of the missioner for Rai1ways has made to the accidents that happen today would not occur. Government based on his experience gained What I am stressing is that the enforcement overseas will be heeded by the Minister of the law is not strong enough. We have and that perhaps next year some considera­ the laws. Why not enforce them? They tion will be given to the co-ordination of should be enforced much more strictly than all the transport facilities throughout the they are. Greater Brisbane area. While I am dealing with the traffic prob­ The train service to my electorate is lem, let me make a plea on behalf of excellent; but the outlying areas of the Sand­ those people who use the taxi services of gate electorate do not receive the full benefit Brisbane. An inquiry into many aspects of the improved mil facilities, because of of those services is well overdue. I have had the lack of feeder systems to the railway many bitter complaints from members of station in particular. Shorncliffe and Sand­ the public about lack of consideration by gate should have a bus feeder system to t·axi-drivers, and about their failure to take the rail terminals so that the people there people at the head of the queue, or even could get the full benefit of the modernisa­ to stop at a!!. tion of the Queensland railways. The only way to do this is to allow feeder buses Mr. Bennett: Don't you agree that there to run to the various railway terminuses. should be more taxi licences? l think that the granting of permission the other day for buses to run parallel with Mr. DEAN: I do not know about more railway lines was a mistake and that it licences, but there should be more guide­ will create greater congestion on our high­ rails on the footpaths to keep people in ways. I think the only way to relieve pres­ line in the queues and to maintain some sure on our highways is to build up and priority of entry to the vehicles. At the foster public transport facilities. moment it is a mad scramble for taxis at most of the ranks in the city and the Mr. O'DONNELL (Barcoo) (9.36 p.m.): people who use taxis suffer great incon­ Tonight I have to introduce my speech on venience as a result. It is a very necessary a rather harsh note. Unfortunately, the service for those who do not own motor hon. member for Ithaca chose tonight to vehicles and it ought to be controlled fairly. revert to a type that we had in this From the complaints I receive and from Chamber some years ago, and I feel it is my own observation, I think a good deal incumbent upon me to sincerely put the could be done to improve the taxi service case from this side in order to at least o£ Brisbane. verbally chastise him for his presumption in I should like to make a brief reference endeavouring to tell the Australian Labour to the contribution of the hon. member for Party and its members how to conduct their Ithaca. I have here a clipping from the affairs. "Sunday Telegraph" of 6 July, 1969, headed, "How Reds' Sieze Unions". Just quickly Not one member on this side would be looking over this newspaper extract that has so presumptuous as to interfere in Liberal been handed to me, written by that well Party of Country Party affairs as this known writer Alan Reid-- member interferred in Labour Party affairs tonight. Mr. R. Jones: A newspaper extract! The member for Ithaca was misleading the Com­ First of all, he indicted a school in the metropolitan area because he claimed that mittee. He said he was reading from a the children's parents were not providing statutory declaration. the necessary educational material for their Mr. DEAN: As the hon. member for children. While we have a subsidy scheme Cairns interjects, I want to correct the false in this State, it is quite obvious that a impression that the hon. member for Ithaca means test is being applied to education. Those people who have the means to supply was reading from a statutory declaration. the equipment needed for their schools are It is only a newspaper reference. able to avail themselves of all the subsidies Mr. Bennett: He misled the Committee. provided by the Education Department, but those associated with schools in poor areas, Mr. DEAN: Yes, and I correct the wrong some perhaps in poverty-stricken areas, have information that the hon. member gave. limited finance and, as a consequence, are 1112 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

not able to purchase all the necessary equip­ the Opposition who asso~ia.tes with . <;om­ ment to assist their children, who, no doubt, munists and who would w1lhngly partJc1pate would be very glad and appreciative if such in activities with them. He would not be equipment were available. able to name one. In my life I ~ave met five Communists, but I could not mtroduce Because of the subsidy scheme, a means any hon. member to any one of them test is applied to individual schools, and because I simply do not know them. until all schools are equipped by the Gov­ Generally my colleagues are in the same ernment on an equal basis and to the situation. Perhaps those who have had fullest ~xtent, this means test will continue experience in the industrial movement could to exist. While this subsidy scheme operates name some, but it is a despicable falseh~od there is no solution to the problem and I to say that members of t~e OppositiOn deplore this attack on a particular school associate with them. I am nked by that and on the parents of the children attending accusation. it. If that school happens to be in the hon. member's electorate