ABSENCE OF MINISTER

Tuesday, 17 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 593

Tuesday, 17 September 1991 Victoria has an independent gaming commission that will handle all licence issues.

I believe it is important for the government to have advice from all groups on this matter. Like the The SPEAKER (Hon. Ken Coghill) took the chair at Leader of the Opposition, from time to time I meet 2.4 p.m. and read the prayer. with a number of people who wish to invest in Victoria, such as Mr Lustig and Mr Marriner. ABSENCE OF MINISTER Because of the sensible decision of the House, the decision on the casino will be made by the The SPEAKER - Order! I advise the House that independent gaming commission, over which the Treasurer will be absent during question time neither side of the House has any influence. today. The Minister for Labour will act as Leader of the House and the Minister for Finance will act for MEAT INDUSTRY the Treasurer. Mr W. D. McGRATH (Lowan) - I refer the Premier to the condition of the meat export industry QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE in Victoria and ask: does she accept the statement made today by the former Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the honourable member for PROPOSED MELBOURNE CASINO Essendon, Mr Rowe, that the Premier chose not to submit an independent, rational synopsis of the industry and its future direction to the Harrison Mr KENNElT (Leader of the Opposition) - I inquiry; and if so why did she overrule her then refer the Premier to the government's plans to Minister? establish a casino in Melbourne and ask: did the Premier recently meet with American Nevada-based Ms KIRNER (Premier) - I am pleased that the interests regarding the operating licence for the meat industry continues to be a major matter of casino proposed by the government at Docklands? If interest to the House. The determination of who and so, will she advise the House with whom she met; what goes to Canberra in the form of submissions on what date; and whether she is aware that those made by Cabinet -- interests are claiming to others in America that they have secured the operating licence? Honourable members interjecting. Ms KIRNER (Premier) - In answer to the last Ms KIRNER - The determination was part of the question, certainly not, I was not aware of made-- that. Mr McNamara - Not by me! Nothing to do with Mr Steve Wynn, who is a casino operator in me! America, came to Australia for the express purpose of meeting Mr Nick Greiner and me to discuss the Ms KIRNER - I don't intend to blame you for establishment of a casino. The Melbourne meeting anything. You're the one who has the problem with was facilitated by a member of the Committee for behaviour in this House. Melbourne, which has a commitment to getting the casino up and nmning in Melbourne ahead of the We are now poised to take advantage of the work New South Wales casino. the government has been doing on the meat industry. The licensing issue was not discussed at that meeting, which was attended by the Minister for Mr W. D. McGrath interjected. Major Projects, who is responsible for the casino, and Mr Eric Mayer, who is Chairperson of the The SPEAKER - Order! The Deputy Leader of Docklands Authority. the National Party has asked his question; he should allow the Premier to reply without interruption. If I did consider very carefully whether I should meet he has a further question he should await his with the gentleman but I determined that it was opportunity. appropriate since, with the agreement of this House, QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

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Ms KIRNER - Unlike the opposition, which The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable continues to peddle misinfonnation on the meat member for Malvern is out of order. industry in Victoria, we know that for the twelve months ended June this year the amount of meat Ms KIRNER - And by improving public sector exported from Victoria has increased, not decreased, efficiency. The removal of that surcharge will mean from-- $130 million to business in Victoria during the next twelve months - a saving of $130 million! Mr W. D. McGrath interjected. Together with our Victoria First initiatives on Ms KIRNER - They do not like the facts. They savings to employers that I announced earlier this spend their time downgrading every single industry year, in just over a year the savings to employers in Victoria for their own political purposes. When will amount to $200 million. they are interviewed by the Weekly Times or the Herald-Sun they do not bother to say that 124 000 What was the reaction of the opposition to this - tonnes of meat were exported from Victoria in and I notice that the honourable member for 1989-90 and 184 000 tonnes in 1990-91 - an increase Hawthorn, the responder, has left, probably to count in exports. his numbers again - action, this success for Victoria? Its response was that this is a transparent Sure, more can be done but it will not be done by action by the government to increase employment. constantly denigrating one section of the meat industry. It will be done by the cooperative way the They were right! At last the opposition has got it Minister for Agriculture is getting together all the absolutely right. It is an action by the Victorian players - the unions, the employers and the government to encourage employers to invest in processing people - and through the Minister for Victoria. One of the major issues that has been put Manufacturing and Industry Development, David before the government by the employers is that they White, moving the industry into the 21st century. In want the government to reduce WorkCare costs, and many respects it is not even in the twentieth century we are doing that. As well as that, in very tight at present -and you people know that! Instead of budgetary times the government has reduced land constantly trying to score political points that tax to a section of employers and reduced payroll denigrate the industry, we should be cooperating to costs to a section of employers, and we intend to improve it. continue reducing costs to employers so that they will know that. this is a government, in contrast to WORKCARE the opposition, that has long-term policies for sustainable recovery. Mr MICALLEF (Springvale) - Will the Premier outline to the House the progress the government is PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE making in reducing costs to business, especially WorkCare costs? Mr BROWN (Gippsland West) - Will the Minister for Transport explain to the House why he Ms KIRNER (Premier) - Our government is instructed the Public Transport Corporation to working towards a long-term, sustainable recovery employ his friend Mr Gordon? in Victoria. That has to be done by many facets of action, including micro-economic reform and also Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - At least including reducing costs to business. the honourable member for Gippsland West is now allowed to ask a question. As I said to the House last Yesterday I was very pleased to announce, with the week, the contract that Mr Gordon had with the Minister for Labour, who deserves congratulations Public Transport Corporation was a valid and legal on his work with WorkCare, that our government contract. will further cut business costs in Victoria by removing the 10 per cent surcharge on WorkCare. WORKCARE We will not stop there. We will further reduce the costs of WorkCare by looking at the issues of legal Mrs WILSON (Dandenong North) - Will the and health costs, and by looking at long-term claims Minister for Labour advise the House of any recent advice he has received on WorkCare costs?

Mr Leigh - All you can do is read! QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 17 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 595

Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - As all arrest the $4.2 billion unfunded liabilities but that honourable members will now be aware the that figure would probably blowout. actuary's report for the year ended June 1991 has been tabled in Parliament. I believe most honourable Perhaps they were listening to the honourable members have probably received that report, which member for Brighton, who said back in April this reveals that the unfunded liability of the WorkCare year that the unfunded liabilities, which at that stage scheme is down to $1.8 billion -- according to the December report were $2.1 billion, would plateau and go back up again. The reality is Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick) - On a point of that another $300 million has been taken off order, Mr Speaker, the Minister has said that the unfunded liabilities in the past six months. The report has been tabled in the House. I understand it present actuarial report indicates that the reason for has not yet been tabled in the House. the turnaround is basically the government's 1989 reforms. Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - On the point of order, Mr Speaker, I indicated that it had been tabled There has been an enormous decrease in claims, to the Parliament. I understand it was given to you, brought about by the prevention programs that have Mr Speaker, and to the President of the Legislative now been put in place through the Occupational Council about 11 o'clock yesterday morning. Health and Safety Commission as well as the activities of the other WorkCare agencies, and the The SPEAKER - Order! The point of order number of reported claims has decreased -- relates to the accuracy of the Minister's statement. The document was provided to the Presiding Mr RICHARD SON (Forest Hill) - On a point of Officers yesterday and circulated in accordance with order, Mr Speaker, I direct your attention to May's the Act. It will be formally presented to the House at Parliamentary Practice at page 2~1, the 21st edition. a later stage. There is no point of order. Section 8 states: .

Mr POPE - I appreciate that honourable ... Questions requiring information set forth in members opposite do not want to hear good news accessible documents (such as statutes, treaties, etc.) about WorkCare. As the Premier said, what we had have not been allowed when the member concerned yesterday was a statement about an obvious or could obtain the information of his own accord without transparent indication that the government wants to difficulty. increase employment. What the opposition spokesperson on WorkCare said was quite I put it to you that the question should not have unbelievable. He was reported on the ABC 7 o'clock been allowed because the information the Minister is radio news last night: providing is available in a document which you, Sir, said a moment ago is being circulated to honourable Opposition WorkCare spokesman, Roger Hallam, says members. he's delighted the government is acknowledging the big costs for employers posed by WorkCare, but says Now that the question has been allowed, I put it to the Premier's failed to tackle the scheme's unfunded you that the Minister should not be allowed to liabilities. continue to refer to a document and its contents which you have said is being circulated to The actuary's report shows that in June 1989, before honourable members. the government's reform package was put in place, unfunded liabilities were $4.2 billion. In two years The SPEAKER - Order! Firstly, although in those unfunded liabilities have decreased to $1.8 raising his point of order the honourable member for billion. We had a fully funded ratio of 14 per cent in Forest Hill is not challenging the admissibility of the June 1989 and that has been reduced by June 1991 to question, the question was general and was not almost 50 per cent. The statement "failed to tackle related specifically to the report to which the the scheme's unfunded liabilities" is unbelievable! Minister has since referred in his answer.

I am not sure what actuary's reports opposition Secondly, in respect of the Minister's response, he members read; maybe they read the one they appears to the Chair to be providing information commissioned themselves in 1989, through the and interpretation additional to the bare facts honourable member for Hawthorn, which claimed provided in the document; accordingly, I do not that the government's reform package would not uphold the point of order. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

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Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) -It is amazing Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - As the Premier that opposition members do not like to hear any and I have indicated, the WorkCare system is good news. As I said before, WorkCare has turned working for all Victorians. Problems still exist with around and is going in the right direction. The the medical and legal costs - I have outlined them actuary has indicated in the report, a report I hope in the House and they are mentioned in the opposition members will now read, that the actuary's report -and they are being attended to by improvements have been brought about by the 1989 the management of the Accident Compensation reform package, the architect of which was the Commission. I now have faith that those problems honourable member for Doveton. will be addressed and I will get a strategy for dealing with the medical and legal costs. He put in place the 1989 reforms, which are now bearing fruit in respect of the WorkCare system to As most honourable members know, I have the extent that we have now been able to reduce determined to reduce the administrative costs of employers' costs by $93 million for this financial WorkCare and have imposed a $14 million Budget year and $130 million in a full year, and that is cut on WorkCare agencies. I believe that will further without the other changes we made earlier this year enhance the scheme. I look forward to further that were mentioned by the Premier, which together improvements in the scheme and possible further mean we have taken some $200 million off reductions in costs to employers so that we can get employers' costs. more employment in Victoria. I hope we can do that in the next twelve months. The number of reported claims has decreased in the past six months by 12 per cent, which shows that the PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE prevention programs of the Occupational Health and Safety Commission are working. The number of Mr COOPER (Momington) - Will the Minister long-term claims has continued to decline since for Transport explain why, the Public Transport October 1989, and the total number of open claims Corporation (PTC) having employed the Minister's has also decreased by 10 per cent in the past six friend Mr Gordon, the Minister then instructed the months. It is quite obvious that the financial targets PTC that Mr Gordon should be attached to the we set back in 1989 for generating an operating Minister's personal staff? surplus are working. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - As I have An honourable member for Western Province in explained on an earlier occasion, the contract another place, Mr Hallam, said a couple of months between Mr Gordon and the PTC is a matter for the ago that there would be a $98 million deficit and he PTc. based that on budget information from the previous managing director. What is the position with the Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) operating surplus as at the end of June 1991? - I ask the Minister for Transport: was the reason WorkCare has a $669 million operating surplus­ for Mr Gordon's dismissal associated with sexual two-thirds of a billion dollars in operating surplus. allegations? And yet we had this rhetoric from honourable members opposite with respect to -- Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I refer to my previous answer. Mr J. F. McGRATH (Warmambool) -On a point of order, Mr Speaker, the Minister has now been Honourable members interjecting. debating the question for eight and a half minutes. I put it to you that it is not a question without notice: PRINT MEDIA OWNERSHIP the Minister has come well prepared and is now debating the question. I ask you to rule him out of Mr MATHEWS (Oakleigh) - My question order and sit him down. without notice arises from public concern over the excessive concentration of print media ownership in The SPEAKER - Order! Although I do not Australia. I ask the Attorney-General whether the regard the Minister as having debated the major part government has adopted an attitude to the proposed of his answer, some of his more recent comments sale of the Fairfax group of newspapers and whether have tended towards debate. To that extent I uphold it proposes to make a submission to the House of the point of order and ask the Minister to round off Representatives Select Committee on Print Media? his reply. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 17 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 597

Mr KENNAN (Attorney-General) - I thank the As I said, we support the rules that exist in other honourable member for his question and for his countries, for instance Canada, where there is ongoing interest in this important topic. greater emphasis on media ownership diversity, Unfortunately it is a fact that Australia has a higher which we would want to see here. We want to see concentration of print media ownership than any the Federal government take up our position on that. other equivalent country in the world. If one looks at We look forward to the support of the opposition for countries like the United Kingdom and Canada, one our principles on media ownership. sees vastly lower concentrations of print media ownership than the 70 to 75 column inch PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE concentration that exists in Australia in the hands of one owner - I think the rule in Canada is something Mr HEFFERNAN (Ivanhoe) - I ask the Minister like 30 per cent. for Transport how he justifies paying $95 000 of taxpayers' money to his friend Mr Gordon, who was Certainly in those other countries with which we dismissed for unacceptable behaviour. like to compare ourselves there is a disbelief about how the Australian community has allowed this Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - As I said extraordinary concentration of media ownership to in a previous answer, the Public Transport occur during the past twenty years or so. The Corporation advises me that the contract with Mr Victorian government continues to be concerned Gordon is a valid and legal contract. about it and the working party chaired by the honourable member for Oakleigh showed that since SINGLE-TRACK CHILD PROTECTION 1987 some nine newspapers had closed in Australia, PROGRAM that the level of major newspaper failure rate had not been similar in the course of this century and Mrs RA Y (Box Hill) - I ask the Minister for that in Victoria the level of print media Community Services to inform the House of concentration had continued to increase during the progress being made in implementing the 1980s. single-track child protection program.

As I said, the Victorian government is concerned Mrs SETCHES (Minister for Community about this and has, in its cultural policy, drawn Services) - I thank the honourable member for her attention to the cultural evils that flow from an interest in this matter and I am pleased to advise increasingly concentrated media ownership and the that the government remains committed to resolving restrictions on freedom of speech and expression problems in child protection services in Victoria. that that involves. Those problems were highlighted in a report to the The Victorian government does not have the power government by Mr Justice Fogarty that was received to decide the outcome of the bid for Fairfax but it by the former Minister in 1989. Although police will does not want a result that gives rise to any further remain responsible, as is appropriate, for criminal concentration of media ownership. We do not want investigation and prosecution, Community Services a result even within that parameter that infringes on Victoria (CSV) will take full responsibility for the principles of editorial independence. investigating reports of child abuse and neglect across the State. The government supports more, not less, diversity of media ownership and the well-established principle Community Services Victoria has had sole that the Age independence charter, for instance, responsibility for four pilot regions of Victoria since supports of editorial independence. That principle is July 1990. The marked increase in service demand respected by the majority of media editors and experienced by CSV in these four regions has been owners not only here but all around the world. met successfully by the department, which has implemented Mr Justice Fogarty's recommendations The government welcomes the inquiry into the print for a welfare-based approach. This has meant that in media by the House of Representatives Select the majority of situations court action has not been Committee. We recognise that this is a national issue required and the children involved have been kept and, as a government, we shall be making a in safety, either out of or within their homes. submission to that inquiry seeking greater diversity of print media ownership. I am particularly pleased to be able to announce that an additional $1 million has been provided to allow QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

598 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 17 September 1991 the transition process to occur across the rest of the ask honourable members on my right to remain State that is not involved in the four regions. By silent so that I can hear the point of order. February 1992 we will be able to move to a single-track responsibility. That will bring the Mr BROWN - My point of order is on relevance. single-track, welfare-based. system to completion I did not ask anything about the contract that the right across Victoria, well within the time frame Minister claims existed. My question was direct. I recommended by Mr Justice Fogarty, who said in his asked: was Mr Gordon dismissed, was he report to the government that it should be retrenched, or did he voluntarily resign? I asked completed by 1992. nothing in reference or relevant to a contract.

I remind Parliament that the focus of a The SPEAKER - Order! A Minister may reply to welfare-based. approach is on ensuring the safety of a question in the manner he sees fit. His answer children and on supporting families and making must be relevant. He may refuse to answer a certain the services are there to provide the question, if he so wishes. I uphold the point of order. necessary support. I am pleased. that the I ask the Minister for Transport whether he wishes recommendations made by Mr Justice Fogarty will to add to his answer or whether he wishes to refuse be able to be implemented within the time frame to make a further reply. recommended by him. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - No, Mr PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE Speaker.

Mr BROWN (Gippsland West) - I direct a Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) further question without notice to the Minister for - I refer the Premier to the answers, or the lack of Transport and ask: was Mr Gordon dismissed or answers, given today by the Minister for Transport, retrenched or did he voluntarily resign? and ask: given that Mr Gordon's employment was terminated for unacceptable behaviour and given Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - As I that he had no contract of employment and that he indicated previously -- improperly received $95 ()()() of taxpayers' money, what does the Premier intend to do to recover the Honourable members interjecting. money?

The SPEAKER - Order! Will the Minister pause Ms KIRNER (Premier) - Every part of that until the House comes to order? question was a supposition on the part of the Leader of the National Party. The termination of the Mr SPYKER - The honourable member for appointment of Mr Gordon is a matter for the Public Gippsland West would be well aware - as is the Transport Corporation. The Minister has explained whole community - that transport staff were cut by that many times. 1507 last financial year. There will be a similar reduction in transport this year. My office is not I know that this opposition is so bereft of any view exempt from those sorts of reductions. of policies or programs that all it can do in this question time and every other question time -- The Public Transport Corporation advises me that the contract between Mr Gordon and the PTC is a Honourable members interjecting. legal and binding contract. The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the Mr BROWN (Gippsland West) - Mr Speaker, Opposition! I will call the Leader of the National my point of order is on the question of relevance. Party when the House comes to order. The question I put to the Minister had nothing at all to do with the contract. I asked the Minister, in clear Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) and concise terms, noting he has avoided every - My point of order is on the question of relevance. question put to him again today, so that -- My question asked the Premier precisely what she intends to do about the waste of $95 ()()() of Honourable members interjecting. taxpayers' money that was given to a mate - $95 000 of hard-earned taxpayers' money that this The SPEAKER - Order! Will the honourable government is prepared to fritter away in the same member pause while the House comes to order? I way that it has frittered away -- QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 17 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 599

Honourable members interjecting. government's ability to face the hard issues and the way in which we should tackle them. The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable member is entitled to raise a point of order. He is not There is no matter more important than the entitled to use the point of order as a ruse to debate examination of the ways in which we should combat the matter that was the basis of the question. I do not and prevent crime in Victoria, and one of the most uphold the point of order. Significant is ensuring that the whole community supports the Police Force: that means government at Ms KIRNER (Premier) - There are many issues all levels - including local government - the in the public transport area that could be addressed private sector and local organisations, because we by the opposition, but does it do that? No. It abuses cannot tackle the problem with a single-pronged the public of Victoria by having no policies. approach.

Mr McNamara interjected. The opposition's approach is to offer more policemen and policewomen. It is clear that what Ms KIRNER - I hope the behaviour of the has happened in the 80s in every State in Australia Leader of the National Party in this place over the and overseas, whatever the government - past twelve months is well recorded in Hansard and conservative, or reformist like ours -when it has on television videos because every time he does not gone down that path there has been a rising crime get his tiny allegation across he abuses me and the problem. When one looks at the situation on the House! Continent, in Canada and in the United States of America, one sees that the same problem exists. Mr DELZOPPO (Narracan) - On a point of order, Mr Speaker, I put it to you that the answer the That shows that the Police Force has to form Premier is giving is not relevant. It is not an partnerships with the community so that the public opportunity for her to berate the Leader of the are supporting the police and the police are National Party or anybody else, but to answer the supporting the community. It is absolutely question. imperative that we integrate the police and what they are doing at the local level. We must get the The SPEAKER - Order! Interjections of the type community to support the police at that level. that have been coming from my left invite the sort of response the Premier has been giving. I ask Honourable members would be aware that the honourable members on my left to remain silent. I Premier recently announced the formation of the ask the Premier to relate her remarks to the question. Public Safety and Anti-Crime Council, which is a most Significant step in crime prevention and control Ms KIRNER (Premier) - The point I was making in the history of the State. It gives a clear indication is that, regardless of the limited minds, non-effective of the direction that is being taken by the policies and limited views of the world of the government. A single issue or a one-dimensional opposition, this government will address the big approach will not work if one is serious about crime issues, keep on governing and keep Victoria moving prevention and crime control. forward. We will not be distracted by the kind of lacklustre and intimidating performances of the We have taken a first step by ensuring that the Leader of the National Party and his Leader. Ministers who have a role to play in crime prevention and crime control are represented on that CRIME PREVENTION council. They will include the Premier, the Attorney-General, the Ministers for transport, Mr SHELL (Geelong) -I ask the Minister for education and training, community services, ethnic, Police and Emergency Services to outline to the municipal and community affairs, planning and House what action he is taking to develop new housing, and me. By setting up this structure the measures to combat crime in Victoria. government is clearly saying, in addressing these important and Significant issues, that we cannot put Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and on blinkers. We must ensure that where programs Emergency Services) - I thank the honourable cut across government departments they will be member for his interest in this issue and I take up represented, so that there is a holistic approach to where the Premier left off on the matter of the the issue of crime prevention and crime control. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

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I am delighted to be part of this program because it Mr KENNETI (Leader of the Opposition) - On is a Significant step in ensuring that we have a a point of order, this is clearly an abuse of question concerted approach at the government level. time. We all agree that rising crime in the community is of major public importance, but this It is not something we can do alone and that is why matter should be the subject of a Ministerial we have invited local government, the private statement. For the Minister to continue to generalise sector, the trade union movement and the minute after minute is an absolute abuse of this Chairperson of the Community Council Against place and I ask you, Mr Speaker, to protect the Violence to join with us, so that we are able to have interests of all members. all the component features of our community working to carry out this anti-crime strategy. The SPEAKER - Order! The answer has now reached the limit of what I regard as acceptable and I The Chief Commissioner of Police has been calling ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services for an anti-crime strategy for some time. It has been to wind up his answer. I uphold the point of order. incorporated in his corporate strategy for the past two years. I believe an anti-crime strategy has much Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and to offer, which is why I have taken it on board and Emergency Services) - The final point I wanted to provided a proper administrative structure to ensure make concerns the financial support given to the that we are able to make it work. council. I have made available $1.8 million from the allocation for crime prevention and good The council needs to be properly serviced, and the neighbourhood programs to ensure that the council departmental heads of all those Ministries will not only gets off in the right way but has proper provide secretarial advice to ensure that the financial support for its crime prevention and crime program works smoothly. Of course further control initiatives. elements are required and that will give -- PUBLIC TRANSPORT CORPORATION An Honourable Member - Sit down! EMPLOYEES

Mr SANDON - You can go on and say what Mr BROWN (Gippsland West) - I direct a you like! Because of the collective approach -- further question to the Minister for Transport and refer him to his repeated claim to Parliament, made The SPEAKER - Order! I ask honourable again today, that last year he reduced the work force members on my left to remain silent and I advise the of the Public Transport Corporation by 1507 Minister to restrict his answer, even though the employees as opposed to the statement of the question was broad ranging, so that it is not a Premier that the corporation's work force was de facto Ministerial statement. reduced by 1200, and I ask: does the Minister stand by his claim, given that the leaked Ministerial Mr SANDON - I was sidetracked inadvertently. briefing note released by the opposition clearly I was talking about how we have got our shows that the reduction in the number of government structures right and how we are corporation employees was 1133? working in integrating the anti-crime strategy with the police, and of course there is one further Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I am dimension that is required, and that is that we delighted to answer this question because it is the integrate what the police are doing at the local level. first intelligent question asked about public That is why the chief commissioner has given transport. I am pleased that the honourable member instructions that a consultative group is to be formed recognises the enonnous result that public transport in each police district. Those consultative groups delivered last financial year. will advise the police what direction they believe the police should be taking, what response they want The Public Transport Corporation kept to its budget. from the police and what involvement the In fact, the shortfall in expenditure was $1.3 million, community wants with the Police Force. so I am delighted to advise the honourable member that the corporation has met its budget. These are important issues. I also infonn the House of the $1.8 million -- The honourable member is obviously confused about the staff reductions. When I announced that the staff had been reduced by 1507 employees, I PETITIONS

Tuesday, 17 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 601 clearly stated that that figure included 120 Mooroopna is a growing town approaching 7000 temporary staff and 120 contract staff. The figure of people with a large itinerant population, as indicated 1200 referred to permanent staff. by the six caravan parks in the area. According to statistics, the crime rate in this town is already high and Mr Cooper interjected. the local citizens are concerned for their safety and security. Mr SPYKER - It is interesting to note the competition between the honourable members for Your petitioners therefore pray that you take whatever Gippsland West and Momington about who ought action is necessary to ensure the police strength at the to be the shadow spokesman for transport. I am Mooroopna police station remains at the gazetted pleased that both the honourable member for strength of one senior sergeant, one sergeant and five Gippsland West and the honourable member for senior constables. Momington have recognised the tremendous result achieved by the Public Transport Corporation in And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. delivering the budget and in meeting the target of reducing the work force by 1507. By Mr Maughan (909 signatures)

PETITIONS Laid on table.

The Clerk - I have received the following petitions WORKCARE for presentation to Parliament: The SPEAKER presented Accident Compensation Maternal and child health nurses Commission actuarial report on WorkCare as at 30 June 1991 given to the Speaker pursuant to To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the Accident Compensation Act 1985. Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: Laid on table. The humble petition of friends and supporters of the maternal and child health service respectfully request PAPERS that this service of over SO years be recognised as an essential service giving support, counselling and Laid on table by Clerk: teaching to mothers and families, Australian and multicultural, in the important knowledge of early Goulburn Valley Base Hospital - Report and child care and development. Your petitioners therefore Statement of Accounts for the year 1989-90 humbly pray that the Parliament take immediate action to ensure that the funding for relieving maternal and Nathalia District Hospital and Nathalia Nursing Home child health nurses is not withdrawn and that the Society - Report and Statement of Accounts for the service be maintained to support and work with year 1989-90 families of the future. Planning and Environment Act 1987 -Notice of And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. approval of amendment to the following Planning Scheme: By Mr Cooper (45 signatures) Kerang Shire Planning Scheme - No. L2 Mooroopna police station Waranga Memorial and Waranga Nursing Home Society Hospital - Report and Statement of Accounts To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the for the year 1989-90 Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: ECONOMIC AND BUDGET REVIEW The humble petition of Mooroopna Neighbourhood COMMITTEE Watch and citizens sheweth that while recognising the difficult financial times through which we are passing, Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - By leave, I nevertheless are appalled, disappointed and concerned move: at the decision to temporarily reduce staff at the Mooroopna police station. That Mrs Barker be appointed a member of the Economic and Budget Review Committee. APPROPRIATION MESSAGES

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Motion agreed to. However in the past few years our revenue base has slipped away dramatically. Firstly, there was the APPROPRIATION MESSAGES stock market crash of 1987, which led to our revenue from share transactions declining; then there was the Messages read recommending appropriations for: impact of high interest rates, which progressively throttled revenue from stamp duties; and, finally, Adult, Community and Further the emerging recession through which all Victoria's Education Bill (No. 2) sources of revenue based on economic activity, such as payroll tax and financial institutions duty, have Cattle Compensation (Amendment) Bill suffered greatly.

Emergency Services Superannuation (MFBSF To illustrate the point, stamp duties on share Transfer) Bill transactions and land transfers as a percentage of total revenue rose from just over 14 per cent -14.2 APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL per cent to be exact -in 1975-76 to 26.4 per cent in and WORKS AND SERVICES 1987-88, but by 1990-91 had slipped back again to (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, 20.5 per cent. No. 2) BILL Therefore we are in a position where our income has Debate resumed from 12 September; motions of declined. We cannot spend more than we earn, so Mr ROPER (Treasurer) and Mr A. J. SHEEHAN our expenditure must be cut accordingly, and as a (Minister for Finance). government we do that with heavy hearts. The vast majority of the programs the government has put in Mr THOMSON (Pascoe Vale) - I support the place have been worthwhile. Bills. The Budget, which has been well received, steers a difficult course between, on the one hand, a Honourable members interjecting. failure to live within our means and a racking up of debt for future generations and, on the other hand, Mr THOMSON - These are difficult decisions. I uncharitable, harsh expenditure cuts that hurt those would prefer that the money was available to retain who most need our support. such programs.

The Budget was framed against a background of Honourable members interjecting. substantial cuts in government revenue. In the mid-1980s, when the economy was strong, the Mr THOMSON - I am sorry that there seems to government was flush with funds and any income it be no compassion on the opposition side of the received it spent. Although some may criticise that House. approach two things must be remembered. Firstly, the community called on the government to spend I know it has been fashionable to rubbish the public this revenue on the provision of more police officers, sector and public servants, but I regret the job cuts more child-care centres, and more neighbourhood that have been made in the public sector. I have had houses, for example. experience of working with public servants in a wide variety of forums and I believe most of them Secondly, the money was not wasted but was spent, do their jobs very conscientiously and genuinely try spent on giving Victoria the best services in the to serve the public interest. nation - the best teacher-pupil ratio; a dramatic expansion in the Neighbourhood Watch program; I also know that it is very tough to lose your job as, the highest percentage of children attending for example, substantial numbers of temporary kindergarten; an expansion of public housing; an public servants are now experiencing. In this expansion of national parks; an increase in school difficult economic climate, whether one is a private retention rates; and the employment of more than sector employee or in the public sector, jobs are 1500 full-time integration teachers to give scarce, and anybody who loses his or her job faces opportunities and hope to disabled children. For the prospect of real hardship. more than seven years Victoria had the lowest unemployment rate of any State and, furthermore, I get angry when I hear of people putting forward Victoria provided the best quality services in ideas like cutting off unemployment benefits after Australia in all these areas. nine months. The idea is supposed to be that people APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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will learn to live by their wits and release and free Mr THOMSON - I encourage honourable up their creative energies. These ideas apparently members to read the Budget Papers. We have cut come from economists, but they are obviously land tax by replacing the five-step scale with a people who do not read much history: Australia, three-step scale and by removing the 0.6 per cent Britain and other countries had that sort of system surcharge on the top tax rate, and we have cut SO, 100 or 200 years ago, and the social security net payroll tax by, for example, lifting the exemption was put in place precisely because it was a terrible threshold from $410 000 to $500 000. The system. government has-seen those steps as necessary to stabilise and protect employment levels in a time of But one does not have to go back into history to find recession. out what the effect of getting rid of the unemployment benefit or the social security net will The other point in reply to those who say liNo cuts" be. There are many countries today whose social is that even after those cuts Victoria continues to security nets have gaping holes in them. In those provide better quality services than are provided in countries people who cannot find work still have to other States. Education has been a contentious area survive, and their creative energies do get with recent industrial action -- unleashed - as in Thailand or the Philippines, where there is widespread prostitution; or as in the Mr Leigh - Ongoing. United States of America, where there is an army of cocaine or crack dealers; and as in other countries Mr THOMSON - Yes, ongoing. In 1982 the ratio with their gangsters, mercenaries, night curfews and of students per primary school teacher in Victoria no-go areas. Therefore it is important that we show was 18; it is now 16.2 pupils per primary teacher. compassion towards those who have lost or are still The ratio in the remainder of Australia is 18.5 losing their jobs. Unfortunately I must say to those students. In 1982 the ratio in secondary schools was who urge us not to make these cuts, to keep these 11.4 students per teacher; it is now 10.6, while the programs and these jobs, that neither the figure for the remainder of Australia is 12.6. government nor the community can spend income it does not have, any more than we can do that in our A Victorian primary school with, for example, 350 own households. students has three teachers more than the average in all other States. A secondary school with 700 I also say two other things to those people: firstly, students has 10 more teachers than the average in the options for increasing revenues from new or other Australian States. alternative sources have been explored thoroughly. One needs to understand that the opposition In Victorian high schools the maximum class size is indicates often enough that it will reject in the 25 while the corresponding figure in technical Legislative Council, where it has a majority, any schools is 22. Those figures compare favourably new revenue initiatives, so that any revenue with the respective 30 and 25 in New South Wales increases must come from the framework authorised and Queensland, and even better with the 32 and 25 by existing legislation. in Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. They also compare favourably with the 27 Any fair-minded assessment of our diligence on the in Tasmania and 29 and 26 in South Australia. Even revenue front this year, for example, will reveal that after the cuts, Victoria's services are still the best in we are introducing motor vehicle registration fees, the land, and are still something to be proud of. that we have introduced a $40 fee for four-wheel drive vehicles, increased transport fares and The Budget has also been criticised, particularly by introduced electronic gaming machines for Victoria, honourable members opposite, as not being tough the last primarily because the public wants them, enough. but also in an attempt to hold back the erosion of our revenue base. Mr Leigh - We are not, are we?

I ask those people who have campaigned against Mr THOMSON - As I have said before, and revenue cuts: where is the revenue to fund the others before me have said, where would the programs that you wish to protect? It is true that we opposition make the extra cuts? Would it be to have cut taxes in two areas, land tax and payroll tax. kindergarten services? To the Police Force? To the road funding program? To HACC funding? To Mr Stockdale - Rubbish! Victoria's schools? To public transport services? To APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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the agriculture budget? To environment protection concept plan is about to be launched in draft form services? All these services are worthwhile and for public comment, and we look forward to this necessary. comment.

In my time here Budget debates have simply not In the meantime, however, we have put forward been fair dinkum because opposition members say proposals to Melbourne Water to seek money from public spending should be cut, but do not say Open Space 2000 to start work on projects which where. If they were to nominate their choices we already enjoy strong community support; for could have a fair dinkum debate about whether example, removal of cyclone wire fencing along the particular cuts are justified. Until that is done, this is creek, and trial sculpting and contouring of creek not a serious debate. banks to make them lower and more natural and the creek itself more accessible. We also propose a trial I turn now to points of particular interest. Chapter 8 weir upstream of Mount Alexander Road. of Budget Paper No. 2 refers to the government's conservation and environment program. A highlight Moonee Ponds Creek runs all the way from the is the Open Space 2000 program, which will spend Docklands to Gellibrand Hill. It has the potential to $30 million from the former Board of Works -now be a substantial urban green artery, and it is the Melbourne Water - metropolitan improvements intention of the Moonee Ponds Creek Progress funds. It will provide a cleaner Port Phillip Bay, Association to realise this potential and, over time, rehabilitate rivers and streams, and enhance to put the ponds back into the Moonee Ponds. We Melbourne's parks network. look forward to the Open Space 2000 program playing a crucial role in this transformation. I look forward to the positive impact of Open Space 2000 across Melbourne. I particularly look forward Another area dealt with in chapter 8 of Budget Paper to it in my area, for example, along the Moonee No. 2, describing the government's conservation and Ponds Creek. environment program, refers to the Gippsland Lakes. Page 119 states that $100 000 is being Mr Leigh - A marginal seat. provided to implement the recently completed Gippsland Lakes Management Plan. Mr THOMSON - In my boyhood that creek was a charming and tranquil area. As a result of the For the past three years I have had the privilege and construction of the Tullamarine Freeway much of responsibility of chairing the Gippsland Lakes the creek has been concrete lined and straightened; it Consultative Committee, which has played a pivotal is little more than an open drain, according to many role in preparing the management plan. I should like who drive along that freeway. to speak about the work of the Gippsland Lakes Consultative Committee and the directions which About nine months after I was elected I formed the the management plan will set for the future of the Moonee Ponds Creek Progress Association. Gippsland Lakes.

Mr Leigh interjected. Firstly, I should say that the final management plan has not yet been launched by the Minister for Mr THOMSON - We all have a role to play. I Conservation and Environment, Mr Steve Crabb. look forward to the creek's being restored to its The launch is expected shortly, and it is fair to maximum potential. assume that in most respects the final management plan will reflect the proposals put forward in the Since that time we have planted many thousands of draft management plan. indigenous trees throughout the creek valley with great support from the Board of Works, the Go Secondly, the $100 000 set out in the Budget does not Green project and local councils, particularly the go very far, particularly in an area the size and with Broadmeadows, Essendon and Brunswick councils. the complexity of the Gippsland Lakes. In this case, the $100 000 will do little more than service the body But, just as importantly, we have been working on a responsible for ensuring that the management plan concept plan for the creek with the aid of a grant is implemented. I have had discussions with the from the northern area improvement program, once Minister about this issue, with a view to ensuring again with the Board of Works, which is now known that the Department of Conservation and as Melbourne Water, involving itself fully. That Environment and other agencies with APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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responsibilities in the Gippsland Lakes area are reach agreement, and to have degenerated into attuned to the management plan and work squabbling and producing minority reports. positively towards its implementation. However, each member demonstrated a commitment to the long-term future of the The backgroWld to the establishment of the Gippsland Lakes and a desire to protect the lake Gippsland Lakes Consultative Committee was environment which, after all, is the goose that lays unquestionably the algal bloom of the summer of the golden egg for the prosperity of the Gippsland 1987-88. It was described as an "ugly, noxious, Lakes. malodorous" bloom, and it persisted for five months. It had two key impacts: firstly, it devastated All committee members worked constructively large sections of the Gippsland Lakes economic towards resolving the complex problems involved activity. Tourism dropped catastrophically, holiday and put in dozens, in some cases hundreds, of hours, flats, caravan parks and other accommodation particularly in 1989 and 1990 ensuring that the became vacant, retail takings were down, boat management plan had real community input and charters were down and so on. Both recreational reflected community views as well as being both fishing and professional fishing, which is another scientifically and technically feasible. important Gippsland industry, suffered due to fish kills. The bacterial breakdown of the algae removed Cr Ray Barling, a Tambo shire councillor, was oxygen from the water, which led to substantial fish involved in a serious saw milling accident last year. kills. He was hospitalised for a long period and left with permanent facial injuries. It was a real thrill, Secondly, the bloom gave rise to concerns about the however, to have him rejoin us towards the end of quality of the lakes' environment. People wondered our deliberations this year. whether the algal blooms were a sign that the lakes had been used and abused for too long and that the Although the role of the Gippsland Lakes combined effects of agriculture and forestry Consultative Committee was to ensure that the upstream, and tourism, recreational boating and management plan reflected community views, residential development downstream were more responsibility for actually drafting the plan lay with than the lakes system could handle. The algae Department of Conservation and Environment caused ear infections, skin irritation and, if officer, Mr Bill !ncoll, and other members of the swallowed, stomach upsets. The government and project team, Mr Les Russell, Ms Clair Nieuwland the then Minister for Conservation, Forests and and Mr Philip Brown, who also worked long and Lands, now the Premier, responded by establishing hard and their efforts should also be recognised. the Gippsland Lakes Consultative Committee in 1988. Seven objectives were given to the Gippsland Lakes Consultative Committee by the then Minister for That committee was originally chaired by the Conservation, Forests and Lands, the Honourable Honourable Barry Pullen, MLC, but I took over after Joan Kirner: to ensure that the management plan he was appointed to the Ministry. The committee met community expectations; to represent local comprised three members chosen for their scientific community interests and ensure local input during expertise, Or Eric Bird, Mr Brian Newell, and Mr its preparation; to facilitate the exchange of Charles McCubbin; three community information between the community and the representatives, Ms Jennifer North and two planning team; to provide a forum for input into the members of the Save the Gippsland Lakes discussion of Gippsland Lakes issues; to assess and Committee, Mr Wally Evans and Mr Peter Synan; advise on the adequacy of the scientific and two municipal representatives, Crs Alan Jones and technical data base, especially regarding algae Ray Barling, and Mr Trevor Gordon who blooms and their toxicity; to provide independent represented the Victorian Eastern Development recommendations to the then Department of Association. The executive officer was Mr Laurie Conservation, Forests and Lands, now the Norman. Department of Conservation and Environment, on the means of implementing the management plan; I wish to recognise publicly the work of all those and to advise the Minister on matters requiring members who have done a terrific job. They came coordination. from different backgrounds and with the kinds of issues that were at stake it would have been easy for Achieving those objectives required a three-step the members of the committee to have failed to process. The first step was the release of an options APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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paper in September 1989 which set out various Entrance and Bairnsdale, and these meeting were options for future management of the lakes. To give valuable in both infonning the community and the House an example, there is no doubt that man's gathering the community's views on key issues. The major influence on the Gippsland Lakes goes back to project team prepared a draft management plan the opening of the artificial entrance in 1889, more which was released in September 1990 with than 100 years ago. As a consequence of this action opportunity for public comment until the end of last the salinity of the system has risen to levels that have year. killed off much of the natural vegetation, changed the natural environment and resulted in widespread That draft plan was launched by the Minister for erosion of the shoreline. Planning and Environment, Mr Crabb, and the then Minister for Planning and Urban Growth, Mr The problem is not merely that salinity levels in.the McCutcheon, and a public meeting to accompany it lakes have increased both from this and other was held in Bairnsdale. influences but also that salinity levels in the lakes tend to fluctuate so that when the snows melt the We received some 75 submissions - substantially lakes may get a burst of fresh water but for other fewer than the number of responses to the options times of the year they will be much more saline. paper. It is not many considering the fact that 1400 draft plans were distributed. We have taken the Certain plant forms will survive in a freshwater view that the plan does have widespread support environment and different vegetation will adapt to and have taken silence as consent, particularly as and survive in a marine or saline environment, but most of the 75 submissions we received were few species can tolerate fluctuating salinity levels. strongly supportive of it.

In the options paper we asked the community: do On the one hand, there was particularly strong you want a freshwater lake system, in which case we support for the proposals concerning recreation and would have to examine barrages, locks and other tourism, river and waste water management for methods of keeping salt water out of the lakes; do development near lakes, algal blooms and you want a saltwater system, in which case we education. On the other hand, there was strong would need to consider a second entrance at the opposition to experimentation with algaecides and western end of the lake system; or do you want to barriers to control algal bloom and to flushing the leave the system as it is? In the event there was lakes with sea water through the second entrance. reasonably strong opposition to both of the more radical options of a totally freshwater system or On the basis of those comments we have come to a totally saltwater system. final management plan. It is not easy to summarise a plan which has more than 220 recommendations and The direction the management plan has taken on 160 pages but, essentially, the plan divides the issues this question of lake salinity is to say that the eastern into ten categories: algal blooms; lake salinity; lakes - Lake Victoria and Lake King - will stay recreation and tourism; managing fishery resources; salty. Therefore we need tG find aquatic and education and information; conservation of flora and foreshore vegetation capable of tolerating these fauna; development near the lakes; river and waste conditions. Trials to that end will be undertaken. water management; catchment management; and Towards the western end - Lake Wellington - we sites of geological and cultural Significance. want to preserve and to some extent restore the freshwater environment so we will be examining the In the area of algal blooms, the truth is that they engineering feasibility of a barrier in McLennan occur naturally but that nutrients, particularly Strait which would control the movement of salt into phosphorous, come from the catchment rivers and Lake Wellington. We will also work to re-establish contribute to the severity of the bloom. the original benthic vegetation and trial species of Unfortunately, enough phosphorous is held in lake both aquatic and foreshore vegetation which can bed sediments to fuel blooms for many years to tolerate Lake Wellington's existing conditions. come. Although our recommendations are aimed at reducing further phosphorous movement over time, .The issue of lake salinity, and many other issues, we have also to consider experiments with barriers came forward in the options paper. Then a series of and chemicals which may control algal blooms in public meetings was held to explain the paper and restricted areas. get comment on it. On two weekends in October 1989 we held meetings in Sale, Traralgon, Lakes APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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We also acknowledge the need for long-tenn studies Pascoe Vale about the government's so-called into the hydrodynamics and chemistry of the lakes positive initiatives. at Gippsland and the biology of nodularia to detennine more precisely what factors interact to The Premier identified debt reduction as her major produce the blooms. priority, but in fact $4.1 million has been added to the State debt every day during the past twelve The answer to the question that was asked - what months - the first twelve months of Ms Kimer's the algal blooms said about the state of health of the tenn as Premier.' lakes - is that while the news is not good it is not disastrous. Blooms will occur from time to time as a I have some responsibility for industrial relations natural phenomenon and over time it is possible to and I am amazed that only three days of this first reduce their severity. year with Ms Kimer as Premier have been free from industrial disputes involving government I discussed the second problem area - of lake employees. In other words, on 362 days of this year salinity - earlier. One issue I did not cover was the one or more sections of the Victorian public sector Port of Melbourne Authority's (PMA) dredging of were in dispute - either on strike or with bans and the channel off Lakes Entrance and its impact on the limitations. That is an amazing situation. lake system. It is one area where the committee has been concerned about the activities of a government A further 132100 Victorians lost their jobs during agency, and even after hearing the authority's these past twelve months with almost two-thirds of explanations, both the committee and I remain all Australians who lost their jobs being from concerned that the dredging may be causing the Victoria. lakes to become more shallow, increasing the possibility of algal blooms and having a generally The payment of interest is relevant to the Budget detrimental impact on the lakes. process and in the 1991-92 financial year the government budgeted for interest payments on the Another area where we are looking for government State debt of $3397 million, which represents more action concerns boat pump-out facilities. The than the total outlays of the education and health committee believes the time has come for sewage budgets - Significant areas of State government holding tanks to become compulsory and for the responsibility. In other words the government could government, the State Boating Council, have duplicated the education and health systems municipalities, tourism and boating interests to were it not paying the interest on the debt generated come to a sensible arrangement to fund the by this government of apprOximately $30 000 construction of sewage pump-out facilities like those million. Debt and liabilities combined have at Paynesville. increased from $11000 million in 1982-83 to $54 000 today. In conclusion, the Gippsland Lakes is a wonderful asset to the people of Victoria and the government is The catering division of the Public Transport detennined that it not go down the same path as the Corporation loses approximately $5 million a year. Adriatic Sea, between Yugoslavia and Italy, where That loss could be turned into a $200 000 annual algal blooms have been destrOying both the profit simply by contracting out the functions of the environment and the local tourist economy, division. That view is contained in an internal report promoting calls last year for the declaration of a of the agency. national disaster and a decision by the Italian Parliament to approve a $1 billion rescue program. Between May and June this year national unemployment decreased from 9.4 percent to 9.3 per I commend the Bills to the House. cent while Victoria's unemployment increased from 10.1 per cent to 10.4 per cent. The increase resulted Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - The Budget debate in a further 8200 people being cast on the scrap heap gives honourable members the opportunity of of the Labor Party's failed policies, taking the total reviewing not just future government action but also number of unemployed to 28 700. what has occurred during the past twelve months. One would have to be concerned at the The Minister for Community Services withdrew government's performance, particularly after funding of $262 000 for a youth homelessness hearing the diatribe of the honourable member for program run by the Mission of St James and St John and she chose to withdraw that funding during APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Youth Homelessness Week. That is the Some $220 million in State debt has been retired compassionate vote of the year! under the government's so-called debt reduction strategy. At that rate, excluding interest, the debt The government spent some $1.2 million on will be completely retired in a mere 127 years! The upgrading Department of Planning and Housing Budget offers no hope; it offers no jobs and it flats which were then destroyed to make way for the contains no vision for the future of Victorians. It Bayside project. That is Labor Party development in simply promises more of the same bad things. action. It cost the Victorian taxpayers some $5000 to bring the Premier back from Sydney after an I shall refer to two tables I have directed to the appearance on The Midday Show. That is how the attention of you, Mr Speaker, the Minister for government uses the money it raises from the people Finance and Hansard, and I seek leave to have them of Victoria. incorporated in Hansard.

I shall give an example of debt reduction Australian The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable Labor Party style in Victoria: the 1990-91 Budget member for Hawthorn has shown me the tables and estimated some $1 billion would be raised from the they are suitable for incorporation. sale of Victoria's softwood plantations. A subsequent consultant's report estimated the Leave granted; tables as follows: revenue would be of the order of $120 million to $140 million. The consultant's fee for the report was $8000 and, in true Kirner government style, the report has not been released and the softwood plantations remain unsold.

TABLE No. 1

BUSINESS INSOL VENCIES

Full Year 1990-91 Victoria 1790 NSW 3731 Aust. 8502 April-June Qtr 1991 Victoria 712 (average 241/month) NSW 1104 Aust. 2691 Jan-March Qtr 1991 Victoria 550 (average 183/month) NSW 925 Aust. 2233 July 1991 (one month) Victoria 272 NSW 461 Aust. 1013

Source: Australian Securities Commission 16 Sept 1991 release. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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TABLE No. 2

Movement over 12 months to June 1991 Victoria Rest of Australia Jobs lost -6.2% -1.1% Unemployed people +87.6% +27.6% Unemployed first job seekers +138.6% +15.30/0 Unemployed under 20 years of age +57.0% +15.1% Persons on unemployment benefit +126.0% +45.8% Job vacancies -70.7% -42.4% Consumer price index +5.3% +4.90/0 Persons on welfare benefits +92.2% +35.5% Retail turnover -1.2% +3.7% New dwellings approved -29.0% -2.3% Total buildings approved -36.8% -12.8% New houses commenced -28.2% -4.1% New vehicle registrations -20.0% -18.6% New home sales -15.0% +48.4% New capital expenditure -17.4% -5.1% Bankruptcies +71.3% +46.10/0

Mr GUDE - Table No. 1 was compiled by the per cent in Victoria because of the anti-business Australian Bureau of Statistics and shows a activities of the Labor government. That is comparison between Victoria and the rest of disgraceful! For the month of July 272 companies in Australia based on a series of important factors. In Victoria have gone out of business. They are listed in the twelve months to June the percentage of jobs lost table 2. in Victoria increased by 6.2 per cent compared to only 1.1 per cent for the rest of Australia. The Budget Total taxation charges, that is, taxes, fees, fines and forecasts higher unemployment, so obviously the statutory taxes, have increased by 11.9 per cent in negative situation will continue. Victoria's this Budget, which represents an increase in real unemployment increased by 87.6 per cent compared terms of 8.7 per cent. It is more than four times the to an increase of 27.6 per cent elsewhere. projected inflation rate. No wonder Victorians are crying out for a change of government. Taxes, fees The number of people on welfare benefits is a tragic and fines are up 10.4 per cent. measurement in any community. However, in the twelve months to June the number of those people in The Budget provides for an increase in police fines Victoria increased by a massive 92.2 per cent by a massive 85.6 per cent from $52.8 million in compared to only 35.5 per cent in the rest of 1989-90 to $98 million for the next twelve months. Australia. All I can say is that either Australia is managing the economic crisis far better than is Public authority dividends - the hidden taxes Victoria or the IGrner government has made some introduced by the Labor government on gas, water tragic mistakes that are impacting on the lives of and electricity - have also increased. These taxes decent Victorians. did not apply under former liberal governments. The State Electricity Commission dividend has I turn now to new dwelling approvals. In the media increased by 66.7 per cent. The former Melbourne recently there have been some hopeful signs for new and Metropolitan Board of Works, now Melbourne housing construction. I do not intend to be negative Water, dividend has increased by 61.4 per cent. about these matters, but statistics for the past twelve These are all hidden taxes that impact on ordinary, months demonstrate that new dwelling approvals in decent Victorians. Australia decreased by 2.3 per cent while in Victoria they decreased by 29 per cent. New housing starts in The 1989-90 Budget forecast a $713.2 million deficit; Victoria decreased by 28.2 per cent and by only 4.1 the actual result was a deficit of $1003.3 million. Last per cent for the rest of Australia. financial year the Budget deficit forecast was $660 million; the actual result was double that - a deficit Bankruptcies have increased. Companies, in which of $1248.7 million. This year the Budget deficit people have invested their life savings to try to make forecast is $1494 million. What will the actual a go of their businesses and which employ people, outcome be? There is no doubt that the have gone out of business. Bankruptcies increased mismanagement of the Budget will result in a by 46.7 per cent in Australia and by a massive 71.3 APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92. No. 2) BILL

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massive blow-out, probably in the order of $3000 initiatives in Victoria. It has allowed unions to have million. a destructive dominance over Australian Labor Party policy, such as the St Kilda Road project in I refer the House to industrial relations and the which the Building Workers Industrial Union and government's performance in its own backyard. the Builders Labourers Federation were involved. Since the Cain and Kirner governments have been in The Ericsson dispute is another example where office the Labor Party has attempted to enshrine in police had to attend. There were delays also to the legislation union power in the workplace. In many pulp mill in Gippsland. areas the government has backed down in face of union threats and has allowed massive disruption to The government has continually shown itself to be a occur to essential services. It has encouraged a creature of a declining militant trade union minority centralised wage fixing system that takes little or no that periodically diSrupts the State for narrow and account of individual performance or productivity. selfish purposes. The government allows productivity gains to flow from one industry to the next, regardless of whether In the first twelve months of the Kimer government any productivity gains have been achieved in that 362 of the 365 days of the year involved direct industry. That is the negative system this industrial action by Victorian government government has supported. employees. The government has continually given grants to the very organisations that have cost The government has continually fostered instability Victoria many millions of dollars in lost exports by within the industrial relations system, which restrictive practices, inefficiencies, rorts and abuses. seriously threatens manufacturing investment and economic recovery in Victoria. It has forced the Victorian taxpayers to fund the Trades Hall Council by more than $1 million this It is interesting to note that the latest Victorian Public year. For example, of the $1 million referred to, an Service Association bulletin identified that many internal State Electricity Commission of Victoria companies in the State are looking at or are already report states that salaries were paid direct to persons moving to New Zealand because of its system where employed by the commission who were working hours are opened up, regulations removed and full-time as trade union officials. The Premier said, people are given the opportunity of negotiating in ''Tut, tut, that should not happen", but as of today the workplace. I applaud the VPSA for its not one of those persons has been taken off the recognition of that important change. It is also the payroll; the money is still being paid out. The announced policy of the coalition, and I shall come rhetoric to the broader community is all right, but to that in more detail a little later. the actions of the Premier do not match that rhetoric.

Manufacturers are concerned that they will be forced In the six months to March 1991 Victorians were put to import as opposed to manufacture and that through industrial disputation over milk supplies, investment in new plant and equipment, computer petrol, schools, private buses, meat, rubbish, the assisted design and computer control machinery will Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, electricity, the suffer as a direct result of the government's vehicle building industry, garbage collection, air approach to industrial relations. travel, the Hoechst chemical plant, the Shepparton Preserving Company trade off, the Heinz dispute One has only to look at the clothing, textile, and many more. I could continue, but I am tired of footwear, rubber, plastic and cable making raising the litany of mistakes and disasters of such industries that have already gone off shore. It means an incompetent government and its failed industrial that not only has Victoria lost those companies and relations practices. the revenue received from taxes imposed on them but also the jobs of decent Victorians have been lost. The government has allowed and encouraged Most industries in this State have been decimated. preferential employment based on union membership in either obtaining or retaining work. The government has undermined community and Under the Industrial Relations Act such preferences business confidence in the law by denying industrial are prohibited. relations decisions and deliberately flouting the laws of the land. I refer to the $12 deal that was made I turn to the Victorian industry agreement, recently. The government has allowed unions to particularly the building industry agreement paralyse development and stifle productivity entitled, ''No ticket, no start." Who negotiated that APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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agreement? It was the honourable member for Knox or is threatened with harm from industrial action when he was Minister for Labour, and it has been where a secret ballot is not held will be able to seek continued by his successor. an injunction in the Supreme Court. We will protect the right of workers to work in all circumstances. Victoria has an Act of Parliament that guarantees freedom of association, yet the government bows to We intend to legislate for flexibility in working the dictates of the trade union movement-it hours in Victorian awards and will provide controls, nobbles and directs the entire government. protection for the people of Victoria from strikes in essential services by strengthening the law. When Under this government poor customer service one looks at the public sector environment it is clear delivery, continual complaints from the community that such protection is badly needed. The public and business, and inflexibility are features of the sector exists to serve the people of Victoria and it public sector, as reflected in the article from the does not do that at the moment. VPSA News to which I referred earlier. Little correlation exists between effort and reward or merit A coalition government will legislate to outlaw and advancement; in other words, there is little secondary boycott action. I note that the Federal performance-based promotion. There is a high government wishes to break down that process. We incidence of demarcation disputes. will guarantee the process continues in Victoria and will legislate to protect people who could be The Department of Planning and Housing has involved in third-party disputes, such as the tomato admitted that this year it will pay $2 million in growers in the recent H. J. Heinz Co. Australia Ltd wages to more than 250 tradesmen for periods when dispute. We will protect the rights of individual they do not work. That is a disgrace. The $2 million contractors. We will empower the industrial that is being squandered in that disgraceful way registrar to inquire into the financial and operational could be used to create jobs for the more than affairs of industrial organisations which have 200 000 Victorians who are out of work. recognition under the State Act.

Rorts with overtime, sick leave and penalty rates A coalition government will not allow the approach exist in the Public Transport Corporation (PTC). I taken by Wally Curran in the meat industry to am pleased to see the Minister for Transport at the continue. The vital Victorian meat industry has been table, laughing his head off - it is well known that decimated and has lost over $100 million thanks to he supports that process. That process will not Wally Curran. Virtually one company a month went continue once there is a change of government, out of the export business over the past twelve whenever the next election is held. months while the government sat on its hands because on one occasion Curran was the Premier's Unions have been allowed to dictate whether electoral chairman, a left-wing soul mate. It is an conflicts are resolved and how they are resolved. Let absolute disgrace that that sort of situation can exist me remind the Minister of the trams dispute. Trams in a State like Victoria. We will make changes that were locked up in the city of Melbourne and will turn that situation around. tramlines were welded so that trams could not move. He sat there like a nervous little chicken, not I turn to an area that is causing me and, I am sure, knowing how to deal with the process. most Victorians a great deal of concern. I refer to the position facing Victoria's young people today. They We have seen a disgraceful situation in industrial are facing disproportionately high levels of relations in Victoria. A coalition government will unemployment; there is a lack of housing as turn that around. The coalition intends to facilitate witnessed by the growth in youth homelessness; our workplace enterprise agreements. We will promote education system fails to meet the employment reward and performance-related schemes. We will standards sought by employers to guarantee future legislate to protect the right to work, irrespective of employment opportunities; there is a lack of whether a person belongs to a union; in other words, affordable and efficient transport in the system; we will ensure and guarantee voluntary unionism. there is a high level of drug and alcohol abuse; and the moral values of the society are disintegrating. We will strengthen the provision in the Industrial Relations Act relating to secret ballots to make them Currently in Victoria there are estimated to be compulsory before industrial action is taken. We somewhere between 5000 and 12 ()()() unemployed will ensure that any person who either suffers harm youth; 2500 are estimated to be concentrated in the APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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inner metropolitan area. I have gone out to railway of at least twelve months - reached 34 000 in March stations at night. If one finds a warm spot, where the this year. Among those unemployed are people in pipe is pushing through a bit of steam, that is where their 50s and older who probably will never have one finds kids sleeping. During the time the Labor other jobs during their lives because of the way this government has been in office homelessness among State has been destroyed through the young people has increased, and seven out of ten mismanagement and economic strategies employed homeless young people are under the guardianship by successive Labor governments in this State. of the State! What a testimony to the performance of this discredited government! Young people between The job market has rapidly tightened and the ages of 15 and 24 years now represent between plummeted. It does not matter which newspaper or 16 and 34 per cent of our overall population yet they employer organisation journal one happens to read, make up 50 per cent of all the unemployed people in one sees evidence of a continuing concern expressed this State. In 1989 and 1990 unemployment among about the decline of the State's economy and the young teenagers was two to three times higher than worry being felt about the future for Victorian that of the rest of the Victorian labour force. The business and people generally. figures show that 24 000 youth jobs have been lost during the twelve months to June 1991 and the The Kirner government's economic policies have Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show a fall of created suburb after suburb of people totally 37 per cent in the number of full-time jobs available. dependent on welfare. Those people are being denied the opportunity of maximising their potential If one considers the area of apprenticeship and and making a productive contribution to the State. training, one finds that apprenticeships for young Victoria's young people face the most dismal people have fallen. In the twelve months to June employment prospects. As I said, Victoria's youth 1990, apprenticeships fell by 43 per cent in Victoria, unemployment figure is now close to 30 per cent, compared with a decline of 15 per cent in New more than double the rate it was twelve months ago South Wales and 8 per cent in South Australia. and more than the national average. As honourable Traineeships fell by 49 per cent in the same period members move around the State as I do they find it and by a further 23 per cent in the six months to is not uncommon in country Victoria that youth December, according to the latest available figures. unemployment is in excess of 50 per cent. It is an absolute disgrace that such a tragedy could be A coalition government will effect major changes to experienced in country Victoria or, indeed, create a potential future for Victoria's young people. anywhere in this State. Our intention will be to give young people assistance and encouragement to achieve success Nothing appears to be being done to turn the and satisfaction in work training or education, and situation around. If one considers the expensive an environment in which they will have fulfilling public relations exercises undertaken by the lives, not ones in which they are lying asleep on government, particularly those relating to youth, railway stations. We will not continue with the such as the Youth Guarantee Scheme, one finds few policies that have resulted in the disgraceful results have been achieved except for young people situation of homelessness among wards of the State. being cheated.

A coalition government will encourage Honourable members will have read how the community-based organisations to share in the Auditor-General tore apart that scheme and will responsibility of providing for young people. No have read of the disgraceful way that the schemes longer will a central controlling bureaucracy fail to were managed, with funds never finding their way meet the needs of the young people of this State. A to the people in need. Millions of dollars have been coalition government will encourage young people wasted by the government on training programs to contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. that were not vocationally oriented or industry driven. The only winners were the bureaucrats. That If one considers employment, one finds that Victoria is what has been going on. has borne the brunt of Australia's massive jump in unemployment, with more than 230 000 Victorians Victorians need a new vision and a new direction out of work. An increase of 33.7 per cent occurred in that will be achieved only by a change of the year to the quarter ended 1991. The number of government. Along with most Victorians I am long-term unemployed - that is, those who have confident that that vision and new direction will be experienced a continuous period of unemployment achieved under a Kennett-Ied government. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Mr NORRIS (Dandenong) - I support the Bills. I Mr Cooper - We will fix it up. have listened carefully to many of the contributions made by honourable members opposite and the Mr NORRIS - The honourable member for honourable member for Hawthorn's contribution Hawthorn, who has just resumed his seat, spoke was no exception. He delivered a thoughtful and about the problems facing our young people. He sincere speech, but like most of the speeches from said: those on the other side it was fairly high on rhetoric and fairly light on policy. We are going to encourage young people to contribute to the betterment of society. Towards the end of his speech the honourable member for Hawthorn spoke, sincerely, about the That is motherhood stuff; it doesn't mean a crumpet. problems facing young people in our society. I was Let's have some guts! waiting to hear some policy, some indication of what the opposition might have in mind about I advise honourable members opposite, many of helping young people. Unfortunately I waited in whom are sincere members of Parliament, that they vain, because, once again, the honourable member must get some policies. You've got to get some for Hawthorn presented no youth policy; it was just stuffing! hyperbole, with no facts. I accept that the opposition is a laissez-faire party. The honourable member for Hawthorn spoke about Its policy is one of non-interference in government. youth homelessness and unemployment. No In fact the Leader of the Opposition recently said honourable member would deny the figures he that when he becomes Premier, if he becomes quoted. That is fine, but I ask: what are you going to Premier, he would work for only one day a week. If do about the problems? The honourable member for that is his philosophy I do not deny him his right to Hawthorn said that the opposition will "encourage state that he believes he should work as Premier for young people to contribute to the betterment of only one day a week and the rest of the time let the society". I ask: what sort of motherhood statement is State get on with its business. I admire him for what that? What are you going to do about it? he said. However, these are not the days of Sir Rohert Menzies, who the opposition looks up to as The honourable member for Hawthorn said also that the great white master. The days are gone when you the opposition will "encourage community groups could leave the country for six months to watch test to take more responsibility". Mr Speaker, I put it to matches. At that time many people did not want you that this is flannel. No policy was made public policies and it was all right for the Liberal Party to in those statements; no commitment was given - have the laissez-faire philosophy, but now people although I do not doubt the sincerity of the require some sort of direction. They want to know honourable member for Hawthorn. I remind what the government intends to do. The opposition members of the opposition that they must come up intends to encourage young people to contribute to with positive policy statements and with some ideas. the betterment of society. God help us!

Mr Cooper - Who created the problems? I congratulate the Treasurer on bringing down a good Budget in an extremely difficult time. The Mr NORRIS -So I created them? Your side has Budget showed fiscal responsibility. I am proud to created them as much as our side; they are stand up and say, "A good job well done". It community problems! contains a three-year plan to turn the current deficit around into a surplus. Mr Cooper - Sorry, it is your fault. I believe the Premier deserves commendation for the Mr NORRIS - It is no good saying, '1t is your way in which she handled a difficult situation. Her fault" or '1t is our fault" just like kids in the school June statement was extremely well received. It laid yard -let us be adult about it. out, warts and all, the current situation. Even those who do not normally support the Premier, such as Mr Cooper - No, it is your fault. people like Lindsay Fox and our other business leaders, supported her. Anybody who was anybody Mr NORRIS - What are you going to do about in the business world in Melbourne was at the it? World Congress Centre when the June statement was made. Lindsay Fox said, 'Well done, you have APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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laid it out warts and all. There is a big job ahead Mr Cooper - Dr Hewson! with a lot of pain before the gain". Lindsay Fox went on national television to say, 'Well done". Mr NORRIS - He got his doctorate on audience participation at Nebraska University. He came into a I shall give the opposition another tip for when it standing ovation. During the debate on the brings in policies. The Premier's personal rating is consumption tax the State Leader of the Opposition high because the people have found her to be sat on the platform absolutely mute. He did not someone who is endeavouring to do the job. She has enter into the debate. He left Dr Hewson to carry it. I her head down and she is working and the people believe ten brave liberal Party members voted admire her for it. This is why her rating is so high. against the tax. One of those brave gentlemen stood Her June statement initiated the rise in her personal up and was televised when he asked for the facts on popularity. The people see her as a worker who has the consumption tax from Dr Hewson. He asked, levelled with them about pain before any gain. The "Are we being asked to buy a pig in a poke?" people admire her honesty. The details are yet to come out. The State Leader of The honourable member for Brighton has made two the Opposition is now locked into a consumption contributions on the Budget. He made a contribution tax. I assure honourable members opposite that during the time for opposition business and he gave during the next twelve months the opposition his Budget response in this debate. I also listened to members will have a difficult task on their hands the response made by the Leader of the Opposition . selling the consumption tax to the Victorian public. on the Budget. He was heavy on rhetoric but short Recently at a meeting held in a New South Wales on policy or detail. I sat and listened to his speeches seat represented by Terry Metherell - a fonner and I have also read them. Minister - where Senator Bronwyn Bishop as well as Eric Risstrom were present on the platfonn, an The Leader of the Opposition said, 'We have served interesting point was made. our apprenticeship"- ten years is a long apprenticeship - "it is our turn to come back into The honourable member for Hawthorn described government". I believe the public will want more; it the number of housing starts as a glimmer of hope. will want to know what the opposition is going to At the meeting in Mr Metherell's Sydney electorate do. lbat is the big challenge. The opposition has to the point was made that a consumption tax would produce policies. be imposed only on the sale of new houses, not on the sale of old houses. A classic example of the unsureness of the opposition is the dilemma it faces about the All honourable members realise the importance of consumption tax. In the lead-up to the Victorian growth in the housing industry; but the introduction liberal Party conference a couple of weeks ago we of a consumption tax would drastically impede that heard the Leader of the Opposition being asked, growth. The opposition has suggested 15 per cent as ''What do you think about the consumption tax?" He an appropriate rate for a consumption tax - and replied, ''I don't know; I have not had enough detail rates of 12.5 per cent and even 24 per cent have also and I haven't heard enough facts to give you a been floated. A consumption tax of 12.5 per cent response." He was not going to put his name on would have serious implications for new home anything that he did not know about. He did not buyers. know whether it would be 12, 15 or 24 per cent consumption tax. He wanted to know the facts. Mr PERTON (Doncaster) - On a point of order, Mr Speaker, although the Budget debate can be The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party had no such wide-ranging I believe the honourable member for reluctance. When he was asked about whether he Dandenong is debating matters of Federal policy as supported the consumption tax he said that he they affect the Federal Budget rather than matters supported it even though he had no idea about the relating to the Victorian Budget. As such his remarks details. The Leader of the Opposition was much are not relevant to the Bills before the House. more careful. He realised that a lot of the public do not like this idea. He said, '1 am not quite sure. I Mr NORRIS (Dandenong) - On the point of want the details". At the Liberal Party conference we order, Mr Speaker, I believe my remarks are utterly saw the Federal Leader of the Opposition, Mr relevant because I am talking about a consumption Hewson, enter to a standing ovation. tax that is the policy of a coalition that hopes to become the next government of the State. I am also APPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BaL

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talking about the impact such a tax will have on the developments in the city for the past decade - but growth of the housing industry, and housing is a all the opposition can do is knock. very important component of the Budget. The establishment of Tabaret met with nothing but The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable criticism from members opposite, who said that the member for Dandenong is required to relate his concept was a bummer and that it would never remarks to the Bills before the House. Although at attract customers. Tabaret is up and running and this stage I do not uphold the point of order, the will turn a profit well ahead of time - $5 million honourable member must illustrate the relevance of this year, after all expenses have been met. his remarks to State government responsibilities. So far some 600 000 people have visited the Tabaret, Mr NORRIS - I thank you for your guidance, one of them being the honourable member for Mr Speaker, but I reiterate that I am talking about Gisborne. Initially 2000 players a day were expected; the importance of the growth in housing, which is an but an average of 2500 players have visited the important facet of the Budget. Tabaret from Monday to Thursday, that number rising to 3500 on Fridays and Saturdays. The Tabaret A consumption tax of 12.5 per cent would force up has been a success, and the people of Victoria will the price of a $95 000 home by $5300 - and I am benefit as a result. aware that there are not too many $95 000 homes in East Doncaster or Momington! The construction of the National Tennis Centre drew criticism from members opposite - and they are A similar rate of tax on a $130 000 home would force still on about it. I am sure the honourable member up the price by $7000. Together with the increase in for Gisborne will agree that it is one of the most conveyancing and real estate agent fees a magnificent sporting facilities in the world. Its consumption tax would send the price of housing construction enabled the Australian Open to remain beyond the reach of young couples. The opposition part of the grand slam, and its facilities have helped will have to be careful about the effects a to attract world famous pop stars to Melbourne. In consumption tax will have on average wage earners. the next two months more than twenty major concerts will be staged at the centre. The Leader of the Opposition and several other honourable members opposite have said that the Eventually the National Tennis Centre will make a government has not cut spending as much as it profit. The venue was badly needed by the people of should have and at the same time they have claimed Melbourne, and the honourable member for that not enough has been spent on job creation. The Bundoora should be commended for having the Leader of the OppOSition called the government courage to go ahead with the building of the centre. gutless for not cutting expenditure but in the next breath criticised the government for not spending Jeremiahs abound in the opposition ranks. The enough money on this, that and the other. Leader of the Opposition raised the old furphyof the government's being to blame for the closing I notice the honourable member for Doncaster is down of shops in the main streets of our suburbs. leaving the Chamber to call his electorate office to check on the coalition's consumption tax! Mr Leigh interjected.

He and other members opposite have not missed an Mr NORRIS - They will continue to close down opportunity to knock the government - as they did in High Street, Malvern, and Lonsdale Street, during question time today. Despite reference to the Dandenong, because shopping patterns are turnaround in WorkCare, all we heard from the changing. Although the coalition claims to represent opposition was carping, bile-laden negativism. private enterprise it still has not twigged that the growth of regional shopping centres has drastically The opposition's response to the opening of affected the health of strip shopping centres. Melbourne Central has been to carp about a Japanese firm moving in and to question whether Melbourne Central contains 150 shops; and the anyone would shop there. One million customers regional shopping centres at Chadstone, Doncaster, later we have found the answer to that question! Airport West, Southland and NorthIand have Melbourne Central is one of the most important expanded rapidly. Unfortunately these days people prefer to shop in air-conditioned comfort rather than APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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in strip shopping centres. It is a pity that people shopkeepers - and you have them at Werribee, want to park their cars in 14-acre parking lots and Mr Speaker - in the electorate of Dandenong have shop in giant air-conditioned centres, but that is a come to me saying, '1 want to open my shop for consistent shopping pattern the world over. extended trading". I keep telling them, 'They will drive you to the wall. You do not have a hope In Dandenong the Lend Lease group intends to against the big boys". spend an additional $200 million to expand the Capitol Centre, which will mean that strip shopping The shopkeepers from Chapel Street, Prahran, defied centres will continue to battle for their survival. the law and led the push for shop trading seven days a week. What has happened? They are now Whether we like it or not - and I certainly do not leading the push for trading six days a week; they like it - in the lifetime of the honourable member are leading the Save Our Sundays campaign. The for Malvern the shopping centres of High Street, very people who broke the law originally to attain Malvern, Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds, Lonsdale seven-day-a-week shopping, those poor, battling Street, Dandenong, and Main Street, Momington, owners of little boutiques and novelty shops, are will disappear - just as they have disappeared from fighting to survive. large cities throughout the world, particularly in the United States of America. This is why we have Last week we had the opening of Daimaru in the closing down sales in our strip shopping centres: centre of Melbourne. Where in the central business people are shopping elsewhere. district was the business done? It was done at Melbourne Central, Myer and David Jones. You This city has more retail outlets per head of could have walked into the shops of the poor little population than any other city in the world. I do not battling shopkeepers in the centre of Melbourne and know whether Melburnians realise how well served fired a cannon straight down the aisle because there they are for retail shopping. I do not care where in was no-one in sight. Their shops were empty. All the the world you go, nowhere in a city of comparable shoppers were congregated around the large size will you find the variety of shopping that exists air-conditioned shopping complexes. It is sad, but right here in Melbourne. We have not only our large that is the way people prefer to shop. shopping centres but also strip centres - and I hope some of them survive - such as those in High People will continue to say things like, 'There is a Street, Malvern, in Chapel Street, Prahran, in closing down sale in Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds. Glenferrie Road, and in Burke Road. They are Isn't it awful?" Such shops will continue to close excellent, but they continue to struggle. down because people are shopping elsewhere. Unfortunately that is a fact of life. The interesting thing about retail shopping is that the opposition again called for open slather on Mr Cooper - What's your view on Sunday shopping hours. What has been the result? The shopping? government has come to the only possible compromise: it has designated a number of Sundays Mr NORRIS - I believe the government has during the year on which shops can open. made the best possible deal that is available to it. We have designated a number of Sundays on which About twelve months ago the Leader of the people can shop if they wish. But that will not help Opposition's idea was open-slather shopping 24 the small shopkeeper one iota. There are small hours a day, 7 days a week, if that was what people shopkeepers in the electorate of the honourable wanted. He believed that would create 2S 000 member for Momington who are telling him that, additional jobs. With all due respect to the Leader of just as my constituents are telling me. At least I am the Opposition, I have never heard so much twaddle able to say to the small shopkeepers, '1 told you so", in all my life! It is ludicrous to suggest that but honourable members opposite cannot say that open-slather shopping would supposedly create because they were following the Leader of the 2S 000 additional jobs. Opposition and calling for open-slather shopping.

The people driving the campaign for additional Extended trading has driven more small business shopping hours were the big five, including Myer, people to the wall and benefited the big shops like Safeway, McEwans and K mart, not the little people Dairnaru, Myer, David Jones and the rest. That is the that opposition members pretend to support - the sad aspect. Peter Boyle fraternity. Many of those little APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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I shall conclude my contribution to the debate by Premier of this State. It is no wonder that her complimenting the Minister for the Arts, who is also personal rating is at a record level! the Deputy Premier. The Melbourne International Festival of the Arts is currently under way in Mr HONEYWOOD (Warrandyte) - In joining Melbourne. 1 was at the theatre the other night, as the debate on the Appropriation Bills, I congratulate were many opposition members, and when I came the honourable member for Dandenong on his, as out of the Arts Centre, I found myself in a wonderful usual, very entertaining speech. It is just unfortunate atmosphere, with street performers everywhere. that honourable members opposite have to fall back Where else in the world, in a city of 3 million people, on bread-and-circus antics to camouflage the lack of is there the array of performing arts that we have in policy delivery, rather than lack of policies per se, of Melbourne? this government, which is on its last legs.

As I said, the Melbourne International Festival is This Budget has been labelled. "Tom Roper's last under way, The Phantom of the Opera is playing gasp", and we can understand why. Many across the road from this building, there is a honourable members will be saddened. when the wonderful revival of the musical Hair, and the honourable member for Dandenong is farewelled. at musical Buddy is also playing. the next election, but certainly, in reading the Sunday Age at the weekend, I was interested. in an article We have twelve professional live theatres running that paid tribute to many government members. continuously in Melbourne. If one goes to a city of Under the headline, ''Farewell to the class of '82", the an equivalent population in North America or the article set out the problems that have affected. this British Isles, one cannot find one theatre operating in government very badly over the past nine years. I this way, yet Melbourne has twelve such theatres quote the remarks of Mike Richards, who was a operating all the time. speech writer and senior adviser to former Premier Mr Cain, the honourable member for Bundoora, As well as the Melbourne International Festival we from 1982 to 1989: have the Fringe Festival - in which my daughter is performing at the Randall Theatre, which is Labor is not the natural party of government. For all its associated with the St Martins Youth Theatre, in St vision and energy, and its commitment to social Martins Lane. We have 44 performing venues in refonn, there are two principal flaws. The first is that, fringe theatre alone, apart from the Melbourne temperamentally, Labor is an oppositional party, a International Festival, where we have the Moscow party of passion and anger about the state of things, but Arts Theatre Company, the Spanish dance company, one less suited to the demands of government, where and so on. Melbumians are so well blessed qualities of discipline, moderation, and pragmatism are regarding the arts; one has only to travel elsewhere demanded: in other words, strong on soul but weak on to realise how well off we are. the discipline required for the long haul in government.

I again compliment the Minister for the Arts for The former senior adviser of the former Premier maintaining the level of funding to the arts, and continued: particularly Film Victoria, in a very tight monetary situation. The second flaw - an extension of its union roots and oppositional temperament - is that Labor has little Another area of which we can be proud is film and experience of business, and is distrustful of the television production. I am sure many honourable established business elites, which are naturally members have been enjoying the Brides of Christ associated with the conservatives. This predisposes production on Channel 2. That is an example of the Labor in office to forge alliances with the new money high quality of our film and television production hustlers, those anti-establishment businessmen who fly that is shown around the world. It is a wonderful high and frequently flame out. advertisement for us and of the cultural components we have in this marvellous State of Victoria. That is a comment from a former adviser to the former Premier. That is testimony to the litany of I support the Budget and congratulate the Treasurer woes that have beleaguered. this pathetic on presenting a good Budget in very difficult government. circumstances. I particularly congratulate the Premier for the wonderful job she is doing as the We do not have to consider only the comments of former advisers for an indication of the state of APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Labor in its dying days. We can also consider the what the Premier is - a poor embattled battler who comments of fonner Ministers as quoted in this is doing the best job possible with a $45 billion debt article, which states: hanging around her neck like a noose.

When they started in 1982 they were fresh and ready to The last laugh, or last hurrah, comes from a fonner change the state of the State. Minister, the honourable member for Reservoir. Apparently the sign outside his electorate office in They were, I suggest, like many of us on this side of Reservoir reads "Australian abor Party". The '1." at the House, in contrast now to the weaknesses the commencement of "Labor" is dangling upside opposite. Many of the fonner Ministers in the down and has fallen off the "Labor". Now it is an original Cabinet of the fonner Premier, the "abor Party"! honourable member for Bundoora, are bitter and consider the government to be in disarray. What During the last Federal election the Labor Party went wrong? could not rely on its economic mistakes or any of its key policy principles to return it to government. All The fonner Leader of the Labor Party and fonner it could rely on to get re-elected was a glitzy Minister, Frank Wilkes, now states, as reported in television campaign, and the preferences of the Sunday Age article: conservation groups. The wheels have fallen off the Labor Party. It is in dire straits if all it is known as is I expected we would stay in power about ten years but the "abor Party"! we started to go downhill after '85. Honourable members opposite may have been 'That's about right! We have also heard from the proud to contribute to this Budget debate had they Honourable Evan Walker in the other place who been able to talk about the bricks and mortar held various portfolios during the 1980s. He states: provided by the nine-year reign of the government. They may have been able to go into their electorates After thinking it over and talking to some of my and say, "Here we have a new community health colleagues I just don't feel comfortable about talking centre, a road over there and a hospital over here", about that period now. In a sense I've started a new life but how many can say that? now. At least the fonner big-spending Labor governments It is nice that he cart start a new life while still being of the Whitlam era, from 1972 to 1975, left us with a a member of Parliament. He also pays mock tribute few tangible reminders - even including Blue Poles to the present government and to the fonner - of their heritage. Some of those reminders have Premier, the honourable member for Bundoora, who proven to be attractive. However, all that this was the only person given a mandate by the people government has to show for its nine years of to govern the State but who has now been disgraceful government in Victoria is not bricks and pathetically supplanted by a replacement who is mortar but the wages and salaries of public servants. doing the best job possible, as the honourable member for Dandenong said. Our children and our children's children will pay a price for that expenditure; those salaries have gone The Premier has won some plaudits from Victorians down the drain. We have seen a record high level of because she is doing an impOSSible job, and is Public Service recruitment; during the past eight therefore slogging it out. Australians are great years the recruitment in Victoria has been up to believers in that type of spirit; we always support a three times the average for other Public Services battler. We believe in the battler principle. throughout Australia.

