Queensland
Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]
Legislative Assembly
TUESDAY, 6 OCTOBER 1942
Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy
438 Questions. [ASSEMBLY.] Questions.
TUESDAY, 6 OCTOBER, 1942. over the Dawson River near Moura and the other weirs referred to in his Budget Speech~'' Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. E. J. Hanson, Buranda) took the chair at 11 a.m. The TREASURER (Hon. F. A. Coop·er, Bremer) replied- QUESTIONS. '' The total expenditure in 1941-42 on the construction of the bridge-weir at Moura REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF RAILWAYS i and other weirs amounted to £21,063. ROLLING STOCK. 'l'his project is an important link in the Mr. YEATES (East Toowoomba) asked highway as well as being· a water the Minister for Transport- eonservation project.'' '' 1. When will the Railway Commis MINING DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE. sioner's report be available~ lUr. NilUMO (Oxley) asked the Trea '' 2. What number of locomotives, stating surer- class, were constructed during the year '' 1. What is the total amount advanced ending 30 June, 1942 ~ by the State Government since the outbreak '' 3. What number of passenger coaches of war to assist copper production at Mount were constructed in the same period~ Morgan, Mount Chalmers, and Mount lsa' '' 4. What number of locomotives and '' 2. What was the total expenditure in passenger coaches were written off~'' 1941-42 on equipment at the State treat ment works at Irvinebank, dredge construc The MINISTER l<'OR TRANSPORT (Hon. tion at Mount Garnet, boring for tin J. Larcombe, Rockhampton) replied- deposits on the Herberton :field, and drill ' '1. The Commissioner for Railways has ing for shale, as mentioned in his Budget just returned from an important confer Speech~'' ence in Melbourne. His work and the work The TREASURER (Hon. F. A. Coop~r, of the department generally has been Bremer) replied- exceptionally heavy this year, but the report should be available not later than '' 1. No advances of State funds have the last. week of the present month. been made since the outbreak of war. An amount of £26,000 has been made avail '' 2. Eight-seven 'B18i' and one able by the Commonwealth Government for 'D17.' 'The construction of locomotives development and production at Mount has been delayed because of the shortage Chalmers, the funds being advanced of material. In addition, the heavy through and under the supervision of the repairs effected limited the number of Mines Department. A bank overdraft engines that could be constructed. A guarantee has also been given by the Com private firm with whom the department has monwealth Government to the Mount lsa an order for locomotives has been unable Mines Limited, to assist in the production to deliver according to the contract of copper, the supervision of operations because of the shortage of material. under the guarantee being entrusted to the '' 3. Three sleeping cars. In addition, Mines Department. a considerable number of carriages were "2. (a) Expenditure on equipment at converted to other types. Substantial the State Treatment ·works at Irvinebank, repairs to coaches were made. £5,085 4s. 2d. (b) Dredge construction '' 4. Twenty-nine locomotives and four at Mount Garnet: No expenditure by the coaches.'' State, but a bank overdraft guarantee under the Industries Assistance Act has POST-WAR DEVELOPMENT, been given by the 'l'reasurer to an operating company. (a) Boring for tin deposits, Her Mr. NICKLIN (Murrumba) asked the berton: No expenditure in 1941-42. Boring Treasurer- is at present being carried out by the " What is the estimated cost in 1942-43 Mines Department. (d) Drilling for of the examination of schem·es for post shale: £3,581 7s. ld. The granting of war development which, according to his :financial guarantees by the State has Budget Speech, form part of the Govern obviated the cessation of mining operations ment's financial programme~'' in certain instances, and the expenditure of State funds on mining development has The TREASURER (Hon. F. A. Coop•er, been largely responsible for t;he progressive Bremer) replied- expansion in the mining industry generally. '' Provision amounting to £37,636 has The amount disbursed in assistance to the been made in the State Budget for investi mmmg industry during 1941-42 was gations into problems of State development, £82,000.'' both present and post-war.'' E·QUIPMENT OF A.R.P. WORKERS. EXPENDITURE ON BRIDGE-WEIRS. M.r. DART (Wynnum) asked the Secre l'IIr. NICKLIN (Murrumba) asked the tary for Health and Home Affairs- Treasurer- '' 1. Are A.R.P. members, entrusted with ''What was the total expenditure in the duty of protecting State Government 1941-42 on the combined road-bridge weir property, fully equipped f Personal Explanation. [6 OcTOBER.] Supply. 439
"2. When is it expected that all A.l:U:'. copy Hansard with full report stop members will receive full equipm:ent ~ Urge you pursue matter further stop '' 3. What amount has been allocated for Writing yourself Keyatta to-morrow's air· n1ail,' A.R..P. purposes in 1942-43 ~'' and attach copy of my letter to Mr;. The SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND Keyatta, as member for Townsville, of HOME AFFAIRS (Hon. E. M. Hanlon, Ithaca) replied- to-day's date, with copies of the corres pondence referred to therein. '' 1. No. The necessary tire-fighting and first-aid equipment has been made available, ''This chamber congratulates you on the but as only limited supplies of some stand you took in the House yesterday, articles of equipment have been received and hopes you will oblige by letting us from the Department of Home Security, have a copy of 'Hansard," which will upon which Commonwealth department the give a fuller report of your speech. State is dependent for these articles, it has ·"It deprecates the lack of seriousness not been possible to issue full equipment to with which apparently some of the Opposi certain civil defence workers. tion treated your remarks, which definitely '' 2. W)len sufficient supplies of equip stated the exact position which exists. I ment are received from the Department of feel sure if you pursue the matter further, Home Security. you will have the whole-hearted support '' 3. This information is contained in the of the civilian residents of North Queens Estimates for the current financial year.'' land. "Yours faithfully, PAPERS. "(Sgd.) H. B. Marks, Secretary., The following paper was laid on the table, and ordered to be printed:- SUPPLY. Report of the Police Investment Board for the year 1941. COMMITTEE-FINANCIAL STATEMENT RESU:V1PTION OF DEBATE. The following paper was laid on the table:- (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Report upon the operations of the Golden Brassington, :E'ortitude Valley, in the chair.) Casket Art Union for the year 1941-42. Debate resumed from 1 October (see p. 437) on Mr. Cooper's motion- FEES PAID BY CROWN TO BARRHlTERS AND SOLICITORS. " That there be granted to His RETURN TO ORDER. Majesty for the service of the year 1942- 1943 a sum not exceeding £300 to defray The following paper was laid on the the salary of the aide-de-camp to His Excel table:- lency the Governor.'' Return to an order relative to fees paid to barristers and solicitors, 1941-42, made Mr. lliOORE (Merthyr) (11.12 a.m): I by the House, on the motion of Mr. desire to congratulate the Premier and Macdonald, on 26 August. Treasurer on not only this Budget but the successive Budgets he has tabled over a period of years. He must derive a great PERSONAL EXPLANATION. amount of satisfaction in reviewing his Mr. JESSON (Kennedy) (11.9 a.m.), by past efforts, and from the fact that notwith leave: I wish to make a personal explana standing the present uniform taxation the tion. In view of the levity with which cer finances of this State are in a sound condition. tain sections of the Press and certain hon. members of the Opposition have treated my Naturally, hon. members opposite have statement in the House last Wednesday, 30 criticised and opposed this Budget. It is September, with respect to certain very said that the late Randolph Churchill once serious happenings in North Queensland, I laid it down that among other things it was lay the following letter on the table of the the function of a parliamentary Opposition House from the Townsville Chamber of Com to oppose everything a Government put for merce:- ward, and no doubt hon. members opposite follow that dictum. It has occurred to '' Townsville Chamber of Commerce. me that the Opposition often adopt the atti '' Townsville, tude of the American humourists known as the Black Crows. One member of this group "1 October, 1942. asked his mate if he liked the way he whistled "C. G. Jesson, Esq., M.L.A., '' Annie Laurie.'' His mate replh::d ''If it ''Parliament House, was good, I should not like it.'' ''Brisbane. The Oppositio11 's chief complaint has been ''Dear JI/Ir. J esson, the threadworn subject of high taxation. Taxation in this State has probably been "I have pleasure in confirming my tele reasonably high, but in my opinion taxation granl' to you of to-day's date reading as should be judged not so much by its incidence follows:- as by the amount returned by the Govern ' Chamber full accord your statement ment to the people. It may also be said that House yesterday stop Would appreciate the price of an article of personal use must 440 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply.
he judged not altogether on the sum one pays not so in many instances. Judging from for it, but that its value must be considered, the statements made by hon. members oppo too; and applying that standard to our taxa site it would appear that there are sufficient tion we can say that the State has not paid supplies of certain primary products, and a high price for the article the people have with an abundance of those supplies it is only received. That is proved in the first instance reasonable to assume that the consuming by the general prosperity of the people. An public should be able to get requirements at observant person moving amongst the com a very reasonable cost, but this is not so_ munity cannot fail to appreciate not only It is necessary for the good health of the the material prosperity of the people but an people, especially children, that they should be improvement in their habits, particularly in able to buy sufficient supplies of fresh fruit their clothing, their homes, and their manner and vegetables at a reasonable cost but when of living. This proves beyond doubt that one visits our Tetail markets one finds that it in recent years the people of this State have is viTtually impossible to do so. It is true enjoyed a good measure of prosperity and that these commodities are available at a contentment. reasonable price, but in many instances their quality is such they are hardly worth carrying Further, a perusal of business documents home. discloses that over the period this Govern ment have occupied the Treasury benches Mr. Edwards: Surely, that does not apply turnover has greatly improved. Bank bal to vegetables. ances have maintained their equilibrium, and in many cases have improved. Again, JUr. MOO RE: Yes, and I shall quote a few we find-and this is probably one of the best instances to show that what I am saying is barometers as to the prosperity of the people correct. I shall endeavour to point out the -that till conditions brought about by the weaknesses in our marketing system. Some war became acute insurance companies hand time last year an article appeared in a ling the savings not only of the richer sec prominent paper stating that 117 dozen tions of the community, but also of the bananas were sold by the producer through workers, published balance-sheets showing a the markets for 4s. 2d., and the whole amount large increase in business. This is proof that was eaten up in the cost of marketing. In there were surpluses of earnings and business a country town at the same time where profits that could be put into this very fine bananas should be cheaper than in the form of investment. metropolitan area the pric·e of good fruit was Is. for from 18 to 12 or Jl;d. I have been very much interested by the to ld. each, and in the city the price of those arguments of hon. members opposite, not commodities is dearer. I did not see any only on the Budget but also on the Address subsequent article to refute the statement I in Reply, concerning the parlou~ state of quoted, and if it is correct there is no doubt many of our small farmers, particularly as there is something wrong with our marketing to the low prices they have received for many system. It may be that the quality of the of their commodities. I agree, and my party fruit was very bad, but if it was so bad agrees, that all people who_ give of their that it would bring only that price it should physical energy to the natwn 's work are not have been allowed to come into the entitled to a good return. When one on the market, because it was only wasting trans one hand listens to the arguments of hon. port and the time of the people in the members opposite, based probably on. vfffy market. good premises, and notes that many pnmary commodities, particularly foodstuffs, are As another evidence of the weakness of the being marketed at prices that do not give a marketing system, I will quote an experience good return, and on the other hand considers I had some years ago when tomatoes were fairly costly. At a section in the market a the position of the consumer, especially in t~e metropolitan area, where these foodstuffs, quantity of tomatoes in cases was submitted particularly fruit and vegetables, are mar on account of a grower. keted, one is forced to the conclusion that It was nearing the hot weather, which is all is not well with our marketing system- detrimental to such perishables. Certain offers were made and refused by the man in All authorities agree that a plentiful charge of the section. There was no sys supply of good milk, fresh fruit, and green tem under which those tomatoes could be vegetables are necessary for the physical wel placed in cold storage, and they remained on fare of both children and adults. Recently, that section of the markets for a fortnight, I read a very interesting article in an when they were taken away and dumped American magazine on the revolution that because they were rotten. Had they been has taken place in the food-supply system in sold at reasonable prices to the buyers they that country. We know that America is could have been retailed at a reasonable figure famous for scientific research, that it pro and the consuming public would have bene bably leads the world in that work. The fited. author of this article said that the rehabilita tion of delinquent children was largely These instances disclose a faulty system governed by correct feeding of fresh milk, of marketing and impel one to suggest that fresh fruit, and green vegetables. When we a check be made on the particulars of all have periodical visits from the family doctor transactions between the growers and the one of the questions he usually puts to us is, consumers. I understand that som'e years ''Are the children getting a good supply of ago, when marketing organisation had not fresh fruits and green vegetables f" It is reached its present state, the Press caused Supply [6 OCTOBER.] Supply. 441 an uproar by publishing the brands and lines to sell will not be bothered with prices of commodities sold in the market, to handling fresh fruit and vegetables, especi enable farmers to check up on them and ally when there is a scarcity of them. They compare the prices charged to the consumers. say that with wastage and so on they cannot There is nothing wrong with such a system. possibly handle these goods at a profit. A farmer should get a reasonable price for his produce, and a system could be evolved Mr. Edwards: One of the greatest difficul whereby it reached the consuming public at ties of all is that they are perishable goods a reasonable price. Perhaps if the daily and are very often lost to the shopkeeper. Press restored this practice it would be ren Mr. MOO RE: I suggest that the Committee dering a service to the community. I repeat of Direction be asked to consider the advis that such instances reveal weaknesses in our ability of opening floors in the closely settled marketing system. In good seasons, when suburban areas, those in which the majority there are over-supplies the farmer receives of the residents are working-class people, in low prices for his products. This causes particular. farming to be unprofitable, and the con sumer gets no benefit from' the good seasonal 1Ur. M.oorhouse: That is pretty well the conditions. On the other hand, a scarcity whole of Brisbane. They are all of the causes prices to soar, but the producer has working class. little or nothing to sell, and again the con suming public may not get a fair deal. Mr. MOO RE: The hon. member can have it that way if he wishes. It probably suited Those who know anything about market the housewife to pay a higher pric.e when ing are aware that speculators are to be goods were brought to her doorstep and she found on market sections. These are shrewd had the opportunity of looking them over, business men, if one prefers to call them because she was then saved the inconvenience that, who anticipate movements in prices and of going out to do her shopping and having who buy in large lots. They receive prefer to carry her goods home, and I suggest that ence over the small buyers. For instance, consideration should be given to a scheme in the apple market they buy for forward such as the one I have outlined. Of course, delivery, but the general public do not get one great difficulty probably would be man the benefit of their buying inasmuch as the power. apples :ue placed in cold storage. At times, too, huge quantities of primary products Mr. Nicklin: They have not enough man have to be dumped or passed on to the pub power to run their wholesale floor at the lic in a very rotten state. present time. Mr. }lOO RE: As against that, many girls These matters should be considered by the and youths_ are _no:v sellip.g, these c~mmo,dit;J;,~ ~~-.~:::-::::::::::::"!:. T::: C:;:;::::::::tt8: ~:: ~!:!':~:::!! -:.d: lll tne small SUUUI UIS CtllU <:'lllV }'i::l a.uu p~ vuc.t"'-'_..J Fruit Marketing should be reconstructed so could be employed profitably in the scheme I that marketing could be placed on a better suggest. At the present time a suburban foundation, on a basis that >Yould benefit shopkeeper is compelled to attempt to deal both the producers and the consum'ers. From with the problem, which his financial position time to time there is a glut of perishable will not allow him to overcome successfully. goods, such as fruit, vegetables, and fish, His position would be relieved if the com and in consequence the market is depressed. modities could be brought to the suburhs in A scheme or schemes for the handling of these larger quantities and sold at a place where surpluses should be evolved to give the public housewives and families could buy better the benefit. The poorer sections of the com articles at cheaper prices. munity would be delighted to be able to buy them cheaply. Hundreds of tons of these Mr. 1\Iassey: You want to open a market commodities pass through the markets in every suburb~ annually, but never reach the consumer at anything like the absurd prices they fetch Mr. MOO RE: We can hardly transport at the markets. In these days of lack of the present Brisbane market to the suburbs, transport and cessation of deliveries the but I think my suggestion is worthy of con housewife is put to very great inconvenience sideration. to get the necessary supplies of fruits and I think, too, that the time has arriYed for vegetables, and she and her family are faced the processing of surplus fruit and vegetables with the alternative of buying in the larger by scientific methods, which are now known retail shops in the city or from the smaller and established. By this practice, I think shops in the suburbs. I desire to be fair much of the present dumping and waste could to the small suburban storekeeper, who is be avoided to the benefit of the public, in endeavouring to give a service to the re si that the surplus goods would be available to dents in his area, but he has no chance of them in periods of shortage. If this was competing with the larger buyers in the done it is probable tl1at the way would be markets. The difference between the prices open' for price stability in the interests of the larger buyer pays and those paid by the both the producer and consumer. When pro suburban storekeeper could probably be con cessed the goods could be sold according to sidered the profit made by the latter in order grade; the price being based on the cost of to put his business on a reasonable parity production. with that of the city seller. Mr. Nicklin: Do you think that a good The position has become acute, in tl1at many deal of the stuff that is dumped at the of the suburban shopkeepers who have other present time would be suitable for processingf 442 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply.
