Legislative Assembly 775 1 November 1995

WEDNESDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 1995 Reports of the Office of Local Government Commissioner—

Local Government Boundaries Review: Cloncurry/Mount Isa City, Mr SPEAKER (Hon. J. Fouras, Ashgrove) Waggamba Shire/Tara Shire read prayers and took the chair at 2.30 p.m. Copies of references, dated 24 October 1995, to the Local Government Commissioner in relation to the following PETITIONS areas— The Clerk announced the receipt of the City of and Shire of following petitions— Caboolture and Touting, Surfers Paradise Shire of Cooloola and Shire of From Mr Baumann (337 signatories) Noosa requesting that legislation be enacted to Shire of Maroochy and Shire of prohibit the proliferation of touting outside Noosa businesses in the heart of Surfers Paradise. (c) Minister for Transport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Trade Development (Mr Elder)— Imported Pork Department of Transport— From Mr Gibbs (204 signatories) Annual Report for 1994-95 requesting the introduction of labelling laws to (d) Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, increase public awareness of local and Minister for Industrial Relations and imported pork or alternatively the introduction Minister for the Arts (Mr Foley)— of a tariff making imported and locally Electoral Commission of Queensland— produced pig meat the same price. Annual Report for 1994-95 (e) Minister for Business, Industry and Police Resources, Dalby Regional Development (Mr Hayward)— From Mr Littleproud (1,044 signatories) Queensland Small Business Corporation— requesting that the House take immediate Annual Report for 1994-95 action to restore police staffing numbers at the (f) Minister for Lands (Mr McElligott)— Dalby Police Station. Department of Lands—Annual Report for 1994-95 (incorporating the Annual Report of the Rural Lands Protection Board for Port Hinchinbrook 1994-95). From Mr Robertson (602 signatories) praying that the will MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ensure that Port Hinchinbrook is developed as advised in the Valentine report i.e. 100 beds Overseas Visit or less. Hon. D. J. HAMILL (Ipswich—Minister Petitions received. for Education) (2.35 p.m.), by leave: In reporting today to the Parliament on my recent visit to PNG, I can advise the House that it was PAPERS undertaken against the backdrop of a significant amount of work completed by my The following papers were laid on the department in recent years in forging a healthy table— education relationship with our nearest (a) Treasurer (Mr De Lacy)— neighbour. Annual Reports for 1994-95— For Queensland, the education of PNG Government Superannuation Office students is an important part of our bilateral Queensland Government relationship, both in terms of its economic Superannuation Schemes significance and the role the personal relationships and loyalties developed at school (b) Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning, Minister for Rural can play in the future. The objectives of my Communities and Minister for Provision of visit were to consolidate Queensland's already Infrastructure for Aboriginal and Torres solid position as the premier overseas Strait Islander Communities destination for PNG secondary students; to (Mr Mackenroth)— further promote as an education 1 November 1995 776 Legislative Assembly partner for Papua New Guinea through members of Parliament is essential for a supporting the Austrade Education Training successful and mutually beneficial relationship Mission; and to augment ministerial and senior to continue to be developed. I recommend to official contacts with PNG education authorities members of both sides of this House the with a view to identifying further opportunities benefits of acquainting themselves with a visit for cooperation, including possible activities to Papua New Guinea should the opportunity funded under development cooperation arise. arrangements. I have pleasure in tabling this report and a With more than $288m in exports program of my visit to Papua New Guinea. annually from Queensland to Papua New Guinea, representing some 30 percent of the total trade between Australia and PNG, that MINISTERIAL STATEMENT country is now our second-largest market in Challinor Centre; Claims by Member Oceania after New Zealand. Indeed, in for Beaudesert subsequent discussions with Sir Julius Chan, the Prime Minister was able to indicate that his Hon. M. R. WOODGATE own education in Queensland was very (Kurwongbah—Minister for Family and important in establishing and furthering strong Community Services and Minister Assisting the personal friendships and ties between Premier on the Status of Women) (2.38 p.m.), Queensland and Papua New Guinea. From by leave: I wish to bring to the attention of the my perspective, it was also encouraging to House a matter that is of grave concern to me. note that his Government placed a high Yesterday, the member for Beaudesert made priority on the provision of educational services a number of incorrect statements to the House in the country. I will table details of my regarding the operations of the Challinor program, which included meetings with the Centre and the future of senior staff of my Prime Minister, the Minister for Education, department. Honourable Joseph Onguglo, and other The member for Beaudesert has clearly officials and provincial representatives. demonstrated—not on one but two A focal point of my visit was the activities occasions—his preference for fantasy over of the Australian Trade Commission's— fact. What he did in this House was not the act Austrade—education and training road show. of a responsible member trying to serve the The road show visited some five major centres interests of the community; it was the act of a in PNG over a one-week period and is a man trying to incite fear by using the most marvellous exposition of what Australia can vulnerable people in our society: people with offer to students in terms of the delivery of intellectual disabilities. As usual, the member's high-quality education and training services. I claims were total nonsense, but I will not suggest Queensland has the most to gain dismiss his allegations as not worth worrying from such a mobile endorsement of Australian about. Indeed, his accusations are very much education. Specifically, Queensland providers, worth worrying about. His claims are namely, the Queensland Department of dangerous, because they seek to incite fear in Education, Queensland University of the very people we should be assisting. He Technology, University of Southern seeks to twist the truth in the nastiest possible Queensland, James Cook University, Slade way for purely political ends. Worst of all, he School, St Theresa's College and TAFE seeks to use people with intellectual disabilities (Queensland) International each took as pawns in his own political game. advantage of the opportunity to provide an I turn to fantasy No. 1. The member for exhibit at the show. Each has a solid Beaudesert gave notice of a motion in this reputation in the market of delivering high- House yesterday morning claiming that quality education and training services. I Challinor Centre staff had locked out centre encourage other educational institutions to residents from an administration block follow their lead and become participants in because of concerns that residents of future road shows. The gamut of institutions Challinor Centre may spread disease within taking part this year will, I am sure, testify to the administration block. Let me provide the the value of such a promotion as this. facts. Within Challinor Centre there are two From my discussions with Ministers, administration blocks: one for each of the two provincial representatives and officials in PNG, areas of management within the centre. One new bilateral opportunities have become of the administration blocks is a secure evident. As with our relationship with our other building. The other block, which is called the international neighbours, we have agreed that clinic block, has not been a secure building in regular contact between Ministers, officials and the past. It should be emphasised that the Legislative Assembly 777 1 November 1995 clinic block is only an administration block; courage of his convictions to face me on the there are only offices, and it does not house floor of the Parliament, because he knows he any residents. The lack of security allowed any is wrong and that I can show he is wrong. person at any time during the day to walk into the building and access computers and files. Recently, the centre introduced a security trial. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE This is not a lockout of residents. Residents Workers Compensation Fund can visit the administration block at any Mr BORBIDGE (2.47 p.m.): I ask the reasonable time, but arrangements have to be Minister for Employment and Training: will she made first so they can enter through the new table the actuarial assessment to back her security. claim that the workers' compensation package The memo, which the member for announced today will return the scheme to a Beaudesert claims he tabled yesterday, fully-funded position in five years? supports his accusation of a lockout. We must Mrs EDMOND: I will be bringing a have been reading from different memos, package of measures into this House, because the memo tabled yesterday clearly including legislation that will show exactly what states the arrangements which are in place to we will be doing. allow staff and residents access to the building. Mr BORBIDGE: I rise to a point of order. My question related specifically to the The member for Beaudesert was not actuarial statement. content with one fantasy yesterday. He then went on to attack senior staff of my Mr SPEAKER: There is no point of department. He claimed that two senior staff order. I cannot direct Ministers as to how they were sacked over the weekend. Nothing could should answer questions. be further from the truth. The two staff to Mrs EDMOND: This is yet another whom the member referred—and I will do attempt by the Leader of the Opposition to try them the courtesy of not naming them, as the to make something of this issue without member chose to do—gave notice of their showing his absolute ignorance. The fact is resignations on 10 October, three weeks ago, that employers have told the Leader of the to take up employment opportunities in the Opposition what they think of his ignorance. private sector. They have not been sacked; They have told him how appalled they were by this is simply not true. the total lack of knowledge shown in relation to this matter by the Leader of the Opposition, The member also referred to other senior the shadow Treasurer and the Opposition staff who he claims have been targeted and spokesman on Employment and Training. The who, he said, would resign by the end of Leader of the Opposition made all sorts of silly yesterday. Nobody resigned yesterday. In fact, statements without talking to his constituency. one of the senior officers referred to and This week I will be bringing into this House the named by the member for Beaudesert is most legislative requirements to address this concerned that the member has used those problem. I will look then for the support of the senior staff in that way. The member for Leader of the Opposition. Beaudesert also claimed that my Director- General, Ms Jacki Byrne, was not selected on her merits. This also is simply not true. I have Workers Compensation Board already told this House that on both occasions Mr BORBIDGE: I refer the Treasurer to that the selection panel interviewed applicants, his support in this House on 7 September for the decision about the appointment of Ms the then alleged $109m surplus in the Byrne was unanimous. The member went on operations of the Workers Compensation to claim that the previous Minister, Anne Board for 1994-95 put to the Estimates Warner, had just restructured the department committee by the member for Yeronga. The two or three months ago. What utter rubbish! Treasurer stated, "Of course the fund is in The most recent restructuring within the surplus at the end of the year by $100m, or department occurred in the Office of Aboriginal whatever the figure is." Those were the and Torres Strait Islander Affairs last Treasurer's words, not mine. I draw the year—1994. Treasurer's attention to the $261m deficit on The member has not asked me a the underwriting function of the board question about institutional reform in this presented to the Parliament yesterday and to House. He chooses to deal with this matter the net loss of $173m, and I ask: why did he through the back door via notices of motion deliberately mislead this Parliament on 7 and media releases. He does not have the September? 1 November 1995 778 Legislative Assembly

Mr De LACY: That question Papaya Fruit Fly demonstrates the total inability of any member Mr LIVINGSTONE: I refer the Minister of the Opposition to read a set of accounts. I for Primary Industries to a call by the will explain what I said. On 7 September, I was Opposition for an all-party parliamentary endeavouring to explain the difference inquiry into the papaya fruit fly outbreak, and I between cash accounting and accrual ask: what purpose would such an inquiry accounting. serve? Mr Hayward: Don't bother. Mr FITZGERALD: I rise to a point of order. There is a debate before the House. Mr De LACY: The Minister says, "Don't bother." The Opposition will never understand. Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order. I know there is a debate before the At the end of the financial year, and when House, but there have been calls in the media we are preparing information for the Portfolio and Ministers are entitled to answer matters Program Statements, we can prepare them raised. I call the Minister. only on the basis of cash accounts and, on Mr FITZGERALD: Mr Speaker, a the basis of cash accounts, the fund was in motion before the House calls for the setting surplus by $109m. That means that the up a parliamentary committee. Speaking income for the year exceeded the expenditure about the fruit fly is all right, but the by $109m. Anybody with an ounce of wit could appointment of a parliamentary select read the accounts contained in the annual committee is a motion that is before the report released yesterday. House. Mr Borbidge: It was what you said. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I have made my Mr De LACY: And it was exactly right. ruling. There have been comments in the media by the Leader of the Opposition about I went on to say that it was in surplus on a the need to set up a parliamentary committee. cash accounting basis. Let me explain it There was a debate yesterday and I will not again, as it is a bit hard to get through to allow references to that debate. However, I some people. The income for the year cannot stop members talking about matters exceeded the expenditure by $109m. that may be associated with it. I now ask the However, when one works accounts on an Minister to respond to that question. accrual basis and takes account of provisions, Mr GIBBS: Last night I spent some time or when one brings to bear provisions for reading the motion moved yesterday by the future liabilities, it is a different ballgame. On 7 Opposition spokesperson for Primary September we all knew that. We were talking Industries. Quite frankly, apart from the about the unfunded liability. That was the topic abysmal performance—— of debate on the day. It was the Government Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister will which announced the unfunded liability, not resume his seat. The Minister will refrain from the Opposition. We said there was an mentioning yesterday's debate, otherwise he unfunded liability. The difference when the will resume his seat and I will call the next accounts are prepared on an accrual basis is question. that one has to bring to bear provisions for future liability. Mr GIBBS: The simple answer is that, basically, I believe that the motion moved The difference this year from the year yesterday in the House—— before was that those provisions increased by Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister will $280m. The reason for that increase was the resume his seat. claims made during the year. They cannot be included in the accounts until such time as the Actuary has done the actuarial assessment Compulsory Third-party Insurance and tells us what provisions need to be made. Mrs SHELDON: I refer the Treasurer to It is as simple as that. What I said on 7 a letter, which I now table, from the Motor September was dead right, and it still is. As I Trades Association of Queensland which said, one can read the annual report released states that, due to the Government's yesterday and look at the accounts; it says mismanagement and milking of the exactly the same thing. I cannot help compulsory third-party scheme, forecasts are Opposition members if they cannot read that the CTP premium on every Queensland accounts. Some people understand cash motorist will increase from $169 to $400 within accounting and accrual accounting; some the next two years, with the first increase people will never understand it. expected within months. I ask: will he now Legislative Assembly 779 1 November 1995 admit that he has presided over a John Cain- finished, a recommendation will come from the like mismanagement of the CTP scheme that Insurance Commissioner to me. will cost Queensland motorists $200 more Mrs Sheldon: And you will each year? guarantee—— Mr De LACY: I am not aware of the Mr De LACY: I certainly will not be letter from the Motor Trades Association. It guaranteeing anything to the member on the would seem to me a bit peculiar if that basis of her bidding. The Insurance association is first sending to the Leader of the Commissioner will make a recommendation Opposition letters addressed to me. That based on the claims experience. I have to say: probably says something about the allegations at the end of the day, the premiums must made in that supposed letter. reflect the claims experience. That is a fact. The Government regulates the There has been no increase for five years. The compulsory third-party scheme, but basically it common premium in Queensland is now is just an honest broker in the sense that it $169. It is $340 in New South Wales. does not run the scheme. To say that the Mrs Sheldon: What does that have to Government is milking the scheme is an do with it? absurd allegation. The fact is that the scheme is run by private insurance companies. The Mr De LACY: That shows how much Government regulates it in the sense that it the member knows. New South Wales has a sets the premiums each year—and the deregulated system. The New South Wales premiums are set each year on the basis of commissioner does not set the premium; the actuarial information. An actuarial assessment insurance companies themselves set the is carried out each year; and the Insurance premium in a competitive atmosphere, and Commissioner calls for submissions from the premium there is $340 a year. I do not interested parties, including the insurers. There know whether there will be an increase. I am is no doubt that the insurers make aware of the fact that spokespersons from submissions, both privately and publicly. The both FAI and Suncorp are saying that there fact that the chairman of Suncorp made some has been a fairly dramatic increase in their public statements about the need to increase claims. If there are more claims, if there are premiums is not at all unusual. In fact, more payouts and if we have a more litigious insurance companies do that every year—they society, the other side of that coin is that we have been doing it for the last five years. Let have to pay higher premiums. There is not a me make the point that, on the basis of great deal that I can do about that. As I said, actuarial advice, the premiums have not the Government's role in this regard is as an moved since 1990. There has not been an honest broker. I can tell honourable members increase in premiums for the last five years in this: our scheme is the best in Australia; it is Queensland. the best managed in Australia, and it will Mrs Sheldon: You wouldn't put them continue to be the best one for all the parties, up before July. in particular the motorists of Queensland. Mr De LACY: No. The Insurance Commissioner makes a recommendation to Widows' Pension, Public Sector me on the basis of actuarial advice on what Superannuation the premiums ought to be. The last full Mr T. B. SULLIVAN: In directing a actuarial assessment was completed in question to the Treasurer, I refer to claims January this year. On the basis of that, the made by the member for Caloundra on ABC recommendation from the Insurance TV on Friday, 27 October that the Government Commissioner for the premium for this was using superannuation funds set aside for financial year, as of 1 July, was that there be the pre-1984 retirees, that is, the so-called no increase. merry widow fund, and I ask: has the Mrs Sheldon: Is the chairman of Government been using this money, and can Suncorp wrong—and FAI—all these the Treasurer give a guarantee that none of chairmen? those funds will accrue to the Government? Mr De LACY: We will see, but we do Mr De LACY: I did note the not set premiums based on their bidding; we comments—and I do not know why—by the set premiums based on actuarial advice. member for Caloundra. They were the sort of Currently the new actuarial assessment cheap, uninformed comments that all process is going on—and also the bidding is members have become used to hearing in this ongoing I might say. Once that process is House. 1 November 1995 780 Legislative Assembly

Mrs SHELDON: I rise to a point of Mr W. K. Goss: Who set up the rules? order. Mr Speaker, could I have a transcript of Mr De LACY: That is a good question. my statement? I did not say that at all. The It was set up in 1984 by the then National Treasurer is lying again. Party Government. All of the terms, conditions Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point and benefits were spelled out and passed into of order. legislation by that Government in 1984. We Mr De LACY: I will go further than that: I have not changed it in any way, shape or will read that statement to the House. The form. The beneficiaries of the scheme before member for Caloundra, Mrs Sheldon, stated— that date had the option of taking a pension which could be commuted into a lump sum. "They're all old, they're all elderly, Some people took a pension, which has been they need the money now, the indexed to the CPI ever since. If they Government's just using their money predecease their spouses, those spouses get really it should be paid out to them." two-thirds—or whatever amount it is—of the Mrs Sheldon: You are. pension. Some people opted to take a lump Mr De LACY: Honourable members sum. By doing so, they knew that if they heard the member for Caloundra say it: the predeceased their spouses there would be a Government is using the money. That is the residual benefit left for their widows. They have sort of comment that is typical of a person who known that all along. To accuse this does not understand, who obviously does not Government—with the assistance of the want to understand and is probably incapable member for Caloundra—of doing something of understanding—— with the fund is quite wrong. However, I have said to those people that I am prepared to Mrs Sheldon: You tell those old reconsider this matter if they come back to people—— me. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Mrs Sheldon: You said that six months Caloundra! ago. Mr De LACY: The honourable member Mr De LACY: We did consider that last would do well to listen. year. Superannuation funds are not Government funds; they are funds that are No Government should ever play around held in trust and administered by trustees. with pre-existing benefits in a superannuation scheme. That is something about which Under the Federal Government's Governments have to be very careful, and that superannuation legislation, it would be highly has always been uppermost in our minds. I illegal for a Government to use those funds or understand that an appointment has been to do anything with them—as should be the made for next week to meet with case. The member's allegation that somehow representatives of those former retirees. the Queensland Government is using those funds is not only wrong but also insulting. That Mrs Sheldon interjected. is the sort of comment that the honourable Mr De LACY: The honourable member member for Caloundra has a reputation for for Caloundra might ask, "What's different making. now?" A couple of things are different now. Mrs Sheldon: Are you going to pay The important difference concerns the option them out? of the surrender value. Many people have Mr De LACY: I do not pay anybody out. expressed to me that they were given an indication that the surrender value would be A Government member: Pay out on equal to the ultimate value; of course, that her, though. cannot be the case. However, the ensuing Mr De LACY: I am trying to pay out. debate has convinced those people—and I Firstly, let me give members a guarantee think there is a much better understanding that every cent that has been contributed— about this in the community—that if they did whether by the employer or the employee—is opt for a surrender value it would be still in the fund and is available for use to meet substantially below the ultimate value. On the the objectives of the fund. That is the way it is basis of that, I am prepared to sit down and and the way it should be. The member for talk this through with them. Caloundra wants to jump on the bandwagon, Last year, before this matter was but she fails to understand that it is not our examined by Cabinet, a delegation told me, fund. We did not set it up. We have not "Don't touch the scheme." All I can say now is changed it in any way, shape or form. that I am prepared to talk to them again. We Legislative Assembly 781 1 November 1995 will talk it through, and Cabinet may well be claims that the speech was softening up the prepared to have a look at it. I understand the community on the privatisation of firefighting. I circumstances in which some of those people now ask: would the Minister explain whether find themselves. I assure you, Mr Speaker, the portrayal by the member for Western that this has nothing to do with any of the Downs of the director-general's speech is false statements made by the member for accurate? Caloundra on this issue. Mr DAVIES: It is obvious that the member for Western Downs has not read Dr Papaya Fruit Fly Keliher's speech. Mr PERRETT: I ask the Minister for Mr Littleproud interjected. Primary Industries: can he confirm reports from Mr DAVIES: The honourable member within his department that some DPI officers could have read the transcript. If he had, he were aware of the entry of the papaya fruit fly would realise that the good doctor was to far-north Queensland as early as February referring to fire prevention. Fire prevention of this year, and what action or resources, if education strategies are currently provided by any, were applied at that time to combat the firefighters. However, if firefighters do not threat? become more professional, they may come Mr GIBBS: That is pure speculation on under threat from private enterprise. That is the part of the honourable member. At no just stating the obvious. The member opposite time has it been drawn to my attention by should be very careful about the issue of anybody within any department that it was privatisation of the Fire Service. After all, it was believed that the fruit fly was present until it the National Party's Mr Martin Tenni who as was detected, which was approximately two Minister banned firefighters from doing safety weeks ago. I wish that the shadow Minister checks on fire extinguishers. The member for would take a more responsible approach to his Western Downs might inform the House, for duties in this Parliament, because he seems instance, whether Kaldeal Investments to take great delight in revelling in the received a sling for that policy backflip. It would misfortune of people who are suffering as a be nice to know whether it did! result of the fruit fly. I am intrigued by why the Opposition is so I will make the following offer to the obsessed with privatisation. Since we have Opposition spokesman, because he made been in Government, we have not taken one basically the very same statement in this place step to privatise anything. If members yesterday: if he or anybody else on the other opposite care to consider Victoria, they will side of the Chamber has contacts with people note that Premier Jeff Kennett has privatised, within the Department of Primary Industries partially at least, the ambulance service in that who are able to furnish me with proof of State. What does the member for Western knowledge of the presence of the fruit fly prior Downs say about that? We must remember to it being officially recognised, I will take the absolutely hopeless mess in which the remedial action to make sure—— former Government found itself in establishing Mr Perrett interjected. the North Queensland Emergency Response Group. That business was an absolute mess, Mr GIBBS: No, I will not do that. If that but it was the former Government's attempt at was happening within my department, I would privatising emergency services in Queensland. be very concerned about it. If the honourable Its effort failed absolutely. We all know that the member has evidence of it, he should give it precursor to that was the National Safety to me and I will follow it up. Council. That was another privatised emergency response group, this time covering Queensland Fire Service all of Australia. What did it do? It lost $200m to $300m in Tricontinental investment funds. Mr HOLLIS: In directing a question to the Minister for Emergency Services, I refer to The member for Western Downs referred an article in the Australian dated 30 October also to cost cutting in fire services. One would 1995 which reported a speech given by the have to be a complete academic illiterate—or, Director-General of Emergency Services, Dr in the case of that member, just an Leo Keliher, who was discussing the impact of illiterate—or a financial troglodyte to describe the Hilmer competition reforms on the role of the Queensland Fire Service's budget increase fire services. I refer the Minister also to a press from $93m in 1988-89 under the previous release issued by the member for Western Government to $160m in 1995-96—an Downs, also dated 30 October 1995, which increase of almost $70m in five to six 1 November 1995 782 Legislative Assembly years—as cost cutting. It is apparent that the with increased premiums set at a higher level member for Western Downs—— than those for the private sector? Will the Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister is same set of sanctions proposed by the starting to debate the issue. Government to curb the rate of increase in workers' compensation claims in the private Mr DAVIES: I will move to another sector be applied also to the Government, point; I will not debate the issue. including proposed gaol terms and massive The member for Western Downs referred fines for negligent employers? also to the sale of Qantas and the Mr De LACY: I am not quite sure why Greenslopes Repatriation Hospital. Obviously, the member has addressed that question to the member does not differentiate between me, but I will answer it. One thing that the the State Government and the Federal honourable member does not know, but ought Government. I point out that both of those to know—and I said this in answer to a matters are Federal Government question directed to me some weeks ago—is responsibilities, not State Government that the State Government workers' responsibilities. compensation arrangements are not mixed up The member for Western Downs likes to with the general workers' compensation which paint himself as the champion of the applies to the private sector in Queensland. underdog and of workers' rights. The only crossover is that we in the Government use the Workers Compensation A Government member: Does he? Board and its apparatus to assist us to assess Mr DAVIES: He attempts to. claims. We have generally met our workers' Mr Beattie: Not very well. compensation obligations as they occur, not through a fund. However, we did make the Mr DAVIES: He does not do it very well. change last year that each of the departments We should not forget that it was the same will pay premiums up front. That arrangement member, as Minister for Education in the has only just started. We have decided not to corrupt National Party Government—and we mix those funds with the other funds till we can will keep rubbing that in as long as we are in get enough claims evidence to ensure that the Government—— main fund is not disadvantaged or in any way Mr LITTLEPROUD: I rise to a point of distorted by the application of State order. I find that comment offensive and I ask Government funds. that it be withdrawn. Obviously, the reason for operating on a Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member will premium basis is that the same discipline will resume his seat. The comment did not refer to apply to the public sector as applies to the the member personally; it was a general private sector. That is why we have made the comment. I cannot accept that point of order. change. But it will not affect the other scheme. There is no suggestion that they will be Mr LITTLEPROUD: I can do without a blended together inside the next five years, bankrupt or someone who is threatened with because we do not want to disadvantage the bankruptcy making those sorts of comments major scheme. Nevertheless, as we move about me. onto a similar basis as that applying in the Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister is private sector, all of the sanctions will apply, as debating the issue. I call the member for they ought to apply. Indooroopilly to ask the next question. Planning, Environment and Workers' Compensation Development Assessment Bill Mr BEANLAND: I refer the Treasurer to Ms SPENCE: I refer the Minister for the growth in costs of meeting claims by Housing, Local Government and Planning, Government workers for statutory workers' Minister for Rural Communities and Minister for compensation benefits last year of over Provision of Infrastructure for Aboriginal and $5m—an increase of almost 20 per cent and Torres Strait Islander Communities to claims well ahead of the rate of increase in the by Opposition members that there has been a private sector. I refer to the fact that the lack of consultation on the draft Planning, number of common law claims by Government Environment and Development Assessment workers also increased last year at a rate Bill and that under the Bill factories and shops faster than that in the private sector. I now could be built in residential A areas. I ask: can ask: will he penalise the very poor workplace the Minister advise the House whether this is health and safety record of the Government correct? Legislative Assembly 783 1 November 1995

Mr MACKENROTH: The short answer been one of the best public consultation is, "No, it is not correct." The longer answer is processes initiated by the Government." that over the last couple of weeks the That is BOMA's view of the legislation. The Opposition has been claiming that there has member for Nerang talks about public been a lack of consultation on the draft consultation with ordinary people—— planning Bill. Mr Connor: I don't dispute that. Mr Hobbs: Why not give it more time? Mr MACKENROTH: He is not going to Mr MACKENROTH: I will tell the be able to consult with people by scaring them member why. In November 1993—two years in the way that he and some other people ago—we released a draft discussion paper to have done by trying to say to people that the obtain submissions on drawing up the Bill. At new—— that time, we released 7,000 discussion papers which were distributed right around Mr Connor: There were hundreds of Queensland. We received 142 submissions on people out there before I said a word. the consultation paper. All members of the Mr MACKENROTH: The member for Opposition were forwarded a copy of that Nerang should just listen. I know that he will discussion paper. Not one of them put in a not understand but he should at least sit there submission. As a result of having released that and look as though he is trying to. The discussion paper, a draft Bill was prepared situation is this: Mr Connor and other people which was released on 10 May. have stated that, as a result of this Bill, factories and shops will be built in residential A Mr FitzGerald: Which of your members areas because there is no requirement and put in a submission? there are no residential A zones mentioned in Mr MACKENROTH: It is our Bill. the Bill. If he looked at the present planning The draft Bill was released on 10 May legislation, the one that we are operating 1995. The closing date for submissions was under today, he would see that there is no 25 August 1995, which was extended until 25 mention of residential A zones or the like in October 1995. All councils in Queensland that Act, either; they are contained within the received a copy of the draft Bill. A copy of it council planning schemes. was mailed to all members of Parliament on If Mr Connor wants to be the Opposition 23 May 1995. Approximately 6,000 copies of spokesperson on Planning—I understand that the Bill and 10,000 copies of an explanatory he took the position off Mrs McCauley in a brochure have been distributed throughout deal that was done between the Liberal and Queensland. The Department of Housing, National Parties and that the National Party is Local Government and Planning has attended not too happy about, but it has happened—he 80 seminars, conferences and workshops to should understand the very basics of the way discuss the Bill. the system works before he opens his mouth. When we had some lawyer making a In conclusion, I would like to say that I claim a couple of weeks ago that there was have offered the member for Nerang the something wrong with the Bill, the member for opportunity to be briefed on the legislation and Nerang—who is now the Opposition I am pleased that he has taken up that offer spokesperson on Planning—decided that he and is going to organise for some members of should do something about it. The first thing the Opposition to be briefed on the Bill. I will he did was to ring my office and obtain a copy go one step further and say that, if the of the Bill—two weeks ago! Is it any wonder Opposition wants to tender a submission, for that the member has asked for the them I will extend the period for six weeks. consultation period to be extended? I will read There is their opportunity. If he wants—— a couple of brief comments from some of the Mr Borbidge: We put our submission in 200 submissions received. The submission by the Parliament. the Urban Development Institute of Australia states— Mr MACKENROTH: That is the easy way out. If members opposite want to say "The institute commends the something, they should make a submission. Government for its consultative approach to the Bill." Equine Morbillivirus BOMA, the Building Owners and Managers Association, said this— Mr COOPER: I ask the Minister for Primary Industries and Racing: can he explain "We have stressed to the Minister why horses infected with the hitherto unknown that BOMA is of the view that this has human and horse virus equine morbillivirus at 1 November 1995 784 Legislative Assembly the Hendra stables were not quarantined in a disease from one or two animals which died safe area to allow further ongoing tests to be on the property in August of last year, and that carried out instead of having them destroyed? was a couple of weeks or a week prior to the Can the Minister explain also why the offer to outbreak at the Rail stables. The two-year-old assist at his own cost by Dr Brian Mahy, horse that died has been identified as carrying Director of Virology at the Centre for Disease the EMV virus, and we are still awaiting the Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, results of the tests on the mare that died on was ignored, particularly before these horses the property. All of the 85 horses that were on were destroyed? Will the Minister now the property have been tested and have reconsider that offer in the light of events at returned negative results, as have two cats Mackay recently? and one goat on the property that were also Mr GIBBS: The decision in relation to tested. the animals at Hendra was one which had to We are now conducting a seriological be made on the spot at that particular time. I exercise right throughout Queensland. Tests understand that there was no knowledge of will be conducted at random on about 100 what was being dealt with at that stage. This is properties, including horse studs, riding a new strain of virus in the morbilli family. In schools, and some cattle properties where fact, scientists advise me that it is the first new horses are kept for mustering and so on. This strain of that virus that has been seen on this will probably involve the testing of about a planet for some 900 years. Obviously, when thousand animals throughout the State to see people are confronted with a situation such as whether or not we can detect the virus. this, a judgment has to be made immediately As to the honourable member's question as to what action should be taken. It is unfair about the laboratory in Atlanta, Georgia—I am to attack the decision that was made in this not aware of the exact situation in that regard. case. However, I will say this: I understand that, I might add, for the member's information, unfortunately, there has been—and this that it does distress quite a number of people seems to happen in these sorts of both within my department and within the circumstances—some jealousy, I suppose one veterinarian profession that, unfortunately, Dr could say, demonstrated by members of the Peter Reid, who has been involved in this case scientific community. I am advised that people for some time, seems to be running around at the Geelong laboratory have refused to now as some type of self-proclaimed expert on supply specimens of the actual virus to the this particular matter. Dr Reid himself was a laboratory in Atlanta, Georgia. willing participant and agreed with the actions As I said the other day to a person who taken by people from the Department of was advising me on this case, somebody is Primary Industries at the Hendra stables. Dr out there beating their chest, wanting to be Reid agreed that it was necessary to examine the first person to take a paper to an the horses on the spot, to carry out post- international conference somewhere and say, mortems on them, and so on. "I found the cure." I have issued an instruction The horses were disposed of as quickly as that from my department's point of view, possible as a result of advice from officers of ownership of the actual virus probably resides my department at that time. My officers with the Department of Primary Industries of believed that, whatever disease the horses Queensland. The instruction that I have issued were harbouring, they should be destroyed as is that, if that proves to be the case, I do not quickly as possible. However, quite a number care where the virus is sent in the world. It can of specimens—both organic and tissue—were be sent anywhere that it is wanted for taken from those animals and kept to enable experimental purposes, because I am testing to be carried out at a future time. determined—as I am sure the honourable Testing has been ongoing since then. member is—to find out the cause of it, and the more people from the scientific community What I need to emphasise for the benefit who are involved, the better off we will be. of the member for Crows Nest and, indeed, all honourable members and the racing and breeding communities is that there is no new Hotel Industry outbreak of the virus. That is probably a Mr PEARCE: I direct a question to the picture that has been painted or tended to be Treasurer. There are claims that an increasing painted by the media. I repeat: there is no number of hotels in Queensland are closing new outbreak of the virus in any shape or their doors because of competition from form. It is our belief that the unfortunate registered clubs that are now able to provide gentleman who died at Mackay contracted the more benefits to members as a result of the Legislative Assembly 785 1 November 1995 introduction of poker machines. I ask: will the competition has been good for the consumer. Treasurer please advise the House as to what I think most members would be aware that, if the Government is doing with respect to one subtracts the increasing excise reviewing the hotel industry? component, over the past decade the price of Mr De LACY: I thank the member for packaged beer probably has not increased at Fitzroy for the question. I think that he has all. But, of course, that has resulted in a raised an issue of concern in Queensland. It is further squeeze of hotels. true that the hotel industry is facing difficult As to gaming machines—and I stress this times, and many individual hotels are not point—they were introduced in Queensland to travelling too well. It is also true that the hotel revitalise the club industry. That is why they industry is receiving increasing competition were introduced, and that is what they have from a revitalised licensed club industry as a done. They have been an enormous success. consequence of the introduction of gaming The benefit of this is that the profits made by machines into Queensland three or four years the club industry do not go into private hands; ago. the profits are used to provide facilities and In response to that, the State different forms of entertainment. Government has initiated a number of Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister is measures. We increased the maximum starting to debate the question. number of gaming machines to which a hotel Mr De LACY: I am hardly debating it; is entitled from 10 to 20. We allowed hotels everybody is agreeing with me. I will conclude. access to the full range of machines available In respect of gaming machines—we will be to clubs rather than restricting them to 10c looking to rebalance the situation. There is no machines, as was initially the case. However, chance of our giving hotels the same open we are also doing two other things. We are slather on gaming machines as occurred in commissioning a study of the hotel industry Victoria and South Australia. They were with a view to better understanding the factors introduced to benefit the licensed club industry that have led to the present state of the and that will always be the case. Nevertheless, industry. We are also undertaking a thorough the Government has an open mind on this review of the gaming machine regulatory issue, and it hopes to address a range of regime with a view to releasing a White Paper those issues by the end of the year. on the gaming machine regulations towards the end of this year. It is true that the hotel industry is Workplace Health and Safety changing quite dramatically. Some of that Initiatives change can be attributed to the resurgence in Mr SANTORO: I refer the Minister for the club industry, but not all of it. Marked Employment and Training to submissions from changes have occurred in the cultural and the union movement calling for a draconian, social environments in Queensland. People's intrusive series of workplace health and safety drinking habits have changed substantially initiatives, including terms of imprisonment and over the past decade. Some of that change fines exceeding $1m for negligent employers, has been driven by the fact that drink-driving is provision to unions of the ability to launch no longer acceptable in modern society. The prosecutions under the Workplace Health and laws in relation to that have changed, so Safety Act, and a reduction in the number of people tend to drink more at home and less at workers at a workplace before there is a the hotel. As a result, in many areas, requirement to appoint a workplace health and particularly in many of the older communities— safety officer from 30 to 20. I ask: can the and there are plenty of those in central Minister guarantee this Parliament and Queensland where the honourable member Queensland employers that these proposals for Fitzroy comes from—probably too many are not part of her workers' compensation hotels exist for the number of people who live package? in those communities. That is a problem in Mrs EDMOND: As I said earlier, I will be itself. bringing into this House this week a range of The hotels have responded to a certain packages to address the workers' extent and responded positively. One of the compensation issue. One issue that I would ways in which they responded was to enter the like to talk about—and to talk about to the packaged liquor industry. They took that member for Clayfield in particular—is the issue action, of course, to meet the needs of people of stress, which has been one of the concerns who drink at home. However, that industry has of the union movement. One of the major become very competitive indeed. That reasons we are seeing an increase in stress in 1 November 1995 786 Legislative Assembly the union movement and particularly in TAFE of the Commonwealth's power to make laws is the slanderous attacks that the member for with respect to corporations. We have seen Clayfield keeps making on the way that TAFE what their State counterparts have been up to workers, TAFE colleges and TAFE institutes in Western Australia. Mr Santoro will live to rue are managing their business, and on the rest the day that he refused to condemn in this of the public sector. I think that representatives House the draconian Western Australian of every union to whom I have spoken have industrial relations legislation. When called said that we could limit stress claims if we upon to condemn it, he replied, "No way!" could limit the member for Clayfield. It is plain that the intention of John Mr SANTORO: I rise to a point of order. Howard, Peter Reith and the Federal Liberal Obviously, the Minister has finished her and National Parties is to seek to use those answer, but once again her answer had Commonwealth powers under the Constitution absolutely no relevance to the question that to override protective and productive was asked. legislation such as we have in Queensland. I Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point can assure the workers of Queensland that of order. the Goss Labor Government will resist that well and truly in the unhappy and unlikely event that Mr Howard and Mr Reith were to be Federal Coalition's Industrial Relations elected to Government. Policy By contrast, this Government has Mr ROBERTS: I direct a question to the adopted a cooperative approach to industrial Minister for Industrial Relations. Recently, John relations instead of the conflict and Howard said that the Federal coalition's confrontation that would inevitably follow if the industrial relations policy is substantially the Federal Liberal Party had the chance to put same as the Jobsback policy of 1993. Given into practice in the Federal arena the sort of the explicit intent of Jobsback to invoke the draconian and confrontationist measures that powers of the Commonwealth to force States we have seen that party put in place to try to to enact complementary industrial relations drive down the conditions of working people in legislation, how safe are Queensland workers Western Australia. employed under State awards from the Federal coalition's industrial relations policies? Deinstitutionalised Clients of Family Mr FOLEY: The honourable member Services Department refers correctly to the Federal coalition's policy Mr LINGARD: In directing a question to of relying upon Jobsback. That was confirmed the Minister for Family Services, I table a letter by a speech by Peter Reith on 21 February from the Public Trustee, who was representing this year, in which he said— a victim assaulted by a deinstitutionalised "Our Jobsback policy remains intact, client of her department—a client who had a but we are inclined to make some long history of assaults. In the letter, the Public refinements." Trustee states that he does not agree with The workers of Queensland may well denial by the Department of Family Services of have cause to be concerned by that because, liability or responsibility for the actions of when one goes back to that document, intellectually disabled clients in the community. Jobsback—which will haunt the Federal Liberal I ask: does the Minister agree that the and National Parties—one sees an intention department has a duty of care to protect the on their part to attack State industrial relations community from clients with a history of violent systems. Page (v) of the executive summary behaviour released by her department into the of that document states— community and, more importantly, does she intend to compensate such victims of such "Complementary legislative action will actions? be sought from the States, but if necessary the Commonwealth's full Mr FOLEY: I rise to a point of order. The constitutional power, except the external provisions of the Standing Orders and the sessional orders prevent the asking of affairs power, will be used." questions that require the giving of a legal Mr Speaker, look at the members opinion. The first part of the honourable opposite squirm, because they know that that member's question relates to whether or not a means that a Federal Liberal/National Party particular party had a duty of care. With Government would be intent on smashing respect, that is to invite the Minister to express State industrial relations systems, such as that a legal opinion. I respectfully submit that it is in Queensland, through the use, for example, out of order. Legislative Assembly 787 1 November 1995

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I rule that the needs to be done and the amount of funding Minister does not have to give a legal opinion, required. but she may answer the rest of the question. Mrs WOODGATE: The member Goldsborough Valley, Squatters opposite would be well aware that I do not have on hand the details of any letters written Mr HOBBS: I refer the Minister for by the Public Trustee. However, I take this Lands to squatters setting up on Crown land in issue seriously and I undertake to look into the the Goldsborough Valley near Cairns, and I issue. ask: why has he allowed non-native title claimants to occupy land, destroy vegetation, push roads through and pollute the river in the Japanese Encephalitis Wet Tropics area? When will he take action to evict these illegal squatters? Mr BREDHAUER: I ask the Minister for Mr McELLIGOTT: The situation in Housing, Local Government and Planning, relation to the Goldsborough Valley is that a Minister for Rural Communities and Minister for claim has been lodged with the Provision of Infrastructure for Aboriginal and Commonwealth Native Title Tribunal and has Torres Strait Islander Communities and Leader been accepted. The acceptance of that native of the House—— title claim entitles those people to occupy and Mr SPEAKER: Order! I suggest that enjoy the land upon which they are currently members do not address Ministers by their full located. That is the situation in relation to the title. native title claim. Mr MACKENROTH: Mr Speaker, what My responsibility and the responsibility of title do you not want members to use? officers of my department extends only as far as establishing title to property and who is Mr SPEAKER: Members should entitled to occupy that property. The way in address the Minister by the title that is relevant which occupiers of that property abide by local to the question. government regulations in regard to hygiene, Mr BREDHAUER: My question is to the health, sewerage, garbage collection and all of Minister for Provision of Infrastructure for those issues are matters for local government. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander It is not my responsibility as Minister for Lands Communities. The Minister would be aware of or that of officers of my department, for an outbreak of the serious disease, Japanese example, to concern ourselves with the way in encephalitis, which caused two fatalities on which the owner of a suburban block occupies Badu Island earlier this year. I ask: can he that block. advise the House whether his department is Having said that, the fact that those able to assist in preventing further outbreaks people are in occupation of State land does of Japanese encephalitis? give us some moral responsibility, at least, to Mr MACKENROTH: I am aware of the work closely with the Cairns City Council, and outbreak. My department has entered into we have been doing that. Following an initial discussions with the Badu Island Council, period of some name calling and perhaps which made a submission to my department political point scoring, the situation has now seeking $100,000 to undertake a part settled down. On Monday, a very productive upgrade of its septic system. The components meeting was held in Cairns at which, firstly, of the part upgrade include the connection of representatives of the Office of the Crown 37 rubble drains to house septics to remove Solicitor and a legal representative of the surface pooling of sewage; 12 rubble drains Cairns City Council considered the legal for the men's quarters, workshop and canteen; implications and agreed on the basis of my and 20 concrete septic tanks to replace light earlier comment, which was that the Aboriginal fibreglass tanks, which pop out of the ground. people who have submitted a claim to the land are entitled to occupy it. There is some I have approved the funding of $100,000 discussion going on about other people who to the Badu Island Council so that this work are not party to that claim, and that process is can be undertaken immediately before the being worked through. Equally importantly, a oncoming wet season. That upgrade will help lot of work is being done on the other issues, to alleviate the problem in the short term. such as the way in which hygiene matters are However, a study is being undertaken to being attended to. So in answer to the identify what work needs to be done in the question, I can say that those issues are being longer term. Once that study is completed, I worked through and I am very confident that a will be in a position to examine what work satisfactory conclusion will be reached. 1 November 1995 788 Legislative Assembly