It is interesting that while the honourable member 'That is where the money has gone, not on for Williamstown's popularity rating may be fairly infrastructure. The government has had to beg, high, the party is 20 points behind the coalition borrow and steal from public utilities and the parties. 'That is the key indicator of the popularity of Federal government, and to talk about infrastructure the policies referred to by the honourable member. now is eight years too late. It continued to bolster a 'That is what the public feels about it being a time for bureaucracy that has encouraged the high rollers change. 'That is what everyone is looking for - not who Mr Richards, the fonner adviser to the then some popularity contest that reflects the great Premier, the honourable member for Bundoora, said Australian spirit for supporting a battler. 'That is included the Alan Bonds and Christopher Skases of APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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this world with whom the Labor Party felt more twenty clerical workers to the extent of a mere $600 comfortable in its dealings than it did with the a year. That measure, lauded today during question business people of Melbourne. time, will provide a yearly saving of only $600. That is coffee and tea money! It is nice that the Premier The party continued doing deals; it said, ''Keep contributes to the coffee and tea costs of Victorian Channel 7 here, lend a few hundred million dollars businesses. to Christopher Skase", and it made a few other deals with AIan Bond, and so on. Who knows where the However, after it has dished out the tea money it is money went? It was spent not only on salaries and evident that during the past twelve months the wages but also on the high rollers who the Labor government has taken back from employers a Party felt more comfortable dealing with than it did compulsory training levy. The government has with the Melbourne business fraternity. required all employers to pay a levy when many employers have been training their staff for many Had members of the government been clever at least years in the old-fashioned and proper way. They are they would have implemented infrastructure now required to pay a compulsory levy because of improvement so that at the end of the government's another piece of red tape. reign they could have said, 'We achieved that". But the balance sheet is poor! The Premier has also taken back from employers increased superannuation contributions. I admit that I refer to the excellent contribution on industrial that was done courtesy of her Federal counterparts relations matters made today by the honourable but that extra compulsory superannuation charge is member for Hawthorn. For nine years he has been another surcharge on business and another warning about the troglodyte industrial relations WorkCare levy, if you like to term it that. polices and work practices of this socialist government - and I use the word "troglodyte" very The honourable member for Ivanhoe, who is sitting definitively because it is often thrown at us from the at the table, has always passionately believed that other side of the House. Among his warnings have payroll tax is an unfair tax. The government has been statements about WorkCare. The honourable taken back from employers in this area, too, through member for Hawthorn has repeatedly highlighted compulsory increases in payroll tax, which is a tax how the government, when it had a one-seat on incentive. Under any logical system of majority in the other place, rammed the WorkCare government it would not prevail and in fact would legislation through Parliament. The legislation has not survive, but again the Premier and the been reintroduced and amended repeatedly; it has government have clawed it back from the struggling been rewritten on a number of occasions since its business sector of Victoria. 1985 introduction. Again in the Chamber today we have heard some According to a recent WorkCare report unfunded laudatory comments about the reduction in land tax. liabilities during the past two years have dropped Nothing could be further from the truth. Land tax from $4.2 billion to $1.8 billion. Today the House has not been reduced as such; all that has happened heard a typical Dorothy Dix question to the Premier is that the government will not increase it this year saying how wonderful and exciting it is that the as much as it was increased last year - in some government has been able to reduce its unfunded cases, by 500 per cent in the central business district liabilities. However, that overlooks the fact that - so, rather than having the usual increase, we will there should never have been any unfunded have a smaller increase. The government will not liabilities and that the $1.8 billion is hardly a proud actually decrease the land tax rate, which is another record when most schemes are self-funding and fallacy it sought to perpetrate upon us. have not blown out. They have not placed other States in debt for generations to come because of As the honourable member for Glen Waverley says, ridiculous imposts on employers. by interjection, the record debt continues. That is not to forget the clawing back of public authority The Premier believes in her own rhetoric. This charges, because too often the private sector - the morning in the Age she said she would abolish the commercial and industrial interests - subsidise the current 10 per cent surcharge on the WorkCare householder when paying for SEC, gas and fuel and contributions from employers. Employers will say water services. Those are claw-backs to which the that the abolition of this much-abhorred surcharge Premier will not testify in her answers to the will only assist an employer with, for example, dorothy dix questions put to her in question time. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILl

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She might point to a mere $600 a year saving for an factory. Mr Blair paid tribute to the fact that one employer of twenty workers, but the proof is in the union and one employer got together and negotiated pudding and in all those claw-backs. The shocking their own agreement, which is something the Uberal list I have provided shows the stifling of private Party has been calling for and supporting for the sector investment in this State. past nine years.

Over the past nine years the honourable member for Members opposite, including the honourable Hawthorn has also warned of the need for member for Wantima, have dismissed the idea year employers to have the right to negotiate terms and after year as new right rhetoric, yet it was good conditions of their work directly with their enough for her to go out there yesterday and employees. Eight years ago, six years ago, four years support that one union-one employer, round-table, ago and two years ago this was all dismissed as new industrial agreement. right union bashing by the Prime Minister, the Premier and the Minister for Labour. as well as by a Honourable members interjecting. large number of government members. They dismissed this key initiative, the policy of the Mr HONEYWOOD - I hear the word coalition parties for the right of workers to sit down ''hypocrite'' thrown about and I have to say that it and negotiate terms and conditions of employment really does describe the people opposite with their employees on a round-table basis. because--

They dismissed the concept offhand as new right The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Richardson) - rhetoric and something that would never see the Order! I did not hear the word ''hypocrite'' used but light of day, but eight or nine years down the track the honourable member did make reference to the the Labor Party is actively embracing that so-called word being used. I point out to honourable members new right rhetoric. People such as John Halfpenny, that it is an unparliamentary expression and I hope the Prime Minister and the Premier are all paying it will not be repeated. testimony and tribute to the right of workers to be able to negotiate terms and conditions with Mr HONEYWOOD - I appreciate your management. guidance in this matter, Mr Acting Speaker, but I could not resist responding to the interjections of the Only yesterday the honourable member for honourable member for Wantima. Wantima, representing the Premier, and I joined together in the opening of an air-conditioning Opposition members think the Nippondenso Co. factory in South Croydon. It was a Japanese factory, Ud factory, which was opened yesterday, is a of course. It had to be Japanese because our marvellous initiative. It is testimony to the right for employers are fed up to the eyeballs with this which the opposition has been calling for workers government's lack of incentive for employers, so and management to get together and come up with people from outside have to come in and help us out. the best deal possible for both sides.

Mrs Hirsh - They are really going to appreciate It is not testimony to the employer bashing that has that, aren't they? gone on in this Chamber - and I do not use the term lightly - for many years. Employer bashing Mr HONEYWOOD - Yes, they will because it is has deprived the State of much investment in many testimony to the fact that you have had to look to the manufacturing initiatives by local manufacturers. Japanese to save your skin. The honourable member for Hawthorn has also Mrs Hirsh - That is a disgrace. It represents the warned constantly over the years that the employment of 135 people. Cain/Kirner policies were leading to higher unemployment. A youth unemployment rate of 30 Mr HONEYWOOD - The point is that the per cent was noted in the debate earlier, yet in this government supported Uberal Party policy of place not so long ago dorothy dix questions were having one trade union on site. It supported Mr asked month after month by government members Wayne Blair from the Vehicle Builders Employers of the Minister for Labour along the lines of, 'Will Federation - and one may wonder what the the Minister enlighten the House about record low connection is between the Vehicle Builders unemployment levels in this State". Employers Federation and an air-conditioning APPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILl

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We have not heard the Minister for Labour on this running scared. Today's newspapers have one for about twelve months now, and it is no announced that all Labor State members of wonder because in twelve months we have gone Parliament are banned from visiting State schools. from having one of the lowest unemployment levels What an indictment! Liberal Party State members of in Australia, if not the lowest, to having one of the Parliament will be able to go to their local State highest. The culmination of the mismanagement has schools and talk to the teachers and the students but been to lead the State down the path of record high today the teachers union announced a ban on the unemployment levels. I pay tribute to the fact that honourable members for Wantirna, Mitcham, the honourable member for Hawthorn, year in and Melbourne and Niddrie paying visits to their local year out, has warned the government that its schools. If Labor members of Parliament decide to policies were leading us into this situation, yet all pay pre-election calls on their local schools they will government members could do was ask the Minister find locked gates and teachers carrying placards for Labour to pay tribute to record low saying they cannot come in. Labor members' heads unemployment rates. are already down low; I wonder how they will respond to that. Our industrial relations policies are clear in direction and they are succinct. They support the introduction One of the key social justice principles espoused by of voluntary employment agreements, this so-called party of the working class is education non-compulsory unionism and pre-strike ballots. but what a mess it has made of it. Not only has it The public know about them; we have talked about made a mess of its relationships with the teachers them for eight or nine years. The Labor government and the teacher unions, the very ones that kick in for had been deriding them, whether through the Prime the election campaigns from time to time, but it has Minister, the Premier or the honourable member for also made a mess of the Victorian certificate of Wantirna, but in recent times it has embraced them. education. That is a socialist ideology that specifies that one must do Australian studies, peace studies The wheel has turned and we farewell the class of and so on regardless of whether one wants to, but '82 as poor testimony indeed to the fact that they one cannot take the subjects one requires to enable have had to beg, borrow and steal Liberal Party one to be trained to get a job at the end of the policies at the end of the government's reign. socialist rainbow.

Mrs Hirsh - What Liberal Party policies? You When examining the cutbacks to primary and haven't got any! secondary school budgets, including special needs teachers, emergency teachers and integration aid Mr HONEYWOOD - The ones I have just teachers, we find the Labor Party, in another key detailed to the House. area it has supported in the past, has its head low. Only yesterday a delegation of teachers from a Although we did expect members opposite to wreck number of schools came to me pointing out how industrial relations in this State, because they know hard the Budgetary cutbacks will affect their schools not what they do, we had hoped for better from and how students will be thrown into classes of 62 them on the education front. On that front I know or 63 children because no emergency teacher is that you, Mr Acting Speaker, have an interest, that provided if a teacher is sick for a day. The same will the honourable member for Wantirna purports to apply if a teacher has a month on sick leave; the have an interest and that many other honourable children will be all together in the one class. I members have a genuine interest because it affects wonder how they can be expected to learn in that the future of this State. situation.

The government has wrecked the past ten years. It The introduction of integration aide teaching has has imposed an interest bill of 25 cents in every $1 of become a mockery. What upsets me the most is that revenue, which future generations will have to the kids who have the most to gain from integration contend with. are missing out. They are the kids who do not have major learning defects but have small learning As we look towards our future and that of our problems that keep them below the class average. children and what might be done to make the State They need a boost from integration aides to get them work again or, as the Leader of the Opposition up to the standard of the rest of the class. They are pointed out, to open Victoria for business again, we the ones who will feel the cutbacks in integration find that even with education the Labor Party is aides whereas the children with the most severe APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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disabilities, the ones who in many cases should be in this government in its period of office. Certainly as a the special school system, will receive the integration member representing an electorate in the western aide assistance. lhat is the hypocrisy of the system suburbs of Melbourne and a region of Melbourne that was designed to bring kids up to scratch but that was disgracefully neglected during decades of will leave them falling by the wayside. tory governments in this State, I am proud of the significant achievements the government has made The funding for emergency and integration teaching and I shall itemise a few. has been cut back and the rug has been pulled from under those who needed it. The ultimate legacy of The Victoria University of Technology is a proud the government is a scheme for which initial funding new university which will be an outstanding was provided but which has now been worn away addition to tertiary education in this State. to a shadow of its former self. Significant expansion has been achieved in high quality TAFE facilities within the region. In the In the 2 minutes remaining I wish to speak about the health sector the establishment of a second campus liberal Party members representing the outer east of for the Western Hospital at Sunshine and the Melbourne who have managed to get a project in associated redevelopment of the Footscray campus education up and running. The honourable member of the Western Hospital are proud achievements of for Wantima has left the Chamber, and so she this government in a region that previous should because neither she nor the Ministers for administrations shamefully neglected. Labour and Small Business, whose electorates are in the area, have done anything to support the There has been a significant expansion of establishment of an outer eastern university. An community health services within the region and in honourable member for Nunawading Province in my electorate, and I am pleased that in the Budget another place and I have fought for a proper higher there is funding available to commence a education system for the outer eastern area, a Niddrie-Airport West community health service. A catchment of Melbourne with 500 ()()() people. significant commitment has been made to the Statistics have shown that the outer eastern region upgrading of the recreational and environmental has a lower higher education participation rate than amenities of the Maribyrnong River Valley. the western suburbs. The parents and students in the Significant progress has also been made in transport outer eastern area say that it takes them half a day to and road networks. The rapid progress being made travel by public transport to either La Trobe on the metropolitan ring-road is a magnificent University or Monash University to attend lectures. I achievement for the government. thank the local community and local groups and media for getting behind the honourable member for The government also has a proud record in Nunawading Province and me in forcing this industrial development. The AMECON project is a government and its Federal counterpart to give $4 billion industrial development with Significant proper recognition, after ten years of neglect, to the spin-offs throughout the economy of Victoria but higher education needs of the outer east of especially in the western and north-western suburbs. Melbourne. Mobil Oil Australia Ltd is investing $1 billion in modernisation of its plant at Altona. The Toyota The government actually decided on Friday to Motor Corporation Australia Ltd recently support the recommendations of a bipartisan announced the investment of $420 million in a new committee for the Swinburne Institute of Technology plant in the western suburbs and already the - an establishment with a proud history - to move spin-offs of those decisions are being felt industrially its headquarters to the outer east of Melbourne to downstream. Toyo Tyres has announced a $9 million become the responsible authority to teach the plant in Sunshine to make dashboards and glove box students there, whether they are young mothers, parts for new Toyota vehicles. They are some aged people or undergraduates commencing higher examples of the success of this government that education studies. benefit the people of the western suburbs.

The ACflNG SPEAKER (Mr Richardson) - When the honow'able member for Warrandyte Order! The honourable member's time has expired. denigrates the achievements of the government he shows that he does not understand what its success Mr SERCOMBE (Niddrie) - I do not know means for the people in the area I represent. where the honourable member for Warrandyte has been that he should denigrate the achievements of APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BD..J

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Some key indicators show that the economy is not necessarily good for Victoria, given this State's recovering. The figures for retail sales, housing and historic dependence on the manufacturing sector. employment figures for the past month show signs of this improvement. The Australian Bureau of That is a theme I should like to pick up later when I Statistics figures for new housing approvals show an turn to the subject of fiscal equalisation. increase of 27 per cent in Victoria, which is well above the national average of 17.8 per cent. Home At this point I wish to refer to a number of loan approvals are at their highest rate since May macro-economic matters which are important for the 1989, an increase of 22 per cent over the same period Victorian economy and which should be impressed last year. upon Canberra. Here I am also referring to the attitude of the Federal opposition, which is very I mentioned retail sales. Again, the figures show that difficult to distinguish from the Federal over the past three months Victoria has recorded the government's attitude on most of these matters. On strongest growth in retail turnover. In July it rose by many issues the opposition is even less sympathetic 0.5 per cent in Victoria compared with 0.3 for the to the interests of an industrial manufacturing State rest of Australia. Job indicators are also positive. The such as Victoria than the government. When it ANZ Job Advertisement Series for Victoria is an comes to putting pressure on the Federal important indicator and shows that the job market is government to achieve some of the changes I believe recovering. are necessary, people like the Federal Leader of the Opposition are singularly useless to Victoria. While many commentators would agree that the Australian Bureau of Statistics figures need to be When I came into the Parliament I did not believe I treated cautiously, the August figures are could ever make a positive remark about the former particularly encouraging. For August, 31 000 more Prime Minister, Mr Ma1colm Fraser, but he is quoted Victorians were in work and only 900 more were in one of the weekend newspapers as saying: unemployed. The unemployment rate for Victoria fell marginally for the second month in a row. It is I am for a sense of balance in public policy. still unacceptably high, as I am sure all honourable Governments have an obligation to pursue fairness, members would agree. equity, to advance the national interest. To suggest that those responsibilities can, or should, be delegated to If these economic signs are to blossom into a "the market" is abdication in favour of financial power soundly based recovery there are several important and exploitation. matters the Victorian government needs to pursue most vigorously with the Federal government. The I agree with those sentiments. It is no wonder reality of macro-economic life in Australia is that Mr Fraser has fallen into such disfavour with his State governments have only peripheral influence in erstwhile colleagues in the coalition. Perhaps it setting macroeconomic policy settings. It is would be appropriate for those colleagues to important that the Victorian government makes the contemplate life from down at Nareen. They might Commonwealth government understand its benefit from it. He also said: intention to ensure this State is not disadvantaged as it has been by some of the policies the There is no good reason why Australia should have Commonwealth has pursued, particularly in relation real interest rates so much higher than other OECD to manufacturing industry. countries. While interest rates remain so much higher, productive industry in Australia is placed at an Some figures recently published by the enormous disadvantage to its overseas competitors. Commonwealth government's own Industry New investment will be discouraged by the higher Commission indicate the point I am making. Since costs. High real interest rates keep up the value of an 1982 tariff reductions - an important aspect of already overvalued Australian dollar. Imports are Federal government policy - have resulted in an given an unfair advantage over local production while increased national output of 0.8 per cent. However, Australian exports are disadvantaged in overseas the Industry Commission itself estimates that, markets. because of Victoria's very heavy reliance on manufacturing, those changes have resulted in a The Victorian government should vigorously decreased output of 1 per cent in Victoria. What is impress this view upon the Commonwealth seen by the Commonwealth government in its government as a fundamental point in terms of industry policy as generally good for the nation is APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) Bll..L

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ensuring the continuing viability and development the government, in conjunction with the Federal of the manufacturing sector. government, adopting appropriate policies in the food processing area. While I am referring positively to other sources of advice to Canberra, I should say the State I referred earlier to the need for Victoria to government could do worse than pick up some of vigorously pursue its interests with the the propositions the Australian Council of Trade Commonwealth government and amongst other Unions (ACTU) promoted last week in its debate on things I referred to the disproportionate impact of industry policy. Together with the trade union certain Commonwealth industry polices on Victoria movement the government wants to create an because of its manufacturing base. That is export-orientated industry competitive on world unacceptable, particularly as fiscal equalisation markets. The ACTU's proposal for a development distributes income from Victoria and New South fund is worthy of detailed consideration. Its Wales to the other States. Victoria is dependent on proposal to strengthen the national network of its manufacturing industry and hence it is industrial supplies offices is soundly based and its experiencing adverse effects because of tariff support for a sectoral approach to industry adjustments, but it is being forced to support development, as successfully implemented in the non-industrial States and that policy contributes to steel industry in the 1980s, also deserves support. the deepening recession in Victoria relative to the rest of Australia. On behalf of the important manufacturing industry base, the government needs to pursue these matters Compared to 1984-85 Victorians will receive $1.5 with its Federal colleagues. Both the ACTU and billion less from the Federal government. Every Mr Fraser would agree that Canberra's theoretical man, woman and child in Victoria subsidises the notion of level playing fields needs to be consigned smaller States by $175 each year. Under this system to the new right think-tank for reworking rather Victoria is estimated to have suffered a total loss of than forming a basis for our macroeconomic and $10.5 billion since 1984-85. industry policies. I do not wish to sound unduly parochial about these Despite the constraints of inadequate Federal matters, because I believe there may be sound industry policies, Victoria has shown remarkable reasons in the national interest for other States to progress in a number of areas. I referred earlier to support the Northern Territory and possibly the $4 billion AMECON frigate project, which is Tasmania, but I do object most vigorously to creating substantial spin-offs in manufacturing Victoria and New South Wales subsidising downstream, particularly in Victoria. I understand Queensland by more than $300 million a year. This Victorian firms have been more successful in issue has to be addressed seriously and conclusively subcontracting than was anticipated by the partners at the special Premiers Conference scheduled for in that venture. November.

The food processing sector of the economy presents In a number of areas there is a new and constructive magnificent challenges and opportunities. The spirit abroad in relation to Commonwealth-State figures I have show that it employs some 14 per cent relations. Significant improvements have occurred of Victoria's manufacturing work force and accounts this year that are major milestones for this country for 55 per cent of the State's manufactured exports. and for which the Commonwealth and States can This government is vigorously pursuing the claim Significant accolades. I refer to achieving opportunities and challenges it presents and there unifonn standards to the national Rail Freight are Significant challenges that need to be addressed Corporation, the national Road Transport to advance the sectoral interests of that industry. The Commission and a national electricity grid. These fonnation of a tripartite group under Mr Terry Ward achievements are monumental for our Federal of H. J. Heinz Co. Australia Ltd to tackle the issues is system and point us in the right direction. evidence of this government's commitment to tackle both opportunities and challenges. Someone commented recently that Australia had more barriers to commerce between its States than The recent opening by the Premier of the $4 million the countries of the European Community. That is cold storage complex at Brooklyn is tangible clearly untenable if Australia is to have a evidence of the benefits to flow to the economy, competitive economy for the next century. The State particularly to the western suburbs of Melbourne, by government, in conjunction with the Federal APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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government, should be praised for its initiatives in emergency throughput, upgrading of critical care these important areas. beds and increased elective surgery. I am advised that these changes should add 60 to 70 additional These achievements need to be supplemented at the beds for people in the northern and north-western Premiers Conference in November by reforming suburbs of Melbourne. financial relations and taxation arrangements. I referred earlier to the pleasure the people in my In particular, taxation reform is necessary to assist electorate experienced upon the announcement of private investment and public infrastructure. There funding for community health services within the has been a disturbing fall in investment in capital Niddrie-Airport West areas. I referred to the works projects by all State governments. Victoria has continued progress being made on the metropolitan led the way in producing outstanding guidelines to ring-road. Funds are available in the Budget to facilitate private sector investment in some exciting enable the commencement of work on sections of projects. The proposed rapid transit link between that ring-road between the Calder Freeway and the Spencer Street station and Melbourne Airport will be Western Highway, and in the next few years that important not just for the Victorian economy work will result in a much needed additional generally but as a welcome boost for the crossing of the Maribymong River near Keilor. north-western suburbs. It will be a boost for tourism and business and should significantly ease In the education area I refer to the Victorian congestion on the Tullamarine Freeway. In my University of Technology and to the $2.8 million opinion, although a number of options exist for the allocated for the information technology facility at rapid transit link, close attention should be paid to the Broadmeadows College of TAFE. My the existing alignment of the Albion-Broadmeadows community is also delighted that the aerospace railway line because that offers significant training centre associated with the Broadmeadows advantages and collateral benefits by having the College ofTAFE will commence operations in 1992. capacity to integrate the rapid transit link into the normal public transport system which would benefit In summary, this Budget will play an important part the residents of north-western suburbs. in laying a basis for sustained economic recovery, Additionally, private sector investment which the but it is also a Budget that reflects the government's government is encouraging, including stage A of the real achievements to date and its ongoing St Vincent's Hospital redevelopment and the commitment to real community priorities. It is Southbank museum, offer exciting prospects. deserving of support.

The State government is vigorously pursuing Mr E. R. SMITH (Glen Waverley) - This State policies that fall within that overworked expression was described last week in the Herald-Sun as being a "microeconomic reform". The commercialisation of sick place. It is a sick place because the government government business enterprise has progressed has been in power for the past nine years yet it has steadily and will be further consolidated. The State done nothing to help run the State efficiently and needs business enterprises to make optimal returns effectively. The government relies on rhetoric but on funds invested. They must contribute to our when it comes to real issues it does nothing. It has overall economic competitiveness by making let down the State of Victoria. continuing efficiency gains so as to reduce input costs to those industries in the traded goods sector of In its editorials the Herald-Sun has, almost on a daily the economy. The Budget reinforces the credible basis, criticised the government over various issues agenda the government has set in that regard. and leaves the community in no doubt that Victoria is in a mess and that we must do something about it. I have already referred to a number of the important features of the Budget for economic development so Many issues must be considered in framing the far as the western and north-western suburbs are police budget. At a time when the Police Force is concerned. There is great news for that part of having administrative problems - I stress that there Melbourne in other areas of the Budget. I refer to the are no problems with the operational side - what is redevelopment of the Western Hospital, particularly the latest initiative of the government? It is advising the commitment to stage 3 of the Footscray campus elderly people to protect themselves by turning their of that hospital, and the additional $9 million that is homes into fortresses. The numbers in the Police being made available for expansion of the services at Force are denuded; it has only 9900 sworn the Footscray campus to enable improved personnel. The government claims that is ample, but APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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at least an additional 1000 members are needed for sergeant, two sergeants, nine detectives and an the Police Force to run effectively. It is unbelievable analyst - and those people are supposed to counter that the government is advising elderly people to the current violent crime wave. Experts have told me build fortresses around themselves simply because it that the Rape Squad should have at least 28 to 30 has no ideas on what to do. members, thus sending a message to current and potential rapists that they will get caught. That is the Almost on a daily basis one reads on the front pages main deterrent to rape. of the Herald-Sun and the Age about another rape or an intrusion into the home of an elderly or Community support will be only as good as the defenceless person. The offences are usually support the government gives the Police Force. committed by young people as a result of drug or Almost on a daily basis initiatives are taken to alcohol abuse but there are offenders who are simply decrease the efficiency of the force. Until recently bad. The Police Force is unable to cope with the detectives were able to travel home in their police situation. vehicles. Somewhere along the line a clever bean counter decided that money could be saved if police In the 1980s reported crime increased by SS per cent officers up to the rank of chief superintendent compared with an increase in the number of police travelled to and from work on public transport. personnel of 23 per cent. The Minister for Police and Because detectives no longer have cars at their Emergency Services claims additional police are not homes many of them no longer do unpaid overtime needed because that will not solve anything. Other and simply work the hours for which they are paid. factors apart from the small increase in sworn police The same efficiencies are not being generated personnel have worked against the effective policing because a bean counter has taken away the ability of of Victoria; I refer to shorter working hours, massive the police officers to work in their own time. increases in the drug problem and an increase in the sophistication of crime. The Police Training Academy is in the electorate I represent, and there is a rumour that it will be In 1980 1 person in 26 was the victim of a serious closed. I have checked with sworn police personnel crime; in 1990 1 person in 16 was the victim of a who have told me that that is not correct. However, serious crime. The Minister says the causes of crime the government is selling off every available asset should be identified. In his article in the Age of 30 and the academy on the hill in Glen Waverley is a August former Deputy Commissioner Paul Delianis prime piece of real estate. I want the Minister to identified some causes of crime, including: being deny the rumour unequivocally and end the raised in a criminal environment; human conflict; uncertainty so that the police and the people in my male aggression; abuse of alcohol and drugs; and electorate will know that the facility will continue to greed for wealth and material goods. Honourable be used. members do not have to look far to discover the causes of crime. The causes are simple to find; the It is no use the Minister coming into the Chamber solutions are far more difficult. and saying no more police are needed because the only way of solving the crime problem is by gaining In 1990 some 320 000 serious crimes were committed community support. Of course that is necessary, but in Victoria. It is forecast that in the year 2000 that is not the message that should be given. If approximately 1 million serious crimes will be criminals offend they will be picked up; that is the committed and that is a frightening prediction. message that should be sent out. The crime rate is running out of control because criminals know only Rape offences are reported daily in the newspapers one in four offenders is caught. Victoria's crime and are now receiving the prominence they deserve. clear-up rate is abominable: only 25 per cent of The Minister and the Premier have both said that the crimes are solved. problem of rape should be solved through community support. The only solution to the current The Minister for Police and Emergency Services may problem is creating the fear in rapists that they will argue that we do not need more police. I advise him be caught. The only way to catch rapists is to have a that the Glen Waverley cm, which for many years more efficient and effective Police Force. has had an authorised strength of twelve, was running with an effective strength of about four to I am certainly not saying that the Rape Squad is not five and had a crime clean-up rate of 25 to 28 per doing its job properly, but it has few resources. It has cent, which is the State average. As a result of local only fourteen members - an inspector, a senior media pressure over the past twelve months, its APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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effective strength became seven or eight. Apart from consents to having his or her fingerprints taken, that the work farmed out to specialist squads, Glen person will obviously say no. No sensible criminal Waverley increased its clean-up rate to 50 per cent. would agree to being fingerprinted. The police will So the argument that more police make little then bundle the suspect off to the Magistrates Court difference can easily be countered. for an order. But in most cases, because the magistrate is busy, the police will have to wait. The Minister should wake up. He has been careless Apparently it can take up to half a day to get that in many areas of his portfolio, which is indicative of person before the court. Then the magistrate may his recent experience at VFL Park Waverley when not give the order for the police to take the suspect's his Ministerial car was left unlocked. Not only did fingerprints. The process is a time-waster for the that happen, but the Minister was reported in the police and does not achieve what it ought to. Sunday Age at the weekend as saying it was not his fault. He is reported as having said that his car was I shall flag the coalition's policy on this issue. The at the football but he was at Frankston. His administrative obstacles the government has put in Ministerial car was left unlocked while the driver, the way of police fingerprinting will be taken away the driver's wife and the Minister's wife were and suspects will be treated the same as they are in watching the football. Surely that opens up other States. I do not suggest for one moment that questions of Ministerial responsibility! If the suspects should be given special treatment but it is Minister gets that wrong, he will get wrong many obvious the fingerprinting laws introduced by this other important issues in his portfolio. government are not working.

The crime rate in Victoria is alarming. Members of As to interviewing suspects, it is not proper for the the community fear armed hold-ups. People police to be allowed to extract confessions from employed in TABs, chemist shops and small reluctant suspects. But I believe the interviewing of businesses have taken additional security suspects and the powers given to the police under precautions because of their fear of armed hold-ups. . section 464C of the Crimes Act have interposed These armed bandits, in an attempt to feed their another obstacle on the police in chasing after and egos or drug habits, are turning instead on people in apprehending suspects: a lawyer has been the streets, on people in their homes and on train interposed. travellers. Under the common law everyone had the right to What is the government's response? A gambling-led call lawyers but it is now part of the code police recovery. How absurd. In the midst of economic must follow not only to give the suspect his right to chaos the government is pinning all its hopes on the silence but also to give him the knowledge that he is introduction of gaming machines. This government, entitled to have a lawyer present. This has reached denuded of policies, is relying on a gambling-led the ludicrous stage that a number of murder cases recovery. It is ludicrous for the government to say are being held up because one section of the card the community involvement will assist in crime police must read out, after warning them about their detection. right to silence and of their right to call a lawyer, asks whether the person understands what his rights The 1980s have elevated the rights of criminals over are. A Victorian judge has said that in addition there the rights of law-abiding citizens. In response to a should be a section on the card that asks whether the very clever police campaign in the mid-1980s to get person wants to have a lawyer. As this has not been more powers and more police officers the ALP a part of the procedure many Victorian cases are government established the Coldrey committee, awaiting Full Court decisions on this issue. The which was heavily stacked with civil libertarians. government has gone completely overboard on They considered issues such as the questioning of giving rights to suspects over the obtaining of suspects, fingerprinting, and body samples, but their information to record a conviction. That is what the efforts were hedged with protecting the interests of community wants. criminal suspects and frustrating the interests of the community in legitimate police inquiries. It is important that there should be a complete re-examination of the Crimes Act, particularly in the If one asks any police officer on the beat as to his or interviewing of suspects, taking of fingerprints, her attitude on the new fingerprinting powers he or obtaining of body samples and other areas that the she will say it is a joke and a time-waster. When a police are finding difficult to administer. suspect is brought in and is asked whether he or she APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Honourable members will soon discover in talking Recently I read a paper prepared by Deputy with senior police officers that there is a morale Commissioner Frame, who said that an alternative problem in the Police Force, a problem they have not would be to have a police advisory board; that struck before in their many years of service. It is would be acceptable to the police. These are some of imperative that something is done to address this the avenues down which the coalition wants to go, issue. As a private citizen and a backbench member but not down which the present Minister wants to of Parliament I suggest one way to resolve the go. problem is to establish a police board. The Minister recently appOinted Miss Jean Gordon, In New South Wales a police board was established former head of the Law Printer, to conduct a review for different reasons. I do not suggest Victoria of police administration. Miss Gordon made a should establish a board because of corruption. That submission to become effective on 1 September 1991 is not a problem in the Victoria Police Force. but her recommendations have not received the However, in order for the Police Force to be more support she thought they would. Miss Gordon is an efficient it is important that a board should be ALP apparatchiki who is running riot in the police established to direct the Chief Commissioner of area. The Police Association informs me that she is Police on the administrative operations of the Police taking away police positions. Force. The board would have no role to play in the operational running of the force. A police board would put a senior police person in charge at every level of administration and then Over many years the Victoria Police has been an have experts below to run the various administrative efficient force. Corruption has not permeated sections of the force. That is a perfectly normal way through its ranks. There may have been the of going about it. occasional bad apple but those cases have been isolated. Our position is different from that of the I have a personnel chart proposed to commence on 1 New South Wales CIB, which had to be disbanded September 1991. There were 69 sworn policemen in because of endemic corruption. the personnel department but that figure has been reduced to 59. I do not quibble with that when I suggest the government should establish a board looking at efficiency. Miss Gordon has similar to that of New South Wales, which recommended that only twenty pOSitions should be comprises its chief commissioner, the former head of filled by sworn policemen. At the top of the tree CSR, Sir Gordon Jackson, Sir Maurice Byers, a there is either an assistant commissioner or a civilian former legal officer with the Commonwealth, and a director. That goes completely against what the New South Wales retired judge. It would be Police Association recommends and what the important for such a board to examine the opposition thinks. administrative operations of the Victoria Police, which currently leaves a lot to be desired. The New South Wales Police Force has senior personnel police officers in senior management If the Police Force had a good administration it positions and they are paid at higher salaries and are would be one of the finest police forces in the world. under contract for five years with yearly At present it is the finest in Australia and wants to performance assessments. New South Wales is have a good administration where managers are in running its Police Force administration more positions where they are accountable, experts in efficiently. What Victoria is doing through an ALP financial matters and so on. People do not enter the apparatchiki in Miss Gordon is to cut out sworn Police Force to become managers, they want to carry police positions and to make those positions readily out policing duties. A board with expert corporate available to civilians. What sort of civilians? The management, such as the board in New South government has demonstrated throughout its entire Wales, which has a retired governor who is a former period of government that they will be ALP Air Force marshal, must be of benefit. It would lead appointees. That is the last thing the coalition will to a better run Police Force. I know there is want when it is elected to government. What the opposition to such a proposition because nobody coalition wants is a board that does not have likes outsiders looking at his or her own area. There political appointees, it wants apolitical people of the will be strong resistance, as is the current position calibre I mentioned earlier who will appoint into with the Police Association. civilian pOSitions people who are experts in their fields. The jobs will be advertised and will go to the best applicants. While Miss Jean Gordon is running APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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riot throughout the Police Force there will be serious Mr ERNST - You should have gone to Geelong trouble. to see what happened when the former Liberal government tried to dig a hole for the new hospital I have been informed that 024 - I have no there. It could not dig a hole the right size. When the objections to cutting back certain positions of sworn Labor government came to power it corrected that personnel-will have a number of positions cut to situation and built the Patricia Heath wing. enable the police members to return to police duties so as to give an increased presence in the The Budget points out that we are living in different community to help bring down the crime rate in times. Not only is Victoria in a recession but also Victoria. Decreases must be carried out by other States in Australia are in recession. Times are negotiation and expertise, not by people who are also difficult overseas, and that has an effect on ALP appointees. Victoria. The negative mentality put forward by the opposition is like the people of Geelong saying that I could give a number of examples of how the they build cars but do not need to sell those cars administration has been run over the years. One of outside Geelong. We must sell our cars outside the major areas of complaint is the implementation Geelong and Victoria must sell itself outside Victoria. of computers. The computer system has not been working properly over many years and I believe The Budget is also the first stage in building on the there are only two experts in the computer area who Premier's June economic statement and being able to are available to train members of the entire Police live within our means. The Budget recognises that Force. I have been informed that with the we must get value for money and must look at implementation of the so-called super Fraud Squad investing in Victoria's future. It also recognises that a number of members have personalised computers. it is the first stage of a three-year program to achieve a surplus which will be beneficial to the people of When the squad looked at what types of computers Victoria. it wanted to purchase there was no expertise available. If that expertise were available many The Budget also makes clear that the government millions of dollars could have been saved. A police intends to deliver on the promises and commitments board should neither be politically motivated nor to core services it made when framing the Budget. created because of corruption. I do not believe We understand the limitations placed on Victorian Victoria has experienced corruption in the way New families and will commit the core services to provide South Wales did. We must ensure that a board gives quality and accessible health, education, transport, police personnel on the beat better support, better youth and community services for all Victorians. facilities and better pay. That can be achieved by the setting up of a police board. I was interested to note the comments of the honourable member for Glen Waverley in relation to There is no hope for Victorians with the present the police. We can say that we always need more government and such a Budget as has been police but I do not believe that is the answer: the presented. A coalition government will offer hope answer is a community answer. When one sees some and a new spirit for Victorians, that rekindling of of the things that happen in the community, spirit we all knew years ago; a spirit of progress that particularly crimes committed by young people who people interstate and overseas looked at and have been watching television programs or who are admired and in which Victorians had pride. The influenced by peer pressure and get into trouble, one Budget is hurting people at all levels, particularly sees how worthwhile the police are. They talk to the Victoria Police Force. The government should be young people, explain things to them and give them given the boot. a chance to mend their ways. The police do a good job. Violence must also be addressed through the Mr ERNST (Bellarine) - I support the Budget community. because it is just and fair. The honourable member for Glen Waverley was not a member of Parliament If one examines the Budget one sees that Victoria has under the previous Liberal government, so did not experienced a period of negative growth and realises know what happened during that period when he the recovery will be gradual. If the recovery is was not here. gradual it will be more stable. Unfortunately unemployment is always too high. Mr E. R. Smith interjected. Mr Cooper - Particularly with this government! APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Mr ERNST - Perhaps the honourable member Mr ERNST - Do not distort what Mr Cathie said. should have been around when the Liberal Party was last in power. He should have gone to Geelong The DEPUTY SPEAKER - Order! The to see the youth unemployment there, about which honourable member for MOmington continues to the government of the time did nothing. defy the Chair. I have asked him several times to cease interjecting. He is disorderly. He has made his Mr Cooper - What is happening now? contribution and I suggest he listens to the contribution of the honourable member for Bellarine. Mr ERNST - Go and look at the Geelong skyline, look at my electorate of Bellarine - you will Mr ERNST - The only policy the opposition has see there has been growth. announced is to get rid of all the Australian Labor Party people in the Public Service - a witch hunt! Mr Cooper - They will throw you out on your That was admitted by the honourable member for ear. Polwarth on a radio program.

Mr ERNST - Members of the opposition have Getting back to the Budget, I commend the been saying that for twelve years; if they were Treasurer for setting a ceiling of 6 per cent on lawyers, as their client I could have them up for domestic energy and water tariffs. There will be no fraud. They will be wrong at the next election as well increase in business electricity tariffs until 31 because they underestimate people and December. underestimate the government and its ability to come back. All the opposition wants to do is ride on Mr Cooper interjected. a slide. Mr ERNST - I point out to the honourable Mr Cooper interjected. member for Momington that even with all the charges he talks about Victorians pay $94 a head less The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Norris) - Order! in taxes, fees and fines than people in New South The honourable member for Momington will cease Wales. The opposition was part of that. interjecting. The government is not wiping any of the statutory Mr ERNST - It is snakes and ladders; they see authorities off, as the honourable member for the economy is going to get better and they want to Momington well knows. He knows the reforms that slide on that economy. The government has and is are taking place in that area, particularly in the State providing financial leadership: for the first time it Electricity Commission of Victoria. has introduced a three-year program, which no other government has had. Mr Cooper interjected.

Mr Cooper interjected. Mr ERNST - It is all right for the honourable member for Momington to say we are shonky; I The DEPUTY SPEAKER - Order! I ask the suggest he is looking in a mirror because until the honourable member for MOmington to rein himself opposition comes clean with details of its policies he in. can be classified as shonky and he is covering up, which the Liberal Party is famous for. Mr ERNST - The opposition can make fun of it only because the opposition does not have a policy. The Liberal Party also operates under two heads: The opposition spokesman on education does not during the Pyramid crisis the Leader of the have a decent policy. When he was in my area the Opposition came to Geelong and said, "You people comments that came back to me were that the can get out of this thing, get out of your negative opposition does not know what the education attitudes," yet all we now hear from the opposition system is about. All the opposition knows is private is negative after negative. education; they want to turn the education system into the second-class education system that existed Many developments are taking place in Victoria: the when they were in government. Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Ltd expansion at Altona; the aerospace project, which will assist Mr Cooper interjected. Geelong; and the aluminium rolling mill at Bendigo. We realise the opposition does not like to see these APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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things happen and particularly to see them go to should remember that probably one in nine country areas. Victorians goes to a neighbourhood house.

Another development is the $1 billion upgrade at Mr Cooper - I have some very successful ones in the Altona refinery and the relocation of the Esso my electorate. Australia Ltd head office from Sydney to Melbourne. All those things are taking place in Mr ERNST - In my area there are successful partnership with private enterprise to build up neighbourhood houses, too. The honourable Victoria. It is a slow building up. I suggest that if the member for Momington should not laugh about opposition was a bit more positive perhaps people neighbourhood houses because they provide an would be positive towards it. important service in local communities. The neighbourhood house at Ocean Grove has a highly There is funding in the Budget for completion of the successful program for people with disabilities. I Geelong radiology unit, which can then be staffed. pay tribute to those who give up their time to help The building is a monument to how Geelong was people who are disabled and to provide education treated by the Liberal government. The police and opportunities in the community. Neighbourhood courts complex is another project in Geelong. We houses provide people who are disabled or hear a lot about law and order and I was pleased to otherwise disadvantaged with the opportunity of see a 7.1 per cent increase in that area in the Budget. getting out to learn or of going to arts events, such as Perhaps the opposition will say Kel Glare is a the opera. They offer advice on a range of matters. member of the ALP, if they want to get rid of him. Neighbourhood houses should not be laughed at by The police complex is ahead of schedule and will be the honourable member for Momington. completed in October. The law courts will be completed a little later. Mr Cooper - I am not laughing at them.

I was pleased to see that Clifton Springs Primary Mr ERNST - The Budget has merit and is School was built and Surfside was started. There supported in the community. Members of the have been problems with the builders. Drysdale community understand that we are all living in Primary School has been upgraded and I hope it will difficult times and as a result they support the continue to the second stage. We have had the Budget. People understand that their priorities district provision, which is important to people on might be a little lower down the line than they might the Bellarine Peninsula, particularly in light of otherwise have been if times were not as difficult as secondary education and the possibility of they are. amalgamation or merger between the East Geelong Technical School and the Queenscliff High School. A I commend the Budget to Parliament. It should be transport study was undertaken. passed.

In the arts scene in Geelong, the performing arts Mr AUSTIN (Ripon) - I join in the debate on the centre received something like $707 000 and had an Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill and the Works approximately 28 per cent increase in patronage. I and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) pay tribute to Mr Ian Roberts, the Director of the Bill. Last year, when I made a speech on similar Geelong Performing Arts Centre. Bills, I believed that would be the last Budget brought down by the Labor government. Over the past two years the Geelong Art Gallery has Unfortunately now Victorians have another Labor been allocated $600 000. I received a letter of thanks Budget. However, we can say with complete from the gallery in which appreciation is expressed confidence that now we are looking at the last of the of the government's grant in this year's Budget. Labor Budgets for a long time to come.

The libraries in the Geelong area have also had an It is amazing to hear the honourable member for increase in funding. I am pleased to have gone to the Bellarine indicating that he is pleased with some neighbourhood houses in my area. aspects of the Budget. It is a Budget of a tired, lacklustre, failed government, a Budget with no Mr Cooper interjected. vision, no hope - and certainly one that creates no jobs. While the honourable member for Bellarine Mr ERNST - He might laugh at neighbourhood may find that he appreciates some aspects of the houses but the honourable member for Momington Budget, I can assure you, Mr Deputy Speaker, that APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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the media and the people of Victoria have treated honourable member for Brighton, to incorporate in the Budget with the contempt it deserves. I have Hansard a set of figures presented in a comparison never known a reaction against a Budget to be between the claims made by the Treasurer in expressed so quickly by the media and the Victorian delivering the 1990-91 Budget and the actual people as a whole. performance of the Treasurer and the government over the following twelve months. The honourable Victorians have a government that is hanging on to member for Brighton was trying to tell Parliament power just so that individual members can keep and the people of Victoria that the Treasurer had got their jobs. The government is not there because its it wrong and he had the figures to show the detail of members believe they are governing well and doing just how wrong the Treasurer had been but the the best for Victoria. Individuals are staying in Treasurer denied him the opportunity of power because they have jobs they like. incorporating that information in Hansard.

The government has lost control over the financial In every Budget brought down since the Labor Party management of Victoria. Ministers have been sacked has been in power, agriculture has received a raw or have resigned. More recently Ministers have deal. No-one suggests that fanners have been asking unexpectedly announced their intention to retire. for handouts; neither the fanners nor fanner They have done so in the realisation that no chance organisations ask for or expect handouts. However, exists of the Labor Party winning the next election, they do expect a fair go. The industry produces so they are taking this opportunity of getting out almost half of Victoria's export earnings but receives while they hold Ministerial positions. less than 1 per cent of the total Budget appropriations. Last year expenditure on agriculture The government has no credibility. A lack of was $114 952 355; this year's Budget allocation for confidence and despair is being felt; there is no hope agriculture is $110 079 300, which represents 4.6 per and there are no jobs. cent less in money terms.

A change has come over the face of the government No-one begrudges the arts support from in recent times. One cannot recognise this government. Both the Liberal Party and the Labor government from that which came to power in 1982. Party have a good record in showing support for the The article that appeared in the weekend Sunday Age arts in this State. However, I invite honourable showed what was described as the class of 1982. Of members to imagine the Minister at the table, the the eighteen members of that 1982 Labor Cabinet, Minister for Agriculture, having to go out and tell a only two will even stand for election to Parliament at farmer that the arts have received more in this year's the next poll. If one considers who has disappeared Budget than has agriculture. If the farmer recovers from the 1982 Ministry, one notes that the Premier, from that shock, the Minister will have to follow it the Deputy Premier and the Treasurer at the time up by telling him that last year the total allocation have all gone. They are the top three positions in this for the arts was $93 504 028 and this year it is $116 House. In the Upper House, two Leaders have gone. 133000, or an increase of some 24 per cent. Currently five former Ministers are sitting on the back bench. That is an indication of what has What the Minister for Agriculture would not have to happened recently. tell any farmer to whom he spoke is that the government does not care - because the fanners all The long-term picture is much worse. In recent know that. They know that this government does times, half the Cabinet has gone and now a not really care; it pays lip-service to caring but its miserable second eighteen is strangling the State of members do not understand the problems in Victoria. agriculture and they know that their future does not really rely on country or rural Victoria in any case. The specific economic areas of the Budget have been Of course, at the next election members of the talked about by many of the previous speakers on government will get a shock because the three or so this side of the House. I shall not go into the detail of seats in country areas held by government members economic facts in a repetitious way; I prefer to single will be lost - and lost decisively. out a few specific areas. Victoria has had five agriculture Ministers under No greater example of the depths to which this Labor governments. The first was Mr Kent, who had government has sunk can be found than the refusal some farming background as a dairy fanner and of the Treasurer to allow the shadow Treasurer, the knew a little about farming, but he knew nothing APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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about government, administration or running a time and I shall not bore Parliament with the figures department. Mr Walker, from another place, was for the entire period but I shall look at the figures for well received in country circles because they enjoyed the past four years. In 1987-88 the gross value of what he said. It took a while for them to realise that farm products was $20 190 million; farm costs were although he was terrific to talk to and he was a nice $16705 million; and the net value of farm products guy, he did not deliver. was $3485 million. For 1988-89 the gross value was $22 558 million; the farm costs were $18 509 million; We then had the honourable member for Footscray, and the net value was $4050 million. In the year whom it would not be fair to judge. Then followed 1989-90 the gross value was $23170 million; farm No-Go Rowe, the honourable member for Essendon, costs were $19 940 million; and net value, who was probably the worst agricultural Minister $3230 million. For 1990-91 the gross value was we have had. I understand the department threw a $22 678 million; farm costs $21 000 million; and net party the night they were told he was to be replaced. value $1678 million. That means the production Since then we have had the Minister who is at the costs have risen by $16 705 million to $21 000 million table. He is yet another Minister who is good on in the past four years to create a situation where rhetoric. production costs are almost breaking even with the gross value of production. We shall hold our judgment as to whether he can perform in the job. The farming community is In 1990-91 the net value of Australian farm products always prepared to give a new Minister a fair go. was only 7.1 per cent of the gross value of products. They will do this with the new Minister. They will Given that figure it is possible to believe that the wait and see whether he can perform. Labor government is saying that rural Victoria does not matter. I have a strong belief and great faith in However one disappointing aspect is the proposed agriculture in Victoria and in Australia. I believe shift of the department to Bendigo. I am amazed the agriculture will be the saviour of this State and of Minister supported the shift. I can understand this nation for several reasons. moving various functions of the department but shifting the whole department to Bendigo is more Firstly, Australia has the capacity to produce high difficult to understand. How will the Minister cope quality food; secondly, the estimated increase in when he has a Cabinet meeting on Monday, world population will be significant - currently it Parliament on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday stands at 5.2 billion and it is expected to reach 8.2 and then a visit East Gippsland on Friday? It is a billion during the next 30 years; thirdly, increased joke! urbanisation is reducing farm land - this has occurred to some extent in Victoria and around It is said that it will cost $4 million to move the Australia but it is occurring to a much greater extent department but what will it really cost? It is in other countries. We need to carefully watch the anyone's guess! I would not have thought in this reduction of farm land for urban use in the eastern day and age when we are in a recession that we can part of Melbourne. Fourthly, it is important to resist afford such a move. It is a political move. too much land clearing. Much has been said about this in recent times and that is something we should The worst aspect is that many highly-trained and support. Fifthly, there will be an increased per capita highly-skilled senior public servants will not want to income of people throughout the world. These go. They will not want to uproot their families and points indicate Australia's strong position in move to Bendigo and so they will reSign. That will agriculture which will enable it to lead the world out be a disaster for the department and it will be a of this current recession. No other country in the disaster for Victoria. world has the advantages we have.

At a time when the rural industry is in deep crisis The government has a part to play in ensuring we the chemistry laboratory funding has been cut by have the marketing programs and the production $300 000 to $1.6 million with $1 million being taken systems to meet consumer requirements. from research and experimental programs. The Unfortunately for the farming community the Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource government has enormous trouble with priorities. I Economics has published a table showing the gross am sure the Minister for Agriculture finds it value of farm products, gross farm costs and the net embarrassing to justify cutbacks in agriculture, value of farm products. They have published the particularly in agricultural research, and then have figures for the past twenty years. I do not have the to explain to Victorian farmers that the Budget ~PPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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includes an allocation of $12 million of taxpayers' Another scheme introduced in the Budget will result money to the National Tennis Centre every year for in the slugging of the owners of four-wheel drive the next 25 years. Most farmers could not afford one vehicles with a $40 levy on registration fees. Not so ticket for one day at the tennis centre for the long ago the government changed the law applying Australian Open. to the towing of horse floats and trailers. One affect of the change was that owners could not tow I turn now to the activities of the Minister for two-horse floats with a utility, so the owners of such Conservation and Environment. It is difficult to equipment were forced to buy bigger and heavier know where to start because there have been so vehicles. After catching them in his net, the Minister many disasters created by the Minister. He has been has lost no time in taxing them. a great one for change, whether it has been expensive changes such as those in the railway Some people, the Minister included, think that the system or the changing of the name of the owners of four-wheel-drive vehicles belong to an Grampians or Mount Elephant, which was a stupid elitist group. I assure the Minister that the owners of decision! The names are ones that people could not such vehicles use them because they have to, not pronounce or spell. The most recent gimmick is the because they like to drive so-called luxury vehicles. decision to restructure the Department of Apart from anything else, many four-wheel-d.rlve Conservation and Environment by allocating staff to owners do not drive their vehicles in national parks, five provincial centres around the State. The which the increased levy will be used to maintain. Minister appears to have an extraordinary idea that by doing so he will improve client services. The It seems that the Minister cannot help himself Director of the Australian OrnitholOgical Union, Or because the Budget will increase hunting licence fees P. J. Moors, believes people are not the clients of the by 60 per cent, from $25 to $40. Almost twelve department but in fact the clients are the plants, the months ago the same Minister increased the cost of animals and the environment. Or Moors believes the hunting licence fees from $7 to $25, an increase of move proposed by the Minister will undo years of 255 per cent. So in little over a year the fee has work and the good results that have been achieved increased by 471 per cent from $7 to $40. I doubt that by the department over many years. any member of the government can demonstrate the fairness of the increase. Even today an interesting article appears in the Herald-Sun with the headline, "Crabb stalls rural Many hunters will pay the increase because of their shift". It says: love of the sport, but they will pay back the government at the next election. More than 50 per The State government appears set to back down on cent of duck hunters are traditional Labor voters, but plans to decentralise the Department of Conservation they will change their vote as soon as they have the and Environment. chance.

The senior Minister responsible, Mr Crabb, faces a Mr Laurie Levy and his band of animalliberationists backbench revolt in caucus over the plans. are continually pressuring the government and individual backbenchers to vote to ban duck The five regional centres referred to are Geelong, hunting. The hunting fraternity has been able to Bendigo, Traralgon, Dandenong and Wangaratta. hold the line because of the clout it has at the ballot The article continues: box. So far a series of conservation Ministers has not bowed to the pressure of that misguided group. I One backbencher, who declined to be identified, said congratulate the Premier who, when she was the MPs in "green seats" were nervous about opposition Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands, did from conservation groups. not bow to the pressure exerted by the group despite having no love of the sport. The present Minister for The head of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Community Services took note of the advice of her Mr Phillip Toyne, has written letters to all State Labor departmental offices and resisted the pressure of MPs warning that the shake-up of the department was animalliberationists who wanted the government to threatening electoral support. close some Victorian wetlands.

That shows how much the Minister for Conservation The current Minister has so far shown himself able and Environment has strayed off the track. to deal with the pressure exerted by animal liberationists who, for all the wrong reasons, want to APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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stop duck hunting. It is easy to understand the Our questions were ignored for years. The motives of Mr Levy and his band. The hunting of honourable member for Bundoora, when he was the ducks is an emotional issue; and if they succeed in Premier, would rant and rave about the performance banning duck hunting they will try to have all of the former Uberal government - but he would hunting and fishing banned and are likely to try to not answer the questions asked of him. I remember prevent farmers farming the land for food. Even No-Go Rowe, the honourable member for Essendon, schoolchildren are being brainwashed about the launching into a tirade of abuse when members of virtues of vegetarianism. the opposition aecused him of shirking his responsibilities as the Minister for Agriculture and The hunting of ducks does not cause environmental Rural Affairs. problems; if anything, the reverse is true. I hope the Minister deals with the call for the substitution of More recently the government has tried to hide lead shot with steel shot with commonsense. behind the decisions and recommendations of the Problems have been caused by the build-up of lead Industrial Relations Commission. Also, the Harrison shot in Bool Lagoon in South Australia because of inquiry was denied information because the the nature of the bottom of that lake. But many government doctored its submission and the unions honourable members on this side of the House will withdrew from the hearing. As a result the report of know that when one walks through Victorian the inquiry is a whitewash and we will have to wait swamps one is likely to sink into up to 12 inches of for events to unfold before we see the full extent of mud, so there is no danger that the lead shot that the government's mismanagement of the meat falls into our lakes and swamps is likely to be eaten industry. by water fowl. Although those matters have now been finalised, the Victorians do not mind paying for something if they government is either hiding behind something else receive something in return. In that light the or again coming out with words that we can only Vice-President of the Victorian Field and Game hope might produce something. However, based on Association, Mr Graham Eames, said that his the government's performance, I very much doubt members are sick and tired of giving money to the that. government yet receiving nothing in return. Mr Eames said that his association was no longer Even today's Herald-Sun reports, under the headline prepared to fund the incompetent Department of ''Meat Action Tip", that: Conservation and Environment. He also said that members of his association could be added to those Kimer could go it alone on refonn. who believe that the government is attempting to ban duck hunting by imposing economic hardships It is almost as though the Premier has suddenly on duck hunters during a time of recession in an discovered there is a meat industry in Victoria and attempt to reduce their numbers. Mr Eames that it has some problems. expressed concern that the government was backing away from its support of the working man. He said The State government could step in and impose that if the Minister for Conservation and changes on Victoria's troubled meat industry before an Environment could not justify the savage increase in Industrial Relations Commission refonn plan was licence fees his association would think seriously completed ... about its involvement in Department of Conservation and Environment research projects. The government had hoped the long-awaited Harrison inquiry into the industry, which reported last week, Since 1982 my colleagues and I have tried to would have made firm recommendations for refonn. convince the government of the importance of tackling the continuing problems in the meat But the inquiry left the issue to the Full Bench of the industry. We have asked questions on notice, raised commission. the issue during the debate on the motion for the adjournment of the sitting, and referred to it in It really is an absolute whitewash. Today the speeches on various Bills, all the while trying to Premier quoted some figures in an attempt to show impress on the government the fact that Victoria is that we are doing quite well or improving in the losing in excess of $100 million a year because of the meat industry. In answer to that I can say only that activities of Wally Curran and the Australasian Meat she must have been well and truly brainwashed by Industry Employees Union. Wally Curran over the past day or so. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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The last point I make on this issue relates to news people who live there. In every area of government item yesterday which reported that 1 million sheep activity the people of the Knox area have benefited were destined for Russia and would be slaughtered and have been looked after properly by this on the ship off the Western Australian coast because government. of the high costs of killing and the industrial relations activities of the Australasian Meat Industry As I said, this is a Budget of fiscal responsibility, but Employees Union led by Wally Curran in Victoria. It it delivers social justice as it should. Anyone who is nothing short of an absolute disgrace and a argues that government does not have a role to play disaster to think that sheep have to be killed at sea is wrong. It is my view that the major role of offshore because of the state of the industry in government is to care for those people and groups Victoria. that have difficulty managing because of social circumstances and things that happen to them. The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable Every government has a responsibility towards member's time has expired. those people.

Sitting suspended 6.32 p.m. until 8.2 p.m. The opposition has had a policy over many years of supporting individual endeavour and so on. Mrs HIRSH (Wantima) - I support the However, most people who are not succeeding in government's Budget. In fact, it is an excellent this world are in that situation because of outside Budget. It is very firm but fair. It shows a great factors rather than factors within themselves. degree of fiscal responsibility while at the same time protecting matters of social justice in all areas which The problems usually relate to apportioning blame. are important to the community and to those people It is wrong to apportion blame for a person's social who require social justice. circumstances and the troubles he or she faces. In fact, it is the SOCiety in which we live that tends to The effect of the Budget on the municipality of Knox, deal with us in such ways that we are not able to which is a very large and rapidly growing manage for ourselves, and this is where the role of municipality -- government comes in. For example, people who live in geographically inaccessible areas require Mr Stockdale interjected. government services because there is no way the private sector, which is profit-oriented, would look Mrs HIRSH - The municipality of Knox after them. Leaving everything to the private sector contains a number of suburbs. It is one of the largest would result in a desertion of the people in need. in the State and ranges from Ferntree Gully through Rowville, Wantima, Bayswater and Boronia. They I shall talk briefly about some of the areas in which are the main suburbs in the municipality. My the government is proViding support and assistance interests range right across the municipality. I am to the people in Knox. The dispute settlement centre, interested in the total municipality, as I should be as for example - which resulted from a small initiative its Parliamentary represent~tive. of the government - moves disputes out of the courts and the adversarial system into a conciliatory It should be remembered that for many years the approach to settling disputes. This is the basis of the people of Knox have had very good representation direction in which the whole society should be throughout. I pay tribute to the honourable member heading, beginning with this Parliament. for Knox, the Minister for Conservation and Environment, Steve Crabb, who has represented the The adversarial system - that is, the system of Labor Party in that area for fifteen years or more. blame and fault - is not desirable. I have heard Many of us, as the Minister for Small Business and opposition members saying, ''Fault, fault, fault" the Minister for Labour will attest, learnt most of our many times today and in the past couple of weeks. politics and views about the world from the Minister Everyone could go around saying, '1t is your fault, it for Conservation and Environment, who has been is your fault". Continuing to do that - and I do not the Labor Party star of the outer east for many years. speak only of the government but also of people I believe all of us owe him a great debt for what he throughout every stratum and spectrum of our has done for the outer east. society, from our education system to our families­ to apportion blame and operate in an adversarial With regard to the whole Knox municipality, the system, does not help. government's Budget will do a great deal for the APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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This is where the dispute settlement centre, which is Mr Coleman interjected. based in the Knox municipality - it moved recently, and it is now based either in Boronia or Ferntree The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable Gully - is helpful: it operates on the basis of member for Syndal. examining what people's problems are rather than apportioning blame or working in an adversarial Mrs mRSH - The Consumer Resource Centre manner. - Outer East will play an important role in the next couple of years, particularly because of the Federal Mr Kennett interjected. opposition's policy on the consumption tax. I presume that the Boronia centre, which provides Mrs HIRSH -I'll get to that in a moment, don't support and assistance to consumers, will examine you worry about that! matters affected by any consumption tax. The basic set of goods purchased at a supermarket - milk, The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable bread, eggs and so on -- member for Wantirna has the floor. I ask honourable members on my left to remain silent. Mr Coleman - Ice cream in your case.

Mr Kennett - Have you heard what she has Mrs HIRSH - That basket of goods amounts to said? about $25 a week but would increase by about $5 if an horrific consumption tax as promoted by the Mrs HIRSH - The conciliation process of Federal opposition and supported by the State dispute settlement is more successful than the opposition were imposed. That centre looks after the adversarial system. That government initiative, interests of consumers; I am sure it will play an which has been of benefit to the community, sets a important role in examining the effect of a model and a pattern which honourable members consumption tax on consumer goods. opposite ought to think about sometime. Community services -- I am pleased that the Irabina Special Development School-Autism in Bayswater is to continue Mr Col eman interjected. operations and will be expanded. That special developmental school for autistic children was The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable opened this year and caters for children in the member for Syndal is out of his place and out of Irabina Early Intervention Program who require order. specialist care. At the moment it has about 30 children; it aims to develop social skills and Mrs HIRSH - A major initiative concerning acceptable behaviour in autistic children. It also delivery of community services which I very much develops the crucial communication and perception welcome and on which I have been working for skills, both of which are normally lacking in autistic many months is the extension of the child care children. The size of the school will be doubled in subsidy. The program is aimed particularly at those 1992. I am pleased at the government's commitment who need occasional care assistance: women who to continue that support, as I was pleased when the mayor may not be in the work force who want to government opened that school. leave their children for short periods. They may have part-time jobs and be living on one income and I am also pleased about the Minister for Education need periodic child care. Now they will qualify for and Training's support for growth in higher the subsidy previously offered only to women education in the outer east. The government has working in full-time jobs. acknowledged that the outer east is the largest growing area in Victoria. The area has been well That excellent initiative removes the previous catered for by the Outer Eastern College of TAFE in discriminatory procedure. The issue of women in Wantirna South, with campuses throughout the unpaid work and their contribution to the economy outer eastern region. The Minister has said he will is again raised because of this initiative. Their give top priority to the establishment of higher contribution is generally totally ignored by education campuses in the outer east and in the economists in considering all economic matters. The Berwick-Cranbourne corridors. subsidy addresses discrimination against women at home and adds value to their roles. The working party report into higher education in the outer east recommended that higher education APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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facilities be located in the region through either the villages and has also encouraged retired people to relocation of an existing institute or the move to the area. Many do move from the inner establishment of a university college under the suburbs to be near their children and their families. sponsorship of a university. The preferred option in the report was that Swinbume Institute of The introduction of the Seniors Card was one of the Technology and the Outer Eastern College of TAPE most supported initiatives carried out by the . should cooperate in the delivery of higher education government, in partnership with the private sector, training programs. for a long time. It has been very popular and will continue to be so. It provides for all Victorians 60 For some years I have been a member of the Outer years of age and over, who are not in full-time Eastern College of TAPE council. I look forward to employment, a wide range of benefits and discounts that council's work being enhanced through the on goods and services across the State. establishment of a higher education facility. I look forward to Swinbume being involved with our Knox City Shopping Centre and the Knox District college. It may be too late for my children who Centre are very involved in the provision of travelled to Swinbume, Monash University or discounts to retirees, given the number of retirement colleges at Prahran for their higher education but it villages in the area. More than 300 000 Victorians will be a wonderful facility for the young people in have taken advantage of the Seniors Card and I am the area. I am pleased that the work I have been aware that approximately 2000 or so cards have been involved in with Murray Kirwood and the council distributed in the Knox municipality. members will finally reap a reward. Another very important issue in the outer east is, of Another important service in the area concerns the course, housing. I am pleased with the government's aged, particularly those aged over 50 or 60. The City building of 25 elderly person units in Wantima of Knox has a large number of retirement villages South, in partnership with the Villa Maria Centre, within its boundaries -- and I also look forward to the Station Street, Ferntree Gully, Ministry of Housing flats, the old bed-sitters, Mr Kennett - Does Mr McCutcheon get one? being replaced.

Mrs HIRSH -It is a pity the opposition is not The issue of business and jobs is a crucial one for our interested in policies. It is interested only in mud young people and for a' number of older people as slinging and making rather facetious, irrelevant well. Unlike the honourable member for Warrandyte comments. who was knocking our automotive industry and in particular Nippondenso Co Ltd opening its new car The welfare of people in the outer east and in that parts plant in the outer east, I welcome. that municipality -- organisation into our area.

Mr Coleman - You don't even care about them. A current staff of 70 people will increase to 150 people, working on a two-shift basis. Yesterday I Mrs HIRSH - The people in the Knox took great pleasure in attending the opening, and I municipality -- am proud to see our young people employed in such an industry. Mr Coleman - Why don't you say what you think? The honourable member for Warrandyte was fairly derogatory about that organisation, and he ought to The SPEAKER - Order! I warn the honourable rethink his views and his values about industry. The member for Syndal. I have already cautioned him a opposition talks a lot about the need for the private number of times for his disruption of the House and sector to be acknowledged and involved, and I am his interruption to the rights of the honourable supportive of industry moving into the outer east. member for Wantima. I ask him to remain silent. Instead of knocking everyone and pouring scorn on Mrs HIRSH - Before I was interrupted by what they do we ought to be continuing to opposition trivia, I was telling the House about the encourage industry. Certainly in the area I represent elderly who require services. The Knox municipality there is a lot of manufacturing and export industry. has the youngest population in the State. The council A number of firms are continuing to move out there has encouraged the establishment of retirement and certainly Australian Automotive Air is doing a APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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very good job. Mr Murodono, the managing look forward to that happening even though it is not director, is certainly interested in the expansion starting at the end where I would like it to start! taking place. Another important issue in the Knox area is The company deliberately selected the greenfields community safety. I would be pleased to attend the site in Knox because it is the area with the most official opening of the new Knox police complex for young people in the State, therefore more young which $1.23 million is allocated for further fit-out people are available locally to work at the plant. The works. The issue of community safety is crucial and average age of the employees is 24 years. I welcome I am pleased that the new 24-hour police station is the organisation to our area and look forward to its up and running and that we have patrols right expansion. throughout the municipality finally freeing up resources. The honourable member for Warrandyte talked about trade unionism, and knocked it, and he talked In addition, currently there is talk of foot patrols about the Vehicle Builders Employees Federation which would be very useful; but community safety representing the employees. What he did not involves other areas such as the Community mention is that it is a car part manufacturer. It PoliCing Squad, now positioned at the Knox police manufactures air-conditioners for Toyotas, HoIdens complex. It is wonderful. The squad does a fantastic and Mitsubishis, so naturally it would be job and, as people are becoming used to it being represented by the vehicle builders union. It is there, it is rung more and more for a whole range of logical. problems.

Transport is a crucial issue in the Knox area and Tied in with community violence and crime is, of again I welcome the government's initiative in course, drug use. Intravenous drug use in Knox has providing a light rail extension from Middleborough grown along with other crimes in Victoria, and I am Road in East Burwood out to Knox. Planning and pleased that the government has finally initiated a public consultation have already commenced and needle exchange program in the area and that the the money is available for stage 1 of the project, council is looking to providing bins. which will begin by the end of the year. For some time that was not happening and we had Naturally, as is my belief with any project affecting the problem of syringes being found around the my area, it would have been lovely if the works streets. Over the past few months there has been could have commenced out at Knox and I asked the much open and broad ranging community debate Minister to start at the Knox end and work inwards, on the matter and that has led to the community but that will not happen! deciding that although it would be far better if intravenous drug abuse did not happen the reality is Mr J. F. McGrath - There'd be a big jump in the that it is happening. middle, wouldn't there! A drug counselling and rehabilitation organisation Mrs HIRSH - There would be. I have been told known as ADDREC, based in Boronia, will do a it has to start where the line now ends, which is good job. A needle exchange program will be fairly logical. They are not prepared to do it from operated by ADDREC and I hope that will help. I both ends, so we have to do the first bit before we also hope the bins the local council is considering can get it out to Knox. supplying will also be of help.

I notice that the Leader of the Opposition is sticking We cannot stop there because we need an education his nose quite a lot into the transport area lately and program for our young people to provide them with I wonder why. Why is the shadow Minister for alternative ways of dealing with the pressures put Transport not the person to do this? The Leader of upon them and ADDREC is interested in providing the Opposition is throwing around press releases in that program in conjunction with the needle the area I represent, atten\pting to tell people in the exchange program. Knox municipality that the light rail is not to go ahead and that it is really not a light rail because it is Mr J. F. McGrath interjected. called a tram. In fact, it is called an articulated tram. That is the proper name and it is going ahead, and I Mrs HIRSH - The honourable member for Warrnambool has made a comment which I support 'PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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absolutely. I have investigated that excellent Inglewood in the south and from Curyo in the west program and it is the next stage in our campaign to to Kamarooka. Most honourable members would reduce drug use in our area. The community debate not have heard of those places. The police and other has been mature but the honourable member is government services in those areas are vital. The correct in saying that that is the program we require. personnel are not large in number but they are well respected. Their services are being chopped and one To conclude I congratulate the government on its cannot help but wonder why cuts are being made in responsible but fair Budget which, although being those areas but not in the administrative structure of firm in cutting costs, does not neglect social justice government. Those country services should be and the programs that people require from streamlined and made to function efficiently so that government at all times. I look forward to the the resources available are used for our people implementation of the programs set out in the because communities have the goodwill to make Budget. things work.

Mr STEGGALL (Swan Hill) -It is a delight to In the Budget spending, borrowing and taxes have follow the honourable member for Wantima - or is all increased but services are being cut. It is because it the honourable member for Knox - because it is our debt structure has reached such an extreme that hard to believe we are in the same State let alone in it is affecting us all the way through. Over the years the same Chamber. The issues mentioned by the the government has been used by the teacher unions honourable member for Wantima are totally foreign for political muscle to force agreements for the to someone with an electorate such as mine. She running of schools. Eventually the government has spoke about a new police station. My electorate is not been able to afford to maintain those losing police officers but the honourable member for agreements. If the unions were to get back to looking Wantima can announce that she has a new police after conditions and operations in the schools and station with 24-hour patrols in her electorate. My forgot about dominating the curriculum and the electorate is also losing police cars. We seem to be operation of government, things might work better. going backwards in the bush. Neither the honourable member for Wantima nor The honourable member said that it was good that many other metropolitan members mentioned the Budget would free up resources. I suggest that hospitals in their electorates. At the last count there enormous resources are tied up because of the were thirteen hospitals in my electorate. One was government's method of administration. We would lost last year and others are under threat. Bush probably start seeing a few services delivered if the nursing hospitals are all losing money. The Cain and community were able to look after the resources that Kimer governments have cut out all State the government now handles. When I speak to government assistance for bush nursing hospitals so people in my electorate and listen to their fears I that they are all running at a loss and facing closure. wonder whether I am in the same place as the Unless State and Federal governments start looking honourable member for Wantima. seriously at the delivery of health care in country areas the hospitals that have been built by There is tmrest throughout country Victoria about communities throughout country Victoria will close. every area of government administration. There is tmrest among the police officers in my electorate The government is also closing small public who are rumoured to be on the move. When I raised hospitals. 1hat places pressure on communities the possibility of cuts with the Minister for Police which wonder whether the government really cares and Emergency Services he wrote back and assured or has any interest in them. me that not one police officer would be taken out of my electorate because of budgetary factors. In the transport area and in road construction we However, he left it a little open by saying that the find that the Budget will take more money from the Chief Commissioner of Police might find it better to motorists and road users and, again, spend less on deliver policing services by rearranging some of the roads. A few years ago the Federal Minister for local areas. government conducted a survey throughout country Australia on the priorities of rural women. When his When one speaks following a speech by a department picked up the completed review it could metropolitan member of Parliament one realises not believe what it read because 70 per cent of how vastly different our values are. My electorate women throughout Australia put roads as their first runs from Robinvale in the north all the way to priority for government work. It was not people's APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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services, women's health or infant welfare. It was do not know what it will take before we start roads. There is no sense in having services around developing Victoria as a unit. Many of us see it as a the State if we do not have the roads. city State. The City of Melbourne is virtually the State of Victoria in the eyes of most people, and just The National Party will continue to mention the fact under two-thirds of all members of this House come that the road networks are falling apart and that the from the metropolitan area. local government rating structure is not able to pick up the financial burden. Standards will continue to I do not know how we will address some of the go down until such time as the roads are eventually issues Victoria faces until people understand that we ripped up. must earn our way as a country and as a State. We cannot continue with the debt build-up. Society is falling apart. Sometimes when I listen to the debates in this place I wonder whether I am in Another interesting aspect of the Budget that has not the same State as some other honourable members. been mentioned - although most of our friends on Throughout country areas the feeling of despair and the government side keep talking about it in a discontent with government and its direction is narrow way - is that 50 per cent of the Budget is enormous. not raised by taxation by this government but by the Federal government. Maybe it is time we started The subject of agriculture is almost impossible to examining the relevance of this place and whether debate in this House. Over the years agriculture has there is an advantage for Victoria in raising its own played a vital role in Australia. Mining and taxes. I do not have a problem with a State income agriculture have given Australia the wealth on tax. I am saying that we cannot continue to can the which our cities are built and they have supplied the reform of our taxation system. niceties of imports. It has been agriculture's role to supply the wealth to build Victoria and Australia, Mr Dollis interjected. but during the past ten years there has been a change. As agricultural and export incomes went Mr STEGGALL - You sit in here very happily down there has not been a complementary drop in and spend money that other people raise. If the imports. States want to continue to be relevant in federalism they had better start addressing some of these issues. The role of agriculture changed. Because of the I think federalism and Premiers conferences should imbalance in importing and exporting, the balance be discussed in this place but we cannot get those of payments has blown out and an enormous debt issues discussed because this place has lost its structure has in many ways removed the function of relevance. The government has treated the country Victoria. There is no interest in ensuring that Parliament as an absolute joke. Victoria pays its way. It does not matter in today's economic and political structure. If we do not pay None of us is proud of question time in this place, our way, who cares? We just borrow a little more. yet we let it go on week in, week out. The That is what the nation has done and continues to adjournment debate is a non-debate. do. We are living way beyond our means. Mr Dollis interjected. The Budget is an example of that. We will suffer all the cuts and charges that are provided for in the Mr STEGGALL - We do not have an Budget but we will still be $1500 million out at the adjournment debate. People get up and speak for 5 end of it. We are spending more than we are minutes while one Minister sits at the table. It is a earning. We have to wonder whether the economists joke. You know it and I know it. You do not like it of the country have their heads screwed on right and and neither do I. whether the governments of this country understand what we are leaving for our children. Day after day Ministers use question time to make When Victoria's history is written this government Ministerial statements. Questions seeking will not come out of it very well at all. information are not asked by honourable members on either side of the Chamber. Parliament is not Another area of concern about which the people and operating in the best interests of our constituents or Ministers speak is the sprawl of the city and the the members of this place. continual growth problems involved in the increasing development of the metropolitan area. I ~PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Many of the problems the State has experienced over Treasurer can put forward their theories and the past seven or eight years may have had a concepts for discussion and debate. different outcome if Parliament had functioned properly. Parliament is seen as the instrument of the I indicated earlier that question time is riddled with government. Ministerial statements, as it was today. The Minister for Transport gives short answers in reply to Mr Dollis interjected. questions asked during question time, and that is fair enough. He knows what he wants to say and he Mr STEGGALL - The honourable member for will be judged by the answers he gives. Ministerial Richmond says it is the place for the people - if statements should last for 5 or 10 minutes, not 50 only that were true! The government is not held to minutes, as often occurs in this place, and equal time account by Parliament. We are now debating the should be provided for the opposition spokesman to Budget introduced by the government to seek reply. The Minister should then be available for Parliament's permission for its programs, but the questioning by members of Parliament until such Premier has not spoken in the debate. time as the Speaker calls a halt. That is the system in Westminster and it should be introduced in this At least the Premier allowed the Budget Bill to be Parliament because it would provide honourable introduced in Parliament; that did not occur with members with the opportunity of hearing the her June economic statement. The Premier talked policies of government and allow for the Minister to about that statement prior to the Easter break, but it be tested on those policies. If that system had been was not made in this place where it could have been adopted I do not believe many of the policies that debated, discussed and scrutinised. Instead, some have destroyed this government would have been 200 people were invited to the World Trade Centre introduced. to hear the Premier's statement. lbis is the place where the issues affecting the State should be put I now refer to the role of the Speaker. I feel sorry for and debated. The government has the numbers and the Speaker because, having been elected by a it has the Ministers who should be capable of simple majority of this House, he then is captive to putting forward its views and defending what they the government party. Perhaps Parliament, having are doing in Parliamentary debate. elected a Speaker at the commencement of each Parliament, should have the power to discipline or I am not sure why governments have been allowed remove the Speaker by a two-third majority rather to dominate Parliament, but I hope the situation is than a simple majority of the members of this place. reversed soon. I wonder whether Parliament is ready to introduce an opposition's business day. Parliament is not fulfilling its role and all 1bis is not a subject that honourable members on my honourable members know this House is not side would normally discuss but I know an election working. It is the desire of most honourable is due shortly and this government will be thrown members to consider the way the business of out of office. I believe days should be allocated for Parliament is undertaken and how the actions of debate of opposition motions. Parliament has government and Ministers are scrutinised. grievance days but members have no opportunity of introducing and debating private member's Bills or There is unrest and disillusionment throughout motions. country Victoria about the functions and role of government. Things in the bush are not laughable; Members of Parliament should have the opportunity they are serious. The city has unemployment of raising issues that affect their electorates. As one problems, but communities in the bush are of the few rural members of Parliament I understand crumbling. Communities in agricultural areas are that many of the issues that affect my electorate are going nowhere. Agriculture is vital to everyone in of no interest to the vast majority of honourable both Melbourne and where I live in Swan Hill. It is members, but I should have an opportunity of important that the government gets it right and debating them. Do honourable members want considers where it is going. If Victoria wants to start Parliament to be relevant and have some meaning to paying its way again it will do so only through the community? Do they want to make democracy agriculture, mining and the export and work? Of course they do, and that is why statements manufacturing industries. such as the June economic statement should be delivered in Parliament so that the Premier and the Victoria needs direction but the Budget provides none. Direction will be given in coalition policies APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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and it will come with the Jeff Kennett government. have directed it to the attention of honourable The coalition policies will be put forward and fully members. lhat is a totally unacceptable remark, and deba ted as soon as this government calls an election I ask the Minister to withdraw it. and puts itself to the test. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I was not Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I join the reflecting on the Chair; I was reflecting on the debate on the Budget -- operation of question time, which members from both sides of the House have criticised. Mr KENNETI (Leader of the Opposition) - On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker, the debate on The DEPUTY SPEAKER - Order! I took it to be these Bills is usually taken up by backbenchers who a passing comment. There is no point of order. comment on the process of government. The Minister for Transport wants to exercise his right to Mr SPYKER - An accusation was made about a speak. That is unusual, but obviously it is his right to particular person without any evidence being do so. My concern is that at this stage only the provided. lhat was totally reprehensible. Minister for Finance and the Minister for Transport are representing the government in the Chamber; Mr KENNETI (Leader of the Opposition) - On they are supported by no other members of the a point of order, it is an abuse of the Minister's time government. to argue that case. He was given the opportupity at the time of answering the question honestly and he The DEPUTY SPEAKER - Order! What is the refused to do so. The opposition was simply trying point of order? to pursue the truth.

Mr KENNETT - Obviously it is about the state Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - An of the House. opportunity will arise for me to explain the matter to the House. I was using it as an example of the The DEPUTY SPEAKER - Order! That is not a frustration of constituents because Parliament is not point of order, but I shall ask the Clerk to ring the relevant to their aspirations. bells. The DEPUTY SPEAKER - Order! There is no Quorum fonned. point of order.

Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I thank Mr SPYKER - It is time mature and the Leader of the Opposition for gathering a crowd. understandinp- people showed some leadership in Besides being a Minister I am also an elected ensuring that Parliament is relevant to constituents. member of Parliament and I wish to exercise my right to speak on the Budget. I shall refer to major improvements in public transport. Honourable members often hear members I concur with some of the comments made by the of the opposition carping about the transport budget honourable member for Swan Hill. I have been a and the poor, suffering taxpayers. When the Labor member of Parliament since 1979 and I find the Party came to office public transport took up 9 per Parliamentary process totally unsatisfactory for local cent of the total Budget. This year its allocation is members to reflect the needs and aspirations of their approximately 6 per cent, which is an amazing constituents. Because of the way Parliament operates reduction. there is no proper debate on serious issues. What party is in opposition is irrelevant; instead of haviI).g Mr Cooper interjected. an informed debate about major issues affecting the State and country the Chamber degenerates into a Mr SPYKER - One expects nothing more than sideshow about trying to score points. An example inane interjections from the honourable member for of that was seen today when there was an abuse of Momington. No government or private transport question time. system in the world makes a profit.

Mr KENNEIT (Leader of the Opposition) - On The community expects an efficient public transport a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker, that is a system. No-one expects roads to make a profit. reflection on the Chair at the time. If the Chair Public transport should not be expected to make a thought it was an abuse of Parliament he would profit. The community wants dean, reliable public APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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transport. Some sections of the community such as honourable member for Momington would close it. I students, people with disabilities and the aged, do said it was the opposition's secret agenda. not pay full fares to use public transport. If the government were to act, as some opposition The DEPUTY SPEAKER - Order! As there is no spokesmen have advocated, by saying we should reflection on the honourable member there is no close someone else's line but not theirs -- point of order.

Mr Cooper - Who's saying that? Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick) - On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker, I put it to you that it is Mr SPYKER - On a radio station the honourable unparliamentary for the Minister to suggest that member for Momington said he had handed the there is a secret agenda. That carries with it an then Leader of the Opposition, the honourable imputation against members of the opposition that member for Gippsland West, the opposition's they have secret agendas. I find it offensive and ask transport policy but it was like a time bomb and he the Minister to withdraw. did not know when he was going to release it. The then Leader of the Opposition said the opposition Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - On the would sack 8000 workers. point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker, if the opposition is so sensitive I withdraw, but I look forward to the Mr Cooper - Who said that? release of the opposition's transport policy, particularly public transport. I am sure the Mr SPYKER - It is logical that if one sacks 8000 community will then be able to judge what a workers in the public transport system there will not hopeless and incompetent lot they are on the other be any country lines. side of the House.

Mr Cooper - Who said that? Mr Maclellan - On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Mr SPYKER - It is interesting that the honourable member for Momington will not The DEPUTY SPEAKER - Order! I shall rule on guarantee that the Crib Point to Stony Point line will the honourable member's first point of order. When remain open if the liberal Party were in a member is referring to a party as a whole, as the government. The honourable member for Gippsland Minister was, I cannot uphold the point of order. It is West will not guarantee that the Leongatha line, another matter if an individual is being referred to, which the Labor government opened in 1982, will but the Minister's comment was directed generally remain open. to the opposition as a whole.

Mr Maclellan - Will you guarantee it? Mr Maclellan - Mass slander is okay!

Mr SPYKER - Yes, I will give an unequivocal The DEPUTY SPEAKER - Order! That is the guarantee that the lines currently operating will way I see it. If one refers to the party as a whole - remain open. The Labor government will not be and this goes backwards and forwards throughout closing the Ballarat and Bendigo workshops that you debate all day - I should not uphold that as a point are proposing to close. That is your secret agenda. of order. If the Minister is referring to an individual member there may be a point of order, but in this Mr Cooper - Who said that? instance I do not believe there is.

Mr SPYKER - That is the opposition's secret Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I agenda! understand the sensitivity of members on the other side of the House. Last year they criticised the public Mr COOPER (Momington) - On a point of transport budget and said the Ministry of Transport order, Mr Deputy Speaker, the Minister has accused would never meet its budget or be able to reduce the me of saying we would close the Bendigo and required number of employees. I am pleased to Ballarat workshops. I have not said that and I ask report that the Ministry underspent its budget by him to withdraw the allegation. $1.3 million and reduced the work force by 1507 in an orderly way. The government has the same Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - On the agenda this year and its aims will be achieved point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker, I never said the without closing any services. The government will APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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improve services, and will maintain its country lines customers. Our service program involves discussion and freight services. between staff and customers on our product and how we can better interlink our bus, train and tram I do not propose to use the back of an axe, which is services. That program has been welcomed and the opposition proposal, but will sensitively work supported by the community. Whenever I meet through the issues. I want to ensure that when we public transport users I say, '1t is your system, we deal with reductions in staff - and I do not get any need your assistance to keep it clean and to assist us joy out of it, particularly in times of a recession - with security". That is part of the package I have we do it in a reasonable, orderly way. It is important been working on over the past twelve months. to consider the human lives and families at stake. That process must be done sensitively, particularly The recent anti-graffiti legislation passed by in country Victoria where significant reductions will Parliament has had a salutary effect on young take place. I have been asked whether certain people. They know that if they write graffiti on redundancies can be postponed a few months stations they will be forced to clean it up. Other because employees have children in years 11 or 12 States have tried to fine parents but I have not been who wish to finish the school year. All these matters keen on that because young people will allow their must be considered. Although it is crucial that the parents to pay the fines. The anti-graffiti program Budget be met I have no trouble in dealing with a which encourages young people to clean up graffiti whole range of issues by considering human issues is a significant step forward. in a careful and sensitive manner. There are now thirteen stations with surveillance Although the transport budget was slashed by $102 cameras and large ones have been introduced at million last financial year we were still able to meet Flinders Street station. The busiest stations are being services. The government was able to completely equipped and progreSSively every station in the revise the bus system with the Bus Proprietors metropolitan area will have surveillance cameras. Association (Vic). The bus proprietors signed They have been helpful in getting prosecutions and seven-year contracts with the government. For the have been welcomed by the community. first time in 40 years, particularly in metropolitan Melbourne where buses ran up and down streets Safety audits have been carried out at railway without knowing why, we rationalised services and stations. I am pleased to say that at the Mordialloc expanded other services in growth areas. All that railway station, which is located in my electorate, was done within budget. That has been a major step community service groups, local government, the forward and has been welcomed by the Victorian police and others, together with the staff, carried out community and by the Bus Proprietors Association. a safety audit at about 8 o'clock one evening on how to improve the environment at that station. I was Another significant initiative that has met delighted with the suggestions and the part they community approval is the station repaint program. played in ensuring that the railway station is a safe That has been an enormous success and has been place. There is radio control contact between the given tremendous support by the community in driver and the guard and the lights are turned on cleaning up our stations. There are 206 stations in only in one carriage thus improving the safety the railway system. Public Transport Corporation aspect. Station attendants have taken the initiative to staff, college students, Neighbourhood Watch walk customers, particularly women, to their cars. groups, community organisations and service clubs There has been cooperation between Public have been excellent in cleaning up stations Transport Corporation staff and the community. throughout the State. Soon 125 stations will be clean. That has been welcomed and it shows that in a time The lines with the clean stations are also our busiest of recession one does not have to stand still; one lines, Lilydale, Frankston, Glen Waverley, Alamein, must continually improve and expand the service. Dandenong and Sandringham. Public transport employees and community organisations are The government has announced the construction of conducting a program to ensure that stations remain the first stage of a light rail line to Knox and the clean. extension of the Airport West line. They will be joint projects between the Federal and State government. Morning coffees and sausage sizzles are part of the The government has announced the purchase of one service program to encourage our staff to improve double-decker train to service the Ringwood line. It the system. Whenever possible I visit stations and is important there be a trial period for that observe the improvement in morale of staff and double-decker train. Work on the tracks and signals APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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has commenced to allow the double-decker train to rail system. Australia has five rail systems that go operate. Rail commuters on the Ringwood line, back to our colonial days. together with representations from the honourable member for Ringwood, must make a judgment on Discussion has taken place on whether the national the train to ascertain whether it meets their rail system should deal only with freight and not expectations and comfort before more double-decker interstate passengers. It was suggested that a trains are purchased. national rail authority be set up. The transport Ministers from other States have accepted my There is an increased demand for services from argument that a National Rail Authority should be regional centres, such as Bacchus Marsh, Melton, set up with its main priority being freight. It is not Sunbury, Ballarat, the Latrobe Valley and Geelong. good economic sense to have 90 per cent of People who live in rural areas - because they desire containerised freight between Melbourne and to do so - must have transport access to the major Sydney going by road and ten per cent by rail. The metropolitan areas. authority will operate on a commercial basis over the next three years which should allow for a Discussion has taken place with the Federal significant shift of heavy containerised freight from government about sprinter trains which have been road to rail. It is important to build up a national rail successful in the United Kingdom. Diesel trains run freight trade and a national line will be built at half the cost of conventional trains and sprinter between Melbourne and Adelaide via Ballarat. trains reduce travelling time. At present when a container is transported by rail When the opposition was in government for 27 years from Melbourne to Brisbane four authorities handle it ran the rail system into the ground. The only that container. It is sensible that one authority contribution it made to public transport was the handles the container. In establishing a National Rail building of the underground loop but the old red AuthOrity from 1 January 1992 the Dynon South rattlers could not travel through the loop because freight terminal will be handed over thus ensuring they were unsafe. When the Labor Party was elected the first step in efficient freight movement between to government it had to speed up the train our respective States. replacement order to ensure the silver trains could use the loop. Again Victoria has been left with a Victoria must deal with its interstate freight and legacy of having to catch up. Although the signalling passenger services. The government is committed to system is more than 80 years old it is still safe but it retaining country passenger services and will not go is a large task to bring it up to date. Not one single down the track that South Australia went down. cent was spent by the previous Liberal government. V / Line has a proud record and last financial year carried the largest number of passengers for the past There is now an understanding not only in Victoria 30 years. It is important to sit down with local but also world-wide that a good, efficient, clean government and companies, particularly freight public transport freight and passenger system must companies in rural Victoria, to work out ways of be put in place. Los Angeles is probably the most car increasing rail freight usage. prone city in the world. It scrapped its public transport system in the 1950s and 1960s because it Mr Steggall interjected. felt that building new freeways and clover-leaf overpasses would solve the problems. Los Angeles Mr SPYKER - The honowable member for became one of the largest car parks in the world Swan Hill interjected, "What about heavy road during peak hours. Millions of dollars have been haulage?" It is important to have an integrated spent in reintroducing a light rail system to ensure transport system, not one part playing against the that environmental problems can be dealt with by other. Our products must be delivered to our prOviding a proper public transport system. That markets more efficiently with consideration being has been a major step forward. given to combining road and rail usage. When efficient usage of our road and rail network is in I am pleased to have taken part in establishing the place Australia will advance as a country. National Rail Authority. Discussions have taken place over the 90 years since federation about a We have come a long way forward in talking with national system but has never come to fruition. What municipalities about road funding. I am delighted we have is State-based systems. We are the only that a number of municipalities have had the country in the world that does not have a national foresight to say they are happy to work together APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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rather than saying, 'We want a particular road in three indications of the methodology he used in his our municipality fixed". The municipalities have contribution to the Budget. cooperated well in their regions in determining priOrities and saying how they wish them The Ministry of Finance is new; it has existed only implemented and the government has been able to since a change took place in the government's assist them. leadership, which was achieved through the wielding of the knife that led to the demise of the As a result of the new Federal-State agreement that Cain Ministry and the accession of the I

It is significant that the Minister for Finance is here The Minister for Finance did not tell us that the debt tonight. Last Tuesday night it was his job to follow strategy the government put in place has also not the Leader of the Opposition and try to dismantle been able to perform. Nowhere is that highlighted his comments on the Budget. It is of no credit to the more than in the sale of softwood plantations, Minister that he did it in the way he did. trumpeted in the June statement as representing a $1 billion contribution to the government's debt Some honourable members recognise the skills of reduction program. the Minister, and that he has a close working relationship with and the trust of the Premier. One The government initiated a process to have the would have thought he would have informed plantations valued. The government appointed CS Parliament of his own contribution to the Budget. First Boston and its report has not yet been released. However, in a debate of 30 minutes he gave only The person who runs CS First Boston in Victoria is none other than Mike Fitzpatrick; he went out of the APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Premier's gaggle of advisers and into private included in Board of Works rates to cover industry and CS First Boston got the consultancy to government charges. That says something about the detennine the value of Victoria's pine plantations. administration of this government!

We are told that rather than being worth $1 billion In a promotional campaign run by the government the plantations are worth between $120 million and the services of the State Electricity Commission are $140 million - a 10 per cent realisation on the held out as being available to all households in expected result. That is indicative of the way the Victoria. The public authority dividend paid by the government operates. SEC amounts to $184 million being paid through the front door of the SEC and going out the back door to The government went to the June Premiers the government. Conference with the debt reduction program, yet not one item of that program has yet been delivered. The Mr Cooper - What do they do with it? Budget is constructed on the basis that those items would be delivered. I do not think it is of any credit Mr COLEMAN - They waste it! A continual to the government that Victoria cannot provide for build up has occurred until the State debt has debt reduction which meets its undertakings. reached $30 billion - and that debt must be serviced by 3 million taxpayers. It was contradictory of the Minister for Finance last Tuesday to say that New South Wales cannot meet Mr Cooper - Lovely, isn't it? It's called social its debt reduction projections knowing that not one justice! of the six items which were the planks of the June statement will be met by the Victorian government. Mr COLEMAN - I invite honourable members The Minister for Finance goes on to say at page 39: to consider what the Treasurer said about the efficiency of the five publiC authorities. He said: One method of achieving reasonable returns on invesbnent is through the public authority dividend There have been significant improvements in major thus developing a firm revenue base for Victoria's government trading enterprises such as the Board of future. Instead of working out how that should be Works and the SECY. For instance, in the SECV the done, all the Leader of the Opposition talked about was average output per employee has increased by 14 per taxes, fees, fines and the public authority dividend as cent annually over the last four years. though they were some form of immoral taxation when the proper flow of return is fundamental to the future No-one in Victoria would dispute that that is a of Victoria's financial base. Significant achievement. However one would think that an organisation like the SEC might be rewarded Let us examine what that statement means. Applied in some way for having achieved such an to the Board of Works it means that the government improvement. It may have been reflected in a takes from the board $169.6 million in public reduction in costs and charges; that is, given the authority dividends. It happens that the Board of productivity increases, customers may have Works has 1.2 million ratepayers. We have had an experienced a reduction in costs. Not so with this earlier contribution about State taxation. It means government. that $169.6 million is paid to the government in rates through the front door of the Board of Works, which The Treasurer continued in the following paragraph: converts to $141 from each ratepayer. That is, the government is paid $141, and that cannot be avoided The community receives a return on its invesbnents in because a public authority dividend is levied on these enterprises by way of a public authority Melbourne Water - Board of Works - ratepayers. dividend. Due to their increased efficiency the The problem is compounded by the fact that the government will receive an additional $150 million, MMBW has a $3 billion debt which has been built up taking to 3.6 per cent of their equity the total dividend under this government and which must be serviced of the five enterprises. by the same set of ratepayers. So the reward for being efficient is that the SEC will The result is that in your rate account, Mr Acting pay the government some more! Speaker, and mine, an additional $250 component is included to service the MMBW debt. Before any Mr Cooper - Get ripped off! delivery services are paid for, a component of $390 is APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILl

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Mr COLEMAN - Yes, and when it comes to than six Ministers during the time of this organisations being able to address requirements in government. Each of those Ministers has brought future years, they have to come back to the ideas of a restructure to the department so that that government as mendicants. What do they find on group of people has been in a constant state of coming back as mendicants? They find that the bin is upheaval and at no time has the department worked empty and the government says things like, 'We cohesively. have taken the dividend from you but we cannot fund the construction of Loy Yang B". Mr Crabb has been no exception to the rule. His first altercation on becoming Minister was with the then All honourable members should be cognisant of Director-General Foster, and Foster found himself such issues when they are addressing the Budget. down at the Board of Works! Mr Crabb put in Over the time that the government has been in office another Director-General and embarked on the State debt that must be serviced by a reducing restructure, which involves shifting 729 permanent number of taxpayers has risen from $11 billion in positions from Melbourne locations to regional 1981 to $30 billion today. The increase is far in excess locations. On top of that, another 143 temporary of the increase in the consumer price index, which positions will be shifted to regional positions. the government trumpets as the measure by which it will increase charges. Mr Maclellan - It could have been Orbost!

The current situation demonstrates that the Mr COLEMAN - As the honourable member for government has totally lost control of both the Berwick says, it could have been Orbost. No cruder financial and the political agenda. attempt at staff shedding has been made than was undertaken in the Department of Conservation and The agenda is no better demonstrated than by what Environment. No wonder today's press refers to an has occurred in the Department of Conservation and anticipated challenge in the Labor Party caucus Environment. Some months ago, the current meeting! Minister, Mr Crabb, set out to restructure the department. I invite honourable members to Mr Simmonds - Tell us the story! consider what drove him; what was the reason behind his wanting to restructure the department? Mr COLEMAN - Did you leave the room or vote for it? The answer is in part that he had a philosophical debate with the Premier. The Department of As I said, 729 permanent positions have been put on Conservation and Environment - formerly the the line, as have a further 143 temporary positions. Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands - Five regional centres will be established under the was the jewel in the State crown. It was the restructure. Probably not a single member in this department in which the Premier made her public Chamber has not had an approach made to him or mark. She was able to associate herself with some of her by an employee of the Department of the important environmental issues, particularly in Conservation and Environment seeking advice. An the area of land protection. To her credit, she example that sticks in my mind - I presume it is not demonstrated an ability to gain some public unique among the approaches made to members of cooperation in the implementation of land Parliament - is that of a woman who rang me and protection measures. said that she met her husband in the department. She said she is a specialist in estuaries and fisheries However, the result was when the current Minister and her husband is a specialist in forests. Her - then a challenger for the Premiership - came position is located at Geelong and his will be at into the department, one of his intentions was to Traralgon. She wants to know what she should do as dismantle the structure and create one that would be she has children at secondary schools and, because more effective in his terms. So a restructure of the one of them is in the dreaded VCE year with all the department was embarked upon. apprehension created for students in that year by the government, she does not want to move the It is interesting to note from the weekend Sunday children. I ask: how many times has that or a similar Age that a review of the government structure since situation been repeated? 1982 shows that the Department of Conservation and Environment, formerly the Department of Another problem has arisen. The process is corrupt Conservation, Forests and Lands, has had no fewer but it is even worse when one considers that APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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originally Wodonga was nominated as the location The Minister for Conservation and Environment was for a regional centre. People in the land protection receiving advice from his department and to his section of the department, who anticipated they credit he was also doing some country travel. As he might be moved to Wodonga, purchased residences went round the regions he found that the advice he in the town only to find seven weeks later that the received on the implementation of policy was centre will be located at Wangaratta. What does it different from the advice he received in the city. He matter to the government? It just throws people in had a dilemma. Should he take the advice he was the air, so to speak. receiving from the department or should he take advice from the regions? The Minister decided to Uttle wonder that - as I understand it - at the send departmental officers out to the regions so that present time the department has some 600 they could be converted by their country peers. applications for redundancy packages. The Premier Unfortunately many people who were to be had to go to Canberra to ask for the $300 million that transferred had never lived in country locations. the government will need to payout those in the They were being exposed to peer pressure of 10 000 positions it will cut. The Premier had to go to country living but they had different expectations Canberra as a mendicant. She said that the and ideas about departmental policy. government would offer a debt reduction program to balance the $300 million, but that does not show However, the Minister is to be congratulated. He is up in the Budget. I have looked through the Budget actually trying to address one of the major problems and have not been able to find the $300 million that in conservation and environment, that is, to match will balance the Commonwealth payment for the policy making with implementation. In one of the redundancy packages for the 10000 positions - it is crudest attempts we have seen, 729 permanent not there. Perhaps the Commonwealth government officers and 143 temporary officers were ordered to has realised that the borrowing capacity of this State operate in country centres from 1 September. Today, to meet the debt reduction program is not available! a fortnight later, the question of where they are to be located is back in the caucus room. TIlose people in the department who were threatened with a move to country locations must What is the position? I understand the caucus says have wondered what was happening when they got that the decision will proceed but there will be some up this morning to read the newspaper and found consul ta tion. that the decision had gone back to the caucus room. Is it a government decision; is it a Ministerial Mr Cooper - What does that mean? decision; or is it a departmental decision? It does not matter because it indicates only that the government Mr COLEMAN - Does that mean that at some has lost its way and has actually been traumatised point in time the government will have to resile? by the decision-making process. Will the Minister throw in the towel and say, '1 give in"? There is no other better example of the government's indecision than that of shop trading hours. We find Mr MacleIlan -He has done that. the government has suddenly decided that we will have ten Sunday trading days. It has not said, ''You Mr COLEMAN - I am not sure that he has done

cannot have Sunday trading", or 11 You can have that. I wonder whether the Premier has said, 'We Sunday trading only in tourist areas". It has said that are going to proceed, irrespective!" What does that Sunday trading does not benefit the community but say about the concept of social justice for we will have ten Sunday trading days. This is a employees? It means nothing. process of government that is out of favour in Eastern Europe, where governments have made I ask honourable members to consider the Board of decisions for the people. They decide on which days Works and the way it has evolved. The former people will trade. general manager, Kingsley Culley, ran into the Minister's office with a proposal to get a larger rate I wonder what philosophical base is driving the base under the MMBW Act. He said, 'We can government. Obviously it has tom asunder that of service the $3 billion Board of Works debt if we can the socialist left and that which we used to know as get a larger rate base. The 1.2 million ratepayers are the centre unity faction. paying $250 to service the debt, but if we can spread it further and if we can pick up some of the jewels along the way we will be better off". PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA COMMITTEE

Tuesday. 17 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 651

The first jewel was to relieve the Mornington government was prepared to give only 24 hours Peninsula and District Water Board of $88 million notice of the change to the Dandenong Valley and worth of debt, which was rolled into the Board of Western Port Authority, despite the service it has Works. The day after the June statement was provided to its customers since 1964. announced on 20 June MMBW water flowed through the pipes of the Mornington Peninsula after The authority has reserves of $20 million; and the three years of argument over the price of $400 per Dandenong-Springvale Water Board has financial megalitre that the board intended charging. When reserves of $25 million and 250 hectares of land that the water came through the Board of Works pipes it has not been valued because it is adjacent to the did not matter what the price was. Dandenongs and can be rezoned either residential or industrial. I see the honourable member for Dandenong is in the Chamber. His electorate is located in the area The government intends to strip those authorities serviced by the Dandenong-Springvale Water Board. and water boards of their prizes by incorporating Ratepayers in that area pay $96 a year for sewerage. them in Melbourne Water. These people face the prospect of paying $276 a year for the same service. Admittedly the honourable The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable member for Dandenong has been able to negotiate member's time has expired. for a ten-year phasing-in period but those people inevitably face the full cost of the operations of the Debate adjourned on motion of Mr SIMMONDS Board of Works. He cannot say, nor can the Minister, (Reservoir). whether there are savings in this amalgamation process. Debate adjourned until next day.

We are all watching with great interest the activities PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA of the Dandenong Valley and Westernport COMMITTEE Authority because it has a pre-set rate. It is an organisation that does not have a rate based on The SPEAKER - Order! I have received the property values as occurs currently with the Board following message from the Legislative Council: of Works. The Legislative Council acquaint the Legislative The Dandenong Valley and Western Port Authority Assembly that they have agreed to the amendment owes its existence to the municipalities it serves and made by the Legislative Assembly in the resolution is the catchment area for Western Port and adopted by the Legislative Council on 10 April 1991 to surrounds. Despite all the evidence that highlights appoint a joint Select Committee to inquire into and the importance of establishing catchment-based report upon the administration and funding of the authorities, the government has decided to merge Parliament and into all issues contained in, and the the authority with the Board of Works and other recommendations of, the Strategic Management Rer:1iew of water boards for no reason other than to get its the Parliament o!Victoria, February 1991. hands on the authority's reserves. ADJOURNMENT The government has ignored the fact that the authority owes its existence to local government and Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - I move: that it was established following widespread consultation. Certainly the government has not That the House do now adjourn. consulted local government while planning the new organisa tion. Shire of Cranboume community centres

The establishment of Melbourne Water was Mr COOPER (Momington) - The matter I direct announced in the June economic statement. The to the attention of the Minister for Community night before the statement was published each of the Services, and in her absence the Minister for Labour, chief executive officers of the authorities to be concerns the waste of $750 000 of taxpayers' funds. absorbed was telephoned and told that an announcement of the fate of the authorities would A couple of weeks ago the Minister quietly informed be made the following day. That is what the Shire of Cranbourne that her department would consultation means to this government! The provide $331 000 for the construction of a ADJOURNMENT

652 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 17 September 1991 community centre in Langwarrin. The proposal Last year the commission increased the price of rural seems admirable on the surface, but the Minister water by 12 per cent, which was far in excess of the either did not contact the shire prior to her decision rise in the consumer price index (CPI) for the year. or ignored the fact that the shire had already committed itself to building the centre using funds The commission is in the second year of its business that both the shire and the local community have plan, one of the foundations of which is to base raised. water price increases on rises in the CPI plus 3 per cent. The business plan has been blown out of the In other words, the Minister tried to curry favour water because of the government's inability to meet with the Shire of Cranboume and the community of its commitments under the plan. Langwarrin in a pork barrelling exercise with the coming election in mind. Because of the falling inflation rate I believed last year's 12 per cent increase would be sufficient to Earlier this year the Minister gave the shire $460 000 cover any real increase this year. Last year the RWC to build a community centre on the Merinda Park budgeted for water sales of 450000 megalitres, but Estate at North Cranbourne. The building of the because of the hot summer the commission sold centre was not on the council's agenda for the next approximately 1 million megalitres of water and so two or three years, but because the money turned up doubled its expected sales. the council was realistic enough to grab it and build the centre, which will soon open. In the Loddon-Torrumbarry area to the north of Victoria the commission is yet to recover $2 million The Minister has certainly slipped into early election in water rates from last year. If water users are faced mode. Members on this side of the House recognise with another huge increase in the price of water a government engaged in pork barrelling -- before the McDonald inquiry has completed its review, the number of people unable to meet their Mr Hamilton - Not out our way! commitments to the commission will undoubtedly rise. Mr COOPER - You've missed out. You ought to see the Minister for Community Services. The In August this year the Rural Water Commission government is obviously prepared to throw money had not heard from some 150 water users and sent around like a drunken sailor to buy votes. Some them letters of demand for the payment of water $750 000 of taxpayers' money has been spent by the bills. On 11 September the commission had to chase Minister in the Shire of Cranboume with an eye to up 90 of those people again who had not even the next election. I ask the Minister to explain why, contacted the commission. in particular, she has given $331 000 of taxpayers' money to the Langwarrin community for the I put it to the House that the situation in rural building of a community centre the shire had Victoria, particularly as it affects the price of budgeted for off its own bat. The Minister should water - bearing in mind the sensitivity of that issue explain to the House why she and her government earlier this year throughout the Wimmera-Mallee have blatantly wasted taxpayers' money. and also the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District and other irrigation areas of northern Victoria - is Rural Water Commission such that it would be a very stupid act for a government now to announce an increase in the Mr STEGGALL (Swan Hill) - The matter I price of water for this year when all the people direct to the attention of the Minister for throughout rural Victoria are doing their best to Conservation and Environment concerns a decision resolve the issue of rural water pricing and the by the Rural Water Commission (RWC) to increase functions and operations of the Rural Water water rates for its members while the McDonald Commission and to ensure that the service and inquiry's review of the operations of the commission operation is carried out properly and effectively in is under way. the future.

The review has the support of water users I ask the Minister and the government to forgo an throughout rural Victoria, and those involved in the increase in water prices at this time so that the inquiry have expressed their desire that the price of goodwill that has been exhibited by these people can rural water should not be increased until its continue and a good result for all can be achieved. investigations have been completed. ADJOURNMENT

Tuesday, 17 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 653

Safety on school buses I understand the articulated bus that operates as a shuttle service between Sunbury and the city is very Mr SEITZ (Keilor) - Before I raise my matter of popular. It has taken some time for that service to be concern with the Minister for Transport, I fully used by the community but it is now being congratulate him on providing an excellent extended used particularly by the students who attend bus service from the Delahay Court area down to secondary schools in the Keilor electorate. Also, the Keilor shopping centre as well as to the private students from Keilor who attend private schools in schools in my electorate. Sunbury now have the benefit of a bus service.

As honourable members will recall, recently I It has been raised with me that we may need to presented a petition to the House requesting an consider whether there is a need for a shuttle service additional bus service in my electorate. That service in between times or for the schools to consider, is now in place, thanks to the Minister's efforts and along with the Minister, whether some arrangement the job of this government. can be made of staggering the school starting and finishing times. With the school holidays coming up However, the popularity of the bus service has this would be an ideal time for the Minister, the increased to such an extent that the bus is schools concerned, the parents and the school staff overcrowded. Private school students within the to discuss the matter and perhaps come to some sort Keilor electorate use the service; there is also a bus of arrangement for the short term that could perhaps coming from Melton and another from Sunbury. continue in the New Year.

The concern has been raised of students having to I am not sure whether the situation warrants a stand on the bus because it is so popular that it is second bus making that run from Sunbury to Keilor overcrowded. beai.use it may not be economical to do so. Most of the concerns expressed to me have been from the In the past many students were transported to people using the service from Sunbury to private school by their parents in their own cars or by others schools in Keilor, as well as the Keilor residents who involved in car pooling. However, thanks to the continue to travel to Pen1eigh and Essendon Minister for Transport, who has taken note of the Grammar School. There is concern about younger need for public transport in the outer urban area, children in particular having to stand on the buses. taken the issue seriously and provided the service, students within my electorate are now able to use I therefore ask the Minister to continue the good the new bus service. reputation he has in the Keilor electorate for providing transport services, particularly bus Some students are transported to the Overnewton services, for the community and to use his good Anglican Community College and there is even a offices to examine the situation and find a way to bus providing direct access to that college from as alleviate the problem. far as Craigieburn. That college is very popular. Institutions for the intellectually disabled However, I ask the Minister to examine the issue of students having to stand up in the buses and to use Mr JOHN (Bendigo East) - I raise a matter for his good offices with the Met and even the schools the attention of the Minister for Community concerned - such as the Sydenham Roman Catholic Services, but in her absence, I raise it with the Regional College, the Keilor North Junior Roman Minister for Labour who is at the table. I refer to the Catholic College and the Overnewton Anglican allegations made earlier this year of physical and Community College - to see whether they can sexual abuse, theft, and overprescription of drugs at stagger their school starting and finishing times to some institutions in Victoria that are operated by the alleviate some of the overcrowding on the buses and government to accommodate people with the need for students to stand up while travelling on intellectual disabilities. I refer also to the report of them. This is particularly of concern on the Sunbury Ms Jude Wallace and the fact that Community run because the buses have no speed limit and Services Victoria and also the police have been parents are somewhat concerned that the bus is too making inquiries into these allegations. overcrowded. It is not desirable for students to be standing up during the trip. In about May this year, when the matters surfaced, the coalition called for a full and independent judicial inquiry. We thought that was the best way ADJOURNMENT

654 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 17 September 199)

to get at the facts of the matter in an open manner the Minister to provide information on how many and to give all the information to the Victorian people have been charged, how many have been public. We believed that a full and independent convicted, and how many have been reinstated. Will judicial inquiry would be able to call evidence on the Minister now hold a full judicial inquiry into the oath, subpoena documents and prevent any form of allegations of malpractice in institutions housing the cover-up in respect of those inquiries. intellectually disabled in Victoria?

In about Mayor June this year the government Use of proclaimed wilderness areas indicated that up to some 60 people could or would be charged with offences relating to these Mr HAMILTON (Morwell) - I raise for the allegations. A great deal of time has elapsed and attention of the Minister for Conservation and very few people have been prosecuted. I believe Environment a matter concerning the final only one person at Caloola Training Centre, which is recommendations from the Land Conservation a very large institution at Sunbury, has been charged Council (LCC) about the proclamation of wilderness as at the end of July; about five people have been areas. charged at Pleasant Creek Training Centre near Stawell; and about five people have been alleged to As the House will be aware, the LCC has made have committed offences at the Sandhurst Training about thirteen areas across Victoria the subject of Centre at Bendigo relating, in the main, to drinking proclamation as wilderness zones. In its final report on duty. it suggested some management plans for those various wilderness areas. That matter is now open The real issue I raise tonight involves two very for public submission. A large number of disturbing aspects. The first is that very few people submissions from a number of disparate groups has have been flushed out as having committed offences been received. They have various concerns but the when the government believed and, indeed, said main concern is access and the use of the wilderness that almost 60 people would be charged with zones. offences. Therefore, we do not appear to have got to the heart of the problem. The second and more The Four Wheel Drive Association has made a disturbing aspect is that one person was charged, number of suggestions and submissions about seven pleaded guilty, was convicted and dismissed from of the thirteen areas. Other interested groups include the job, and has now been reinstated. the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Victorian National Parks Association, the An Honourable Member - What was he Conservation Council of Victoria and many others. convicted of? In my region interested groups include the Australian Deer Association, the Forest Protection Mr JOHN - At the Sandhurst Training Centre at Society Ltd and the Four Wheel Drive Association of Bendigo one person has been reinstated aft~r having East Gippsland. They are keenly interested in the been dismissed previously. We are dealing here with possible use of the areas. people who are the most vulnerable in our community, people with intellectual disabilities. At the moment there is much argument and disquiet about the future usage of the zones. When such The staff have a special duty of care; they have argument occurs in, for example, the trade union almost a trusteeship role in looking after the movement in my part of the world we sit the groups patients. It is a neglect of government duty in down and instruct them to reach at least a starting fulfilling its duties to some of the most vulnerable point where they can agree on matters of common people in our community to reinstate staff after interest. Then a better way of addressing the management has dismissed them. problems in dispute is reached.

I ask the Minister: where is the social justice? Where I suggest that in order to reach a sensible, proper is the proper management of the department? What and acceptable resolution of all arguments about the allowed this to occur? Apparently, staff can be recommendations on wilderness the Minister should reinstated to put at risk the most vulnerable in our encourage, cajole or require, by whatever means community after management has decided on necessary, the groups to convene to determine the dismissals. I ask the Minister to explain how areas on which there is agreement between them. someone can be convicted of an offence, yet reinstated to look after people with disabilities. I ask ADJOURNMENT

Tuesday, 17 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 655

I am sure basic agreement would be reached on A number of kindergartens are situated in my fundamental issues, particularly the fact that electorate, and more than 80 kindergartens are in a Victoria's sensitive heritage areas must be protected rapidly growing area in which 1 have a concern. and preserved. I am positive that not one group Some electorates have high proportions of preschool would argue with that, nor with the further basic children in their populations. The present situation proposition that the areas should be accessible to is totally unacceptable to the opposition. 1 ask the various groups with various abilities and means of Minister to make a complete statement on the matter obtaining some appreciation of the wonderful so that the community knows where it stands. natural areas throughout Victoria. Perhaps something can be done by either the community or the government to offset what We should be able to approach this problem with appears to be a disgraceful proposal. some goodwill and a common starting point so that when the Minister takes his recommendations to Absence of Ministers during adjournment Cabinet he will be backed by sound support from a debate wide cross-section of the community. A proper and fitting result for Victoria will then be reached. Mr J. F. McGRATH (Warmambool) -I raise a matter of concern for the attention of the Premier. 1 Office of Preschool and Child Care again draw her attention to the lack of attendance in this House by her Ministers during the debate on the Dr WELLS (Dromana) - My comments are motion for the adjournment of the Sitting. directed through the Minister for Labour to the Minister for Community Services. I refer to a broad Since the occasion when 1 previously raised this community concern about the funding for the next issue one additional Minister has seen fit to be financial year of the Office of Preschool and Child present. However it is deplorable that tonight the Care. Particular allegations have been made that the only Ministers present are the Minister for Labour, costs of rurming the bureaucracy next year will the Minister for Small Business, and the Minister for increase by 40 per cent or $1 million while the Transport. This House is being treated with subsidies to various authorities concerned with contempt by government Ministers and it is time the kindergarten supervisors necessary to maintain Premier showed her respect for the Westminster kindergartens and preschool centres will decrease system and this House of Parliament, and her by about $3 million, or about 7 per cent in real terms. accountability to the Victorian public, by ensuring that her Ministers attend the House. If that is correct it is totally unacceptable for a community that has come to expect comments from Earlier today we had the unbelievable circumstance a government year after year about social justice, of a Budget debate occurring while the Treasurer is and about which tOnight honourable members on overseas. If that is not contempt of the Victorian this side have raised concerns. Parliament, 1 do not know what is!

The question raised is: do kids matter or does the Surely we have not reached the stage where this government use them to move around, and to chop House is purely a forum for executive government; 1 and change the vote as it suits? If the allegation of certainly would hope not. We have to return to this the 40 per cent increase in the bureaucracy operating House the credit and the respect it deserves, and budget for this year are correct, and the subsidies at you, Mr Speaker, in your position ought to see that the coalface are to be cut by 7 per cent, something is the Parliamentarians of this place perform and act in terribly wrong with the government's list of the manner which was originally intended way back priorities. in 1856 when this House was established to provide accountability to the Victorian public. It is difficult to understand how the government can arrive at those figures at a time when Victoria faces We will never achieve that as long as we have the present difficulties. The very young suffer. They contempt of Parliament in question time or during cannot speak or vote for themselves, and they have the adjournment debate when Ministers will not no real capacity to provide for themselves. They show respect to the House by providing an suffer most because damage done to them at this opportunity for all members of Parliament to raise time in their lives may well affect them for the issues and receive responses. remainder of their lives. I express extreme concern about these matters. ADJOURNMENT

656 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 17 September 1991

If the Premier believes in democracy, in social justice issue of school buses and their possible and, most importantly, in open and accountable overcrowding. I thank him for raising the issue and government, this is her test. It is the test of sincerity also for his cooperation during the recent bus review and of her ability as Leader of the current in his electorate which brought about changes to bus government to fill the front benches with her routes to improve services in that growth area. Ministers at adjournment time of an evening. Because it is a growth area there is continued Mr Kennedy - Where are your shadow pressure to provide additional resources and I will Ministers? examine closely the issue he raises and see what we can do to relieve overcrowding on school buses. Mr J. F. McGRATH - You are the government of the day. You are supposed to be accountable to the Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - The Victorian Parliament. This is the whole problem. honourable members for Momington, Bendigo East That attitude pervades the front benches and I call and Dromana raised matters for the attention of the on the Premier to become accountable to the Minister for Community Services. I will pass them Victorian public and to make question time and the on to her. adjournment debate work in this House in the way it should work under the Westminster system so that The honourable members for Swan Hill and we as a collective group of Parliamentarians can Morwell raised issues for the Minister for become accountable to the people out there whom Conservation and Environment, and I will pass them we are elected to represent. on for his attention; and I will pass on to the Premier the matter raised by the honourable member for Ministers should not hide like mongrel dogs Warrnambool. downstairs or wherever they are. I call on the Premier to call to order her Ministers and have them Motion agreed to. in the House at adjournment time. House adjourned 10.35 p.m. Responses

Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - The honourable member for Keilor raised the important ABSENCE OF MINISTER

Wednesday, 18 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 657

Wednesday, 18 September 1991 Mr Gude interjected..

Mr SPYKER - I regard it as disgraceful because from time to time many members of Parliament complain about the abuse in this House and about The SPEAKER (Hon. Ken Coghill) took the chair at the aspersions cast upon their families. They 10.33 a.m. and read the prayer. complain about that, but what happened. in the House yesterday, which was without any substance, ABSENCE OF MINISTER is a serious issue.

The SPEAKER -Order! I am advised that the Honourable members interjecting. Treasurer will be absent from the House today and tomorrow. The Minister for Labour will act as the Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - On a point of order, Leader of the House and the Minister for Finance Mr Speaker, I refer you to the question of relevance. will act for the Treasurer. I made no reference to any previous questions that mayor may not have been asked in the House. I Mr KENNElT (Leader of the Opposition) - On specifically asked a question relevant to the contract a point of order, Mr Speaker, yesterday you that the Minister has referred to and whether there informed. the House that the Treasurer would be was any confidentiality provision about the absent during question time. The opposition settlement arrangements for $95 000. I should like an accepted that in good faith, only to find that the answer relating to that question. Treasurer was not present for the remainder of the day. The House is now being informed that the The SPEAKER - Order! The Minister may Treasurer will not be here today and tomorrow, yet answer the question in the manner he sees fit. His we are debating the Treasurer's Budget. answer, however, must be relevant. I ask the Minister to relate his remarks to the question asked.. I find it totally unacceptable that the person who has I do not uphold the point of order. responsibility for the carriage of the Budget is so arrogantly ignoring the processes of the House. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I was Given that this is clearly the second most important referring to the fact that honourable members who document to be debated by the House in any claim to be leaders in the community or Leaders of calendar year, I ask that you, Sir, in upholding the political parties have a responsibility to maintain the traditions of this place, request the Premier to direct standards of the House and to ensure that before the Treasurer to come back from wherever he is and they make wild allegations in Parliament they are fulfil his responsibilities to Parliament and continue certain of their facts. A grave injustice was done in with the carriage of his Budget. this Parliament yesterday by wild accusations without any substance being made about Jeff The SPEAKER - Order! There is no point of Gordon without considering what impact that order. The Chair has no authority to require the would have on him, his wife and his young family. I attendance of any member in the House. find that absolutely disgraceful and disgusting.

I have been a member of this House for twelve years QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE and have never seen people stoop so low as to do a thing like that. The allegations have been made without any substance at all. PA YMENT.TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick) - On a point of order, Mr Speaker, the question to the Minister for Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - I ask the Minister for Transport asked. whether there was any Transport whether there was any confidentiality confidentiality agreement about the settlement for agreement associated with the $95 000 payment to $95 000. It was not an invitation for the Minister to his friend Mr Gordon, as there was in the Mier wander around all over the place and comment on settlement; and if so, why? whether the House behaves itself or not. I suggest you, Mr Speaker, direct him to answer the question Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - The or to sit down. allegations made in the House yesterday and again today are absolutely disgraceful. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

658 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 18 September 1991

Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - On the The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the point of order, Mr Speaker, I had not completed my National Party is well aware that he is out of order. I answer and was coming to that point. warn him. I will not warn him again. I will take the appropriate action against him if he continues to The SPEAKER - Order! I do not uphold the flout the forms of the House. point of order but I ask the Minister to relate his remarks to the question asked. Mr SPYKER - The contract between Mr Gordon and the PTC was a legal and binding contract. From Mr SPYKER - I made it clear on a number of the information I have received the conditions of the occasions that when I became Minister in April last contract were based on a twelve-month year there were a large number of industrial payment-- disputes. Because I had my full office allocation I requested that Mr Gordon be attached to my office. Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) That was at my request. Following Significant - My point of order concerns relevance, Mr settlements with the bus proprietors and of the other Speaker. I asked the Minister whether he is now industrial disputes, I indicated to the Public prepared to produce full details, and in particular Transport Corporation that Mr Gordon's services produce the contract. The Minister has not yet were no longer required. addressed that section of my question. He is waffling on about other matters. He said in passing I am advised that the termination payment under that the contract was signed. We believe it was not Mr Gordon's contract was completely in line with Signed. I should like the Minister to clarify the the Remuneration Review Committee's standards of matter not only for Parliament but also for the public terms of appointment. The termination payment to by producing the contract. It is a simple question. Mr Gordon included twelve months pay based on four months pay for every year of uncompleted I should like you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Minister service of the contract plus accrued recreation leave back to the point of relevance and ask him to and superannuation. There was no secret deal or address the question. agreement. The SPEAKER - Order! As I have said If the Deputy Leader of the National Party, who is previously, it is a Minister's prerogative to answer a interjecting, had read my 14 August press release he question in the manner he or she thinks fit. However would have been aware of that. The conditions of the Minister's answer must be relevant. As further the contract with Mr Gordon were a matter between authority for my ruling, I quote from a ruling by the him and the PTC and were not a matter for my President of the Senate, Sir Magnus Cormack, on 22 attention. August 1973:

Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) A Minister cannot be required to answer a question. - I refer the Minister for Transport to the windfall But if he does, the Minister should confine himseU to payment made to Mr Gordon, the Minister's mate. points contained in the question with such explanation Given that there was no confidentiality agreement only as will render the question intelligible. In all cases associated with the contract, will the Minister now an answer must be relevant to the question. release full details of the contract and the terms of the $95 000 settlement to enable the public to At this stage I do not uphold the point of order. detennine whether there was an appropriate However I advise the Minister that he must either payment? indicate that he is not prepared to answer the question or provide an answer relevant to the Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - The question. Leader of the National Party, who wants to be a Deputy Premier, owes Mr Gordon an apology for Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I was raising such a question. The serious allegations he asked about the contract and I have informed the has made are without substance. House on a number of occasions that the contract was between the Public Transport Corporation and As I have explained, the contract was signed by Mr Mr Gordon. I am not aware whether there were Gordon and the PTc. requests for confidentiality. Again, I have not seen the contract; I do not know the contents of the Mr McNamara interjected. contract. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

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Mr McNamara interjected. fastest expanding industry in the world; 20 per cent of global trade is now in the telecommunications Mr SPYKER - I am not aware of the contents of industry. it. It is time that we looked at the total industry. When Honourable members interjecting. people come to me and ask where the future jobs are for our young people I tell them that it is quite clear Mr SPYKER - The advice I have received from to me that one of the major areas is the the PTC is that it regards the contract as a legal and telecommunications industry. binding document. I am not aware of any request for confidentiality and it is really a matter between the It is not just a matter of communications; clearly it is PTC and Mr Gordon. a matter of manufacturing as well. Telecom's current buy-Australian policy results in purchases of COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT IN­ $1.5 billion a year in Victoria. Imagine if that were DUSTRY withdrawn from the Victorian industry scene!

Or V AUGHAN (Clayton) - I direct a question Just as important is the software and services area, without notice to the Premier, and in contrast to the where we expect a rapid growth of about 20 per cent" petty political games which Were being played by in Victorian industry. the opposition parties yesterday and which are continuing today, I ask a question of real relevance Because of the government's concern about this to the people of Victoria. matter, my Ministerial colleague the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Development, Mr Honourable members interjecting. David White, in his capacity as Chair of the Victorian Manufacturing Council, has written to The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the honourable Senator Button, the Federal Minister for Industry, member to pause while the House comes to order. It Technology and Commerce, strongly objecting to the is impossible for the Chair to hear the question. I ask proposed voluntary commitment policy. In the the honourable member to recommence his question letters he has sent he urges the Commonwealth to without preamble. adopt three principles: firstly, prequalification suppliers; secondly, buying obligations to carriers; Or VAUGHAN - In light of the concern of the and, thirdly, firm and open monitoring and control. communications equipment industry that Telecom-OTC and the second carrier may not be The Minister for Manufacturing and Industry required to use local suppliers, will the Premier Development has also sent a letter to the deputy advise the House of action the government is taking chair of the interim board of Telecom-OTC strongly to protect this very important Victorian-based setting out the case for Telecom headquarters industry? remaining in Melbourne.

Ms KIRNER (Premier) - My government is It is important that we as a government, and the extremely concerned that the Federal government is opposition, do not give up on this fight and do not considering making the requirement for local make it too narrow. We are in the fight in a content merely voluntary for both Telecom-OTC and bipartisan way to make sure we keep the the second carrier. headquarters here but as importantly - or perhaps more importantly - to ensure that we protect the Victoria's communications industry is worth more current and future manufacturing industry base of than $1 billion a year. Victoria leads the way in the Victoria. I am very disappointed with the manufacture of such things as fibre optic cables. Our performance of the Leader of the Opposition on this communications equipment industry could be matter. severely damaged by the failure of the Federal government to require compulsory use of Australian Mr Perton - Come on, you have just asked for content or a buy-Australian policy. bipartisanship and now you are trying to --

The whole issue concerning Telecom-OTC and the Ms KIRNER - I am asking again fOl: second carrier is not simply a matter of who owns it bipartisanship. All we have from the Leader of the or where the headquarters are: it is the centre of the Opposition -- QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

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Honourable members interjecting. Ms KIRNER - The issue of importance is whether the Ministry of Education and Training is The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the honourable being restructured to save dollars for education -- member for Doncaster to remain silent. Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposition) - On Ms KIRNER - All we have had from the Leader a point of order, that is not the issue. We all agree of the Opposition is one press release when he first that restructuring is necessary and should take got the information and, secondly, letters to Labor place. The question was whether Ms Morrow members of Parliament. He seriously called then for resigned or whether she was asked to resign as part a bipartisan campaign. The opposition has done of the restructuring process. She was head of a major nothing since then - nothing at all - on the government department. The Premier is obviously Telecom-OTC campaign! Not a thing! Isn't that aware of Ms Morrow's transfer and the typical? They have concentrated in here and outside circumstances surrounding it. 1 am just asking her on politicking, on personalities and on peripheries, for a simple response. but when it comes to one of the most important campaigns in Victoria, nothing happens! The SPEAKER - Order! 1 do not uphold the point of order but 1 advise the Premier that her Mr J. F. McGRATH (Warmambool)-Mr answer must remain relevant and be confined to the Speaker, my point of order is that 17 minutes of point of the question. question time have now gone; the Premier has been on her feet for six and a half minutes and she is now Ms KIRNER (Premier) - The second part of the clearly debating the question. I ask you to bring her question was about the restructuring of the Ministry back to order and ask her to round off so that of Education and Training, and Ms Morrow's question time in the Victorian Parliament can take moving out of the Ministry, which is, as 1 on some meaning. understand it, part of that restructure, and going to a senior position in a Commonwealth department. But The SPEAKER - Order! I believe the Premier's the specific issue that the Leader of the Opposition answer has been extended by interjection. However I asks about is a matter of detail that ought to be do uphold the point of order. I asked the Premier not addressed to the Minister for Education and to debate the question and to keep her answer Training - and 1 understand it was asked in the concise. Upper House just before he asked me that question. 1 therefore suggest that he asks the Upper House PAYMENT TO EDUCATION CHIEF EX­ shadow Minister for the answer. ECUTIVE Mr Kennett - You don't know! Mr KENNElT (Leader of the Opposition) - 1 refer the Premier to the acceptance by the former The SPEAKER - Order! Honourable members head of the Ministry of Education and Training, Ms are wasting the opportunity of question time. Morrow, of a position with the Federal government and ask: did Ms Morrow resign her position as head MEAT INDUSTRY of the Ministry or was she asked to resign as part of the restructuring program? Mr SERCOMBE (Niddrie) - 1 ask the Minister for Agriculture whether he will advise the House Ms KIRNER (Premier) -I believe that question what actions his department is taking to stimulate would be better directed to the Minister for and further develop Victoria's meat industry? Education and Training. As I understand it, the Minister is in the process of restructuring the Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - 1 thank Ministry of Education and Training in a way, 1 might the honourable member for Niddrie for both his say, that has been called for from both sides of the question and his longstanding interest in the meat House and along the lines that 1 have often heard industry and the plight of those who work in suggested, particularly by the shadow Minister for appalling conditions in that industry. 1 also welcome education. the chance to sprinkle a few facts upon the issue­ you could hardly call it a debate because of the tacky Mr Kennett - Did she resign? way the opposition and the forces that support it in the community have been running the matter recently. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

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I shall take up where the Premier left off yesterday Honourable members interjecting. because those statistics are a matter of fact. They were produced from my department without duress Mr BAKER - You don't like the facts! It is and they were also culled from the statistics important to examine the history of the conditions provided by the Meat Research Corporation. It is and the conflicts that have characterised the way the necessary to focus on them because, despite all the industry has been run in Victoria. One of the badinage, persiflage and heat that has surrounded singular characteristics of the industry is that in both the issue, the kill in Victoria in the twelve months to domestic and small country abattoirs - and at last June 30 is substantially up on the previous year. count there were 47 of them - there have been many fly-by-night operators. Members opposite Honourable members interjecting. know that; they would know some of them.

The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the Minister to Many such operators have set up shelf companies, pause until the House comes to order. have forgone leases and have moved in and out of the industry on a seasonal basis to, dare I say it, Mr BAKER - Let's just get the facts firmly make a quick kill. But they have left immediately established.The figure is Significantly up - by an after the season has finished, leaving their work order of magnitude of 1.5 million over 12.4 million. force, the taxation department, a wide range of other taxes and charges and WorkCare premiums unpaid. As the Leader of the Opposition would know, given his numeracy skills, a quick and dirty calculation Mr Kennan interjected. shows that that represents an increase of between 12 and 14 per cent. Mr BAKER - In their electorates, that's right. They have supported these people. It is time The second compelling reason that must be brought someone belled the cat and put the record straight. to the attention of both the House and the Victorian community is that, using the same base figure, over The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the Minister to the same period exports of Victorian killed meat round off his reply. were up by 33 per cent. Honourable members interjecting. Honourable Members - How much? The SPEAKER - Order! I ask honourable Mr BAKER - By 33 per cent. Given the logic of members on my left, in particular, to make it easier those figures, I find it difficult to understand the for the Minister to complete his reply by remaining noise that is being generated about this so-called silent. issue. The facts are there for all to see. Mr BAKER - There are enlightened employers All members of the House must understand that in this industry and we are talking to them. The Victoria is a big player in the meat industry. industry has a great future with Asian markets opening up. I shall use the opportunity for debate Mr Elder interjected. later this day to talk about this more Specifically. But to return to some of the management practices in Mr BAKER - We will continue to be a big player this industry, I point out there are certain prominent in the meat industry. Statistics show that in total families like the Angliss, Gilbertson and Vestey dollar terms the industry generates $950 million a families that have built their fortunes and their year, of which $420 million a year goes to the export so-called social status on the fingers and thumbs and market. There are still some 10 000 Victorians the diseases of workers in the meat industry. directly employed in an industry that accounts for more than one-fifth of the total value of Australian Honourable members interjecting. meat production. Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - On a point of order, That gives the lie to the implications of the recent Mr Speaker, the Minister has been answering for just campaign that has been run against one sector of this on 9 minutes. He has made a Ministerial statement important industry. and made a mockery of this Parliament. I ask you to call him to order and end the reply. It is important to look at the historical conditions - QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

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The SPEAKER - Order! Has the Minister Honourable members interjecting. completed his reply? Mr KENNETT - Mind your super! Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - No. Honourable members interjecting. The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the Minister to quickly round off his reply. The SPEAKER - Order!

Mr BAKER - Mr Speaker -- Mr KENNETT - Mr Speaker, this question has been turned into a farce. The Minister himself clearly Honourable members interjecting. admitted that he intends to debate these issues in the House later today, obviously in the Budget debate. The SPEAKER - Order! I ask honourable Therefore the Minister has been using the time of members on my right to remain silent and to this House to allow only three questions from this understand their obligation to uphold the dignity of side of the House and to deny his colleagues on the this Chamber. back bench the opportunity of asking questions.

Mr STOCKDALE (Brighton) - Mr Speaker, the Not only is this government making this House point of order I raise concerns relevance. The irrelevant, but I must say to you, Sir, that in terms of Minister has been speaking for 9 minutes, giving us being able to represent the public interest, this his version of the potted history of the failure of this Parliament becomes less relevant if the Premier and government to manage the meat industry effectively. her Ministers are going to abuse the authority of this place. I suggest that you, as the Chair over the Honourable members interjecting. proceedings here, must give firmer direction because this is the second day in a row that this Minister has Mr STOCKDALE - All of what he has been abused the House during question time. talking about has taken place during the term of this government. He has been criticising the failure of the It is not good enough; and it should not be good government. The question was about what the enough for any of us, not just those of us on this side government would do about the meat industry. The of the House. If the Premier wants bipartisanship Minister has catalogued the government's failures. I she ought to start exhibiting leadership and ensuring request that you, Sir, point out to him that his that one of her Ministers does not take almost answer is not relevant and direct him to the question. one-third of question time each day to answer questions to protect the government. Ms KIRNER (Premier) -On the point of order, Mr Speaker -- Mr KENNAN (Attorney-General) - On the point of order, Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition Mr Perton - Do you have to defend the abuse of raises the question of public interest because the the Westminster system? opposition has repeatedly asserted that the meat industry is a matter of paramount public interest. In Ms KIRNER - This is an issue that has taken up the past twelve months it has asked, I would say, 30 much of the time of the Parliament for the whole of to 40 questions about the meat industry, the this sessional period and, indeed, part of the last overwhelming majority having been directed to the sessional period. The Minister for Agriculture was Premier. It would be interesting to count the number putting on the record an omnibus answer to those of questions in Hansard. omnibus questions and that, I believe, is relevant and pertinent to the great interest in this matter that Therefore they cannot say that this is other than a has been shown in this House. matter of public interest by their own standards. The purpose of question time and the reason why the I must say I am amazed that, when the opposition is executive comes into Parliament to answer questions faced with the facts, and an eloquent exposition of is to provide information on matters that are the facts, its members walk out on the meat industry. relevant.

Mr KENNE'IT (Leader of the Opposition) - On Honourable members interjecting. the point of order, Mr Speaker -- QUESTIONS WImOUT NOTICE

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The SPEAKER - Order! If the honourable Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - On a member for Malvern wishes to comment on the further point of order, Mr Speaker, the Leader of the point of order he should await his opportunity; Opposition implied that yesterday I answered a similarly, the honourable member for Doncaster. question at great length, but a check of the record will show I did not receive a question yesterday; in Mr KENNAN - We will not be distracted by fact, I rarely receive a question. A check of the record further threats that the Leader of the Opposition has will show that it is a little hard for me to get a kick in made about superannuation. here--

This answer was indeed full of facts. It contained The SPEAKER - Order! There is no point of facts about the kill, facts about exports - facts were order. Points of order are not an opportunity for put forward. Hansard will record that this answer - personal explanations. lengthy though it may have been - was full of factual information. It fell within the classic Mr BAKER - I will round off quickly according definition of what a Minister is required to do in to your instructions, Mr Speaker. answering a question, that is, provide information to the House on matters that are relevant to the To pick up where I left off, there are prominent question. families in Victoria - the Gilbertson, Vestey and Angliss families - who have built their family The difficulty of the opposition and the position it fortunes and their so-called social status on the lost now finds itself in is that, having been faced with a thumbs, lost fingers, lost hands and diseases that are recitation of relevant facts, its members have walked the result of the appalling conditions that have out. operated within this industry.

Honourable members interjecting. Mr Kennett interjected.

Mr KENNAN - They cannot get away from Mr BAKER - I hope you do; that is exactly my having asked question after question at question intention. time after question time about the meat industry. Now they get the material and they do not like it. It The licensing authority, which is an independent is not for them to complain, and those lurking authority for abattoirs, currently has a large list of around the doors or meeting upstairs may as well abattoirs that are under notice that they will not be come back into the House. relicensed because of the conditions under which they operate. The SPEAKER - Order! I have heard sufficient on the point of order to make a ruling. Firstly, I do There are within the industry some people with a not believe the question was as represented by the sense of goodwill. They are mainly the big exporters, honourable member for Brighton. Secondly, I believe who are looking for future investment and future the Minister's reply was relevant to the question. markets. But were it not for radical union activity Thirdly, as regards the length of the answer, I have and the work of the Acru, many employers in this considered whether it may have been more industry would still have children working up to appropriate for it to be the subject of a Ministerial their knees in blood and gore and offal. statement. In examining May I find that it does not fit the normal description of matters addressed in a The SPEAKER - Order! The time for questions Ministerial statement. I do not uphold the point of without notice has expired. order. Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - On a point of order, Mr However, I am concerned about the length of such Speaker, were you to have discretion to allow answers. In this particular case the answer was further questions, I would be seeking that you made more lengthy by the level of interjection and exercise that discretion; but in its absence I make a by the responses of the Minister to the interjections, couple of points about the way Parliament is instead of his simply ignoring the interjections. degenerating.

I do not uphold the point of order and I ask the This is not the first time I have risen at the end of Minister to complete his reply quickly. question time to express my concern about the way question time is being conducted by the QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

664 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 18 September 1991 government. My point of order relates specifically to continuing with this deliberate process of the the number of questions that were available to the denigration and demeaning of the institution of opposition today - a total of three. Parliament.

I can recall no other occasion in my time in Honourable members interjecting. Parliament when only three questions have been asked by the opposition during question time. The Mr RICHARDSON - From the interjections and last answer, in particular, went for approximately 9 the snide remarks that are coming now, it appears minutes and during the course of that process it that nothing has changed in the attitude of the became evident that only a short time was left for a Parliamentary Labor Party to the institution of possible further question. Indeed, the process by the Parliament. government started at the 2-minute mark, and at that stage, by way of nodding and advice, it was Therefore I support the remarks of the Deputy obvious that the Deputy Premier was encouraging Leader of the Opposition because they go to the the Minister to continue and to talk out the process. heart of whether this institution is to survive and operate in the way it should. Today we have seen a Mr Kennan - I thought it was going well! disgraceful display by the government and its members, one that brings no credit to them, and the Mr GUDE - The Deputy Premier has just reason why honourable members walked out was admitted, by interjection, that indeed he was talking that they were disgusted by the behaviour of the out the process. government. Something must be done about this behaviour if Parliament as an institution is to Mr Kennan - We're a team, unlike you. survive and to meet its obligations to the people.

Mr GUDE - You are a team of cover-up Honourable members interjecting. merchants, that's what you are! If the House is to have relevance you, Mr Speaker, must be given Mr RICHARDSON - Government members greater authority and you must exercise it. still think it is funny. I believe in the institution of Government Ministers must show a far more sincere Parliament and what government members have effort to follow the processes of Parliament if done today is a disgrace. democracy is to have any small shred of relevance in this State again. Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - I direct the attention of the House to item No. 42, Government Mr RICHARDSON (Forest Hill) - On the same Business, Orders of the Day, on the Notice Paper point of order, Mr Speaker, I rise more in anger than regarding Sessional Orders, which was put forward in sorrow. by the Leader of the House. The first item specifically states that question time will be 45 Honourable members interjecting. minutes on a Tuesday and 30 minutes on other days, unless such time be extended with the discretion of The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable the Speaker. member for Derrimut has already been cautioned a number of times today. If necessary, I will deal with The government has already put that matter on the him, and the same applies to the honourable Notice Paper and it looks forward to the debate on member for Bendigo West. those Sessional Orders. The canning and rhetoric on this issue from the opposition will be put to rest Mr RICHARDSON - I support the Deputy when we debate this and the new Sessional Order is Leader of the Opposition in the remarks he has put in place. made about the way the government and its members treat Parliament. The government has Mr PESCOTI (Bennettswood) - The Acting embarked on a pattern of deliberate denigration and Leader of the House has just referred to the position demeaning of the House and the very institution of on the Notice Paper of a particular proposal which is Parliament itself. listed on the Notice Paper with other points that the Acting Leader of the House has not raised. He What is so saddening about it is that government knows full well that the reason this matter has not members think they are being clever. They are been debated is that the government has tried to laughing, making smart alec remarks and QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Wednesday, 18 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 665 bring on with it something else that has not been nonetheless regard five as an unacceptably low before the Standing Orders Committee. number. I advise the Ministers that if in the judgment of the Chair answers are unduly long, With regard to the issue raised by the Deputy having regard to interruptions that may have Leader of the OppOSition, the Deputy Premier said occurred, I am prepared to ask the Minister to during an earlier interjection that during this resume his or her seat and call on the next question. Parliamentary session we have had something like 30 to 40 questions raised on agriculture, meat killing Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National and so on. The fact is that although we have asked Party) - On a further point of order, Mr Speaker, so many questions the government's answers have the issue I raise arises from comments made by the been inadequate. We have had to ask question after honourable member for Hawthorn when he referred question to try to get to the truth of the matter, and to executive accountability. It follows the point of today we have had an absolute abuse of question order he raised in which he mentioned the issue of time, especially by the Minister for Agriculture as he question time. He took that issue further by saying has tried to waste the time of Parliament. this was a forum where the executive government was accountable to the Parliament and the public of The Deputy Premier said in his earlier interjection Victoria. that the matter has been raised 30 to 40 times. That is admitting that the Minister for Agriculture has been The opposition is concerned that the government is inadequate in answering all those questions. Today making a mockery of question time. Honourable the Deputy Leader of the Opposition mentioned the members are not receiving answers to questions, number of questions that have been answered by the and the responses given by the Minister for government during question time. Transport over the past two weeks are classic examples of that. A further example is that The fact remains that we have seen an absolute honourable members are this week debating the abuse of question time. That is the point the most important piece of legislation the Parliament honourable member for Hawthorn was making and faces each year - the Budget - but the Minister it is a point the opposition believes Parliament needs responsible, the Treasurer, has chosen to arrange his to address. It is not a matter for one side or the other. personal affairs to ensure that he is absent from the As the honourable member for Forest Hill said, it is Chamber during this important debate. He could a matter for the Parliament to examine its role in the have made other arrangements to ensure he was community and the way in which the government here and accountable to the Parliament. should exercise more control over the manner in which its Ministers answer questions. So far as executive accountability is concerned, the other issue is the adjournment debate. Last night The SPEAKER - Order! On the point of order, I there were only three Ministers -- indicate that I welcome the discussion by the House of the manner in which the House functions and the Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and particular matters now under discussion. In respect Environment) - On a point of order, Mr Speaker, of the point of order there are a number of matters I you have already drawn attention to and discussed would mention. Firstly, the way in which the Government Business, Orders of the Day, No. 42 on concern about the number of questions may be the Notice Paper. It is not in order for honourable redressed lies in paragraph 1 of Government members opposite to debate the issues by way of Business, Orders of the Day, No. 42. It is ct'rtainly spurious points of order. The Leader of the National my hope and desire that the House should address Party is not raising a point of order; he has decided that item at an early opportunity. to make a speech. That is not in order.

It is not correct to say that the Standing Orders The SPEAKER - Order! I uphold the point of Committee has not addressed the issue that appears order raised by the Minister for Conservation and in paragraph 3. The committee has addressed it and Environment and ask the Leader of the National proposed a particular course of action that is being Party to confine himself to raising a point of order brought to the notice of the respective parties. that relates to the current proceedings of the House and not to matters that may have occurred at other With regard to the number of questions raised times. If he wishes to raise wider issues, I suggest he today, it is not the first occasion on which only five does so in the normal manner rather than by way of questions without notice have been asked, but I a point of order. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

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Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Mr Speaker, you will have to give a ruling or else the Party) - I am raising the issue of executive matter will just slip by. The Premier brought the accountability, which was flouted at question time issue to your attention, and you have made a ruling today and which we have seen flouted by the without directly addressing that question. continual lack of attendance of Ministers on occasions such as the adjournment debate. I hope the I do not believe you want the practice to arise where Parliament and, particularly, the executive Ministers who are asked questions, perhaps a government will try to address the issue so that number of questions on a subject over a number of backbenchers who wish to raise matters, either at weeks, which they are not adequately prepared to question time or on the adjournment debate, have answer in the House, arrange for a backbench the opportunity of doing so and of receiving the government member to ask dorothy dixers of them appropriate response. on the broad subject and then take upwards of 9 minutes of question time to give factual answers that The Acting Leader of the House, as he was last you are unable to curb because you have ruled that night, referred responses to various Ministers with the answers are factual. no answer being given, which is not the way Parliament should operate. The government is Mr Speaker, it is incumbent on you to give a ruling characterised by evasion and deceit. It is a matter that Ministers are not entitled to give omnibus that needs to be addressed. answers to omnibus questions - that is, exactly what is referred to as Ministerial statements. The The SPEAKER - Order! I will not hear the proper way to reply to a series of questions being Leader of the National Party any further. There is no asked on an issue of public importance is to make a point of order. Ministerial statement, which the Minister for Agriculture did today de facto during question time. Order! I have been advised that the production of To rub salt into the wound the Minister then Daily Hansard has broken down at the Law Printer announced flagrantly to your face that he intended and that Hansard will not be available until to address the House on the Budget on the same lunchtime. A photocopy is available if honourable issue! That was a clear indication that the Minister members need to consult it. was using question time to make a Ministerial statement. Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick) - On the earlier point of order, Mr Speaker, while you were on your What I have said was confirmed by the remarks of feet in ruling on the point of order you indicated that the Premier on a point of order, when she said that it you did not wish to receive any further information was an omnibus answer to omnibus questions, about that point of order. During the course of the which was further confirmed by the remarks of the Premier's remarks she said that the Minister for Deputy Premier - the other member of the troika - Agriculture, when answering a question during who said that because of the number of questions question time, was giving an omnibus answer to asked the Minister was entitled to go on as long as omnibus questions. That was further supported by he liked so long as he was factual in responding to a the remarks of the Deputy Premier, who referred to whole series of questions that he had not been asked the number of questions and interest in the today. particular issue. I believe you should rule that the Minister is able to It seems that in ruling on the point of order you did answer only the question asked of him today and not make any comments regarding the omnibus that he is not entitled to stray over the whole subject answer to omnibus questions or indeed to the issue matter simply because he has been asked similar raised by the Deputy Premier, who said that because questions earlier in the week or session or, indeed, a number of questions are raised it is appropriate for earlier in the Parliament. a dorothy dix question to be asked by a backbench member of the government of a Minister and for the Mr DELZOPPO (Narracan) - On the point of Minister to take up 9 minutes of question time in order, in support of the honourable member for delivering, as the Deputy Premier said, a factual Berwick, I direct your attention, Mr Speaker, to the answer to all questions raised during the previous notes you issued for the guidance of members and weeks. Ministers on questions without notice. All honourable members received a copy of those notes and in them you state, in part: QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

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The purpose of a question is to seek information, not to The Minister sought the opportunity of using the give information or to suggest its own answer ... answer to smear a number of people about whom no questions were asked and about allegations not Mr Speaker, you then say that questions should not raised in the specific questions put to him in the past seek opinion, particularly legal opinion. Later you and, indeed, the Minister abused Parliamentary state: procedure by smearing people who have nothing to do with the issues raised in either that question or ... or raise questions of policy too large to be dealt with previous questions. The reason he did so was that in an answer to a question. the government and its association with Mr Curran and the meatworkers union were being probed by a They are worthwhile suggestions that you should series of questions. take into consideration in making your ruling on this point of order. Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and Environment) - On a further point of order, the Mr STOCKDALE (Brighton) - On the point of honourable member for Brighton is now clearly order, Mr Speaker, with great respect to my flouting your earlier ruling and is abusing the whole colleague the honourable member for Berwick, I process for raising points of order. The honourable believe he has substantially understated the force of member is not only repeating the arguments on his point of order, so I shall reinforce his position which you have already ruled but also debating the and take it further. issue, both of which are out of order.

Everything the honourable member said is true, but The SPEAKER - Order! I shall rule on the point I put it to you that the alleged answer to the question of order raised by the Minister for Conservation and on this occasion was a flagrant abuse of question Environment. I do not uphold the point of order. I time because of its content. Indeed, the Minister believe the honourable member for Brighton was made no real attempt whatever to answer the returning to the central point of order raised by the substance of the question put to him. honourable member for Berwick, but I do ask the honourable member to round off his comments on Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and the point of order. Environment) - On the point of order raised by the honourable member for Brighton, Mr Speaker, the Mr STOCKDALE (Brighton) - The whole point honourable member is now raising exactly the same of the omnibus nature of the Minister's answer and matters that were raised almost half an hour ago, on the nub of the objection the opposition makes on the which you have ruled, and it is not in order for him point of order of the honourable member for to raise the same matters. Berwick is that he had to be long and rambling and obtuse because it was a diversion. The Minister's The SPEAKER - Order! I uphold the point of answer was not an answer to a question, it was an order and I ask the honourable member for Brighton attempt to divert the issue running in Parliament to confine his remarks to the matters raised by the and in the public arena for a considerable time by honourable member for Berwick. introducing another series of sensationalist allegations which had no purpose other than to Mr STOCKDALE (Brighton) - I am addressing provide Parliamentary coverage for a sordid attack the omnibus nature of the answer and the content of on people who had no responsibility for the sorts of the answer in terms of why it was necessary for it to activities for which the government has been under be so far ranging. The fact is that the Minister's attack over many weeks. answer was not an answer to the question asked, but was, as the honourable member for Berwick said, The Minister's answer was inaccurate, a sordid firstly an attempt to canvass issues raised by a series diversion, an omnibus answer and a flagrant abuse of questions over many weeks in the House that of question time. I strongly support the point of were not directly raised by the question put to him order. and, secondly, an opportunity for mounting a diversion to raise a whole series of new issues, Mr PLOWMAN (Evelyn) - On the point of order which again were not within the context of the raised by the honourable member for Berwick -- question asked but which the Minister wanted to direct attention to as a diversion. Mr Stockdale - The Attorney-General raised new matters after I sat down. He is a bloody coward! PETITIONS

668 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 18 September 1991

The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable was a question of that nature. In addition, the member for Brighton is not assisting the dignity of answer does not fall within the definition of a the House he is purporting to defend. Ministerial statement as quoted in May at page 297:

Mr PLOWMAN - On the point of order raised Explanations are made in the House by Ministers on by the honourable member for Berwick, clearly in behalf of the government regarding their domestic and the past the practice has been to try to achieve a foreign policy; stating the advice they have tendered to question time where the maximum number of the Sovereign regarding their retention of office or the questions can be asked by members of the dissolution of Parliament; announcing the legislative opposition and government backbenchers to get proposals they intend to submit to Parliament; or the accountability of the executive to Parliament. course they intend to adopt in the transaction and Question time is a vital means of achieving that arrangement of public business. These explanations are accountability. I shall quote three precedents to sometimes elicited by arrangement in reply to a guide you, Mr Speaker. The first is from Hansard question. Volume 359, page 126: In this case the answer was longer than desirable. As Questions should be brief and thereby invite brief I indicated during a ruling on an earlier point of answers. order, when answers are unduly long - having regard to interruptions that may have occurred - I The second precedent is: shall ask the Minister concerned to resume his or her seat and then call the next question. Questions without notice which seek a great deal of information or are of a general nature invite lengthy PETITIONS and wide-ranging responses. The Clerk - I have received the following petitions The final precedent I shall quote is from Hansard for presentation to Parliament: Volume 357, page 126: Shire of Kowree - vehicle facilities If questions seek a great deal of detail in answer or a statement in reply, they should be handled as questions To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the on notice or as a Ministerial statement. Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled:

I ~hall not name the Speaker who made those The humble petition of the undersigned residents of the precedents but they should be a guide to you, Sir, in Shire of Kowree and citizens of the State of Victoria the control of question time and your decision as to showeth that they are concerned that a recent decision whether a question invites a lengthy answer. of the State government means that people in the towns of Apsley, Edenhope, Goroke and Harrow cannot If an answer is lengthy, as was the case this morning register vehicles or obtain driving licences, with the answer from the Minister for Agriculture, endorsements or log books from police personnel in after a short time you, Mr Speaker, should ask the those towns from 31 August 1991. This decision will Minister to make his response by way of a seriously disadvantage residents in this remote region Ministerial statement. If question time continues in of western Victoria who will have to travel to the VIe the way it did today with lengthy answers being ROADS office in Horsham (up to 150 kilometres away) given and questions being asked that require de to register vehicles and obtain driving licences, facto Ministerial statements the practice may as well endorsements and log books. This proposal further be abandoned. erodes the State government's adherence to their social justice strategy and is a continuation of the diminution The SPEAKER - Order! A number of issues of State government services to the area. have been raised on the point of order. Firstly, I do not accept the descriptions of both the question and Your petitioners therefore pray that this decision will the answer which have been given. At pages 293 and be reversed immediately so that residents in this area 294 May indicates that questions on policy too large are not further disadvantaged. to be dealt with in the limits of an answer to a question are inadmissible. I certainly agree with that And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. and I intend to apply that ruling. However, in this case I heard the question clearly and do not believe it By Mr W. D. McGrath (696 signatures) LOCAL GOVERNMENT (RATING) BILL

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Sunday trading ENTERTAINMENT AND MODELLING INDUSTRY AGENTS BILL To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: Introduction and first reading

The petition of the undersigned citizens of the State of Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) introduced a Bill to Victoria respectively showeth: establish an Entertainment and Modelling Industry LicensiJlg Council, to provide for the (1) That we oppose any extension of trading hours for licensing of agents, managers and venue general shops on Sunday. consultants in the entertainment and modelling (2) That we believe there are more than sufficient industries, to make consequential amendments to shopping hours (137) available under Victorian the Employment Agents Act 1983 and for other law to permit general shopping to be carried out purposes. within legally prescribed hours. Read first time. (3) That we are concerned at the impact of Sunday trading on religious observance and family APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL activities. and WORKS AND SERVICES Your petitioners therefore pray that the Legislative (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. Assembly uphold Victoria's shop trading laws and 2) BILL oppose any extension of present Sunday trading hours for general shops. Order of the Day read for resumption of debate.

And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Mr DELZOPPO (Narracan) - On a point of order, Mr Speaker, before the debate proceeds I By Mrs GarbuH (646 signatures) direct your attention to Standing Order No. 35 as it applies to the absence of the Treasurer during this Laid on table. important debate. Standing Order No. 35 states:

LOCAL GOVERNMENT (RATING) BILL Every member shall attend the service of the House, unless leave of absence be given him by the House on Introduction and first reading account of his own illness, the illness or death of a near relation, urgent business, or for other sufficient cause to For Mrs SETCHES (Minister for Community be stated to the House. Services), Mr Crabb introduced a Bill to amend the Local Government Act 1989, the Local Government I put it to you, Mr Speaker, that if the Treasurer Act 1958, the Valuation of Land (Amendment) Act attended only one debate in the Parliamentary year 1989, the Local Government (Consequential it should be the Budget debate. He is not present and Provisions) Act 1989, the Water Act 1989 and for it appears he will not be present for the rest of the other purposes. week. As well as breaching Standing Order No. 35 that is an insult to Parliament and Victorians. Read first time. Standing Order No. 35 continues: NATIVE VEGETATION PROTECTION BILL Notice shall be given of a motion for giving leave of absence to any member, stating the cause and period of Introduction and first reading absence.

Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and As you know, Mr Speaker, that has not been done. Environment) introduced a Bill to protect native Members of the House have sympathy for any vegetation and for other purposes. honourable member who must be absent from Parliament, but I put it that the absent Minister is the Read first time. same Minister who sets the order of business and the days of sitting of the House. It is inconceivable that he should fly in the face of Parliamentary procedure and insult the House by not seeking leave of APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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absence. I ask you, Sir, whether the Treasurer is in Treasurer will be absent today and tomorrow. It is breach of Standing Order No. 35 by not obtaining not good enough. If the government has any leave of the House to be absent during the Budget pretensions to upholding the spirit of the House and debate. the way in which it should meet and do business, it should behave much better. I suggest the point of Mr COOPER (Mornington) - The point of order order should be upheld and the Treasurer should be raised by the honourable member for Narracan compelled to comply with Standing Order No. 35. deserves to be supported because it continues the theme that has been directed to your attention, Mr The SPEAKER - Order! I have heard sufficient Speaker, for some time not only in this session but argument on the point of order. I remind the House also during the previous session regarding the way that Standing Orders are subordinate to the the government conducts its business. Even as late provisions of the Constitution Act 1975 and the as last night the conduct of the government and its relevant section of the Act, section 46, which refers contempt for this House was directed to your to the failure of a member to attend Parliament for attention. one entire session.

The matter drawn to your attention last night by the My understanding, and the advice given to me, is honourable member for Warrnambool, which I have that it has been the practice of the House to apply also drawn to your attention, is the continual Standing Order No. 35 only to absences from the absence of Ministers during debates on the motion House of members for an entire session - that is, for the adjournment of the sitting. I suggest that is the period between elections, the period between an relevant to the point I am trying to make. election and the prorogation of Parliament, or the period between the prorogation or dissolution of the This morning we again had a lengthy debate on House. As I am advised, it has never been the points of order concerning the way question time practice to apply the Standing Order to specific has been denigrated by the government. sitting days or a series of sitting days.