Mr. 1\fOORE: It might be. to say about that in a moment. The dehydra tion of suitable root crops such as potatoes, llir. Nicklin: It is mostly poor stuff that is carrots, and beetroot, and also of apples, no good for anything. currants, and raisins is an example of what Mr. 1\IOORE: The trouble lies not only has been done up to date by scientific pro· with the stuff that comes to market and is cesses. The extraction of juice from fruit dumped; there is another side to the question. such as oranges, pineapples, and possiblv I know of instances in which commodities mangoes and tomatoes, might be worth whiie of good quality have never been sent to and might give the public an opportunity of market. Vvithin the last three months a man buying good food and rednce the present who had been travelling round the country waste. I understand that recently a huge on business with a lorry came to Brisbane quantity of pineapple juice, about 10,000 and told me that he carried a chaff bag of gallons, was dumped into the river because peas from Bundaberg to Dalby, that those it could not be marketed. peas were of perfect quality, and they cost Mr. Nicklin: Whose fault was that:? him only ld. a lb. in Bundaberg, and this at a time when peas were bringing from 8d. to Mr. MOO RE: I do not know. 9d. a lb. in Brisbane. 1\Ir. Nicklin: The Department of Supply Mr. Clayton: It would not pay to pick and Development. them for ld. a lb. JUr. lUOORE: I do not know. Mr. lUOORE: I am concerned about the Mr. Nicklin: Tell us where they can get picking, but I am much more concerned about tins to put it in. The Department of Snpply the fact that the consuming public in the and Development ''mucked up'' the whole city of Brisbane and elsewhere were paying thing. from 8d. to 9d. a lb. for peas when the unfortunate farmer had to sell them for ld. Mr. llLOORE: Whose fault it was it does a lb. He told me, too, that he took with him not matter. I think it was the Premier who at that time cases of tomatoes for which he said that we conld advance only by a process paid 2d. a lb., and in Brisbane any tomatoes of trial and error. that were worth eating were bringing 8d. a lb. Of course, only very small quantities might Mr. Nicklin: But there are too many have been produced at that time. errors, unfortunately. All these things call for a thorough inves JUr. MOO RE: If we do not make any tigation. Probably a scheme for dehydration errors we shall not be able to decide what is and snap-freezing may reduce some of the the correct procedure. In any case, there is no use in our sitting here whinging about costs that are now paid to the middleman. whose fanlt it was; our job is to see that To-day we are faced with a shortage of these goods because of war conditions and wrongs are righted. the lack of man-power, but I think it is time lUr. Barnes: You are making a great Tory foorl reservations were made. Snap-freezing speech. is one of the newest methods of preserving foods, and although I do not know much JUr. ]}fOORE: I should hate myself if I a bout the technical details of the process, I handed out to the Chamber the garbage that understand that by this method it is possible the hon. member uses. I am at least endea to freeze the commodities and keep them fresh vouring to discuss something of interest to much better than with the old method of the community. In America great progress freezing. I understand, too, that plants are has been made in dealing with prepared f!Jready in existence in Australia to copP fruits, with the dehydration of milk, with with the problem. liVe cannot deny the fact the prodnction of powdered eggs, and break I mentioned earlier that there has been great fast cereals. There has been a sharp increase loss through faulty freezing, particularly of in these processes in the United States. 'l'hat apples and pears. Some of the commodities, reminds me that I read an interesting article having been frozen haphazardly, have not about a housewife who might buy a four course dinner consisting of soup, eggs for an reRched the general public1, and a great quantity that did reach the public was not omelet, vegetables, fruit for desert, and milk, fit for human consumption. all in a compact dried form so that she could carry her marketing home in her purse. llir. Nicklin: War-time conditions have had an effect on the cold storage of apples. Mr. JUassey: That is evidence of austerity. Mr. MOO RE: There were marketing Mr. MO ORE: It occurred to me while anomalies long before the outbreak of war. reading the article that if we could discover someone in this country who could produce a llir. Nicklin: I know, but you were speak satisfactory meal that a housewife could ing about the freezing process. carry home in her purse he would become a national hero in the eyes of these gallant ll'Ir. MOO RE: Long before the outbreak of housewives who endeavour to hang onto the war apples and pears were sold to the public week-end vegetables with one hand and bal when they were not really fit for human consumption. ance themselves with the other in our suburban trams. Mr. Nicklin: Not many of them. Mr. Pie: Australia has just sent someone Mr. 1\IOORE: I can only speak of my own to America to find out how to prep~re these personal experience and I shall have something products. Supply. [6 OCTOBER.] Supply. 443
Mr. MOO RE: That is a good idea. not getting enough fruit and vegetables cheaply enough. A food-preservation scheme such as I have outlined might lead to the need of the Mr. YEATES (East Toowoomba) (11.48 regulation of supplies by way of li0ensing. a.m.): First I desire to congratulate the If commodities are to be processed, it is Premier on his elevation to that high and possible that in order to stabilise prices we exalted position, and to wish him every suc must have a licensing system, perhaps on cess during his term. Naturally I do not the basis of that in the peanut, sugar, rice, want his term to last indefinitely, but so and other industries. The Committee of long as he is constitutionally in office he Direction of l<'ruit Marketing could organise has my good wishes. this scheme, and so discharge its obligation to the public, which in my opinion it has With the exi~ of the ex-Premier, the Hon. not done up to date. W. Forgan Smith, we can look forward-at least, I can-to having questions answered by I congratulate the hon. member for Baroona the Chief SecTetary 's Department in a on his utterances about price-fixing. To-day courteous manner, without any sting or sar our leaders, particularly the Prime Minister, casm tied to the tail of the replies. are calling on the people to face up to the war situation and be prepared to suffer The war overshadows all other matters, inconveniences. There is ample evidence including State politics, so I shall be paT that the public desire to cany out our cloned if, first of all, I speak on war matters. Prime Minister's wishes. I am satisfied that, In Japan, we have not merely a military realising the position, they are willing to enemy and an exponent of power politics; make many sacrifices and do many things Japan represents a political, economic, and that they ordinarily would not do and to social system that is a direct challenge to pay higher prices for food and clothing, but our own way of living. In Australia to-day it is not fair that they should be exploited. -and this fact will stand reiteration-we There is no doubt, however, that certain require no Federal election or State election; VlClo_us business interests are exploiting the nor do we requiTe any referendum to disturb pubhc under cover of the war situation. the unity of the people-a unity that is not The .-ery reprehensible practice of top as strong as it should be. I say emphatically ping is being carried on by many that it is the duty of the Leader of the retailers of fruit and vegetables. The Federal House, the Hon. John Curtin, to lead other day a very reliable lady told m·r that the people, and followed by the Deputy Leader she approached a fruit-vendor in the city, -the Minister for the Army-to address his who was displaying good-sized apples at 2d. own supporters and urge an all-in war. A each. Considering it a good investment she national Government should be formed, even decided to make a purchase. The Yendor at this late hour. Mr. Curtin should lead and selected some of the fruit at the front of say, ''Follow me,'' as William Morris H ughes the pack and then began to take fruit at the did about 1916. Mr. Curtin knows perfectly back. The lady told him she preferred the well the proper way to go about the business, fruit in the front of the pack but he refused but the lack of leadership and independence to give it to her. ' seems to hold him back. He is an honest man, but he fails in this great crisis because Mr. Barnes: There is nothing in our law he does not lead his people. He should scrap to say that such an act is criminal. party politics altogether for the duration of the war and possibly a year after. I main lUr. Nicklin: Yes, there are regulations tain that there should be one army under one dealing with that aspect of fruit-vending. control and the Ministers should be chosen from either side of the House by the lcadeT- lUr. MOO RE: A mentality like that of the Mr. Curtin or anybody else. Probably it hon. member for Bundaberg does not regard would be Mr. Curtin, he would be qnite anything as criminal, but decent-minded acceptable to me. Our war effort must be J 00 people regard it as being criminal. peT cent., nothing less will do. Honourable Members: Hear, hear! vVith your permission, Mr. Brassington, I M,r. Nicklin: There are regulations deal will read something I wrote in February ing with it. last, which appeared in a section of the Southern Press. It is as follows:- The CHAIRltiAN: Order! The hon. mem ber should address the chair. ''When you read of 'Strife in Germany,' 'Italy Starving,' 'Japanese not Fighters' Mr. ~IOORE: Another bad practice is the take no heed. Those captions mean nothing-. mixi.n_g of good and inferior vegetables, and The fact is three strong nations, aggre reta1lmg them at the price for the higher gating 215,000,000 persons, led by dictators, quality. Women or kiddies makino- a pur are fighting us. TheTe is no Maginot Line chase in a retail shop should not" have to this side of Singapore worth mentioning. examine such commodities closely. I recom British soldiers are fighting in no less than n;end that a closer supervision and inspec twelve theatres of war. America will cer twn be m·ade of these retail establishments. tainly throw in a great weight. An;pvay, we must he self-reliant. Unless a miracle I conclude by expressing the hope that the happens, Australia will be one of the chief necessary machinery will be set up to improve battle grounds. Every ounce of strength the distribution of foodstuffs generally is needed. Above all, complete unity is becausB I am satisfied that enough people ar~ essential-political and in all ways, for 444 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply.
unity is strength. Dictators act while if they are able to do the job-and others democracies yawn and slumber between who have held a lifelong training in stores. sleeps. The latter applies particularly to The Minister replied that the matter would a spoilt and lazy one like ours, brought up be considered, and I understand that care in a carnival spirit under the wing of the ful attention has been given to it. That British Navy. shows he was, as a Minister must be, alert. ' 'There should be no evacuation, except for Members of a State Parliament have the mothers and children, the aged and infirm. much time at their disposal in which they (Be advised by Civil Defence Department could do ever so m'uch war work. I r·ealise re this.) The rest of us must stand put, that during a parliamentary session we are not just defending but attacking. Women tied somewhat, and that there is always a under 35 are expected to carry on essential certain amount of work to be done for our services while practically every man under constituents, but there is still time at our 65 (and over if fit) handles a .303 rifle in disposal to help the Commonwealth in such guerrilla warfare. The stern fact is facing matters as organising war loans. There us in deadly earnest. Obey constitutional should be no need to pay organisers except authority. Don't think defeat. Be deter one in each State, who would give a lead mined to win. God helps those who help and keep records. Each and every one of themselves. Therefore be strong in faith, us should be willing to pla
distant, a flock of sheep, 2 tons of flour, petition was presented to this Honourable and much extra salt to sell along the track. Assembly:- Also two trusses of pressed hay. John S. H. Yeates. '' Fred Richardson 's diary states that their style of living was rather plain, (Petition.) mostly salt beef and damper, but everyone 1'o the Honourable Members of the House of already had first-class appetites. Eight of Assembly. us or more, leading a horse each, ride o~ ahead. At night each leader took three The humble petition of John S. H. Yeates hours' watch. RBspectfully prays- ''Travelling through Glen Innes and '' That the extreme loss which he has 'I'enterfield into Queensland and thence via sustained by the aborigines destroying ·warwiek, Toowoomba, and the Darling his two flocks of sheep, within 15 miles Downs, then occupied by squatters, the of Bowen and the Central Native Police nearest stations to Drayton (the original Camp, on the river Don, upon the 28th town) being Eton Vale, Harrow, and day of May, and again on the 14th day Gowrie. While Sidney Yeates, Henry of July, may be taken into considera Richardson, and Frank Gardiner were tion ... '' droving the sheep through Gowrie, they allowed them to stray wide of the stock Ever so many sheep had been killed by the route with the result that Sidney Yeates blacks, and the petition to this Honourable was summoned and fined £7 10s. in the Assembly asked that certain pecuniary benefits Drayton Police Court by the local justices should be restored so that those who had of the peace-' Squatters'! 'nuff said! suffered the loss might get a new start. They complained in the petition that police troopers ''As the country grew wilder two car and police magistrates were dilatory in the bines were given out to the shepherds for discharge of their duties and did not take self-defence. George Yeates 's faithful proper steps to deal with the matter when black boy Warry was always watchful and it was reported to them. knew in which direction the wild blacks My point in mentioning the experiences were located. Beyond Bowen carbines and of the old pioneers is to show how very well cartridges were issued to all the men owing off we are to-day. I have referred to one to the blacks being numerous and unfriendly. heroic band of pioneers because I happen to have their history-! make no apology for ''Far up on the Burdekin they met J ames mentioning it here-but I know there are Cudmore on his way back to Adelaide. many more. No-one else in this country, no He had stocked some country farther up matter who he is, and no matter what he did, the river. They had now been over 12 did as much as those old pioneers. What you months ~n the journey and there were only and I may have done in the West, Mr. two stations further out, Mr. McKinnon 's Brassington, was a mere bagatelle and nothing and Mr. McDonald 's. The McDonald 's by comparison. There is nothing wrong with l1ad come from World's End Station near this country now. Indeed, the people are the Burra in South Australia a familv of going about well dressed, they have three father. son, and two daughters aged 18 meals a day-they can even buy meals up to nnd 16 years. The son was down country 5s., if you please. That is a big price to when the father was speared bv the blacks. pay for a meal at any time. The ilaughters, guessing their father's fate I wrote to the Minister for the Army on by the retmn of his dog with a spear in another matter. Boarding-houses and some hrs body, escaped and rode bv a blazed hotels, but particularly boarding-houses, have trail to the Yeates 'scamp on the Ennisley. been asked by the Minister to accommodate Seven of the Yeates men searched and found certain people belonging to the army. They Mr. McDonald dead with a spear in his may be mechanics, they may be members of heart. the Militia force-military men staying tem '' Siilney Y :ates returned to Bowen, porarily in some of the little towns. There where he acqmred land on the Don River is a certain town not 50 miles north of Bris nnil then arr:mged for his wife and famih; bane where there is a refresbment-house. to join him from Adelaide by sailing ship. Whether it is a licensed one or not is by the way. It is a place that usually provides meals ''He remained some 13 years in the for the public, but it has no staff and cannot Bowen district with poor reward for his get anybody to help the mother, who is sick. lrard work and ambition, and then decided The army brings along certain strapping to trek DOO miles across country to the young men, who are well able to cook for N:w Eldorado, talke<1 of in the south-west. themselves, as you and I did in the Warrego H1s route _was via Alpha, Withersfield, and district years ago, Mr. Brassington. The Ailavnle m covered bullock-wagons and army says to this proprietress, "We want you o~her ":ehicl~s drawn by horses, taking with to billet these men, and yon will get 10d. for lnm hrs Wife and 12 children and the breakfast, lld. for lunch, and 1s. for dinner. remnants of the merino flock.'' Now, let me tell hon. members the bill of fare that she has to provide for breakfast The. Votes and Proceeding-s for the second bread, 4 oz. ; tea, with milk and sugar; bacon, sessron of the Queensland Parliament held in 3 oz., or sausages; chops i}-lb., or steak 4 oz., 1867, at page 997, discloses that the following or two eggs; butter, 1 oz.; jam or marmalade, 446 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply.