he is obviously speak­ When the present Minister for Health in" in a spirit of "sour grapes" because he and the present Minister for Transport were co~ld not obtain the political support of back-benchers we heard it because that was the parents in the district. the only type of speech that those hi\IO hon. oentlemen could make. However, when The hon. member also passed a remark they were elevated to Cabinet rank they about the selection of young teachers by the ceased that practice, and I thought th~t we Education Department. I have been asso­ had seen an improvement in the Liberal ciated with the Education Department since Party. I was 16 years of age, and I should say without hesitation and without fear of con­ I give the Treasurer some credit. He may tradiction that the administration of this be boorish at times, he may :ose a few department, no matter how it may have terms like "knocker", and he m1ght try to been criticised professionally over the throw his weight around occas10.nall~, but years, has never, to my knowledge, allowed generally he does not resort to demgratwn of anyone to enter the Teachers' Training the A.L.P. by suggesting that its members College unless it was convinced that it was are Communists. However, for a member obtaining the best material available. I of his party to stand up in this ~ham~er think this is a slander on the administration. and say that simply because of our mdustnal How are departmental officials able to read and social position we are a~socwt~s of the minds of prospective applicants? That Communists and led by them IS a b1atant would be impossible. falsehood. On behalf of my party, and particularly I entered the training college in 1930, and at that time I had a fellow student who on my own behalf, I deny the ho!l. mem­ today is one of the most prominent Com­ ber's accusation. It is a personal msult to munists in Queensland. He went to that me. The hon. member could not make a training college from a very fine secondary case for himself or his electorate, so he school, and while he attended it he was a turned round and came out with the good model student, he was eulogised by the old Red bogy. Good heavens, the very religion to which I belong conden~ns Co~1- principal time after time, and was e~ger .to do his best. He proceeded to the umvers1ty munism! Does the hon. member thmk I Will and obtained a degree. However, unfor­ stand up and deny my religion, my party, tunately, somewhere along the line he or the union of which I am a member by studied too much and felt that he would associating with Communists? Of course I be able to reform the world. He became a will not and that applies to most people. Communist. There is no return path for I becam~ very angry when this :ubbish was that type of person. Would I blame the late thrown across the Chamber tomght. I w!ll Dr. Llew. Edwards, who was chairman of not tolerate it. the panel of selectors in 1929, for selecting Mr. Sherrington: He wallowed in the that student? Of course I would not. Nor gutter. would I blame Mr. G. K. D. Murphy or anv of the directors or staff inspectors for Mr. O'DONNELL: Not only did he do the mistakes today. The accusation made that. but he also attacked decent people by the hon. member for Ithaca against fine administering Government departmenis, and departmental administrative officers is a decent parents who, because they could not slanderous one. They may be criticised on afford to provide amenities for their children, professional grounds or on their approaches were downgraded in his estimation. to the various aspects of education, but Mr. Newton: He misled the Assembly. their integrity cannot be attacked. If there has been one breath of communism in the 1\fr. O'DONNELL: He misled the Cham­ Education Department in the years that I ber and if the document produced by the have known it, it would be a very insipid hon. member for Sandgate were here ~ would breath indeed, so the attack was totally be able to verify that. I now have Jt here. unwarranted. It states- Let me turn to this matter of the Com­ "How Reds' Seize Unions munists and the A.L.P. I challenge the hon. "An ALP Trade Union officer w~o member for Ithaca to name one member of 'honestly believed' in an ALP-Commumst Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1113

unity front has issued a document warn­ is legal, nothing can be done about it. I ing the ALP about the Communist detest Communism but equally I detest Party's methods in trying to secure com­ people who accuse me in this Chamber of plete control of unions." being a Communist or an associate of Com­ munists. This is old hat. In 1955 accusations were not just levelled at the A.L.P.; they were I will not take this much further. levelled at two groups of people who I know Mr. Hinze: You will want all the Libs had no association with the A.L.P. I will with you tomorrow. not name them tonight because to do so would be doing them a disservice. Prob­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. ably nobody associated with the A.L.P. is Dean): Order! The hon. member for South in either group. If any member wants to Coast. know who is in the groups, I will tell him outside this Chamber. This has been going Mr. O'DONNELL: I do not care whether on for years and years, and this rubbish of they are with me or not tomorrow. McCarthyism, which is associated with cer­ Honourable Members interjected. tain people throughout the length and breadth of Australia, will continue while we The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! have twisted minds. I add that when those There is far too much noise in the Chamber. people-- I shall not call the hon. member for South Coast again. I desire to hear the hon. Mr. Miller: Are you saying that Mr. member for Barooo. Wood's mind is twisted? Mr. Hinze: Fair enough. Mr. O'DONNELL: I am not worried about Mr. Wood's mind; I am worried about Mr. O'DONNELL: In answer to the hon. the fact that this is a Press article and not member for South Coast, if the Liberals what the member claims it to be. want to cross the floor at any time, that is their business, not mine. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Dean): Order! There is too much conversa­ Mr. Hinze: You will be pleased to have tion in the Chamber. them with you. Mr. O'DONNELL: I claim that, over the Mr. O'DONNELL: I will not be pleased years, decent groups have been attacked. As at all. If I want to associate with the a matter of fact, in the 1950's, people could Liberal Party, I will join it. not unwittingly stand next to a Comm. in Mr. Hinze: The "ginger group" and the bar without running the risk of being labelled as Communists. the-- Mr. MHner: Are you saying that statement The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! is wrong? The hon. member for South Coast. Mr. O'DONNELL: I suggest that the hon. Mr. O'DONNELL: I do not know whether member for South Coast return to the bar. the statement is right or wrong but I will say that the member's attitude was a rotten, Honourable Members interjected. low-down attack on the Australian Labour Party. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The Committee will come to order. I want t:J take hon. members back to the years when the heresy hunt started, and Mr. O'DONNELL: I point out to the ihon. McCarthyism broke out. Decent, respect­ member for South CoaJst .that :the Liberal able peopl~, who probably did not have a Party will be "ratting" on him, not on us. political thought in their minds, were associ­ Mr. Miller: Which way will you vote ated with Communism through the inferences tomorrow? of people who could not keep their noses out of other people's affairs. Mr. O'DONNELL: The hon. member for I will now deal with Liberal Party philo­ Ithaca should mind his own business. sophy. The Liberals speak of freedom of I want to get away from this mud-slinging choice in our Australian community. It has by the Liberals. I appreciate that the been proved in the courts that it is legal Treasurer gave a little tone to his party. to be a Communist, a neo-Leftist, an A.L.P. This is my first outbreak for a long time. member, a Liberal member, a Country Party I would not blame the Treasurer for this, member, or a member of any other party. If because he has always been courteous and freedom of choice is good enough for the has always recognised a member of Parlia­ Liberal Partv-and that is claimed in its ment as a member of Parliament. While policy-how · can the Liberals sav tonight the Treasurer was outside, I castigated the that such people are to be banned -from our hon. member for Ithaca for accusing members community? On their own principles they of the A.L.P. of being Communists or say that we should have freedom of choice. associating with Communists, and for insulting An individual must be free, and when the the administration of the Department of laws of this country say that Commumsm Education. 1114 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. Miller: Never mind about castigating people, may not have the necessary know­ me. ledge to pick faults readily. I think that the inspectors should be prepared to give Mr. O'DONNELL: I shali now deal with assistance in this direction. Of course, there some of the· problems in my electorate. are always some people who simply do not Mr. Miller interjected. give two hoots about the buildings in which they work. That makes it even more incum­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! bent on inspectors to see that the Govern­ The hon. member for Ithaca will come to ment's investment is preserved, and that there order. is no undue delay in carrying out necessary Mr. O'DONNELL: I stress to the maintenance. Committee that each electorate ihas an There is, however, an attitude to the opportunity to have its case presented during erection of Government buildings that at the Address-in-Reply debate and the Budget times worries me. I instance Barcaldine, debate. First of all, the Treasurer impressed where there is a beautiful Main Roads us with his statement that he will budget Department building. To the east of that for a deficit this year. Recently, I came building there is the court-house and the into contact with some public servants who office of the Clerk of the Court, which is informed me that they had received an quite an old building. There is then a instruction to economise. I do not disagree modern police station and, at the corner, the with this at all. I think that is a fair Lands Department, a very old building which instruction to be passed along the line has been renovated recently. When the fine periodically. It is not that I believe many Main Roads Department building was con­ public servants abuse the privilege they have structed, it was known that the other buil­ to operate vehicles. However, I believe that dings would have to be replaced within the the example should be set at the top. I very near future, and some thought could have had occasion to travel through the have been given by the Department of State and I have