It is a further indication of the contempt in which the I also remind the House that another honourable government holds Parliament that during probably member who is absent on account of illness has not the most important debate that can be held in any sought leave. I believe the practice has been applied Parliament - the Budget debate - the Minister in fairly and evenhandedly. Therefore I do not uphold charge of the debate - the Treasurer of Victoria - the point of order. has deliberately absented himself from the House without seeking leave. Second reading

As the honourable member for Narracan correctly Debate resumed from 17 September; motions of said, the Treasurer as Leader of the House sets the Mr ROPER (Treasurer) and Mr A. J. SHEEHAN order of business and the sitting dates of the House. (Minister for Finance). After doing that he should be expected to be present not only during ordinary debates but also during Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - It is a pleasure debates on this important Budget measure. to speak on the 1991-92 Budget, which emphasises financial responsibility and public sector efficiency. It is clear to members on this side of the House and I assume to you, Sir, now that it has been drawn to Mr Cooper - Mr Speaker, I draw your attention your attention, that the Treasurer is in breach of to the state of the House. Standing Order No. 35(b), which states: Quorum formed. Notice shall be given of a motion for giving leave of absence to any member, stating the cause and period of Mr POPE - Earlier honourable members absence. debated the forms of the House and the requirement for members to be in the House at certain times. It is The House has been told that the Treasurer will not amazing that as soon as the quorum bells were rung be here. Yesterday honourable members were told a number of Liberal members walked out of the the Treasurer would not be here during question House. time. But he did not turn up for the rest of business that day. Today the House has been told the APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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It is a pleasure to speak on the 1991-92 Budget and I In 1989 the then Treasurer, the honourable member congratulate the Treasurer and the Minister for for Doveton, said the reforms would be sufficient to Finance for putting the Budget together. As the fully fund the scheme over a longer term of Treasurer said in his second-reading speech, the approximately twenty years. The honourable government has responded to the recession by member underestimated the success of his reform making sure its own house is in order. The Budget package because the scheme will be fully funded has required a number of tough decisions to be well before the year 2005. Despite the removal of the made, decisions that have brought about Significant surcharge the fully-funded position will be reached publicity, not the least being in the education area. within the next few years. But those tough decisions had to be made in the interests of restraint. I believe the micro-economic In April when I announced the amount of $2.1 reforms to which the government is committed will billion in unfunded liabilities based on the actuary's bear fruit for the State of Victoria. December report, the opposition said the recession would cause the level of unfunded liabilities to The spirit of the Budget is the same spirit that has either plateau or blowout further. guided the enormous turnaround in WorkCare. In the Budget debate I shall refer specifically to In six months a $300 million reduction has taken WorkCare's current success, which I reported to the place. If one examines the records of unfunded House yesterday. I shall refer comparatively to the liabilities, one finds that over the past two years the old system, to the WorkCare philosophy as fully-funded ratio has increased and it is heading determined by my predecessor Rob Jolly and me, towards being a fully funded scheme in the next few and to the system of workers compensation in New years. The fully funded ratio has increased 8 per cent South Wales. I shall dismiss some of the myths that every six months from 14 per cent to almost.50 per have been perpetrated about the New South Wales cent to the end of June this year. Containment is the scheme for injured workers, and I shall examine the reason for the turnaround. current WorkCare policy and, more importantly, its future direction. Part of the package was reducing the benefits from 80 per cent to 60 per cent for most partially The honourable member for Hawthorn, now the incapacitated workers. The government changed the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, is reported in dispute resolution system to put the onus on Hansard of 12 September 1989 as saying that the workers to appeal and thus removed the onus of reform package introduced by the then Treasurer, proof from the commission. the honourable member for Doveton, would not fix WorkCare. He said the government never had any The opposition claims the only reason for the intention of resolving the WorkCare situation. turnaround is an increase in the levy. On 30 June 1989 the opposition claimed there were some 70 535 The opposition commissioned an actuary, Mr open claims. At 30 June this year the number had Trowbridge, to examine the reform package. The fallen to 37 010, a 47.6 per cent decrease. That is a opposition spokesman said, supposedly as a result magnificent effort in getting people back to work. of the actuary's advice, that the WorkCare system will continue into further demise. At that stage Open long-term claims once represented 60 per cent unfunded liabilities were $4.2 billion and the of expenditure on benefits. Since June 1989 those funding ratio was 14 per cent. The honourable claims have decreased from 18 865 to 16 767. That member believed it would go into further demise represents an 11.1 per cent decrease as at the end of and that unfunded liabilities would blowout further. June this year. Reported claims have been reduced from 87412 to 75 438, a 13.7 per cent decrease. In fact the opposite has occurred. The 1989 reforms have produced a successful result for WorkCare. The Accident Compensation Commission figures to The funding ratio has moved from 14 per cent in the end of August are continuing to fall. That June 1989 to almost 50 per cent in June 1991. I reduction has taken place not only over the past few received advice this morning from the Accident months but also over a number of years. Compensation Commission that the ratio for August was in excess of 50 per cent. Unfunded liabilities The actuarial report demonstrates the arguments put have dramatically decreased from $4.2 billion to $1.8 by the opposition are nonsense. The latest Coopers billion and I suggest they will continue further and Lybrand actuarial report tabled in Parliament down that path in the future. this week reports that the factors behind the APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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improvement were: firstly, a continued reduction in insurers failed because of that system. I refer to the numbers of new claims being reported; secondly, NEM, Palmdale and Bishopgate. Employers had to continued reductions in the numbers of open pay the cost. long-term claims; and, thirdly, an active recovery from prior insurers. In 1990 the then Leader of the Opposition, the honourable member for Gippsland West, in a Uberal That turnaround has also come about through the Party policy speech entitled, ''Back to the Future" prevention performance program of the said that the opposition is proposing to go back to Occupational Health and Safety Commission and its the old-type of privatisation scheme. No-one wishes strenuous campaign to ensure that people to go back to that system where the average understand the problems in the workplace and the premiums were 4.5 per cent compared with 3 per misery that can be caused when people are injured, cent at present under WorkCare. If the old system maimed, killed or exposed to disease. There has had still been in place it was tipped that premiums been a widening of the range of base levies that have would have risen to about 9 per cent by 1994-95. strengthened the incentive for employers to ensure that levies remain at a minimum. One of the problems with the old system was that lawyers, not the workers, were the real beneficiaries. I made a decision to strengthen the bonus and A report was commissioned by the then Bamey penalty system by increasing the contribution rate Cooney, now Senator Cooney. He referred to the from 25 per cent to 75 per cent. That is an added misery, inefficiency and costs associated with incentive to employers to ensure their prevention average delays of 24 months in the delivery of performance is working, and working well. benefits to the victims of industrial accidents. It was a highly adversarial system and lawyers were The success I have mentioned underpins the benefiting rather than the workers. The system was decision and the announcement by the Premier enormously costly for workers to get fair hearings in yesterday to remove the surcharge. The removal of disputes. Rehabilitation was totally ignored. In a the 10 per cent surcharge will be of assistance to submission to the Cooney inquiry the then Victorian employers and will, one hopes, stimulate Employers Federation states: employment in the State. For example, in the light of the Premier's announcement a steel manufacturing Perhaps the greatest single criticism of the present firm employing approximately 200 people will Victorian workers compensation system is that it is receive an approximate $50 000 reduction in concerned solely with the provision of monetary WorkCare payments. compensation. We believe that geta'lg the worker back to work is at least as important as monetary It has been said that Victoria's WorkCare system is compensation. the costliest of any State in Australia and the government has to do something about it. The Given the demise of the old system I hope the benefits and compassion shown in Victoria's statements made by the then Leader of the WorkCare system are the hest in Australia. To say it Opposition, the honourable member for Gippsland is the most costly is incorrect. The average levy is West, have led the Uberal Party to reconsider its now below levies in South Australia, Western pOSition. I took heart last week when the Leader of Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian the Opposition said in his response to the Budget Capital Territory. If one believed opposition speech: members New South Wales would be miles in front, but that is not the case. We will substantially reform WorkCare.

I turn to the comparison of WorkCare as we know it He is not saying, I hope, as did the then Leader of today with the old private system of workers the Opposition in 1990, that the opposition will compensation. Prior to the introduction of WorkCare abolish the WorkCare system and go back to the bad that system was in crisis. Premiums were going old days. I hope the opposition has rethought its through the roof. Most employers were treated position. I will be interested to find out whether the high-handedly by the private insurers and workers Leader of the Opposition has won over his were treated appallingly and paid inadequate colleagues on this issue, as opposed to adopting the benefits. There were long delays in the system. The stance taken by people such as the Deputy Leader of old system was totally unfunded which led to a the Uberal Party, who is looking after the interests of price war so to speak in the early 1980s. A number of ~PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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the insurance industry rather than the interests of reduced to an average level of about half of people who are injured in the workplace. pre-injury earnings; in other words, totally and permanently incapacitated workers are thrown on The WorkCare philosophy is based on the principles the poverty scrap heap that existed under the old of prevention, rehabilitation and fair compensation, workers compensation scheme in this State. and is linked to the government's overall economic and social justice strategies. Admittedly the New South Wales government has recognised how unacceptable that policy is and has One advantage to employers of the WorkCare introduced legislation to increase the benefits for system is premium stability and containment. seriously injured workers by 20 per cent. Even after Employers have applauded the decision to remove the increase benefits for seriously injured workers the 10 per cent surcharge, resulting in a benefit to will be only slightly above the Henderson poverty employers over a full year of approximately $130 line. WorkCare pays 80 per cent, and pays up to 100 million. That benefit comes on top of the $65 million per cent if a person is eligible for the income-tested benefit the government gave employers earlier this supplement. year through two other changes to the system. Even though the New South Wales scheme is in my Another advantage is that WorkCare, unlike the old opinion unjust because it throws people on to the system, rewards employers with good performance poverty scrap heap, the policy of the Liberal Party in records substantially through a bonus and penalty Victoria, if it ever gets into government, is to make system and through the industry rate itself. the Victorian system even more cruel than the current New South Wales scheme. It will entail not The obvious advantage to workers of the WorkCare only a New South Wales-type reduction after 26 system is a reduction in disease and injury in the weeks - so that a person is thrown on to social workplace. A reduction has occurred over the past security - but also a ceiling on weekly benefits of six years and especially over the past two years, two years or $30 000. since the latest reforms were put in place. There is now an emphasis on getting back to work rather That is not a fair way to treat, for example, a worker than throwing people on the scrap heap with who was made a paraplegic by a fall on a building inadequate lump sum compensation. Benefits are site and who has a wife and two children. That now fair and just and a serious injury no longer happens at times in Victoria and throughout means abject poverty, as was the case under the old Australia, although fatalities are decreasing per workers compensation scheme. capita.

A prompt and low-cost dispute resolution system, If the Liberal ilarty were in government and had its which originated with the establishment of the way the family of a worker who fell on a building tribunal but in the 1989 reforms was extended site and became a paraplegic would suffer an through the establishment of the WorkCare Appeals enormous reduction in benefits after a mere 26 Board, is now in place. weeks and would then be subject to a ceiling on weekly benefits of two years or $30 000. I am sure Many myths have been created about the New any fair-minded person would believe that was South Wales scheme. During his Budget speech the totally and absolutely unjust. honourable member for Balwyn stated that the WorkCare scheme is costing 5 per cent compared There are obvious differences between the dispute with the New South Wales scheme, which he said resolution mechanisms in Victoria and New South costs 2 per cent or less. I do not know where he Wales. New South Wales has a conciliation obtained the 5 per cent figure from because I think officer-type set-up but its lack of jurisdiction results everybody understands that the figure is 3 per cent, in most people going to the compensation court, a as was stated at the Premier's press conference on process that takes up to eighteen months. There is Monday. little respite for eighteen months while waiting for a case to be heard. The Victorian system is quick and If one compares the benefits provided under fair through the WorkCare Appeals Board. An Workcare with those provided under the New South Accident Compensation Commission decision must Wales scheme ones sees that in New South Wales a generally be made within one month, and if there is person who is totally and permanently incapacitated an appeal the matter is determined within two to after 26 weeks has his or her benefits automatically three months. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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I mentioned the premiums that apply in New South working environment in the ACC mamgement we Wales. The New South Wales figure of 1.8 per cent is will be able to tackle the issue together to bring an understatement and does not include other down medical and legal costs. compensation charges such as make-up pay because of the dramatic decrease in benefits after 26 weeks. Since the 1989 reforms other policy developments Many State and Federal awards provide for that have been introduced include the provision of a make-up pay for up to 52 weeks; that is not taken role for employers at the WorkCare Appeals Board. into account and is an impost on employers. New Strong feelings were associated with this issue and I South Wales also has a dust diseases levy and what have given employers the right that they wanted at is called an experience rating, where rates can go a the WorkCare Appeals Board. lot higher than in Victoria. In February a change was effected in the bonus and A survey of the top 100 employers revealed that, penalties system. That change has been well given the Victorian claims experience, those top 100 accepted by most of the participants in the system. firms in New South Wales would be 28 per cent better off under WorkCare than under the New The exclusion of superannuation from the WorkCare South Wales scheme. levy also has been appreciated. In conjunction with capping, that change will save employers $65 In New South Wales many high risk employers are million. On top of that, the removal of the surcharge outside the scheme; they are made self-insurers even will save employers $130 million in a full financial though they are bad perfonners. Employers in this year. This financial year, because the surcharge will category include the Joint Coal Board, much of the be removed from 1 October, employers will save stevedoring industry and the State railways. In some $93 million. Victoria we allow employers to be self-insurers only if they are good performers. That has a dramatic At the same time the prevention arm of the system, impact on the levy rate. One should not be fooled which has not preViously been addressed within a into believing that the New South Wales scheme is tripartite system - comprised of government, any panacea. employers and unions - will become exactly that, the same as the rehabilitation and claims The government has not rested on the laurels of the management areas, the Accident Compensation 1989 refonn package but has moved in a number of Commission and the Victorian Accident areas. In respect of prevention I have introduced a Rehabilitation Council. I have established the toughening of penalties, a more vigorous Occupational Health and Safety Authority to create prosecution policy, more active marketing and autonomy in the prevention area. I have taken that better targeting of advice to employers. Those division away from the Department of Labour and actions have borne fruit in the decreased number of the tripartite arrangement that has been introduced claims now coming through the system. has been welcomed by all.

In some areas administrative costs have been getting As to the future evolution of WorkCare, because it is out of hand. I have stated my intention to reduce an outstanding social refonn it will live on for many those costs. I have made cuts amounting to $14 years to come. WorkCare is increasingly recognised million in the budgets of WorkCare agencies to as a benefit to workers and employers alike. I pay ensure the system is cost efficient. At present only 38 tribute to the foresight of its architects, particularly per cent of WorkCare expenditure goes on weekly to its major architect, the honourable member for benefits -an intolerably low level. The WorkCare Doveton, who as Treasurer put WorkCare into place. scheme is designed to assist injured workers, yet It has arrested the dramatic increase in costs and the only 38 per cent goes in weekly benefits. I am unjust system applying to workers under the former determined to prune back administrative costs. I am workers compensation scheme has been removed. also determined to reduce medical and legal costs The honourable member for Doveton's faith in the and my concern about those costs is well known. system has been borne out by what has occurred and is continuing to occur in the way WorkCare is In March of this year I requested that the Accident operating. Compensation Commission present its strategy for dealing with the matter of costs. Recently the ACC I do not say that further improvement cannot be started to deal properly with that request. I am made. WorkCare must be further improved and it is hopeful that with a much better atmosphere and my job to set the policy directions for continued ~PPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL·

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improvement. As I said, the directions will relate to I ask: what has happened to this generation? Where cutting down on legal, medical and administrative has my generation gone wrong? What is it that we costs because they remain unacceptably high. With did or did not do? Were we so selfish and inept that the WorkCare agencies, the government will be the opportunities handed to us by our forefathers - exploring ways of further reducing costs. the previous generation - were fluffed and mucked up by us? The answer is: yes, that is precisely what I am concerned also about the growth in common has happened. law and other lump sum settlements and the high cost of delivery associated with them. This area must After the 1982 State election and the 1983 Federal be tackled for the future benefit of the WorkCare election, Australians came out of a period of poor system. commodity prices and poor seasonal conditions into a new euphoria promoted by Hawke Federally and I will be seeking to find ways of strengthening the Cain in this State. They began a deliberate process of incentives that operate within the WorkCare system Keynesian pump-priming the economy. The for improved prevention and retum-to-work problem was that they had no idea of how to man outcomes, so that the benefits of cost reductions flow the controls. They started it; they deregulated the proportionately to those employers who have money market internationally far too quickly and far achieved the most. too imprudently and incautiously. The result was that the nation's debt grew from its 1983 level of $34 A need will always exist for WorkCare to meet billion to the current $160 billion. If that money had emerging challenges and to adapt to the changing come into Australia - as former Treasurer Keating needs and requirements of the Victorian community. would have had us believe - for new factories, new The government has never lacked the resolve to face oil wells, or new means of producing things to that issue. Despite what the opposition would have augment or supplement the imports we needed and honourable members believe, WorkCare enjoys to export new things we were going to earn new broad community support. WorkCare stands ready dollars from, one could have seen some sense in it to realise its vision of providing Victoria with Australia's best system of prevention, compensation I ask: what did this money come into Australia for? and rehabilitation at the lowest cost to the whole The answer is: it came in for share transfers, community. takeover bids, real estate purchases and takeovers, and to purchase from overseas goods and services Mr I. W. SMITH (Polwarth) - Mr Deputy that were being produced here. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity of making some comments on this year's Budget. I commence Previously when one drove up the road the my remarks with an illustration that typifies a preponderanee of trucks one met would be significant problem being faced as a result of nearly International Harvester, made at Dandenong and a decade of Labor Budgets in this State and Geelong, or Bedford, made at Dandenong. Now the nationally. preponderance of trucks are Mack, Kenworth, Mitsubishi and other vehicles made elsewhere. So I have two sons, aged 22 and 20 years. They say to the money - the $160 billion that was borrowed me things like, ''Dad, your generation has mucked it nationally - did not come into Australia for new oil up for our generation". They point out to me that wells, new mines, new factories or means of members of my generation when leaving school at sustaining and servicing that level of borrOwing. their age had every opportunity of employment. We could walk out of a job and into another job; there A couple of industries may have benefited from was virtually no unemployment; if we had some of the borrowing but it will take a long time enterprise or drive or ideas we could borrow money for them to show any benefit. I refer particularly to - at six and a quarter per cent. They remind me of the tourism industry. Massive resorts were built, but that and say, ''Dad, you and your brother borrowed they are hopelessly under-utilised and will remain enormous sums of money at six and a quarter per so for some considerable time. cent for fourteen years to get started". We made a profit on borrowed money, as did others. As a result The additional burden of the national debt that must of such activity over the years, the nation prospered be serviced has been superimposed on the nub of and thrived. productive effort that existed prior to 1982-83. Although it is true that if it were not for the need to service that national debt at some $2 billion a month I\PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL 1

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we would be paying our way, as the Premier claims rating of this disgraced government which has we are, we are not paying our way. The nation is squandered millions of dollars on scandals such as going further and further into debt - by $1 billion a the Victorian Economic Development Corporation, month. Tricontinental Corporation Ltd and State Bank Victoria. As a result the government must pay I ask: did this government escape from the effects of approximately 3 per cent more for the money it those sorts of mistakes? The answer is: it certainly borrows than does the Commonwealth and did not. Over its period in office the government therefore in ever diminishing concentric circles the increased the number of people employed in the government is heading on the road to oblivion. public sector from some 180 000 to 222 000. One may have thought that with that level of additional The situation is the result of the activities embarked employment many people would be better off upon by the former Premier, the honourable through being better serviced. The truth is that any member for Bundoora, and the former Treasurer, the member of Parliament who represents an electorate honourable member for Doveton, as well as all the as diverse as mine can relate that now it is far more Ministers who sit around the Cabinet table making difficult to get an answer from any Minister or any decisions to pump prime the economy at an deparbnent than it has been in the past. Files mount inappropriate time. and mount and answers are more elusive than ever before. I ask: what are public sector employees An argument can be mounted for pump priming of doing? Where is the benefit to our society? I put it the economy, and no doubt that will happen in that no direct benefit has come to this society from Queensland which has not inherited a debt to speak the additional public sector jobs. of, but it runs a risk of not knowing when to stop because by nature Labor Party members are so When the Liberal Party left office in 1982 the State insecure that they want to make good fellows of debt and liability was approximately $11 billion. We themselves. They want to be seen as social heroes were castigated for that debt by the incoming fixing everything, but that is not so easy. Everything government - but the books balanced! has to be related to productive capacity. There are no free lunches. Now the debt and liabilities we face at the end of this financial year will be at least $55 billion and it is The totals of revenue have been understated in the admitted by the Treasurer that it will increase even Budget and so have the outlays. Programs have been further. We will be left with the legacy of this debt rearranged to disguise changes, particularly with the and liability as a result of the government's activities education allowance. That saving is only an illusion; which amounts to approximately $13 000 for every it is a saving in relation to the forward estimates if man, woman and child. This is a debt that is not policies had not been changed. It is rather like going affordable. It will be a millstone around not only my to the supermarket where you see a special on a line son's neck, but around the necks of his sons and of soap powder. You buy five packets of soap daughters and the necks of their sons and daughters. powder and when you go home you claim you have saved $5 because you bought five packets of soap The debt has reached a proportion that is out of powder. That is rubbish because you have spent the control. It is a huge impost and I cannot see a extra amount to buy the four extra packets, which productive means available for the State and the rest you do not need. That is the government's of the nation to overcome it. That debt is philosophy; it has spent beyond its means. compounded by the national debt. The revenue from land tax and payroll tax has risen The Premier's claim, 'We are living within our despite the claims made this week of a reduction. I means and paying our way", is a load of rubbish! I direct to the attention of the House some facts that shall summarise the points that demonstrate that it we released on this matter. The increase in payroll is rubbish and that the Budget is totally tax alone will offset the reduction in WorkCare costs, inappropriate for the times. announced this week, as a result of the abolition of the 10 per cent surcharge. The Budget is not credible because it has failed to cut programs. The debt and the deficit have both Victorian industry will pay $111 million in payroll increased. Finance charges are rising in a period tax this year but the government says the abolition when interest rates have dramatically decreased. of the WorkCare surcharge will save employers only Finance charges have increased because of the credit $93 million. That is nothing to crow about! The IAPPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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surcharge on WorkCare was introduced two years No. 2 at page 86, as well as for municipal libraries, ago and since then payroll tax has increased from 6 pensioner rate concessions and private bus operators. per cent of wages to 7 per cent of wages. As a result workers have been taxed out of jobs. Borrowings of $92.6 million are allowed under changed payment timetables, at a cost of $6.5 Over the two years, despite the recession, the million, as outlined in the Supply (1991-92, No. 1) burden of payroll tax on Victorian employers has Bill. jumped to $321 million or 18.4 per cent. The overall statistics in the 1991-92 Budget alone increases by The Premier's time is totally taken up with her four times the projected inflation rate. public performances - with newspaper interviews, photo opportunities and appearances on radio and The 1991-92 Budget estimates that $2065 million will television. She is not focusing on the problems she is be raised by payroll tax, which is an increase from responsible for creating as a member of the $1954.144 million in 1990-91 and from $174.039 government since 1982. million in 1989-90. Of course the impact of this increase in payroll tax has been exacerbated because The Premier public relations exercise is a last ditch of the lower level of employment. One now finds the attempt to rescue her failed government. Her average annual employment cost of payroll tax for performance reminds me of the former Liberal this financial year will be approximately $1054, government between 1979 and 1982. When a which is a rise on last year's figure of $960 and government is running out of steam and when the $837.96 in the year before that; it is the direct problems it has created are too difficult to solve, opposite of what the government is claiming. It says Ministers have no alternative but to put on a brave there is a reduction in the burden on employers. The face and take part in daily media campaigns to gloss burden has actually increased by 25.8 per cent. over the real problems. Surely that is not an incentive for people to increase employment; rather, employers will reduce their The Premier is behaving like Pontius Pilate, washing staff. her hands of the problems she and her government have created while accusing others of being The revenue from land tax as well as payroll tax will responsible for them. She has blamed the Federal rise despite the Budget claims of a reduction. The Treasurer for his high interest rate policy and the errors in Budget forecast are large for the known Federal government for the effects of funding cuts outcomes and therefore the projections are not and tariff reductions and its fiscal equalisation plaUSible. scheme, which has had an adverse impact on Victoria. The Premier speaks not of a Victorian Indeed, my colleague the honourable member for recession, bul'"a national recession and even a world Brighton illustrated the stark contrast between the recession. projections and the forecasts made by the Treasurer and the reality of what was achieved in the past The Premier continually refers to the effect the financial year. drying up of credit has had on Victoria. But all the State government's chickens have come home to Government figures for 1990-91 imply an average roost - except the chickens are looking like emus, voluntary redundancy cost of $45000 per annum for and we all know where that story leads! full-time employees. I have no doubt that that cost will increase as the government makes a belated The Premier has blamed the Queensland Labor effort to reduce the overbloated public sector to an government for its failure to enter into tax affordable size. equalisation and franchise arrangements, but is unwilling to accept any responsibility for the The $100 million that was to have been appropriated downgrading of Victoria's credit rating. from the Consolidated Fund for debt retirement in 1990-91 was not paid as appropriated - as shown in I wonder what the Premier was doing when, as a Budget Paper No. 2 at pages 97 and 98 and Budget Minister, she sat around the Cabinet table while the Paper No. 3 at page 134. philosophies of the Labor movement were being translated into administrative action. While those The changed payment timetables that were important decisions were being made her mind introduced in the last financial year will continue for must have been on flora and fauna or the State's non-government schools, as set out in Budget Paper national parks, because she cannot have been ~PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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concentrating on the decisions that were made, Our children are desperate for solutions to the mess which are a direct cause of all the problems I have created by the government. They realise that the highlighted. government is attempting to hoodwink them by trying to convince them to stay at school to study for The solutions contained in the Budget will only jobs that are not available. Victoria has no choice but exacerbate those problems. The government has to follow the direction decided by the coalition. added to private enterprise costs, as shown by the devastating effects of pay-roll tax. Public sector Public sector management must be more cautious labour costs are out of control; and the increases in and responsible than it has been under the Budget outlays are in the order of twice the rate of government. Every activity of government must be inflation. The government is not living within its combed through relentlessly to ensure that it is means; instead, it seems determined to live outside essential and efficient and delivers what it claims to them! deliver.

The government claims that within three years the Wasteful, mismanaged, unnecessary or unaffordable State will be living within its means, but I wonder programs will have to be got rid of if the next what has alerted it to the problem. I wonder why the generation is to be given any opportunity to prosper. government has taken so long to recognise a But best of all and most exciting and challenging of problem that was seen by financial observers and all is the fact that there is no other choice than to others with experience of government as early as last corporatise, privatise and commercialise virtually year. What took the government so long? Its every activity of the public sector. In doing that we incompetence is the only answer. will produce a new competitive ethos in this State.

Large Budget deficits do nothing more than generate Whether it be different power ownership groups heavy claims on capital markets which, of competing to pump into a network or something as themselves, force up interest rates. That, combined simple as cleaning contracts being tendered out in a with the downgrading of the State's credit rating, in competitive way, we will produce a new turn increases the cost of capital. The consequences competitive ethos that will bring about greater of that multiplier effect are intrinsic to the 1991-92 efficiency. It is only by that means that we can hope Budget. to produce greater opportunities for the next generation. The government has a destructive and deplorable attitude to statutory authorities. Government policy Let me conclude by commenting on what is has led to a run down in the reserves of statutory occurring in this Parliament. Remote as we may be authorities to dangerous levels - and our poorly in this place from time to time, we were elected by maintained tram tracks and power lines are two our constituency, our people. If they could come in glaring examples. A long summer of strong winds, here and monitor the performance of their elected low humidity and high temperatures, combined representatives - the lack of answers to questions, with the dangers of a poorly maintained electricity the lack of proper direction of debate, and the lack of network, could lead to disastrous bushfires. comprehension of the problems, how they were caused and how they might be solved - they would The running down of our road system is obvious to probably vote informally; they would be disgusted. all honourable members who have to travel many hundreds of kilometres a week. I do not know how This place has degenerated into a place where the State will be able to afford the massive resources democracy has just about died. If you walk through necessary to deal with the problem. this place you will have the mozz put on you. I have never known, since 1%7 when I first came into The government has milked the reserves of statutory Parliament, a less appropriate feeling in the place. It authorities, forcing them to increase costs and is depressed and it is depressing. Honourable charges while reducing the services they offer - and members wander around aimlessly; they sit around the Gas and Fuel Corporation and the State hoping upon hope for some inspiration, but they are Electricity Commission are classic examples. The given absolutely none by this government. They are government has contaminated formerly successful given more of the same, more on the road to statutory authorities with its own brand of financial destruction, such as high spending that is higher virus by taxing them into non-viable and than the rate of inflation, without having the asset-degrading positions. solutions in place to give us any hope for the future. ~PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 1) BILL

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The next generation will have it worse than the dinkum they are when they talk about the need for current generation. Our forefathers handed to us an further expenditure cuts or tougher Budgets. opportunity that we are not able to pass on to the generation of young people that are coming up. It is We have tried to balance those demands and I think time that we took stock. It is time that the people of we have done so in a responsible way. We have cut this State had the opportunity to elect a new more than $500 million from departmental government with a new philosophical approach; a estimates. That has been a difficult exercise because, new government with fresh management ideas that as honourable members will know, the bulk of is ready to meet the challenge, turn things around, recurrent expenditure in the Budget comes from a and change the ethos to one of a competitive and small number of departments and is inVariably tied proud society paying its way rather than a up with service delivery and the payment of the frightened society wondering when the government wages and salaries of people providing those will stop bleeding it to death, for that is surely what services. Nevertheless we have been able to prune has occurred over the past eight years of Labor reign $500 million from those departmental estimates. in this State. We have met our target to reduce forward Budget It is hoped this will be the last Labor Budget for a outlays by $600 million, as the Premier announced in long time. her June economic statement; and within that context we have also reallocated resources to reflect Mr HARROWFIELD (Minister for Small some very important priorities for the government I Business) - I congratulate the Treasurer and the instance one example of the initiatives that are Minister for Finance for the contributions they have contained within the Budget which I hope all made in putting the Budget together. Both Ministers honourable members will welcome: the closure of have done an excellent job with the detail and effort the Caloola Training Centre, which should have they have put into framing this difficult Budget. occurred a long time ago.

It is fair to say that the Budget has struck a sensible With these pressures there is an increase of outlays and responsible balance between imposing the amounting to 8 per cent, but that overlooks the fact necessary financial disciplines that are required in that there are always areas of expenditure in framing these current circumstances and at the same time Budgets that cannot be avoided such as working towards economic recovery both for this superannuation requirements, obligations to the State and for the national economy. It is also a public sector and capital outlays. If one examines the Budget which will work effectively to produce some recurrent area of the Budget one notes that the other creative activity in the economy within the confines recurrent outlays have risen by only 3.9 per cent. of the national recession which is affecting every That indicates the degree of financial discipline we State government as well as the Federal government. have imposed within this Budget. It is a Budget which also deals with the revenue constraints that are imposed on us and it deals with In her June economic statement the Premier outlined the two competing demands of imposing financial the three-year program that is in place for putting discipline while at the same time working towards a the Budget back on the path to achieving a surplus. degree of economic recovery. A whole range of reasons and factors have contributed to the deficit that is inherent in most This is certainly a tough Budget and the government State Budgets throughout Australia. This Budget is does not resile from that. It is interesting to hear the the first stage of the program that the Premier rhetoric from honourable members opposite, some outlined in the June statement. of whom say it is not tough enough but do not necessarily identify where we should have been I shall outline some of the initiatives that the tougher. Of course we also have other opposition government is taking within the Budget to foster members claiming that we have been too tough in a economic development. whole range of areas and calling for more expenditure in all sorts of areas in which they have a Sitting suspended 12.59 p.m. until 2.3 p.m. particular interest. Mr HARROWFIELD - Prior to the luncheon There is an onus on those honourable members to adjournment I was referring to the success that the make clear what their priorities are and how fair Budget has had in balancing a number of competing aims. I made the point that despite the discipline the APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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government has had to impose in areas of investment - a major breakthrough. It is a expenditure it was able to embark on some very recognition that governments cannot always provide important initiatives reflecting the priorities of the the means of building such infrastructure and that government. the private sector has a significant role to play; and that it can derive enormous economic benefits from I mentioned the exercise concerning Caloola and involving itself in such infrastructure. Since those other examples concerning public safety and the guidelines have been announced it is pleasing that a anti-crime strategy recently launched by the number of projects have been identified as possible Minister for Police and Emergency Services. The candidates for involvement under the guidelines - Budget also needs to be seen in the context of the for example, St Vincent's Hospital redevelopment, work the government is doing in a number of areas the rapid transit link, and Southbank Museum. As to foster industry development in Victoria. honourable members will be aware, the government is also working through Significant issues The honourable member for Polwarth referred to the concerning the provision of additional power government's lack of effort in the area of statutory generating capacity through the Loy Yang B power authorities. He should take a close look at some of station. the initiatives flagged in the Budget, for example, the corporatisation of the Board of Works. Important It is important to reflect on the fact that despite the productivity gains have been made in that statutory often-heard doom and gloom about the economy a authority since 1986-87 and those gains will now be number of major signs of confidence in the Victorian built upon by the establishment from the beginning economy are being exhibited by business. It is of 1992 of the new Melbourne Water Corporation. pleasing to note the benefits to Victorian big business and small business through the successful Other important initiatives that will have major tendering for the Anzac frigates and the work of benefits for industry in the long term have been AMECON Lld in generating much additional undertaken by Victoria in conjunction with other economic activity in Victoria. It is also pleasing that State governments and the Federal government. I Victoria has recently succeeded in attracting a $600 refer particularly to the establishment of the million investment from the Toyota Motor National Rail Freight Corporation - a long overdue Corporation Australia Lld in what will be the most initiative. We have waited far too long in this modem car plant in Australia. Another example is country to have a sensible and rational rail system. the announcement by Golden Aluminium to invest The agreement signed recently to establish that in a world-class aluminium rolling mill at Bendigo. corporation will bring major benefits to the economy and particularly to business in Australia. It is Other examples include the CRA Lld investment in estimated that the establishment of the corporation the Wimmera through the mineral sands project, as will produce more than $1 billion nationally and well as the aerospace activities attracted to Victoria. I about $200 million for Victoria through economic am pleased about the jobs that will flow from that benefits. activity. Also we are very much aware of the need to ensure Victoria remains the focal point of the The government is focusing on the need to achieve a telecommunications industry in Australia. As the more efficient port system. It has long been Premier today indicated at question time, the concerned at the extent to which the waterfront is an government is running a very vigorous campaign to obstacle to business going about its activities in a ensure that the new Telecom-OTC headquarters are more efficient and effective way. For example, it is retained in Victoria. unsatisfactory to have only 50 000 containers being handled on one berth at East Swanson dock They are just a few examples of the major projects compared with about 500 000 containers at a similar that have begun in Victoria recently, and it is port in Singapore. We must develop competitive important to note that the significance of those advantages in Australia. I praise the work of my projects is not just the jobs and the activity generated colleague the Minister for Manufacturing and directly, but the spin-off effects that will clearly be Industry Development, David White, in the other felt by small business in Victoria, which so often place, in achieving a more sensible and rational supplies the goods and services to those major waterfront system. manufacturers.

Recently the government released its guidelines for In debating a Budget of this kind it is also important public sector involvement in public infrastructure to understand the economic context in which it has APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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been framed. In addition it is important to approximately 150 000 small businesses in this State. understand that Victoria has suffered probably more They play a significant role right across the board of than most other States from the change to industry industrial and retail activity. policy at a national level. For example, it has been estimated by the Industry Commission that since The importance of this sector has been recognised by 1982, although tariff reductions have increased the Kirner government, particularly through the national output by about 0.8 per cent, in Victoria establishment in January this year of the Department those changes have decreased output by about 1 per of Small Business which marked the first time any cent. government in Australia had put in place a specialist small business portfolio. We have suffered in a fairly major way from the dismantling of the old protection system, and that It followed the initiative of the Federal Labor trend will continue as a result of announcements government to designate a Minister with the prime made by the Federal government earlier this year responsibility for small business, and in Federal about changed approaches to industry policy. Parliament that person was the Honourable David Beddall. It is a long overdue recognition of the That is not an argument for going back to the old policy role that needs to be played within ways but it is important to understand that those government on behalf of the small business changed policies, particularly in relation to tariffs, community. have a significant effect on an economy such as Victoria's which relies so heavily on its I have been lucky in that one of the major focal manufacturing base. points of my new portfolio has been the fact that the Small Business Development Corporation has The other significance of that type of development is become very much a main part of that portfolio, and the implications it has for the arguments about I recognise the fact that that corporation was Federal-State financial relations. It has long been originally set up in the mid-1970s by the Hamer argued that, because Victoria and New South Wales government, and it has long played a significant role have benefited from the protection policies of in delivering support services, information and successive Federal governments in Australia, we training of various kinds to the small business should therefore be prepared to provide a subsidy to community. other States. Those arguments no longer apply and we can no longer justify Victoria and New South What has been lacking is a policy role in the small Wales subsidising other States such as Queensland business area. The corporation has responded when we have suffered so dramatically from the effectively to the needs of the small business fundamental changes in industry protection policy community, but there has not always been an in this country. integrated policy approach back to various government departments and agencies on behalf of I welcome the fact that the Victorian government small business, so that when individual departments and also the New South Wales government are or agencies are developing their various programs working vigorously towards achieving fundamental and policies, there has not always been a voice there reform of the allocation of taxation revenue within on behalf of the small business sector. our Federal system, and I sincerely hope the efforts of the special Premiers Conference will bear fruit in That will now change with the establishment of the tha t respect. Department of Small Business, and it is very much a priority of mine to develop that policy and advocacy I turn now to the specific importance of the portfolio role for the new portfolio. for which I have the pleasure to have been given responsibility since April this year. The small Of course, the corporation continues to provide a business sector of our economy is very much the wide variety of services and programs to small powerhouse of any economy, whether it is in business on a variety of matters including health, Victoria or elsewhere. We should understand that accounting, training, marketing and taxation advice, small business in Victoria employs more than and that is evidenced by the fact that in the last 700 000 people, comprising almost half of the total financial year more than 37 000 inquiries were private sector work force. In fact almost 95 per cent received by the Small Business Development of total enterprises in Victoria can be categorised as Corporation from the small business community, being small businesses. In effect, there are and it is pleasing to see a marked increase in the APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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number of inquiries to the corporation in the past Another issue that is important to develop in my three months, particularly in the area of new portfolio is the promotion of training. It is not business and people wishing to start up their own always something that has been effectively done for small business operations. That is one good sign of small business but research shows that if people in confidence among the business community for the small business have done some sort of training or prospects of the economy. have done their groundwork, if one likes, before actually going into business they have better chances Also through the corporation we have been able to of survival and of making successes of their ventures. set up an effective business licence centre. It was first established in 1988 as a one-stop shop for people in I am pleased that in the Budget specific proviSion small business or those wishing to enter small has been made within the portfolio of education and business who want advice about licensing training for additional assistance to small business requirements with which they would have to training. I look forward to working with the State comply as well as advice on the various regulations Training Board in developing additional training and statutes that would affect their particular area of programs that will assist small business and enhance activity. its viability. During this year a range of new initiatives will be implemented within the new The Business Licence Centre has been an important portfolio to ensure relevant effective programs of asset to the small business community. We have support and assistance are provided to small now reached agreement with the Federal business. government to include on the database of the licence centre all of the statutory and licensing requirements The Budget provides some major tax reforms that of Commonwealth legislation as well so that people will benefit the business community, especially will not have to go to a variety of departments and small business. The lifting of the exemptions on agencies to obtain advice about what they need to payroll tax is one important example of that. The do for their own business. There will be a one-stop payroll tax exemption threshold will be lifted from shop for both State and Federal government $410 000 to $500 000. That will result in businesses requirements. with nineteen or fewer employees not having to pay any payroll tax. Prior to that change in arrangements Of course, it is an ongoing challenge to ensure that the exemption threshold level applied only to firms there are fewer requirements with which business of thirteen or fewer employees so a number of has to comply. I am keen to take up that challenge businesses will benefit from the increase in the and ensure that there are fewer impediments to payroll tax exemption threshold. business for those people wishing to go into their own bUSiness, but the measure of our success with It is also important to understand that that Business Licence Centre has been the fact that approximately 40 per cent of the Victorian work other States have come to regard the activity of force is employed in firms that have nineteen or Victoria's Business Licence Centre as a model for the fewer employees. The benefit to Victorian business development of similar programs. will be approximately $80 million in a full year.

The other important role of the new portfolio is in The changes made to land tax are also Significant. It relation to regulation review and reform. It was can always be argued that reforms should go further appropriate that the Premier included the Office of but all State governments, given their limited Regulation Refonn in the new portfolio because, revenue raising base, have had to tackle this difficult whereas there is a need for regulation refonn to issue. The Greiner government in New South Wales benefit all business in this country, it is a particularly has had similar difficulties to Victoria in the way in common complaint from small business people that which the land tax system has been developed. I am there are too many regulations and too much red pleased the Budget contains reforms in that area, tape with which they have to comply. including an instalment system for smaller taxpayers and the reduction of the time lag between land tax The role that the regulation review section of my valuation and assessment. portfolio will increasingly play will be to sharpen the outcomes of regulation refonn to ensure the The changes announced to WorkCare in the past few success of specific programs of paperwork reduction days will also be welcomed by the small business and removal of red tape, which will benefit the small community. The government has tackled the business sector. difficult issues of workers compensation and, APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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despite the cynics and the doom and gloom That would have Significant adverse effects on small merchants who like to be critical of the WorkCare businesses which would have to modify their cash system, it is clear that the system is rapidly moving registers and their computing and accounting to full viability. systems to apply the new goods and services tax. They would also have to pay up front their liability It is important to understand what would have been for credit transactions although they might not the case had the old system of workers necessarily collect the revenue from those sales for compensation continued. The average cost to several weeks or months. Answers are needed to a business by the mid to late 1980s would have been whole range of unanswered questions from the State approximately 5.5 per cent of payroll. The changes opposition and its Federal colleagues. announced by the Premier and the Minister for Labour in the past few days mean that the average This has been a difficult Budget to frame and I cost of the WorkCare system is 3 per cent of payroll. congratulate the Treasurer, the Minister for Finance That is a significantly better scheme and a more and the government for the tough decisions they beneficial schemf" for the business community than have made and for the balanced and responsible would have applied under the old workers approach taken to this Budget. compensation arrangements. Mrs WADE (Kew) - In speaking this afternoon I welcome the abolition of the 10 per cent surcharge about the Appropriation and the works and services and I look forward to further improvements in the Bills I intend to address two separate but related financial performance and viability of the WorkCare areas. Firstly, I want to look at what the Budget tells scheme in this State. Those measures contained in us about the Premier's response to the needs of the this Budget are significant reforms in a difficult women of Victoria, both in her capacity as Premier economic climate. and also in her capacity as Minister responsible for women's affairs. I also want to look at what the The Budget provides for the first financial year Budget tells us about the Attorney-General's operation of the new Department of Small Business expenditure in 1990-91 and about his estimated and I am keen to develop the variety of functions the expenditure for 1991-92. department will perform. It is easy to be critical of the tough measures contained in the Budget but Uke the Premier I believe it is in the community's those tough measures must be taken. If the interest to have more women in Parliament and in opposition is critical of some of those measures, it government. Women have different life experiences should make clear how it would tackle those issues. to men and they bring different points of view to It is not good enough for opposition spokespersons decision making in government. On some issues to make glib throw-away statements such as it women have different priorities to those of men. would get rid of all or part of the payroll tax or land tax system. However, being a woman is not enough and every member of Parliament and every Minister in a The opposition must give clear alternatives because government will be judged on what he or she all State governments rely heavily on revenue actually does and what he or she actually achieves. measures. We know the opposition supports a goods and services tax but it needs to explain to the In judging the Premier we should be very careful Victorian community, especially the small business about false advertising. I refer to an announcement community, the way in which it will ensure that that the Premier made on 14 August this year concerning tax would not adversely affect the business a study of women and the economy. The Premier community. said that one of the factors that led to the spending and debt binge of the 1980s was the prevailing For example, a goods and services tax in Victoria business ethos that led to the speculators and would effectively turn more than 2 million firms into gamblers being hailed as entrepreneurs rather than tax collection agencies. It is no good saying that the being seen for what they were. current tax arrangements do that because under the current scheme fewer than 60 000 firms collect and A press release on that day quotes the Premier as pay wholesale tax. Under a goods and services tax of saying: the kind proposed by the opposition, more than 2 million firms would have to collect and pay that tax. If we are to produce a generation of genuine investors, then we must change our corporate culture and we APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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must do that by bringing women into the centre of the have to borrow. It decides how moneys will be economic process in government, business and unions. spent. What we need in government is a group of people, men and women, who can get the priorities Women who manage the budget at home or in their of government right. That is what it is all about. In own small business know that you don't spend beyond doing that we need feedback from the community your means. about its priorities.

The Victorian government has been the leader As shadow Minister responsible for women's affairs among the gamblers and speculators of the 19805. It I have endeavoured to obtain the views of women has spent beyond its means; its borrowings are and women's organisations throughout Victoria on immense, and its losses absolutely dwarf those of the issues which are of importance to them. When it business entrepreneurs. As a result the State debt, becomes the government the coalition intends to which was $11 ()()() million in 1982 when the Labor respond to the needs of women. It does not want to government came to office and which had taken 150 impose its views on them. years to reach that level, is now at $30 000 million after nine years of Labor government. I have found that women want jobs, education and training which will lead to long-term employment As in the case of the business entrepreneurs, the for themselves and their families. They do not want government's credit rating was downgraded, and it short-term, government-created jobs. One of the has been downgraded yet again. As a result Victoria strongest messages that came back to me was that is paying higher interest charges than all the other these people want real jobs with a future rather than States with the exception of Tasmania. High interest jobs that last for three or six months. charges on this huge debt have led to higher taxes and charges for all Victorians - the highest taxes As a matter of very high priority women want and charges in Australia. Now 26 cents out of every greater government concentration on personal safety $1 of our revenue goes towards paying off Victoria's issues. They want a reversal of the breakdown of interest bill. law and order that has occurred over the past few years. They are also concerned about their ability to The State government is not a business care for children, elderly parents and relatives and ill entrepreneur. People can choose whether to deal and disabled family members in an economy which with business entrepreneurs but Victorians have had requires two incomes for family survival and a no choice in this matter. They are compelled to pay reasonable standard of living. high taxes and charges to meet the excesses of this Labor government in the 19805. I have to say that, far from assisting employment in Victoria, the Kimer government policies have The Premier has been a senior Cabinet Minister since destroyed jobs. Unemployment is affecting almost 1985. She was the Deputy Premier from February every family in Victoria. The Premier cannot claim 1989 until she became the Premier just over a year that she does not understand the Significance of the ago. She may not spend beyond her budget at home, unemployment figures. I refer honourable members and one hopes the Kimer household is not bankrupt, to the Premier's maiden speech in another place on but there is no evidence that she ever objected to the 29 June 1982 when she said: speculative activities of the Labor government. Big spending and big borrowings have been features of ... the ultimate test of the success of a Labor both Kimer Budgets. One can only conclude that, far government for all of the people of Victoria will be from being a careful housewife or a successful small whether it can redistribute resources to encourage the businesswoman, the Premier is a gambler and a creation of jobs. speculator at heart. I expect to see her as the first person in the queue when gambling machines are That was to be the ultimate test of the Labor introduced as part of the government's gambling-led government which had just come into office and recovery. which is just about to go out. In 1982 when the Australian Labor Party was elected to office the Budgets are about priorities; they are about choices. unemployment level in Victoria was 6 per cent. The government decides how much to tax Victorians There were 110 000 people unemployed. During the and it decides the level of all fees, charges and fines past year - the first year of Mrs Kirner's which are imposed. It estimates how much money it Premiership - 107 000 people became unemployed. will get from all these sources and how much it will Unemployment now stands at 11 per cent and APPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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320 000 Victorians are out of work. No doubt that is responsibility for law and order and public safety. an underestimate because many people are not That is how it has always been through the history registered. Young people between the ages of fifteen of our system of government. Victorians do not and nineteen are particularly affected, with 28.7 per expect governments to take half a million dollars of cent in that age group out of work and up to 75 per their money for an advertising campaign to tell them cent in country areas unemployed. that violence is their responsibility. It is not right for women, elderly people and other vulnerable people The government is frantically trying to put the in the community to limit their lives because they blame on the Hawke government. It does appear are frightened to go out in the streets or travel on that the Commonwealth government's policies have public transport or park their cars in car parks either been directed towards creating unemployment by during the day or night. It is not right for people to taxing employers out of business. Victoria is live in fear in their own homes, as many are now suffering more than the other States because the doing. problem is compounded by State taxes and charges which are significantly higher than those in other It must be a top priority of the government to give States in order to support this government's the police and the court system the support they continued big spending. Taxes, charges and fees require so they can provide the services and operate have risen by 11.9 per cent in this Budget-an efficiently and effectively in the 21st century. These increase of 8.7 per cent in real terms after allowing are the priorities that the Kimer government appears for inflation. That follows estimated increases in to have lost. They will be the top of my agenda in a those charges of 16.1 per cent in the first Kimer coalition government. Budget. These costs are closing down businesses or persuading them to move interstate or overseas. The cost of living is a major concern for women and That means there are fewer jobs for the people left in for all Victorians. It is a particular concern for those Victoria. The Premier has failed the test she set in people who are out of work and who have family 1982. She and her government have failed members who are out of work. The Pre.. nier's first disastrously. action on becoming Premier was to abandon the family pledge, the centrepiece of the Cain The second major issue of concern for women is government's policies in the 1988 election and personal safety. The Premier has responded to this posSibly the reason the government was elected in concern with a $500 000 advertiSing campaign which 1988. has been followed by a series of committees and seminars, the main aim of which seems to be to get The Premier's decision to abandon the pledge is now across the message that violence is a community costing the average Victorian family approximately responsibility. The Premier should not be able to get $21 extra per week in charges for gas, electricity, away with that. Overwhelmingly, Victorians are water and transport and the costs incurred because honest and law-abiding citizens. They are trying to of the abandonment of the education expense make a go of it in what are very difficult economic allowance. It is $21 more than they would have circumstances. As parents, they are trying to raise spent if the Premier had not abandoned the their children to be good, honest, law-abiding government's pledge. Honourable members will citizens. They support the police and obey the law. recall, of course, it was a pledge, not a promise to be broken. Neighbourhood Watch and other community and club activities are supported by large numbers of The Premier had a choice between abiding by the volunteers. When I visit my electorate and others I pledge and holding down charges, or reducing am extremely impressed by the number of people government spending, but she chose to continue to who volunteer their services in this way. increase government spending. The Budget will allow $1.2 billion more to be spent this year than In addition Victorians pay their taxes which, as I was spent last year! said earlier, are the highest in Australia and through those taxes give expression to a community I refer again to the passage that I quoted earlier of responsibility to pay the police and the court system the Premier's words on 14 August this year: to handle crime in Victoria. Women who manage the budget at home or in their When Victorians pay taxes they put squarely on the own small business know that you don't spend beyond shoulders of the elected government the your means. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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The money the Premier is spending is money taken they are no longer capable of looking after their from Victorian families, money they could have children. Intellectual disability services are too done with themselves. The Premier cannot claim the important to be dealt with in this way and equity good housekeeping seal of approval for her efforts in must be put back into the system. keeping down the cost of living in this State. The Budget also contains other incomprehensible In the time available I cannot cover all the areas of government decisions. The decision to reduce concern to women, but I advise the government that funding for kindergartens has been reversed. The women are very dissatisfied with the assistance coalition is pleased about that, but one cannot available to care for children, the elderly, the sick understand how the Premier could ever have and the disabled. Home and community care proposed to reduce kindergarten funding. Even after funding is distributed on a first-in-best-dressed the reversal kindergarten funding of $63.3 million in basis. Districts in my electorate and surrounding 1990-91 is being reduced to $59.6 million this areas receive a small percentage of what is available financial year and we must be vigilant to ensure for per capita spending. Councils in those areas are there are not fewer kindergarten places as a result. being forced to reduce services such as home help, meals on wheels, home maintenance, transport and Bush nursing hospitals are a concern for country day care. people. They receive no assistance from State or Federal Labor governments, even though we are The objectives of home and community care are to talking about small amounts of money - a net provide an integrated range of home and operating loss at the Nyah District Bush Nursing community support services to the aged, people Hospital of $677 000 and at the Charlton Bush with disabilities and their carers; to enable them to Nursing Hospital of $670 000. It is distressing for remain in their own homes, maintain their those local communities when they do not receive independence and dignity, and reduce demand for any additional help, especially when hundreds of institutional care. That system is not working. Where thousands of dollars is spent on advertising are these people to go? campaigns and political polling.

Another area of concern is intellectual disability The priorities and decisions of the Premier as set out services. The allocation system seems to be worse in the Budget in each of those areas, rather than than that for HACC funding. It is a lottery system what is contained in her press releases and public where some people receive a good service with statements, are what is important. The Budget proper residential accommodation and good day shows that the Kirner government has changed little activities, while others get virtually nothing. People from the Cain government. The Premier projects a in my electorate who live in Kew Cottages are still caring approach which is not reflected in the Budget. living in old dormitory accommodation which is Victorian women should look at the reality of the unsatisfactory and they have very few, if any, day Kimer government and not listen to the rhetoric of activities. We are told that some people who were the Premier's press statements and press releases. residing in Caloola Training Centre may move into The reality is the vast amount being spent on the Kew Cottages. That will mean the opening up of advertising, on political polling, on glossy literature old facilities that were closed down as and a massive and expensive bureaucracy. The unsatisfactory. In addition, about the same time as bureaucracy has grown out of hand. It is not in the the closure of Caloola was announced we service area that it has grown, but in head office ascertained that Moorakyne Houses, now home for areas. There are too many public servants in head former residents of Kew Cottages, will also be office jobs who do not provide services but who are closed. That establishment provided a good creating enormous amounts of paperwork. standard of living, but no explanation has been given as to why the houses are being closed, except I expressed this view at a seminar organised by the that it is possibly part of the government's asset sales Royal Australian Institute of Public Administration program. The residents had to find out about that in 1985 and after that seminar I was mobbed by decision from journalists! public servants who said that I was saying exactly what they were saying: that they were engaged in The Budget does not contain any additional funding paperwork and were not able to provide services. for intellectual disability services or for elderly This has not changed and is demonstrated in the parents looking after the intellectually disabled at Budget. home who seek assistance from government when ~PPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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One need go no further than the program for the The Budget figures reveal that the highest priority of Attorney-General's Department to see this type of the Attorney-General is program No. 162, which bureaucracy in action. It is my responsibility to keep deals with corporate services. That division is said to an eye on the Attorney-General and before I move provide top level management and corporate on to that portfolio I remind honourable members support facilities as well as promoting the that Budgets are about priorities. implementation of government policies. The funding for the division in 1990-91 and 1991-92 was Every dollar spent in one area is a dollar not and is $22 million, 13 per cent of the available to be spent somewhere else. Money needs Attorney-General's budget. However, in 1990-91 to be spent urgently in certain areas of the corporate services overspent its budget by Attorney-General's Department. The $2.2 million. It is an extremely expensive program! Attorney-General has received report after report about the deficiencies in the court buildings. He has The salaries of corporate services amount to been told that the Supreme Court, the County Court $4.3 million, but the most interesting point is found and the City Magistrates Court are stretched beyond in line item 1150, which deals with subsidiary capacity and that delays in hearing cases will be expenses associated with the employment of doubled by 1996 if nothing is done. personnel. That is estimated at $2.2 million - 50.6 per cent of salaries. I suggest that the Minister for A recent report to Parliament from the County Court Finance should investigate that because it is an judges warned of enormous costs to the State if new extraordinarily high percentage. It compares with courts are not made available in the near future. 12.3 per cent of salaries in the court system, 7 per Suburban court buildings promised before the 1988 cent of salaries for solicitors' services to the State and State election have not appeared and I do not believe 8 per cent of salaries for the Office of the Director of the Attorney-General had any intention of having Public Prosecutions. them built. It appears that the money is being used for purposes The Budget specifies a major cutback in capital it is not intended to cover. Subsidiary expenses works for courts. Actual expenditure in 1990-91 was associated with employment of personnel are $16.7 million and this year it is estimated to be only supposed to cover payroll tax, payments in lieu of $10.5 million. As a result, the only major works to be long service leave, gratuities and overtime carried out will be the refurbishment of the Supreme payments. An enormous amount of overtime is Court and there will not even be enough money to being run up in the corporate services division of the carry out routine maintenance works on other Attorney-General's Department. courts. As is always the case, the cutbacks in capital works expenditure will result in problems piling up Mr Micallef - Not as much as with the for the future. Australian Democrats!

In 1990-91 the Attorney-General overspent his Mrs WADE - Janet Powell's secretary has budget by $15 million or 10 per cent to provide the nothing on the overtime in the Attorney-General's same services as were provided in 1989-90. Department, and the cost is increasing rapidly. The Minister for Finance will be interested to know that The divisions of the Attorney-General's Department overtime payments as a percentage of salaries are as that did not overspend are interesting: the policies follows: 1984-85,9 per cent; 1985-86,10.5 per cent; and human rights division underspent its budget by 1986-87,39 per cent; 1987-88,33.9 per cent; 1988-89, 9.3 per cent and funding for legal aid was $1 million 32.3 per cent; and 1989-90,35.2 per cent. In 1990-91 it less than estimated. The underspending on legal aid jumped to 40.3 per cent in the Budget estimates but funding can probably be explained by money the actual amount spent was 56.1 per cent. The coming from the Solicitors Guarantee Fund, but I do figure this year is estimated at 50.6 per cent. not understand how $1 million was apparently spent elsewhere in the department when I am The expenditure covered by this line item has constantly besieged by people who are unable to changed in recent years because of the inclusion of obtain legal aid. I ask that members of the Labor payroll tax, but that does not explain these very high Party who still have social consciences note that the percentages. Attorney-General's priorities have moved away from the human rights program. To show the Minister for Finance that there is something to investigate within the APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 1) BILL

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Attorney-General's Department, I point out that the the Flemington Legal Service will receive increased corporate services expenditure in line item 1150 of funds through Commonwealth government the Ministry of Finance is only 11.7 per cent of contributions. salaries. I shall quote figures from other departments because they are interesting and vary a great deal: I am a great believer in need for community legal Department of the Premier and Cabinet, 11.4 per centres and the role they fulfil. It is important that cent; Department of Manufacturing and Industry people are given equality before the law and have Development, 20.7 per cent; Ministry of Transport, access to it. Community legal centres have gone a 26.9 per cent; Department of Treasury, 48.7 per cent; long way towards improving access to the law, Ministry for Police and Emergency Services, 49.9 per particularly for people in low-income groups. cent; Department of Agriculture, 63.9 per cent; and the school education planning and coordination I was employed at the Flemington and Kensington section of the Ministry of Education and Training, legal service for seven years prior to my arrival in 159.4 per cent. They are some subsidiary expenses! this place. I always tried to ensure that all people had access to the legal system. It is important that The non-policy sections of all departments - the legal aid services are provided to people because the service delivery areas - have subsidiary expenses in image and mystique of the law overwhelms many the vicinity of apprOximately 7 to 8 per cent of people. The shop front service is a wonderful concept salaries. The only conclusion that can be drawn is to assist people in overcoming their problems. that funds allocated under line item 1150 are being used for purposes they are not supposed to cover. I In suggesting that there should be equality before suggest that some Ministers, including the the law, one must draw a distinction between how Attorney-General, are rorting the system. we treat young people who are accused of theft or burglary offences and how we treat corporate It is absolutely clear that Victoria's taxes and charges criminals. Over the past twelve months it is and the money Victoria is borrowing are being used interesting that resources have been directed to support central bureaucracies while services to towards fraud offences. Many announcements have the people are being cut back. The Premier does not been made by the Victoria Police Force and the come into the Chamber except at question time and Australian Securities Commission in an attempt to she rarely speaks except at question time. She has a address the difficult problem of corporate crime. duty to break her silence and explain the enormous expenditure of her bureaucracy and how the For many years I attended the Children's Court government has got its priorities so wrong. while representing young people. It was a distressing experience to see so many young The Premier must explain why the reality of her offenders. I was delighted when the Children and Budget bears no relation to the rhetoric of caring and Young Persons Bill was introduced into Parliament, sharing, words that appear with such regularity in because it offered a range of options for the way her press releases. One thing is certain: this is the these children could be trea ted. Budget of neither a prudent housewife nor a successful small businesswoman. I have always been concerned about the level of media attention, particularly throughout the 1980s, Mr COLE (Melbourne) - I support the Budget given to young people and the offences they commit. and point out that it was difficult to frame in the I look forward to the speech each year of the current climate of recession and decline in revenue. honourable member for Glen Waverley who refers to the problems of crime in our community and the Mr Cooper - Bankruptcy does it! fact that we need more police to combat it.

Mr COLE - There have been many bankruptcies lhere is no doubt that we have a certain level of in this State with the result that revenue is not crime in Victoria - and I often question the statistics available to pay for services. - but there has been a massive increase in white collar crime over the past few years and throughout I shall refer to the Attorney-General's Department, the 1980s in the corporate area. particularly the Legal Aid Commission and the question of equality before the law. The funding for In analysing what occurred in the early 1980s I legal aid is estimated to increase in the Budget and I suggest too much attention was paid to property take pleasure in the fact that my local legal service, offences and not enough to white collar offences. If ~PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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one considers the harm done to our community over hard to prove whether an action of a particular the past five years and the current recession, one person is criminal. To date prosecutions on insider recognises much of it relates to the manner in which trading have been limited in their results. business has or has not conducted itself. Perhaps there should have been more regulation and control I contend that the former National Companies and over some of the activities associated with business Securities Commission (NCSC) and now the people in that period. Australian Securities Commission has had little success either because the commission was I can assure the House that if some young kid in incompetent or it was loaded up with people who Flemington were undertaking such activities, which were more interested in using the information were highlighted in the press, that kid would soon obtained for their own personal benefit rather than be in Pentridge doing time. Unfortunately that has trying to solve crimes. My sources have informed not been the case with white collar criminals. The me that investigations into three former Trico reputations of many people who were idolised in the employees, Robert Prowse, David De Greenlaw and 19805 are now falling into disrepute, but very few of Yasni Ariff were being leaked by the NCSC and them have gone to gaol. Corporate Affairs Office to a former Herald-Sun journalist Ben Hills. When dawn raids on the houses It is difficult to define corporate crime and what can of De Greenlaw and Prowse were carried out on be attributed as a crime or a business failure. It is Friday 3 March they were supposed to take place difficult to distinguish between the two. Although simultaneously but they were staggered by the people may be associated with illicit practices they NCSC and Corporate Affairs Office to ensure that are not necessarily doing anything illegal or Ben Hills could get his photographer to the scene of cOmmitting a crime. These people can file for both raids. bankruptcy but they seem to continue without any regard to the terrible damage they have inflicted on Unfortunately the time lapse between the two raids the community. In my view there appears to be an allowed De Greenlaw to have Prowse contacted and inequality in the manner in which these cases are to destroy the information that was damning to handled. I am concerned and perturbed when I see them. The shredders were out in force on that people regarded as high fliers who, having lost occasion simply because the NCSC believed it was enormous amounts of money in company failures, appropriate to inform a journalist and that he be are still able to do what they want to do, although accommodated so that he got his scoop story on the perhaps not at the previous level. Now they are not raid. regarded as the great businessmen people thought they were a few years ago. Mr Maclellan - That is trial by media taken to an extreme! It is important to address the issue of corporate crime, which is difficult to define. If one commits a Mr CO LE - Absolutely, particularly because the burglary or theft that is understood, but in the leak to Ben Hills resulted in the prosecutions being corporate world there is a whole range of different severely affected. My information is that is why the offences. For example, insider trading was rampant prosecutions were unsuccessful. The habit is one a during the 1980s: where is the line drawn between lot of prosecuting authorities have got into. They whether insider trading offences have occurred and inform the media when raids are to take place. The whether the information or tips being provided fall NCSC and Corporate Affairs Office provided other within acceptable limits? Perhaps the community's information to Ben Hills, much of which did not get response has been aided and abetted by the belief into the newspapers. That in itself is a problem and that insider trading was not such a bad thing to do. was well documented. Ben Hills decided to selectively choose and use information. In other areas people obtained preferential loans or loans from banks on low interest. Was it simply a The NCSC provided substantial information on case of lack of security or a loan that should never insider trading arrangements by Andrew and have been given? Was it illegal in the first place so Michael Kroger, the Victorian President of the that both the banker and the person who received Liberal Party. The leak within the NCSC was not the loan should be charged with an offence for only feeding Ben Hills but also Andrew Kroger. misappropriating bank funds? All types of business When Andrew Kroger was dragged before the transactions and corporate failures can be prosecutors and police to be interviewed on insider interpreted as part of the normal practice, so it is trading he had full knowledge of what questions APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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were going to be asked. He was able to respond to It is beyond dispute that one of the major reasons for all questions,'1 don't remember". No charges were the shadow Treasurer seeking to get rid of Bill Curry laid against Andrew Kroger primarily because he from the Tricontinental Royal Commission was had access to information provided by sources because he had too much knowledge about people within the NCSC. No doubt the same sources were who were actively involved in such activities. He providing Ben Hills with information. Mr Hills was took an honest and decent approach to those issues, also informed that Andrew and Michael Kroger but the opposition did not trust somebody who was were heavily involved in seams with lan Johns, and so close to it and knew he would be able to say that Andrew Kroger was on the telephone to lan things about certain people which would stop them Johns three times a day. The fact that senior Liberals from committing certain activities that could land were involved with a person such as lan Johns was them in gaol. never expressed in the newspapers by Mr Hills at any time. I am concerned about the damage it causes to the community. The John Elliott memorial site at the top It is selective indeed, and we know why. We also of Swanston Street is a prime example. That is an know Mr Johns, as pointed out by the National absolute blight on the city. The Liberal Party could Companies and Securities Commission (NCSC), was not get rid of him quickly enough because of the effectively on the payroll of Messrs Andrew and damage he caused to the community. Opposition Michael Kroger when employed as chief executive members have the audacity to walk into this place officer of Tricontinental Corporation Ltd. and say it is the government that caused the problem. Did John Elliott have integrity? Mr Cooper - It is all fiction; it is your fairy story. Or Napthine interjected. Mr COLE - The honourable member for Mornington and any honourable member can debate Mr COLE - The honourable member for any time they like the activities of Andrew and Portland is obviously John Elliott's friend. If he Michael Kroger, Tricontinental and insider trading. I believes what John Elliott did is right I am worried am more than happy to accommodate them at any for this country. The activities of Bond, Ansett and time. Honourable members opposite do not have the others have caused irreparable damage to the guts, the temerity or the capacity to debate the community with the inability of the Australian matter because they know as well as I do it was the Securities Commission and the Fraud Squad to then president of the Liberal Party who had been properly come to grips with the fundamentally involved in the activities. The opposition would be age-old issue of, '1f you're in the know, if you're swinging from the chandeliers complaining how bad wealthy you'll be looked after". These people have it was if it were a Labor member. The opposition has been looked after - there is no doubt about that. gone out of its way consistently to protect them as it Anybody else would have been charged with those has protected Mr Hills. offences because of the damage they caused. There is no doubt the relationship between Kroger and Ian The allegations he raised consistently against Mr Johns existed. Opposition members have been Johns failed point blank and the others who were singularly silent on that issue. That relationship has heavily involved in instituting the corporate crime caused enormous damage to the community and I that took place at Tricontinental have not been believe the damage is beyond repair. The corporate pursued by the opposition. The insider trading crooks who are responsible for the demise of State allegations have never been brought forward. When Bank Victoria and -- they are mentioned the opposition always shies away from them. Honourable members interjecting.

There is no doubt the insider information these Mr Maclellan interjected. people were able to obtain from the NCSC and from the Corporate Affairs Office meant that insider The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Norris) - Order! trading disputes and allegations could never be The honourable member for Berwick is out of order proved. Not only was assistance given to those and out of his place. The honourable member for people from the NCSC but also the Liberal Party Melbourne has the call and other honourable itself. members have made contributions or are waiting to make contributions to the debate. They should be heard in silence. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Mr COLE - Mr Ben Hills raised the issue of the The DEPUlY SPEAKER - Order! The Sta te Bank and the responsibility of the former honourable member for Frankston South will cease Treasurer, the honourable member for Doveton. The interjecting. opposition did not want the Royal Commission to substantiate and justify government policy. The Mr COLE - I must say one of the only corporate opposition wanted to choose the members who criminals with any honour was John Friedrich: he would sit on that commission. One member whom shot himself! Some of the others around the place, the government appointed was defamed whom opposition members have been defending unmercifully and resigned as a result. In effect, its and who have not come forward -- members were chosen - and certainly had the approval - of the opposition. The opposition made Honourable members interjecting. a statement about the terms of reference for the inquiry. Mr COLE - You lot are beyond belief, you really are! You bring opposition down to the lowest level The then Treasurer had no responsibility for the possible. There has been no attempt to highlight the losses that took place. That is beyond dispute. That great problems Australia has with the private is contained in the report of the Royal Commission corporate sector. In spite of all the problems and the opposition knows it. The opposition will virtually no corporate criminals have been sent to continually say it insisted upon the terms of gaol. Christopher Skase and others, who were reference for the inquiry and that government policy lauded by everyone, are now running free and have was responsible. At the end of the day the Royal not been brought to account. Commission made a decision the opposition did not want to hear. In the end they got George Herscu for giving a bribe to a National Party politician. That is a bit like When an analysis is carried out of the transactions getting Al Capone on tax evasion. Perhaps we need that have taken place and when one looks at the to get in a group of untouchables at the Australian type of people involved - the EIliotts, the Krogers, Securities Commission to pick up some of these the bankers and the crooks - it is hard to see how people. Perhaps we need to ensure that the anybody who is a Treasurer could have had any oppOSition, which has associations with these control given that the board of directors did not business people - the Liberal Party president is one have sufficient knowledge or capacity to control of them - never gets into government. What hope Tricontinental. The findings of the Royal does the community have if it ever gets into Commission are beyond dispute. It was an government? independent inquiry that came to its conclusion after extensive cross-examination, but the opposition will The Budget is the product of a difficult era, a time not accept the decision. when we must reflect upon the sorts of problems that have occurred in the corporate sector. When I point out matters about two presidents of the Liberal Party the opposition does not want to An honourable member interjected. know about it; all it wants to do is talk about integrity. It is part of the tory blue ribbon type Mr COLE - That is why you got rid of John opposition mentality that when the government EIliot as president. We know about that! We know attacks opposition members by tipping buckets of where you people are coming from. You are very blame on them in the face of all the evidence to the quick to drop people off. contrary they lack integrity in their responses. It is beyond doubt the disasters that have taken place in Corporate criminals must be brought to account. Australia have been created by the corporate The era of greed and insider trading must never be criminals. They have created the high debt levels in allowed to happen again. Unless the opposition Australia and they got away with it. wakes up to the fact that in the ranks of the coalition parties there are people who are heavily involved in It is interesting to hear the opposition members those sorts of activities I really mourn for Australia. mouth off and make statements they have learnt by heart about why Australia is in the position it is. Mr DELZOPPO (Narracan) - The honourable member for Melbourne forgets which side of the Mr Weideman interjected. House he is on. He made a great speech for the opposition because he condemned his own APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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administration for lack of supervision in the The survey was conducted on a confidential basis. corporate sector. He also took advantage of Out of eight possible concerns for citizens and small Parliamentary privilege to make some outrageous businesses listed in the form, the responses to date allegations, none of which has been proved and rate help for families, help for small businesses and none of which I am sure he would be game to repeat assistance for hospitals as of great importance. outside the House. I can understand why small business people would I begin my speech on the Budget with a protest. This feel that way. Small business operators face very morning I raised a point of order, which was difficult times. In country towns and in the correctly ruled on by the Chair, concerning the metropolitan area one sees empty shops where absence of the Treasurer. It is an insult to Parliament people's hopes and aspirations have faded and they that the Treasurer has absented himself during the can no longer afford to pay the rent. Many people entire week of the Budget debate. As Leader of the also expressed concern about employment House he has the ability to schedule items for debate opportunities and the provision of quality education - it was within his control. It reflects poorly on him for children. that he had the effrontery to not turn up during the Budget debate. Under the Standing Orders and the Of the responses received, nine out of ten express Constitution Act it may be permissible for him to be disappointment with the achievements of the Labor absent but I think he is damned morally by his government and dismay at the inability of respective absence. governments to pull Victoria and the lucky country out of decline. All respondents noted that their Victoria is suffering badly, as was mentioned by incomes had not kept up with the rate of inflation many honourable members who have spoken on the and that living standards had been eroded. I believe Budget. The general feeling in the community is that many businesses are hanging on grimly, hoping they there are no jobs and there is no hope. We have can survive until there is a change of government heard many examples from honourable members on and an upturn in the economy. this side of the House about the hopelessness that pervades the community at this time. I take the liberty of quoting one very apt phrase included in one of the responses, '1ust when you see One of the great problems is that the Labor a light at the end of the tunnel, Labor is making the government has been a bad financial manager. Had tunnel longer" . those in charge of the government been in charge of a company they would have been charged under the Small businesses in the Warragul area are obviously Companies Act for poor administration. The hurting badly. Hard work and longer hours have government has continued to borrow in the hope only resulted in a drop in income and increases in that something will turn up - disaster has turned government taxes and charges and the inevitable up in the community. paperwork that involves. It is apparent from the survey that free enterprise in rural Victoria is being A generation of people will probably never get jobs stifled by an over-regulating and over-taxing and a host of young people, even though they have government. been convinced to stay at school longer, know that when they leave school they have little hope of The message that this side of the House must give getting a job. the government is that until it provides more inducements, until there is a more fertile field in I am disappointed that the Minister for Small which small businesses can grow, Victoria will have Business is not in the House because small business a continuing problem of unemployment and despair is the greatest employer of labour. If small business in the community. is going through a downturn the number of jobs available automatically decreases. I decided to Unemployment and the lack of business survey some of the small businesses in my opportunities create spin-offs in many other areas. electorate. I commenced in the town of Warragul Several concerned people in my electorate drew to and over two weeks sent out a large number of my attention that even in country towns, where survey fonns. Approximately 70 to 80 per cent of perhaps it was not as obvious as in other places, businesses surveyed responded. there was a considerable level of youth homelessness: kids who had been either rejected by ~PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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their parents or were unable to find employment where they are going to live tonight. Unemployed were on the streets. people can often be more flexible in where they may live, however, peer support and friendship is important It is difficult to get statistics on this issue. Several when one is looking for work, as is an address to be opposition members went to St Kilda and reported contacted at, therefore, an unemployed person should to the House that they had examined at first hand ideally be housed in an area that provides this. the situation of homeless people down there. I was able to contact the youth officer in Moe. I asked him We are all remiss in not providing more temporary to give me some information about homeless accommodation for homeless young people. The children in that town. notes continue:

In his notes the youth development worker at Moe In Moe, the youth housing support worker sees, on says: average, seven new clients per day -

A definition of terms is required so that all people Given that Moe is a town of some 16000 or 17000 understand what is being referred to as homeless people, the figure of seven is frightening. Then the young people. For too long, the media has portrayed following appears: homeless youth as those young people living on the street in clothes collection bins and abandoned ... the breakdown being as follows: buildings as well as toilet blocks and park benches. 1. living in an unsatisfactory home environment (either sexual or physical abuse) The fact is that most young people looking for accommodation in rural Victoria do not find 2. wards of the State with no home themselves without a roof over their head until they are 4. living with friends at the moment but have to move forced to relocate to Melbourne (statistics kept by out (some may be wards but don't present as such) Morwell/Moe youth accommodation worker). Often those young people living with friends have left Rural communities are generally more supportive and their original family home as a result of abuse of some caring and young people who can no longer live at kind. home can, for quite a while, move from one friend's home to the next. Contrary to popular opinion, housing workers will try to achieve family reunification where possible. Of the I have made some inquiries on this matter and it seven new clients seen, sometimes half can go back to seems that some young people do just move from the family home after a period of time out and parent one home to another, from one group of friends to and child skills training. another, until they either have an argument or the people supporting them get tired of their presence. For those of us who come from caring homes, it is The notes continue: hard to imagine people throwing their children out onto the streets, but such is the climate in the It is the view of many housing workers that a young community at the moment that it does happen from person is technically homeless when this happens, time to time. because they have no fixed address or security of tenure. They are open to abuse and exploitation and are The notes continue: completely dependent on others for their housing. Incomes and the lack of access to adequate incomes is It is a disgrace for us to be allowing that to go on in the major factor contributing to young people's this day and age. The notes continue: homelessness. Both Austudy young homeless and Job Search young homeless are inadequate to allow a Any person living in an unsafe or unsatisfactory person under eighteen to survive in independent living environment should be considered to be homeless until they have security of tenure and person. That causes me some concern - Students and employed people are of particular concern. Students need a stable living situation so that The waiting period for Job Search allowance is some they are able to study, and employed people need it so thirteen weeks and some Austudy recipients have had that they can devote their attention to work instead of to wait up to six months. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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No doubt all honourable members have had Another concern about police activities is reflected in complaints from young constituents on that matter. the note in the Budget. It indicates that income from Then the following appears: fines, in particular from speed cameras, will increase. I have to admit that on more than one The net result is that many young people continue to occasion - perhaps on many occasions - I am live in unsatisfactory home environments and continue tempted to exceed the speed limit on country roads. to endure abuse. These people do not seek out services No doubt the Minister at the table, the Minister for until the crisis has reached the stage that any family Agriculture, and other honourable members have a assistance and therapy will not work as the situation similar feeling when they are on a good road late at has deteriorated too far. night. One finds on a freeway when there is not much traffic about that one's foot tends to depress There is a need to support community-based groups to the accelerator more than it should. Now I find if develop strategies for alleviating homelessness in these one is not careful on the Princes Highway between areas. here and Warragul one has to contend with either a police officer or a speed camera hidden in the gaps The best solution is to find jobs for these unfortunate between the trees. young people. By stimulating the economy and giving small business a better go, a better chance When one speaks to police officers about their will be created for that to happen. It will not happen activities and the fact that they have become revenue until there is a change of government. generators, one finds they are unhappy. They consider that they should be upholding law and I refer now to the expressions of concern about order, not apprehending motorists who may have police and emergency services that I have had from broken a speed limit but nevertheless are not people in my electorate. A number of people have causing mischief or danger. They consider their time written to me - both individuals and would be better spent showing their presence in representatives of municipalities - complaining more populated areas. A police presence on the about cutbacks. I am disappointed that the streets of Moe and Warragul would be far more honourable member for Morwell is not in the House effective in establishing a better environment than is because I have received a letter from the Chief achieved by having police officers trying to catch Executive Officer of the City of Morwell, in which he motorists who are speeding. states: I have received a considerable number of letters The council at its meeting held (recently) considered from people complaining about the reduction in the the government's proposal to significantly rationalise police budget. I refer to just one, which contains the the police services throughout Victoria by reducing following comments: funding levels in the next State Budget. I write to convey my outrage at the potential The council is concerned at the consequences of any consequences if the cuts to the police budget, cuts to the police budget and requests that current foreshadowed in recent public statements, should be manning and support service levels be maintained. made.

I seek your cooperation in maintaining the current On advice received, I understand that if a cut of $47.1 levels of police services throughout Victoria. million were made, the following would be the potential results: No doubt other honourable members have had similar requests made of them. Many speakers on - the loss of up to 1200 police officers, this side of the House have referred to the growing concern in the community about personal safety, - a cut of 59 per cent in the operations budget of the that is, the safety of people going about their police department, which could lead to: ordinary business in the streets. In country areas people are often in isolated situations and now - 6 out of 10 police cars being taken off the road, many are being harassed or robbed. Certainly many older members of the community are nervous once - 6 out of 10 police stations being dosed. the sun goes down despite all the locks and bolts that they attach to their houses for their own Crime has increased in Victoria in the last twelve protection. months by 15 per cent. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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The letter continues: information for their projects and research tasks. It seems strange that the government brought in the The prospect of the further cuts we are now being new VCE but it did not consider that the cut in the asked to consider is absolutely frightening. budget for the libraries would have a detrimental effect on VCE students. As the public guardian of the well-being of residents in your constituency, I look to you for support in Like many honourable members I have more and providing vehement opposition, not only to the cuts more students coming to my office asking questions apparently in prospect, but to cuts of any kind. about politics and related subjects for their various projects and tasks. It is not unusual on Sunday night I protest vehemently about this matter. to receive telephone calls from young students asking, ''Who is the Prime Minister; what is the As well as the lack of police in my electorate, I am House of Representatives?" also absolutely appalled by the accommodation provided for police and prisoners at the various Mr Cooper - Can you answer them? police stations. In the town of Moe the police station is nothing less than a disgrace. There is insufficient Mr DELZOPPO - I can answer them. I believe accommodation for juvenile male and female we all have a duty to encourage young people as offenders. Because courts have been closed in other much as we can. parts of my electorate, Moe Magistrates Court deals with all these matters. Mr Cooper - You might get the VCE!

The police are required to do court duty, escort Mr DELZOPPO - I might be struggling a bit prisoners to and from court and also they are these days! There is a demand from young students holding an extra number of prisoners who are for information and because the government has cut awaiting trial. The conditions are far from library funding the information source has satisfactory. Police have to interview people in diminished in an unhealthy way. rooms that have not been designed for this purpose. I am seriously afraid that a situation might occur in A number of primary schools have written to me an interview room of a person running amuck and about cuts in their budgets. Various school causing tremendous damage to the police and to organisations and school unions are protesting eqUipment. about Significant cuts to education and although I do not want to go into the pros and cons of the rights or I have received a letter from the regional librarian at wrongs teachers are marching in the streets and the West Gippsland Regional Library of 28 August. there is a great deal of dissatisfaction in that He says: profession. It must be difficult for students who are the guinea pigs in the new course of study when It seems that no reference was made to public library they read the newspapers to find their teachers will funding in the Budget Speech and, in fact, no not be available or that they will boycott certain information is available from the Ministry for the Arts. subjects. The necessity to pass well is vital if young The figures which will emerge are for deferred people are to get jobs. I condemn any person who payments (again) in July 1992. If you can bring takes action to cause further stress to these students. pressure to bear so that the funding figures for the coming year's operation be released I would be grateful. Teachers have lost the vision of true professionals. In myoId-fashioned way I believe professionals should I ask the Minister for Agriculture, who is at the table, put the client first. There is no doubt that students to take up with the Minister for the Arts the concern are the teachers' clients and they should do about the 59 per cent cut in budget for the State Film everything in their power - even to their own Centre together with the threat that this will be the personal detriment - to ensure that their clients are final allocation for that particular body. well catered for in the best possible way.