1 oz.-and all that for 10d. And then they have no faith in their country. I have been sit there and are waited on. We were not told by a leading accountant that £3,000 waited on at Adavale or Augathella, Mr. worth of silver is drifting out of circulation Brassington. I will skip the lunch and give each week in Brisbane alone. the bill of fare for dinner. It is meat, roast or boiled, 8 oz., stews, or pies; I wish to impress on this Committee, as puddings (6 oz. meat, 1 oz. flour); bread, 2 representatives of the people, and the rest oz.; potatoes, 6 oz.; vegetables, 8 oz.; tea, of the country, the seriousness of our danger with milk and sugar, 1 pint; and sweets and l1ow imperative it is to do more than we all this for 1s. I want to know how the are doing. I do not want to be asked to do Federal Goven1ment can expect caterers to something hut to be told what to do in my do this job. It is not a fair thing. On the spare time by the Prime Minister or someone other hand, you will see ever so much wilful else in authority-! caTe not what sort of waste, sometimes on the part of young officers label he bears. -who are upstarts. I am not blaming officers generally, and I am not making a wild state The Budget reveals that the public debt of ment. Some of these officers have just this State at 30 June, 1942, was £131,000,000, attained their ranking and have never held as compared with £57,000,000 in 1915-an responsibility before. It is they who want increase of £74,000,000 in 27 years. The the people to do all this sort of thing. It is Governments who have been in power for most they who send a truck down to the laundry to of the time since 1915 have increased the bring them a shirt back. I want to assure the public. debt by £74,000,000. What a tre Committee that I am not casting any reflection mendous inter£;st bill this debt carries! on the army generally-not by any means but when we know of a woman well up in I shall be glad to see the Auditor-General's. years who has reared sons, some of whom are report. I think it is high time we had it. serving in the army, who is compelled to cater I feel there is no other independent institu for people with hefty young appetites for tion, except the Supreme Court, than the 1 Od., lld., and Is. for breakfast, lunch, and Auditor-General and I hope the Auditor dinner, respectively, then it is not a fair thing. General comes 'up to my standard of inde I am going to place this matter before Mr. pendence. I do not think the Teport should Forde again. be shown to even a Premier before it is submitted to the House. I understand it is I wish to call attention to the trafficking the custom to hand it to the PTemier and that is now going on in silver. If we enter say, "Here is the proof; it is going into any establishment, whether in Beenleigh, Too print.'' I was going to say, ''subject to your woomba, Brisbane, or LandsboTOugh, and approval," but I had better not. tender a £1 note in payment for a purchase we are asked, ''Have you nothing smaller~'' Two million three hundred and fifty-five On all hands we hear the remark, ''Can you thousand pounds does not sound much when give me some pennies~'' In fact, some you are talking about £1,000,000 a day for business-people are paying a premium to the war effort, but that amount has been obtain silver. I see a danger in this practice. colleeted by what I call the relief tax, which Recently, I read the following article in the is officially referred to as the income (State "North Australian," a newspaper published development) tax. There has been virtually at Innisfail- no unemployment for months now. The per centage is 2.2, compared with 20.3 per cent. ''The silver-shortage question was con in 1931-32. The Government have been col sidered at the last meeting of the Innisfail lecting this money all the time, and notwith Chamber of Commerce, wi1en reports were standing the new financial arrangement will received of how the silver shortage was still receive the same amount of money, but it adversely affecting trade and commerce and >Yill come from the Federal Governn1ent. mention was made that silver hoarding was prevalent. Tlte Secretary for Public Works: That is not correct. ''The position has become so acute that big employers of labour have had to pay :Mr. YEATES: I want better proof than wages without silver, settling to the nearest the hon. gentleman's denial. I think the denomination in the notes used.'' Queensland surplus in 1942 should have been not less than £600,000, and that is why I have asked the Federal Treasurer to issue I am curious to see the Auditor-General's a regulation withdrawing from circulation report. A larger surplus is in the offing for all silver currency bearing a date prior to 1942-43. I repeat that the same amount of 1940. If that is done, thousands of pounds State development tax is coming from the worth of silver will immediately come into Federal Government in addition to the circulation again that is now being hoarded ordinary income tax, and is included in the and buried throughout the country. I should £5,800,000-odd. We look forward for the say that anyone found wilfully hoarding Government's not only reducing taxation silver currency should be liable to six months' between now and June, 1943, but winding up imprisonment without the option. It is a the year with a large surplus which, subject shocking practice to indulge in at this period to certain credits to set off previous deficits of the country's history. It just shows where should be put in a reserve fund for post-war we are drifting. It indicates that some people problems. Supply. [6 OcTOBER.] Supply. 447
I have a list of the increases in taxation Mr. YEATES: The department shows a since the Government assumed office. It is profit of £561,000, but of that profit nothing as follows:- has been placed to the Railway Renewals and Per annum. Replacements Reserve Fund-I was about to £. say account, but that does not exist. It should Income tax-increases imposed exist, as there is a statutory obligation on in 1932 (approx.) 1,000,000 the Government to have it in existence, and Super land tax-reimposed in I desire a proper explanation from some 1932-33 (approx.) no,ooo responsible Minister as to why this has never been done, not the shilly-shallying that has Rail fares and freights been in evidence in the past. I hope the InCI·eases, 1932-33 350,000 Premier will attempt to satisfy us. I am Increases, 1938-39 400,000 satisfied that the Railway Department is Increases, 1941-42 400,000 doing the good job we hear it is doing. I State transport fees (imposed am well pleased with some of the work being in 1932-33) 91,677 done, but it has a duty to do, that is what State development tax (in it is there for. It is approximately 75 years crease over 1931-32) 1,165,552 since the department was established and it Motor registration fees (in has had plenty of time to learn how to do creases imposed 1938-39) 120,000 it. Incidentaily, I might say that the men of this service are giving of their very best. Total proceeds in 1939-40 from I can speak for at least 90 per cent. of them. increases imposed by the The number of trains running, especially present Government . . . . £3,637,229 between Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns, is indeed tremendous. There is a very large Notwithstanding the fact that unemploy amount of traffic both ways. Four years ago ment in 1931-32 was 20.3 per cent. and has in this Chamber I informed the Minister for gradually come down to almost nil the 'rransport that at that time Queensland Government have been collecting this money should be building additional locomotives. I and placing it in consolidated revenue JlOinted out that £63,000,000 was invested not expending it for relief work. in the department. That included the £28,000,000 capital wiped off. Of course, the I give the Government credit for reducing board of directors of a business concern could motor-vehicle registration fees as from 1 July not merel;· pass a '!ll.Otion to wipe off capital last, but that was an arrangement made indebted]less and leave it at that. throughout . Australia at the instigation of the Federal Government and no great credit At ] 2.30 p.m., is due to the Queensland Government, because Mr. DUNSTAN (Gympie) relieved the they did not go out of their way to make any Chairman in the chair. special reduction. I suggest now that for the duration of the war utility trucks used by Mr. YEATES: Would not Henry Ford or farmers in their production be exempt from any other real business man spend money on registration fees, or, at the most, be rated at building up the plant of any big business a nominal fee of 5s. or 10s. a year. such as that~ Of course, I am speaking now of peace-time, for this work should have been 'l'he Government are charged with the done long ago. The Government would have responsibility of inquiring into the prices done well to have asked for £500,000 to build charged on certain classes of liquor in the more trucks and locomotives for our railways, St~te. The ~unday ''Australian'' gives some of the K type engines that they have ev1dence of pnces charged for whisky. It in New Zealand, where the gauge is 3 feet states- G inch also, and some of the monster '' The Queensland authorities will have to engines that are hauling goods over 1,100 take early action concerning the profiteer miles of ranges on a 3-feet 6-inch gauge in ing which is proceeding in North Queens South Africa. The need for all these things land in the sale of spirits with United States was pointed out by me four years ago. This servicemen as the chief victims. Reports building-up of the service was needed in claim that as much as £5 a bottle has peace-time, and had that been done we might been paiu for whisky. Sales have definitely not have been in so much trouble t.o-day. I been made at around £2 per bottle, which know that some locomotives have been lent on recent sales by merchants represents a to South Australia for the Oodnadatta line, profit margin much above a reasonabie and I say ''Good luck'' to the Government price. As is usually the case, the present for that, but had my scheme for the develop position is one in which the many can be ment of the service been undertaken, we blamed for the misdeeds of a few:'' should have had ever so many more engines now. This very important matter should be inquired into. The other day I asked a question about the bathroom at the Premier's office, and one I am hopeful that the Estimates brought about a bathroom at the Roma Street rail forward for discussion will include those of way station. I know all about ''May on the Railway Department, but, of course, one Parliamentary Procedure,'' and I do not need never knows. A quiet little committee meet the Minister for Transport to lecture me ing may decide-- about it, but it occurred to me that if the Premier of Queenslanii r,ould have a bathroom The CHAIRMAN: Order! costing £93-and I do not blame him for it 448 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply.