Safety of Older Women received a proposal for a Special Public Mrs ROSE: I refer the Minister for Family Importance debate submitted by the and Community Services and Minister honourable the Leader of the Opposition. The Assisting the Premier on the Status of Women debate is on the following matter— to the May State Budget, in which the Goss "The mismanagement of vital State Government announced that it would establish Government services in Queensland, a new project to help older women feel safer particularly in workers' compensation and and more secure, and I ask: would she outline compulsory third-party insurance, and the for the House when this project will extra imposts to be placed on individuals commence, how it will work and whether the and businesses as a result." locations for the project have been identified? I now call on the honourable the Leader Mrs WOODGATE: I thank the of the Opposition to speak to the proposal. honourable member for the question. This is an extremely important matter for older Mr BORBIDGE (Surfers Paradise— women who are concerned about their safety Leader of the Opposition) (3.48 p.m.): It is and security in going about their daily lives. always during their third term that State Labor Currently, women make up 54 per cent of the Governments are widely recognised as Queensland population aged over 60 years. incompetent economic managers. Older women are more likely to live alone, Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is too comprising three-quarters of the older much audible conversation in the Chamber. population who live alone. Although statistics Members who are leaving should move quietly show that older people are less likely to be out of the Chamber. victims of crime than people of other age Mr BORBIDGE: We saw the groups, there is evidence that older people, phenomenon right throughout this country particularly older women, feel vulnerable to during the 1980s. We saw it in Victoria, we crime. That has an effect on their health, it saw it in the west, we saw it in South Australia, restricts their lifestyle, and it increases their we saw it in New South Wales and we are now social isolation. seeing, right on time in Queensland, from yet The Goss Government will provide almost another branch of the Labor Party the same $223,000 over two years to fund six local sort of symptoms that prove that they have projects to pioneer the Safe and Confident learned absolutely nothing. Living Project. Those projects will be located at Since the election in July, two of the Gold Coast and in Cairns, Ipswich, Queensland's major public liability schemes Rockhampton and the inner northern and have quite disgracefully, quite unforgivably, hit southern suburbs of . brick walls because of typical Labor The Safe and Confident Living Project for incompetence. The reasons for the demise of older women aims to increase the confidence the workers' compensation scheme is now and personal safety of older women. The clearly established and the damage that has project will do this in a number of ways by been done to the credibility of the members providing accurate information on crime, opposite throughout that disgraceful episode informing them about services and supports is well deserved and will haunt them to their which are available in their communities, and political graves. developing methods of linking women into these services. Today, I want to address the Government's failings in relation to the Older women will be provided with compulsory third-party scheme. They parallel information kits. The department will develop a so closely what occurred in relation to workers' comprehensive community education strategy compensation that they underscore the and it will also develop a community project looming, very sad, very damaging and very that will employ safety link advisers. typical legacy of three terms of hard Labor. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for Hopefully, for the sake of Queenslanders, that questions has now expired. third term will be cut short, because if what the Government proposes as a remedy for its incompetence in relation to the workers' MATTER OF SPECIAL PUBLIC compensation scheme is any guide to what it IMPORTANCE might now offer in relation to the problems it Workers' Compensation; Compulsory has similarly created in the compulsory third- Third-party Insurance party scheme, then an incoming coalition Mr SPEAKER: Order! Honourable Government, whether it will have to take over members, I advise the House that I have in two and a half years or in a couple of Legislative Assembly 789 1 November 1995 months, is going to have a great deal of been around $30m. That is what it is likely to remedial work to do. be for the current full financial year, yet the The recipe for and the background to the Treasurer says, "It is nothing to do with me." demise of the compulsory third-party scheme The Treasurer introduced the legislation, he under this Government is eerily familiar. Last changed it and he is raiding the reserves. In month, we were told suddenly, and right out of fact, that figure could be larger by some the blue, just as we were in relation to the millions of dollars, given the usual expansion workers' compensation scheme, that the in the base number of vehicles to be scheme was in trouble. Insurers began calling registered which occurs each year. That is now for an increase in premiums of almost one- an institutionalised and annualised raid on the quarter—from $169 per car to about $210 per funds of the third-party scheme along the lines car. There has been industry speculation that of the raids on the workers' compensation the increase may have to be in the order of scheme. $100, or almost 60 per cent, to protect the That is only the beginning, because the integrity of the scheme. Some groups, as the rewrite last year meant the creation by the House will shortly hear, even suggest an Government—for the Government—of an increase substantially higher than that. ability to raid the funds of the old Motor Sections of the industry have in large part Vehicle Insurance Nominal Defendant Fund of blamed the impacts of legislation enacted last very much larger amounts over time. The September, and I refer to the rewrite of the Nominal Defendant protects people caught up 1936 Motor Accident Insurance Act. in accidents involving uninsured or unidentified Anyone who doubts that the Opposition vehicles, or hit and run motorists. Like the core or the insurance industry were not aware of third party scheme itself, it has always been where that piece of legislation was leading us, fully funded. Last year, what we saw from the should go back and read the speech in the Government was a break-up of the Nominal second-reading debate of the member for Defendant Fund into two. We saw the creation Caloundra delivered in this place on 23 of the Motor Accident Insurance Fund and the February last year. The honourable member hiving off of the traditional responsibilities of picked it, and she picked it exactly, contrary to the Nominal Defendant to a new Nominal the dishonest claims made today by the Defendant Fund. According to the Treasurer's Treasurer during question time. That Act set Annual Statement, tabled yesterday, the up a comprehensive system whereby the respective totals in those funds at 30 June Government could get its hands on the were $52.5m in the Motor Accident Insurance premiums Queenslanders pay, and pay each Fund and $88.9m in the new Nominal and every year in good faith, to private Defendant Fund, compared with a total for the insurers for third-party protection. It put in old Nominal Department Fund at 30 June place exactly the same sort of regime of 1994 of some $131m. imposts that it had previously adopted in We are assured by the Treasurer, and by relation to the premiums paid by employers for his legislation, that the $89m which remains in workers' compensation policies, whereby, the new NDF is an actuarially sound amount, since this Government came to office, we sufficient to meet the long tail claims costs have seen some $150m hived off through associated with that fund. However, here is the taxes and charges to pump up the rub—here is what makes this man opposite Consolidated Fund. and this Government so inherently dangerous: That new regime came into play in that may, or so easily may not, be the case. relation to CTP in September last year. Since Actuarial judgments of long tail claims, as has that time—in just nine months—the been so amply demonstrated by the recent Government has ripped off $22,635,000 in record of actuaries in relation to the workers' premiums. In that nine month period it compensation scheme, is a highly inexact reduced the gross premium available to science. For several years under this insurers, and ultimately to injured motorists, Government there have been very from $293m to $271m. If that formula—of considerable underestimates of the long tail which 2.1 per cent of gross premiums now claims costs associated with workers' goes to public hospitals and the ambulance compensation. For example, since 1991 the service, 0.75 per cent to the statutory accumulated underestimate of the insurance scheme levy to fund the Motor provisioning for long tail claims costs totals Accident Insurance Commission, 3 per cent to nearly $400m. For last year alone the historical the Nominal Defendant Fund and 2 per cent judgment made some years earlier for the to the Transport Department—had applied for long-term costs associated with claims up to a full year, the Government's take would have 1994-95 was $135m out. The Treasurer's 1 November 1995 790 Legislative Assembly assurance that the NDF is actuarially sound is tabled by the Minister in this House yesterday. neither here nor there. I quote— The very inexact nature of the science of "Analysis by the Board's actuaries actuaries, simply explains—and explains very identified that problems associated with simply—why the coalition in Government was common law claims costs have been so conservative in the amount it kept stored in emerging for some 15 years. Common hollow logs. To be responsible when dealing law claims costs as a proportion of total with a commitment to fully fund public liability claims costs on an injury year basis have schemes, that is exactly what one has to do increased from 16% in the 1980-81 to and what one must do. One cannot simply fall 47.4 per cent in 1994-95." into a slather, as the Labor Party has always The Government has been fully aware of rising done, at the sight of a pile of money and then costs of common law claims for a number of raid it by convincing oneself that the funds are years. In fact, the Premier is in print on this just sitting there, basically redundant, and are issue. In June 1993, in an interview with John ripe for the picking. That is John Cain, John Stubbs of the Sun Herald, he said that the Bannon, Wayne Goss and Keith De Lacy to a Government was aware that common law was T. It is the "Come in spinner" school of a problem and that hard decisions may have economic management. They did it with to be made in the future. The Opposition workers' compensation; and they are doing it repeatedly raises the common law issue, and now with third party. not only by using half the facts, but the growth The other big danger in the CTP scenario of common law claims was highlighted long concerns the fate of the $52m that is now held ago. As I said, this review pointed to a by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission sustained growth in common law claims as the Motor Accident Insurance Fund. Words numbers and payments. from the Treasurer's own mouth raise very A tripartite working group of union, serious and grave concerns in the coalition Government and employer representatives about the ultimate fate of at least a very large was set up, and it reported to the then element of that inheritance. In February 1994 Minister, Matt Foley, in 1993. The Government the Treasurer told the House that the trust made a number of decisions based on this fund under the commissioner and the review and the consultation which followed. commission operator was really just an These decisions included that common law operating fund. When one bears in mind that rights ought to be preserved at that time, but the annual operating costs of the commission that rights of access to common law actions are, according to the Treasurer, around $2m be reviewed if the financial basis of the and that its role as a mover of funds levied Workers Compensation Fund, including the from the premiums and passed onto the level of reserves, was not returned to stability Government by the ratios I have described by the adoption of a package of measures. earlier is all funded from its control of that Changes were made to reduce legal fees and premium income and its associated levies, outlays in common law actions, including then one has to ask what on earth the amending legislation to make third-party Government is going to do with a bucket of insurers rather than the Workers money amounting to in excess of $50m. Compensation Board responsible for damages Time expired. when moving vehicles are involved in accidents. Ms BLIGH (South Brisbane) (3.57 p.m.): I will be addressing most of my comments The contribution of the board to the throughout this debate on the question of the Division of Workplace Health and Safety was Workers Compensation Fund. At the outset, reduced by $6m, and the board was required let me say that the Opposition's position on to report to Government every six months on this issue has been all politics and no real the financial stability of the fund. Let us look at serious examination of the issues. That point that transfer of funds from the Workers was made very well last night by one of their Compensation Board to the Division of own constituents, one of Queensland's major Workplace Health and Safety. There have employer groups, through the MTIA executive been a number of allegations in the House not director, Paul Fennelly on the 7.30 Report. only today but also in previous debates on this issue that the Government is guilty of milking Let us look at the history of the operation the Workers Compensation Board of funds of this fund over the past couple of years. I and that that transfer to the Division of refer honourable members to page 7 of the Workplace Health and Safety was evidence of Workers' Compensation Board annual report such milking and raiding. Legislative Assembly 791 1 November 1995

Earlier today, the Treasurer demonstrated Mr Johnson: Have you got a problem how little the Opposition knows about basic with that? accounting. The use of the words "milking" Ms BLIGH: Absolutely not. This is a and "raiding" demonstrate further how little is totally responsible investment in the known about the operation of basic finances in prevention of workplace injury and in the Government. Let me explain very carefully that welfare of sick and injured workers. It is a the Workers Compensation Board of totally reasonable action on the part of the Queensland is run by a board. Suncorp is run board. by a board of directors. The Workers Compensation Board of Queensland is a I return to the measures adopted in 1993 tripartite body with representatives from in response to the review. The average unions, employers and Government. Likewise, premium rate for 1993-94 was also increased the Suncorp board is made up of by 13.5 per cent, from 1.4 per cent to 1.6 per representatives of both the public and private cent. A range of other measures have been sectors. It is an insult to the people who serve taken to improve controls in both statutory and on those boards to somehow imply that the common law claim numbers and costs, as well Treasurer is able to turn up at an automatic as improved revenue compliance. They teller machine and milk those funds whenever include more effective financial incentives and he needs to without any reference to those penalties to employers to improve their boards or the people who serve on them. It workers' compensation records; continuing seems that, although for the purpose of this review of the management of common law debate the Opposition conveniently forgets damages claims by the board and its lawyers the way in which funds are transferred in with a view to reducing legal costs and outlays; Government, it certainly knew how the process and legislative changes to improve the operated in 1988. management of statutory claims. At that time, Mr Woolmer interjected. the Government's response was decided after broad consultation and close examination of Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for the options. The recommendation then was to Springwood will cease interjecting. place a 10 per cent limit on common law. Ms BLIGH: I remind honourable The discrepancy that I wish to raise is as members that the very first transfer of funds follows. The Opposition now criticises the from the Workers Compensation Board of Government for mismanagement, and for not Queensland to the Division of Workplace having accepted holus-bolus the Health and Safety was that made in 1988 by recommendations of the review at that time, the previous Government. In other States, yet this is the same Opposition which now workers' compensation and workplace health says that common law rights should not be and safety are managed by one authority, with touched and that it would not do so if it were in premiums funding prevention activities and Government. I ask members opposite: would initiatives. For more than 60 years, the board the Opposition have accepted its own advice has made payments from the fund to in 1993 and accepted the recommendation to organisations that promote safety in the place a 10 per cent impairment threshold on workplace or provide services to injured workers' common law rights? workers. That is an entirely responsible course of action by the board. Payments are made As a member of the Labor Government on the basis that injured workers benefit from and a member of the Minister for the activities of these organisations, either Employment's ministerial advisory committee, I directly or indirectly. These organisations can say in all honesty that it has not been a include the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the pleasant prospect confronting the idea of Mines Rescue Brigade, the National Safety reducing the common law rights of workers to Council, the Division of Workplace Health and sue negligent employers. However, the Safety, the Chair of Orthopaedics at the Government has been entirely responsible, as University of Queensland, and the State public difficult as this issue is to contemplate, in hospital service. Payments to public hospital presenting this option to stakeholders, to the systems cover the cost of in-patient and public and its own members. It would have outpatient care provided to injured workers. been entirely irresponsible not to present this The Royal Flying Doctor Service receives option and to have dismissed it out of hand, payment for the services it provides to workers as the Opposition has done. Likewise, it is in remote and rural Queensland. There is now entirely responsible to work with stakeholders a fee-for-service arrangement. Over the past to find viable alternatives to this option. That is five years, these payments have totalled the responsible course of action adopted by $76.5m. this Government. The Opposition's 1 November 1995 792 Legislative Assembly constituency, that is employer groups in many During the past three years, the coalition cases, have not been at all impressed with its has been accused of crying wolf over Labor's effort. I will quote from a news release from financial mismanagement of Queensland. We Clive Bubb, of the Queensland Chamber of have been accused by the Government, some Commerce and Industry, dated 23 August. I of the media, and even some in the business seek leave to table the document. community, of beating up stories on just how Leave granted. financially incompetent the Goss Labor Government was. But, of course, we are being Ms BLIGH: He states— proved right. In fact, our warnings have proved "It is ironic that with numbers so close horribly close to the mark. Queensland has in Parliament the Opposition is opposing been rocked by a series of revelations on any restriction on access to common law workers' compensation. workers compensation claims. Queenslanders have watched in disbelief If the Opposition had been prepared as the Premier has performed backflips, front to support this measure, every employer flips and high pikes in trying to keep the in Queensland would have been in its workers off the streets and the employers off debt." the front pages. That is all this is about. I do It looks like the Opposition has played a very not for one moment believe that Wayne Goss poor hand all round on this issue, and now it is cares whether he solves the deep-seated and belatedly trying to debate issues of serious problems with the Workers mismanagement. It is trying to be all things to Compensation Fund. I believe that all he cares all people—and failing miserably. In contrast, about, and all that was in the back of his mind this Government has put its cards on the table when he met with his caucus colleagues for and been frank and open about the extent of their approval today, is killing off the the problems facing the fund. We put all the controversy—and possibly the new Minister, options, as unpalatable as they may be, out Mrs Edmond, as well. Wayne Goss lies awake for all to see. We rolled up our sleeves and we at night in a cold sweat imagining teachers got down to the negotiating table. As a and police officers—led by his old mate, that Government, we have acted in a timely and political realist, Bill Ludwig, and the AWU responsible manner consistent with sound flag—marching down George Street against management principles. That is something the Goss Government. This is all the Premier about which we can hold our heads up, unlike cares about. members opposite, who continue with their confused, harping non-response. The Workers Compensation Fund was the Mrs SHELDON (Caloundra—Leader of first fund to fall under Labor's the Liberal Party) (4.07 p.m.): These are sad mismanagement. Now we have seen the days for Queenslanders and for a State which, compulsory third-party insurance scheme for three decades, had shown the way on follow the very same path. The insurance financial management and fiscal responsibility. industry is quite openly predicting an increase These are sad days for a State which, during from the current $169 compulsory third-party the 1980s, maintained this fiscal responsibility insurance levy on every motorist to $400 or while Labor States south and west more in Queensland. That would represent a disappeared down the debt sinkhole. These rise of more than $200. I hope that by now the are sad days, because Queensland has now Treasurer has read the letter from the MTIA joined those former Labor States in the club of which set that out very clearly. Why has the fiscal irresponsibility and financial Treasurer not read that letter? He did not mismanagement under the member for believe me when I asked him a question on Cairns, the Treasurer, Mr De Lacy. the issue. I have tabled the relevant letter, and Since the State election, we have seen the Treasurer could have seen the evidence the classic signs of a Labor State Government for himself. It is evident that he does not want beginning to unravel financially. We have seen to see the evidence. The Treasurer is putting the first signs of the Goss Labor Government his head in the sand and hoping that the descending the path of Bannon and Cain. problem will go away; it will not. The Treasurer However, what is frightening is that the Goss has had his head in the sand for the last three Government has done it in record time. Where years. A rise of more than $200 would be a it took Bannon in South Australia and Cain in disaster. What a whack it would be on the hip Victoria 8 to 10 years to destroy the financial pockets of Queensland's two million vehicle stability of their States, Mr Goss and Mr De owners. Lacy are on track to do it in six years. Mr De Lacy: It hasn't happened. Legislative Assembly 793 1 November 1995

Mrs SHELDON: Watch this space! The that the Motor Accident Insurance Fund could Treasurer will have to make it happen, and he be used as a slush fund by the Treasurer. knows it; but he has been putting off the evil Those fears have been confirmed by recent day—particularly until 15 July last—before events. which he hid many truths that the people of In February 1992, I told this House that Queensland had a right to know. the new Act would create serious financial The point that I wish to highlight today is problems for this Government. I also warned that the Workers Compensation Fund and that the Government had not hesitated to raid CTP disasters are just the beginning of the every hollow log it had got its hands on and end. Today I have the unfortunate task of raised fears that the Treasurer would strip the warning this House and the people of Nominal Defendant Fund down to the bone to Queensland that there is more to come. grab out as much money as he could get. At Mr De Lacy: You've been doing it for six the Committee stage of that Bill, under further years, and you'll be doing it for another six questioning from me, the Treasurer admitted years. that he had total control over the new Motor Accident Insurance Fund and that the fund Mrs SHELDON: And I have been would not be actuarially assessed. The proved right about the absolute financial Treasurer stated that the Motor Accident incompetence of this Government. The Insurance Fund was really "just an operating Treasurer should speak to members of the fund" and in no need of actuarial assessment. business community. They agree with me Of course, my warnings have proved to be now, and they do not think much of the much closer to the truth than the bland Treasurer. encouragements of the Treasurer 18 months Today I will speak about the Nominal ago. Defendant Fund and the Motor Accident Mr De Lacy interjected. Insurance Fund, which are hanging like water balloons about to burst. The Motor Accident Mrs SHELDON: The Treasurer will have Insurance Fund is a completely new trust fund a chance to respond to my comments. which was set up to handle payments not The annual reports for the Nominal connected with accidents involving uninsured Defendant Fund and the Motor Accident drivers. Payments connected with accidents Insurance Fund, tabled in Parliament involving uninsured drivers are paid from the yesterday, highlight these problems. Despite Nominal Defendant Fund. The Motor Accident the comment by the Treasurer that the Motor Insurance Fund pays out hospital and Accident Insurance Fund was "just an ambulance contributions and grants for operating fund", it now contains a total of orthopaedic surgery and the like in the same $55m which has been stripped from the fashion as the Workers Compensation Fund. former combined fund. Although the Treasurer The fund has been paid for through a hike of claimed that this was just an operating fund more than 100 per cent in the levy payments and admitted that it would not be actuarially by insurance companies. Levies for those assessed, he has sucked $55m out of the companies—primarily Suncorp, which is a actuarially assessed Nominal Defendant Fund. Government-owned company, and FAI—have There are also the new levies paid into the risen from $3 to a total of $6.40 per vehicle. Motor Accident Insurance Fund, which of Those levies pay for the operating costs of the course are far more than that fund should or fund, which the Treasurer himself has said run would need. The Treasurer might like to tell to about $2m a year. What will happen to the members why that fund needs an extra $50m- $50m-odd over that budget which has been odd. moved into the fund? I will say more about that later. Mr De Lacy: I hope there's a point to all this. When the Nominal Defendant Fund was split into two last year, creating the Motor Mrs SHELDON: There is, and the Accident Insurance Fund, I had some Treasurer knows it, because he set up that warnings for the people of Queensland. During fund. the debate on the second reading of the This means that the Treasurer now can Motor Accident Insurance Bill on 16 February get his hands on more than $50m which is last year, I raised some serious questions sitting in a trust fund that is not actuarially about this change. I warned Queenslanders assessed and over which he has total control. that the changes would provide an avenue for That is the real point. What is worse is that the the State Government to raid the Nominal Treasurer has stripped the Nominal Defendant Defendant Fund. I expressed concern also Fund to the bone to do it. That is 1 November 1995 794 Legislative Assembly right—unbelievable as it may seem. Despite end of the 1994-95 financial year the Nominal the warnings over the last three years about Defendant Fund had total net assets of only workers' compensation and CTP, the $1.3m. These are the Treasurer's own figures. Treasurer has cut back the Nominal Defendant To sum it all up: instead of preparing the Fund to the bone. There is no doubt at all that Nominal Defendant Fund for a possible blow- the Nominal Defendant Fund will go the way of out in claims, this Treasurer and this the Workers Compensation Fund and the CTP Government have pared it back to the bare scheme. There is no doubt that the Nominal essentials. This cut in net assets from $43m to Defendant Fund will also suffer a blow-out in $1m has left the Nominal Defendant Fund common law claims and overall—— sitting like the next wooden duck in a shooting Mr De Lacy: You've been saying this for gallery. Bang! Down goes workers' five years and it's never happened. compensation. Bang! Down goes CTP. Bang! Down goes the Nominal Defendant Fund. Why Mrs SHELDON: It is happening, is it has the Treasurer left the fund so exposed? not? Time expired. Mr De Lacy: No, not at all. Hon. W. M. EDMOND (Mount Mrs SHELDON: It is happening across- Coot-tha—Minister for Employment and the-board. Opposition members said that it Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on would happen with workers' compensation; we Public Service Matters) (4.18 p.m.): From the said that it would happen with compulsory outset, I must say that I find it rather third-party insurance. outrageous that Opposition members—of all Mr De Lacy: You'll be saying it in people—would publicly criticise this another five years. Government's management of the Workers Compensation Fund when throughout this Mrs SHELDON: It is happening—in debate and previous debates they have not case the Treasurer has not noticed. put forward one skerrick of positive input. It is Mr De Lacy: Every year we hear it. always easy in Opposition to criticise the Mrs SHELDON: The Treasurer now has Government and say that it is doing the wrong at his disposal $50m from the Nominal thing. However, any responsible voter must question the strength of such criticism through Defendant Fund which he will suck out as the response offered by Opposition members. soon as he can. Furthermore, there is no cushioning in place for the claims that will be As my colleague Anna Bligh said during made against the Nominal Defendant Fund. her contribution, in the past this Government has at no stage turned a blind eye to the Mr De Lacy interjected. operations of the Workers Compensation Mrs SHELDON: That is not in the Fund. I reiterate that since the Labor Nominal Defendant Fund, and the Treasurer Government came to power it has introduced knows it. independent actuarial oversight of the fund's During the debate on 23 February last outstanding claims liabilities. Since that time, year, the Treasurer stated— numerous changes have occurred to the board's operation. There is no need for me to "It"— elaborate on what my colleague said in this that is, the Nominal Defendant Fund— regard, except to say that the Opposition never had to react to an independent actuarial "is there as a de facto insurance company recommendation because it did not bother in itself for those accidents involving an having any such assessment undertaken. unregistered motor vehicle or an unidentified motor vehicle." Since I personally became involved, as a responsible Minister I have undertaken Those were the Treasurer's words. Yet has he extensive consultations with workers' this year provided a buffer for the fund? Has compensation stakeholders. Submissions he left any extra money to cover any blow-out were received from many sectors of the and to protect the fund from entering the community, such as employers, the trade unfunded liability morass which has hit union movement, doctors, lawyers, etc. But workers' compensation and CTP? The what positive contributions have been made Treasurer has not; he has stripped the fund by the Opposition? What submissions did we bare. At the end of the 1993-94 financial year receive from it? The answer to those questions the Nominal Defendant Fund had net assets is: nothing and none. In fact, what we have of $43m; that is, the fund had a $43m buffer heard from Opposition members are between liabilities and assets. However, at the numerous conflicting views from individual Legislative Assembly 795 1 November 1995 members—a divided, indecisive splattering of and utterly disappointed at the Opposition's ideas. It is almost as if they have washed their lack of contribution to this debate and, might I hands of this matter and are not prepared to add, at the Opposition's total lack of take a stance. They cannot even be bothered understanding of the issue, and that is the real to stay in the Chamber while members debate worry. They are disappointed that the this issue. Opposition failed to consult with them and For example, the Opposition Leader, Mr assist them, their own constituency, in getting Borbidge—who suddenly became the friend of an outcome with which they would have been the workers—vowed to fight any moves that happier. This sudden show of interest, this would restrict workers from making civil claims debate today is, I believe, an attempt to win against negligent employers or to contain back some brownie points with the employer those legal costs. Mrs Di McCauley and Mr organisations. But it is a bit late. They have given the Opposition up as a hopeless cause. Brian Littleproud, on the other hand, did not want premium rises. Mr Borbidge, in support of I was also concerned to hear from Mrs these two, wanted us to use the money the Sheldon of her recent fact-finding tour to Government gets from corporatisation, Victoria. For those who do not remember, Mrs whatever that means, to pay off the fund. Sheldon has been brushing up on Finally, we heard a chorus from the Opposition Kennett/Stockdale economic management in that the Government should be removing the the hope that one day she will become stamp duty requirement from the Workers Treasurer of Queensland. We all know what Compensation Fund. All that would do is rob draconian, brutal measures were introduced in Peter to pay Paul. The Opposition, which is Victoria. Workers who were injured at work claiming to know how to better run this State, have been left with virtually nothing. There is a must surely understand that Government 30 per cent threshold for common law access revenue pays for police, teachers, schools, and there are monetary thresholds and caps hospitals and nurses. I ask the Opposition: on common law damages. Even seriously which particular services does it want to see injured workers have a cap imposed on the cut—teacher numbers at the Caloundra State damages they can claim. However, those who School reduced, wards at the Gold Coast are classified as having a non-serious injury Hospital closed or the halting of the planned receive miserly weekly benefits compared with construction of the new district police more seriously injured workers, and after two headquarters at Roma? years they are thrown on the scrap heap. In addition, all of those changes were made But how about the member for Clayfield? retrospective. What a pity the injuries were not He ran around in circles saying that we should retrospective. That meant that all workers were not limit common law, but he was also saying greatly disadvantaged. One day an injured that we should have implemented the worker was getting weekly benefits and recommendations made three years ago. support for his injury, and the next day, What were they? They were that we should nothing. limit common law. What he was saying was that he did not have a clue. The Kennett Government also savagely cut statutory benefits, but this was not all. In Mr Santoro: Where did I say that? order to get that legislation through Quote it. Parliament, the Liberal Government—Mrs Mrs EDMOND: He said it on radio and I Sheldon's mentors—slashed Government answered him. He showed that he did not services at the same time. Approximately know what those recommendations were. He 40,000 public sector jobs were shed and many was sitting on the barbed wire fence with a leg schools—hundreds of them—and hospitals on either side. None of these outbursts has were closed. Some of them were pulled down. contributed at all to assist the Government to Not only were injured workers worried about solve the problem that has arisen in every whether they would receive compensation for insurance fund and in every compensation a work-related injury, but they also had to fund around the world, whichever political party worry about whether they would have a job or is involved. But I must say that I gave them not. This is the way the Opposition would have more credit than that; I actually expected more solved this issue—with its slash-and-burn from them—and so, for that matter, did some mentality. Sacking 40,000 workers is a pretty members of the community. callous way to reduce workers' compensation payouts, but no doubt Mrs Sheldon would It is my understanding that the employers, argue that it would also reduce workers' who thought that the Liberal Party and the compensation premiums. That is one way of National Party were on their side, are outraged doing it. 1 November 1995 796 Legislative Assembly

Is this the reason that the Opposition did This reform package has been achieved not want to contribute to the debate? Is this through negotiation, consultation, listening to what members opposite really want to do? Do and acting on the submissions received. It was they have a secret agenda? What do they achieved without the assistance of or serious have to hide? If Mrs Sheldon was present, input from the Opposition. It needed serious perhaps she would give us an answer. Is this consideration and lateral thinking. But what a the sort of advice the Liberals are getting from hide members opposite had to get up and Mr Kennett? criticise and knock a Government on economic As honourable members would know, the management and offer no solution other than Labor Government is not about to send hinting at possible Jeff Kennett/Allan workers to the scrap heap and raise premiums Stockdale economic vandalism. This Government remains committed to continued to such a level that Queensland business business growth while ensuring that injured would not be competitive. I emphasise that workers and their families have access to the workers' compensation reforms will ensure compensation. fair and affordable compensation for Queensland workers and employers into the I realise that the member for Caloundra is next century. The reforms are intended to not allowed out on her own, and I also know improve worker benefits, maintain competitive that she has said that this issue is too hard for premiums and restore the long-term viability of girls. But what she means is that it is too hard the fund within five years. for her. This girl is not going to run away from managing this issue, and I will not be robbing The difference between us and the injured workers, I will not rob Treasury, I will not Opposition is that this Government is about rob schools and hospitals, and I will not sack working through the issue to find a sensible 40,000 workers to achieve my ends. outcome. It is about negotiation, consultation, talking to the stakeholders and bringing in a Time expired. package that will introduce those reforms and Mr SANTORO (Clayfield) (4.28 p.m.): not just negative—— The last two days have been very instructional Mr Santoro: That's not what the in demonstrating to Queenslanders just how employers said. morally bankrupt the Goss Labor Government is when it comes to the financial and Mrs EDMOND: They said that I administrative stewardship of Queensland. consulted well, and the member opposite One need not go past the Workers knows it. They also said that they did not even Compensation Fund crisis to prove this get to talk to him. beyond the shadow of any doubt. The reform package will increase weekly Two events during the past 24 hours have benefits to an amount closer to workers' real served to underline the Government's take-home pay. It will increase statutory lump dishonest and reckless handling of the crisis. sum payments by an average of 30 per cent, Firstly, we had the release of the annual report including death benefits and special lump of the Workers Compensation Board, which sums for brain and spinal cord injuries—up to again demonstrated the Government's $100,000 on top of other benefits such as demonic attempts to hide the truth and the statutory lump sum payments, and all medical extent of the problems of the Workers and rehabilitation costs including home Compensation Fund from the public of modifications. While maintaining workers' Queensland. rights to sue employers for negligence, those Secondly, and only a few hours ago, we workers with less serious injuries will have to had the Minister release her Government's choose between improved statutory benefits final workers' compensation package, which and suing their employers. They will also be financially rapes the employers of this State responsible for their own legal costs. and which condemns thousands of blue-collar Other reforms will include increases in workers and young job seekers to the average premium rates from 1.7 per cent to unemployment scrap heap. And at the same 1.95 per cent, and a 10 per cent surcharge on time, the Minister cannot guarantee to this premiums for five years. This will keep Parliament or the public of Queensland that Queensland premiums at the second lowest in the package is actuarially sound and that it will the country. It will require employers to pay the fix the awful Government-created problem first five days of compensation, including the within the five year time span which has been day of injury. This will put a focus on those determined by this Government. In other workplaces where accidents are happening words, we are looking at another cheap, nasty and hit the hip pockets of employers who do and cynical political fix from a Government in not take workplace health and safety seriously. its death throes. Legislative Assembly 797 1 November 1995

Let us first of all look at the contents of in the system, it would have to take more the annual report tabled yesterday. The dramatic action down the track. That advice annual report of the Workers Compensation had been provided formally to the Board shows a dramatically worse result for Government by the Workers Compensation the scheme in 1994-95 than has been Board in a report to Government in February portrayed by the Goss Government. It showed 1992. Certainly that report did contain that there was a negative $270m turnaround references to what could be done at the in the underwriting function of the scheme in common law level but, unlike what the Minister 1994-95 to a deficit of $261m, compared with has said about members of the Opposition, a modest $10m surplus in 1993-94. When we never embraced those particular options. considered in net profit and loss terms, the Plenty of other options exist that could have negative turnaround in the scheme was been taken to put the scheme back on track. $267m from a net profit of $94.2m in 1993-94 Mr De Lacy: Like what? to a net loss of $173m in 1994-95, reduced to $123.5m only by the exhaustion of all the Mr SANTORO: I take that interjection general cash reserves held by the board. I will from the Treasurer, who will have to provide talk about that at another time. two things: firstly, he will have to provide all of the information that would allow the The scale of that shocking result Opposition to make considered judgments—— established beyond doubt that the Mr De Lacy interjected. Government had wilfully engaged in a totally dishonest attempt to cover up the scale of the Mr SANTORO: That is a lot of rubbish; problems confronting the scheme both before we do not have all the information. Clearly, the and after the State election, and right up to Minister was unable to provide that information the present. Both the then Industrial Relations in answer to a question that she was asked Minister, Matt Foley, and the Treasurer, Keith earlier. De Lacy, have been key players in a bid to The report also shows that the hide the scale of the Government's gross Queensland Government is one of the worst mismanagement of the scheme from employers in the State. The report shows that Queensland voters in the lead-up to and, in the escalation in claims costs for Government the case of Mr De Lacy, even since the State workers last financial year outstripped claims election. Mr Foley had presented figures to the increases in the private sector by more than Budget Estimates committee just weeks three to one. The increase in common law before the State election purporting that the claims by Government employees last year scheme would end the financial year in was 51 per cent—from 143 to 216—which was surplus. Even after the Government had slightly ahead of the private sector increase of produced a sanitised but still awful version of 48.5 per cent. But the poor record of the the alleged actual 1994-95 result in August, Government as an employer was far more Treasurer Keith De Lacy had claimed in State apparent in statutory benefit payments. Parliament that the scheme would be in I notice that the Minister is leaving the surplus. Chamber. Earlier she fired a cheap shot at the While it was true that the final scale of the Leader of the Opposition and the shadow unfunded liabilities of the scheme would not Treasurer about their not being in the have been apparent to the Government until it Chamber. She is slinking out because she received actuarial advice in August, the knows that it will take me four or five minutes massive turnaround in the scheme's bottom to read my prepared text and then I will have a lines means that it was simply and absolutely few words to say about what the Minister had incredible that the Government could have to say. honestly been producing optimistic forecasts in Payments to public servants rose from June, or that the Treasurer could continue the $27.9m in 1993-94 to $33.3m in 1994-95, charade even after Parliament had resumed which is an increase of $5.4m or just over 19 last month. The Government's excuse that a per cent in one year. In the private sector, one-off, big increase in common law claims statutory payments rose from $183m to last financial year had been the sole cause of $193m, which is an increase of $10m or just the blow-out was patently ridiculous—the 5.6 per cent. That point further underlines the actions of a Government grasping at straws. claims by members of the Opposition that the The result was, rather, the result of Government is responsible for the fiasco not chronic ignorance by the Government of only because of its dreadful stewardship of the warnings which began as long ago as 1991 scheme but also because of the way that it that unless it moved to contain or cover costs treats its work force. 1 November 1995 798 Legislative Assembly