Libraries have always been important, but with the I am glad the Minister for Agriculture is at the table new Victorian certificate of education, which because I shall raise a number of issues to do with concentrates on students doing their own original his portfolio. The rural community deplores the research, libraries are even more important to young decisions the Minister has made over the past few people. They now are finding it difficult to find months. The decision to relocate and reorganise the APPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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department leaves a lot to be desired. To relocate the also consider that improvements need to be made to department's head office in the country is a decision better allocate powers and responsibilities among the bordering on stupidity. arms of government in a number of areas in Victoria ...

If you examine other rural organisations in the State Despite a decade of financial management reforms in you will find they are centrally located in Melbourne the public sector generally, Parliament's budget has and although I subscribe to the theory of been left within the departmental budgetary decentralisation I believe the headquarters of the framework, and Parliament must go cap in hand to Department of Agriculture ought to be in Melbourne Treasury public servants to obtain allocations. This because that is the most central to all rural areas in procedure is absolutely wrong in principle and must be the State. reformed.

At the local level there is concern about the I hope all members of the House will agree with me downgrading of agricultural services in Warragul. about the importance of that point. Perhaps the Minister can explain whether it is a fact that the Ministry, which is presently located in Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I am buildings in the town, will be moved out to the delighted to take the unusual course of participating Ellinbank research farm and that there may well be a in the Budget debate because I rarely have an loss of jobs. The Minister well knows, particularly opportunity to speak at length on such matters. when he has moved around the State, that the Department of Agriculture is held in high regard in Mr Cooper interjected. rural areas. It provides advice not only to dairy farmers but also to potato and tobacco growers. On Mr BAKER - I congratulate the honourable more than one occasion I have heard agriculture member for Narracan for the considered, temperate lauded as a renewable resource that ought to be and decent way he made his contribution to the encouraged at all times. Perhaps the Minister might debate. That is very much the hallmark of his style, care to see me privately or perhaps I shall write to which I commend to those of his colleagues who him for answers to the questions I have raised. tend to deal with issues in less attractive ways.

Finally, I shall refer briEfly to Appropriation for Mr Cooper interjected. Parliament. There is a strong feeling in the State, which has been documented on more than one Mr BAKER - The Budget Papers show that my occasion, that the government executive is intruding colleague, the Minister for Manufacturing Industry more and more into the Parliamentary sphere. As and Development, has received approval from the someone who has a high regard for Parliament I find Treasurer, the Minister for Finance and the Cabinet it demoralising that Parliament is forced to go cap in to undertake major initiatives in the food processing hand to a bunch of bureaucrats in charge of finances sector. I cannot stress too much the importance of to obtain the necessary appropriation to run its developing a strong food processing industry. Most affairs. people in the city are not aware of the fact that Victoria is an important agricultural State. Other I was always taught that Parliament was supreme States believe Victoria is the nation's manufacturing and in charge of its own affairs and that it should base, ignoring the strength of its agricultural sector not be fettered by financial considerations. to the extent that our northern and western brothers believe that if they seceded from the Commonwealth The Strategic Management Review of the Parliament of Victorians would have to take in washing to survive. Victoria, which is to be examined by the Parliament of Victoria Committee, highlights the fact that The Victorian agricultural sector produces 22 per Parliament is not in charge of its own affairs. Over cent of the gross value of Australian agricultural the past fifteen years governments of differing produce; and the State produces the nation's most political persuasions have eroded the independence variegated range of products. On those figures of Parliament. At page 11 the strategic management Victoria would be self sufficient to the extent that if review report states: we seceded from the Commonwealth we would do very nicely, thank you very much. ... we do consider that the underlying principle of executive dominance and the weakening of the other A strong characteristic of Victorian farming life is arms of government is a problem in this State, and we that farmland remains with the same families from ~PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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one generation to the next. Despite the old Mr BAKER - Various economic druids suggest bull-young bull syndrome that is a feature of that, save for a dramatic change in circumstances, fanning life, the Victorian fanning community has a somewhere between 3000 and 5000 fanning families penchant for readily taking up new ideas to improve may be forced to leave the land their forebears productivity, a claim that cannot be made with the settled four or five generations ago. It is important same strength by the manufacturing sector. for people in the city to understand the consequences of that shift. The report of my committee on Victorian agricultural science shows that, based on Australian In the argot of economists the multiplier effects of Bureau of Statistics figures, conservatively expressed changes in agricultural production will have serious to ensure that they are worthwhile examining, over effects on areas such as Sunshine, which is in the the past twenty years productivity has increased electorate I represent, where there have been signs of exponentially by 2.6 per cent. By comparison the burgeoning employment in the food processing much vaunted, better marketed and more heavily sector. subsidised manufacturing sector has achieved productivity gains of only 1.1 per cent a year. City people should take cognisance of the fact that 20 per cent of the gross value of Victorian The agricultural sector is facing difficulty because of production comes from our agricultural sector. the collapse in international commodity prices, which has especially affected the efficacy of the The question is: what do we do about those standard each-way farmer's bet of growing wheat circumstances, given the background that I have and wool. established? Where do we go from here for agriculture? It should not be my function as Minister Some areas of Victoria such as the Mallee have for Agriculture to preach despair, but it is very suffered from successive seasons of little or no rain, important to set out in some sort of clear way, as I which has seriously affected fanning operations that have attempted to do, the dimensions of the are only marginal at best. We should all be thankful problems and the difficulties that confront the that the rains have come in time this year; if they people for whom I am responsible. I am basically the had not, already complex problems would have Minister for farmers. That is how I see my role; it is a been compounded. responsibility that I have taken to my heart and I am perfonning to the best of my ability. Unfortunately some fanning families were caught up in the entrepreneurial lunacy of the 198Os, when When looking ahead, there are signs of hope amid money was thrown at them by the same local the despair and gloom. In particular, I refer to the bankers who are now freezing their accounts. Many food processing area. It is very easy for politicians to farmers were forced into leverage arrangements on a take the standard trip to Asia. Bureaucrats, scale never before known. Those factors have caused quasi-diplomats et aI, people from the orderly a great deal of damage to the Victorian fanning marketing schemes and even some of our community. manufacturers travel to Asia. I spent some time there for the ABC and Radio Australia in my Mr W. D. McGrath interjected. younger days in another life. But how many times do you see these people coming back and saying, '1 The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Shell) - Order! have seen the dream. I have seen the vision. It is all The Deputy Leader of the National Party has only to the north. There are billions of them and all we recently entered the Chamber. I suggest he listen to have to do is send them our food"? Of course we the Minister in the same way as previous opposition have been saying that for a long time. speakers were listened to by members on my right - in silence. No-one ever says to these people when they come back, "Yes, but have you made a deal? Show us. Did Mr BAKER - He's known as t)1e bunyip from you make a deal for $10 000, or $15 OOO? Whom did Minyip. They only let him in to frighten the children you really talk to? Did you talk to other people of during question time. the same status? Or are you coming back and just giving us more of the same?" Mr W. D. McGrath interjected. Honourable members should note that I have not taken one of those expeditions, even though I have APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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some familiarity with the area, because they do not mean just environmentally clean food - and I produce results. To some extent we are the victims assure the House that Victoria's is among the or captives of our own history, in the sense that since cleanest in the world, so that is a competitive white settlement we have largely been sellers of advantage and something that can bring a premium commodities. We were sent here for that reason, price for our produce - but they have a fetish about according to the economic and social histories of our buying the food on the day that they are going to eat country; to act as capital traps later on, but in the it. Therefore they want fresh food in small packages. beginning essentially as primary produce traps to send produce home to Britain and subsequently to The final element to add to that equation, based on the North American and other Western markets. the information that I have, is that their markets are fiercely brand,ompetitive, especially the Japanese We have done that very well, and it is a great credit market. In other words, you must have a superb to our forebears that they did it with such efficiency. package. You cannot use the old Western Star butter They developed productivity; they developed wrap any more. That is considered brand X, and economic benefits from the produce that related they will not buy it and you cannot get a premium very closely to the huge natural advantage that we price for it. It must be packaging of a style, variety have of large areas of land by comparison with our and glitz that we are unable to offer here at this time. competitors, but mainly because we were able to It must be printed in five languages, and you must take ur new ideas. Indeed, we produced a lot of be prepared to change your products regularly. them ourselves, such as the stump-jump plough and the Sunshine harvester, just to name a couple that I am informed that there is a major meat were used to overcome the transportation costs that manufacturer retailing in the Japanese city markets come with the distance that has to be covered in our who produces 100 new brands of meat product a area. year; at the end of the year perhaps 6 of those will survive, and then he produces another 100 the next But we have never been marketers, nor have we had year. That demonstrates just how competitive the to be marketers in the true sense of the word, and market is. certainly in the modem sense of the word we have not had to be marketers of products. When one Our problem is partly an accident of history. The considers the opportunities offered in the Asian people we are sending to make the deals and the market it is true that at first glance some elements notions we have of how to make the deals are are extremely attractive to us. There is compelling wrong. They just do not fit that particular market evidence to suggest that Asian people, especially and we need to find out a bit more about it. We need those in Japan and the newly industrialised to get some people that have those skills. None of us, countries, as a result of their recent increased from politicians through to our own productivity, have higher levels of disposable manufacturers - some of whom are given a personal household discretionary income, to use the much-vaunted place in our society - has got onto jargon of the economists. I note the honourable this and we are in real danger of being beaten by member for Lowan nodding in recognition of that more slick operations from Canada, the term. It is basically the fancy term for what you have Scandinavian countries, Germany and the new left over to spend after you have paid all the bills. European Community. They are getting in there in a The people in the countries I have mentioned have a big way, while we are still sending them Western lot more left over after they have paid their bills and Star butter or whatever in that old packaging. That so they are starting to acquire some of our gives us a nice warm jammy feeling in our tummies Anglo-Saxon habits, although perhaps not to the because we grew up with it and are therefore same extent of gluttony that we display, and are comfortable with it, but it sure as heck is not becoming more interested in protein-based foods. attracting the attention of the buyers in these That is the first element. emerging new markets.

The second element is that in the demographic A variety of reports have been commissioned by distribution of their society they have a much higher Mr David White, the Minister for Manufacturing proportion of single-person households. The third and Industry Development in another place, from element is that they tend to have much larger Pappas Carter Evans and Koop Pty Ltd. My own numbers of people who live alone than we have. department has commissioned two that have Another element is that they have a fetish, indeed recently been presented to the government, one from even an obsession, with having clean food. I do not the Victorian Agribusiness Council and another ~PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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from the Centre for International Economics based Emperor Meija beat up all the shoguns and unified at the Australian National University. Japan. He sent people out from the Court of Metternich to pick up new ideas. One of the new The reports all say a lot of the things that I have said ideas they brought back was to create the Prussian in part but perhaps not in such detail. They also navy and to use it to beat the hell out of the -- focus very heavily on the need for microeconomic reform of our waterfront and transportation Mr Richardson - The Russians - you are not so facilities, perhaps the need to fix up the airfreight good after all! arrangements, and the need for mutual recognition of regulations, weights and measures and things of Mr BAKER - It is g~ to have a soul mate here. that kind, way beyond the major advances we have That happened in 1905. That is one option but it just made nationally at the recent Premiers would take ten or twenty years - and that is the Conference. trouble. By then the competitors I mentioned would have too big a toehold on the new markets. We will I have no quibble about those developments. My have lost possibly the best chance we have had in State and Federal colleagues are moving on all those about 200 years to change our ways, get our act fronts, albeit a little slowly for some of the people together and make a big buck. involved. They place great faith in that. They say, "The moment you complete those microeconomic That leaves us with the joint venture option. Isn't reforms, it will be okay, we will sell a million", but that standard business policy No. I? If you are in that will not happen. doubt and do not know the market but have a basic material, you hire a partner. Who knows? You go If you take the assumption, for the purpose of halves. debate, that we will so act, that all those things are given and they will happen tomorrow, the reality Mr Delzoppo - A bit like marriage. we have to confront is that we still could not sell a million because we do not know how. Mr BAKER - Yes, a little like marriage. That is the way for us to go. My colleague the Minister for The second common denominator in the reports is Manufacturing and Industry Development, David the need for joint ventures. I warm to that because I White, in the other place and I are taking up these see some practicality in it and some options for reports and particularly that aspect of joint getting a result. You have two ways to go with this. venturing, and all the propositions I mentioned for microeconomic reform including W1ification of The first is reading economic history - I know the weights and measures and regulations across the shadow Treasurer is a great student of international country so anyone coming here does not have to history here and at home, and would know from his worry about the fiddle-faddle and red tape scene. vast reading on the subject that you could pick, for example, the Venetians or the seafaring businessmen This is logical but it has not been done before. We of Malta - a lot of whose descendants live in my have not been good at organising ourselves electorate - or even the Flemish weavers, who did regardless of the political view of whatever so much to change the face of economics. governments have been in power. If people in Asia want four pigs trotters in aspic or in black bean Mr W. D. McGrath - It sounds like you should sauce, and they want them in a glitzy packet with be two rows back, reading it. five languages on the packaging, we need to find out how to do it. You can call that value added or Mr BAKER - I have not read a thing. The upstream marketing but I call it smart business Flemish weavers did much to change the whole sense when you get the premium price. nature of economics and led to modem market force economics by the perspective of history of some Although the orderly marketing schemes have people. I also cite the example of the Japanese served us well we still have a tendency to say, ''Yes, Emperor Meija. I must confess: because of you can have two pigs trotters so long as they are Anglo-Saxon dictates and strictures of our own attached to half a side of pork". We have to grow out history I did not know about the Emperor Meija of that. until I visited Japan on behalf of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Radio Australia My deparbnent has been working on a range of during my nefarious past. subjects to exacerbate this process, and tease it along APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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as much as possible within the Department of ... provide adequate space and facilities for meat Agriculture. Within the brief period available to me I inspection. wish to outline those measures for the benefit of the House. In relation to the beef market, in the past Mr Richardson - Pretty sloppy supervision by three years we have built exports of Victorian beef your government. from close to zip to $60 million. That stands to the credit of the administration of my predecessors in Mr BAKER - There are nineteen in these this portfolio; I cannot claim credit for that. circwnstances. They are the people who the opposition has been defending. They are the ones We are moving particularly to build up that area about whom the opposition says, 'There is nothing because of the emerging Korean market. We are wrong with the people and it is the fault of the trying to help those abattoir owners who tend to be workers". The workers have to work in those bigger and tooled up - not those I was referring to conditions. The further provisions state: earlier today, but those who tend to be a little more market oriented and who tend to have far fewer ... provide an adequate number of hand wash basins industrial relations problems. That must be and sterilisers where required; provide adequate considered if you are applying logic to this situation. facilities for washing and handling of edible offal.

The ones out there who are making a buck and It goes on like that for page after page after page! getting into the Asian market and the international markets are the ones who treat their work forces I know opposition members are not concerned about well; they are tooled up with modem equipment; the conditions that workers have to tolerate in these they meet the quarantine and inspection areas but the conditions are those of Dickensian requirements; and they are not a threat to our trade. sweatshops on a scale not seen since the Dark Ages. Everyone must remember that many of these small OppOSition members are not interested in the fly-by-night operators that I referred to earlier today welfare of people who are treated like cockroaches are potentially threatening. If they are not interested by these fly-by-night operators, but surely they in the occupational health and safety factors they could have some concern about the general state of are, on a second count, a grave threat to the whole of this major industry. We must do something about it. our meat industry because if we have another incident like the great kangaroo meat scandal the The opportunities are there. My colleague the whole value of a billion-dollar industry and the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry opporhmity of making billions of dollars will be shot Development and I, in conjunction with an offshoot down overnight. In the interests of the community committee of the Committee for Melbourne, which and of the industry, and for the economic and social includes some of the most Significant food benefits to the community as a whole, it is most processors in the industry, as well as the ACTU and important that we crack down on those operators. the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union are talking to see whether we can pick up these About 19 of the 60 or 70 abattoirs that are currently opportunities and ensure that for once, instead of up for relicensing have been formally told by the being sellers of commodities, we can become independent licensing authority that they have until marketers of products, particularly upstream. If they 1 October to get their acts together, for social and want sheep's eyes in aspic, that is what we have to economic reasons. I shall read to the House some of give them, and there are big bucks and a lot of the requirements on which the authority has employment in it. insisted. In the case of one country abattoir that I will not name, because there are a few similar Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) - The Budget establishments, the requirements state: has been seen as irresponsible because it encapsulates high debt and high unemployment; ... provide facilities for the hygienic removal of inedible and the question remains to be answered: what hope material, hides and skins from the dressing area; do young people in Victoria have and where are the provide a facility for the secure holding of condemned jobs? material. Victorians have found that the government has The implication is that they are not acting to the failed to address the economic recession and the satisfaction of the authority. Further: 300 000 who are unemployed and the huge debt of $30 billion which the State has been saddled with. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Three years from now I will still be asking how we have impacted on large sections of communities and can reduce the debt. The Minister for Finance, who small rural towns of Victoria, and the is not with us today, has tried to blame the Federal unemployment in rural centres is as high as 14 per government for the fact that Queensland may be cent. The increase means that now one in three receiving Commonwealth preferential treatment people is without work. over and above Victoria. The Minister for Agriculture has kindly spoken of What does the Budget offer the people of Geelong the need for agribusinesses and the joint ventures other than higher taxes, debt and expenditure? now being examined, and I too believe a lot needs to Although the Pyramid petrol tax does redress the be done to redress the high costs for farmers of losses of many depositors, it has placed a burden on providing fuel for tractors and the cost of roads and other people who did not invest their money in of getting their products to market. Pyramid Building Society but put it in banks where they took lesser interest and felt their funds were We have seen our rundown railway system safe. neglected and the road hauliers ripping down those highways with heavy wheat loads, ripping the sides Previous speakers have addressed the question of out of those roads week after week, and the roads insider trading. The honourable member for not being repaired. It is a costly exercise for society. Melbourne spoke about it at length and about the lack of morale among some of our corporate The Budget has increased expenditure by 8 per cent, high-fliers. I too condemn what has not been and we are aware of the waste in government revealed in a Royal Commission find I request in expenditure such as renting floors of the Rialto Parliament that a Royal Commission be held into the building to house more public servants when less affairs of the Pyramid Building Society. expensive accommodation could have been provided. Back in 1890 when Isaac lsaacs, later Sir Isaac lsaacs, was the Attorney-General of Victoria he was unable I am reminded of an unoccupied building on the to organise a Royal Commission into the banking corner of Brougham and Yarra streets in Geelong affairs and the crashes of that period. People want which in recent days was let by the SEC at a cost of answers. They want responsible action taken by approximately $60 000 a year. The Marine Board of governments and they want the Ministers of the Victoria has suggested that it is paying Crown to be responsible and answerable. approximately $200 GOO for offices in Melbourne when other accommodation could be found at a cost As the honourable member for Melbourne said, only of $60 000. one disgraced corporate high-flier took his own life and that was Mr Friedrich, and it is a shame that Last year the government produced a twelve-month those problems ever arose. How can people waste outlook and it has been proven 120 per cent wrong. millions of taxpayer's dollars and money belonging This year's debt of $1582 million is an increase of to private individuals and not be detected? If they $1500 a household. The State debt is $30 billion. are detected how can Ministers say, '1 was not Other governments took 150 years to reach $11 aware; I was not responsible for the decisions which billion but this government took eight years to were taken"? accumulate State debt of $30 billion - $26000 per household. The Minister may not be aware of and responsible for the day-to-day signatures and running of the People are horrified that our Police Force is being department, but he has a responsibility to call for asked to raise $40 million in extra fines and accounts, to see that professional people are casting on-the-spot charges to people. The government is their eyes over what is happening and alerting the using the police as tax gatherers and it is inequitable government and the Ministers and, indeed, the when young people who may be unemployed Premier to the dangers. receive on-the-spot fines which they can ill afford to pay. They need time to pay and in an open court In Australia the time has arrived to address taxation situation a magistrate would ask whether there was and financial arrangements between Victoria and any reason why he should not pass sentence and the Commonwealth. Victorians will not forget that would have to take into account the earning power people's losses, whether through Tricontinental, of some of the people who appear before the court. State Bank Victoria or the Pyramid Building Society, APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICFS (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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The red light and speed cameras take no account of a Geelong has an urgent need to address the person's status or ability to pay. They are a licence to upgrading of the Avalon airport into a tourist print money, to gather in fines and to put people in destination as a second major international terminal dire straits. similar to that at Cairns. It could capture and encourage tourists for southern Victoria. The Young people may lose their licences through Japanese are delighted to come to Australia to play speeding and lose their jobs as a result of not being golf on our many golf courses. Geelong has a rich able to go to work. We should not hide behind speed supply of golf courses and fine surf beaches, as well cameras and red light cameras; if the police cannot as other infrastructure just waiting to be brought to conduct an on-the-job prosecution of a case we the attention of the thousands of tourists who visit should not mechanise the whole system so that it our country. becomes like churning people through totalitarian courts and taxing those who can ill afford to pay. Other new initiatives will be the announcement nearer to an election by the Liberal Party of payroll We see the Victoria Police raising their game only and land tax benefits for all Victorians. Research by because they do not want to lose the money that the Australian Chamber of Manufactures has shown they have for the running of their department, the that the abolition of payroll tax has the potential of equipment they need and the upgrading of facilities. generating between 80 000 and 175000 new jobs without setting off new inflationary pressures. This Geelong has a new $30 million police complex that would be a positive step to recovery. will be nearing completion in December this year. South Barwon has been asking for some years for a The Minister for Airlculture spoke earlier of 24-hour police station and for 26 officers to be posted agribusiness. Agribusinesses need uplifting in to that area which has a huge influx of tourists. Victoria. Processed foods bring in barely $2 billion of Hundreds of thousands of people visit the area each Australia's $10 billion export income from year and we need the additional manpower to agricultural exports. Western Mining Corporation enable the local police to operate effectively. found that further processing of its nickel alumina in Western Australia would add 20 per cent to profits The honourable member for Oakleigh would recall rather than selling the raw material direct to Japan when he was a Minister the urgent need that was and Sweden. put to him as Minister and the commitment then given by the Cain government. Australia imports more processed foods than it exports. Australia needs to develop profitable The social needs of all families in Victoria must be value-added agribusiness exports. The government addressed. After eight years of mismanagement by should not be pork barrelling the aluminium plant the Labor government it will probably take another for Bendigo but rather should put such a venture eight years to rectify much of the damage that has next to Portland or Point Henry in Geelong. That been done. People should be rewarded for success would make sense. Placing another such and initiative but many small businesses are being infrastructure in Bendigo will cause devastation to crippled by high taxes and Gharges and a lot of the roads and create problems for the smelters that needless paper bureaucracy. However, out of the already exist. current adversity there is a challenge for people to do greater things to provide for their children, the With regard to the WorkCare system in Victoria, the wealth creators of tomorrow. government has failed to either stamp out abuse or to clamp down on unsafe work practices. The On coming into office a coalition will do a thorough Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that workers audit of the Labor era and present its report within compensation costs in Victoria escalated to $1024 a six months so that people comprehend what actually worker in 1989-90. Average costs in other States took place between 1982 and 1991. The coalition has were: $302 in Queensland; $434 in Tasmania; $498 in a debt reduction strategy that will work. Western Australia; $624 in South Australia; and $641 Privatisation will take place only where there are in New South Wales. In two years to JuneJ990 the demonstrated benefits; new industries will be costs in Victoria have escalated from $88 to $460, attracted to Victoria and we will capitalise on representing 3.2 per cent of the wages bill. tourism, something that has been neglected for a long time. The coalition will address the issue of an improved economy by improving housing and health services ~PPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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to senior citizens and addressing major cent. Retail turnover in the rest of Australia rose by environmental issues such as toxic waste disposal, 3.7 per cent but in Victoria by 1.2 per cent. The forestry conservation and dry land salinity in number of new dwellings approved dropped by 29 northern Victoria. per cent in Victoria but by 2.3 per cent in the rest of Australia. The number of new buildings approved People want honesty and accountability in dropped by 36.8 per cent in Victoria but by 12.8 per government. In Geelong the Geelong and District cent in the rest of Australia. The number of new Hospital, Grace McKellar homes, Dax House, houses commenced dropped by 4.1 per cent in the Shannon Park and Karingal are all deserving rest of Australia and by 28.2 per cent in Victoria. hospital groups and are doing a fine job with limited resources. The Labor government did not build the The number of new vehicle registrations dropped by promised nursing home in South Barwon as part of 18.6 per cent in the rest of Australia and by 20 per the Grace McKellar group and the several million cent in Victoria. The number of new house sales in dollar project remains unaddressed to this day. the rest of Australia rose by 48.4 per cent and dropped by 15 per cent in Victoria. New capital There has been widespread closure of public expenditure in the rest of Australia dropped by 5.1 hospital beds in Victoria and, since 1983,5.2 million per cent and by 17.4 per cent in Victoria and more Australians now rely solely on the public bankruptcies rose by 46.7 per cent in the rest of hospitals. At current hospitalisation rates this Australia and by 71.3 per cent in Victoria. translates into an additional demand of 1.2 million inpatients. Demand is increasing and waiting lists The record goes on. It is a tale of disaster. The Cain are growing. and Kirner governments have left a terrible legacy for the Victorian community and we have to turn Water resources are essential to Geelong if the around and build anew. The State Budget fails to region reaches its expected population of 300 ()()() address the waste and mismanagement of the past people. It is not known whether the ratepayers or nine years and reflects the destruction inflicted on all the government, through State taxes, will meet the Victorians. cost of prOViding sewage outfalls at Lorne, Black Rock, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet to cope with the The forecast of the Budget deficit for 1990-91 was heavy demands placed on these systems during the $660 million. The actual income was $1249 million. height of holiday seasons. The expectation of The forecast for 1991-92 is $1494 million with total holiday people is that the water coming from those taxation, fees, fines and statutory authority taxes systems is pure enough to drink. increasing by 11.9 per cent. Police fines will increase by 85.5 per cent from $52 million in 1990-91 to $98 Currently the relocation of Coode Island to an area million in 1991-92. It is a frightening thought that near Point Wilson is being watched closely by the our Police Force has to be used as a tax gather by Shire of Corio which does not want to jeopardise penalising the small people in the community. developments for tourism at A valon airport. It does not want a toxic waste dump in paddocks adjacent I am concerned that when people receive to that airfield. on-the-spot fines it is often the unemployed youth or the person on a small salary who can ill afford to In ten years of financial mismanagement by the Cain meet the $130 or $150 fine. At least when court cases and Kirner governments the actual employment were heard in open court a magistrate could give figures for Victoria compared with those of the rest judgment and make a finding with mitigating of Australia tell a chilling story. In the past twelve circumstances taking into account the person's months employment in the rest of Australia ability to pay. dropped 1.1 per cent; in Victoria it dropped 6.2 per cent. The number of unemployed people in the rest The on-the-spot system is impersonal and inflicts a of Australia rose by 27.6 per cent but in Victoria it great deal of hardship on the small people in the rose by 87.6 per cent. In the rest of Australia the community. We as a civilised community need to number of unemployed people under the age of 20 examine the millions being spent on this exercise in rose by 15.1 per cent but in Victoria it rose by 57 per tax gathering. We would do better to spend it on our cent. education system so that children come to grips at an early age with the difficulties of driving motor The consumer price index rose in the rest of cars. The East Geelong Technical School has been Australia by 4.9 per cent, but in Victoria by 5.3 per crying out for funding for that service year after APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

704 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 18 September 1991

year. It provides 1600 trainee motorists with the put into the downstairs basement so honourable opportunity to become expert drivers and obtain members could sample the ergonomically designed skills they must learn quickly if they are not to seating. With one stroke of the pen the Premier took become statistics and end up crippled following a $500 000 away from the Budget and the seating in tragic accident. this Chamber has never been corrected. It is little wonder that few members choose to sit in this Other public authority taxes are hidden taxes on gas, House. Sometimes as few as three people will be water and electricity and they have increased by 26.6 seated in the Chamber addressing matters of vital per cent from $569.9 million in 1990-91 to $720.8 importance to Victorians. This is a serious million in 1991-92. The State Electricity indictment of the facilities of the building. Commission's public authority dividend is increased Honourable members have to share offices with by 66 per cent; the Melbourne Water dividend has perhaps three others, which means their telephone increased by 61.4 per cent and the Gas and Fuel conversations or meetings with constituents are Corporation's dividend is increased by 5.4 per cent. overheard. This means they may not have adequate facilities for doing their jobs responsibly. Many of the economic forecasts of the past have been wrong. The number of dwelling investments If one compares those facilities and the "chicken has reduced by 15 per cent and business investment coop" in the grounds of Parliament House with the has decreased by 16 per cent. The government has to lavish and wasteful extravagance of offices in the repay $100 million through the newly established Rialto Building, one sees that we have to come to State Debt Retirement Fund in 1991-92 and the net grips with the Parliament's budget. The State Budget deficit increased by $1105 million, which is a Parliament has a right to put its mark on the funds real increase of 3.3 per cent. The Budget deficit in that are allocated to the Parliament so that the 1990-91 blew out by $1248.7 million. building is something to be proud of and so that the facilities enable each member to do his or her job When the cupboard is bare and the money is not properly. We do not ask to squander money. We there it is little wonder that teachers in Victoria want value for the dollar. complain about 1100 fewer primary school teachers, 700 fewer secondary school teachers, 200 fewer Two fonner Ministers for Public Works - the consultant teachers, fewer emergency teachers and Honourable John Simpson, who held that portfolio less money for school councils and school cleaning. in the first Cain government, and the honourable Industrial agreements are said to be in tatters. member for Albert Park - are to be commended for taking the first steps some years ago in addressing In 1989, $56 million was cut from the allocation for the dilapidated and badly designed seating in the State schools. Last year the figure was $92 million Chamber. It needed attention. and this year the government will cut another $100 million from the State schools budget. The Honourable Frank Wilkes, a fonner Leader of the Labor Party in opposition, said the seating in this I wish to outline what I bel!eve should happen in Chamber 30 years ago was infinitely superior to the Australia with the reshaping of the Australian seating we have now. One wonders what the taxation system and the cutting of bureaucratic architect, Mr Tony Moran, does during the day waste. There are too many municipalities, too much when he has so little opportunity to bring into being government and bureaucracy and not enough the draft sketches and reports that have been enterprise. We have heard how Victorian taxpayers submitted and ignored. He is just another public paid $8 million a year so the education Ministry servant without a proper job to do. He must feel could rent offices in the Rialto Building. That does frustrated with the lack of initiative and direction not include the $350 000 spent on cleaning offices that is given by government Ministers in this regard. and $480 000 spent on car park spaces. The Minister for Agriculture said we lack the ability The honourable member for Narracan indicated the to develop joint ventures and market our products. I dire situation of the Parliament. It does not have the believe there are lessons to be learnt from the funds to deal with the matters that must be migrants that have come to Australia and made addressed. I am concerned that three Ministers good, from the early Scottish and Irish pioneers to responsible for public works have had a hand in the Italians and Greeks who came here with nothing doing something about the seating in this Chamber. and through enterprise and hard work have saved A prototype was developed at a cost of $11 000 and money, educated their children and still had some to PERSONAL EXPLANATION

Wednesday, 18 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 705 send to relatives back home. TIUs has similarities to worked, studied and made themselves and built the migrant groups who prospered in America. Over great manufacturing plants. They contributed to the 200 000 Cubans went to Miami and at least 200 history of Victoria. The United States of America has millionaires in that city are successful Cuban proved this time and again through depressions. entrepreneurs. More than 600 000 new companies are started each year. This number is eight times higher than the Australia has been enriched by its migrants and we number regularly begun in the thriving years of the need to stop the cheap imports and concentrate on 19505. the things we do well: the wool and textile industries; the manufacturing of cement; the We have seen the turnabout in what was the Union hospitality industry; and tourism. The Trades Hall of Soviet Socialist Republics, which has gone from a Council in Geelong recently highlighted the totalitarian, socialist society to one that wants to stupidity of importing tinned pineapple, orange throw open its doors to the changes of economic juice and tomatoes. democracy and enterprise by rewarding its citizens for their hard work. We must address the taxation levels in this country. The Thatcher government in Britain reduced tax to No-one will slave their guts out for mother Russia or 2S per cent in one year and fostered an exciting some government bureaucrat who will control that economic revival without any cost to revenue. Japan person's wealth, tell him where he can leave his in the 1950s suffered a tax rate of 85 per cent on money when he dies or make inroads into his moderate incomes. Ishibashi saw the solution in a savings. The latest figures available indicate that the revival of the Japanese steel industry and cut tax per capita income of the Union of Soviet Socialist rates on personal incomes by 30 per cent across the Republics is $1780; for Australia it is $14 360; for board in one year. Capital gains were already tax Switzerland it is $29 880; for the United States of exempt in Japan. The people were given an incentive America it is $20 910; and for West Germany it is to save. $20 440. That is an example of the success stories of the free enterprise system. In Western Australia Mr Lang Hancock said, "Without profits there can be no taxation and no Victoria can turn around the disasters of recent years development". When large firms react to profit and show the young children that they have a future problems by raising prices the problems grow and the older people that they can be secure in the worse. By raising prices the troubled company knowledge that their money will not disappear. further loses its share of the market. Ishibashi's Many people rue the day that they ignored the strategy in Japan is incontestable. The lowest tax fonner Prime Minister, Malcolrn Fraser, when he rates brought in the highest revenues and the told us to hid~ our money under our beds. People country's economy grew six times faster than those laughed at that and thought his comments were a of other countries in the Western World. joke. How sad but true those comments are today for people who put their investments into Undoubtedly some economic expansion programs supposedly secure financial institutions. are so critical to a country that they should not be taxed at all. Pensioners should be able to save for The Attorney-General should hold a Royal their old age. Too much is left to the bureaucrats and Commission into these financial scandals and flush governments. We learn from the lessons of the great out the corporate crooks who should answer to the entrepreneurs. small people of Victoria.

Honourable members should cast their minds back Debate adjourned on motion of Mr MATHEWS to Ford and Carnegie, men meek enough to endure (Oakleigh). the humbling eclipse of self which comes from the process of learning from others; men who built Debate adjourned until next day. companies from scratch and acquired a depth of understanding of what makes them work. They PERSONAL EXPLANATION learnt their greatest lessons through their time of greatest anguish and rejection. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I wish to make a personal explanation. I have been asked by There are thousands of success stories from the early the Leader of the National Party to clarify whether pioneers who came here and rolled up their sleeves, ADJOURNMENT

706 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 18 September 1991 the contract between Mr Jeff Gordon and the Public The historic Yarra Park Primary School was built in Transport Corporation had been signed. 1874 and its first enrolments of 726 pupils grew to more than 1000 pupils in its second year~In 1887 a In my statement to the House I said the contract was new wing was added to accommodate the signed. In fact, what I wished to say was, as I have additional 280 children. One of the children who always indicated, that the contract was agreed attended in that year was John Monash, who later between Mr Gordon and the corporation, and is a became Sir John Monash, the commander of legal and binding contract. I knew at the time of Australian forces in the first world war, the designer today's statement to the House that the contract was of Princes Bridge and the head of the State Electricity not signed. Commission. Monash University was named after him. I apologise to the House for inadvertently misleading it. I had never previously indicated to the I call upon the government to suspend its plans to House that the contract was Signed. In fact, I dispose of that historic school. It is a vital public discovered only recently that it was not Signed. To asset that should be retained and should not simply clarify the issue I have requested the corporation to be disposed of by a government desperate for cash. make the relevant documents available. It has historic links with one of the great Australians, which should be enough to convince the ADJOURNMENT government not to destroy this historic property.

Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - I move: The existing plans that the opposition has for the utilisation of this historic old school should in the That the House do now adjourn. final analysis determine the government's intention.

Yarra Park Primary School I appeal again to the government not to allow the Yarra Park Primary School to be destroyed but to Mr RICHARDSON (Forest Hill) - I raise a leave it in place so that the incoming government matter for the attention of the Minister for Education can put it to good use. and Training in another place - and I ask the Minister for Labour to pass on my comments to him Department of Agriculture funding - concerning the historic Yarra Park Primary School on the corner of Hoddle Street and Wellington Mr JASPER (Murray Valley) - I raise a matter Parade, East Melbourne, and the announced for the attention of the Minister for Agriculture and I intention of the government to sell the property, refer him to the reduced funding provided to the currently in the possession of the Urban Land Department of Agriculture in the current Budget. In AuthOrity, to allow for the widening of Punt Road 1986-87 $100 million was provided to the and to enable the property to be sold at a high price department; in the current financial year the for development as residential land. allocation is $68 million. The total allocation to the department, with grants from industry is $110 I appeal to the government to reconsider this million, which is a reduction of more than $4 million decision and stay its hand. This unused school is not from the allocation provided in the last financial just an historic building but also has potential for year. use as an art gallery or specialist museum. It is perfect for that purpose as it has high ceilings and The reduction in the department's funds has put lots of wall space. The grounds also allow for pressure on it and it appears there will be a massive expansion. There is a tram stop at the school and it is decrease in employment within the department. It a perfect building to meet the needs of a specialist has been indicated to me that as many as 200 jobs gallery. The opposition has already announced its will be lost. intention to establish at least one satellite gallery which would contain a specialist collection of I have no need to remind the House of the paintings from the Heidelberg school. importance of agriculture to the economy of Victoria and the need to maintain a high level of funding to Since the government knows it is on the way out and continue the support provided to agriculture the incoming government has announced its throughout the State. intentions, I put to the Minister that the government has a responsibility to take that into account. ADJOURNMENT

Wednesday, 18 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 707

The department allocates funds for research support as substandard. Unfortunately the company has programs. It has been brought to my attention by the since gone bankrupt and cannot fix the problems it Victorian Peach and Apricot Growers Association has caused. based at Cobram that the reduction of staff in the area will have an adverse effect on orchards, The disaster has been a running sore for a decade. particularly peach trees. The secretary of that Most of the street lights are absolutely useless. association, Mrs Stead, indicated in a letter dated 11 Residents complain that they are tinny and cheap September that there is a possibility of the and I have been told that if a light goes out a person horticultural plant pathologist based at Tatura being can get it back on by kicking, punching or bending it! placed on a redeployment list. That person has been researching various diseases within peach trees and The shire is aware of the problem and has been there is a concern this research program will be setting aside money to rectify it. I understand it has halted, which will be detrimental to the fruit saved $30 000 plus interest to be used to convert the industry in Cobram and will have an adverse effect lights to conventional SEC lights. on agriculture and the economy of the State. The SEC is the new major sponsor of the Mrs Stead also indicates in her letter that there is a Neighbourhood Watch program, and the useless strong possibility that the fruit fly inspector based at lights are a security and safety problem. The Cobram will be redeployed. It is important that the program has requested the SEC to come to the party inspector be retained so that inspections of fruit trees and fix the lights. If they were fixed the quality of within Cobram and surrounding areas can continue. life and the safety and security of all residents of Goonawarra would be improved. Properly working Honourable members will be aware that the ~ges street lights would relieve the fear of women, which proposed by the former Minister for Agriculture and is restrictive and debilitating, and would in~ase Rural Affairs will mean significant closures of the use of facilities such as sporting clubs and shops. Department of Agriculture offices throughout Some weeks ago I attended a seminar on safety, country Victoria. For instance, it is proposed that the security and women where the matter was office at Cobram be closed. mentioned.

I pay tribute to the current Minister for responding The Shire of Bulla is well aware that it blundered to the representations and maintaining the office at more than a decade ago and it wants the matter Cobram. I want an assurance from the Minister that resolved. The situation is embarrassing, but given there will be no reduction in or redeployment of that the SEC is now the sponsor of the staff based at Cobram. Neighbourhood Watch program, I ask the Minister to use his good offices to persuade the commission The Minister should respond to the representations to rectify the ptoblem. about the two members of staff who support the peach industry in Cobram and ensure that they are Smythesdale refuse disposal site not redeployed because' that will have an adverse effect on the fruit industry in the area. Mr AUSTIN (Ripon) - Unfortunately the Minister for Conservation and Environment is not in Lighting in Goonawarra estate the Chamber so I ask the Minister for Labour, who is at the table, to refer to him the problem of suitable Mr GA VIN (Coburg) - I direct to the attention sites for rubbish dumps in country Victoria, a of the Minister for Finance, who is the representative dilemma that has been around for a long time. I in this place of the Minister for Manufacturing and usually find myself on the side of the municipalities Industry Development, the need for better lighting and the existing sites. A classic example is the Lake on the Goonawarra estate. The estate was built in the Bolac rubbish tip, which had to be moved at great late 1970s under the reign of the Liberal government cost when two departments got into an argument. and the installation of street lights was a blunder that has not yet been rectified. To some extent the The issue I raise tonight concerns the Smythesdale problem was compounded by the Shire of Bulla refuse disposal site, which is designed to serve a which did not want the State Electricity Commission number of municipalities in the Ballarat area. The (SEC) to install the lighting. A company based in argument has been going on for some years and Western Australia successfully tendered for the people have the right to know what will happen. I contract, but the SEC has always regarded the lights should like the Minister to answer my questions. Is ADJOURNMENT

708 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 18 September 1991 the delay caused by the fact that government cyclone mesh fence is insufficient to accommodate departments cannot agree or is it the fault of the many children or a young mother with a pram. The special tips committee which has been considering enclosure is just too small for a pram and two people. the matter for more than two years? I urge the Minister to ask his regional office to I understand $100 000 has been spent on an undertake a study of the area and to provide a safer environment effects statement. When will a decision way of crossing the road. I do not suggest that the be made on the matter? Is there a difference of construction of an overpass is necessary but traffic opinion about seepage, known as leachate, in the lights should be installed to make it safer and create area? Experts from the department who have looked a break in the traffic, particularly as the speed signs into the matter believe the seepage is flowing in one are not being obeyed by motorists. Although the direction while people who have operated in the local police have been encouraged to operate speed local area for many years believe it is flowing in the cameras along this road at both locations motorists other direction. are not slowing down, particularly at the busy periods when children are going to and coming I have two particular interests: firstly, the Minister home from school. and the department should make a decision because it is extremely frustrating for the municipalities that It is unfortunate that the on and off ramps to the are not getting any information or direction. Calder Highway bring traffic through the middle of Secondly, when the decision is finally made and the estates and built up areas on both sides of the road. tip is dug it is vital that no pollution flows into In the future more residents will have to cross the Woady Yaloak River, which has been a fisherman's road and will have more difficulty. My plea today is paradise for many years. It has native and not so much for the adults, who may also suffer introduced species, and all honourable members fatalities, but for the schoolchildren. know how susceptible fish are to pollution, which can easily be caused through the burning of torch Next year it is envisaged that the Taylors Lakes and car batteries dumped at rubbish tips. secondary college, which will be only a short walking distance for secondary schoolchildren, will If the site is confinned I call on the Minister to be opened. At present these children travel on a bus ensure that the necessary cladding and sealing is to the Keilor Downs Secondary College so it is a bit provided so that the Woady Yaloak River is not safer. Next year children in years 11 and 12 will be polluted. Anglers in the district are concerned about crossing the road and the situation will be even the possible contamination of the river, and I ask the more dangerous. Minister for Labour to ask the Minister for Conservation and Environment to intervene in the I plead with the Minister to instruct his officers to interests of all people involved. carry out a study on the Keilor-Melton Road to provide safer crossings at both Taylors Lakes and Keilor-Melton Road Sydenham.

Mr SEITZ (Keilor) - In the absence of the Solicitors Guarantee Fund Minister for Transport I direct to the attention of the Minister for Labour the traffic flow on Keilor-Melton Mr CLARK (Balwyn) - I raise for the attention of Road, which has recently been declared a highway. the Attorney-General an important matter, and note With the improvement in the road surface the speed that once again he is shirking his responsibilities and at which vehicles travel through the townships of is absent from the House. The matter concerns Taylors Lakes and Sydenham has increased allegations made by Mr John Little that the Law dramatically. It is a serious matter because the Institute of Victoria is misspending income from the Sydenham and Taylors Lakes primary schools are Solicitors Guarantee Fund on the professional situated on one side of the highway and children standards section of the institute, which deals with must cross that busy road. matters such as practising certificates, trust accounts, auditing and audit procedures and rules, the There is a pedestrian crossing at Taylors Lakes and a regulation of professional conduct and practice, children's crossing at Sydenham. The local council, office inspections and complaints against solicitors. because of the width of the road and the speed of vehicles, has tried to create a safe haven in the I do not believe any of the allegations have been middle of the road. Unfortunately the design of the ruled upon in any of Mr Little's litigation. I declare ADJOURNMENT

Wednesday, 18 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 709 an interest in this matter as I am a non-practising board includes investigations and preparation for member of the Law Institute - although what I tribunal or board hearings. have to say may be against that interest. However, it seems to me that whether or not a In 1989-90, $3 735 351 was expended from the change was intended nonetheless a change was Solicitors Guarantee Fund on the professional made in 1978. The power relating to the tribunal or standards section of the institute. If all that income board does not allow for preparations for . had to be replaced by fee income from practitioners appearances before the tribunal or board, just as the it would require an increase of about 140 per cent. funding for a court does not include prosecution Furthermore, legal aid is the ultimate beneficiary of costs. In my view section 17A is a fairly narrow any money in the Solicitors Guarantee Fund that is provision covering advice and encouragement not expended on other purposes. The authority to rather than discipline and rules. However, even on spend Solicitors Guarantee Fund money is contained the broadest interpretation I cannot see how it . in the Legal Profession Practice Act 1958 which has a justifies expenditure on the issue of practising long history. Until 1964 the Act, apart from certificates by the institute. payments for defaults and administration of the fund, allowed money only to be expended on It therefore seems to me that Mr Uttle is right at discipline, including the investigation of complaints least in part in saying that the institute is spending of misconduct against solicitors. In addition there money outside of its statutory authority. I do not has always been a provision for money to be question the good faith of the institute. I have a high expended in accordance with the rules of the regard for its members and its work and I expect institute but no-one has suggested that a rule most, if not all, of its members have been proceeding relating to Mr Little's complaint exists. oblivious to this issue, as I was until Mr Uttle raised it. In 1964 the Act was amended to give broad powers to the institute to spend money with respect to all of However Mr Uttle does have a valid point. To date the powers, authorities and discretions in Parts IV the Attorney-General has failed to act. His and V of the Act, which relate to trust accounts, department says the fund has been audited, but the special examinations and audits, the examination of auditor does not certify statutory compliance, only solicitors accounts, practising certificates and so on, accuracy. I call on the Attorney-General, as which are basically provisions to cover all industry Victoria's law officer, as Minister responsible for the regulation of the profession. Act and as Minister responsible for legal aid, to do what is necessary to ensure that spending by the However in 1978 the Act was further amended and institute out of the Soliotors Guarantee Fund is in conjunction with those amendments that power to limited in acc"rdance with the Act. expend money was changed to a power to expend money on an advisory service by the institute and in Country abaHoirs connection with the performance by the diSCiplinary tribunal of its functions. The explanatory Mr W. D. McGRATH (Lowan) - I raise for the memorandum of the legislation does not shed much Minister for Agriculture letters being sent by the light on the reason for the latter change and simply Department of Agriculture to a number of domestic refers to a provision consistent with the new abattoirs in Victoria. Two abattoir operators, Mr diSCiplinary provisions. There was a further McGilway from Gunbower andMr Mahoney from amendment to the Act in 1989 to substitute a board Mansfield, have raised their concerns with me after for a tribunal, but that has not had any other effect receiving letters saying that unless they meet certain on the issue. conditions as at 30 September they will no longer have licences to kill within their abattoirs. To do justice to the Law Institute's arguments, it says the change in 1978, which apparently narrows The abattoir at Gunbower, which I visited twelve to its powers, was not one that was intended, so the fifteen months ago, had a requirement to bitUminise Act should be construed broadly in line with the the yard area where the trucks come in with stock previous powers. It argues that the advisory and unload. That work has been done but now new provision - section 17A - has a wide scope which demands are being placed on the owner to improve allows the institute to spend its money the way it his yard. does and that the functioning of the tribunal or ADJOURNMENT

710 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 18 September 1991

It is difficult for many people to spend $180 000 to Mr Maclellan interjected. $200 000 on an abattoir, particularly when one considers the number of units being put through on Mr BAKER - I set the themes and concepts and the Victorian side of the River Murray as compared allow the department to get on with handling its with New South Wales, which has a killing cost affairs. My department has received a budget. By advantage. The particular operator is competing for comparison with some of my colleagues I fared quite the same market share but his costs are much higher well. My cut was 4.2 per cent and the Minister for than in New South Wales. Manufacturing and Industry Development, whose department would be a competitor, lost 13 per cent. I turn to another abattoir in Mansfield owned by a That is an indication of the high value the Mr Mahoney. Last year some 40 adjustments or government places on my area. improvements were asked of him. Mr Mahoney completed 33 of those. A new wave of demands has I issue a gentle caution to honourable members that been placed on the abattoir. It will cost Mr Mahoney it is no good coming to me quoting specific about $30 000 to bring his abattoir up to the standard situations. It would be improper of me, given the required by the department. He kills some 300 level of cutbacks, to reach down into the depths to sheep, 20 cattle and 6 pigs a week and provides jobs deal with specific cases. Cuts will be made in certain for 3 slaughtermen, 3 labourers and 1 full-time meat areas but I intend to preserve the extension services inspector. Meat inspection costs have risen from at all costs. The veterinary laboratories are to be $960 a month in December 1990 to $1617 a month in maintained. None of them will be closed, although January 1991 and to $3637 in July 1991. Not only has they will receive a 25 per cent cut across the State. I Mr Mahoney had to pay those inspection fees every have honoured my commitment in that area. Low month but also his licence fee has been increased priority research projects will be maintained. from $300 a year to $2000 a year. The Deputy Leader of the National Party referred to Mr Gavin interjected. certain country abattoirs. The Victorian Abattoir and Meat Inspection Authority is a totally independent Mr W. D. McGRATH - I hear the honourable authority established in times of previous member for Coburg whingeing about bringing the conservative regimes. That authority has issued abattoir up to standard. We all agree there should be notices to some nineteen abattoirs, most of them a standard. If financial penalties are placed domestic abattoirs in country Victoria. In many cases continually on the operators they will go out of - and I do not canvass each case individually - the business. abattoirs have been given until 1 October to make good a range of problems they have been asked to Will the Minister reconsider the position and be correct. Some of the abattoirs have deliberately prepared to meet with some of the operators so that flouted those directions. All country honourable jobs will not be lost at these abattoirs? members must come to terms with the reality that the entire future of the meat industry is at stake, Responses particularly quality control. The day of the small abattoir is finished if it cannot meet the standards Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - The required for modem meat marketing. honourable member for Murray Valley referred to staffing at the Tatura Institute for Sustainable Mr Weideman interjected. Agriculture. I am not trying to duck the issue but the people to whom he refers are carrying out Mr BAKER - I am talking about basic issues, Significant jobs, in particular the development of the such as not having an appropriate area for meat stone fruit industry in the north of the State. That inspection or an area to hold contaminated meat. development has taken place over the past four or One cannot countenance that. What you are doing is five years. That development has created new export countenancing that. I am not with you on that. markets that now bring in about $8 million to $10 million a year. A young man by the name of Ian has The SPEAKER - Order! The Minister should carried out some excellent work in that area. address the Chair.

My attitude to Ministerial responsibilities is that I Mr BAKER - Honourable members opposite are am not the manager, I am a politician whose job it is not prepared to accept broader community to set the themes. ADJOURNMENT

Wednesday, 18 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 711 responsibilities and they will have to suffer the conservation and environment, transport, and the consequences. Attorney-General. I shall refer those matters to the respective Ministers. Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - The honourable members for Forest Hill, Coburg, Ripon, Motion agreed to. Keilor and Balwyn raised matters for the attention of the Ministers for education and training, House adjourned 5.29 p.m. manufacturing and industry development,

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 713

Thursday, 19 September 1991 answer must be relevant to the question. At this stage of the Premier's reply the relevance of her remarks to the point of the question is not apparent, but I do not accept that her remarks cannot be made relevant. I do not uphold the point of order, but I ask The SPEAKER (Hon. Ken Coghill) took the chair the Premier to relate her remarks to the point of the at 10.34 a.m. and read the prayer. question.

Ms KIRNER (Premier) - The comment made by QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE the Leader of the Opposition in his question was that this was an extraordinary payment This was not an extraordinary payment This payment was PAYMENT TO EDUCATION CHIEF EX­ made in the proper process of a senior public ECUTIVE servant losing her job. Honourable members interjecting. Mr KENNETf (Leader of the Opposition) - I refer the Premier to her government's secret $80 000 The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the Premier to payout to Ms Jones, the secret $95 000 payout to Mr pause. I am not prepared to allow question time to Cordon, and the secret $100 ()()(} payout to her proceed while there is a Significant level of friend, Ms Morrow, which she personally approved, interjection. Honourable members are wasting the and I ask: on what date did the Premier first become opportunity of question time. I ask all honourable involved in negotiating the extraordinary secret members on both sides of the Chamber to remain payment to Ms Morrow using taxpayers' money? silent. Ms KIRNER (Premier) - The Leader of the Ms KIRNER - Ms Morrow would have lost her Opposition well knows that there are appropriate job because of a change in the structure of the processes for detennining payouts to senior public servants like Ms Morrow. Those processes have been Ministry created by the government and, therefore, followed. Ms Morrow knew that her position was to she became entitled to compensation for that loss. become redundant because of the changes in the My role in this was my normal role in the process of structure of the Ministry of Education and Training, the determination for statutory office holders of both so she therefore decided to leave the department, remuneration - that is their pay - and the but she did suffer a loss caused by -- appropriateness and amount of severance pay if they leave the system. The request was sent to me Mr Leigh interjected. and I signed it on the basis of recommendations from the Minister for Labour, and Mc I

714 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991

Leader of the Opposition is on the public record this The SPEAKER - Order! honourable members morning as either telling a complete untruth or are simply wasting the opportunity of question time changing his lines, because when he was Minister of by interjecting - and I include the honourable Housing he paid out $156 000 to a gentleman called members for Keilor and Derrlmut, whom I ask to Mr Allwinton. remain silent.

Honourable members interjecting. Ms KIRNER - Ms Morrow could have stayed on until the end of her tenn of office; but she resigned Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - On a point of order, Mr in the best interests of the Ministry. I make it clear Speaker, the Premier is clearly debating the issue. that those are not just my words, they are the words She has raised a matter that is totally unrelated to of the Leader of the Opposition when he said, as the the question before the House asked by the Leader Minister of Housing, that Mr Allwinton could have of the Opposition. I ask you to bring the Premier stayed until the end of 1983 but he chose to resign in back to the point. She is again making a mockery of the best interests of the Ministry and was therefore this place. entitled to a payment.

The SPEAKER - Order! If the Premier is able to PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE relate her remarks to the question that has been asked, she will be in order. However, if she is unable Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) to do so, I shall be forced to uphold the point of - I refer the Minister for Transport to his repeated order. I ask the Premier to round off her reply. assertions to this House that the employment and termination of employment of Mr Gordon was a Ms KIRNER (Premier) - The matters the Leader matter solely between Mr Gordon and the Public of the Opposition keeps raising are, firstly, whether I Transport Corporation (PTC), and I ask: is it not a was involved - and yes, I was involved as Premier fact that on 29 July 1991 the Minister personally in a proper process - and, secondly, whether it was wrote to the acting director to arrange discussions a secret payment In his request to the department to between the PTC and Mr Gordon to discuss suitable get advice on Mr Allwinton he says: redeployment or termination of Mr Gordon's employment? Will the Minister now explain why he You ask me to ascertain what information has been misled the House? disclosed on this subject. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I advise He is the one who tried to cover up things in the late the House that Mr Gordon's contract was between 70s. Mr Gordon and the Public Transport Corporation. For the clarification of the House I shall quote part of Honourable members interjecting. the letter of 29 July to which the Leader of the National Party referred. The second paragraph says: The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable member for Niddrie! I ask the Leader of the Would you please arrange for discussions to be held Opposition to remain silent. He has asked his between the acting CEO PTC and director industrial question, and the Premier has not completed her relations PTC with Mc Gordon to discuss suitable reply. I ask him to remain silent so that she may redeployment within the PTc. complete her answer expeditiously. The previous paragraph says: Ms KIRNER - The third point that has been raised concerns the morality or the propriety of the As a result of proposed reductions in staffing in all issue. It is perfectly clear that Ms Morrow could areas of the portfolio, I have decided to refocus have stayed -- industrial relations within the agencies. Consequently, I no longer require Mc J. Gordon to coordinate and Honourable members interjecting. advise me directly in this area.

Ms KIRNER - Do you have a problem with the The statements I have made to the House are word ''Ms"? absolutely correct. Mr Gordon worked hard for the government; he perfonned in the Department of Honourable members interjecting. Labour and he worked for me in the industrial relations area. In line with the reduction announced QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 715 in the Budget of 1507 employees including 120 dignity of the House I remind him that he has an contractors Mr Gordon's employment was equal obligation to do so himself. I ask him to terminated. What concerns me more than anything withdraw the term he used by way of interjection. is that the only reason Mr Gordon has been singled out was that he was attached to my office. That is Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) despicable. It is disgusting that he has been - I withdraw. denigrated simply for being attached to my office but worse than that are the allegations of sexual Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - As I impropriety. This person is a young family man and indicated, there is no argument that Mr Gordon was he has done his work. For members to come into this attached to my office and that he did an excellent job House-- during the time he was there. I am pleased that the industrial difficulties that we had at the time have Honourable members interjecting. been eased significantly.

The SPEAKER - Order! I ask honourable As I requested the Public Transport Corporation to members, including the honourable member for reduce the work force by some 1500, why should I Frankston South, to remain silent; they simply delay not lead by example, and say, "When hard times are the opportunity for questions by interjecting. here, I have to do it, too"? One leads by example.

Mr SPYKER -If this forum is used to denigrate Honourable members interjecting. individuals, governments and Ministers will find it extraordinarily difficult to get competent people to Mr SPYKER - Therefore, again -- work for them. It is absolutely despicable to use sexual innuendos in this way and it is about time the The SPEAKER - Order! There is far too much Leader of the National Party apologised to the interjection! House because there is no substance to the allegations. Mr SPYKER - As I indicated, the contract was between the PfC and Mr Gordon. For the opposition Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) parties to use this Parliament and this House - -On a point of order, Mr Speaker, I ask you to when members of Parliament are supposed to be bring the Minister back to the question. Several respected in the community - to actually say that times the Minister has told the House that he had sexual innuendos were the reason for the nothing to do with the termination or redeployment termination of Mr Gordon's contract is despicable. It of this employee while he has stated outside the is downgrading and it is very hurtful for House and in documents that he did have Mr Gordon's family. something to do with it. MELBOURNE RETAIL INDUSTRY The SPEAKER - Order! The earlier part of the reply to the question was in order. However, the Mr COLE (Melbourne) - Following the recent Minister now appears to be introducing matters I successful opening of the Melbourne Central retail find difficult to relate to the original question. I complex, will the Premier outline to the House the uphold the point of order and I ask the Minister to steps the government is taking to further boost return to the question and wind up his answer. activity in the Melbourne retail industry?

Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - As I said Ms KIRNER (premier) - Most of us did not need earlier there is no argument that I requested the proof of Melbourne Central to again realise that Mr Gordon's employment when I took over the Melbourne is the shopping capital of Australia and Ministry of Transport. that, in fact, that is a message that is accepted by Melburnians. The challenge now is to get it accepted Mr McNamara interjected. by the whole of Australia, but particularly the Sydney market. We need to combine the competitive Mr SPYKER - There is no argument that advantages we have in the shopping industry of MrGordon-- Melbourne with our tourism industry.

The SPEAKER - Order! If the Leader of the Tourism in Victoria is currently worth $4 billion a National Party expects the Chair to uphold the year and employs 130 000 people. It is one of the QUESTIONS WlmOUT NOTICE

716 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991 most rapidly growing industries in Victoria. Having But I won't be saying it alone. I have the full support launched the Melbourne Now campaign to show of the retail sector, the big stores such as Myer, people the fantastic Melbourne parks and gardens David Jones and Daimaru. We have the support of and nightlife, we will now launch a second Australian Airlines, which will be offering package campaign. The advertising industry, linked with the deals for trips to Melbourne. Of course we also have hotel industry and the retailers, is very keen indeed the full support of the people behind the spring to take this next step. festival.

Next week I will go to Sydney to launch our I know it is difficult for members of the opposition Melbourne shopping campaign and I will be doing to understand that there is very good news about in that with the greatest of Melbourne's shoppers, Melbourne because they never want to reveal it or Ullian Frank. The campaign is aimed at saying to concentrate on it. But at least on this occasion I the"people of Sydney, "Come and spend your money suggest they should enjoy the bit of humour and in the best capital in Australia, the place with the enjoy the opportunity. best restaurants, the place with the best shopping, the place with the best fashion and the place with PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE the best arts and sporting activities". It is interesting to note how quiet opposition members are at the Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - I refer the Minister for moment. They go very quiet when we get good. Transport to his claim in this House that the $95 000 news. termination payment to Mr Gordon was on the basis that Mr Gordon was one of 1500 Public Transport It is absolutely crucial that we encourage the retail Corporation staff who have been retrenched and industry in Victoria. This is no gimmick. Some 16 ask: is it not a fact that the Minister's own letter . per cent of Victoria's gross domestic product comes shows that Mr Gordon was in fact subject to from the retail industry. I know the Leader of the redeployment within the PTC and refused to be Opposition is having difficulty selling his jumpers, redeployed, that Mr Gordon asked for his contract to .but lam even prepared to take one of his jumpers to be terminated and that he be paid out? Will the Sydney to shoW their quality. It could be a Minister explain why he misled the House? jumper-led rather than a quantum jump-led recovery. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - The opposition must be fairly desperate to ask that sort ~ Cooper interjected. of question. I advised the House that the PTC work force was reduced by 1507. M. KIRNElt - In that case he must have a lot of money. Mr Coleman interjected.

The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable member for Mornington! member for Syndal.

Mr Sercombe interjected. Mr SPYKER - I clearly indicated that the work force was reduced by 1507. I also outlined the fact The SPEAKER - Order! I have already that the 1507 employees included contract and cauijoned the honourable member for Niddrie once temporary staff. I also made it clear that when I took today. I ask him to replain silent. I ask honourable over the role as Minister for Transport I requested members on both sides of the House to remain silent Mr Gordon's employment and requested that he be 50 that the Premier can complete her reply. attached to my office. I have made that clear for a longtime. Ms KIRNER-The retail industry is Victoria's largestemployer; It provides jobs for 304 000 people, I also made it clear that Mr Gordon's contract was a which represents about.21 per cent of employment contract between him and the PTc. I also indicated in tl$ State. Over the past few months it has been in my letter to the acting director-general that Mr very pleasing to see the trend in the retail industry Gordon's services were no longer required at my start tOimprove.llQOx forward to going to Sydney office and that it was up to the PTC as to what and saying to Sydneysiders, uCome and see what a direction action it desired to take. great city we have, come and spend your money, come and enjoy the Plumtom of the Opera". QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 717

MCG GREAT SOUTHERN STAND it will be completed for the World Cup finals series in March and available for the whole of the football Mr SEITZ (Keilor) - Will the Minister for Major season next year. Projects report to the House the progress made on the building of the Great Southern Stand at the Progress by the construction contractor, John Melbourne Cricket Ground? Holland Holdings Ltd, is very evident every day and the speed of construction is something Mr STEGGALL (Swan Hill) - On a point of everybody appreciates. It is a $140 million project order, Mr Speaker, I suggest to you that the question providing employment to some 600 workers on site is so broad that the Minister could walk through it and at numerous other manufacturing facilities in for an hour. I suggest that either the honourable Melbourne and the Latrobe Valley. member ask for specific infonnation or that the Deputy Premier be invited to make a Ministerial It is rapidly becoming apparent to everybody that statement at the end of question time. the stand is of outstanding design. There has been great cooperation between the designers, the The SPEAKER - Order! I do not accept that the builders, the Melbourne City Council and other question was as broad as represented by the interested parties. The Australian Football League honourable member for Swan Hill. However, I will be relocating to new offices that are being indicate to the Minister for Major Projects that he provided in the stand and, most importantly to should be concise in his reply and limit it to recent football fans, the grand final will be played at the developments. Melbourne Cricket Ground for the next 40 years. I certainly hope to see Geelong in one of those grand Mr KENNAN (Minister for Major Projects) - I finals over the next 40 years! well understand the opposition again trying to stifle good news. There is nothing they hate more than The stand will have a capacity of 48 000 spectators, good news about Melbourne. with more than 40 000 being seated. It will have excellent viewing facilities and will give the ground Honourable members interjecting. a total capacity of 109 000 people, almost 100 000 of them seated. It will make it one of the greatest The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the honourable sporting stadiums in the world. members for Ballarat North and Malvern in particular to remain silent so that the question and I am pleased to say that the arts have been included answer period can continue in a normal manner and in the project. An arts project was recently launched that answers to questions are not unduly extended by Sir Rupert Hamer, a fanner Premier, who chaired by responses to interjections. the panel. I pay tribute to him and to the honourable member for Bundoora for the work they carried out Mr KENNAN - Excellent progress has been on the stand and the commissioning of the art made on the project, which is central to Melbourne's works, which includes a new gateway to the culture. Certainly sport is part of Melbourne's Brunton Avenue entrance with a 45-feet sculpture culture and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is appropriately entitled The Legend. Other art works one of the State's great sporting and cultural icons. It will be located throughout this great project. I look is one of the great stadiums not only in this country forward to its formal opening in March next year. but in the world. PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE Honourable members will be aware that the government has taken decisive action, together with Mr KENNE'IT (Leader of the Opposition) - I the Melbourne Cricket Club, to see that the stadium direct my question to the Minister for Transport. is brought up to date so that it will serve us for another half century or more. Ms Kimer - What about me; have you forgotten about my questions? The football finals series this year has been transferred to the Waverley ground but the Honourable members interjecting. construction of the new MCC stand is running on time and on budget. It will be sufficiently completed Mr KENNE'IT - Is it not a fact that the contract in time for a substantial number of people to be able between the Public Transport Corporation and Mr to be seated in it for the Boxing Day cricket test, and Gordon was written after Mr Gordon commenced PETITIONS

718 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 19 September 1991 employment and that in fact it was written after the Unless the Leader of the Opposition cannot read, I chief executive of the PTC commenced employment suggest he reads the document. with the PTC a month later? When exactly was the contract drawn up and why should the public not be PETITIONS entitled to believe this whole document was fabricated in an attempt to justify the $95 000 The Oerk - I have received the following payout? petitions for presentation to Parliament:

Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I find Bus service - Brunswick area that a deplorable question because it reflects on the integrity of a number of people in the Public To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the Transport Corporation. The opposition must be very Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: desperate. The Brunswick community and friends want safe, Ms Kimer - They are. frequent, environmentally friendly public transport. In the Brunswick area we demand: Mr SPYKER - Following the request of the that there be no cuts to currently existing bus services; Leader of the National Party in this House yesterday, I considered that the employment that frequency of buses be improved - not cut - to contract should be released. include late-night and all-day Sunday services; that east-west bus services be maintained as there is Mr Kennett - The Premier told you it had to be no alternative east-west public transport; released, didn't she? that proper linkages in services be implemented The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the between buses, trains and trams; and Opposition has asked his question. that the government improve and promote public transport so as to address the disadvantages of the Mr SPYKER - I know the opposition must be poor, the aged, the very young and women. desperate to stoop to this sort of level. I should have thought the proper thing for me to do -- And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

The SPEAKER - Order! Before I call on the By Mr Thomson (1084 signatures) Leader of the Opposition I ask honourable members behind him to remain silent. Family planning services

Mr KENNE'IT (Leader of the Opposition) - On To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the a point of order, Mr Speaker, as to relevance, the Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: question was: when exactly was this contract drawn up? The petition of certain residents of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the House the 20 per cent The SPEAKER - Order! I do not uphold the reduction in family planning services. We feel very point of order. The question was longer than strongly that women of all ages who have relied on this suggested by the Leader of the Opposition in his service will be considerably disadvantaged and many point of order. put at risk by this negative action.

Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - Your petitioners therefore request the House stop the Following the request of the Leader of the National 20 per cent reduction of family planning services as Party for clarification and for the appropriate actioned by the government of Victoria. document to be released, I considered that matter. Normally I would suggest that contracts are not the And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. sorts of things you float around the place. Following the request of the Leader of the National Party, and By Mr Thomson (67 signatures) considering that the matter had been raised in Parliament and was obviously of keen interest to Laid on table. honourable members, I released the document. PAPERS

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 719

PAPERS position of Parliamentary Secretary of the Victorian Cabinet. Laid on table by Clerk: It is interesting to note that State Bank Victoria was Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 - Report by the prepared to forsake funds advanced to the National Treasurer with respect to the report on the 1989-90 Safety Council of Australia prior to 17 May 1988. I Estimates of Receipts and Payments by the Estimates will show that the bank board exceeded its authority Subcommittee and the then Treasurer was not informed by either the board itself or his personal representative of Statutory Rules under the follOWing Acts: these massive loans or, if he was informed, he failed to act to stop the loans tragedy and therefore acted. Magistrates' Court Act 1989 -SR No. 160 contrary to the provisions of the Act. Road Safety Act 1986 -SR No. 161 F~er I will show that the then Treasurer clearly Tomato Processing Industry Negotiating Committee - faIled to have in place mechanisms for keeping Report for the year ended 31 May 1991 himself informed of bank actions such as his GAMING MACHINE CONTROL BILL predecessors - Uberal Treasurers - had in place. They never allowed this type of indiscriminate, crazed lending of millions of dollars of depositors' Returned from Council with message relating to money. Council's suggested amendments and amendments. I will show that the bank failed to check the security offered and, indeed, that at the same time part of the Ordered to be considered next day. security was offered to another bank - the State ADJOURNMENT Bank of South Australia. That bank also is in deep trouble, thanks to another incompetent Labor government. Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - I move: The allegations I make are extremely serious. I shall That the House, at its rising, adjourn until Tuesday, table a series of documents today that will clearly 1 October. validate the claims. Motion agreed to. I will show that State Bank Victoria kept on lending GRIEVANCES even when the borrowing limits had been exceeded and the alarm bells were ringing. The then Treasurer and the bank board kept on lending crazily. The SPEAKER - Order! The question is: Mr Max Eise, the former chairman of the safety That grievances be noted. council board, is an honest man who has been crue~ly ~t down and victimised by this incompetent Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - The matter about ~nd mational government that is bent on protecting which I wish to grieve is for the attention of the Its own but not on upholding good and decent Premier. I call on the Premier to initiate a full inquiry standards in the community. into the National Safety Council State Bank loans affair and to take action to support the former I will provide evidence to show that the bank Chairman of the National Safety Council, Mr Max conspired with Mr John Friedrich to keep Mr Eise in Eise, whose only fault, if anything, was that he was the dark and I will document that that was done too honest for his own good. while the government dealt with this fraudulent con man. Today I will show that the honourable member for Doveton - the then Treasurer of Victoria - was The former Treasurer of this State, Mr Rob Jolly, and remains guilty of incompetence and extreme could not be more mistaken in his recent claims that negl~t ~ failing to protect the funds of the people he was exonerated from responsibility for the of Vlctona. In 1988 some $63 million was advanced collapse of State Bank Victoria. He and his illegally to the National Safety Council of Australia supporters conveniently forget that he was the (Victorian Division). Clearly he should not hold Minister in charge of the bank that had assets that public office - and that includes, of course, the GRIEVANCES

720 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991

were the savings of ordinary decent Victorians. . .. readvanced) for certain periods. Those assets were eagerly risked in the tens of millions of dollars the State Bank advanced to the The deposition says: now deceased con man John Friedrich in his role as chief executive of the National Safety Council of On 1 June 1988 the above cash advance was split and Australia. rolled over (i.e. readvanced) for further periods, namely $21547458.12 to 2 June 1988 and $20 million- The results of a recent research I have undertaken show that some $63 million appears to have been It was advanced for almost three weeks - improperly advanced to the National Safety Council by officers of the State Bank under the mistaken to 20 June. belief, I assume - which is the only thing I can say for them - that the Governor in Council had On 2 June bills of exchange to the value of $22 million proclaimed the new State Bank Act on 17 May 1988. were drawn on SBV by the NSCA. The legislation that relaxed the previously strict lending provisions and practices that Parliament had These enormous sums - rightly the property of the enforced on the bank - and, indeed, on the citizens of Victoria - would not have been Treasurer of the day - did not become law for advanced so readily under previous legislation, another three weeks, until 9 June of that year. The which was enacted and proclaimed 33 years ago, record shows that Parliament passed the legislation when the people of this State had confidence in a on 17 May but, as I said, it did not come into force Liberal Treasurer and the bank. Nonetheless, at that until 9 June, so during that three-week period the time, they still wanted strict controls enforced on old Act continued to apply. those who administered their savings. I believe that was a responsible position for them to take. Further evidence supporting the hypothesis of improper advances has been given in the form of a Parliament decreed and specified particularly tough sworn statement made to the Supreme Court of lending guidelines in the State Bank Act 1958. Victoria by a member of the State Bank treasury Section 50(ga) and (h) required that a borrower staff, Mr Peter Cannizzaro. The statement was sworn either provide proper security for any State Bank on 2 November last year and became part of the civil loan, or if that guarantee was not available the action brought by the bank against Friedrich and Treasurer of the day had personally to approve all others. Mr Cannizzaro admitted in the document loans and advances made by the commissioners of that the bank was prepared to forsake claims for the State Bank. funds advanced prior to 17 May 1988. In his deposition he says: It seems clear from the research we have done that subsequent events will prove that the security that I also point out that the entries prior to 17 May 1988 are was offered by Friedrich on behalf of the NSCA did not relevant to and have been excluded from schedule not come within a bull's roar of the amounts A as the bank is not claiming in this action for such advanced. What did he offer? He offered empty amounts. containers! He offered houses valued far beyond their real worth and in one instance he offered a I shall table the full document later. helicopter which was used as security for loans with State Bank Victoria and another troubled institution, The new State Bank Act 1988 was enacted three the State Bank of South Australia. Here we have one weeks later. There was a period of 21 days of limbo security item being offered to two banks for separate when the old Act applied and during that period it is loans! documented in the deposition that on 31 May $25 672 239.06 was advanced by State Bank Victoria The Cain government and the former Treasurer, the and paid to the National Safety Council of Australia honourable member for Doveton, were always eager account in an ANZ Banking Group branch at to give away money that was not theirs. They eased Traralgon. On the same day another $15 875 219.06 lending restrictions that would have averted the was paid to Esanda Melbourne for the account of the National Safety Council disaster. They Simplified the NSCA. State Bank's strict lending provisions with the easy-to-get-around 1988 legislation, which lifted the On 1 June the cash advances were split and rolled previous safeguards. over. In the bank's own words, they were: GRIEVANCES

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 721

Section 27(3)(d) pennitted the bank to lend money now deceased John Friedrich, as well as the or otherwise provide financial accommodation. The decisions made by the board of the State Bank and safeguards of the need for security, referral to the by the former Treasurer. Treasurer and the Treasurer's approval were withdrawn. The reins of financial responsibility Many questions have been left unanswered by the were loosened. Friedrich saga, particularly questions about the role of the honourable member for Doveton who, while The ill-defined section 27(8) of the Act states that the he was the Treasurer, was ultimately responsible for board must consult the Minister before entering the State Bank. upon a course of action tha t, in the opinion of the board or the Minister, constitutes a major initiative. He cannot claim that, as the Minister in charge of statutory authorities, he had to maintain an arm's One can only wonder - with the benefit of length relationship on bank matters; nor can he hindsight, I admit, and after the loss of millions of resile from the traditions of the Westminster system dollars - what was seen as constituting a major and not accept that he, and not the bank, is at fault initiative. I wonder what constituted a major for what happened. initiative in the minds of the directors of the bank and, in particular, in the mind of then Treasurer Jolly. The honourable member for Doveton owes the House and the people of Victoria a detailed Obviously $63 million of hard-earned taxpayers' explanation of the events of those controversial three money which was placed in what they considered to weeks in 1988. He must explain how approximately be secure accounts in the State Bank was not $63 million was loaned by the State Bank against the regarded by the then Treasurer as a major initiative express wish of Parliament. during those three weeks of legislative limbo when the eager bank advanced the $63 million under the So far the former Treasurer has failed to give a terms of a Bill that had not been passed by proper explanation; and in those circumstances the Parliament. Premier has little recourse but to institute an inquiry into the National Safety Council fiasco. The most salient point in this sorry saga is that the bank acted under terms of legislation that had not The people of Victoria and Parliament are entitled to been passed - and that is referred to in one of the know what the then Treasurer knew about the documents presented to the Supreme Court. The circumstances of those advances; whether he had bank acted improperly and in haste, without the systems in place to make certain during those three backing of legislation. weeks that the bank and its executives continued to abide by the strict guidelines of the 1958 Act - and Had it not been for the tragic collapse of the it would seem from the evidence that he had no such National Safety Council and the losses incurred, the process in train, because if he did surely this would way the sums were so indiscreetly advanced might not have occurred; and whether he was aware of have been explained as a mere legislative hiccup­ what was happening within State Bank Victoria - if but it was not. Much more than that was at stake, he was aware of what was happening, surely he because clearly the money was lent improperly and, would have stopped those loans being made - the perhaps, illegally. National Safety Council of Australia and the merchant banking arm of the bank, Tricontinental That was one of major reasons for the $97 million Corporation Ltd, in relation to unsecured loans and Supreme Court judgment made against the former the bank's 1958 obligation to seek Treasury approval chairman of the council, Max Eise, an elderly, before any funds were advanced. community-minded and decent man who has given decades of his life to the service of the community, These are all vital issues. They are all matters that particularly through his involvement in the National need to be explained. Having seen the documents Safety Council. that have come into my possesSion, I am sure the Treasurer cannot explain them. Many of them have His reward for his years of service is to be come to light in recent times. We have reviewed threatened with being stripped of his remaining these documents and are very concerned about assets, the only security he has in his final years of them. As I said, they are in our possession and they retirement. He is in that position because of the show how eager this bank was to advance funds to deeds perpetrated without his knowledge by the the NSCA. GRIEVANCES

722 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 19 September 1991

An example of this less than diligent approach to him that the bank can only provide such information lending is shown in a bank file note dated after receiving a written request signed by two 15 February 1989. At that time when the National authorised signatories ... Safety Council of Australia (Victorian Division) was on the brink of insolvency, a senior corporate It is clear in those circumstances that again they manager within the State Bank was still prepared to conspired to keep information from this man. advance further sums to the council; when the Victorians are owed a full and proper explanation authority was at that time a massive $16 million in about the activities of Mr Friedrich, his links with excess of its bank's own borrowing limits. the bank and its executives. They are demanding an explanation from the government and its former The file note is written by Mr Michael Palmer, Senior Treasurer of his knowledge and his involvement in Manager, Corporate Banking, Frankston region. It is those events which plundered tens of millions of dated 15 February 1989 and relates to the subject of dollars from their savings. the National Safety Council of Australia (Victorian Division). It states: Because the time available to me has almost expired, I shall make available to the House and to Phoned John Friedrich to establish when funds are honourable members who are interested a series of likely to be received from the Commonwealth other documents which show that all these things government. Our overdraft is currently just short of have occurred. We have a man whose reputation has $19 million which is some $16.75 million in excess of its been destroyed and whose life has been put at risk in approved limit. his declining years.

One would think that it would be of concern to the The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable board of the bank, the Treasurer of Victoria and the member's time has expired. senior officers of the department. Michael Palmer was concerned. He said: Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) - The matter I raise in this grievance debate is a Friedrich advises that he has held meetings with a serious one. It concerns the responses the House has number of governmental departments over the past received during the past two weeks from the few days and has been promised payment of some $7.7 Minister for Transport. On several occasions the million by 28 February ... Minister has been asked quite specific questions about the reason for the payment to Mr Jeff Cordon I shall table the document, but the point is that it and on several occasions he has refused to respond shows quite clearly that that happened. The file note to the questions. When he has responded he has was written by Mr Palmer, as I said. He telephoned deliberately misled the House on a number of Friedrich to establish when funds were likely to be matters. received by the govenunent. The issues I shall address concern the Minister's Another area that concerns me a great deal is the statement concerning Mr Gordon's employment; the way in which the State Bank conspired to, in fact, Minister's statements concerning the removal of Mr hide the truth from Mr Eise. A memorandum dated Gordon from the Public Transport Corporation 27 March 1989 from the corporate banking section, (PTC); the Minister's statements regarding the Frankston, to the Chief General Manager, Corporate signing or non-signing of the contract - as to and International Division, states: whether the Minister knew details of that contract; the issue as to when the contract was drawn up - Shortly after Mr Eise arrived at the bank's regional which is a critical matter for Parliament to address; office it became apparent that Mr Eise was not merely and whether there should have been a payment of interested in meeting the NSCA's bankers but that he some $95 000. was more interested in obtaining details of facilities provided by the bank to the NSCA. The issue of confidentiality in response to statements by the Minister show that the Minister's statements It goes on to say: to the House were not correct on the information released yesterday by him. The issue of equity is Prior to returning to the meeting Mr Hallinan and I involved. In recent days more than a dozen people agreed that we should not disclose any information on have called me having recently retired from the PTC, the account to Mr Eise, but rather that we should advise some of whom have given twenty years service. GRIEVANCES

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Their only entitlement after twenty years was 40 As a result of the proposed reductions in staffing in all weeks pay. In this case an individual served for one areas of the portfolio I have decided to refocus year and received $95 000. industrial relations within the agencies. Consequently I no longer require Mr J. Gordon to coordinate and I shall deal initially with the issue of Mr Gordon's advise me directly in this area. employment. The Minister has repeatedly said in the House that this was a matter clearly to do with the Would you please arrange for discussions to be held PTC and had nothing to do with him. I shall read between the acting CEO, PTC and Director Industrial from the Minister's statement to the House last week Relations, PTC, with Mc Gordon to discuss suitable in response to a question on this matter: redeployment within the PTc.