seen costly functions and Works to erecting not a single-storey building opening ceremonies. I do not consider that but a two-storey building, which would have those participating in the costly functions been more economical than two single-storey can issue an instruction that economy is buildings, and would have accommodated all the order of the day. the Government departments. That would Much of the work done by public servants have been to the advantage of all of them. who have motor vehicles allotted to them is The same thing will happen in Emerald. important and should not be restricted. I The court-house there is going to be replaced. say that because at the time when the This was supposed to be done last year. It expression of departmental policy was made will not be done this year, but I hope that I felt that I had seen instances where it will come back into consideration next economy was not being practised in the year. A building to accommodate the Lands right quarters. As a matter of fact, I would Department and the Department of Primary say that the Government is taking too much Industries is at present being constructed in advantage of opening functions and cere­ Emerald. Although I criticised the location, monies for the purpose of advertising, and I both the Lands Department and the Depart­ feel that that is not right when economies ment of Primary Industries are to be moved have to be effected in the services provided right out to the edge of the town. This may for the community. be fair enough for the Primary Industries Mr. Chalk: Have you any particular things Department, which needs the space to carry in mind? I am quite sincere about that. Most out certain experiments, but removing the areas ask for a function. Lands Office from the heart of the town is, in my view, retrogressive. We could have a Mr. O'DONNELL: I know that that fine two-storey building in the main street happens. I do not want to involve anybody. of Emerald to stand up in class to the local It is, however, a point of which the Govern­ government buildings that have been erected ment should take cognisance. I have no there and this could have been done quite doubt that the Treasurer is worried because well. Indeed, it could have incorporated the of the effects of the drought. If he is not, court-house and accommodation for the he certainly should be. magistrate as well as, perhaps, the Lands Another point that I feel I should mention Department, the State Government Insurance concerns Government buildings. Although Office, and the representative of the Agricul­ my electorate has done particularly well in tural Bank (he is in another building in the provision of Government buildings, there another section of the town) and the Main are one or two aspects to which I think the Roads Department, which is accommodated Government should give some thought. The in a house right at the back of the town. first is that officers of the Department of All of these could have been incorporated Works are employed not only to erect buil­ in a fine building in the heart of the town dings but also to attend to their inspection convenient to everyone, which as a conse­ and maintenance. I think it is important quence would not only be of service but that inspectors from the Department of also be a matter of pride in the community. Works realise that the occupants of the l think it is wrong to have those offices buildings, who are in most cases conscientious scattered around the town. Supply (21 OCTOBER] Supply 1115

When a court-house was to be erected at lovely children and they have a very good Blackall-and it turned out to be a very young teacher. Bogantungan is a very good one, too-l said to the Minister for isolated place even though it has a grandiose Public Works at the time, "We need a police town plan. station. Why can't you incorporate the court­ house and the police station in one good I wish to refer now to a matter I men­ building?" He said, "All right, fair enough; tioned previously when I was speaking about you want me to cancel the court-house and the hon. member for Ithaca. The provision start all over again?" I said, "Not on your of equipment for schools is most important life. Put up the court-house." Now we and it is in this area that a means test have a fine police station as well. I had applies to schools. It is just as important for that idea of combining them at the time. the smallest one-teacher school to have the I know that there are some difficulties about fullest possible equipment as it is for the incorporating a police station with a court­ leading Class I school in Brisbane. house and that it was not in fact a good suggestion in that case. But it seemed to When I was teaching, one of my greatest me, from the point of view of economy, worries was that I had to make my own that it was highly desirable to avoid having teaching equipment. I do not blame anybody offices scattered around the town. The for that, but it was a hard chore. When the planners have been able to bring into this old Prep. I readers were introduced for Government building the offices of the infants coming to school, no large wall chart Department of Primary Industries and the was provided to enable children to see more local land agent, and the building is now easily what was being taught and perhaps completely occupied. I mention these have a better understanding of it than they matters because to me they are important. would have initially from the reading book. I had to make one of those