So rather than cop some of the blame refuses to guarantee that she will not and admit to one of the greatest stuff-ups of introduce the draconian, intrusive series of the century, what does this Government do? It workplace health and safety initiatives that she places all the blame on the employers of this announced several months ago. This morning State and asks them and only them to bear she refused to answer a question in relation to the full burden of this Government's criminal that issue. The Minister also refuses to table in maladministration of a once-proud workers' this place the actuarial calculations that will compensation scheme. That point brings me prove that the fund will be stabilised as a result to the release of today's final workers' of the measures that have been announced compensation package by the Government. and that it will be back in the black in five The Opposition will be saying plenty about years' time. the Government's package when the In conclusion, I will address briefly some legislative proposals are debated. However, of the comments made by members opposite. what can be said today is that employers have The Minister did advocate fully, absolutely and copped it in the neck from a Government that categorically the cutting of common law refuses to accept any share of the access to the workers. When the unions responsibility for the fiasco that we are bucked up and said that they would march on debating today. This will simply force many Parliament House, that Minister, who is simply employers to do what they do not want to do, a mouthpiece and puppet of the senior that is, lay off workers and not employ any Ministers, caved in and said that common law additional workers. access would not be cut. Only two days ago, I welcome back the Minister. I am glad she was saying that bulk payments for stress that she has been humiliated into returning. leave would not be on. Two days later, after As I said earlier, blue-collar workers and young the unions again promised to march on this people looking for jobs will be the big losers. Parliament, the Minister caved in. The package announced today is nothing but The honourable member for South a political fix which cynically hits the wealth and Brisbane referred to the funding of the Division job-creating sector of the Queensland of Workplace Health and Safety. I remind this economy—the business sector. In fact, the House that, several years ago, it was this appeals of employers and their requests for Government that had to legislate to validate proper consultation have been ignored by this the confiscation of funds from the Workers Government, which is rapidly losing its Compensation Fund to fund the Division of penchant for slick public relations. Workplace Health and Safety because it had The Minister was right when she said that been indulging in illegal confiscation of funds. employers thought that she consulted well at That fund was never intended to fund the the beginning. They actually thought that she Division of Workplace Health and Safety. was making sense when she said, "I will cut When it was established, an initial withdrawal common law. Common law will have to be of $600,000 was made, which was meant to cut." But once the Minister was told to change be a seeding grant only. That is the truth of the tune, she did not turn up very often to the matter. speak to employers. Employers need to write Time expired. a mass of letters to the Minister to make sure that the communication process is Hon. K. E. De LACY (Cairns— understood. The appeals by employers for Treasurer) (4.38 p.m.): The Opposition proper consultation have been totally ignored proposed the subject matter for this debate by this Government, which is rapidly losing its today and I presume that the members touch for public relations. The Government opposite intended to prove that all of our and the Minister initially paid lip-service to the funds are mismanaged and that, basically, employers' concerns, but once the tune Queensland is mismanaged. All they proved changed the Minister just abandoned them. was that they do not know what they are Amongst other impacts, the package will talking about and that they cannot read increase average premium rates from 1.7 per accounts. cent to 1.95 per cent and place a 10 per cent Mr Santoro has been talking at great surcharge on premiums for five years. That in length about the solutions—the way that we effect represents a 52 per cent increase in have resolved the difficult issues in respect of premiums over two years. The package will workers' compensation. As to access to require employers to pay the first five days of common law—as soon as the problem was compensation, including the day of the injury. identified, he said, "We will have to cut access This will literally cripple employers. The Minister to common law." Mr Borbidge said, "We won't Legislative Assembly 799 1 November 1995 touch common law." That is the Opposition's Commission and a whole range of other policy! things. Mr Borbidge's real policy is, "No, we are Opposition members went to great not going to do anything about common law. lengths to claim that we are taking money out We won't increase premiums." What is he of the fund. We are not taking any money out going to do? I presume that he will have the of it; the MAIC runs the fund. The biggest taxpayer pay for it through corporatisation. increase in the levy on insurers is the Both the Leader and the Deputy Leader of the ambulance levy. Insurers have always paid for Opposition went to great lengths to prove—or ambulance services, but they used to pay try to prove—that somehow the Nominal after the event. It was the same amount, but it Defendant Fund is in trouble. After 20 minutes was paid after the event. So ambulance and of talking, all that they proved was that the hospitals had to wait three or four years for Nominal Defendant Fund is sound, and that it that money. Now that the money is paid up is sounder now than it was last year. Mrs front, the insurance companies, the hospitals Sheldon went to great lengths to say that it is and the Ambulance Service are better off, it in surplus but only by $1.3m. That really costs no more money, and everybody is means that there is $1.3m on top of a fully happier. funded situation—after full provision has been Mrs Sheldon interjected. made for future claims. That fund is actuarially assessed every year. It has been assessed as Mr De LACY: Sometimes that is very of 30 June, and the Actuary says that it is fully difficult to do, especially with people such as funded. the member. All I can say is that, in respect of the Nominal Defendant Fund, more funds are Mr Borbidge says, "We cannot trust Mr De available now. In fact, the total funds amount Lacy when he says that it is fully funded. to $156m. If members add together the totals There are no additional reserves." I assure in both funds, they will find that the actuarial members that when the Actuary makes a surplus is more than $60m. recommendation, there have to be sufficient reserves. However, Opposition members I do not want to go over what Mr Santoro implied that there was something funny about said, because I have already done that. the fact that there is a separate Motor However, he accused me of saying that the Accident Insurance Fund. It has $61m in it. Workers Compensation Fund is in the black. It Mrs Sheldon tried to imply that we have that is in the black; it contains $900m worth of separate fund so that I can get my hands on assets. I say to Mr Santoro that that is about the money. However, Mr Borbidge thundered, as black as one could get in this game. "There is no buffer. Mr De Lacy has got it Mr Santoro: You're the only one who wrong with long-tail claims. There is no buffer." believes that. But what about that fund that has $61m in it? Mr De LACY: I did say that, in cash We have a separate fund with $61m sitting in terms, there was a surplus at the end of the it, on top of a fully funded Nominal Defendant year of $109m. I was right again. Income was Fund. greater than outlays by $109m. That is what I Mrs Sheldon: That's a different fund. said then, that is what Mr Foley said during the Mr De LACY: Yes, it is a separate fund. Estimates debate, that is what I say now, and However, under section 1064 of the Motor that is what any accountants in the world Accident Insurance Act, if the balance would say if they looked at the fund—except transferred from the Motor Vehicle Insurance for those people who do not understand Nominal Defendant Fund to the Nominal financial accounts; they cannot tell the Defendant Fund proves insufficient to meet difference between cash accounting and the liabilities, then that other fund can be accrual accounting. accessed. That amount of $61m is sitting in I will talk for a minute about compulsory that fund, which proves absolutely that we third-party insurance, to which I referred during have the biggest buffer in the history of this question time. As I said then, the insurance State. companies are out there bidding for an Mrs Sheldon: Why did you shift it? increase in premiums. They do that every Mr De LACY: The member knows why year. It may well be that there will be an we shifted it. All we put in the Nominal increase in premiums this year, because if the Defendant Fund is what the Actuary says is number of claims goes up there has to be an sufficient to meet the needs of the fund. The increase. rest of the money is put into a different fund, I now have a copy of that letter from the which operates the Motor Accident Insurance MTAQ. It was never sent to my office. This 1 November 1995 800 Legislative Assembly letter was tabled by Mrs Sheldon. So one Mr Borbidge said— wonders what is the game of the MTAQ. It "We are now chasing helter-skelter faxed Mrs Sheldon a letter—presumably to the same levels of expenditure that have me—before question time. I do not even have helped send Victoria, New South Wales a copy of it; I received a copy from the Clerk. and South Australia to the brink of Mrs Sheldon: It wasn't to you at all. bankruptcy . . . By following the national Mr De LACY: It has not come to my example, the Government"— office. The MTAQ mentions an increase of that is, us— $400, or something. How would it know? Has it "is following the discredited example that seen any actuarial assessment? It is wishful has propelled Labor States from one end thinking by the Deputy Leader of the Coalition of Australia to the other to the verge of and the MTAQ—for political reasons. We will bankruptcy." wait for the Actuary's assessment and the recommendation from the Insurance I refer to another third-party endorsement. Commissioner, and we will take it from there. On 28 June 1995, County Natwest stated— I assure members that Queensland has "In the October 1994 issue of State the best third-party insurance system in of the States"— Australia. It is very much cheaper than the which is the assessment that it publishes of system in New South Wales and Victoria, the States— which are governed by the member's Tory mates. It is a better-run, regulated system. As "we stated that 'by any measure, I said during question time, we are just honest Queensland is the strongest State fiscally, in Australia. Indeed, it would be hard to brokers in this game. We ensure that find a national or sub-national insurance companies are not ripping off government anywhere in the world that people and that the premiums match the claims experience, and that is way it will has a superior financial position to continue to be. Queensland'." Opposition members also tried to imply I would rest my case, but County Natwest went that the State Government has lost the plot. on to state— Mrs Sheldon said that it took 8 or 10 years for "It is not surprising, therefore, that Cain and Bannon to get their States into Queensland enjoys the highest credit trouble, and that we have done that already. rating available from both of the major Mrs Sheldon: Six and three. rating agencies." Mr De LACY: Yesterday, I tabled the I ask members of this House: would they Annual Financial Report, which showed an believe Mr Borbidge's or Mrs Sheldon's underlying surplus of $1.77 billion. Our net assessment of the Queensland economy, or debt is now negative $1.9 billion. When I would members believe County Natwest, became Treasurer of this State, Queensland Moody's, Standard and Poors and every other had a debt of $4.3 billion. That figure is now independent commentator in the world? negative $1.9 billion. We have turned that Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time allotted debt around to the tune of more than $6 for the Special Public Importance debate has billion. Yet Opposition members sit there, look expired. me in the eye and say, "You are leading this State down the drain." APPROPRIATION BILL (No. 2) In September this year Moody's, the international credit-rating agency—and I do Second Reading not know whether members are going to Debate resumed from 14 September (see believe Mrs Sheldon or Moody's—assessed p. 207) Queensland's finances. It reiterated Mrs SHELDON (Caloundra—Leader of Queensland's AAA rating and stated— the Liberal Party) (4.48 p.m.): The "The government's financial Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 1995 makes a management policies have left supplementary appropriation to address Queensland in a position of unparalleled differences between budgeted 1994-95 strength among the Australian states: the revenues and expenditures and the actual budget is in structural surplus, taxes are end-of-year results as at 30 June 1995. This is the lowest in the nation, and the public the first Appropriation Bill of the new sector holds net financial assets of A$1.4 Parliament—a Parliament in which the party billion." which won the least votes—the Labor Legislative Assembly 801 1 November 1995

Party—still retains the Treasury benches. This This Government is doing a bad job of Government polled less than 47 per cent of managing the State's finances, a bad job of the two-party preferred vote in the July State managing the State's economy and a bad job election. It is not the preferred Government of of being an open and accountable the majority of voters in this State and, in this Government. This Government has chronically speech, I shall outline some of the reasons mismanaged the provision of services such as why that is so. health and law and order. It has mismanaged This Bill authorises in retrospect a far the provision of infrastructure such as hospitals greater level of expenditure than was and roads. It has mismanaged its public debt approved in the 1994-95 Budget. Much of that program and it has mismanaged the public service by drastic over-bureaucratisation. expenditure is related to capital raising through the QTC owing to better-than-favourable Mr De Lacy: Who wrote this rubbish? conditions. This Government has balanced its Mrs SHELDON: Perhaps the Treasurer underlying Budget by increasing taxation would tell me who writes his rubbish. That revenue to cover large increases in would be very interesting to follow through. expenditure—increases in expenditure which The Government has gone a long way have done little or nothing to improve the towards destroying the formerly robust delivery of services to the people who have coughed up the extra money. The people are Queensland economy through angry about this, and I for one cannot blame mismanagement. It has not provided the affordable power the economy needs and it them. They showed this anger at the recent has not provided the necessary Government election by voting overwhelmingly for the support and encouragement that a healthy coalition. Only because of the current distorted distribution of electoral boundaries has this business sector requires. bunch—that mob over there—managed to The Government claims success in being hang on by the skin of their teeth. Has this the low-tax State of Australia. However, this Government learnt from its near-death does not mean an absence of taxation experience? Not at all. It never learns. It has increases. We have seen new taxes imposed managed to turn a once-vibrant economy into and a massive campaign of taxation by stealth a basket case. By all measures, Queensland through the expansion and "restructuring" of is in an economic hole—whether one looks at licences, fees, charges and, of course, stamp unemployment, business confidence, profits, duties. An example of these secret taxes is trading performance, investment or output. the proposed changes to boating licence fees, See, Mr De Lacy: I can quote my own reported in the Courier-Mail of 8 October, statistics! The Treasurer quotes the ones that which would net Mr De Lacy an additional $2m suit him. in tax revenue. It is a wonder that Tom Burns has not told that to the battlers he is Mr Livingstone interjected. constantly representing when he goes out in Mrs SHELDON: No, these are all his little tinnie. The trick here is to turn current independent. I will give the Treasurer the lifetime licences into ones which need to be independent assessors, not that he would renewed every few years. Between 30 June have ever heard of them. He would not know 1994 and 30 June 1995, total taxation what he was reading, but I will give them to receipts increased by a whopping $205m, him. The list includes housing, construction, from $2,400m to $2,605m. That is an increase strikes, wages, bankruptcies and all utility of 8.6 per cent. Total regulatory fee receipts charges. Queensland has the worst, or close increased by an even greater proportion—they to the worst, record in Australia in every rose by $99m, from $1,129m to $1,228m, category. This Government's boast of which represents an increase of a massive 8.8 successful economic management is a con. per cent. Any reasonably competent Government which Despite the Government's low-tax State inherited a State Budget in surplus should be claim, Queensland does not always have the able to keep it there. A truly effective lowest taxes of all types in Australia. There are Government would have kept taxes down, even a couple of instances where Queensland provided the services that people need and taxes are higher than those of other States. engineered a vibrant economy at the same Queensland has only the second-lowest rate time. The balanced Budget is this of land tax in Australia for taxable values of Government's one fig leaf with which it is trying $10m. The October 1995 edition of the to cover a number of sensitive spots, and it is Building Owners and Managers Association failing. publication reveals that Queensland has a 1 November 1995 802 Legislative Assembly land tax rate of 1.77 per cent at that value, and Islander Affairs; $16m to the Department whereas New South Wales has a rate of 1.48 of Environment and Heritage; and last, but per cent. Queensland is the low-tax State? It is definitely not least, $292m to the Treasury. little wonder that we are continuing to lose That $292m is supposed to represent the sale head offices to Sydney and are failing to of financial assets to the Queensland Treasury attract more industry. Corporation as part of a restructure of the With regard to the bank accounts debits public debt. It is my belief that this tax—or the "BAD" tax—for businesses with restructuring of the public debt has more to do cheque transactions of $10,000 or more, with transferring $1 billion to this Government's BOMA reveals that Queensland has only the Labor mates in Canberra than it has to do with third-lowest rate of tax at $2.10, compared benefiting the people of this State. That is all with Western Australia and Tasmania which the explanation we get for the expenditure of charge only $2. Honourable members may nearly $300m from the Consolidated say that that is small potatoes, but it is Fund—one tiny, uninformative sentence. significant in that it illustrates the distortion of A little more information on the reality undertaken by this Government in its restructuring of State debt was made available attempt to portray itself as a competent in the 1995 Annual Financial Report, tabled in manager. this House only yesterday. We received a What about debt? This Government, as whole paragraph this time, but the overall part of its dishonest election campaign, often objective of the restructure is still a mystery. referred to Queensland as being "debt free". Therefore, I will ask some questions about this This was not true then, and it is even less true restructure which the Treasurer may like to now. answer later. What are the ultimate purposes of this restructure of public debt? Which Mr Braddy: Net debt free. financial assets were sold to the QTC and for Mrs SHELDON: I am pleased that the how much? What services or assets were Minister mentioned that, because gross debt forgone in order to make this payment? went up $3 billion last year just ask the Treasurer! One possibility could be transport services. The 1994-95 budget for the As at 30 June 1994, the total State gross Transport policy area was $1,465.4m. In May, debt stood at $13.4 billion, or $4,193 for every the 1995-96 Budget papers stated that the person in Queensland at the time. At 30 June estimated actual expenditure for 1994-95 1995, the gross debt had risen to $16.3 billion, would be $1,486.9m, an increase of $21.5m, or $5,006 for every person in Queensland at or 1.5 per cent. However, the Niemeyer the end of the March quarter 1995. This statement for 30 June 1995 revealed that this means that every man, woman and child in was not the case in actuality. Actual Transport Queensland now owes $813 more in gross expenditure for 1994-95 ended up as only State debt than they did last year. Therefore, $1,433.8m, a decrease of $31.6m, or 2.2 per Queensland is certainly not debt free. cent, not an increase. When compared to the There are several matters of importance estimated actual figure, the final result was in relation to this Bill which need to be $53.1m, or 3.6 per cent, less. Given that the mentioned specifically before I detail a number Budget came down only one and a half of instances of this Government's dishonesty months before the end of the financial year, and incompetence. This Bill is asking for an this is exceedingly strange. What happened appropriation in arrears for a very large between the bringing down of the Budget and amount of money. It is asking for the approval 30 June to have caused this, or was the of additional expenditure of $534m from the estimated actual figure a political one prior to Consolidated Fund and a massive $4.65 an election rather than a real one? Is this billion from the Trust and Special Funds. Very State so over-endowed with transport services large additional amounts have been that it does not need any more? That is an appropriated from the Consolidated Fund for interesting question, but of course that is not various purposes: $18m to the Department of the case. A report from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Planning; Transport, released on 23 October 1995, $34m to the Department of Treasury for revealed that in 1994 Queensland had the superannuation; $15.5m to Queensland second highest road toll in the country, with Emergency Services; $15m to the Department 13.5 fatalities per 100,000 people. In 1994, of Education; $23.5m to DEVETIR; $55m to 422 people died on Queensland roads, 26 the Department of Health; $12m to the more than in 1993. Queensland needs better Department of Family Services and Aboriginal roads and it needs them now. Legislative Assembly 803 1 November 1995

Education services are also not what they which this amount represents. An examination used to be. Chart 2.4, on page 17 of the 1995 of data contained in the 1995 QTC annual Annual Financial Report, reveals that report reveals that 1994-95 was in fact an education expenditure in 1994-95 was less appropriate year in which to make a large than it was in 1992-93 and, according to capital raising. What I object to is that we had estimates, will rise above the 1992-93 level to wait until now to find out about this. Such only in 1995-96. an important level of financial activity should I turn now to the issue of the ability to have been discussed by the Parliament at the compare a Budget to those of previous years. time it happened and not referred to in This has never been an easy task and recently retrospect once the QTC annual report was it has become even harder, as we are now tabled and this Bill introduced into the House. faced with the change to accrual accounting, The 1995-96 Budget papers were also which is changing the basis upon which the singularly uninformative on this subject. There accounts are calculated. I am not criticising was a one-sentence footnote on the subject accrual accounting. In fact, on many on page 65 of the Treasurer's Program occasions I have stated that I believe the Portfolio Statements. Hardly a comprehensive Government should move on this matter far explanation! The whole question of this debt faster than it has. However, once the change restructure is one which needs a great deal occurs, it will be virtually impossible to compare more explanation than we have heard to date, the before and after figures. What is needed is particularly in light of some of the a mechanism whereby pre and post-accrual innovative—to put it mildly—actions in relation accounting figures may be compared. I to debt, which I shall discuss presently. It is strongly urge the Treasurer—if he really wants interesting to note that the Queensland us to know the facts—to develop such a Infrastructure Financing Fund—QIFF—will raise mechanism so that the Parliament can $300m from borrowings in 1994-95 and 1995- continue to fulfil its role as the scrutineer of 96. What is to be done with this money and Government financial performance. the $400m in funds that it holds for the toll Whilst I am on the subject of the road now that that project is no more? I shall accountability of the Government to the also have more to say on that subject later. Parliament, I feel it is necessary to mention Possibly the Treasurer will comment on this the problem that is faced by the Parliament in subject in his reply. debating this Bill only one day after the tabling Mr De Lacy: That's one of those hollow of the Treasurer's Annual Statement for 1994- logs. 95. Previously, we have had access only to Mrs SHELDON: It sure is! What is the the broad policy area expenditure totals from Government going to do with all of that the 30 June Niemeyer statement. We had no money? So far we have not heard a word indication of the composition of these about what the Government will do with that amounts. In response to any questions that $700m. The toll road will not be built. It would we have asked previously seeking such be interesting to know what the money will be information—data which is readily to hand in spent on. So far the Government has said that the Treasury Department—we have been it would build a power station, two dams, a gas greeted with the answer, "Wait for the Treasurer's Annual Statement." That is not pipeline and a toll road, none of which has good enough and it is certainly not what I or been delivered. Who could believe what the other Queenslanders call accountability. Even Treasurer says? when we finally receive the statements, this In addition, other large amounts of money Government still goes out of its way to hide are appropriated from the Trust and Special information. On page 5 of the 1995 Annual Funds. For example, $134m was appropriated Financial Report, under the section titled from the Q-Fleet Trust Fund; $31m from the "Policy Outcomes", the "Future Liabilities" Workers Compensation Fund; $25m from the section refers to superannuation being fully Commonwealth Education Fund; $27.5m from funded, but there is no mention of workers' the Home Purchase Assistance Account; compensation being unfunded. That is $32m from the Queensland Housing blatantly dishonest and cowardly. Commission Fund; $36m from the Railway I turn to the Trust and Special Funds Fund; $12m from the Forestry Fund; and section of this Bill. Here we have expenditures $58m from the Building and Construction on a truly gigantic scale, the largest of which is Industry Board. $3.8 billion from the Queensland Treasury My earlier comments regarding the level Corporation. Strangely enough, I do not of information available still stand. Over the question the actual raising of the borrowings past six years, this Government has built up 1 November 1995 804 Legislative Assembly an impressive financial structure outside of the $1.3 billion of Consolidated Fund QTC debt scrutiny of Parliament. I refer to the QTC, the into these corporations to boost their gearing QIC, the QIDC—or, with its banking licence, ratios up to an artificially determined 33 per the State Bank—Suncorp, QIFF, and the cent. newly corporatised railways and electricity Mr De Lacy: Do you think that's high? utilities. These interconnected webs of organisations obey only one master: their Mrs SHELDON: Does the Treasurer shareholder, the Treasurer. They do not obey intend going higher? Are Queensland's the Parliament. They do not even have to tell electricity prices so low that consumers will not the Parliament what they are doing when be disadvantaged by assuming this debt? The Parliament legitimately questions their answer is, "No." Queensland does not have operations. All that the Parliament sees of the lowest electricity prices in the country—far these organisations is the information in from it. The October 1995 edition of Building rose-tinted press statements and well-sanitised Owner and Manager reveals that, for users of annual reports. In addition, the information over 1 million kilowatts per month, power in contained in annual reports is often so old as Queensland costs 7.42c per kilowatt hour. to be of historical interest only. Only Tasmania and Western Australia have higher prices. Our major competitors, Victoria This Government has built up a network and New South Wales, both have cheaper capable of making the most complex power than Queensland. Victorian power costs arrangements in secret and answerable only 6.32c per kilowatt hour and New South Wales to it. The Government asks us to trust it to act power costs 7.37c per kilowatt hour. The in accordance with the highest ethical Government has pointed to the fact that standards. This from the Government that electricity prices have gone down, rather than displayed the lowest ethics when it fought an up, recently. This is true, but the reason for election with a deceitful and dishonest this is more closely related to falling coal prices advertising campaign! Will the Government be than better management. The 1995 annual able to resist using its new toy in ways that it report of QCT Resources recently revealed knows the Parliament would disapprove of? Of that its coal prices have fallen by 48 per cent course not! The Government has already in real terms over the past 10 years. started, and there is no knowing where it will stop. How has this Government used its Queensland is in danger of losing the Government owned corporations unethically? proposed $1 billion Korean zinc smelter at We need look no further than the recently Townsville because this Government is not revealed electricity debt and the Stanwell willing to offer cheap enough power. Now we Power Station scandals. This administration know why it will not offer cheap power. The has been dragging its heels on the Comalco aluminium smelter was won for the construction of new power stations, so much State by electricity being provided at cost. It is so that we now suffer brownouts. apparent that the current Government has deliberately thrown away the opportunity to do Mr De Lacy: You made this speech this. Until the annual report of the QTC yesterday. You need more staff. revealed that this transfer had occurred, all Mrs SHELDON: The Treasurer needs to that was known of this arrangement was an have things repeated to him often. I am ambiguously worded paragraph on the second helping him to understand the problems that page of an otherwise unrelated press he faces. statement by the Minister for Minerals and Now we hear that the company Energy in March. This paragraph mentioned recommissioning the Collinsville Power Station the 33 per cent gearing ratio and a could withdraw, as the condition of the station "restructure of State debt", but nowhere did it was not as it was led to believe. As the imply that the corporation's debt would be Government had not built the power station higher at the end, particularly by such a that Queensland needs, the Queensland staggering amount. In fact, as the bulk of the Electricity Commission had a very low level of statement concerned an electricity tariff cut, borrowings when it was corporatised and split the implication was in fact exactly the into AUSTA Electric and the Queensland opposite. Exactly where did this $1.3 billion of Transmission and Supply Corporation. Rather debt come from? We still do not know. What than build a new power station, or even pass was this debt incurred in relation to? on the low-debt servicing costs to the public The electricity consumers of through lower electricity charges, this Queensland—industrial, commercial and Government quietly doubled the debt of residential—have a right to know whose debt AUSTA Electric and the QTSC by transferring they are so kindly paying off. But, of course, Legislative Assembly 805 1 November 1995 the Government has not told them. It even title to Stanwell had not changed hands. Of tried to hide the fact that consumers were course the title to the station itself has not paying it off at all. The Government's actions changed hands; it was the generating units are downright dishonest. This is certainly a that were sold, not the building which houses cover-up. The Government evidently had the them. The pattern of this Government's use of right to make this transfer, but it knew how its power to operate outside the scrutiny of unpopular it would be with the public and Parliament is clear. It does deals in secret chose to hide it. President Nixon did not resign which it knows the people would disapprove because of the Watergate break-in. President of. When it is finally found out, the Nixon resigned because of a cover-up and Government deliberately misleads by claiming because facts were being hidden from the that the situation is other than it really is. The American people, just as the Treasurer is Treasurer has every reason to avert his eyes. hiding the facts from the people of Queensland. This Government has proved that it cannot be trusted with such a financial empire. What about Stanwell? During the recent Unlike directors of public companies, State election, Labor made a number of Government members bear no personal risk in expensive promises. The funding of these what they do. They do not face gaol for hiding promises was cut exceedingly fine—some say information from their shareholders, the voters too fine. Some say that under the current of Queensland. All that will happen to them is financial framework the Government does not that they will lose an election and then retire actually have the money to pay for its with their superannuation intact. That is promises. This is not a problem that the definitely not justice! coalition would have faced. Our financial framework would have coped easily. However, The two examples of deceitful dealings for some reason the Government has an that I have outlined already are not the only urgent need for $500m. That $500m, by the ones. There is even another case under way way, is exactly the same amount as the actual at this very moment. I refer to the sale of Bond deficit, the net financing requirement, of the University. There were originally six bidders for Consolidated Fund after paying out $1 billion Bond University, three private organisations of Commonwealth debt early so that Paul and three public universities—the University of Keating could balance his election Budget. It Queensland, Griffith University and Monash was very good of Mr De Lacy to pay that University. We now know that the University of money to get Mr Keating off the hook! Queensland was the successful bidder. However, May's Budget papers were Financial arrangements involving the formulated on the basis of an underlying successful University of Queensland bid are surplus so that the people did not realise the legitimate details for the public of Queensland real cost of repaying that debt early. to know, and the coalition has asked questions in this House in order to be able to Given the Government's commitment to inform them of any risks which may have been fund social infrastructure from current incurred. revenues, the payment of $1 billion from the Consolidated Fund has placed a great strain Rather than reveal this information, this on the provision of infrastructure and services Government chose merely to say that no in the general Government sector. No matter public money will be lent to the university for that this Commonwealth debt was replaced by this purpose and that no specific Government QTC raised debt and thus the overall level of guarantee will be issued. In answering in that indebtedness of the total public sector did not fashion, this Government has again change. In practical terms, the $1 billion deliberately misled the Parliament and the transferred out of the Consolidated Fund is $1 people. My understanding is that the finance billion worth of roads, schools, hospitals and for at least one of the public bids was being police stations that were not built when they arranged through one of the big four banks. were needed, which is now. This money would then be channelled through To return to this Government's present the Queensland Treasury Corporation and dilemma—what did it do to obtain another on-lent to the public university. There may be $500m? It forced AUSTA Electric to sell the no specific written guarantee, but, should the three generating units of the Stanwell Power money be advanced to the QTC in the first Station to the US power utility Potomac Power instance, it would attract an implicit State and Light. Not only did the Government not Government guarantee, as it would be the tell the Parliament or the people that it was QTC which would be approached in the case doing this, but also, when it was found out, it of a default by the university. Additionally, any tried to conceal the facts by stating that the losses sustained by a subsidiary of a public 1 November 1995 806 Legislative Assembly university would also be the responsibility of talking about $320m or $200m, the question the public sector. remains: where is this money coming from? Mr De Lacy interjected. In the costing of its election policies, the Mrs SHELDON: In that case, the Government was left with a bare $2m surplus Treasurer should tell the truth to the on the Consolidated Fund. These are the Parliament instead of the half-truths in which Treasurer's figures. The Pacific Highway is not he constantly deals. Were the Treasurer to tell a toll road, thus QIFF funds will not be the truth, perhaps the legitimate concerns of available to widen it. Is the Treasurer prepared some people could be laid to rest. But the to put the Consolidated Fund in deficit to fund Treasurer is so used to dealing in half-truths the upgrading? My colleague the member for that he cannot bring himself to do otherwise. Nerang put his finger on the key when he was quoted in the Gold Coast Bulletin as saying Mr T. B. Sullivan: He's telling you and that, unless the Government eight-lanes the you won't listen. Pacific Highway, it is not serious. That is Mrs SHELDON: The Treasurer had the precisely the point: the Government is not opportunity to tell us the truth in his answers to serious. It has no intention of upgrading the the questions upon notice on this topic, but he Pacific Highway ahead of schedule. What the did not do so. The member for Chermside Government intends to do is resurrect the should take up that point with the Treasurer. tollway once the coast is clear. The numbers Such losses would directly affect the do not add up because the Government has quality and quantity of public tertiary no intention of spending the extra money. I education. These are risks which the people note that the Treasurer is smiling. have a right to know they are taking on. To tell Once Mr Keating has held his election an untruth by omission is an act of contempt and once the result of the by-election in towards the people of Queensland. Mundingburra is known—should Labor win, This Government's record of deceit goes and that is highly unlikely—yet another backflip on and on. The south eastern tollway is one will most likely occur and the road will be back example. The whole State cheered when the from the dead for a second time. Premier announced that this hateful road Mr De Lacy: No, no. would not go ahead. He said that the Mrs SHELDON: The Treasurer is like Government would spend $320m upgrading the boy who cried wolf. People no longer the Pacific Highway to six lanes. VETO believe him. This Government has gone back members hugged each other and joyfully took on a promise not to build this road once down their protest banners. The Federal Labor before. The people of Queensland do not Party heaved a collective sigh of relief and doubt for one minute that the Government wiped its collective brow. In reality, it was its would not hesitate to do so again. In a muscle that reversed the decision. But is moment, the Treasurer will say, "Trust me", everything as it seems? No! As with everything which will put the final cap on it! this dishonest Government does, this, too, is a con. It is yet another smokescreen to fool the While I am talking about the deceit of this well intentioned into believing that this Government, I cannot leave the workers' Government is actually interested in what the compensation debacle unmentioned. During people think. Why do I say that? the recent election, this Government campaigned on its record as a competent Mr Schwarten: Who knows? economic manager. The Treasurer claimed Mrs SHELDON: Obviously Government that the proof of this was that all State members do not have the remotest idea. I say liabilities, including workers' compensation, it because the numbers do not add up, and were fully funded—believe it or not That was anyone who can count will agree with me. This not true. At the time when the Government Government has already planned for the won its dishonourable election victory, its six-laning of the Pacific Highway for part of its members knew that they no longer had a fully length. This part of the project would not count funded workers' compensation scheme. In as new expenditure. Therefore, the fact, they were told by the board at least as far expenditure of $320m must presumably be for back as February 1992 that they were in an the six-laning of the rest of the highway in the untenable position in relation to common law very near future. By the way, a Queensland claims; yet they chose to do nothing. The Transport spokesman was reported in the Government bought time with business money Courier-Mail of 22 October 1995 as saying that by increasing premiums by 13.5 per cent in only $200m will be spent on the upgrading. July 1993, but this did nothing to solve the Who should we believe? But whether we are underlying problem. Rather than raise Legislative Assembly 807 1 November 1995 premiums again prior to an election, the jobs will be lost because of the increase in Government decided to hide the situation and premiums. And do not be fooled, this pretend that nothing was wrong. That was agreement will cost jobs. dishonest. The Premier has done a Neville The $118m hole in the Workers Chamberlain at Munich and declared peace in Compensation Fund would not exist today had our time. The Government has sold out this Government not decided to use the fund business, and it is the workers of Queensland as a cash cow for a number of purposes. who will suffer. And, just like Munich, there is What started as a modest $400,000 no guarantee whatsoever that its reforms will contribution to workplace health and safety work. The experience of Victoria, whose became a serious $13m confiscation by 1992- WorkCare scheme collapsed in a screaming 93. Other amounts have been siphoned out of heap, suggests that they will not. The Victorian the fund for other Government Labor Government tried several times to fix up purposes—special grants, public hospital WorkCare through agreements with the contributions and DEVETIR corporate services unions, and none of them worked. One can charges. In 1992-93, $4.2m was paid to ask: will this one work any better? The Workers DEVETIR towards the cost of its corporate Compensation Board does not appear to think services, despite $37.8m being spent by the so. fund on the full spectrum of management The board report tabled by the Leader of services. The cash grab rose over time as the Opposition in this House argued that the "Count Dracula" and his mates got warmed premium increases contemplated by the up. In 1989-90, $18.1m was taken out of the Government would fail to solve the problem fund. In 1990-91, this amount had risen to without restrictions on common law claims. Will $21.2m, and in 1991-92 the Government took we be back in this House in another three $23.1m from the fund. 1992-93 was the peak, years or less to try to solve yet another with $25.7m being extracted from the fund. worker's compensation crisis? For the sake of However, in February 1992 the bad news the workers in this State, I sincerely hope not. hit: the fund was going broke. Thus in 1993- This workers' compensation arrangement 94, payments fell dramatically to $16m. There will also impact on the public sector. It will is no other possible explanation for the fall mean that premiums for Government workers than the realisation that all this blood sucking will rise as well as those for private sector was killing the victim. Did claims fall in 1993- employees. The Treasurer has told us that 94? No, they did not. Did common law that is so. This will cost more money. Unless payouts decrease? No, they did not. This fall revenues increase to cover this increased cost, represents absolute proof that not only did the public sector jobs will come under pressure. It Government know in 1992 that the fund was is entirely possible that this mates' deal may in trouble but also that the money it was actually lead to lower numbers of police, draining from the fund was unrelated to the nurses and teachers. And workers' business of the fund, which is workers' compensation is not the only long-term liability compensation. in trouble. The loss to the fund was not only the There is now overwhelming evidence that amounts taken out in this fashion, but also the the compulsory third-party insurance system is interest which those amounts would have on the verge of breaking down, for much the earned over time. I have thus taken the liberty same reasons as the Workers Compensation of adding compound interest to the amounts Fund has broken down. Suncorp chief, extracted from the fund. I used the 90-day bill Graham Tucker, has warned that Queensland rate for the year in question to do so. The faces a New South Wales' style blow-out, result is that the $104m taken out over the given a 70 per cent increase in incurred past five years would have grown to $118m by claims. At the same time, the Government has now, and that, of course, is the same amount stripped the Nominal Defendant Fund of all its as the current hole. emergency reserves and left it in a barely Given that the Government continues to actuarially funded position. Problems with this boast that its fund investment earnings are scheme are only a matter of time under higher than those of the private sector, should current circumstances. this rate have been used an even higher The workers' compensation crisis is figure would most likely have been arrived at. evidence of gross financial mismanagement. Now the Government has announced that it And it is not the only evidence of the sheer has brokered a deal with its union mates to fix incompetence of this Government. up the fund. But it cannot tell us how many Queensland has grown faster than the 1 November 1995 808 Legislative Assembly national average. However, that growth is business conditions in the September 1995 largely due to increases in population. quarter, compared with only 27 per cent Increases in numbers of people do not reporting better conditions and 35 per cent the necessarily equate to increases in the same conditions. The worst-hit areas were productivity or wealth of each person. And retail, 53 per cent down, 12 per cent up; even the growth figures we have been construction, 47 per cent down, 16 per cent presented with do not reflect the true picture. up; and manufacturing, 43 per cent down, 29 The Treasurer claims a 5.5 per cent per cent up. growth rate for Queensland in 1994-95. If we This followed an even worse result in the are talking about the growth in expenditure in June 1995 quarter survey. In the June quarter, this State over the year, he is right. The 42 per cent of business respondents reported Australian Bureau of Statistics, in its October worse conditions, 24 per cent better, and 34 1995 Major Economic Indicators publication, per cent the same. In June, the hardest hit confirms that State final demand for sectors were construction, which reported 55 Queensland rose by 5.4 per cent in original per cent down, 6 per cent up; tourism, which figures and by 5.2 per cent on a trend basis. was 50 per cent down and 12 per cent up; However, expenditure on goods and services transport, 50 per cent down and 17 per cent in a State is not the only measure of its up; and business services, 42 per cent down economy. Incomes earned by the people of and only 27 per cent up. Is this evidence of the State are another measure, and a more successful economic management? Of course accurate one if one wishes to know how the it is not. It is in fact the dismal record of a population's standard of living is progressing. Government that does not have a clue how to The ABS even terms the income measure as run a successful economy. "Gross State Product—Income Based". I would like to quote a few of the In 1994-95, income in Queensland grew comments made by respondents in the survey by only 2.9 per cent in original figures and by about the reasons for their worsening 2.1 per cent on a trend basis. Gross State conditions. One said, "Government product growth has been falling throughout bureaucracy and charges." Another, the financial year. In the September 1994 "Government employing ostriches to manage quarter, the annual trend growth in GSP was the economy"—I think they must have been 6.9 per cent. In the December 1994 quarter, it speaking about the Treasurer. Yet another, was 6.8 per cent. In the March 1995 quarter, it "Government incompetence causing concern had fallen to 4.6 per cent, and now it is only hence restraints on spending." A fourth said, 2.1 per cent. These are the sorts of "Interest rates and Government tax percentages that we do not hear about from increases." And a fifth said, "Government has Mr De Lacy. not created security for business to expand." I This is how is the Queensland economy is endorse their comments wholeheartedly. The faring after six years of Labor stewardship. business community of Queensland are not Queensland is in an economic hole and is fools. They know where the source of their getting in deeper by the minute. Honourable problems lies. They know that this members certainly do not only have to take Government has done nothing to help my word for it. The Queensland Chamber of business, but certainly plenty to harm it. Commerce and Industry has recently made Queensland's economic indicators tell the some comments on the performance of this story. Government. On page 2 of the September I have already referred to our comparative issue of its Quarterly Pulse Survey of disadvantage in power costs—a factor which Queensland Business, the QCCI wrote— can only seriously disadvantage the attraction ". . . members have also commented on of new industry and therefore the creation of the high level of on-costs and regulations new jobs. from the three levels of Government. The There are two main measures of how Queensland Government came in for employment is faring. The unemployment rate much heavier than usual criticism from the is the main current indicator of current business community members in the employment performance and job Pulse sample. Comments that decisions advertisements are the main indicator of future were not being made or projects delayed employment prospects. or cancelled were central in most Queensland's unemployment rate is now comments made by respondents." the second-worst in Australia at 9.5 per cent The Pulse Survey reported that 38 per cent of seasonally adjusted for September. This is business respondents experienced worse second only to South Australia at 9.8 per cent, Legislative Assembly 809 1 November 1995 and is a massive 1.9 per cent higher than our Queensland no longer deserves the reputation nearest competitor, New South Wales, at 7.6 as the economic Sunshine State. The Yellow per cent. Other data confirm this dismal Pages Small Business Index for the August picture. quarter of 1995 reports that small business In the National Australia Bank quarterly confidence is the lowest in the country for the business survey for the September 1995 second quarter in a row, with an index of 32 quarter, Queensland rated the worst compared with a national average of 46. employment record in Australia with an index According to the NAB quarterly business of minus 4 per cent, compared with an survey for the September quarter 1995, average of plus 4 per cent, with 23 per cent of profitability in Queensland rated the worst in respondents recording less or much less Australia with an index of minus 20 per cent employment. The National Australia Bank compared with an average of minus 4 per survey for the June quarter showed cent, and with 37 per cent of respondents Queensland as having the second-worst recording poor or very poor conditions. The employment result in Australia, and the QCCI NAB survey for the June quarter of 1995 Queensland Pulse survey for the same period showed that Queensland also had the worst revealed that employment levels had dropped profitability in Australia for the year to June, back to the level of the March 1992 quarter. with an index of minus 22 per cent. In the September quarter, employment The QCCI Queensland Pulse Quarterly levels were the same as in the June 1992 Survey for September 1995 reported that 42 quarter. The leading employment indicator, job per cent of respondents experienced worse advertisements, shows that matters will only profitability, compared with 17 per cent get worse in the future. The prime measure of reporting better profitability and 41 per cent job advertisements, the ANZ Bank reporting the same. The worst-hit sector was Employment Advertisement Series, reported in the retail sector, with 63 per cent of October 1995 that Queensland's annual respondents worse off compared with only 9 percentage change in seasonally adjusted job per cent better off. In the June quarter, the advertisements has been strongly negative for survey showed that 50 per cent of the past five months and has been growing Queensland respondents reported lower worse. In May, it was minus 9.2 per cent; in profitability, 19 per cent were higher and 31 June, minus 10.6 per cent; in July, minus 10.4 per cent were the same. The last time profit per cent; in August, minus 16.7 per cent; and levels were this low was in the June 1991 in September, it was minus 21.4 per cent. quarter. Queensland had the worst seasonally The Courier-Mail of 4 August 1995 adjusted annual result in Australia for reported that building materials companies September. The Australian average was James Hardie Industries and Boral Ltd minus 3.1 per cent. Queensland also had the reported falls in profit due to the housing worst monthly seasonally adjusted result, with slump. The National Australia Bank's quarterly minus 6.5 per cent compared with an average business survey for the September 1995 of plus 0.4 per cent, as well as the worst trend quarter reported that Queensland has the result—minus 1.5 per cent compared with an worst trading conditions in Australia, with an average of minus 0.3 per cent. The index of minus 18 per cent compared with an Commonwealth Department of Employment, average of plus 6 per cent, and with 36 per Education and Training skilled job vacancies cent of respondents recording poor or very data for the September 1995 quarter showed poor conditions. that Queensland had the worst result in The NAB survey for the June quarter Australia with a decline of 12.1 per cent in 1995 showed that Queensland also had the skilled vacancies compared with an average worst trading performance in Australia to June, rise of 2 per cent. Queensland was also the with an index of minus 10 per cent compared worst in the nation in the August and July with an Australian average of plus 3 per cent. 1995 quarters—minus 5.8 per cent to August The QCCI Queensland Pulse Quarterly Survey and minus 1.1 per cent to July. The Australian for September 1995 revealed that 37 per cent average was a rise of 5.9 per cent to August of respondents experienced worse sales and a rise of 9.7 per cent to July. conditions in the September quarter, This is hardly an impressive record of compared with 33 per cent experiencing better economic management. Rather than bringing conditions and 30 per cent the same. The home the bacon, this Government has the worst-affected areas were construction, 53 per economy bleeding like a stuck pig. cent down, 27 per cent up; retail, 53 per cent Employment is only one of the areas in which down, 31 per cent up; and manufacturing, 43 1 November 1995 810 Legislative Assembly per cent down, 31 per cent up. Results were highest annual rate of growth in bankruptcies worse in the June 1995 quarter, with 47 per in the June quarter also, which was 24.1 per cent of Queensland respondents reporting cent compared with an Australian average of lower sales for the June quarter. The last time only 7.9 per cent. sales were that low was in the June 1991 The ACCI and Westpac Bank Survey of quarter. Industrial Trends revealed that Queensland There does not appear to be much hope has the worst performance in Australia in of an improvement in the near future. The manufacturing output, with a net balance of Pulse survey also measures the levels of 24 of Queensland respondents reporting a orders received by businesses. In the decline in output in the June 1995 quarter. September 1995 quarter, 40 per cent of The Australian average was a decline for a net respondents reported lower orders compared balance of 10 respondents. So we had 24 and with 30 per cent reporting more and 30 per the average was 10. Queensland also had the cent reporting the same. Worst hit was largest decline in expected output in the manufacturing, with 48 per cent reporting September 1995 quarter, with a net balance lower orders compared with 25 per cent of 38 respondents expecting falls in output reporting higher ones. Queensland also had compared with an Australian average of a the second-worst growth in the value of its decline of a net balance of six respondents. overseas exports in the March 1995 quarter So we have 38 compared with six. after South Australia. Queensland had a Unfortunately, one has to ask: what about growth of only 4.1 per cent compared with an the housing sector? Housing has been the Australian average of 6.9 per cent. engine room of growth in the Queensland These are not figures that I like to relate, economy to date. Unfortunately, that is not the but we only ever hear one side of the story case any longer. The REIQ/St George Bank from Mr De Lacy. He does not bother taking Annual Review released on 4 September any notice of these indicators provided by 1995 found that sales were down 40 per cent independent surveys, which constantly show on last year and said that the market that we have a problem. He puts his head in slowdown was the worst in a decade. Brisbane the sand, and he puts no measures in place sales were down 37 per cent, with other to rectify the problem. centres worse. The October 1995 edition of Building The Housing Prospects Report of July Owner and Manager detailed comparative 1995, published by the Commonwealth costs of exports between the States, based on Department of Housing and Regional wharfage rates for standard containers. Development and the Indicative Planning Queensland has the second-highest wharfage Council for the Housing Industry, forecasts that rate in mainland Australia after South the current low levels of dwelling Australia, with a cost of $68 per container. commencements is likely to continue for at New South Wales has a cost of $50, Victoria a least another 12 months, contradicting cost of $55 and Western Australia a cost of Queensland Government statements that $49. The South Australian rate is $79. activity will pick up in January. That was reinforced in the 1 November 1995 edition of Private new capital expenditure in the Herron Todd White Valuers monthly report, Queensland also had the worst annual growth which said of Brisbane— rate in Australia for the March 1995 quarter, with an increase of 17.3 per cent compared "Unfortunately, there is no with an Australian average of an increase of expectation of a fast recovery in the 25.4 per cent. The October 1995 edition of residential market." Building Owner and Manager made a Even the Government's own real estate comparison of international and Australian agents, L. J. Hooker, a Suncorp subsidiary, is office occupancy costs denominated in US suffering from the housing slump. In the 1995 dollars. Brisbane rated second only to Sydney Suncorp annual report, it is written— in Australia with a cost of US$265 per square "After three years of continuous metre per year. Sydney had a cost of $380, growth, L. J. Hooker sales were affected but Melbourne was $261. Perth was $206 and by the dramatic downturn in the real Adelaide was $203. estate market from October 1994. This is a litany of woes, but unfortunately Queensland, L. J. Hooker's second it is the truth. Queensland had the highest largest market, was and remains the most annual growth rate of bankruptcies in Australia distressed. Anecdotal evidence for the September 1995 quarter, which was an suggesting that the total market has been increase of 39 per cent. Queensland had the halved is supported by the number of Legislative Assembly 811 1 November 1995

home builders liquidating and the number Mrs SHELDON: As Mr Borbidge has of agencies closing. L. J. Hooker dropped said accurately, the worst thing one can do to 3,441 sales, worth $328 million, a shortfall Queensland is ignore the problems besetting of 24.5 per cent over the previous year." it. That is what the Treasurer has done, and The report went on to say— that is what Government members—by their ignorant statements—are doing also. "This trend is expected to continue in the coming year with the impact most The NAB Quarterly Business Survey for noticeable in the home unit/townhouse the 1995 September and June quarters market." showed that Queensland has had the highest rise in average prices of final products in both The Courier-Mail of 10 August 1995 quarters of any State in Australia: 1.1 per cent reported that Queensland had the highest rate in September and 1.17 per cent in June. The of mortgage defaults in the country, which had national average in September was 0.98 per increased by 42 per cent compared with a cent. Thus, we have growing unemployment national average of 37 per cent. Queensland coupled with increasing inflation—a also accounts for 25 per cent of all home loan combination which economists refer to as defaults in Australia. That is hardly surprising stagflation. In light of those statistics, who given that according to a report in the Courier- Mail on 16 October, the Real Estate Institute could deny that Queensland is stagnant under of Australia reported that Queenslanders were Labor? worse off in the March quarter regarding home One of Labor's claims which is often loan affordability, needing an annual income believed by the electorate is that Labor is of about $46,000 to afford a $133,000 home. better for the economy because it has a As the yearly total of average weekly ordinary greater ability to restrain unions from taking time earnings in Queensland is about industrial action. In Queensland, that is $31,662, the problem is obvious. Dwelling patently untrue. The union tail is most approvals in Queensland had the highest definitely wagging the Labor dog. ABS data decline in annual growth rates in Australia for reports that, in the year to June 1995, August 1995, with a decline of 45.4 per cent, Queensland had the highest level of working compared with an Australian average decline days lost through industrial disputes in of 39.8 per cent. Dwelling commencements Australia with 190.5 days lost per 1,000 in Queensland had the second-highest decline employees; New South Wales lost 168.5, in annual growth rates in Australia for the June Victoria 147.3, South Australia 25.7, Western 1995 quarter, with a decline of 32.9 per cent. Australia 32.1 and Tasmania 5.7. An article in South Australia had a 38.7 per cent decline. the Courier-Mail of 25 October reported that, in The Australian average was a decline of 23.7 July 1995, Queensland had the second- per cent. Queensland's housing sector has largest increase in working days lost of any been all but destroyed. Premier Goss and his State—an increase of 10,000 working days. Treasurer, Mr De Lacy, fiddle while Mr Borbidge: It's the strike capital of Queensland burns. Australia. Employment and housing are not the only sources of gloom confronting us as a result of Mrs SHELDON: Unfortunately, it is this Government's mismanagement. Prices indeed the strike capital of Australia; but that is are on the rise again in Queensland. The NAB Queensland's record under Labor which, Quarterly Business Survey for the September unfortunately, has that history. and June quarters of 1995—— Mr Borbidge: We will do better. Mr Hollis: Do you ever stop bagging Mrs SHELDON: We certainly will do Queensland? better—and very soon, too. Mrs SHELDON: No. Indeed, I am a According to ABS figures, during July born and bred strong supporter of Queensland accounted for a massive 54 per Queensland. What saddens me is that the cent of all working days lost in Australia. Labor Party came to Government with a crock Queensland's result should be compared with of gold. Everything was financially accurate. the results in States that have conservative We had this great, successful outlook created Governments. Western Australia, South by coalition Governments for the people, and Australia and Tasmania have negligible this Government has let them down. results. Even the result in Victoria—the home Mr Borbidge: The worst thing you can of the so-called unpopular Kennett do to Queensland is ignore the problems Government—came in well below that in besetting it. Queensland. 1 November 1995 812 Legislative Assembly