It is the Public Transport Corporation that deals with Clearly, Mr Gordon was removed at the Minister's employer-employee relationships, not me. initiative. In relation to discussing the contract, the Minister has said continually that he knew no details Further, in reply to the same question, he states: of it; he was not aware of what was in the contract. In that same letter he states: Mr Gordon was not employed by me; he was employed by the Public Transport Corporation and it is I understand that if acceptable arrangements cannot be a matter for the corporation to deal with. made, Mr Gordon may seek to have his contract with the PTC terminated. I draw the attention of the House to statements made outside Parliament by the Minister, as If the Minister were not aware of the details of the reported in the media as late as yesterday. The contract, he would not have been aware of clause 5.5 article states: of the employment contract, in which the Minister states: ... Mr Gordon was employed at his request - Any alteration to the position description not agreed to that is, the Minister's request- by Mr Gordon shall at his option be deemed to be termination of the contract by the PTC, and all the on a five-year contract by the PTC and that he was provision of clause 5.1 and 5.4 shall apply. attached to the Minister's office to deal with industrial problems. The Minister clearly knew the precise details of this contract when writing his letter to the That seems to be quite different from what the Director-General on 29 July but he said continually, Minister said last week in this place. in this House, that he was not aware of the contract and that it was purely a matter for the Public On the issue of Mr Gordon's removal the Minister Transport Corporation, not him. Again, the Minister has repeatedly said in this House that it was a has misled the House. nonnal retrenchment, and part of the retrenchment process of 1500 personnel that the Minister claims to Another issue I should like to raise is the signing or have undertaken in the PTc. Even this morning he not signing of the contract. I repeat the Minister's talked about how he was leading by example in his statement yesterday made in a personal explanation, own office where he was removing Mr Gordon as that: part of the overall package of retirements. In my statement to the House I said the contract was It is clear that the Minister was more directly signed. involved in Mr Gordon's removal than what he has told the House. He has read an extract from his letter He was referring to statements that he made at to Mr J. McMillan, Acting Director-General, Ministry question time yesterday. He continued: of Transport, dated 29 July this year. Unfortunately, he read only part of the letter and I intend to read In fact, what I wished to say was, as I had always the complete letter into Hansard. It states: indicated, the contract was agreed between Mc Gordon and the PTC and is a legal and binding contract. Dear John, That is interesting enough up to there. It continues: GRIEVANCES

724 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 19 September 1991

I knew at the time of today's statement to the House Minister to Mr McMillan, the Acting that the contract was not signed. Director-General, Ministry of Transport, was dated 29 July. It advised him that he no longer required Mr Clearly the Minister has said there that he knew the Gordon and that he, the Minister, was aware of the truth at question time when he said there was no details of the contract and that he might seek to have signed contract but he acknowledged later his contract terminated in accordance with clause 5.5. yesterday, on the same day, that he knew clearly that the contract was not signed but he was The same day, 29 July, Mr McMillan wrote to Mr prepared to tell this House something totally Norman Walker, Acting Chief Executive of the different. That raises some serious matters that need Public Transport Corporation stating: to be addressed by the House. Dear Mr Walker, There are some interesting asides to the issue. One of the points being made continually by the Minister in J. Gordon - industrial coordinator this Chamber and outside the Chamber is that the question of whether the contract was signed or not Enclosed for your attention is advice from the Minister signed was irrelevant. He claims that when Mr indicating that he no longer requires Mr Gordon to Gordon commenced employment with the PrC this co-ordinate and advise on industrial relations in the contract was in existence, and that he commenced transport agencies. employment on the basis of the contract. He claims that, even though the contract was not signed, there It would be appreciated if you would proceed as was a legal and binding agreement. indicated by the Minister.

I direct to the attention of the House clause 2.4 of the In fact, it would give his mate the golden handshake. employment contract, which states: Next is a response from Mr Jeff Gordon to Mr Norman Walker: All calculations for the purpose of accrued benefits and entitlements shall be made from 3 April 1990. Dear Norman,

That was the period at which Mr Gordon I refer to our discussions relating to the decision of the commenced employment. But an interesting Minister and the PTC to offer me alternative work to revelation is that while the signing of the contract that which I have been undertaking. Having reflected involves Mr Gordon; the other witness on behalf of on the proposal to work within the Industrial Relations the PrC is Mr Ian Stoney. Division, I find the proposal not acceptable for a number of reasons. It was more than a month after Mr Gordon commenced his employment that Mr Stoney He had a lot of time to reflect on that; he had less commenced his employment with the PrC so, than a day and that was the third piece of clearly, if this contract was drawn up when Mr correspondence to pass between the parties! Gordon commenced his employment, as we have been led to believe by the Minister, the person who I direct the attention of the House to the date on the was to witness it had not even been employed by the letter from Mr Gordon which appears to have been PrO altered. It is dated 30 July and initialled but it appears that under the zero of the 30 there is a 9 Therefore, obviously there is a discrepancy in excess which leads me to believe it was originally the 29 of five weeks. The contract was clearly not drawn up July. Maybe someone thought it was a bit hot to any earlier than 9 May and I put it to the House that have all of those matters dealt with and responded the contract was not drawn up until the issue of Mr to on the one day. Gordon's resignation and the $95 000 payout was alluded to by the media and then we had a quick The letter has no date stamp and it is possible that it paper scramble to get the documentation together. was just slotted into the file. Not surprisingly Mr Gordon took the option allowed by clause 5.5 and I shall comment briefly on the efficiency with which received the golden handshake, a bonus that is a the Public Transport Corporation and others have privilege for him and no-one else, to tidy up this put together all this documentation in a little more whole issue. than two days. The first letter written by the GRIEVANCES

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 725

It is amazing that the paperwork was so complete in were to arrange to transfer him to a position that did the space of two days. On a PIC note pad a memo not suit him he could put his hand out for a golden was addressed to the chief executive from the handshake. principal solicitor of the corporate area, Geraldine Sharman, who hand wrote three pages of notes that We have also heard the Minister's comment that the basically said: give the mate his money. Mr Walker contract was signed. In his statement he clearly says then wrote to Mr Gordon on 1 August and the letter that he knew what he said at question time was lists the entitlements that total $93 386. The cheque wrong. He knew he was misleading the House but was paid the next day, 2 August. he went ahead and said the contract was signed. Yesterday in his personal explanation he admitted It is suspicious that these matters have been dealt that what he said was wrong. He also said he knew with in such haste. I believe that after the event the no details of the contract. He knew nothing about it. Minister wrote a letter to cover his tracks, a cheque However, in the statement released yesterday he was drawn and the bureaucracy ensured that every referred to details of the contract and the clause 5.5 other matter was fitted in between. TItis really is a golden handshake where the government looks after shonky arrangement. its mate and gives him the $95 000.

On the issue of confidentiality, in a statement to the The most extraordinary situation of all is that this House, the Minister said he was not aware of person started on a contract when in fact he had requests for confidentiality. He said that as late as been working there for some months. The contract yesterday in question time. When he gave these was drawn up on 3 April and one of the signatories documents to me yesterday afternoon I am sure he was not even employed until five weeks later. This is would have been aware of the details. I refer again a nicely doctored document. to Mr Jeff Gordon's letter where he says: The question is: when was the document signed? For professional reasons in order to protect my Was this document brought out only because the reputation I request that the terms and conditions of media revealed the reports four or five weeks ago? this termination payment be considered commercially That is my assertion and I believe this is not only an confidential. instance of a Minister admitting that he misled the House on this occasion but also that he has done so I bet they wanted it to remain commercially over the past two weeks. If one is going to follow the confidential! Who wouldn't? We have seen a whole traditions and precedents of the Westminster series of such issues. Whether it is the payment to system, when a Minister misleads the House, one Ms Ann Morrow or the payment following the Mier must accept that the onus is on the Minister to do affair or one of any number of matters, everyone the right thing: to offer his resignation to the wants it hushed up. Again we have a prime example Premier. If the Minister is too gutless to do the right of hush money, a payment to a mate and a doctored thing, we must ensure that the Premier does it and file. makes the Minister accountable to the House. We cannot tolerate a Minister who makes a statement The more important point is that on numerous which he knows is wrong and later admits that he issues on many occasions over the past two weeks made the statement knowing it was wrong. the Minister has misled the House. He misled the House with respect to his involvement in Mr I am alleging a serious set of matters and I hope the Gordon's employment when he said he had nothing Minister will respond to them sometime this to do with it and that it was all to do with the PIC afternoon by tendering his resignation to the House. Yesterday he told the Age of his involvement and It is the only honourable course the Minister can that he directed the PIC to employ the chap and put take. him on his personal staff in his office but that he had nothing to do with Mr Gordon's removal. Mr THOMSON (Pascoe Vale) - I grieve about the state of corporate morality in Australia and the We have also the issue of the removal of 1500 other plundering in recent years of billions of dollars from PIC employees. We have a personalleUer from the public and private banks by corporate crooks. Minister instructing the Director-General of the Public Transport Corporation to arrange alternative I commence by quoting two economic writers from employment for Mr Gordon. That was the trigger to the Herald-Sun, an impeccably conservative give Mr Gordon the golden handshake. If the PIC GRIEVANCES

726 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991 publication. First I refer to Terry McCrann, who Urn Say Boon talks of insider trading and high-fliers wrote that the 1980s could readily be seen as: who targeted companies, got price sensitive information, moved in before the average mug ... the decade of greed, in which business ethics punter and bailed out quickly with a bundle of evaporated and corporate morality collapsed. money to start all over again.

Some billions of dollars were made and/or plundered, So poor was the corporate morality at the time that then spent in a long-running orgy of highly many argued that this was legitimate practice. It was conspicuous consumption. a case of the quick or the broke, and it was defended as almost a basic law of capitalism. But what Terry McCrann continues: occurred, of course, was that the ordinary investors lost faith in the fairness of the system and pulled out. Now the banks just write off the billions of dollars in Australia's international reputation went to the pack bad loans. Nobody goes to gaol. Few get criticised because the rest of the world found our standards of much more than for the mistake of failure, and they are business conduct unacceptable. still seen in polite society. Many seem to retain large chunks of their - morally - ill-gotten gains. I am concerned that those who produced this deplorable situation should receive their just deserts. Terry McCrann does note that the view or defence of As I move around my electorate and the community what he terms the "establishment business generally I find great anger that this has not community" is that the outrageous behaviour was happened so far. attributed to a very small if highly visible and successful entrepreneurial minority. My personal concern relates to the conduct of Ian Johns, the former Managing Director of The Herald-Sun business editor Urn Say Boon Tricontinental Corporation Ltd, who lent provides relevant background in an article entitled Tricontinental funds to various companies in a ''How spivs work". The article states: conspiracy to benefit himself, others and their company interests by the manipulation of pricing, The games of the 1980s were numerous and varied. trading and allotment of shares - the very conduct Asset stripping, fleecing minority shareholders, insider that Urn Say Boon was describing. trading, profits from asset shuffling, irresponsible borrowing, bribery and, most recently, hiding assets Mr Johns shared directorships of companies to from creditors. which he made loans as managing director of Tricontinental; that placed him in an untenable The article then states that the entrepreneurs: conflict of interest which was quite outside the pale of normal banking practices . ... borrowed recklessly from equally reckless banks and other financial institutions. They engaged in asset The argument that Ian Johns's involvement as a shuffling, recorded paper profits and built houses of director is consistent with ''basic banking principles" cards. is sheer nonsense. Ian Johns's conflict of interest was rendered even worse by the fact that he was They paid themselves $250 000 directors' fees, lent personally given 75 000 executive options in the themselves millions of dollars at negligible interest, and company, Australian Venture Capital (AVC). These gave themselves free shares in the company. The list were free shares allotted at the board's discretion to was endless and the practices shameless. When the be exercised with certain time limits at 50 cents par. house of cards collapsed they'd rush to conceal At the time he stood to make a personal profit of personal assets from creditors. $150000, given that the shares were then valued at $2.45. The article then talks about asset strippers who took control of underpriced companies, stripped them of This occurred even though Tricontinental the best assets, sold them for a profit and departed Corporation had subscribed for 800 000 shares and with money in hand leaving the smouldering shell 800 000 options and had lent up to $12 million in of the business behind. ''They were modem day June 1986. It is my belief that it was the intention of corporate vandals". Johns and other A VC directors to manipulate the share prices of this company with a view to making GRIEVANCES

Thursday. 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 727 undue profit and give a false picture of the worth of directors, was in reality the pay-off for assistance in the company to attract takeover bids. this seam.

I am also aware of allegations that Ian Johns Australian Venture Capital is far from the only laundered money offshore via a company in Hong company in which Ian Johns received personal Kong for his own private benefit, and that he had a shares and to which Tricontinental Corporation was coterie of mates inside and outside Tricontinental lending money or making investments. The share Corporation, who were the beneficiaries of loans, register for Strand Holdings Ltd in November 1989 and who were bailed out when they got into shows Ian Johns having 50 000 shares in his own difficulties by third parties who were given even name. I know honourable members are all dying to bigger loans. know the other shareholders so I shall tell them. Michael and Helen Kroger had more than 200 000 The history of Australian Venture Capital illustrates shares. Tanya Costello, the wife of their good friend, that, first, Ian Johns stood to gain $250 000 on a deal Peter Costello, was on the register. A company in which his bank was intimately involved. named Lyngrae, the private company of the former Secondly, Andrew Kroger, who was the principal Liberal Treasurer, Graham Samuel, had more than executive officer of Australian Venture Capital, was 600 000 shares. allotted by the board, which included Johns, 2.3 million shares on 5 June 1986, with the intention of Mr Samuel stepped down as Liberal Treasurer a unloading the company to a third party. He was able month or so back, not long after I informed the to sell 2 million of those shares for $2.45 on 22 July House that Mr Samuel and Michael Kroger went to 1986, six weeks later; so Mr Kroger made more than see the honourable member for Burwood when he $1 million in just over six weeks! was the Leader of the Opposition the first time round and told him to go easy on Ian Johns. I refer now to the publication Corporate Practices and Conduct. It is a slim volume but nevertheless it was Mr COOPER (Mornington) - On a point of prepared and released this year by the Australian order, Mr Speaker, I direct your attention to Merchant Bankers Association, the Australian Stock Standing Order No. 108, which states: Exchange, the Institute of Company Directors and some other organisation -no Bolsheviks here! On No member shall use offensive or unbecoming words page 16 the rules state: in reference to any member of the House and all imputations of improper motives and all personal Directors should never engage in short-term trading of reflections on members shall be deemed disorderly. company shares. The honourable member for Paseoe Vale has made Further on it states: an imputation against the reputation and integrity of the Leader of the Opposition and I find that remark Directors should neither buy or sell at a time when they offensive. It is certainly untrue and I ask him to possess information which, if disclosed publicly, would withdraw and to apologise. be likely to materially affect the market price of company shares. The SPEAKER - Order! I was listening carefully to the honourable member for Paseoe Vale and I Clearly from the history of the transaction that I heard him refer to what he claims was said to the have just spoken about both Ian Johns and Andrew Leader of the OppOSition and not to any action that Kroger breached these strictures. the honourable member mayor may not have taken. If I am correct in my understanding of what the This was all paper money, of course. As has been honourable member said there is no point of order. recounted elsewhere, Australian Venture Capital went bust in the hands of its new owner and the Mr THOMSON (Paseoe Vale) - For what it is truth is that the whole group of companies was an worth I do not suggest that the honourable member illusion. The whole venture by Kroger and Johns for Burwood acted on the advice he was given; I involved share market manipulation and conspiracy merely record that he was given that advice. to defraud a third party. The 75 000 options given to However, it intrigues me that neither Michael Ian Johns by the board of Australian Venture Kroger nor Graham Samuel has denied it. Capital, of which Johns and Kroger were both GRIEVANCES

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The share register for Strand Holdings Ltd also Mr THOMSON - I made the notes available last refers to Tricontinental Corporation Ltd owning time and I will make them available this time. 210000 shares, well down from the 3 million it owned the year before. Strand was essentially an Mr Cooper interjected. Andrew Kroger company; he owned more than 6 million shares and was a director of the company The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the honourable and various subsidiary companies. Strand received member for Momington firstly to restrain himself at least four loans from Tricontinental including one and secondly to withdraw the comment he has just for up to $20 million and another for $7.5 million. made by way of interjection. Tricontinental also had major share investments in Strand owning 3 million shares in 1987 and 1988. So Mr COOPER (Momington) - Whatever it was, I for Ian Johns to have, as he did, a private withdraw. shareholding in such a company represents a blatant conflict of interest. The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable member for Pascoe Vale has advised the Chair that Strand is still around, but each quarterly and annual he is not reading his speech but is nonetheless report shows it is making a loss a t every turn - it prepared to make his notes available. There is no certainly hasn't provided any dividends. The point of order. company's major investments had been in New Zealand agricultural property, and in September Mr THOMSON (Pascoe Vale) - Meanwhile 1990 Strand advised shareholders that it had sold its Strand also announced that Whitsunday Coast Yacht New Zealand properties. The money from the sales Constructions, in which it had invested more than was applied to repaying the $8.7 million debt the $3 million, was in a creditors voluntary liquidation company owned to Tricontinental. That sudden and would lose $2.7 million, virtually its entire move had all the hallmarks of the Kroger brothers investment. The major asset of the company was panicking to cover their tracks. Less than two weeks described as land and buildings located in northern earlier the balloon had gone up for Tricontinental; Queensland. One wonders whether Whitsunday State Bank Victoria had been sold and on 28 August Coast Yacht Constructions ever constructed any 1990 a Royal Commission into Tricontinental was yachts! announced. I shall now refer to investment banking. I have Mr COOPER (Momington) - On a point of previously directed attention to the need to order, Mr Speaker, it has become obvious to me and, scrutinise the investment banking activities of because you have been paying close attention, it Tricontinental Corporation Ltd just as closely as its would also be obvious to you that the honourable loans. Indeed the Royal Commission's first report member for Pascoe Vale is reading his speech, and refers to those activities and at page 327 states that that is against Standing Orders. As he finishes each investment banking activities were not formally paragraph he is turning over pages. The printed structured as a separate division or subdivision but matter from which the honourable member is principally fell under the direct management of the reading should be made available to the House. managing director, Mr Ian Johns.

The SPEAKER - Order! I shall clarify the At page 333 the report notes that investment position: it is a matter of practice rather than banking activities were a means of prOViding finance compliance with Standing Orders that speeches in to Tricontinental's clients. They had the same effect the House are not read. I ask the honourable as loans. member for Pascoe Vale whether he is reading his speech and, if so, whether he is prepared to make his One Tricontinental investment banking transaction I notes available. did not have the opportunity of discussing on a previous occasion involved 725 000 shares Mr THOMSON (Pascoe Vale) - As was the case purchased in A VCORP, which it sold at a loss of on a previous occasion, I am referring to notes and I approximately $75 000. AVCORP was formerly am prepared to make them available. Windsor Holdings and in March 1987 Michael Kroger became the director of that company. Mr Cooper - You didn't last time! The company took over the A VAGO Corporation, which operated in the Great Barrier Reef region of GRIEVANCES

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North Queensland, and incorporated A VAGO intercompany loans the national guard should be Resources, AV AGO Property, A VAGO Mining, called out because it is an unsavoury and A VAGO Marine, A VAGO Leisure and so on. unsatisfactory practice! Despite the appeal to the spirit of private enterprise inherent in its name, AVAGO's get up and go got up I also asked Mr Hurley about insider trading and the and went and in September 1987 Michael Kroger fact that Australia had been unable to secure resigned from the board. In May and October 1988 convictions. He told me that the United States had Ken Jarratt and Geoff Lord respectively, both minimum and maximum security prisons. The directors of Elders Resources, Elders !XL Ltd and so minimum security prisons are described as "Club on, became directors. A VAGO ceased trading in Fed" where everyone plays tennis and has a good. March 1990 and was liquidated later that year. time. However, in the maximum security prison a person may share a cell with someone who is 6'6" Throughout these deals there is an unhealthy and says, "Come here, sweetheart". In those pattern of public bankruptcy and private circumstances the authorities manage to get enrichment. Many of the companies with which lan confessions from those involved in insider trading. Johns, Andrew Kroger and Michael Kroger have Perhaps Australia should take a leaf out of that book. been associated are no longer functioning: Australian Merchant Holdings, Associated Tin Mr BROWN (Gippsland West) - I note that the Smelters, Australian Venture Capital, AVCORP, Minister for Transport is in the House and is Whitsunday Coast Yacht Constructions, and planning to walk out. I invite him to return to listen Tricontinental Corporation Ltd - all of them gone. to my contribution because it directly affects him Honourable members have witnessed appalling and the fact that he should resign forthwith for corporate behaviour, none worse than that of Mr misleading not only the House but also the Johns and his coterie of mates. community of Victoria on a number of occasions.

Terry McCrann and Lim Say Boon are absolutely I shall start with the contract, which has now been right - these practices should never have occurred. made available to the public, purportedly relating to Jeffrey Graham Gordon, who was employed at the Mr Elder - Tell us about the inquiry into Rob behest of the Minister for Transport. Jolly! Mr Cooper - The Minister's mate! The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable member for Ballarat North will remain silent. Mr BROWN - Mr Gordon was very much the Minister's mate. The day after the Minister for Mc THOMSON - The honourable member for Transport took on that role Mr Gordon was Ballarat North should read the first report of the appointed and was given a very lucrative salary Royal Commission. As I said, those practices should package. His salary, applicable to the fifth division never have occurred and Parliament should not of level 3 of the Senior Executive Service (SES) of the condone them. I look forward to reading the further State Public Service, was $73 427. He was paid an reports of the Tricontinental Royal Commission and expense-of-office allowance of $2868 a year and the of the Commonwealth government inquiry into normal provisions applicable to SES officers in the banking led by Steve Martin, MHR, and to prompt Public Transport Corporation (PTC) were to apply, action being taken by State and Commonwealth including annual leave, sick leave, long service leave Parliaments to implement the recommendations of and employee travel provisions. those reports and clean up Australia's act. The contract also required the taxpayer to foot the Australia's international reputation in this field is bill for reasonable telephone charges at the home of poor. I recently spoke to Mr Mark Hurley from the Mr Gordon, including the cost of calls. It also gave office of Thrift Investigations in the United States of him a modern motor vehicle, privately registered for America. Without using names, I put to him two unlimited private usage, for which Mr Gordon propositions and asked for his response. The first agreed to pay just over $12 a week. Of course the proposition was about bankers who were also contract also included generous superannuation directors of companies lending money to those benefits. Not only in an environment of a recession companies. Mr Hurley said that was unacceptable. but at any time, most people I know would dearly The second proposition was about intercompany love to get a job that provided that salary, and those loans. He told me that where there is a pattern of benefits and conditions. GRffiVANCES

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The purported contract also said: Mr BROWN - That is true. Whoever fabricated and put together this fraudulent contract overlooked Upon the completion of the full five-year period of the fact that the man who was to sign it as the chief employment under this contract, and upon cessation of executive officer was not even in the employment of Mc Gordon's employment, he will be paid: the fYfC at that time. The job description also makes it clear that: (i) all accrued annual leave and leave loading previously unpaid, and all entitlements pursuant The incumbent shall work and report directly to the to the Transport Superannuation Fund ... Minister and, subject to the direction of the Minister ... It also sets out long service leave entitlements and an amount equal to 2.5 times his superannuation Again the Minister has misled the House. He said he contributions, together with an amount equivalent had nothing to do with the employment or to one month's salary. termination of this gentleman. It is nonsense to suggest, as the Minister has, that he had nothing to Clause 5.4 states: do with it. Mr Cordon came to this plum job the day after the Minister was appointed to head up This contract may be terminated by the PTC, or by transport. The Minister wanted him, brought him in mutual agreement between Mc Gordon and the PTC, and directed the PTC to put him on the payroll prior to the expiration of the five-year period. In such under the lucrative terms and conditions I have event, all of the provisions of clause 5.1 shall apply. outlined. I reject outright the Minister's assertion that he did not know the details of the contract. The They are the provisions I referred to earlier: Minister intimately knew the details of the contract and the details surrounding the appointment of this In addition, Mr Gordon shall be paid, for the unexpired gentleman. I repeat: this contract was fraudulently balance of the term of the contract, an amount put together in recent times. equivalent to 4 months salary for each completed year forgone, subject to a maximum of 12 months salary and I refer the House to a letter of 29 July 1991 from the allowances being paid. Minister to Mr J. McMillan, the Acting Director-General of the Ministry of Transport, That is an extremely generous salary package and which, in part, states: contract that put all the cards in the hands of Mr Cordon. The contract did not have the interests of Would you please arrange for discussions to be held taxpayers at heart when it was typed up. between the Acting CEO PTC and Director Industrial Relations PTC with Mr Gordon to discuss suitable The first point I make is that this contract has been redeployment within the PTc. fraudulently put together at some time well after Mr Cordon was appointed up until the current day. I understand that if acceptable arrangements cannot be That is clearly the case and is the reason why the made, Mr Gordon may seek to have his contract with contract remains to this day both unsigned and the PTC terminated. undated. I claim that this sO-called employment contract was put together in very recent times solely The Minister is condemned by his own hand. In a to protect the position of the Minister for Transport, letter dated 29 July signed by him, the Minister when it became obvious he would be under Siege asked the then acting director-general to arrange because of the payout of almost $100 000 to Mr discussions about redeploying Mr Cordon. The Cordon. letter also indicates that the Minister understood some detail of what was in the contract. The contract was typed up on the basis that it would be signed, sealed and delivered by Ian Stoney for The Minister has misled the House. Time and again and on behalf of the fYfc. But when Mr Cordon was he has said he does not, and never did, know what appointed Keith Fitzmaurice was the chief executive was in the contract. The bottom line is that in this of the fYfc. Ian Stoney was not even at that office letter the Minister said: desk. He was appointed a month later. I understand that if acceptable arrangements cannot be Mr Cooper - They just slipped up! made, Mr Gordon may seek to have his contract with the PTC terminated. GRIEVANCES

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 731

How did the Minister know that if he did not know received the near $100 000, sets out that the cheque anything about what was in the contract? The will comprise $93 386, and states: Minister is condemned by his own hand. For details of your entitlements from the respective The next item of correspondence, coincidentally on superannuation funds, you should contact the board the same date, was from the then acting personally. director-general, John McMillan, to Norman Walker, the Acting Chief Executive of the PTC: Mr Cordon received more than what has been stated publicly. He was advised to go to the Enclosed for your attention is advice from the Minister superarulUation board to see what further indicating that he no longer requires Mr Gordon to entitlements he had. The public has a right to know coordinate and advise on industrial relations in the how much more money than already indicated has transport agencies. been received by Mr Cordon.

It would be appreciated if you would proceed as I shall highlight this very graphic, sad and sorry indicated by the Minister. saga for our long-suffering taxpayers. A fraudulent contract has been put together in relatively recent It is quite clear the Minister no longer required the times that remains unsigned and undated. That took services of Mr Cordon. It is blatantly untrue for the place because it has been put on paper only in recent Minister to say in this House, '1 had nothing to do times. with this bloke's initial terms and conditions of employment; I had nothing to do with whatever is The Minister has admitted Mr Cordon came in with in a contract between him and the PTC". It is clear him and that he already had his full staff that the Minister misled the House and the public on entitlements. The Minister simply employed a man a number of occasions. for $100 000 a year at a cost to the taxpayer via the Public Transport Corporation. What he did was, I refer the House to a letter from Jeff Cordon to "Stick another one on the payroll". Norman Walker which states: A letter from the Minister to Mr McMillan is dated I refer to our discussions relating to the decision of the 29 July 1991. On the same day Mr McMillan wrote to Minister and the PTC to offer me alternative work to Mr Walker, the Acting Chief Executive. The next day that which I have been wldertaking. Mr Cordon wrote to Mr Walker and on 30 July a handwritten legal opinion was written. On 1 August There is no doubt that the Minister is guilty of Mr Cordon received a letter setting out what he misleading the House. It is clear from the would receive and the following day he received his correspondence that initially it was a cosy deal cheque. between mates, friends and buddies to put Jeff Cordon on for a salary package worth more than That is the quickest bureaucratic activity and $100 000 a year. Then it was a cosy deal to let Mr undertaking that has ever been procured in this Cordon slip out at the optimum time financially. State. It took place in five days - it was like a Again the long-suffering taxpayer is fleeced and whirlwind. It was done to protect and cover up must suffer the burden of having to fork out almost what transpired. The Ministry hoped to keep the $100 000 unnecessarily. truth from the public, but in that endeavour it failed.

The next document is from the legal officer in the The Minister has continually said that Mr Cordon PTC, Geraldine Sharman. The legal opinion is was only one of 1507 employees to be made handwritten. It has obviously been rushed. In it she redundant. This issue has nothing to do with how refers to the effect of the Minister's decision. What many the Minister made redundant in the last sort of department is it that pays out nearly $100 000 financial year. Mr Cordon was made redundant this and has a legal officer rush an opinion and that financial year but the Minister has misled the House. opinion is handwritten? Only a government or an organisation that wants to cover up and mislead the I move to the next area in which the Minister has community would be guilty of such an activity. misled the House; the claimed 1507 staff. It is a lie because I have had leaked to me from the Minister's There is more. A letter dated 1 August 1991 from office a Ministerial briefing note. That note was Norman Walker to Mr Cordon, the man who prepared by Kerry Martin on 2 August 1991. It sets GRIEVANCES

732 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991 out in graphic detail the true situation that there was There are two issues, not only the one relating to Mr a reduction of 1133 PTC employees last financial Gordon but also the Minister not telling the truth year. about staff reductions and other issues. One way to clear the stench is for people to be called to give Mr Cole interjected. evidence on oath. I call for an inquiry. I claim the contract has been fraudulently put together in recent Mr BROWN - The honourable member for times and people other than the Minister have been Melbourne interjects, "What about the contractors?" involved in the conspiracy to undermine democracy. I do not believe contractors are permanent It goes to the heart of government and democracy in employees; they are employed for particular tasks this State and this nation when Ministers of the and for particular periods. If those contractors are Crown and party hacks get behind closed doors in added - and the briefing note refers to them - smoke-filled rooms and fraudulently construct there are an additional22S people in that category. documentation to suit their case. That leaves 149 people short. That is exactly what has happened; the backroom Even on the Minister's warped and unintelligible boffins have got together with the Minister and have answers the House heard, in reality there are at least lied, schemed and cheated to defraud and mislead 149 employees short in what the Minister has been the community. claiming. When I say defraud I mean the payout to Mr Mr COLE - What about the apprentices? Gordon. It follows what happened with the $100 000 payout to Ms Morrow and the $75 000 payout to the Mr BROWN - The apprentices were employed Aboriginal adviser, Trish Jones. during that financial year - not sacked. When asked by the media about the apprentices, the Minister The stench will remain until the Minister goes. He said that he calls them a reduction because he was should resign today. If he does not resign today the instructed by a subcommittee of Cabinet to put the Premier should throw him out - dismiss him from apprentices on. office. If she does not, the community will ensure the Minister is hounded out. God help the community if Mr Cole interjected. it takes as long as the next election!

Mr BROWN - The honourable member for Mr DOLLIS (Richmond) - In this grievance Melbourne is now agreeing with the Minister that an debate I shall refer to the consumption tax. For some additional 149 apprentices means 149 fewer staff. time now conservative forces in the country have What idiots have we in this government? It does not been campaigning for tax reform. As part of that matter whether the 149 are apprentices, maids, campaign they argue that the introduction of a janitors or other staff, it is an additional 149, not 149 broadly-based consumption tax, or a goods and fewer. services tax (GST), is the most important part of the package of reforms. My first task next year as the new Minister for Transport will be to obtain a computer print-out of Although the general principle of a GST has been every name of every employee and contractor who advocated by the Federal Leader of the Opposition, was made redundant last financial year. I will Or Hewson, the lack of detail has not prevented the produce that print-out to the Parliament as proof Victorian Liberal Leader giving his full endorsement positive the government has lied again. The Minster to the introduction of a consumption tax. is not telling the truth when he says he reduced the number of employees last year by 1507. I challenge Only three months ago, on 27 June, the Leader of the the Minister to produce the names of every OppOSition said on radio station 3AW: employee who was made redundant. I can say with certainty, having the information from the Minister's Well again, you've only got to wait. I mean how can office - at least the briefing note tells the truth you argue pro or against something you know nothing -that a total of 1133 plus 225 contractors were made about in terms of detail. redundant. That is the sort of stench surrounding the issue of the Minister misleading the House. The Leader of the Opposition was absolutely right: how can you argue pro or against something that you know very little about? And yet we had the GRIEVANCES

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 733 spectacle of the liberal Party giving full At the same time a broadly based consumption tax endorsement to a consumption tax at its State would apply to things such as education, health conference. That is a contradiction in the approach services, food and public transport. It would also of the opposition. apply to entertainment: to tickets to the football, cricket, concerts and films, and to restaurants. It While the Leader of the Opposition and his party would apply to rent; building materials; household decided to support Dr Hewson's call for the goods; car insurance; electricity, gas and water introduction of a consumption tax they gave little or charges; local government rates; and so on. In short, no detail about what rate would apply; what everything is taxed. exemptions would be allowed - if one listens to speakers on the subject from overseas one discovers The other reality is that at the moment the that there ought not to be exemptions; who would Australian economy is in the midst of a recession. be compensated for its impact; what size income tax Unemployment is high and economic activity is only cuts would be made possible; what is the total now beginning to show signs of recovery. On the taxation refonn package; and what it would look other hand, inflation has come down to levels like. In short, the call for a new consumption tax similar to those that apply in Australia's major should be treated with caution and suspicion. trading partners. A reduction in inflation is closely followed by a fall in interest rates. Australian and other Western democracies have for a long period supported the principle of a There is speculation about the rate of tax to apply in progressive taxation system; a taxation system in Australia. We assume it will be 15 per cent. If one which the burden of tax is spread on the basis of the takes into consideration the figures that have been ability to pay. If it is to gain public support such a thrown around by the Federal opposition and the system must be seen to be fair, equitable and Victorian liberal Party a 15 per cent consumption efficient. Once there is an opportunity to examine tax is a reasonable rate to apply for this debate. The the details to be released by Dr Hewson a impact of a 15 per cent consumption tax would be to consumption tax will not be seen to be fair, equitable immediately cause a rise in the consumer price and efficient, and nor could such a tax gain public index (CPI) by a sum at least equal to the tax at a support. time when reducing inflation is the key objective of economic policy. Taxation is one of the most powerful instruments available to government for the distribution of New Zealand is a perfect example of what has income. The issues of fairness, equity and efficiency happened. New Zealand had an increase in inflation must be addressed in any proposal for a change to to 18.9 per cent following the introduction of a the taxation system. Parliament needs to ask the consumption tax of 10 per cent in 1986. Supporters opposition about the effects of a new consumption of a consumption tax would argue that that was a tax: what will be the major impacts; what will be the once~ff effect on inflation but even they would income distribution effects; how will a consumption admit that the flow-on will last at least eighteen tax affect the ordinary person in the street; does a months and at the same time the purchasing power consumption tax mean more tax for everybody; of wages, as well as of pensions and benefits, will be what is the overseas experience; and does a reduced by the amount of the CPI increase. That consumption tax achieve in practice what it sets out could easily trigger a wage-price spiral similar to to achieve in theory? We have received no answers that which took place in the early 1970s as a result of to any of those questions. the oil prices shock.

A consumption tax is a tax on the consumption At present an inflationary shock would cause expenditure of individuals, families or other considerable damage to the economies of Victoria non-business entities. Consumption is generally and Australia: real gross domestic product (GDP) defined as the consumption of goods and services by would decline, unemployment would increase and their end users. A consumption tax such as a GST is investment would fall further. designed to target household consumption. Honourable members need to know that it targets Another immediate major impact of the GST would the consumption of families and of those in greatest be to reduce the value of all personal savings. A 15 need who may not have the capacity to pay the tax. per cent consumption tax would knock billions of dollars off the purchasing power of savings. The opposition should bear that in mind because people GRIEVANCES

734 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991 have been saving on the basis of knowing the real In 1986 New Zealand introduced a eST at 10 per value of their money; they have not been saving for cent; now it is 12.5 per cent. The United Kingdom the opposition to come around and take away introduced a 10 per cent eST in 1973; it is now 17 money that they thought would retain its present per cent. Sweden introduced an 11.1 per cent eST in day value. 1969; it is now 23 per cent. Ireland introduced a 16.4 per cent consumption tax; it is now 25 per cent. A 15 per cent consumption tax would decrease the purchasing power of savings and would affect Mr Perton interjected. Significant groups in society by an amount equal to the tax. Pensioners who have planned for their Mr DOLUS - The Netherlands introduced a retirement; families who have money set aside for eST at a 12 per cent rate; it is now 20 per cent. In the the education of their children; people who have put long term, the introduction of a consumption tax has money aside in case they have a need; and meant that people have ended up paying more, not individuals and couples who over many years have less, tax. I urge honourable members on the been saving to buy their first home will be affected. opposition benches to take some time to discover If a consumption tax is allowed to be introduced in what the effects of a consumption tax are on an Australia the amount of money they have been economy that is in recession. Experience has shown saving will be reduced by the amount of the tax that that while the initial introduction of a consumption the opposition will introduce. tax may be accompanied by a measure of compensatory arrangements, no guarantee exists An analysis would reveal that a consumption tax of that subsequent increases in the consumption tax 15 per cent would add 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent to rate will be accompanied by such arrangements. In the total cost of items such as milk, bread, eggs, almost every case, substantial increases have been butter, cereals, rice, meat, and fruit and vegetables. made to a consumption tax rate after its introduction.

Mr Coleman - Marvellous! In my final remarks I shall concentrate on the impact of a consumption tax on families. The effect of a Mr DOLUS - Marvellous, is it? How are you consumption tax is greater on families with children. going to explain it to a family that is struggling to This result is not unexpected, because families meet its consumption bills at the moment and will raising young children tend to have a higher have to pay 15 per cent on top of what it is paying? consumption expenditure than the rest of the What you are saying to those in greatest need, those population. Increasing compensation by way of with families, with children, is that a system will be increased family allowances creates only greater introduced that will reduce their purchasing power! family dependency --

Once a consumption tax is introduced - at a rate Mr Perton interjected. that everyone knows has been decided upon - its rate can be changed easily. If the European Mr DOLUS - The impact of a consumption tax experience is anything to go by, over the years the on families with children is negative in two main rate of a consumption tax will increase because it is ways. Firstly, the consumption tax is a tax on the seen as a convenient way of increasing tax revenue, development and growth of children. Expenses with the added advantage that it is indirect and incurred for education or special tuition, sport, hidden. music and other activities all become more expensive and therefore less affordable. Evidence I offer some examples of what has happened from Europe suggests that the impact of a overseas following the introduction of a goods and consumption tax is regressive on families with services tax (eST). children but this effect is more closely related to income levels than to whether the household is Mr Perton interjected. single, children or no children.

Mr DOLUS - I will give you a copy of the paper Mr Perton interjected. and it will be cheaper than the freedom of information requests you keep on making. You The DEPUTY SPEAKER - Order! The spend all your time asking for information to be honourable member for Doncaster will cease released; we will provide you with the paper so that interjecting. you can learn something! GRIEVANCES

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Mr DOLLIS - The medium and long-term has been ruthless in dealing with officers in those impact of this -- departments with its plans to move the head offices of the departments out of Melbourne. The effect on Mr PERTON (Doncaster) - Mr Deputy Speaker, women officers has been particularly unfair. the honourable member is obviously reading from a document. I ask you to ask him to table it. The Department of Conservation and Environment is undergoing its fourth restructure since this Mr DOLLIS (Richmond) - I will be delighted to government came to office in 1982. The 1990 annual table a paper I have already distributed widely. At report of the department shows a total staff of 4748, the end of the debate I will table the paper on with 3521 men and 1227 women. Already many staff consumption tax so that members of the opposition live and work in country Victoria; now it is will be able to learn some of the facts about the proposed that more than 700 permanent staff and effects of a consumption tax. more than 100 temporary staff in the Melbourne head office be dispersed to five regional centres in The medium and long-term impact of this is on the Victoria. There is a hidden agenda to get rid of at development of human capital. If the raising of least 300 officers; this is the reason for the proposed children is seen as an investment in the future work regionalisation. It is called "downsizing the force, a consumption tax is a tax on an input into department". I do not say this lightly; documentary human capital formation. The consumption tax is a evidence shows that this is the real reason for the disincentive to the development of a clever country. so-called regionalisation of the Department of Conservation and Environment. Mr Perton interjected. It is proposed that the Department of Agriculture The DEPUTY SPEAKER - Order! If the will move its head office to Bendigo. The Premier honourable member for Doncaster persists in announced this in February. There has been some defying the Chair and continues with his toing and froing about this because the former interjecting, I will call the Speaker back in and ask to Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the have him removed. honourable member for Essendon, approved the relocation, but the current Minister has made some Mr DOLLIS - The issue of introducing a announcements that he was inclined to reverse the consumption tax in the end raises more questions decision. Apparently he was tossed in the Cabinet than it answers. The impact and implications of the room because the proposal is going ahead. introduction of a consumption tax in Australia are enough of a concern to warrant its being shelved. The Department of Agriculture has many employees working in country Victoria. It is sensible that field The proponents of the consumption tax have not staff should be dispersed throughout the State. In convincingly disposed of the argument that fact only 13 per cent, or 350 of the 2370 officers, are anything positive in a consumption tax can be actually located in Melbourne, but those head office achieved by suitable amendments to income tax. staff include policy, administrative, technical and Neither have they shown how the introduction of a research staff. consumption tax will improve the tax mix on equity and efficiency grounds. The only thing certain about This is the second time the department has been a goods and services tax is that it leaves the way regionalised in recent years. In 1985-86 staff who open for future increases in the tax rate. had previously worked in Melbourne were moved to country Victoria. The hidden agenda again is to No matter how it is dressed up, the introduction of get rid of staff. From the documents I have it is the consumption tax is in the end the introduction of anticipated that 160 staff will be moved to Bendigo a new tax. The nature of the tax is such that there and approximately 100 staff will seek redeployment would be a shift in national income from those less in other departments while others will leave. In fact, well off to those better off. a number of senior officers with valuable departmental experience have already left. Mrs WADE (Kew) - Today I grieve for the pOSition of women employed in the Victorian Public Even before the restructuring and regionalisation Service, particularly for women employed in the policy was in place in these departments women did Department of Agriculture and the Department of not get a fair go. Dr Mark Considine of the Conservation and Environment. The government Department of Political Science at the University of GRIEVANCES

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Melbourne produced a report for the Victorian It is an inappropriate time, too, to be forced to sell a Public Service Association on the proposed house when the market is flooded with the houses of restructure of the Department of Conservation and people who are in desperate financial straits. Environment. At page 21 under the heading "Equal opportunity" it says: A situation has occurred in OCE of one spouse being sent to one centre and the other being sent to Another issue which emerged in consultations with another. The honourable member for Syndal staff but which was not considered as part of OCE's referred to the case of a couple who met in the own review was the role of women in the organisation. department and were married. One is being sent to There is little evidence to indicate that women are being Geelong and the other is being sent to Traralgon. provided with senior management opportunities. These are the concerns that have been expressed to Some staff responding to our questionnaire indicated me by a number of women who are affected by the that they felt excluded from the all-male culture which regionalisation and downsizing of these predominates, particularly in fields heavily populated departments. Their concerns are well documented in by the older sub-disciplines such as forestry. a report prepared for the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs by Mr Rod The absence of women from senior and middle Polkinghorne, who is a person with considerable management positions, and the lack of attention to this management experience in agriculture. In his report issue in the recent departmental review throw further he described the negative response from head office doubt on the integrity of that process to date. staff about the proposed move to a country centre - at the time Bendigo had not been identified. He says: For some years these women clearly have been disadvantaged. The government, despite its While some were cynical about the likelihood of the propaganda about equal opportunity, has done move, most believed a decision had already been nothing about this position in the department. Now reached and that the inquiry was purely these women who are already disadvantaged are "window-dressing". being told that they will have to leave Melbourne and re-establish themselves in one of the five The majority of staff strongly oppose the concept of country centres of OCE. Has any woman in Cabinet relocation for a mixture of professional and private considered the implications of this move for all reasons ... Personal concerns understandably rated officers, but particularly female officers, who may be highly and concerned a wide range of issues. forced to leave their husbands, children and homes to re-establish themselves in country centres because In the survey, the most common responses to the they cannot afford to be without a second salary, question, 'What considerations prevent you from which they need to payoff their mortgages? relocating with head office to a provincial centre?", included: family links, employment for spouse, Redeployment is not an attractive alternative career opportunities for self; housing, urban lifestyle, because there is a large number of people on the educational opportunities for children and, to a redeployment list and it is not clear whether they lesser extent, lesser educational opportunities for will all be able to find suitable positions. The adults. These are real concerns on the part of staff, prospects for spouses who accompany departmental both male and female, but my experience leads me officers to country centres are not good. How will to suspect that in many cases females will be even they find jobs at a time when there is enormous more disadvantaged than male staff. unemployment in country Victoria? TItis is not the time to move from Melbourne to country Victoria. Yesterday in my contribution to the Budget debate I spoke on the difference between the rhetoric of the Have the children, who are going through critical Premier and the government and the reality of the periods in their schooling such as the terror of the government's action. My remarks this morning are VCE, been considered? To move them to another particularly directed to the Premier in her capacity school at this time would create enormous as Minister responsible for women's affairs. Each difficulties. Officers who are also undertaking year in that responsibility she produces a Women's educational activities at tmiversity or at other Budget which makes a lot of promises to the women colleges in Melbourne will be disadvantaged. I of Victoria. In the Women's Budget 1990-91 she wonder whether any attention has been paid to proposes increased provision of information on these issues? government programs, policies and services to GRIEVANCES

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Victorian women. Obviously this increased women, referring in particular to the women's information was not made available to the women in budget. the two departments I referred to before any decisions were made. I shall quote from the second-reading speech of the Premier when, as the Minister responsible for The Women's Budget says that the agencies are Women's Affairs, she spoke on 1 November 1990 on beginning to understand that every dollar they the Public Authorities (Equal Employment spend has an impact on women. Agencies such as Opportunity) Bill: the Department of Industry and Economic Planning, the Office of Corrections and the then Department of The purpose of this Bill is to require public authorities Agriculture and Rural Affairs as well as those in the in Victoria to implement equal employment human services area such as education, health, opportunity programs. community services and housing and construction, are showing an increasing readiness to evaluate the That is, equal employment opportunity programs effect of a wider range of the policies and programs already applying to the Public Service. on the clients who are women. The Premier described one of the principles upon Obviously that does not include consideration of which the Bill is based in the following words: their own staff who are women. The Women's Budget refers to the major changes that have occurred in ... that all employees be treated fairly and equitably, women's participation in decision making, the most without discrimination, arbitrary action or coercion. notable of which has been the election of a woman as Premier of Victoria. Victoria now has sixteen The removal of the head office staff of the two women members of Parliament, four of these departments is clearly arbitrary and coercive and including the Premier are government Ministers. I does not comply with the principles outlined by the am particularly pleased we have one of these Premier in November 1990. Ministers sitting at the table, the Minister for Community Services. But what did these women do The Minister for Conservation and Environment when the proposal about the restructuring of these claims he is committed to providing equal departments was before Cabinet? Did they raise the opportunities for women. I shall quote from a issue of the displacement of families when glossy, expensive document the Minister published considering the desirability of these departmental in November 1987 when he was the Minister for moves? It has been specifically mentioned that Labour. The document, Wor1cingfor Women. A strategies have been developed in the Department of Statement on Women's Employment, carries the Agriculture to increase the participation of women obligatory photograph of the Minister on the front in departmental services. page. Page 16 of the document states:

The document from the Department of Conservation This statement, and future discussion papers, together and Environment says that, to date, women had with consultation and debate on these issues, will played a minor role in consultation and provide government with the necessary information to decision-making but that programs would be determine future policy initiatives and directions in the established in 1990-91 to improve women's access to ongoing process of improving women's employment departmental services and activities, and to increase opportunities in Victoria. their involvement in decision making and their representation on consultative bodies. Again, effective and reasonable consultation with Department of Conservation and Environment Again, Mr Deputy Speaker, the words bear little employees has not occurred. Page 59 of the glossy relation to what is happening to the women who brochure talks about workers with family work in those departments. responsibilities in the following terms:

Sitting suspended 1.1 p.m. unti12.3 p.m. However, the government has a significant role to play as a major employer in making representation to Mrs WADE - Before the suspension of the relevant industrial tribunals and the commission and in sitting I was talking about the commitment made by creating an environment that assists workers to the Premier to equal employment opportunities for combine employment and family responsibilities. GRIEVANCES

738 ASSEMBLY Thursday. t 9 September t 99 t

Since 1987 the Minister for Conservation and significant downsizing of head office and transfer of Environment seems to have forgotten about the resources to regions". importance of equal employment opportunities for women. I remind the Premier, the Minister for Mr DOLLIS (Richmond) - On a point of order, Conservation and Environment and the Minister for Mr Speaker, the honourable member appears to be Agriculture that equal employment opportunity reading from a document. I wonder whether she programs are not only about avoiding direct intends making the document available to the House. discrimination against women but also about avoiding indirect discrimination. The SPEAKER - Order! Will the honourable member for Kew identify the document she is I urge the women who are being asked to move to quoting from and state whether she is prepared to Bendigo, in the case of the Department of make it available to the House? Agriculture, and to the five regional offices, in the case of the Department of Conservation and Mrs WADE (Kew) - Mr Speaker, the letter, Environment, to lodge a claim with the Equal which I am prepared to make available to the House, Opportunity Commission because I believe they the contents of which were approved by the may be able to prove a case of indirect effectiveness review committee, was written by the discrimination. If that application proves Director-General of Conservation and Environment unsuccessful I suggest they consider taking the to Mr Frank Honan of the Public Service Board and matter to the Equal Opportunity Board. it makes the purpose of the regionalisation clear. It states that the consultancy was endorsed by the I have a filing cabinet full of glossy government Minister: literature in my electorate office. The rhetoric is similar to that I have quoted today and bears little ... because I need to downsize HQ by 300 people ... and relationship to the reality of government practices. also to decentralise approximately 300 to OCE regions.

The Australian Labor Party's Choice and Opportunity The necessary data to support the move was Plan for women is one of the few documents of prepared well after the decision was made. government propaganda that has been paid for by the Labor Party; the rest appear to be have been paid If the Premier is to have any credibility at all she for from taxpayers' funds. The document should intervene to reverse these decisions. There emphasises the importance of choice for women, has been some talk of the conservation and and again this has been denied to the women environment decision being reversed, and the employed by the two departments to which I have agriculture one should also be reconsidered. referred. Obviously the Premier has not thought about how When I read such government propaganda I am she would feel if she were suddenly told that she almost physically ill because of the yawning gap had to move to Mildura and leave her husband between the rhetoric and reality. The hidden agenda behind in Williamstown. These are the sorts of issues of the regionalisation of the Department of that need to be taken into account. Conservation and Environment is to get rid of the staff currently employed in the department's head In summary there is no reason why these office. departments should move from Melbourne. Although all the officers of these departments will The Department of Conservation and Environment be affected the women will be affected most employed a firm of consultants well after the particularly because of their family responsibilities. decision was made to regionalise the department; and the consultancy was approved by the The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable effectiveness review committee and the Treasurer, member's time has expired. the letter of approval bearing the letterhead of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr W. D. McGRATH (Lowan) - The matter that I raise in this grievance debate concerns the meat The consultants were asked to provide the industry. An amazing thing has happened in the department with "the necessary data and Parliament over the past 24 to 48 hours. The current appropriate arguments upon which to base the Minister for Agriculture, who signalled in his 9-minute statement in question time yesterday that GRIEVANCES

Thursday. 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 739 he has fallen very much into the Kirner line, I ask the House to consider some of the charges that demonstrated in his answer. to that question that he have been imposed upon the meat industry by both has deserted the primary producers and the meat the Federal and State governments. The meat industry of this State and joined the ranks of Wally inspection charges that are now levied against the Curran and the Australasian Meat Industry meat industry and the abattoir operators are Employees Union (AMIEU). extremely high. It is costing $70 000 a year to employ each meat inspector. That is an enormous burden. This week a clear statement was made that the submission that the former Minister for Agriculture Mr Perrin - On the consumer. and Rural Affairs, Barry Rowe, and his department prepared on behalf of the government some time Mr W. D. McGRATH - I do not know whether ago was an independent, rational synopsis of the it is a burden on the consumer; I think it falls on the meat industry. Of course it is now a matter of first cab off the rank, the farming community, the history what happened to that independent, rational producers. As I said, it costs $70 000 for each meat synopsis that was presented to the then Premier, inspector, but of course the inspectors themselves do Mr Cain, and then forwarded to the Harrison not receive that sort of remuneration; I understand inquiry. most of them receive some $34 000 to $36 000 a year, and then there are other oncosts that are associated Rather than coming out, as he should have done with the employment of these people through the yesterday during question time, as a Minister for Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. Agriculture who was prepared to defend the farming community - the wealth producers of this New licence fees have also been imposed by the State - and the abattoir owners in the meat State government on export abattoirs. The costs are industry, the Minister clearly took one side of the significant and have increased in leaps and bounds argument. As I said, he took himself to the Kirner in the past twelve to eighteen months. Again, that line and the Wally Curran support group that keeps makes it very difficult for the abattoirs to operate. the Premier of this State in her position. Industry organisations, the Victorian Farmers It is a tragedy. We had hoped that the new Minister Federation, the Stock and Station Agents Association for Agriculture would bring forward good and the Meat and Allied Trades Federation have all agricultural policies that would enable everyone confirmed that as at 7 September only two of the involved in agriculture - the producers, the fourteen Victorian export abattoirs were fully processors and the workers - to get a fair share of operational and that two others were working at the cake. That has not occurred, and that is very sad only half pace. It is believed that that position indeed. remains unchanged, but I understand one abattoir is looking at reopening soon. Yesterday the Minister made a clear attack on the abattoir owners in this State when he talked about Listening to the comments of the Premier and the some of the abattoir owners building up their social Minister for Agriculture yesterday, it seemed to me status on the fingers and the thumbs and the tha t they do not understand the differences between diseases of the workers in those abattoirs. That was a export abattoirs, domestic abattoirs, boning rooms blatant attack on the abattoir owners. I am sure he and cool stores. There are Significant differences would not be prepared to make that statement on between them and it seems that the Premier and the the front steps of Parliament House! Minister need to go through a learning process to understand those differences. An honourable member interjected. I shall relate to the House some of the things that Mr W. D. McGRATH - Yes, I do not see him in have happened to the meat industry in Victoria since the Chamber at the moment. I suppose he is not the Labor government came to office. In 1982 prepared to bite the bullet and come in here today. Victoria accounted for 24 per cent of the national During question time yesterday he said he would cattle kill; in 1990 that figure is down to 19 per cent. make further comment on the meat industry when In 1982 Victoria accounted for 36 per cent of the he had his opportunity to speak on the national sheep slaughter; in 1990 that figure was Appropriation Bill. But did he address the meat down to 29 per cent. industry in his contribution to that debate? He did not say a word about it. GRIEVANCES

740 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991

During the decade from 1980 to 1990 national meat return to Victoria for the slaughtering and exports declined. by 2 per cent, but Victoria's processing of their purchases. slumped. by 38 per cent. Those figures, which are true and accurate figures from the Australian Bureau Recently the Premier made another of Statistics (ABS), give an idea of what has really misrepresentation of facts when she said there had happened in the meat industry in Victoria. been an increase in export of meat from Victorian ports. She said that in the previous year 124000 Mr Col eman - The whole truth of the matter. tonnes had been exported, and that 184 000 tonnes would be exported. this year from Victoria. I made a Mr W. D. McGRATH - Exactly, the whole truth telephone call to one New South Wales abattoir; the of the matter, not rubbery figures such as those owner advised that because of shipping space given by the Minister for Agriculture in his available in Victoria this year he had consigned 6000 statement yesterday. tonnes of meat for export through the port of Melbourne. In the past decade twenty Victorian abattoirs have shut down. Their export operations suffered. a loss of The meat is being killed and processed in New some 3800 jobs. On 7 September this year there were South Wales and exported through Victorian ports, only 1350 meatworkers actually employed in or it is being killed in New South Wales, transported Victorian export abattoirs. in carcass fonn to be boned in Victoria, and then exported. Victoria is missing valuable export The figures for the year to June 1990 show that opportunities. 882000 cattle were killed in Victoria for export. That figure declined to 713 556 for 1990-91. Of course the Yesterday the Minister for Agriculture claimed that reason for that decline was spelt out on the ABC the State meat kill had increased by 12 to 14 per cent; Country Hour program on 15 August by the secretary he based that claim on stock numbers but that failed of the New South Wales branch of the Meat and to take into account the improvement in carcass size Allied. Trades Federation of Australia, who said that being achieved by breeders. in New South Wales the killing cost for cattle is some $46, whereas in Victoria it is $63, a difference The ABS figures show that on a weight basis Victoria of $17 a head; and that in New South Wales boning produced 567195 tonnes of red meat in 1990. The costs add up to $47 a carcass, whereas in Victoria the figure increased by 5.7 per cent -or half of the figure is $63, a difference of $16. The totals of those increase claimed by the Minister - to 599 947 tonnes costs are, therefore, $93 for New South Wales and in 1991. The Minister also selectively omitted $126 for Victoria, or an overall difference of $33 a provisional ABS statistics for the three months to head. July 1991 which showed red meat production in Victoria totalled 137913 tonnes compared with 150 Recently Wally Curran admitted that 50 000 head of 536 tonnes for the same period last year - a decline cattle had been transported from Victoria to New in the red. meat kill of 5.3 per cent. The figures South Wales. It is interesting that the State quoted yesterday by the Minister are rubbery! government has not agreed. to the accord mark VI for the teaching profession - but I will not get into It is possible that next week the Camperdown that argument. The government obviously has a abattoirs will reopen. I understand that what I hope double standard because it backs away from the will be a peaceful demonstration is to be held in the accord when it has to foot the bill but it wants area and I urge the farming community in western private enterprise to pick up the accord when union Victoria to attend to lend support because Victoria employees are involved. may be moving into an era of employing people on a contract basis within the meat industry. Since the accord has been forced on Victorian abattoir owners New South Wales buyers have come I understand the owner of the Camperdown to northern Victorian markets, purchased cattle and abattoirs had made arrangements with the locals to returned to New South Wales for killing and increase the daily tally through the works. Workers processing. Only a few years ago the reverse and management had agreed to the procedure. applied.: Victorian buyers used to travel to New However, in stepped. Wally Curran and the abattoir South Wales or Queensland at this time of the year, has been unable to reopen its doors, resulting in a when the fat stock was unavailable in Victoria large loss to the Victorian meat industry. usually because of seasonal conditions. They would GRIEVANCES

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 741

It is about time the government supported the meat those practices and abuses lead to a higher industry and walked away from the influence of WorkCare levy for management. Wally Curran. It is in the State's best interests that it does so. I hope the new era at Camperdown signals I appeal to the Minister, the Premier and the a successful future for the Victorian meat industry. government. It is disappointing that suggested recommendations in the Harrison report were not I briefly refer to the report of Commissioner made to the Full Bench but there are enough positive Harrison to the Full Bench of the Australian aspects in the report from the Meat and Allied Industrial Relations Commission, following his Trades Federation of Australia, the Victorian inquiry into the meat industry. It is disappointing Farmers Federation, the Australian Council of Trade that no firm recommendations were made in his Unions and major abattoir operators for the findings. At page 110, in appendix 2, under government to take positive measures to bring about "Tripartite mission report", the report states: greater productivity and changes to work practices.

The principal parties to the inquiry did not attempt to There must be a move away from the influence and reach agreement on key issues and given the unions dominance of the AMIEU because that union has withdrawal from proceedings the opportunity to done much harm to the Victorian meat industry prepare an agreed facts document was not available. during the past five to ten years.

That was disappointing. Mr SEITZ (Keilor) - I begin by congratulating John Uttle for taking a stand and principled action At page 79, under ''Industrial disruption", the report in attempting to reform the Law Institute of Victoria. states: The legal profession is a law unto itself. It has The ACTU noted that the processing sector of the nobody looking over its shoulder and regulating it. industry was characterised by a high level of The Attorney-General should refer the whole disputation. question of its operation to the Legal and Constitutional Committee of Parliament. The It referred to the poor industrial relations committee should consider submitting another environment, and further referred to full-time report to Parliament on how the legal profession non-working delegates at some larger plants. At operates in Victoria. At the very least an other plants working delegates were given time off ombudsman should oversee the profession because to attend to union duties. The abattoir operators every other institution has an ombudsman involved grant many concessions to the union movement. with it, yet this self-governing body has demonstrated that, even with one of its own, it is At page 75 the report refers to absenteeism and merciless in attacking and silencing that person to turnover, again with specific reference to the point where that person is now in gaol for "ACTU/ AMIEU": sticking to his guns.

The ACTU noted that the processing sector of the I have spoken previously on the way the legal industry was marked by high levels of turnover and profession gets away with its mistakes and blunders, absenteeism. where the clients are the ones who suffer in the end, and I will give another example. If a person passes The Minister for Agriculture should have away without a will, leaving property, the next of highlighted that fact yesterday instead of talking kin goes to a lawyer to seek probate on the property. rubbish about fingers and thumbs and the diseases Often the case is dragged out for up to three years, affecting workers. particularly where migrants are concerned because the next of kin may be overseas and it may be About four or five weeks ago I spoke to one of the necessary to send documentation overseas and then major export abattoir owners. He said that when the back and to have things translated. industry experiences a downturn and the available stock provides work for only two or three days a That could cause a problem.1f somebody passed week many workers opt to go on WorkCare because away in 1987 or 1988 during the property boom, that they receive more income from WorkCare than they person's assets would have been greater than in would if they worked the two or three days. That recent times. If the property was not sold until 1991, imposes a penalty against the ownership because the relative could expect as much as a 30 per cent GRIEVANCES

742 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991 reduction in the value of the property, basically I always advise my constituents to be careful before because lawyers had taken their time with legal they enter into any case where a lawyer advises matters while the property lost value. In addition, them that they have a 5O-SO chance of winning. At the longer the case drags on, the higher the fee with times these cases drag out, involving legal charges for additional calls, letters and interviews technicalities of which the average person is not with clients. aware.

Most clients are not aware that they can actually Of course, the legal profession always operates challenge the bills presented to them. Of course, under the pretext of, "You have given me once a person contacts a taxing agent recommended instructions to do this or that and I will follow it by the Law Institute of Victoria, there are charges through". One of my constituents sought the advice involved with that person going through a detailed of a solicitor to register a patent and he interviewed account and doing the figures. Therefore, the '1ittle" that solicitor and said, "Do you specialise in person who is not familiar with legal procedures is instructing people on how to register a patent for a certainly at the mercy of the legal profession. certain logo?" The solicitor said, "We certainly can handle your case for you", but the constituent later John Little has tried to reform the institute and has discovered that the lawyer advised another legal suffered at the hands of the organisation which is firm to do the work, so he actually received a bill supposed to be his own union. Because he had the from the firm who did the work for him but the first audacity to say that the funds have not been used in lawyer, because he had to instruct the second firm, the proper manner and that there should be a also demanded a share of the costs. greater surplus available for free legal aid, he got himself into trouble. Therefore, instead of saying up-front, 'We do not handle that type of work; you should go to another I urge all honourable members to look seriously at firm that does it", the first firm staked a claim for the the situation brought to public attention by the work as well. In this case it was $300 for an actions of one person with a strong conviction. interview and the discussion involving the referral of the matter to another firm to actually carry out the But the problem of the legal profession goes much registration of the patent. further. With its mystique and fancy words, it bamboozles the public on issues that, in some cases, Many people today say that small businesses are are as simple as the building of a fence with the hurting, but nobody raises the issue of the legal costs neighbour next door. You can finish up having to involved with business. Whenever one requires a pay a fortune in legal costs because there is no legal contract, such as a partnership agreement agreement between neighbours on building the being drafted, the legal costs involved are not fence. The government has tried to establish highlighted. They are an extra burden on neighbourhood mediation centres to assist and has community members and particularly on those in removed lawyers, to a certain extent, from business. involvement at that level, but it is not enough. Everybody else has been asked to tighten their belts Doctors have their fees and charges controlled except the legal profession, which unashamedly has through Medicare creating a standard. Dentists have kept its charges high and will not reduce them. For a standard of charges and every other profession I that reason an independent ombudsman is needed know of has a level of charges scrutinised by the to whom people can turn for advice without cost. It public. However, if you engage a lawyer to have a could be funded from the Solicitors Guarantee Fund. task carried out, it is too embarrassing to talk about The banks have their own ombudsman because they the finances until you receive the bill, particularly realise the importance of keeping a good reputation. for people of migrant backgrounds. I urge the Attorney-General to consider whether legal costs and charges can be reduced. The Federal At times a lawyer is engaged to pursue a case on a government has had a Senate Standing Committee matter of principle and the persons might win the on legal and constitutional affairs examine the cost case but lose their house because they have to sell it of law. An article in the Herald-Sun of 14 August to pay the legal costs. What is the point in winning a reports: case in principle if one is left destitute from paying the legal costs? GRIEVANCES

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 743

Many lawyers are self-interested, whingeing hypocrites the legal profession discovered ways and means of who deceive clients to protect huge profit margins, a becoming involved and legal costs of WorkCare are Senate inquiry has found. high. Lawyers are again living off the public purse.

The Senate standing committee on legal and Lawyers are not scrutinised to the same extent that constitutional affairs, which has been examining the doctors and other professions are for over-servicing. cost of law for the past two years, has uncovered scores I wonder what an inquiry by the Legal and of cases of abuse. Constitutional Committee would turn up. I am sure the findings would be favourable to the Law That is proof that there is abuse in the legal Institute. I have written many letters to the institute profession but the body that is supposed to be the on behalf of constituents and the responses I have watchdog, the Law Institute of Victoria, has turned received have been negative and unhelpful in most on one of its own lawyers because he refused to pay cases. I realise there are many practising lawyers, his membership and he blew the whistle on how the especially in the suburbs, who genuinely carry out legal profession wastes money with free Christmas work for their clients to the best of their abilities and parties for themselves and their union mates, maintain good reputations within their areas. overseas trips with union office-bearers and cocktail parties for judges and themselves and so on. They However, the big law firms have continuing staff look after themselves very well. changes so that anyone dealing with a big law £inn could see a different lawyer at each appointment. Honourable members interjecting. For instance, if one had to appear in court one could meet the lawyer representing one in the corridor 5 or Mr SEITZ - If Norm Gallagher had done that 10 minutes before the court case was about to be honourable members opposite would have been heard. That puts a person at a disadvantage, screaming but because it is the Law Institute it is especially if that person is part of the migrant okay. That is a double standard in our society. community. It is difficult to brief a stranger in a few People who have educations, are articulate and have minutes espedally if one does not have a good more ability than other people should have the command of the language. moral obligation of looking after people who are less fortunate than they are and are unable to demand Honourable members should support Mr John their rights in SOCiety. Little's campaign for total reform of legal costs and charges. I know people are not prepared to speak The legal profession is an illicit group that is not out against the legal fraternity because it is one big fulfilling its obligations to society and that has been club and some day the lawyer whom one spoke out proven by the action taken against Mr John Little. against might become a barrister and then a When one considers the IQ tests for career structures magistrate and he may be one day sitting on the one can eaSily understand why lawyers act the way bench when one is on a charge of speeding and one they do because one does not need a high IQ to be a will lose one's licence. I have heard stories such as lawyer. Nor do lawyers have to show the that around these corridors. However, I am not imagination, compassion or any other qualities that afraid of that situation because it is a matter of are required for other professions such as prindple. accountants and doctors. The community is; entitled to the fundamental The legal profession does well in this country. For prindple of law being available. The law is instance the conveyancing system in Victoria works supposed to be equal but it is more equal for some efficiently. Titles are registered at the titles office and than for others. It is certainly not equal for those it is relatively simple to search a title and obtain all who have no monley. It is the children of poor the information necessary for conveyancing. The working families who are sent to gaol because they legal profession is not needed in the transfer of have no money to pay the high fees for lawyers. properties but somehow it has got into the act and Christopher Skase is not sitting in a gaol in legal fees have become an additional high cost in the Australia, he is sumning himself overseas. White purchase or sale of houses. collar criminals w1ho have stolen money from the poor can afford hi~gh legal fees. They do not finish The legal profession is also involved with up in gaol. WorkCare. When the scheme was initiated it was hoped it would not become a lawyers' breakfast but GRIEVANCES

744 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991

The money that has been squandered and misused people for whom it is responsible and who have by the Law Institute over the years should have been been abandoned in the community. spent on legal aid for the working class and for poor people so they could be helped with legal The Nunan and McLennan Place estate is not a representation. An ombudsman is needed to follow one-off example. These complaints are consistent up complaints about costs and charges. In many with complaints from organisations right across instances, cases drag on for years but clients do not Victoria. I wish to inform the House of a complaint know why. Often they do not know what from Ms Pat Richards, who is the Chairperson of the instructions to give their solicitors or, if they want to East Preston and East Reservoir Tenants Group. She change solicitors, they must first pay for all the work says: the first solicitor has done. Nunan and McLennan Place has 280 badly designed The ACIlNG SPEAKER (Mr Emst) - Order! flats housing pension recipients. Many tenants are The honourable member's time has expired. elderly and have been resident on these estates for many years living in extremely poor conditions. Mr RICHARDSON (Forest Hill) - I grieve about the complete failure of the govenunent's This submission is threefold dealing with a difficult deinstitutionalisation program. There has been situation that we believe can and should be dealt with much boasting about it; many tears have been shed urgently. by assorted Ministers on television and for the media generally. It is a complete failure; it is a fraud. The deinstitutionalisation program while being There are many examples of the govenunent's philosophically excellent has been fraught with extreme failure to properly implement its half-baked problems since its introduction onto an unsuspecting deinstitutionalisation program but there is none and unprepared community. Housing drug more graphic than that of a housing estate in Preston dependants, alcoholics and patients with severe mental where elderly Department of Planning and Housing problems in the general community with little or no tenants are living in daily terror. backup support is morally wrong.

A crisis point has been reached at the Nunan and Habitual drunks, people often forgetting or refusing to McLennan Place estate in Reservoir where there are take prescribed medication are regularly creating 280 housing department units. The facility houses a violent situations on Ministry of Housing and large number of elderly residents who have called Construction estates. Other tenants, often elderly the estate home for many years. Recently there has people, are being forced to live with violence and been an increasing influx of people from institutions situations they are ill prepared to deal with, often for the intellectually disabled, for the alcoholic and leading to physical breakdowns in elderly and other for the drug dependent. These people have been low-income tenants. turned out into the community under the Labor govenunent's deinstitutionalisation program with Generally Ministry of Housing and Construction the promise tha t support services would be tenants living in Nunan and McLennan Place have provided for them. The Labor promise was that it enough problems in their lives to face trying to scratch would remove people from institutions but would out a daily existence without having to face further not abandon them. However, they have been problems forced on them by a government policy abandoned. designed purely to save money.

I have a document which indicates that elderly We believe the time is now long overdue that the residents are being terrorised by people who have Ministers of health and housing, State and Federally, left institutions but who are not receiving proper face up to their moral responsibility to the people in support. It is now apparent that the this community. deinstitutionalisation program of the Kirner govenunent has utterly failed. The East Preston and The East Preston and East Reservoir Tenants Group East Reservoir Tenants Group has been working on has been seeking funding from the Department of these housing estates and crying out in protest at the Planning and Housing to build a tenants group inadequacy of the support services. It has repeatedly centre on land owned by the department to provide asked for the assistance which was promised but so facilities for community-based workers and for the far its request has fallen on deaf ears. The Labor people in these estates, and I understand that a govenunent does not want to know about these promise of funding has been made. However, it is GRIEVANCES

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 745 also my understanding that no detail has been given are throwing rocks at his flat. He has conversations of the amount that will be made available or of with himself using abusive language. He is known when it will be made available. My information is to have been distributing drugs to some of the that requests for funding have been made to assist tenants and others not living on the estate and, if both the elderly tenants and those people who are in upset, he can be very aggresSive and dangerous. need of assistance on these estates - those who have been deinstitutionalised - and that, so far, The third individual is an alcoholic. It is not known those requests have gone unanswered. whether he is attending any clinic, but this person is continually drinking and using abusive language to It is quite clear from the information that has been other tenants living in Nunan Place. The fourth provided to me that the situation is now very individual is an alcoholic who is said to be an serious. In conversation with my research officer an elderly person. She frequently has young male employee of the group, Mc Alan Hogan, estimated callers coming in and out of her flat and she is that 50 to 60 per cent of the 280 units on this estate suspected of supplying drugs to certain tenants. house people who have come from institutions. The fifth group of individuals are described as being Mr SIMMONDS (Reservoir) - On a point of of disruptive behaviour. The two have both been in order, Mc Speaker: the honourable member has institutions. The female makes a continuous crying quoted from a document. I wonder whether he sound that is like a young child. She is much older would make the document available. than her husband and they are both attending the East Preston Community Health Centre. An elderly Mc RICHARDSON (Forest Hill) - Of course. I tenant who occupied the flat next door moved out intended to make one privately available to the because she could not tolerate the behaviour of these honourable member for Reservoir because I know of two any more. his longstanding interest in this matter. The sixth individual is an alcoholic. She has been in In conversation with my research officer, Mc Hogan and out of different hospitals. Her behaviour in the described the housing estate as an understaffed past has been extremely bad. She has a tendency to hospital. He reported that the situation has become walk the streets in her dreSSing-gown and so bad for some elderly residents that they have sometimes just her nightgown. The seventh been forced to move out and pay triple the rent they individual engages in aggressive behaviour and was paid on the estate just to escape the violence. a resident of Mont Park. In the past this person has shown dangerous tendencies towards other tenants. He said that the blame should not fall upon the He went after three tenants with a carving knife. He people who have been moved out of the institutions threw a lounge suite over the balcony. and placed in the Nunan and McLennan Place estate, because it is not their fault. The blame rests Another person has displayed unsociable behaviour on the government for placing people who need by abusing tenants, and wandering around at night assistance in the community with little or no backup banging on doors and asking people for washing support. That is morally wrong and wholly and powder. He also has been seen peeping into female solely the responsibility of the government. tenants' windows at night.

To provide the House with an indication of the sorts The ninth individual is also described as being of of difficulties that are being experienced by the unsociable behaviour. He is extremely disruptive, elderly residents in these housing estates I shall refer sings out at night and also during the day. He can be to a report which was sent to me by the East Preston heard everywhere, which upsets some of the elderly and East Reservoir Tenants Group some time ago. tenants. He also uses abusive language towards The report deals with a number of individuals and I female tenants. shall summarise what is said about them. The first is an alcoholic who has been in and out of different The tenth individual suffers from drug and alcohol institutions. He has a habit of roaming around at addiction. He has been in and out of institutions. He night and in the early hours of the morning banging was placed in Pleasant View. An ambulance has on tenants' doors and windows. attended on numerous occasions because of his drug taking. Most times he refuses to go with the The second is a paranoid schizophreniC. He shouts ambulance drivers, but when he does go he is out in his flat and continually imagines that people usually back within an hour or so. It is known that GRIEVANCES

746 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991 he is being supplied with drugs by a certain tenant What I fear and what is feared by the relatives of at Nunan Place. He assaulted one of the tenants, and many of the people who are resident at Caloola is while under the influence of drugs and alcohol that the deinstitutionalisation of those people flooded out the flat directly beneath him. He has also presently resident at that institution will be left gas on in his flat and then lights up cigarettes. inadequately handled and the sorts of results that I He walks around at night banging on other tenants' have just been describing, of ill-managed doors for no reason. deinstitutionalisation in the Preston-Reservoir area, will be repeated but this time with people who are The catalogue goes on and on. It is most disturbing. relocated from Caloola. Another person is an alcoholic who it is thought could have been a patient at Mont Park. He drinks The government must provide cast-iron guarantees on top of medication. He has his hi-fi stereo and of adequate funding, proper accommodation and television roaring out in the early hours of the support services for the residents who are being morning disrupting other tenants. He is regarded as relocated from the Caloola Training Centre. It would extremely dangerous and keeps an iron bar in his be tragic if their relocation resulted in a situation flat which he threatens to use on other tenants. similar to the Preston disaster. The government must solve the problem at Caloola before it contemplates Another individual is a schizophreniC. He is very embarking on any other ill-planned relocation disruptive, banging doors deliberately, moving schemes. furniture during the night, picking up chairs and deliberately dropping them, and is known to walk The big promise from the Labor government was around at night in a nightshirt with nothing on that deinstitutionalisation was fundamental to its underneath. This behaviour upsets a number of the social justice strategy and would be backed by elderly female tenants. A tenant in one of the flats millions of dollars over three years so that nobody has stated that she has been woken up by his loud would be in an institution. Labor's grand plan was a screaming and moaning. There are other activities con trick from the beginning and is now shown to be which are disruptive and unsociable. an implementation disaster. It is high time the Kimer government replaced ideology with action - Another person is an alcoholic who uses abusive as it stands the new coalition government will pick language towards the lady who delivers the meals up the pieces of yet another fiasco. on wheels. This lady now refuses to deliver any more meals on wheels to the estate. lbis alcoholic The coalition policy advocated deinstitutionalisation person was escorted to Mont Park after he was where possible and some maintenance of congregate found lying on the lawn with his pants down. care facilities for those people who require it. A new Liberal government will relocate people out of Another person is extremely violent and has abused institutions as funds permit and will upgrade and threatened other tenants both physically and existing government institutions. verbally. Another person has been charged recently with assaulting one of the tenants in the block. The emphasis will be placed on the provision of direct care by non-government agencies under I have not read out the complete list, but if contract wherever possible in congregate care and honourable members are interested in reading the small unit situations. The coalition recognises the document, I shall make it available. These necessity to retain some congregate care facilities revelations highlight the government's failure to and where possible these will be placed under the care properly for deinstitutionalised people. They control of community-based boards of management. raise serious doubts about the ability of the Where there is to be relocation of people out into the government to implement and administer its community it is essential that the proper support proposed closure of Caloola Training Centre at services and facilities be provided to assist these Sunbury. people.