-it was only right that the railwaymen at ·women's Laud Army is coming to the rescue, Roma Street station who are loading these and good luck to them, but we need more trains for the North on hot days and nights organisation and more co-operation between should have a shower-bath, too, even if it the State and Federal Governments, despite was going to cost £50. I realise that it what Ministers of the Crown may say. might be argued that the men at the front Arrangements will have to, be made whereby have no shower-baths, and I know that that the older m:en and men unfit for war service is so, but, at the same time, at every decent may help the primary industries. military camp, such as Redbank, there is hot and cold water for the men who are I conclude by expressing the hope that the waiting there. MinisteTs, who have taken an oath to serve the country equitably, will take heed of my The other day the Secretary for Public suggestions, as they are bound to take heed Instruction interjected, ''He' '-meaning me of all reasonable suggestions submitted for -''cannot get into the Commissioner's their consideration. office.'' I want to say emphatically that I can go to the Commissioner's office on :Mr. MANN (Brisbane) (12.39 p.m.): I business at any time. make bold to say that the majority of the people will congratulate the Treasurer on his I should like now to refer to the shopping hours in Brisbane, to the opening at Budget, because when it is examined carefully it will be seen that it has been conscientiously 7.30 a.m., closing at 4.30 o'clock in the after noon, in particular. We all know that this prepared and in a way that will bestow the best advantages on the big majority of the makes it difficult for the housewife, who has people. A glance at the Budget will disclose no help these days-not one in a hundred can that the Department of Labour and Employ get domestie help-and who is rearing child ment, the Department of Public Instruction, ren, and rightly so-- and other departments, have short-spent their Mr. Jess1on: It is the poor wages you pay appropriations, whilst the Department of that are the reason for not being able to get Health and Home Affairs and the Treasury them. have over-spent theirs. Taking everything into consideration, I believe that any fair-minded Mr. YEATES: The younger women have person will admit that the :finances of the been attracted to the munition factories and State have been handled in a proper and other works. They prefer thumping a type thorough manner. writer from morning to night to doing a little bit of housework and washing up the The Budget contains many commendable dishes. features. It contains evidence of energetic action in its preparation and a desire for Mr. P01wer: For 10 bob a week. sound planning nnd a proper regard for the requirements of all the people. It also shows Mr. YEATES: Good wages are offered in that the Government have a proper regard for many places. I suggest t.hat the Secretary the future development of the State and a for Labour and Employment should so proper understanding of its problems. A plan arrange maHers that the public servants of construction and development work pro start work at 7.30 a.m. for six months of vides for the expenditure of £4,700,000. Ship the year, whilst the shop assistants for that building and port facilities have cost the period are allowed to start at 8.30 a.m. It Government £445,000, both matters of great is only fair that such a change about should importance to the defence of the country and be allowed. for its future development. During last year The Secreta.ry for Labour and Employ work of a defence nature increased almost ment: You do not know much about the tenfold, and the number of men employed in subject. You have not given it much doing it rose from 1,100 to about 7,000. The thought. Budget also discloses that defence jobs carried out by the Government, or in which the I hope the Secretary for Agriculture and Government have assisted total £8,500,000. Stock and the Government generally will Last year £1,300,000 was spent on projects bring enough pressure to bear on the of a direct defence value. This amounts to Minister for Commerce to cause him to raise one-third of the total expenditure on capital the price of butter-fat so as to help the works. Hon. members of the Opposition have dairymen of Australia. I cannot understand said that the Government have done virtually the shocking delay that has occurred in this nothing on defence work in this State. connection, especially when we all know the seriousness of it all. There is no use in During this debate I have listened to trying to force people to produce and thus Opposition hon. members criticising the Budget. the only way to increase production is to pay I took particular notice of the case put for a reasonable price for the product. Too long ward by the Leader of the Opposition. The have the dairymen suffered in this way. They statem'ent made by him and supported by have to work early and late, long hours, while members of his party weakened his case. the people in the cities and towns enjoy the If we look back over the years we shall find results of their efforts. They are able to that the policy of the Opposition has on all have fresh butter and milk delivered to their occasions been to criticise the Government, doorsteTJS in the early hours of the morning and never at any time to give them credit while. the dairymen have to work long hours, for benefits conferred on the people. especwlly now, because they are short-handed on account of war conditions. However, the :Mr. Barnes interjected. Supply. [6 OcTOBER.] Supply. 449
Mr. MANN: I have often heard the hon. Mr. Edwards: You would not understand member for Bundaberg interjecting. lie it. reminds me of an old proverb, which runs ltlr. MANN: The Leader of the Opposition, something like this- when criticising the Budget, said that the '' There are four sorts of men: Government had not in the past financial year given full support and co-operation in He who knows not and knows not he knows the war effort. I want to say quite not; he is a fool-shun him; definitely that that statement is cowardly He who knows not and knows he knows and untrue. The Leader of the Oppositiou not: he is simple, teach him; and his supporters are merely attempting to He who knows and knows not he knows: gain political kudos and exploit the patrioti;o he is asleep-wake him; feelings of the people. At all times thiB Government have given of their very best to He who knows and knows he knows: he the national war effort. Fancy hon. mem is wise-follow him." bers opposite talking about a war effort! I apply the first of these definitions to the Fancy them having the audacity to attack hon. member when he interjects. this party in regard to its war effort! When The Opposition at all times attack the members of their party were members of the Government and do not give them any credit Governm·ent at Canberra they did pmctieally for having done anything of a constructive nothing about the defences of this nation. nature. I remember that in 1938 the Leader I repeat, their party neglected the defences of the Opposition attacked the GoYernment of this country-criminally neglected them. on its Budget because the Treasurer had Then they come into this Chamber and charge budgeted for a deficit. He waxed warm in this Government and the Labour Government his attack on the Government, and said that at Canberra with not giving their all. They there should have been a surplus, as the clamour for an all-in Govm·nment-- Federal Treasurer had budgeted for one. lie lUr. Edwards: You ought to be ashamed added that the Federal Treasurer had to talk about it. balanced his Budget and produced surpluses in four successive years. At the same time ~1Ir. MANN: The hon. member for Nanango he forgot to mention the deficits that were wants his members included in that Govern piled up year after year by his own party m:ent at Canberra. He wants his party to when they were on these 'Treasury benches. be included in the Government-men who He said not a word of the chaos and ruin criminally neglected the defence of this comJ left behind by his party for this party to try. Contrast the lip service they are giving clean up and build upon. Yet to-day, in to-day with what they did two years ago. this Chamber, he attempts to ridicule the When I made a speech in this Chamber say Budget. He declared that there was some ing that we should not be so eager to send thing sinister about it, that there was some our fellows overseas, that we should look to thing hidden, something wrong with the sur the defence of our own shore-s in rnse we pluses produced by the Treasurer. Such were attacked by an aggressive nation, the hon. criticism by the Opposition is unfair. Never member for West Moreton attacked me and do they give credit to the Government for said I should be ashamed of myself. But anything of a constructive, developmental my statements have come true. It remained character since this party has been the for Labour, led by Mr. Curtin, to put the Government. defences of this country on a sound footing. (Opposition interjections.) I say plainly, There are many commendable features in whether the Opposition like it or not, that the Budget. It discloses that the Govern the Federal Labour Govemment during their ment have not only maintained the higher 12 months in office have placed Australia in standards of political economy, which any a position to meet an attacker nation. When fair-minded person must admit to be they took oflice the invader was almost at so, but intend to do so in the future. Hon. our shore, and it was due to the resolute members opposite do not like anyone to draw ness, long-headedness, and careful planning a comparison between Labour and anti of the Federal Labour Govemment that the Labour rule in this State. They wish us to Japanese were prevented from invading our forget the 1929-32 period. They say it was shores. The conception of the Oppositio11 a very difficult period. Admittedly it was two years ago was that the Australian con a difficult period, but they must' bear in tribution to the United Nations' effort should mind, when they attempt to ridicule and be to rush as many of our soldiers overseas condemn this Government for their financial as possible, irrespective of how they were measures, that they failed as a Government equipped or trained. to grapple with the financial problems of Mr. Edwards: That is not true. this State. Not only did they fail to grapple with a difficult economic position, ~Ir. ltiANN: It is true. They wanted to but they pursued a policy that aggravated rush them overseas, and it is due to their it. On the other hand, the Treasurer is to conception that Singapore fell. Have I to be commended on his Budget. I know it remind the Opposition of the calamities in hurts such mem·bers as the hon. member for Greece, or Crete, or Libya, or Sumatra, m N anango to sit and listen to the arguments Singapore or Malaya~ Hundreds of our of his party being pulled to pieces. He young fellows made the supreme sacrifice, hates to be reminded of the things that his hundreds more have been maimed for life, Government did. and thousands are languishing in foreign 1942-Q 450 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply. prisons because they were badly equipped Mr. MANN: Because it was forced on him and had no air protection. That was the by the whole of the Opposition and Coles, idea that permeated the minds of the Opposi whose policy was ''Hands off my profits.'' tion and their party at Canberra-to rush as many of our people overseas as possible, An Opposition Member: Because Coles irrespective of how they were equipped. On told him to withdraw~ Is that why he with that occasion I pleaded that we should not drewg rush our fellows overseas, but get busy and Mr. lUANN: True he was forced to with develop our war industries so that we could draw it,. and as I proceed I will tell members defend our nation if we were attacked by of the Opposition who is governing this an aggressor nation. country to-day. It is the friends of hon. members opposit·e who are controlling the Mr. Edwards: Why do you not get in and balance of power in Parliament to-day and do a bit yourself~ it was due to the pressure brought to bear the direct action by the capitalist, that the Mr. }!ANN: The hon. member for Nanango Government withdrew the 4-per-c;ent. limita and his friends opposite were clamouring for tion of profits. Hon. members opposite know a national Government, and they do not like quite well that a. proposal was put before the the facts >vhen they are placed before them trade-union movement at Canberra by the they do not like to admit the blunders and Government that was regarded by that move mistakes made by their own party, but they ment as a planned national economy. It was think they are at liberty to come into this suggested that wages be pegged, and that Chamber and attack the Gon~rnment on the competition as between men going from one ground-to use the words of the Leader of the job to another be eliminat·ed. That was Opposition-that we are not giving a lOO accepted by the trade unions as an emergency per-cent war effort. (Opposition interrup measure in a time of national crisis, but when tion.) I do not take any notice of the hon. it came to the turn of the friends of hon. member for Nanango because I know he does memhars opposite, by placing of a limitation not understand the position as well as he on profits, there was a sustained hue and cry might. He knows that his p::n-ty was the throughout Australia and pressure was brought party in power for many years at Canbena. to bear on the Government to scrap limitation He knows Mr. Cnrtin and the Labour Party on profits. They can talk of an all-in war years ago suggested that we should see to the effort, but when it comes to limitation of
Mr. II'IANN: The hon. member can ask the go on strike-who take direct action-and hon. member for Hamilton that question. The saying that arbitration should be the policy hon. member for Hamilton came into this of the land, but when it came to putting a Chamber as an Independent, but the speech limit to their profits they immediately used he made the other day marks him as the mouth direct action and forced the hand of the piece of the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce, Government and compelled them to shelve because the president of that body made a the proposal. I am not condemning the job similar statement either the day before or Broken Hill Proprietary Limited is doing the day afterwards. If the hon. member I know its ramifications are great-but I examined the position thoroughly, he woulcl resent the attack of the hon. member for realise the stranglehold the Broken Hill Pro Hamilton on the Government for not subsi prietary Company has on industry in Aus dising these small secondary industries for tralia, particularly the iron and steel industry, which he is concerned. The hon. member and it is this fact that prevents the Queens should employ his energies in informing the land Electric Steel Company from making the minds of the people and pointing out to them progress he complained about. that Broken Hill Proprietary Limited monopolises iron and steel in this country. ltlr. 1Ualler: We should be in a sorry mess in our war effort to-day but for the Broken Mr. II'Iacdonald: The hon. member for Hill Proprietary Company Limited. Hamilton is entitled to express his own IUr. JUANN: I agree with the hon. member. opinion. I say that the Broken Hill Proprietary Limited, because of the stranglehold it has II'Ir. ThiANN: I do not condemn him for obtained on the iron and steel industry in expressing his opinion. I also claim the peace time, has been the very essence of the right to express my opinion and to defend nation's defence programme in war-time. Hon. the Federal Government and Norman Makin, members opposite, including the hon. member who, I say, is a most honourable gentleman, for Hamilton, instead of taking the Govern and I shall not allow any Tory hon. member ment to task as they have done in regard to opposite to attack Norman Makin unchal ·other matters, should ask the national Govern lenged while I can rise and defend him. ment to nationalise the Broken Hill Pro Instead of attacking the Federal Labour prietary Company Limited and run it in the Party and at-tacking their war effort, hon. interests of the nation, not in the interests of bondholders overseas who are drawing up to members opposite should give them credit. I believe the people of Australia, if given 20 per cent. dividends to-day while workers the opportunity, would express confidence in civilian industries have to live on pre-war wages. in the Curtin Gpvernment in no uncertain manner. Cm·tin( and his Government have JUr. Maher: The men with the Broken done a good job. There are many things on Hill Proprietary Company Limited are highly which I disagree with them, but I contend paid men. that Curtin and his Government arc doing a thorough job. They have made it possible lUr. ThiANN: The ramifications of that com to put the defences of this country in a good pany are Yery wide. Its subsidiary organi position. Mr. Curtin sought the aid of sations and associated companies make it a President Roosevelt, and he asked Mr. monopoly. They are vitally interested not Churchill to allow our soldiers to be brought only in the steel and iron industry, hut in back to defend this country. I say that chemical production, hand-made and machine credit is due to Curtin and his Government made tools, coalmines, and shipping. I say for the policy they are pursuing in connec emphatically that is the reason why the tion with the war. When they took over the Queensland Electric Steel Company Limited Government, times were perilous, and Cnrtin could not ''get a go'' on. It ·was because of did the best he could in implementing the domination and stranglehold of Broken Labour's policy. With the balance of power Hill Proprietary Company Limited on the in the hands of two independents, it is not steel a11rl iron production of this country. Its possible for Curtin to implement Labour's manager, Mr. Essington Lewis, · has been full policy, but he is doing a pretty ~~od employed by the Federal Government to assist job in all the circumstances. (Oppos1t10n in their war effort. It is necessary in these interjections.) serious times that the company should be given the job it is doing, because it has the Hon. members opposite want to see in con machinery and material to do it. trol of the Federal Parliament those who Mr. Sparkes: If yo~ had your way it would were responsible for criminally neglecting not be there. the defence of this country during the years gone by. They want to put the Leader of lUr. MANN: It would be there, but its the Opposition, Mr. Fadden, into power, the profits would be giyen to the Govemment. man who said in arguing against the 4-per 'The Government should nationalise this huge cent. limitation of profits that unless there concern, which pays its overseas bondholders were profits in industry there would be no up to 20 per cent. dividends during the war incentive to production. when workers ' wages are being pegged. An Opposition Member: Control profits. An Opposition Member: That is true. Mr. l'\fANN: The hon. gentleman says Thlr. MANN: If it is true, what is wrong ''control profits.'' I have heard hon. mem with the workers' competing for the highest bers opposite condemning the workers who price wh,en there is a shortage of labour~ 454 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply.