What about living standards in Towards the end of her speech, the Queensland? For the May 1995 quarter, member started to talk about doom and average weekly ordinary time earnings in gloom, and that really filled in time. The doom Queensland were the second-lowest in and gloom is with the Opposition. It is a bit Australia at $608.90 per week. The Australian gloomy outside, too—but that is rain, and we average was $647.30 per week. No wonder need that in Queensland. We have just the National Centre for Social and Economic experienced a four-year drought, and many modelling has identified Queensland as areas are still experiencing difficulties. The having the highest proportion of low-income drought has had an effect on the economy, families, with 35 per cent of Queenslanders in but that effect is not recognised by the the bottom 30 per cent of incomes. What Opposition with its doom and gloom. I hope about the provision of services by the that we will see a few more clouds for many Government itself? What about the costs to days and months to come so that the drought business of using public utilities such as will break. That would really help the primary electricity and water? Previously, I outlined producers of this State. Queensland's disadvantage in electricity costs. The October 1995 edition of Building Owner How did the member for Caloundra start and Manager also reveals that Queensland her speech? She harked back to the fact that has the second-highest commercial water the Labor Party won the election. She really costs at 83c per kilolitre. The costs in all other does not like that. For some unknown reason, States are lower, apart from South Australia. she does not like the truth. The truth is that The costs in New South Wales and Victoria the Labor Party holds more seats, and it is the are 65c, in Western Australia 62c, and in Government. Opposition members referred to Tasmania 42c. the distribution of votes. The National Party and the Liberal Party formed a coalition There is no way in the world that this Government with 39 per cent of the vote. administration can claim to have been successful managers of the Queensland Mr Ardill: Nineteen per cent for the economy. With its natural advantages, National Party. Queensland should be steaming ahead of the Mr CAMPBELL: As the honourable rest of the country in all of the sectors I have member for Archerfield said, at one time the mentioned, not falling further behind with each National Party—the major coalition party—held passing day. We live in a great State—a State Government with only 19 per cent of the vote. to which people from all over Australia have So Opposition members should not give us been drawn in incredible numbers. I commend that rhetoric about a percentage of the vote. their choice, but now they are starting to go However, because the coalition is in back to the southern States. Opposition, we will hear it again and again. Mr Braddy: Ha, ha! The member for Caloundra acknowledged Mrs SHELDON: Mr Braddy should read that the Government is spending money, but this morning's newspapers. The people claimed that it is not delivering services. deserve a better Government; they deserve a However, the Government is providing Government that will put in place the basic services. For example, this year in Bundaberg services necessary for civilised life in modern the police station is under construction. For Australia. The people deserve a Government decades, Bundaberg was denied that police that informs them of what it is doing in their station by the National Party. Not only that, the name. However, they are not getting one. Burnett River traffic bridge was opened in April Instead they are getting an incompetent and this year, as were the headquarters of the DPI deceitful Government. The only hope for the and a regional breast-screening clinic. Those future of this State is the return of a are the types of services that the Government conservative administration. For the sake of all is providing, and that is where the money is our futures, we must all pray that that will going. On top of that, 40 housing units have happen sooner rather than later. been completed this year. Mr CAMPBELL (Bundaberg) In relation to another aspect of service (5.46 p.m.): I listened with interest to the provision—people are demanding more, member for Caloundra. I am certain that I especially in relation to health services. Twenty have heard what she said before. Again and years ago, five hip replacements were carried again, it was the same words. out in Australia. Last year, 150,000 hip Mr De Lacy: Rubbish. replacements were carried out at a cost of Mr CAMPBELL: As the Treasurer said, $950m. Those are the types of services that it is the very rubbish that has been said in this are being provided, but they are not House again and again. recognised by this Opposition of doom and Legislative Assembly 813 1 November 1995 gloom. The honourable member for Southport Mr CAMPBELL: The honourable is probably on his second hip replacement—or member did not get one when he was a is it still holding together? footballer! The Opposition claims that this Mr Veivers: I got four. Barings Bank got Government is not a good financial steward. I a AAA rating, too, and all of a sudden it went have to say that it is. How could anyone over. What do you have to say about that? complain about the financial situation in Mr CAMPBELL: All I have to say is that Queensland when the consolidated balance of the honourable member for Southport may all the accounts of the Government went from have been a slow footballer, but as an $9.46 billion to $10.7 billion? That shows good interjector he has the speed of a turtle. stewardship, because we have actually increased our account balances. We have discussed different taxes, but there are many taxes on which the honourable I, too, can quote the experts on the member for Caloundra could not make an financial position of Queensland. I quote from interstate comparison. That is because an article on Queensland's financial position— Queensland does not have many of those "This position is acknowledged by taxes—yet they have them in every other international ratings agencies which have State. For example, the financial institutions consistently affirmed Queensland's AAA duty in Queensland is nil. The rate in Victoria is credit rating (Moody's Investors Service 0.06 per cent and in New South Wales it is and Standard & Poor's Rating Group), the 0.06 per cent. What if we compare State taxes highest possible rating for a State on petrol? Everyone is concerned about that. Government. According to Moody's, the What is the State tax on petrol in 'government's financial management Queensland? It is nil. In Mr Kennett's State of policies have left Queensland in a position Victoria—the Liberal Party's hope for of unparalleled strength among the Australia—how much do honourable members Australian States'." think it is? I ought to auction it off. How much is it? Standard & Poor's Rating Group is quoted in the same document as stating that Mr Hollis: Fifteen? Queensland's financial position is— Mr CAMPBELL: No, it is not 15. ". . . the direct result of successive State Mr Robertson: Twenty? Governments' conservative fiscal stance, Mr CAMPBELL: It is not 20, although I manifest in policies of funding social have to say that the honourable member is infrastructure investment solely through very close. It is just under 9 cents; in actual recurrent revenues rather than borrowing fact, the Victorian tax on petrol is 8.99 cents and of funding superannuation per litre—and I repeat that Queensland does obligations as they accrue." not have a petrol tax. Why is our Treasurer so These organisations give direct ratings, and forgetful? Did he forget to charge that tax? In Queensland scores very well. We have been New South Wales the tax on petrol is 7.51 talking about gross debt, net debt and every cents per litre; in Western Australia it is 9.67 other kind of debt, but it all comes back to cents per litre; in South Australia it is 9.62 paying interest. cents per litre; and in Queensland it is nil. Mr Veivers: Mr Campbell—— Dr Watson: You are preparing us for Mr CAMPBELL: I should explain to the new taxes; you are softening us up for new honourable member for Southport what taxes. happens. Last year, the Queensland Mr CAMPBELL: I am trying to soften Government earned more in interest than it the Treasurer up—I still want lots of things for paid; it earned more on investments than it Bundaberg. paid out on debt, while other States paid an Employers stay in Queensland because average of 12 per cent to 13 per cent of their we have the lowest rate of payroll tax in revenue as interest on debts. Australia, at just 5 per cent. I will make a State Mr Veivers: That is very good, but now comparison of payroll tax for a firm with 15 will you take an interjection? employees. The New South Wales rate of payroll tax is 4.18 per cent; in Victoria it is 4.52 Mr CAMPBELL: Yes, I will take an per cent; and in Queensland it is 2.96 per interjection from the honourable member. cent. Do honourable members know what that Mr Veivers: You are going on about the means for an employer? We can talk about AAA rating. percentages, but in real terms the Queensland 1 November 1995 814 Legislative Assembly firm pays only $38,541; in Victoria the same deal in Queensland and will stay here for size firm pays $65,596. The difference is many years to come. about the price of a Commodore car. Sitting suspended for 6 to 7.30 p.m. Queensland has the second lowest Mr BORBIDGE (Surfers Paradise— maximum rate of land tax in Australia. For Leader of the Opposition) (7.30 p.m.): Last example, for land with a taxable value of $1m, Monday week, the third Goss Government Queenslanders pay $11,381 and Victorians celebrated its first 100 days in office. As pay $14,540. These examples were not used members debate Appropriation Bill (No. 2), it is by the honourable member for Caloundra. In appropriate that we consider the performance actual fact, she claimed that tax collections in of the Government over that period. During Queensland have gone up. That is right, but the course of the election campaign, we heard not because the rate has gone up. It is the Premier's assurance that the first 100 days because there has been an increase in activity of his new term would be all hard work and and population which is what makes it go up. achievement; he wanted a mandate from the That is a fact of life. If people are coming to people to get on with the job, to get the Queensland, there is going to be a greater tax Parliament working and to rebuild community collection. values. What we have seen since 15 July? Mr T. B. Sullivan: That is a sign of Exactly the opposite has turned out to be the growth. case. Mr CAMPBELL: That is a sign of The first 100 days of the third Goss growth. Queensland has 5 per cent growth. Government have turned out to be a major Therefore, it stands to reason that we will have disappointment, with caucus and party increased tax collections. members' heads firmly fixed at each other's Despite all the doom and gloom we hear navels. We have had sulking, name-calling, from the Opposition, is it not interesting that backstabbing and finger-pointing—all from a Fisher and Paykel would rather come to Government which does not have a mandate Queensland to extend its manufacturing plant, to govern and has clearly lost the support of creating 400 jobs? Smiths Chips have the electorate. Nowhere has the lack of action expanded its operation at Tingalpa, with the on the part of this Government been more creation of another 250 jobs. In other words, obvious than in this Parliament. Its lack of firms are coming to Queensland. I think that is agenda is clear for all members to see. By the a very important reflection on the policies of close of business tonight, the Forty-eighth the State Government and the fact that it is Queensland Parliament will have sat for just helping Queenslanders. The accounts of 13 days—barely 10 per cent of the number of Queensland are regarded by all experts as days since the 15 July State election. That is a being in a very healthy state. Queensland has disgrace for a Government which claims to the lowest State taxes per capita, and that is have a major agenda of reform and an accepted fact. achievement to contemplate—a Government which is claiming to be rebuilding community The honourable member for Caloundra values! Government members and, in complained about old information in the particular, their leader should hang their heads accounts, a comment which I found very interesting. That information is old because, in shame. under the Financial Administration and Audit Then there was the spectacle on Monday Act of 1977, these accounts were designed to of the Premier back at work—back at provide a true and correct record of what school—promising that the rock-and-roll was happened last financial year. This about to begin. The action was just around the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) will finalise all the corner—he promised, as he sat down with a accounts of last financial year. The Bill group of Year 1 children to give them their illustrates that this Government is a fully daily lesson in political achievement. How accountable and responsible Government ironic was the setting! Where does the Premier which is ensuring that all this information is go when he seeks to reignite the fire in the available. It is very important that that be belly of his Government? Does he tackle the remembered by honourable members. There crisis in workers' compensation front on? Does will be upturns and downturns in the economic he go out to business or out to the workshops cycle. However, in Queensland we have and explain his decision to increase workers' policies which provide incentives for employers compensation premiums by up to 40 per and businesses to expand. More importantly, cent? Does he front motorists over the this Government is providing a regime of low looming crisis in compulsory third-party taxes to ensure that employers get a good insurance? Does he confront striking and Legislative Assembly 815 1 November 1995 justifiably aggrieved emergency service for Townsville, things just might change once workers? Does he travel to Innisfail or the the issue of the "to be or not to be" by-election tablelands to meet with fruit and vegetable in Mundingburra is decided this month by the growers affected by the infestation of the Court of Disputed Returns. Now we are getting papaya fruit fly? Of course he does not! When to the heart of the inactivity of the the Premier seeks to reignite his Government, Government. what does he do? He goes back to Inala, the The former Minister, Mr Smith, electorate of the Deputy Speaker; the member continued—and this is priceless— for Logan goes back to his roots: back to a basketball court or, on this occasion, back to a "The fact is that the Government school. He goes back to the same old tired, would not want to be offending any new boring public relations stunts that marked his group of voters or be seen to be doing first two terms in office. About the only thing anything of a controversial nature until missing from "Rock'n'Roll" Wayne with the such time as the certainty or otherwise of Year 1 children at Inala earlier this week was the Government is decided." the high five and the number "1" singlet. The master strategist went on to say— Then in scene No. 2 of this B-grade "Once the whole Mundingburra soapie, we saw the spectacle of Labor's question is behind us, assuming it's hardworking Ministers alighting from the lifts behind us in a positive sense, I think the submerged in a sea of paper, buckling at the Government will then go into a much knees amidst the strain of carrying the fruits of more vigorous mode." 100 days of action. One by one they filed Those are the words of the member for through the Cabinet room door. The Treasurer Townsville. The mystery is solved. There we assured us that all was going well. We saw the have it: the expose of the Government's Minister for Primary Industries—the action inaction. I must admit that we were wrong all man. The Minister for Emergency Services, in along. We were wrong in thinking that the a clear bid to convince his electorate that he election result rendered Labor inoperable. We was doing more than doorknocking, peered at were wrong in thinking that the factional us over the top of his pile of papers. Then we fighting was not allowing it to govern. saw the Minister for Health—talking, walking According to the member for Townsville, it is all and, of course, listening. They were cartoon a strategy; it is a masterstroke. It is a strategy characters: a group of Foos peering over a pile designed to do nothing and lay low. Labor's of books—the action plan—perched around idea is not to open the bottom drawer that the Cabinet table, which was straining under contains all the nasties. The honourable the weight of Labor paperwork. There were member said, "Let's have a break. Wait until lots of papers and documents, but was there after Mundingburra, and then we'll all go to any action? No! work." The majority of Queenslanders are not as Despite the best efforts of the foolish as Labor would have us believe. Not Government, a couple of nasties have even the perceptive gentleman the former escaped from the bottom drawer. The State's Minister for Lands, the honourable member workers' compensation and compulsory who accidentally sold his own house, could be third-party insurance schemes are the first fooled by this latest Labor PR plot. Mr Smith casualties of this the Forty-eighth Parliament. knows a lazy, do-nothing Government when Over 32 years, the National and Liberal Parties he sees one. Just as the member for Logan in coalition worked to build the best and was back at school pointing at his blackboard strongest workers' compensation scheme in with his chopstick, the member for Townsville the country. It was a scheme which protected was in Townsville lamenting the lack of action the rights of the workers while maintaining the on the part of the Government. "It was a bit lowest and fairest premium regime across boring", he admitted in the Townsville Bulletin. Australia. That was the legacy that members It was more than a bit boring. He thought a bit on this side of the House left Labor on 2 more about it and said that it was the most December 1989. After six years of Labor, the boring that he could remember it being for scheme is now in tatters. Workers are now seven or eight years. That is saying something faced with the prospect of a pick-a-box benefit coming from the member for Townsville! That schedule, while business—already struggling is one very special statement from a member with increased taxes and charges—will be hit who is well renowned as the master of political with massive premium increases. If one thing excitement. The honourable member for proves that Labor is no longer fit to govern this Townsville went on to explain: "Things might State, it is the debacle that is workers' change", he said. According to the member compensation. It has been marked by backflip 1 November 1995 816 Legislative Assembly after backflip, as the unions and the caucus And let us not forget the infamous five- have again backed the member for Logan day levy! The full effect of today's decision will and the Cabinet up against the wall, be far greater than the increase in premiums. threatening to shoot them at dawn. The stipulation that Queensland business We had the Minister for Employment and picks up the first five days of claims will add Training saying that common law rights for further millions to the burden carried by the workers would have to be scrapped. According employment sector of the State economy. to the Premier, it was all the lawyers' fault. Again, the mismanagement has fallen fairly Then, faced with the prospect of the all-out and squarely at the feet of business. What revolt threatened by the unions, we had the part of this burden has this Government first backflip and the common law rights of carried? Did it offer to forsake revenue in the workers were protected. But the unions failed form of stamp duty or payroll tax currently paid to pick up on the fine print and then by the Workers Compensation Board? No! Did threatened the Government over stress this Government offer to put its hand in its own provisions. In line with the theory advanced by pocket to pay for its own mismanagement? the honourable member for Townsville, those No! Did it offer to stop raiding the reserves of provisions have merely been deferred until the Workers Compensation Fund—as it has done for the past six years—so that the fund after the possible by-election, when the could retain its income? No, it did not! Did the Government may reconsider the matter—if it is still on that side of the Chamber. More deceit! Government offer to use some of the massive take from corporatisation to help right the What happened when the unions sinking ship? No! Such practical and eminently threatened the Government over stress fair answers are beyond this Government's provisions? Did this great Government of comprehension. The latest twist and contortion principle stand its ground? Did it stand up to in the workers' compensation debacle proves the unions? Of course not! As we have found again that Labor is no longer fit to govern this out today, there has been yet another State. backdown designed to avert a messy dispute A Government member interjected. with the union movement. Although the Government might be out of the woods with its Mr BORBIDGE: I remind the member union mates for the time being—until such that 53.4 per cent of the population rejected time as it double-crosses them again—the this Government. same does not apply to the thousands of We were told during the Estimates businesses, both large and small, which will be committee hearings that the Workers affected by the package released today by the Compensation Fund would finish in the red to Minister. The 26 per cent increase in the tune of more than $100m. Documents premiums announced today will bring to more tabled in this Parliament yesterday prove that than 50 per cent the increase in premiums both Ministers Foley and De Lacy deliberately imposed on business during the past two set out to mislead the Parliament in the years of the Goss Labor Government—and lead-up to the election. They hid the true that is not taking into account the levy itself! picture from the people of Queensland until it We have seen a more than 50 per cent could no longer be hidden. Now, today, this increase in the costs to business imposed by a Government is set to slug business to the tune Government which itself ran the workers' of up to an extra 40 per cent in real terms. compensation scheme into the red. I remind I agree with the warnings of Queensland honourable members opposite that it was not business that this will not be the final chapter Queensland business which created the crisis in the workers' compensation saga. There is in workers' compensation, it was Queensland little doubt that the measures announced Labor; I remind members opposite that it was today by the Government will not address the not Queensland workers who ran workers' fund's long-term problems. Only a change of compensation into the red, it was Queensland Government will do that. Every day that Labor Labor—yet the pain of increased premiums remains in power is a day lost. Every day that has fallen squarely on the shoulders of the Labor remains in power is a day longer that business sector of the State, and on the massive problems facing the workers' employment. At a time when Queensland's compensation scheme and the compulsory unemployment rate is on the increase—now third-party scheme will remain unaddressed. back to 9.5 per cent, the second-highest rate In almost every area of Government in the country—this Government is about to activity, the problems which resulted in the impose an additional 26 per cent increase in rejection of Labor have only worsened. The workers' compensation premiums. health system continues to lurch from crisis to Legislative Assembly 817 1 November 1995 crisis. Day by day, we hear cases of patients Party members should realise that they are in denied essential surgery because of huge and Government through good luck and not much lengthening waiting lists. Our criminal justice else. We are proud of the support that a system is an absolute disgrace, and as majority of Queenslanders placed in us, with elected representatives we should hang our 110,000 more Queenslanders voting for the heads in shame. I have never in my time in coalition than voted for the Labor Party. We this Parliament seen public confidence in the are proud that over 6 per cent more of the criminal justice system at such rock bottom. All total population of Queensland voted for the we hear from the Government and the self- National/Liberal coalition. Let us forget this appointed civil libertarians is the repeated nonsense about the National Party being claim that crime is actually decreasing and that elected with 39 per cent of the vote. The Queenslanders have nothing to fear. The truth people who make that comment should take is that Queenslanders are scared. They no the two party preferred vote into account, longer believe that our criminal justice which has always been the barometer in this institutions properly reflect the sentiment of the State. For all the humbug that Labor Party community. Worse still, they no longer have members utter, they should remember that confidence in the law-makers to do anything this is the first Government to occupy the about it. Treasury benches in Queensland with less In being so complacent about crime, we than 50 per cent of the two party preferred run the risk of denying our children the right to vote since the reintroduction of preferential enjoy a free and an open society; a society voting. where our kids can play in a park; a society The job of rebuilding Queensland will be where our kids can ride their pushbikes or go left to the people on this side of the Chamber. down to the local shopping centre—things that That job will start the day that we take over. our generation took for granted. Yet today, we We know what has to be done, and our still have a Penalties and Sentences Act which performance in our first 100 days will be in stipulates that gaol is to be treated as an stark contrast to that of the zombies opposite. option of last resort; we still have a Juvenile Justice Act which is regarded by all and sundry Mr SCHWARTEN (Rockhampton) as a sick joke. What happened to the (7.50 p.m.): I am honoured to support the Bill promises made during the election campaign before the House. It is very timely to follow the that amending legislation would be enacted? Leader of the Opposition, who masquerades That legislation is nowhere to be seen. I for as the person who wants to occupy the one do not want to look back and say, "If only Premier's seat. The debate before the House the Parliament of which I was a member had is about money, but he devoted his whole been tougher on crime." speech to platitudes, displaying a lack of understanding of the economic realities. He The job of rebuilding Queensland will be left the responsibility for economic matters to left to the people on this side of the Chamber. the Deputy Leader of the Coalition, the I want to correct a comment made by an member for Caloundra, who this afternoon honourable member earlier this evening. He filled us with wisdom as to her understanding seemed to say, "What is wrong with being of the state of public finances in Queensland. outpolled by over 6 per cent and still being She spoke about how the debt had risen by returned to the Treasury benches? The $3 billion. What she did not say was that the members opposite used to do it all the time." State's asset base—its income base—went up That honourable member was very careless by $4.5m. Last year, our debt was $13.4 with the truth. This is the first Government billion and our assets were $13.7 billion. That since the reintroduction of preferential voting in meant a modest return into the black in this Queensland that has been returned to power State. This year's returns show our debt as with less than 50 per cent of the two party $16.3 billion and our assets as $18.2 billion. If preferred vote. members opposite believe that that represents Mr Beattie: Optional preferential. a lot of debt, heaven forbid the day that they Mr BORBIDGE: I say to the future are ever allowed over here. If that is the Leader of the Opposition, the next leader of understanding of members opposite of the the Labor Party, that, even under the old economic status of this State, to allow them to boundaries, the first time that the Labor Party come over here would be like putting a fox in achieved more than 50 per cent of the two charge of a fowl house. party preferred vote was in 1989 when it won Mr De Lacy: Do you think Mrs Sheldon Government. We should reflect on the vote of doesn't know that there are two sides to a the people of Queensland on 15 July. Labor balance sheet? 1 November 1995 818 Legislative Assembly

Mr SCHWARTEN: I do not think she because this lot over here, including the would know a balance sheet if she tripped member for Southport—— over one in the middle of the night. The fact of Mr VEIVERS: I rise to a point of order. the matter is that day after day after day He is saying untruths. I attended a school with members opposite come out with persistent no carpets on the floor. What is he talking lies to denigrate this great State of ours. We about? just heard Mr Borbidge speaking his nonsense about law and order. Members opposite are Mr SCHWARTEN: Yes, and the great on criticism but very short on answers. honourable member also got three Cs for But we get some inkling of what they might do Junior. if ever they gained Government. One moment Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr they want to talk about capital punishment Palaszczuk): Order! The Chair must rule on the and flogging and the next they want to get to point of order before the honourable member a conference and say, "No, that is not really for Rockhampton continues. The Chair finds our position." What is their answer? Does the no point of order. The point of order is a honourable member support flogging? frivolous point of order, so the member for Mr Springborg: Do you? Southport is warned. Mr SCHWARTEN: No, I do not. There is Mr SCHWARTEN: Thank you for your the answer. He is a spineless jellyfish floating protection, Mr Deputy Speaker. The over there in that sea of ignorance. He will not honourable member knows as much about come out and say what the answer is. education as I know about flying to the moon. Members opposite are great on rhetoric but He got three Cs for Junior, which is fine, very poor when it comes to delivery. I because he did the best he could. guarantee that when the day after the election We also hear members opposite prattling arrived those who sit opposite would have on about health. What did they spend been panic stricken. The toilets would have annually when they were in Government? been full up at Caloundra on that day as they They spent $1.4 billion; we spent $2.2 billion, wondered what they were going to do. As I yet suddenly all the problems that befall said in this place the other day, what they did places like Rockhampton are the result of was ring Kennett down in Victoria to take a actions of this Labor Government. Eventide is leaf out of his book. We have already heard an example. To prop up Bob Katter junior in from the member for Bundaberg about the the seat of Charters Towers they rorted the atrocities that have been perpetrated on the books to help him. They took money away people down there, including the privatisation from the old people in Rockhampton and put it of ambulance services and so on. into a Tory's seat. That is the way they did The Deputy Leader of the Coalition was business. They did the same thing with talking about how proud they were of their schools. They did the same thing with all record when it came to delivering social justice public administration. I am sorry that the in this State. Earlier the Leader of the member for Gregory is not here because I Opposition was prattling on about public order have to say that in their time in Government and safety. The last year that they were in Longreach had the highest police staffing Government they spent $753m on law and level. The old story was that the police there order. We have spent over $1 billion, an had to try to find someone urinating around increase of 18 per cent, while the national the corner to find an offence, whereas in average increase has been 13 per cent. So Rockhampton people's homes were being we are leading Australia in terms of the broken into. The case mix was outrageous. increase in spending on law and order. We had fewer coppers per capita in Let us go to an area that is close to my Rockhampton than was the case in heart, education. I remember what it was like Longreach. That is an example of the way that under the Tories in this State. I remember how members opposite manipulated and corrupted they manipulated the transfer scheme. I the entire public sector throughout the State. remember how the kids at the Park Avenue It is the same with social security and school did not have any carpet on the floor welfare—the support of families. What did because their parents voted Labor. I members opposite spend in the last year remember the days when the kids at when they were in Government? They spent Allenstown State School had to be shifted $195m. Last year we spent $615m. They talk over to one side of the room in the morning about family values. They would not know a because the sun was streaming through, family value if it struck them. Legislative Assembly 819 1 November 1995