The government has not been able to manage the The government stands condemned for its failure to deinstitutionalised program that it has in place so it do that. should not pretend that it can relocate 500 residents from a vast institution such as Caloola. The evidence Mr ANDRIANOPOULOS (St Albans) - I grieve is that the government is not able to administer this on behalf of people in my electorate who have been program. hard done by for a long time because of the nature of GRIEVANCES

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 747 the neighbourhood in which they live - a calls are made each year. It is sad that people get semi-industrial estate - and the continuing their kicks from making such phone calls, but it is problems associated with conflicts between interesting that most of them are made to women residential areas and surrounding light industrial and the frail aged. areas. I have been given some documentation that The problem goes back almost six years when some unfortunately links the individual in question with industries such as panel beating shops and car some offensive telephone calls that have been made wreckers that were regarded as obnoxious by to women and elderly citizens in the abutting neighbourhoods moved into the area. Since neighbourhood. The people who received the phone then there has been constant negotiation to find a calls complained to Telecom and requested that the solution to the problem, but I regret to say with little matter be investigated. Although it has been difficult success. It is regrettable because I have tried to play to get any information about the results of the a constructive role in getting the residents, industry, investigations, to its credit Telecom has released a the City of Keilor and the Western Regional letter that, in my opinion, contains the appalling Commission to come up with an acceptable solution information that a prominent councillor in the Kei10r to all parties. Despite the efforts of a host of people municipality may in some way be associated with those endeavours have failed. Basically they have the offensive phone calls. failed because they have been torpedoed from within the City of Keilor by an individual who is not Telecom has traced a number of phone calls made at only a councillor but who also operates one of the ridiculous hours of the morning such as 1.50,3.50 noxious industries in the neighbourhood. I am and 4.50 from telephone number 366 1425. Some pleased to report that endeavours to find plaruting may say there is nothing unusual about that until solutions to the problem will continue. one finds out to whom the phone in question belongs. It does not take many brains to find that the I grieve about the plight of my constituents in that telephone is owned by Combined Motor Industries area because they are constantly harassed in one Ltd of 210 William Street, St Albans. That is the form or another and they do not feel safe in their address lodged with Corporate Affairs Victoria but own homes. On previous occasions the honourable the address registered with Telecom is 8 Kanooka member for Wantima has directed to the attention of Court, Keilor Downs. the House the roguish behaviour of a particular individual. He is harassing ordinary, peace-loving If one investigates further one finds that the director people who just want to live free of the pollution of Combined Motor Industries is Peter Zukanovic of and noise from the noxious industries and free from 8 Kanooka Court, Keilor Downs. When one does obstructions in their day-to-day lives. further investigations one finds that the electoral roll lists a Peter Zukanovic living at 8 Kanooka Court. I Mr Richardson - Who is this person? have been handed a business card from Councillor Zukanovic listing his telephone number as 3661425. Mr ANDRIANOPOULOS - I shall come to that in a moment; the honourable member for Forest Hill What does it all mean? It means the abusive phone should wait. calls made to innocent people may have been made by a councillor who is involved in noxious It is interesting to note that the harassment has industries in the neighbourhood. I am a reasonable continued for many years through gimmicky actions person and I will not say Mr Zukanovic did it. such as requesting fire engines, taxis or food However, he has a lot of explaining to do. delivery vans to go to someone's doorstep. I will be absolutely disgusted if Telecom takes the The harassment is silly, childish and gimmicky, but normal course of simply warning the person making more offensive than that behaviour is the fact that the offensive phone calls and does not follow it annoying telephone calls are being made to through. It has been reported to me that as recently individuals. I noted with interest an article in the as Tuesday this week an offensive telephone call Age of 18 September about a report released by was made at 3.50 a.m. to Mr Christopher Evans, a Telecom Australia. The report was compiled by resident of the St Albans North industrial estate. To Dennis Challinger and Astrid Di Carlo and is put it into perspective I inform the House that Mr entitled No joke - Women and offensive phone calls. Evans is a former Keilor councillor who has lived in The report highlights that 65 000 offensive phone the Keilor area for many years and has been in the GRIEVANCES

748 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991 forefront of trying to find a solution to the planning the late Jane Williamson, of the J. C. Williamson problems. theatrical family, and he took that role seriously. Mr Gibbins is joint executor of the will with the Public I am not suggesting the telephone call was made Trustee. from Peter Zukanovic's telephone, but when one has conclusive evidence that offensive phone calls have Bon Gibbins, as I know him, has in this estate been been made from a particular number one is left to given the responsibility of looking after $1 million wonder. Telecom has also provided evidence that in which was left in trust on the basis of equal shares to the past offensive phone calls have been made to Mr the Australian Red Cross Society and to the Lady Evans from the telephone of Peter Zukanovic. What Nell "Seeing Eye" Dog School. Between 30 June 1982 makes it even more devastating is that living in this and 30 June 1987 they have provided $438 791.41 to household with Christopher Evans is his mother, the Lady Nell "Seeing Eye" Dog School. They are who is 64 years of age, and his 78-year-old father, also holding on to $200 000. A section of the will of who is very ill. It is both annoying and demoralising the late Jane Williamson states that the income paid for people to be receiving telephone calls of this to the school was to be used for providing seeing eye nature. dogs free of charge to blind persons residing in Australia. The executors believe there has been a The silence today of the honourable member for breach of trust with respect to the amount of money Momington is a bit overpowering. I should have provided. thought he would have interjected on a number of occasions during my speech. He has often raised I have been advised that in 1986 the trustees asked similar problems in the House. The honourable the Attorney-General to appoint an inspector under member has attacked constituents of mine in the St the Charities Act. The inspectors were appointed Albans North area and has accused them of being under section 292 of the Companies (Victoria) Code ratbags and troublemakers. He has even alleged that on 23 November 1987. On 17 November 1988 a they are part of a political machine out to crush the report of the inspectors Leo Flanagan, QC, and private enterprise system. Bruno Ormizzolo was submitted to the Attorney-General. I hope now that he has heard about some of the goings-on in the area he will be more hesitant in The report of the inspectors, of almost 300 pages, defending this individual who is attacking ordinary was tabled in Parliament in December 1988. The people in my constituency. I should find it issue has been raised a number of times in the extraordinary if, after my revelations today, the House. I do not want to refer to those matters but honourable member for Momington does not issue a towards the end of the report there is a statement by public apology to the men, women and children the then Attorney-General, Mr McCutcheon: who have been victims in that neighbourhood for a long time. The Guide Dog Owners and Friends Association has for many years sought and received money from a The main point of my grievance today is to call on generous public who have given money believing their Telecom Australia to use all its resources and to take donations were being used to train guide dogs for blind the strongest possible action against this person. In people. the past Telecom has failed to do that. Mr Harry Sommers, secretary of an action group in St Albans The inspectors have found that the association has North, has taken up the issue with Telecom and also passed little in the way of money or relief to the blind... the Australian Federal Police, but to date their response has not been good. I hope with the airing of According to the report, the association currently has the problems in this House today both organisations assets valued at between 10 and 30 million dollars. will get a move on. Each year the association has had a massive surplus of Mr WEIDEMAN (Franks ton South) - In the income over expenditure. grievance debate today I raise an issue concerning the Lady Nell"Seeing Eye" Dog School and The prime purpose of the association is to train guide Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind. My constituent dogs. Mr Allan Gibbins, who lived in Essendon for 76 years and has now moved into my area, raised the It has produced two trained dogs this year. issue with me. He was asked to act as a trustee for GRIEVANCES

Thursday. 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 749

That was 1988. The association produced six trained Before that election the association is to undertake a dogs in each of the previous years. Over the 30 years membership drive with the aim of increasing the or so of its operation, although the association membership of the association substantially. claimed it trained 850 dogs, the inspectors could discover records for only 150 dogs. The inspectors The executive committee will also undertake a instructed the Attorney-General to wind up the thorough review of the present activities of the operation, to take away the funds and use them in association and the services provided by it. the interests of the blind people of Australia. I will not go into that in detail today because the issue It is not intended that there should be changes in the concerns a number of other people. present management of the association before the next election. The matter I raise concerns action required by the current Attorney-General. He has made great play in The persons elected to the executive committee of the this House of letters being sent to members of the association in October 1991 will have the responsibility Liberal Party and not getting responses. I have been for determining and guiding the future direction of this writing to him for some months, I have spoken to organisation. him personally and I have raised the matter in the House. I have had no reply or action. If the The Lady Nell"Seeing Eye" Dog School was Attorney-General wants to strut around in this established substantially as a result of the efforts of the House and present himself to the press as one of executive director, Mrs Phyllis Gration, and the Parliament's top performers, all I can say is that his government of Victoria recognises and commends the performance has been abysmal in this area. contribution Mrs Gration has made to the welfare of visually impaired citizens in Victoria ... I remind the House that in 1986 I raised my concerns about the National Safety Council of Australia That document suggests that the resolution from this (Victorian Division) and its use of $197 million of agreement - of which I have a copy - is that four public funds. Honourable members know what good and true people would be appointed to the happened to that operation. This issue involves only executive, that an annual meeting would be held in between $10 million and $30 million, but I am not October this year, that the organisation would prepared to give up on it. increase its membership, that four new members of the executive committee would be appointed by the In his media release of 18 October 1990 the executive with such appointments being persons Attorney-General states: nominated by the Attorney-General being made within fourteen days of such nomination, and that The Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Jim Kennan the persons appointed would become members of announced today that the Supreme Court actions the association. That has never happened! commenced by his predecessor, Andrew McCutcheon, against the Guide Owners and Friends Association and These events occurred nearly one year ago. Northern Thanet Pty Ltd, the companies which are the Numerous letters have been sent to the trustees of and conduct the Lady Nell"Seeing Eye" Attorney-General and to the Ombudsman, Mr Dog School and Rehabilitation Centre at Malvern, have Geschke, outlining the problems. Yet, after the been settled. Attorney-General announced that four persons would be appointed, to this date no-one has been The terms of settlement, according to the media appOinted. release, included: Referring to the 20 August 1991 letter to the ... four persons to be nominated by the Ombudsman: Attorney-General will shortly join the executive committee of the association and hold office until an 21.11.90: The Attorney-General has compiled a list of election of the whole executive committee is held. That persons to be nominated but states that acceptance of election is to be held before the end of October 1991. nominations were conditional upon an audit and the granting of an indemnity which would take "a little In fact it is to be held on 18 October 1991 -only one time before the Attomey-General's nominations are month hence. The media release further states: appointed to the board". GRIEVANCES

750 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991

The Attorney-General has taken no action. That I raised this matter during the adjournment debate letter further states: on 29 August and have written to the Attorney-General but I have received no reply. Also, 21.5.91: The Attorney-General advises that there will be letters from Mr Gibbins's legal representative have no audit but the appointment of the nominated persons gone unanswered. The problem ·should not be too will take place within two weeks. difficult for the Attorney-General to rectify.

That happened in May 1991. It further states: The other matter that has come to my attention today involves the murder by a young man, Robert 1.8.91: The Attorney-General must now seek Cabinet Peter De Bruyn - who is either a schizophrenic or approval for the indemnities and one nomination has who has a mental disorder - of his mother in withdrawn. Frankston more than twelve months ago. The incident was very serious and sad. He also My concern is that after what must have been a threatened his sister, the police and several other costly report, involving legal gentlemen, and after members of the community. recommendations were placed before the House in settlement of the dispute between the Some months ago he was transferred to Mont Park Attorney-General and this group, it now appears Psychiatric Hospital where he was allowed to be that no terms of the agreement has been f<:>llowed. unsupervised by the health authorities. He disappeared from the grounds into the surrounding The trustees on whose behalf I raise this matter are suburban area and found his way back to Frankston saying, ''What shall we do with the money?" With where he was apprehended. Unfortunately, on that the best will in the world they have funds that are to occasion it took some hours before the police were be provided to a charity that trains dogs for the notified of his disappearance. blind but they have no way of knowing whether that will be done. They are being pressured to hand over The same thing has happened today. At the moment about $200 000. in Frankston more than 90 police are trying to locate this young man but have no idea where he is. They The terms of settlement confirm that four persons are visiting known friends, remembering that he has would be nominated for appointment to the made death threats against his sister, the police and executive but none has been appointed. The others in my electorate. Attorney-General could have asked four members of Parliament; I am sure all would have performed that I raised this matter with the Minister at the time. The task voluntarily to assist blind VictorianS. No-one Minister for Police and Emergency Services should wishes to see the valuable organisation that trains be very concerned about what has happened on dogs for the blind cease operations. The money must behalf of the Minister for Health -- be used. Mr Cooper - The incompetence! According to my information, the training of one dog costs about $8000. About 40 or 50 dogs should Mr WEIDEMAN - The incompetence reflected have been trained from the $440 000 provided by in the fact that the threat has been ignored! I remind Victoria. The organisation had $10 million to $30 the House that a young lady was raped at 8.30 a.m. million in assets; therefore hundreds of dogs should in an established area during the past 24 hours. Now have been trained in that 30 years, but apparently a young man who is capable of murder has escaped. only 150 have been trained. The police are very concerned and have every available unit looking for him. The failure of the Attorney-General to carry out the appointment has placed Mr Gibbins and his solicitor Appropriate restraints should be placed on someone in a very insidious position. They have transferred who offends and is declared criminally insane, or more than $487 000 to the charity and now hold whatever, and is under treatment in a health about $200 000. Unless the four appointments are institution in Victoria. No-one like that should be made the Attorney-General will have to reappoint able to walk into the gardens as happened today or four persons after receiving permission from the take off into the suburbs. The young man is . Supreme Court - which is unlikely. probably sitting by the Yarra fishing. The police must take appropriate action. Every available police unit and police officer must be available to protect GRIEVANCES

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 751 the public in Frankston. One cannot believe it could it was under the control of the Treasurer and again it happen a second time. was moved to the control of the former Ministry for Economic Development. I turn to the construction of the new Frankston police station. I believe a contract has been signed. The former Deputy Premier, the honourable Many people were concerned about the location of member for Footscray, was involved in the . the new police station. Somebody said funny money implementation of the 1987 Liquor Control Act. The was being used and lease-back arrangements of $80 commission has been moved again and is now million were being made between the Minister for under the direction of the Ministry of Consumer Police and Emergency Services and the developer. Affairs. That Ministry has had a succession of Ministers thus creating problems for the liquor In a local press release it is claimed that the project industry in Victoria. Ministers have had little liaison committee was headed by the honourable understanding of the operations of the liquor member for Frankston North and others and it also industry. says that the council had not made a decision on the location of the police station. The police, local The 1989-90 report of the Ministry of Consumer government and the liaison committee all claimed Affairs - and I hope the 1990-91 report will be they made the decision. The Minister claimed the tabled in this sessional period - shows a decision was not made by the committee but that it consolidation of the figures of the Liquor Licensing was the Department of Planning and Housing that Commission. That consolidation is not good for the made the final decision. liquor industry.

Mr JASPER (Murray Valley) - My concern In the 1986 debate on the liquor industry I today in the grievance debate is with the Ministry of highlighted the concern of the National Party about Consumer Affairs. Most honourable members the proposed Liquor Control Act. On the one hand examine and dissect many of the reports tabled in the government was supporting the Parliament by the various departments. Over the recommendations of the Nieuwenhuysen report that years I have taken a great deal of interest in the there should be open slather on the availability of reports prepared by the Ministry of Consumer alcohol in Victoria yet on the other hand the report Affairs and tried to analyse the information recognised the problem of alcoholism. provided to ensure there is a balance between protecting consumer interests and those providing If the government had followed the the services. recommendations of the report the liquor industry would have experienced many problems. Unfortunately in recent times with a greater Difficulties have developed in the liquor industry in emphasis on protecting the consumer that protection Victoria for three reasons. is at the expense of those who are providing the goods and services through various businesses and The first reason is the economic difficulties within industries. Victoria created by both the State and Federal governments. I was highly critical of the government It is difficult to examine all the reports from the when the Liquor Control Bill was debated in this Ministry to determine accurate information on the place in 1986, and in fact the National Party opposed services being prOVided. Consolidation of the the Bill. But cunningly the government was able to financial details of organisations under the control of negotiate with the Liberal Party and the National the Ministry has been implemented; one being the Party separately to achieve appropriate amendments Liquor Licensing Commission. That commission has to the Bill. a long history. The 1968 Liquor Control Act was extensively debated and amended in 1986 which I again put it on the record, as I did in 1986, that it culminated in a new Act being passed in 1987. Since was disappointing that the Liberal Party saw fit to 1976 when I became a Parliamentarian the Liquor support the Bill with appropriate amendments. The Control Commission as it then was has been National Party believed the Bill was a fraud and relocated on a number of occasions under different would create enormous difficulties for the liquor departments. industry in Victoria.

In the early years it was under the direction of the Having reached the stage where the Bill was to be former Department of Labour and Industry. In 1970 passed, the National Party did what it could in GRIEVANCES

752 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991 negotiating with the then Minister, the honourable $500 000, but most of the larger hotels and operators member for Footscray, to achieve an industry to in the liquor industry within Melbourne are paying better serve the State. At that time I said difficulties payroll tax. would be created and the comments I made then have now been borne out and were an accurate Then there is the increase in the licence fee. Prior to description of what has happened to the liquor the beginning of this calendar year the licence fee industry. figure was 9 per cent but it was increased in the last Budget to 11 per cent. It does not sound like a huge In May 1991 the Uquor Ucensing Commission increase but an increase from 9 to 11 per cent is more produced a report entitled Liquor Licensing in Victoria than a 22 per cent increase. 1988-1991. It attempted to summarise the developments in the industry since 1988. As one The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has effectively would perceive from a report prepared by the buried much of the important information which commission on itself, it suggested that the Uquor should be available to people to obtain a true Control Act has operated effectively in Victoria, but understanding of the situation for the industry. that is not correct. We need to do something positive to assist the Hoteliers are quick to tell me that the industry is industry, and the Liquor Ucensing Commission going through a very difficult time. Recently I spoke needs to restrict the availability of licences and the to a person who owns an hotel in Wangaratta and approval of licences so that there will be recognition has an interest in two hotels in Melbourne and he of the people operating within the industry. said, ''We are bleeding to death"; that has been backed up by other people I have spoken to in the Some time ago Commissioner Bond of the Liquor industry. Licensing Commission conducted a hearing on the approval of retail liquor merchants in the Frankston The second reason is the great explosion in the area. There were two applications for approval, one number of licences granted within this State. As it on either side of the highway, and in her currently stands, under the Act the Liquor Control summing-up she said that either one or both of the Commission cannot restrict licence approvals within liquor merchants would go out of business because Victoria, so we have had an explosion in licences. she did not believe there was enough business there for them both to compete and operate effectively The second problem has been caused by the within the liquor industry. However, she continued explosion in licences. The on-premises licence to say that there was no provision in the Act for her approvals, for instance, for restaurants within to reject either one or both of those applications, and Victoria have risen from 671 on 30 June 1986 to 1800 so we need a fresh approach from the commission to at 30 June 1991. That is almost a 200 per cent increase take account of other people operating within the over the period from 30 June 1986 to 30 June 1991. industry and try to provide some control over the operation of liquor outlets in the State. The total number of licences in Victoria on 30 June 1986 was 3644 and at 30 June 1991 that number had In addition there needs to be a review of trading expanded to 6%9, which is almost a 100 per cent hours for liquor outlets in Victoria. The commission increase in licences across the board for venues to has its own annual report and has tried to provide liquor throughout the State. That is an summarise developments in the liquor industry indication of its availability. from 1988 to 1991.

The third difficulty created for the liquor industry There needs to be a review of the operation of the has been the enormous increase in charges by the liquor industry in Victoria to provide for effective government. People directly involved in the management and control and ensure that the industry cite the fact that these charges are making it availability of licences is restricted. extremely difficult to operate. One hotelier spoke to me recently about his land tax which amounted to The liquor industry is a huge revenue earner for the slightly more than $4000 and said that the land tax government. In the 1987-88 financial year the on his property has increased to more than $20 000. government received just over $94 million in licence He also had an increase in payroll tax from 6 to 7 per fees. The 1990-91 figure is almost $152 million. cent. I support the government's exemptions for those businesses with a total payroll of less than GRIEVANCES

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 753

The liquor industry is an important industry that is that Mc Kennett stated that Mc Allwinton was provides excellent service in Victoria. If the sacked. government continues to use the liquor industry as a milch cow more problems will develop as time goes On 29 October 1981 the honourable member for by. Since 1986 I have stated in contributions in the Footscray, Mc Fordham, asked the then Premier, House that there is a need for a review of the Mc Thompson, a question about Mc Allwinton's changes implemented in 1987 in order to provide resignation. Mc Fordham asked what financial better controls over the liquor industry in Victoria. arrangements had been entered into with Mc Allwinton in relation to his resignation. In his Finally, I refer to the difficulties created for motor reply, as recorded at page 2323 of Hansard, car traders by the strict controls imposed on them by Mc Thompson said: the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Control of motor car traders should be transferred from the Ministry I am well aware of the practice adopted by other State of Consumer Affairs back to the original authority, governments, such as the government of New South the Motor Car Traders Committee. Wales, when permanent heads within the Public Service leave. Mr BATCHELOR (Thomas town) - I join the grievance debate to raise a matter of public In that exchange both the question and answer importance and to help set the record straight. It is indicated that Mc Allwinton left the position. That interesting, if not ironic, that I should follow the was confirmed by Mc Kennett in 1982. An article in contribution of the honourable member for Murray the Age of 18 February 1982 headed ''Disgraced Valley. The issue to which I refer has been raised Housing Chief Paid $156 000" states in part: previously by him in the usual tenacious manner in which he pursues issues as a member of Parliament. Mr Kennett said the money covered Mr Allwinton's The honourable member raised this matter in 1982. I contract period which was not due to finish until do not know whether he received a satisfactory December 1983. explanation at that time and I hope he has continued his interest in the matter over the intervening period. Mr Allwinton, 52, resigned on 27 October last year after I am sure that is the case. serving as the head of the Ministry of Housing since February 1975. I will explain the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Leslie All win ton, a former head of the He resigned on the day the Royal Commission report then Ministry of Housing who reSigned in the early on Housing Commission land transactions was tabled 1980s. The problems created by that resignation in State Parliament ... were felt in this Chamber this morning during question time. A number of contradictory positions Mr Kennett said he did not regret the payment. have surfaced in relation to this issue. '1n no way does it embarrass me whatsoever." I have a transcript of an interview that took place this morning on a 3LO radio program between the I invite all honourable members to obtain a copy of Leader of the OppOSition, Mr Kennett, and that article. Mc Ranald Macdonald. Mc Kennett was asked about a payout of $156 000 to Mr Allwinton when he Based on today's values the payout of $156000 resigned in 1981. In answer to the question mentioned in that article would equal almost Mc Kennett seemed pleased to announce that the $300 000. In 1982 the honourable member for then government had sacked Mc Allwinton. In Murray Valley raised that issue with the then answer to a question from Mc Macdonald, Premier, Mc Thompson. Mc Kennett said: That Age article clearly shows that it was Yes, because we sacked that individual and there are Mc Kennett's view that Mc Allwinton had resigned, times when people do get sacked ... which view was similar to that held by Mc Thompson in 1981. That is completely different Mc Kennett then went on to talk about the amounts from the view that Mc Kennett expressed on 3LO of payments that were made in other cases. The this mOrning. relevance of putting that material before the House LOCAL GOVERNMENT (RATING) BILL

754 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 19 September 1991

I wonder, if Mr Kennett was not embarrassed in LOCAL GOVERNMENT (RATING) BILL 1982 about a payment to a departmental head who had resigned, whether he is embarrassed by the Second reading statement he made today when he said the payment was made because Mr Allwinton was sacked. There Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and is clearly a contradiction between the two positions Environment) - I move: and I believe the record should be clarified. That this Bill be now read a second time. We must try to determine which of those two positions is correct. Did Mr Allwinton resign or was INTRODUCTION he sacked? The overwhelming evidence from the statements of the then Premier and the then Minister The Local Government Act 1989 represents the of Housing, Mr Kennett, is that Mr Allwinton greatest reform of local government legislation in resigned, and yet he received a payout in excess of Victoria's history. The Act was developed from $156000. That was to be further supplemented by a principles to final form in a consultative and superannuation payment of almost $50 000, which considered way. riled the honourable member for Murray Valley, who wrote to the then Premier, Mr Thompson, The Act addressed issues raised by local government asking certain questions about it. over many years and implemented Significant reform in legislative power, financial and rating In the lead-up to Mr Allwinton's resignation he had flexibility and administrative infrastructure. offered to resign subject to the then government meeting a certain financial arrangement; that is, that Successive Ministers with responsibility for local the taxpayers were prepared to pay him $156 000. Of government have undertaken to ensure that any course we know the government subsequently concerns of local government would be taken up agreed to pay that despite the advice of the then and considered, and appropriate legislative Solicitor-General, Mr Daryl Dawson, that the amendments made where the need is identified and government had no obligation to make the payment. supported.

The search for the truth goes further and the story WORKING PARTY becomes somewhat murkier. The then Premier and the then housing Minister clearly admitted that Mr In this spirit of government commitment to Allwinton did resign so there is some contradiction achieving reform and smooth implementation of the between the facts that occurred then and the Leader "new" Local Government Act, concerns by local of the Opposition's memory now. We need government in relation to the rating powers were clarification of whether the Leader of the Opposition referred to a working party for consideration. stands by the position he has enunciated now or whether he stands by his position as outlined in the The working party was chaired by Mr Jim Age of 18 February 1982. Stevenson, Director- General of the then Local Government Department and comprised We would like to know: why the then Minister went representatives from local government, water against the advice of the Solicitor-General and authorities, the Municipal Association of Victoria, recommended to Cabinet that the payment be made; the Metropolitan Municipal Association, valuers, which statement is the truth, and why such a rate administrators, the Valuer-General, the Office of substantial amount of money was paid to this Water Resources and the then Local Government individual who had just come from a Royal Department. Commission in a very unfavourable light and received the equivalent of $290 000 in today's terms The working party looked at local government for his so-called severance pay to which he was not concerns in relation to potential problems with the entitled because of his resignation? administration of owner liability and owner assessment. After full consideration of the issues, the Question agreed to. working party endorsed the concept of owner liability in the new Act and recommended the retention of rate assessments which are structured on the basis of occupancy. LOCAL GOVERNMENT (RATING) BILL

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 755

The Bill implements the key recommendations of proposal only facilitates referencing in legal that working party to: documents and the like by interested parties when retain owner liability; the exact name of the council, as set out in a amend the Local Government Act 1989 and Governor in Council order, may not be known. Valuation of Land Act 1960 and other relevant Acts to allow occupier assessments for rates to The second amendment, clause 22, enables a replace current provisions for owner assessment; simplified system of name changing to be used by a and council. The system is optional. Councils may still preserve the entitlement of certain pensioners to choose to change their name by Governor in Council rate concessions. order using the existing provisions. For consistency, the Bill makes amendment to both local government and water legislation to APPEALS implement the recommendations. This reflects current practice (happening already on ground). The current appeal provisions to the Land Valuation Board of Review on differential rating are REMOVAL OF POLL -PROVISIONS unintentionally wide. While submissions may be made to councils on the adoption of a differential One of the key reforms in the 1989 Act was the rate or the classification of land as within a category option of capital improved value (CN) as a system to which differential rating applies, it was not of valuation for rating purposes and hence the use of intended that the Land Valuation Board of Review differential rates. In the original proposals for the should hear appeals on the question of ~doption of a Act CN in full was to be the only basis for rating differential rate. Only appeals on the question of purposes. classification are intended.

In a compromise to ensure passage of the Act, as The Bill will correct this and clarify that the issue of well as the introduction of CIV, the existing system classification of land for differential rating purposes of net annual value and site value were retained, is the only issue which may be appealed to the Land with the requirement that a poll of ratepayers be Valuation Board of Review. held before any change in the system was made. FIXING OF INTEREST RATES Local government has strongly urged the removal of the poll provisions as an unnecessary and inhibiting The government has received strong representation factor in the selection of the most appropriate rating from local government and others that the system of system. This Bill will remove the application of the fixing interest rates on overdue rate money should poll provisions where a council wishes to change its be more flexible. This Bill will permit that flexibility. rating system. The Bill provides for the Governor in Council to set This does not mean a loss of ratepayer involvement a maximum rate below which a council or water as councils still have an obligation to consult with authority must set its own rate. their communities as one of their key objectives under the 1989 Act. If a council chooses the option of OTHER AMENDMENTS using CIV in full as a rate base and wishes to use differential rates, those differential rates would be The Bill makes a number of miscellaneous the subject of a public notice followed by an amendments to clarify drafting issues, the timing of opportunity for public submission. Council could the phase out of the minimum rate and then reconsider the issue in the light of those consequential matters. submissions. I commend the Bill to the House. COUNCIL NAME Debate adjourned on motion of Mr DELZOPPO The Bill proposes two amendments dealing with (Narracan). council names. One amendment, clause 4, enables a council to be referred to by a standardised name. Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and This amendment does not change a council's name. Environment) - I move: Councils may still choose their name and have it made by order of the Governor in Council. The That the debate be adjourned until Thursday, 3 October. NATIVE VEGETATION PROTECfION BILL

756 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991

Mr DELZOPPO (Narracan) - Mr Speaker, on the clearing to be regulated and for controls to be question of time, the Local Government (Rating) Bill underpinned by rigorously applied sanctions. goes to the heart of local government, because it deals with valuations and rating. Given that many Recognition has made at international, national, councils meet on a monthly cycle, two weeks may State and regional level that our remaining native not be sufficient time for the opposition to circulate vegetation is a key in our efforts to move towards the Bill to the affected municipalities and receive land uses that are sustainable in the long term. their replies. I ask the Minister to give consideration to granting additional time if the opposition requires Research carried out by the Department of it. Conservation and Environment shows that Victoria's forest cover - excluding areas smaller Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and than 10 hectares - declined from 88 per cent of the Environment) (By leave) - The government will be State in 1869 to 3S per cent in 1987. Only 5 per cent happy to provide further time if the opposition finds of private land retains native forest cover. it necessary. Past overclearing has left a legacy of impacts that Motion agreed to and debate adjourned until must now be treated. Nearly one in three of the Thursday, 3 October. State's vertebrate animals and one in four plant species is considered rare, threatened or extinct. NATIVE VEGETATION PROTECTION Dryland salinity affects 85 000 hectares, with a BILL further 250 000 hectares at risk. More than 3 million hectares are affected by fonns of land degradation Second reading other than salinity. My department calculates that 45 million tonnes of the main greenhouse gas, carbon Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and dioxide, were released by clearing undertaken Environment) - I move: between 1972 and 1987, equivalent to the C02 emitted by 3 million gas hot-water services each year. That this Bill be now read a second time. Yet, despite growing awareness of the importance of The purpose of the Native Vegetation Protection Bill native vegetation, forest cover continues to decline is to protect remnant native vegetation in Victoria in Victoria. Each year between 1972 and 1987 an using a legislated permit process operating through average of 13 000 hectares of private land, in patches the planning system. larger than 10 hectares, was cleared. A follow-up study conducted between 1987 and 1990 in western The reasons why remaining native vegetation needs Victoria showed that, far from slowing, the rate of protection are now well known and accepted. Loss clearing on private land continued at 98 per cent of and decline of native vegetation are implicated in the previous average annual rate. accelerated degradation of soil, including salinisation; endangerment and extinction of plants During the 1970s and 1980s governments and and animals; loss of genetic diversity; loss of landholders applied considerable resources to landscape quality; and degradation of water and replanting. For all our efforts, the net loss of forest wetlands. Clearing also contributes to the enhanced cover was not halted; fewer than 20 hectares were greenhouse effect by releasing greenhouse gases. In reforested for every 100 hectares cleared. a positive way, retained native vegetation can Furthermore, revegetation is expensive, often improve farm productivity and increase land value, unsuccessful and can never replace the complexity for example, by proViding shade and shelter, and and biological value of the original vegetation. helping to control pests. Economically and ecologically it makes sense to keep native vegetation rather than replant it. As one of seven countries in the world which together contain over half the world's biodiversity, In November 1989, after detailed consideration of Australia has a special responsibility for flora and the options, the Victorian government acted to fauna. protect remaining native vegetation. A package of measures, including planning controls, incentives, Recent draft reports of the working groups advice and education was adopted. Temporary considering ecologically sustainable development in controls were introduced to avoid pre-emptive agriculture and forest use emphasise the need for clearing and the proposed permanent amendment NA TIVE VEGETATION PROTECTION BILL

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 757 was exhibited for comment and assessment by an practice the exemptions allow most fire prevention independent panel. works to be undertaken without a pennit. The Bill makes it clear that roadside maintenance does not The panel process followed the nonnal procedure require a pennit and includes an additional for planning amendments and provided exemption and guidelines to deal with the special opportunities for a wide range of individuals and requirements of plantation development. groups to have their say. More than 400 written submissions were received and 230 people gave The Bill that has emerged from the extensive debate verbal evidence over 23 hearing days, in Melbourne, addresses every legitimate concern that has been Horsham, Wodonga, Mildura and Bairnsdale. expressed, while retaining effective control over clearing. Importantly, the independent panel concluded that substantial support exists for the intention and Already, since the controls were introduced, the rate policy basis of the amendment, and the general of applications and clearing has slowed consensus is that some fonn of control over substantially. In 1990, the first full year of operation, broad-scale clearing is necessary. Subsequent debate 153 applications to clear a total of 12 933 hectares has confinned this view. were referred to my department. That represented 99 per cent of the average clearing rate of 13 000 The panel did not accept that effective control over hectares in each of the previous fifteen years. In the the retention of native vegetation should depend first six months of 1991 only 44 referred applications, totally on voluntary efforts, nor that it would be totalling 2399 hectares - a reduction by nearly achieved solely through education and incentives. two-thirds of the fifteen-year average - were made.

The panel concluded that further large-scale clearing Since the inception of the controls the amount of of native vegetation is no longer appropriate. It clearing for referred applications actually approved emphasised that protection of native vegetation has been 5071 hectares. Contrary to some early should be part of broader land management plans, claims, the controls have not imposed a major developed on fann, local or regional scales. burden on municipalities. During the past twelve months, rural shires across Victoria received, on Further, the panel concluded that: average, 2.7 applications each for clearing vegetation on areas smaller than 10 hectares. In this time 80 per Planning controls offer the best mechanism to ensure cent of rural councils received fewer than six such that all policy objectives are properly considered when applications and 39 per cent received none at all. any clearance of native vegetation is proposed. Also during the past year 33 documented cases of It said that a Statewide control must operate. The illegal clearing were reported by local councils and government adopted the independent panel's 22 enforcement actions have begun. The areas recommendations with two minor modifications involved range from less than 1 hectare to 56 and implemented Statewide Amendment SS in hectares and total about 145 hectares. February 1991. These figures indicate that the controls have been During the broad community debate that has effective, that they are not imposing a major followed, the government has responded to workload on local government and that concerns expressed about Amendment SS as muniCipalities are generally fulfilling their duties adopted. Incentives for the preparation of land responsibly. management plans, in the form of a five-year sunset provision for exemptions, have been removed, as The Native Vegetation Protection Bill implements has a requirement for responSible authorities to the government's clearing controls through notify the referral authority of applications relating legislation. Passage of the Bill will finally end the to areas under 10 hectares. The wording of some process of revocation and amendment that has clauses has been clarified - clearing of dead caused widespread confusion during the past six vegetation does not require a pennit; nor does the months. It can be amended only by Act of movement of stock along a roadside. Concerns Parliament. The Minister for Planning and Housing about fire management have been addressed undertakes to remove existing clearing controls in through discussion with the relevant authorities. the State section of planning schemes on the date of The Country Fire Authority considers that in commencement of this Bill. ENTERTAINMENT AND MODELLING INDUSTRY AGENTS BILL

758 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991

The Bill aims to reverse the decline of native vegetation is essential. This is what the Native vegetation in Victoria; to protect and conserve native Vegetation Protection Bill will achieve. vegetation; and by so doing to promote the planned management and sustainable use of land. I end by quoting the independent panel:

Part 2 of the Bill and the schedules contain the main Amendment SS (the clearing controls) marks a provisions relating to the operation of the clearing watershed in conservation planning in Victoria. Its fate controls through planning schemes. Use of the will be an indicator of how seriously Victorians are Planning and Environment Act to implement the prepared to treat their environmental future. controls is the only sensible course of action. Any alternative proposal would result in a dual perffiit In itself, it will not be the simplistic, tide-reversing system with consequent confusion, expense and mechanism many of its supporters envisage. On the inefficiency for all parties, which is precisely the other hand, to abandon it, as some detractors advocate, situation that the Planning and Environment Act either because it is too hard to implement, too was designed to correct. expensive or because it challenges too many long-held assumptions and attitudes, will only compound the The Bill establishes the requirement to obtain a mistakes of the past which have contributed to permit before clearing, except where the exemptions Victoria's land degradation and associated in Schedule 1 apply or where the Governor in environmental problems. Council has exempted a municipal district or group of districts. This is one of the mechanisms in the Bill I commend the Bill to the House. enabling locally appropriate clearing controls to be developed. Another is through the development of Debate adjourned on motion of Mr MACLELLAN land management plans or works programs. These (Berwick). are not mandatory but, once approved, individual permits are no longer needed for clearing consistent Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and with the plan or works program. Environment) - I move:

The nineteen groups of exemptions in Schedule 1 That the debate be adjourned until ThursdctY, 3 October. cover incidental clearing associated with normal farm and domestic activities and with maintenance Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick) - On the question of assets by public authorities and municipalities. It of time, I ask the Minister whether he would be is not the intention of government to control minor gracious enough to grant additional time if required clearing associated with these normal ongoing while the consultation process takes place. activities. It is the intention to prevent further broad-scale clearing of the kind that has caused Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and environmental and economic damage to the State. Environment) (By leave) - I am happy to provide more time than the two weeks if the opposition finds The Bill also ensures that effects on native vegetation it necessary. of proposed works or development, including subdivision, are considered at the time of approval, Motion agreed to and debate adjourned until so avoiding delays later in the process. Thursday, 3 October.

Part 2 of the Bill gives the Land Protection Council a ENTERTAINMENT AND MODELLING central role in mOnitoring the extent, distribution INDUSTRY AGENTS BILL and condition of native vegetation in Victoria and in reporting on the operation and effectiveness of the Second reading clearing controls. In combination with its existing functions, this will help to ensure that protection and Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - I move: management of native vegetation is undertaken as an integral part of the sustainable management of That this Bill be now read a second time. land. Sufficient resources will be allocated to enable this function to occur. The predecessor to this Bill was the Employment Agents Act 1983. It received Royal assent but was There is widespread agreement that effective and not brought into operation because soon after the enforceable control over clearing of native ADMINISTRA TIVE APPEALS TRIBUNAL (PLANNING) BILL (No. 2)

Thursday. 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 759

Act was passed consumer legisla tion, both Sta te and I commend the Bill to the House. Federal, was changed in a way that apparently gave protection to people who may be disadvantaged by Debate adjourned on motion of Mr GUDE unscrupulous agents. Over time, however, it became (Hawthorn). apparent that the existing consumer legislation was not the best method of regulating the activities of Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - I move: agents in the entertainment and modelling field. As a consequence an attempt was made to prepare That the debate be adjourned until Thursday, 3 October. satisfactory regulations under the Employment Agents Act. It was discovered, however, that the If the opposition sees the need for more time, I am Employment Agents Act was unable to provide a more than happy to arrange it. relevant, modern, licensing framework and work commenced on the Bill now before the House. Motion agreed to and debate adjourned until Thursday, 3 October. The Bill's broad objective is to introduce a licensing system in the WlCegulated field of entertainment and ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS modelling industry agents. For the purposes of this TRIBUNAL (PLANNING) BILL (No. 2) Billl/performer" includes actors, musicians and models. The types of people required to hold Second reading licences under the Bill extend to agents, personal managers of performers and venue consultants. Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - I move: Venue consultants are people who work for the owner of an entertainment venue, like an hotel, to That this Bill be now read a second time. book performers for the venue. INTRODUCTION The Bill establishes a licensing council which comprises representatives of the people directly The main reform effected by the Bill is to further affected by the legislation. improve accesSibility to and the efficiency of the major administrative appeals jurisdiction in this The government's primary objectives are to ensure State - the planning appeals system. Victoria is the that the council is provided with the necessary only State in Australia with an Administrative powers to maintain a licensing system which is Appeals Tribunal. This government has led the field relevant to the needs of the industries concerned and in the provision of an independent and high quality that the council can act as an efficient forum to forum in which administrative appeals can be heard recommend maximum commission rates charged by in a relatively informal and inexpensive manner. agents. Members will note that recommendations to Other States are now considering following suit. the Minister on commission rates, which will ultimately need to be approved by the Minister, The Planning Division of the Administrative must be made by way of an absolute majority vote Appeals Tribunal was established in 1987 to take of the entire council. This will place a strong over the role of hearing planning appeals from the compulSion on the council to make responsible Planning Appeals Board. From 1987 to 1989 there recommendations to the Minister. was a 64 per cent increase in the number of appeals before the tribunal. This was caused by the building Another important function of the council will be to boom and, in 1988, by the Planning and recommend to the Minister codes of practice. The Environment Act which increased the scope of code of practice process is freely based on the system appeals that could be made and widened the issues found under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to be considered in making planning decisions. 1985. The intention is to provide a method of encouraging compliance with the legislation by an The delay and associated costs that followed led to instrument which has some statutory force but yet criticism of the tribunal and in January 1990 my has the features of a code of ethics, often used by predecessor, the Honourable Andrew McCutcheon, professional bodies. announced a review of the planning appeals system to be headed by barrister and tribunal member, Mr In the broadest context this Bill aims to encourage a Coos Wren. The Bill is based on the better entertainment and modelling industry for this recommendations of the Wren report. State. ADMINISTRA TIVE APPEALS TRIBUNAL (PLANNING) BILL (No. 2)

760 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991

The current recession in the building industry, CONSTITlITION OF THE PLANNING DMSION together with the implementation of a new listing procedure, has cut the delay before hearing from Consistent with the Bill's objectives of cost saving seven months in January 1990 to ten weeks. and streamlining of procedures, a number of Although some problems were addressed in the amendments are made in relation to the constitution Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Planning) Act of the planing division for the hearing of certain 1990, an upturn in the economy and a resurgence in matters. It is proposed to delete the requirement in the number of appeals could cause a return of some the Planning and Environment Act that of the delay problems. The Bill streamlines many of multimember tribunals must be constituted with a the procedures of the planning division to ensure legal practitioner. The tribunal, when constituted earlier problems do not rise again. with the necessary specialist expertise and experience, may not require a legal practitioner as WRfITEN REASONS well. It is therefore appropriate that the president, after consideration of all the factors, should About 80 per cent of public complaints to the determine who hears the matter. Registrar of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal concern the delay between the hearing of a matter The Water Act is also amended by the Bill. It and receiving the tribunal's decision. The statutory presently requires three members to constitute the requirement that members supply written reasons tribunal for the hearing of a matter. Sometimes, for their decisions places an enormous workload on however, a relatively minor matter does not justify members and is a major cause of delay between the tying up three members. The Bill provides that the hearing and the handing down of a determination. It president shall determine how many members will is proposed to remove this requirement. As with the hear a matter under the Act. One member at least general division, written reasons for a decision may will be a legal practitioner. be requested. Similarly, the Bill amends the Historic Buildings Act, SERVICE OF NOTICES which provides that only a senior member can hear an application for review. It seems incongruous to One of the major costs of the tribunal is the provide a senior member with jurisdiction denied to requirement that, in most cases, the registrar must the president and deputy presidents. This anomaly serve copies of notices of appeal on all parties. No is corrected by the Bill. other court or tribunal performs this service. Currently this practice requires two full-time staff as PERMIT VALIDITY an appeal may attract a number of third parties, in some cases several hundred. The Planning Appeals Act provides that where there has been a failure to comply with certain statutory Last year's amendment to the legislation made the requirements, the tribunal may disregard the failure appellant who is an objector to the grant of a permit and amend the document or deal with it as it sees fit. responsible for serving the notice of appeal on the However, the Supreme Court has held in one responsible authority. It is proposed to extend this to decision that where a responsible authority has not make all applicants to the planning division complied with a mandatory requirement of the responsible for the service of notices of application. Planning and Environment Act the authority's They may rely on the staff at the tribunal to assist decision to grant or refuse a permit is invalid the them. permit is void and the tribunal has no jurisdiction to hear the matter. This conflicts with another Supreme SENIOR MEMBERS Court decision on this question.

The Bill introduces senior members to all divisions The Bill addresses this problem by giving the of the AAT. As a president is with the tribunal for tribunal clear jurisdiction to hear a matter only a short time, it is particularly important that notwithstanding a failure to comply with any Act or certain people remain with the tribunal for a longer regulation. This is a discretionary power and period to ensure continuity. The introduction of includes safeguards. The tribunal can require the senior members also promotes the principle that republication of notices, allow further opportunities those with experience on whom the president for parties to be heard, and make orders for costs. greatly relies are given some recognition over This provision is also an important step in meeting newly-appointed members. criticisms that the AA T has become overly legalistic. NOTICES OF MOTION

Thursday. 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 761

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT ACT - Motion agreed to and debate adjourned until ENFORCEMENT ORDERS Thursday,3 October.

The Bill also deals with enforcement orders under NOTICES OF MOTION the Planning and Environment Act. It is proposed to amend the legislation to make these provisions more Subordinate legislation. effective. The law is strengthened to enable orders to cover past contraventions and to require the objector Mr JASPER (Murray Valley) - As Chairman of to an order to state the grounds for their objection. the Subordinate Legislation Subcommittee of the The bibtmal's power to cancel an order has been Legal and Constitutional Committee I shall provide extended to cover amendment of orders. some information to the House about the workings Furthennore, the type of order that can be made has of the subcommittee. As honourable members are been widened to accommodate the situation where aware, when a Bill passes through Parliament and is to restore the land to its former condition may not be enacted extensive regulation-making powers are the most appropriate solution. often provided under the Act. The regulations that are made are approved by the Governor in Council GENERAL REVIEW PROVISION and they are subsequently reviewed by the subordinate legislation subcommittee to determine Furthennore, it is proposed to widen the general whether they meet the powers provided under the review power of the bibunal under the Planning respective Acts and whether they also meet the and Environment Act. Currently it may be necessary requirements of the Subordinate Legislation Act. for someone to take action in the Magistrates Court The subcommittee then makes recommendations to when it is clearly more appropriate that a matter be the Legal and Constitutional Committee. heard before the bibunal. For example, the review of an enforcement order that requires something to be Many regulations are subject to a regulatory impact done to the satisfaction of the responsible authority statement, which provides the opportunity for will become reviewable by the bibunal. individuals and organisations to respond to the government about the need for a change to a CONCLUSION regulation. Subsequently the regulation goes to the subordinate legislation subcommittee for The Bill incorporates the recommendations of the assessment. There is a number of criteria upon comprehensive review by Chris Wren, which took which the regulations are reviewed, particularly account of the experience of those involved in the under the powers of the subcommittee set out in planning appeals process. The reforms made by the section 4 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1962. Bill will reduce delay for users, cut costs of The committee then reviews those regulations and administration and remove unnecessary legalism in decides whether they meet the criteria of section 14. the operations of the AAT. Under the Act eighteen sitting days are allowed for The government is confident that the Bill will be the subcommittee to assess the regula tions and to welcomed by the bibunal members, councils, users determine their validity. On many occasions we of the planning appeals systems, planning contact the appropriate Minister to seek clarification professionals and the community in general. about any queries we have or we may ask the Minister whether he or she is prepared to review, I commend the Bill to the House. amend, or redraft the regulation.

Debate adjourned on motion of Mrs WADE (Kew). An increased number of regulations have been produced by governments of all persuasions and it Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - I move: is important that the subcommittee assess the regulations accurately to ensure that they are not That the debate be adjourned until Thursday, 3 October. outside the powers provided under the respective Acts. If the opposition believes it needs more time we will certainly look at that favourably. Section 6 of the Subordinate Legislation Act states that the Subordinate Legislation Subcommittee of the Legal and Constitutional Committee has eighteen days in which to receive information from NOTICES OF MOTION

762 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 19 September 1991 various departments and Ministers. In other words, were not always available to park users. For if the Minister or his department do not respond example, park entrances are not always staffed on a within that period the subcommittee inserts a notice full-time basis. In fact, the regulations provided a on the Notice Paper to provide an additional twelve hefty increase of up to 78 per cent in the fees and days for assessment of the regulations. charges for people entering national parks.

The six statutory rules to which I refer today are In accordance with the nonnal processes, the regulations about which the subcommittee did not Department of Conservation and Environment have the appropriate infonnation or responses from conducted a regulatory impact statement which Ministries or Ministers and it decided that a raised a number of queries regarding the protective notice of motion should be inserted on the regulations. Subsequent regulations took account of Notice Paper to provide an extra twelve days for the the responses from the impact statement and the appropriate assessment of the regulations. subcommittee acknowledged that the government was entitled to increase the fees even though it had The subcommittee found that most Ministers and concerns about the size of the increase. their departments responded to the queries raised by it and tried to meet the demands made by the Each year the Treasurer stipulates what the fee subcommittee where the regulations did not meet increases shall be. This year the Treasurer provided the criteria of the Act, were seen to be outside the for increases ranging from 6 per cent to 20 per cent powers contained in the Act or did not meet the where cost recovery is involved, and rounding off conditions set out in section 14 of the Subordinate the fee increases at 25 per cent. The subcommittee Legislation Act. was concerned at that huge increase in fees but it accepted that it was the government's entitlement to General Business, Notice of Motion No. 24, refers to make those increases. Statutory Rule No. 370 of 1990 and relates to by-law 280 of the Water Supply (Amendment) Regulations The fee increases do not require a regulatory impact which gives certain powers to the former Melbourne statement as such and the department can bypass and Metropolitan Board of Works. the recommendations of the regulatory impact statement by obtaining a Premier's certificate, but The subcommittee was concerned that the by-law that can be used only in special circumstances. The conferred an unfettered discretion upon the board to use of the Premier's certificate is restricted to specific apply discounts to any of the water charges in occasions, as I indicated, and is generally not abused clauses 302 and 303 of the principal by-law, in a way by either the Premier or the government. which was not uniform and which could be discrimina tory. In this instance the increase in charges, although being up to 78 per cent, was not the subject of an The subcommittee met with officers of the board adverse report by the subcommittee except that and discussed these concerns. The members of the concern was expressed about a particular entry to a subcommittee were advi~ that the by-law would national park that was not manned and the person be used only in unusual conditions, in fact, once or involved did not have the opportunity of paying the twice every ten years. However, because of the fee and consequently could be subject to a fine for query raised the Minister agreed to amend the not having the appropriate documentation. The by-law rather than rescind it. The subcommittee Minister agreed to amend the regulations so that agreed not to proceed with further disallowance of they would cover that particular concern and, in the by-law. fact, the regulations have subsequently been amended. Consequently, the subcommittee Mr Speaker, I seek leave to have the statutory rule recommends that the notice of motion relating to withdrawn on the basis of the response received by Statutory Rule No. 414 be withdrawn from the the Minister. Notice Paper.

General Business, Notice of Motion No. 25, refers to Notice of Motion No. 26 refers to Statutory Rule No. Statutory Rule No. 414 of 1990, the National Parks 428 of 1990, subregulation 5(b) of the Control of (Fees and Charges) Regulations 1990. The Weapons Regulations 1990. subcommittee was concerned these regulations made park users liable to penalties for failure to pay The subcommittee received a report from its entry charges when the opportunities to pay charges research officer, but a member of the subcommittee NOTICES OF MOTION

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 763 raised a further query and the subcommittee was decided not to proceed with the notice of intention concerned that spear guns were added to the list of to disallow the regulation. I seek leave to remove regulated weapons after the regulatory impact Notice of Motion No. 32 standing in my name. statement process had concluded. Public consultation did not occur with respect to the Notice of Motion No. 33, General Business, is a inclusion of that item. motion to disallow the Police (Charges, Expenses and Allowances) (Criminal History) Regulations The regulatory impact statement had been 1991 (Statutory Rule 58(1991). undertaken in the normal way but changes had been made to the regulations after the appropriate period The regulations introduced fees for the provision of had expired and, as I indicated, public consultation criminal history information. The regulatory impact had not occurred on that item. That issue was taken statement states that the fees would be applied at the up with the Minister and he advised that he would discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police. reject the subregulation and redraft the regulatory impact statement. A draft copy of the regulations The subcommittee sought the Minister's opinion as revoking subregulation 5(b) was forwarded to the to whether there was a need to amend the subcommittee. The Minister's action satisfactorily regulations to state clearly how the discretion to resolved the concerns of the subcommittee and charge fees would be exercised. Because time was consequently it was decided that the protective running short, a protective notice was placed on the notice be withdrawn. regulations.

Notice of Motion No. 31 relates to Statutory Rule No The Minister has advised that Parliamentary 50. of 1991 concerning the Water (Subdivisional Counsel's opinion is that the subcommittee's Easements and Reserve) Regulations 1991. This suggestion would improve the regulations but that it statutory rule was the subject of the 21st report to would be inappropriate to make this change without Parliament of the Legal and Constitutional similar changes being made to the entire statutory Committee, which was concerned about easements rule. The issue is not one that should be looked at in referred to in the Water Act. isolation.

The Minister responded to the subcommittee's Because the principal regulations are due to be queries and undertook to remake the regulations "sunsetted" next year, it is proposed that the and subsequently the subcommittee recommended subcommittee's concerns will be addressed at that the withdrawal of the statutory rule from the Notice time. Paper. Nevertheless, the report is an expression of the strong disapproval of the way the regulations Because of the commibnent given to meet the were made. subcommittee's request, the Legal and Constitutional Committee has recommended the Notice of Motion No. 32, General Business, concerns removal of Notice of Motion No. 33 standing in my the Retail Tenancies (Exemption) Regulations 1991 name. (Statutory Rule 56/1991). These regulations exempt the kiosk in the Royal Botanic Gardens from the It is important that the House understands the operation of the Retail Tenancies Act so that any significance of the regulation review system and the contract entered into with respect to the kiosk is not work done by the Subordinate Legislation subject to the Act. Subcommittee of the Legal and Constitutional Committee. The regulation review system places The subcommittee sought further information from checks and balances on governments of all political the Minister about aspects of these regulations, persuaSions; and the importance of the all-party which concerned consultation, the provisions of the subordinate legislation subcommittee cannot be Retail Tenancies Act, and the form of the map in the overestima ted. regulations. The Minister has now provided information sufficient to satisfy the request from the The Victorian Parliament is the only Parliament in subcommittee; and a draft of the proposed contract Australia where, if notice to disallow a regulation is for the kiosk was included in the Minister's response. given by a subordinate legislation subcommittee and the government of the day does not debate the Again, after receiving a satisfactory reply from the matter, the regulation automatically continues. Minister, the Legal and Constitutional Committee ADJOURNMENT

764 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991

In all other jurisdictions where a notice to disallow a Alpine Resorts Commission is walking away from regulation is given by the relevant subcommittee the the guidelines set by the Minister and offering sites regulation is disallowed if, after a prescribed time, for lease at $1 a year. the motion for its disallowance is not debated. Both sites adjoin the main access to the ski slope; That shortcoming must be addressed; and they are both highly prized and will command a Parliament should adopt the suggestions to further substantial price. As I said, the Mark IT site has been improve the regulation review system that are advertised for auction. The vendor's terms are 30 per contained in previous reports of the Legal and cent deposit with the balance in ten years at 10 per Constitutional Committee. cent a year payable quarterly. The Bill Duff site will be offered under the same conditions. The Alpine ADJOURNMENT Resorts Commission will offer finance on vendor terms over ten years at 2.5 per cent under the current Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - I move: Commonwealth Bank commercial rate.

That the House do now adjourn. The Minister must intervene to stop the commission walking away from the agreement he made with the Alpine Resorts Commission site holders on the mountain. If the sites are to be sold, at least it should be done publicly so everyone Mr COLEMAN (Syndal) - The matter I direct to will know what has transpired. the attention of the Minister for Tourism concerns the site rentals charged by the Alpine Resorts Lighting in Goonawarra estate Commission and the elements of government policy that determine the rentals. Mr GA VIN (Coburg) - I direct to the attention of the Minister for Planning and Housing the Some eighteen months ago the Minister met lighting problems in the Goonawarra estate to which representatives of the Victorian Ski Association and I referred yesterday. The estate was built by the attended a number of public meetings to discuss site Urban Land Authority (ULA) and therefore that rentals, after which it was agreed that the rentals authority should take some responsibility in solving would be set at 3.5 per cent of the site value. the problems. The estate was built in the 19705 when the Liberal Party was in government and the Advertisements announcing the sale of two sites at lighting was installed by a Western Australian Mount Buller clearly breach that arrangement and company which has since gone bankrupt. put into context the rents the existing site holders pay for the sites they occupy. Everyone agrees that the standard of lighting is disgraceful. At the time the lights were installed the The first site I shall refer to is known as Mark 11, or State Electridty Commission objected to the Western site No. 78, which is one of the prize sites in the area. Australian company performing the work, but The current rental for the si,te is $12 138 a year, based unfortunately the company won the contract. When on 3.5 per cent of the value of the site. The Alpine the lights do not work residents have to kick, push Resorts Commission has advertised that the auction or punch them, which occasionally is successful. will take place on 29 September. The site rental will be $1 a year payable in advance. The site has a All 128 poles are defective and the SEC believes they 50-year lease and service charges of $2291. cannot be fixed and therefore must be replaced. It will cost $700 to replace each pole, with the total The other site is regarded by most people as the replacement cost being $89 600. Because of its prime site. I refer to the land currently occupied by workload, the SEC says it can provide staff to work Duff's Ski Hire. The site currently attracts a rental of on the project for only one day a fortnight and that $9269 and its service charges amount to $4480. That at best it could rebuild six light poles a day. Under site is also being offered privately to those within the that time scale it would take almost a year for the industry and also has a 50-year lease with rental of commission to complete the project. $1 a year. As many residents of Goonawarra believe there are The dilemma is this: other site holders on Mount insufficient poles to adequately light the area, more Buller are struggling to pay the 3.5 per cent rental poles may be required in addition to the 128 poles to that has been set and now, of its own volition, the be replaced. I suggest consideration should be given ADJOURNMENT

Thursday. 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 765 to that matter when plans are made to remedy this services and he advises residents that the council has problem. imposed a ceiling of an 8 per cent increase for the coming year. The Shire of Bulla has proposed that a contractor should come in and do the whole job in one hit. In It is an absolute disgrace that in this economic that way the project may be completed by climate any council can be considering that level of Christmas, although not everyone is confident that increase. Recently a public hospital in my electorate that will occur. The shire believes the Urban Land advised me that its funds would decrease by 3 per Authority should pay some proportion of the cost. cent this year. The shire has set aside more than $30 000 to contribute towards this project so the ULA is not The isolation of local government from the real expected to pay the full amount. The shire has world should be of grave concern to all of us. I have contacted the ULA to do something about the recorded some of the rate increases for four Goonawarra estate and I urge the Minister to use his municipalities over the past three years. Since good offices to persuade the authority to remedy 1987-88 Camberwell has had an increase of 23.04 per this problem. The residents of Goonawarra are cent; Frankston, 27.72 per cent; Heidelberg, 32.28 per adamant that this is a major problem and they cent; and Whittlesea,50.17 per cent. They are would be extremely pleased if it could be remedied examples of the isolation of local government from in the near future. the real world and it is vital that the Minister should use her influence to ensure that these increases do Local government rate increases not continue.

Mr HEFFERNAN (Ivanhoe) - I raise for the It is totally irresponsible for a city such as Whittlesea attention of the Minister for Community Services, that controls all the major garbage disposal holes for who is the representative in this House of the my area to introduce a major industrial base and to Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community say that during the past three years it has had the Affairs, impending rate increases that may be right to increase rates by 50.17 per cent. It is imposed on Victorian small businesses. incumbent upon the government to tell local government that things are very tough in the real Representations have been made to me about the world of the private sector. diabolical problems facing small business in our State. The recent electricity and water charges and The private sector is accepting decreases in its superannuation requirements will have a overall costs and does not have the capacity to pass tremendous impact on the viability of many small on any increases. Why we sit back and continually businesses. It is of grave concern to me that before accept that councils can introduce rate increases at the Christmas period there will be further closure of an unacceptable level of twice the inflation rate is doors in the small business sector. beyond me!

A ratepayer from the City of Camberwell has sent The Minister ought to issue a warning that the me a letter which illustrates that local government government is taking into consideration and is has not come to grips with the fact that general concerned at the attitude of local councils in this day ratepayers and especially the commercial sector of and age because of the further increases at double the State can no longer afford to pay rate increases at the inflation rate when they should be considering double and sometimes treble the inflation rate. I am either a zero increase or, as other businesses must do using this letter as an example and ask the Minister - including State governments -looking at a to urge greater restraint on local government when minus situation. considering rate increases. School bus services The Mayor of the City of Camberwell, in a letter of 21 August to residents of that municipality, refers to Mr J. F. McGRATH (Warrnambool) - The the council's commitment to the proposal to develop important issue I raise for the attention of the the Camberwell shopping centre. The mayor, on Minister for Transport concerns the rationalisation behalf of the council, indicates that none of the costs of school bus services. At present throughout associated with that proposal will affect this year's Victoria the system of school bus services is being rate increase. His letter says that the council has rationalised, motivated by the need to examine the made a commitment to continue to provide its efficiencies of the program and any savings that can ADJOURNMENT

766 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991 be made through a removal of duplicated services. Will the Minister ensure that his department and Country people support that as part of a those working within the school bus system look government process. after our young people and provide them with the opportunity of travelling to their'schools or I am concerned that the government should apply education facilities in a safe environment? sensitivity and ensure it has a local knowledge of the initiatives and changes being implemented in this Calder Highway duplication rationalisation program. Mr SEITZ (Keilor) - I refer the Minister for Everyone recognises education as an important part Transport to a request I received from the Shire of of our community. We think of education as being Bulla engineer about the planning requirements of teachers, principals, school parent bodies, school the Calder Highway duplication. The Victorian and buildings and facilities but rural Victorians cannot Federal governments have contributed to the think about such collectives without considering scheme. Concern has been expressed about the school buses because the system is vital and critical overpass at Diggers Rest. The shire has suggested to education throughout Victoria. that the overpass be built as part of the duplication. It would be more economical to construct the The rationalisation program will include an overpass at the same time as the duplication is examination of possible elimination of existing carried out, and it would be more convenient for services and modification of routes. residents in the area, particularly for the children Recommendations have been made that some routes being driven to the school at Diggers Rest. will be altered so that their commencement points may be three or four miles from their present Will the Minister examine the matter with his departure points. The government should consider regional planning officers? The overpass will make it the safety aspects of primary and secondary school a lot safer for the community. The highway carries a students being required to travel that distance on lot of traffic and cars speed along that section, and busy highways. when the duplication is completed cars will travel at greater speeds. At present cars must slow down at Last Friday a constituent of mine rang my electorate the Diggers Rest railway crossing because of the office and expressed concern that the possible bend in the road. That particular area of highway alteration of a bus route would affect his children so should be upgraded to freeway standard to stop the that in future they would need to depart home at bottleneck in the area. 7.15 a.m. and not return until after 5 p.m. That would be unacceptable. The Melton council is interested in the Calder project because of its proximity to the area. The two city I recognise the need and importance of an efficiency engineers have put together a strategy. The matter is review. I call upon the Minister for Transport to urgent. The contractors are being called to start ensure those who are undertaking the review do it construction of the duplication of that section of the with all the sensitivity they can muster and that it be road, so I hope those remarks will be taken on board carried out with a strong ba"se of local knowledge. It by the Minister. is easy to sit in an isolated office, draw lines on a map, and try to achieve savings. The government Moorakyne Hostel must ensure that the people are not discriminated against and disadvantaged, so that opportunities for Mr JOHN (Bendigo East) - I raise for the schooling are lost because of bureaucratic decisions. attention of the Minister for Community Services a matter concerning the future of 32 residents with I understand the difficulty the Minister faces, but I intellectual disabilities who now reside in three call on him to ensure that a great deal of care is houses in Lisson Grove, Hawthorn, in a complex applied. Country people do not have a choice: the known as Moorakyne. Under present plans the children either go by bus or are driven to school. In government proposes to sell Moorakyne. Many of the rural economy today additional farm labourers the residents living in the complex, whose ages vary cannot be employed. Mother and father are actively between 18 and 35 years, have Down's syndrome. engaged in farming activities and therefore the opportunity of providing a service no longer exists. I have discussed the government's intention to sell It is an important issue in the overall education the properties with the honourable member for service in Victoria. Hawthorn, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 767 and he supports the matters I am raising. The taxpayers' funds and the government's government has announced the decision to sell, mismanagement of the State. which has caused great concern to the families and friends of the residents of Moorakyne. Neighbourhood Watch

Moorakyne is not an institution or a training centre; Mr E. R. SMITH (Glen Waverley) - I raise a it is three real homes in proximity to one another matter for the attention of the Minister for Police and and they are good. accommodation for people with Emergency Services concerning a recent incident special needs. They are cost effective and well run between the Minister and the Neighbourhood Watch and it is my submission that there is no logic organisation, and particularly the President of whatsoever in the fire sale of these assets. Neighbourhood Watch, Mr David Lentin.

The only interpretation that could be placed on the On 27 August the Minister wrote to Mr Lentin, need to sell the three properties is that it is a mentioning a campaign instituted by desperate grab for cash under a dogmatic and rigid Neighbourhood Watch, as a result of which philosophy that any form of accommodation probably every member of this House received occupied by people with disabilities must be letters from constituents. The Minister stated: identical and standardised. I found it extremely irritating to have to divert In actual fact the reverse is true. There should be resources to administer an organised letter writing greater flexibility for individual needs, and the three campaign through July and August based on false homes provide good accommodation for the needs statements. of the 32 residents. Having kept my word to you and delivered a growth We support deinstitutionalisation where it is budget for the police when all other agencies have been appropriate and where adequate resources and cut, I expect you will act honourably and correct the funding are supplied to ensure that the people who false impression that the police budget would be cut. live in the community are well cared for. In this case the people are very much out in the community in I believe this correction is vital if the Neighbourhood three very fine homes where they have learnt to Watch organisation is to avoid the charge that it is cope with local bus timetables and get to their playing politics. training centres and where they have a network of support within the area, and I put it to the Minister Mr Lentin wrote back to the Minister on that the proposal is against the government's own 10 December. His letter states in part: stated policy of social justice. I make absolutely no apology for the letter writing Morale is high among the Community Services campaign and in similar circumstances I would do the Victoria staff who operate the units and care for the same thing again, irrespective of who is in government, residents. They do a good job. These people run if I thought such a letter could contribute to a their own vegetable gardens and have learnt to cope favourable result. with the problems in the local community, and they are getting on very well. As a result of that the Secretary of the Police Association, Mr Danny Walsh, wrote to the Minister. There was no consultation with the community In his letter dated 6 September 1991 he says in part: before the announcement of the decision and there is no guarantee on the record of any better care in the We find it somewhat surprising to see such scathing community for the 32 residents who will be criticism of an organisation made up of volunteers who displaced by the sale. give their time freely for the benefit of the entire community. To think that you would attack this It is my view that this is a desperate cash grab by a organisation when all they were endeavouring to government strapped for cash. We are dealing here achieve was a properly resourced Police Force for the with the most vulnerable people in the community people of Victoria is reprehensible and we demand you who, in many cases, are unable to speak for immediately apologise to them. We remind you of your themselves. These people are paying the penalty, if recent launch of the "anti-crime" strategy and the need the government proceeds, for the squandering of for the full cooperation and involvement of groups such as this. ADJOURNMENT

768 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 19 September 1991

Over the past few weeks various Labor Party The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable members have campaigned in the suburbs to member's time has expired. The time for raising denigrate Neighbourhood Watch. matters in the adjournment debate has expired.

Mr Seitz - Who? Responses

Mr E. R. SMITH - I have a letter from the Mr Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - The Cyril Kennedy, an honourable member for Waverley honourable member for Warrnambool raised a Province in another place. matter concerning school buses, particularly in the Timboon area, and asked that he be consulted in One of the questions put in the letter to residents of relation to the possible re-routing of buses. various areas was: how did these rumours start? The rumours began with the Minister for Police and Bus routes are constantly under review because Emergency Services, Mr Sandon. At his office at 4 shifts in population cause changes in patronage and p.m. on 23 May the Minister asked the Secretary of we wish to ensure maximum use of all available the Police Association, Mr Danny Walsh how he . facilities. could cut the police budget by $47 million and said that "redundancies were on the table". Mr Walsh I will direct the attention of the Public Transport read that statement to me from his notes. Corporation (PTC) to the honourable member's request that he and the local community be Mr Walsh went to Neighbourhood Watch consulted about the re-routing of school buses to organisations and the media, told them the police ensure the impact on farming communities in his budget would be cut by $47 million, and said, 'We electorate is considered. It is also necessary to make want every bit of community support we can get to sure that the resources we allocate in specific areas stop the Labor government from doing this". In are maximised. response Neighbourhood Watch started a letter writing campaign, called public meetings and The honourable member for Keilor could almost be carried out such an effective campaign that the the honourable member for transport. He takes a government was not prepared to cut the police continuing interest in both public transport and the budget in any way. road system in his electorate and the surrounding municipalities. He is under pressure in those areas I believe Mr Walsh's side of the story - that the because they are growth areas. He is an excellent Minister asked him how he could cut the police local member. Whenever I meet with shires and budget by $47 million. Scurrilous letters have been community groups in that area I am told of the written to newspapers by various members of the magnificent job he does. Labor Party who have tried to denigrate Neighbourhood Watch and throw the blame back on The honourable member made representations on people like Mr Lentin. The Neighbourhood Watch behalf of the Shire of Bulla for an overpass at the people do a tremendous job to try to curb the crime intersection of Calder Highway and the rate in the community. Bulla-Diggers Rest Road because of the duplication of Calder Highway. The duplication is a joint project Mr Walsh has stated that the Minister made that of the Federal and State governments. I shall ask VIC statement to him and it is nonsense for the Minister ROADS to ensure that an overpass is taken into to deny that he did. I put this on the record so that consideration because safety is of the utmost people who wish to respond will know where they importance in road development. stand on the matter. Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and It is a scandal that the Minister contemplated cutting Emergency Services) - The honourable member for the police budget in the first place. The fact that he Glen Waverley suggested that I had denigrated has retracted and is now trying to blame Neighbourhood Watch. I place on record a total Neighbourhood Watch is, as Mr Walsh says, refutation because clearly that is not the case. The completely reprehensible. campaign conducted by Neighbourhood Watch under the direction of the Sta te coundl was totally It is time the public were alerted to these matters unnecessary because it was indicated early in and given the opportunity to respond. The Budget deliberations by the Premier and me that the opposition knows which way they will respond. community had nothing to fear in the Budget. The ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 769

community was told at least twice by me and also local newspapers outlining the government's by the Premier. continued commitment to law and order.

When one considers the climate in which this I remind honourable members that during the tenn Budget was fonnulated it is an outstanding of office of this government the police department achievement that police services to the Victorian has received a higher allocation than any other community have been maintained. The Budget government department. Police numbers have increased police spending by more than 7 per cent, increased by over 20 per cent. The Victoria Police or 3 per cent in real tenns. Force is the sixth largest force in the Western World. As a nation Australia has more police officers than it I thought I had had a confidential meeting with the has members of the Australian Anny. Secretary of the Police Association, but when he wrote to me about the meeting on the Tuesday he The figures give a dear indication of the had already given copies of correspondence to the government's commitment and contribution to the Leader of the National Party on the Monday. It is police, and that will continue. unfortunate that the secretary of the association responded to the consultation that had taken place Mr McCUTCHEON (Minister for Planning and in that way. Housing) - The honourable member for Coburg raised for my attention a matter concerning the The consultation related to a target that was given to quality or lack of quality of public lighting on the me by the Minister for Finance and it related to Goonawarra estate and the installation of public examining and reviewing operations, testing lighting on that estate, both as to the equipment and priorities and finding alternatives. the need for consideration of lighting public areas for safety purposes. I will take up the matter with The honourable member for Glen Waverley gets the Urban Land Authority and reply to him. things out of context. The honourable member for Syndal raised for the Mr E. R. Smith interjected. attention of the Minister for Tourism a matter concerning the guidelines controlling rentals for Mr SANDON - Last week he suggested the sites under the administration of the Alpine Resorts Police Academy was closing. That is absolute Commission. I shall refer the matter to the Minister. nonsense. The honourable member for Ivanhoe raised for the Mr E. R. Smith - Can you give an unequivocal attention of the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and denial? Community Affairs a matter relating to local government ~ates. He referred to the current Mr SANDON - I just said it is absolute problems that high rate increases by local councils nonsense, like a lot of things you raise in this place are causing for ratepayers and small businesses that which are either half truths or untruths. You just are operating in the municipalities. He quoted some continue raising matters that are outside -- particularly high increases in a number of municipalities. The SPEAKER - Order! Will the Minister resume his seat? If the honourable member for Glen The government shares the honourable member's Waverley is not able to exercise self-control I will concern at the high level of rate increases and the have to take the appropriate action against him, apparent lack of concern in local government about even at this late stage of the proceedings. I ask him the level of charges imposed at a time when people to remain silent and I ask the Minister for Police and do not have the money to pay high rate increases. I Emergency Services to address the Chair. shall raise the matter with the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs. Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and Emergency Services) - In conclusion, the The honourable member for Ballarat East raised a letter-writing campaign conducted was totally matter for the attention of the Minister for wmecessary. All it has done is raise fears in the Community Services. He referred to three houses in community. Mr Speaker, you will be aware that I Lisson Grove, Hawthorn, where 32 disabled have been able to respond to it through statements I residents are cared for in a place called the have made. Also I have placed advertisements in Moorakyne Hostel, and the apparent intention of ADJOURNMENT

770 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 19 September 1991

Community Services Victoria to sell the three rehousing the 32 people would probably c~t much properties. 1he honourable member argues that a more than the sale of the three properties would good job is being done in housing 32 residents in the bring. More properties would be needed t the three properties and that in the general process of people were to be housed in smaller communities. I deinstitutionalisation it would not be constructive to will refer the matter to the attention of the Minister dispose of the three properties. for Community Services.

1he honourable member made the claim that the Motion agreed to. government was contemplating selling the properties because it is desperate for cash. That House adjourned 5.45 p.m. until Taesday, 1 argument is not sustainable if one considers that October. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 771

Tuesday, 10 September 1991

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

The following answers to questions on notice were circulated - VEHICLES - AGRICULTURE

(Question No. 444) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Minister for Agriculture: Whether there have been any recent additions to the fleet of vehicles for use by departmental personnel; if so - (a) what the source of funds was for the purchase of these vehicles; and (b) were funds raised as a result of the sale of other departmental vehicles or equipment, indicating what vehicles or equipment were sold and at what cost?

Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - The answer is: One purchase of an additional vehicle was made by the department in December 1989 at a cost of $14 449. The source of funds for this vehicle was the State Vote (Salinity). No vehicles or machinery were sold to raise funds for this purchase. In respect to replacement of vehicles, the department follows the Victorian givernment motor vehicle fleet standard procedures.

TAXI AND CAR HIRE - CORRECflONS

(Question No. 491) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Minister for Corrections: Whether he will provide full details of the annual cost of taxi fares and car hire for all departmental officers, Ministerial staff and Ministers for each department, agency and authority within his adnlliustration, for each year from April 1982 to date?

Mr SANDON (Minister for Corrections) - The answer is:

Year Fares Vehicle Hire $ $

1989-13.4.90 79686 104 915 88-89 87814 105 819 87-88 62045 47766 86-87 45420 51385 85-86 48873 129959 84-85 54 721 40028 (a) The Office of Corrections was established as a separate department in 1983. Previously all expenditure in the adult corrections area was the responsibility of the then Department of Community Welfare Services, hence the annual costs from April 1982 to June 1984 are not included. in this response. (b) Fares include taxi, rail and other transport modes but exclude air fares. (c) Costs incurred. by the Minister and Ministerial staff are not borne by this office and are therefore not included. in the above figures. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

772 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 10 September 1991

FOOD RESEARCH INSTITUTE PROJECTS

(Question No. 503) Mr AUSTIN (Ripon) asked the Minister for Agriculture: In respect of research projects carried out at the Food Research Institute at Werribee during 1988-89 and 1989-90 whether he will indicate - (a) how many projects have been completed and how many are currently being carried out, respectively; (b) what are the specific industries to which the projects relate; and (c) to what extent industries have contributed towards funding the cost of research carried out on their behalf by the institute?

Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - The answer is: The following table sets out the number of research projects completed, the industry they relate to and funds contributed by industry:

Industry No. of Projects Industry Funds ($)

1988-89: Dairy 15 428000 Meat~Fish 4 221000 Grain Products, Fruit ~ Vegetables 3 44000 Technology Transfer 3375

1989-90: Dairy 2 955000 Meat~Fish 4 242 000 Grain Products, Fruit ~ Vegetables 6 46700 Technology Transfer 4 52350

1996 OLYMPIC GAMES BID - ARTS

(Question No. 534) Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) asked the Minister for the Arts: In respect of each department, authority or agency within his administration, whether he will advise details of each contribution made to the Melbourne 1996 Olympic bid, indicating, in each case, the amount contributed or, in the event of a non~ contribution, the cash equivalent?

Mr KENNAN (Minister for the Arts) - The answer is: The honourable member's attention is directed to the Ministerial statement regarding this matter made to this House by the Minister for Sport and Recreation on 20 March 1991.

CONSULTANTS - TOURISM

(Question No. 541) Mr COOPER (Mornington) asked the Minister for Tourism: In respect of each department, agency and authority within his administration, what are the names of each consultant employed since October 1988, indicating, in each case (a) the purpose for which they were employed; (b) what working plans were given; (c) the cost of their services; (d) the duration of their contract; and (e) any additional payments made in excess of the contract price?

Mr CRABB (Minister for Tourism) - The answer is: QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 773

The information requested is not available in the format sought. Following, however, is a summary of consultants used by the Victorian Tourism Commission and the Alpine Resorts Commission in the financial years 1988-89 and 1989-90. The provision of further information requested would require a manual search of a large number of files and the time and resources to undertake this search cannot be justified.

VICTORIAN TOURISM COMMISSION - CONSULTANTS EMPLOYED

Consultant Project / Pu rpose Cost ($)

Pannell, Kerr and Foster Audit of seven regional companies 24500 National Institute of Assessment of tourism/economic 17068 Economic & Industry value of 1989 Australian Motor Research (NEIR) Cycle Grand Prix on Phillip Island. AGB McNair, Touche Ross To conduct market research into 65000 information needs in Melbourne. Ernst & Whinney Services Feasibility study on the develop- 30000 & David Weston & Assoc. ment of a new Melbourne Tourist Information Centre. Luscombe & Partners "Below The Line" - advertising 500 000 campaign. Luscombe & Partners "Winter 1989'" -advertising 975000 campaign Aviation & Tourism Aviation advice - ongoing 35030 Management Dalziel, Harper & Grey "The Lakes" - advertising 1 million campaign. Scali, McCabe & Sloves "The Murray" - advertising 900000 campaign. Scali, McCabe & Sloves and "Melbourne Now" - advertiSing 2.1m Grey Advertising campaign. Dalziel,Harper & Grey "Asia" - advertising campaign 1.3m Reark Research Melbourne "Melbourne Now" - pre-advertising 7550 testing in New Zealand. University of Queensland Statistical research on Japanese 1000 Tourism in Australia. Neil Pascoe & Assoc. Market research on interstate 18750 tourism. Neil Pascoe & Assoc. Market research on general 15300 tourist holidays John Brace - Tourism Analysis of trends and research 6330 Marketing Management data for domestic marketing plan. AGB McNair-Adventure Domestic tourism monitor. 9000 trekking seminar Bureau of Tourism Research International Visihlrs Survey 9000 supplementary 1989. D. Faggeter & Associates Landscape advice of Lake Condah 2000 P/L Mission and environs. Kelvin King Public Public relations activities in 12566 Relations - New Zealand New Zealand. P. A. Consulting Group To search for appropriate 1399 South East Asia personnel for S.E. Asian office. Angela Lewis Consulting Word processing training. 10 140 Peritech Pty Lld Computer database training. 1480 Gloria Pringer & Assoc. To provide VTC representation in 1700 Canada. per month Consultel Australia Facilities management consultancy. 420 Friendly Systems P/L To provide statistical research 9200 Ken Daley Service Customer service training. 4000 Management Australia Speedideas Workshop coordination and 1000 organisation. ]. K. S. Consulting Supervision management. 4800 Moorabbin T AFE Assertiveness workshop 1590 Moorabbin T AFE Ministerial report writing. 5250 QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

774 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 10 September 1991

Geoff McComas Speech Presentation skills training for 1590 Dynamics management. Marian Fox ~ Associates Management development. 1750 Anne Stanfield Career I Life planning for women 1200 Ecosign Mountain Recreation Computer terrain analysis of ski 42825 Planners slopes and associated facilities at Mt Baw Baw and prepare develop­ mentplans. Pannell Kerr Foster Market research and analysis of 47550 non-winter usage of alpine resorts. Sno-Engineering Inc. Additional expenditure on Stage I 289253 of the Mt Hotham and Falls Creek development plans. Gutteridge Haskins ~ Davey To extend on Stage 11 - detailed 53400 engineering design and supervision of works for ongoing upgrade of the water supply systems at Mt Buller. Gutteridge Haskins ~ Davey To extend for Stage II of 73000 detailed engineering design and supervision for works for the upgrade of the existing sewerage treatment plant at Mt Hotham. Gutteridge Haskins ~ Davey To design and supervise 43850 installation of the upgrading of Mt Hotham sewerage treatment plan to ensure compliance with EPA regulations. Deloitte Haskins ~ Sells To extend to provide continuing 85000 support to ARC in implementing its strategic information systems plan. Deloitte Consultancy Group Extension of above project. 15000 Tract Consultants Australia Preparation of sign codes 30000 Pty Ltd for all resorts. P. A. Consultants ~ Yann To extend to undertake Stage 11 100000 Campbell Hoare Wheeler of a study on potential uses of the Vie. Alpine Resorts in all seasons by developing individual marketing plans for each resort. Don Gibb ~ Associates Market research on non-winter 24000 (ex Pannell Kerr Foster) usage of alpine resorts. BMA Consulting Management training. 6800 Peat Marwick Management Training for service providers 6500 Consultants Chipperfield Cocks ~ Falls Creek Roadworks 9000 Associates Phi! Taylor ~ Partners Mt Buller Summit Road 2500 Mafscon Pty Ltd Mt Hotham Gas Works 9070 Gutteridge, Haskins &: Davey Snowmaking at Mt Buller 2500

CONSULTANTS -AGRICULTURE

(Question No. 551) Mr COOPER (Mornington) asked the Minister for Agriculture: In respect of each department, agency and authority within his administration, what are the names of each consultant employed since October 1988, indicating, in each case - (a) the purpose for which they were employed; (b) what working plans were given; (c) the cost of their services; (d) the duration of their contract; and (e) any additional payments made in excess of the contract price?

Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - The answer is: QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday. 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 775

The details requested in relation to consultants appointed by this department are:

Consultant's name Purpose for Employment Costs Duration of Excess Contract Costs

Coopers & Lybrand Diagnostic study of financial $10000 5.4.89-9.5.89 Nil management & administration State Chemistry Laboratory Prof. Baklien & Review of DofA research $60000 30.6.89-1.1.90 Nil OrWatson activities O. McKinna et al Research consumer attitudes to $25150 24.10.89-1.12.89 $150 chemical resid ues in agricultural produce La Trobe University Conduct computer networkand $495 Decl988 Nil data communications workshop Marquand & Co. Provide advice re Farm Produce $1500 Dec 1988 Nil Commission Agents' Act Agrimark Pty Ltd Counselling service $4850 Dec 1988-Jan 1989 Nil implementation review findings AgChem Unit University of Melb. National soil conservation $23063 1.3.89-fan 1989 Nil program Mr Malcolm L. Vawser Conduct interstate milk $2500 July 1989 Nil negotiations Australian Organisation Implement total quality $9900 1.5.89-1.8.89 Nil for Quality Control management Reark Research Research consumer attitudes $4000 1.2.90-28.2.90 Nil Aust.-Calif. oranges Nationwide Research Research consumer behaviour $5998 1.2.90-28.2.90 Nil Services on orange purchase Nationwide Research Market research into new cuts $3900 19.1.89-14.4.89 Nil Services of lamb Agrimark Pty Ltd Research producer perceptions $8600 19.4.89-31.5.89 Nil of organic agriculture Mr K. Tolhurst Conduct marketing workshop $1500 Dec 1988 Nil (keynote speaker) Develop Mildura Inc. Preparation of inception report $7060 1.6.89-23.12.89 $1225 management plan Sunraysia Mr A. Heslop Kerang Lakes Enterprise $4948 29.3.tII-30.5.89 $950 gross margins Ms Margaret Feeney Conduct ORA workshop $1750 Dec 1988 Nil McGowan Internat. Salinity management plan $23695 17.2.89-9.6.89 Nil for Goulburn-Broken region Acil Pty Ltd Tragowel Plains salinity plan $2500 March 1989 Nil Reark Research Research marketing opportunities $7350 7.9.89-10.4.90 Nil for selected horticultural products and grain legumes in the non-household market Or G. Germing Assist in development of $9594 26.10.89-24.11.89 Nil horticultural engineering practices Ms Monica Slattery Debriefing of staff after $200 May 1989 Nil sexual harassment complaint Centre for Internat. Development of value-added $98730 Feb 199O-Oct 1990 Nil Economics products Rendell McGuckian Economic component salinity $40220 May 199O-Oec 1990 Nil management plan Sunraysia Price Merrett Assoc. Drainage component salinity $19000 June 1990-Aug 1990 Nil management plan Sunraysia Or Jac Fitz-Enz Conduct human resource $600 Aug 1989 Nil management seminar Nelson Parkhill BOO Analysis service costs $14750 Sept-oct 1989 Nil RVL Bairnsdale Mr Eric Smith Participation in funding $1500 Oct 1989 Nil projects workshop QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

776 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 10 September 1991

NewsPoU Companion animal issues policy $9870 Sept 1989 Nil Mr Warren Peart Conduct effective speaking $2400 19.10.89-1.12.89 Nil workshop Ms Lorraine Jacob Develop team management project $500 Nov 1989 Nil Cruishank Management Chemical Standards Branch $9800 nee 1989-Jan 1990 Nil Services cost of recovery chem reg. Mr John Christiansen Advise plant standards export of $10000 April 1990 Nil table grapes to North America Organisational Facilitator training staff $12000 Feb 1990 Nil Dynamics Inc. development Enterprise Care Development of professional $4875 May 199O-June 1990 Nil liability training manual Coopers &t Lybrand Evaluate feasibility &t viability $80000 March 199O-Marchl991 Nil of Nat. Horticultural Centre Ms Susie White Conduct seminar Working with $1000 April 1990 Nil Women in Agriculture Mr Rod Polkinghome Relocation of head office $9900 Oct-Nov 1990 Nil MrG. Dawber Communications/ counselling $3030 March 1991 Nil skills workshop

SfA nITORY AUTHORITIFS

The details requested in relation to consultants appointed by authorities under my responSibility are as follows:

ANIMAL PREPARATION BOARD - Nil

AUSfRAUAN BARLEY BOARD (a joint board with South Australia)

John Clements Undertake review - Administrative $9800 One month Nil practices and structure of board

MURRAY VALLEY CITRUS MARKETING BOARD - Nil EGG INDUSTRY UCENSING COMMl1TEE

Read, Sturgess &t Assoc. Conduct economic research $10800 1.9.89-30.6.90 Nil of the egg ind ustry Read, Sturgess & Assoc. Provide economic and statistical $19800 12 months from Nil information on the egg Augl990 industry

EGG PRICFS REVIEW PANEL

Nielsen M'ting Research Conduct monthly interstate $6564 1.3.90-1.6.91 Nil retail egg price surveys

MELBOURNE WHOLFSALE FRUIT & VEGETABLE MARKET TRUSf

Ernst & Young Conduct evaluation of internal $7500 24.6.89-14.1.90 Nil accounting system QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday. 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 777

TOBACCO LEAF MARKETING BOARD

Adl Undertake production of a $17190 1988-90 Nil full cost of growing tobacco index 1988-89 and update for 1989-90 Deloitte Haskins &: Sells Financial evaluation of $6000 1989 Nil proposed tobacco selling venue

VICTORIAN ABA ITOIR MEAT INSPECTION AUTHORITY- Nil

VICTORIAN DAIRY INDUSTRY AUTHORITY

Ernst &: Young To provide advice on the $5290 One month Nil assessment and valuation of VOlA brands Paul Gibson Consulting To assess and advise means $5760 Two months $198 of improving the VOlA's relationship with milk producers Kajetan Design Group To redesign VOlA corporate logo $4332 One month Nil David McKinna To advise on the management $2000 Two weeks Nil of VOlA trademarks Erwann Pty Ltd To review the supply dept's $13500 6 months Nil operations &: procedures Price Waterhouse To provide advice on $1500 3 weeks Nil taxation matters Price Waterhouse To provide advice on $3600 1 month Nil taxation matters Price Waterhouse To provide advice on $3850 2 weeks Nil taxation matters Coopers &: Lybrand To provide advice on $1800 2 weeks Nil the appropriate accounting treatment for the quality assurance provision Coopers &: Lybrand To provide advice on $7000 1 month Nil the establishment role and specific functions of audit committee Coopers &: Lybrand To provide advice on $17500 6 months Nil alternative methods of collecting the proceeds of the sale of milk to milk processors Gwynne Scotford To design, prepare and conduct $4600 1 month $1003 and Associates a management development program for the quality assurance dept Gwynne Scotford To review progress of VOlA $4700 1 month $778 and Associates management development &: performance improvement program Gwynne Scotford To design, prepare &: conduct $7875 6 months $614 and Associates a workshop for the quality assurance dept Gwynne Scotford To advise on the reorganisation $6425 1 month Nil and Associates of structures for the finance functions of the VOlA Gwynne Scotford To design, prepare &: conduct $5175 1 month Nil and Associates a workshop for senior managers Gwynne Scotford To review awards covering staff $1013 2 weeks Nil and Associates employed by the VOlA &: advise on structural efficiency principles QUESTIONS ON NOTICE ns ASSEMBLY Tuesday, IQ September 1991

Gwynne Sc:otford To analyse senior management $2769 2 months Nil and Associates positions & develop an organisational structure Gwynne Sc:otford To design, prepare & conduct $11950 4 months $1183 and Associates a workshop for the marketing dept Gwynne Sc:otford To design, prepare & conduct $5300 2 months $1553 and Associates a career planning & team building workshop for the operations dept Gwynne Sc:otford To improve communication $4775 1 month $1378 and Associates and consultation in the • northern region Gwynne Sc:otford To develop multi-skiUed $9377 1 month Nil and Aa80ciates position descriptions for the marketing dept Gwynne Sc:otford To design and prepare a $4200 1 month $255 and Associates workshop for senior managers Hay Management Cons. To provide remuneration advice $2284 2 weeks Nil Hay Management Cons. To evaluate positions in the $367 2 weeks Nil VOlA Hay Management Cons. To provide remuneration advice $1925 1 month $87 Mr David McKinna Advise on marketing activities $11 000 Jan-Dec 1991 Nil Price Waterhouse Conduct study of market $34500 Jan-Feb 1991 Nil milk processing and distribution margins

VlcroRIAN DRIED FRUITS BOARD

Mr R. 8elcher Provide report on operations $622 Duration withheld Nil and performance of laboratory owing to commercial confidentiality

VlcroRIAN EGG MARKETING BOARD

Australian Establishment of staff $5000 Dec 1989 Nil Productivity Council appraisal scheme Australian Progress payment staff $5000 lan 1990 Nil Productivity Council appraisal scheme Australian Progress payment staff $5000 Feb 1990 Nil Productivity Council appraisal scheme Australian Final payment staff $3000 March 1990 Nil Productivity Council appraisal scheme Peat MarwicJt Professional services in $28840 March 1990 Nil Management Consultants relation to cost reporting/ accounting dept review Petterson Bymes P /L Egg decorating, media release $900 March 1990 Nil Petterson Bymes P /L Leafietproduction,TV $2000 April 1990 Nil commercial production Peat Marwick Progress billing in relation $15000 May 1990 Nil Management Consultants to the implementation of cost reporting Petterson Bymes P/L Free range consultants, $3250 May 1990 Nil newsletter preparation Yann, Campbell, Conduct market survey $25000 Sept 1990 Nil Hoare & Wheeler of egg consumption

TOMATO PROCFSSING NEGOTIATlNG COMMITTEE - Nil QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 779

VETERINARY BOARD OF VICTORIA - Nil

VICTORIAN BROILER INDUSTRY NEGOTIATING COMMmEE- Nil

WESTERN METROPOLITAN MARKET TRUST-Nil

WINE GRAPE PROCESSING INDUSTRY NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE - Nil

Note 1: The definition of a consultant used in the preparation of this answer is that given by the Effectiveness Review Committee. Note 2: In response to part (b) of the question (i.e. What working plans were provided?) the answer in all cases is that working plans and consultancy monitoring mechanisms appropriate to the consultancies were in place. Note 3: The period covered by this answer is from October 1988 to March 1991.

CONSULTANTS - COMMUNITY SERVICES

(Question No. 554) Mr COOPER (MornLrlgton) asked the Minister for Community Services: In respect of each department, agency and authority within her administration, what are the names of each consultant employed since October 1988, indicating, in each case - (a) the purpose for which they were employed; (b) what working plans were given; (c) the cost of their services; (d) the duration of their contract; and (e) any additional payments made in excess of the contract price?

Mrs SETCHES (Minister for Community Services) - The answer is: 1. The information requested on consultancies follows. 2. All of the consultancies in question had detailed written briefs governing the conduct of the consultancy. Regular reporting to the department's project manager and ongoing briefing of the consultants is standard practice. 3. No additional payments were made to consultants in excess of the contract price.

COMMUNITY SERVICES VICfORIA CONSULTANCIES 1988-89 to 1990-91

CONSULTANCY PURPOSE DURATION COMMlUmJSTYEAR ERCNo.

Evaluation Strategy of Victorian To design and cost a strategy for 2 months $10000 completed 88.a9 N/A Linkages project effective evaluation of the -Aged Care Research Group Victorian Linkages project -Lincoln Gerontology Centre -Latrobe University Supported Accommodation Assistance To examine aspects of the health 2 months $8020 completed 88-89 N/A -Redwood and Associates care project including service delivery, auspice and management arrangements, in context of the role of other SAAP initiatives and other program areas to determine appropriate future arrangements for the continuation of health care to homeless people Management reporting system To design and coordinate the $9000 completed 88-89 N/A (Stage 1)-Duesburys Services Pty Ltd enhancement of departmental management reporting systems. Computerisation of CSV's two To assist with the introduction $9500 completed 88-89 N/A main registries of a computerised records -Victorian and Local Government management package to CSV's two Records main registries. Management Consultants To advise the Minister on: 7 months $35000 completed 88-89 C88/112 Adoption Information services -{he effectiveness of the measures -Episkopos Consultancy approved by government for the QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

780 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 10 September 1991

redevelopment of the AIS and whether modifications are required. -the effectiveness of arrangements for the elimination of the waiting list for adoption information by June 1990. --ways in which a positive public image and understanding of the AIS program can be developed. Verification of I.T. strategy to: 2 months $25()()() completed AA-89 CBB/I86 plan : review work undertaken by the Arthur Andersen &: Co. departmental ITSP project team : advise on any further development work : to assist in ensuring the successful implementation of the plan Specific communication strategy To assist in the creation and 6 months $30 240 completed 88-89 C88/243 (Stage 1) execution of long-term -McNiece Media Services communication strategies relating to major developments in Child Protection Services, Intellectual Disability Services and Adoption Information Services. To liaise with the Minister and senior management to identify procedures to improve information flows. External evaluation of To assess the overall impact and cost 7 months $50000 completed 88-89 CBB/253 specialist child and family services effectiveness of the Specialist Child -Nicholas Oarke and Family Services Program on the provision of services to families and children with additional needs. To report on the above to the chairperson of the program's Statewide standing committee, the Hon. Maureen Lyster, MLC. HACC Evaluation Framework To develop: $50000 ongoing 88-89 C88/262 -Underwood Management Group : principles for the evaluation of HACC program components : broad criteria for overall program evaluation : a framework for measuring costs of the program : criteria for measuring the improvements in the assessment for and packaging of services to the individual : criteria for measuring service outcomes and the level of satisfaction with service perception of the degree of independence of users : criteria for assessment of what might be "appropriate" admission to residential care and the degree to which HACC program prevents inappropriate admissions, contract signed Oct. 1989. Independent review of alternate In association with non-government 8 months $23616 completed 88-89 CBB/070 accommodation and care program and local government a review of: Inner Urban : existing substitute care service ~antwelJ and Assoc. provision within Inner East Region. : to develop a comprehensive plan of substitute care service requirements within the region Injury prevention strategies To assist in the development of injury 5 months $42500 completed 88-89 CBB/135 for the prevention of injury prevention strategies in manual and in manual risk handling residential services for people with ~avid Capel and Assoc. intellectual disabilities QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 781

Financial management system To determine whether FMS will meet 5 weeks $18600 completed 88-89 C88/136 determination of strategic directions CSV's long-term financial systems -SMS Consultants requirements and determine development directions for the medium term State Plan development (stage 1) To advise the Minister for 6 months $16000 completed 88-89 C88/143 -Michael Arnold P IL Community Services on issues concerning the development of the first State Plan for the redevelopment of services for people with intellectual disabilities Develop project brief for: To assist in the preparation of a 3 weeks S9975 completed 89-00 N/A direct and consequential cost of brief for issue to consultanbl decisions in service delivery tendering for the Consequential -P.A. Consulting Group Cost of Decision Making in Service Delivery project Management reporting system (stage 2) To design and coordinate the 3 weeks SSSOO completed 89-90 N/A -Duesburys Services Pty Ltd enhancement of departmental management reporting systems Market Research for Maternal and This consultancy is part of a 2 weeks 54900 completed 89-90 N/A Child Health Publications review of CSV's publishing -Education Image program in the area of maternal and child health services (formerly infant welfare centres) Development of management To assist CSV's staff Development 3 weeks S600l completed 89-00 N/A reporting system on HRO functions Branch to: -Duesburys Services Pty Ltd Identify priority areas of staff development function where performance monitoring is required.

Design and introduce reports and reporting systems in these key areas including enhancement of the capabilities of Staff Development Branch to produce suitable management reports on a routine basis. Direct and consequential cost of To identify the direct and 6 months 582500 completed 89-00 ON/fHl decisions in service delivery consequential costs of decisions -Ernst and Young P IL in three selected service delivery areas: · Intellectual Disability Services · Child Protection Services · Youth Corrections Information Technology To produce a formal Information 1 month $67000 completed 89-90 ON/I28.1 Strategic Plan Technology Strategic Plan to govern 3 months $50000 completed 89-00 C88/128 ~ooper andLybrand EOP developments for the next 10 days $10000 completed -Arthur Andersen and Co. 3 to 4 years ~ooper and Lybrand (extension of scope)

HACC Linkages Consultancy To assess the effectiveness of case 14 months $168 459 ongoing 89-00 ON/186 -Lincoln Gerontology Ctr. approaches employed through eight -Latrobe University linkage pilot projects in identifying and meeting the needs of older people at risk of premature or inappropriate admission to residential care and prolonging their stay in the community State Plan development (stage 2) To advise the Minister for 6 months 516000 completed 89-90 ON/02O -Michael Arnold P IL Community Services on issues concerning the development of the first State Plan for the redevelopment of services for QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

782 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 10 September 1991

people with intel1ectua1 disabilities Specific communication To assist in the creation and 3 months $18272 completed 89-90 C89/105 strategies (stage 2) execution of long-tenn -McNiece Media services communication strategies relating to major developments in Child Protection Services, Intellectual Disability Services and Adoption Infonnation Services. To liaise with the Minister and senior management to identify procedures to improve information flows. State Plan development (stage 3) To advise the Minister for 4 months 54(xx) completed 89-90 C89/020.l -Michael Amold P /L Community Services on issues concerning the implementation of the State Plan for the development 01 Intellectual Disability Services and to chair the State Plan Advisory Committee representative of key interest groups. IT Technical Director (Core Project) To provide expert technical advice 24 months $190 (XX) ongoing 90-91 C90/021 -Building Computer Technology and management skills to assist Pty Ltd with the implementation of the Core System as described in the Infonnation Technology Strategic Plan Comprehensive Team Building To run a training program designed 1 week $81026 completed 90-91 C90/053 -Vector Management Systems to build senior executive team focused on setting and meeting corporate objectives. Mal\lgement of tendering process To manage and oversee the tendering 6 months $44 270 complete 90-91 C90/068 for the hardware and software for process for supplies of computer Core Systems haldware &: software applications -mrormation Supporty Management and other CSV systems PtyLtd Skill analysis of client service To provide advice on: 12 months $49500 ongoing 90-91 C90/l26 work force -identifying best practice for -TPFandC client service delivery and analysis of skills involved -

Tuesday. 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 783

RANGERS - RURAL WATER COMMISSION

(Question No. 588) Mr LIEBERMAN (Benambra) asked the Minister for Conservation and Environment: In respect of the Bonnie Doon, Mansfield and Big River areas around Lake Eildon: 1. How many rangers were employed by the Rural Water Commission in each area in each of the financial years from 1982-83 to 1989-90, inclusive, indicating the number of ranger positions that were unfilled? 2. What action the government has taken to increase/decrease the number of ranger positions and, in the event that positions are to be decreased or left unfilled, what duties are to be performed in each area by the remaining rangers and at what cost? 3. How many persons are estimated to have visited each area during each of the financial years 1982-83 to 1989-90, inclusive?

Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and Environment) - The answer is: 1. The Rural Water Commission employs one reservoir keeper in the Mansfield area. There are no ranger positions in the area which are unfilled. 2. The Rural Water Commission is currently conducting an investigation of its obligations and requirements in this area with a view to ensuring the efficient utilisation of all existing commission personnel in the area, including both Eildon and Nillahcootie-based officers. 3. The commission has no data on visitation to the Lake Eildon area.

JOURNALISTS - AGRICULTURE

(Question No. 620) Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) asked the Minister for Agriculture: What staff have journalists' qualifications and are employed either full or part time within - (a) the Ministry; (b) the department; or (c) any of its agencies, indicating in each case - (i) their names; (ii) when were they employed; (ill) the last media outlet they worked for; (iv) their rate of pay; and (v) whether or not they ever worked within the Government Media Unit?

Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - The answer is: I refer the honourable member to the response to question on notice No. 515 in the Legislative Council.

The answer referred to is as follows:

To obtain information relating to staff with journalists' qualifications would require a manual search of employment records of all employees. The resources to undertake such a search cannot be justified. If such a search were to be undertaken, a problem of definition of "journalists' qualifications" would arise. The following relates to positions in the department which have as a significant component of their duties journalists' tasks. Name (i) Commenced (ii) Last media outlet (iii) Rate of pay (iv) Worked for government media unit (v)

Note 1 10.10.90 Note 2 $43 136-$45 092 yes Note 1 21.1.91 Note 2 $43 136-$45 092 no Note 1 23.4.90 Note 2 $43 136-$45 092 no Note 1 5.6.89 Note 2 $38 397-$40 676 no Note 1 28.8.89 Note 2 $35 015-$36 578 no Note 1 23.12.74 Note 2 $41151 no Note 1 23.7.84 Note 2 $31~254 no

Note 1. To provide the name of officers, along with other information sought in the question, would breach personal confidentiality. For this reason names have been omitted from the response. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

784 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 10 September 1991

Note 2. To indicate former media outlets for which officers mayor may not have worked would breach personal confidentiality. For this reason such media outlets are not indicated.

JOURNALISTS - CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT

(Question No. 630) Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) asked the Minister for Conservation and Environment: What staff have journalists' qualifications and are employed either full or part time within - (a) the Ministry; (b) the department; or (c) any of its agencies, indicating in each case - (i) their names; (ii) when were they employed; (ill) the last media outlet they worked for; (iv) their rate of pay; and (v) whether or not they ever worked within the Government Media Unit?

Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and Environment) - The answer is: The time and resources required to provide the requested information cannot be justified.

CROWN LAND RENTALS

(Question No. 644) Mr DELZOPPO (Narracan) asked the Minister for Conservation and Environment: Has the government decided to increase the rents paid by sporting bodies and community groups occupying Crown land; if so, in respect of each such organisation in the City of Moe, the Rural City of Warragul, the Shire of Narracan and the Shire of Buln Buln; (a) what is the current rental being paid; (b) what is the proposed increase in rent; (c) whether there is an opportunity to appeal against any rent increase; and (d) whether the government consulted with each organisation before the decision to increase rents was made?

Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and Environment) - The answer is: The Department of Conservation and Environment has undertaken a review of its rental policy for the use of public land for community, recreational and sporting clubs. A discussion paper was distributed for public comment in May 1990. Submissions closed on 30 September 1990. I announced in November 1990 that the vast majority of clubs and organisations who are direct tenants of the deparbnent will pay a flat annual rent of $104. This rent will apply to clubs and organisations such as the scouts and guides and recreation and sporting clubs whose primary source of income is members' subscriptions and fund raising activities. Those organisations or clubs that generate revenue through cash sale of goods and services will have their rent assessed by a registered valuer on the "annual market rental" basis. This form of assessment takes into account the permitted use and the restrictions and encumbrances of the lease or licence. It is not a highest and best use valuation. In answer to the specific questions the following comments are made: (a) List of current licences and rentals Municipality Community Tenant Current Rental

Buln Buln Brighton Grammar School $104.00 Boy Scouts Association $104.00 Moe(City) Girl Guides Association $104.00 Narracan Moe Field & Game Association $104.00 Boy Scouts Association $104.00 Leongatha Secondary School $193.00 Warragul (Rural City) Nil

$104.00 is the minimum rent payable by community tenants. The Leongatha Secondary School camp's current rent is based on a percentage of site value. It has been $193.00 since 1987 and is due for review this year. (b) All tenancies are subject to periodic rent review. Rent for each tenancy is based on the nature of the tenancy and revenue sources. (c) All tenants will be advised of impending rent increases and will be given the opportunity to appeal through an established process. (d) A copy of the discussion paper was forwarded to each tenant for comment. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday. 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 785

RETIREMENT COUNSELLING SEMINARS - CORRECTIONS

(Question No. 658) Mr PERRIN (Bulleen) asked the Minister for Corrections: In regard to each department, agency and authority within the Minister's administration: 1. How many retirement counselling seminars have been government funded or sponsored in 1989-90, indicating­ (a) How many employees having reached 50 years of age have attended; (b) what person or organisation conducted the seminars, indicating the numbers that could be accommodated at each seminar; and (c) how many employees were eligible to apply to attend these seminars? 2. What action is being taken to provide retirement counselling to employees within the Minister's administration?

Mr SANDON (Minister for Corrections) - The answer is: 1. No government funded or sponsored retirement counselling seminars have been conducted for employees within the Office of Corrections during 1989-90. 2. Employees of the Office of Corrections are able to obtain leave to attend retirement seminars which are available generally in the community. Leave is also available for staff to attend interviews with representatives of the State Superannuation Board as part of the planning process for retirement.

RETIREMENT COUNSELLING SEMINARS - LABOUR

(Question No. 664) Mr PERRIN (Bulleen) asked the Minister for Labour: In regard to each department, agency and authority within the Minister's administration: 1. How many retirement counselling seminars have been government funded or sponsored in 1989-90, indicating­ (a) how many employees having reached 50 years of age have attended; (b) what person or organisation conducted the seminars, indicating the numbers that could be accommodated at each seminar; and (c) how many employees were eligible to apply to attend these seminars? 2. What action is being taken to provide retirement counselling to employees within the Minister's administration?

Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - The answer is: The department has not specifically funded or sponsored retirement counselling seminars in 1989-90. The department does however support employees in attending retirement counselling seminars and allows them to attend interviews to determine and explore superannuation provision with the relevant superannuation fund and the VPSA. We are unable to indicate the level of participation in such courses as corporate records are not kept.

RETIREMENT COUNSELLING SEMINARS - PROPERTY AND SERVICES

(Question No. 669) Mr PERRIN (Bulleen) asked the Minister for Property and Services: In regard to each department, agency and authority within the Minister's administration: 1. How many retirement counselling seminars have been government funded or sponsored in 1989-90, indicating­ (a) how many employees having reached 50 years of age have attended; (b) what person or organisation conducted the seminars, indicating the numbers that could be accommodated at each seminar; and (c) how many employees were eligible to apply to attend these seminars? 2. What action is being taken to provide retirement counselling to employees within the Minister's administration?

Mr BAKER (Minister for Property and Services) - The answer is: No government funded or sponsored retirement counselling seminars have been held during 1989-90, however 24 employees have attended free seminars run by the Victorian Public Service Association and the Australian Retired Persons Association. A total of 406 staff 50 years of age and over were eligible to attend these seminars. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

786 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 10 September 1991

The following action has been taken to provide retirement counselling to employees: Publicity about Early Planning for Retirement Association seminars. Eligible employees have been advised to seek information from the personnel branch if they are interested in attending seminars or counselling. Referral of staff to the State Superannuation Board or to the Australian Retired Persons Association. Provision of information sessions when there is a need. Staff addressed by field officers from the State Superannuation Board. Referral of staff to the Department of Social Security.

SPONSORSHIPS - DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR

(Question No. 684) Mc GUDE (Hawthorn) asked the Minister for Labour: In respect of each department, authority or agency under his administration, what funds have been given to sporting bodies, organisations or clubs in the form of sponsorship, indicating, in each case - (a) the name of the sporting group and the government agency; (b) the amount of sponsorship; (c) the period of sponsorship; (d) the basic terms upon which the sponsorship was given; (e) the activity being promoted by the sponsorship; (f) whether the sporting group is privately owned or has limited membership; and (g) whether the sponsorship funds directly benefit - (i) fewer than 20 active participants; (ii) more than 20 but fewer than 50 active participants; (ill) more than 50 but fewer than 100 active participants; and (iv) more than 100 active participants?

Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - The answer is: No sponsorship funds have been given to sporting bodies, sporting organisations or sporting clubs during the last financial year.

EMPLOYEE SERVICES - CORRECI10NS

(Question No. 7(0) Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) asked the Minister for Corrections: 1. Whether a canteen service operates within his Ministry or any of its agencies; if so, in respect of each canteen - (a) is the canteen subsidised and how much was the subsidy in 1989-90, indicating the percentage of all costs met by subsidy; (b) are all employees entitled to attend the canteen; (c) are non-departmental people able to gain access to the facility, and in the event that they are what is the condition of entry; (d) is the canteen operated by government staff or an outside contractor; (e) what other subsidised benefits are available to staff employed by the department or any of its agencies; and (f) is any special equipment available to employees either free, at cost or subsidised, and please give details? 2. Whether an employees' social club exists? 3. Whether an employees' credit cooperative exists? 4. Whether an employees' buying cooperative exists; if so, are other than departmental staff able to access the scheme?

Mr SANDON (Minister for Corrections) - The answer is: 1. A canteen service operates within the Office of Corrections at the locations outlined in the following table. (a) All the canteens are subsidised with fit-outs, and operating expenses, such as fuel, electricity, etc. All canteens are subsidised for staffing costs except for HMP Barwon, where the canteen is run by a contractor, and HMP Loddon, which is operated on a volunteer basis. The extent to which the canteens are subsidised cannot be calculated as these costs are not readily identifiable; (b) All employees are entitled to attend the canteen. (c) Non-departmental people on official business/training courses, or people contracted by the office to work within the prison/ staff training college can gain access to the canteen facilities, except at the Melbourne Remand Centre where access is limited to Office of Corrections personnel. (d) As per following table. (e) As per following table. (f) As per following table. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 787

2. Social clubs exist at various Office of Corrections locations (refer following table). The dubs are operated by staff members and. are not within the Minister's responsibility. 3. There is no employees' credit cooperative within the office other than the State Government Employees (SGE) Cooperative available to all government employees. The operation of this cooperative is not within the Minister's responsibility. 4. There is no employees' buying cooperative within the Office of Corrections.

OAACEOFCORRECTIONS Question 1

Location QSIA QSIB QSIC QStD QSIE QStF

Staff Training Col Yes Yes No GOY Nil No HMP Metropolitan Yes Yes No GOY Nil No Melbourne Remand Yes Yes No GOY Nil No HMP Dhurringile Yes Yes No GOY Nil No HMPWon Wron Yes Yes No Gov Nil No HMPFairlea Yes Yes No GOY Nil No HMP Ararat Yes Yes No GOY Nil No HMPBarwon Yes Yes No Cont Nil No HMPLoddon Yes Yes No Vol Nil No

Question 2

Social clubs exist in the following Office of Corrections locations: HMP Metropolitan HMPBendigo HMPFairlea HMPBarwon HMPLoddon Headquarters Melbourne Remand Centre HMPWonWron HMP Ararat HMPGeelong Staff Training College

EMPLOYEE SERVICES - DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR

(Question No. 704) Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) asked the Minister for Labour: 1. Whether a canteen service operates within his Ministry or any of its agencies; if so, in respect of each canteen - (a) is the canteen subsidised and how much was the subsidy in 1989-90, indicating the percentage of all costs met by subsidy; (b) are all employees entitled to attend the canteen; (c) are non-

788 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 10 September 1991

Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - The answer is: 1. A canteen service does not operate within this department or any of its agencies. 2. No formal Department of Labour social club exists, although informal groups of staff may join for social activities. These are run solely by the staff. However I understand an employees' social club exists within the Accident Compensation Commission and the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Board. 3. No employees' credit cooperative exists within the department or its agencies. 4. No employees' buying cooperative exists within the department or its agencies.

CROWN LAND RENTALS

(Question No. 751) Mr LIEBERMAN (Benambra) asked the Minister for Conservation and Environment: Has the government decided to increase the rents and other occupation costs paid by sporting bodies, municipalities and community groups occupying Crown land; if so, in respect of each such organisation in the Rural City of Wodonga, the Shire of Tallangatta, the Shire of Upper Murray, the Shire of Yackandandah, the United Shire of Beechworth, the Shire of Myrtleford and the Shire of Bright - (a) what was the rental being paid in the 1988-89 financial year; (b) what is the current rental being paid; (c) what is the proposed increase in rent and how it was determined; (d) whether there is an opportunity to appeal against any rent increase; and (e) whether the government consulted with each organisation before the decision to increase rents was made?

Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and Environment) - The answer is: The Department of Conservation and Environment has undertaken a review of its rental policy for the use of public land for community, recreational and sporting clubs. A discussion paper was distributed for public comment in May 1990. Submissions closed on 30 September 1990. I announced in November 1990 that the vast majority of clubs and organisations who are direct tenants of the department will pay a flat annual rent of $104. This rent will apply to clubs and organisations such as the scouts, guides and recreation and sporting clubs whose primary source of income is members subscriptions and fund raising activities. Those organisations or clubs that generate revenue through cash sale of goods and services will have their rent assessed by a registered valuer on the "annual market rental" basis. This form of assessment takes into account the permitted use, and the restrictions and encumbrances of the lease or licence. It is not a highest and best use valuation. In answer to the specific questions the following comments are made: (a) and (b) List of tenants and 1988-89 and current rentals Municipality Tenant Rent 1988-89 Current

Shire of Myrtleford Myrtleford Golf Club (Lease has expired. Consideration being given to either: (a) enter into new lease; or (b) include area into Recreation Reserve under Committee of Management) $10.00 $10.00 Shire of Tallangatta Tallangatta Valley Golf Club (Lease, rent fixed until expiry in 1996) $78.00 $78.00 Rural City of Wodonga Wodonga Bowling Club (New lease, rent based on valuation) $10.00 $2500 Shire of Yackandandah Yackandandah Bowling Club (New lease has been offered at minimum rent) $10.00 $104.00 United Shire of BeechworthNil Shire of Bright Nil Shire of Upper Murray Nil (C) All tenancies are subject to periodic rent review. Rent for each tenancy is based on the nature of the tenancy and revenue sources. (d) All tenants will be advised of impending rent increases and will be given the opportunity to appeal through an established process. (e) A copy of the discussion paper was forwarded to each tenant for comment.

STATE SUPPLY SERVICE

(Question No. 759) Mr DELZOPPO (Narracan) asked the Minister for Finance: QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 789

In respect of the operations of the State Supply Service for each of the years 1988-89 and 1989-90: 1. How much was spent on the purchase of goods for supply to various government departments including educational institutions? 2. What the running costs were for - (a) wages; (b) transportation; (c) rent; and (d) the cost of holding stock? 3. What the revenue was from sales to government departments and educational institutions? 4. Whether the selling price for the goods was intended to recover the full cost of providing the service; if so, what mechanism was used to determine the selling price of goods to ensure every cost incurred by the service was included? 5. What the value was of stock wastage, expressed as an amount and as a percentage of annual turnover? 6. What the value was of stock as at 30 June?

Mr A. J. SHEEHAN (Minister for Finance) - The answer is: 1988-89 1989-90 1. All purchases (i) (see notes below) (a) Payments for purchases for State Supply Services Sales 6815429 15861891 (b) Payments for purchases for other agencies 16585000 2. Running Costs (a) Wages (ii) 1473653 2277101 (b) Transportation (iii) 452082 733830 (c) Rent (iv)- (d) Cost of Holding (v) 3. Sales Receipts 7369914 19005418 4. Cost Recovery (vi) No No 5. Stock Wastage 1895 8239 (surplus) 0.071 % (deficit) 0.32% 6. Value of Stock 2629420 2542276 Preamble The question asked concerns the operations of the State Supply Service and relates to 1988-89 and 1989-90. It should be noted that in a number of respects, the State Supply Service now operates quite differently than it did at that time. In 1988-89 the State Supply Service was a procurement-oriented organisation, funded by government with a number of services being provided at no charge or without regard to cost recovery. It is now a commercially-oriented trading enterprise with margins established to recover operating costs. Any activities which cannot meet this criterion are being identified and are either being discontinued or, if a priority of government, funded directly outside the commercial process. Background to State Supply Service The State Supply Service is an amalgamation of various central supply services which are currently being rationalised. It now operates as a division of the Ministry of Finance. The State Supply Service was originally established in August 1988 when the furniture supply business of the former Public Works Department was transferred to the then Department of Property and Services under machinery of government changes. In April 1989 the stationery business of the Victorian Government Printing Office was transferred to the State Supply Service. In July 1990 the Statewide Supply Centre of the Ministry of Education was transferred to the State Supply Service. This consolidation enables the State Supply Service to maximise the government's buying power through bulk purchasing, providing lower prices to clients. For client agencies this means dealing with one supplier instead of three different organisations, resulting in lower costs, better deliveries and reduced administrative effort. Since January 1990 the State Supply Service has commenced a move towards full cost recovery. Full cost recovery is defined in terms of Treasury guidelines. As a first step to effect the move to full cost recovery, the State Supply Service has increased the margin on cost of goods sold to fully recoup operating expenses. The next step is to recoup indirect costs not directly charged to State supply, such as rent and return on funds employed. Commercialised operation and full cost recovery are considered essential to efficient resource allocation. Notes: (i) Purchases and Sales Purchases and sales in 1989-90 includes non-inventory items procured and sold to client agencies funded by minor works and major projects. In previous years these transactions were administered by the then Ministry of Housing and Construction (formerly Public Works Department). (ii) Wages QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

790 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 10 September 199 I

The amount for 1988-89 is not a full year figure as the State Supply Service commenced operations in August 1988. Transport related wages are shown under Transportation - see note (iii). (ill) Transport The State Supply Service transport costs include the operating costs of running its fleet of trucks used principally for furniture deliveries and the direct cost of freight contracts awarded to operators in the private sector. In addition, certain products are delivered under a Ministry of Education/State Tender Board Freight Contract. (iv) Rent The State Supply Service does not pay rent for the premises it utilises as they are all government owned. The Valuer-General has estimated that the annual rental value of the premises utilised by the State Supply Service is $1.25 million. (v) Cost of Holding Stock The State Supply Service does not recognise any direct cost in holding stock, nor does it earn interest on funds held by Treasury. The cost of warehousing stock is included in the wages cost (see (ii) above) and rent (see (iv) above). The net cost of funds employed will be accounted for in the full cost recovery as mentioned above. (vi) Cost Recovery During the years 1988-89 and 1989-90 the State Supply Service did not have as an objective the recovery of the full cost of providing the service. Operational expenditure was fully funded by appropriation. It operated as a procurement arm of government rather than a sales operation. As stated above, this situation has now changed and the State Supply Service is well on the way to fully recovering its cost of operation.

EMPLOYMENT - DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR

(Question No. 813) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Minister for Labour: 1. Whether he will advise of any employment pOSitions that will be available within the Department of Labour in 1991 for - (a) schoolleavers with their VCE certificates; and (b) tertiary graduates? 2. Whether staff recruitments within the department have been increased or reduced, indicating by what amount in respect of the electoral province of Geelong and the electoral district of South Barwon? 3. What new employment initiatives by the department will locally benefit Geelong schoolleavers and tertiary graduates in 1991 and beyond?

Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - The answer is: 1. All recruitment occurring in the Department of Labour, as with other agencies, follows Public Service Board guidelines and is consistent with legislative requirements as prescribed in the Public Service Act and PS Regulations. While the department does not have recruitment campaigns specifically targeting people in these categories, such individuals can apply for positions externally advertised. It is general practice to advertise vacancies internally first with the exception of special entry level positions which can be advertised simultaneously. External advertisement occurs when agencies need to attract a field of suitably qualified candidates. It is not possible to predict the number of positions that will become available within the department in 1991. This will depend upon staff movements by way of promotions, transfers, resignation and retirements. Vacancies are also considered by the Workforce Management Unit in determining placements for surplus staff in other agencies and authorities. 2. There has been no significant increase or reduction in staff recruitment by the department in the region covering the electoral province of Geelong and the electoral district of South Barwon. The department will proceed to fill vacancies that have arisen by way of promotion, transfer, retirement or resignation following the process outlined in Part 1 of this response. There is no specific program initiative or activity that would result in increasing or decreasing recruitment activity in the area specified. 3. My department is continuously re-examining its youth market labour programs to better respond to local employment, education and training needs. In this respect, I can advise the honourable member that through the department's Youth Guarantee program several new initiatives are envisaged for Geelong and district, including: (i) a further pre-vocational course for young unemployed persons who wish to enhance their skills and thus have greater employment prospects; and (ii) a mail-out to all schoolleavers in Geelong and district advising them of their options for employment or further training and education. This mail-out will be accompanied by a "phone-in" campaign offering personal assistance to each schoolleaver. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 791

I should add these initiatives are over and above the current services offered by my department through the Youth Works Centre in Geelong. Currently, through this centre, 282 young unemployed people are being individually assisted in the areas of employment, education or training placement.

OFFICER'S OVERSEAS TRAVEL - MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

(Question No. 817) Mr PERTON (Doncaster) asked the Treasurer, for the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Development: In respect of a trip of K. Badenoch to Hong Kong and Germany between 8-12 March 1990 to "re-establish contacts in East Germany as part of developing the East Europe Program and to resolve a number of matters connected with the opening of the Hong Kong office": 1. What was the total sum expended? 2. What were the respective costs of airfares, accommodation, meals and entertainment expenses? 3. What are the names of the parties with whom K. Badenoch consulted? 4. What conclusions and recommendations, respectively, did K. Badenoch report to the deparbnent? 5. How many inquiries were generated as a result of the visit, indicating the names of the parties to each inquiry which has resulted in - (a) exchange of contracts; (b) identification of any (and what) increased export potential; (c) any joint venture to pursue export opportunities; and (d) any identifiable economic advantage for the State of Victoria? Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Development is: 1. $9262.64 2. Airfares $5480.00 Accommodation $1734.95 Meals $1029.94 Entertainment $2017.75 3. Names of parties contacted are in Table "A". 4. The trip was made to East Germany - Leipzig, Dresden and Berlin - and Hong Kong. A brief stopover was made in Frankfurt to discuss with Mc Paul Martin of Eurowatch the possibility of developing a study on potential commercial opportunities in a range of Eastern European countries. The visit to East Germany concentrated on the Leipzig Spring Fair and the finalisation of arrangements for a cooperation agreement between the Australian Chamber of Commerce and the East German Chamber of Foreign Trade. In Berlin the major activity concentrated on involvement in the Australian-GDR Joint Commission meeting. The purpose of the visit to Hong Kong was to finalise arrangements for the Hong Kong office, including leasing of premises and selection of the executive director. Additionally a range of media interviews about trade and investment prospects in Victoria was undertaken as well as mutual briefings with the Australian Consulate General, Austrade and the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. 5. Given the nature and purpose of the visit this question is not relevant.

Table A

EASf GERMANY

Professor Klaus Director Market Development Szangolies VEB Carl Zeiss Jena Wolfgang Forster Director Export, VEB Carl Zeiss Jena QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

792 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 10 September 1991

Nicholas J. Dunning Manager, Price Waterhouse GDR Berlin Monika Janke Austrade GDR, Berlin Erhard Schmeling Director General, Ministry of Foreign Trade GDR, Berlin DieterPeh Director, Ministry of Foreign Trade GDR, Berlin Torsten Klette Director General, Chamber of Foreign Trade GDR, Berlin Or Dieter Kloss Director, Chamber of Foreign Trade GDR, Berlin Gunter Gruttner Deputy Director General, Central Bureau for International Product Licence Trade of the GDR, Berlin LutzZanker Divisional Manager Central Bureau for International Product Licence Trade of the GDR, Berlin Friedrich Berger Deputy Director General VEB Gas Kombinat ''Fritz Selbrann", Schwarze Pumpe Frank Holata Deputy Chairman Economic Development Board Dresden/Sachsen, Dresden Erwin Grimmer Deputy Chairman of Trade, Economic Development Board Dresden/Sachsen, Dresden Gottfried Reim Director Techno Commerz Berlin Heinz Schernikau Deputy Director General Kohle & Energie Alfred Koppe Managing Director Ilka Gruppe Consulting Engineers

HONG KONG

Geoff Bentley Consul General Australian Consulate General DavidCombe Senior Trade Commissioner Peter Deacon Trade Commissioner Peter Amey Secretary General QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 793

Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong

BUILDING PROJECTS - COMMUNITY SERVICES

(Question No. 841) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Minister for Community Services: Whether she will provide a list of government building projects under her administration undertaken since 1982, giving details of - (a) the names of architects engaged for each project; (b) the names of building contractors engaged for each project; and (c) the cost of each project, specifying fees paid to the architects and builders in e~ch case?

Mrs SETCHES (Minister for Community Services) - The answer is: CSV has very limited direct exposure to contractors to arrange major capital works. The bulk of the department's major capital expenditure is arranged by external agencies such as the Department of Planning and Housing, Ministry of Finance, local government and the voluntary sector. During 1990-91 I accepted a delegation in accordance with section BAA of the Public Lands and Works Act 1964 to enter into agreements with contractors for the fit-out of buildings. The following are details of contracts arranged: Leongatha Office Fit-out Consultant Architects Keith WaIter & Associates Consultant Engineers Elms Consulting engineers Builder R. J. and A. A. Low Project Cost Construction $119945 Fees $19250 Total $139195 Seymour Office Fit-out Consultant Architects Keith WaIter & Associates Consultant Engineers F. N. Reale & Associates Builder McSwains Joinery and Building Co P IL Project Cost Construction $79 834 Fees $20000 Total $99 834

Note: This response includes: Only building projects for which CSV had project management responsibility. Projects managed by the Department of Planning and Housing, Ministry of Finance (former Department of Property and Services), local government and voluntary sector have been excluded. Only building projects involving actual construction. Only building projects in excess of $30 000.

BUILDING PROJECTS - CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT

(Question No. 853) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Minister for Conservation and Environment: Whether he will provide a list of government building projects under his administration undertaken since 1982, giving details of - (a) the names of architects engaged for each project; (b) the names of building contractors engaged for each project; and (c) the cost of each project, specifying fees paid to the architects and builders in each case?

Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and Environment) - The answer is: Provision of the requested information would require excessive time and resources and cannot be justified. If however Mr Dickinson requires information in respect of a specific project, I will endeavour to provide that information. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

794 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 10 September 1991

BUILDING PROJECTS - MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

(Question No. 856) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Treasurer, for the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Development Whether the Minister will provide a list of government building projects under his administration undertaken since 1982, giving details of - (a) the names of architects engaged for each project; (b) the names of building contractors engaged for each project; and (c) the cost of each project, specifying fees paid to the architects and builders in each case?

Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Development is:

OVERSEAS PROjECI'S CORPORATION OF VICTORIA The corporation has not undertaken any building projects since 1982.

ROYAL EXHIBmON TRUSTEES 1he Exhibition Tru$tees have had a number of building projects carried out particularly in relation to the Great Hall since 1982.

RENEWABLE ENERGY AUI'HORITY VICTORIA The Renewable Energy Authority Victoria and the former Victorian Solar Energy Council have not undertaken any government building projects since 1982.

COAL CORPORATION OF VICTORIA 1he corporation has not undertaken any building projects since its establishment on 1 January 1985.

DEPARTMENT OF MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT The department does not undertake government building projects.

GEEWNG REGIONAL COMMISSION

1. National Wool Centre, Geelong

(a) McGlasken and Everlist (b) B.M. and J. Builders (c) Project cost $8515650 Architects $244604 Builders $552680

2. Surf Plaza, Torquay - Stage 1

(a) D. Graeme Williams (b) BM. and J. Builders (c) Project cost $1044268 Architects $43833 Builders $115637 QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 79S

3. Surf Coast Plaza, Torquay -Stage 2

(a) G.E. Drinnan and Associates (b) B.M. and J. Builders (c) Project cost $3171526 Architects $105510 Builders $263152

LA TROBE REGIONAL COMMISSION See following list.

GAS AND FUEL CORPORATION OF VICTORIA See following list.

STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION See following list.

LATROBE REGIONAL COMMISSION

Rocklea Spinning Mills - Waterloo Road, Moe

Extensions/additions commissioned 15-9-86 Total project cost $1 010 598.54 Building Contractor P & M Minster Constructions Pty Ltd Architect Harvey Partners Pty Ltd Architect fees $2711 Fees No separate builders fees

Extension/additions completed 22-12-87 Total project cost $19661 Building contractor P & M Minster Constructions Pty Ltd Architect Nil Fees No separate builders fees

Extension/additions completed 21-12-90 Total project cost $132000 Building contractor P & M Minster Constructions Pty Ltd Architect Nil Fees No separate builders fees

Australian Char (Holdings) Ltd - 3 Swan Road, Morwell

Design and construct new factory facility completed 1-7-88 Total project cost $424340 Building contractor Becon Constructions Pty Ltd Architect Nil Fees No separate fees charged QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

.796 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 10 September 1991

GAS AND FUEL CORPORATION OF VICTORIA COMPLETED CML AND ARCHITECI1JRAL PROJECTS FROM JANUARY 1982 TO END OF DECEMBER 1990

Contract Title Date Contractor Amount No. Awarded Paid $

2026 Architectural Services for Redevelopment 11.06.82 Eggleston, MacDonald and Secomb 487604.36 of Highett Centre 2298 Construction of a Steel Portal Framed Brick 24.09.82 EMI Construction &: Conveyancing 104 458.00 Building at Bendigo Works Sys. P/L 2337 Construction of Geelong Centre 13.05.83 Milford Builders Pty Ltd 591709.19 2385 Construction of an Exhibition Building 11.07.83 Hutchinson Brunhuber Rozario Display P/L 39206.10 2448 Bentleigh Meter Shop - Stage 1 27.07.84 F.W. Darry Brown Harrison (Vic.) Pty Ltd 999272.30 2484 Architectural Consulting Services for 09.11.84 L.H. Vernon and Associates 189 365.80 Dallarat Centre 2486 Construction of BentJeigh Meter Shop - 23.11.84 Prentice Builders Pty Ltd 3423869.28 Stage 2 2488 Albury New Centre Building Renovations 26.09.84 A.R. and F.M. Clarke Pty Ltd 140038.30 2506 Thomastown Architectural Consulting 08.02.85 Henderson and Lodge Pty Ltd 576356.02 Services 2510 Architectural Consulting Services for 25.01.85 Hassell and Partners Pty Ltd 1139015.33 Refurbishment of 196 Flinders Street 2568 Construction of Thomastown District 20.05.86 Galvin Construction Group 7233891.63 Centre 2596 Refurbishment of 196 F1inders St, Melbourne L.U. Simon Builders Pty Ltd 11 694 000.00 2600 Construction of Dallarat Centre 08.08.86 Hooker Cockram Ltd 1673956.95 2617 Bentleigh Complex - Autogas Development 10.10.86 Robak Engineering and Construction P IL 367445.75 2662 Architectural Consulting Services for May 1987 Howden and Wardrop (Architects) 773 423.43 Ardeer District Centre 2674 Construction of Ardeer District Centre July 1987 Galvin Construction Group 10963223.98 2793 Interior Design Consulting Services for 29.09.87 Bruce Henderson Pty Ltd 483135.00 Tenancy Fit-out in proposed New Head Office

STATE ELECfRlCITY COMMISSION

Project Architect Architects Building Contractor Builders Fees Fees $ $

Belgrave Zone Substation SEC Nil Dura (Aust.) Construction 370000 control building Pty Ltd Rowville Terminal Station Gathercole Industries 500000 control building Cobram East Zone Substation L.H. Brown Constructions 160000 control building Tottenham Zone Substation Leighton Contractors 420000 control building Jeeralang Gas Turbine Donpra Pty Ltd 450000 Station control room Loy Yang A Switchyard Donpra Pty Ltd 400000 control building Geelong City Zone S. Murray 640000 Substation QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday. 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 797

Somerton Zone Substation Dura (Aust.) Construction 580000 control building Pty Ltd Shepparton Zone Substation SEC Nil L.H. Brown Construction 420000 control building Box Hill Zone Substation Van Driel Pty Ltd 820000 control building Hazelwood Tenninal Station Ross Baxter Pty Ltd 740000 maintenance building Tyabb Tenninal Station John Holland Co. 550000 control building Wodonga Tenninal Station L.H. Brown Construction 480000 control building Foster Zone Substation E.Brennan 480000 control building Altona Chemical Zone Van Driel Pty Ltd 850000 Substation control building Loy Yang communications Ross Baxter Pty Ltd 573000 building Rowville Control Centre Dura (Aust.) Construction 1320000 control building Pty Ltd Mulgrave Zone Substation J. Dodds and Co. 725 000 control building Mount Benambra radio building J. Dawson 145000 Wodonga showroom R. Zauner 380000 Heywood Tenninal Station Leighton Contractors 650000 control building Newmerella Zone Substation W.Jarvis 120000 Morwell Electrical Services Commercial Builders 1700000 Pty Ltd Forestry Depot, Mount Beauty­ Asbestoff Pty Ltd 69986 cladding Malvern Area Centre alterations Driscoll Bros 72 5(fJ Port Authority refurbishment Cemac Interiors Pty Ltd 118 &51 Beaconsfield District C.D. Mason Construction 1287885 Business Centre (DBC) Pty Ltd Architectural services for Henderson Loy Yang Maintenance Depot and Lodge 183 500 Yallourn Open Cut SEC Nil Donpra Pty Ltd 1614526 vulcanising complex siteworks Loy Yang fire station JJB Contractors 700000 Cheltenham Area Centre Dura (Aust.) Construction 649927 new office building Pty Ltd Loy Yang Maintenance Depot Commercial Builders 4346361 building and siteworks Pty Ltd Yallourn works area fire station Ross Baxter Pty Ltd 627080 Morwell Distribution Centre Commercial Builders 2847369 warehouse and offices Pty Ltd Loy Yang Civil Services Gathercole Industries 658455 Field Depot Ballarat Depot building 5.J. Weir Pty Ltd 2085850 Colac Transmission Workshop Hose and Cust 30241 office building Warmambool Depot Hooker Cockram Ltd 1264 340 new building Dandenong Transmission Workshop Dura (Aust.) Construction 2058 662 building and siteworks Pty Ltd Ballarat Region office Hooker Cockram Ltd 1614829 Belgrave DBC CD. Mason 2533444 building and siteworks Brooklyn Store re-roofing Metal Roof Pty Ltd 328 790 Mount Beauty Workshop re-roofing Metal Roof Pty Ltd 125420 Mildura Transmission Workshop 5.J. Weir Pty Ltd 410100 building extension Monash House lift refurbishment Johns Perry Ufts 57025 QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

798 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 10 September 1991

Architectural services Anderson and for the Seymour DBC Casisi 39750 Monash House alterations - SEC Nil Cemac Associated Ply Lld 58364 first floor MorwellOpen Cut office Cemac Constructions 353041 and amenities modular buildings Traralgon DBC alteratioN Ross Baxter Ply Lld 58276 Ballarat District Depot Ararat Homes Ply Lld 37460 alterations Morwell District Depot MBI Programmed Maintenances 78679 Ply Lld Traralgon DBC Becon Construction 246903 amenities building WangarattaDBC W. Parnall Construction 31967 office extension Pty Ltd Barwon Regional Office Rendine Construction Ply Lld 48204 showroom alterations Sale Depot Andersteel Construction 300975 new building Mount Buller shelter DJ at S.E. Wilson 34720 Swifts Creek Depot Jarvis "Norwood" 790SO ~uilding and siteworks Construction Ply Lld Casterton Depot Cody and Quinn Ply Lld 215711 building and siteworks Rosebud Depot Van Oriel Ply Lld 712000 building and siteworks SeymourDBC J.P. Cordukes Ply Ltd 1293487 building and siteworks Fishennens Bend TraNmission Metal Roof Ply Lld 485700 Workshop - replacement of roof sheeting and cladding Kyneton DBC extension F.J. at N. Conley 64030 Colac DBC alterations G.R. at S.A. Johnstone 43366 Sealake Depot new office and W.P.J. at R.A. Collier 46766 amenities building Chadstone Training Centre R. Charles Construction 293283 training facilities Shepparton Depot renovations W.J. Pride 40259 Morwell Services Area offices Ross Baxter Ply Lld 441657 Richmond substation and Barry Brown Harrison SO 075 switchroom Shepparton Depot R. at L Collins Ply Lld 149484 office and siteworks Loy Yang A workshop Commercial Builders 780000 and siteworks Pty Lld Yalloum Depot W. Parnall Construction 63528 Ply Lld Maffra Depot Kinvarra Construction 54557 extension Ply Ltd Mount Beauly houses (4) A.V. Jennings Homes 322 916 Brooklyn Storage Depot C.D. Mason Construction 436700 office and amenities building Ply Lld Morwell head office Prentice Builders 3183140 building and siteworks Rockey Valley Depot Southwell Construction 530673 depot and workshop Ply Ltd Newport Park and Track Urban 5529 Devon Garden 1708 SOl Initiatives Construction Pty Lld LomeDepot SEC Nil Rendine Construction 80000 Camberwell Area Centre A.D.C. Piercy 165000 alterations Latrobe Valley Regional Eggleston, 120000 Donpra Pty Lld 3000000 Laboratory MacDonald and Secomb QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday. 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 799

The following building projects and their estimated values were undertalcen by the SEC's Ovil Works Division in the same period:

Project Estimated Value $

Loy Yang Coal Production complex 1030000 Loy Yang Coal Production Depot alterations 260000 Yalloum Open Cut Auxiliary Plant Depot 400000 prefabricated buildings Yalloum Open Cut Fire Services building 100000 Yalloum Open Cut Overourden Crew building 50000 Yalloum Fire Station extension 210000 Yalloum W Power Station rigger lboilennaker complex 150000 Yalloum W Power Station Rialto Office complex 100000 Extension to Yalloum Open Cut Maintenance Depot 80000 Yalloum W Power Station Lubricating Attendants building 60000 Morwell Open Cut Vulcanisers Depot 210000 Hazelwood Power Station amenities block 100000

BUILDING PROJECTS - ARTS

(Question No. 857) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Minister for the Arts: Whether he will provide a list of government building projects under his administration undertalcen since 1982, giving details of - (a) the names of architects engaged for each project; (b) the names of building contractors engaged for each project; and (c) the cost of each project, specifying fees paid to the architects and builders in each case?

Mr KENNAN (Minister for the Arts) - The answer is: Two building projects have been undertaken and completed since 1982 by agencies in the arts portfolio. Details of these projects are listed below. This list does not include those works undertaken for the arts portfolio which were managed by the Department of Planning and Housing (or its predecessors) or the Major Projects Unit. Works such as office fit-outs, painting and decorating, renovations, repairs or refurbishment not involving major construction, and works for the installation of new equipment are not considered as "building projects" for the purposes of this answer. The projects are - 1. Roofing of the Murdoch Court and alterations to adjacent gallery spaces at the National Gallery of Victoria. This work was carried out by the Victorian Arts Centre Trust. Architects: P. Sanders Pty Ltd Fee paid: $159 431 Builder: McCorkell Constructions Pty Ltd Contract price: $2 095 926 2. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. This project involved a major refurbishment of the venue, including the installation of the ice skating rink. The project was carried out by the Victorian Arts Centre Trust. Architects: Melbourne City Council (for toilet block only) Fee paid $15 000 Builders: Minson Construction Co. Pty Ltd (for toilet block and backstage improvements only) Contract price: $590 295 The Arts Centre Trust's project team used direct subcontracting for the remainder of the work and no architects were involved. Value of this work was $1172 667. The Ministry for the Arts has also provided funding to a number of non-government agencies for major capital works projects. These include the Capital Theatre restoration project at Bendigo, Her Majesty's Theatre restoration for the Oty of Ballaarat, the Bendigo Chinese Museum and the Playbox Theatre's Malthouse project. The Ministry participates in but does not manage such projects. Details of funding provided is reported in the Ministry's annual reports. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

800 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 10 September 1991

BUILDING PROJECTS - A TIORNEY-GENERAL

(Question No. 858) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Attorney-General: Whether he will provide a list of government building projects under his administration undertaken since 1982, giving details of - (a) the names of architects engaged for each project; (b) the names of building contractors engaged for each project; and (c) the cost of each project, specifying fees paid to the architects and builders in each case?

Mr KENNAN (Attorney-General) - The answer is: All building projects for the Attomey-General's Department are managed by the Department of Planning and Housing. Accordingly, that agency is responsible for the engagement of architects and building contractors.

SPECIAL DAY OFF -ATIORNEY-GENERAL

(Question No. 882) Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) asked the Attorney-General: Whether any department, agency or authority within his administration gave a "special day off" on 31 December 1990 to any of its employees; if so, in respect of each organisation - (a) what was the additional cost of the "special day off"; (b) how many people benefited; and (c) what was the basis of granting the "special day off"?

Mr KENNAN (Attorney-General) - The answer is: As this matter is the responsibility of the Minister of Labour, I refer the honourable member to the answer provided by the Minister.

SPECIAL DAY OFF - SMALL BUSINESS

(Question No. 886) Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) asked the Minister for Small Business: Whether any department, agency or authority within his administration gave a "special day off" on 31 December 1990 to any of its employees; if so, in respect of each organisation - (a) what was the additional cost of the special day off; (b) how many people benefited; and (c) what was the basis of granting the special day off?

Mr HARROWFIELD (Minister for Small Business) - The answer is: (a) 11le Department of Small Business did not exist on 31 December 1990, as it is a newly formed department created on 17 January 1991. The Small Business Development Corporation, which was then part of the Department of Manufacturing and Industry Development did give its staff the "special day off" on Monday, 31 December 1991. There was no additional cost for the special day off. (b) Sixty people benefited from the special day off. (c) The basis for the special day off was a government decision that Monday, 31 December will be a special day off in the public sector.

CRIME IN BROADMEADOWS AND COBURG

(Question No. 915) Mr GAVIN (Coburg) asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services: In respect of the Broadmeadows and Coburg divisional areas, what number of crimes were reported in each during 1990, indicating the nature of the crimes? QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 801

Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and Emergency Services) - The answer is: Victoria Police

Reported Offence Division 1 Division 2 Broadmeadows Coburg

Burglary 5514 5438 Culpable Driving 3 1 Deception-Fraud 114 1596 Drug Offences 831 950 Homicide 4 11 M.V. Theft 3179 2655 Minor Assault 426 453 Prostitution Offences 1 5 Rape 21 30 Robbery 18 114 Sexual Assault 290 212 Serious Assault 161 221 Theft 531 5094 Other Offences 4620 3513 Total Reported Offences 21341 20419 These official police figures are released only on a fiscal year basis and hence figures on a calendar year basis may reflect some inaccuracies as they cannot be subjected to the same rigour in their extraction. Also, not all deception fraud figures can be traced back to their district of origin, so the figures provided for this category might be lower than expected.

CRIME IN SUNBURY

(Question No. 916) Mr GAVIN (Coburg) asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services: In respect of the Sunbury divisional area, what number of crimes were reported during each of the past three years, indicating the nature of the crimes?

Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and Emergency Services) - The answer is: Victoria Police Reported Offence 1988 1989 1990

Burglary 224 211 253 Deception-Fraud 51 22 29 Drug Offences 35 52 49 M.V. Theft 1 29 81 108 Minor Assault 24 31 31 Rape 2 3 4 Robbery 2 2 4 Sexual Assault 21 13 9 Serious Assault 15 23 11 Theft 310 301 384 Other Offences 281 321 418 Total Reported 885 145 894

These official police figures are released only on a fiscal year basis and hence figures on a calendar year basis may reflect some inaccuracies as they cannot be subjected to the same rigour in their extraction. Also, not all deception fraud figures can be traced back to their district of origin, so the figures provided for this category might be lower than expected. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

802 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 10 September 1991

MET TICKETING SURVEY

(Question No. 921) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Minister for Transport: What was the cost of the Your Opinion Counts on Met Tidceting survey, indicating - (a) to whom they were sent; and (b) the final analysis of the survey?

Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - The answer is: COST The purpose of the Met Tidceting Taskforce's Your Opinion Counts brochure was to provide easily accessible information to the public on tidceting options being considered by the taskforce and to allow those who wished an opportunity to comment directly. The total cost of the brochure survey was $65 115, incurred as follows: Brochure and related printing costs $23 630 Brochure translation (Greek, Italian, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese and Turkish) $ 2150 Brochure advertising (daily newspapers and ethnic press) $37720 P05tage $ 731 Miscellaneous $ 884 TOTAL $65115 DISTRIBUTION The brochures were distributed during January to railway stations, tram and bus depots, MetShops and retail outlets where Met tickets are sold. They were also sent to 1550 people on the task force's mailing list and 150 people who requested them by telephone. An advertising campaign was run concurrently directing people to the brochure. Advertisements were placed in daily newspapers, selected ethnic press and in trams, buses and at stations and retail outlets. FINAL ANALYSIS A total of 4031 brochures were returned by the closing date of 22 February 1991. Of these 578 contained requests for further information, which was sent in the form of a summary options paper and more detailed response form. Responses from the remaining 3453 completed brochures are summarised in tables 1 and 2:

Table 1 - Breakdown of Highest Preferences

HIGHEST PREFERENCE NUMBER %

Option 1 2095 60.6 Option2a 320 9.3 Option2b 57 1.7 Option2c 136 4.0 Option 3 309 8.9 Option 4 498 14.4 No Preferred Option 38 1.1 TOTAL ANALYSED 3453 100.0 Table 2 - Main Reasons Expressed for Highest Preferences

MAIN REASON "10 HIGHEST PREFERENCE OPTION 2a 2b 2c 3 4

Safety and security 59.0 21.2 19.2 19.8 26.9 6.8 C05t/ efficiency 4.1 9.1 15.8 19.8 25.6 46.0 Convenience/ accessibility 20.7 52.1 45.5 39.0 30.4 27.0 Customer service 7.4 6.3 5.3 8.1 7.1 1.4 Minimum change 0.1 2.2 1.8 3.7 0.3 No reason given 4.9 1.6 5.3 1.5 2.9 9.6 Other 3.8 7.5 7.0 8.1 6.8 9.2 TarAL. 100 100 100 100 100 100 QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday. 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 803

ETHNIC AFFAIRS COMMISSIONERS

(Question No. 930) Mr PERRIN (Bulleen) asked the Minister for Community Services, for the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs; 1. Whether the Minister will ascertain and inform the House if Commissioners Abalo, D'Ambrosio and Urn of the Ethnic Affairs Commission are members of the Australian tabor Party; and 2. Whether the Minister will ascertain and inform the House whether any other commissioners of the Ethnic Affairs Commission are members of the Australian tabor Party?

Mrs SETCHES (Minister for Community Services) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs is: . While all commissioners are required to lodge declarations of private interests, which may contain information concerning membership of political parties, such material is confidential. It should be further noted that Ms D' Ambrosio has resigned from the Ethnic Affairs Commission.

LICENSED DRIVERS - ETHNIC AFFAIRS

(Question No. 932) Mr PERRIN (Bulleen) asked the Minister for Community Services, for the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs: 1. Whether every officer from the Ethnic Affairs Commission who drives a government vehicle has a current driver's licence? 2. What action (if any) is taken to ensure that officers using government vehicles have a current drivers licence at all times?

Mrs SETCHES (Minister for Community Services) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs is: 1. Every driver in the Ministry of Ethnic, MWlicipal and CommWlity Affairs, which includes the Office of Ethnic Affairs, is requested to produce a current driver'S licence before a government vehicle is made available. 2. The details of this licence, including number and expiry date, are entered into a register of all Ministry drivers using government vehicles. This register is used to authorise requests for government vehicles.

STAFF - ETHNIC, MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

(Question No. 933) Mr PERRIN (Bulleen) asked the Minister for Community Services, for the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs: 1. What are the establishment positions of the Ministry of Ethnic, MWlicipal and CommWlity Affairs, indicating in respect of each position - (a) the present salary; and (b) any other remuneration payable? 2. Whether any officers are employed by the Ministry in non-establishment positions; if so, which officers, indicating in respect of each - (a) the salary; and (b) the commencement and expected finishing dates?

Mrs SETCHES (Minister for Community Services) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs is: The establishment positions of the Ministry of Ethnic, MWlicipal and CommWlity Affairs were 290, as at 22 August 1991. These represented a staff funding total of $9658 870 which included salary, special appropriations and other services votes. No officers are employed by the Ministry in non-establishment positions.. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

804 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 10 September 1991

SALARIES - ETHNIC AFFAIRS

(Question No. 935) Mr PERRIN (Bulleen) asked the Minister for Community Services, for the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs: What is the salary and other remuneration payable by the Ethnic Affairs Commission to the chairman, deputy chairman and general manager, respectively?

Mrs SETCHES (Minister for Community Services) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs is: Title Standard Salary Expenses Perfonnance (p.a.) of Office Premiums (Lump Allowance Sum) (p.a.)

Chainnan, Ethnic Affairs Commission $90990 $5619 Deputy Chainnan, Ethnic Affairs Commission $65243 $3284

Due to machinery of government changes in January 1991 the position of General Manager, Ethnic Affairs Commission, has now been replaced by that of Director, Office of Ethnic Affairs.

CRANE COLLAPSE

(Question No. 939) Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) asked the Minister for Labour: Further to the answer given on 9 Apri11991 to question No. 678 - 1. Whether he will confirm that printed forms provided for notifying the Chief Inspector of Lifts and Cranes of the intention for a person to ride a load contained a section headed "Approval to use Dogman to Ride Loads"; if so, (a) are these forms still in use; and (b) did the lCAL company complete any such form seeking authority to use dogmen to ride loads on about 3 September 1990, indicating when the application was made and for which day or days? 2. Whether he will advise if any person was riding a man box on any crane at the toy Yang B power station on 3 September 1990; if so, did the company comply with the dogman regulations and apply on the appropriate form for approval and, in the event that it did not apply, what action has been taken by the department?

Mr POPE (Minister for Labour) - The answer is: l.(a) The printed forms which contained a section headed "Approval to use Dogman to Ride Loads" are obsolete. The current forms have no such section. l.(b) ICAL submitted two ''Notice of Intention to use Dogman to Ride Loads" forms (in the current format) to the toy Yang office of the Department of Labour on 30 August 1990. Both notices were effective for one month from the proposed commencement date of 1 September 1990, which was stated on the notices. 2. A report from an lCAL engineer had suggested that on 3 September 1990 a dogman was riding in a man box suspended from the hook of the Favco 1500 crane erected on top of the toy Yang B boiler. Further investigations by a Department of Labour inspector indicated that no-one was riding in a man box at the toy Yang B power station on 3 September 1990. QUFSTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 805

SHEERIN CASE - RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES TRIBUNAL

(Question No. 942) Mr PERRIN (Bulleen) asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, for the Minister for Consumer Affairs: In respect of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal hearings in the case of Lavis v. Sheerin: 1. How many days did the tribunal sit in total on all matters? 2. What was the total cost of the hearings and subsequent court cases decided against the tribunal and Referee Holloway? 2. Whether the Minister is satisfied with the actions of Referee Holloway in this case? 4. Whether the Minister will agree to reimburse Mc Sheerin his costs?

Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and Emergency Services) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Consumer Affairs is:

1. The total sitting time has been estimated at approximately fifteen days. . 2. The total cost involved of the hearings and subsequent court cases has been estimated at approximately $16 600. 3. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the actions of Mc Holloway sitting as the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Legislation does not empower me to intervene in any matter which is or has been subject to a tribunal hearing. 4. My Ministry has paid to Mc Sheerin the sum of $11 000 costs which was agreed to between the respective parties following the order on costs made in the Supreme Court.

(Question No. 943) Mr PERRIN (Bulleen) asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, for the Minister for Consumer Affairs: In respect of the decision of Mr Justice Phillips in the Supreme Court on 28 August 1990 in the matter of Sheerin v. Hollaway and Lavis and Lavis, decided against Mc Holloway, Referee of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal: 1. How much were the costs awarded agairu;t the Residential Tenancies Tribunal? 2. How much of the costs were personally paid by Mc Holloway? 3. Whether the Minister supports the actions of Referee Holloway in this case? 4. What action will the Minister take to ensure that the actions of Referee Holloway do not incur large legal costs?

Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and Emergency Services) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Consumer Affairs is: 1. It was ordered by the court that Mr Holloway pay certain taxed costs as a referee of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. After negotiations with Mc Sheerin's solicitor, it was agreed that the sum of$U 000 would be paid in respect of both hearings (that is, 28 August and 3 December 1990). 2. As these costs were awarded against Mc HoUoway as a referee of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, the costs were not paid by him personally. Normal procedure in such circumstances is for awarded costs against the tribunal to be paid by the government. 3. Any comment by me in relation to the actions of any referee would be improper. Indeed it is not possible for me to interfere in any of Mc Holloway's activities as a referee of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. 4. The Residential Tenancies Tribunal is an independent adjudicative body which determines disputes on the evidence presented at hearing. Legislation does not empower me to intervene in any matter which is or has been the subject of a tribunal hearing.

(Question No. 944) Mr PERRIN (Bulleen) asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, for the Minister for Consumer Affairs:

1. What were the costs awarded against Mc HoUoway? 2. Whether the Minister supports the actions of Referee Holloway in the case? 3. Whether the Minister will remove Mc Holloway from involvement in the Residential Tenancies Tribunal? QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

806 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 10 September 1991

Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and Emergency Services) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Consumer Affairs is: 1. It was ordered by the court that Mr Holloway pay certain taxed costs as a referee of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. After negotiations with Mr Sheerin's solicitor, it was agreed that the sum of $11 000 would be paid in respect of both hearings (that is, 28 August and 3 December 1990). 2. Any comment by me in relation to the actions of any referee would be improper. Indeed it is not possible for me to interfere in any of Mr Holloway's activities as a referee of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. 3. Referees are appointed by the Governor in Council and can be removed only by the Governor in Council. It would therefore be neither proper nor possible for me to remove Mr Holloway from his involvement as a referee of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

TAXI DRIVER LICENCES

(Question No. 949) Mr PERTON (Doncaster) asked the Minister for Transport: 1. In considering the renewal of a licence to drive a taxi, what criteria/ guidelines does the Roads Corporation use and what factors are considered as grounds for refusing such renewal? 2. What criminal offence/traffic convictions have been disregarded in renewing any taxi licences in 1990-91? 3. Whether he will indicate the precise matters taken into account in the decision to refuse renewal of a taxi licence in the case of Raymond Hoser?

Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - The answer is: 1. Applications for a driver'S certificate (DC) to drive a taxi are considered by the Roads Corporation in accordance with the provisions of the Transport Act 1983 and regulations. An applicant's name is forwarded to the Victoria Police to check on any criminal or other convictions. A report on each applicant is submitted to VIC ROADS. About 3 per cent, or around 100 applications, are refused each year because of the applicant's conviction record. When a DC expires after three years, the holder is required to make a statement whether any convictions were incurred during that period. It is an offence to make a false statement. 2. Offences involving assault, dishonesty, driving or criminal convictions may prohibit a person from being granted a DC, but the decision as to an individual's suitability depends upon the seriousness of the offence and the severity of the court penalty. When there is doubt about the individual's suitability, VIC ROADS interviews the applicant to assist in making the decision. 3. Mr Phillip Hoser made an application in December 1990 for a driver's certificate to drive a taxicab. VIC ROADS refused the application pursuant to the Transport Act 1983 and regulations. The Ombudsman is currently investigating a complaint by Mr Hoser concerning the VIC ROADS decision. Arrangements were made for an independent arbitrator, Ms Fay Macles, the former Commissioner for Equal Opportunity, to make recommendations to VIC ROADS on Mr Hoser's application for a driver's certificate. Ms Marles's recommendations to VIC ROADS included that it issue a temporary driver's certificate to Mr Hoser, to be reviewed in six months time. VIC ROADS issued a temporary certificate to Mr Hoser on 21 August 1991. As the information sought by the honourable member relates to the personal affairs of the applicant, it is not considered appropriate to disclose the precise matters taken into account in the original decision by VIC ROADS to refuse the application and, more recently, the decision to issue a temporary driver's certificate as recommended by the arbitrator.

WOMEN'S SERVICES - SMALL BUSINESS

(Question No. 952) Mr HEFFERNAN (Ivanhoe) asked the Minister for Small Business: Whether he will advise what services or projects specifically targeted to women the department and the Small Business Development Corporation have developed and implemented in the calendar years 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990, respectively, indicating in respect of each year - (a) what grants have been given to each service or project; (b) the date on which each grant was made; (c) the name of the recipient of each grant; and (d) the purpose of the grant? Q~ONSONN~CE

Tuesday, 10 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 807

Mr HARROWFIELD (Minister for Small Business) - The answer is: In respect of the period. 1983-87, the Small Business Development Corporation (SBOC) did not provide services or projects specifically targeted to women. In 1988 the corporation developed and implemented the women's small business assistance program. Funding provided for the SBOC program was on the basis that it was to be a two-year pilot program. Funds provided were: 1988-89 $50000 1989-90 $100000 QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

808 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 11 September 1991

Wednesday, 11 September 1991

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

The follmDing answers to questions on notice were circulated -

BUILDING PROJECTS - LOCAL GOVERNMENT

(Question No. 851) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Minister for Labour, for the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs: Whether the Minister will provide a list of government building projects under her administration undertaken since 1982, giving details of - (a) the names of architects engaged for each project; (b) the names of building contractors engaged for each project; and (c) the cost of each project, specifying fees paid to the architects and builders in each case?

Mrs SETCHES (Minister for Community Services) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs is: The former Local Government Deparbnent and present Office of Local Government have not undertaken any building projects in the time since 1982.

BUDGET - ETHNIC, MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

(Question No. 934) Mr PERRIN (Bulleen) asked the Minister for Community Services, for the Minister for Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs: What is the budget allocated for the Ministry of Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs for the year ended 30 June 1991, indicating how much has been provided for each program?

Mrs SETCHES (Minister for Community Services) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Ethnic, MuniCipal and Community Affairs is: There was no specific budget allocation for the Ministry of Ethnic, Municipal and Community Affairs. Agencies that were brought together to establish the Ministry operated within existing budgets for the year to 30 June 1991. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Thursday, 12 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 809

Thursday, 12 September 1991

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

The following answers to questions on notice were circulated -

L. LECKIE CONSULTANCY -MANUFACTURINGAND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

(Question No. 979) Mr PERTON (Doncaster) asked the Minister for Finance, for the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Development: In respect of a consultancy conducted by Les Leckie and Associates for the department to assess means by which major clothing manufacturers can improve automation and quality: 1. What was the commencement date of the consultancy? 2. What was the original planned duration of the consultancy? 3. Whether the duration of the consultancy has been extended, if so - (a) for how long; (b) why; and (c) which officer of the department approved the extension? 4. Who are the individual consultants, indicating their qualifications? 5. What the hourly / daily fee is for each consultant? 6. Who has been interviewed by the consultants? 7. Whether the consultants have been paid any progress payments; if so - (a) what amounts; and (b) on what dates? 8. What were the original terms of the consultancy? 9. Whether there has been alteration to the terms of the consultancy; if so, what alterations? 10. Whether the consultants have made any interim or final finding or recommendations; if so, what finding or recommendations? 11. Whether the consultants have produced any interim or final reports; if so - (a) what reports; and (b) on what dates?

Mr A. J. SHEEHAN (Minister for Finance) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Development is: 1. Commencement date - 20 September 1990. 2. Duration of consultancy - 30 days. 3. The consultancy was not extended. 4. Les Leckie Senior Manager Management Consultant 5. Fee for consultancy - $316 per day 6. The following companies were visited: Salco Bact Berkley Apparel Bellview Hosiery Patches Esprit Gill-Knit Fabrics QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

810 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 12 September 1991

Adidas Dandy Leather Bunge Coogie Jones Workwear Clockwork Genevieve Travellers Apparel 7. Progress payments $1896 - 4 September 1990 $5372 -1 November 1990 $2212 - 6 December 1990 8. Terms of consultancy -30 days at $316 per day. 9. There were no alterations to terms. 10. There were no interim or final reports. &: However, as a result of this project, twelve of 11. the fifteen companies visited have since participated in Department of Manufacturing and Industry Development assistance programs that have improved their manufacturing efficiency. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Thursday, 19 September 1991 ASSEMBLY 811

Thursday, 19 September 1991

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

The following answers to questions on notice were circulated: REPORT OF LAY OBSERVER

(Question No. 957) Mr E. R. SMITH (Glen Waverley) asked the Attorney-General: In respect of reports by the Lay Observer, pursuant to the Legal Profession Practice Act 1958, when will the report for the period 1 January to 31 December 1989 be available, indicating the name of the Lay Observer?

Mr KENNAN (Attorney-General) - The answer is: The former Lay Observer, Or Ken McKenzie, was prevented through ill-health from compiling a report for 1989. Or McKenzie is now deceased. The current Lay Observer, Ms Jan King, has included in the 1990 annual report, which was tabled on 6 June 1991, an appendix which sets out the complaints dealt with by the Lay Observer in 1989. Mention of this fact is made in Ms King's introduction to the 1990 report.

M. K. READ CONSULTANCY - MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

(Question No. 961) Mr PERTON (Doncaster) asked the Minister for Finance, for the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Development: In respect of a consultancy conducted by M. K. Read for the department to advise and assist in the preparation of amendments to the Albury-Wodonga Area Agreement and related legislation: 1. What was the commencement date of the consultancy? 2. What was the original planned duration of the consultancy? 3. Whether the duration of the consultancy has been extended; if so - (a) for how long; (b) why; and (c) which officer of the department approved the extension? 4. What are the qualifications of the consultant? 5. What is the hourly / daily fee for the consultant? 6. Who has been interviewed by the consultant? 7. Whether the consultant has been paid any progress payments; if so - (a) what amounts; and (b) on what dates? 8. What were the original terms of the consultancy? 9. Whether there has been any alteration to the terms of the consultancy; if so, what alterations? 10. Whether the consultant has made any interim or final finding or recommendations; if so, what finding or recommendations have been made? 11. Whether the consultant has produced any interim or final reports; if so - (a) what reports; and (b) on what dates?

Mr A. J. SHEEHAN (Minister for Finance) - The answer supplied by the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Development is: 1. 1 May 1990 2. Nine months 3. As the agreement has not been finalised by the Federal government the need for advice remains current. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

812 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 19 September 1991

4. 'The consultant was Deputy Chairman of the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation and Chairman of the Albury-Wodonga Victoria Corporation for seventeen years prior to his retirement. He has an unparalleled knowledge of the Albury-Wodonga Growth Centre and the issues and opportunities facing it. 5. $50 per hour with a limit of $350 per day. 6. This consultancy does not provide for other people to be interviewed by the consultant. 7. Yes. Payments made as follows: 4 October 1990 $1628 1 August 1991 $1583 1 August 1991 $1807 8. To advise on the necessary amendments to the Albury-Wodonga Agreement Act 1973 and the amendments to the Albury Wodonga Area Development Agreement to incorporate the decisions of the Ministerial Council regarding the role, structure and function of the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation. 9. No 10. 'The consultant has submitted reports dated: &: 4 July 1991 11. 6 March 1991 25 February 1991 12 November 1990 1 August 1990 8 May 1990