An Opposition Member: Are they noe I suggest to the Prem~er that the Govern doing it~ ment give very serious consideration to bring ing the parties together. I say that with all Mr. MANN: It is easily seen that the hon. due respect to the head of the Brisbane City member does not understand, or ;he is Council who, I believe, has thrown the onus deliberately misrepresenting the position. He on the Industrial Court. I see that the knows as well as I do that wages have been President of the Industrial Court has, as it pegged, but prices and profits have not been were, held the gun at the heads of the tram pegged. If we are to attain a full-time war waymen, pointing out to them the dire penalty effort, in addition to pegging wages and that can ha inflicted on them if they go on forbidding men from moving from one job strike. The tramwaymen know these things to another, we must peg profits-profits and knew them before they took the ballot. should be pegged, prices should be pegged, It is not too late, even now, for the Premier and income should be ceiled. Unless these or someone to intervene in the strike in an things are done, we cannot get a 100-per-cent. endeavour to bring the parties together. war effort. I could go on at length to talk of the profits that have been made by con lUr. ltiaher: They know the law of the cerns in this country, but I content myself land. with what I have said. Mr. MANN: I have been speaking in this Another matter I would like to mention Chamber for the past three-quarters of an before I conclude is the continued agitation hour endeavouring to show that the workers in the Press recently in regard to pillaging in civil industry have no redress. I did not on the waterfront. I made inquiries from know until to-day that under a National reliable men on the Brisbane waterfront, and Security order they have no claim for an they informed me that pillaging on the water increase in their wages. People who are repre front in this city was very, very small, but sented by hon. members opposite have by that the waterside workers of this city feared direct action forced the hand of the Govem that the agitation in the Press was a smoke ment to shelve a Bill to limit their profits. screen to discredit the genuine waterside If it is good enough for hon. members work8l· in order tbat they might be able to opposite and their wealthy friends to use get outside labour on the waterfront. direct action, what is wrong with the workers' According to an article in the ''Telegraph'' doing the same~ Is not that only fair and recently, the military forces of this country logical! I do not wish this strike to develop, were employed on the waterfront at 6s. a as I know the serious effect it would have on day and worked from early morning to the wives and families of the men concerned. midnight. I have played my part in stTikes, at times successfully and at others unsuccessfully, and It is a well-known fact that in an emergency know the hardships and heart-burnings it other labour has been recruited to work on brings to the homes of the worker. For :w the waterfront, and I ask the Govemment to years the tramwaymen of Brisbane have gh·en investigate that aspect of the matter. I am excellent service to the public of the city pleased to know the Federal Government have and when they contemplate this action they taken the matter in hand and intend to police must have some genuine grievance. work on the waterfront. 'l'he genuine water side workers will not object to that, but I lUr. Sparkes: You believe in arbitration, have been informed by men that they fear do you not? it is a smoke-screen to cover up an effort to 1\Ir. Pie: Go to the court. bring cheap labour to the waterfront to break down the conditions of the waterside workers. ::lir. "ftiANN: It is all very well for hon. members opposite, but did they go to the ::lir. Barnes: The hon. member for Hamil courts when profits were concerned~ No, they ton is present now. took action by putting the gun at the head of the Government at Canberra, saying, ''Hands lUr. MANN: I am very sorry the hon. off our profits.'' vVhat is the use of the hon. member was not present earlier. I hate member for Hamilton's saying they should having to say things behind anybody's back. go to the court~ Did they go to the court ltir. Pie: You need not worry about me. \vhen the Prime Minister said he was going to introduce a 4-per eent. limitation of profits~ lUr.ltiANN: The hon. member will be able That was something agreed on by the trade to read it in '' Hansard'' and if he gets the union movement when it agreed to the opportunity ha can reply. pegging of wages. Not for one mome.rit. did Speaking of working conditions in industry, they think that profits were to be unlirluted. I come now to a very serious matter, the lUr. Pie: You do not know what you are suggested tramwaymen 's strike. talking about. Profits are not unlimited. Mr. Sparkes interjected. Jtir. JIANN: The hon. member told us he came to this State a few years ago with ltir. ltiANN: I do not take the beef baron virtually nothing and to-day he is a wealthy from the West very seriously. I am sure man. nobody in this Chamber takes him seriously, not even the reporter for the ''Telegraph.'' ::lir. Pie: I am not. Reverting to the tramway strike likely to lUr.ll'fANN: He made money out of indus occur within a few days: if it is allowed to try. He did not make his money by working develop it will be a very serious matter, and for wages. Those who are on wages and on Supply. [6 OCTOBER.) Supply. 455 the basic-wage level and who have no chance that the placing of women in industry and of getting away from that level must be not asking them to do the same work as men given some consideration. and not giving them the same wages as the To-day I make an appeal to the Govern men receive, is merely an attempt to break ment to interest themselves in the tramway down the working conditions of the industry dispute and not allow it to go further. The in which it is proposed to employ them. Government can do that. The fact that the Mr. Maher: No. Judge of the court who made an attack on the loyalty of a union secretary now comes J)Ir. lliANN: If that is not so, then why not along and makes an attack on the tramway give the women equal pay for eqnal work men is all wrong. with the men~ Let them do the same task as the men and pay them the same wages )fr. Nimmo: You are criticising the Indus as the men. trial Court. llir. Sparkes: Do you not think there is a The CHAIRlUAN: Order! There are far little difference between women and the men too many interjections on my left and I a~k where laborious work is concerned~ the hon. member to address the Chair. J)lr. lliANN: The Brisbane City Council Mr. lUANN: Thank you, Mr. Bras sing wants to take the women, put them on the ton. I kno;,· that when it hits them hardest level of the lowest-paid man, and drag down they show it. the conditions for which the Brisbane Tram ways Union has fought. I say openly to-day The CHAIRlUAN: Order! that any section of the workers, whether they belong to the tramways or any other union, lUr. l\IANN: I am here in the interests of have my whole-hearted support in any :fight my electorate, who are mostly wage-earners. to wring from the employer better conditions A section of the trade-union movement has than those obtaining at the moment, and I its heart in the centre of my electorate and I conclude by appealing once more to the have been sent here to voice the grievances Premier not to let this dispute develop, but to of those men. Hon. members opposite may try to intervene with a view to bringing well look after Yested interests but I am about a settl'8ment. going to say my piece on behalf of the workers in industry. Before all these inter llfr. ~IlliMO (Oxley) (3.49 p.m.): After jections were made I was appealing to the hearing the hon. member who has just resumed G~vernment to endeavour to do something to his seat, I shall try to bring the debate to bnng about a settlement of this matter. It the matter before the Committee. is wrong to say that the tramwaymen have no At the outs·et I should like to congratulate case. It was pointed out recently by the our new Premier and assure him that I will Brisbane City Council that the trams had give him all the support I can, and I know had a record day, and that there had been an that hon. members on this side will do the increase of 1,000,000 passengers in the traffic same. As a matter of fact, I can assure the carried on the tramways in four months. Premier that nothing will be done on this side I have made various suggestions to-day of the Chamber that will tend to incon f?r what they are worth. I say empha venience him. We trust that his term of beal.ly that these attacks upon union office-which will be brief, I hope-will be officials and upon trade unions in gene pleasant, and I wish him ev·ery success. ral have to stop, irrespective of who is making them. The party to which I belong It is unfortunate that we have to discuss and to whose platform I subscribe, is the same the Budget \vithout :first having seen the party that was returned to Parliament years Auditor-General's report. In fact, it is tragic ago. _It :vas formed because of the tyranny that that we have brought before Parliament a was mfhcted upon the workers bv the vested set of figures and are asked to discuss them inte_rests of those days. Why, only last week intelligently without having seen that annual Ma.Jor-General Rankin attacked two union report. I am sure that no directors of any secretaries in Canberra and said that if he public company in Australia would tolerate had his wa;· he would put them up against the such methods. Certainly, they would not hold wall and shoot them. The party to which I an annual meeting, nor would they discuss a have the honour to b-elong was sent to Parlia balance-sheet without first having a full report ment to protect the workers against such to lay before the shareholders. We are told impositions as these. Again I appeal to the that the Auditor-General's report is not avail Government to step in and see if they cannot able. It never is available when it is wanted. use sound reason and logic-and that is what llfr. Jesson: You have the Estimates. this party was built on-in the interests of these men. At this late hour I make an urgent Mr. NUUIO: We have the Estimates, it appeal to the Government to do something is true, but even they cannot be fully dis about this serious matter. It is indeed. cussed in the absence of the Auditor-General's serious. It is just so much hooey t~ suggest report to tell us what the actual position is. that these 900 or 1,000 men have been led The Tevenue has been very buoyant, the into this strike or that they are going into greatest it has been in the history of the it blindfold. The men know what they are State, amounting as it does to £23 a head for fighting for. An attempt is being made by every man, woman, and child in the State. the council-and it will be supported strongly This revenue has been spent, or it is supposed ?Y hon. members opposite-to employ women to have been fully spent. We must examine m the tramway service. I have no objection the figures carefully to ascertain the true to placing women in industry, but I do say position. There has been a curtailment of 456 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply.
Government expenditure on development Mr. NIM.MO: And that sum of £130,00(} works. That expenditure could not go on was calmly transferred back to the Unem because the man-power problem has prevented ployment Insurance Fund this year when the Government from: spending huge sums of there is no unemployment and there is no money. Therefore, the real surplus must need to have the money in the fund. I am not have been very large, how large only the saying that it is not right to pay it back to Treasurer knows, but he tells us that the the fund, but if it was right to transfer 'it surplus last year was £63,000. from the fund to consolidated revenue when there was a great deal of unemployment there The Secretary for Public Lands: Do you is no need to transfer it back when there doubt that~ is no unemployment. It shows the uncertainty of the position and the malversation of figures Mr. NIMlU.O: I do. we are getting in this Chamber. The Secretary for Public Lands: What .Mr. Den·ies: Your Government gave is your reason for doubting it~ Now is your opportunity. £2,000,000 to New South Wales without having it refunded . .Mr. NIMMO: My reason for doubting is Mr. NilUJUO: Let me give an explanation that the revenue has been tremendously to the young hon. member who interjects buoyant, we know that expenditure has not that the Moore Government transferred been high, but we are ignorant of the true money to the Southern States and did not position. That is the reason why we doubt get it back. it. If the Government would do the decent thing and let us have the Auditor-General's I\Ir. Power: They gave it, they did not report before we discuss the Budget, we transfer it. should know something about it. JUr. NIMlliO: The money was lent to the The Secretary for Public Lands: You Southern States at a period ·when it was not would not get any different figures. immediately required in Queensland, but might have been required in a few months' Mr. NllUMO: Of course we should. We time. The whole of the money was returned, should know the Trust Funds to which money plus interest. What difference is there in had been allocated and we should know that trans<:tetion and the action of the Trea· whether money had been stacked away. There surer in cancelling Treasury bills during a is no doubt money has been stacked away period when he did not :want the~, thus to camouflage the true position. I am pro saving interest and reservmg the .nght to testing very strongly at the retention of the reissue them when they were reqmred ~ I Auditor-General's report. hope that explanation ~nits the hon. meml~er The Secretary for Health and Home who interjected and Will for ever stop h~m Affairs: You have all the figures in the from making such an untrue statement agam. tables relating to the Treasurer's Financial Getting back to the Budget, I was saying Statement. that £130,000 had been transferred back to the Unemployment Insuranc~ Funcl. A pre .Mr. NllU.MO: All the figures are not in vious Budget disclosed a loss m the De bentme those tables. The concealing that has gone and Inscribed Stock Profit and Loss Account on has been tremendous, and I say now that of £385,916. this Budget will go down in history as the concealing Budget. It has concealed the That is a big sum of money. A sum funds, and I do not know whether to congra equal to the whole amount was transferred tulate the Treasurer or to condemn him for from Consolidated Revenue to that fund, the action he is adopting. There is no doubt and to-day we find that the debit is .nil_: that his cleverness in hiding the true position We also find that £245 000 has been credited is to be admired from that point of view. to other trust account' funds, making in all It well conceals the true position. £760 916. This has been done by the Trea~urer to conceal his true financial posi Why not let us know exactly the position tion. Had the same methods been adopted in Queensland~ The other States are showing as in previous years, then the surplus at huge surpluses. They have disclosed the 30 June, 1942, would have been £760,916, plus true position, but here in Queensland we try £63,772, the amount actually shown as the to make out that the position is normal and surplus, or £824,688. As far as I can make that the surplus is only £63,000. That con out, that is what the surplus should have ceals the true position so far as I can see been. Many other transfers haYe been made,. from the tables that the hon. gentleman but not having the Auditor-Genenll 's repoTt speaks about. I find that a sum of £130,000 we find it difficult to say what they aTe. I was transferred from the Unemployment venture to say that it would have been a Insurance Fund to consolidated revenue in very easy matter, had the Treasurer followed 1938-39, at a time when there was a fair the usual practice, to bring down a Budget amount of unemployment about, and it was showing a surplus of over £1,000,000. transferred from that fund in order to make the smplus look better, to make the Budget Why has the Treasurer gone to so much Iook better. trouble to conceal the true position~ Is he taking too much money in taxation from Tile Secretary for Health and Home the people~ Is it that previous Budgets Affairs: It was transferred in pursuance have not disclosed the true position and that of the Unemployed Workers Insmance Act. to-day he is trying to smother it up~ The Supply. [6 OCTOBER.] Supply. 457 difficulty of the Treasurer when framing his prices of their products have been fixed Estimates this year seems to have been to on a pre-war basis. They have had to bear find an avenue for expenditure that would all the costs that have been piled on them. reduce the surplus. He estimates the surplus They have had man-power problems to con for the current financial year at £39,146. tend with in addition. That is the reason All increases in taxation and charges imposed why so much discussion has occurred in this by the Government since 1932 have been Chamber on the position of the primary 1·etained. Those include railway fares and producers. freights, stamp duties, court fees, workers' dwellings fees, which were doubled by the The Government also have discussed the present Government, and all charges imposed primary producers' problems; the hon. mem .during the depression period. All those ber for Hamilton accused both the Govern increased charges imposed in the difficult meut and Opposition of always discussing times we went through are retained in full, primary-producing interests. We all know and no effort is being made to reduce them, that the food-supply of a nation is one of ·despite the buoyant revenue. Even the our vital subjects that should be discussed. person who is compelled to resort to the petty If it failed, a very serious problem would debts court has to-day to pay twice the fees face this country, particularly in this trying iniposed in 1931. It would have been to war period. their advantage had the Government given Even in America we find them seized of some consideration to the people in these the importance of this problem, and unless .matters. something is done to right it there will be a smash in America as well as here so far as The huge sum taken out of the pockets food is concerned. of the people during the lean years in rail way fares and freights should be reviewed. Secondary industries have always beep. People living in the far West who pay big advocated by the Opposition. Year after prices for their food have to pay tremendous year we advocated the sending of a liaison railway freights on that food. Those officer to the South to interview people who freights have been increased on three occa may come to Australia for the purpose of sions by the present Government. Surely establishing businesses and to endeavour to to goodness, now is the time, \Yhen the Rail attract them to Queensland, but the Premier way Department's revenue is buoyant because has always been against it-he would not everything it is carrying in the shape of agree to anything of the kind. If we had troops and munitions for the military authori had somebody in the South endeavouring to ties is paid. for at full rates, when it should influence the people to come here and inform .say to the people in the back country, ''We ing them of certain concessions in the way of ure going to carry your goods for you at the free land to build factories, or something rates existing in 1931.'' It would have like that, the possibilities are that we should been a welcome gesture, and would have have attracted industries here that would be been of some benefit to the people in the a blessing to-day. Why have secondary indus remote districts. tries not advanced in this State? I say emphatically that it is on account of high I am sorry that the Treasurer has brought taxation and the lack of encouragement of clown a Budget of this kind, because I believe any kind. if he pursues the policy it suggests he will get himself into difficulties. His Budget Tile Secretary for Healtlt and Home reminds me of a man who understates the Affairs: There is no State income tax this value of his stock, either in a shop or on a year. farm, for income-tax purposes. Even lUr. NilUMO: That is quite true. I tually that policy rebounds on him and gets should like hon. members to hear what the him into serious trouble. ' retiring president of the Chamber of Manu The Secretary for Healtlt and Home factures has to say on this matter. The Affairs: That man is trying to rob His following report appeared in the '' 'relegraph'' Majesty by concealing his true income. of 29 September this year:- Mr. NIMMO: And the Treasurer is trying " 'Now that company taxation will he to rob the people of their just dues by adopt uniform throughout the Commonwealth, one ing this policy. of the principal barriers to the develop ment of secondary industries in Queensland The CHAIRitiAN: Order l has been removed, but the relief has come at a time when shortage of materials and man Mr. NIMMO: The hon. member for power cancels this advantage,' said the retir Hamilton complained that a great deal of the ing president of the Queensland Chamber debate was taken up in discussing primary of Manufactures (Mr. F. Besley) at the products, and that the Opposition did not annual meeting this afternoon. worry about secondary industries. He said that all we worried about were the primary '' 'For many years the development of producers. Why is it that both in this session secondary industry in this State has laggell and last session so much time has been taken hopelessly behind that of the Southern up worrying about the primary producersW States,' Mr. Beasley added. 'This lag has Because they have had such a raw deal. been due largely to the incidence of exces There has been a change of Government in sive State taxation on profits and the the Comm'onwealth sphere. Since the Curtin insistence of the State Government that Government came into power there the primary Queensland was predominantly a primary producers have had a raw deal. All the producing State. 458 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply.