I want to make very clear that, although Let us consider the fiscal control that this members opposite talk about justice and Government has put in place in order to fairness, when they were in power in this State address the neglect of 32 years of dictatorial it is on the record that they were at the helm of rule by the members opposite. An office the most corrupt Government that there ever building was not available in Rockhampton to was. What happened to Terry Lewis? He is in house all Government services. The former the peter now, because he was taking Government made sure of that. People backhanders and so on. Those people needing to do business with the Department corrupted every piece of Government activity of Transport had to go to four different that they could get their hands on— and they locations around Rockhampton. The got well paid for it at the ballot box. Government now provides all of those services Nowhere is there more evidence of this from the one building. Government than in Rockhampton, where they persecuted departments were strewn all over the city. Of everybody from five years of age to 95. They course, the Education Department was made sure that a juvenile appearing before exempt from that inconvenience. It had its the court had to sit out in the open space so own building, but honourable members can that everybody driving past could identify guess who owned it. The National Party them. That was their idea of justice. We had a owned it, and $900,000 per year of taxpayers' courthouse that Charles Dickens could have money was used to pay it off. What an abuse written about, yet suddenly they say, "We will of the public purse that was! fix it all." How do they think that the base Mr Nunn: Shame! hospital got to the stage that it is at now? How do they think that the watch-house became Mr SCHWARTEN: What an absolute the disgraceful shambles that it is? Yet they disgrace! Yet the members opposite would expect this Government to fix it overnight? have us believe that they are purer than the They are the sorts of issues that expose the driven snow. What a lot of rot! fraudulent behaviour of those opposite. Members opposite tut-tut and say that we Their recent election campaign was one need a new watch-house in Rockhampton. Of of deceit—they came to Rockhampton and course we need a new watch-house because told the people that they cared about them. I they did not spend a deener on it when they am very sorry, but I do not believe them, were in Government. They did not spend a because I saw too much of what they did in tinker's curse on it, yet they are now saying the past. I saw how they transferred teachers that work needs to be done. From this Budget, because they were Labor Party supporters. I this Government is going to provide a new remember the old story of the Police Minister courthouse facility, costing approximately who, when pulled up by a police officer, laid a $13m. That facility will include a watch-house, map of Queensland on the bonnet of his car and that is well overdue. It has taken a Labor and said, "Where would you like to go, young Government to deliver it. It has taken the fellow?" That is the way that these people did commitment of a Government that makes business when in Government, and leopards statements such as, "We don't care which do not change their spots. electorate people live in. If you have kids and they go to school, they are entitled to be part I have heard about the hand-wringing that of a public education system that is treated has gone on in the Opposition today on the equitably. It does not matter whether you live workers' compensation issue. When in in Birdsville in a tory electorate or whether you Government they never did an actuarial live in Rockhampton in a Labor electorate; you assessment of the Workers Compensation are entitled to the same sort of treatment." Fund in this State. They have no idea. But That currently is the case. they did have a little bit of interest in workers' compensation—to find out ways to take things Mr Horan was bleating about the lack of off workers. The meatworkers at the two mental health facilities. He was saying that it is meatworks in my electorate would attest to disgraceful that Rockhampton does not have this, because this Government will fix this little those, as if the problem occurred overnight. problem up. Those opposite rorted the system The Government will spend $4.1m on to the extent that, although no-one in a delivering a new service in that regard. Again, meatworks works on a minimum tally, they put that is an illustration of the hypocrisy of the the meatworkers on minimum tallies, and that members opposite. They had 32 years to build is the basis on which they got paid. That is a mental health facility and did not touch it. how the mob opposite interfered politically with Not a nail was driven and not a sod was the workers' compensation system in this turned! That was the end of it in their opinion. State. We do not do that sort of thing. Yesterday, I mentioned the dialysis machines 1 November 1995 820 Legislative Assembly that need replacing. Wiley Fancher, of course, believe that; we have a social obligation to the could get one for nothing because he helped people of this State. Joh to knock Gough Whitlam off. His payola I turn to road funding for Rockhampton, was a dialysis machine and a specialist nurse which creates jobs. Yesterday, when reading to look after him. through the Transport Department's annual The members opposite talk about the report, I noted that bikeways to the value of railway workshops in Rockhampton. They were $30,000 are to be built in Rockhampton. I like something out of the industrial revolution. remember fronting up to Gilbert Alison when The Government will be spending $20m on he was the Transport Minister. those facilities. I invite any honourable Mr Beattie: That would have been a member visiting Rockhampton to inspect the waste of time. state-of-the-art workshop facilities that are now available there. Mr SCHWARTEN: It was a waste of This level of service will apply right time. It was like talking to a glass dome. I across-the-board. Our health service will be the spoke to him before the 1989 election, when same. The Honourable the Minister for Health there was absolutely no interest whatsoever in visited Rockhampton recently and inspected a seat like Rockhampton or Rockhampton the despicable state of the health facilities. North. Mr Alison said, "We might be able to How did it get to that stage? The answer is 32 spare a couple of grand." A couple of grand! years of neglect by the National Party How very decent of him. I note that one of the Government. Paint is peeling off the walls and projects that I sought from him is to be it is an absolute disgrace. I am sure that, delivered by this Government as part of its during the Minister's 100 days' consultation, bikeways plan in Moores Creek Road. Those he has been talking with people in the State sorts of projects make a difference and the and not talking at them in the way that the members opposite do not like it. They bleat members of the Opposition tell people of the like stuck pigs. We can hear the rabble that is problems as they view them. I am sure that the members opposite and they want to sit on the Minister sat down with people and listened this dignified side of the House! It is an to them. He can see the way to go and he has outrage that they could even suggest that. the backing of this Government, which cares Another issue that I hear Mr Horan about the health service in this State and does parroting on about is women's health. The not merely pay lip-service to it. With the members opposite did not even know that demands made of modern Government women's health existed when they were in today, I bet that the members opposite are Government. There was no breast clinic in glad that they are not in Government. Rockhampton, let alone a mobile screening What a lack of conscience! When the unit such as the one that we now have. That members opposite were in Government, they unit goes into the electorate of my good friend spent the lowest amount of money on the member for Fitzroy and out to Longreach. education, health and police of any State in The members opposite say that they care Australia; yet they have the hide to sit on that about the people in the bush. What rot! The side of the Chamber, squarking and going on people in the bush were denied those sorts of with their nonsense. health services. They had to travel to Brisbane if they needed those services. Mr Veivers: We had the best. Mr Veivers interjected. Mr SCHWARTEN: It was not the best! You're talking about a bush police force. The Mr SCHWARTEN: Again the member is member's Government had the most corrupt showing his ignorance by his interjections. police force in Australian history and he is When, oh when, oh when will we have saying that it was the best! some honesty from the members opposite Under the former Government the health about crime in this State? Who are those system was so run down that at Eventide members who posture that the crime problem people were emptying bed pans out in the will go away if they win Government? I ask any middle of a paddock. That is the sort of health member of the Opposition to raise his or her system that the former Government left us hand if he or she is prepared to say that by with and the honourable member thinks that is electing the coalition we will have no crime in great. I feel very sorry for him that he wants to this State. I come from a great little town live in a Third World country. I am very sorry called Rocky and 20 years ago one could go that he thinks that Third World status is good out and leave the back door open and leave enough for the health service of this State. the keys in the car. But if one went down to However, we on this side of the House do not Surfers Paradise 20 years ago one could not Legislative Assembly 821 1 November 1995 do that. Was that due to the fact that they political wilderness after taking on the current voted National down there? Was that the member for Keppel and losing might have reason they had all those corrupt coppers who taught him a few things. Unfortunately, that is were sitting around and not chasing the not so. criminals? Was that the reason? That makes It was interesting to listen to the member about as much sense as the nonsense that for Rockhampton, because a couple of times pours out of the mouths of the members during his speech he spoke about opposite. The fact is that the world has manipulation. While we are debating the changed. Appropriation Bill and, in doing so, referring to Mr Veivers interjected. financial statements, I have to say that I can Mr SCHWARTEN: I know that Mr remember a few manipulations of the financial Veivers is finding it difficult to understand that accounts by the Treasurer. I have mentioned the world has changed since he got his 3 Cs those manipulations in the past, but I refer to for Junior and we no longer have the Junior the way in which the dividends and the funds exam. I understand his plight, but I challenge are transferred to the Consolidated Fund from all of those big mouths opposite to stand up the Queensland Treasury Corporation and its and say, "We will solve the crime problem by Capital Markets Board. They have been doing this." They do not have the answers. manipulated by this Treasurer for political They bicker and argue at their National Party purposes, not for the purposes of running in conferences about flogging and hanging the any objective sense the Queensland Treasury criminals. They know jolly well that is not going Corporation. That is manipulation. Members to work. They are a mob of frauds. They are should think about the way the dividends and trying to ride on the backs of people in this payments from Gold Lotto and casino State who have had the misfortune to have operations have been manipulated from year their houses broken into or to be personally to year to fund political issues. They are not violated. They offer the foul promise that it will designed in any way to increase the efficiency all be right if they are elected. They know, as or the effectiveness of those organisations. we know, that it is not that easy. If the It was interesting to listen to the member members opposite want to talk about honesty for Rockhampton talk about manipulation. I and decency, it is about time that they had could go on and on about the manipulation of both the honesty and decency to rise in this the financial transactions of this State that place and say, "Let's work together to solve occurs under this Government, and it would be the behaviour problems in schools. Let's work appropriate for me to do so while we are to solve the crime problems as best we can." debating the Appropriation Bill. One has to But no, they will not do that. The way that the treat with a fair bit of scepticism the members opposite have spoken today makes information that is given to this Parliament by me realise that it is a great thing that the the Treasurer and this Government. That is Labor Party won the last election. what the Leader of the Opposition and the As I said earlier in the debate, that well- Leader of the Liberal Party were talking about: known book Wake in Fright applied to the one has to treat with scepticism the members opposite on the Sunday after the information that is presented in the accounts election. Nobody was more upset—— and that is given in this place by the Treasurer. Mr Springborg interjected. Over the past five and a half years, the Treasurer has learned a lot; in particular he Mr SCHWARTEN: The member for has learned how to manipulate figures better. Warwick was wringing his hands about how to In 1990, he made a mistake with respect to be the Government Whip. He did not have a cranking up the State's net debt but, since clue how to go about that. The members then, he has learned only too well how to opposite were as ready to govern this State at manipulate figures. He has learned to the time of the last election as they were three understand that, in this place, sometimes it is years ago and as they were six years ago. better to give information that is designed to Time expired. conceal rather than designed to reveal. Dr WATSON (Moggill) (8.10 p.m.): It is a It is interesting to see the former Minister pleasure to rise to speak to the Appropriation for Health sitting next to the Treasurer. I can Bill (No. 2) 1995. I must admit that, after remember one instance of manipulation that listening to the member for Rockhampton, I do occurred in 1993 with respect to Medicare not believe that he has learned anything from funding when there was a renegotiation of the his years in the political wilderness. I would Medicare funding from the Federal have thought that his three years in the Government. The Treasurer claimed in this 1 November 1995 822 Legislative Assembly place that Queensland's funding had been cut It continued that the approach taken by the when, in fact, all it was was a transfer from one Queensland Labor Government was to fund to another. He came in this place and incrementally increase the living standards of laid on the table a document purporting to Queenslanders through improvements in basic show the cuts in the Medicare funding. He infrastructure and services while at the same then used those cuts as the rationale for time taking a strict fiscal approach to cutting services in the country. Members would Government expenditure. remember those major rail closures in country That comment from a written submission areas, which caused all kinds of problems. The reflects a common view about the reason given for those cuts was the supposed Government's economic approach. The change to Medicare funding. Probably the Government needs to always ensure that only person who understood completely what sound economic management goes hand in the Treasurer was getting away with was the hand with the social justice obligations of then Minister for Health. He knew what was service delivery and employment. Those were going on not only because of his accounting the sentiments of the Labor Party, those were background but also because he was involved the sentiments throughout the electorate and in the negotiations of the Treasurer and the those were the sentiments that were reflected Premier with the Federal Government. The in the 15 July result. The Treasurer has been former Minister for Health knew what was back peddling ever since. However, in his going on and he stayed silent while the second-reading speech the Treasurer tried to Treasurer deliberately misled this Parliament give a series of arguments about why his and the people of Queensland. I could talk position was justified. In the time remaining to about manipulation of such matters ad me, I will go through those arguments. infinitum because we in this place have come to learn that this Treasurer is somebody to On their face, the arguments are treat with a deal of suspicion. plausible, but when one examines them in detail there is a problem with each and every I am mostly interested in addressing one of them. The first argument that the some of the issues that were raised by the Treasurer put forward was that when the Treasurer in his second-reading speech, Government funds infrastructure from debt, particularly the issue of infrastructure financing. but repaid from the Budget, it needs to take For the past few months since the State into account the impact of real interest costs election—and perhaps even beforehand—the on purchasing power. The Treasurer stated— Treasurer has been preoccupied with this "Based on current real interest rates matter. He submitted articles to newspapers of around 5 per cent, borrowings trying to justify his position. He has come into effectively buy 5 per cent less this place and has tried to justify, both in his infrastructure." second-reading speech and yesterday, his position with respect to debt and his failure to Of course, that argument has some adequately fund infrastructure in this State. I superficial credence, but the problem is in the have heard the Treasurer give that same detail. Firstly, at a very general level, simply speech in numerous other forums in the city. because there are real interest rates at a For example, when the Treasurer gave the particular level, that does not have any opening address at the 1996 Queensland implication for the changes in the specific prices of assets—in other words, what Building Seminar, which was hosted by the happens to real assets. It is quite possible— Department of Administrative Services, he even rational—to be able to invest in specific gave virtually the same speech. He is definitely assets because one expects the price of those concerned about infrastructure financing. He specific assets to increase over time faster ought to be concerned, because last weekend than the nominal rate and even faster than the Labor Party spent a fair bit of time the real rate. In fact, if members read the debating that issue. Access Economics documents—and from time As I said yesterday, recommendation 8 of to time the Treasurer refers to them—they the Young report stated— would know that every six months Access Economics gives a series of indices and "That the Government recognises graphs of the specific values of assets over that whilst the achievement of a net debt time. It is not unusual to see the prices for free status is important, it should not be at specific assets being greater than the rate of the expense of delivering high standards inflation and greater than the real rates of of service and employment to working return people can achieve by investing in the people throughout the State." money market for long periods—one, two, five, Legislative Assembly 823 1 November 1995 even ten years. That is certainly as long as offhanded comments the Treasurer gave in Governments might invest in infrastructure. his second-reading speech. Although the argument has some general The intergenerational transfer of wealth appeal, it does not necessarily follow that involves a great range of topics and a great simply because we have real interest rates range of assets. For example, there is an that Governments are not going to borrow and increase in scientific knowledge associated invest in specific assets. with the intergenerational transfer of wealth. I More importantly, with respect to this am sure honourable members know that particular argument, one has to look at the scientific knowledge is doubling every 12 to 15 output that is generated by the assets. In years. That is one kind of wealth which is relation to business, the real question is transferred from one generation to another. whether or not the return on the assets is On the other side of the coin we have things greater than the real cost of capital. The like pollution, which is also transferred. The argument that the Treasurer would put forward problem of the intergenerational transfer of is that the Government is concerned with wealth is simply not addressed by the social infrastructure, such as schools and offhanded comments of the Treasurer. I hospitals. The theory does not change. The recognise there is some truth in the argument, Government still has to consider the real value but it is a far more complex concept than of the output. It may be worth borrowing for recognised by the Treasurer, who should look social infrastructure if the real value from that at it on a much more specific basis. social infrastructure outweighs the real interest Mr Hayward: Can you do this in a 10- cost. second grab on television? One problem that the Treasurer has—and Dr WATSON: I do not think I could get I understand that it is a problem—is that it is this subject into a 10-second grab on difficult to define—to quantify—the value of television. I am trying to educate the social assets such as schools and hospitals. Treasurer. I am trying to do some of his job for We know there is some real value attached to him. The Treasurer has made these that infrastructure. For example, we know that statements in his second-reading speech; I people are willing to put private money into think they deserve to be answered in detail in private schools and that they expect real this place. returns from that kind of investment. In the same way, there are going to be real returns The third argument he puts forward is— from investments in State schools, hospitals "The further argument is that and the like. The fact that there is a difficulty in infrastructure spending is lumpy and defining or measuring the output does not in therefore should be spread over time, that any way suggest that it is not there. Therefore, is, the family home analogy. This does the Treasurer's argument holds no justification. not hold up, either, from a State The second argument that the Treasurer Government perspective, because we puts forward is that— have an of ongoing infrastructure program which in aggregate terms changes very ". . . the infrastructure we provide today little from year to year—except of course will be used by the citizens of tomorrow and therefore should be spread evenly for the annual increase which has over time. This conveniently ignores the characterised our capital spending over fact, of course, that we are using the last six years." infrastructure today which was provided The problem with this argument is that it is not and paid for by the citizens of yesterday." that the spending on assets is lumpy that That is a non sequitur. What happened causes the difficulty. Plenty of industries and yesterday has nothing to do with the way we businesses have lumpy spending on assets, should fund assets or plan for tomorrow. That just as Government does. Asset acquisition argument simply fails to recognise that in does not come in nicely proportioned some cases current assets have with them amounts. The problem is how to finance that associated debts. It also fails to consider what lumpy spending on assets. They can be would have happened if those assets had not financed from any variety of sources: debt, produced, what alternative assets could have equity, current operations and so on. The been produced from the resources used—the problem is not the lumpiness of the asset, but designing the optimal financing arrangement opportunity cost of those lost resources. The for the particular assets. Treasurer was trying to get at the intergenerational transfer of wealth, which is a More important than this—and I think with far more complex consideration than the his house analogy the Treasurer does not 1 November 1995 824 Legislative Assembly understand this—is how the community "Even the argument that debt maintains its standard of living or its productive spreads the cost over the life of the asset capacity when, as in the case of Queensland, is not a funding argument at all. How the the population is expanding. That is the nub of cost of an asset is allocated over time, the question. The Minister's analogy of a that is, by depreciation or debt service house does not hold water if one thinks of it in payments, is an accounting argument. So terms of a young family expecting the birth of whilst it may be a theoretical proposition a child. The expenses of the family will to rationalise an addiction to debt, it does increase because of the proportionate not provide a mechanism for increasing increase in size, but it has to go further than infrastructure funding." that, for example, by moving to a larger house Quite frankly, I do not understand exactly what or apartment. the Treasurer was getting at. The Treasurer purported to answer this Mr Purcell: The majority on your side question in the statement he tabled yesterday can't understand it. on the benefits to Queensland of good financial management. He purported to show Dr WATSON: This argument to me that per capita spending on capital works has looks suspiciously like the straw man risen from $672 to $923 over a period of half a argument. The Government puts up a weak dozen years. The problem with that argument and then knocks it down and claims proposition is very simple: while that has to have destroyed the argument. I have never occurred, the question that has to be seen anybody attempt to confuse answered is not only whether the per capita depreciation, which is a book entry, with a increase is sufficient to maintain the cash payment for debt servicing. I have not infrastructure that was there for the existing seen any arguments where the cost allocation population but also whether or not it has been issue, which again is a book entry, is confused sufficient to maintain the living standards and with a debt service payment or a cash entry. the productivity of an expanded population. This is a straw man argument designed to The information which the Treasurer tabled hide, not designed to reveal. yesterday does not in any way answer that Finally, the last argument is the Victorian particular question. In fact, what the argument, namely, that more infrastructure Opposition has been saying, and what the leads to more economic activity. The Treasurer electorate said on 15 July, is that we do not suggests that, if that was a valid argument, believe that the Treasurer has answered that Victoria ought to be the boom State of question appropriately. That is why, for Australia. The problem is that debt or equity example, people believe that the infrastructure funding does not mean that one is going to is declining in Queensland; that is why hospital get a good investment. In Victoria, South waiting lists are increasing; that is why we have Australia and Western Australia it would not deterioration in roads; and that is why we have have mattered whether they used debt or deterioration in rail lines throughout the State. equity or funded out of current revenue; the It is simply because the amount that is being problem was that they made a series of bad spent on infrastructure is not sufficient to investments. If one makes bad investments, maintain the productivity levels and the as with Tricontinental, the State Bank of South standard of living of Queenslanders. The Australia and the Rural Bank in Western lumpiness comes because as the population Australia, it does not matter how one funds increases there has to be a substantial them; one is in trouble. That is exactly what increase in the amount per capita, and that has happened to Labor in Victoria and that is has not been done. what could happen in Queensland. Mr Hollis: You just bag Queensland the Time expired. whole time, don't you? Mr NUTTALL (Sandgate) (8.30 p.m.): I Dr WATSON: It is not a question of that. am afraid that only those who have studied The Government put up the argument and I economics would have understood the am explaining the problems with that contribution of the previous speaker in the argument. The people of Queensland have debate on Appropriation Bill (No. 2). already spoken; that is why they voted against Mr Welford: Economics students would the Government at the last election. understand that it was rubbish. Let us move on. The fourth argument that Mr NUTTALL: It is unfortunate that, in a was put forward in the Treasurer's speech is debate on budgets and expenditure, we hear this— a speech delivered in the Parliament that is Legislative Assembly 825 1 November 1995 pitched at students of economics and not at Another transport-related issue has been the majority of people whom we represent. ongoing in my electorate. I am pleased to say Tonight, I wish to paint a picture of where that a lot of work is being done at the moment the money is being spent in our communities. on the final duplication of the Gateway Arterial I wish to show that, by careful financial Road through Deagon and Bracken Ridge to management and by being prudent with the the Bruce Highway. There will be seven lanes way it spends its money, the Government is of highway in the area, which is quite substantial. I have received a number of delivering services and benefits to the people requests from residents about noise barriers, of Queensland. Firstly, I will deal with the issue which are a two-edged sword. They are fairly of transport, in particular Queensland Rail, the unsightly and not necessarily inexpensive. I suburban railway network and the network that am yet to be convinced that they do the job stretches across the rest of Queensland. The effectively. The other problem is that they are previous speaker stated that the Government an easy target for vandals and graffiti artists, was not spending enough on capital and they can become quite unsightly. infrastructure. However, the Government has upgraded the railway network all the way up The senior officials in the Transport the coast at a cost of many millions of dollars. Department have agreed to do some major The new tilt-train will be introduced in the landscaping along the length of the not-too-distant future. The Government has duplication in the Bracken Ridge area. I am upgraded the Queenslander, which has had not saying that that will overcome the problem major success in attracting tourists. The of noise, but I will continue to push for Westlander and the line on which it operates improvements in that regard. We will need to have been upgraded. The Westlander also is do some surveys of the noise levels once that a major success. duplication work is finished. That road will be the major road for the transportation of In addition, the Government has spent dangerous goods on trucks—for example, enormous amounts of money on major lines chemicals and so on. Obviously, there will be a for the transportation of goods to the port of fair amount of movement by heavy vehicles Brisbane. As to passenger transport and the late in the evenings. We will monitor that suburban railway lines—the Government has situation closely. spent many millions of dollars on the duplication of tunnels between Roma Street I am also concerned about the Brisbane and Brunswick Street. There has been a major City Council's approval of subdivisions very upgrade of railway stations across the length close to the new Gateway Arterial roadworks. and breadth of the suburban network. After My concern is that, as soon as people move many years of lobbying, I am pleased to say into the new residential subdivisions, they will that we have managed to secure some boom notice the noise and say, "You should be gates and security at Shorncliffe, something paying for noise barriers." I do not necessarily for which we have been waiting for a number concur with that. I have spoken to the of years. Unfortunately, there has been a Department of Transport. My strong view is couple of fatalities at the Shorncliffe level that the developers should be meeting the crossing. However, I am pleased to say that, costs of erecting noise barriers. I will be after my last round of representations to Vince pushing both the Brisbane City Council and O'Rourke, we have been successful in the Queensland of Department of Transport obtaining boom gates at that crossing. In very hard to ensure that that happens. addition, there has also been upgrading at the One of the other areas that I wish to cover Deagon level crossing. is education and the money that this Government has spent on it. It is very sad That is an indication of where our money when we hear Opposition members continually is being spent. It is not our money; it is saying that we have mismanaged the taxpayers' money. The Government is Queensland economy. I challenge any spending it in the places where it is needed member in this Chamber to say that he or she most. Importantly, the Government is not has not had major improvements done to the saying, "We will spend it in this or that Labor schools in his or her electorate. Most of the seat." It is spending the money in all of the 89 schools of which I am aware—and certainly electorates in this State. There is no favour. It those in my electorate—have been repainted does not matter whether an electorate is and refurbished. That has been an ongoing green, blue or red; the Government is meeting program under this Government. Many the needs of all electorates. That is something millions of dollars have been spent on that of which the Government should be extremely work. One of our election commitments was to proud. upgrade the security of schools, which has 1 November 1995 826 Legislative Assembly been an ongoing problem for a number of Mr NUTTALL: That is true. The director honourable members in this Chamber. of the college is Craig Sherrin. I must Mr Pearce: We spend those dollars acknowledge that I had reservations about his equally across the State, too. appointment. When he was appointed, I met with him and indicated those concerns to him. Mr NUTTALL: I accept that interjection I have to give credit where credit is due. Craig from the member for Fitzroy. has done a very good job. That appointment Mr Cooper: That's half your problem, illustrates the fairness of this Government. I though. You're kidding yourself all the time. challenge members opposite to name a similar appointment of a Labor Party member. Mr NUTTALL: No, it is not. If the honourable member went to his electorate Mr Littleproud: When Frank Nicklin won once in a while, he would see that a number Government, not one public servant in Queensland lost their job. Can you fellows say of the schools in his electorate have enjoyed the same? major improvements. Mr NUTTALL: The member is going Mr T. B. Sullivan: If Mr Cooper would back a mighty long way! Members opposite do only look at the Budget papers he would see not want to start me on the subject of where schools in National and Liberal Party cronyism. I will give them a tip: they are picking electorates have been funded under Labor, the wrong bloke if they want to start on that yet in the Labor electorates the schools were topic. neglected for years. Mr J. H. Sullivan interjected. Mr NUTTALL: I accept that interjection from the member for Chermside. That Mr NUTTALL: The honourable member happens on a regular basis. I wish to make an is quite correct. important point. In the electorate of Sandgate, I turn now to the various programs which has been a staunch Labor electorate, established by this Government to benefit before we came into Government the schools younger students. I refer in particular to the were in a disgraceful state of repair. That was Shade Safe program and the provision of new simply because it was a Labor seat. We were playground equipment. Obviously, I would like determined to spend money. We are not to see every one of my schools provided with about buying votes. new playground equipment and new shade covers, but the reality is that that is not Mr Cooper: You said you were. possible. However, this Government continues Mr NUTTALL: No, that is simply not to commit significant funding to providing such true. Is the honourable member trying to tell facilities in primary schools and in preschools. I me that the schools in his electorate have not am very pleased about that. been looked after? Of course they have been After 20 years, a new swimming pool has looked after. finally been constructed at the local high Returning to the subject of education school in my electorate. I must acknowledge facilities—my electorate contains the second- that much of that money was raised within the largest TAFE college in the State in Northpoint community, but this Government provided TAFE college. Some 2,200 students attend $120,000 to enable that facility to be that college. This Government is spending constructed. millions of dollars on that institution to enable it Mr Cooper: You just said it. You're pork- to prepare students for the work force and for barrelling your own electorate. apprenticeships. The Northpoint TAFE college Mr NUTTALL: Similar funding may have has been a major success story. Several years been available under the previous ago the institution was facing some difficulties, Government, but it was used in the electorates but that has been turned around and the of National Party members—never in those of college is now doing extremely well. At Labor Party members. present, some major new works are under way. We have provided new computers and I turn to the Sunshine Coast. I visited that various facilities for people in the hospitality region during the recent election campaign. At industry. A new building is under construction that time, the local newspaper carried an to be used by those undertaking carpentry article quoting the intention of the sitting and joinery apprenticeships. members to keep the Sunshine Coast a Labor-free zone. As members are aware, all Mr T. B. Sullivan: And the the seats on the Sunshine Coast are held by appointment of the director says something Liberal or National Party members. I want to about the Goss Government, too. make this point: in the main, those seats have Legislative Assembly 827 1 November 1995 been held comfortably by the National Party or we have a new hospital wing in ." Liberal Party since Adam was a boy. But it is The member for Noosa continues to scream only in the last six years that major funding for another hospital at Noosa. He wants a has been poured into the Sunshine Coast. We hospital on every corner! At some stage reality hear a lot of bleating about the toll road. has to enter the equation. Those members Those who complain should ask themselves: who represent Sunshine Coast electorates who actually built that toll road, and who must be prepared to acknowledge that the imposed the toll initially? It was not this Labor Government shows no bias when it Government; it was the National Party comes to looking after the people in that Government. region. In the last five or six years, the Sunshine I turn now to policing. We hear a lot of Coast has received new schools at Mountain criticism from the Opposition on that issue. Creek and Pacific Paradise, a new hospital Mr Cooper interjected. wing at Nambour, a new police station at Kawana, and the list goes on. We never hear Mr NUTTALL: I can talk only about the acknowledgment of those projects by the police in my electorate. I place on record that members who represent Sunshine Coast those officers offer nothing less than a first- seats. All we ever hear about is the toll road rate service. They are held in extremely high and the fact that the toll is still in place. Those regard within my electorate, and they do a who complain should examine the funding tremendous job. They get on with the job and that this Government has injected into the they do not whinge. Those officers do such a Sunshine Coast. They should consider the good job partly because of the facilities and train service now running to that region. There resources that this Government has poured is now a train service to Nambour every into the Police Service. A new police station half-hour. That never occurred under the has been constructed in Sandgate. The National Party Government. We have even Government has purchased computers and constructed a brand-new university on the other valuable resources. Although those Sunshine Coast—a facility never provided by officers may not have every piece of state-of- the former Government. the-art equipment available to combat crime, much of that equipment will be provided in the Miss Simpson: Who put the land near future. I understand that details of that aside? intention will be released in the weeks to Mr NUTTALL: But who committed the come. funding for the construction of the university? I have mentioned in this House on a The land can be put aside forever and a day, number of occasions the issue of community but it took this Government to commit the policing. The Neighbourhood Watch group necessary funding to build that facility. and the Schoolsafe program are operating I want to return to the subject of the toll very effectively in my electorate. There is good road. During the recent election campaign, the community spirit in the Sandgate electorate. I conservative forces on the Sunshine Coast have to attribute much of that to the local gave a commitment that they would remove police officers, who regularly attend the toll if they were elected to Government. Neighbourhood Watch meetings and give a lot The former Government imposed the toll in of support in that regard. the first place, so those members are now I want to mention the Deagon racecourse. performing a total backflip. For some time it has been under a bit of a Mr Cooper: Didn't you make an election cloud in terms of developers proposing to promise that you were going to remove the move in and develop the site. The BATC owns toll? the site, and it is presently considering the Mr NUTTALL: But when we were options available to it. Whatever action is elected to Government and examined the taken with regard to the Deagon racecourse, I manner in which the National Party funded the hope that the BATC in its wisdom sees fit to road, we had no option other than to leave the talk to the local community. The racecourse is toll in place. very dear to the hearts of local residents. It has been in the area for many years, and the The Sunshine Coast has been well looked site has historical importance. after over the last five or six years. The sitting local members have a responsibility to be fair Mr Gibbs: We're actually interested in dinkum and point out to their constituents, buying it. "We have these new schools, we have a new Mr NUTTALL: I am thrilled to hear that university, we have a new TAFE building and from the Minister. The racecourse is widely 1 November 1995 828 Legislative Assembly used by the local horse-training industry. "The following Acts do not apply to Anyone who has visited Sandgate and seen domestic building work— the horses train on the beach would realise Subcontractors Charges Act 1974." that it is a wonderful place. Any honourable members who have any Time expired. knowledge of that Act would know that when a Mr LINGARD (Beaudesert—Deputy builder on a commercial building or a Leader of the Opposition) (8.50 p.m.): One of residential building started to go to the wall at the greatest concerns expressed by the ALP least a subcontractor was either able to take in Opposition was the plight of subcontractors. out a charge notice or he most definitely Tom Burns led many deputations on that became a secured creditor. He certainly was issue before 1989. In 1991, Tom Burns said— not regarded as an unsecured creditor. Why this Government ever wanted to pass over this "There are 50,000 contractors in the sort of control to the BSA, one will never know. State and they are all entitled to a fair go. At least under the previous Act subcontractors They are not getting it and I will not let the were protected. However, in this legislation, Master Builders Association frustrate my pushed through as a supposedly minor desire to give them justice." amendment in a Schedule to the Queensland People might remember that at that time a Building Services Authority Act we find that the Green Paper was issued. Four years ago, the subcontractors became subject to the State Government basically promised that authority of the BSA. So subcontractors on money owed by builders to subcontractors residential buildings were looked after by the would be protected by law. However, everyone BSA. The Supreme Court has now decided would have to admit that we are still waiting for that a 27-storey building is a domestic that sort of legislation and that sort of building, which means that subcontractors who protection for subcontractors. Some of the are working on those sort of projects which worst problems for subcontractors occurred cost millions and millions of dollars are not since 1994 following the passage of the protected by the 1974 Subcontractors Building Services Authority Act. I would have Charges Act but and are supposedly protected thought that after the recent decision by the by the BSA. Before the amendment, the Supreme Court that one of the first things that Subcontractors Charges Act allowed would have done in the last couple of days subcontractors to secure payment on both would have been an amendment to the 1994 commercial and residential building projects by legislation to fix the problem. However, that laying a charge against the principal has not occurred. Subcontractors have been contractor, which ensured preferential left with a gross liability for unpaid work on payment. Because the Supreme Court now residential high-rise developments following defines a 27-storey building as a domestic the Goss Government's 1994 amendment to construction, a large proportion of the Building Services Authority Act. The subcontractors' work carried out in the industry Supreme Court ruling handed down this is not protected. month classifying high-rise residential building The decision makes a mockery of the projects as domestic building work has Goss Government's promise to look after financial ramifications that could see many subcontractors. In this particular case they are subcontractors go to the wall. more disadvantaged than ever. I repeat: why By amending the Queensland Building in the past two days this Government has not Services Authority Act to exclude domestic introduced urgent amendments to ensure that building work from the provision of the the Supreme Court decision is not allowed to Subcontractors Charges Act the Government affect builders and subcontractors, I will never has substantially undermined the protection of know. This whole debacle has dramatic subcontractors. I say to Government members implications in the present economic climate, that probably not many of them realised which has seen building companies dropping exactly what was happening in 1994 when the like flies. Subbies working on large contracts amendment to the Queensland Building have relied on the security of the Services Authority Act was brought in by the Subcontractors Charges Act to protect them, Minister for Local Government. This but that security has now been ripped to amendment sits in the Schedule as one of a shreds. number of "Minor and consequential I challenge the Government to introduce amendments". It was one of those another amendment to the Queensland amendments that read, "omit, insert". Section Building Services Authority Act to restore 110 states— protection to subcontractors working on Legislative Assembly 829 1 November 1995 domestic or high-rise residential projects. deeply involved as to purchase furniture for Whether a subcontractor is seeking payment the company. She says that the BSA over a residential project or a commercial continued to tell her that Jupiter was sound. project is really immaterial. The principle is the Let us now look at electrical contractors. same. Subcontractors should be able to lay a One can imagine the cost to an electrical charge for moneys owed and have that contractor who puts money into a 27-storey charge enforceable by law. The Goss building, and when the builder goes down he Government has caused this potentially certainly cannot take his material out of the disastrous situation by fiddling with the building. One electrical contractor worked for relevant Acts, and placing the amendments in Jupiter between the Tweed and Brisbane for an obscure section of a schedule. It should be 10 years. He trusted them and got his fingers forced to rectify this situation. burnt to the tune of over $40,000. He is now There have been many comments on financially devastated. He has lost his radio shows about how hard builders are marriage and his house. He moved out on 9 finding business at the moment. Yesterday's October. He was told that the BSA had given paper makes this comment— Jupiter a clean bill of health. He called the "The Queensland building and BSA two months before Jupiter went under contracting industry is in crisis, with waves and was told that Jupiters were okay and not of small developers and construction to worry. companies going to the wall in the wake A cabinetmaker lost $17,000 cold, and of a dramatic slump in the demand for perhaps as much as $20,000. He kept a close new housing." eye on Jupiter, and over a period of six It continues— months the BSA told him that everything was okay. A home owner who was only about five "The collapse of such companies as weeks away from completion now cannot Townsville based North Coast afford to fix the problems she faces. She has Constructions Pty Ltd, which was building emotional as well as financial worries. I have some 200 homes a year, is sending pages and pages that list all the problems that shock waves through subcontractors and these people face because of what the BSA suppliers." and the amended legislation have done. In Bundaberg, one leading insolvency partner When the members opposite were in said four out of the five major builders in the Opposition, this is something that they always region have disappeared. Other casualties said they would rectify. This is a major problem include such prominent Queensland names as that Tom Burns was going fix up. In 1991, he J. B. Family Homes, CRN Homes, Hutton made a number of statements about how the Homes and Munro Contractors. One of the big Government would protect subcontractors. companies that has gone down is Jupiter Every Government member would have to Homes. At the time of their going down, or admit that to the present subcontractors have going into administration, as it was called at not been protected and that many of them are that time, they were building 33 houses. They going to the wall, as are a number of builders. had 14 contracts as well in the pre-starting I turn to the Department of Administrative stage. Services. Since the election, another 33 The Building Services Association taxpayer-owned homes have also gone on the investigated the financial viability of the market. The Government tells us that the company a number of times this year. On the houses are surplus to needs. It is not about basis that they still held a licence, subbies still surplus; it is about cash flow. I remind all kept working for them. I reiterate that it is a members that in the period between 1989 and major concern that the Government has put 1995, $400m worth of assets were sold by the domestic buildings under the control of the Department of Administrative Services. BSA. There are many criticisms of that move. I Whether they be school sites or whether they will list some of the people involved. A lady be houses, that was done—$400m. In interior designer has lost $47,000, money that February this year, the Government cashed up she spent buying furniture for the display about $215m by selling off taxpayer-owned home for which she was contracted to shares in Queensland Nickel. It raised a further undertake the interior design. She has had to $112m by rejigging the debt over to Q-Fleet. sell her boat and move house due to the The big question about Q-Fleet is: will the financial difficulty she has found herself in as a Government privatise this fleet in a similar result of dealing with Jupiter. However, she manner to what the Federal Government did says that if she had known of the company's with ComCar? More Administrative Services financial problems she would not have got as units are to follow Q-Fleet: Goprint, Q-Build 1 November 1995 830 Legislative Assembly and CITEC will all move down the privatisation I understand that the financial dealings of path. They will have extraordinary debts the company in question are now being transferred to them, while the Government scrutinised by the Australian Securities squeezes them for the taxes and the Commission. It is no wonder the Government dividends. wanted to keep it quiet. What arrangements The most reasonably available figures have been made to clear up this mess? How show that all of the Administrative Services much is the secret ex gratia payment to the business units, with the exception of Q-Fleet, subcontractors? How much did they have to have increased their benefit payments to pay to keep this quiet? What solvency check Queensland Treasury. For the 1994-95 year, did ASD carry out on G. W. Chalmers before Project Services paid $1.789m—up 70 per awarding the two tenders in question to this cent from the previous year—while Goprint company? The same operator is the subject of recorded a whopping 225 per cent increase in a subcontractors' dispute involving thousands of dollars in relation to work carried out on the its dividend payment. The business units paid Keppel Bay Plaza shopping centre in a total of $78m back to Treasury in the December last year. As I understand it, a 1994-95 year. I have my doubts about the number of subcontractors never recovered quality and the cost of the services that the their money from that project. However, none business units will be providing to the of that appears to have been investigated by Government clients. Despite all its rhetoric, this Q-Build prior to awarding those Government Government has done very little in real terms contracts. to alleviate the financial hardships of subcontractors who have been victimised by I turn to a matter that I raised with the the industry sharks. All this Government has Minister for Family Services today. After an done is lull them into a false sense of security invitation to ask a question, I asked a over payment guarantee. The Department of question, but once again I did not get the Administrative Services is certainly one of the answer. It is quite obvious that the Minister worst offenders. needs to answer the question and admit—if she can—who has responsibility for a severely I refer the House to the recent collapse of disabled person under the care of the the building company G. W. Chalmers which Department of Family Services who is over the was undertaking work for ASD at the Gateway age of 17, who has no living parents or other TAFE and on a school project at Mansfield. relatives, and who comes out of an institution Chalmers has, as of a month ago, gone into such as Challinor after living there for all of his provisional liquidation owing some $3m to or her life. Who is directly responsible for subcontractors. To put a more accurate anything that this person does when he interpretation on it, just after the election the comes into society? Who is responsible for company went into provisional liquidation. The damage that he does to buildings or, more curious aspect of this whole affair is that, prior importantly, injury that he causes to a person? to the election, Q-Build was fully aware that As I said to the Minister this morning, Chalmers was in dire financial strife. there is an example already of a person whom Subcontractors had warned the department we will call Mr X punching a member of the that progress payments for work completed public and punching many other people in the had not been settled. In fact, Chalmers was in same incident. One of those people has gone grave danger of collapse. The company had to the Public Trustee and asked, "From whom also had its Gold Card withdrawn by the should I seek compensation?" I have spoken Building Services Authority. So what did to many departmental officers about this Q-Build do? In a fit of panic, no doubt inspired issue. In fact, I have spoken to departmental by the fact that they were keen to avoid officers tonight. Most of them say, "It is the political flak during the election campaign, it responsibility of the Department of Family kept Chalmers going. Q-Build relet the contract Services. This person is a resident of Challinor. to another Chalmers company, Hamilbridge, He has no relatives and he has lived at under the direction of the company's principal, Challinor all his life. We accept responsibility Mr Greg Chalmers, without going to open for that person." tender. Q-Build also offered guarantees to However, the Department of Family subcontractors that their claims would be Services has told the Public Trustee that that honoured. On this assurance, subcontractors is not right. Today I tabled a letter from the continued working on the projects in question, Public Trustee. I say to the Minister that this is running up bigger debts on the project on the one of the real reasons why the Public Trust understanding that Q-Build's word was as Office should not be under her control. If ever good as money in the bank. It was not. there was an obvious example of a conflict of Legislative Assembly 831 1 November 1995 interest, this is it. This is an example of why Ms SPENCE (Mount Gravatt) the Public Trust Office should be separate (9.10 p.m.): I am very pleased to speak to this from the Department of Family Services. The Appropriation Bill (No. 2)—an important Bill Public Trustee went to the Department of that finalises the Government's accounts for Family Services and that department said, the financial year. This is an important "No, it is not our responsibility." The Public opportunity to reflect on the sound economic Trustee has written to the person who made management of this Government. I particularly the complaint and said as follows— want to focus on the Government's spending "I confirm that the Public Trustee is within the Education portfolio. Before I do that investigating the remedies that may be and mention some of the positive available to your daughter arising from the achievements of this Government in assault on her by Mr X. I confirm that it is Education spending, I intend to spend a not the intention of this Office to proceed couple of minutes talking about a couple of against Mr X . . ." points that were raised in the Adjournment debate last night by the member for The letter continues— Greenslopes, who spoke about school ". . . the Department"— funding. Unfortunately, the member is not present in the Chamber. However, I hope that of Family Services— he reads these comments tomorrow in "has indicated that it is not responsible for Hansard. I do not usually criticise new the actions of Mr X but rather its role was members of Parliament. I acknowledge that simply to support him in the community. the member for Greenslopes is a new member On that basis, the Department believes of Parliament and that he really does not know that Mr X ought to take responsibility and very much about the subject about which he pay for the consequences of his actions." was speaking. Usually, I would leave him How utterly ridiculous that the Department of alone. Unfortunately, he spent much of his Family Services believes that, if a profoundly speech talking about schools in the Mount disabled person coming out of Challinor Gravatt electorate and, therefore, I feel I must punches a person and that person seeks respond to many of those points that he compensation, that disabled person should made. One would have thought that the pay for it himself. What sort of money does a member for Greenslopes had sufficient profoundly disabled person coming out of schools in his own electorate to worry about Challinor have? The most important point in without commenting on schools in the Mount this letter was not that Family Services wants Gravatt electorate. The particular school that to wipe its hands of the matter but that the he was talking about—— Public Trustee has said— Mr Bredhauer: I don't think he knows "The Public Trustee does not agree where the boundaries are. with the above view and the point is a Ms SPENCE: No, he probably does not. significant one for this Office as it has Mr Radke spoke about the Holland Park ramifications for a number of our clients. State High School. He stated that the school The Public Trustee has indicated that he had asked him to raise the issue of a new will take whatever action is available to school principal. The P & C of that school clarify the question of the extent of the would like a representative on the selection Departments duty of care." panel for a new school principal, and that That department under the control of the school is about to get a new school principal. Minister for Family Services then states— Mr Radke really would have been better off "In order to assess the prospects of talking to the P & C and me about this issue. this matter being successfully pursued Some eight weeks ago I approached the and to ensure that the matter is pursued Education Minister about this issue, and some in the most effective manner the Public four or five weeks ago the P & C received a Trustee has decided to brief a Queen's reply from the Education Minister about this Counsel for advice." very issue. So by raising that particular issue, the member for Greenslopes has Now the Minister has within her department demonstrated that he is really behind the two sections arguing against each other. As times. The school P & C was told that it is not we saw today, the Minister cannot give an department policy to have P & C answer as to whether she will take representatives on selection panels for responsibility, as most of her people believe teachers or school principals. However, it is she should. certainly something that the department and 1 November 1995 832 Legislative Assembly this Government are prepared to consider for State that teachers have to be transferred. the future. They have to do country service and then Mr Quinn: That is what Pat Comben serve in other regions. All members should said when he was Minister. It looks like you are appreciate that some teachers actually want to still considering it. How many years do you be transferred. want? The member for Greenslopes also Ms SPENCE: We do not want to rush complained about schools requiring paid into this. advertisements to appear in their newsletters to cover the costs of communication. That The next point that the member for practice is gaining popularity in my electorate. Greenslopes raised was that the parents at Schools are asking me to advertise on the that particular school want a new school back of their newsletters, and they are asking principal before the end of term four. I other firms to advertise on the back of their appreciate that the parents and students at newsletters. They are not being forced into this that school want a new principal before the at all. They see this as a way of saving costs end of the year, but they have to appreciate on their newsletters so they can put that that their new school principal is likely to be a money into other things around their schools. I principal at another school who would be commend them for that; I do not regard that transferred to their school when he or she is as a negative. chosen. Members should consider that they are members of Parliament for all schools in The Opposition has claimed that, owing to this State. No doubt the school at which that the Government's policies, teaching morale in new principal for the Holland Park High School State schools has never been lower and stress is located does not want to lose that principal has never been higher. I refute that claim. I before the end of the year. suggest that all members should spend more time in schools in their electorates. They The third point raised by the member for should spend more time talking to teachers, Greenslopes was the rumour that the Holland children and the parents of those children. If Park State High School would have to share they did, they would realise that things have campuses or amalgamate with the Mount never been better in State schools in this Gravatt State High School. For three years State. from 1990 to 1993, the Holland Park State High School operated on a share-campus While I am on the subject of schools in basis with the Mount Gravatt State High my electorate, I mention some of the School. It was an experience that neither improvements in other schools, particularly the school wanted to continue. Holland Park State Seville Road State School, which is a primary High School has been told that it will not have school with about 180 students. It is one of to share a campus again in the future. the poorest schools in my electorate. It receives Federal Government money as a Mr Borbidge: Why do all your special program school because of the low constituents go to Mr Radke? socioeconomic status in the area. Seville Road Ms SPENCE: My constituents do not go State School was very badly neglected during to Mr Radke. If they did, he would have had the years of National Party Government. his facts right. He is very wrong. He is giving When I became the member for Mount them wrong information, and I am telling Gravatt, I was ashamed by the state of the members that it is wrong. The Holland Park buildings and the lack of facilities at that State High School will not be forced to particular school. Today, I inspected some of amalgamate or share campuses in the future the facilities that the Seville Road State School with any other school. In fact, the Mount has gained from this Labor Government in the Gravatt State High School operates very well a last year. It has gained $43,000 for a new shared campus with Salisbury State High storage shed and fuel store, and $26,000 for School, and has done so for the last two new carpets, changes to its tuckshop, insect years. Both schools are happy about that. screens, and so on. This has occurred just in the last few months. The member for Greenslopes referred to teachers moving away from schools and said Mr Cooper: Before the election? how sad it was that teachers have to be Ms SPENCE: The school has gained transferred from schools. Unfortunately, no many facilities over the last six years from this schools like to lose good teachers; students Government on the basis of need. I am very do not like to lose good teachers, and certainly proud that the school has gained those things. school administrations do not like to lose good I am ashamed that when members opposite teachers. However, it is a fact of life in this were in Government they neglected schools Legislative Assembly 833 1 November 1995 such as Seville Road State School for so long; have developed a real community spirit and a there were no votes in those schools for those desire to help others and give something back members. I am very proud to announce that to the school community. I am convinced that Seville Road State School is going to get a our education system is finally producing new teaching block some time in this financial students with a wide range of choices and year. It will be a four-classroom teaching block opportunities to allow them to fully explore valued at over $400,000. That construction will their own potential. go a long way towards providing some facilities Of course, our education system is not equity to those students who live in a very just about providing opportunities for high working-class area—students who have never achievers; it is also about providing seen a new block such as that. I am very opportunities for all Queensland students. We proud that this Labor Government can provide cannot purport to be providing a high-quality those facilities to schools such as Seville Road system unless we are looking after our most State School. disadvantaged groups as well. There are two The Mount Gravatt State High School has special schools in my electorate which are gained well in the last year from this attended by students who are severely Government. It has received new home physically and intellectually disadvantaged. economic kitchens and a new sun-sail shelter Each time I visit those schools I feel a great to cover its playground. It is one of the few sense of pride at the standard of education high schools in the State that does not have those students are receiving. I believe that this assembly halls. At least the school now has a society can be proud of the resources it gives shaded area under which it can hold parades to that particular group and the level of care and performances. Recently, a hydrotherapy and attention that the teachers and other pool was completed at the Mount Gravatt helpers invest in the education of those young West Special School, and I am proud to say people. The same can be said of students that the Mount Gravatt State School has had with disabilities who are educated in special a lot of work carried out on it, with the units in mainstream State schools. All of those construction of a new tuckshop for the visually students are receiving specialist services from impaired children at that school. speech therapists, physiotherapists and This is an important time of the year to be occupational therapists. talking about education and education I acknowledge that no matter what level spending because lately, in common with of funding a Government provides for special members probably from both sides of the therapist services, it will never meet the Chamber, I have been spending many of my demand, and the State will always be evenings attending school awards nights. expected to provide more than it will ever be Those awards nights—where schools put able to deliver; but I believe that we are doing themselves on show for the whole pretty well at this stage. I am speaking from community—are very revealing and instructive some experience, as I am the president of a evenings, because one has the opportunity of blind youth welfare association which delivers learning about a school's activities during the therapy services to visually handicapped year. Those awards nights reveal that our young people. Years ago, that group had to schools are producing students who aim to raise its money through fundraising. In the five excel in all sectors of academic, sporting and years that I have been its president, that cultural pursuits. They are conducted by association has not had to do any fundraising. confident, articulate, intelligent students who Now the group really oversees the spending of have a genuine pride in themselves and their Federal and State Government funds. That is schools. what has happened to special students and The awards nights—in my electorate at therapists in this State under this Government. least—feature musical performances by There are many different ways of symphony bands, stage bands, string measuring the quality of education. One can ensembles, orchestral choirs, dancers and only guess which one Opposition members actors whose level of performance surpasses favour, because they never tell us what their anything that I possibly envisaged during my policies really are. The Opposition certainly did 11 years as a teacher. They reveal stories of not favour any measures to improve education student activities in fields as diverse as when it had the chance during its three horticulture, film making, Japanese debating decades of government. In 1989 we inherited and cooking. They give me the impression a run-down education system. In terms of all that we are indeed producing students who Australian education systems, it was well and not only endeavour to succeed to the best of truly the bottom of the barrel. I am pleased to their ability and chosen fields but who also be able to constantly make points about the 1 November 1995 834 Legislative Assembly improvements in the education system in this Helping P & Cs with the Basics, a new focus State under this State Labor Government. on computers, initiatives in curriculum and the As one of his major debating points, the emphasis on literacy and numeracy—one will member for Greenslopes told members about be convinced that this Government is doing the low morale of teachers. Where does he more for education than did any Government get that from? There is no evidence that that this State has ever seen. teachers have low morale. Mr BEANLAND (Indooroopilly—Deputy Mr T. B. Sullivan: Do you remember Leader of the Liberal Party) (9.28 p.m.): In the when we were teaching how the profession last few weeks the public has heard the was bleeding? Government talk about the need for a redistribution in this State in pure one-vote, Ms SPENCE: I remember when I was one-value terms, not a redistribution in terms teaching in the 1980s. There is nothing like of the current Elections Act. The Minister went being the lowest-paid teacher in Australia for so far as to indicate that the Government developing low morale, and the teachers in would consider joining the Western Australian Queensland no longer need to say that. Labor Party—the Opposition in that State—in Mr Davies interjected. a case before the High Court. I am not too Ms SPENCE: Low morale is teaching at sure who would bear the costs of that. I a school like Woodridge State High School believe that action highlights that the and waiting three months into the year to get Government will go to any lengths to survive in a timetable. Low morale is marching around office—any lengths in all. with your students for three months without a In Queensland's recent State election, the classroom in which to teach them. Compared Electoral Commission's statistical return for to the old days, there is no low morale 1995 shows that in the two-party preferred amongst teachers in this State today. vote, the ALP gained 46.73 per cent of the vote and the National/Liberal coalition gained Mr Bredhauer: Remember out west 53.27 per cent. That represents a margin to they had schools with no kids? the coalition over Labor of 6.54 per cent of the Ms SPENCE: Did they have teachers? vote. However, Labor still won office by one Mr Bredhauer: Yes. seat. In 1992 Labor won 19 seats with only an additional 0.61 per cent of the vote. With less Ms SPENCE: Maybe that is why we than one per cent more of the vote in 1992, were short staffed at schools such as Labor won 19 seats. It is interesting to look at Woodridge. a few of these figures. Again Labor won 18 Many of my friends are still teachers, and electorates on preferences, whereas the I spend time talking to them about the National/Liberal coalition won six seats on teaching profession. They tell me that morale preferences. Clearly, looking at the two-party in our State schools is very high and that they preferred vote, it is clear that Labor simply are very proud and happy about many of the scraped in by a one-seat majority. Members changes that are being made in the education have heard a great deal about gerrymanders system in this State. That the resignation rate over a long period, but in the past 108 days amongst teachers is one of the lowest we since the 15 July election there has been a have ever seen certainly does not support the deafening silence from Government members Opposition's argument that there is low morale as far as gerrymanders are concerned. Not a amongst teachers. We should be telling word has been said about that by the Goss parents and students that they have some of Labor Government; not one Minister has the most highly qualified and highly paid spoken about it. teachers that Queensland has ever seen. We For the first time since the reintroduction are now starting to see the results of the fine- of preferential voting, Labor gained over 50 quality teachers in our classrooms. per cent of the vote in the 1989 election in Talking down State schools all the which it won office. Now, of course, it is not time—as the Opposition is wont to do—is not content to govern without the public will of the accepted by the users of the State school people or without a mandate. It wants to system. One has only to go to those awards change the system which it supported in 1989, nights to find out that parents and students and one has to ask why. It is very reminiscent are very proud of their State schools. They of the 1949 election, in which the Hanlon choose to be there. State schools are truly Labor Government rearranged boundaries to great schools. If one considers any suit itself in order to survive. That was a case sector—capital works expenditure, the Schools of a Labor Government in trouble. Similarly, Refurbishment Program, school grants, this Labor Government is in trouble today. Legislative Assembly 835 1 November 1995