charts and hon. I impress on the Treasurer that there is members would be surprised at how long it an increasing tendency to scatter Government took to do just one page. It entailed prob­ buildings even in small country towns, and ably 14 or 15 hours' work a week over a this is not good. In a town like Barcaldine period of weeks. When it was finished it was or Emerald almost every office is embraced certainly a good job, but after I had used it in an area within 100 yards from the focal for two or three years the department brought point of the town, usually the railway station, one out. What a relief that was! Had it and within 300 yards are incorporated the been supplied originally, I would have been schools. This is very good. I am talking. spared all that work and I could have of course, broadly and approximately. devoted the time to other work for the To revert to the subject of schools I have benefit of the children. not had a great deal of worry because over Mr. Abern: What year would that have the years I have received practically all I been? have asked for. Now I am getting down to minor things that have become major in Mr. O'DONNELL: Quite a long time ago­ the sense of their urgency rather than of their when the :Prep. I, II, III and IV grades size. were introduced. It is quite a drawback and I am very pleased to see in the Financial irritating to have to prepare this equipment. Statement that the new primary school at It is so time-wasting and tiresome. Teachers Gindie has been approved. It has been on often spend Saturdays and Sundays doing the books for about three or four years. I work that is of no great value in itself when had the pupils taken from the old school a manufacturer could have turned the article and put into demountables on the new site out in the time it takes to flick a finger. The about three or four years ago, which was a benefit is lost in that the chart could have big improvement on the old one-teacher been used more widely without the teacher school. Because of increasing numbers the having to devote his time to humdrum children were crowded into the top room activity of sectional construction. and the dark room underneath. This year I wish now to refer obliquely to a matter my new Gindie school is on its way. That that I have raised previously in the House. is the planning I have undertaken. Quite recently I came in contact with repre­ The other day I went to Bogantungan sentatives of mining interests in the eastern school. I had looked at this matter previously section of my electorate; some are completely and I was able to have a building erected for in it and some partly. I noted an attitude the accommodation of the teacher. However, that I should like to mention here tonight. dry rot has set in and the play shed is, to There seems to be unity among these say the least, not in good condition. I think people and, in my opinion, Utah is the it is at the stage where it might be dangerous. leader of the group. I will not comment While I was there I asked how old the further on that. However, I was impressed by Bogantungan school was and I discovered the area over which the mining companies, that it had been built in 1884. So I think when in full operation, will have control. its reconstruction is long overdue; I am going It is 270,000 acres. I know that negotia­ to make representations by letter for it as tions will proceed between shire councils and soon as possible. Certainly the school has the Government; but right now, without an attendance of only 13 children. They are making out a case for anyone, I ask the 1116 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Government to adopt a benevolent approach That will disturb the balance quite con­ to ensure that nobody will get hurt or feel siderably, and it is important that the dis­ that he has been hurt or embarrassed in any turbance and worry associated with any way by negotiations that must eventually changes that occur should be kept to a come to fruition. minimum. I have a great deal of admira­ Mr. Chalk: What are you referring to tion for shire councillors, many of whom particularly? devote a good deal of time and effort to the interest of their communities. Mr. O'DONNELL: The possible reorgan­ isation of boundaries, and so on. I am not Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: Would you admit going any further than that. that the Duaringa Shire Council has done a lot more for Blackwater than the Emerald Mr. Chalk: Also the provision of funds Shire Council has done? to shire councils to provide their amenities? Mr. O'DONNELL: I will have to answer Mr. O'DONNELL: That is right. "Yes" to that question; but how could I Mr. Chalk: That is the major factor? deny that the Emerald Shire Council, if given the opportunity, would have done Mr. O'DONNELL: It is. I ask both the equally as well? It is only a matter of Treasurer and the Minister for Local Gov­ location. That just happened to be the ernment to give the strongest consideration town involved. to the situation. Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: The rates received Mr. Chalk: I can assure you that it is for the last financial year totalled $842. already being taken care of and being looked at as a basis for next year. I realise the Mr. O'DONNELL: I know all that. I am debenture-raising aspect of it, and the not presenting a case in opposition to the Government is behind me on this. There Minister, but I am pointing out that the will be an increase in debenture borrowing Emerald Shire Council would have done to allow councils to provide amenities. just as well given the same opportunity. Had the small town of Blackwater been Mr. O'DONNELL: I am glad to hear within the boundaries of the Emerald Shire, that. the Emerald councillors would not have let anybody down. They would have been However, another problem that occurs to just as co-operative as the Duaringa Shire me is that it could be said that two com­ Council. I am not saying that because panies are in operation and that the other the Emerald shire is in my electorate, and two are still to come into operation. That I am not detracting from the Duaringa will further complicate what might have Shire Council, because it has done a good looked a simple situation two or three years job. The Minister cannot deny that. Both ago. councils have a case. This is an aside, but quite a while ago Clutha Development Co. approached me to Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: You have to look obtain a permit for a wet canteen for its at it in two lights. Emerald also has the workers. The matter was of importance to development of the Fairbairn Dam. the company because by the time I obtained Mr. O'DONNELL: The Minister is get­ the licence its work-force had increased ting on to an altogether different premise. from 40 to 55. Quite frankly, I was If he talks like that, we could go to the amused by the Licensing Commission's rather Belyando shire and say that Nebo and stupid insistence that I obtain a certificate Belyando have not put on the gloves yet. from the Mines Department to prove that Clutha was an industrial undertaking before Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: I am not taking the Licensing Commission would grant it a sides on the issue. Try to look at the matter fairly. wet canteen. Possibly one or two other companies will be interested in providing wet Mr. O'DONNELL: I am trying to look canteens, so surely the Government should at it fairly. I did not rubbish the Minister's be more adult than to deny that they are council, nor will I rubbish my own. industrial undertakings until they can get As the Minister referred to the Fairbairn their special mining leases. I had to go to dam I think this is a good time to talk those lengths to obtain the permit, which about water conservation once again. Any shows that at times some Government depart­ extension of water conservation on properties, ments are over-cautious. aided by the relevant departments, is all Understand that mining could spread. I to the good. feel that C.R.A. may be onto something out­ Arcadia Valley, a fine valley, has, strangely side of Capella, but of course, the feasibility enough had a fairly reasonable rainfall over study will prove whether the project, which the last 12 months in spite of the drought, happens to be in the heart of a shire, is but unfortunately the brigalow settler-graziers worth proceeding with. It is said that the had to take their cattle out of the valley 1928 distribution of the shires provided that because they ran out of water. That is each shire was to have one main centre. why I say water conservation is essential. Supply [21 OCTOBER] Supply 1117

I know that the Department of Irrigation good jobs, but the cost was so high that and Water Supply tried to find underground they considered it was in their interest to water. stop using the electric stove and the electric Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: We spent $36,000 hot-water system. on it. Mr. Rae: Do they live in a town? Mr. O'DONNELL: I am aware of that, Mr. O'DONNELL: Yes. I shall tell the also. I approached the department and I Minister later. asked Mr. Carmichael whether there was any possibility of storing water in the vicinity The Minister for Electricity will agree to be piped into the valley. I was not with me that there is a big problem in the alone in that, because the hon. member for West, particularly with the high guarantees Roma, who is absent tonight, is interested imposed on people under the rural extensions in the scheme, too, and he has discussed scheme for no reason other than the it with me. economics of the situation. Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: If you read my I should like Cabinet to see if there is first speech on the brigalow scheme, you some way of alleviating the situation. Quite will see where I said that water would recently, I was in the Charleville area and, be the greatest problem in relation to it. while the same situation might not exist there, that area is farther from the coast than Mr. O'DONNELL: Mr. Hooper, this will the places I am talking about in the Central be a dialogue. I do not deny that the West. The guarantees applicable in the Minister S'aid that; but we should not forget Central West and the Far Central West are that the country was covered with scrub more than 100 per cent higher than those in those days and the planning of dams applicable in the Charleville area. There and so on might have entailed great dif­ must be some way to ease this burden. If ficulties. Some dams have not been as 60 people want electricity and the guarantees successful as they should have been, and are too high, the number might drop to the lack of underground water presents a 30, and that would lessen the possibility of an grievous problem. I cannot see why it economic approach in the future, because should be beyond us in the future to find no scheme would be set up for the complete underground water, and I hope that it will area; it would