'' 'The concentration of taxatwn power .lUr. Nl:Ul\IO: We are a manufacturing in the hands of the Federal Government has concern ancl as far as yarn is concerned we removed the first obstruction, and the condi took it on to make an order for India. tions brought about by the war have demon strated decisively the fallacy of the What the hon. member for Hamilton has second.' '' said about cotton mills is true, but who is to blame for the position there~ Hon. I agree with every word he says. After members opposite know that Davis Coop the war, if conditions develop at all, we shall cotton mills were breaking their necks find uniform taxation of great benefit. The to establish spinning mills in Queensland but hon. member for Hamilton also said that could get no encouragement from the former wool ancl cotton are sent South because we Premier. I know for a positive fact that the have no spinning mills here. We have no former Premier, when they asked him, whether cotton mills, but we have ample spinning mills they would not attract any mOTe taxation in in Queelll.Slancl. Queensland than in any other State, replied that he could not differentiate between one Mr. Pie: No, we have not ample spinning manufacturer and another. mills. The yarn comes from Sydney ancl Melbourne. The Secretary for Health and Home Affairs: Why should an English company lUr. NIMMO: The hon. member said we get all the taxation on your mill~ had no spinning mills in Queensland. Mr. NHil\IO: Davis Coop is not Mr. Pie: We have some. an English mill. Surely the Government could give some encouragem:ent to a company .IUr. Nil\IlUO: While on this matter I give to bring the industry of cotton-spinning to an invitation to every hon. member to come Brisbane, even if only for a period of five up ancl inspect our woollen mills at Ipswich. years! The Government stand indicted on I know that the 'Treasurer, in whose electorate that case alone. They have given no encour they are situated, would be delighted to show agement to industry. hon. members what they are doing. Hon. members will see the wool as it comes from The Secretary for Health and Home the sheep's back go through every process to Affairs: That is all black labour? the finished article which is comparable to Mr. NilUM,O: No. anything of its kind in Australia. The Secretary for Health and Home The hon. member for Hamilton interjected Affairs: You just said Queensland could that the yarn came from the South. At our compete all over Australia. own mill we have large orders from the Commonwealth for big quantities of yarn Mr. NIMl\IO: The Opposition have con that are still being sent to India. sistently advocated cotton mills for Queens land. In the policy speech of 1938 the estab Mr. Pie: No. lishment of cotton mills in Queensland was a big feature, but nothing was done by the Mr. NIMl\IO: It was ordered for India. Government to encourage them. Mr. Pie: You have an open order from I regret that munition wOTk is still not me up there, and you know it. being encouraged in Queensland. Two years l\Ir. NIMJUO: We must carry out the ago great encouragement was given for muni orders we have from the military authorities. tion work to be done here. Manufacturers were looking for tradesmen. The Secretary for Health and Home l\Ir. Moore: They wanted to take our Affairs: Apparently there are not enough experts South. mills~ Mr. NilUMO: Much munition work was Mr. Pie: There are not enough. given out here. I remember that a Valley JUr. NUil\IO: That raises another poinc. firm were unable to get some expert trades We must use common sense. Prior to the men, I think turners. The representative of war a very large quantity of our products another firm, at Albion, interviewed me to was sold in the Southern States. I suppose ascertain if I could find him some employees_ Melbourne took a third of the product of That was during the Faclclen term of office. our Ipswich mills, showing that the public When war broke out, a firm at South likes to buy in any market. Brisbane hacl 35 employees whereas to-clay it has 500. There has been talk to the effect l\Ir. Pie: That suits it. Queensland that secondary industries are not increasing. industry competes all over Australia. lUr. Pie interjected. lUr. Nil\ll\IO: It does. The point is that Mr. Nil\UIO: You should let me tell my we did not expect a demand such as we have story, to give the reason why it is not at present, and if we increased the spinning increasing. capacity of the mill the possibility was ~hat after the war there would be very senous The CHAIRMAN: I think it would be trouble. just as well if the hon. gentleman were to address the Chair. Mr. Pie': You always had an open order from me befOTe the war. Itir. NBIMO: A Queensland firm has gone in for shipbuilding, but who gave that The CHAIRl\IAN: Order! company the encouragement~ Supply. [6 OCTOBER.] Supply. 459
Tile Secretary for Health and Home ''Mr. Leggat: But taking the position Affairs: You tried to stop the job that made as we find it, this State should be much shipbuilding possible here. better off at the completion of hostilities.'' "Mr. Riordan: Yes, because there will be Mr. NHilUO: The Minister should be less dislocation.'' fair. He knows that is not true. ''Mr. Leggat: We have gone in for the The Secretary for Health and Home heavier war industries such as shipbuilding Affairs: You opposed the building of that and the manufacture of heavy machine bridge. tools and shells.'' Mr. NIJUjUO: I objected to the policy Notice he says, ''We have gone in for it.'' under which the Government built it, but Notice the ''We.'' The combined unions are that had made no difference to shipbuilding dictating the policy of the Government of whatever. The Federal Government, before Queensland. the Curtin Government, gave a contract for The Secretary for Health and Home ships, and the other day a ship was launched Affairs: Nonsense! The former Premier and a number of other politicians made speeches at the launching :ilir. NIMMO: There it is in that state .about the wonderful job the present Federal ment by Mr. Leggat. He says- Government were doing in the war effort by '' We are not going in for the lighter -shipbuilding. Mr. Fadden was not there, he work because we know that if we were to was not invited. When the launching was over set up annexes all over the State they a member of the firm asked him what he would simply clos·e down after the war and thought of the function. Mr. Fadden replied we should then be left with a big surplus that he did not receive an invitation. The of employable population. The only big member of the firm said that it must factory so far about which we have any have be·en an oversight. Mr. Fadden fear of disappearance is the Rocklea muni said, ''I gave the contract for the 12 ships tion factory, but it will not disappear and that is one of them.'' The present entirely. Shipbuilding, which has been Labour Government take credit for every encouraged here, will continue after the thing, but those contracts were let by the "'rar.'' previous Government. I ask the Committee to consider that state I wish to refer to another matter that has ment well and say who has heen responsible not been fully app1·eciated by all hon. mem for the fact that munition work has not come bers. I desire to quote extracts from the to this State, that is, of course, if the state Tecord of proceedings of the basic wage ment by the hon. member for Hamilton that case heard in Brisbane by the Industrial we are not getting our fair share is true. Court of Queensland on 8, 9, 10, and 13 April, 1942. W·e find from this record that Jllr. ]}faedonald: There is only one Mr. Leggat represented the combined unions answer to that. and there were present also Mr. Fallon, Mr. NIMMO: Absolutely, and that is that Mr. McCracken, Mr. O'Malley, Mr. Muir, the unions dictate the policy of the Govern Mr. Coneybeer, and Mr. Parker, Mr. Leggat said- ---- ment. The Secretary for Health and Home "I make the definite assertion that this Affairs: The Rocklea munition factory is State will face up to the post-war problems not fully occupied now yet we cannot get better than any other State, because we material to build rolling stock and loco have prevented to a great extent the intro motives. duction of temporary repetition production works in this State, becaus•e we could see Jllr. NIMMO: I shall deal with that later. that after the war this repetition production I say emphatically that we can make anything will go out of existence and the State that in this State. Reverting to personal matters indulges in it at present will then be faced again, we wanted a drier at our mill at with a surplus employable population.'' Ipswich to dry the wool after it had been scoured so that it could be spun and woven. ·what a mean, petty outlook! Can any one of 'l'he machine is of a tremendous size, fully us agree with that~ Why, if every State in as long as this Chamber, and when we found Australia had adopted that attitude no work that we could not import it we asked an would have been done for the war effort at Ipswich firm if it could build us a drier. That all! Here we have hon. members growling firm set to work immediately and built it, at the Commonwealth Government for not and has appl~ed for patent rights throughout making available certain work for this i::ltate the world, and I understand that that drier and on the other hand we find Mr. Leggat, the is equal to anything that is used in any representative of the combined unions, saying woollen mill in any part of the world. It was in the Industrial Court,. "We have prevented pToduced in Ipswich and is proof that the work being done.'' workmen here, if given encouragement, can turn out anything. A further extract from the record says- 'l'hen we called in a Mr. Scott,. the owner '' Mr. Riordan: But if the unemployment of a small foundry in Ipswich, and asked him in other States becomes so great that we are to go into the question of building looms. better off here, the unemployed will make As hon. members will appreciate, the building for this State. of the loom is an intricate problem, but 460 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply.
Mr. Scott has assured us that as soon as the Mr. Pie: Which is less acute here than operatives are available he is prepared to build anywhere else in Australia. a loom at Ipswich. In my opinion the capacity of our workmen has never been exploited, Mr. NIMMO: I know of cases in which and I believe that if we were given reason machinery was supplied. In fact, I able encouragement we could go a tremendous know of ~y own knowledge that presses way in supplying our own needs. Most of our costing £1,200 each were supplied to a spare parts are being made at Ipswich now firm in Brisbane by the Commonwealth and the other day we were agreeably sur Government immediately prior to the prised. Until recently we had been buying Curtin Government's taking office. The ragularly from the South a certain part for machinery was supplied so that the manufac 4s. 6d. The Southem people wrote to say turers here could compete in the manufacture that they could not supply this part any of munitions, and if that policy has been longer. discontinued, it is wrong. Every encourage ment should be given to manufacturing indus We sent the part to the factory at Ipswich tries. The hon. member for Hamilton read and we were smprised that the quote for a letter from Mr. Hudson, and I listened this same small copper bearing was 1s. 6d., very carefully to it. In that letter Mr. a considerable saving on the Southern article Hudson said he was making precision tools and, what is more, it was considered a better and gauges for more than two years to the article and better finished than the one we order of the Director of Machine Tools and had been getting from the South. Gauges, thereby showing that the previous Federal Government had given every encour Mr. Marriott: Then you had been defeat agement to the manufacture of munitions and ing yourself throughout all those years. had, indeed, laid the foundation of the Mr. NIMMO: Absolutely. We had sent industry. out of the country for stuff that could be Mr. Pie: Do you know that there are made at our own back door. some factories in Victoria employing Queens laud people~ That is my growl. Jir. ltiarriott: Then why did you not try before to have it made here~ Mr. NIMMO: Mr. Hudson did not make any comment about that. ltir. NIIDIO: That is the point. Hon. members have heard me consistently argue Mr. Pie: He was making them when the here that we should manufacture the goods Minister said he could not make them. in this country. (Government laughter.) On one occasion I urged the manufacture of Mr. NIMMO: That was a gross display engines for rail-motors at the Ipswich railway of ignorance. The reason why we have not workshop. I thought it scandalous that these been making goods here is that the Govern engines should be brought from the Old ment have always adopted the defeatist atti tude in this Chamber. Country. My remarks were reported very fully in the Press and I really thought that M:r. Pie: No, the employer, the manu something was going to be done; but 12 facturer. months later, when I addressed a question to the present Minister for Transport on the Itlr. NHIMO: No, sir, the Government subject, he said that they were too busy with have. The former Premier, the Hon. W. other work. Surely to goodness we could Forgan Smith, consistently said that Queens have built those engines here! If we had land was too far away from the centres of built them seven or eight years ago, I am population in order to compete. sure that we should now be building motor Jlir. Jesson: He never said that at any cars in this country, that we should have time. been building engines of a smaller size, and that there would be people with factories for Mr. NIMlUO: He has said it, and said it the construction of motor bodies, and, indeed, continually. I have pointed out that the cost of the whole car. of freight to the South is virtually nothing, and that it is possible to deliver goods in The hon. member for Hamilton said that Melbourne for a very small amount. a proposal was afoot to build a factory at "'Warwick. The hon. member for "\Varwick is Jir. Pie: Have you not told this Chamber present and he knows very well that if a time and again that manufacturers cannot factory was established in Warwick for the compete here because of high taxation~ manufacture of munitions, it would be neces ltlr. NUIMO: Yes. sary to transport a great number of employees to it because there would not be Jir. Pie: Yet we can compete. You can enough amongst the Warwick population compete yourself. alone. The Secretary for Health and Home Affairs: It depends on the way he is Mr. Pie: How many employees would be arguing. needed-250 hands~ That is all that is required in New South Wales and Victoria. ltir. NIItiMO: I am saying that the manu facturer who started here before the advent Mr. NIMMO: I agree that all our muni of the Labour Government with their high tion factories should not be on the coast; but, taxation still has to carry on. For instance, of course, we are faced with the difficult the Queensland Woollen Company Limited man-power problem. started operations about 70 years ago, while Supply. [6 OCTOBER.] Supply. 461
Griffiths 's foundTy in Toowoomba started someone. We have heard hon. members long before the advent of the Labour Govern- opposite condemning this company and the ment in this State. Both companies are other company simply because it \vas a big still carrying on. But to-day, if a new company. I have received a report of the industry is to be established in Australia, it proceedings of the annual meeting of share is not established in Queensland but in Vic holders of Messrs. Walkers Limited, Mary· toria. That fact has been proved. Why borough, in which the chairman makes a very have all new industries and new branches interesting statement. He is reported of industries been established in the Southern thus- States and not in Queensland~ Simply because the taxation there is lower than in '' He quoted figures to show that before Queensland. Queensland's attitude in regard the shareholders got their £9,000 odd, the to companies operating here has not been actual wages pay roll was £346,660. 'ro for the good of the State. We can get the that quite a new thing to be added was manufacturers to operate here, and there the pay-roll tax, and that again was a would be no. trouble in doing so. The hon. direct benefit to others outside the share member for Kennedy the other day adopted holders.'' the defeatist attitude when he said that we The sum of £25,000 had been provided to meet were too far away from the laTge centres estintated taxation. 'l'he point is that of population. 'l'he position was entirely although these big companies are paying very different before the advent of Labour in this large sums in wages they are not receiving State. That was because taxation rates a commensurate return on their investments .. were the lowest in Queensland of any Aus That is not very helpful to industry. tralian State. I have an illustration of this that also shows the crippling nature of the Let me go a little further and reply to Government's taxation policy. The hon. the criticism of the Broken Hill Proprietary member for Hamilton will be very interested Limited by the hon. member for Brisbane. if he does not already know it. I think Broken Hill Proprietary Limited. The CHAIRl\'IAN: Order! The hon. has had more kicks than any other com gentleman must address the Chair. He is pany, and I use it as an illustration to inviting interjections by attempting to argue show that if we are going to get indust•y with hon. members. to operate we have to give credit where e1·edit is due. We have to show that a man 1Ur. NIMMO: The following figures will is a benefit to the community, not that he show the factory em'plovees uer 10.000 of is :fleecing his ernployees. TI1·oken IIill Pl·o the population in the various states::___ prietary Limited has been referred to as a huge octopus that ought to be crushed out of State. 1904. 1914-16. 1928-29. existence and nationalised. If it was nationalised it would lose its efficiency, it New South Wales .. 472 626 729 Victoria .. 632 832 880 would have virtually half the output in one Queensland. · .. 386 641 484 year from the time it was nationalised. No South Australia .. 492 611 635 Government can run anything. The follow ing statement appears in the repoTt of that These figures disclose that in 1914 Queens company:- land occupied the proud position of second ''Stocks and stores on hand showed an in the list, but the number of factory increase of £697,002 Os. 2d. War needs employees per 10,000 had fallen from 641 to demand the use of many costly raw 484 in 1928-29. materials and stores, and the policy of your My purpose is to show that Queensland is directors in providing for these needs is a manufacturing State. We have to remem reflected in the increased figures for stocks ber, too, that in order to encourage manu and stores on hand. This policy was pur facturing in Australia a heavy Customs tariff sued before the war, and has largely enabled was placed on all imported goods, and these the company to hold prices of its products duties have to be paid by the pTimary pro steady throughout the difficult days of the ducers of Queensland. When the gTeat bulk . war. Up to the present time it has also of the population of the country is situated enabled the company to keep its fumaces in distant centres, such as Sydney and Mel and mills working round the clock when, bourne, Queensland primary producers do but for these stocks, serious delays to pro not get the advantage from that high tariff duction, with the attendant higher costs, to which they are entitled. Had the Govern would have occurred.'' ment given to companies the encouragement to operate here that was necessary a great That company looked ahead and provided number would have been operating. those stocks that enabled us to carry on the war ·effort without any increase in the price The hon. member for Brisbane gave a of steel. Here we have a company selling glorious example of why people do not want steel to-day at pre-waT prices-the only place to build up any big business in Queensland. in the world where that is happening. It is If a person builds up a big business and one of the greate~t advertisements that could employs a big number of employees he is be had, not only for the company, but for the regarded as something to be avoided; in workmen of Australia. I venture to prophesy fact, he is a leper, unclean. If the hon. that if the company was nationalised its out member for Hamilton, for instance, builds up put would be reduced by one-third in the a business he will be accused of fleecing first year and its efficiency by 50 per cent. 462 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply.