In its previous term, Labor held a 19-seat The public of this State want to see some majority. There was not a squeal from action taken against serious violent offenders. members opposite then, but now they drag They want the Government to ensure that this issue out after obtaining just over 46 per they serve their sentences. For example, if cent of the vote on 15 July. Now the they are sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment, Government wants to change the electoral the community wants to see them serve at weighting in five seats in western and northern least 80 per cent of that sentence, and then to Queensland to one vote, one value. However, be released early only if they can show that not a single mention was made of that issue they are rehabilitated and display good prior to the 15 July election. But the fact that behaviour. The National/Liberal coalition the Government has not got a mandate does campaign policy was based on those not matter! Prior to 15 July, Mr Goss and his principles. We travelled the State of Ministers did not once mention this issue. Queensland listening to the people, There was not one whimper out of them. something that I recommend to the Labor Because the Government won the election by members opposite. We listened to what the one seat, it now wants to change the system. public had to say about the rising crime The Government will go to any length to problems and their concerns about serious survive. violent offenders in Queensland. It is our policy to ensure that they are not released without The Labor party claims that this is a serving at least 80 per cent of their sentences, matter of great principle. Following its support and only then if they can show, firstly, that for the EARC recommendations after the 1989 they have been rehabilitated and, secondly, election, the Government had ample time in that they have been of good behaviour. the terms of the previous two Parliaments to Without those conditions being met, they will rectify the situation. Labor refused to take up serve the full length of their sentences. The the other EARC recommendations, including people of Queensland are fed up seeing so that there be an additional electorate office in many serious violent offenders being released those five large western seats that Labor now after having served only a fraction of their wants to make even larger. The seats would sentences. In some cases, it is well less than be made far larger and one would probably 25 per cent. occupy more than one-third of the State. Nor has the Government provided the additional On 25 November last year, the Premier staffing resources recommended by EARC for announced that the Government was going to the Opposition. If Labor were really concerned start to get tough, that it would introduce a about the issue, it would rectify the situation policy of "three strikes and you're out". That which saw the National/Liberal coalition win was the new so-called "get tough" policy of 53.27 per cent of the vote and not win office. Labor. What have we seen since? Absolutely We achieved not just over 51 per cent of the nothing! There has been deafening silence. vote but more than 53 per cent, yet we are not There has been neither legislation nor even rhetoric, which I must say was thoroughly able to take office in this State. That raises a rejected by the people of this State at the number of issues in relation to the electoral recent election. They are fed up with the boundaries in this State. rhetoric of this Premier and this Government. For some six years now, we have seen They want to see some action, some this Labor Government going soft on crime. In deterrence and a toughening up of the the first 108 days of this new Government, we punishment and penalties being handed down have still seen it going soft on crime. It is by the courts. That can come about only treating the victims with contempt. No program through changes to the legislation introduced or strategy for crime prevention has been put by the Government. forward. We heard a great deal from the I wish to say a few words about Premier, the member for Logan, about how rehabilitation before addressing the penalties this Government was going to hit the ground and sentences legislation. Rehabilitation is running in its first 100 days with its great costly to undertake, but it is even more costly program. There has not been a word about to the community if it is not undertaken. This crime prevention, one of the big issues Government has created an environment in confronting the State of Queensland. The which criminals are not held responsible for Government has no answers to the rising their actions, especially young criminals and crime problems within the community. No real serious violent offenders. The Government crime prevention programs have been has a terrible record on light sentencing, early introduced by this Government. Crime is now release and parole. In addition, it has a record more out of control than ever before. of complete failure to rehabilitate offenders, 1 November 1995 836 Legislative Assembly particularly serious violent offenders. average of 58.9%, shows a valuable Queensland adults who have previously been contribution in public safety and security." in prison at least once constituted 60.7 per Meanwhile the 1993-94 annual report of the cent of offenders as at 30 June last year. Corrective Services Commission makes no More than three in five prisoners have been in reference to those persons who have gaol before. Over 60 per cent of offenders previously been imprisoned. However, in were so-called rehabilitated offenders. I March of this year, after I became very emphasise "so-called rehabilitated". suspicious of why this figure was suddenly left Rehabilitation under Mr Goss and his out of the annual report and after a great deal Government is a farce. It simply does not of effort on my part, the Corrective Services work. If offenders are sentenced to gaol, they Commission advised that, as at the last are released early under this Government's census of 30 June 1994, 60.7 per cent of "let's take pity on the prisoner" attitude. They offenders had previously been in prison. It is are not rehabilitated. There is no deterrent to no wonder there was not a word in the last stop them reoffending. These serious violent annual report about this, because the whole offenders are released back into society to system had collapsed. It has gone backwards reoffend. This Government cannot deny that under Mr Goss and his Ministers. there are many reoffenders who have already Some 60.7 per cent of offenders have been through the system of imprisonment, are previously been in prison for other offences. so-called "rehabilitated" but are not deterred They have served their sentences for previous from continuing their life of crime. crimes; they have been released and they During the election campaign, the rhetoric have reoffended. What type of rehabilitation is from the Government was flowing thick and that? For them to leave prison and reoffend fast about getting tough on offenders. This offers no deterrent to either other potential Government is good at rhetoric but, as usual, violent criminals or released criminals. This no action follows. What we have in this State Government has created a society in which today is paralysis of Government—from Mr crime attracts only a light punishment and Goss down through all of his Ministers. His criminals re-enter society with no improvement in their behaviour. This Government is not Labor colleagues have not succeeded in fulfilling its absolute role of protecting the making a gaol sentence a last resort. citizens of this State; rather, it is subjecting However, when someone is sent to prison, them to the danger of unrepentant, that fulfils its purpose. As we have seen unrehabilitated serious violent criminals. It is before, this is just another hollow election promise from the Government. It is well little wonder that many in society believe that overdue for the Government to abandon its crime does pay. Unfortunately, that is certainly softly, softly approach and to start the serious the case. rehabilitation of violent criminals. What is the I turn to the Penalties and Sentences Act. use of imprisonment if the problem is only The former Attorney-General, the honourable compounded upon the prisoner's early Dean Wells, championed the Penalties and release? Prisoners must have punishment that Sentences Act 1992 as a means of fits the crime. They must be deterred from consolidating and reforming the law relating to reoffending. The Government must be the sentencing of offenders. The former responsible for their rehabilitation, and it must Attorney-General said in this House that he now take the blame for its failure to do so in derived the philosophy of the Penalties and the past. The Government should take the Sentences Act from— blame for its failure to rehabilitate those who ". . . the rational utilitarian philosophy of now constitute over 60 per cent of offenders protecting society and its members from today. harm." Rehabilitation is an issue on which this What did the Attorney mean by that Government excelled in rhetoric, yet in reality it statement? The implications of this philosophy has not only failed to deliver but has taken us for sentencing practice are neatly summarised backwards. In more recent times, we have in the Preamble to the Act, which states that seen a collapse of rehabilitation services in this society may limit the liberty of members of State. The 1992-93 annual report of the society only to prevent harm to itself or other Corrective Services Commission states— members of society. While on the surface this philosophy may seem progressive, or at least "The rate of readmission to prison benign, it has profound implications for continues to fall, down to 46.2% from sentencing policy in Queensland. Firstly, the 47.7%, and, set against a national philosophy is not consistent with common law Legislative Assembly 837 1 November 1995 sentencing principles. Of itself, perhaps this is Veen (No. 1), the general practice of the not critical. But the ill-considered implications common law is that just deserts will set the of the reform and the demonstrated outer limits of punishment. Within those outer misunderstanding of the common law limits, societal protection is not irrelevant to the principles of proportionality are cause for exercise of judicial discretion. Indeed, as the concern. Secondly, while perhaps some High Court pointed out in Veen (No. 1), conflict reform of the law relating to the sentencing of is rare between notions of public protection offenders was necessary, the "rational and just deserts in cases of violent crime utilitarian philosophy" espoused by the then where the offender has an established Attorney-General and reflected in the Act is propensity for violence. Importantly also, just deeply flawed. deserts in such cases operates as a powerful Let me briefly remind honourable deterrent to offenders who are aware of the members of the position with respect to the lengthy sentences which will follow upon their sentencing of offenders prior to the violent conduct. The former Attorney's introduction of the Penalties and Sentences philosophy does not enhance the protection of Act. In short, judges determined the the community. appropriate sentence for an offender by Secondly, the Attorney argued that reference to the doctrine of proportionality. I sentencing based on proportionality leads to will outline briefly the former Attorney's inequality of treatment. Attacks on common unfortunate misunderstandings about the law proportionality principles were also made in doctrine of proportionality. Parliament during the second-reading speech As to the sentencing of offenders prior to to the Penalties and Sentences Act. The the Penalties and Sentences Act—the basic member for Everton argued that— principle in sentencing at common law is "One thing that is certain is that proportionality. Prior to the introduction of the justice alone does not entail retribution, Penalties and Sentences Act, the sentencing because justice entails concepts of of offenders in Queensland was grounded in equality of treatment." the common law's notion of proportionality. In He added that equality of treatment was short, judges and magistrates in this State impossible because "we cannot measure were always concerned that punishment individual responsibility." These are unusual should fit the crime. Of course, judges would claims. Just deserts and proportionality are also consider aggravating and mitigating fundamentally concerned with equality of circumstances in deciding the appropriate treatment; offences which do more objective quantum of punishment. But the notion of harm deserve more punishment. On the other proportionality determined the amount of hand, the philosophy underpinning the punishment that could, in any case, be Penalties and Sentences Act demands that inflicted. In terms of punishment philosophy, punishment is assessed according to some proportionality is most closely associated with assessment of future harm. Thus, punishment the modern theory of just deserts. is based not on the offence but on an Unfortunately for Queensland, the former assessment of the offender. While it is Attorney-General failed to properly understand admittedly always difficult to measure the importance of proportionality in the individual responsibility, it is at least capable of sentencing of offenders, and a series of measurement. It is much more capable of mistakes then followed on the operation of the measurement than future harm, as proposed philosophy of proportionality. The Attorney by the former Attorney-General. Unfortunately, mistakenly argued that common law the current Act is much more likely to lead to proportionality is not conducive to the unfair and unequal punishment than the old protection of the individual. For example, he system of proportionality. argued that the retributivist model—that is, the Thirdly, the Attorney argued that a just model prior to the introduction of the Penalties sentencing scheme can ignore the principles and Sentences Act—sees the infliction of of proportionality. The former Attorney-General detriment from wrong wilfully done as morally compounded his errors by insisting that— good in itself. It says that the offender should be punished according to his just deserts. ". . . justice does not mean Consequently, questions of societal protection retributivism . . . notions such as the are irrelevant. The Attorney-General was doctrine of proportionality, which is derived referring to an ancient and idealised version of from the philosophy of retributivism, is not retributivism. Modern just deserts theory is not part of this Bill." quite so dismissive of questions of societal It is unclear how the Attorney-General protection. As the High Court indicated in sought to abolish just deserts and 1 November 1995 838 Legislative Assembly proportionality as sentencing justifications and against the sentence. No doubt political yet seek to ensure a just sentencing system. expediency demanded that an appeal be By relying upon public safety as the launched. My point is that justice also benchmark for sentences of imprisonment, the demanded that an appeal be launched. former Attorney was too ready to dismiss just Mrs McCAULEY (Callide) (9.48 p.m.): I deserts as a sentencing rationale. Whatever want to canvass many of the changes which the weaknesses as a sentencing rationale of have evolved since this Government took just deserts or proportionality—call it what you office six years ago and which involve the local will—punishment can only ever be justified if it government arena. All of those changes have is deserved. To punish an offender in had costs attached to them, and usually that circumstances where they do not deserve the cost is met by the local government sector. punishment—even where, as advocated by Mr Wells, it would add to the total sum of human The Labor Government was in power less happiness according to his rational utilitarian than one month before local government theory—is anathema to our sense of justice. became an agenda item when the Deputy In conclusion—equality of treatment Premier, Mr Burns, moved to put under the Wells philosophy is a dreadful amalgamations very firmly on the agenda. sham. Treatment will start to depend more Now, down the track, the present Minister is upon who an offender is rather than what the saying that he does not want to know about offender has done. Proportionality and just amalgamations. There have been deserts is not, as Mr Welford claims, simply amalgamations in this State. Some have emotional vengeance. It involves an worked; some have quite clearly not made the assessment of what an offender has done affected ratepayers very happy at all. The and demands punishment accordingly. The problems seem to be occurring mainly in the penalty is proportionate to the offence. Judges large super councils, the most recent handing down punishments do so only after a examples being the amalgamations of considered weighing of the offence. They are Ipswich/Moreton, Gold Coast/Albert and, to a not simply society's vengeful mouthpieces. lesser extent, Cairns/Mulgrave. We do not seem to hear a lot about Cairns/Mulgrave Perhaps the greatest weakness of the because that council was sensible enough to rational utilitarian philosophy was highlighted peg its rates for 12 months and keep other during the very debate which introduced the costs down. I have no doubt that Penalties and Sentences Act to the retrenchments and attrition of staff have Queensland Parliament. More than anything occurred in that council, just as they have else, it illustrates the practical weaknesses of occurred in the councils located closer to the philosophy. I drew to the attention of the Brisbane. Parliament a case in which a 28-year-old bricklayer sexually assaulted his former The next local government election is fiancee's 23-month-old daughter. I reported looming. The Minister has promised to bring that the judge sentenced the man to four councils into line with the State Government in years' gaol but suspended the sentence when regard to candidates having to expose their he was satisfied there was little likelihood of funding sources. That is most important. Many the man repeating that type of conduct. To people who have been elected to the super the Minister's credit, the Crown appealed councils have been developer funded. It is against the sentence on the ground of only fair that the ratepayers who have to vote inadequacy, and the decision was overturned. for those people are aware of that fact. Everything should be aboveboard. Candidates Applying to this case the Minister's for election to State Government have to rational utilitarian philosophy that offenders declare such sources, and it is appropriate that should go to gaol only if they represent a people standing for election to local future danger to the community, the offender government do the same. should not have gone to gaol or, if he did, should have gone to gaol for only a very short I turn to the costs associated with the time. As I reported to the House, the judge amalgamations. Recently, the Mayor of the instead found that there was little likelihood of Ipswich City Council stated that he had to repeat offences. But I believed that the increase rates enormously—in some areas by offender deserved to go to prison, even if 60 per cent—because the amalgamation of there was only a little likelihood of future harm. Ipswich/Moreton was costing some $4.5m. In short, I believed that imprisonment was Ratepayers, understandably, did not proportionate to the crime. The punishment of appreciate that. The Minister gave the council gaol was proportionate to the dreadful crime extra time, and they have brought down a new committed. Of course, the Crown did appeal budget. Things have receded somewhat and Legislative Assembly 839 1 November 1995 are quieter. But it seems to me that those councils do in between to keep their staff and super councils that have a five-year term have their plant and equipment working, because taken the bit and not been reined in on certain the equipment still needs to be paid off. They matters because they know they have a few need continuity of work otherwise they cannot years to get ratepayers over the hump and not keep their work force. They need to have the be concerned about retribution at the ballot smaller jobs coming out more regularly and box. are happy to leave the private guys to tender The office of Local Government for the work that is over $4m or $5m. The Commissioner was also set up under this Transport Department should let the smaller Government. Our policy is to review that office. councils do the smaller work, and again that Now that Mr Mackenroth no longer wants to will save money. undertake local government amalgamations, it The Biggenden Shire Council has an is interesting to note that the Local excellent record for costing on the roadworks Government Commissioner seems to have run that it has done in the past. The council came out of work. in well under budget in its last major work for Mr ROBERTSON: I rise to a point of the Department of Transport. I believe that we order. I do not want to decry what the should not be going down this track of Opposition spokesperson is talking about, but tendering out maintenance roadworks. Apart we are discussing the Appropriation Bill from two or three councils, every council in the (No. 2). State does ordinary maintenance work. It is Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr councils' bread and butter right throughout the Palaszczuk): Order! There is no point of order. State. Councils will suffer if that maintenance work goes out to tender and is taken away The honourable member will resume his seat. from them. I understand that this has The member for Callide shall continue. happened in Victoria and New South Wales. I Mrs McCAULEY: The point I want to believe that a Victorian council is tendering for make is that in the debate on the work in an area in New South Wales and that Appropriation Bill it is important that I canvass its people are travelling up there to work. To those issues that are costing local government me, that is getting right away from the idea of money that it has not had to pay out before, what local government is about. It is making and in its appropriation to local government them more into corporate entities that have to this State Government is not footing the bill for be run as businesses. That is creating that. I think it is most important that these problems in small towns. issues are canvassed. After all, amalgamations were supposed to save Even the new Local Government Act that money but so far they have not. They have came out in 1993 saw dramatic changes that cost ratepayers money rather than State and cost local governments money. The new Local Federal Government taxpayers. The cost of all Government Act provided for the drawing up of these politically imposed changes has come of strategic plans, pecuniary interest registers, back to the ratepayer. annual reports and corporate and operational plans. All of those things required an enforcing The tendering out of roadworks is another and an inspection role, as did the issue. The preferred status which some Environmental Protection Act. I will come to councils presently enjoy will go by the board in that later. All of those provisions necessitated the future, and that will cost shires money. extra staffing and brought about higher wages Special road maintenance funding is already for councillors, who suddenly felt that they out to tender, and I understand that ordinary were thrown into a corporate situation and that maintenance goes out to tender in December therefore they were entitled to earn more of this year. Recently in my electorate one money. But at the end of the day, who pays? small shire council had a problem because it The ratepayer pays for things which are being was not awarded a road funding job that it fully imposed on the local government sector by expected to get and it had to sack six of its 18 this State Government. The old days of local outside work staff. In a small town—and it is a government as we know it have gone. small town—that retrenchment had a dramatic impact on the people. It had a dramatic The introduction of the national impact on the shire council itself. This will competition policy, which is not too far down happen more and more because small the track, is supposed to save money. The councils will be squeezed out of roadworks. amounts of savings that are talked about run With the way that the Department of Transport into billions of dollars. Maybe I am a sceptic, works, the big contracts are being tendered for but I suspect that at the end of the day we will every three or four years, but what do the find that the implementation of the national 1 November 1995 840 Legislative Assembly competition policy—the Hilmer report—does Over a period that would bring in the tidy sum not save as much money as it is supposed to. of $96m for the Government. It seems to me The tendering out to the private sector of that, as people already pay for road services such as the library service, water and construction and maintenance through a sewerage, and garbage disposal carries great variety of means, such as fuel taxes, implications for local government. That carries registration charges and tolls, this levy could with it the current sales tax exemption status legitimately be regarded as a windfall for the for plant and equipment, including vehicles. Government. That is a big implication. It also implies a loss Local government discussed this at their of the preferred tender status, because we annual conference earlier this year in cannot have a preferred tender status if we Bundaberg. They have also written to the have a national competition policy. We have Minister for Transport. He has been asked to be competitive! questions on notice in this place and he has been approached in regard to the imposition I understand that a working group has of this extraordinary monetary contribution been formed and will report by June of next from developers as a condition of approval for year to provide advice on how the national subdivision applications, but the result has competition policy will be applied to local been a deafening silence. government. That is important because, a bit like amalgamations, which were supposed to I believe that the Minister for Transport save money, if we are not very, very careful has to state where he stands on this matter, the national competition policy will simply be a and it would be very nice if the Minister noose around the neck of local government. responsible for local government also stated his position. Does he agree with it? Does he There is a substantial cost factor to local agree that young people seeking to buy a government and/or subdividers in the block of land and build their first home will be Transport Infrastructure Act of 1994. When hit with an extra $12,000 to $16,000 on top of this Act went through Parliament the coalition the costs already associated with buying a did not oppose it. However, the Transport block of land and getting a first home started? Department is not adhering to the spirit of this It is simply not on. It is affecting shires such as Act. While we agree that local government Beaudesert, Maryborough and Johnstone—in should be able to levy developers, the intent the north, as I mentioned before—and it is of the Act was not that the developers should going to be a problem unless the Government become a milch cow, which is exactly what has makes plain where it stands. happened. Actions by the Department of Transport in north Queensland have seen an The upgrading of sewerage treatment additional $12,000 to $16,000 added to the plants is another imposition by the State price of a block of land. That flies in the face of Government to bring those plants throughout what the Transport Infrastructure Act of 1994 the State into line with environmental was meant to do. standards imposed by the Department of Environment and Heritage, but very little These charges are in many cases against funding comes from the State Government to the wishes of the local councils and are assist with implementing those increased additional to any headworks or extra charges standards. The Government is saying that it levied by those councils. If councils do not wants these councils to have state-of-the-art impose the charge on behalf of the sewage treatment plants, but the councils are Department of Transport, they are themselves going to have to work out how to pay for them. liable to pay the fees. It does not matter The Government has said that it will provide whether the main road, the roundabout or only $150m in subsidy over 10 years, which is whatever it is that belongs to the Department simply not enough. Prior to the election, of Transport for which the council is being members of the Opposition said—and we asked to levy the developer, is contiguous to again make that commitment—that we would the development or 16 miles away, a fee is provide $500m over 10 years for that work. It charged by the Department of Transport. The is most important to provide infrastructure for department has got dollar signs in its eyes and capital works throughout the State. Many of it is saying, "We are going to have a piece of Queensland's sewage infrastructure works are the action here." The imposition of an old. Often, the plants are operating at more infrastructure fee on each block that is part of than 60 per cent of their capacity but councils a subdivision realises hugh sums of money, as simply cannot afford to fund replacement is the case with the Johnstone Shire, which plant. That is happening in many councils has a potential number of non-farm allotments throughout the State. It affects not the only within 21 kilometres of Innisfail of some 6,000. the councils along the coast that are required Legislative Assembly 841 1 November 1995 to treat the nutrients and carry out those extra of the changes are behind us." I said, "I think processes but also small country towns are you're mad. I think that most of the changes suffering from this same problem. are still ahead of us." I am quite sure that that It is important to realise that, under this is correct. Local government will never be the State Government, the real level per capita for same again. That does not mean that it will State support for capital works has decreased not be better in any way, but it certainly will not across all sectors—not only sewage but also be the same again. The funding factor is a water and roads. For example, in 1993-94 major one. dollar terms, total State payments to councils I will touch briefly on a couple of women's peaked in 1989 at $53.67m and ranged from issues. The first is that of the Caboolture $36.25m in 1992-93 to $47.47m in 1993-94. Women's Clinic, which has been raised with Certainly that was a dramatic drop, and me. Apparently, that clinic will specialise in the councils should be making a continuing fuss termination of pregnancies from seven to 16 about that in order to seek the extra funding to weeks. The siting of that clinic in a shopping keep their standards high and bring sewage centre, opposite a child-minding facility and infrastructure and water treatment plants into next to playground facilities, has created line with what this Government is imposing on somewhat of a furore in that community. The them. They cannot do it on their own. Caboolture Right to Life members have The ROSS system, the Coastal Protection stressed to the Minister for Health, Mr Beattie, and Management Bill and the PEDA Bill all that they are upset about that. In a letter to cause problems with compensation and him, the president of that association stated— changes to permitted uses within zones, which "So far, no-one in any Government could cost local government a great deal. position will take the responsibility to do However, I cannot discuss that subject, anything." because the Coastal Protection and Management Bill is presently before the I have a copy of the letter from the doctor in House. However, in relation to the charge, who stated— compensation factor—local government is "We are providing termination of going to be left carrying the can yet again. The pregnancy from 7 to 16 weeks . . ." State Government will back off and say, "It's That clinic is acting illegally. In his letter, the all yours." Councils cannot afford to wear the President of the Caboolture Right to Life group levels of compensation associated with this said— feel-good legislation. That is a major problem faced by councils, and I do not think that they "I sincerely believe, in this instance, are fully aware of that problem yet. the siting of this clinic over-rides the debate of the right or wrong of abortion." Honourable members would remember when councils were forced to borrow through Those people want the clinic shifted. Again, the Queensland Treasury Corporation and the silence from the State Government, the were told that they had to pay a performance Health Minister and the local member has dividend. They have not had to pay that, been deafening. That clinic is breaking the because Mr Ludwig forced the Government to law. Why does the Government allow that? back off. However, that dividend is still lurking What is the local member doing about it? He in the background. The Premier still thinks that is not doing anything. That is very sad. The it should be paid by local government. The author of that letter asked— relationship between State and local "Will you please take a positive stand government in this fine State of ours is on this issue? Promises of raising inequitable. Local government is being community values were made by the dudded and imposed upon. People involved Labor Party before the last election. This in local government—both executives and clinic is going to pull down any community elected officials—are following an enormous values which currently exist in Hillcrest learning curve. Of course, many councillors Gardens." cannot cope, and many of them retired at the last election. CEOs are retiring in large A paper released recently was called A numbers and choosing to run motels, Social and Economic Profile of Women in newsagencies—anything to get away from Queensland. The Minister in charge of that, and out of local government, because it is too Mrs Woodgate, made a lot of noise about how difficult for them and the changes are too wonderful it is that the Labor Government is rapid. going to do all of those things for women in Queensland, but she did not dwell on what it Early last year, one of the mayors in my had done. This Government has been in electorate said to me, "Well, I think the worst power for six years, and it has not done very 1 November 1995 842 Legislative Assembly much at all. When one considers the number Although those are undeniably record of women who are in senior positions in the allocations, it is obvious to every community senior executive service within the public that those funds are woefully inadequate and service, one finds that there are very few badly directed. For example, since 1989 the indeed. When one considers the number of Police Service budget has risen by 70 per women on the Government side of the House, cent; yet police numbers have risen 20 per one finds that there are very few indeed. cent. Obviously there is a lack of priority in the When the seat of Rockhampton became way that those funds are managed. vacant, it should have been filled by a woman. It is almost unbelievable that, despite the There was never any thought given to putting Government allocating almost $1 billion to the a woman into that seat. Police Service in the last two Budgets, the A Social and Economic Profile of Women number of police in June 1995 of 6,320 was in Queensland contains a lot of promises. The actually an amazing 57 fewer than the number cold, hard facts speak for themselves, namely, in June 1993. So the Government has tried that women's issues in this State under this desperately to create a propaganda myth Labor Government are simply at the bottom of about the number of so-called operational the list. One prime example is the Minister for police, but going on those numbers, there Transport's reaction to the problem of making have been 57 fewer police in those last two women feel safe when using public transport years. When one considers that the late at night. A recent survey showed that a population has increased by approximately large percentage of people would not use 100,000 a year, that is indeed indicative of public transport at night because they do not where we are heading in relation to handling feel safe. The Minister's passive answer to a the crime situation. Although we know that an very active problem was video surveillance. For increase in police numbers is not everything, it goodness' sake! If a person gets mugged, is certainly a major factor. If the numbers are bashed, raped or beaten, the person need not going backwards, the population is increasing worry, because it will be on the video! Women and the incidence of crime is getting worse, who are students or shift workers who are then our chances of getting on top of the forced to use public transport late at night crime problem are not very good at all. would not be happy with that solution. I also canvass the issue of operational Time expired. police, because the Criminal Justice Mr COOPER (Crows Nest) (10.08 p.m.): Commission debunked the Government's Tonight I will canvass some important matters: utterly deceitful claim that about 90 per cent of policing, the cost of police to the community, all police officers were operational. All of us and the cost of crime generally. I will discuss knew, even if we did not know anything else, greyhound racing and the Metropolitan that they are not. There is no way in the world Greyhound Racing Club at Lawnton, which that the Government could reach that figure of was unceremoniously closed without any 90 per cent. The Police Minister then rounded justification at all. As a result, no greyhound on the CJC in a savage attack that reached racing occurs between Albion Park and new heights of stridency because the CJC, at Bundaberg. I will discuss drought assistance to its very best guess, could only claim that 73 the racing industry in general and the fact that per cent of police officers were operational. others—be they cattle, sheep or pig The figure is about that, or less. Of course, we producers—are eligible for drought assistance have to direct our attention to that matter. If but the racing industry is not, but it should be. we are going to spend massive funds on I will also discuss cuts in transport costs on the policing, which we have to do, then those Darling Downs, which decreased by $13m in funds have to be directed properly. the last Budget. Despite all the evidence of the need for The cost of crime directly and indirectly to extra police, this Government is proposing only the Queensland community runs into billions an extra 60 police officers in 1995-96, which is of dollars. As honourable members would be really five extra police officers a month—when aware, rampant crime does not impact only on the population is rising by about 8,000 a the victim. Certainly the victim is the person month. Again, one can see where the who is the most terribly impacted upon in more Government's priorities lie. They certainly do ways than one; but crime also impacts on the not lie in bringing crime under control. whole of society. The Police Service budget for The Government also announced in the 1995-96 of $541.2m and the Corrective election campaign a proposal over the next 10 Services Commission annual budget of more years to June 2005 for an extra 1,420 police $200m are the direct cost to the community. officers. That is about 142 a year, which is Legislative Assembly 843 1 November 1995 absolutely pathetic when one considers a of utter hypocrisy and a blatant double projected population increase of about one standard. To say the least, it was starkly million over that time. It should also be noted obvious. that in the last 10 years, during which we have Although hundreds of millions of had both National and Labor Party taxpayers' dollars are being spent on the Governments, the net extra figure has been Police Service, serious questions should be 1,496. So we are looking at round about 70- asked about how that money is being spent, odd fewer police officers in the next 10 years than we have had in the last 10 years, with a because it is demonstrable that precious few population increase of about 668,000. Again, of those dollars are being spent on providing those figures demonstrate very clearly that the extra police. That is the problem: massive Government's priorities are wrong and amounts of money are being spent, but where misdirected and that it is not really serious is the money going? about not only bringing crime under control but Last November, the Police Minister also giving police officers a chance to do their solemnly and publicly promised new rosters. job. We have heard a lot about those rosters that The comparison of the numbers of police will enable the police to work a flexible working between the two decades is a disgraceful week so that they can take into account prime indictment on this Government. In the years crime time from Thursday night through to 1995 to 2005, compared with the previous Sunday night. Those rosters were going to decade, there will be approximately 250,000 ensure that police would be on duty during more Queenslanders yet 76 fewer police those times—the nights and the weekends— officers. Of those 60 net extra police planned when people want to see them. Again, the for 1995-96, the Police Minister's own Budget reality fell far short of the promise because the paper has noted that the majority of those new rosters were to be based on an enterprise police would be stationed in south-east bargaining agreement between the Police Queensland. Thus some 20 police districts Union and the Police Service. However, the throughout the rest of the State will be simple fact is that the new rosters did not reduced to frantic scrambles and desperate come until effect until 27 May. That is six squabbles over how those few police officers months after the self-proclaimed hands-on will be allocated over the next 12 months. Minister said that they would come into effect. So what was this announcement last The deplorable decline in police strength November of the imminent arrival of those is best illustrated by the fact that in June 1993 flexible rostering arrangements? I remember it the police-to-population ratio was 1 to 476; in well because those arrangements were going June 1994 it was 1 to 516; and today it is to be the be all and end all of everything. approximately 1 to 520. By the next year, it will Everything was going to be under control. Of be approximately 1 to 530, which is the worst course, we now see what amounts to either police-to-population ratio in the deliberate deceit or a very clear failure to meet Commonwealth. that deadline. Again that is an example of When I asked the Minister how many abysmal management across-the-board by police would be allocated to the local police this Government. It proved that the Minister district of Toowoomba this financial year, I was was simply not up to the job. It means that the given a very high-minded lecture by the Police police have very little hope of ever being able Minister about political interference in the to do the job that they really want to do. Police Service and how some mythical beast called the "police model" determined staff On 18 July, we saw the real truth of the levels. Yet almost a year ago when the reasons for that rostering arrangement. That is Premier and five Labor members from the funny—it was just three days after the election. Logan area went to the Police Minister asking The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Bill Aldrich, sent for extra police, they were given the red-carpet an urgent memo on the matter Statewide to treatment. The Minister issued a statement all assistant commissioners. It required all saying that he would discuss the so-called regions to send representatives to a crisis request with the Police Service. Not meeting in Brisbane. So urgent was this surprisingly, in January, the acting Police meeting that representatives from the far- Minister at the time, Mr Gibbs, announced 22 northern, northern and central regions were extra police for the Logan district. At no time carried by the Police Service's Air Wing. The did the Police Minister say that there was any memo stated— political interference involved. He said that it "Following the introduction of the 19 was quite okay; it was proper political per cent shift allowance on 27 May 1995, representation. So we saw a classic example Districts have been monitored to identify 1 November 1995 844 Legislative Assembly