be a patch-work scheme from be found. As I say, I have asked the then on. Perhaps something should have Department of Irrigation and Water Supply been done in the old days when shire councils, whether anybody has any ideas about a which had statutory power to generate elect­ place where water could be located to be ricity, did not move in this direction ... It piped to the valley to overcome the problem. might have been one step towards obtammg cheaper electricity in the area and allowing The Minister realises, as I do, that water some of the debt to be passed on to is essential for the settlers. I am not posterity. raising this matter tonight simply because the area is in my electorate. I do not I feel that I have canvassed a good deal know how long it will remain in my elec­ of country in the time I have been on my torate, as the boundaries may be changed feet. However, I must mention roads. and it may go to the Bungil shire. While it During a tour of the Charleville and Tambo is in my area, I will speak up for it. district, the hon. member for Warrego and I were asked by the Tambo Shire Council Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: I am not against to travel along the Tambo-Alpha road. you in any way. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I appeal to all hon. members to discontinue their audible Mr. O'DONNELL: I will now deal with conversations. It is most difficult for the electricity, and I would appreciate it if the hon. member for Barcoo to concentrate on his Minister would keep quiet for a moment. I was speaking to a couple of young people speech. in one of the small towns in my electorate. Mr. O'DONNELL: We made this inspec­ I am not being disrespectful to the Central tion. We accepted the invitation, and as Western Regional Electricity Board. These soon as we got through the diDgo fence people pointed out to me that they stopped we were dry-bogged. I understand that those using their electric stove and electric hot­ conditions exist on the road between Tambo water system because of the high cost of and Springsure, as well as on the road electricity, and were using a wood stove for between Tambo and Alpha. Doubtless the cooking and the provision of hot water for Minister for Local Government and Elec­ bathing. They have only one electricity tricity could mention another half-dozen meter, which means they have only one cases. It is a big problem indeed. and I rate. I do not know to what extent this feel that the Minister for Mines and Main applies in the township, but if electricity goes Roads will need to have a good look at it through only one meter, the rate is accord­ because some roads are impassable. ingly higher. This change was made on the ground of economy. If the people had been A very good suggestion h

doubt some members of Cabinet have heard of that suggestion, and I think there is merit in it when one considers the development proceeding in the Fairbairn Dam area and the possibility of using such road in the not too distant future as an arterial road for the movement of fodder to the Charleville area and, when necessary, to transport stock from there through Alpha up to Springsure and through on the Dawson Highway to the coast. I feel that that is important, and I think that it is necessary to look very seriously at the matter of mobility of vehicles for the transport of stock and fodder. I know that Queensland has a very good railway system, and that the Railway Department is functioning very well under trying circum­ stances for which, of course, no government could possibly cater. In 1965 there was a drought. It was forgotten soon after, and in the last couple of years drought condi­ tions have returned again. I think it is time that there was some delegation of authority to cope with drought conditions. I have suggested the constitution of a drought mitigation authority, and I think that the situation has become so drastic over the years that this authority should be incorporated, with a Minister responsible for it in addition to attending to his other duties. Should drought conditions recur, as undoubtedly they will, there would then be some immediate gearing of Government departments to take action quicker than any­ thing has been done in the past. I am not putting blame on anyone, as there has always been a time Jag. Drought mitigation can be helped by water and fodder conservation, and the plight of people can be alleviated if an organisation is ready to go into action when the need arises and prob­ lems have to be faced. In other words, such an authority could co-ordinate activities which would assist the man on the land. I put that suggestion forward, because I think it is an important one. The Govern­ ment set up a drought mitigation committee in 1965. The 1966 election followed the formation of that committee. Where is that Committee now? It did fine work, yet we hear nothing about it. It appeared to be getting its teeth into this never-ending problem. I suggest that that committee be resurrected, publicised, and kept in operation in good as well as bad seasons. It should be kept in a state of readiness, and it should review the situation periodically and do what it can to put before the Government plans for drought mitigation and fodder and water conservation, and endeavour to bring to Government departments and the people concerned an economic approach, as far as that is possible, to the disaster of drought that is always facing the State. Progress reported. The House adjourned at 10.32 p.m.