JU:r. Mann: Only men of your outlook Government management. The same applies would say that. to every factory throughout Australia.
Mr. NIM~IO: I shall deal with that later. The Director of Labour, Mr. McAully, went The only other item is an increased amount South on behalf of the Government 12 or 18 of £689,000 under the item, ''Bank over months ago and a perusal of his report dis draft.' ' In order to carry on the business closes that in the Commonwealth-controlled and produce cheap steel to keep things going, munition· factories there was tremendous loaf· it had to borrow £689,000 from the bank. ing, whereas in private factories and in the aircraft factory at Fishermen's Bend there M.r. lllann: That is a joke. was efficiency and the work turned out was The Secretary for Public Works: It of a high standard and the quantity enor probably owns those banks. mous. I counsel hon. members opposite to be very careful how they criticise those who Mr. NUrniO: That is the type of thing l1ave made a great success of industry. the hon. member for Brisbane says-it is a joke. He thinks everybody is built on the The following is another instance of the same lines as himself. Not one of these com State Government's passing the buck to the panies has ever issued a crook balance-sheet. Commonwealth Government on every occasion. At Corinda, in my electorate, is a soldier about Here is another statement in the report 21 years of age, who has returned from to which I draw the attention of the Com Tobruk. His case is entirely different from mittee- that of any other returned soldier. Both '' Ferro-Alloys Plant. his hands have been blown off and he has "I am glad to say that this plant has been otherwise injured. I understand there proved a lifesaver for the steel industry. are only two such cases in Victoria and this Supplies of many ferro-alloys from over one in Queensland. On 12 February last, an seas are now unprocurable except in small appeal was made by the Returned Limbless quantities and at famine prices. In one Sailors and Soldiers' Association for a free ferro-alloy we have been able to assist a railway pass in the suburban area for this Dominion as well as supplying our own returned man, who, when he has to buy a requirements; further, it has been possible railway ticket at a ticket window has to ask to provide all other Australian users with somebody to put a hand in his pocket and these important ferro-alloys. '' take out his money. On 17 March the Premier replied- He goes on and pays great credit to the young Australian chemists who investigated '' Referring to your letter of the 12th the problem, and turned out the high-grade ultimo regarding the question of rail con artrcles that were required. These articles, cessions for the abovenamed returned which were always obtained from soldier from the present war, I desire to overseas, are now produced by Broken inform you that it has been decided that Hill Proprietary Limited in large Mr. Skinner is to be given the same con quantities, enabling our war effort to cession over the Queensland railways as proceed. I think hon. members must be applies to limbless soldiers-namely, a rail seized of the fact that private enterprise way season ticket at half rates. It is is the only possible way to carry on industry. suggested that you now get in touch with I often wonder what is going to be the final the Railway Department, which is being issue in regard to these big munition factories advised of the above position.'' the Commonwealth Government have erected. The Queensland branch of the association We know that Mr. Makin came here recently got in touch with the Commonwealth Council and used certain photographs. I went out of the Limbless Scldiers' Association, which and investigated those photographs and virtu wrote to the Government and said- ally every one was a photograph of a factory or something else started during the time of '' My council has been advised that the the previous Government. abovenamed has recently returned from Tobruk and that as a result of war service, A Government Member: Name them. we are sorry to report, he has lost both his Mr. NIIDIO: Rocklea munition works, bands. the aeroplane factory at Fishermen's Bend, ''The Committee of the Limbless Soldiers' the Beaufort aeroplane factory and Association of Queensland has made appli annexes erected at the C.S.R. Com·- cation to your Government seeking free pany. All those factories were railway travelling facilities on behalf of allocated by the previous Government and Mr. Skinner on account of his severe war Mr. Makin had the audacity to refer to them caused disabilities, and Mr. Bedford has and say what the Labour Government were advised my council that the request could doing for Australia. The foundation was laid not be acceded to by your Government, but by the previous Government. If the pre he would be allowed to travel at half fare vious Govermmmt had remained in power, I concession rates, similar to the privilege believe the Rocklea munition works would be extended limbless soldiers in Queensland. producing more than they are produ(]/i.ng to-day. If I could hand over the Rocklea ''My council wish to make further rep munition factory to a firm of the calibre of resentations to your Government in this the Broken Hill Proprietary Limited, the particular case and would be grateful if output would be double what it is under you could extend to Mr. Skinner the same Supply. [6 OcTOBER.] Supply. 46~
privilege of free travel on the Queensland Tile Secretary for Health and Home railways as that which is extended to mem Affairs: Of course it will be granted if bers of the Victorian Association by the there is a policy of granting it for all. I do Victorian Government, who suffer the same not believe that the man who knows you war-caused disabilities. In Victoria we have should get it while the man who knows two such cases.'' nobody does not get it. The remainder of the letter is of no import Mr. NIMMO: " The man who knows me " ance. They received a reply from the Premier has nothing to do with it. saying, virtually, the same thing as in the pre The Secretary for Healtll and Home vious communication-that it was regretted Affairs: There should be a policy of the request could not be approved of. The granting it to all. Why should it not be Limbless Soldiers' Association wrote to me, ginn to the blind man~ pointing out the disabilities suffered by this man, and I made representations to the lUr. NIMJUO: The blind man must have Premier, and this is the reply to me from the somebody with him, and that person can do Chief Secretary's Office, signed by :Ylr. T. G. the paying for him. That is an entirely Hope, the Acting Under Secretary- different matter. The quibbling in whieh the hon. gentleman is indulging 11ow has '' With reference to your further repre been indulged in by him since 12 February sentation on behalf of Mr. J. H. Skinner of this year, and the boy is sitting at home (ex. 14592, 2/7th Field Company) of unable to get about. If he does go out he Donaldson street, Corinda, in the matter of has to ask people to put their hands in his free railway travelling facilities on account pockets and take out his fare. of the nature of his disability arising from war service, I am directed to inform you Tile Secretary for Health and Home that the Honourable the Premier proposes, Affairs: Do not forget that he is getting wlJilst in Canberra this week. to discuss £2 a week more than many others. with the Prime Minister the whole matter of railway facilities for permanently dis lUr. NUIMO: There is the dirt coming in abled soldiers, with a view to ensming that again-he is getting another £2 a week for any arrangement agreed to in this respect losing his two hands overseas. As a matter will be of general application.'' of fact, the Chief Secretary's Department issues white passes, of which no records aTe The point I make is that here again the kept. Those passes come in to be reviewed Government intend to give away nothing, they each year. Cannot this boy be given one pass the responsibility to the Commonwealth of those white passes~ Can he not be given Government. This unfortunate lad returned, one, as well as the people who haye been and we should receive him with open arms. using them~ The Secretary for Health and Home The Secretary for liealth and Home Affairs: Every man in that condition should Affairs: What you are saying is not the get the same consideration from the Govern truth. The reply that you received was that ment. It should not be given to just one the Premier was going to get a policy estab man. I want to see a policy for returned lished as to who should get free passes soldiers in general, not a policy for one throughout the Commonwealth. \Ve should man. not give a pass to one indiYidnal because a member of Parliament was interested in him, Mr. NllUJUO: Why should some people, and not to another who had no influential who are perfectly well, get a white pass from friends. the Chief Secretary's Department for 12 months while a boy like this who has fought Mr. NIMMO: We have only one man of for his country and come hack with two this class in Queensland, only one man who hands off, is refused any pass at all~ How has lost both his hands. It is impossible ever, judging by the interjections that have for him to put his hands in his pockets to been made by the Secretary for Health and get his fare. He has had to ask a rail Home Affairs, I feel sure that he will recon way attendant to put his hand in his pockets sider the matter and see that this boy's pass and take out the fare. I have made a is granted; otherwise, I intend to go further request to the Government on this boy's in the matter and call public meetings of behalf, and they have refused it. They protest at the action of the Government in say that if they give it to him they will refusing a petty thing like this simply because have to put their hands in their own it is their policy to make the Comm'on pockets, but if they send it on to the Com wealth Govemment pay for every possible m'onwealth Government then the Common thing. So long as the:' can dodge their obli wealth Government will have to foot the bill, gations they will do it. IV e find, even in the same as they do with materials on the connection with the work done by the Allied railways. \Vorks Council for the Commonwealth Govern ment, that they are heavily in credit, that The Secretary for Health and Home they are holding credits for much more than Affairs: That is not true. the work they can perform. Everything they do for the Commonwealth Government has Mr. NilUMO: It is absolutely true, and I to be paid for, and paid for through the nose. 11m glad the Minister has been interjecting, This Government do nothing for nothing, and because I feel that if he looks into the matter this is only another illustration of bleeding this boy's request will be granted. the Commonwealth Government for every 464 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply.
shilling they can get; and then they say, place. I want to refer to 12 homes that ., 'What wonderful chaps we are! '' were impressed in a certain submb. A deputation waited upon me in connection with Mr. KEYATTA (Townsville) (3.49 p.m.): the matter headed by a person in a high First of all, I desire to congratulate the commercial position and another representing Hon. F. A. Cooper upon his elevation to his an organisation that it can be said represented present high office. Knowing his ability, his the working community. After hearing the knowledge of economics, and of the policy case presented by the deputation I made a of the Labour movement, I feel certain that strong protest to the Government. However, .he is a fit and proper person to occupy that two days later an aeroplane arrived in Towns position, a position that he certainly nierits. ville with three officers of very high rank. I desire also to congratulate the Hon. V. That night a car called at my residence with C. Gair upon his achieving ministerial rank, Major Henderson. requesting my presence at an honour that he certainly deserves for his Headquarters, Northern Command. I met lo:~:alty to th~ principles of his party and his those three officers-two colonels and a major. farthful servrce for such a long period. There were also present a brigadier and another major who had accompanied the Next I desire to congratulate you, Mr. other three officers. We discussed the matter Brassington, upon your elevation to the posi for an hour. They submitted a very good tion of Chairman of Committees, and Mr. case indeed. I agreed that their case Mann upon his election as one of the panel was a good one, but I said, ''Why not of Temporary Chairmen. make it a battle station and evacuate the I support the remarks made by the hon. people~ Make it a soldiers' town.'' They member for Kennedy and the hon. member hesitated. The civil population plays a very for Bowen in connection with the impress important part in the city. Indeed, there ment of homes. Knowing the position as is not one person working in a civil capacity I do, and being acquainted with all the facts who is not doing something for the war surrounding these cases in Townsville, I sup effort. After my explanation they left for port them wholeheartedly. The acuteness the South without impressing the 12 homes of the position cannot be appreciated fully and impressment was not enforced. Further, by the public in general. For instance, no the impressm:ent of homes was modified. one seems to realise the fact that in nine An important point was raiood by one of eases out of ten the persons whose homes the officers. I suggested to him that they have been impressed are connected with or should obtain supplies of material and build working in essential industries. what accommodation they required, as they had both their army and man-power to do The authorities or the heads of the depart so. He replied that there was a shortage of ment were not aware of what was actually mah~rials. Fortunately, the Secretary for happening because an adjustment was made Public Works passed through Townsville a when the matter was submitted to them'. We week later. I explained this very important had the spectacle of subordinate officers aspect of the problem to him and emphasised approaching the tenants, and in many cases, how preferable it was to the authorities the owners of the houses, giving them 24 hours' impressing the homes of the people, and the notice to vacate them so that they may be statement by this officer that as they could ()ccupied by the personnel of the Defence not obtain the required ma;terial it was Department. We understand that the depart imperative to impress these homes. That hon. ment should be able to exercise that right, gentleman replied that his department could but it should not be extended to the personnel supply all the material the military autho of the fighting forces. A home is a priceless rities desired, if they gave him due notice, possession, in many cases requiring a lifelong and I informed the def,ence authorities effort to provide it, and it carries a great accordingly. This proved beyond a reason sentimental value, too. In one instance two able doubt that these nigh-ranking officers members of the R.A.A.F. went to a woman were not aware of the circumstances. who had just been discharged from hospital after a major operation. She was the mother The reason of my complaint is that of seven children and her husband was in the defence authorities proceeded with the the merchant service. They gave her 24 hours' impressment of the houses of our citizens notice to vacate her home. The upshot was without first taking into their confidence the that the lady went to a Mr. Wagner, who representatives of the people and the repre brought her to me, and after listening to her sentatives of local government, public bodies, case I wired a vigorous protest to the autho commerce, and industry. As I have already rities, with the result that she was allowed stated, the upshot was that a protest meeting to remain in her home. That case is similar was held at which sonie very strong opinions to many that have occurred over a period of were voiced. Some very sad cases were six months. Feeling amongst the civil popula related. I have a record of numerous cases tion in Townsville has been running very high. of people who were pushed out into the street Records in the department will prove that when their houses were impressed regardless vigorous protests have been made against of the circumstances. I must admit that the such action. We had no desire to raise the defence heads were very sympathetic, but the subject here, but in view of the relentless subordinate officers were over zealous and very action of those concerned the Townsville difficult indeed. You could not reason with City Council and the affiliated trade unions them. They were carried away by the import were forced to hold a public meeting to pro ance of their position. In fact, they were test vigorously against what was taking intolerant and we had to go over their heads. Supply. [6 OCTOBER.] Supply. 465