rostering practices. It is fair to say that, in keenness only extends to issuing ministerial the majority of Districts, the statements when Ministers are taking credit for implementation of the 19 per cent has not success. We have seen far too much of that. delivered the desired and/or anticipated The failure has not only comprehensively benefits." exposed ministerial double standards but also The memo also announced that two senior it has revealed, frankly, the Government's officers would be visiting a number of areas to hopeless administration. Perhaps even worse, undertake roster audits. It should be it confirmed that all of the Labor Party remembered that this grand plan was years in promises about more police on duty, the making. In November 1994, there was a especially in prime crime time, were sheer Police Union and Government agreement, fabrications. Given the Minister's and ratification in the Industrial Relations pronouncements on 31 May to the Estimates Commission of the Police Union/Police Service committee, it is more than reasonable to enterprise bargaining agreement in January assume that throughout the election this year. Even then the agreement was not campaign he knew that this scheme was introduced until late May because of a critical proving to be a monumental flop. He does not shortage of funds and downright inept expect to us believe that the Deputy management from the Minister down. Commissioner Aldrich suddenly woke up on 18 July to the realisation that things were When I revealed this 18 July memo from suddenly out of control. Of course, he was Deputy Commissioner Aldrich, the Minister given the job of having to sort it out. tried to evade the responsibility, which he always does, by retreating to that well-used Turning now to double dealing and position which many other Ministers are double standards, last month the Greyhound starting to use, that it was an operational Racing Authority announced that it was closing matter and had nothing to do with him. the Lawnton greyhound track. At that time that was the only metropolitan track at which one Mr Borbidge: It would have been could race greyhounds between Albion Park embarrassing if it had happened before the and Bundaberg. According to its story, the election. club was badly managed and losing money. In Mr COOPER: We knew very well that it its statement of justification, the authority cited would not. We knew that it was coming; things financial losses incurred by the club in 1992-93 always get found out eventually. It seems and 1993-94. Oddly enough, it did not scarcely credible that this Minister informed the mention that the club had made a profit of parliamentary Estimates committee into the $99,159, even though the authority had the Police Service on 31 May, four days after the club's audited figures. It had the facts and scheme had come into effect, of the figures and it knew that the club had made a following— profit and that there was no debt, yet it still "As you know, I am very keen to closed the club down. That is still subject to oversee that program. The Commissioner appeal and I wish the club well in that. As far and his officers are very much aware of as the Opposition is concerned, we will make that." sure that the Lawnton club races again. So it was not an operational matter then, but On 14 September last the Racing Minister once it was found that the Minister could not told this House that the operating profit was deliver, it became an operational matter and obtained by the club by "charging excessive the blame was flung back to the Police fees to owners and trainers". The Minister Service. deliberately avoided the slightest acknowledgment of the fact that the When the scheme literally fell apart, and it Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers is a shame that it did fall apart because it is Association had written to him on 14 August, the type of scheme that we should have and it just a month before, pleading with him to keep is the type of scheme that we all want to see the club open. The Minister said that the working, the commissioner and his officers breeders, owners and trainers were being learned again this Minister's abiding interest in ripped off. They wrote to him, begging him to a project. He ran away from any responsibility keep the club open and thus indicating that with the dazzling speed of a scalded cat. So they were not being ripped off at all. They much for his keenness to oversee that were totally ignored and their arguments were program! It was a breathtaking display of what not even listened to. That is a tragedy, I believe to be cowardice, irresponsibility and because there are so many people involved of an abandonment of the Police Service. besides those who race the dogs. Many Sadly, it is all too typical because ministerial people are involved in ancillary services, such Legislative Assembly 845 1 November 1995 as vets and those who provide the pet food. There is obviously a great deal of unfairness We are constantly seeing these worthwhile when an area such as the Darling Downs, institutions being closed down for what I say which is a growth area, is in need of improved are spurious reasons. transport services. Transport services are not It should be remembered that at the improved by reducing funding so heavily. That Friday meeting prior to the axe falling, the is unfortunate. The people of the Darling Lawnton club staged a very successful Downs are just as entitled to decent transport meeting with a full field in a 10-race program. services as people anywhere else in That meeting attracted the nominations of 100 Queensland. dogs more than were required. That clearly I have mentioned briefly drought relief for indicates the success of the club and the horse breeding and a letter that I received obvious need to keep it going. The decision to from a person in my electorate regarding close the club is a body blow for greyhound horse breeders' eligibility for drought relief. racing generally and the Pine Rivers Shire in These people are surrounded by primary particular, as the club had pumped more than producers, and they too run cattle, sheep and $500,000 per year into the local economy. No- so on. The QRAA has indicated that the one on the Government side seems terribly horse-breeding industry is not considered to worried about that. The net result of the be a rural industry, as are agricultural, decision has been a heavy financial loss for horticultural, pastoral, apicultural and the industry and for Pine Rivers Shire. aquacultural industries. The horse-breeding The Racing Minister connived in this industry is missing out, for what reason I will decision by delivering an assurance to the never know. The actual costs overall would not Greyhound Racing Authority that Lawnton's be great and the horse-breeding industry is TAB distribution would remain within the just as important to the rural sector, and to the greyhound industry. The benefactor was the State generally, as any other industry. Ipswich club, which is not surprising as it is in I cannot see why the Minister and the the Minister's home area. This is a matter Government cannot treat everyone equally, which I intend to pursue further as I believe reasonably and fairly, especially in one of the that there is considerable evidence to suggest worst droughts that we have ever witnessed. a secret agenda at work. I am sure of that. These people are suffering enormously. It is Suffice to say that the industry is bitterly angry simply an act of unfairness. Obviously, the and it will remain so. It may as well maintain its Government has not given sufficient rage. I hope the club remains confident that it consideration to the needs of these people, or can get going again. We will assist it to do just it has not recognised the contribution that they that. make to the State's economy. I sincerely hope It is revealed in the financial statements of that these people are able to carry on. the 1995 annual report tabled in this House However, as I have said, it is grossly unfair that yesterday that in 1994 $49,670 was paid in they have to do it on their own. legal fees for one case. Therefore, legal Why are the racing or harness expenses for 1994 were $8,894, rising to more industries—the thoroughbred industry than double that in 1995 to a total of $19,459. generally—so different? If any Government We need to know the full details of that one member could tell me, I would like to know. I case in 1994 which cost the authority $49,670, would like the Government to use its offices and the fill dispersal of that amount. We want throughout Queensland to give horse to know to whom that money was paid and for breeders similar consideration. As I have said, what purpose. My suspicions are that the legal they are just as entitled to assistance as fees aided one particular person who was anybody else. There is still time—as the involved in a personal dispute. It looks as drought has not broken by any stretch of the though the board has paid the legal expenses imagination—to make sure that those people in that case. There are certainly a lot more are brought within the auspices of the drought questions to be asked about that. relief program. They make a massive Under the State's Capital Works Program, contribution to this State in terms of the transport for the Darling Downs was cut by provision of employment. I have already $13m in the Budget. In the 1994-95 Budget, mentioned the providers of ancillary services the Darling Downs was allocated $78m; this such as vets who are entitled to consideration. year that was reduced to $65m. Why was Time expired. there a massive cut of $13m on the Darling Mr GILMORE (Tablelands) (10.29 p.m.) Downs when the Capital Works Program I would like to begin my contribution to the allocation for Brisbane increased by $139m? debate on this Appropriation Bill by referring to 1 November 1995 846 Legislative Assembly a matter that I have raised previously in this As honourable members would know, House—the mining warden's report into the barramundi are unable to breed in fresh water. Moura mine disaster. Yesterday I told the They grow well and live long lives in Tinaroo House that I was concerned about the late Falls Dam. At present, there are fish in that arrival of the Moura mine disaster report. That dam of 50 pounds and more in weight. That is report needs to be brought down so that the a live weight of about 20 kilograms, which is Parliament, the people, and the families of the extraordinarily large. At that stage in the life of miners killed in that disaster can finally come barramundi, they are all female. They are to grips with the tragedy. ready to breed and, of necessity, attempt to get to the salt water as soon as possible. The I am led to believe that last night, on ABC first time the dam overflows, there will be an radio, the Minister had a spokesman from his exodus of large female barramundi from that department claim that I was scaremongering dam. Unfortunately, history has shown us that and had little to report to the Parliament. I they will be killed at the bottom of the wall; remind the House that the disaster at the their necks will break because they cannot Moura No. 2 mine occurred on 7 August 1994. sustain the fall. Those that are small and light It is now 15 months since that disaster enough to survive will most certainly die at the occurred. It is six months since the formal bottom of the Barron Falls, near Kuranda. inquiry into the Moura mine disaster ended in April 1995. Early in the piece, we were led to The Department of Primary Industries believe by the Minister that the warden's report estimates that 2 million kilograms of could be expected as soon as possible so that barramundi will go over the falls the first time we could put this matter behind us and head that dam overflows. Although we have towards certainty and safety in mines in this experienced drought for a long time in this State. However, that has not occurred. State, there is no reason to believe that this season or next season will not provide I repeat in this Parliament tonight that if sufficient rainfall for that dam to be filled to there are reasonable doubts in the minds of overflowing. That could happen even over a the people who are drafting that report about wet weekend, as it did in March of 1967. We the cause or the outcome of the disaster, then cannot allow this extraordinarily valuable those persons must not allow their position to resource to go over the wall and die at the be compromised by drafting a compromised bottom of the falls. For that reason, I have report. They ought to be expected to written a personal letter to the Minister for provide—and requested to provide—either a Primary Industries asking him to sponsor and dual report or a single report with a dissenting have constructed a fish barricade so as to section. It is absolutely imperative for the contain the fish within the dam when it future safety of miners in this State and for the inevitably overflows. I suggest that it ought to peace of mind of the families of those miners be a floating barricade that is simply attached that that report is comprehensive and that it is to the wall with rollers so that no stress is not compromised or sullied by either the placed on the wall itself. There is no mining warden or the people serving him. engineering reason why that might not be In my contribution to the debate on built. Appropriation Bill (No. 2), I wish to speak about Mr Ardill: Why won't they go down the a number of issues of importance in the channel to the Walsh? electorate of Tablelands. Firstly, I refer to the Mr GILMORE: They cannot get through need for a fish barricade on the spillway of there and, if they do get through the overflow Tinaroo Falls Dam. For the information of channel, they are killed because of the honourable members, I point out that Tinaroo pressure in the pipeline. Falls Dam is an extremely large Water Resources impoundment constructed in the A solution to this problem is even more late 1950s for the irrigation of tobacco crops. It imperative today, because yesterday the has since become a multi-use facility, although Minister announced the lifting of the closed serving the agricultural industry remains its season on barramundi fishing—the season main purpose. However, it is used extensively runs from November through to the end of for recreational purposes. Over the years, February—at the Tinaroo Falls Dam, which there have been a number of initiatives taken makes it the only fishery in the State where by the Queensland Government, various recreational fishermen can catch a barramundi individuals and the Tablelands Fish Stocking all year round. Therefore, it is now the most Society to introduce various species of fish into important recreational tourism fishery in that lake, including barramundi and black far-north Queensland. That action of the bream. Minister is applauded by all persons in far- Legislative Assembly 847 1 November 1995 north Queensland. We have been pushing for ". . . further leasing has been considered that decision for years. That single action has and you are advised that it has been now made the construction of a fish barricade approved to offer you the occupancy very important. rights over the area in question on a year I wish to speak briefly about the hospitals to year basis for the time being." at both Mareeba and Atherton. Over the past It is an absolute scandal that the Scout couple of years, much has been said about Association of Australia, an organisation which the state of those hospitals. I am pleased to is held in high regard by all members in this be able to report to the Parliament that we Parliament, should be treated in such a paltry have achieved a period of stability at both of manner. Previously, it has had a 10-year those hospitals, particularly the Mareeba recurring lease on this area. It has spent Hospital, which was the subject of some hundreds of thousands of dollars developing considerable trauma. We now have a full it. The association deals with thousands of complement of staff. The hospital is now children per year—scouts, schools groups, and functioning at a very high level. Once again, other organisations, including youth we are beginning to get community support organisations from churches. It is an and confidence for the hospital. Unfortunately, exceptional facility on the shores of Lake there are people in both Mareeba and Tinaroo. It is inappropriate and unfortunate Atherton who, for parochial reasons, have that the Government has treated the Scout been promoting the idea that one or other of Association so poorly, and I request that the those hospitals ought to be reduced to clinic Government reconsider that view and treat the size only so that the other hospital can be Scout Association as it deserves to be treated. promoted to a major hospital providing Recently, I visited the Mareeba specialist services to the peninsula and watch-house. I was prompted to do that tableland regions. In my view, it is unfortunate because I wrote to the Minister in 1993—— that people should promote such parochial views. As the local member, my views are far Mr McElligott: Did you go voluntarily? more global than that. Mr GILMORE: Yes, and I left voluntarily, too. I request that the Minister give serious consideration to ensuring that those two The Mareeba watch-house has been a hospitals grow in unison and in parallel to each matter of some grave concern to me and to other, providing similar but different services. my constituency for some time. In 1993, I With a catchment area of some 60,000 wrote to the Minister seeking advice on when people, there will always be a need for the Mareeba watch-house was to be replaced. particular specialist services. There is no I did not get a response, something which I reason why each of those hospitals ought not found unfortunate. I followed up the letter on a provide adequate specialist services to the number of occasions and still have not whole of the community. received a response. Recently, I contacted the local police by letter and requested an I plead with the Parliament to ensure that opportunity to inspect the watch-house at a new community health facility is provided to Mareeba. I did that one week ago. The watch- the people of Atherton. Until recently, the house was constructed at the time that the community health staff and those people Mareeba Police Station was constructed, served by it have been operating from a which I believe was in about 1974. At that dismal little corner upstairs in the Atherton time, it was considered to be state-of-the-art. Hospital. If they have not done so already, However, let me assure members that the they will soon be relocated to another area in three small cells that make up the the hospital, which will be of great advantage accommodation—one for women and two for to them. However, it is not appropriate that men—and a sleep-out which has since been those types of services are being provided to wired in so that there is sufficient room is people in trauma under those sorts of insufficient for the sometimes 26 or so people conditions. It is time that Atherton got the who are incarcerated in there from time to facility to which it is entitled. time. Very briefly, I wish to raise the issue of the There are no dedicated staff attached to scouts' campsite at Barrabadeen on Lake the Mareeba watch-house, which results in a Tinaroo. I have a letter dated 30 January 1995 number of problems. The Mareeba from the Executive Director of Water watch-house does not meet the standards set Resources of the Department of Primary down in the findings of the Royal Commission Industries. In that letter the Scout Association into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. It does not of Australia was told— provide security for those persons incarcerated 1 November 1995 848 Legislative Assembly therein. It does not provide security for the have been getting absolutely nowhere. So the police personnel who are required to look after Minister should not be astonished. it, because they are not dedicated to that task The relevant person from police and therefore they come and go only headquarters in Brisbane has agreed that the intermittently to and from the watch-house. Herberton police can move into the building. Somebody could kill himself or herself in the However, the money has to come from the far watch-house, and the police would be held northern police region budget, and that money partly responsible for that. is unavailable. It is my understanding that a Budget Mr De Lacy: Is that in Herberton? allocation of some $2m has been set aside to be spent some time before the year 2005 on Mr GILMORE: Yes, in Herberton. As a the replacement of the Mareeba watch-house. consequence, the police are stuck in a little I ask: what is the price of a life lost in the building which is inadequate. There is an Mareeba watch-house? What price the trauma adequate building next door which the to the families and the police involved in such Government cannot afford to rent from itself, an incident? The Mareeba watch-house must so it will remain empty. I ask the Treasurer to be removed immediately and replaced by an speak with the Minister for Administrative updated facility. Services to see whether we can achieve a sensible resolution to this problem before the I want to finish my contribution in respect night is out. There is simply inappropriate to the Mareeba watch-house by making some accommodation for the police in the area. comment about the hygiene in that place. As I said, the toilets were built in 1974. They are A number of people in my electorate use plastered concrete. One can imagine the lack the School of Distance Education. Mine is a of hygiene in a facility such as that. There are vast electorate, and a large number of remote no beds in the Mareeba watch-house; there families use the School of Distance Education. are only mattresses on the floor. There are It provides an excellent service. I have not sufficient mattresses only to cover the floor heard anybody complain about it. I space, not sufficient mattresses for the congratulate the School of Distance Eduction number of people who from time to time are on the service that it provides to the remote held in the watch-house. The facility is an areas of the Tablelands electorate. There is, absolute disgrace. To be frank, there is however, a single problem. I refer to the insufficient security in the front check-in area of two-way radio communications system. There the watch-house. How there has not been an are blank spots that simply cannot be escape from that place is beyond me. accessed on a regular basis by two-way radio. In fact, there is one child who has managed to I turn to the Herberton Police Station, be on radio for a total of only two hours this which is probably the worst police station north year because of failures in the radio system. of Rockhampton. It is a building of about 12 feet by 16 feet. It is a two-man police station. It is time to move to the new technology The only thing that it has going for it is that it is and provide those children who do not have airconditioned. The Herberton police have access to appropriate two-way radio been working from the station for a number of communication with a satellite telephone years. We have been trying to get the Police communications system. It is hardly more Service to agree to a transfer of the police into expensive. For about $4,500, we can provide the old, now unused, Magistrates Court a system of that type. I understand that the building next door. It was until recently two-way radio systems in current use cost occupied by the Queensland Government about $4,000 in any case and do not function Agent. That agency is moving out, and the effectively. police wish to move in. However, a most I want to make a plea on behalf of those extraordinary set of circumstances has arisen. families using the School of Distance The courthouse is now owned by the Education for home schooling. This matter has Department of Administrative Services. Under gone on for some years. During the period of the new rules of Mr De Lacy and company, the previous Government, those people the Police Service has to lease the building pleaded with the Minister to be allowed to from the Department of Administrative provide home schooling for their children Services. That department is asking $120 per through the School of Distance Education, but square metre per year—$36,000 a year in rent they were refused permission. Finally, the then so that two men can move into a police Minister for Education, Mr Comben, under the station! The Minister for Administrative Labor Government, agreed that they could Services should not look shocked. I have been have access to those facilities. But those writing to him continually about this matter but families had to pay $1,000 per child per Legislative Assembly 849 1 November 1995 annum to gain access. They were told that the first fund to fall. The Government hid the what they were paying for was printed magnitude of the blow-out in the fund and the material, the intellectual content of that net loss of $173m in 1994-95. Today, the material and other little bits and pieces. We Government announced that it will increase now discover that the School of Distance workers' compensation premiums by 26 per Education is selling that very printed curriculum cent as well as imposing a 10 per cent material and its intellectual content for a total surcharge and requiring employers to meet of $250 to allcomers. Those who have been the costs of the first five days of any claim. I paying the higher amount for five or six years point out that the 26 per cent increase is only and who have demonstrated that they are an average. The information coming to me doing the right thing by the education of their from people in rural areas is that those children should not be thought of as eccentric premiums could increase by as much as 40 but as people who are doing what they believe per cent. is best for their children. They have chosen to Many people may not realise the nature use the School of Distance Education instead of some of the anomalies relating to workers' of the local school down the road. If such compensation premiums. If a person operates people were included in the category of other a wool-growing property, that person must people who have been given free access to the material for some particular reason, it contribute 2 per cent in worker's compensation premiums. If that person has one milking cow would relieve them of the considerable on that property, the premium increases to 6 financial burden of $1,000 per child per year. per cent. There is no pro rata arrangement for I want to conclude my contribution to this workers' compensation premiums. That is debate by raising the question of a railway most unfair and most unreasonable. One cow crossing on the Chillagoe railway line. is all it takes to increase the rate from 2 per Honourable members will recall that that line cent to 6 per cent. That could be a lot of has been closed and has not run a train for money for some people. some two years. A person who recently applied for a level crossing across that line is Mr FitzGerald: If you don't get much being charged $2,000 or more for the milk out of it, it would even be worse, wouldn't privilege. I have a letter from the Minister for it? Transport agreeing that it is appropriate that Mr HOBBS: That is right. As the that woman should pay that cost for a level member for Lockyer said, we do not get much crossing across a line which will never carry milk out of them. The way the drought is another train. That is an absolute scandal, and going, less and less milk is coming from the it cannot be tolerated. It is a matter that needs rural sector. to be dealt with urgently by this Parliament. We know what has happened to the Time expired. Workers Compensation Fund. What has Mr HOBBS (Warrego) (10.48 p.m.): In happened to the other funds such as the 1989, Queensland took a lurch to the left. In State Service Superannuation Fund, the 1995, Queensland took a lurch back to the Nominal Defendant Fund and the Auctioneers right, but we still have the same driver and Agents Fidelity Guarantee Fund? How because Labor has manipulated itself back much is left in those funds? I ask: when will into Government. Tonight, I want to highlight they fall too? some of the actions of this Government and of One of the important issues that I want to Treasury and to contemplate what the future talk about tonight is the Cape York holds for us. conservation zone. The cost of taking the Serious concerns have been raised by 1,200 kilometres of cape coastline for a many people about certain budgetary conservation zone is $25.7m, land stretching procedures. Questions have been asked from north of the Daintree River to Cape York. about the integrity of the Treasurer of this It will cost $25.7m to lock up that land. We State and the figures that he supplies to the could ask the Treasurer where the money is public. The first issue that I will address is the coming from for that particular purpose. We costs imposed by Government and the will be contributing $25.7m to assist in the direction in which those costs are leading this introduction of more papaya fruit flies, foot- State. One recent high-profile issue has been and-mouth disease, the screw worm fly and a workers' compensation. Although many host of other exotic diseases. Unless members previous speakers have referred to that opposite realise what they are doing to matter, I want to raise a couple of further Australia, we will not ever be able to resolve points. The Workers Compensation Fund was the potential problems that we are facing. 1 November 1995 850 Legislative Assembly

This morning's Courier-Mail under the animals in such vast areas of rainforest and headline "Exotic diseases warning", states— other forest land. Unless members opposite "At least 12 exotic diseases and think about what they are going to do, pests have entered Australia in the past Queensland will not be safe. two years since funds for quarantine I refer to a letter from David Kempton, a services were cut. solicitor from Cooktown who represents some Several government reports have people in that region. He states— revealed the nation faces a host of deadly "I act for Nixon, Hill, Shephard, illnesses unless funding measures and Campbell and Goody families, all of whom resources are restored." believe you propose to resume their Why do members opposite keep cutting them properties to establish a conservation back? The Department of Primary Industries is zone in Cape York. cutting back funding. The Federal Government My clients and I met with Ministers also seems to be cutting things back, McElligott and Barton on the 29th of particularly in those regions. The Courier-Mail August 1995 in Cooktown." article continues— This is important. He states further— "Leading scientists warned that "Your ministers have misrepresented malaria, foot-and-mouth disease, a fatal the outcome of that meeting to the public form of encephalitis, screwworm and and presumably to yourself." organisms previously unknown here could enter the country." This is a letter to the Premier. He continues— There is a cartoon on the front page, which, as "My instructions as received on that cartoons often are, is worth a thousand words. date are as follows. There will be no A guy is hopping off a boat and walking onto negotiations by any of the landowners in Australian soil. In front of him is a sign that respect of resumption until the following says "Do it yourself quarantine". The fellow issues have been addressed in writing: says, "This truly is the lucky country." That is 1) For what purpose does your about what it is. Anyone can just walk in, and Government want the land"— who knows what they can bring with them. I say to the Treasurer and to this Government, they have already said in the letter that the "Wake up. Don't do this until you at least Government has misrepresented them once assess the situation fully." and it would not be advisable to do it again— We have no problem with having land put "2) Pursuant to which Act of Parliament aside for national parks in the northern area, do you propose to acquire or resume the but the Government should wait until the Cape land; York land use study is completed. An amount 3) What reports or scientific evidence of $9m has been spent on it so far—perhaps supports your view that the areas affected even more than $9m. The Government should have significant conservation or wait until that report is brought down and then wilderness values. Please make copies make its assessment. If land needs to be put available." aside, that is fine. We are happy with that, but Have members opposite done that? They the Government should not add fuel to the fire have not done that. the letter continues— at present. Firstly, it should put in place an adequate inspection service. There are "4) What is the timetable and guidelines hundreds of thousands of wild pigs waiting for for formal notification, consultation, foot-and-mouth to come. What would the valuation, resumption and compensation; Government do if foot-and-mouth got into that 5) Why if you intend having joint country? How would the Government control management agreements with Aboriginal it? DOGIT lands is it impossible to have joint The Department of Lands conducted a management agreements with other survey on my property once in relation to a landowners." potential outbreak of foot-and-mouth in wild If members opposite can do it with one group, pigs. They brought in helicopters and tagged why cannot do it with another? Is that not the pigs, but it took them a long time to reasonable and fair? Are we not living in a conduct the program. It was reasonably democracy? Why can the Government not do successful, but that was in open downs a deal with the present landowners to manage country. What the devil would they do when the land? Why is it only with Aboriginal land there are hundreds of thousands of these wild owners? Members opposite have not yet Legislative Assembly 851 1 November 1995 answered those questions. The letter allocations. That is not the case in continues— Queensland. In a nutshell, pressure is being "6) How will the purchases be funded; applied to Queensland to release more water down to top up the losses over the border. 7) How will the areas within the zones That is all very well except that we have not be managed, at what cost and by whom; caused the problem. We believe that the 8) What consideration has been given solution is reductions in the allocations of to the social and economic implications to whoever has used too much water. We in those landholders and communities Queensland have not broken the rules. One affected by these resumptions. suggestion has been that a cap be imposed My clients feel they are entitled to on all water harvesting from that river system. consider your response to the above A temporary cap has been put in place issues before they embark on any and there are moves to impose a permanent process of negotiation with your cap. We believe that a better system could be Government and that such response achieved if full assessments were carried out should be forthcoming within 30 days." rather than just making a panic move. The I will bet my boots that nothing has been said assessments presently under way should be to them at all. completed, the exact harvest rate that is applicable should be worked out, harvesting There are many other issues that I want up to that agreed level would be permitted to cover tonight, but I will say one more thing and then an automatic cap would simply come in relation to the cutbacks to the Department into place. It would be quite simple and of Primary Industries. I am disappointed that bureaucratic standover tactics would not be the cutbacks in the DPI have resulted in the necessary. non-issue of reports that are important to Recently I was at a meeting in St George business people, conservationists—I guess to with good, hardworking departmental officers. all homeowners and builders—throughout the They were visiting that area to listen to the south-east Queensland region. I refer to the views of the public, which they did. However, report on the extraction of gravel from the they did not seem to know—maybe they did Brisbane Valley and Lockyer Valley river know—that a cap was to be put in place. The systems that was due to be published in theme of the meeting was whether a cap February this year but has not yet been should be placed on the quantity of water that issued. can be extracted from that border river system. We want to make sure that all avenues It is quite clear that, from the departmental are explored, that the department has the view, the cap was going to be instituted, and it opportunity to assess the gravel extraction was the department's job to ram that idea rate, have a very close look at the existing down the throats of those concerned, because supplies and establish a sustainable rate of it would happen whether the people liked it or extraction. From that assessment, a calculated not. judgment can be made on what extraction I turn now to squatters in the Goldsbrough rates are suitable. This has been held up principally because the department has no Valley, south of Cairns. This is a unique personnel to do the job. The Government kept situation in which people who have native title claims over land are being allowed to squat on cutting back staff and the result is holdups that that land without authorisation. Those people are inconveniencing the people who want to include not only native title claimants but also extract the material and the home owners. non-native title claimants. That is a very While I am on the DPI, I believe that the serious situation, particularly from the health Government's contribution to the Border Rivers aspect but, most importantly, from the Commission needs some examination. For the environmental aspect. The Minister for benefit of members of the House, I point out Environment and Heritage would be jumping that the State Government makes an annual up and down if a person cut down a tree in a contribution to the Border Rivers Commission, World Heritage area. Why is the Minister which manages those river systems that start allowing those people to squat, to push in Queensland, go into New South Wales and through roads, to degrade and pollute World Victoria and sometimes into South Australia. A Heritage areas south of Cairns? That is management program has been put in place. happening now. One of the problems is that New South Mr Ardill: You're getting mixed up with Wales in particular, and some of the other Quaid, aren't you? He's the bloke who pushes States, have overcommitted their water roads through. 1 November 1995 852 Legislative Assembly

Mr HOBBS: I take the honourable Lands? Does that not send the message that member's interjection, because this problem is people pay cannot their bills? The Treasurer is 10 times bigger than that caused by George continuing to increase the rentals. Quaid. This is only the start. The honourable Mr De Lacy: You haven't answered my member should mark my words. All those question yet. What is a reasonable people have done is lodge a claim for native percentage of the value? What is a title. If the court agrees to consider that claim, reasonable return? while the claim is before the court the people will squat on the land and take it over. They Mr HOBBS: A reasonable percentage is are doing that now. They have taken that land what the people can afford to pay. over and they are living on that land, but at Mr De Lacy: How would you be in the this stage they have not been granted the commercial world? right to do that by the courts. This is the first Mr HOBBS: The valuation system that case. How many others are going to arise? the Minister is using is flawed. I thank the This problem will be bigger than those caused Minister for mentioning that. by George Quaid. Why is the Minister allowing the degrading of World Heritage areas now? Mr De Lacy: What percentage— ballpark. Mr Barton: Question time is 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Mr HOBBS: The Minister wants to talk about valuations. The Minister asked, "What Mr HOBBS: Yes, question time is 10 percentage of the valuation?" o'clock tomorrow morning. I certainly hope that Mr De Lacy: What percentage, yes. the Minister has an answer. Mr HOBBS: The Minister has asked for Mr Hamill: I thought that was just a a percentage of the valuation. I will tell him rhetorical flourish on your part. something about valuations. In the last year Mr HOBBS: No, it was not. I thought I valuations in Brisbane have increased by 8.1 may have received an intelligent response per cent. The Treasurer should ask property from the Minister, but it is obvious that he owners in the CBD whether their properties does not have an answer. It must be a case of have increased in value. The value of those double standards. I believe that legitimate properties has decreased. The Treasurer is concerns exist in regard to that area and that illegally taking money from people in the CBD they need to be investigated as a matter of through land tax, and he knows that. A 24.45 urgency. per cent increase in valuations has occurred in As the Minister for Lands is in the House, the Mount Isa region. For God's sake, the I turn to the issue of valuations. He was not population of Mount Isa has decreased by the Minister when this problem began, but for approximately 400 people or 500 people in a long time I have been pointing out that the past year and a half, so how can values Crown land rentals have increased be increasing? The valuations in the Cloncurry dramatically under this Government. The Shire have increased by 23 per cent. Government must understand that the stage Honourable members should buy a block of is reached at which one cannot get blood out land in Cloncurry if they are looking for a good of a stone. As the member for Lockyer said deal. Valuations in the Mareeba Shire, in the earlier, the old milking cow is just about dry. electorate of the member for Tablelands, have increased by 26.76 per cent. The Minister has Mr De Lacy: What percentage do you got to be joking! reckon they should pay? Mr Littleproud: I've got a bloke in Dalby Mr HOBBS: I will tell Treasurer what they whose valuation has gone from $40,000 to can pay. I will refer to the annual report of the $130,000 in the middle of a drought. Lands Department that was issued today, so Mr HOBBS: That is right. I will not give the figures are up to date. I hope they are the Treasurer an answer as to what the more accurate than Mr De Lacy's. The table of percentage should be, because the basis that deferrals of rent and freeholding instalments he works on is flawed. shows that the rent deferrals were as follows: for 1993, $46,000; for 1994, $85,000; and for A letter that I received from a struggling 1995, $167,000. The table shows that couple, Clive and Ann-Marie Albert, states— freeholding instalment deferrals were as "This correspondence is intended to follows: for 1993, $109,000; for 1994, express to you the concerns we have $830,000; and for 1995, $1.2m. Those people regarding the present system of cannot pay their rates at this stage. Does that determining Lend Rental, the impossible not indicate something to the Minister for financial position we are faced with and Legislative Assembly 853 1 November 1995

our frustration at the lack of Queensland. In other words, it is sending out understanding shown by the Labor the ambulance after the body has been Government." dismembered. It is trying to patch up what is The letter explains that when they purchased going on in schools. Yet Government the property for $320,000 its unimproved members say in this place that teacher morale capital value was $20,000. Land tax has has never been higher. The real fact is that increased from $1,000 per annum to $3,300 teacher morale within the State education and it will increase to $6,000. The Treasurer is system has never been lower and stress levels responsible for that tax increasing from $1,000 have never been higher. If Government to $6,000. members say in this place that that is not the case, then they are simply not listening to Mr De Lacy: How big is the property? what teachers are telling them. Government Mr HOBBS: It is 20,000 acres of rough members wonder why, on 15 July, the vast country that one could hardly get an old milker majority of people in this State voted for a going on. The Minister should go and have a change of Government. They voted for a look at it some time. change because Government members did Time expired. not listen to what people were telling them. They came into this place and adopted the Mr QUINN (Merrimac) (11.08 p.m.): One arrogant stance that they knew everything. of the features of tonight's debate has been They believed their own propaganda. At the the emphasis that has been placed on end of the day, the voters gave them a whack education, particularly by Government where they firmly deserved it. members, who have stood up one after the other. The names of four Government Everything is not rosy in the State Education Department. In fact, as I said, members were on the speaking list and all of Government members have only to ask them mentioned education as one of the parents and teachers about it. Parents have priorities of this Government. Each of those speakers focused on the amount of money decided to vote with their feet. Over the last that has been spent on education. three or four years, there has been a definite Unfortunately, they did not focus on the shift from children being educated in the State outcomes in terms of the effect of that Government sector in Queensland to the spending on children and teachers. non-Government sector. In 1989, at the change of Government, 80 per cent of our There is no doubt that the Government children went to State primary schools. Today, has spent increased amounts of money in that figure is down to about 77 per cent. successive Budgets on education in this State. But what is really going on in schools is not Mr Hamill: Tell us about Victoria. Look what the Government would have honourable at the drift out of Victorian schools in Years 11 members believe. When members of the and 12. coalition visit schools and speak to teachers Mr QUINN: Yes, I will in a moment. I will and parents, they get an entirely different make that comparison. In 1989, 70 per cent of perspective of the issues facing school high school children were enrolled in State children and teachers today. Members of this secondary schools. That figure is now down to Government have stood up in this place and about 66.5 per—another 3 per cent drift of waxed lyrical about how rosy the garden is, children across to the private sector, despite how high teacher morale is, and the major rising school fees. The Minister is fond of benefits that have been achieved over the quoting Victorian examples. Let me give him a past six years as a result of the manner in history lesson. He seems to be somewhat which the money has been spent. But when deficient. members of the Opposition visit schools, we Mr Horan interjected. get an entirely different view. We see—and Mr QUINN: I will tell him that the drift of the teachers tell us—that stress levels in children from the Victorian State education primary and secondary schools within the system to the private sector happened when State Education Department have never been Mrs Kirner was the Minister for Education. higher. In fact, the figures produced by the Does the Minister know why? Because she Queensland Teachers Union are supported by went into that portfolio with her Socialist Left the department's own figures. policies and politicised the school system, and In fact, this year, for the first time that I the public fled the State school system in can remember, the department actually went droves. That is why that happened. It is not a to the extent of appointing six officers to recent phenomenon; it is a phenomenon that handle stress within the teaching force in happened under Labor in that State—under 1 November 1995 854 Legislative Assembly

Kirner and under Cain. So for the Minister to occasions on which representatives of P & Cs say to me, "Tell us about the Victorian have come to them saying, "This is the fourth experience" betrays his own lack of knowledge or fifth principal our school has had in the past of the education system in that State. As I two or three years." I know that some of the said, people are voting with their feet. That is schools around Brisbane—Riverview is one not the fault of the dedicated teachers in the example—have had five principals in two State school system. They are doing their best years. The Government really needs to with the policies of this Government. They are consider this matter to try to find a way of trying to come to grips with a large number of making sure that principals stay in schools for reforms being forced upon the school system, at least two years—if not a touch longer—to with an overt political social agenda being make sure that there is stability and continuity implemented over the top. within those schools. Otherwise parents are One of the biggest issues facing going to be complaining continually about schools—and certainly one of the issues changes in principals, sometimes after a highlighted in the election campaign—is principal has been in place for only six months. school discipline. It is acknowledged widely I do not think that that is a fair expectation to that the Opposition released its school force upon smaller school communities which, discipline policy very early in the school year. in many instances, rely upon their school During the election campaign, by and large principals to be leaders within those local the Government adopted almost a dot-point communities. They look forward to forming copy of the policy that the Opposition long-term relationships with principals, proposed from the very beginning. I should because they are part of the social fabric of think that the member for Cook should run the community. If principals are transferred from the Chamber, because I remember that from those western and rural areas after as during a debate on school discipline he said little as six months—as has occurred many that the Opposition's policies were not up to times—parents have a right to complain about speed and that he could not support them. He the instability within the schooling system. That stated that he could not support the is one aspect that certainly needs to be suspension of school students for up to 30 addressed. As Mr Gibbs would know, five days on the authority of the principal. Yet that principals in two years at Riverview simply was issue became a feature of the Government's not good enough. I suspect that that would education policy. The member for Cook could have been a contributing factor to some of the not support allowing principals to exclude problems in that suburb. The member should students over 15 years of age, yet that issue ask the Education Minister to put in place a became a feature of the Government's system that enables school principals to stay education policy. The member for Cook ought at schools for much longer. to read his own Government's school discipline Mr Gibbs: I am going to take that in policy and become familiar with it, because hand. many of the items that the Opposition Mr QUINN: That is good. proposed subsequently became part of the Government's discipline policy. I suspect that Mr Hamill: The biggest problem with that took place much to the member's Riverview is the ghetto that you lot created embarrassment. over many years. Members are witnessing a lack of stability Mr QUINN: I say to the Minister: what and a lack of direction within the State school about five principals in two years? They are system in Queensland. Too many changes not exactly the best conditions in which to are being forced on that system without create stability or direction in schools. adequate time being given to schools to Another thing that teachers tell Opposition enable them to cope with those changes. members and do not, apparently, tell Given the circumstances, principals and Government members is that teachers have teachers are making the best fist of it that they come to the point at which they realise that a can. However, the agenda needs to be slowed great deal of their time is not being spent down somewhat. One of the really disturbing productively within their classrooms. More and issues about State schools is the promotional more, they are being taken out of classrooms or transfer system. Over the last couple of and asked to do things that they believe are days, teachers have raised that issue. More not related directly towards improving the important, particularly for small country and teaching and learning of their students. For rural schools, is the promotion and transfer example, teachers do not want to be system for principals. Members of the workplace health and safety officers; they do Opposition have certainly experienced many not want to be sexual harassment officers; Legislative Assembly 855 1 November 1995 they do not want to serve on social justice undertook to rewrite the language and maths committees; and they do not want to serve on documents to try to make the system easier to gender equity committees. They want to focus implement. on the classroom. Every time teachers are This is another case where the taken out of classrooms to serve on those Government simply will not listen. Teachers committees or are asked to do those jobs, are under enormous strain to put this system something is going by the by within those into practice within the schools. Its classroom. Teachers are telling Opposition implementation has been slowed down, but I members that it is time that the Government think a review would certainly iron out a lot took its hands off schools and gave principals more of the problems within the system and more freedom to arrange their teachers and would make things easier for teachers. That is their duties as they see fit in the interests of why we ran an election campaign promising to the best educational opportunities for their put that in place. children, rather than asking teachers to perform those sorts of social-agenda tasks Remote and rural schools are going to that the Government has devised. have a tough time at the end of this year and the beginning of next year attracting quality Another issue that needs to be staff, especially specialist staff. I note that the addressed—and I notice that, recently, the Queensland Teachers Union mentioned a Minister moved in this direction, although the shortfall in the order of 300 trained specialists Government had been denying it for two in the western rural areas. years; it decided all of a sudden, with the Mr Hamill: They got the numbers very election campaign upon us, that it would do wrong actually. I've corrected them on that. something about it—is children with disabilities. This is a very sensitive issue which has to be Mr QUINN: No doubt the Minister has. handled with a great deal of thought. No Mr Hamill: No, I corrected them. They doubt many parents of children with disabilities stood corrected at the meeting we had. would like their children to be included in Mr QUINN: Whether or not that is fact mainstream, general classrooms. As I said, will come out at the beginning of next year there is support for that by parents and when the positions have been filled. That is teachers. I believe that there are many when we will know the shortfall. occasions on which that integration could occur. Obviously, on some occasions the level Traditionally it has been extremely difficult of a child's disability—whether that be a to attract highly qualified and specialist mental or physical disability—is so extreme teachers to the regions. I am not too sure that and so great that integration is simply not the Remote Area Incentive Scheme does possible. Hopefully, the court case that is exactly what it is supposed to do, that is, currently in train in relation to this issue will set provide country children with the same sorts of the parameters or give some guidelines as to educational opportunities that city children a cut-off point. I believe that the wholesale enjoy. I will be watching with a great deal of integration of children with disabilities into the interest to see what in actual fact happens at general classroom is simply going to create the beginning of next year with regard to those undue stresses that cannot be funded in the schools. long term. I believe that for everyone's sake, I now move to a couple of other issues that issue needs to be solved fairly soon. that came up in the election campaign itself. I Another issue that teachers are having think they were the major planks of the trouble coming to terms with is the issue of the Government's education policy at that time. implementation of the SPS, the student The first one I wish to mention, of course, is the uniform allowance. No-one really knows performance standards. As I understand it, where this brainwave came from. I have that is an issue under enterprise bargaining spoken to all the interest groups in education and teachers are compelled to do that as part and not one of them actually supported it or of that agreement. However, what concerns knew anything about it prior to the promise me—and what concerns a lot of teachers—is being made by the Government. It seems the quality of the SPSs and the way they are rather strange that no-one asked for it, yet the being implemented. I note that there has Government—— been a slow-down in the implementation period and hopefully that will ease some of Mr Littleproud interjected. strain. When New South Wales faced the Mr QUINN: I would not be so kind as to same problems, an inquiry found that some of say that Government members saw each vote the material was not up to scratch and it being worth $50—that would be beyond me. 1 November 1995 856 Legislative Assembly

Given that in the State school system fairy to believe that we will get an extra 1,400 uniforms are not compulsory, it is a strange teachers when the enrolment figures do not promise. Also it is a strange promise given that come up to scratch. in many State schools the cost of a uniform is It is time that this Government started somewhat lower than casual clothes that listening to what teachers are saying. children could wear to school. One wonders Government members' words simply do not how it is to be implemented. I might add that I ring true, as members on this side of the think the Premier should really be put out of House will testify to. If the Government his misery; he may still be labouring under the continues with its current policies, money impression that a voucher system will be used. provided by this legislation will not address any I think he should be told how this is to be of the problems that are facing schools today. implemented, unless, of course, that is all part The Government needs a change. It has to of the grand plan and Government members start listening to what teachers and parents do not want to tell him. Perhaps they want him are saying, take those comments on to continue making a fool of himself; vouchers board—as the members for Woodridge and certainly will not be used. Bundaberg well know—and put them into Mr Perrett: Mr Beattie would be happy policy implementation. with that. Mr HORAN (Toowoomba South) Mr QUINN: I have no doubt that there is (11.28 p.m.): This Appropriation debate is something going on over on the other side. about how this Government manages the What really upset many of the interest Budget funds and how it manages the groups—— so-called record Budget and the once-healthy Mr De Lacy: Are you saying you would situation that this Government inherited from cut it out? the coalition Government. Certainly, the people of Queensland have passed judgment Mr QUINN: I am saying that perhaps the on the Government—53.4 per cent of voters Treasurer should tell the Premier how it is to gave a vote of no confidence in the be implemented. Stop letting him labour under Government. Only 46.4 per cent of voters the impression that it is going to be a voucher. voted for the Government. The Government He is telling the press that it will be a voucher, went from a 19 seat majority to a one seat yet the Minister for Education knows full well majority. The people have passed judgment. that it is not going to be a voucher. It is simply embarrassing the Premier and the Minister Government members interjected. ought to put him out of his misery—unless Mr HORAN: Government members get there is a hidden agenda, which I suspect is prickly and tender on this. I know they get the case. prickly. The other issue I wish to raise is the Everybody knows that one of the promise of 1,400 additional teachers over the Government's real failings with these Budget next three years. This, of course, is based on funds was in one of the most important areas the enrolment predictions for the next three of service delivery, health. Over the past six years. As we have seen, this year's years the Government has showed that it is enrolments did not come up to prediction. At both wasteful and a spendthrift. It has the beginning of this year there was a promise mismanaged the inheritance from the coalition of 450 extra teachers. When enrolments did and it mismanaged the billions of dollars that it not come up to prediction, lo and behold, 300 put into the Health Budget. That went from of those teacher positions did not eventuate. $1.6 billion up to $2.7 billion, yet we have Over the next three years an extra 1,400 longer waiting lists, closed theatres and all the teacher positions have been promised. other issues that caused people to vote Mr Hamill interjected. against the Government. Mr QUINN: I am referring to the What do we have to show for the $2.7 Government's own internal document, yet the billion? We have an absolute cash crisis, a Minister sits there and denies it. Government workers' compensation crisis that is one of the members are going to promulgate those greatest scandals of Government in recent rubbery figures again. times—a $260m difference to the figures used before the election—and a Treasurer who is Internal migration is on the way down trying to do some sort of a funny deal to sell again. No doubt enrolment figures will not off the generators of the central Queensland come up to the estimates for which the power station just to get a bit of cash. It is like department has planned for the next three selling one's house to get cash and then years. One would have to believe in the tooth having to pay rent. It is nice to have the cash Legislative Assembly 857 1 November 1995 for a while, but once it is gone there is nothing Government was an absolute failure in the left, but the rent still has to be paid. A cash delivery of health services. Probably the crisis extends into our hospitals as the greatest disaster of all was the QE II Hospital. Government tries to handle the expensive That hospital had been one of the most election promises—the figures used were like successful hospitals in the State. It was the Lotto or telephone numbers—that it threw third highest in service delivery in accident and around. Everyday there was $100m here and emergency and obstetrics. It was a great $50m there. The people did not believe the hospital that was servicing a couple of Government. They saw its track record over six hundred thousand people. But what did the years and did not believe it. Of course, they Government do? It closed down all the saw the Labor lies once the election was won. facilities and wards and turned it into a white Let us visit the track record of the Labor elephant. Government on the spending of Budget funds Mr Ardill interjected. over the past three years. As I said, it has Mr HORAN: I went there. That hospital been a history of mismanagement of Health. is in the honourable member' s electorate, and Hundreds of millions of dollars of hard-earned he should stand condemned for the way in Queensland taxpayers' money that has gone which he and the other wimps—the member into the Health Budget, which has gone from for Mount Gravatt, the former member for $1.5 billion up to $2.7 billion. The question Mansfield and the former member for that everybody was asking right across the Springwood—all rolled over and let the State—and they showed this when they Minister do what he liked with that hospital. I voted—was: where has all the money gone? went there one weekend. From memory, I What do we have for the money? Can we still think there were 20 people in the geriatric get a hospital bed? Can we still have rehabilitation ward and 12 people in the confidence in the once great public hospital elective surgery ward. Prior to the election, the system that we had? Government sent out expensive brochures What do people get for all that extra and fliers saying how good this system was money? Do honourable members remember and how good the 24-hour first-aid post was. what happened over the past three years? However, if people went there after 5 o'clock in Theatres were closed at the major tertiary the afternoon, they had to press a button on hospitals in Brisbane. Those theatres had the door and hope that somebody would never been closed before. People relied upon come to assist them. those hospitals and they used to have The Government absolutely ruined and confidence in them. Whole rafts of wards were decimated that hospital and spent millions of closed. The Royal Brisbane Hospital dropped dollars in the process. What about the half a from 1,250 beds down to 800 beds. Every million dollars that the Government spent to time the Government closed those wards and shift the geriatric ward from the PA to the QE II beds they were at 100 per cent occupancy. to try to make it look as though it was full after How smart was that? Those wards were at 100 it had closed it down? The Government then per cent occupancy, so the Government left the ward at the PA Hospital empty. It is still closed a few more beds. It is no wonder the closed. That political exercise cost a half a blue-collar people turned against the million dollars. Government. Those blue-collar people could rely on the coalition to give them beds in The reason for all this has been the hospital, yet the Government closed beds at fundamental mismanagement and failed the Royal Brisbane Hospital. This was at a policies of the Labor Government. We have time when waiting lists were years long. The seen the failure of regionalisation. That hospital was at 100 per cent occupancy, yet process has been condemned as an absolute the Government closed beds by the hundreds. failure by staff and patients. All the good Talk about mismanagement! Queensland administrators were pushed out and southern bureaucrats were brought in. Mr Nunn: What about the new hospital They had new ideas to close down wards and at Hervey Bay? theatres at the QE II Hospital and cut back on Mr HORAN: Government members are services. Those are the ideas that those still ranting and raving, trying to defend the bureaucrats brought with them from down closures. They did not listen to the message south. that the people sent them at the election Then we saw unfunded wage rises. Talk when they turned against the Government in about hypocrites! The Government allowed a their thousands. Some 110,000 extra people wage rise but only partially funded it. What voted for us because they knew that the about the poor public hospitals, which have to 1 November 1995 858 Legislative Assembly take everybody who turns up at the door and from his pocket. He was desperate at that provide all their services for free? Where are stage. He said, "I have this proof that they are they supposed to get the money? We used to going to sell a hospital in Western Australia." fund hospitals 100 per cent for wage rises. Someone faxed me a cartoon of the Premier What did the Government do? It cut back saying, "We have another one—in Iceland." services and put people off. When people That was his proof that the coalition intended retire, they are not replaced. to sell the hospitals. That was one of the most Mr Elliott interjected. disgraceful episodes that we have ever seen. Mr HORAN: There were "quiet weeks" The Labor Party was behind the and so on. Then we had the misdirected campaign of lies about the sale of the budgets, about which I have spoken hospitals—glossy little postcards and all. This previously. We are up to about Minister No. 4 was the same crowd that put on a privatisation now. Currently we have five acting regional seminar just a month before to explore ways directors out of the 13 positions. None of the and means of privatising radiology services in regions can meet, because they are not the public hospitals. They brought up the formally constituted. Their people were not privatisation experts from South Australia and reappointed on 30 June. So we have lame- New South Wales—a lawyer and a duck regions. Talk about a state of limbo! The consultant—to talk to the managers of the Government is trying to run a $2.7 billion hospitals about privatising the system. The system with 13 regional health authorities, honourable member for Hervey Bay, Mr Nunn, none of which can meet and make a formal should listen to this. This is the same Labor decision. Government that, prior to the election, was negotiating and discussing the privatisation of There is no Director-General of Health. It the management of the Hervey Bay Hospital. was an expensive babysitting service when It was discussing the privatisation of the Dick Persson was brought up here and given a management and administration of the PA job in the Department of Housing and Local Hospital, the QE II Hospital and the new Government. He did not even apply for the job Hervey Bay Hospital. The Government was as Director-General of Queensland Health. going to get rid of all the public servants and However, the Premier's Department appointed bring in private systems. Talk about liars! What him, even though he was not one of the 28 a secret deal that was! applicants. He was not even on the short-list of five who were interviewed. That was a nice At the same time as these Labor lies were little expensive babysitting service for going on, we saw the $30m cut to hotel Queensland taxpayers! We had to pay his services over three years which would affect salary for a year, and now he has been sent the blue-collar workers. While the bureaucracy back to the New South Wales Right to fill a blossomed and bloomed, the Government position there. intended a $30m cut to the domestics, cleaners and the backbone staff of the Mr Littleproud: A bit more tenure down hospitals. Since the last election, at the Royal there. Brisbane Hospital we saw the problems that Mr HORAN: I suppose that is what he is the workers had with the laundry. The very day after. that the Minister stood up and said, "There will During this election, we saw the be no subcontracting of laundry services disgraceful Labor lies, particularly the lies here", under his nose the private consultants about privatisation and the sale of the employed by Queensland Health were hospitals. All members opposite stand negotiating with a major independent laundry condemned for their support of that campaign. in Brisbane to take the laundry of either the I do not think that any decent Queenslander Royal Children's Hospital or the Royal would vote for members opposite again after Women's Hospital. that disgraceful episode. The Government What about some of the other Labor dragged down the whole system of elections lies—the great things that Labor is doing! As with a disgraceful campaign of lies. The Labor to the 500 or 700 cars that it is giving to Party took advantage of the $1 per head in medical superintendents and staff taxpayers' money to fund that campaign, too, specialists—the unfunded portion of that is not which makes it twice as bad. The funniest mentioned. The fuel and the maintenance are thing that I saw during the election campaign not covered. They can drive those cars all over was the Friday of the great debate when Rob Australia on holidays, which is costing some Borbidge did the Premier over absolutely. The hospitals hundreds of thousands of dollars in Premier was asked about the privatisation and fuel. That is not funded. So where do the sale of hospitals, and pulled out his trump card hospitals find the money? Simple—another Legislative Assembly 859 1 November 1995 couple of staff go. In addition, the calls from contract is on offer is announce an the mobile phones that were part of that international competition, meaning that a package are not covered. As to unfunded company from Peru, France or New South portions—probably the worst example of all Wales might be awarded the contract. It is has been enterprise bargaining. Some $38m similar to the major contract which was up for in cash has to be found—cash cuts—on top of grabs at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, which the $44m or so worth of efficiencies that have was awarded to DiCarlo Potts, a firm of to be found. architects based in New South Wales. Where What will workers' compensation cost the is the loyalty of this Government to the workers hospital system? About 90 per cent of workers of this State? No wonder the blue-collar in the hospital system are in the highest range workers have turned against this Government! for health cover because of needle-stick It does not even consider its own. The first injuries, back injuries and so forth. So what will thing that a Government should do with its this 25 per cent, 26 per cent or greater money is think about its own people. increase in workers' compensation cost the After three years in the darkness, Bill hospital budgets in Queensland? Is it funded? Ludwig came out of the woodwork to join the Is it planned? Of course it is not! member for Sandgate and the member for Woodridge in criticising the regional health Another Labor example of dishonesty in authority system—the vacuum cleaner which the enterprise bargaining system is the deal sucked millions of dollars out of the system that has been done for all of the contract and which meant that staff numbers at the cleaners. Most of the hospitals have contract coalface had to be reduced because the cleaning services, and the enterprise money was going into the bureaucracy, bargaining agreement flows on to them. That meetings, conferences and glossy brochures. is a problem at the Kirwin Hospital, which is in the electorate of the member for Townsville, I mentioned earlier the massive recurrent Mr Smith. Under the enterprise bargaining budget problems facing Queensland Health. agreement the cleaning contractors get the Major hospitals in this State are millions of increase, but it is not funded at all. The dollars over budget. Only in the past fortnight hospitals have to find 100 per cent of that have they been given their budgets. We are compared to 70 per cent for their normal staff. four months into the financial year and there So there is no money for it. Where do they are only eight months in which to make find it in their budget? There is no other option corrections to any aberrations that may have but to reduce services and reduce staff occurred, and the hospitals have just been numbers. given their budgets. In most cases, the hospitals find that their budgets are less than This restructuring was occurring while the that which is needed to carry out the roles that Minister was on his 100-day walkabout. We they performed last year. In many cases, have a health system with a budget of $2.7 particularly in the major hospitals where the billion, 1,500 bureaucrats and a plethora of major blow-outs can occur, there are serious glossy policy brochures, yet the Minister had to cash problems. go on a 100-day walkabout to find out what is happening in the system, what has gone The Prince Charles Hospital, which wrong and why the whole thing is such a currently has record waiting lists in cardiac disaster. So the restructuring is under way. We surgery—one of the most important areas of do not know whether we will end up with eight surgery—is some $3m to $4m over budget regions, seven regions or five regions or already. I have heard that the Royal Brisbane whether there will be a mega region covering Hospital is over budget. A newspaper which is Brisbane, Ipswich and the southern part of the circulated on the south side of Brisbane Sunshine Coast or whether there will be revealed today that the Princess Alexandra purchasing authorities to purchase the Hospital is likely to be $11m over budget by services. Many matters are unresolved. the end of the year unless it takes corrective action. If the hospital is going to be that much A new building is to be constructed at the over budget by the end of the year and it has Princess Alexandra Hospital. That is a major only eight months in which to rectify the project, and the Government proposes to hold problems, one can imagine the cuts and an international competition for the design of restrictions that will have to be implemented in that building. Whatever happened to loyalty to that time. Even the chief executive of the Queenslanders? Do we not want to employ hospital—and this is obviously what he has Queensland architects, Queensland students been told to say by the Health and Queenslanders? The first thing the Department—said that a quarterly expenditure Government does when a decent-sized review for the first three months of the financial 1 November 1995 860 Legislative Assembly year revealed the need for tight control of The Townsville Hospital also has its "quiet spending; but doctors involved with the weeks". For four weeks a year, all elective hospital have said that an $11m problem surgery is closed down. Of the eight theatres, exists there. six are closed, one remains open 24 hours a At this stage, the Gold Coast Hospital is day and the other is open from 9 to 5. What a about $7m over budget. There are also horrific waste of the specialists, the surgeons, the budgetary problems at the Townsville anaesthetists and nursing staff! They sit Hospital—so bad that they have had to send around waiting to perform procedures. Those the regional director from the Sunshine Coast quiet weeks add to the ever-increasing waiting to try to rescue the Northern Regional Health list and result in numerous procedures being Authority. Of course, owing to the cancelled. In Townsville we see the cardiac mismanagement of Queensland Health, the intensive care unit closed on the weekends; regional director from Townsville is the acting we see the pain clinic closed; we see people director of the Royal Brisbane Hospital. Talk experiencing difficulty in getting onto about mismanagement! Regional directors are emergency lists; we see people waiting for being shifted all around the State. There is a appointments at the specialist clinics; we see massive problem in Townsville—a multimillion- people waiting for surgery; and we see people waiting to get onto the operating table only to dollar blow-out. One would wonder how that have their scheduled procedure cancelled, could happen under the supposedly great system of regionalisation. What has the resulting in their being removed from the lists. regional health authority been doing, and what If anything epitomises the budgetary problems are all the bureaucrats and all the staff doing? and the mismanagement of Queensland Health, it certainly is the Townsville Hospital. There were serious problems when the This legislation is necessary to provide oncology unit was brought on-line at that funding for the State, but the manner in which hospital, with insufficient funding available to those funds are managed is critically enable that major tertiary service to provide for important. The results of the July 1995 the two streams of oncology: radiation election made it very clear that 53.4 per cent oncology and chemical oncology. It was only of Queenslanders have no confidence in the pressure applied by the Opposition which Queensland Health. brought about some ad-hoc funding for that particular unit. The insufficient budget for the Time expired. cardiac unit at the Townsville Hospital—which Mr LITTLEPROUD (Western Downs) has not been properly planned by the (11.47 p.m.): I am pleased to join the debate bureaucrats—means that this year the unit will on Appropriation Bill (No. 2). I am very much be able to perform only the equivalent number aware that this Bill is all about the allocation of of procedures that it undertook in eight public funds by the Parliament to the months last year. That unit is desperately in Government of the day and about the need of millions of dollars, but the Northern management of those funds. I want to Regional Health Authority is in a terrible canvass various issues relating to my financial position. responsibilities as the member for Western The neonatal unit is another example Downs and as the shadow Minister for where pressure from the Opposition forced the Emergency Services and Public Service Minister for Health to provide funding of $4.5m Matters. over the next two financial years. Fancy having I turn first to some of the actions taken by a tertiary neonatal unit in north Queensland at the Minister for Emergency Services and the Townsville which for most of this year has directions issued by him to his departmental been without a director! When a director was officers. I believe that this example is indicative finally appointed, the funding was simply not of what is occurring in many other there to provide nurses in the intensive care departments. It is normal procedure that a level 3 nurseries in the neonatal unit or in the shadow Minister can write to a Minister saying level 2 unit. Inadequate funding and that he or she would like to visit a certain inadequate nursing resources were provided. facility. It has been the tradition that that The unit is at great risk of losing its director of Minister would respond by saying, "No neonatology and of having to close down. This problem. At any time you can make contact year, 50 babies had to be airlifted to Brisbane with that section of the department and go simply because of the lack of resources and and visit." That system has worked very well staff at the unit. Again, it has been only the for a long period. pressure of the Opposition which has forced However, over about the last three some ad-hoc funding to be provided. months, I have noticed a very different attitude Legislative Assembly 861 1 November 1995 on the part of officers of the Emergency manning levels, which still have not been Services Department, who are obviously under resolved, and they made it known that they direction from their Minister. I know that the resented the fact that they were not able to Minister is a busy person. In fact, I like to visit have the shadow Minister, a member of Her various sections of the Emergency Services Majesty's Opposition, in their office. Department and speak directly to staff Surprise, surprise! I went home that night, members, as that is sometimes a more turned on the TV and saw the Premier in a efficient way of making representations on rural fire brigade shed presenting overalls to behalf of the people who have raised members of the brigades. The members of concerns with me. I am always conscious of the Opposition were not allowed to go on the the fact that I should not compromise the premises because we might interrupt the independence of those public servants. I am workings of the Emergency Services cognisant of the fact that they are serving the personnel, yet there was the Premier Government of the day. I am always careful presenting overalls. We thought he was going not to compromise any public servant. I was to get a real scoop—television, the lot. But quite proud to receive a phone call after the what did one bloke say—"You may have given election from a person from the office of the me a pair of overalls but you are not going to Minister for Family Services to thank me for buy my vote." It all backfired. the professional manner in which I had discussed matters with him and asked him to I thought that, as the election campaign work on my behalf during my time as the was on, the Government might have been a shadow Minister for that portfolio. I have never bit hot under the collar given that it was under abused my access to public servants, and I a lot of pressure but that that might have have never compromised any of them. passed. However, since the election I have had the same problem. I wanted to speak at I want to outline what went on during the the Kemp Place facility. I had a few hours to election campaign. I received a letter from spare. I rang one of the senior officers and Tom Burns, the then Minister for Emergency made my request. The word came back, "I'll Services, stating that I was no longer to visit first have to get the permission of the Minister. any section of the Department of Emergency You will have to ring the Minister's office." Services without first obtaining the permission Since then I have made contact trying to get of the Minister. Mr Burns claimed that my some information regarding the failure of fire attendance at various places was hindering brigade alarm systems in Toowoomba and the work of the relevant officers. Mr Burns' even today trying to find out what had letter said that, if I wanted to visit a certain happened after there had been a deputation section of his department, I had to obtain his to the Minister about the SES service. In every prior approval. instance the word comes back that they have I remind members that many firemen had to first of all refer my requests to the Minister's taken umbrage to certain comments by the office. then Minister and the way in which he had I remind members of this House that the handled the department. After one highly Government of the day is only the custodian publicised protest rally in front of this of the public service. We are talking about Parliament, the firemen decided to rally also in public funds and we are talking about a public Surfers Paradise. In fact, they marched on the service and public facilities. The people office of the member for Surfers Paradise, the working in the Department of Emergency Leader of the Opposition, to present him with Services are public servants working for the a petition. I was present on that occasion. On public. It is just not right that a Minister is trying that day, a ministerial direction was issued that to close down the effectiveness of Her under no circumstances were the firemen to Majesty's Opposition by giving directions to the participate in a protest rally or to meet with public service. Is it any wonder that the public Opposition members on their premises. servants felt the way they did and voted On that very day, I hurried back from the strongly against the Government at the recent Gold Coast to meet also with the firemen in election? Toowoomba. They said to me, "Brian, we My memory goes back to the Budget cannot meet you at the station but we will debate earlier this year. I spoke at length meet you over the street." There was a wind about the way this Government was blowing about 60 miles an hour. We met over misreading the mood of the people, the way it the street and they talked to me about their was alienating itself from the people who were grievances, including the way that they had traditionally their supporters. I was interested been treated by the Government, the to hear the member for Moggill speak about 1 November 1995 862 Legislative Assembly this in the House last night and reminded unreasonable that the people of Roma members of the comments I had made. wanted to know why that should happen. As their representative, I wanted to make Dr Watson: It was an excellent speech. inquiries. So I faxed a letter to the fire Mr LITTLEPROUD: I accept the commissioner. I knew that Tommy Burns, who honourable member's interjection. was still the Minister then, was a busy man and was not likely to respond to me because Members opposite did not take any notice we were in election mode. So I wrote to the until the last couple of days, when they were fire commissioner. I requested him to respond criticised severely by the public and by people by fax because the people of Roma wanted to in their own organisation. Today they claim know what went wrong so that it could be they are listening because of the workers' fixed. They also wanted an assurance that it compensation issue. What has happened? would not happen again. The unions know that Government members are very vulnerable to pressure. Members A couple of days went past and the fire opposite listened to the unions and come up commissioner had not responded by fax or by with what they think is a resolution. But I can letter, so I rang the fire commissioner's office say that there is a lot of anger in the and I was told very apologetically, "I'm sorry, community because they did not listen to the sir, but because it was from a politician I had other side, to the people who are paying their to refer it to the Minister's office." Censorship! premiums. I had a comment from people, That was just before the election. I wiped that whom I will not name in case they get the off because we were not going to get anything same treatment as did the public servants who out of Tommy Burns while the election was on. work for the Department of Emergency He was ducking for cover after offending the Services. They told me that they were all in on firemen out in front of Parliament House. the workers' compensation negotiations—the So I waited until the election was over and people who pay the premiums, the people the Goss Government had to some degree who benefit from the fund and the got over its sulking—and a new Minister, Ken Government were all negotiating. Everyone Davies, had been appointed. I wrote to Ken was going to have to suffer a little bit to get Davies on 31 July reminding him of the events over the mismanagement of the fund. Finally, to date and that I had written to the the employers, the people who pay the commissioner and requested an explanation. premiums, were locked out. They insist that it He advised me that he had to refer the matter was then that the deal was done between the to Tom Burns. I told him that Tom Burns had union and the Government. This has resulted not answered and that I was now asking Ken in a very angry group of people in industry, Davies to take it up. That was 31 July. those who are paying the premiums for the On 9 October, nine weeks later, in what fund. Members opposite are listening, but it is must have been a malfunction, he wrote back. selective listening. The letter states— I want to talk about an issue that I have "Officers of my Department are been trying to have resolved since early July. It currently awaiting on a report from Telstra really is a source of frustration to me. It is a about the incident. Telstra's delay in source of frustration to the people of Roma providing this report is impeding the and it is a source of frustration to the people progress of the investigations." who work in the Queensland Fire Service. I lay I found that interesting, because I had talked the blame on the Minister and the tactics he is to the technicians of Telstra in Roma and they using to delay giving me the answers that I told me that within a week or more under want. All I am asking for is an explanation of instruction they had gone out and done a lot what happened when there was a malfunction of testing and had to report that they could in the fire brigade alarm system in Roma. It see nothing wrong with the system in terms of epitomises the sort of stance being taken by the technicalities of communication. Having the Minister to try to keep information away received the response from the Minister on 9 from the Opposition and from the public so October and being aware of the local that he can manage what have been mishaps information, I then wrote to Telstra. I got in within that department. contact with a man called Bruce Lancashire, It started in late June with a fire at Roma, who is the national product manager for not an uncommon occurrence—a very emergency services, Telstra. I referred to him unfortunate thing but not uncommon. the response I had received from Mr Davies. I However, the alarm system malfunctioned for just wanted to check out whether there was some reason or other. It was not something wrong with the facts given to me by Legislative Assembly 863 1 November 1995 the local technician, just in case other things response are not correct and that I have to were being organised further up the line. check them further. Recently, in question time On 26 October I received a letter from I referred the Minister to my question on notice Telstra. I spoke about three or four times on of Thursday 7 September relating to the failure the phone to this man in Melbourne, and he of the Roma Fire Brigade alarm system. In was very careful to make sure that he checked that question I quoted the Minister's answer to his facts before he made any accusations or that question on notice— any statements. He wrote— "In this instance when Telstra "Telstra received a request from received the 000 call, it endeavoured to Queensland Fire Service, by facsimile, on activate the fire telephone at the Roma 10 July seeking information about the Station on two occasions." performance of the Roma system"— I contacted people in Roma who had also been making investigations into this matter, meaning an alarm system. He continued— and I was told that the Telstra officers had "A detailed investigation was stated that they had tried to ring six times, not undertaken, and thorough testing of the twice. The story was varying again, so by that system was performed. A reply was then stage I was starting to have doubts and forwarded by facsimile to Mr Kalinowski, wondering whether I was being taken for a Acting Assistant Commissioner, South ride. West Region on 17 July 1995." During question time on 20 October I On 17 July the response came back from asked the Minister a question along those Telstra, yet on 9 October the Minister has got lines. As the question was without notice, I the hide to write back to Her Majesty's thought he would be honest with me. Opposition and say that he was still awaiting However, he said that he did not know and, something from Telstra and that its tardiness is out of good sense, promised to give me the impeding the investigations. The Telstra letter details I wanted. This is now November, and also states— 20 October was quite a while ago. I have "I am therefore not aware of any written twice to the Minister's office since then. outstanding matters for Telstra in regards Today, I telephoned the Minister's office and to this issue." said, "You promised me these details. I haven't received them. I would like them I wrote to the Honourable Ken Davies today." That issue is still unresolved. Telstra is suggesting to him that there is a variation in saying that they tried to ring six or seven statements coming from himself and from times. In this House the Minister said that they Telstra and that he might like to explain. I rang only twice. Can the Minister be trusted? I have not as yet received a response. Can remind him that I will continue to pursue this honourable members believe that? That issue. brings me to another point. We have I remind the Minister that the Mayor of reorganised the procedures of this House, Roma is very angry and has insisted that which is to be commended, and every day we either the Minister or the Fire Commissioner now have a chance to ask a question on visit the town and give a full public explanation notice. The option is there for the Minister to of what is wrong. I have a responsibility to put take up the 30 days before providing an the heat on the Minister. The Mayor of Roma answer. I can tell the House that the Minister is has a responsibility to ensure that the people taking up the 30 days. He may think that it of Roma have the fire brigade of which they might be pretty good tactics to keep me are worthy. wondering a bit and to keep this issue off the boil, but the net result is that he has an Mr Veivers: I think you should put a assistant commissioner in Toowoomba who is blowtorch right to his belly. responsible for Roma and who is frustrated Mr LITTLEPROUD: I am a little because he is trying to resolve the matter. He ashamed, because earlier today I went a bit knows that in July his own fire commissioner over the top during question time. In an wrote to the community promising a full answer to a Dorothy Dix question, the Minister explanation—and that he still has not given it. was referring to the same matter, or a similar He also knows that the people are angry one, and he became a little nasty. I made an about the whole situation. They know that I interjection that was a bit over the top. I state am trying to get the details, yet the Minister publicly that, if the Minister conducts himself in makes up his mind that he will make me wait a a gentlemanly fashion in this House, I will do month before I get my response. When I get a my best to do the same. I counterpunched response, I find that the details in the today. I am a little sorry for that, and I 1 November 1995 864 Legislative Assembly apologise. Mr Speaker made me withdraw the attention of the public not only in my remark. It is on record, and I want honourable electorate but also in Queensland generally. It members to know that the Minister got what is important for the public to understand that, he deserved. If he conducts himself in the in order to extract sand and gravel from a correct manner in the House, I will be a private property, a person is required to run gentleman, too—if I can. I appeal to the the gauntlet of local authorities, and it is more Minister and tell him that he is not doing his than likely that that person would be required department any good by using stalling tactics. to conduct an environmental impact study He might think that he is frustrating me—and which would prove or disprove whether any he is—but he is doing a lot more damage to environmental problems were associated with his own credibility and his service. that extractive industry. The Minister has put a district assistant in Honourable members interjected. a compromising situation. When I have made Mr ELLIOTT: "Fair enough", I hear statements through the press, rather than the honourable members say. If it is good enough Minister responding—he is fond of saying, for a person on private property to be required "That is an operational matter; I only deal with to undertake that process to extract sand or policy,"—he gets a staff member to make a gravel or other products, surely one would say statement on the radio. That action is political, that the Crown should be required to provide and it is not fair to that public servant, who no lesser proof that such extractive processes must be warned that making statements would not cause harm to—for argument's through the media on behalf of the Minister is sake—a forestry area. entering the political field, which is a no-no for any public servant who wishes to remain Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr independent. I feel sorry for that man, Palaszczuk): Order! There is far too much because he is trying to resolve the situation in audible conversation in Chamber. Roma. He is directed by the Minister and Mr ELLIOTT: I will inform members of a frustrated because the Minister will not give situation in my electorate that has been me the answer that would enable me to back brought to my attention. A constituent of mine off. I will not be backing off. I will pursue this has spent considerable sums of money issue, and the people of Roma will be right conducting an EIS through the local authority. behind me. The Minister must come up with His property is on high ground adjacent to a an explanation as to why there is a variation river. He has gone through a process that took between his answer and the information in the considerable time and cost him a lot of money letter that I received from Telstra, that is, why in order to prove that he would be able to he says the telephone at the Roma Fire extract those products that were needed by Station was rung twice and Telstra says that it the local council and other people in the area. was rung up to seven times. When the It has come to my notice that a strong Minister gives those promised explanations possibility exists that Boral or other large public and the Fire Commissioner makes the public companies may be allowed to enter forestry explanation to the people of Roma that he not too far distant from where that gentleman promised, the issue might die. In the runs his operation and to extract products that meantime, the Minister is giving very poor would compete with his without having to go leadership to the Department of Emergency through that very same process. That may not Services. I have every right to be worried happen, but it is certainly strongly rumoured; about the appropriation of funds to that and often where there is smoke, there is fire. department. Surely, if there is any decency, fairness, Debate, on motion of Mr Mackenroth, honesty and justice in our society, that adjourned. gentlemen should not have his undertaking put at risk by such a decision. ADJOURNMENT I would be very disappointed if the Ministers involved—and I guess that would be Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH the Minister for Lands and, to some extent, (Chatsworth—Leader of the House) the Minister for Environment and Heritage—a (12.04 a.m.): I move— re not prepared to consult, to investigate that "That the House do now adjourn." problem and to ensure that this does not happen. Forces are at play that would result in Boral—for argument's sake— being allowed to Sand and Gravel Extraction enter such a venture. That would bring Mr ELLIOTT (Cunningham) employment opportunities to a particular (12.05 a.m.): I wish to bring an issue to the council area. That may be true. I do not Legislative Assembly 865 1 November 1995 believe that anyone in this day and age, interested in the prospect of acquiring office particularly considering the high level of space in the old buildings. unemployment, would be too critical of a After speaking to a number of local council wishing to see further employment in a people opposed to the development, it was particular area, particularly its own area. clear to me that their concerns fell into one or However, it is absolutely essential that people more of the following categories: concerns are treated fairly and even-handedly. The about the effect on property values, fears operations of those people who are running about the possible impact on personal and such enterprises on private land and have had family safety, issues about the loss of local to go through all of those processes should amenity through increased traffic and not be put in jeopardy because the population movements, and fears about Government decides to make a quick buck adverse effects on the local streetscape. It and pick up a bit of liquidity because it is short was also clear that much of this concern was of money by allowing a large company, such based on a lack of information—or as the one to which I have referred, to enter misinformation—about the proposal itself and forestry land and compete on an uneven the construction and design of modern footing with people who are only going about correctional facilities. their business in a normal way. In the face of such fears, it is my view that Time expired. members of Parliament can take one of two courses of action: they can either provide Boggo Road Site; Justice Precinct accurate information to address the legitimate concerns of local people or they can increase Ms BLIGH (South Brisbane) their fears by feeding on them for their own (12.10 a.m.) I rise to address the question of political advantage. I assure the House that I the future use of the old Boggo Road site and have acted responsibly in this regard. I have to correct a false impression of my views about pursued the former course of action by talking this issue created by the member for to local residents, providing them with Indooroopilly. During the debate on the motion information, lobbying for the establishment of for the adoption of the Address in Reply, the a consultative mechanism, leading a member for Indooroopilly implied in his speech delegation of local representatives to the that I was in some way wary of this issue Melbourne and Adelaide remand centres, and because I did not raise it in my first speech in facilitating inspections of city and suburban this House. Nothing could be further from the watch-houses. Those activities on my behalf truth, and I would like to take this opportunity have assisted local people to reach an to outline my position for the benefit of the informed understanding of the proposal and honourable member and the House. have helped to allay some of the fears raised As members would be aware, the location by alarmist claims made during the election of major public facilities, especially correctional campaign. facilities, is often the subject of debate and However, let me tell honourable members concern among local residents. When the about the role played by the member for Premier announced during the election Indooroopilly in this issue, because it is a sad campaign that the old Boggo Road site was and sorry tale of irresponsible and cynical the preferred site for the location of a justice political expediency. During the second week precinct, comprising four Magistrates Courts, a of the election campaign the member for new watch-house, a new remand centre and Indooroopilly attended a public meeting at refurbishment of the old heritage-listed Boggo Road in my electorate. That meeting buildings for use by community groups, the was attended by a large number of people, local reaction was, indeed, mixed. It is fair to many of whom had only recently heard of the say that many residents were hostile to the proposal and were very distressed. The flames proposal and concerned about its impact on of fear and distress that were present at that the local community. Conversely, many meeting received a huge fan along by the residents were pleased to hear that the current member in question, who distorted the facts buildings, which have fallen into disrepair and and played the scaremonger with claims that become a blot on the landscape, were to be the streets of Dutton Park would soon be filled demolished and replaced by a new and with drug pushers and violent criminals and modern construction. Many of those people that the precinct would attract undesirables to who had lived with the old gaol were quite the area. I am sure that the magistrates, relaxed about a new justice precinct and a lawyers, witnesses, police officers and families number of community groups were very who are likely to visit and use such a facility 1 November 1995 866 Legislative Assembly would be very interested to know the barriers put in front of them in the pursuit of an member's definition of "undesirable". education. They should be able to go about their goal of learning without fear of violence, Alarmist and sensationalist pamphlets whether that is in travelling to and from were distributed throughout the local area, no schools or while they are within the school doubt with the knowledge of the member for grounds and buildings. Indooroopilly and the Liberal candidate for the seat, which were calculated to frighten people No doubt we are all alarmed when we and which caused offence to many locals. hear of attempts to entice children into Although I support the right of people in my strangers' cars. The various cases of violence area to protest, I found the tenor of this on public transport equally makes the parents material disgusting. It played on prejudice and I talk to question at times whether it is safe to irrational fears. It constituted the politics of fear let their children travel by train to and from and loathing. school. Sadly, two recent cases highlight parents' concerns: a young lady was taken The member for Indooroopilly then from a sports centre car park within my announced that the Opposition would not electorate and now we have the case of two construct a justice precinct on that site. Yet in young girls murdered while going about their his speech in this House last week, he community. This Parliament and the stated— Government needs to address those issues "The Government certainly needs to urgently so that our young people can have provide those facilities." confidence in society again and so that they may grow up with a positive attitude to life and Today, he has said that more people need to the world around them. stay in prison for longer. So, of course, we However, I want to direct the main thrust need such facilities. Typically, the member for of my speech to what is a worrying and Indooroopilly is yet to say where the growing trend: the invasion of schools by Opposition would locate such facilities. He has persons intent on harassing and physically been remarkably silent. To my knowledge, he abusing students and staff. There have been has not mentioned once to the constituents of recent examples of this in my electorate where the electorates of Indooroopilly, Crows Nest or specific students have been targeted and Lockyer that, under a coalition Government, physically attacked. In the course of these such facilities may end up in their electorates. incidents, staff at the schools were also Of course, many issues are exaggerated attacked. The police, who do a fine job, still do during election campaigns, but a fortnight ago not have adequate resources to cover these I was very disturbed to hear the member for situations, and that has been especially Indooroopilly continuing to harp about demonstrated in instances in which threats undesirables. What a loaded word that is! were made of future violence and were later Loaded with views about class superiority, carried out. That is totally unacceptable. The loaded with contempt and meanness, and effect on the individual student targeted is loaded with everything that the Opposition catastrophic. Other students also suffer stands for in the law and order debate. Those personally as well as feeling for their fellow people responsible for that kind of garbage classmate. Of course, that violence also adds and those propagating myths about a sudden further to the stress placed on influx of so-called undesirables into my teachers—something that they can well do electorate have, however, been proven correct without. in one respect, and one respect only: within Although I have referred to individual days of the announcement, the member incidents within my electorate, I am told that a himself was in my electorate and, no doubt, number of such attacks occur each year. I will visit it again. place on record my praise for the school Time expired. principal, the staff and students of the school to which I refer. They have handled those matters in a positive fashion with a strong Student Violence; Disabled People school community spirit. That was one good thing to come out of the incident, and it Mr HARPER (Mount Ommaney) speaks highly of the character of the vast (12.15 a.m.): I wish to address two crucial majority of our young people today. As I said matters of concern to the community at large. earlier, the situation needs to be addressed A basic right of any person is to have access immediately. I urge the Government to give it to education and we should ensure that our serious and effective attention. Any such young people have the least number of move would have my full support—and I am Legislative Assembly 867 1 November 1995 sure that of all other members—and it would environmental values of the Daintree area and be welcomed by parents in the community at our concern to ensure that we did not take large. pre-emptive decisions about infrastructure in The second matter that I wish to address that area which could have ramifications for is also of vast concern to many people in our the environment of that area and for industries community and it is an issue about which such as tourism which generate a lot of many people have approached me. I refer to employment and income for the Douglas Shire the care for disabled people within our and far-north Queensland generally. This has community, and especially the profoundly been a difficult issue. disabled. Although the objective of placing the A significant number of people who live people involved back into our general north of the Daintree River want the community is fine, many aspects of the convenience of connection to the State program are causing concern. On behalf of all electricity grid. A significant number of people of those interested and involved persons, I ask who live north of the Daintree River believe the Minister and the Government to reassess that the implications of trying to install power their approach. It is obvious that in many via the State electricity grid and the instances the family and friends of disabled downstream implications of likely further persons do not believe that it is the best thing development in the area and settlement of to place their loved ones back into the what are currently vacant blocks are more than community. Many of the relatives worry about the environment can sustain. I think it is true to the care that will be given once they have say that even the people who want the State passed away and are not able to be involved. electricity grid connected to the area believe They also realise that better care can often be that, because of the area's environmental given within a hospital-type situation. values, that connection needs to be done in a more environmentally sensitive way than the The other matter to be addressed is the normal open-wire, overhead system, which is effect on the lives of the residents of homes neighbouring the houses purchased in the the Far North Queensland Electricity Board's community for the program. The rights of all norm when connecting power supplies to other persons involved must at all times be areas. considered. Persons already owning and On 21 June this year the Minister for residing in their homes should not be Minerals and Energy, Tony McGrady, travelled expected to have their lives unduly disrupted. with me to Mossman to meet with representatives of the Community Information A further issue is the transfer of students Liaison Committee, which was set up through from special schools to other schools, the Daintree rescue package. Members of the especially without giving the parents committee represent a cross-section of the concerned a right to choose if they want that community with a range of views on issues to happen. They are all sensitive matters and that relate to the area north of the Daintree should be handled accordingly. However, for River, and this particular issue has obviously the sake of the students and the teaching been exercising their minds. The Minister and I staff involved, I ask the Government to ensure met with those representatives, and it was that adequate resources and staffing are put clear that, although by that time the election into its program regarding special school had been announced, the Minister had been transfers. As regards establishing a home for preparing to take a submission to Cabinet. He our disabled people, I again ask the Minister was asked by the Community Information and the Government to make certain that Liaison Committee not to do that but, rather, proper resources are committed to ensuring to come back and provide information to that proper care and attention is available for members of the community. He did that last the people concerned. week. I thank the Minister for taking the time Time expired. last week to travel to the Alexander Bay State School north of the Daintree River to talk with residents. Power Supply, Daintree Region The member for Tablelands mentioned Mr BREDHAUER (Cook) (12.20 a.m.): this issue last night. I believe that he In July 1993, State Cabinet met in Cairns. deliberately distorted one point in particular Amongst the decisions made there was one to which he raised, namely, the cost of electricity place a moratorium on further extensions to connection. He quoted a figure of $4,500. the grid power supply north of the Daintree John Lister, the general manager of the River. That issue was basically motivated by FNQEB, indicated that the capital cost was the State Government's concern for the between $24,000 and $40,000, depending on 1 November 1995 868 Legislative Assembly whether it was above or below ground. Last provide some sort of funding assistance for night the member for Tablelands deliberately, the benefit of the residents of those islands. in my view, did not mention that the $4,500 Another problem facing some property was a contribution towards the capital cost and owners is that the council is identifying certain would have been accompanied, under the blocks of land, previously thought to be conditions of supply, by a $900 annual suitable for building upon, as having drainage guarantee for a period of 15 years. We are problems. This necessitates a change in the trying to get some figures on the actual capital zoning of those blocks and some actual cost of the grid electricity connection and the acquisitions from property owners. The State possible remote area power systems. Government has provided a couple of It is important that the Minister took the hundred thousand dollars to the Redland time to answer questions, provide information Shire Council, which is also making a and listen to the views of the local residents. I contribution to assist with the study of the know that they appreciated that opportunity. I islands to properly survey and determine a want to thank Ross Craig, his wife, Bernie, and long-term plan for their ongoing development the staff and parents at the school for hosting and infrastructure. I appeal to the Ministers the meeting, for the afternoon tea and for the responsible for Local Government and hospitality they provided. I thank Earle Bailey, Environment and Heritage not to postpone a former member of this House, who chaired any longer the funding needed by the the meeting and did an excellent job. I thank Redland Shire Council to solve, once and for Tony McGrady and his staff, particularly Anne all, the problem on those islands. Marie, who persevered with me while we were Another problem for those island trying to pin down the Minister to an residents is the need to keep vehicles on the appropriate time to travel to the region and mainland to enable them to travel to work and talk about that issue. It is not an easy one, but undertake other activities. Secure parking is a we are working on it. I will be making further major problem facing an increasing island representations to the Minister in relation to population which needs private motor vehicles, this issue. owing to a very great lack of public transport in the Redlands electorate generally. The council needs State Government funding and Bay Islands; Public Transport, assistance for the provision of car parking and Redlands Electorate other facilities, as well as the provision of an Mr HEGARTY (Redlands) (12.25 a.m.): I all-weather berthing facility and terminal for the rise this evening to speak of a concern in the passenger and vehicular ferries to the islands community which I represent, that is, the in the Moreton Bay area. community which lives on the bay islands off Additionally, coupled with the problems Redland Bay. These people experience the that bay island residents have with public remoteness of a rural community in some transport to and from the islands, is the wider respects because of the isolation they problem of access to public transport experience owing to limited transport facilities generally, which also affects mainland to the mainland. Those islanders feel that they Redland Shire residents. Because there are have been disadvantaged disproportionately no rail facilities in the Redlands electorate, to the amount of rates that they pay on their residents have to travel to Cleveland to catch properties to their local shire council. But that the train. For those residents who are elderly is only part of the problem. or have disabilities, that is no easy task. The The other part of the problem lies with the Cleveland Railway Station has very limited dilemma of the local council being the parking facilities owing to the Government's guarantor to the sale of the spare land. I urge the Minister for Electricity Board for the provision of Transport to provide a multilevel car park at infrastructure to connect electricity to the Cleveland Railway Station as a matter of residential properties on those islands. The priority. If people are to be encouraged to use council recoups this outlay by adding a levy to public transport instead of private motor the residents' rate bills each year because of vehicles, a suitable, safe and accessible the increased costs it is now experiencing with parking facility must be provided. I await with the added infrastructure cost levied by interest the Government's announced SEQEB. This annual levy is increasing from integrated regional transport plan, which is $66 to $175. A local shire finds pretty soon to be released and which, I hope, will horrendous these sorts of added costs to the contain some solutions for the Redlands normal facilities that they provide, and they are electorate to address the dire need of public looking towards the State Government to transport generally. Legislative Assembly 869 1 November 1995

Claims by Member for Beaudesert To me, that suggests that either he is having Mrs BIRD (Whitsunday) (12.30 a.m.): some sort of out-of-body experience that Antagonism and distrust towards a political results in spasmodic deafness, or he is just rival are quite natural feelings to harbour, and being mischievous. perhaps giving expression to such sentiments Yesterday in the House, the member for inside and outside Parliament does not seem Beaudesert again claimed that two senior staff out of place. It is part and parcel of our lives. of the Challinor Centre had been sacked last Politicians are expected to give vent to their weekend. The fact is that the sackings spoken feelings. However, to stoop so low as to of are a complete invention. The staff in blatantly use this place as protection for question have merely tendered notice of their scurrilous attacks on hardworking public resignations—and that was on 10 October—to servants, to repeatedly and deliberately invent, take up opportunities in the private sector. distort and misrepresent the facts and to Does the member not realise that in doing humiliate and denigrate those less fortunate what he did, the credibility and success of than ourselves is a slur on each and every those people in their new careers could have member in this place. been jeopardised by yesterday's attack. The member for Beaudesert claimed also that For some time, the member for senior staff of the Challinor Centre are being Beaudesert has been manipulating facts and targeted for removal. No staff are being adding scurrilous invention to statements in targeted for removal. He also claimed that this Chamber. For the protection of the people regional services were being reduced. involved, these claims must be corrected. The Regional services are not being reduced. people of Queensland deserve to know the Quite the opposite is the case; they are being Opposition's real position on assisting people boosted by the addition of senior managers to with disabilities. Some of the claims that the assist the coordination of services in the member for Beaudesert has been making region. lately, particularly in connection with the Department of Family and Community The honourable member's greatest jump Services, refer to the appointment of the into fantasy and his most scurrilous claims director-general of that department, relate to people with intellectual disabilities. departmental operations and, of course, the Yesterday, he alleged that departmental staff alleged lock-out at the Challinor Centre. at the Challinor Centre had locked out disabled residents because they were In connection with the director-general— diseased. I can think of no claim better the member for Beaudesert alleged that the calculated to inflame discrimination against decision of the selection committee was people with disabilities. The facts are that overturned; that the selection committee was within Challinor Centre there are two reconstituted so as to reverse the initial administration blocks. One of those blocks is decision. The member for Beaudesert's claims already a secure building. The other block, are an invention. There were three stages to known as the clinic block, has not until now that process. Firstly, there was a short-listing of been secured. The lack of security has allowed candidates for interview. Secondly, there was anyone at any time to enter the building and an initial interview of three candidates, and access files, computers and private then there was a second interview of two of information on those inmates. This poses a those candidates. At both interviews, the great risk to those people, especially their panel was unanimous in its view of the privacy. Does the member for Beaudesert preferred candidate. Far from overturning the believe that people with disabilities should not decision, the second round confirmed it. In have the privacy of information about them spite of the Minister presenting the facts to the protected? That building has now been made House on 15 September—the Minister secure on a trial basis. explained that her concern was to ensure and Time expired. demonstrate that there was absolute fairness in the process and said that the comments of Motion agreed to. the member for Beaudesert were inaccurate— The House adjourned at 12.35 a.m. he continued to repeat his claims yesterday. (Thursday).