Fortunate:y, a decided change haa come over members can understand that the number the positiun. The defence authorities have must be great, because it is an important diverted thtir attention from the impressment area. I could tell hon. members of many of houses to the impressment of larger build similar cases to M'rs. Breen 's. I could tell ings. The homes of the citizens are not now you cases where a number of sons were in the interfered with. I contend that every one A.LF., and the remaining sons were pushed of those citizens contributes materially to the into the militia and the home was impressed. defence of the town. In fact, they all render service in essential industries. Many of tham Is it any wonder that the people protest W are connected with our railways, waterside \Ve realise that the Defence Department have work, meatworks, and commerce and industry. priority, but at the same time it must show Many are engaged in continuous shift opera tolerance. It can provide fortifications and tions. We had the spectacle of some of these ships, and it can provide housing also. That workers r•eturning home tired after their is all we ask-for the protection of the civil work, and finding their wives, with the rights of the people-the rights obtained children round them, in tears. under Magna Charta. Hon. members could not grasp the significance of the whole posi One particularly sad case was that of nlr. tion unless they were there to see it. I wrote Malcolm of Hermit Park. He and his wife to the Federal member for the district, asking ware given 24 hours' notice to vacate their him to request the defence authorities con home. The tragic position facing these cerned to visit Townsville in company with evicted people was that not another home him, so that they could see what was happen was to be had in Townsville. The com ing. Take the case of Dunwoodie, an ex-work mander of the Australian Forces, comman ing man who saved his money and invested it deered a number of public buildings for in fiats and lived on the returns from them. administrative purposes, and who, by the way, He had R.A.A.F. personnel in a fiat and other is living like his forces in a military tent people in others. They had their revels night under a tree. They were the best of all to get after night. The owner of the property and on with. There was another instance in which the tenants were at breaking point of toler an old-age pensioner and his wife were put out ance, and Mrs. Dunwoodie reprimanded a par of their home by the R.A.A.F. at the ticular person. The upshot was that this end of February, although they did not person went away and within the U"ext few receive notice until early in March, and up to days a wire was received by the owner of the present have not received any compensa the fiats from the Air Board impressing the tion. They were forced out into the outskirts fiats. That meant he had to vacate his own of thB city and it is costing them lSs. 6d. home, and other tenants with him. more in rent to live than before. They cannot afford to meet that amount. They also lost There is another aspect of this total dis their revenue from their little poultry run. regard of the rights of citizens that I must Take the case of Mr. Tanner. His home was speak of. I refer to the truck-drivers of the impressed, but he managed to get a fiat at Defence Department and Allied Forces who the additional cost of Ss. 6d. a week. He speed along the street at a terrific pace. still had to meet the liabilitv of the insurance There have been many accidents and a number on his impressed home. • of fatalities. I cannot go into detail, but the records will support what I say. The Mr. Luckins: Was that Ss. 6d. a week? position became so serious and intolerable that a protest was raised by every section of Mr. KEYATTA: Ss. 6d. a week to the the community and the result was that a bad. All these cases have been reported. provost corps was created. We see these men We have had much difficulty with the depart in motion pictures. They ride high-powered ment. cycles. There are a number of them in Brisbane, but there are many more at Towns Mr. 1\'Iacdonald: Do you say for six ville. A number of breadwinners have been months these fellows paid nothing for the killed; if hon. members took the time and house~ trouble to investigate they would be sur prised at the number. Rince we protested Mr. KEY A TTA: For over six months. vigorously the position is now much easier. I have not been there for five or six weeks I have seen three military trucks racing at a probably the matter has now been adjusted terrific speed along a narrow street. -but up to that time it had not been recti fied. When Colonel Davey, Colonel Roger These matters are not raised because we son and Major Woods flew back to Mel are disgruntled, but for the protection of bourne, a report was presented. They could those people who "lean so much to us. This see that there was an acute housing shortage. sort of thing can be easily eliminated and the Not one of these people objected to shifting, people's rights protected. We l1ave been told but they wanted to know where they couid by the civil authorities, not only by the go. In support of that I might mention that Secretary for Health and Home Affairs as the an advertisement appeared over the signature Minister in charge of civil defence but by of the Am'erican commander and the signature the Minister for Home Security, Mr. Lazzarini There is another aspect that I am fearful a club foot, but he is fearless and con· may arise in the future: the lack of shipping seientious and his loyalty to his work is space for transporting essential commodities unbounded. Being a warden myself, I have to the northern districts. This is a vital seen Mr. Butler at work. During the actual matter. Even in Brisbane, although I cannot raid he was touring round in ilis car, visiting get all I need, I can get a number of the every post to see that all wardens were on things I want, but that cannot be said of my duty and that everything was satisfactory, own little home town in the North. The people and trying to remedy what faults there may in the North are tolerant. They know there is have been. Inspector Carseldine and the post a war on, but a very great hardship is being wardens, and the other members of that ser· inflicted on kiddies, especially those of, say, vice are deserving of the highest praise. There .LO years of age. There are some commodi was almost a 100-per-cent. turnout of wardens ties essential in the preparation of their during the raid, and it was wonderful to see food that cannot be obtained by civilians, but the way the old men went from house to can be bought at a service canteen, at which house making sure that everyone had been got indeed virtually every commodity can be to shelter and safety. I should be lacking in obtained. Let me instance two families, one my duty if I did not pay some tribute in of a soldier, and the other of an essential this Chamber to the loyalty of these men, for defence worker. Both breadwinners are it is the spirit that was shown by them that necessary in the preservation of our country. is going to make victory possible for us in The soldier can obtain the necessary commo this war. dities for his family at a service canteen; the essential worker cannot. That is an anomaly. I wish to make reference, also, to the We ask for the reservation of sufficient ship recent rubber drive in Townsvi!le. Despite ping space to carry, not the normal require the seriousness of the war position there, ments, but necessari ''With the exception of half a ton, the there are a num:ber of children, and some whole of the consignment from Townsville of them are very young. I am pleased to came from the city and suburbs. The have the assurance of the Minister that the transfer of the scrap from the municipal matter will be adjusted. dump by trucks and the loading into seven I wish to refer to another matter, which 12-ton cattle waggons occupied two days concerns the National Security (War Damage and a-half.'' to Property) Regulations. I understand that Despite the austere method of living that if negligence in the shape of failure of a has been forced upon them, the serious war householder to install stirrup-pumps and other threat, and the serious restrictions generally, safety equipment is proved and the building the people are still possessed of the spirit is subsequently destroyed through enemy that causes them to respond to the 1~ation 's action compensation will not be paid. We appeal whenever it is made. That is a must remember that the probability of an glowing tribute to the people in this great air-raid at Townsville always exists. Many northern city. The success was made Northern homes are the result of a lifetime possible by the co-ordinated effort between sacrifice. When an alert is sounded it is the department controlled by Mr. Beasley and natural that the householders should take the Townsville City Council, under the driv cover in the trenches provided. The able ing influence of the mayor. Of course, the bodied persons of the household are either organisation in Townsville was in the hands serving in the A.I.F., Militia, Civil Construc of Mr. Don Myles, a Sydney man and a tion Corps, or in an essential service, and director of the Department of Informat10n. those left at home are hardly in a position His organisation was very wdl laid. He to fight a fire should an incendiary bomb be wrote articles to the Press, and photographs dropped and ignite the home. I desire to were published to stimulate the propaganda voice my protest against such a harsh stipu on behalf of the drive, street competed lation and suggest that a more tolerant view against street and suburb against suburb be taken, otherwise a great deal of hardship with extraordinary and amazing results. will be inflicted on these unfortunate people, The nation requires rubber; it is vital to many of whom cannot afford to buy equip its war effort. I have mentioned these things ment. to show that the spirit of the people in this advanced area is very high. The ''Telegraph'' of to-day states- '' According to a statement issued to-day I was very pleased to get the replies to by the State Controller for Queensland my questions from the Premier concerning (Mr. R. A. Battersby) the National Security schooling facilities in the North. State (War Damage to Property) Regulations ments had been made in the FresH and else provide that compensation need not be paid where that the State Government were alone where damage is occasioned or increased responsible for the lack of schooling facili by negligence or failure to comply with any ties in the North under prevailing conditions, law relating to precautions against war whereas I knew personally they were not. 1 damage. ' ' had considerable difficulty in convincing even my friends on the point, to say nothing of The Secretary for Health and Home the man in the street. 'rhe responsibility Affairs: That is very indefinite. rested with the Commonwealth. Recently a JUr. KEYATTA: That is the danger. One deputation approached the Minister for has only to see the position for oneself. The the Army and exprest!ed surprise that call-up for the Civil Construction Corps was the children were not back at school. And the first call-up in the North. Many homes I was prompted to direct appropriate ques are deprived of their efficient man-power. tions to the Premier so as to get an official That is where the great hardship lies and statement covering the m'a tter. That informa the reason why I have raised the matter. I tion has since been published. The trust the Minister responsible will look into important point is that some people could this matter and s·ee that the rights of the afford to send their children to another place home-owner are preserved. to get educational facilities, whereas young children and children of other parents could I was interested in the statement made last not go because their parents, usually the week by the hon. member for ~ennedy with workers, could not afford the expense of reference to priorities in travelling by plane. keeping two homes. However, the position That question caused a great deal of con has now been clarified, and it is to be hoped troYcrsy in North Queensland long before it that the military authorities, who play an was raised by the hon. member for Kennedy. important part in it, will allow the school Commerce plays an important part in the ing restrictions to be relaxed. The Depart life of North Queensland, because it has ment of Public Instruction has used every to provide largely for the needs of the fight endeavour to solve the problem, and provideu ing forces. Consequently the business requires the next best facility in the correspondence organising, and this often necessitates an classes. Even this source of education urgent trip to the South. I have known of demands a great deal of time from mothers cases in which cancellation of accommodation in the teaching of the children, but, what on the south-bound aeroplane has imposed is more, the subjects to be taught are often great hardship on the business community. beyond their attainments. Apart from the That cancellation was made to provide accom time taken in teaching the children, busy modation for officers of high rank. The sub mothers have a great deal of work to do in ordinates are compelled to travel by train, caring for their families, especially when as I am. 468 Supply. [ASSEMBLY.] Supply. The high officers travel by plane and very The CHAIRMAN: Order! During the often these people, who are extremely busy, course of the division the hon. member for have to make room for them. Not only Bundaberg made use of the remark, ''The people in commerce but people in industry Chairman takes orders.'' That is a definite generally and public servants occupy- reflection on the Chair, and I ask the hon. ing high positions engaged on member to withdraw the remark. Government work, and probably accom panied by an invaluable Government Mr. Ba~mes: I will withdraw it, Mr. report can be displaced on the priority list. Brassington. I think the priority system has been carried The CHAIRltiAN: Order! I ask the hon. a little too far. If the matter was left to member to withdraw the remark in a proper an intelligent officer who would weigh the manner. circumstances of each case when allocating priorities it would overcome that difficulty. Mr. Barm~s: Mr. Brassington, it is my I have no occasion to seek priority; I do not pleasure to withdraw that remark. mind travelling by train when I visit my 1\'Ir. POWER: During the course of the electorate, but others need quick transport, division the hon. member for Bundaberg and provision should be made for them. referred to members on this side of the Another matter I wish to refer to is the Chamber as "rats." That remark is acute shortage of beer. One of the amazing offensive to me, and I ask that he be called spectacles I have seen in 'rownsville occurred on to withdraw it. in connection with the shortage of beer. Mr. Barne-s: I withdraw the remark. A great number of soldiers arrived in Towns ville; the hotels were closed and beer The CHAIRMAN: Order! I remind the was short. I will not tell what actually hap· hon. member for Bundaberg that whilst I pened, but the records will show it. The am in the chair I reserve the right to con· people will be amazed to know what really duct the proceedings in this Chamber. The happens. We do not want a repetition of hon. member has made an offensive refer such incidents, because when these circum ence to hon. members sitting on my right, stances arise, anything may happen. Unles~ and I now ask him to address the G'hair the question is firmly handled, something and withdraw that remark in a proper serious may happen. Reasonable provision of m·anner. beer should be made for the fighting forces. Mr. Barnes: I withdraw the remark. The canteen to be installed may ease the position. Progress reported. Tlw PREMIER (Hon. F. A. Cooper, The SECR.ETARY FOR HEALTH AND Bremer) : I move- HOltiE AFFAIRS (Hon. E. M. Hanlon, Ithaca) (4.36 p.m.): I move- '' That the resumption of the debate be made an Order of the Day for to-morrow.'' '' That you do now leave the chair, report progress, and ask leave to sit again.'' .Mr. NHHIO (Oxley): Mr. Speaker, can I speak to the motion~ Mr. Barnes: No! Divide! Mr. SPEAKER: The motion is entirely The Secretary for Health and Home formal. Affairs: You have plenty of time to-morrow. Tl1e PREMIER (Hon. F. A. Cooper, Bremer) (4.47 p.m.): I move- Question-That the motion (Mr. Hanlon) be agreed to-put; and the Cummittee '' That the House do now adjourn.'' divided- Question: That the House do now adjourn AYES, 28. -put; and the House divided. Mr. Brown Mr. Keyatta In ·division- Bruce Larcombe Bulcock M ann Mr. Barnes interjecting, Collins Marriott Conroy , Moore Mr. Jesson: They are not frightened to Cooper Moorhouse Dunstan Riordan bring a cup of tea to my bedroom door. Farrell Slessar Foley Theodore }Ir. Barnes: And to mine, too. Gair Turner Gledson Williams }fr. Jesson: No. They knock on your Hanlon bedroom door and run. Healy Tellers: Jesson Devries Mr. Barnes: You are a bloody liar. Jones Power 1Ur. SPEAKER: I will call upon the NoEs, 13. hon. member for Bundaberg to withdraw Mr. Barnes Mr. Sparkes and apologise for that remark directly. , Clayton Walker Edwards Yeates lUr. Barnes: I do so. Luckins Macdonald Tellers: The tellers having lmnded · the division Nicklin Brand Nimmo Deck er sheets to Mr. Speaker, Pie Mr. SPEAKER: Before announcing the Resolved in the affirmative. result of this division I call upon the hon. QueBtions. [7 OCTOBER.] Supply. 46g member for Bunda'berg to withdraw and apologise for using o 'bscene language in the Chamber, otherwise I shall name him. Mr. Barnes: I withdraw and apologise for using obscene language in this Chamber. Mr. SPEAKER: The result of the division i~: Ayes 32, noes 4. AYES, 32. Mr. Brassington Mr. Jones Brown Keyatta Bruce Larcombe Bulcock Macdonald Collins M ann Conroy Marriott Cooper Moo re Devries Moorhouse Dunstan Nicklin Edwards Power Farrell Riordan Foley Theodore Gair Will lams G!edson Hanlon Tellers: Healy Slessar Jesson Turner NOES, 4. Mr. Barnes Tellers: Walker Mr. Decker Luckins Resolved in the affirmative. The House adjourned at 4.54 p.m.